Hey, listen. If the folks at Apple’s “Genius Bar” can call themselves that, why can’t I? More than once I’ve been able to solve my tech problems while they put me on hold to consult their supervisors. They’d come back with some roundabout answer – if any answer at all, and I would tell them a far simpler solution I discovered by pure dumb luck. Put that in your e-cigs and vape it, Einsteins!

So while I’m not yet to the level of, say, a Steve Jobs, I feel somewhat equipped to pass along to you some fairly basic tech knowledge that I’ve gained along the way. Maybe you have already discovered these helpful nuggets, but for those who’ve ever been stymied with various computer or online tech issues, some of these solutions may come to your rescue, eliciting an “Aha!” at the discovery. Or a forehead-smacking “Doh!” response, since they may be so simple. So obvious. 

So here we go:

Switch browsers: That’s right. Just switching your browser can solve many issues. As when you click on a link and the page won’t load. Or in my case, I was trying to create a hyperlink for a client’s website. The link wouldn’t link! I switched from Safari to Chrome – and voilà! the hyperlink worked. I will say, much as I love my iMac, there may be sites you visit that are not optimized for Safari (Mac’s built-in browser). So it’s always good to download a few different browsers on to your dock. Besides Safari (my default), I have Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Firefox is also a good one. And speaking of Microsoft Edge...

Whole-page screenshots: Say you’ve written a magazine article. For your portfolio, you want to keep a copy as it appears online. If the content was long and necessitated scrolling, I normally would have to take screenshots window by window and then cobble them together within a PDF. Not with Microsoft Edge! You simply 1) go to the three little dots in the upper right corner, 2) go to “Screenshots” and choose “Capture.” 3) Hold your mouse down, drag it horizontally across the article, then scroll down all the way to the end. Once you’ve captured the entire article, let go of the mouse and there it is: your entire content appearing from top to bottom with all the images and masthead that accompanied it – in the popular PNG format. Then click "save." It’s a beautiful thing.  

Leave it to AI: Be it a Microsoft issue, Zoom, HP – or wherever I was looking for technical support, I can’t tell you how many times I’d enter the topic of my concern on their “help” page, and up would pop hundreds of articles – all of which had nothing to do with the what I was looking for. Community forums? Usually they’re filled with lots of “expert” advice that is way more complicated than need be. “Empty your cache!” (I call it the monkey test.) “Trash your operating system and reinstall!” (Gaaaa!) “Whirl a rubber chicken over your head while hopping on one foot!” Ok, maybe not that last one, but just as useless. Often the solution: I simply enter the question or problem in Google along with the name of the software / platform / app, etc. with which I was having trouble. Sure enough, not only will AI come up with the exact and simple answer, but provide the link to where the solution is found on the software’s (platform’s, app’s, etc.) very own support pages! 

Many solutions I’ve found by pure accident. In fact, in doing a bit of research for this article, I JUST discovered something you can do on Safari: In the “File” menu, export an entire online article (or web page, etc.) as a gorgeous PDF (as opposed to doing the screenshot method described above)!!! Sooo streamlined! I’ve checked and you can’t do that on Chrome or Edge. Yay, Safari! 

These are just the tip of the tech tips I’ve serendipitously discovered. I’d like to share more. Perhaps in another article. This sort of thing actually gets me high. Call me a geek. Even better, call me a Genius. But call me especially if you need some help! I promise I won’t ask you to whirl a rubber chicken over your head.

-- Laura Stigler

A few weeks ago, an article was brought to my attention that was written by Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg. Or I should say, written by AI impersonating Mr. Steinberg. With a few directives entered into ChatGPT by Neil, the article captured his essence, spitting forth his snark, his self-deprecating humor, his penchant for clever metaphors, his knack for irony, his general wise-a**, often cynical tone. Much to Neil’s chagrin – and frankly, mine – the writing was remarkably good. 

Damn! How could this be? It left me – and Neil – with an uneasy feeling. Like being introduced to someone who looked, acted, sounded and talked exactly like you. Creepy.

So is this what our world of writing is coming to? Can we be replaced or ripped off that easily? Granted, humans have been parodying (and parroting) other people’s styles for eons, be it in the writing or entertainment profession. I myself have often done it in my own writing projects, assuming someone else’s character/personality. My Dad, a writer, used to call it “Method Writing.” You take on the voice, mannerisms, style, etc. that would conjure up a particular entity. In my own line of work, Advertising/Marketing, it’s almost a requirement. Example:

For one assignment, I had to write a website for a design consultant. She was brash, funny, blunt, highly knowledgeable and professional. I had such fun “channeling her character” and in the end, received the best compliment of all. She gleefully said it sounded as if she wrote it herself. 

