Words on the Page

Guest Post: Confessions of an Ex-mill Writer

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Cinderella Man by Eminem A week or so ago, I was reading through the comments when something our own Wendy Johnson’s comment about writing for mills. She said, ” I wish I could say that I never did it. On the other hand, though, it taught me some valuable lessons.” That’s…

Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem (with Rihanna) Odd day yesterday. I managed a small, complex project and got some brainstorming for a larger project started. At lunchtime I dashed out hoping to find a coat. I have a friend in my meditation group who’s having a rough time and…

Writer, Help Thyself

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Night Crawler by Diane ParkinWhat’s on the iPod: Valley of Tomorrow by Needtobreathe Yesterday was a busy day. I had three interviews for an article plus a small project to finish up in between all the calls. I managed to get some research cobbled together for the calls, so I’m happy where…

Spreading the Wings

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: 25 to Life by Eminem Crazy day yesterday. Had some research to do and a small project to handle, but mostly I spent the day going over contracts and arranging interviews for an article. Today starts what I call my Marathon Interview Week – four in two days. It doesn’t sound…

Putting Your Professional Foot Down

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Night Crawler by Diane ParkinWhat’s on the iPod: One by U2 Yesterday was a day of coordinating interviews and contracts. The only writing I did consisted of a complaint letter. Here’s what happened: Daughter was called for an interview with a company seven states away. She asked for a phone interview. Nothing…

Ups and Downs

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Night Crawler by Diane ParkinWhat’s on the iPod: Laundry Room by The Avett Brothers There is no joy in Mudville…. Funny how to the losers, it’s just a game (we keep telling ourselves), but to the winners, what a game! Congratulations to Packers fans everywhere. A well-deserved, hard-fought win. Had a nice…

Shipping Up to Boston

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys By the time you read this, I’ll have been in Boston and will be heading back. His mom’s 90th birthday party was yesterday and we were all gathering post-storm in Boston to celebrate. Because it’s Friday and I have a BIG weekend ahead (football…

What’s in Your Freelance Basket?

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Night Crawler by Diane Parkin What’s on the iPod: The Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths (Oh, yes I did!) Nice day yesterday. I managed one small project, then had the rest of the day to plan out an article, including lining up interviews and scaring up some experts. The experts part was…

Yes Virginia, You Can Over-promote

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Night Crawler by Diane ParkinWhat’s on the iPod: No Good with Faces by Jack Johnson Nice slow day yesterday. Slow in the sense that I had time to breathe a little and think as I arranged interviews for a new project. I took some time to read a little industry news and…

Five Stupid Freelance Moves

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: A History of Irish Fairies by Carolyn WhiteWhat’s on the iPod: True Believer by The Clarks A number of years ago today, I looked for the first time into eyes that altered my world forever. A stranger then, he melted me when he latched onto my pinkie with his little hand. He…

Devon Ellington

You know my feeling on this — writing for a content mill is the stupidest thing any writer can do. Shows both a lack of skill and a lack of motivation. But hey, let them — more good work for the rest of us!

Eileen

Here is a mistake that I see newbie freelancers make frequently: getting fixated and anxious on landing one particular gig, and doing anything to get it – slashing your fee, doing it on spec, not requiring a contract. It can be hard to convince inexperienced freelancers that there are plenty of gigs out there, and that if this one doesn't work out, another one will.

Lori

Devon, I totally agree. They may not know any better, but it translates to the rest of the world as laziness or, as you say, lack of skill/motivation.

Good one, Eileen. Too many times writers compromise. For what? To make someone happy? If you're not making yourself happy too, what's the point?

Wendy

“It's okay, we don't need a contract. I'll trust you and you'll trust me and everything will be just fine.”

I think we've all probably had a horror story or two with that one.

I've written for those $5 an article (and less)jobs. I wish I could say that I never did it. On the other hand, though, it taught me some valuable lessons. It didn't prepare to write online as some people claim, but I did learn to aggressively research to figure out how to get out of there and that I could, if I put my mind to it.

