Ammonium Nitrate Facts and Uses

Ammonium Nitrate Facts and Uses Ammonium nitrate is the nitrate salt of the ammonium cation. It may be considered the ammonium analog to potassium nitrate or saltpeter. Its chemical formula is NH4NO3  or N2H4O3.  In pure form, ammonium nitrate is a crystalline white solid that readily dissolves in water. Heat or ignition readily cause the substance to ignite or explode. Ammonium nitrate is not considered toxic. Options for Obtaining Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium nitrate may be purchased  as a pure chemical or  collected from instant cold packs or some fertilizers.  The compound is most commonly prepared by reacting nitric acid and ammonia. Its also possible to prepare ammonium nitrate from common household chemicals. While it is not difficult to make ammonium nitrate, it is dangerous to do so as the chemicals involved can be hazardous. In addition, it can easily become explosive when mixed with fuels or other chemicals. Ammonium Nitrate Uses and Sources Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound used in agriculture as a fertilizer, to make pyrotechnics, as an ingredient in cold packs, and for science demonstrations. Its also used to create controlled explosions in mining and quarrying. It was once mined as a natural mineral (niter) in the deserts of Chile, but it is no longer available except as a man-made compound. Because ammonium nitrate may be misused, it has been phased out in many countries.

Six Things Your Ghostwriting Client Should Expect From You

Six Things Your Ghostwriting Client Should Expect From You Could you cut off your own arm in order to save your life? That was the first question one of my ghostwriting clients asked, because that was the position in which hed found himself a few years earlier. He had been forced to cut off his own arm when he became trapped in a flaming piece of farm equipment and the subsequent international attention was the reason he wanted to write a book. The result: Unthinkable Choice: The Story of Sampson Parker. Even so, it wasnt my answer to his first question that landed me the assignment (my answer was I hope I dont ever have to find out). It was the answer to questions he had asked others about me prior to our meeting. Then it was the answers to questions we dealt with as the writing process progressed that reaffirmed his contention that I was the writer for the job. That being said, there are six things your client should expect from you when they hire you as a ghostwriter:  ·         Trust  ·         Flexibility  ·         Experience  ·         Authentic voice  ·         Clear communication  ·         Confidentiality These six attributes will (not can) make or break your career. Lets take a look at why thats true. Trust. Your client must be assured of your character, your ability, and the truth in your words and actions. They need to know that their faith in you and your abilities is well founded and well placed. Flexibility. It is essential that you are able to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. To paraphrase a popular saying, stuff happens, and as a ghostwriter one of your greatest assets will be your ability to go with the flow. Experience. Is this your first rodeo or have you done similar jobs before? How long have you been writing and how long have you been writing professionally? Theres a difference, and your client deserves an honest answer. Authentic voice. This is the quality that makes your writing unique. But as a ghostwriter, you also need the ability to write in a way that sounds like your client. You must be able to hear and reproduce your clients unique cadence and rhythm on every page. For example, after I turned in the first draft of the book Unthinkable Choice, Sampsons wife called me after she read it and said, I cant believe it. The book sounds exactly like him. Clear communication. There should be no gray areas when it comes to what you expect from the client and what they should expect from you. So, spell it out in a contract, because it will protect both of you. For example: my clients have final say over most content, but I have the final say in matters of style. Period. Additionally, every stage of the project delivery and all financial arrangements are spelled out in detail. Confidentiality. While this should be fairly obvious, lets be crystal clear. If they cant trust you to keep some things to yourself, they shouldnt hire you. Not everything you hear is for public consumption, though it might be vital as a way for you to better understand your client. In short, your client needs to know the person they have hired has both the ability and the character to develop the project. Meet those criteria, and you will create a steady demand for your services. Sidebar: Where do you find ghostwriting projects? Check sites like: = Craigslist.org (be careful here because in addition to really good leads there are a lot of scams and content mills listed) = JournalismJobs.com = Freelancedaily.net = Mediabistro.com = Freelancejobopenings.com. You can also search phrases such as ghostwriter and ghostwriter wanted on SimplyHired.com and Indeed.com. Book packagers are always looking for dependable ghostwriters and The American Book Producers Association is a great place to start your search for projects (abpaonline.org).