You’re a Grant Writer, Not a Real Writer
I kept a journal in middle school with famous quotes and lyrics that inspired me. I still have the journal. Can you believe that? I’ve kept…
I kept a journal in middle school with famous quotes and lyrics that inspired me. I still have the journal. Can you believe that? I’ve kept it close. It's traveled with me to college and relocated to Miami. It’s survived marriage and two babies and everyone and everything in between. But, life happens, as it often does, and I forgot about it.
I opened it the other day to find a consistent theme. ‘I will be a writer’ was scribbled throughout. Immediately I was embarrassed. I felt ashamed of my line of work, as if I let my past self down.
I made a great attempt. I went to journalism school and interned at amazing magazines each summer. So naturally, when I graduated from college, I expected the Editor in Chief positions to roll on through. However, that didn’t happen. One week turned into a few months, and after a year without work, I accepted a position in the communications department at a small nonprofit organization.
I fell in LOVE! Not only was I charged with writing for their publication but also writing their grants to solidify funding. With grants, I’m able to craft a narrative. You’re part writer, salesman, copywriter, accountant, and all the way invested. I was attracted to working for a mission. My writing directly impacted donations which directly impacts the children, the environment, the whales… you get it. Working for a cause changed my life. I feel like my work matters.
In my head, I was doing something that “mattered” while waiting for my dreams as a writer to come true. My career took off. One position led to a development position which led to a director position, ultimately leading to what I do now — Nonprofit Consulting.
I was at dinner with a group the other night, and someone asked what I do for a living. My friend, knowing my struggles, blurts out, “she's a writer! Oh, and she raises money for the kids and that museum on the corner and seniors, and pretty much anyone in need.” She gave so much information that our guest was more than satisfied with her answer and impressed that I wrote about many different causes.
“She’s a writer.” — FULL STOP.
When she said it, chills traveled through my body. I am a writer. That’s exactly what I do and have always done. My writing may not include affiliate links or top 10 lists, but some may argue that it has equal if not greater value—Scratch that. Instead, I will argue that my writing directly impacts programs, organizations….people.
So what’s the point? I’ve lived my professional career doing what I love but feeling like something was missing. Nothing was missing. I was failing at my own misrepresented goals. I just needed to realign and change my perspective. I challenge you to do the same.
I’ve spent so much time disappointed in what I didn’t accomplish. I couldn’t see all of the beautiful things that I’ve created. I think we all suffer from this in some ways. The only solution is to let ourselves off the hook.
I’ve been introducing myself as a writer ever since that dinner.
I am a writer, a grant writer. However, I write about everything. So maybe I’ll even try my hand at a top 10 list. I guess we’ll have to wait and see…