Keep Us Connected
While the life of a writer can often be solitary, we must find moments to keep us connected. Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to be part of different writing communities, but the most recent is among a group of four other authors.
During the uncertainty of the last few years, this group has been a refuge and a way to stay tethered despite isolation, countless revisions, and the oddly cathartic pressure of completing a post-pandemic story while living in a pandemic.
For any writers who may not know the benefits of a writing group, I am excited to share my latest remote meeting. I will be reading from Chapter Three of my YA speculative novel, DREAM CATCHERS. Afterward, my fantastic group of fellow authors will be sharing their feedback.
Once the meeting adjourns, what happens next? I take my feedback and add it to the applicable chapter card on my book’s Trello board. I like to include the date and then break down the feedback by the author who gave it to me. That way, if I have any questions in the future during the revision and editing process, I can go back for clarifications.
For myself, organizing the writing process from brainstorming to drafting to developmental edits, line edits, beta reads, and more works best on Trello.
For those wondering how to find a writing group, how to know when that group is the right fit, and the pros and cons of getting consistent feedback and readership while you focus on a work-in-progress, rest assured I will be diving into this in the future!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe. And remember, no matter where the day takes you, dream big!
As a Victory
It’s been one week since I attended the Women’s March in Buffalo, NY, and I’m excited to share that experience here. Before I talk about the actual day of the march, I did just want to travel back in time a few weeks to the moment I heard about this event.
On September 14th, my sister sent the link for the Women’s March, and I knew we absolutely needed to attend. However, when looking closer at the details, we did notice it was within the same time frame as my cousin’s wedding.
Despite the challenge of this busy day and the realization that yes, everything does always fall on the same day, we decided we would go to the event first and then make our way to the wedding reception after. At this point, we did have all the logistical details worked out, but we knew we would have ample days to come up with a game plan.
Per the information I had already read, it looked like there were open spots for speakers at this event. As someone incredibly passionate about women’s rights and someone in the unique position of a new collective all to do with womanhood, I knew it was important for me to volunteer. I registered for the event and emailed the organizer to let her know I wanted to speak. At this time, I considered reading a poem, thinking about the words I’d already written and the ones I could write.
After sending that email, I also realized that I wanted to create some merch inspired by the event. I had already launched a few pieces inspired by The Elpis Pages. I went to work that night creating a few designs.
The days started to pass. I ordered my t-shirt, which I discussed in my Editor Diaries. It has a quote by the incomparable RBG on the front and Bans Off Our Bodies on the back. A few of the other designs incorporated this same slogan, some with the Elpis logo and one specifically inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, which simply reads “OfHerself.” These are still available for purchase.
I also looked back through previously written poetry in the hopes I could find something to read at the event. On September 20, 2020, I wrote a poem entitled “All the Things You Could Miss At the End of This.” Today the poem is still unfinished and unpublished, but I have high hopes for its future. I wrote this poem two days after Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. It was something that sat in my mind until I put the words on the page. And it was inspired by a Twitter thread in which the line “May her memory be a revolution” was broken down and the Jewish traditions explored. I was fascinated and proud as a woman for the legacy Ruth was leaving behind, but also sad and scared for a world without her in it.
That poem also goes on to explore a few key women in my life. But it all came back to Ruth. I still love these stanzas:
You don’t know how to write this part. But you bellow the words of a prayer typed out to be mindful of character counts: May her memory be a revolution. The leaving remains in everything. Every fact. This season must go. She is gone.
And you cling to someone else’s poiesis in regards to the pain of seeing empty places at the dinner table. They expound on Jewish traditions you commit to the page because you fear those, too, will disappear. She was held on earth until the end of this year because she was needed. It is how they speak of her passing on a holy day, effusing the sacred with beauty about the revolutionary ramification of womanhood, of truth. Of Her.
But this poem didn’t feel quite right. I penned other bits and lines. I wrote:
When I was young, I was scared of being soft. And I said, yes, he’s nice though I was scared. And later, I couldn’t walk to the car and my hair was long and I thought that was the problem.
This all came from one of my most terrifying memories. In which I was harassed by a male employee and then questioned by the owner. He asked to see if I’d been flirting with said employee and thus “asking for” that kind of unwanted attention. My hair was long then and I was nice, maybe too nice. I also wrote:
I liked the weird women in Macbeth. I knew them for who they were: poets with guts filled with feelings. They might’ve clasped car keys in fingers as a talisman. And I hold my palms to the women before: Circe, Hecate, Elpis.
Another line played over and over in my mind:
And I cried to my mother, telling her I didn’t ask for this. And she explained I was born to hold a universe, but of which she was unclear.
There were so many things to write or reread that had to do with womanhood, but they didn’t feel like enough.
I moved on to other preparations for the event. I designed two posters to be printed. One for myself and one for my sister. I also created postcards with information about The Elpis Pages to be handed out prior to our march to city hall. I got a little crafty with the posters, mounting them on foam board and adding a handle.
And then on Tuesday September 28th, just a few days before the march, I couldn’t keep the line: “half of a whole is still less than” from echoing in my head. This is not uncommon, as I am the type that hears all thoughts as narration and usually with lines of dialogue or poetry, they won’t cease until they’ve been written. What can I say? My writerly brain is persistent.
I didn’t think this line could be the opening, so I back tracked, thinking about how much I always struggled with math back in school, specifically fractions. And from there, my speech spilled out in a torrent. I knew its title, “Sometimes All We Have is Hope,” since I’d been using that as the tagline for The Elpis Pages. It is something that continues to carry me through and remind me why this project is so important.
I finished my speech and sent it to my friends. I practiced reading it and recorded it over a voice memo. Even on the day of the event, I took the printed version of my speech to the backyard to practice reading over noise pollution, projecting like I’d learned to do back in my theater kid days.
I was ready to read, but needed to get ready for the day. I put on my RBG shirt, left to get my hair done for the wedding later, and focused on the excited energy I had for the march. My sister arrived, we grabbed our signs, and our dad dropped us off at Prospect Park, which was the location we would be meeting before beginning the march at 2PM.
When we arrived, there were so many women and men already gathering. Many were in purple shirts, as this year’s colors were purple and cream. We snapped some photos early on and I handed out my postcards for The Elpis Pages. Everyone was so kind as I did so and there was a palpable energy surrounding the park as we read each other’s signs and shirts.
I must say, I’d planned to take more photos and videos, but I was drawn into the moment and am mostly left with memories now. A few favorite posters included: Ruth Sent Us, Without Hermione, Harry would’ve died in Book One, We Are Not Ovary-Acting, etc. Everyone had taken the time and effort to create messages filled with rage, confusion, and alas, hope. And before long, we were marching through the streets of Buffalo on our way to City Hall.
We chanted: "Bans Off Our Bodies, Who’s Streets, Our Streets, Hell No Roe Won’t Go, and my favorite: Who Sent Us? Ruth Sent Us. Each step during this walk made me feel empowered and heard, poster raised high above my head. There were people there who’d marched before and others new to the experience like myself. But all came together to speak on behalf of the importance of women’s rights.
Once we arrived at City Hall, my sister and I moved closer to the front, as I knew I would be speaking, though I wasn’t sure when. Unfortunately, we had to leave by 3:30 to ensure we could make it to the wedding reception, but we had the chance to listen to wonderful and inspiring and important words spoken from different women.
And then it was my turn to speak.
I folded the speech in half to keep it from blowing free from my grip. Downtown Buffalo is notoriously windy. I took a deep breath and began. I supposed what I wasn’t expecting were the cheers from the crowd. But I took that in stride, even managing the loud traffic that occurred during my reading.
With this speech, I felt every word in my bones.
I will also be including my speech in full with my Letter From the Editor in The Elpis Pages once it’s published this December.
