Writing From The Trenches

Paying it Forward

2008-04-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Blogger Appreciation Day as declared by Darren Rowse at Problogger, I have a few people to thank. These are writers and bloggers that have inspired me and helped me in my journey of freelance writing.

Dana Prince—I am thankful to Dana for her inspiration and friendship. She has been a great mentor as well as a great friend. You can find Dana at The Writer’s Blog, Cook it With Love, Healthniche, Momphabet Soup and her professional writing site, Dana Prince Writing Services.

Courtney Ramirez-I am thankful to Courtney for her encouragement and willingness to offer advice as needed. She is a very smart lady and I have learned a lot form watching her do what she does best. I am glad that Courtney has decided to keep her blog Web Writing Info.

Sue LaPointe-I am thankful to Sue for her great advice and encouragement. She is full of lots of great information on making the writing process more profitable. You can find Sue at Working Writer, Happy Writer.

Deb Ng-Deb is an excellent resource for all things related to blogging. She is an inspiration and willingly helps others to get a handle on the blog world. I am thankful for her willingness to help me in the past off-boards and willingness to share what she knows with others each and every day. A few of the places you can find Deb are at Freelance Writing Jobs , Network Blogging Tips , Cookerati , and She Know Parties .

Violette DeSantis—This will come as a surprise to Violette, but I am thankful for her encouragement and support. She is a great friend that I have made in the writing world. You can find Violette at Big Shoes and now at Her Christian Blog .

Thanks again ladies for all that you do! You are truly inspiring and have each helped to motivate me to become a better writer.

When Work Doesn’t Go As Planned

2008-04-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

I’ve been a busy bee lately and have been doing a lot of work. Some of what I am doing will pay off in the future and the dividends will be great. It has been fun to do and joyful with great possibilities. I absolutely love it.

However, some of the work that I have done has not been as fun and has been sort of a drudgery to complete. To make matters even more complicated, I haven’t been paid for the work that I have completed, despite the clear terms set out in my contract. I am finding it difficult to make myself want to do anymore work on a project that I am beginning to doubt.

So, what does a writer do when they are losing faith in a client and the project they are working on? I’m really not sure. I know that some would tell me to cut my losses now and move on. However, one of the projects will be entirely completed by the end of April. (Although payment was due the 1^st for any work completed last month according to the terms of the signed contract.) Should I just hang in there and if payment is not received upon completion take action? Part of me wants to at least complete that project and then not do any other projects like it in the future. I really don’t enjoy it. But I did commit to doing this project. Hmmm…decisions, decisions.

The other project is an on-going one that was supposed to be very profitable. The articles are tough to write, but the rate is fair. I put a lot of effort into writing them. To not be paid for them is making me nervous. Should I with-hold future articles until I am paid for the past ones? Part of me says yes. Part of me says to give it a couple of more weeks.

The frustrating part about this client is that they paid me for another project that I work on regularly. I have tried inquiring, but they haven’t been returning my e-mails. This probably should figure into my decision and I am not sure where to cut it off. I enjoy the other project that I did receive payment for and do not want to damage the relationship with the client. I hate being put into a position like this and I don’t want to make a wrong decision.

So what would you do in my situation? I am looking for guidance and counsel from my colleagues. How much is too much and when is enough, enough? As time goes on, I will let you know what action I have decided to take and what happens. Thanks for your help!

Do You Speak Thesaurus?

2008-03-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

As a writer, I am obviously very fond of words. I simply love them and love to find new and creative ways to say things. One of my favorite writing tools is my trusty thesaurus. I love it. Within the pages of this treasure are literally thousands upon thousands of different ways to say the same thing. Yet each word seems to only be perfect at certain times in my writing. Each wonderful word has its own perfect moment to shine.

The problem with being a word lover is that sometimes you get so many different words in your head actively floating around in your mind simultaneously. While this is handy when you are writing, it does become a challenge when you are speaking with others. You begin to become known as a walking and talking thesaurus. People take advantage. To illustrate my point, here is how my afternoon unfolded the other day:

From my son:

“Mom, what’s another word for being close?”

“Cuddle.”

“No, that’s to sissy. How about another word?”

“Nestle.”

“Nestle?”

“Yes.”

“Any other words?”

“Yes. Here is my thesaurus. Look it up. I would guess page 528 to 530.”

From my Spouse:

“Honey, what is another word for probably?”

“Plausibly.”

“No, that doesn’t sound right…”

“Try likely.

“No, it needs to be stronger. That it WILL happen.”

“Oh, you mean inevitably.”

***RING, RING, RING***

“Hello?”

