Thanks to everyone who participated, commented, and spread the word about Writers Worth Week. Thanks especially to those who hosted my blog posts last week. If you missed them, you can find them here:
Cathy Miller
Kimberly Ben
Anne Wayman
Jenn Mattern
Devon Ellington
Tiah Beautement
Zukiswa Wanner
Damaria Senne
If you missed commenting on Friday or yours was one of the posts Blogger deleted in its outage, I’ve decided to extend the contest entries to midnight tonight (EDT). If you’re one of the four lucky commenters chosen, you’ll score a copy of The Worthy Writer’s Guide to Building a Better Business.
Mom’s about to get on the train home this afternoon, so back to work. I feel like May has completely slipped away. I took a working vacation, but it was more vacation than work. Maybe it’s the Catholic in me – the guilt of having fun when I’m not supposed to has me wanting to work harder, I guess.
I have a newsletter project to start today and finish this week. Amen for the time to do it. I cleared time by understanding my limits and passing on a project to a writer friend. I knew I had no time for it. In the past I’d have taken on any and all projects within the timeframes mentioned and worked into oblivion to finish them. Plus entertain my mother. This time, nothing doing. I’m tired.
We entertained Mom thoroughly. She arrived Wednesday afternoon and Daughter and I dragged her to DSW to buy her shoes. She needed a new pair of wellies, and she found a nice pair of sandals, so we let her choose, then snatched the boxes away and wouldn’t let her pay.
Thursday we took her to Atlantic City where she fed the slot machine her money. We hit the outlets there and she was tempted, but didn’t buy the Coach bag for my niece who has been working to buy one. Friday, Daughter stole her in the morning for some outlet shopping while I got some much-needed work done, and got to talk with a writer chum about an upcoming collaboration. Saturday was the Celtic Festival in town, then I drove her to Lancaster to see her friends who were there from Ontario (they do an annual antique-shopping trip). Then back into town to Molly Maguires to listen to a Celtic rock band. Yesterday was church, then to Molly Maguires for the traditional Irish sessions.
She’ll be glad to get home and rest.
So the work starts again today in earnest. I’m also looking to continue conversation with one conference contact who’s looking for some communication consistency.
Remember, if you’ve not entered or your entry was lost to the Internet gods, please comment today and you’ll be eligible. I apologize for the glitch, though it caught me by surprise as much as it did anyone else.
Thanks again, one and all, for helping make the 4th annual Writers Worth awareness campaign so successful. Let’s recap – what did you learn that you didn’t expect to learn? What one or more things will you be practicing regularly? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
11 responses to “Forward Motion”
I learnt that:
1. I need to constantly improve myself – so I registered for an online conference. I also applied for a Writer in residence programme – that will improve my credentials if I get in.
2. I should value my work more – so I bid for the money that I believe I'm worth on 2 jobs – I haven't heard from them yet, but either way, I feel good about what myself.
3. I let a contract with a client I liked, but which required a lot of work from me for low pay, end. Before, I would have done everything I could to get an extension; this time I suggested ways they can get the work done cheaper, and said, "it was wonderful working with you" and left. I adore them, but it was really for the best that we end it.
I learned never try to post on Friday the 13th. 🙂
I loved hearing about changes in publishing a book in your post over at Devon's side. It was new to me and I think a lot of times the ignorance of not knowing any better is what gets us behind the eight ball. So I appreciated the education.
The best advice I received was to treat this new career as a business – my business.
Thanks for all your hard work and passion on this, Lori.
I'm grumpy this morning, so my apologies in advance.
I'm learning to extricate myself from some clients whose work no longer fits the vision of where I want my career to go. It's not about the money, it's about the bigger plan. They could offer me 20X what I'm getting now, and I'd still say no. It's not that I don't like them, or they're doing anything snarksy, it's just that the time needs to be spent on a different type of work.
Saturn Retrogrades wear me out.
I bet someone too shy to post would answer "What's the best advice you've ever received?" with three words: Read Lori's blog.
I'm still processing a lot of last week's information, but it's always encouraging to know so many others are out there trying new ways to improve their writing businesses, and are willing to share their own ups and downs with the rest of us.
We may work independently, but we are not alone.
I second Cathy's kudos to you, Lori. And Paula said it on giving the best advice to writers: Read Lori's blog. This was a great week with many good tips to mull over for future business success!
I bid for a job last week that I didn't get. I'm satisfied, though, because I quoted a price that reflects what I'm worth as a writer. They didn't say they chose someone else for a cheaper price, but if they did, I'm OK with losing the job.
And that leads into the best advice I've received: Do not hesitate to ask for what you're worth. Thanks to you, Lori, and everyone in this community you've built, for being such a great support team!
Damaria, that's a lot of learning! Great lessons, too. We can't hear it often enough – value yourself and know what you're worth. Charge accordingly and never regret not compromising for those who can't afford you.
Devon, that's a really good point. There are clients whose projects no longer fit. I had one, and it took a lot to remove myself from the situation. The money was good, but the work was becoming impossibly demanding. I didn't want to be doing that the rest of my life, either. I moved on. I still take on those types of projects, but not to the same magnitude.
Those things can get us stuck in an awful, boring rut. (And you didn't seem the least bit grumpy.)
Thanks, Paula. 🙂 It is encouraging to know this isn't a singular issue. We all struggle with price and negotiations at some point. Arming yourself ahead of time with your bottom line helps immensely.
Ashley, you should be satisfied. You're standing up for yourself in ways others won't do for you. That has to feel rewarding in itself!
Cathy, I'd say! LOL No more Friday the 13th stuff for me, either. I'm still ticked those comments disappeared. Also, thank Devon for that post. She gave me the needed info for it, and she opened my eyes to just how much fiction writers struggle with these same business issues.
Lori, I have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, but being as you love shoes, you would appreciate my weekend. On Saturday I found a pair of emerald green ballet flats. In real leather. For $7.50. (My life is now complete.)
Writers' Worth Week Update: After I invoked Writers' Worth Week in an e-mail demanding payment for several pieces (one article was published back in January), the late-payer finally paid me for all but one of my published articles. He claims the one he hasn't paid me for "wasn't in the system" but he said it ran, so he will "take care of it." Eventually.
You know I rushed and deposited the funds as soon as I tallied it all up and made sure I knew exactly what was paid for.
I hope your mom had a safe trip home. I also hope her new shoes made it home okay as well. LOL!
I learned that time really does move too fast. Was it really the 4th Writer's Worth campaign? Hardly seems like it.
I have to admit I haven't done much of anything regarding writer's worth. For the past month, it's been all about Mom's worth. My son's school IEP assessment meeting didn't go well.
The special education department leaves a lot to be desired right now. I figured out that I have more special needs experience than the two of them put together. Mom is now taking things into her own hands.
Eileen, what a great find! It's like the Holy Grail sometimes, that perfect pair. 🙂
Wendy, having been there myself with my own son, I know it's frustrating. Continue to be present. Be that mom whose name they know. Scout out other schools and options, too. Your son may benefit from a specialized program specific to his needs. Hang in there, toots. You're doing a great job, I'm sure.
Go get 'em, Paula. 🙂