I've got writer's block at my new job. How to un-clog?
September 11, 2015 3:43 PM Subscribe
I'm struggling with my new job as a writer for an university's public relations office, because of a number of reasons. More under the fold.
I've landed a new job in the spring at an university's Public Relations office with the job title of "Copywriter." I initially thought this job would be perfect for me, because I've always enjoyed writing (I even write stories of my own on the side; albeit not too often).
It's been a few months in the job, and I'm really starting to question whether or not the job is the right fit for me; that, or the specific writing that's expected from me just isn't my area of expertise.
For starters, I'm expected to write stories featuring students/alumni/current events on campus. I'm not sure why, but I struggle to start the story and write from there. I never know HOW to begin the story, how to make it eye-catching. Many of the stories I am expected to write are published on the university's website (front/news stories) and on our printed materials. We're also expected to follow AP format. It feels like I'm back in school again (which, incidentally, I dislike).
Another struggle is seeing my stories be sent to my senior writer (who supervises/oversees my work), as well as other co-workers, if applicable, and even my supervisor (which is the main director of the PR office) and seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections. On one level, I understand logically that constructive criticism and feedback is normal and expected in the workplace, especially if I'm not on a senior level. On another level, it actually de-motivates me and makes me feel blah, like my work isn't good enough. This is on me and is more of me taking things personally, but it's tough.
So. I actually dread getting a new story because I would have to go through the entire rigmarole of starting a new story, having it be edited 2-3 times (likening this to a rinse cycle on the wash), and eventually approved. I also don't really enjoy having to listen to "dry" and boring lectures and writing based on that.
Today, I wrote about an alumni being part of a play. I used quotes and information from another (already published) article, but changed the wording. I was told by a co-worker (not a writer, but she was the one who assigned me the story) that it could be considered plagiarism. My feeling was, "why bother having to contact the alumni/other people if the information is readily available already online?"; the co-worker feels I should have to contact people myself and write the story from scratch. It's a waste of time, and frankly, this was the last straw. It makes my job feel so... blah. I feel like my co-workers and senior writer are all so serious and have many, many criteria/rules/expectations, while I'm more... laidback.
On the bright side, I do enjoy the interactions I have with students (when I'm sent out to gather information, etc.) and I do enjoy some aspects of my job. I noticed my areas of strength is editing information already there - I've helped many friends edit their papers and it's always a good feeling seeing written work be improved, just not my own. I also enjoy gathering information for the website to be changed (such as dates/locations), and writing clear instructions (I'm always OCD with making sure things are spelled/written correctly), and simple fact-checking - that kind of simple, maybe "clerical" work. I do acknowledge that I can be lazy at times, too, and the work here, the stories to be written, requires the opposite of lazy. I'm also not very creative or good at thinking of things by myself; I do better with specific instructions (which my job isn't really - it's more of people throwing miscellaneous tasks at you).
I feel in over my head, but I want to keep this job for a number of reasons - access, the fun parts of the job, etc. I wouldn't mind becoming more of an editor or working with social media, but the problem is that I'm the only writer, other than the senior writer. (We do have contracted writers, which we rarely use, and a student writer, which also isn't used much. Budget, you know.) The director is a bit intimidating, so I'm not sure how to talk about that without seeming like someone who's just not right for the job. I'm on my probation period for another few months, which makes it harder.
I'm not sure how to improve my job situation, and I'm keeping this anon for obvious reasons. I would appreciate it! I'll try to answer any follow-on questions in the AskMe if I can. If you'd prefer to contact me privately as well, throwaway email is: writersblockatmynewjob15@gmail.com. Thanks!
I've landed a new job in the spring at an university's Public Relations office with the job title of "Copywriter." I initially thought this job would be perfect for me, because I've always enjoyed writing (I even write stories of my own on the side; albeit not too often).
It's been a few months in the job, and I'm really starting to question whether or not the job is the right fit for me; that, or the specific writing that's expected from me just isn't my area of expertise.
For starters, I'm expected to write stories featuring students/alumni/current events on campus. I'm not sure why, but I struggle to start the story and write from there. I never know HOW to begin the story, how to make it eye-catching. Many of the stories I am expected to write are published on the university's website (front/news stories) and on our printed materials. We're also expected to follow AP format. It feels like I'm back in school again (which, incidentally, I dislike).
Another struggle is seeing my stories be sent to my senior writer (who supervises/oversees my work), as well as other co-workers, if applicable, and even my supervisor (which is the main director of the PR office) and seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections. On one level, I understand logically that constructive criticism and feedback is normal and expected in the workplace, especially if I'm not on a senior level. On another level, it actually de-motivates me and makes me feel blah, like my work isn't good enough. This is on me and is more of me taking things personally, but it's tough.
So. I actually dread getting a new story because I would have to go through the entire rigmarole of starting a new story, having it be edited 2-3 times (likening this to a rinse cycle on the wash), and eventually approved. I also don't really enjoy having to listen to "dry" and boring lectures and writing based on that.
Today, I wrote about an alumni being part of a play. I used quotes and information from another (already published) article, but changed the wording. I was told by a co-worker (not a writer, but she was the one who assigned me the story) that it could be considered plagiarism. My feeling was, "why bother having to contact the alumni/other people if the information is readily available already online?"; the co-worker feels I should have to contact people myself and write the story from scratch. It's a waste of time, and frankly, this was the last straw. It makes my job feel so... blah. I feel like my co-workers and senior writer are all so serious and have many, many criteria/rules/expectations, while I'm more... laidback.
