How to Turn a Passion into a Success

I just wanted to share a fantastic success story that involves a lot of the things I’ve discussed on this blog. As writers, we don’t always get the pleasure of really turning our passions into something particularly profitable. Historically, that’s the way it’s been for me. Marketing writing, while at times quite lucrative, is not the most exciting or rewarding work in the world. A recent article I published, however, was both– and got accepted for posting on one of my favorite websites. But looking back on what was required for me to create that piece of work is really in depth.

The article: Adaptive Reuse: Green Space as a Tool for Neighborhood Revitalization

Here’s what I mean:

*Networking: Without a bit of networking, I would have never found my way to Buildipedia.com, and now I am a regular contributor. I’m not talking about social networking either, kids. Real life, face to face interactions are priceless even in this digital age.

*Doing my homework: I’ve posted here about HelpaReporter.com before, and it has become an incredible resource for me. I’ve been in contact with fantastic experts in the field of architecture and design, who have given my work much more “oomph.” Just another way to increase your networking potential.

*Going out on a limb: I contact a lot of people every week. People that have written books I’ve read and loved, people that I wouldn’t think for two seconds would give me the time of day. For the most part, I don’t get any responses– but I still put myself out there. I submitted my story to a very reputable and favorite website of mine, Planetizen.com, and to my utter elation they actually posted it. I’ve talked about reading great writing in order to inspire the kind of quality that you wish to present in your own. Live it. It works!

    My passion is the improvement of urban communities through sustainability, and I was able to manifest that into a success in my writing. What is your passion, and how are you going to embrace it?

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    Adaptive Reuse: Churches

    So I try not to do too much shameless self-promotion here, but I wrote this neat little diddy on the Adaptive Reuse of Churches for Buildipedia that I was a bit proud of… so I’m posting a link…

    here.

    Go ahead, you know you wanna click it.

    Why? Well, because it’s a really interesting concept, it’s about fabulous architecture, green design, and as most of my articles seem to include: beer (I know, what’s up with that?). If you hate the planet and baby seals then just sit there and ignore the link. I hope you feel guilty.

    To entice you all, here is a little excerpt:

    It would seem that in the game of sustainability, however, time is still money, and according to Dr. Simons, there’s no time like the present. With the state of the current economy, he says that churches can be bought very cheaply, a great advantage to developers. Costs vary at different points of the development process, and despite higher price tags associated with the rehabilitation of electrical systems, plumbing, and other structural components, adaptive reuse of churches could be more financially beneficial than new development. Introducing new business, too, can revitalize urban centers, strengthening economic as well as environmental sustainability.

    Thanks, y’all.

    ***

    Photo by Mike Cattell

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