A Day in the Life of a Freelance Journalist—2013
Reblogged from Nate Thayer:

 A Day in the Life of a Freelance Journalist—2013

 Here is an exchange between the Global Editor of the Atlantic Magazine and myself this afternoon attempting to solicit my professional services for an article they sought to publish after reading my story “25 Years of Slam Dunk Diplomacy: Rodman trip comes after 25 years of basketball diplomacy between U.S. and North Korea” here http://www.nknews.org/2013/03/slam-dunk-diplomacy/ at NKNews.org
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All Signs Point To...

I think my neighbor is a hoarder. It’s the 9th of January, and their dangling-by-a-thread Christmas decorations are still up (and illuminated every night). You might say that there are others who haven’t gotten around to packing up all of their holiday decorations just yet – but that doesn’t explain the trio of pumpkins that are also still on their stoop. From 1994. No, that’s not true, they’re from 2012. But clearly these people have trouble letting go of things.

They live in a townhouse with a 4x5 cement slab in front of their entry way. In addition to decorations from two holidays, this spot is also home to some hanging plants, a money tree (a literal tree with Monopoly money hanging from its branches), and a broken bird house that resembles a craft project never finished. And oh yes, there’s also a security system sign – as if burglars needed further deterrent to entering this home.

Compulsive hoarding (or pathological collecting) is a pattern of behavior that is characterized by the excessive acquisition of and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment. When I Googled the problem, I was shocked to find an entire article on “celebrity hoarders” (i.e., those who will talk about absolutely anything to get their name in the press) like Kristin Chenoweth, Mackenzie Phillips (who I believe was also on Celebrity Ghost Stories, her street cred keeps falling), Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Mariah Carey and Courtney Love. How’s that for good company?

I make light of it here, but the reality is that hoarding is far from a joke. It’s a serious condition that impacts lives in a big way. I know holidays are sentimental occasions, but it’s time to put Christmas behind us, people. Take your lights and wreaths down so that they’ll be ready for next year. Look ahead to the next major celebration. And please – for me – get rid of your pumpkins.
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Food and Flavors of the NC State Fair
It’s that time of year again! When you splurge on delicacies you either would otherwise dare not consume – or those that simply cannot be found anywhere else. The NC State Fair (October 11-21) prides itself on the diversity of food choices offered, and they are always looking for new options for hungry fairgoers. It’s the attendees, though, who decide what becomes a local favorite. Everyone has a food they just have to savor before fair season is over, and fairgoers are always excited about what the new trend in food might be.



 From the foot long corndogs, to roasted corn on the cob dredged in hot butter, giant turkey legs, fried cheese curds, alligator bites, funnel cakes with chocolate and powdered sugar, boiled peanuts, Wisconsin cheese sticks, Krispy Kreme burgers, and maple flavored cotton candy – many will pardon the calories and look forward to this “good eatin’” event every year.
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Social Media for Small Business
[This biz has since become CORE Content Marketing, but they still offer wonderful social media content management. Email Mary for details.]

 Check me out on Business Fan Pages' new masthead - markettoyourfans.com - and read more about growing your Facebook fan base as well as how consumers are using social media to investigate brands before they buy. To view my complete fan page, visit facebook.com/KristyStevensonWriter.

With the introduction of Timeline to Facebook's personal profiles, it will be interesting to see what the coming months bring for business pages. What form(s) of social media do you use to reach your target audience? What do/don't tips do you recommend, and are you tracking your results?
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Quotable Gems
“A good writer is someone who can translate a cool idea into something you can communicate to others. This is interesting to me, now I’m going to make it interesting to you.” -Damon Lindelof
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Resolutions and Milestones
Happy 2012 everyone! Can you believe it’s January already? I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon as deadlines and bigger projects shifted my focus – and truth be told, time just got away from me. But it’s my New Year’s resolution to post regularly, sharing useful information about writing and writing-related industries. Here’s the link to Katie’s story that I promised.

Since my last visit, I spent time with my family while the boys were out of school, hubby started a new job, and I took on some new commercial clients (click the “Corporate” tab on this page for more). I am also happy to report that my professional website has been revamped to better serve the editors and clients I work with. Please take a look and let me know what you think!

I’ve established a stronger social media presence and have incorporated Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn into my every day schedule. I’ve generated client web content, done some guest blogging, and am open to suggestions of things you’d like to see here as well as the occasional guest post from some of you! I’ll also be telling you more about the Triangle Area Freelancers’ 5th annual nonfiction writers’ conference coming up on April 21. We’ve been busy putting together a great panel of presenters – details are coming soon and registration opens Feb. 1.
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R2-KT: Katie's Legacy
I recently completed a new piece for Med Monthly magazine. The story revolves around precious 6-year-old Katie Johnson who died from brain cancer – and the legacy she left behind. As a parent, I was moved by the details of her life and how she is now remembered every day through a little pink droid that gives hope to other sick children. I hope you’ll come back in August to read all about her.

 Read More: http://www.kristystevenson.com/r2-kt-katies-legacy
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My First National Clip!
I recently had my first Rapid Fire article published in Military Officer magazine. Interviewing veteran/actor JR Martinez who currently stars on daytime's All My Children, I was humbled by his story. At just 300 words or less, however, Rapid Fire pieces are quite short ... so I thought I would post my full submission before it was edited. (My editor did a great job, but I think more of JR's story needs to be heard as his ability to overcome is an inspiration.)

Here is a link to the printed piece.

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Calling All Writers...
It's that time of year again -- the TAF Conference is coming up next weekend!

Triangle Area Freelancers (TAF) presents WRITE NOW! 2011, its annual nonfiction symposium hosted by Wake Tech Community College's Northern Campus, Building D, on Saturday, April 2, from 8:00-4:00 in Raleigh, NC.

Philip Gerard, chair of the Department of Creative Writing at UNCW, will deliver the keynote address: "Cultivating the Successful Writer Within." New York literary agent Rita Rosenkranz will also discuss The Author/Agent Relationship. Conference classes, taught by nationally published writers and journalists, are presented in two concurrent tracks for both beginning and experienced writers. Online registration (which includes breakfast and lunch) is available through March 31: www.triangleareafreelancers.org/WriteNow.html.
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Quotable Gems
The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium. -Norbet Platt
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