New Writers: 5 Tips for Answering Their Questions

Every so often I get the "Questions". You've probably gotten them too. You know, when someone asks,

"How do I get started in writing?" 

or, 

"How can I get my writing published?"

So us writers, we're thinking, this isn't a question that can be answered in 5 minutes. Or even 5 hours. These are "tip of the iceberg" questions. There is no brief answer, and the response is multi-faceted. There's always something to learn, and just about the time we think we've got a grasp on things, the market changes.

And since we're busy with writing and life, we don't always have the time necessary to share all of this with the wide eyed newbie asking the question. Since I've been asked these questions many times, I decided to compile a list of 5 basic tips.


1) Take writing courses.

From webinars, workshops, and seminars, to correspondence and online classes, free and paid options abound. Just because we like to write doesn't mean we have all the necessary knowledge and skills. Good courses teach things like how and where to submit our work, how to approach an editor, and so on.

I experienced this firsthand, learning valuable skills and information from the Institute of Children's Literature courses I took years ago. They were comprehensive, lending direction and cutting the learning curve down in regard to how to write what publications want.

Here are a few recommended sites that offer great courses.

Coffeehouse for Writers
Faith Writers
Poynter's News University
Institute for Writers
Institute of Children's Writers
Writer's Digest


2) Join a writer's group.

Groups offer fellowship, support, resources, courses, workshops, conferences, and more. Find local ones through friends and colleagues, regional papers, or an online search. Organizations such as the ones above also offer online support and/or critique groups.

Other groups include The Insecure Writer's Support Group, which addresses writers of all genres, the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.


3) Attend a writer's conference.

Conventions, conferences, and workshops are offered year round. National, state, and local groups sponsor ones of all sizes. Don't discount smaller offerings; just because the keynote speaker's name isn't a household word doesn't mean they don't have much to share.


4) Take advantage of great resources. 

Books, magazines, newsletters, websites, blogs - there are great resources everywhere. A few favorites include Funds for Writers, Pen and Prosper, Writer's Digest, and Writers Weekly. These types of resources  offer links, articles, forums, contests, and other great features.


5) Keep learning.

Educate yourself. It's hard work, but keep at it, learning the craft and sharpening skills. There's always something to learn. Always.


While these tips are helpful for newbies, they're also a reminder of the wonderful tools available to all writers, no matter where we are on the journey.

What do you think? Did I miss anything? What advice would you offer? What was the most helpful advice you had when starting out?

Happy writing,
Karen



Photo image: Free Images

The Right Word

"The difference between the right word and 

the almost right word is the difference   

between lightning and a lightning bug."  

Mark Twain 



I was going to elaborate a bit on this quote but, well, 

it kind of delivers its own punch, doesn't it? 


I came across Mr. Twain's words recently* 

and knew I had to share them!

What two things would you use to compare the right and almost right word?

Have any other good writing quotes to share?


Have a great weekend!

Karen

*I think it appeared in Hope Clark's newsletter Funds for Writers.

Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1034094

What's Your Soundtrack?

When it comes to writing, what are the main thoughts that run through your head?

Are they positive?

Or negative?

Somewhere in between?

I believe that we all have a soundtrack, one that plays in our head on a regular basis. I also believe that this affects our writing. A positive soundtrack can move our writing ahead and a negative one can hinder our progress.

How do we determine what our soundtrack is? By paying attention to our thoughts. Tuning in is telling; I sometimes find myself jogging down an unproductive road. Joyce Meyer says, "Where the mind goes, the man follows." Nuff said.

What do we do if our soundtrack is primarily negative? How do we refocus and change the tune?  Here are a few things that help me keep an upbeat attitude:

1) Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Sure, I have my ups and downs, but my bottom line is this - I know that I am a writer. No matter how I feel, this is what God has called me to do. When I catch myself tapping my toe to a lousy soundtrack, I work to shift the thoughts and mentally regroup.

2) I surround myself with positive influences, like treasured writer friends (this would be you). You've offered a wealth of love and support. It warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes when I think of the encouragement you've given to me.

3) I tap into my faith to stay grounded. For me, this means keeping my ears attentive to God's word and meditating on His principles. My perspective is better when my focus is in the right place.

