Russ J. Stacey

Creative Writing Triggers

2009-09-26T10:38:00.004-04:00

Writers write. That may seem painfully obvious but it’s what we do. We can’t afford to be so undisciplined that the words don’t flow from the keyboard. Call it procrastination, laziness or something else (I don’t believe in writer’s block. See my post about that here).

In another post, I shared some writing exercises that one of my former college professors used in class. Here are a few of my own techniques that I’ve come up with over the years:

Write down some words at random and list as many synonyms as you can for each. Pull out the thesaurus if you have to. Seeing certain words in black and white can trigger ideas.

Copy the lyrics from a song you despise. Take those verses that make you wince from their supreme awfulness and rewrite them.

Make up a product or service that you need to sell. Create ad headlines that will grab people’s attention. Don’t filter yourself — let your imagination go wild.

World Habitat Day

2009-09-17T14:53:00.002-04:00

October 5 is 2009 World Habitat Day, which aims to remind everyone how critical the need is for people to have a safe, decent place to call home. Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations support this global observance to declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable. The current global recession makes this crisis all the more relevant.

According to the United Nations, which has designated the first Monday each October as World Habitat Day, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. So what can we each do for World Habitat Day? “Advocate – Educate – Donate.”

To learn about Habitat for Humanity’s role in spreading the word of World Habitat Day, click here.

Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 4)

2009-09-13T14:50:00.003-04:00

This is a continuation of Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 1), (Part 2) and (Part 3).

“The compensation will be seeing your name published in a local publication. It will look excellent on your resume!!”

“Compensation: Clips and exposure to millions of readers.”

“No pay but you’ll help the world go green!”

Look familiar? Not exactly paying gigs, are they? But there they are, to be found in abundance on online “paying” job posting boards. I’ve found that many of these come-ons either overpromise what they’re selling or are outright frauds designed to suck you in for nefarious purposes. Sure, there are legitimate opportunities to build your portfolio, if you’re willing to write for free, but like anything else, there are people willing to take advantage of the naïve or inattentive by getting something for nothing. Once you get a few pieces published, though, it’s time to go for the moolah.

The debate within the writing community rages on as to whether you should ever write for free (gotta accumulate those clips somehow) or not (it ultimately cheapens the profession for everybody). Heck, I did it when I was a newbie. But I didn’t delude myself into thinking that I would be “discovered” by some big-shot wheeler-and-dealer who would launch my writing career into the stratosphere, or any other such nonsense. I did it to collect bylines and that all-important experience. But it didn’t take me long to realize that my time, effort and skills are valuable commodities deserving of pay.

So how do you separate the honest, cash-strapped folks (think nonprofits) from the con artists? Sometimes it can feel as complicated and arduous as separating the chocolate from the milk, but pay attention to what the ad is really saying — read between the lines. Beware of any ad that screams:

“New, exciting, up-and-coming national magazine started by technology gazillionaire Tommy Moneypants, with the backing of Fortune 500 companies, seeks writers! Oh, and even though our founder has more cash than Bill Gates and Warren Buffet combined, we can’t afford to pay you. But you’ll get a byline.”

My advice? Click off that page as fast you can.

Agree? Disagree? Want to add to the conversation? Feel free to comment.

Questions & Quandaries

2009-09-07T09:09:00.000-04:00

Have writing/publishing/industry questions?

Then check out Brian A. Klems’ blog at Writer’s Digest, "Questions & Quandaries." From copyright and legal questions to grammatical and formatting dilemmas — and most everything in between — Brian’s blog is invaluable. I refer to it constantly.

Social Media for Business 101

2009-08-30T10:45:00.002-04:00

Here’s an article I wrote for Connect magazine, a publication for business owners, on using social media. It’s basically a social media primer, laying out some simple ground rules.

Improve Your Writing

2009-08-22T21:13:00.003-04:00

Are you a writer? A newbie, seasoned pro or maybe somewhere in between? Want to enrich your skills? I recommend reading 73 Ways to Become a Better Writer.

Find my work in the latest issue of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine

2009-08-16T19:24:00.000-04:00

Fun and games are definitely not just for kids. Looking to get in shape or socialize with others while playing your favorite sport?

The latest issue of Central Florida Lifestyle features an article I wrote about Adult athletic leagues.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think.

Tweeting too Treacherous?

