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Careers: Writing/Questions Answered by Expert Susan Rand
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Starting in writing | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help me. For the last few years I have wanted to, and been told I should, ... A: To teach you how to write articles would take up more space than is available here. However, I can ... | |
| Can I watch detective shows rather than reading? | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: I'm trying to write a TV show about an amateur sleuth. For learning purpose, is it fine to watch TV ... A: Of course it is ok to watch TV shows instead of reading books. There is a big difference between the ... | |
| writing a book | 7/2/2011 |
| Q: If you rememeber me, I wrote you a few weeks ago about writing a book. I have another question for ... A: I'm not a lawyer, so I can't tell you if you would get in trouble. I have read books that named ... | |
| writing a book | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: If you rememeber me, I wrote you a few weeks ago about writing a book. I have another question for ... A: I do remember you! I always advise my students to make an outline before beginning to write. This ... | |
| Do you need to be good at mathematics to write like Agatha Christie? | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: I would like to ask whether you need to be good at mathematics to write a mystery book like Agatha ... A: Although an author does not need to know math to write well (unless, of course, they are writing ... | |
| how to write a book | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: I'm thinking of writing a book. The problem is I have no idea how. Do you have to have someone ... A: So you want to write a book, great! Start this way: 1. Decide what you want to write about. 2. ... | |
| i want to write a book but dont know where to start | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: i want to write a book about a life experience i have had reguarding an uphill battle with a dreaded ... A: The only way to start is to start writing. Take your notes and arrange them in some kind of order - ... | |
| Mystery plotting | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: Rand, Recently I've taken up mystery writing. Writers like Agatha Christie and A.C. Doyle have ... A: You are absolutely right, Billy, mystery writing isn't at all easy! There are several kinds of ... | |
| Editing | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a completed manuscript that I would like to get published into a novel. Can you recommend a ... A: Absolutely! It is my own: http://pygmypress.com. There you can find out about the services we ... | |
| Creepy kids in horror | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering is there a line for this? I mean I want to put a pair of creepy children in a story ... A: This is a highly subjective matter. What seems to you to be creepy (or not creepy), may appear ... | |
| writing for net | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: i'm interested in writing articles to be published over the net through which i could get paid.i do ... A: If you want to write (in English) and get paid for it, you must first ensure that you have the ... | |
| Finished my novel... now what? | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: I found this site initially though a Google search. I already sent this question to Cathy Clamp, but ... A: You have given me quite a bit to chew on; it may be I can't answer all your questions in the space ... | |
| Preparing for sending to Publishers | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I'm a passionate creative writer and I've been making up stories and typing them up on the computer ... A: I'm not sure who you mean by a "professional," whether an editor, agent or publisher, but the same ... | |
| freelance writing | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions about becoming a freelance writer. Is it really difficult to get ... A: It is not difficult to get started as a freelance writer, so long as you are willing to accept ... | |
| Advice | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: My name is Shelly and I was trying to get into technical writing but i did not get any volunteer ... A: Any experience you are able to get in either technical or grant writing will be valuable to you, ... | |
| online degree in creative writing | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you're the right expert here, but I'd like to know where I can find information ... A: It is difficult to answer your question without more information - are you after a BA or MA? I ... | |
| Royalty split? Please help | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I am writing a book about the life of a friend - I happen to be a professional writer (national ... A: As a professional myself, I would never accept any agreement to be paid in royalties: how do you ... | |
| Thank you for responding | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: Rand, The book that i want to write is non-fiction. It was an actual event that occured that only ... A: If your book is to be non-fiction, facts are what you want. But of course you want to make it ... | |
| Writing career | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I fell I have a good grasp of English, and it has always been my best subject. My problem is that I ... A: The first thing you must learn is to proofread everything before you send it out into the world. "I ... | |
| Inquiry about the word 'plagiarism' | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm Tom. I was wondering about the word 'plagiarism.' - I'm not sure whether you're the right expert ... A: This is a problem that has been worrying me for some time. As far as I know, there are no hard and ... | |
