I just discovered this blog for "Emerging Writers." It looks like a great resource for industry and marketplace tips. Go get 'em!
http://writersontherise.wordpress.com/
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Getting Out Everytime
I know with the creation of the alumni blog and the MFA blog, we have opened up to a whole community of writers, teachers, resources, and readers. I created my professional Wordpress pages last summer and my best month saw about 50 hits per month. Now that I've been connected to the MFA blogs I have more than 450 hits for this month alone. Another important contributor to this is that all my emails also have that page as part of my signature so anyone who gets an email has access to the pages.
I think it's important to learn how to market who we are and what we do. This seems to be working with a big jump in numbers in one month. By the way if one or two people are responsible for that many pages views - please stop cyber-stalking me.
I think it's important to learn how to market who we are and what we do. This seems to be working with a big jump in numbers in one month. By the way if one or two people are responsible for that many pages views - please stop cyber-stalking me.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A HOBBY THAT PAYS!
The following blog post, "Workaholics," is quoted from 'marketing guru' Seth Godin's blog (http://sethgodin.typepad.com/).
Enjoy.
"WORKAHOLICS
A workaholic lives on fear. It's fear that drives him to show up all the time. The best defense, apparently, is a good attendance record.
A new class of jobs (and workers) is creating a different sort of worker, though. This is the person who works out of passion and curiosity, not fear.
The passionate worker doesn't show up because she's afraid of getting in trouble, she shows up because it's a hobby that pays. The passionate worker is busy blogging on vacation... because posting that thought and seeing the feedback it generates is actually more fun than sitting on the beach for another hour. The passionate worker tweaks a site design after dinner because, hey, it's a lot more fun than watching TV.
It was hard to imagine someone being passionate about mining coal or scrubbing dishes. But the new face of work, at least for some people, opens up the possibility that work is the thing (much of the time) that you'd most like to do. Designing jobs like that is obviously smart. Finding one is brilliant."
Enjoy.
"WORKAHOLICS
A workaholic lives on fear. It's fear that drives him to show up all the time. The best defense, apparently, is a good attendance record.
A new class of jobs (and workers) is creating a different sort of worker, though. This is the person who works out of passion and curiosity, not fear.
The passionate worker doesn't show up because she's afraid of getting in trouble, she shows up because it's a hobby that pays. The passionate worker is busy blogging on vacation... because posting that thought and seeing the feedback it generates is actually more fun than sitting on the beach for another hour. The passionate worker tweaks a site design after dinner because, hey, it's a lot more fun than watching TV.
It was hard to imagine someone being passionate about mining coal or scrubbing dishes. But the new face of work, at least for some people, opens up the possibility that work is the thing (much of the time) that you'd most like to do. Designing jobs like that is obviously smart. Finding one is brilliant."
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Turn Your Reading List into Publication Opportunities
I know we are writing and getting our work out to the world. This is an exciting time. But, don't forget about the reading you do. We know the cornerstone of good writing is understanding our genre and what is changing through critical reading. So, why not turn that into (in my case) a resume builder or better - a pay check? Turn your reading list into publishing opportunities.
Writing books reviews, like all writing, as its levels of intensity. Daniel Asa Rose will tell you, as an apex predator of reviewing, it is a very dicey business. You might review people that may publish your work. You might burn bridges, or make new ones. Yet, that kind of work is what shapes and defines writing in the market and it is a giant responsibility.
The kind of book reviewing that I've done is more formulaic and easy to get done. Read the book, summarize and give it a positive or negative spin. Writing book reviews for local newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other media gives you an outlet for writing professionally. I've probably written 30 or 40 reviews for Library Journal and while I don't get paid, I get to read some interesting books. And I have a good portfolio of writing samples to offer in my writing portfolio. Many of the writers on the blog have posted goals for the this year, and I think one of mine is to try to crack into Publishers Weekly and see if I can write an occasional article or book review for them. Since I have a track record with the sister company Library Journal, perhaps it will help me crack into another publication.
See Ron's Review : The Anatomy of Deception in Library Journal.
Note, that while this direction worked for me, don't forget about the value of your expertise. Kirsten wrote an article for a spiritual magazine, she might review books in that field. She might review historical fiction for a regional or national magazine. Anne might review parenting books, children's books. Carmen might review poetry websites or journals. She might review poetry books in Spanish. We all have value and important talents to lend to the world of reviewing. Let's put the "pro" back into professional writing. (I know cheesy, but I am trying to be inspirational.)
