Right going to use a word I have seen much in this topic - cringing!
I have always written prolifically. I couldnt write a novel to save my life, but I have my own style of writing which is quite good. I dont say this lightly as I really know you are meant to be (and I am) reluctant to toot your own horn, so to speak. But I wont be coy and pretend that what I write it crap because it isnt, and many people, strangers and in my RL regularly comment on it.
Its hard for me to talk about it here because I am a regular and worry that I dont want personal stuff & my writing mixed up. I dont treat MN as I treat space where I write, if that makes sense. But I need some advice. I have been trying to get published - I write short pieces which would suit articles but lean towards musings and thoughts more than facts though facts are in them as well. Opinion pieces I guess. But of course, I have my own style. I think that so many editorials these days are written by people none of us can relate to, out of touch. And to site the "Staycation" article linked to on MN last week - it is just madness isnt it. People whose idea of a budget holiday experiment is in the region of £800. I do have a talent with words and I do a stupid amount of thinking and writing anyway and I would like to try to earn some sort of living from it.
I have sent several pieces (short) to various people in the publishing world, and while I have not had any of them taken I have had amazing feedback. My local paper's Chief Reporter said I was "too highbrow" for their readership which I can assure you made me laugh as I am about the least intimidating person you can think of and I sort of lump highbrow and intimidating together! An Editor of the Independent said I was "very good indeed" and we are corresponding about me blogging under them. So this is all great stuff! But I feel there is something more I could be doing. Is there anyone who can give me some advice? I have some pieces I could email to someone if they were interested in reading them, you could email me, but I dont really want to put them on MN. Any advice would be very appreciated. senatorvass at gmail dot com