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- Is Anyone Out There?
When crafting a piece of writing it is important to define who the audience for the piece will be. It doesn’t matter if the piece is fiction, non-fiction or technical. What is important is knowing a little bit about your intended reader.
Some writers get very specific and their intended audience becomes some like this: - Deciding What To Write-Can You Get There From Here?
When writing an article or story, how exactly do you decide what to write? Do your characters develop as you go when writing fiction? Does your plot unfold by chance? Do you have a clear idea of where your story or article is going before you actually begin to write?
I have to admit there are times when I just start writing and worry about the details later. Interestingly, it is a unique exercise in taking something without purpose and finding one for it. However, there is a method called ‘clustering’ that can help you define key elements to a story before it is subjected to creative phrase turning. - How To Avoid Clichés - That Sounds Familiar
When writing articles, stories for full blown manuscripts it is often in your best interest to avoid common phrases or colloquialisms. Many writers refer to the overuse of these phrases as cliché and they avoid them like the plague.
It may take some work to find new ways to say something you’ve relied on clichés to say for you. - Did You Know? Understanding The Publishing World
Sometimes putting things in perspective is useful when trying to gain a clear understanding of the many facets of the publishing world.
This article is intended to provide some random statistics to help you understand the publishing world a little better. - You Might Be A Published Author If...
You might be a published author if...
You've ever printed up several copies of your work and passed them out at the mall. - You Might Be A Published Author If...
You might be a published author if...
You've ever printed up several copies of your work and passed them out at the mall. - Before Painting Words
No matter what kind of writing you consider your forte you might want to consider the use of a ‘learning log’.
The process of writing generally requires research. Unless you are recounting personal events in a first person non-fiction narrative the use of research tools is a highly valued counterpart to effective writing. - One Epic Flashback
You've probably watched a movie where you observe the lead character in a quiet, contemplative moment. It's not long before you hear a sound similar to a camera and the movie shifts to an event from the past that provides a clue about what is happening to the character in the present.
This is a common technique in storytelling called flashback (analepsis). The use of this technique often adds a sense of mystery to the story. The use of flashback allows the author of the story to interrupt a storyline by taking the reader back in time to a point that helps define the character, setting or plot line. By revealing flashback clues throughout the piece the reader can catch a sense of the struggle that had placed the lead character in such a predicament. - Genuine Imitation Flattery-Use Of Parody
The old adage "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" should apply to the world of literature as well - although we shouldn't be surprised when it is not perceived that way.
In order to imitate a certain style requires one of two approaches. The first is designed to imitate the style for the purpose of creating a similar work. The second approach is the theme of this article - parody. - What’s In A Name? Naming Characters
You have developed a plot, setting and have even come up the main characters for your latest story. You start to write, but it isn’t long before your come to a road block. It’s not the storyline; after all you know where you’re headed. It’s not the setting; you mapped that out before the first word was committed to paper.
No, the thing that you are missing is the perfect name for you characters. You have a couple of throw away names you are using, but you know the names just don’t fit the characters in question. - Being Paid To Learn
The term content writing has taken on a new meaning with the advent of the internet. In strict writing discipline the term refers to adapting your writing to match a specific style or voice. This type of writing has nothing to do with personal taste or style preference. It is, however, a means of forcing yourself to learn to write in a style that you may have never chosen on your own.
In the realm of writing for internet providers the term has a similar meaning, but there is the added component of writing specifically to fulfill the content needs of a client’s website. - Writing As A Business
If you are looking at making writing a means of providing a personal income it may be important to understand how to develop your passion for writing into a successful small business.
The first step is one you've already taken. Discover what you are passionate about. If you are reading this article you are probably most interested in the written word. - Non-fiction Salesmanship
The research you have conducted has been exhausting, yet the first draft of your non-fiction work is complete and you are in the midst of revisions and personal editing. Your plan is to send it on to a publisher soon.
Are you really finished with the work at that point? - A Few Magazine Publishing Terms
The business of writing for magazines is often speculative in nature. It can often seem fruitless to conduct research on available paying magazines, attempt to understand their style and unique requirements, write the article, send the article, and then wait for what can seem a never ending response.
