****************************************************************
W R I T I N G W O R L D
A World of Writing Information - For Writers Around the World
http://www.writing-world.com
Issue 3:01 12,000 subscribers January 9, 2003
*****************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS AT END OF NEWSLETTER
*****************************************************************
SPECIAL NOTICE: Please do not "reply" to this e-mail. Due to
changes in the listbox mailing program, messages that are sent
in response to this newsletter may be deleted automatically. If
you wish to contact the editor e-mail: Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS
=================================================================
From the Editor's Desk
CLASSES! CLASSES! CLASSES!
FEATURE: All Essays are Not Equal, by Isabel Viana
News from the World of Writing
FEATURE: Get Your Ebook Noticed! by Michael Knowles
The Write Sites - Online Resources for Writers
FEATURE: What Does it Take to Write for Children?
by Linda Phillips
From the Managing Editor's Mind
WHAT'S NEW at Writing World/Prize Drawings
MARKET ROUNDUP/Writing Contests
*****************************************************************
Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Visit http://www.1stbooks.com/getpublished/no_rejection.html
*****************************************************************
EARN AN MFA IN WRITING through the brief-residency program at
Spalding University in Louisville, KY. Call (800) 896-8941x2105
or e-mail gradadmissions[at]spalding.edu and request brochure FA90.
Mail: Graduate Admissions-MFA, Spalding University, 851 S. Fourth
St., Louisville, KY 40203. For more info:
http://www.spalding.edu/graduate/MFAinWriting
SPECIAL NOTICE: Spalding University's brief-residency MFA in
Writing program now offers a concentration in SCREENWRITING.
Deadline for application for May 2003 semester is 2/15/03.
*****************************************************************
WRITERSCOLLEGE.COM has 57 online courses. Prices are low.
If you can reach our web site, you can take our courses.
http://www.WritersCollege.com
*****************************************************************
DISCOUNTED WRITERS' SOFTWARE -- PowerStructure, DramaticaPro,
StoryView, WritePro, MovieMagic, InkLink, plus many more.
HUGE SAVINGS! GREAT SELECTION! Visit us online:
http://www.MasterFreelancer.com/ww
*****************************************************************
FREE EZINE FOR BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL WRITERS -- WriteThinking
is a weekly ezine for business and technical writers featuring
career tips, how-to articles, software and book reviews, an
extensive North American jobs list, and Guerilla WriteFare!
Subscribe at http://www.writethinking.net/
*****************************************************************
SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER TO WRITING-WORLD SUPPORTERS: From now until
February 28, contribute $5 or more to Writing-World.com and
receive a copy of "1500 Online Resources for Writers!" See
http://www.writing-world.com/books/1500.html for details, or go
to http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P2UTPRKYGU4AA1 to contribute.
*****************************************************************
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
=================================================================
Happy New Year!
---------------
Happy New Year, and welcome back! Your editors have enjoyed
their Christmas break; we've both been moaning about how
difficult it is to get the brain back into "work" mode after the
holidays. Oh, yeah, e-mail... I remember that...
Christmas was great, and as a special treat, WHITE. Big, fat
flakes started falling on Christmas Eve and continued well into
the morning; then the sun came out and everything started to
melt. We took a quick walk through the "drip drip trickle
trickle" of the woods; it felt a bit like walking through Narnia
during the big thaw.
It's hard to believe that we're launching "Volume 3" of the
newsletter. Writing-World.com will celebrate its second
anniversary in February, and the newsletter will officially be
two years old in March. This year, I've resolved NOT to redesign
my website every three months (ha!) -- and to focus on more
important things, like finishing the first draft of my novel!
If YOUR New Year's resolution was to get your writing career
launched, or break into a new market area, or explore a new type
of writing you've always dreamed about, take a look at
Writing-World.com's spring class lineup! (How's that for a promo
segue?) This year, we're offering classes in two distinct
"semesters" (rather than "all the time"): Spring and Summer. Each
will have a completely different line-up, which means that each
course will be offered only once per year. For the next four
issues, we'll be offering lecture excerpts and articles from our
various instructors, to give you an idea of the quality of
teaching you'll be able to expect. That's why this newsletter is
a little longer than usual (as will all the newsletters in
January and February).
This year, we're also trying to make it easier to pay for a class
by check or money order. If you don't want to sign up online,
just download our "check payment" form (PDF format) at
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/check.pdf And if you have
any questions, contact me!
Help Support Starving Editors...
--------------------------------
Well, I don't think either of us are actually starving (Peggy,
feel free to jump in here any time!), but I HAVE decided to give
my managing editor a much deserved (and overdue) raise. Your
contributions have been VERY helpful in enabling
Writing-World.com to pay for Peggy's fine editing work, plus our
columnists. So here I am again, asking for more!
As a thank-you gift, for a limited time, I'm offering a copy of
"1500 Online Resources for Writers" to anyone who contributes $5
or more to Writing-World.com. Contributions can be made via
PayPal (my preference!), Amazon.com
(http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P2UTPRKYGU4AA1), or check/money
order (e-mail me for info). This e-book normally retails for
$6.95; the $5 offer expires on 2/28.
Have a great 2003!
-- Moira Allen (Moira Allen)
*****************************************************************
Our team of professional editors -- including a Pulitzer Prize
nominee and an author published by Dell, Warner, Fawcett, etc.
-- specializes in novels written by first-time, novice writers.
See us at http://www.a1editing.com for prices, references, etc.
*****************************************************************
CLASSES! CLASSES! CLASSES!
=================================================================
Announcing our spring course line-up! All classes begin March 3.
