Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Hammond.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m what I’d call a late bloomer. A stay-at-home mom for most of my adult life, divorce and a desire to figure out who I was and what I wanted led me (rather circuitously) to do what I do now. From right-hand-person to the director of a charter school to life coach, to columnist, feature writer, novelist, radio host and playwright. It’s been a long and winding career that in its own strange way makes sense.
Words have always mattered to me, the way they sound, the fun of connecting them together, and most especially, having them be part of something others enjoy reading or watching.
My writing career began by writing about adoption. My youngest child, Emma, is a Korean adoptee. From there I wrote more first-person columns, and then not having a clue as to how to do it, began writing feature stories for the Cape Cod Times. Which led to writing over 600 columns, features and reviews for the paper. I created a pop culture column, and also wrote weekly columns about TV and fashion.
While writing for the paper I went back to school for journalism, taught writing to teens and also wrote a novel, “The Best Worst Year.” I got an agent, and was on that merry-go-round for a few years! My literary agency published it as an eBook after the big six passed on it.
During this time I also created a syndicated column with a writing partner, Susan Blood, called “The Fix-it Sisters.” It was a humorous advice column, full of questionable written by our alter egos, Annabelle and Scarlett Darling.
And because I never seem content to do one thing, about five years ago I began studying playwriting at Cape Cod Repertory Theater. I have had one short play produced in Provincetown and had a fantastic stage reading of my two-act play, “Love and Disaster’ last fall. It will hopefully find a home for production next season. Meanwhile, I have a new work in progress that is nearing completion.
Making a living as a writer isn’t easy, especially with the present state of newspapers. Over the last four years I have transitioned more and more into PR, content writing and social media managing. I presently work with two wonderful non-profits and several businesses doing everything from writing their web content, newsletters, blogs, press releases and managing their social media presence. And I love it. I am lucky to work with wonderful people who are doing some wonderful things in the world. I still write newspaper stories and as the host of a radio show, Arts Week, I still get to interview incredibly interesting people in the arts.
It’s a hustle. It’s not easy. But as a creative person, I love that no two days are the same.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Deciding to be a writer doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Especially as a single mom of three. There are many times I’ve wished I’d had a burning desire to be a dental hygienist or lawyer. But it’s not who I am. A traditional 9-5 job would not be a fit for me.
At one time I was the busiest freelance writer on Cape Cod. As the papers began being bought up by huge corporations they no longer had funds to hire writers like me. They began running more and more wire stories and sadly, papers have lost their local voice.
I built a successful life coaching practice, but when the economy took a dive people no longer had the luxury of having a coach helping them.
I’m not alone. Lots of people, especially creatives, have a lot of practice at reinventing their lives. It’s not easy. I have had my moments of falling apart, but I’m blessed to be very resilient, something that has served me well, both professionally and personally.
When my oldest son became a heroin addict all the skills I had come to the fore and helped me help him. That was the lowest point of my life, but thankfully through his hard work, he has over ten years sober. That challenging time motivates me still to reach out and help others. I volunteer helping other parents offering them hope and support. We are all more than our careers, and we all have something we can give back.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Candace Hammond Writing story. Tell us more about the business.
It’s not always easy when you are your business!
What I think I am most known for is being easy to work with, intuitive, creative and reliable. I purposely divide my time between nonprofits and for-profit businesses, because to me it’s important to help nonprofits get noticed by the press, get people to their events, and let the world know all the good they do.
One of my current favorite projects is social media managing for two lovely shops called Vintage in Vogue in Orleans and Provincetown. I love poring over the clothes, taking photos and seeing the results in people finding these stores. It’s so fun!
I am very good at getting local press interested in projects because after having written professionally for 16 years I know what makes a good story. My experience and my dedication sets me apart. I think outside the box, and love what I do. And, after all those years of working on deadline, I know how to meet them.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Being in the right place at the right time always helps, but just as important is seizing opportunities that come your way. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity. When things don’t work out – and there are times they sure haven’t, I don’t blame others, and I truly believe that when things don’t work out there is a reason and that we have no idea what might be the reason and what is around the next corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: candacehammond.com
- Phone: 5082373991
- Email: candyhammond1108@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photo of me – Mary Lou Foley
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