On the bright side, I do enjoy the interactions I have with students (when I'm sent out to gather information, etc.) and I do enjoy some aspects of my job. I noticed my areas of strength is editing information already there - I've helped many friends edit their papers and it's always a good feeling seeing written work be improved, just not my own. I also enjoy gathering information for the website to be changed (such as dates/locations), and writing clear instructions (I'm always OCD with making sure things are spelled/written correctly), and simple fact-checking - that kind of simple, maybe "clerical" work. I do acknowledge that I can be lazy at times, too, and the work here, the stories to be written, requires the opposite of lazy. I'm also not very creative or good at thinking of things by myself; I do better with specific instructions (which my job isn't really - it's more of people throwing miscellaneous tasks at you).
I feel in over my head, but I want to keep this job for a number of reasons - access, the fun parts of the job, etc. I wouldn't mind becoming more of an editor or working with social media, but the problem is that I'm the only writer, other than the senior writer. (We do have contracted writers, which we rarely use, and a student writer, which also isn't used much. Budget, you know.) The director is a bit intimidating, so I'm not sure how to talk about that without seeming like someone who's just not right for the job. I'm on my probation period for another few months, which makes it harder.
I'm not sure how to improve my job situation, and I'm keeping this anon for obvious reasons. I would appreciate it! I'll try to answer any follow-on questions in the AskMe if I can. If you'd prefer to contact me privately as well, throwaway email is: writersblockatmynewjob15@gmail.com. Thanks!
If you are one of two writers, you are very unlikely to be able to evolve this job into a non-writing job and keep it.
I was told by a co-worker (not a writer, but she was the one who assigned me the story) that it could be considered plagiarism. My feeling was, "why bother having to contact the alumni/other people if the information is readily available already online?"; the co-worker feels I should have to contact people myself and write the story from scratch. It's a waste of time, and frankly, this was the last straw.
If you genuinely don't see a point in writing topical stories for your audience, or the importance of engaging this audience, and seriously think this is a waste of time, you absolutely are in the wrong job and should make a lateral move as soon as possible.
posted by DarlingBri at 4:49 PM on September 11, 2015 [8 favorites]
I was told by a co-worker (not a writer, but she was the one who assigned me the story) that it could be considered plagiarism. My feeling was, "why bother having to contact the alumni/other people if the information is readily available already online?"; the co-worker feels I should have to contact people myself and write the story from scratch. It's a waste of time, and frankly, this was the last straw.
If you genuinely don't see a point in writing topical stories for your audience, or the importance of engaging this audience, and seriously think this is a waste of time, you absolutely are in the wrong job and should make a lateral move as soon as possible.
posted by DarlingBri at 4:49 PM on September 11, 2015 [8 favorites]
I've worked in marketing/PR roles at two different universities. I've gotta say, I don't get this: "my co-workers and senior writer are all so serious and have many, many criteria/rules/expectations while I'm more... laidback. " There's no such thing as being laidback in marketing/PR. You've got an entire university of staff and faculty trying to get around you, because they don't respect what you do, as well as nothing but endless deadlines that have got to be met in a high quality manner. The last thing your boss/co-workers want to do is have to worry about one of their own not understanding why their work is so important or wondering what the big deal is.
From everything you've said and how you've said it, you're in the wrong role; more than that, it seems you're either not willing or are unable to buckle down and power through the parts you don't like. Changing the wording of someone else's article and then publishing the content/interview as your own (because you didn't want to call a person for new content?) isn't cool. And, while you say that a co-worker told you it was inappropriate, it was actually the person who assigned you the story -- so, the supervisor of the story said you plagiarized. That's not good. If you're doing things like that, as well as complaining that your boss/co-workers are too uptight about their work, you have little chance of getting a good recommendation for a lateral transfer, let alone a promotion to work you want to be doing. Your goal right now should be to get people in your corner, but it sounds like you're slacking off in a highly noticeable way (because your co-worker/supervisor mentioned it) because you don't want to engage the subjects of your stories or your audience. I just really, really think you're in the wrong role, and you may want to sit down with your boss and talk about some of this. Is your university's probationary period usually 4-5+ months long, or has your boss extended it?
If not for those issues above, my advice would be to look at other articles that have been written and use them as inspiration for how to start your stories (and I don't mean take their words); write the body of your story and then do the intro last (I never write chronologically); and then buckle down and do your best job possible until you can get into something you like. There are parts of my current university job that I really don't like, but the hope/expectation that rocking it out of the park will lead to Better Things inspires me to work harder and better. And, guess what, my boss is going to bat for me.
FWIW, I left a university seven years ago, because I hated interviewing people/writing stories, even though I love writing. And now I'm at a smaller university, doing more planning, design, editing, and proofing, and a lot less of the marketing writing. I write for a Department's Website and for its academic programs, but that's about it. I love it, while I would never go back to the job at the first university. So, I understand where you're coming from, but I really worry that your attitude toward the job and your work product itself is going to sink you before you have any chance to improve your job situation.
posted by coast99 at 5:25 PM on September 11, 2015 [6 favorites]
From everything you've said and how you've said it, you're in the wrong role; more than that, it seems you're either not willing or are unable to buckle down and power through the parts you don't like. Changing the wording of someone else's article and then publishing the content/interview as your own (because you didn't want to call a person for new content?) isn't cool. And, while you say that a co-worker told you it was inappropriate, it was actually the person who assigned you the story -- so, the supervisor of the story said you plagiarized. That's not good. If you're doing things like that, as well as complaining that your boss/co-workers are too uptight about their work, you have little chance of getting a good recommendation for a lateral transfer, let alone a promotion to work you want to be doing. Your goal right now should be to get people in your corner, but it sounds like you're slacking off in a highly noticeable way (because your co-worker/supervisor mentioned it) because you don't want to engage the subjects of your stories or your audience. I just really, really think you're in the wrong role, and you may want to sit down with your boss and talk about some of this. Is your university's probationary period usually 4-5+ months long, or has your boss extended it?
