Dirtbag Writer

New Beginnings: The First Month In Review

Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Writer in On Living

As I look back at my goals for the first 3-months of my full-time freelance writing career, I wonder what I have accomplished during this whirlwind first month.  I am going to use these occasional check-ins as a way to monitor my progress, keep the motivation strong, and basically hold myself accountable so I don’t get completely swept away by my new found freedom.

Sure in the past few months I have had innumerable freak-outs. I feel less secure without good health insurance, a paycheck I can count on, and the certainty of where my life is headed. But all I need to do is take a look outside and look at the incredible mountains of Colorado that surround me and everything comes into focus.

For the first time in a long time, I feel truly happy. I have the freedom to literally do whatever the hell I want – read what I want, travel where and when I want, sleep when I want, run when I want, work when I want, drink wine whenever I want… Freedom is such a beautiful thing, yet totally overwhelming. It will take some time before I learn to focus my efforts, but for right now I will just let it be. Everything is only up to me from here on out.

(1) Moving/Housing Situation

After two weeks battling marble-sized hail, the occasional snowstorm, sketchy US hostels, and inconsistent Internet connections – I moved things inside.  Dirtbagging is so much more simple and pleasant in the summer months, but can be quite nerve frazzling with unpredictable fall weather. I found a reasonably priced room for a month or so in lovely Basalt, CO.  I feel like I am on some amazing writer’s retreat high in the Colorado Mountains. I am definitely going to have to do something about my apartment back in Salt Lake City – it is amazing how much an idealistic setting (i.e. back deck with mountain and lake views) can inspire.

(2) Matador U

So far I have been thrilled with Matador U and highly recommend it for any aspiring travel writer.  I have made some amazing connections, got valuable feedback on my writing, and been introduced to this entire new world of online publishing.  The course is also benefiting me by forcing me to tackle some writing styles that I tend to steer clear of.

(3) The Blogs

I haven’t exactly held up to my goal of contributing to my blogs 3-4 times a week.  I am going to let this goal slide this month because I think my time was better well spent querying publications and getting out an exploring the area before the snow starts.

(4) Query Query Query

I blew my goal of one query letter a week out of the water – even receiving nice rejection letters from many of them.  I also set up a pretty little submission log to track my progress.

(5) Financials and Other Not So Pleasant Stuff

Let’s just say I haven’t blown my entire savings yet, but I have only made about 7% of what I spent.  I did receive my final paycheck and vacation payout from work – so the month doesn’t look as ugly as it should.  Next month is already looking better.

(6) Other Notable Highlights

• Scored a gig as NileGuide’s Salt Lake City Local Expert – check out my profile here.
• Got assigned my first magazine piece at the mag I am interning at.
• Successfully queried a local sports magazine.
• Finally purchased an external drive – back-up your work peeps!

Tags: Changes, Daily Life, Matador