From Kate’s Writing Crate…
I want to
share Cheryl Butler’s story.
I met
Cheryl though a letter she sent me asking to become a contributing writer for
one of the magazines I was editing. She discussed her minimal writing experience
and also mentioned she was the mother of eight children and hadn’t left the
house in a decade except to go to her OB/GYN.
That
comment made me laugh so I called her. We had a delightful conversation so I
assigned her an article. She had a strong voice, good perspective, and met both
the word count and deadline.
That was well over a decade
ago. Since then she has written hundreds of terrific pieces for the magazines.
A few years into her career
with the magazines, I asked her if she was interested in writing a column about
family life. With eight kids, who could know more about it? With her sense of
humor, her column quickly became one of the most popular with readers.
Due to her vast experience
as a mother, her family column, and a friend’s recommendation, Cheryl
interviewed for and then was named Macmillan Publishing’s Mighty Mommy. She
started by writing weekly blog posts then added podcasts. Occasionally
traveling to New York City to meet with her editor, she’s living a writer’s
dream life.
Over four years ago, Cheryl
asked me about writing a blog together to inspire others to write. Her life
changed just by taking a chance and contacting me. One brave step and look
where she is now. She wanted other writers to take chances, too.
I said yes. Cheryl set up
the blog then we each wrote a post a week for years. Cheryl is now working on
her second and third books so she stopped writing for this blog, but her Mighty
Mommy work and family life columns continue.
I’m so glad Cheryl took a
chance contacting me and that I took a chance on her. I don’t know how she
found the time to write while raising eight children under eleven when she
first started; however, she persisted and succeeded not only as a writer, but
as a mom. She has one college graduate, three more in college, and four still
at home—and she still finds time to volunteer in the community.
Cheryl’s story proves that
dedicated writers can succeed.
* * * *
If you’re interested in
becoming a columnist, start a blog. What is your niche or expertise? You’ll
need twelve to fifty-two topics every year so make a list. If you can’t, pick
another niche. Put in the time. You need a strong voice, knowledge, and
perspective to keep readers interested.
Then take a chance and
contact a local publication you enjoy. If your blog is engaging, you might
become a columnist. If not, take any assignments—you have to start somewhere.
Be professional—NEVER miss a deadline or word count. Who knows where it might
lead?
You, too, can succeed.
Believe it and keep writing.
