If you asked my family whether or not they viewed me as a planner, I can guarantee that the answer would be no, maybe even Hell No. This stems partially because I never seem prepared. I’m that mom in the carpool line digging through my purse fishing for quarters to pass out lunch money to my kids. I’m the driver scrolling through my GPS searching for directions on the way to my destination. And even worse, I’m one of those last minute appointment makers and birthday gift buyers (typically on the way to the party). The reality is, though, that I am a mental planner. My ADD-ish brain is constantly in planning mode. I’m brainstorming ideas for activities to entertain my kids, I’m sorting out an outline for my next freelance story and I’m planning out the beginnings of course activities that come together at the last minute. I’m planning newspaper pubdates, ad rates and AP quizzes more often than I care to admit. My brain is a planner – neatly writing out my life’s plan on its internal sketch pad. My actions may not always reflect the creative intentions my brain has planned, though. Unfortunately for me, the exterior does not always model the interior. But trust me, I have a plan. Share Shannon Philpott Blog Entry: March 18, 2011 © Shannon Philpott, 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Shannon Philpott and shannonphilpott.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Tag: freelance writing
How Writing is Like Dancing
I’ve never been much of a dancer. Besides a few wedding receptions, 20-something bachelorette parties and a teen party, I don’t usually show off my dancing moves for all to see.. That doesn’t mean that I don’t try to pop, lock and drop it for the sake of embarrassing my kids, but I’m not an expert by any means. My daughter, though, is an avid dancer and has performed in recitals for the past five years. I sit in awe each recital weekend, amazed at the determination these dancers have and the grace they exhibit with each number. When I watch my daughter dance with her peers, I’m reminded of how dancing is such a beautiful art of expression – just like writing.
If the Shoe Fits
My work as a freelance writer gives me the opportunity to meet interesting and insightful people. Whether I am having a conversation with the average “Joe,” interviewing an event organizer, or talking with experts in various fields, the people become more than just sources – they become very human during an interview. Even though as a journalist my job is to stay objective, there is something personal about each interview I conduct. The information this person is sharing usually contains personal experiences, feelings, beliefs, and advice. Almost always after an interview, I reflect and compare my personal experiences and try and put myself in the subject’s shoes. Today, the shoes fit, but at the same time, the shoes made me uncomfortable – comparable to the perfect looking shoe in a narrow fit when I need wide-toed shoes. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 