THE interview

THIS was the interview I have been hoping for. 

To have the audience of an executive editor.
THE executive editor. 

How does someone like me get to interview with THE executive editor?
In person?
Face-to-face?

Luck. 
I got lucky.
I know it. 
I'm fine with it.
Today it was my turn.

SO.

Here's me.

Imagining what it would be like to TELL the executive editor what I wanted to write.
And then get the okay to do it.

Obviously it doesn't work like that.
Except in my own little imagination.

BUT today
went something like this:

Executive Editor:  I've seen your resume, Robin, and it is impressive.  But I'd like to hear about it from you.  Tell me about your education.

Me:  Well.  Uhm.  My post-secondary training happens to be in massage therapy. That, and I have personal experience in the 'at-home-mom' department.  So as far as writing goes, my education does not match my experience you see on that resume.

Executive:  Tell me about your writing.  What do you like to write.

Me:  I  love human interest stories.  I'm pretty good at photography as well.  And as long as you are asking, I'd like to someday write a column. 

Executive:  We do have freelance opportunities available.  However, our freelancers do not write columns.

Me:  I figured that.  But you asked.

So the rest of the interview went on with more back and forth.  She had looked at my portfolio and decided that I could fill out the paperwork necessary for tax purposes and then she would start assigning work to me.

And I asked her:  Is all of the work done on assignment?

Executive:  Yes.  What did you think it would be?

Me:  I didn't know if freelancers ever came to you with an idea for an article.

Executive:  No.  But if you were to have an idea, what would you propose?

Me:  Well, I don't know.  But you mentioned that freelances occassionally cover weekend events.  RAGBRI is coming through my town and I'm going to be there so.....

Executive:  You have that job.

Me:  (dancing on the inside)

After handing me the paperwork and explaining why the Times needs this info from me, I explained that I understood as, years ago, I had worked on a few freelance jobs for a different division of the Times.  And I hand that info to her.

Executive:  Oh my.  I thought I recognized your name.  I was the editor on this particular project.  (speaking of the project I had done.

And from then on, it only got better.
The tone went from crossed arms to "welcome aboard." 

And the column that freelancers just "don't do,"
......
.....
Well.
I have an opportunity to submit my vision for a column that used to run.....
......
and.
If she likes it?

I get to have the column.

As a freelancer!

I'm still wondering, as I write this....
....am I dreaming?  Cuz this is way better than I had imagined.