Just received news that my essay ‘Greenery, Uninterrupted’ was short-listed in the Countryside Tales article competition.
This was my first ever entry to a Writing competition, so I’m pleased with the result!
The essay will be published in a future issue of the mag and I’m looking forward to the copy.
What has your experience been with writing contests?
Thank God for the Internet.
A recent unpleasant situation with an editor at my local paper would have left me feeling helpless if it wasn’t for instant advice and support from fellow writers online. Over the weekend, I was grateful to writers at Media Women UK and Newbie Writers who discussed my situation, supported me and reinforced my opinion that I was in the right. Today, The Renegade Writer Blog has published my query, which I sent to them in desperation.
The whole sordid episode has taught me one big lesson : Don’t write for free.
And yes, to everybody on the forums who agree that this is the biggest mistake newbie writers make (writing for free), I say, “You’re right”.
Lesson learned. Never again
A random Google on ‘Writers’ Bloc’ threw up 1,700,000 hits.
There are a few zillion groups out there with the same name as mine. Talk about serendipity. The best names seem to be taken already. The popular names play on the work ‘Write’ in some form or the other, or they have something to do with the industry. There can be only SO many words on the subject. Have we exhausted them all?
Do you have any suggestions? Please leave a comment!
My article on 15 paying markets for essays has received a lot of positive feedback from fellow essayists which got me thinking :Is it really so hard to find markets for life stories? I know there are not many listings out there (like mine, all in one place), but there are a few others.
Here are some more places that you can find markets for your essays:
The Forum on Newbie-Writers.com
My bookmarks at del.icio.us
Writing to heal
Paying Personal Markets by Christine Cristiano
Profitable Personal Essays by Dawn Goldsmith
Writing Personal Essays for Profit by Pamela Occhino
Getting Personal: Eight Paying Markets For Your Personal Essays by Erika Dreifus
The Makings of a Personal Essay, Really By Jenna Glatzer
Having your say – writing personal essays by Lois J Peterson
Exploring the Personal Essay by Deborah Bouziden
Getting Personal – Writing Essays for contests
Ebooks
Funds for the Essayist by C Hope Clark
The Practicing Writer’s Directory of Paying Essay Markets by Erika Dreifus
Anything by Julia Cameron gets me out of the dreaded block asap. I have quite a few of her books and I like her philosophy.
Another favorite is Natalie Goldberg’s Writing down the bones. If you like Buddhist / Zen writing, this book will be nice to read. Some of the chapters are not as interesting as the others (to me), but overall, I like her imagery, tips and habits.
Then there’s everybody’s favorite : Stephen King’s On Writing. I can’t stand King’s fiction. I began reading Carrie but wanted to throw up by the second page; haven’t touched another of his novels since. But I loved ‘On Writing’. I’ve read it a couple of times and each time I admire the man for his strength, courage and tenacity. That’s the kind of writer I wish I was.
Writing magazines give you inspiration by the bucket-loads too. I’ve just begun subscribing to Writing Magazine and get Writer’s News as a freebie, which is great because it is full of market information.
July’s been one of those months of fits and starts. Last week, I was motivated to do a LOT. Several queries and submissions went out of the door and I’m left with a few assignments as a result of that. What’s happening since? Nothing.
An article was published in the local paper, but under the sectional editor’s byline. That’s a very long story by itself and I’m not going to go into it (too much heartache). I’ve got two features for W&A to complete, several leads to follow and the damn WB assignment to complete (I hate fillers).
I’m still waiting for replies for several submissions including one to the Guardian. I wonder how long is an ‘appropriate’ time to wait for a national newspaper…
Despite all these exciting developments, I’ve not been motivated to pick up the pen (keyboard) again. Blogging, yes, but that’s not work. I’ve been checking blogging job sites; I spend so much time blogging, might as well make it pay!
I’ve found a full-time job ad for a Staff writer at one of the world’s largest animal rights charities. The job description sounds perfect. Trouble is, will I be able to convince myself of their militant tactics enough to write about it? The deadline to apply is still some days away, so will think about it.
I hope you have spent your time wisely. What are you doing reading this post?! You should be writing! (Me too).
This blog has found a new home. I’ve moved it from Blogger for several reasons : It’s no longer linked with my personal blog, so I can write under my own name; WP themes are much better than blogger; I’ve heard very +ve stuff about WP, so let’s see 
Talking about helping yourself to write, I’ve purchased Mike Gerrard’s ebook called ‘So you want to be a travel writer?’ The book was written in 2005, but it could do with updating as things have changed a lot, especially with reference to technology. Otherwise, it is a wonderful 62 page guide on how to get started in the business. The ideas and tips can work for any aspect of writing, not just travel. The book contains interviews with travel editors and tips on what they want – a handy insight!
I’ve also signed up for an e-course through Writers Weekly called ‘Local magazines and newspaper markets : Tap into yours’. With my third feature coming out this week in my local paper, this is a niche market that I’d like to explore further. Let’s see if the course makes a difference.
And before you think I’ve got a lot of spare cash to be spending online, let me tell you that both these purchases were cheap ones. With the pound stronger than before, it barely makes a dent in the credit card. The e-book cost me a little over £2 and the course £12 . I’ve more than recovered the cost of the e-book with the advice in it. The course begins next week – will let you know how it goes.
It’s the middle of the year already. My tall New Year resolution to send 3 queries a week have, obviously, fallen by the wayside.
Here’s the real story for submissions in 2007 (as of July 13)
16 queries submitted, 8 successful
15 submissions sent, out of which 2 published, 2 accepted & awaiting publication
11/15 submissions – declined / no response.
Sending queries is not easy. While the mind brims over with ideas, finding a suitable market makes for the delay. Of course, ensuring that you have enough to write about is another thing to worry about. I used to worry endlessly that a query would be accepted and I would not have enough material to complete the article. With experience however, this is no longer the case – writing an outline is the best thing you can do.
If you’re looking to break into travel writing, take a look at this blog. Full of great links to travel related blogs and websites, http://writetotravel.blogspot.com/is the story of one writers journey on the road to publication.
I’ve spent the better half of a precious writing day browsing, umm, reading / going from link to link. It’s been worth it.
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