2009-08-05T10:43:00.006-04:00

Do you Tweet? Ever get an e-mail stating that So-and-So is now following you, and you check out their Twitter profile to find zero "Followers" but 20,000 under "Following" (and probably a half-naked woman in the profile pic)? Do you get suspicious? Good call. Twitter is grappling with a solution to these malicious links. (A word of advice: Don't click on the Web site link in those iffy profiles; you could infect your computer, iPhone, etc.)

Here's an excellent Washington Post piece on the growing problem.

Doug Rhodehamel's "Deep Blue" exhibit

2009-07-29T19:16:00.002-04:00

I recently interviewed installation artist Doug Rhodehamel for the Sept/Oct issue of Orlando Arts Magazine. He has a new exhibit named Deep Blue opening this Friday, July 31, at Bold Hype Gallery. He’s a fantastically creative artist, and a nice guy. I strongly recommend you stop by and see what he’s been up to (hint: it involves large, glowing fish with huge teeth that are created out of cardboard ). The show ends August 4th.

My blog is NEW and IMPROVED

2009-07-28T22:50:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my new, revamped blog. New name, new direction, more news, more links to relevant articles, more samples of my work. I'm dedicating a new focus on what's going on with my writing, and impart what I've learned to help other scribes. I'll be adding new lists, new features, new news to keep things fresh and smelling lovely.

In the meantime, why not peruse the "Some Recent (Magazine) Clips" list on the right side of the page. Check out samples of my work and feel free to comment.

Best, Russ

Freelance Writing Job Scams

2009-07-19T11:36:00.004-04:00

Ever read an online writing job posting that triggers your skeptical radar? I found a handy dandy article, 12 Ways to Protect Yourself against Writing Scams posted on Freelance Writing Jobs that gives a good overview of how to interpret these job offers (and alleged offers).

Read an inspiring story in the latest issue of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine

2009-07-02T07:43:00.003-04:00

The July issue of Central Florida Lifestyle is out, and in it you’ll find a story I wrote about Kathy’s Ross’ inspiring mission trip to a tiny Honduran village.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks.

Construction Writers Association

2009-06-22T23:50:00.005-04:00

Am now a proud member of the Construction Writers Association.

A pretty amazing teenager I wrote about begins his journey

2009-06-17T16:49:00.003-04:00

You can read a newspaper account of David Ashby, whom I wrote about here, as he begins his 1,100-mile trek to Washington, D.C.

Truly inspiring.

Find my work in the latest issue of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine

2009-05-31T00:15:00.001-04:00

The June issue of Central Florida Lifestyle is out, and in it you’ll find a story I wrote about David Ashby, a teenager walking 1,100 miles to raise awareness of homeless children.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks.

"Hey, how ya doin'?"

2009-05-17T11:43:00.002-04:00

Here's a handy way to reconnect with clients, editors, interview subjects, publishers, whomever -- especially if it's been a while.

Sometimes we just lose touch with those we've worked with, or would like to work with. And it might feel clunky or pushy to just drop them a line out of nowhere. One thing I do is regularly check the appropriate B2B magazines, industry publications, general and business newspapers in the person's geographical area for their "In the News" section that lists award winners, promotions, lateral position moves, board of directors' appointments, etc.

If I spot a familiar name, I immediately send them a quick e-mail that basically says: "Just read about your [FILL IN BLANK]. Congratulations." Short and sweet. And I do not solicit my services or try to get work out of them. It's meant to refresh their memory on who you are and what you can offer them. If they're interested in doing business, chances are they’ll respond and broach the subject.

You can even set up a Google Alert on the person so you'll get an e-mail anytime their name is published on the Web.

3 Reasons I Need to Get Out of the House and Work in a “Real” Office Again

2009-05-07T23:03:00.003-04:00

Riding in elevators is my main form of exercise.

Our mini pinscher just doesn’t appreciate my politically incorrect jokes.

No IT guy to scream at for not replacing my computer fast enough after I chuck it out the window in frustration.

Words to Write By

2009-04-25T10:12:00.004-04:00

Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.

– C. S. Lewis (1898–1963)

Appreciate What You’ve Got

2009-04-19T22:31:00.003-04:00

Remember years ago when saxophonist Branford Marsalis was Jay Leno’s bandleader on "The Tonight Show"? He left the show because he apparently wasn’t content with the tunes he played night after night and wanted to get back to pursuing his own music.

Not long after his resignation, he appeared on Howard Stern’s radio show. An indignant Howard chastised him for leaving such a plum gig. His basic point was, so what if it wasn’t a "prestige" gig and he wasn’t able to play his original music on the show. Bottom line: He still got to play music every night for an audience of millions, and the job paid really well.

