James Patterson set a world record for the "Most Entries on The New York Times Best-Seller List." The Guinness Book of World Records awarded Patterson yesterday at Book Expo America (BEA) for having 31 hardcover novels reaching number one, and 45 total books on the list.
For more about what's happening at BEA visit: http://www.mediumatlarge.net/
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Last Chance to Enroll in 3 Classes!
We have two classes starting June 1st, and one starting June 2nd:
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Visit the Classes Page for full details:
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html
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GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER! YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREELANCE WRITING BASICS, by Nicole LaMarco
START DATE: Monday, June 1, 2009
DURATION: 10 weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is for beginning freelance writers or for those who are interested in becoming freelance writers. It includes all of the basics of freelance writing: overviews of the different fields in freelance writing, what is needed to begin, how to store ideas, where to get ideas, how much you should make, where to find clients, and how to get clients.
In this class, I am your writing mentor through every lesson and every assignment. Make some extra money with your writing or create your own full-time freelance career! Learn from my personal stories, information, resources, goals, activities, lessons, and assignments. This class will provide the you with the structure and guidance you need to Get Paid to Write. A certification will be given to those who pass the entire class.
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CREATING A CHARACTER SKETCH
by Janie Sullivan
START DATE: Monday, June 1, 2009
DURATION: 3 weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Developing a character sketch for each character in the story is essential to the success of the story. The writer needs to know who the characters are, what they are thinking, and why they do the things they do in order to make them believable to the reader. This course will teach writers how to develop their characters so their readers will identify with them—whether or not they like them.
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SHORT FICTION WRITING
by Gila Green
START DATE: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
DURATION: 8 weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through writing exercises and classmate and instructor feedback we will delve into the fundamentals of short fiction with a view to publishable work. We will explore a variety of craft elements including: character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, pacing, voice and theme.
Course objectives:
- To complete at least one work that is publishable.
- To encourage you to read published short fiction including, short stories, personal essays and flash fiction (Fiction under 800 words).
- To increase your confidence and skills as a writer.
- To develop a foundation for the skills of crafting, editing, and revising.
Visit the Classes Page for full details:
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html
Saturday, May 30, 2009
What’s Top of (Your) Mind?
By Jill Earl
Lately I’ve been reflecting on something I read last month from a newsletter I receive from the Working Solo site, which is targeted to the self-employed. In the April 22 issue, founder Terri Lonier spoke of how a simple question from close friend Jerry Michalski, in addition to opening the door to meaningful conversation, causes her to ponder on what’s really foremost in her thoughts.
That question, “What’s top of mind?”, says Ms. Lonier, “makes you consider what is most important in your life and work, and what commands your attention at present.” In answering that for myself, I focused on a couple of the questions included in the article and how they relate to my writing, and the results follow.
* What idea, experience, or encounter intrigues you enough that you want to share it (and perhaps launch a discussion) with someone like Jerry?
After attending the Conversations & Connections Conference in Washington, D.C. last month, I was able to share that experience with Amy, a fellow attendee and new writing friend. During our discussions that day, we found that we shared the same faith; liked many of the same books, music and artists; compared notes after our respective editors meetings and sessions; and challenged each other in our writing. We’ve even ‘friended’ each other on Facebook. Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to attend the Festival of Faith & Writing together next year.
* What has brought you the most joy or satisfaction recently? Why?
Right now, it’s the online magazine writing class I’m currently taking that’s giving me great satisfaction. I’d wanted to take that type of class for a while to explore another genre and expand my knowledge base. And I looked no further than the WOW! Women On Writing Classes & Workshops offerings. Yeah, I know, shameless plug, but check them out anyway!
Find the full article in the Working Solo archives here: http://www.workingsolo.com/minute060.html.
While you’re there, check out the latest issue of Working Solo Minute and sign up for the newsletter. I’ve found it to be quite helpful in my writing career.
What’s top of mind? Ask yourself that the next time you need to reflect on what's really happening with you and your writing.