Eileen

Lori, I think newbies cave in because of abject fear – fear of not getting any gigs, fear of not making it as a freelancer.

Lori

That's why I caved in at the beginning, Eileen. I know there were deals I took I shouldn't have. It feels good to finally have the confidence to say no to something that doesn't fit.

Wendy, in that respect, it wasn't all bad. I love that you've moved on beyond those places and you did so without looking back. Send me an email – I have a question for you. (lwbean AT gmail DOT com)

Diane

I think fear has a lot to do with it, but usually it's "Oh, I'm so lucky to be able to write for you that of course I'll pay you to let me". Friend of mine seems to have done just that and I haven't worked out how to reply to her yet without hurting her feelings. She thinks she's getting a lot of good work, but she's probably working all the hours just to make ends meet. And paying for the privilege to boot.

Anne Wayman

Congrats on your first born's birthday!

I've been amazed at the amount of fear writers have commented on on my blog… wonder why I'm surprised? I was a mess of fear around my writing for years.

hugs

Paula

The biggest mistake is assuming freelancers don't work just as hard – in most cases, harder – than nine-to-fivers.

It's like they get caught up in the romantic notion of the word freelance – free to roam around instead of being tied to an office, free to write about whatever they want, free to set their own rules, etc… With that much freedom they'll never get anything accomplished.

Hey Lori… watching The Weather Channel? They sent both Cantore and Bettes my way. That can't be good. LOL.

Michelle

Lori – As a newbie, I want to particularly thank you for #5. Honestly, my biggest fear as a writer is to build long term relationships with clients rather than do one-off projects for many different clients. I have a fear of commitment that I should probably look into fixing… 🙂

I lurk REGULARLY (comment rarely) and I've learned so much from you and your commenters. It is my daily reality check/kick in the backside. So thank you.

Jake P

Thinking that writing or editing skill is all it takes. You have to enjoy (not just tolerate) the business part (with all the ups and downs and lessons), or you'd surely be better off working for someone else.

Sorry about the Chapter 11, but congrats on the birthday. We just had some old videos converted to DVD, and laughed ourselves silly last night. Lots of birthday, holiday and travel footage from the kids' baby/toddler years. Strangely enough, my wife and I haven't aged a single bit! 🙂

Lori

I'll never understand the mentality that keeps people paying for work, Diane. I hope your friend comes to her senses!

Anne, fear. Perfect word for it. Fear of sticking the neck out maybe. Too bad, because the work is certainly there.

Paula, I saw that you had both Bettes and Cantore! You're getting the worst of it – we're getting the ice. I'd much rather have your snow!

Michelle, I'm really glad you lurk. I'm even happier when you comment. 🙂

LOVE those kinds of videos, Jake! I'd like to say I haven't aged, but hey, he's 27 now. I've aged. 🙂

Good point on the freelancing. It's a career – not just a job.

Paula

I'd rather have snow than ice, too. Hope you have some skates, Lori.

The main storm hit less than two hours ago and it's already a marshmallow landscape. And the heavy snow doesn't start for a few more hours (I'm so staying up late to watch the 3"-per-hour snowfall with 40MPH winds and gusts to 50.)

I hate that the storm will be followed by arctic cold (and sub-zero windchills) since I'll still have to shovel. With the blowing it doesn't help to shovel early since it blows right back.

Mridu Khullar

Haha, Oldie Locks. I love it!

Lori

Oh Paula, that has to be beautiful! Stay warm, sister.

Mridu, isn't he cute? Fortunately, he's putting his sarcasm to good use – he's writing books. 🙂

Devon Ellington

We ALL have fears. That's normal. It's how we meet them and defeat them that defines us. Hide, remain a victim, be a doormat, people will continue to take advantage of you. I'm tired of the "fear" excuse. If you're going to be a professional writer, grow a pair or get out.

Lori

Exactly. Fear, once recognized, must be overcome. It's too big a brick wall, and it has no place in business.