At the start of this year, I made a very specific but overly unlikely goal.
I want to buy a new car, I said. And I want to pay for it with writing.
At the time of that statement, I was blogging regularly but otherwise not actively writing. And to be honest, my intention behind that goal was to acquire an agent, secure a publisher, snag a book deal, and buy a car.
That’s what success looked like to me at that time. That’s what writing looked like to me at that time.
So what if I told you that I bought a car in February, and as of this month, I’m paying for it with writing.
You all know I left my job at the start of June. I’d tucked away a little money, and I launched a business with a friend. The only thing unaccounted for when I left my job was my car payment. I told myself that I was resourceful and that I’d figure it out.
A few months ago, the Charlotte Agenda put a call out for writers. Every friend in the area screen-shot the posting and sent it to me. You have to do this, they said. Panic and fear bubbled into my throat. Sure, I said. I’ll apply, I lied, then promptly put it out of my mind. I can’t do that, I told myself. I’m not a real writer.
As you know, we lost my dad in January. My mom, still at the house I grew up in, lives in Raleigh. The loss was a huge part of my decision to leave my job. I craved the freedom to work remotely, especially from my mom’s kitchen table. I wanted the opportunity to spend more time in Raleigh without committing to move there.
One day after I put in my notice, I saw a tweet that the Charlotte Agenda was expanding to….you guessed it…Raleigh.
Without hesitation, I sent in an email. I figured it was a long shot anyway, so I rationalized that if I didn’t get it, no big deal.
Well. I got it.
I returned home late last night after spending a quick 48 hours in Raleigh, conducting interviews, snapping pictures, scoping out stories, and spending time with my mom. I got there and back safely in the car I pay for with writing.
Be stubborn about your goals but flexible about your methods.
oh snap! congrats girl! this is awesome. all the high fives, you are absolutely amazing.
This makes me SO happy.
Congrats!!!! I can imagine what an awesome feeling that is!
"Be stubborn about your goals but flexible about your methods." This is perfect advice. You still speak to my freakin' soul everyday even without our frequent chats I feel like you know my life all to well (in the best way of course). Also you are a rock star. I am in awe of your strength and persistence this year <3
I wish there was simply a like button for this. Congrats! 😁
I wish there was simply a like button for this. Congrats! 😁