I QUIT!!!!!
I am emotionally drained. Mentally Stressed. Physically Tired..
That’s how my draft post started out on August 24. Fortunately, I did not publish it, make it permanent. I am not sure what glimpse of hope appeared – or if there was. What I do know is I kept going.
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| I was referred by my friend Rosanita to start writing with Gather.com in August, 2010. Two months later, I was hired as a Gather News Writer. Several months later, Gather became a part of Skyword with a ton of changes. Many times I felt like I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all the changes. Today I received word that I was amongst the 50 writers that have stayed with the program for an entire year through a company merge and many changes. I am most certainly not one of the highest paid writers but I am proud that I have stuck with it. So glad that I did not quit. |
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| In August of this year I joined a group called ATAMI in their Christian writing division. The leader, Minister Debby, told the group about a community blog initiative with Heritage Media. I officially became a community blogger on December 1, about a month post inquiry. Because of this connection, I found out about available intern positions. Last Friday, I was hired as an Intern to work with James Dickson for the Education beat in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. I start a rigorous 8-week assignment January 2, 2012. I am so glad that I didn’t let my negative self talk keep me from inquiry. |
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| Through Skyword, the parent company that bought Gather.com, I found out about other writing opportunities. I was rejected twice by two different writing programs before being selected for this one. As it turns out, this is a great way for me to exercise my artsy fartsy roots. I love it! Who knew? |
Leslie McGraw
Leslie discovered the power of the pen in the third grade after her family moved to a new school district. Writing became a way to sort out her new surroundings and escape to fantasy landscapes. That child, and voice, has matured into a poet, writer, blogger, journalist, online content creator and editor. Leslie is a social entrepreneur with a demonstrated commitment to community. She is an active community member in Washtenaw County (Michigan) with expertise in social media marketing and content management systems, volunteer coordination and writing and 19 years of experience in the areas of online community management, training, leadership development, and social networking. She is interested in facilitating connection with both community residents and businesses. Through this work, the economy of the community is improved and the organizations are financially successful. Her main mode of advocacy and online community, however, is through writing.
5 Comments
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Anonymous
Love it! Go Leslie..you are an amazing inspiration!
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback. To inspire somebody is probably one of the most important things a person can do. And, your comments have inspired me this morning!
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Anonymous
Les, you rock! I am inspired.
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Anonymous
This is such an encouraging story. It is always so much easier for us to say we quit, but when you look at it from the perspectives you have you realize giving up is not an option. wishing you much success in your quest to greatness!