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Hedlund"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Beginning+Writers?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=3"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Beginning%20Writers"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Beginning+Writers\/-\/Beginning+Writers?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=4\u0026max-results=3"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"36"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"3"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3407177894003092147"},"published":{"$t":"2018-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-06T20:53:23.734-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Publication Process"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Publishing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Answering a Few Questions About Publication"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lK_1-QVsu6g\/W7FQ1SjMUuI\/AAAAAAAAFP8\/r6hn5CHCQ3ojx7mb_ADMKJb95qae2y9lwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Publication.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"475\" data-original-width=\"419\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lK_1-QVsu6g\/W7FQ1SjMUuI\/AAAAAAAAFP8\/r6hn5CHCQ3ojx7mb_ADMKJb95qae2y9lwCLcBGAs\/s400\/Publication.JPG\" width=\"352\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E, @JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERecently I returned from a national writers’ conference. One of my favorite things to do there was talk with aspiring writers and answer any questions they had about publication and being an author. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEven though I’m home now, I still love the opportunity to answer questions, most of which come via emails. While I don’t always have time to write back, sometimes I answer the questions here on my blog, especially when they’re the kind of questions other writers might have too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERecently I got just such an email from Hannah, one full of lots of great questions. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHannah said: \u003Ci\u003EI am currently an English major who would love to have a career in writing novels. I would love it if you could share how you got started in the writing world and became successful. How long did it take before you first got published? How long does it generally take for you to write a novel? Do you work for someone who gives certain deadlines or are you self-employed and work at your own pace?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. How long did it take before you first got published?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt took me approximately 7 years (nonconsecutive) from when I first started writing seriously as an adult to when I got my first book contract. During those years, I read every writing how-to book I could find, and I wrote five practice novels that now collect dust in a closet and will never see the light of day. My sixth book became my debut novel. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe number of years and practice books it takes will vary from writer to writer. BUT what won’t vary is the NEED TO LEARN. \u003C\/b\u003EEvery writer has to take the time and do the hard work of learning the craft of writing by reading technique books, practicing, getting critiques, and honing their skills.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll too often nowadays with the ease of self-publishing, I see too many writers skip the hard work of learning and practicing. Whether going the traditional or self-publishing route, a writer won’t find success without taking the time and work necessary to become skilled.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce a writer is consistently getting feedback (from critique partners or editors) that their work is starting to look ready for publication, my advice is to seek out agents and writing contests. I made my big break into traditional publication by finaling in a prestigious writing contest. After my final, I re-contacted the agent who already had my manuscript in her slush pile. She offered me representation a few days later. A few months after that I had a three book deal. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. How long does it generally take for you to write a novel?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter writing close to 30 books and having about 25 of them published, my writing muscles are much stronger now than when I first started. I like to compare writing to running. When a person first decides to take up running, they lumber down the street and can hardly go a block without having to stop for a break. After years of practice and running consistently, they can often go many blocks without needing to stop. Maybe they’ve even worked up to running marathons.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWriting works the same way with lots of slow lumbering, often much fumbling, and eventually going longer with stronger output. I started by writing 500 words a day during my kids’ nap-times. It took me a year to complete one book. That was all I could manage as a busy (and exhausted!) mom. Now, after years of writing, I can complete the first draft of a novel in 8 to 10 weeks. My kids are teenagers and more independent, and I’m in a season where I can devote more time to my writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Do you work for someone who gives certain deadlines or are you self-employed and work at your own pace?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith my traditional publishers, I’m under contract to write a certain number of books in a specific time period. Generally for me, that means I turn in a book every 6 to 9 months. During contract negotiations, my publisher gives me deadlines for when I need to turn in the first draft and also with the various stages of editing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor my indie books, I don’t have any deadlines, although I do try to work carefully around my traditionally published books so that releases don’t conflict with each other. Even without strict deadlines for my self-pubbed books, I’ve still found it very helpful for my productivity to establish my own goals and publication schedules. I try very hard to stay on track with the schedule, especially so I can remain timely for the editors, cover designer, beta readers, etc. who are a part of my self-publishing process.