Query a Day: A Freelancer's Quest for Publication

A blog following a Pennsylvania freelance writer in her quest to become published nationally.

My Photo
Name:
Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States

Cohabitating with boyfriend and cat in the mountains, soon to be graduate of Wilkes University and attending New School University in fall for MA in media studies.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Updates: I'm Back. I survived chemistry.

Sometimes I like to think I am Super Woman.

I'm not. When I started this blog, I was committed to keeping it up to date with my ideas, submissions and other aspects of my writing life. It started off wonderfully! I received such great feedback from fellow writers-- a real show of support from the online writing community. I felt like I was doing something very new and also inspiring.

But-- then I started a new full-time job and also an intense six week long chemistry class. It was one of the toughest months of my life-- super long days. And in order to pass this class, I had to temporarily make a sacrifice. I traded in my laptop and spiral notebook for a periodic table and scientific calculator. After I passed the class with a 2.0, I still was adjusting to getting used to my new work schedule and whatnot.

Oh-- I've still came up with some ideas over this time. I just haven't been able to sit down with a clear mind and bang out query letters. I had been trying to get started back on this blog-- and a few things have inspired me... my boyfriend, Dave got me a laptop for my birthday and it has made things a lot easier. My old computer was on the brink for some time. More importantly, there is no air in my office at home. So, I can take the laptop to the rooms that do have air, or at least a good breeze! (And, less clutter!)

Second, today has been an inspiring day which is why I am writing this now, pledging to myself to get back in gear. I received two GREAT pieces of mail today in my good old mailbox.

1) A contractor invoice for GAMES Magazine-- for the "Bookends" I submitted in June or July-- see below for the entry when I queried. YAY! All the querying paid off!

2) I received the nicest post card today-- I want to scan it in to share with everyone. A young woman sent me the nicest note-- she is an aspiring writer and found the blog. She said it inspired her to get more active with her writing-- she said that in the past few months she has been actively sending out letters with her own ideas. I've gotten some emails as well-- but getting a postcard from this military PO Box with a beautiful landscape and a handwritten note just made my day and made me feel like this blog was something special. Jennifer-- thank YOU for inspiring me to get back in gear, and best of luck to you!

Ah-- back in the saddle again. I will start with an entry tomorrow.

Donna