After making a promise to write more at the end of last year, I would say I’ve succeeded in some ways and failed in others. I haven’t touched the memoir. In fact, the word ‘memoir’ makes me shudder every time I hear it. But I did, thanks to the suggestion of my dear friend Dave, decide to adapt the manuscript into a play. It’s still a work in progress, but the idea has finally brought me back to those hundreds of pages I wrote over the past six years, and the new format is helping me to view the story in a different light.
I’ve missed posting on this blog too and communicating with my followers. But I must confess, I’m less willing to spill my heart over the Internet these days. Not because I don’t want strangers reading my deepest, darkest secrets, but more because I don’t want people I know reading my deepest, darkest secrets. It’s an odd concept, but blogging is like therapy to me, and I would never choose my mum or best friend to be my counsellor. That’s the reason we spend hundreds of dollars exposing our worst selves to complete strangers – you don’t need to face them every day, and they’re sworn to secrecy.
I have been writing more though and landed my first paid writing job last week, creating an article around online beauty courses. I never thought I could write on topics I know nothing about, and as expected, it wasn’t easy at first. But what I’ve since discovered is the Internet is full of articles written by writers who know nothing about the topics they’re assigned to. Last night I completed a 1,000-word project on wainscoting, and I can promise you, I had no idea what the hell it was until I surfed the web.
I’ve wanted to be my own boss for a while now, and it’s been a slow start due to lack of confidence and trying to figure out what to offer the world. I’ve been concerned I might lose my passion for writing if I forced myself to make money from it. But I’ve enjoyed exercising these muscles again, and now that I’m getting used to sitting in front of my laptop, I’m discovering that writing inspires writing.
So far, I’ve only worked twelve hours as a freelance writer and have earned a little over $100, so I’m not about to give up my day job. I’m just getting my feet wet, but I’m proud of myself for trying something new and taking a step towards career freedom and independence. I’m also gaining a host of new knowledge from these odd writing jobs, and now that I’m a pseudo expert on online beauty courses and wainscoting, if writing doesn’t pan out, I could always consider becoming a cosmetologist or venture into home décor instead.
Serial Nomad 
That’s great news – good for you! Stepping outside our perceived knowledge barriers can be scary – totally understand that. I put together and taught a course on Emergency Management for Trail Crews last year – same path as you – made myself an “expert”. Good to hear from you! Jack
Thank you Jack! I love that you made yourself an expert and went the extra mile of teaching the course you put together. Being seen as a fraud is such a fear of mine. You’re absolutely right though, we just need to step outside our perceived knowledge barriers to discover we’re not as fraudulent as we may have expected! 🙂
You are AMAZING! I had never heard of ‘wainscoting’ – and now I know!
Hahaha! There’s a whole world out there I’m about to discover! 🙂
One thing you’ve always been (since I’ve been following) is a good writer. You’ll figure it out.
Thanks Ian. Blogging has certainly given me enough practice over the years! Thanks for your constant support!
I’ve been wondering ‘where you were’. Good to hear you’re ‘good’. Wise (spilling your heart to peeps you know). I’ve a friend who has supported her entire family for >decade by doing as you described and she’s worked her way up the ladder to book/lets. Her daughter followed in her steps and now is out of these united States half the time, to Bali, Australia and Europe. Good on ya!
Great to hear from you too! I’ve always admired those people sitting in exotic places tapping away at their laptops. The funny thing is, travel like that is about the last thing on my mind right now. My current motivation is to make enough money to live in a small town, have the freedom to perform in theatre, and write in the hours between. Freedom and flexibility is the key!
Well, as you know, the lifestyle you describe is within reach and more commonly rationalized now. Ever since the younger, less settled billions on Earth, realize their futures are drastically less optimistic than their parents let alone grandparents. After living in Portland and loving it for 15 years I’m considering a small town as well, for the cultural aspects. On your first thought, there are many places where the cost of living makes overseas remote ‘American’ work more attractive and the tradeoffs of cuisine, travel, culture are, as you know, more than worth it. Have you considered Eva zu Beck’s method? With your experience abroad in the nations you’ve been to I would think you may have an edge.
Some folks have it nailed. I think 5 years ago that lifestyle would have appealed to me. Now not so much… but things can and will always change! 🙂
So glad to hear you’re still writing. You just never know where it will lead.
Hopefully to a “place” you like.
Thanks Dave! I really got back in my writing groove at Donna’s. I was happy to be reminded how much I love the craft, even if I am writing about topics I’m not that passionate about! It was so good to see you! I hope you and Joan are doing well.
Hi darling
I had to laugh when I looked up the word wainscoting and that you could write a 1000 word project about that, fantastic. You are a brilliant writer and it would be great that your memoirs one day could be seen as a play. Great that you are doing this freelance writing job, it gives you something in your pockets and knowledge about all kind of different things. Keep writing darling, you are very good in it and you never know where it leads to, enjoy. Love you, Mutti xx,
Thanks Mutti! I love your encouragement! It’ll be a great side gig for now, though it would be even better if it could pay the bills! 🙂 Xoxo
Whee!!! So glad to “hear” your voice!! Smiling from ear to ear!! Well, it doesn’t surprise me to hear about your “story” and how you stopped…I have done the same thing…no one to judge my writings like you had happen to you…just really don’t know how to “cut and paste” because I never remember how, even though I have been shown several times…again, smiling at myself…I am afraid I will mess up the work I have already done…but, as I rereading it, I found I had the timeline out of order…oh, well…my daughter will help me, finally, and I will continue on, just to get it over with…I will say, just like so many of your friends have told you, you are a great writer, I don’t care WHAT that editor said…as far as I am concerned…it’s the publisher’s loss…and ours, too…but, all in the right time….a play or a book…I would love to read what you have done so far….oh, well, I read your story as you were on PCT…so I pretty much know and have vicariously lived through it with you…Love you, pretty girl…from your “really” old friend (86 now), Barbie residing in San Diego, California…..
Oh Barbie, it’s so lovely to hear from you and to receive your empathy for my writing. I feel your struggles and pain for your own writing and understand how frustrating it must be to be battling with technology on top of that! I’m glad to hear you have hopes to continue, much like I do! I am reading a wonderful book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, all about unblocking creativity. It is my motivator right now. Sending you my love Barbie and my gratitude for your unwavering love and support! Muk xo
Glad you are doing well! $100 is a nice dinner out, or save it and start an account with it. In a few years, or maybe more you can retire and hike the rest of the long trails…. Or maybe that’s my dream. 🙈🥰🥰🥰
Miss you!
Hahaha! Miss you too Wolfman! Ahhhh… it’s so damn good to hear from you! Hope life is treating you wonderfully! Hugs, Muk 🤗
Life is good this week! Back in Cabo San Lucas seeing my love. 😏🥰
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