Writing books reviews, like all writing, as its levels of intensity. Daniel Asa Rose will tell you, as an apex predator of reviewing, it is a very dicey business. You might review people that may publish your work. You might burn bridges, or make new ones. Yet, that kind of work is what shapes and defines writing in the market and it is a giant responsibility.
The kind of book reviewing that I've done is more formulaic and easy to get done. Read the book, summarize and give it a positive or negative spin. Writing book reviews for local newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other media gives you an outlet for writing professionally. I've probably written 30 or 40 reviews for Library Journal and while I don't get paid, I get to read some interesting books. And I have a good portfolio of writing samples to offer in my writing portfolio. Many of the writers on the blog have posted goals for the this year, and I think one of mine is to try to crack into Publishers Weekly and see if I can write an occasional article or book review for them. Since I have a track record with the sister company Library Journal, perhaps it will help me crack into another publication.
See Ron's Review : The Anatomy of Deception in Library Journal.
Note, that while this direction worked for me, don't forget about the value of your expertise. Kirsten wrote an article for a spiritual magazine, she might review books in that field. She might review historical fiction for a regional or national magazine. Anne might review parenting books, children's books. Carmen might review poetry websites or journals. She might review poetry books in Spanish. We all have value and important talents to lend to the world of reviewing. Let's put the "pro" back into professional writing. (I know cheesy, but I am trying to be inspirational.)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Goals Goals Goals
Hi Folks,
I have not been as productive as you other graduates YET, but I'm gearing up. Click the "Goals Goals Goals" title above to link to an article I found on the "Brazen Careerist" blog at 4:00 a.m. this morning when I couldn't sleep. Some good tips on organizing one's day around her goals.
Cheers to all of our efforts and dreams!
Carmen
P.S. The links (pertaining to goals) at the end of this blog post/article are also very helpful!
I have not been as productive as you other graduates YET, but I'm gearing up. Click the "Goals Goals Goals" title above to link to an article I found on the "Brazen Careerist" blog at 4:00 a.m. this morning when I couldn't sleep. Some good tips on organizing one's day around her goals.
Cheers to all of our efforts and dreams!
Carmen
P.S. The links (pertaining to goals) at the end of this blog post/article are also very helpful!
Getting Down to Business
Kir graciously shared her writing goals here on this blog. As I get going on my transition from the M.F.A. to accumulating more clips and building my writing career, here's some of the key goals I'm focused on, particularly during the next six months:
1. Send all essays and articles written to date out to be published. Send several out, at least three days a week.
TIP: I track my submissions using the TASK feature in Outlook. I consistently enter the same description, specifically "Submitted [article name] to [publication]. I then enter the start date and end date (for example, if I submitted something today and guidelines suggest I'll hear back in a month, I mark Feb 12 as the end date with a reminder flagged.)Easy way not to lose track, and it feels good when you peek into Tasks and see the list of work submitted on query!
2. Research new markets to submit to (including travel writing opportunities). I'm always amazed how much time the research takes, but I've been unearthing some very good publications --and they accept email submissions and simultaneous submissions too.
3. Build upon my bio and clip portfolio. How we present ourselves as writers is as important as what and how we write. I'm trying to hone how I describe myself and my work, and have at the ready pdf's of my published work to include in a query if requested.
4. Redo my writer's business card. This one is done and in the mail! I even added my publicity shot -- a bold move on my part.
5. Take my blog to the next level. It's time to finetune the focus of my blog The Eclectic Writer in support of my writing career going forward. I'm repositioning the blog to be more targeted on the types of writing I'm focused on: women's issues, parenting, work/life balance,communications, and travel.
6. Work on my novel. Given the great feedback from the residency, I'm encouraged to move on!
OK, enough of writing my goals down. It's time to get back to work!
Anne
1. Send all essays and articles written to date out to be published. Send several out, at least three days a week.
TIP: I track my submissions using the TASK feature in Outlook. I consistently enter the same description, specifically "Submitted [article name] to [publication]. I then enter the start date and end date (for example, if I submitted something today and guidelines suggest I'll hear back in a month, I mark Feb 12 as the end date with a reminder flagged.)Easy way not to lose track, and it feels good when you peek into Tasks and see the list of work submitted on query!
