I always wanted to be a writer. When I graduated from college with English and history degrees and the strong desire to write, I realized I had no idea how to actually get paid to be a writer. Instead, I got a job as a bank teller while I figured out how to become a writer.
Almost three years of “bank-tellering” later, I answered an ad I found online via the Chicago Tribune. It was for an editorial assistant position with Professional Roofing, the official publication of the National Roofing Contractors Association. I had no experience, knew nothing about roofing—and really didn’t want to write about roofing—but I needed to start somewhere. I interviewed and was hired. Three weeks later I uprooted my life and moved to Illinois to begin what has so far been a 21-year career writing about construction and design. Despite my apprehension about writing about roofing in the beginning, these days, I tell anyone who will listen that I can’t imagine writing about anything other than buildings. The subject matter is fascinating, and every day is completely different with new challenges, people and stories. I feel very fortunate to work in this industry and to have met so many extraordinary people through the years.
My daughter Clare is only four-years old and doesn’t quite understand when retrofit and retrofit home arrive in our mailbox that I put these magazines together. However, in the interest of exposing her to the design and construction industry for a possible future career, I accepted an advanced reader copy of The House That She Built, written by Mollie Elkman and illustrated by Georgia Castellano.
The book was released by BuilderBooks, the publishing arm of the National Association of Home Builders. The book’s goal is to “bridge the gap of the skilled labor shortage by educating and exposing children to STEAM and construction careers and elevating women in the industry.” It is based on the true story of a house built by the Utah Home Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Council. The council utilized skilled tradeswomen and women-owned companies for all stages of the project. As momentum grew, women from all over the country traveled to Utah to contribute. The House That She Built highlights every stage of the home-building process, explaining the woman’s role in completing that stage of the process.
I have read the book to Clare numerous times since I’ve received it. Last night, after reading it, I asked her what she likes most about the book. “The excavator,” she said. “I want to drive the excavator.” Clare’s comment has made me, a woman who at one time foolishly didn’t want to write about construction, very proud!
Order a copy of The House That She Built.
