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Inklings Issue 6.18
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i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.18 September 13, 2000
*****************************************************************
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0618.html>
In this issue: Ruth McHaney Danner talks about how to write about
your relatives (and why you might want to), and Judith Bowen (Ask
the Romance Writer) addresses the question of whether new writers
ought to start out with "short" fiction.
This issue sponsored by:
*****************************************************************
XLIBRIS exists to help authors publish. Promptly, permanently.
You retain control. We make it happen: your book in beautiful
hard cover and trade paperback editions, available on-demand,
forever. Call for a free information pack: 1-888-7XLIBRIS, e-mail
info@xlibris.com or visit us online: http://www.xlibris.com/
*****************************************************************
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright (c) 2000 Inkspot Company Of Canada.
See end of issue for full copyright and contact information.
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From the Managing Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink/Book Giveaway
Market Information
Ask the Romance Writer
"Portrait of a Relative," by Ruth McHaney Danner
Inkspot Community Chat Update
Writers' Classifieds
*****************************************************************
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S DESK
-------------------------------
As if Contentville Weren't Enough...
------------------------------------
Contentville isn't the only "content database" online that may be
selling your articles and other works without your knowledge or
permission. Another such site is UnCover. The good news is that
The National Writers Union has already reached a class-action
settlement with UnCover, and if you find that this site is
selling your articles without the right to do so, it's not too
late to get a piece of the action.
First, visit UnCover at http://uncweb.carl.org/. Use the
"Search Uncover" tool to search for your name. If your articles
come up, be sure to check whether they are actually being listed
for sale (by fax delivery). Many titles are listed that are not
actually for sale; they will have a note stating that the author
does not permit delivery by fax. If, however, the site IS
selling an article of yours to which it does not have the rights,
then go to http://www.uncoversettlement.com for more information.
You'll need to fill out an online form to join the settlement, and
you should also be sure that you can prove ownership of your
material.
And Speaking of Contentville...
-------------------------------
I have no new information about Contentville (and no, they
haven't answered my letter yet!). However, for anyone who
missed previous announcements about this site, I've posted my
two editorials on this subject online at:
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/contentville.html.
I've also posted a column on good record-keeping (vital if you
ever need to prove that you actually own the rights you think
you own) at:
http://www.inkspot.com/moira/
Which Brings Us to the Issue of Rights...
-----------------------------------------
A warm "thank you" to all of you who responded to my question
about whether authors should sell "all rights," and whether
Inklings should list markets that require all rights. So far,
I've received 175 responses, and some excellent comments on
both sides of the issue. I hope to have a final report ready
in time for the next issue of Inklings.
Debbie's Book is Out!
---------------------
I've just received the fall catalog from Writer's Digest, and
prominently featured on the cover is Debbie Ridpath Ohi's new
book, "The Writer's Online Marketplace." This guide to online
markets includes 250 market listings and loads of useful
information (including a chapter by me on electronic rights).
Look for it in a bookstore near you!
-- Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
Looking for online discussion with other writers? Check out
Inkspot's discussion forum community! Wide range of topics for
writers of all ages.
Forum Topics: http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
Community Events Calendar: http://www.inkspot.com/events
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
New on Inkspot:
---------------
The TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS WRITER'S RESOURCE offers valuable
information to help you upgrade your knowledge about technical
writing, and network with other writers in your industry.
Barbara Yanez is the editor; this month, she talks about "what
makes a good technical writer."
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/tech/index.html
The COPY EDITING RESOURCE FOR WRITERS provides information and
advice on how to copy edit your own work, locate a professional
copy editor, or become a copy editor. Check out the article
"Copy Editing Basics," by Pam Hansell, to learn more about the
role of copy editors and how to find the right editor for your
manuscript.
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/copyedit.html
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/articles/copyeditpam.html
Visit the SELF-PUBLISHING CENTER and enter to win a free online
writing class through WritingClasses.com, the online division of
Gotham Writers' Workshop. Contest ends September 14 at midnight.
