I do not understand why people agree to spin their content. As a writer, one of the most frustrating things in life is being forced to rewrite something that you've put serious time and effort into. I don't mind editing based on someone's notes, but spinning is just tedious and silly.
It's a product of greed. Spinning means rewriting the a sentence without changing the content. Example:
-Dave wrote a story the other day.
-The other day Dave wrote a story.
A lot of people pay good money for crap like that. It's baffling to me. I suppose the point is so they can resell whatever you're providing them so it will pass Copyscape. Could you imagine being commissioned to not only write a 1K word blog article, but then having to spin it five times? Yeah. FIVE. I just came across an offer to do that exact thing.
To that I say, "Sit on this and spin."
The furious fiction writing, work for hire, and audio production of D. C. Golightly. Featuring midnight manhunters, robotic secret agents, starship constables, and whatever else crops up from beneath the pages.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
WWiR
Another really busy week, and would you look at that? I actually managed to fit in some original writing (and sold some of it, too).
Did a bunch more content for Epic Polls, and four short stories. I'll only talk about three of them, though, because who knows what will ever happen with the fourth. If something ever comes of it I'll bring it up again, but I won't be holding my breath. These were all done on commission, but I'm not always able to determine what happens to these things once they leave my email.
First, we have "The Ravaged Earth." This little piece is concerned about just how desperate a man can get when the end of the world has actually come to pass. He's linked up with a group of survivors, but the story is more about how he's able to continue getting up every day.
Next, we have "The War for Internatioanl Intelligence." I was asked by a repeat client to pen the first in a potential series of shorts that feature a new government team of spooks. This particular team is called MTU and populated by six agents, three American and three British. It was a fun piece to write and I hope he places another order soon.
Finally, we have "The Wolf of Black Creek." It's technically unfinished, and I doubt that I'll ever get back to it. The client wanted me to write this story 1,000 words at a time so he could review the progress. I sent him the first portion and he complained that it was double-spaced instead of single-spaced. Anyone who has ever opened a modern word processing program knows what an easy change this is to make. He demanded that I change it and when I offered to walk him through the process so he could know how to do it in the future, he got really rude with me. Haven't heard from him since. So...yeah. It is what it is.
Did a bunch more content for Epic Polls, and four short stories. I'll only talk about three of them, though, because who knows what will ever happen with the fourth. If something ever comes of it I'll bring it up again, but I won't be holding my breath. These were all done on commission, but I'm not always able to determine what happens to these things once they leave my email.
First, we have "The Ravaged Earth." This little piece is concerned about just how desperate a man can get when the end of the world has actually come to pass. He's linked up with a group of survivors, but the story is more about how he's able to continue getting up every day.
Next, we have "The War for Internatioanl Intelligence." I was asked by a repeat client to pen the first in a potential series of shorts that feature a new government team of spooks. This particular team is called MTU and populated by six agents, three American and three British. It was a fun piece to write and I hope he places another order soon.
Finally, we have "The Wolf of Black Creek." It's technically unfinished, and I doubt that I'll ever get back to it. The client wanted me to write this story 1,000 words at a time so he could review the progress. I sent him the first portion and he complained that it was double-spaced instead of single-spaced. Anyone who has ever opened a modern word processing program knows what an easy change this is to make. He demanded that I change it and when I offered to walk him through the process so he could know how to do it in the future, he got really rude with me. Haven't heard from him since. So...yeah. It is what it is.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
WWiR
Wow, what a week! Lots of work happening around here, so let's run down the list, shall we?
Lots more content for Get Exlcusiv! Go and comment, please, because this guy pays me very well. He's also hooked me up with some friends of his that are going to launch a new site soon, and I've been talking to them about providing web content.
Working on more content for Epic Polls, which is about as basic as my services get. This is easy money, and the guy that owns the site seems to enjoy my work, because he keeps ordering more. I found this guy through Craigslist, which goes to show that all those listings aren't out to get ya.
Wrote up a petition for Amazing Mutts, another regular client. Some serious stuff here. There's a guy endorsed by Animal Planet that is making a lot of people angry. I researched it, and they do seem to have a case here. But...I'm just the writer. I don't know anything about this legal stuff.
I edited some brochures for DistincVision Marketing. Nice guy, but I don't really get how his company can do what they claim if he needs someone else to edit his material. Maybe he just needs a second set of eyes to catch his mistakes.
Designed a sales page for Legs Gear, which seems like a great deal if you live in Australia.
Got a commission story finished called "The Ravaged Earth." This guy is putting out an ebook and asked me to pitch in a story. No word on when the ebook will come out, but I'll be sure to announce it and promote the crap out of it when it rolls around. The story is set ten years after your typical infection-wipes-out-population scenario. Just a quick piece that the buyer plotted himself.
Also started up my NaNoWriMo entry for the year, but there is just no way I'll get it done. Absolutely none. But, I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I just like getting the emails from famous writers that I respect and read. My story, "MonstroCity," is about a seven year old necromancer with her undead bodyguard as a supporting character. His name - Frank the Tank. He's an undead mob legbreaker that the little necromancer has coerced into helping her defeat a larger magical problem.
On the audio production front, I cut a spot for some Balaji guy who wants to help you with your karma, worked up a spot for List A Business, another spot for Mintmicro Computer Repairs, a spot for Movember, a spot for Rate Locking,
Lots more content for Get Exlcusiv! Go and comment, please, because this guy pays me very well. He's also hooked me up with some friends of his that are going to launch a new site soon, and I've been talking to them about providing web content.