It can be even more daunting when you have invested significant time and energy and have received multiple rejection slips. It can cause an author to wonder if they should hang it up and head back to the ‘real world’. - Submission Allowance
When you understand what an editor allows in the way of submissions you can begin to see there may be more options available to you than you may have realized. By understanding the ‘big three’ submission types you will find a greater ability to maximize your publishing potential.
What is a Parallel Submission? - Simply Academic
Start at the beginning - or the end - or somewhere in the middle. It may not be as where you start as long as you start somewhere in the process of academic essay writing.
The importance of academic writing is to supply a thesis or an arguable point. Academic writing cannot stand on its own by simply presenting the observations of others. As a writer, you must present your own argument and then supply points of support that assist in furthering your argument. You should be fully aware of what questions you are seeking to answer in your work. - Have You Read My Book?
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to have your own book published. Your publisher might be a large firm with allocated resources to manage the Public Relations (PR) for your book or they might be a smaller firm that relies on their authors to do some of the legwork in promoting the book.
Some authors are well acquainted with the process of promoting their own book while others feel inadequate to the task of self-promotion. - Off The Top Of My Head- Freewriting
In writing there is a technique known as Freewriting which is essentially designed to encourage you to write and it comes without bounds of structure, format or plot.
Freewriting may seem frivolous to some, however it is useful in bringing creativity to the forefront in ways that are often surprising to those who try this exercise. - Doctor, Doctor, Give Me The News
You may have heard of the term, "Book Doctor" in your writing career. Maybe you've wondered what a Book Doctor does and if it's a good idea to utilize their services.
In essence, a Book Doctor is an individual who promises to assist you in making your manuscript ready for submission to an editor or publisher. - Have Pen - Will Write
The term freelance has been described as "A person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them." This is essentially the truth of freelance writing. In many ways a freelancer works as a subcontractor. A freelance writer accepts work offered by a magazine or newspaper with no long-term commitment or promise of ongoing assignments.
It is possible that someone you have written for on a freelance basis will return to you with an additional assignment, but you have no guarantee. - What's In A Name? The Use Of Pseudonyms And Pen Names
Have you ever wondered why a writer chooses a pseudonym or pen name? Is it possible they believe that they are more important than other writers are? Do they demonstrate their views of superiority by simply choosing to rename themselves?
The truth is, there are a multitude of valid reasons for an author to select a pen name and very few have anything to do with pride. - A Writer’s Need For Community
I’d like to present three easy steps to getting published. Well, I’d like to, but there’s usually more than three and they are never easy.
Many aspiring writers I encounter believe if they can just get their article to an editor the editor will see the value in the work and want to sign them to a contract of some sort. Now, this is rarely verbalized by the author, but the dream-dashing is very evident when they receive their first rejection slip. - Meeting The Deadline
A nemesis to all writers is an imposed deadline. Whether that deadline is from a publisher or as part of a writing contest or challenge the deadline screams at us to hurry up while our muse is certain the story just isn’t quite right yet.
As you develop your writing career or writing business you will likely find deadlines come more often and from a variety of sources. - Free To Fail
I enlisted the help of several authors who knew something of fame in their work, yet surprisingly had much to say about failure. In truth, these authors aren’t answering the specific questions I pose, but their wisdom in the field of writing is worth considering.
We will start with a question writers will often ask themselves or others about their craft and then review an applicable quote from a noted author. - Exploring All Paths
I suppose it is the dream of every writer to have a book published with a major publishing house, well known and well respected in the industry. With such publication one might encounter fame and perhaps a bit or fortune. If you could land such a publishing contract perhaps you could find time on major radio stations, television stations and reputable podcasts to share the wisdom you have to share. Newspaper and magazines might contact you for interviews and photo opportunities.
Did you know that only a small percentage of writers that will ever have a book published by a major publishing house? - Cover Letters
I will routinely advise new writers to make sure their cover letters are professional in tone. All additional correspondence with an editor should be similarly professional.
There are a few other details regarding a cover letter that may be of interest. For instance, if you can't say what needs to be said in one page, you need to say it again. It is bad form to send a cover letter that is longer than one page. The person you are sending the cover letter to may make a judgement about your potential based on the first 20 seconds of your cover letter. If your cover letter is not concise and professional, the letter may be put aside without further consideration. One thing that may help in keeping your letter concise is to work at keeping your sentences short. Twelve to fifteen words should be the target word count for sentences in your cover letter. - Appealing To The Reader
You’ve worked hard on your manuscript and are prepared to send it to a publisher. You realize your manuscript was not something the publisher asked for specifically, yet you feel it matches their stated purpose. You have created a one page, concise cover letter and have made sure it contains no spelling or grammar mistakes.
