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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3778-Continuing-Education.html
For Authors: June 02, 2010 Issue [#3778]

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For Authors


 This week: Continuing Education
  Edited by: Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

I'm honored to be your Guest Editor this week.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07B63CTKX
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Letter from the editor

Continuing Education


Unlike when you get a professional license, being a writer doesn't require a certain number of continuing education credits. However, it's a good idea to figure out new ways to infuse creativity and structure into your writing.

Creativity and structure? Yeah, I meant to write that. Everyone has strengths in the art of writing, but that doesn't mean we don't have other parts where we can improve. Classes, books, and critique groups can be good points to start.

Why? If we don't keep trying to learn things, we'll never improve as writers. The most important thing is to write- just write. Even this much will change your style over time. Have you read an early work by a favorite author and then a later one? Compare them over time and you'll note differences.

I listened to Ann Patchett speak at the University of Iowa, and one thing she talked about her first reader, Elizabeth McCracken, and how the comments she gave Ann changed. This was for two reasons - Ann incorporated Elizabeth's comments over time and needed different feedback, and Elizabeth gave a deeper critique as Ann reached new heights.

We don't all have a faithful first reader, though many spouses and best friends suffer through our early works. Just keep writing and learning. Make your work shine!


Editor's Picks

Chocolate Open in new Window. (ASR)
Almost everything you need to know about chocolate. From history to your shopping list
#821219 by Captain Colossal Author IconMail Icon

 Negative Effects of Television Open in new Window. (E)
Describing the negative effects of television on the population of North America.
#1131603 by Ameasha Brown Author IconMail Icon

 Philosophy of Life in 15 Points Open in new Window. (E)
A list of "guidelines" I've carried in my wallet for a number of years . . .
#130331 by Bandit's Mama Author IconMail Icon

 Manabozho & The Maples Open in new Window. (13+)
Why maple syrup is so hard to get. Based on a Native American (Ojibwa) myth.
#416733 by Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight Author IconMail Icon

STATIC
Color Blind Open in new Window. (13+)
A woman's thoughts on interracial relationships - a love against all odds.
#1066513 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#737213 by Not Available.

 Earth's Energy System Open in new Window. (E)
Global warming alarmists oversimplify earth's energy system
#1181679 by Reason McLucus Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1036304 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#602031 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#261391 by Not Available.


 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

emerin-liseli Author IconMail Icon
"Let's Publish!Open in new Window.
Amen to your newsletter. As you stated, it's not easy to make writing a career, and there's nothing wrong with simply writing for your personal pleasure. I think it's important, however, not to have any delusions one way or another. "Getting serious" is a serious thing! *Laugh*
Getting serious is so serious! Be careful with it.

ArizonaHeat Author IconMail Icon
Great job, Storm!!
Thank you,
Dee.
Thanks.

Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon
Fantastic advice! *Thumbsup* I really loved the part about your daay job not letting you come in and squeeze in a little effort whn you felt like it! *Laugh* Priceless!
Yes, well, day jobs are like that.

LJPC - the tortoise Author IconMail Icon
Thanks, Storm. You're right on all counts. Writing takes dedication and determination. Talent is important, but hard work and luck count for something, too. My favorite saying is: "The successful writer is the one who didn't give up." -- Laura
I'm all for not giving up. I'm going to write that one down!

Jeff Author IconMail Icon
Great NL this week, Storm! I'm fortunate to enjoy my day job... but it does put me in the precarious position of constantly wondering exactly where my writing priorities sit. And you're totally right... at some point I (and the rest of us) do have to make a decision and commit to either our writing being a career path, or a hobby. *Smile*
Just remember there's nothing wrong with being a hobby writer.

Christine Cassello Author IconMail Icon
Very nice. I have found that another difference is that a person feels a compulsion to write. If I don't write something every day, even if only making comments like this, I feel that something is wrong with me and will become depressed. I need to write.
Write away!

Joshiahis Author IconMail Icon
"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
There was ALOT of information contained within the items you presented with this newsletter. Thank you very much.
~Lee
You're welcome. Hope it helps.

Raine Author IconMail Icon
Good thoughts. You can't enjoy writing as a hobby if you think you should be cranking out thousands of words a day as a "proffesional" writer. And you can't have a career as a writer if you treat it like a weekend hobby.

On a sidenote: Kathleen Woodwiss wrote historical romances and was considered one of the best and she only published a book about every five years. As a reader, I can say she made it worth the wait but I can't imagine living on the royalties from a single title for five years.
I find it hard to believe she could live off he royalties for five years. That'd be a lot of books sold. Most authors don't live off the royalties of all their titles, much less a single one.

Free_Rip Author IconMail Icon
Great newsletter! I like the topic you chose and the theme for the highlighted items- definetly useful if, like me, you have no idea how to get published. After all, we do the writing, shouldn't someone else have to do the rest? *Pthb*
Oh, I wish!

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