I find this job rather fascinating. To study a person and be able to know that person just as well as he or she knows him or herself or possibly even better takes great attention to detail. You have to be able to pick up on patterns very quickly. Ghostwriters must be very careful. The job is to make the person look better and more professional so it is important that everything is done mistake free. Ghosting takes over the life of the person doing it while he or she is on a project.
I can't say for sure if I would become a ghostwriter but if it paid well enough and took me to some interesting places I would at least consider it. I would also have to consider the amount of time that I would be gone for. I keep to myself a good deal of the time so I think I could handle it for a few months. I don't think I would want to be gone for years at a time on the same project though. It just seems like too much time to work on one project. I would like to be able to see and experience a lot of different things.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Poetics and Narrativity: How Texts Tell Stories
"Simply put, a story consists of two or more related, sequential events."
I can understand this statement in theory but I believe that a story is like a sandwich; it needs to have substance. Simply stating two events that occurred in sequence does not make for much of a story. There is no meat, no spice and no dressing. It is simply two pieces of bread. A good story has details. It is descriptive and gives the reader a good visual. If I were to say that I went to the bank, then the gym and then to lunch, no one would be very interested. But if I were to describe the people I ran into, what happened on the way there, what I did at the gym and what I ate for lunch, the story suddenly has a little bit of substance. An interesting story is all about detail. Sure, some things may be interesting on their own but people will then ask questions if I don't mention the details in the statement. This is what people want to know. A simple statement sounds no different than everyday life. But details give the reader/listener the variations, the things that make this trip to the bank, gym or lunch different from all the rest. Being able to visualize is what makes people want more. A simple statement can bore people and make them tune out.
I can understand this statement in theory but I believe that a story is like a sandwich; it needs to have substance. Simply stating two events that occurred in sequence does not make for much of a story. There is no meat, no spice and no dressing. It is simply two pieces of bread. A good story has details. It is descriptive and gives the reader a good visual. If I were to say that I went to the bank, then the gym and then to lunch, no one would be very interested. But if I were to describe the people I ran into, what happened on the way there, what I did at the gym and what I ate for lunch, the story suddenly has a little bit of substance. An interesting story is all about detail. Sure, some things may be interesting on their own but people will then ask questions if I don't mention the details in the statement. This is what people want to know. A simple statement sounds no different than everyday life. But details give the reader/listener the variations, the things that make this trip to the bank, gym or lunch different from all the rest. Being able to visualize is what makes people want more. A simple statement can bore people and make them tune out.
The Forest for the Trees: Publication
"Most books come into the world with the fanfare of a stillborn."
Maybe it wasn't the best way for James Purdy to say it but this statement rings true. Authors have to work very hard to get published and then they have to just hope that people will buy their book. Every story has its beginning and only time will tell whether or not it will make fans out of the readers. It's hard to imagine but "Lord of the Rings" was once an unknown story. J.R.R. Tolkien was not born a rich and famous writer. He did not expect his story to become a worldwide phenomenon but it did. It's amazing how an idea that enters one person's mind can capture the hearts and the eyes of millions. Movies have such huge fanbases before they're even released usually because people have read and enjoyed the novel(s). Novels, on the other hand, come into the world as a part of the unknown. This is why writers must have patience and perseverance. There is no guarantee that anything you write will ever get published. If you feel it is worth the risk though, you should keep working at it until you finally get your chance.
Maybe it wasn't the best way for James Purdy to say it but this statement rings true. Authors have to work very hard to get published and then they have to just hope that people will buy their book. Every story has its beginning and only time will tell whether or not it will make fans out of the readers. It's hard to imagine but "Lord of the Rings" was once an unknown story. J.R.R. Tolkien was not born a rich and famous writer. He did not expect his story to become a worldwide phenomenon but it did. It's amazing how an idea that enters one person's mind can capture the hearts and the eyes of millions. Movies have such huge fanbases before they're even released usually because people have read and enjoyed the novel(s). Novels, on the other hand, come into the world as a part of the unknown. This is why writers must have patience and perseverance. There is no guarantee that anything you write will ever get published. If you feel it is worth the risk though, you should keep working at it until you finally get your chance.
The Forest for the Trees: Rejection
"Rejection is a fact of writing life. If you are still unpublished, you probably suffer from the misconception that publication in and of itself will cure everything that ails you. But the pain of rejection doesn't stop the day a contract arrives."
