Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category

In the Boston Globe article, “Liar, liar, bestseller on fire,” author Steve Almond examines the possible reasoning behind the recent “I made it up” memoir confessions of Margaret Seltzer (Love and Consequences) and Misha Defonseca (Misa: A Memoire of the Haulocaust Years). Almond examines the validity behind Seltzer’s statement to The New York Times that she was driven to deceit. She said, “I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.”

Almond suggests there’s truth to Seltzer’s seemingly ridiculous statement because today’s declining book readership demands “ripped from the headlines” memoirs and editors are pressured to respond by supplying readers with what they want. According to Almond, editors don’t believe fiction can supply the sensationalism of a “true” story, hence they jump to print author survival stories because “such books are 100 times more likely to get reviewed and featured on National Public Radio and anoited by Oprah.”

Was nothing learned when thousands of readers returned their copies of “A Million Little Pieces,” after author James Frey admitted that he made up portions of his bestselling memoir. Some readers went as far as to initiate legal action. Doesn’t that tell the publishing community and memoir fakers that people want to support a tragic hero, not a liar?

I don’t buy into the rationale that it’s necessary to turn fiction into fact in order to get noticed or as Ms. Seltzer said, “do good.” (The irony of that statement could launch a novel itself.) I also don’t buy into the popular notion that sensationalism for profit is an excuse to tolerate subterfuge and downright dishonesty. The publishers get little sympathy from me for not checking facts before racing to get the next bestselling survival story on shelves.

My previous post discussed the power we hold as writers. With that power comes responsibility. In 4Ps to Publishing Success, I devote an entire chapter to developing an authentic voice and establishing a bond of trust with the audience. Authentic writing stems from the desire to share the insights we’ve gleaned with others and leave the world a slightly better place for our efforts.

Let’s wield the power of the pen, but do it responsibly. Our purpose is connect and make a difference, not just a profit at any cost.

I was invited to lunch by a friend last week. She said, “You’re always so positive and uplifting … and I’ve been a little down of late. My book seems stalled, and blah-blah-blah. I need a Shelley boost.” Not being one to turn down an opportunity for a free meal or to bask in a little praise, I accepted with enthusiasm.

As we enjoyed our meal alfresco at a downtown sidewalk cafe, my friend remarked that she admired my focus and positive outlook. “You always seem so sure of yourself and what you’re doing.” In comparison, she said, she was frequently distracted from her writing and discouraged by some recent contest disappointments and difficulty completing a chapter.

I admit to being pleased that I project such a favorable image. But here’s the kicker: When I look at my friend, I see a woman writer whose byline keeps popping up in print and Internet columns. In addition, her fiction and nonfiction work has been selected on several occasions in just the last year as a contest winner or runner up–and for some significant cash awards as well! In my estimation, she is a prolific writer and producer of fine quality writing. In fact, in recent months I’ve envied her continued output while I’ve been distracted from my personal work.

Point of view is more than just the voice of a character in a work of fiction. It also means having a distinct perspective based on where you stand. I guess I’ve learned that when I don’t like the view from where I’m standing, I move. I turn the pages in my mind until I find a scenario that suits me better.

Hey, we’re writers. That means we create our own reality as well as fantasy. So, focus your perspective on a vision of yourself that suits you. And stop examining yourself in a 5X magnifying mirror–learn to overlook your perceived flaws and focus on your talent and your purpose.

“What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced and overcome?” That’s the question I like to ask when I interview people who are leaders in their communities, companies or organizations. Although the individual replies vary, the majority of the responses reveal that each person has managed to transform some type of adversity into opportunity.

What I have observed in my own 30-year career is that the opposite is true as well. Unsuccessful people not only let obstacles stop or delay their progress, they actively put barriers in their paths, preventing them from reaching their goals. We all are guilty of this to some degree. After all, it is easier to say we don’t have time to write because we work and have children, homes and mates to look after than it is to get up an hour earlier, go to bed an hour later, or work through lunch hour at the office.