(To enroll via PayPal, please click the link after each class. To
enroll with a check or money order, please download our "check
payment" form at http://www.writing-world.com/classes/check.pdf).
HOW TO WRITE A NONFICTION BOOK PROPOSAL
Moira Allen - 4 weeks - $60
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/nonfiction.html
Get paid for your book BEFORE you write it! Find out what
publishers look for in a book proposal, the homework you need to
do before you start to write, and how to prove you're the right
author for the job. Recommended for writers who have a nonfiction
book planned or in progress.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING PERSONAL ESSAYS
Isabel Viana - 4 weeks - $60
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/essays.html
To write a personal essay is to embark on a journey towards
deeper self-knowledge. To sell a personal essay requires the
writer's ability to express that new knowledge about herself with
broad strokes so that readers can relate to the writer's
experience. Includes business and marketing tips.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
TRAVEL WRITING FOR FUN AND PROFIT
Kathleen Walls - 4 weeks - $60
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/travel.html
If you enjoy seeing new places and writing home about them, you
could be a travel writer. Find out how to appear "professional"
from your first submission, find markets, learn what editors want,
take advantage of "comps," and maximize your income.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING CHRISTIAN NONFICTION
Lisa Beamer - 6 weeks - $90
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/christian.html
Merge your writing with your faith, and find out how to market
your work not only to "Christian" markets but also to secular
publications. For writers with a basic knowledge of the
freelancing process.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING EROTIC FICTION
Catherine Lundoff - 6 weeks - $90 (max. 10)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/erotica.html
For centuries, writers have portrayed sensuality and sexuality in
words to captivate, titillate and amuse their readers. Find out
how to capture what is perhaps the greatest intimacy your
characters will experience. For new and experienced writers.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
GETTING THE MOST FROM PRINT-ON-DEMAND PUBLISHING
Sue Lick - 6 weeks - $90 (max. 12)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/POD.html
What is POD? Is it right for you? Find out how to choose a
publisher, format your manuscript, design your cover, write PR
material and develop a marketing plan. If you have a book ready
to go, get personalized assistance in each lecture -- with a
published book as a result!
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
SELLING YOUR EBOOK ONLINE
Michael Knowles - 6 weeks - $90
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/knowles.html
Learn the practical aspects of marketing and selling your ebook
online: how to build a powerful web site, identify target markets,
build a marketing plan, select the right payment processing tools,
and deliver your book to your customers. Includes free copy of
instructor's ebook, "You CAN Take Credit Cards Online."
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HOW TO FIND AN AGENT
Natalie Collins - 6 weeks - $100
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/agent.html
While there's no sure-fire formula for impressing an agent, you
CAN stack the deck in your favor. Find out how to write a killer
query, superb synopsis, and meticulous manuscript. Receive a
critique of your query and synopsis, and a list of legitimate
literary agents with track records of sales.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
MARKETING YOUR BOOK ON THE AIR
Brian Jud - 6 weeks - $100 (max. 10)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/jud.html
Media appearances provide a free way to gain national exposure
quickly and sell many books in the process. Find out how to plan
your media campaign, contact media decision makers, and perform
"on the air" -- as well as how to pitch your books once you're
there.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
Linda Phillips - 7 weeks - $105 (max. 12)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/phillips.html
Do you have what it takes to be a children's writer? Find out
what "category" of children's writing fits "best;" explore the
tools for writing fiction, nonfiction and poetry; discover new
markets; and learn the business side of writing for children.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
INTRODUCTION TO SPECULATIVE FICTION
Bruce Boston - 8 weeks - $100 (max. 12)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/boston.html
A workshop emphasizing the special concerns and aspects of the
craft of writing speculative fiction. Students can offer work for
critique, and will receive individual market guidance.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
THE EXPATRIATE WRITER: SELLING YOUR WRITING FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Jo Parfitt - 8 weeks - $100
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/expat.html
Writing is the perfect portable career. Whether you travel around
the country or around the world, find out how to turn your
journeys into inspiration -- and how to turn that inspiration
into articles that sell. Instructor has kept her writing career
alive while spending more than 10 years in four countries.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING FOR TELEVISION: THE SPEC SCRIPT
Laura Brennan - 8 weeks - $120
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/script.html
The "spec script" is the TV industry's calling card. A great one
can help you break through to agents, win competitions, and
impress show runners. Find out how to choose a show to spec,
develop ideas, "break" the story, and write a killer opening.
Class includes critique of your pitches, outlines and scenes.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
FUNDAMENTALS OF FICTION
Marg Gilks - 8 weeks - $125 (max. 20)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/fiction.html
Each lesson covers a fundamental element of fiction writing:
showing instead of telling, characterization, point of view, all
the way through to putting the final polish on your manuscript.
By the time you've finished, you'll have a manuscript ready for
submission -- or you'll know how to create one. Ideal for those
who have a novel or short story in progress.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
*NOTE* These courses will only be offered once in 2003; our summer
semester will have a completely different course selection.
*****************************************************************
STORIES.COM: The premiere online writing community with
innovative portfolios, email, rating & reviewing system, creative
environment, friendly members and much more! Visit us today at
http://ad2.Stories.Com/
*****************************************************************
PROFESSIONAL COPY EDITING FOR ONLY $1 PER PAGE! I know how hard
you've worked on your manuscript, screenplay or thesis, and now
I'll help you make it better! Let me get rid of those typos and
errors that editors and agents won't stand for! The EditBoss -
editboss[at]yahoo.com, http://www.geocities.com/editboss
*****************************************************************
ALL ESSAYS ARE NOT EQUAL
=================================================================
by Isabel Viana (iviana[at]sisna.com)
Writers use personal essays to define, describe, explain, and
narrate life-changing experiences. Each essay style --
definition, description, explanation, and narration -- conveys a
different emotion and slants to a different direction. The most
successful essay writer is the one who knows, or discovers in the
process of creation, why she's writing her piece and chooses a
style that will best carry her message.
