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This week: Edited by: Vivian  
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Where can writers find topics for articles, stories, or even poetry?
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Where to Begin
To paraphrase Elizabeth Barrett Browning, how does a writer begin? Let me count the ways: first with an idea, then writing words to develop an idea.
Facing a blank sheet of paper or computer screen frightens writers some times, especially if their minds match. Although, some people imagine a complete story, and then sit down and write, many can’t. So, maybe with a little help, filling the blank places won’t be as hard.
Several ways to find ideas to use in writing exist. We'll look a some, but to discuss all the possible ways would take a book. Therefore, the easiest ways will do for us to start.
Read newspapers and magazines, at least skim them. A headline, a thought, or a quote may trigger an idea for a story. Take notes or clip the information that interests you.
Write a list of song titles or lyrics that appeal to you. I entered a contest some time ago that gave song titles for prompts. Two captured my attention resulting in a poetry win and a second place in short stories.
Save photos or clip pictures from magazines. One way to start writing is to view something that gives you a scene or some action that will lead to a story.
Jot down snippets of conversation that catch your attention. Not only might one trigger a story, but the coversation could be usable in dialogue, make it more believable.
Use a real experience as a way to begin, whether from your life or someone else's. One saying is to write what you know. For some of us that would be rather limiting, but anyone can include some experiences and then expand. Using the experiences of others can lead to interesting stories, too.
Use your imagination. Some people imagine stories until real in their minds. They then write down a fully developed story, needing refining and polishing.
Once you have an idea, how do you fill a blank sheet of paper or computer screen? An idea is barely a starting point; more is needed. Several ways to come up with material come to mind:
Free write words and phrases that come to mind about the idea you've chosen. Simply list the thoughts that pop into your head. After you've written at least part of a page, look at the words and phrases. Start putting those alike together. You've started.
Ask who, what, where, when, why, and how about your subject. Answering the questions will then give you a beginning.
List any information or details you have about your subject.
Try mental role playing. Using your imagination, take the part of different characters you may use, become each one. Play out the "story" in your mind. Write the rough plot, characterization, and so forth.
The ideas given aren't the only possibilities, but they are a start. Therefore, on your mark, get set, go. You're on your way. |
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Words from Our Readers
THANKFUL SONALI Now What? 
Hi, Viv, I love your NL about Submission Etiquette. You've put your vast experience down in well written points for easy reading, thanks! - Sonali
I'm glad I was able to organize well. Personally, I like to be able to find the "meat" of something easily.
April Sunday 
Hey Viv. Must be rather hard for the novice author to pay for edits. There are proofreading stats online. Tons of e-publications only pay in copies or maybe as wowsy a price as $5 --- to $10 a story. Oh, woe is us, huh? But creating is still the best fun while writing a new piece. Authors Discussion CLUB. VIVA wc authors!!!
There are ways of finding expert editors. Some can be found on W.Com. However, IF a person wants a good chance to be published by a reputable publication, thorough edits are a must, not something that would be nice.
StephBee - House Targaryen 
Viv, this was fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing these tips with us. I like to visit agent blogs at least once a week and I see agents blogging about this topic often. Smiles, Steph
These tips are some I feel some of the writers who submit to my company need to know.
Quick-Quill 
You have great insight here. I have yet to get my MS ready to submit to an editor/agent. I figure if I get enough good things from WDC it must be okay.
I am curious, Do you send the entire MS off to the publisher/editor or just the first few chapters? I have to start looking at all of these things. Or end up self-publishing.
First, be sure anything to submit has been edited and revised to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. Even a message needs to be checked.
Always check the submission guidelines for the publication you are sending a submission. Follow them exactly. Those guidelines will tell your what they want you to send.
If you decide to self-publish, be sure your manuscript is as perfect as possible.
Adriana Noir
Excellent advice, Viv! I've known more than one person who has tried to bend the rules of submission, and it's never turned out in their favor. Ace advice!
I have had too many submit who didn't even bother to find the guidelines, much less follow them. Ish.
Thank you for joining me this week.
Viv |
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For Authors: September 02, 2009 Issue [#3251]
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