Sorry if that came off like a brag. But nothing could have made me happier. And that’s just it. Writing, even if it’s just a Thank You note -- makes me happy. Fulfilled. Knowing that consciously or sub, I could somehow dig into the well of all my experiences, my stories, my inherited traits, my ability to reason, and above all, be imbued with that ineffable, mysterious thing we call “soul”... it will all mush together and come out on the written page in readable form. Hoping that in some way, it moves the reader. To laughter. To tears. To inspire. To donate. To buy something! 

Does AI do all that to get to a final draft? 

Most importantly, if you’ve ever had AI do the writing for you, how did it make you feel? Sure it saves time. And clients’ money. Maybe the result even adheres to the new standard of being “good enough.” But something is missing. And the ones who mourn it most...are writers.

This is not to be a tirade against AI. That would be stupid. Lord knows, its usage is, can and will be invaluable beyond our imaginations. As writers, it could be fantastic for research purposes, or to get the juices flowing. Or to spark an angle that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred. I’ve noticed, too, that many of the jobs being offered on various job sites are for “AI Writers.” Since they obviously require a knowledge of AI, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for us writers to learn how to use it. Certainly it would be another arrow we can add to our quiver of services. 

But please. Let that not stop us from using our own noggins. Let’s not worry. Let’s be happy. Let’s keep on writing. Even if it’s just a Thank You note.

-- Laura Stigler

P.S. Writing this article made me happy.

In March 2024, the U.S. Depart of Labor enacted the “Classification of Employees and Independent Contractors Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.” Nullifying the previous Administration’s far simpler and more IC-friendly rule, this new rule was patterned after California’s complex AB5, a law that determined whether or not independent contractors were in fact their clients’ employees. The result: over 4.5 million careers of ICs and entrepreneurs were destroyed overnight in over 600 fields. With the USDOL 2024 rule launched, the job destruction was poised to spread nationally to millions more. 

That was then.

A bit of hope

While fully supporting unions, the current Administration has voiced strong support for all workers, affirming that all workers, be they W-2 employees or 1099 independent contractors, have a right to earn their livelihoods however they wish. It’s just the American way. 

Yet there has rightly been some consternation at the nomination of former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer for U.S. Labor Secretary. She had been a proponent of the AB5-based anti-independent contractor PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize). But here’s where a glimmer of hope comes in, offered by Patrice Onwuka, director of the Center for Economic Opportunity at Independent Women’s Forum. Quoting her from a recent issue of Kim Kavin’s Freelance Busting newsletter:

“The Labor Secretary serves the agenda of President Trump. Former Congresswoman DeRemer is no longer beholden to the constituents of one district or that may have had heavy partisan leanings. She has to represent the interest of all U.S. workers, employers and businesses. That may give her a broader perspective that many interests need to be considered.

Her past support for the PRO Act raises questions, but that bill is dead. Now, she has an opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to self-employed Americans and President Trump’s commitment to the economic engine of this country by working to undo the damage of Biden-era policies. She has assured us at IWF that her door is open to everyone. She's listening.”

That is good to hear. But it’s not enough.

As I’ve urged in my past columns, it’s vital that we, as freelancers, voice our strong support for laws that uphold our Constitutional rights to live and work as we please. So again, I urge you to contact the following and voice your support. It won’t take long. But it could go far in making sure the right laws are passed that will finally and forever put our worries to rest:

Call or email these Senators

As of this writing, there is no set date for the confirmation hearing for Ms. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. But that is when Senators must be emphatic in their insistence that she will support the entire workforce, including independent contractors. Kim Kavin suggests we contact every member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), of which Senator Bill Cassidy (a big IC proponent) is the chairman. 

Says Kim, “You can tell them we all want a Secretary of Labor who will respect, protect and defend our freedom to choose self-employment.” 

It could be as simple as that. Find contact info here.

Perhaps most importantly -- and even easier, is to contact both your State's Senators (Durbin and Duckworth for IL), as they will be involved in the confirmation process. Find contact info for all U.S. Senators here.

Call your Congressman/woman

Only when a bill is put through the rigors of legislation and becomes law, can it put a nail in the coffin of all the job-threatening nonsense.  The Modern Worker Empowerment Act is one such bill. There could be others. Contact your U.S. Congressional Representative and say you want protecting independent contractors to be a priority for the current legislative session. 75+ million Independent Contractors are counting on them. 

Find your representative here.

Contact the President here

Once again, a quote from Ms. Kavin: “...the Trump administration needs to hear from us all that we want our freedom to be self-employed prioritized. The White House must return as quickly as possible to standing on the side of America’s entrepreneurs.”

You’ve got the ammo. Now do battle. 

Other references:

Freelancers Defend Economic Liberty from Vague DOL Rule

https://fightforfreelancersusa.com

https://www.freelancebusting.com

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the Holiday Hiatus and are ready to embark on a year that holds much promise of good things to come. Amongst which is the merger between IWOC and the Writers and Publishers Network (WPN) that I’ve been writing about in a previous Stet issue.