If you look in your thesaurus, you'll notice those four words can
stand for one another. However, I think that they also hold their
own distinct meaning, something I found out when I started
weaving segments of my life into personal essays. I can look back
at my wedding day, for example, and write about it in four
different ways. Here's how:
Definition
----------
To define is to present the details of something or someone so
your readers can understand the pieces that make the whole. About
my wedding day, I can detail the steps of the brief courthouse
ceremony, the green stem and red petals of the corsage my husband
bought for me on our way to the courthouse and the perfume of the
dozen red roses my in-laws sent to our hotel room afterwards.
Description
-----------
To describe is to portray your view of a thing or person. I can
describe the February sky that threatened to open up and drop
chunky snowflakes on us or the cityscape from a hotel's top-floor
revolving restaurant where my in-laws, husband and I ate
following the ceremony.
Explanation
-----------
To explain is to clarify an action or a thought. I can elucidate
to my readers why we chose a brief courthouse ceremony with only
my in-laws in attendance, why we didn't exchange wedding rings
and why we decided to marry each other.
Narration
---------
To narrate is to recount a happening. A narrative is the trip
that sometimes one makes into his memory to discover the reason
for something that's happened. I can take my readers on a tour of
the year that led to my wedding, of the few hours preceding the
early afternoon ceremony or of just the wedding event.
Let's try it. I'll pick one of the examples for each of the
instances I describe above and write a paragraph.
Defining my wedding ceremony
----------------------------
We entered the courthouse and waited in the hallway for our turn
to be married. Without appointments, all couples were on a first
come-first served basis. The wait was longer -- but not too long
-- than the minute-and-a-half ceremony. "Without wedding rings,"
the judge said, "there isn't much I can do to stretch this out."
Only seconds gone by and it was already my turn to speak. I said
yes in a loud whisper, constricting my voice. Why was I trying to
conceal my excitement?
Describing the view from the restaurant
---------------------------------------
The domed restaurant in downtown Atlanta revolved around itself
at an astonishing fast pace considering that meals were being
served and eaten there. Nothing is beautiful in Atlanta and so
the view wasn't worth my husband's becoming queasy from the fast
revolutions. Tall building after tall building. Too far for us to
peek in the windows to get a glimpse of somebody else's evening.
Had the restaurant been the result of sloppy architecture that
designed it too short to look above the other buildings, I
wondered, or built in a time when no one imagined taller
structures to be ever possible? The restaurant's pretentious
sophistication left me eager to reenter the depth of a simpler
life.
Explaining why we didn't exchange rings
---------------------------------------
Money. That's the answer that floats on the surface, the one we
offer nosy strangers who believe there's only one way of being
married -- and it involves two rings. The truth is that my
husband and I held months of discussions around the issue. We're
people who like to exchange ideas and put a meaning in everything
we do. We looked at the historical and economic origins of the
wedding band. We decided the rings would make us feel typical,
not closer to one another. So, no rings for us, though for a few
days we each wore one earring of a pair, till hubby got an
earlobe infection...
Narrating the hours preceding my wedding
----------------------------------------
On a morning of heavy clouds and uncertainty in the air, news of
possible snow threatened to close our county courthouse where we
planned to be married that afternoon. My husband left for a half
day of work and I stayed home waiting for my in-laws to arrive. I
don't remember what I did, probably nothing that I'd label
"significant." We kept our morning as familiar as possible. I
think we focused on the ordinary steps of our daily lives to
better manage our anxiety about the turn we were about to make.
You may notice that the distinction from one essay style to
another is subtle until you start drafting your own personal
stories. I often don't know which style I'm writing in until I've
drafted two or three times, at which point I have a clear idea of
what it is I am wanting to share with my readers and what the
best way to do so may be. While I encourage you to let your mind
flow freely when you write instead of obsessing about essay
styles, I also think it's good practice to dissect yours and
others' essays to understand how images and feelings were
structured to make their message apparent. With time, you'll
notice this simple exercise will pay off by making the whole
writing process smoother from beginning to end, as though it
happened merely by instinct with no careful thought behind it.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Sign up now for Isabel Viana's class, Writing and Selling
Personal Essays, beginning March 3 at Writing-World.com!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/essays.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
The recipient of a Writer's Digest essay award, Isabel Viana has
written articles and essays for Writer's Digest, Writing from the
Heart: a Writer's Digest Guide, Writers' Journal, The Writer, the
anthology Gifts from Our Grandmothers and several other on-line
and print publications.
Copyright (c) 2003 by Isabel Viana
*****************************************************************
DO YOU WRITE FICTION? Are you having problems with your prose?
