Archive for March 31st, 2009

When people ask me what I do, I tell them that I’m a freelance journalist and copywriter.  But, more often than not, what I actually do is listen to and recount people’s stories.  And I love every minute of it.

Sometimes I share someone’s general life story.  Most of the time, though, I share parts of them specific to what I’m writing about — whether it’s the work life or their specific experiences.

I spent yesterday making stops at four places in a nearby city for a series of 16 articles that I’m writing.  I met people I don’t know and went to places I’d never been.  I heard their stories.  While they are mostly business profiles, I learned mostly about their work, but in between the lines I learned a bit about them as well.  I learned about an appliance store owner who has been dealing with a sick wife but who loves his work.  I learned about the history of a former hotel that had included guests like President Harry Truman and Hogey Carmichael.  Though a long day, it was a great one.

Time and again I am reminded that every person I encounter has a story to tell.  I feel privileged that they share part of their story with me.  It is a trust between us that I take seriously; I try in all of my work to portray each story and each component as it is in real life.

What’s your story?