Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Beauty of Freelancing

I love writing. That is, of course, the biggest benefit of my job. But recently I have realized another great thing... the variety. I never get bored! I have written scripts for preschool learn-to-read web programs, eBooks about iPods and how to make malasadas, articles about education and orchids, short stories for adults and children... and so much more. My current jobs include a book about Neuro-linguistic Programming and a ghostwriting sci fi novel. How diverse can you get?

If you happen to be a potential client, search for me on Google (Dorothy Distefano) and you will find content that I have written for wisegeek.com. I also write a regular blog for audioforbooks.com. Feel free to contact me through this blog for further information.

Ah, the bus is here to carry my kids off to school... Time to get writing!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Internet Access Denied

I guess I never considered just how awful it would be if my internet connection simply stopped... until it did. I am writing this from the Public Library, as my modem at home has decided to opt for early retirement.

I called Time Warner. I probably don't need to say much more. They were incredibly unhelpful. Someone can come over tomorrow to take a look. Lovely. As my mind raced with thoughts of deadlines and my inability to complete my work without getting online, my helpful TW representative told me that if I upgraded my account, I could be assured of same day service calls - if I called before 2pm. Um, I already pay $140 a month for digital cable on one TV and Road Runner. I am so not gonna give them any more of my money.

Instead, I will sit here in the library, wishing I could focus, wishing I had a snack, and wishing that TW rep's cable would go out.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Who is WotV, Anyway?

Some of you know me from Twitter or other sites as WotV. This stands for Woman on the Verge. My husband once asked me what I was on the verge of... I laughed at the time, but as I think about it, it really was a good question.

I began my college education as an English/Education major. The outlook for teachers was very poor at the time, so I changed majors and became a Registered Nurse. What was I thinking? I worked primarily in psychiatric settings, which was really interesting, but taxing. I left nursing to raise my three fantastic kids. Yup, I traded my RN for my MOM.

As a stay at home mom, I volunteered regularly at my children's school. In fact, I created a family based book club that was hailed by PTO Today and Education World magazines. My love for reading and writing had never abated.

When all three were in school full time, I began substitute teaching. It was unpredictable and stressful at times, but I loved working with children. I ended up taking a full time position after 5 years of subbing, but the full time commitment was just a little too much.

I decided it was time to finally try writing for a living. I have always wanted to write, and my absolutely wonderful husband was, and continues to be, supportive of me. I am freelance writing nearly full time. But this full time is on my terms. I work through Elance.com as well as for other clients.

I have written fiction, nonfiction, eBooks, articles, blog entries, research, editing, copywriting, marketing writing, or pretty much anything else. I love my job.

Feel free to contact me with a comment! I will get right back to you.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

New Day, New Blog

Apparently I have confused Blogger with my email addresses, so this is my new home. I will work on moving things here later...