If you are like me, inspiration comes and goes, and when it comes it is always a delightful surprise. In reflecting back over the years, I admit that I have always held a private curiosity about writing for pleasure and for publication. Everyone has at least one good book in them somewhere, or so we are told, and at least enough ideas for an article in a magazine or newspaper of their interest. The prospect of writing for publication, the act of putting my ideas on paper for so many people to read and critique, didn’t seem so bad except that I was preoccupied with the idea that someone in my audience would be more creative or more intelligent than I am, who could point out that I didn’t introduce a single new idea or suggestion in my work. (My worst nightmare) My fears about that type of criticism disappeared one night after a serendipitous encounter with personal performance coach, Gregory Lamothe during one of my (many) stays at the Sofitel San Francisco. Here’s what he said (Let me paraphrase)
“It seems like you put a lot of thought into the idea for that article. But there’s no reason to have those kinds of fears. Why don’t you start out by saying something like, ‘In light of what has been said about this topic in the industry, I would like to make these 5 suggestions to help you accomplish <insert action> faster or better than previously possible.’ Once you get that out on the table, your critics will appreciate your modesty and efforts to advance the body of knowledge in your industry.”
Gregory Lamothe must be my angel, sent from up above. My impromptu meeting with Mr. Lamothe was unexpected, and best of all I didn’t pay a dime for his advice. So, being the good citizen that I am, I now pass his advice on to you. I have long advocated the principle of never giving up on the ideals of one’s youth. Whatever your dreams may be, don’t give up on them. It’s with a bit of luck, patience, persistence and hope that my writing will appear in Rangefinder Magazine. I can’t take all of the credit. Thank you, Gregory Lamothe. I don’t think I would have taken the risk of submitting my writing or contacting the editor without your kind words of encouragement. If you are ever in San Francisco on business again, and plan a stay at the Sofitel, let’s chat!
2008 has had its disappointing moments, but it has also had some unexpected blessings as well. After my 15-minute coaching session with Mr. Lamothe, my aspirations to writing about things that had been stewing around in my brain were reinforeced by an editor that I had recently become acquainted with; Valerie Geary of Focal Press. I shared my writing projects with her, and I find myself still unable to fully realize all of her valuable advice. Then in February I bought and read the book Get Slightly Famous by Steven Yoder, which absolutely convinced me of exactly what I should spend this year doing. I decided that 2008 should be a year dedicated to writing, giving back to my friends and the professionals of the photography community that have inspired me and given me a vision for my own photographic interests.
I also want to give heart-felt thanks and a shout out to Bill Hurter, who listened to my rants about the photography industry and still gave me a chance to write for Rangefinder Magazine. I feel extremely fortunate (and lucky) that the sun, moon and stars aligned on the day that I first met Bill (through email), and I hope they remain so for the better part of 2008, or at least until I wrap up my writing assignments on Profitable Website Management.
There are many more credits and stories I could share, but you will have to tune into the May issue of Rangefinder (and my blog) to read about them.
