Holding onto the dream

No matter how bad it gets and no matter what the news reports might say, I have decided to stay upbeat and positive about what is going on in the world. Change is always tough since most of us like to stay in our comfort zone, but I have found that once the dust settles from all new things in my life, I am actually happy to have gone through it.

I know that sounds a little weird, but it's true. Going through something not so pleasant is never fun but if you can get through it and come out stronger, you have learned something valuable. I am definitely an example of going through a rough time but coming out stronger and wiser.

So even in the present economy, I am planning to stay positive and hold on to the dream. This is starting to be my new approach to life. I really hope that others will choose to do the same. Sometimes our attitude can make all the difference in how something turns out.

Catch 22

I am a writer and have been a writer for over 20 years. I am dedicated, talented and very disciplined in getting material written, copyrighted and ready in all ways to submit to production companies and publishing houses. I have even had the opportunity to make quite a few contacts in the industry. I guess you could say I know a few people and I know my craft but here in lies the rub. I receive calls from executives at major companies and they are interested in seeing my work but within the conversation the inevitable always comes up. The question, "Do you have an agent?" is what they ask. This is the The Catch 22.

As I mentioned, I am talented. From 16 years old to the present, I have written and rewritten at the suggestions for many industry professionals and I have to say my work is better. For that, I'm grateful, but I am frustrated by the brick wall I come to when getting my work in the hands of the right people. Don't get me wrong, I have had agents over the years however some were not very good which is why I no longer have one. I believe like a personal relationship or friendship an agency relationship has to be chose carefully. You have to find someone as interested in growing your career as well.

Currently I am seeking representation and looking for the right agent. The Right Agent! I work hard on my career and am looking for the exact same thing. I attend industry events, network, and can drum up my own contacts, I just need the middleman to seal the deal. This year, I am working to make that happen. No more Catch-22 for me.

When Not Working....Work, Learn and Relax

I was recently laid off from my editorial position at a major publishing company. It is something that has been happening to quite a few people I know in my industry so I was not alone. I was a little sad about the layoff but after a few weeks, I began to regroup and find the positive. Even though I was laid off at a time when so many people were out of work, I decided to use the time wisely. There have been a few things I have wanted to learn but always seemed to be too busy so I decided to take this time to learn a new skill, polish some old skills and even relax every now and then.

So far, things have been going well. I cannot say that I don't get a little discouraged at times but now when I do I can quickly turn it around and focus on the good. Keeping myself busy, along with helping others is the way I stay upbeat and with my mind staying on my goal. I am even learning how to relax and not sweat the small stuff as much. If I can pass on any advice or wisdom to anyone who has been laid off recently, it would be to take the change as an opportunity to go into a new and exciting direction. That is what I'm doing and to be honest it is not a bad thing. Not a bad thing as all.