Shawndra Russell's Blog, page 4

My Writing Mentor, Nora Ephron

I was rocked when early tonight I discovered my writing mentor above all others passed away. Nora Ephron wrote heartwarming, poignant, and honest words that translated into films, essays, plays, novels, and television shows that break us down but also lift us up.

I immediately went to find my favorite movie, When Harry Met Sally, and plan to watch it now to honor her in my own small, weird tribute as I nurse a beer and shed tears for a woman who touched me in so many ways.

On a day when I needed reminded about what truly matters, Nora once again came through albeit under unwelcome circumstances. Although I always hoped I would run into her in New York, I will have to instead dive into her words for solace and inspiration.

Thank you for living your life with passion, purpose, and most of all, humor. You will be sorely missed, and I wouldn’t be a writer today without your words.

Carpe diem.

Couple Friends Kickstarter is Launched!

Cheers to you for helping make my dreams come true!

Sorry it’s been a week since my last post, but I’ve only taken off two weeks total since starting this daily blog last January, so I’m going to cut myself a little slack when needed

And boy was it needed. *drumroll*

I LAUNCHED MY KICKSTARTER YESTERDAY! If you don’t know what Kickstarter is, it’s a crowdfunding site that allows people to help a creative launch a project–be it an album, gadget, website, or book, like mine! The catch? It’s all-or-nothing. So, if you want to raise $4,000 (like me), but you only raise $3, 215, then you don’t get any of that money and your backers don’t pay.

Sad. I wonder what the closest number has been that someone DIDN’T reach their goal, but almost did?

Anyway, please check out my novel and the other cool projects going on. Projects can’t go longer than 60 days, but most only go around 30; mine is 31 days long and ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. *gulp*

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawndrarussell/publishing-my-first-novel-couple-friends

Even if you’re strapped for cash, you can donate just $1 and become an awesome dream-granter, which will keep you in the loop about the goings-on with my novel, like guest blog posts, interviews, and voting on my ebook cover later this month.

Thank you for your support both on this blog and perhaps for my Kickstarter!

Writer Wednesdays: Jeff Goins “You Are a Writer”

Photo from Donald McAllister

I had a fabulous lazy Sunday reading Jeff Goin‘s newest ebook, You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One). But my relaxed mood quickly shifted into holy-cow-I-am-so-inspired-I-want-to-start-working-on-my-next-book-NOW mode.

Goins tends to have that effect.

This page-turner is a call to action for anyone thinking about becoming a writer. You can’t read it and NOT want to go write something worthy of publishing immediately.

But as a freelance writer for over a year, it is also a great read for non-newbies too because it’s a reminder of all the joys, and challenges, of writing. Most notably, Goins emphasizes how important it is to put yourself out there over and over, again and again, to new audiences and old, constantly.

Reading this book came at the perfect time for me as I get ready to self-publish my first novel. The book is an ideal confidence boost that makes me feel like I can do anything, not because he writes like my personal cheerleader or promises the journey will be easy, but because he emphasizes that you have the power over your success and only the truly dedicated and passionate will persevere.

It’s an empowering message, and puts the accountability for your career squarely on your shoulders, where it should be. No excuses, no more stalling. The cliche “Just Do It” rings so true when it comes to your writing career.

Goins has the wonderful ability to make his words stir your greatest writing desires, and his style makes it feel like he wrote the book especially just for you. Which he did, because as a successful writer that is farther along in his career than me, I see his book is a roadmap to reaching his level of success.

And I know I can do it, because “I am a Writer.”

Thanks again, Jeff, for believing in your fellow writers and sharing your knowledge.

Soul Saturdays: One Small Step

Photo by Bill Longshaw

In November 2011 on Thanksgiving Day, I hit the “publish” button for the first time on Yahoo (anyone can publish through www.contributor.yahoo.com). The thrill of that moment, and then seeing the article go live the next day, filled me with a sense of purpose and ecstatic joy, but I didn’t fully realize what that moment meant at the time.

Now I do.

That one small step, which only took about two hours of my time, began a journey that I am still thrilled to be on and will be on until the day I die.

And I’m getting ready to hit an unbelievable, terrifying, and freakin’ exciting milestone: publishing my first novel.

I’m launching a Kickstarter VERY soon, and it will fund the self-publishing expenses that are involved. It’s scary as hell, but in that my-heart-is-fluttering-and-I-can’t-stop-grinning way.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. I know how lucky I am to be doing work that I love, and it would be possible without you!

Eternally grateful,

Shawndra

P.S. What small step can YOU take today to put you on a path to reach your dreams? Share in the comments so we can support you!

Writer Wednesdays: Amy Flurry, Author of Recipe for Press

Photo by Salvatore Vuono

Today I had the pleasure of listening to Amy Flurry, editor, freelance writer, and all-around “in-the-publishing-know” person give a presentation as part of #SCADstyle. She presented talking points from her book, Recipe for Press (which is now on my to-read list on Goodreads!), and how any of us can be our own publicist–especially in the beginning when money is tight. I can relate

Even though she is a stylist and in the fashion/design world, and the room was filled with people that create products over services like I do, I still found what she said very valuable. I am going to implement some of her tips into my future magazine pitches, and I will definitely be keeping up with her blog as she sends tips and friendly reminders such as NATIONALLY MAGAZINES WORK AT LEAST SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE, like in this blog post: BOO! Pitching October Issues Yet?

Little nudges like these are exactly what I need to stay on track. I know how important it is to think ahead, but so many of ideas are more relevant for the season I’m currently in, so I need to file those ideas away for the appropriate time–time for a new worksheet in my “Pitches” Excel document! It always amazes me that these editors and editors have to think that far ahead. It has to get frustrating, but of course there really isn’t any other way I suppose…unless everything moves to digital mags, which I’m guessing would mean a shorter turnaround, like ebooks compared to print publishing?

I will definitely post a full review after I read the book, but I wanted to put her Recipe for Press blog on your radar as I’ve already found it, and Flurry’s advice and insight, very helpful.

Let me know what you think after you visit her blog!

Soul Saturdays: Do Things that Scare You

I ran in my first mudrun this weekend (that’s me in the picture above), and ever since my good friend asked me to join her team of Crossfit enthusiasts three weeks ago, I worried.

Worried I would be the weakest link.

Worried I would let them down.

Worried I would get hurt.

Honestly, these concerns aren’t like me, at least when it comes to athletic things. I have played sports my whole life, and I love to do new things. But for some reason, this mudrun had me worried. Maybe partly because I know my health insurance isn’t the greatest (hello, life of a freelancer). But mostly, I just didn’t want to look stupid.

When the race began and we trudged into the first obstacle–a mudpit that was about 2.5 feet deep–a smile spread across my face. It was SO much more fun than just regular “running” races (I competed in my first (and only) half marathon last year at Disney’s Princess Run), and a new silly grin creeped onto my face every time we encountered a new obstacle.

I was hooked.

If I would have given into my fears and backed out, I would have never known that I absolutely love mudruns, and I intend to do many, many more in my future. In fact, I’m doing my second one June 16 (http://www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/jcb). If you’re in Savannah, you should join!

I also learned that I need to believe in myself and my preparation (in all things, not just exercise!). I run 3-5 times per week, but I thought that I was lacking in the strength department and would have trouble with some of the upper body obstacles. I should have had faith that I was strong enough (physically and mentally!), and the huge sense of accomplishment I felt as we crossed the finish line was blissful.

We have to do the things that scare us sometimes, be it taking a leap of faith in order to pursue your dream career, start a new relationship, attend a networking event, or trying anything new, like a mudrun

What “new” thing will you tackle this month?