People have told me that I am a talented writer but I am worried about something. I am being asked to write for a national newspaper and magazine, both voluntarily because they’re non-profit, but I am incredibly nervous about this, since I have never had anything I have written published nationally like this. What if I write something really stupid or write it horribly? What humiliation that would be! It would be a wonderful opportunity for me but I am not sure how to proceed with it; to do it, or not to do it. Am I talented enough for this?

What should I do?

[ArthurDent]

Originally Posted by Mr. Venomous

People have told me that I am a talented writer but I am worried about something. I am being asked to write for a national newspaper and magazine, both voluntarily because they’re non-profit, but I am incredibly nervous about this, since I have never had anything I have written published nationally like this. What if I write something really stupid or write it horribly? What humiliation that would be! It would be a wonderful opportunity for me but I am not sure how to proceed with it; to do it, or not to do it. Am I talented enough for this?

What should I do?

I write several business columns for newspapers, Mr V., and my wife syndicates a cooking column. I think you should go for it! Write what you feel or what you know. Use spellcheck, and if you can, get a few people to proof it for grammar and "flow" or read-ability before you submit it. And write for your reader, not at the top of your knowledge. If they are the general public and yours is a very scientific piece, soften it up a bit, ya know?

Anecdotes, stories from personal experience, and simple examples are always good, too.

And as a personal thing that I do...I always end my articles with additional resources for my readers. For example...."If you'd like more information on small business grants, please visit my website at mysite-here.com, or see www.sba.gov".

Hope this gives you some ideas. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

PS. A good proof-reading trick is to read your article backwards from the end to the beginning. You'll catch many misspellings and double words that way.

PSS. Ask them to send you a printed copy of the article/magazine/newsletter. It's called a tearsheet. Like tearing out the page. lol. Then you can reference this writing experience on your resume for jobs, or in other places when you're looking for writing work.

Originally Posted by ArthurDent

I write several business columns for newspapers, Mr V., and my wife syndicates a cooking column. I think you should go for it! Write what you feel or what you know. Use spellcheck, and if you can, get a few people to proof it for grammar and "flow" or read-ability before you submit it. And write for your reader, not at the top of your knowledge. If they are the general public and yours is a very scientific piece, soften it up a bit, ya know?

Anecdotes, stories from personal experience, and simple examples are always good, too.

And as a personal thing that I do...I always end my articles with additional resources for my readers. For example...."If you'd like more information on small business grants, please visit my website at mysite-here.com, or see www.sba.gov".

Hope this gives you some ideas. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

PS. A good proof-reading trick is to read your article backwards from the end to the beginning. You'll catch many misspellings and double words that way.

PSS. Ask them to send you a printed copy of the article/magazine/newsletter. It's called a tearsheet. Like tearing out the page. lol. Then you can reference this writing experience on your resume for jobs, or in other places when you're looking for writing work.

It’s strictly political because both publications are for a political party I am a member of. What scares me the most is writing a stupid article or one with incorrect information, because that would be such a humiliation. Say if I was to write for a business newspaper and I was inexperienced with business still, would I sound really stupid, or what would be your advice on that, when the subject is specific but one that you are still somewhat inexperienced with? And I can reference this on a resume? I didn’t know that.

Thanks for the advice. I might PM you.

[unaluna]

I think publication is like publicity - there's no bad. I am definitely envious of your writing skills. Any party would gain from a well-written article, as would any citizen. Yay you!

An editor will likely have a pore over anything you do and advise or adjust if necessary. Do it! I'd be nervous too, even on a topic I knew insideout/upsidedown.

But...y'gotta do this up V. This stuff is a part of your voice...of you. Interest incites involvement...well it should. This is one of your domains V. Up the ante...that's the point of any pursuit. You'll regret missing this op. May I ask how your interest in politics might have progressed if you hadn't been offered this gig? You'll wind up doing something like this at some point...can't see you dropping this interest or being satisfied with mere observance. What exactly IS the gig? Ooo...yer fortunate...give 'er a shot!

[Maven]

Go for it! Life is short! Trust me, you'll wonder, "What if...?" if you don't.

[ArthurDent]

"Say if I was to write for a business newspaper and I was inexperienced with business still, would I sound really stupid, or what would be your advice on that, when the subject is specific but one that you are still somewhat inexperienced with?"

I'd say, "Write it from the perspective of a new buiness owner, or someone just starting out." The same thing applies to politics...if you're unsure or not very well versed in your topic...write it from the perspective of a beginner...a how-to article like "How you can become an advocate for this party", or title it with a question that you then answer in the article, like "What, exactly, has party x done for you?". Or even a factual column that should be easy to research. How this party came into being in 1776, or Party x legislative milestones in the last decade".

I hope this gives you some ideas.

Or maybe you can arrange to interview someone in the organization, and the article becomes a Q & A format. Easy cheesey, that one

I knew Zaphod akept yez around for something ....you're a good advisor Mr Dent!

Originally Posted by quizzickle

I knew Zaphod akept yez around for something ....you're a good advisor Mr Dent!

Lol...I needed that....and by the way...did we ever figure out the question? 42? WHAT'S THE QUESTION!!??

.....and make sure you don't forget your towel!!!

[ArthurDent]

Originally Posted by quizzickle

I knew Zaphod akept yez around for something ....you're a good advisor Mr Dent!

Thanks Q. I've been watching you. I'll have some tea ready when we get to the restaurant.

