April 2006 Archives
Writing on the Move
Last weekend I was in Indy, as happens periodically. I had a deadline on Friday and another on Monday, so I brought my computer with me and worked when I had time. My mother thought it was adorable. Is my job cute? I hadn’t realized!
I did realize how wonderful this job is for a mobile person such as myself. I don’t know where I’ll be living for the next few months, but I do know exactly where to find my work. As long as there is a net connection I will have an office. How lovely!
Busy Busy Busy
So. I’m writing 2 or so articles each week for the ESL e-zine thingy.
I’m signed up with another forum posting company.
I recently wrote a sample essay for a web site looking for content. The editor is supposed to get back with me tomorrow.
I’m also trying to schedule an interview with a small publishing company for an editing/proofreading position.
Life seems fond of throwing curve balls, but being busy is a curve I can certainly take!
Stepping Up
I can’t even begin to count the number of jobs I’ve skipped over because they require a B.A. Well, I’m about to have an opportunity to get that elusive degree, or die trying.
Pick a Job
I’m not really a specialist writer, which is a bit of a problem. It seems that most of the non-fiction I sell is fluffy. I write about crafting, fashion, make-up and skin care. It isn’t very serious, and while it does periodically pay the bills it does little for my sense of pride in my work.
I found an opportunity to write fiction for a webzine looking for a regular writer. It is actually a fun genre, but it is one that would have me making heavy use of my pen name. Erotica. I remind myself that Anne Rice and several other mainstream novelists have dangled their toes in that particular river.
I’m still having trouble determining if I can maintain my artistic integrity while making a living. This seems unlikely. Would it be better if I close my eyes and picked a job, any job?
Quagmire
I’m writing a few articles for an ezine that targets 16-24 year old girls in mainland China. The zine is actually camouflaged for a market research survey website intended to provide information about Eastern markets to Western companies.
The name of the site is an edited version of the old slang word for “cheap Asian laborer or Asian slave.” I ran across a message board post that warns that the simplistic writing style demanded by the editor is degrading to Chinese women and the subject matter is a high-handed attempt at Westernizing China.
On the other hand the editor/CEO/ father of this project is a very successful global business man. (Potential patron?) He did address the accusations against him and seems to have a fairly solid plan for marketing this site. The material that he’s asking for is fun and easy to produce and the pay is lovely ($20-30 hourly).
Am I selling out my “art” by indulging in even more artless writing? Am I morally bankrupting myself by writing for a company accused of racism and degrading the cultural connections of Chinese women? Is my family’s need for a financial boost merely an cover up for my own greed?
*pondering*
Little Things
Freelance Writing 101: Take Pride in Every Clip
I was published in the Yuma Pioneer this week. I wrote a letter to the editor about Colorado’s Emergency Contraception Bill. It was short, sweet, and to the point, and I think I did a fairly good job.
Dear Editor,
Governor Owens has been presented with an opportunity to make a difference in the reproductive rights argument that works well for everyone.
Bill HB 1212, if approved, would give pharmacists the ability to prescribe Emergency Contraceptives over the counter. EC is an effective defense against pregnancy and very safe. In fact, it meets all of the FDA’s qualifications for over the counter status.
EC is most effective when taken within the first twelve hours. I can rarely get an appointment with my doctor with less than a 48 hour wait. Twenty-four hour access to this drug would dramatically decrease the number of unintended pregnancies in our state.
Governor Owens, please help us. Your approval of this bill could save countless women the misery of ever submitting their lives to the the Pro-life/Pro-choice debate.
I think I need to update my resume again.
