Jim Falk

My column in early December covered reading sources that would be of great assistance to aspiring writers. They were novels and instruction books by some of today's top writers, several of whom are right here at SterlingHouse.

The last sentence in the second to last paragraph of that column read, "Publishers love clean manuscripts." The person who would benefit most from that, I found, was me. I thought I did pretty good, grammar wise, editing my novel, Sitting Duck which is now available. The novel before that, The Pen Pal Murders, must have gone to my head, because editors at SterlingHouse who worked on the new manuscript must have used up a gallon of red ink. I am really embarrassed as I go over the manuscript. I read and edit what I write at least three or four times, and sometimes more.

My English professor in college claimed she had never seen a person make so many comma faults. Well, at least I was number one at something. I actually learned to improve on grammar while working as a news reporter. I also suffered a lot of harsh criticisms from my editor with words like: "Where in the hell did you ever learn to write?" The SterlingHouse editors, bless their souls, are less harsh, so I'll remember them in my will. They get all my debts.

I think I just got careless with this most recent manuscript. I had so much fun writing it that I forgot one of the most important things - caring about good grammar. Then I thought, "if I didn't have a foot in the door, my most recent manuscript would have been tossed in no time flat." The importance of good grammar and spelling is something we all should think seriously about. I know I will from now on. I have to convince Cindy - that dear, dear woman - that I'm really not that bad, and I will also try my best to keep Megan Davidson from pulling any more hair out.

As I typed this article, I began to think about those other two possible sources for improvement. One was in New York for construction and the other on the west coast. But I've changed my mind.

If you are a senior who hasn't been in a classroom for years, I think you should still utilize the book and text sources I wrote about before going further. Go back two issues and look in your library for the instructional books I suggested. If you need the titles, send me an email at james@jamesfalk.net. I will mail you a copy of the article. All you have to do is concentrate and remember what you read. Evidently, I didn't, so guess what I'm now reading.

Have a happy reading and writing New Year.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

I have been writing this column with the thought that it would be beneficial for senior citizens who would like to write. Again, by seniors, I'm referring to persons 50 years or older. But I do realize that much of what I and others write for WritersNewsWeekly can be useful for a person of any age. Younger people just have one advantage - - more time to pursue their dreams. That's a wake up call for senior citizens aspiring to be authors.

Many senior citizens who would love to write a novel, short story or even poetry -- if they want to succeed - - must allow time to learn. I harp on that, but it is vital. In the long run, by allowing that time, they are actually saving time. If you are a golfer, you can easily relate to this. I think of all the skin games money I could have won had I taken lessons when I first became interested in golf. Now, I think of all the money I've lost in skin games by trying to teach myself. I suffered through that, and so did my wallet. That is the same as trying to write a novel without first learning the basics.

My last column included excellent reading sources. There are many helpful sources out there. Ten years ago, I enrolled in "The Writer's Digest Novel Writing Workshop.” The workshop consisted of six worthwhile lessons and writing assignments for us to do at home. The pupil - you - is tutored by a published author. The cost was very nominal in relation to its value. The course covered, among other things: "Overview," "Objectives," "Step-by-Step Lessons," "Reading Assignments" and "Send-in Assignments." The course was relatively in-depth, meaning that everything one might need in developing and writing a novel is there for the taking.

My next column will include at least two more kinds of sources that will help you to complete a professional novel and an excellent manuscript. Publishers love "clean" manuscripts.

I was lucky to have studied writing in undergraduate and post grad courses. Yet, I surely benefitted greatly from the “Digest” course. And so will you. There were many things one just does not learn in school -- things that only come from the pros. Let me remind you to include each issue of WritersNewsWeekly in a binder or file folder for future references. And as always, let me hear from you.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

If you are a senior and really interested in becoming a writer, then keep a file on the Falklore’s that have appeared and those that will appear. If you want copies of prior columns, let me know at james@jamesfalk.net

