With two advanced degrees, her own consulting firm (Davidson & Associates), numerous articles in The New York Times, and three published books (“Most Likely to Succeed at Work,” “Business Writing: What Works, What Won’t” and “Writing a Winning College Application Essay”), Wilma Davidson’s career has had many high points.
The Grand Bay resident, a professor at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, added another Friday, Feb. 15, when she hosted her favorite writer, Wally Lamb, the guest speaker at a school presentation. She discovered she has much in common with the Oprah Book Club: Both hail from Connecticut; consider teaching their true raison d’être; and find writing an excruciating practice with a satisfying outcome.
IN HER OWN WORDS
ON TEACHING. I’ve always loved it. I started as a swim instructor. Later, I taught junior high English, then high school English, then business communication for college students, grad students and leaders in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and professional organizations. I’m hooked on the psychological gratification that comes from helping someone learn.
ON WRITING. The writing process is chaos. It can be stressful for new and veteran writers alike. But, the more you do it, the more faith you have that the story will find its way.
ON SUCCESS. Wally Lamb voiced my fear: “I’m an imposter.” I have a tendency to think, “I’m not really good at this … Eventually people are going to figure me out.”
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Hat's off to Dee Pelton, volunteers
05/15/13
Dee Pelton held a luncheon that will be tough to top. -
Youth sailors descend on City Island
05/15/13
Approximately 250 people hit the water Saturday, April 20 through Sunday, April 21, for Sailfest. The regatta, Sarasota Youth Sailing's biggest fundraiser of the year, included four classes of competition — Optimus, 420, Laser and Multi-hull — and a barbecue feast. -
Book club sunsets for the season
05/15/13
The Sunset Beach Book Club, in its 10th year, ended this season with a luncheon and discussion of the book “Gone Girl,” by Gillian Flynn, April 18, at Lazy Lobster. Discussion moderator was Ricki Carroll. Together, the group read five books this season.
