One thing I've done recently is write a CV for myself. I had to do it as an exercise in my grant writing class because I am writing a grant proposal to fund my own research. The challenge I ran into in writing my CV was the blank page staring at me, which was absolutely terrifying.
(CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. It's a detailed, multi-page résumé. Here's an academic link on how to write one: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/01/.)
I had a CV for the work I did as a software developer, but translating that into a CV for a creative writer was brutal. I have not yet published any of my creative work, so I decided to include my works in progress with a blurb for each. As you probably know, writing a blurb can be more difficult than writing the whole novel.
Having a homework sort of deadline for writing my CV helped me write all of my blurbs - I set the anxiety aside and just did it. I ended up really liking what I came up with - and I get to look forward to a critique of them from my professor, which can only help.
For me, the glaring lack of publication credits on my CV is strangely motivating. It makes me want to get busy and get something, anything, published.
Do you have a CV as a writer? If you do, have you ever had the opportunity to use it?
No, I've never had the need to write one out. Perhaps if I was pursuing writing as a career, I would.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing just fine without one. ;)
DeleteNo. I panst everything in life. Riding the waves as usual.
ReplyDeleteI know you are, and I say panst away! I wrote the whole month in advance, and it's all about being organized - feel free to avoid me this month. :)
DeleteI've worked on putting a writing resume together but it's so woefully inadequate that I've never used it. Like you I did find the lack of credits motivating but also very intimidating.
ReplyDeleteYours should look rather impressive now with your books published and all of your public readings.
Deletehello! I'm a wHooligan, a member of the A to Z support team. You are up and running, but what does CV stand for? Enjoy the challenge!
ReplyDeleteCV stands for Curriculum Vitae. It's a detailed, multi-page résumé. Here's an academic link to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/01/.
DeleteI've never had to write a resume for my writing, but I do keep track of the things I've published, even all of my short stories and poetry. I can imagine how difficult it would be. The good that came out of this was the excellent blurbs you wrote for all of your works-in-progress. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree - I am very pleased I have my blurbs done.
DeleteOh, Tonja, I'm such a mess. I probably have a good dozen short stories/poems I forgot made their way to online or print publication. I come across things I've written and think, 'Is there another Randi Lee out there? Because I don't remember writing--oh wait, I do!" It's about time for me to sort myself out, make an Excel document and get a CV together before I forget even more of my work!!
ReplyDeleteI went to a one day writer's conference on Pathways to Publication. The literary agent and small press publisher that were there both said publication credits is a big part of what they look at when they decide if they want you or not. It gives you credibility.
DeleteWow, this post resonates with me so much because I'm hunting for jobs these days, and there's so much writing to do. I look forward to the rest of your posts, and I almost wish you'd talked about C for Cover Letter because I'm trying to write one today!. dropping by from http://sujataravi6.wordpress.com for the A-Z challenge! :)
ReplyDeleteMy advice for your cover letter is to use a logical argument of how hiring you will help them meet their mission or objectives. Look at it from their point of view. Look at the mission statement of the organization or the web site of the department if that's applicable (but don't tell them you did that) and use the same sort of language in the letter. How do you give them what they need to be successful at what they do?
DeleteVisiting on day 3 of the #atozchallenge with all my fellow writers. I appreciate all the hard work it takes to participate. I hope you make many new blogging friends. These first 3 posts are a big help to your fellow writers. Thanks for posting. If you have time or interest in gardening and related 'stuff', that's what I am writing about this month. A wonderful excuse to keep me from my next chapter.
ReplyDeleteI worked on my chapter today despite the chaos! Love your blog. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteUnfortunately, my "writing" CV would look quite pathetic....i think i'll hold off for a while ;) Great C post though, good luck with the rest of the challenge x
ReplyDelete