The line is long at the post office, yet you gladly wait to personally send the manuscript on its way. You watch as the heartless postal worker twists your package like a Frisbee into the ‘out’ bin. Quietly you walk back to the car and hope for the best. - Query: Opening The Lock On Magazine Publishing
Every time you pick up your favorite magazine you pour over it, looking through every article. By the time you are finished many of the pages are dog-eared and you’ve discovered that so many of the articles are in line with your own personal interests and writing style.
As a writer you find yourself considering the possibility of submitting something for the magazine to consider. You have even written an article or two, but never had the courage to send them on. You have dozens of ideas, but they never go any further than the dream you have every time you look at the publisher information and see the word ‘Submission’. - Self-Publishing: How Important Is An ISBN Number?
You've weighed all your options and have determined that self-publishing makes the most sense for your foray into publishing. You understand that there is an increase in the need to self-market your title, but there is also a correlating increase in profit margin. Other risks have been assessed and you’re comfortable moving forward in the direction you've chosen.
Have you applied for an ISBN number? - The Write Stuff: Are You Freelance Ready?
Your love for writing is evident to any who know you. You have always enjoyed drafting phrases that assist you in telling a story in a positive way. You’ve always wondered if you had what it takes to become a freelance writer.
A Few Questions - Make Way For A New Freelance Writer
The avenues for successfully publishing everything from articles to short stories, poetry to how-to articles and inspirational thoughts to web content has never been more impressive.
Perhaps the greatest struggle for web writers is defining the opportunities that best suit their individual tastes and level of comfort. - Writing Contests: Building Writing Credentials
One of the ways many writers can successfully add credentials to their portfolio if to participate in a variety of literary contests. This type of contest encourages writers to put their best foot forward in both creativity and attention to detail.
It is true that there are some contests that provide a cash award for their top finishers, but there are also publishing scams that will accept your work regardless of quality. When you receive notice that your work has been accepted for publication it can be a real boost, however, a quick look at many writer’s websites can help you define the contests that are essentially vanity publishers willing to print just about anything if they believe you will purchase copies of the book for friends and family. - What To Expect At A Book Signing?
One of the most thrilling moments for an author is when they are invited to participate in a book signing. This is often the stamp of approval many writers need, especially with their first book.
Most bookstores see a book signing as a means of increasing foot traffic and promoting a sense of connectedness with the writing community. Most bookstore owners are open to the idea of providing time, space and promotion for a book signing. - Rediscovering Chapbooks
In the 1600's most cultured socialites considered chapbooks vulgar. These 'flimsy' booklets were often sold in less than reputable establishments and contained a variety of less than quality poetry, stories, ballads and political dissent. Often filled with spelling mistakes, factual blunders and little in the way of quality assurance these chapbooks often connected with the uncultured alone.
Today you will find several colleges that are working to collect copies of aging chapbooks. International universities have collections of hundred and even thousands of these manuscripts. - Writing What You Want To Write: Personal Innovation
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. - Dale Carnegie
Some of the special skills discussed in writing may have you feeling as if there is really no room for expressing your own personality in your writing. However, there is always a misunderstood need for personal innovation in storytelling. There will always be intriguing stories that defy conventional wisdom. - A Writer’s Life For Me?
It may be the hope of all who have ever put pen to paper that they might be able to write on a full-time basis. The romantic notion of a writer's life is compelling enough to many to find them seeking ways to make a living by crafting the written word.
David Boles is the publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Go Inside Magazine. Boles indicates his day starts at 8:00 a.m. and he rarely finishes writing until midnight. Boles has additional words of wisdom for new writers. - Writing Success: What Does It Mean To You?
Like most creative professions the question of a qualified success in writing is not easy to concentrate into one definitive answer.
