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The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) does not endorse any company, product, or service sold by any corporation, institution or member supporting our organization. Corporate partnerships, advertisers and sponsors are not an endorsement of a product or service and may not be represented as such, in any way. The use of the ASJA name and/or logo, or representation of such, without the written consent of ASJA, is strictly prohibited.
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How often do we hear “live in the moment”? It’s not easy. Before the first leaf has changed color, stores are full of Christmas paraphernalia. We avoid eating foods that are delicious and enjoyable in the moment in service of future avoidance of high cholesterol, overinflated waistlines. If you have a baby, you hold your breath until they have a modicum of independence, then weep for the days gone by. It’s the first of November (rabbit, rabbit) and I’ve been sending out emails to clients for the past two weeks about end-of-year, and early 2023 assignments, or thinking about gift guides and holiday recipes. There are definite benefits to planning ahead, especially in work, but it can present a challenge to the idea of “in the moment” when we constantly have our eyes several months in the future. What do you like to do to capture moments of living in the moment, even as you plan ahead?
All the best, Holly Leber Simmons, ASJA Weekly Editor
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Calling all ASJA Members: Renew Today to be Entered in the Fall Membership Drive
ASJA
It’s renewal season at ASJA, and with that our fall membership drive is in full swing. ASJA’s community is its strongest member benefit, and our members are an important reason we can offer support and resources to professional independent writers. Renew by November 30 to be entered into a raffle to win valuable prizes, including Amazon gift cards, registration for the 2023 virtual conference, free 2023 membership and more.
Members can also save 33% on their membership dues by referring their colleagues to ASJA. To learn more about the membership drive, click here. To renew your dues, click here.
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Invest in Your Career — Apply for ASJA Membership Today
ASJA
How can ASJA build up your career? When we asked our members what ASJA has done for them, the overwhelming response was that ASJA brought them new clients, new opportunities, and a new community of professional freelance writers. Other responses included access to ASJA's resource hub, industry insights, discounts on legal consultations and access to affordable health coverage options. Now through December 15, use discount code 2022FallDrive, to waive the initiation and application fees, a savings of $75. Invest in your career and apply for ASJA today!
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Got News?
ASJA
ASJA members can share their writing news using a nifty form at https://www.asja.org/submit-member-news/. (You must be logged in to see this member-only page.) After approval, your submission will appear on the Member News page. The submission also goes to Holly, our esteemed Weekly newsletter editor, who will add it here. And Stephanie, our ASJA Magazine editor, will pull relevant news from the Member News page on the website to include in the print publication. What’s stopping you? Add your news about new book publications, especially important articles, and awards! Please allow 3-5 days for your submission to appear on the website.
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Webinar: Writers' Retreats and Residencies
ASJA
Writer's residencies can do wonders for your writing career. They can offer a much-needed respite from the stress of everyday life and give you space and time to create. However, finding and getting accepted into the right program can be a bit of a mystery if you aren't familiar with the process. We're bringing together an experienced panel of experts who're going to talk you through the process of identifying the right writer's retreats and residencies for you, how to stand out in your application and make the most of your time there once accepted. Nov. 17, 2022, 2 p.m. EST. Free for members, $20 for nonmembers. Learn more and register now.
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Hurricane Season 2022: Writer's Emergency Assistance Fund
ASJA
We know ASJA members and other professional freelance writers are among those affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. If you or someone you know has had their freelance writing income impacted by these hurricanes, other natural disaster, or illness, the Writers Emergency Assistance Fund is here to help. The application for assistance is here. And if you’re having a good year or simply counting your blessings as you watch the coverage of the hurricane damage, please consider a donation to WEAF. Each year, ASJA grants thousands of dollars to professional writers in need. Our ability to continue this program depends on donations.
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What to Say to the Department of Labor
ASJA
The Department of Labor’s proposed rule to redefine who is an independent contractor is open for comments through December 13. Please consider submitting a comment. Fight for Freelancers prepared a template for those interested, basically where you share your story and ask for the current rule to remain in place. ASJA member Ellen Ryan submitted a fantastic comment. To learn more about the issue, listen to ASJA member Kim Kavin on a podcast explaining the proposed rule and the background. It’s well worth the listen.
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ASJA Volunteer Opportunities
ASJA
- Virtual Pitch Slams – Find editors for monthly pitch sessions and handle registration logistics. Learn more about the program here. Contact Wendy Helfenbaum at wendy@taketwoproductions.ca.
- Virtual Client Connections – Be the liaison for your assigned editor or literary agent and ASJA members with interviews. Step-by-step guidebook provided – takes 3-5 hours of your time. Contact Denise Caiazzo at phrasemakr@aol.com.
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Member News
ASJA
Kaitlyn Wells' debut picture book, A Family Looks Like Love (Penguin Random House), published May 2022. It explores her painful childhood experiences growing up Black biracial in Texas, but from the perspective of her dog who inspired the story.
Jessica DuLong’s latest piece for CNN.com’s Life, But Better section, "Stop trying to fix yourself, this expert says” is a Q&A with Nora McInerny, author of the new essay collection, “Bad Vibes Only: (And Other Things I Bring to the Table),” who suggests honesty and underachievement as goals better suited to reality.
Jaclyn Greenberg wrote an article for Wired about how she and her tween daughter bonded over the language-learning app, Duolingo. She also wrote a few round-ups for Reviewed about accessible backpacks, clothing and Halloween costumes as well as a piece for TD bank about money-saving Halloween tips.
Parul Kapur Hinzen's debut novel, Inside the Mirror, about twin sister artists in 1950s Bombay has won the 2022 AWP Prize for the Novel, judged by Brandon Hobson, and will be published next year by the University of Nebraska Press. The novel was inspired by her arts reporting as a young journalist with the city magazine Bombay.
Fiona Young-Brown had a fun piece published with Fodor’s Travel on the subject of Bigfoot hunting in Ohio. It came about thanks to a Virtual Client Connections meeting earlier this year.
Do you have professional news you’d like to share with the group? A new job, a story you’ve published (in article, blog post, book, cave painting, etc. form), a new project you’ve launched, an interview with someone fascinating, a speaking gig? Send your news (50 words or less, I will cut) and a link if applicable to Holly Leber Simmons, ASJA Weekly editor at hello@redpeneditorial.co (that’s .co like Coco Chanel or you go, Glen Coco). Please put “ASJA Member News” in your subject line or it might not be seen.
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5 rookie mistakes freelancers make that damage a reputation and chance of success
Creative Boom
In any business, a reputation should be cherished and protected. Your livelihood depends on it. However, many freelancers in the creative industries can be prone to making mistakes that damage their profile, which not only puts off new clients but can also make you lose your competitive edge. We take a closer look at some of these common hiccups, so you can avoid tripping up in future.
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The pros and cons of freelancing vs full-time work
People Matters
How will you know if staying as a freelancer is better than accepting a full-time job offer?
Becoming a freelancer means you are not tied to just one company, and you can work for other organisations or brands if you want to. Basically, freelancers are self-employed, and they provide service to organisations for a certain fee.
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So you want to be a writer: 11 free tools to get you started
The Penny Hoarder
Whether it’s a calling, a passion, a way to make money — or some combination of all three, writing is a pretty rewarding way to spend your time, not that I’m biased.
However, before you set out for your favorite cafe with a typewriter and a funky hat (neither of which are an actual requirement of the profession), hear this. There are actually several online tools that can help you get your career as a wordsmith off the ground — without spending a dime.
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