Desperately Seeking...Your Thoughts

I just got an email response to a query that left me scratching my head. As writers, I'd like your input on my evident misinterpretation of the guidelines.

Here's the guidelines:

WRITERS GUIDELINES
Articles accepted 'on spec' and available as reprints.
Queries considered if accompanied by writing samples.
Submissions accepted in Microsoft Word, SimpleText or in body of email.

Here's what I asked the assistant editor when I called:
"To whom do I mail my query letter and samples?"

Here's what she said
"xxxx@sssss.com" (obviously changed to protect the innocent--my point is that I deliberately asked about sending the query and the clips)

Here's what I sent:

A query letter for an article topic covered in the "Types of Articles" section plus two published clips.

Here's what I got:

Beth--
At this time we are in no position to assign articles (and pay 'kill' fees if they are not published.)

We accept article submitted on 'spec' and available as reprints.
For our writers guidelines, visit: ssss.com
thanks for your interest...

And here's me now:

Totally confused. I did exactly what they wanted and seemingly was slapped on the wrist for not knowing what I was doing...even though I explicitly followed their guidelines.

Or am I misinterpreting? (Or misremembering, a la Roger Clemens). I would definitely appreciate your interpretation.

I'm not losing sleep, however. The query is on its way tonight to another publication! 2000 words on spec? Are you crazy?

Oh, wait, I meant....

I meant that I sent two queries today. Not really queries, but responses to ads posted on a freelancer's email loop. You know, the kind where you have to send your writer's resume and clips? Man...that resume was a killer (I hate resume writing) but it's nice to have it in the hip pocket to shoot out there at a moment's notice.

I just finished sending out my first letters of interest. You know what those are, right? Where you basically write a self-sales letter to a publisher mentioned your interest in writing for them, include a resume (aha! it strikes again!) and a clip or two. I actually included a link to my online portfolio instead of attaching stuff. You never know if it'll get through or not...

Have you ever sent LOIs? I haven't. Heck, I hadn't heard of 'em til a few weeks ago, but thought it was worth a shot. My ultimate freelance dream is to have editors call me with article ideas they want me to write (and the other part of that dream is to have them offer me six figs for it LOL), so maybe this is a step in the right direction.

One more last question: I'm working on an article on how to write more descriptively and for all you fiction writers in the crowd, what kinds of questions do you have about writing more descriptively? What problems do you face? I have an idea of how I want to approach the content but it's always nice to have the ideas of others in mind. Post a reply here or zip me an email at: blog@bethmorrow.com and let me know.

Another day, another query

I've been on a roll this week. I think I made myself take myself seriously (if you followed that) and am now on a mission to query as much as possible.

Tuesday I sent out two queries. Nothing back.

Today I sent out one query. Obviously nothing back.

I still have 15 LOIs to send out by the end of this week as my personal challenge.

I did pick up a little something interesting. I volunteer at the local diabetes association and mentioned to the executive director some time back that if they ever wanted writing help to call me. One of the directors emailed yesterday and asked to help on some marketing materials, so I'm going in to talk about that on Friday. Very cool. I know some writers scream bloody murder about doing work for free, but this is my way of using my talent to help something I care passionately about.

Oh, and to make someone (a friend and regular blog reader) happy, I've promised to re-visit a comment from the other day: I am a real writer, no matter how cruddy I feel on any given day about the fact that I don't (yet) rule the writing world. I actually made the comment jokingly (you remember in Shrek--I forget which one--where Gingy turns into a boy and says "I'm a real boy!"--well, that's the tone of voice I typed "I'm a real writer" in, even if you couldn't hear it.) (so are you happy, T?)

Off to work out and do a little meditation, then back at the queries. Maybe I can get those LOIs off tonight....or at least make a dent in the list...

I love Mondays. Honest!

Since the new writing room is 98% done (just general clutter to clear), I've been pretending to be a real writer :)

First and foremost, getting those queries out has been my main objective. I've managed to send two more, another just needs a signature line, and I've got a few more floating in the back of my head. But I digress...