Working on more content for Epic Polls, which is about as basic as my services get. This is easy money, and the guy that owns the site seems to enjoy my work, because he keeps ordering more. I found this guy through Craigslist, which goes to show that all those listings aren't out to get ya.
Wrote up a petition for Amazing Mutts, another regular client. Some serious stuff here. There's a guy endorsed by Animal Planet that is making a lot of people angry. I researched it, and they do seem to have a case here. But...I'm just the writer. I don't know anything about this legal stuff.
I edited some brochures for DistincVision Marketing. Nice guy, but I don't really get how his company can do what they claim if he needs someone else to edit his material. Maybe he just needs a second set of eyes to catch his mistakes.
Designed a sales page for Legs Gear, which seems like a great deal if you live in Australia.
Got a commission story finished called "The Ravaged Earth." This guy is putting out an ebook and asked me to pitch in a story. No word on when the ebook will come out, but I'll be sure to announce it and promote the crap out of it when it rolls around. The story is set ten years after your typical infection-wipes-out-population scenario. Just a quick piece that the buyer plotted himself.
Also started up my NaNoWriMo entry for the year, but there is just no way I'll get it done. Absolutely none. But, I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I just like getting the emails from famous writers that I respect and read. My story, "MonstroCity," is about a seven year old necromancer with her undead bodyguard as a supporting character. His name - Frank the Tank. He's an undead mob legbreaker that the little necromancer has coerced into helping her defeat a larger magical problem.
On the audio production front, I cut a spot for some Balaji guy who wants to help you with your karma, worked up a spot for List A Business, another spot for Mintmicro Computer Repairs, a spot for Movember, a spot for Rate Locking,
Monday, October 31, 2011
NaNo Alert!
Holy crap...NaNoWriMo begins in just over an hour. I need to get my head in the game. I need a character. I need a plot. I need to find that bean counter link.
50K words in one month. I can do this. I have done this. Several times. I can do it again!
Maybe a book about invisible secret agents that have an affinity for cookies. Or a novel featuring a murderous ugly duckling looking for revenge against those who marked him with him unfortunate moniker. Perhaps a book about a horse. A zombie horse.
50K words in one month. I can do this. I have done this. Several times. I can do it again!
Maybe a book about invisible secret agents that have an affinity for cookies. Or a novel featuring a murderous ugly duckling looking for revenge against those who marked him with him unfortunate moniker. Perhaps a book about a horse. A zombie horse.
Friday, October 28, 2011
WWiR
Lots of sales this week, a few commissions, and a bunch of web content. It's another busy week at this casa, and the new job is putting some straing on my writing time.
At my old job I had all time to write. I was able to do two things at once, but now I'm limited to just working on my writing during my lunch hour. I've been staying up late, often until 2am, to get production squeezed in as well as some writing time. It's rough, but it's worth it.
I did more content for http://www.getexclusiv.com/, http://www.mintmicro.com/, and a few bits of research for a collection of places that aren't worth mentioning. I produced spots for a few UK companies, and even got in touch with some of my old DJ coworkers at Forever Broadcasting to do some lines for me. It's nice to have a network of productive, talented people.
"Stranded With A Killer" got an overhaul and I'm starting to look for places to sell the story to once it's done. I'll take suggestions! Keep in mind, this is a space noir murder mystery pulp adventure...with chicks. Got to have chicks, man, or Joel McHale won't pay attention.
BY THE WAY - Stay far away from The Rag. I inquired about their submission process and the editor, Daniel Reilly, wrote me back to tell me that online submissions must pay a sum of $3.00 for consideration. WTF? Are you serious? You want me to pay for you to take a look at something you're thinking of buying?
Oh, wait, it's cool because they offer people who make online submissions $4.00 off a yearly subscription! Well, that makes it all better, doesn't it! You still have to pay the remaing amount for the yearly subscription, of course. They claim to pay their writers upwards of $250 per piece, which I find highly unlikely since they've only had one issue released.
This is obviously a scheme to get novice writer to give them money. I doubt a third of the submissions are even looked at. Don't waste your time, save your money, and send your hard work into a site that will actually take you seriously as a professional.
At my old job I had all time to write. I was able to do two things at once, but now I'm limited to just working on my writing during my lunch hour. I've been staying up late, often until 2am, to get production squeezed in as well as some writing time. It's rough, but it's worth it.
I did more content for http://www.getexclusiv.com/, http://www.mintmicro.com/, and a few bits of research for a collection of places that aren't worth mentioning. I produced spots for a few UK companies, and even got in touch with some of my old DJ coworkers at Forever Broadcasting to do some lines for me. It's nice to have a network of productive, talented people.
"Stranded With A Killer" got an overhaul and I'm starting to look for places to sell the story to once it's done. I'll take suggestions! Keep in mind, this is a space noir murder mystery pulp adventure...with chicks. Got to have chicks, man, or Joel McHale won't pay attention.
BY THE WAY - Stay far away from The Rag. I inquired about their submission process and the editor, Daniel Reilly, wrote me back to tell me that online submissions must pay a sum of $3.00 for consideration. WTF? Are you serious? You want me to pay for you to take a look at something you're thinking of buying?
Oh, wait, it's cool because they offer people who make online submissions $4.00 off a yearly subscription! Well, that makes it all better, doesn't it! You still have to pay the remaing amount for the yearly subscription, of course. They claim to pay their writers upwards of $250 per piece, which I find highly unlikely since they've only had one issue released.
