The Writer's Mailbag: Installment Seven

I've been out for awhile - computer problems. I had to rent one. Anyway, thanks for answering my question on the autobiography and memoir. I really had no idea.

Thanks again for bringing up more interesting topics!

Hi Bill. Always full of wisdom and great tips. Even if I might never again publish a book, I would like to learn of the system's interacting as many comments are elevating the cause of the Writer's Mailbag.

Voted up and useful.

Good night my friend.

PS. One day there would be more information of kind , completing in of my need toward "how" and "what" one have to have before sending out an article.

The mailbag series is a great way to keep fresh on the basic elements of good writing. Thank you for the tips and advice today.

Thanks for sharing some more helpful advice, Bill. Your writer's mailbag hubs are useful.

Thanks for always having us writers' backs, Bill!

This is all so relevant and puts the reality of writing into perspective.Clearly, it's not enough to be 'just a writer' anymore. As you point out there's much more to consider, marketing, PR, various aspects of technology. It's quite daunting. Thumbs up to your rejection letter, next time eh! Thanks once again.

Keep them coming Bill. This particular hub was very relevant to me as I recently received a rejection. Mine only came via email however because that was how submissions had to be sent. It was much shorter and not very subtle. I won't be submitting any writing to that publisher again. I found your other answers helpful too. In regard to Debbie's question. I love reading historical fiction, so does my wife. I enjoy Bernard Cornwall's novels, particularly "Stonehenge". My wife likes The "Outlander" series by Diana Gabbleton or Gavelton. So yes there is an audience. Thanks for answering more questions. I look forward to the next installment.

Absolutely keep them comin' Bill . . . . . what a terrific series as I am sure you are not short of Q's from fellow writers. Always interesting and learn something new. I loved the rejection letter you received and could see how it would be a positive response. Thanks Yoda for continuing the mailbox!

Just another couple of question please Bill.

What importance do you place on the Artistry with Words blog which you write? Do you feel it has contributed to the success of your online writing? Would you recommend that others do the same?

I love a well written rejection letter. It's easy to break someone's heart with unkind words, but the gift of a writer is to tell someone "no" and have them love you for saying so.

Thank you very much, kind sir! You are quite handsome yourself, for you are one of God's masterpieces : )

Hugs and blessings

I see that you are pretty up-to-date and also quite active in the writer's world, Bill. Excellent! Using one's talent to serve others in a selfless way is such a beautiful thing! I cannot commend you enough here. Higher blessings, Bro.

We keep learning from your answers; please keep teaching. Thank you.

Thanks for clarifying the difference between a biography and a memoir. I know some people write about their whole life and others only about part of it, but I thought the words were used interchangeably.

I'd like to answer Debbie's question on a personal level. I enjoy reading historical fiction; however, it depends on the period of history in which it's set. For the most part, I stick to novels set during the Civil War. If it happens to be a crime novel, I enjoy reading those set in any period or historical event.

More good answers, of course. I especially liked the positive rejection letter sample. I had a couple like that several years ago, when I was sending similar queries. They encourage you to keep going, keep trying. Of course that is positive! Certainly voted to continue the mail bag! ;-)

My vote is to continue with the mailbag questions, any and all advice is helpful to a writer...

A wonderful thought would be carry on you have such great talent.

So great. And thank you for encouraging the writer who was wondering if there is an audience... not everyone wants to read about past wars, but many, many people do. That applies to any topic you could choose...there will always be an audience of some kind.

Why of course you should continue on with this series, so long as you are still receiving inquires with great questions. You are providing a great service in sharing your knowledge! Interesting as always, dear Bill. Enjoying my lunch while reading. It is a rainy day here; so staying in is nice. Blessing always

another good trip through the mail bag hub.. a good rejection letter really intrigued my Billy.. found all the information helpful yet again bravo my friend :)

Tons of good advice here thank you much.

I love this series, Bill.

I received my first positive rejection last week. Linda Formichelli emailed everyone on her list that she's looking for a part-time assistant to help her with emails, research, occasional writing etc. She offered a very attractive salary in addition to helping the chosen writer with their business. Applications were to be emailed to her, including any articles that are applicable to the art of writing. She sent a follow-up email that she'd received over 70 applications (I sent one to her) and would only reply to those she's interested in speaking with further.

Much to my surprise, I received an email from her Thursday. This was what she had to say:

Hi, Shauna,

I want to thank you for your application. I love your style! You exude an amazing sense of confidence.

I actually received a lot of really strong applications (including yours), and if I could have hired them all, I would have. I can only hire one person right now, though, and I've chosen a different candidate...but with your permission, I'd like to keep your information, and if I need someone new, I'd really like to consider you for the position. Would that be okay?

Best,

Linda

If that's not a good rejection, I don't know what is!

Billy

What I love about your writing is that you have such a personal identity.

How important is this to you? Many people for various reasons find the need to write under a pseudonym. Do you think this has any bearing on their success or lack of it?

Sally

Tell Debbie to keep writing. I love historical fiction. I'd like to write one myself some day.

Well Bill, I see the mailbag's full again. Great stuff, as usual! As as your poll question, of course I voted to continue. For every question, there is an answer, and people turn to you for that answer. Just a thought.

You must continue this series! The info you present is so important. Voted up, useful, interesting and awesome!

The difference between a memoir and an autobiography: if you're famous, people will be interested in your autobiography. If you're not, stick to memoir. There's a reason for the cliché, "I don't want to hear your life story." Hahah!

Hiya Billy, great advice as always, and no I didn't realise the difference between a memoir and an autobiography, so I definitely learned something new there too, voted up and shared, nell

I hope you never give up writing these informative hubs. There will always be questions to answer and you certainly have the experience to answer them, let alone the expertise to answer them well.

By the way, Toby King sounds just like you when he's doing his 'readings'! Haven't finished it yet but it's a great read and I love the characters.

Ann

Of course you should continue this series, bro. I can think of numerous ways in which your solid information and sharing of experiences, can and do benefit writers. Encouragement is always a positive. It is evident to me your series is well-accepted and much appreciated.

Your presence and work here at HP has become a gift to our fellow-writers. It is a "Bonus," to all that HP has to offer and a boost to those with personal goals in mind.....Up+++

Good information, as always, Bill.

I don't know how you find the time to do all that you do.

A Frugal Farmer and a best selling book like "Resurrecting Tobias" --

those projects don't get done by couch potatoes. You must have the energy of a 10 year old, on the first day of summer vacation!

I must say, you do have some great questions from some astute

writers. This series of 'Mailbag Monday' is a real treat.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these and many other questions.

DJ.

That's warm!

It is around 16 degrees here today, With weather and flood warnings for wind and rain due to the remains of Hurricane Bertha.

Stay cool. :)

Always such great and solid advice. I truly do love this series and gain so much invaluable advice for all my writing needs and yes thank you a ton always Bill. Monday here again and just wanted to stop by and wish you a great week ahead now!! :)