And just like that, it was time to leave. To prepare for a different kind of celebration. But I held the memories with me through the lengthy car ride, trying to share as much about the experience with friends and family at the wedding as I could. By this time, my mom had already shared my video, and it was heartwarming to hear those reactions from some of those I love most.
As I continue to champion women and their rights, putting together this collective to support the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, offering a safe haven and platform for self-identifying women to share their words on womanhood, I will not forget this day and everything it gave me and our nation.
Just three days after a historic gathering in over 650 cities nationwide, U.S. Judge Pitman issued a stay of SB8, declaring that the Court “will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right…” In this I find the reminder that each step, no matter how small, must be taken as a victory. I’m reminded that we all have the power to speak up and offer our voices to the collective we in this nation and say we do not accept this. We deserve better. However, there is so much more work to be done, and I’m ready to continue to add my voice and my words to this fight for women’s rights.
I would like to thank everyone who showed up throughout the nation to march for women. I’d like to thank our organizers and give a specific shoutout to Anya Kester and Glenn Murray for sharing many of these photos from the day.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe. And remember, no matter where the day takes you, dream big!
This Spooky Season
October is my favorite month and I absolutely love spooky season, which makes setting up my planner extra special. This is the third year in a row that I have used Archer & Olive’s Undated Planner. Though I am not using watercolors or paint pens, I do love the quality of paper and overall construction of this planner.
1.) Select pen color
The first thing I do is select the pen color to be used for the entire month. October was easy. I knew I would be utilizing spooky accents throughout the spread so I selected a black pen from my extensive collection. Fun fact, I only use Papermate Flair Tip Pens.
2.) Select Washi Tape
After I have my pen color, I go through my washi tape, choosing patterns that correlate to the monthly color. I always pull more than I need. During the last few months, it’s become a tradition that my mom selects the 6-7 washi tapes that will be used for the spread. This month was no different.
Once I have the tapes selected. I start with the monthly calendar page. I usually select a wider washi tape for both the monthly calendar page and the dotted grid page, which I use for memory keeping.
To make the application process as easy as possible, I use binder clips to hold down my pages. I do a rough size match against the page before making any cuts. And then you’ll see that I am applying horizontally to the top and bottom of this calendar page. I usually will make the tape just a smidge longer than necessary, so once both pieces of tape have been adhered, I go back and snip any access from the edges.
And then I repeat this process for each of the pages that month. At this point, the spread remains undated. I have made the mistake in the past of dating everything and then applying the washi tape over top of those details.
3.) Fill in Dates
Now that the washi tape has been applied, I go through and add all the dates to the monthly page. I also begin my week on Monday. This is actually one of the biggest reasons why I started using an undated planner. A big pet peeve of mine are weekly and monthly pages that begin on Sunday. I then go page by page, adding the dates.
Since each monthly spread offers ample pages, I do find that I often have an extra weekly page at the end. Since last month ended on October 3rd, I will be starting these new pages on the 4th. I will leave the last weekly pages blank, using them as a project page for the month.
Looking at my set-up, this is always the fastest part of the process. However, I do like to luxuriate in every step. Planning, after all, is self-care. Or at least it always has been for me.
4.) Select Stickers
Now begins the biggest fun throughout this set-up, which is selecting the stickers I will use. Over the years, I have grown my collection of stickers. And I am still so in love with this craft cabinet my parents gifted me for Christmas last year, as it keeps everything organized and still has room to spare.
5.) Sticker Placement
Usually, I do go page by page, but sometimes if I see a particular sticker that I think will work on a different page, I will add it then.
I do like to start with some of the bigger stickers and then fill in with smaller ones, usually hearts in a matching color or some other tiny detail.
Once the month is done, I move into the weeks, which allows for bigger stickers to be used. Often, I will choose stickers that correlate to an event. And when I feel a spread is done, I move on. I usually do this before a page feels too full. If I need to add a few stickers later, I will do so. But less tends to be more, and it is not difficult to go overboard.
Since I planned on using this last week as a project page, I took a thinner washi tape that has the coppery elements used in the first tape I applied, and covered the names of the week. I then added label stickers, though at this point, I wasn’t entirely sure what each section would be. However, getting close to the end, I did know I could use this to organize some dates and tasks for The Elpis Pages as I move into the next steps of that project.
The last page will be the monthly memory keeping spread. This will remain empty until the end of October, but I am planning on doing a September wrap-up soon where I walk you through this process.
6.) Spot Check
After all pages have been filled in, I go back and do a final check to see if any spaces need to be filled. This is usually the point I have my mom look through to see if there are any gaps that need to be filled in.
7.) Add Important Info
I start with the monthly calendar, adding bills due or important events that I already have scheduled. I fill in my goals for the month next, usually trying to account for what I accomplished the month before. I also try to keep these realistic. As a goal-oriented perfectionist, my old ways of goal setting was especially harmful to my mental health and I have since worked on making more manageable goals for myself.
I also add a quote for the month. Usually, this becomes a sort of mantra that I return to on the difficult days to keep myself grounded.
Next, I go week by week and add bills due, important events, and any days off I will be taking from work. It’s become a running joke since 2020 that I write in “work from home” every day. But in 10 years, I think it will be nice to see how long this continued.
8.) Add Tasks
Once these important items have been written in, I can add tasks that need to be completed that week. If I have a day where something important or noteworthy happens, I also use this space for memory keeping, but I’ll go into that during my September wrap-up.
For the final spread for October. I absolutely love the pops of color throughout and I’m even more excited for this spooky season. I can’t wait to see what October has in store for me!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe. And remember, no matter where the day takes you, dream big!
No Greater Feeling
While there are many elements and tasks needed to prepare and run a literary magazine or journal, the most important will be the submission process. This is where you will find work to publish. There will be much reading and tough decisions along the way, but there is no greater feeling as an editor than helping champion another author’s writing.
And throughout this publishing process, there is the reminder that we as humans must tell stories to stay connected.
While thinking about how you will receive and organize submissions may seem overwhelming, I find the best place to start is to look back on your own submission process. Were there any submission experiences that frustrated you? Was there an exceptional editor able to offer kind feedback in a rejection?
As I walk through each step, it might be helpful to note those successes and near misses you’ve experienced.
1.) How will you receive submissions?
In my time submitting, I have encountered a multitude of ways to submit my work. The three most common are email, Submittable, and online form.
Email may be the easiest option for you to use upon just starting this creative endeavor. It puts the work on the author up front to email their submission to you. You can set-up a free Gmail account under your magazine name and in five minutes or less, you’re ready to begin.
The time and ease of using an email platform made this a strong contender when I considered my submission process. However, one thing I know about human error is how unavoidable it can be.
Using email means your submitting authors will need to follow your submission guidelines for the correct email, subject line, word count, category, author bio or photo, etc. The more items needed, the greater the chance of imperative items being missing.
For myself, I am incredibly thorough when I submit my work. I keep a spreadsheet which tracks deadlines, submission process, emails, category, etc. I would hate to lose out on being considered because I didn’t properly follow the guidelines.
And while you can and should add in a note to your submission guidelines about what happens when authors DO NOT follow your requirements, many times these may be mistakenly forgotten. Email may seem easy for set-up, but I do find it leaves bigger room for error.
Submittable is a site familiar to most writers, which allows submissions to be uploaded, tracked, and updated from one system. Those submitting can add a cover letter, attach their work, and fulfill the payment requirement as well. The functionality is easy to use for writers and allows for discovery and exploration of open calls for submissions. Many places I have submitted to have been found this way.
Sounds great, right? Why wouldn’t we want to make the submission process as easy as possible for our writers? For many editors or creatives, recognizing the financial resources you can input into a project is key to your overall success.
While I loved Submittable and the way it allows for collaboration between a team of editors for each submission, ultimately, I knew I could not afford to use this platform. Long running magazines may have the financial backing from donations or from the press itself.
