Hi there! My name is Sandi Johnson & I’m the mother. I guess that makes me the 1 part of 2 1/2 Writers. (If we go purely by age, that is. If you ask Alexis – the half in 2 1/2 – she should be in the #1 slot.) Let me tell you a little about me.

The Professional Me

My professional life has spanned over 2 decades and dozens of job titles. I’ve worn a lot of hats – Operations Manager, District Manager, business owner (2 of them – an online bookstore and a Virtual Assistance practice.) I’ve held titles like Author’s Assistant & Managing Editor. But my favorite title is the one I wear proudly now – writer. I freelance, which means I get paid to write about things that interest me.

Even before writing for a living, I managed to somehow work writing into every job I’ve ever held. Business writing, technical writing, employee manuals, copy for marketing pieces, articles for trade publications, correspondence, blog posts, book reviews, you name it, I’ve probably written and published a little bit of everything.

Most of it, no one would ever read unless they were directly involved in that industry, but I got to write. I got to piece together words to convey a message in the best possible light. Bosses, colleagues, professors, friends, everyone knew if they needed help writing something, I was the one. It was a good feeling, being everyone’s go-to writer-type person.

Writing Revelations

Now, as I slowly creep towards Empty Nest-dom, I have realized one thing – nothing in my professional life has ever given me the kind of challenge or sense of satisfaction that writing does. I’ve always been a writer. I’ve always loved to write. Just the feel of my pen flowing along paper is enough to make any day worthwhile for me.

So why in the world have I ever done anything else, professionally? Why did I never make writing my dominant career choice? I’ve danced around a writing career for years as an Author’s Assistant. I’ve been on the fringes of the publishing industry for more years than I care to count out loud.

Why keep dipping my toes in to test the waters when I should have just jumped in and gone for a swim? It’s not like I don’t know how to go about it, having helped other authors do it time and again.

The simple answer? Responsibilities. I had a family to take care of and a mortgage to pay. I needed the safety and security of a steady paycheck and health insurance. But those were my choices.

Passing the Torch

Now, as I see my daughter facing those same choices? Its a different story. I don’t want her to give up her dreams. I want to help any way I can, with whatever I know & whatever experience I have to offer. If we can help someone else along the way? Even better!

Besides, working with my daughter every day gives me the perfect “excuse” to call and check in on my little granddaughter, Princess Fancy Face!