lwidmer | Words on the Page

Samples

Posted on September 27, 2011 by lwidmer

Good day yesterday. I managed to get most of the Web project wrapped up. One more element or two and we’re on to the editing phase. I got some queries out in the afternoon, then off to a meditation-related music demonstration, which I didn’t want to go to initially. Turned out to be amazing. Also,…

Aspiring

Posted on September 26, 2011 by lwidmer

What a weekend. There’s no way I could feel idle with all I managed, but somehow I had time to act like a slug. I read quite a bit, slept a little later, watched my guilty pleasures on Saturday morning (I’m an HGTV junkie), and enjoyed every minute. But I managed to vacuum, dust, clean…

Typo and Grammar Gaffe Friday

Posted on September 23, 2011 by lwidmer

Busy day yesterday. I started a website project in the morning, then put it aside to get a press release draft put together. But I watched myself drag my heels on that project. I wanted to get it done well and quickly, but I was tired. Once again, my thyroid hormone levels are down, so…

Life Lessons from Dr. Freelance

Posted on September 22, 2011 by lwidmer

Jake Poinier has no idea I’m posting about his annual Freelance Forecast. But since I’m sharing the words of others this week, I couldn’t let Jake out of the mix. He’s been doing something every year that holds great value to freelancers – he’s taking the pulse of both writers and clients. I participated in…

Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on September 20, 2011 by lwidmer

Yesterday was somewhat productive. I managed to wrap up and invoice that large project. What pleases me is it was done in record time and with the least amount of hassles imaginable. I love when clients know what they want, convey what they want, and read fully my emails. No overreactions, no stress – my…

Guest Post: Working Remotely

Posted on September 19, 2011 by lwidmer

Happy birthday to my brother! Today he’s – well, he’s still older than I am. And being a good sister, I’m definitely going to point that out. Remember when that was a good thing – to be older than your siblings? I’m excited. I’ve been a fan of Sharon Hurley Hall for a while now,…

Tenseness and Time

Posted on September 16, 2011 by lwidmer

Don’t forget to check out Anne’s and my new Five Buck Forum, the most affordable members-only sharing, caring, and business-building site to date. We’re so happy with all the features of the forum, the Webinars, the courses, and of course, the cameraderie and networking. For the price of a Happy Meal, you can be part…

Announcing….

Posted on September 15, 2011 by lwidmer

It’s here! Introducing the Five Buck Forum! Built by Anne Wayman and yours truly, the forum is a comprehensive meeting place for writers and creatives that offers support, advice, resources, and discounts on Webinars and ebooks. Anne and I have built it with you in mind. We’ve talked to you, heard what you’ve said, and…

The Winning Partnership

Posted on September 15, 2011 by lwidmer

Yesterday was productive. I spent a good deal of time working on my personal project, my project with Anne, and another chunk of the large project that hit my in box around noon. If all goes well, I should be able to bill for the large one this week, which means I’ll surpass my monthly…

Cathy Miller

September 15, 2011

I haven't tried collaboration in this new life of mine, but had plenty in my Corporate days.

You've nailed many of the elements for success, Lori. It's a given that writers have creativity (at least I hope so) although some are more tuned into it than others.

So, you need to have a dash of the technical and organizational skills. And it's so much better when the individual actually likes to do those things.

You also have to trust each other and be supportive-have their back. If there's problems, it's shared and not anyone's fault.

And with all that comes respect. Can't wait to see what you & Anne have put together!

Lori

September 15, 2011

Cathy, we'll get you collaborating in no time. 🙂

Paula

September 15, 2011

I've collaborated with two different writers, and things turned out well for the most part.

One writer and I collaborated on a spec script. I wrote one section, we revised it together before she wrote the next section, and so on. My strength was in dialog, hers was in plotting, so be balanced one another well.

That same writer and I teamed up to lead a beginning screenwriting workshop. She's a playwright and wasnt' as familiar with standard screenplay formats as I was, so I covered the technical aspects. She had teaching experience and came up with great ideas to get the participants involved.

The other writer I wrote a spec script with was in Australia. He's great with stories, and while he knows a lot of American slang from watching movies and TV shows, a lot of Aussie-isms were slipping into his writing, so along with contributing to the storyline and dialog, I helped him navigate the strange waters of US colloquialisms.

I agree with all of your points, Lori. Egos seem to be the biggest issue in collaborations. If one person's ego is too big (or too fragile) to accept constructive criticism or another viewpoint, they won't be able to work toward their common goal.