For words to have power they must fit the reader. You must give the reader the style or the content they want, preferably both. This can begin as you learn your craft, first by reading what popular writers have to say and adopt some of what sells their stories to your style and content. Yet, we all have stories to tell and we want to cultivate our own style. This takes time and experience and there is nothing wrong about learning from the masters and then going on and integrating you own voice in the mix. The most important lesson you can learn is by writing and writing, and writing some more.
There is no quick fix a or shortcut to developing your own style in what you write. You can check this out for yourself. Write a few short stories and go back to them six months or even a year later. Now what do you see as you re-read what you wrote? I'll tell you what I saw, I found a better way to express myself in the stories and to upgrade my characters, dialog, scenes and so forth. I know you will find this as well. That is why it is important to write everyday and as the pages mount so does your skill as a writer.
Read what other writers are saying and writing about, look at what is selling and the popular trends in stories and articles. Know what readers are buying, a big part of writing is reading, not only your gengre, but what other types of writing are popular. You need a well rounded view of the writers world to get a complete picture of the reading world around you. This gives you a view of what is selling and after all, you want to sell what you write.
I welcome questions from other writers and will answer all I can. Write your questions in the comment area that follows each blog. I look forward to hearing from you with your questions and your comments.
Sincerely,
angdee
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
WARNING TO WRITERS
Writers work hard to put together articles, stories, and, or anything else we write. There are however, some magazines who don't pay us for our work. Writing is the only industry where you sell your work and then have to wait until it is published before you can receive payment. From the time you complete a piece until you are paid for it can take up to a year, sometimes longer. Then after all that, you wait for your check to arrive and when it doesn't, you write to the editor and get no response.
There is one writer I know of that goes to bat for other writers when they aren't paid. Angela Hoy of WRITERS WEEKLY. If you don't get paid, write her a letter and she will contact the publication. If they don't answer her letter, she puts the name of the publication in her newsletter to let other writers know that they are deadbeats.
Check it out for yourself and you'll see, I've been getting her newsletter for several years. Writers Weekly has a section called, "Whispers and Warnings" you will find the name of the publications there. Stop by and see it for yourself at http://www.writersweekly.com .
Also at this site, you will find, great articles, market listings, forums, self publishing resources, and so much more. While you may find these things on other sites for writers, you won't find anyone else that helps writers to get paid. I have found some of the best articles there and resources that have lead to sales. Find out for yourself, I know you won't be disappointed.
There is one writer I know of that goes to bat for other writers when they aren't paid. Angela Hoy of WRITERS WEEKLY. If you don't get paid, write her a letter and she will contact the publication. If they don't answer her letter, she puts the name of the publication in her newsletter to let other writers know that they are deadbeats.
Check it out for yourself and you'll see, I've been getting her newsletter for several years. Writers Weekly has a section called, "Whispers and Warnings" you will find the name of the publications there. Stop by and see it for yourself at http://www.writersweekly.com .
Also at this site, you will find, great articles, market listings, forums, self publishing resources, and so much more. While you may find these things on other sites for writers, you won't find anyone else that helps writers to get paid. I have found some of the best articles there and resources that have lead to sales. Find out for yourself, I know you won't be disappointed.
Monday, August 9, 2010
WRITING CONTESTS
Entering contests are much the same as sending an article or story to an editor, as freelance writers we compete every time we send in our work, using everything we've learned to attract the editor's attention. Yet some writers are contest shy or they don't think it's a necessary part of their writing career. It is for two reasons, one it looks good on your resume, and two it does wonders for our self-esteem. Show me a writer who has never received a rejection note, now we all know that's not possible.
Contests are fun and they pay more, plus they offer fringe benefits, travel to the presentation ceremony, they pay for classes or retreats, and some offer to publish your book. I ignored contests for many years, that's why I'm writing this to encourage other writers to look into this field. Try it, you'll like it! It's another area of writing that encourages you to stretch and develop your skills.
