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The last few months have been busy, beautiful, prosperous and frustrating all at once!
On a positive note--- I've gotten more assignments and clients, even got a very sizable check for one of my recent columns. The most I've made ever, ever...
Excited about my new book of poetry slated to be published this fall!
More teaching assignments in the months of August-October.
On the negative side-- chasing some editors to get money as previously promised. Also, still trying to find an agent for my book on love.
But, all in all, to quote Maya Angelou--" wouldn't trade my journey for nothing."
PEACE OUT!
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
I was out and about shopping this morning, and happened to be treasure hunting at my local thrift store.
As I was browsing, and enjoying the music played in the store, the radio announcer began to discuss an article that she had found in a magazine, that she considered of great interest to women.
The article was entitled 8 Men to Avoid for Marriage.
As she began reading it and commenting, it sounded familiar.
She then stated that the author was "JENNIFER BROWN BANKS".
I shouted in the store, "hey that's me!" The other customers looked at me like I was crazy, and kept shopping.
How cool is that?
Look out world, I'm coming!
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
Have you ever felt that you were traveling fast, but not going far?
Some days that's how I feel about my various writing projects.
Got an E-mail from Chicken Soup folks stating that my work is under "final consideration" for Chicken Soup for a Shopper's Soul...and I am geeked. But nothing is guaranteed.
I'm writing freelance for a few places on line and in print. Not sure how a few clients will pan out, though.
My sister called me the other day to express how much she enjoyed a recent article I wrote for my monthly magazine. Which is always sweet. To my family, if I never make it any further, I am a celebrity in their eyes. And that feels real cool.
Also, had the good fortune of: getting fan mail from my weekly online column, having a guy travel all the way from Wisconsin to take my creative writing class, and had another out of towner purchase my poetry book.
Still have yet to secure an agent for my non-fiction book.
But, I must press on and fulfill my potential!
For real.
Jenny on the Blogg
WITHOUT A DOUBT, I LOVE THE WRITERS' LIFE....
Love the freedom and flexibility it affords me!
Love the opportunity it provides to influence, educate, and impact the masses!
As a former banker, I still can't quite get situated with the sporadic pay.
HOW COME FREELANCE WRITERS ARE THE LAST ON THE CREATIVE FOOD CHAIN TO GET PAID!
Of course, I don't write for the money: no good writer does!
Just the same, it can get a bit crazy when I'm waiting for 100s of dollars to be sent in the mail for pieces I've labored over. We are the only profession I know where payment is rendered months after the service has been provided.
Does this seem crazy to anyone else but me?
JUST VENTING....
On a positive note, I've got a couple things in the works that appear promising, and I'll hold on to that!
KEEP THE FAITH!
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
Okay, since I was still undecided as to whether or not to do the blogging thing, I peeked in on a few other sites.
Some of CWA Members...some not.
What I typically find is that either people have entirely too much promotional stuff, boasting about their accomplishments---BORING, BORING, BORING!
Or stuff that might only be of real interest to close friends and family members.
Balance is key.
And I can't really decide what the HECK mine is supposed to be... yet!
I don't think all the CWA Members are openly advertising their blogs. The site only reflects about a handful of blogs, out of over 100 members.
Something's wrong with this picture!
Anyhow, I really dig Randy Richardson's Blog.
It's attractive, easy to read, interesting, and not too self-indulgent.
I also enjoyed others, but his stood out.
And there you have it!
Just my 2 cents.
Hoping your days are blog worthy!
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
Long time, no blog!
Not sure I'm really sold on the usefulness of blogging, which is why I so rarely pen my thoughts for public viewing. But now that this site has been listed under another website, I feel duty bound to do something.
So, here it goes....
Lately things have been pretty good writing wise!
Just got notification that one of my short stories will appear in a new anthology---GRAB THAT TIGER BY THE TAIL!
Chosen out of about 700 submissions, and I'm geeked!
I'm also working on a non-fiction book that has promising potential!
2 New York agents have expressed an interest.
Have also completed another poetry book manuscript.
April was CRAZY BUSY!!! Had several paid poetry performances. One in particular went really well--- Harold Washington Library reading. I sold several books and got lots of accolades. One lady said that she can hear all the greats reflected in my work (Gwen Brooks, Sonia Sanchez, etc.) Which was really a great compliment.
Spring has also brought about a bunch of house projects--- yard work, basement work, etc. which I enjoy somewhat.
All in all, life has been a blast (by and large)!
Have not decided whether or not to CLOSE THIS OPERATION DOWN, so if you're reading this article, post a blog and let me know what you think!
PEACE
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
okay, admitedly I'm not into "bad boys". And definitely not a fan of hip-hop; I'm more of a Beethoven babe!
But after seeing the debut of "GET RICH or DIE TRYIN" I am definitely a fan of this beefcake with bulging biceps!
I thought he did a very moving, charismatic and convincing portrayal of "Marcus" in the movie.
Since seeing it, I have researched his Bio online, ordered his music, and even downloaded pictures. This is some crazy stuff on my part, and unusual.
Perhaps it's more of a phase than a fixation!
Anyhow, someone jokingly told me I was too old to be into 50 CENT.
My response?
If Vivica Fox ain't too old to be feelin' him neither am I!
JENNY ON THE BLOGG
My sexy musician friend from California finally arrived. And as Murphy's Law would have it, we didn't get to spend much quality time together due to missed phone calls, conflicting schedules, and other stuff.
We did spend some quality time together, though brief.
But, the good part is that we're soooo cool that distance will never be able to truly separate us!
Maybe we'll hook up early next year?
5:45 P.M. and my phone rings. Working on the computer, hesitated to answer. Pick it up and much to my surprise it's my SUPER SEXY MUSICIAN friend from California!
I was beside myself with excitement, hadn't talked to him in a while.
Even so, it was like old times again. Laughing, flirting and making plans.
He's coming to town at the end of the month...and I can hardly wait!
Okay,
So it's 6:30 a.m. and thirty minutes to countdown!
Half-price day at the thrift store! Don't laugh...if you knew like I knew, you'd be excited too.
When I was a "corporate diva" I dressed with the best. Donna Karan, Liz, Oscar De Larenta, etc., etc.
Now more mature and more "survivor oriented" than "image" oriented, I do a combination of Michigan Ave. shopping and local thrift finds. And since I'm a quality shopper, you couldn't tell the difference.
Of course, there are things I would never buy from a thrift store, but I love to get my music there, books, pictures for the wall, and stationery. You can find some really unusual, well crafted, beautiful, and even NEW stuff, dirt cheap.
Particularly if you can beat the aggressive little old ladies, who are often camped outside in long lines stretched further than an R. Kelly concert.
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