Wordsmith Lane

Blogger’s Desk: Musing on my do’s and don’ts

I am extremely frazzled today. Was frazzled yesterday too, on account of the load of writing I have to do. Sounds like a good thing, but in reality it’s not. I am actually writing pitches – loads of them in fact. The thing is, I feel like I spend all day writing to make money, and nothing eventuates of it. I have so many articles on the backburner, and at least three magazines who are waiting for an article on spec (that’s when you write the article first, and then they decide if they want to buy it).

The thing is, I have wasted weeks and weeks waiting on pitch feedback from magazines only to be told that they’re not interested way down the track (and usually after I have followed up countless times). As a result, I have crazy thoughts rushing through my head, thoughts that break the taboo of freelance writing and go something along the lines of pitch to anyone and everyone and let it be first in, first served.

The thing is, I have always professed to do everything by the book. I mean, I studied journalism at university for four years and apart from the fact that I am the biggest goody-two-shoes that does not break rules EVER, I feel it is slightly unprofessional to do what I am contemplating. But stories are like time-bombs that only have a limited time, and there’s nothing like being told your article has lost its timeliness in the six weeks its been waiting in someone’s inbox, when all they had to do was drop you a quick line via email saying thanks but no thanks. (On the subject of timeliness, I feel I ought to cover a posting on news values, which although is usally better for news writing, might actually be beneficial for us in Skill Central, so that we can assess our story from the media’s poitn of view. Any takers? Don’t really want to write something no one wants to read!)

So naturally, I am sitting here, run off my feet but with not much to show for it, contemplating what should never be done: Pitching to multiple publications at the same time. Apart from being unprofessional, it could get me in trouble if, in an ideal world, more than one publication actually wanted it.

And considering I am just getting to breakfast now (and I have been up since 6am mind you) I really can’t handle the pressure. Anyone reading ever been in a similar pickle?

So let me calculate: I have four pitches to write, three articles to write on spec, and three interviews to conduct today. Yep, I really need that time machine right about now….And in case you think I am exaggerating – take a look at the horror that is my (ugly) desk. Apart from the fact that I want to buy a new pretty one but lack the funds (especially since I discovered a hole in my sneakers this morning and obviously shoes that aren’t missing any vital parts are more pressing) you can see that it in fact, has been hit by the time bomb of pressing stories. Check out the post its and to do lists, and if you can, the pile of books up top that need reviewing. Sigh. And of course, because it’s now 1:40pm and life is not doing it for me these days, breakfast in the bottom left-hand corner. Writing is a labour of love, Sarah, writing is a labour of love.

But surely even love has a time-bomb that will eventually explode if it doesn’t do good by you? I guess my writing and I will figure that out soon enough…

Blogger’s Desk: Bad forms of writing

Despite the fact that I am a fan of all different writing forms, I have to say that there is one type of writing that really gets my blood boiling. This is not the type of writing you’d find in a magazine or newspaper though, or even a book, so don’t fret about my being judgemental and mean.

This is the type of writing you find on a flimsy sheet of paper called your expenses/shopping list, and it sucks ten times more when you can meet said expenses when your income is NIL. Let’s take a peek at mine:

• Lay-by at Portmans: Chanel-look jacket. Simply could not say no. Hoping that two days pay from uni job could pay it off.
• Lay-by at G-Star: These jeans are indescribable. Will last me all of summer. On a cost per wear basis, surely they will warrant their $300 price tag? Sigh. Will need six days pay to get them off layby. Short layby limit too, only four weeks. Am screwed.
• Laser Hair Removal: When your legs/underarms start resembling your brothers’, you know you need some intervention. Can’t compromise here people – suc k at shaving (think cuts and missed spots) and not allowed to wax in between laser treatments. This worked out so much better when I was employed. Not even going to bother calculating how much pay I need here.
• Petrol tank: $50. One days pay (Remember I only work 2 hours a day). Imperative, considering I wont have a job if I can’t get to it.
• Dress & Jacket at dry cleaners: $60. Gravy stains – what an idiot. At least have three months to keep them at cleaners before they donate them to charity. Kind of like an extended lay-by, no?
• Payment for accomodation at youth leadership conference: $550. Oh my! Someone please, kill me now. I accepted this before redundancy, and don’t want to disappoint everyone by not turning up when I have been allocated duties already.
• Plan to rectify the situation: Priceless, but sadly, non-existent. We covered the rejection letters yesterday. I think I better overhaul my belongings and see what I can sell on Ebay. Will probably scrounge me up a whole $100 lol.

Hmmmm, maybe I can use afore-mentioned bad form of writing to pen a very good form of writing. Ie, a lovely letter to NSW Lotteries for a kindly $1000 grant?

