Romance is in the Air

I just finished my second project for Purple Sheet Publishing. It’s always a relief to hit send and shoot off an assignment into someone else’s hands. For two weeks, the project looms over my head. Then, in an instant, it’s gone. Now, I wait for payment and hopefully, another assignment. 

Romance novels are not something I ever thought I would be writing. In journalism school and in all my time as a magazine writer, I’ve been looking for facts, checking with a source to fill in any blanks. With fiction, I get to make it up as I go along. I have some guidelines, but it’s mostly up to me what my characters look like, do and say. It’s freeing but also trying at times. 

As I continue to write about love and lust, I sometimes wish I could ask these imaginary people what they’re really thinking and feeling. Often times, these characters are in situations I’ve never been in, nor do I ever wish to be in. I get most of my inspiration and ideas from the movies! And, most of the times, I feel like I’m being totally cliche.

I guess I let these feelings role though. After all, this isn’t the type of writing I’d set out for. It’s paying the bills though!

I’ve still got some “real” journalistic projects underway. It’s nice to escape to my fantasy land after writing about health crisis around the world. But, I am conflicted because I find more reward in the true stories.

Still, I’d like to be more sleuthy…get the scoop. For now, though, romance is a money maker, so I’m going with it!

Book Review: Eat Pray Love

So, I must be living under a rock because I only recently picked up Elizabeth Gilbert’s brilliant memoir “Eat Pray Love.” The story of Gilbert’s year spent traveling through Italy, India and Indonesia is told with such honesty, humor and insight. Even though Gilbert’s journey followed a severe depression and divorce (things I’ve not experienced in life), I found myself identifying with her many times throughout the book. Gilbert’s words inspire me to be independent, seek my true self and be happy. I especially liked her insight into meditation, and I have used many of her techniques in my own practice already. (Thanks so much for that!)

It wasn’t until I finished the book, that I visited Gilbert’s web site. There, she answers questions about the book and gives an update on her life since returning to the U.S. What I found most intriguing, though, was her Thoughts on Writing. As a big-time writer, Gilbert is undoubtedly asked to give advice to those wishing to turn their story into a masterpiece the likes of Gilbert’s. Her words were so inspiring to me and others, I’m sure. Here, I will share some her insights that touched me most (note: most of these tips are very much linked to spiritual practice…it all comes around in the end!).

I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – that you should take on this work like a holy calling.

“Hey – somebody has to write all those stories: why not me?”

As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you.

You must find another reason to work, other than the desire for success or recognition. It must come from another place.

All these insights can be applied to any kind of work, really. I think that it is most important that you make sure to act with purpose in every thing you do. This is the way to reach happiness and be at peace with your self.

McHenry County Living

I began working at Prairie Ridge Media about a year ago. As a new graduate, they were reluctant to take me on. However, I knew that I would be a great addition to this small company looking to launch a new publication in the county I grew up in. After showing the publishers my college project, FreshLIFE, a green living magazine prototype, they eagerly hired me as managing editor.

As managing editor, I am in charge of the editorial department of the magazine. I write, edit and assign stories, work with photographers, handle ad materials and develop future issues. I wrote the editorial philosophy of the publication and ensure we live up to the reputation we have made for ourselves. Check out McHenry County Living for yourself.

In addition to McHenry County Living, we are looking to launch a new magazine, McHenry County Athlete. This publication will focus on athletics in the county, mostly high school and community college.