Rx for Writers

Transcripts

Thursday, June 3, l999

MODERATOR is Kristi Holl, Web Editor for the Institute's web site. Kristi is author of more than twenty juvenile novels and has taught writing at the Institute of Children's Literature for l5 years.

Terry Whalin is our guest speaker.

Names color coded in green are audience members who had questions.

Interviews are scheduled for Thursday evenings: 8 Eastern, 7 Central, 6 Mountain, and 5 Pacific.

MODERATOR: Good evening! Welcome to the Scheduled Chat Room's online interview with Terry Whalin. I'm your moderator, Kristi Holl, and also web editor for this site. Tonight Terry will be discussing the subject "Prolific Writing in the Inspirational Field." Terry Whalin knows and understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. Presently he's an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature. He previously worked as an editor for DECISION (with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and IN OTHER WORDS magazines.

Since moving to Colorado in l994, Terry launched a full-time career of freelance writing and editing. His magazine articles have appeared in more than 50 Christian and general market publications plus he's written more than 45 books. He writes on a wide variety of subjects and topics for the magazine and book marketplace--from children to teen to adult--including many biographies (like Chuck Colson and Sojourner Truth). Let's welcome Terry Whalin, our guest for this evening! Hello, Terry!

Terry Whalin: Hello, everyone. I'm delighted to be here tonight and talk about something I love--writing.

MODERATOR: First of all, when did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Terry Whalin: I think the first hint of it came as a junior in high school. I had an English teacher, Mr. Smith, who encouraged me to join the high school newspaper staff. I joined, then started to write--sports was my first assignment.

MODERATOR: Over the years you have been so prolific!! How do you do it? Any tips?

Terry Whalin: Well, I just look prolific. My first book was published in 1992 and I've been writing for publication for about 15 years. Yes, there are several keys to my prolificness. One of them is plain old hard work. I get up every day with the intention to work at my craft of writing---I mean really work at it. I also have specific goals for the day or even the morning or even the hour. I always recommend that people make a list of what they want to do. Then I get real satisfaction as I cross those things off my "to do" list. Another key tip is that I compose at the keyboard. I don't write out long hand or anything. In fact, my own handwriting is terrible. I always recommend people learn how to hit the keys right away when they sit down at the keyboard. Possibly this composition skill is an old journalism thing--I learned as a reporter years ago on manual typewriters. I simply sit down and put my fingers on the keys and begin typing. So many writers sharpen pencils, make coffee and other things rather than write. Does that answer your question? Bob Bly interviewed me for his book Write More, Sell More and that's a good resource of info. I talk about productivity in that book and always recommend it to boost your productivity.

MODERATOR: I know you had to have tight goals and deadlines in your journalism background and work. How important was that background to your present success?

Terry Whalin: That background was very important and valuable training. When I was in college, I worked at a local newspaper which was an afternoon newspaper. We'd have story meetings at 7 a.m. and get our assignments. My copy or story had to be written and on my editor's desk by 11 a.m. Often I had to interview several people or do something to collect the content of my story by 11 a.m. There was no time to sharpen pencils or mill around about the words or anything. Then at 3 p.m., the newspaper was out on the street and my words from the morning were in print. It was a terrific training ground and something I continue to use twenty years later--really longer than twenty years.

MODERATOR: What great training! You've published picture books, read-alouds, and middle grade juvenile books, as well as numerous adult books. How do you handle wearing so many writing hats?

Terry Whalin: I'm intentional about being a generalist. It's important to me not to be pigeonholed or categorized as one type of writer, then I have the broadest possible opportunities. I know that some people encourage specialization, but for me, I enjoy the diversity. One day I work on a picture book, another day I write an 8-12 year old book, then another day yet, I'm writing an adult book--sometimes co-authored and sometimes on my own. I like being diverse and wearing different hats--but I freely admit it goes with my personality and my temperament. It's not for everyone.

MODERATOR: What are some of the pluses and minuses for writing for such a wide range of readers? I think I would go nuts!