As I knew all proceeds from my collectives would be donated, there wasn’t wiggle room in my own budget to justify this price. For a basic plan, it is $99 per month or $999 when billed annually. This give you 3 team seats, 1 project, 300 submissions per year Autolabels, Payment processing, Yes/no voting, Team assignment, Batch email and templates, In-app messaging, as well as Dashboard and data exports. These resources are immense, but making sure you can financially support this platform will be key to your launch. If you have a team of editors splitting this cost, it might be less of a restriction.
While I’ve encountered a myriad of online forms, including self-hosting on websites, one that has become most common is Google Forms. Like most things, Google’s functionality is user-friendly, adaptable, and customizable. And for these reasons, I chose to use a Google Form for both Pages Penned in Pandemic and The Elpis Pages. This was especially key during the first collective when I had more than a dozen questions for the interview series that needed to be answered.
What I continue to love about this platform in this current submission process is the way it guides writers to every answer needed and allows me consistent places to look for that information such as author email, category of submission, word count, and the attached work.
2.) How will you organize submissions?
Once you know how you want to receive submissions, the next step will be discovering how you want to organize submissions. Much of this process will be informed by whether you are using email, Submittable, or online form.
For email, you may want to have separate folders to organize between genres such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction. If you have separate editors for each genre, maybe you will want to create separate emails for each category to eliminate confusion in your inbox.
For Submittable, the system will organize submissions for you, though even with the basic plan, there will be options for assigning to your teams, and tracking. In both instances, you may also want to keep a spreadsheet to track submissions, as this allows for all info to be in one place.
While I use Google Forms to collect my data, I do not use this for tracking or review purposes. Instead I use a combination of Trello and Google Sheets. As mentioned above, I find great value in having an overview of all submissions, which is why I track on a spreadsheet in addition to Trello.
For submissions, I use Trello to track from the initial read to final decision all the way up through organizing my publishing timeline, and final order of the collective before publication.
3.) How will you review submissions?
After you’ve decided how you’re going to organize submissions, it will be helpful to have a plan for reviewing submissions. Depending on whether you are working solo or with a team may affect this process.
For Pages Penned in Pandemic, I worked with my best friend, Justin Maher. We used Trello as a means to communicate. Most times, we would review submissions separately, making notes in the document. We would then have editorial calls to discuss our decisions, work through any edits, and assign emails to ensure we could personally respond to every author.
This time around, I am working solo, but am still following the same steps. When I receive a submission, I add it to Trello. Most often, I do not review the submission at the time it’s added, which is why it’s helpful to have the link to the document.
When I review, I do an initial read through. Sometimes, I will know instantly if I am going to accept a submission. Other times, I might go back and make comments or edits. There are instances, when I feel a piece needs to be placed on the fence, allowing me extra time to review. And as is the case with all submissions, there might be work that doesn’t fit with my preferred style or the overall theme.
For these cases, I do find having a theme can help guide decision making. We didn’t have a theme for Pages Penned in Pandemic, though we find many authors writing about the same things. The Elpis Pages requires submissions be about womanhood, though this is a broad topic.
4.) How will you send decisions?
Once you know which pieces you will accept and which you won’t, it is time to send decisions to writers. While there are many ways to do this, especially if you use Submittable and have the option for batch responses, I do find that my preferred way is kindest.
As a writer, receiving rejections is never fun. However, in creating my submission process for the collectives, I looked at rejections where I felt excited to keep submitting as a guide.
I always love receiving feedback and a personalized rejection. Now this might not be feasible for your project, but for myself, I knew I wanted to personalize every email.
Also, while you can announce your contributors on social media or send a rejection email with all others CC’d, I personally would not recommend this. It doesn’t recognize the courage or hard work of every submitting author. And without those submissions and brave souls, you wouldn’t have work to publish or supporters to keep the dream of this creative endeavor alive.
Don’t be a jerk, even if a piece isn’t right for your project. Do not respond if work violates your submission guidelines, threatens you or your authors, or includes content that is harmful, violent, or inappropriate.
I have been lucky this time around to not receive those kind of submissions. With Pages Penned in Pandemic, we did receive some submissions of that nature and we did not respond.
For this part of the process, you will also want to note if you are accepting simultaneous submissions or charging for submissions. As a writer, I think it is imperative to allow simultaneous submissions. This is a personal opinion, but knowing this, I also understand, writers might need to withdraw work, sometimes during the deliberation process, sometimes before you’ve gotten a chance to review the work.
Since proceeds from both collectives were being donated, we did not pay authors, but we also didn’t charge for submissions.
If you are looking for a way to further support your magazine or journal, a great option I have found is charging a small fee for expedited submissions or receiving feedback. Perhappened Mag does this extremely well. Charging fees for this allows monetary support to your journal to either pay your editorial staff or even more exciting, to pay your authors! Also, the fee for feedback or faster turnaround really cuts to most writers not wanting to wait months for a response.
Here is where I note that many, if not most, editors do this for free with only the love of literature as a reward for the time, dedication, and willingness to provide a platform for authors.
Once you’ve figured out these key elements, you will be ready to launch and open your submissions!
That’s all for part two of the Editor Diaries. I hope you’ll join me for the next part of this series while I dive into branding and social media.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe on Youtube! And remember, no matter where the day takes you, dream big!
Without Challenge
From the first spark of an idea to the finished product, I’m excited to demystify the process of starting a literary magazine or journal. For many writers, the dream of starting their own literary journal may seem beyond reach.
Often, I find the idea of a creative endeavor to be too big on its own. However, breaking anything down into manageable steps allows me to navigate the process with realistic deadlines and goals.
The journey may not always be instantaneous or without challenge, but reaching that destination is entirely worth it.
Inspired by the way I tackle my projects, I am going to take you step-by-step through the beginning stages of starting your very own magazine, journal, or press.
1.) Ask yourself WHY
Knowing why you want to start your magazine not only carries you through any setbacks that may occur along the way, but it allows future writers and readers to understand what sets you apart.
For my first collective, Pages Penned in Pandemic, I was already running a featured interview series on my blog where contributors shared their experience writing during the pandemic. As I compiled and posted those interviews, I became increasingly interested in reading those written works. Our vision was clear. Whether poetry, short story, flash fiction, novel excerpt, or essay, the work needed to be written during 2020, though it did not need to be about the pandemic.
Understanding our vision allowed us to conceptualize the end product before opening submissions.
Throughout those early days of the interview series, my favorite answer to read had to do with advice to young writers. During quarantine and isolation, I worried those writers didn’t have anyone to remind them their stories mattered. From this, I knew all proceeds could be donated to 826 National to support young writers.
For The Elpis Pages, the vision was a bit different, but the why was clear. I wanted to give a voice to self-identifying women, donating all proceeds to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund to support reproductive rights. After all, women’s rights are human rights. While I am still in the submission process of this second collective, I keep my why clear daily.
2.) Ask yourself HOW
Once you’ve clarified your why, you will need to figure out how you will run your magazine.
Will you tackle this project solo or will you be bringing on additional editors, assistants, or admins?
Whether working alone or starting with friends or a team, implementing clear goals and responsibilities from the start is something that can prevent overwhelm or bruised egos in the future.
You will also want to have a clear idea of whether you will be publishing work digitally or in print, as this will affect decisions later in the process.
How much of a financial commitment will you be undertaking? Will you be using a free website platform? Will you charge for submissions to fund your project? Will you be able to pay contributors?
For Pages Penned in Pandemic, I reached out to my best friend, Justin Maher, with a big idea for a print collective, wanting him by my side through it all. This seemed like the perfect way to stay connected during tough times.