I thought it high time to clue you in on where we currently are. While there

are still many details to work out, I would like to mention a few of the areas that have been discussed between WPN president Kathleen Kaiser and the IWOC merger team of IWOC VP George Becht, Treasurer Brent Brotine and yours truly. What has so far been agreed upon I believe will 1) stoke your enthusiasm and 2) allay any concerns.  Such as...

The WPN website. What IWOC will be bringing to the organization is our unique and invaluable mission of helping freelance writers succeed in their business. To that end, IWOC webmaster Roger Rueff is collaborating with WPN’s webmaster Lisa Angle in the redesigning of WPN’s website to include a section entitled “Freelance Writers Division.” This will incorporate all the features from IWOC’s website that are devoted to the IWOC mission, including:

• The Online Directory, where writers can list their specialties and areas of expertise.
• The “Find a Writer” feature, where potential employers can search out writers whose specialties/expertise match their needs.
• Such items from our Member Resources page as contract templates and presentation handouts.
• The Job Sites page, listing 50+ links to various Job Sites
• And more

• If your IWOC membership is paid up, you will automatically be incorporated into WPN’s membership data base and continue to be included in the Online Directory. 
• At renewal time, you will pay a fee of $65. 
• Once renewed, any member who wishes to be included in the Online Directory will pay a small fee (TBD). There will be no limit to the number of specialties and areas of expertise you can list.
• If your IWOC membership has lapsed and you wish to join WPN/IWOC, you will pay a first-year fee of $85. Subsequent renewals will be $65. 

• All members will have access to all meetings, webinars, seminars, etc. – most of which will be held on Zoom and be recorded for later access. Depending on the format, these programs/meetings will be free for members or offered at a discounted rate. 
• Locally speaking, we would still like to continue in-person meetings here in Chicago, but this would be dependent upon venue availability. However...
• Coming up with program ideas that are targeted to freelancers will, of course, take volunteers who are willing to serve on the Program Committee. Details on that will be forthcoming.
• To keep up the camaraderie aspect that has endeared so many to IWOC, we hope to continue throwing our annual Spring, Summer and Holiday parties. 

It’s expected that the merger will be complete, website and all, by June of 2025. There is still much to be done, but much to look forward to. I will keep you posted as things progress.

In the meantime, wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Safe, Prosperous, Productive – and Exciting New Year!

-- Laura Stigler

At this time of year, I thought it would be a good idea to start a tradition and repeat a post bearing thoughts – and a song -- to carry us throughout the holiday season. It's a message that's worth keeping in mind. And will never get old. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas to all! 

_______________________ 

As I sit here in lotus position upon my mountain top (remind me to bring a pillow next time), I’ve come to contemplate something no great philosopher has ever thought of before: The Secret to Happiness. What brings happiness? Living in a country where each is free to pursuit their own, it’s no doubt different for everyone. For me, it’s being productive – especially when it has to do with creation. Whether it’s a project I just finished for a client, or having written a song – that’s the absolute best. Where I get most of my “highs.” It can also come from being productive in other ways. Making a particularly succulent beef bourguignon, for instance. (Ask me for the recipe.) Or finally cleaning up my office. (I can breathe better!) Anything, big or small, that I can accomplish to my own personal satisfaction makes me happy. Temporarily, at least. And that’s the catch.

Creativity. Productivity. As with anything in life that isn’t permanent, it ebbs and flows, often influencing my moods. So what can sustain us in between? Keep us buoyed during the down times? Or all the time? In light of all this heavy pondering, I’d like to share the lyrics of a song I wrote recently that might provide at least one answer. 

Picture it being sung by a guy. A real character with a twinkle in his eye. Not a spring chicken, he’s been around the block several times and after experiencing life’s ups and downs and witnessing much, has gained this bit of wisdom...

THANKS TO GRATITUDE

Written by Laura Stigler-Marier

Well I may never get to Easy Street

But I walk to town with shoes on my feet

No, that ain’t my McMansion on the hill

But my four walls keep out the evening chill

And my job may not be what dreams are made of

But at least...I ain’t been laid off

Yeah, compared to most my troubles are few

And the ones I got 

With the help of God 

I manage to get through

Yeah happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one

Happy son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

Ya know, Easy Street has got its share of potholes

And what’s behind them mansion doors, God knows

As perfect as that other side may seem

Up close, the grass ain’t always all that green

Rich or poor, we all got our problems

If you’re alive...you got ‘em

Ah, but compared to most my troubles are few

And the ones I got 

With the help of God 

I manage to get through

Yeah happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one

Happy son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

Thankful for my friends

For my simple life

And thank you Lord for sending me

My saint of a wife

Ohhh, happiness ain’t nothing but an attitude

And I am one 

Happy son-of-a gun

Yeah I am one 

Lucky son-of-a-gun

Thanks to gratitude

It’s all about gratitude

Thank you, gratitude

--Laura Stigler

P.S. If you would like to hear the melody, contact me and I could send the scratch track. Trigger warning: I’m singing it acapella. 

