Thursday, July 7, 2011

Bill of Rights?

Ah, the writer's life, it's all glitz and glamor, right? Okay, maybe not really. Writers encounter challenges like any other occupation. It's one thing to deal with things at our desk, with printer or software issues,  deadline procrastination, or writer's block. But what do we do when the problems involve others, like editors and agents, a colleague or client?

I wonder if certain issues arise because some see writers as a disposable occupation. You know - if you fire one, there are plenty more around. Other occupational hazards for writers are differing expectations, payment problems, or misunderstandings. What's a writer to do?

While pondering this, I came across Linda Formichelli's post, entitled The Writer's Bill of Rights. Talk about timely and interesting info! Linda encourages us what to expect as professional writers. I found it uplifting and empowering. Perhaps you will too. :)

What occupational challenges have you encountered? What methods and solutions did you use to solve them?

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Karen




27 comments :

  1. The challenge of not enough hours in a day!

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  3. Thanks for the link to the great post!!! I love the Writer's Bill of Rights, and found it to be encouraging and thought-provoking.

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  4. My biggest challenge is finding a quiet time and place to write. Usually it's the kids' naptime, but sometimes my little man doesn't let it happen. :)

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  5. Alex,
    Ah yes, you have that one too? Working on that one, if I find any answers, will let you know!

    Tyrean,
    Glad you liked it. It covers a lot of things, doesn't it?

    Sarah,
    Ah yes, I remember those days! Naptime never was an exact science, was it? :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. Nice post and thought provoking question. I will check out Linda's as well.

    My challenge? Income projections.
    :-)

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  7. Thank you for this post, Karen.

    The Writer's Bill of Right's advice to use certified letters to get money owed is a process I've used successfully myself. I've also been known to ask to be connected directly to a company's legal department, but I'm kinda scrappy that way. ;-)

    Have a great rest of the week!

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  8. Hi Karen -

    I enjoyed the article. Number 1 about saying "No" made me smile. My late husband had a saying: "No is a complete sentence."

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Jen,
    Thanks so much. I think you may like Linda's post. Income, yes, I hear you!

    Janette,
    Excellent point. I haven't had to try that yet but it is good to know!

    Lisa,
    Thank you! You are welcome;)

    Susan,
    I know, that was a great point. I like the way he put that!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  10. I love this Bill of rights, it reminds me of all the mistakes I made, haha!
    Thanks for sharing Karen, have a good weekend.

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  11. Sounds like a cool article. I'll check it out!

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  12. It looks as if writers deal with many of the same issues musicians do.

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  13. Marja,
    Yes, I think we all made/make mistakes along these lines. Live and learn! :)

    Clarissa,
    Hope you find it helpful!

    Angela,
    That's a good point! We are artists, just painting our picture with words!

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  14. Sounds like a great article....will check it out. People do think that if they fire one writer a dozen odd ones are waiting in the wings to take that place.
    Have a lovely weekend, Karen.

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  15. "disposable occupation" says it as it is. handy information.

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  16. Ooo, that's good! It's empowering, too. After all, they don't have newspapers, magazines, etc., etc., without writers. Just sayin'.

    Good find, Karen!

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  17. I had no idea there was a Bill of Rights for Writers. My kids are almost in from Ohio - but I am going to forward this to myself to read later. Thanks.

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  18. Excellent link, amigo. You totally rawk. But with your sunglasses on, you totally, totally rawk! ;-)

    Life cannot go on without writers. Just sayin'...

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  19. Rachna,
    Hope you find it helpful! :)

    Joy,
    Yes, and that, we surely are NOT!

    Rhonda,
    Exactly! Your words are so true!

    Sandie,
    I didn't really either till I saw that post! Have a great time with your gang!

    Robyn,
    Thanks! I knew it was a winner when I read it. Linda's info is helpful. You are a cool one too, ya know! :D

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  20. How wonderful! Another resource that I have saved for that rainy day when I actually write something; or, given the fact that I live in the rainy Pacific NW, maybe a sunny day is better awaited?!

    Thank you for again sharing your treasure finds.

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  21. Thanks for the link! I'm going to go check it out.

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  22. Kathleen,
    That could be a dilemma. :) Well, perhaps whenever you have a rainy or sunny day!

    Elana,
    I think you might like it!

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  23. I agree with Alex, no time! Still doing the temp job and I've become a bit MIA, sorry.

    My solution to any problem... a bigger stick than your opponent. :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  24. My own emotions get in the way of making objective decisons. On my way to read the Writers Bill of Rights.

    Thanks!
    Jen

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  25. Jules,
    I know, the time thing, it's a challenge! Hope the temp job is going well!

    Jen,
    Ah, me too sometimes. Let's be works in progress together, shall we? :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  26. Hi Karen. Nice to meet you! Thanks for the link. See you soon!

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!