It's Finally Coming Together

A few weeks ago, I was really wishy-washy.

On the one hand, I was wanting to find a job, any job, just so I could get the worry out of QH's face and out of my head. I've been used to working more than one job for so long, it was disconcerting to be sitting at home and writing (which is something I said I really wanted--more time to write), and not having a paycheck or two coming in from somewhere. And not driving to work is something odd for me, and I still look at the clock at 2pm and think I have to get to work.

On the other hand, I'm writing my tail off, accomplishing what I really want to do and trying to figure out what I can sell to keep this momentum going so I don't have a J-O-B in the way of my creative rush. I know now why Pat O'Bryan sought a "Portable Empire" and never went back to being broke and working at a JOB that robs your spirit and sucks the soul right out of you.

It's finally coming together.
I get it now.
And I'm willing to defend it at every turn.

I don't want to go back to a J-O-B, but if I have to, I will. I just don't want to, and I don't want to give up the progress I've made on my little projects that are finally coming to fruition.

Ask and ye shall receive. I was hoping an answer would present itself, and God answered.

This last week, there was a teleseminar on public speaking, that was free, and I signed up and listened in and took pages of notes. The gentleman on the call was James Malinchak, and he is a paid public speaker. (Go to SpeakingForMoney.com.) He has an impressive track record and I learned a ton on the free call. But of course, he was also promoting his home study speaking course, at the tune of about $2,000. Not in the budget right now, so it's on my wish list. :)

To make a long story short, the Internet is my library. I used it to find relevant articles, some written by Mr. Malinchak on ezinearticles.com and others along the way. As one bread crumb led to another, I also found a great book by Valerie Young "How to Work When, Where and How You Want" which is available on her website ChangingCourse.com. It's a freebie and has a ton of great information. It got my juices flowing and answered some long sought after questions. I highly recommend it. Especially if you are unemployed or may become unemployed or are dreaming of having the life and work you really want. It's simply fabulous.

In the end, I decided that a speaking career would be the perfect fit for me. I am going to my first Toastmasters meeting on Thursday in Elk River. I have the information I need for the National Speakers Association. I have speeches upon speeches written for various topics that I can turn into an ebook, then a CD or DVD and then sell online on my websites (which are going up this week). Since I plan on being a successful published author, that will require me to speak in front of people and promote my book with readings and speeches. I might as well get great at it, and I might as well get paid for it!

I have no fear of public speaking. I feel more comfortable on a stage speaking to people than I sometimes do talking to someone on the phone, or in person. (That all depends on who I'm speaking to, of course.) But my mind has been on super overdrive, and the topic list and the speech drafts are growing by the minute.

The faucet is on and running and I can't shut it off. I'm loving it!!

If I can find a way to get paid for all of this, I won't have to work at a
J-O-B ever again. I can get off the unemployment and be in control of my life again.

I guess that's what's bugged me most about this situation. I've had to depend on the government for my income and I don't like it. It's necessary right now, and I am grateful, don't get me wrong, but when you a have to live like this, it's like you lose a part of your soul. You have to play by their rules. I don't like that because I like making my own damn rules.

So, don't be surprised if you see on this blog a notice or a WHOOOHOOO that I am now speaking for a living and having a blast doing it. I would love to teach people how to do it later on, and I will be out there teaching and motivating and inspiring and I will be free again.

Oh, and the minimum pay for a professional speaker, who isn't famous, doesn't have a particular platform, or much experience is ...

$2,500 per speech. MINIMUM!!

I think I would like to work 4 days a week, and have 2 speeches a day. I think I could live with that. It's doable. :)

I could have someone hire me, or I can set up my own workshops, seminars, etc. I could set up teleseminars and webinars online, so I could do this, get paid, and not even have to leave the house!

Now to find the gigs close to home. That's going to be FUN! I have goosebumps, I can hardly wait to get started!

I hope you all have a great week and find the WHOOHOO in your day!

P.S. The book I've been working on is in the final stages of editing. As soon as I have a release date, you will all be the first to know!!

Contest & Fundraiser End Today

Today is the end of the 1st Annual Summer Writing Contest and the fundraiser for Operation Minnesota Nice. If you want further details, go to my business blog at www.crawfordwritingservices.blogspot.com and check it out.


In the coming weeks I will be launching my first ebook, so "stay tuned."

Until then, have a safe and happy 4th of July celebration!