This is obviously a scheme to get novice writer to give them money. I doubt a third of the submissions are even looked at. Don't waste your time, save your money, and send your hard work into a site that will actually take you seriously as a professional.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
WWiR
Scored another recurring gig, this one writing web content for Epic Polls. The clients are racking up enough that I'm now offering some of them a labeling of "Preferred Client." Basically, if you're on the PC list and you need me to do something for you, I bump all of my other work back and focus on your needs. There's no cost associated with this labeling, it's just an incentive to keep the decent paying clients coming back.
Did more work for Get Exclusiv!, Mintmicro Computer Repairs, RE Cloud, Rock Weddings, and some research for a guy that's looking into black magic (not kidding on that last one). Once again, I didn't get much done in the way of original writing this week. With the new job and all I just haven't had time. The paying gigs come first these days.
NaNoWriMo is coming up in under two weeks. Any takers? I've done it for the last four years, and usually had a great time. It's a little stressful, but it is a lot of fun and very motivational. I might need to use it for a way to get through the rest of my novel. Lord knows I need the motivation to get it done.
Did more work for Get Exclusiv!, Mintmicro Computer Repairs, RE Cloud, Rock Weddings, and some research for a guy that's looking into black magic (not kidding on that last one). Once again, I didn't get much done in the way of original writing this week. With the new job and all I just haven't had time. The paying gigs come first these days.
NaNoWriMo is coming up in under two weeks. Any takers? I've done it for the last four years, and usually had a great time. It's a little stressful, but it is a lot of fun and very motivational. I might need to use it for a way to get through the rest of my novel. Lord knows I need the motivation to get it done.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
My own personal social network
I've been pulling more and more work out of Craigslist ads. There's a high volume of competition, but I've managed to sign a few recurring clients on a monthly basis. This week's pulls include writing some polling questions. Boring as anything, but the money is right, and we all know how much of a sell-out I truly am.
I also got a real nice lead from my best recurring client. The guy that runs Get Exclusiv! hooked me up with some of his friends that are looking to launch their own project. It's a relationship site, and who knows more about relationships than me? No one, that's who. I'm da man. Yeah, buddy.
I think I hear my wife laughing at me from somewhere in the house.
I also got a real nice lead from my best recurring client. The guy that runs Get Exclusiv! hooked me up with some of his friends that are looking to launch their own project. It's a relationship site, and who knows more about relationships than me? No one, that's who. I'm da man. Yeah, buddy.
I think I hear my wife laughing at me from somewhere in the house.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Manic Monday
It's only Monday, and I've already gotten a lot lined up for the week. Two rejections (for Drunk Tank, and Citizen Cog), thus leading to two submissions. Drunk Tank was sent to The Drabblecast and Citizen Cog to...I haven't decided yet. But I will. Tonight.
I also began a short fiction piece that I was commissioned to write, entitled The Non-Life of Christopher Mahoney. Just a quick flash on the keyboard, really.
And I also signed a guy to SEO his realty site. Pays a hundred smackers, so hooray for $$$.
I also began a short fiction piece that I was commissioned to write, entitled The Non-Life of Christopher Mahoney. Just a quick flash on the keyboard, really.
And I also signed a guy to SEO his realty site. Pays a hundred smackers, so hooray for $$$.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
WWiR
*whew*
Got really busy this week, and not just with writing and producing. I started a new job yesterday, in a new career field. My previous employer was fantastic, but I had to resign for a number of reasons. I won't go into it here, but I will say the decision to change jobs was purely from a logistics standpoint. No ill will harbored here, and I truly hope that I have an opportunity to return to them someday (for the right amount of money). Everyone at my new company is really nice and I'm looking forward to moving up the corporate ladder.
Anyway, back to what you're all here for. Here's the rundown of all the work I did this week:
Five articles for Get Exclusiv! (coming soon; owner is away on business)
Content for Amazing Mutts
Promo for Fresh Radio
Promo for Fashion Show Inc
Promo for KuduBids
Commercial for The Prophecy 23
Article for Things I Fear
Content for a Super Bowl 2012 site (launching soon)
Article on Kindle Fire vs the Nook (site unspecified)
50 polling questons on comics and books (site unspecified)
Article on the LA Staples Center (site unspecified)
Plus, I did some work editing on an autobiography. Sadly, because of time contraints, I had to drop this project. The book is awesome: this guy really went through a lot in his life, through many amazing circumstances that would be hard to pull yourself up from. However, he did pick himself up. Really nice guy, and I'm dissappointed that I won't have time to work with him on the rest of the project.
I did absolutely no work on my own writing this week. Just too busy. And it super-sucks because the deadline for my novel is fast approaching. The stuff that pays immediately is going to have to take a step back if I plan on actually making my deadline. We'll see.
Got really busy this week, and not just with writing and producing. I started a new job yesterday, in a new career field. My previous employer was fantastic, but I had to resign for a number of reasons. I won't go into it here, but I will say the decision to change jobs was purely from a logistics standpoint. No ill will harbored here, and I truly hope that I have an opportunity to return to them someday (for the right amount of money). Everyone at my new company is really nice and I'm looking forward to moving up the corporate ladder.