Grappling with grammar? Not sure if it's ready? Get personalized,
specialized help -- pro editing, critiques, tutoring -- from Marg
Gilks. I'm author-friendly & affordable. editor[at]scriptawords.com
*****************************************************************
DON'T KNOW WHERE TO SEND YOUR WORK? We'll research & target
markets, prepare cover letters, track submissions. Reasonable
Rates, References. WRITER'S RELIEF, Inc., 245 Teaneck Rd. #10C,
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 (201)641-3003, http://www.wrelief.com
*****************************************************************
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
=================================================================
Digital rights activists sound off on copyright act
---------------------------------------------------
A request by the US Copyright Office for commentary on the
controversial 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act drew
criticism from respondents who asked for new limitations on the
far-reaching statute. As part of a mandate to review sections of
the statute every three years, the agency is looking into
provisions that prohibit the use of tools that undo encryption
protections on digital materials. Many argued that buyers of
copyrighted works should have the right to make content
accessible on more than one device. Robin Gross, executive
director of IP Justice, argued that it's unfair that many ebook
publishers only allow works to be read on a single device or
platform, and buyers who want to move a file to a laptop or PDA
are often unable to do so. Others based their arguments on the
legal principle of fair use, which allows copying of snippets of
copyrighted works for research, teaching, or other purposes. For
more information:
http://www.copyright.gov/1201/2003/comments/index.html
You can dunk these books in the bathtub
---------------------------------------
Waterproof books, used mainly by skin divers and foul-weather
hikers, are finding a new audience. New dunkable books aren't
made from trees, but from plastic resins and inorganic fibers.
Melcher Media, a New York-based publisher, is promoting books
that are manufactured using a technology called "Durabooks." The
books' pages don't absorb water or tear, but stretch instead.
(Other companies make waterproof books with standard wood-based
paper that is heavily laminated.) Melcher is planning to publish
waterproof versions of classic children's books. Parents who want
to encourage toddlers to read should check out children's bath
books already available.
Publishers and booksellers reach out for readers
------------------------------------------------
Recent studies show that on average, Americans are reading less
and buying fewer books. Not all publishers are taking this news
lying down. In children's, Simon & Schuster has worked with
General Mills to distribute mini-editions of books via several
million boxes of Cheerios, and HarperCollins has created a
cross-promotion with Nestle Toll House Cookies to extend the
readership for its Mouse to School books in a consumer writing
contest. Booksellers are joining in the activism by working with
community organizations, schools, and libraries; encouraging
groups and individuals to meet at the store. They offer events,
including foreign-language and cooking classes, that draw people
not just interested in books. They also co-sponsor fund raisers
and sell books at their events. Booksellers run programs that
bring in children from poor and disadvantaged families and help
them to become comfortable with books and bookstores. They
involve seniors by visiting them and encouraging them to come to
the store. For more information: http://www.publishersweekly.com
2002 Inscriptions Engraver Awards
---------------------------------
Inscriptions sponsors the Engraver Awards to honor the
achievements of writers, editors and publishers working online
and in print. Nominations will be accepted from everyone in the
writing community until February 1, 2003. The nominations will
then be organized into one convenient ballot and the winners will
be selected by Inscriptions readers. Winners will be announced
February 21, 2003. Winners receive a year's subscription to
Inscriptions, credit on the Supportive Scribes page, a 2002
Inscriptions Engraver Award graphic for web sites and four weeks
of free advertising in the Inscriptions e-zine or on the web
site. For a nomination ballot send a blank e-mail to:
Engravers[at]sendfree.com For more information:
http://www.inscriptionsmagazine.com/Engravers.html
*****************************************************************
You CAN Take Credit Cards Online! What's the right solution
for YOUR product or service? Get the ebook Tom Mahoney of
merchant911.org calls "a must-read for anyone thinking about
establishing an e-commerce Web presence."
http://www.youcantakecreditcardsonline.com/
*****************************************************************
GET YOUR EBOOK NOTICED!
=================================================================
by Michael Knowles (mwknowles[at]mwknowles.com)
You thought it took stamina just to write the book. Now you have
to promote it.
I know many writers who loathe the promotion part of the
business. But if you love what you do and have devoted your life
to it, then you must put devotion into practice. That's called
self-promotion. Without that, you might as well have no book at
all.
And it doesn't matter whether you are self-published or published
by someone else. The fact is, you are responsible for 90% of the
work required to get your book noticed and into the hands of
readers. Big publishers have limited promotional budgets. Unless
you have a track record or just happen to have written The Next
Big Thang, you'll get precious little help from them.
You will also find that a promotional plan is a requirement in
any book proposal.
Here are the basic steps for getting your book noticed:
Set up a web site for the book
------------------------------
The site need not be complex -- a home page, an excerpts page, a
testimonials page, and an order page are all you need. Shameless
self-promotion: try mwkhosting.com for your web hosting needs!
Write your web copy carefully
-----------------------------
Research the keywords that will be the most appropriate for your
copy, then use those keywords in your site copy. One of the
services I offer is keywords research. You cannot skimp on this
one; the appropriate use of targeted keywords is what's going to
help you get listed at the top of the search engines.
The home page must be written as a sales letter
-----------------------------------------------
Learn to write a great sales letter and you'll be ten steps ahead
of anyone else.
Once you have a targeted, proven set of keywords, use Overture or
Google AdWords to ensure top-level positioning in the search
engines. This is an affordable short-term tactic that will get
you listed at the top of the search engines. There is, however,
no substitute for careful crafting of your site to ensure that it
gets listed appropriately over the long haul.
At the same time, you'll want to list the site at dmoz.org, which
as you probably know is the mother of all directory sites. All of
the top search engines use The Open Directory Project as a
foundation for their services. You must be listed there.
Once you have your web site set up and optimized for search
engines, you'll want to do a press release and distribute it
through PRweb and a couple of other PR sites that I can point you
to. Remember, though, that press releases must be news or no one
will pick them up! You'll also want to distribute releases to
your local and regional newspapers.
Get a few reviewers to read your book. This is a must-have. The
more reviews you can get, the greater the pull your book will
have for potential readers. Again, take advantage of local and
regional resources, as well as historical and sociological
associations (more on that below).
