Last month I wrote about how December is usually a slow month for me and that I just needed to wait for everything to change. If I had patience, I was sure January would be different. Sure enough, January arrived and I’ve been flooded with work. Everyone seems to remember I exist! It’s a great problem to have because I would much rather be busy than bored.
Being busy doesn’t only mean writing blogs for therapists — it’s also freelance journalism work. At the start of this month, several magazines reached out to me and asked if I was available. I love what I do, being an Oakland freelance journalist, content writer for small businesses, and ghostwriter for therapists, because I’m forever learning something new. The other month I wrote an article about a woman who creates artwork from eggshells. I learned more about a proposed development in San Francisco, and I interviewed the coach from a high school cross-country team that’s won 20 consecutive league championships.
In my position, I get to learn more about the inner world and the outer world. You want to talk about inner child healing? I’m your girl! Interested in chatting about plein air painting? I can talk about that too. My skillset means I can write about any topic for any audience. And I have. My work has appeared in scientific journals, anthologies, luxury magazines, and local newspapers. My ghostwriting work is the same. Pieces I’ve written for therapists have been published in academic anthologies, large therapy websites, and personal blogs.
Potential clients are often surprised when they talk to me because I can do anything they want. “Are you interested in an ebook? I can write that. Do you want SEO help for your website? I can do that too. Want me to rewrite your Psychology Today bio? I’m on it!” I do it all.
There’s that saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” but I defy that stereotype because I’m a Jane of all trades and a master of one: non-fiction writing. (Fiction writing is a different kettle of fish, as I’m learning. My journalism skills do NOT translate to writing a novel unless you count the research part.) I’ve worked as a professional writer for 18 years. I know what I’m doing and I’m happy to do it.
Some people think they can use ChatGPT to write blogs for them, and they can, but not if they want to appeal to humans. I’m not denying the power or usefulness of AI but I am saying that I’m better than AI. What I do requires decision-making, creativity, and empathy. In short, it requires something a machine can never provide: humanity.
Here’s a true story for you. One of the things I’m most proud of in my career is that I wrote a profile of a former San Francisco Planning Commission president. When he died, the family included a quote from that piece in his official obituary. This is what I’m capable of as a woman who is a master of her craft. I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement because I’m always learning but this is why it’s worth it to hire me. I touch the hearts and minds of people who read my work, whether that’s as a freelance journalist, content writer, or ghostwriter for therapists.
What do you say? Are you interested in collaborating? Get in touch with me. I’d love to hear from you.