Hi there! I’m Jennifer Applin, the 1^st RW Makeover candidate. Who knew that something so neat could happen to little ol’ me? Of course in the process of literally jumping for joy when I found out they selected my entry, I called all of my friends and family. But it’s kind of funny how information changes when it gets passed along. (What was the name of that game we played as kids with plastic cups and string? “Telephone” or something like that?) Well my mom ran into an acquaintance the other day and this woman told her that she heard I was going to be on a reality TV show! WOW, could I sound any cooler? So that got me thinking…I guess this experience is a lot like a reality show. I’m sure it’ll be life changing. I’ll be receiving the help of experts. Oh, and there’s money involved! (No, not in the form of an actual check handed to me, but in the funds I’ll be making when I start selling articles.) Maybe the Renegades should change the name to Extreme Makeover: Writer’s Edition…Project Runway: Fashioning Freelancers…Survivor: Stranded with Nothing but a Pen. Regardless, I’m thrilled to be a part of this great makeover opportunity! I’m sure there are many readers like me who are struggling to break into this business with the distractions of family, friends and finances. So, follow along as I post about the challenges, the great advice I receive and my progress. This way we can all be winners of American Idol: Writers Who Rock (minus the Simon Cowell persona…I hope!) [JA]

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