“Hey big sister... I need a word for ridicule.”

“Tease?”

“No, that won’t work.”

“Taunt?”

“No, not right.”

“Ok, I’ll go out on a limb here…how about belittle, mimic or disparage?

“Oooo, those are good. Thanks.”

I really don’t mind helping occasionally and pulling a word or two out of my inner thesaurus. It keeps me on my toes and makes room for other lovely words. Inevitably those words will find themselves in something I am writing. And when I can’t think of just the right word for something? I pull out my secret weapon and lovingly turn the pages of my favorite word book also known as a thesaurus.

I know that I can’t possibly be the only one who speaks thesaurus as a 2^nd language. There must be others like me who secretly practice their words and challenge their minds. How many different ways can you think of to say the word thesaurus? I would bet you have several. I know I do. What is your favorite way to exert your thesaurus within?

Grammar Faux Pas

2008-02-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m a sign reader. I am one of those people that as they drive around they find all of the grammatical and spelling mistakes on the business signs around town. I’ve done it for years and I don’t see an end to it anytime in the near future. I don’t get paid for this, but I can’t seem to stop myself from mentally correcting the offending mistakes that I see all around me everyday. Perhaps it is the editor in me.

I think that what really drives me crazy is when I see spelling and grammatical mistakes in published pieces. It is one thing to roll your eyes at a sign when you drive by, and an entirely different matter to find it done by another professional in your line of work. It makes me cringe. It is like fingernails scraping across a chalkboard. These are people who should know better.

When it comes to bad grammar, I’ve seen it all. And I don’t mean that I’ve seen it all because I’m a mom to an almost teenager. These are mistakes made by people I consider colleagues in the writing world. The incorrect uses of then and than or accept and except. The misuse of lose and loose. (C’mon people, it’s lose weight, not loose weight.) The incorrect use of edition for addition or affect for effect and vice versa. I could go on and on and on. And lest you think these are all by the same person, think again. There are several guilty offenders, although there are some who have made multiple offenses.

Now, while I am not meaning to be the grammar police, I do think that it would behoove us as writers to be very sure of what we publish. When we make mistakes such as the ones I have listed, we lose credibility. Once that is lost, it is difficult to get it back.

I know I am not perfect, nor do I pretend to be…except with my son. But this is an issue that we need to perhaps take just a little more seriously as professional writers.

Oh, my favorite mistake this past week? C’mon…laugh with me…Wendsday for Wednesday. What are some of your favorites?

Should You Sign A Non-Compete Contract?

2008-02-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

I was recently hired by a group that wanted me to ghostwrite short 250 word articles for their client. I originally thought that this would be a good and reliable writing gig. The contract was to be for a one year period, but could go on for about three years.

I went through the process of joining the team and then things quickly changed. They decided that everyone on the team would need to sign new contracts that included a non-compete clause. This clause stated that you could not work for any of their direct or indirect clients for a period of one year after leaving their writing team. I could not work directly or indirectly for any of these clients. That really bothered me. I have been burned in two other careers by signing a non-compete contract. I didn’t start freelance writing to have my efforts controlled and dictated by someone other than myself.

My question is this: If I leave this team and get work from someone else, what kind of a nightmare am I going to have to make sure that I do not work for anyone that the original team sees as a client? They are currently working on gaining more clients everyday. If I am already working for one of their “new” clients, then what happens? Will I be sued?

I sent off an email that detailed my hesitation to sign such a contract. I received a very professional response in return, that explained why they are taking this stance. While I appreciate the reasoning that they have for such a decision and their professionalism, I cannot in good conscience sign a contract that limits my future work.

Some of their writers were taking their topics and directly approaching the client with the work before the group would submit it. That is not ethical and I would never do that. It is also highly unprofessional. However, while I would never directly go after their current clients, I cannot guarantee that any of their future clients will not be ones that I would choose to work with on my own either now or in the future. What if I contracted work with the client on my own in a different forum before they were a client for this group? That is an entirely different situation that they refuse to see.

A non-compete clause or contract only serves to protect the interests of the employer or first party. They are limiting their future competition in the market. The person who signs such a contract is giving up their freedom to work.

Doesn’t freelance imply the right to work where I choose? Doesn’t freelance imply freedom?

Dana Prince Writing

2007-11-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to alert everyone to a great new website that a friend of mine has started. Her name is Dana Prince and her new writing services site is looking great! She offers many different writing services and if you are looking for quality work, she is definitely a writer to consider.

You will find her at danaprincewriting.com. Don't miss her newest blog where she offers tips to help your online business grow through the use of quality online content. She will walk you through the use of the many different kinds of article writing that your business needs to succeed. Check her out...you won't be sorry!

