Just in case you were wondering, building a writer’s resume is easier said than done. Yes, I know, being a writer, I should be able to find more imaginative words than those of a cliche. Maybe another time.
So, building a writer’s resume. If you’re like me, up till now, you’ve only been “published” in obscure poetry anthologies nobody’s ever heard of that have never graced any bookstore shelves, or in an over-priced college textbook that may or may not be in circulation today, five years after publication. Why then submit to these publications that would seem to do very little to further my writer’s resume? Well, if they did nothing else, they helped me get into a respectable creative writing degree program, and they taught me to do my homework before submitting my hard earned money and expressions of creative flair.
In my three years at Wilkes University, I’ve learned that two of the easiest – and probably quickest ways – to build a writer’s resume is to blog and to review.
I started a blog a few years ago, but didn’t keep up with it…and I have trouble keeping up with this one. Life happens, you know? And sometimes pure laziness sets in. Other times, I’m whiny and choose not to subject you all to that. (Quite nice of me, no?) Anywho…from now on, whenever I run out of stuff to talk about, think I’m going to post about the joys and trials of writing and research…rather than not post at all. That’s part of what this blog is all about, after all.
I’ve been reading books for as long as I’ve known how to read, but the reviews have been few and far between. Not anymore. Goodreads.com is a great resource for book reviews. You can create a library of books read, currently reading and plan to read, leaving comments/reviews as you complete each one.
I’ve listed several hundred books on Goodreads, but haven’t kept up with the reviews. And there’s no time like the present to correct that mistake. Especially since recently I was politely refused when I requested a couple of books to review from one publisher…because I don’t have an established review resume. Ack. That was a bit embarrassing.
Now that I’ve officially launched the Grenade Magazine site and have begun accepting submissions, I’ll be able to add “publisher” to my writing credentials! I’m so excited about this endeavor! The magazine will be a bi-monthly, online publication, with an anticipated yearly anthology. This is the culmination of my MFA capstone in Creative Writing at Wilkes. If you haven’t checked out the site yet, head on over and take a look. And if you’re a member of the military, former member, or family of a service member, please feel free to submit something (guidelines available at the site)!
Pen and Keys 