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Inklings Issue 6.20
****************************************************************
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.20 October 11, 2000
*****************************************************************
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0620.html>
In this issue: Terri Mrosko discusses the importance of getting
away from your desk and "networking," and Lee Wardlaw ("Ask the
Children's Writer") offers tips on fleshing out characters.
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 Children's Book Writer
"Networking: The Key To Balance in the Writer's Life,"
by Terri Mrosko
Inkspot Community Chat Update
Writers' Classifieds
*****************************************************************
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S DESK
-------------------------------
Inkspot Community Survey
------------------------
Please help us improve our community area by taking a few
minutes to fill out this 4-question survey! Just go to the main
Inkspot page (http://www.inkspot.com) and click on the survey link
near the top of the page. Thanks!
This issue is already extra-long, so I'll sign off here -- and
head out for a week of exploring caves and Civil War battlefields
in the Shenandoah Valley. Debbie, meanwhile, is off to Canada
to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. Until next time!
-- 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: Features
------------------------
The Inklings All-Rights Survey Report
by Moira Allen
If you missed it in the last issue, check here for the report
on our "all-rights" poll -- plus tips on how to negotiate for
better contracts.
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/survey2.html
Travel Writer's Spot
--------------------
On the TRAVEL WRITER'S SPOT, veteran travel writer Jack Adler
discusses how taking a course can hone your travel-writing skills
and improve your chances of getting published.
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/interviews/adler.html
Also, check the WRITER'S RANT: Your writer's reality check is "in
the mail"!
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/rant/reality.html
Plus: Exercises to help you get motivated and stay focused, by
Fran Severn-Levy.
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/travel/pushups.html
Self-Publishing Center
----------------------
On THE SELF-PUBLISHING CENTER, learn how to write effective, eye-
catching copy for your book in "How to Write Great Promotional
Copy."
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/articles/promocopy.html
Plus, a new Afterword column brings readers an interview with
self-published author Joseph B. Mullen, with tips on promoting
your book on websites and in discussion groups.
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/afterword/mullen.html
Don't miss the Self-Publishing Center's "News Update" section!
http://www.inkspot.com/selfpub/admin/updates.html
Romance Writer's Resource
-------------------------
New and fabulously improved: THE ROMANCE WRITER'S RESOURCE!
Stop by for extensive links to all kinds of articles, books,
markets, and information, plus an interview with Shauna Summers,
a senior editor at Ballantine Books.
http://www.inkspot.com/genres/romance/
Global Writers' Ink
-------------------
Setting Up Your Website for the World
by Roberta Beach Jacobsen
Find out how to attract international visitors to your website
-- and keep them coming back.
http://www.inkspot.com/global/articles/world.html
Writing for Health Markets in the U.S. and UK
by Rachel Newcombe
Find out what editors are looking for on both sides of the
Atlantic. Packed with market information!
http://www.inkspot.com/global/articles/newcombe.html
Check THE GENRE WRITING PAGE for regular announcements and
updates regarding Inkspot's various fiction and nonfiction
genre sections.
http://www.inkspot.com/genres
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Prize Giveaway:
--------------------------------------------
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE
by Jennifer Lawler
If you're looking for a guide to steer you through the practical
matters of starting your own creative business or, if you're
already entrenched in running your own small biz, Jennifer
Lawler's book will help you tackle such "uncreative" but
necessary tasks as keeping records, dealing with the tax
man, setting up a productive home office and effectively
marketing your services.
Want to win the book? Stop by the Inkprints challenge board and
enter a 150-word sample marketing pitch for your own "fantasy"
creative business if you were to advertise your home office's
grand opening this week. If your pitch is the most convincing,
you win!
Entry deadline is midnight, October 18, 2000.
To find out how to enter Inkspot's Writers' Challenge, please see
INKPRINTS, Bev Walton-Porter's bi-weekly book review column, at
http://www.inkspot.com/books/inkprints.html
Winner of the September 30th writer's challenge is Jade Walker
(MaidenFate@aol.com). Jade has won a copy of Lorna Tedder's book,
"Reclaiming the Magic: A Writer's Guide to Success."
