Clarity and consistency in your writing! I enhance connection and affection between you and your readers!
1. My Story: Futility of the Quest for Freedom Through Literary Perfectionism
I spent 20+ years writing one book that split into two volumes in the process. Each of the two volumes consisted of four books of prose, semi-prose, and pure poetry. They were separate "books" yet strung together an existential odyssey transporting the reader from "satanical non-status of Evil Captivity" to "transcendental status of Civil Liberty".
After each writing through the two volumes, I would initiate another re-write to pursue further perfection. This was a reflection of man's innate ecclesiastical quest for "sinlessness" which usually spawns mortal contradictions terminating in futility!
I soon surrendered, and approached the publisher.
The lesson I have learned from the experience is that "perfection" is not a "linear" virtue: it is an ongoing process. It is like the horizon, ever receding as we approach it.
Those years of the quest for "perfection" however, formed me as a freelancer. Hence, this attitude affects all I do. lts inclination followed me right into the humble vocation of Copyediting and Proofreading!
2. An Anecdote of Conjunctions
Grandpa was an erudite, elite pastor. His secretary usually took dictation of sermons to be published in the Church periodicals.
On one occasion, the word "so" at the beginning of a sentence in a tract, became a topic for heated interaction. The proponents submitted that "so" was a conjunction, and should never be used to start a sentence!
The opponents however, simply argued that it was "correct" just as long as it was Papa who used it in the tracts to preach the Gospel!
As a professional copyeditor now, looking back at the grammar challenge we had as youths, Grandpa was neither "right" nor "wrong"! He addressed a broad section of society as in the Church membership. This necessitated the informal tone, which considered only averages among his audience.
The tone in a formal academic paper or business letter is usually formal. A sales letter or a sermon tract however, is designed to reach a wider audience at their comfort zones. This necessitates persuasiveness, rather than dictatoriality and perfectionism.
Grandpa dictated informally. The secretary was then in the role of copyeditor. It would have been their duty to "edit" as appropriate -- to spare Papa's kids so much distressing grammar confusion!
3. The Blurred Dichotomy Between Work and Play
I appreciate and engage Life from a pedestal of consciousness where lines are blurred between "work" and "play".
However, my hobbies include reading, the movies, and sports spectatorship. I would not omit pop and classical music.
4. Living by Golden Rules
A core value that I live by is captured in the Golden Rule: "Do onto others as thou wouldest have them do unto you." This timeless principle is foundational to my relationships. This is the best value to live by, as it captures the essence of every other rule for upright, virtuous living.
Work Terms
As a freelancer, I am available for work 24 hours a day. This is based on my life philosophy of indifference to the dichotomy between "work" and "play". Thus being a passionate lover of life, I can work at any hour of the day or night, totally indifferent to all mortal dualities!
I opt for USD payments, mostly.
I prefer WhatsApp or mails; and phone calls to address emergencies only.