Anyway, back to what you're all here for. Here's the rundown of all the work I did this week:
Five articles for Get Exclusiv! (coming soon; owner is away on business)
Content for Amazing Mutts
Promo for Fresh Radio
Promo for Fashion Show Inc
Promo for KuduBids
Commercial for The Prophecy 23
Article for Things I Fear
Content for a Super Bowl 2012 site (launching soon)
Article on Kindle Fire vs the Nook (site unspecified)
50 polling questons on comics and books (site unspecified)
Article on the LA Staples Center (site unspecified)
Plus, I did some work editing on an autobiography. Sadly, because of time contraints, I had to drop this project. The book is awesome: this guy really went through a lot in his life, through many amazing circumstances that would be hard to pull yourself up from. However, he did pick himself up. Really nice guy, and I'm dissappointed that I won't have time to work with him on the rest of the project.
I did absolutely no work on my own writing this week. Just too busy. And it super-sucks because the deadline for my novel is fast approaching. The stuff that pays immediately is going to have to take a step back if I plan on actually making my deadline. We'll see.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
HTWWW v2
You should probably go and order that particular little item, as it will make a wonderful addition to your anthology collection. I hear it makes a great Christmas gift, too!
Never mind the fact that I have a story in there, "Raid at Razorfang Ranch." I think you should buy this just for the sake of owning some wonderfully crafted stories. So, go forth and purchase.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Blubber
Collegehumor and The Onion apparently need to watch out, because The Blubber is going to be giving them a run for their money. Or at least they're going to try. While I'm not too enthusiastic about their chances, they do pay for articles from unpublished authors. So, if you're looking to get into freelancing, and you think you have a few funny bones in your body, click the link and submit something.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Insanity strikes!
Crazy weekend. Here I thought I wasn't going to get any work done. Instead I found myself able to edit a chapter of a dude's book, finish six articles, write a script for a :60 spot, and then produce that same spot.
All that and I still had time to visit the Franklin Apple Festival with my wife and daughter. Surprisingly, not a lot of apples.
All that and I still had time to visit the Franklin Apple Festival with my wife and daughter. Surprisingly, not a lot of apples.
Friday, October 7, 2011
WWiR
Another week in writing, another few dollars made. Things only seem to be picking up for this fledgling freelancer, as I obtained several more commission articles and a few pieces of audio production. I also got some insane offers, which baffle me. Just because I am a freelancer does not mean that I will lance for free. I'll explain:
I got an offer yesterday to be a staff writer for Steel City Magazine, which is Pittsburgh based. At first glance that seems awesome because I live in Pittsburgh and I really love it here. However, I was quickly informed that I would not be paid for the articles I write. Instead, I would be offered 20% of the advertising that I signed. That's right, I would not only have to provide content, but I would have to go make advertising sales as well. C'mon... Do people fall into that trap? Seriously? Because those people deserve to not get paid. the creative and sales departments should never intertwine; that's where conflict of interest comes from.
I also got an offer to be an editor for an erotic publisher...so, I'm probably not going to take that job. If Grandma Golightly can't look at it, then I'm not going to do it. I'm not desperate enough to throw away my scruples (scruples is a word I have decided to work into conversatin more often). I'm not on a moral high horse here, I just think that if there's a chance that I could be shamed into not promoting my work that I probably shouldn't be doing it.
I rewrote some content for Amazing Mutts, added more reviews to Get Exclusiv!, sold an article to Social Skyline, mixed an intro for a podcast hosted by Situations the Game, edited someone's ebook, and edited what I've written so far of my own novel.
The novel, by the way, is called "Prodigal Son" and used to be featured at Revenance before the site went belly-up. Some may remember the three part adventure that was hosted there starring my urban fantasy, paranormal investigator Felix North. I sliced out some scenes, extended others, and rewrote the prologue to work better as a full length novel instead of an episodic series (which it was originally intended to be). Where will this novel be published? Well, I'm not saying yet, because I'm still talking with the editor about how to best promote the book. The deadline is January 1st, 2012.
Probably not going to get any writing done this weekend, as we're hitting two community fairs. Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion (where my wife went to college) and the Franklin Apple Festival (where...someone did something at some point). These fairs aren't really my thing, but I want to spend time with my wife and visit friends.
I got an offer yesterday to be a staff writer for Steel City Magazine, which is Pittsburgh based. At first glance that seems awesome because I live in Pittsburgh and I really love it here. However, I was quickly informed that I would not be paid for the articles I write. Instead, I would be offered 20% of the advertising that I signed. That's right, I would not only have to provide content, but I would have to go make advertising sales as well. C'mon... Do people fall into that trap? Seriously? Because those people deserve to not get paid. the creative and sales departments should never intertwine; that's where conflict of interest comes from.
I also got an offer to be an editor for an erotic publisher...so, I'm probably not going to take that job. If Grandma Golightly can't look at it, then I'm not going to do it. I'm not desperate enough to throw away my scruples (scruples is a word I have decided to work into conversatin more often). I'm not on a moral high horse here, I just think that if there's a chance that I could be shamed into not promoting my work that I probably shouldn't be doing it.
I rewrote some content for Amazing Mutts, added more reviews to Get Exclusiv!, sold an article to Social Skyline, mixed an intro for a podcast hosted by Situations the Game, edited someone's ebook, and edited what I've written so far of my own novel.
The novel, by the way, is called "Prodigal Son" and used to be featured at Revenance before the site went belly-up. Some may remember the three part adventure that was hosted there starring my urban fantasy, paranormal investigator Felix North. I sliced out some scenes, extended others, and rewrote the prologue to work better as a full length novel instead of an episodic series (which it was originally intended to be). Where will this novel be published? Well, I'm not saying yet, because I'm still talking with the editor about how to best promote the book. The deadline is January 1st, 2012.
