Rainy Day Corner Publishing™

Making Writing a Family Affair

PLOT, Column By Jo Hamlet

You have decided you want to write short stories but are not quite sure what a short story is.  What makes a short story different from an article?  Short stories have a plot - a plan where something happens to your main character.

There must be conflict in your story, which may be caused by other character (s) or things. Conflict does not necessarily mean violence.  If a thing is causing a problem it could be internal such as a mental or physical disability or an illness.  Or it could be something as simple as the weather if it is an external conflict - earthquake, cyclone etc.

Just supposing your character is a young boy who is afraid of heights. He will be frightened at the beginning of the story and somehow you have to change him so that by the end he is going abseiling with his friends.  Now things or miracles like this just don't happen - something makes them happen.  It could be that one day his home catches fire and he is trapped upstairs with his baby brother.  He is forced to jump to the safety of a blanket held by neighbours.  There is no time to wait for the firefighters.  He sums up courage and saves them both by jumping to safety.  He becomes a hero and his terror of heights disappears. That is an outline of a story.  You just have to fill in the tension to keep the reader interested in what will happen at the end.

Your main character must be someone the reader can identify or sympathize with or someone who will fascinate them.  The reader must know why the boy is frightened of heights in the first place so they can understand his fear.  Your character must be believable.

If you have trouble getting started with writing a story first create a character.  Creating characters is fun.  It is like being a stage director.  You will know exactly what this character looks like and how he behaves.  Pick your character and give him a name.  Next set the scene - just like the stage director.  To help you with the rest of the story use the following technique - Where? Why? and How?  And if you are still having problems ask yourself -What If?

WHERE?

Decide on a place and time.  Show your character in this setting.

For a fun exercise we will choose a young boy.  You will decide on his age, nationality, name and the type of clothing he is wearing.

We will place him hiding in a garden late at night.  What does the garden look like - big, overgrown, lots of bushes and trees or filled with rubbish?

WHY is he there?  Is he playing or has he been naughty?  Perhaps he is frightened.

HOW does he deal with the problem? Does he run to a friend's house? Does he call for help? Does he go back inside?

WHAT if it starts to rain?  Someone comes to look for him? Someone else was hiding in the garden?

 From the one small boy hiding in the garden scenario there can be numerous stories.  Invent another character and put them in another situation. You are the writer and anything can happen in your story.  Just remember to make it simple but keep the tension going to keep your reader happy and reading right up to that last sentence.  If it is too complicated you are likely to lose the plot yourself.  Have fun.

© Jo Hamlet 2002
Jo Hamlet's short stories and articles have appeared in newspapers, national/international/literary magazines, e-zines and have been broadcast on radio. She also contributes regularly to web sites and newsletters. She also runs creative writing workshops. Visit her web site for more information.

WRITING LOCALLY, By Frances Busby

The first publication clip is the most difficult for any writer to obtain. There are many magazines out there who won’t even consider new or unpublished writers. How then does any writer, especially a young writer, get his or her foot in the door?

Most of us look for our first publication to be in a magazine or other publication that exists far away from where we live. While it is a great goal to strive for publications outside your locale, when you’re starting from scratch, it’s best to explore all your options.

Probably the most obvious place would be local newspapers. You might think that this is a closed and difficult market to get into, unless you are a reporter or journalism student in college. Not so! Smaller newspapers often take news, reviews and opinion articles from area residents. Sometimes, even the larger newspapers will take on correspondents to review movies, submit recipes, or the like. Some newspapers have special sections that are open to submissions from children and teens. In both cases, write the editor of the newspaper asking if they consider article submissions. Present a few ideas and why you would like to write for the paper. If you’re sending a query through postal mail, be sure to enclose that self addressed stamped envelope for a reply.

Your local library is probably one place you regularly visit. It’s one avenue for gaining resources for school and for your writing. I bet you never consider that it might be a place to get your first publication. Many libraries, even the ones servicing small towns, publish free newsletters for their patrons. What you probably didn’t know is that many will accept reviews, literary news and notices of community events from library-card holders. While this is generally not a paying market, it gives excellent exposure. This is a great clip to have if you are trying to break in as a book reviewer.

So what next? As a writer, it’s always best to start with what you know. As much as most of us don’t like to think about it, we spend more time at school than we do at home. It’s not so much what we learn, but the extracurricular school activities that pose opportunities for writers.

Are you in sports at school? In smaller communities, occasionally a member or several members of the team are chosen to write in sports news to the local paper. Ask around and see if this possibility for you. Other similar possibilities would be if you belong to a club or are in band. I bet you can think of plenty more than that.

If you’re old enough to have an after school job, this may be a possibility for some writing experience as well. Professional offices are more likely to have need of a writer than say, the local teen hangout, but most business require writers for press releases, writing ads, and more. This may sound hard to do, but with a little bit of research you can find out how to write for businesses. Smaller businesses are more much likely to be open to your help.

