So I lie. Sometimes, it’s very easy to say good-bye, like when you have to break it off with a client where the relationship just wasn’t working or the material was driving you batty.
As many times as I’ve fallen victim to “Muphry’s Law” here (the one that states that whenever you write about grammar, you will make a grammatical error) this blog has been a ton of fun! So, in this case, it is, indeed, hard to say goodbye.
I feel like I should be exploring why goodbye doesn’t need a hyphen, but I’ll let that sit for now.
Like Deb, I don’t want to get overly emotional and I’m afraid of making a list because I don’t want to leave anyone out. So, instead, I’m going to talk about what this blog (the whole thing — with its job listings, multiple writers and, of course, Deb!) means to me.
In the beginning…
I first encountered Deb through the AbsoluteWrite forums, in the Freelance Writing threads. When new writers came to the site looking for advice, one of the veterans inevitably directed them to this website for job listings. I began searching the listings myself, and have landed quite a few gigs over the years through the job listings.
Then I began to poke a little deeper. I began to enjoy reading Deb’s insights, then Jennifer Chait, and, later, Terreece Clark, Bob Younce, Jodee and all the rest.
Early in 2009 I had set my sights on this site and knew I would be writing for it someday. I started with a few guest posts. When Deb invited me to be the Grammar Guide, well — it was a dream, realized. This is one of THE best communities on the Web, and, along with AbsoluteWrite, the best online community I’ve ever been part of.
It’s been an interesting challenge coming up with new grammar posts each week, and in the past month, I’ve been a bit scattered in my focus. That’s why I knew, when Deb told me I wouldn’t be moving forward with the new owners, it was for the best. Would I have left otherwise? Probably not. I know the prestige and traffic that comes with a position as an FWJ blogger, and I’d be insane to give it up voluntarily.
Is it for the best? Absolutely.
I’ll be around the Internet — you can check out one of my newest endeavors at www.writersroundabout.com/manifestingmom. Meanwhile, I’m continuing to write for corporate clients and even getting back into print publications, which is my first love. Who knows, an independent grammar blog may be in the cards in the future — and that would be all because of the wonderful support and warm feedback I’ve received for this column.
Goodbyes, in this case, are not easy. As I read the rest of the posts that went live this week, I see every writer has put their own spin on FWJ’s changing of the guard. Many are subtle, like Terreece’s beautiful and informative Three Things to Do When You Lose Your Editor. (Thanks for spelling out that number, Terreece.)
It is truly the end of an era at FWJ, but, as Bob Younce noted, One of the basic principles of running a successful freelance writing business is adaptation. Deb is a lady always moving forward and this time, her travels are taking her on a new path. She’ll be missed, but I have no doubts this blog will remain the powerful resource it has always been, and a mainstay in the freelance writing community.
I know I’ll be checking in to debate with the new Grammar Guide on important points like “semi-colon or m-dash?”
Dang! I just subscribed to the grammar guide a few weeks ago and I have LOVED every post. I love writing, and hope to make a career out of it, but have no formal background whatsoever, and the grammar guide was going to be so helpful for me!
You will be missed!
Aww, Dawn. You’re going to make me cry! It has been such a privilege to work with you – but I chose the wrong word when I said goodbye. It’s not goodbye because we will continue to stay in touch. I look forward to following your path.
Dawn, your positive impact on the FWJ blog has been wonderful and obvious, and I wish you happiness equivalent to your talent.
That’s a lot of happiness!
Cheers.
Dawn,
I subscribed to the Grammar Guide shortly after we met, and have totally enjoyed every one of your posts. As a hobby free-lance writer and the person who writes all the marketing material for my own businesses, I relied on your post to ensure I was presenting myself and others professionally. I don’t know how big your feet are, but I’m sure it will take a huge talent to fill your shoes. I will certainly be following you wherever you go! My best wishes to you as you walk through new doors that are opening for you!
Change is always a little scary and exhilarating at the same time. It is sad to see you leaving FWJ but I know you, like Deb, are moving onward and upward into new goals, dreams, and projects. I’ll follow you anywhere and I know that whatever you choose to do next will be brilliant.