Just as there are a multitude of writing styles, so too are there many examples of writing success. - Plagiarism: A Case Of Copy & Paste
"Fine words! I wonder where you stole 'em." - Jonathan Swift
Whether you write for the web or a magazine it can be tempting to lift a sentence or complete thought and move it into the body of your work. After all, it seems to ft the premise you are working on and you’re facing a deadline. - Dusting Off A Dream: Writing Success At Any Age
“Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk.” - J.C. Penney
Country recording artist Tim McGraw confided in an interview that there was a guy at a 7-11 that could sing him under a table. So, why is that guy serving up Slurpees while Tim is performing to packed stadiums? - Free For All
A debate is taking place on the worldwide web in connection with the use or overuse of content. Everyone seems to agree that the use of quality content is important, but how much is too much and what ways are best for the distribution of your content?
Please note that this issue is not related to write-for-hire or contract content writing. - Self-marketing Techniques For Writers
One of the most effective ways to present your work to prospective clients is by having an online presence. As the world shrinks through the use of the worldwide web, you will find clients on an international basis may be interested in your work and in your ability to work for them.
First Step - Don’t Sell Yourself Short
Freelance job sites are filled with work. If you want to work for pay today, it is possible that you can do so. You might even be able to write as many articles as you want to write.
"$1.00 Per Article - As Much Work As You Want" - Content Or Passion: Balance In The Writing Journey
Is it better to participate in content writing or write for magazine publication?
The above question is actually multifaceted and can help you determine the overall thrust of your freelance writing career. - There’s Always A Critic
Have you ever had anyone criticize your writing? Maybe they were just having a bad day. After all some people just can’t seem to say anything nice.
Not everyone is comfortable with criticism, but there may be times when it provides just what you need to move forward in your writing. - The Perfect Freelance Writer
"Careers, like rockets, don't always take off on schedule. The key is to keep working the engines." - Gary Sinese
If you pay close attention to the words and inferences of some who use freelance writers you will see that freelancers must be superhuman. - The One You Love To Hate
Many of the best stories in fiction have both an antagonist and a protagonist.
The protagonist is the main character or hero that we cheer on and hope conquers all. - The Banned Narrator-are You An Epistolary Novelist?
Do you like to write letters to those who have meant something to you? Do people like receiving your letters? Have others said they always look forward to your letters?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions you could be an Epistolary Novelist. - One Dimensional Writing-using First Person Perspective
When an author decides to write fiction one the primary methods of storytelling is through a first person perspective. For many writers this is the most comfortable manner of storytelling.
In a first person narrative the reader is allowed to relate to the story one dimensionally. The story is presented to the reader from the viewpoint of a character in the story. The narrator might be the main character attempting to relate their own story. The story might also be told from the perspective of a bystander who may not be overtly involved in the storyline. - Who's Telling The Story?
The point of view in any story is important because it provides a guide to manage the execution of your story. Most works of fiction use one point of view although a second perspective can be brought into the story for a short period of time.
Third Person Perspective is the most common method of conveying a work of fiction. This method allows the narrator to have at least limited omniscience. The narrator has limited access to the knowledge and feelings of the characters in the story and can take the reader from one character setting to another easily. There is no questioning of how the narrator knows so much about each individual; it is a premise that is simply accepted by most readers. - The Cast-developing Your Cast Of Characters
One of the most important things you can do in writing a novel is to take the time to really get to know the cast because your cast of characters will likely make or break your novel.
Some writers will begin writing a story based on an idea without really thinking much about their characters. The hope is that they will get to know the characters as the story develops. The truth is, this rarely happens and the characters can appear to the readers as anemic and rather forgettable. - A Work In Context - The Paradigm
A paradigm has been described as “A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them.”
Each writer comes at their work with a certain paradigm at work. Each writer will write with a set of assumptions about the world around them, they will subconsciously include concepts and values they find imperative. In the broadest perspective possible each writer will express their worldview in some form or fashion through what they write. This may not happen in every piece, however when the entire body of work is evaluated carefully it becomes clear what the author truly believes to be true, noble and right. - First Time Novelist Faux Pau
Those who venture into fiction writing often fall prey to certain avoidable, yet highly normal faux pau's with their first book.
Many of these novels are grand experiments. Often chapters unfold without advance direction or character notebook, sometimes there is a multitude of point of view shifts and there is often a desire to try to pack as much into the story as possible. - Are You Talking To Me?
