September News & Announcements
September 1, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
Writing Forward Celebrates One Year Anniversary
On this day one year ago, Writing Forward launched. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how this blog would change my life. Nor could I ever dream of the gifts it would bring.
The greatest of those gifts have been the dedicated bloggers and passionate writers that I’ve connected with over the past twelve months. I feel lucky and proud to call them my friends.
Originally, this blog was called Writing for Writers and even though that’s still what it’s about, it has evolved into so much more. I started it as a way to promote and support my freelance writing business, which, by the way, is also one year old today. At the time, I thought that having a blog about writing would impress my clients and demonstrate my professionalism. I thought it would bring me ‘net cred, and it has.
What I didn’t know is that it would be the doorway that would lead me into this incredible writing community or that it would move me to want to inspire and encourage other writers to hold fast to their ambitions and stay true to their dreams.
For Writing Forward’s birthday, I decided to give my blog the best gift I could think of: a redesign. I’ve been putting it off long enough. Recent WordPress updates tweaked my theme and not in a good way. I’m especially excited to be using one of the impressive Revolution themes by the esteemed Brian Gardner. I’ve been a fan of Brian’s themes for a long time now. I hope you’ll all take a look around but please bear with me as I get everything situated.
I’m proud that I’ve managed to get through my first year as a blogger and I’m relieved that my first year as a freelance writer is finally behind me. They say the first year is the hardest. After all, that’s when you’re learning the ropes, and it’s not easy folks. I’m looking forward to this second year, excited to meet more writers and motivated to grow my business in a new direction. It’s going to be quite a journey and I hope you’ll all continue to walk with me because I definitely intend to keep walking with you!
September is Here at Last
I have to admit, I’m a little bummed that slam poetry month is over. So bummed, in fact, that I have one final slam post planned for later this week. For anyone who didn’t get enough performance poetry in August, there will be a wrap-up post packed with slam poetry links and resources.
School has started and I couldn’t be happier. You all know that writing is only one of my true loves. My other passions are animals and dance. I’m getting my jazz on every Monday night from now until June in a class that will culminate late next spring with an onstage performance. That should be interesting! And soon, I’ll be expanding my writing into the world of animal welfare. More on that later.
For now, let’s focus on the business at hand.
The Business of Writing
For some of us, writing is a hobby. For others, it’s the work of our lives and our livelihoods. This month, we’ll take a look at the business of writing with a series of posts about writing as a profession and the work that happens behind the scenes with regards to paperwork, business relationships, and marketing.
Let us not, however, forget that there’s more to life than work. Here in the U.S. the media is buzzing loudly about the presidential election. It is a historic and fascinating election, and what has caught my attention (besides a presidential candidate that I absolutely adore) are the speeches. They start out as ideas, calls to action, pleas for votes, and they morph into awe-inspiring performances that shake up the crowds. Political speech writers must do more than know their audience. They have to move them to action. Quite a task if you ask me.
We’ll also warm up for October, when the focus will take a dramatic shift away from business. Fiction anyone? We’ll chat about characters, talk about plot, and discuss the language of storytelling. That’ll be the perfect segue for November. I expect in November, this blog will get a little quiet, because as some of you know, that’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and I intend to win!
Year Two Begins
For now, I feel like I’ve already won. My experience this past year with blogging and freelancing has been life-changing and eye-opening but it’s only the beginning. There are many years ahead. I’m going to keep on writing forward and I hope you will too.
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Congrats!!! Looking forward to the next year
Melissa,
How exciting — one year under your belt! I’ve been reading your blog as I navigate through my first year of freelance, and it’s inspiring to see where you’ve arrived thus far. I’ve begun a blog about balancing freelance and creative writing, so I’m figuring it all out on the way.
I look forward to reading more from you.
Happy blogiversary! I know yours is one of my favorite writing blogs, so I’m glad you’re here!
–Debs last blog post..Briiing! How and When to Phone in Your Writing
Hi Melissa: Happy birthday to your blog! And it’s looking great in its new “Revolution” attire. The topics you have planned for the next couple of months sound great, and may your blog have many more birthdays.
Marelisas last blog post..15 Brain Hacks - Gym and Spa for Your Brain
Congratulations on your first year, it looks like you’ve done a lot with it.
Writer Dads last blog post..Nominate Writer Dad
Happy Birthday, Writing Forward.
I love what you’ve done with the place.
(And that little cake looks yummy too.)
Amy Derbys last blog post..Wanted: Guest Bloggers and Success Story Interviewees
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary! May you — and your readers — enjoy many more!
Your new design looks wonderful!
Jeanne
Hi Melissa:
Congrats on making it one year! Most blogs fizzle out by now. Keep up the good work and keep the posts coming. I’m looking forward to many more years of Writing Forward!
I also like the new design. Very clean and professional!
-Brad
Brads last blog post..Twitter your way to novelist stardom!
Happy Anniversary! I’m loving the new design. Here’s to many more years of blogging and writing!
Jessicas last blog post..The River, by Moonlight, by Camille Marchetta
Happy birthday to you, Writing Forward!
Love the new design… it suits you and the blog nicely.
Allison Days last blog post..Hotate Special, and More Randomness
Happy Blog Birthday, Melissa. I really like this new format. Your are skilled in many ways! Maybe I’ll give the rev theme a swing sometime.
