By Kate the Younger
One of the perks of my job is that I’m forced to write every day. As much as I love the written word – or rather, in proportion to how much I love it – I find nothing more daunting than choosing which words to put on a blank page. Without an assignment, I’d be in a chronic state of writer’s block. I’d never need to buy new writing utensils, and the pen and pencil manufacturers would see huge dips in their bottom lines. The overall impact on the economy would be untold. Fortunately, my boss won’t let that happen to me or the economy, and I am now, in addition to my formal post as director of operations, the co-host of the Active Voice blog. Hello, readers!
Truly, there are few greater blessings for a young writer than to have the opportunity to write frequently and freely, and most importantly, to be held accountable for her productivity. However strong one’s inclination for writing is, it’s not talent or taste, but perseverance that really carries the day. Or so Ira Glass assures me:
It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions…It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.[i]
Thanks, Ira. That means a lot to me. What this means for you, readers, is that you are bearing witness to the “volume of work” that I’m supposed to go through, for better or for worse. I hope to work through many writerly growing pains here. I hope it’s not painful for both of us. I will do my best to share what is interesting, beautiful, and useful for writers, Washingtonians, professionals, and of course, my many fans mom.
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