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From the Dishwasher Froths Success
by Cheryl Paquin

Success as a freelance writer has come from the dishwasher -- and no, not via a lucrative commercial-copy gig bubbling with the attributes of a kitchen appliance, but from the old dishwasher installed in our new apartment.

The state of my kitchen defines my professional success and pre-dishwasher, chaos reigned! Last night's dishes piled high don't auger well for a productive morning, but once those counter tops sparkle, well, I'm free to tackle whatever chore is next. The only problem is, I hate dishpan hands, and in avoidance, it's easy for me to waste an entire day -- in fact, the task only takes on a sense of urgency when it's time for dinner. This disorganization sounds the death knell for my writing career -- haphazard working hours, staying up too late to make deadline after hours of procrastination, and working fitfully amidst the laundry, vacuuming, and errands -- all impatiently demanding attention once I'm done in the kitchen.

But now, the delight of dealing with dirty dishes without delay, has sparked a catalyst. Each morning, after my daughter goes to school, and the baby to the sitter, I tidy the apartment, and throw on a load of laundry while the dishwasher sings its sloshy song. By 9 a.m., cappuccino time, I'm opening the mail, and with the rest of the place clutter-free, it's prudent to keep my desk as pristine and file my papers, and pay the bills. I've discovered, too, that if I balance the checkbook every few days, then it takes just a few minutes, and I even remember what I bought.

By 9.30 a.m., in disbelief at how early it still is, I switch on my computer and check for looming deadlines. I have regular editing jobs, a small column for a regional magazine, as well as sending out queries to new markets. The difference is, I'm really writing the queries and mailing them. Pre-dishwasher, I'd sit and dream about it, because with a brimming sink, I couldn't possibly start the query process. So, with my attention not distracted by the chores, I set up and conduct interviews, write and edit what needs to be done, and send in work not only hours, but days before deadline. Ticking off the tasks on my list is addictive and the more I check off, the more inspired I am to find and complete new projects.

Within a few weeks, my flailing career takes new shape -- more gigs appear, and checks trickle in. "Aha," I think to myself, as I add regular banking to the task list: Self-discipline does pay!

This revelation chases away the nagging suspicion that haunted me -- that I'm more in love with the IDEA of writing, than actually writing. These days, as I see my reflection in the shiny plates, I say to myself quite proudly: "I AM a freelance writer!"

Copyright © 2001 Cheryl Paquin

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