When I Grow Up To Be A Writer

Enter the inspiring Julie Roads, who I discovered while reading an interview she did with another awesome blogger. As an aspiring writer, learning about Julie's experiences encouraged me. Julie does what she has always wanted to do as her career. She created and works in her own business. She makes a successful living at it. In short, she is who I want to be when I grow up professionally!

Who is this hero of mine? Julie Roads is a writer. She writes professionally - helping others put their product and/or service into the 'right' words, marketing with authenticity and integrity. She writes for the love of writing - blogging insightfully about what fuels her passion. She just writes. These factors elevate her career to the status of a "true calling" in my book. Being a writer is more than what she does...it's what she is.

Julie started her career as a professional copywriter when she wanted to stay home with her baby daughter. As I worry about making a go of a new career direction, here's what Julie says she did: "In terms of needing to work from home that was 'mama bear survival strength' - there is no match for that strength anywhere else on the planet. In terms of choosing writing? I just knew, in my gut, that it would work out. Nothing has ever felt so right. I don't even remember worrying about it. I dove in and never doubted for a second that it would work." I long for that degree of confidence...

What about advertising your business when that's not your field of expertise? How do you spread the word, "Writer for hire?" Julie replies, "My background is in education. At the heart of education is communication. I had experience communicating simultaneously with young children, their parents, employees/subordinates, peers, administrations and local/state/federal government. Meanwhile, I had no marketing or business experience - but I parlayed the communications/education experience into all that I needed. Then, I read a lot and I practiced...and I learned. I'm still learning. In the end, it's about gut. I subscribe to the book of relationship marketing: permission marketing - being authentic and real, building trust, building relationships..." What was her first concrete step into actual marketing of her writing services? Julie says, "Originally, a very good direct mail piece and follow up calls. I was also part of a great biz networking organization called BNI. Now, Twitter, my blog, other social media outlets, and I talk about what I do constantly - you can't shut me up. Oh, word of mouth, of course."

Not only is Julie a writer, but she helps others attain their dream of becoming writers. On her Writing Roads web site, she offers professional encouragement, counseling and mentorship. When asked about the distinction between those, she responds, "Encouragement: free, for everyone, can't help myself. Counseling: paid like consulting. Real mentorship I'd say just happens - I have a couple of people who have become dear to me and I see the potential and it just happens naturally."

I asked Julie how it feels to have someone (like me, for instance) tell you that, to her you are professionally who she wants to see when she looks in the mirror? Julie's response, "It's amazing. What an incredible compliment. It makes me want to be better at what I do...it totally energizes me. I'm proud of what I've built - and I love what I do."

Julie is a source of great inspiration to me as I take my first tenuous steps into the role of professional writer. She possesses an enthusiastic combination of confidence and willingness to give of herself that actually makes my journey seem feasible. Through her success I see the possibility for my own. I am truly thankful that our "Roads" have crossed!

Who or what inspires you to follow your dreams? How do you overcome the fear of stepping outside your comfort zone?