EDITOR'S DESK by Cheryl McGuire
Ellyn and I welcome Sandy Schuster-Hubbard, a strong new voice to the editorial team of Straitjackets Magazine. Sandy has a master’s in educational technology and a bachelor’s in literature and speech.
Reading since old enough to hold a book, Sandy understands the plight of writers. She says, “My bachelor’s in literature allows me to recognize and appreciate good writing, but when it comes to my own writing, I can’t always reproduce it.” Nevertheless, literary magazines have published several of her short memoir and humor essays, and she is currently editing her coming-of-age memoir. A suspense novel is underway, as is a parenting book.
She has authored and co-authored thirteen books in areas of stress management, career education, self-esteem, life skills, goal setting, decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and parenting. Her teacher’s manual, Just Say I Know How, received an award from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.
As an assistant professor, Sandy taught undergraduate English composition and went on to develop graduate-level teacher education seminars. Her resume is extensive.
A lifelong reader, writer, learner, and researcher, Sandy is sure to keep all of us on our toes. Please welcome Sandy Schuster-Hubbard, a vivacious, energetic dynamo, a human jumping bean.
In brief, here is Sandy’s advice for members of the DVWG:
To develop your skills: read books with a writer’s eye to see how skilled authors handle the various elements of story and character. Read nonfiction books on the craft of writing. Learn the mechanics of grammar, punctuation, and structure–the tools of your trade. Develop a keen ear for dialogue and research for accuracy. Be exacting in your editing, inspired in your imagination, amazing in your narrative’s voice.
One final tip from Sandy—“You can’t have too many books, paper, pens, colored lights, fireworks, confetti, balloons, funny tee-shirts, bacon, ice cream, or hugs and laughter.”
