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Five People Every Writer Should
Know Whenever you sit down to write, two people join you. I like to call them the Muse and the Critic. Your Muse should stick around throughout your first draft to keep you going, and then drift out of sight to make room for the Critic. The Critic will take out any extra phrases, make sure your story has a clearly defined purpose, and see that the writing flows. Finally, he will help you proofread with a careful eye. But plenty of outside forces can help you with your writing, as well. In my 10 years as a professional freelance writer, I've discovered there are at least five people every writer should have available. The Editor/Mentor This person tells it like it is. It can be an English teacher, an older friend who is a professional writer, or a talented peer. This person will be blunt about what it takes to succeed, and, ideally, will have extensive knowledge of the writing business. They can show you how to target your stories to a particular market, show you the ins and outs of dealing with editors, and explain why word counts are important. If you know someone who constantly repeats, "Show, don't tell!" (and really knows how to do it) or, "A writer writes, everyday," you may have found your Editor. Part motivational speaker, part instructor, this person will have the skill to tear apart your work, while, simultaneously, building up your confidence and enhancing your drive to succeed. The Ego-Booster These people are the easiest to find, but don't underestimate their usefulness. Often, their positive perspective is just what you need after a particularly harrowing critique from your Editor. Your "Ego-Booster" will remind you that have gobs of talent. A best friend who is an avid reader, an aunt who always wanted to write short stories, or even your own mother can fill this position. To this person, everything you write is a masterpiece. You wouldn't want to base a writing career on her advice, but, like a giant mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream on a cold day, it just feels good! The Grammar Guru In the publishing company where I used to work, my coworkers and I once held a heated debate regarding the use of the serial comma. Okay, we're grammar geeks. Every writer should have someone in her social circle who knows how to use a semi-colon properly. It goes without saying that professional, published writers should have a basic grasp of grammar. But sometimes, you really need to check some obscure rule of usage, and can't find a satisfactory answer in any of your reference books. Besides, who else but your grammar guru friend will sympathize when you're in the mood to compare the merits of the Chicago Manual of Style to the AP book? The Idea Mill "You should write a story about..." Once you tell people you're a writer, they can't resist telling you what story you have to write. Most of the time, you can dismiss these suggestions with a smile and a nod. But, every once in a while, someone crosses your path and you could swear she was an honest-to-goodness daughter of Zeus. This Muse-on-Earth not only gives you ideas for stories, she'll help you refine vague concepts into marketable pieces. Best of all, after spending a few minutes in her company, you find your idea well overflowing with inspiration. The Walking Yellow Pages Need a source for an interview? Want to know who's the editor at a recently-launched women's health magazine? Your friend, the "walking yellow pages," a.k.a. the "networking queen" has it all at her fingertips. This person can save you valuable research time by connecting you with that friend of a friend who specializes in teaching multicultural music, or who just started Pilates classes. And the new markets? She knows them all... and how quickly they pay. Best of all, she enjoys the legwork. This is the type of person you want on your side. Find a way to reciprocate by offering to proofread her work or, at the very least, take her out to lunch every so often. These people may overlap: your mentor can double as a grammar guru, or your ego-booster may make you feel so good that she actually helps inspire new ideas. Throughout your life, you'll encounter different people that will fill each role. You may be lucky enough to work with an editor who fills one of these purposes. If you work in an office, chances are you're surrounding by these people. If not, seek them out in writers' groups, adult education classes, and through professional writing organizations. You'll never again feel like writing is a solitary activity. |
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