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll that to say, I approach my writing career in a business-like way. Not everyone does nor do they need to. It’s just what works for me and my personality. I like to establish yearly goals (sometimes even plotting out my writing and publishing schedule for a couple of years). Then I know what I can fit in and where.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYour turn! How long have YOU been writing? What is YOUR writing process like and how long does it take YOU to complete a novel?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/3407177894003092147"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/3407177894003092147"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2018\/10\/answering-few-questions-about.html","title":"Answering a Few Questions About Publication"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lK_1-QVsu6g\/W7FQ1SjMUuI\/AAAAAAAAFP8\/r6hn5CHCQ3ojx7mb_ADMKJb95qae2y9lwCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Publication.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4599736152676083392"},"published":{"$t":"2017-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-11-06T20:53:43.413-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Writing Career"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Should You Become a Writer?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"515\" data-original-width=\"410\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s400\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG\" width=\"317\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund,\u0026nbsp;@JodyHedlund\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI received an email from a young writer named Noor who asked: “\u003Ci\u003EI’m in middle school and will be in high school soon. I was wondering if I should become a writer. I love to write and it's one of my passions. But I know a career in the arts can be a tough thing, so I'm not sure if I could do it. Can you give me some advice?\u003C\/i\u003E”\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you become a writer?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is an excellent question and one that many budding writers struggle with no matter their age.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, let’s define what it means to “become a writer.” Many people love to put words on paper in a variety of formats and do so for \u003Ci\u003Epersonal inspiration or pleasure\u003C\/i\u003E. There are some writers who decide to pursue publication with their inspired words because they want to \u003Ci\u003Eshare their stories with others\u003C\/i\u003E. Then there are those who want to \u003Ci\u003Emake a career \u003C\/i\u003Eout of sharing their words and stories with others.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo my simple answer is, yes, if you love writing, be a writer. Bring life to the words bubbling inside you and find great pleasure in it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShould you share your words with others? And should you pursue a career of sharing your words?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt depends.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you share your words with others? \u003C\/b\u003EJust this week my husband told me about a facebook post from a high school student getting ready to self-publish her first book. As he read the post, I cringed. And then I said: \u003Ci\u003ENo one should ever publish their first book. Ever.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy daughter is a freshman in college studying to become a nurse. If you went to the ER, would you want a freshman nursing student to treat your injury? \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShe has to study, learn, grow, and practice (A LOT) before people will want her to fix their problems. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou have to take the long hard road of a educating and practicing the craft of writing before people will want to read your words (that is anyone besides family and loyal friends). A first book is simply part of that process of \u003Ci\u003Ebecoming\u003C\/i\u003E a writer. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E(\u003Cb\u003ESidenote:\u003C\/b\u003E I’m guessing some blog readers will probably argue that a first book isn’t always un-publishable. Maybe there are writing geniuses who can pull off a first-book wonder. Some might be able to eventually overhaul their first book and make something of it. But most of us scrap that first book and chalk it up as a practice effort.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn other words, don’t rush to share your words with the world. Take your time to become the best writer you can be first.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShould you pursue a career of sharing your words? \u003C\/b\u003ELet me be honest. Being a full time author (where writing and publishing books is your \u003Ci\u003Emain\u003C\/i\u003E job) is extremely tough in today’s saturated book market. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYes, you may hear stories of both traditional and self-published authors hitting it big. But the large majority of career authors struggle to make a living off their books. I’ve been writing full time for close to ten years. I’ve published over twenty novels, mostly with traditional publishers with a couple of indie books in the mix. I haven’t gotten rich off my writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd in rubbing shoulders with LOTS of authors, I’ve come to realize that most of us are in the same boat. We’re staying afloat, but our careers are more like steamboats chugging upstream, not luxury liners with smooth sailing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll that to say, if you want to make a career out of writing, be prepared for the realities of a competitive publishing market and the possibility of having a supplemental job that can pay the bills.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERather than end this post on a negative note, I’ll close by saying that if you have a love and passion for writing and want to make a career out of it, then definitely go for it. Chase after your dream. I can honestly say I LOVE my job. I can’t imagine any other career more fulfilling than sitting down every day and creating stories.