Friday, March 20, 2009

Seriously...

Did I really do this?

I did.

Today I purchased my domain name and have begun the process of creating a website. I feel so grown-up!

Why did I make this (to me) leap? Because I am missing out on some serious self-promotion opportunities. Every time I send an editor a bio, I cringe because I have no website tagged to the end. I know, I could put my blog address, but that just didn't seem right to me. For me, it wasn't exactly what I wanted to project to my readers or possible employers.

Backup--did I say self promotion? Yes indeed, I did. Let me explain something that I have learned in this business--this is a big one. If I don't put myself out there, I won't be "out there." I don't magically pop into editor's heads for a great writing assignment, I don't mystically get selected for a blog tour and I don't mysteriously become a reputable writer if I sit in my office closet all day just waiting. I have to make the first move.

My career as a freelance writer only started thirteen months ago. Since then, I have said at least 100 times, "I was just in the right place at the right time." That is not true. The truth is, I put myself in the right place at the right time.

So I am building a website. It might look hokey for a few months while I get the hang of things. It will probably drop off of my radar for a while as life temporarily takes over career aspirations for a while. But I will have a web presence, my published clips will (eventually) be available on my website and I will be putting myself out there.

A website is the right step for me right now.

I firmly believe that, for each of us, regardless of our career status, NOW is the time to make our presence known.
Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. DenaMarch 20, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    You go Julie, you are my inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JoannaMarch 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    Julie,

    I would love hear and talk about how this process goes. I just had a meeting with my Neighborhood Kids buddy to talk about them designing me a site. The cost freaked me out, but we're trying to work a bit of a trade. Anyway, I'm with you on needing a web presence. Any tips you have to offer? The things I've been thinking about, besides my domain name, are the words people might use to search me out. I am just such a newbie at this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JulieMarch 21, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    Joanna,

    I will keep you in the loop! I have decided to try web design on my own using a template from godaddy.com. They will build it for me, but it is $50 a month. I am not there yet, but someday I will have enough income to turn that job over to someone more experienced.

    I chose my own name after my experience with Southern Living. I didn't have any contact info in that article, but an amazing amount of people sought me out using my name--either on FB or on my blog. So, for now, I am using my name in hopes that my bylines, along with mention of the website, will lead people to me!

    Good luck. Julie

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 21, 2009 at 5:02 PM

    I've been trying to figure out a domain name for myself. Unfortunately there's a woman in real estate somewhere in the US with the same name who has the domain :(. It's great that you're doing this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LuciaMarch 23, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    Yay for taking that leap! I hope to follow soon.

    I tagged you also at my blog, :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. septembermomMarch 23, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    Good for you! I'm just starting out getting my feet wet as a writer. After reading a few writers' blogs, I'm learning so much about the importance of self-promotion. I wish you luck as venture out into the website world :) Glad I dropped by your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kristine Meldrum Denholm, freelance writerMarch 26, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    I could've written the same thing! I was a writer for 10 years but that was over 10 years ago--and I've been home with my kids ever since. I thought I was on top of things just keeping up with email! Now I find the world has passed me by in this time that I've been home with the kids--I have to learn all this blogging stuff. I just started my own writers/moms blog but it's very basic (the content/graphics that is--from the template.) I'm totally learning this all on a wing and a prayer! I guess I have to start a website too! Yikes. I would like to follow you as you seem to be doing well with all of this! Good luck to you!!! I'm at www.kristinemeldrumdenholm.blogspot.com if you want to leave any advice for me :) Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Chris BentonMarch 28, 2009 at 7:27 AM

    I may have missed it but where is the link to your website? I would be happy to give you some tips on web site design if interested. I have started a blog but haven't had much time to post web design tips for anyone. Good luck in your writing career. Chris Benton

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)