May 17, 2012

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Guest Post: Being Teachable

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By Trish Ryan
Last spring I finished my first book, a memoir about my search for the right God and the right guy. I’d spent the previous ten months dredging up and ruminating over every stupid thing I’d ever done, so I was pretty excited to finally reach that last page, and the pronouncement of my happily ever after.

When I sent the manuscript to my editor, I was quite sure it was complete. While it’s true that my final version weighed in at a hefty 135,000 words (my contract required only 85,000), I thought this was simply because my story was BIGGER than we’d realized at the start. I had, after all, screwed up A LOT.

I checked my email hourly that week, waiting for my editor’s enthusiastic words of affirmation. I imagined them in my head, something along the lines of, “This is fantastic! We may need to move some punctuation around, but other than than, it’s perfect!” I was sure there would be lots of exclamation points, and perhaps the occasional word set out in all caps. Editors like to encourage first-time authors, right?

Six weeks later, a package arrived. It contained a marked-up version of my manuscript, along with a two-page (single spaced) editorial letter. Suffice to say, there were no all caps. The letter began, “An important thing to remember when telling a story is that it needs to have a cohesive narrative arc.” Ouch.

But the truth is, I hadn’t known. My editor saw my problem–that I had writing skill, but no writing sense–and called me on it. Rather than leaving me to wallow in my ignorance, she spent the next five months putting me through book writing boot camp, helping me transform my unwieldy collection of anecdotes and essays into an actual STORY. (One that now weighs in, interestingly enough, at about 85,000 words. )

I wasn’t always the best student. It’s not fun to be challenged by someone trained to identify and correct your weaknesses. I wrestled with the usual array of prideful temptations: the urge to blow off her suggestions, to cling to the stylish turns of phrase I’d come to love (these were always the ones she’d mark, “This could be clearer,” or–worse–”Is this necessary?”) But I fought that temptation: I took deep, calming breaths. I prayed for humility. I reminded myself that my editor wasn’t a professor grading me or a critic trying to tear me down–she was part of my team, coaching me to reach beyond where I could get to on my own. And she was spot-on with her questions and comments–every single time.

Now, as I wait for my book to come out this spring, I’m sometimes asked if I have any advice for aspiring writers. It’s good to listen, I say. Be teachable. That’s pretty much all I’ve got. Having someone work on your work, adding their best to yours, is a gift. Don’t refuse it.

Feel free to remind me of this the next time I blog about receiving an editorial letter…

Trish Ryan is the author of HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT: A MEMOIR OF FAITH, HOPE, AND HAPPILY EVER AFTER (Hachette, April 30, 2008). She lives outside Boston with her husband Steve and an improbable, adorable mixed-breed dog. Her website is www.trishryanonline.com.



Filed Under: guest post

Guest Post: 5 Reasons Blogging Helps Me Write the Cyber Highway

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By Michele L. Tune

When I first hit publish on Blogger, I was mortified. What had I done? In a whim I had created Writing the Cyber Highway, a blog where I hoped to share my struggles, triumphs, goals, and successes for all the world to see. But now I was apprehensive. Could I do it? Could I really be a “blogger?” I mean, I write. Is that so different? Before losing my nerve and deleting the entire thing, I posted immediately, welcoming my cyber neighbors to come see my new virtual home.

That was July, 2007. Now I’m a little more comfortable with my blogging abilities.

I decided it was time to share five reasons blogging has enhanced my writing life.

1. Blogging frequently, for me, has made my writing better. How? Don’t you remember an adult from your youth reminding you: Practice makes perfect! This is so true. By posting blog entries several times a week – even daily at times – I’ve honed my writing skills. I may not be the best writer out there, but I’m more polished than I was pre-blog. Some of my posts have even sparked ideas for articles – articles that sold!

2. I’ve found a new confidence. In retrospect, I’ve always had hermit tendencies. I’d rather steal away to a quiet room than face the world. Although I’m a very compassionate and caring gal, I need “my time”, and a lot of it. Too much noise clutters a writer’s head – this writer anyway. So, by conversing with other bloggers, as well as honing my writing skills, my confidence has risen to new heights.

3. It has been a wonderful form of networking. I’ve met amazing writers along the cyber highway and am making lasting friendships all around the globe. It’s a beautiful experience to glean from my blogger friends and offer support and advice when needed. According to the feedback I receive, my readers are inspired by me as well. They also offer encouragement, gentle criticism, tips, and advice because they truly desire to see me go to the next level.

4. I’ve learned a little HTML, which is a bonus for some writing/blogging gigs. It’s fascinating and I glean from those who know it and are willing to give step-by-step instruction and as I learn, I share the knowledge with my readers.

