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FEATURE ARTICLE: WRITING

How I Landed A $150 Writing Assignment

by P J Davis

I WAS introduced to the basic steps in the writing process while attending a creative writing course offered by the adult education department of a local high school. I had my story critiqued and was encouraged by my instructor to polish it.

I became better informed about publishing and marketing my work through using the Writer's Market, other "how to" publications for writers, the Internet, online writing groups and from just the experience of submitting. I slowly realized that writing for publication required a commitment of time, perseverance, organization and actually learning by working at it. I have become a better writer in the process. I had some success in non-paying markets. But I wanted to make a little money, too. That wasn't happening yet.

As the months went by I learned to carefully study each publication's guidelines to see what they wanted. I realized the necessity of carefully following these. I discovered how to submit a brief but detailed query letter to interest an editor in my work. I tried not to take personally each rejection. On occasion an editor would write some encouraging words or useful suggestions on her rejection letter. After each one--and there were many of those--I would rework, refocus and send the piece out to the next publication on my list. But still no sales.

My writing instructor who was also on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Writers Conference suggested I apply for a scholarship to the next writer's conference.

At about the same time I submitted the essay I worked on in her class to a national magazine for their Mother's Day writing competition. I sent both the application for the tuition free scholarship and the story out in December and didn't think anymore about them.

Five months later and one week after Mother's Day, I went for the first time to GRIT Magazine's web site. There to my surprise on the front cover of their May issue was listed my essay, "Mommy to You Both". There was no mention of the contest or any winners. A check for $150.00 and five copies arrived two weeks later. This gave me much needed encouragement to continue submitting my work.

At the end of May I also received word that I was awarded an all paid scholarship to the writer's conference in June. So with renewed enthusiasm and much excitement I attended my first conference for writers. And I knew Gloria, my instructor, would be there, too.

As I was browsing through the free literature provided at this event, I saw a stack of GRIT Magazines. There on the table was the issue with my story as a mother. It was an exciting moment--one in which I felt with assurance that I was not wasting my time trying to hone the craft of writing. And I was in good company, too. Gloria was overjoyed with my success as well.

That experience was two years ago. More of my work was accepted by GRIT's sister publication Brave Hearts. I began to use those clips when querying or submitting to other paying markets. Since then I've had essays and articles accepted by other paying and non-paying markets. Each success spurs me on to continue on the path of writing for publication.

Pat's work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible (Companion Story), Mothering, and God Answers Prayers (published March 2005). She is completing a first inspirational historical. Pat can be reached at patjeanne@boltblue.com

Need more help?: thedabblingmum.com/writing

This article copyright P J Davis 2005 and may not be reproduced in any form without her express permission.


	Home Published in The Dabbling Mum E-zine National Publication for BUSY Parents ©1999-2005. http://thedabblingmum.com FEATURE ARTICLE: WRITING How I Landed A $150 Writing Assignment by P J Davis I WAS introduced to the basic steps in the writing process while attending a creative writing course offered by the adult education department of a local high school. I had my story critiqued and was encouraged by my instructor to polish it. I became better informed about publishing and marketing my work through using the Writer's Market, other "how to" publications for writers, the Internet, online writing groups and from just the experience of submitting. I slowly realized that writing for publication required a commitment of time, perseverance, organization and actually learning by working at it. I have become a better writer in the process. I had some success in non-paying markets. But I wanted to make a little money, too. That wasn't happening yet. As the months went by I learned to carefully study each publication's guidelines to see what they wanted. I realized the necessity of carefully following these. I discovered how to submit a brief but detailed query letter to interest an editor in my work. I tried not to take personally each rejection. On occasion an editor would write some encouraging words or useful suggestions on her rejection letter. After each one--and there were many of those--I would rework, refocus and send the piece out to the next publication on my list. But still no sales. My writing instructor who was also on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Writers Conference suggested I apply for a scholarship to the next writer's conference. At about the same time I submitted the essay I worked on in her class to a national magazine for their Mother's Day writing competition. I sent both the application for the tuition free scholarship and the story out in December and didn't think anymore about them. Five months later and one week after Mother's Day, I went for the first time to GRIT Magazine's web site. There to my surprise on the front cover of their May issue was listed my essay, "Mommy to You Both". There was no mention of the contest or any winners. A check for $150.00 and five copies arrived two weeks later. This gave me much needed encouragement to continue submitting my work. At the end of May I also received word that I was awarded an all paid scholarship to the writer's conference in June. So with renewed enthusiasm and much excitement I attended my first conference for writers. And I knew Gloria, my instructor, would be there, too. As I was browsing through the free literature provided at this event, I saw a stack of GRIT Magazines. There on the table was the issue with my story as a mother. It was an exciting moment--one in which I felt with assurance that I was not wasting my time trying to hone the craft of writing. And I was in good company, too. Gloria was overjoyed with my success as well. That experience was two years ago. More of my work was accepted by GRIT's sister publication Brave Hearts. I began to use those clips when querying or submitting to other paying markets. Since then I've had essays and articles accepted by other paying and non-paying markets. Each success spurs me on to continue on the path of writing for publication. Pat's work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible (Companion Story), Mothering, and God Answers Prayers (published March 2005). She is completing a first inspirational historical. Pat can be reached at patjeanne@boltblue.com * * * Need more help?: thedabblingmum.com/writing This article copyright P J Davis 2005 and may not be reproduced in any form without her express permission. Top of Page