The Story of Brandi

My doctor increased my medicine again. I'm taking a pretty high dose of Effexor now. I won't feel the effects for a few days, but I'm hoping that it makes me feel even better. I do feel more focused now, which is an unexpected side effect. I thought the depression and anxiety would get better but didn't anticipate being able to get so much more done everyday because I'm so focused on what I'm doing. It's nice.

My schoolwork is boring. I'm in "orientation to online learning," which is pretty much how to do APA style formatting and how to send emails. I already know all of that stuff. Frankly I can't imagine enrolling in an online degree program if I didn't know how to search online or send emails. There would be so much to learn that it could get overwhelming.

This course ends May 28, and then I can start the regular courses. I'm really excited about this program. I prayed a lot to be led in the right direction for graduate school since I've jumped around so much. I really believe this program is the right one for me.

I'm getting some new clothes and stuff when Brian's raise goes through. I'm going for the Bohemian look. Yesterday I got this awesome bracelet that's a bangle and has earth tone sequins on it. I also got a necklace with lavendar cat's eye stones. I made some aqua bead earrings last night, so I figure I'm on my way.

Today I'm going to Wal-Mart to pick up some stuff to get myself organized. If I'm going to work on my personal PR campaign for my book, and I have the other projects going on, then I'm going to need to be organized about it.

Brian got some gigantic binders that his office was tossing. I'm going to organize them with all of my writing stuff, my craft stuff, Dawson's records, and my publicity campaigns.

I'm going to pick up some notebook dividers and some packs of paper today. I need to get everything ready so that I'm focused on the right tasks at the right time.

I've realized something about myself. I put myself in the position to become overwhelmed with all of the projects on my plate. Then I get exhausted and burned out. Then I feel that I've wasted time. It's an ugly cycle that I have to break.

Yesterday, I started panicking. I've gotten some craft stuff online, which you can see here. I updated one of my sites that's been lying dormant, and I worked on blogs, a magazine article, and a booklet yesterday. The problem is that I don't get much done on any of those projects.

I've been reading through 2 books on self-publishing. I've decided that I'm going to pursue only one project. I narrowed them down last night and have picked the book I'm going to work on. Now it's just a matter of getting it done.

Brian and I had a lengthy discussion this weekend about my plans. I've decided (okay, Brian insisted) that I give up Adapt. It's one of my writing gigs. I've been with them since last April. I will still be writing for them a little but not nearly as much. Brian thinks that I should focus on the writing that I want to do. While I know, of course, that he's right, it's still tough. It's hard to think about giving up something that's bringing in money.

One of the reasons is that they've been changing their payment terms throughout the relationship. They reduced the amount they pay 3 or 4 times, and they've added to the number of words our pieces have to be in order to make money with them. They've been complete jerks, but I haven't really had a choice.

We've needed the money, so I had to put up with it. Now, we don't need the money anymore, but it still feels weird.

I started to lose focus again yesterday. I'm not sure why. I've started taking one of the short-term anxiety pills in the afternoons, too, because I've been freaking out in the afternoons.

I printed out a well-spaced copy of my 2006 goals and sat down with them. I made notes of where I am on everything, so now I have a clearer picture. I think using a goals list is a must for me because it keeps me on task.

I'm thinking of taking up yoga or meditation. I need something spiritually soothing to do. Balance is one of the things I struggle to get. For so long, it's felt that I can keep one part of my life on track but others fall aside to do that.

My writing has been going really well this month. I've sold a few booklets, and I have some solid clients going. I'm well on track to meet my monthly goals. Still, the house was a mess, and I needed to do some schoolwork, not to mention administrative stuff for my writing.

So yesterday I took a catch-up day. I got completely caught up on my clerical work and emails. Then I worked on schoolwork so I'm on target with that. Jayden and I cleaned up the house and did a little laundry.

I feel better this morning. I just hope I can keep up the balance.

I sent my new crafts to someone yesterday who's going to consider putting them on her site. I'm excited about that. I didn't really plan to sell crafts, but the opportunity arose. I figured that it was worth it to give it a shot. Anything I can do to make more money is good. The craft money is going to go back into promoting crafts for right now, but by next year, we're hoping if it works out okay, it will be for Jayden's college fund.