Lately I’ve been reflecting on something I read last month from a newsletter I receive from the Working Solo site, which is targeted to the self-employed. In the April 22 issue, founder Terri Lonier spoke of how a simple question from close friend Jerry Michalski, in addition to opening the door to meaningful conversation, causes her to ponder on what’s really foremost in her thoughts.
That question, “What’s top of mind?”, says Ms. Lonier, “makes you consider what is most important in your life and work, and what commands your attention at present.” In answering that for myself, I focused on a couple of the questions included in the article and how they relate to my writing, and the results follow.
* What idea, experience, or encounter intrigues you enough that you want to share it (and perhaps launch a discussion) with someone like Jerry?
After attending the Conversations & Connections Conference in Washington, D.C. last month, I was able to share that experience with Amy, a fellow attendee and new writing friend. During our discussions that day, we found that we shared the same faith; liked many of the same books, music and artists; compared notes after our respective editors meetings and sessions; and challenged each other in our writing. We’ve even ‘friended’ each other on Facebook. Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to attend the Festival of Faith & Writing together next year.
* What has brought you the most joy or satisfaction recently? Why?
Right now, it’s the online magazine writing class I’m currently taking that’s giving me great satisfaction. I’d wanted to take that type of class for a while to explore another genre and expand my knowledge base. And I looked no further than the WOW! Women On Writing Classes & Workshops offerings. Yeah, I know, shameless plug, but check them out anyway!
Find the full article in the Working Solo archives here: http://www.workingsolo.com/minute060.html.
While you’re there, check out the latest issue of Working Solo Minute and sign up for the newsletter. I’ve found it to be quite helpful in my writing career.
What’s top of mind? Ask yourself that the next time you need to reflect on what's really happening with you and your writing.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Delving Into the Unknown: Trying Out A New Genre
I hope you’ve all had a chance to check out this month’s issue of WOW, “Finding Your Genre.” Personally, I found it the inspirational push I needed to delve into a specific genre I love but hadn’t thought I’d be good writing in: Young Adult.
When I started writing professionally about five years ago, I was drawn to the Inspirational and Christian genres. I wanted to help other people through my experiences and those were the safest and most welcoming areas to do that. Over time, my writing has become more specialized in helping parents with special needs children but I my style has remained on the inspirational side. Every so often, though, I really need a fun distraction—especially since the topics I write about can be so emotional and serious at times. That’s when I re-discovered YA.
I thought writing for this audience would be fun. Kids aren’t shrouded in a blanket of skepticism and bias the way most adults are. They still see the world from a wider, untainted, more accepting perspective. Plus, if you grab their attention at this age you can help spark a life-long love for reading books. That’s what I really wanted. So, I had what I thought was a fantastic idea for a YA book and pumped out the first chapter. I actually got some positive feedback, which inspired me to continue. Then I got stuck.
I’d never written in this genre before and although I’d envisioned how my story would go, I had no idea how to get there. Feeling frustrated, I “mothballed” my project for a couple of months. Then I met a wonderful Canadian YA author. We chatted a bit and I mentioned in passing that I’d started writing a book. She asked to read what I had and, to my surprise, LOVED it. Of course, she offered a few editing suggestions but encouraged me to keep it going. In fact, she offered to help me! She did have a few suggestions for me to start from:
(1) Read, read, read: “Are you reading a lot?” she asked. “In order to write for a specific audience you really need to read the good stuff in that area. Check out the books that have won awards, are in the top-seller lists or highly recommended. Check out the books that the audience has highly recommended but may have been missed by the critics. Read what has worked for that audience and absorb what the authors have done.”
(2) Find a mentor: My author friend didn’t exactly say this outright but told me to read everything I could from top YA Canadian author, Brian Doyle. He’s written books in all children and YA age groups, has won many literary awards for his work and has been doing it since the 1940’s. He must be doing something right! She told me that my writing voice is very similar to his so he’d be the one to learn from. (By the way, I highly recommend his book You Can Pick Me Up At Peggy’s Cove to any and all of you interested in writing for the pre-teen to teen group. It’s excellent!)