Churches and other religious organizations are another avenue for publication. It’s unlikely that you’ll be called upon to write articles or news for bulletins or newsletters. They usually need to need someone to edit the material and put the newsletter together. If you have experience using a computer, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher, as well as an eye for proper grammar, you stand a good chance of getting that responsibility. Editorial experience, while not the same as getting an actual publication, looks great on a writer’s resume. It also gives you a small insight into an editor’s position and may help improve your writing.

If you look under ‘regional magazines’ in the Writer’s Market, you’re likely to find magazines that deal entirely with travel in your area. Travel magazines often welcome new writers and are a great place to start, but don’t stop there. Chances are, there are more publications in your area, they simply deal in subjects other than travel, tourism, or local traditions. While this is likely to take some research, get a list together of publications in your state. You’ll be surprised at the type of magazines you’re able to find.

Don’t limit yourself strictly to magazines or other ‘traditional’ publications. Many websites offer free tutorials and ‘how-to’ articles. There are even some magazines that people receive in their email or by accessing a website. These are generally known as e-zines. Some are paying markets. Others offer posting a short biography about you and a link to your web page (if you have one) instead. Even if you live in a small community, it’s still likely that you will find local websites needing content. It certainly doesn’t hurt to e-mail them and ask.

Hopefully these suggestions have given you some options that you’ve never considered before, in your quest for that first publication. Perhaps you’ll be able to come up with ideas that I haven’t listed here. Keep submitting, don’t ever give up, and the satisfaction of seeing your name in print will be yours.

Using Photos To Enhance Your Writing, By L. Jans
 
How do photos enhance one's writing?  The photo catches the reader's eye and captures the reader's interest.  Visuals help to identify the person in the profile article.
 
Whenever I do a personal interview, I arrive with camera in tow.  Each writer develops his/her own style, but I like to take the photographs first, then do the interview.
 
If there is a product involved, say, a hobby or book, include that in the photo.  I interviewed a lady who started an antique shop in a bungalow.  I photographed her holding an antique doll, surrounded by antique dishes.
 
For people who have written a book, I have the author, usually seated, hold the book so that the title is visible.
 
Take more than one photo.  I took photos of two persons who had written a book.  The book had  a shiny cover.  In some photos, the book looked so shiny one couldn't read the title.  Photos from a slightly different angle turned out great.
 
In the background, was a very large abstract painting.  At one angle, a blaze of white was shooting from the author's head.  So, move about.  This avoids repeat photo sessions.  I learned this the hard way.
 
I try to take black and white and color.  The reason for this is because some publications print only black and white.  If you aren't sure what your market will be, it is prudent to take both.  This usually involves the use of two cameras.
 
Take several more photos than you think you will need.  Why does one need an entire roll of someone holding their book?  Several reasons.  I usually mail the subject a copy as a courtesy.
 
Sometimes photos are lost in the mail or at its destination.  Then you have other copies to resubmit with your article.  It also allows for blurring and background problems already described in this article.
 
Another reason is that sometimes a photo from one article may be suitable for another article.  I'm thinking about a roundup type of article.
 
Be on the lookout for photo opportunities.  I carry a camera with me.  I managed to capture many wildlife photos this way.  I've also arranged spur-of-moment interviews with craftspeople at the mall.  "I'll just zip out and get my camera," I tell them.
 
Be sure flash and camera batteries are fresh.  I find the flash on my camera is hard on batteries.  If they are low, photos come out dark.  These are too dark for publication.  Expensive?  Yes.  But, here's a hint: Put fresh batteries in flash.  Use the ones you have removed for other appliances.  I have a desk light and a calculator that take the same size batteries.  This avoids the problem of retakes.
 
I also take thematic types of photos.  Several years ago, I took black and white photos of a rainbow bridge and a log cabin, weather-beaten but still intact.  Those photos have been printed and reprinted.
 
During the time that I was assembling my poetry book, Ruts of Life, I was searching for a suitable cover photo.  While driving down the highway, I spotted some ruts in a field.  A farmer had driven through the field during a wet spell.  I stopped, took photos.  One of the photos is now on the cover of Ruts of Life.
 
A photo of an antique stove will someday grace the cover of a recipe book.  A pile of pumpkins photo is symbolic of harvest or Thanksgiving.
 
When submitting photographs, be sure to label with your name and address and another label with subject's name.  If there is a group, label names from left to right.  If the photo is of a structure, say, a bridge, label it "Bridge near Swift Current".
 
I have been taking photos of elevators which are rapidly disappearing from the prairie skylines.  Many of my photos have increased in value because some of those elevators are now gone.
 
It is wise to read about the legal implications in photography.  There are many books about the subject, such as Michael Heron's book, How To Shoot Stock Photos That Sell.
 
Photography is bound by copyright laws in the same way as writing.  So, photos are governed by the same rights as writing: first rights, and so on.  if your photo has been printed before, notify the editor of previous printing just as you would your writing.
 
Some of the photo magazines are inspiring.  There are many, but Photo Life is one that I found especially inspirational.
 