Do you Twitter?

2007-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Do you twitter? This is a fun and useful social networking tool for most anyone looking to network with others in your profession. You can also use it to keep up with friends. It is a great way to let others know what you are doing.

The basis of twittering is to make short blog posts of 140 words or less. It is a great combination of text messaging and blogging all rolled into one! It is also a lot of fun! You are asked the question: "What are you doing?" You then answer the question and click update. You can change it as often as you like. With a simple page refresh you can also keep up with those in your network and know when it might not be the right time to ask for something you may need. It is also a great laugh at times. If you aren't twittering, hop on over and sign up. Don't forget to add me, blemmet as your friend!

Oh Happy Day!

2007-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

So today I had some exciting news...

I landed a writing gig that I really wanted! It isn't a huge gig, but it will be a fun one! It will also be an ongoing job, so that is always a good thing. I have been doing a happy dance all day. Go me!

I found out a few days earlier than was initially posted. The first line of the letter said: "I really like your writing." That is always a great start to any letter! It really made my day!

The fun part about this job is that I will get paid to write my opinion on various items. I will also get to use my byline of blemmet. I will post a link to the site that I will be writing for when everything is ready to go. Look for this post in the future!

Help! I’ve Been Punked!

2007-11-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

So I was recently handed some editing work with the understanding that I would rewrite what I couldn’t fix…

After several hours on a low paying job, I have to say I am beginning to look over my shoulder for the Punk guys. Trouble is they haven’t even bothered to ring my doorbell! I just know they have become lost and can’t find me to put an end to this debacle of writing that I am currently trying to fix. There are just some things that absolutely can’t be fixed no matter how hard you try. The easiest thing to do is just start over. I know this deep down. I just keep hoping that the next article will be better than the last.

I have had to research every bit of the writing because there isn’t any part of it that I can seem to be able to trust, which is a shame. I guess I’ve been in my own naïve bubble where people who write professionally can string sentences together, know the basics of good grammar and know how to turn on their spell-check if they can’t spell and resist the urge to plagiarize their own work. I will say that I have found quite a bit of this humorous because it is just so…bad. I’ve learned things that frankly I didn’t think were possible and I have to chuckle at the thought that someone actually believes it.

I hate to believe that this writing is actually real! So if you happen to see those Punk guys lurking around somewhere because they are lost, will you please send them my way?

The Sweet Escape

2007-10-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

I have strangely found myself singing a song by Gwen Stefani lately. I’ve never been a huge fan of hers, but I do have to say that her song” The Sweet Escape” has class. I’ve even picked it as my current song on my Myspace page.

I think that the first part of the chorus is what calls out to my soul as a writer. “If I could escape, and recreate a place that’s my own world, and I could be your favorite girl forever, perfectly together, now tell me boy now wouldn’t that be sweet?”

What writer doesn’t strive to do this on a daily basis? We are constantly working to recreate our world as we know it through the power of our pens and minds. Each and every article or story is a sweet escape that we love. Of course some of those escapes are better than others, but what a great job we have! My mom used to tell me that I spent too much time with my head in the clouds. Maybe so, but just look where I am today!

I feel fortunate to be able to live my dream of writing for a living. If every assignment isn’t a dream, then the next one may be. It’s at least worth my time to hope and create my life as a writer. Not everyone gets to do what I do and I can truly say it’s like a dream come true. I am grateful to have my sweet escape.

Trudging Through The Sludge

2007-10-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

I recently hit a brick wall with my writing. I hit it hard and fast and boy did it knock me for a loop! It came about because of a couple of things going on in my life and unfortunately it overlapped into my work. I was just barely managing and then I began working on a difficult assignment. It started out fairly easy and then complete chaos took over.

I won’t mention what happened except to say that I spent many sleepless nights trying to work on this project. I spent all day. I spent all night. I didn’t get very far. My confidence in my writing abilities plummeted and I fell into a deep and dark abyss of writer despair. Suffice it to say it was horrible.

Shortly thereafter I took a relatively fun project on and thought everything would be ok. But to my surprise and despair, I still felt like I was trudging through a deep and thick sludge that wasn’t ever going to leave. What is a writer to do? Working through it wasn’t helping.

A writer friend and mentor suggested I take a day off. I decided to follow her advice. I played hooky from all of my responsibilities yesterday. It was wonderful! I feel refreshed and renewed. I am able to write again. I’m going to take the weekend off from my work responsibilities and start next week off with a renewed vigor. Sometimes a little break from life is good for the mind and the soul.