Terry Whalin: One of the pluses is the diversity which I've mentioned. In terms of minuses, it's switching gears. I may have to walk outside or do something to get into the right mode. One of my children's writer friends chews gum for example when she writes her teenage stuff, even though she's probably in her sixties--just to get in the right frame of mind. Those are some of the pluses and minuses.

InaPickle: How do you keep everything straight when you are working on different projects?

Terry Whalin: That's a good question that I'm asked pretty often. In fact, last summer I taught a workshop and when I told them how much stuff I was carrying--in terms of unfulfilled contracts--there was a huge gasp in the room. Some way or another, I keep it in my mind. Or if it gets too burdensome, I make a list on paper and have it in front of me. I'm always working on a wide variety of projects--book and magazine and marketing.

bullock: Hi ! I'm fascinated that you met a four hour deadline on a daily basis. Didn't you ever "get stuck?"

Terry Whalin: Sure. But in the news business, there isn't really time to get stuck--that's a luxury of book and magazine writers. The newspaper business is a great place to hone your craft of writing. If you are stuck, you can turn to an editor or fellow writer, get a thought or boost--but I rarely used that as an option.

MODERATOR: How DID you get your first children's book contract?

Terry Whalin: My first book contract came from attending a writer's conference. A lot of the publishing business is relational--it's important to know the editors. You meet those editors at conferences and form relationships. At the time, I was a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators. If you know anything about the marketplace, it's a tough sell to get a missions book published. Yet people believe in missions and I was talking with a children's book editor about how to do it. I told her that I would combine real photos with a cartoon character. To show kids that they can go anywhere for Jesus. The book was called When I Grow Up, I Can Go Anywhere For Jesus and was published by Chariot Books in 1992--and recently went out of print. People forget that it takes a long time to get a picture book published. I believe I finished the writing in late 1990 but it was printed overseas, illustrated, etc. It's not a fast moving process like the newspaper business.

Dee: Did you sell it the first go around?

Terry Whalin: Yes, I sold it first go around in the sense that I talked with the editor about my idea; she liked my idea--which I put down concretely in a written form after the conference, then she sent me a contract. I knew nothing about contracts. Like many of us in this business. I've learned the hard way about such matters--often through not getting everything that I could have gotten.

gvl: Is it necessary to have an intense Bible background to get notice from an editor of a Christian publication, or can you "learn as you go"?

Terry Whalin: No, it's not necessary to have a seminary degree or anything like that. I've got a certificate in Bible but I don't think I would even need that to get noticed. One of the keys is to have publication experience before you start writing books. I had been published in at least a dozen or two magazines BEFORE my first book ever hit the streets. The magazine business is easier to enter and shows that you can complete the book process. I always recommend people start with the Sunday School take-home papers--try your particular type of church first but branch out. Sunday School take home papers have to publish something 52 times a year or every week--now that's a bunch of material, which is a terrific opportunity for writers. Then after you've written some Bible stories for the take home papers, you can move into books. The important aspect is to build a track record in the magazine business.

bullock: Would you suggest the beginning writer start out with magazine articles, or stories?

Terry Whalin: The bulk of what I've written is nonfiction. I've written some stories for teen publications but mostly it's articles. Generally it's easier to get articles published or nonfiction than fiction. After you get your nonfiction articles published, you can move into short stories. It's not an either/or type of situation.

paulb: What inspired you to become a full time freelance writer/editor? And how did you make the transition?

Terry Whalin: Full-time freelancing is a scary proposition for anyone. You have to make your full-time living from your writing. For me, it happened through the circumstances of life. I was an editor at Decision and I loved it--but that position wasn't really a match for me and it came to an end. Almost simultaneously--not related--I went through a personal family crisis, a divorce. I thought my writing life was over. I sent out my resume across the nation and could not get a job anywhere. Now I see that occurrence as God's provision in my life. One of my friends said the most courageous thing I could do is to move to Colorado and start my freelance business, so I took the plunge and moved here--continuing to be a father to my two sons. Almost immediately after I moved here I signed up to write three books. For the last five years, I've never looked back and continued to see amazing opportunities open for my writing.

