WRITING IS A NOBLE PROFESSION©

"IT SPEAKS ALL LANGUAGES! "
By Shirley M. Carolan


Growing up in the Land of Shakespeare and the Magna Carta, I developed a healthy respect and love for the English language. I was fascinated by both the sound and the meaning of words! It has been a lasting, worthy, and passionate love affair to this day! And, quite frankly, I expect to take this love affair of words with me to the grave!

As I reflect on the myriad careers I've tried, none has ever given me the joy, rewards, recognition, that writing has …. real estate, insurance, antiques, maritime, teaching, and 30 years in corporate America, could not even hold a candle to the wonderful world of words. Only teaching comes close to the sense of fulfillment, of being alive, and helping others that writing brings.

Regardless of what I am writing, or for whom, I use skills that I thoroughly enjoy. I even love the solitude, or privacy, that writing affords. I never seem to be at a loss for words, and am free to put them on paper whenever I choose. I can write at 6 AM or midnight, in my 'jamas, jeans, or 2-piece suit. My age is not a deterrent or handicap in this profession, unlike what I've experienced in other fields. Need I go on?

When I graduated from high school, a month after my 16th birthday, in my new, adopted country, the United States of America, I had no business skills to earn a living with and had to settle for menial work until I was able to save enough money to put myself through Business School while also supporting my parents. It never occurred to me back then that the love of words would be my way out of the "ghetto! " That would come years later and is for another article …

Today, I am grateful that I never lost my curiosity and love of words, especially since these last few years I've been earning my living as a freelance writer. I've met, and interviewed, some wonderful people, from many professions: doctors, dentists, chiropractors, veterinarians, politicians, dress designers, Hollywood directors, entrepreneurs, outstanding senior citizens, movers and shakers. Then, I've written articles, personal interest stories, advertorials, etc. about them and their business, some even making the cover of glossy magazines.

When I think about writing, it's more than just writing, it's about thinking and putting thoughts, down on paper. Where else can you get paid for your thoughts? A think tank perhaps? But that's not everyone's cup of tea, even if you're an expert in a particular field. So, let me define what writing means to me because it cannot be captured in a sentence, or even a paragraph. It's far too complex for that.

What Is Writing?

1. Writing is an art.
2. It captures the mind and the soul
3. It is creative
4. It is expressive
5. It allows us to express our values/beliefs/truths
6. Writing is both personal and powerful
7. It is a forum to share (our thoughts/truths/etc.) with others
8. It can heal
9. It connects us with others and the universe at large
10. Without writing, mankind would lose its rich heritage –
its place in history
11. It influences, persuades, motivates, inspires others
12. It enlightens others
13. It educates
14. It conveys emotions, strengths – weaknesses
15. It motivates and is a catalyst for change
16. It uplifts the spirit
17. It praises and expresses appreciation
18. Writing honors our spiritual world and God
19. It is an on-going process – it never ends!
20. Writing should never be used as propaganda – to fool others!

Furthermore, writing is an essential tool used by all businesses; to market their products, services, expertise, in the public or private sector. Good writing can make or break a business. It can pave the way to staying in business, and to making a profit A business literally thrives on good writing. It can even measure its success of the written word through:

· Brochures
· Annual reports
· Stockholders' interests
· Sales materials/promotions
· Newsletters
· Websites
· Blogs
· HowTo Manuals
· Training Materials
· Business Cards
· Press Releases
· White Papers

To be sure, the above is not meant to be all-inclusive but it certainly dignifies and illustrates the beauty and value of what words can achieve.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of editing for clients and it occurred to me that anyone can write but it takes a discerning mind to have a real impact on others. This is especially true if you are preparing to give a speech to a formidable, paying audience. Here is where I feel I have the best of both worlds since I both speak and write to diverse audiences. Hence, I leave you with some thoughts to ponder. Maybe you'll discover what writing means to you. Maybe you'll decide to try it as a career!

I feel a good writer and speaker have much in common. They both need to have and master some fundamental skills: Following are some skills worth cultivating and using..

Essential Skills:

· Sincerity
· Honesty
· Perceptiveness
· Ability to see both sides of any situation
· Dedication
· Enthusiasm
· High energy
· Ability to get all the facts, especially in reporting
· Be unbiased yet be willing to tell both sides of a situation
· Patience with yourself and others
· Be prepared, punctual, professional
· Willingness to rewrite if the client wants it

Lastly, I think being a good writer means never doubting your skills and abilities, at least not to the point of sabotaging yourself. It also means knowing when to stop! Knowing when enough rewriting and editing are enough! Journaling has helped me to see my patterns, what habits are working for, or against me, and where I can be proud of taking action to achieve my goals. Life is indeed a journey and so is writing!

Ah yes, writing is a wonderful way of life. That's why I came up with the motto: "Words are the poetry of the soul! They are as unique as your fingerprints. You owe it to yourself to leave the finest imprint!" .


Shirley M. Carolan, ATM
Speaker/Writer/Coach
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
Carolcom@qwestinternet.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright © 2006 by Shirley Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any portion of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at carolcom@qwestinternet.net.