Writers Unbound

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This is my first column for a new topic at 451press.com. I hope you’ll join me each week day for news, interviews and general information about writing.

I’ve worked as an independent journalist for years, and naturally, I have seen many changes in my profession. But these last few years have brought about trends and developments I never envisioned.

Now working writers often use the term “content provider.� The impact of the Internet cannot be understated. Years ago, I never envisioned having 24/7 access to most of what I write for different publications and sites. Now, if an essay or article comes out in Christian Science Monitor or The Florida Times-Union, I can pick up the link and archive that link permanently. This makes it handy for prospecting editors to see my work in a convenient way. Gone are the days of mailing bulky introductory letters and packages with clips. Email is one of the best blessings an independent writer has.

I also do a lot of poetry—my first book was a poetry collection that’s still on the publisher’s list. I’ve learned a lot about this quirky genre and will share some of those experiences in future columns. Who’d have ever thought poetry would be alive, courtesy of former U.S. Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, on youtube.com?

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Collins for The Writer, and I’ve also enjoyed hearing him in person at a reading. In my opinion, no other laureate has done as much for American poetry as Collins. I like the animation for Collins’s poem “The Dead.”

There are a number of resources I depend on, among them, membership in the American Society of Journalists and Authors. I also pay for a subscription to Freelance Success, a network that has truly earned its keep for me. I pay for a listing and subscription at Media Bistro as well. I’ll profile these and other organizations in upcoming columns.

I’ll also include writing prompts and handouts for use by educators or writers. I often speak to classrooms, and I’ve found teachers to be very receptive to new ideas to get those student pens (or keyboards) in motion.

Meanwhile, stop by each day to see what’s up in the writing business. If you have tips or suggestions for columns, please leave a comment here.

Above all, if you’re a writer, keep at it. Perseverance is one of the most valuable qualities a writer can have. (text by Kay B. Day)

Ed. Note: All columns by the previous editor are now archived in the category, “Wildcard,” for your convenience.

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