Update: Million Dollar Blog Project

So I have returned from my undisclosed location. I didn’t quite reach my goal, but I accomplished a lot while I was away.

First off, my book is hovering at around 30,000 words. This is a good thing considering I have a lot more to add and will need room to add it. This includes information on some of the upcoming talks, meetings and conferences I am going to. In addition I have a half dozen or so people I need to interview, and I will need words to introduce and write their story as part of my book.

The essential framework for my book is complete at this point. The idea is that lower standard of living does not necessarily mean lower quality of life. Our economy and lifestyles here in the United States are built on a never-ending consumerist model, where more is more. With a growing population, dwindling resources, less cash in our pockets, and traditional infrastructure crumbling around us it is time for us to explore alternatives. And these alternatives just might make us happier in the process. This is what my book will explore.

I have settled on physically publishing my book, since it is a handbook/reference of sorts. This means I will need to get a nonfiction literary agent. This can be a long, and difficult task. I must write a query letter, and send out a framework of my book with a few chapters and my bio. This process takes on average three to six months, so it is on the top of my priority list in the next week. If you know of a good agent – let me know!

Secondly after much trepidation I have purchased my new blog url asimplygoodlife.com. Moving forward with my blog is an essential component to my book, as any non-fiction writer these days needs to establish themselves as an “expert” before publishers will give them a second look. I have created complimentary Facebook and Twitter presences to go along with my blog. And I have set up a MailChimp account, which provides a free professional newsletter service so when I have something more to offer my fans, I can get it out to them.

I have set a blog launch date for early December. This will allow me to interview some people ahead of the blog launch and attend Share New York – a conference about collaborative consumption. I also intend to release a short ebook to go along with the blog launch.

If you want to follow along with my blog launch please follow me on Facebook or Google+. I do not intend to post here at Two Cats often, as I direct my efforts elsewhere. This blog has served me well as a great learning tool. It is time for me to graduate to a professional level platform. I hope you will join me in my journey.

More Thoughts on #OccupyWallStreet

I am resurfacing because this needed to be said.

I have been seeing increasing disdain for #OccupyWallStreet from people from all walks of life, mainly circling around the idea that they are wasting their time and not working hard enough on their own lives – basically framing them as whiny.

This reminds me of  the notion that unemployed people are lazy – something politicians were talking about a year or so ago when they were debating long-term unemployment aid, and something I frankly find very offensive.

Lessons learned in 3 months of blog posts

So it has been three months since I began my blog. I know I have a LOT to learn, but I also have learned a few things I’d like to share with you.

1. Writing more frequently is a good idea. Not multiple times a day frequent, but once a day or three to five times a week. People like routine – become part of their routine.

2.What equates a good blog post is different to everyone but two things that seem to always be successful are a good headline and writing something unique. Crazy, punchy headlines are what turn blog posts into internet gold. Sharing an experience that is unique to you people find fascinating. Conversely being completely open about a common experience, people can relate. We are all human and sharing those experiences bring people together.

My story: What’s at the heart of the 99%

It’s interesting to note I wrote this before all of this #OccupyWallStreet hullabaloo began. It’s the intro to my book. If some of you are struggling to understand why the movement has spread so quickly and attracted such a range of people perhaps this will shed some light on it.

My husband and I aren’t exactly poster children for the economic downturn that the United States began experiencing in 2008, but we’re pretty close to it.

Reflections on #OccupyWallStreet

My industry has spawned revolutions and brought about social change. Not many industries can say that. Social media is a powerful tool. And if like me, you’re a student of social media, you’ll want to start following #OccupyWallStreet to see a movement growing right before your eyes. It’s an interesting case study.