“Thanks to Gratitude” c 2024 Laura Stigler-Marier & Ken Marier

-

A round of applause please for those who attended our September 10 Writers Roundtable. A success by all accounts! As is our custom, we did not record the meeting out of respect for everyone’s privacy. But that doesn’t mean those who couldn't attend should be kept in the dark. I’d like to share some of the knowledge gained during that hour that may answer some questions on your mind as well. Such as...

1. How do you find work? This is the $64K perennial question that comes up at all our Roundtables. Here's a sampling of suggestions offered, all worth exploring:

• LinkedIn: According to Consumers Advocate, LI is one of the top five resources for job recruiters. So how successful is it in matching you up with prospective clients? In talking to IWOC-ers it varies widely. I know of one who, after a few years of not having any luck with LinkedIn, credits it for recently having landed her steadiest, most lucrative client. Conclusion: If you’re not on LI, it’s worth the try. Just make sure your profile is tempting enough to attract clients. There are five LI presentations on IWOC’s Member Resources page offering tons of invaluable tips.

• Freelance Success (FLX), a membership-based website and publication. Subscribe for a monthly or annual fee and gain access to a treasure trove of resources, job listings, classes and more. IWOC members who belong swear by it.

• Network wherever. Think you have to attend planned business-oriented events to network? Actually, you can network at a wedding. In a grocery line. In the bleachers at a Bulls game. Wherever you may strike up a friendly conversation with strangers, what you do for a living may come up. Mention you’re a writer and you’d be surprised at the wide-eyed reaction, followed by something like, “Hey, I need a press release done!” or “Do you write websites?” That happened to me when I attended a fundraiser hosted by a real estate company, resulting in several writing projects (press releases, videos) for a dance company! One of my most awe-inspiring clients ever.

• IWOC’s Job Site Page lists 50+ job sites, ranging from the most popular (Zip Recruiter, indeed, etc.) to numerous ones you may never heard of – but look very promising. Check ‘em out.

• Cold Calling Karma. Yes, it’s old-school. Yet the human voice can go a long way in making connections in this otherwise email- and social media-obsessed world. But there are rules, such as always starting the convo by succinctly identifying yourself and asking “Do you have a moment?” when a prospective clients picks up the phone. Most miraculously, once you get in the cold-calling groove, a client that wasn’t even on your list may come calling you out of the blue. That’s the karma part. Jim Leman’s guide to “Cold Call Marketing” can be found on our Member Resources Page. The advice is timeless.

2. What do I charge? Another one of those questions that eternally plague us. How much to charge for a magazine article? A website? A blog? Several suggestions poured forth. Among them:

• Writers’ Market not only includes a pay rate chart for an extensive list of writing categories, but it is a gold mine of: writing opportunities for writers of nearly every discipline, lists of professional writing organizations, and more. Buy online or peruse at your local library.

• Search! Ask Google or Duck-Duck Go what a particular writing profession charges. All sorts of info will pop up.

• Communicate. Negotiate. What to charge may simply depend on who you’re working for. Various magazines will have a set rate for article writing. Ad agencies may have a range of rates they’ll pay copywriters according to their experience. It’s just a matter of communicating and even negotiating, once a client has expressed interest in your services.
  

Much more was covered in our session. To those who attended, thank you! And to everyone reading this, feel free to comment below to share advice that has worked for you.

Till the next round...

-- Laura Stigler

Well that went fast! So fast, in fact, that it would behoove us to sit back and reflect on it a bit – just to remind us of what IWOC has been up to in the last year...and what lays ahead. Please join me in first looking into the rearview mirror – just to refresh our memories of the good times that were had by all.

2023-24 IWOC Programs 

They did it again...

Challenging as it may have been – and always is when it comes to mining for programs and speakers that would capture the interest of IWOC members and friends of IWOC, once again the Program Committee of Betsy Storm, Jay Schwarz and Jeff Steele (with contributions from other IWOC-ers) has jam-packed the year serving up the following. Anyone who came and saw, came out wiser businesspeople and savvier self-marketers, loaded with ideas about adding more “value added” aspects to their writing services. 

• IWOC’S Ever-popular Annual Writers’ Roundtable, where everyone gets their say. (This is the only program notrecorded, so all participants can speak freely.)

• Meet Special Guest Hedy Weiss: The renowned theater and dance critic pulled back the curtain to reveal the thrills and challenges that come with that enviable job. She also gave us a peek at her career as a professional dancer before she leapt over the footlights and into the audience to become one of the keenest observers of the theater and dance world. 

• Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Monetize Your Book(s) via Audiobooks:  Audiobooks expert Kevin Theis spelled out the many avenues for writers to turn their current, printed work into easy-to-download audio projects, sometimes at a cost and sometimes not.

• Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Explained: Friesen Press publishing consultant Christoph Koniczek outlined the ways in which self-publishing differs from traditional publishing, and how the unrestricted nature of the latter path might align better with your publishing needs.

• AI for Writers: What You Need to Know: Many of the questions plaguing writers about how AI will affect them were answered by prolific book author, journalist, guest lecturer and regular contributor to high-tech magazines, Carol J. Amato – an AI aficionado.

• Current Legal Issues Concerning Freelance Writers: Presented by attorney Steven Baron of Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Mr. Baron covered such topics as copyright law, plagiarism, attribution and more.

• Suburban Bigamy author Michael Zimmerman Shares Memoir Secrets: Mr. Zimmerman spoke not only about his heart-wrenching personal story, but offered his take on the best ways to tackle a writing form that is often a challenging, emotional, yet ultimately rewarding journey. 

• Special meeting: How the USDOL Rule Can Affect You:  Of Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Illinois Super Lawyer Lori Goldstein helped us wrap our heads around the recently enacted “Classification of Independent Contractors and Employees Under the Fair Labor Standards Act," a rule that can affect the way 72+ million Independent Contractors (including writers of all stripes) work and live. And that can impact 45% of the U.S. economy.

• Video Scriptwriting: Give it a Shot:  Ace video scriptwriter / producer / narrator Greg King entertainingly talked about the how-tos of writing video scripts. He also regaled us with stories of what went on behind the scenes in shooting some of his favorites.

• LinkedIn Success Secrets: “LinkedIn Whisperer” Mary Wu, treated us with solid, actionable guidance on how to polish your LI profile, enhance your network, and improve the quality of your online interactions.

• Missed any of the above? No problem. Download the podcasts (except for the Roundtable one) on our Member Resources page to benefit from the info- and advice-packed gems. 

  Got ideas for writing- or business-related programs? Contact the Program Committee. We welcome them all! 

  2023-24 IWOC Parties

  Keep a bunch of freelance writers cooped up in their lairs all year and when given the chance, they come out to play in full force. As is our tradition, last year we gave everyone three chances to let loose and party like it’s – well, 2023. At December’s Holiday Party, we let it all hang out at hands-down fave Star of Siam. For our perennial August Greektown bacchanal, we opa’d at scenic Athena. And to welcome the Spring Equinox, we dove into delectable appies, BBQ ribs, chicken and veggie kabobs at the Weber Grill. Fab-u-licious.

  Events of Interest

  IWOC wasn’t the only one who put on must-see programs. We also passed the word to IWOC members about these world class events:

  
  

• American Writers Festival at the American Writers Museum and Harold Washington Library Center

• Chicago Freelance Business Workshop presented by the Institute for Independent Journalists

• 2023 Writer’s Workshop hosted by IWPA’s (Illinois Woman’s Press Association)

• 6^th Annual StoryStudio Writers Festival

• Television writer/producer Patty Lin discussed her book, “End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood” at the American Writers Museum

• Share Your Story on Jacqui Just Chatters podcasts, offered several times throughout the year

• Award winning writer Mark S. King and community leaders representing Chicago’s HIV and LGBTQIA+ communities read passages from Mark’s recently published book, My Fabulous Disease: Chronicles of a Gay Survivor and shared personal reflections. 

• 
  

  Promoting our members

  We’re always telling members to come blow your horn. Or we’ll blow it for them. And so we did...

  
  

• Two States of Single: Essays on Family, Love and Living Solo, a 2020 book by IWOC member Julie A. Jacob, was accorded a glowing assessment by reviewer Victoria Lynn Smith. 

• Heather Kenny landed the plum assignment of writing a monthly column about style for The Midst, a new online publication for women in their 40s and 50s. Fun reading that's really relatable.

• And as we do every year, IWOC participated in the 2023 Printers Row LitFest, displaying and selling our author members’ books at our table while talking to thousands of passers-by on the virtues of IWOC and how we help freelance writers succeed in their careers. (Volunteer to help staff the table and join the fun at this year’s LitFest on the weekend of September 7 & 8. Contact organizer Joseph Wycoff.)

Reflections on the future

While it was indeed an excellent year and IWOC has had a wonderful 40+ year run, it’s no secret that the times they are a-changing. Due to the many factors that I covered in last month’s President’s Post, IWOC will begin the complex process of merging* with the Writers & Publishers Network / Independent Writers of Southern California coalition. But we’re not going away any time real soon. Until that merger is complete – which could take around 9 months, we’ll still be planning programs and parties to educate and entertain all our members and subscribers, starting with our September 10 ever-popular Writers' Roundtable. Hope to see you there!

* Don’t forget: On September 10, we’ll be holding elections on the 2024-25 Board of Directors slate AND a membership vote on the merger. Mark it down and please attend!