If not for those issues above, my advice would be to look at other articles that have been written and use them as inspiration for how to start your stories (and I don't mean take their words); write the body of your story and then do the intro last (I never write chronologically); and then buckle down and do your best job possible until you can get into something you like. There are parts of my current university job that I really don't like, but the hope/expectation that rocking it out of the park will lead to Better Things inspires me to work harder and better. And, guess what, my boss is going to bat for me.
FWIW, I left a university seven years ago, because I hated interviewing people/writing stories, even though I love writing. And now I'm at a smaller university, doing more planning, design, editing, and proofing, and a lot less of the marketing writing. I write for a Department's Website and for its academic programs, but that's about it. I love it, while I would never go back to the job at the first university. So, I understand where you're coming from, but I really worry that your attitude toward the job and your work product itself is going to sink you before you have any chance to improve your job situation.
posted by coast99 at 5:25 PM on September 11, 2015 [6 favorites]
You appear to be unusually out of touch with the qualifications for this position. You're also behaving unprofessionally. Journalism is absolutely about taking your writing seriously, following rules, and making sure you're citing sources. Your colleague was right in encouraging you to avoid plagiarizing existing work just because you don't think it's worth your time to do your own research and write your own stories. I think you have two choices here: you either get an attitude/reality check and pull yourself together, or you need to quit and look for a less structured writing environment. Right now this sounds like a real mismatch for you.
posted by Hermione Granger at 5:25 PM on September 11, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Hermione Granger at 5:25 PM on September 11, 2015 [3 favorites]
Former college PR/marketing director here.
If I'd found out that you plagiarized - during your probationary period! - and yes, "borrowing" from another article is indeed plagiarism - and tried to rationalize it the way you've done here (or worse, submitted it as your own, leaving me to deal with the shit that could very well ensue if anyone notices - and be assured, someone will probably notice), I'd cut my losses and cut you loose.
Also, a huge part of being a writer - whether you're writing feature articles, postcard copy, social media posts or instructions - is accepting that everybody has an opinion, and sometimes the person up the org chart wins even when you're convinced what you've written is perfect. (I still think the tagline I came up for last summer's enrollment campaign was 1000 times better than the one we ended up with, but my VP insisted that "we don't do whimsy" and any time I'd spent fighting would have left me less time to execute the campaign.) It's hard, but you have to get to the point where you think of your work as letters organized into words in the best way you knew how - which may or may not be the best way, or the way they end up in print.
I don't doubt that you have writer's block, but it comes across as more of a paralysis brought on by your resistance to the rules and structure that are baked into this particular job. You're not going to be able to change that, especially in an academic environment, so I'd suggest you redirect that mental energy into doing the best job you can while you're there so you can get a good reference, and also start looking for another job. And now you know the kind of organizational culture questions you should be asking when you are interviewing - to make sure you will be happy with the job as it is, not as you imagine it will be.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:26 PM on September 11, 2015 [6 favorites]
If I'd found out that you plagiarized - during your probationary period! - and yes, "borrowing" from another article is indeed plagiarism - and tried to rationalize it the way you've done here (or worse, submitted it as your own, leaving me to deal with the shit that could very well ensue if anyone notices - and be assured, someone will probably notice), I'd cut my losses and cut you loose.
Also, a huge part of being a writer - whether you're writing feature articles, postcard copy, social media posts or instructions - is accepting that everybody has an opinion, and sometimes the person up the org chart wins even when you're convinced what you've written is perfect. (I still think the tagline I came up for last summer's enrollment campaign was 1000 times better than the one we ended up with, but my VP insisted that "we don't do whimsy" and any time I'd spent fighting would have left me less time to execute the campaign.) It's hard, but you have to get to the point where you think of your work as letters organized into words in the best way you knew how - which may or may not be the best way, or the way they end up in print.
I don't doubt that you have writer's block, but it comes across as more of a paralysis brought on by your resistance to the rules and structure that are baked into this particular job. You're not going to be able to change that, especially in an academic environment, so I'd suggest you redirect that mental energy into doing the best job you can while you're there so you can get a good reference, and also start looking for another job. And now you know the kind of organizational culture questions you should be asking when you are interviewing - to make sure you will be happy with the job as it is, not as you imagine it will be.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:26 PM on September 11, 2015 [6 favorites]
One approach I've taken when I've gotten stuck is to write about the most interesting parts of the story first. I usually end up trying to take my lede from one of the most interesting parts because I want to hook readers but I'm not trying to write the lede first, I'm just writing about the interesting thing. Then I have to add the context about why it's interesting and oh hey look it's almost done.
