Legacy By Dawn Allcot I just submitted a story to a trade magazine. This is nothing unusual for a freelance writer. It’s even less unusual since I regularly contribute to this publication. Seconds later, in my mailbox, a manuscript appears. Not mine, thankfully. (Getting your manuscripts returned, even via e-mail—especially via e-mail—is bad.) This is an … Read more
By Tanja Rosteck The demand for qualified technical writers is constantly growing. For every software application or technology product that’s developed, there’s an instant need for accompanying documentation. In a global market increasingly dependent on high-tech products and services, it’s virtually guaranteed that technical writing opportunities will never run dry. Technical writing may be your … Read more
Spotlight on Deidre Knight Interview by Christina Hamlett Name: Deidre Knight Title: Agent Agency: The Knight Agency Address: P.O. Box 550648, Atlanta, GA 30355 How long have you been an agent? I began agenting nearly seven years ago, in the spring of 1996. My husband, Judson Knight, has been a silent partner since that time, and in 2003 will join … Read more
By Callum Shakespeare What point of view? It is the question we all ask ourselves when writing a short story, novel, and in some cases, a poem. And there is no easy answer. The point of view (POV) must suit your style as an author, the requirements of your chosen genre, and your plot. Perhaps … Read more
By Patricia Fry Is it possible to predetermine the success of your book before you start writing it? To a degree, yes. Some of your choices during the planning and writing phases of your book can definitely influence eventual sales. There’s no sense in leaving the future of your book to chance, when you can … Read more
By Susanne Shaphren My boring black bicycle traveled over 1500 miles last year without ever leaving the house Day after day, I pedal furiously only to wind up in exactly the same spot. The daily routine of well-disciplined writers is alarmingly similar to that bicycle going nowhere. Day after day, we write, revise and cross … Read more
By Sherryl Clark Writers seem to fall into two categories: those who hate the first draft and love the slow, detailed pleasure of revision, and those who love the rush and excitement of the first draft and hate revision. Many of us balk at revision. I’ve heard writers vow that their work comes out so … Read more
By Jodi Brandon With tens of thousands of books published annually and hundreds of thousands of magazine articles published annually, it’s easy to see how you (and your work) can get lost in the shuffle. If you’ve chosen the right outlets for your writing — and by “right,” I mean the most appropriate — that … Read more
By Phyllis Hanlon Your phone has been ringing regularly; your mailbox is stuffed with assignments for magazine and newsletter articles; every time you sign onto the Internet, the familiar “You’ve got mail!” announcement greets your ears along with several positive responses to your e-queries. The freelance life is looking good. The paychecks have started to … Read more
By Tina St. John In late 1994, I quit my full-time job to try my hand at writing a novel. Yes, it was an enormous risk, and yes, I have a very understanding and supportive husband. Naively, I expected to complete my book by year’s end — never mind that said book consisted of less … Read more
