Let The Writing Begin!

It is finally here...National Novel Writing Month! I have seen various blogs/websites post about this once a year event. I am psyched, anxious, nervous, excited about participating this year. I do not know if I can write 1,000 plus words on a daily basis. I guess I will find out soon enough. This event will definitely push my writing skills to the limit, since I have not timed myself or counted how many words I write before.

My other question to myself: What I am going to write about? I have been working on an outline to at least have something to go by, but will the words flow? Will I have total writer's block? I am going to write "junk" that does not make sense? I know this all deals with quantity over quality, but I do not want what I write about to be totally off. I am confident, that once I start writing, everything else will start to fall into place. Wishful thinking? I sure hope not!

To all my fellow writers who are participating along side me, I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor. May we all come out triumphant writers from this experience.

Have you participated in National Novel Writing Month before? What was your strategy in tackling a whole month of writing?

MANAGING YOUR PERSISTENT FEARS AND ANXIETIES

By: Stanley Popovich

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.


What persistent fears and anxieties are you facing as it relates to your writing?

THE STORY BEHIND A TITLE

Write about the title of your blog,website, published book or work in progress. How did you come up with it? What does it say about your blog, website, published work or work in progress?

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will give readers the knowledge and emotional resilience to face the most difficult times of life by sharing inspiring stories of triumph. You will find this a book of diversity. There are many authors, from many walks of life. However, they all share a common bond. They triumphed over tragedy and gleaned wisdom in this process. While this is not a religious book, there are stories full of faith, of many kinds and flavors. It is funny how in your darkest times, faith often becomes your brightest light. All of the contributors to this book want to encourage you to hold tight to your belief that a better day will come. It is their sincere desire to pass along what they’ve learned through their own trials, to make your journey easier.

Interview with one of the Overcomer's Inc. authors:

Holly Eburne is a Sport Physiotherapist and Health and Wellness Coach. She lives with her husband, Dave, their 2 grown children and animals, in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Dave, 59, was diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago and Holly is presently writing a book titled ‘Sweet Surrender- Awakening to the Riches of Dementia’. www.hollyeburne.com

1. How did you get started writing?
For the past 3 years I have been on a journey with my husband, Dave, who has Frontotemporal dementia. Recently, the pain and grief of living with this challenge came to the surface. I didn’t like my new reality. To help me deal with these emotions, I began writing in a journal. It gave me clarity about what I am meant to be doing. I couldn’t ignore the signs pushing me to write a book. I want to share my perspective on a joyful life, despite dementia, and to share the stories of how I am achieving this richness. To give me the start I needed, I signed up for a course, ‘Get Your Book Done’ by Lynne Klippel (mastermind behind the Overcomers Inc. book) and Christine Kloser.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?
Every morning I go for a run, a long bike ride, Nordic hike, or walk with the dogs. I love reading (mostly non-fiction), gardening, birding, and cross stitching. Two days a week I work as a physical therapist, operate a home-based health & wellness business and volunteer at athletic and Alzheimer’s events. I enjoying spending a couple of hours in the afternoon playing board games with my husband or sitting on our deck and learning how to be ‘still’

3. What would readers like to know about you?
Every morning I wake up early and excited to start another day. I am passionate (an understatement) about animals, nature and listening to people’s stories. My children say I love everything, which just about sums up my life.

4.What inspired you to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc.?
I couldn’t ignore the strong signals telling me to be part of this project. There are 35 authors involved and I love surrounding myself with uplifting people. I am inspired when I read how other people overcome their challenges and I wanted to be part of something much bigger than myself. I also thought my contribution to Overcomers Inc. would be a great foundation for my upcoming book.

5.Why is the topic of Overcoming important to you?
I am realizing everyone overcomes something, big or small, in their life every day. When the challenges seem overwhelming, it is sometimes difficult to find the hope and courage to continue living a joyful and peaceful life. Through the various ‘overcoming’ stories, I want people to be inspired, and realize they can also overcome whatever it is they are facing.

6. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
For 3 years I have known (consciously) that my husband has dementia; unconsciously or in my gut, for 7 years. Since university I have studied the brain and psychology. I have also worked in the medical field (physical therapist) for over 30 years. Throughout my life I have experienced many challenges--I look for what I am gaining, instead of what I am losing.

