New Writing Project October 28, 2006
Posted by Christine in writing.add a comment
I am heading up the Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals section of suite101.com. Take a look at my efforts so far, and feel free to leave topic suggestions! This field is so massive,… it is hard to find a starting point.
Writing Must be Genetic! October 28, 2006
Posted by Christine in writing.add a comment
A little while ago I asked myself whether writing could be in our DNA, yesterday I found some “proof” in favor of this statement. Note that I am not treating this as a scientific experiment by far, but from pure observation I can say writing must already be part of someone at birth.
How did I come to this conclusion? I found some old “manuscripts” my mother wrote years ago when going through old letters. Although I did not even come close to reading all of it (her handwriting is less than clear), it is obvious I was not the only one who wrote the years away. In fact, the woman managed to make my computer work at one point because there is also a printed manuscript. While she has been improving her computing skills for the past five years now, back then it was quite the accomplishment.
Part of me is excited to read her work, part of me is not. They are autobiographical, and there are some sad things I would perhaps rather not know or be reminded of. My mother is a good writer, she manages to paint a picture that can make one break into tears. Although I can acknowledge this, I don’t like it because I prefer to go the opposite way. Not sure if that is even the right way to put it, I can’t put my finger on it but I suppose I could say we have a slightly different approach to the same topics.
In further defence of my statement, ever noticed how the children of published writers sometimes turn to pen and paper themselves? Kiran Desai won the Booker Prize, after her mother Anita Desai was shortlisted for it three times!
My mother is a horrible skeptic, saying one generation helps the next when we see fathers and sons, and mothers and daughters following in each others footsteps. I disagree. I don’t believe talent is taught. I do question my own abilities, and have more doubts than words on a page, but I learned long ago not to turn to my mother. She is my mother: she can’t possibly give me an unbiased opinion. Instead, for the past few months my mother has been turning to me with her new writing project. She doesn’t have the same problem I have, because I am brutally critical, and as a result we are co-authoring this particular one…. now I just need to find time to finish it!
The Power of Words October 20, 2006
Posted by Christine in hire a writer, writing.add a comment
Every day I see websites with spelling mistakes, grammar issues and bad writing in general. Sometimes these sites are owned and maintained by multinationals and major players in the business world.
Sometimes I see people who by nature produce something that reads better than those companies, and I wonder… why don’t they hire a professional? In some cases I can understand there is a monetary constraint, such as the benefactor project (on which George Lindemann Sr. is mentioned). But even institutions like this one would benefit from hiring a professional. After all, you have to spend money to make money… and if you are trying to capture the attention of your audience online, it is even more so important to pay careful attention to what you write, and how you write it.
Something very Funny…. but so Sad October 14, 2006
Posted by Christine in Blogs I Like.add a comment
One of the blogs I read on a regular basis posted a link to this site. I am not much of a site-to-site surfer, but on occasion when I need an excuse to procrastinate I do. I have to say this particular one is hilarious, but oh-so-sad. It really emphasizes what quite a few people think of us writers:
a) Everyone can write so it is not a valuable skill (yeah, anyone can write like John Grisham’s, Stephen Kings, or GM’s staff copy writer).
b) Because there are so many people desperate to be a writer, someone will do this work for free.
Now option b is unfortunately still somewhat true. I personally do not know anyone who is willing to work for free, I myself never was. With a few University degrees under your belt you refuse to work for less than minimum wage in general and even if you take up writing a free article, it better be a door opener and you better keep all rights for yourself.
Anyways, that was my rant for this morning. Hope the site entertains you!
Blogs are Still the Future October 11, 2006
Posted by Christine in General Interest, Online Marketing, tools, writing for the web.add a comment
…For both businesses and (copy) writers. Every day I am delighted to see yet new ways in which people are using them to their advantage. Relative to the small cost associated with them, blogs are a drop in the bucket for any small, mid-size or large business.
A relatively newer trend is the use of blogs to promote medical services, in particular elective medical services like cosmetic surgery. These non-crucial procedures have to be marketed like a product, because that is what they really are at the end of the day. For example, the other day I came across a cosmetic plastic surgery blog. It may remain unsaid that although blogs are popular marketing tools, they are definitely a way of doing selective direct marketing. After all, the people who will end up surfing to them are already interested in whatever the blog discusses, thus you are not just marketing to the masses but to a smaller, yet more focused, group of people.
Writing & Support October 9, 2006
Posted by Christine in the writer's life.2 comments
Just before bed and my mandatory reading assignment, I was reading the ‘about’ section of a certain fiction writer who’s blog I enjoy reading and two three things came to mind:
1) I feel my inner voice, often uttered out loud to confused friends, sounds very close to said writer (just a strange observation).
2) I am amazed one writes such a long list about themselves. I could, I guess… but would not really know what to write. Then again, I tend to be a “writing sprinter”, preferring to be brief than elaborate.
