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Caravan: Weekly Links and a Novel-Writing Challenge

8/29/2013

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You know those days when you feel super busy, but don’t feel like you’ve accomplished anything? I’ve had a couple of those days this week. I feel like I’ve done stuff, but still have a lot of stuff to mark off my to-do list. In fact, on my to-do list it “look at to-do list.”

But what I did do this week was get my butt out of the chair and my eyes away from the screen. Jason and I explored the yet-to-be finished mangroves. We had to find our footing down a slope of dirt and rocks to get to an unfinished bridge that, when finished, will wrap around the trees growing in the ocean. I didn’t have my camera with me, but it’s definitely a sight to see (the tree roots look like a separate tree growing upside down).

I also hopped on the back of the motorbike and we took a ride to the abandoned old lighthouse at the top of the island. That was another trek through mud, but well worth it.

Oh! I’ve been thinking a lot about my novel lately and how I’d really like to get more serious about writing it, but everytime I sit down to do so I get frustrated because I don’t know where to start. I have so many notes, random chapters, and ideas that it’s all very confusing, and besides, I’ve never written a novel before.

My fiction writing muscles haven’t been used in a long time and I know the only way to get them in shape is to practice. Go to the “fiction writing gym” every day.

I found this book, The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the Story Within by Alan Watt and I think it might help give me some structure, help me to sort out this novel-writing stuff. It’s divided into weeks and there are daily practices to help writers get their novel out of the head and onto the page.

I’m going to start on Monday and see where it takes me. Would you like to join me at the fiction writing gym and complete a novel too? We can have weekly check-ins and keep ourselves accountable. Let me know if you get the book and want to do this!

And now, here’s a handful of delicious links to keep you busy for a bit :)

Junot Diaz talks about what made him become a writer.
You see, in my view a writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, because everything she does is golden. In my view a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.
5 Killer Image Strategies to Skyrocket Your Facebook Engagement

A beautiful bath ritual for rejuvenation.

The internet’s love affair with introverts.

5 sparkly DIY projects to try.

Successful people start before they feel ready. A little inspiration from Richard Branson, creator of the Virgin empire.
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How I Became a Freelance Writer

8/27/2013

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On my first day as a solopreneur I didn't wake up with an alarm. I think I woke up at 9 a.m., went to my creative space/office/zen room, and started looking for freelance writing jobs on the internet.

I started with places like Elance and Guru, job boards and freelance databases. I found a whole slew of them and put them into a freelance folder in my bookmarks. 

I even looked on Craigslist! A lot of people will say stay away from there, but it's where I found my niche as a freelance writer and one of my biggest paying and ongoing assignments. 

I also sent out letters of interest to companies I had worked for and companies I was interested in. I told them I was offering writing, editing, and proofreading services. Simple emails that introduced who I was and what I hoped to do for them.

Sample Emails

One such email was to a local magazine. All I wrote was (excluding contact information):
If Natural Awakenings is in need of a freelance writer, I would love the opportunity to write for the publication. Please let me know what the submission requirements are.

I'd be more than happy to work on assignment and have included a link to my portfolio to give you an idea of my voice and style. 

Please let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to discussing ideas and possibilities with you!
Guess what? The editor wrote back and I'm still working with him today!

Some emails were more involved and explained in more detail my qualifications. Here's another one that got me assignments:
Hi Ms. Barker,

If Ballet San Antonio is in need of an intern or freelance writer/editor, I would be more than honored to offer my time and skills. 

I currently work for Trinity University, but have recently made a personal decision to become a solopreneur as of August 3nd. I am looking for opportunities to serve the San Antonio creative community; I can help with and have experience in advertising/marketing, writing/editing/proofreading, social media management, and administrative tasks. I've also been a dancer for 10 + years and am over the moon for the dance community.

I would be happy to send you work experience and/or clips of my writing. My schedule will be much more flexible come August 3rd and I would be happy to meet with you about internships or freelance projects. If you'd like to meet before August 3rd I am off on Fridays.

Thank you,
Cassandra Key
That was before I even had an online portfolio, but it didn't matter. I still got a reply and a "yes" to helping out.

The thing I always try to include in my letters of interest and proposals is the human element. And I always, always tailor the letter to the specific person or organization I'm interested in working with. No copying and pasting the same stuff! It sounds rehearsed and boring, and the person on the other end will be able to see right through it. 

