As my internship comes to an end today, I want to reflect over the past 4.5 months and share what I have learned about writing, editing, interviewing, and photography.
1. Get a Bluetooth headset with your phone, or a landline phone that has amazing an speakerphone. Holding a phone between your ear and your shoulder during phone interviews causes extreme pain and several colonies of knots in your upper back.
2. Always make contact with the person you have to interview right away. If you procrastinate, come deadline the person you need to interview can't be reached, causing you to beg your editor for an extension and looking a little less capable of getting things done.
3. Always carry extra batteries for your tape recorder. The human mind is not capable of remembering everything verbatim.
4. Always carry a notepad and pen in case of number 3.
5. Always charged your camera battery before going on a photoshoot. It's better to have 20 photos to choose from that just 1 bad photo.
6. Never schedule an outdoor photoshoot in the middle of the day during the nicest day of the hottest month of the year. Not good for all parties involved.
7. Always scope out the location of an interview or photoshoot the day before you have to be there. And invest in a GPS navigator in case you forget to scope. And learn all functions of that GPS. And make sure it's fully charged.
8. Always have questions prepared on paper, but be prepared to not follow them at all. Follow the conversation.
9. Detag incriminating photos of you on Facebook BEFORE your editor friends you.
10. Always ask your editor questions about an assignment before, during, and after its completion. Always know what your editor wants and give it to him or her.
11. Get up early, attach a coffee IV to your arm, and get your work DONE during the day. Nothing feels worse than an all-nighter post-college.
12. Postpone all self-indulgent actvities until after all assignments are finished to avoid scrambling the night before your deadline.
13. Be happy when meeting interviewees and photo subjects. If you're not happy, fake it.
14. Always wear a bathing suit to photoshoots at the river. Trust me. You'll get wet.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Do you rent or own?
Being an avid reader and someone who wants to go into the publishing industry, I love books. LOVE them. I can't say it enough. Actually, sometimes I can't even find the words to express how much I love books, that's how much I love them. Some days I will sit and fantasize about the latest read I want to pick up at Barnes and Nobles. I'll often conjur up some logical reason for me to go to Barnes and Nobles just so I can buy a book or just get lost in the shelves of the store. So I guess you can tell that I am a proud bookowner. If there was a bumpersticker saying "Proud bookowner" I would stick it on my car.
The other day I got into a debate with my boyfriend about buying books versus checking them out of the library. I adore him, but we are complete opposites, especially when it comes to this issue. He is a big saver, which is a great and admirable quality that I am in no way frowning upon. In fact, I like that he is a saver; his head is screwed on right. But he does not understand why I buy my books when I can just check them out of the library like he does.
He did bring up some valid points about library books. Most obvious, they are free (I'll admit, a big advantage to his side of the argument). If you need more time to read them, you can renew them. When I pointed out that you never know who checked out the book before you--like someone who was the complete antithesis of a germaphobe--he said the same thing goes for books to be purchased during the packaging, shipping, unpacking, displaying process that they go through. This may or may not be true, but I would rather have people paid to handle those books with care touch the books I read rather than who knows who.
The money issue does weaken my side of the debate, as most paperback reprints don't go for less than $15 nowadays. And hardcover doesn't help my side either ($25+, which is why I buy paperbacks WAY more often that hardcover). But I drew from my passion for books to support my side. First off, once you buy the book, it's YOURS and no one else's. You can read it at your leisure because guess what--no return date! Keep it as long as you want, do with it what you want. When I purchase books that I find helpful for academic, professional, or personal reasons, they bleed with ink and highlighter. With library books you don't have the liberty of doing that. I also believe in the reading experience. Also, with new releases you can buy them right away. If you want to check one out of the library, sign up because you have to wait at least a year for it to hit library shelves. And with the invention of the Kindle (for those who don't know, and electronic device onto which you can download books and read on a screen), I want to support writers and their craft by buying their books.
Most important to me is the way a book looks, the way it feels in your hands when you turn the pages, the way it smells when you stick your nose so far in it you can't pull yourself away--that enriches the experience of reading. Each book on my shelf elicits a memory of my experience with it whenever I look at it--when I read it, what was going on in my life, how I felt while I was reading it. This same thing can go for library books, but for me it's about holding onto and owning those literary memories. And I can share these memories with family and friends by lending them my books, which has a much more personal touch than checking out library books.
I don't think there was a clear winner to the debate. Boyfriend thinks he's right, and I of course think I am right. We're both stubborn. It's all personal preference I suppose.
The other day I got into a debate with my boyfriend about buying books versus checking them out of the library. I adore him, but we are complete opposites, especially when it comes to this issue. He is a big saver, which is a great and admirable quality that I am in no way frowning upon. In fact, I like that he is a saver; his head is screwed on right. But he does not understand why I buy my books when I can just check them out of the library like he does.
