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Book Review and Recommendation: ‘After the Workshop’ by John McNally

Feb 23

Posted by Rocky Cole in Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Writing 101 | No Comments

After the Workshop by John McNally

After the Workshop by John McNally

I was a media escort.

With those five words, John McNally begins his fictional biography of Jack Hercules Sheahan, a once promising graduate of “The famous Iowa Writers Workshop”, who is suffering one of the greatest bouts of writers-block and underachievement to come out of The Workshop since its founding in 1939. For those of us blessed (or cursed) with the need to write, the travails of Jack Hercules Sheahan will be, if not memories, then nightmares and fears that keep us up at night. Jack, who had his story, “The Self-Adhesive Postage Stamp”,  published in The New Yorker prior to graduation and also selected for The Best American Short Stories, has not written one word on his post-MFA novel in ten years. (Now that is an impressive block even by my standards.) Jack, who still lives in Iowa City in a small Victorian apartment near the campus has survived by escorting authors around Iowa on book tours. The media escort, as Jack describes it, is the lowest rung of the publishing industry. Through Jack we get a glimpse of the crazies called writers.

John McNally knows of which he speaks, having been a media escort himself and also holding an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop. But McNally, unlike his fictional protagonist, has several critically acclaimed works to his credit, including, America’s report Card (2006) and The Book of Ralph (2004). The travails of Jack Sheahan will resonate with people drawn to writing, and especially to anyone who has even contemplated an MFA in writing. Iowa City is definitely an odd place at times (I’ve been there), and Jack’s adventures in trying to locate a missing writer he is escorting who may have gone over the edge, his encounter with a best-selling author who has been hiding out for ten years and may have caused Jack’s writers-block, are as humorous as his dealings with his perpetually nude neighbor, M. Cat during a raging Iowa blizzard.

McNally knocked one out of the park with this one, and I could not put the book down. I found myself snickering as I read because Jack is the everyman-writer, and there but for the grace of the Goddess, go I.

The book was originally due for release on the first of March, but you can get your hands on it now through most online booksellers or through the publisher.

There is no plan B

Feb 11

Posted by Rocky Cole in Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Writing 101, Writing Craft | No Comments

Anne Perry

Anne Perry

Recently I have been reading Anne Perry’s early books and trying to discern the secrets of her popularity and longevity as a writer. Perry published her first Victorian detective novel when she was 39 years old and has since published more than 50 books. The amazing thing is that not one of her books has ever been out of print and she has sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide. By any standard Anne Perry is a success as a writer.

As far as popularity, I would venture that her books appeal to readers because they provide interesting characters people care about and there is always a satisfactory conclusion to her tales. Her stories have beginnings, middles, and endings, and that is surprisingly rare for novels these days. She knows how to craft mysteries and has a knack for evocation of place and character.

But how did she begin as a writer? In a recent interview, Perry was asked about her career and coming to writing fairly late in life. She explained that her first novel, The Cater Street Hangman, was published in 1979 when she was 39. “… it took a long time,” she said. When asked how she stayed motivated, she replied with what I think is the key to becoming a published author.

“There was no plan B. If you’ve got an alternative, it’s easy to give up; but if you haven’t, there’s no plan to fall back on. When I want something, I want it very much.”

I have heard this advice from other writers and I have found that it is true in my own case as well. When you begin to treat writing as your job and not just your quiet hobby, you can make a quantum leap forward as a writer. A writer I know who teaches at various MFA programs and writing conferences around the country told me that some of the most talented writers he has taught simply gave up. “It is not the most talented that always succeed,” he explained, “but the ones that refuse to stop writing and know how to finish things… The ones that trust the process and are trying to produce good writing rather than achieve success are the ones that find success.”

Commit to your writing and take yourself seriously. Finish what you begin and then start something else. Do this and you will find your path as a writer.

More information on writing and books on writing can be found at our bookstore tab and at www.creative-writing-mfa.org.

Should You Apply for an MFA Program in Creative Writing?

