Writing 101

Now that we're up-and-running, Susan and I thought this would be a good time to let you know some of the topics The Pragmatic Writer will be addressing over the next few weeks.

First up, what it takes to turn a passion into a career. We can't all write the great American -- or Canadian -- novel but we can find ways to capitalize on our published works by getting out there, getting noticed and, most importantly, getting paid.

We want to talk about setting realistic goals and how to achieve them, how to find the time and the space every writer needs, and how to develop the additional skills that will make you and your writing more marketable.

Like successful editing, with tips on: how to assess and improve your own work; how to be a considerate editor when reviewing someone else's, and what you should look for when you're ready to give your work to an outside reader -- be it friend, relative, or a total stranger!

Learning how to play to your strength is a topic which has always intrigued us. Knowing where you excel and where you don't can enchance your personal performance and increase your chances of success. Especially in a collaboration.

Over the years Susan and I have discovered there's a lot more to a successful partnership than great writing and we'd like to share some of our experiences with you. After which, it's down to the nitty-gritty with our take on:

The Query Letter

The Pitch

The Synopsis

And a whole slew of other topics ranging from the difference between writing for children and writing for adults to creating memorable characters, realistic dialogue and how to develop a story your readers won't want to put down!

On that note, I had best get back to work.


f & f Anne