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/admin/updates.html
The TRAVEL WRITER'S SPOT now offers The Travelwriter, a free
monthly e-mail newsletter featuring updates to the section and
new travel markets. E-mail kennerly@inkspot.com?subscribe to
subscribe, or visit:
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/
The CHILDREN'S WRITING RESOURCE is seeking an editor. See the
job description posted at:
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/child/jobdescrip.html
The GENRE WRITING PAGE will now feature regular updates and
announcements regarding the different fiction and nonfiction
genre sections. Check back often:
http://www.inkspot.com/genres
**-----------------------------------------------------**
New Articles on Inkspot:
------------------------
EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PERMISSIONS
(BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK)
by Brandon Trissler
Before you quote that song lyric, find out about copyright laws,
public domain, fair use, and how to obtain permissions.
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/articles/permissions.html
FLASH WHAT? A QUICK LOOK AT FLASH FICTION
by Jason Gurley
What is flash fiction? How do you write it? Sometimes, it
depends on whom you ask, as Jason explains...
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/gurley3.html
RIGHTS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND WHY THEY'RE IMPORTANT
by Marg Gilks
Understand what rights you own, and what you gain (or lose)
by licensing these rights to periodical publishers.
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/rights.html
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Prize Giveaway
--------------
Our current giveaway, "Reclaiming the Magic: A Writer's Guide
to Success," by Lorna Tedder, is temporarily on hold. For those
of you who were concerned about not being able to find the
challenge rules in time to meet the September 14 deadline, don't
despair; we'll announce a new deadline once the contest is
actually up and running.
** If you have a writing-related book you would like to
be considered for review and/or giveaway, please contact Bev at
bev@inkspot.com. The BookStop: http://www.inkspot.com/books/
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Writing Corner: Regular Writing Contests
----------------------------------------
Links to a variety of well-known writing competitions.
http://www.writingcorner.com/contest/regular_contests.htm
Wordweaving.com: Articles
-------------------------
This writers' site offers many excellent feature articles
each month.
http://www.wordweaving.com/article_index.html
eGroups
-------
For those who haven't heard, OneList (a host for mailing and
discussion lists) has become eGroups. Some of the terms and
conditions have changed, so if you're thinking of starting a
discussion list, be sure to check them carefully, especially
with respect to copyright of the content of your list.
http://www.egroups.com
The Cambridge History of English and American Literature
--------------------------------------------------------
From "The Beginnings" (including Runes and Manuscripts) to
"Non-English Writings: Aboriginal," this is a massive, 18-
volume encyclopedia of literature and literary discussion,
now available online for free.
http://www.bartleby.com/cambridge/chapterindex.html
Scriptapalooza
--------------
Look for information on screenwriting contests, agencies,
producers, Hollywood news, "who's buying what," and more.
http://www.scriptapalooza.com; http://www.moviebytes.com
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
MARKET INFORMATION
------------------
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/market/.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs": simultaneous
submissions, "mss": manuscript, "RT": response time, "GL":
guidelines, "cc": contributors' copies.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks
(SS), Margaret Shauers (MS), Jan Edwards (JE), Jerri Ledford
(JL).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
THE BEAR DELUXE MAGAZINE
Editor-in-Chief: Tom Webb
c/o Orlo, P. O. Box 10342, Portland, OR 97296
Phone: (503) 242-1047; Fax (503) 243-2645
THE BEAR DELUXE is an award-winning, environmentally focused
publication published by Orlo, a nonprofit organization exploring
environmental issues through the creative arts. FREQ: Triannual.
CIRC: 17,000. NEEDS: Investigative reporting, fiction, essay,
poetry, news, creative opinion, reviews and interviews.
