I write, thanks to those who believed in me along the way
Those of us who become writers likely have a zillion people to whom we can be thankful. Teachers, parents, bosses, all the editors who have rejected our submissions – each of them have pushed us (or kicked us) along the way to follow our bliss and live our dream of being a writer.
So, on this Thanksgiving 2011, I sincerely thank:
– My dad Pat, a lifelong journalist, freelance writer, political commentator and all around great father for teaching me, talking to me and spending time encouraging my writing career. You’ve always been there when I had a question about grammar, journalism, interviewing someone, or simply figuring out the right approach to a story. Dad, you’ve been my mentor and friend and I owe so much of my writing career to you.
– My mom, Betty who beginning way back when I was in grade school, would sit and listen as I proudly read my latest writing project. I’ll never forget when I was in 12th grade and one night she helped me rewrite an ending to a short story. Her ideas made the story rock.
– Larry, who hired me in the 1980s to be a newsletter editor and media spokesperson for a non-profit organization. He handed me a 35mm camera and said, “Learn to use it.” He ripped apart my copy and said, “Learn AP style.” He referred media phone calls to me and told me “Learn to work with the press.” I was mad at Larry the first time he threw me in front of a TV camera and made me give an interview, but learning that – and everything else — was a foundation for my 30-year career in media relations and PR, which ultimtely led to my writing career.
– Troy, my first newspaper editor – So, I left my PR job in 2005 due to a rather unhappy restructuring of the agency, and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. Oddly, the Sarah Johnson murder trial came along and, and through a referral from another editor who knew me, Troy, then editor of the Twin Falls Times-News, called and asked me if I’d be willing to sit through the 6 week trial and file daily news reports. I had never reported before, and he knew it, and I think we both expected the worst. This trial was being covered by national news media such as 20/20, Court TV, and ABC Dateline. Scared, totally intimidated and clueless about court reporting, I took the assignment. Gratefully, Troy was there every night on the other end of the phone talking to me about my story angles and approach, and he gave me some damn fine lessons on observation, reporting and editing, all with a gentle touch. My reporting ended up winning a 1st Place Press Club award and gave me the confidence to keep going on.
– Bill, the other editor who referred Troy to me – Because you had such belief in me, you literally changed my life.
– My wonderful friend Darla who, 5 years ago, sat with me at brunch and helped me write out – on a cocktail napkin – my goals for becoming a professional writer. We both signed a contract on that napkin that stated, A). I would quit bitching about wanting to write, and just write, and B). Darla and I would check in with each other about my writing and she would hold my feet to the fire. C). She would always be there to encourage me (and slap me around a bit when I needed it). She’s tough! And I love her for it. All writers need a Darla!
– My friend and publisher Elaine Ambrose who believed in me enough to publish my first book Mother Knows Best – Wit And Wisdom From Idaho Moms.
Yeah, I know. This is a very short thank you list for a career that started 30-years ago. I know in my heart that everyone from secretaries to delivery people to presidents of corporations have influenced my path.
Thanks to all who have made a difference in my life. Today on Thanksgiving, I am remembering you in my heart.
