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

And now, a word from our friendly neighborhood politicians...

Anyone who knows me knows I don't get into politics much. I mean, I advocate for issues I feel strongly about, but as far as "rah rah" stuff--borrrring. I'd rather be writing.

But this is a fun & funky little quiz to see how closely what you believe/support aligns with the current presidential candidates (although some have come and gone). You can even do congressional race candidates from your state. All you do is choose how you feel/support certain issues and it spits out your most likely match.

My match was no shock to me...democrats all the way! (sorry, dad..and the rest of my conservative family...LOL). Waste a few minutes having some political fun (if that's not an oxymoron...!)

Votematch.com: Find Your Political Match here

Let's go Democrats....lol

Beth

February 25th: Creating an Environment Conducive to Writing by Gaelen Foley

If you're a regular reader of Writer In Progress, you know I really like Gaelen's articles for writers. I came across this one by accident, but think it's one of the best.

One of the biggest obstacles to the creative person's mind is the overwhelm of possibility. We're given this stretchy, funky brain that can take something as simple as two pennies, a sleeping dog and a gallon of milk and make a story from it. We just can't quit thinking, which in turn makes us excited, which in turn makes us scattered--focus is difficult to all but the trained & disciplined creative mind.

But focus is a pre-requisite to creating itself. While everyone's focus is different (I can only focus on writing one piece of fiction at a time but can do three or four nonfiction pieces simultaneously), it's still necessary. Gaelen's article is on how to clear a space--physically, emotionally, mentally, sensorily (is that a word?!) in order to use it to create. Some basic stuff in here but some very good food-for-thought:


Creating an Environment Conducive to Writing by Gaelen Foley

Go create some space...in which to create!

Beth

DONE...and almost done

It's official..the book is finished! All the worksheets, all the outlining, quoting, placing the interviews, doing the bibliography....preface and conclusion...

DONE!

The only thing I've left to do is write my author bio. Writing the bio is the absolute, positive last thing I do when finishing an article. Mostly a cut-and-paste deal, I'm gonna let it wait a bit while I crack open that bottle of wine I bought a few weeks ago in anticipation of this very moment.

Finishing an article is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Weeks on one piece of writing done...refreshing in completion.

Finishing a book...has changed my perception of writing and myself as a writer for the better. More on that later..I have some wine glasses to find

February 21st: Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys...Fun!

One of the best ways to beat a creative block is to make your mind let down all guard by playing a game. It's one of the oldest teacher tricks in the book for getting kids to learn, and I know it works for creative minds, too.

A creative mind can't pass up a chance to generate ideas, especially when they're random. We can't help but try to make some kind of connection, however illogical.

Head over to Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys website and have FUN FUN FUN with their set of random generators. On the left side, you'll see the possibilities. Choose one and write a 100 word story on the prompt you get. Keep clicking until you get one you like. Go through the choices til you find one that matches your story.

Whatever floats your boat, go have a little brain fun today. Just don't let it take the place of actual WRITING on your project...lol...(said from experience)

Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys

Happy, happy generating,

Beth