Writing for a living: how to handle rejection

I returned from my trip to the coast of Washington with some story ideas.

I looked at a recent copy of the Travel Section of the Oregonian newspaper and sent a query to the editor. He was interested and wanted to see the article. I followed the style of a writer in the paper; similar sentence length, the format for including addresses and contact info etc. . I sent in a piece about the same length and was rejected. He was kind enough when prodded to tell me why. It seems a staff writer had a similar article to be published that Sunday and the other reason was that "it was not compelling."

After the stinging sensation wears off you try to 1) rationalize by dissecting your article, 2) look immediately for another placement and 3) just decide that it wasn't the right timing or style.

I really learned that even though you are always told to review what the publication has done before, if it's not your style, its not your style!

Inn at Harbor Village, Ilwaco Washington

I'm on my way to a coastal adventure this Thursday and Friday. We are going to explore the old fishing village of Ilwaco, Washington. Sit under an umbrella and eat local crab! Walk Long Beach. Duck into some antuque stores and relax before the crush of summer tourists hit this beautiful coast.

The Inn at Harbor Village is set above the fishing port of Ilwaco and looks to be a glorious place for a respite and a good story!

This weekend there is an art/wine walk (!) and a market . The town is an alternative to the sometimes raucous beach town of Long Beach and it's prettier sister Seaside. The accomodation options in Long Beach looked dowdy and a bit run-down for me so we decided tosearch the internet and found this lovely Cape-Cod style inn with a chapel attached ( It was a church in a previous incarnation) . The rooms are delightful and tastefully appointed. Peter and Janis Bale are proprieters and I'm excited to meet them. Stay tuned for my article on them in Global Writes Magazine . . .

Help me out please . . .

http://www.examiner.com/x-11464-Portland-Food-Examiner

I have to keep updating my life. Maintain the edge, keep the learning curve steep.
I am the new examiner.com Portland ~ Foodie!

What's that you ask?

Well I am supposed to unearth interesting recipes, happenings, markets, chefs and of course food in these parts. I follow trends, forecast the next big foodie thing and tell you about it. So please visit the site and read my stories at the link above.

Michelle M Winner is my professional moniker now

Hello all, a quick Google has turned up several "Michelle Winner" web pages. There is a Michelle Gracia Winner renowned for her work with Asperger's syndrome and Autism, another Michelle Winner with her own media company on the east coast so I have decided to us the name Michelle M. Winner. My new michellemwinner.com as yet unfinished website and all of my articles will now be by-lined
"Michelle M. Winner".
Happy travels!

Michelle M. Winner Launches website

Hello all! I'd like to announce the pending launch of my "journalist for hire" website: www.michellemwinner.com This site will provide potential clients an overview of my style. I do travel story assignments, destination pieces, wedding stories, culinary travel, restaurant reviews and personal chef stories. I provide photographs to illustrate my articles. Interested? Stay tuned for the launch invitation. Michelle

Just wrapping my new writing website stay tuned !

Which specifics are a necessity when writing about a locale?

I have no preconceptions when I travel- only wants.

I want a clean soft place to land with clean running water. Some fresh food and good wine or local beverage. I usually want to hear a foreign language and a country that is not engaged in upheaval, kidnapping or a civil war is high on my list. A place that can evoke a spiritual feeling or raise a passionate issue is now becoming a necessity for this jaded writer.

And of course sun,sand,surf and a moon to color my dreams!