Sometimes, in addition to write the interesting part, I'll literally writing down the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story. That stuff has to be in there anyway and if I can't answer those questions about the story, maybe I need to talk more with the person who assigned the story. I'll also try to tell the story in a sentence or two - again, that might end up being my lede but that's not what I'm trying to do. Rather, I'm trying to answer the question, if my friend or colleague asked what I'm writing about, what would I say?
Of all of the things you said, the thing that makes me most inclined to think this gig is not for you is your aversion to having others edit your work. I love getting feedback on my work, and not just positive feedback. For one thing, it means someone read it and cared enough to try to make it better. If I take their advice, it's more likely that the thing I wrote will be published by my editor and read by even more people. That's what I want. But I also love talking with people about writing generally. I love telling them why I'm excited or not excited about a story because they can help me articulate my excitement or find the one interesting part of a boring story. It's not all rainbows and fun but I like getting feedback and I look forward to it. Also, I don't want to sound mean but it sounds like your writing isn't what they're looking for. You can try to convince them they're wrong but I wouldn't expect that to go well.
posted by kat518 at 5:46 PM on September 11, 2015
Sometimes, in addition to write the interesting part, I'll literally writing down the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story. That stuff has to be in there anyway and if I can't answer those questions about the story, maybe I need to talk more with the person who assigned the story. I'll also try to tell the story in a sentence or two - again, that might end up being my lede but that's not what I'm trying to do. Rather, I'm trying to answer the question, if my friend or colleague asked what I'm writing about, what would I say?
Of all of the things you said, the thing that makes me most inclined to think this gig is not for you is your aversion to having others edit your work. I love getting feedback on my work, and not just positive feedback. For one thing, it means someone read it and cared enough to try to make it better. If I take their advice, it's more likely that the thing I wrote will be published by my editor and read by even more people. That's what I want. But I also love talking with people about writing generally. I love telling them why I'm excited or not excited about a story because they can help me articulate my excitement or find the one interesting part of a boring story. It's not all rainbows and fun but I like getting feedback and I look forward to it. Also, I don't want to sound mean but it sounds like your writing isn't what they're looking for. You can try to convince them they're wrong but I wouldn't expect that to go well.
posted by kat518 at 5:46 PM on September 11, 2015
You should read the first essay in Ann Patchett's book This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
posted by mskyle at 5:55 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mskyle at 5:55 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
I never know HOW to begin the story, how to make it eye-catching.
Grab a stack of the past 10-15 issues of this magazine (or check out its archived online presence), and work out what your department and boss like in a profile piece. There are going to be a couple of formulas they prefer. Analyze intros, overall structure, use of quotes, level and kind of descriptive detail, etc. Work out the most-loved patterns, and apply them to your next couple of pieces. Maybe rewrite one or two of your old ones for practice.
seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections.
Lots of choices are defensible. A lot of the changes and suggestions people are offering reflect their taste, or habits acquired at some important point in their development as writers. Also, it's a rare thing for people to resist making changes, given the opportunity - everyone wants to leave their mark. (Even when they don't care, or have a firm view - sometimes it's just so that others can see that they do have an opinion. Sometimes, people like getting into futzing because it's a break from the more boring stuff on their plate. Sometimes, it's completely justified.) Expect this. Just write the thing, and understand that it's no longer yours once you pass it off (i.e. divest yourself of your attachment to it). Take it for granted that your boss' taste is what matters. Write the thing and let it go.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:02 PM on September 11, 2015 [2 favorites]
Grab a stack of the past 10-15 issues of this magazine (or check out its archived online presence), and work out what your department and boss like in a profile piece. There are going to be a couple of formulas they prefer. Analyze intros, overall structure, use of quotes, level and kind of descriptive detail, etc. Work out the most-loved patterns, and apply them to your next couple of pieces. Maybe rewrite one or two of your old ones for practice.
seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections.
Lots of choices are defensible. A lot of the changes and suggestions people are offering reflect their taste, or habits acquired at some important point in their development as writers. Also, it's a rare thing for people to resist making changes, given the opportunity - everyone wants to leave their mark. (Even when they don't care, or have a firm view - sometimes it's just so that others can see that they do have an opinion. Sometimes, people like getting into futzing because it's a break from the more boring stuff on their plate. Sometimes, it's completely justified.) Expect this. Just write the thing, and understand that it's no longer yours once you pass it off (i.e. divest yourself of your attachment to it). Take it for granted that your boss' taste is what matters. Write the thing and let it go.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:02 PM on September 11, 2015 [2 favorites]
Check out The Publication Coach, which is a newsletter (among other things) by Daphne Gray-Grant. She has a lot of good advice about basic things like leads, inspiration, writer's block, etc.
You may be a writer but you don't sound like a journalist. Even if you are doing marketing/PR writing, there are basic journalistic rules you have to follow. It may feel like a waste of your time to reinterview people but it's not a waste of time to your employer. It is, in fact, part of your job description even if that's not actually written down.
Try to stay afloat until you either find a new job or a new attitude. And kudos for being honest about your struggle. There are a lot of jobs I don't want to be in because the demands of those jobs do feel like of a waste of my time. If you don't like most of what your job entails, including the many revisions (and I feel your pain, I do), then by all means start looking for a new job.
posted by Bella Donna at 6:06 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
You may be a writer but you don't sound like a journalist. Even if you are doing marketing/PR writing, there are basic journalistic rules you have to follow. It may feel like a waste of your time to reinterview people but it's not a waste of time to your employer. It is, in fact, part of your job description even if that's not actually written down.
