I'm constantly amazed at how supportive the writing community is. No wonder the energy continues to build.
I've submitted some of my photography for publication in a couple of mags.
Here's a peek into something I wrote. Mostly I've been working on my fiction but this is a quick 400-word nonfiction/essay piece:
Fellow writers are often stunned when they discover I had twenty-four acceptances in five months -- my first five months. I agree; it sounds too good to be true. Am I some writer savant? I wish I were. No, I’m a decent writer with a recipe I‘m willing to share.
First of all, I started writing forty years ago. I scribbled angst-y poetry before I eased into silly, humorous nonfiction. Personal foibles made ideal writing fodder. I figured if my friends enjoyed my zany tales, I could write the stories and share them with even more people. I wandered around Yahoo for a month or so until I found, then joined an online writers group. Supportive and generous, the other members gently guided me along the rocky writers’ trail.
I learned how to do online research and accumulated lists of online publications. More research went into reading print and online pubs. I discerned what they were looking for and sorted each publication by category. Using a multitude of free-for-the-asking writers’ tools to improve my work. I wrote, rewrote, revised, re-revised, tossed out, gritted my teeth and recreated until I had a piece I felt was pub-ready. With a whispered prayer, I hit the send icon in my e-mail program.
The first acceptance letter soon arrived. Before long, the corresponding payment arrived. That buoyed my spirits enough to submit a second story. I had a 50% acceptance rate for my first ten acceptances. Realizing I wasn’t the next Hemingway, I took time to study why my success rate was so high. I concluded the time invested in studying the markets was as much a factor in my success as my writing ability.
I continue to study my craft, via computer, and my skills improve accordingly.
Online writings groups are an invaluable resource. Medical problems make attending “live” classes inconvenient. I see a marked improvement in my writing since that first acceptance in October; in fact, I cringe when I read over my first few submissions. I’ve decided that’s a good sign. It means I’m improving.
Investing time in researching the market(s) may appear to take precious time away from writing. I believe it’s an illusion. You might bake the best cookies anyone’s ever eaten but if you try selling them to folks who only buy carrots, I bet you’ll end up with boxes of cookies in your garage. Do your research. You’ll sell more cookies.
Take time this week to treat your inner child. Try a new food. Stretch your horizons and make room for new experiences. Your soul will thank you. -- GHC
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