In the past, I was a contributing editor for One For One Thousand, so I was used to working with a team. As the Editor-in-Chief for this first collective, I tackled admin responsibilities, social media, branding, cover design, interior book design, and author outreach. Together, we read and discussed all submissions, split emails, and worked on the final layout.
For The Elpis Pages, I decided to take on this project solo, as I felt it was my responsibility as a woman to provide a safe and comfortable submission process for self-identifying women. It also helps that I have the experience of one previously published collective to guide this next endeavor.
Maybe you won’t know how the workflow will be implemented. And that’s okay. It might be trial and error as you begin this new project. But having a general idea of how your magazine or press will run is crucial to future success.
3.) Branding
While the granular elements of font and color scheme are important, ensuring you have a consistent and understandable call to action and editorial approach are also integral to creating brand recognition.
So how do you know your brand? Combining your WHY and HOW will inform the development of your magazine.
If you find yourself struggling, take a look at other literary magazines and journals to discover what you love, what you like, and things you would change with your own brand.
While this may seem overwhelming, remember to take it one step at a time. Start with the name, then the aesthetic, then the overall voice of your press.
Coming from a background in marketing, this is something that feels like second nature for me. However, I still found places to research before launching each of my collectives.
If you are interested in knowing the specifics of how I created a recognizable brand for both Pages Penned in Pandemic and The Elpis Pages, let me know in the comments below.
4.) Social Media
While there are many fantastic videos already on Authortube about building your author platform, it is important to build the social media presence for your press as well.
To begin, I would look at which platforms you’re already comfortable using, or perhaps places where you’ve previously found submission opportunities.
For myself, I knew this was going to be Instagram and Twitter, as many of the places I’ve submitted my poetry and short stories to in the past were found on both platforms.
Since you’ve already determined your why, how, and brand, it will make the creation of your social media profiles easier.
From personal experience, I find it helpful to launch profiles prior to submissions opening. This allows you to start building your community, getting the word out, and building a persona future writers can trust.
5.) Submission Guidelines
As submissions are a major component of any literary magazine, press, or journal, ensuring you understand your guidelines before you launch will help your vision remain clear to future writers.
Some details to consider are general guidelines:
How many pieces will you accept?
What genre are you looking to read?
Will you be featuring a certain demographic or age range of writers?
Do you have a specific word count you’re looking to feature?
Will you accept previously published work and simultaneous submissions?
How will you handle pieces being withdrawn?
Will you have rolling submissions or specific deadlines?
Making sure what you’re looking for is clear can ensure you find the work you want to read and feature. But it’s just as important to note what you’re not looking for as well. This protects you from interacting with potentially harmful writers or situations.
Though beginning this type of project opens you up to new interactions, at the end of the day, your mental health and well-being needs to be prioritized.
In addition, it will be helpful for you to notes the author rights, payment, promotion, and response times.
I always find that detailed information protects both editor and writer from harmful or uncomfortable situations or unnecessary questions.
6.) Publication Schedule
Once you understand your submission guidelines, you just have one more step to take before you can begin designing marketing and branding materials and ultimately launching your new endeavor.
Knowing whether you will be publishing weekly, monthly, quarterly, or by special edition is something that will help guide your workflow and encourage your future contributors and readers to connect with you!
That’s all for part one of the Editor Diaries. I hope you’ll join me for the next part of this series where I dive into the submission process. I’ll be breaking down how I organize my submissions, how I navigate acceptances and rejections, and how I handle each writer’s work with care.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe. And remember, no matter where the day takes you, dream big!
The Write Place
Through the years, I’ve become someone who can write anywhere. I do believe there is a benefit to adaptability when it comes to finding time for words. But there is something to be said about a place dedicated specifically to the craft and growth of writing.
For me, this is my writing cave, which exists in the corner of my room as a sanctuary for stories. Sleep has often been sacrificed to spend time here. Whole worlds have been born from the ether of the universe in this space. I have grown as a writer and a person at this well-worn desk.
I suppose there are places that feel more comfortable than others because they allow us to be exactly as we are. Even as the world asks us to be different versions of ourselves daily, there is a magic to finding the you in a space.
However, I must admit this desk and the writing cave disappeared beneath paperwork and books and disorder during the last few months. In that time, I’d forgotten how much I loved this tiny corner of my world. And though we all exist in spaces differently, for myself, I know that a cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind.
I needed my space back. I kept planning to reclaim this corner, but alas, time felt fleeting. While we can and should make plans, sometimes life has different intentions. And as life is wont to do, it threw some disruptions my way, most notably by flooding my closet earlier this month. I didn’t plan for it, but it forced me to clear out and clean up the mess.
This opportunity was the nudge I needed to tackle my writing cave. And now that this space has returned to stillness and solace, capturing its importance here feels necessary.
The space:
As previously mentioned, the writing cave exists in a small corner of my room. It contains my desk, an alcove, a craft stand, and a bookshelf. So what makes this space special?
In part, I think it’s the careful curation of everything that makes me feel connected to stories. It’s history and memories and nostalgia and possibility. Among these treasures, you’ll find antique teacups, vintage books, typewriters, lighthouses, honeybees, pens, planners, and more. Perhaps this is the closest you’ll get, dear reader, to understanding my composition as a writer at the molecular level. This microcosm of personhood remains clear on the days when I feel lost.
The desk:
This is truly one of my favorite finds. In 2014, I wandered into a building near my hometown, which everyone calls The Barn. It is, in fact, a barn filled with items from ceiling to floor with no rhyme or reason. It takes hunting and a keen eye to find treasure. I did just that. I paid $50 for a desk that in perfect condition is worth 20 times this amount.
Alas, my desk is far from perfect. I love it all the more for its scars and history. This antique Limbert Arts and Crafts Library desk was crafted from tiger oak in the mission style during the early 1900s. The drawer has a place for a quill and ink.
Most convenient for an avid reader, this desk provides two sets of shelves on either side. Stored here are more than enough books to fuel my obsession with Grimm’s Fairytales, Greek mythology, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The latest addition to the shelves is a canvas print of the Currituck lighthouse, which for those who know the world of my work-in-progress book, DREAM CATCHERS, you know how important this building is to me.
No matter where I go or what story I pursue, I know this desk won’t be far from my journey. We’re kindred spirits, meant to be in each other’s lives for always.
The alcove:
Four years ago, I knew this space needed to be transformed into my writing cave when I saw the alcove built into this corner. You see, dear reader, I’d started my own collection of antique teacups (my great-grandmother collected them first) and I knew this would be the perfect place to showcase them.
And as the years have passed and my collection has grown, my love for these two shelves has not diminished. I’ve added more than just teacups here. There’s vintage editions of Tennyson’s Poetical Works, Euripides, A Wrinkle in Time, Sonnets to Orpheus, Idylls of the King, In Memoriam A.H.H., various works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Wind in the Willows, Vanity Fair, vintage writing craft books, the April Poems circa 2020, Far From the Madding Crowd, a first edition collection of poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Paradise Lost, and so many copies of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
A more recent addition to this space is the lighthouse print gifted to me by one of the best friends to celebrate the publication of Pages Penned in Pandemic. Someday, dear reader, you’ll discover why lighthouses are so important to me. For now, I’m still figuring that out for myself.
The craft stand:
For Christmas 2020, my parents gifted me this incredible stand, which now houses my myriad of craft supplies. Whether washi tape or watercolors, I love having the ability to dabble in other creative arts when need be. I’ve utilized the space as much as possible, adding some framed prints of Alice exploring Wonderland (a gift from the other best friend) and some additional teacups!
The bookshelf:
While this is only one of the bookshelves in my room, this one provides so much to love and to feel inspired by when my own words feel more distant than usual.
At the very top, I’ve added some teacups (I now have 37 in total, though I’m starting to run out of room) with my Honeybee Farms sign.
