Clumsy City Chick-Movie Moment #35

(Could have used this today):/


Sooooo I get on the train this morning, feeling good and this couple gets on after me. Turns out they are old friends ( Hey they were broadcasting their convo! Not my fault!) and catching up on each other's lives. Dude is flirting like a 9th grader, giggling and ish and she's eating it up. *Rolls eyes as loudly as possible.* I mean I'm not a hater, but I guess it was just gross. LOL

So anyway I try to tune them out and start doing my makeup, as usual... and the chick turns out to be a real life Magazine Editor. Immediately my ears perk up and I'm listening to every word she says...talking about deadlines and interviews...*wipes drool* She's got my freaking dream job - and has the nerve to spill the SALARY too. I'm like MA'AM I'm about to wack you over the head and put on your dress and be you at your job today. Lets just let your co-workers tell me I'm not you, mkay?

I'm checking her out thru my side eye view and she's not even that cute. I'm almost POSITIVE that matters. lol Okay maybe not that much. But I'm sitting there struggling with myself- trying to figure out IF and then HOW I'm going to get this woman to open a doorway for me. Eventually, I catch her eye. This is where it goes downhill.
"Hi, I"m sorry for listening to your conversation - but do you have a card?" I say, smiling and leaning over just a bit. She raises an eyebrow, and nods. "My name is Maya."

"Sure, I'm Ginger**.", she said, meeting my eyes with a strangely satisfied look on her face. She starts rummaging thru her big black Chanel bag ( yeah I peeped the bag a minute ago)muttering to the guy something about having card and switching bags, but her tone is so.. "superior". As if to say "Told you I'm important." She was showing off for this dude! I hated her immediately.

**names changed to protect the innocent.

I'm sitting there, leaning forward, stuck in this waiting mode where I have to keep smiling and waiting patiently, and for some reason, I want her to hurry it up. I'm sooo embarrased by now, because I'm helping this chick look like I'm freaking asking her for permission to lick her toes!

"I've been trying to break into editing for a long time now. Its just hard to crossover from IT to writing." I mention, smiling some more, feeling like a monkey. She ignores me.

I begin to shrink back into my seat because I'm starting to think she knew she didnt have a card on her... and then Voila! The card I dont want anymore! She finds it and leans to hand it to me.

I lean over, "Thanks..I--" Yep. I slide almost out of the seat, falling forward to get the card as if Jesus himself is surfing on the thing with my ticket to heaven in his hands. Somehow a peice of newspaper found its way under my planted foot, and the train moving did not help the fall. I took the card, smiled again, and shoved it into my wallet, wishing I could have eaten it and vomited it back up just to wipe it on her stupid stripey wrap-dress from 1999.

The couple returned to their flirting and the awkwardness just grew. They were laughing and whispering by then.. and of course I had 3 stops left. No escaping for me! To make matters worse, the guy got off at the next stop, leaving her there to glare at me and wait for me to start speaking to her. Had I known he was gonna get off I'da waited until THEN to ask her for the damn card. Then there may have been some sort of conversation. Shoulda woulda... Ughhhhhh.

FINALLY my stop came and I pulled it together with a quick smile and a "Nice to meet you". She nodded, and smiled. UGH. I got off as quickly as possible. Moral: Shut the hell up sometimes. SMH. Oh well. Maybe I'll still pitch her magazine, I just wont tell her where we met. :/

The Present: The Old 'Newness' Addiction

"There's No time like the present" is one of those cliche sayings that I actually like. Its a motivator. Its one of those things I can internalize as a mantra in my head that kicks me in the butt when I'd rather just sleep and be depressed. Lately I've definitely been what I'd call "Clinically" depressed. I cant seem to get into church, it just isnt getting me out of bed on Sunday mornings. I mean, honestly I like the idea of getting dressed up to go hear a good word, feel great inside and out and just get a new lease on the day. But for some reason, I just dont go. Laziness, depression, sadness.. they seem to go hand in hand. You'd think the obvious cure would be to go to church if I'm getting all those positive aforementioned perks. Not to mention the nice looking wholesome guys that go to my church... *Eyebrows raised* But I feel I'm in need of newness...as usual. And church is just not the first place I'm most likely to look.

