2nd Issue of My Newspaper for Kids

July's issue is out and I'm having fun distributing it throughout Fauquier County! It's definately more of a challenge with the kiddos home from school but it is so much easier now that I have my distribution list down. I "work in" paper drop-offs between swimming lessons and grocery runs. Today we hit the Fauquier libraries to take in our due books and pick up new ones. The kids "spun the wheel" for a prize since they had each read a book and I was able to deliver my papers at the same time! I'm working the Zen moments! Otherwise, it's constant arguments and debates about who was right when he/she decided to ignore/scream at the other.



The other issue I'm working on is determining what publishing software I should use. After two prints, I'm learning I probably need to purchase better software or atleast a higher end pdf maker. My ads are not as crisp as I'd like them. Having a real estate and writing background is not equivalent to a computer degree as you can imagine but that will not deter me! I'm researching online and making phone calls to all the publications I think have a great output to discover what they use.

It's funny when you find something you feel passionate about, the small obstacles are just that. You have to approach them with fearlessness, pick them up and analyze them, find a proper solution then toss 'em. Isn't it the same way with writing?



This isn't my immediate solution to a job but somehow I don't care. I'm loving in and I've met so many great folks because of it. Plus, when a kid says, "A paper just for me?!", I lose it!

We Writers Need a Stop Watch

This is the first page of June's issue, my first as a Newspaper Gal! I hope to be one for a long time. Each day I'm either distributing papers, calling or dropping in on prospective advertisers, reading a couple of chapters for the next book review or drafting an ad for a business in town.

The local community has been really great. Everyone is excited and supportive. I continue to talk to my printer to learn how to make the product even better and my idea notebook has become my newspaper book. The paper will continue to be 4 pages until the school year starts. At that time, I will assess the need to make it 8 and go from there.

I've learned the need to set immediate and long term goals. I have always struggled with my writing goals but having a deadline (a print date) really doesn't give one a choice! I like that and apparently need it. So, it got me thinking, if each of us writers had a henchman to answer to, would we keep our self inflicted timelines? I'd bet a large sum , we all would!

I'd ask Nev to be my goal keeper except I know he wouldn't touch that job with a 50 foot pole! For now, I'm glad to have my paper to keep me moving forward and I'm glad it makes me write atleast a chapter of my new story every 30 days!

The Fauquier Kid

Starting a business is really time consuming. It also consumes the mind. I literally had to cut some things out to make my new endeavor happen. Blogging was one of them. Writing was the second, unfortunately. Well, I'm back to writing and boy have I missed it! And, I'm back to blogging, too.

I've started a newspaper for kids, The Fauquier Kid. It has local news, stories, book reviews, puzzles, and more. My first issue came out this Saturday at our local spring festival in Warrenton. I believe I passed out about 1,500 copies. Boy was I pooped at the end of the day! It was really excited and the feedback from kids and parents was great.

A lot of kids were excited to know they could write for the paper, something I really hope becomes a reality. Not only am I asking the kids to submit news articles, but there will be story contests as well. Kids can learn how to write for an audience as well as the ins and outs of submission guidelines. And, see their name in print!

The local paper here does not subscribe to The Mini Page so unless you get The Washington Post, your kids wouldn't have their own paper. The Fauquier Kid will be very different from TMP as well as it will be focused more on the kids in the county.

The paper is free, paid for by advertisers. It's a great outlet for local businesses looking to reach kids and their folks. I am currently working on distribution. Already it has been placed in several locations including the pediatriians office, restaurants and the boys and girls club. I am meeting with the public libraries as well as other facilities to gain permission as well. It all takes so much time. But, if it works (and I'm working my butt off to see that it does) it will be a great community service as well as a lot of fun for me!