Herta B. Feely - Bio
Overview:
My passion resides in the written word! I've been an editor and writer for the past 20 years. Five years ago, I established Chrysalis Editorial to focus on serving writers in a variety of capacities. My manuscript critiques have assisted countless writers to hone and revise their work into publishable shape. My clients have gone on to obtain agents and some have had their work published. Seeing hard-working, talented authors receive their due gives me tremendous satisfaction.
Education:
I have a BA in Latin American history and a Master of Journalism(ex) from UC Berkeley and an MA in writing from Johns Hopkins University. I've attended several writing workshops, including Bread Loaf, Squaw Valley Community of Writers, and the Iowa Summer Writing Workshops.
As a writer:
I was awarded the James Jones First Novel Fellowship and an Artist Fellowship in Literature from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for my novel in progress. A previous grant from the DCCAH funded travel to Peru, enabling me to complete the research for my novel, an excerpt of which was featured in the 2007 edition of Provincetown Arts Magazine.
I am currently working on a memoir as well as a series of short stories and essays. A number of these have appeared in literary journals and in an anthology, including The Sun, Lullwater Review, The Potomac Review, The Griffin, Big Muddy, and Enhanced Gravity.
After countless rejections, my first acceptance felt like an immensely satisfying victory. So, treat rejection as a part of the process and know that "perseverance furthers." Once you do get published, or win a contest, or receive a writing grant, you will find it not only serves as affirmation of your work, but also provides the stimulus to keep churning out stories.
In my Previous Life:
After attending UC Berkeley's graduate journalism school, I worked as a reporter, editor, and press secretary. I've published numerous articles, particularly about human rights violations and childhood injuries (the leading killer of children in the U.S.), and also produced videos and publicized those and other issues. I co-founded and then was executive director of the National Safe Kids Campaign (now Safe Kids Worldwide). I also taught English at Montgomery College, and was a consultant for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services). I'm originally from Europe, speak German and some Spanish, and live with one husband, two sons and three pets in Washington, D.C. I also love orchids. If I had to choose between husband and orchids, well…maybe there's a story there!
I look forward to working with you…send me your thoughts, problems, manuscript issues…agent and publishing questions…I'm happy to help.
Client Endorsement:
"Herta's evaluation of my essay collection was extremely useful–well worth the investment. I had shelved my manuscript but now feel encouraged to continue work and seek publication eventually. Thank you, Herta."
-Melvin Adams, author of Netting the Sun: A Personal Geography of the Oregon Desert
As writers, we put our heart and soul into the written word. It is often an emotional process, laying it all out, hoping someone - an agent, a publisher, a reader - will connect with our work. Luckily, there are people like Herta who can help guide us through the process.
She provided excellent advice on dialogue, plot, and POV issues. Most important to me, however, was that she actually cared about my story and my characters. She worked with me to bring out the best in my writing. She was professional and reliable every step of the way, and I can't say how much her input and recommendations meant to me. I look forward to working with Herta again in the very near future.
-Harmony Verna, author, The Beacon of Anonymity
Tips:
Check your area and Poets & Writers magazine for writing grants. I highly recommend applying, when possible, as they provide you with money (to support your writing jones!), affirm your writing, and give you a little prestige. They also enhance your writing resume.
I also recommend attending the occasional workshop, writing class or seminar to recharge your batteries. It's a great place to workshop your writing, connect with fellow writers and develop a network of colleagues. You may even meet your future agent and/or publisher there.
Capture the reader's attention with a catchy beginning.
I have used the help of Writers' Relief (www.relief.com). Short story contests can also work for you.