2. Research new markets to submit to (including travel writing opportunities). I'm always amazed how much time the research takes, but I've been unearthing some very good publications --and they accept email submissions and simultaneous submissions too.
3. Build upon my bio and clip portfolio. How we present ourselves as writers is as important as what and how we write. I'm trying to hone how I describe myself and my work, and have at the ready pdf's of my published work to include in a query if requested.
4. Redo my writer's business card. This one is done and in the mail! I even added my publicity shot -- a bold move on my part.
5. Take my blog to the next level. It's time to finetune the focus of my blog The Eclectic Writer in support of my writing career going forward. I'm repositioning the blog to be more targeted on the types of writing I'm focused on: women's issues, parenting, work/life balance,communications, and travel.
6. Work on my novel. Given the great feedback from the residency, I'm encouraged to move on!
OK, enough of writing my goals down. It's time to get back to work!
Anne
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Common Ground and Copyright
The fear we all have is that some or all of our ideas might be taken from us when we post them online. As writers it is our place to understand copyright and keep up with laws and protections to help us.
Most of the samples I post are just that, incomplete stories and novel portions, offered to get a taste of my writing and style. I don't think anyone would complete the same story the same way and it was be a sure give away if someone tired. I learned through teaching Adult Education that given the same writing prompt, you get a vast amount of variation.
Copyright is simple. "Anything completely original that you put on paper or in bytes is automatically copyrighted. It is yours; anyone copying it is infringing upon your copyright. But if you have innovative ideas, people may want to take them." There is a resource page if you need to read more about copyright and protection. Personally, if you don't want someone to steal it, don't post it or show it online.
The other aspect of the issue that I think is interesting as a media web publisher is the Creative Commons license. "The Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit organization devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others legally to build upon and share. The organization has released several copyright licenses known as Creative Commons licenses. These licenses, depending on the one chosen, restrict only certain rights (or none) of the work." It is an interesting concept as we move from print to digital. If you notice my personal blog now has the Creative Commons mark on it. It protects the information there. While it was protected under copyright, why not make the point clear.
Recently, Ursula LeGuin got into a stand-off with a web writer about using her writing without permission. It is quite in-depth. While on the surface it may seem like petty squabbling, these agreements and statements that protect our writing need to be defended. Read more about it here.
I think it is safe to say that if you think something is so valuable or so different that people will steal it, leave it off the web and don't hand out copies. Yet, be professional and understand the dynamics of the profession before assuming that all literary agents are stealing your ideas, that all lit mag editors are waiting for your story so they can rewrite it and sell it, or that writing awards are where things get swiped from under your nose. Be proactive, protect your work, and stay informed about copyright and protection of your creative entities. It is all part of the professional writing life.
Most of the samples I post are just that, incomplete stories and novel portions, offered to get a taste of my writing and style. I don't think anyone would complete the same story the same way and it was be a sure give away if someone tired. I learned through teaching Adult Education that given the same writing prompt, you get a vast amount of variation.
Copyright is simple. "Anything completely original that you put on paper or in bytes is automatically copyrighted. It is yours; anyone copying it is infringing upon your copyright. But if you have innovative ideas, people may want to take them." There is a resource page if you need to read more about copyright and protection. Personally, if you don't want someone to steal it, don't post it or show it online.
The other aspect of the issue that I think is interesting as a media web publisher is the Creative Commons license. "The Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit organization devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others legally to build upon and share. The organization has released several copyright licenses known as Creative Commons licenses. These licenses, depending on the one chosen, restrict only certain rights (or none) of the work." It is an interesting concept as we move from print to digital. If you notice my personal blog now has the Creative Commons mark on it. It protects the information there. While it was protected under copyright, why not make the point clear.
Recently, Ursula LeGuin got into a stand-off with a web writer about using her writing without permission. It is quite in-depth. While on the surface it may seem like petty squabbling, these agreements and statements that protect our writing need to be defended. Read more about it here. I think it is safe to say that if you think something is so valuable or so different that people will steal it, leave it off the web and don't hand out copies. Yet, be professional and understand the dynamics of the profession before assuming that all literary agents are stealing your ideas, that all lit mag editors are waiting for your story so they can rewrite it and sell it, or that writing awards are where things get swiped from under your nose. Be proactive, protect your work, and stay informed about copyright and protection of your creative entities. It is all part of the professional writing life.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Submissions Sought from Women Writers
Here's an opportunity that my fellow women writers may be interested in....particularly you, Carmen, as one of the requests is for poetry.
