My Social Experiment #1: Magic

  

I love sociology and psychology. As a result, I’m constantly researching to understand myself better. INTJs want to know “the whole” of everything–including ourselves. Research doesn’t just involve encyclopedias and scientific journals. It also includes people you interact with every day.

For example, I asked my Facebook friends to help me with my social experiment (I give myself a new one at least twice a week). They didn’t hesitate to help, which I really appreciated.

My question: What was your impression when you first met me?

Thirty-something friends answered honestly. For the most part, the men thought I had been:

• MY FAVE ANSWER–quiet, but thinking and analyzing everything at same time
• Intelligent, quiet, friendly
• Very sweet person, quiet but never thought shy
• Nice, outspoken, funny, very intelligent…decent

And the women thought I had been:

• MY FAVE ANSWER–quiet, chill, observant, nice
• Quiet, shy, intelligent
• Shy but friendly
• Quiet, reserved, observant

So sweet! I love compliments! This data helped me last night. Even though I’m shy, I still appear friendly instead of standoffish. This was good to know. I thought I gave off negative first expressions since I’m horrible with small talk, a requirement when meeting strangers or acquaintances. Hearing that I give off positive vibes helped me gain confidence.

You see, for my social experiment, I had to leave my comfort zone. I had to be social! No fading in the background like I’m used to hee hee. Last night was my first time at Your Hobby Place.

My writing buddy’s husband taught me how to play Magic after giving me a tour of the store. I’m all for card games that require bluffing, strategic thinking, and luck/skill at the same time. 

I was nervous at first because of learning something new. I have a weird phobia of not wanting to disappoint whoever’s teaching me. But once I got over that fear, I had a blast. The guys in the room were very friendly and informative. They totally helped me play my hand. Thanks, I couldn’t have won without them!  A guy joked that I had to get used to dealing with math nerds, and I was like “I’ll fit right in.” 🙂

All in all, I’m happy that I didn’t chicken out of going to Your Hobby Place alone. Trust me, my shyness was creating imaginary obstacles so I’d have to cancel. Dang on anxiety–welcome to a shy person’s world.

I’m giving myself five more social experiments. Anyone have any ideas of what I should do next?

Keep smiling,

Yawatta Hosby

Wish Me Luck! Today Was My First Day of Online Class–Marketing 101 For Freelance Writers!

Anyone who follows my blog knows that I’m always looking for classes to help improve my craft of writing. There’s different varieties–writing fiction, personal essays, creative nonfiction, articles, poetry, screenplays, technical documents, and the list goes on and on.

I’m interested in freelance writing. I want to be able to present myself to editors of magazines and newspapers to pitch ideas. I want to get paid well and I want respect in this industry. It doesn’t matter if I use my name or have to use a pen name (I’d totally find a loophole and use my middle name hee hee).

Following successful freelancer blogs, I came across Carol Tice’s website. She’s very experienced in this writing field and is willing to give out accurate advice. It was a no brainier to sign up for her free 20 week online course Marketing 101 For Freelance Writers. This course will help me: take action, find good paying clients, and grow writing income. Sounds like a plan!

I’m excited. My inner-nerd made me finish my homework already hee hee. I’m back in class. Yea!!!

Wish me luck!

Keep smiling,

Yawatta Hosby

The Ultimate Question: Why Did I Become A Writer In the First Place?

Most writers, especially if they become authors, ask this question often. Sharing work brings vulnerability and a fear of rejection. Years ago, I decided to stop writing as a hobby, to think of it as a business. Good thing I have a thick skin… It’s time to dig deep and answer this ultimate question honestly.

Here goes:

Why did I become a writer in the first place?

1. I love the idea of being an artist, of having a creative soul.
2. To share my stories with readers who will appreciate and be entertained by them.
3. To make money on the side–my lifelong dream is to become a full time writer.
4. I’m an introvert so being a writer suits my personality. Plus, it’s fun meeting like-minded local writers.
5. Creating imaginary worlds and making up characters is fun. Hard work but fun!
6. I’m truly a rebel. People keep telling me that I need to find a suitable career, so I want to prove the naysayers wrong. I will be a successful author–self-published or not! I will be a successful screenplay writer and freelancer!

For all the writers out there, why did you choose this field in the first place?

Keep smiling,

Yawatta Hosby

LARS’S MUSE Didn’t Make the Cut For The Cult Of Me Contest

On Twitter, I found a short story contest that ended today. Three winners=three Amazon gift cards. A gift card would’ve been nice, but my story LARS’S MUSE wasn’t a finalist. 

It was fun writing it though, and I’m confident that I can find a home for it. Congratulations to the three lucky winners! Please check out their dark and twisted shorts–The Cult of Me May Contest. 

Keep smiling,

Yawatta Hosby