I recently picked up a gig writing for Urban Times, and decided to kick-start my time with them by posting a piece about how we use imagery to define the message of the Rust Belt (featuring a few of my photos taken in East Cleveland).
Please feel free to give it a read here and let me know what you think: does the visual expression of the Rust Belt’s decline illicit a call to action, or does it give us a bad rap?
It’s no secret that having fantastic photography on your blog is a great way to garner interest and make it visually appealing. Not all of us, however, have the funding necessary to purchase fantastic stock photography. I am one of said people. When it comes time to illustrate my writing, I usually go one of two ways: I hop on the Flickr Creative Commons train, or I take photographs myself.
Flickr Creative Commons
If you’ve never been to Flickr, then it is high time you take a look. You probably understand that it is a photo sharing website. What you may not know, however, is that not every photo uploaded to the site is available for use. This is where the “creative commons” license comes in. Be sure to find out what license a photo is using prior to posting it on your blog. If it says “attribution,” then you have to mention the photographer—which is generally no problem! I like to put a little comment with a link to the blog posting just to let them know that I’ve used and attributed the image just as a courtesy. You can go straight to this link to visit the search through this license. Whatever you’re looking for you can search. There is often really quality photography from novices just like us!
Using Your Own Photography
I’ve just hopped on this bandwagon, with a new purchase of a Canon EOS Rebel XS… which is a bit of a pricey toy. If you do quite a bit of writing, however, it can certainly be a worthwhile purchase. I absolutely love it. This comes in handy particularly when you are blogging about activities, crafts, food, or anything else that you’ve created. It makes your site seem much more legit to have high resolution shots of your work, and it’s another creative outlet. If you’re like me and do not have the funding (or hard drive space) for programs like photoshop, free online photo editing software is out there. One that I’ve started using, and rather love, is Picnik. There are many out there, however. Find what works best for you! Remember that you don’t need an incredibly expensive camera to get great shots. A clever friend of mine has an incredibly creative eye and uses a point and shoot very effectively for her post photos.
[Edited using Picnik]
There you have it! Two inexpensive means for getting great photographs on your blog. Enjoy!
I just wanted to share a fantastic success story that involves a lot of the things I’ve discussed on this blog. As writers, we don’t always get the pleasure of really turning our passions into something particularly profitable. Historically, that’s the way it’s been for me. Marketing writing, while at times quite lucrative, is not the most exciting or rewarding work in the world. A recent article I published, however, was both– and got accepted for posting on one of my favorite websites. But looking back on what was required for me to create that piece of work is really in depth.
The article: Adaptive Reuse: Green Space as a Tool for Neighborhood Revitalization
Here’s what I mean:
*Networking: Without a bit of networking, I would have never found my way to Buildipedia.com, and now I am a regular contributor. I’m not talking about social networking either, kids. Real life, face to face interactions are priceless even in this digital age.
*Doing my homework: I’ve posted here about HelpaReporter.com before, and it has become an incredible resource for me. I’ve been in contact with fantastic experts in the field of architecture and design, who have given my work much more “oomph.” Just another way to increase your networking potential.
*Going out on a limb: I contact a lot of people every week. People that have written books I’ve read and loved, people that I wouldn’t think for two seconds would give me the time of day. For the most part, I don’t get any responses– but I still put myself out there. I submitted my story to a very reputable and favorite website of mine, Planetizen.com, and to my utter elation they actually posted it. I’ve talked about reading great writing in order to inspire the kind of quality that you wish to present in your own. Live it. It works!
My passion is the improvement of urban communities through sustainability, and I was able to manifest that into a success in my writing. What is your passion, and how are you going to embrace it?
A formidable list of goals...
After realizing that the first two months of 2011 were over, I took a look through my list of goals for the year and realized that I really hadn’t been actively working on any of them. Some were naturally progressing (spending more time with friends rather than being a mere workaholic recluse), but others are just sitting on the shelf like an afterthought or an old, rather mundane memory.
I adamantly vowed that I would revitalize my yoga practice (you know, like do yoga again). I haven’t set foot in a studio but once this year. Getting to a conversational level in German, but haven’t cracked a book in months. Making at least one fantastic batch of beer, but to date I still don’t own the equipment. Oh, and that book I’m supposed to write this year. ha! Not even sure what it will be about.
What is it about goal-setting that ultimately fizzles out and leaves us back in our day-to-day routine? I wondered if maybe my goals were a bit too lofty, or perhaps didn’t hold enough “oomph.” But I’m passionate about helping others and volunteering more has taken the back-burner to things like sitting around and watching countless episodes of Mad Men (there’s a reason I haven’t watched TV in a while… so addictive).
