I am a working writer. The short story is that I write speeches. For anyone who will pay me. It turns out that quite a few are happy to do exactly that since I have been providing speech writing services for well over a decade now for clients across Canada. For both public and private sector customers. “My” speeches have delivered in venues all over the world. Prior to that, I worked in government jobs in communications and legislation. The details you don’t want to know except to say that’s where I cut my speech writing teeth for about 20 years. That’s a lot of words under my belt.
When I tell my colleagues – especially the nine to fivers – what I do for a living, their eyes glaze over at the thought of writing speeches day in and day out. And that makes me smile, and secretly pleased. I smile because I can think of nothing more fun than putting my words in other people’s mouths. On topics that they are passionate about. I too can be passionate about just about anything – at least for the length of time it takes to write a speech of substance. By the time I am sick of the subject, the speech is finished and I am on to the next one and a new topic. I guess you could say I am broad but shallow. I know a little about a lot. Makes me great for cocktail parties! As for those professionals for whom the thought of writing a speech is a fate worse than death, well they usually pass the assignment on to me.
So that’s me. I write my clients’ speeches. And when they leave this earthly paradise, I write their eulogies.
So I come to the freelance table from a very optimistic point of view. Whatever the economy, a freelancer can find a niche. I will never go back to the dark side of being a wage slave. I don’t do meetings. I don’t get involved in office politics. I don’t deal with jerks. My clients love me. I get to play in the sun. And get to be my own boss. What’s not to like?
So why don’t you join me on this fearless journey. And if I may be so bold, take a look around this web site. I think you will find it an easy read, with useful information to boot. And to quote a very famous freelancer, “that’s a good thing.”
Copyright©2004 Colin Moorhouse. All rights reserved.