RELAXWRITE IT YOUR WAY Have you ever taken a public speaking course? What did the instructor tell you first? And emphasize most? If more writing instructors emphasized this I firmly believe beginning writers would publish sooner.
Relax. Be yourself. Just talk to your audience.
The serious beginner lives in constant fear that an editor will spot him as an amateur. He studies, worries, dreams of a wonder drug that will make him remember every detail. And with every rejection tries harderuntil he becomes so up tight he writes like a robot.
If youve been straining for years, rigidly following rules, and havent sold anything, you may be trying too hard. It is entirely possible to be too cold-facts correct. You must present your work according to written rules; you must slant, and write what they want; but write it your way. Dont clone your teacher or favorite author. Just try to write to the heart of your reader.
The significant difference between a successful writer and a struggler is the ability to touch the mind and heartto be human on paper. And remember, your first reader, an acquisitions editor, is human too. She is not a scoring machine. According to the guest editor at a recent writing seminar, if your article or story is not well organized, if it doesnt flow, if the topic is too general but in some way it touches her, she will want to work with you to make the piece acceptable. But, she said, if it projects no feeling, or personal uniqueness, it isnt worth the trouble.
If you save those form letter rejection slips, and keep trying to read between the lines, hoping to learn something that so often isnt there, go pull out a few of the quick check variety. This time note the many reasons (ready for the editors selection) that have nothing to do with the mechanics of writing. Didnt make us laugh/cry Needs a more personal focus Failed to move us Brings no freshness to the subject Lacking in feeling In talking with new writers I find the majority over-oriented on fact, under-oriented on feeling. They study procedure, worry about correct grammar, structure, manuscript mechanicsknowing that right reigns as the utter acceptance factor
But what is right?
Beyond the basics its peculiar to the editor, whereas all editors clamor for personality writing. Without any personal punches your slanted, carefully selected words will slouch there on the paper like a long gray line of tedium. And the editor wont read to the end of them.
What whetted your appetite to write on that subject? What stirred your insides? Let it come through. Its this distinctive inner voice that arrests an editors attention. The first time I dared to allow my inner voice, on an article I called You Are What You Think, the writing went so well I thrilled, sixth sense certain that the piece would sell. But before I mailed it someone gave me a copy of James Allens As A Man Thinketh. Clouds of doubt came down on my assurance. I hadnt read the classic, but here were all my ideas. Where did I get them? From my subconscious? From other writings? I didnt know. I just knew that I could not submit that article. Then an old pro reminded me that everythings been done. We just have to do it differently.
She convinced me that not only could I send it, but that it would sell. And it did, first time out!
Nelson Algren, called one of the finest living writers (circa 1900) said, Success comes when you learn to perceive life with originality and are daring enough to put it down as you see it.
If youve tried everything else dare to be you. Loosen up; let your ideas flow. Stamp your work private property. Leave your fingerprints all over it. Then begin thinking of the editor as someone you would like to meet instead of a potential enemy. Editors want to meet youthrough the work you submit to them. Of course try to make a good impression; but dont be intimidated; imagine the editor youre submitting to as a friend. And relax.
A man named Tom Bodett, when a college writing teacher told him to write just the way you talk, relaxed, quit studying, and went home to produce a successful radio show. Someone from an ad agency, recognizing his personal sparkle, commissioned him to tape a Motel-6 commercial. Still just talking, he ad-libbed, Well leave the light on for ya
The rest of his story is money.
When youre up tight with worry, blood and juices dont flow freely; neither do thoughts. Tension inhibits personality. Thats why public speaking instructors zero-in on speech anxiety. Until the speaker can relax his inner knowledge and better instincts are out of reachas is his audience.
Its the same for the writer.
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