By Sharonda Gipson
The idea seems so simple ? a walking guide of Atlanta. This was the brainchild of writers Ren and Helen Davis. Having a walking guide for their neighborhood was a nice idea and when they discovered that there were no guides available, Ren, a native Atlantan and history expert, decided that they would write one. That was over a decade ago. The Davis?, both retired professionals, have co-authored several guidebooks, including: ?Atlanta Walks: A Comprehensive Guide to Walking, Running and Bicycling the Area?s Scenic and Historic Locales?, ?Georgia Walks: Discovery Hikes Through the Peach State?s Natural and Human History?, and ?Best Hikes Near Atlanta?.
In addition to guidebooks, Ren has written articles for such publications as Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Tennis Magazine, Georgia Journal Magazine and others. During their recent visit to Ivy Hall to speak with undergraduate and graduate writing students, the Davis? gave sage advice for maintaining longevity as professional writers. The Davis? advice to aspiring writers:
Schedule time to write. The Davis? each had full time jobs and an infant when they were writing and researching their first book ?Atlanta Walks.? They wrote on the weekends and late at night to get it done. ??Our writing time was 10 or 11 p.m. to 5 or 6 a.m.,? Ren said. Squeeze in time between before or between classes to write. Schedule it like it?s a job ? because it is.
Save all writing and research for potential opportunities.
A random piece written two months or a year ago could be the perfect submission for a project.
Seek out others with shared interests and network for contacts in the publishing world.
Every class project, author reading and event is an opportunity to network and build contacts among classmates and professors. ?School is ground zero for networking, so talk to people.
Do not discount unique perspectives, interests or writing subjects.???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Niche writing is valuable. ?Become the expert in a favorite subject. Ren and Helen?s niche is walking maps with a historical twist because of their curiosity and love of nature and history. ?Don?t discount your interests or think that no one cares about what you have to say , ? Helen said. ?There?s more people out there waiting to hear more about your hobbies than you think.? ?Seize the opportunity to learn more and spread the word about a beloved topic.
Understand the present state of publishing is in an evolutionary period.
No one knows what the publishing industry will look like in the next few years. It?s important that to take advantage of social media, networking and all writing opportunities to be on top of the heap when the dust settles.
Use self-promotion through speaking engagements, workshops and book signings in order to sell books, gain ideas and build more awareness.
Embrace the shameless plug! These events solidify an author as the go-to person in the writing and the specific subject matter community. Every chance available to address an audience builds reputation. Don?t be afraid to advertise! ??Your publisher definitely won?t do these sort of things for you, ? said Ren. ?Those days are over!?
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