Lorena
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Ryan Paugh
I just read a blog post from our friend Alexandra Levit (http://bit.ly/aNLDMx) about what it means to be a best-selling author and it got me thinking about all of you who are passionate about writing. If you're interested in writing a book, or any piece of writing for that matter, what's more important to you: acclaim or meaning? Just because a book is a best seller doesn't mean it's any good. If you could only have one of the two, which would you choose? Money or impact?
90 weeks ago from Write a Book!, Creative Writing, Professional Writers and Editors and Brazen Fiction Writers2 more
Sadya Siddiqui and Kenji Crosland recommended this
Benny:
The following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting ...MoreThe following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting and ambiguous. All writing is, in a way, designed to provoke some sort of conversation. The web, though, is extra-conversational. Most writing on the web is designed to provoke immediate feedback, and we've discovered that that is best accomplished by short and open-ended posts.
On the other hand, a lot of meaningful writing takes a long time to sink in and doesn't necessarily provoke a direct response. I think that it's important to separate these two types of writing. If you're making money for it and it's on the web, chances are that you are good at provoking instant feedback.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I think this is an interesting subject:
Which is more satisfying, writing something that will slowly sink in with people but not provoke instant feedback, or writing something that provokes instant feedback?
81 weeks ago
I think that the web has made this extra interesting ...MoreThe following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting and ambiguous. All writing is, in a way, designed to provoke some sort of conversation. The web, though, is extra-conversational. Most writing on the web is designed to provoke immediate feedback, and we've discovered that that is best accomplished by short and open-ended posts.
On the other hand, a lot of meaningful writing takes a long time to sink in and doesn't necessarily provoke a direct response. I think that it's important to separate these two types of writing. If you're making money for it and it's on the web, chances are that you are good at provoking instant feedback.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I think this is an interesting subject:
Which is more satisfying, writing something that will slowly sink in with people but not provoke instant feedback, or writing something that provokes instant feedback?
81 weeks ago
Emily Moore
Do you think it's possible to go straight from graduation into a career of freelance? Do I need to get into a 9-5 profession? I'm working on establishing myself now so that I'm already comfortable and in my "career track" when I graduate next May. What are your tips and advice for going down this road?
94 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneur Community2 more
Robby Chen recommended this
Steph Auteri:
Hey there Emily. I know I'm late to the game, but I thought I'd chime in, too. You mention that you're working on establishing yourself now, so ...MoreHey there Emily. I know I'm late to the game, but I thought I'd chime in, too. You mention that you're working on establishing yourself now, so that you're ready to go by the time you graduate. I'm wondering what this entails.
The thing about freelance is that you don't have to wait for that degree. You can just dive in now, and perhaps build up a strong client base that's already there by the time you graduate. How? Start pitching stories and building up a collection of clips. Build a professional site in order to showcase these clips. Become active on social media, so that you can both promote your work and connect with others in the industry. Network like hell.
Of course, there are a few things to consider before going all or nothing:
- Do you have enough money saved up to handle monthly expenses in the event you don't reach your income goals?
- Have you budgeted for health insurance? (I can't remember when graduates go off their parents' insurance...)
- What sets you apart from other writers? Sometimes, taking on other jobs can enrich your writing, and add to your areas of expertise.
- Also, Tia's right. Former employers can often end up as eventual clients!
- Finally, full-time freelance writing can be done, but diversifying can provide you with more stability. Perhaps you could supplement your freelance work with a part-time job. Or provide other freelance services, like copy editing or corporate copywriting. Etc.
God, it's like I'm writing a novel. I hope this helps!
84 weeks ago
The thing about freelance is that you don't have to wait for that degree. You can just dive in now, and perhaps build up a strong client base that's already there by the time you graduate. How? Start pitching stories and building up a collection of clips. Build a professional site in order to showcase these clips. Become active on social media, so that you can both promote your work and connect with others in the industry. Network like hell.
Of course, there are a few things to consider before going all or nothing:
- Do you have enough money saved up to handle monthly expenses in the event you don't reach your income goals?
- Have you budgeted for health insurance? (I can't remember when graduates go off their parents' insurance...)
- What sets you apart from other writers? Sometimes, taking on other jobs can enrich your writing, and add to your areas of expertise.
- Also, Tia's right. Former employers can often end up as eventual clients!
- Finally, full-time freelance writing can be done, but diversifying can provide you with more stability. Perhaps you could supplement your freelance work with a part-time job. Or provide other freelance services, like copy editing or corporate copywriting. Etc.
God, it's like I'm writing a novel. I hope this helps!
84 weeks ago
Carlee Mallard:
Emily, will you be moving back to the Raleigh area after you graduate? Either way, you'll want to start reaching out to people in the community ...MoreEmily, will you be moving back to the Raleigh area after you graduate? Either way, you'll want to start reaching out to people in the community that you'll be living in after graduating as well. I hope you come back to us though!
84 weeks ago
84 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
I am hoping to cultivate some contacts in the arts field, specifically advocacy, in the coming months. Hopefully my Twitter skills are improving enough to allow that to happen. My goal is to have a job, at least part time, offering my copy writing skills in service to advocacy and education in the arts. Anyone here have any advice on where to make such connections?
