Newsprint to Electrons

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Your former work?

Columnist for a large city newspaper.

Your new work?

Founding a Web site.

What or who inspired you to make the change?

Got kicked off the column. While there, it was clear that newspapers are struggling to stay relevant, while the action is going to the internet.

What was the biggest hurdle to making the change?

At first it was my husband's fear of my not having a salary. Then it was reluctance to leave the world of the paper.

Can you map out what steps you took in this transition?

• How did you start?
I hired an Indian company to develop the site and designed it as we went along.


• Did you consult someone?
No.


• Did you read books?
No books on this.


• Did you take any self-assessment tests?
No.


• How did you define what was right for you?
I wanted to be the boss. I have a lot of ideas and a lot of energy, and it was
frustrating trying to persuade people to do things. This way, I can just act—and act swiftly.

What skills from your old job are useful in your new?

It's a site for writers, and sites have to be written, so that helps. Also, creative thinking.

Anything you miss about the old career?

I miss writing the way I did in the column.

How do you feel now that you've taken the leap?

As if I waited three years too long.

Now when you go to a party, how do you introduce yourself?

I say I'm a writer working on several books, a teacher, and that I am launching a website.

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