Nov 27

Posted by Rocky Cole in Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Writing 101, Writing Craft | No Comments

Blog: Should You Apply for a MFA Program in Creative Writing?
Here’s the scenario: You have always wanted to become a writer and have considered getting a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing but aren’t sure if you want to invest the time and money.
The question: Should I apply for an MFA program in creative writing?
The answer: It depends.
Instead of leaving it there, let’s examine this in detail and see if we can work through a process for making a good decision about whether or not an MFA program is right for you.
Creative writing (both fiction and creative non-fiction) is something that many of us want to do well, and if we can get paid for it, so much the better. While an MFA in creative writing is not required for success as a writer, focused study of the art and craft of writing will help most people. Of course, as I write this, there is a minority of writers – some with MFAs – who will say that an MFA program will hurt certain writers and detrimentally alter their specific style or creative uniqueness. While that may be true in a few cases, as a rule, most of us would benefit from focused training and awareness of writing that will come as part of an MFA program. An MFA program is a big investment in time (2-5 years depending on full or part-time attendance, and whether it is a traditional or low-residence program), and in money (from $15,000 – $35,000 for most programs).
In order to figure out if an MFA program is right for you, you have to seriously consider what your ultimate goal as a writer is. For example, an MFA in creative writing will benefit almost any writer in five ways:
1. It will make you feel like a writer and identify yourself as a writer. (This may actually be the most important thing an MFA program can do for a writer.)
2. You will have time to write, and you will in fact have external and internal deadlines imposed on you – you will have to produce material.
3. You will learn to give and receive well thought out criticism of a piece of poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction (depending on your program orientation).
4. Your writing will improve – if you work at it – because you will focus on improving your skill as a writer and will receive continuous, close feedback on how you are crafting specific work.
5. You will likely make some contacts through the program that may help you in submitting polished work, and, if this is your objective, finding employment in teaching or publishing.
Thus, most MFA programs will improve your writing and will give you a “terminal degree” that will allow you to either teach creative writing or work in publishing. A terminal degree means that the MFA is the accepted top-degree in the field of “creative writing”, and is the degree you need to teach at the college and university level. While there are a number of programs offering Ph.Ds in creative writing, the MFA is the mainstay and you don’t need a doctorate to teach or find employment.
All of the above are good things, and I would not want to talk anyone out of going down the MFA route if that is what they want, but if your goal in not academia or publishing work, then an MFA may not be the right route for you. There are as many (or more) successful writers without MFAs as there are with MFAs. Now, let’s examine some other routes to improving your writing that do not result in MFA degrees.
First, you have to examine where your specific level of writing is at, and what your weaknesses are. This critical self assessment will allow you to work to find training and mentorship outside of an MFA program to improve your skills. Options to improve your writing are many, but a few are:
Reading books on craft.
Attending short workshops and classes (either online or in person).
Attending a course in writing (this can be at a local college, community center, or a writing center.)
Finding a mentor who is a more experienced writer or an editor.
Joining or forming a critique group (this can be online or in person).
Write a lot and try and improve with each piece you write.
Let’s face it, MFA programs are expensive and they take time. But for some, they offer the structure and the time needed to improve your writing and reach your goals. However, if you have a modicum of self-discipline and the internal fortitude to critically assess your weaknesses, you can design a program of seminars, conferences, and classes to make similar improvements that you would in an MFA program.
Graduation from an MFA program does not guarantee success, but no creative endeavors does. An MFA program (and I caveat this with saying, a “good MFA program”) will offer a pre-packaged path to improve your writing and gain the confidence and contacts to get you started as a writer. That said, in the end, you still have to sit down and write. An MFA program won’t do this for you. You have to get your butt in the chair and put words down on paper or up on your computer screen.
In the end, the decision on attending an MFA program or working on your own to improve your writing is a very individual one. Every writers situation will be different. However, with some focused thought and self-analysis, you can make the decision that is right for you. If you found this article helpful or would like to hear more on this topic, let me know at info@colewriting.com.

writing_entry

Check out our Bookstore tab for some recommended books on writing.

More great writing ideas are also at www.creative-writing-mfa.org.

Here’s the scenario: You have always wanted to become a writer and have considered getting a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing but aren’t sure if you want to invest the time and money.

The question: Should I apply for an MFA program in creative writing?

The answer: It depends.

Instead of leaving it there, let’s examine this in detail and see if we can work through a process for making a good decision about whether or not an MFA program is right for you.

