The Writing Life of Marcie Hill: My Journalist Journey Begins

My story began the day I left my human resources career to venture into the world of journalism.  I was so excited. I left with a goal to become one of the top journalists in the world.  My works weren’t just going to be found in Chicago Magazine and Ebony (although both would have been nice), I was going for Time, Cosmopolitan, Essence, and Parade.  Needless to say, none of this happened.

I am pleased to report that I wrote the cover story for N’Digo MagaPaper the month after I left my gig. My story was called Girl Power, celebrating women entrepreneurs.  I was blessed to meet powerful women with beautiful spirits. And, I’m a contributor to The Independent Bulletin Newspaper, a community newspaper.  Prior to leaving my job, I was published in Mahogany Magazine thanks to Jennifer Brown-Banks.  Yes, it pays to know editors.

Getting back to the subject at hand. I can point out three reasons why my journalistic journey did not take off like I thought it would.

First, I punked out at the prospect of sending query letters to get ideas accepted.  I did have one idea accepted by Essence, but they never came back for publishing.  Rejection is a hard pill to swallow, even if it’s for story ideas.

Second, magazines started folding with the economy which made competition stiffer.  I was a newbie in the industry competing against years of talent.  I punked out again.

Third, I was introduced to the concept of blogging.  Then, I fell in love with it.  I can’t stop blogging.  I have moved into live blogging.  Yes, I have blogging on the brain!

While I never regret my decision to leave, I do sometimes wonder what would have happened had I stayed on point with my journalistic journey. Would I be the worldwide journalist I set off to be?  How long would it had taken?

I know it’s not too late to make that part of my dream come true?  After I get The Write Design Company and Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource on point, I am going to CONSISTENTLY write and submit stories to the above-mentioned magazines until I am published.  This is not for fame; it’s satisfaction in knowing that I did not give up.

In retrospect, I can honestly say that my journalistic journey was not in vain and it definitely was not a failure.  I was just detoured by a new love.  It’s now time to return to where I began…to my humble writing beginnings.