Skills Textbook: Writing a Pitch Letter

The pitch or query letter is one of the first and most crucial steps to getting an article/idea published in a publication. Not only is it your opportunity to sell your idea, but often, it is also the first point of correspondence between you and the editors concerned. As such, it is imperative that it is done properly, so that even if you are unsuccessful on this occasion, you would have stood out at least professionally and paved the way for future (hopefully) some more pitching opportunities.

It is a good idea to view your pitch like a business transaction, for it is, essentially, a proposal for delivering a product, which you are then (depending on the publication) paid for. As such, a pitch should always be succint and to the point, communicated effectively and with all the necessary information to back up your claim, and highlight why you are perfect for the job, and why the article belongs in that publication and no where else.

In light of this, I have looked at one of my first articles published to help mock-up a pitch letter. The black parts are the often necessary elements to the pitch, the red is how I have roughly incorporated them in there. Please use as a rough guide and tailor to your pitches and publications accordingly for maximum success.

ELEMENTS OF THE PITCH LETTER

1. A great lead, similar to one that you will use in the actual story, and one that will immediately draw the edtior’s interest:

Dear X,

Imagine bringing home the perfect guy, only to have your family forbid the romance because you’re from two different cultures. If this sounds like a scenario from an ancient, far-off land, you’re mistaken. In our own backyard, first generation Australians are fighting a new form of relationship demon – the pressure to conform to traditional ideals that seem foreign and out-of-date. Yet inter-racial dating remains a major issue of contention among young Australians and their migrant parents, and it is slowly driving families apart.

2. A proposed title, and word count – though they will inevitably decide on this matter, it is always good to give an indication as to how you see it:

As such, I would like to offer you ‘I do, but they don’t” a 1,500 word article discussing inter-racial relationships in Australia, and how, with the onset of multiculturalism, they are affecting family dynamics in a way traditional cultures could have never imagined.

3. A rough plan for how you perceive the story to go/flow:

This article will look at U, V and W concerning inter-racial relationships, digging deep into Y and Z to determine why X occurs, and how.

4. The sources/case studies/experts you plan to cite in the interview to prove your point and explore your themes and ideas further:

For example, this article on inter-racial relationships might have a sociologist from a university discussing the trends in such relationships, the dynamics of how they are for those involved compared to how they are viewed by other members of society, and how this has changed over time. You might also quote a couple in one of those relationships to see how it has worked out for them, as well as a person whose relationship with someone of another culture ended because of cultural/religious differences. To vary it up a bit, you could also suss out family attitudes, look at some stats as to how these have increased/decreased over time etc

5. Why this article suits their publication and why; and maybe, if you know it well enough, what section of the publication you would like to pitch it to:

I think this article would be a great addition to the ‘issues’ section of X Magazine, because it discusses issues that are not only relevant to your demographic, but ones that are likely to affect them, their friends or a family member sometime in the future. You are a publication that discusses relationships with a heavy focus on those involved, and the factors that determine the dynamics of their relationships with others, as well as how they see them themselves

6. A very brief bio of yourself, and any previous writing experience you have – if you don’t have a website, it might be good to attach a couple of clips (aka pieces – and not too many) of your work:

I am  a freelance writer and I have been published in X, Y and Z. Some pieces of a similar styles that I have written include A, B and C, and I have attached them for your convenience/perusal.

7. And of course, a clean ending with your contact details, and a hope that they will get in touch with you shortly regarding their response to your idea:

Thank you for considering my article idea, and I look forward to hearing from you soon on 04XX XXX XXX or on sarah@blabla.com

And with that, your pitch is ready to go. Just remember that it is always a good idea to know exactly whom you ought to be pitching to. Sometimes, a quick phone call to the front desk of the publication might save you a lot of hassle, and the label ‘unprofessional’. At a lot of magazines, it is usually the Features or Deputy Editor that handles submissions, whereas at a smaller, or online publication, they might have a generic email address for all pitches to go to.

Make sure you really know the publication that you are pitching to – look at past issues, especially recent ones, so you don’t pitch similar articles to ones they have recently ran. Learn about their style; familarise yourself with their layouts and word limits (ie, you would not pitch a 1500 word story for a one page article in Cleo); and check out/request their contributor guidelines if they are available.

As hard as it may seem, try to keep the pitch short. Under 400 words always works a treat, because it also demonstrates that you are able to stick to a limit. Waffle is your worst enemy (unless its the pancake-like type that you can eat, in which case it is delicious!) so read, re-read and re-read again! And do check your spelling a hundred times over if necessary, it may seem straight forward, but you’d be surprised at how many typing errors will weed their way into your pitch (this happens to me all the time, I ought to take my own advice. In fact, you might have noticed the mistakes in my posts already).

