Newsletter Editors Are Writers Too
I love to write. I begin writing with kid-lit for my grand-kids,
home made just for them. I write for fun. I have also written
some rants and a few random thoughts. I write nothing fancy, PC
(punctuated correctly), or of novel length. I've had a few of my
biographical memory pieces published in family magazines.
Since I became a member of an online writers site, I've tried my
hand at other genres, thanks to the prompts. My stories are
short and quick to read. No novel is planned for 'down the
road', no plans for publishing.
Can I then call myself a real writer? Am I serious enough about
writing?
Writing a monthly newsletter for each of two groups has required
me to do a lot of researching on the craft of writing. I read
and study in preparation for the letter, and believe it or not,
some of it sticks.
I've put a list together of a few of the requirements I've
noticed during my searches.
A real writer is serious about writing, driven, and writes
daily.
A real writer lets nothing come in the way of finishing the
novel.
A real writer has a neat desk and keeps everything in the
correct folder.
A real writer keeps a notebook with them at all times.
A real writer is well educated.
A real writer writes, he won't edit until the story is told.
A real writer wears a tweed jacket and smokes a pipe.
A real writer locks the door to his office and speaks to no one
during his writing time.
Does this describe you? It doesn't me. I am none of these
things, not one. Does that mean I'm not a real writer? No, I
don't think so. Real writer's write for themselves too. I write
because I like to. I'm serious about the piece I'm working on,
and I want it to be the best it can be, but I'm not driven and I
don't feel the need to write daily.
My desk isn't neat. It has no semblance of being organized; in
fact, it's very messy. I can find what I need though. Usually.
Somewhere. I might as well have a revolving door because people
come and go all day. I must edit as I go, and I would look
ridiculous with a pipe.
The most important 'tip' I know is 'write for the joy of
writing'. Write for yourself, for those you love. The publishing
will happen if you research well and submit to the right place
at the right time. From what I've read, it's mainly a matter of
luck. I know editors have turned down best sellers, so if you've
been rejected, you're among the best. If an author has a good
story and his confidence in his writing is secure, he should go
ahead and self-publish without any qualms. It works. Amazon is
filled with these types of books and they are as good as the
publishing houses turn out, better in some cases. Research well
and ask for opinions before deciding who to use though. As with
anything, some are not as they profess to be.
We don't work in our real life jobs everyday. We need to take
time off for that walk in the park. We need to relax and laugh
out loud. Employers realized that a long time ago, and require
their employees to take a day off once a week. They know the
employee will come back refreshed and raring to go. Hmm, they'll
come back anyway. Inspiration comes from everyday living. If
you're stuck behind a desk every spare moment, where will you
find your inspiration? Yes, we need a schedule, but it doesn't
have to be strictly adhered to by the clock.
You won't lose your story if you miss a scheduled hour of
'writing' time. In fact, chances are you'll get more
accomplished with better quality after refreshing yourself. If
you think you must write every day just because some experts say
so, writing will soon lose its appeal; it will cease to be fun.
We can't let that happen, can we?
Write as long as it's fun, but as soon as you feel it start to
drag, take a break. Forcing yourself to finish 'just one more
page' is worthless. You'll probably have to cut it anyway.
Yes, newsletter editors are writers too.