-- Laura Stigler

Judging from last month’s President’s Post, this current one could have been funereal in its announcement. In that July post I called upon members to nominate people (including themselves) who they felt qualified to serve as IWOC President or on the Board of Directors. I also called for volunteers who could lend their talents and skills to serve on any of our committees. I warned that having these positions remain unfilled will sound the death knell for IWOC. To ensure everyone “got the message,” I repeated that entire Post in a follow-up eblast to members. The response: Crickets. 

Time to face reality: IWOC simply can’t continue to 

exist if there’s no one managing and minding the store. Most of our officers, directors and committee volunteers have each been serving continuously for the best part of a decade. We are all, quite frankly, spent. Fresh blood is needed. None is pouring forth. 

Piling onto that, consider this: 

• Our membership is declining (we’ll gain one member, lose two); 
• Younger people are flocking to online writer groups;
• Our Writers Line Job Board is on life support; 
• Clients seeking to hire freelance writers are looking to our competition: LinkedIn, Fiverr, etc. Or they’re “hiring” AI. This all hurts on a personal level, because I’ve always promoted IWOC with the idea that I owe my career to this organization. It’s true. For over 3 decades, that is how the majority of my clients found me. Lately? Not so much. I could be wrong, but I’m considering myself a bellwether.
• Attendance at in-person meetings averages 15 people, half of which are usually Board members. (You may ask, “Why not Zoom?” We get pushback when it’s suggested, as most people stress the importance of face-to-face interaction.) 
• When I sent out a simple 2-question survey in April asking how much work members have gotten through IWOC and how many have listened to the podcasts in the past two years, only 15% of the membership responded. Of those, most indicated they had not gotten work nor listened to the podcasts.

Not exactly signs of an organization on the upswing. So what do we do now? Wind IWOC down and allow it to go gently into that good night? How very sad!

But here comes the Good News...

Serendipitously, IWOC was recently invited to join a larger, dynamic organization with similar goals to our own. Here's the skinny:

This past March, Gary Young, president of our sister organization, Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC), contacted me. He explained that IWOSC had been in a situation much like ours: a few people (primarily Gary and vice president Steve Sanchez) doing all the work for several years, with no one to whom they could pass the baton. He then said that last year IWOSC was invited to merge with Writers and Publishers Network (WPN), while keeping IWOSC’s own identity. The IWOSC merger was made official in March and WPN’s logo reflects that. 

After singing the praises of how the merger is now serving IWOSC members, Gary mentioned how he and WPN’s president Kathleen Kaiser discussed possibly bringing IWOC on board. They both were excited about the prospect of how IWOC, with its mission of catering to freelance writers, could add to the WPN/IWOSC coalition and in turn, how the coalition could serve IWOC’s members. It would be a win-win...win. During our conversation, Gary put the suggestion to me that IWOC consider joining the consortium.

I presented the idea to the IWOC Board of Directors and the Board recommended we explore the possibility of such a merger.

The good news: IWOC can survive! Not in the manner to which we’re accustomed. No doubt there would be changes. But members would be served in more ways than they could if we were to continue in our present state. The board directed a committee of myself, our vice president George Becht, and our Treasurer Brent Brotine to meet with WPN/IWOSC to discuss the merger possibility. The three of us met with Young, Kaiser and other WPN Directors. 

In two separate but lengthy Zoom meetings, we aired our questions, concerns, and opinions, discussing all the details of what a merger would involve. To the best of my ability, I’ve summed it up in the following paragraphs.

Now consider all this:

• First, who is WPN? They are a non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide education, information, resources and a supportive networking environment” for small business owners interested in the publishing process and for creative individuals, whether they are authors, freelance writers, or artists. Based in California, they are international in scope. Combined with IWOSC, they are 600+ members strong, with a contact list of 8,000+. WPN’s committees are staffed with volunteers who are extremely active and proactive, whether it involves programming, social media, PR, and more. Their newsletter is chockful of information and kept vibrant with columns contributed by different members. Plus, they are able to attract industrious volunteers to do all the administrative work it takes to keep an organization flowing.

• So what does that mean for us Chicago writers/freelancers? For one thing, it means access across the calendar year to a wide variety of programs, webinars, seminars and networking opportunities mostly held on Zoom and that cover an equally impressive variety of topics. All presented by top speakers hailing from around the globe. 

