Interview with One of AC's Newest Member; Wayne Malcolm

With time a precious commodity on my hands these days, it has been a challenge to get anything done with my writing. Fortunately a thought came to me, on my way home from my regular job. "Interviews!"

I have interviewed so many people in passing without knowing it, and yet it never occurred to me to write about them.

With that written, here is my first interview, which happens to be with Wayne Malcolm. Wayne is new here at Associated Content, so let's give him a great welcome. This interview was done through the internet, as both of us are very busy.

After going through college, becoming an English teacher in Japan, getting married and having a family, what prompted you in wanting to change careers?

"Actually, we don't have any children yet. That is why I want to do freelancing. I want to have as much time as possible with my future children. I want to be a stay-at-home father, but still earn some money. I want to teach part-time and freelance write as a way to supplement that income. Also, I love to write, so I figure might as well make some money out of it."

How did you enjoy going to college online verses the actual classroom environment?

"It was a huge challenge that I loved. It was different, and when it came down to it I really had to make some lifestyle choices like not going out with friends so much, instead choosing to stay home and study. I also felt more accountable because I was in control of my time, so I had to be responsible. And I was able to use what I was learning in real time. I think my overall job performance increased."

How's your confidence holding up easing out into the freelance market?

"It's a bit shaky. I just don't know if the market is big enough to service everyone who wants to be a writer, and provide a living wage. That said, it all takes time and I'm sure I'll get over these shaky feet."

Your first article at Associated Content, "Lightning, Flash, Speedy, Whatever; Usain is Insane as 100m Champion," is short but well written. Are you an Olympian at heart, or do you just like sports in general?

"I love sports, and one of my dreams as a child was to be an Olympian (high jumper). In high school I was a sprinter (100m and 200m mostly), so Bolt is fascinating. Third, my parents, and family are from Jamaica; so family ties drew me to understanding Bolt."

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the race, but I enjoyed reading your recap of it. I could understand what you meant by "looking around" because that is one thing a runner should never do no matter how far ahead he or she is of the other competitors.

"Thanks. And you are 100% correct. Bolt would have destroyed the 100m record if he took it seriously. We saw what happens when Bolt is serious because he broke the old 200m record by Michael Johnson."

Can we expect to see more articles from you here at Associated Content on the subject of sports?

"Definitely."

Is there some other subject matter that interests you more than sports that might spark you into writing about?

"I love politics and everything surrounding politics. Unfortunately I'm in Japan right now so I can't really answer any calls for on-the-scene reporting otherwise I'd be sending in articles all the time. I have to find some ex-Pats here in Japan."

Many newcomers to Associated Content are like I was, and still am to some degree. We search out ways to promote our page for more readers. Do you feel that you are off to a good start with 32 views on your first article after just seven days?

"To be perfectly honest I'm not sure. I was looking around AC and saw other new writers to gauge where I am. I think the ones who churn out lots of material get a lot of views. Hopefully I can keep up a good pace. That said, I guess I'm feeling good about the views."

I know for me that there are only 411 views on my first article after being with AC for just a little over a year. I bet that is a boost for your ego. How soon do you expect your first article to surpass that?

"That's the thing I have no expectations because this sort of thing is extremely new to me. If I get the content I want published I think in a year I will have decent view numbers, maybe 412 ;-)"

Okay, that is enough about me, so what motivates you to write in the first place?

"I draw from everywhere. Mostly I love to write to get things off my mind. I think about a lot of things (like most I gather) so I write to let out steam. I'm also just trying to become better at it, and the only way is practice."

Are you planning on interviewing sports figures as a possible photojournalist in the near future?

"Interesting question since I like to talk pictures. Don't know about becoming a photojournalist, but it is an interesting way to go."

Just out of curiosity, how long did it take for you to learn Akita Japanese?

"You mean Akita-ben or Akita dialect...I still don't know it. I study regular Japanese and stay away from local dialects. They confuse me quite a bit."

My question and your answer show what little I know of it

I also see from your homepage at Associated Content that your motto is, "I Can Do It!" That would not happen to come from anything you have read or watched, could it?

"No. It's the name of my English school. I tell it to my students so they stay motivated. I figured I should take some of my own advice because in the end we are our own best cheerleader."

Have you set a goal for yourself on how many articles to write during a month yet?

"I'm figuring that out now, and will launch into it come September 1st. Ideally I'm looking to write one article per day, and multiple articles on the weekends. So I guess that is at least 30 articles per month."

