a new hope

"Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends..."

Is there anyone out there?

Most, if not all, of you know that my blog has been on hiatus for at least five months now, coming out once to rave about The Way. Many of you also know the identity crisis this blog has had from Day One, it seems, despite my stating clearly that it's about writing and my being a working writer. I had decided that I wasn't going to return unless I had something I really wanted to say or write about.

Well, I think I've found that something.

I recently read a book called The Law of Success, by Napoleon Hill. Published in 1928, it is a 600+page course about fifteen shared traits of successful people, the culmination of 20 years of close observation of some of the giants of the time, ranging from Ford to Edison to Carnegie to Woolworth and many, many more. (Given the time period, it's rather male-dominated. There are also some references that, by today's standards, are rather politically incorrect and actually made me wince, but I can't hold that against him.) Despite its being over 80 years old, it's surprising to see how relevant the book is (and, moreover, how needed it is in today's economy).

While reading this course, I was delighted to find how many of the principles I'd put into practice almost naturally, albeit not in an organized manner. Parts of the book were eye-opening--not because the content was new, but because I was seeing new ways to apply it.

One way was in the classroom. I'd been having a rather difficult time this semester, especially with motivation (both of students and myself). The more I read this course, the more I wanted to be teaching those principles. And so, I found a way to do so while still meeting the objectives of the course. I tossed out the syllabus, and the remaining assignments, and wrote new ones. The change in the class, and myself, was instant.

Another way is here, on this blog. Specifically, I want to present the Law of Success to writers.

All too often, when I attend writing workshops, panel discussions, and conferences, I hear writers and speakers say this: "Don't expect to make any money from it." At one time, I was one of those people who conformed to this mentality, until I started to wonder: Why? If writing is my passion, the one thing I want to spend my life doing, why shouldn't I expect to be paid for it? Moreover, why shouldn't I make it a priority to make a living from it? Why go into any career with such a defeated attitude, especially before taking one step?

I wanted to make money. I wanted to make a living from my writing. And so I decided I would. It's taken five years to do so, but I'm finally at the point where I'm ready to make the leap.

What I want to do here is present the principles of the Law of Success, one per week, and tailor them specifically for writers. However, any reader of my blog, in any career, can apply these principles to their jobs, families, hobbies, goals, aspirations, etc. My aim is not to sell you a get-rich-quick scheme, to promise that you'll become a best-selling author, or to give you a formula. I do not see this as a self-help book, or a self-help course. Rather, my aim is to show you the possibilities, to awaken your creative spirits, and to have a little fun along the way (after all, say Ben & Jerry, "if it's not fun, why do it?"). I have, by no means, mastered all of these traits. But I am delighted to see how many of them were at work when I reflect on my own success stories, be it as a teacher or a writer. I'll be sharing those as well. And I look forward to learning as I teach.

I hope you'll join me for the ride.

you look maaarvallous!

Welcome to the new look of "I'll Have What She's Having": The Official Blog of Elisa Lorello. The conversation remains the same. Just a new look and a new URL. Please note that the new URL is http://elisalorello.blogspot.com, and be sure to update your blog lists, Bookmarks, and Favorites.

Coming soon: Ordinary World (the sequel to Faking It), more guest bloggers and authors, and a possible spin-off blog (more on that if it actually happens -- I tend to voice a lot of ideas and then actulaize very few).

In the meantime, is there any topic you'd like me to write about associated with writing, publishing, books, or something else? If so, please drop me a line and let me know.

On a personal note, I was saddened to hear about John Hughes' passing. Generation X grew up with his movies and cast of characters, and my fellow Gen-Xers and I had a great time on Facebook recalling some of our favorite lines. So many. Thank you, John. I don't think I ever made the connection before, but I think you're one of the reasons why I do what I do.

heads up: another makeover

Readers, be aware: "I'll Have What She's Having" is getting ready to undergo a URL change and yet another makeover.

If you've been with me since the beginning, you know that my blog was originally called Kairos Calling and had a different purpose as well as appearance. When I made the first transformation, I kept the original URL because a) I didn't want people to lose me, and b) I didn't know I could change it.

If all goes according to plan, the new URL will be my name by August 10. Do what you gotta do -- write the date in your calendars, create a new Bookmark, etc. Because it's that important.

Anyway, back to writing...