Comments on: Stuff I’ve Learned

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:32:22 +0000

I need to think a bit more to make my list,but I have to say that I enjoyed the one posted here.

Why? I definitely experienced 3 of those and even when I read them now, it is still painful. I did learn to stand up for myself and learned how to communicate ....I need to work on no because let me say from last Novemenberuntil April was waaaaay too much work (in retrospect, what was I thinking? 70 hours a week?).

Finally, I was bitten this past yr by a contract (or my inability to negotiate after the project). I need to learn this skill pronto.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:53:35 +0000

One of the most important things I have learned has to do with professionalism. If you choose to make writing a career/business, then you should have a professional attitude to go with it.

A website targeting a particular type of corporation, that has Mom-related images, ads and links is not going to get you taken seriously. A corporation interested in hiring a writer is not going to be impressed by a blog that talks about your child's piano lessons and trips to the zoo.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:11:11 +0000

I learned how motivating it is to have a group of fellow writers to share things with, good and bad.

It's nice to know your own mistakes can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls, but it's even better when there's someone there to warn you about those pits before you fall.

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:58:33 +0000

Things I have learned:
1. I have a lot to learn
2. You must make time to write (even if you don't have an assignment)
3. Writers are generous people
4. Opportunities abound, you just need to open your mind

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:51:47 +0000

I sure wish you'd send some of your rain to Texas. We had one day of rain last week. That was the first day of any significant rain since September! I'm going to be a raisin pretty soon.

Devon's comment is spot on - we have to be very careful with our limited hours. I am very stingy with my time! I've also learned that people will use you as much as you will let them. If you don't stand up for yourself/your business, no one will. And Cathy's comment about the generosity of the writing community is also true. I see it every single day.

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:50 +0000

Hang in there, Lori. Summer HAS to be lurking very close. If it makes you feel better, we had rain 27 out of 30 days in April. It's also rained every day this week so far.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:42:54 +0000

1) I've learned what a generous community the writers community is.

2) I've learned to put an expiration date on proposals and an effective date on fee lists.

3) I've learned to ALWAYS get a deposit.

4). I've learned to be a better writer.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:16:35 +0000

Thanks for the recommendation, Devon. I'll look into that.

Very true about regretting choices involving money only. I've had a few high-paying jobs that created more stress than the money was worth.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:00:33 +0000

The external hard drive I use with my Time Machine backups is called a MyBook. I didn't like the Time-Machine specific ones from Apple, so I asked for another recommendation, and was told this one. They have it formatted for either Mac or PC. I love it. You don't want to drop it or knock it over, but other than that, it's very reliable, and has saved my ass on more than one occassion. It's also small, shaped like a black book, lightweight, etc.

What i learned is there aren't enough hours in the day, and I have to pick and choose, and reshuffled priorities constantly.

I learned that when money is the ONLY reason to say yes to a project, I regret it every time. I have to balance the financial with the other elements.