Why Ask Why?

Have you ever received a rejection letter from a publisher? Or have you had someone to give you a negative critique on one of your writing projects?

If you have, I'm sure you've asked "Why?" I can understand your need to ask this question, but let's face it: You probably will never know why someone said no to your writing. You could spend an entire day, week, or even year wondering why a publisher, editor, or fellow writer didn't like what you wrote. However, you can also spend that same energy perfecting your manuscript. What are some steps you can take to improve on your writing?

• Put your current manuscript away for awhile.
• Read a book on writing in an area where you would like to improve your skills - subjects may include: marketing, shaping your characters, writing a book proposal, etc.
• After about two weeks, pick your manuscript back up.
• Reread it with a fresh eye.
• Make the changes.
• Send it to other publishers
• Start working on your next manuscript.

While you could waste your time wondering why someone said no, you can just as easily use that same time figuring out ways for your reader to say yes. Keep writing.

School's In Session!

Today is the first day of school for many US school children. Mixed emotions loom over both parents and students as they prepare to transition from the lazy days of summer into the go, go, rush, rush mode of higher learning.

It's a time to get serious again: To focus, to reevlaulate, to test, and grow.

What transitions have you made with your writing lately in order to improve your writing?

What can you do right now in order to grow?

Below you'll find 3 ways to transition from becoming an occasional to a consistent writer:

• Write at least 4 sentences everyday.
• Refuse to listen to your haters.
• Take a writing class or go to a writer's conference

You need to look at learning as a way of getting closer to getting published. The more you know, the better you will write, and the more likely you are to get noticed by editors, publishers, and other people of influence.