Meet Petra. She emailed me one day with this great idea to let our readers show off what they do and why they do it. Thanks, Petra - you rock!

Your name:  Petra Lattmann
Location: Mobile, AL

Job title: Freelance Writer

How did you get into this career? I was an electrical engineering student, went into the Navy as an electronics tech, took that into the private sector, read so many tech manuals that I started writing them for several companies in succession, parlayed that into public relations writing and then took a chance on freelancing for magazines and small PR firms.

Is this your passion: Research and writing are indeed my passion, but one that I didn't know from the beginning; I sort of worked my way towards it! I know that I am a natural writer because my thoughts flow from my brain, through my heart, and to my typing fingertips with great ease.

What do you actually do?: I currently maintain one client (I use to have many, but drilled it down to what I need now) to ensure that the bills get paid. I gather the needed material on a daily basis, I do more research, and then I write everything up for their site.
What are your greatest challenges in your work? Time. I'm always trying to streamline my efforts so I have more time to do the things that really make my heart sing.

What are your greatest rewards? Satisfaction that clients over the years have recognized my talents. I also have found that I prefer to work chiefly on my own; I'm willing to take the lumps when I don't get something right, but I also get all the kudos for a job well done.

What advice would you give to others considering a career like your’s? Take whatever you know and love and consider who might be interested. That might be magazines looking for articles or companies that can use you as a consultant. Don't be shy about your expertise. Where there is a niche, there is a need!
     
What else did Petra have to say: The path towards self-fulfillment is not always straightforward. I always say that if you keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities, the door you are looking for will present itself!

When you're not working, what else gets your motor running? I ride motorcycles and I've created a website that caters specifically to women riders.

Why do you do it? I ride mostly because it offers a high sense of freedom and accomplishment. To be a good rider requires that one understand that it's about a lifetime of learning. That really appeals to me. I created the website because I understood that making a difference in this world is something I aspire to. I help women to not give up when challenges present themselves.

How long have you been involved? I've been riding since 1979 and I created the VTwin Mama site in 2001.

What advice do you have for someone who is interested in getting involved? Take a chance and don't let dreams in your head die without giving it a try. At a minimum you'll gain the right to say, "Look what I tried and did." At the other end you may find a life pathway you never thought would be that which makes your heart sing. If you're interested in the adventure of riding a motorcycle, start at http://www.vtwinmama.com to get an idea of how to get started and how the community of women riders support each other!