If you have any questions, place a comment through on the post and I will do my best to respond to them in due time.

Best of luck!

Blogger’s Desk: Rejection VS Faith

Earlier today, I blogged about the letters of rejection in my email inbox, and just how much they have really bought me down. I am not actually blaming myself for feeling sad about my current career circumstance, because I think said feelings are justified, especially because I know I am definitely putting in the hard yards and it is just the matter of some bad luck.

But despite all this, I am actually comforted by my many fortunes, which I am actually going to write down in case I forget them and start whinging again:

• I have a teeny job to keep me firmly attached to the social world (I work two hours a day in the media office of Sydney University, with, wait for it, a 7:30am start time, which means I am up before the sun)
• There’s sunshine out my window, and the occasional rainy day to keep me experiencing the best of both moody worlds
• There’s a roof above my head, and food on my table, and friends only a phone call away
• I have a gorgeous (albeit ocasionally annoying) family who try to leave me alone to my writing, and parents who offered to give me their Rudd Money/buy me shoes in the hope that I will feel better
• I have goals that still need fulfilling…which gives me something to work towards
• There are loads of good magazines and books that remain unread by my bedside table, and now I have the time to read them
• Tomorrow is only a day away..and an endless possibility
• People are actually reading, and yay, commenting on my blog (the one thing keeping me from getting stuck in a redundancy rut)
• I found my misplaced EFTPOS card (wedged between my best friend’s car seat after a night out)
• Rejection Letters and Redundancies mean I actually have time to work on my thesis
• Thesis is due in a very long time, so I have even more time
• My Peter Pan DVD just arrived in the mail, just in time before the Disney Vault closed its doors on it for the next
  seven years
• My boyfriend gets frustrated when I talk about outfits only 10% of the time, I only get frustrated when he gushes about my legs 10% of the time (we have the system down pat)
• I have a beautiful painting of London and some amazing sketches of Paris that I picked up at some markets in those respective cities, and I am staring at them whilst wistfully thinking about my next adventure
• There’s a French spread in Vogue that I am obssessed with
• Boyfriend’s Nanna knit me amazing, uber-warm scarf that is never too far away on my early morning trips to work
• Aunty bakes me cakes of all tastes, shapes and sizes and sends them over with my Seta (one of the words for grandma in Lebanese), and they are a great accompaniment to my peppermint teas each night
• Desperate Housewives is on tonight
• Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince comes out soon
• I have loads of coloured post-its to spice up my to-do list
• Planet Earth hand creams, body creams and body butters are inexpensive (think available at Target) and come in a variety of flavours and scents, and I own plenty of them to keep my skin soft and fragrant despite the scaly effects of winter chills and stints by the heater
• Boyfriend bought me the entire Superman collection of DVD’s recently…and I am so excited to watch them
• Now that I am regularly nurturing her in my recessionista kinda way, my closet and I are finally on speaking terms again
• I have a good accountant, so no need to stress about tax time
• That said, have invested in a great system for 09-10 tax year, courtesy of Kikki K
• I have the best ugg boots in the world, and they were a bargain find at Cotton on – who needs Manolos now (well, maybe come summer time!)
• I am ever-so-close to getting my friends finally interested in my passion for boardgames – last night, we eschewed going out in favour of Thai Takeaway, woolies-bought mudcake and ice-cream and three hours of boardgames – a budget night of fun that cost me $10 and saved my skin from another load of make-up
• I am wearing Sportsgirl Nail It Nail Polish in fruit tingle, on sale for $4.95 (loooove nail polish)
• I have a block of Cadbury Rocky Road on hand
• Aaaand, despite all the rejection letters, I refuse to give up on writing…In light of this, today’s Motivation Marketplace is a quote I have pinned to my desk on a purple post-it:

Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon, must inevitably come to pass (Paul J Meyer)

One of the things I am most fortunate for is faith, because despite all the rejections of this world, there is always a belief I have in something bigger and better. For a lot of people, like myself, it might be organised religion, for others it might be faith in the universe or who they are, but for all us, it should be a reason to keep on going. Besides, having a faith in something, against all odds and in the face of rejection and criticism, makes conquering our difficulties so much more relishing.

So, aspiring writers/creatives, if you believe, desire, imagine,and act upon your dream, I do not have any doubt in you achieving it. No matter how long it will take to pass, just remember that it is inevitable. Hope this brightened up your Monday!

Miss Wannabe Wordsmith xx

PS – The above list of my current good fortunes was a very fun, and interestingly, cathartic thing to write. I feel like I have just notched up a whole lump of feel good endorphins, just the ticket for a dreary winter’s day.