It seems to me that each time I make a concerted effort to rein in my concentration and focus on the completion of a goal, the Universe sends something to tempt me away. Just when I decide to spend the next two weeks finishing the final edit on my book, I get called for a lucrative assignment or interesting project that gives me reason to put my personal work on the back burner—again.

I’ve decided this is the Universe’s way of testing my resolve. It’s saying to me, “OK, Shelley. You say you want your book published. For everything you receive, you must give up something. What are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want–some time, some income?”

Without exception, I have regretted my decision each time I placed my goals on hold “just until this next project is finished.” And, each time I placed myself ahead of the distraction, and said “no” to stepping off track, I have been rewarded with an inner sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with following my heart rather than my head (or pocketbook). The decision to pursue my true calling has also led to far greater riches in the long run than any assignment ever pays in the present.

Knowing what is the right thing to do and actually doing it are two different things. Most of us need some support to help us hold steadfast to our goals. Being part of two writers groups provided the motivation and support I needed to finish my novel. If I didn’t have that commitment to produce a chapter a month, I’d probably never have finished my novel at all.

If you’ve ever felt the desire to pursue your writing dream, don’t let obstacles stop you and, above all, don’t construct stumbling blocks to your success. Set attainable goals and find a support system to keep you going when you’re tempted to get off track. Finally, start visualizing your book signing or whatever symbolizes the accomplishment of your goal…and know that I’m there with you, cheering you on.

I bought a new mascara the other day and as I was walking away with my puchase, the saleswoman asked, “Do you know the right way to apply mascara?” I shrugged and motioned up and down in front of my eyes, as if I were actually applying the stuff. She shook her head and said, “First take the tip–that’s where most of the mascara is when you pull out the wand–and use it apply the mascara to your lashes. Then use the full brush to lift and extend the mascara from the base to the tip of your lashes. You’ll use less mascara and get better results.” I tried it the next day, and she was right.

It reminded me of my mother’s oft-said advice, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”

Paying attention to even small details can make the difference between being published or being rejected. Considering that editors and agents receive far more submissions than they can accept, they look for any reason to say no. Something as seemingly small as how the manuscript is presented can land your submission in the slush pile or on its way back to you in your SASE without being read. Wouldn’t it be better to just do it right?

Use these guidelines to format your manuscript.

Do:
–Use white bond paper (20 lb. stock minimum)
–Use Times Roman or Courier 12 pt. type only
–Print on one side of the paper only
–Double space (single space poetry)
–Use paragraph indents
–Use paper clips only to secure your manuscript
–At the top each page (except page 1), put the page
number, your last name, book or article title

Don’t:
–Justify the right margin
–Add extra space between paragraphs
–Bind or staple your manuscript
–Put your manuscript in a folder
–Try to be cute or flashy with your presentation

Here’s another one of my mother’s favorite expressions, “You learn something every day.”

I have completed a book about creativity. I know I need an agent since this is not the only book I want to write. Now that I am in rewrite, I thought of you. Whatever thoughts or suggestions you might have, I would gratefully appreciate.–Warren

I went to your website. My very quick analysis: Your topic is sellable, you have good credentials and the potential for building a solid platform. If you’re planning or holding workshops already, that’s even better. These are all things an agent or publisher would look for. However, for a nonfiction book, you must have a proposal to send an agent or publisher. No exceptions (unless you are a celebrity or have successful past publishing experience).

Since you are in the revision stage of your manuscript, it seems to me that it’s the perfect time to focus on your book proposal. This way you can make any necessary adjustments to the book before the manuscript is finalized.

The proposal will help you answer the questions agents and publishers want to know: What’s your book about? How is it different from others on the market? Who will read/buy your book? Why are you the right person to write this book? What are you going to do to promote the book? What additional, if any, books are you writing or plan to write?

Book proposals are recommended even if an author is self-publishing because the proposal is a business plan for the book. As your own publisher, you would want to base your decisions on the same information as traditional publishers–that is, if you want to the book to sell successfully.

Your book proposal is a very important step in the process and must be done correctly to garner any attention. There are many good books to help you with format, etc. Many people come to me for help after their proposals are rejected and end up having to redo the entire project, which is a time-consuming activity. My advice to you is to find out how do it right the first time.

