Rocky
Sometimes I actually get paid to write things, like...
this article...
over at TheHighCalling.org, that features a discussion of a beautiful stone wall at Storm King Art Center.
I figure if I put the proceeds of my unpaid writing together with my paid writing, and divide by some ungodly number of hours, I make about one tenth of a cent an hour.
Life would be pretty rocky if I had to live on that. So, I'm consoling myself with thoughts about the fringe benefits.
RELATED MATERIAL:
Can you make a living as a freelance writer? Read L.L.'s Riess, Winner, Crouch and Crosby Just Say No
Mark's Free Writing (which is to say he's not getting paid to offer this wonderful set of poems. Just see if you can find the story in them.)
Labels: writing
posted by L.L. Barkat at 6:10 PM
25 Comments:
LL -- I love the article, and it was a good word for me to hear to day. Sorry I've been somewhat absent lately. I'll email soon with the scoop.
Needed that! With copy two weeks late and only days to finish the design of 164 pages, last week was brutal.
Thanks, Laura.
The picture. Not the rocky soil, but the portrait at the one article. It's not what I expected...
Charity... glad it was an encouragement, and yes I surely miss you when you're absent.
23 Degrees... so busy lately! Maybe this is a good thing?
Craver... isn't that funny? Somehow when I first saw it I actually had the same reaction. Oh, no! I'm looking kind of disillusioned-male-ish there! Then I realized... oh, yeah, that's supposed to illustrate the article. (You do know what I look like, don't you? Hint... you can find a link from my "about" page at llbarkat.com, that goes to a place where I'm looking more ladylike.)
Okay, that's not Amy then? You're right; that picture is more ladylike. (Just when I thought I had adjusted to the male-ish image...)
You have a gift with words LL!
Nice article, L.L. What an interesting piece of art! And what a nice application! One to remember.
I like your article LL! A good reminder that work in and of itself is not the only reason why we actually work. It's also, perhaps more so, about the lives we touch at and through our work. Thanks for that reminder. It was convicting!
Great article! So very true and something we often forget.
Oh, L.L. - I so love Andy Goldsworthy's art (He's on my "gifts" list I just posted)! I had not yet seen his Stone Wall. Your essay was gorgeous and encouraging to me today.
Also, I had thought I'd made a comment on your last post, but I guess it didn't stick. I mentioned that I think your poem "Crossed" tells an exquisite story.
I really enjoyed the article and left you a comment there.
Craver... um, who is Amy? I hope you are looking at me and not her (she's on another page... I'm accessible through the Publisher's Weekly link on my About Page). So, you think I should cultivate the balding pale-face look? (you said you were getting used to the male-ish image :)
Martin... thank you! And I know that, lurking under all that funny poetry, you have a deep way with words too.
Ted... thanks. Isn't it a great wall? These kinds of images help me make sense of my life in moments when it feels senseless.
Inihtar... I wonder if this makes your cross-cultural experience difficult on a level you hadn't anticipated... for the work is the thing you have the best handle on and the relationships are partly dependent on gaining fluency in Japanese.
One More... I appreciate your encouragement. And, isn't it good to remember what is true?
Miriam... yes, yes! I wish I had all his books and could walk all his landscapes. What talent he has to transform the ordinary!
And I like your thought about "Crossings". I think that the best poetry hints at a story. I realize that this is something I need to work on, but it inspires me to have things to reach for in my work. (Hey, isn't that funny? I forgot about that poem. And now my book is called Stone Crossings. Makes me think I must have running themes in my head!)
Halfmom... thank you. I'm off to read your response!
Do not be ashamed of the bald head, broken nose and moustache, you are still prettier than me.
Craver... oh! But I like your beady eyes. (Going grey a little early though, aren't we?)
So sorry I got the title of your poem wrong, L.L! By the way, do you have any idea where it is in your archives? I'd love to read it again.
Miriam... why no, I GOT my poem title wrong. It is "Crossed." And it was on November 10, 2006.
Now, isn't that amazing that you remembered my work better than I did?
Loved the article!
Well, I am currently in a whole with my writings, but then again, I only publish on several blogs :) - so it really doesn't count...
I like your point of view though.
Blessings to you and yours today and always.
LL
Great article! We can't always measure the worth of the work by the financial pay we receive - your excellent writing is an example of that. Your work through writing is valuable and a blessing to many.
Grace to you
Heather... thanks!
Eph28... ah, yes, the world of free writing... blogosphere generosity!
Every Square... yup, those are the fringe benefits. Well, some of them anyway. (Being able to munch with my mouth open while addressing my audience is also a pleasure. :) Thanks for you kind words!
Oh, LL, you are quite funny - as I sit and look at the laptop keyboard and wonder where the can of "air" is to dust out the crumbs under the keyboard again!
Hah - just wait a few years - you'll have a chance to have such "hair" too - age does have a few privileges
You know I loved the article, L.L. It was great fun to work with you on it. Thanks also for the link to my poems.
That is a good article. Short and articulate. I saved it for later reading on my high calling page.
Gyrovague... thank you. That's a nice compliment. So, do you have a blog?
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