Julie A. Gorges

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When I first began attending writing classes and lectures, I always wanted to know how the speaker got started. With that in mind, I will share some of my personal experiences along with writer’s tips. Since I think writing takes commitment like a marriage, I’ll describe the different stages of writing with that thought in mind.

 

By the way, I do not have a college degree and I didn’t know anyone in the writing business to help me get started. So there’s hope for all of you out there like me. That is, if you learn the craft (take writing classes, attend writer’s conferences, read books, etc.), write on a regular basis and never, ever give up. Remember, patience, persistence and perseverance.

 

Okay, let’s get started.

 

THE HONEYMOON PHASE

In a marriage, the honeymoon period is a blissful time; a time of joy, excitement, passion and discovery. Writing is the same way.

 

In 1984, I registered for a writing class. I wrote in my journal, “It’s exciting. I’ve dreamed of becoming a writer. I love it. I might not ever get anything published, but it’s fun to try and at least I’m taking a step in the right direction of fulfilling a dream.” The class was only for six weeks, but when the teacher told us about another class, I signed up. I had discovered my love for writing.

 

In 1986, I finally got up the nerve to send off a manuscript and got my first rejection. Swallowed my pride and sent it to the next magazine. During the next couple of years I finished a two-year correspondence course and even started a novel. However, after a few more rejections I became discouraged. I wasn’t writing much at the time, but I kept submitting my stories to magazines.

 

A month later I was thrilled to hear that my first short story was accepted for publication in a small literary magazine called Lighthouse. The story was published in their July 1990 issue. Later that year, I sold an article I had written for one my college classes to a regional parenting magazine. The following year, I sold an anecdote to Woman’s World – my first national publication.

 

ADVICE: Enjoy this period of optimism and free-flowing creativity as you learn to write.  Of course, passion and excitement aren’t enough.  Schedule time to write on a regular basis and begin submitting your work. Use a copy of Writer’s Market or Literary Marketplace for names, addresses and requirements. Check websites or write for writer’s guidelines and sample issues. Do your homework and study the markets you’re interested in. Then enjoy the thrilling moments of success whatever form it takes.

 

Writing is definitely a rollercoaster ride. When things get tough, as they no doubt will at times, don’t forget the “honeymoon period” that started your love affair with writing. Keep a bulletin board with clippings, acceptance letters and even encouraging rejection letters to help you remember early accomplishments.

 

THE MARRIAGE

The honeymoon period inevitably ends and the day-to-day life as a writer begins. As with marriage, the writing life has its ups and downs.

After the excitement of being published a few times, I hit a dry spell during the next two years. By 1992 I didn’t know how many more rejections slips I could stand. Things finally changed later that year when I was notified that a short story about a teenage girl abused by her boyfriend was going to be published in the March 1993 issue of True Romance.

In May of that same year, my sons’ elementary school was looking for a new editor for their school newspaper, The Sunshine News. I volunteered for the position and felt excited and overwhelmed at the same time. I had eight students on staff and taught an after school journalism class.

I had five articles published in 1994 and was encouraged. I bought a used computer, learned WordPerfect, purchased a four-drawer file cabinet and got organized. A year later, I decided to write full-time.

Although my work was being published more than ever before, it was not near enough to provide a living. It was different when writing was just a hobby. It was a thrill just to get published. But as a business, writing proved to be frustrating. I was forced to temp as a receptionist at a hotel chain to make ends meet – a job I hated. Some days were spent crying in frustration and I swore off writing – not for the first or last time – but again I didn’t give up.

The following year, things turned around. I started a small desktop publishing business, several more of my articles were published, a literary agent agreed to represent my first novel and the publisher of a well-known children’s magazine asked if I’d be interested in an editor’s job (for various reasons I declined, but what an ego booster!).