I read a fascinating diabetes-related story today on some research the FDA has been conducting on teenagers and insulin pumps. For those of you who know me, that's a near and dear subject to me...my baby brother (who will be 30 (!!!) in September) has been a Type 1 since the age of 18 months, my best friend has been a Type 1 since age two, and I've spent the last 15 years working at a summer camp with the most amazing diabetic teenagers you've ever met. Anyway--this research was a little fanatical and negative toward teenagers' use of insulin pumps, and frankly--it ticked me off. (also, for those who know me, some of my best writing comes when I'm mad...lol).

I wanted to refute the research and let parents (and others) know that the insulin pump has been nothing short of life-altering for many of the kids I work with, so I scratched out a query on my lunch break to a diabetes magazine I enjoy reading. In looking over submission guidelines, I had a hunch they wanted samples along with my query even though it didn't mention it explicitly (call it writer's intuition), so I called the assistant editor, left a message, and went back to work.

Just before I headed out for the day, the editor returned my call. He confirmed what they wanted, I zipped off my query, and promptly forgot about it on the drive home. After dinner, I happened to glance at my phone and noticed a call I'd missed--the head editor. He left me a great message: not only does he want to discuss my idea further (he really likes the idea), but also wants to discuss the possibility of me doing more writing for them. I can't wait to call him tomorrow. I probably won't even sleep. Just like Christmas! I love writing about diabetes with the intention to inform and help. Very cool!

Maybe it's just me pretending, or this great new striped purple wallpaper that inspires me...but I'm starting to feel like a real writer...lol.

All I can say now is...bring on Tuesday! What are your writing goals for the week?

hey freelancers...looking for a writing challenge?

Ok, I've been tossing around an idea in the old noggin for the last few days but am not sure I have thought it all the way through.

I'm having fun (yes, honestly) challenging myself by getting queries in the mail, and wondered if other freelancers might be interested in coming along for the ride. I just read an article in a previous The Writer magazine (forget the issue) where, in the column on how I broke in, the girl interviewed mentioned that she had no fewer than (I believe) 18-20 queries in the mail at a time. Once one was rejected, she reworked it and sent it off to another potential publisher.

So now I've been thinking...what if...a small group of freelancers interested in a fun little challenge all came together to try and get 20 (or another arbitrary number) queries into the mail (or email) in a certain period of time? Maybe even have a little prize for the winner?

Personally, given my competitive nature (so they say...lol) I think it'd be fun.

What about you? If you're a freelancer, would you be interested? Fiction writers...sorry about your luck, but this one wouldn't really apply. I hate to think you have twenty queries in the pipeline for one story...!!

Think about it, zip me a note or post a comment and let's see what we can come up with. Anything in the name of writing!

Two ideas, one assignment. Niiiiiiice.....

Two queries out, one assignment in.

I sent the initial query for the writing article and got the assignment the next day. The editor liked the second idea (there's why you send two at a time after you get to know the editor), so that'll be a fun summer project, out in October.

The first idea from that query letter is something she felt the magazine had done to death, but I like my spin on it, so I'm going to dust it off and send it to another writing magazine I think it fits well with. I'll do that tonight or tomorrow.

Reading one of my many market ezines yesterday, I found a new market I liked a lot (after visiting their web page) and had (I'm not lying here!) seven instant ideas for their niche. I went with the one that seemed most fun and unique. Scribbled out a query over lunch, sent it when I got home. Don't expect to hear back until next week sometime, but I am trying a new "thing" when I get rejections that I read from a prolific freelancer: after the editor sends a rejection, I'm going to have another idea/query to zip off to him. I didn't initially send two ideas in this first query letter because the magazine is a major one, and I've researched enough to know they like detailed queries..which is what I sent.

In reading the Saturday paper, I also found four more new story idea possibilities for trade magazines. Maybe I'll work on that tomorrow. Today is the day I get this office space settled once and for all....

