“What does it mean to be a Pagan Writer?”

Writing Sins

Several years ago I picked up my virtual writing quill after several years of relative writing inactivity. The previous decade, I had identified as a neo-Pagan or “Goddess-woman.” My writing during that time included papers for graduate school, occasional poetry to exorcise my angst, and crafting of various Pagan Rituals. Then I had kids, and effectively lost my mind for several years.

When I re-emerged from that fog about four years ago, I decided to write one of the many stories rattling through my brain. It was essentially a speculative fiction story, set in a future USA and containing a few steampunk elements (a term I didn’t know about until about two years ago). Concurrently, I had an opportunity to submit something to a Pagan anthology. I decided to force my story into a “Pagan” mold, but I didn’t have enough time to write it well. Juggling a full-time job, a husband, and two kids under age six did not leave me an abundance of extra time. In doing so I committed several sins that I warn other writers not to make:

WRITING SIN #1: Don’t make your story fit a mold it doesn’t belong in.

WRITING SIN #2: Don’t submit something unless it’s at least reasonably “done”–this includes editing and proofreading. It is your name at the stake.

The story I wrote in two weeks during stolen moments was bad. I’m not being hard on myself—it was really not good. The basic narrative was set in my speculative fiction world, but I threw in Pagan elements that didn’t fit. Plus, I did not give it the time it deserved because I simply didn’t have the time.. I remember making bleary-eyed edits an hour before the submission deadline.

I don’t think I need to tell you that it was not accepted.

Your Writing Identity

When I received the rejection I cried a bit, although I was not surprised. Processing over the subsequent week, I realized I had gained some valuable insights. I loved to write. It was a blast! I hadn’t written a short story since my undergraduate years. The fact that I jumped back into a dusty and unprepared saddle, was rejected, and yet had so much fun was telling. I also realized that despite identifying as a Pagan, what I really wanted to write—and what I adored reading—was speculative fiction and science fiction.

I still read and write Pagan content, and am committed to helping other Pagan-friendly writers of fiction and non-fiction find outlets for their unique voices. But I do not have to identify solely as a Pagan writer, and I often feel more kinship with my fellow sci fi and spec-fiction writers and poets.

I offer other Pagan-friendly writers the following items to consider:

Be circumspect about how you label your writing. If you write more than Pagan-themed YA fiction, for example, make sure you don’t write yourself into a box.

Look around for markets and outlets for your writing. There are many creative ways to write and most will compensate you in some way.

As a Pagan writer, you may know a lot about science and nature topics, mythology, or ancient symbols. Look for science or academic journals that may welcome your expertise or perspective.

If you are a beginner, it is okay to write for a byline or a contributors’ copy. * Again, be creative. Offer to write newsletters for small businesses or local organizations. Offer to edit others’ writing. Writing reviews is a good way to get writing, and get your name “out there”.

Take your writing seriously. Even if you only have five hours per week to spend writing, be serious about those hours. Create boundaries to protect that time. If you don’t respect it, no one else will.

Network: Facebook, Twitter, and blogs are your friends. Find like-content writers to follow. Attend conferences. Join online communities of interest.

Network some more.

Read as much as you can. Read outside your genre; it will make your writing more well-rounded.

Get writing!

* Of course a humble start-up such as the PWC—which is volunteer run—may not be able to compensate you beyond a byline. I believe that in this particular circumstance, it is okay. *wink*