| Should I try to get published | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: I am a sixty-one year old businessman getting ready to retire. I have always thought I could write. ... A: You are right in seeking professional advice for your story. Friends and family are not inclined to ... | |
| Do readers not like big words? | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: I read in a book: "Don't go searching for synonyms to replace the word "said." These simple variants ... A: I would certainly use simple words whenever possible (and it's always possible), but I wouldn't ... | |
| Keywords | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I am writing my first novel and I have a quick question. I have read books where the author brings ... A: Those books you have read that reference celebrities, products, etc., were they fiction or ... | |
| submitting writings to publishers | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: I as a zillion other people want to write that graet American story,win a pulitzer and then get the ... A: It is difficult to answer this question without knowing whether you are writing fiction or ... | |
| Starting out a writing career | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: I don't mean to be boastful, but I have always had a knack for writing. From K-8, I would always go ... A: Why shouldn't you boast? That is a rare accomplishment! So many people claim to be good writers but ... | |
| writing | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: Do you think it is out of the question for me to write a self help book - similar to Deepak Chopra ... A: It is not out of the question for anyone to write any kind of a book. You are entitled to write any ... | |
| writing short stories, | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: susan I have just read your answer to the 16year old girl regarding the writng courses. This may ... A: I am sorry, but your questions are much too broad and vague to answer in the space allotted here. ... | |
| complicated plots | 4/16/2007 |
| Q: Do complicated plots make a story boring? I lose interest when a character has a multitude of ... A: They certainly can be boring, especially in the hands of the unskilled. It takes an accomplished ... | |
| questions for writing | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: 1.How long does it take to write a book? 2.how old were you when you first started to write your ... A: The answers to your questions: 1. I have no idea - as long as it takes. This is unknowable, in ... | |
| getting a novel published | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a novel ready, it is a satire on many things in the form of a science fiction adventure. Many ... A: Agents and publishers will take you as seriously as you take yourself, as reflected in your writing. ... | |
| Creating A Webpage | 2/9/2007 |
| Q: I want to create a webpage for my work but I don't want to have to spend money. Do you know of any ... A: I'm sorry, I don't know of any sites that currently offer free web hosting. If you find one that ... | |
| How to keep going! | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: I'm about halfway through my novel but I'm feeling as if I've fallen into a slump. I keep having ... A: It is entirely normal for a writer to be thrown into a panic halfway through their novel. I don't ... | |
| What to do | 12/7/2006 |
| Q: I have some ideas for writing children's books. Where do I start? Do I need to get it copywrited ... A: I would suggest you write these ideas down on 3x5 cards or on your computer and add to them as other ... | |
| Based on True Events . . . | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: I want to write a non-fiction low budget feature about an actual event that took place in my city. ... A: I'm a little puzzled by "a non-fiction low budget feature..." Is this going to be a book, article ... | |
| Putting it together | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: First of all, it is an honor asking you for advice. Well I am trying to write a novel, this will be ... A: Many people want to write and have some ideas they like, but they don’t know how to get started. The ... | |
| not sure | 10/29/2006 |
| Q: How did you decide that you wanted to be a writer? i want to be a writer too, but everyone i know ... A: I didn't ever decide that I wanted to be a writer; I have always written, since I learned how. I've ... | |
| how to start writing | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: I have dreamed of being a writer since I was a little girl and consume books at an alarming rate, ... A: Congratulations for having a clear idea in mind of what you want to write. A short question is ... | |
| online writing job | 9/1/2006 |
| Q: I am a psychology post graduate and working as a professional writer in US based company. I want to ... A: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in my experience, it is very difficult for a writer to make ... | |
| Which Genre? | 8/25/2006 |
| Q: I am an aspiring author. I have hundreds of ideas, most of which I have jotted down in different ... A: May I suggest that instead of trying to fit your book into some slot labeled "Genre" before it's ... | |
| writers club or what is it I need to do? | 6/11/2006 |
| Q: I have written a book (desktop created) and will need to go through the process of having an editor ... A: Is this the first draft of your book? Does it represent the best work you are capable of at this ... | |
| Freelance | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering how freelance writing really works. I have so many questions about it. How do I get ... A: There are plenty of opportunities both online and in the print magazine field for freelance writers. ... | |
| Syntax | 3/22/2006 |
