Why?

Why?

I’m passionate about researching and experimenting with new and ancient communication tools and technology, and then sharing my discoveries with people.

I conduct research all the time, combining my educational and professional experience as a writer and archaeologist, acquiring knowledge of historic storytelling tools and techniques, as well as current and emerging communication technology. As I explore each process, I consider those in my acquaintance who may benefit from knowing about these tools, techniques, and technologies, and I encourage them to learn more.

My business, Hands-on Heritage, helps people communicate their legacy stories in a variety of media, from articles to books, social media posts to websites and apps, from videos to documentary films, from interpretive panels and exhibits to full-blown events and celebrations. I tackle many types of projects simply for the pleasure it gives me in researching a new way to tell a good story.

My passion is not altruistic, as I once thought. My passion is the selfish quest to learn about and toy with the tools people use to tell their stories.

In the past few years, I’ve added art, specifically watercolor and mixed media, to my stories. I’ve focused on developing my artistic knowledge and skills, another selfish quest. I’m in love with the process, and I spend a lot of time focusing on incremental gains in art.

Some of my most vivid youthful memories are not of places and people, but of things that I have used to communicate.

In 2001, I launched my freelance career, the beginnings of Hands-on Heritage, as a communications expert. I had a vision. After learning about eBooks, I began creating them for my clients. I made websites, designed apps, created multimedia CDs, and then DVDs, all before there was a market for them. I couldn’t help myself: I loved learning about using the tools and the technology, and as computers progressed, I kept learning.

A local liberal arts college invited me to teach in 2003, and I worked with students for nearly 20 years. A desktop publishing class led to the development of more classes. I’ve taught a range of courses, including archaeology, media writing, and general communication subjects like public speaking, event planning, and public relations, as well as an art class focused on graphic design.

I also direct the youth summer program, College for Kids. I’m a utility player, which means I can do a lot of things. Directing College for Kids wasn’t a stretch; as a public archaeologist, my early work in the discipline has been at museums, and I’ve worked as a curator and educator at hands-on science museums, historical societies, and later as a content developer for professionals developing new museums.

For decades, I’ve been living my passion, and I have been very successful as a creative individual.

Because my passion is a selfish quest, and I’ve never stopped following it. I still don’t know how to quantify or describe it. It is not possible to tie it up with a tidy bow. I’ve developed expertise in many areas because I’ve been driven by curiosity.

Now consider the ephemeral culture. What did you read today? Was it a book? An article on a website? A post on social media? What songs, stories, news, podcasts, or debates have you listened to recently? Any videos that brought a tear to your eye, a smile to your face? This is the beauty of the ephemeral – the fleeting, the momentary experience we all crave that has sprung from someone’s imagination.

Let your imagination run free and create something, anything. Keep making what you enjoy and sharing it, and you’ll soon have a following. Your following is more than an audience. Your followers can be your customers.

It’s hard to accept that someone will like your secrets, your musings. I find it nearly impossible to accept. But they do. I’m here today to discuss the potentially perilous notion of pursuing your passion and exploring ways to turn it into a career, as I firmly believe that you can transform your imagination into reality.

Of course, I believe it is possible. Remember, each day I spend time researching (or, as some people may think, wasting time), searching for new stories and content, and connecting with new writers, artists, and other creatives.

“Why” is a relentless question, and it deserves an honest response. I cannot stop creatively thinking, reading, and writing, and I can’t imagine my life without it.