Getting the Job!

Just dropping in with an update from yesterday!  I got the editing job!  Persistence pays off in the end!  Now a little bit about the gig (or at least what I can tell you without spoiling anything for the author).  I'll be editing a short novel that will be self published.  I'm not getting paid for it, but since this is my first real editing gig, I'm okay with that.  I'm still in school and need the experience more than anything.  I think the coolest part is that I'll be credited in the finished product.  Really, I'm just over the moon about the whole thing.  The author is delightful and I'm really excited to be working with her.

Here's to experience!

Persistence is the New Patience

Good things come to those who wait are annoyingly persistent.  Today, little editor-aspiring me got my first official editing opportunity aside from all of those college admissions essays that I do for my mother's business.  This client is new to me.  She doesn't know someone that I'm related to.  I may write for legit companies and clients, but people want their editors to have heaps of experience.  I'm told being the grammar police of a college English department doesn't count.

Okay, so I'm not that bad, but you get the idea.

Anyway, the point of the matter is that this job was taken.  Someone else had been chosen and I've known this for about a month.  However, during some desperate Craigslist surfing today, I came across the month old ad again and decided to shoot the author a little email, just to check in with how things were going with the editing process.  You know, making sure all of her editing needs were being met.  Well, it turns out that her selected editor has gone a little AWOL.  She was impressed with my initiative and pitched a bit of her story my way as an audition.  If she likes what she sees, the gig is mine.

Valuable lesson learned today:  Even when you don't get the job, that doesn't mean severing ties with the potential client.  This can be applied to almost any field of work.  Check in a few weeks later, be friendly (but professional!) and inquire as to how things are going.  Most of the time, the client will not change horses like my potential one is willing to do, but even if they aren't, they will be sure to remember your initiative the next time that they are searching for someone to hire.

We'll Always Have Paris

This time three years ago, I was beginning to plan my first trip to Paris, France.  A year ago, I was studying modernity and American expatriate writers to prepare for my second trip to Paris.  This year, I'm feeling a little melancholy that I won't be going back anytime soon.  Anyone who has been to France can vouch that it is impossible to leave unchanged.  I swear, the water of the Seine is in these veins (smart girl's a rhymer!) and you'll probably be subjected to lots of French themed ramblings if you decide to stick around.

I was looking through my never ending supplies of Paris photos and was horrified to see some of the outfits I had packed, especially for my first trip.  I mean, look at me.  (I'm on the right)

Okay, so maybe we were just trying on silly hats in a hat shop, but you get the point.  I was a walking, talking American disaster who only knew how to say "I'm a star!" and "Hug me! I speak French!"  I was eighteen and I'm sure someone found me to be precious.  Right.  Anyway, I cleaned up my act before I went back again last year.  I learned all there was about "dressing French" and I put it to good use.  

So as I sit here, reminiscing about Paris, listening to Edith Piaf, and munching on gingersnaps (they aren't French, but they are certainly delicious!), I got to thinking about Paris street fashion and how I wish more people Stateside would take a style note or two from our French friends.  They certainly know how to dress. 

If you're planning a trip to Paris, let me know so I can live vicariously through you.  In exchange, I've compiled a list of what to pack for Paris to help you blend in with the en vogue locals.  And even if you aren't planning a great European adventure, we can all learn a bit from the French.  Let's bring some of their style over here.  I promise it will put a smile on your face.

Welcome to WWFS

I've finally caved and done the unthinkable... I've started a blog.  I have kept my distance from these things for quite some time because I consider myself to be a "serious writer."  Well, a girl can only write so many how-to articles before she's ready to scream.  So here I am, hoping to scribble out something a little more festive. 

I am:

• a freelance writer enduring the horrors of SEO on my way to becoming an editor at any publishing house that will have me. 
• getting married four months from this Friday.  Yes, expect lots of Bridezilla rants - I've got to get it out of my system somehow!
• a burgeoning little chef who, sadly, has an oven that will only broil or heat to 300 degrees F. 
• living in a tiny apartment next to a bunch of frat boys.
• addicted to shoes.

Hopefully, I'll keep you entertained with a few interesting stories, wedding plans and writing tips.  I promise to keep it more detailed than what color nail polish I'm wearing.  (For those of you who are dying to know, it's Mulberry Street by N.Y.C.)

For the rest of you, keep reading.  If you like what you see, feel free to send shoes.