Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Journal.
Writers Should Work for Free
Writing for free is a contentious subject. Many writers vehemently object to any free writing requests, and with good reason. Most writers (and all creatives, really) face an onslaught of requests for free work in exchange for recognition, or for a good cause. These requests undervalue the work that goes into writing, and the sentiment can make it hard for writers to maintain steady work, or earn a living wage.
By Annie Kiely7 years ago in Journal
How to Write: A Novel Based Off a Fan Fiction
The world of fan fiction is such a strange phenomenon if you really think about it. I mean, you as the writer are essentially taking things that exist—movies, shows, video games, comic books, manga and anime, even "real" people—and creating your own stories within those worlds and with those characters, or making entirely new ones of either or both. Whether it's a retelling from a different character's perspective or with the "wrongs" of something (like how it ended, what romantic pairings formed, who died or didn't die, and so on) righted, or it's set in an alternate universe or has a crossover with a similar or completely different series, or it's just mindless smut or fluff, fan fiction is a very broad spectrum comprised of every genre imaginable, and every kind of writer—and style—along with them.
By D.A. Baldwin7 years ago in Journal
Misadventures in Self-Storage Management
A few years back, I got the privilege of being an onsite resident manager of a self-storage facility for five years. Looking back, parts of it were great, other parts, let's just say, I've had my fill of ever setting foot in a storage facility ever again. Let me warn you, this is nothing like you see in that cable show Storage Wars. Sit back for the ride on this chapter, because storage units and their tenants have their story to tell...
By Jennifer Jones7 years ago in Journal
How (Not) to Write: A Y.A. Romance, Part I. Top Story - September 2017.
Young Adult literature is probably one of the most popular genres nowadays from what I've seen, and it has been for the past few years, perhaps even longer. I think the buzz started with Twilight, and even though it's had its ups and downs, the high that book brought has stayed and only gotten more and more pronounced over time. A lot of this has to do with movies and shows being created based around popular Y.A. books, but I think the books are the things people enjoy the most. I would say the same case works for me, since I tend to be one of those people who believes that 'the book is better,' simply because books tend to have more to them, and movie representations can be, well, hit-or-miss.
By D.A. Baldwin7 years ago in Journal
Build an Australian Dream Team with These Team Building Ideas
You can be the smartest, most talented, and most passionate educated entrepreneur, but none of it matters unless you have a well-trained team willing to move forward toward a common vision and the realization of the company’s goals. The number of new businesses in Australia has declined and the number of business failures has risen since 2015, and while there are many reasons behind that, a good team would do everything in its power to avoid being a part of those numbers. So, without further ado, here are a few team building exercises that will transform your workers into a dream team ready to have your (and each other’s) back whenever necessary.
By Carolin Petterson7 years ago in Journal
How to Gain a Job as a Flight Attendant
One of my goals for the next two years is to have a job as a flight attendant with a reputable airline - preferably one from New Zealand, Australia or Canada. I have a passion for aviation and have attended interviews with Air New Zealand, Jetconnect for Qantas*, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. I know there are a lot of other girls (and guys!) out there who also want in on this sweet gig, so here is a little bit about my experience and some helpful tips to get you going:
By Archie Swenson7 years ago in Journal
Notes from a Site Engineer 3
Before you all scoff and tell me I'm ridiculous - 'what are you on about - dirt! Stupid woman!' - let me tell you one thing. Apparently, not everyone walks onto an earthworks project or a construction site expecting them to be dirty. I had one graduate in particular who actually expressed it as 'it's so dirty' about the site that we were both on. I will admit, my eye roll at this observation was hard enough to give me a headache. Admittedly, because it was a remedial project and an old landfill as well as an earthworks site, that site was more probably more dirty than some. Sites are not hospital wards or microbiology laboratories. Dirt is, let's be honest, very much the nature of the beast.
By Fiona Wark7 years ago in Journal
The Power of Social Media
I'm an aspiring model, and the most common thing I get asked is how I got into it. Now, I'm not yet what I'd call successful, so take everything with a pinch of salt, but I think a lot of people would agree with the things I have to say about the power social media can have on success. Though I haven't reached my peak yet; I'm not Insta Famous and I don't have tons of contracts with big brands. I've had a few big successes in my eyes, and I owe a lot of it to the way I've learnt to manage my social profile.
By Louie Warner7 years ago in Journal
Government Jobs for History Majors
Back when I was in college, one of the first classes I took was with a New Jersey history professor. When we had our first class, he told us about how he chose a doctorate in New Jersey history, and how his parents "basically expected him to live in their basement forever."
By Ossiana Tepfenhart7 years ago in Journal
5 Essential Tips to Consider Before Starting a Commercial Construction Project
Jumping straight into a commercial construction project is hardly a well-thought out idea. In general, projects of this type and magnitude require some extra planning as well as possible permits. Of course, there are other environmental and social factors to consider as well. With that in mind, a thorough prep is necessary before you actually engage in the construction work. In that respect, the following list can help you organize your time, ideas and work in the most efficient way.
By Carolin Petterson7 years ago in Journal
My Adventures in Elderly Care
At the age of 18, I graduated high school months earlier than my class, so I had free time to work and do other things with my life I had been severely ready to enjoy. One of the things I had never tried, led me to work in an elderly care facility, unfortunately as a laundry attendant. My shifts consisted of 4 AM -12 PM and/ or 11 AM - 6 PM, five days a week, and in that time I learned a lot about what growing old is all about.
By Raven Rose7 years ago in Journal