I'm a very laid back person. I don't like confrontation, so if I can avoid it, I will. BUT that's not to say that I won't stand my ground on something I feel strongly about - especially my children.
Recently an editor for a magazine I write for assigned me an article. I was about to start writing said article, when I received an email that basically said - "did you start the article, because I just received one on the subject from someone else I'd like to use. I'd like to give you a different assignment."
Luckily for me I hadn't. I did do all the research and I literally WAS about to start writing it. I just went with the flow and agreed to the new assignment. Now this article is higher paying and a feature - but it's longer. I'm having some difficulties finding enough information to sustain a teens attention. UGH!
I know I'll prevail and write the article. I'll find some tidbit of information to make it more interesting, but I'll have to dig deep.
The bottom line here, was the editor thanked me for being flexible. She appreciated that I didn't fight her, because she did give me the option to submit my original article. I had no clue what she was offering when I agreed to take the new assignment, but I knew I wanted to continue writing for this magazine.
Of course not every situation will be as simple as that one, but in this business you need to be flexible.
So off to request some expert resource advice...I have a long day ahead of me. :)
I try to be flexible and think I am. HOWEVER, if I have to choose between my child's welfare and a writing assignment, the child will win.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago I was having trouble putting together a newsletter for my RWA group. I didn't know how to use the program and the person who had helped me with that technical end previously, had just quit, so I was struggling and behind schedule. The president demanded I finish it immediately and hand it in. That was the same week my son needed extra help to finish a couple assignments so he could graduate high school. Literally, my son might have flunked and not graduated without my help. So I helped my son. The president was quite rude to me, fired me, and I ended up quitting that group after that. But if someone wants me to do something that will hurt my child, they're going to lose and my child's going to win.
Most of the time, I go with the flow. I accept edits. I accept covers even when I don't love them. I say thank you for bad reviews and rejections because the person spent their time and effort for me. I stay late at the day job. I'll hurt myself to help someone else, but not one of my children.
flexible is good. Pushover is bad. Sounds like you've got it down!
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