We’ve all heard the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That may seem a bit old fashioned, but as writers, we know that if something doesn’t work out, doesn’t sell, or doesn’t fit an editor’s mind set, then it’s important to start thinking of other ways to become creative and get the work done.

Many of you may have read about the trials and tribulations I went through in February and March, thinking I’d found the perfect job–writing for a bridal magazine in Las Vegas, but it turned out to be a big scam. I was frustrated with myself and started feeling a bit down about writing. We all hit stumbling blocks at times, but instead of dwelling upon them, it’s better to pick yourself up and get back to work, which is exactly what I did.

I’ve also written about my success with the Santa letters, which is something I really enjoyed doing, so I began pitching Easter Bunny letters to my ‘SC’ clients. The response has been, once again, overwhelming. I’ve made them a bit different, used colorful paper to write them on, and printed graphics that brighten up the text. I also put in a ‘gift’ from the Easter Bunny. Our local dollar store has seed packets that are only 4 for $1, so you can’t beat that. I’ve tried to put in carrot seed packets (appropriate for the Easter Bunny) but once I cleared the store of all of those seed packets, I purchased lettuce and flower packets.

Although I might not be writing more articles about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault as I did for one magazine, or the production of ‘green’ cement as I did for another, I’m finding that writing these letters takes a good deal of time, and ingenuity, because I want to get them just right, and I want to make the recipient feel as if he or she has really received a letter from the Easter Bunny.

Happy Spring!

Julie Engelhardt is a freelance writer based in Hollister, California. She has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, writing primarily for regional magazines and local newspapers. And even though she’s in her mid-40’s, she still believes in the magic of Santa Claus! You can contact Julie at: Jengelha – at – aol.com