MODERATOR: That's an inspiring story in itself!! With all your books out now, I'm curious, why do you continue with "smaller assignments" like book reviews and software reviews?

Terry Whalin: I continue to review books and software products because it keeps me in the marketplace. I like to write for the trade magazines--often they have the latest information on a particular product like books or software. For the last twelve years, I've reviewed at least a book each month for CBA Marketplace. This magazine reaches every Christian bookstore in the nation, which is a key audience for my writing. Also I'm reading new books and giving my opinions about them constantly. The process helps me evaluate writing--including my own--month after month. I never want to forget the journey and also reviewing helps remind me that we all have to start somewhere. And I'm still honing my craft month in and month out.

MODERATOR: Backing up a minute to your family . . .

bullock: Do you use experiences in your sons' lives for inspiration for your writing?

Terry Whalin: At times--of course, they are growing older and if I was going to write about them now I would ask their permission. When they were younger, I wrote about the experiences without asking. Some of that writing is posted on my website--in particular an article called Schooled in Death which appeared in Decision several years ago. It's on my website in the portfolio section at www.terrywhalin.com.

MODERATOR: How can writers "see" the potential sales and topics in their own lives?

Terry Whalin: Personal experiences are never wasted. You can see from the brief bit of my own life that I've felt free to write about my own experiences. I always encourage people to write what they know... consider your hobbies, your interests, your extra activities. I've written puzzles and little jokes and all sorts of things. Also I never say the words, "I can't write that" or "That's not me." Generally I give things a whirl--they don't always work out but it's surprising the amount of things which do work out. Another valuable means to generate ideas is through reading everything--magazines, newspapers and other books. For example, I've written about Disney dollars. The idea came from a small newspaper article in the business section of the newspaper. It translated into a nonfiction article and a trip to the back lot of Disneyland--when I lived in Southern California and it was relatively easy to get there.

bullock: Can you give an example of an experience your sons had that became an article or story?

Terry Whalin: Nothing really concrete comes to mind...except my Schooled in Death article. My oldest son was three at the time and learned about death through the death of his brother who lived five months and twenty-two days and died about twelve years ago. As the experiences were happening--the interesting conversation and events--I wrote those little ancedotes down, then later I used that material as the basis to write the article. It's never easy to write such material--because I believe the old Chinese proverb which says, He who writes, tastes life twice. You have to relive the experiences of life--even the difficult ones, in order to be able to write about it. I've received tremendous feedback from that article about how it has helped people around the globe. So for me, it was well worth the journey.

MODERATOR: That is a very moving story, Terry, a tough one . . . Switching tracks now, from your experience as an editor, tell us a bit about what the editor does and why it takes so long to process our manuscripts.

Terry Whalin: Oh, everyone wonders about that, Kristi. Good question. I've got some thoughts about that on my website but here's what comes to mind off the top of my head. We forget that editors have much more to do than read our manuscripts. When I was an editor of a major magazine, we had title meetings that seemed to take several hours. Yes, we were selecting and debating the titles for the articles in the magazine. Also as editors, we were involved in proof-reading--sometimes over and over to get it right. Also we were working with the authors that we had in the pipeline for assigned articles. We were also in meetings to select the photos and art which accompanied the articles in the magazine. Writers tend to forget that editors have many different tasks--beyond getting their manscript read. Often the unsolicited mss were some of the LAST things that I read--maybe before I went home for the day. I know one editor who car pools and reads queries when he comes to work and goes home. So, it takes a long time for editors to read our treasures but eventually they read them and send us their decision. I've got a solution to the waiting--it's write more material. Instead of being focused on the mailbox or your mail, get going on another article, another book. Then it takes your mind and attention off waiting and gives you more possibility for publication.

MODERATOR: As a former editor, what tips can you give newer writers about writing catchy query letters?

