Hi CJ,

Writing a memoir is really the last thing that I wanted to do.  I was widowed at 26, and the enormity of what happened was really too much for me to handle.  I began to (subconsciously) block out large periods of time.  Most of what I understood about my past came from other people.  I remembered some major events but none of the details.  It's now been eleven years, and I am finding it easier to remember.  I want to honor those memories as much as I want to share them with others.  So that's the long story :)

Two years ago, I decided to go back to school and major in English.  I write fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.  

Hi There, no I have moved on from newspapers into a university where I do events and brochures, that's why I need the creative outlet of novel writing. I still have many contacts at the newspaper though. What are you working on? Cheers Terri

A couple of years ago after getting my MFA, I decided to lay down a game plan to start doing some copywriting so I could eventually get out of my corporate job. I  paid things off, cut back on everything, and read every book on copywriting I could find.

Last year when they closed my office, I felt this was a sign and began to set up my copywriting business. I spent the entire holiday season putting together a copywriting website, getting set up, etc. While using up the last of my severance money, I worked diligently on getting clients--but nothing happened. I freaked out and the first call from a former employer landed me back in the corporate world. I felt that I missed my window of opportunity and have felt like a failure ever since.

My question is, can you actually make a living doing copywriting work? Did I just not give it enough time? Like you, I have no problem working hard and laying down a game plan. I have a head for business and very self-disciplined. I don't have to make a lot, but I do have two children and a house payment...so I have to have some income stream.

I'm sorry for the ridiculously long email, but I'd just like to know how you were able to successfully land more work than you can handle doing copywriting work. I think you're on the track for happiness and would like a little fairy dust sent out to me in Oregon:)

Thanks,

Kathryn

Hi CJ,

Don't let the whole MFA experience overwhelm you...have fun in your selection. I was age 40 when I decided that I wanted to go to grad school, but with a job and children, I was limited to a low-residency program. I also knew I wanted to travel so I selected a program that allowed me to study two semesters (3-weeks of vacation time a year) in Ireland. My genre was poetry, but I also had an interest in non-fiction. I selected a program that allowed me to cross over into all genres (including fiction) which really inspired me as a writer. So, take your time in your selection and have fun with it:)

Hi CJ - Thanks for your comment! Loved your most recent blog post btw! I've worked in the nonprofit field for the last 10 years or so and the novel is commentary on the limited financial sustainability of the traditional nonprofit revenue model. I've been in situations where I almost had to commit armed robbery in order to keep an impactful program up and running. Thankfully it has never come to that in my day job but I can have my protagonist do all kinds of insane things to save her organization. I would love to hear more about the book that you're writing. Seems like there are plenty of ways to improve on the current model :) All the best and Happy Thanksgiving! - Jessica

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