Unsolicited nonfiction is considered, but is not as likely to
"find a home." Query editors with a story idea, accompanied by
writing samples and suggestions for artwork. The Bear Deluxe is
working to develop relationships with freelance writers who can
take assignments and offer story ideas from their home areas. Two
to five features per issue. FEATURES are timely, have an
overarching perspective or appeal and require strong elements of
reporting (750-4,000 words). DEPARTMENTS include "Portrait of an
Artist": Profile of artist or arts group with unique environmental
focus (750-1,500 words). "Hands-on": Profile of an individual or
group whose environmental efforts are getting their hands dirty;
innovative and street-level (750-1,500 words). "Talking Heads":
Creative, first person voices -- opinion, essay, personal
experience, humor, found writing, letters, dialogue and brief
interviews. No rants (100-800 words). "Reviews": New titles,
classics, films, videos, products, etc. (100-1,000 words). "Sound
Bites": Short, quirky news pieces (100-500 words). FICTION/
ESSAY/POETRY/OTHER. Submissions are considered on an ongoing
basis. Looking for quality writing that will engage new and
divergent readers. RTS: FNASR only. After publication, rights
revert to authors. PAYMENT: On publication; 5c per published
word ($10 per poem), contributor copies and a one-year
subscription. The magazine may cover incidental costs (phone and
postage) upon prior agreement. RT: 3-6 months. SAMPLE COPIES:
$3. SUBMISSIONS: Submissions and story ideas are considered on
an ongoing basis. Query or send mss with SASE. Do not send
diskettes. Writers are encouraged to suggest headlines, subheads
and pull-quotes, though final decisions are made by the editorial
staff. Include a 20-word bio. Send submissions to the appropriate
editor, i.e., "poetry editor," "fiction editor," or "nonfiction
editor." Online submissions are accepted, but snail-mail
submissions are preferred. If sending by e-mail, please send
stories within the body of an e-mail; no attachments. Submissions
via e-mail may be subject to a longer response time than snail-
mail submissions with a SASE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Writer's GL
for SASE. TIPS: "Since we are fairly unique, it's very good to
get a sample copy. Check our web page for occasional theme
listings. To be on our writers' ListServ, send a note to
bear@teleport.com. We accept e-mail submissions as a courtesy to
writers, but regular mail is still the preferred approach." (JE)
URL: http://www.orlo.org/beardeluxe
GL: http://www.orlo.org/beardeluxe
E-mail: bear@teleport.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
BOATERS.COM
Editor: Valarie Thorpe
1801 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 400, Reston, VA 20191
BOATERS.COM is a comprehensive powerboating and fishing magazine.
FREQ: Weekly. NEEDS: "Specifically, we are interested in how-to
articles that might teach an experienced boater something new;
interview-driven features covering both trends in the boating
industry and people who have a passion for boating; in-depth
current event coverage; and travel pieces that take a unique look
at a unique place, yet still emphasize the boating aspect. At
this time, we are not looking for fiction, poetry, first-person
essays or travel diaries." GL: "Please submit a query via e-mail,
providing as much detail as possible about the suggested article,
including the focus, potential interview subjects, a sample lead
paragraph or two and availability and description of photographs.
Please also include a couple of published writing samples -- URLs
to online work are fine, or forward printed clips. Before
querying, please check our archives to ensure the topic has not
already been covered in a similar manner. Any e-mail attachments
should be in Microsoft Word format; otherwise, please include all
information in the body of the e-mail message." Multisubs okay,
but simsubs not accepted. Previously published material
considered provided author includes documentation showing author
has the right to sell the material. RIGHTS: "We buy all online
rights. The writer retains all print rights, and online reprint
rights revert back to the writer after one year. Although we do
not remove the piece from our archives, writers are free to resell
it to other online outlets after that year." PAYS: "We pay $100
for full-length features (800 to 1,000 words); $50 for shorter
pieces (approx. 400 to 500 words); and $25 for short-shorts of
250 words (these include new product spotlights, news briefs,
etc.). We also pay $10 for supporting photos that we use (we can
use prints, digital photos or slides.)" Pays on acceptance. RT: 2
weeks. TIPS: "The more detailed and original the query, the more
likely we will want to work with the writer!" Also, "our audience
is made up of experienced boaters, so generally we are not looking
for *beginner* features." (SS)
URL: http://www.boaters.com
GL: Via e-mail
E-mail: vthorpe@solutionsfactory.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
TROPI-TIES
Assistant Editor: Brittany Mullenary
4270 W. Oak Trail Rd., Santa Ynez, CA 93460
TROPI-TIES is a well established e-zine that caters to the
tropical traveler. FREQ: Quarterly. NEEDS: Articles covering
tropical travel destinations. LENGTH: 1,500-2,000 wds. GL: Submit
article by pasting into an e-mail in plain text. Articles should
also include sidebars (tips, addresses, and Internet links), 4-5
photos (sent separately), and, if possible, 20+ minutes of video
(also sent separately). For photos and video, inquire for the
correct submission procedures. Simsubs and multisubs accepted.