Terry Whalin: Queries are important. I highly recommend Lisa Collier Cool's book, How to Write Irresistible Query Letters. I heard Lisa last month in New York City conduct a seminar on query letters. She's great. The first key with a query is to have a terrific first paragraph. That first paragraph has to grab the reader (and the editor) and propel them into your idea. Don't just whip off the first thing that comes to your mind but craft a really interesting first paragraph. Maybe it's a statistic or a quotation or a riveting question... So. You get that first paragraph--by the way, that paragraph that you craft can be your lead in the eventual article. Remember, nothing is wasted in this business, even queries that don't get a yes from the editor... The second paragraph in a query is the specifics about how you will accomplish the article--or your bare bones outline. Then you propose a length and a deadline (say in four to six weeks--don't look too eager even if you are). Another paragraph gives your qualifications for writing that particular article; don't be shy but don't go overboard with your credits or credentials. You want the editor to have confidence that you've had an experience or have the skills to accomplish the article. The final paragraph of a query letter says you are looking for their response and enclose an SASE. It's a valuable skill and I recommend every writer learn how to write an irresistible query.

Mel: What is the wildest unsolicited idea submitted to you as editor that turned into a viable published piece?

Terry Whalin: Good question, Mel... I think it was the Christmas story that someone sent to the magazine on red paper--usually a solid turn off. We actually read the story at Decision, then worked with the author to craft her story into something which worked for our readership, which is 1.8 million copies by the way. That was a pretty wild unsolicited idea.

MODERATOR: Now, how about turn-offs or common mistakes you saw in queries?

Terry Whalin: As for turn-offs or common mistakes for queries, I have several. First, queries have to be typed--it's amazing to me the number of people who send in handwritten ideas. Like How To Avoid Burning in Hell--yes someone sent that to us at Decision. Another turn off is to use Old English as your typeface for the query. It's remarkable how many people think that is cute--well almost anything cute is a turn off to the editor. I always recommend my students use Times Roman or a serif typeface for their articles, stories or query letters--it's generally what the editors prefer.

JenG: I would like to know to what extent, if any, issues like sex, abortion, drugs, and alcohol can be addressed in writing for teens for Christian publications.

Terry Whalin: These issues can be addressed--in some teen publications more than others... the key is to study the publication and not simply send in your material blindly. Sadly many writers don't bother to study the publication and then they wonder why their material is constantly rejected. For example, there is a reason that we don't print dog stories at Decision. It's not our focus and the same is true for these teen magazines; you have to determine their style, their niche and their focus, then write for that focus or niche. Every publication--large or small--has a focus and a particular audience.

MODERATOR: Changing direction again here . . . I really want to encourage our readers to check out your web site. It's unique--how did you create it?

Terry Whalin: I got the idea for it while at the American Society of Journalists and Authors meetings. I first of all determined my purpose for the site and wrote down that purpose. So many writers tend to have a shot gun type of approach for their website and it's not focused. My intent with my website was several fold--first to provide a place editors can learn about my work: that's my portfolio section which has my resume, list of my books, my personal background, and samples of my magazine work and even articles that have been written about my writing along with my personal testimony. Also I wanted to have a section on my website which would sell my books, so I have a complete bookstore with my various titles listed. Finally I wanted to have a place on my website to help other writers. I feel strongly that my writing and work is the result of what others have built into my own life. I wanted to give back to others but was unsure how to accomplish that desire. So I created an area called Automatic Writers Helps where writers can get my information about various topics through an automatic email message that comes 24 hours a day and without my involvement. Finally, you should know I had a site designer help me create my site so it has a professional look to it. I tried to do it on my own and it looked very unprofessional and soon I took it down. Another tip is to find people who are experts like in web design and get their expertise rather than trying to do it yourself. It was a huge savings to me in terms of professionalism and time with a positive result. Thanks, Kristi, for your comment about my site at www.terrywhalin.com.

MODERATOR: I loved it!

Mel: Do you have a way to tell how many people visit your website each day? If so, about how many do?

Terry Whalin: Yes, I have a way to tell but it's all behind the scenes of the site. Counters are like odometers on cars--they can be rigged and often are on the web. I've been getting about 1,000 hits a week on my site but I've not checked it recently.

terry: Does the web site generate many sales and/or editor inquires?

