tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post6233111308579764258..comments2024-03-25T05:49:46.932-04:00Comments on My Name Is Not Bob: Are You a Specialist or Generalist?Robert Lee Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-4097272640848469812011-09-19T23:28:27.741-04:002011-09-19T23:28:27.741-04:00Sometimes knowing your natural strengths and weakn...Sometimes knowing your natural strengths and weaknesses can really liberate you to do amazing things.Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-33465065538819840722011-09-18T23:05:28.957-04:002011-09-18T23:05:28.957-04:00I've been totally stalled on jumping headlong ...I've been totally stalled on jumping headlong into my late-in-life writing career because of self doubt: Will I be able to stay focused for lengthy writing expectations? Shouldn't every author write a novel? I know myself too well to say Yes to long commitments. I have a very short attention span, let's say...So, that makes me a Generalist for sure. NOW I see.<br />I've been casting my nets too far, and should not think of myself as less talented simply because I prefer to write articles and short stories instead of tomes. <br />This added a little sparkle to my writer's self confidence. Thanks, I needed that!Franhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10059872389534163978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-8588661289347907312011-09-18T12:27:26.436-04:002011-09-18T12:27:26.436-04:00This was really helpful. I've never labeled my...This was really helpful. I've never labeled myself this way, but when I look back at my professional life and CV... and see that I've changed jobs (by choice) every 2-4 years. Thus it would appear, sir, that I am a generalist. <br /><br />That said, all my jobs have been in the journalism/communications/publications fields. So does that make me a General Specialist? Or just someone who gets bored easily and needs a challenge?<br /><br />Either way, the common thread I've had through all my professional life is sideline freelance work. That satisfies my writing wanderlust.Heathterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476468396217779245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-37796435588824038912011-09-17T16:38:20.331-04:002011-09-17T16:38:20.331-04:00Wow I find this very intriguing. It is true, that ...Wow I find this very intriguing. It is true, that everyone that will ever want to write or writes now should read this, it gives much insight into yourself. I think I am mostly a specialist right now, but yet again I am still technically a 'new writer' and I have no solid professional experience in the field.Bethany D. Rickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10014839205512878990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-29939005131565941202011-09-16T11:47:53.950-04:002011-09-16T11:47:53.950-04:00Say specialist, and you'll see my hand shoot u...Say specialist, and you'll see my hand shoot up. Still, there is a bit of "generalist" in me and it shows itself in the varied topics nestled under my specialty, which I like to call "Lifestyle Choices".<br /><br />Life is an accumulation changes, situations and events that call us to make choices that impact our lives, positively or negatively. There are tons of topics under that heading: authenticity, setting goals, finding and pursuing dreams, work/life balance, self- improvement, motivation/inspiration....<br /><br />As a self-confessed specialist, I see myself in your description. Although I write feature articles, I thrive best with a column. So, when I send a query to an editor/publication, I usually indicate that I am willing to write a column. <br /><br />A specialist tinged with generalist tendencies - that's me.Cheryl Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06354159232369365269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-8308531258072926022011-09-16T08:17:01.836-04:002011-09-16T08:17:01.836-04:00I am a "specialist" in the main. Althou...I am a "specialist" in the main. Although I've been selling my writing since 1984, I also work as a genealogical and historical researcher. Much of my writing (now) involves topics requiring deep, historical research -- so I get to combine two passions into one career. <br /><br />I strongly recommend specialization to all new researchers and writers who ask me how to get into the business. For young writers, the intimate knowledge of one topic might help outweigh the lack of published clips.Stephanie Hooverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09631286155069796026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-39068016321046808112011-09-13T21:54:34.338-04:002011-09-13T21:54:34.338-04:00If I had to answer this question myself, I'd s...If I had to answer this question myself, I'd say that I'm a specialist (on business of writing) with some general interests.Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-27485946532399285822011-09-13T18:31:16.134-04:002011-09-13T18:31:16.134-04:00I honestly don't know how to answer this. I h...I honestly don't know how to answer this. I have several novel manuscripts on file, at least three chapbooks, and a collection of short stories I've been building over time. I also edit a monthly newsletter for which I write some of the content, have maintained a blog (in various locations) since 1999.<br /><br />I think when I need to specialize, I do so and for those projects that require being a generalist, I can do that as well. I'm glad you said that most of us have a little of both because I honestly don't think I fall solidly on one side nor the other.Satiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227625739706115993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-32164996525342243202011-09-13T14:06:20.757-04:002011-09-13T14:06:20.757-04:00I have always thought of being a generalist as the...I have always thought of being a generalist as the butterfly approach to knowledge, where I lite only long enough to learn a little more than I need, then I move on. You are so right. We ARE always chasing the next flower, aren't we.JeannetteLShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528285846408727632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-19247455582409033652011-09-13T13:03:01.053-04:002011-09-13T13:03:01.053-04:00This should be required reading for all new writer...This should be required reading for all new writers.ARBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00805788488287071226noreply@blogger.com