7. How many books have you written?
This is my first published writing. I am blogging and writing Ezine articles.

8. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
I set aside time every day to write. I stay focused by exercising, meditating and balancing time by myself, with my family and friends. When I read glum stories about dementia, I am motivated to keep writing. I want people to know there is another perspective when dealing with their challenges. Learning to live in the present moment allows me to listen to my intuition--writing a book and publicly speaking (to share my message) is too strong a feeling to ignore. I have no doubts about the path I am on, so I am willing to step way out of my comfort zone and work through my fears of writing.

9. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
My philosophy throughout life is to do what I love to do and the money will follow. This is one of the reasons I am still passionate about being a physical therapist after 28 years. I do want to make money, both with writing and speaking, so I can share more of myself with the world. I also want to be able to provide a quality life for my husband as his dementia progresses.

10. What makes you proud about your involvement with Overcomers, Inc.?
I am proud to be working with authors from around the world in a project which will have a significant impact on the quality of people’s lives.

11. Will you write more books?
Definitely. There is so much information inside of me that I want to share with the world.

12. What do you have in the works now?
I am presently writing a book, ‘Sweet Surrender—awakening to the Riches of Dementia’. I am also writing articles for Ezines, blogging, and updating information on brain health and well-being, to my website… www.hollyeburne.com

13. What does the future hold for you and your book?
I would like to speak professionally—before and after my book is published.

14. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
This book is for people who want to feel uplifted, inspired and encouraged by the stories of 38 authors who have overcome a major event in their life. Every reader will be able to relate to at least one story; possibly many. It will give them hope they will overcome whatever obstacles they are facing.

15. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
This book will appeal to all ages, males and females. There are 35 stories by different authors and I am sure 1 or more of the stories will relate to each person who reads the book.

16. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
It may sound like I am repeating myself but…daily exercise, and being in nature sparks my creativity. This allows me to get out of my head and into my heart and soul, which is where my stories are living. Writing in a journal is less intimidating and gives me practice putting my ‘voice’ on paper. I also find it helpful to meditate and calm my mind before sitting down to write.

17. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
I am not sure what motivates other people, but I wanted to write because I have so much information inside of me that I want to share. My passion is helping people to live a rich, joyful life. I feel I can do this by writing about the lessons and insights I am learning, as I journey through life.

18. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?
I'm thinking something better than "It’s the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :) If people want to feel better and to learn how other people have handled their challenges, this book is for them. It will give them ideas of how they can change their life, which in turn will impact the people in their lives.

19. What is your final message to our readers?
We have choices in our life on how we deal with adversity and challenges. We can hide under the bed and do nothing but cry ‘why me,’ or we can take action and grow with the experience, knowing that life is unfolding exactly the way it is meant to be.

To get your own copy of Overcomers, Inc.,True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration AND enjoy dozens of wonderful gifts with your purchase go to http://overcomersinc.com/booklaunch


What have you had to overcome in your writing life?

"A Dream Within A Dream"

I recently came across this poem and I really liked it. Please share your thoughts and/or feelings about its meaning.

A Dream Within A Dream
by Edgar Allen Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!

And, in parting from you now,

Thus much let me avow –

You are not wrong, who deem

That my days have been a dream;

Yet if hope has flown away

In a night, or in a day,

In a vision, or in none,

Is it therefore the less gone?

All that we see or seem

Is but a dream within a dream.


I stand amid the roar

Of a surf-tormented shore,

And I hold within my hand

Grains of the golden sand –

How few! Yet how they creep

Through my fingers to the deep,

While I weep – while I weep!

O God! can I not grasp

Them with a tighter clasp?

O God! can I not save

One from the pitiless wave?

Is all that we see or seem

But a dream within a dream?

PART 3: MIKE'S TEN COMMANDMENTS TO WRITING SUCCESS

By Michael P. Geffner -
Mike's Writing Workshop and Newsletter

Part 3

1) Pitch stories that you absolutely own. The best way to get an editor’s attention, especially if you’re relatively new to the game or not very high up on the “publishing credits” ladder, is to offer an idea that no one else can do—but YOU! Is it an exclusive interview with someone who’s turning down everybody else? Is it a story that only you know about? Are you the sole expert in this subject? Own a story up and down and you’ll have a huge advantage like you never had before.

2) Always push for more work. Once you’ve made headway with a publication—which means you’ve built up a mutual trust and respect with an editor or editors—keep asking for more assignments or keep pitching ideas. Writing can often be a momentum business. Don’t stop the flow. Also, if you have a published story on the stands, it’s the best time to pitch editors at other places. You’ll seem like the hot commodity of the moment.

