
Things that nearly put me off writing my first novel
femalefirst.co.uk – Monday February 29, 2016

I don't know what the statistics are but I have a feeling that journalists don't automatically make very good fiction writers. It's a different part of the brain. And it's a different business model. When you're a journalist you write a thousand words or so are about someone, somewhere, something else. Very often, no personal opinion required. After a thousand words or so, you get paid. You park that feature and start on the next one. You also have an editor, mostly at the end of an email, saying (hopefully), 'thanks for that - good job'. And (hopefully) your byline will pop up somewhere. Both these are a journalistic equivalent of hearty pats on the back. Reasons to carry on.

What Even Great Writers Do Badly: How to Up Your Game as an Author
huffingtonpost.com – Friday February 26, 2016

Literary agents often get a reputation for being cruel and heartless. It is true that not a one of us has escaped sending out many, many rejection letters. I am sure that there are a few slightly sadistic agents out there, but for the most part, authors, please know that we take no pleasure in saying no to you and your project!

How to Repurpose Your Freelance Writing for Another Publication
blogher.com – Tuesday February 23, 2016

You've written a beautiful piece. You've crafted it perfectly to match the submission guidelines at your favorite publication. You sent it off within the deadline frame. You're feeling good about your chances.
And then you hear nothing. For months. Or you get the dreaded "Thank you for your submission, but we're going in another direction" email.
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