Fake It 'til Make It

"Fake it 'til you make it!"

That is the motto of a close friend of mine and, considering they started a successful business in their 20s, I'm happy to take it.

Too often I find myself worrying that I can't write well enough, don't know enough about a topic or am competing against scads of people who are just better at this writing game than I am. But then I have to give myself the "Fake it 'til you make it" pep talk.

I think the problem is that I am basically a shy person who tends to downplay myself and my experiences. I continually need to remind myself that if I don't believe in myself, why would anyone else?

The first editor to accept my writing to include in a book had no idea that I had never been in an book OR written about baseball before. My baseball experience began and ended with attending Little League games and rooting for the Phillies whenever they made it to the playoffs. But in the end the editor loved my piece so much that he invited me to pitch for other - non-baseball related - books.

My students in my first writing class had no idea that normally my classes involved multiplication tables and conjunctions (during my stint as a elementary school substitute teacher). But that first class led to additional workshops and talks.

My first advertising client had no idea that just the week before I was dong something very different. They just placed their month long advertising campaign in my hands. A year later some of my advertising work was submitted for an award. I didn't win but hey, it's an honor just to be nominated.

As writers, we're the first line. We have to believe in ourselves if we want anyone else to believe in us. Confidence in my writing abilities had made amazing things happen for me. I've contacted authors, organizations, destinations with requests for an interview, tour, vintage photo and they've happily agreed. Every time I'm amazed all over again that they would agree to do this for me! I tend to gloss over the fact that we're working together - that they're getting something too (publicity for their business, a chance to tell their story, a new connection).

Writers have to exude confidence in interviews, pitch meetings, networking events. Everything about us has to say "I can do this!" Even though there's a part of you that's whispering, "Can I do this?"

Yes, it's difficult. But do it. Believe in yourself! And store up all those amazing things that happened just because you took a chance. You can use them in your pep talk if you're ever feeling down.

What was the last amazing thing to happen in your writing career just because you asked?

Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains. After a decade hiatus from writing, she is back with bylines in Tea Journey, Mental Floss and a WIP about her plant obsession. She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. Get to know her @jodiwebbwrites , Facebook or Words by Webb.

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1 comment confidence, Jodi M. Webb, networking, writing tips

It May Not Look Like Work...

Have you ever wondered if all that time spent on social media or even sallying forth to make actual live connections makes any difference in your writing career? I mean, here you are, hard at work, but does it matter? Really? And then I have a couple of weeks that feel like a genuine pat on the back.

The other night I spoke to a women’s group about my writing life and the circuitous journey I took to becoming the writer I am today. So I brought a lot of my Chicken Soup for the Soul books because my life stories are shared in those books. And I sold every last book!

But I wouldn’t have been at that meeting if a friend didn’t read my blog posts regularly and had the thought that I’d make a fun speaker for her group. And she wouldn’t haven’t seen my blog posts if I hadn’t shared them through my social media networks. I often tell people that I stay on my social media networks for work and they look at me funny, like “Come on, Cathy, we know you’re just there for the singing dogs.” Well, of course I’m there for the singing dogs. But I’m also there, working.

And then a few weeks ago, when my SCBWI region appeared at the Decatur Book Festival, I worked in our tent for promotion and hobnobbing and eventually, cleanup. A friend gave me a handful of big bottles of bubbles we didn’t use and asked me to take them to my church preschool.

So I dropped by to see the preschool director, an old friend and co-worker of mine, to give her the bubbles. And we talked about children’s books, naturally, and that mine were for Korean kids. But, I told her, my friend (the one who donated the bubbles) had a board book. “Give her my card,” she said. “We’d love to have her.” And my friend will be doing a story time in the next week, and will probably sell lots of books, too. So there we all were, connected in a friends-helping-friends way. But we were also working.

Also a few weeks ago, a writer friend was coordinating a panel presentation of kidlit authors and illustrators. But all she had signed on were picture book creatives. And I remembered that a friend of mine—a YA author—had recently moved back to my area. How did I know? I’d seen all her comings and goings on social media.

We needed a published author of novels and my friend was happy to help with the panel because she needed to get back in the writer swing of things. She had been using social media to let her friends know she was home, but yep, she was working, too.

So you never know, right? It might look like piddling around, being out there on social media. Or it might look like a long lunch with friends, or a delightful happy hour at a conference. But that’s work, y’all. I can’t help it if it looks like fun.