Creative writing (both fiction and creative non-fiction) is something that many of us want to do well, and if we can get paid for it, so much the better. While an MFA in creative writing is not required for success as a writer, focused study of the art and craft of writing will help most people. Of course, as I write this, there is a minority of writers – some with MFAs – who will say that an MFA program will hurt certain writers and detrimentally alter their specific style or creative uniqueness. While that may be true in a few cases, as a rule, most of us would benefit from focused training and awareness of writing that will come as part of an MFA program. An MFA program is a big investment in time (2-5 years depending on full or part-time attendance, and whether it is a traditional or low-residence program), and in money (from $15,000 – $35,000 for most programs).

In order to figure out if an MFA program is right for you, you have to seriously consider what your ultimate goal as a writer is. For example, an MFA in creative writing will benefit almost any writer in five ways:

1. It will make you feel like a writer and identify yourself as a writer. (This may actually be the most important thing an MFA program can do for a writer.)

2. You will have time to write, and you will in fact have external and internal deadlines imposed on you – you will have to produce material.

3. You will learn to give and receive well thought out criticism of a piece of poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction (depending on your program orientation).

4. Your writing will improve – if you work at it – because you will focus on improving your skill as a writer and will receive continuous, close feedback on how you are crafting specific work.

5. You will likely make some contacts through the program that may help you in submitting polished work, and, if this is your objective, finding employment in teaching or publishing.

Thus, most MFA programs will improve your writing and will give you a “terminal degree” that will allow you to either teach creative writing or work in publishing. A terminal degree means that the MFA is the accepted top-degree in the field of “creative writing”, and is the degree you need to teach at the college and university level. While there are a number of programs offering Ph.Ds in creative writing, the MFA is the mainstay and you don’t need a doctorate to teach or find employment.

All of the above are good things, and I would not want to talk anyone out of going down the MFA route if that is what they want, but if your goal in not academia or publishing work, then an MFA may not be the right route for you. There are as many (or more) successful writers without MFAs as there are with MFAs. Now, let’s examine some other routes to improving your writing that do not result in MFA degrees.

First, you have to examine critically, and as objectively as possible, where your specific level of writing is at, and what your weaknesses are. This critical self-assessment will allow you to work to find training and mentorship outside of an MFA program to improve your skills. Options to improve your writing are many, but a few are:

  • Reading books on craft.
  • Attending short workshops and classes (either online or in person).
  • Attending a course in writing (this can be at a local college, community center, or a writing center.)
  • Finding a mentor who is a more experienced writer or an editor.
  • Joining or forming a critique group (this can be online or in person).
  • Write a lot and try and improve with each piece you write.

Let’s face it, MFA programs are expensive and they take time. But for some, they offer the structure and the time needed to improve your writing and reach your goals. However, if you have a modicum of self-discipline and the internal fortitude to critically assess your weaknesses, you can design a program of seminars, conferences, and classes to make similar improvements that you would in an MFA program.

Graduation from an MFA program does not guarantee success, but no creative endeavors does. An MFA program (and I caveat this with saying, a “good MFA program”) will offer a pre-travelled path to improve your writing and gain the confidence and contacts to get you started as a writer. That said, in the end, you still have to sit down and write. An MFA program won’t do this for you. You have to get your butt in the chair and put words down on paper or up on your computer screen.

In the end, the decision on attending an MFA program or working on your own to improve your writing is a very individual one. Every writers situation will be different. However, with some focused thought and self-analysis, you can make the decision that is right for you. If you found this article helpful or would like to hear more on this topic, let me know at info@colewriting.com.

How to Write original Content in Articles and Blogs

Nov 13

Posted by Rocky Cole in Freelance Writing, Non-Fiction Writing, Writing 101, Writing Craft | No Comments

silhouette of writer thinking
When you start to closely examine both print and electronic periodicals, it becomes apparent rather quickly that there is a lot of repetition in the material being published. It’s not plagerism, but the way the professional, commercial writing world works. What often happens is that a writer will come up with an original idea and will write a good piece and then numerous other writers will see that first piece and then have and “ah-ha” moment and work up a similar piece, often taking a slightly different angle or attempting to put their particular spin on the first writer’s idea.

