Expert Advice for Writers: An Interview with Michelle L Devon
September 09, 2008 by
"You Are What You Help Others Become."
Hi Michelle. Before we begin, I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us so that we can all benefit from your experience as an online freelance writer.Tell us a little about yourself.
Michelle L Devon
Date of Interview: August 15, 2008Q. What experience did you bring with you when you began your career writing online?
[Michy] Well, over the years, I've held about 40 different jobs, from accounting to criminal justice advocacy. The largest part of my 'work' career prior to writing was spent in non-profit executive management/advocacy work of some sort. I was not a professional writer in the workforce, but ever job I had entailed some type of writing, whether it be writing grants, managing a company newsletter, correspondence. In fact, I had a way with words in my jobs, so it seemed I was always called upon to do writing and correspondence for others.
When I quit my last job though, as a contract negotiator for a large corporation, I really had no professional writing experience. All I had was a desire to write, a passion for it, a compulsion if you will.
Q. What surprised you most about writing for an online audience?
[Michy] I guess what surprised me the most about writing for online audiences is how short the attention span of the reader really is, and how ugly people can sometimes be behind the safety of a computer screen when they comment on your writing. It's been clear to me that some people who comment on online works don't really take the time to read what you said. Seems print readers take more time to actually read what you write, and then they can't quickly or easily pop off a comment about it either.
Poetry of emotions.
By Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Published 6/23/2006 | Read more »
When writing a novel, developing a well-rounded, whole character is a challenge many authors face. Read more to learn a bit about writing and developing believable characters who have a life beyond the pages of your books.
By Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Published 8/8/2006 | Read more »
Join the writer, Michelle L Devon (Michy in our story) on the mis-adventures of mowing the lawn in this second installment of our three part series. Laugh at her antics and the cleverness of the boy child! Enjoy!
By Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Published 8/23/2006 | Read more »
The final showdown...who will be victorious? Join the writer, Michelle L Devon (Michy in our story) on the mis-adventures of mowing the lawn in this third and final installment of our three part series. Enjoy a good natured laugh at her antics. Enjoy!
By Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Published 8/23/2006 | Read more »
Poetry author MIchelle L Devon brings another emotive prose type piece to the table in this feature, When the Water Comes.
By Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Published 9/2/2006 | Read more »
For me as the writer of this interview with her, I am glad to have had this chance to interview such a wonderful writer and a very nice, compassionate lady as Michelle L. Devon.
By Karen Barnes | Published 12/11/2006 | Read more »
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- "... everything you put out there online stays out there online for the rest of your life."
- "Always, always, always put out your best work..."
- "... freelance writers only sell about 60% of what they submit & only about 40% of what they query."
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