Writer's Fallout Shelter

Let's assume that the writing mechanics are sound. Story or subject matter is also sound (or timely). From there, "mediocre" is simply in the eye of the beholder. If you want to avoid that tag, you must know your target audience and write to that level. Your target audience may hail the peice as the next great thing in print, while "mainstream" considers the piece just one more example of wasted ink.

If you're writing for a periodical, read several back issues. Then re-read them. Get a feel for the stuff that works for that publication. You dont have to duplicate those pieces or a particular style, but perhaps you'll have a better idea of the material and approach (artistic device) that "works" for that venue. Some might argue this is a formula approach. They might be right. Almost all publications utilization a certain formula appoach to the pieces they buy and print. (Not so very different from mainstream publishing.)

Just a thought.

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http://LiamJackson.com

"Have you ever been caught hiding bodies in your closet? No? Good place to hide them, uh?"

Proud member of the Horror Writers Association, International Thriller Writers, and the Authors Guild