Rained Out

Unfortunately the show was rained out last night. Only one corps took the field, so I won't be writing an article about it. It'd be a pretty short review. ha The heat index was 111 when the show started, then BOOM rain and hail. Guess I didn't have to worry about what I was going to write for this one after all. Everyone hates a rainout. All the corps worked through the heat yesterday to be confined to the busses for an hour an a half until the admins decided the show couldn't happen. The rain finally let up about two hours after the show was suppose to start, so I was able to go see my friends while they ate their fourth meal. This show was the first ever hosted by Merrillville High School, and I know they were very excited to be working with the Madison Scouts. I hope they can get another show there next year.

I have another show to cover tomorrow night. I'm probably going to a show just to watch tonight, so I will see all the corps that will be there tomorrow tonight and be able to have an idea of what I'm going to write about them.

I received an email from Halftime Magazine yesterday. My resume and writing samples have been forwarded to the editor. I hope that means good things. Just waiting to hear now.

Originality in Drum Corps World

I am covering my second show for Drum Corps World tonight. The second newsletter of this season came out today, so I read through the reviews of the other shows since the last one I covered. The issue is each person seems to write very similar things about each show since the same show is performed every competition. I will be able to make remarks on what has changed since the last time I saw the the shows, but doing a full recap seems like it would be rather useless. I'm trying to figure out what I can do to bring some originality to my article. I have found other people do not include interviews in their articles, however. I plan on interviewing two people tonight, so maybe that should be the bulk of my story. I just don't want to repeat what has already been written and bore the readers.

eLance- Hired!

Someone commented on one of my posts suggesting I use eLance to bid on freelance writing jobs, so today I created a profile on the website.

Here's how it works:
Someone posts work they would like to have done, then writers, or whatever your trade is, put bids in on the jobs. To bid, I write a few lines about myself and my experience, say how much I'm willing to work for, either per job or hourly, and the amount of hours I can commit.

I put bids in on two or three jobs today. When I got home from dinner, I had an email waiting informing me that I was selected out of nine bids for a writing job! I think it probably helped that I was willing to work for a little less than the average since I don't have a ton of experience yet. I also have quite a bit of time on my hands. I will complete three assignments at a fixed rate, then I will be evaluated to see if they would like to work with me long term. I'm so excited!

Writing Sample Conundrum

I applied for an editorial internship with Halftime Magazine today. Halftime is a bi-monthly marching magazine that covers high school, college, drum corps, indoor percussion, and winter guard. It would give me more experience writing about music and marching as well as introduce me to the inner workings of magazine publishing.

I have been given conflicting advice from different sources about writing samples when applying for magazines. A couple people suggested that I write sample articles that could be used in their magazine, so I can show that I will be able to write for their publications on the topics and in the style they are looking for. On the other hand, someone else was wary of this idea in case the magazine takes my article and runs it without my permission. I am not really sure what to do. I have published writing samples I have been using, and now that I am building my portfolio with my current writing jobs I have a wider variety to choose from. Would it really be worth my time to write articles for potential jobs? Should I send in articles I have already done? Should I do a combination? You'd think after 226 applications I'd be a master at this. However, I've found applying for writing jobs is quite different than applying for other positions.

A Beautiful Success!

I got the Christian writing job! I will receive a packet within the next two weeks that outlines the basic design of the magazine, layout, and timeline I'll be working with. I don't know much more past that at the moment. He didn't comment on my article sample at all, so I'm going to assume that it was ok since I got the position. I'm not sure if the article is going to be used in the first issue of the magazine or not, but here's hoping. This will also help build my portfolio. With the combination of the work I did at the Purdue Press, my research at Purdue, Drum Corps World, and now A Beautiful Thing, I will be able to show prospective employers that I am able to write about a wide range of topics and in different styles.

When It Rains It Pours

I have a phone interview for a full-time position at Nordstrom Rack in shoes in Chicago early next week! No, this isn't going to enhance my resume too much in relation to what I really want to do. However, it would be a paycheck (and a discount!).  I can continue working my freelance positions on the side and keep learning and getting my name out there. Also, I feel like being in the city, working with people, will help me build connections which could be used to secure another job in the future. Plus, I mean, I love shoes. You can't really go wrong there.

I sent in my sample article to the online magazine as well. I am waiting to hear back.

A Beautiful Thing

I have been offered a freelance writing position with an upstart Christian magazine. The great thing is they are working on their first issue, so I will be there from the very beginning. The unfortunate part is it's unpaid for now. Because they're launching the first issue, there is no client base, and therefore no subscription list and very little money. They currently don't sell advertising, so the publication is funded internally. If I were to write a feature article, I would be paid for the rights to that article for three months. Anything else, I retain the rights but am not paid for. However, eventually they should get a subscribers list and move from online base into print and be able to pay the writers. yay!

The magazine is for women ages 21-40. I have to write a sample article on the first issue's theme and send it in to be considered for publication. So, it looks like I will be writing an article today! Right now, while I'm still looking for a full-time job, this will give me more experience and exposure. Fingers crossed that someday someone is going to pay me for my work. It'll make buying food a lot easier. ha