Blogger’s Desk: To scream, or not to scream

That, wordsmith laners, is the question. You see, I am practically at my wits end. And a peek inside my email inbox will indicate as to why. Let’s take a look:

• Publication #1: “Dear Sarah, Thanks for your submission to X magazine. Unfortunately, we’re pretty full with content for the next few issues, so we’re going to have to let it pass. Best of luck submitting it elsewhere”.
• Publication #2: “Thanks, but we’re not interested”. (Meanies).
• Publication #3: “Hi Sarah, Thanks for that great submission. We really think its encapsulates a lot of ideas worth looking at in the current climate, however, we are not interested at the moment. Thankyou for considering our publication, and we look forward to hearing more of your ideas in future”.
• Publication #4: “Hi there. What an interesting read. I don’t seem to have a lot of room at present, so why dont you try at X and Y and then, if no luck, get back to me and we will run it from there”.

Of course, Publication 4 never got back to me when I followed up a zillion times after publications X and Y deemed my submission not exactly worthy enough of their hallowed pages (they really are hallowed though, at least in wordsmith world). So you can imagine my predicament as I sit at this computer everyday, flicking through mags and sincerely believing that my ideas are just as good as all the other ones, and my articles just as worthy as the ones on the spread in front of me. But, in the midst of my unemployment, with my freelancing all that I have left, I am facing more rejections than I have ever faced in my life.

The fact that I had more articles published when I was working full-time is a bit of a confusion point for me. I mean, now that I have all the time and energy to devote to my writing, surely the process has got to be a little easier, right? Although a lot of fellow writers and mentors have told me not to worry, especially considering the current economic climate and budget cuts that many publishers are facing, I still can’t help but feel a little disheartened.

This lack of success is taking me back to my first few times pitching, and just how desperate I was to receive an acceptance in my inbox. I remember really struggling to find information on making it happen, and if it were not for my mentors and my tutors at uni, and the fact that I was just too gutsy for my own good and really good at pestering editors, I don’t think it would have happened for me.

For a lot of you out there, this blog will serve as not only a guide to the ‘Adventures of Miss Wannabe Wordsmith’, but also a manual for creating your own adventures in the writing world. In an attempt to finally make some headway out of the rut I have been facing as a freelancer, I have decided to try and formulate the source I wanted three years back, and this is what wordsmith lane will always seek to be about. But I also know that in addition to interviews, news, features and more, aspiring writers, especially those who are starting out, tend to want  more concrete examples of what needs to be done, and how to do it.

Which is why I have decided to bring in yet another section: Tuesday Tools. Tuesday Tools will be the manual du jour for aspiring freelance writers, and it will cover everything from writing pitch letters, to following up, to conducting interviews to mastering the (inevitable) re-write.

Perhaps this something concrete will help the lot of you avoid the dreaded walk in my (usually quite stylish) shoes. Perhaps it will limit the number of rejections in your inbox. And perhaps it might give me a sense of accomplishment knowing that despite all my personal shortcomings, something else might come out of my hardwork.

Still, it’s a difficult life, and as I have previously mentioned, a labour of love, so I am not going to pretend that all my rejection letters do not mean a thing to me. Hence the reason why my biggest question now is to scream or not to scream. Keep on going or cry my heart out, bawling “why, oh why?”.

Like a typical woman, I put bury my woes in some consumption. Considering I am broke (peril of unemployment), retail therapy is not an option. But food always is.

Yes, to scream or not to scream – that is the question. And for me, the only response worth choosing is ice-cream. Gotta enjoy something!

Have a great week,

Miss Wannabe Wordsmith xx

Interview: Olivia Hambrett, Writer & Co-Publisher of Trespass Mag

I first met Olivia Hambrett under circumstances we’d rather both forget, but which worked out well for us as we both grappled with finding a footing in the creative industries. These days, we work together co-publishing online magazine Trespass, the ’baby’ we have nurtured and toiled over for the past six months or so and which is now enjoying over 10,000+ views every month. Truth be told, Trespass owes much of its success to this woman who is so devoted to it, it is no less than the driving force of her being. In fact, I have recently bestowed upon her the monicker of Trespass’ Anna Wintour for her fevour, ambition and understanding of all that Trespass is and what it can accomplish, and for her ability to rally up both readers and contributors to achieve the objectives she has for it. In addition to ‘wintouring’ around if you will, Liv is also a freelance copywriter and a student preparing to complete her MA in Creative Writing at Macquarie University. Buzzing on tea and pop culture, Liv is also a seasoned traveller, who you are very likely to blink and miss. But never fear, while she’s jetsetting around the globe soaking up the very best that the cultures of the world have to offer, you can catch her at www.oliviahambrett.com and follow her on http://twitter.com/trespassmag. We caught up with Liv to find out about her writing career so far, and her ambitions for the future.