Now the real marketing begins. This is where you do extensive
research, starting with historical and sociological organizations
and associations. You may find several with whom you'll want to
advertise. Here is a case in which you must spend a little money
to make money. Unless you are relentless about self-promotion,
you will never get your book the attention it deserves.
Well, that's the nickel tour of self-promotion. I use all these
techniques in promoting my consulting service, my ebooks. Bear in
mind that it takes between 45 and 90 days before you start
getting a lot of attention and sales start coming in. But if you
work hard and persist, your efforts will pay off.
More information on setting up a book website:
----------------------------------------------
Do You Need an Author Website? by Moira Allen
http://www.writing-world.com/promotion/website.html
The Nuts and Bolts of an Author Website, by Chris Gavaler
http://www.writing-world.com/promotion/gavaler.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Sign up now for Michael Knowles' class, Selling Your Ebook Online,
beginning March 3 at Writing-World.com!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/knowles.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Michael Knowles is a technical marketing specialist, eBook author,
and business communications coach. He has two eBooks available on
the Internet today: "The Four-Point Writing Project Success Guide"
and "You CAN Take Credit Cards Online: How to Save Thousand in
Online Payment Processing Costs." His next eBook, "101 Ideas for
Generating Ideas," will be available in February 2003. Michael has
been a professional writer for over 20 years, and runs a
successful business and technical marketing communications
company in Rio Del Mar, California. Visit his web site:
http://www.writethinking.net/
Copyright (c) 2003 by Michael Knowles
****************************************************************
"The Easy Way to Write a Novel". This popular writer's resource
shows you, step by step, how to achieve your dream of writing a
great novel in the shortest possible time. Suitable for any level
of expertise. Free writing courses. http://www.easywaytowrite.com
*****************************************************************
THE WRITE SITES
=================================================================
The Rejection Slip
------------------
Resources for the hopeful writer.
http://www.hopefulwriter.co.uk
All Freelance.com
-----------------
Freelance jobs and resources for freelance writers, with detailed
resources available.
http://allfreelance.com
Reading Writers
---------------
The ultimate reading service for writers, by writers.
http://www.readingwriters.com
Diary Door: The Diary Writing Workshop for Parents
--------------------------------------------------
Designed to assist parents in keeping diaries for their children.
http://www.diarydoor.com/index2.html
WordThunder
-----------
A web site designed to help fulfill the needs of the online,
self-published author.
http://wordthunder.com
Horror Writers Association New England Chapter
----------------------------------------------
This new site consolidates chapter and member information for
readers, booksellers, and the media to one location on the Web.
http://www.horror.org/ne/
*****************************************************************
You've got a great story. We can teach you how to write it. Join
a craft-oriented, supportive community of writers. Online 10-week
workshop begins 9/23. Tutorials also available. NYTimes: "The
most personal of the programs." http://www.writerstudio.com
*****************************************************************
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WRITE FOR CHILDREN?
=================================================================
by Linda Phillips (wlphil[at]bellsouth.net)
What does it take to be a children's writer?
--------------------------------------------
"It can't be that difficult," you say. "Piece of cake compared to
writing novels for adults. How hard can it be to fill 32 pages
with a few hundred words or less? Besides, it's just kid stuff.
No one will know if I make a few mistakes. I'll bet I can whip
'em out really fast and make a bundle of money selling children's
books."
If your thoughts run along these lines, you've come to the right
place to get educated. Writing for children takes every bit as
much expertise as writing for adults. Writing a 32-page picture
book can take just as long as it does to write a 300 page adult
novel, and it requires just as much careful attention to detail.
Weak plots, shallow characters, uneven rhythm, and awkward
dialogue are easy to spot when the word count is reduced. Editors
of children's literature have specially equipped radar that
tracks these bloopers and others that you and I thought we could
get away with.
Who are you?
------------
Before you can target an audience (kids) for your writing, you
need to know yourself in relation to that audience. There must be
a "kid" connection somewhere. It can come in several forms. You
may be in a kid environment as a parent, grandparent, aunt,
librarian, teacher, etc., and have observable subjects readily
available. Or you may be so in touch with your "inner kid" that
believable dialogue, realistic characters, and/or fantastic story
lines spill out of your brain like an open floodgate. You may be
the rare adult who has maintained a child-like sense of
wonderment that translates effortlessly to print. Whatever your
perspective, you must love kids, and you must love writing about,
to, and for them.
If you don't fit one of the above categories, you can still make
it happen. You can visit schools, immerse yourself in children's
literature, talk to children's librarians, and attend workshops
on children's literature. Make a point of talking to your
friends' children, or join a children's writing group (SCBWI).
You can become an observer of all things kid-related, from what
they wear to what they snack on to what they say when they think
adults aren't listening.
Once you've made the "kid-connection" you must make the
"writer-connection." If you have established that you are going
to write for children, then take yourself seriously. Call
yourself a children's writer, and make a business card that says
so. Open a bank account specifically for the "income" from your
writing career, even if it is just an avocation at this point. It
may sit empty for years but it gives your ego credibility.
Seek every opportunity to hear or meet established writers at
conferences, workshops, or literary gatherings. Keep a record
(journal) of your progress. Make note of the children's
literature you read, the authors with whom you agree or disagree,
the characters with whom you most identify, the writing styles
that spark your own imagination.
How will you begin?
-------------------
Do something new and different. If you have never read much
children's literature, begin there. Read children's books that
win awards such as The Kite or Newberry Award. Read genres that
don't necessarily appeal to your interests. Take notes on every
book you read.
