Hello writers,
Welcome to August.
Are you wondering when this doom and gloom will end, if it ever does? Honestly, most days, I cannot bear to watch the news: it’s a deadly cocktail of environmental disasters, a deadly virus, a struggling economy, job loss, deaths, and of course, the bloody politics. But fear not, we now have a temple.
On most days, I am in complete awe of the journalists (the rare good ones) who strive to bring us news that is informative and relevant. I do not know if I would have the courage and the mental capacity to do it. If you read or follow a certain journalist, do reach out to them and tell them they are doing a good job. They really could do with the encouragement and support. While at it, if you are able, donate to organisations – news or otherwise – making a difference.
I am extremely grateful for work that keeps me occupied. I’ve been working harder during this lockdown than before it; I need the distraction. Last month, I overshot my salary goal for the month, and this month, I got a byline in one of my top publications. Freelancing, as I have said before, is quite the rollercoaster. These positive bits hide dozens of rejections, weeks of self-doubt, delayed payment that resulted in earnings so low, I couldn’t pay my rent, and imposter syndrome. I guess what I am trying to say is: celebrate every victory, no matter how small you may think it is. Got a byline? Share it with the world. Wrote one page today after days of writer’s block? Break out the champagne. Got a payment? Invest it or splurge on something special – whatever works for you.
Back to the newsletter. This week’s paid edition is a follow up to last month’s How to Pitch series - it talks about what to do after you send your pitch. There’s an interview with the editor of Indiaspend – they do longform, deeply reported, investigative journalism. I’ve detailed some job opportunities, some grants and competitions too, and a reading guide. If you want to subscribe, email itsallwrite@outlook.in.
Ready? Let’s begin.
MISCELLANY
(Job links, grants, links to good reads, and other news you can use)
Pitch: An upcoming publication is looking for people interested in writing about/photographing/illustrating MUSHROOM/FUNGI related stuff. DM Sukanya .
Pitch: The Ladies Compartment is looking for stories for #InTheirWords, personal essays on topics like making rent in a pandemic paralysed world, and not your usual pin up: calendar and write up about a person who’s hot to you (sapiosexually). Email avantikamehtawork@gmail.com. Preference given to women and LGBTQI+ folks. Rate: Rs 800 per essay, paid upon publication.
Survey: Firstpost has started a new project called 'Lockdown Secrets' and are inviting people to share their secrets/ unusual behaviour via a survey (can be anonymous). Selected confessions will be featured on the site and their social media accounts.
Volunteer: Dalit Camera, which document perspectives on/voices of Dalits, Adivasis, Bahujans and Minorities (DABM), is looking for volunteers and reporters. If interested, write to emaildalitcamera@gmail.com
Competition: The Yale Drama Series hosts a playwriting competition open to amateur writers, worldwide. Prize: $10,000, publication by Yale University Press and a staged reading at Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow Theatre. Deadline August 15. Submission details, here.
Order: This has nothing to do with writing, but it has proven useful to many. I’ve curated a list (I love doing these!) of home chefs in Mumbai offering some delicious food.
Job: Bombay Shaving Co is looking for a copywriter: she should have worked with consumer brands with strong grasp over e-commerce language; Graphic Designer: she should have worked with a direct to consumer brand (agency experience is valued); CRM: She should have worked across DTC brands; and Influencer/Social Media Executive. Email samriddh@bombayshavingcompany.com
Job: Brut India is hiring a newsletter writer, documentary filmmaker, video producer, branded content lead, account manager, syndication & special events. Email (keep it short) your CV and a couple work samples to sruthi@brut.media
READING GUIDE
(Articles that didn’t just stay open in my tabs)
Resh Susan has written a lovely story on finding solace in watching K-dramas.
As someone who dislikes the term POC, this New Yorker essay on the phrase “people of color” made a lot of sense.
Do you miss eating out in restaurants? I definitely do because every meal is an experience, as these writers will tell you.
A different kind of travel story – it details a cuckoo’s (his name is Onon) journey over 27 countries.
The talented Richa Kaul Phadke gives us a peek into the sex lives of Indians during this pandemic.
In the next edition, I will address follow-up questions to the pitching guide. I have received a few and will answer them together.
Before ending, here’s some advice shared by Rituparna Chatterjee (she shared it on Twitter and it struck a chord).
“Close to two decades ago an editor told me, “if you want to understand what's going on in a story, first eliminate the voices that benefit from the noise, then investigate the silences.” It's served me in every conceivable situation.”
Until next time,
Adios.
Hi, so I've subscribed to the paid newsletter but I still see the unpaid version on Substack. Could you help me out?