The Oklahoma Arts Council has posted a call for submissions for three proposed books. Deadlines are coming up fast (end of this month, and in February). I also put the weblink at the bottom, although you may have to cut and paste into your browser. I took the info below directly from the website:
Seeking Submissions from U.S. Writers for 3 Proposed Books
Women & Poetry:
Tips on Writing, Publishing and Teaching from American Women Poets
A few areas women poets are interested include: markets for women, why women write, time management, using life experience, women's magazines, critique groups, networking, blogs, unique issues women must overcome, lesbian and bisexual writing, formal education, queries and proposals, conference participation, family scheduling, feminist writing, self-publishing, teaching tips. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail brackett-vincent@encirclepub.com or smallwood@tm.net. Use POETS in the subject line. If your topics are approved, deadline for e-mailing articles is February 28, 2008.
Milestones for American Women: Our Defining Passages.
Please consider sharing the important milestones, life changing events, transitions in your life--material that would broadly fit the "Women's Studies" genre that is highly readable, moving and relatable. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail brackett-vincent@encirclepub.com or smallwood@tm.net. Use MILESTONES in the subject line. If your topics are approved, deadline for e-mailing articles is February 28, 2008.
Women Writing on Family:
Writing, Publishing, and Teaching Tips by U.S. Women Writers
This is a book not just on writing but tips for women writing about family. Possible subject areas you might address include: Markets; why women write about family; using life experience; critique groups; networking; blogs; unique issues women must overcome; formal education; queries and proposals; conference participation; family scheduling; self-publishing; teaching tips; family in creative nonfiction, poetry, short stories, novels. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail rachael_hanel@yahoo.com. Use FAMILY for the subject line. Deadline: January 30, 2008.
http://www.ok.gov/~arts/artists/artistopps/literary.html">Oklahoma Arts Council
Good luck!
Anne
The Oklahoma Arts Council has posted a call for submissions for three proposed books. Deadlines are coming up fast (end of this month, and in February). I also put the weblink at the bottom, although you may have to cut and paste into your browser. I took the info below directly from the website:
Seeking Submissions from U.S. Writers for 3 Proposed Books
Women & Poetry:
Tips on Writing, Publishing and Teaching from American Women Poets
A few areas women poets are interested include: markets for women, why women write, time management, using life experience, women's magazines, critique groups, networking, blogs, unique issues women must overcome, lesbian and bisexual writing, formal education, queries and proposals, conference participation, family scheduling, feminist writing, self-publishing, teaching tips. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail brackett-vincent@encirclepub.com or smallwood@tm.net. Use POETS in the subject line. If your topics are approved, deadline for e-mailing articles is February 28, 2008.
Milestones for American Women: Our Defining Passages.
Please consider sharing the important milestones, life changing events, transitions in your life--material that would broadly fit the "Women's Studies" genre that is highly readable, moving and relatable. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail brackett-vincent@encirclepub.com or smallwood@tm.net. Use MILESTONES in the subject line. If your topics are approved, deadline for e-mailing articles is February 28, 2008.
Women Writing on Family:
Writing, Publishing, and Teaching Tips by U.S. Women Writers
This is a book not just on writing but tips for women writing about family. Possible subject areas you might address include: Markets; why women write about family; using life experience; critique groups; networking; blogs; unique issues women must overcome; formal education; queries and proposals; conference participation; family scheduling; self-publishing; teaching tips; family in creative nonfiction, poetry, short stories, novels. For guidelines to submit contributions, e-mail rachael_hanel@yahoo.com. Use FAMILY for the subject line. Deadline: January 30, 2008.
http://www.ok.gov/~arts/artists/artistopps/literary.html">Oklahoma Arts Council
Good luck!