It's a Numbers Game

I sent out A LOT of emails and only got a handful of responses. That's just the way it is. The more you send out, the more opportunities you'll have. Just like with resumes and job hunting.

You have to keep knocking on those doors. A lot of people won't answer. Some will shut the door in your face. But keep on knocking and sooner or later someone will answer and invite you in.

I love what Linda Formichelli says about rejection: 

"So how can you get over the idea of rejection? Here's the thing: Rejection isn't about you. If your idea or writing are rejected by a prospect or editor, it's a simple business decision: Your offering was not right for the prospect at this time."

I did some free work at first. I wrote blog posts and press releases for a non-profit and proofread magazine articles. I knew offering my services for free to those certain people would bring me more experience and pay off later. 

You just have to follow your intuition. Don't let people walk all over you, but don't turn down opportunities to help if you know it will help you in return.

Find Your Niche

A lot of freelance books and websites will tell you that you ought to find a niche, and they're right. I've found that it's much easier to score jobs now that I have a specialized field.

I found a job writing for a local wedding magazine on Craigslist. I had never written about weddings before, but I thought it couldn't hurt to apply.

I got the job and found out I love writing about weddings! 

I wrote a few articles for the magazine, which in turn gave me clips to put in my portfolio, which in turn got me more jobs in the wedding industry.

I continue to blog about real life weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, wedding inspiration, fashion and trends.

Build a Portfolio

It's nice to have a place to direct potential clients to where they can see samples of your writing, work history, and read more about you.

Mine's hosted on Weebly (just like this blog) and I update it every few months to make sure people are getting the correct information. 

I have links to writing samples, a writing resume, and my professional resume, which is basically my "day job" resume.

Take a look.

Job Boards & Freelance Websites

Here are some places I frequent and that might be of help to you:

Women on Writing Job Board
Freelance Writing
Blogging Pro Job Board
Problogger Job Board
Elance
Freelance Folder
Renegade Writer
Make a Living Writing

I was serious about freelance writing that morning I turned on my computer and claimed the writing life. If you're serious about it too, just know that persistence and patience pay off. Keep knocking on those doors. But more importantly, keep writing!

Questions, comments? Bring em on! I'd love to help you on your own journey. And if you think someone else can benefit from this post, please pass it on. :)
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Caravan: Francesca Lia Block, Juicy Content, and Remembering LiveJournal

8/22/2013

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Photo Source: http://www.snailtrail.co.uk/
Who else finds writing an introductory paragraph annoying sometimes? With that said, here are your links for the week ;)

My favorite author is the whole wide world, Francesca Lia Block, talking about her new book, Love in the Time of Global Warming, and other fun and inspiring stuff! Because she can’t help but be fun and inspiring.

A super helpful video on using Google Keywords and Google Trends.

What are 10 addictive types of content?

How I stopped waiting to become a writer, quit my job and launched my dream.

9 famous authors rejected by publishers. It’s always inspiring to read about the perseverance of writers.

150 resources to help you write better, faster, and more persuasively.

When the atheist prays. A beautiful story about a little boy and his miracle.

Stephanie St. Claire writes about the one thing she does everyday to get her brain in creative mode.

This is how meditation affects your brain.

Remembering LiveJournal, or, my search for online community. I miss those days.
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5 Books for Rebel Souls

8/21/2013

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When I decided I didn't want to live my life the way other people expected me to, I turned to books to help guide me out of those expectations. I had no idea what to do, where to go, how to start, so naturally I turned to the bookshelves for guidance. I was at a point where I knew there was more out there and that life wasn't just about collecting a paycheck. These books helped me move from the typical 9-to-5 life to the life I always dreamed of.

1. Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin

This was a pivotal book in my transition and transformation. I picked it up when I realized I was shopping to fill a gap. Almost everyday I'd go out and buy something: shoes that never got worn, lingerie that got stuffed in the already overflowing dresser drawer, clothes, makeup, house decor, and on and on. 

I was buying all this stuff, but I wasn't happy. In fact, after most shopping sprees I'd just sit in the car with a horrible ache in my stomach.

I realized I wasn't happy sitting at a desk doing work for other people. I realized I wasn't happy feeling trapped in a lifestyle society designed for me. I realized money was taking hold of me and I needed out, a.s.a.p.!

Your Money or Your Life helped me see that money and materialism wasn't important. The quest for more money and more things was doomed to fail and I'd always be unhappy if that was my goal. 