I was reading a friend’s blog, Dina’s Days, and she was discussing the book, “It’s Never Too Late” by Patrick Lindsay (fabulous post that you really should check out). It reminded me that goals are often very dynamic, and just because I haven’t really started yet, there’s still plenty of time! It’s only March, after all. It’s never too late to do all of those things you said you were going to do. So do them! I’ll be starting today with one of the goals I’ve really been botching:
Severely limiting the amount of time I spend on the internet and Facebook.
Because it’s never too late to disconnect and really live your life, after all. Oh, and get thing’s done, too. Getting things done is good.
What are your goals for the year, and what are you doing to stay motivated to achieve them?
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Photo by John O’Nolan
I know, no string of excuses will really wash over the pain of my absence. Therefore, I merely apologize. January was a hectic and emotionally trying month. Forgive me. All that being said…
I have no groundbreaking information to provide to you today, but rather a brief list of some life lessons that every freelance writer should learn at one point or another. Perhaps you’ve just started out and could benefit from these little tidbits, or you’ve been at it a while and read them over with warm nostalgia—thinking of those hair-pulling moments when you learned them yourself. Regardless of your place in the world, enjoy.
1. The only certain thing in life is uncertainty.
I’ve learned this in a number of ways (though the military is likely the key place). I have found that even the most seemingly consistent of writing gigs can fall in and out, cut off abruptly, or arrive on your doorstep without any notice. Plan for that inconsistency. Always have a plan B if your best gig falls through your fingers. Be wholly appreciative when luck plays in your favor, and don’t take it for granted.
2. Organization is the key to not losing your mind.
When you write online in a variety of publications, maintain your own blog, and have a steady stream of ghostwriting opportunities, it is essential to keep things organized. Understanding your deadlines and the amount of time you need to invest in each piece will be invaluable. Taking a weekly bubble bath to wind down may not be a bad idea either.
3. Saying “no” is okay.
If you are inundated with piles of work that you cannot keep up with, it is absolutely just fine to say no to a request for material. So you may lose one assignment. Be sure to follow up with that person a few weeks later to remind them you are still around, but don’t kill yourself trying to find and keep clients. Work will come if you put in the time to find it.
4. Know your value, and don’t get discouraged.
When we all start out, we start out writing for not much more than a handful of beans. This is a rather frustrating experience, but understand that like our friend Jack, we vastly underestimate the power of growth. You have to start with beans to get a beanstalk. On the same note, however, it is vital that you reassess the value of your writing. If you’re getting dozens of emails for assignments because your writing is great, it is likely under-priced. Remember the fundamentals of supply and demand. You can cut down the quantity of work and focus on quality when your writing is priced appropriately.
5. Love what you do.
So writing about memory foam mattresses or knock-off handbags may not be your “thing.” That’s fine. There is a distinct difference between writing about things you love, and writing to make money. Just make sure you do both if you cant get them in a lovely package deal. If you’re lucky enough to make money writing about things you love (and we’re out there!), awesome. If you haven’t found your golden gig yet, however, make sure you maintain one place where you write about things in which you are passionate. Even if it’s your own blog, or you make next to nothing for it. That is the key to maintaining your sanity and reminding yourself that you love to write. Remember to love what you do, and the process gets so much easier.
This is clearly not a comprehensive list, but some important lessons from my own experiences. What life lessons have you learned as a freelance writer?
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Image by Kristian Clifford
This is the island where I'll be staying.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “What in the world is Micronesia, and more importantly, where in the world is it?” That’s what I thought when my loving boyfriend told me his sister was staying there as a Jesuit volunteer, teaching at a Catholic High School. I never imagined that I would actually be going there– but alas, my flight leaves (very) early Wednesday morning!
I will in fact be spending Christmas there– which will be my very first away from the States, and away from my family. I’m sad to say we didn’t put up a tree in the apartment (didn’t see a point given we’ll be gone til after New Years), we’ll miss the White Elephant gift exchange, and I won’t be baking unnecessary amounts of cookies with my mom. I am, however, quite happy to be spending it away from the multiple feet of snow that are currently lining the streets of my beloved city right now. I wont miss the crazy drivers, I wont miss the materialistic hubbub of the holiday season. I did only minimal shopping thus far, for said boyfriend’s sister– who only wanted a couple things (oddly enough including both Sister Act I and II… perhaps only those that live on tiny islands for long stretches of time really understand).
I’m not going to miss the deadlines, and the homework– the semester being quite thankfully over– nor am I going to miss the noise.
