Regularity is key — for blog posts (and other aspects of life as well)

Day 18 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

One of my first Behind the scenes at Orozco Ink blog posts was Breaking the Blog Hymen. I noted one inspiration as Julie Powell's blog, as in the Julie/Julia Project, as in Julia Childs, as in they made a movie of it starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, as in my name is Amy, too.

I've been fortunate to find other blogs as inspiration. And, you know what the common thread of inspiration is? The fact that they stuck/stick with it. Sure, the writing is engaging, the graphics pleasing to the eye. However, what I marvel at is the regularity, the commitment, and the discipline.

It's not easy. Not for me, anyway. The writing part is the easy part. The "doing it" is tough.

Let me share Calla Gold's blog. Go ahead and check it out. I know, can you believe it? Calla designs jewelry. And her real last name is Gold! I know this is true because I know her personally.

OK. Back to the point: Note the frequency of posts. Calla is on top of it. Even if she's pre-writing and scheduling her blog, it doesn't matter. She's still churning out the posts.

That's what I'm working on -- showing up. Cuz once I show up, the other part takes care of itself.

Thanks Julie. Thanks Calla.

Above, the artwork from the May 30 blog post of Calla Gold Jewelry. Calla has such a great blog. So much information and so interesting. 

A Writer, Editor, and Comedian Walk into a Bar ...

Day 17 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

Last Friday's blog inspired me to create Friday Funny, posting amusing bits on the English language. Naturally it follows that today, Friday, I have nothing funny, clever, or amusing to share.

So I'm taking a different tack.

What's that saying? Something like, tell me a joke and I laugh for a second. Teach me how to write one, and I laugh for a lifetime.

Like any genre, there's a real craft to joke writing.

In his blog Creating a Comic, stand-up comedian CJ Alexander posts a joke anatomy lesson: A joke has three parts. The Setup is connected to the Punchline, which is connected to the (optional) Tags. CJ makes it look easy, which it isn't. Don't believe me? Check it out yourself: Creating a Comic.

In her joke instructions, Jan McInnis provides more details to mastering a joke with an emphasis on brevity being the soul of wit (thank you, Mr. Shakespeare). Like ditching unnecessary prepositional phrases. (Who knew grammar could be such a killjoy?)

Now that I know how to write a joke, it's time to get started ...

Time to Invoice

Day 16 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

Entrepreneurs learn lots (and lots) about themselves while making a living. What they're good at, and what they're not so good at, what they enjoy, and what they shy away from.

For me, the number one thing shied away from is invoicing. I am not comfortable billing for my work. Funny, huh? The actual billing, plugging in the numbers, is fine; it's the asking for the money that's the issue. 

Why? 

Who knows? It's probably an amalgamation (wow! how often does the opportunity to use that word show up?) of factors like my parents' attitude toward money, gender roles, self worth, etc. 

Having a regular invoicing day/period helps with the discomfort. I bill at the end of the month via email. Clients can expect an invoice from me the first few days of a month. Most pay right away. I've had to chase down a few payments, and, by the way, that wasn't uncomfortable at all. 

My generic invoice, pictured below, is an Excel worksheet. My sister helped create it. 

Most of my clients pay by check. One paid me a large sum in cash. That was nice, albeit a little nerve wracking. A few have paid via PayPal, which extracts a fee, so the client needs to pay more than the billed amount. 

30-Day Writing Challenge is half-way finished. Now for the final stretch. 

The National Archives -- Worth the Trip to D.C.

Day 15 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

Tools of the Trade

I'm the sort of person who remembers the state capitals from fifth gradegeography. Or the plot and details to a leisure book read during sixth grade quiet time. Things planted in my elementary school brain really took root. Like a redwood. 

Too bad I didn't learn about the National Archives. 

Technically known as the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the organization is an agency of the federal government with the responsibility of preserving and documenting governmental and historical records in addition to increasing public access to those documents. According to wikipedia, that is. 

NARA is a fabulous research tool. And much more authoritative than the aforementioned wikipedia. Fact checking a story? Good chance the National Archives can help. Want to make sure the quote from the Gettysburg Address is correct? National Archives can tell you. 

Yes, it's the place in Washington D.C. where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are on display. 

So are other moments in our history. Like Rosa Parks arrest record.

You don't have to go to D.C., though, to research. You can start online at National Archives. It's so easy and enjoyable to get lost in the archives. Check it out.

When Not Knowing is Helpful

Day 14 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

"How can you write about a subject you know very little about?" 

I'm asked that question from time to time. 

Actually, being in the dark can be a good thing. I must whittle down the words so I can understand the context, which makes for very clear and concise writing -- perfect for professionals writing for a lay audience. 

Oftentimes in this process, a string of words is reduced to looking like a mathematical equation. (Adjective) Noun + Verb (Adverb) + Direct Object = Complete Thought. 

For example, take DCA (Dylan Chappell Architects). I helped Dylan, principal architect, with his series "DCA's Great Design System."

My major contribution was identifying concepts and nomenclature that could be unclear to homeowners, his intended audience. If I didn't understand it, chances were good a reader wouldn't either. 

"DCA's Great Design System" was a fun project. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the subject matter. 

Wondering how well you would understand an architect writing for an audience of peers? Take this quiz. 

My lack of architectural knowledge turned out to be an asset in helping to produce the "Great Design System" by architect Dylan Chappell. I helped make sure the content was understandable to nonprofessionals. 

Memorial Day

Day 13 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

Like any three-day weekend in the United States, the Memorial Day holiday has morphed into an opportunity for retailers to have sales and for individuals to get caught up around the house. 

The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who have died in service to the United States.  

What's its history? And why does it always seem to fall on a Monday in late May?

Check out the following links. I find the differences among the Web sites interesting. What's told, what's not. Photos used. Accompanying ads (if any). 

• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 
• History.com 
• Wikipedia
• usmemorialday.org

Ode to SMART

Day 12 / 30-Day Writing Challenge

There wasn't a single source of inspiration for this 30-day writing challenge. SMART certainly was a heavy influence. The brainchild of Santa Barbara jeweler Calla Gold,  SMART (Social Media Action Relationship Team) meets the third Thursday morning of each month in downtown Santa Barbara. And, I'm a member.

The purpose of SMART is to exchange social media marketing and online promotional ideas. The accountability and regularity of meetings make crystal clear where I'm at with my business and my writing. I needed to stretch the writing muscles.

At last Thursday's meeting, executive coach Patricia Schwartz shared a piece penned by her boyfriend Grant House. Ode to SMART was written in the moment after Patricia shared some SMART news with Grant. An ode is defined as a poem in which a person expresses a strong feeling of love or respect for someone or something. 

Here it is:

Ode to the SMART Group 

By Grant House on 5/21/14

Three Lindas

Two Patricias

And ten other women

From varied backgrounds

With a common interest

In empowering others

through their enterprises,

assemble each month

at the University Club downtown.

Ostensibly they meet

to encourage one another

to listen, provide feedback,

and work within a system

of accountability.

They, each and as a group,

recognize the value

of their loose alliance.

An outside observer, tuned in

to a “higher frequency” might

observe another congregation,

a remarkable and

unique accomplishment unfolding.

Fifteen faces of God convene

recognize one another.

Fifteen mirrors held up

in the light radiating

from their inner being,

resonating in a tone

that elevates whole universes

to a higher order.

Monthly, the world’s course

is subtly altered.

And then they go back to

their daily lives.

Without this circle the

world would lose its way

And wander off to who

knows where.

Offer gratitude.

Show respect and appreciation.

And give them love.

  And in its original form: