One Writer's Journey

I have had moderate success in my writing since I began pursuing it as a career just over a year ago. I've always liked writing, and books are a true obsession for me. I graduated with my Ph.D. in English Literature in 2009 and have been looking for work since then. When (like many of my colleagues) I could only get part-time adjunct work, I decided to use my free time at home to really work on my fiction. Since then, I've gotten numerous flash pieces published (thanks, MicroHorror! http://microhorror.com/microhorror); I've also had great encouragement from publishers. Like many writers know, the rejection letter is inevitable. What I didn't know is that it can also be cruel and kind in various degrees. At first, I was only receiving the typical "Thanks, but no thanks" letters. These were short, sweet, form letters that usually arrived quickly. Then, I began to notice the letters getting longer and more flattering. I continued to work on my prose, polishing my fiction, and sent those stories out again and again--making sure to wear my armor for all those rejections I knew were coming.


One day, the letter was a personal one. The editor personally complimented my work! It was another rejection, but I did get a request to send more stories. I have found that these kinds of rejections are becoming more and more common, and I'm taking that as good news. It's a sign that my work is being enjoyed; I just have to find the right market.


I think every writer needs a little encouragement now and then. This is not the easiest of professions, especially with all of the denials. I have found a few tips that have worked in building my confidence as a writer, and I hope these will help you as well:


1. Don't stop writing! Keep those fingers constantly on a pen or a keyboard. I hear too many people saying they want to be writers and they are doing little to no actual writing.
2. Don't stop reading. Read anything and everything (and not just writers like yourself--read lots of genres). How else will you learn what good writing is? How will you know what bad writing is?
3. Know your craft. I have found several books on writing helpful. Stephen King's On Writing has been immensely helpful; he gives clear and practical advice.

Also, every writer needs a good grammar handbook. I have several, including Strunk and White's handbook, which King recommends.















Once you do have writing you are ready to send out into the world, The Writer's Market will be invaluable in telling you where to send your material, as well as useful tips on how to write a cover letter.













If it sounds like a lot of work, it is! At times, it can be difficult to continue writing, especially when you have little or no paycheck for what amounts to a full time job, but we don't do it for the money, or the fame, or the bragging rights. If you're anything like me, you do it for the sheer love of it. I cannot imagine doing anything else, which brings me to my last point.

4. Have fun!

A friend of mine (another writer) recommended the "I Write Like" website (http://iwl.me/). It allows you to submit portions of your work and the "analyzer" tells you who you write like. This is mine:

http://iwl.me/s/b3a26720

Too much fun! Another internet addiction in the making...

Cheers to all of you, and happy writing!