Ignorance Is Bliss
You don’t know what you don’t know. Hard to dispute, huh?
For many years, especially as a kid and teenager, I was happy to just write, without much thought to craft. I thought if I just kept writing and writing and writing, I’d eventually get published.
While writing prolifically is definitely a step in the right direction, the act of improving as a writer (and certainly the process of getting published!) is not usually quite that simple.
I was about eight years old when I was told that it was unlikely I’d ever get a book published: “It’s very hard to get published, so don’t count on it ever happening. You have to be a really good writer.”
Ouch. What a thing to tell an eight-year-old, right?
But that’s beside the point.
Hindsight is 20/20
Looking back, I realize that some of the questions I would have liked to have known the answer(s) to—at eight years old, but also when I was in high school, submitting stories to long-shot journals (because I didn’t know any better)—were things like: What steps do I need to take to get published? And how does this whole writing and publishing thing actually work?
Granted, the publishing industry is very different now than it was forty years ago.
But never mind that.
Hindsight is 20/20, and you can’t go back in time.
The truth is that I always had a lot of questions about writing. Maybe not so much when I was eight, but definitely over the ensuing decades; and I understood well that I had a lot to learn (and don’t get me wrong: I still have a lot to learn). Like with most, if not all, creative activities, there is never a point where one finally knows all there is to know about writing. Skilled writers know unequivocally that there is always more to learn; no matter how experienced we are, we will always (and should always, in fact) continue to have questions. Questions, after all, are a sign of intelligence. 🤔
What Writing-Related Questions Do You Have?
I, of course, don’t have all the answers. Not even close. But I have nearly 25 years of writing workshop experience (some as a participant and some as a facilitator) and nearly 20 years of professional writing/editing experience, and I love sharing what I’ve learned (much of it through trial and error) so that others may not have to fumble and flounder as much as I did.
So…
I want to hear all of your burning questions! About writing, routines, craft, publishing, definitions, AI, creativity, etc. Anything at all!
Post your questions in the comments below (or DM me, if you prefer) and once I’ve compiled a healthy list of questions, I will answer them on YouTube (and then embed the YouTube video in a Substack post).
So, please! Ask away! It will be fun! 😊
(And if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel!)
Writing-Related News
New Journal!
There’s a new sheriff—I mean journal—in town! Tina Carlson and I have been hard at work behind the scenes and are thrilled to share with you our new journal, Hot Flash Literary, a journal of flash by women-identifying writers.
Although not currently open for submissions, we accept flash fiction, flash nonfiction, and flash-y prose poetry. Like/follow Hot Flash Literary on Facebook to stay updated. Open submissions calls/themes will be announced both on Facebook and on our submissions page.
Our first issue is due out later this summer!
New Offering!
Although not officially on my website (as I’m in the process of updating my website), I’m excited to now offer the JEK Accountability Plan.
Sometimes writers don’t need more feedback; sometimes they simply need a push (or maybe a shove?) to sit down and write, revise, submit, or tackle all of the edits and feedback they’ve received.
In other words: Accountability.
With the JEK Accountability Plan, you get:
Two (2) 45-minute Zooms with me per month to support your writing
There are many ways to use the Zoom sessions. Do you need a deadline? Someone to guide you as to what to work on/give you an assignment? Together we will figure out the best use of the time, based on your writing goals.
Note that I will not be providing editorial feedback outside of the Zoom meetings, but I’ll be happy to look at your writing, discuss problem areas, or brainstorm ideas during our Zoom meetings.
The JEK Accountability Plan costs $169/month (and there’s no long-term obligation). If you’d like to know more or schedule a free 20-minute Zoom to see if we’re a fit, you may DM me or contact me via LinkedIn.
Did you know? There are many ways you can support my writing. Becoming a JEK Writes subscriber, either free or paid, is one way. Subscribing to my YouTube channel is another. Restacking, sharing, liking, and leaving comments on either (or both) are other free ways to show your support.
Love the name of the journal.
Questions: I always love hearing about people's writing routines or rhythms even if I have not intention of adopting them.
Favorite prompt?
Are you using AI at all in your submission process — either finding places to submit or pitch, writing queries/emails ...?
Congratulations on Hot Flash (cleverly named, no less)! I don't know if this is a question, exactly, but I'm interested in how we, as writers, stop enabling, or work around, biases in the publishing and editorial realms that center voices that conform to conventional (cis-het/white/educated etc) standards? I know this has gotten better and that there are many publications that seek out and support marginalized writers, but I think there is still a long way to go. And I can imagine that editors bring their own biases, whether conscious or not.