I can't even remember where I ran into Dickie and Cole.
It was definitely on Twitter, I remember that much. What I can say for sure, is that it didn't take me long to decide to sign up for the Ship 30 for 30 class. I'd always wanted to write but I believed that I only worked in front of people or a camera. Writing just wasn't for me.
Or was it?
What did I expect?
My predictions were pretty straightforward.
I'd learn a few hacks here, a few tricks there. Maybe I'd start a blog. Maybe I wouldn't. With a little luck, maybe a few people would read my stuff. Nothing groundbreaking.
I couldn't have been more wrong!
What was different?
Everything that's what!
The hacks weren't "hacks". They were well thought out approaches for creating a writing habit. The tricks weren't "tricks". They were battle-tested ways to create written content. I'm drawn to things that make sense and are coherent and each lesson built upon the last beautifully!
So, with an element of trepidation, I published my first post!
What was surprising?
H-O-L-Y-S-H-I-T-B-A-L-L-S!!!!!! What wasn't surprising?!
Listen. Liiiiiisten!!! Let me tell you what happened ok:
I got immediate feedback on my first post!
That feedback led me to start a poll about how which colours to use on my posts!
That poll delivered an abundance of feedback!
It also inspired a friend of mine, Callum, to write the most glorious blog post explaining Colour Psychology!
It also brought the omnipresent Brody into my life!
After that, things really got weird!
One reader turned out to be local and we arranged to meet to discuss the topics in my posts. He was kind enough to pay for dinner too! Free food and a new pal?! WIN!
A colleague told me one of my essays helped them understand their work situation a little better and had an idea about how to tackle things!
Another post reminded the same person of an excellent workshop they'd created in the past that would be perfect to run with their team!
Someone invited me to speak at their conference!
I even got a job offer!!!
My posts were being recommended by another Twitter account!
And finally today, I was nominated as "Tester of the Day"!
It's been incredible. I have a newfound self-belief in myself. It seems my ideas and perspectives resonate with people. I made some friends, met some incredible people and learned a ton by reading their essays. I actually feel like a Writer now 😊 !
And to Dickie and Cole, you sons of bitches! I'm in!