cardelean interviews Danette Watt
The publishing of a journalism school graduate’s complete oeuvre reinvigorates her excitement in HubPages
1. When did you discover that you wanted to be a writer or that you felt that you had a talent for writing?
The idea that I had any talent to be a writer just grew over the years as I received positive feedback from teachers and family members. My husband, especially, has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders regarding my writing and my decision to go to journalism school. But I didn't see myself as a fiction writer until about two years ago when I got an idea for a book. I've been letting it germinate since then but am ready to take up the challenge of writing a novel.
2. What part of HubPages influenced your decision to become a member?
I was drawn to the idea of making money. I read the profiles of high-earning Hubbers and I wanted to be able to generate passive income too. I've been a member less than a year so I haven't made hardly a dime since joining yet but I think I will eventually.
3. I notice that you are very interested in community gardening and have many Hubs about that subject. Are there any other topics that are near and dear to your heart?
I've been involved in La Vista for 5-6 years and saw an opportunity to write a monthly series about the challenges of operating a community farm. I'm interested in women's history and women's issues and would like to develop that as another niche. My other interests are pretty varied – art, cooking, politics, current events, books – whatever strikes my fancy at the time.
4. Your writing style is filled with facts and it appears that you spend a lot of time researching your material. Is this true, and if so, any tips for fast fact finding?
If there's a faster way of doing research, I'd love to know the secret, too! I probably spend way too much time exploring a topic I'm not well-informed about but that's because I want to have a solid understanding of it before I write. I know I have to become more efficient and write two, three or more Hubs from one research session.
5. You have quite a few experiences as a writer: freelance writer for a newspaper, a college professor, and advisor to a school newspaper. What advice can you offer to someone who wants to get into the profession of writing? Should they attend college or just “wing it?”
If you are serious about writing, then write as much as you can and for as many venues as you can. But don't underestimate the value of a college degree. You'll learn from experienced people who can give you tips and guidance. My journey to J school was long and circuitous; I didn't get my degree until I was 40 years old. But I volunteered at a base paper in Mississippi and was writing newsletters for various organizations long before I got my degree.
6. You've recently added a website to your list of achievements. How does your website complement the work you do on HubPages and vice versa?
Writers are notoriously insecure. When I was going through my clips while working on my portfolio for my website, greatmindsspeak.com, I saw how much writing I've done over the past 15 years or so. That has renewed my excitement in HubPages, which had been flagging for a number of reasons. And what I'm learning on HubPages about search engine optimization, keywords and long-tail titles will benefit my website.
7. Do you have any additional comments or words of wisdom for other Hubbers?
HubPages has been an excellent learning opportunity for a number of reasons, including SEO as mentioned above. I've also learned to keep my Hubs right around 500 words. More importantly, I've discovered that developing community-building skills are essential. Anyone who becomes a member of HubPages should be willing to participate in the forums, read and comment on others' Hubs and create quality writing.
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