can't help telling stories
This isn’t a new post, although it was updated after it appeared originally on the Poynter website. It’s intended for reporters who work on daily deadlines, but there are some gems for any writer who wants to get to the end of any project.
http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/3621/making-friends-with-a-clock-time-management-for-writers/
The advice in this essay is good for anyone heading to a writers’ conference. I heard variations on all of these tips from agents and editors again last weekend.
But I heard one bit of contradictory advice, too. While it’s true that agents would rather not hear you read your pitch, they understand you might be nervous. If that’s the case, they say, tell them and ask if you can read your opening bit. Most will say yes.
Make sure what you prepare is short. When you’ve finished reading, try to relax and answer questions without your notes.
Attending a Writers’ Conference? Here’s How to Prepare
http://thewritelife.com/attending-a-writers-conference-prepare/
At nearly every session with the editors and agents at Love Is Murder*, somebody said, “This is business.” Well, it’s business if you want to make money from your writing. If you do, you may be able to use some of these tips when you market yourself and your work.
A Glimpse Behind the Cogs of a Strategic Marketing Plan | Eliza Koch | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/glimpse-behind-cogs-strategic-marketing-plan-eliza-koch
*mystery writers conference in Chicago
First let me say that going to conferences is great because the panels and conversations really get your mind moving. I love those “light bulb” moments. (And I’ll probably be full of post-conference enthusiasm for at least another week.)
Among the things we talked about in a great panel on ebook publishing was using short stories to help build an audience, to introduce characters, and to keep readers interested between novels. The last reason is also on this list of 10 reasons to write short stories.
Ten Reasons to Write Short Stories Even Though the Pay is Peanuts – SFWA
http://www.sfwa.org/2015/02/ten-reasons-write-short-stories-even-though-pay-peanuts/
When it comes to poetry, I tend to write at long intervals. It is the one form for which I await inspiration before I begin. That’s a clear sign of a dabbler, I think. Here are some suggestions for more serious poets. Or writers of prose who want to bring something lyrical to their work.
The Work of Inspiration: Five Pieces about Poetry | Longreads Blog
http://blog.longreads.com/2015/02/08/the-work-of-inspiration-five-pieces-about-poetry/
sharon p. lynn 