**-----------------------------------------------------**
BostonWest Center for Writing and Photography
---------------------------------------------
Follow the links to the "Find a Writer, Find a Photographer"
newsletter on this site for articles and tips on how to improve
your writing sales through the use of photography.
http://www.thewritephoto.com
Where to Find Ezines and Newsletters
------------------------------------
An article by Kyle Looby on Momwriters.com that provides
extensive links to lists of newsletters and electronic
publications.
http://www.momwriters.com/writeelectronic.html
Writers Groups and Organizations
--------------------------------
Hotlinked list of national and local writers' groups.
http://www.forwriters.com/groups.html
History Toolkit
---------------
How to conduct (and write about) historical research, including
tips on conducting oral history projects.
http://www.dohistory.org/on_your_own/toolkit/index.html
** 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).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
SOMERSET STUDIO
Managing Editor: Sharilyn Miller
22992 Mill Creek, Suite B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
SOMERSET STUDIO is a magazine devoted to paper arts, art stamping
and letter arts. FREQ: Bimonthly. CIRC: 67,000. NEEDS: Ideas for
future articles. Holiday projects should be queried at least nine
months in advance. Unique artistic techniques with examples and
instructions. For our Storyteller page: short-short stories
(500-600 words max) and poetry that incorporate art stamping,
papercrafting, book arts or letter arts as a central theme.
LENGTH: Varies for articles; most under 1,000 words. RTS: FNASR
for one-time use only. PAYMENT: For articles: $0.25 per word; $50
and a one-year subscription for poetry and short fiction published
on our Storyteller page; one-year subscription for calligraphy
Exemplars. RT: Varies, usually within three months for articles.
SAMPLE COPIES: Available on newsstands for $5.95, or from website
for $5.95 plus postage. COMMENTS: Also accepts contributions of
original artwork for "Expressions" pages; no financial
compensation, one contributor's copy. SUBMISSIONS: Samples,
queries and correspondence should be sent via USPS or UPS or
FedEx with a SASE sufficient to return all materials. Query for
articles with a letter or e-mail with artwork sample(s); fiction
and poetry may be submitted directly to the editor (no query
needed). TIPS: Please read several back issues of Somerset
Studio before submitting article queries. A personal, chatty
editorial style is preferred, even for how-to articles. Complete
materials list and stamp credits are required for each submission
(if commercial art stamps were used in the project); please also
list "tips" for successfully completing how-to projects. (JE)
GL: http://www.somersetstudio.com/html/you_can_be_published.html
URL: http://www.somersetstudio.com
E-mail: someditor@somersetstudio.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
BIRD WATCHER'S DIGEST
Editor: William H. Thompson, III
P. O. Box 110, Marietta, OH 45750
BIRD WATCHER'S DIGEST, established in 1978, includes material for
all birdwatchers, from backyard novices to knowledgeable field
birders. Geographical coverage from every part of North America.
FREQ: Bimonthly. NEEDS: Thoroughly researched articles that
emphasize the joys and pleasures of bird watching. Does not
cover very technical matters, but wants facts and accuracy, depth
and quality in articles. Especially interested in "fresh,
engaging accounts of closely observed bird behavior and of bird-
watching experiences and expeditions." Regular features include
birding travel articles, species profiles and articles on
attracting, feeding and housing backyard birds. Backyard how-to
projects for birds and how to improve birding skills are also of
interest. Material least likely to be needed or accepted: baby
birds/nesting birds, care of injured birds and travel pieces set
far beyond North America. LENGTH: Articles from 700 words to
3,000 words. RTS: FNASR or Second (reprint) Rights. PAYMENT: On
publication; includes two copies of the appropriate issue. Time
between acceptance and publication may run one to two years. Rate
for first rights is from $100. For second rights, rate is from
$50. Payment is for one-time print rights. A nominal fee is paid
for additional editorial use, such as posting on the website.
Rate for one-time use of full-color photographs is from $75.
RT: 8+ weeks. SAMPLE COPIES: Available for $3.99. COMMENTS:
Photography Guidelines and Editorial Art Guidelines may also be
accessed on the website. Pet bird stories are not published in
Bird Watcher's Digest, and poetry and cartoons are used
infrequently. SUBMISSIONS: Prefers to receive submissions by
regular mail rather than by fax or e-mail. Submit neatly typed
mss, observing the following: submissions must be letter quality,
double-spaced, no italic or pica type. Do not indent paragraphs.
"If your software is equipped with 'smart quote' capability,
please use it." Space only once between the end punctuation of a
sentence and the beginning of the next. Do not capitalize bird
names. Include a 3 1/2" computer disk with article formatted as
ASCII text. Text created in QuarkXPress, Simple Text, MS Word
and Microsoft Works can be used. Mss and disks will be recycled
unless you ask for their return and include postage for return.
