The WMF Archives: Do Something. Anything!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Do Something. Anything!

6:00 AM

by Rebecca Dienger

Hi. I’m Rebecca Dienger and this is my first day on The WM Freelance Connection. I recently left a corporate marketing communications job – exhausted from the workload and a schedule that left little time for my family, let alone writing “on the side.” I’m pretty sure I still have a husband, two sons and a golden retriever but I’m not completely convinced I possess the tenacity to achieve my goals as a writer. My attitude may need more work than my skills. That’s what this blog is all about!

I took a job working part time as a communications specialist at a local university. I write press releases and feature stories, and I mentor student writers. It’s easy to get caught up in the energy spray coming off the students. They are boldly surfing on the cusp of their futures. It makes me feel like anything is possible; that it isn’t too late to start anew.

Strangely, that optimism dissipates as soon as I leave campus. I spend hours trolling the Internet, lurking in writers’ groups, reading countless newsletters and blog posts. I tell myself it’s time well spent. I’m making sure there aren’t hidden secrets left to learn. Reading about other writers is reassuring. It makes it all feel achievable. But by the time I finally belly up to the keyboard I’m not only unsure where to begin—I have no energy left to write. Forget an essay or a query; I can’t muster a grocery list.

I should tell you that I’ve done this before. I wrote features for two local newspapers, some regional magazines and a little poem for Children’s Digest, a publication that is now defunct. It wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t my personal definition of success. Oh, and there’s that impressive collection of rejection letters. Talk about de-funked! Starting again is humbling and, in my case, immobilizing.

But the merry-go-round of opportunity is never going to stop for those who hesitate. I jumped on while it was turning and I didn’t get hurt! Well okay, I didn’t so much jump as I was pushed—by friends who could see I’d become my own biggest obstacle. They were screaming, “Do something. Anything!”

The point is, I finally did something. I drafted two rough but complete personal essays, sent off six query letters using Writer’s Market, and responded to a call for bloggers that landed me this wonderful space on Fridays. From that, I got a bump of confidence to get busy on a website so I can post my portfolio and advertise my copywriting services beyond my own back door. I don’t know how things will go from here but I’m closer to my goal than I was yesterday.

If you know you can do something but you’re holding your own crazy self back (I may be projecting myself on you now; of course you are not crazy) … I am, on this day, giving us both permission to make a few wrong moves, to bumble around, maybe even embarrass ourselves a little as long as we do something. It will make tomorrow that much easier.

Labels: freelance writing, Rebecca Dienger, writing inspiration

9 comments:

Nicole said...: This was an encouraging post. I can relate to what you are saying. If not now, then when? I use my blog as a way to scratch the itch for writing. I also need to get back out there and start publishing articles. I don't know whether it's fear, or fear lol! I guess I will have to figure that one out. As for you, good luck, and I look forward to reading your weekly posts. This is an awesome website!; May 14, 2010 6:12 AM
shila said...: Hello and Good Morning!
This is an encouraging post. I am trying to start an Internet based Consulting Company in Flushing NY USA and had a very very ugly day yesterday...
Since, I hit the bottom yesterday, Today has to be better than yesterday...
-Shila Prasad; May 14, 2010 6:31 AM
Lisa Ullrich said...: I can relate. I have so many things I want to accomplish, but I just don't know where to start. I'm working on it though. Good luck!; May 14, 2010 7:40 AM
Colette said...: Rebecca, congrats on your new blogging gig! I can definitely relate, being an ex-corporate employee myself -- and also starting on a new writing career. I'll be looking forward to your posts!; May 14, 2010 7:57 AM
Liza said...: Well, like Colette, I too am an ex-corporate employee, also starting a new writing career. The tiny check I received today feels a thousand-times better than the big one I used to receive regularly. Congratulations to you! You did do something...starting with this blog post. I look forward to reading more and wish you the best.; May 14, 2010 8:43 AM
Alyssa Ast said...: Welcome Rebecca!; May 14, 2010 9:15 AM
Kim Murray said...: Great post! I can relate. I have to push myself daily to get over the self-sabotage. I too have lurked in writers' groups and signed up for umpteen newsletters. When I realized that I didn't corner the market on "anxious new writer," I started writing. And submitting. I am looking forward to hearing more about your journey.; May 14, 2010 9:33 AM
ceceliafutch said...: This is a great post. I can relate to the self-sabotage, the lurking in too many groups, etc. I look forward to reading your posts and following your progress. You certainly have the talent. Here's pulling for you. Thanks for the motivation to "do something. Anything!" Great read.; May 14, 2010 11:12 AM
Jen said...: As a former co-worker in that corporate marketing communications arena, I can not say enough good things about your writing - it always flows easily, is fun to read, and makes me smile, laugh, and think. I love that you are following your dream even though it means I don't get to work with you everyday. I will just have to read your stuff online and we will have to have more parties and lunches to get together in person. You rock! Keep it up!; May 17, 2010 10:28 AM

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