Another student gets published

Last week I was thrilled to receive a call from Lynda Wehipeihana, who recently finished the my course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers at the Sydney Writers' Centre in Milsons Point. She called with the news that her first story was published in The Sydney Morning Herald last week. Congratulations Lynda!

It's great when I hear that course participants put what they learn into practice. Remember, for those of you who want to see your articles published in your favourite magazine or newspaper - it's absolutely possible.

Know your market
One of the most important aspects of this process is ensuring that your story idea suits the target market of the publication. It sounds like such a basic concept but you'd be amazed at how many would-be writers ignore this.

When I was deputy editor at CLEO, I was surprised at how many freelance writers would pitch stories that simply did not suit the magazine and which, frankly, showed how little they knew about the magazine's readership. Like the writer who pitched a story on how to get a great DIY paint finish on your car. Not a CLEO story.

I found out later that he tried selling the same story to almost any and every magazine in the country - from parenting magazines to banking publications. He hoped that if he got it "out there" someone would eventually pick it up. The reality is he was wasting his time - and that of the editors he was pitching to.
Instead of this "shotgun" approach, writers have much more success if they target their publication and write an article specifically suited to that publication's audience.

Update on my Slimink experience
A couple of blog entries ago, I mentioned a book rental service call SlimInk. As soon as I heard about them I signed up. That was on a Thursday and by the following Monday, my first two books were delivered to me door. I'm very impressed with their service so far. Check them out at www.slimink.com.au

And no, I don't have anything to do with them - they don't pay to be on here. I just think it's a good - and innovative - service.

Comments

[stephanie m]

Hi, I'm Stephanie and I linked to this site from the Sydney's Writer Centre.
I am a 15 year old student and I am wondering if there were any places known I could possibly visit online etc.. for my writing. I write creative writing and poetry. I have been told it's my gift, and I truly have a passion for not only writing, but for english as a whole. I am willing and self-determined.
Thankyou very much.
Yours sincerely, Stephanie M.

[Valerie]

Stephanie,

I'm not sure of many other online resources except for the Sydney Writers' Centre but my advice to you is read, read, read and write, write, write.

Follow your passions. If you truly enjoy writing that is definitely a wonderful gift - so nurture it!

[Rachel Flannery]

Hi there,
I also linked from Sydney Writers Centre page.

I would like to put a call out to writers who have/have had young families. I would like to know:

* how do you organise writing time
* what are the thought processes you use to prepare.
* how do you keep momentum if you are interrupted

I find it difficult to let my mind drift and have thoughts enlarge (let alone write them down)when the kids are nearby.

I could wait until they are asleep, but it seems that I draw them to me like a magnet - they will wake and wander out to me. I have been so frustrated by this, that I have stopped trying to write, for now.

I think it can be done and I wonder how others do it.

:)
R