Don't Do What I Did
You are not ready to submit until you do this one thing.
My daughter was seven when she wrote her first book.
It was inspired by some order I’d given her, that led to a meltdown—for both of us. She started writing when I sent her to her room for a break and came out later with a stack of printer paper, stapled at the edges, covered in words, written in marker.
It was, she told me, a chapter book. A self-help book for other kids about how to deal with your parents when they make you mad. I’m certain there’s a market for a book like that and sure, too, that we’ve provided her with a lot of material.
Full Circle
Last week, she explained what she’s learning in her senior writing class about full-circle moments. Then she read her college essay to me.
Rarely are things resolved. Seldom do we get the neat-and-tidy happy ending. Many of the things we will write about—just like the experiences we live—will have no clear ending, or beginning, they twist and change forcing our characters and our awareness to change too.
But there are moments that bring us back, that echo who we were when we started, and reflect who we are now. Those moments give structure to our writing. Show how the characters, real or fictional, were challenged and how they transformed. Demonstrate our humanity.
Look for those in your stories. Show them on the page. Bring the reader full circle.
Don’t Do What I Did
When I talk about how to pitch, I always mention one tip: Spell the editor’s name right. Basic. But every editor will tell you, that people mess this up all the time.
On Monday, I did too.
I was churning through the items on my to-do list when I got an email from an editor, confirming an assignment. I was excited, but distracted. And I fired off an immediate response, then got back to my to-do list.
In my haste, I didn’t bother to proofread that letter. If I had, I would have discovered a typo and the editor’s name misspelled. My ears feel hot just thinking about it now. Not a good look for a professional writer bucking for a job.
And oh, the irony, because this week’s Simply Write w/Polly podcast talks about what happens when we pre-crastinate (nope, that’s not a typo) —or tackle things ASAP just so we can get them done, rather than being mindful of what we are doing and why.
That can definitely jeopardize your writing and submissions.
There is always a tension I feel when I have deadlines looming and a lot to do and that tension can cause me to do sloppy work in an effort to get things—anything done. I’m working on managing that tension.
Are you prone to pre-castination? Listen here to learn more and drop me a comment or note about how you deal with it if you see pre-crastination showing up in your life.
What’s in the Desk?
On the Simp;y Write w/Polly podcast, we talk about writing craft and crafting a writer’s life. My favorite segment of the show is called What’s In the Desk? This is when I share my favorite pen, notebook, or other item I love to use in my writing life and I love to hear what the guest authors have to say.
So, what’s in my desk today?
Pilot Iroshisuku Ku-Jaku. In Japanese Ku-Jaku means peacock and it’s the name of the newest fountain pen ink I got. It’s a teal blue that is somehow muted and bold at the same time and I can see it sloshing around in my demonstrator pen. So cool.
What’s in your desk—or on your desk? What do you like to have around when you write? Drop me a comment or note or shoot me a pic and I will include it in an upcoming newsletter. Let me know which tools of the trade you most like to use.
Resources
Contest
Last year I did this fun contest the Microfiction Challenge with NYC Midnight. It stretched me out of my comfort zone, had me thinking about writing in a new way, and felt fun and different. The stakes and entry fees are low.
The 5th annual 250-word Microfiction Challenge will happen Dec. 9th and NYC Midnight offers different contests throughout the year. You receive judge’s feedback with every submission, and my feedback was super specific and useful and there are prizes to the winners.
Shipping our work and receiving feedback is an important way to grow as a writer—this was a fun way to do it.
Freebie
Marketing your book is as important as writing your book but Author and media trainer Paula Rizzo—you know her from Simply Write w/Polly episode 132—spent years as a television producer and has a free resource to help you prepare for those podcasts and appearances.
🎤📚 Download Paula Rizzo’s free guide, "10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer," and master the art of confident book promotion and hone your book-selling skills. #AuthorSkills #MediaTraining.
I believe in what she offers, so I agreed to be an affiliate. If you click on the link I may earn a commission.
"And what, you ask, does writing teach us? First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is a gift and a privilege, not a right.”
—Ray Bradbury
Now, sit down and Simply Write.
-p
