Monthly Archives: August 2012

I have been in school taking classes for the better part of my life. First, in secretarial school; second, in nursing; and now, as a senior (in more ways than one) taking my last four classes to complete a Bachelors Degree in English Literature. College in my forties has been quite a struggle as my mind does not work as fast as it used to. However, I have found that analyzing text and comprehension of complex text has become much easier for me than it was twenty years ago. I have also been spending my not so excess funds on going to writing workshops and conferences in Indiana and surrounding states. I have come to the conclusion that the money is very well spent.  I have never walked away from any conference without some new insights or skills related to writing as a career.  Networking with other writers, bending the ear of publishers, and asking questions of experienced editors, has given me more –real world- useable information than I have received in college.

Don’t misunderstand that I exclude a college education from importance in developing skills as a writer and editor. On the contrary, the student will get out of college as much as they are willing to invest of themselves into it.  The student must be willing to listen, ask questions, and be present physically and mentally in the subject they wish to study long term. This includes joining clubs related to subject and even volunteering. The truth is that the student has to expand what they learn outside of the required classes in order to succeed in a career based on their academic subject.

While academia has its flaws of requiring unrelated subject matter to pad the requirements and raise the cost of student education, it also serves an important purpose.  If you can survive and succeed the rigors of a four-year college education and learn patience and communication skills along the way, you will more than likely have much more of a chance at success in life than those who chose to walk-away before holding the degree in hand.

The great thing about writing conferences and workshops for writers is that they do not require a long term commitment. These activities only celebrate and enhance the skills you seek to master. However, just like school, you will get out of it what you put into it.  If your attitude is such that you already know the information so you don’t need to hear it again, then you will gain nothing from the workshop even if a few facts spoken might offer a new and profound perception to old information.  So, taking any schooling or workshops may offer a writer not only a new perspective on your chosen career, but also can offer you a fresh perception on living.

There continues to be confusion with some students of writing of how to begin their books.  First, the “novel” is usually a work of fiction. It usually is not preceded by a “preface,” but is often preceded by a “foreword” or “prologue.”

The Foreword:  It sells the book to the reader, explains what the reader might gain from the work, and is often written by a critic or another author.  You often see forewords in republished older works, written by current authors or scholars.

The Preface:  It describes how the book came about.  Written by the author, it demonstrates credibility.  It may describe source information and may give credit to those assisting in the creation of the book.

The Introduction:  It gives a chronicle of  the content of the book, structure, or references used in compiling of the book.  It may also contain acknowledgements. This is usually less formal content than a preface.

The Prologue:  It is most often used in fiction work to present a dramatic scene or event with a main character involved.  It is sometimes used as a “hook” to encourage readers.

There are no hard and fast rules to follow as an author. However, publishers and agents tend to lean toward standards set forth by successful authors.  The above definitions have been compiled from research of creditable authors, writing services, and college academics.  (Purdue Owl, Harvard University Writing Theories, IUPUI Writing Center)