(3) Learn the voice: This just means you need to write in the voice of the audience you’re writing for. Go talk to the age group you’re writing for or, at the very least, listen to them. Pay attention to how they talk to their friends, teachers, and parents because they speak and act differently around each group of people. You don’t want to sound like an adult trying to speak like teenager.
(4) Research the group: Once you understand the voice, researching the dynamics of the group is a good idea too. How do they dress? What are their worries? How do they view the world? What are their interests? Like most adults, children and teens all have different interests and the way their minds work is different. I’d like to say, “Remember being that age then envision yourself interacting with kids that age,” but it isn’t always that simple. While you’re out there listening to kids and talking to them, pay attention to how they interact with the world around them. (I’m fairly lucky to be surrounded by many different age groups, abilities and needs through my own kids’ activities. It’s been very helpful.)
These are the main points I was given from my author friend. It’s really helped ease my initial anxiety and have actually written a couple of more chapters. I’m just taking my time, allowing my story to unfold slowly. I know we have some great children and YA writers/authors out there. I’d love to hear your suggestions on this subject. I am a sponge for knowledge.
Have a great writing weekend and don’t be afraid to delve into the unfamiliar once in awhile. You never know what you’ll create.
Chynna
www.lilywolfwords.ca
http://lilywolfwords.blogspot.com
When I started writing professionally about five years ago, I was drawn to the Inspirational and Christian genres. I wanted to help other people through my experiences and those were the safest and most welcoming areas to do that. Over time, my writing has become more specialized in helping parents with special needs children but I my style has remained on the inspirational side. Every so often, though, I really need a fun distraction—especially since the topics I write about can be so emotional and serious at times. That’s when I re-discovered YA.
I thought writing for this audience would be fun. Kids aren’t shrouded in a blanket of skepticism and bias the way most adults are. They still see the world from a wider, untainted, more accepting perspective. Plus, if you grab their attention at this age you can help spark a life-long love for reading books. That’s what I really wanted. So, I had what I thought was a fantastic idea for a YA book and pumped out the first chapter. I actually got some positive feedback, which inspired me to continue. Then I got stuck.
I’d never written in this genre before and although I’d envisioned how my story would go, I had no idea how to get there. Feeling frustrated, I “mothballed” my project for a couple of months. Then I met a wonderful Canadian YA author. We chatted a bit and I mentioned in passing that I’d started writing a book. She asked to read what I had and, to my surprise, LOVED it. Of course, she offered a few editing suggestions but encouraged me to keep it going. In fact, she offered to help me! She did have a few suggestions for me to start from:
(1) Read, read, read: “Are you reading a lot?” she asked. “In order to write for a specific audience you really need to read the good stuff in that area. Check out the books that have won awards, are in the top-seller lists or highly recommended. Check out the books that the audience has highly recommended but may have been missed by the critics. Read what has worked for that audience and absorb what the authors have done.”
(2) Find a mentor: My author friend didn’t exactly say this outright but told me to read everything I could from top YA Canadian author, Brian Doyle. He’s written books in all children and YA age groups, has won many literary awards for his work and has been doing it since the 1940’s. He must be doing something right! She told me that my writing voice is very similar to his so he’d be the one to learn from. (By the way, I highly recommend his book You Can Pick Me Up At Peggy’s Cove to any and all of you interested in writing for the pre-teen to teen group. It’s excellent!)
(3) Learn the voice: This just means you need to write in the voice of the audience you’re writing for. Go talk to the age group you’re writing for or, at the very least, listen to them. Pay attention to how they talk to their friends, teachers, and parents because they speak and act differently around each group of people. You don’t want to sound like an adult trying to speak like teenager.