4) I avail myself to good resources - blogs, books on the craft, workshops, etc. I glean from the thoughts of seasoned writers like Jennifer Brown Banks in her post on Overcoming Setbacks. E-Newsletters like Hope Clark's Funds for Writers is another winner, featuring encouraging articles, markets, and links. Author Tony Eldridge's blog offers insight and reality wrapped in a package that says, "Yes, you can do this!
 
5) I heed the words of cowboy preacher Gospel Bill, who tells his young audiences, "Garbage in, garbage out," If we sow negative things into our heads, we will reap the same. If we sow the positive and valuable, that's what we will reap. GB's simple phrase helps keep my thoughts in check.


Have you ever considered your writing soundtrack? Or the soundtrack in other areas of your life? What do you do to combat a negative soundtrack?


Blessings,

Karen

Photo credit: d-s-n  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1154488

Is Your Writing Green?

Green writing.

What does it mean to you?

Novice writers?

Articles or stories on the environment?

Writing that offers timeless appeal?

C. Hope Clark's post, Evergreen Writing, discusses the latter, and explores ways to use "evergreen" topics to sell magazine articles. You know the type, those themes that you see every year, like New Year's Resolutions and losing weight. Or holiday celebrations. Hope encourages us to research timeless topics and add a new spin as a way to sell more articles. I agree; there's always another angle waiting to be tackled. And sold.

The post got me thinking, not just about how to write creative articles, but how to expand fiction ideas too. Historical and romance novels are evergreen, aren't they? How about mysteries? What unique perspectives can we offer? Who would have thought years ago, for example, that Amish fiction would be so popular? Just think of the possibilities!

There are angles everywhere. At the coffeeshop. On the playground. Under the desk. In the laundry basket. Beside the chocolate bar in the drawer. We each see the world through different eyes. Just think of all the threads of ideas out there, waiting to be woven into something special. 

Write Hope

Write Hope is a group of international writers who are auctioning books and services (donated by writers) to benefit the people of Japan.  Visitors enter bids by posting in the comments; check out their latest posts here. Don't forget to peruse previous posts for items of interest.


Angel Sister Giveaway

Don't forget that the Second Blogoversary Giveaways continue through next week. This week's interview and giveaway features a copy of Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart. Deadline to enter is Friday at midnight. Click here to enter.

How green is your writing? Have you taken any time lately to explore new and different writing ideas?

 Happy weekend!

Karen

Photo credit: Andrewatla  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/875368 

It Happened Again

No, my husband didn't surprise me with a dozen red roses. (Although that does happen occasionally:)

And no, I wasn't offered a book contract. Yet.

Nope. Tickets to my favorite hockey team's next game were not delivered to my front door.

But those were all good guesses; thanks for trying.

Actually, in a nutshell, I had someone ask how to get their writing published. I get this or a similar question on a regular basis, so I decided to post my thoughts and get your input. This is what I call a "tip of the iceberg" question. There is no simple cut and dried answer, and the response is multi-faceted. There's always something to learn, and just about the time you think you've got it down, the market changes.

This is my basic response:

1) Take a writing course.

Options abound, free and otherwise. Just because we like to write doesn't mean we know how and where to submit work. I learned a LOT from the courses I took years ago at the Institute for Children's Literature. I saved time, stress, and cut the learning curve down quite a bit in regard to what publications want.

Here's a sampling of course offerings. 

Coffeehouse for Writers, Writer's Digest, Poynter's News University, Long Ridge Writer's Group, Institute for Children's Literature, Faith Writers

2) Join a writer's group.

Groups can be found through the local paper, an online search, or simply by word of mouth. Most sites (like the ones above) that offer courses also have online support and/or critique groups. If you can't find a local group, start one, but keep it simple. A group is a great place to encourage each other, and share resources, links, and other goodies.

3) Attend a writer's conference.

Conventions, conferences, and workshops abound. National, state, and local groups sponsor ones of all sizes. Don't discount smaller offerings; just because the keynote speaker's name isn't a household word doesn't mean they don't have lots to share.


4) Take advantage of books, magazines, websites, and blogs.