Anne
Monday, January 7, 2008
One Goal Down
It looks like I've gotten an article accepted by the Lutheran Witness! They are running a feature on Service men in their Feb/Mar issue and I submitted a manuscript late in December. I just got an email today with some copy editing corrections, so I'm guessing that means I'm in. Hooray! Kir
Your Digital Handshake
We have all worked hard to get through the program. Our work and our place in the writing community is changing all the time. I wanted to mention the importance of creating a website where people can see who you are and what you have to offer. Some people may scoff at a blog page, like the one you are reading right now, but simple online applications make promoting yourself easy.
Web space for a writer can give you an electronic presence that shows you are computer literate, have accomplishments that you can list, and want people to find you and seek you out as a professional. The reason I started my professional blog was to use with my resume. When I am applying for communications and new media jobs, I wanted my potential employer to see some samples of Miranda and other electronic projects that are relevant to my work. PDF versions of my articles, journalism, and boxing stories, as well as creative samples, make this a good location for people looking for an expanded resume experience.
I think Anne has a great website with a place for where she will be appearing when she speaks. I know I just updated my own website to include my title of MFA. My point in posting this to you is that if you haven't established a web page or blog about your accomplishments, it is a quick and easy way to get connected with others, and build into your resumes, electronic signature (on all your emails) and other communications. If you need help or have trouble once you start, let me know. http://www.blogger.com/ or http://www.wordpress.com/ are the two common spaces. And it's free. Be professional, work hard, and make Brian proud.
RON
http://www.ronsamul.wordpress.com/
http://www.theeclecticwriter.typepad.com/
Web space for a writer can give you an electronic presence that shows you are computer literate, have accomplishments that you can list, and want people to find you and seek you out as a professional. The reason I started my professional blog was to use with my resume. When I am applying for communications and new media jobs, I wanted my potential employer to see some samples of Miranda and other electronic projects that are relevant to my work. PDF versions of my articles, journalism, and boxing stories, as well as creative samples, make this a good location for people looking for an expanded resume experience.
I think Anne has a great website with a place for where she will be appearing when she speaks. I know I just updated my own website to include my title of MFA. My point in posting this to you is that if you haven't established a web page or blog about your accomplishments, it is a quick and easy way to get connected with others, and build into your resumes, electronic signature (on all your emails) and other communications. If you need help or have trouble once you start, let me know. http://www.blogger.com/ or http://www.wordpress.com/ are the two common spaces. And it's free. Be professional, work hard, and make Brian proud.
RON
http://www.ronsamul.wordpress.com/
http://www.theeclecticwriter.typepad.com/
AWP Job List
Dear Grads,
You all should still have access to the AWP Job List--if you're interested in checking out available teaching jobs, it's the best place to look for writers (along with MLA and the Chronicle of Higher Education). They also list a wide variety of writing jobs outside academia. If you never got or lost your log-in info for AWP eLink, check with Laurel.
http://awpwriter.org
bc
You all should still have access to the AWP Job List--if you're interested in checking out available teaching jobs, it's the best place to look for writers (along with MLA and the Chronicle of Higher Education). They also list a wide variety of writing jobs outside academia. If you never got or lost your log-in info for AWP eLink, check with Laurel.
http://awpwriter.org
bc
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Kir's Goal List
My writing goals for this year:
1. Polish my novel
2. Find a title I like!
3. Go to a bookstore and create a list of agents
4. Write article about toddler girls
5. Write article about Jonah's shirt catching on fire
6. Sell both articles
7. Create or join a writing group in Jackson
8. Get an agent
9. Start working on WW2 book
1. Polish my novel
2. Find a title I like!
3. Go to a bookstore and create a list of agents
4. Write article about toddler girls
5. Write article about Jonah's shirt catching on fire
6. Sell both articles
7. Create or join a writing group in Jackson
8. Get an agent
9. Start working on WW2 book
Calling all alumni
Please invite the other MFA alumni to join our blog. I don't have all those email addresses. Anyone is welcome.
Kir
Kir
Residency Notes
Hi everyone.
It was such a pleasure to see you all again in person at the res after months of emails and OMG rants. I believe all of our workshops went better than planned (how was yours, Carmen?) and I KNOW we all shone at our readings. We have made such progress in these two and a half years, and more pride is in the offing.
Kir
It was such a pleasure to see you all again in person at the res after months of emails and OMG rants. I believe all of our workshops went better than planned (how was yours, Carmen?) and I KNOW we all shone at our readings. We have made such progress in these two and a half years, and more pride is in the offing.
Kir
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