Below I've listed some contests I came across thinking you might find these topics of interest, as always I try to give an assortment for different types of writing. Something for everyone, from poetry, to romantic comedy, just a bit of this and that to get you interested. Also there are writers newsletters that devote themselves to listing contests, like >> "Small Markets" & "Funds for Writers" this one also lists grants.
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/smallmarkets.htm This is the best newsletter I have found when looking for contests and she checks them out and lists only reputable organizations. There are other newsletters that have longer lists and they charge you for this information, but do not check to see if they can be trusted. Some contests are scams, so you want to deal with information you can trust. First time contest and unknown names should be checked out online and check their e-mail address some scams use names similar to know publications, these are usually scams.
CONTESTS: Go online for complete details.
SCREENPLAY http://screenplay-competition.com/
Length 15 pages, Deadline 09/30/10 - Fee $25.00
PROSE, POETRY, FLASH FICTION, STANDARD STORY, http://glimmertrain.org
Annual go on site to get info on all contests.
FLASH STORY, http://www.womenonwriting.com
Deadline 11/31/10 Check online for details
STORY FICTION, http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/contest
Deadline 11/15/10 Fee $25.00 Check online for complete details
Contests are fun and they pay more, plus they offer fringe benefits, travel to the presentation ceremony, they pay for classes or retreats, and some offer to publish your book. I ignored contests for many years, that's why I'm writing this to encourage other writers to look into this field. Try it, you'll like it! It's another area of writing that encourages you to stretch and develop your skills.
Below I've listed some contests I came across thinking you might find these topics of interest, as always I try to give an assortment for different types of writing. Something for everyone, from poetry, to romantic comedy, just a bit of this and that to get you interested. Also there are writers newsletters that devote themselves to listing contests, like >> "Small Markets" & "Funds for Writers" this one also lists grants.
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/smallmarkets.htm This is the best newsletter I have found when looking for contests and she checks them out and lists only reputable organizations. There are other newsletters that have longer lists and they charge you for this information, but do not check to see if they can be trusted. Some contests are scams, so you want to deal with information you can trust. First time contest and unknown names should be checked out online and check their e-mail address some scams use names similar to know publications, these are usually scams.
CONTESTS: Go online for complete details.
SCREENPLAY http://screenplay-competition.com/
Length 15 pages, Deadline 09/30/10 - Fee $25.00
PROSE, POETRY, FLASH FICTION, STANDARD STORY, http://glimmertrain.org
Annual go on site to get info on all contests.
FLASH STORY, http://www.womenonwriting.com
Deadline 11/31/10 Check online for details
STORY FICTION, http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/contest
Deadline 11/15/10 Fee $25.00 Check online for complete details
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
THE BASICS IN THE BUSINESS OF WRITING
Today I'm going to give you an overview, a few small steps. Starting with selling in a market that at times seems to overwhelm us by sheer numbers. It's like sitting at a huge table filled with so many different types of food and thinking you can put everything on one plate. Well, you can't, so don't even try. Instead let's start with soup and salad, take it slow, chose what you know to start, then go on from there.
I use analogies to give my reader a picture to relate to, so picture this, all this food prepared and set out beautifully. It looks so good, you put all you can fit on your plate. Now look at the other people getting their food and picture the expression on their faces as they watch you. (I'm not done yet.) You sit down and put a big glob of something that looks delicious in your mouth and it is a thousand degrees hot. Your face is turning red and you begin to gag and can't hold it in. Everything, and I mean every little and big glob that is in your mouth comes out, some goes back in the plate the rest lands all over your designer clothes. Get the picture? Start with what you know.
Everything begins with the first step, that gets you going. In writing as well as any other endeavor, it takes hard work and a combination of knowledge of the subject matter, practice good writing, knowledge of writing markets, presentation, professionalism, and persistence. Any one of these skills alone, no matter how proficient you maybe in that area, will not help you to become a successful, or guarantee you a writing career.
