Member Snapshot: Sonya Carmichael Jones

by Sonya Carmichael Jones

This Writergrrl is turning over a new leaf by leaving the corporate sector behind for a writer’s life.

Where do you get your news?

Years ago, when I had a TV and cable, I used to watch Headline News and the Weather Channel. Now I rely on NPR. Occasionally I borrow my neighbor's paper. But since I'm a copywriter and marketer, I follow business news and trends in Business Week, The Economist, Advertising Age, and Promo. I also skim articles from other trade journals I have free subscriptions to.

What's your order in a coffee shop?

An Americano with no room. I figure if the barista is sleepy or in a bad mood, he can still wing hot water and a shot of espresso.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?

Be a stand-up comedienne, a stunt woman, or a movie actress, where I could do both. I also wouldn't mind being president for a few days. I'd declare every Monday a holiday and quadruple minimum wage.

Where do you get your ideas for writing?

From bus route 358.

How did you learn about Writergrrls?

I got lost on my way to a networking event, and by the time I arrived, the seats at all the tables were taken. A few people were sitting in the rear. The girl who sat next to me was friendly and enthusiastic. She told me about Writergrrls. I won the door prize, which was a big marketing guidebook. It didn't excite me nearly as much as finding out about Writergrrls.

Describe your writing routine.

Turn on my computer. Check my e-mail. Check my marketing plan. Check my e-mail. Check my calendar. Check my e-mail. Go through my inbox. Read my idea book. Check my e-mail. Write a sentence. Then have lunch.

What are you currently reading?

Neale Donald Walsch's Conversations with God, Book 2. I read Book 1 three times and figured it was time I moved on.

What's your favorite book this week?

One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant. I put off reading it because some candle wax dripped over the cover and made an icky mess on a few pages. Last week, I decided to clean the wax off and was inspired to read the first chapter. I've been reading and doing the exercises daily. They help me feel less crazy.

What's your best quality?

My strong legs. They get me where I need to go and out of places I don't need to be.

What would you change about yourself?

My desire to run in the Boston Marathon. I've run 10 marathons, trying to qualify for Boston. In the last marathon, I didn't walk at all. And after crossing the finish line, I couldn't walk, period.

How have you turned over a new leaf?

I left the corporate sector, got divorced, adopted a Chocolate Lab, and started making my living as a writer. Doing things that nurture and express my creative spirit keeps me happy. I'm bettin' it'll keep me feeling young, too.

Sonya Carmichael Jones is an independent copywriter and marketing consultant. She also writes for trade publications and newspapers. Sonya enjoys coaching new writers and has written articles for Writer's Digest, Novel & Short Story, and Writing-World. Additionally she teaches at Discover U and online through Writers Weekly. Visit her website at: www.writeface.com.