Many of us Vibrant Nation women took up the November NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) writing challenge quite enthusiastically, and wasn’t it exciting?! Thrilling, even!
Then, in the first week of the challenge we asked for, and received(!) fine inspiration and delightful encouragement from several seasoned and published writers right here on Vibrant Nation:
Experienced VN authors provide tips, inspiration, and encouragement to 1st time NaNoWriMo writers….
I was/am one of those newbie writers and although I didn’t ‘win’ the challenge by completing the 50,000 word goal, the changes in my life since November have been outstanding and oh, so fulfilling!
I’m happy to say I’ve had great fun with my budding writing encore ‘career’ and found favorable response to my fledgling efforts. For example, I’ve had one piece read on internet radio; have one article before an editor of a sewing/quilting magazine; had my comments posted to 2 international blogs, one on fashion and one on parenting; had an hour-long phone call about using one of my pitches for a book; had a letter to the editor and a short piece accepted for a women’s magazine; and submitted my writings and my very first poem to 5 writing competitions. Whew!
But the best thing NaNo taught me is that challenging myself is life-affirming and definitely a self-confidence builder. I’ve earned new appreciation of myself and abilities, no matter what skill I may choose to conquer in the future. I know I can, and will move past inevitable rejection, and that’s huge to me. Sometimes heavy-handed rejection in (life and) writing can reduce a person to their whimpering child-self, but I’m learning that I can handle whatever is thrown at me. Because I’ve started writing and have given up the “someday I need to” self doubt, I’ve gotten myself in gear, started writing even though I didn’t know what I was doing, and have received enough positive responses to counter-balance whatever negatives may come at me. Like life, you know….
In writing, I feel that I’m just getting better and stronger in expelling my head-rattling stories that must be told. My writing is improving and I have plans galore to pursue this personal challenge. I’ve taken that first step, and it feels GOOD!
As personal introspection, it’s also good to reflect on my own story from which I draw characters and highlights for plot, and occasionally rip a ghost from my personal closet to examine it head-on and expel it from my spirit and onto the pages, where that ghost can act out its sorry story to a different audience who might even laught at the ridiculous worry this ghost had caused for years.
So, ladies…..What lessons have YOU learned from your writing experiences? If you were involved in NaNo, how has it changed YOUR life? What can us newbies share here on VN to help each other urge forth our best writing and skills for the rest of our writing lives? Where are YOU finding success in pursuing your writing dream? Do tell!
i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
Good for you, Fran Young, and congratulations.
You’re a writer. I love the scene in “Barton Fink” where John Turturro looks into the camera and declares: “I’m a writuh.”
Happy writing.
Yakkity1 – You are SO prolific and have such good information and comments to share across all the areas of Vibrant Nation….I wish we knew more about you. I really like to ‘follow’ your posts–sometimes you raise very pertinent questions, seemingly unafraid of rebuke, and I appreciate that you’re willing to take on the challenge when you have a valid point to make.
Due to your suggestion, the whole NaNo ‘thing’ got started here on VN. Then you really jumped in and offered such pertinent information as an expert. You are appreciated, you know.
So, when can we learn a little bit more about you and why it is you’re so interesting to follow?! Are you involved in the publishing business and trying to stay low-key? I respect that, if that is the case.
Thank you Fran Young, your words moved me because I love to help others and to celebrate their successes–I’m a cheerleader of sorts.
No great mystery here, but I find it wise to share as little information as is necessary on public forums. You know that I am a writer, and to answer your question no, I do not work in the publishing industry. We share a love of writing.
You’re much too kind. I’m not particularly interesting, but I am enjoying this movie called life, and I’m thankful for the blessings small and large; perhaps it’s that energy to which you’re reacting. I certainly sense it in you.
Happy writing.
Where’ve I been? I’ve never even heard of this movie, but you can bet I’ll be looking for it soon, if for no other reason than I like John Turturro, eh?!
Wowza! I wanna be you when I grow up! (^_^) Many congratulations to you!
Hi Five to Nine – I’m sure we’d ALL love to hear more about YOUR recent writing success. I hope you’ll tell us more!
It’s a teeny tiny success but I am happy about it.
I stumbled on a site that pays for web content and decided to submit an article. I’ve written for these kinds of sites before but made next to no money or I couldn’t find enough topics of interest to keep me going. In any case, I found the site on Monday, submitted an article Monday night and Tuesday I was notified that my first article sold! Yay – I’m $19.25 richer and for an unemployed person, that’s pretty damned good – LOL!
My daughter and many of my friends — including new friends like Fran Young — are constantly pushing and encouraging me which is something I desperately need. Sending huge THANKS out into The Universe. Let’s see where this thing goes, huh?
Yay! Congratulations. The dog and I are tossing confetti.
Are you subscribed to the freelance writers’ market resource site called Duotrope?
Again, congratulations on your first sale. Today’s $19.25 article is tomorrow’s $1,925.00.
