Comments on: 7 Tips for Writing for Publication

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:51:38 +0000

Interesting….thanks for your comment, James!

I hadn’t thought about food in the Wizard of Oz, but that’s a great way to hook readers!
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..6 Tips for Long-Term Success as a Freelance Writer =-.

By: James C. Wallace II

James C. Wallace II — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:32:16 +0000

i don’t use crumbs, I use Potato Soup! Food plays a major role in all 3 books of Oz. That’s my hook…
.-= James C. Wallace II´s last blog post ..Snagglepuss & the Wizard Of Oz ??? =-.

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:12:44 +0000

I definitely feel like I’m reading an article by someone else when I finally get the magazine in the mail, sometimes a year after I’ve written it! But I usually remember writing certain bits….some bits I don’t recall at ALL, which makes me think the editor was throwing in his/her two cents.

That’s really interesting that you get so detached, Sara. And that’s a great way to edit your work, because you’re not connected to your writing to its detriment!

If you’re writing for publication, detachment is crucial. So is not taking feedback or criticism personally.
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..7 Tips for Writing for Trade Magazines =-.

By: sara jackson

sara jackson — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:06:09 +0000

Reading the first tip: Detach, made me think of how I feel about and look at my writing. As soon as I write something, be it a magazine article, newspaper article, short story or a picture book, I become very detached from it. This helps me edit it, because it’s almost like I’m editing someone else’s work. When I go back to read something that’s been published, it’s like I’m reading an article or story by another author. Very strange feeling. Anybody else feel like this?

sara-jackson.blogspot.com
.-= sara jackson´s last blog post ..New Update On Picture Book =-.

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:16:50 +0000

I agree, George: putting your writing aside for a few days or even months gives it a chance to gel, and gives your brain a rest. I find that even a few hours can make a big difference.

We went over my sample chapters at my writer’s group last night….and they gave me so many great suggestions for improving my writing! I tell ya, writing for publication is damn hard work. You really gotta love what you do.

I’m writing a “Checklist for Self-Editing and Revising Your Writing” article right now, and will post later today. It’ll be a quick, comprehensive checklist of common mistakes writers make….I know I’ll be using it regularly!
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..7 Ways to Overcome Procrastination at Work – Sarah Ban Breathnach =-.

By: Tumblemoose

Tumblemoose — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:49:41 +0000

Hi Laurie.

True words about the difficulty of writing. I really liked the tip about becoming detached. Whenever possible, I’ll put an important piece away and out of sight for a week or two. Sometimes when I go back to it, it’s like it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it!

Good stuff as always!

George
.-= Tumblemoose´s last blog post ..Book ‘em, Dano – Ten fully arrest-able query gaffs =-.

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:47:37 +0000

Thanks, Gini.

I took my sample chapters on a walk through the woods today. Didn’t need to drop the literal crumbs to find my way home, but I scoured my writing for those metaphorical ones!
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..7 Tips for Writing for Publication =-.

By: Gini Grey

Gini Grey — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:30:44 +0000

I love these tips, Laurie – particularly the dropping crumbs, tying them together and using techniques such as personification. I’ve used symbolism a fair bit, and have been playing with alliteration lately, but I’d love to try personification, so thanks for that.

Good luck with your sample chapters – I’m sure they’ll be fantastic!

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post ..Faith =-.