From Fired to Flourished

As long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write. It’s in my DNA. When I was 10, I’d go to work with my father―an editor for one of the local newspapers―on Saturday. I’d stand next to him as we watched the pressmen place the metal pieces of type on the linotype press. The huge cylinders would spin at lightning speed, transferring the ink to the large sheets of paper. I can still remember the smell of the ink and the sight of my father overseeing the “run” with that thick black charcoal pencil tucked behind his ear. (BTW: I still use those pencils!)

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be just like him. He was my mentor, my confidante, my biggest cheerleader. He went to great lengths to help me achieve my dream of being a writer. In fact, he went so far as to pull strings to get me a patronage position as a writer and editor in New York State government. That meant I served at the pleasure of the governor.

I was hired as the executive assistant to the New York State fire administrator.

I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was going to be writing press releases, speeches, reports and more for my boss, the secretary of state and the governor. Not bad for a 22-year-old fresh out of college.

After 15 years, I was let go when a Republican governor took office.

I stared blankly at the head of the human resources department as he said, “You’re fired.” Nothing prepares you for those words.

I tried to speak but words failed me. My heart was racing. My palms were sweaty and I became nauseated.

Panic set in.

I was devastated.

Now what?

I cried all the way home. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. I DID know that I didn’t want another government job. There was no room for creativity, no way to feed my spirit or soul.

While I was depressed, afraid and worrying about having to find another job, my husband looked at the situation through different eyes. He had been a self-employed musician for 20+ years. He saw my new-found “freedom” as a blessing. I could finally break out of my shell and be the writer I always wanted to be. I wouldn’t have to answer to anyone. I would be my own boss.

When my father heard I’d lost my job, he had a different reaction. He immediately wanted to get me another patronage job. Within days, he started making phone calls.

I was vehemently opposed but my father persisted. I pushed back. While I appreciated his help, I wanted to write. I wanted to be a writer.

My mother, on the other hand, sat quietly on the sidelines. Then one day she said, “I understand. You want to do what you love. You want to do what makes you happy. And you should.”

She got it. She got ME.

Six months later, I took a part-time job as a typesetter for a local newspaper. It turned out to be the job from hell. I hated it. I hated everything about it—my boss, the work, the hours, the environment. On my break, I’d hide in the bathroom and cry.

What happened? How did it get to this? I had such high hopes of being a writer, maybe even an author.

I stayed at that job for about six years before I’d had enough. What followed was a string of part-time jobs. I was making money but something was missing. I had no drive, no fire burning inside, no overwhelming desire to write.

I missed my writing. It was like a part of me had died. As much as I wanted to put pen in hand again, I couldn’t.

I would lay my head down on the pillow night after night, only to find my mind running in circles.

Staring at the ceiling, wondering how to turn it off.  

Feeling like a failure.

Feeling like I’d let myself—and my mother—down.

Feeling like I had no outlet to help release the fear, anxiety and stress that ravaged my mind and body day and night.

Then the worst realization hit me.

What if I never wrote again? What if I’d never fulfill my dream?

I couldn’t let that happen.

I wouldn’t let that happen.

I realized I wanted nothing more than to find my voice, my pen and my purpose again. I wanted to set writing goals that I could look forward to and accomplish.

That’s when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started doing something about it.

I was determined to find something that worked; something that would get me writing again.

I started journaling to get my creative juices flowing. I began trolling the Internet and scouring the want ads for writing gigs. I asked friends if they knew anyone who could use my services.

Nothing.

So, being the creative I am, I took it as a sign. I made it my mission to create something of my own.

Something that would allow me to help myself, help like-minded people and give back in a way I never had before.

I began sharing my writing in the form of blogs. I slowly began getting likes, shares and comments on my posts. People started asking for help with their writing. They asked me to write their blogs.

That’s when I knew I was on to something.

That’s when I realized that if you have a vision and a plan you’re unstoppable.

It doesn’t matter how much money you have or hold old you are when you decide your dreams are worth pursuing.

All that matters is that you’re ready to do whatever it takes. You’re ready to put in the time and do the work. Ready to learn, absorb, implement and repeat every day until you’re where you want to be.

Once I did that, everything changed…again.

Thanks to my mother, today I’m an award-winning writer and editor, a writing/book coach and the President and CEO of The Ys One Writing Service. I also help coaches, consultants, speakers and entrepreneurs improve their writing so they can bring their words to life with confidence and clarity.

Over the years, I’ve seen every facet of the writing world—as the featured guest writing expert on a weekly radio talk show; the recipient of numerous writing and editing awards and accolades; and as the coach and editor for several best-selling books.

One of my proudest achievements came when I received the Communication Concept Award for Publication Excellence for Magazine and Newspaper Writing for my work following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.

I’ve also written and published extensively on a full spectrum of topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia and launched a podcast that helps demystify the disease for others.

By far, the most important thing I’ve done was to stop thinking and start doing.

For me, writing has never been work or what I do. It’s who I am. My love for writing and words, along with the satisfaction I get from seeing how those words affect, inform, change, move and influence people, is why I continue to write.

As a writer, I know how frightening it can be to want to share your life experiences, knowledge and wisdom with the world. You want to write a book but your inner voice is telling you that you’re not ready. You’re boring. You’re not an author or you’re not good enough.

Let me tell you, I have over 38  years of professional experience and I still wonder if I’m good enough; if my writing skills are good enough. I understand what it’s like to get stuck and not know what to do next. For someone who now makes their living writing, I’ve done battle with writer’s block more times than I can count. I’m not going to lie. It’s scary, especially when you’re in the middle of a writing project or up against a deadline and suddenly hit the wall. The good news is, no matter how many times writer’s block takes over, you always come out stronger on the other side. I know I do and you will, too.

As a writer, editor and coach, I know how writing works. More importantly, I can teach you how it works and take the fear and confusion out of writing a book. Your book.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to overcome the many challenges associated with writing. In my program, I share over a quarter of a century’s worth of experience from the fields of writing, editing and publishing. This is where you’ll learn my step-by-step formula for writing a best-selling book. I’ve coached countless clients on how to do just that. Now I want to help you do the same.

I’ll help you bust through the voices in your head that say you can’t be a writer. I’ll help you put your insecurities aside, craft your message and define your story.

I’ll help you share your story with strangers. There are people out there who are on the edge of giving up on their dreams. You could be that one light that reminds them what’s possible if they just keep going. So, share your story and share it boldly. It’s selfish not to. There are millions of people who need to hear it.