Your university background is actually in Psychology. Was psychology an original career plan for you, or did you decide in the middle of it that you’d prefer a career in writing?

No, I was always certain I would end up writing. I chose Psychology largely because I wanted to do a broad, more academic undergraduate than straight media, which is the more obvious option for people wanting to go into writing. I was able to do a lot of Ancient History in the arts half of my degree, which is a big love of mine. I absolutely adored Psychology, and choosing to do it as an undergrad, despite having to spend four years saying ‘I am studying psychology but I want to be a writer’ to people who just didn’t get it, was one of the best decisions I made. I also think there is a lot of psychology in writing – knowing what makes people do the things they do is a bit of a treasure chest for an aspiring writer like myself.

Writers that work from home tend to comment about the merits of being able to work their own hours, or work in their PJ’s all day. Is that something that appeals to you, or do you tend to structure your day around a routine to keep you more productive?

On the days that I spend entirely at home, I don’t tend to work within too specific a structure. I start the day by writing out a to-do list, and I pretty much work through that. To-do lists are one of my favourite things in the world. They make me feel needed. I can’t stick to a routine too well, because ideas pop up all the time and I get distracted (easily), and sort of wade into particular project I wasn’t thinking of working on that day, and forget about the other ten open windows sitting on my computer. So, I suppose the closest thing I get t o a routine is a to-do list, and knowing that each day there are certain things I like to get done/need to get done for Trespass. I could probably be more routine-driven, but to be honest, this is the way I know I will be most productive, and I think when it comes to working from home, you need to work around a framework that suits you. With the mag, there is a publishing schedule I draw up from week to week that helps me know what’s going on (and what day it is, and where my head is), but that’s about the extent of it. With creative writing, I tend to work best late at night, when it’s all quiet and there is absolutely nothing to distract me. I try and set aside sessions, and when I am in these sessions, if I’m not feeling it, I still try and get something down on paper. After all, you can edit words, [but] you can’t edit a blank page.

You have recently started your MA in Creative Writing. How does this postgraduate, and creative, course differ from your bachelor degree? Do you think you like it better?

I’m actually about to finish it, I’m in my final semester. The MA is a terrific balance – it’s a split between Theory and Creative, with a major writing project replacing the usual MA dissertation. In terms of being different to psych – well there’s not a hint of anything remotely mathematical/scientific, which I struggle with enormously. Plus, there is a lot more freedom and flexibility, particularly in terms of my major. With that, however, comes heightened expectations, both with the comprehension of the Theory, and with the level of writing I’m producing. The creative workshops were brilliant – my advice to anyone wanting to really get into creative writing, is sign up to a class – bouncing your work off other people, whilst scary at first, is the best thing you can do.

Of course, in the middle of this, you also co-launched, and continue to co-edit Trespass Magazine. What was that experience like? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment when you see its readership continue to grow among its global audience?

Oh I love Trespass. And I am so proud of her. I absolutely feel a sense of accomplishment watching her readership grow. One of my favourite parts of Trespass, is working with our writers – I have met some very smart, very talented people, and editing their work has helped me develop as a writer.

You also do a little bit of copywriting, mainly writing the newsletters for a number of organisations. Does this help in bringing a little more money while you do the more creative/free-falling parts of the job?

I have worked with several businesses on a freelance basis with copywriting, which is great work when you can get it. If you land regular work, maintain your good relations with that client, freelance copywriting work pays well and is a great gig to have. But you have to be prepared, as anyone wanting to crack a creative industry must be, to not only work a lot for free, but also to have jobs completely unrelated to what it is you’re trying to get into. I’ve had countless jobs (retail, tutoring, administration, coaching) completely unrelated to writing – but they pay the bills and give me the time and flexibility to keep knocking those literary doors.

What is a typical day in the life of Olivia Hambrett?

Full of emails and tea.

What are some of the perks associated with your job?

Presents in the post!! Collecting my post is a little ray of sunshine.

Have you consulted any mentors or guides to make the process of establishing writing career a little easier?

I’ve certainly spoken to people along the way, some completely wonderful, others completely useless. I met a journalist when I was still at uni and she was very encouraging, and still is to this day. And my supervisor at uni now is something of a creative mentor, Dr. Jane Messer. But I think it’s also important to remember to be in constant contact with people who are in the same boat as you. It is these people who know what you’re banging on about, and who can provide much needed support. Writing can be quite a solitary pursuit, and you can lose your mind (at least once a day) – so having friends who are chasing the same rainbow, to commiserate with and mutually encourage, is quite essential.

Who are you writing for at the moment? / What are some of your current projects?

Right now my focus is my major project for uni, and Trespass. But I also like to have a few things on the go at the same time – it helps to be able to take a break from one set of characters, and get involved with another.