5. Getting discovered. One of the main reasons I started my blog was because I read about a girl (I wish I could remember where!) who was blogging from her quaint home in the woods, while an editor was following her every word! The writer never ever even knew it, but eventually the editor contacted her asking to buy reprint rights for several of her posts and asked her to write an article about the process of blogging, I believe it was, and a budding relationship transpired. That girl now has a couple of books under her belt as well as some pretty nice publishing credits. I haven’t been discovered like that, no, but my intuition served me well. My newest client found my blog, followed it, checked out my clips, and has hired me to write about a topic I’m so passionate about!

If you don’t have a blog already, I urge you to start one. It may very well be the best choice you’ve ever made.

Michele L. Tune is a Freelance Writer and Blogger. Find her at www.michele-tune.com or Writing the Cyber Highway.

Filed Under: guest post, musings on blogging

Guest Post: Academic Blogs, Reaching the Ivory Tower

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By Delia Lloyd

For a long time, academics sat on the sidelines of the public sphere. Sure, there were famous professors like John Kenneth Galbraith–or more recently, Paul Krugman–who had tremendous influence inside the scholarly community and also shaped the public debate. For the most part, however, academics just seemed to do “something else” and we, as a society, had little knowledge of–or interest in–exactly what that was.

In recent years, however, a growing number of Ph.D.s–both inside and outside of the university–have begun sharing their expertise with a wider audience on a range of subjects that spans economics, law, political science, even literature. And the way they’ve done this is through blogs.

Among the most famous of these “academic blogs” is probably Freakonomics, the New York Times blog (based on the best selling book by Steven. D. Levitt and Steven J. Dubner) that sheds economic insight onto everyday occurrences. But Freakonomics is not alone. Brad De Long, a professor of economics at the University of California Berkeley, uses his blog, “Grasping Reality with Both Hands” to discuss contemporary economic trends in layman’s terms.

In law, check out Balkinization and The Volokh Conspiracy, both of which provide legal analysis, punditry and cultural commentary. And in political science, Daniel Drezner offers up his daily take on developments in politics, economics and globalization.

But you don’t have to write about public policy to make your disciplinary knowledge useful and engaging for a wider public. Girl With Pen is written by a PhD in English who wishes to provide inspiration and tips for “feminist scholars seeking to popularize their prose.” Nor do you have to be famous. You just need some expertise on a given topic and strong research and writing skills–two things that the academy is actually good at providing.

Given how many Phds are leaving the academy these days because they are either forced out, can’t find a job, or choose to do something else, this trend is encouraging. So if you have years of graduate school under your belt, a strong desire to make a difference, and nowhere to go with it all except (if you’re lucky!) the classroom, look no further. The blogosphere awaits you…

Delia Lloyd is a writer/journalist based in London. In previous professional incarnations, she produced a nationally syndicated talk show for Chicago Public Radio and taught political science at The University of Chicago. Check out her website.

Filed Under: blogging, guest post

Letter to My Dell Inspiron 1200

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Dearest Dell,



You have been among my closest confidantes over the last two and a half years, and I have enjoyed the countless hours we’ve spent together. You have been with me on airplanes, in coffeeshops, and during late-night blogging binges. And though, admittedly, I have a history of disfunctional relationships with electronics, I have tried to do my part by dutifully offering you memory upgrades, Norton Anti-virus software, and a secure wireless network. My eyes have seldom strayed to younger, sleeker models (OK, except the MacBook Air, but that was a mere flirtation, I remain loyal to PCs).



However, I think we both know that it’s time for an upgrade.



This is a decision I do not take lightly, but I know it’s best for both of us that we part ways. You just don’t meet my needs anymore. You now take twenty minutes to get fully turned on, and that I cannot abide. I need someone who offers me instant gratification: someone whose battery doesn’t tease me by turning on, then falling asleep after a mere ten minutes of activity, and someone who can keep up with my need for speed and efficiency. Don’t worry… I will still keep you around and caress your well-worn keys on occasion, but I just can’t rely on you the way I used to. Even though I may bring home someone new, rest assured that I still cherish all of the memories we’ve created together!



Yours ’til the hard drive dies,

Susan

As you may have gathered, I am in the market for a new laptop. The boyfriend has offered to take me computer shopping. I’m psyched, because this means that I will have someone who’s not earning commission to help explain processor speeds and wireless cards. He’s psyched, because it means he’ll get the vicarious thrill of shopping for electronics without actually spending his own money. Of course, this also means that I need to figure out what I value in a laptop.

Wireless capabilities, word processing, and reasonable speed/hard drive space are all musts for me. A CD burner would be nice. So, fellow writers, what do you look for in a laptop? How much storage space do you need? What’s your favorite model? How do you balance a readable screen with the desire for something small and portable? Any general thoughts on computer shopping?

Filed Under: computers
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