After reading Kraven's story, I thought I would share mine - for anyone interested that is We shall take a few steps back to 1995. I was 25 and knew I had a book in me, but where to start! I spent 3 months on my old 286 Laptop frantically tapping away, trying to release the book that was within - but it never happened. That book still remains unfinished - perhaps it will be completed some day? The reason the book never got any further was because the company I was working for at the time needed some brochures publishing but being a small company, there was no dedicated copywriter. The MD did his best and put together 12 drafts of the articles before they went to press. these were passed these round the office for everyone to see and for him to gain some feedback. Everyone, bar myself, said they were excellent - what I gave him back was a different document with grammar corrections, paragraphs shortened, phrases and words changed... He was a little taken aback, but could not deny that what lay in front of him was of a much higher quality. This started my brain ticking. I loved writing (always have) and decided to see if I could perhaps achieve more by going freelance. In a round-about way, I got there! Whilst looking for copywriting roles and with my CV doing the rounds, a recruitment agency contacted me and offered me a "Roll-Out" role - this is where you are installing PC's on customers sites. Whilst this was not what I was looking for, they were offering £22 per hour - this was 1995 and with a guarantee of 6 months work, I took the job - who wouldn't! Skip forwards 6 months to the end of the contract and the support company who were looking after this blue chip, had their recruitment agency contact me and asked if I fancied a 3 year contract in supporting the equipment I had just finished installing. They were offering an even higher rate so again I said yes, but was still concious that this was moving me away from my goal - I was to be proven very wrong! One of my duties was to write 'help' guides for the 1st line support team and the on-site engineers. What I had basically been given was a 3 year contract to write technical documents, and so began my career as a technical author. Whilst not wishing to bore anyone with every role that I have undertaken, the next 5 years saw me working for a range of banks, blue-chips and large organisations where I was undertaking document authoring, statistical analysis and because I was a contractor, working with other SME's outside of my day job where I was also offering copywriting services. As you can imagine, for someone who has a passion for writing, this was like falling into a pit of gold! As my last contract was coming to a close, myself and my two brothers started up a website where I still do work today, 10 years on - this took 12 months to get to a stage where it was something we could sell, and today there are 17 people here - not huge, but has no need to be. If I were to sum up my last 15 years, writing in many differing capacities, I would say it has been a hugely enjoyable trip. Getting up for work when you have a passion for it, is not like getting up for work at all - it is like getting up to pursue your hobby! I now write in many capacities (which you can see on my website if you wish) and the beauty about this is that every day is different! Every day, you are writing about something new or have new goals - sheer bliss! I actually have no idea how many individual documents, articles, press releases, e-books, etc that I have written but I would estimate somewhere in the region of 22,000. Some longer than others with one in-particular, taking 5 months. Everyone has to start somewhere, so if you are considering a career as a copywriter or wish to achieve a level of writing competency where you could look at Ghost Writing, then I would go for it - you can achieve whatever you want as long as you are happy to put the work in. And can you make a living at at? Most definitely Maybe I will revisit my book again at some time! Andy
Excellent achievement. Al little luck, the proper nudge in a direction, and knowing what you wanted. Look where you ended up. Simply marvelous and commendable!
Andy, that should be very inspiring to others.I know you as a successful writer, and have recommended you as one. The one characteristic you expressed here was made you different from other writers. I am not talking about freelancing are any form of it. The projection was actively seeking the clients, because you knew you could do the right job. And with your dedication, you did it better than anyone else. Congratulations for showing how you lead to self leadership!!!
I love happy endings. *dabs eyes with hanky* Enjoyed your story tremendously Andy. Although this, "I loved writing (always have) " struck me real close. Good stuff. Rep+
Thanks guys And nice if something strikes a chord with others. After all, it is what we do and why we do it... To hopefully portray a feeling, image or emotion in others