So I started this post the other day, having something on my mind that “she said.” I’m fairly certain it was good and funny because I’m kinda hilarious like that. Tracy Mooney and I tried to host a GenQ Happy Hour, technical difficulties prevented the full happy hour from happening. Eh whatever…so I had a quick facebook live:
We have so much more to share, and are planning our next Happy Hour. And I’ve offered to answer machine quilting questions so please feel free to visit our facebook page and post the question there.
Several years ago I started Editors and Publishers Day, December 16th in gratitude for, well, editors and publishers. The cast of characters is long, and as the quilting world leads, I meet and interact with more of both, and learn to appreciate their skills and respect their work.
There are moments when writing like Jake is a long term goal. She’s a good reporter, with a clear, and well developed style. I sent her copy one night to look over before I sent it somewhere, the conversation included a distinct lack of commas, and how they allow the reader to breathe. This got me thinking about how I speak as well, there is an ingrained habit of asking rapid fire questions that the listener doesn’t know which one to ask first. Often this is nerves on my part, or a distinct curiosity, either way you go. Breathing, and commas play an important role for both the writer and the listener. I can assure you writing differently would make it easier for both Jake and Melissa when I write a post for the Generation Q Magazine blog, or an article for our pages.
And then there’s Melissa who has two unique talents I long to develop. The first in an ability to edit the writer so they sound like more of who they are. It’s a beautiful thing being able to tweak someones writing that way. The second is an uncanny ability to see trends, of her many talents my gut says this is the one I have the greatest chance of learning from her. Well that, and better writing skills. I may have mentioned that I’d like to be Editor-in-Chief of GenQ someday.
And while I’m at it Tracy, our Senior Editor, is pretty dang talented as well. Between herding kittens, editing blog posts, writing copy for our pages, and coming up with projects for the We Sew 2. As a long time quilter Tracy sees trends, and knows a lot of quilters. She also has a gift for words so live or recorded video is fun. Together I think we keep Melissa and Jake on their toes, and occasionally doubled over in laughter. Okay, more than occasionally.
For my part there is a lot of room for growth and I’m open to it. I’m grateful to Jake and Melissa for taking on the role of mentor to anyone on our staff. Yes, yes, I know the leading, guiding, directing, editing, and occasionally pulling the hair out is part of the “job” however, there’s something more to this mentoring. And this blogger, writer, quilter is truly grateful for their influence.
Happy Editors and Publishers Day!
Teri
Your reflections with regard to your mentors are spot on. Most of my experience is with my sister Melissa. Her edits of material end up conveying more than the original copy and in fewer words. She has a wonderful talent as does Jake. They are quite a team.
They are a great team! Thanks for sharing Stephanie!