Helen Gallagher is the author of Blog Power and Social Media Handbook that I featured last week. In this post, she responds to questions about writing:
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?
Time to focus is a growing challenge. Tuning out distractions is easier when I work with deadlines, even self-imposed. I've learned to create separation between writing for an audience and my personal writing for pleasure. I have been blogging since 2004 and find the act of blog writing keeps the writing joints lubricated for turning our work faster.
Time to focus is a growing challenge. Tuning out distractions is easier when I work with deadlines, even self-imposed. I've learned to create separation between writing for an audience and my personal writing for pleasure. I have been blogging since 2004 and find the act of blog writing keeps the writing joints lubricated for turning our work faster.
What feedback have you gotten about your writing?
Just this weekend, I spoke at Chicago-area Mensa's four-day conference, and a person who attended my one-hour session and read my book said it was the most value she got out of the entire conference. She is the rare exception, of course. Most of my feedback mentions 'clarity' as a component of my delivery, both in speaking and writing. People often say I write as though I'm speaking directly to them. That is very nice to hear, and perhaps comes from my consulting background.
Do you collaborate in a critique group with other writers?
No - I'm a true introvert and much prefer to work alone. But I do a great deal of online and in-person networking with writing groups. I believe we have an obligation to support groups that support writers, so I'm as visible as I can be year-round. I did take a half-day writing workshop this summer with Lisa Rosenthal, and sold an essay the next day, so there certainly is value in the group approach.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, what is it?
I save Sunday for personal writing, usually essays, travel pieces or research. The rest of my writing is a time set aside, usually with the laptop and no phone interruptions. I don't write well if my mind is not clear, or if I have other Type-A tasks waiting for my attention. I get them out of the way, and then I write. I go from first to last draft on the computer, and keep good records using Microsoft OneNote for all my research and interviews. Because I'm organized, I keep track of all the threads and ideas I want to develop, and all the potential markets. This gives me a great starting place even if I only have twenty minutes of peaceful time for writing.
Describe the space where you usually write.
My space is in the sun, like a cat. I have a home office, and a wireless Windows 7 laptop that roams with me from room to room, so I follow the light throughout the day. I rarely work at my desk, because bills create bad karma.
What was your motivation and projected audience for Blog Power and Social Media Handbook.
I wrote this book for the men and women who don't want to spend time with social media, but might change their mind if they learn a bit of the history, purpose and benefit. I explain why people should care about this new form of communication, and discuss the likelihood that it will be around for a long time, in some form. The convergence of digital publishing and social media creates exciting opportunities for writers to gain exposure, make money, and stay informed in a fraction of the time required through normal channels.Blog Power and Social Media Handbook is a quick way to get informed and decide how much you wish to participate. I was motivated when I studied how effectively non-profits are using social media, and at the ASJA conference in April. I was stunned to learn editors actually give out assignments via Twitter. Needless to say I dropped my "twitter quitter" mantra, and signed up right there in the conference room. I wasn't able to see Twitter's purpose until I got involved. I now use a browser tool called echofon that delivers Twitter feed so I spend about only about five minutes a day on it but I don't miss anything. For writers in particular, you won't get hired to write for blogs or social media sites if you're not familiar with them.
What other books have you written?
I am also the author of Release Your Writing: Book Publishing Your Way, and of Computer Ease. I'm also a contributor to ASJA's Sixty Candles anthology, Lonely Planet's Travelers Tales series, and to Kelly James-Enger's new book Goodbye Byline: Hello Big Bucks, a powerful book about ghostwriting.
Besides writing, what other activities fill your calendar?
In addition to tech consulting, I spend a lot of time helping clients get their books published and create visibility for higher book sales. I'm in various stages of this process with six clients at the moment. Some need a little help in manuscript formatting, choosing a publisher, or author marketing services. And a few people need all that I offer - so it clearly is a service that fills a need.
Is there something else about yourself that you would like your
readers to know?
I am motivated by the longevity and power of good writing, and encourage other writers to stay focused on their goals. Staying positive is a critical part of success, and I take great enjoyment in helping other people achieve their dreams.
"A book on your desk is a manuscript. A book in print is a dream come true." -- Helen Gallagher
"A book on your desk is a manuscript. A book in print is a dream come true." -- Helen Gallagher
My blogs are:
cclarity.blogspot.com
pajamamarketing.wordpress.com
releaseyourwriting.blogspot.com
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Helen Gallagher
Kerry Lauerman
Joan Walsh
Salon.com
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