I am sitting in a local Barnes & Noble typing this blog post. It's our once-a-month WRITING ONLY writer's group meeting and, now that I've eaten the standard chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies that are my norm for our get-togethers, it's time to get to blogging.
What I and my fellow freelancer writers do for a living is very special. But, it isn't as easy as it seems. Often I think that there are folks who believe that we live the perfect life: sit at home or nearby café and enjoy ourselves while typing away, editors, publishers, business owners ready to write us a check for great prose. Not so. This chosen career is hard work. We (freelance writers) ARE the business: CEO, CFO, CIO, marketing department, employee. Translated: It ain't all just writing. Now that the message is delivered, I'll repeat what I earlier stated: freelancers writers do something very special. This is my 21st year in this business: that's over 1,000 articles (quiet a few ghostwritten for others), a number of press releases, website copy, book chapters, a few workshops taught, and so much more. Every time I walk into a bookstore I relish that fact that I create with words, tell someone's or some business's story, reflect on a past experience that has meant much to me. I'm thrilled when I see a new magazine on the market, another opportunity for a byline, perhaps even a new realm of writing to learn about. And then there's the realms of writing that are my niches: the bridal, hospitality, a profiles realms. The many wedding love stories I have written about happy brides and grooms, from their first meeting to their day of wedded bliss. Some had the grandest receptions in large halls, many nice gatherings in the home of their parents. I and my wife Lucille were there, in their footsteps, almost 30 years ago, planning for our special day and eventually living it. I've walked in the shoes of chefs as well. I feel the exhaust of the long hours line cooks and sous chefs endure in a kitchen and behind the "line" in a restaurant, understand the frustration of under-tipped servers. I see things from the point of view of a restaurant worker and a customer. And everyone and business indeed has a story, tale of success, hurt, joy, failure, all that has led them to where they are now. I get to write their stories. There's no better life. Steve
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
Archives
February 2024
Categories |