~Cathy C. Hall (Hard-at-Work)

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2 comments Cathy C. Hall, conferences, networking, social media, speaker gigs, writer promotion

School's Out, But Not For You

Do you belong to a professional writing organization? One of the big international ones, like SCBWI or RWA, or maybe even a regional or state writers’ group? If you haven’t signed up, then here’s what needs to go on the top of your Summer Vacation Things To Do list: join a professional writing organization. Because that not only sends a message to other writers that you’re serious, but it sends YOU the message. And then sharpen your pencils, because the lessons are just starting.


TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION OFFERS

I am always amazed when I don’t have to beat people back with a stick at any writing event. Most organizations will host a conference and many groups will host several smaller workshops as well, and yet, these events are often under-attended.

Granted, a conference can be expensive. But the dividends will more than pay your costs. And workshops? These are often offered at a nominal fee or even free. FREE! I have to have a pretty darn good reason to pass up a free writing workshop. Like raging dysentery. And even with dysentery, I might just stuff an extra roll of paper in my purse and go. To the workshop, I mean. Because I paid my dues and I like to get my money’s worth.

So how do you get your money’s worth? On to the next lesson…


STRETCH YOUR COMFORT LEVEL

Yes, I know. You’re a writer, not a mixer. But I’m going to tell you a secret: you never know when you might meet someone who could end up being the best writing thing that ever happened to you.

I don’t mean that you’ll sit down next to Neil Gaiman at a book-signing and the next thing you know, you’re lifelong best buds. (If that worked, Neil and I would be texting right now.) What I do mean is that you might find yourself chatting with someone who’s looking for a critique partner in just the genre you write, or you might meet an experienced writer who graciously offers to be a beta reader for you. Or maybe you’ll find someone to sit next to at the next conference. The opportunities are endless, but you must put yourself out there.

Be friendly. Smile. Bring a business card and share it. You never know where your stretch may lead.


LISTEN AND LEARN

If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. Trust me, there is always something to learn, so listen up even when you think you know it all. Then take that nugget (or reams of nuggets) home and watch how you and your writing grow.

School’s never out when it comes to writing, but it’s up to you to learn your lessons!

Cathy C. Hall is a kidlit author and humor writer. She's a member of SCBWI Southern Breeze, and you'll find her pretty much when the doors open at any of her region's events! Come say hello!

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4 comments Cathy C. Hall, conferences, networking, workshops, writing lessons

Build Your Network

© Tuulum | Dreamstime Stock Photos 

Do you ever have days where you feel like you’re floundering in your writing career? Like the small steps you take each and every day to generate ideas, polish your work, hit the send button and earn those freelance paychecks are getting you no closer to paying the mortgage or any other substantial bills? Believe me, I’ve been there. But I’m also here to tell you not to give up on your goals. If you put it in the time and dedicate yourself to making yourself a better writer/editor, you will be rewarded.

The time I’ve put into freelance writing has landed me two different editorial positions in the past ten years. One, with a regional parenting magazine, didn’t work out because the position was a job share, and I realized a working mom has to have sick days, vacation time, etc. I left the company after a year on good terms and freelanced for them several months before going to work for a competing publication. The other editorial position was part-time and allowed me to work remotely. While it worked better for my schedule and having two kids in elementary school, it didn’t pay as much as the first position.

A few months ago I was at a crossroads when the magazine where I worked remotely folded. While I was still lamenting the loss of income, regular clients (such as WOW!) continued to provide me with opportunities for freelance projects. And then, through the power of LinkedIn (it does work!), the original magazine I worked for realized I was “back on the market,” so to speak. Within a week, I had a small but regular gig copyediting for their publication (remotely) and some website projects also came my way. Starting next week, I get the chance to freshen up my “work” wardrobe and take a temporary position at this magazine while their current editor goes on maternity leave for three months. If I hadn’t worked to maintain my contacts in the industry, continued getting publication credits, or spent time publishing my articles in other magazines and newspapers, I would probably still be banging my head on my keyboard.

So my advice to you is to keep going. Put in the time. Do the research. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and make those connections. Make yourself indispensible to regular clients if you’re looking for more in your professional career as a writer. It will pay off.

In what ways are you working to build up your own writing network? What opportunities have come your way because of the connections you’ve made?

