The stimulus of ideas
One idea can produce two ideas, but they both take a different slant, that’s the difference. For example, take this … Continue reading The stimulus of ideas
Tag: write
Lessons of rejection: belief
Rejection can be a task master making you try harder, be different, fit in, conform, and do what will make … Continue reading Lessons of rejection: belief
One lives in hope by the letter box
“She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes,” sang Johnny as he made it home. He opened the letterbox. … Continue reading One lives in hope by the letter box
After
Street sight is long, Run by the forlorn. A cloud settling across, Street mastered by a turn, as ghosts come … Continue reading After
What will the author do next?
The humble writer or artist and filmmaker for that matter, may shy away from publicity or at least attempt to. … Continue reading What will the author do next?
Compliments received even when
It’s always nice to be told you’re doing a good job, even when it could have better. Continue reading Compliments received even when
Merely interesting?
When an article is merely interesting. If its my article, I deny it. Because I believe, rightly or wrongly, that … Continue reading Merely interesting?
This is stimulating reading
For me, when it comes to reading a piece, the best effect is when I’m intrigued and stimulated by the … Continue reading This is stimulating reading
When the article lacks that certain something
Have you ever had the feeling a piece of writing goes on and on, especially in the middle, when it … Continue reading When the article lacks that certain something
Between truth and experience is the writer
in 1999, I wrote a short piece that was implicitly about truth but even I, the writer of that article, … Continue reading Between truth and experience is the writer
Cliches are pain, are they not?
I’ve heard it said that it’s better not to use cliches in one’s writing and it’s better to say it … Continue reading Cliches are pain, are they not?
When endings make sense
Sometimes, articles sign off with the big takeaway point — but if a reader will engage that point depends on … Continue reading When endings make sense
Reflecting on what’s going on in the mind of a writer
An article can reveal the state of mind of the writer, if the reader can see through the writer’s lines. … Continue reading Reflecting on what’s going on in the mind of a writer
Did that inspire you?
I may have grown out of writing articles for one reason or another, but I hope my published articles inspired, … Continue reading Did that inspire you?
When the page comes together
The headline, the opening paragraph, and the photos, all come together to set the tone for the article. The editors … Continue reading When the page comes together
No explanation required
Some readers know implicitly what a writer is talking about and the writer does not need to explain a thing. … Continue reading No explanation required
Editing SOS
Ever thought an article of yours that was published sounded uneven? Like some parts could have been better, but other … Continue reading Editing SOS
Editing that works
An editor of mine, a while ago, had the good sense to ‘broaden’ or ‘widen’ my paragraphs. In my submitted … Continue reading Editing that works
Moments that matter
It’s great to read an old article of mine. What somebody said in it are quite simply words of wisdom … Continue reading Moments that matter
Submitting agony
There comes a time when I must decide on what devotions I am going to submit. The pain of it … Continue reading Submitting agony
When someone gives an opinion
This post is about when someone gives their opinion of your article: good, boring, needs improving or is too long. … Continue reading When someone gives an opinion
Are some articles not helpful?
There are different ways readers can respond, or react for that matter, to articles. Anger is one reaction; the article … Continue reading Are some articles not helpful?
Hard questions
We need writers who are not afraid to ask the hard questions as this brings balance to the status quo … Continue reading Hard questions
Confession: the editor saved my article
In retrospect, certain embarrassing turns of phrase and articulations in a column I wrote were going to make my column … Continue reading Confession: the editor saved my article
Risk: just do it?
I wrote a piece that might have been a risk; would I jeopardize my column? Not that it seemed to … Continue reading Risk: just do it?
Time brings some perspective
I hadn’t touched some articles for a few months, but time adds a little more perspective, and one can see … Continue reading Time brings some perspective
Grist to the mill
I have seven devotional ideas to write into devotions, with probably more inspired by my readings each day. I don’t … Continue reading Grist to the mill
On the agenda, on a busy day
Writing while doing other things in life as you would normally do can be hectic. Keeping up to date with … Continue reading On the agenda, on a busy day
Does one have to sell their writing to get published?
Writing my own stories may be best left with a free online platform like WordPress, because I wonder if the traditional publishers will ever take my own stories on board? Of course, traditional publishers do take stories, but they tend to be the ones that suit the publisher, not any old story, not the ones that I may want to write. My own stories may have to be written a certain way before they are even considered by traditional publishers. I can’t be myself or else face a rejection because it wasn’t written the way the publisher wants it written.
Continue reading “Does one have to sell their writing to get published?”
When is the right time to submit?
Eagerness to submit and get published may prevent one from getting the piece right first. A fault of mine in submitting, which may still slip me up from time to time, is submitting before the piece is ripe.
I’ve learnt something from this which I would like to tell others about. That the best time to submit is not immediately after you’ve edited something.
Lack of genre knowledge may not be a barrier
If freelancers do not have the precise knowledge of a genre of writing, how would freelancers get their work published … Continue reading Lack of genre knowledge may not be a barrier
Marketing one’s work alone
Writers on their own, with a book in hand, may need an agent or representative, because agents are closer to … Continue reading Marketing one’s work alone
Focusing on one point eliminates waffle
On last count, a few minutes ago, one-third of my shelved devotions that I have looked at again have been … Continue reading Focusing on one point eliminates waffle
Filing away the ‘reusable’ ones
I wrote just over a dozen devotions recently, but only two I decided to submit, the salient ones. I realized … Continue reading Filing away the ‘reusable’ ones
Does writing have to be a career?
Writing does not have to be a career thing, but one can spend one hour on it a day or two or three hours.
Persevering
My first draft looked at a little tatty, what’s new? I was going to flag it. Never to submit the … Continue reading Persevering
Movies titles require some form of action
Budding screenwriters take note.
Continue reading “Movies titles require some form of action”
Impressive body of work
I came across an encouraging obituary.
To revise or not to revise
Writing is a catch-22, but I’m not talking ’bout the film or novel on which a film is based. Catch-22 … Continue reading To revise or not to revise
To continue or not to continue writing after New Year’s
New Year can mean there is a spike in divorces, according to one lawyer. Does it also mean a spike in giving up vocations, jobs, employment or gigs as well? One may feel like giving the job away after a nice relaxing holiday.
Continue reading “To continue or not to continue writing after New Year’s”
Submit everything or only the best?
Rejection seldom takes a writer well, but taking it on the chin can be enlightening. Personally, I would like to … Continue reading Submit everything or only the best?
A writer with strong motivation is a storm force
Motivation can be an issue for a writer if not on assignment. It’s possible for a writer not on assignment … Continue reading A writer with strong motivation is a storm force
No longer in my hands
At the start of the week, I submitted two pieces, one article and one devotion, for consideration for publication. It … Continue reading No longer in my hands
Approaching publishers with the picture book idea
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been writing a children’s short story, originally intended for a picture book. The … Continue reading Approaching publishers with the picture book idea
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