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2013-09-29 01:19:40
33 votes, rating 5.8
33 votes, rating 5.8
Dedicated to Writing
A while back I finished my studies of environmental sciences - last minute and with quite a bad grading on my diploma thesis. I was pretty sure I'd not be able to work in that area for personal issues: low self esteem, little trust in my skills, no idea which concrete direction to go... that kind of stuff. I have been unemployed, pushed towards work by quite a couple of people. I stayed reluctant - and I'm not proud of it.
However, an opportunity came along and I took it: I started writing about environmental topics for a children's magazine. It didn't go all too easy (mainly because of the aforementioned personal issues), but it showed me one thing: Writing is something I really enjoy. It's actually also the one thing I have been getting great feedback for all through my life, not matter the context. It reawakened my desire to write, to toy with words, to puzzle over phrases and expressions. At the same time it showed me, that I can actually make (some) money with what I enjoy and find challenging.
Over the last months, I have worked on three projects, but I hesitated to really move forward. I still haven't seen a single coin for my efforts, because I haven't applied for a tax ID yet (and I cannot bring anything to account without it). However, I started dreaming of a life as a freelancer, maybe even an author one day.
This afternoon I went to a short lecture event titled "Underachiever oder Unternehmer?" ("Underachiever or entrepreneur?") and the lecturer was really inspiring - and funny! It was quite some food for thought, but in the end one statement especially stuck to me: If I want to achieve something remarkable, I have to act with the clear intention to get there. Step by step, probably slow - but steady. This doesn't sound remarkable at all, more like common knowledge or common sense. Alas, sometimes I need to have simple truths hammered into me over and over again, before they really sink in (don't try that on the topic of elfballing dwarves by the way: there it certainly won't work, no matter what).
My lack of perspective has encumbered me for more than 10 years now. Not wasted years of course, as I have gotten myself a wonderful family for instance. But in many (other) ways unhappy years.
I realized a change is due.
I'll dedicate myself to writing, as that is my perspective now.
Wish me luck!
Disclaimer: I won't abandon FUMBBL. My commitment to LOBBL (I love its roleplaying, storytelling constitution) and the World Championship (great league and I just love my Chain Breakers) still stands. And you will of course hear of the Agility Monsters again (still planning to win the FUMBBL Cup with them). Even though it takes longer and is probably of less quality than in my mother tongue, I like writing for FUMBBL. After all: Writing, it's what I do!
However, an opportunity came along and I took it: I started writing about environmental topics for a children's magazine. It didn't go all too easy (mainly because of the aforementioned personal issues), but it showed me one thing: Writing is something I really enjoy. It's actually also the one thing I have been getting great feedback for all through my life, not matter the context. It reawakened my desire to write, to toy with words, to puzzle over phrases and expressions. At the same time it showed me, that I can actually make (some) money with what I enjoy and find challenging.
Over the last months, I have worked on three projects, but I hesitated to really move forward. I still haven't seen a single coin for my efforts, because I haven't applied for a tax ID yet (and I cannot bring anything to account without it). However, I started dreaming of a life as a freelancer, maybe even an author one day.
This afternoon I went to a short lecture event titled "Underachiever oder Unternehmer?" ("Underachiever or entrepreneur?") and the lecturer was really inspiring - and funny! It was quite some food for thought, but in the end one statement especially stuck to me: If I want to achieve something remarkable, I have to act with the clear intention to get there. Step by step, probably slow - but steady. This doesn't sound remarkable at all, more like common knowledge or common sense. Alas, sometimes I need to have simple truths hammered into me over and over again, before they really sink in (don't try that on the topic of elfballing dwarves by the way: there it certainly won't work, no matter what).
My lack of perspective has encumbered me for more than 10 years now. Not wasted years of course, as I have gotten myself a wonderful family for instance. But in many (other) ways unhappy years.
I realized a change is due.
I'll dedicate myself to writing, as that is my perspective now.
Wish me luck!
Disclaimer: I won't abandon FUMBBL. My commitment to LOBBL (I love its roleplaying, storytelling constitution) and the World Championship (great league and I just love my Chain Breakers) still stands. And you will of course hear of the Agility Monsters again (still planning to win the FUMBBL Cup with them). Even though it takes longer and is probably of less quality than in my mother tongue, I like writing for FUMBBL. After all: Writing, it's what I do!
Comments
Posted by Scaramanga on 2013-09-29 01:28:21
Good luck !!!!
Posted by maysrill on 2013-09-29 01:32:57
Here's to more writers on FUMBBL!!!
I'm not much of an expert on the work-for-hire end of writing, but any help I can be, just ask. If you ever look down the path of writing fiction or self-publishing, those I've got a lot more background in.
Best of luck! (and really, it's not as much luck as it seems, just a lot of work)
I'm not much of an expert on the work-for-hire end of writing, but any help I can be, just ask. If you ever look down the path of writing fiction or self-publishing, those I've got a lot more background in.
Best of luck! (and really, it's not as much luck as it seems, just a lot of work)
Posted by Nightbird on 2013-09-29 02:20:31
It sounds like you have had an epiphany sir & that you are also quite introspective in that understand yourself well. That, in particular, will help you on your journey in this new direction as well as in life in general. As Thoreau once said: 'Sometimes we must first get lost in order to begin to find our true selves.' I wish you the all the best in your new endeavor Rabester & I'll leave you w/ this quote by the 15th Dali Lama as food for thought.
'Our feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness & loss of hope are in fact related to all phenomena. If we do not adopt the right outlook, it is possible that anything & everything could cause us frustration. Yet phenomena are part of reality & we are subject to the laws of existence. So this leaves us only one option: to change our own attitude. By bringing about a change in our outlook towards things & events, all phenomena can become friends or sources of happiness, instead of becoming enemies or sources of frustration.'
