Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- When and how did you find about ghostwriting and what made you want to do it?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
As a writer who desires to make a living out of this career, you tend to get familiar with the options you can venture into. Well, I have always looked for little writing gigs; whether it was through searching on craigslist or on elance.com. However, what inspired me to ghostwrite a book was a post that was posted by Devin McFly (dev_mcfly2).
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- If I am not mistaken, ghostwriters don’t usually take credits for their hard work. How do you deal with it?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
Correct ghostwriters do not initially take any credit. This is also mentioned in the contract that I have made for this project and future projects. Now in my situation with the “Art Project” the Author who hired me decided that he wanted people to be aware that I wrote it. So let’s say if another project is presented to me and that “author” did not want to give me credit, I would be fine with that. I am not making effort to get in the writing industry to gain attention. I am getting in the writing industry to develop myself as a writer.
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- Have you ever had a moment when you wanted to show people that those words they were reading were yours, but you couldn’t because there is this “rule”?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
No. I live by a moral code that I will not break, whether it is writing for someone or not.
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- Can you tell me some pros and cons of your job?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
The pros of ghostwriting for this particular project was making someone happy. Not everyone has the patience, discipline or drive to write and yet they have the best story to tell. Also, in this situation there were no cons. I already knew what I signed up for so I had to remain diligent no matter what.
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- Do the “authors” who pay for your work give their opinions on it while you are working, asking to change things, or commenting their dislikes? Have you ever had any problems with it? – If yes, could you please tell what happen?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
Yes opinions were given, only because I asked for them. Outside of writing, I must be able to satisfy a client so it important to confirm whether they are happy with my work by getting them engaged. With this project I had no problems. Maintaining understanding was never an issue.
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- Do you think is it hard or anything but easy to find jobs in your area? How do you guys advertise your work?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
Yes love, it has not been easy for me to find a writing job in my area. Some jobs prefer you to have certain credentials. I taught myself a lot through reading and that is not enough in the corporate world; therefore I prefer to freelance.
Rafaela Rodrigues- Is it possible to make a life out of the money you get from this career? (If you think this question is too personal, please, feel free to ignore it, I don’t mean do offend you in any way!)
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
No. However, I do believe that I can start a life with the money I get from this career.
Rafaela Rodrigues (faahrodrigues)- What are your aspirations when it comes to writing? Do you plan to continue being a “ghost”? How do you feel about it?
LeVonda Brown (vonda_writes)~
I want to explore all genres of the literature world, especially children’s books. With hopes that I will become a bestselling author one day. Will I ghost write again? Yes, I would; however there would be a way higher price to pay for my service as I continue to become a great writer. I do not feel bad about ghostwriting, I love to write. We all need help in this given life and if I can assist someone in making their dream come true then I will because little do they realize they are helping me make mines come true as well.
vondawrites 