ADVICE: The publishing world can be frustrating. Some editors don’t answer queries. Smaller magazines pay on publication, not acceptance, which often means waiting months or even a year for payment. A few editors hold articles for possible publication for months then send a standard rejection letter without explanation. And regardless of how many times a writer publishes, rejection letters are part of the business. If you allow these setbacks to discourage you to the point of quitting, you’ll never experience the rewards that may be just around the corner.

 

As I learned the hard way, don’t quit your daytime job before you have a steady income. On the other hand, be prepared not to give up and “divorce” yourself from writing at the first sign of trouble.

 

FIRST BABY

Writing a book has often been compared to giving birth for good reasons. The labor process brings joy and pain in both cases. Taking care of a baby and writing a book requires time, energy, dedication, commitment and sacrifices. A child, as well as a book, reflects your personality, beliefs, values, and humor.

In 1996, we moved to Puyallup, Washington. My agent was still trying to find a publisher for my first novel. I received both encouraging (“I am sincere when I say that I believe Julie is a talented story teller, and I found all her characters to be distinct and likable, however….”) and critical (“I found some of the dialog rather stilted”) rejection letters. Now I knew what it felt like to have a novel reviewed. Not easy!

Meanwhile, I began sending a proposal for a non-fiction book about building energy efficient steel homes to book publishers. McGraw Hill called and said they were interested. In April 1997, my co-author and I finally received final approval for the contract, received a $5000.00 advance and a six-month deadline. The work was overwhelming, but we did it.

ADVICE: Just as a parent, you cannot and should not hold anything back. However, because you put so much of yourself into a book, the pain of rejection is far greater than with a short story or article. This is a good time to develop a thick skin. Pay attention when an editor takes time to point out flaws instead of sending a standard rejection letter. Editors aren’t always right, but don’t automatically assume they’re wrong either, especially if more than one notes a particular weakness.

As with a child, be patient and don’t give up on this long and arduous, but in the end, satisfying journey. And remember, you may chafe when a teacher comments on ways your child can improve at school, but you do well to listen. The same applies to writing.

 

SPICING UP THE MARRIAGE

Just like a couple in a marriage, a writer can get in a rut. Although developing a niche is a good idea, don’t be afraid to try new things.

While waiting for my non-fiction book to be published, I needed a steady income and applied for a job as a reporter at a small town newspaper. When the editor called me for an interview, I was scared silly since I didn’t have any newspaper experience. However, tackling my fears led to many benefits. The bulk of writing and tighter deadlines improved my writing. The comradeship with fellow reporters, the challenge of working in the newsroom, and the interesting people I met were all wonderful experiences.

 

ADVICE: Rewarding experiences often result when you face your fears. If you feel ambivalent about writing, maybe it’s time to try something different. As in a marriage, change can be exciting and refreshing.

 

To give you another example, after writing short stories and magazine articles primarily for children and parenting magazines, I changed courses and began writing articles about a steel and insulated block building system for construction magazines. These articles paid well and, as mentioned before, eventually led to the publication of a non-fiction book on the same subject. Always be on the look out for new challenges.

 

SETTLING INTO MARRIAGE FOR THE LONG HAUL

If you are truly a writer, even with all the ups and downs, rejections, self-doubts and occasional spurts with writer’s block, the relationship with words is a permanent one. If you are truly a writer, you’ll always return to your true love.

Something I’ve learned recently: In a marriage, your home should be an appealing place of serenity and beauty. My office, which has been only functional in the past, is decorated beautifully and has proven to be an inspiration. Sure, you can write at the kitchen table, but this place invites me to come in and enjoy the simple satisfaction and joy of writing. Even if you only have a corner of a room, make it a pleasant and comfortable space.

 

ADVICE: As with a marriage, over the years you learn what works and what doesn’t. With time you learn to become a better spouse and the same holds true for a writer. After years of writing mostly non-fiction I’m now concentrating on my first love: writing fiction for young adults. I’m rediscovering the joy of writing all over again. Call it my second honeymoon.

A long and successful marriage brings satisfaction, contentment and joy and so can writing if you make the commitment and don’t give up easily.

On Writing