A Busy Bee…

Hey Friends, Family and anyone else reading this one,

I’ve been away from the blogworld for a few weeks, well just away from my own personal page, I guess. Trust me; it’s for good reason as I’m pioneering away for a better future where I can enjoy the fruits of my labor (one day).

I’m going back into the lab and returning focused, guns blazing, with uber posts for you to sink your teeth into (did I just say “uber”?).

This is a glimpse into my everyday crazy life as a young woman (well, seasoned woman) determined to make good of herself and of course, grind in anyway possible to do accomplish my goals, achieve success, and have a little fun in between (that’s where my post about men come in…smile).

In the meantime, I’ve been channeling my inner urban socialite/busy bee/ “I’m a writer working toward optimizing my blog” skills and using them to network the hell out of this city. Guess, I didn’t do too bad as I just received recent blog lovin’ from ideeli and Fashionindie after MB and myself attended a Marc Jacobs event at The Gates a few weeks ago.

I have to wake up soon, so stay tuned for more grindin’ with Miss Joi

XOXO

Miss Independent

Hi There... Miss Joi has gone "independent"! This is not a post about being independent, doing it all on your own and bashing men in the process. But what I mean is that my first written piece was recently published online for The Independent, a magazine obsessed with covering the independent film industry since 1978. They've cleverly managed to move from print to online media. I'm totally siked, so I had to tell someone!!! You know that women can't keep secrets (wink, wink). So, click here and read my article on Pamela Cuming and Lee Ross, the phenomenal writing duo behind the psychologically intense drama, Downloading Nancy starring starring Maria Bello (Thank You for Smoking, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) and Jason Patric (Sleepers, Expired)

Let me Know your thoughts! Thanks, Miss Joi

Bloglovin'

I usually don't like to toot my own horn, but "TOOT, TOOT!" ideeli.com tapped me for their blog on my personal style advice and giveaway pick of the week. I was honored and it's totally hilarious since I don't feel like a style expert at all. I'm still crafting my own, unique style on a daily basis. Trust me, it's work! I mean, I adore bags and most of all, SHOES like the next woman. But when you're grindin' and and struggling to live within your financial means, sometimes, your style may get lost due to less closet updates in your wardrobe...ahm, barely buying new clothing and accessory items.

Well, I don't want to babel, so I'll let you enjoy this glimpse into my "ideel" style picks.

Happy Reading! I have to get back to The GRIND as always.

XOXO,

Miss Joi

Lost In Translation: The Grind Needs a New Swagger

Hey There!

I've realized in my old age that I've always been a woman who never really wants to ask anyone for help. I'm not sure if it's good old fashioned pride, shame, guilt, or just feeling like a freeloading friend; but asking someone for help is like pulling teeth when it comes to me.

Sitting in an office on one of the few sunny, 80 degree days that have come our way this spring, I had a mini epiphany. I'm here struggling to redesign my blog and think of fresh story ideas when I can just say one simple word to family, friends, readers, etc; HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Grind (yes, I typed it) has lost its touch. its swagger. its mojo. The look is dry, the content is dry, the entire thing just bores me now. That's sad because I created the damn thing. With all of these other bloggers (ahm, dare I say it...my competition) covering fashion, entertainment, lifestyle and just plain 'ol down and dirty gossip; I had a thought. What keeps readers coming back for more? What keeps them following? The topics? The design? The writer? The images? Is it the continuity of posts monthly, weekly, daily, sometimes twice a day or more? Is it a combination of the latter mixed with a little bit of luck?

Well, people, I look at several blogs daily and I've hit a brick wall as to how The Grind can evolve into something magnificent. Hell, I'm working on soaring from Good to Great (circa Friday, June 5th) so my blog should defiantly be on the same page.

This is my sincere way of extending an olive branch. Help me help myself. In the back, far back of my mind, I've considered shutting down The Grind. But that wouldn't be the best decision since I'm grinding daily like everyone else, especially to remove myself from the 'Rat Race'. I ask you...

• What design features would you like to see on The Grind (widgets, gadgets, anything you can share?) We're talking about layout and design people.
• What content would you like to read about on The Grind. Keep in mind that these are events that happen in my life, so I need to keep it in the theme. Am I open enough? Or do I need to open up more to keep you interested? Let's keep it clean please. I'd prefer not to write about where and when the last time that I used my vibrator (he, he). No one wants to read about that stuff...and yes, I have a vibrator, don't you?
• What topics of my life should I touch on? Anything that you want to know that you don't know about me?
• Do I need to post more frequently? or less frequently?
• How can I get the blog out there to gain more readers?
• I'm open to any suggestions

As always, your feed back is greatly appreciated! Please leave your ideas in the "comment" section below, you can email me at jwheat2@gmail.com, or you can even Tweet your ideas to me, just remember to put @missjoi before your reply (140 character, please).

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading your ideas.

XOXO,

Miss Joi

Good to Great

I recently interviewed two screen writers for an assignment that I was covering on their first feature film that had been screened in the Seattle Film Festival. Well, something stuck with me. I remember one of the writers’s mentioned that we (writers) can sometimes find it difficult to accept constructive criticism and advice about our work. We need to learn how to emotionally detach ourselves from our material. Unfortunately, some of us (writers) are extremely stubborn and that type of stubbornness can cause us to miss opportunities and even loose money in the process. Her writing partner totally agreed as he confessed to witnessing some of his friends’ loose large sums of money from a project due to obstinacy.

I guess the moral to this drawn out story is a Marketing Executive that I work for sent me an email saying “Joi, you’re a good writer, but I’m going to make you even better. Let’s talk the next time you come in.” The email was responding to a short post that I’d written for the company’s fashion, style and entertainment blog. Apparently, she read the piece, but I’m still puzzled if she had actually decided let it go public for the readers to enjoy. Honestly, I took that comment as a “no” she wasn't going to post it, that I had potential but just wasn't quit there yet. I couldn't respond as I was running out of the office to work a Happy Hour event where I was….yes, you guessed it, the bartender. I never like to assume anything. As my 6th grade teacher said it best, “when you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME”, and I’ll never forget that tid bit of wise knowledge that she taught me.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a fan of anyone telling me to change my work. However, I’m open to suggestions whether I like it or not. I know that I’m not the best editor of my own material. Therefore, I can always use an extra pair of eyes to correct what I can’t see as an error. That’s the nature of this business. That’s how you grow as a human and as an artist. It pays off in the future. Trust me; pride will get you no where. I've learned that lesson the hard way. Mostly with men, but it can be applied to any part of life.

I will be heart-broken if my piece is not published. But I’m pleased that it’s been confirmed (by person with a vast amount of experience in this business) that I have what it takes to evolve into a solid writer. I’m up for a challenge!

Hey, I may not be the best writer, but I’m great in other areas (wink, wink). Get your mind out of the gutter; I was referring to my cleaning skills (smile). Yeah, you know what I mean.

‘Til Next Time,

Miss Joi