Professional Writing

Lesson 2: Hone Those Skills!

In this lesson, you'll be imitating writing styles you admire, becoming involved with local and national publications, and learning trends of acceptance.

Hone Your Skills

Recently, a woman doing a study on children's authors asked me several questions. The last was really a statement: "Please make any comments about the writing process that you would like to pass onto new writers." I replied something as follows: "Find a trusted someone who will do cartwheels to edit your work, and imitate writers you most admire."

When I say "trusted someone," I mean yes, even a parent. The only requirements a good editor needs are, being capable of offering brutally honest criticism and having a lot of experience reading.

I have just now included this bit on editing because it is easy advice to follow, yet crucial to your career. Much has been said regarding that.

This lesson will primarily focus on the second part of the advice: Imitate writers you most admire. It will also focus on using trends. In order to guide you, you will be given suggested resources.

We will also look at getting involved with local and national publications. There is no better way to begin your career as a professional than to work locally with other professionals. It is also beneficial to submit your work to national publications. You will learn unique ways to accomplish these duties.

What forms of your work are being accepted? What forms of your work, given past and present trends, will be accepted?

It all boils down to what the public wants!

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