Fearless Friday

In last night’s writing class, I talked to students about submitting shorter pieces while still working on their book-length projects. Some seemed uncomfortable with the idea. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown and fear of commitment washed across these dedicated students’ faces. I challenged them to research a list of 3 possible (and plausible) markets where they might submit. A legitimate byline for a shorter work will look very good on your resume when you pitch your book-length writing.
The first few times you send away your stuff to a prospective editor, you may be tempted to camp out next to the email or postal mailbox. A distinct mix of anticipation and dread may come over you. Anticipation because of the chance you might hit the market, dread because you also know most new writers go through a phase of rejection as they learn the craft. Make the most of your writing by not expecting a “yes” for a while, yet not losing hope when you get the rejection.

Writing Tip for Today: This most easily accomplished by writing something new or revising another in-progress piece. When the rejection comes, tick that publication off your list, tweak the story if necessary to get a different slant that fits the next one on your list and get that baby back out there.

About Linda S. Clare

I'm an author, speaker, writing coach and mentor. I teach both fiction and nonfiction writing at Lane Community College and in the doctoral program as expert writing advisor for George Fox University. I love helping writers improve their craft and I'm both an avid reader and writer of stories about those with wounded hearts.

1 comment on “Fearless Friday

  1. Hi Linda,
    Sure miss your class. Have not been writing at all.
    Kids home from India, lots of exciting places and events to take them to. Tomorrow is the wedding reception.
    Will life settle down after that?
    Revise, revise, revise is where I am at with my stories.
    Hugs,
    Diane

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