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Magic Writing

© Sara Webb Quest

Establishing Voice

You write to a columnist to find out how he got his unique job. He tells you to "establish your voice, try developing a friendship with an editor, and begin writing for a local newspaper." So here you are. You have contacted a local magazine which appropriately started nine months ago and needs a column.

You are working on the column. You are asking yourself what surreal experiences you might bring to it to knock the socks off of that editor.

For starters, think of the magic that surrounds you in everyday life then use metaphor to compare it to the needs of your column.

Perhaps you'd like an example: The editor of The Maine Voice replies in an email that he does need a column, one on outdoor life, but it must be "cerebral." So you think, "A cerebral take on Maine outdoors."

Here's what you might do:

1) Introduce your column by writing something catchy, something about the way the deep woodlands of Maine compare rather well to the deep souls within Maine's citizens and how they have learned to thrive on isolation and privacy.

2) Then do a little investigating and find some nature organizations. Not only will you be offering your audience a unique take on their own "natures," you'll be offering events and activities that will flood their minds and souls with needed endorphins.

Bringing Magic through Metaphor

In short, figure out how you can bring magic through metaphor to mundane life when proposing a column (or any other form of writing). Stand-out writers are successful because they've learned to do this.

Cheers and Good Luck - Sara

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