3) The point of this post: The same writer mentioned in her ‘about’ page that her significant other reads her work. I think it is wonderful to have a support structure, i.e. someone who reads everything (or most) of what you write. I could make my mother do it, but she probably wouldn’t “get around to it all”, or would not feel her opinion counts. Fair enough. Having a significant other read your work is a luxury, the extent of which not everyone is aware of. Not just for the fact of having one reader, but also for the in-house critic and the empowerment to keep ticking away at the keyboard. Let me just say, being in a relationship does not guarantee having that someone who reads everything you write. Does that mean they love you less? Probably, or perhaps, not. But it would be nice to both have a relationship, and a critic….
Then again, can’t complain. I have a friend who send me feedback once in a while, and that is already a great gift.
Hiring a Writer October 9, 2006
Posted by Christine in Hiring a writer.add a comment
Recently, for the first time I actually switched roles and hired a writer myself, basically to help me handle some of my work load for one particular client. By fluke, the client left me in control of the hiring process. I have to say, there are some overlooked yet very competent writers out there who are able and willing to do a great job. But for every competent and professional writer, there is also a paranoid one (not to mention the ten out-right bad and/or unprofessional ones) who has seen his/her fair share of scams.
I’ve always been worried about not receiving payment, but never actually gone so far as to refuse a job because the client (for whom it was the first time working with me as well) refused to make an advance payment. It really is a tug and pull game, and when dealing with unknown writers and unknown clients, who do you trust?
Well, it’s all about the risk. You do some work, and then you get paid. Or you don’t. I’ve been in that unfortunate latter boat myself once, and I have learned from it. I have learned never to say no to a legit-sounding client, but rather to limit the amount of work I do before I see a pay check.
On the flip side though, because of my experience as a writer I can sympathize with the paranoia these pens-for-hire have when being approached by an unknown client in the middle of the big evil cyber world. I therefore do as I’d like done upon me (is that the correct wording? someone tell me please, it’s past my bed time): I promptly pay half upon delivery of half of the work. It’s only fair and inspires confidence. On top of that it builds positive relationships and next project, perhaps I will be a known client instead.
Write, if you’re worth it! October 7, 2006
Posted by Christine in writing.add a comment
Here are some of my thoughts on pricing:
Usually there exists a strong trade-off between pricing and getting work. Like in any other business: the great ones can charge almost anything they want, while those still trying to make a name for themselves are content with lower paying writing projects. Not all employers know there are actual guidelines on what writers should be paid (i.e. what writers should be charging).
Writers also deal with overhead and the knowledge, research and skill required to do a good, or great, job has to be compensated accordingly.
For writers: think twice about what you charge, don’t be so scared to lose a client that you undercut your prices if you already have some good experience under your belt.
For employers: when hiring a writer and looking at the presented pricing structure, consider if you would do it for any less. Looking at it from a different angle: consider what you want to pay a writer and then think whether you would do it for that amount if you were the one being paid. If the answer is no, then it may be necessary to adjust your budget.
Here is some additional information on charging and pricing for freelance writers.
Chatting up Writers October 7, 2006
Posted by Christine in writing.add a comment
I found an interesting article today on how to “chat up writers“. Personally, I love this article because it shows how much power the written word, and therefore writers, really have in society. There is another source that discusses 7 tips on how to pitch your idea/product to bloggers. Read, learn, enjoy!
The Benefit of Freewriting for Business Owners October 4, 2006
Posted by Christine in tools, writing.add a comment
When you’re hiring a professional writer to take care of your promotional or other corporate material, it can sometimes be difficult to get your ideas across properly.
This can be a problem when trying to let your writer know exactly what you want to achieve. Freewriting can be a great solution to this problem.
Take a few minutes to write down bullet points of every idea that comes into your mind. It does not matter how random they are or (to a degree) how unclear.
Then take a few minutes to clean them up for clarity and flow. Exchange notes with the writer you hired, and compare where you differ in opinion. A good writer will be able to tell you which ideas will get you closer, or further away, from your ultimate goal and then implement them into the project.
The point is: freewriting is not just for writers. It is a good opportunity to “brain storm” on paper, and literally write down every word that goes through your head. Ten ideas will probably produce no more than two great ones, so the longer you freewrite/brainstorm, the better.
Information Overload October 3, 2006
Posted by Christine in General Interest, writing.add a comment
Millions of people have a blog, thus… millions of pages are being written each and every day! Do you read many of them? I have to say I am intrigued because I personally think I produce more than I consume, in the blog-o-sphere. I am getting worried about information overloads after years and years of articles, blog posts and information gets archived in all corners of the Internet.
Part of me hopes, and thinks, that this issue will be resolved like any other one: survival of the fittest, or rather, survival of the most interesting. I’m sure there will be people closing up blog-shop once in a while and doing everyone a favor by deleting pointless information. But on the other hand, society seems to crave pointless information quite a bit (think gossip magazines/sites/blogs). So where is all this information going? Who will be reading our blogs if we write more than we read ourselves?
