SEND MORE WORK II & DEV'S WRITING TIP I

Three rejections this week...but plus side, they were all those "positive rejections"- the ones that include "please send more work" or "we'd like to see something else" at the end. This leads me to believe that I am not doing my homework well enough, that the work I am sending does not fit the publications to which I am submitting.

I recently began writing reviews of literary magazines for New Pages (check them out- http://www.newpages.com/). While this is not a paying gig, it does some good stuff for me: (1)I get to read (cover to cover) literary magazines I might not otherwise be able to afford or get my hands on; (2) I get to experience the kind of writing lit mag editors are looking for; and (3)I have access to submission guidelines/contacts. I also get good practice writing reviews.

My experience with New Pages is giving me the opportunity to read publications that may be a good fit for me. Very cool.

It's hard to put out money to purchase publications which may or may not be a fit for you when you are making little to nothing with your writing- but it is a worthy investment. I am learning that lesson.

If you haven't already, subscripe to Duotrope Digest (http://duotrope.com/). It's FREE and it gives you access to a wealth of publications that are accepting work AND allows you to document where you are submitting and responses you are getting. You also have access to publications' repsonse time, payscale and a host of other information about the mags listed. Fabulous!

Wow, I guess that was a couple writing tips from Dev.... anyhow here is my OFFICIAL WRITING TIP:

I've noticed that some folks have trouble naming their characters. I had that problem as well- and then I spent ten cents and my problem was solved. I was at a rummage sale and found a baby names book for a dime. EUREKA! I keep it right here on my HOLY SHELF OF WRITERLY BOOKS AND INFORMATION AND STUFF. It's a godsend. Word of warning, however- please don't give your characters those weirdest of weird names, unless the character calls for it. It's annoying. And it distracts from your writing. While I still tend to opt for the plain, such as Jane, William and George, I have spiced it up with a few memorable characters named Pie, Cherry and Nash. Your character's name defines who they are- keep that in mind. And get a baby name book. Thrift store, rummage sale- or check out Amazon (or as I refer to it: Amazin'), and you can probably find one for a penny plus shipping. Money well-spent.

Now, quit reading and write something.

-Dev