How soon can we expect to see your next article to pop up at http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/293712/wayne_malcolm.html?

"I guess that ultimately depends on the AC people and if they think my article is worth it, but I would say in the coming month I will hopefully get a couple published."

You are in for a great adventure here at Associated Content with all the people you will get to know along the way in your freelancing career. What sort of questions do you have for those who are doing so well at AC?

"How long did it take to get a comfortable schedule established? And do you find it a real struggle to write about things you don't know about?"

Do you have any words of advice you would like to share with newcomers to the freelance writing business?

"As a newcomer none really, just remember YOU CAN DO IT!"

What would you like to tell them?

"Same as above"

Having studied for college online must have set in some sort of discipline to keep you from quitting or neglecting the work, and getting it turned in on time. What would you advise to someone who wants to do the same, but for a writing degree?

"Basically, you have to do a little everyday. You also have to practice. I actually practice time management in different ways - getting up early, staying up late, doing assignments at work, at the coffee house, in a library, etc. Find what works and stick with it.

All that said, it comes down to one thing - YOU. If you don't want to study, or write you won't. If you want to find an excuse not to study, you will. It all starts with the individual and the personal will to do."

Are there certain authors or writers you would suggest for someone new to writing to use as a guide for gaining a better grasp on the English language, grammatically speaking?

"Cornel West - this guy is so gifted. While he can speak to the average black man on the street, he can also debate the greatest academic minds with extraordinary command of vocabulary and sentence structure.

I would also recommend authors like Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes, Bill Bryson, and as I'm recently reading Catch-22, Joseph Heller - diverse, heavyweights across the board. Oh, add to this group Mark Twain. You can really get a contrast of what U.S. American language used to be, and probably still is.

I do like the New York Times Op-ed Columnists - Maureen Dowd, Thomas Friends, David Brooks, etc.

I also like this one columnist from the Japan Times - Amy Chavez. She writes a column called "Japan Lite."

Any recommendations?"

Which brings me to the question...Do you have any favorite authors/writers you enjoy reading more than others?

"I start with the NYTimes and work my way out. I also like Amy Chavez."

Who are they, and why do you like them so much?

"Well, Thomas Friedman is just so intelligent but doesn't seem like he is talking down to anyone. He always seems to present compelling narratives based on real in-the-field research.

David Brooks can be pretty scathing sometimes, but in a very intelligent way that makes you think. Sometimes I think he is off the mark, but sometimes I feel he actually wants to provoke a response. I like that, even if I don't agree with his politics.

Maureen Dowd seems like she writes only from experience. She's not that old, but writes with this air of, "I've actually been there, and I've actually done that, so let me tell you the story." That is interesting and compelling.

Amy Chavez is just downright hilarious, and always puts a smile on my face. I think one thing sometimes missing from writing is straight-up humor. She has a witty humor that is sort of sarcastic, but puts a nice smile on my face. Also, she talks about cultural issues in Japan while keeping a very humorous overtone. Funny and educational."

What do you consider as fun when you aren't working?

"Biking, running, hiking, exercising, snowboarding, writing and playing music, cooking and eating, watching movies, taking photos and short videos, talking with my wife, and just hanging out with my friends."

Do you listen to music when you write or is it a distraction to you?

"Sometimes. Depends on my mood. If I'm sleepy and want to write I play it loud and proud. If I have to edit and read something I use classical music because musical lyrics distract me. In general though, it depends on my mood."

How would you rate your writing on a personal level?

"I think I'm a good writer. Not great, but I can write a fairly decent amount in a short time, and make it what I see as compelling.

I usually write from personal experience so I really have to remember to add things like support material to validate what I'm saying.

I can write fairly eloquently, when it is necessary.

I do sometimes lapse in editing, as I find it a bit boring to always have to re-read everything."

We are our own worst critics, but you will be an inspiration to others as they come to view and read your articles. What do you, if at all, expect to accomplish through freelance writing?

"Basically, I want to become a better writer. Making money and freetime stuff is a by-product of all this effort to simply improve my writing skills."

Please accept my apologies for being so in depth with the questions. There are so many other things that I could ask, but I just want to focus on the writer in you. Is there anything I haven't asked that you would like to share with the rest of us?

"I think you got it all. You got a lot of material here. I hope you can find ways to use it. If you need to follow-up on anything, or want to pose any more questions, feel free."

Wayne, I wish you the best of luck, and may God bless you well in the world of freelance writing. It has been a pleasure interviewing you.

"Thanks for everything. Check you later. Peace"