What advice would you offer to aspiring novelists, freelancers and wordsmiths who want to follow a similar career path?

Write. Everyday. Even if it’s just a few lines of complete babble. Talk to people – don’t be afraid to ask questions and email writers you admire. Enter competitions. Take on board constructive criticism from an industry professional, no matter the ego bruise it may incur. Get used to rejection – don’t let it deter you. Take a writing class. And know that this is what you want to do, more than anything else in the world…because sometimes, that is all you’ll have to sustain you.

Ten in the Hot Seat:

1. Describe yourself in one word: hate this question

2. Biggest accomplishment to date: hmmm, not burning the product of my recent bi-annual baking spree?

3. You wish you wrote: Pair a dreadful memory with a voracious reading appetite … I can’t answer that question

4. Can’t leave home without: a spritz of fragrance

5. One thing you are currently writing: an attempt at a novel

6. First thing you wrote: was a long, long time ago. I do remember writing something when I was 8, as part of a special class, and scaring the living daylights out of the girl next to me. It was about a man living in someone’s house, without those people knowing he was there, and cans of baked beans kept going missing.

7. Addicted to reading: in general

8. Top spot on your goals list: go away within the next few weeks, stay low airfares

9. If you were a character in a classic, you’d be: impossible to answer without sounding knobbish

10. The best thing about being a wordsmith: is often also the worst

Writer’s Spotlight: Women’s Health (Aust)

I am addicted to this magazine. I can’t figure out why though, especially considering I am the antithesis of their cover girls, and a person whose lifestyle is so sedentary I warrant a position on The Biggest Loser. I sincerely believe that my heart converses with me on many a level. I could have sworn that last week it was begging me to put down the fourth chocolate wheaten for that day.

But I am venturing off track (FYI, you better get used to that), and I feel like I need to explain why I love this magazine, even though I feel like the above has rendered the situation self-explanatory. But in case you have not figured it out, the reason why I love Women’s Health lies simply in the fact that it allows me to buy into this healthy living mentality, despite the fact that it is not really, in all honesty, a part of who I am.

Women’s Health is not a preachy kind of magazine. Instead of telling you what to do and why, it simply publishes trends and studies concering health and subliminally makes you want to follow and emulate them. Where some magazines talk about diets and say things like ‘A skinny girl would never’, Women’s Health will present you with the most delectable healthy recipes under the sun courtesy of chef Teresa Cutter (had the liberty of enjoying on of  her meals when I worked at delicious. magazine, and trust me, the woman is good. Do check out her cafe, in Coogee I believe, if you ever get the chance). What’s more, it gives you tried, tested and expert-approved tips for keeping your health in tip top method, without using the jargon that tends to plague most health mags. And to top it all off, it is suited to the most active and most sedentary of us, which means even fitness dummies like moi can benefit from it.

The current issue has to be my favourite so far, if only for the fantastic ‘Easy Food Guide’ on the back of the mag (July is a flip mag issue). Taking into account our busy lifestyles in this modern day and age, and the fact that although we try, we don’t actually consume a lot of food in its natural state,Women’s Health enlisted the help of their resident nutrition expert Sharon Natoli (Director of Food & Nutrition Australia) to find the top 125 packaged foods for women. And since I read it, I have totally reformed my shopping choices (in fact, I don’t tend to go to Woolies without it). And don’t think it’s all boring either, because treats are covered in just as much detail, and the feature is followed by a page on choosing the perfect wine – every time.

The whole point of Showcase is not to gush on and on about magazines/ newspapers/blogs/zines etc, but to profile them so that aspiring writers might broaden their reading and writing horizons and really look to the scope of opportunities available in the media. Most posts in Showcase centre aroudn the premise that I will share my knowledge of a publication, and you will take it from there. In most cases, I won’t actually know what their pitching process is, let alone if they accept freelance contributions or what their rates of pay are. I am simple sharing with you to give you a better idea of what’s out there, in the hope that you will discipline yourself to chase up should you want to.

On this occasion, I chose to start with a magazine I liked, nay, loved. But I still realise the importance of some solid info for you, so here’s doing my best:

• Good idea to pitch (pending their approval and acceptance of freelance work): any longer features on new trends/studies for sections such as ‘special report’; sex and relationships; and the travel blog;
• Features Editor is Tara Ali, Editor is Felicity Percival
• Website is: yahoo7.com.au/womenshealth
• Follow ed Felicity on Twitter at http://twitter.com/flisspercival
• Check out their media kit, profile and specs at http://www.pacificmags.com.au/Pages/Magazines/Magazine.aspx?mid=0164b1d8-31d6-4fda-aba7-74f04bf04669

Go out and buy it!

