Every writer needs to believe. In themselves. In their work.
Art of writing changes as does the changes of time. But the love of words remain steadfast and strong.
Yes, writers are an elite class of people.
For wthin each of us there's a desire, to write. express, share thoughts, views and ideas. We look for that pat on the back, the praise, recognition. For writing well done. To see our name in print. A sense of self accompishment.
Far too many of us have collections of promising articles and stories in various stages of incompletion. Fearing of not believing in ourselves.
Fearing rejection. We personally are not being rejected. Our writing is. It may not be exactly what the editor be looking for. Disappointing? of course. End of the world? no!.
Close your eyes, imagine you are an editor facing hundreds of equally qualified submissions. But the need is a mere handful for one issue. You see, editors jobs are not that easy.
Move on, because rejections are not signs of failure. Each rejection brings us closer to acceptance.
Continue to write and rewrite those articles, stories and essays to perfection. Editors are busy people.
Remember we are trying to make a sale.
Continuously submitting, improving our craft, coming up with new ideas and angles is our job.
We must know each publication and guidelines. We must know the expectations of the editor. Follow their every instruction. Remember they are in control.
We need them. It's not the other way around. Make sure every submission is error free. Proof read many times. Never rely on spell checkers alone. They do miss errors. There is no perfect system out there. Put it aside for a day or two.
Be positive that each submission, envelope, cover letter and hard copy is clean and professional looking.
So let's get to the post office, mail out those pride and joys.
Each E mail and postal submission must remain clean and professional. Follow the guidelines of the publication. There is no excuse for sloppy work. Never be cute in e-mails or postal cover letters. Be professional through out. Never address the person by their first name, even if they do.
Are you staring at a blank computer screen, thinking: "What am I going to write, I can't think of anything?"
Write as it flows to mind. The rest will follow. Even if it makes no sense. Just get those thoughts down first. As long as you write daily. Don't be hard on yourself, have fun.
Start your story where ever is convenient for. It doesn't matter at this point.
Writer's block does not exist. What is lacking is inspiration. You must write something, Write anything daily. Whatever it is, it's far better than nothing. Take a break. Get inspired by looking out the window, taking a walk. Observe, taking in everything. I prefer recording those notes on my mico-recorder. You may choose a small pad and pen.
Once you are refreshed, write down what you observed. The longer you don't write -the more difficult it becomes, Write, write, write.
My micro-recorder and pocket-sized notebook are with me where ever I go. Not only have they been instrumental in keeping notes for ideas that are captured through my days journey but has done wonders in my readbacks. My nightstand have both, just in case.
Goals must be in short attainable steps, easily within your grasp. Otherwise they are useless and you won't be able to determine if they've been met. As long as it's realistic and attainable. It has to work for you. It's great to have big dreams.
Don't ever stop dreaming. But you need a plan with goals. Step by step to get there. Without a plan you go nowhere or you go in circles accomplishing nothing.
Have a writing plan, a goal. There are many free courses. out there if you help. Check these out first. My friends Rob Parnell and Judy Cullins are excellent sources of information.
Review your progress once a week to find. You will need to know if you are on schedule, ahead of schedule, or falling behind.
If your first three months haven't brought you any closer to your goal, don't waste another three, doing exactly the same thing! Revise accordingly. Be realistic. Goals are like maps, they guide you to where you wish to go. The beauty of goals they can be changed as needed.
Beware of Scams. Never pay to have your work read or published. They are to pay you.
Most poetry magazines do not pay. It's sad but true. If an editor accepts your work, that's fantastic. You are one more step closer to success.
Check businesses out with the Better Business Bureau. If a red flag goes up in your mind, listen to it. Remember anyone can hang a sign out saying they are such and such. But are they legitimate and honest?
NEVER give up your source of income. Keep your job. There are no guarantees in this writing profession as you are starting out. You will need food on the table, a roof over your head, heat to warm you in the cold of winter and air conditioning in the sweltering heat. You and your family come first. You know I'm being realistic.
It's too easily to get side-tracked if your goals are unrealistic. Don't listen to those sure fire secrets to success in many writing magazines and web search. They do offer up a hefty advice on writing ideas. But they fail to mention the strategies are not for everyone.
Beware of those writing magazine advertisements that try luring your monies out of your pocket into theirs. Hold tight to your dreams, goals, monies.
Writing classes could help you toward your long-term goals. Thoroughly investigate. Ask questions. Most importantly will they provide you the knowledge you seek? What are their credentials? How long have they been in business? Be careful when disclosing your personal information, especially online. Above all get everything in writing, signed receipts with dates.