A writer has to have a lot of confidence and mental toughness to deal with the rejection that comes along with the career. Just like with most things in life, writing comes with a lot of rejection and failure before success. But if you are willing to deal with the the rejection then the reward is worth it when you finally do succeed. A writer has to be extremely persevering and willing to make changes to his or her work to accomodate the people he or she is writing for. A writer must always strive to improve his or her work with each job. If you keep writing and improving your skills then there is a very good chance that someone is going to need and want you to write for them. Every company needs someone to write for them. It's just a matter of putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection because that's the only way you're going to get yourself noticed and hired for a job.
A writer has to have a lot of confidence and mental toughness to deal with the rejection that comes along with the career. Just like with most things in life, writing comes with a lot of rejection and failure before success. But if you are willing to deal with the the rejection then the reward is worth it when you finally do succeed. A writer has to be extremely persevering and willing to make changes to his or her work to accomodate the people he or she is writing for. A writer must always strive to improve his or her work with each job. If you keep writing and improving your skills then there is a very good chance that someone is going to need and want you to write for them. Every company needs someone to write for them. It's just a matter of putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection because that's the only way you're going to get yourself noticed and hired for a job.
The Forest for the Trees: The Neurotic
"Writers love to worry."
I feel like I understand this statement perfectly. Meeting deadlines can be very stressful. Not only do you have to worry about getting the job done on time, but you also have to worry about your work being top quality. You have to have tough skin to be a writer. You always have to worry about rejection and criticism and you also have to be able to force yourself to write even when you don't want to. Writing can be very frustrating at times and there can be many distractions. Whether it's writer's block or the lack of solitude, not being able to write what you want to write can be very discouraging. This is a rather extreme example but Jack Nicholson's character in "The Shining" became so stressed and frustrated over not having the peace and quiet to get his writing done that he went mentally insane and attacked his family. I don't think writers really "love to worry" but rather they love to challenge themselves to get bigger and better things done, which naturally comes with stress.
I feel like I understand this statement perfectly. Meeting deadlines can be very stressful. Not only do you have to worry about getting the job done on time, but you also have to worry about your work being top quality. You have to have tough skin to be a writer. You always have to worry about rejection and criticism and you also have to be able to force yourself to write even when you don't want to. Writing can be very frustrating at times and there can be many distractions. Whether it's writer's block or the lack of solitude, not being able to write what you want to write can be very discouraging. This is a rather extreme example but Jack Nicholson's character in "The Shining" became so stressed and frustrated over not having the peace and quiet to get his writing done that he went mentally insane and attacked his family. I don't think writers really "love to worry" but rather they love to challenge themselves to get bigger and better things done, which naturally comes with stress.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Camenson's Careers in Writing: Staff Writers and Reporters
As said in the book, "While freelancers have the advantage of proposing their own story ideas, staff writers and reporters generally have more job security and always know when their next paycheck will arrive. Freelancers trade job security and regular pay for their independence."
I am kind of in the middle here. While job security is very important to me, I also like the idea of being able to do my own thing. I guess if I knew that I was financially secure for a while then I could feel more comfortable about not knowing what my next project will be and where my next paycheck will come from. Although there would be a comfort zone in working with mostly the same people on the same types of projects on a regular basis. I would have to be very passionate about something to be doing the same type thing every day though. It can be fun to do your own thing and throw different ideas around but I would rather have job security and do the same thing every day as long as it's something I truly love doing.
I am kind of in the middle here. While job security is very important to me, I also like the idea of being able to do my own thing. I guess if I knew that I was financially secure for a while then I could feel more comfortable about not knowing what my next project will be and where my next paycheck will come from. Although there would be a comfort zone in working with mostly the same people on the same types of projects on a regular basis. I would have to be very passionate about something to be doing the same type thing every day though. It can be fun to do your own thing and throw different ideas around but I would rather have job security and do the same thing every day as long as it's something I truly love doing.
The Forest for the Trees: Introduction
"The writer labors in isolation, yet all that intensive, lonely work is in the service of communicating, is an attempt to reach another person."
I think this statement makes a very good point. While a writer usually is alone when he or she writes, he or she is writing as if someone else was there. The writer is telling a story on paper instead of telling it orally. It's like sending someone an e-mail instead of talking to them face to face, with the only difference being that a person can't sense emotion from tone of voice. A writer must be very descriptive to get his or her message across. He or she must use imagery and help the reader visualize what's going on. Eyes are always on a writer one way or another, even if no one is actually looking him or her in the face.