Probably not going to get any writing done this weekend, as we're hitting two community fairs. Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion (where my wife went to college) and the Franklin Apple Festival (where...someone did something at some point). These fairs aren't really my thing, but I want to spend time with my wife and visit friends.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Copyscape
As writers, our written word is worth its weight in gold. For some it is how the bills are paid. It's a hard business to be in, and there are more people out there looking to scam you than you might realize.
Thus, I present this awesome tool I just discovered called Copyscape. I'm told businesses use this to monitor their intellectual properties, but I see no reason why us writers can't use it, too. Once you write your story/article/poem/recipe for pipe bombs and send it off to your grateful (and hopefully paying) client you are assuming that they will publish or post your works as agreed.
But...what if they *gasp* take advatange of your work?
How would you even know that your supposedly honest client didn't just change a few proper nouns and then sell it again somewhere else at a profit? Some contracts actually allow for that, so maybe this isn't a concern of yours (since once the thing is sold, it kind of stops being yours anyway). But if that's happening are you sure your name isn't still attached?
Using Copyscape requires that you have a source to compare to, meaning your story needs to already be online. If you have webspace already then you're golden. If not, there are a lot of free services available for temporary webhosting. I'm not saying this service will save your from having your name posted where you don't want it, but it's an interesting, if not resourceful, tool to use just in case.
Thus, I present this awesome tool I just discovered called Copyscape. I'm told businesses use this to monitor their intellectual properties, but I see no reason why us writers can't use it, too. Once you write your story/article/poem/recipe for pipe bombs and send it off to your grateful (and hopefully paying) client you are assuming that they will publish or post your works as agreed.
But...what if they *gasp* take advatange of your work?
How would you even know that your supposedly honest client didn't just change a few proper nouns and then sell it again somewhere else at a profit? Some contracts actually allow for that, so maybe this isn't a concern of yours (since once the thing is sold, it kind of stops being yours anyway). But if that's happening are you sure your name isn't still attached?
Using Copyscape requires that you have a source to compare to, meaning your story needs to already be online. If you have webspace already then you're golden. If not, there are a lot of free services available for temporary webhosting. I'm not saying this service will save your from having your name posted where you don't want it, but it's an interesting, if not resourceful, tool to use just in case.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Go click yourself
So, I just signed a contract that puts a litte cash in my pocket from writing. I would ask that people go start clicking the following link:
http://www.getexclusiv.com/
It's a TV and movie review site that just got started. I'll be posting reviews of TV shows I watch regularly (20 reviews a month), so please go check out the site and leave some comments. If you watch the shows I'm reviewing, then you definitely should leave some comments and we'll begin some discussions!
My pay is not based on the number of clicks my articles get; I have a contract with an alotted budget. I just want to drive traffic to the site.
http://www.getexclusiv.com/
It's a TV and movie review site that just got started. I'll be posting reviews of TV shows I watch regularly (20 reviews a month), so please go check out the site and leave some comments. If you watch the shows I'm reviewing, then you definitely should leave some comments and we'll begin some discussions!
My pay is not based on the number of clicks my articles get; I have a contract with an alotted budget. I just want to drive traffic to the site.
Friday, September 30, 2011
WWiR
It's been a productive week here in the OK Corral. Got another thousand words added to the sequel Wendell Null story, "Stranded with a Killer," in which our starship constable has crash landed with his worst rival and a recently convicted felon. But when the death that caused the crash seems to be murder, is the felon really the prime suspect?
I would have gotten more writing on that story done, but the paying gigs took over for a bit there. I did some reaserch for SupermomWFH, a stay at home fitness site. I provided more web content to Arcade Grab. I signed a deal with the guy who runs Get Exclusiv! and will be providing articles on a regular basis there (so you should go and comment on them so he sees how valued an employee I can be).
I also wrote up a quick story called "Chance Encounters," which I discussed in my last post. Just a quick commission piece that I have yet to find out where it will land on the great, wide, wonderful internet. The instructions he gave me were thus, "Write a sexy sci-fi story." Sexy? Well, I gave it my best shot without being too graphic. I don't do gratuitousness in stories. I believe things like that are better left to the imagination of the reader.
Right now I'm righting some ad copy for a new product that is basically a sports-themed puppy tent. If I had a dog I would consider buying one, but since I have a cat I doubt that he would enjoy it. Still, an interesting product that will soon be available and when you read about it just think about me.
I would have gotten more writing on that story done, but the paying gigs took over for a bit there. I did some reaserch for SupermomWFH, a stay at home fitness site. I provided more web content to Arcade Grab. I signed a deal with the guy who runs Get Exclusiv! and will be providing articles on a regular basis there (so you should go and comment on them so he sees how valued an employee I can be).
I also wrote up a quick story called "Chance Encounters," which I discussed in my last post. Just a quick commission piece that I have yet to find out where it will land on the great, wide, wonderful internet. The instructions he gave me were thus, "Write a sexy sci-fi story." Sexy? Well, I gave it my best shot without being too graphic. I don't do gratuitousness in stories. I believe things like that are better left to the imagination of the reader.
Right now I'm righting some ad copy for a new product that is basically a sports-themed puppy tent. If I had a dog I would consider buying one, but since I have a cat I doubt that he would enjoy it. Still, an interesting product that will soon be available and when you read about it just think about me.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
And that's how the West was won
Who just finished a commission story about a sexy alien seductress getting revenge against the intergalactic senator that signed the kill order to blow up her planet? I'll give you one guess, and it ain't Shirley Temple.
