18 Comments
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Denise Heap (private)'s avatar

Wish this would be taught in high school and college, sort of “the ethics of asking favors.” I write about German resistance during the Shoah. Every year a new batch of high school kids working on a National History Day project. They haven’t read my books or Substack. They just want me to tell them everything I learned in 30 years of research.

I love talking to students. But this drives me nuts.

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Leah Konen's avatar

Oh wow I didn’t even consider how being a nonfiction expert on a topic would court this. That is so frustrating!

And agree I love talking to readers. But this is different

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Denise Heap (private)'s avatar

It also applies to attorneys and accountants. Oh, and translators (one of my side gigs to kept mortgage current).

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Kate Dalby's avatar

I’m so so sorry about your dog. I couldn’t love my dog more if he was my baby so I just can’t imagine. ❤️

Just realised that I’m so new to this game that I didn’t even know that most of what you discussed here was even a thing! I’m so glad I read it now and not when some random had ‘’advised’ me to do one of the above! Thank you.

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Leah Konen's avatar

Thank you. I miss my baby so much!

And I’m so glad it’s been informative for you. When I was pulling together resources I did realize many might truly not be aware. I think I’ll do a follow up post with more.

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Kate Dalby's avatar

That would be great. Thank you.

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FranB's avatar

So sorry about Farley.

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Leah Konen's avatar

Thank you so much ❤️

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Pia Whitmartlet's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss. And hats off for an interesting and informative article at such a tough time.

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Vanessa Lillie's avatar

Awww so sorry about your doggie - huge hugs!

And what great advice! When people reach out to me I can feel them hoping there is some kind of secret I can share...I wish!

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M.A.Holmes.(M.A.)'s avatar

Really good, constructive advice, Leah, striking the right tone, not arrogant or patronising, which is hard in pieces like this, and I am sure a lot of writers, and readers, will benefit if they follow this. So sorry to hear about your dog passing and time is the best healer. Thank you for taking the time to share this post with us, Leah. Kind regards, Mark.

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Kat Lewis's avatar

Number 6 is so important and so relevant to a lot of the free work asks I receive. Thanks for sharing this!

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Leah Konen's avatar

Yes it is. Respect people’s work!

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Michael Konen's avatar

As always, fantastic article. Will miss Farley, excited to meet Wally

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Christopher Manson's avatar

I'm sorry about your pup Leah.

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Leah Konen's avatar

Thank you so much! He was a star

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Andrea Bartz's avatar

SO SPOT ON.

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Leah Konen's avatar

👀 we’ve all been there!

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