Here again, resources abound. And then some. The sites above, as well as scads of others, offer articles, links to blogs, book reviews, and books for purchase. Hope Clark's Funds for Writers site has a newsletter, blog, and enough other resources to keep any writer busy for a while. Writing for Dollars is another helpful stop, with a database of articles that suit any writer's needs.


5) Keep learning.

Always. Keep writing, sharpening skills, and moving ahead. There is always something to learn.


Now it's your turn. What did I miss? What advice would you offer? What was the most helpful advice you had when starting out? Please feel free to share liberally. Thanks so much!

Happy writing,
Karen



Image Credit: Andreyutzu  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/936343

Cross Training

                                                                                  Essays and Exercise

I'm writing lesson plans for the teen online writing classes I teach. This new session will cover how to write the essay. Not a popular topic with teens perhaps, but a good skill to learn whether college bound or not.

How does this relate to exercise? Well you see, it's part of my cross-training plan for writing.

My students are encouraged, through lessons and assignments, to stretch their writing muscles by trying different types of writing. Exposure to and the practice of different types of writing, I believe, is one key to growing as a writer.

How does this factor into the lessons? For the essay session, in addition to the standard assignment, I'll include exercises that provide a twist on writing the "serious essay". I might have them take the lesson's topic and put a humorous spin on it by having them write a paragraph that includes tall tale-like details. Or, we might try a Hemingway six word story, using the topic as a guide. The goal is to make students think, make it fun, and then have them write to stretch or cross train those muscles. Learning to write well is essential for good communication, but students can learn and be stretched in interesting and non-traditional ways.

And the point is...?

How does this relate to our writing? It reminded me that we need to engage in cross training exercises periodically in order to stretch and grow as writers. How? By dabbling in a different genre, doing a writing prompt or free writing, attending a conference, taking a writing course, or just taking time to play with words.

Have you done any cross training with your writing lately? What ideas do you have to stretch those writing muscles?

Speaking of Essays

So now that I've got you considering this cross training thing, here's a potential assignment. The 9th Annual Funds for Writers Essay Contest is looking for submissions. This year's theme is When Writing Made a Difference. There are two entry options, one with a $5 entry fee, and one with no entry fee. Prizes range from $300 to $20, depending on the entry choice. Deadline is October 31, 2010.

I entered the contest a few years ago, and while I didn't win, it was great practice for polishing and submitting a piece. Plus I still have the essay, and plan on submitting it somewhere eventually.

Don't forget to share those cross training ideas with us. Happy writing!

Blessings,
Karen
Photo credit:  pawel 231 http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1272846

Writing Resources

I often get questions about how to get into freelance or other writing, so thought I'd share some of my favorite writing resources. There are so many great sites, blogs, newsletters, classes, and other treasures available for all genres.

Here's a small sampling.

Funds for Writers is the brainchild of Hope Clark, and features newsletters, books, markets, contests, and grants for writers. FFW has been voted as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Web Sites for Writers since 2001.

Writing for Dollars  is another stop chock full of articles, markets, books, a newsletter, and even a daily cartoon.

Long Ridge Writer's Group offers courses for writers, articles, chat rooms, forums, and helpful links.

LRWG is the sister school of The Institute of Children's Literature, where I took several courses (which were excellent, btw). ICL's site also has great links, chat rooms, markets, a bookstore, contests, and more.

Writing, Etc., where Beth Ann Erickson is in charge, has articles, e-courses, books, advice, and a newsletter.

Writer's Digest not only has a great magazine, their website boasts articles, tips and info, courses, and a weekly newsletter.

Coffeehouse for Writers offers t-shirts, mugs, and other gifts for writers, as well as online courses, critique groups, newsletters, links, and a blog.

This list barely scratches the surface of the resources at our fingertips, but perhaps a link or two will inspire or help on your writing journey. You know me, I'll share more links in the future. :)

What are some of your favorite writing resources or tips? What advice would you give to someone just jumping into this writing life?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen

Links, a Contest, and Happy 4th!

Happy Fourth of July! 

What will you be doing this weekend? 

Will you be exhibiting any of the Happiness/Joy emotions as outlined at The Bookshelf Muse? 

