What I do: In my day job, I work full-time as Head of Technical Services at the Cudahy Family Library. On my own time, I am a writer. I've just published my fourth romantic mystery. When Shadows Fall was published by Swimming Kangaroo Books in June. Over the years, I've also published short stories, poetry and essays in several dozen different magazines, including Romantic Homes, Cosmopolitan and Brides.
How I got my job: I've wanted to be a writer since I was in grade school and published my first poem in seventh grade. Words have always fascinated me and almost every job I've ever held has centered around them. I wrote a column for the local paper while in high school. I edited Alpha, the Alverno student newspaper, and I wrote features for several area newspapers during that time, too. Of course, my library work is all about books and no writer could ask for a better place to be employed. Every day is an inspiration, seeing other writers succeed in publication.
How I use my Alverno education: I use my Alverno education all the time. At the library on the Reference Desk, every single competency comes into play, when I'm working with the public. In my writing career, I also employ what I learned, lo, those many years ago. Nothing requires problem-solving capabilities more than crafting a mystery plot. Not only must you solve the problems, you must create them in the first place. Of course, finding markets for my work requires analysis, communication and interaction, one right after the other. Personally, the skill I hope I never lose is the ability to "Think on my feet.” At Alverno, I learned to stand up and give a speech, coherent and concise. And while that ability is important, the confidence I gained from acquiring that ability is priceless!
How I define career success: Being published is the first definition of success to me, as a writer. I will never forget the thrill and validation I felt the first time I sold a short story. Knowing I had made my characters and their situation "real" to an editor gave me confidence to take on my first novel. Of course, supporting myself through writing would mark the hallmark of success and is the goal I strive for, every day.
Tips from the field: When I talk to writing classes, or meet writers through my day job, I always say, "if I can do it, you can do it" because I think that's true. Start early, start late--doesn't matter. Just start. Submit manuscripts and write another one. One of my best friends, the children's author Sharon Hart Addy, says writing is a contact sport. So, go to conferences and make some friends. Now, with the Internet, there are so many resources, listserves and blogs to utilize. I've found them to be helpful, but I also find they are like water and will fill all the space you give them. That is, they can take up too much of my available time. Don't let that happen. My very first writing instructor, Lee Riordan, told the class every week, "A writer is a person who writes." And he was spot on. Write!
