In California I felt less 'compartmentalized' -- it was perfectly normal for people, politicians, whoever to have tattoos or wear leather and still be taken seriously, and as a political writer there I had a fairly decent reputation and career. Here in Indiana I guess I am trying to challenge the idea that my appearance and spirit somehow negate the serious work that I do. It may be more of a challenge to do this in real estate than it is in my still-ongoing writing career, but I think I'm going to be all right.

Zak (realtor and writer)-Bloomington, IN