Terry Whalin: Not a huge amount but definitely enough to keep it up and running. Often an editor will email me out of the blue and we will begin discussing a project. This editor has seen my work on the web and wants to have some of it in their publication or their publishing house. If we can work out the specifics, then I generally go for it.

MODERATOR: In your bookstore, do you handle sales and mailing books yourself? Or is this a link to your publisher or distributor?

Terry Whalin: Good question. I've looked into taking credit cards, etc. but I didn't want the fuss and bother of fulfillment. I'm using the Amazon.Com associate program. If your book is listed on Amazon.Com, then you provide a special code in the Link to show Amazon you led the person to their site. If they purchase the book, then you get a 10% credit or maybe it's 15% from Amazon.Com. Also Amazon handles the shipping, the money handling and even gift wraps the book for the customer. As an added service on my site I offer people the chance to have an autographed book. It's a book plate that I send the person--after they've purchased the book through my bookstore. I, for one, love autographed books and have a bunch of them in my house from my author friends.

MODERATOR: Can we talk about your biographies for a moment now? Why are you so interested in biography for ages 8 to l2?

Terry Whalin: It takes me back to my childhood. When I was the age of this audience (8-12) I read biographies. I recall one summer in Kentucky at my grandmother's going to the library often, always turning to those biographies and reading stacks of them. I mean, anything from George Washington or any other U.S. President to other figures of history. I'm certain that love drives my own writing for biography. Also as a biographer, you get to learn amazing detail about an individual, then build that detail into your storytelling. For example, one of my biographies is about Chuck Colson--the Watergate figure. Chuck was called Nixon's hatchet man. Now Chuck Colson is the founder of Prison Fellowship which works in prisons across the nation and even worldwide. Chuck was given a million dollars for the prize of Progress in Religion and gave it away--to Prison Fellowship. My biography shows a completely different side of Chuck's personality---his humor.

Mel: If you could write an authorized biography about any world figure active today, who would that be, Terry?

Terry Whalin: That's a question I've never thought about. I'd probably say George W. Bush--the Governor of Texas. I'd like to know what makes him tick.

MODERATOR: I'd like to read that one! What does it take to write good biographies?

Terry Whalin: It takes a keen interest in people and a love of research.

Dee: What age is the hardest for you to write for? And why?

Terry Whalin: I think the younger age group is a bit of a stretch for me to write for. I've got retold Bible stories like A Strange Place To Sing. It's hard for me to scale back my language for that age group and takes a bunch of rewrites.

MODERATOR: Is it always necessary to interview your subjects for biographies? And what makes for a good interview?

Terry Whalin: No, some of my subjects like Sojourner Truth have been dead for many years. I love to interview the subjects which are alive. It takes a lot of preparation for a good interview.

MODERATOR: What kind of preparation?

Terry Whalin: Preparation includes reading anything written about the person. You find this material in books they've published or magazine articles written about them. Also I interview people around the primary person who often give fascinating little stories and bits from their lives. I never walk into an interview cold but have a list of questions.

MODERATOR: Do you tape your interviews? Take notes? Video?

Terry Whalin: I'm video challenged so I don't video anything. I do tape always and always take notes. I've had too many interviews where I was trusting my tape recorder and it fell down on the job and didn't work--then I panicked and had to immediately write my story from memory. So I tape and take notes.

Dee: Before you read, do you make sure the person is willing to meet with you?

Terry Whalin: Yes, I make sure I've got an assignment to meet with this person. My assignments come for a magazine article through the query letter. For a longer children's biography, it comes from a book contract.

Dee: Who is the most challenging person that you have interviewed?

Terry Whalin: One of the most challenging is a fiction author Stephen Lawhead--who was intellectually challenging. Stephen and I would be talking about a topic and he would say, "but the reader doesn't care about that." Well, I did... Another difficult interview was the mega church pastor, Bill Hybels. He answered my leading questions with yes or no--I ran through them almost instantly.

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