I've been interviewing and searching for a new job, something to just suit my financial needs since I'm house hunting.

(side bar: Now THAT is the newness of the most addictive kind. House hunting. I can get amped to smell new paint, feel crunchy new carpet on my bare feet and get in a great mood to start my perimeter spraying for spiders ANY time. I cant wait for that! But first, I must get a new gig.)

But the job itself to me has been the hardest thing to submit to looking for. I think I want a job less than I'd like to live outdoors and eat squirrels. Seriously my passion for being the only female tech in a "boys club" world of IT is not exactly giving me goosebumps anymore. I just don't know what I want to do that could actually make me an income I can live from. I feel like I have no choice but to be in this field, since its where my degree and experience lie. And so, grudgingly, I apply for more law firm based tech jobs. I'm good at what I do, so its not HELL. Its just not my passion. I wish I could have a passion that fits into the "normal" category of life and corporate America sometimes. I'm grateful for my talents - don't get me wrong. But why couldn't I be like a stellar surgeon or CEO?

It seems everyone has a calling. Something they can write about or feel strongly about, some niche they fit into where it just flows right off their tongues and they barely have to work to get it right. Me? I'm still feeling around in the dark. This blog in particular was inspired because a friend of mine who is an aspiriring writer also, began a blog. I figured it would be a great way to start writing again. My issue? No specific direction. Her blog is nice and christian-y and she has a set topic she can talk about till she's purple. I have no specific direction. SIGH. That should have brought me to a point for this particular entry. It hasnt.

In any case, I can at least conclude that rereading my typed out thoughts is at least entertaining to me. I've been told I'm a good read, and that I've got a gift. I just finished reading an old post of mine - the first pitch I ever wrote and it was for one, inspiring. That feeling is something I definitely want back... Yet the book I'm writing hasnt seen me in about 2-3 weeks. I know I need to get back on it. I know I need to stop being lazy about pitching more magazines. I dont know if I'm more afraid to fail or afraid to put my all into something and be disappointed. This post helped me, just a little, remember why I love to write. It reminds me of that tiny spark... and thats all I ever really need. Wish me luck. Think I'm gonna try another chapter tonight. No time like the present. :)

xoxo
Maya Tyler

Pacing, and moving forward.

I haven't heard anything from the e-zine since I sent my article. No "It's great" or "change this" or anything. So of course I'm starting to worry. Like, didn't anyone read it yet? What if they didn't get it? Should I email and verify that it has been received? And if it wasn't, I sent a bill!! What if they think I'm so overconfident in my work that I deserve to get paid rather than have EARNED to get paid-- and sent a bill like I'm already "big"!!!?? I'm so humble its not even funny. So why am I stressing this? I was super honest and sincere with the editor, she totally related to me, and I felt we actually had some sort of connection over email. So why isn't she answering me?? She HAS to know how it feels to send something and wait for the response!!

*Paces, cries..*

**Stops Crying**

So I'm on to the next gig. I've been devouring my subscription to media bistro.com (since it cost me 59 American pesos, which is an entire tank of gas nowadays) so I'm making good use of it. It has a ton of great articles with lots of candid toddler-questions that you'd love to ask like "Hey mister, how'd you get that job, or What do you DO anyway?" Looove it!! One in particular that I read was about a mag that I'd loooove to pitch. Gave me inside scoops, who to pitch for what topics and how. Yeah? Yeah. So I'm working on my pitch for that. I want it to be easy like my first article was. But I'm thinking about coming up with a new, fresh idea. And for some reason, that's proving to be a bit harder.

My Night With THE ROCK.

Well not really. That's just how HAPPY I am right now.