'Our feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness & loss of hope are in fact related to all phenomena. If we do not adopt the right outlook, it is possible that anything & everything could cause us frustration. Yet phenomena are part of reality & we are subject to the laws of existence. So this leaves us only one option: to change our own attitude. By bringing about a change in our outlook towards things & events, all phenomena can become friends or sources of happiness, instead of becoming enemies or sources of frustration.'
Posted by ThePeoplesChamp on 2013-09-29 02:54:54
Congrats man, uplifting. I hope to see you published.
Posted by PurpleChest on 2013-09-29 03:39:41
the greatest thing in life is knowing what you want.
To be honest getting it isnt all its cracked up to be, but that knowledge, that direction, that striving, thats the business.
I pity those with jobs. I wish everyone a vocation.
To be honest getting it isnt all its cracked up to be, but that knowledge, that direction, that striving, thats the business.
I pity those with jobs. I wish everyone a vocation.
Posted by Cavetroll on 2013-09-29 03:40:02
I wish you much success, Rabe. In all things.
Posted by pythrr on 2013-09-29 04:54:44
good luck sir
i know a few freelance writers, and its not an easy career to construct. but it can be done!
i know a few freelance writers, and its not an easy career to construct. but it can be done!
Posted by pythrr on 2013-09-29 04:55:35
oh, and nice comment PC. So very very true.
Posted by anisdrin on 2013-09-29 08:59:19
Be strong when bad moments come, perseverance is key.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Posted by f_alk on 2013-09-29 11:40:10
Good Luck, Rabe!
Try to become a "Freiberufler" (which should be possible if I recall correctly), that saves you quite some time on your tax declaration. And inform yourself about which jobs can be done without having to put "Umsatzsteuer" on your bills.
Try to become a "Freiberufler" (which should be possible if I recall correctly), that saves you quite some time on your tax declaration. And inform yourself about which jobs can be done without having to put "Umsatzsteuer" on your bills.
Posted by JimmyFantastic on 2013-09-29 13:14:22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw48hJJFfL8
Posted by pythrr on 2013-09-29 13:51:31
CHANG!
Posted by ThePeoplesChamp on 2013-09-29 14:27:59
Jimmy you should watch that clip every morning, you are without doubt the laziest guy ive ever known.
Posted by keggiemckill on 2013-09-29 16:45:48
Good Luck to you Rabe. Unfortunately in my interpretation it sounds like you are looking to pretend to have a job, while calling yourself a writer. From my little experience in that area, failed writers = unemployed bums. My cousin used to say, its better to be a student than it is to be unemployed. I honestly wish you well. Try hard and make us proud buddy.
Posted by B_SIDE on 2013-09-29 18:35:26
Judging just from this blog post, your English is probably good enough to publish. If you write as well in other languages, your success is all-but assured.
Congratulations on your decision! (It must feel liberating.) Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Congratulations on your decision! (It must feel liberating.) Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Posted by DeZigma on 2013-09-29 20:57:10
Well, i hope u will be always able to point out what u wanna say(write)!
Best wishes.
Best wishes.
Posted by Loew on 2013-09-29 22:31:39
good luck!
sounds like you already achieved some great things despite low self esteem and all the associated troubles, now go for even more ;)
sounds like you already achieved some great things despite low self esteem and all the associated troubles, now go for even more ;)
Posted by pythrr on 2013-09-29 23:49:15
killz allz menz
Posted by Qaz on 2013-09-29 23:53:01
Best of luck mate!
Posted by maysrill on 2013-09-30 01:45:29
B_SIDE has a good point. Your written English is good enough that I'd never have known you weren't a native speaker without being told. Opening up the US/UK/Aus markets to your work without needing expensive translating services will do well for you.
Posted by Jeffro on 2013-09-30 06:26:43
I've never spoken with you, Rabe... but I've read darn near everything you've written here on FUMBBL and I will say this:
You write informatively, cleverly, and with a distinct voice. I have no doubt that you would make it as a writer.
One piece of advice, if I may... a friend of mine told me once "70% of what any of us write is crap. But you have to do it in order to get that good 30%." He's written a few plays. Most of them are crap :) But he has a few brilliant portions and moments that are stand out. So my advice: Don't be afraid if some of your writing ends up being crap :)
Good luck! :D
You write informatively, cleverly, and with a distinct voice. I have no doubt that you would make it as a writer.
One piece of advice, if I may... a friend of mine told me once "70% of what any of us write is crap. But you have to do it in order to get that good 30%." He's written a few plays. Most of them are crap :) But he has a few brilliant portions and moments that are stand out. So my advice: Don't be afraid if some of your writing ends up being crap :)
Good luck! :D
Posted by bghandras on 2013-09-30 21:59:58
Good luck, and write a lot. Practice. Get better every day. Looking forward to read your stuff, does not matter if it is experiment, or masterwork. You will find immediate feedback around here.
Posted by fidius on 2013-10-01 08:02:18
In journalism, writing ability and insight are important. However, ALL successful writers are capable of doing one thing very well: they meet deadlines. Take this to heart -- if you can't meet deadlines, don't bother.
Posted by the_Sage on 2013-10-02 14:01:31
Rabe, I've read a bunch of the fluff you've written on fumbbl, so this comes as no surprise at all to me. =)
btw If they ever need someone to write about brains and/or psychology in Dutch or English, drop me a line. =P
btw If they ever need someone to write about brains and/or psychology in Dutch or English, drop me a line. =P