I've got good news ...and...not so good news

Alright, let's start with the not-so-good (it doesn't qualify as "bad" because it could be worse, but it ain't peachy-keen):

Emailed an editor at a publication who'd accepted an article of mine (on a near and dear subject to my heart: diabetes summer camps) last summer. I did get paid (a plus, and I'm lucky--I've heard horror stories) a tidy little sum, but the article was being pushed from late autumn to mid-winter. No problem, but I just had a nagging sense that things weren't going well.

The editor informed me today that the magazine isn't currently being published (money woes) and that she's not with them anymore. Shame--it was a very good magazine. Different, fresh, dynamic. Ah well. Might see if I can get back the rights to sell it somewhere else (it's a damn good article, and features my brother and best friend. What's not to like?!)

So the good news is that the editor I mentioned in the previous post liked my second idea and wants to go with it for the October issue (August deadline). Woohoo! This idea is a cool one--one I came up with on a whim during spring break--and hoped to be able to work into an article. I'm excited. I'll have to do some research for it, but it's focused on genre-specific writing, so that'll be fun. Very cool, and it leaves the first idea free to be pitched elsewhere (I did say I'd do that tomorrow, right?)

I should have time in the morning. I've got a fun trip to the endodontist planned for 10:45 for a root canal. Did I say wooooo--hoo? You know, happy gas always gives me some good ideas too...got a great novel idea when getting a filling once. Maybe tomorrow is my lucky day (all over again!)

Oh, and I've come up with a fun little plan: for the next ten days, I'm going to send out a minimum of one query per day. Let's see how things shape up (and if I can actually *finish* my goal!)

Query Letters

I love query letters. No, I really mean that. Something about being forced to write short, tight and succinct really gets me going.

Since spring break I've been toying with two article ideas for writers. Well, one, to be honest, but the first rule of query writing is never send a query with just one idea (unless it's to the big-league magazines, who often like lengthier and more in-depth queries). So I spent a little time, thought about another article idea that's been lurking in the depths of my brain, and put together an outline to get my idea straight.

Just zipped off the query to an editor who is truly one of my favorites to work with. I sense her love of editing through her emails and that's something I really admired. She's also respectful of replying--no 'falling off the earth into the bowels of rejection' for her--if she doesn't think an idea suits her publication, she'll let you know.

Both of my ideas are good, and one in particular has the potential to be a workshop, report or online course. I love those most. If they don't suit her, I'll spiffy 'em up and send to another editor. We shall see...fingers crossed...(must be this new purple wallpaper inspiring my creativity...)

limes...

I really don't have any reason to entitle this post "limes" other than the fact that (bear with me): limes are the opposite of lemons, idiomatically speaking. Limes are less sour, a little more likeable than lemons, a sparkling shade of green, and, interestingly enough, the best garnish for a margarita (on the rocks, double salt, please)...which is the long way to say...things are looking up.

The wallpaper came last night, but that's not why I'm feeling better. The sun comes up earlier and stays out later, but that's not why I'm feeling better. Ate junkfood and ice cream with my mom and sister yesterday after shopping, but that's not why I'm feeling better.

I'm feeling better because I feel like writing. I feel those creative urges to get out paper and a pen and start scribbling. I have to temper my desire to start a new word document at work with ideas for articles with the fact that I have to finish some observations and school visits (so I compromise by writing article ideas on a post-it pad in my observation notebook). I *literally* get article ideas everywhere I look (a profile for a new store going in on the corner I drive by every day; a series of articles for parents on how to get cooking with your kids after a casual conversation with a friend).

If you're a writer, you know exactly what I'm talking about. There is truly nothing in life more exciting or consuming than being in the beginning stages of a new writing project. Now, if I could just get a pill to keep that excitement and motivation going...maybe I should flavor it with a little lime...

lemons...

I've been getting a lot of those, career-wise,lately. Not the writing career but the classroom one. Long story short, I'm headed back to the classroom.

What's fascinating is that, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I never truly worried about getting something better. It was a shock to find out people (only a few)I have come to know, trust and love like family were really gossiping, spiteful, easily-deluded people (and this just in the last month of life), but if this had happened to me five years ago, it would have devastated and derailed me mentally for months.

