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Parrot Trick Training

Poicephalus

Parrot Forum

          As this is my first article, I suppose I had
better introduce myself. My name is Will Turner, and I
am a masochist.
       Why? Because having just completed a degree in
English and Media, I have decided to go into the most
competitive market of all- freelance writing.
       Now before anyone talks about me getting a
"proper job", belive me I've tried. I was a postman
for two weeks, but my lack of organisation, sense of
direction and fear of dogs didn't help. I was a store
clerk for a month, but that job was soul destroying,
as was being a door to door window salesmen (Granted,
they only ask for quotes now, but it's still cold
calling.)
       The happiest I ever was working was my month at
Total Film. The people were friendly, I got to write
and see films as part of my work. I also got to
research in the British Film Institute Library, a
pretty impressive place.
         Sadly, I also found out that the magazine
only needed eight or nine core people. The rest were
all "contributors", in other words freelancers. It's
where I have to shoot.
        However, I have one ace up my sleeve. To
further stretch this metaphor, I have to find out
whether aces are high or low.
         In America, my book "Mix Tape: The Will
Turner Collection" is coming out in March, thanks to
the superb people at Publish America (Also available
through Publish America.com at that time, wink wink).
      Not only is it a potential money spinner, it
could raise my profile sufficiently to get more work.
Plus it's a definite bonus on the resume and it never
fails to get people talking. Like Total Film, I have
physical proof of my work.
        The flip side of this if the book flops I have
"failed novelist" on my head. Then again, at the age
of 21, being a failed novelist would be pretty cool.
(Not that I'd trade that for sucess!)
        Anyway, I'll be sure to keep you posted!