Previously published material considered. RIGHTS: First
Electronic. PAYS: $50/article, or $220/article with photos and
video. Pays on acceptance. RT: "We generally respond right away."
TIPS: "We are really looking for unique subject matter, not just
the average, 'went there, did that,' travelogue. A different spin
on an old subject, an exotic locale, a personal account of the
writer's travel experience, and good current information all
really help sell the story. We could really use garden and food
& spirits stories." (SS)
URL: http://tropi-ties.com
GL: via e-mail
E-mail: Brittany@tropi-ties.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
DOGGONE
Publisher: Wendy Ballard
P.O. Box 651155, Vero Beach, FL 32965-1155
Phone: (561) 569-8434; Fax (561) 569-1124
DogGone is a travel and activity newsletter for dog owners,
covering fun places to go and cool stuff to do with your dog.
It profiles vacation spots, resorts, hotels, campgrounds and
getaways that welcome dogs, and sports and activities for dogs
and their owners. "Travel & Leisure for the four-legged." FREQ:
Bimonthly. CIRC: 2,000. AUDIENCE: Singles to families to retired
seniors who like to travel and "wouldn't dream of leaving the
canine member of their family behind." Many readers enjoy hiking,
wilderness camping, and rollerblading, though some subscribers are
physically impaired. Some prefer luxury accommodations, others are
looking for moderate or budget lodgings and others travel in RVs.
NEEDS: "Lively, entertaining, intelligently written pieces on
travel and dogs-allowed activities." Editorial focus is split
between travel pieces and activity articles. Travel features
include resorts, bed and breakfasts, camping and tips for air
travel, written from a dog angle. Activities features cover dog
sports, agility, or people activities to enjoy with your dog.
Resorts and inns that are especially dog-friendly are profiled;
other accommodations that welcome dogs can be incorporated into
theme articles (i.e., fall foliage destinations, ski resorts or
suite hotels). Destination articles should include fun activities
where owners can take their pets -- parks, hiking trails,
attractions, festivals, gardens or zoos. Information on lodging
should be included, with addresses, phone numbers, rates, number
of dogs permitted and any pet fees or deposits required.
Destination articles must include photographs. Photos of guests
with their dogs preferred. Color prints preferred, B&W; prints or
color slides are acceptable. LENGTH: Articles 300-900 words. RTS:
FNASR. PAYMENT: On publication. Payment rate depends on article.
Maximum of $100 per feature with photos; $34 for a 300-word story;
$67 for 600-900 words. A one-year subscription to DogGone can be
partial payment for the first published article. "Tips" on pet-
friendly places or events (two to four paragraphs) pay $15. RT:
Usually two to four weeks. SAMPLE COPIES: Available for $2
(photocopies of Sold Out issues) and $4 for back issues of the
newsletters. COMMENTS: Writers' Guidelines are available for a
SASE. SUBMISSION: Submit article or query letter in writing
(include word count). Articles may be submitted on diskette in
text-only or ASCII format. Scannable hard copy accepted. Mss may
also be sent via e-mail with photos sent by post. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: Articles should be upbeat, humorous and easy-to-read.
