From Behind-the-Scenes in TV to Big Cheese Author

Check out Laura's profile.

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Your former work?

Television news. Although I had many jobs during the course of my 15 years in the business, my primary job was running the newsroom assignment desk.

Your new work?

Food writer focusing on American artisan and specialty cheese, including recipes for cooking with cheese. I'm the author of 3-1/2 books on the subject.

What or who inspired you to make the change?

I was inspired to make the switch to food writing by my insatiable appetite.

What was the biggest hurdle to making the change?

By far, the biggest challenge was the money, or lack of it. The profession does not pay well under the best of circumstances, but making the switch to any profession costs money, since it means there is no longer a paycheck coming in. That requires a reliance on savings, which is always nerve-wracking.

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

How did you start?
Took night classes in writing, including a food-writing class, while still in TV. Attended conferences on food writing (yes, they exist). Networked with people in the field.

Did you consult someone?
I went to a career strategist to help me focus on what I was going toward. She helped me muster the nerve to leave the only profession I'd known.

Did you read books?
No, I didn't want to know why or why not I should/should not be making a career move. I'm not one to follow prescribed techniques.

Did you take any self-assessment tests?
No, although I did years before. I had no idea what to pursue. I learned I was well suited for TV news, so I stayed put.

How did you define what was right for you?
My career strategist had me conduct informational interviews with people in five fields I found interesting. That helped me evaluate whether they were a good fit. I also attended a conference of food professionals with various seminars. I was totally inspired and knew I had found the right line of work for myself.

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

I'm used to deadlines. I'll never like them, but I can work within them. And although TV news writing is entirely different than book, magazine and newspaper writing, the exercise of distilling information into 30-second soundbites was unquestionably helpful in learning the essential concept that "less is more."

Anything you miss about the old career?

It was a huge change to go from a bustling newsroom to the silence of my house. I definitely missed the water-cooler conversation and the constant din of a newsroom. I still do.

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

I am thrilled beyond belief that I made the switch. In TV news, I never felt as though my opinions were truly being heard. The personalities in that business are huge, and if one doesn't have a personality to match, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Working for myself I have only my own ego to contend with, which I can manage.

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

That has not changed. I am still Laura Werlin first and foremost. That is, I do not define myself by what I do. That said, if I am asked what I do, I tell people I am a cheese-book author. Most people think that's totally humorous.

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