[ArthurDent]

Originally Posted by Maranara

Lol...I needed that....and by the way...did we ever figure out the question? 42? WHAT'S THE QUESTION!!??

.....and make sure you don't forget your towel!!!

lol

I'm glad there are a few people here who see the humor in my choice of nicknames and reading material. lololol.

!!!

Originally Posted by ArthurDent

lol

I'm glad there are a few people here who see the humor in my choice of nicknames and reading material. lololol.

Absolutely. I recognized it the instant I saw your name months ago. My favorite substory has to the one of the Great Green Arkelleecher (I know I butchered that) who sneezed out the entire universe and the people are waiting in horror for the Coming of the Great White Handkerchief. Great talent and wit that we lost way too soon.

[roads]

Originally Posted by Mr. Venomous

What scares me the most is writing a stupid article or one with incorrect information, because that would be such a humiliation.

Knowing you from my encounters with you here, I really don't thing you need to worry about stupid product. I mean that--you're thoughtful, grounded in your thinking, and expresses yourself well. Not stupid.

Any time you're writing for publication, it's just good practice to do basic research. At a minimum, if you state something as a fact, cross-check it with a reliable online source or call your Public Library's Ask-a-Librarian service. It's free and usually fast.

Roadie

[Nammu]

Mr V , your writing is good. Writing is an art and there will be those critics out there who will have nothing good to say. No matter how good your writing, no matter how well researched, and even if they agree with your political points will find something negative to say. Don't let those few negative people who are always around stop you from doing something you are good at. From what I have seen here at PC you are your own worse critic, don't listen to that inner critic of yours. It does not have much positive to say. Without constructive critique, criticism is just negative name calling that serves no useful purpose. It is therefore of no value, and you need not heed it.

Those negative people out there often cannot do that which they criticize, so they put down those who can do it. Look how many people here at PC have said your writing is great and now you have been invited to write for 2 papers. They would not have asked if they were not interested and they did not already believe you could do it. Go for it. I know you will write a great article and many will enjoy the pleasure of reading it.

[ArthurDent]

Originally Posted by sidestepper

Mr V , your writing is good. Writing is an art and there will be those critics out there who will have nothing good to say. No matter how good your writing, no matter how well researched, and even if they agree with your political points will find something negative to say. Don't let those few negative people who are always around stop you from doing something you are good at. From what I have seen here at PC you are your own worse critic, don't listen to that inner critic of yours. It does not have much positive to say. Without constructive critique, criticism is just negative name calling that serves no useful purpose. It is therefore of no value, and you need not heed it.

Those negative people out there often cannot do that which they criticize, so they put down those who can do it. Look how many people here at PC have said your writing is great and now you have been invited to write for 2 papers. They would not have asked if they were not interested and they did not already believe you could do it. Go for it. I know you will write a great article and many will enjoy the pleasure of reading it.

I came back this morning to write this exact message. You saved me the work. You are spot on. Thank you.

Mr V. <------- What they said

echo Stepper n' Dent

[enchanted]

Wow thats great totoro try not to worry to much though, they are obviously impressed with your work and thats why they have asked you congradulations

[oceancries]

I honestly think you should take the chance This could be the thing that gets you noticed.

i really hope you take this up.

it's not everyday you'd get an oppotunity like this

what is the artickle meant to be about?

I was told this through an email by the executive (my boss so to speak):

"You're right to doubt your anxiety and think you can do this. If you can write an email to me like that well, [my name], then I think you can write an article. We have lots of editors and proofreaders and [members] to help as well. Take a shot, pick a topic you like, or we can make a suggestion! Its fun to see yourself in writing."

Of course the subject has to be in line with my Party's views, but aside from that, I can choose the subject, since it's all voluntary for a non-profit publication.

I am thinking I will take this opportunity and write articles for the publication. It's exciting to be able to be able to be more active directly like this and it makes me feel like less of a failure (i.e., instead of "I am a failure," I can say, "I am a member of xyz and an official contributor to xyz newspaper.")

This weekend I think I will write an article either on the crisis in the Niger Delta (not news but I don't want to write about something another contributor will beat me to), or about the secession of Azawad in northern Mali (Islamic/Middle Eastern studies and Peace and Conflict studies are my specialty) .

[oceancries]

Congrats on getting this! I hope you enjoy your position in the paper!

[ArthurDent]

Just wait till the first time a woman asks you "What do you do?" and you answer..."I'm a writer"

(just saying from personal experience. lol)

Originally Posted by Mr. Venomous

It’s strictly political because both publications are for a political party I am a member of. What scares me the most is writing a stupid article or one with incorrect information, because that would be such a humiliation. Say if I was to write for a business newspaper and I was inexperienced with business still, would I sound really stupid, or what would be your advice on that, when the subject is specific but one that you are still somewhat inexperienced with? And I can reference this on a resume? I didn’t know that.

Thanks for the advice. I might PM you.

Mr V.

Depends on which team for which you will be pitching. What you seem to be worried about is pretty much, 'standard operating procedure,' for one of the parties. No fact-checkers on their payrolls!

Write!

-Fleeing Bellocq, Mailing Messages from the Mission District

The first article I wrote was published nationally in the paper this month. Unfortunately, it was the smaller of the two, and was placed in the "Letters to the Editor" section, but I don't know how newspapers and editors decide what to publish and how they organize their publications. But I did have an article published…I suppose that's something.