Month: April 2015

Writing as Therapy

~ Mitchell R. Stevens ~ Leave a comment

Studies have shown that writing leads to improvements in emotional and physical health.  One such study had college students write about traumatic or stressful situations for 15 minutes a day for 5 days.  A control group was given the task of writing about frivolous topics.  The study showed the long-term effects of the students who wrote about their deepest feelings reported significant improvements in their mental and overall physical health. (via The Royal College of Psychiatrists).IMG_2799

These studies reveal that along with working out, eating healthy, and getting a goodnight’s sleep, writing can be it’s own therapy.  Does it mean you have to sit down and write a book?  No, just a few minutes every day can help “detox” your day and help clear your mind.

Pitching

~ Mitchell R. Stevens ~ Leave a comment
I recently attended my first writers’ conference that included the opportunity to ‘pitch’ agents for a modest fee. ‘Pitching’ is a common activity when want-to-be authors have the opportunity to network with agents. Having been in sales for the majority of my career, I looked forward to my first pitch. I had four during the course of the conference.IMG_3528
Each pitch was to be no more than ten minutes. I found the experience very educational and supportive. The agents were very gracious with their comments and suggestions. I learned I committed possibly the biggest faux paus when attempting to secure a relationship with an agent.  I self published my book, did not market it or sell many copies and attempted to get them interested in it. Dah! Lesson learned. Nonetheless, several expressed interest in the next book in the series and encouraged me to continue to write.
I would highly recommend the pitching experience to anyone wanting to have their work published. It is one rung on the ladder of learning experience.