I’m no longer working for the organization that asked me to work for them full-time just last week. (I know. Odd, right?) Turns out it wasn’t as good of a fit as it could have been. C’est la vie.
What’s really cool, though, is immediately following that less than stellar news, I spoke to several of my clients and all of them — yes, all of them — had good things to say about my work. Some even had news about their readers’ reaction to my work, and it was all positive too. That’s not to say any of them will tell you I submit perfect drafts, no writer does. But, they do appreciate my hard work and the connections I help foster in our community. And, according to one of them, I’m a favorite stringer.
I also found out the top brass at Crossroads Charlotte singled out a piece I wrote a few months back as their favorite. What an honor! (Here it is, if you’re interested: Urban Ministry mixes art and validation.)
Another editor called to tell me one of my recent stories resulted in a flood of phone calls to the paper’s office. People wanted to know more. They wanted to say thanks.
Yet another asked if we could do lunch in the New Year, not because she wants to talk shop but because she wants to hang out. We’ve become friends in the year I’ve worked for her publication.
Then, two of my fellow UNC Charlotte classmates asked me to help them launch their freelance writing careers after graduation. Another sincere honor. And, of course I will!
All I can say is, “Wow.”
As a writer, all too often I send my work out into the world and rarely find out if it’s made an impact. Today, by chance, I found out my work is appreciated and it does make a difference. What more could anyone ask for?
A few years back, after a series of tough breaks, I did a little soul searching. That’s when I decided to focus my life on two things: Writing for a living and affecting positive change in the world.
After a day like today, even though it had a rocky moment or two, I can honestly tell you I’m living my dream.
Big thanks to all of the people who reached out to me today with reminders that my words don’t float around in the ether unnoticed or unappreciated. You made my year!
