Design Flaw

In the ICP-Soc meeting last Wednesday, I allocated the articles which are to feature in the Prospective Students Issue and the Freshers Issue of "Newmag".  Now, I need to email out specifications to the students who volunteered regarding content and word count.  I've also looked at the minutes from the meeting that a colleague has sent me and distributed them on the FaceBook page.

However, soon into my responsibilities I became distracted by the prospect of designing the magazine.  At the moment, I have no funding for the magazine available for use and therefore began searching the internet for a free publishing software.  It wasn't long before I found one, began designing a mock-up first page and wasted about an hour before realising that I wouldn't be able to save my design as a PDF.  To add to that, I couldn't add more than five pages when I really needed twelve.  I soon un-installed the software, very much feeling that I squandered my time which could have been spent on something more productive like, let's say, distributing those article specifications.  

Which brings me to a realisation; I need to stop asking people in general to volunteer during meetings to help with design work and actually approach something with IT knowledge who could help me.  I need an IT Consultant.  I have someone in mind who has an eye for detail and a better idea than I on how to get such mythical software packages.  


So, back to those specifications.


Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

Work Experience

Last Friday, I submitted my two essays based on my recent Work Placement at a local magazine.  This included a 2000 word reflective essay on my experiences at Go-Woman! and a 1000 word analytical essay comparing a skill learnt at university and applied to my placement.  For this, I studied research methodologies, with particular focus on interview techniques.  


My experience working at a magazine helped me to develop my career plan; I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel that I have grown personally and professionally.  To add to this, I have began networking and completed three articles for my editor.  As part of my placement work, I attended Women Making It 2012 in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.  The event was spectacular and afterwards I wrote an article regarding the motivations of various women who have set up their own business or are planning to.  I have found my work to be inspirational, as it often involved speaking to experienced women who were keen to promote others as well as themselves.  


As part of my action plan I outlined in the appendix of my reflective essay, I am continuing to volunteer at Go-Woman!  At the moment, I am currently in correspondence with my editor regarding an article I suggested; I am to interview women with children in the early stages of setting up their own businesses to assess how they cope with the demands of business and children.  I hope this piece will be an encouragement to the women of the West Midlands, allowing them to see that they can be self-employed whilst raising their family.


Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

Name Your Magazine!

 This week I've been meeting fellow students and staff at Newman University College, asking them for suggestions for the magazine name.  Many expressed that it was a long over-due project and appeared enthusiastic for the magazine's launch.  But, we're no where near the finish line yet.  


My colleague and received a variety suggestions, from Chocolate Mouse to the Newmanites.  I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a suggestion into my hat, it means a lot to know that the student population are excited by this project that I am leading. 


I'll be chairing the next meeting for the Informative and Creative Publishing (soon to be!) Society this afternoon.  Thankfully, my laryngitis has gone but that didn't stop me from playing an active role in last week's meeting.  


I must say that I'm enjoying my role as project leader and editor very much, but I couldn't have achieved as much as I have so far without my fabulous team and friends.


Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

The Informative and Creative Publishing Society

As I mentioned yesterday, I've recently had the idea to produce a collection of short stories entitled Rock Bottom.  So what else am I doing?  Besides studying Chaucer for my History Degree, I am setting up a University Magazine Society where I study.  Currently, I am acting as the provisional editor/chairperson for this developing society until offical by-elections are held.  There are a few hurdles in my way, for instance I went to the Student Union on Thursday to be told that I needed to compete the Constitution for my society by Monday, noon.  I came back to my flat with my friend, chained myself to the desk with a cup of coffee and didn't rise until I'd got a strong draft.  

Informative and Creative Publishing Society

Overall, the magazine venture appears to be going well.  I've gone out into the University and met the target audience when undergoing market research, as well as launching an on-line survey.  Many of the students seemed quite enthusaistic for a university magazine.  So this Tuesday I'm out again collecting suggestions for a name; after all, if the magazine is going to be by the students for the students it makes sense for the students to name it.  So today, between babysitting my nephew and neice, I've painted a lovely poster that I can attach to my to my table on Tuesday.

If this was enough, my friend approached my University's marketing team recently offering to produce an issue of the magazine tailored specifically towards potential students.  The idea was particularly well-received! We have even been offered paid employment as bloggers to share with potential students our experiences at university.  Sure, it was suggested as a mean of funding my work with the magazine but it's all more writing experience under my belt.   

Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

Rock Bottom

Today, whilst sitting in my mother's car driving to Lichfield, I conceived an idea.  After reading an inspirational collection of Penguin Books, The Great Love series, I have a new appreciation for the short story.  I have always preferred novels as they allow the readers to really engage and sympathize with the characters, whereas short stories feel like an intrusion into the intimate realities of daily life.  Yet, recently I have found myself rather drawn to short stories and inspired by the originality I've seen displayed within them.


And so I've challenged myself to write a collection of short stories entitled Rock Bottom.  Sections from these stories will be posted on this blog from time to time, as well as updates about my progress.  I'm currently working on two ideas; one is about a young man's confusion regarding his love's desire to die and the other about a young woman dealing with depression.  I've written an unpublished story, The Primrose Planter, about a woman who struggles to accept the death of her lifelong husband which will be added to this collection.


Keep your eyes glued on this space for more information about my Rock Bottom project.


Over and Out,
Faye
xxx