Yea, Oh what he could do with that pinky. that kind of happy. LOL You perv. I'm married. I cant sleep with Mr. Johnson and TELL everyone! So here's why I'm happy!! :
I finished my article and turned it in. I'm finished I'm finished!!! YAYYYY! I know it wasnt due till August but I couldnt wait. Just couldnt wait!!! Got down to like 515 words, but I finshed it. Actually I was down to 500, but I emailed the editor and asked her if the title counted toward the piece and she said no, and that it was ok to be a bit over. I opened my paypal account today and just sent my first "invoice letter" (which I learned about today, it basically just formally asks for the payment with services on it like a bill.) WOW my first BILL. I'm going to print it and frame it. I'm too excited. I cant even think of a thing to talk about. I just want to get my grind ON. I'm ready to start pitching mags NOW. Essence, Girls Life, Teen, and Ebony... HERE I COME!

MY PITCH GOT THE ARTICLE!

So this morning as I'm booting up my computer, I see gmail loading up in the bottom right corner. Spam, advertisements, replies to forwards... more forwards... and - a reply from the PITCH I SENT TO A MAGAZINE!!!

So ok. I'm at first like this: Maya, dont get your hopes up. It may not be your time. ** Old, familiar "almost a star but not quite " feeling plops its fat nasty self right into my lap and is getting comfy..

BUT THEN!!!

Something inside me just says, No. No I am a child of God. He did not give me the ability to write for NO reason. It is not just my opinion of myself being a "better than average" writer. No. I've heard it from everyone I've ever written anything for... I've got a gift. And darn it, this gift is mine. Everyone's got SOMETHING. This is mine. This is my moment. ( Tired of the dramatic lead paragraph yet!!?? I"m not!! HAHAH) This is the ONE time I will not prepare myself for defeat, I will not squint my eyes and peek at this email.. I WILL NOT HOPE FOR A SECOND CHANCE... THIS IS MINE NOW!! THIS IS an ACCEPTANCE LETTER DAMMIT!!!!

And it was. And I jumped out of my chair. And I almost cried. I finally have something that's just mine. I finally stepped out past wanting, past planning, past wishing, hoping and praying. I stepped out on FAITH!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!!

(And no, I will not downplay this as just ONE little article. I will not calm down, I will not get over it. THIS IS MY MOMENT!! )

Hit it Napoleon!

..
Napoleon Dynamite Dance Scene

STILL Waiting : The Pitch Part Trios- section A

Waiting is very hard to do. It makes me nervous. I'm getting the "what-ifs". Like what if it sucks? What if the editor ignored it. What if she's sick and just hasnt seen it? What if she gives me the chance, but only out of charity? But then who would want someone writing in their zine who sucks?

I'm going to worry me bald-headed. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I'll pluck each one of my hairs out and stick it on the wall. And name them. One by one.

That will probably not end well. Especially if I do it while at work. So I will distract myself.


Shameless Time Wasting Site
Juicy Time Wasting Site
What Men are really Thinking Time Wasting Site


Join me!!

The PITCH - Part Trios

Ok, So I sent it. It was beautiful. It was well formatted, which is KEY because editors, are...well EDITORS, and they can appreciate a well formatted letter. EEEEEEEEEE!! I'm soo excited! Cant wait for a reply!! Cant wait Cant wait cant wait!!


For all those interested,

Here is an EXCELLENT resource for how to write a pitch:

http://www.publicityadvisor.com/pitchlettertips.html
http://www.right-writing.com/nationals.html

Here's a sample of what I used:
(just in case my links dont work, or are expired by the time anyone reads this. Dont you hate finding exaclty what you're looking for, only to click a dead link?? )


The following pitch was eventually picked up by a midsized trade publication. Although identifying information has been removed or changed, new writers can use this example query letter to gather hints and tips on the format and elements of the perfect pitch. Directional comments are in green.