Not this time. This time I took it all in stride and used it to springboard my thoughts and actions toward something I know will never let me down: writing. Winter in Ohio has a way of dropping doldrums all around and spring is always a refreshing change. This year, moreso than ever.

Not only am I purging old files, tossing old contracts and getting rid of research used for articles years ago, I'm completely renovating my office from top to bottom. The hubby helped by removing the most *hideous* cabinet from the ceiling of my room, I ordered new wallpaper and am remodeling the closet to be the desk center. Instead of the 1972 seafoam walls, I'll be retreating to a calm, relaxing lavender, purple and daisy-decorated haven guaranteed to inspire. The promise of something fresh is helping energize my writing as well. I'm fleshing out several different projects, from workshops to articles and creative coaching endeavors. I'm so excited I can hardly sit still.

There's nothing like new digs to breathe life into your life...in whatever area it may be. And there's nothing better to temper the sour taste of lemons with than the sweet smells of success.

I know I *should* be....

...writing, of course. (what else?!)

I'm just taking a quick break. This week I've tried something a little different with the writing time: I've created a schedule. Ok, not a rigid and staunch measure of my time, but rather a general goal-oriented list of 8 things I need to do this week to work toward my quarterly goals (April to June, remember?)

Here's what I'm working on:
1) Freelance work: send out six queries this week (I have about twelve good ideas)
2) Come up with a blog schedule to let you know when and what I'm going to post on a regular basis (five days are filled in...)
3) Flesh out two ideas for writing workshops I was asked to create (I have the ideas, just not the "flesh" part..lol)
4) Start an ebook idea list (I have tons of little post-its floating around with my ebook topic ideas)
5) Buy a big calendar from Staples to put on my wall to fill it up with all my workshops, meetings, etc.
6) Get the hub to help me take down this hideous "cabinet" on the ceiling of my writing office so I can repaint & remodel the room (I'd do it myself but it's immense and heavy, solid wood)
7)Clean out the closet in this office and put the organizer here in the hub's garage so I can get a small desk area to put there (and repaint it from the 70's seafoam green that it is now...ugh!!)
8)Update my website to create a page listing my creative/writing coaching service (having lots of fun with that aspect).

I'll check back in on Sunday and let you know where I stand. I will say having the list has helped my focus. If I could just get a seatbelt to help my productivity...!

How about you? What is your writing "to-do" list this week?

Back in the saddle...

Not that I ever *was* in the saddle, mind you. Or stayed there for long...but I digress...

Back from spring break. Been back, actually. Returned Saturday evening. That time lapse from out west to back east gets harder each time. I was up til 11 last night and barely slept a wink before the alarm jarred me again at 5. Ack!

How has your writing been coming? I find that with the transition from winter into spring, I come out with more energy and focus--and that ideas for articles spring forth like crocuses (crocusii??) from the cold ground to get me going again. I love it!

This spring is no different so far. Last night in my sleepless state, I had no less than eleven fabulous (aren't they always fabulous?!) magazine article ideas come to me. I scratched them down with the goal of sending out six queries this week. That's about one a day with a day off (or four in one day and two in another..lol). I'm a weird bird in that I *LOVE LOVE LOVE* to write queries. Go figure. They're sometimes more exciting than the article! (ok, maybe not). But they're where my ideas turn into something solid...I love the process.

What about you? Is spring putting the pep back in your writing step? I'd love to hear about it. How about we have a Comment Contest for April? For each (relevant, not just drive-by) comment you post, I'll put your name in a drawing for some fabulous writer's prize (I'm guessing a book). Use the commenting to your advantage--update us on your blog, your writing or your creative life, ask writing questions or share some writing insight. Writers love reading...give us something to check out!

On that note, I'm heading back to my query challenge. I also set quarterly goals (April-June) of having six new deadlines to add to my calendar between now and June, so I'd better get cracking...

Happy Writing--and commenting!

Beth

Almost off....

I'm half a day away from leaving on spring break. This year, I'm headed to a place in Arizona I fell in love with two years ago in the Sonoran desert.