Though the least visually interesting, the binders on the bottom ensure my curated writing throughout the years stays organized. These binders remind me to keep going without giving up. I’ve done it countless times before. I know I can do it again, so long as I try.
As I’m always trying to become the best writer I can be, I find having a collection of craft books to be just as important. This first shelf continues to grow, and so does my passion for my art. To keep myself tethered to where my current work-in-progress began, I keep a framed scrap of paper with an idea that I tied back to Camryn’s story a year after first writing it. It’s something to look back on when the drafts seem endless and the work feels unmanageable.
I know what you’re thinking: what would a bookshelf be without more books? Worry not, dear reader. Below the pens and markers and highlighters is a shelf filled with graphic novels, a beloved quote about brokenness, a beeswax candle shaped into a lighthouse, and a coffee mug with a beautiful origin and characters from a favorite show.
Just below this shelf are books about dreams and mythology and magic with some memoirs for good measure.
The essentials:
No writing cave would be complete without those last few items that make or break a storytelling session. For me, this comes down to eight items. Though water, coffee, and crystals are a MUST, they are not pictured below. The others include:
Macbook Pro
Moleskine journal (current edition adorned with an Ew David sticker)
Archer and Olive Planner
Felix Gray blue light blocking glasses
Headphones
Recently, I’ve been reading back through old blog posts. In doing so, I found one written before I turned 25. And in it, I promised a tour of my writing cave. I realize it’s taken four(ish) years to finally compile this here, but I’m happy I didn’t rush the post. The writing cave has changed, taking on more history and energy and stories than I ever imagined. And I have gone through my own growth since then.
I can’t wait to revisit this years from now in my next writing cave. I imagine it will have even more bookshelves and teacups, that I will still be writing from the same desk, only I will have a view of the ocean from windows that let in the afternoon light. Maybe this is more a dream than anything else, but in case you’re new to this blog, you should know I am a dreamer.
Whether you’re finding yourself out in the world or in a tiny corner of your home, I hope you’re able to be you, whoever that might be.
Your Words Matter: Advice to Young Writers
In life, perhaps the only guarantee we’re given is that time will pass. Minutes move us through the week, a month ends, another begins, and before we know it, it’s been a year.
Even knowing this, it seems impossible that a year has passed since the first Pages Penned in Pandemic interview post went live on this blog. I wrote that post with the hope that I would, at the very least, be able to learn a bit more about my friends and their writing lives. You see, no two writers are the same. Though our writing group connected virtually to share completed work, we weren’t always there for the difficult days, for the selection of the perfect song to help distract from the chaos beyond our windows. And in crafting questions for this interview series, I wanted to know about those things and more.
Early on, my blog schedule was indeed filled by friends. But I took a chance, reaching out to other writers on Twitter, and now I am blessed to have some of them as both friends and champions of my writing. The world is a messy and complicated place sometimes, but there were days during this process when everything aligned and felt too perfect; unreal.
This isn’t to say that the featured blog series or what followed came easily. No dream worth following is ever easy. But the process of putting together Pages Penned in Pandemic was worth it. Now that a year has passed, I can write those words with complete confidence in their truth.
Maybe you’re asking what this has to do with advice to young writers? Well, dear readers, among the questions I crafted for the interview series, I knew I wanted to ask writers what words of wisdom they might pass along. If anyone was impacted most by the pandemic, I thought it was likely the kids and young adults who had a story inside and no one around to encourage putting it on a page.
All these many years later, I am lucky to say I still have teachers inspiring and urging me on toward my other dreams. I knew this was something not to be forgotten or dismissed despite the difficulties of 2020. This is also why all proceeds from the collective are being donated to 826 National, an organization which benefits young writers. But you can read more about that HERE.
For now, I want to return to this advice. The world is still chaotic. We’re all healing and rebuilding and trying to find our way. So whether you’re new to the craft of writing or young at heart, I hope the advice from these 100 authors helps you in some small way.
Advice to young writers:
“Keep writing! "Practice makes perfect" is a cliche because it contains a grain of truth. The best way to improve your writing skills is to write more.”
-Kate Pashby
“Even on the days where it seems difficult, just keep moving. Keep writing, and keep reading. Find a community, whether online or in person, who supports your writing, and be sure to support theirs. Even when you're rejected, remember that it isn't because your writing isn't good, it's just not the right fit for where you submitted it. You'll find the right space for your writing, and it will be a joyous day.”
-Melissa Boles
“It doesn't matter what 'time' it is; keep writing, keep reading, repeat. Others will give up. If you hang in there, someone will find you and your work.”
-Dónal Fogarty
“Keep writing and remember writers have put words to paper in worse pandemics.”
-Ben Nardolilli
“Your words matter! They matter to you - and there's someone out there who needs them, too.”
-jerica taylor
“Write, edit, write, read aloud, edit.”
-paul beckman
“When you can't write, read. When you can't read, write.”
-Megha Nayar
“Make writing a part of your regular routine.”
-Linda Gebroe
“Just keep going—it's never going to be what you expect but really, we've picked an 'industry' where the uncertainty is going to be part of our lives for good so it's best to get used to things like rejection and plans changing and whatnot pretty early on!”
-Rhea Dhanbhoora
“Write all the things you're afraid to write about.”
-J.D. Eames
“I think I'm a "young" writer myself, meaning inexperienced. But what I learned in this time was to write, connect, and submit. The writing is always first, and I've learned to write what I love. Then I've found that by connecting to other poets, I've found tons of support, encouragement and new challenges. Finally, for years as a writer I was so scared of rejection that I didn't submit. This year, I've just fired away at the journals my friends recommend to me. And it's been great to see more of my poems finding homes in the world!”
-Matthew Miller
“Do better than I have. Write everyday. Read everyday.”
-Ted Chiles
“Butt in chair; get into your interior world.”
-Caroline Johnson
“Be kind to yourself and be kind to your work. Even in the moments when you doubt your writing, respect what you put into it and trust that you will love it again soon. Also, don’t be afraid to mess around with different forms and styles - breaking your own rules if half the fun of poetry.”
-Meredith Phipps
“Write one sentence every day, even if you delete it the next day.”
-M.R. Diamond
“Keep writing, share your work with others, take online classes.”
-Judy Taylor
“Writing isn't the end-product, it's the way. It can keep us afloat. Writing can heal us. Writing can help us cope with our grief and remember what we love. So keep writing. Say what's real and share it.”
-Mary Grace Bertulfo
“It's okay to rest. Let me repeat that: IT IS OKAY TO REST. You do not need to be creative every waking moment of your life and if you haven't "produced" something, that does not mean you are unworthy or a bad writer. We are in the middle of one of the most unprecedented and surreal times in history. Breathe. Give yourself a break. This time will pass!”
-Jenny Maveety
“Take advantage of the extra hours and read while you can. Soak it all up.”
-Tina Anton
“Write regularly. Don't give yourself excuses or judge too harshly. Just practice the process and great things will happen - both in your writing and your life.”
-Robin Reynolds
“Take advantage of Zoom offerings to keep on writing.”
-Suellen Wedmore
“Take good notes. One day, you will forget what this really felt like. In three months, you'll forget what you were thinking about right now.”
-Dot Dannenberg
“Write an insight down the instant you think of it. If you don't, distractions everywhere will kill it.”
-Catherine Lee
“Hang in there—this isn't normal. And it's ok if you feel like you can't get any work done right now--thinking is part of writing.”
-Kate Levin
“Use the time to write as much as you can, and don't let the rejections get you down.”
-Caroline Taylor
“Your work is important. Act accordingly.”
-Lori Fontanes
“Develop a habit of writing, editing, sending, and keep doing that alongside lots of reading. You'll get there, but probably not before you define where 'there' is.”
-Judy Darley
“Let it all out, don't hold back and don't wait.”
-Joe Quinn
“Be selective about where you submit. One good match is what you need.”