• The benefits are a two-way street. WPN/IWOSC has largely catered to authors and publishers. But many of their members are freelance writers, and that’s where IWOC comes in. What IWOC will bring to the party is the whole freelance aspect, where we will share the assets that have enabled us to live up to our two-pronged mission: 1) To help writers succeed in the arena of freelance writing and 2) To be a go-to resource for clients in search of skilled, professional writers. Those assets exist on IWOC’s website, essentially all of which will be migrated into what will eventually be the WPN/IWOSC/IWOC website. Such as:
  

o    Most importantly, our Online Directory. All our members’ profiles, specialties, etc. will be listed on the merged website. It will also include WPN’s and IWOSC’s freelance members. And because WPN has such a wide reach, with exposure across the nation and world, the potential for job opportunities for all members can grow exponentially. 

o    All of IWOC’s meeting podcasts will be migrated, so you’ll still have access to those.

o    All of IWOC’s Stet newsletters will be migrated, including all archived issues.

o   Other than anything redundant or outdated, all handouts, links and resources (contract templates, surveys, etc.) will be migrated.

• “What happens to IWOC’s website?” It will still exist, but when visited, will point to what will be the WPN/IWOSC/IWOC site, which will feature a “Chicago Chapter” tab. 

• "Does all this mean IWOC’ers will never meet in person? No meetings? No (gasp!) parties?” Well my friends, that will depend on – yup – whoever volunteers to arrange those right here in the Windy City. I will be stepping down from my IWOC presidency, but I am considering being on a Program Committee. Care to join me? The good news is, all the administrative work that goes along with planning programs will be taken care of by WPN’s various committees.

• What happens to the IWOC fee you’ve already paid? That would transfer over to WPN/IWOSC/IWOC. When it comes time to renew your membership, you’ll pay $65 for renewals. 

• What about a WPN/IWOSC/IWOC logo? It’s a work in progress. For now, WPN has incorporated IWOSC into their logo. IWOC will be included when we join the coalition and other logo designs will be explored.

• When will the transition take place? It’s a complex process. Tons of details. It took IWOSC approximately 9 months to complete, and areas are still being worked out. Fortunately much has been learned in carrying out IWOSC’s transition which will help ours move along more smoothly and perhaps in a shorter period of time. Even so, expect about the same time for our transition to be complete.

• In the meantime and throughout the transition, IWOC will continue business as usual with programs, parties, etc. In the upcoming Annual Meeting on September 10, membership will vote on the new slate for the 2024-25 Board of Directors. For continuity’s sake, I will remain acting as President until the merge is complete, at which point I will be stepping down and all presidential duties will be handled by WPN President Kathleen Kaiser.  

• Should we merge, will we still have a presence at Printers Row Lit Fests in the future?  Yes! But under the WPN/IWOSC/IWOC banner. Kathleen Kaiser is particularly excited about personally flying in and partaking in that.

No doubt you have questions, concerns and opinions. To address all of them, we will be holding a Zoom meeting for members on Tuesday, August 20 at 6:30pm. Stay tuned for details and the Zoom invitation to register. 

On July 31, IWOC’s Board of Directors voted to proceed with the merge. Now it’s your turn to vote.

Before our program (“Writers Roundtable”) begins on September 10, and in addition to voting on the Board of Directors slate, we will be putting the merge up for a vote by the membership. We urge you to attend. If you cannot, you can vote by proxy, vesting in me the power to deliver your vote. Proxy emails will be sent to all members. 

What will happen if the members vote against the merge? We may make a last ditch effort to call for volunteers to populate the various committees and for people to fill the roles of IWOC president and other officers. If we get the same kind of response we did the first time around, then we will begin measures to dissolve the organization. All our resources -- podcasts, profiles and more -- will vanish into the sunset.

I know this news may come as somewhat of a shock to many of you. I, too, feel it would have been optimal for IWOC to continue on and thrive as it did in its storied past. But times have changed. IWOC has changed. And considering the alternative – going belly up altogether, the Board has come to the decision that this is the most fruitful way to keep IWOC alive, maintain and expand its resources, and serve its members to an even more fulfilling degree.

Thank you for reading this far. I hope you’re as excited as we are about this new lifeline presented to IWOC. From what I gathered in the talks we’ve held with WPN and IWOSC, you’ve every reason to be.

Look for the Zoom Q&A meeting invitation. And plan to be involved in IWOC’s Future.

-- Laura Stigler

‘Tis the season again, when we start to assess the past year and begin to make plans for the next. While it’s always a time to toot our horn for what we’ve accomplished in the interest of our members during the previous 12 months, we also have to indulge in a bit of self-reflection as we look forward. Regarding the latter, this year is quite different.

Because in a departure from the last eight years, I’ve made the difficult decision to not run for president of IWOC. I say “difficult” because it means that, in addition to recruiting new Board members, we also have to recruit someone who is willing to stand at the helm and lead IWOC into the future. 

As I’ve stated in many previous Stet posts, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Without them, there is no IWOC! Fortunately, there has always been a pool of people who’ve eagerly filled those shoes on the Board of Directors and on our Committees. But when it comes to being president? The pool gets pretty shallow. Understandably so, since it sounds like such an onerous responsibility. But throughout the years, there has consistently been someone who grabbed the baton and served valiantly. 

