It’s been a hot minute since I updated this blog with current projects, and a lot has changed since my last update. It’s changed enough that I also need to take some time to update my resume and CV. That’s how much change has happened! It’s fall, the leaves are changing, the air is finally getting crisp. The bugs have gone back into their hiding spots – thank goodness – and it’s time to think about how the year is going to close out, and time to plan for NaNoWriMo in November. Unlike previous “What I’m Working On” updates, where I linked to recent publications and the like, this time, I’m going to be linking to ALL my projects, when there is a link to share.
Consulting Work
I’m still working as an editorial consultant. Things have been a bit slow in this category this year after there was a raucous start. This has been by design. I have a couple of books I’m editing for clients and I’m still managing social media for a client. I’m working to get some more irons in the fire soon, so to speak. My website for editorial consulting is http://writingresearchediting.com.
Startup Work
I am working as the Chief Marketing Officer and the Chief Communications Officer for Steelhead LLC & Synchronous. Steelhead LLC provides consulting, speaking engagements, wellness information and more while Synchronous will be a 501(c)3 organization that will provide children, teens, and young adults with the mental health resources they need – when and where they need them – for free. You can learn more about that project right now by following our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SynchronousSteelhead/
I’ve tabled Write Fabulous for right now, but I do plan to pick up with that in 2020. That startup will focus on providing writing services and coaching services to others.
Magazine Work
SNARK! Magazine is on the verge of being ready for release as an online zine. I’m hoping that we can debut a print edition next year. I want to launch the online version soon – hopefully next month.
Blogging Work
I’m still partnering with Equanimity – http://EquanimityBlog.com
Activism My Way has been on hiatus. It’s not going to stay on hiatus. http://activismmyway.com I’ve been toying with the idea of rebranding it.
Just a Secular Homeschooler is up and running. Be sure to check it out. I will also be writing about education, Girl Scouts, and giftedness on there. http://secularhomeschooltoday.com
Wining Wife is still going. I have a crafting book to review for it, and I’m hoping to get more “lifestyle” conversation going on soon. http://winingwife.com
Non-Fiction
I’ve contributed two chapters to a forthcoming book on the topics of talking about racial equality with children and teaching children to be civically engaged.
Fiction
Last year, I participated in NaNoWriMo, and worked on “I’ll See You Tomorrow.” The year before, I worked on “Dances With Crazy.” This year, I will be working on “Everything Happens for a Reason,” and to stay accountable with it, I will post my weekly updates. I plan to win this year. You can find my NaNoWriMo profile here: https://nanowrimo.org/participants/rondabowen/projects
I’ve also been working on getting everything set up in Scrivener. I’m finalizing a collection of short stories that I’m hoping to self-publish. Since they were on a previous blog of mine, I’m not going to be sending them out the traditional way.
Non-Profit Work
I’m still working with J.B. Dondolo, Inc.. Lumbie Mlambo, CEO & Founder is slated to receive an award from the Dallas Chapter of the United Nations for the work we’ve done in Zimbabwe at Hospital Hope. Please read more about this wonderful organization here: http://jbdondolo.org
I’m also working as a member of a committee on our local Jingle Bell Run with the Arthritis Foundation/Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. You can help me raise money for Team M&M here: https://events.arthritis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=141839
I’m now a Girl Scout troop leader for my daughter’s troop. I love it. I have gone through all the training currently offered by my local council, including archery instruction and small craft safety – kayaks and canoes. I was also selected to represent my service unit on the Volunteer Advisory Committee.
Ronda B. Boutique
I changed from Ronda B. Handmade to Ronda B. Boutique back in March when I was serving as a representative/stylist for Mac and Mia. While that didn’t work out, I did decide to keep the branding and name change. I am still making custom clothing for children. I will focus more on this in the new year. I’m hoping to start showing things at craft fairs in 2020.
What’s Next?
As if I didn’t wear enough hats, I’ve been contemplating returning to school to ultimately earn an M.Ed. in Gifted Education. Through working with kids in Girl Scouts and also having volunteered with my daughter’s T-ball team over the summer as an assistant coach, I remembered how much I enjoyed working with kids (I used to volunteer as a reading resource specialist for kids with learning differences.
That’s about it. I’m looking forward to getting back to running after breaking my foot in March and dealing with a few health scares early this year that caused me to slow things down a bit. I’m really looking forward to ramping back up to my normal speed.
What have you been up to?
Ronda Bowen 