Writing to Inspire…and Earn a Living

One of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned over the past year is that others can’t read my mind. If I need help, I must ask. So, I’m asking: Help me motivate, inspire, and spread an uplifting message by sharing my blog post entries with friends, family, and social media followers.

During the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge, I’d get excited every time someone would “like”, “comment”, or “share” my entry through social media. I’d say, “Wow! This is my highest-viewed post to date.” My father would smile and respond, “Did anyone send you a check?” I’d laugh but quickly realize he was right. The only payment received was through spiritual growth and personal satisfaction. It doesn’t help pay my bills and takes time away from applying for jobs that provide me with an income. To state it in business terms, “What is my return on investment?”

I now have a substantial online portfolio of my written work, and I expanded many of my skill sets: blogging, photo editing, character development, inspirational & motivational writing, social media, metatags/SEO, and more. I discovered that people enjoy reading my work almost as much as I enjoy writing it. I remained structured, focused, and determined – setting deadlines and adhering to them. I went to work every day, for 111 days, and rediscovered my passion for the written word.

INSPIRED READING

Readers seem to gravitate to my motivational and inspirational writings. When I am honest, open, and willing to discuss both struggles and successes, others respond. I’m honored, pleased, and proud to know that the care in which I choose my words makes a difference (even in the smallest of ways) as someone else stumbles along their journey. But, I must be completely forthright by admitting that I secretly hoped that the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge would open doors to a writing career.

To those of you who commented, shared, or hit “like” on each post, THANK YOU! I appreciate all the support from friends and family during that venture. I decided to do the pledge to not only keep myself motivated, but to inspire other people. I believed that the topics I wrote about weren’t being discussed and could potentially fill a void in a world overwhelmed with negativity, violence, and hatred. I sought to lift us up, not knock us down. To my disappointment, the hashtag never “trended” and, while I gained over 100 new blog followers, the pledge didn’t go viral.

“Glass half full, Kelly. Glass half full.” That’s what I keep telling myself. “Look on the bright side,” I say (now I have the SPAMALOT soundtrack running through my head). “You are healthy. You have friends and family who’ve stepped up to help through emotional and financial support. You overcame tremendous personal struggle this past year. You are brave. You are strong-willed. You are stubborn. You are passionate. You are a free spirit with a broken wing. Get up, stop doubting, and MOVE!”

MOVING FORWARD

I am moving forward, towards a career in the arts that fulfills on both a personal and professional level. One of my biggest hurdles this year was realizing that my stubbornness sometimes works against me.  I attempted to prove others wrong and succeed all on my own; the challenge was that I needed advice, insight, and support to do so.  I’ve learned my lesson, and though asking for help does not come easy, I am reaching out – My passion for and knowledge of the arts makes me an ideal candidate for entertainment companies.  If you know of any open positions in the film, TV, radio, or theatre industries, please visit my CONTACT page.

I wish you all the best as you move along your path and thank you for supporting mine!