It sort of reminds me of writers who feel that writing for local or regional publications is not attractive as it once was. Time to move on and get those bylines only in national magazines!

Maybe they should think twice.

Though publication in the big boys is an admirable goal (heck, I’m constantly striving for it myself), don’t sell the little guys short. If they’re dependable, reliable, legitimate sources of bylines, appreciate what you’ve got. With the right combination of talent, tenacity and breaks those nationally published clips will come.

Read my feature about Habitat for Humanity in the new issue of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine

2009-04-06T23:00:00.004-04:00

The new issue of Central Florida Lifestyle is out. In it you’ll find a feature I wrote about Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park/Maitland -- a terrific organization run by wonderful people.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks.

Clients Say the Darnedest Things

2009-04-05T12:23:00.007-04:00

When I was a copywriter for an ad agency that specialized in audio marketing -- or on-hold phone messages (see my previous post) -- I wrote the scripts for my clients but had to get their approval before we recorded and produced the messages. Some clients, however, insisted on writing them themselves.

The following are actual excerpts from client scripts that must have seemed innocuous enough at first. But on a second read? Maybe not so much.

"Need more than just a good night's sleep?"

"Avoid organ meats..."

"Satisfy every guest, every time!"

"Come 'swing' with the best of 'em!"

"We're always open to your input..."

Why Is It . . .

2009-03-28T16:20:00.002-04:00

. . .That online writing job postings with lots of exclamation points in the subject line (or even one, really) invariably pay nothing? I don’t get it. Do they think people are so dimwitted that they’ll be distracted by the !!!!!!!! and not notice that the gig pays squat?

This is sort of a continuation of my Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 1) post.

You Talkin’ to Me?

2009-03-23T22:45:00.000-04:00

Successful interviewing entails listening, not just asking. I was reminded of this simple fact recently when I interviewed Graham Fenton, starring as Frankie Valli in the national touring company of "Jersey Boys," which is coming to Orlando in May.

I asked him about the nerve-wracking audition process he endured (including singing for Frankie Valli himself) and he started off by saying he first heard of the auditions in Miami when he was living in Orlando. Viola! Instant local connection. I made sure I followed up on that tidbit and that connection became my lede paragraph.

Moral of the story? If I had been so myopically focused on my next question that nifty little nugget likely would have escaped my radar.

Find my work in the newest issue of Texture magazine

2009-03-15T22:19:00.001-04:00

The Spring/Summer issue of Texture is out. You’ll find my article "Commercial Spotlight" that focuses on the state of the commercial production industry in Central Florida.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks.

Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 3)

2009-03-11T21:36:00.003-04:00

To read Part 1, visit here. Part 2 here.

Let's talk about money ... your money. More specifically, throwing your money away. And chances are that's what you'll end up doing if you pay to obtain "secret" job listings.

These kinds of ads prey upon our desire to get the jump on our competition by giving us access into an all-exclusive enclave. Don't be fooled. There is no such thing as a super-duper-ultra-suede-Doppler-5000-double-dog-dare listing of secret freelance jobs. If you receive anything for your money, it will be recycled listings from job sites that are easily available to anyone for free.

And of course, you should never -- EVER -- pay to have something you write be considered for publication (contests are another animal). That's called a rip-off.

5 Tips I’ve Learned for Successful Interviewing

2009-03-08T12:05:00.005-04:00

List your questions -- and then some. Make sure you have "backup" questions in case the interviewee's responses are curt, shrinking your half hour interview session to 20 minutes. That's a lot of time to fill.

Prepare. Bring extra batteries and tapes for the recorder. Have pens and a pad on hand to take notes.

Observe. If the interview takes place in the person's office or home, jot down your impressions of the surroundings. It'll give you insight into their character, perspective, motivation.

Clarify. If something is unclear, don't be afraid to ask for clarification, spelling, context, definition, whatever.

Give thanks. Be sure to follow up your interview with a simple thank you, no more than two days afterward. You'll shine as thorough and professional -- and they'll appreciate it.

Job Posting Boards

2009-03-05T17:55:00.005-05:00

Here's a valuable, time-saving listing of freelance job postings brought to you by the always informative Allenia Tapia of About.com.

Happy hunting!

Find my work in the latest Florida magazine ("News for alumni and friends of the University of Florida")

2009-03-04T10:43:00.003-05:00

Green engineering and sustainable practices are a passion of Amelia Dempere, University of Florida professor in the College of Engineering. The Winter issue of Florida contains a profile I wrote of her.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks.

