So you want to write for MidLifeBloggers.com.  Terrific, because we want to publish you.  The whole point of this site, its raison d’etre if you will, is to create conversations about each and every issue–big and small, real and imagined–that any one of us is experiencing as we are wending our way through this period in our lives.  If you’ve thought it, felt it, worried about it, wanted it, cried over it, laughed at it, feared it enough to write a blog post, then surely that’s a blog post the rest of us need to read.

Here’s what to do:

1. Write the post and email it to me, OR

2. Write the post, put it on your blog and email me the link, OR

3. Send me an email outlining the the post your want to write.  This is known in the magazine business as a Query Letter.  It will be good practice for those of you who have aspirations in that direction.

Here’s the email address you should use: jane@midlifebloggers.com

And now for some Rules of the Road:

1.  Length: I’m not a fan of posts that go on and on forever.   Say it short, say it sweet, say it to the best of your ability.  Having said that, I’ll also say that a post should be as long as it takes to say what you need to.  Write it your length and leave it to me, the editor, to suggest either adding or deleting.

2.  Be Patient: When I was writing for magazines, I would send off a manuscript and hold my breath waiting for the editor to get back to me with the “terrific” or, more likely, “nice, but needs a rewrite.”   Eventually I realized that I was not the only writer my editor was dealing with and I could turn blue if I didn’t start breathing again.  I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible about publishing your post.  When it will be published is another matter entirely.  I’ll let you know, but don’t think because it hasn’t appeared right away that I’m no longer interested.  This site is new and I’m new at this.  I’m trying to get a rhythm going of publishing, but it’s still a bit choppy.

3. Once your post has appeared on MidLifeBloggers.com, I expect you to check it regularly, frequently, every instant for comments and REPLY, REPLY, REPLY.  That conversation that we want MidLifeBloggers.com to be?  It can only exist if you talk back to your readers, acknowledge them and engage them.  And visit their blogs as well; it’s just good manners, doncha think?

4.  Any and all suggestions, criticisms, and “hey why the hell are you not’s” are welcome.  Use the email address above.