The Perfect Pitch . . .

Are we talking about musical ability? If so, having perfect pitch causes extreme anguish when the gifted one encounters a slightly off-pitch note.

How about Pitchers in the game of baseball?

image courtesy of vectorolie at freedigitalphotos.net

I'm laughing to myself, because anyone who understands me, knows I am NOT into sports. I don't play them. I don't watch them. In school, I was the proverbial 'last one to be picked on a team' because I had two left feet. And I was extremely timid. Competition is NOT in my nature, and I hate to let people down

Could we possibly be talking about a Writer's Pitch?

Sounds about write right. Here's my "Vickipedia" version (I used my middle name as a child):

"to toss out quickly, in one or two tight sentences with a "hook"; the simple summary of a book or article which piques the editor's interest, causing the work to be considered for publication."

I have found that there are similarities between a writer's and baseball PITCH.

I asked my husband, a White Sox Fan(his Mom is a Cub's Fanabout the pitcher's position and responsibility. Here is what I gleaned:

• Premier Pitchers are difficult to find: Perfect writer's pitches are not the norm.
• Pitchers and catchers work closely together: The author/agent or author/editor relationship takes teamwork.
• Good pitching always trumps good hitting: A good story may not be considered if the pitch is not “catchy."

Then, let's compare the types of pitches:

• Fast ball:straight down the middle. -Pitch your story straight. Don't get off on a tangent.
• Curve ball:puts spin on the ball that is unexpected by the hitter. -The first sentence "hooks" the reader into wanting more.
• Screwball:curves the opposite way than is expected. -The pitch doesn't clearly explain the gist of the story.
• Knuckle ball:no spin; unpredictable. -The wording of the pitch is unclear and/or uninteresting. The reader has a difficult time connecting.
• Sinker ball:drops to ground; tough to hit. -Pitch is not ready for prime time.

So why the reference to baseball?

'Tis the season!

Not only for baseball, but for writer's conferences. Is your pitch ready for the big time?

You be the judge. Well, the umpire, in this case.

Try these pitching tips from the experts:

Secrets of a Great Pitch

Perfect Pitch

How to talk with Publishers and Agents

Thanks for being a good sport . . .

Now, PLAY BALL!

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- Jarmila V. Del Boccio

Jarm finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. You can learn about those experiences and her author’s journey in her blog, Making the Write Connections.

In the 1980s when Japanese carmakers began devouring the lunch of America's Big Three, talking heads often yammered on contrasts between corporate culture in the U.S. and Japan. They reported many U.S. companies planned about as far ahead as the next earnings report. Japan's companies planned further into the future. 

How much further? Toyota was found to have a 100-year plan.

The realm of freelancing serves intriguing parallels. Many freelancers silo each assignment, seeking the biggest payoff for the labor expended on that one gig, then seeking another client for the next, and so on. The client is viewed as a stingy antagonist. No surprise: The need to reinvent the wheel every time leaves them with scads of unbillable hours.

Freelancers who routinely savor steadier work, however, strive toward building long-term client rapport. They find the work itself taxing enough, and prefer avoiding the time-consuming added steps of finding new clients to furnish each new project. Here are a few thoughts on building longer-term client relationships:

• Don't focus on extracting every last dime from a current project. Dwell on how much more you'll gain over time with a fair price and a happy client assigning regularly.
• Give clients the sense you're on their team, seeking the same goals.
• Ask clients what you can do to increase your value to the team.

Follow these stratagems and you'll likely forge longer rather than shorter client associations.

That’s the long and short of it.

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-- Jeff Steele

Although there is a plethora of computer software (mainly Windows) directed to writers and editors, the availability of versions for cell phones is substantially less. In their place, there are some applications that purport to handle some of the same tasks. Whether offered free or at a nominal charge, these apps can be functional even though limited by small-size screens. Also, to validate their usefulness, several from independent programmers are compatible with programs installed on computers even though using a different operating system.

Here are a few that have actually been put to use by this writer and found to be valuable, for example, as supplementary assistants that allow cell phone input to be copied to content in work on a computer. These are Android-based apps designed to integrate mainly with Microsoft ‘s Office but also may allow copying via the universal .txt format. There might also be versions for Apple’s iOS phones that are identically or similarly named.

Olive Office Premium: It’s something of a partner to MS Word documents (.doc and .docx), Excel spreadsheets .xls and .xlsx), and PowerPoint presentations. Permits editing and saving and also allows reading PDF files. Another application feature is full support for Google Drive.

Writer Plus: Ideal for on-the-go note-taking, it’s an upgraded version of the Writer program by James McMinnin that acts like a simplified word processor . You can open, edit, and save any content you create. Provides both character and word count and supports keyboard shortcuts.

