Life on Avenue Z

Retreat! Retreat!

So, the contract is signed, and the book is begun. Holy smokes. The entire manuscript, complete with hundreds of graphics, dozens of contributions and about 200 pages, is due to the publisher May 1. That’s 54 days from today. Before I begin writing, I have to collect and organize an insane amount of data. I’ve been very [...]

In Borders, do you think they might file alphabetically by first name, just this once?

Sitting in my inbox at this very moment is an email that may very well change my life. Or not. It’s a book contract, sent to me by a small publisher who approached me about writing the hard-copy version of The Cheapskate Freelancer tools and tips. He’s been a follower of this blog, that blog and my [...]

I’m making a plan and sticking to it. Who’s with me?

What could you accomplish if you REALLY kept your New Year’s Resolution? What if you just stuck to a plan until you achieved a life-long goal? How would this change your life, make you better, give you a sense of pride? As we start a New Year, I think we need to consider making ourselves more [...]

Need new contacts? Step outside your box

For the second year I’m hosting the Avenue Z Virtual Food Drive (you HAVE to see the new cool site. Click here and Pledge!), and I’m hoping for TWICE the donations as last year (click here for the original story). Since I’m stepping up the publicity and the goal, I figured I better step up [...]

Am I allowed to be scandalous?

The last couple of days have been very exciting. This fall I read one of my short stories at a DimeStories event, and it tickled the funny bone of a reporter for The San Diego Reader. When he wrote a column about the event, he called my piece “the funniest story of the evening.” The funniest [...]

If you enjoy Avenue Z, please give a little something back

My dear readers, I’m at it again…On February 28, 2010, I will run my 5th marathon, this time the Mardi Gras Rock & Roll Marathon in New Orleans. Frankly, I can’t figure out why I continue running marathons*: my knees hurt; I love the couch; no one wants to see me in spandex; … I could [...]

The Road Less Traveled Might Not Get You There

About a month after I started my business, I created the most successful marketing campaign I’ve ever had. I sent about 50 letters to business owners with a pitch about how I could help their business. From that one mailing, I think I received 10 inquiries and at least five paying customers. Furthermore, two of [...]

The Honest Truth: It Just Doesn’t Matter

This morning I paid a visit to my friendly, neighborhood printing store (PB Printing), where Mario the manager was on hand to listen to my latest tales of printing mishaps. “I have a business card crisis,” I announced. “I am trying to print my new cards with the new logo, and two printers have produced disappointing [...]

When great isn’t good enough

Last Sunday I was sitting in the steam room of an upscale spa that sits steps from the water in Pacific Beach. I arrived a couple of hours before my appointment for a Vanilla Latte Pedicure so I could take some time to clear my mind. I decided the day was going to be about celebrating [...]

The Truth Behind the Logo: Second Guessing Extravaganza!

It’s been quite some time since I was neurotic about my business here in public. In fact, things have been going along swimmingly, and I’ve been happy and busy. But I frequently still feel like a fledgling business owner who gets in over her head. I had this fantastic idea (and a pressing desire) to revamp [...]