Hello everyone, several friends recommended I create a column to introduce myself. Its object is two-fold; first, Cathy Chats is a place to express my thoughts on pressing issues within the boundaries of my commitment to truth and clarity. The second is to share my process and encourage reader feedback.
First and foremost, I believe Lisa Wyden’s quote on Sentry News’ masthead: “Truth is freedom to the soul.” Moreover, without freedom, there can be no truth; without truth, there is no opportunity for freedom to survive. My objective is to publish verifiable news-based and information-packed news stories.
I live on the West Coast and keep East Coast hours, beginning my day at 4 a.m. PT until the day’s work is done, usually around 7 p.m. Some days are exhausting, yet most offer an opportunity to learn something new.
My grandfather, Walter Maurice LaFleur, is my muse. Before his death, he instilled a love of learning. As a preteen, my grampa covertly taught me the importance of editing through our shared love of reading. He would hand me books with his corrections noted.
As a result of his influence, I am passionate about using my God-given skills that allow me to give readers the information they need to make decisions about their lives.
I started my writing early. Family lore says, “Cathy was born with a pen in her hand.” Truthfully, I was 13 when writing became a passion. Nonetheless, my journey to writing for a living has been lengthy, fraught with interpersonal conflict, lack of confidence, and no encouragement from trusted advisors.
Writing Journey
In ninth grade, an English teacher encouraged me to start writing for Hodgkins Junior High School’s newspaper in Westminster, Colorado. But I did not begin taking journalism classes until just before my 35th birthday because my high school counselor and family discouraged me from writing for a living.
Learning to write news articles was not my objective when I started classes at the Miramar campus of the San Diego Community College District. Instead, I began taking classes to further my nursing education. One of my first semester electives was Speech and Debate, taught by Marie Crane. She also taught journalism and was The Sage Newspaper’s advisor. I was recruited to write for the paper during the second class meeting and editor-in-chief at the end of the second year.
I remember one of my first assignments was to cover the graduation ceremony at the SDCCD Police Academy. The keynote speaker, renowned author and former police officer Joseph Wanbaugh, sat for an interview with me. Afterward, I secretly dreamed of changing my career.
Nonetheless, heeding others’ advice, I continued working as a Nursing Assistant and finishing my Nursing Degree when an injury caused me to alter my course. I switched to private light-duty home care and managed adult foster homes until chronic pain made it impossible to continue.
Meanwhile, I longed to create something, so I crocheted while teaching myself how to use a computer and navigate the internet.
A few years later, I tried to launch a new career: Writing, but I lacked confidence and grew impatient trying to find online writing jobs. Looking back, withdrawing from prescribed oxycodone and Fentanyl was not the best time to start a new chapter. However, I persevered.
One day, I saw an ad offering an exciting opportunity listed on Craig’s List: The Guardian Liberty Voice (GLV) Writer’s Bootcamp. After graduating from the program, I was hired as Assistant Director of Education for Frackle Media Group (FMG). While I took a refresher course in editing, I started teaching journalism skills to adults.
When the company’s business model switched from online adult bootcamp to classes for innercity Chicago youth ages 16-24, the company owner, DiMarkco Chandler, developed and launched The News School. He taught in the classroom while I was online teaching.
Content Creations by Cathy
During the eight years with FMG, I also learned to develop websites for the company’s clients, worked as the editor-in-chief, wrote content, edited intern articles, ensured that content was posted on all of the company websites, and communicated with web developers when problems arose.
My husband, Kurt, laughed about my daily commute. I walked 20 feet to my desk and was transported to Chicago, Illinois, via the world wide web. Resigning from FMG was difficult but necessary due to health concerns.
During my time with FMG, I worked part-time as a freelance writer to supplement my income. Since resigning, my focus has been on Sentry News and Content Creations by Cathy. I have had many customers, including Simpleaf Brands. I welcome inquiries about services and fees.
I look forward to sharing with you again soon.
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Featured and Top Image by Robin Davidson Courtesy of Unsplash
First Inset Image by Markus Winkler Courtesy of Unsplash
Second Inset Image by Jay Prajapati Courtesy of Unsplash
