The morning call., 1893-04-23
AMBITIOUS GIRLS.
Advice to Those Who Want
to Write.
THE QUALITIES NECESSARY.
Literary Woman Says Energy,
Tact and Pluck Are Re-
quired.
THE QUALITIES NECESSARY


Energy, tact and pluck. These are the
three qualities woman must possess in
order to become a success in New York
literary life"
SO says Mrs. Margaret E. Sangster, the
editor OF HarpeI'S Bazaar, and the writer OF
graceful verse and charming stories. And
Mrs. Sangster knows. There is probably
no other literary woman in the city who
receives as many letters from ambitious
girls all over the country asking for advice
and assistance in beginning literary work
in New York and she has carefully watched
the careers of several of her proteges. and
noted the causes of their successes and
failures.
1t was in her coy little office in Harper's
big publishing house that she talked to -
reporter about women in newspaper work
and literary life. The office, by the way. al
though plainly furnished and almost severe
~ ouslheSs-llke, Is a dainty and quiet retreat
from the Dustle and confusion of its sur
roundngs, and seems to be rervaded by the
gracious, womanly spirit of its presiding
genius.
Would you advise girl who gives evil
dence of literary ability TO come to New
York in search of work ?" she was asked.
No, most decidedly" was the answer.
Let her stay at home and write, and if she
has talent 1t will soon enough become
known. Of course If she feels that she
cannot be happy or do her best work un-
less she Is in the center of thought and ac-
ton 1t VIII do no harm for her to come to
the city and try her fortune. But she must
be prepared to meet countless discourage
ments, annOyances and rebuffs, aud she
must realize that unless she keeps up TO
the highest mark she will soon be outdis-
tanced by her many competitors"
do you think there is much advantage
in having pulp" again asked the reporter.
Mrs. Sangster looked puzzled and the
young man FASTENED to translate his ques-
ton into English.
In influence? Yes, for a time, perhaps :;
but am convinced that without real merit
the m0st powerful pull 4" (she pronounced
the objectionable word apOlOge tically) "can
give one only temporary aid. | know of
young girl from Iowa, for example, who
came to the city without having friend, or
acquaintance, or single letter of introduce
ton. She did have, however, indomitable
perseverance and treleSs energy; she would
not give up nor be rebuffed. 1t was hard
struggle, but she won, and is now making a
very fair living with her pen. She had
talent, of course; but it was her pluck aud
energy that won the day."
The story of how Mrs. Sangs.er herself
reached her present position of honor in
the literary world is not without interest.
though 1t Is devoid of those often-Iimes
thrilling details Of early priyatlGns and
struggles that make the lives of many
famous writers dlsheartening to the ineipi-
eut litterateur.
My work." said Mrs. Sangster, "has
always been easy and pleasant Tor me. 1t
is never any effort for me to write" And
so from her grh0od has her inspired pen
produced songs and stories as naturally as
vi0iets bud aud blossom responsive to the
spring breeZes Mrs. Sangster's first writ
ing was done for the religious journals,
her nrst poem appearing In the Christian
Intelligencer, the UNCONVENTIONAL organ OF
the Dutch Reformed body, and her first
short story in the independent, a story, by
the way, that called forth the unwOuted
compliment of personal letter from Oliver
johnson, the editor. highly praising and
greatly encourage rg the young author. 1t
was In the independent, toe, that appea red
the graceful and pretty little poem, "E ia
beth, Aged Nine" that at once sprang into
great popularity. Another of Mrs. Sang
sterS best known poems was among her
earliest efforts. 1t is the one entitled Are
the Children at Homer" and was published
in the Atlantic Monthly. II became a great
favOrlte Tor eiocutonlsts aud public readers,
and often, says Mrs. Sangster, he has heard
1t reeited when the speaker had no idea that
the author of the verses was in the audience.
MIS-. Sangster's first editorial work was
on the Hearth and Home, Of which George
Cary EgglestOn was editOr-in-chief, and
Mrs. Mary Mapes Dodge assistant editor
until her connection with ST. Nicholas. 1t
entered upon what she earnestly declared
was the pleasan,est work of her life. That
was when she was one of the editors Of
Harper's Young People.
II was the postmistress," she said, land
II was my duty to answer the myriads of
letters we received every week from little
ones all over the country. | enjoyed it very
much, because it brought me SO closely in
touch with children, OF whom l am very
fond. Even now | can go scarcely any
where. especially in the South and West,
without meeting boys and girls who know
me as the 'poStmistress.' A couple of weeks
ago | addressed a large audience of children
in Brooklyn, and after the meeting was
over was much gralfied to be accOsted by
a g00dly number OF the young people who
claimed acquaintance through the medium
Of the letter box"
1t was after the death Of Miss Booth in
1889 that Mrs. Sangster became editor of
Harper's Bazaar, a duty to which all her
energies have been devoted since that time.
To what do you attribute your succeSS?'
she was finally asked.
Chiefly to the fact that | have always
been extremely thorough in my work.
Even In the mechanical part of it | am
always careful to do The very best can.
Aud TO young writer | would say most
earnestly, DO not hesitate to devote time
and care TO the details of your work. 1t is
often these. very details that impress the
editor most strongly. and have great in
flnence In determining the acceptance or
rejection of an article"
FREDERIC c. LAUDERBURN.
New York, April II.