3) Rejection should only be the beginning, not the end. Two things to consider here: A. Just because a publication nixes your story idea—or you in particular—doesn’t mean the next place will do the same. If you believe in yourself and your idea, never give up on it. B. Just because a publication rejects you outright doesn’t mean the same place won’t accept you six months later. At most places, there’s high turnover. Editors, as well as mission statements, change quickly.

4) Don’t hang all your hopes on resumes, clip packages, and query letters. Go into any high-level editor’s office and you’ll see stacks of unopened envelopes that nearly reach the ceiling. You’re annoyed, or depressed, that an editor hasn’t gotten back to you? Don’t be. He or she likely hasn’t even seen the contents of your envelope yet—and may never. Make phone calls (without being a stalker). Make meetings (without being demanding). In the writing game, as in most businesses, relationships matter more than anything in an envelope.

5) Learn to negotiate for more money. No matter what a publication offers, it’s often way less than it can afford. Always express mild disappointment at the first number, then pleasantly, professionally, ask for a little more. Understand that I don’t suggest this method for rank beginners. You’ll risk losing the assignment. It’s also running before learning to crawl. But for anyone with decent experience, you’ll gain greater respect by not jumping at the first number thrown at you. Also, if in the end a place refuses to budge on the story fee, ask for something else that doesn’t cost them money, such as your byline bigger or your name—and story teased—on the front cover. Or simply agree to do the story at their price for now (make it seem like you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart) but, if they love the final product, that the next one will have to pay more. Always have a strategic plan when negotiating a story deal (have an answer ready for anything that might come up) and always get it in writing.

6) Whatever writing you do, try your best to be utterly unique and way above average. You want to put yourself in position where a publication or publisher can’t get what you do from any other writer. This is what gets the big jobs and the big dollars and the big careers.

7) Don’t beg. Always act as if you’re confident in your work and yourself, exuding an attitude that says, “I’d love to do this story for you, I really would, but if you’re not sure that you want it, I’m certain that some other publication will.” In other words, never show weakness, because editors will pick up on that and run away from it.

8) Don’t be a pest or a complainer or unprofessional. Editors will always choose the path of least resistance, wanting to work with writers that carry the least amount of baggage and write the cleanest, most thorough copy. Maybe if you win the Pulitzer, you’ll gain some extra rope. But until then, you best be a writer that editors love to work with.

9) Keep making baby steps upward. Don’t get too comfortable at a certain level. Keep challenging yourself. This will force you to make the work better and better, as well as help you make more and more money.

10) Don’t worry so much about people stealing your ideas. At the major publications, it hardly, if ever, happens. Plus, assuming you’re hitting a smaller, less trustworthy market, you should have so many ideas that if someone steals one that it wouldn’t matter in the least, because you have dozens upon dozens of them. The writing business is an idea business. If you don’t have ideas gushing out of your brain on a daily basis, you might want to try some other work.

PART 2: MIKE'S TEN COMMANDMENTS TO WRITING SUCCESS

By Michael P. Geffner -
Mike's Writing Workshop and Newsletter

Part 2

1) Don’t forget that networking is just as important as your talent and computer. It’s a must-have tool in your writing existence. You need to seek out contacts, preferably the power brokers at the top of the masthead or high-level editors, and cultivate them as “allies.” If you ignore this aspect of the business, believe me, you’ll suffer the consequences. I hear all the time from writers, “But I don’t like to mingle. I’m too shy. I’m not a good talker.” My response is matter-of-fact: “This is the way the game is played. If you don’t want to play, don’t expect to win.” Which means: Don’t expect editors to come to you. They won’t. Like Mohammed, you need to go to the mountain. I don’t care how much talent you think you have. It’s not enough to “make your career” all by itself. And remember: If you’re not cultivating contacts, some other writer out there is.

2) Force yourself to work under deadline pressure. Deadlines are what separate the professional from the hobbyist. Pros can’t wait for inspiration, or an act from God, to propel their creativity. They write because they have to, because someone on the other end is waiting for their work. They write whether rain, sleet, or snow, and all hours of the day and night. I’ve tortured myself to hit deadlines over the years, from five-minute ones to monthlies. That’s the nature of the beast. It’s where the tough gets tougher. So, either get assigned to something with a due date or create an artificial one. If nothing else, it’s good practice to see how well you function in such a situation. You may actually find that you’re not cut out to write professionally, that in reality you’re merely a dabbler. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just good to know where you stand.