Set up files with topics such as character, setting, plot, ideas,
observations, exercises, workshops, interviews, authors, web
sites, resources, etc. Join a book club or watch for
opportunities to begin acquiring reference material, such as "The
Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market." Begin collecting
paperback copies of your favorite children's books, and read them
several times. Use markers to highlight passages and sections
that particularly speak to you. Jot down your thoughts or
comments in the margins, or in a journal.
Begin to write daily in any direction even if you feel totally
unqualified. Call these attempts "Exercises" and date them. After
a period of a week, review your "portfolio" and try to determine
any patterns, emerging strengths and weaknesses, or areas of
interest. Critique your own work, and pick out the best
exercise(s) of the week. Set them aside in a folder called
"Possibilities."
What will you write?
--------------------
You may have a crystal clear idea already burning a hole in your
brain, ready to roll out in print like a ticker-tape machine.
Lucky you, and get right to it without passing "Go" if that is
the case. If you are still floundering over which path to pursue,
try the magazine market. Magazines tend to provide the best
opportunity for publication for beginning writers, particularly
non-fiction articles.
If this is news to you, you may need to back up and spend time
reading children's magazines. Try dipping into Highlights,
Cricket, Cobblestone, Boy's Life, and Muse to start with. Some
typical categories of non-fiction articles include how-to,
personal experience, personality pieces, advice/self-help, and
fact or informational pieces in the areas of science, geography,
history, or biography.
Because they have a subscribed readership, magazines must please
a broader audience than books. Most magazines have a web site
where writers' guidelines are posted, and many magazines will
send a free back copy or two if you send the envelope and
postage. Some are formulaic, and some have themes that change
from year to year.
Ready to turn around and go home?
---------------------------------
Not so fast. Obviously you have some potential or you wouldn't be
courting the idea of writing for children. Just make sure your
motives are in touch with reality. Do NOT plan to write for
children because you think it is easy, or the standards for
excellence are lower than they are for adult books. Requirements
for good juvenile writing are far more strict than they are for
adult fiction, and dedicated people, including editors, make sure
they are observed. Secondly, do NOT plan on getting rich quickly.
Yes, it is possible to make money as a children's writer. But you
won't be a happy children's writer if that is your main motive.
Writing for children is first and foremost a labor of love -- and
can be one of the most rewarding choices you make in your writing
career.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Sign up now for Linda Phillips' class, Writing for Children,
beginning March 3 at Writing-World.com!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/phillips.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Linda Phillips is a former elementary teacher who has happily
advanced even deeper into poverty as a freelance writer. Her work
has appeared in literary magazines such as The Texas Review,
California Quarterly, and Windhover, and newspapers such as The
Charlotte Observer. In the past year she has written elementary
and middle school curriculum for the Audubon Society and the
traveling exhibit on the Human Genome. As a member of the Society
of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she co-facilitates
the Charlotte critique group. In addition to writing, she enjoys
conducting workshops on children's writing at literary festivals
and in schools and public libraries.
Copyright (c) 2003 by Linda Phillips
*****************************************************************
Are you a Freelance Writer?
FreelanceWriters.com is the only global online directory of
freelance writers. Your writing skills, experience and contact
information can be listed in the database so that clients and
editors will have your information at the touch of a button. Go
to: http://www.freelancewriters.com/writers_faqs.cfm
*****************************************************************
BREAK WRITER'S BLOCK FOREVER! Jerry Mundis, author of 40+ books,
Book-of-the-Month Club, Literary Guild, One Spirit Book Club
selections, will show you how. End paralysis, avoidance behavior,
last-minute crisis writing, and inability to finish. Endorsed by
bestselling authors Lawrence Block, Judith McNaught, Suzannah
Lessard, and others. **GUARANTEED** http://www.unblock.org
*****************************************************************
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S MIND
=================================================================
From digital rights activists to activism on the part of
publishers and booksellers that encourages people to read and buy
books, this year promises to be the year of activism in the book
world.
With the opening of the 108th Congress, Vermont Congressman
Bernard Sanders will introduce legislation to eliminate
provisions of the USA Patriot Act that threaten library and
bookstore patrons' constitutionally guaranteed right to read and
access information without government intrusion or monitoring. He
is joined by other Vermont "activists": Linda Ramsdell, owner of
the Galaxy Bookshop and president of the New England Booksellers
Association; Karen Lane, president of the Vermont Library
Association (VLA); and Trina Magi, Library Assistant Professor at
the University of Vermont's Bailey/Howe Library.
Sanders and the VLA don't believe that ordering libraries or
booksellers turn over books, records, papers, and documents
offers any protection against terrorism. Librarians and
booksellers are concerned they could be punished for protecting
readers' privacy rights. They worry that if readers are concerned
about the FBI snooping into their reading habits, they might
censor their reading choices. Faced with subpoenas and search
warrants last year, librarians and booksellers are more
determined than ever to protect your right to read any book.
Through the coming months, I'll keep you posted on the progress
of this movement, and any pending legislation.