Try to stay afloat until you either find a new job or a new attitude. And kudos for being honest about your struggle. There are a lot of jobs I don't want to be in because the demands of those jobs do feel like of a waste of my time. If you don't like most of what your job entails, including the many revisions (and I feel your pain, I do), then by all means start looking for a new job.
posted by Bella Donna at 6:06 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
From the anonymous OP:
Following up to clarify a bit. I had a horrid day yesterday, so I wasn't in the best mindset when I posted this question, so that may be why my writing was a bit rough on the edges and not completely clear.posted by LobsterMitten at 6:10 PM on September 11, 2015
First, for the plagiarism, I wanted to clarify that it was never my intention. I was given an email with two links to the news article - and told to write about the alumna in question based on the two articles. I thought plagiarism meant literally copying everything, word for word, without changing words around, and not citing. I did provide a link to the articles. I could have done better, but it was a honest mistake. The person who assigned me the article said it was her fault, because she wasn't clear with her expectations, and I explained that I didn't mean to come across as plagiarizing. I haven't been to school since 2010, so I guess my mind became fuzzy in what exactly plagiarism constitutes.
One important point of clarification: the article I wrote ("plagiarized") was never published. It was kept completely internal.
Everyone was nice about it; it was definitely a learning experience, and one I do feel guilty about. I was so upset and overwhelmed with everything that it may have came across as flippant and/or careless on my question, but I was definitely apologetic (if not a bit shocked) and explained where I was coming from.
Also, like I said, there were some aspects of the job I really do genuinely enjoy, and I put all my effort in most projects. It's just the writing part itself that's "clogging" me up (probably not the best pun to use for the title, in hindsight). My probation period is 6 months, and I am within the 6 months period.
Thanks.
Agree with many of the previous answers that this just doesn't sound like it's the right job for you (and it sounds like you know this, too). And that's fine! Writing fiction is very different from PR or journalistic writing, and, even more fundamentally, writing for yourself is entirely different from writing professionally. From what you've told us, your employers' expectations on pitching, editing, original content, etc. sound reasonable, but if they're making you miserable, then maybe it's time to move on.
While you're still at the job, though, a few suggestions:
-Editing: Going to agree with kat518 here. Getting to have your writing read and edited before it's published by people with a vested interest in improving your work can be stressful, but it's also both a privilege and an incredible perk. There is literally no writer in the world who doesn't benefit from having their work read over, and many people pay editors to read over their work. You're getting that service routinely and for free!
-Beginnings: Advising people to start writing in the middle is probably a cliche at this point, but it works. Get paragraphs out on the page. You can organize them later, and write a snappy intro once you're done.
--Writing more: In my experience, I've found that not writing too much can turn into something of a disastrous cycle -- the less I'm producing, the more invested I am in the few things I am working on, which makes me more stressed out, more resistant to editing, more perfectionist and more blocked. If you're writing a bunch every day, you have less time to get unhealthily attached to whatever you're working on, and it'll (hopefully!) get easier to move onto the next thing.
And lastly, about the plagiarism. I don't want to be too harsh, but your attitude toward this is just really, really out of touch with professional norms. There are situations when it's OK to cite already published works, although I don't know if your job is one of them. But if you're doing it, you need to be excruciatingly clear about the fact that you're referring to another story and you need to be using it in a context that's substantially different, and as a supplement to whatever else you're writing about the topic, not just "rewording" things.
If you don't instinctively see "borrowing" facts and quotes as problematic, despite your coworkers' opinions, we're probably not going to convince you otherwise (this is probably my main reason for thinking you'd be happier in a different role). But you should understand that plagiarism, along with fabulism, is going to be seen by most people as pretty much the cardinal sin of writing, and having even the implication of it attached to you is going to be professional poison. If you can do nothing else to improve your performance or enjoy your role more, stop doing this. If it's a pain or a waste of time for you to talk to someone and confirm information that you basically already knew, it's still a million times better than straying over the wrong side of the line on this.
posted by eponym at 6:12 PM on September 11, 2015 [4 favorites]
While you're still at the job, though, a few suggestions:
-Editing: Going to agree with kat518 here. Getting to have your writing read and edited before it's published by people with a vested interest in improving your work can be stressful, but it's also both a privilege and an incredible perk. There is literally no writer in the world who doesn't benefit from having their work read over, and many people pay editors to read over their work. You're getting that service routinely and for free!
-Beginnings: Advising people to start writing in the middle is probably a cliche at this point, but it works. Get paragraphs out on the page. You can organize them later, and write a snappy intro once you're done.
--Writing more: In my experience, I've found that not writing too much can turn into something of a disastrous cycle -- the less I'm producing, the more invested I am in the few things I am working on, which makes me more stressed out, more resistant to editing, more perfectionist and more blocked. If you're writing a bunch every day, you have less time to get unhealthily attached to whatever you're working on, and it'll (hopefully!) get easier to move onto the next thing.
And lastly, about the plagiarism. I don't want to be too harsh, but your attitude toward this is just really, really out of touch with professional norms. There are situations when it's OK to cite already published works, although I don't know if your job is one of them. But if you're doing it, you need to be excruciatingly clear about the fact that you're referring to another story and you need to be using it in a context that's substantially different, and as a supplement to whatever else you're writing about the topic, not just "rewording" things.