3) Build a portfolio before you start hitting the major newspapers/magazines/publishers. Mind you, I’m not even remotely suggesting that you work for free. I’m really not. In fact, I insist on writers ALWAYS getting paid at least something for their hard work. What I am saying is this: You can’t expect to be published in the New York Times or sell a book for a $400,000 advance or get a major assignment from Sports Illustrated or People Magazine with little or no experience. You must pay your dues, like any other profession. You won’t go from singing in the shower to headlining in Vegas. That’s not realistic and you’ll be hitting your head against a brick wall if you try. Instead, moving up the publishing ladder a step at a time, for more and more money, you should get at least 5-8 clips together, sizeable ones that show off your writing ability, before considering the “big boys.” Begin with local papers or small magazines or trade publications. Make your “bones” there, where the competition isn’t too stiff and where you’ll have the freedom—and opportunities—to develop your own voice. And consider each story you write an audition for something better and higher paying. In other words, write the heck out of it. Make it brilliant!

4) Read something every day. Magazines, newspapers, books. But try to be choosy. Read things written by great writers. And don’t be a passive reader, be an active one: analyze what the writer is doing, what the writer does to achieve a certain effect, what the writer does with plot, characters, dialogue, action, exposition, etc. Read, read, and read. The theory: Whatever goes into your brain is likely, in time, to find its way out. It’s called “filling your cup.” By mere osmosis, you’ll absorb the craft without even knowing it. Great writing will be in you, dying to get back out.

5) Write something every day. No matter what. Forget that you’re tired or don’t feel like it. You’re supposedly a writer. So write. Don’t be a pretender. And don’t even think about that dreaded of all things creative: writer’s block. If you’re convinced you have writer’s block, just write about it. Write about why you think you’re blocked. Trust me, this’ll snap you out of it in a hurry. Remember, all writers, from Tolstoy to Hemingway to Stephen King, have written badly before they wrote well.

6) Make friends with other artists, especially with happy, positive, and successful ones. It’ll inspire you to be around other wonderfully creative people and to be able to share ideas back and forth. Afterwards, your energy will fly off the chart.

7) Make sure you spell correctly and are grammatical in your dealings with editors. I can’t tell you how many letters/notes/e-mails I get from “writers” with grossly ungrammatical sentences and a slew of misspellings. I cringe. It turns me off immediately—as I’m sure it will with editors. These are the tools of your craft. Learn how to use them—or else. Buy a grammar/spelling book, for God’s sake. Get a good “spell/grammar check” program. There’s no excuse for sloppy English. One misstep will likely sink you with an editor you’re trying to sell a story to.

8) Know as much as you can about the editor and the publication/publishing house before firing off a proposal. The more you know, the more you can “target” your approach. It’ll likely also give you a step up on the competition, since most writers don’t do this extra homework (at least, they didn’t until they read it here). A great example of someone going that extra yard for success is the great golfer Jack Nicklaus. Before playing in tournaments, The Golden Bear would arrive in town a few days early just to scout out the course. Taking a golf cart, he’d ride around jotting down in a small notebook observations and ideas on how to play certain holes. No wonder he won more major tournaments than anyone else did. One time, playing in the Masters, another golfer noticed that Nicklaus look decidedly perplexed. “What’s wrong, Jack?” To which Nicklaus responded, “There’s supposed to be a telephone pole there.” The pole had been removed a day earlier. Jack knew it was there!

9) Find a mentor. Someone who’s a successful writer who can teach you the ropes and keep you from making the same mistakes he/she did. A tour guide, in a way, who can lead you down this dark, mysterious tunnel called the writing business. It’ll not only save you a ton of time reaching your goals as a writer but will also keep you from climbing the wall with frustration. A mentor can be your answer man (or woman) on all problems.

10) Stay on the case. Don’t be a lazy slug even for a moment. Be relentless in your writing and your search for work. Do everything to improve yourself as a writer and never stop sending letters and making phone calls to editors. Aggressiveness, without being annoyingly so, is the key. That is, don’t stalk your editors. You’ll force them to run for the hills and never look back! Just show editors that you want it. They’ll likely be swept up in your passion, and may ultimately even admire you. Bottomline, fight for your writing dreams with everything you have and never let go!

