Has anyone tried writing???

[bowzonly]

I have published a couple doz stories in 3 dif archery mags. Just from reading your post I can tell you have half a brain (at the very least LOL)and could prob write a decent hunting story.  Take plenty of good quality pics.  They can edit your story but not your photos (although the editing in some mags is not that great, I can't even read half the stories cause I'm so busy editing them in my head I have to stop) Having said that, I am not the best writer either but I have my own style and it works. I edit the crap out of my stories, sometimes putting them aside for weeks before re-reading them. That way I see them from a different perspective and sometimes ask myself, did I write the garbage. Don't expect to make a living at it either.  I like to say that the beat writers are the ones who have the most $.  Because they can spend a lot of $ hunting exotic places and animals.  When you step off a plane in some exotic location half the story writes itself.  But, you are spending 4500 to make 500 so the math is not in your favor.  That's not the whole story but I hope that helps.

[Pat B]

I've written two articles that were published by Primitive Archer Magazine. One, "The Story of Elkie" about building the bow I took on my first elk hunt to Colorado. The other, "Our Community Shines" about a group of us from PA making an archery set to present to a young friend after his Dad, also a friend and a PA member, passed away from a brain tumor.
 Primitive Archer is always looking for articles.

[Matt Green]

RE: the somewhat negative comment about "touchy feely articles":  I had a very prominent editor very recently tell me he struggled to find good articles that did not end with a dead animal.  so i'd suggest you don't discount those.
second - your post is  a good start but a close mentor to review your work and help with edits before you submit wiould be recommended.
also had an editor tell me to read the stories in their publicaiotn to see what type they typically like.
great advice on the pictures as well - 2 different editors of 2 dif magazines a while back told me "Get a good camera and learn how to use it" that does NOT mean expensive. I just bouth a nice digital SLR - I suggest looking for refurbished models off the manufactur's website.
best of luck.  it really is great seeing your work published.
mg

[Roger Norris]

Originally posted by Matt Green:
RE: the somewhat negative comment about "touchy feely articles":  I had a very prominent editor very recently tell me he struggled to find good articles that did not end with a dead animal.  so i'd suggest you don't discount those.
second - your post is  a good start but a close mentor to review your work and help with edits before you submit wiould be recommended.
also had an editor tell me to read the stories in their publicaiotn to see what type they typically like.
great advice on the pictures as well - 2 different editors of 2 dif magazines a while back told me "Get a good camera and learn how to use it" that does NOT mean expensive. I just bouth a nice digital SLR - I suggest looking for refurbished models off the manufactur's website.
best of luck.  it really is great seeing your work published.
mg

I agree on the touchy feely comment.....I truly enjoy an article that isn't a glorified caption for a hero picture. One of my favorite things I have written will never be published, it's a rather touchy feely piece on my personal bowhunting history. I gave it to my Dad as a Christmas gift. Articles contemplating personal reflection and opinion are very interesting to me.

Some folks also have a knack for the "how to" article. I think Ray Lyon is becoming a master at this type.

[Petrichor]

Here is my two cents my friend..... First off I think you and I would be best friends.... 28 yo here rarely successful... as in not yet with a bow working on it..  I like writing myself, and to your idea here is my opinion.  I personally would love to read stories about a hunter that doesn't hunt for trophies... Man that would be refreshing...

[NIGEL01]

Lots of good info here.  I'll be having my second published article coming out in the December issue of TAW.  I really didn't  think  you got  paid much at all for an article, I just thought it would be neat to see my work in print.  When Tom sent me an envelope with the magazine and my published article and a check, I was pretty excited.  Course the guys at work razed me about quitting my night job.  Glad I didn't, I've found doing it just for fun works best for me.  I make quivers that I sell here on the sponsor's classifieds, and in the end I make little to nothing on them.  But it's the emails back from the customers that makes it worth it.  My wife and son feel I should be charging more and writing more, but if it becomes work or stressful it isn't worth it to me.  I've got dozens of stories in my head, but no photographic backup.  Do it for the fun of it and don't get discouraged.  I've been wanting to work for a hunting publication since college in the early 90's, and I still haven't given up hope.  Good luck, Chris

[Mike Yancey]

If its to bankroll extra cash to blow on hunting as you say, you would be better off mowing yards. I have written for many magazines over the last few years and love to do hunting stories about my hunting trips.
It takes money to hunt for sure, I started Pine Hollow Longbows while working a demanding job that I had for 28 years as a way to support my hunting problem. It was a great idea and the writing opportunities came along because of it. That being said its hard to get your foot in the door in the business so to speak. Larry Fischer helped me on the writing end of it and the rest just seemed to take on a life of its own and here I am today. Where ever that is!
 Good luck and don't be afraid of a bunch of hard work. My good friend Ed Scott told me that I was an overnight success, it just took me 10 me years to get there.

[bowzonly]

I like the touchy feely stories as well. What I don't like is when some people try to be too "flowery" with their words and it feels forced. Don't write like you speak but still, you have to find your own style. I can't afford to go on expensive hunts so I was forced to write about hunts the ave. person could relate to ie. small game and non trophy whitetails.

[Ol'DanBoone]

Thank you sooooo much fellas.  I really appreciate all the input.  I actually have a learning "disability" in written expression, or atleast a psychologist/counselor for the davidson county school board deemed it so.  I however know that its a disreguard for the  rules and formalities of language arts(i like coloring outside the lines).  However, I do have an english teacher for a mother who can proof read and edit for me. What she lacks in imagination, she makes up for by kbowing all the ins and outs of the rules.  So, its a win for me.
  And im not wanting to do this JUST to make extra cash to blow on hunting.  I REALLY enjoy writing as a form of self expression.