And thank you for including me in your friends list. I feel honored. I also like how you set this list up.
I’m glad you will be writing about animal welfare, you are very passionate about it.
It is so interesting how we evolve.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Disappearing Barns of the Midwest
Melissa! The site looks phenomenal. How wonderful you are having this blogiversary. Can’t wait to see what the new year holds for you and Writing Forward. My most sincere congratulations and thanks for the all the wonderful and inspiring advice.
Whoo hoo!! Happy Blog Anniversary! I am so excited for you and excited for me that I found you!
I have never done NaNoWriMo but plan to this year so I look forward to getting warmed up and prepared with your help. Yippee! The content and visuals here always leave me completely uplifted. It is no surprise that I always leave here twirling to the music you create with your words. Wishing you an even better, bigger year two - you deserve it!
Karen Swims last blog post..Guest Post Today at Word Sell
Happy Anniversary! I am so glad I found your blog through the link of a link of a link…etcetera. I am also glad for the writers I have found who link and comment here.
Love the new look. It reminds me of a quilt grandmother once made in corn silk and sky blue. She thought blues and yellows “set up real good.”
Congratulations, Melissa!! Thank you for all the inspiration you’ve given me since I found your blog.
The site looks pretty. I wish we could eat that cupcake!
Greers last blog post..Again With The Billy Collins
@Everyone, Thank you so much for all your well wishes, congratulations, and compliments on Writing Forward’s new look. It really means a lot to me, and I’ll do my best to keep things interesting around here. Keep writing! And dancing!
Hi Melissa,
Happy Blogirthday!
I discovered your web presence approximately 1 month ago. You are an inspiration. I truly appreciate the energy that you emit with each word. Thank you for being you.
I will continue dancing and writing
Annette
Congrats on the 1 year! New site looks good.
Scott Marlowes last blog post..Writing Progress - 9/1/08
Melissa,
Congratulations on a successful first year as a blogger and as a freelance writer. I love the new look. Revolution is a great theme—I’ve used it for several client sites and have had it on my to-do list for ages to update my own blog and site. Now that I’m about to start promoting a new novel, the re-design has to move high up on the priority list.
Wishing you continued success!
Melissa,
I’m liking your new renovations. I’ll be visiting often/informing others about Writing Forward &all it has to offer on my own blog Clara54…Wow, one year into this freelance/blogging thang!
continued success:)
Clara
Congrats on the newness! And a very special Woot! to you. I like the look, even though it kinda shocked me at first and wasn’t sure I typed correctly. (I’m on a different computer which unfortunately doesn’t have you favorited like my own PC has… not that any of that is important, just hyped up on coffee and can’t stop typing. With that, I shall close this disgustingly long parenthetical expression.)
Many more years to come as you become a blogger celebrity. I have 6-7 months ’til I have my first year. Woot.
t. sterlings last blog post..Writer’s Wretreat - August ‘08 [part 4]
Oh my goodness, Melissa, it’s beautiful!!!! Wow… I’m so honored to have had the experience of watching everything evolve. I even remember commenting on Writing for Writers! How time changes things, eh?
This is truly an awesome design! I’m just so glad I happened to stop by. I’ve been behind on visiting all my favorite blogs for a while now, so it’s such a blessing to stop by here and discover all this beauty. I love the heart that you put into this post and this past year. And, I’m in tears at the beautiful things you said about me on your Friends page! It really tugged at my heart! (Thank you!)
*smiles and hugs and lots of warm fuzzies*
Michele
Congrats Melissa!
I’m looking forward to sharing your second year and beyond with you and the whole gang!
Just think what possabilities the future can bring!
Yippee!
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Collecting Words of Wisdom
CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!
I only hope I can survive my first year, the first few months have been interesting to say the least!
Keep up the good work!
Jennys last blog post..Holy Macaroni!
Melissa, congratulations on your first year both as a blogger and as a freelancer! Though you have no idea who I am, I will say it anyway…I’m proud of you and what you’ve accomplished. The site redesign is great, btw. Thank you for inspiring me since I found your blog late last spring.
A regular reader.
nice redesign
gratz on the anniversary
jons last blog post..Wheels up…
Happy birthday, Writing Forward! The new design looks great, Melissa. You’ve done great things both in the design and in the content.
Loris last blog post..Recurring Client Issues
Hi, Melissa -
Congratulations! As a fellow freelance writer/small business owner/blogger, I enjoy your blog very much, and I wish you only the best this coming year.
(… and as a dog owner/animal lover, I’m intrigued to learn more about your animal welfare project!)
Rebecca Smiths last blog post..The scoundrels’ dictionary
@All, Wow, the warm wishes keep on coming. You guys are all so supportive and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for helping me on my journey! It means the world to me.
Just think it all started with you blogging and what good blogging it is.
Congrats
@Coby, It did all start with blogging, and on MySpace no less! Though I did have a blog out here on the web even before that…
Congratulations on your one year and your attractive site remodel!
You have taught me so much and I am ever so grateful.
Thanks for the mention in the Friends section.
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywoods last blog post..Sunday Picture Post 27 / Tip: Ask Questions
Thanks Jaden! I’m glad you became a blogger too, especially because you have a natural talent for it!