(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . My Mutha Truckin WGA Strike Rant! [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-07-19 I have been a creative generalist for 15 years. I am a screenwriter and a graphic illustrator. I am an animator and SEO marketer. My Youtube Rant: youtube.com/... My story I was born with hyperlexia, meaning I learned to read at a college level in grade school. I did well in this area test-wise despite crippling dyslexia (some have suggested this could mean I am autistic. Perhaps, as my son, Orion, is on the spectrum). I never attended college as I was unable to afford to. Instead, I worked as a switchboard operator at the CDC for years as I paid my way through college courses at places like Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Here, I would learn the finer points of creative writing. I eventually bought Syd Fields' “How To Write A Screenplay” and the “Writer’s Market,” an industry handbook that provided listings on how and where to submit my stories and articles. When the internet crashed hot and heavy on the scene in the late 90s, I was soon able to land writing jobs via online industry boards where I could offer blogging, content, and article writing services. It didn’t always go well. People stole articles, copy, or content and placed it on their websites without payment. I made .01 to .02 cents a word, meaning I could work for hours for $5.00 per article, depending on length. Roughly $5.00 an hour. But I should be glad to have the job by gum since I wasn’t doing any “real work.” I eventually met Kim McGill of McGill Designs, an internet marketer who took a chance on me. Her patience, love, and devotion in instructing me on the finer points of SEO content creation and copyediting gave me the self-confidence to push ahead and pursue my other passions, art, graphic design, and screenwriting. She paid me well and on time. When I needed help after a double kidney infection, she even gave me a solid advance via PayPal, instructing me to take my time as I healed. Kim treated me like a human being, and although her battle with cancer eventually forced her to retire, we remain in friendly contact to this day. Since that career jumpstart, I have had my short “Dandelions” produced, which garnered numerous awards on the festival circus. A feature version is in the works, although in suspended animation due to the strike. Grew enough of a name to help WeScreenplay and ScreenCraft founder Mark Staesnko with the Atlanta-based Screencraft convention, which sold out within a few days of announcement. I was even poised to sign with a well-known literary manager with CAA cred in March of this year after winning Filmmatic’s Season 7 Horror Competition 2023 before the strike. Yet, I still have to chase my money or contend with film contracts that practically leave writers penniless while studios rake in millions. I am a freelance contractor, so I don’t have work guarantees-–it could be years before I get another job. Complain, and you are a troublemaker who may never work again. My job isn't a real job, though. I even ran into an individual on Daily Kos who told me he hasn’t much sympathy for my position, and golly gee, why don't I find another job? Heaven forbid you to work with your hands; cue, let them eat cake eye roll. I am a 53-year-old woman who is immunocompromised. I used to have to sit through 2-hour infusions every month to function before getting placed on Rinvoq, which works but has many side effects. I have an autistic 13-year-old son and a daughter about to enter college. I would love for that gentleman to tell me what job I can get in an era of rampant ageism—and if he would be willing to pay for me to go to college to learn a new vocation and pay my bills while I am at it. The above YouTube video I created on this topic was sparked by someone who asked, “Where were the creatives” when he was striking over unfair treatment. He didn’t mention his job, but he didn't have to. I am sure he was referring to what others have called “real jobs.” This isn't a contest! Anyone who works any job deserves to be fairly compensated for their experience and time, not abused, so the rich can get richer. You have no idea how often I would tell people I was a writer only to be asked, ‘No, no, what do you do for a living...” –Told to my face that even though I have a skill, I shouldn't expect compensation for what is essentially a “Hobby...” –Hear people groan about overpaid writers and actors in Hollywood, most of whom make dick. These folks are complaining about one percenter like Tom Cruise, who gets roughly 20 million put in escrow before he even thinks about doing a film. Meanwhile, I know some writers, and even actors, who are sharing an apartment with three other people to make rent. So yeah, the question at the end of the isn't where were we; the question is, where were you? 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