Kristine Joy, Writer

On the Ball

CategorIes:

By

Kristine Joy

·

2–3 minutes

Mission:

Become a sports writer.

sports·writ·er

/ˈspôrtsˌrīdər/

noun

a journalist who writes about sports.

Wellness Why(s):

Primary: Occupational

Subsidiary:

Financial (maybe I’ll make some money off the hobby long term?)

Intellectual (presumably, I will be learning more about sports and how to be a sports writer as I move along)

The Nuts & Bolts:

Step 1:

Ask AI “How to Become a Sports Writer?“

Step 2:

Pat myself on the back for the steps that I’ve already taken and skills that I possess (regardless of whether or not the intent to become a sports writer was in place at the time):

“Take classes in English, journalism and speech to hone your writing and communication skills.”
☑️ ☑️ ☑️

Higher Education:
Northern Illinois University
B.S. – Communications Minor

“Deepen your sports knowledge.”
(need to catch up on current events but possess broad understanding of most sports)

“Passion and perseverance.”
☑️ ☑️

Step 3:

Ignore the steps that I’m going to ignore:

X
“Start writing early.”
(I’m going to assume “early” means the first half of your life)

X
“Specialize in a sports journalism program.”

X
“Connect (with those in the sports community) on social media.”
(if possible, I’d like to proceed without snaps and streaks (both Snapstreaks and the streaking of sports fields))

But, I’ll be back!

Step 4:

Realize that which cannot be done:

“Master the craft of writing.”

“Master storytelling.”

I know I’m an optimist but I’m thinking that mastery isn’t actually possible!

Step 5:

Get to work on the rest:

“Seek out internships.”
(if motivational imagery actually works, I’m picturing myself as Chandler from Friends in this episode or Ben Whittaker in The Intern)

“Freelance or volunteer.”
(story of my life =
“show me the money the door when I ask for money”)

“Create a strong portfolio. You can create your own website to showcase your work.”
(one step ahead of you here AI; who has the #bigbrain now?)

“Develop multimedia skills.”
(believe me, I’m working on it)

“Engage with the sports community (writers, editors, athletes).”

“Cultivate an analytical approach.”

“Stay up-to-date.”
(da da da, da da da)

“(Realize that) sports writing is a highly competitive field.”
(“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble”)

Update On:

(as articles are published) 😉 ⚾️ 🎾

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