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut as you chase after your dream, be prepared to work harder than you ever have for anything else. Give it all you have. And with enough hard work and determination, someday you may find yourself chugging upstream too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about YOU? What advice would YOU give if someone asked you if they should become a writer?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4599736152676083392"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4599736152676083392"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2017\/12\/should-you-become-writer.html","title":"Should You Become a Writer?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTvdqx8oZqI\/WjQ6Sgj-oPI\/AAAAAAAAFL8\/tJeaqP7M5KsIIEsOL7lvV8L7RUi2UR57gCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Should%2Byou%2Bbecome%2Ba%2Bwriter.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1146434722553453258"},"published":{"$t":"2017-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-11-06T06:00:08.924-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Advice to a Novice Writer"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-SHG5Fwu2co8\/Wf97tUpy9RI\/AAAAAAAAFLc\/lobHoMfqDN4NWAY2f8HKFPx-LWvWkX3UACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Slow%2BDown.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"518\" data-original-width=\"433\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-SHG5Fwu2co8\/Wf97tUpy9RI\/AAAAAAAAFLc\/lobHoMfqDN4NWAY2f8HKFPx-LWvWkX3UACLcBGAs\/s400\/Slow%2BDown.PNG\" width=\"332\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;By Jody Hedlund,\u0026nbsp;@JodyHedlund\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn a recent email, Teri asked: “\u003Ci\u003EI'm a novice writer. What is the most important advice you can give to someone who is beginning to write a novel? And why?\u003C\/i\u003E”\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs I pondered how to respond to Teri’s email, I realized that if Teri asked a dozen authors the same question, she’d likely get a dozen different answers. We all once struggled (or still struggle) with a variety of different things: crafting an opening that hooks a reader, creating lifelike characters, keeping the conflict and tension high, showing and not telling, and more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo rather than focusing on writing mechanics, I’ll give a broader piece of advice to novice writers, especially to novice writers in today’s digital age: \u003Cb\u003EDon’t rush the process.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn other words, slow down; don’t be in a hurry.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat do I mean by that? \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELet me flesh out my advice by applying it to two different levels of the writing process: micro and macro.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe micro-writing process:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe micro process is the art of writing itself. Capturing thoughts. Crafting sentences. Evoking the senses. Twisting plots. Breathing life into words.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDon’t rush the process doesn’t mean write slowly and meticulously and take years to write your first book. Sometimes writing fast and unhindered unleashes the creative process so that the internal editor is completely pushed aside and can’t interfere to erect roadblocks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERather don’t rush the process means to take the time to learn everything possible about the beautiful craft and skill of weaving words so eventually you can move from simple, tangled, and knotted beginner samplers into smooth yet colorful tapestries that convey complex stories.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELearn. Practice. Learn. Practice. The process of becoming skillful takes time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2DsZA0tFtFw\/Wf96GIHBhOI\/AAAAAAAAFLQ\/CGHquwJSzpwnDWnhyULIKG20NpDc5oChQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Learn%2BPractice.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"520\" data-original-width=\"442\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2DsZA0tFtFw\/Wf96GIHBhOI\/AAAAAAAAFLQ\/CGHquwJSzpwnDWnhyULIKG20NpDc5oChQCLcBGAs\/s400\/Learn%2BPractice.PNG\" width=\"340\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe macro-writing process: \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe macro process is the bigger picture of being a writer. Becoming an author. The thrill of seeing words in print. Dreaming of having readers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDon’t rush the macro process means write with abandon, without the pressure to publish. Give your mind the freedom to simply create. Take the time to please yourself before worrying about pleasing potential readers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first book and maybe even the second (third, fourth, and fifth for me), are all part of the journey, experiencing both the joy and angst of the love affair with words.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll too often, novice writers channel their excitement for their stories into publication instead of practice. With the ease of self-publishing, the discipline of delayed-gratification is ignored for short-lived fulfillment, which often turns out not to be so fulfilling when the difficulties of selling and marketing become a reality.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWrite several books. Get feedback. Tread into publication carefully.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, that’s my advice to the novice writer!\u003Cb\u003E Don’t rush the process. If it’s worth doing, then it’s worth slowing down and doing it well.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow about YOU? What advice do you have for a novice writer?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1146434722553453258\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2017\/11\/advice-to-novice-writer.html#comment-form","title":"362 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/1146434722553453258"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/1146434722553453258"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2017\/11\/advice-to-novice-writer.html","title":"Advice to a Novice Writer"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-SHG5Fwu2co8\/Wf97tUpy9RI\/AAAAAAAAFLc\/lobHoMfqDN4NWAY2f8HKFPx-LWvWkX3UACLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Slow%2BDown.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"362"}}]}});