Saturday, January 15, 2011

Writer Disappointments

There are some disappointments about being a writer, especially the rejection. The small things you submit in fiction that gets rejected can be deflating. Recently I submitted my writing to a contest from a well-known writing magazine, 100 words - write an opening paragraph to this photo. I did, and I thought maybe I would have a chance. I saw the results today - my entry was no where to be found. I was disappointed. I wrote 100 words and still didn't get the job done. I saw the other finalists and I didn't think they were as good. I think we all think that though, our ego gets the best of us. We think, of course why wouldn't they pick us, our submission had to blow their mind, however, it doesn't always happen that way. I am not going to give up though because, although I am disappointed, I didn't write it for them, but more for me. To get my thoughts out there and idea, but mostly to try and be heard, even if only to be discarded later.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

New Year, New Career

I never thought it would happen but it did. I am officially a staff writer for The News-Herald in Willoughby. It's something I dreamed about my whole life, to be a "real" writer. What does that mean though? Do you have to be a staff writer to be a "real" writer. No, I don't think so. I think it only helps with your credentials. To be a real writer is to be passionate and not give up the dream. Writing for yourself, instead of other people. I have been reading a lot of Stephen King lately and he was a teacher before he became successful, but he didn't give up writing fiction. It was a passion for him as a boy and he kept going. He didn't get the big wins starting out, he was published in a few magazines and was just happy to receive any pay. I felt the same way I was freelancing. I did it because I was happy just to be writing. I wasn't making a living at the small beat I worked but knowing I was just doing something that I dreamed about since I learned to write and read was rewarding. I am still not giving up though, I have a passion for the news, but also have a passion for writing fiction. I submitted my first short story to a contest late last month and plan to do more this year with that. My career is not finished, but I feel only really begun.