one foot forward

I have always enjoyed helping other people with their writing. You could say its a hobby that is up there with my pen collection or even my fairy antics. But I don't talk about it often. 

I enjoy being a critique partner- I even enjoy my college peers asking my advice. Honestly its a good feeling and something I can do that doesn't cost me or another person much- well depending on how many of my suggestions they take of course.


 So naturally going into editing has been my prime goal since I started college. Recently I have even put myself out there- really tried for what I want. Only I had to do it within the rules of my life.
 I want to do it for nothing-

 Why? well because right now my whole world depends on it and I'm not the all knowing in the way publishing works- why should I get paid for it-
 So instead I just want my foot in the door. I want to say I did something about what I want- and guess what- I can say I am doing just that.

 I talked to my grant committees at the college- I have to do 15 hrs a semester in community volunteer services- about reading for a magazine, I got their approval-
I applied for the slush pile reading position- and they took me on. This is wonderful news.

 Here's what I didn't plan for-
 It is hard knowing that on one end my say counts toward a publication- Granted it may not be much- but my input on someone elses work is consider by an editor.
That's some pressure.

But I am not dissuaded- on the contrary I am rather encouraged because I have the option to help those who submit their work. I can give them feedback if something is amiss. I can tell the author what I thought was good.

All in all I am loving the experience, and I hope what I say to the editor and author is helpful on both counts.
What should you take from this? What ever you want- go for it- put your foot in the door and even if it hurts keep trying!