Renee Roberson is an award-winning professional freelance writer, editor and blogger with hundreds of print and online articles and columns to her name. Her experience includes a background in journalism and communications, public relations, writing for regional parenting and city magazines, a daily newspaper and websites and e-zines. Visit her blog at Renee's Pages.

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Leave a Comment making professional connections, networking, Renee Roberson, Writing for magazines

Making Connections

The last time I blogged here at the Muffin, I wrote about writing retreats and why these events are worthwhile. The point that seemed to hit home for people was the idea that we are only Seven Degrees of Separation away from our next success.

This retreat definitely brought home the value of these connections.

At the retreat, we get face time with an editor who critiques our work and discusses it with us as well as teaching several workshops. This time, we learned about selling points and hooks. Whether you independently publish or traditionally publish, these two skills are vital.

But sometimes we need a bit more than that to get our foot in the door. We need a tip. For me, this is where this event always shines.

Last year, two of us applied to write-for-hire because of a tip that we got from a fellow author. She writes for this particular packager and no both of us do too. I just landed my first assignment, due by the end of the month. The other writer is on book #3.

Perhaps this tip was a fluke, but I’m prepared to argue that it wasn’t. Why? Because I’m also waiting on a contract for an app; I got the name of the publisher at this same event.

I’m not saying that you should schmooze with your fellow writers just so that you can make sales. I’ve made a lot of friends at these events and we always come away laughing and encouraged and ready to write.
But the tips are there too. Tips from our fellow writers can help us avoid publishers that don’t pay or who do a shoddy job with editing and design. They can also let us know when a publisher is looking for a certain type of book long before what they’ve just purchased makes its way into the public eye.

When you attend an event, whether it’s a conference , workshop or retreat, don’t snub the writers just to hob nob with the agents and editors. Take the time to get to know your fellow writers. Me? I have two agents to contact and a publisher who is looking for alphabet books. Until I sat down to breakfast on Saturday, I didn’t know that any of these people were looking.

--SueBE
Find out more about Sue and her work at her blog, One Writer's Journey.

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Leave a Comment conferences, networking, retreats, writing retreats

Writer’s Conference Connections: Easier Than You Think

Anne Lamott with Cathy-on-a-Stick. Yes, THE Anne Lamott.

When I go to a writer’s conference, I have a short list of Things To Bring:

1. Business cards, writing utensil, notepad

2. Sweater

3. Cathy-on-a-Stick

Experience has taught me that you don’t need much at a conference. Mostly, you’ll be listening (thus the notepad and writing utensil for a couple notes) and networking (which is where the business cards and Cathy-on-a-Stick come in).

I don’t think I’ve ever given a business card to an agent, editor, or publisher. I pass out my cards to writers. I enjoy making friends, connecting with writers from down the road as well as across the country. And Cathy-on-a-Stick…well, that’s just a fun way to make connections. But that’s not what I had in mind when I first thought up Cathy-on-a-Stick.

Several years ago, when my daughter was leaving for a faraway college, her close friend pasted a picture of herself on a Popsicle stick. That way, my daughter could take her friend with her wherever she went. Crazy kids, right?

Shortly afterwards, I started attending writing conferences. As is common, I would meet amazing authors and wonderful writers and someone would invariably say, “Let me take your picture with Mr. or Ms. Fabulous!”

But I don’t really “do” candid photos. My hair comes out wonky or a spinach-encrusted smile’s plastered across my face. And it’s an absolute given that one or both eyes will be closed. I’m like a walking disaster area at a conference.

And then I remembered my daughter’s little pic-on-a-stick friend.

So I searched through all my photos and eventually I found one decent picture of myself. I cut out Cathy and pasted her on a stick. For the next conference, I brought her along because hey, Cathy-on-a-Stick always looks pretty swell, considering that’s it me. And when the inevitable photo opportunity came along, I whipped out that pic-on-a-stick.

I’ve never had anyone say no to her. She’s just plain fun—and memorable.

I can’t go to a conference—or any writing event—that friends don’t ask about my pic-on-a-stick. And it’s not long before other writers wander over to ask, too. I meet a lot of people, thanks to Cathy-on-a-Stick.

Of course, I realize that not everyone is comfortable with such a goofy ice-breaker. But there are other, more subtle routes one can go.