While everyone has an opinion and perhaps writers more than most, each writer must find what works best for themselves. Take the information you find useful and apply it, the rest you can file away, it may prove useful as you mature. Use common sense when submitting an article, read what the editor publishes and follow the guidelines implicitly. Don't get wrapped up in details like, should the page number be on the top of each page or the bottom? Who cares, the guidelines only state that you number each page. What you need to ask yourself is, does this article relate to the publication. Ice fishing is a topic for the Great Lakes area, a magazine in South Carolina wouldn't have an interest in that subject matter.
Refine, define, and target one area, complete what your working on, submit it according to the guidelines, then go on to the next project. Don't start several different projects at the same time, you'll find that hopping from one to another leaves you with many incomplete projects. One step at a time will get you there and then proceed to the next goal. You will find your confidence grows with each project you complete and your skill as a writer improves as well. This is your starting point, the first steps you take as a writer, may this bring you success on the road you have chosen.
I use analogies to give my reader a picture to relate to, so picture this, all this food prepared and set out beautifully. It looks so good, you put all you can fit on your plate. Now look at the other people getting their food and picture the expression on their faces as they watch you. (I'm not done yet.) You sit down and put a big glob of something that looks delicious in your mouth and it is a thousand degrees hot. Your face is turning red and you begin to gag and can't hold it in. Everything, and I mean every little and big glob that is in your mouth comes out, some goes back in the plate the rest lands all over your designer clothes. Get the picture? Start with what you know.
Everything begins with the first step, that gets you going. In writing as well as any other endeavor, it takes hard work and a combination of knowledge of the subject matter, practice good writing, knowledge of writing markets, presentation, professionalism, and persistence. Any one of these skills alone, no matter how proficient you maybe in that area, will not help you to become a successful, or guarantee you a writing career.
While everyone has an opinion and perhaps writers more than most, each writer must find what works best for themselves. Take the information you find useful and apply it, the rest you can file away, it may prove useful as you mature. Use common sense when submitting an article, read what the editor publishes and follow the guidelines implicitly. Don't get wrapped up in details like, should the page number be on the top of each page or the bottom? Who cares, the guidelines only state that you number each page. What you need to ask yourself is, does this article relate to the publication. Ice fishing is a topic for the Great Lakes area, a magazine in South Carolina wouldn't have an interest in that subject matter.
Refine, define, and target one area, complete what your working on, submit it according to the guidelines, then go on to the next project. Don't start several different projects at the same time, you'll find that hopping from one to another leaves you with many incomplete projects. One step at a time will get you there and then proceed to the next goal. You will find your confidence grows with each project you complete and your skill as a writer improves as well. This is your starting point, the first steps you take as a writer, may this bring you success on the road you have chosen.
Monday, July 12, 2010
READ BOOKS FOR FUN AND PROFIT
I enjoy reading a good novel and I do, but as a writer I read to keep up with what's happening in the world of publishing. Also writers tend to read more, to learn what's selling in our craft, to find out what editors are looking for this month, we read market lists and then the magazines we will contact to read the articles they are buying. To be able to sell our work we need to know as much as possible about who we are sending it to.
That's why I thought this would be a market made for writers. There are many different types of magazines looking for book reviews. We all read a great deal so why not put it to work and make some money. Magazines pay anywhere from $25.00 to $200.00 for book reviews. Below I've listed some of those magazines, what they are looking for, in how many words, and what they pay for the review. Most magazines have a section for book reviews, as you read them look for that section and see what they are buying.
While this may not be your goal as a writer, it will bring in some money for something you do anyway. The important thing is to keep writing, everyday and you'll improve as you write by finding better way to express your point of view.
NA'AMAT WOMAN MAGAZINE Pays: $75.00 for approximately 750 words.
http://www.naamat.org Needs: Reviews on fiction and non fiction books with Jewish content.
ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE Pays: $200.00 for a 400 word review.
http://www.astronomy.com Needs: Reviews on astronomy and science related subjects. See guidelines for more information.
GOOD OLD BOAT Pays: $50.00 for reviews of 375-450 words.
http://goodoldboat.com Needs: reviews, articles, & photos
THE WRITER Pays: $50.00 for book reviews.
http://writermag.com Needs: Previews & reviews of Books, videos, software or any product of interest to writers.
