Interview with Bev
Walton-Porter
Interviewed by Jenna Glatzer
Bev Walton-Porter is a professional writer/editor who has had more than 150
articles featured in numerous publications, both in print and in electronic
format, including Writer's Digest, ByLine Magazine, The Colorado Springs Sun, Oklahoma
Living and The Write Markets Report, among others. She has also assisted with the promotion
and consultation of several books, including "Diplomatic Immunity" by Howard Olsen, which was
recently mentioned in the August 2nd issue of TIME Magazine and in the December 1999 issue of
Writer's Digest. Her article "Eight Great Ways to Jump-start Your Writing" was selected
as Best of the 'Net by The Mining Company in 1997. The article is also featured at the Purefiction and CyberOasis
Web sites.
How did you know you were a writer?
That's a good question. I think it was about 6th grade when I wrote a story about a Mako shark <I loved sharks and, at that time, wanted to be a marine
biologist!> and my teacher, who was named Lucy <can't remember her last name> told everyone it was
so good, it should be published. That was the "bug" that bit me. I thought, "Hey, I CAN write!"
Do you write full-time?
Yes - ever since 1997. I quit my traditional job and plunged headlong. Best thing I ever did!
How has the Internet changed your career?
Oh - how hasn't it?! The Internet allows me to stay home and ruminate/write on projects and be there when
my kids get off the school bus. If there's something that needs to be taken care of during the day, I can work
my schedule around and BE there. The freedom is nice, and the Internet allows me to stay home in my
comfortable clothes and converse/work with people all around the globe. Email queries have been a blessing,
too. No more stamps and return envelopes - yay! =)
How do you deal with time management?
LOL - as best as I can. I think it's tougher when you're home and no one is there to supervise you but yourself.
I find that I'm a "night writer" more than anything. During the day, I'm more apt to do research and that
kind of thing; at night is when I usually write more. Time management is still a
weak point of mine because I'm one of these creative "idea person" types who has more
going on in her head than should be going on. I'm thinking 20 kazillions ideas and projects at one time -
and I'm anxious to do them all! I need a clone - or a left-brained twin!
What steps did you take to learn about freelance writing before you
began?
I read like a maniac - books, Writer's Digest, ByLine...anything I could on writing! I also talked with
published writers, attended conferences, joined writing clubs and groups and scoured the online realm for
writing info. It took me about five years before I had enough courage and knowledge to jump off the ledge
and write full-time.
You are part of several writer's groups. What are the benefits to
joining a group?
Encouragement and support - you can't get enough of it if you're a writer - especially if you're a NEW writer.
Real professionals will be gracious and help you all they can. We remember what it's like to get rejected over
and over - we remember the scathing comments from editors. We remember the self-doubt. We remember,
and so professional writers must give a hand up to those who are just beginning and who are not yet
confident in their abilities. One caution: never stay in a group that is catty or overly
critical of your writing aims. Seek out encouraging people and places - you probably bash yourself enough as a new writer - you
don't need other people to join in! Get rid of those so-called "poisonous playmates" <as Julia
Cameron of The Artist's Way calls them> and find NEW, supportive playmates!
What do you do when the dreaded "writer's block" hits?
Cry. Whine. Drink coffee. Eat chocolate.
Seriously, the only thing to cure the "block" is to freewrite or brainstorm. Don't THINK about what
you're writing, just sit down and write anything/everything. Usually, in about 10 or 15 minutes,
you begin having these random thoughts and before you know it - BANG! - there's a new story
or article idea hanging about. TRUST THE PROCESS, more than anything, TRUST YOUR INNER MUSE. He/she
knows BEST! Tell that awful, critical editor to sit in the corner and DON'T MOVE until you're ready for him or her.
How can a new writer boost his/her career by learning to publicize
him/herself?
First of all, you must take a personal inventory. If you have no publication credits, then how LONG have you
been writing? Have you written anything that's been published? Even a story in the church bulletin? If so,
WRITE IT DOWN - that's one point FOR you. Have you written a letter to the editor of
the local paper? If so, WRITE IT DOWN. Did you work on your school newspaper? WRITE IT DOWN. These seem like
trivial things, but for a new writer, they are NOT trivial.
Remember that, like it or not, you ARE selling a product - your writing. You're also selling YOU as a
writer. Personally, I hate sales jobs like door-to-door fruit sales, but on a basic level, the fruit is an analogy for
your product - your writing. It's not always the BEST writer who gets the job <does that shock you?>, but it's the one who produces a salable product
AND who can work professionally with the editor AND give the editor what he/she wants in a gracious, cooperative
manner. Always show enthusiasm and always be willing to go that EXTRA mile - it'll pay off!
What's one thing about the business of freelance writing you wish
you'd learned earlier?
To query ideas FIRST before writing ANY article. I see this mistake OVER and OVER, too.
Why spend hours writing an article that may NEVER sell, when you can dash out five query letters
and increase your chances of selling? LEARN TO WRITE A QUERY LETTER FIRST, then write the article when you get the "go ahead."
How can a writer learn to avoid being scammed?
Well, there's NO 100 percent assurance of that, but it's always best to ASK QUESTIONS. Network heavily
with other writers and ask them - post messages to your online writing group - look for alerts on writing
sites about shady publications/operations. Know your rights and know what rights you're
selling. If your contract has shady loopholes, ask the editor to clarify. Save grief by doing these things!!
Any tips for querying?
Know the market you're querying AND the readership of that market. Know the tone and style of the content
that's usually published in that market. There's a certain "feel" to each publication - get familiar with it.
Always query a particular editor, not just "Dear Editor" or "To Whom It May Concern."
Always put a paragraph in there with your credits and/or experience relative to the subject. If you raised horses for 20 years and you're
querying a horse magazine, PUT THAT IN YOUR LETTER. Do anything and everything you can to put the odds in your favor.
Make your query ONE page, and that's it. Wait a decent time before following up.
Editors are busy people, usually underpaid and overworked - DON'T DOG THEM over a submission
you sent two days ago. Wait two to four weeks, then send a polite note inquiring as to
the status of your query. Be professional and polite. And don't wait by the mailbox - get BUSY on another query today!
Anything further you'd like to add?
Just want to tell everyone out there that if I can freelance, THEY can freelance. That's no joke - that's
the TRUTH! Start with small steps each day to get you to your goal - draw up some short-term and long-term
goals - where do you want to be in one year, or in FIVE years? What can you do TODAY to get there?
Maybe it's subscribe to a writing magazine or join a writing group - something simple and painless.
Whatever it is - DO it!
Finally, don't get discouraged. It's VERY easy to do so, but fight with yourself
not to get down and out. The writing life is NOT always a piece of cake - I'll be
the first to tell you that - but when the rewards come (and they will!), they are
that much sweeter!
Visit Bev's website by clicking here: http://www.scribequill.com
