Time flies...

when you're trying to figure out something on your computer.

Recently I completed my commercial voiceover demo CD, which I need to send to talent agents I'm registered with and new ones, to see if they're interested in representing me. This means I need a colorful design for the jewel box and matching labels for the CD.

I'd tried using software already on my computer and printing on regular paper, but wasn't impressed by the results. So I looked on the Internet and found free label/CD design software. First I figured out how to download Avery's, but after installation wasn't that thrilled with the color and graphic choices. I did manage to create a basic CD label, but it took a while. I moved on to Memorex. That had exactly the type of design I had in mind, but I had to figure out how to customize the text. Next I researched card stock and stick-on labels, then went to buy some and CDs to make copies of my demo. Forgot to get the cases; fortunately a store on my street had those.
By the time I created and printed the box inserts and labels, made demo copies and put the whole shebang together, I still had to choose which agencies to send to and compose a letter and create mailing labels.

I'd thought all this would only take a few hours, but it took most of one day and part of the next. Off to the post office to mail the results.

And then....the waiting begins. Many agency websites say they listen to everything they receive, but only contact those they are interested in, which could take more than a month.

Discipline

When you have a day job, it's easier to do what you have to do. You know what is on your plate and when those projects are due. You know what's expected of you and how many hours you need to put in. If you don't follow through, you'll be reprimanded or fired. The gainfully unemployed must assign themselves tasks and find the inner fortitude to work on their own every day. I'm certainly not going to fire myself if I don't complete my to do list. But I will be disappointed in my lack of progress.

Yet the temptation to enjoy the nice weather, to browse online or in stores, to schedule lots of social events and long lunches remains. Who'll know if I take the afternoon off? It's a Friday, after all. Many people leave early on Fridays, especially in the summer.

Who'll know? I will.
Back to work.

Compliments

Some people need positive reinforcement more than others, just as some plants need more water to survive. This may be shallow, because confidence should come from within, but...

For me, attending the RWA National conference in Atlanta last week provided a thorough soaking that should last for months. Not only did my standing room only workshop with RWA Hall of Famer Jennifer Greene earn rave reviews, many attendees (both published and not, people I'd met and those I hadn't) said they'd voted for me in American Title II and knew I'd sell soon. I also ran into a published author who said she'd judged one of my contemporaries in a contest and gave a very high score, which she usually doesn't, because she thinks I have so much talent. And the praise continues in various online posts.

Also, I learned in Atlanta that one of my medievals won a contest and the editor judge requested a full manuscript. And Tuesday night, I got a call that one of my contemporaries finaled in the Maggie Awards, frequently cited as one of the most prestigious contests for the as yet unpublished.

So thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me. Who supports and encourages you?