Find my work in the March issue of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine

2009-02-28T13:42:00.006-05:00

The March issue of Central Florida Lifestyle is out, and in it you’ll find two pieces I wrote. First up is a feature about the Windermere Roadies, a local cycling club, in the Southwest edition.

There is also a profile of musician and composer extraordinaire Robert Kerr in the Eastern edition.

Take a gander and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks. Next month’s issue will have a feature I wrote about Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park/Maitland.

Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 2)

2009-02-26T12:05:00.008-05:00

To read Part 1, visit here.

Let’s take a look at freelance writing job postings that ask for a little too much.

If the ad requires you to take a "test" by writing a "sample," hit the Back button. This is an open invitation to steal your work (it happens all the time), especially if they demand you submit it to them today. You’ll typically be asked to write on a very specific topic with certain keywords and phrases. You’ll bust your butt to craft the best piece possible, submit it, and the chances that you never hear from them again are good. They typically sell your sweat equity to their clients and pocket the cash while you’re left with questions and frustration. Is it possible that the ad is legitimate? Sure, but do you want to take that chance?

This is an excerpt from an actual posting (emphasis mine):

"So for your test assignment, I'd like you to pick one of the above topics and write me 775 to 850 words..."

To test my theory, I responded to the ad asking for further information before I applied. Sure enough, I received a robo-reply then later that same day I received another reply asking me if they can expect to receive my "assignment" that day. Yikes! Talk about high pressure.

A Great Example of Not Knowing Your Audience

2009-02-20T17:16:00.002-05:00

When I was the senior copywriter for an advertising agency that specialized in audio marketing (you know: those prerecorded messages you hear when put on hold after calling a business. "Did you know we’ve extended our weekend hours to 9 p.m.? Thanks for your patience. We’ll be right with you."), the number one tenet to keep in mind when writing the scripts was knowing the audience. In other words, no one likes to be put on hold so try not to irritate them any further! Ninety-five percent of the messages needed to be short and punchy -- preferably no more than three sentences -- with soothing music in between.

The clients always had to approve the scripts before we proceeded, and part of my job was to coach and guide clients as to what was the most effective way to reach their customers and prevent them from hanging up. The great majority understood that we knew what we were doing and they trusted our judgment. But I always had a few clients who absolutely insisted on proceeding with unsuitable script copy. For instance, one physician client always inserted "resume spots" into his scripts:

"After graduating from Slice and Dice University, Dr. Fancypants MacScalpel toured Italy, France and Germany on his bicycle with his two best friends from childhood, where he learned how to properly prepare strudel and linguini. Upon returning to his hometown, Dr. MacScalpel took up a new hobby, the Frisbee. Today, he regularly competes in Frisbee tournaments in the Midwest …"

You get the idea. Not to denigrate his accomplishments or background, but there are more appropriate forums to disseminate that kind of information. Just imagine being trapped on hold for 10 minutes, forced to listen to that. I thought so.

Keeping the Inaction Beast at Bay

2009-02-13T20:15:00.004-05:00

Per a previous post (Writer’s Block? Patooey!), looking at a blank screen or piece of paper while trying to create something worthwhile can be intimidating. But what if you’re stuck? What if those words simple refuse to emerge from those invisible corners of your cranium?

While repeatedly banging your head against the wall might seem like the prudent thing to do in the heat of frustration, it is not in you r best interest. Try creative exercises instead. When I took a Creative Writing class at Hudson Valley Community College , the instructor had us do some terrific writing exercises that pried, cajoled and freed those elusive words from the gray matter. Here are a few of them, and though geared mostly to poetry and creative writing, they’re a great way for writers in any genre to slap those creative juices back into shape:

Cut out words from magazines, books, newspapers or catalogs and jumble them up. Match them up to create interesting, unexpected combinations. Similar to Magnetic Poetry, but with two big differences: it’s free and there’s no restriction on the number or types of words you can play with.
Along the same lines, take full pages from magazines, books or whatever and cut into quarters. Match them up to concoct provocative, surprising sentences.
Take an excerpt from a book or magazine that’s written in a foreign language you can’t read. Translate it into English just based on the appearance of the words and your feelings. Don’t think too hard; just do.

Danger, Will Robinson! (Or: How I Learned to Spot Job Posting Red Flags, Part 1)

2009-02-07T12:24:00.009-05:00

You can’t make the dead presidents without using some common sense.