Prefer articles to sound colloquial; loosely adheres to AP style.
Addresses and phone numbers can be included in text or can appear
as a sidebar or at the end of an article. All information should
be fact-checked personally, as published information is often
outdated. TIPS: "DogGone is very narrowly focused on travel and
fun activities with dogs. We do not accept 'generic' isn't-that-
cute dog articles." (JE)
URL: http://www.doggonefun.com
E-mail: doggonenl@aol.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
TROIKA MAGAZINE
Editor: Celia Meadow
Lone Trout Publications, P.O. Box 1006, Weston, CT 06883
Phone: (203) 319-0873; Fax (203) 319-0755
TROIKA is a nationally distributed magazine geared to an educated,
achievement-oriented, baby boomer, male/female readership.
Content includes arts, environment, books, health, science,
financial, travel and leisure. Also has web presence with
troikamagazine.com. On-line version contains different content
than the print edition. FREQ: Quarterly; website is updated daily.
CIRC: Magazine 120,000; website 400,000 impressions per month.
NEEDS: Well-researched, timely, balanced and humorous articles and
a limited number of fiction pieces from professional freelance
writers. LENGTH: One-page columns 750-1,200 words; feature
articles 2,500 words. RTS: FNASR and Internet rights. PAYMENT:
Ninety days after publication. $200 for a one-page column or
unsolicited feature article. RT: Allow 90 days for a response.
COMMENTS: "Our online magazine is growing very fast and is
updated daily. We buy approximately 1000 pieces per year and
resell them through screamingmedia.com and isyndicate.com and
split the proceeds 50/50 with the author. We also sell
manuscripts to Hollywood to be made into screenplays and
ultimately movies." SUBMISSIONS: Send mss to Troika at address
above or via e-mail at: submit@troikamagazine.com. Simultaneous
subs and reprints okay. Only finished mss are purchased,
although query letters are welcome. Please note that articles
for travel (Escapades) and reviews (Ephemera) departments are
written in-house. Files should be submitted as text files only,
whether on floppy disk or via e-mail. Please do not save/submit
in a word processing application format. Include SASE when
submitting via USPS. SAMPLE COPIES: Available for $5. (JE)
URL: http://www.troikamagazine.com
GL: http://www.troikamagazine.com
E-mail: etroika@aol.com
Submissions: submit@troikamagazine.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
MARKET UPDATES: A reader notes, "I just wanted to share a tidbit
about Chatelaine, since you included it in Inklings. I'm American,
and when I queried Chatelaine about a general women's health
feature (I've been published at OnHealth.com and other pubs),
they replied that I should query U.S. pubs, since they're really
looking for a Canadian woman's perspective. Since women's health
articles are as universal as articles get, I'd suggest that U.S.
freelancers avoid querying Chatelaine unless they have a knockout
idea that no editor can refuse."
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
*****************************************************************
Ask the Experts
---------------
*** Please put "Inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) judith@judithbowen.com
David Breeden (POET) dbreeden@schreiner.edu
Tracy Cooper-Posey (E-WRITER) tracy@sashaproductions.com
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) charlesd@inkspot.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle West (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
*****************************************************************
ASK THE ROMANCE WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Judith Bowen <judith@judithbowen.com>
Should Beginners Start with "Short" Fiction?
--------------------------------------------
Q: I am a journalist in the process of writing my first fiction
manuscript, a romance. I have been told that for a first attempt
I should try something easier than a full-fledged standard
manuscript because I may get discouraged. Do you agree with this?
The story I am working on is begging to be told. The characters
are alive in my head. Do I put them on hold and attempt something
simple out of fear or should I brave it and go for it?
A. MAY get discouraged!?! Heck, you'll get discouraged writing
something you don't really want to write.
My advice would be to go for what your gut is telling you. Your
gut is telling you to write this complete manuscript, and I think
you should. Your background and training in writing will help you
a whole lot, and besides, if you don't sell that first manuscript
right away -- so what? There's no guarantee you'd have sold it if
you'd written a short story or a novella first either.
