Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri A. Bell.
Sheri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I stumbled into becoming a freelance writer. I was working in the PR department of a pharmaceutical company doing internal communications and community events. But I wanted to get pregnant and find a way to work from home. My boss suggested that I contact the features editor of the local newspaper and tell him that I wanted to write stories as a freelancer. I gulped because beyond penning cookie-cutter press releases (gag) and fluffy feature stories (double gag), I hadn’t actually done much writing.
I knew very little about story structure, in fact, and I certainly hadn’t developed my “voice.” But my boss saw potential that I didn’t. Still, she had to dare me to make the call before I finally caved and made the call. My knees knocked so hard as I picked up the phone. But to my surprise, the editor was kind. He simply asked me what kind of stories I wanted to write, then directed me to go find sources. If he liked a story idea, he’d give me a chance to tell it. Really? It was that easy to get assignments?
At the time, I didn’t realize how desperate newspapers are for content — and how much they love finding a person willing to do a lot of research and writing for really low pay. I cringe now at that first story I wrote, mostly because I picked a really sappy local poet. For several hours, I had to listen to her recite poems about death. But I wanted to see my name on the byline, so I did my best to listen up and write a story that would appeal to a broader audience.
And that’s when I discovered this secret: that *every* person *is* interesting if you can get them talking about things they care about. And I discovered that I have a talent for asking interesting, probing questions that both delight my sources and got them to open up. The interviewing aspect of a writing project is, perhaps, my favorite part.
The editor didn’t hate the story — and the poet loved it — which was just enough motivation for me to want more. I was still clueless about writing at this point, however, with little inkling of what I *didn’t* know about the craft. I was fired up to quickly master the art of storytelling! (Egads, if I’d only known mastery is an elusive target. I’m not sure a writer is *ever* satisfied with her writing.)
There’s always a more concrete word (“stumbled” rather than “walked over unsteadily”), tighter phrasing, and stronger story flow. Writing is basically sifting through ideas and deciding which are the diamonds. But it’s in the sometimes *painful* editing process that those diamonds get polished. I try to tell newbie writers that if you think your “stellar” first draft really is your finished product, you’re in for a soul-crushing shock.
I eventually got brave enough — and good enough — to pitch story ideas to various glossy city magazines, national women’s magazines (Ladies’ Home Journal and Family Circle) and in-flight magazines. My favorite in-flight story was a city-wide scavenger hunt that I created for Elvis fans.
I also began to write books. The two I am most proud of are my humorous children’s picture book about a feisty, high-tech tooth fairy (You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?), and my activity/history book about World War II (Great World War II Projects You Can Build Yourself). It’s for kids 9 and up, but adults enjoy reading it, too. My tooth fairy book was recently adapted into a musical by a theatre company in Chicago. When the musical is available for licensing, I hope to see it performed *lots* within the Dallas Metroplex.
Lately I’ve been writing/blogging for non-profits and helping other writers to birth/polish their books. Developmental editing is one of my favorite ways to help clients. I help at whatever point is needed, whether in creating the basic “scaffolding” of the book, or in reviewing early drafts to see where the scaffolding sags or is missing. It’s so much fun to watch a book come together. Again, there’s no getting around the editing component. But if you keep your eye on the prize, and hire a professional, as needed, you *can* produce a quality manuscript that you’ll be proud to see published.
Tip: NEVER forget the power of commas. So small — yet so powerful. “Let’s eat, Grandpa!” has a COMPLETELY different meaning from “Let’s eat Grandpa!” (I sure hope Grandpa can still run!)
Tell our readers what you’re most proud of, and what sets you apart from other writers.
Writers should not get in the habit of comparing themselves to other writers, as we are all so unique in how we tell stories. But every writer must find her “voice,” if she wants to set herself apart. This is no different from how musicians and artists develop their “sound” and “look.”
Too, a writer has to really know herself, if she wants to produce content that has power. I’ve been writing long enough to know that I like succinct, interesting word choices that conjure up mental pictures for readers. My goal, always, is to surprise and delight. If I can make you cry, even better. HA!
I am most proud of my ability to chat up *anyone* and find the nuggets that make them interesting. I love when people tell me, “I am not interesting.” I like that my brain thinks outside the box. I like that I have a high level of emotional intelligence and sensitivity. I like that I don’t waste my time on fluff pieces (“5 Ways to Make Your Thighs Look Lean Without Exercising!”), because I think there’s already way too much fluff and fakery in this world. My overall goal is to create content that helps to affect positive change, whether that is in making someone laugh or motivating them to take action that will enhance the world.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I so enjoyed experiencing the immediate audience reaction to the tooth fairy musical, that I intend to spend some time studying playwriting. I also want to attend live storytelling events. If I can truly master even just one component of storytelling, I’m all in! Thanks for asking. I have enjoyed our time together, though it feels really weird to be the one not asking the questions!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SheriaBell.com
- Email: sheri@sheriabell.com
Image Credit:
Sheri A. Bell
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