When I get a link for it I'll share the wealth. And when I say wealth, I mean the location of the story on them there internets and not the cash I collected for writing the tale.
When I get a link for it I'll share the wealth. And when I say wealth, I mean the location of the story on them there internets and not the cash I collected for writing the tale.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Fangs or no fangs?
Having just recieved a polite rejection from Comets and Criminals, I begin to wonder just how worn out vampires are in this industry. The story in question barely dealt with the bloodsuckers, but they were present, and the editor of the site told me that vampires are just too hard a sell.
When searching for a new magazine to submit the story to, I came across several more that basically said, "If your story has vampires, just move along." Have the billion dollar franchises of True Blood and Twilight ruined the market for the rest of us? And yet, they're still insanely popular. In fact, I'd wager that stories online featuring vampires in any respect would probably garner more attention/hits. Why are editors turning away a specific genre?
Hmm.
If move along I must, then move along I shall. Repacking the story and sending it over to Apex Magazine, which is certianly a colorful publication, vampires included. Their submission system is filtered through HeyPublisher, which is fine by me. It seems like a very efficient way of getting lots of stuff out to lots of different buyers.
When searching for a new magazine to submit the story to, I came across several more that basically said, "If your story has vampires, just move along." Have the billion dollar franchises of True Blood and Twilight ruined the market for the rest of us? And yet, they're still insanely popular. In fact, I'd wager that stories online featuring vampires in any respect would probably garner more attention/hits. Why are editors turning away a specific genre?
Hmm.
If move along I must, then move along I shall. Repacking the story and sending it over to Apex Magazine, which is certianly a colorful publication, vampires included. Their submission system is filtered through HeyPublisher, which is fine by me. It seems like a very efficient way of getting lots of stuff out to lots of different buyers.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Client List
So, it appears I have signed on two regular clients. Both have upcoming websites that they would like me to provide copy for on a monthly basis. One is a TV review site (link forthcoming) and the other...well, I don't really know what it is. Something tied to Amazon. I've written three articles for the guy and he insisted that specific items within the articles could be traced to Amazon. Whatever. Link also forthcoming.
I met both of these guys through Fiverr, which I am still highly promoting. I feel lucky that I've stumbled onto a few people there that desire more work than what the site was actually built to provide. Now that they've agreed to become standard clients of mine I'll be switching off of Fiverr (just for these two gents) and use direct billing invoices through PayPal.
Also got a lead this morning for a web content writer for a business located right here in Pittsburgh. I have a good feeling about that one, so fingers crossed.
By the way, still working through the sequel to my last Wendell Null story and hope to have that finished by the end of the week. So long as I can find the time to write actual fiction, that is, instead of all this work for hire stuff. You know, since this blog is supposedly about me writing fiction.
Sliced together a quick spot for another guy for his Gem Fortunes business. One of these "You'll make seventy billion dollars in two days!" deals. Did that pretty quick last night, and was amazed at just how much free imaging there is available online. Imaging, for those not in the know, are sound effects and audio zingers used in production (like the sound of a cash register opening or a lasers being fired at writers who refuse to write).
Provided that I finish this latest short story by the end of the week, I'll be finishing off the outline and plots for my upcoming novel. Not really sure how much I'm allowed to talk about that, since it was just accepted the other week. The publisher is one most of you are familiar with as he circulates through our little community. That January 1st deadline seems a hell of a lot closer now than it did last week...I better get to work.
I met both of these guys through Fiverr, which I am still highly promoting. I feel lucky that I've stumbled onto a few people there that desire more work than what the site was actually built to provide. Now that they've agreed to become standard clients of mine I'll be switching off of Fiverr (just for these two gents) and use direct billing invoices through PayPal.
Also got a lead this morning for a web content writer for a business located right here in Pittsburgh. I have a good feeling about that one, so fingers crossed.
By the way, still working through the sequel to my last Wendell Null story and hope to have that finished by the end of the week. So long as I can find the time to write actual fiction, that is, instead of all this work for hire stuff. You know, since this blog is supposedly about me writing fiction.
Sliced together a quick spot for another guy for his Gem Fortunes business. One of these "You'll make seventy billion dollars in two days!" deals. Did that pretty quick last night, and was amazed at just how much free imaging there is available online. Imaging, for those not in the know, are sound effects and audio zingers used in production (like the sound of a cash register opening or a lasers being fired at writers who refuse to write).
Provided that I finish this latest short story by the end of the week, I'll be finishing off the outline and plots for my upcoming novel. Not really sure how much I'm allowed to talk about that, since it was just accepted the other week. The publisher is one most of you are familiar with as he circulates through our little community. That January 1st deadline seems a hell of a lot closer now than it did last week...I better get to work.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Finished
Just finished up the audio version of my sci-fi crime noir short story that got sold to Strange, Weird, and Wonderful Magazine. Took me long enough! Taking care of a one year-old girl and a pregnant wife eats up time for stuff like that. I assume the audio version will be posted on the site around the same time that the story does, in Fall 2012.
Also did a short sound bite for some guy. He wanted Charlie Sheen saying something weird. I don't do the best impression of the guy, but hey, whatever. One line. Five minutes of work. Ka-ching!
Also did a short sound bite for some guy. He wanted Charlie Sheen saying something weird. I don't do the best impression of the guy, but hey, whatever. One line. Five minutes of work. Ka-ching!
WWiR
Oh, it's been a busy week here at Casa de Golightly. I picked up a couple audio gigs and got some hits through Craigslist for editing work. When things eventually make their way online, I'll let you know so you can tell the site owner how much you love what you see and those involved should be paid way more then they were initially.