-Elizabeth Reed
“It's okay if you don't write your next big thing during this pandemic, nurture yourself and preserve you creative mind. Challenge it when you're ready.”
-Citra Benzair
“Keep writing. Write what your soul stirs you to write. It may look like the world is closing down but it's really opening up.”
-Aimee DuFresne
“I am a young writer myself, so I often tell myself to keep doing what I do best, and to keep getting better at it. To keep writing against all odds.
-Olaitan Humble
“Keep your self-trust intact and have patience. Keep faith in humanity.
-R.K. Singh
“Be gentle with yourself. There was this great meme early on in the pandemic of someone rowing a boat during a storm with the caption "What do you mean you can't be creative in the middle of a crisis?" If you can't write during this time, if you aren't able to produce anything, that's exactly what you need to do. Don't force it. We're all under a lot of conscious and subconscious stress right now so don't add to it if inspiration doesn't strike.”
-Salena Casha
“I still consider myself a young writer, but I would encourage new authors not to compare themselves to fellow wordsmiths. Don't expect every piece you pour into your journal to be the next great American classic. Be gracious and allow yourself room to learn and grow.”
-D.R. Humble
“Take walks without headphones, notice your surroundings.”
-Paul Rousseau
“Don’t feel like you have to be creative and constantly writing every day because we’re in a pandemic. Some people encourage creatives to push out content and “do something useful and productive” with their time, but I know there’ll be days or moments where you don’t want to write or produce other kinds of art. Also remember that self-care is just as important. Even though writing can be a release, don’t push yourself to write just so you feel productive. There’s a lot going on in the world, and sometimes taking a break from working is a great way to reground yourself. I’m trying to follow all this in my own life, since I’ve experienced moments when I felt depressed, unmotivated, and a failure for the stressful issues I face because of what happened during the pandemic.”
-Mariya Khan
“Remember your experiences during this time, the good and the bad. Remember how life has been altered and the effect it has had on those around you. Listen to others and how they describe what they are going through. I recall watching a show on the pandemic of 1918 and a commentator said he was astonished how quickly people seemed to want to forget the impact it had on their lives. There are stories that need to be told about our current experiences. Young writers will be the ones creating their stories of today and carrying them far into the future.”
-J.D. Bell
“Keep the faith in yourself and your project. Try to connect with other writers on a regular basis, as that makes it easier to keep yourself accountable. Dedicate any time you've gained to writing.”
-Laura Beretsky
“It doesn't have to be great, it just needs to be a thing.”
-Abigail Swanson
“You're never too old and it's never too late. I think that mantra can be applied to life, too, not just writing!”
-Christine M. Estel
“Don't let anyone put you off developing your own style. You are coming from your own truth and that is unique. It's ok for your voice to be unique too. Be you.”
-Sam Smith
“Just because the pandemic absorbs you, remember that you have, as well, other times in your life about which you can write.”
-James Penha
“Kid, hang in there. In about twenty years someone will do a big study showing that teenagers who lived through this era are more creative and resilient than other generations, but I already know that by looking at you. Just keep doing what you're doing: be strong, be kind, and work hard. This too shall pass.”
-Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
“Write daily, in any form, even if its only a few words.”
-Brittney Uecker
“Find something else that you love as much or more than writing. It will help fuel your work and also makes it easier to deal with rejection and self-doubt.”
-Claire Taylor
“Don't pressure yourself. Don't give up on what you love, of course, but don't force yourself to write if you don't want to. Don't force yourself to do anything if it's going to be bad for your mental or physical health. Honestly, bad times will pass. The most important thing is your happiness in the present moment, nothing else.”
-Casper
“Don't stop writing or taking notes! One of my biggest mistakes was not doing so for a few years after school. You'll be thrilled, if you ever do decide to pursue writing and publishing seriously, to have a library of work and metaphors to go through.”
-Mitchell Solomon
“Keep reading, writing and revising. And never stop learning.”
-Laurie Rosen
“If you have a persistent idea for a story, start writing, keep writing, keep revising until it describes the idea perfectly.”
-Peter Trivelas
“Write from your heart. That's what touches, that's what heals.”
-Swati Singh
“Do whatever you need to get words on paper (or screen): lists, letters, journaling, blogs. It all counts!”
-Tania Runyan
“Write down words you like, and use them in your poems. Don't worry about not writing a lot or not having a career in writing; life takes circuitous paths, and each of those paths will make you a better writer, add depth to your thoughts.”
-Judith Alexander Brice
“Take advantage of online workshops and write, write, write!”
-Barbara Rady Kazdan
“If you feel like you should put words down, then put them down. They might not turn into anything right then, but once they exist on paper you can always come back to them.”
-SM Colgan
“Write what you love, what you are passionate about. And keep writing.”
-Ashleigh Weaver
Find someone you trust to show your work to, who knows how to read the kind of thing you are trying to write. Then humble yourself to listen to what they say.”
-Susan Chock Salgy
“Don't try your arse off—it's just not worth it. When it hurts you more than it gives you joy, stop. If you really love the writing, and not just the idea of being a writer, you'll return to it soon enough, because you won't be able to help yourself. In the meantime, just be kind to you.”
-Cathryn McCarthy
“Do not stop writing. Do it as often as you can, as much as you can. Do not care if it's bad.”
-Jasmina Kuenzli
“Just write. Don't let yourself get in the way. If you're worried about it "being bad" or "no one liking it." Just get you thoughts out of your head and on that paper.”
-Anthony Leiner
“Write everything down, remember your voice is unique and the personal is universal.”
-Adrian Ernesto Cepeda
“Read, read widely. Read books you know you will love and read books you hate from word one.”
-Millicent Borges Accardi
“Keep going...even if you have to pause for a very long time...keep going.”
-Megan Cannella
“Just write and read what makes you happy and forget about the rest. Chances are, someone else will like it too.”
-Hannah Peterson
“Don't force yourself to write. If things are stressful (as they likely are) you're allowed to take breaks, breathe, and come back to your writing at a better time. It'll wait for you. Be kind to yourself.”
-Oskar Leonard
“Don't give up, and prioritize your mental well-being above all.”
-Grace Alice Evans
“Keep writing because the more practice you get the better you will become. The only way to become a good writer is to write...a lot!”
-Elizabeth Bates
“Connect with lit mags and other writers on social media! Read the new work they are publishing, even in genres you don't write, since reading different styles will only add to your writer's tool belt.”
-Lucia Larsen
“Write when it's hard. Write when it's light. Write when you feel joy. Write when you feel pain. No one can take your pen. Your thoughts and ideas are yours. So, don't stop writing.”
-Pam R. Johnson Davis
“There's no shortcut. If you can sit down and do the work, do that. If you can't, then find the time to do it anyway.”
-Kevin Lankes
“Whatever you are seeing, feeling, and experiencing is all unlimited material for your writing. Get it down on paper when it comes to you because the creativity won't wait. If you are not in a place to write, take notes with your phone so that you can come back to the words that want to be said.”
-Paula Brown
'“Write your own magic, and no one else's.”
-Meagan Johnson
“Listen to the 'pulse of all' as we all are in it together.”
-Hardarshan Singh Valia
“Try not to worry about where you fit in the literary community. Write what you want to write. Read even more than you write. Be yourself completely. If you're authentic, editors will notice.”
-Lindsey Heatherly
“Go easy on yourself. Remember that no one produces perfection on a first draft. Remember that these are uncertain times, uncommon times, unprecedented times, and you can forgive yourself if your writing habits or production isn’t what you expect. Take it one day at a time, stay healthy, and just try to bring honesty to the page.”
-Margaret McNellis
“Show up. Do it. Even if it's only a sentence or a paragraph/stanza every day.”
-Karla Linn Merrifield
“Find fanciful outlets for your writing. Use the chaos around you to ground you in your writing and search your imagination for new ways of looking at what you see and feel every day.”