I looked up at the sky the other day and saw a few stars… then I realized at once that where I’ll be, light pollution is not a problem. Intestinal parasites and boils, yes. But not light pollution. I’m not going to have my cell phone. I’ll bring my laptop, but as the internet is so severely limited on the island, its use will likely be for uploading the million photos I take documenting every single minute on our trip. There will be no Facebook (okay, I may sneak on once if I get the chance). There will be no Twitter. There will be no checking of my email literally ever three minutes.
I’m not sure I’ll know what to do with myself, to be honest.
Okay, so that’s not true. I’m bringing a ton of books. I’m also going to bring my sketchbook and pencils/charcoal. I’m going to bring my fresh, new Moleskine journal for the New Year. I start a new journal the first of every year. It’s a bit wasteful, I know. But I like feeling like it’s really a new beginning, and laying out my year’s goals at the beginning.
I’m hoping this trip will help me to find some simplicity in life, and help me shape my goals accordingly. I think I get a bit too bogged down with all of the busy-ness of life. I’ll always remain a busy person– with deadlines, and homework, and upcoming events. It’s how I enjoy living. But some of the wiredness, some of the superficial connectedness that we engage in every day seems a bit unnecessary. Perhaps if I take the time to disconnect from the worldwide web, I’ll have more time and energy to connect with the worldwide world.
That’s just my two-cents. Til then, I’ll be frantically trying to pack, clean, and otherwise prepare for my departure. I bid you all a wonderful holiday, and I’ll catch you all next year!
P.S. Micronesia is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean near Guam (in case you haven’t already Googled and are still wondering).
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Visit here to learn a bit about Micronesia!
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Here are a few books I’ll be bringing for the (36 hour) flight:
Welcome to the Urban Revolution by Jeb Brugmann
The Complete Joy of Homebrewing by Charlie Papazian
The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs
The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis
The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost
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Photo courtesy of Blatant World
It seems everyone has a tip they give when advising budding new writers. Still being a somewhat budding new writer, however, I’ve found the one that really works. It has nothing to do with a morning yoga routine (though I’m sure that would help), nor is it an easy and effective e-book for $9.99. Though I’m sure there are a variety of books, pamphlets, workshops, and websites out there that could be quite helpful in honing your talents, I think the best piece of advice I ever received for improving my writing was this one: Write.
I’m not 100% sure where I read or heard it, but it makes so much sense, doesn’t it? It seems like we waste a great deal of time looking for that instant gratification product that is going to increase our word count output overnight and drastically turn around our freelancing careers. Social networking is important, sure. Getting our names out there in order to solicit more work is important. Without work, how do you write? But wasting countless hours on Facebook and Twitter attempting to catch your big break just isn’t going to happen– and it will distract you from the matter at hand.
In my experiences, however, I became a much better writer by just plain writing than I did reading an article on how to do it better. The more I’ve written, the better I’ve become and the more streamlined the work is. I was able to take on more work, then, and write even more. I think it’s unnecessary to point out that this obviously allowed me to make more money (and who doesn’t want to do that?). Beyond the cash benefits, though, I allowed my work to speak for itself. I got referrals from other clients, and the cycle continued.
I’d continue on with the point, but I think you get it. Stop reading this crap (I know, so counterproductive to my cause…) and start writing. If you don’t have work, then start writing articles about something you find interesting on Associated Content by Yahoo! or a website like it. They may pay you for it, they may not. They may not pay you much for it, even. But writing is just like everything else in our little neural-connected worlds: Use it or lose it. If you want to improve your writing, just do it, then learn from the feedback.
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Photo by Francis
In my reading on the almighty interwebs this week, I find myself rather frustrated with the incredible amount of oppositions and harsh criticism being flung back and forth between different theorists on every topic under the sun. I would say they’re acting like children, but I think that would be an insult to the good number of children that seem to get along just fine with others on the playground.
People attack the San Fran Ban (couldn’t help it) on the Happy Meal stating that it infringes on the rights of parents to decide what is best for their children. Next thing I know, I read about advocates that are vying heavily for rules requiring children under the age of two to be put in their own seat on an airplane for safety reasons, and the dangers of CT scans in dental offices due to radiation. Personally, I’m all about the safety of children—in all realms. It seems a bit inconsistent, however, that we can protect our children against radiation and plane crashes… but not obesity. I’m not sure when “safety” is just “safety” or when it is encroaching on parental rights, but it seems as if all of these issues are quite black and white to those fighting their respective fights—and the sides change from all different angles.
