Archive for the ‘Article Writing’ Category
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Back in March, I queried the editor at INWH&L for a profile of a local writer. I just got an email from her saying she wants the article but didn’t have space until now. It will be in the August/September issue of the magazine.
The profile is of Jamie Leigh Hansen, an amazing writer and friend who writes paranormal romances that takes place in Spokane. I wrote a nine page profile of Jamie for a class last fall quarter. For this article, I had to decide what I really wanted to say about Jamie and then use only 800 words to do it. It was a very interesting exercise. (My writing teachers would tell you that it’s one I really need to learn.) The original essay touched on many aspects of the author. Her background, her family, her writing, etc. For the article I chose to focus mainly on Jamie as an author and incorporate a little bit about her background since it’s a local magazine and she lives in Spokane. It was super hard to be so concise and still paint a clear picture of my friend. I learned a lot about saying much with fewer words. (My husband would tell you he wishes I could learn how to do that verbally too.)
So, look for the magazine around the end of July. If you are a Journal of Business subscriber, then you’ll automatically get a copy. Otherwise, pick one up at any AAA office or other tourist information places around Spokane. Also, pick up copies of Betrayed and Cursed, the first two books of Jamie’s fabulous trilogy.
Posted in Article Writing, Authors I Admire, Non Fiction Writing, Profiles | Comments »
Monday, December 15th, 2008
Just heard from the editor at Bylines that the new calendar is out, including my contribution to the writer’s insights on the writing life that appear on each weekly page. I’m not sure which page my contribution is on, but here’s what I wrote:
Clark Kent and Me
While his alter-ego used super powers to fight super villains and keep Metropolis safe, Clark Kent wrote for the Daily Planet. My life is the exact opposite of his, well kind of. I’m not a super-hero during the day–I’m a science teacher–but my alter-ego is a writer.
My other personality side is always alert, always a part of me, just like Clark’s was. When I’m calling roll in class, I notice how my students’ names would be great for characters in novels. When my hands are occupied by mundane tasks that frees up my brain, such as folding laundry or washing dishes, I create plot twists for my novels. My dog is used to taking walks with me muttering dialog lines under my breath. During Tuesday night bowling, I make notes of my league members’ expressions of disappointment when the pins don’t fall as they should. It makes for a great library of tough-guy talk or even pirate dialog.
As it was for Clark, this split life is both a curse and a blessing. At times, my projects frustrate me so much; I wish I could stop writing all together. But then, there are moments that make it all worth it. When an editor or agent writes me a nice or supportive rejection letter or my article gets picked up by a magazine. That’s when I feel like I’ve just slain the super-villain and all of Metropolis wants to be my friend.
To get your own copy of Bylines Writers’ Desk Calendar, check out: http://www.bylinescalendar.com/. It’s a perfect gift for any writer on your list.
Happy Holidays!
-Åsa
Posted in Article Writing, Inspiration, Non Fiction Writing, Submissions & Queries | Comments »
Monday, January 28th, 2008
I haven’t been here for a while, mostly because I decided to set up a blog on my own web server rather than using the blogger site. Then I looked at different free blogging software and although they are all great, there’s some work involved with setup and maintenance. So, I decided to just keep this one.
Quick updates:
- The Chad Little article was well received by the magazine editor. She asked me to do another profile on someone I had pitched to her a while back. The new article is almost written and the Chad Little profile will be in print next month.
- I’ve applied to graduate school at EWU’s MFA program in literary non-fiction. Don’t know yet if I got in, but do know that work finally agreed to give me 50% unpaid leave for next year. I didn’t think I could participate in a writing intensive MFA program and work full time.
- I joined Enchanting Reviews as a staff member and is having a blast reading and reviewing books. It isn’t paid, but I get free books. Let me repeat FREE BOOKS. What can be better than that?
- Larry Hippler emailed me to say he’d been on the site and was happy to see I’d mentioned his book. I met him at the PNWA conference where one of his short stories was a finalist in the contest. Check out his book at http://cathedralstreet.net.
Ta-ta for now. I’ll start blogging more often. Not sure if anybody is reading, but I’m enjoying it and that’s what’s important. 
(Moved from my old blog: http://writingvalkyrie.blogspot.com.)
Posted in Article Writing, MFA, When Life Happens | Comments »
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
Actually, I did get paid for another article. It was a book review for a local bookstore’s newsletter. My reward was in used book credit. I spent it right away.
This gig is for a small local magazine and it involves interviewing a former NASCAR driver who grew up in our town. I’ve never written a profile before, so I’m a little scared–but kind of in a good way. I’ve talked to the guy already, but our time was cut short due to his family obligations. We’ll continue tomorrow again. I was really nervous and had tons of questions prepared, but my profile subject was as nice as he could be and it was more like having a chat with someone you’re trying to get to know.
The main obstacle to this whole thing is having a full time job and finding the time to do a phone interview with someone that is in a time zone 3 hours ahead. The solution is that I have to get up super early in the morning and catch my NASCAR guy right when he arrives at work.
So far, this is a fun assignment. I’m not sure that it is healthy learning curve to have my first article comission with a very helpful and nice editor, while interviewing a cheerful easy-going guy. But hey, I’m not complaining–I’m having a blast!
(Moved from my old blog: http://writingvalkyrie.blogspot.com.)
Posted in Article Writing, Firsts, Inspiration, Money | Comments »
