I just got back from a trip to Little Rock where I did several taped interviews. It took three flights to get there and two to get home. One flight was delayed two hours and another was canceled, then reinstated at a different gate. That meant lots of time spent talking and commiserating. Lots of chit-chat. Lots of asking, “So, why are you going to Little Rock?” and ”What’s your job?”
I’ve always maintained that 3 out of every 4 people who know I’m a writer say, “Oh, I want to write, too!” And half of those add, “Any hints on how I can get started?” On my trip to Little Rock, I decided to gather some scientific basis for my number estimates, so I kept a tally. Here’s what I got:
- Asked what I did–14
- Want to be a writer too–12
- Asked for hints for getting started–8.
For all you people on those flights last week, and everyone else with how-can-I-be-a-writer questions, here is my advice:
- Set aside a writing area. You say you plan to clear away a little spot when you’re ready to write? Won’t happen! My first writing area was a dedicated end of the kitchen table. Yours doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to be yours.
- Learn your craft. Locate a writing class (university continuing education classes can be great). Find–or start–a writers’ critique group. Start saving your $$ for a good writers conference.
- Invest in the tools of the trade. For starters, you need: A computer. A printer. Internet service. A basic set of reference books. A bookcase for your library. (Trust me, you’ll accumulate a library!)
- Read. Great writers are great readers. Read different things: books on writing, magazines, books both fiction and non-fiction. Read critically, paying attention to characters, plots, tension, the use of details.
- Put words down on paper. Loosen up your writing joints by spending five minutes writing whatever pops into your head. Don’t stop until the five minutes are up. After that, the sky’s the limit.
- Write every day. It may mean getting up early. It may mean turning off the TV. (Bonus for the entire family!) But make time to write every day. Oh, and carry a notebook with you so you can jot down ideas. The most unforgettable ones have a way of hitting at inopportune times, then slithering away before you can find paper.
- Determine what type of writing you want to pursue. Your first clue might be the type of writing you enjoy reading. That old nugget Write about what you know has a lot of truth to it. If you love reading legal drama, but know nothing about the legal system, you’ve got a huge amount of research to do. Do you love to ponder life? To know your family? Maybe you want to write a journal, or a family history for your next reunion. All writing doesn’t have to be published.
- Think small. “I’m writing a novel about…” Why does everyone think novel? Or even book? Write fillers. Start a blog. Write an article for your local newspaper. Contribute to on-line magazines. Writing small hones your work, a vital step for most writers.
- Write something someone wants to read. If your intention is to be published, avoid the trap of writing only for yourself. Instead, write with the reader in mind. Locate the Writers’ Guidelines for the publisher to which you want to submit and follow the directions. Edit your work until it’s the best you can do right now, then send it off.
- Expect rejections. Rejection letters are part of the writing process. We all get them. Some of us get lots and lots of them. When you open yours, remember that it’s only one editor’s opinion. Only one publication’s consideration. Lots of great books were rejected many times before they hit stardom. On the other hand, look back over your manuscript with an editor’s eye. What problems did she see? What will you rewrite before you send it out again?
Best advice: If you want to be a writer, write. Write and write and never give up.
“When I am working on a book or story I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cold and you come to your work and warm as you write.”
Ernest Hemingway
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Thank you for this valuable information. I love to write short stories but would one day love to have them published. I also would like to write a book and dedicate it to young females, not gtiving away any secrets to my title but I will ask you to direct me. How do I get my work published.
Keep following this blog, Alma. We will talk about different aspects both of writing and of getting published. It isn’t easy, but it is well worth the effort.
Hi Kay,
Thanks for this valuable information. Wow!
I have never written to be published, but have been told, by many, that I am a true ‘story teller’.
I was a tour guide, for many years, in the “Golden Isles” area (South Georgia Islands) and had people salivating over the antebellum years! Plus, my personal life has been a long hectic/funny journey! If you live long enough…there is a book!!
Recently, while visiting my son and his wife, in L.A., they begged me to put my life down on paper. Well, I am clueless, even about the basics. I will follow your blog…maybe I will see some possibilities.
Being published would feel good, but putting my life down on paper would feel like a good ‘internal massage’…it will hurt like h*ll, but may iron out some knots.
Oh, Evie, start today! Get a notebook and start writing. You will be amazed at the things that resurface. And with time and distance, the wisdom you’ve gained from your experiences. I, too, am basically a storyteller. Which is good, because it’s the stories that touch hearts and etch memories on the soul.
Thanks, Kay! You have inspired me! Please keep this blog going!
