Mining Law Changes Quashed – NewWest.net

So since I moved to Taos, my first paid freelance piece was published on a really great online magazine called New West. I’d used some of their articles for research at work and sent out an e-mail inquiring about freelancing.

After submitting a few blurbs and things free of charge, I pitched an idea and it was on the site two days later.

It’s an analysis of a proposed change to federal mining law that was killed. I started following this because we had been looking into staking a mining claim around here as an experiment. Here’s the link:
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/4893/

Also check out a few of my other stories on the site, especially this review of a 9/11 conspiracy documentary that brought in a flood of comments.

http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/4574/

Starting Off

My second paid freelance gig from my new home was a monster. But after hundreds of miles, a long editing process and way too much time at my laptop, my first story finally aired on NPR’s All Things Considered on Tuesday. Sadly, the final edit, which is done by sound engineers in D.C., came out botched and some quotes were transposed and one was even repeated! I was pretty disappointed when I first heard it on the air, but at least at was on the air, right? (I’ve decided to listen to the kind words of my fiance on this one and move on)

NPR has a reputation for having an awfully rigorous editorial process, but the nice thing is that once your first piece airs, you are off spec and you can be guaranteed at least a modest kill fee for all future pitches that are accepted.

Blah, blah. Here’s a link to the story – on the growth of biodiesel fuel:

Popularity of Biodiesel Grows Amid High Gas Prices