-Bobbie Crafts
“Don't give up! Find inspiration in every day. Keep reading. The more you read, the more you can broaden your awareness of literary styles and techniques, learning about the craft of great writers, and then develop your own unique voice. I also would encourage you to read/watch the news every day, which can also broaden your awareness, and inspire you. Rather than being disheartened by the headlines, you can turn them around. Write about the change you wish to see. This is a step you can take towards making this change happen, and bettering the future.”
-Kathryn Sadakierski
“Keep writing. Let this uncertain time inspire your pen. Don't stop writing, your voice is more important now than ever before.”
-Ash Slade
“There is a place for your work; keep trying to find it.”
-Philip Berry
“Hold on to hope.”
-Lisa Lerma Weber
“Make the most of more hours by yourself.”
-John Grey
“Keep on, write every day, and don't get discouraged by rejections.”
-Thea Schiller
“If you can keep writing during the pandemic—you will build your resilience to write no matter what.”
-Amita Basu
“Try to write daily. Even if just flash fiction or the beginnings of a longer piece. It's like playing a musical instrument; you need practice and motivation.”
-Yash Seyedbagheri
“Keep going, whether you are writing or not, just keep going.”
-Jason de Koff
“As a young writer myself, I think continuing to read and write is really all anyone can do right now, as much as anyone can. That, and be kind to yourself. The world is falling apart and there is only so much you can do in that framework. Do what brings you joy as much as you can. Keep going!”
-Rachel A.G. Gilman
“Write authentically and respectfully. Always be original.”
-David Brookes
“Write about the things that feel very present to you right now. Write about the things that interest you most right now. Those things may or may not correspond to what's on the news right now. If it does, that's fantastic. If it doesn't, that's also fantastic.”
-Meghan Malachi
“So many people in this world are going to tell you to live your life a certain way, your dreams are impossible to achieve, and you must settle for something less than what you want. You're living in a time when the internet, technology, and countless other outlets prove this simply isn't true. Just because those people felt too afraid to go for their dreams doesn't mean you can't achieve yours – you just might have to think outside the box and take a scenic route to getting there. Don't be afraid to hit the gas pedal and enjoy the ride!”
-T.C. Anderson
“You are living through something unprecedented. If we've learned anything, it's that every day can bring new challenges and it's up to us to persevere and get through it all in one piece. Tackle your writing with that same dedication.”
-Wm. Brett Hill
“My advice would be to write. Your words will be part of history. Your stories will be a reminder of what life was like during this time whether told through poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or music. However you you find it best to share your experiences. Young writers have unique voices. I love to hear from them. I’m inspired by their honesty. I’m humbled by their anxieties and fear. I’m grateful for their hope.”
-Cara Long
“Never stop writing but don't fall for the idea that it's a betrayal to get a job (that isn't writing) that you can tolerate doing and which will pay you well enough to be comfortable. You will get more words on the page when you have financial security than when you are working three jobs.”
-A.M. Kelly
“Stay open to ideas (mostly this comes through reading and writing) - they don't necessarily have to come from classical sources. Some of my favourite poems are about anime, games, films, TV shows. Collect prompts as well. If you're anything like me, they may not work immediately and you'll want to come back when you're ready.”
-SK Grout
“Don’t panic, read plenty, only watch the news once a day for an update, message your loved ones everyday, and write everything down. As a historian, that information will be important for future generations.”
-Lindsay Allister
“I would say to not push yourself too hard during this time. The pandemic is affecting everyone differently. If you're someone where writing is helping you get through it, definitely do that; however, if you're not writing and can't right now, don't stress yourself out about it. As cliche as this statement has become, this situation is unprecedented, nonetheless with everything going on socially—allow yourself to breathe. Whether you write now or later, it will happen.”
-Preston Smith
“The hardest part of writing is the writing. It can seem so daunting and what you see in your mind is sometimes so faraway from the groundwork you have to lay to get there. But just like any project, you break it down into steps. You work at it and you don't stop.”
-Steve McCarthy
“Hopefully, the world will not always look as it does now. But while it does, try to take time you may have off before returning to school to write just one thing, or revise something, or read something amazing. Reach out to a writer you admire while everyone's online. And above all, have fun. That's the most important thing in writing, to enjoy it, every moment.”
-Holley Long
“I can't stress the importance of being kind to yourself. Not everything happens in a day, but there is so much to be enjoyed and accomplished in twenty-four hours time.
As always, I would say, keep going. During these months, I haven't escaped rejection, but I refuse to give up, and I think this is the most useful tool in the life of a writer.
One final piece of advice: Read. Read everything. Read anything. Read good books and bad books and things some people call trite. Escape into stories and give your mind a rest from puzzling out ways to leave your mark and save our world. Great thinking comes from imagining and imagining is honed best through filling creative wells with stories.”
-Kayla King
There you have it: advice to young writers from 100 authors! I hope you’ve found some words to encourage you to keep pursuing your writing.
No matter your circumstances, I hope you find a way to believe in the magic of telling stories. Believe your words matter. Because they do, and they always will.
Reason Enough
April always feels like new beginnings. Perhaps this is proximity to springtime, the sun returning after too many months of grey skies. Or maybe, focusing on filling an empty page every day is reason enough to feel the magic of possibility.
You see, dear reader, April is National Poetry Month, which means I will once again attempt to pen a poem each day. If successful, I will have written thirty new poems. While I have challenged myself for the last three years, 2020 was the first in which I found true success.
Throughout the past month or so, I found myself looking back. And I stumbled upon the exploration of last year’s challenge in What We Called the April Poems. But seeing as we’re one day away from April, I’m excited to extend an invitation to poets and writers alike to join me in this pursuit!
What does this challenge entail?
Combine three rules with a dash of inspiration and you get the April Poems. I will be posting daily on this blog with three words and some inspiring aesthetics. Here’s hoping that you, dear readers and writers, will share your triumphs and trials faced during this next month.
Rule #1: Three words
The most important rule is the implementation of three words. There is no word count, no strict structure to the pieces written, only these words as a guide. Instead of seeing them as a limitation, they’ve always forced me to flex my creative muscles a bit more than usual. Assigned by the best friend, I have no way of knowing ahead of time where the words will take me.
Rule #2: Stream-of-Consciousness
As I have always been habitual in my need to overthink, this commitment to stream-of-consciousness writing ensures I don’t have the capacity to get stuck in my mind. Explained a little more concisely, the style of SOC captures a continuous flow of uninterrupted thoughts. And staying true to the fleeting feel of words without editing continues to hone my voice and strengthen the craft of my poetry.
Rule #3: Don’t look back
While this may seem like it goes hand-in-hand with the second rule, I can assure you, this extends beyond the moment of writing. Throughout the month, I don’t look back to find a theme or central character or to edit any previous days' poems. However, like many writers, my obsessions still exist. There is a bit of a treasure hunt that occurs once the month concludes and I read the poems in full, laying the groundwork for a possible chapbook or collection. As humans, we’re constantly making connections.
Though the last year has been anything but normal, I do find a sense of comfort in tradition, in dreaming big, in creative pursuits. Sure, I have no idea where these April Poems will take me. And yes, I know many writers can’t face any other unknowns. Even if you only write one poem or journal entry, a short story or opening to your next novel, there is power to be found in community. This lesson is one I’m grateful to have learned from my writing group and the phenomenal authors we had the honor of publishing in Pages Penned in Pandemic: A Collective.
No matter the chaos or darkness of the world, I have hope that together we will craft some new words into existence. Sharing stories is something I will never take for granted. Here’s to the next new beginning.
Pages Penned in Pandemic with J.D. Bell
No matter what the world decides to throw at us, writing remains a way to escape through our own creation. J.D. Bell discusses just this and more in today's chat about his pages penned in pandemic.
