www.absolutewrite.com/freelance_writing/brad_swift.htm -
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Published on: 5/28/2001
Last Visited: 12/25/2001
Brad Swift
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Writing on Purpose: An Interview with Brad Swift (Project Purpose), interview by Barbara Stahura
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Brad Swift
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Writing on Purpose: An Interview with Brad Swift
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Today, Brad and I, along with Life on Purpose coach Nancy O'Brien, are creating the Project Purpose Writing Team (http://www.lifeonpurpose.com/ppwritingteam.html) so other writers can share the vision of "writing and selling articles about people and organizations who have dedicated their lives and missions to a bold and inspiring purpose."At the same time, members will use the synergy of the team to enhance their professional careers.
Brad had previously been a small animal veterinarian, with a second career as a freelance writer who wrote mainly articles about animal, pet, and health issues.After creating Project Purpose, he sold dozens of these articles to many national magazines, including New Age Journal, Hope, Modern Maturity, Aspire, and Utne Reader.He followed his heart, which led not only to financial success but also deep personal satisfaction.
Since I'm a seeker after those same goals, I asked him for some words of wisdom.
Barbara: How can freelance writers benefit by following their hearts and their passion?The "rule" we've all been indoctrinated with is that freelancers must do whatever work they can scrounge up to survive.
Brad: Well, there's two ways to come to life – from a place of fear, lack, and struggling to survive and make it in the world, or from a place of love, trust, abundance, and joy.Most of us do seem to allow our fear, lack, and survival instincts to shape our life most of the time, but we each have free will to choose what will shape our life in any and every moment.Following your heart and passion may appear to be risky and even to some people foolish, but I have found it's where the true essence of life exists.I know whenever I've followed the breadcrumbs of my passion – even though I may not have been able to see clearly where the path is leading – I've never been disappointed where I've ended up.
Writers have the gift and opportunity to shape our world like few other artists.If we don't use those gifts and talents to live from our hearts, who will?
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Brad: Start with a real curiosity for becoming clear about your purpose.Most writers have a natural curiosity, so here's a great place to use it.Start by asking yourself questions: What is my true purpose?Why am I really here?If my life isn't to be shaped by fear, lack, and struggling, then what will shape my life?These kinds of purposeful, pondering questions will lead you to some powerful insights into your own life.The problem with many of us is that we don't take the time to ask the questions or to be quiet enough for long enough to hear the answers.
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Brad: I define it in broad terms.That we are all here to serve each other, and in the process we serve ourselves and the grand plan of the universe in which we live.Being of service means we direct our energy, time, talents, and efforts towards what gives us joy while contributing to others.Writers can be of service by following what they are passionate about, as Joseph Campbell used to describe, by following their bliss.
It's not always easy, but it can be very rewarding.One of my favorite principles that captures this is the notion of "adding value to life for the pure joy of it," and in the process knowing that that joy will come to you many times over.
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Brad: A writer's radar works in a couple ways.First off, when writers become clear about what they are looking for, that clarity allows them to see in a focused way.They see stories that fit their criteria.It's a little like seeing yellow Volkswagen.Several years ago when the VWs were so popular, a friend of mine said he bought a yellow one because he'd never seen anyone else drive one.As soon as he bought the yellow bug, the next week everywhere he turned there was another yellow VW.
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