Help wanted: Only shy folks need apply

I've been a fairly shy gal most of my life (okay, all of my life!). When a former employer offered to pay for a 14-week Dale Carnegie course, I grabbed the op. While it didn't erase the shy gene, it did help me do simple things, like speaking up at PTA meetings, and harder things, like conducting monthly meetings of which I was prez; giving speeches; cutting TV promo ads. Even still, the ole shy gene has never completely left.

So you'd think us shy folks would love the writing life just because we don't usually do those out-there things. Ain't so. As writers vying for writing assignments, we have to put aside our shyness and do all the things the non-shy types do with ease: Communicate well. In every case---mistake-free letters and e-mails, drop-dead great resumes----our single message must be, "I'm capable, let me show you just how capable.'

Confidence is where it all starts. But how do we get that prized commodity?

The same way top contenders in sports, music, or any endeavor get it---by practicing, every single day until they know they're ready to face any opponent, and win.

Writers everywhere are our opponents. To be contenders and win our fair share of writing jobs and assignments, shouldn't we practice every single day?

Success as an at-home writer depends on developing an unfailing confidence in your skills. Yes, you can produce great writing that will keep your clients coming back again and again. Build a mountain of confidence (with an occasional time-off to enjoy a leisurely walk or a good movie)...whether the shy gene is your constant companion or not.