Really, I don't consider myself a writer career-wise or even job-wise. But I have been published in different journals and newsletters over past few decades. Except for the poetry I wrote as a teen (and stopped thereafter because I got bored/sidetracked by university studies and full-time jobs), the stuff I have had published has not been fiction. It's related to a) my profession- means writing for a specialized audience b) on cycling matters (for magazine, newsletter and now for company blog

However I just got an article published in a cycling magazine Momentum bike magazine!

http://www.momentumplanet.com/duet-bike-program
It's about the Duet Bike Program for transporting the wheelchair bound by bike.

I believe other programs do exist in the U.S. Any of you live in a city/work in a facility that has such a program?

So far, I consider my writing that I've done in the past, to advance my career (My colleagues/peers do expect experienced professionals to contribute back with their expertise. I know employers look for such evidence in resumes.) Second purpose is the writing I've done, is not necessarily the end product as a work of literary value, but more as a communication tool to promote ie. cycling or to get funding for my department or to manage the department (a library) properly, which meant writing business plans, reports or write business, technical manuals (which I took 2 courses) and teaching aids. Well, that's the way how I see it.

So this explains why I never paid attention at all to the writing section in BWS..until now. Still I don't plan to write fiction /poetry. My brain isn't there at this stage.

But it is nice to get published in a source which I associate with fun and health.

Congratulations Orchid! And you bet your bippie you are a WRITER and a published writer at that. It doesn't say anywhere I have seen that you are only considered a writer if you write a certain genre. Take it, accept it, and be proud my friend, you are a published writer and thats not an easy thing to attain these days.

Way to go, Orchid! Chatty is completely right.

That's wonderful news, Orchid!

I'll finally be able to say a magazine published one of my articles very soon -- and I am quite excited about it, as it will be the first I haven't ghost-written. I expect it will be so fun to see my name in print!!

I my case,I was writing about the personal experience of being diagnosed with sleep apnea...

Once again, hold your head up, published writer, Orchid!

Congratulations Orchid. It's a very well written article. How wonderful to be able to express your passion in writing. Those are usually the best stories.

Thx for the good wishes. And Anne, give us the reference when it gets published!
Another article I ripped off quickly, was published by our tourism board, on touring our city community gardens by cycling or walking

Touring Vancouver's Community Gardens by...

Actually there are some creative gardens which I will further elaborate in my blog later on...

I must admit, I'm careful how much effort and to which source I will write for free. Otherwise, other people will expect I do all writing for free for them.

About 2 weeks ago, I did find out I had a book review published in a professional journal (meant for librarians and lawyers) on insurance law and risk management. It will be republished in the a lawyers bar association newsletter. I've had a few other articles published in professional journals/newsletters over the past 15 years. A real hodge podge of topics, but highly specialized.

For the journals and newsletters related to my profession, it is usually for free which as you know to advance one's career within one's profession and to "give back" as a more experienced practitioner. Alot of librarians have created their own blogs which are specifically focused on their perspectives on topics related to world of information management and knowledge transfer.

I just haven't done that --yet. I'm having more fun writing on non-work topics that have nothing to do with my formal training. Part of my problem, is selecting a niche area of expertise that I can write often in a professional/work-focused blog for the library profession. It would require considerable time for me to monitor and read consistently new developments and trends. Long story...behind this.

One would think by now, after 1/4 century, I've figured what I know the most within my own profession. But no, not the zigzag journey I've taken in my paid jobs. Dealing with my resume has been a serious challenge of summarizing. I've had an employment counsellor provide useful feedback.

Still needs whittling down and constant gardening to make one's accomplishments look cohesive.

Anne, having a severe case of sleep apnea ended me up in the hospital last August when my CPAP machine broke and I couldn't get it replaced. (I owned mine then!) After 3 weeks without it and no good rest I went to the hospital with pneumonia directly related to having no CPAP machine. Got a new one and have never felt better since. I bought a finger monitor I can slip on anytime I want to, which tells me the oxygen level in my blood. The more weight I lose the less I need the CPAP at night when sleeping.

Great articles orchid....Congratulations on being published...I'm so happy for you!