The freelance writing resource Study Hall asked its members to look back and select a favorite publication from the last year and I was glad for the prompt since it reminded me of the stuff I did do instead of focusing on what's coming up.
This year I decided to try to chase freelance assignments less aggressively because our kids get home a lot earlier than they used to at their former school and I just wanted to be real about my time. But somehow I ended up having my best freelancing year ever, financially -- a nice bonus for my bank account but also a valuable lesson in quality over quantity.
Here were some of my favorite stories I pubbed this year:
Loyola Today: 5 little-known facts about Millennium Park from a Loyola history professor
My husband and I were at the opening of Chicago's Millennium Park in 2000, a Chicago landmark that already feels timeless, so it was really interesting to learn about its history from professor Tim Gilfoyle. And the assignment was a nice prompt for me to take the boys there for a picnic over summer break (pictured above!) where they had a great time running through Crown fountain in their clothes.
Loyola Today: Breaking down the science of savoring summer joy
Professor Fred Bryant is an expert in the art and science of savoring, or making happy memories last longer and make a deeper impact. I got some useful tips from him and at the end of our conversation I asked him "What's something you savored lately?" and he said "This conversation!" which was very charming. We talked a lot about parenting as well, so I used part of our conversation for a newsletter issue on how you can savor your good times with your kids more but it won't negate the bittersweetness of time passing.
Harvard Magazine: From Law Books to Cookbooks: Nisha Vora's vegan journey.
I took the time to make and try several of vegan influencer Nisha Vora's recipes from her new cookbook and it was nice to try something new with a story (I'm not a vegan.) She was a lovely, accommodating interview subject and I enjoyed getting to know her, plus it's Harvard so it paid pretty well, which never hurts when you're on the clock squeezing water out of tofu.
Strategist: The Ugliest Machine Alive Solved My Night Sweats
This was my first story for New York Magazine's Strategist and it's about a product that I truly stand behind. Lots of women my age (and people not my age!) deal with night sweats and I want them to know there is a solution out there that doesn't involve them taking a medication or feeling like they need to change their whole lifestyle.
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law: A Case of Love: An Engagement Story in the Classroom
Sometimes the stuff I cover for law schools can be a bit dry, so it was a delight to tell this story of a marriage proposal that occurred in a Northwestern law school classroom. Even though this grand gesture took place in the early '90's, Professor Len Rubinowitz remembered it with mirth and great detail so it wasn't just a fun story to write, it was easy too.
Yale: A Yale journey marked by scrums, crowns, and a life-changing polar plunge
This is my second time interviewing a graduating senior for Yale magazine. These kids are so impressive and dedicated to their school and there's so much to talk to them about. In this case Olivia Sally was a rugby player, a beauty pageant contestant, and an intern to Kamala Harris. It gives me hope to talk to these future leaders!
Northwestern School of Communications: A half-century of "not being Waa-Mu"
I got to attend the 50th anniversary of Mee-Ow, Northwestern University's improv show that has launched many a famous performer, including Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Ana Gasteyer, Kristen Schaal, and Dermot Mulroney. Having taken part in a formative live student-run comedy series in my youth it wasn't a surprise to see so many middle aged people get right back into the vibe and spirit of a semi-anarchic "Let's put on our own show!" experience. Many of these folks are still nursing comedy-related grudges from college! I can identify. Also the actor Richard Kind was there just to see his old buddies and I asked him for a quote and I'm happy to say his last name applies!
Inbox Collective:
I'm lucky to get to cover the business of newsletters with/for Dan Oshinsky which is useful to me as a newsletter writer, provides fascinating opportunities to learn about how they are published around the world, and lets me get in touch with others who do this same often-lonely gig. These were some of my favorites from this year:
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From Private Dinners to Epic Conferences: A Guide to Throwing an Event for Your Newsletter Readers
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What Should I Do Next With My Newsletter? A Conversation With Claire Zulkey
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Finding Sanity While Building a Newsletter: A Conversation With Indian Creator Tanmoy Goswami
Evil Witches: My parenting newsletter, where I do most of my former blog-type writing, had a lot of good issues this year if I say so myself, even though I declared I was going to pull back in my frequency. Here was my rundown of my faves there.
Anyway if you're reading this and are someone who might need my services, drop me a line at clairezulkey at gmail.com to talk more. And if you're just an old Zulkey.com friend from the past years, just sending you a friendly wave across the internet!