I think this blog will be easier to sift through once it gains a primary focus. Thank you everybody

Jim Collins

Freelancing is a tough business. The obvious lack of a steady income and the inconsistancy provides for a very hectic life style. There is of course the satisfaction that comes along with earning your check and always striving to write better and better.

It’s a mixed bag, as author, Jim Collins is well aware. He emphasizes that one must grow accustom to rejection. As unpleasant as this sounds, it is necessary for one to accept failure before they can achieve success. He talks about a freelancer, whom in his first year of work sold 58 pieces and only managed to acrue $30,000.

He stresses the variance in rates by different publications. Some writers will only pull in $20,000 a year, while others get two dollars per word. These are generally only the top shelf writers.

There is also the legwork involved in ressearching your career path. What magazine do I want to writer for? Is the salary worth it? What will my schedule be like? All of these questions are pivotal before venturing down a path.

He mentions a few techniques to consider when approaching a magazine editor for the first time.

Think of a story idea that you and only you can write. This is absolutely wonderful advice. Seperate yourself from the pack. Why are you more valuable then the next writer?

If the editor turns down an idea, citing a similar piece in the works, watch out for it. If it hasn’t been published at the end of six months, that story should be as good as yours.

Finally he talks about spreading your writing. It is necessary to write for a handful of magazines if you truly want to maintain success. It is necessary to combine all of this advice to achieve longstanding success. Collins would know as he is one of the more successful writers in America.

Stewart O

Stewart O’Nan is well documented in the field of writing. He has a dozen novels to his credit, several of them critically acclaimed. He has been overwhelmingly successful in this difficult field and thus is a great source of advisement.

O’Nan’s essay in the book, Telling True Stories, demonstrates many key facets of writing.

His first critical rule was: never stop. He explained how he would start a project earlier on in his career then put it on the shelf for awhile. He would then predictably lose interest and never finish it, or devote the deserved attention to perfecting it.

He sites fiction writer, David Bradley, in stating all first drafts are crap. He explains that no matter how marvelous your vocabulary is, or how beautifully you paint the picture, it’s still crap. No worries though, there is always time to fix it.

He recounts reading first drafts of fantastic novels such as Grendel. He insists it started out truly terrible and evolved into a masterpiece.

He also implements several other important rules:

1. Hold yourself accountable

2. Keep your manuscript with you.

3. Take all short breaks you need to keep yourself motivated.

4. Always have a notebook and pen with you.

5. Carry your characters with you.

…and so forth.

He actually details a total of 14 crucial rules that prove invaluable in any brand of writing. His knowledge speaks for itself in his actual work, but it really shines through in his essay on time management.

This article is truly brilliant and showcases one of the best minds in the field.

This excerpt is from an online essay entitled the world is not enough. It demonstrates an effective lead.

THE SUCCESSFUL, mostly non-violent protests against the World Trade Organization this week surprised only those Americans who have the luxury of avoiding all forms of media. For weeks before the fateful demonstrations, anyone who saw the news on TV, heard it on the radio or read it in the paper knew that this was going to be the Battle in Seattle.

This palpable tension can be directly correlated to the string of violent crimes that have occurred in the Albany, downtown area. More specifically, the crimes creating this underlying fear, have occurred to college aged individuals.

It started with Richard Bailey, the senior who was shot to death on Lake street as mentioned in one of my previous posts. The very same night a robbery occurred at gun point on Ontario street.

Four days later, Ben Clark, age 20 was attacked and brutally stabbed outside of a bar on Madison avenue.

Just a couple of weeks ago a 17-year-old teenager was stabbed on Clinton street.

These crimes are growing more and more frequent. Albany has played host to 10 murders this year as opposed to 3 in 2007. The tripling number of murders is a shocking total and has created reasonable cause for concern.

Growing efforts are being mandated to encourage safety around campus. On campus group, “Don’t walk alone,” is one positive effort to keep students safe.

Students in general are promoting a greater sense of awareness. Hopefully these horrific incidents can be avoided int he future with the aid of greater awareness by the Albany student body.

The time is upon us. Revolutionary change is sweeping through the country and grabbing hold like a viscous undertow.

Well maybe not quite yet. What’s sweeping through the country is belief in this promise. President-Elect Obama has not yet had the oppurtunity to make his mark. When he does, the country not only believes, but knows that he will bring forth a political revolution.

Economics talk and other problems walk. Without the promise of an economic resurgance, President Barack Obama would still be Senator Barack Obama. His plan for financial rebirth is what seperated him from Senator John McCain.

