Tag: Becoming a writer

Interviews

Interview with S.A. McNaughton

Pauline Shen

In this post, we’ll hear from S.A. McNaughton, author of short stories and flash fiction from Ypsilanti, Michigan. McNaughton tells us how she manages her writing schedule, lists the many benefits of participating in writing contests, and tells us about the surprising social aspect of joining a community of writers.

You work a full-time administrative job while raising a preschooler at home. How do you arrange time for writing?

A very good question! It’s not easy, and it’s one of the reasons that I’ve found short fiction competitions to be a good fit for me. Many of them take place over weekends, and my very supportive husband is very good about giving me time to write.

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Interviews

Interview with Alyssa Bushell

Pauline Shen

In this post, we’ll be hearing from Alyssa Bushell, mystery novel author, blogger, and baker. Alyssa is a Canadian writer located at Lake Huron in Southern Ontario. In this interview, Alyssa shares an overview of her story writing process, publication history, and some advice for fellow aspiring writers.

Your fiction has been published in journals such as Reckon Review and LEON Literary Review. How long did it take before you started receiving acceptance letters for your work? And has publication changed how you view your own writing?

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Candid Talks, Nonfiction

Tips for a Successful Photography Session – PART ONE

Pauline Shen

Although I do photography, I’ve also posed for the camera. So, this blog post is from the prospective of the person sitting for the session. If you’re a freelance writer, it is important to have a high-quality headshot at the very minimum when you begin getting your work published. Many literary journals ask for a headshot, and it is always a good idea to have a professional-looking one on the homepage of your website. As you progress, you’ll want to have eye-catching photos to use with your marketing materials in addition to a basic headshot. Having your picture taken involves more than just posing for the camera. Let’s talk about it.

I’ve worked with a variety of photographers over the past decades. As a model, I posed in-studio within Toronto’s fashion district. I’ve had photos taken while on stage for fitness competitions. And I’ve also worked with many up-and-coming photographers who focused on a range of aesthetics from portraits through fine-art. So the tips I’m sharing here come from a culmination of all these experiences. And, no, it’s not the obvious stuff like “comb your hair,” or, “smile for the camera.”

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Interviews

Interview with Chris Sadhill

Pauline Shen

In this post, we’ll be learning about Chris Sadhill, freelance writer, poet, and filmmaker. He tells us about his journey from filmmaking to prose writing and offers important guidance for fellow writers. Chris shares his thoughts on creative drive, authenticity, and promotion strategies.

Chris, after being immersed in the world of visual storytelling, what motivated you to begin writing prose?

Being an indie filmmaker meant I had to be a jack of all trades, especially when I had a small crew, which was often. I was involved in everything. I set up the lighting, tested camera shots, coached onscreen talent about the day’s scenes, occasionally I’d choreograph a fight, and there was always production paperwork, scheduling conflicts, and other aspects that required managing and organization. When I finally announced it was a wrap, the film was only halfway done and I moved into the post-production phase which involved sound design, editing, color grading, and music scoring to finalize the film. Making a film is not pointing and shooting a camera as some may think. It’s a collaboration between many creatives over an extended amount of time. It’s controlled chaos at best, and it’s not for the faint of heart.    

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Candid Talks, Nonfiction, Writing

Five Effective Practices from the Commuter Workforce that I Use as a Freelancer – PART ONE

Pauline Shen

In my prior collection of commuter jobs, I saw enough co-workers engaging in workplace shenanigans to know that dressing in business attire or a uniform isn’t quite enough to maintain professionalism. There are facets of human nature that always seep through no matter the front you put on. So why do so many work-from-home articles advise dressing-up just to sit in your own living room?

I have adopted five items from my personal experience in the commuter workforce that help me as a freelance writer. These five things keep my work running smoothly. And, no, it does not involve pulling on pantyhose or having to iron a blouse that no one will see. Let’s be practical.

Here’s my top five:

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Interviews

Interview with Garrett Souliere

Pauline Shen

In this post, we’ll be hearing from Garrett Souliere, Editor/Founder of Quibble Literary Journal. Garrett tells us the story behind Quibble’s founding, describes how the journal has and continues to evolve, and shares inspiring words that every budding writer should know.

When you first founded Quibble, what was the main driving factor that motivated you to launch this independent magazine? 

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