(4) Research the group: Once you understand the voice, researching the dynamics of the group is a good idea too. How do they dress? What are their worries? How do they view the world? What are their interests? Like most adults, children and teens all have different interests and the way their minds work is different. I’d like to say, “Remember being that age then envision yourself interacting with kids that age,” but it isn’t always that simple. While you’re out there listening to kids and talking to them, pay attention to how they interact with the world around them. (I’m fairly lucky to be surrounded by many different age groups, abilities and needs through my own kids’ activities. It’s been very helpful.)
These are the main points I was given from my author friend. It’s really helped ease my initial anxiety and have actually written a couple of more chapters. I’m just taking my time, allowing my story to unfold slowly. I know we have some great children and YA writers/authors out there. I’d love to hear your suggestions on this subject. I am a sponge for knowledge.
Have a great writing weekend and don’t be afraid to delve into the unfamiliar once in awhile. You never know what you’ll create.
Chynna
www.lilywolfwords.ca
http://lilywolfwords.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Grant Me A Moment To Tell You About Grant Writing!
Have you ever written a grant proposal? Have you ever worked on a review committee for grants?
If not and it is something you are considering, there are plenty of resources out there, not just to receive funding for your own projects, but also for getting into the grant writing field/discipline.
1) Do some reading up on the process. If you don't wish to invest in buying books in the early, exploratory phase, at least go to a local library and read up on the topic. Some books I have found and added to my bookshelves include:
2) Volunteer as a grant reviewer. It is a great way to see what it takes to create a good (and a bad) proposal (think about how many of us model our styles off of good pieces of work and writers we admire), and helps in networking into grant-related work. The U.S. government has some agencies which post on professional websites' bulletin boards looking for grant reviewers. Typically, the reviewers need some work experience in a certain discipline (i.e., experience working in higher education) and/or enrollment or completion of a degree. Additionally, non-profit organizations hire grant writers and those people could be willing to let you shadow or talk about the work and experience necessary for entry into grant writing as a profession.
3) Familiarize yourself with the World Wide Web. So many of the calls for grant proposals, so many of the grant applications, and so many of the foundations best known for giving grant money are found online these days. As some of the books mentioned in step 1 discuss, the Internet and the library will be your friend. So bring your creative search engine skills and lists of useful sites from step 1 and see how many grants you can find for the ideas you have, so when it comes time for an interview or for your first grant proposal, you are steps ahead of the game.
This blog post is only a precursor. I open it to any advice from grant writing vets and pros. What advice would you give a budding grant specialist, grant writer, grant reviewer, or graduate student trying to write a grant proposal for thesis/dissertation work?
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P.S. In response to my last blog post, thanks readers for the birthday well-wishes. Greatly appreciated :)
If not and it is something you are considering, there are plenty of resources out there, not just to receive funding for your own projects, but also for getting into the grant writing field/discipline.
1) Do some reading up on the process. If you don't wish to invest in buying books in the early, exploratory phase, at least go to a local library and read up on the topic. Some books I have found and added to my bookshelves include:
- Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases to Present Your Organization, Explain Your Cause, and Get the Funding You Need by Dr. Beverly Browning (McGraw-Hill, 2008)
- The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need: Top Grant Writers and Grant Givers Share Their Secrets (2nd edition) by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox (Basic Books, 2006)
- The Complete Book of Grant Writing: Learn to Write Grants Like A Professional by Nancy Burke Smith and E. Gabriel Works (SourceBooks Inc., 2006)
2) Volunteer as a grant reviewer. It is a great way to see what it takes to create a good (and a bad) proposal (think about how many of us model our styles off of good pieces of work and writers we admire), and helps in networking into grant-related work. The U.S. government has some agencies which post on professional websites' bulletin boards looking for grant reviewers. Typically, the reviewers need some work experience in a certain discipline (i.e., experience working in higher education) and/or enrollment or completion of a degree. Additionally, non-profit organizations hire grant writers and those people could be willing to let you shadow or talk about the work and experience necessary for entry into grant writing as a profession.
