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Write On, Mom
Have Something to Say? Get the Word Out!
By Mark Stackpole
To get a sense of the market, Sansevieri recommends that aspiring authors spend time in bookstores, surfing the Internet and reading discussion groups to find out what people are interested in and talking about. New writers also tend to put too much pressure on themselves to come up with a totally new idea. "The key is not to write something that's never been done before," she says. "If it's never been done, there's probably a reason. The key is to write something with a new angle. As you're trying to decide what to write, remember that sometimes the best books are those that are an 'inch wide and a mile deep.' The narrower the focus, the better the book."
A writer also may be tempted to take things into her own hands when it comes to getting published, but she needs to be very careful. Sansevieri warns that self-publishing can be costly, and publishing through a vanity press can be even more expensive. Protect your work and your wallet by getting informed about costs, contracts and any other issues raised by going the "do-it-yourself" route.
The blank page can be intimidating, and time can be at a premium, but writing opportunities are everywhere – journals, short stories, blogs, e-mails, letters, novels, memoirs, the list goes on. It shouldn't matter whether you are trying to get published or simply to preserve a few memories.
If you have something to say, put it in writing.
Writers, are you looking for someone who might be looking for you? In addition to this site, where you can blog, keep a diary and possibly contribute articles, you might want to try these sites for information, opportunities and feedback:
Want to see more?
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Re: Write On, Mom by Trish on 03/29/2009 07:12AM
I loved this article. It truly inspired me to stop thinking about writing and just do it. I immediately started my first blog: inspiredmom.typepad.com. I love being able to write about my life experiences and reach out to other moms. Thank you.