I received a disturbing email this week from a writer who was published, but not yet paid. You see, the publication was located in another country. They refused to pay her by check or money order and also refused to pay her via Paypal. How did they want to pay her? They requested her bank information so they could transfer the funds to her account…
No letters this week.
When the Pirates won the World Series in 1972, every kid within a 60-mile radius was probably a fan. But Spalding was so devoted that he put together a 250-page book about the Pirates from 1971-1975. The book was a compilation of write-ups of each game, including player information and game highlights. He contacted some of the local sportscasters, including “Wild” Bill Curry of KDKA, noted for his southern drawl and loud suits. Spalding asked him and others about publishing. “It was kind of a real adventure, calling around and discovering the sports publishing business,” he says.
I had just turned 40 and decided to try and find the humor in it. There was plenty. I put together a small piece and submitted it to the Chicago Tribune. I didn’t tell a soul. Not my husband, not my three kids, and not my mother. Especially not my mother. She’s a writer.
