Last Updated on: February 17th, 2017
When I first got a laptop in January 2013, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, doing the things I am doing.
The online community may reach worldwide, but the internet brings us closer. The technological advances that have been made while I was raising my son, going to school, and teaching are simply astounding. They boggle my mind.
In addition to trying to put together an ebook of short stories, I started writing a book about my life. I have a timeline created, and a few chapters written. My short stories are currently being re-worked, as I needed to make some improvements (according to the people I chose to be my “beta readers”).
In my quest for learning how to do new things, I’ve also been trying to learn how to create infographics.
As you can see from my personal “infographic”, I’ve met a lot of great people online.
The famous Carol Tice is one of the people I have met. I have been reading her blog, Make A Living Writing, for many months. A few weeks ago, she was asking for guest posts. She is one of the many bloggers who pay for guest posts, too, so I was excited to see this – it was a great opportunity for me! Normally she only invites people who have taken Jon Morrow’s class OR are members of her “Freelance Writers Den.” Since I fall into neither of these groups, I never thought that I’d have the opportunity to guest post for her. However, when she decided to “break her own rule” and seek guest posts from (almost) “anyone,” I decided to give it a shot.
I thought I had a pretty good chance at being accepted since I have actually crossed paths with her on a few occasions. I also comment on her blog on occasion (when I have something noteworthy to say). I’ve entered two of my posts into her linky contests, too. (The last one was during this one, in early September. I placed 23rd out of 46 entries. Since the post I entered had nothing to do with freelancing, I’m surprised I was not last!)
Anyway, when I submitted an email to Carol Tice with my idea for a guest post, it was rejected. I wasn’t very surprised; it was not the greatest of ideas. (I can see that now!) Not letting this rejection get me down, I decided to persevere. I then spent an evening thinking of three more ideas – better ones! – to pitch to her. I was thrilled when she accepted one of them. Oddly enough, it was not the one that I thought she would select.
However, I wrote the post she requested, but not well enough to meet her standards. I had to re-write the opening paragraph, and alter things a bit. I wanted it to be perfect. When I thought it was, I sent my re-write to her. A week later, I was told that she sent it to her editor. YAY!
I have guest posted on other sites before (look at my Services page) but never for pay! Since I will be paid upon publication, I haven’t made any money yet…but I’m told that it will happen within the next few months. (She schedules her posts months ahead of time.)
Needless to say, I’m looking forward to being “featured” on her site! I’ll be sure to keep you informed of my post’s publication date, too.
To wrap things up for now, let me say that I love learning. There are so many other things that I have learned during my time online. Some of them are outlined in my post “21 Things I Learned From My 21 Days In The Scavenger Hunt”. I am adding to my list weekly, and am loving my journey.
But, enough about me…
I want to know more about YOU.
What are some of YOUR online accomplishments? Share in the comments, please!
I would say that my accomplishments, online, don’t seem like much to others but to me, I have accomplished more than I thought I ever would. Blogging has offered me hope and relief. I have been me and people have accepted me even when I didn’t think they would. The good Lord has helped me blog and write about things that I never thought that I could or would. Yep, blogging has been a great platform for me to learn about ME and what I am good at and what I like to do. It has also helped me meet some awesome people and have opportunities that I would not probably have, otherwise. Also (I know this is a long comment lol), blogging has let me know that people aren’t as hard to reach as I thought; I always have put professionals, authors, etc., on a pedestal thinking they were this far off distant person that I would never be able to reach. Ha! not true, Felicia, not true at all.
Your words ring true for me as well, Felicia. I never EVER thought that contacting real, live authors would be so easy! 🙂
The internet definitely brings us closer even though we are physically separated by miles, countries, and oceans. I love it!
Congratulations on your accomplishments; reach for the moon!
hahaha! Thanks, I totally agree 😀
🙂
That is awesome! I’m so happy for you. You took a chance, even you though it seemed like you didn’t fit the qualifications to get a guest post, but you tried anyways and got it. Super happy for you!
Thanks, Benny! Sometimes you just have to “go for it” and not worry about the consequences. If more people would realize that they don’t have anything to lose, and everything to gain, they will reach more of their goals.
This link, by the way, is to a guest post that I wrote. 😉
Wow! I still can’t get over as to how quick you have risen to the top. I know, I know. I come across as being biased, but you have accomplished much. Congratulations! Here’s to you!. Blessings.
Thanks, Johnny. I am pretty shocked, too! 🙂
I appreciate your comment.