If you're interested in freeing yourself from the money hold and finding what's really important in life (i.e. experiences, freedom, life outside of a day job), this book is for you.
In Your Money or Your Life, Vicki Robin shows readers how to gain control of their money and finally begin to make a life, rather than just make a living.
2. Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur by Pamela Slim

In this book you'll get the nitty-gritty from Pamela Slim on entrepreneurship. She writes about the realities (different ways to be self-employed, choosing a business idea, business plans, brand spirit, rethinking your life), making your money work for you (finances and insurance), and making the leap.

It's down to earth, but inspiring and helped me see the realities of moving from day job to dream life.
In her groundbreaking book, based on her popular blog Escape from Cubicle Nation, Slim explores both the emotional issues of leaving the corporate world and the nuts and bolts of launching a business. Drawing on her own career, as well as stories from her coaching clients and blog readers, Slim will help readers weigh their options, and make a successful escape if they decide to go for it.
3.  Making a Living Without a Job: Winning Ways for Creating Work That You Love by Barbara Winter

Another awesome career book that helps rebel souls become what Barbara calls joyfully jobless. Everything from finding your lost passions and overcoming obstacles to creating multiple profit centers and marketing ideas is covered.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on "Enjoying Your Spaghetti Days." It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it.
Newly revised and updated, Barbara J. Winter’s guide to successful self-employment is now more relevant than ever before. Drawing on the techniques and ideas of her popular seminars as well as her own thirty years of business expertise and that of other successful entrepreneurs, Winter offers the practical, proven way to launch your own profitable venture. Her indispensable advice ranges from why creativity is more important than capital to how to avoid the most common pitfalls of self-employment and how to develop multiple profit centers.
4. The Art of Non-Coformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau

I actually bought this on audio book and listened to it during a three-hour road trip. I remember nodding my head at everything Chris explained. This book was another pivotal one for me and helped transform what I thought about society, my role in it, and inspired me to live a much bigger life.
If you've ever thought, "There must be more to life than this," The Art of Non-Conformity is for you.

Based on Chris Guillebeau's popular online manifesto "A Brief Guide to World Domination," The Art of Non-Conformity defies common assumptions about life and work while arming you with the tools to live differently. You'll discover how to live on your own terms by exploring creative self-employment, radical goal-setting, contrarian travel, and embracing life as a constant adventure.
5. Caught Between a Dream and a Job: How to Leave the 9-to-5 Behind and Step Into the Life You've Always Wanted by Delatorro McNeal II

I definitely felt caught between my dream and a job and at certain times felt like there was nothing I could do about it. That's where this book came in to play.

It's practical, but inspiring, and I especially love that Delatorro brings spirit into the mix. He writes about destiny, purpose, and stepping into your dreams. He also describes how one can use her day job to catapult her into her dream job.

Come to think of it, I think this was the last book I read before I made the big leap!
Delatorro McNeal wants to help you move from “just a paycheck” to a life of significance, meaning, and excitement; a life of hope and expectation. Through the interactive questions and activities, motivating quotes, and realistic and doable transition strategies. Caught Between a Dream and a Job will help you discover all that is possible for you.
What are your favorite rebel-soul books? Have any suggestions? I'd love to know - I'm always devouring books!
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Why I Live in the Philippines

8/19/2013

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This is our backyard.
I remember the first time my boyfriend brought up the idea of living in the Philippines. I knew nothing about the place. Never even contemplated it. I've always had a lust for travel outside the U.S., but the Philippines never came to mind. 

The furthest either of us had been was Mexico, and being from Texas, that doesn't really count. So I was skeptical, of course, but open to learning more. 

We started researching, reading ex-pat blogs, watching Youtube videos, and meeting people who had either visited or lived there. The funny thing was, once the seed was planted, people came into our lives - people who had experienced this country.

The Big Reason

You may be asking, why the Philippines out of all the countries in the world? We had several reasons, but the main one is that we're able to live a comfortable life and do what we love on a small budget.

We're not wealthy, especially by American standards, but in the Philippines our money goes further, we have more time to do what we love, and we can experience things here we'd never be able to back home. At least not right now.

Like living right on the beach, sailing on yachts, getting pampered at resorts, and generally enjoying the beach bum life. 

Of course, living in the tropics doesn't come without its downsides. We live on Mindoro Island in a small town outside of Puerto Galera. The power goes out randomly, sometimes for hours at a time, and electricity is more expensive, so things like microwaves, ovens, and clothes dryers are luxuries. 

