Business Owner Launches Book to Coincide with Albuquerque Car Care Month

Rio Rancho, New Mexico (April 26, 2010) - Leila Johnson's book, Driving to Success: Let Your Spirit Take the Wheel, will be published on May 20, 2010 to coincide with Albuquerque's Car Care Month. The book uses a driving theme to explain how entrepreneurs and professionals can be successful by taking different paths in their professional lives.

New Mexico Magazine will be publishing my profile on Jennifer James in the June issue in the Creative Fires (I think that's the name) section.

I'm thrilled, but what I want to share is the value of social networking media. Because I write about Albuquerque and New Mexico for my examiner column, the editor of NM Magazine has been following my tweets (I tweet as OffbeatTravel).

When I sent in my query, she recognized my (real) name and moved the proposal to the top of the "read and consider" heap.

The WriterGal Network works! Recently I had a project which required sourcing subject matter experts to write for a client of mine. I was looking for people with a very specific skill set and didn't know anyone in my personal network. So I put the word out to the WriterGals, and sure enough one of them connected me with an associate of one of her clients. (What's that -- a professional acquaintance two times removed?!) I followed that lead which lead me to someone all the way across the country who will probably be a perfect fit! 

I have written a book called Driving to Success: Let Your Spirit Take the Wheel. It is a guidebook to help entrepreneurs and professionals drive through their professional life with real purpose and passion. I am self-publishing it as an e-book on May 20th! The printed book will follow in October.

Hey WriterGals

To see what other copywriters are talking about and get their opinions on the freelance lifestyle, project processes, billing, etc. check out the LinkedIn Advertising Copywriting Group. Here's a link to it: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=58585&trk=anet_ug_hm

It's free to sign up through LinkedIn.

Megan 

Jennifer James of Jennifer James 101 is one of Albuquerque's best chefs. So says not only her devoted following, but the James Beard Foundation that has nominated her as a semi-finalist for best chef in the southwest.

I just spent a delightful hour chatting with her about her approach to food, culinary influences, and her restaurant.

The profile will be appearing soon. But even sooner, I'll be visiting her restaurant only this time I'll be eating there. I love her approach - local and organic whenever possible, and always fresh and unfussed over.

Posted to my blog earlier this week. It includes a little of all things sports, including pre-Olympic musings. Find it at http://www.sportsSlant.com/CHLblog. Also, if you've ever been the slightest bit curious about Spinning - and by that i mean indoor cycling fitness classes with the reputation of being taught by drill sergeants trying to make you puke - pick up a copy of the Winter issue of Duke City Fit while you still can and read about my experience.

Interest continues to build in the WriterGals. We've had several more new member inquiries and, as a result of our PR efforts, we're starting to hear from media outlets that are interested in writing stories about our group.  

How many of us really thank our clients for allowing us to write about and for them? I don't mean the usual "thanks so much" at the end of an email, or even a card at the holidays wishing them well. I mean really thanking hem by offering them a small service without charge, sending them flowers on an anniversary or birthday, or a gift card for a referral?

If you're desperate for that last-minute holiday gift or New Year planner, the 2010 Albuquerque Almanac is perfect! It includes an essay on the local ice hockey scene by yours truly and other "Querque" stories organized with a calendar page prefacing each month. Check it out at Bookworks on Rio Grande and other local stores.