I am a journalist for How They Living Ain’t No Joke, the baby of George and Peytyn Willborn.  Quite exciting.

Also, I am editing True Elegance Magazine.  OK, I only did two stories.  Just know that the ones that are grammatically correct and easy to read are mine.

I contributed to our church’s history book by interviewing my subject.  I did not write or edit, but I gathered great information.

Now, let me work on my book.  This is high on my list of things to do this week.  Really.

This advice was given to me by Zondra Hughes, author of Living The Ebony Life, editor at N’Digo MagaPaper, and my new writing coach.  She shared this with me as I shared my writing goals with her.  Essentially, the main thing I need right now is someone to report my progress to.  I’m always writing, but I’m not working on my book.  Totally not progressive.

Anyway, as I think about one of the things I want to do, this advice came to mind.  It’s a little scary, but I think I’m ready to move forward.  Here’s the thing, what I want to be a seemingly innocent conversation may turn into a flurry of rage.  Am I ready? I think so.   The only way to really know if I’m ready is to do it.

I’ll be putting it to a test this week.  Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I’m reading to jump into the unknown.

I can’t share all of the details because it just came to me a couple days ago, and I have to copyright a draft.  All I know is that I want it published within six months.  It won’t be that long, but it will be cool.

Speaking of books, I am thinking about creating photo story books for people.  I know there will be dry spells between the big assignments with my primary target market, and this will be a way to make money and have fun with the projects.  The only thing is – I have to find a market for these books.  What’s easy?  The two main considerations are new moms and milestone birthdays starting at 50 years old.  And, I have to find the people who are willing to pay.  I’ll start that in March.  I have things to do now.

Progress is a beautiful thing!

Allow me to explain. I went to an organization to request resources for my Shorty Resource blog.  The person I spoke to told me that my services were needed.  Cool.  I was given something to edit as proof of my journalism skills.  Well, in my mind, I can send you loads of published articles and several blog posts as proof of my talents.  So, why should I edit your work to prove my skills when I have enough proof already?

Like I said, I don’t know if I’m developing a writing ego or if I’m just tired of people asking me to write and edit for free.  All I know is – that editing work will not be done.

I’m not going to trip because everything was in the plan.  In fact, it was noted that no money would be made in the business until the second year. Anyhoo…

At least I now know why my plan did not move forward. Heck, at least I had a business plan.  It will be submitted again this year.  If not for this competition, then for another one.

The second event was a discussion between the candidates running for the Cook County president seat held at Columbia College at 1104 S. Wabash.  That was good, too.

Not only was I educated; I saw the opportunity to cover events live through my website.  The only thing I need to figure out is how to find the decision-makers and people with money.  AND, I have to complete my marketing plan.  I’ll be working on that this weekend.  I scheduled a meeting with a counselor at the Women’s Business Development Center on next week to go over the draft of the plan that I have.  I’m looking forward to branding myself as a journalist, blogger and social media marketing specialist.  This opportunity will definitely put me on top.  God is good!

I contacted my friend to find the greatest need, and she said grades 3 – 6.  I may try that level at least once to check out.  Otherwise, I’m going with the big kids.

I told someone near to me what I did. “They” asked me why would Tiger Woods talk to me when there are so many other journalists he could speak to. Nice! My question is: Why wouldn’t he? At this point, neither Tiger nor I have anything to lose. And besides, what better to speak to than someone who could care less about his issues? I just want to make my name as a journalist and five minutes of conversation with Tiger would do it.

Anyway, I will no longer share any information with that person. In fact, it would be a great idea to leave “them” in 2009.

Last week someone told me that she was going to talk to her friend who is a producer about me.  I asked her for what. Duh!!!!  Writing for a movie.

A couple months ago I was sharing a book idea with someone, and she told me to let her know when it was going on stage.  I had not considered that before she said something, but it definitely is not a bad idea.

My friend called me today asking me if I knew how to write grants.  No, I don’t, but that is truly high on my list of things to learn.  And guess what? I was “adopted” by a grant writer at the Black journalists event on Wednesday.  What a blessing!

So, I said all that to say, why can’t I see what people see in me??

First of all, I was looking for stories to post, and putting a lot of extra energy into what I was doing.  Now, I have contacted organizations for their thoughts and support; I’ve added news organizations as friends on Twitter to easily get story topics; and I’m going to start a podcast to add to the blog.  Oh, I have two books as guides.

I just have to get started.  I was waiting for my blog designer to get better.  If she is not well by Friday, I’m just going to start posting.  I have the template I like; I just need to make few adjustments.

As NOT Seen on TV is going to be up and running BEFORE the end of the year.

If there are future opportunities to submit my business plan, I will do so.  It will also be better because I will have postings and direction.

Like I said, at least the plan was done because I have foundation to begin with.  And, my commitment to completing it within six weeks was outstanding.  I had not worked so hard in such a short period in a long time.  I honestly feel that it was all worth it.