Your story shows that you are a woman of action, Lorraine! It’s great to see you make your way as a blogger. All best wished …. Mary
Whoa, I just fell off my chair when I saw your name! LOL A visit from the A-List Blogger herself…. Now I’m really honoured, and know my “little” blog is going places! 😉
Thanks for visiting me, Mary. I read Write To Done all of the time, but rarely comment, since I read it in my gmail inbox. (Yes, I am a subscriber.) I found your blog back in January, I think, when I came across the list of Top Ten Blogs in 2011 (I think that’s the right year).
Back then, I knew nothing about blogging or guest posting. I certainly never imagined that I’d be interacting with as many intelligent, legendary bloggers, freelancers, and authors, either. I’m definitely a go-getter, and thrilled that I’ve made many great friends and connections along the way. I’m loving my journey!
Thank you for visiting, Mary, and for your comment. 🙂 I’m glad you left one for me, otherwise I would not have known you were here.
By the way, I learned your interviewing secret; Carol Tice shared it recently (as you know) in one of her blog posts. I’m using this for two of my upcoming author interviews! Great strategy!
Perhaps one day, you’d consider me for a guest post on your blog…. *wink wink*
Way to go with the guest post! Yes, with freelance work you often wait weeks (if not months) for the client payment. I am so proud of how far you’ve come this year x
Awww, thanks, Christy! I’m proud of you, too, for how far you’ve come since I’ve known YOU! 🙂
As of late, I’ve downsized my activities connected with being online. There are things in my life off the web that need my immediate attention. Although the Internet can expand one’s ability to be social and productive, lately I found that so much of what I’ve been doing is ‘busy work’. Of course, this is a subjective perception. Many people are thriving on what it going on in cyber space.
I’m glad you were able to stop by, Glynis. Thanks for your comment. I know things have been a bit tough lately for you and your husband, and real life often takes precedence over internet activity. I’ve been sort of going through a similar experience lately; I had to have a mini-operation (day surgery) two weeks ago, and then Thanksgiving preparations needed to be made. (I’m Canadian, and we celebrated this wonderful holiday on Monday.)
I wish you the best, as always, Glynis. 🙂
I tell people how much one can get out of connecting with others online, and people who don’t know really don’t get it. Congrats on how far you have come.
Thank you for visiting and for your comment, Leora. I’m trying!
It’s tough, sometimes, making time for everyone, but I think that if you keep crossing paths enough times, you’ll make friends! 🙂
Now, I think I owe you a comment on your blog. 😀
Congratulations Lorraine! One step at a time and never give up, but you already know that.
🙂 Yes, I know, even if they are baby steps!
Thanks, Donna Jean!
Congrats on your online adventures Lorraine. I never cease to be amazed at what you have accomplished in just the short time I have known you. I love that you have learned how to do the infograph, that’s something I’d like to play with too.
For a non-techie like me, it was surprisingly easy. You simply choose a template and then “drag and drop” your chosen images (there a bunch to choose from, here, too). If you want to change the colour of your images, you can do that, too. You can add text, change the font, etc. If I can do it, so can you! 🙂
How exciting for you – I’m glad your persistence paid off! I’m going in a different direction these days, but I still love blogging; just don’t have as much time as I used to. Keep up the great work Lorraine! 🙂
Thanks, Aleshia – long time, no see! I hope you are successful with whatever it is you are pursuing! Care to fill us in?
That’s top secret ma’am! Just kidding, I think you already figured it out 🙂
Yes, I did. I learned all about it by visiting your blog. I’m resourceful, you know. 😉
It is way cool to watch you grow in the blogging world Lorraine. There is lot to learn and it changes all the time. It is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. You go girl.
Thanks, Susan. It is tough sometimes, but worth it when I get to learn something – like making an infographic. Interacting with others makes it worth it, too! I love blogging and the people I have met doing it! 🙂 I’m looking forward to writing and guest posting more in the future, too!
*clears throught* Ahem, subtle reminder here… 🙂
WOW! I’m super impressed (and not to mention – green with envy! Lol) that you are guest posting on Carol’s site. Well done! 🙂 Look forward to reading it once it’s published. 🙂
Me, too! LOL
Thanks, Deevra; it seems to me that most people would have stopped after receiving a rejection, but I’m not “most people” and I’m persistent (but in a nice way). 😉
I will definitely be letting everyone know when it’s going to be (or is) published, too. I’ll be tweeting about it, for sure, and maybe mentioning it in a future post. 😉