Ugh!
There are two things I really don't like. One of them actually makes me a good teacher and the other makes me a good coach. Neither of them is helpful to my writing career.
First, is the task of bragging about myself and my writing. I don't know why it's good or what makes it good or how to describe what's good about it. I just know that I love to do it and people enjoy reading it.
"Summarize the skill and provide a sample."
I mean, I can give you a sample of the piece I wrote about Tolstoy or Michael Perry or Mitch Albom, but how do I summarize the way they have spoken to my soul and pulled out a piece of my history? There is no professional way to say that Andrew Bridge unwittingly acted as my counselor as I worked through my history in foster care. My review of their work helps others to see through my experiences, but how can I put a value on that?
Similarly, I can tell someone else your story. I will ask you a thousand questions and find a theme, a consistency, a layer of the story beneath your answers and write it full of adjectives, adverbs, and actions that will make every reader think they have become your best friend. Can I summarize my work that way? Which company wants that on their website?
This makes me a good coach. Knowing how hard it is to brag about myself, and thinking you may be just as uncertain, I can help you with a hundred adjectives about how great you are and what you bring to the table.
The other thing I hate, that makes me a good teacher, is I had to take tests. I doubt and second-guess every answer. And 9 times out of 10, my gut reaction was correct. I understand the second-guessing on tests which is why I try to make them more logical.
I say all of that to say this. Although I am really working to get my name out there as a freelance writer and although I'm really trying to market myself as a valuable asset to people who need someone to share their story, I really don't like it.
I love writing. I can do it almost effortlessly. I have something to say that is valuable and helpful.
But, wow, it's hard for me to pinpoint why it's worth your effort.
So, dear readers, if you know anyone who needs an article, a skit, a white page, a book review, a paper edited, or a lesson planned... pass on my name. If you want to be my publicist or agent or summary writer, please reach out.
While I'm waiting for the fish to bite, I'll just be over here answering every LinkedIn, Upwork, Writer Access, Indeed lead I can find.
As challenging as it is, however, I am thankful for this season of rest, refresh, and reset. God is good.
