256: Don't Be Afraid to Try Something Different with Kelly K James
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256: Don't Be Afraid to Try Something Different
Kelly K. James (formerly Kelly James-Enger) has been writing for 20+ years as a full-time freelancer, and most recently, as a corporate content writer. In June 2024, she published her memoir, The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired: How I (Barely) Survived a Year in Corporate America, an entertaining, honest account of what (and what not) to do when you make that corporate leap in midlife.
As a kid, Kelly loved to read, write, and was an excellent student. In college, she majored in business because it was one of the more competitive programs. Day two of her sophomore year, Kelly had an anxiety attack and left school. She worked in a restaurant and returned to college the next term to study rhetoric, a writing major. A professor told her she would be a good lawyer. She took the LSAT exam, aced it, and went to law school. In 1997, Kelly “escaped from the law.” She practiced law for over five years, yet she knew it was not for her.
Kelly began to write articles for major publications, later adding ghostwriting and authoring her own books. As a ghostwriter, Kelly has penned more than 30 books. She is also a novelist and author of writing-related books including Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success, Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition, and Goodbye Byline Hello Big Bucks: Make Money Ghostwriting Books, Articles, Blogs, and More, Second Edition.
In 2018, Kelly decided to go work for a small company. She was happily self-employed, yet she was also a single mom and worried about the cost of health insurance.
In 2022, Kelly returned to the law to write legal content full-time for Miles Mediation & Arbitration. In addition, she writes independently about health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness subjects. Her work has appeared in 65+ online and print publications, including Huffington Post, The Girlfriend, NextTribe, Next Avenue, Chicago Health, Vibrant Life, and other markets.
In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about Kelly’s journey:
Kelly has written over 2,000 print and online articles for Family Circle, Health, Parents, Runner’s World, Continental, and NextAvenue, and has produced written content for agencies including MXM, StayWell, and Imagination.
She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Listen, subscribe and read show notes at www.tammygoolerloeb.com/podcasts/ - episode 256
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Work from the inside out
Prior to establishing her practice, Tammy held a variety of positions in mental health services, higher education administration, public policy analysis and fundraising. Her practical knowledge and experience in organizational development, program management and business operations builds a relatable relationship with clients striving for higher performance results.