Despite the economic setback of pursuing a writing career, still there are so many aspiring writers who insist on trying this field. To some, it’s always been their longtime dream but doesn’t have the means or doesn’t have the time do so. Probably, some of them came from destitute families or top priority is their family.
But only the brave does really survive in such a risky profession. It’s risky, because it won’t provide you a fixed income. Especially, for a budding writer, who has plans to make writing his daily bread and butter. You better weigh the consequences first.
True, you are in-love with words. You want to play with, flirt with and romance it. You cannot live without it. It will make you miserable if you cannot even write a simple paragraph. A paragraph that you think will be the beginning of masterpiece but before making the plunge, think first. Have you ask yourself, the reasons why do you need to write?
Writing does not end by just expressing your emotions on a sheet of paper; it’s not like letter writing intended to a single audience only. It is for every man, woman, child, adult, poor or rich. Whatever social standing your readers may have.
I always hear this from my editors, “Remember, before you write, put yourself first on your readers’ shoes.” As I go along with in my writing path, I’ve found out the wisdom of that reminder. Your readers are not just your readers. They are your responsibility.
Usually, in any profession, you will encounter humps and depressions. But you could avoid it, if you are ready to have an open mind. There are many factors that hinder a budding writer to truly make his creations see the light.
Basically, it’s the tenses. You just don’t know how many times, my work was edited because of this. You could just imagine how embarrassing it was, that editors would give back my essays or short stories with lots of red inks aside from the remarks written if not on the side or the bottom of my work.
1. Do not take for granted the proper use of has, had and have. Don’t even dare laugh at the use of is, are, was and were; nor the articles a, an, and the. They are maybe just minor things to you but it could make or unmake the impact that you need to deliver. Also, don’t forget the proper use of period, comma and semicolon.
2. Start with the basics; simple articles. Some writers who are excited to write or wish to emulate their writing idols are overwhelmed by their own work. In their hurry to write and submit their works, they found themselves lost along the way. They can no longer take a grip of the flow of their own work, and their ideas scattered in different directions. Worst they cannot even find the proper way to end their articles. Better start with the topics, you are more at home or have wide knowledge.
3. Mishandled figure of speeches and idiomatic expressions. With so many kinds of words and phrases coined in this century by rappers, actors and even writers’ themselves, no wonder even kids at school found themselves confuse. It doesn’t hurt to go back and re-learn the proper use of figure of speech or idiomatic expressions. Better handle them with care, and understand them first before using it in your writing. They can enhance your compositions or confuse it even more.
4. Take time; don’t hurry. Develop your idea carefully; care for it, like you care for your dogs or your plants. An unripe writing or writing done in a rush could be easily detected. Disorganized paragraphs or worst disjointed sentences looking like phrases could be easily set aside and lay forgotten by your editors. Writing in this manner reflects what kind of person you are and in what kind of state of mind you are in. it could manifest your insincerity in writing. Or how careless and tactless a writer you are. It will show how devoted you are to your chosen profession. Writing should mirror not only your thoughts but also your passion towards your idea.
5. Assuming too high, too soon. Do not expect much, just because you already have finished an article doesn’t mean it will be published right away. You should find out first what kind of articles the magazine need or accepts you intended to publish your work; if it’s a feature story, feature article, short story or essay. The length of the article, how many pages, words or characters they want. If they are following a theme or not. Read and evaluate the magazine first, the type of audience they cater to, if it’s for adults, kids, man, woman, professionals or students.
6. Some writers tried too hard when they are just starting out. Sure trying in this competitive field could make you feel nervous, doubt or afraid. Relax, after writing your piece, let it be at least just for 24 hours. After that, you, yourself would notice the wrong grammars and spellings and the revisions that needs to be done.
7. Careful with your writing, avoid creating libelous articles. If you must give out or mention information, better have hard facts to back you up else you want to get a handful of court cases in your hand. Better be safe than sorry later.
8. Pay close attention to your work. Double-check if you must before submitting it to your editors. Remember, first impressions last. Editors will remember your work and your name. Especially, if you manage to conceive a work worth publishing.
9. Overused ideas. Before you sit down and start working; browse, skim or read ora book, newspapers or magazines first to see if your ideas have been used before. If already used, it will give you a new idea for a new slant to approach the subject or topic you wish to write.
10. Lastly, don’t harass your editors. Once you submit your work, wait at least a week before making a follow-up. Remember your manners, observe office and phone etiquettes. Some editors remember some writers not because of their work but because of their attitude towards them.