I also listed three items on online auctions last night. That money's going to go toward a down payment for a new car. It's going to go straight into our second bank account and sit until we need to or want to get a new car. That should be in about a year, I hope.

Brian is on the phone right now talking to his little brother about buying a station wagon! It was my mother-in-law's car. She bought a minivan last year and gave the station wagon to Jimmy. He's moving and wants to get rid of the car.

My father-in-law told Brian tonight that it's going to be $2500 to fix my car. The mechanic had previously said $1200, and we were planning on that. We just don't want to do $2500.

Our plan was to get my car fixed right now. We wanted to keep Brian's car until we move from Frankfort, probably in a year or so. Then we'd buy a new car and keep my car for a secondary car because we won't be able to buy 2 new cars next year.

Anyway, we just don't think spending $2500 for a 9-year-old car is a good idea right now. We're going to pay $500 for the station wagon. If it lasts a year or two years max, then we're good. The $500 will have been well-spent if it lasts us that long. I would freak out if we spent $2500 on my car, and it didn't last long.

So, anyway, we're officially suburbanites now, I suppose, since we're driving a station wagon.

I've started back to graduate school. I've flitted around for a bit. I'm in a master's degree in public administration now. I'm excited about it. My first class is just an orientation to online learning course. It's pretty basic so far, but the reading is thought-provoking at least. It should be fun. It just makes my schedule hectic.

I experimented yesterday with making some bath powder and massage oil. I gave Brian a massage last night to try out the oil. It was nice but a little thick. I'm going to use baby oil on the next batch I make.

Jayden helped with the bath powder. It's just essential oil, cornstarch, and baking soda, so it's completely safe for him. He loved picking up handfuls of the mixture and opening his hand to watch it fall back into the bowl. Of course, we had to vacuum afterwards, but I don't mind. He's learning and having fun, and that's what I want for him.

I'm making baskets for Jackie and Jessica. They're coming Sunday, so I'll give them to them then. I may try selling them at a craft fair if I can make them look good. We'll see.

I have a phone interview today with someone from a San Francisco-based magazine. She's considering making me a regular writer there on assginment. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm nervous, but the steady income would be great.

Here's an update on my monthly goals. I'm doing great so far!

Blogging -

* Have 20 articles written for the One Serious WAHM blog.

- 15 done

* Get AdSense on that blog.

- done

* Go through Gayla's course on making money with blogs.

- done

Adapt -

* Write $500 worth of articles.

- $30 done

Other Content Writing -

* Make $25 with other content writing.

- $6 done

* Write 5 articles for Associated Content and Constant Content.

- 3 articles done

Keyword Cafe -

* Write $300 worth of articles.

- $31 done

Books -

* Write my submission to WAHM Lessons.

- haven't worked on

* Complete 100 of the tips for book on college life.

- 80 completed

* Have at least 5 submissions for WAHM Lessons.

- have 2 submissions

Magazine Writing -

* Send out 10 print magazine queries.

- 4 queries sent

* Complete math article to submit on spec.

- started reviewing article draft

Online Feature Writing -

* Complete one article to submit on spec.

- have 1/3 of article written

* Query 10 online magazines.

- 2 queries sent

Writing-Related Projects

* Complete grocery and meal-planning workbook and put it on sale.

- completed portions: about 1/3 done

* Contact 3 people about promotions for workbook.

- can't do until it's complete

* Write 2 promotional articles for workbook.

- done

* Find an artist for the commemorative birth announcement.

- posted an ad; had a number of initial responses

Booklets -

* Write 2 additional promotional articles for The Basics of Web Writing.

- 1 article written

* Start a small AdWords campaign on web writing.

- haven't worked on yet

* Complete 101 Ways to Make Money From Home and put up for sale.

- completed 76 ways

* Write 2 promotional articles for 101 Ways to Make Money From Home.

- done

Websites -

* Have 25 reviews completed for feminist site.

- 15 reviews done

* Have 30 articles written for The WAHP.