None too soon, either. I haven't been posting much due to a plethora (I've never used that word before in conversation lol) of issues on the home, job and family fronts. I'm hoping this time away (with sunshine, lord knows we don't get enough of that in Ohio) brings me back refreshed. I've already got a headstart in having done some good fiction writing these last two days.

I promise more regular posts when I get back. In the meantime, check out a new blog or two in the sidebar or visit the archives for mighty good writing advice.

Happy writing!
Beth

sometimes....

....life interferes with the plans we've made.

Without getting into a huge post, let's just say that life's dealt me five interesting cards lately--and I don't remember how to play poker.

It's upsetting but not devastating. What's most upsetting is that it's interfered with my writing. Even though I have the bones of a fiction project I've been working on and they were coming together nicely, I'm struggling with the motivation to do anything further. Normally rife with ideas, my brain isn't cooperating, just slugging along. And the unending rain we've had here in Ohio this past week hasn't helped, either.

Today I feel a little better: I forgot about a deadline (tomorrow, I think) for an article on networking, so I sat down a few minutes ago without a solitary idea in my head and ended up with an outline that not only will guide my article but breathed a little life back into my creativity. You writers know what I mean: that little warm smile you feel inside when your words come to life on the page.

Even if I can't control the events unfolding around me, I can write. I will write. It will keep me sane...well, as close as we can expect, anyway.

I'll let you know when the article is done (hopefully tonight since it's due tomorrow...lol)

happy writing...

Beth

still here, just overwhelmed

I suppose the title says it all!

The day job has really kicked my butt lately. Going in at 6:30, getting home around five with no lunch basically wipes me out for anything creative...blogging, writing, anything. (Who said being a teacher was easy?!)

Luckily, the test that I'm in charge of administering is winding down. Last makeup tomorrow, so I hope to be back soon doing stuff I love (writing, not testing). In the meantime, check out some of the blogs to the right -----> or read some of the archives for a dose of inspiration.

happy back-to-writing-soon,
Beth

March 6: Best of: Writer's Calendar

Nothing better than something to help you get truly organized--check out this writer's calendar. Though the post is dated from 2006, Julie of OrganizedWriter.com has a great 2008 version for your pleasure...

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Monday, December 4, 2006
OrganizedWriter.com's Writer's calendar

March 5: Best of: Blogging

One of the easiest and best ways to build an author's platform is through the use of a blog dedicated to your work or your book. Read more in this best of article at Writers Weekly.com

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc:
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Build an Audience for Your Book with a Blog

Ever-happy blogging,
Beth

March 4: Best of: Publicity

If you're looking for publicity ideas, or need to know what you should have ready when that contract comes in, read no further than this oldie-but-goodie:

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Thursday, March 22nd, 2007
Publicity

Happy publicizing,
Beth

March 3: Best of: Characters. Again.

Since I'm just getting started on a new story (not "new" new: I began it back in 2006 for a contest, but am revamping it as a single title upon the advice of those wonderful Serious Writer girls), here's a good post on ways to create new characters that's bound to have something of interest for ya:

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Sunday, May 13, 2007

Characters. Again.

Happy character creating,
Beth

The life of no time

Life has really monopolized my time lately, hence few (ok, no) postings.

I've got good stuff to post, too, but literally no time. I've had an extremely important "project" at work (I am the school coordinator for the Ohio Graduation Test, the biggest, baddest test in Ohio high schools) and luckily, it's finally taking place this week. I'm not worried about the test going well, it's the prep (7am-5 pm every day, no time for lunch, come home and collapse) that has done me in.

I'll still be cramped for time this week, so I'm relying on work I've done before to enlighten your writing selves. Some of you were regular readers of my Fountain Pen, Inc. blog (I love that name..lol) and what I'll be doing is sorta like "the best of" from FPI. I'll repost a post from there for your reading pleasure here.

I also have a few good writer stories and hope I'll have time to post them before I forget them (bad short term memory, ask anyone who knows me).

So..without further ado, let's go back....

Happy writing,

Beth