Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Jones.
Hi Beth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many writers, I decided early on that I wanted to be creative! Originally, I planned to write casually, but my grandfather encouraged me to go to college and get a degree. I decided to go for it and to major in English so that I could pursue any type of writing I wanted.
I started out as a professional blogger and travel writer. Later, I transitioned into both writing fiction (publishing as L.C. Mortimer and Sophie Stern) and strategic copywriting for companies. As my career grew, I expanded my work into marketing, communications, and social media management.
I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t just love working in hands-on situations where I got to create and strategize. I also loved working with up-and-coming writers and marketers. Because of this, I started teaching creative writing, as well as speaking at conventions and workshops about marketing and blogging.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges to pursuing careers in writing is the idea that “anyone can be a writer.” To a certain extent, this is true. I love writing, and I think more people should express themselves through words! That said, I think there’s still a certain idea that writers aren’t serious people and that writing isn’t necessarily a worthwhile endeavor.
I disagree!
Throughout my career, I’ve had so many cool opportunities to work on incredible projects. I’ve written books about survivalism and minimalism, developed curriculum, ghostwritten articles on legal policies and practices, developed websites for medical professionals, written blog posts on wind turbines, managed social media content for a university, and so much more. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve met so many cool, interesting, smart people who are also passionate about communicating through words. Most recently, I’ve launched a YouTube show called Write Something Weird where I interview other creators about what makes their writing so special.
If a company is thinking about hiring someone who can think strategically, get results, and build a strong brand reputation, I’d say that it’s time to find a great writer. Strong writers are able to take really cool ideas and turn them into content that converts, encourages engagement, and most of all, leaves audiences feeling excited to take action.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m passionate about creating meaningful and interesting stories, content, and websites. I do everything from developing blog strategies and content to creating communications campaigns to writing fiction.
I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some really cool projects and work with some fantastic clients. It’s impossible to choose a favorite! What I really love, though, is when a client comes to me with a potential project and says, “I’m not sure how this is going to work, and I’m not really sure what I need this to look like. What can we do?” To me, having that chance to take a challenging project and develop it into something impactful is one of the best things about being a creator.
Something else I love?
Being a writer means that art and “work” really collide at every turn. The skills that make me a strong creative writer also translate well to my work in marketing and communications. For example, the questions I ask when I’m writing a story – “How can this be stronger? What would make this more interesting?” – are the same questions I ask when I’m developing a communications campaign.
For anyone who wants to pursue writing either in a technical or a creative way, I’d say, go for it! Writing is one of those wonderful art forms that is used by so many people, yet it remains an area where you’ll always have something new to create, develop, learn, and contribute.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
As a kid, I was labeled “bossy,” but as an adult, this stubborn streak has really worked out for me.
The biggest secret to my success is not quitting.
If you’re someone who wants to be a writer, you should go for it! I guarantee you can always find someone who thinks pursuing a writing career is a terrible idea, but the thing that separates mediocre writers from great ones is the determination to not give up.
Great writers write a lot, and they keep writing. I’ve made plenty of sacrifices to hone my craft. I’ve missed out on television shows and parties and social events and hangouts in order to hit deadlines and practice writing, but the hard work and the consistency has really paid off.
If you’re thinking about becoming a writer, you should do it! It’s hard work, for sure, but creating cool stories, articles, and content is such a wonderful experience that it’s completely worth the effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bethjonescreative.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/authorlcmortimer
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorlcmortimer
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanymjones/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6tVZecby5Q