He did bring up some valid points about library books. Most obvious, they are free (I'll admit, a big advantage to his side of the argument). If you need more time to read them, you can renew them. When I pointed out that you never know who checked out the book before you--like someone who was the complete antithesis of a germaphobe--he said the same thing goes for books to be purchased during the packaging, shipping, unpacking, displaying process that they go through. This may or may not be true, but I would rather have people paid to handle those books with care touch the books I read rather than who knows who.
The money issue does weaken my side of the debate, as most paperback reprints don't go for less than $15 nowadays. And hardcover doesn't help my side either ($25+, which is why I buy paperbacks WAY more often that hardcover). But I drew from my passion for books to support my side. First off, once you buy the book, it's YOURS and no one else's. You can read it at your leisure because guess what--no return date! Keep it as long as you want, do with it what you want. When I purchase books that I find helpful for academic, professional, or personal reasons, they bleed with ink and highlighter. With library books you don't have the liberty of doing that. I also believe in the reading experience. Also, with new releases you can buy them right away. If you want to check one out of the library, sign up because you have to wait at least a year for it to hit library shelves. And with the invention of the Kindle (for those who don't know, and electronic device onto which you can download books and read on a screen), I want to support writers and their craft by buying their books.
Most important to me is the way a book looks, the way it feels in your hands when you turn the pages, the way it smells when you stick your nose so far in it you can't pull yourself away--that enriches the experience of reading. Each book on my shelf elicits a memory of my experience with it whenever I look at it--when I read it, what was going on in my life, how I felt while I was reading it. This same thing can go for library books, but for me it's about holding onto and owning those literary memories. And I can share these memories with family and friends by lending them my books, which has a much more personal touch than checking out library books.
I don't think there was a clear winner to the debate. Boyfriend thinks he's right, and I of course think I am right. We're both stubborn. It's all personal preference I suppose.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Richmond Ad Club: my new networking hotspot
Hello all,
Tonight I went to Gibson's to attend the Richmond Ad Club's meeting, and I must say that I am SO glad I went. Lately I have been feeling pretty down on myself because my job search efforts have yielded no results (how does someone young get experience if no one will give her the opportunity to gain experience??? My everlasting career catch-22). Oh wait, one result: a "Dear John"--or in my case, "Dear Miss Rinker"--letter informing me that the position has been filled. Not to say that I haven't been looking for jobs in my defeated state--I have been, but I have been less optimistic about my resume WOWing somebody. Thank God for my friend Christine who informed me about Richmond Ad Club and finally got me to go to one of their meetings. Tonight I had a great time mixing with people who work in all aspects of advertising, from art direction to copywriting to public relations. I actually met two people who may have some job leads for me, and also who will serve as my beloved connections to their companies :) But Ad Club members aren't just about networking--they are fun. There was a line to play Rock Band. You can't have networking much cooler than that. And in case you're wondering, no I didn't play. But Christine rocked out on guitar!
So I guess you can say tonight lit a fire under my tush and got me reinvigorated about my job search. I only wish it had happened this morning--I hate it when I get all fired up at night because then I can't sleep.
I will keep you all posted on how these connections pan out, as well as on other jobs I have applied for!
Take care,
Lauren
Tonight I went to Gibson's to attend the Richmond Ad Club's meeting, and I must say that I am SO glad I went. Lately I have been feeling pretty down on myself because my job search efforts have yielded no results (how does someone young get experience if no one will give her the opportunity to gain experience??? My everlasting career catch-22). Oh wait, one result: a "Dear John"--or in my case, "Dear Miss Rinker"--letter informing me that the position has been filled. Not to say that I haven't been looking for jobs in my defeated state--I have been, but I have been less optimistic about my resume WOWing somebody. Thank God for my friend Christine who informed me about Richmond Ad Club and finally got me to go to one of their meetings. Tonight I had a great time mixing with people who work in all aspects of advertising, from art direction to copywriting to public relations. I actually met two people who may have some job leads for me, and also who will serve as my beloved connections to their companies :) But Ad Club members aren't just about networking--they are fun. There was a line to play Rock Band. You can't have networking much cooler than that. And in case you're wondering, no I didn't play. But Christine rocked out on guitar!
So I guess you can say tonight lit a fire under my tush and got me reinvigorated about my job search. I only wish it had happened this morning--I hate it when I get all fired up at night because then I can't sleep.
I will keep you all posted on how these connections pan out, as well as on other jobs I have applied for!
Take care,
Lauren
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Possible writing gigs in academia and Style Weekly!
