Happy Tuesday, all! I’m back, refreshed and ready to blog again. Although I have been taking a break from blogging, I haven’t been breaking completely. I was using this time to reflect; to connect with other writers and business owners; and to do stuff I’ve never done before.
The Brand of Me
Even though I’m doing a good job at branding myself as a writer and blogger, I also want to be known for being engaging and creative. This will be very handy in my writing and blogging trainings.
I spoke with Renee Vaughn who is a certified writing and life coach and she asked me, “If someone presented the ideal opportunity to you, what would you do?” Without hesitation, I replied, “Teach high school students, junior college students and corporate employees how to write and be creative through blogging.
So, I reached out to Renee to get tips and advice on teaching writing since I had never done it before and ended up with a bigger lesson than I expected.
Writing Accomplishments
1. I was referred to a journalist at Vibe Magazine to conduct an interview with singer Keisha Cole when she was in Chicago. Although the interview didn’t take place, it was great to be considered for this opportunity.
2. I wrote my first book review, Imperfect Things by Tiffany Gholar, for Windy City Reviews. This book is an easy, poetic read about Tiffany’s journey to living her dream. Highly recommended for creative people who are torn between working a job and living their dreams, which do not yield the cash flow needed to live in the early stages of working our dreams.
3. I published my first LinkedIn post, Top 4 Reasons You Should Have a Professional Bio, which has had over 200 views and resulted in three book sales of How to Write A Powerful Professional Bio. These results are great considering I wasn’t even going to post this article.
4. Jennifer Brown Banks interviewed me for the Chicago Writers Association blog.
5. Wrote two articles for the Chicago Independent Bulletin newspaper (will post later this week).
Blogging Accomplishments
1. I presented Diversity in Blogging at Technology for Women Meetup on July 30th. It was really fun. I was responsible for bringing the wine and I don’t even drink! Hope it was a good selection.
2. I’m finalizing the published version of 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block (will launch in September or October 2014). The color version looks amazing!
3. I drafted a blog media kit for Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource; working on one for Marcie Writes.
4. A film producer asked me to promote his project through blogging and social media. We’ll see what happens with this.
Additional Accomplishments
Wrote my first friendship poem to expand my creativity. Although I think it was a little janky, the goal was to make my friend smile. She said she did so I feel accomplished.
Pitched a custom pen idea to Mont Blanc. Hopefully, it made it to the right hands; I had to go through their PR firm.
Pitched roller skating exhibit ideas to DuSable Museum and Chicago History Museum. Both decision makers said that they will present my ideas to their committees. The young lady at CHM even advised me to contact their bookstore to let her know about my roller skating book!
My Readings
How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+ – Brad Schepp and Debra Schepp
What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us – Guy Kawasaki
Projects I’m Considering
- Black History Book Club – Starting in January 2015
- Writing Retreat – September 2015
- Getting speakers to talk to children at Brainerd Library – October 2014
I’m Speaking at these Upcoming Events
1. I’m a panelist at the 3rd Annual Writers Block Party: Promoting Yourself as a Writer on Saturday, August 16, 2014. Get your FREE tickets today!
2. Reception for the Most Powerful Men & Women on the South Side – September 2014
3. Social Network Your Way to a New Job – Social Media Week Chicago – September 2014
4. Get Heard Above the Noise on Social Media – Social Media Week Chicago – September 2014
So, that was my July. How was yours? What did you accomplish last month that you’re super excited about?