As a perfectionist, it’s easy for me to feel like a failure. Entertaining a single failure in my mind increases the likelihood that I will remember other failures and shortcomings and that I will obsess about them. Suddenly, I’m not a mere failure. I’m an abysmal one.
Work Life
Finding Joy; Creating Value
I’ve been obsessed with two ideas for the past few weeks: finding joy and creating value. I think they’re two sides of the same coin. What causes me joy should create value, if only in the joy I foster in my audience. Similarly, what brings value to my audience should have some value, some joy, to or for me.
What is the Point of Write Right?
The point of Write Right is not to club people with grammar rules. It is not to discourage writers who either are new to the writing life or who are struggling to write for one reason or another. It is not to criticize poor writing for the sake of criticizing poor writing.
Maybe I Need to Change My Perspective
I decided to pose my question about freelancing and entrepreneurship* on various social networks. I’ve received a variety of responses. Some of them have been detailed and included links to the Small Business Administration and other resources. Other responders have argued that freelancers are entrepreneurs and suggested that my problem is one of perception.
Oh, the Irony
I never wanted to be a teacher.* Not ever. Not when I was a kid. Not when I was taking a literature class from Mrs. Borsberry in the seventh grade. Not when I was taking a high-school English class with the slightly odd Miss Barrientos (All I remember is that we, the class, almost literally dissected Beowulf, and that we listened to Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” at full blast during one class period.). Not even when I was in college or grad school and was under the tutelage of some of my favorite professors. No, teaching never attracted me. I know myself too well. I can be a harsh taskmaster with my standards and expectations. I’m evil when given a red pen. Nobody needs to witness that sort of slaughter.
I Dub Myself…
I, for the most part, find titles to be silly things.* I don’t mind when they’re given to me, but it’s a little harder when I have to give myself one. I wish I didn’t have to do it. I would rather let my work speak for itself.