Writer Mama Riffs on Raising A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids

Wise words from a writer mama…of twins!

I sent two queries to Twins Magazine, and never got a response on either. I also sent two e-mail follow-ups, and again, heard nothing. But, two weeks ago, I learned that my emails were not always being received. Two different publications I write for did not receive my copy. This was alarming to me. So, I decided to call the Twins Magazine editor and just ask if she got the queries since I hadn’t heard back.

I left a voice message for her. Less than a week later, she called me and said she gets so many queries that, no, she didn’t see mine. She did a search for it from her archives, found it, and said she would like that story. So, a little persistence paid off here.

Thanks for sharing, Shawn!

That depends.

I wrote an article on this topic that appears today over at Renee Roberson’s blog, Renee’s Pages.

It’s called: “Start with the Locals.”

In my humble opinion, starting with the locals is still solid advice.

If I might suggest a three-course meal, I’d suggest reading with this article.

Then I reading Chapter Five of Writer Mama, “Tackle the Clips Catch-22.”

Then I’d jotting down all of the publications in your region that you either read or that target folks just like you*.

Voila! Instant targeted markets for you where you can sell your writing.

Off you go now.

*If you’re not sure who your best audiences are, that’s easy. Just click here.

I have not just one but two feature-length profiles in the November 2007 issue of Country Sampler Magazine.

“Handcrafted Harmony, A crafty couple discover do-it-yourself ways to merrily make ends meet in their Washington home” is about the Hicks home in Olympia, Washington.

And “Colonial Comfort & Joy, A Virginia Homeowner inexpensively blends period-inspired stencils, textiles and paint with natural seasonal accents to create a contemporary Colonial that shines with the spirit of Christmas past,” about the Condon home in Virginia.