Hello all,
Last week I found a job posting on University of Richmond's website for a writer in the University's Communications Office, which I was STOKED about. This past Monday, August 17, I went to a job fair at Clover Hill High School and guess what employer was there...UR! How funny. Of course, I ran right over to the HR rep and told her I saw the writing position posted online and was definitely planning on applying for it, and she took my resume, wrote "writer" on it, and told me that she would look for my application that afternoon! So I ran home and spent a hefty 2.5 hours or so working on the application and submitted it. I think this would be great fit for me because it would combine my passion for writing with my interest in higher education. Who knows--maybe I'll become a Spider and go to grad school there?
Also this week, I applied for a position at Style Weekly as a Staff Reporter. I'm not sure if I am qualified enough for the position, but I think I might have a shot. I already heard back and they requested writing samples and story ideas from me! That has to be a good sign.
I've also applied for several other jobs this week, mainly in marketing, advertising, and PR. I'll keep you all posted on how each one turns out and if I score any interviews! Keep your fingers crossed! :)
Lauren
Last week I found a job posting on University of Richmond's website for a writer in the University's Communications Office, which I was STOKED about. This past Monday, August 17, I went to a job fair at Clover Hill High School and guess what employer was there...UR! How funny. Of course, I ran right over to the HR rep and told her I saw the writing position posted online and was definitely planning on applying for it, and she took my resume, wrote "writer" on it, and told me that she would look for my application that afternoon! So I ran home and spent a hefty 2.5 hours or so working on the application and submitted it. I think this would be great fit for me because it would combine my passion for writing with my interest in higher education. Who knows--maybe I'll become a Spider and go to grad school there?
Also this week, I applied for a position at Style Weekly as a Staff Reporter. I'm not sure if I am qualified enough for the position, but I think I might have a shot. I already heard back and they requested writing samples and story ideas from me! That has to be a good sign.
I've also applied for several other jobs this week, mainly in marketing, advertising, and PR. I'll keep you all posted on how each one turns out and if I score any interviews! Keep your fingers crossed! :)
Lauren
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Internship leads to...not a full-time job
So I have been interning with Palari Publishing, LLP ever since April 2009, and I have been doing everything I can to make a good impression and hopefully land a full-time gig. I have attended several events around town (even if I didn't really want to) I have interviewed countless people, taken probably close to 400 pictures on photo shoots, and stayed up late many a night writing articles to meet deadlines. And I've done well, and I've gotten recognition. But alas, I have not received a job offer. But I must admit I knew that I wasn't going to get an offer. Call it women's intuition, blame it on the economy, I knew I wouldn't end up with the dream job I wanted. But it's okay, I'm still looking and even expanding my search from publishing and editorial positions to include marketing, advertising, and public relations.
I do have to thank Palari for giving me the opportunity to intern with them and gain the experience I need to move forward, as well as countless clips to show potential future employers. If you are reading this, THANKS DAVE!
I have already applied for a position with The Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers as a PR and Communications Assistant. Of course, I think I will be awesome for the job, but we shall see what happens! A lot of people are keeping a lookout for me by giving me job leads, and I am eternally grateful for them!
I will keep you all posted on the job search!
:)
I do have to thank Palari for giving me the opportunity to intern with them and gain the experience I need to move forward, as well as countless clips to show potential future employers. If you are reading this, THANKS DAVE!
I have already applied for a position with The Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers as a PR and Communications Assistant. Of course, I think I will be awesome for the job, but we shall see what happens! A lot of people are keeping a lookout for me by giving me job leads, and I am eternally grateful for them!
I will keep you all posted on the job search!
:)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Newcomer to the blog scene
Hello! I am new to blogger.com and new to blogging in general! I've always thought about blogging but never went through with it, thinking, Why would someone want to read me explain every little detail of my life? Isn't that what a good friend or a therapist is for? I decided to make you my therapist. Well, not really, but I thought I would share everything that I am learning as I try to make my move deeper into independence. (I actually found this website while reading Patrick McGlade's running blog. This guy is incredible, so you must read his blog! Hi Patrick!)
Just so you know, I aspire to work in the publishing industry as a writer, editor, and designer, so if you don't want to read about my experiences that hopefully lead to a job, which will probably compose most of my blog, then feel free to exit this part of the blogosphere. If you, for some reason, care about what I have to say, then HOLLA you are my new bestie.
Thanks! More later...I'm writing articles for the next Sports Backers Quarterly and leaving for Virginia Beach tomorrow so I should get back to work. Oh, the life of an intern...
Lauren
Just so you know, I aspire to work in the publishing industry as a writer, editor, and designer, so if you don't want to read about my experiences that hopefully lead to a job, which will probably compose most of my blog, then feel free to exit this part of the blogosphere. If you, for some reason, care about what I have to say, then HOLLA you are my new bestie.
Thanks! More later...I'm writing articles for the next Sports Backers Quarterly and leaving for Virginia Beach tomorrow so I should get back to work. Oh, the life of an intern...
Lauren
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