Authors Blog

Specialization can help you get a job.

Versatility can help you keep a job!

 

I’ve been writing nonfiction since I was a journalism major at Lehigh in the 60s. I never aspired to write “the great American novel.” Or even a lousy un-American novel.

I’ve been told that I have a great imagination—and maybe I was wrong to shun fiction.

As an experiment I wrote a novelized back story as the first half of a nonfiction book, Internet Hell. I think it turned out well and readers like it. I enjoyed the freedom of not needing to care about facts, truth and reality—but my training and experience as a journalist made unreality realistic.

I think all writers should experiment with genres outside their comfort zone. Try to write in an untried style. You might enjoy it, or even create something great.

 

Flexibility and versatility may help your financial situation.

 When I first moved to Manhattan in 1970, I lived in a tiny-but-expensive room in a YMCA. The manager knew I worked for a magazine and asked for help writing a fundraising appeal. He liked my work—and lowered my rent!

My first job after college was as the assistant editor of a magazine that went to hi-fi equipment dealers. I sometimes filled in at other mags that the company published, dealing with health foods and art supplies.

Later on, I worked for several advertising agencies. I was hired because I could write about hi-fi equipment, but I kept my job because I could also write about computers, light switches, motor oil, food, floor tile, wristwatches and bathing suits. 

I can probably write about anything. Can you?