Paula, optimistic IS a nice change! Good for you. Sounds like the start of better things, if you ask me.

Queries: Sent two batches of awards-season queries to two of my favorite editors – one of my ideas was assigned, along with one of their ideas and two more "capusles." Also sent a fun query to The Bark magazine – no word yet, but it's an idea I can pitch elsewhere if they don't, um, bite.

LOIs: No LOIs this month, but I have a magazine in mind to tackle next.

Existing clients: They're keeping me busy. I turned in eight assignments, two columns, three quick projects and also netted the new assignments noted above. One of my graphic-designer-sister's big clients had another light editing project and requested me – I'd edited executive bios for them before and they have another batch.

New Clients: When Y-Me shuttered suddenly, my sister asked me if I would update resumes for a few of the women who lost their jobs. Paid. Working on three of their resumes this week. Also did a resume for another one of my sister's friends.

Referrals: Along with the resume referrals, I finally heard back from a marketing company another writer had referred my way…I replied (second time) still no word.

Earnings: Barring any checks that may arrive in today's mail, I'm a hair below my modest monthly goal. The good news is in the past two weeks I've invoiced almost double that, and am currently working on projects totaling roughly the same amount I've already taken in this month.

Bottom line: Optimistic. (What a nice change!)

Earnings Unless I receive a check today that is more than a month overdue, I won't meet my earnings goal. This has been 2 months in a row of slow payments from long-time clients and I am frankly getting really sick of it.

Existing clients June was my busiest month in terms of projects and July was busy as well. I have projects lined up for the rest of the year.

New clients I had one call from a possible new client-outside my niche. Not sure if it's going to work out. He left the call by saying he was going to send me info. about his business for a proposal. That was supposed to arrive last week and nothing. We had a really great discussion, but I get a feeling it's one of those who flake out on you. I'm following up today, but not very hopeful about it.

Marketing Working on an ebook-took the month off from guest posting as I needed the break. Tried something different on LinkedIn-will let you know if it works out.