In this section professional writers will give
advice and answer questions.
by Morris Heldt
Having been a struggling writer for years, (before I started making money at it), I would like to share my knowledge with other writers as a way to give back to a profession that I love. I will attempt to speak from my heart, and not from some professorial podium that comes with a hidden agenda designed to separate you from your money. These hopefully helpful hints, and stories, I will share are only based on my experience and personal opinion.
What does it take to be a writer? Personally, I feel you should imagine yourself with having bulletproof Plexiglas skin. Because if you are young you will hear, more often than not, "What are you doing with your life? Don't you know most writers never make it?" If you are older and want to start writing people will say, "Suddenly you think you're a writer now. Don't you know writers start out when they are young?" Keep in mind that most of these remarks are from your friends and family.
I feel writing is one of the hardest endeavors a human being can undertake. In most cases it is an extremely lonely task given to self-doubt and inner reflection. And, unlike having a child where two people conceive, writing is a creation by one. Therefore, in my opinion, one should be proud of themselves if they are able to fill the blank pages with a beginning, middle and end. However, after that enormous accomplishment then one must reach down within their writer's soul and muster up the courage to submit that article, short story, manuscript, screenplays, etc.
It is at this stage of the process that I feel your bulletproof skin must deflect the bullets of rejection as they come blasting toward you, one after another, in an impious and irreverent language. Occasionally you might hear a comment about how your piece on Davy Crockett was good, but just not quite good enough. Of course you had written about Daniel Boone, which reaffirms in your mind your submission was not read.
I have learned through my stacks of rejection letters that writing is not a hobby, it is not a job, nor an ego trip. It is in fact a way of life. For me I have grown to breathe, eat, drink and most importantly believe wholeheartedly that it is my calling in life . . . my reason for existing. Again, in my opinion, there is nothing less than this way of life for a writer, and absolutely nothing more. So, if you do share my attitude about writing then how do you know if you have talent? I will share with you how I found out next time.
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Notes
on SubmissionsMopam Publishing is no longer accepting new manuscripts.
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