by Joni M Fisher | Jan 6, 2025 | Writing Tips
Remember the last time you read dialogue, and it didn’t sound genuine? Something was off, odd, or not quite believable. Perhaps the wording did not suit the character. For example, unless a man is a decorator, painter, or artist, he won’t point to a color and call it...
by Joni M Fisher | Jan 3, 2025 | Writing Life
Before becoming an author, I was a reader. Of course, I still read as often as humanly possible, but before publishing my first book, I’d stand in long lines to get authors’ autographs and thank them for writing. In Hawaii, I shared a cab with screenwriter...
by Joni M Fisher | Jan 2, 2025 | Writing Life
My daughter says I have issues with underwear. Call me old-fashioned, but my generation wears theirs under their clothing, hence the term. Her generation wears theirs showing. A glance around the crowd at the movie theater reveals colored bras under sheer tops, bra...
by Joni M Fisher | Jan 1, 2025 | Writing Life
As a child I often found money. That was an era when children predominantly played outdoors with other children instead of slouching over electronic devices. Spring in Wisconsin revealed lost items as snow melted–mittens, cars, papers, litter, and coins. Lots of...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 30, 2024 | Featured In, Writing Life
Getting my pilot’s license was the boldest thing I have done since kissing Steve Gadow in seventh grade. Kissing Steve put me in the majority of girls in seventh grade, but earning my pilot’s license as a woman put me in a minority. An underwhelming six percent of the...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 27, 2024 | Writing Tips
This is the time to master the narrow focus of your topic. Become more of an expert than you were. Research should uncover things that surprise you if you dig deep enough. Nail down the facts, look for experts, and read what they have published. Hunt for the details...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 27, 2024 | Writing Tips
Before you contact any person for an interview, research that person. Get to know the facts on that person before you approach him, before you mention the magazine you’re writing for. Who are his equals and rivals? Does he like or hate the media? Research the...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 27, 2024 | Writing Tips
Usually a magazine buys the right to publish the article for a specific period of time, after which the rights revert back to you. For example: ABC Magazine buys your article on fly-fishing techniques and publishes it in their March issue. In their contract they hold...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 27, 2024 | Writing Tips
Whether you are young or newly retired and seeking to support yourself as a writer, you need to establish a plan based on understanding the marketplace for selling your work. Expect a slow start and slow returns. If you want to pursue a career in writing, consider...
by Joni M Fisher | Dec 27, 2024 | Writing Tips
Do you carry a small notebook to jot down ideas? If not, start. Great ideas can get lost in our multi-tasking, fast-paced lives. Once you have identified your topics of expertise and interest, keep that list in your notebook. Add the following to your notebook as...