Looking Back at 2010

With less than two days remaining in 2010, I recommend a little housekeeping; in other words, taking stock of the past twelve months.  In the reporter’s familiar style of who, what, where, why, when, and how, perhaps compiling a list of questions revolving around what you’ve accomplished—or where you’ve been—will help you map out the next year’s journey.  The following is an example of my inventory.

Who did I meet?
In March, I met various published authors at The Festival of Books in Tucson, Arizona.  Last month I had the privilege of meeting world renowned author and Public Radio International host David Sedaris.  I also met author and ASU professor, Melissa Pritchard, during a reading sponsored by Superstition Review, Arizona State University’s online literary magazine.  Is there someone you absolutely want to meet, someone whom you’ve admired for years?

What did I learn?
During one of my final courses in my degree program, I was required to compile a portfolio to demonstrate that I had mastered the core learning areas required to complete my Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature, Writing & Film.  102 pages later, I was thrilled to confirm my theory that it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.  What new software or sport have you always wanted to try out, but never made the time for?

Where did I travel?
I made one trip to Tucson to attend The Festival of Books, to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat to entertain a visitor, twice to Minnesota to visit friends and family, and twice to Hannagan Meadows Lodge—20 miles south of Alpine—to recharge my creative juices.  What city or museum have you always wanted to visit?

Why reflect?
For me, reflection on the past year provides an opportunity to pat myself on the back for a job well done, and to contemplate what remains unrealized as I make my New Year’s Resolutions and plan for 2011.  How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been?

When did I follow my dreams?
As long as I was attending college, I felt as if I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.  And each time I write an article, or even post a blog, I am fulfilling a desire.  What activities or endeavors make you feel alive, ones that you know you must incorporate into the next twelve months?

How do I want 2011 to look?
As for the new year, my goals revolve mostly around professional, personal, and relational development.  One of my favorite quotes is by Norman Vincent Peale: “Hold an image of the life you want, and that image will become fact.”  What kind of life do you want in the coming year?

Happy and healthy new year wishes from Always the Write Time. ~ cs

The Writer’s 12 Days of Christmas

~ by Chris Schmidt and sung to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my agent gave me to me a signed contract with an advance.

On the second day of Christmas my agent gave to me two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the third day of Christmas my agent gave to me three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the fourth day of Christmas my agent gave to me four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the fifth day of Christmas my agent gave to me five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the sixth day of Christmas my agent gave to me six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the seventh day of Christmas my agent gave to me seven more years of fame, six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the eighth day of Christmas my agent gave to me eight royalty checks, seven more years of fame, six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the ninth day of Christmas my agent gave to me ninety nine translations, eight royalty checks, seven more years of fame, six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the tenth day of Christmas my agent gave to me ten months best seller’s, ninety nine translations, eight royalty checks, seven more years of fame, six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On  the eleventh day of Christmas my agent gave to me eleven office staff, ten months best seller’s, ninety nine translations, eight royalty checks, seven more years of fame,  six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my agent gave to me twelve guest appearances, eleven office staff, ten months best seller’s, ninety nine translations, eight royalty checks, seven more years of fame, six world book tours, five million fans…four movie deals, three photo shoots, two lit awards and a signed contract with an advance.

Merry Christmas from Always The Write Time ~ cs

“Get it Done”

I’m done.  Yesterday I received official recommendation for my Bachelor of Arts degree, and tonight I “walk.”  Now I’m supposedly equipped with the write stuff to go out there and “get it done,” according to Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University in his commencement speech to the graduating class of 2010.  Friends who know me are aware that I am a Franklin Covey freak.  (One friend even accused me of treating Franklin like an idol).  I schedule everything from dusting my family room, to washing a load of laundry, to attending my graduation ceremony.  So once the holidays are a distant memory, I’m going to sit down with Franklin and we’re going to come up with a plan of attack for the new year to “get it done.”

First, I will prioritize my tasks from most important to least important; i.e., #1 get a job; #10 wash my floors.  Second, I need to list the steps required in order to accomplish said tasks.  For example, in order to get a job, I must plan regular time to “job hunt,” customize cover letters and resumes, and keep track of applications sent and responses received.  Third, to keep myself plugged into the craft, I should devour as much reading material as possible, as well as develop the habit of writing every day—even if it’s simply an image or impression I take note of in passing.  Fourth, I want to be open to opportunities that may take me out of my comfort zone.  This can mean taking a chance on certain employment opportunities, or simply writing in a completely different genre.  And finally, somewhere in there it’s essential I plan another trip to recharge my creative juices.   

But before I can even begin to “get it done,” first thing’s first: I need to schedule that date with Franklin write away. ~ cs

A Bittersweet End to the 26-Year Plan…or is it?

At the beginning of August, 2008 I enrolled in one course at the community college to get my feet wet after a 15 year break from school—plus I was a little too late to get all my materials compiled in time to enroll at Arizona State University.  By January, 2009 I was registered full-time at ASU as an undergraduate in the literature, writing, and film program.  Between then and now, I have logged in over 60 credits, both on campus and online, and invested blood, sweat, and tears (at least the latter two) into my coursework.  And today, after submitting my final assignment to complete my undergraduate degree requirements, the one word that comes to mind is bittersweet.

For the past two years, school has been my life.  I’ve eaten, slept, dreamt, obsessed about, planned around, fashioned into my full-time job, cried over (I know I’m repeating myself, but I did this a lot), garnered lifelong relationships, and was introduced to a whole new way of viewing things.  I’ve analyzed critically, written creatively and professionally, gleaned global awareness, and practiced quantifiable reasoning—just to name a few of the learning outcomes I demonstrated.

But now it’s time for me to step outside of my comfort zone, yet again (also a big step for me to embark on two years ago as a non-traditional student), and take my newly earned degree into the work force.  And although I feel equipped for the challenge, I can’t help but wish I still had just one more semester to further develop my skills, learn one more thing from my professors, and deepen one more relationship.  Perhaps the full magnitude hasn’t really sunk in, yet—not until I don cap and gown with the thousands of fall semester undergraduates next week, and then take the anticipated “walk.”

Now that I think about it, maybe bittersweet isn’t the write word.  I’ll go with hopeful, instead. ~ cs

Internships as Proving Grounds

During my last two semesters enrolled at Arizona State University, I have had the distinct pleasure—and honor—of working alongside some amazing interns, as well as a managing editor who is more like a mentor to me.  Because of the invaluable experience I received serving two back-to-back internships on Superstition Review, ASU’s online, national literary magazine, I feel better equipped to enter the job market in the publishing field.

As Interview Coordinator, I communicated with my fellow interns, as well as a dozen authors to solicit interviews.  I also collected author responses, biographies, and headshots; edited copy; and prepared weekly reports.  As for my current role as nonfiction editor—which is coming to a close—it granted me the opportunity to identify and solicit 20 high-profile authors to submit works of creative nonfiction.  I viewed and assessed submissions, worked with my counterparts to decide what work should be published, corresponded with an amazing group of authors, and handled the detail work.  Both of these internships proved to be rewarding experiences.

Not only are internships an opportunity for students to get their feet wet in an area of interest; i.e., learn the ropes, make connections, and garner name recognition through blogging, e-mail contact, and attending special events, but many companies want to see an internship listed on resumes they receive.  And what better way to find out if a career is the write fit, than by hands-on experience? ~ cs