Becoming a Ghost Writer
Introduction
I am thrilled to launch my third career as a ghostwriter. I have always intended to have a career as a writer. Once, I wrote in a high school journal that I did not want to be a great writer, just worthy of the title writer. My English teacher responded that if that's what you wish, you will need to write and write and write and write. And now, I will write as a ghostwriter telling your stories for you to your intended audience.
How did the threads of becoming a talented ghostwriter evolve for me?
Love of Reading
Snow White and Rose Red
My love of books and writing began at the age of three. A neighborhood mom took us to story hour at the newly constructed Northbrook Public Library. I remember sitting on the floor, legs crossed, leaning forward, and listening to stories. One of the most memorable is the story of Snow White and Rose Red by the Brothers Grimm. I was satisfied that Snow White and Rose Red ended up with a handsome prince for a husband after showing unusual kindness to a harmless bear in need of shelter. I also enjoyed that each girl had their temperaments and likes. Snow White loved to sit indoors with her mother. Rose Red loved to run outside, exploring nature. I probably related more to Snow White and longed to be a little more like Rose Red.
Lynn in 1954 with her writing desk.
Today
My love of reading and listening to books has continued through the decades. I love walking and listening to books, and taking pictures. I draw on this rich tapestry of books, stories, styles, and points of view, either consciously or subconsciously, to ensure a high quality product for my clients.
Love of Understanding Points of View
Peanuts
I shared a love of Peanuts with my father. We had volumes of paperback books that depicted my favorite characters as young children and a puppy. I loved the playful, severe interactions and interrelationships between the kids. Growing up in a typical 1950s neighborhood, where all the houses were new and identical, filled with newly formed families excited about the future, I related to a band of neighborhood kids roaming about and figuring things out. I could connect to Charlie Brown's optimistic nature, Lucy's domineering one, Linus's bravado yet still needing his security blanket, and Snoopy's loyalty. Peanuts struck a chord, and I followed them through the years and loved each new character.
Today
My awareness of point of view deepened as I read and studied more complex works of literature. For ghostwriting, I must immerse myself in the author's point of view and remove myself and my opinions from the narrative at the same time while asking questions that draw out the author's point of view.
Lynn current day with her same writing desk. Her love of writing continues.
Love of Writing
My love of writing began, as I suspect it does for many, from a need to express myself because I was in pain. That story is for my memoir. I found a love of creative writing in grade school and added writing poetry in high school. My high-school journalism teacher praised my writing abilities, especially on his creative writing assignments. As my family grew and careers took hold, I continued by joining memoir writing groups and taking creative writing and literary analysis classes at the Newberry Library in Chicago. These connections have lasted for thirty to forty years, and we support each other and critique each other's projects when asked. Of all my careers, being a writer will have the most meaning for me.
Today
During this time, I improved my writing, analysis, and critiquing skills for other writers' works. We honored each other by taking the time to understand each other and what we were driving at in our pieces. I needed to understand a bit about the persons' life, their stories, and what they were trying to convey and offer suggestions for improving their writing. I draw upon this skill for all of my clients.
Love of Project Management
When I was 10, I was swinging in a playground, and an enthusiastic teacher began to talk to me about her last day of class and how excited her kids were about their ERUSEIL Club. She told me that it was leisure spelled backward and that her students were enthusiastic and planning what to do with their upcoming leisure time. I considered that and decided to form the ERAC club, which was CARE spelled backward. I engaged my friends, wrote to the CARE organization, and explained we wanted to raise money for CARE. I received brown CARE boxes, distributed them to my friends, assigned streets to each in my neighborhood, and we went out two by two knocking on doors.
We had our parents' permission, and mine helped me count the money and send a check to CARE. I had ideas for other fundraising activities. Unfortunately, there were bumps in the road, and enthusiasm dwindled. I often draw on that experience.
Today
One of my careers was as a project manager for Information Technology global projects. I love bringing visions to fruition. I know how to identify the milestones, break the achievement of those milestones into tasks, assess risk, involve stakeholders, and get the job done. Project management is a high-level skill that is critical to the success of my client's products. I can see what sparked my interest as a child, and the threads I carried throughout my life all have stretched and developed to converge as I embrace my ghostwriting career.