I think this statement makes a very good point. While a writer usually is alone when he or she writes, he or she is writing as if someone else was there. The writer is telling a story on paper instead of telling it orally. It's like sending someone an e-mail instead of talking to them face to face, with the only difference being that a person can't sense emotion from tone of voice. A writer must be very descriptive to get his or her message across. He or she must use imagery and help the reader visualize what's going on. Eyes are always on a writer one way or another, even if no one is actually looking him or her in the face.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Demographics/Target Publication for Feature Article
Name of Magazine: ESPN the Magazine www.espnthemag.com
Demographics:
Total # of readers: Whoever wants to read it
Gender: Geared toward sports fans so mostly males but not to disclude female sports fans
Age Range: There are sports fans of all ages so no particular age group
HHI: It should be pretty affordable for just about anyone
Education Level: It will be put into terms that the average fan can understand
My idea is to write an article about the need for a salary cap in Major League Baseball. Guys like the heat of battle and competition so I would talk about how a salary cap would make the league more balanced and therefore create more exciting playoff races and ultimately put an end to all these postseason sweeps. The last few postseasons have not had more than one or two exciting series out of seven total series.
Demographics:
Total # of readers: Whoever wants to read it
Gender: Geared toward sports fans so mostly males but not to disclude female sports fans
Age Range: There are sports fans of all ages so no particular age group
HHI: It should be pretty affordable for just about anyone
Education Level: It will be put into terms that the average fan can understand
My idea is to write an article about the need for a salary cap in Major League Baseball. Guys like the heat of battle and competition so I would talk about how a salary cap would make the league more balanced and therefore create more exciting playoff races and ultimately put an end to all these postseason sweeps. The last few postseasons have not had more than one or two exciting series out of seven total series.
Careers in Writing: Technical Writing
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."
- Mark Twain
I really like this quote because it holds true. Only you know what you're really thinking. You can try to make a point but if you don't use the right wording then your audience may get the wrong message.
The letter that was written to the plant manager at Three Mile Island was very confusing. Acronyms were not defined and the intended message was not real clear. If Babcock and Wilcox wanted to warn the plant manager then they should have been more to the point and they should have explained the terms that they used a lot more clearly. This just looked like a lot of words to me and I had no idea what it meant. It should have been put in simpler terms so that it wouldn't just scare someone away when they try to read it. Technical writing should be very simple for any reader to understand and the point should be made quickly and accurately. If a reader doesn't feel lost and confused in the first few sentences of what they're reading, chances are they will probably read the whole thing.
- Mark Twain
I really like this quote because it holds true. Only you know what you're really thinking. You can try to make a point but if you don't use the right wording then your audience may get the wrong message.
The letter that was written to the plant manager at Three Mile Island was very confusing. Acronyms were not defined and the intended message was not real clear. If Babcock and Wilcox wanted to warn the plant manager then they should have been more to the point and they should have explained the terms that they used a lot more clearly. This just looked like a lot of words to me and I had no idea what it meant. It should have been put in simpler terms so that it wouldn't just scare someone away when they try to read it. Technical writing should be very simple for any reader to understand and the point should be made quickly and accurately. If a reader doesn't feel lost and confused in the first few sentences of what they're reading, chances are they will probably read the whole thing.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Writing Life: "Hunkering Down"
Stanley Karnow said, "When I'm doing my best work, I'm not in control." I found this interesting because I too find that sometimes my imagination takes me to places I never thought I could go. When Karnow asked Georges Braque how he decided on his images, he responded, "If I knew what was going to come out, young man, I wouldn't paint it." I also found this very interesting. The unknown in life is more exciting than the known and a person can experience the best life has to offer when they set no limits or boundaries. Sure, you could take the road that's known and followed and feel comfortable about it but it's the same old thing. Or you could take the unknown, more adventurous road that will have a high risk or high reward type effect. I believe that if you want to take anything you're doing to another level, you need to go outside of your comfort zone. Nothing is gained by sheltering yourself from the outside world. You will fail many times before you succeed but you will never succeed if you don't make an attempt. It is difficult to go places when you're sitting still.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My Desired Career: Sports Writing/Broadcasting
1) News Analyst/Reporter (Sportscaster):
A news analyst takes news from various sources, makes his or her own interpretation of the best way to get the message across and then broadcasts the news. Reporters, also called journalists at times, go out and get the stories for themselves. They may conduct interviews, take photographs or collect video footage. It is important for reporters to take notes.
I want to be a sports writer or broadcaster and this would all be involved. Information would be gathered from game footage, coach and players interviews and front office personnel. There are many topics to be covered in sports. They include drafting players, player development, trades, free agent signings, personnel changes and much more.
