Sunday, March 16, 2008

It rained here after all...

...a day later than the forecasts predicted, and in quantity sufficient only to spot the pavement. Clouds formed late this afternoon, spat some wet stuff, and are now dissipating.

They created a colorful sunset, though...



I'm feeling a bit grim tonight, I must admit. I've spent the afternoon wrapping up an article for a client I've spent four largely enjoyable years working for. Unfortunately, it's the last piece I'll be doing for them, as the editor -- the third or fourth I've worked with during that time -- convinced the publisher my regular space could be better filled by something of more "local interest."

Excuse me while I disagree, but it's not my decision to make.

This didn't bring in much money, but these days the loss of any income is not good. Moreover, it was a straightforward bit of work I could do, and do well, without any particular drama or problems.

The email telling me I've been broomed from the magazine's pages was waiting for me when I came home from the hospital. I haven't been able to work up the energy to put in any time on the final piece I owe them since them.

But the copy deadline is now a mere four days away, and I'm not missing that. Hell, I've never missed a deadline with them. That's one of the reasons -- aside from pretty fine writing that never needed editing -- they liked me. A previous editor once told me that my articles were the best in the magazine. Having read some of what else they've published, I have to agree.

Being the best isn't enough to save my gig, though.

And that brings me down.

Fooey.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That can't be easy to swallow. Damn!

Anonymous said...

Phewy, indeed. That sucks.

Now we know that you can write well on a variety of topics. Maybe you can branch out? I don't know anything about how that work. I just know you have a way with words.

MrScribbler said...

Nat -- It isn't, of course. It has happened before, and never gets easier.

Japee -- I have tried, and am trying, to branch out. But writers face type-casting, just like actors.

Anonymous said...

It has to suck when being the best ain't good enough. Sign of the times, I guess. Mediocrity rules!

John0 Juanderlust said...

If the local spot doesn't work out they could come back. It isn't helpful or reliable now, but it could work that way.

Being the best is not the bed of roses one might think. By definition it is better than being less than best.

Anonymous said...

Dayum. You been holding this in too. You know, your a birght man, you will think of something. I hope your feeling well. *hugs* T

Anonymous said...

That's just wrong. I'm so sorry Scribbs.

Gill

Anonymous said...

That stinks am so sorry. You deserve better than them anyway.

Anonymous said...

Life just sucks sometimes. I hope something good comes along for you soon.
Roz

Doug said...

They must have found someone they can pay less and pay later...

Get a new pen name and submit something r.e. Japee's comment.