What, what, what?

What’s “Flash Fiction”?  What’s “WON”?

Flash Fiction is a very short story.  It can be any length you like (but probably shouldn’t be more than 1000 words).  If you can write a 200 word short, go for it!

WON stands for Write On, Networkers! (a group I started on Linkedin.com).  You must be a linkedin member (it is free to join) and then you must apply to join my group here.

OK, so now that we all are on the same page, I want you all to join in on my contest!  I am offering a small prize to the winner, especially created for them.

This is a great chance for you to try your wings as a writer!  WON is a very safe place to share your work.  The members there all agree that writers should write and continue to write, no matter what their current skill level is.

So, come over, join WON and write away!

Image by Darrren Hester via Flickr

Writing is fun.  I think many can agree with me on that.  The problem is that most people have a 9-5 job, family obligations and other hobbies (if not a second job).  So, who has the time to write?

Writing doesn’t have to be a time consuming process.  There is nothing wrong with simply writing 20 minutes each day.  You’d be surprised how much you can get done in that time period.

Start with a short story.  Give yourself a deadline of one week to write a 500 word story.  Make a point of only spending 20 minutes a day for one week and see if you can finish it.

You may surprise yourself and complete it in a few days.  If it takes two weeks, extend your deadline (shh, it will be our secret).

Once you’ve written a few of these, go for a longer story.  By this time you may be able to find more time in your day to write.

Make sure to share your stories with people.  Email friends and ask if they might like to read one.  Create a blog and post them there (and then invite folks to read it).  Offer to share your stories with other bloggers or writing groups.

If you’re more interested in non-fiction, you can apply the same concept.  Start with a short 500 word article on any subject and submit it to one of the many sites that welcome articles from new writers.  It is easiest to write about subjects that you already know about (otherwise research takes time).

Wherever your interest lies, the important thing is that you write and write.  Try to write every day and let me know how it goes!

Image by graciepoo via Flickr

I watched him jog past as I bagged two oranges for Mrs. Murdock. Try as I might, I couldn’t stop my heart from beating faster. He had the most amazing form as he pulled that little two wheeled contraption behind him. I could watch him all day.

“That’s a fine rickshaw Stephen has,” Mrs. Murdock said with a knowing grin. For a little old lady she sure was observant. Annoyingly so.

“Yes, it is,” I said casually.

She handed me a twenty. I pulled out a wad of bills to count out the nineteen dollars in change.

“Oh, no dear,” Mrs. Murdock said. “That’s a tip for you. Just about enough for a ride, don’t you think?”

I blushed. Mrs. Murdock giggled. “What a delightful shade of crimson, Angela!”

I thanked her as a young mother with a wriggling three year old daughter in her arms walked up. The little girl was trying to touch the apples.

“Would you like one?” I looked back at the Mom for belated approval and she nodded gratefully.

“Yes!” the girl squealed as she flung her body full force down toward the pyramid of red Delicious apples.

Her mother apparently hadn’t been expecting that move. Apples spilled everywhere as we tried to stop them all from tumbling down. It was no use, they were all over.

The little girl looked so miserable, so I pulled out a crate and asked, “Will you help me put them in this box?” She brightened up immediately and her mom beamed at me.

We quickly had an efficient assembly line. I sat cross legged in front of the crate. The mom handed the apples to the girl, who handed each apple to me. We only had a few dozen left when she suddenly stopped. “No, that’s my job!” she shrieked angrily to someone behind me.

I turned around and looked up to see Stephen trying to hand me an apple. He grinned and handed it to the girl instead, who promptly handed it to me. Pacified she continued handing me more apples.

“Looks like you have things under control,” Stephen said, turning to leave.

I shook my head. “No! Not in the least!” I couldn’t have been more sincere.

Stephen laughed and said, “Damsel in distress?”

I nodded vigorously. “In desperate need of a rickshaw ride.”

“My favorite kind,” he said.

THE END

Note: This was a story I recently wrote for an online contest.  The game was to use the words, “rickshaw”, “crimson”and “sincere” in a story of 400 words or less. 

Image by Michael Batfish via Flickr

I talk to a lot of writers who don’t tell anyone that they write.  They would love to be a ghostwriter (write novels for others), but don’t know where to start.

It starts with simply telling people, “Did you know that I am a writer?”

Who do you tell?  Everyone!  Certainly tell your friends and family.  But really you need to let many people know that you can help them with their novels, articles or whatever they may need.

Yes, this article will be bleeding into sales tips.  That is because as a freelance writer you are a salesperson too.  Yes, you are.  Yes.  Yes.  (You can keep saying “No”, but you are if you’re self-employed without a sales staff)

So, with that in mind, how can anyone hire you if you’re sitting there thinking how nice it would be to write, but aren’t actually telling anyone that you’re a writer?

Let’s take this step by step.  Since you are a writer, you probably don’t mind email.  Try just emailing 10 people every day and letting them know that you are a writer.  Don’t make it a sales pitch, just write to 10 people and mention it.  You can ask if they know of anyone who needs a ghostwriter.

Of course you should promote that you’re a freelance writer on your social networking profiles.  Make sure to note your areas of expertise.

If you like to talk to people face to face, work on mentioning it to the next 10 people you see today.  Of course you don’t want to let it interfere with your primary work (if you are a paid employee), but if you’re dropping off your dry cleaning, mention it to the owner of the shop.  You never know.

You’ll find that many people out there are looking for help with writing.  Can they all afford to pay you?  No, but some can.

Just start telling people!  Today.  Practice saying, “I’m a writer!” and then let me know how it goes.

Is it possible to be too encouraging to writers?

I recently got into a debate with someone about this.  She felt there were way too many writers in the world without talent.  Her solution was to critique them out of existence.  Her reasoning was that if you encourage them, they might quit their jobs in search of the fame and glory of becoming a published author. 

I of course shot her theory down.  

I’m not suggesting that anyone quit their job to write their first novel.  No, that wouldn’t make a lot of sense.  You do need to maintain your current income while you hone your writing skills.

My point is simply that our society will only benefit if people are allowed to let their creative juices flow.  Every writer must start somewhere and work to improve on a regular basis.  There is no harm in having a world full of writers.  We will all benefit from it.

There can never be too many writers.

If you have people in your life that are discouraging you from writing, ignore them.  Find new friends.  Keep writing and writing.

One of the best first steps is to enter writing contests.  You will have a deadline and if you’re anything like me, your adrenaline will start pumping at the thought of winning.

Whatever you do, don’t give up on your writing goals and dreams.  Write as often as you can and encourage others to do the same.