Now there is nothing wrong with this per-se, but wouldn’t it be better to be the writer who comes up with the first, original idea? Of course it would, and if you can consistently be that original writer, then publishers and editors will start coming to you rather than vice-versus. Now being that original, highly sought first writer is an enviable position to be in, and the goal of every writer who wants to work consistently.

Here are three tips for writing original content for articles and blogs:

1. Come up with a good question and then seek to answer it. In other words, this is in opposition to the adage, “Write what you know.” You could frame this as “Write what you want to know.”

For example, “What is the benefit of funding a manned mission to Mars?” I’m not an expert on space exploration, but I do recall that there were many every-day benefits and things we use every day that came from the race to the moon. I could explore the history of those developments and then see what a new “Mars Race” might engender.

2. Come up with an intriguing headline and then seek to write around it.

In fact, if you don’t have time to write a story or do much research, just brainstorm some good headlines. Such as, “Race to Mars Brings Benefits to All”, or, “The Moon Brought us Saran-Wrap, What Will Mars Bring?”. I know that often I will come up with a headline and as I write the story I will discover new information that will fundamentaly change the piece I am writing. That is to be expected, even relished. It is a key part of the creative process.

3. Begin without doing much research – just write.

If you are going for original content or a new and unique perspective, then begin without coloring your view with someone else’s ideas. Once you have a premise and an angle that you are writing from, by all means go back and fill in blanks and change things based on subsequent research, but at the start, draft a framework based on your own thoughts and ideas. What we are trying to do here is come up with an original piece of content that reflects “your” unique writing style, voice, and perspective. If you immerse yourself too much in the words and thoughts of another writer up front, you tend to sound (or read) too much like the other writer.

Whether you are writing about yoga, politics, child-care, or the latest developments in neuroscience, you can craft original content by starting with your unique view of the world and then moving out from there. How would “you” say it. That is always an original place to begin.

If you want to bounce a writing idea off of me free of charge contact me at rocky.l.cole@gmail.com. I enjoy working with new writers and offering advice – be it sage or not-so sage.

Establishing a Successful Freelance Writing Practice in Five Steps

Oct 28

Posted by Rocky Cole in Freelance Writing, Productivity, Writing Craft | No Comments

WomanLaptop-main_FullWriting is something that is more than just a job for some of us… it is more of a calling. It has also been defined as a “craft”, meaning that there is a set of skills that can be learned and practiced. While this is true to an extent, the “art” of writing is more subtle and difficult to define. It is hard to put a finger on the specific qualities that make someone a great writer. Laying that hard-to-define something aside for a moment, here are some more tangible steps that will allow a writer to work more effectively and establish a successful freelance writing practice:

1. Before you begin, define what a successful freelance writing career will look like for you. Will you consider yourself a success if you are writing commercial copy, magazine articles, technical papers, books… or will success for you be paying the bills and earning a living? The measure of success will be different for each of us.

2. Write a business plan. Don’t be scared off by the term “business plan”. This plan can be loose and brief, but should include what you are doing to establish your writing space, market your services, and get your first clips as a writer. I’d also add a section on what you plan to do to continue your development as a writer.

3. Find a mentor. This can be done before you write the plan or after, but if you can find a mentor who is a freelance writer you can avoid some of the pitfalls every new freelance writer will come up against. I did this and it saved me a lot of time and wasted effort because I did not have to reinvent everything or learn freelance writing lessons the hard way.

4. Learn to write a great query and to apply for assignments. Queries are the bread and butter of freelancing, especially when you are starting out and do not have clips and samples of your published work. When you are first starting out queries seem intimidating, but you know what? The more you do the easier they get. Don’t get overwhelmed with the thought of writing a query. Do them one at a time and put in the research and work to refine your first query to make it as strong as it can be. Make sure it is perfectly tailored for the publication you are querying. Submit it, and then move on to the next one. And save every query – you will be able to use each one as a model. In other words, go for quality in queries not quantity.

5. When you land your first assignment focus all your energy to writing the best piece you have ever written and deliver it early to your customer. Exceed their expectation. Then, keep sending out queries and marketing yourself. As word spreads about your work – and it will – you want the word on you to be that you deliver on time and exceed expectations.

Freelance writing is a “practice” and a writer should always be developing their skills and tools and seeking to expand their repertoire of abilities. Trust yourself as a writer and keep setting goals to develop as a writer and you can have a long and successful career.