Well here's what happens when life gets interrupted and you forget to hit Publish! But in re-reading this post from nine years ago, much of it still applies so I am recycling it with some new information at the end. Enjoy!
Several years ago I started Chapin Chatter as a business development tool for my consulting business. As a small business owner, I was interested in supporting other small business owners and enjoyed writing about what their businesses did. Some of the folks I interviewed and featured became clients, others did not. But I filled a void that was missing in my community.
That point did not go unnoticed. When the local chamber had a vacancy for its executive director position, it was my blog that helped me land a job that I enjoyed and was a good fit for my life at that time.
I enjoy making a difference. That's what makes me tick. My spiritual gifts of administration and hospitality provide me with a number of ways to serve others. But it's my writing that has been a constant throughout my adult life.
It's funny. My mother the English teacher was always the one who talked about writing a book. She would talk about the limited number of plot lines, pros and cons of various writing styles, and if I remember correctly, she was never very enamored with the draft papers I would share with her back in the day. Fortunately, Dr. Kitson and Mrs. Kelly didn't share that same sentiment, and I made As in both their classes with my writing.
In graduate school, I had the good fortune to work in the media relations office at DHEC. One of my superiors was a former reporter, and he really helped me hone my skills as a writer. From press releases to marketing pieces to that all important business letter that commands action and respect, my love of writing grew during that period.
I have spent my entire career writing. Sometimes people get to see my byline and other times, I have to wear my ghost writer hat. I have penned opinion pieces for elected officials, business leaders as well as for charitable causes I have supported. It feels great to see something I have crafted in print, even if the average Joe has no idea that they are my words that are making them feel or respond in a certain way.
Putting words down on paper, or now on my laptop screen, has always helped me process my thoughts and feelings. Rarely do I sit down and knock something out on a first draft. I enjoy changing things around, mulling over my words and letting them marinade.
In some cases, for my personal writing I like to include an appropriate bible verse when it helps make a point. It's also a reflection of my awareness that writing is a gift that God has given me, and it's my responsibility to use that gift to His glory. I don't know if I have a book in my future but I am glad I decided to resurrect my blog. It's been a blessing of focus for my wandering mind. And maybe...just maybe, it will be a blessing for others, too.
That point did not go unnoticed. When the local chamber had a vacancy for its executive director position, it was my blog that helped me land a job that I enjoyed and was a good fit for my life at that time.
I enjoy making a difference. That's what makes me tick. My spiritual gifts of administration and hospitality provide me with a number of ways to serve others. But it's my writing that has been a constant throughout my adult life.
It's funny. My mother the English teacher was always the one who talked about writing a book. She would talk about the limited number of plot lines, pros and cons of various writing styles, and if I remember correctly, she was never very enamored with the draft papers I would share with her back in the day. Fortunately, Dr. Kitson and Mrs. Kelly didn't share that same sentiment, and I made As in both their classes with my writing.
In graduate school, I had the good fortune to work in the media relations office at DHEC. One of my superiors was a former reporter, and he really helped me hone my skills as a writer. From press releases to marketing pieces to that all important business letter that commands action and respect, my love of writing grew during that period.
I have spent my entire career writing. Sometimes people get to see my byline and other times, I have to wear my ghost writer hat. I have penned opinion pieces for elected officials, business leaders as well as for charitable causes I have supported. It feels great to see something I have crafted in print, even if the average Joe has no idea that they are my words that are making them feel or respond in a certain way.
Putting words down on paper, or now on my laptop screen, has always helped me process my thoughts and feelings. Rarely do I sit down and knock something out on a first draft. I enjoy changing things around, mulling over my words and letting them marinade.
In some cases, for my personal writing I like to include an appropriate bible verse when it helps make a point. It's also a reflection of my awareness that writing is a gift that God has given me, and it's my responsibility to use that gift to His glory. I don't know if I have a book in my future but I am glad I decided to resurrect my blog. It's been a blessing of focus for my wandering mind. And maybe...just maybe, it will be a blessing for others, too.
Fast forward update: I am dusting off my Karen Owens Communications consulting business and looking for new clients in the Georgetown County area of the Lowcountry. That's not to say I wouldn't help someone in the Midlands or Upstate if the need is there. You can contact me here to learn more about my experience and if there is a project you need help with, shoot me an email.
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