ABQARTS MAGAZINE OF THE FINE ARTS Pays:Flat fee $30./$50 for 350-750words
http://www.abqarts.com Needs: Reviews on books about New Mexico or written by residents of New Mexico.
For guidelines by email to: steffanie@abqarts.com
These are a few of the magazines looking for books reviews. Now what I am hearing is magazines don't get enough reviews. This means opportunities for writers to sell their work. I've given you only the basic outline on what these magazines are looking for and what they are paying. Be sure to check the guidelines carefully before submitting your work and always adhere to the letter of the law when it comes to what an editor wants from you. You'll lose the sale of your article or review, before it is read if you don't follow the guidelines. I speak from the voice of experience, as writers we put hours of work in to what we are writing and to do all that, then lose out because of not following guidelines is tragic. So, take it from a writer who knows and dot your t's and cross your i's, give the editors what they want.
I hope you find these articles helpful. I look forward to your comments, questions, and blogs. Feel free to add a blog and pass on any information that will help other writers.
Leave a note for ang dee
That's why I thought this would be a market made for writers. There are many different types of magazines looking for book reviews. We all read a great deal so why not put it to work and make some money. Magazines pay anywhere from $25.00 to $200.00 for book reviews. Below I've listed some of those magazines, what they are looking for, in how many words, and what they pay for the review. Most magazines have a section for book reviews, as you read them look for that section and see what they are buying.
While this may not be your goal as a writer, it will bring in some money for something you do anyway. The important thing is to keep writing, everyday and you'll improve as you write by finding better way to express your point of view.
NA'AMAT WOMAN MAGAZINE Pays: $75.00 for approximately 750 words.
http://www.naamat.org Needs: Reviews on fiction and non fiction books with Jewish content.
ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE Pays: $200.00 for a 400 word review.
http://www.astronomy.com Needs: Reviews on astronomy and science related subjects. See guidelines for more information.
GOOD OLD BOAT Pays: $50.00 for reviews of 375-450 words.
http://goodoldboat.com Needs: reviews, articles, & photos
THE WRITER Pays: $50.00 for book reviews.
http://writermag.com Needs: Previews & reviews of Books, videos, software or any product of interest to writers.
ABQARTS MAGAZINE OF THE FINE ARTS Pays:Flat fee $30./$50 for 350-750words
http://www.abqarts.com Needs: Reviews on books about New Mexico or written by residents of New Mexico.
For guidelines by email to: steffanie@abqarts.com
These are a few of the magazines looking for books reviews. Now what I am hearing is magazines don't get enough reviews. This means opportunities for writers to sell their work. I've given you only the basic outline on what these magazines are looking for and what they are paying. Be sure to check the guidelines carefully before submitting your work and always adhere to the letter of the law when it comes to what an editor wants from you. You'll lose the sale of your article or review, before it is read if you don't follow the guidelines. I speak from the voice of experience, as writers we put hours of work in to what we are writing and to do all that, then lose out because of not following guidelines is tragic. So, take it from a writer who knows and dot your t's and cross your i's, give the editors what they want.
I hope you find these articles helpful. I look forward to your comments, questions, and blogs. Feel free to add a blog and pass on any information that will help other writers.
Leave a note for ang dee
Thursday, June 24, 2010
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
SMORIES IS AGAIN RUNNING A COMPEPTION STARTING DATE SEPTEMBER 2010
Check the previous blog for winners information that remains the same. The contest is run every month, should Smories change this again I will delete all the information on this contest.
http://smories.com
To keep up to date on this contest, the rules, and the prize money go to their site.
Do you write children's stories? This is one area to begin writing for children. Smories is looking for these stories every month. They choose 50 Children's stories, which are narrated by children and filmed while they are being read. These 50 stories then appear on smories.com and viewers will be able to rate them for one entire month.
If you are new to this field of writing, the feedback from readers maybe helpful and you can still sell your story to other publications.