All submissions must include a SASE for response. A self-
addressed, stamped postcard may be included for acknowledging
receipt of mss. TIPS: Needs to read completed mss before deciding
if material meets editorial needs, so does not accept submissions
solely based upon queries. (JE)
GL: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwd/writers_guidelines.html
URL: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com
E-mail: Due to the high volume of editorial mail, the
editors at Bird Watcher's Digest prefer to receive
submissions and queries via regular mail.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
PERSIMMON HILL
Editor: M. J. Van Deventer
National Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1700 N.E. 63rd Street, Oklahoma
City, OK 73111; (405) 478-6404
PERSIMMON HILL is an award-winning journal on the West, published
quarterly by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. PERSIMMON HILL'S
15,000 readers are interested in western art, history, ranching
and rodeo. Looking for: "Nonfiction -- Historical and
contemporary articles on notable persons connected with
pioneering the American West; western art, rodeo, cowboys,
western flora, animal life, or other phenomena of the West of
today or yesterday. Articles must be historically accurate.
Sources must be documented. We require lively, top-notch writing
for a popular audience." Photos: Black and white glossy prints or
color transparencies, submitted and purchased with mss. Captions
required. No reprints accepted. Query with clips and SASE. No
phone, fax or e-mail queries are accepted. PAY: On publication.
Ranges from $150-250, including illustrations for FNASR. Byline
given. SUBMISSIONS: Please be familiar with the magazine prior to
submitting. Letter-quality printouts should be accompanied by a
disk in a software program that is compatible with WordPerfect
6.1. Software program information should be provided with disk.
Disks will not be returned. SAMPLE COPIES are available for
$10.50, including postage and handling. Persimmon Hill cannot be
held responsible for loss or damage to original documents or
photographs. Please do not send originals of heirloom documents.
RT: Allow a minimum of six weeks for a response on queries.
TIPS: "Send us a story that captures the spirit of adventure and
individualism that typifies the Old West or reveals facets of the
western lifestyle in contemporary society. The availability of
superior illustrations or photographs strongly influences the
sale of an article to us. High quality photography is absolutely
essential to the acceptance of an article. No polaroids or
"loving hands at home" photography will be accepted. The other
caveat is that we don't want articles on tired subjects. No Billy
the Kid or Custer stuff. We've just about overdosed on that. We
love stories on old ranchers who have done something significant
and even ranches that have been around a long time and are still
going strong.
URL: http://www.cowboyhalloffame.org/persim.html
GL: http://www.cowboyhalloffame.org/phguide.html
**-----------------------------------------------------**
OUR STATE: DOWN HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA
Editor: Mary Best Ellis
P. O. Box 4552, Greensboro, NC 27404; Fax (336) 286-0100
OUR STATE: DOWN HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA is a magazine established
in 1933 covering North Carolina travel, history, and folklore.
FREQ: Monthly. CIRC: 60,000+. NEEDS: "We accept well-written
articles on subjects of interest to those who live in, visit, or
simply love the Tar Heel State." Nonfiction articles highlighting
North Carolina history, personalities, travel, arts and crafts,
nature, adventure, culture and nostalgia. Only nonfiction
articles are considered and should include sidebars, captions,
lists and supplemental material. "We expect thoroughly
researched, original, literary-quality work." LENGTH: Average
length 1,200 to 1,500 words. RTS: FNASR. PAYMENT: On publication.
Payments vary depending on the type of article, its complexity
and writer's ability in meeting the assigned deadline. Payment
ranges from $25 to $300. Payment for published articles is made
during the third week of the month in which the article appears.
No kill fees in most cases. RT: 8-12 weeks. SAMPLE COPIES:
Available for $3.95 on the newsstand, or for $5 by writing the
circulation department. Editorial calendars are available for a
SASE. COMMENTS: Photography Guidelines may be accessed on the
website. SUBMISSION: Query first. Develop two or three article
ideas and send a brief paragraph synopsis on each to the editor.
Queries should be in written form; include a resume and writing
samples with first-time queries. No queries by telephone. Once
an article is complete, preference is for submission on disk
(saved as a text file) or by e-mail with a hard copy. Standard
DOS and Macintosh files are acceptable. PC-originated articles
should be saved as text files. All submissions should include a
SASE. (JE)
URL: http://www.ourstate.com
GL: http://www.ourstate.com/html/writers.html
E-mail: editorial@ourstate.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
INSCRIPTIONS CONTEST: DEADLINE 5PM EST 17Oct2000 INSCRIPTIONS
Jade Walker, Editor
Inscriptions, 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York,
NY 10036
INSCRIPTIONS is a weekly e-zine for professional writers. "Each
issue features how-to articles, interviews with writers/editors/
publishers, job opportunities, paying markets, contests and much
more. Inscriptions is available in a text-only e-mail version and
on the Web. Subscriptions are free." The current INSCRIPTIONS
contest is a joint effort between Inscriptions, Scribes of the
Goddess and Crazy Wolf Publishing. "October 31 is a night when
the veil between the living and the dead is at its most tangible.
