eWriteLife Blog

(?) Question from H.D. Lail:

I’ve booked a unique European vacation for the spring, and it dawned on me that I should try to get a travel article or two out of the experience. Should I query my markets before I embark on the trip (in case some editors reimburse expenses or have specific ideas in mind)? Or should I wait until I return to the States, and then send my queries based on my actual experiences? Is either way more effective?

(!) Answer from debbi:

I spent the last year and a half living in Mexico City and had the great fortune of being the Mexico Correspondent for a travel webzine. I suggest querying several markets, both hardcopy and online. Better to get an idea of what a magazine/editor might
want before you go.

I did my stint sans pay, which some writers frown upon, but I gained valuable experience working with professional travel writers and editors and I now have clips. Good luck and Happy Travels!

Is there a writer who’s not weary to get The Block, I wonder? It makes one shudder just to think about - The Block. You know, the “dreaded disease” that strikes writers at one time or another.

If you’ve been through one (or still having one), I know you know what I mean.

Since it seems to be a pretty common ailment among writers, I consulted several references on the said ‘disease’. And, when I excavated the library of writing books that I have, I realised that practically every writer wrote about it. Natalie Goldberg, Anne Lamott, Sophy Burnham, Marshall Cook… Yes, each one had a chapter dedicated to The Block in their books.

They’ve noted different causes and prescribed various ‘cures. Here’s a summary of what they had to say -

Cause #1: Lack of Concentration - One is unable to focus right on the project. Keeps on jumping about. Can’t finish any-

Rx: Okay, giving one or two words of your topic description would help. An outline is better, of course, in some cases. But, don’t bother if you don’t work that way. Just write down your main idea then tape it in front of you as you write, if you wish. Refer to it every now and then. Then start writing!

Cause #2: Reign of the Inner Critic - A feeling that nothing you come up with is good enough. Some call it the Inner Judge, the Inner Editor or the Little Mind.

Rx: Just remember that editing comes later. Let the writing come first. Let it all out. Enjoy the words as they come and let your mind and imagination play. Think that anything is possible at this time. And that you’re allowed to make several not-so-good attempts. That’s why the word “draft” is invented. Just write on.

Cause #3: Unfinished Efforts - Or not enough ‘composting’ (according to Natalie) or the idea is ‘barely cooked’. Perhaps, it’s just way too early to tackle your writing idea.

Rx: Leave that idea for awhile and just come back later. It will not disappear. Jot down all you can as of now, then leave it. Think of it as a bank deposit in your journal. It will earn interest in the process. And, think of all the other ideas that’re begging for your attention saying: “Write Me - Now!”.

Continue reading ‘Rx for Writer’s Block’

“In Life, we get to act polite,
In fiction, we get to tell the truth.”

- Joel Saltzman

What is your favourite quote on and about writing? Would you like to share with us why you like it? Or perhaps, you can let us know how the quote helped you in your own writing.

I’ve got plenty of favourite writing quotes. I’m keeping a collection of these quotes.

Here’s one I found at random in my file:

“The discipline of the writer is to learn to be still and listen to what the subject has to tell him.”
- Rachel Carson

(?) Question from Kelly Stilwell:

I know I need to send clips when I send query letters, but I don’t know exactly how to send them! Do I send a copy of a newspaper magazine article I had published? What about e-zines?

(!) Answer from Lynne:

For snail-mail queries, I think it’s safer to send photocopies of your published articles, instead of giving away your originals.

For e-mail queries, you can attach the body of your previously-published work as html, text, or word documents, as long as you mention where they first appeared.

Moira Allen of InkSpot also suggests building your own website as an online portfolio, so editors can just click on a link to see samples of your work.

(!) Answer from Morley Young:

I have started using 3 pages of my favorite clips, copied and reduced to fit on an 11×17 sheet. The type is small, but still legible. You get 3 articles in front of your prospect, and it only costs you a couple of cents, maybe a nickel. Good luck!

I liked the fact the Evan Marshall was able to come up with a process that will help beginning writers to get going with their novels. And, at the same time, provide ‘veteran’ writers a way to analyse and reshape an ailing manuscript.

This book is certainly worth having on any aspiring novel writer’s bookshelf while going through the process.

Continue reading ‘The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing: Book Review’

The Scene:

Imagine being interviewed on national television, because your first book has just become a runaway bestseller.

The show has gone pretty well, and now the host turns to you for the final question.

“Not all of us are writers,” she says, “So can you please tell the rest of us — what does writing feel like?”

You put on a smile. You face the camera. And you answer: “Writing is like…”

Continue reading ‘Writing Is Like…’

Why do you want to write? Have you ever thought of a personal mission statement about writing? If and when you know your mission, your purpose, your goal - when it comes to writing - other elements that you would need to succeed become easier to fit. It also helps to keep you focused.

Also See: Personal Mission Statements and Creative Affirmations

In “Helping Out!”, you don’t just get my opinion on matters that concern writers. If you have your own suggestions or comments, please feel free to add them in the comments section.

(?) Question from debbi florence :

Who retains the rights to a story when a writer enters (and wins or doesn’t win) a writing contest?

(!) Answer from stuskin:

It depends on the contest.

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in the Philippines specifically asks for the royalty-free right to reproduce winning entries.

I think with other contests, they don’t ask for any copyrights, just the right to publish your story. Maybe you should ask the contest organizers themselves, before you use your story again.

(!) Answer from Merlyn:

You should always read the rules of a contest to see if there is anything mentioned regarding copyrights. If you are in doubt always submit a letter and ask what copyrights the contest will expect from an author submitting his or her work.

How did your mom affect your writing life? How did she make a difference in your life?

I suppose I can say my mum is the main reason behind my love of writing. She taught me to read, well and truly before I went to school and has always had a passion for words. I grew up playing Scrabble and other word games with her.

Even now we talk about the books we’ve been reading, recommending favourite authors, etc. We love entering contests, especially if you have to make up a poem or write 25 words or less.

When I said I was writing a novel she asked what took me so long. She says things to me like, “You can write a novel standing on your ear”!

She is my inspiration and when I have my novel published she will be my one person publicity team. She’s the best mum ever.

- from Heather

Continue reading ‘Writing About Mothers’