Happy writing.
P.S. Can the Swiffer pick up confetti?
The cats and I are running around catching the confetti!
I have never heard of Duotrope but it will be my next stop when I leave here. (^_^)
Congrats from me, too. I’m always looking for site with quick turn-around. Can you share which site paid you so quickly? I’m going to Duotrpe next, too.
perle
Fran, the one lesson I see you’ve learned is that it is not enough to write–but you must look for markets and opportunities to submit in order to get your work read (and hopefull, appreciated.) I know many good writers who lack the gumption (or time) to search for their audience. Don’t be concerned about “rejection” because it is not personal. It may only mean that the particular venue is overloaded or the editor has too much on her plate.
Keep up the good work!
Talia
http://www.TaliaCarner.com
Talia – Your help and encouragement is always appreciated! The ability to NOT take rejection personally is new to me, although I’m certainly not a wilting flower sort…
And, truth be told, I have not yet earned a single nickel from my writing, but the good thing is that I’ve started–I’m writing, I’m entering competitions, I’m putting myself on the line, and learning from it all. The process is encouraging and invigorating, and I hope, one day, to say I’m a seasoned author such as yourself. Thank you for your inspiration!
Hi Fran: Got your e-mail and here it is:
I’ve not done as much writing as you have, as generating multiple streams of income is my number one priority. I did pass the magic nanomarker of 50,000 words and currently have finished editing through Chapter 11.
I’m working on a journaling e-book, which has been in outline form for some time. I published a book review in November for Alabama Writer’s forum (they actually pay for book reviews-yay) – Noah’s Wife: by TK Thorne – http://www.writersforum.org/books/book.aspx?ID=275
And a piece for the Gratitude Issue of PavoMag.com called unseen hands: http://www.pavomag.com/story/unseen-hands
Poetry sold a poem to a Outshine Twitterzine. They allow one submission per week and pay $5 per accepted poem payed to your paypal account. I’m determined to submit one a week of my modified haikus. I’m working on my submission to the annual poetry contest for the local alternative paper called Birmingham Weekly. I’ve made the cut 3 out of 5 years.
I worked on some advertising handouts for a company I used to work for. I’m also currently editing/critiquing the memoir of a local writer. I low-balled the price to get the job – $3 per double spaced page for a quick track-changes edit and 1 page critique. Oh yes, and I’m still editing the balance of my book.
As an artist, I’ve been spending time with my art. Not only does it give me pleasure, but it turns into cash faster than my writing. I had a show in November, December and now one in will open this Friday the 5th at Daniel Day Gallery.
I’m also adding to my tools:
As a photographer, I took a seminar from an old photographer vendor of my from my Saks day. It was all about creating income from photography: adding it to my article/essay queries; and posting to stock photography sites.
And, I’ve renewed my subscription to writersmarket.com
Thank you for asking – I was feeling as if I’d accomplished nothing in the last 6 months, but responding to your query tells me I need to take stock a little more often
Thanks Again,
Perle
Holy schamoolie, Girl!! You’re amazing! And, what an inspiration. Thank you SO much for sharing your accomplishments with us all.
And, congratulations — you’re an inspiration to us all!
I am inspired by you all! I was not part of the NaNo challenge (didn’t know about VN then) but I sure wish I had been. Right now I have memoir manuscript on its long, long journey to who knows where. Its currently with a cousin who is a publicist with a major publishing company. I’m waiting for her recommendations, but really need to be searching out my own markets as well. Don’t exactly know where to go but you ladies are an inspiration! I am open to any and all advice.
The place to look for agents/book publishers etc is Literary marketplace , Libraries usually have the book. But everyone is on line now and it is so much easier to use. I subscribe to
Writersmarket.com that has istings of Literary Agents and Book Publishers. You can subscribe a year or weekly.
Literary MarketPlace, however is exclusively, Agents and the Book Publishers include US, Inernational, and small presses. They also have a weeky as well as a yearly subscription rate.
Good Luck.
Perle
Hi, joyful53 – You might like to look into Writer’s Digest (sister site to perlesrose’s suggestion of Writer’s Market) and enter your book in a competition they are now having:
“Writer’s Digest” <writersdigest-newsletter@fwpubs.com>
The deadline is May 1, and they are accepting memoirs, etc. The competition is for self-published books, and I would think that your’s would be perfect since you haven’t signed on with anyone yet. Check it out!
Here is another writers’ marketing website to which I subscribe: Writing for dollars.
Be sure to check out the “Paying Markets” section.
Happy writing.
Hi yakkity1 -
I took your suggestion to Five to Nine about checking into Duotrope and want to thank you (again!). It’s a great spot for targeting individual submissions according to what they (publishers) are looking for. I was happy to find a great site to submit a poem and story, both kinda dark and gloomy, but found them a home (for review and consideration) on “Sinister Tales” — free to submit, btw.
Next? I’ll have to check out Writing for Dollars.