-Isms: Views on life in rural America

I’m not sure who first said, “Don’t work hard just for recognition. Work hard for your own inner satisfaction and to better yourself.”

The quote is spot on, especially right now. Since starting a writing business in the 90s, I’ve analyzed and reviewed work from the previous year. It’s a way to see your writing range, chart growth, determine if your style has or has not adapted. Basically, it is a measuring stick to set realistic goals and develop new ideas.

As a freelancer, I could submit work to the Nebraska Press Women communications contest since I was a member, but I chose not to enter. Te...