| Q: Hallo Susan, i explain: <What is history,when isn' t the past re-vision, just a children' stories ... A: That makes it clearer, but if "Meaning:" is what you meant to say, why didn't you say it? If it's ... | |
| am i too young to write? | 2/25/2006 |
| Q: I'm 15 years old and i'm not very acedemically inclined. I was wondering is it possible for me to ... A: Those too young to write are in diapers. At your age, though, you are looking at beginning to learn ... | |
| Question about writing jobs/careers | 2/20/2006 |
| Q: I am strongly considering a part-time job in freelance writing to put myself through graduate ... A: Many, many writers with years and years of experience and acres of talent are trying to make a ... | |
| Syntax | 2/9/2006 |
| Q: Hallo Susan, is it right or wrong in English language? Thanks. < As your first lawsuit was a plot ... A: It is wrong in English. It should be stated so: Your first lawsuit was a plot to grab my land. ... | |
| Muse Swings! | 1/24/2006 |
| Q: .. I have a big dream of becoming a great novelist and I have big ideas for stories...I am not in ... A: If you wait for your muse to appear before you write, you will likely never complete your book. The ... | |
| Doing research | 12/13/2005 |
| Q: How do authors get answers for their research? Such as--writing a murder mystery and needing to know ... A: What a good question this is! I seldom get to answer a question as meaty as this. There are any ... | |
| HOW TO GET STARTED | 8/24/2005 |
| Q: Ms. Rand, I was wondering what kind of advise you might offer to someone who would like to write ... A: "How-to" material is best presented chronologically: what to do first, what to do second, etc. Not ... | |
| Freelance writing | 8/18/2005 |
| Q: I've had a "real job" for so long now that I have no idea what freelance writers can command these ... A: I'm a freelance writer, and my articles (1000-2000 words) get from $15-$30 each. So you can see the ... | |
| non-fiction writing | 7/13/2005 |
| Q: My writing has been limited to very local venues...school newsletters, teacher association ... A: I am glad to hear that you have been writing for newsletters; that is good practice if you want to ... | |
| How to start, how to keep going, how to finish? | 6/30/2005 |
| Q: Okay: how to start, how to keep going, how to finish? Do you have anything you can cut and paste on ... A: As a beginning writer - which I believe you are - you must realize that nothing in this process is ... | |
| Writing | 5/4/2005 |
| Q: What is the best way for me to start a career in writing? I have no experience and am almost 50. ... A: The best way for you to start a career in writing is the way we all start: by writing, studying, ... | |
| letter form | 4/7/2005 |
| Q: i need to write a letter from a responsible person(eg teacher), confirming information about my ... A: Such a letter needs only to say: According to school records, Nattalie was born on (date) at ... | |
| Eastern Illinois Student Conducting Interview For English Assignment | 2/15/2005 |
| Q: Mrs Rand, I'm a student at Eastern Illinois University pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism. ... A: I will be glad to answer your questions and I hope you will be patient as this could take some time. ... | |
| writing | 1/20/2005 |
| Q: I am creating my own personal fantasy world, and I am going to start writing novels based off my ... A: It does no good to ask what your chances might be for they are low indeed - the same as mine, and ... | |
| book | 1/6/2005 |
| Q: Is it plagiarism to write a book doing the following: First I read a book chapter about 7 principles ... A: The short answer is "No." The longer answer is: there are three ways to handle this: 1. You may ... | |
| Writing a book | 12/3/2004 |
| Q: I think i have some great ideas but i dont really know how to start. I have some of the people and ... A: So you have decided to write a book, or maybe a whole series of them. Excellent! If I were in your ... | |
| book | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: just one more question, should the book be double spaced? i know once its made into a book its ... A: Manuscripts are presented double-spaced. This allows the editor to "mark up" the pages with ... | |
| book | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: this is kind of a silly question, but i wanted to know about how many pages does a book have to be, ... A: I would say that most books range between 300-500 single-spaced pages, published. How many MS Word ... | |
| Writing | 10/30/2004 |
| Q: 1- is it really possible to write a book within one month? 2-If u want to strat writing books right ... A: It is indeed possible to write a book within one month, the question is, how good a book will it be, ... | |
| It is hard to begin | 9/17/2004 |
| Q: I was wondering how i should start my story. I don't mean how to write it, but how to go about it ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by "storytelling-wise." The story and the writing are one, as are the ... | |
| characters | 9/8/2004 |
| Q: Rand, I need your thoughts on developing characters. I have an exhaustive list of questions to ... A: I am of two minds about this. I agree, it can be fun to discover your characters' personalities as ... | |
Careers: Writing
Answers by Expert:
Susan Rand
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
General writing questions fiction and non-fiction, having to do with creating characters, plotting, outlines, description, organization, how to start, how to keep going, how to finish, ePublishing, creating a website to display your work, etc.
Experience
35 years' writing, studying writing, teaching and mentoring beginning writers.
Education/Credentials
BA degree in English/Creative Writing, 1982
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