I tried my hand at ghost writing. My major project ended up a failure. The author decided he had to cut me when Covid hit due to a reduction of income. But I think there was more to it. (Heck, he was hardly paying me anything.) We weren’t making progress. One of the reasons was that I couldn’t manage HIM. I felt he had me writing the book with already available materials but wouldn’t give the time needed to look at the details of my work I blame myself. I was green in ghost writing and didn’t have the inner drive to demand things from him. Thanks for a look into how it really should work
It's hard. I learn something each and every time and have definitely been there before. I'm not sure I'll do this forever, as it's a grind and definitely wears me out (especially at the pace I've been going—five books per year). But it's making much better as a writer and better at working with people I don't always agree with (which is everyone). You're right in that half the job is simply managing the author. This is one reason why I'm bullish on our agency model where we protect the writers from the authors (clients) and vice versa. They collaborate with each other, but we bring a creative director, project manager, and bookkeeper into the mix. You don't have to worry about holding them accountable, getting them to sign off on things, or sending invoices. You can just write, which is what you're supposed to do. Anyway, I get it. Let me know if you ever want to try your hand at it again (no pressure, of course). We're always looking for talented writers. You can apply here. https://freshcomplaint.com/writerswanted
Jeff, your writing resonates with me; it pulls on my heartstrings. For starters, your mention of C.S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson drew me in. I thought, "Oh, I'm not the only one who's crazy about those two!" And your description of rural Georgia was beautiful, "...watching the sun sink behind the Loblolly Pines."—that got me! I was hooked. I had to continue scrolling. And it just got better and better. So many truths about life and fear and family. And your candor about feeling "nervous every time [John] called". It's refreshing to read something honest and somewhat vulnerable. The truth never gets old. Or trite. And John's right: I wonder if you do realize how good of a writer you are. You should be honored and recognized for your insights. Maybe you have—I'm not sure. You have a gift most writers only aspire to. As an amateur writer, I can only recognize and marvel at the kind of writing that makes a reader feel something in their heart of hearts. To answer your question about managing the paradox in creative work, well, I believe the universe is made of opposites. And it's the tension in these opposites that create harmony. And beauty. One cannot exist without the other. Creative projects will always have opposing views but it's through this collaboration, and strife, and striving, that something beautiful is produced. I'll close with this: I can't wait to read the book.
I love how you said you were kind of afraid he would yell at you--I worked for a government school with some former military men and CIA spooks so I get it. I also love how he complimented your work and encouraged you.
You know something is good when you wish you had thought of that and done it. In this case, I love the combination of warrior-thinking and poetry. I've written books on both, but never put them together. So, this is a compliment I'm giving here. I wish I had written that book! I'm eager to read it.
Fascinating to read about your collaborations, and the balancing act you do to remain somewhat behind the scenes yet bring your experience and knowledge to the project. Being a former cop turned writer/artist, the Warrior Poet book sounds interesting. I enjoyed your other collaboration, “Read This Or Die” since my late mother, like Ray Edwards, was a Parkinson’s patient.
It's an easy read, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Steve's voice is clear and his approach is simple but challenging. The opening story, IMO, is reason enough to buy it and reconsider your life choices. But it's full of little moment like that, insights into the world of balancing business and family in a way that is ultimately fulfilling and rewarding. Enjoy!
Oh, thanks, Kathy! I find these little anecdotes and insights personally interesting, but I am always a little insecure about how well they may land with others. Glad you found it interesting!
I tried my hand at ghost writing. My major project ended up a failure. The author decided he had to cut me when Covid hit due to a reduction of income. But I think there was more to it. (Heck, he was hardly paying me anything.) We weren’t making progress. One of the reasons was that I couldn’t manage HIM. I felt he had me writing the book with already available materials but wouldn’t give the time needed to look at the details of my work I blame myself. I was green in ghost writing and didn’t have the inner drive to demand things from him. Thanks for a look into how it really should work
It's hard. I learn something each and every time and have definitely been there before. I'm not sure I'll do this forever, as it's a grind and definitely wears me out (especially at the pace I've been going—five books per year). But it's making much better as a writer and better at working with people I don't always agree with (which is everyone). You're right in that half the job is simply managing the author. This is one reason why I'm bullish on our agency model where we protect the writers from the authors (clients) and vice versa. They collaborate with each other, but we bring a creative director, project manager, and bookkeeper into the mix. You don't have to worry about holding them accountable, getting them to sign off on things, or sending invoices. You can just write, which is what you're supposed to do. Anyway, I get it. Let me know if you ever want to try your hand at it again (no pressure, of course). We're always looking for talented writers. You can apply here. https://freshcomplaint.com/writerswanted
Thanks Jeff.
Jeff, your writing resonates with me; it pulls on my heartstrings. For starters, your mention of C.S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson drew me in. I thought, "Oh, I'm not the only one who's crazy about those two!" And your description of rural Georgia was beautiful, "...watching the sun sink behind the Loblolly Pines."—that got me! I was hooked. I had to continue scrolling. And it just got better and better. So many truths about life and fear and family. And your candor about feeling "nervous every time [John] called". It's refreshing to read something honest and somewhat vulnerable. The truth never gets old. Or trite. And John's right: I wonder if you do realize how good of a writer you are. You should be honored and recognized for your insights. Maybe you have—I'm not sure. You have a gift most writers only aspire to. As an amateur writer, I can only recognize and marvel at the kind of writing that makes a reader feel something in their heart of hearts. To answer your question about managing the paradox in creative work, well, I believe the universe is made of opposites. And it's the tension in these opposites that create harmony. And beauty. One cannot exist without the other. Creative projects will always have opposing views but it's through this collaboration, and strife, and striving, that something beautiful is produced. I'll close with this: I can't wait to read the book.
Thank you, Janelle. That means a lot. And I agree with oyu regarding the nature of the universe. ;)
I love how you said you were kind of afraid he would yell at you--I worked for a government school with some former military men and CIA spooks so I get it. I also love how he complimented your work and encouraged you.
It was a great partnership. I grew a lot.
You know something is good when you wish you had thought of that and done it. In this case, I love the combination of warrior-thinking and poetry. I've written books on both, but never put them together. So, this is a compliment I'm giving here. I wish I had written that book! I'm eager to read it.
I figured that would resonate with you. John just lives down the road from you. He's a good dude, and I think you'd enjoy the book.
Fascinating to read about your collaborations, and the balancing act you do to remain somewhat behind the scenes yet bring your experience and knowledge to the project. Being a former cop turned writer/artist, the Warrior Poet book sounds interesting. I enjoyed your other collaboration, “Read This Or Die” since my late mother, like Ray Edwards, was a Parkinson’s patient.
Wow. Thank you, John. I really appreciate it!
The Family-First Entrepreneur sounds like an interesting read. Adding it my TBR as we speak!
It's an easy read, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Steve's voice is clear and his approach is simple but challenging. The opening story, IMO, is reason enough to buy it and reconsider your life choices. But it's full of little moment like that, insights into the world of balancing business and family in a way that is ultimately fulfilling and rewarding. Enjoy!
Fascinating story about the making of The Warrior Poet Way. Thanks for sharing, Jeff! I love to read the story behind the story.
Oh, thanks, Kathy! I find these little anecdotes and insights personally interesting, but I am always a little insecure about how well they may land with others. Glad you found it interesting!