Your job is to brush aside this veil in a short story and tell us
what you find." Deadline: October 17. No entry fee. Entries
should be less than 1,500 words. 1st prize -- $100 gift
certificate from Amazon.Com (or cash equivalent), publication in
Inscriptions and in Scribes of the Goddess. Honorable Mention --
A copy of "Vampire's Waltz" by Tom Staab. Rights: one-time
electronic rights on each site. Winners will be announced in the
Oct. 30th issue of Inscriptions. (ST)
URL: http://www.inscriptionsmagazine.com/Veil.html
**-----------------------------------------------------**
MARKET UPDATES: A writer reported that Linux Journal had changed
their contract to buy "all rights" rather than "first serial
rights and compendium rights." On being asked about the change,
Richard Vernon replied, "The rumor you heard was correct, we used
to buy only first serial rights and compendium rights, but we got
into trouble because some authors didn't understand what this
really meant so we have gone to the more traditional "all rights".
That said, with a "known author" we are happy to settle for what
we really wanted anyway -- first serial and compendium." Lesson?
Pays to ask if a market you'd like to write for is asking for
"all rights." They may be willing to change their contract. (ST)
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 CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lee Wardlaw <lee@inkspot.com>
How Can I Make My Protagonist More Three-Dimensional?
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: I've received several rejection letters on my first middle-
grade novel. Each editor commented that I have a good story idea,
but that my main character, a 12-year-old girl, is too one-
dimensional. What does this mean, and how can I fix it?
A: Sounds like your protagonist is suffering from a severe case
of Paper Doll-itis! Meaning, she's all dressed up with no place
to go. She may look pretty on the outside, but there's not much
on the inside: she's a flat cut-out with no personality, no
values, no goals, no problems.
To create an interesting, unique, three-dimensional story, you
must have a full understanding of your characters. In other
words, you must understand their motivations: the values that
move them to action. At the end of a story, you, your readers --
and your editor! -- should always know why the characters acted
as they did. I recommend using a Character Questionnaire, like
the one below, to help you flesh out ALL your characters, and to
help you explore the possible 'whys' -- as well as the 'whats'
-- of their personalities. Here are some of the questions you
might wish to ask:
A Character Questionnaire
-------------------------
1. Personal stats: What is your character's name? Does she like
it? Why or why not? Does she have a nickname? Who gave it to
her? What is her birthdate and her birthplace? Do these affect
her in any way? Dian Curtis Regan, the author of more than 30
books for young readers, wrote a marvelous short novel called
THE CLASS WITH THE SUMMER BIRTHDAYS, about a third grade girl
who never gets to celebrate her special day at school because
her birthday is in July.
2. Personal Appearance: height, weight, hair color, etc. My novel
ALLEY CAT focuses on the self-esteem problems of a high school
girl who towers over in the tallest boys at school.
3. Voice/speech patterns: Is your character's voice sultry?
Squeaky? Husky? Does your main character, perhaps, stutter? Why?
Does your character have an exuberance toward life that causes
her to ALWAYS SPEAK IN CAPITAL LETTERS? In my novel 101 WAYS TO
BUG YOUR PARENTS, one of the minor characters desperately wants
to become a famous French pastry chef, even though he was born
in Oklahoma. He speaks constantly in a phony French accent, which
has kids rolling in the aisles.
4. Habits/Gestures: Does she bite nails? Pick split ends? Have
any favorite expressions or slang words?
5. Dress/style Is it preppie? New age? Garage sale? Saks? Heavy
metal? What does this character's dress style say about her
personality? Why does she dress the way she does?
6. Description of home: Physical, mental, emotional atmosphere.
Does your character live in a trailer park? Apartment? Home? Is
she homeless? How does this affect her?
7. Parents/siblings: Personalities and relationships, i.e., how
do they get along? Are the parents divorced? Is there a
grandparent living in the home?
8. Educational background (plus worst and best subjects). My first
published book, ME + MATH = HEADACHE, was popular because the
main character constantly flunked math tests.