PART 1: MIKE’S TEN COMMANDMENTS TO WRITING SUCCESS

By Michael P. Geffner -
Mike's Writing Workshop and Newsletter

Part 1

These principles represent the best advice I can give anyone interested in making writing a career. Study them, learn them, and, most of all, do them. You'll be amazed by the results.

1) Be a letter writer, not a resume sender. Resumes get shoved into the bottomless pit of file cabinets or dumped into the black holes of wastebaskets. Learn instead to be an aggressive composer of letters, though not sending these so often to the same editor that you become increasingly annoying. There's a fine line between persistence and being a nuisance. Don't cross that line, lest you risk turning people off who control your fate in the industry. In your letters, sell yourself like a salesperson, with you, of course, being the valuable commodity: who you are, what makes you different and better, what passions you have, how eager you are to work hard, and why you-and not someone else--should be working for the publication. The stationery and envelope should be of the highest quality (first impressions count!) and smaller than standard letter size (the small size virtually guarantees you'll be put on the top of the pile by the secretary). The letter itself should be flawless and tightly constructed, and the envelope should always be marked "personal and confidential" (to pass the gatekeeper). Your singular theme should be this: I know I can make a difference at your publication. You need people like me. You must use me.

2) Come up with five solid ideas, things hopefully you're passionate about and expert in, and write a couple of paragraphs on each (exactly what the story is and how you'd be attacking it). Make sure these "pitch letters" are well written (the editor will be judging your writing talent every step of the way) and targeted at the appropriate publications, ones publishing similar type stories. Fitting your story to the right publication is key. It should be as natural as a hand slipping smoothly in a glove.

3) Timing is everything. Spot trends and hit publications quickly with story ideas based on these, before someone else beats you to the punch. The hot item of the day approached uniquely is always a great way to get into print. Believe me, a well-timed pitch is gold!

4) Establish as personal a contact as possible with editors. Try to establish a phone connection at the very least, but face time is infinitely better and should without question be your goal. It's harder to reject a real live breathing person than a faceless name at the top of another letter. In fact, in your letters to editors, write a sentence about how you'll be calling on a specific day to discuss your "wonderful" ideas. This opens the door for your phone call. It won't be easy. It's like telemarketing at this point. But remember: Every rejection puts you closer to a sale. Though you'll have to pass some gate keepers to get to the top editors, always be professional, polite but pleasantly forceful. And if anyone asks what your business is with this editor, say it's personal. I mean, let's face it, your career is personal. Also, as a way around secretaries and assistants, you can call before 9 AM and after 5 PM-when they aren't there. And be prepared what you'll say if the editor actually gets on the line. Don't ramble. Get to the point and get off. Less is better. Make contact and leave on a high note. You want editors liking you enough to take your phone calls, not dreading the next one.

5) Study and immerse yourself in the marketplace. You need to get in the game to win it. Read media columns and industry magazines, join writing clubs, scan the net for resource sites, buy market books, get insider newsletters. Know the business inside out. Talk the talk and walk the walk. Editor and peers will know a professional when they see one.

6) Read what the best writers in your particular genre are doing. If you're a magazine writer, get yourself a copy of the annual anthology Best American Magazine Writing. If you're a short story writer, pick up The Best American Short Stories. See how it's done at its best. It'll be a great guide for what YOU should be doing. And read not for enjoyment but to learn. Study the writer's art and craft, and even try to imitate it. In pop speak, this is called Modeling.

7) Networking is nearly as important as talent. This took me a long time to understand--and believe. I always felt that the talent alone would get me to where I wanted to go. Not true. I found that out the hard way. You need to know people. A lot of them. My advice: Write "networking letters" to major editors (at the top of the masthead), not asking for work (never do that in a networking letter!) but simply for advice on how to succeed as a writer. I mean, these are the industry leaders you'll be contacting. They know a ton of inside info you don't, as well as a ton of other influential people in the business. Try to arrange a face-to-face meeting, between 15 minutes to a half-hour long at THEIR convenience in their office. You'll not only likely get some wonderful advice but will also establish yourself with a power broker. If he or she likes you enough and believes in you, he or she will likely consider you for future or current work (without you ever asking), or might refer you to another power broker. In other words, it multiplies naturally. One contact could lead to six. And after every visit, write a thank you note for them both graciously giving you their precious time and imparting some great information. Networking can also include your friends and family, who may have contacts in the field. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. You'll be amazed how many people will reach right back.

