Semi-professional sidelines...

[Mad Swede]

For the first time I've been approached by another (well-known) Swedish author and poet with a somewhat unexpected request. They want me to translate a text piece they've written. Sounds simple? Well, no. To start with the text has a rhythm running through it, even though it isn't a piece of poetry. It's a semi-philosophical piece, with a fairly unique choice of words and phrasing in order to convey the underlying meaning.

I have my editor (and indirectly my publisher) to thank (?) for this. My fellow author has been trying to get the text translated to their satisfaction for a little while, and hasn't found what they were looking for. We have the same publisher, so they happened to mention the problem to my editor over a coffee. She cheerfully suggested me, and gave them my details. A phone call follows.

Naturally, they'd pay me for doing it. No they said, I didn't have to take it on but they'd send me the text, just in case. Of course, having got the text piece I read it. And now I can't resist the challenge...

Does anyone else have this sort of problem saying no?

 

[pmmg]

They want me to translate a text piece they've written. Sounds simple? Well, no. To start with the text has a rhythm running through it, even though it isn't a piece of poetry. It's a semi-philosophical piece, with a fairly unique choice of words and phrasing in order to convey the underlying meaning.

This sounds like a nightmare to me, but if you want it, and are a happy warrior about it, then I am sure you will do a good job.

Yes...I have trouble saying 'no' to things. And I the stuff I undertake is usually for free. I have book to read, not because I am truly interested, but because I was being friendly.

I think, sometimes, I should be an editor, but I am not sure I have the credentials for it. But I am sure I would be very good at it.

 

[Michael Terrance]

For the first time I've been approached by another (well-known) Swedish author and poet with a somewhat unexpected request. They want me to translate a text piece they've written. Sounds simple? Well, no. To start with the text has a rhythm running through it, even though it isn't a piece of poetry. It's a semi-philosophical piece, with a fairly unique choice of words and phrasing in order to convey the underlying meaning.

I have my editor (and indirectly my publisher) to thank (?) for this. My fellow author has been trying to get the text translated to their satisfaction for a little while, and hasn't found what they were looking for. We have the same publisher, so they happened to mention the problem to my editor over a coffee. She cheerfully suggested me, and gave them my details. A phone call follows.

Naturally, they'd pay me for doing it. No they said, I didn't have to take it on but they'd send me the text, just in case. Of course, having got the text piece I read it. And now I can't resist the challenge...

Does anyone else have this sort of problem saying no?

Between my ADHD and people-pleasing tendencies, yes, it is very difficult to say "no." Almost every new potential project looks interesting, and I feel compelled to help when I can, but I'm working on that last part. I do find it helps to seriously consider what I will have to say "no" to, in order to say "yes, the current request, and compare.

 

[Karlin]

I also find it hard to say No. Translation isn't easy. I once translated a popular archeology book. Hebrew to English. It might beceasier today, with AI tools. Your project sounds ...challenging.

 

[CupofJoe]

Heresy maybe…
If this is a freebie then I might be tempted to try an AI translation and include that you want to keep the rhythm [scansion?]. Then you can sense check what comes out and edit it to get it closer to something you like, or think is workable.
It will probably end up as a trainwreck, but you never know.

As for saying no... at work it isn't an option.
Outside? All too easy.

 

[Mad Swede]

Well, my fellow author and client seems happy with the results. The sound of a little extra gold clinking as it landed in my vault (metaphorically speaking, of course) was most satisfying. And I now know where the story is being sent...

 

[Diana Silver]

Congratulations! Sounds like a triumph. And maybe there's a lesson in it somewhere that saying 'no' isn't the pivotal life skill it's always cracked up to be ^.^