Too good to be true?

In my freelancing adventure here I troll the Internet several times a week looking for jobs.

I think, so far, what's interesting is that none of those have panned out. Even better than that, I've been boggled by ads that ask for experienced writers, good writers, however you (or the lister) wants to word it. Then they offer a dime a word. Or for editing, $10 an hour.

How on Earth can you get a talented, experienced writer/editor for so little money? My theory is they are trying to get people pumped up with their own ego and making a trade off between ego and money. If an employer makes someone feel like they're part of an elite group, then they don't have to pay them a real rate for their work.

Sorry, I guess I have a need for both. I'm hoping what I do will get me paid. And my experience isn't going to allow me to sell myself short.

Bob Mayer Workshop

Our little (about 25 members) writers group: Pocono/Lehigh Romance Writers (http://www.plrw.org/) sponsored a workshop by Bob Mayer on March 15. We had a great turnout and have heard nothing but praise for the presenter and the presentation.

Bob (http://www.bobmayer.org/) is an ex-Green Beret with about 30 books to his credit. He's also in a successful writing collaboration with Jennifer Crusie (http://www.arghink.com/) - probably needs Green Beret experience to handle that.

Bob lives on Whidbey Island across from Everett, Washington (are you still out there, Heather?) and gives intensive writing workshops there.

This one day workshop was intense and full of information. And as soon as I can get rid of this crappy bronchitis, I'm slathering on "bum glue" (Bob's term) and getting back to work.

Editing

I did some editing/proofreading this week. It was actually fun. I think I'm realizing that I'm not dead set on any one part of the writing business. I like writing for publications, I'll edit public relations and marketing materials or I'll write them.

In other news, I may have accidentally changed my staying at home plans. I had a phone interview for a job today. I must have looked at a different ad for the position. I thought it was a telecommuting job, but it's not. So I may have just gotten myself into the running for a job that would take me out of the house for 35 hours a week.

Pete and I have talked about starting a family and that was part of the reason why I wanted to get this freelancing thing going. Maybe this job would be like lighting a cigarette at a restaurant. If I get it, maybe it'll be easier to get preggers.

Thoughts on Motivation

This blog started because Heather needed some motivation.
Are you still out there, Heather?
Writing is really more than "putting butt in chair" - it's a big commitment of time, patience and punctures to your self-esteem(as in rejections).
It's also having the guts (and it does take guts) not to give up on what other people may think is a hobby, a dream, a phase or you just being you. The last is usually said with a smirk. Like Jeffrey Dahmer was...teehee...just being Jeffrey. Sorry - taking an online class on serial killers, so I digress.
So for most of the time, your motivation is coming from within - that wonderful self-motivation. Unless you're freelancing like April and you need to pay some bills.
For me my motivation can come from members of my writers' group: Pocono/Lehigh Romance Writers (www.plrw.org) but that's once a month. I have to motivate myself to write each day.
I am working hard at that daily motivation. I've already mentioned that writing makes me feel wonderful. I have to remember that and tap into that feeling and THEN put butt in chair.