If you don't instinctively see "borrowing" facts and quotes as problematic, despite your coworkers' opinions, we're probably not going to convince you otherwise (this is probably my main reason for thinking you'd be happier in a different role). But you should understand that plagiarism, along with fabulism, is going to be seen by most people as pretty much the cardinal sin of writing, and having even the implication of it attached to you is going to be professional poison. If you can do nothing else to improve your performance or enjoy your role more, stop doing this. If it's a pain or a waste of time for you to talk to someone and confirm information that you basically already knew, it's still a million times better than straying over the wrong side of the line on this.
posted by eponym at 6:12 PM on September 11, 2015 [4 favorites]
Commented before seeing your update, sorry! Glad to hear you learned from the plagiarizing incident. For unclogging your writing, I stand by "write more" as the starting point. A lot of it may not be great at first, but it's the only way to get better.
posted by eponym at 6:16 PM on September 11, 2015
posted by eponym at 6:16 PM on September 11, 2015
I was given an email with two links to the news article - and told to write about the alumna in question based on the two articles. I thought plagiarism meant literally copying everything, word for word, without changing words around, and not citing. I did provide a link to the articles. I could have done better, but it was a honest mistake.
Totally honest mistake. You were told to write based on those articles so I can understand how it happened. Yay for the clarification. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 7:14 PM on September 11, 2015
Totally honest mistake. You were told to write based on those articles so I can understand how it happened. Yay for the clarification. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 7:14 PM on September 11, 2015
I think you should reboot your expectations of yourself as a writer. If starting is hard, begin at the ending, and work backwards. Write your last 'graph first with a concise summation or a great quote.
Calling people up for quotes and more info is usually the fun part, for me anyway. Asking questions and getting answers can often spark a catchy way to get into the story.
And writing for a living is re-writing for a living.
posted by Ideefixe at 7:28 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
Calling people up for quotes and more info is usually the fun part, for me anyway. Asking questions and getting answers can often spark a catchy way to get into the story.
And writing for a living is re-writing for a living.
posted by Ideefixe at 7:28 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
As someone who writes corporate communications stuff for a living, I can throw this out for what it's worth:
You said: Another struggle is seeing my stories be sent to my senior writer (who supervises/oversees my work), as well as other co-workers, if applicable, and even my supervisor (which is the main director of the PR office) and seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections.
I say: In any public relations/corporate writing gig, there will always be multiple layers of review and approval. It's a fact of the job. You can work with it by logging the feedback you get and work that in to how you write in the future. You will suss out preferences and not chafe at a given style (AP is a style "guide" for a reason - it's not a set of handcuffs). There are a number of reasons why this is - promoting a certain "brand" for the school, ensuring the quality of the writing is consistent, etc. The moments when my life is profoundly easy at work are the instances when I submit a piece of writing for review by a senior executive and the reply is simply "Good to go," or "I like it. Send it out."
What I've written is not what I'd choose to say, necessarily, but my job is to choose words (and ask all the questions about the how/whys/whens and answer those) for them. Praise from the heavens, it is, when it sails through final approval without question.
You can get a good feel for the style/format they want by reading examples of previously-published writing in the publications/websites you're being asked to write for.
As cotton dress sock said, read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you what the "taste" or style is.
If you're not able to digest that and get a feel for the writing they're looking for, then you may not be the writer for them.
I actually dread getting a new story because I would have to go through the entire rigmarole of starting a new story
Do you feel like you can take a story idea and run with it (which I suspect you're being asked to do)?
Bella Donna: Even if you are doing marketing/PR writing, there are basic journalistic rules you have to follow. It may feel like a waste of your time to reinterview people but it's not a waste of time to your employer. It is, in fact, part of your job description even if that's not actually written down.
Agree with Bella Donna here. To me, the "plagiarism" incident seems like an opportunity lost. Presumably you had the option of getting in touch with alumni and saying "Hi. I write for [school's publication/website]. You've gotten some great coverage here and here. Do you mind chatting for a few minutes about your play?" Chances are, they would have said "yes" (and if not, nothing ventured, nothing gained), and if they said "yes," you could have asked them an alumni-focused question about how their campus experience helped them get this play off the ground, about the theatre program at the school, etc.
So the process of gathering fodder for writing copy can be as fun and interesting as you make it, and help you produce good work your bosses are thrilled with. Your day will become way more interesting by picking up the phone and talking to people about things they're passionate about (and, if I guess correctly, you'll be talking to researchers at the university who are way into their work, and alumni who have gone on to Great Things, and they'll talk your ear off about it, to the point where this stuff can write itself).
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:15 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
You said: Another struggle is seeing my stories be sent to my senior writer (who supervises/oversees my work), as well as other co-workers, if applicable, and even my supervisor (which is the main director of the PR office) and seeing all the feedback/suggestions/corrections.
I say: In any public relations/corporate writing gig, there will always be multiple layers of review and approval. It's a fact of the job. You can work with it by logging the feedback you get and work that in to how you write in the future. You will suss out preferences and not chafe at a given style (AP is a style "guide" for a reason - it's not a set of handcuffs). There are a number of reasons why this is - promoting a certain "brand" for the school, ensuring the quality of the writing is consistent, etc. The moments when my life is profoundly easy at work are the instances when I submit a piece of writing for review by a senior executive and the reply is simply "Good to go," or "I like it. Send it out."
What I've written is not what I'd choose to say, necessarily, but my job is to choose words (and ask all the questions about the how/whys/whens and answer those) for them. Praise from the heavens, it is, when it sails through final approval without question.