I have a writer friend who always wears hats at events. Everyone knows her by her hats, and as a bonus, she’s always easy to find. I have another writer friend who has a purple streak in her hair. Like me, she didn’t plan on the purple hair becoming a “thing,” but she’s kept it because it’s become so identifiable with her.

Quirky, unique, and even silly-but-sincere shticks invite conversation. So try something fun at your next conference—an unusual pair of earrings, funky boots, an outrageous scarf. Soon you’ll be talking to your own fabulous folks, passing out your business cards, and making great connections.

Oh! And don’t forget to bring your sweater. Friends are great for warm fuzzies, but you’re still going to need a nice, warm sweater in those air-conditioned rooms.

~Cathy C. Hall

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14 comments anne lamott, Cathy C. Hall, Cathy-on-a-Stick, networking, writer's conference

How to Make Your Writing Red Hot

In this competitive world we write in, making your article or story stand out is an important piece on the road to success. You want readers to take notice and read your work.

How do you make sure this happens?

I stumbled on this little gem of wisdom this week, and even though the article focuses on business content, it got me thinking. I'm a journalist, so I employ the ideas in the article a lot. I'm also a playwright, poet, and occasionally, a writer of fiction, and these tips make sense when it comes to promotion and writing.

In a nutshell:

1. Ideas are everywhere. If you stop and think, you could undoubtedly create a story or article about almost any moment occurring through a day. Think about the unexpected places where stories may come from: an incident in the grocery checkout line, a school board meeting, a doctor's visit, a phone call. Tap into those moments and get creative!
2. Think in headlines or titles. This tidbit of advice is my step number two once I've contemplated the 5 W's and 1H. I envision the headline for the piece and write.
3. Answer the question. What's the takeaway or bigger lesson for readers? It's the essential element for developing connections with your readers.
4. Make it snack-sized. When I read these tips, my mind raced with social media and marketing efforts. We promote 140 characters at a time on Twitter. We engage readers on Facebook or through an author's website. We give enough for a nibble, a sweet taste that entices the reader to want more and more content.
5. Don't overthink it. Just get to the point. You don't need two paragraphs of flowery prose if you can create the same message in a single, impactful sentence.

Think precision. Think creativity. Most importantly, think about writing red hot content that leaves readers wanting more.

by LuAnn Schindler

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Leave a Comment connecting with readers, develop ideas, get to the point, headlines, LuAnn Schindler, networking

What I've Learned Working on a Weekly Newspaper

Writing for a weekly newspaper provides valuable lessons for writers of all genres.

My first writing break came when I was in high school. The local weekly newspaper asked if I would write a first-person sports feature about a Univeristy of Nebraska football player who was friends with my family.

I was 16 years old, determined to go to law school and eventually, write the Great American Novel.

Fast forward four decades. I'm a full-time freelancer, working the regional beat for the area's daily  newspaper. I write for other publications, too, but when you write from the comforts of your home office, you develop your own rhythm.

In July, the local weekly (which owns three weekly papers covering four communities) asked if I could cover a few stories. In November, I was named managing news editor of the Clearwater Record-Ewing News. Now, these two towns are separated by approximately eight miles on the highway. One has a population of approximately 387; the other, 419, based on 2010 census records.

Working on this weekly newspaper has taught and reminded me of several key lessons that are pertinent to writers of any genre.

• Know and use the stylebook. No matter what publication I write for, they use a specific stylebook (AP, CMS, etc.) and some take it to another level and have their own stylebook based on the original. If you are unsure of a writing rule, use the stylebook. It will make the proofreader's job so much easier!
• Determine your audience. The weekly has a wide age range of readers. We cover school events of all sorts, we cover town news stories (think human interest), and we cover what I consider breaking news items - fires, accidents, etc. Since a locally-owned weekly paper is the core news source representing the town, it's important to include a wide variety of coverage.
• Build your online presence. Have a website, update it frequently, and use social media to promote your work.
• Network, network, network. Since I live near both communities, I knew a number of "officials" from the area, like town clerks, police and fire chiefs, school officials. Now, I talk with school officials weekly to receive updates. I know who to call for information if there's a fire on Thanksgiving Day or if the town is holding a special election. Keeping those communication lines is important, not only for the current story, but for future reporting.
• Be accurate. It's a basic rule of Journalism 101: Check and double check facts. 
• Creativity counts. Even if you're covering the city council meeting, you can use creative lede to draw reader attention.
• Localize a national news story. Application of journalism at its finest. Look for a local angle to national headlines. When you personalize reporting, you increase readership. And trust me, there's been a lot of national news lately that affects everyone. 

