Freelance Writer: Jodi Helmer
Jodi, relaxing with her rescue dogs.
Where do writers go when they want to refuel or learn something new to improve their craft? Well, possibly college, a class online, a conference or maybe a workshop. This summer I took a workshop with freelance writer, Jodi Helmer as clinician.
Sponsored by the Writers’ Workshop in Asheville, NC, her topic was writing for magazines. Packed full of information, it was both interesting and understandable, giving participants a chance to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Jodi is constantly searching for new ideas and through her thirst for a story, has turned some of them into articles that have graced the pages of national magazines such as Family Circle, Parents, AARP and National Geographic Traveler.
During the six-hour workshop in August, Jodi explained the procedures of how to submit, write bylines, approach editors, network and transform the art of writing into a business. The one thing that surprised me most was the sequence of the process. Jodi explained once a writer has an idea, he/she should query or pitch that idea before writing the story. She said even though an idea may be great, the magazine may reject it because it’s too long or too short. When that happens, a writer has wasted precious time that could have been spent on something totally different.
Jodi not only explained step by step the process, but also included resources for possible ideas such as what’s trending. At the end of the day, everyone left with a wealth of knowledge, inspired to get started with their own journey of writing for magazines.
If interested in learning more about Jodi, check out her website. To learn more about the Writers’ Workshop in Asheville, click here.
What workshops have you found helpful in your pursuit of writing? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