Another article I read today was a criticism of landscape urbanism—a school of urban planning that according to this author is nothing but a collection of analogies that are nothing short of rehashing old, worn issues. Published on the New Urban Network, it’s really not surprising that the criticisms would be as harsh. The people-oriented theories that New Urbanism finds its roots in would inevitably collide with the not-so-populated Landscape Urbanism. My question is, however: Why in the world would you not work together?
This issue is certainly not by any means new. The democrats and republicans have been hashing it out for what seems like forever (despite the relative youth of our government), and I’ve experienced it countless times in academia: cognitive-behavioral vs. humanistic-existential theories of psychology, positivism vs. social construction, and my personal favorite: qualitative vs. quantitative research. I very much support the wonderful constructive criticism awarded by an open forum. Without posing these questions, how can one improve upon a theory? Yet still I see these aggressive dichotomies waste time and create these structures in which it is more important that your theory is right than actually getting at the heart of the matter.
Personally, I support any and all theories that work in a constructive and ethical way to solve a problem. One better—interdisciplinary measures to approach problems are the only way to get at the total scope of perspective. So I beg of you, oh great theorists, writers, critics, and generally mean people:
Get off of that stupid pretentious soapbox you cling to so strongly and get something done, okay? Your self-righteousness is nauseating.
Apologies for the rant, I’m out.
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Photo by Charles Knowles
There are a million blogs and websites out there aimed at giving you tips on being a better writer—mine included. There are others that claim to magically transform you into a better writer with a fantastic workshop with a great eBook for $28.99. I certainly feel that if you are a writer, going the extra mile to educate yourself and hone your skills is admirable, and there are certainly tricks and tips out there worthy of your viewing.
I’m going to say, however, that the best way to improve your writing is to read the kind of crap you wanna write. In many ways, this is more beneficial to you than any workshop or online course you could enroll in. Gaining a greater appreciation for the industry you wish to be working in, establishing the standard for writing quality in order to set goals, and getting more familiar with the writing styles and jargon of your industry are all incredibly important in the writing process. Not only that, but you as a reader of that publication really know your audience.
Set up a list of blogs and websites that publish frequently and read them daily. It’s certainly more exciting than reading twenty blogs on how to write well. Here’s a list of the blogs I visit on a daily basis. They’re rather varied, but then again so is the scope of my writing. I hope you take the time to leave this blasted site and go read some of them:
Blog Tidbits a la Internet Ninja
Planitezen : A collection of articles from various publications discussing urban issues and planning. There are always at least 2-3 things I find interesting posted daily.
Grist : These people are all about the environment and sustainability. They post some really interesting stuff.
The Oatmeal : This guy is a cartoonist with a particular flair for absurdity. This is where I recharge during my day with a few good laughs.
Dezeen : A design-centered online magazine with fat chairs, sweet watches, amazing architecture, and everything in between.
Small Notebook : This woman is a fantastic blogger, and gives tips and inspiration on simplifying life. Cleaning tips, cooking tips, organizing tips, decorating tips. You name it.
Foodgawker : This site pulls together a collection of recipes from food bloggers daily, all with high res photos for the voyeuristic foodie like myself.
Oh Hey Mktg : My friends over at Oh Hey Mktg (a creative agency that really knows their stuff) run a blog on marketing, social media, advertising, and actually interacting with people.
Sustainable Life Media : This website is dedicated to informing consumers about different measures taken in corporate America toward more sustainable operations.
Whorange : Another design-related blog, this woman is witty, catty, and really has great taste. Not so much architecture, but certainly some really cool stuff.
So what blogs or websites make your daily routine?
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Photo by Andy Piper
So I try not to do too much shameless self-promotion here, but I wrote this neat little diddy on the Adaptive Reuse of Churches for Buildipedia that I was a bit proud of… so I’m posting a link…
here.
Go ahead, you know you wanna click it.
Why? Well, because it’s a really interesting concept, it’s about fabulous architecture, green design, and as most of my articles seem to include: beer (I know, what’s up with that?). If you hate the planet and baby seals then just sit there and ignore the link. I hope you feel guilty.
To entice you all, here is a little excerpt:
It would seem that in the game of sustainability, however, time is still money, and according to Dr. Simons, there’s no time like the present. With the state of the current economy, he says that churches can be bought very cheaply, a great advantage to developers. Costs vary at different points of the development process, and despite higher price tags associated with the rehabilitation of electrical systems, plumbing, and other structural components, adaptive reuse of churches could be more financially beneficial than new development. Introducing new business, too, can revitalize urban centers, strengthening economic as well as environmental sustainability.
Thanks, y’all.
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Photo by Mike Cattell
