Thursday, April 9, 2009

A New Season in My Life?


My life has gotten weird here lately. And a little out of control. I’ve taken a job. God opened the door and I walked right through it without a doubt, without a second thought. That doesn't sound like me, does it? :) Is it possible for a 60 year-old woman to find her dream job? I’m writing for the Times of Southwest Louisiana. You can go HERE and thumb through the issue. Look at page 3 to view the masthead and actually see ASSISTANT EDITOR over my name. Funny how these little things matter. Okay, now trot on over to page 5 and read the bios of the entire staff--including my daughter. Yep, we’re all ‘green’ when it comes to getting out a magazine, but we did it--our first issue. We strutted our stuff for about 15 minutes and then we had to get to work on the next issue.

I have a friend who constantly complains that he’s rejected because he’s old. The thought of being too old for anything scares me to death. Do we ever get too old to accomplish our dreams and goals? I hope not.

I love having a writing job. That vain side of me enjoys seeing my name in the masthead and on articles. I love being a part of something that seems important, meeting new people, being a member of the Press, working toward a deadline. I love the instant gratification that comes from magazine and newspaper writing--something book writing doesn't offer me. So far, I haven’t missed fiction. I don’t know if I will. I already feel completely out of touch with my fiction-writing friends. I don’t stay online as much as I did. I email and that’s about it. I’m not searching markets and reading blogs. I've always heard there are different seasons in our life, so maybe this is my new season. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I can’t say it isn’t interesting. I hope you stay tuned. I want you with me as I see where this so-called 'new season’ leads me.

Have a Blessed Easter. And good writing--no matter what you write!

9 comments:

Laurie Kolp said...

Congratulations on the new job! You are truly an inspiration.

Marcia Gruver said...

This sounds so exciting, Jess. Congratulations. I know you'll do a wonderful job.

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

Jess you are the best!! Sounds like you have found your purpose driven life and MY perfect job. I am proud of you. You'll be great and I will continue to be your biggest fan and friend

Erica Vetsch said...

Congrats on the new job. It's terrific that there are always new vistas to conquer, isn't it?

Ey Wade said...

That newspaper must be truly blessed to have you on staff. You are outstanding.

Anonymous said...

Wow, way to go, Jess! You are indeed an inspiration!

Mindy Blanchard said...

Congrats on the new job, Jess. It will be exciting and interesting - new seasons have a reason so all you can do is see where it goes. (You're fiction writing friends are right beside/behind you - cheering you on and excited to see what wonderful things you will accomplish!!!)

Christa Allan said...

SO COOL!!! They're lucky to have you!

Pat Carroll Marcantel said...

Yes "they" are lucky to have you and Chaney...blessed would be the better word. Keep up the wonderful work.