Perhaps you will be gathering story or article ideas close to home, as suggested in this Funds For Writers article by Beth Bartlett.

Or maybe you'd like to enter the Glimmer Train Very Short Fiction Contest. Hurry, though, the deadline to enter is July 31, 2010. Entry fee is $15 and First Prize is $1200.

BTW, if you haven't seen Monday's post, When Did You Know?, you might want to join in the fun. There's a fabulous discussion going about how, when, and why the need to write came about for each of us.

Whatever your plans, have a safe and happy weekend!

Blessings,

Karen

Spring Musings and Promises

 

Is it spring yet?

It may not feel like spring is here, but take heart, it will show up eventually. I must admit, I prefer cooler weather and even I am weary of the extra frosty temps and cloudy skies. While it still may be cold outside (depending on where you live), we can create some warm and wonderful writing inside. 

What? That little pep talk isn't inspiring you to crank out something fabulous? Okay, then check out Hope Clark's recent post. In  

Don't Hunt For It...Create Your Market Hope shares an interesting idea for generating writing opportunities that may be right under your nose. It gave me several ideas; perhaps it will inspire you too.

Another Springtime Giveaway

How about another Blogoversary giveaway to brighten the day? In case you happened to miss last week's announcement, I am celebrating my One Year Blog Anniversary this month and I am including several giveaways to celebrate.

A Promise for Spring by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the featured giveaway book this week. What's it about? I'm glad you asked!

Emmaline Bradford is nervous. Why? She came to the states to marry her fiance Geoffrey Garrett. Problem is, they were betrothed several years earlier when Geoffrey left England to start a ranch in Kansas. Emmaline was a starry eyed teen at the time and now has few memories of Geoffrey.

A series of interesting situations arise when Emmaline arrives at her new prairie home. Will things work out or will Emmaline return to England? Enter the giveaway and you can find out!

To enter this Blogoversary giveaway, follow these simple steps:

1) Leave a comment. Include your email address. Entries without email address will not be eligible.

2) Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.

3) Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your Facebook page. Please leave a comment telling me so.

4) Receive a bonus entry by posting this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a comment with the link.

*Entry deadline is Monday March 15 at midnight. Winner will be notified on Tuesday. Thanks for sharing in the fun. Happy Writing!


*Open to residents of the United States, only.

The Issue of Taxes

A recent issue of Hope Clark's Funds for Writers featured an article by Thursday Bram entitled What Your Tax Preparer Wants to See From You.

Jill Kemerer shares more great information over at her blog. She offers financial planning links and self employment tips for this writing life.
 
Since tax season is upon us, I'm open to any good tips I can find. How about you? Have any savvy tax tips for your writer friends? Please share them with us!

Happy Writing:)

A Writing Contest

Do you like writing contests? If so, C. Hope Clark's Funds For Writers recently announced their annual contest.

This year's theme is Invisible Writing. Cash prizes await the winner; the amounts vary depending on which entry fee you choose. The $5 entry fee first place winner wins $200; the no entry fee winner wins $50. There are second and third prizes too. Check out the link above for more details.

It sounds interesting - I think I may enter! Will you?

Happy contest writing:)

2009 Best Websites for Writers

Brian Klems of Writer's Digest shares WD's 101 Best Websites for Writers for 2009 in the article at this link:

http://writersdigest.com/article/101-websites-2009

WD, one of the leading writer's periodicals, (and my favorite in print writer's magazine), shares all sorts of great sites, including agent blogs, jobs and markets, resources, and even fun for writers. Isn't it a blessing to have such wonderful tools at our fingertips?

Hope Clark's Funds For Writers e-newsletter makes the list again this year. Hope puts out one of my favorite online weekly offerings. Her breezy and friendly style makes you feel like you are talking to a friend, and she offers tips and markets and other writing goodies each week. Stop by and sign up for several of Hope's free and low cost newsletters at: http://fundsforwriters.com/

Also included is the link to Writer Beware, a site devoted to keeping writers informed of pitfalls, fraud, and other schemes targeted at writers. Visit: http://sfwa.org/beware/ for more info.

I plan to tap into these great offerings for some summer learning. Care to join me?

As always, Happy Writing! :)