Facts of a Writer's LifeWritten by Mridu Khullar
So, you dream of becoming a famous writer? You want to get that article on paper as soon as possible and see it published. You've got great ideas for a book that you'll be starting any day now.But do you know what it's really like to lead a writer's life? Read on to find out. 1. Rejection is a part of life. Face it. You will be rejected. No matter how good you are, how well versed with techniques, how intricately detailed. One fine day, you'll wake up and find a rejection in mail. Don't get disheartened. It happens to all of us. 2. Rewriting will have to be done No matter how good your vocabulary, or how well-written your material, there will come a time, when one editor will ask you to rewrite your work. Take this as an encouraging sign. It just means that editor likes your work, but needs you to work out a few details to suit his needs. 3. Deadlines have to be met Meeting deadlines is an important part of your career. Miss one deadline, and you can be sure you'll never be writing for that publication again. Be careful not to take on so much that you cannot complete in time. It will ruin your reputation and make you seem unprofessional. 4. Writer's block is not a myth Regardless of what you may have heard, writer's block is a reality. You will wake up one day to find that somehow you can't seem to write any more. Relax. It's just a phase. Keep your motivation high, and you'll be back in no time. 5. Distractions, Distractions, Distractions If you work at home, you're even more prone to these distractions. Your child needs food, clothes need washing, you need a cup of coffee. And when all that is taken care of, phone will ring. It'll be your hubby calling just in time, to remind you of an errand that you almost forgot to do.
| | Don't Attempt To Write Without Them!Written by Linda Elizabeth Alexander
You're ready to do it. You've accepted an assignment from your boss, agreed to put together a sales presentation, or were asked to write a report about last week's meeting results. Where do you begin? Before you venture off into land of writing for your job, be prepared with items on this checklist.1. Adjust your attitude. Writing doesn't have to be like drawing blood. In fact, many times in business writing, much of work is already done for you. Your job may be as simple as rewording or organizing information that you already have. 2. Quiet. No matter how much you like your music or AM radio talk show it is best to work in a quiet spot. Even if you work in a noisy place like a newsroom or a cube farm, reduce amount of noise around you so you can concentrate better. Wear earplugs if it helps you! 3. Your thinking cap! Colored markers, pencils, or a large easel pad may help you with brainstorming. Or, you may find it easier to work with a team first to generate ideas and then have one person write first draft. Whatever works for you, make sure your brain is in creative mode, not editing/criticism mode. Creativity comes first; editing and refining later. 4. Eliminate distractions. Turn off phone, close your office door, and don't check your email every 10 seconds. Have your assistant tell everyone you're in a meeting and you can't see him or her unless they're dying. For at least 1 hour, work with no interruptions. 5. Computer, pen, scratchpad, or other tools you like. You may prefer writing longhand; it can help you connect with your thoughts and emotions. Or, you may be quicker at typing directly on computer. Either way, don't expect a perfect draft first time. You will be scribbling a lot (or cutting and pasting) at first. 6. Contact names and phone numbers, etc. Be sure you have handy a list of people you might need to talk with to verify information. For example, if you are writing an article for your company newsletter, you may need quotes from CEO.
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