Exercise Induced Asthma?!

On Sunday, we piled our bikes in the back of the truck and drove to a local nature preserve. We took the 4.4-mile path and enjoyed the wetlands, wildlife, and beautiful 70-degree weather. Poor Mason had to work harder than anyone. While the rest of us have bikes with gears that allow us to stop pedaling and glide when we need a pedaling break, Mason’s tiny bike has training wheels. His pedals never stop turning so he can’t glide. Also, his gears are so small that he has to pedal twice as much as the rest of us. I kept asking if he was tired and he said no. He was determined to keep up with is big brothers and he sure was enjoying the race! At the very end of the 4.4-mile path, Mason stopped his bike suddenly and said, “Mom! I can’t breathe! I’m going to die!”

10 Ways to Respond to Non-Paying Pubs’ Excuses

Dear Angela,
I really liked the article 10 Ways to Respond to Non-Paying Pubs’ Excuses. I realize that publishers will try any excuse not to pay writers, but the problem is that even the public feels writers shouldn’t get paid. They foolishly give me the dopey answer that “It’s always been that way, so why should they start paying you now?” I remind them that everyone gets paid for working and writers should get paid too. I also add, “Why don’t you work for free?” All I get are weird looks–as if something is wrong with me.
Martin

Fear is Why You Fail By Johnny Kilhefner

Fear is everywhere for the freelance writer. The moment we put words on a blank page, we dread what others might think. Querying an editor stirs this fear: “What if she rejects me? I really need the money this month…” That fear may cause you to play it safe and write what you think others expect you to write. It may even keep you from writing your novel, or from pitching The New Yorker because you’re scared you’re not good enough. If you’re not getting the kind of work you want, and consistently, then fear is why you fail. The goal, however, isn’t to be fearless, as a person without fear is not courageous, but reckless. The goal is to leverage your fear so as to propel your spirit to write in its authentic voice…

Dedication and Determination Go a Long Way By Victoria Heckstall

Being seven months pregnant and in a new city without a job is not a good combination. I went about learning this the hard way when I was pregnant with my second son. I had applied for numerous jobs, then one day while searching for a job online I ran across a work at home mom forum and the light bulb in my head immediately went off…