I didn't start writing fiction with small projects. My background
is similar to yours, and I had had enough of short projects. I
just started writing and finished that first manuscript, then the
second, and then the third. None sold. Each time I had a rejection
from an editor I studied it, picked out one thing to really work
on -- dialogue, for example -- and began again. I started a fourth
-- which eventually sold with many, many revisions.
Each manuscript taught me more about the craft. Crafting a novel
is quite different from crafting a short story. Besides, is short
always easier? I don't think so. Ask Raymond Carver (if you
could), Alice Munro, Mavis Gallant. Of course, I'm sure it's
pretty easy to do badly, but then most things are.
The advice to write short, then long, comes from people who think
short is easier. It ain't necessarily so. Yes, a complete novel
means several hundred pages, as opposed to 20 or 50. If you
thought about writing 400 pages, you'd give up before you started!
And many do. But, as everyone knows, you put your pants on one
leg at a time, and with a novel you write one page at a time. One
page in a scene, one scene in a chapter, one chapter in a novel.
You-just-keep-at-it.
The rejections I had on the way to being published hurt, but
they didn't kill me. None of the writing I did was wasted effort,
it was part of my apprentice as a writer. I don't think any of us
get beyond journeymen -- ever -- but it's sure fun trying.
Good luck. Do go on with your novel. Writing a long piece like
that is tremendously fun and satisfying, and you'll learn so much
that you'll be glad you did it. It's an adventure. Let me know how
it works out!
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Judith Bowen is an award-winning romance author who currently
teaches classes on writing popular fiction in Vancouver, Canada,
and online with Writers on the Net (http://www.writers.com).
HIS BROTHER'S BRIDE is an Oct/Nov 1999 release from Harlequin
Superromance, the fifth in her "Men of Glory" books. Find out
more at http://www.judithbowen.com.
Copyright (c) 2000 Judith Bowen.
*****************************************************************
PORTRAIT OF A RELATIVE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Ruth McHaney Danner <rdanner@iPEG.com>
A police detective shouldn't investigate a crime involving his
cousin. Neither should a surgeon operate on her own daughter. And
certainly a judge wouldn't preside over a trial in which his
father is the defendant. In all these situations, feelings can
get in the way because the people are too close to the
individuals involved.
Is a writer any different? Can you do objective work when it
involves someone close to you? Can you write a profile without
sounding like a proud dad, a doting aunt, or a loving spouse? If
you can, you may find lots of material for articles under your
own roof, or at least under the larger roof of your extended
family.
Building a Family Dossier
-------------------------
To write about a loved one, several steps must be followed. First,
consider possible subjects. Begin a file folder on
siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins. Next, list
accomplishments, awards, and other interesting facts about each.
Does someone have an unusual hobby? Step back a moment and look
at family members through the eyes of a stranger. What about the
aunt who makes rag rugs or sourdough bread? Especially
interesting might be a person whose skill is traditionally
considered the realm of the opposite sex, such as a male quilter
or a female auto mechanic.
Maybe you have a relative whose ordinary hobby has an unusual
twist. Do you have a handicapped relative whose everyday
activities are extraordinary because of his limitations? Consider
a hearing-impaired niece who plays piano, or a blind uncle who
enjoys gardening.
Don't ignore older relatives when you're making your list. Think
about someone with an interesting story in his or her past. A
grandfather may have a special remembrance of a wartime event. A
great-aunt may have been the first woman in town to work in the
war plant. At your next family reunion, take pencil and paper (or
tape recorder) and be ready to conduct on-the-spot interviews.
Ask Permission, Not Forgiveness
-------------------------------
Be sure you have permission from the relative before you proceed
further. Grandpa Bob may enjoy telling you about his joining the
Navy at age 15, but he might balk at seeing the story in print. If
your topic is of a sensitive nature, such as alcoholism or
domestic abuse, you'd be wise to get written permission from your
family members. Don't assume it's all right to publish the
article just because you're a relative. An even easier route might
be to disguise the identity of the people involved by changing
their names and a few details in your article, such as home state
or occupation.
