Sharon Hurley Hall: Readers’ Interview

When you participate on the social sites, people are always asking questions. I thought I’d go one step further and ask my Plurk and Twitter pals if there were any questions they wanted to ask about my writing career. Here are their questions and my answers:

Konstantino: How did you decide on your career path?

After I left university, my first job was as a journalist, but I hadn’t decided on it as a career path then. It was just luck that that job came through before the tour rep job with Air Canada that I had been going for. It wasn’t till later, after doing something else for a while, that I realised that this was the career for me.

coqui2008: If you were not a writer what would you be?

It’s hard to imagine not writing now, but I’m a language buff, and when I was at school I thought seriously about studying to be an interpreter or translator.

Rammi: Do you prefer writing for British or American audiences?

I don’t have a preference. I’m British and British English and style of writing come naturally, but I write a lot of content for Americans, so I’m just as comfortable doing that.

beaman: Who first inspired you to write?

Hard to say, really. My mother tells me I had a vivid imagination as a child, but I don’t really remember making up stories till I was in high school. I wouldn’t say that my first high school English teacher encouraged me, but I learned a lot all the same. However, I have been an avid reader since I was very young, and I’m sure that has something to do with my love of writing.

DavidBridger: Pros and cons of living in the two places — what swung your decision to settle where you are — and do you think you’ll stay for good now?

Where I live now has a great climate and is a wonderful place for my daughter to grow up. Many of my relatives are here, too. However, I miss the choice you get in bigger places, though regular travel solves that issue. I never say never, David, so there’s always the possibility that somewhere else might tempt me one day. For now, though, I’m happy.

Rammi : Do you have cookies? If so, can I have them?

No cookies, sorry, though I love any cookies with chocolate.

danaprince: What has been your most difficult writing assignment so far?

It’s funny how you put those out of your head as soon as they are completed, Dana. I’ve had some tough assignments, such as creating a client’s fictional ebook out of thin air, and having to write hundreds of articles on an aspect of UK finance that I didn’t find that interesting. I do love the variety of freelancing, though. For every tough job, there are many others that are easy or fun.

kohuether: How long did it take to build up a steady income with writing?

Define steady. :) I started making money from writing within a few months of going freelance, though for the first four months I supplemented my income with teaching. It took about a year to replace my previous income. Freelancing income is never fixed, though, so I am always thinking of new ways to get a bit of security without sacrificing my freedom.

Hope Wilbanks: What motivates you to continue on your path as a writer every day?

I love the freedom of freelancing and the variety of topics I’m able to cover. I don’t need much more motivation than that.

Becca L-Smith: What influences have ‘mentors’ had as you’ve developed your career and who do you think you’re most influential mentors have been?

Mentors and inspiration come in all sorts of guises. My mother is a strong woman who made me believe that I could achieve anything if I was prepared to put some effort in. My last high school English teacher loved the written word and made sure that we did too. My husband has worked for himself for years and provided advice on going out on my own. My friend, Suzanne James, taught me a lot about online writing and SEO, and all of my writer friends inspire me every day. All of these people have had an influence on me at different times, and have provided advice and support when I’ve needed it.

deafmom: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Developing my freelancing career into a viable business. As my sister puts it: ‘You said you were going to work from home as a writer, and you just went and did it.’ Although it looks simple, creating an online presence and a client base took work — and still does.

Anklebuster: What would you do if you could no longer write?

Arrrggghhh! I find it hard to imagine not being able to write, but let me try. My second love is teaching, so perhaps I would focus on inspiring others to write.

If you have questions to add, feel free to add them in the comments section. I’ll answer truthfully, but reserve the right to keep personal info to myself.