Annabelle Cleans House - an exercise in writing brevity

Having worked a stint as acquisitions editor for a literary magazine, and then running an independent book publishing house, I am always firm about one piece of advice when asked: "No, it's not a good idea to go over the word count in submission guidelines."

There are many good reasons for word counts, both minimum and maximum, and the first that comes to mind doesn't even stem from the two jobs I mentioned, it comes from years and years of desktop publishing of newsletters for my non-profit clients. When there is a space to be filled, it will more often be filled with good writing that meets the word count, than with outstanding writing that is either too long or too short for the space. It's that simple. No matter how good your writing is. Period.

I recently place a series of very (VERY) short memory/essays with Dead Housekeeping. It's a quirky little online collection of stories that reflect on the way loved ones completed domestic chores or other rituals - sort of an homage to both the people and the times that have passed. The guidelines for these memories ask for 250 word maximum. That is one double spaced page using 12 pt. font. ONE!

If you want to exercise your editing muscles, try writing a few. Then send them off to the site. Here is the link to the about page, with details for submitting. http://www.deadhousekeeping.com/about/
It's all done by a small staff, a labor of love, so if you don't hear anything after a few weeks, don't be afraid to follow up. They were absolutely gracious when I did.

I hope you enjoy reading my memories of Saturday morning chores in my house growing up. If you do, leave a comment at the Dead Housekeeping site.

Judith Liebaert

http://www.deadhousekeeping.com/entries/2017/3/15/annabelle-cleans-house-part-1-bed-bath-hallway

P.S. Remember that old adage about every rule having an exception? Don't be afraid to break the rules sometimes. I had so much fun writing the first one, meeting the challenge of honing my memories onto one page, that I had to write a few more. I then proposed something I hadn't seen on the sight, a three-part series. The publishers agreed, but if they hadn't, each one of the three parts could stand as a single piece.

Why Join a Local Writers' Group?

Why a local writers' group? What's the point anymore?

Some writers might wonder about that, feeling as though, in today's world of social media bringing us Facebook groups, writers' forums, podcasts, newsletters, emails, and a host of other ways to connect, the need to regularly get together in person has become moot. Yet, in the heart of every reclusive independent, introverted writer lies the need for occasional community and a safe place to reveal our untested work, gush about craft, and re-energize with some kind of fuel besides coffee to take us back to the drawing board.

I am part of such a group and never underappreciate the mentorship the St. Croix Writers brings to my development as a writer.

"That's nice for you," you say. "I don't live anywhere near such a group."

If you don't, my heart goes out to you. Stay in those online communities, especially if you find one where you can give and receive feedback on your work. However, don't let it stop there. Try starting a writers' group if you can, even if you can only find one other person to act as your critique partner. Get together weekly if possible, and no less than monthly. Nourish your writer's soul.

If you do have the availability of a group near you, and you've hesitated to check it out, here are ten benefits that can be had by meeting together in real, live person with other writers on a regular (not-only-at-conferences) basis:

1. Helpful Criticism. You will learn how to receive it and also how to offer it graciously. The thicker your skin gets, the more you'll learn about ways to improve your writing.
2. Ideas. You will get new ones without even trying, because no matter how different another writer's work or genre is from yours, they will almost always mention or read something that will switch a lightbulb on over your head.
3. Friends. You will make new ones from every walk of life and find lots to laugh about together. You'll bond with some folks so closely, you'll cry with them as well.
4. Encouragement. You will be surrounded by people cheering you on and pushing you to keep submitting, including giving you ideas for ways and places to seek publication.
5. Brainstorming Sessions. You will find like minds with whom to toss ideas around or to further develop an idea you're working on.
6. Editing & Proofreading. You will occasionally be able to get help with the actual editing of your work, and in that process you will learn more about everything from active voice to plot construction.
7. Audience. A writers' group is beta reader heaven if you want to know how readers will react to a piece. As an added benefit of great importance, you will see more changes you need to make as you read aloud, and you will also become a better orator and presenter of your work.
8. Hard Facts. They will tell you if your piece stinks -- but they'll tell you very nicely -- sometimes so nicely, it might not soak in until later that a piece needs major work, but you'll be grateful you found out before you sent it off to an editor. Your group might even tell you why you shouldn't give up on a piece, no matter how rough it is.
9. Events. If your group has enough regular members, you can host one another's book release parties, mini-conferences, and readings. Your group might bring light to a region where other would-be writers live and are searching for guidance in ways to begin.
10. Snacks. There are always writers who believe in bringing cookies to everything. Don't underestimate the inspiration that comes with a good snack!

If you are looking for ideas to get a writers' group going near you, feel free to leave us a note. We'll try and give you some pointers.

Write on!

Naomi Musch
www.naomimusch.com

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Twitter: NMusch

St. Croix Writers member Naomi Musch writes from the pristine north woods, where she and her husband live as epically as God allows near their five adult children and passel of grandchildren. She has worked as an editor for a small press, a staff writer for an EPA award-winning newspaper, a ghost writer, and has published dozens of magazine and internet articles for the encouragement of homeschooling families and young writers. Naomi currently serves on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Writers' Association. She loves engaging with others and always discovering kernels of a new story. She is available for speaking and book groups. Her ninth novel, The Deepest Sigh will release from Desert Breeze Publishing in August 2017.