Writing for a weekly has made me a better writer. Perhaps it's the perfectionist in me, but I used to agonize over a story's lede, let it simmer for an hour - or even a day - before I'd commit to the details of the story.

Not any more. Writing for a newspaper has forced me to focus on the immediate story, collect my thoughts, and prioritize. It's a good push for any writer.

You don't have to work at a newspaper to put into practice the lessons I've learned. Apply these principles to your writing and writing career, and you'll notice a difference.

by LuAnn Schindler 

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4 comments accuracy in reporting, audience, Creativity, localize, LuAnn Schindler, networking, newspaper industry, online presence, social media, stylebook, weekly newspapers

Localize Writing and Cash In

Dreaming of your big break? Waiting to see your byline in The New York Tmes or Washington Post? Maybe seeing your name grace the pages of Cosmo or Ladies’ Home Journal or Sports Illustrated keeps you motivated.

Until you break into those national markets, smart writers localize and cash in.

Think regional publications, local websites, area newspapers.

I was lucky. When I began freelancing full-time, I broke into a national sports and fitness magazine. Within two months of my initial conversation with the editor-in-chief, I received contracts for three feature pieces.

And, I received payment up front.

At the same time, I knew if I wanted my writing career to grow, I would have to work hard and find other publications to supplement my income.

Besides, it never hurts to have a steady income stream.

How did localizing help?

I landed a steady gig at a regional newspaper, a state-wide magazine publishes a couple of my articles each year, and I launched a newspaper column geared to small weekly newspapers.

Don’t overlook the neighborhood newspaper or budding website promoting a local business. You can snag local writing gigs by keeping these points in mind.

• Develop your expertise. I’m a history nut and I enjoy current events. I’ve parlayed my interests into multiple magazine and newspaper articles, photo layouts, blogging gigs, and website writing.
• Establish relationships. So, you don’t know the editor of the local press? Go introduce yourself! Network!  I didn’t know the editor or staff of a regional magazine, but once I pitched a story and spoke with him on the phone, I made a point to learn the hierarchy of their editorial staff. Now I know not to send a query to the assistant editor. I would not have know that if I hadn’t taken a vested interest. 
• Fine-tune your pitch.  Don’t count out any ideas. A friend who is an avid reader landed a book column in a local newspaper! One trick that helped land a steady assignment was analyzing what was covered in-house and what work was farmed out to freelancers. Once you see what needs a publication has, you can adapt your platform to fit their needs.

I still haven’t ended up in The New York Times or the Washington Post, but I will eventually. Each article I investigate for a local market builds my resume and adds exemplary clips to my portfolio.

What local markets have you pitched?

by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at her website. Graphic by LuAnn.

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Leave a Comment expertise, local, local stories, localize, LuAnn Schindler, networking, personal experience, pitching editors, regional markets

Be Thankful and Deck the Halls with...Networking

Today, I recived the local Chamber of Commerce's monthly newsletter and perused the calendar. It's only November, but this month alone, four meals, three meetings, two coffees, and one open house are scheduled.

Wonder how jam-packed the December calendar will be?

But as I perused these offerings to get together with business leaders, chamber personnel, and the public, it made me pause and consider how much networking can be accomplished at events like these.

If your holiday season is fastly filling up, consider using some of these tips to make the most of the thankful and merry season.

1. Be prepared. Business cards, a writing utensil and a notebook are staples in my purse. Use them!
2. Prepare your elevator pitch. Describe what services you offer in a few sentences.
3. Determine your goals for the event. Do you want to cover the event for an article? Simply interested in learning new information? Hope you meet a certain individual or group of people?
4. Be the hostess, even if you are a guest. Introduce others and help them feel at ease.
5. Follow up with people you meet and any contacts they may introduce.
6. Thank new sources and keep them updated about your work.
7. Don't overindulge. A plate in one hand and a drink in the other makes it difficult to greet others.
8. Have fun!

Networking builds business, and if writing is YOUR business, use these opportunities to expand your potential customer base and deck the seasonal halls with your writing savvy.

by LuAnn Schindler
Read more of LuAnn's work at her website.

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Leave a Comment elevator pitch, holiday writing, LuAnn Schindler, networking, seasonal networking, setting goals