We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anne McAuley Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anne, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
In 2010, when the Great Recession was happening and the Affordable Care Act was passed, I was working in a data-centric job related to Medicare. The powers that be weren’t sure what was happening to Medicare, and made the decision to lay off myself and 11 of my colleagues. While it was devastating at the time, I now see it as the catalyst to starting my writing career.
A friend asked me what I always wanted to do, and after a good night of sleep, I said, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer.” When I look back on my life, I always chose writing projects. I excelled at essay tests. I loved writing the reports about the data I was analyzing. While I was a skilled analyst, it didn’t feed my soul.
That’s when I started my writing business, in 2010, when businesses were folding and one marketing professional gave me the opportunity to work with her to learn social media and blogging. I am forever grateful to her and to the managers who laid me off.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am excited for the opportunity to evolve my business into helping others write their books. As an author and Writing Consultant, I partner with my editor to bring business owners, consultants, and nonprofit leaders through the process of creating their own books. As I’ve networked through the years, I hear people tell me they know they have a book to write but don’t know where to start. I am pleased to tell them they can start with a consultation with me and my editor to see if we’re a good fit for you and your project. The editor is the one with whom I worked to write my book We Don’t Get to Ring the Bell: My CML Story so I can say with confidence I understand the process because I’ve experienced it myself.
In 2022, my husband and I moved from Chandler, Arizona to Charlotte, NC. I am excited to connect with readers and authors to learn more about writing and publishing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The biggest skill that has impacted my journey is networking. I am still writing for clients I met years ago and others who have introduced me to people who have become clients. It is a skill that also helps me, as an introvert, navigate parties by asking questions and listening to others.
Second, I would say developing my writing skills. I look back at the content I wrote years ago and am embarrassed. Then I remember we’re all on a learning curve with whatever our area of expertise is. As long as I am learning and growing, that’s what matters.
Lastly, it is important to set parameters for your business, whatever your industry. It took me a few years to figure out the importance of work-life balance. Think about questions like — Do you want to set office hours wherein you send and reply to emails, take meetings, etc.? How much time do you want to spend driving to meetings versus video meetings? Do your rates reflect the time it takes to network, find, and onboard clients before you’re ever paid? How much money are you willing to spend on mentors and tools to grow your business? What’s the value of an hour of your time? There are so many considerations as you get started and grow your business. Take time every quarter or year to re-evaluate the business, your time, and your rates.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am currently looking for business owners or nonprofit leaders who want to write a book about their organizations or life experiences. We can start with monthly blogging to get a feel for working together while at the same time building a bank of content from which we can begin writing the book. We could also jump right into writing the book if that’s where our conversation leads.
Why write a book? Just as blogging does, a book establishes you as a thought leader in your field, shares your style and insights, and answers the most commonly asked questions you receive. I am currently working with a nonprofit leader, first with blogging, and now with completing her book. The content is a showcase of the topics on which she speaks and offers workshops, and it can be used as an educational and marketing tool.
If you’ve got an idea for a book, I’d love to talk to you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agencycontentwriter.com/writing-consultant/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agencycontentwriter/
- Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/agencycontentwriter/
Image Credits
Headshot photo credit to Marie Feutrier, Gilbert, Arizona photographer