McCain’s Achilles heel was his affiliation with the old guard. Whether just or not, he remained thoroughly tied to the Bush administration and the Republican party that’s recently fallen so far from grace.

(Political commentary from the Wall Street Journal)

Our country can’t afford to make the same mistakes it’s been making. That possibility was there should McCain and Palin taken the reigns of our government.

This isn’t to say that Obama won’t have the oppurtunity to make an entirely new set of mistakes. The difference is Obama will not fall pray to old pitfalls.

The country is rallied around him. Many of the few that are against Obama, are clinging to their prejudices like a security blanket. Some are just McCain supporters with legitimate gripes. To those who lack a justified reason to dislike Obama: Give the man a chance.

I could be wrong myself, but you have to think we dodged a bullet in McCain/Palin.

Change.gov is a blog/website devoted to this ongoing transition. The movement grows stronger day by day. Don’t be left behind.

How accurate is the contrast with which we view the two candidates?

Edwards looks good. There is no doubt about that. He looks like pre-concussion Edwards. Unfortunately, it is yet again, too little too late for the Buffalo. The Bills season ended a week and a half ago on Monday night against the Browns.

This Bills team has a lot to look forward to if Trent Edwards builds off last weeks start. There 2009 may prove to be truly special. 2008 is full of stiff competition that just can’t be surmounted.

Marshwan Lynch stiff arming an opposing player in this photo from Buffalobills.com

They will improve to 7 and 5 next this week against San Francisco. Look for them to struggle yet again against their division. The only beatable divisional opponent remaining is the Dolphins, and that isn’t even technically a home game.

The Bills have yet to beat a contender this season. A win over Denver is mandatory for them to have a shot.

In general, they must look to build off their successes. Their offensive line has started to flourish after underachieving early. Their run game needs to stay consistent, as does Edwards. Last but not least, they absolutely have to play better defense. Their defense is getting healthy, so there will be no more excuse. The returns of Donte Whitner, Aaron Schobel, and Jabari Greer should pay dividends.

Early in the season it was said that the Bills have no glaring holes. They also don’t have anything they truly excel at besides special teams. They need to find their identity fast before it’s too late.

Bills Strengths:

Running game. Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch are a formidable tandem of the cliche thunder and lightning persuasion. They are finding holes behind an improving O-line.

Playmakers. The Bills have them all over the field. From Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish on offense to Leodis Mckelvin, Terrence McGee, and Donte Whitner on defense. Unfortunately these players all tend to disappear during certain games. Everyone needs to show up and make the big plays that allow the Bills to thrive.

Special teams. The Bills once again have one of the best special teams units in the league. Kicker is probably the weak point, but it’s made up for by a lethal return unit and punter.

Bills Weaknesses:

Pass rush. They just don’t get to the Quarterback. In the NFL most Quarterbacks don’t look to bad when they have all the time in the world to throw the ball. Schobel’s return may help with this issue.

Quarterback constancy. Will the real Trent Edwards show up on Sunday? No one really knows who the real Trent is. Is it the young stand who shows the decision making of a veteran or is it the tentative rookie with happy feet who throws three interceptions to start the game?

Injuries. The Bills are heavily decimated. It started out with the loss of defensive captain, Angelo Crowell in the preseason. It was exasperated by the loss of nearly every member of their secondary. They are getting healthier, one piece at a time. Wide receiver, Josh Reed’s return paid huge dividends against the Chiefs.

Playoff Picture:

In two words. No chance. After looking at the schedule and the current standings, it would take a miracle. They are in horrible positions as far as tiebreakers and don’t have a prayer of beating the Jets or Patriots. Another disappointing season for Bills fans. I would love to be surprised as I myself root for the Bills, but objectively, I don’t see it happening. They may actually have a better chance to beat the Patriots than the Jets. Don’t hold your breathe however.

Season Prediction:

9 and 7. That oh so heartbreaking record. The Bills will beat San Fran, Denver, and Miami. They will lose to the Patriots and Jets. Just bad enough to miss the playoffs and just good enough to get a lousy draft pick. Go to sleep Bills fans and wake up next September.

Something about going 1 and 15 the previous year breeds success in the following year. In 1991, the Indianapolis Colts went 1 and 15. The next year, they were 9 and 7. The same can be said about the ’96 Jets.

The 1989 Cowboys went 1 and 15 with a shaky young rookie named Troy Aikman. We all know how that turned out. The 2001 Carolina Panthers posted a 1 and 15 season of their own only to finish just shy of a Superbowl win in 2003.

