A New Challenge

Last Friday I contacted one of the horse industry publications that I subscribe to offering my services as a freelance copy editor or proofreader (my comfort zone). I received a response from the editorial director with news that I hadn't anticipated. They are looking for freelance writers (so outside of my comfort zone!).

She asked if I could provide samples of my work. I replied honestly saying that I really hadn't written much more than a cover letter since I graduated from college. So I offered to profile one of my fellow horseback riders and my horse trainer and submit them as samples. She thought this was a great idea. It would give them a feel for my writing style and I would see if it's something that I enjoy.

But there's a bit of a problem! See, there's a reason why I haven't really written much since graduation. I remember not getting a job right out of college as a result of a review of my writing. From that day forward, in my mind, I was a crummy writer. Admittedly, I didn't exactly "live up to my potential" in college. I got by and did OK but spent a lot of time on "extracurricular activities." But this is something that I'd really like to do. I want to put the work in to get better.

So, I asked one of the ladies at my barn if she'd be willing to answer some questions and let me write about her. She agreed and I spent the weekend thinking about what direction I wanted this write-up to go in. I came up with a handful of questions and sent them to her. She'll get her answers to me by Wednesday. That's where I am at this point. But wow, this is hard. Just coming up with some pointed questions was not easy for me. Admittedly, I could be making it harder than it should be. But only because I have that nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I can't do this. I think I can. I am determined to do this.

This blog post is an attempt to dust off the cobwebs and get writing. I know that it's not very good, but it's a starting point! It is the first of what will be many to come. I will be writing daily for the next month as a challenge to myself to get better with each post. I am going to mostly write about horses, to get myself in that frame of mind. I know this blog is supposed to be to update you, my family (my only readers) on my happenings and I apologize if horses don't interest you. I'll try to throw some other stuff in now and then. But for the next month, it's horses baby!

Side note: If you know of a good resource or two related to writing improvement, please share it with me. Thank you!