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Humorous historian Jan Bridgeforth Smith, who joined ASJA this year, is the subject of this week’s grilling (but not skewering). Among her nonfiction credits are Life in the Finger Lakes, History Channel Magazine, History Magazine, American History Magazine, America’s Civil War and, in 2018, a piece slated for Smithsonian Air & Space. Her short stories and prose poems have been featured in Everyday Fiction, Long Story Short, Lady Ink Magazine, Stories for All Seasons: An Anthology, and Foundling Review.
How did you get started in writing?
I’ve always enjoyed the arts. I once danced with the Washington Regional Ballet Company but hung up my toe shoes when I learned to make—and eat—killer lasagna. I fumbled into journalism while working for the Cornell Cooperative Extension where I wrote a regular column on public education for a local Gannett newspaper. The gig drew a loyal following of three: my mother, a cousin, and my boss. My columnist days were short-lived but my enthusiasm for writing took off. That was in 2006, and already I’d had a few careers—special education teacher, counselor, trainer, nonprofit agency executive, college instructor, community educator and organizer. My nonfiction passion, however, is history with a twist. I look for off-the-grid stories from America’s past—stories about famous or obscure people and places with an unfamiliar detail or unexpected anecdote tucked into the tale. Especially those with delicious bits of revelation that linger in a reader’s mind long after reaching “The End.” And writing fiction satisfies my love of quirky coincidences and oddly behaved people without having to rely on fact.
What precipitated your decision to become a freelancer?
Because I was able to retire a few years ago, I could put all my efforts into freelancing. Although I had only a few published credits to my name, I did have a Master’s degree from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Maryland. I’m also certified mother of three grown children, Aaron, Nathan and Marian and “Nonni” to three-year-old Amira, and, until my husband’s death in 2016, an erratic pastor’s wife, which provided me with life experiences as well as potential fodder.
What was the biggest surprise you found as a freelancer?
Few, if any people work in their pajamas; that is, they take it very seriously. It’s a business first and foremost and you have to hustle if you want to make the rent. That’s a lot of pressure, particularly for those who are newer to this world. Today freelancing is a combination of being on top of everything going on in the field, writing and also coming up with good ideas. Plus you want to do work you love and be recognized, with all the rejection and disappointment that can entail. Which is why it’s important to find like-minded people with similar goals. We’re all in the same boat.
So then you joined ASJA and attended this year’s conference. Has it been worth it?
I’d heard good things about ASJA, especially with regard to Forum and support among other members. I also felt the need to make an investment in developing my writing skills and also to learn more about marketing and networking.
The conference was great – everyone was very welcoming and helpful. I got a sense of what was really happening and why. I admit it…I am a total Luddite when it comes to some aspects of freelancing and Client Connections in particular helped me refine my pitch. It also landed an agent and publisher who are interested in seeing my book proposal. It was a great confidence builder – and, as they say, helped me get my log line down!
So far, ASJA has met and exceeded my expectations and I plan on rejoining next year.
What are you working on now?
I am working on three different history pieces for three different publications. And like thousands of writers around the globe, I’m working on a book project—a nonfiction tale of the tragic affair between the most famous American Indian of the jazz era and a fabulously wealthy California socialite. There’s sex, drugs, money, Hollywood movie stars and a suspect death in a mansion library…. Stay tuned!