I figure since things usually slow down around this time of year, now is the best time to get all this stuff done. It's amazing what I've learned this year from more experienced writers like you, Devon and many others. Wish me luck!

Krista, my recessionary slump, if I had one, came in May/June when the magazine budgets went south. But I shifted to other things. Mind you, it took time for the other stuff to come around and pay off, but it's proof we're an adaptable group.

Devon, likewise. I have that ongoing ball-and-chain stuff, but by January that should disappear. When it becomes the primary focus, it's time to refocus my approach.

How was your November, Allena? 🙂

Paula, I'm so glad you're following up! Yes, I'm doing that this week, too. I'm totally overloaded again, but dammit, I can't sit on it.

Kimberly, I'd love to hear what you're doing to revamp things. Anything we can learn from it?

Kathy, that you joined two contests in the same month shows your confidence. Oy! I made it, but I don't remember being awake for the ending. 😉

Most of my earnings were from repeat clients, and a couple projects came from clients I haven't heard from in a while. That tendency makes me hopeful for 2010. I also scored one very well-paying gig from a blind job ad that may lead to more work down the road. If only all months could be like November. SIGH!

Same old story with me. November was less than my average month in 2008, but since it pays the bills and provides something to add to savings, I'm fine with it.

I did look more at job boards, but nothing was worth my time. I was better at sending story ideas, and those produced some assignments. I've now made a commitment to send pitches on the first of every month so that I don't have any excuse for not doing it.

I also got an e-mail out of the blue from a PR person who wanted me to send a bid to cover a legal conference and produce two stories from it. Alas, they went with an internal candidate. But I like the fact that she found me, vetted me, and then chose me as one of three asked to bid.

Also, I'm pretty surprised that I did all that AND met all my deadlines in November. I had to take my sweet dog in for emergency surgery, and it turns out he's got cancer. The prognosis is bad, 2-4 months. I'm still dumbfounded that I was able to work at all with such sad news.

December's looking minimal, but it'll cover the bills–and I haven't had a vacation in ages. So unless some wonderful project falls into my lap that I can't turn down, I'm pretty much taking off from Dec. 22 on. Hooray!

That should recharge me and make me do much more marketing in 2010!