- 26 articles written

Brian and I went to Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church (www.forksbaptist.org) last week. A couple came by last night to talk to us. They were nice. We're going to go to the Wednesday night supper this week and see if we like it in a more relaxed atmosphere. I was surprised Brian was willing to go back because churches make him uncomfortable. It isn't the idea of God. It's that he feels everyone is judging him, and that's very hard for him.

Jayden loved the nursery. He gets such a kick out of playing with other kids. I hope that he enjoys it when we go back.

My new schedule is awesome! I'm actually getting more done. I think it's because I'm making myself accountable for my time. I'm not just working whenever I can. It makes it much easier to force myself to work during my "office hours."

I start the first class in a master's degree program today. It's a master's in public administration. I'm very excited about it although the first course is more of an orientation and introduction to critical thinking skills.

I had a really busy work day yesterday. I was able to get a couple of queries out, which is wonderful. I also worked on my projects. I want to update where I am on my goals.

Blogging -
* I've written 10 articles for the blog.
Adapt -
* I've written $30 worth of articles.

Other Content Writing -
No Update

Keyword Cafe -
* I've written $12 worth of articles.

Books -
* I've received one submission for WAHM Lessons.

Magazine Writing -
* I sent out one query.

Online Feature Writing -
No Update

Writing-Related Projects -
* I completed the snack recipe section.

Booklets -
* I've completed 39 of the 101 Ways to Make Money From Home.

Websites -
* I've completed 2 reviews.
* I've written 20 articles.

I sold an article yesterday! I sent in an article on spec (which basically means I had to write it first), and they accepted it!

It's a small magazine called the WC. They're going to publish my article in April. In addition to the monetary payment, I get a free subscription to the magazine, which is great for me. Now I don't have to worry about buying it. Plus, I was planning to order a subscription anyway, so it all works out.

I want to put my March goals here so that I can follow them throughout the month. It helps to put them in a public place even if I'm sure not many people read the blog. It will help me.

I have a ton of projects going at the same time because to make a full-time living as a writer, diversification is necessary. This year, my main goal is to increase the number of income streams I have coming in.


Blogging -
* Have 20 articles written for the One Serious WAHM blog.
* Get AdSense on that blog.
* Go through Gayla's course on making money with blogs.

Adapt -
* Write $500 worth of articles.

Other Content Writing -
* Make $25 with other content writing.
* Write 5 articles for Associated Content and Constant Content.

Keyword Cafe -
* Write $300 worth of articles.

Books -
* Write my submission to WAHM Lessons.
* Complete 100 of the tips for book on college life.
* Have at least 5 submissions for WAHM Lessons.

Magazine Writing -
* Send out 10 print magazine queries.
* Complete math article to submit on spec.

Online Feature Writing -
* Complete one article to submit on spec.
* Query 10 online magazines.

Writing-Related Projects
* Complete grocery and meal-planning workbook and put it on sale.
* Contact 3 people about promotions for workbook.
* Write 2 promotional articles for workbook.
* Find an artist for the commemorative birth announcement.

Booklets -
* Write 2 additional promotional articles for The Basics of Web Writing.
* Start a small AdWords campaign on web writing.
* Complete 101 Ways to Make Money From Home and put up for sale.
* Write 2 promotional articles for 101 Ways to Make Money From Home.

Websites -
* Have 25 reviews completed for feminist site.
* Have 30 articles written for The WAHP.

Whew! I'm tired just thinking about my monthly goals. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm ready to jump in and really get moving!

I put a booklet that I wrote on sale 2 weeks ago. It's called The Basics of Web Writing (http://www.pureawakenings.com/basics-web-writing.html). I sold the second copy of it yesterday. I know that's not much, but I'm happy about it. I haven't paid anything for marketing it yet, so that's why I'm happy it's already selling. I only submitted one article to a free article bank, but I'm getting a number of visitors from that.

Someone emailed me about buying reseller's rights to it. I'm thinking that I'm going to sell that to him. Basically he wants to give it as a bonus to people who buy his e-book, so he would pay one lump sum for the right to do that. I would make a lot more on it if I do it.

I'm glad that this looks like it might work, at least to bring in something. We need all of the income streams we can get. I've been researching, and I've realized that to make a full-time income as a writer, I'm going to have to diversify as much as possible. This booklet was my first shot at that.