National Travel Writing Month: Next Challenge: April 2009
06. Mar, 2009 
5 Comments
Sometimes I get emails from people who’d like to be a writer. My advice, and probably the advice of any writer is this: If you want to be a writer, then write. It doesn’t really matter about what, you’ll have to battle it out like the rest of us– over many years. Might as well get started now.
But this isn’t entirely true. If you want to be a published writer, you need to write, yes, but almost as importantly, you need to get published. There is only one way to do this: sell an editor on your idea.
National Travel Writing Month is for us, those writers who toil over their craft as a daily ritual, but need an extra push to get through the most loathsome of writing tasks– sending the query letter. The idea is simple. Everyday for one month, send a targeted, well-thought out pitch to the publication of your choice. It’s free to participate, you don’t have to disclose any details (like publication name or story idea) and at the end of the month, you’ll have 30 pitches under your belt and at least that many new friends.
Last year we had a nearly 50/50 split between experienced and newer writers. Collectively we sent out 445 pitches. 38 authors completed the challenge with twice as many cheering on (or participating when they could). And this year we have a new platform with much better community features (you can start events, i.e. mini-challenges, create a group i.e. “midwest writers”, invite your friends, contribute to the collective knowledge with self-submitted articles and check out other member’s profiles and progress).
National Travel Writing Month (new site)
The next challenge is approaching soon. From April 1st – April 30th, 2009, we will endeavor to write 30 pitches in 30 days. Think we can do it? Think you can? Then sign up and let’s go!
Great – I’m signed up and this is just the kick I need. I’m going on a Blues Tour Road Trip from Austin to Chicago in April/May so have plenty to pitch & write about!
Chris | World Troubadour´s last blog post..Introducing…The Blues Tour
Hello, ive signed up to your challenge. i have a lot to learn but I can write. just having a look through your blog. thnkas, rich.
http://www.richardsmalley.blogspot.com
richard´s last blog post..My South American Story – Argentina and Uruguay – Part 10
I like the idea about this challenge. One thing I think that would be helpful, at least for people that are just starting out or contemplating doing this, would be to include some information about what writing such letters entails. Seems like there should be some good stuff out there to get someone thinking-about/getting-introduced to this process (some links to such things would be good). If there is not a good resource about this…..sounds like a great post waiting to be written by a good writer with a blog.
Best,
Albert
Albert@Jersey Shore´s last blog post..Wells Mills County Park
The quality of the info is what keeps me on this site, thanks!