So this post, the first in a series, explores those dicey writing want ads constantly clogging up online job posting sites. Through much time and frustration, I’ve discovered firsthand that many of them are outright scams, while others just seek to prey on the naïve or inexperienced. These sites can be a great resource to find work -- if you can separate the genuine opportunities from those trying to nab your work, your cash or your identity, or flood your e-mail with spam.

Dubious? Legit? Larcenous? Before you reply to ads, check for some warning signs:

*!#@%^&. Check for standard addresses. Do you know of any valid businesses with Web sites that resemble "www.$$$$.ru/34bdzxj835h/xx35.html"? Or e-mail addresses looking like "dinero34bgjk70#8sghfyxx@yahoo.com"?

~~Puppy~~ Writer mills. Do you really want your name attached to an enterprise that stresses you "must be able to write at least 40 to 50 articles a week -- more interested in quantity than quality"? They won't pay you nearly enough anyway.

Worst Face Forward. Projecting an amateurish visage makes me, and I know I’m not alone here, click off the page quicker than a cheetah strung out on triple espressos (now there’s a mental image you don’t often see):

Not stating upfront whether the gig pays or not. Making me rifle through pages and pages of a Web site to find out is not endearing.
IF THE SUBJECT LINE (and worse, the ad itself) IS IN ALL CAPS WITH LOTS OF EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!
If the ad is riddled with grammar, punctuation, spelling or syntax errors, what does it say about the quality of the publication or Web site they’re running?

Feel free to comment and add your own helpful hints.

An Alternative to Query Letters

2009-02-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Freelance writers need to be businesspeople. No one will look out for you but you. And part of that includes marketing yourself. And part of the marketing process includes query letters -- or in my case, the lack thereof. A common obstacle freelancers face, and one I struggle with, is those dang query letters.

What if I have a dynamite idea for an article or feature and I know in which publications it would fit perfectly, but I'm not sure how to convince an editor to buy it? The answer? A query letter, of course. When I first started pursuing writing as a career, I was convinced that the only way to publication glory was to craft perfectly compelling and convincing query letters that sell my ideas. You know ... magic. Sort of like the brisk flourish of a pixie dust-laced scepter. For whatever reason, query letters don't flow from my keyboard like some writers who seem to get the highest paying assignments from the coolest publications by the simple fact that they can easily and quickly compose these publication magnets. For me, it’s usually about as effortless (and fun) as finding a marshmallow on Mt. Everest.

The problem? Publications or Web sites that I absolutely knew I could write for. The style, the tone, the length, everything was up my alley. But if I didn’t have a specific topic to pitch I was out of luck. It was frustrating to say the least. That is until one day I read an article telling me to break those chains of query letters -- I didn’t need them. Instead, the article suggested using an introduction, or marketing, letter or e-mail. It’s a short two- or three-paragraph letter that basically asks if they use freelancers and offers a snapshot of who I am and where I've published. That’s it. Simple brilliance that set me free! Article after article that I read previously repeated the mantra: the one and only way to get your piece published was the (cue the music) query letters. It’s one of those "rules" that I ended up breaking, and I continue to break.

I would venture to say that at least three-quarters of the paying assignments I’ve received over the past couple of years are a direct or indirect result of the intro letters I’ve sent out. I haven’t completely abandoned query letters yet; I do have some article ideas that I’m confident I can sell. I’m just trying to perfect those query letter-writing skills -- while still sending out those intro letters.

Writer’s Block? Patooey!

2009-01-25T12:36:00.000-05:00

Writer’s block is the bane of scribes everywhere. Clever, insidious and destructive, it saps us of creativity, industriousness and time.

Well, I don’t believe in writer’s block. I'm sure many writers will disagree with me and consider it blasphemy, but I believe writer's block is a sham. There, I said it.

Let’s be honest. A more apt description for writer’s block is procrastination, aversion or laziness (I can personally attest to employing all three). Simply put, it’s an excuse to not put in the effort. Yes, we are creative. Yes, our profession requires more brains than brawn. Yes, yes, we all have special talents. And, no, writing isn’t easy. It takes dedication, resolve and a certain gift. But, unless you’re writing for yourself and strictly for fun, it is a profession, a career, a business, In other words, show me the money. And even if you are writing for yourself, "writer’s block" is the perfect bulletproof method to slip that poem, short story, essay, script or whatever into a drawer so you can "get back to it later."