CamScanner and PDF Creator: Will scan and share document content. Will read text in a PDF along with search and editing capabilities. Can convert to PDF and allow for cloud storage. Opt for upgrade to Business version after installation to create folders and permit group sharing.

Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech: An effective tool for any writer, it offers a high level of conversion accuracy. Has auto-correction, permits copying and sharing. Easy to delete errors. Is supposed to work offline as well but that feature is dependent on cell phone model and settings.

Gboard (Google Keyboard): This is just one of several available keyboards from various phone vendors that provides speech-to-text convenience. Corrections can be made manually on the virtual keyboard. Usable for documents, e-mail, and other applications requiring typing.

Merriam-Webster Premium: This upgrade to the free version of the dictionary includes a thesaurus, antonyms and synonyms, and voice search. Offline access provides for definitions (200,000 words) and synonyms. Another feature is non-computerized audio pronunciation.

- Richard Eastline

As writers, we all have a natural tendency to be word nerds. That being the case, I thought you might get a particular charge out of this article published on LinkedIn. It's about "buzzwords" (and buzz phrases) -- and how the over usage of such can make us look, hmm... a bit less intellectual than we imagine ourselves to be. Guilty as charged! Some of my personal favorites are: "That said," "above my pay grade" and "zero sum game." And oh yes, "that being the case." I often use those as filler, thinking they make me look rather intelligent. Guess I was wrong.

What are your verbal crutches? Do share in the comment section. I need some new "filler." 

(Members can comment by clicking on the dots next to the headline.) 

-- Laura Stigler

25 Buzzwords That Make Smart People Look Stupid by Dr.Travis Bradberry

 

There are some Chicagoans (probably thousands) who have never been to the top of the Sears-I- refuse-to-call-it-Willis Tower. By the same token, there are some IWOC-ers (probably thousands?) who've never really explored IWOC'S website - never so much as taken a peek to see all the benefits and hidden jewels available.

I can jump to such an assumption because more than once, IWOC members have approached me in a panic, not knowing what to do in various circumstances. ("Oh no! I can't make the meeting!" or "I've no idea how to write a contract!")

This has occurred often enough that it leaves me no recourse. Time to put on my Tour Guide hat and for the next few blog posts, show you around some not-to-be-missed IWOC attractions that exist on the "Member Resources" page of our website. My hope is that it will turn you into a regular visitor, a place you frequent often when looking for answers or inspiration. A place about which you can tell all your friends and fellow members. A place that in the professional sense, will make you proud enough to call IWOC "home."

So let us begin, shall we?

First stop: The Meeting Podcasts. Believe it or not, many members have no idea that we offer them. It's one of the greatest benefits of being an IWOC member, because come rain or snow, flu or work overflow, the podcasts mean you never have to miss a meeting. All the information and any handouts or PowerPoint presentations are right there, to be listened to and viewed while staying in your jammies. (I can hear you "ooo-ing" and "ahh-ing" already!)

Next stop: The Contract Link. Or more specifically, the "Letter of Agreement" Link. As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on." So true. Coming to terms with clients when discussing the scope and cost of a project will go a lot smoother when you have it in writing. This Letter Of Agreement is ready for downloading, offering both you and your client a point of reference and peace of mind.

I'm going to let you off the bus now. Feel free to check out the above and maybe even make discoveries I might not be aware of. Share them in the comment section!

Meet you back here in a couple of weeks, when I'll show you some more "IWOC offers that???" highlights.

Happy exploring!

- Laura Stigler

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It just so happens more and more job ops are trending towards the “gig economy” direction. Currently, the U.S. workforce is made up of 35% freelancers. That number is projected to expand to 43% by 2020! Got these stats from “How to Figure out What Your Side Hustle Should Be,” an article in the Harvard Business Review that you’re bound to find encouraging... especially if you’re starting out as or would like to be an independent contractor.

It also offers some terrific, common sense pointers—many of which we just happen to cover in our “Life in the Freelance Lane” talks we’ve been giving at libraries across Chicagoland. Here's the link: https://hbr.org/2018/01/how-to-figure-out-what-your-side-hustle-should-be

(Members can comment by clicking on the dots next to the headline.) 

Maybe ChicagoNow is right for your blog

At our November IWOC meeting, Scott Winterroth of Content Academy said something about using WordPress that made me feel really good: WordPress was developed to make work easier for web professionals. It was not developed to enable all of us to single handedly create our own websites and blogs.

I felt guilty . . .

Winterroth made me feel good because I had been feeling guilty. My personal WordPress website had some obvious flaws, but I did not care to learn how to remedy them on my own. 

I probably could if I worked hard enough. However, I would be investing considerable time in improving my own website / blog but without the inclination or market to justify my time investment by taking on paying work.