109 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Arts Marketing, Professional Writers and Editors and Nonprofiteers2 more
Amy Calhoun:
Call up someone in the field and ask them to coffee. You don't have to sell yourself, just get them talking about themself for awhile. Ask them ...MoreCall up someone in the field and ask them to coffee. You don't have to sell yourself, just get them talking about themself for awhile. Ask them great questions about the industry, about their role, etc. Before you end, ask if there are other people in their network that he/she could put you in touch with to continue learning more. You'll be making connections and learning along the way. Something in your conversation may even lead to you discussing your own aspirations.
98 weeks ago
98 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Thanks, Amy. I am going to a tweet up this week, for a magazine for which I write. Perhaps I will find some arts related people there.
98 weeks ago
98 weeks ago
Grady Locklear
Hey everybody, I think it's time for another meetup. How about a Thursday night around 7pm? Either 4/15 or 4/22... thoughts?
Grady Locklear:
I keep thinking there's another event on Thursday... let's do Wednesday 4/21 instead. Sound good?
110 weeks ago
110 weeks ago
Grady Locklear:
Also, I was thinking we could meet at Life of Riley's (haven't been there yet), Henry's pub or somewhere else in the downtown area... I am open to ...MoreAlso, I was thinking we could meet at Life of Riley's (haven't been there yet), Henry's pub or somewhere else in the downtown area... I am open to suggestions.
110 weeks ago
110 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
Week one of my Twitter experiment. Total Tweets: 23. Total New Followers (Defined as those who didn't already know me.): Zero. Total Followers: 2. Number of Comments from "New People" to any of my Tweets: Zero. Number of My Tweets that Have been Retweeted: Zero. Amount of Demonstrable Web Traffic to any of my sites as a result of Twitter: None. Overall Assesment After First Week: Ineffective Means of Spreading my message/brand. I will evaluate again after two weeks of usage.
Rebecca Thorman:
You don't have your Twitter listed on your Brazen profile or your blog. That would be a good start.
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower:
Ok, Rebecca. I took your advice, and posted a link to my Twitter account over at TooXYZ.blogspot.com. I thought it was already displayed here on ...MoreOk, Rebecca. I took your advice, and posted a link to my Twitter account over at TooXYZ.blogspot.com. I thought it was already displayed here on my BC profile, but for some reason was not. I believe I have fixed that problem now.
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Lorena
I'm updating my resume... How do you guys include your freelance work along with your staff job work? I want to showcase my freelance work to employers, but I'm not sure how to "fit it in" to the resume mold format (as far as dates, location, employer goes) Thoughts?
117 weeks ago from Freelancing
Ty Unglebower:
I see the points made here, but in my case, and in the cases of others, I can't really claim to be a "writing consultant". It is I who do the ...MoreI see the points made here, but in my case, and in the cases of others, I can't really claim to be a "writing consultant". It is I who do the writing. I don't advise other people on how to do so.
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Kevin Zurawel:
Ty: It's true, but depending on the kind of writing you do and who you're sending your resume to you might be able to make up a more creative name ...MoreTy: It's true, but depending on the kind of writing you do and who you're sending your resume to you might be able to make up a more creative name for the writing you do. I've seen freelance writers go by names like "marketing consultant" or "copywriting specialist." Granted, if you're applying for freelance writing jobs, "freelance writer" is probably a more fitting job title.
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Grady Locklear
How does Tuesday, 1/26 look for everybody?
The Old Market Pub is definitely big enough to accommodate a large group... it's in Southwest PDX, so can everybody make it?
Grady Locklear:
Is there a day that would work better for you, Lorena? I'm just throwing that date out there...
124 weeks ago
124 weeks ago
Mehnaz Thawer
I have a question for you lot: Does anyone know any good job sites that lists publishing jobs?
Mehnaz Thawer:
You guys rule! I knew of some of these but not some others. Thanks so much.
124 weeks ago
124 weeks ago
Marian Schembari:
Definitely Craigslist, but it's also useful to check the publisher's website directly. Many of them require you to apply online directly to them, ...MoreDefinitely Craigslist, but it's also useful to check the publisher's website directly. Many of them require you to apply online directly to them, but it's also the first place where you'll hear of a job opening.
123 weeks ago
123 weeks ago
Lorena
Oh, random, I just got Twitter a few days ago. I'm @lorenagay if you want to follow me.
Grady Locklear
We're using Google Wave to discuss where we're going to meet! I'm gtlocklear@googlewave.com if you want to connect... let me know if you'd like an invite.
Dead Hedge:
Personally, I just stick with owls. Very reliable and never goes out of style.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Lorena
Remember the meet and greet is tonight at Old Town Pizza downtown! Can't wait to meet everyone.
Lorena
So, I went to their site and since our group's so small, I figure we just all show up. No need for reservations. Address: 226 NW Davis.
Ben Tallman
I'll be there next time, have an anniversary dinner to do this evening!
Grady Locklear:
Actually we were talking about a week from today - are you available next Tuesday, Oct 27th, at 8?
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Lorena
Okay, let's do Old Town Pizza, Tuesday at 8pm?
Lorena
Any interest in a PDX group get together? Maybe at a McMenamins or similar? Could be good networking opportunity.
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