Welcome to my Hub Party!

Welcome to my Hub Party. Please excuse the mess for I have not yet had time to clean. The dishes are still piled in the sink and the coffee is just about empty. (But I will make a fresh pot if you care to join!) I am a busy woman with three kids, a husband, and a full-time job. Either way, today was the day I decided to have a party and you are invited.

Today I am your host, and while this is my first party, I hope there will be many more in the future. You see, I am a writer. I have always been a writer. This party is the start of my escape; an escape into my imagination.

While I am not a newbie when it comes to writing, I am however new to the many online writing communities available on the web. In the past, I was in the military as a photojournalist. For five years, I wrote for a military newspaper and was published weekly. I did several different stories, ranging from hard news to feature articles. I was also responsible for the layout and design of the newspaper, taking photos, making the occasional graphic, and editing (which I apologize for because that is my weakest area). I have had my stories read by several people; I have even been lucky enough to win a few awards. It was my passion and my joy. I was able to turn my hobby into a job.

Now I have been out of the military for several years, yet my passion for writing has never dwindled. I write for the pure joy of writing. When I learned that I could actually make money by writing online, that was just icing on the cake. I started my journey when I signed up at xomba.com. I have been a member of that community for just short of 10 weeks. I have learned several things from that site in that short time, and I am sure I will continue learning as my journey progresses.

I learned that having a place to post my writings was a motivational tool. I found I was once again excited, knowing my writing would be read by someone other than just my husband. I started writing, making it a goal to post at least one article a day. I can’t say I have reached that goal (but I have tried), after all, I am a mother of three and sometimes my writing has to be put on the backburner. I found that my obsession for Facebook final took second to checking how many people have read my posts and my articles.

That is where my disappointment stepped in. While my main intent was not to make money, I finally had my Google Adsense account setup, and I saw the money was not rolling in. That ultimately wasn’t bothering me. So I did research to find out how people got more reads (which would end up in more money). This is what bothered me. The articles that should be read - that had meaning, that had heart and soul, would really only get a few reads. Maybe someone on the site found the title interesting. The only way to maximize your reads (resulting in more income) was to step down your skills as a writer. This was were people would do bookmarks directing others to links, coupons, videos, and even products. This is where I found people making the money, because those bookmarks would come up on Google hits.

While doing the occasional bookmark doesn’t bother me, I prefer to write intelligent articles that push my mind to think and maybe push others as well. That is why I have come here. After doing my research, I have found HupPages to have a community type feel. A place where others are willing to read and follow your writings. While I haven’t given up on Xomba, I feel the writers there do not have a regular following.

While making money through writing would be great (so I can stop my full time job and just write), I want to connect to other people. I want my words read. I want people to comment. And even though you can’t see me, I don’t want to be invisible!

I have several goals through what I hope to be the start of a freelance writing career.

1. To keep actively writing articles that will entertain and inspire others.

2. To actively support others on the writing communities I have joined. I feel karma is effective. Therefore, I will take the time to read your articles if you take the time to read mine.

3. To eventually be published. While I have already been published (technically through the military newspapers and online), I would like to eventually publish a book. Right now I have two in the works, which I hope someday will be on the shelves of your local bookstore.

4. To make writing a full-time career. While I understand earning in this field can be difficult and at times tiring, I hope to push myself enough to become successful. I am not looking to be a millionaire through my words and thoughts, but I would like to make a decent living where I can potentially survive and raise my family off the income.

I am hoping being a part of a writing community will help me push myself through my goals; encouraging me when I feel like giving up; supporting me while I take this step! I want to be interactive. I want to make friends that have the same interests. I want to achieve my goals and I need your help. Since I am new to this website, I appreciate any comments or tips you can give me to help me on my journey.

Thank you for coming to my party and I hope you have enjoyed your time here with me so far. I hope to see you again in the near future. Next time it is your turn for the coffee!