While many an item has recently been checked off my “Life To Do List“, I’ve obviously been behind on updating the blog. Upcoming news includes the following items being crossed off my list:
#3: Hike on a trail outside CA
#13: Go Wine Tasting
#36: Choose to drink fairtrade coffee when available
#45: Collaborate on an original project with a mentor
The feature of this particular entry will be the completion of goal #5 of the list: Get paid to Blog.
Considering that it’s almost been a full year of dedicated writing and readership, I love that this item is checked off now. Theoretically, I could have checked it off when my article “How to Host an Inauguration Party” was ranked in the top 10 articles on eHow back in November.
It didn’t feel right then. But being paid to create, manage, and host the blog for the film I am working on now is exactly the type of work I was hoping for when I posted #5 on the list almost a year ago.
The blog is hosted at “www.amarinestorymovie.com” and features my 
writing, photography, and video contributions, as well as those of the rest of the producing team. This type of behind-the-scenes, first person storytelling is a dream for me.
The journey here has been an interesting one. It started with interviews of full-time bloggers like Esther Kustanowitz (of www.myurbankvetch.com). Then I googled everything from HTML coding, picture and video embedding, and just. kept. writing. I learned more about my writing voice, how I wanted my personality to come through my words, and the ways in which I could build an audience.
Recenlty, I took the blog a step further by actually buying my own address (www.journeywithjanelle.com), and setting up a partnered email newsletter that would keep readers engaged. I regularly upload my entries onto sharing sites such as facebook and reddit. I twitter. It’s all media all the time!
I am super proud of this particular accomplishment, but am mostly grateful. My friends and family and mentors have continued to offer me feedback and encouragement; that’s been the driving force behind dedicating myself to this particular career goal. Onward and upward (a crossed fingers!) to continuing to get gigs like this!
Related posts:
- Get on board! Dear Reader, I am embarking on a HUGE adventure and...
- Livin’ the Dream People are starting to believe me when I tell them...
PS, what's crazy about this is that you posted it on my birthday…
I'm proud of you, too. And if in any way our "interview" was able to help, then I'm even prouder.
Keep up the good work. I know you will, because you've always known that if you love what you do, you'll never really "work" a day in your life. Or at least if you're working, that you'll feel that you're really making a difference…
Love from Jerusalem.