Check it out! 
Like a business owner hanging his first dollar bill on the wall of his establishment, this is my way of permanently documenting my first official payment as a bona fide writer. I'm so excited!
A few months ago, I wrote an article for Backpacker magazine about Milwaukee for its 60 Minute Fixes column. The actual article won't run until next September, but I received the payment in the mail today!
Three hundred dollars is a lot of money to me right now, and it'll surely help with some upcoming wedding expenses. Before I cashed it, I wanted to memorialize it!
But really, the money isn't even that big a deal in the whole scheme of things. Being a published writer and having a real, live clip to my name in a national publication – well, that is just priceless.
Here's hoping this is just the beginning of a long, successful writing career!
I am thrilled for you, Erin!
As someone whose career is based pretty much on exchanging words for money, I understand your excitement on an pretty much innate level.
My first check was so much more than a number. It was an absolute revelation that my work could be valued in that way.
Every time I'm paid for my writing, I still get that little happy jolt. Please keep us posted on when it appears in print. I'll watch for it here in London.
Posted by: Carmi | September 19, 2006 at 10:01 PM
Erin -- CONGRATULATIONS! I hope this will lead to more freelance work. You obviously have the discipline, talent and enthusiasm to succeed.
Posted by: Carolyn Alfvin | September 20, 2006 at 05:43 AM
Congratulations! That is so exciting! You have proven to be an excellent writer, so I'm positive that this is just the first of many publications to come. As Carmi said, please keep us posted!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 20, 2006 at 07:04 AM
I hope you can cash that check. It looks like they messed up your address. :)
Posted by: Loser | September 20, 2006 at 10:18 AM
That should go into the standup arcade game fund.
Posted by: Dave | September 20, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Congratulations love!
Posted by: Christi | September 20, 2006 at 02:13 PM
Was the article about your wedding too?
Posted by: Disappointed Reader | September 20, 2006 at 05:33 PM
Ahh, Disappointed Reader! Thank you for continuing to visit my site!
Posted by: Erin | September 20, 2006 at 08:29 PM
Congratulations Erin!!
Posted by: Tracey | September 20, 2006 at 10:01 PM
Congrats! This is just the beginning!
Posted by: Sarah M | September 21, 2006 at 09:02 AM
yeah Erin! Great job!
Posted by: Kelly | September 21, 2006 at 09:44 AM
Congratulations! I remember the rush I felt when I had a letter published in a national magazine - to have a check for something I wrote AND have it published - well, that's even better. Here from Michele's.
Posted by: Dara | September 24, 2006 at 10:40 PM