I spent five years working as a newspaper reporter for a good-sized daily newspaper. I liked the job, and I was good at it. It wasn’t until I left the newspaper, got married, moved to a different state and decided to switch careers that I discovered I probably should have been honing my writing skills in other avenues, as well. I started looking for a job in public relations, and they asked for my writing samples.
Me: What kind of newspaper stories are you looking for? Business? Education? Meeting coverage? Political? Enterprise (journalism-speak for a long, drawn-out story about a subject I pulled out of my ass)? You name it, I have it! Hundreds of articles![all the while flashing a broad, over-confident smile]
Them: Well, do you have samples of any other kinds of writing? You know—besides newspaper articles?
Me: Um, there was this book I wrote in the 4th grade…
Without even realizing it, I had spent the first five years of my post-college life in a rut. Why write anything on my own when I already spent all day writing? Sort of like how male OB/GYNs don’t like to…well, you can figure out for yourself what they don’t like to do. I couldn’t even bring myself to keep a journal; it was too much effort.
Fast forward to 2007. I find myself, for the first time in my life, actively—enthusiastically, even—writing just for the hell of it. Except, I won’t be able to share my blog with anyone. Ever. M is the only one who knows I began a blog, and I don’t think he’s even read it yet. I have already revealed too much to risk letting friends and family members read it. I am finally exercising my greatest talent, yet the only witnesses are strangers. How’s that for irony?
I have recently been getting lots of Google hits. It makes me a tiny bit paranoid about the status of my anonymity, but not enough to start masking medication names, like Clo*mid. Actually, I welcome all of you Googlers; it’s how I found some of my favorite blogs! Also, it’s rather flattering that I might be able to provide some information for all the despairing infertiles out there. Of course, these days I’m more likely to depress Googlers than inspire them, but hopefully, someday, I’ll be a success story.
So, I go on writing—albeit in obscurity. Sigh. You all better appreciate the treat you’re getting—I normally charge quite the fee for my writing services!
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7 comments:
Thanks for the comment. It is weird writing something that you don't expect anyone (that you know in "real" life) to read isn't it. But it really helps.
Thanks for sharing your talents with us! Blogging is my first successful experience writing "for the hell of it" too. I remember trying to keep a diary when I was younger, but it never held my attention. I think there's something compelling about the community aspect of blogging. It's nice to get to know people, and to share support during a difficult time. Even though my husband is the only non-stranger who knows of the existence of my blog, I really love it. You guys know stuff about me that all but my closest friends and family members may never know.
Well I certainly appreciate it - and not only because I'm also an Ann who was diagnosed with PCOS. I don't like writing, though I'm trying to make myself do more of it through my blog, but I really enjoy reading what other people write. Oh, and I think I found you through a link on the Stirrup Queens blog.
My blog is written out to fresh air and resounding silence, by and large, but it doesn't stop me enjoying the soapbox to complain about how shit infertility is :)
PCOS sucks, so does finding out about your spouses MFI, and so does (when finally conceiving) having a baby with a fatal birth defect.
I've got plenty of material :)
I wonder if you could change the details of one of your posts and use it as a writing sample? You write so beautifully on here. Good luck with the job search - I hope you find something that allows you to use your fabulous writing skills!
Well, thank you for dazzling us with your talent! :-) It isn't wasted!
I've found myself that blogging has gotten my writing juices flowing more than anything...That book I've always wanted to write is further along than I've ever been able to get it. Yeah, so it's just an outline and a few chapters. It sucks so much not to be able to get pregnant, it feels good to at least be able to create something...
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