For more information: http://www.abffe.com/vermont_letter.html
-- Peggy Tibbetts (peggyt[at]siltnet.net)
*****************************************************************
NEW WORKBOOK FOR WRITERS! "Discovering the Writer Within"
provides a creative jolt to both the novice writer and the
seasoned professional! Get yours today!
http://www.writersguide.writergazette.com
*****************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
JANUARY COLUMNS:
----------------
Advice from a Caterpillar, by Peggy Tibbetts
"Charging for Author Visits; Writing Rebuses; Finding an Agent"
http://www.writing-world.com/caterpillar/cat24.html
Press Kit, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
"Promotion Through E-mail Newsletters, Part I"
http://www.writing-world.com/press/press09.html
Self-Publishing Success, by Brian Jud
"Brainstorming Creative Solutions"
http://www.writing-world.com/jud/jud14.html
Murder Ink, by Stephen Rogers
"The Scene of the Crime"
http://www.writing-world.com/mystery/murder07.html
Romancing the Keyboard, by Anne Marble
"Author Web Sites -- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"
http://www.writing-world.com/marble/marble07.html
NEW ARTICLES:
-------------
Fundamentals of Fiction Series, by Marg Gilks
Part VII: Being Realistic
http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/fiction07.html
Part VIII: Finding Markets for Your Fiction
http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/fiction08.html
Work Smarter, Not Harder, by Shelley Divnich Haggert
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/smarter.html
****************************************************************
HELP TO YOU, THE SCREENWRITER...from an Industry professional
with vast experience in script analysis, charging reasonable
rates. Increase your chances for success! See my website for
details before submitting your script to an agent/producer/studio
or contest. http://www.coverscript.com
*****************************************************************
Be more prolific! Increase your income! Write your book
faster than you ever thought possible. Learn to create your
book's blueprint in 2 hours, buy a best-selling plot and more.
http://www.writeabooknow.com/welcome/write1512now
*****************************************************************
MARKET ROUNDUP
=================================================================
ANALOG SCIENCE FICTION AND FACT
Stanley Schmidt, Editor
475 Park Ave. South, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016
EMAIL: analog[at]dellmagazines.com
URL: http://analogsf.com/0301/issue_01.html
Analog is now available in electronic formats at Fictionwise.com.
We consider material submitted by any writer, and solely on the
basis of merit. We are definitely eager to find and develop new,
capable writers. We have no hard-and-fast editorial guidelines,
because science fiction is such a broad field that we don't want
to inhibit a new writer's thinking by imposing Thou Shalt Nots.
Besides, a really good story can make an editor swallow his
preconceived taboos.
Basically, we publish science fiction stories, in which some
aspect of future science or technology is so integral to the plot
that, if that aspect were removed, the story would collapse.
Fact articles should deal with subjects of not only current but
future interest, i.e., with topics at the present frontiers of
research whose likely future developments have implications of
wide interest.
It is essential to keep in mind that our readers are, in general,
very intelligent and technically knowledgeable, but represent a
very wide diversity of backgrounds. Specialized jargon and
mathematical detail should be kept to a necessary minimum.
LENGTH: Fiction: up to 80K words for serials, prefers 2K-7K words;
Fact: 4,000 words or less
PAYMENT: Fiction: 6-8 cents/word up to 7.5K, $450-$600 for
7.5K-10K, 5-6 cents/word over 10K; Fact: 6 cents/word
REPRINTS: No
RIGHTS: FNASR
SUBMISSIONS: No email subs. By mail with SASE. Please query first
on serials only. A complete manuscript is strongly preferred for
shorter lengths.
GUIDELINES: http://analogsf.com/information/submissions.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
THE WRITER'S MIND
Radika MeganathanDouglas, Editor
EMAIL: writers_united_2k2[at]yahoo.com
URL: http://pages.ivillage.com/jwaala/welcome/index.html
"The Writer's Mind: Thoughts and Feelings of the Beginning
Writer," an anthology that will be published as an ebook in 2004,
seeks your contributions on the following questions:
1. When you are in the process of writing (right in the middle of
it), what are your feelings? Frustration? Impatience? Jubilance?
How does the flow of ideas/thoughts get related in a coherent,
organized manner to what you are writing, or is it just haphazard
thinking?
2. After finishing writing something (be it a story or a poem or
an article) how do you feel about it?
3. What do you think writing is all about? Does all the writing
aimed at something or other in your view? Why do YOU write? When
did you feel that you could write too? Describe your feelings as
lucidly as you can.
You can send in a story, personal memoir, essay, poem, critical
analysis, anything that answers the questions above. This is not
and editorial assignment. You can be as casual or emotional as
you want. Reference to anecdotes or to other writers or
acquaintances welcomed.
LENGTH: 2,000 words
PAYMENT: $25 and Indian artifact
RIGHTS: One time electronic rights
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: Please include a short bio of yourself and indicate
whether you are a beginner or experienced writer, your mother
tongue, and whether you are in a non-writing field. Don't forget
to mention your previous works, achievements and links. Include
your contact address and email id under your signature.
GUIDELINES: http://pages.ivillage.com/jwaala/welcome/id9.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
ROMANCEEVERAFTER.COM
Melissa Hamilton, Managing Editor
Montgomery Creek Publishing, Inc., PO Box 528, Naperville, IL
60566-0528
EMAIL: mhamilton[at]romanceeverafter.com
URL: http://www.romanceeverafter.com/
We are eager to share your knowledge, expertise and ideas with
RomanceEverAfter.com readers! There is a column of interest for
everyone: REA Magazine, Romantic Memoirs, History & Cultures, The
Arts, Quotes & Poetry, and Travel. We encourage you to submit a
query for any of our columns. The purpose of our site is to
provide a wide range of information, resources, and experiences
for our readers.
LENGTH: No word limit
PAYMENT: $15-$25
RIGHTS: One time electronic rights, author retains copyright
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: Send your column query to the Managing Editor.
Indicate type of submission in "subject" line of cover letter or
e-mail. (Example: "History & Cultures") Include your name,
address, phone, e-mail, and web site link. Provide a brief
biography to be included at the end of your article.
GUIDELINES: http://www.romanceeverafter.com/Authors.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "GL": guidelines.
