Freelancing ups and downs

How about the downs first because many remember the second choices better.

I've written several articles, articles that were requested, and have been told they're good and exactly what was wanted. What is down about this? I don't get paid unless they're printed and many haven't found their way into their periodicals. Many are time sensitive and some were time and mental consuming, and therefore not eligible to go somewhere else or into a later edition.

The good news. My latest and most difficult article did make it into the South Dade News Leader.

The other articles I've written may find their way into stories as I write them and the efforts have definitely helped me learn and grow both in my writing and in knowledge. As one author friend said, "It's all part of freelance writing." (well, I guess I threw in some good stuff here too)

Now for the ups.

Articles published at familyshare.com

6 ways to develop your talents I wrote this from the following quote I received on my FB news feed, "I'm going to use all my tools, my God-given ability, and make the best life I can with it." LeBron James.

Who is my neighbor?  The idea for this article came from a FB post about Blessing Bags. I thought it'd be a great family service project. "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17 And I began to think about families and how they should be included in the answer, Who is my neighbor?

Shared joy is double joy I came across the Swedish Proverb "Shared joy is a double joy -shared sorrow is half a sorrow," and thought I'd like to write an uplifting article about the shared joy. In my research I found some pretty convincing stuff for this. Click on the title and see for yourself.

Article published in the South Dade News Leader

County Cuts Funding to Animal Services. This article came about because 65% of Miami-Dade residents voted for funding to Animal Services and the mayor chose to ignore them and cut it out of the budget.

I have articles in various stages of publication--writing, querying, editing, waiting for publication date. I'll keep you updated as always.Come back often or check out my current and past articles at my Pinterest boards.

I'm still waiting on the illustrators to get me their pictures. I really like the illustrations I've received from one illustrator, but I want to give all those I asked a chance to audition. Some are busier than others.

Having more fun than one ought to reading, writing, submitting, researching and getting published (even with the downs as explained above).

Great news!

Not only am I freelancing for familyshare.com, I am now freelancing for The South Dade Newsleader, our local newspaper. My first assignment is a 4th of July dedication event. I'll post links when it's published. My second assignment involves a meeting at the nuclear plant and I'll post links when it's published.

Forgiveness is letting go of the feelings associated with an offense or wrongdoing against us. This doesn’t absolve fault, but does free the forgiver from the chains of anger, hatred and vengeance. We all offend and are offended, so why is it sometimes difficult to forgive? Find out when you read my article, Free at last: I forgive you.

Being a parent can be daunting. Before you is a child you are expected to mold into a good citizen. One who will carry your legacy forward and use your examples as guidance to raise their own children. And if that's not enough pressure, you're raising them in a world that has turned good into bad and bad into good. The good news? You are not alone. There are many great examples to follow from within your life, family, circle of friends and community. Want to learn 3 ways to teach by example? Check out my article.


I have two more articles in editing at familyshare.com and more being written. Come back often or check out my current and past articles at my Pinterest boards.

I haven't made my appointment with the ranger. The children's summer schedule is a bit difficult to work around. I know I need to get it done so I can get the assignment in on time. Hope to find time next week.

I'm almost down to one bigfoot book. Then it'll be time to take all this information and outline my middle grade book.

I've received some pictures for Ten Little Gator Eggs. I'm hoping to choose the illustrator soon and get the ball rolling. I'm waiting on a few more choices and then I'll let you know who I choose. I'd like this book published by the beginning of next year.

Having more fun than one ought to reading, writing, submitting, researching and getting published.