Tammy: How many children and grandchildren do you have?
Cassie: I have one grandson.
Tammy: How did you get your start as a freelance proofreader?
Cassie: I called a publisher in Colorado Springs and asked if they needed a freelance proofreader. Then I went down to their publishing house and talked to them about the job. That was four years ago. I now freelance for publishers and other clients all over the US and Canada. As a proofreader, I am not mentioned in the books that I proof. That’s okay. I keep a list. One publisher also sends me a copy of every book that I work on for them.
Tammy: Since you like to proofread, I’m assuming you like writing as well?
Cassie: I love writing. Working with words in any form is my passion. I love talking to people and listening to their stories. I was a writer for a business journal and my favorite part of the job was talking to people, asking questions, and getting the story down. I have the original copy of my master’s thesis and a file folder that contains copies of the stories that I wrote while working as a staff reporter for a business newspaper.
I have to admit that sometimes I don’t think what I have to say interests people. I get over that by writing about being a grandma. This gives me an outlet. Writing about my grandson and what he sees is a lot of fun.
I also decided to volunteer in a kindergarten classroom this year because I realized that I miss working with young children. I love their spontaneity and excitement. That experience also provides subject matter for the grandma blog.
Tammy: What’s the best part of freelance proofreading? What do you like most about it?
Cassie: I love finding the mistakes. I know that sounds odd but it’s true. I found the mistakes in student papers when I was teaching college English. Proofreading also gives me a chance to read a lot. I am fascinated at what the authors know that I don’t know. I love learning this way. Proofreading also makes me use my brain and use the skills I learned in college.
Tammy: What is your favorite activity that you do with your grandchildren?
Cassie: I love cooking with my grandson. Now that it’s fall, he and I are talking about making apple pies or pumpkin empanadas. He loves to bake. Making sugar cookies and decorating them is one of his favorite activities. I also love to read to him. Yesterday, he brought the book Verdi home from school. We had been reading that book since he was little. It was a thrill for me when he asked me to read it. He seldom asks me to read a specific book.
Sometimes we get lost in our day-to-day activities. It’s fun to just take some time and let the kids be kids and do what they want to do. My grandson and I have decided that he can play on the playground after school until the weather changes. This way he will have a chance to get the wiggles out and exert a little energy. We can’t do that on roller hockey game days, but we can on those days when our schedule is open.
Tammy: Do you have any hobbies, and what are they?
Cassie: I have two hobbies that I can’t live without. I love textiles and I’m very much a textile junkie. I crochet and I also quilt. I have been crocheting and knitting since I was about ten years old. I started quilting when my daughters were little. I do more crocheting than I do quilting. Last year I made twenty-four baby blankets, hats, and booties for the Southern Colorado chapter of the Ronald McDonald House. I have also made a lot of blankets for family members. Patrick loves the feel of yarn and material. I guess he gets that from me.
I love to go to quilt shows and look at the textile art on display. I find beauty in both crocheting and quilting. They act as a release for me.
Tammy: What made you decide to work from home?
Cassie: I decided to work from home because I need to feel important. I am very much a product of the sixties. I need to feel like I am contributing something. I also like to keep busy and keep my hands busy. Working from home is a great fit for me. I don’t have to spend a lot of money on clothes, I don’t need a car, and I can spend time with my husband and grandson.
Tammy Embrich -- Full time work from home, writer, blogger, YouTube content creator, and LOVES playing with makeup. She is the proud grandmother of 2 wonderful grand blessings. You can visit Tammy at MakeUp Products Online .
Tammy Embrich -- Full time work from home, writer, blogger, YouTube content creator, and LOVES playing with makeup. She is the proud grandmother of 2 wonderful grand blessings. You can visit Tammy at <a href="https://www.makeupproductsonline.com"><strong>MakeUp Products Online </strong></a>.