That's not to say one can't have those things, but most people live without, even foreigners. We cook meals on the stove top and hang our laundry out to dry. When the power goes out we either deal with it or run a generator.

I think it's a pretty great exchange for having the ocean as our backyard though. Not to mention, freedom! Freedom from the rush of western society, day jobs, and traffic.

10 Awesome Things About the Philippines

1. No one cares if you go out without makeup and mismatched clothes.
2. It's always summer.
3. You can get a stellar full-body, one hour massage for less than $25.
4. Food is fresh and healthy. No microwavable meals here.
5. You can live on the beach for less than $300/month (at least in our area, and we live in a more expensive town).
6. You can visit places like this...
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Tamaraw Falls
7. You can meet people from all over the world. Just in our little town there are people from England, South Africa, Romania, Germany, Ireland, Australia, Canada, America, and Denmark. 
8. You can pick coconuts straight from the tree and drink the water.
9. Coconut oil is cheap.
10. You will not feel pressured to "keep up with the Joneses" because, well...no one cares.

The Big Move

After I resigned from my job, Jason and I got more serious about moving across the world. 

We cleaned out our house, our lives. We sold practically everything. Three years ago I would have shunned the idea of getting rid of "important" things like shoes, my overstuffed closet full of clothes I never wore, and everything else I had collected over the years. 

But six months ago I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. The weight that falls off once you let go of all the stuff you thought you couldn't live without is immense.

We were set to fly out at the end of January, but as some of you know I was in a car accident right before Christmas and had to stay behind. The good thing about staying behind was that it gave him time to set up house and me time to spend with family.

I can tell you that as my flight date got closer, the anxiety set in. I've never been so far away from home and setting out for such an adventure was scary! But I'm so glad I didn't let fear stop me. I can't imagine not having experienced this.

I got here in April at the tail end of high season. Jason had a sign made up and some of his friends met us at the pier to greet me!
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My Routine, or Lack Thereof, and Everyday Life

Most days I wake up around 7:30-8:00 (no alarm required). I check email and see what everyone's up to on Facebook. 

After that, I let the day unfold as it will. Sometimes that means I'm writing and reading blog posts and social networking. Sometimes I work out or read or swim in the ocean. Sometimes I hang out with friends and have a beer at the beach bar. About four days a week I do freelance work. 

Life is pretty laid back here. Every few days we go into town and do food shopping at the vegetable/fruit market, meat market, and general grocery store. We buy rice, eggs, and some veggies locally at the small sari-sari stores on our street.

And now we have this little guy to raise.
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Stewie, 5 weeks old.
So that's that! Hope you've enjoyed this little peek into my life. And if you have any questions, please let me know! Leave a comment or join me on the Facebook page.

Coconut kisses & sunny days,
Cassandra :)
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Caravan: A Fairy Tree House, Seductive Values and Dance Inspiration

8/15/2013

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Hello everyone!

I hope you've all had a fantastic week. I spent part of mine in Manila searching for a yoga mat. I wasn't able to bring mine from the U.S. (not enough luggage room), so I've been on the lookout for one here in the Philippines. Turns out, yoga isn't a big deal here. I had to travel by boat, bus and train to get to the mall that had one yoga mat available. 

It was a fun trip though. I had my first experience on a city train and ate lots of delicious food: sushi, bean sprout salad, grilled fish and veggies, an interesting coconut/pineapple dessert, carbonara and chicken cordon bleu.

And here are the links I rounded up for you!

16 top tips from blogging experts for beginners. Even seasoned bloggers can gain something from this.

Stop wishing. Start doing.

Ooh la la...seductive values. By the beautiful Kitty Cavalier.

7 hot tips for creating magic in the moment! My guest post on Wild Sister :)

An interesting article on extroversion and introversion. I’m always interested in learning more about the two because I’m an introvert who tends to attract extroverts, so it’s good to understand the other side.

The first website for women...created by a man? Uhhh...

What Blurb is for. *Note: I created a poetry book through them and it was beautiful, but like she mentions in the article, probably too expensive for self-publishing.

A DIY fairy tree house :)

Pretty pictures of dancers and a poem to spark your imagination.
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    ​Hello! I'm Cassandra, an American ex-pat living in the Philippines, writer, ballerina, and lover of all things magickal. I blog about happiness, self-love, and magical dream-life living.
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