Let’s start thinking about things that can be of help in your writing quest. No matter what your level of writing is, seek a writers’ club and start attending its meetings even if you are a novice. Remember, club members who publish were novices once. You'll learn a lot. Attend writers’ conventions if possible. I'm a good musician, a trumpeter in fact, and good enough to have played at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Geneva, Switzerland at the age of sixty-eight. During a half century of music, I kept learning from others and also helping others. Good musicians enjoy sharing knowledge. It is the same with writers and authors. The point is that no matter where you are as a writer, do not be afraid to join a club. Our club, Pen to Paper Writers Club in Tecumseh, Michigan, is small but knowledgeable, and we work on every facet of writing from novel ideas to short stories to poetry. Our only requirement is sincerity. It all is very helpful for whatever genre one decides to follow. We meet for two hours the first and third Tuesdays. We have all kinds of writing activities and also home assignments. Good groups work on writing concisely, using action words, proper grammar, characterization and a ton of other things and sources you might never have heard of before, but will be of tremendous help. So keep getting your work space and your schedule in order, keep writing and remember that your goal will not be a snap, but reaching it will be one of the most satisfying experiences you'll ever have. My next column will outline some of the activities that our club does. I have a lifetime of writing in different professional areas but I've still learned a ton from my Pen to Paper pals.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

Thanksgiving is past and I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope you do too. My life has been full; a great mother who alone during the Great Depression raised seven kids that taught me the true facts of life, having been a Marine of which I'll always be proud, excellent education--not easily achieved, athletic, successful marriage, a beautiful wife, six sons and ten grandchildren, and now, as a senior, reaching another goal in life -- that of writing successfully.

A most important thing in writing, especially as a senior citizen, is learning from others. To augment what you have achieved by writing every day, take advantage of what many others can offer.

Read - - not just anything, but read everything you can about writing, especially about the genre (which simply means the area in which you are interested).

Following are several excellent sources:
Handbook of Novel Writing (Writers Digest); Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing, by David Morrell, author of "First Blood"; Writing Aerobics I (excellent exercises for the beginning novels) by Sterling & Davidson; A Writers Reference, by Diana Hacker. It's got an answer for everything.

If you are interested in writing in the first person, read my novel, Sitting Duck, that will be out sometime in December. A fellow author thought "it was phenomenal. (I like her). Get a hold of a good Grammar text for reference since one of the most important requisites in submitting manuscripts is good grammar. Whatever you do, don't put off reading. Any, or all of the above, along with reading (make it bedtime) published novels will certainly get you onto the right path to success.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

For seniors, it is imperative that writing is fun event, especially if you start practicing the craft late in life. Make writing a hobby - not a life or death situation. Approach writing as a hobby and you will enjoy it, and chances are you will succeed. You will look at things you have written and proudly say, "I did that."

Don't ever think that something you write is not good. If it doesn't meet the intent you had, simply start retyping it. If you look at writing as a life or death situation, then there is nothing but frustration in your future and you will soon give up. Ernest Hemingway once said that he had a basket full of rejects, but never gave up. Once he sold his first project, manuscripts that had been rejected were accepted. The lesson here is to never throw anything away: simply file it.

A few issues ago, I wrote about why I like to write and hopefully why you like to write. Much of that boils down to 'attitude.' Attitude must be positive. Writing and selling is more difficult than working in a steel mill. I know. I've done both. You will run into times when you can't think of the next word you want to use or how to improve what you have on paper. The former is called "writers block," and the only way to get around that is to pound out words.

Once you feel comfortable writing, than look for immediate sources for getting it published. For instance, each area in this country has weekly or bi-weekly publications that often times will accept work from local writers. We'll get more into these and other possibilities in a later issue. Getting a story in a local newspaper or magazine shows that you can write. That will be a positive factor when you send queries out to a publisher or agent. In my next column, I hope to offer some sources for material that you can think about for short stories or even novels.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

So now you are working on this new adventure in life - writing.

We've provided thoughts about how demanding, yet rewarding, writing can be. The previous column covered appreciation and love for writing. Now it's time for you to get your work area organized and get busy, that is, if you haven't done so already. That area, believe it or not, is one of the most important requirements for good writing.