Perhaps I am just too used to being a writer that I forget there are people out there who do not write, but instead read. Hopefully it will stay this way, otherwise I am afraid the writing-business may be an economic bubble waiting to burst.
Great Copy Should not come Cheap October 2, 2006
Posted by Christine in the writer's life, writing, writing for the web.add a comment
Why do major magazines pay their writer $1 per word on average? Well, let’s see… why would anyone pay anyone a decent to large sum of money for their time? Ah… of course, it’s got to be because they want the job done right! If you want someone to do a great job, you’ll have to make it worth their while, otherwise you get what you pay for: sloppy and rushed work. I never pride myself in rushing a writing project, but sometimes the pay just does not warrant me to be thorough or extremely creative and careful. Once you drop below minimum wage on an hourly scale, it is no longer worth it. If I am going to “just get by” with my job as a freelance writer, then I’d rather get a “fixed” job somewhere, and write on the weekends on projects I enjoy. Don’t be mistaken, some projects are just work, and not every writer gets turned on by spitting out pages and pages of information that will likely never be read by anyone but search engines.
The morale of this story goes in two different directions: one, many writers are making their own bed by accepting ludicrous wages. Two, clients should expect to pay someone what they would want to earn if they were to do the job themselves. That seems fair doesn’t it? I hope that honestly blogging about the ins and outs of my life as a writer will not negatively impact me, but rather help others see our work for what it is: a craft, a science and a real job that deserves proper compensation.
Now in all fairness, the above $1 per word mentioned is paid out in large publications, who have large advertising accounts. It is fully understandable and natural that the average online publication will not be able to pay quite as much (not even close in most cases). These are still worth writing for, but in comparison online articles are also a bit shorter and in most cases require less leg work, in terms of calling across the world for quotes, etc.
Thankfully I made this decision a long time ago, but I felt the need to reinforce this again after reading Deborah Ng’s blog on “just getting by”.
A Writer’s Favorite Work-Time Drinks October 2, 2006
Posted by Christine in the writer's life.add a comment
My big problem is staying hydrated: I tend to go into a zone when I’m writing and not even glance at the bottle of water beside my desk. There however a few drinks that do get me going (or provide great distraction when I’m looking for a way to procrastinate).
The funny thing is, I keep hydrated in different ways depending on the project I’m working on. For example, when I am up against a tight deadline for a DM or promotional project, I sip coffee at high rate. When I work on more personal projects (e.g. a book or article series), I sip green tea (which has also been linked to reduced mortality, so that’s another benefit for me personally). But my all-time favorite is still sparkling water. Not the sugary-sweet-fake-pop type water they sell at ridiculous prices, but just your plain simple spring water with bubblies… 
Writing is still work most of the time. The least we can do is make it a bit more tasty.
Is Writing in Our DNA? October 1, 2006
Posted by Christine in the writer's life.add a comment
Writers have always been considered a “different breed” of people. In the ‘old days’ (before my time!), we were one of the only people who could work from home. Books, articles, journals…poetry…, some of us do it all, others stick to one thing only. I am not sure if writing is really heritable, but with me it almost seems that way. My estranged father wrote letters as a hobby, unfortunately not letters that did anyone any good. My mother always wanted to write, she felt she had a story to tell and she was definitely right. Recently she started a serious attempt, and of course I am editing and co-writing with her (whenever time permits).
Regardless of genetics though, I have always known I wanted to write. Before I knew the alphabet I would scribble words, and when I finally learned to string letters together I wrote notebook after notebook full of short stories and poems. Apparently I am not the only one who has always known, I’ve heard the same thing from many other writers.
To me, there are now two types of writers: those who have always known and have a passion for the written word, and those who really want to write because they love the life-style, the potential fame, or for some other reason that was not naturally ingrained at birth, but rather learned throughout life.
Perhaps there is also a mix of the two, and perhaps I am one of those: I always knew I would write, but only later on I figured out why I would love it so much.
Those Tiny Little Details October 1, 2006
Posted by Christine in the writer's life.add a comment
Look back at some big change you experienced in your life, whether that’s a new job (finally writing full time?) or a relationship. Think of how it came about, and you will likely find that if one seemingly trivial little thing would not have happened, you would not be where you are now!
The same goes for me, for both my work and relationships my history is filled with “little details” that ultimately led to where I am sitting today. It is in fact scary how one sentence, one click or one moment of boredom can change the rest of your life. For some, it means whatever happened was meant to be, other attribute it to dumb luck or coincidence. Whatever the case, details are important in life.
Similarly in the writing industry, details are absolutely crucial. Make one mistake and you may be out of a job, or not get the job you wanted. There is little room for extenuating circumstances and thus it is important to create the time you will need to complete a project twice, just in case something comes up. In business making little mistakes or being inefficient with your message can cost you millions in lost revenue. If you yourself don’t have the time to take care of details, hire someone to do it for you! Details can change your life, and your business….