Miss Wannabe Wordsmith xx

PS – Got a publication you want showcased? Drop me a line at sarah[at]wordsmithlane.com

On Crashing, Bashing & Smashing through…

At the end of May 2009, I was honoured to be a panellist at the Emerging Writer’s Festival in Melbourne, Victoria. I had the time of my life meeting amazing people who loved words and writing more than I could have ever imagined, and who implemented this love in ways I would have never comprehended – zines, comics, speeches, novels, blogs and more. It made me realise that writing for pleasure & profit is never as simple as it sounds, and there’s always a little niche that you could explore to make yourself stand out – and that niche could be as simple as combining your life’s great loves with the written word. At this point, I think it’s only fair that I give a little nod to some of the peeps that made it happen - including David Ryding, Annette Visseux and Susan Bird. It was a fantastic experience for yours truly, and for anyone who is remotely interested in it (and wordsmiths, I am looking at the lot of you!), I really recommend you check it out next year.

The 2009 Program was thorough and unique, so you can imagine me freaking out about what I would say, standing next to writers more accomplished than I, during my panel ‘crashing, bashing and smashing through’. Not only was I the only one who had NOT written a book, but I was also the only one who had actually WRITTEN DOWN a solid speech and planned to recite it there, word for word. Needless to say, I actually got caught up in a little Melbourne shopping (Fitzroy and Richmond, I think I am in love; Flinders Lane, I think I am in Paris!) and ended up writing and rehearsing it the night before (and frantically that morning).

Crashing, Bashing & Smashing Through the preparation for that speech was hard enough, but in the end, I decided that I would put the audience in my shoes so far, and share with them the lessons/advice I thought would be most beneficial to them. To give you a little indication of what was expected of me, I’ll quote the program guide for my panel’s description:

How do writers move forward in their career – finding the time to write, and make money to have the time to write? What are the secrets to breaking down the walls that stop us from calling ourselves a writer? Is it worth having an agent, and how useful is networking?

I ended up getting a little bit of good feedback after the panel, and so I thought I’d share my speech on Wordsmith Lane for those who want to break into writing, and are unsure of where and how to begin. It’s not going to help on its own, but coupled with some regular reading of Wordsmith Lane (blatant self promotion here, I know), you’ll no doubt make it happen. So don’t forget to keep checking in (more blatant self-promotion – but cut me some slack, I am only following my own advice!)…

THE SPEECH ON CRASHING, BASHING & SMASHING THROUGH

Writing is both my torment and my triumph. Being unable to write plunges me into moodswings PMS just does not compare to, seeing my name in print is the fuel to the fire I have had in me since I was ten years old. It was at that time that I first decided that I wanted to be a writer, and 13 years later, I am still trying to write out that career path, let alone write for it.

When I was younger, I had friends who shared that dream with me. Friends who shared my writing classes with me at university, friends who deliberated with me regarding what article should be pitched to which publication and why. But slowly, one by one, the ability to move forward in that career path, and the ability to move forward in life financially as a result of that career choice, became far too much to bear, and writing the dream (and the dream of writing, was abandoned in favour of more ‘concrete’ career paths: teaching, chiropractics, fashion, PR.

So how do we keep on the dream, the career path, the plan? How do we crash, bash and smash through the barriers? This is something I am still trying to figure out if the goals list taped to my closet door is anything to go by – but I am fortunate enough to have learnt a few lessons along the way. And I am hoping that, by sharing them with you today, you will also be able to write out the career path of being a writer, and crash, bash and smash through everything that stands in your way.

1. Call yourself a writer

If this is what you want for yourself and you are 100% certain of this, then you have made it through the first hurdle of indecisiveness. It is up to you to make the decision of who you are and what you want to do, and whether or not you are published will not change the fact that you can call yourself a writer. This realisation came to me in the very unglamorous spot of a university tutor’s office: I said I ‘wanted’ to be a writer, and she said ‘wanting is not being’. Her advice to me was simple: Call yourself a writer, put together a portfolio and decide where you would write and what rates you would charge. I have been a writer ever since.

2. Showcase your work

Blogspot, WordPress, Typepad, oh my! Embrace these avenues with all your might. Share your writing with the online community and you are well on your way to your next step. Whether it is a blog that will make you a name because it is fantastic in theme and content, or an online portfolio of your published clips/pieces of work – even if they are just from the uni newspaper (which is, FYI, how I started out) – it is one step closer to the dream.