In poetic literature you will often find a poem that seems to be inviting the reader to participate in an adventure or a love story. The use of ‘you’ is evident in the poetry, but in most cases the reader understands that the poem is written to a third party and the author is simply allowing you the opportunity to read these moments of intimate conversation.
Possessives in poetry, marked by an apostrophe, are a way to understand that the poem is written for and to another person – even when written from a first person perspective. - The Exercise Of Emulation
A writing exercise that is helpful in learning a very specific style of writing is called Emulation. This is done to match the style of a specific author.
In essence, you create an entirely new passage using an existing passage as your guide. - That’s A Hyperbolic Understatement If I Ever Heard One
There are at least sixty different types of rhetorical devices in English literature. The English language is an odd mixture of truth and symbolism and most often exhibits this propensity in the form of various figures of speech. Of all the types of symbolic or rhetorical devices used, hyperbole is the most common. The use of hyperbole may remind you of William Shatner and his propensity to overact.
Worsley Online School asked visitors to come up with examples of hyperbole. Here are a few of the best examples from school-aged children. (Source: www.worsleyschool.net) - Readers: Are They Involved?
There are two specific, yet lofty goals writers strive for every time they commit words to paper. That goal is to write in such a way as to draw their readers into the written word.
If this goal is in fictional writing the author wants the reader to become so absorbed in the story that they are both satisfied, yet sad to see the story end. - Writing Advice From The Experts Part #2
The most valuable of talents is never using two words when one will do. - Thomas Jefferson
There are many books that provide tips and guidance for publishing success. This series of articles takes you directly to a trusted source of wisdom – established authors. The hope is the experiences they have encountered will assist you in your writing objectives. - Writing Advice From The Experts Part #3
You must be prepared to work always without applause. - Ernest Hemingway
Much of the wisdom available from established authors may be surprising in it’s honesty and straightforward nature. The reason this is likely true is the authors in question have had enough success that there is no need to candy coat the truths they have discovered in their experience. This is the final article in this series. - Who's Speaking: Choosing A Narrator's Voice
Have you given much thought to the voice of your narrator? Perhaps you assumed the narrator in your novel should remain neutral. Many writers believe that the narrator should have little in the way of identity and the use of a narrator is essentially a necessary means of moving the story from one scene to the next.
It may come as a surprise to learn that your narrator can, and SHOULD, have a distinctive voice. The narrator should be used to do more than simply take the reader on a guided tour of your story. - Thesaurus: Word Roulette
There is some beautiful literary styles that thrive on the repeated use of words and phrases. The language is poetic and beautiful. This, however, is not an article that encourages the use of repeated words.
Unless you are writing in a style that demands the use of repetition it may be in your best interest to read through your text and determine if a word or phrase is overused. - Practically Perfect Proofreading And Other Editing Myths
One of the difficulties a writer faces is reviewing their work in an attempt to locate all errors. There are generally two forces that work against a writer who attempts to ensure their work is error-free.
1. Being too close to the work you have difficulty concentrating on the writing. - Being A Writer Is So Taxing
For many writers the idea of trying to figure out how to manage taxes related to writing is laughable because they are still dreaming of selling their first article, story or manuscript. However, you may well find yourself receiving payment for your writing one day – and when you do, it's important to know some tax basics as they relate to writing.
In America all income is taxable and that includes income from writing. Some writers will file as a sole proprietorship business although this is not always necessary. - Writing: It’s All In The Content
Maybe you’ve seen online advertising that reads something like, “You too can make money in your spare time as a writer.” It sounds inviting until you discover that some of that writing need includes writing a 400 word original article for one dollar.
If it takes you twenty minutes to write an article that would mean you could make $3 an hour. You might think that’s ridiculous, but there is a reason why these mini-contracts are being awarded. - Just Write: Wherever You Are
There was a time when you needed to relocate if you wanted to become a successful writer. In essence you went where the work was.
The Internet has opened a whole new world for writers. The idea of telecommuting has become a welcome component to the mechanism of freelance. - Writing Advice From The Experts Part #1
One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper pattern at the right moment. - Hart Crane
Some of the best advice for writers in the 21st century comes from those who have seen their successes and offer advice from their own experience. Let’s draw from that brain trust.
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