I wrote, Sanctuary of the Soul (poems of anguish, healing, hope, comfort and celebration). I self-published and my endorsements take my breath away: Elie Wiesel, Wayne Dyer, Nikki Giovanni, Dr. Ellen Langer, Alice Miller and many others.
http://www.soulpoetry.org is my site….Now I have to work on marketing it! Love to hear your thoughts. Hugs, Alicia
Wow, Alicia, quite a litst of endorsements. The challenge with self-published books is definitely the marketing. Are you a speaker? That could help. Best of luck to you.
Thank you Kay! I always loved (your first name)…..I love to speak, but not sure where/how….working on that. The library wasn’t interested, and so I keep on keepin on! Thank you!
Yes, Alicia, that can be tough. Have you contacted local book clubs?
Hi Alicia,
You do write from the soul…heart wrenching ‘prayers’. Thank you for sharing. I think we ‘older ladies’ and sensitive men can totally ‘hear’ what you have written.
I had a near death experience years ago and few people acknowledge or understand this type of thing. A friend sent me this link, recently, and I could totally identify with what the folks are saying! Here’s the link (the video lasts 57 min.). http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/life-after-life/
My husband is a speaker trainer and started by speaking at churches and Toastmaster groups. He joined NSA (National Speakers Association) and, eventually, got contracts with large corporations. In other words, if you would like to share your insights, start small, join Toastmaster and NSA…be around other speakers. They are all very outgoing, friendly, people who do tons of networking!
I think you have much to share with our world!
Good suggestions, Evie. My husband is also a speaker trainer.
It is a busy life, the ‘road warrior’ life, but he loves being in front, giving a message. This year the business has taken a turn, he is more of a trainer/coach, these days.
Our travel has lessened some because of local businesses needing his coaching skills. Conflict management is so needed in many of the companies.
My husband has seen a real downturn in corporate training. Budget cuts… online training… a real change in the business. He used to go all over the world, but that’s a thing of the past. Fortunately, the skills can be adapted. Like writing skills!
I took your workshop at Mt. Hermon. You have an amazing set of organizational and speaking skills. Your writing tips are valid. I’d love to include them in our writing newsletter. Anne Schroeder http://www.readanneschroeder.com
Thank you, Anne. By all means include them!
When a guy/gal is talented and has a message, there is no stopping them!
I absolutely love your last line, Evie! Even if you put your life on paper, just because, it is a worthwhile endeavor – write because that is your passion, not because it could be published. If it is, bonus!
I love Kay’s writing articles as they address things every writer should know, try and experience.
For another writer’s point of view, please read my blog http://www.vibrantnation.com/our-blog-circle/wildhorse33s-blog/writing-a-healthy-life/
Thanks, Linda.
Hi linda,
I’m off to check out the link! Thank you!!
I’m a book designer who’s gathered a lot of information about how people can become self-published, if their manuscripts and book ideas are rejected by bigger publishers. I’ve worked with all kinds of books, and have also a network of friends in book selling, other self-published authors, authors who have publishers, and of course the venerable readers without whom we would all be talking to ourselves. It’s a pretty interesting world out there for writers, and my business/job/vocation is to try to help those with something to say to find the best way to say it and find folks to say it to.
This is a bit of a pitch for my professional services, but also an opportunity I want to use to say “Keep writing. Keep trying to find your audience.” There are so many stories out there, but there are many more people who want to read your stories. They will always outnumber the story tellers, thank goodness!
Thanks, Mooshcat. You’re right, this is a fresh area that has opened up for authors. Two things I would remind writers to keep in mind:
On the plus side, with Parke Press (that’s me), all sales go to the author, and the costs are very affordable. For less than $2000, you can have your book designed, produced, get 100 copies of it, and list it on AmazonBooks for a year. Amazon takes about a third of the sale price, the printer gets a couple of bucks per book, and ALL the rest comes to the author. No kidding. Marketing your book, even in a small way, can make it possible to recoup your out-of-pocket costs pretty quickly!
It’s part of the brave new world of “indie” publishing, and well worth a second look!
In this is new era of publishing, it is certainly worth a second look.
Would you please send me the exact email address of Parke Press. Thank you, Dawn
Would you please send me the exact email address of Parke Press. Thank you, Dawn
I really enjoyed reading your tips on writing. As someone who has always wanted to write and even did so while in college, it was good to see your tips and know that, although I’d heard them before, they are still the same and they acted like a reinforcement.
Now that I am not working outside the home, I want to restart this phase of my life and your tips have motivated me to get started again. Thanks.
