Writing-related Work Completed Today

One of my most important roles as a writer, is being the Editor of a newsletter, the Mallala Crossroad Chronicle. This newsletter comes out toward the end of every month, and is available in hard copy, and online versions.

Putting this newsletter is a volunteer role, and it brings me great satisfaction to use my writing skills in this way, collecting information, writing bits and pieces for the newsletter, and then putting it all together into a format that is good on the eye, and easy to read.

The copies that are made available to the public, are printed by one of the South Australian Senators, and all I have to do is email a copy of the newsletter, then go and collect the copies, once they are printed. A simple arrangement, and one that works well.

The online copy is put on the Mallala Crossroad Chronicle Facebook page, where anyone who wants to see the newsletter in colour, can download it to read. I am proud of what I do with this publication, sharing useful news for the people in the town closest to my home, and also publishing interesting articles provided to me.

There is no payment to anyone who provides this material, but it gives them a free chance to spread the words they wish to share. Also, it is a great thing to put on your CV, with regular publishing credits.

This works well, and while I’d love to be able to pay the writers who send me their work, we all know that isn’t likely to happen. Ah, if only …

So that is my writing work today. I’m supposed to be writing a novel, but the newsletter is more important, I have the community of Mallala (and beyond), who rely on me doing this job. Satisfaction in a job well done, is an awesome feeling!

While I receive no payment, as I said, the satisfaction is priceless! I very much recommend getting involved with your community, and helping out however you can. But always be aware of some nasty people who may try to rip you off. If what you’re doing stops feeling like a good things, and becomes a chore, that may be a sign of that …

I’ve been doing this newsletter editing role for fifteen years, and both the newsletter, and my skills have vastly increased!