Day: October 27, 2017

Friday Fun-Day Writing Prompt: What You Know for Sure

Given my earlier announcement about the Writer’s Market call for submissions, I think it’s only appropriate that today’s writing prompt be along the lines of an article or personal essay. In particular, we’re going to explore what we know for sure.

The Oprah Magazine prints a monthly column called “What I Know for Sure”. In truth, no one knows anything for sure. Even Oprah admits that she “knows” nothing (which I’m glad she admitted, considering wise men and women know that they know nothing). However, we all know at least one thing almost for sure.

We all have our expertise, whether it’s a career area, an academic field, or a slice of wisdom or common sense. My expertise lies in writing, migraines, Disney, and Harry Potter–although I’m still learning more about these subjects each day. You may not know what yours is but, trust me, it’s there; you just have to find it.


Image retrieved from Pinterest

Today we’re tapping into that expertise and utilizing it for creative productivity.

I want you to write an article or personal essay on one thing you know for sure. This can be anything–bike riding, knitting, surviving a natural disaster, nearly ruining your own life, anything. The twist is that I want you to write this article or essay as advice to people either looking to perfect your area of expertise or who have been in a similar situation and don’t know how to continue.

Don’t make your piece step-by-step instructions. Instead, make it personable, including details from your own experience, whether you’re writing an article or a personal essay. Imagine that someone is reading your work to find a kindred spirit who can help them succeed. What would you expect or want to see if you were that reader? What do you wish you had known earlier? What have you noticed about this area that no one else seems to notice?

Even though the work is a nonfiction article/personal essay, it shouldn’t be boring. Have fun with it, dig deep into your experiences and channel your emotions while keeping the facts straight. It may be about what you “know for sure,” but no one will believe you if your personal connection isn’t strong and your so-called “facts” are inaccurate.

How did this exercise turn out for you? Have you salvaged the beginning of a nonfiction book or an article to submit to a magazine? Have you learned that you know something or that you don’t? Did you revisit life experiences that you had forgotten about, stuff that not only renders fruit for nonfiction but for fiction and poems as well? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

 


Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Publishing Opportunity: 2019 Writer’s Market

Happy Friday, readers! Today I have a very interesting publishing opportunity to show you. However, this opportunity is not for story writers or poets. Instead, it’s specifically for freelance article writers. I’m talking about a chance to appear in the 2019 Writer’s Market.

Mind you, this isn’t a contest. There are no awards, no first or second place, or anything of that sort. Instead, it’s a call for submissions from the people behind the Writer’s Market books. Your pitch(es), if accepted, will be bought for a competitive rate (they don’t share the rates unless they accept your work). Still, it’s worth throwing your hat into the ring for the exposure and the money (and a free copy of the 2019 Writer’s Market).

If you wish to submit a pitch, the best way to find out if your article fits is to read a recent edition or two of Writer’s Market. As with all magazines and anthologies, that’s the best way to find what the editors are looking for. However, you can gleam an idea of what they want from this web page. To quote the driving force behind the call, Robert Lee Brewer, they’re looking for “articles that will help freelancers find more success from a business perspective.” Previous editions have included articles on queries, synopses, taxes, business management, etc., so you’re only as limited as your imagination and resources.

Their ideal writer has experience in the topic they’re pitching and access to other experienced sources for interviews, but anyone is welcomed to try their luck and submit their best ideas. You never know if you don’t try, and your specific area of wisdom and experience may be more valuable than you think.

To submit your proposal, send an e-mail to robert.brewer@fwmedia.com with the subject line “2019 Writer’s Market Pitch”. Just remember these rules for submitting:

  • Paste the pitch and your bio into the body of the e-mail. Brewer does not like attachments (and for good reason, seeing how easy it is to send viruses via e-mail attachments).
  • If you have more than one pitch, submit them all in the same e-mail. Be sure to label them “pitch 1,” “pitch 2,” and so on.
  • Place your pitch(es) before your bio.
  • Do not send multiple e-mails, even if you realize there’s a typo in the original.
  • The deadline is November 26, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information, follow this link to the original call for submissions.

Good luck to everyone!

Know of any upcoming contests or publishing opportunities? Drop the information in the comments below or e-mail me at thewritersscrapbin@gmail.com and I will include it in a future Friday Fun-Day contest/publishing opportunity post.

 


Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011