Tips for a beginning writer

To write professionally is a privilege, and also a responsibility. These two facts must be kept in mind whenever you take pen in hand or sit down at the computer to share your thoughts, opinions or stories with others.

Writing professionally is a privilege because others are taking time out of their busy lives to read your words. They may have paid to purchase a publication containing them. They have made a judgment that what you have to say is important enough to merit their consideration. You are privileged to have gained the attention of strangers, who are ready to share your thoughts.

Because of this privilege, you, as an ethical writer, have certain responsibilities. Here are several:

(a) The research you do for articles and essays for must be thorough and accurate. It is wrong to give your readers false or misleading information. You should not make inferences on matters which can be easily researched to obtain factual information. Total truth and honesty is a must, and will gain you faithful and trusting followers.

(b) Proof-read your work several times carefully. Editors and readers can easily begin to doubt your ability if you have failed to master the basics of your mother tongue.

(c) Keep a dictionary at your side. Check to be sure you have the correct meaning of sound-alike words: i.e. their, there and they're.

Don't plan to begin by writing the novel of the century. Start small. Write a " Letter to the Editor" of your local newspaper. Submit an article to the "Seniors' News" or other local publication. Write a blurb about an upcoming event for your church bulletin. With every acceptance your confidence will grow.

A next step may be to submit an op-ed piece to the Editorial Pages of an area newspaper that accepted guest columnists. Be sure to check the publication's web site for writers' guidelines. You may receive a small payment for your efforts. This will be a major thrill if you are hoping to launch a new career.

If your talent is fiction, begin with short stories. Every Spring and Summer many newspapers in larger urban centers have contests to gather notable short fiction pieces. The winning stories will provide their readers with material for leisure reading during the holidays. The prizes are often worthwhile and your fame as a freelance writer will grow with every piece you have published.

At this point, I recommend that you invest in the current year's edition of "Writer's Manual". It's a fat, soft-cover book which lists everypublication in North America which accepts freelance articles. It also lists book publishers, tells you how to write an effective query letter, and contains more helpful information than I can even begin to disclose here. Just about everything a neophyte writer needs to know may be found between its covers.

Now you're ready to begin your career. Set a definite time each day for writing, and stick to it, except in the most dire emergency. Start submitting your articles and stories. One suggestion: keep records of what you send where. It is a little embarrassing to receive a note from an editor telling you that you sent the same article to him three times.

As in all areas of life, a sense of humor is a valuable asset. Be sure to nurture yours.

One final thought: as much as you may love writing, try to reserve at least one-quarter of your waking hours for just plain living. Go to interesting places with people you like and interact with family and friends. Even the most talented author needs people, places and experiences about which to write.

The myth about the talented author shut away for weeks in a cold garret writing his masterpiece just doesn't happen anymore. Get out there in the world. Live, love, play, observe and listen. Then come home and share your experiences, and the insights they provide with others, through the printed word. This is your privilege as a professional writer. Be sure to exercise this privilege responsibly.