Them: “Shari, you’re so weird.”
Me: “Yea, well … at least I’m not normal.”
Thus begins the journey of a rogue writer.
And the phrase that I’ve been hearing my whole FREAKIN’ life. I finally realized that I prefer weird. Weird is better. At least it’s not normal.
My name is Shari Lopatin (nice to meet you!) …
And I’m a former newspaper reporter who went rogue as a writer in 2007. Hailing from Dante’s Inferno (a.k.a. Phoenix, Ariz. in the summer), I’m a multimedia writer and editor who has been published in magazines regionally, as well as nationally.
But for the sake of this blog, my professional life doesn’t really matter. If you’re just DYING to know, then check out my resume. Go ahead; be a square.
A few ice-breakers about me …
(Feel free to use at your next awkward dinner outing):
- My two front teeth are fake. Seriously. I knocked them out during P.E. when I was 12, and wore a temporary retainer sporting fake teeth for a year.
- I’m Jewish, brought up in a Christian town … and my dad is a steel drum ninja from Queens, N.Y.
- I hate math. With a passion. It took a few decades, but studies finally proved that merely thinking about math can make your head hurt. VICTORY!
- I went without television for five years … and had no friggin’ clue who Kim Kardashian was. Innocence is truly bliss.
- I can relate almost any life experience to a Seinfeld episode. Go ahead, try me.
If you think my weirdness is somewhat cool:
- Sign up to get my ramblings sent to your email inbox. You’ll feel better about life, trust me.
- Follow my outbursts on Twitter.
- Join the conversations on Facebook.
Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed your post on being the chicken nugget! I am really trying to improve my writing, especially my voice. However, I am also an aspiring journalist. Any tips for me?
Hi Emily! That is great that you’re an aspiring journalist! I miss being a newspaper reporter, myself. I’d advise, in the journalism realm, to make yourself as multi-media oriented as possible (and, if you’re not doing it already, get a 4-year degree in journalism). That is where the need will be in the future. More and more journalists are losing their jobs, as newspapers fold, but the news is simply evolving to become more digital. So, learn as much as you can about multi-media (to include social media).
As for some more writing tips? Awhile back, I wrote a blog post called, “5 Tips for Engaging Content–Captivate Your Audience!” It might give you some additional tips to think about to improve your writing (something we’re all constantly working on, by the way!). Find it here: http://bit.ly/d6S8w7.
Thanks for stopping by and I do hope you come back to visit again sometime soon.
–Shari
Thanks for the tips! I am getting a 4-year degree and I have also had a couple internships. I’m hoping to use my blog as a way to help me and get me more multi-media oriented. But you’re right… journalists just need to know how to do everything it seems. And I’m about to go read that post
Thanks!
Emily
(emilywynn.wordpress.com)
Hello there,
I’m new to the blog world. Like everyone else I’ve made some New Years resolutions. One of the resolutions is to write more. I really liked your articles. I truly want to stand out like the chicken nugget in a pack of vegetables. Wish me luck. Good luck to you too and all the best in blogging.
Regards,
BP
That’s great! I absolutely do wish you the best of luck! Just be yourself when you blog, and that will definitely help you stand out. =)
Love your blog! (fellow writer and photographer-lover)
Thank you kindly! Always happy to connect with another fellow writer and photographer-lover.
As both a fellow writer and cat lover, I loved your post on Chance. I had the Italian version–a lot of screaming and bullying, followed by a kiss. (I yelled at her sometimes, too.)
Ha! That’s hilarious! I’d love to witness the Italian version. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve had a “chance” too. Nice explanation of what was really happening at my house, or rather the cat’s house. Love your photography as well. Fun visit at your site.
writer pup
Thank you so much! If you’ve had a “chance” too, you know how much the love takes over your life.
Thanks for dropping by and I hope maybe you stop again in the future!
Shari
Loved your article on Chance and guilt!
Fellow writer!
Thank you Adrienne! Fellow writer indeed. =) I’ll swing by your site and see your style. Love networking with fellow writers. Feel free to connect on Twitter, if you want to stay in touch. Find me at http://www.twitter.com/ShariLopatin (@ShariLopatin).