Monday, November 12, 2007

In The Spotlight

This month for my second in the spotlight segment, my guest is a special friend from CA. Kathryn Bechen of Kathryn Bechen Ink is a professional author, decorator, organizer,PR guru and writer extraordinaire. I recently hired her to do some PR consulting with me. My goals are to change my painting business and move it in some different directions I've never gone in before. Kathryn was a great motivator for me and taught me some very wonderful and simple tips to take me in the right direction. I've already gotten to work implimenting all her strategies to get things rolling in the direction I want them to go in. I hope you will all enjoy meeting her and for those of you who are already familiar with her, I hope you will enjoy getting to know her better.

Dear Friends,

Hi, I’m Kathryn Bechen and I’m honored to be Ruth’s featured blog guest this month and to share a glimpse of my daily life with you as a professional freelance writer and PR consultant.

Words are my passion and I absolutely love what I do! I have been a paid and published non-fiction freelance writer for over 20 years, and now am grateful to work full time at it from my home in Southern California. Although sometimes thought of as intangible, (until they hit the page!), words and ideas are my product, and are what people are willing to pay me for.

My work has been published in magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and online. I use a small Sony laptop computer, and it’s truly my “baby” that goes with me almost wherever I go. (My next one will be the pink version!) One of the things I love about what I do is that with my laptop and cell phone I can work “virtually” from anywhere, but most of the time I write from the comfort of my “cottage cozy” bed. I use my home office mostly for administrative tasks and business planning.

I write for publications and clients all across the U.S., primarily in the home and garden, professional organizing, interior decorating, art, wedding, and other creative niches. I also write Christian inspirational articles and poems. These areas are where my interest and expertise lie because they are some of the fields I have worked in previously, and I also live a very creative personal life, so I enjoy working with other creative entrepreneurs. I also write and publish a free monthly e-newsletter, which you can sign up for at http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/, and I have my own blog at http://www.kathrynbechenink.blogspot.com/.
Mentoring aspiring writers by phone and e-mail is something else I enjoy. I like to share what I know with others, and I custom tailor my services to each client. Helping budding writers allows me to use my B.A. in English and Education, and to work virtually via phone and email vs. in a classroom, making it convenient for both the client and me.

I also offer phone and e-mail consultations to help creative entrepreneurs and other small businesses get PR for their businesses, because I have been successful in doing that for my own previous businesses. I absolutely love hearing my clients’ voices light up, and seeing their creative energies fueled when they realize that getting PR is something they can easily learn to do themselves with a little tutoring and coaching. http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/consulting.html
My writing business would not be as successful as it is without the bookkeeping, tax, and computer assistance from my dear husband of 27 years, Steve. He’s the “numbers and techno guy” behind this “word lady.” And my two Scottish Fold cats, Beau & Monique, a.k.a. The Cottage Cats, have been at my writing side for 14 years, and keep me amused with their antics.
That’s my writing life, and I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about what it’s like to be a professional freelance writer. I also provide editing and proofreading services, so if there is anything I can ever do to help your creative business succeed, please e-mail me at kathrynbechen@yahoo.com.
All photos are used with permission by and are copyright to - Kathryn Bechen of kathryn Bechen Ink.
**A special note about my goose egg pendant drawing - I'll be taking entries through Monday November 19th , you may still enter by signing the post below and letting me know you would like to join in on the fun. I'll pick the winner the night of the 19th and will announce the winner on my blog at that time. Good Luck. **

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent post! Thank you!

To Kathryn, So nice to meet you! I think I have been to your blog and maybe even get a newsletter from you? Anyways, wonderful to read more about you! I do some writing too, I write for Christian Women Online each month. But I don't consider myself more than an accidental writer. I have an interior design business as my main career.

I am sure I could use your services, I'll have to keep that in mind!

Thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed it very much!

Blessings,
Melissa

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I had met Katheryn several months ago through my blog. She is a wonderful person!
Penny

A wildlife gardener said...

Lovely to meet you, Kathryn. What a very creative person you are.

Hi, Ruth, how lovely of you to promote someone else. You are a sweetheart :)

Anonymous said...

Kathryn is the best isnt she? So willing to help...and a lovely lady

HUGS

Janet said...

Ruth,
Kathryn sure is talented and I love that she has a career with words, vocabulary if you will. How fun! Thanks for your visit and your kind words. Come again please.
Janet

Ruth Welter said...

Thank you ladies and gents, glad you are enjoying reading all about Kathryn and her talents.

Sandra Evertson said...

Good Luck to you in your new venture!
Sandra Evertson

Alice Regan said...

Thank you for introducing Kathryn. She sounds like she would be very motivating and by the looks of her office and the reading of her words, I'm hooked already. Good luck in your new venture.

kari and kijsa said...

How wonderfully inspiring!! We loved reading this post! Thank you Kathryn & Ruth! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

smiles,
kari & kijsa

Ruth Welter said...

Thanks Sandra, IT and Kari & Kijsa, glad you enjoyed meeting Kathryn.

Unknown said...

I am a recipient of Kathryn's services and I must say that she has blown the wind of inspiration into my sails as I launch into my own sea of words! I have gained perspective, direction, and additional motivation!

I am so pleased that you featured Kathryn! I have enjoyed taking an additional peek into her well ordered world!

KJ
California

P.S. I am loving your blog!

kate said...

It was fun meeting Kathryn through your blog. I enjoyed her writing and her pictures!

Ruth Welter said...

KJ, Kathryn is the best motivator going. I agree, she really inspires you to get out there and try.

Ruth Welter said...

Thanks Kate, I'm glad you enjoyed meeting kathryn, she is a very gifted person.

Kathryn Bechen said...

Thank you all for your kind comments! Ruth and I have a mutual fan club. :) I love her art!

Melissa, I would be happy to help you with any writing and/or PR needs for your interior design biz. Your website is great.

If any of you need writing or PR help for your creative business, I'm only an e-mail away at kathrynbechen@yahoo.com.

Blessings to you this holiday!

Kathryn

Barbara Jacksier said...

Hi Kathryn

Your home looks great. Not a singe insight!