9. Work experience and skills: Does she have an after-school job?
Dishing up ice cream or flipping burgers?
10. Handicaps: These are not necessarily physical; they can be
psychological. In 101 WAYS TO BUG YOUR PARENTS, one minor
character suffers from hiccups 23 hours a day, as a way to get
attention from his hectic family.
11. Hobbies
12. Pasttimes: What does your character like to do after school?
On Saturdays?
13. Pets (or is your character allergic to animals?)
14. Favorite colors/music/books/movies/TV shows/foods.
15. Humor: wry, sarcastic, silly, etc. What makes your character
laugh?
16. Best friend: Why is this person special? What characteristics
do they share? Have they ever had a falling out? What caused it?
17. Enemy: Why does the character hate this person, or viceversa?
18. What is important to this person, and why?
19. Basic nature or outlook on life: Optimistic? Pessimistic?
Jealous? Cheerful?
20. Ambitions/dreams: What does she want to be when she grows
up... or what does she want to be or do in the next 15 minutes?
21. Philosophy of life
22. Fears/inhibitions: Afraid of the dark? Of heights? Too shy to
talk to boys?
23. Heroes: Whom does the character look up to, and why?
24. Boyfriend/Girlfriend
25. Present problem: How will it get worse? How will it be
resolved?
26. Strongest/weakest character traits (as seen by you, the author,
or by the main character, or by her friends).
27. Why is your character worth writing about? (Remember, if YOU
don't care about your character, neither will your readers.) How
or why is this character different from other similar characters?
28. Do I like/dislike this character and why? Will readers react
the same way?
29. Will this character be remembered and why?
30. What is something the character has done that she/he is very
proud of? Ashamed of? Embarrassed about?
Last but not least, ask yourself: What does my character want
more than anything in the world? Why does she want it? And how
will it be attained?
Granted, you're not going to find room in your story for all the
answers to these questions. But the more you know about your
characters, the more they will become real, live people -- to you
and to your readers.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Lee Wardlaw is the author of more than 20 books for young readers,
ranging from picture books to young adult novels. Winner of seven
Reader's Choice Awards, her new books for 2000 include: WE ALL
SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM: THE SCOOP ON AMERICA'S FAVORITE DESSERT
(HarperCollins); SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE (picture book, Dial/
Penguin Putnam); and MY LIFE AS A WEIRDO (middle grade novel,
Troll). For more info about Lee and her books, check out her
website at http://www.leewardlaw.com.
Copyright (c) 2000 Lee Wardlaw
*****************************************************************
NETWORKING: THE KEY TO BALANCE IN A WRITER'S LIFE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Terri Mrosko <mroskotl@aol.com>
When I started my freelance writing career nearly a year ago, the
most appealing aspects of working from home were a flexible
schedule, no commuting to work, more time with my family, and
being my own boss. Nearly 100 published articles and 12 months
later, my freelance career is going according to plan.
A flexible schedule means you can write in the morning, afternoon
or well into the wee hours of the night. At times you find you
are doing all three, day after day, night after night, often to
the detriment of human contact.
No commuting to work means no socialization normally found in the
workplace setting. Sure, there is a human being on the other end
of that e-mail or phone connection, but face-to-face human contact
is imperative to maintaining balance in your career as a writer.
More time with the family does not necessarily mean quality time
spent with them. Perhaps the "do not disturb" sign seems a bit
too permanently posted to your office door. It's easy to be caught
up in meeting deadlines, getting out one more query, or finishing
one last paragraph.
Being the boss means doing everything it takes to get your business
running -- writing, marketing, budgeting, administering, filing,
researching, interviewing -- everything. I didn't anticipate the
long hours spent in my office and at my keyboard -- a typical
price of starting your own business.
Writing is a solitary endeavor, and a freelance writer must go to
great lengths to ensure it doesn't turn into an isolating one.
The human connection can mean the difference between being alone
and being isolated. What steps can the freelance writer take to
meet the social need of staying in contact with family, friends
and peers and still churn out the necessary amount of work to
succeed in a writing career?
Social Success
--------------
Forcing yourself to get out of the office and socialize with
others is the first step toward finding a balance. Networking is
the key because it still feels like you're working even though
you aren't actually writing. You won't feel like you abandoned
your business just because that familiar keyboard isn't at your
fingertips.
The consensus among freelance writers is to schedule networking
appointments and keep them. Search out writer's groups or other
entrepreneurial support groups in your area and regularly attend
meetings where you can interact with others in your situation.
