This fall, I got really brave and applied to be a reporter for a small local monthly newspaper. Bruce actually saw the article that said they were looking for writers and left it for me on my computer. I hemmed and hawed around about it, then took the plunge and applied. I had to create a resume, something I haven't done in at least 10 years (probably closer to 15), plus submit writing samples.
I nearly fell over when I got an interview. She likes me! She really likes me! LOL!
And then I got the job! I was astounded. That sounds ridiculous, I suppose. I like to write and I think I'm good at it, but the idea that other people want to read what I write is still new to me.
Today I submitted my first two stories. And I'm sooooo nervous about them. It's all those self-doubts creeping in. What if I'm terrible? What if she doesn't like it? What will I do when I see all that red ink splashed across my computer screen? Gah!!!
I'm sure I made some mistakes. I've already learned a lot. Talking to people was fun. One story is about the busiest fire station in the county system. While I was at the station interviewing the battalion chief, they got an ambulance call, and they invited me to go along! That was absolutely fascinating!
But will she like what I wrote?????
That's awesome! You'll have to share your articles with us!
ReplyDeleteThe articles went well, and I enjoyed meeting lots of people, but the stress of deadlines and such nearly drove me out of my mind and I wound up quitting just a couple of months after I started. I feel bad about that, at least for my boss who had to find a new reporter during the holidays, but it was, without a doubt, the best decision for myself and my family.
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