You're a Real Writer When Not-Writing is Not an Option

By Dr. Gary S. Goodman

It's Sunday morning, and I was just negotiating with myself, which most of us do all the time, especially when we're writers.

"Maybe I should write, today..."

"Nah, I don't have anything to say."

"But I'll feel guilty if I let this beautiful morning slip away without adding to the universe's literature, so I should write something, no matter how stupid it may feel, initially. After all, how can I NOT write?"

It's that last question that popped into mind that is the clincher, as I see it.

When you're a real writer, you simply can't get away from it, you make yourself put pen to paper, or paws to the keyboard.

I suppose it's a lot like those actors that have dramatic swings in busyness. When they can't buy a part in a play or on TV, many of them sign-up for acting classes or workshops, just to stay fresh, tuned-up, and on top of their game.

Not-acting, just like not-writing, is not-possible.

I've tried to set aside my writing habit, but it's very difficult to break.

Occasionally, I'll tell myself my articles, for instance, aren't being read by enough people, or I'm not transforming my writings into enough books and scripts for audio and video programs.

I'll let myself feel that I should be doing more important things, things that I dislike, intensely, because that's one sign that you're truly "working," isn't it?

But then I remember what the mighty and powerful Oz once said-or was it Peter F. Drucker-that those things that come effortlessly to us are our sources of genius. We should enhance them, give them free rein, and appreciate them as areas of strength.

Forget about eliminating weaknesses. Achievement comes from making your strengths, productive.

I just had to share these notions with you, today.

Now I can attend to all of those Sunday things that I should do that don't come nearly as easily.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top trainer, conference and convention speaker, and sales, customer service, and negotiation consultant. A frequent expert commentator on radio and TV, he is also the best-selling author of 12 books, more than 1,000 articles and several popular audio and video programs. His seminars are sponsored internationally and he is a faculty member at more than 40 universities, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. Gary's sales, management and consulting experience is combined with impressive academic credentials: A Ph.D. from USC, an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management, and a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School, his clients include several Fortune 1000 companies.

His web site is: http://www.customersatisfaction.com and he can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com. His blogs include: YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS! and ALWAYS COLD CALL! at: http://www.alwayscoldcall.blogspot.com

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Attention Women Authors! Get Your Articles Noticed by Magazine Editors

By Chris Robertson

Women writers will find there are many opportunities for magazine writers. There are magazines on most any topic you can think of: sports, hobbies, business, collectibles, cars, boats, decorating, cooking, child rearing, and children's interests. This creates an open market for women writers.

Perhaps you would like to become one of the women who write for magazines. Here are some magazine submission tips that will help you get started.

Find the Right Magazine

The first step is to find a publication that covers the topics you want to write about. You can find a list of publications in a directory for writers at a bookstore. Libraries usually offer a reference list in a "List of Periodicals." Also, look for a sizable selection of magazines at a large bookstore.

The next thing to do is read the publications you are interested in writing for and identify their editorial perspective. This will give you an idea of how to adapt your article to their interests. You normally wouldn't send an article on cooking to a sailing magazine. But possibly you could change the focus of your article to cooking on a sailboat. This would give you a much better chance of seeing your article published. Generally, you will have more results writing for a magazine that covers the same types of subjects as your article.

Send a Cover Letter

When you are ready to submit articles to a publication, send a cover letter to the editor outlining your idea. Make it clear and simple with an outline of your subjects. Give the approximate length of your article and promise to deliver on their deadline. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and wait to hear from them. Make a pitch to several magazines and customize it for each one you contact.

You might receive many rejections before you are accepted. This is where you need to persevere and not give up on being a woman author! Once your article has been published in a magazine, it will be worth the wait. Some magazines don't pay for articles, but at least you will be published and able to add to your credentials.

Writing Professionally as a Woman Author

Always submit your best writing. Women writers who want to be published must be smart and professional. Don't waste an editor's time on hastily written copy or missed deadlines. It is suggested that when submitting an article to magazines, you should meet your word count within only 15 words above or below the number requested.

Send a handwritten thank-you note to the editor after you've been published. Wait a few weeks and send another pitch to sell your next idea. Try to build a professional relationship where your name and quality work will be recognized. Be a dependable, professional woman writer that the editor will look forward to hearing from.

Get started with your research, and write letters to editors on a regular basis. You will see results once you are committed to writing. There is a huge market waiting for magazine writers, especially women magazine writers. Get started today in this fulfilling profession as a woman magazine author!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Women Magazine Writers or Majon's Books and Magazines directory.

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