I’ve been writing a lot on Children’s Health lately. (If you’ve read my ‘Professional Me’ page, you’ll get a taste of what I mean). Of course, it seems like a perfectly obvious subject to find myself landed in, but even so, sometimes I find myself scratching my head because ten years ago I would’ve told you that ‘by now’ in ‘My Career’, I’d be completing my PhD on the Postmodern relevance of the Gothic Narrative and Motifs in the 21st Century (or some-such). And I’d be like Karen Brooks, being called upon for media talks and opinions on cultural matters, which would mean, of course, that it would be perfectly sensible (and tax deductible) for me to get subscriptions to Vanity Fair and watch Big Brother, because it would be for work.
Not that children’s health isn’t satisfying – indeed, a lot of friends come to me for advice now (scary!) – it’s just a lot different. Stressful, for one. I have to be so sure what I say is fact, then word it in such a way that cannot be misconstrued. I have to bear in mind that someone, somewhere, might be desperate for the information.
Then I read something which really wakes me up; makes me realise that perhaps it is the most important kind of writing at all.
Recently, I wrote about climate control in a baby’s nursery; what temperature is the right kind to keep it at; the dangers of overheating a baby; etc. Then I read in this month’s edition of that same magazine a letter to the editor regarding my piece:
“A big thank you for your comprehensive…article. Being a mother for the second time and very concerned about SIDS, I had no idea what temperature my baby’s room should be…I have pasted the article inside his wardrobe as a guide…”
The lady goes on to say she’s passed the information on to her sister, who is also expecting a child.
I don’t pretend to be breaking new ground with these articles. Most of what I say has been said before, I’m just repackaging it as per an editor’s brief. But it is nice to think I’ve made a small difference.
That pleases me.
And spurs me on!
For yesterday was a deadline for another article, so my thoughts this week – here on the blog, and elsewhere – have been rather scattered. But I’m back now, ready for the next challenge.
Lead on, Macduff!
edit: Those Go Fug Yourself girls are on fire today!