You can get a good feel for the style/format they want by reading examples of previously-published writing in the publications/websites you're being asked to write for.
As cotton dress sock said, read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you what the "taste" or style is.
If you're not able to digest that and get a feel for the writing they're looking for, then you may not be the writer for them.
I actually dread getting a new story because I would have to go through the entire rigmarole of starting a new story
Do you feel like you can take a story idea and run with it (which I suspect you're being asked to do)?
Bella Donna: Even if you are doing marketing/PR writing, there are basic journalistic rules you have to follow. It may feel like a waste of your time to reinterview people but it's not a waste of time to your employer. It is, in fact, part of your job description even if that's not actually written down.
Agree with Bella Donna here. To me, the "plagiarism" incident seems like an opportunity lost. Presumably you had the option of getting in touch with alumni and saying "Hi. I write for [school's publication/website]. You've gotten some great coverage here and here. Do you mind chatting for a few minutes about your play?" Chances are, they would have said "yes" (and if not, nothing ventured, nothing gained), and if they said "yes," you could have asked them an alumni-focused question about how their campus experience helped them get this play off the ground, about the theatre program at the school, etc.
So the process of gathering fodder for writing copy can be as fun and interesting as you make it, and help you produce good work your bosses are thrilled with. Your day will become way more interesting by picking up the phone and talking to people about things they're passionate about (and, if I guess correctly, you'll be talking to researchers at the university who are way into their work, and alumni who have gone on to Great Things, and they'll talk your ear off about it, to the point where this stuff can write itself).
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:15 PM on September 11, 2015 [1 favorite]
I explained that I didn't mean to come across as plagiarizing. I haven't been to school since 2010, so I guess my mind became fuzzy in what exactly plagiarism constitutes.
It sounds like you like other parts of your job so my answer is going to be pretty blunt. First, you didn't come across as plagiarizing. You plagiarized. You may not have been clear about it, which is understandable if you've been rewriting press releases a lot. But the end result is the same.
I'm focusing on this paragraph because you mentioned school (2010 is not that long ago) and used some weasel words. The thing is that writing as a PR professional is a profession. You seem a bit stuck in the mindset that if people give you feedback it's a bad thing, or that interviewing people or attending dry lectures is a waste of time, or that knowing basic professional information isn't necessary.
I encourage you to think of your writing not on a piece-by-piece business but as a career. Learning to turn dry lectures into engaging stories or write good beginnings or getting a new spin on a story with quotes already out there are all kick-ass skills.
Rather than wondering why you have to deal with feedback, sources, etc., look at it like collecting all the tools you can get. Writing for an organization is really not like writing for yourself, but it is something that organizations value. If you want to come to peace with this job is would not think of it like "am I a writer !" as if this is a magical state where all your stories emerge pristinely. This is a profession where a lot of learning is on the job and you're at the start of it.
Basically, chin up.
posted by warriorqueen at 7:17 AM on September 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
It sounds like you like other parts of your job so my answer is going to be pretty blunt. First, you didn't come across as plagiarizing. You plagiarized. You may not have been clear about it, which is understandable if you've been rewriting press releases a lot. But the end result is the same.
I'm focusing on this paragraph because you mentioned school (2010 is not that long ago) and used some weasel words. The thing is that writing as a PR professional is a profession. You seem a bit stuck in the mindset that if people give you feedback it's a bad thing, or that interviewing people or attending dry lectures is a waste of time, or that knowing basic professional information isn't necessary.
I encourage you to think of your writing not on a piece-by-piece business but as a career. Learning to turn dry lectures into engaging stories or write good beginnings or getting a new spin on a story with quotes already out there are all kick-ass skills.
Rather than wondering why you have to deal with feedback, sources, etc., look at it like collecting all the tools you can get. Writing for an organization is really not like writing for yourself, but it is something that organizations value. If you want to come to peace with this job is would not think of it like "am I a writer !" as if this is a magical state where all your stories emerge pristinely. This is a profession where a lot of learning is on the job and you're at the start of it.
Basically, chin up.
posted by warriorqueen at 7:17 AM on September 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Frankly, you appear to be way out of your depth. You have a job as a writer but don't seem interested in writing, or in learning how to do it better. Maybe your university has some basic writing courses you could take, and which might improve your work, but that wouldn't change your apparent lack of interest in even the basics of it. You should consider work in another field, in my opinion.
posted by fivesavagepalms at 10:05 AM on September 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by fivesavagepalms at 10:05 AM on September 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
Being perfectly honest: I work in this field, and if a writer colleague told me they hadn't been in school for five years so they didn't know exactly what constituted plagiarism anymore, I would be alarmed, and kind of embarrassed for them. Please don't say anything like that to your boss or colleagues again.
I get extremely similar assignments -- "Write about this person," with links to a couple already existing articles. Here's my process: I read the articles to learn everything I can about the person and try to understand their work. I note down all key facts I might want to hit in my article. I also formulate my questions for that person based on what I already know, so that I don't sound too uninformed when I talk to them. I usually also Google a bit on the basic topic. Then I interview the person, which could take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour.
So basically, I use the existing articles as a jumping-off point, and to help me figure out good questions to ask the person, and then when I'm drafting, I go back to the articles to help with fact-checking. (Like if they mention the name of a colleague or an institution or a weird chemical, I can make sure I have the spelling right.)
Your supervisor is probably expecting you to follow a similar process when they forward you those kinds of links.