That novel I mentioned before? Yep, let's go ahead and make that official, seeing as how I have a deadline now. January 1st. How...appropriate. Well, you'll understand when you read it. And you WILL be reading it, won't you? Dude, I've got kids to feed, so of course you'll buy a copy when it's released around May 2012. It is fast approaching, isn't it? Good thing I have a prologue and three chapters completed.
Didn't have time to get any short stories finished and submitted this week due to an increasing volume of work through Fiverr. You'd think that it wouldn't be worth my time since you only get paid $5 per gig, with the site actually claiming a dollar off of every transaction. Still, these guys I've gotten as steady clients are paying for multiple gigs at once with very little work involved. I just do it during downtown at work during the day, averaging two or three gigs a day. It's paying for my gas, lunch, and then some.
By the way, if you happened to need some work done (writing, editing, audio, whatever) I would gladly accept any offer you made me. Seriously. Any offer. Within reason, that is.
That novel I mentioned before? Yep, let's go ahead and make that official, seeing as how I have a deadline now. January 1st. How...appropriate. Well, you'll understand when you read it. And you WILL be reading it, won't you? Dude, I've got kids to feed, so of course you'll buy a copy when it's released around May 2012. It is fast approaching, isn't it? Good thing I have a prologue and three chapters completed.
Didn't have time to get any short stories finished and submitted this week due to an increasing volume of work through Fiverr. You'd think that it wouldn't be worth my time since you only get paid $5 per gig, with the site actually claiming a dollar off of every transaction. Still, these guys I've gotten as steady clients are paying for multiple gigs at once with very little work involved. I just do it during downtown at work during the day, averaging two or three gigs a day. It's paying for my gas, lunch, and then some.
By the way, if you happened to need some work done (writing, editing, audio, whatever) I would gladly accept any offer you made me. Seriously. Any offer. Within reason, that is.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Work for Hire
Picking up more and more work from Fiverr. I know, it's weird, but a lot of the jobs are actually paying more than the $5 standard. These are mostly little book reviews and article commissions that take less than twenty minutes to write up. I grabbed several gigs over the weekend that I'm plowing through this morning.
It's little stuff, but it's adding up quick!
It's little stuff, but it's adding up quick!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Video game blurbs
Just got commissioned to write web content for the casual gaming site http://www.arcadegrab.com/. Ah, the sweet smell of success! It doesn't come around often, but when it does, I don't have to worry about paying for my lunch.
Friday, September 16, 2011
WWiR
Just finished off "Citizen Cog and the Vampire Society" and submitted that to Comets and Criminals. It's set in the 40s and features a very pulpy robotic secret agent who now works directly for a retired J. Edgar Hoover. A fun romp, written fairly quickly, and I hope they fit it in at their site because their site rocks. It doesn't hurt that they pay decently for such things, either.
Edited a few chapters of an excerpt from Derrick Ferguson's latest Dillon adventure, and when I say edited, I mean produced. I cut a theme for the character and cleaned up the first two chapters of audio. Sent that off to him and he seemed to really enjoy it. I miss producing audio like this, and even though it benefits him, I'm having a nostalgic blast. I miss radio.
And speaking of editing, I've had two such gigs thrown my way this week. One man was ready to hire me to edit his crime fiction novel, but when I told him there was no chance of my flying to Montreal to meet with him personally he pretty much backed down. He said he would give me a call, and even though his solicit said that telecommuting for this job was okay, he was hesitant to work with someone he couldn't meet face to face.
The other job just came this morning, through Fiverr of all places. I posted a few things I would do, mostly as a joke, but one of them actually got a response. I'm waiting to hear more details from the client, who wants me to rewrite his story.
Just started work once more on "Stranded with a Killer," the second story to feature Constable Wendell Null. I had begun this about, oh, four months ago and just never went back to it. Probably hit a wall somewhere along the line, but I'm determined to get this done. Mainly because the first story featuring this character sold quickly. This time the good Constable has crash-landed on an alien world while he was transferring a prisoner. Just before the crash one of the pilots was murdered. Cue the dramatic music.
Edited a few chapters of an excerpt from Derrick Ferguson's latest Dillon adventure, and when I say edited, I mean produced. I cut a theme for the character and cleaned up the first two chapters of audio. Sent that off to him and he seemed to really enjoy it. I miss producing audio like this, and even though it benefits him, I'm having a nostalgic blast. I miss radio.
And speaking of editing, I've had two such gigs thrown my way this week. One man was ready to hire me to edit his crime fiction novel, but when I told him there was no chance of my flying to Montreal to meet with him personally he pretty much backed down. He said he would give me a call, and even though his solicit said that telecommuting for this job was okay, he was hesitant to work with someone he couldn't meet face to face.
The other job just came this morning, through Fiverr of all places. I posted a few things I would do, mostly as a joke, but one of them actually got a response. I'm waiting to hear more details from the client, who wants me to rewrite his story.
Just started work once more on "Stranded with a Killer," the second story to feature Constable Wendell Null. I had begun this about, oh, four months ago and just never went back to it. Probably hit a wall somewhere along the line, but I'm determined to get this done. Mainly because the first story featuring this character sold quickly. This time the good Constable has crash-landed on an alien world while he was transferring a prisoner. Just before the crash one of the pilots was murdered. Cue the dramatic music.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Well, that was actually nice
Just got a rejection letter from Pseudopod, but to be honest, it was actually helpful. Now, I expect more rejections than successfull submissions, but I do not expect them to offer constructive criticism. So, with their helpful thoughts in mind, I've repackaged the story (which would be "God's Great Acrimony) and sent it over to the fine folks at Title Goes Here. Neat little site there, however I don't think they take themselves too seriously.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Egads!