Join professional organizations specifically for writers, such as
the Society of Professional Journalists or a local "press club,"
and volunteer your services. This enables interaction with other
professionals and guarantees that you will stay involved.
Keep up one-on-one networking contacts with other writers and
associates. Schedule meetings and work them into your calendar.
One approach is to set aside a regular day during the week or the
month strictly for networking.
Coffee or lunch with someone whose company you enjoy is time well
spent. Get over the feeling that you are wasting time if your
lunch date isn't someone with a job offer or writing assignment.
You need people in your life to offer support or advice,
especially those with an arms-length perspective of your business.
Giving Back
-----------
One writer's suggestion for socialization is to get a mentor or
be a mentor, depending on where you are in your writing career.
Whether you've been freelancing for a while or are new to writing,
getting involved in a mentoring relationship is a surefire way to
further your career and stay in touch in a meaningful way.
Another writer conducts regular goal-setting meetings with a
friend to gauge both professional and personal progress in their
lives. They recently collaborated on an article for a local
newspaper about the art of goal-setting with a friend.
The idea of collaboration itself is a good way to ensure social
contact. It provides the give-and-take between two people and
reinforces the idea that you are not in a project all by yourself.
Bouncing ideas off one another promotes self-assurance and
affirms you are on the right track, while maintaining that all-
important social element.
Family Comes First
------------------
Making sure family comes first is a nice concept, but many
writers know that editors' requests, deadlines and business often
take precedence over the immediate needs of the family. It's easy
to put off those non-emergency requests from your family until
"later." Instead, work family time into your schedule, just as
you do your networking opportunities.
Make sure your schedule is truly flexible. When children are home
from school, shift more of the hours you spend locked up in the
office to a later-evening or early-morning schedule. The
afternoon or early evening is reserved for the family. This way
you can run family errands, go to the beach with the kids or
attend their softball games, and they won't feel neglected.
When deadlines call and there is no room for the luxury of an
entire evening "off," try grabbing a quick pizza and head to the
park with your family or enjoy a sandwich out on the deck
together. Taking an hour of time away from the computer and
investing it in a family talk will do wonders for your writing
and wash away your guilt.
Time Management
---------------
Not participating in the real world beyond the walls of your home
office shortchanges your career. When you schedule social contact
into your routine or take spur of the moment time-outs with
family and friends, you can achieve the ideal work and family
scenario and keep everyone happy, yourself included.
Most of the freelance writers I know are good time managers. They
are well organized, self-disciplined and extremely motivated and
determined. By investing these behaviors into your social
contacts as well as your business, you will successfully balance
your career and your life.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Terri Mrosko is a freelance writer from Olmsted Falls, Ohio. She
specializes in articles about business, communications and career
management. Her work has appeared in Inscriptions Magazine, The
Writing Parent, Women as Managers, and several Cleveland-based
newspapers.
Copyright (c) 2000 Terri Mrosko
Would you like to reprint this article? If so, please contact
TERRI MROSKO <mroskotl@aol.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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INKSPOT WRITERS' CHAT CENTER UPDATE - by Shane Stacks
-----------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING CHAT: WRITING IN FLOW with SUSAN K. PERRY (why, when,
and how to enter a timeless state to produce your best work).
DATE: Thursday, October 26, 2000, 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. Central
SUSAN K. PERRY, Ph.D., psychologist, consultant, and author of
over 800 articles and the recent bestseller Writing in Flow: Keys
to Enhanced Creativity, shares her insight and experience to help
you write more creatively!
A TRANSCRIPT of KAREN WIESNER's Sep 28th "The Eclectic Writer"
chat now available.
TWO NEW WEEKLY CHATS:
"Death By The Pen" - Mystery/Thriller Writing Chat
Host: John M. McGowan - Fridays at 9 p.m. EST
"The Underside" - Horror Writing Chat
Host: Larry Lawrence - Saturdays at 9 p.m. EST
MORE INFO: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
NOTE: The Inkspot chat room now has several main rooms for your
chatting convenience: Adult Writers, Young Writers, and All Ages.
INKSPOT CHAT MAILING LIST: Send blank e-mail to
icc-subscribe@topica.com
DISCUSSION FORUMS: Join this growing community of writers!
Wide variety of topics and events, everyone welcome.
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Inkspot Java Chat: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
(open 24/7, chat anytime!)
Community Events Newsletter:
http://www.inkspot.com/events/
Or send e-mail to Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com
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