Here's something else that might help. I get a lot of enthusiastic compliments on my work and a lot of repeat business (I work on the contract side), and yet I hardly ever write anything that doesn't get edits or feedback. I frequently am asked to do pretty big revisions (like stuff that takes at least an hour or more on a 400-word article). When I've worked with university PR offices, where there's a whole team editing, sometimes my pieces change so much that almost nothing remains from the original draft. I don't think this is a reflection at all on my abilities as a writer. In fact, I think people are more eager to work with me because they know I will be patient and flexible and keep working on the piece until it's exactly right.
So please don't take it personally when people edit your work. That's just extremely par for the course in the field you're working in, where there are a lot of decision-makers with different agendas.
Good luck!
posted by the turtle's teeth at 11:02 AM on September 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
I get extremely similar assignments -- "Write about this person," with links to a couple already existing articles. Here's my process: I read the articles to learn everything I can about the person and try to understand their work. I note down all key facts I might want to hit in my article. I also formulate my questions for that person based on what I already know, so that I don't sound too uninformed when I talk to them. I usually also Google a bit on the basic topic. Then I interview the person, which could take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour.
So basically, I use the existing articles as a jumping-off point, and to help me figure out good questions to ask the person, and then when I'm drafting, I go back to the articles to help with fact-checking. (Like if they mention the name of a colleague or an institution or a weird chemical, I can make sure I have the spelling right.)
Your supervisor is probably expecting you to follow a similar process when they forward you those kinds of links.
Here's something else that might help. I get a lot of enthusiastic compliments on my work and a lot of repeat business (I work on the contract side), and yet I hardly ever write anything that doesn't get edits or feedback. I frequently am asked to do pretty big revisions (like stuff that takes at least an hour or more on a 400-word article). When I've worked with university PR offices, where there's a whole team editing, sometimes my pieces change so much that almost nothing remains from the original draft. I don't think this is a reflection at all on my abilities as a writer. In fact, I think people are more eager to work with me because they know I will be patient and flexible and keep working on the piece until it's exactly right.
So please don't take it personally when people edit your work. That's just extremely par for the course in the field you're working in, where there are a lot of decision-makers with different agendas.
Good luck!
posted by the turtle's teeth at 11:02 AM on September 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
For starters, I'm expected to write stories featuring students/alumni/current events on campus. I'm not sure why, but I struggle to start the story and write from there. I never know HOW to begin the story, how to make it eye-catching.
I see the writing process as having three steps:
1. Research/gathering info
2. Organizing the material and your ideas
3. Writing it up
I have a feeling you're glossing over or totally skipping step Number 2. So create a fairly detailed outline using a computer program or just a piece of paper before you start writing. While you're organizing the piece, a certain quote, anecdote or angle may likely reveal itself as a good starting point.
posted by Leontine at 12:59 PM on September 12, 2015
I see the writing process as having three steps:
1. Research/gathering info
2. Organizing the material and your ideas
3. Writing it up
I have a feeling you're glossing over or totally skipping step Number 2. So create a fairly detailed outline using a computer program or just a piece of paper before you start writing. While you're organizing the piece, a certain quote, anecdote or angle may likely reveal itself as a good starting point.
posted by Leontine at 12:59 PM on September 12, 2015
I have this job. MeMail me.
posted by St. Hubbins at 8:31 PM on September 12, 2015
posted by St. Hubbins at 8:31 PM on September 12, 2015
« Older Book fuel can't melt steel jets | It's not you, it's me.. or wait, it was depression... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
A major part of my job is editing other people's writing for publication; the other major part of my job is writing content myself. Trust me, everyone's writing has errors - even highly-regarded professionals with many years of experience and publication credits (and even that senior writer, your coworkers, and your supervisor). It's not just errors either - it takes time to learn the house style/voice and there are always disagreements about whether a particular phrase is written in the "best" way. It's hard, but you have to just learn to not take this personally; just choose to accept it. Remember also that it's their job to edit your work and provide comments - they may feel an obligation to comment on something, lest it look like they're slacking off in performing their duties. That said, I highly recommend everything by Bryan Garner if you're interested in improving your grammar/usage.
I'm not sure why, but I struggle to start the story and write from there. I never know HOW to begin the story, how to make it eye-catching.
Don't start at the beginning. Start with whatever is easiest (usually just reciting the facts of the situation), then embellish later. You'll already have the bulk of the article written, so the deadline pressure won't be as intense; hopefully that will allow you be more creative when it's needed.
Today, I wrote about an alumni being part of a play. I used quotes and information from another (already published) article, but changed the wording.
I agree that this is questionable with respect to the quotations. People often give comments for a specific context and/or article and may not consent to the use of those comments outside that context. It's best to verify that they are ok with being re-quoted in another piece. Sidenote: alumni is plural; alumnus/alumna is singular.
I also enjoy gathering information for the website to be changed (such as dates/locations), and writing clear instructions (I'm always OCD with making sure things are spelled/written correctly), and simple fact-checking - that kind of simple, maybe "clerical" work. I do acknowledge that I can be lazy at times, too, and the work here, the stories to be written, requires the opposite of lazy. I'm also not very creative or good at thinking of things by myself; I do better with specific instructions (which my job isn't really - it's more of people throwing miscellaneous tasks at you).
You might enjoy technical writing or prospect research. Your university likely has a foundation or fundraising office, so keep an eye out for positions that involve prospect research.
posted by melissasaurus at 4:28 PM on September 11, 2015