I was born at Fort Totten in Long Island, NY, more years ago than I care to recall. As a young child in primary school, I was already putting pencil to paper creating little stories to read to my classmates. In the third grade I was reading to them the exploits of a herd of wild horses that galloped across the plains, ridding towns of desperados, saving run-away stagecoaches and helping find lost children in the desert. My stories were eagerly sought after during our lunches and recess, and for me it became an addictive pastime that had me basking in the admiration of my young peers. My cliff-hangers ended each story on a tense note with the eager faces of my classmates begging for more. I was adored! I'd walk away from the pleading group with a Cheshire cat smile on my face, ecstatic that I had such control over their little lives! At that age, it never occured to me that you could actually make money at doing what came so naturally to me. For me, at that point in time, it was enough to know that they actually anticipated my next words.
From these short stories I went on to win poetry contests, writing contests, anything that my school would throw at us that concerned writing. Art class was a tremendous favorite also, but my sketches and art projects always ended with some bit of poetry or small story attached. I was a consternation to the nuns at the parochial schools I attended. I excelled in English classes, but dreadfully lacked the grey matter to pass math or science.
In the early 70's, being raised Catholic meant you got married to begin your life as an adult. Or you became a nun. NOT. I worked as a model and sold department store cosmetics in some leading stores in Portland, catching a writing gig here and there as I went. My first major foray into getting published was a very short piece of fiction in the 1969 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. Those were the days when popular magazines were more approachable than they are today. I was a celebrity to my family at that point. I couldn't believe anyone would actually PAY me to write!
In 1971 I married, two years later had a son, and life went on. I'd write here and there, gleaning a simple amount of money, but nothing to brag about. It was enough to know that I was writing. When my son was a toddler, I decided to really try and sell more of what I wrote, and I began offering to do resumes for the college students where we lived in Eugene, Oregon. While I did the resumes, I began selling short fiction material to whatever magazine would buy. We were finally able to move back to Portland when my now ex-husband was transferred from his railroad position as a brakeman. By now we were in the early 1980's. And this was my best time for writing. My son had started school and I sold my next story to a children's magazine (Jack and Jill). As an army brat I had lived in some pretty terrific places. The one camp that still is close to my heart was Camp Polk in Louisiana. I loved it there....the bayous, the happy people, even the weather held high marks in my book. One afternoon in summer I noticed the humidity and remembered how it used to get in Louisiana. At our pool table I sat and wrote a 699 word short story entitled, The Bayou Storm. It took me 31 minutes. I had a slow-cooker going and I had set the timer. Thirty-one minutes gave me $84.00 from Jack and Jill. If you Google my name, Suzan V. Wilson, you will find my story on the 'net and being sold as a e-story through Amazon. This one little story has gone to Europe, Asia and back again. But don't think I'm wealthy because of it. During the time I sold my story, I gave away my rights. Who knew that the internet would become such a big deal in 1982? I needed clips and was willing to give up some rights to get them. Won't be doing that again ::grin::.
After The Bayou Storm, I went on to sell other stories. RV Camping Today, a nice spread with photos for a new cooking magazine called The Amateur Chef, and best of all, a writing stint for the East Metro Bureau of The Oregonian. I occupied a column called Voices. I actually had a following! But all the while I was writing, I also had to keep a job, went to college and earned my AA in Journalism. And one thing that kept me writing were the resumes. I've helped people with press releases, copywriting, anything where my experience can help.
I now provide copy for a new and innovative web design firm, NWeSource. If you have a business you're wanting to start, and need brochures, a great new website, or anything to get the word out about you, contact them. Chances are I'll be writing the copy that will get you on your way!
This probably went on much longer than you had hoped, but I wanted you to know a little of me. I would love to work with you on taking care of your writing needs. If I can, than please contact me. You'll not regret a minute of it. Don't be like these little penguins, bumping into each other, going off in a different direction. Be in line first to get the big fish....be the one who has the successful business website, or the applicant with the finest resume in town~
Thanks!