Robbi Hess

Talking about getting your name in print

This morning I spoke to the members of  The Lilac City Rochester Writers about "how to get your name in print." This felt a daunting task as this is a group comprised of multi-published authors. What in the heck was I going to tell them? I mean, I have yet to pen my novel (although I do finally have a novel idea -- it includes lighthouses, a ghost and an antique dealer) and here I was giving them advice. Gulp!

I imparted my vast and oh-so-impressive knowledge upon the masses (insert self-deprecating laughter here!) Truly, though I shared about blogging on my own blog, visiting the blogs of others, and yes, giving away your writing for free if it will garner you some bylines and experience. I still write for free for some sites and publications because I love what I do. Check out Coffeehouse For Writers, where I have written a weekly Writing Perc for the past three years.

Bottom line, when you're just starting out, you need to get your name out there in inventive ways. Write a Letter to the Editor on an article that was recently published, visit blogs on topics you're interested in, find a magazine that you'd really like to see your name in and take a chance and pitch an article. Also, places like The Examiner is looking for people with a passion for a particular topic in the city in which they live.

To get known, to garner clips and bylines, you need to "put yourself out there." But always remember, no matter what you write, put your best work forward -- always -- whether in a blog post on your own site or on others.

Now, stop reading and get writing!

What kind of writer do you want to be?

Have you figured out where you want your writing income to come from? Fiction or non fiction? Long or short pieces? What is your area of expertise or are you a generalist? There are two schools of thought when it comes to specializing or generalizing. Proponents have strong opinions on both sides. What you need to determine though is: Do you want to be known as the "gardening expert" or the go-to person when it comes to all things pet related? Or is it your dream to know a little bit about everything?

When you first start writing, the advice is "write what you know." That adage can put you in good stead with a writer or it could paint you into a corner. It can make your resume have an editor ohh-ing and aahh-ing or it could make an editor wonder whether you can handle the task of writing on a specific topic.

As with all writing it's a personal preference. Perhaps it would be easier to write for the topic on which you are most knowledgeable -- whether it's tea and all things tea-related, motorcycles, or antique collecting. If you have specific knowledge in those areas and read magazines or trade journals in that topic area, then by all means submit a query letter. If, however, you've always wanted to know about a particular area -- hang gliding, dog grooming, or herb growing -- then, by all means, contact experts, interview them and approach a magazine editor armed with an article jam packed with advice from experts in that field.

Where are you shopping your writing projects? My best advice is to start with publications you're familiar with and then branch out. Pick up a copy of any of the writer's markets that are available either on line or in bookstores. Go to search engines and type in the topic of your choice (gardening magazines, as an example) and pull up the magazines' editorial guidelines from there, submit your piece and then you're on your way.

So, now a task to add to your to-do list: determine what you love and write about it!

Reliving the Con

In addition to the jet lag from having just returned from Arizona and FiestaCon, I find my mind is still reeling from what I'd learned there.

Apart from learning how to survive the inevitable Zombie invasion, I met authors, writers, sci-fi/fantasy fans, learned all about the best ways to enjoy my time at the Con and met with board game developers and tested out new games. I didn't win but I did have fun playing!  I believe my most "successful" failure was in the Sci-Fi Jeopardy in which our green team took home first place with an overall score of 10,400 points. I, however, contributed nothing to the win and realized how woefully lacking my education is in all things sci-fi related other than the few fantasy books I've read. I have to admit to never having seen a Battlestar Galactica episode or many of the other shows mentioned. I have, however, seen the new Star Trek (but didn't remember enough of it to answer any of the questions). Even without my input, our team walked away victorious!  

This is a short, sweet post as I am buried in backlog but figured I'd pop in and mention where I'd been.