Writing: Something besides the novel

[daughter]

Members--

So many times I hear aspiring writers talking about being published. Ninety percent of the time, the dream is having a novel or a collection of poetry published. What happens in the meantime?

Do you think about the other venues of getting published and gleaning credits for your portfolios? Besides a manuscript, how else do you establish your credibility?

Do you ever consider freelance writing in non-fiction arenas? Have you investigated writers' unions, listserves, workshops? Ever try to publish articles in magazines, newsletters, and journals? What about technical writing?

What are you doing while you're waiting for the big break with your great American novel?

Peace,

daughter

 

[KillerMuffin]

Consumer magazines and a few e-zines. It's not what I want to be writing, but it is writing.

They're good and I've got a bunch of stuff that'll go great in some of the college classes I intend to take. The occasional cash is nice, too. I've got more non-fiction out there than fiction. Lit's gotten my fiction opened up and much better. I've learned to write a story rather than an article.

 

[P. B. Walker]

Getting all my pervy thoughts down on paper in a way that will excite the readers... hopefully to the point where they are reading one-handed. That and working on getting stories onto this site.

I assume sooner or later I might want to branch out into other forums. But for the time being I'm content here. I doubt I will ever get to the point where I quit my full-time job. For me this is a hobby. True, I do have a dream of being published, however, I personally feel that is quite a ways down the road for me.

- PBW

 

[daughter]

don't quit your day job

PB--

I know several published writers. Don't quit your day job. The pay ain't that great. My point is, are you exploring your options to increase your exposure, contacts, networking and improving your writing?

KM, I have more non-fiction, too. Getting my first check was a thrill. Hell, my first non-paying gig was exciting. And thank God for editors.

Peace,

daughter

 

[P. B. Walker]

I hear ya...

I seriously doubt I could ever become so successful at writing that I would be better off that with the job I currently have. Not saying I've got some high paying job, I just do pretty good.

As for exploring my options to increase my exposure, contacts, networking, and improving my writing. I'm really doing that right here. I've pretty much been in the closet since I started writing erotica in college. I rarely shared it with anyone. And when I did, it was with women I was trying to perv up on some chat channel. I'll admit, it started out as spank material. LOL. Then one day a reader told me I had real potential if I worked hard and applied myself. I decided to give it a try and found I did enjoy writing something that was more than just jack off material. Finding this site has been a godsend.

They say all journeys start with baby steps... well I am at that point. I'm a geeky engineer nerd type. When I started writing it felt like I was pounding steel nails into wood without a hammer. It was painful. Gimme a math problem anyday. LOL. But like everything else, it gets easier with practice. Once I get more stories under my belt and feel my writing as really improved, I would love to try and have something published in a magazine, newsletter, or journal (online or othewise).

A question I have is, when do you know you have reached a point when you are good enough to submit something to a magazine or what have you?

- PBW

 

[daughter]

I don't know

PB--

I hear you. My day job actually is part of the reason why I'm persuing my writing now. I have a good job and I won't complain about the pay. I love what I do. (I get to post for one thing)

I don't know when you're good enough, PB. I was encouraged to submit. I majored in English. Someone told me to stop putzing around and just do it. So I did.

One of my mentors recently got in my butt big time. I'm actually at another milestone. He said I lack confidence. He told me to get offline and develop my craft and draft a plan. I should be writing full-scale. I know tech writers and freelancers. It's time for me to cultivate a career. Won't quit my day job anytime soon, but a second career is attractive to me. I have been published, but I haven't done it consistently nor seriously. I post a lot of my stuff free. Given the position I'm in, it's time for me to be more aggressive. It's like teaching. You do it because you believe it's your calling.

My skills are okay. I want to develop writing habits like KM. It's time for me to answer more submission calls. Writing isn't a hobby for me. It's a passion, but like potential, what good is it if I don't commit to it?

Peace,

daughter

 

[P. B. Walker]

daughter,

Writing erotica is a passion of mine. So I guess it's a little bit more than a hobby. However, I do it mostly to write the erotica. I would not feel the same way if I were writing something else, say science fiction for example (and definitely not a technical manual). I have to write technical papers to submit to conferences for my job, and that is by far the most painful task required in my job. I dread it. But, I fire up Word and start churning out a story and I feel energized, excited, sparks are flying in my brain.

I guess I have to say that while writing is a passion of mine, it's not the passion that is first and foremost in my life. I mean, given a choice between sex, golf, and writing.. they would go in this order 1) golf, 2) sex, 3) writing... ok, ok, ok... 1) sex, 2) golf, 3) writing... mmmm... maybe I could have sex while playing golf? mmmm story idea... yeah babyyyy. Anyhoo... I better stop now. lol

I wish you luck in finding that thing your looking for. I think everyone should have an outlet for their passion.

- PBW

 

[daughter]

I know what you mean

PB--

I hear you. We've two different discussions going right now.
In the original post, I was focusing on what writers do to cultivate their craft and if they consider other venues for expressing their creativity. Then you and I ventured off into what our passion means to us.

