Web-stractions: Don’t Let Virtual Diversions Stop Your Writing January 22, 2009

While my writing year has started off on the right foot, I’ve been dealing with a lot of web-stractions (web-related distractions) lately.  For instance, earlier this month I was writing a scene for my novel and became stumped (one of my characters is the head chef of a Senegalese restaurant in Brooklyn).  Instead of letting the story flow I decide to stop writing and begin a quick Internet search on traditional Senegalese food.  That was my first mistake.  I was researching when I should have been writing.  It took one idea to push me into a completely different direction.  Now hang on tight because you’re about to join me for the rest of my virtual roller coaster ride.

As soon as I began searching for information on Senegalese cuisine I found loads of interesting stuff to use.  I ascended high in the web-straction roller coaster ride with a pile of information and newly created bookmarks.  Since I was already online I decide to check my email messages.  I spotted an email from my editor about a potential assignment and sent her a reply.  I did some twists and loops on my virtual ride as I looked up sources for a few other ideas.  At some point I hung upside-down for a while checking out my favorite blog sites before I headed back down to what I was initially doing.  What was I doing again?  Oh yeah, I was writing.

It’s amazing the amount of time I lost becoming sidetracked.  Right before my eyes my one-hour writing schedule became a three-hour ordeal.  Although I eventually met my daily goal it wasn’t without interruption which also created an unsteady writing flow.  So now I’m in the habit (at least doing my best) of dedicating my full attention to writing without engaging in web-stracting activities.  There’s time to surf the web after I’ve done what I’m supposed to be doing.

The Internet is a phenomenal playground of information right at our fingertips.  However, using the web ineffectively adversely effects my productivity.  So I had to tack on some ground – actually virtual – rules when I’m in writer mode.  Check them out:

1. Just write!  It’s a simple notion but very hard to do when an abundant source of information is just one click away.
2. I’ve created an accountability writing schedule.  It’s a calendar that I created using Gmail and I share it with a few people.  Its purpose is two-fold: They know when I’m unavailable because I’m writing and my friends keep me on track by checking in on my writing progress since they have access to what I should be doing.
3. To avoid checking facts and information online when I’m writing I just type “QM” (meaning question mark) in the space and return to them later.
   
4. Most importantly, I keep my Firefox web browser closed until I’m done writing.  That way I’m not tempted to check my email, read blogs or worse hear the chime of my instant messenger.

What’s your web-stracting kryptonite?  Do you have any tips on how to avoid distractions while writing?

Share them here.

Don’t Take the Bait: Avoid Writing Job Scams January 8, 2009

It’s been a juggling act trying to keep up with last year’s flurry of billion dollar bailouts.  To avoid sinking in this economic tide publishing giants like Simon & Schuster, Random House and MacMillan are reorganizing their staff – ahem, laying off employees – as their “congressional-like” bailouts.

As these staff writers turn to freelance work to stay afloat financially the writer’s job market is becoming even more saturated.  As competition for jobs among writers becomes fierce the freelance job market is an oasis of growing opportunity for scam artists.

While the Internet provides great opportunities for writers it is only scam-proof if you stay alert and look out for signs.  Last month, Freelance Writing Jobs posted a warning about another website using their logo and title.  While the perpetrating site has since changed their web page, it still promotes that they are “For ANYONE Who Can Write in English.” Hmm, that’s not a great selling point and it’s a major red flag.

Here are some big flake alerts.  When you see these signs don’t bother to think twice before exiting out immediately.

1. SPELLING ERRORS ON THE LOOSE: If the job posting has spelling and grammar errors you have to wonder about its legitimacy.  Good writing jobs seek skilled and professional writers.  The way an ad is written emulates not only the type of writers they want to hire, but it says a lot about the potential employer as well.
2. CRYPTIC CIA JARGON: Skip postings that sound vague; if after you’ve read the job description and you still can’t tell what you’ll be doing – skip it.  You’re not creating highly classified documents for the CIA or FBI.  Ambiguous job descriptions are headaches in disguise where you’ll find yourself doing more than you should for little or no pay.
3. WORK FIRST, THEN MAYBE WE’LL HIRE YOU: Have you ever applied to a job and a writing test was required?  Well, I was surprised to find out that some jobs ask writers to complete writing tests beforehand.  What are clips for if not to serve as samples of your work? Most writing tests are actually real work that writers are doing for free.  Once writers submit the “test” they’ll never hear anything back about the job.
4. THAT’S A WELL-ESTABLISHED SITE: Don’t fall for ads just because they are listed on reputable websites.  It’s always a good practice to research the legitimacy of jobs on your own.  Relying on job sites to catch all scams means putting your time and money completely into the hands of a third-party.  Sites such as CareerBuilder, MediaBistro, and Monster can provide great leads.  But, once you identify a job you’re interested in take over the reigns and do your own detective work.
5. LOOKING FOR WORK, IT’LL COST YOU: You shouldn’t have to pay for information about jobs.  For instance, paying members of MediaBistro get access to restricted information.  However, anyone can get a free account to access and apply for jobs posted on their site.  Many other well-known job sites offer employment information without requiring users to pay.  If you’re asked to pay for access to job listings, employee training material or anything related to the work just move on and continue to watch out for sites that ask you for money.

Protect yourself in the New Year.  Times are difficult in the job market.  Avoid making it even harder on yourself by ignoring warning signs when seeking freelance and offsite writing opportunities.

Do you have a story or tips that can help inform others on how to avoid getting scammed online?

Lifting Writer’s Block With Poetry January 5, 2009

Clarity

Muddled thoughts nurse obscurity
Unwanted, more so unexpected
Vermin of uncertainty and incoherence
Multiply to reign over clarity

Focused on nothing
Yet, everything consumes the mind
Irrelevant ideas dominant
Pushing away things that matter

Over coffee, one clear reflection persists
Hugging the mind, until the chatter ensues
This triumph, though fleeting
Is embraced, like a lost child returning home

The Writer’s Wishing Well January 5, 2009