Interviewing Issues

I'm working on a story about the recent legalization of guns in establishments that serve alcohol, and my angle was on local bar owners and patrons who disagree with the relaxed gun laws.

Earlier today I interviewed Basil Marceaux. For those who don't know that name, he's a former gubernatorial candidate for Tennessee. He's also insane. My question for him was: "Will you please clarify this statement that you made: 'I want everyone to have a gun. . . . I think that if someone doesn’t have one, maybe I’ll fine them $10.'?"
He proceeded to tell me about how this country is made up of two governments and that the people should be armed to protect themselves from their governments. He wanted to leave me with a question, but I could hardly make it out. It was something like, "If you go to Afghanistan and they point a gun at you, what will your government do for you?" 

I politely told him that his question would be better asked of someone with the qualifications to answer it, then thanked him for his time.

It was a relief to get off the phone with him!

I had lately been feeling discouraged by the direction my interviews were taking. Aside from Basil, I had spoken with a young woman who owned a gun, and had worked at the nearby Hooter's Restaurant where their gun policy is prominently displayed. She was all for people keeping a gun for safety. I next spoke with an owner of a popular bar. He is himself a card carrying member of the NRA. The predominance of pro-gun sources made me unhappy, and I though my article was doomed. Then I realized that my sources actually agreed with the popular opinion all around: guns should NOT be in bars. I found that I had a story after all. Now I just have to stop blogging and write it.

Do What You Love

I've recently quit my job at the library and I've been looking into freelance writing. It's something I can do part-time while I'm in school, and guess what: it pays pretty well. Even the low priced freelance writers are able to make $45/hour.

I'm reading The Well-Fed Writer, How To Open and Operate a Home-Based Writing Businessand Writing For Money. I recently checked this book out from my library. It'd be nice if my library had a better selection, but these should be fine for now.

I recently had an article published in The Chattanooga Pulse. I was very happy to see something I've written finally make it to a public medium. It's not going to keep me afloat financially, though. I'll have to find some other ways of making money. This kind of stuff will just allow me to have some freedom with what I write.

To gain some experience doing promotional materials, I've been working with a client in town on print ads, press releases, fliers and a brochure. This is only to gain experience, however, and not a paid job.

I have sufficient education and enough experience to go for professional work, although my experience is very limited. I expect to start work at $30-$40/hour until I've proven that I deserve a raise (a concept that makes me smile). Here's my card:

I don't have much to list just yet, but these are enough to start. I plan to add grant writing, Web content and technical writing to my resume eventually.

I've considered working for a certain online company, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the rates they offer. $5/article seems silly to me. I'm not exactly sure what they're looking for based on the directions they gave me, which were basically: write a 450 word article about Viagra for altitude sickness and add lots of links to other sites. Who would be reading this?

Involving Myself

I think it would benefit me greatly to get involved in my community. I don't really know a good place to start. I want to do something to promote bicycling in Chattanooga and to make it a hundred times more bike-friendly than it is. I also want to encourage urban gardening.

I considered a balcony/patio garden competition at my apartment complex. I thought it would encourage people to grow food, use the space outdoors for something productive and to beautify their home space. I thought a prize basket and a yard/balcony sign would be sufficient. I've just never been in charge of organizing anything and as July gets closer time runs out.

I've tried to find ways to open up more by focusing on my own life, but I think a better aim is to focus on everybody's problems and look for support and solutions. We should all be more active and educate ourselves and each other about what is going on. It's hard to stay quiet when you see something happening that needs to change.

Need To Get Back In Things ... and Stuff

This blog was originally intended to make me consider my anxiety more frequently and think of ways to overcome it. Lately, I haven't wanted to do anything, though. I feel very low on energy and ambition. I still want things but I don't want to work toward them. I don't know if this is a natural period of rest or a minor depression. I've been resting for weeks and I still don't feel more energized. I had an article idea that I loved, but I've once again given up after the rough draft.

I need something...

Excuse Me, I Need a Refill

Sitting at a restaurant, sipping coffee and trying to get my head on straight. I don't know anything anymore.

Last Sunday I had a burst of inspiration and I sat down to the computer trying to get everything out of my head and onto the page. Today I feel empty. It's strange how capricious my bouts of ideas can be. I would rather thoughts came slowly and steadily than all at one moment and then not at all.

Here's a thing: couples with babies make me want to have a child; couples with children make me happy I'm not a mom.

Wright submitted a second article for publication and it still hasn't appeared in the magazine. I'm glad. Today was supposed to be the day that we both submit something and I don't have anything. I think I need a new writing partner. Wright doesn't inspire me anymore. It's not his fault though. I just fear being read and it keeps me from getting something done and ready to get out.

New Day

Today is the first day of Summer 2 a.m. classes. All went well and I was not too nervous when I had to introduce myself. I get to learn some cool new programs in this class like photoshop and in design. I hope this class is as fun as the professor says it is.

I'm a Happy Girl.

I just am. I feel inspired. I'm writing some articles about environmental issues and corporations corrupting the government. I've been watching documentaries and learning a lot. I'm writing letters. I'm looking for ways to speak up.

Tomorrow's the last day of my first summer class. I didn't perform as well as I would have liked, but I learned so much I don't care if I get a B. I've realized I'm so comfortable in a communication class that I easily participate.

I know that there are still situations that inspire terror in me, but I'm finding my niche and that makes a difference.

I don't have a lot of challenges these days, which is why I haven't been updating regularly, but I plan to challenge myself more. Soon, I hope to post a link to my article in the alumni newsletter. My first official published writing. I'll keep working on something for pay and mainstream, though.