I love to teach – maybe that’s why I love the type of writing I do. I used to be a first aid instructor and I taught clinical skills to nurses’ aides and orderlies. I even taught English as a second language for a while. Now, I’ll drop everything to teach anyone who asks if they can learn how to quilt (life can’t be all about work, can it?). I love to share what I know. Some people would find that at odds with my personality. I’m very shy and introverted. I hate meeting new people. Social situations make me anxious. But put me in front of a group of people who want to learn something from me, and I’m in my element.
My first writing-related workshop experience was one I volunteered for. It was part of a “boot camp” offered by the Quebec chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), and my session was on health writing for the web. The feedback I received from both new and experienced writers was great. After that, I was asked to participate on more writing-related panels, including two for ASJA. This year, I’ll be part of an ASJA panel again. Jane Langille, Maureen Salamon, Patchen Barss, and I will discuss how to write about health and science without having an advanced degree. (Editor’s note: Learn about this panel and others at this year’s conference by checking out the schedule here.)
Why do I do this? I love to inspire others. I love to share what I know in the hopes that someone else may use that information and become as successful as they want to be.
I came to writing in an unconventional way. I didn’t have any formal writing training – I was a nurse who loved to write. And then when I decided to jump from being a nurse to being a writer, I made it happen. It wasn’t easy, but as I went through my journey, I received so much help from other writers. They shared their methods, their ideas, and their knowledge. Some even helped me find work or hired me themselves, so I could get experience. They trusted me.
I asked questions. I read posts on forums, joined groups, and attended conferences. I know that I would not be where I am today if other writers had not taken the time to answer my questions and to teach me – either directly or indirectly, or through their panels, presentations, and workshops. Then, when it seemed that I had something to share with others, it became my turn to do just that.
Of course, my main goal when I attend conferences is to continue learning, so I can keep growing as a writer. I still mark up my conference schedules with the panels I want to attend, and I discuss with my friends and colleagues the pros and cons of the various sessions. I still want to network and meet new clients and editors, because I always want to be in that marketing zone too. After all, I have a writing business to run. But I’ve learned over the years that by giving, you get a lot back. By being on those panels, I’ve met people who have come back to me—sometimes years later—with work opportunities or they’ve helped me in other ways.
So why do I speak on panels? Because I get to be part of this movement, where we help each other along our journey. Plus, I get to put an extra ribbon on my conference name tag, you know, to brighten it up. 😉