2) Links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_16612_become-sportscaster.html
http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/
http://www.staatalent.com/
http://www.broadcastingschool.com/sportscasting.php
3) Books:
The Art of Sportscasting: How to Build a Successful Career
Sportscasters/Sportscasting: Principles and Practices
Starting Your Career in Broadcasting: Working On and Off the Air in Radio and Television
Sportscasters/sportscasting; principles and practices
Bob Wolff's Complete Guide to Sportscasting: How to Make It in Sportscasting (With or Without Talent)
4) My Thoughts on this Career:
I've always known that this is a very involved career that can be difficult to break into. I've always been passionate about sports so I'd be willing to spend my life around them. Baseball is my favorite sport, as I've been attached to it since I was about five years old. I remember the great Braves of the 1990s and it really gave me a true love for the game. Working with that organization would be a dream come true for me. Working on the show "Baseball Tonight" for ESPN would interest me very much as well. They run through the scores, highlights and latest news for all 30 Major League teams every night. I also love football and I like basketball as well. To be honest, working for ESPN in general seems very enjoyable to me. I spend hours watching ESPN so I'd be earning a living being around something I already love. I know this is a very tough field to get started in and that opportunities can be limited but I don't think there's anything else I'd rather do with my life. I enjoy the rivalries, the highlights, the record breaking stats, the blockbuster trades, the playoff races and I especially love postseason atmosphere.
A news analyst takes news from various sources, makes his or her own interpretation of the best way to get the message across and then broadcasts the news. Reporters, also called journalists at times, go out and get the stories for themselves. They may conduct interviews, take photographs or collect video footage. It is important for reporters to take notes.
I want to be a sports writer or broadcaster and this would all be involved. Information would be gathered from game footage, coach and players interviews and front office personnel. There are many topics to be covered in sports. They include drafting players, player development, trades, free agent signings, personnel changes and much more.
2) Links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_16612_become-sportscaster.html
http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/
http://www.staatalent.com/
http://www.broadcastingschool.com/sportscasting.php
3) Books:
The Art of Sportscasting: How to Build a Successful Career
Sportscasters/Sportscasting: Principles and Practices
Starting Your Career in Broadcasting: Working On and Off the Air in Radio and Television
Sportscasters/sportscasting; principles and practices
Bob Wolff's Complete Guide to Sportscasting: How to Make It in Sportscasting (With or Without Talent)
4) My Thoughts on this Career:
I've always known that this is a very involved career that can be difficult to break into. I've always been passionate about sports so I'd be willing to spend my life around them. Baseball is my favorite sport, as I've been attached to it since I was about five years old. I remember the great Braves of the 1990s and it really gave me a true love for the game. Working with that organization would be a dream come true for me. Working on the show "Baseball Tonight" for ESPN would interest me very much as well. They run through the scores, highlights and latest news for all 30 Major League teams every night. I also love football and I like basketball as well. To be honest, working for ESPN in general seems very enjoyable to me. I spend hours watching ESPN so I'd be earning a living being around something I already love. I know this is a very tough field to get started in and that opportunities can be limited but I don't think there's anything else I'd rather do with my life. I enjoy the rivalries, the highlights, the record breaking stats, the blockbuster trades, the playoff races and I especially love postseason atmosphere.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Writing Life: "On Becoming a Writer"
The biggest thing I noticed about these writers is how much they love what they do. I knew writing novels, short stories along with other types of writing took a lot of work but the number of pages of notes and journals these people have borders on ridiculous. You truly have to love doing something to dedicate that much time and effort to it. I don't remember which writer it was but one of them said, "It didn't drive me to be a writer. Writing is what inspired me." If you really love doing something then you don't do it for a title. You do it because it's what you enjoy doing. Many people have said that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I feel that these writers are a good example of this. Their work has taken the majority of their lives but they are spending their lives the way they want to, which is all that really matters. I personally would rather do something that I'm passionate about rather do something for money or prestige. People have said that time is money. So if this is true, wouldn't you rather enjoy the time you've been given than do something you dread getting up in the morning for just to make a few extra bucks?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
My History and Goals as a Writer
I feel that I can be somewhat of a descriptive writer. I do feel like I could improve some on that though. I also feel that I tend to ramble on sometimes. I need to learn to add just enough detail to make my writing interesting but not so much unnecessary information that people will lose interest. It’s about finding that happy medium. Sometimes I have trouble capturing the reader’s interest right away. I would like to learn to write better introductions and leads in order to get the reader hooked quickly. It can be boring to read multiples paragraphs before you get to the main idea. I've never really read a lot of novels but I read articles on sports and music all the time and whatever else I find that catches my interest. I'm on the Internet a lot so I'm constantly reading random things that catch my attention. My goal is to become a sports writer, preferably covering baseball or football because those are my two favorite sports. I have been following Major League Baseball ever since I was a little kid and I've been following the NFL and a bit of college football for many years as well. Covering the Atlanta Braves or the Atlanta Falcons would be a dream job for me.
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