My life plan shifted gears, after failing to get a job in publishing and media after my journey in NYC. I applied for over 100 jobs per year for three years after graduating. I applied to top companies such as MTV, Essence, NBC, CW, Disney, Tribune, NBA, Time Inc, and local businesses in the DFW area.
So now, I have a regular office job finally, with the hopes of one day earning my way back into the media industry. I work at UTA in the admissions office of an intensive English training program. I recently completed a Young Adult Writing and Publishing class at UTA in Arlington, TX. This class was a great help. In this new class, I learned how to be a published author. At NYU, I was being trained to work in publishing. I have now crossed the other side. For now….
So far, I have learned new writing and editing techniques, steps on how to find a literary agent, how the actual process of editing and book acquisition works, how book deals are created, and more. This class has been a great resource for me too. Our teacher, Jenny Martin, showed us a variety of helpful editing and writing books, including “On Writing” by Stephen King and “Second Sight” by Cheryl Klein. We also got to Skype chat with rising authors Kiera Cass (wrote new book “The Selection”) and Dom Testa (author of Galahad series). Ironically, our instructor has not been published yet by a book publisher, but she is on her way, so sharing her real life real time experience is unique and very helpful to us. She is living now what she is teaching now.
My goal this year is to focus on my writing and getting published again. I no longer write for the local newspaper and magazine in suburb Dallas area anymore. The magazine had a different style and focus that did not suit me. I am a trained young journalist, and for some local softer publications, that can conflict with their softer, lighter styles and desires. For me, I want to write articles that I am proud to place in my portfolio. During my experience, that was not always the result. It was all a good learning experience for me though.
Now, I am back at square one point five.
So my blog will no longer reflect my freelance work for now, but now my take on news and thoughts on society and media. I will try not to abandon it again.
ALN