Mr. Editors Name
Magazine Title or Publishing Company
Street Address City, ST 77777

Notice that the pitch is directly addressed to a specific editor. This writer has done their homework and researched the publication's editorial staff.

May 13, 2007

Mr. Editor,

In November 2006, Rudolfo Maestro, the son of Mexican immigrant parents, and a teacher within the urban school district of SampleCity, Minnesota, was one of just 50 teachers nationwide to receive the prestigious Sample Educators Award. As I'm sure you may know, the Sample Awards have been called "the Academy Awards of Teaching," and come with a purse of $100,000- no strings attached.
With the mass exodus of many Caucasian, middle class students from urban districts like SampleCity, MN, the honor is quite an achievement for this young, 9- year veteran teacher. Add to that the fact that Mr. Maestro was raised and educated in the very same district where he now teaches, and the human-interest appeal is even greater.

The opening paragraphs grab the editor's attention by relating potential article content, and some possible human interest slants. The noted award shows that the article has a timely current event status for this quarterly trade publication.

I propose a 2,000 word interview with nationally recognized educator Rudolfo Maestro, focusing on the teacher’s role within school districts that are slowly becoming re-segregated. How does this teacher, himself a minority, promote racial harmony and social justice within the “microcosm” of his classroom? What challenges has he faced in his short teaching tenure? What can other educators and social activists learn from his work?

This paragraph demonstrates an excellent sell. The proposal is clear, with sample questions and relevant angles laid out.

Since his award, Mr. Maestro had been interviewed for various publications, including Sample Newspaper, Sample Magazine, and Sample Trade Publication, but he has agreed to grant me an exclusive interview on this particular angle in relation to his award.

The last line above is the key to the question of why the editor should agree to work with this particular writer. It also demonstrates that the writer has done their research and already been in contact with the potential subject.

The personality of this educator is of great magnitude. As an interviewer, I've found him to be gregarious, talkative and very forthcoming. I am positive I can convey this personality into an article, and that other teachers, both minority and otherwise, will be able to take a little piece of his practice from this article.
I could have a rough draft to you within three weeks of acceptance. I anticipate a question and answer format, but am flexible based on Your Magazine's needs.

I also ask that you take a look at my resume, attached. I am an experienced editor, writer and proofreader, with cognate education in Teacher Preparation, making me knowledgeable in this subject field. I am currently working for Sample City's Sample Magazine. My past clips include Sample Clip, Sample Clip and Sample Clip.

This last paragraph is also key, and tells the editor why he should work with this particular writer. New writers can substitute other experiences here, including full time work or volunteer service. What is most important is to tell the editor why you, in particular, can handle this assignment.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Yours in writing,

Author's Name

Address

email

phone number

(credits for this sample go to about.com http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/getpublished/a/samplequery.htm)


Cross your fingers for me!! I just KNOW. I feel it in my bones. This is IT for me!!

The Pitch!! Dun dun dunnnnnn!

So I've been pulling together this pitch for the Ezine I mentioned the other day. I am more nervous about pressing 'Send' than anything else. I've run a few pitches past my friends, Jason (my hub) is not one of the chosen few, though. I don't know, I mean, yes, he's my husband and yes he's my best friend, but honestly he doesn't seem to be excited for me when I share my ups and downs with this business. Like, I know better than most people, its frustrating trying to find oneself, because trial and error is one of the games you find yourself playing. I went from wanting to write for TV to learning guitar for crapsake. I know its hard to support a flip flopper. But when it seems that now, this thing is really starting to pan out for me, he's positive, but I'm like jumping out of my skin happy and he's like "that's great baby".... *insert deflating balloon here*. I'm like damn where's the support?? And heaven forbid I bring up his 8 year biz stint... We won't bring up how supportive I was then, because that would be 'unfair'. Oh well.

Anyway, my goal is to send this finished pitch by friday. It will be my first pitch ever, so of course I'm going to go to good old about.com for some help on the format. Will I share what I find? Of course!! Stay tuned!!