I have been a ghostwriter for years now. I started out writing poetry, love letters and (occasionally) research papers on behalf of my friends (or whomever would pay me) in high school. Not once was I cheated out of whatever I charged--if I charged. When I lived in Georgia, I wrote lyrics for several producers to use with their girl bands. Some of these songs you might have heard before, some you might not. What they have in common is that someone else's name is attached to the projects, and I got paid for each of them. Handsomely. I love ghostwriting. I love writing in general. The field has been good to me. It has allowed me to take care of my family when my main job was just not cutting it. It has allowed me to meet new and interesting people, research new and strange subjects and get paid for doing what I already love to do.
Now, this one dishonest character has totally thrown off my concentration and impacted my creativity. Right now, I am supposed to be putting the final touches on my first article with this new company. It's not ghostwriting--it's going to have my byline and everything. That is, if I can finish it.
It's not about needing the money, though. It's about the fact that I could have been writing something that I was really interested in instead of trying to find 700 words to describe a weed grinder or a tow truck service. It's about the fact that I have no interest in hedges, and I don't even read paranormal erotica much less want to write it. It's about my agreeing to use my creative touch to help this person make money and then being denied my fair share. This person who wears the mask of many people stole my work. Straight up. Not a bootlegged copy, because at least bootlegs do have the artists name attached so that you can buy the original if you so choose. I'd rather have had the option of publishing this stuff myself and having him copy and paste it. I wouldn't have cared. I have stuff all over the web that's been used that way, and it doesn't bother me at all. I was promised nothing for writing it, and once I did I considered it fair game. But to have someone actually request that I write for them, enter an agreement by which I would get paid, then not even answer phone calls or emails? That is just plain wrong.
Ok, so this has gotten enough of my energy. I have exactly two hours left to finish researching and writing my current assignment. I will post a link to it when it is published, which may take about three weeks to a month according to the editor.
You all enjoy your night.
Now, this one dishonest character has totally thrown off my concentration and impacted my creativity. Right now, I am supposed to be putting the final touches on my first article with this new company. It's not ghostwriting--it's going to have my byline and everything. That is, if I can finish it.
It's not about needing the money, though. It's about the fact that I could have been writing something that I was really interested in instead of trying to find 700 words to describe a weed grinder or a tow truck service. It's about the fact that I have no interest in hedges, and I don't even read paranormal erotica much less want to write it. It's about my agreeing to use my creative touch to help this person make money and then being denied my fair share. This person who wears the mask of many people stole my work. Straight up. Not a bootlegged copy, because at least bootlegs do have the artists name attached so that you can buy the original if you so choose. I'd rather have had the option of publishing this stuff myself and having him copy and paste it. I wouldn't have cared. I have stuff all over the web that's been used that way, and it doesn't bother me at all. I was promised nothing for writing it, and once I did I considered it fair game. But to have someone actually request that I write for them, enter an agreement by which I would get paid, then not even answer phone calls or emails? That is just plain wrong.
Ok, so this has gotten enough of my energy. I have exactly two hours left to finish researching and writing my current assignment. I will post a link to it when it is published, which may take about three weeks to a month according to the editor.
You all enjoy your night.
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