The Miami Dolphins are looking to become the first 1 and 15 ever to clinch a post season birth. Their schedule does show three easy match ups in St. Louis, San Francisco, and Kansas City.

At the same time they have two critical division match ups on the road against the Bills in Toronto and the Jets at the Meadowlands.

Miami has had difficulty in the past, traveling north in December. Although Miami notched a win over Buffalo once this year, they carried a 1 and 7 against the Bills since 2004 entering the year.

The Dolphins have proven to be an all or nothing team. They have blown out the dominating New England Patriots on their best day and lost to the abysmal Texans on their worst.

Chad Pennington is without a doubt the difference maker in this team’s offense. He doesn’t turn the ball over, like John Beck and Cleo Lemon during lasts years debacle.

Pennington is by all accounts one of the most accurate Quarterbacks in NFL history. His lack of arm strength is the one qualm that’s prevented him from dominating in the NFL. He isn’t a pro bowl Quarterback, but he is at the top of the list for game managers.

The defense has certainly emerged as well. Miami’s defenses always find a way to be solid even through losing seasons. Despite losing Jason Taylor and Zack Thomas, their run defense has remained stout. Joey Porter has erased any notions of declining play and showed shocking signs of progression.

Porter is undoubtedly licking his lips at the prospect of facing the revolving door offensive lines of San Fran, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Look for him to make a run at the single season sack record.

The Dolphins loss to the Patriots was a heart breaker, but new head coach Tony Sparano dwarfs colossal bust of a coach, Cam Cameron in keeping his team composed. He will have his men ready and the Dolphins should be back on track this Sunday with a win at St. Louis.

Dolphins Strengths:

Leadership. Pennington is a proven leader and he has this team believing. Tony Sparano has this team well organized. They have the fewest mistakes in the league as far as turnovers and penalties are concerned.

Defensive standout Joey Porter

Joey Porter. When he’s not condoning dog fighting, he’s actually playing some high quality football. Porter has taken a leap to elite status among the likes of Brian Urlacher and Shawn Merriman.

Ronnie Brown receiving the snap in the trademark Wildcat formation

Running the football. Ronnie Brown has truly been an enigma as he returned from a torn ACL. I have never seen a running back succeed at such a high level after a surgery of this caliber. The addition of solid play from Ricky Williams has allowed their running game to flourish and lead to the success of the wildcat formation.

Dolphins Weaknesses:

Inexperience. You can never overvalue experience. Sure Pennington has it. Porter has it. But who else? The Dolphins have the potential for “we’re just excited to be here” syndrome should they make the playoffs. It will be up to the two previously mentioned veterans to keep the team grounded.

Defensive backfield. The Dolphins have had a difficult time guarding the pass this season. While players, like young safety, Jason Allen, show promise, it is once again the inexperience that hinders them. Miami is ranked 28th against the pass this season. Fortunately they are 9th against the run.

Depth at wide receiver. Ted Ginn is emerging. There is no doubt. Unfortunately the teams leading receiver, Greg Camarillo is lost for the season. This leaves rookie Davone Bess and second year man, Ted Ginn to step up. Ginn has shown flashes of brilliance, but still makes the prototypical rookie mistakes. The Dolphins must establish more consistent play at this position.

Playoff Picture:

The AFC is too strong. The ‘Fins are certainly poised to finish at least 9 and 7; 10 and 6 is in no way out of the question. The most pivotal game remaining on the Dolphins schedule is the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. Mark my words: If they do not win this game, they will not make the playoffs.

They desperately need the divisional tie breaker as they may be in a dead lock with the Patriots. The Bills are the easier of their remaining divisional games and thus the ‘Fins must look to capitalize.

They need a little help in the form of losses for either New England, Baltimore, or Indianapolis. It’s going to be a tough road, but counting them out only makes it all the more likely they will prevail.

Season Prediction:

9 and 7. This is nothing to be frowned upon. This team had 1 win last year and nothing to look forward to. The Dolphins are a franchise Quarterback shy of emerging once again as an AFC East force. The loss to the Jets will likely prove to be the dagger. Should they beat the Bills, which they may very well, I still feel that they will be that heart broken 10 and 6 team left in the cold.

Fear not Dolphins fans. The postseason may well be a lock in 2009.

That’s the theme of this year’s season in New England. This young, dynamic Quarterback, Matt Cassel, has taken the league by storm.

Sure he’s not Tom Brady. He lacks the rings, the credentials, and the experience. But boy is he getting the job done. The Patriots are 7 and 4. They are as formidable as ever. Randy Moss is back. Imagine if they had a running back?