I couldn't sleep and started trading e-mails back and forth with an editor while working on my latest short story (the title of which has been changed from Citizen Machine to Citizen Cog...just sounds better).
...and I think I've been commissioned to write a novel.
...and I think I've been commissioned to write a novel.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Bounced
Just got a rejection from One Buck Horror for the story I recently submitted, "Weeping Willow," so I'll be bouncing that right back out there by reformatting and sending it over to Shroud Publishing.
I shall not be denied! You know, except when someone denies to pay me.
I shall not be denied! You know, except when someone denies to pay me.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Weekly Writing in Review
Finished up "Red Rush" late yesterday and submitted that to Ray Gun Revival. Set in the 1930s, this quick story takes place on Mars and is a tribute to Ray Bradbury. Awesome site, btw. They update at least once a week with some pretty cool space opera. You should probably sign up for their newsletter so you can have those stories sent directly to your e-mail free of charge.
I also began work on "Citizen Machine and the Vampire Society." Set in the 1940s, this enigmatic adventurer has found his brain and heart trapped in a robotic body of unknown origins. He works for a former famous crimebuster you may know as Hoover, and he loves scotch and the ladies (despite his physical limitations). Not sure where to submit this once it's done, but right now I'm leaning toward Hyperpulp. It's a quartlerly mag that just got established and looks like a fun place to write for. Plus, they offer free translation into Portugese! Who can claim that?
Tomorrow I'll be swinging back through my ol' stomping grounds of Johnstown, PA to meet up with a buddy for breakfast and then drop off some material to Brandon Wilt at his comic shop, my go-to artist. He'll be using said material to design a new cover for my zombie/pirate novel. More on that as it develops.
I also began work on "Citizen Machine and the Vampire Society." Set in the 1940s, this enigmatic adventurer has found his brain and heart trapped in a robotic body of unknown origins. He works for a former famous crimebuster you may know as Hoover, and he loves scotch and the ladies (despite his physical limitations). Not sure where to submit this once it's done, but right now I'm leaning toward Hyperpulp. It's a quartlerly mag that just got established and looks like a fun place to write for. Plus, they offer free translation into Portugese! Who can claim that?
Tomorrow I'll be swinging back through my ol' stomping grounds of Johnstown, PA to meet up with a buddy for breakfast and then drop off some material to Brandon Wilt at his comic shop, my go-to artist. He'll be using said material to design a new cover for my zombie/pirate novel. More on that as it develops.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
And so it begins...
If you've stumbled upon this humble blog, more than likely you are someone who has mistakenly clicked the wrong link. Perhaps you were searching for the renowned composer with the same name, or the Hollywood moron responsible for the insults that were the Dresden Files TV series on SyFy and the Ghost Rider film. Or perhaps you were looking for a laxative. Or diabetic candy.
Yes, I share a surname with all of these entries into your search engine of choice, but only I can boast of...well, nothing yet. Yet. I'm working on that, which happens to be the purpose of this blog.
I'm a writer. I write. According to one pompous philosopher, therefore, I am. I used to write for a newspaper, and then got picked up by a radio conglomerate as a producer and copywriter. From there I moved into obscurity, where I fended off hordes of fans with a very big stick or a rocket laucher (whichever was closer at the time of incursion).
Or something like that. My memory is a bit foggy and I may have embellished at least some of that last paragraph. It's a writer's prerogative to do just that.
I've sold many scripts, produced hundreds of spots, and even interviewed my fair share of b-list celebrities (most of which turned out to be f-list). Right now, I'm working on getting my original fiction work sold into the online marketplace. The sweet smell of rejection is always around, but occasionally, and these days much more often, I do come across that malicious odor of success.
This blog will catalogue my attempts, successes, and failures at getting my stories out there. Follow along, comment, persuade, entice, and advise. If you're so inclined, you could even proof read, discourage, and mock. I'll also be linking to publications that are actively buying, because I know of more than a few people in this little community of ours that will appreciate such things.
And so, with an unapologetic cry of guttural enthusiasm, here we go!
Yes, I share a surname with all of these entries into your search engine of choice, but only I can boast of...well, nothing yet. Yet. I'm working on that, which happens to be the purpose of this blog.
I'm a writer. I write. According to one pompous philosopher, therefore, I am. I used to write for a newspaper, and then got picked up by a radio conglomerate as a producer and copywriter. From there I moved into obscurity, where I fended off hordes of fans with a very big stick or a rocket laucher (whichever was closer at the time of incursion).
Or something like that. My memory is a bit foggy and I may have embellished at least some of that last paragraph. It's a writer's prerogative to do just that.
I've sold many scripts, produced hundreds of spots, and even interviewed my fair share of b-list celebrities (most of which turned out to be f-list). Right now, I'm working on getting my original fiction work sold into the online marketplace. The sweet smell of rejection is always around, but occasionally, and these days much more often, I do come across that malicious odor of success.
This blog will catalogue my attempts, successes, and failures at getting my stories out there. Follow along, comment, persuade, entice, and advise. If you're so inclined, you could even proof read, discourage, and mock. I'll also be linking to publications that are actively buying, because I know of more than a few people in this little community of ours that will appreciate such things.
And so, with an unapologetic cry of guttural enthusiasm, here we go!
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