I have a deadline tomorrow. Technically it’s a Saturday deadline, but I covet my weekends too much to spend them working. I’m here 8-5 every weekday. That should be enough.
So I wrote the article and sent it to the editor yesterday. There were a few glitches – one of the contacts, an association, has yet to go on record. The editor had a very specific list of folks she wanted for this article, this association being one of the named sources. Try as I might, four weeks passed and no one from this particular group has commented. Worse, I spent two weeks chasing down the PR contact who never answered two of my emails or calls. I went online and found another contact. She responded, but again, no interview, no quotes, no response beyond “Still waiting.”
Instead of waiting, I wrote the story. If the quotes come in (I resorted to sending questions in hopes of some response), I’ll incorporate them. I let the editor know that these people are not calling back so she’s aware that I’m trying to comply with her requirements. She understood, but if I’m able to corner them long enough for even a sentence, it’s going in that article. But they’re not on my list of reliable sources, let me tell you.
Today is a client call to discuss a new project, then a search for the next article’s sources and a little research. I’m hoping tomorrow can be a day off – after the car troubles and our fish being sick (how do you cure a lethargic goldfish? You don’t), I’m in need of some time in a lawn chair with a good book.
What’s on your agenda today?
4 responses to “Thursdays and Deadlines”
Writing, getting rid of my headache, taking my mom to an appointment and fighting a corp that thinks "senior citizen" means "easy prey" and hauling more $$ to the vet.
I'm juggling three dogs (one is mine, two belong to my sister), seasonal allergies, and a pressing need to wash the dishes that have somehow accumulated in my kitchen sink.
I have one small project, one column, and one blog post I need to get done by Friday, nothing pressing. If my allergies clear enough and I don't need to take an OTC allergy pill (half a dose makes me sleepy and unfocused), I might send out some more queries.
I hope your goldfish is better. If not, pet stores have various medications for common fish ailments – usually drops you add to the water. Back when I had fish, the packages listed symptoms but also had illustrations of what fish with that condition tend to look like (the all seemed to look sad, with droopy fins), so you just try to match your fish with the illustration. Some of the medications can harm other aquatic life (plants, snails, baby fish), so check the label. You don't want the cure to kill something else.
Hi Lori
Muttie is a freelance journo too and understands your predicament. And as for that PR who didn't get back. That is no PR person! Today I emailed an online editor after sending them an article last week and hearing nothing. Turns out my email had gone into her spam box and she'd commissioned the piece from someone else (it was the first time I'd written for her). She's still paying me tho! I also wrote two kid-on letters to the Letters Pages of womens mags. And I phoned my pal and we had a good laugh at Gordon Brown's gaffe. I admire your not working at weekends. Wish I could! I'm back in freelancing after 8 years in PR and I can't believe how much journalism has changed! All my commissions have been online. Newspapers are paying zilch!
Jill x
I finished all the scripts for my upcoming book writing class except the intro… that will have to come when I'm clearer on the membership site aspect of this… waiting for approval or not on a mortgage… I think I'll take a walk soon instead of a nap then video at least two more lessons, maybe, if it goes really well, all four.
Whew… minimum stuff tomorrow for sure.