I don't think anyone gets excited writing monthly reports or manuals, but the writing does force us to pay attention to construction, clarity, cohesiveness and other mechanics of writing. You need those skills regardless of the type of writing.

I've found what I want. I need to get off the dime. Thanks for the encouragement.

Nothing wrong with you engineers. I like how you think. Enjoy your conversations. I can't always follow, but I like smart folks.

Peace,

daughter

 

[SlyFox]

A "newby's" Appreciation

As an aspiring erotic short story writer I want to express my sincere appreciation for the encouragement I have received already from the authors who have posted such insiteful messages on this forum the past couple of days - Especially daughter and PBW. And I have already learned a GREAT deal from KillerMuffin's articles and writings - Gives me all the hope I need (I hope )

Up to now, I've been hesitant to submit my stories to Literotica (or anywhere else, for that matter ) but one of the posts I read suggested quering (sp) several (up to a dozen) editors and selecting the ones best suited to my style of writing. I followed that suggestion and was pleasantly overwhelmed with the responses I've gotten back - Now I'm working with at least three editors - All of whom have taken a slightly different approach, but all have been VERY helpful and encouraging. So I will be posting my first story entitled "Mom's Special Wedding" in the Incest section very soon now.

Thanks guys for just being here and sharing...

SlyFox

 

[P. B. Walker]

suited to my style of writing. I followed that suggestion and was pleasantly overwhelmed with the responses I've gotten back - Now I'm working with at least three editors - All of whom have taken a slightly different

Overwhelmed by responses? mmmm... I must be doing something wrong.

- PBW

 

[SlyFox]

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed by responses? mmmm... I must be doing something wrong.

- PBW

Well, "overwhelmed" may be a bit strong. I actually mailed out 12 queries and received answers from six Volunteer Editors. (I guess batting .500 is not too shabby). I chose to continue working with four of the Editors who responded and seem to be on the way to establishing a good working and (hopefully) a personal friendship with at least two of those, whom I will be happy to name if they agree. This was the text of my query:

I am looking to establish a working relationship with a good editor for stories that I want to submit to Literotica. My themes are primarily incest and group sex and usually contain a bi-sexual element - both male and female. I am interested in feedback on grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as readability, content and constructive criticism.

I have no interest in kiddy porn, bestiality, scat, water sports or rape or forced coercion of any kind, so you will not find any of those elements in my work.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

SlyFox

Worked for me.

SlyFox

 

[P. B. Walker]

Thanks SlyFox,

Maybe I'll try something like that for my next story. My average was much much lower than yours. I tried the same thing you did (following advice I saw on this board and sending to 12 editors). I seem to be in an endless waiting cycle at this point. Guess it's the holidays and end of the semester for students.

You've given me something to try different next time.

thanks,

- PBW

 

[SlyFox]

Thanks

Your Welcome, P.B. - My pleasure. And, I may add, you've been an inspiration to me as well, along with other's I've mentioned. Now I have to get back to my OWN writing! But I'm having so much FUN on these forums - or is that just another excuse to avoid writing??? Bad Slyfox, bad boy - get back to work - NOW

SlyFox

 

[P. B. Walker]

Not sure how I could be an inspiration to anyone lol.. but I'll take your word for it. I'm in the same boat as you are.

- PBW

 

[karmadog]

what to write

Actually, I have no interest in writing a novel. The short story is a far more interesting form to me. While the money is a problem with the smaller publications, they are more willing to take a chance on unknown or experimental writers. Another way to get published is to talk with the local newspaper. I am talking to someone about writing some essays on being a yankee in the South. There is always something that you know better than anyone else, or at least can write about better than anyone else. Agan, the newspaper pays very poorly, but what can you do?

 

[cellis]

Well I have been writing since I was in jr high school... mostly poetry... but in the last 5 years I have gotten interested in romance and erotica... I have yet to submit here... but I am working with a volunteer editor from this site... my batting average is .500... I sent out 2 inquiries and got one reply... and what a surprise that was... He just happens to live where I do... is in the BDSM lifestyle as I am and is very interested in my writing... what are the chances of that happening again in this lifetime???? LOL.... really though, I am, excited about the prospects of having something posted here soon... and am already working on my second story....

 

[cellis]

By the way... I won't be quitting my day job any time soon....

 

[alltherage]

I write in spurts. I am a student and I write all the time when I am in school. When i am free from school I like to experiment with forms I would not usually persue. Poetry and erotica being the most recent examples.

I have made inquiries about publishing my work and I am working on a Novel. I was born with a learning disability and that sometimes holds me back. As I write this, for example, I have to be completely focused on each and every word, and even then I will not be certain that what I thought I wrote is in fact what I post. I can read and write well now, but the editing process is a total horror for me. One of the stories i published here was filled with errors. I proofed it as best I could but did not find the errors. I recieved a very hostile feedback letter which bothered me greatly. I think that fear, of the response and of being thought stupid keeps me from pursuing being published.

When I start a class with a new professor I explain my delema to them. Most are not put off by my errosr once they know why they happen. I do not fear their response.

Life is about hurdles i think. This is one hurdle I have not completely cleared.