I once found myself a victim of photo piracy.  I had taken a roll of film for developing to a store.  The store used my photos as advertising for their services on television.  I saw the ads, and recognized the ad as my photos.
 
I picked up my photos, then notified the television station that my permission had not been sought.  The ads were immediately removed.
 
The lesson of the story is: Use a reputable firm for developing.  Piracy does occur.  Not everyone is honest.
 
It is wise to label the photo pouch.  I chronicle the date and a short list of contents.  For example, "white owl, November 98".  I can rapidly thumb through the pouches to locate a photo to accompany an article.
 
For myself, photography dispels writer's block.  Your photos will edify, symbolize and increase attention to your articles.  Sharp photos increase sales.

L. Jans is a freelance photojournalist with articles published in Canadian Writer's Journal, Fellowscript, Cross and Quill, Rainy Day Corner, Write From Home, Longridge, Writer's-Exchange, Senior Living and more.

Conducting An Interview
by Pamela Kock

Learning how to conduct an interview is a valuable skill for a writer of any age.  Interviewing skills can be used for many purposes - school assignments, writing family histories, research for fiction writing, and can make a non-fiction article truly shine.

Before you line up an interview or even write the questions, it's usually necessary to do some background research into the subject.  Find out all you can about the topic or issue on your own.  It may help to write an outline of the project at this point as well, or even write part of it.  This will give you a better idea of what questions you need to ask, and who you'll need to contact for an interview if you haven't already chosen someone. 

Once you've chosen the person to interview, make a list of questions.  Keep the questions as simple as possible, and don't plan on asking for more than you really need.  For example, if you're writing a 500-word article, there is no possible way you can include the responses to twenty interview questions.  Four or five questions would be more appropriate, and you won't waste your interview subject's time. 

Preparing ahead of time with the proper tools is essential.  Unless your interview will be done by e-mail, you'll need to make sure every word is recorded faithfully.  You don't want to lose any information, and when you put your subject's words in quotation marks, it's important that the words you use are exactly what he said. 

Since most people aren't able to write as fast as they talk, a tape recorder will be needed.  If the interview will be done over the phone, consider investing in a gadget that connects between the phone line and tape recorder.  Be sure to let your interview subject know that the conversation will be taped.  Don't rely on these tools exclusively, though.  You should still take notes, because there's always a chance the tape recorder might not work properly or the words might be difficult to understand when the tape is played back.

Practice your interviewing skills ahead of time.  Find a friend or family member who is willing to play the part of interview subject, and ask them a few questions.  This will give you a chance to test out your equipment and note-taking, and will also give you a lesson in how easily conversations can stray from the topic at hand and how to steer them back on track.  You'll be much more comfortable with the "real thing" after doing this.

The next step, of course, is to set up the interview.  If the person is someone you know well, this part should be easy.  Don't shy away from contacting a stranger (with your parents' permission), though.  Most people will be happy to help you out with your project, if you are polite and make it as easy as possible for them to do so.  Don't wait until the last minute to arrange the interview; professionals are busy and you might have to wait a few days until they can make time for you.  On the other hand, you may have the opportunity to conduct the interview right away, so be prepared.

If you've set up an appointed time for the interview, don't be late.  Remember that your interview subject is doing you a favor, and that you should take up as little of his time as possible.  On the other hand, don't rush through the interview without getting what you need.  Your list of questions shouldn't be a script to follow blindly, and you might think of additional questions to ask during the conversation.  A great interviewer does just that, guides a conversation instead of simply firing off a list of questions like a pop quiz.  While you'll want to get all of your questions answered, don't be surprised if your subject may volunteer additional information or simply want to chat.  Let him talk, and listen carefully.  You may receive a treasure of information you hadn't expected. 

After the interview is completed, listen to your tape immediately and transcribe it.  This means writing or typing out what's been said, getting it down on paper.  Doing it right away is important, because if anything is unclear you will probably remember what the person said and be able to fill in the blanks.  If you wait, you might end up with a lot of words that don't make sense, and won't have a good sense of the context in which they were spoken. 

Always follow rules when using interviews.  If you are enclosing the subject's words in quotation marks, never change them.  If your subject said "ain't" don't correct it to "isn't."  If you don't want to use a direct quote, you can paraphrase.  But don't pass off your interview subject's words as your own; always make it clear where the information came from.

Be sure to thank your interview subject.  Sending a "thank you" card is a wonderful gesture, and one that will guarantee that person will help you out if needed in the future.  You might also offer to send the person a copy of the project after it has been completed.  Do not, however, send a copy before it has been submitted.  Asking interview subjects to "proof" your writing before it is submitted is not only inappropriate, it can be unethical and can make the process more complicated than need be.

Conducting interviews can be fun, a great learning experience, and will make your writing projects a lot deeper and informative.  While interviewing is a skill that takes a lot of practice to perfect, most interview subjects are happy to work with beginners as long as they are polite and well prepared.  Next time you need a little additional information for a report or article, why not make the leap and conduct an interview?  Used properly, interview quotations will take your writing to the next level of success.