Here's a call for input!
I'm going to write a few articles and pursue publication with them. I'm having a hard time deciding on subject matter and style and I would love some input from people who are familiar with what I write.
My possible subjects are:
Frugality
Nutrition
Parenting
The pursuit of pregnancy
I have a couple different styles I can consider. The first is your standard magazine style where the focus is solely on information. These types of articles typically have an intro paragraph of 2-4 sentences, then bulleted points (done in bold by the formatter) followed by a paragraph of info. An example would be tips on saving money at the grocery store.
Intro paragraph
Hungry bellies make full baskets
3-4 sentences
If it's level with your eye, pass it by
3-4 sentences
Strrreetttcchhh your trips, not your budget
3-4 sentences
Ok, you all get the point I'm sure.
The benefits to this style is that it's easy. It can be achieved whether or not I feel "on" -- writer's block is not an issue with these types of articles. I feel confident enough in my ability to do these kinds of articles on-call that if I were ever offered something regular, I could accept with no qualms.
The other style I can do is to use my real voice, my real emotions, but in a non-fiction genre. The parenting articles and fertility articles could benefit from this type of style. I skip any parenting articles that are done in the information-only style. If you want to give me a bulleted list of tips -- if you don't give me something real -- it's not worth my time.
The benefits to this style is that I would feel infinitely better about myself and about any acceptance I might receive if it came from this type of article. I could be more proud of these. The downside is that I definitely have to be in the right mood & place to get one done. A regular gig would be hard for me to confidently accept. Plus, I'm more insecure to start with this style -- I wonder if I have a voice that is unique or interesting enough to attract readers.
I'm torn. I could start easy or I could start with a decent challenge for myself. My goal isn't to make money quickly. I'd rather make money slowly, but long-term.
Any thoughts? You can always email them to me if you don't want to comment publicly.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Follow with a Feed
My Blog List
-
-
moving time?15 years ago
-
free movies!18 years ago
My Books
my 'read' shelf:
5 comments:
OK so I am not going to be very helpful here but I like both ideas.
Z
Have you ever tried to sell a story/article before? If not, start with something easy to test the process of selling your work. How do you contact a publisher, are there certain things they want to see, what is the timeframe for responses, do you need a portfolio, etc.?
Then you can challenge yourself once you know how the system works.
Write what you want, what you will be proud of. And if that gets too heavy or personal, you could switch gears and fire off a simple article or two - the kind chock full of "helpful tips." And then, having given your brain a break, you could go back to the more challenging writing. Maybe the fluff articles will be more marketable, but who knows? I can take or leave those ones. Mostly mindless waiting room fare that gets read quickly and then forgotten instantly. Writing that is real frank, honest, and personal is the kind that sticks with me. This you can do.
~Cyndi
I was basically going to write just what Cyndi said. She prob put it better than i would have anyways. You have to POST your decision. Or at least the first thing you write.
: ) C
I have to post my first one? Are you giving me accountability? Ack.
Post a Comment