A friend just emailed me in a panic, because she has to come up with a written profile of her mother.
I spent a long time as a news reporter, so I still have a stock of imaginary, fill-in-the-blank story templates in my head. (That’s one reason I write fast.)
Here’s what I sent her. Feel free to adapt it when you need to profile someone, too.
X is known far and wide for her X, her X, and her X … but behind the scenes, she’s also X.
At long last, it’s time for some well-deserved recognition.
X began as ….
Before long, she learned/discovered ….
Along the way, she has worked tirelessly to …
It hasn’t been easy. She’s overcome a number of obstacles, including …
Through it all, the X-year-old mother of X has maintained an unstoppable sense of humor/boundless good cheer/optimism/etc. …
Her family and friends say/describe her as …
She persists/perseveres — even when she admits that it would have been easier simply to …
“It’s worth it,” she says, “because [insert humorous and uplifting/possibly made-up quote here].”
Halloween is just around the corner, which means a lot of tarot readers will be working at parties and special events.
What do you think is a fair price for party readings? What would you charge — or pay — for a 5- to 15-minute reading at a public event?
The question came up yesterday when the manager of a Minneapolis bar called me, looking for Halloween readers. He mentioned the possibility of paying an hourly rate himself; that way, the readers could also get tips or a lower per-reading fee from customers. Basically, he just wants to make sure the readings aren’t too expensive for people at the party.
Right now, my youngest is at the ideal trick-or-treat age, so I’ll be playing the part of “Mom” that night — not tarot reader. I’m also hosting a neighborhood open house, so I’ll be monitoring a big pot of chili on the stove. (Stop in if you happen to be passing by.)
Theoretically, if I were to take the job, I think I’d probably charge $5 for a quick three-minute/three-card reading … and I’d put out a tip jar, too. Honestly, though, I don’t really know what other people are charging this year. Prices just seem to be going up, and up, for everything.
That’s why I’m asking: What’s the going rate for Halloween readings where you live?
PS: If you’re interested in that Minneapolis bar job, I posted the manager’s contact info on the Twin Cities Tarot Meetup site.
PPS: For practical tips and hints on reading cards at parties, check out my ebook How to Make Money Reading Tarot Cards at Parties.