What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?
Our positivity rate is currently on the rise. People are trying to maintain some semblance of normality while adhering to social distancing and wearing face coverings. Schools are on a hybrid model of onsite and remote learning. Since our town is a major commuter hub into New York City, it is a challenge to maintain isolation from people connecting from other towns on the rail line into Manhattan.
What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?
I've recently read Ibsen's play Enemy of the State and Shakespeare's King Lear, which seem to have some relevance to the times. I've reread John Barry's The Great Pandemic which shows that we've learned very little since 1918. It all sounds depressing, but I'm really a fun guy at heart.
If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?
My biggest reading challenge for the future (probably very distant future) is to get through Proust. My wife has already achieved that feat.
Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?
Like many people sheltering in place, we are bing watching more than we should, but it helps. “The Crown,” “The Queen's Gambit,” “West Wing,” “Line of Separation,” and many others have been our loyal companions in isolation.
How has the pandemic affected your writing?
I belong to a writing group where we would meet once a month to review one another's work. When our state shut down in March, we no longer met and I lost much of my inspiration to write. We've recently started to meet again in the outdoors and my inspiration has returned.
Are there any projects you are excited to keep working on? If so, can you give us any details (no spoilers please!) about your project?
I relish the challenge of a call for submission to different anthologies in various genres. I worked for many years in advertising and the exercise of developing a short story seems to come naturally to me. I have a longer piece in development that I hope to pick up again soon. It's about advertising and aliens and a bit unusual I'd say.
If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?
The pandemic has been a major distraction for everyone. No one has escaped it. Writing has taught me that even though it can be very difficult at times, it forces you to immerse yourself in another world. When the creative juices are flowing, your imaginary world blocks out reality for a short period of time. It can be very therapeutic.
Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?
Yes, the fellow writers in my local writing group and members of the Inner Circle Writers' Group online community. I've also met some wonderful writers on Twitter. They all have provided regular inspiration.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I'm a pantser. I enjoy the journey of starting a story and seeing where the characters take my writing. I enjoy the surprises that can pop up along the way.
Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?
I ordinarily write in a converted office space in our home. It has a lovely view of our yard where I can day dream watching bids and squirrels. Alas, since the pandemic my desk is a mess. Fortunately, I can write almost anywhere so sitting in bed, out on the deck, or next to the fireplace are welcome locations to ponder a story. I even jotted down thoughts on my phone for the story I submitted here while sitting under some trees.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?
Remember your experiences during this time, the good and the bad. Remember how life has been altered and the effect it has had on those around you. Listen to others and how they describe what they are going through. I recall watching a show on the pandemic of 1918 and a commentator said he was astonished how quickly people seemed to want to forget the impact it had on their lives. There are stories that need to be told about our current experiences. Young writers will be the ones creating their stories of today and carrying them far into the future.
ABOUT j.d. bell
J.D. Bell is an award-winning, internationally published, author of flash fiction and short stories. He writes in the genres of science fiction, horror, mystery, and humor. His works have appeared in anthologies published by Black Hare Press, Pure Slush, Clarendon House, Blood Song Books, and numerous online publications.
To learn more, follow J.D and his writing journey on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, JD!
READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!
Dodging Raindrops: An Author Interview
Recently, I found myself looking out the window from the passenger seat, a practically unknown spot materializing on a back road last driven too many years before. These kinds of places leave marks in memories, even if we’re unable to map them into anything tangible.
Debut author, Megan Ciampo knows these places well. In her novel, Dodging Raindrops, Maeve Fitzpatrick longs for those spots on the map she once called home. Keep reading to learn more about Megan’s writing journey, her debut novel, and what comes next!
Let's start at the beginning, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I've always been interested in writing but I didn't seriously consider it until a I took a creative writing class as an elective during the spring semester of my sophomore year at Rutgers. We had to write a three-page story and I realized I wanted to take it a lot further than that so I submitted the three pages and kept the idea in my head. Bits of that three page paper are actually scattered throughout Dodging Raindrops!
Dodging Raindrops follows Maeve struggling through post-college life. Was there anything from your real life experience that inspired you?
In one way or another, most things in Dodging Raindrops have been inspired by my life or my friends' lives. I've switched some details around and combined scenarios to fit the story I was trying to tell but there is plenty of real-life inspiration! I think there's a little bit of all of us in Maeve and her struggles.
Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?
I try to be a plotter but I definitely fell more in the "somewhere in between" category while writing Dodging Raindrops. I plotted out the basics and they stayed the same through the entire process but most of the details and pages became on-the-whim creations!
Where is your favorite place to write?
If you asked me this six months ago, I would have said Newburyport, Massachusetts, a really small town on the coast of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. But now, after spending the COVID-19 quarantine at my parents' house in Goshen, New York, their house is by far my favorite place to write. I wrote 75% of Dodging Raindrops sitting at a wrought-iron table in their front yard!
Did you curate a playlist for your book while writing, or is music too distracting for your process?
I listened to a lot of country music, especially while writing the parts about her hometown, but I also found myself writing a lot with headphones on but nothing playing. It all depended on what part of the story I was working on.
What Hogwarts house would you sort Maeve into and why?
Fun fact: I never got into the Harry Potter series! I remember reading the first book and seeing the first movie but I also have vivid memories of being scared after watching the first few minutes of the second movie. In my defense, I was seven! But, either way, I still haven't made it past that point in the books or the movies!
Without too many spoilers, what was your favorite scene to write for Dodging Raindrops?
There's a scene in the beginning of Dodging Raindrops where Maeve goes back to her hometown for the first time. I wrote it last fall after spending the majority of a few months away from my hometown. I remember driving down the streets and being struck by a weird sense of nostalgia.
Is there any advice you would give to young writers just starting out on their journey?
It's simple and kind of cliche but keep writing - write for yourself and write the story you want to tell! Every writer has good days and bad days and yes, the bad days always seem like they outnumber the good ones but stick with it. And, as you get toward the end of the story, finish it. That was my biggest struggle. I got to the point where I had three or four chapters left to write and I started hating everything that I was writing. I was ready to throw in the towel and a friend of mine told me I had to finish it. He said "If you hate it after you finish it, you can throw it away. But you have to finish it or you'll always wonder 'what if.'" And, he was right. I finished it, loved it, and published it! So, keep writing and finish your story!
What comes next? Is there another project you will be working on following the publication of Dodging Raindrops?
I told myself that I was going to take a bit of a writing break because this one took a lot of time but I've already gotten a few ideas for a sequel so I don't think the break will last too long! Right now, I'm definitely enjoying the release of Dodging Raindrops but I think Maeve's story will continue soon!
About Dodging Raindrops
For the past decade, Maeve Fitzpatrick has started every January 1st with the creation of a New Year’s Resolution list, always with the intention of bettering herself. List after list, month after month, year after year, items remain unaccomplished and, eventually, forgotten.
After trading her small town on Florida’s Gulf Coast for the crowded streets of New York City and underestimating the struggles of living on her own, Maeve decides to follow her list to a T this year, no matter what it takes.
The ‘just graduated from college’ thing seemed difficult on its own but when a pompous boss, relationship problems, being overworked in a cutthroat industry, losing friendships, bouts of jealousy, and another overseas deployment get added to her plate, she can’t avoid the temptation of booking a one-way flight back to Florida.
Will help from handwritten letters, video chats, new friends, and her always-supportive family, allow Maeve to successfully navigate a new life in a new city?
About Megan Ciampo
Megan Ciampo was born and raised in Goshen, New York before studying Communications at Rutgers Univeristy. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including WeKnowTheDJ and ABC7NY. Dodging Raindrops is her debut novel. Find out more about Megan at meganciampo.com.
Follow Megan and her writing journey on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Thanks for chatting, Megan!
