That announcement you’ve all been waiting for.
I’ll get straight to the point.
I’ve done it. I’ve been walking the plank of the SS Education from end to end, sometimes standing at the edge with toes curling over, for some time. And I’m jumping ship…
…into the world of freelance writing. I’m still a teacher. I plan on working as a substitute and will absolutely keep up my license, and I’ll even apply for some jobs here and there.
But I’ve reunited with my first love, and we’re running away together into the unknown.
To say I’m terrified is an understatement. To say I’m exhilarated is one, also.
Now, a few of you may be thinking, “Wait. Haven’t you been doing freelance writing for a while?”
The answer is yes, I have. But it has been very part time and unofficial. I’ve decided to actively pursue new clients and as much business as I can handle. And maybe more. I’m also carving out time to read and to write fiction and poetry.
Am I just doing this because I can’t find another job? Maybe, and definitely not. It’s more like not finding a job has given me an amazing excuse to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Unemployment opened the door. But writing has always been first.
You see, I’m a fearful person. It doesn’t matter how good I am at something; my talent or lack thereof is never the reason I pursue or avoid pursuing anything. My hesitation always has to do with fear. Fear of putting myself out there, of taking risks, of trying something. Taking steps toward writing, because I love it so dearly, is crippling — just in case it runs away. Whether failing is totally unlikely or guaranteed, my outlook is the same: If I don’t try, I don’t have to say I tried and failed.
With the encouragement of my favorite guy and my family and friends (from whom I got a resounding “Duh”), I’ve taken the plunge.
Am I sounding like a cheerleader yet? I’m freaking myself out, too, so I’ll stop.
My website is up and running at brynnalynea.com, and I’d love for you to swing by there and check it out. Your referrals would also mean the world to me, if you happen to know anyone who needs a hand with writing and/or editing.
And hey, here’s proof that I’m not dumping teaching entirely: I’m dedicating a section of my business to writing consultations with students (from middle school to undergrad and beyond). I would be thrilled to meet with you to help you improve your writing skills. It’d be kind of like tutoring, but way cooler.
To those of you who knew, thanks for being so inspiring. This is risky for me.
But after all, this blog is about doing new and hard things, and taking them one day at a time. All’s grace.
Love,
Tags: freelance writing, writing
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 at 4:39 pm and is filed under Deep Thoughts, My Life, Worth Sharing, Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
SOOOOOOO proud of and excited for you!!!
I’m so proud of you boo!!
NICE….I get a signed first edition….
[...] « That announcement you’ve all been waiting for. [...]
Congratulations Brynna!! What an amazing decision…good luck, and I must say, I am really enjoying reading your posts.
Jaime
Thank you Jaime!! I have loved looking at your pictures and reading your adventures from China. You are SO BRAVE! I wish we could have gotten together before you left! Thanks so much for the encouragement. <3
[...] Really, seriously, worst reason ever. And don’t you be tricked like I was into thinking that this idea just hadn’t dawned on you until graduation, and how silly of you, of course you were meant to be a teacher! Some people do reach this realization and live happily ever after with it. Just proceed cautiously—the epiphany will not be enough to sustain you. And you will figure out something to do with your English or history or sociology degree. Chances are, it’s what you love and are afraid to do. [...]