One of the most common pieces of advice that is given to writers is to never quit your day job. Since I left the retail world 9 years ago, I have pursued several entrepreneurial ventures, finished a degree, obtained a professional certification, been accepted into graduate school, homeschooled my 12 year-old daughter, helped her publish her first novel, published seven books of my own in addition to several freelance articles, started a garden, decorated my homes, built websites, created 3 blogs, started a line of greeting cards, designed a line of fabrics and home accessories, and a bunch of other stuff I can't recall at the moment. When did I have the time to even consider a "day job"?
I have a lot of interests and I pursue them all. Sue me. But, a writer still has to eat (and there are two writers in my house!). This past summer, I designed and taught a course entitled, "The Science of Nutrition", for a group of high school students at Workshop Houston's Summer Leadership Institute. It was incredibly rewarding (shout out to Co-Director Reginald Dwayne Hatter and High School Program Director Jalyn Smith) and led me to find other ways to get out of the house and monetize my passions. Adding to the long list of personal and professional pursuits, I now have a position in sales working with homebuilders--and I love it! I am meeting all kinds of interesting people which should one day make for some pretty intriguing stories.
Needless to say, there hasn't been as much activity on the blogging/writing end over the last couple of months while in transition. Had to pump the brakes a bit as I started the new gig when the school year began. I have found a fulfilling way to do what I have to do now in order to do what I want to do later.
I want to thank all of the guest bloggers who have helped me with some of the "heavy lifting" as well as those of you who follow me and support my work. Smart Girls Like You is nearly finished with Smart Boys Like You coming soon. The Living Well is taking on a life of its own and will be finished by the year's end. Here's to finding many ways to get paid for doing what you love. Absolutely none of it feels like work!