Cassel has thrown for 400 yards in his each of his last 2 games. Not bad for a guy who hadn’t started since high school.

The Patriots depth is undeniable and remains their strong suit. Injuries just don’t effect them. Coach Bill Bilichick has every last player on that team ready to play.

The Pats have three easy wins remaining on the schedule, all of which happen to be on the road. They should roll through Oakland, Seattle, and Buffalo and never look back.

Patriot’s strengths:

Coaching, coaching, and more coaching….they come ready to play.

Randy Moss. Watch the highlights of last weeks game against Miami if you want to know what happens when Moss isn’t double teamed. The catch 22 is that if you double cover Moss, Wes Welker breaks loose.

A formidable defensive line anchored by Richard Seymour and the new dirtiest player in the game, Vince Wilfork. Sorry Rodney.

Patriot’s weaknesses:

Matt Cassel. Sorry to contradict myself, but the main drawback of Cassel vs. Brady. Cassel turns the ball over. That happens to be a significant issue.

Shallow at runningback. Benjarvis Green-Ellis? Don’t bring kool-aid to a grown man’s party. Right Stuart Scott?

Linebackers. They are getting old. Definitely not the dominant group from years past. Still a respectable unit, just not elite. Jerod Mayo has emerged however and looks like a franchise linebacker.

Dan Dierdorf and Greg Gumble recap the game.

Playoff Picture:

Are the playoffs allowed to occur without the Patriots? Well they actually could. The Pats missed the playoffs at 9 and 7 after their first Superbowl. I am going to say that they will in fact make the playoffs because of the 3 wins I mentioned. They made need help to get in. 10 wins might not be enough this year in the AFC.

Best Case Playoff Match ups:

Denver, Buffalo, Tennessee

Worst Case Playoff Match ups:

New York Jets, Indianapolis, Miami

Season Prediction:

10 and 6. They will make the playoffs, although they may be the 6 seed. Look for a possible spoiler in Buffalo week 17. This is the only possible way they fail to make the playoffs.

First place, Bret Favre, five wins in a row….Superbowl bound. Right? Well…yeah actually. The formula appears airtight in this case.

The Jets are being lead to the promise land by a future Hall of Famer and a potential pro bowler. That’s right, Wrangler’s poster boy Brett Favre, the NFL’s iron man, and John Madden’s man crush has hit his stride.

He’s dissecting defenses week after week. They made a statement against the undefeated 10 and 0 Tennessee Titans this past weekend. 34 points against the number 1 defense in the NFL is nothing to write off.

AP Photo by Mark Humphry

Either the Titans were exposed as overrated or the Jets were exposed as a power house. I am leaning towards the latter as the Jets were the only team this season to hang 30 on the Titans and only the second to break 20.

On their current win streak the Jets have outscored their opponents 169-88.

Jim Nantz and Phil Sims recap

Jet’s Strengths:

The acquisition of Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins has solidified the Jets defense and allowed them to boast one of the best lines in the NFL.

Running back Leon Washington has become a home run hitter and impact special teams player.

Tight end Dustin Keller is emerging and showing flashes of the explosive play that made him a first round pick.

The previously shaky O-line is becoming a dominant presence with the edition of Alan Faneca. They have really opened up the run game for Thomas Jones.

Jet’s Weaknesses:

Brett Favre is still prone to frequent turnovers. He doesn’t always make the best decisions, although occasionally they pay off.

Though Darrell Revis should be a shut down corner in time, the inexperience and depletion of the Jet’s secondary provides the glaring weak point in the team.

As has been the case since Mangini took over, the Jets remain shallow at linebacker.

Playoff Picture:

The Jet’s are red hot. They still have San Francisco and Seattle on the schedule which should easily notch them 10 wins. The Jets were the trendy Superbowl pick before the year and it appears they may take the trip. They have proven they can beat the Patriots. Look for them to stay hot.

Best Case Playoff Match ups:

Baltimore, Pittsburgh

Worst Case Playoff Match ups:

Indianapolis, Denver

Season Prediction:

They will finish 12 and 4 to secure a first round bye. They will notch wins over the 49ers, Seahawks, Dolphins, and Bills to close out the season. They have a good shot at going to Tampa, but they may not be able to beat a team like the Giants.

Highlights

Over the next several weeks, most of my posts will be focused on the ongoing NFL season, the MLB offseason, and other happenings around the sporting world.

As an avid Bills fan, I am closely monitoring the hotly contested race for the AFC east division.

I will post over the next several days and summarize each team and take a look at where they stand.