Well, this is the last Reality Blog of 2016.
It’s also my last Reality Blog. Forever.
But don’t worry… Charlotte Hicks Crockett and the folks at AWAI are keeping you in very capable hands. Starting the first week of 2017, Steve Maurer will be taking over the reins as the B2B Writing Success Reality Blogger.
Those of you who follow the B2B Copywriters group on Facebook are already well acquainted with Steve — and they know what a great job he’s going to do.
Personally, I’m looking forward to Steve’s new stint as Reality Blogger. He’ll provide fresh new perspective and tons of enthusiasm, and I have every confidence his column will encourage you to greater success on your copywriting journey.
As for me, the Reality Blog has been a true blessing. In the two-and-a-half years since I started this, my business has grown from next to nothing to a legitimate income that’s equaled my full-time job. In the next year or so, I intend to make the leap back to full-time writer.
The Reality Blog has been a wonderful springboard for making those dreams come true.
Writing with a Personal Touch
It’s been a huge part of my personal growth, as well. The constant reflection and introspection of writing a Reality Blog has kept me humble — aware of both my strengths and weaknesses. For an introverted writer like me, throwing my life “out there” was a huge risk. But the rewards were even greater.
Surprisingly, what I loved most about the Reality Blog were the personal touches. Sharing not just the accomplishments along the way but the mistakes and failures, too. Talking about how to survive the writer’s life by what I saw in mine. And, of course, finding the silliness and laughter that always helped me through the darkest times.
So that’s how I’d like to end my run as Reality Blogger. Not with the most useful or serious topics I wrote about — you can find those on your own. Instead, I’m going to share a list of the articles I enjoyed the most. Most of them were silly, whacky, and fun to write. And yet, somewhere in there, I always managed to find meaning.
My Top 10 List of “Most Fun” Reality Blog Posts
- Unplug Yourself for Success — why getting away from it all can give you time to really think
- Just Go Play — networking seems so much easier on the playground
- Are You a Chair Potato? — sitting is a hard habit to break
- A Lesson from Football — anytime I can work football into my writing is a good day
- Who Could You Be? — it’s about more than dressing up for Halloween
- Survive the Proposal Roller Coaster — these ups and downs can make you queasy
- What I Learned from Yoda — listen carefully, young padawan
- The Most Important Copywriting Skill — with lessons for the Zombie Apocalypse
- Copywriting Lessons from Driver’s Ed – if you can survive your 16-year-old daughter driving, how bad can anything else be?
- Loyalty, Blizzards, and Chili Dogs — tapping into your history can reveal powerful lessons
Saying Thank You
I have a lot to be thankful for over these past few years. I was going to spend some time reflecting on all of that, but it turns out I already have. Each year around Thanksgiving, apparently.
These deep dives into what I’m thankful for as a writer — and as a human being — say a lot about my journey. I think it’s interesting to see them side-by-side. Specifically, seeing how core values such as family never change, while the circumstances around you jump around like a kangaroo in a trampoline park.
2014 Thanksgiving — What Are You Thankful For?
2015 Thanksgiving — More Thankful Than Ever
2016 Thanksgiving — The Thankful Freelancer
I would be remiss here without thanking B2B Writing Success’s amazing Managing Editor, Charlotte Hicks Crockett. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in keeping me going. Also, the magical editing of Nan Hughes — her subtle changes always made me sound far better than I really am.
And finally, I want to thank my peers in the Goldmine Group, past and present. You know who you are. I couldn’t have done all this without you. Thanks!
A Beginning, Not an End
For me, the glass is always half full. The race is always half won. And every end is really a new beginning.
After all, the Reality Blog goes on in the ever-so-capable hands of Steve Maurer.
And my career as a copywriter goes on, too. This is a chance for me to stretch my wings and fill that time with something exciting and new.
So here’s to all you high-paying corporate clients out there: Bring it!
I’m ready for ya.