Bottom line: We have assignments, projects, jobs -- and deadlines. Don’t rely on the crutch of writer’s block. Don’t sit around waiting for your muse to mystically ordain the computer screen. Per my previous post (Inspiration), writing = ass in chair. It’s as simple as that.

Inspiration

2009-01-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

Who can’t use a little boost every now and again to spark some creativity and motivation? Here are a couple of favorite quotations about writing. The first one addressees the art of writing, the second, the business end of it. Though differing in tone, verbiage and audience, each is eloquent in its own right.

The first quote is by Duke of Buckinghamshire Sheffield (1649–1720), in his Essay on Poetry:

Of all those arts in which the wise excel,
Nature’s chief masterpiece is writing well.

The second, attributed by various sources to director Oliver Stone and author Tom Clancy among others, is snappy and succinct:

Writing = ass in chair

Whoever wrote it, I’d just like to make one comment: perfect.

Please Guide Me

2009-01-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

No matter what skill level a writer achieves, style guidelines can still prove confusing. Do you use AP, Chicago, MLA or something else? There are so many out there it’s tough to juggle the rules for each.

Allena Tapia, the Freelance Writing Guide at About.com, a terrific all-purpose site, has a couple of helpful posts that cover the basics of the most popular style guides: What Is a Style Guide? and
Style Guides - MLA, AP Style, Turabian - Oh My!

The Story of My First "Real" Sale

2009-01-10T22:43:00.000-05:00

On my home office bookshelf is a tome that I started reading some time ago then abandoned for some reason. The best laid plans ... etc. and so forth. Anyway, the book, First Words: Early Writings From Favorite Contemporary Authors, is an anthology, collected and edited by Paul Mandelbaum, that is a fascinating glimpse into the embryonic calling of such celebrated wordsmiths as Norman Mailer, Joyce Carol Oates, Roy Blount, Jr. through the examination of their stories, novels, poems and other very early works -- grade school papers, in some cases.

It got me to thinking about the commencement of my own writing career. Back in the day, collecting clips mostly entailed getting poems published in small literary publications. When not rejected (which was frequent), payment for acceptance was always a contributor’s copy (or two) of the magazine. I wasn’t making any money, but that wasn’t the point. I was honing my craft while racking up the bylines. My name was in print, and how cool is that?

That is until I sent my poem "Twist of Faith" to Theme Poetry, a small magazine which I believe has since folded, for consideration. The poem was a raw response to my mother’s death and how I grappled with that stark reality. Because it was so close to my heart, I was delighted to learn the piece was accepted for publication -- and they sent me a check to boot. I was beyond giddy because this was my first sale that actually involved the transaction of currency. There was a problem, though. I received an acceptance letter and a check, but no copy of the issue my poem was published in, which I later learned I needed to purchase. The price for a copy of the issue? $5. My first writing paycheck? $5. Such is the lucrative, glamorous life of a writer.

ByLine Magazine published an essay I wrote about the whole puzzling ordeal.

Welcome

2009-01-10T00:31:00.001-05:00

I’m Russ J. Stacey, a writer, copy editor, proofreader, and all-around pretty decent guy. Welcome to my blog.

A native New Yorker, I’ve written pretty much all my life: short stories, poetry, scripts, comedy sketches, and other creative urges that overtook me in the early days. I did it for fun, because I was good at it and because, yes, I had to. I first received "real" compensation (translation: $) for my scribblings in 1996, thus officially making me a professional scribe.

A year or so later I snagged a copywriter position with a local advertising agency in Orlando, Florida, soon after moving here from Albany, New York. I was soon a senior copywriter leading a team of three junior writers. After that, I wrote content part time for a local Web site, freelanced for a tourism magazine and tried to find gigs wherever I could, all while working survival jobs to pay the bills. I returned to school, Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, and got my English degree at night. More survival jobs ensued while freelancing on the side until I jumped into it whole hog. When not writing ad copy, marketing materials, press releases and corporate literature, some of the topics I specialize in for various publications are arts and culture, home builders and homebuilding, travel, tourism and hospitality, people and city profiles, restaurants and dining. I’m also a copy editor/proofreader.

Knowles Chapel, Rollins College

Far from being a know-all writer who can impart the art and business wisdom of the ages concerning this craft, it’s a constant evolution and learning process for me. And that’s the great thing about being a writer: there’s always something new to learn and to help you grow. On my blog, I’ll share practical tips, musings, lessons learned and maybe some other interesting issues I hope you’ll enjoy.

So join me on my journey and feel free to leave comments (keep it clean, thank you very much). Hopefully, we can learn from each other.