Group Forums >> Writing Workshop >> I can't write an article...can I?

Rate

I can't write an article...can I?

119 Views
15 Replies Flag as inappropriate
Joel_heffner_max50

802 posts

back to top

Posted 2 months ago

 

OK, let's try to get something going. If you would like to write an article...just like to...try this to start.


Pick a broad topic. The topic should be something you really like, something you know very well, or something you'd like to find out about.


For example, you may be an avid gardener, photographer, baker, or whatever.


Once you've picked a topic you should do the really scary part. Tell us what your topic is right here on this message board. That starts your commitment to writing the article. I promise it doesn't hurt to enter your topic. All you do is use that pretty keyboard in front of you.


Do it now! It will only take a few seconds. 


The Story Starter provides 373,067,200 creative ideas for writers.
http://www.thestorystarter.com

Me_max50

193 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Ok Joel:


 


Here goes!  Learning Committees (using the kinder classroom).  What's next?


 

Mike_mtn_max50

457 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

TheAPPLE

Oct0708_adj_max50

775 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Joel, you make it sound easy.  I'm not with you on the easy part, but I would honestly like to move myself ahead.  So here it is:


Experiential Science Learning.


Children are the living messages we will send into a time we will not see. – John W. Whitehead

Joel_heffner_max50

802 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

 Learning Committees


TheApple

Experiential Science Learning

 

Great!

 

Here's the 2nd part...and by far, the most difficult...

 

What specific publication(s) or Web site do you think would contain an article with your subject? Think about what publication(s) YOU read that might use an article on the topic? All 3 are related to education, however, each has a different probable audience. 

 

Incidentally, the easiest part is the actual writing of the article...no kidding. 


The Story Starter provides 373,067,200 creative ideas for writers.
http://www.thestorystarter.com

Me_max50

193 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Whoa!  Give me some time for this one!  I really don't see how writing it would be the easiest part, but I guess that's coming.


Here goes...

Photo_54_max50

1214 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

apple4blea says ...



Whoa!  Give me some time for this one!  I really don't see how writing it would be the easiest part, but I guess that's coming.


Here goes...



As someone who writes and sells his writing, I endorse what Joel says. The writing IS the easy part.


"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."

~~ Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818)

Joel_heffner_max50

802 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

You will find it is much more difficult to find the right publication than writing the article. Remember, writing an article means coming up with an idea, creating an outline, and then filling in the pieces. You can do research to help you fill in the pieces. You can also interview people to help you fill in the pieces. You can also get help in editing what you have written. All of that is do-able and straight forward.


Finding the publication will take a lot more time and effort. Once you find what you think are good fits for your article, you have to check to see what their writer's guidelines are. Usually, you can find the guidelines hidden away on the publication's site. The guidelines will tell you how to contact the publication. Calling them up is usually the best way NEVER to get to write for the publication. Editors hate it when you waste their time on the telephone. Also, it doesn't give them a chance to see if you can write. They usually want you to send a query letter. A query usually is a letter where you submit your idea and explain why you can write the article. Most magazines prefer a query to a complete article because editors frequently want to slant an article in a certain way. The editor will tell you how he/she wants the article. The query is actually a test of your writing ability. If you can't tantalize 'em with the query, they probably won't ask you to write the article. A query is usually only one page long. Incidentally, editors are usually in no hurry to respond to your query. I have waited as long as five months before I got a response! It's a long drawn out process that scares away many a writer. :)


Some publications will work with first time writers. Others will ask for "clips" or samples of your previously published works. If you have something online, you can link to it if you are allowed to write the query via email. Some publications allow for email queries, others only want snail mail. ALWAYS pay attention to what the editor asks of you. In addition to the fact that they know their publication the best, they are also the ones who hire writers.


apple4blea says ...



Whoa!  Give me some time for this one!  I really don't see how writing it would be the easiest part, but I guess that's coming.


Here goes...



The Story Starter provides 373,067,200 creative ideas for writers.
http://www.thestorystarter.com

Me_max50

193 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Joel:


 


You're really scaring me!   Ugh!  I'm still going to go for it!  I'm googling: query letters, publication sites,...


 


What about on-line publication sites, such as Scholastic?  any experience in working with Scholastic or others?

Joel_heffner_max50

802 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

 Scholastic is a gigantic publisher. Here's what they say...http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/offices/index.htm



or Aspiring Authors  Will Scholastic publish my children's book?  Will Scholastic publish my children's book?


Scholastic and most other children's book publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Most works are submitted by literary agents or are created under a contract.


Our Editorial Department suggests that you may want to consult the current issue of the CHILDREN'S WRITER'S AND ILLUSTRATOR'S MARKET. It retails in the $20.00 range and should be available at most public libraries. They feel this book is helpful for aspiring children's writers.  


We wish you success in your writing endeavors and hope this information is helpful.


Is Scholastic interested in my professional manuscript or teaching idea? Is Scholastic interested in my professional manuscript or teaching idea?


We welcome professional manuscript submissions from all educators. Acceptance of proposals is based on originality of ideas, usefulness to educators working in mainstream settings, market need and fit with the directions and goals of Scholastic Professional Books.


To submit a teaching idea please send:


    * A brief description of the idea including the grade range for which it is appropriate.


    * A Table of Contents outlining the development of the book.


    * A sampling of the activities and projects if applicable or sample chapter.


    * Information about you-the author-such as a resume, writing sample, or already published work.


    * Query letters are not necessary. Response will be mailed within twenty four weeks.


    * All submissions should be typed and sent to:


 


Scholastic Manuscript Editor

Scholastic Professional Books

555 Broadway 5th FloorNew York, NY 10012 


 


If you would like to find additional information about submitting a manuscript for teaching ideas, please click here.


 


The Story Starter provides 373,067,200 creative ideas for writers.
http://www.thestorystarter.com

Photo_user_blank_big

5 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

I have many ideas related to the topic of my own interest (education) but when i tried to collect these ideas on paper, i felt difficult that from where to start . Also i feel difficult to relate my ideas (as thease ideas come from practical experiences from school, interaction with students )

Mike_mtn_max50

457 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

I've just gotten to busy to  keep up with this topic.  But I will work on the article on the side.


Looking forward to youur article aple4blea.

Oct0708_adj_max50

775 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Joel, you may be right. Finding the place to publish may be the hardest part.  Most of my problem, though, might just be procrastination.


Children are the living messages we will send into a time we will not see. – John W. Whitehead

April_max50

76 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

The Apple is giving me all the practice I want for delivering ideas and seeing if others understand what I am trying to say!


I plan on producing many articles, research studies and lit. reviews, in the coming years. Thank you Joel for sharing publishing information. For now I will continue practicing expressing my thoughts and ideas with all of you :)


Thank you, to everyone here on The Apple! All of your feedback and support have truely made an impact on my life (my confidence) and continue to give me energy to stay focused on my academic goals and educational passions :) I really mean it! Thank you!


 

Joel_heffner_max50

802 posts

back to top
Rate

Rate This | Posted 2 months ago

 

Procrastination prevents most folks from even getting started. Fear of the unknown prevents many people from doing many things. However, once you make up your mind and want to get your feet wet...finding a place to get published is the most difficult part. The wrting is very easy.


 


sanmccarron says ...



Joel, you may be right. Finding the place to publish may be the hardest part.  Most of my problem, though, might just be procrastination.



The Story Starter provides 373,067,200 creative ideas for writers.
http://www.thestorystarter.com