A Crash-Bang Re-Beginning, Part 2

“This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be used up when I die. For the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”-George Bernard Shaw

In Issue #181

Editor’s Note: Krista here. Today I’m bringing you the second part of Mindy McHorse’s essay that ran in CP Issue #179. I’ve known Mindy for less than a year and all I can see is, “What a difference a year makes!” Her advice to you, me, and herself today is: Get over yourself. You’re a writer. Terrific stuff..

Main Essay: A Crash-Bang Re-Beginning, Part II
by Mindy McHorse

Last week I shared the first half of my recent life lessons in picking up and moving forward. I mentioned the discovery that it was my own half-humble, half-vain thoughts that had thwarted my progress, and then I shared the half-humble side of my realizations.

Today I want to tell you about the half-vain side.

About two months ago, I attended a writer’s conference. I spent the day networking and chatting up other writers (most of whom were intrigued to learn what a copywriter is). I had one-on-ones with editors interested in rolling out new promos for their publications. I made contacts and got leads on new projects. All in all, a good conference.

The final presentation of the day was given by the chief editor of no less than five publications. She was an admirable woman who had clawed her way up to her position and shared stories about her climb to the top. I spent the hour madly scribbling notes, trying to soak up all her advice for us writers.

Then she made a statement that stopped me cold. My pen hung motionless in the air as I tried to absorb it:

“Get over yourselves. You’re writers.”

Uh…huh? Excuse me? Well of course we were all writers. That’s why we were at that conference, hobnobbing and brainstorming and…and then it hit me, like a pail of cold water in the face. There’s a popular quote that states “Writers write.” True. But take it one step further: “Writers write, and the successful ones work hard, struggle, and face one win for every ten failures.” Except for the rare cases of raw genius, this is true.

It’s no secret that the idea of “the writer’s life” has immediate appeal. As writers, we’re celebrated for our ability to create. We’re admired for our freedom, for our immediate command over our schedules and lives. Last week I wrote that I felt guilty about telling others how great my new lifestyle is. What I didn’t mention was the secret satisfaction I felt when I told them what I did for a living.

The editor that rocked my world that day went on to say that writers contribute to society just like everybody else. No more, no less. Just like the plumber who makes sure your pipes don’t leak or the big CEO who launches radical initiatives for change: We are all equal in our duty to give the best of what we have to offer.

The wisdom shared that day completely changed my attitude toward writing. Instead of waiting for a stroke of brilliance to ripple from my mind to the computer screen, I now sit down and let my thoughts spew onto the page. Then I sift and prod and poke at them until they mesh into something close to readable. And then I ship my project out to friends for critiques, hoping that I at least got one out of every ten words right.

It’s not a romantic approach, and it’s certainly not glorious. But it’s my contribution. And now that the half-vain side of me is suppressed, I like stepping back and feeling in line with everybody else.

What’s more, I know my ability to write good copy is brought to its best not by the fruits of my own mind, but rather by the community of copywriters I’ve come to know who readily contribute their own gifts.

My take-home lesson this time around: There are justifiably many great things about living the writer’s life. But being a writer is not inherently better than any other profession, be it a nurse, a crossing guard, or a judge. For copywriting especially, the level of contact with your community – your team – is what will most enhance your work. So look to your craft, look to your team, and get over yourself.

Resource Referral Reminder: It’s Not Too Late To Get Paid To Travel

Last week I wrote to you about the teleconference that will reveal real-world strategies for becoming a travel writer. If you missed the note and the thought of getting paid to travel sounds good to you, you’re in luck. The teleconference isn’t until next Monday, June 30th so you still have time to listen in. Learn more…

Quick Copy Tip: Be Precise With Your Words

What’s the difference between the words opportunity and chance? Eager and anxious?

Answer: A lot.

One word—the first in both pairings—has a positive connotation while the other has a negative one. So even though many copywriters use these words interchangeably, using “chance” for “opportunity” could result in a negative or neutral response rather than the intended positive one.

So be mindful of your word use. It’s not always wise to use the first word that comes to your mind. Make sure that each word is appropriate and conveys the meaning you intend.