First, make your work area private. The best place might be a corner in your basement where two more walls and a door will form a room and provide you with that privacy. If you have a room elsewhere, make sure it is yours only. Have a visitor, wife, husband, dogs, cats, kids? Doesn’t matter. Your work area is not to be shared with a table-saw, sewing machine or TV. I have a room in my basement. It is comfortable and big enough for a desk, computer and printer center, file cabinets, shelves, radio, tape deck, safe, cork board for notes and walls full of photos .

Organize your time. Set a time in your daily routine to write; some like early a.m. when the brain is fresh, some like the peace and quiet of evening - but write. Don't set it off until tomorrow. Get in the habit of writing every day. Pretty soon, you'll find that others realize the importance of writing and won't bother you. We'll continue getting a good start in my next column.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

I think the most important attribute for a writer is to appreciate and love what he or she is doing. So, here is a summary of my feelings toward writing and I hope you will endorse them as yours.

1. I write because I just love to write. It's fun turning an imagination into words.

2. It is fun to re-read about what I've written, even though more than half will end up in the trash can.

3. I like to write because it often brings back beautiful memories and sometimes sad memories.

4. I like to write because in doing so, I learn a great deal through research.

5. I like to write because it's a wonderful pastime, better and more productive than watching television.

6. I like to write because someday I will see my name on a book cover or in a magazine. It is not a matter of showing off. It is a matter of accomplishment.

7. I like to write because I can earn money if I'm lucky.

As a senior citizen who wants to write and would love to write, you now have time. Remember: "You are not too old to get on with it, but you are too old to waste time." So "make this the day when you really started writing."

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

During a long career in news and public relations, and even now, I've met a lot of retired persons, and some seniors who aren’t retired, who said they'd like to write a book. That is a commendable ambition, but one that will take preparation, work and research. After fifty or so years, I think everybody has a story, fact or fiction, to tell. And trust me, its fun doing it.

However, keep in mind that it might be the most difficult and demanding thing you've ever tried, and yet, it might be the most fun and gratifying thing you've ever tried. Writing is easy. Doing it right is not. The most precious thing about writing when you are a senior is that you have time to devote to the craft which is of the essence.
Avoid disappointment. As the old axiom points out: "Don't put the cart before the horse." Learn the trade. I've played sports all my life: Football, baseball, and more recently tennis and golf. I learned that whether it's playing games or writing, the requisites are the same: "Know what the game is about before trying it."
That means spending time to learn about the kind of writing you want to do. For senior neophytes, a community college is the best source. Enroll in writing classes. Take time to learn the basics and be patient. That is just the first step in achieving your writing aspirations.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

By now you’ve read by by-line and I hope you’ll read—as Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story.” I am a senior citizen; probably older than most who will be reading my article, but I promise it will not be ‘old fogy’ stuff. I am not as old as I am, which for your information, is 79. But don’t forget, many places consider 50 years old as being a senior citizen. I never minded that, even when I was 50, because I like reduced rates on meals, golf and a lot of other goodies.

I think I have a background that will keep you interested in what I write, some of which will be fact and some fiction. I was born 25 days before the Great Depression hit. There were six children at home and our dad was gone. Things were tough, to say the least, but other than mom it was a way of life for us youngsters. We didn’t k now any better. Most of all we had each other, great friends in the same boat and real tough love from Mom.

I dropped out of school in the tenth grade, went to wok in the steel mills, then as a gandy dancer for the B&O Railroad. I joined the Marines, where I played football for the station teams at Cherry Point, NC and later at El Toro, CA. I finished high school after discharge and earned an athletic scholarship to Westminster College in PA where I majored in Journalism. I went into newspaper and radio work, then public relations. I earned an M.A. in communications, Rhetoric and Public Address from Wayne State University. I’ve always loved writing and decided to try (like everybody wants to do) writing novels. So far, so good. My first attempt is The Pen Pal Murders

I met my wife, Miriam (aka Becky) in college. She was on a scholarship as a college nurse and majored in Psychology. We had six sons, and we are very proud of all of them. We are also blessed with ten grandchildren.

My second novel, The Sitting Duck, is scheduled for release later this year. If you like gangster-type novels, you’ll like The Sitting Duck. Hey, I have to get in plugs! I am going to enjoy writing for this site; I hope you enjoy what pops up.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.