Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Work And Romance Novels Don't Mix

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa -- A Sioux Center woman has been fired a job at an industrial equipment manufacturer for working on a romance novel on company time.

Tanja Shelton began working at Sioux Automation in Sioux Center in August, where she had a desk job as a production control scheduler. After a few weeks, her supervisor, Cindy Altena, noticed Shelton was typing almost constantly.

According to state records, a computer technician examined Shelton's computer, showing what appeared to be a romance novel with the working title "Taylorville." It focused on the summertime activities and desires of a teenage temptress named Taylor.

The company fired Shelton, who challenged the decision and wanted unemployment benefits. She said that her writing was a way of honing her skills during slow periods at work.

An administrative law judge denied benefits, but all is not lost. Shelton, who has a journalism degree from Dordt College, said she'll finish the book.

How To Kill Off That Dead End Job

Free Scrabble Tournament

The Story Of Two Names

Top 10 Wackiest Business Stories Of 2007

Low Cost Franchises