3. Find yourself a mentor

Writing is the most competitive of competitive sports. That article idea is a ball in your hands – how you pass it and to whom requires a planned strategic play that ought to be rehearsed with a coach. When you arejust starting out, the process can be daunting. Find a few writers whose work/career path you find really inspiring and get in touch. It requires some courage, and they might not all get back to you, but it is definitely a risk worth taking. Someone is bound to help you – if it were not for one of the ambassadors present here today, I would have taken double the time on my writer’s journey, and I still count my lucky stars for her and all her great advice.

4. Swallow your pride and network shamelessly

Tell everyone you meet that you are a writer. The whole six degrees of separation thing proves you never know who they are connected to and how. Join writers groups on Facebook, follow other writers on Twitter (and read their bios on their personal websites and blogs), go to writers festivals and forums, and constantly scan websites for information relevant to your style of writing [like this one!]. If you have a blog, create a Twitter account for it and let people know you’ve updated it so they can read your latest. Post links to your online work on Facebook too – anything to spread word. Also check out Author Tracker by Harper Collins to find out where your fave authors are at – it will give you a little bit of an idea about their method, writing life etc. Another thing about swallowing your pride is work experience. I interned in magazines two days a week for two years, and it helped me get my first job. Sure, you start by grabbing coffees and photocopying articles, but a lot of magazines don’t advertise their roles and recruit internally, so being in their face is always a plus. Do remember that even work experience is a competitive market, so put in the hard yards and do not think anything is beneath you. The only way is up, and everyone has to start somewhere.

5. Know the game

It may seem straight forward, but read every submission guideline for every publication you want to write for. If it is a magazine, it’s also a good idea to read its media kit (usually online) because, even if its written for advertisers, it gives you a great idea about who the mag perceives its target reader to be and with this, you can tailor your pitches accordingly. This is as close as you can get to rejection proofing your work. For aspiring novelists, a lot of publishers have information about the submission process, and manuscript guidelines as well as advice, posted on their websites for your perusal. And always spare a thought to joining a writer’s centre. They are an invaluable tool.

6. The importance to figuring out its importance

Finding the time to write is a difficult one if you don’t do it full-time, and doing it full-time can be difficult if you want to live, because often, writing is a labour of love. It is up to you to assess how and when to factor it into your life. It might be setting aside time to write on the train to scrawl ideas, or waking up an hour earlier to write, or locking yourself up all day on a weekend to get some work done. They are all methods that have worked for me, but they might also mean that you will find yourself constantly praying to God for a time machine. Find one that works for you, and if the whole writing thing is important enough, you will find a way to make it happen one way or another.

7. Use it to your advantage

Once you have figured out its importance, and how you are going to work towards it, its easy to use it to your advantage. If you need money to support yourself until your career takes off, use your skill as a starting point. Writing your company’s newsletter will give you copywriting experience – as will preparing background info for launches and products and writing webcopy and the like. This all seems quite boring when compared to the thrill of feature writing or fiction, but they will earn you a rep and soon, the copywriting gigs could be pouring in, possibly freeing you up to freelance full-time/work part-time, and thus, do more of what you love.

8. Be open to the fact that there’s always something to learn

Sure, you might find yourself discussing writing on a panel at a festival, but when one of your topic questions is ‘Is it worth having an agent?’ and you have no idea, then you know you do not have the whole lot down pat. This will continue to ring true because the game keeps going, so stay on the ball and focused on your training.

9. Remember that life is material

And fantastic material it is too! Let every aspect of your life help you crash, bash and smash through the hurdles. Things I have learnt as part of my uni research have formed a niche for my opinion editorials and society features, while a Hate List I wrote in high school has formed the basis for my YA novel. Note that I have no prospect of a publishing deal at present, but the fact that I am not keeping this novel to myself and actually putting it out there just gets me closer to the dream. [Good advice me thinks, considering a YA publisher approached me afterwards and expressed interest in reading my draft]. People who have successfully implemented this include Melina Marchetta (Italian background, Australian home) and Lauren Weisberger (Devil wears Prada, rumoured job as Anna Wintour’s assistant).

10. And finally, when the lords of the publishing industry close their doors, it is up to you to open a window

Every writer faces their share of rejection, often on many occasions. JK Rowling and Marc Cherry (of Desperate Housewives fame) are good examples. You will inevitably face rejection also. But if you think your work is worth it, just keep going at it. Some of my rejected pitches formed the basis of Trespass, the online mag I co-started last year, because I felt that they needed to be out there. That mag has [at that time] now been around for six months, and it enjoys a phenomenal growth in readership as every month goes by. So if this is the life you want to make for yourself, you have to exhaust every possible opporunity to make it happen.

Because while rejection will be your torment, finding a way out of it will be your triumph. And there will be, as I have personally experienced, many an episode of torment and triumph. But getting on with the dream might be that next bit of material for your next fabulous piece of work. And that realisation is your personal silver lining – and what crashing, bashing and smashing through is all about…