Writing, learning....and, Some Good News!

I am learning a lot about being a freelance writer.

For one thing, freelancing is a damn lonely job. I spend every day here at my computer, writing and reading, writing and emailing, writing and researching, and writing some more. Except for Beka the wonder dog, who breaks the routine for a pat on the head once in a while, I sit here, alone, and write....and, I do it every single day of the week.

Another thing I am learning is that freelance writing is often a discouraging job. As a writer, I care about things I write about. I believe my idea is a show stopping, earth shattering, ground breaking story. Apparently the average magazine editor does not see it that way. They just see it as another of an endless stream of emails they have to weed through every day. So, when I email and tell an editor that I am the perfect writer for this incredible story that the editor should pay me to write.....sometimes, no wait, many times, the editor does not even reply. No "thanks," no "no thanks", no nothing. Sure, it is tough, not hearing "boo" when you pitch a story and, to a newbie freelance writer, it happens a lot. You just have to get over it, try not to take it personally, and move on.

But, when they do respond and when they respond with those magical words...."JB, we would really like to publish your powerful story"...it is an amazing feeling.

Somebody out there LOVES my writing!!!!

I got word this morning that Common Ties will published my latest story on their website. "Ernie's Grandmother's Precious Gift" is a story about the Italian sweet peppers that I grow in my garden every summer. The seeds were handed down by my wife's great grandfather. This is a feel good story that spans 5 generations.

Common Ties is a really neat site. Inspired by the work of three amazing storytellers, John Stienbeck, Charles Kuralt and Studs Turkel, Common Ties lets real people tell real stories about real things that happen in their real lives. My story will be in their story blog section next week.

www.commonties.com

JB