So Maybe My Week Hasn't Been A Complete Waste

[rusty_armour]

As I'm currently experiencing the joys of PMS, I haven't had the best week. It just seems as if everything has been going WRONG! For example, I discovered today that I've been editing the exact same material as a co-worker, so this week has basically been a complete waste of time. Or so I thought when I left work today, depressed and angry with myself. However, when I checked my email tonight, I decided that maybe this week hadn't been a complete waste after all.

I've recently been in touch with someone who just started writing. When she sent me the story she'd written, I was forced to break the news to her that her story just wasn't working. Because I'm a pessimist (even without the PMS), I thought said writer might have a hissy fit or give me the cold shoulder. But I was pleasantly surprised by the writer's positive attitude. She said that she'd suspected certain elements weren't working and asked me if I could give her some advice. As I have absolutely no shame when it comes to writing, I sent her lots and lots of advice. Probably more than I should have. However, in her latest email, the writer informed me that she has started to follow a couple of my writing tips, and they've really been helping her. She told me that she's able to concentrate better and has already jotted down notes for a number of ideas. So...despite the other numerous ways I've screwed up this week, it looks like I might have gotten something right! :-)

Comments

[espirk.livejournal.com]

A gold star for you! You are so helpful to me and just a naturally helpful person. I'm glad a potentially bad week ended on such a positive note!

By the way, while we are on the topic of editing, I have another friend who is thinking of going the copy editing way instead of finishing her PhD in English. And because my brain has deleted all information unless it concerns teaching Primary kids, I have forgotten where you went for your certification! Would you mind letting me know so I can pass it on to her? Thank you!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

A gold star for you! You are so helpful to me and just a naturally helpful person. I'm glad a potentially bad week ended on such a positive note!

Oooooh! A gold star! And from a teacher to boot! Thank you! :-)

Things were a lot better on Friday. My supervisor didn't freak out about the mistake, and my other co-workers didn't seem to think it was a big deal. Still, the news about that new writer would have been welcome whether I needed cheering up or not.

By the way, while we are on the topic of editing, I have another friend who is thinking of going the copy editing way instead of finishing her PhD in English. And because my brain has deleted all information unless it concerns teaching Primary kids, I have forgotten where you went for your certification! Would you mind letting me know so I can pass it on to her? Thank you!

I can do one better. I can give you the website address:

Centennial College Book and Magazine Publishing Program (http://www.centennialcollege.ca/future/ccc_bmp_index.jsp)

One big advantage of this program is that it's one year. Unfortunately, that makes it pretty intense as a large amount of information is being squeezed into a shorter time frame. However, the Centennial program covers all the bases when it comes to publishing. It also includes a co-op component, so your friend will get some practical experience and a real taste of what the publishing world is like. In fact, if she's lucky, she might get hired by the company she's placed at. Two friends of mine are still working for the companies where they did their co-op!

If your friend has any more questions please feel free to give her my address or email me yourself. Either option works for me. :-)

[espirk.livejournal.com]

You are *awesome*! I will pass on the info. Thanks! Three more weeks of teaching for this teacher. I can't wait!!!! Three weeks and I will have officially survived my first year of teaching.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oooooooh! That's excellent news! Congratulations on having nearly officially survived your first year of teaching! WOO HOO! :-D

[tazzles.livejournal.com]

I find chocolate mud Tim Tams are great during this time of the month. Or anytime really. Or chocolate. Always makes me feel better.

It's nice that your writer friend has been able to turn what could be negative experience into a positive one. Good luck to you both for your future writing/betaing.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I find chocolate mud Tim Tams are great during this time of the month. Or anytime really. Or chocolate. Always makes me feel better.

Yes, unfortunately I've been eating way too much chocolate the last few days! It's usually the first thing I go for...even without the PMS! *g* Those chocolate mud Tim Tams sound delicious! I'll have to find out if I can get them in Canada. I have a friend who emigrated from Australia. She'd probably know. :-)

It's nice that your writer friend has been able to turn what could be negative experience into a positive one. Good luck to you both for your future writing/betaing.

Ah! Thank you! :-) Lately I seem to be doing a lot of betaing, but I plan to get back into writing mode by the weekend.