Hi. I was wondering what training you had in writing or if you just learned by doing/experience, reading books/trial and error? –Stacy

Dear Stacy,

That’s a good question. I’ve been an avid reader and have enjoyed writing since I was very young. I majored in English Language & Literature in college and went to work for a publishing company when I graduated. I’m sure I took some creative writing classes in school, although now I wish I’d taken more!

So, to answer your question, I had some training in writing. The desire is instinctual, but I think reading and many years of editorial work helped shape my skills the most. I’m a really big fan of re-writing, re-writing, re-writing. I read my own work over and over and edit continually.

As far as where to begin…start on the page. Write every day. Read good literature and well-written journalism (New York Times, World Street Journal). Subscribe to a writer’s magazine or two. And re-write, re-write, re-write.

Thanks for contacting me. It’s so nice to hear from visitors to my site!

I’m intrigued that you are an author as it is one of my goals. Are you local in the Broward County area and was it hard for you to get started as a writer/author? I hope you don’t mind my asking… I only have a couple of clips under my belt and I’d love to hear how other writers have taken their love and turned it into a business that pays.–Joy

Dear Joy,

The way I broke into this industry after leaving an editorial position with a book publisher in New York was as a magazine editor. A staff position gave me the opportunity to build a portfolio of clips and learn the biz from both sides (editor and writer). Once I went freelance, I quickly turned to copy writing and public relations because the rates are higher and you get paid faster (if you’re working directly with clients). Although I enjoy marketing and p.r., my first love is fiction, then editorial. But a girl has to eat…

If you can or desire to do it, I recommend taking a staff position. You will earn instant credentials to include with your clips when you send queries to editors, for one thing. You’ll also gain invaluable experience and insight into how this business operates. Once I went freelance, I often wrote to magazines asking for editorial work and was assigned articles on the basis of my experience. It’s sort of a back door not frequently used.

One of the most annoying spelling errors I see (far too often) is using “loose” for “lose.”
“Lose” is a verb and “loose” is an adjective. So you cannot “loose” weight, your keys or anything else.
Proper use: When you lose weight (especially after age 40), you often have loose skin to contend with.

I’m in the middle of a very time-consuming editorial project. For this week, I’ll be posting excerpts from my newsletter, The Wordy Woman, also available on my website.

From the “Womanly Wisdom” column:

“Action is the antidote to despair.” —Joan Baez

These words have carried me through some personal dark moments. I thought this quote was particularly appropriate in the wake of Katrina.

I’m in the middle of a very time-consuming editorial project. For this week, I’ll be posting excerpts from my newsletter, The Wordy Woman, also available on my website.

Wordy Woman- Issue 1 -September 2005

Do you have a personal statement of purpose? Some people call it a mission statement. My mother had a more succinct, albeit less eloquent, way of putting it. “You have to stand for something,” she said.

Ten years ago I was at a seminar and the speaker asked us to write down our statements of purpose. I panicked. I sat immobile as I watched everyone around me writing furiously. Not wanting to appear shallow or unmotivated, I wrote “My Purpose” on the top of a page. Then I drew flowers and hearts with my gel pen until the speaker mercifully continued with his presentation. But the exercise was not lost on me. I thought about it often.

It took me two years to write a statement that I didn’t cross out, delete or crumple up. Then another three years to perfect it to the point that I felt truly expressed my raison d’être. Here is my statement of purpose.

To inspire, motivate and educate women, giving them the information and resources they need to accomplish their own personal goals, so that we can work together to make this world a better place.

I began on the pages of my journal, writing plans, lists and essays. It’s one thing to write or speak your intentions. It’s entirely something else to act on them. I found the courage to move forward in the words of other women, some well known, some known only to their friends and family. I began my “coming out” just about two years ago. Topping my action list of things to do in order to reach my goals were these three items: start a creative women’s group, put up a website, publish a newsletter or ezine.

Do not underestimate the power of your pen, nor the power of what we can accomplish individually and together as women. If you have not yet begun, then start today. Write now.