Go to http://www.smories.com for details on the age group and type of writing they are looking for each month. I would like to hear from you and any writing tips you'd like to share. Keep writing and don't give up, because you get better with each story you write.
Check the previous blog for winners information that remains the same. The contest is run every month, should Smories change this again I will delete all the information on this contest.
http://smories.com
To keep up to date on this contest, the rules, and the prize money go to their site.
Do you write children's stories? This is one area to begin writing for children. Smories is looking for these stories every month. They choose 50 Children's stories, which are narrated by children and filmed while they are being read. These 50 stories then appear on smories.com and viewers will be able to rate them for one entire month.
If you are new to this field of writing, the feedback from readers maybe helpful and you can still sell your story to other publications.
Go to http://www.smories.com for details on the age group and type of writing they are looking for each month. I would like to hear from you and any writing tips you'd like to share. Keep writing and don't give up, because you get better with each story you write.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
SMORGASBORD OF WRITERS MONEY MAKING MARKETS
There are many ways to make a living by using your skills as a writer. I'm not talking about your book or your poems or any other type of writing that comes from the creative cells in the brain. These markets will pay the bills and allow you the time to pursue your goals. You've worked long hours and developed your skill as a writer, now use what you've learned in the markets that need writers to sell their products, or to educate readers, or to fill up those little spaces, or make them look good.
I'm going to give you a sampling of a variety of markets that need your skill as a writer and even a few for the creative need in us all. We are writers, that's who we are and that's what we do. We're in the business of putting words together in a way that paints pictures. These words are our stock and trade mark and they are limitless in there uses. Whether we create stories that take the reader to the outer reaches of the universe or poems that inspire them to compassion. I'd like to share a few areas that are high paying markets and need your skills.
Earn the big bucks selling nonfiction articles for children's magazines. Children are faced with many obstacles in our fast moving, ever changing world. If you can write fresh, entertaining material about the problems children face and give them solutions they can utilize to avoid the moral dilemmas of peer pressure. This magazine is looking for a new twist for the same problems we faced growing up and you might remember this magazine from your childhood,
"Highlights for Children" http://www.hightlights.com
Other magazines are looking for articles about the planets above and the earth below. Find editor's looking for writer's in,
"Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market" http://www.write4kids.com
Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine http://www.spiritmag.com
They are looking for articles, or stories about travel. Also, on their site they have topics and places they want you to write letters them and each month they give prizes for each topic. Who better at writing a letter than a writer.
There is a great need for writers to write speeches. This is open to all occasions, birthdays, weddings, graduation, and much more.
Wedding Toasts http://www.support@instantweddingtoasts.com
All Occasions http://www.info@occasionalwords.com
Toast Masters http://www.toastsmasters.org
I'm going to give you a sampling of a variety of markets that need your skill as a writer and even a few for the creative need in us all. We are writers, that's who we are and that's what we do. We're in the business of putting words together in a way that paints pictures. These words are our stock and trade mark and they are limitless in there uses. Whether we create stories that take the reader to the outer reaches of the universe or poems that inspire them to compassion. I'd like to share a few areas that are high paying markets and need your skills.
Earn the big bucks selling nonfiction articles for children's magazines. Children are faced with many obstacles in our fast moving, ever changing world. If you can write fresh, entertaining material about the problems children face and give them solutions they can utilize to avoid the moral dilemmas of peer pressure. This magazine is looking for a new twist for the same problems we faced growing up and you might remember this magazine from your childhood,
"Highlights for Children" http://www.hightlights.com
Other magazines are looking for articles about the planets above and the earth below. Find editor's looking for writer's in,
"Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market" http://www.write4kids.com
Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine http://www.spiritmag.com
They are looking for articles, or stories about travel. Also, on their site they have topics and places they want you to write letters them and each month they give prizes for each topic. Who better at writing a letter than a writer.
There is a great need for writers to write speeches. This is open to all occasions, birthdays, weddings, graduation, and much more.
Wedding Toasts http://www.support@instantweddingtoasts.com
All Occasions http://www.info@occasionalwords.com
Toast Masters http://www.toastsmasters.org
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