If you have questions about rights, please see
"Rights: What They Mean and Why They're Important"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/rights.html
Please send Market News to Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
Publishing for writers by writers. Fast turnaround, great
service, affordable prices. Payment plan available. Publish your
book now! http://www.WideThinkerBooks.com/publishing.html
*****************************************************************
FREE INITIAL EVALUATION! AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR will help improve
your MS. Critiquing, Line Editing, Submission Assistance.
info[at]writersconsultant.com, http://www.writersconsultant.com
*****************************************************************
WRITING CONTESTS
=================================================================
This section lists contests that charge no entry fees. For more
contests (116 new contests added January 5), visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Summerfield G. Roberts Award
DEADLINE: January 15, 2003
GENRE: All
OPEN TO: Creative writing written or published in 2002
LENGTH: No word limit
THEME: The purpose of this award is to encourage literary effort
and research about historical events and personalities during the
days of the Republic of Texas,1836-1846, and to stimulate
interest in this period. The judges determine which entry best
portrays the spirit, character, strength, and deeds of those who
lived in the Republic of Texas.
PRIZE: Grand prize: $2500
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: SRT Headquarters, 1717 Eighth Street, Bay City,
Texas 77414
EMAIL: srttexas[at]srttexas.org
URL: http://www.srttexas.org/sumfield.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
6th Annual Levis Reading Prize
DEADLINE: January 15, 2003
GENRE: Poetry
OPEN TO: Book of poetry published in 2002
LENGTH: 48 pages or more
THEME: In memory of distinguished poet Larry Levis, the English
Department at Virginia Commonwealth University aims to encourage
poets early in their careers by sponsoring an award for the best
first or second book of poetry. Entries may be submitted by
either author or publisher, and must include a copy of the book,
a cover letter, and a brief biography of the author including
previous publications. Entries from vanity presses are not
eligible.
PRIZE: $1000 and expenses paid to Richmond, VA to present a public
reading in September 2003.
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Levis Reading Prize, VCU Department of English,
PO Box 842005, Richmond, VA 23284-2005
EMAIL: eng_grad[at]vcu.edu
URL: http://www.has.vcu.edu/eng/grad/Levis_Prize.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Achieve the Dream Children's Story Writing Contest
DEADLINE: January 31, 2003
GENRE: Children's fiction
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 1,000 words or less
THEME: The American Dream Group would like you to submit original
and unpublished children's stories (ages 0-12). We enjoy stories
that inspire, are filled with magic, wonder and playfulness,
encourage independence of spirit and promote understanding and
acceptance of differences. We also love fun and just plain silly
stories. Story lines concerning animals, concepts, fantasy,
folktales, nature/environment, multicultural, poetry,
spirituality, timeless stories and surprise endings will work.
Submissions will be judged on creativity, simplicity, and
originality.
PRIZES: Grand Prize: $250 and publication
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Print out online application form and submit
by mail with 2 copies of manuscript.
ADDRESS: The American Dream Group, Inc., Achieve the Dream
Writing Contest, 505 32nd Street #107-108, Bellingham, WA 98225
E-MAIL: Achievethedream[at]attbi.com
URL: http://achievethedream.home.attbi.com
*****************************************************************
Buy This Book and I'll Wash Your Car: How to--and not to--Get a
Literary Agent. The ultimate guide to non-fee charging agents
looking for new literary talent. Features email addresses, Web
sites, agent interviews and surveys, and more! Read a free
excerpt at: http://www.nataliercollins.com/agentbook.html
*****************************************************************
New Listings on THE AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF:
---------------------------------------
Everyone Wants My Job: The ABCs of Entertainment Writing,
by Diana Saenger
Survivors of an Open Marriage, by Jennifer Gates
The Writer's Guide to Photography, by Ronald Kness
Find these and more great books at
http://www.writing-world.com/books/index.html
Advertise your own book on Writing-World.com:
http://www.writing-world.com/books/listyours.html
*****************************************************************
ADVERTISE in WRITING WORLD or on WRITING-WORLD.COM! For details
on how to reach 80,000 writers a month with your product, service
or book title, visit
http://www.writing-world.com/admin1/adrates.html
*****************************************************************
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN WRITERS (NAWW) Get the new FREE
eBooklet, RESOURCES FOR WRITERS by subscribing to NAWW WEEKLY,
the FREE inspirational/how-to emagazine for women writers. Send
blank e-mail to: naww[at]onebox.com or visit http://www.naww.org
*****************************************************************
FREE REPORT OF 22 OUTDOOR WRITING MARKETS - Discover new markets
at Worldwide Freelance Writer. Subscribe today and get a FREE
list of 22 Outdoor and Recreational Markets. Send e-mail to
wwfw-subscribe[at]topica.com - http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
*****************************************************************
WRITING FOR DOLLARS! - the FREE ezine for writers featuring
tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. FREE ebook,
83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to
subscribe[at]writingfordollars.com http://www.WritingForDollars.com
*****************************************************************
Writing World is a publication of Writing-World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Editor/Publisher: MOIRA ALLEN (Moira Allen)
Managing Editor: PEGGY TIBBETTS (peggyt[at]siltnet.net)
Copyright 2003 Moira Allen
Individual articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues archived at
http://www.writing-world.com/newsletter/index.html
Writing World is hosted by Listbox.com - http://v2.listbox.com
*****************************************************************
Subscribers are welcome to recirculate Writing World to
friends, discussion lists, etc., as long as the ENTIRE text
of the newsletter is included and appropriate credit is given.
Writing World may not be circulated for profit purposes.
*****************************************************************
To subscribe/unsubscribe online, or change the email address where
you receive messages, please go to:
http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=writing-world[at]v2.listbox.com
Copyright © 2009 by Moira Allen. All rights reserved.
Copyright to individual articles held by authors.