More to learn... 06/03/2011
As a teacher, I am a proponent of lifelong learning. I believe we must continue to learn new skills, information, and better ways to do all that we do. It is not a new line of thinking that lifelong learners are more likely to thrive throughout the various phases of our lives. Even though I know this, I am still surprised when I learn something that changes my life. Although these thoughts fit several aspects of my life, I am referring to my website. The site is about to end the first month of its existence. In that time, there have been more than 200 page views! The most popular page is this one! The blog! Who knew? Certainly not me. I would have never guessed that the blog would be more popular than my stories. But, I also would have never guessed that I would have a website where visitors could read my writing. It isn't something I considered myself capable of , not to mention it didn't occur to me to just put my work out there in cyberspace and share it with anyone who might be interested. I guess the biggest discovery of all is that people are interested in reading my work! I love teaching children to read. I know that literacy will impact their lives forever no matter what paths they choose. Just like the child who learns a new skill, this new information has impacted my writing life. I am writing regularly, submitting my work, and receiving valuable feedback. I am truly learning how to be a writer while I am becoming a better writer. What about you? Tell me something you learned that changed your life. Leave a comment, email, facebook or tweet. Anxious to hear about your lifelong learning! JKH Add Comment The Day Job 05/16/2011
My day job is a great one! I work with struggling readers and help them find literacy; a skill they will utilize throughout their lifetime. I work ten months a year, and yes, I'm off when it snows! In spite of these obvious perks, I have dreamed of quitting my day job. When my girls were little, I so desperately wished to be home with them. As they grew, I still hoped that maybe someday I could work less and be at home more. Now, with our oldest in college and our youngest not far behind, I realize the possibility of my leaving the workforce is a distant one. Yet, I continue to amuse myself and others with schemes that would allow me to "give up the day job". I even found a book about how it is done! Quitter by Jon Acuff is a book devoted leaving your day job and attaining your dream job. For me, my dream job would be to work from home and write. However, there are bills to pay, tuitions to consider, and the responsible adult stuff, like health insurance. Not to mention the fact that I have yet to get published. Reading this book is giving me a new outlook on the day job. I now see myself as blessed to have had a 25+ year career in education. It has been my day job, and our financial lifeline. Most of my friendships have come from work, and I have met some wonderful people. Generous friends I have leaned on, cried with and been blessed to have. My career has also allowed me to participate in exciting opportunities I never would have sought on my own. Travel, classes, speakers, training, all of these have come from teaching . Not to mention, I met my husband at work! I have to admit, all humor aside, my day job has been a miraculous gift. I know one day I will leave my day job, and it probably won't be because I finally got that book published. Until then, I hope make a greater effort to see my work as a source of gifts. (No, the schemes and humorous plans will never end, I find them just too entertaining!) JMH Big News! 04/19/2011
I am happy to report on my submission efforts. I have received a rejection letter from O Magazine. I didn't expect to be published with them, but I thought why not dream big, you never know. I also submitted to Country Woman and they have acknowledged the submission. Creative Nonfiction in Pittsburgh, PA I thought was my best bet for the story I sent. They did respond , and explained that the reading period for them could take up to six months. So, out of 4 submissions, I have a "we got it" a "we will read it someday" and a "we don't published unsolicited manuscripts". Not bad, and I have a rejection from the Oprah Magazine to add to my collection. I'm thrilled. Now that I am receiving rejection letters, I am a real writer. Exciting! |
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