What I'm reading right now
A round-up of articles, books, resources, and newsletters I find helpful, practical, and/or thought-provoking
Note: This is going to become a paid benefit but for this month I’m sending this list to all subscribers.
Hi Friend,
Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading, following, or thinking about this month.
First, shameless self-promotion
On Self-Advocacy in a Tough Economy: A Chat with Heidi Turner. I did an interview with West Coast Editor (thank you Lola Opatayo and Myriam Beauge!) about my experiences on Facebook with advocating for freelancers to charge higher rates and the backlash to that post. I also shared my thoughts on freelancers charging what they’re worth and how to set rates that align with their experience.
On writing, content and other business issues
The best bank accounts for side hustles in Canada (by Keph Senett) — I have accounts with EQ Bank and WealthSimple and I love both. Separating my savings from my business and spending accounts has made a huge impact in my ability to actually save money. Whether your writing/editing is a side hustle or a main hustle, there’s some good information about bank accounts to consider.
How long does it take for content marketing to actually work? By Michael Bremmer For when clients ask you how long it should take to see results, and why.
Revealed: The authors whose pirated books are powering generative AI By Alex Eisner Want to know how generative AI learns to respond? This article gives a look behind the curtain.
My books were used to train Meta’s generative AI. Good. by Ian Bogost. A different perspective on books being used to train generative AI. Is it immoral? This article has me rethinking some of my thoughts.
Other thought-provoking articles
The Dangerous Allure of Residential School Denialsim (by Michelle Cyca) — As we in Canada approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this is an important read about the movement that is trying to erase the awfulness of residential schools from our records.
Kelly Ripa Battled Outrageous Sexism as She Became Daytime’s Top Star — Kelly Ripa dealt with incredible sexism (and probably still does). Some of this was infuriating, but it also really illuminated how much she’s had to fight.
Anderson Cooper is Still Learning to Live with Loss — I do adore Anderson Cooper and I love reading his thoughts on pretty much anything. And given that I’m going through loss, I related to some of what he says (minus the having a bazillionaire legacy).
Is CanCon Obsolete? (By Tajja Isen) — I don’t agree with everything in this article; I think Canadian Content played an important role in elevating Canadian artists but the programming rule definitely has issues.
A useful resource
Do you know Libby? Apparently, it used to be OverDrive. Basically, it’s a way to borrow digital resources from your local library and it’s free. Yes, it works in Canada.
On Substack
You have such a pretty face (By Anastasia Selby on The Unpublishable by Jessica DeFino). This is heartbreaking and entirely relateable. My mom wasn’t obsessed with my appearance at all, but growing up in the 90s with the supermodels, that obsession still permeated our lives.
Memento Mori (Peak Notions with Laura Kennedy). This is a beautiful rumination on grief and loss. I read it as I was travelling home for my mom’s memorial and it struck me with its beauty, honesty, and vulnerability.
Here’s to your continued freelance success,
Heidi