It's a rainy Friday and I feel....

 

Motivation!

Every book has its own rhythm and its own soundtrack. I did try to do a bunch of YouTube Links here  but that didn't work so well. Instead, here is a Spotify playlist that you can revisit over and over.

Here we are - classic heavy metal to women of rock!

Click here for the awesome sound of Valerie's world!

Photos of the Moment

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a magical place. Upstairs, each country on each continent is represented by their musical instruments.

Here are some Pacific Rim copies of European instruments. Since the Philippine Archipelago is low on metals, they recreated these instruments in bamboo.  What a way to make what you have work for you!

Women Entrepreneurs: Alexandra Franzen

Alexandra

Is it possible to *not* have a huge girl crush Alexandra Franzen? She is my favorite blogger, inspiration, and all around strong, brave, fab gal. And she graciously agreed to be interviewed, too. Can life get much better?

And here is Alexandra!

Alexandra with Joanna Powell Colbert. Awesome babes!

1. What is the name of your business and what do you tell other people you do? (such as author, teacher, designer)

I'm a self-employed writer.

People hire me to write books, blog posts, newsletters, video scripts, keynote talks, educational materials, and things like that. You could call me a "ghostwriter." That's probably the most accurate label for what I do!

Most of my clients are in the health / wellness / personal development realm, which is swell, because I'm completely fascinated by human transformation, goal-setting, motivation, psychology, fitness, and all that jazz.

I also have my own personal (i.e., non-client-related) writing projects, like my blog, advice column, books, and whatnot.

Basically: I play with words and somehow... I've finagled a way to make it my full-time job. I'm a fortunate gal.

2.     How long have you been self-employed? What convinced you to become an entrepreneur?

I've been self-employed (in a full-time capacity) for just over 5 years.

I became self-employed because I really didn't have a choice. I was so desperately miserable working at a 9-to-5 job in a cubicle. It got to the point where I was sobbing in the bathroom, sick to my stomach, just completely out of whack. I knew if I remained in that kind of career, I would just... fall apart. I had to leave, for my health and sanity. So I made the leap. That was that.


3.     Entrepreneurs rarely stay in one place. How many careers have you had?

I started my career working in public broadcasting.

I had mixed-bag, hybrid position that sorta spanned "admin assistant / project manager / promotional ad writer / occasional producer." 

During that time, I also dabbled around doing various kinds of freelance writing as a "side gig," on top of my full time job.

Technical writing, resume writing, cover letter writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, little of this, little of that.

I had to try a "sampler platter" of writing gigs before I figured out my strengths and passions. The trial and error continues to this day!

But trying new stuff is great. I love the continual evolution of my life, career, and body of work. I mean, who wants to do the same exact thing 365 days a year, forever?

4.     What are some of the aspects of your current job that people don’t see? For example, most people don’t understand how much marketing is done by the authors themselves instead of a publisher.

Hmmm... people generally don't see my behind-the-scenes, working-at-home outfits, which mostly consist of kimono robes or a tank top with no pants! Haha.


5.     Who and what inspires you on those inevitable rough days?

My mom and dad.

RuPaul.

My friends, both online and offline.

Ultra-disciplined, amazing people that I've met in the fitness world. (I looooove female bodybuilders. So inspiring.)

GREAT MUSIC! Music uplifts me like nothing else. I am obsessed with Spotify and I build new playlists all the time.

6.     Name a few of your current projects. For example, conferences, publicity, design process, what you have for sale.

I am currently finishing up my first sci-fi novel! A total passion project. It's called So This Is The End.

I have a couple of other e-books and print books in my Shop, including my debut novel, Milk & Honey, which is very smutty. A good summer beach read!

Aside from that, I have a neat e-course called Unstoppable, which is for anyone who struggles to find the time, energy and inspiration to write consistently. It's got recordings plus written lessons, writing prompts, all kinds of good stuff to help you get un-blocked and get the words flowing.


7.     What are your recommendations for women who are interested in pursuing self-employment?

If you want to pursue self-employment, think of it like training for a marathon, getting married or committing to a life partner, or giving a blow job.

You need to be really devoted, really passionate, and really enthusiastic! Or it's gonna suck! And not in a good way! Ha!

If you're just sorta "half-committed," but not one hundred percent "into it," it's going to be a bummer for you & for your clients and customers, too.

ALL IN, total devotion, or don't bother.

A little something for your Monday

Some singing and dancing Meryl Streep!

And if the video doesn't work, here's the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juTRRspWUqM

Kicking my own butt.

I always try to find cool music to lift me up and get my booty shaking in my chair. Here's my latest obsession:

(link to video HERE if it doesn't show up)

This song makes me not hate bagpipes!

More stuff from my bizarre brain.

I was singing along with Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough in the shower.

Instead of the chorus:

Keep On With The Force Don't Stop
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

I sang:

Go on, to the Post Office
Don't stop 'til you drop it off....


Keep on dropping it off, folks!

Linda Mercury

Dracula's Secret - to buy, click here
Dracula's Desires- to buy, click here

Soundtrack

Lots of authors like to post what they listen to while they write.  I'm currently on a Judas Priest kick for Book Three. Of course, I only have the British Steel album, but it's getting me through. :)