|
| Home Log In Sign Up FAQ's Contact ProBlogs About ProBlogs |
|
MY EDITOR, MY MENTORBy beanerywriters(11,675) A while back I approached the manager of the Lincoln Highway magazine about writing an article. She told me that since I worked at the Tribune-Review newspaper she didn’t have to worry about my submission. When I turned it in they complimented me on my work. Her comment brought back memories of my introduction to that newspaper. I was attending a human service meeting and called the editor to ask if I could cover the event for their newspaper. I was asked to be at the office the next day for an interview, with clips of my previous work. The editor’s imposing physique and production demands took me off guard. I had experience working with two newspapers in other counties. My first editor provided me with the opportunity to enter the writing arena, but did little editing. Nor did he help me improve my work. The second editor did some editing but again, did little to help me improve my work. Paul Heyworth was to be my third editor. I sat quietly as he speed-read my three poorly written articles, the best work from my published portfolio. He looked up. “How many articles can you give me each month?” he demanded. “Six? Eight? How many?” I shrank back. I’d only come into the office to see if the paper had coverage of a local human service conference I was attending. I wasn’t prepared after our recent move to his county to jump into a demanding writing job. And I was only seeking work as a freelancer, not a staff member. I must have passed muster, because he gave me the conference assignment. However, he expected me to be in the office with my submission. Paul required me to bring my “finished” draft to the office and sit with one of the other editors for their final edit on my piece. It had to be publishable to their high demands. This process continued through three editors at the paper, and has improved the quality of my work. Sometimes in the process I got my way. While editing one article with Paul he suggested a word I’d used might be beyond the scope of the county readers. “But what about the educated readers?” I asked. “Don’t you think they deserve some respect too? And don’t you think it might occasionally challenge an underachiever?” The word remained in the article and thereafter I included one “challenging” word in each submission---with no further arguments. I also challenged Paul. After a hectic afternoon we hadn’t completed an article, and he asked me to return first thing in the morning. I replied, somewhat sarcastically, that I’d roll out of bed into the office. The next morning I dressed as usual but left my hair uncombed. I took my big fuzzy maroon bathrobe and tiger slippers to the office, and put them on before entering the workplace. “Good morning,” I said. “I just rolled out of bed into the office!” Child care also presented a challenge. I wasn’t employed outside the home when my children were young. Now I frequently had my infant granddaughter, Jordan. I’d pack my briefcase, a diaper bag and a blanket when I was going in to edit an article. The editing was frequently interrupted to change a diaper, provide a bottle or stop Jordan from crying. Looking back I realize the poverty of my previous newspaper writing. Paul, however, must have seen something in my work. I rarely noticed other freelance writers sitting with the editors, picking apart their work. His support and tolerance encouraged me to become the best writer I could possibly be. Has someone mentored you in your writing? Click on the title of this piece and scroll down to the comment box. Tell us about your mentor. Don’t forget to click POST when you finish! Check the updated INDEX to find stories that interest you. And click on the photo link to view photos that illustrate some of our articles: Add the Beanery Online Literary Magazine (www.ProBlogs.com/beanerywriters) to your favs list and visit us each day to read the latest posts. This Blog Post has been read 5 times. Posted to ProBlogs.com on Monday, January 01, 2007 View other posts by beanerywriters Comments on this blog post: No comments yet. Leave a Public Comment or Question: A DOG BISCUIT, A LOST DOG AND A FUNERAL OUR FAMILY WELCOMES A 7-7-07 NEWBORN! WE’VE COME A LONG WAY---OR HAVE WE? WISHING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARCUS CLAY TREASURES WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MISSING SOCKS? AN (INTERNATIONALLY) ADOPTED ADULT TELLS HIS STORY |
|
| Home | FAQ's | Categories | Blogging Guidelines | Recent Referrals | Terms of Use | Privacy | About ProBlogs | Contact ProBlogs |
| Copyright 2008 ProBlogs.com - All rights reserved. |
