Putting it here rather than in the workshop because I'm less interested in technique and more interested in the career path. People tell me I right real good. And I'll agree. I'm a pretty competent writer. Not so much fiction. But I can analyze something and discuss it quite well. And I get a little better every day. So, given that I've been told on more than a few occasions by more than a few people that I write fairly well, what's the next step? How do I get someone to pay me to do it? Apart from the way I'm doing it now--as part of my job. How do I make it entirely my job to sell words to people?
How can you tie it in with your other skills and training? Know enough science and/or engineering to be a technical writer? What about history or related fields? Lots of periodicals looking for articles. They don't pay much, but you can build a nice little addition to the résumé if you build up enough credits. Find your strengths and areas of expertise, and see if you can match 'em with a magazine or two. You might also scope out your local newspapers. Sometimes they're looking for color pieces on a variety of subjects. Use your cred as a veteran to get a toe in the door. We're not talking rich and famous here, unless you grow up to be Andy Rooney, but you can start there, and who knows?
I too have considered treating the hoi polloi to the spectacle of my mellifluous prose adorning the pages of one of their wretched broadsheets. My lapidary wordsmithing is truly a ray of sunshine destined to illuminate the dreary lives of the underclass.