I looked into hiring someone to do the work for me.

A freelancer friend gave me the answer: ChicagoNow.com.

It seemed that everyone either charged a substantial amount per hour or would only undertake web work if it was a total re-do with a fee in the thousands of dollars.

So, I put it on the back burner, somewhat embarrassed by website flaws but too cheap to do anything about them.

Eventually I found another reason not to put money in my online presence. I have decided to be more selective about freelancing in favor of more blogging simply because I feel like it.

How to do my unmonetized blog without spending any money?

A freelancer friend gave me the answer: ChicagoNow.com.

ChicagoNow was created by the Chicago Tribune Media Group. As the FAQs explain, "Chicago Tribune content is produced by journalists; ChicagoNow content is produced by the communities that make up the site."

The program was run by phenomenal community manager Jimmy Greenfield since its inception nine years ago. He recently left for a new opportunity with the Trib, and Matt Schwerha has taken over. (He is great too.) He reviews applications and approves bloggers for participation, sets up the blogs, and provides technical assistance, including phone help, promptly and for free.

Participation is open to Chicago-area writers writing on any subject and to those outside the area writing on a Chicago-oriented topic.

Some blogs are on a highly specific topic, for instance, local horseracing or quilting. Others are on business topics, political issues or other broad themes. Yet others are on any topic that strikes the writer's fancy.

There's no required frequency. Some blog daily, others monthly or even less frequently.

The one thing these blogs have in common is excellence. All show signs of thought and editing. While the blogs are not monetized, tasteful marketing of your freelance practice or other business is allowed.

The program is much more impressive than what is described to the public on the website.

There's a closed Facebook group where community members can discuss issues of all types. There's a program to recognize best posts for the month. A free bowling league is running this season.

Another plus: ChicagoNow has Google juice. As of January 31, its global rank is 45,372 and its U.S. rank is 13,337.

To determine a website's rank, go to Alexa.com. The page should say "Find website traffic, statistics, and analytics." Key in website of interest where it says "Enter a website." (This is at top of page directly under "Find website traffic.") Click "find." The lower the number, the higher the rank. (Google is number one, followed by YouTube.)

All is not roses. Apparently, the group has had a sponsored holiday party in the past. In 2017, however, there was no budget and it didn't happen.

Before signing up, look at the restrictions. One is that you must avoid duplicate content by not posting your full ChicagoNow post on other websites.

I'm a newbie. My first post went live on October 22. Here's my blog: http://www.chicagonow.com/girl-born-in-51/

I'm really enjoying this, especially the technical help when I run into a snag. Maybe it's right for you as well.

(Members can comment by clicking on the dots next to the headline.) 

- Diana Schneidman

Diana Schneidman is an IWOC member and the author of Real Skills, Real Income: A Proven Marketing System to Land Well-Paid Freelance and Consulting Work in 30 Days or Less, available on Amazon.

IWOC's Got a Brand New Blog!

So what the heck is going on here? What happened to our venerable Stet Newsletter that has been a staple of IWOC ever since its inception?

Simply this: With survey results in tow, the Board has decided our members would best be served by morphing Stet into an up-to-the-minute, living, breathing, interactive blog. Personally, I'm agog. Because as captivating as all of Stet's previous incarnations were (and they were captivating, from the original hard-copy form, to the PDF's, to the e-newsletters), the Stet Blog will now be offering you more...

More interaction

All readers are welcome of course. But if you're a member, you'll have the opportunity to get your voice heard. Wish to sound off on some scathingly brilliant observation on IWOC, writing, freelancing? Whatever you believe would be relevant to writers, post it! Or...

Say you want to opine on one of the postings here. See those ellipses in the upper left corner by the post's headline? Click on that and "Add comment," and opine away!

More information

We'll always inform you about the latest goings-on on with your beloved IWOC. Beyond that, maybe you'd like to write a review on a recently read book. Or gush about a time-saving app you can't live without. And should you come across a fascinating writer-related article you've seen elsewhere, do share it with your fellow scribes merely by posting the link here.

More member news

What's new with you? Consider the Stet Blog as a members' megaphone: Just been published? Staging a reading of your works? Conducting a seminar? Whatever career- or ego- boosting news you're itching to announce, brag about it on the blog. You've earned it!

One caveat

The Stet Blog can only be as good as its participants. To be sure, there will always be something to read, whether it's coming from yours truly, Stet Blog Editor Cynthia Tomusiak, or any one of our regular contributors. Even so, the more you're involved, be it with postings, comments or news, the better the blog will be. Because if there's one thing we IWOC'ers should never tolerate, it's a blah blog.