Finding Homes for Your Relatives
--------------------------------
Now, study the markets. Where will you publish an article about
Aunt Betty and her knack with flowers? Consider local periodicals
such as daily and weekly newspapers, along with regional
magazines. Also look into specific hobby magazines -- regional
and beyond -- such as gardening, cooking, quilting, or music.
Usually, when I query about an article involving a relative, I
don't tell the editor I'm related. Otherwise, the query could
sound like a gushing family member who wants publicity for a
loved one. I have no intention of deceiving the editor, but I
do think I can write an objective article. My relationship to
the subject is of little importance in the query.
Gaining Perspective
-------------------
Once you get an editor's go-ahead, do some research. Don't rely
on memories or nostalgia. If your cousin is an artist, for
example, study the art world. Attend a show, visit a gallery,
talk with various artists about what's selling. Look at your
cousin's work. What style is it? How does it compare with others
of the same style? Look in newspapers and journals for reviews of
your cousin's work.
Include an interview with your relative. When you meet, try to
see her from something other than a family perspective. Ask
about what she's doing, her likes and dislikes, how she conducts
her business. Get as many quotes as possible. Conduct the
interview as a professional. Plan your questions and keep small
talk to a minimum. If your interview dissolves into a family gab
session, you'll not get the information you need.
You'll also want to interview others for a broader perspective.
Talk with co-workers, neighbors, people outside the family who
know this person well. You may discover attributes of your
cousin you never knew about.
Once you're ready to write, detach yourself from the subject.
Don't use personal references such as "my nephew" or "my favorite
cousin" in the article. You're writing a 3rd person profile, and
YOU shouldn't be in it at all.
Hook the Reader
---------------
Want something unusual to hook readers in the first paragraph?
This is where family insight comes in handy. If a little-known
fact about your relative has stuck in your mind over the years,
it's likely to catch the reader's attention, too. Avoid
embarrassing your cousin, but try to think of an incident to
complement the theme of your article. In a newspaper story about
my niece, a prolific novelist, I began with an account of her
plans at age three to take the cat to church. I then tied it in
with her ability as an adult to make definite plans when writing
her books.
Of course, you could try the opposite: something very USUAL for
the hook. I once wrote a piece about my sister-in-law, a
composer, and I opened with a simple description of her three
older brothers and their interests in math and music. Then, I
told of her following in their footsteps. Such a hook worked well
in the hometown newspaper where the article appeared.
As you write, discipline yourself to be as professional as
possible. Keep your focus tight by using a workable outline. Even
if you don't draft an outline in other types of writing, try
it here. Otherwise, you'll be tempted to include the family's
favorite account of Uncle Ed's prize-winning trout, even though
it has nothing to do with your focus.
When you finish, get an objective critique. This may be the most
important step. Have another writer who doesn't know this
relative read your work. He or she will help you eliminate
syrupy phrases, family verbiage, and other words that don't
translate well outside your household.
If you can avoid the doting grandmother or proud parent syndrome,
you may be amazed to discover how many articles you'll sell about
your relatives. Change your perspective a bit, keep an emotional
distance from the subject, and write as if you're meeting that
cousin for the first time. If you do, your readers will want to
meet her, too.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Ruth McHaney Danner is a freelance writer living in Spokane,
Washington. She's had nearly 100 articles published in magazines
and newspapers, and her book of inspirational stories for quilters
will be released by Promise Press (Barbour Publishing, Inc.) in
October.
Copyright (c) 2000 Ruth McHaney Danner
Would you like to reprint this article? If so, please contact
Ruth McHaney Danner at <rdanner@iPEG.com> for permission. Inklings
grants permission for reprints in any medium if and only
if permission is granted by the original author.
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