Swet Columns
March 17, 2000
Rewriting at Home
by Doreen Simmons
A recent thread on SWET-L (and if you don’t belong to SWET’s own mailing list, you’re missing out on a useful free resource) sparked much kindly and practical advice. Now, nobody is more kindly and practical than lovable Aunt Eva, and here are her own thoughts on the subject. The original request is used with permission.
... more
September 17, 1999
Aunt Eva Redux: Burnt Out?
by Doreen Simmons
Benevolent Aunt Eva, who recently had the pleasure of seeing off her severest critic when he was transferred to a place more suited to his talents, finds it a little difficult to relate to a problem that seems to come from the inside, but has to get back into the saddle somehow.
Dear Aunt Eva,
OK,... more
August 17, 1998
Picky Partner
by Doreen Simmons
Business partnerships, like marriages, can easily get derailed without toleration, cooperation, and mutual understand of the partners’ intended roles. Aunt Eva casts a seasoned eye over the hazards, and shepherds us along the path of harmony.
Dear Aunt Eva,
My friend Adam Ant and I recently formed a partnership to do translation and editing work. Already,... more
July 20, 1998
Teacher to Rewriter
by Doreen Simmons
It takes courage to change not only your job but also your career; but it is becoming increasingly common. A correspondent wonders aloud whether she has all her skills in place for the change. Aunt Eva, who has already had several of her proverbial nine lives, offers a few basic suggestions.
Dear Aunt Eva:
Tiring of... more
April 20, 1998
Suddenly Dropped
by Doreen Simmons
What do we do when we are suddenly given the cold shoulder by a client or told that we aren’t needed after a long and mutually beneficial relationship? It can be infuriating or deeply traumatic. It helps to know that there is more than meets the eye, and not to lose faith in ourselves. Kindly Aunt Eva has... more
March 18, 1998
Moving to Computer and Internet
by Doreen Simmons
Aunt Eva, that dear wired-up old tabby, turns her benevolent gaze upon the question of upgrading: do we or don’t we?
Dear Aunt Eva:
All my friends (editors, translators, copywriters) are turning in their pencils and fax machines for computers and e-mail. It looks like an expensive change, with a serious learning curve. Is this necessary?... more