18 of 22

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

article, but I was happy to try to offer answers to the questions in my inbox. The percentage article soared to a high ranking on the site on which it was posted. It became my Number 1 piece on that site. Over the weeks to follow I would get more questions about yet more variations of percentage problems. It was as if I had become a mini-math-tutor, specializing only in percentages. Knowing what a math-wiz I'm not, I was getting a little uncomfortable with the e.mails that asked for help with percentages. On the one hand, I knew I could certainly give solid information on the simple matter of percentages. On the other hand, I am so well aware that the world has so many people far more math-knowledgeable than yours truly, I began to feel I should refer my e.mail friends to one of them. Being careful to keep my ego in check, I allowed myself to momentarily realize that I was feeling like the Dear-Abby of percentages.

As weeks passed the percentage article continued to do well, continued to get attention, and continued to get me e.mail questions about finding percentages. I answered them all, always trying to offer some kind of mental trick that might come in handy. I have a friend who is an engineer, and the difference between the types of people we both are is something we've always kind of enjoyed. When I told him about the percentage article, and how - of all the things I've ever written - it had taken on a little life of it's own, he thought it was funny. (After all, he knows that I am a writer-type, not a math-type.) As the communications about math tricks have gone on, I've sometimes felt a little bit like a fraud. Then again, I've told myself I'm not a fraud to simply be "specializing" in that one simple thing of finding percentages. Still, regardless of what work I have to do each day, I've been faithful about making the time to answer those percentage questions.

The thing about writing is that a writer may know exactly where s/he wants to take the reader. What is not always possible to know is where one's writing will bring the writer.

It's just that it's kind of funny to have my days (which are so immersed in writing, thinking about writing, marketing writing, and planning to write) include those interspersed moments of taking time out to share a mental math trick with a stranger. The math e.mails and comments have come often enough to cause me to momentarily wonder if I have missed my true calling. Should I have become a math teacher? It doesn't take

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Light-hearted looks at the occupational hazards of being a writer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!