Positive Thinking works

You may remember me talking about Simon Whaley's new book The Positively Productive Writer that was published a couple of weeks ago.

Having now read it twice, cover to cover, and taken on board the advice it contains, I have to say that thinking positively about your writing really works. Take this as an example of why; I'm just getting over a particularly annoying bout of bronchitis and was feeling understandably low. I'm not the best at being ill as I don't like sitting around being unable to get what I need to get done!

 I'd come to a standstill in my quest to branch out into new markets with my articles, but Simon's words kept running through my head and so I decided to just go for it and pitch away.

Imagine my surprise, when less than a day later, one of my pitches was accepted by a magazine I've not written for, or pitched to before!  So what have I learnt  from this? That thinking that I can do it means I did do it and I had a positive outcome which means I'm more productive as a result! I've also sent out several other pitches to magazines I've not approached before, so we'll wait and see what happens there too.

Of course, not all editors are able to respond that quickly and writing pitches and waiting for replies does usually take time. Writing, in many ways, is as much a game of patience as it is talent, determination and hard work. So if you don't get through the first time, I'd definitely advise to keep going - it works for me! Don't be afraid to approach new markets. I was fully prepared for my pitch to be rejected as this is what usually happens - but, on this occasion, it didn't. It's well worth trying and persevering.

I think what helped me was that I not only gave them the pitch but I also gave them a mini biography of my writing experiences to date as well as some of my related qualifications and experiences to show I had the experience and knowledge to write about the subject I pitched. Even if you don't have relevant qualifications you will have some experience, or know someone who has the experience and information you require for your article and it's important to let the editor know our credentials. It might mean the difference between an acceptance or rejection. You have to show the editor that you mean business and can deliver what they want. This particular editor doesn't know me from the hundreds of other free lance writers out there who send in pitches to them every week so it was up to me to show them what I could do. I'm looking forward to writing the article!

I hope your challenge is going well and you are falling in love with your writing again throughout the month of February. I know I am -which is a good thing, seeing as I have a few commissioned articles on the go at the moment!

Good luck and happy writing

Julie xx