Published on February 16, 2005
Last week, I purchased bathtub finger paint, window paint, red spray paint and glow-in-the-dark plastic stars. On Monday morning, while Richard had his head buried in his email, I wrote drew an A, a heart, and an R (A Loves R) in the bathtubs, on the bathroom mirrors, and on the windows in the house. When Richard was later on the phone, I wrote the same thing on the ceiling of our bedroom, right over his pillow, with the glow-in-the-dark stars. My last mission was to paint A Loves R in the snow out front and back with the red spray paint. Problem is…it was so cold that each time I tried to use the spray can, it would freeze up. I tried shaking it vigorously, but that just caused drops of red to splatter in the snow…
Published on February 16, 2005
I’d like to share some advice on how not to ruin your chances of writing for a publication…
Published on February 16, 2005
This Week:
- Those Bogus Editing Tests
- Different Point of View on Editing Tests
- Get a Contract to Ensure Payment
Published on February 16, 2005
One day last year, I had an hour left of writing time but wasn’t getting anywhere. Instead, I spent about 20 minutes jotting down a ‘reader tip’ I’d had inside my head. Without further thought, I mailed it to a magazine I frequently read, and called it a day.
Several months later, I was surprised by a call from the magazine saying they’d like to print it, and soon received a check for $75. Not bad for 20 minutes of work on a dry day.
Published on February 16, 2005
Although it was eight years ago I remember vividly my decision NOT to give away any more of my books. Restless from the Start, my first baby, had recently been accepted for availability at one Barnes & Noble store in Sarasota, Florida because I would be doing a lecture on publishing and promotion there. The head office would put the book into their computer system and five copies would be ordered for Sarasota.
Published on February 9, 2005
Warning: Don’t read today’s column if runny noses gross you out.
Published on February 9, 2005
The piece about organizing by Julie Hood (Files, Piles and Stacks…Get Organized for 2005) you featured in WritersWeekly was so great, I printed it, then went to her website and printed some more.
Published on February 9, 2005
Instead of my resume and clips, I should market this description for freelance work. In spite of my credentials and experience, or should I say because of it, I have been “taken” again by another bogus editing test. Although I am not a novice (with over 13 years of experience), I am still amazed that I get scammed by this old trick after watching for all apparent signs.
Published on February 9, 2005
In addition to freelance writing, I also develop websites for writers and publishers. Recently, I developed a website for a magazine publisher who now refuses to pay me. What should I do?
Published on February 9, 2005
I had an idea for a new book – but the nagging, negative voice inside my head kept telling me I could never get it published. It was about weddings, and why would any publisher consider me for a book on weddings? Other than being married myself, what were my qualifications? Zilch. Zero. Nada. Nonetheless, the idea was always in the forefront of my mind.
