The Inner Critic Battle

Ever hear yourself say, "Who do I think I am to call myself a writer?" If so, that's your inner critic. I've heard phrases like this in my mind more times than I care to count.

So how can you and I fight off the inner critic and write? Here are some ways to deal with the voice of doubt and defeat:

Remember all the people who have said, "You are a writer."

Reflect back on your previously published articles or books. Even rejection letters prove you write. Okay, maybe I am a writer.

Read comments on your blog, if you have one. Mine reminds me that I am making a difference. Even if I'm not getting paid for it, I love knowing I encourage others.

Renew your commitment to grow in your writing ability. Read, read, read. Read books or magazines on writing, read the newspaper, read fiction, read biographies. Read what you love to write. If you write devotions, you should be reading them.

Research possible new markets for your writing. Challenge the current angle you're taking on an idea. If you've received repeated rejections, consider tweaking your approach.

Recognize these thoughts are normal. May I repeat that? Normal.

Return to your computer and write. If you cannot not write, then you are a writer, regardless of the voices you hear.

Writing takes commitment and peseverance. The road is long, but the journey is full of wonder and adventure. Ready to join me? There's room on the road for you.

I know Beth would agree.

***Don't forget about our Let's Give This Blog Started Giveaway. All comments until the 15th will be part of our drawing. ***

Blog of the Week: The Answer Man

It's not what you know but who you know.

That adage is true along the writing road too. Soon after I stepped back into the writing world, I met Chip MacGregor. I could say a lot about Chip. Things like:

• He's been all over the writing world: writer, editor, agent
• He's proud of his Scottish heritage
• He's written books on magic (card tricks, to be exact)
• He does not suffer fools gladly--and I mean that in the best possible way

If you want to learn about the alternate universe we writers reside in, check out Chip's blog at ChipMacGregor.com. His tagline says it all: Publishing tips, insights, and wisdom from a seasoned pro in the book business.

Recent posts include:

• Authors, Markets, and What to Read Next
• What a Fiction Publisher is Thinking
• Approaching Agents

I could say a lot about Chip. I'll say one thing: I trust him. Okay, make it two: I respect him.

Back when I was brainstorming my idea for a book about late-in-life motherhood, Chip steered me clear of my original idea. He knew what publishers were looking for--and my format (a compilation book) wasn't it. I joked that he'd torpedoed my book. He said, "It's a good idea. You just need to figure out a different way to write the book."

Get thee hence to ChipMacGregor.com.

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Tips on Working With Editors

Patricia wrote, I'd like to hear about common mistakes writers make that cause editors to cringe so that I can avoid them from the beginning.

Okay, here's a list of what to do and not to do when working with editors.

1. Be professional. No cute photos, perfumed paper or presents with your query or manuscript. White or ivory paper is perfect. Good writing will get you noticed without all the fluff.

2. Research the publishing house before you submit your idea. Read their magazine, know the audience and style. Know what type of books they publish. Make sure your idea fits.

3. Never send a manuscript in without reading the writer's guidelines. Most publishers want a query first. Most guidelines are found online. You will be noticed if you send in your article instead of a query. Not in a positive way.

4. No phone calls. Respect an editor's time. Be patient. Wait until after the response time is over to ask about your submission.

5. When mailing a manuscript, always include as SASE(self-addressed stamped envelope). If not, you may never hear back from them. And be sure you have the right amount of postage.

6. Meet your deadline. No excuses. Submit on time. Obviously on rare occasions, circumstances prevent this from happening. But if you know you have a wedding to attend on the due date, submit early.

7. Work with the editor as your partner. They are there to help you. So when they recommend changes, do them. Don't argue. Be willing to rework your piece.

8. Send in a clean copy. Editors expect writers to self edit. Always submit your best work. Have at least one person read what you've written. Read it out loud.

9. Write to the word count or below. If you get an assignment to write 800 words, write 800 words or less. Never more. There's a reason for the word count. They have page layouts that require a certain number of words. If you are over, they will have to edit out the extra words or you will have to.


There's my two cents for this Tuesday. Maybe Beth can weigh in and add a few more tips.

Hope this helps, Patricia.

Talking About Books

Monday got away from me! I know it's only midday, but I usually like to post earlier than this. Oh, well. The blogosphere is a fairly forgiving world. And I'll offer myself some grace today and be flexible with my "book" post.

If you're like me, you have a teetering, tottering To Be Read Pile. I'll tell you what's in my pile, if you tell me what's in yours. Of course, this means I have to check out the pile on my desk and the pile by my chair and the pile by my bed and the pile in the bathroom . . .

Without further ado: Beth's To Be Read Pile

• Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh (Actually, I finished reading this, but now I need to review it for this blog. I guess I need to start a To Be Reviewed Pile! Spoiler: I loved it!)
• Speak Through the Wind by Allison Pittman
• God is in the Small Stuff at Christmas by Bruce and Stan
• Blacktop Cowboys by Ty Phillips
• Wisdom of Our Fathers by Tim Russert
• You're Only Young Twice: 10 Do-Overs to Reawakan Your Spirit by Ronda Beaman (I just may move this up to the top of my pile!)
• Heard for the First Time by Susan D. Miller
• A Walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith
• Alone in Marriage by Susie Larson (This is really the next book I am reading! Not because I need to, but because I know Susie and because this book is doing well right now.)
• 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

There's one more book on fatherhood, but I left it in my car, which is now at the mechanics. Ugh. I will tell you that I love the cover of the book. That saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" You know it's not true! We all do just that! We look at the cover, then we flip the book over and scan the back cover copy real quick to see if it catches our interest. If it does, then we open the book and skim the first couple of pages. And, if we like what we see--cover, back cover, first couple of pages--we buy the book.

So, what's in your To Be Read Pile?

Remember: Join in the Let's Get This Blog Started Giveaway! Comment on blog posts through November 15th and you may win The Writer's Ultimate Resource Guide 2008

If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words . . .

What would you write about this one?

Consider this a writing prompt. Don't panic, just write. See where the photo and your words lead you. And if you're willing, share a bit of what you write as a "Comment."

See you along The Writing Road.

****Don't forget to join us in our Let's Get This Blog Started Giveaway. You're entered just by posting comments during the first two weeks of November.****

Why Blah, Blah, Blog?

Many writers have started blogging over the past few years. Obviously Beth and I are no exception. And if you haven't started, you may be wondering if blogging is something you need to do. Our answer is maybe.

Here are some reasons to consider starting your own blog:

Blogging helps you write regularly. And writing regularly helps you develop your voice.

Blogging is free.

Blogging is a place where you can promote or host a giveaway of your book.

Blogging can serve as a photo album for your family and friends.

Blogging expands your readership to the world. Most blogs are open to public viewing.

Blogging connects you with other writers. There are writing blog groups you can join.

Blogging gives you opportunities to be interviewed by other bloggers.

Blogging allows you the freedom to express your passions. We've seen people with three, four, or five blogs to their name; each one showcasing a different interest.

And lastly, blogging is fun!

Let us know if you start a blog because of this post. Or what your thoughts are on blogging.

***Don't forget about our Let's Give This Blog Started Giveaway. All comments until the 15th will be part of our drawing. ***

Quote for the Week of November 2, 2007

To me the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the music the words make. - Truman Capote

• Remember: Join in the Let's Get This Blog Started Giveaway! Comment on blog posts during the next two weeks and you may win The Writer's Ultimate Resource Guide 2008