(To partake in this intellectual playground, please email all posts to Cynthia for review. Thoughts about this posting? Members can comment by clicking on the dots next to the headline.) 

- Laura Stigler

Good, Better … and Better … and Better

I just read “Ph.D.s Are Still Writing Poorly” in the January 22, 2018, issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. The author is Rachel Toor , an Eastern Washington University professor of creative writing, whose blog is full of great articles about writing. One of her statements is, “Writing well does not require brilliance or innate talent. Like most things, prose style improves with attention, practice, and discipline.” That struck me as good advice for IWOC members, regardless of their areas of writing concentration.

How long has it been since IWOC had a presentation centered on improving our writing skills—the art and craft and process of writing? Sure, we’ve frequently heard speakers talk about breaking into new markets, independent writing as a small business, self-promotion and networking, and other practice builders. But it seems ages since we addressed improving what it is that we all do and how we do it. 

I recall a couple of programs from several years ago that focused on writing as a discipline. At one a journalism professor from Northwestern University brought along a bag of oranges and tossed one out to everybody in the room. Gimmick? Sure, but instantly engaging and effective. He then told us to write about the item he had just given us. We could not use the word orange. Nor could we say anything about its taste because we had no way of knowing what that might be without altering the item. There were a few other constraints that I no longer remember. We had five minutes and only paper and pencil.

It’s what we do, and we’re good at it.

The speaker critiqued the work of two or three volunteers. Then he spent the rest of our time together discussing clarity, brevity, structure, vocabulary, and other elements of spare but descriptive writing. We had to stand back and look closely at what we had produced. Many commented that if they had heard what he had to say up front, they would have approached our “assignment” differently. Sometimes we need reminding.

Another time we were joined by a creative writing instructor from Columbia College who demonstrated the utility of mind mapping, fish boning, arranging sticky notes, and asking the five whys when structuring and evaluating the effectiveness of our writing. Deconstructing was hard for some of us, certainly for me, but the result was that we discovered ways that we never knew or had forgotten about efficiency, direction, and economy of expression. Again, the speaker shared useful feedback.

We all know how to write, and we know that good (and profitable) writing involves more than a piece of paper and a crayon—or a computer and a printer. Note the examples above have nothing to do with anything electronic. They’re about thinking, staring into space for a few moments, gathering and culling ideas, judgments, assumptions, introspection, content, and the process of putting words onto a page. It’s what we do, and we’re good at it. But maybe we could do it better.

- Jim Kepler, Member since 1982

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Holiday Party Play-by-Play

If you didn’t happen to attend IWOC’s Holiday Party at Marcello’s on December 12, bet you’re dying to know the details. If you were there, here’s your chance to relive them!

First, the food: As you see in the photo, showcased by IWOC’s Parliamentarian Tom Lanning with a flourish worthy of P.T. Barnum, the meal was served buffet style. What can I say. Every course was non plus ultra. All 30 guests started off with a deep dive into warm homemade Italian bread and Marcello’s signature focaccia chips with garlic herb butter. (Oh, that butter!) These were the perfect sidekicks to the mixed green salad, chockfull of crunchy cukes, ripe tomatoes, carrots, and seasoned croutons. If the meal ended there, I would have been happily sated.

Making their way down the hedonistic display, guests treated themselves to picante chicken piccatta, lusty spinach lasagna and savory oven-roasted seasonal veggies. Was there dessert? Was there! Gourmet turtle, raspberry thumbprints and melt-in-your mouth dusted wedding cookies. Several guests made return trips for seconds. Of everything. I saw. I counted.

"I've been to a lot of IWOC get-togethers, but this was the best."

With plates piled high, we all retreated to three tables and between mouthfuls of gastronomic delight, engaged in lively (and often witty) conversation and laughter. As I looked around like a proud parent, it appeared everyone was having a grand time. It was a perfect mix of people – new and long-standing members, but also in attendance was Scott Winterroth, our November “WordPress” program’s presenter. Some non-members joined the festivities to get the feel of IWOC’s whole gestalt. They had to be mightily impressed. Let’s hope they become members. We’d be honored to have them.

For the grand finale, member Betsy Storm played “elf” – as she does every year, bless her heart, distributing charming gifts to each guest, compliments of IWOC. A warm touch typical of Betsy – and frankly, of IWOC!>

Eloquently summing up the evening was IWOC board member and Program Director Jeff Steele. “I've been to a lot of IWOC get-togethers, but this was the best. Everything from the way the room fit our group to the fantastic entrees (spinach lasagna, yeah! let's have the same thing next year!) to little touches like the hot coffee dispenser and the timing of the gift-giving to the way people mingled and got to know others was letter perfect.”

I agree wholeheartedly!

- Laura Stigler

(Members can comment by clicking on the dots next to the headline.)