8) Do something toward furthering your writing career every single day. Read a book on writing. Write a pitch letter. Apply for a writing job. Set up an interview for a writing job. Write a networking letter to an editor. Arrange a meeting with an editor. Read a book by a great writer (not so much for entertainment but analyzing what the author does to achieve a certain effect). Read magazines and newspaper articles about the industry in media/publishing sections (This is a wonderful way to find the names of top agents). The thing is, you need to be proactive and be it daily. Action breeds action! It also adds up: A single "positive" every day builds into 365 in a year!

9) Write every single day, no matter what. Your mind is like a muscle. It needs a regular workout to stay strong and sharp. It's like the man who asks someone on the street, "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" And the other man says, "Simple. Practice, practice, practice."

10) Don't give up. The secret to ultimate success of any kind, I'm convinced, is persevering in the face of repeated rejection. If a newspaper/magazine/publishing house/literary agency doesn't accept you at first glance, try them again six months later. Editors, people, and philosophies change frequently. If you're not the cup of tea for one, you might be for another. The trick to succeeding as a writer, I feel, is having the strength and conviction to jump hurdles. Never take "no" for a final answer. Simply consider it the start for coming up with a more effective approach. Bottom-line is, if you write well, have great ideas and are well connected, success is definitely yours!

Four Steps To Short Article Writing

My daughter is a Cadet in the Girl Scouts. One of her assignments was to write a short article on a subject that she really liked. She was given certain guidelines to follow that I find useful for any type of writing you do.

1. First, explore the subject you are writing about. Use the library, explore the Internet, and talk to people who have knowledge related to your subject. Take notes and jot down your ideas based on your research.

2. Develop an outline. Make certain you have the main story points you want to cover. Then add the secondary items that will increase interest in your story.

3. Designate a time and place to write. Establish a routine and stick to it. The discipline of a set schedule may help your writing the way physical exercise helps your body.

4. When you have written a first draft, have someone read it. Are her comments and suggestions helpful? If so, use them.


What guidelines do you follow when you write?

The Healing Power Of Confessional Poetry

“Writer’s Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author’s submission service. Established in 1994, Writer’s Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.WritersRelief.com to receive their FREE Writers’ Newsflash (today, via e-mail), which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres.”

Do you remember the poetry you wrote as a teenager? Many poets would rather eat paint chips than share their teen-angst poetry with the world. Teenage poetry is often raw, drippy, sloppy, histrionic, self-centered, and overdone. But there are valuable lessons to be learned in remembering the way we used to write before we ever dreamed of getting a poem published.

The type of poetry most often associated with a poet’s personal emotional journey is confessional poetry. This style is a particular favorite among editors of literary journals and magazines, because it demonstrates intimacy and reflection.

Writing confessional poetry is important to a poet’s personal journey toward self-improvement. Before you cared about poetic technique, you probably just cared about the act of writing. Writing a poem when you’re feeling a strong emotion is often a great way to make sense of your feelings. Poetry can be therapeutic and cathartic, allowing writers to discover their true feelings in a safe space.

When you’re feeling troubled, grab a pen. Writing heals. When you write, you make time for yourself—and that’s important. Confessional poetry can get you through the biggest hurdles in your life, and you should not be afraid of plunging into intimate, meaningful confession.

BUT before you go pulling your old, high school confessional poems out of the attic so you can get them published—or before you start thinking that every confessional poem you write is genius—think again. They are important to the writer but can come off as self-indulgent to the reader. To be published, they need to demonstrate that the writer is self-aware and has great insight and technique.

Apart from being overly emotional, the other problem with confessional poems is that they run the risk of being unruly. Although poetic verse can be free form, it must always be carefully wrought. Poems that spill on to the page and are done in a single draft are poems that you as a writer may want to consider putting away for a while. Better to judge your poems once you’re a bit distant from them—so you can see them for what they really are.

At Writer’s Relief we believe in the power of the pen. But be sure to learn the difference between when a poem is necessary emotional spewing and when it is true, carefully crafted art.

Writer’s Relief would be pleased to help you submit your poems for publication. We can target your poems to the editors of literary magazines and journals who will be most likely to appreciate your writing. Learn more about our services at www.WritersRelief.com.


What motivates you to write poetry?