I have been rejected for a writing gig for which I recently applied. While on one level, it stings and feels like a blow to my ego and talent, I am not feeling all that bad about it. Upon considerable reflection on the situation, I've decided that it was actually for the best. (I promise you this is not a case of "sour grapes.") It simply comes down to this: I am insulted - and here's why.
I was excited for the opportunity to write and submit a sample as an "audition" for a freelance case study writer for this "financial guru" guy, promising a steady stream of work to the successful candidate. The "assignment" was to use the provided emails and survey results to craft a case study about a woman who had experienced great career gains after having taken his course. I followed his instructions and submitted an articulate, creative and compelling case study of which I was exceedingly proud. Having sent it, I was feeling optimistic but trying not to get my hopes up too high. I had resolved that, whatever happened, it had been a great experience and had demonstrated just how much I enjoy the process of case study writing. The hardest part, frankly, (to quote Tom Petty) was the waiting to hear one way or the other.
Continue reading "The Rewards of NOT Getting the Job" »
Thursday, March 31. 2011
The Rewards of NOT Getting the Job
Monday, March 28. 2011
Cooking Up Some Tasty Case Studies
A case study - in case you aren't familiar with the term - is a factual vignette presented as a short story. Think of it as a verbal snapshot of a specific situation. They're intended to draw the reader into a scenario in which he identifies with the subject and/or the problem presented in the case study. They're often open-ended, sparking the reader's independent consideration of the issue.
Writing case studies differs from other the other types of professional writing I do (like articles, eBooks, blog posts, instructional guides and website text) due to their particular purpose and unique format. Since I first became aware of them, case studies have seemed like an interesting challenge. I've thought of interesting topics over the last few months and added them to my independent projects to-do list, to write when I have free time. Lately it seems case studies are everywhere and they're wanting to be written by me!
At first I was leery of writing case studies because of their very nature which is quite unlike all those other pieces I write and especially my "anything goes so long as it flows" style which I employ here on my blog. No, case studies are more like writing poetry, complete with definitive guidelines distinguishing their construction from that of plain ol' prose.
