A Writer is a Storyteller
Whenever I encounter something new, I have to write it down.
My first inclination upon hearing an unfamiliar idea or phrase is to write it down.
I keep a small notebook in my car so I can write down interesting tidbits I hear on NPR and ideas that are sparked on the road.
I keep a notebook in my book bag and write down goals and ideas and endless daily to-do lists.
When I learn about a new book title I write it down immediately.
In separate journals which span dozens of years, I keep a running list of titles, authors, publication dates and the date I finished reading the book. I have filled more notebooks than I can count with my detailed reading journals which also include my many musings.
I’m a voracious reader and I have recently started writing book reviews for publishers in exchange for ARCs (advanced reader copies). In 2020, during the pandemic, I read 78 books.
Reading and writing are my life blood. I know I am a tremendous reader.
I know I am a writer but I don’t know exactly what kind of writer I am.
As I think about that I believe I am a storyteller above all else.
Professionally, I am an emmy-award winning journalist, a copywriter, a reporter, a middle school librarian and a personal historian.
Writers tell stories and that’s what I do.
Copywriters are paid to tell a story.
Whether fact or fiction, the words written are a writer’s perspective on a topic. The ability to tell a story and bring excitement to boring and often dull topics is a rare quality I am proud to possess.
I’ve written copy for clients ranging from a private insurance company to television production company.
After nearly 20 years in broadcast television, researching and interviewing and writing copy for KCAL, KNBC, NBC Network News, NBC Sports and many others, I learned that stories about sensitive topics must also be told with finesse and care and that is something I pride myself in.
I want to believe great writers are great storytellers.
Great storytellers have creative minds.
I am excited to start this blog.
I’m not sure exactly what I’m going to be writing about, but I am sure that I will continue writing.