Hot Writing Tips - Writing Book Recommendations

I have on my bookshelves a great many books about writing and in my three writing blogs I have decided to mention the book - or books - I personally have found most useful. And in this Hot Writing Tips blog, I have decided to give pride of place to just one book.

Damn, Why didn't I Write That? by Marc McCutcheon.

The reason I have chosen this is because it shows how possible it is to come up with ideas and make them work. It is inspiring, illuminating and can certainly get the creative juices flowing.

There are many other books on the art of writing and how to prepare material for submission, craft proposals etc but Marc McCutcheon's book is something different and can be of great and potential value to those who write non-fiction.

For other writing book recommendations, have a look at my other writing blogs article writing and writing a book..

Also, in addition to the books mentioned, a Writer's Yearbook or Digest containing contact and submission details is essential.

Hot Writing Tips - Write and Profit from new publications

Look out for new publications. The editor of these will often be keen to build up a pool of writers as well as be more receptive to ideas and proposals. By getting in contact, including finding out if there are submission guidelines, as well as submitting ideas and material, your work will not only be more carefully considered but can lead on to other openings.

Several times I have benefited by contacting magazines and papers that have just started publication and, with one new newspaper, it resulted in a series which ran for eight years – and a welcome income too!
As the proverb goes, ‘The early bird catches the worm’ and, by being early and sending submissions to publications that have just started, you too could get to benefit.

Don’t forget to check my other blogs on article writing and writing a book.

Hot Writing Tips

Nothing Ventured, nothing published

This little bit of advice goes counter to what you will read in a great many writing books. Namely, that before submitting an article or piece for consideration, study the magazine or paper first. However, while this is generally advisable in order to assess style, preferred length and to familiarize yourself with content, it is not essential.

Twice this year I have submitted material to publications I have not seen and on both occasions the material was accepted. I knew and guessed in advance the sort of material the publication and its readers wanted and I was right. In one case the publication was regional and although I did not live in that region, what I had to offer was of definite interest to those who did.

If you feel you have a piece that is applicable for a certain magazine or readership, even though you may not have seen the publication, do not let this hold you back from making a submission as you could be missing out on a potential sale. However, before sending it off, find out the name of the editor or appropriate editor of the publication and send it to them. If not, your submission could end up with anyone!

Good luck – and hope this idea and blog leads to some acceptances.

Don’t forget to check my other blogs on article writing and writing a book.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WRITING TIME

Writing time is precious. And there is nothing more frustrating than to sit down to write and the words and ideas just do not flow. To prevent this, here are some hot writing tips that can help you to make the most of your writing time.

1) Know in advance what you want to write and are hoping to achieve. Do not start your writing session with no ideas. Ideally think these over some time before you begin so ideas can take shape and thoughts emerge. Also, do jot these down as they occur as well as any facts or points you need to mention. By preparing yourself in this way it will help you to be far more productive.

2) Another helpful tip is to adopt the strategy so many books on positive thinking and self-help recommend. Feed yourself some positive writing affirmations before a writing session. Keep telling yourself, 'My writing is going well,' 'Words flow easily,' 'My writing today's a pleasure.' Affirmations do work and can help.

3) One other technique many have found useful is if you are engaged in a long writing project, stop a writing session in mid sentence. When you start again you know exactly where you left off and what you intended to write next. And by starting your next writing session with your words already clear in your mind, it will help you to get you back in the flow and help you to make the most of your writing time.

For other ideas on writing, do visit my other writing blogs on article writing and writing a book.