Good for you! Someone once told me that a lot of wisdom comes from being reminded of what you already know.
Kay–these are great tips! I’ll be sure to send my writers mentorees here for your wisdom. One of the things that continues to bless and amaze me about you is that you always pay it forward with other women, other writers. Thanks for sharing. You’re not just a writer. Not just a good writer. You are a SPECIAL writer! Thanks. Shine On!~
Thanks so much, Kathy. Those words especially mean a lot coming from a professional like you!
I was ecstatic to receive an email from Reunions magazine with an offer to publish part of an essay I wrote and photos to go with it… This is my first official response to my submissions, and I have sent queries to The Good Old Days, Reminisce, E magizine – eco-lodges of Costa Rica…. I had an I Believe essay, You Are Never too Old to Learn broadcast on KUER – University of Utah and won a contest for Prime Times newspaper, a mature reader’s paper on What It means to be a Grandparent? Received two airline tickets and flew back east with my oldest granddaughter to see the rest of my grandchildren.
I am attending writing classes sponsored by the Salt Lake Community College for ages 60 and older on writing Silver Pen essays – this is the fourth year and the topic is Then and Now.
Check your Community colleges and universities for schedules of writing workshops, classes and activities…
Great idea, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I was previously published manyb years ago in a variety of fictional magazines.. romance, poetry, and children’s. My first husband, who was in the printing industry, put together an entire ‘book’ of my poetry, compete with illustrations to show me what it would look like published. A friend worked for a publidshing house and was interested. Unfortunately, my husband died before we could do anything with it. I lost interest.
Now I want to not only revise it, but am also working on something for my grandchildren. Since they will never know their grandfather, I am taking pieces of our lives from childhood to adult, mixing it with genealogy to create fantasy stories so they will get to know their grandfather and his family background (Mennonite, Amish, Pennsylvania German, and Dutch, and German Reformed), as well as mine. I am hoping to also publish them someday.
I would like to provide a couple of comments here. First I love Kay’s articles on writing and she is providing a service which connects writers and those who “want to be writers.” I believe that if you have the passion for words you will be a writer, in whatever form that may take. Secondly, I am a writer and love the association with others who share the passion. Recently, I have been lucky enough to realize another dream – with a group of others who are able to contribute to the workings of the company, I have set up a publishing company and we are in the midst of our first book, to be released this fall. As a small company, we plan to offer writers an alternative to possible publication. We are steps above vanity presses but no where near big traditional publishing houses. There will be some costs but the idea will be to allow the author to recoup investment costs (printing) in the royalties they will receive from the sale of their books. YES – marketing is a big thing and it is important to get your name and book out there where ever you can – creating exposure and awareness for your writing. We don’t have a web site yet but you can follow us on Facebook – Dream Write Publishing.
I am a freelance writer and artist and you can follow my blog here, too, on VN. Have a great day and keep on writing – that’s the most important thing!
The idea of a more personal approach is very appealing – I will certainly keep an eye on developments.
I don’t mean to pull anything away from what you have to offer, Linda. There is room in this wide open market for many approaches, and as we all know, things change by the day. Just want to prevent unhappy surprises. Thank you for what you are doing.
Thank you Kay. Although we support and promote all writers, we are keen to work with emerging writers who might not know all there is to know in the publishing business. If we give them one chance that might create an awareness, an audience, a readership and open other doors for their writing, then we have done our job.
I agree, no unhappy surprises or empty promises.
GREAT advice, thank you! How about hintting us on how to get published ? Looking forward to read about it …
I’m planning a future blog on that topic, Anicanora. In fact, I’m talking with the acquisitions editor of a major publishing house about doing a guest blog. Stay tuned~!
That’s awesome Kay! I will watch for your post.
Great info for beginning writers, Kay! I’ll be sure to tell my memoir classes. A good checklist.
Thanks, Marylynn. Enjoy your memoir classes!
Do I need a Master’s degree to write a book of my life?
Nope, not at all! It’s not the degree that matters, Chef, it’s the life and the writing!
Hi Kay! I’m very impressed with your accomplishments. Do you have suggestions for legit resources for finding paid writing gigs?
Stay tuned, Jen. I’m going to be doing a blog on that subject soon. Also will be featuring a guest blog written by an acquisitions book editor.
Stay tuned, Jen. I’m going to be doing a blog on that subject soon. Also will be featuring a guest blog written by an acquisitions book editor.
Wonderful news. Looking forward to that and more. Thank you so much.