Thanks, Dawn. This is really great for me as I'm running my own business. Flexibility has always been important to me. I've always been open about experimenting when I'm able to. Great read here! :)

As a Book Editor, this was immensely fascinating. Thanks for sharing! :)

Roz, I'm an editor as well and I have been through a very similar situation with a potential client. There are those out there who want all your time and attention, but they aren't willing to pay for it. When it comes the rate you charge, there seems to be "haggling" as if we're at a used car dealership. "My rate is my rate" is my saying. It's not to be disrespectful. But it establishes the relationship. You need a service and I provide that service. Therefore, you'll have to pay for said service. My time is valuable and you must be willing to pay for that time as well. I've never had a client hang up on me. That must have been dreadful! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Such a vulnerable piece here. Thanks for sharing your experiences and really giving us all and idea of what you're going through. Despite all the bad in this world, it'll be hardest to leave the ones you love behind. Savor it all with each and every moment you have remaining.

I applaud you for writing about a topic that can be potentially triggering for some. Writers need to tell their truth in every way that they can without fear of someone attacking them for their opinions. It's really hard for me as a Black person (and an editor) to justify…

Great article here! I've edited a number of memoirs from my clients and these are some of the things I tell them. A memoir is like watching a movie of real person's life and characters are characters, almost in the same vein as in a fictional piece. Bravo!

Thanks so much for sharing this. It really helps ground us entrepreneurs, founders, and owners as we go through that arduous journey of trying to become a great leader others. There are so many challenges. Not being an asshole is a challenge at times. It's refreshing to know that others are going through the same thing as well.

What truly bothers me sometimes is when people tell me to "let go of the past," but it influences so much of the present. At the age now that I finally have the mental acuity to pick out those traumas in my childhood and connect them to the present-day. They've definitely come out not that I am married. It's so hard to be happy because those feelings don't disappear. Now it's about acknowledgment and justifying why I behave the way I do.

These statments really speak to me. As a 30-something, I'm definitely thinking on my past and future much like the way you are. I definitely try to do my own thing and no life like other people. Thank you for sharing your experiences.