When I first was recruited in 2016 – or I should say, was pleaded with to fill the position, I begrudgingly accepted. But once into it, I embraced it and have actually come to love it. What I’ve learned about myself, IWOC, and so many of my fellow IWOC-ers who became friends, turned out to be a rich and positive experience beyond what I ever imagined. But the official term for serving as president is only one year. I’ve served 8. So there does come a time when you have to say, “Enough.” It’s not fair to me, but especially not to IWOC. IWOC deserves someone new. Someone with fresh ideas and a vision that could keep us going and growing strong. Without someone taking the reins, could IWOC continue?

IWOC has been a beloved organization since its founding in 1981. A community where writers consider IWOC a welcoming home, a place that could not only benefit their careers, but where they could find common ground with fellow freelancers with whom they could get together to network, laugh and talk– not just about writing. But about practically anything. To see all that vanish would be something to mourn.

So my question to you is, would you be the one to step up as president? Please consider it. I will be there at every step to ensure a smooth transition. Those on the Board and Committees will also help and support. If you’ve any questions at all, please contact me and we can discuss. And if not as president, consider running for the Board of Directors -- it’s not time-consuming (we Zoom for one hour, once a month) --  or serving on a Committee, be it Membership, Program, Public Relations, Social Media, IWOC’s Stet newsletter.  

Or is there someone you’d like to nominate for any of the above whose ideas, energy, and all-around get-along personality you believe would serve IWOC well? Please submit names to the Nominating Committee --  George Becht, Jay Schwartz or me  by July 19. Members will vote on the final slate at our in-person September 10 Annual Meeting.

There have been many factors that can and have threatened the existence of IWOC. Competition from writer groups that solely meet online; a social media zeitgeist that has diminished the desire to join groups and meet in person; the profusion of online networking and job sites. But we’ve managed to remain standing. Heck, we survived COVID! It would be an absolute shame to see IWOC dissolve, simply for the lack of a president and volunteers. Other venerable writer institutions have gone under because of that very reason. Let that not be the case with IWOC. 

As we stand at a crossroads, let’s take the road to survival.

Volunteer. Nominate. Thank you.

-- Laura Stigler

Since IWOC’s inception, coming up with programs for our monthly meetings has always been a challenge. Yet without exception, every month since 1981, our Program Committees have come through. Being that we’re based in the world class city of Chicago, we’ve never had a problem finding speakers for those programs. And thanks to Zoom, we now invite speakers from the world over. 

But there is a treasure trove of talent that we also mine, and it happens to be right here within IWOC. With a membership spanning 60+ areas of expertise, over the years we’ve been able to entice numerous members to speak about their particular field – how they got into it, what it entails – and how to succeed at it. 

Cases in point:

At our June 11 meeting, video scriptwriter/producer/narrator Greg King will be giving his up-close and personal views on – yes, writing scripts for video. Which takes more than an ability to write well. It takes visualization, imagination, and organizational skills. To name a few. Come to that meeting and it may open up a few ideas on how to expand your revenue stream.

In the past, Jeff Steele talked about the in-demand specialty called “Convention Writing.” Chicago is one of the world’s most sought-after Convention towns, where there’s always a big need for fast-thinking writers with reportage-like skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. “Piece o’ cake” for writers like Jeff. You wanna piece of that? Hear how to get it on the recording listed on our Member Resources page. 

We’ve also held a program on travel writing, where current members Kathryn Occhipinti and Cindy Bertram, along with longtime IWOC friend Pamela Dittmer McKuen respectively spoke about their trips to Italy, cruises on the high seas and fascinating places of interest nationwide. Listen to them exchange stories and discuss how to nab those coveted travel writing gigs.

And what can be more intriguing than writing about people’s lives? That’s what IWOC member Betsy Storm spoke about – and she should know, having interviewed 50 prominent Chicagoans for her inspiring book, Bright Lights of the Second City. Joined by the aforementioned Ms. McKuen, Mr. Steel and ghostwriter Danielle Perlin-Good, you can listen to the lively discussion covering how to excel at the discipline – and make money to boot!

That’s just a taste of the kind of programs that have been presented by IWOC’s very own in the last few years alone. So why bring this up? For one thing, it gives us a sense of pride to belong to an organization filled with such an array of talents. It’s also to convey our members’ high caliber of professionalism to potential members, all our contacts and clients seeking writers.

Say! If you’re an IWOC member (and even if you’re not), do consider being a Guest Speaker! Come share how you got into your field and what it takes to make a go of it. Not only will we all benefit from your knowledge, but you’ll benefit from the free publicity that’s disseminated to 130+ media outlets, all our social platforms and 1000+ contacts. You’ll also be treated to a post-program dinner as a thank you, compliments of IWOC. 

Interested? Simply contact our Program Committee and we'll get right back to you.

Do it and we’ll all be in for a real treat – so to speak.

-- Laura Stigler