3) Familiarize yourself with the World Wide Web. So many of the calls for grant proposals, so many of the grant applications, and so many of the foundations best known for giving grant money are found online these days. As some of the books mentioned in step 1 discuss, the Internet and the library will be your friend. So bring your creative search engine skills and lists of useful sites from step 1 and see how many grants you can find for the ideas you have, so when it comes time for an interview or for your first grant proposal, you are steps ahead of the game.
This blog post is only a precursor. I open it to any advice from grant writing vets and pros. What advice would you give a budding grant specialist, grant writer, grant reviewer, or graduate student trying to write a grant proposal for thesis/dissertation work?
--
P.S. In response to my last blog post, thanks readers for the birthday well-wishes. Greatly appreciated :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Interview with WOW! Runner-Up Jen Payne
Jen Payne is a runner up in the Fall Essay Contest sponsored by skirt! Books. Read her winning story, How the Universe Moved My Sofa and Changed My Life.Jen's Bio: I've been a writer for as long as I can remember--adolescent poetry, high school newspaper, college journalism, freelance writing, zine publishing, blog entries. For the past 16 years, I've been a wearer of all hats--editor, copywriter, marketing wordsmith--as the owner of my own graphic design company, Words by Jen, in Branford, Connecticut.
In 2006, I launched Creative Soup (www.creativesoup.org), an online collaboration of artists and writers dedicated to the pursuit of creativity in all its forms. Truth be told, it was the excuse I needed to reconnect to my own creative voice, which had gotten lost amidst the busy-ness of everything else.
That creative voice has always been inspired by those "life moments" that move us--love and loss, joy and disappointment, milestones and turning points. My writing serves as witness to these, in powerful (often humorous) vignettes of thoughts, impressions, and feelings.
I am currently working on several poems, a series of short stories, and my first novel.
I am currently working on several poems, a series of short stories, and my first novel.
If you haven't done so already, check out Jen's award-winning entry "How the Universe Moved My Sofa and Changed My Life" and then return here for a chat with the author.
Jen: It was very exciting to find out that my essay was selected for the Top 10! I have always considered myself a writer, but only recently made a commitment to put my work "out there," to get published. Having one of my first attempts be acknowledged reminds me that THIS is what I am supposed to be doing. So, much thanks to WOW! Women On Writing for the encouragement and incentive to continue on this path!
Jen: I have to say, there has not been one particular moment, or one specific piece of writing, that makes me most proud. What I am most proud of is the process of this writing--to take an idea that tip-toes in and transform it into a story or poem; to speak a truth that others can relate to; to weave words in such a way that it moves the reader, or opens them up to share their own stories.
WOW: That's a great story because it shows one of the many ways that writing can be a powerful tool. I hear that you have a website. When and how did you get the inspiration to launch your website Creative Soup?
We do four seasonal installations a year, usually with a theme or prompt. Contributors are encouraged to participate if they are so inspired--to submit work if they can, with no pressure to produce if they can't.
WOW: That's a great idea. For me, finding the time is one of the biggest writing challenge I face. You must be pretty good at finding the time to write because I hear you are currently working on your first novel. Would you mind sharing your progress so far, or what it is about?
WOW: It sounds like a great project, and I hope we all have a chance to read it someday! What is the best writing advice you've ever received?
The second was from my high school English teacher, who taught me the bones of good writing: organization and flow. He critiqued a poem I wrote once and said, "This needs to be more universal." I think about that every time I write, and always read a piece through that filter before I'm finished--will other people relate to this?
WOW: Yes, that is so true, but it’s all of those rejections that make the successes so much sweeter. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
The Spring Flash Fiction Contest is still open! Deadline: May 31, 2009 (midnight, Pacific time) Visit: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php for details
Monday, May 25, 2009
Jacket Flap: A Social Site for Children's Writers and More
If you write for children or young adults, you may want to check out another social networking site called, JacketFlap. The JacketFlap homepage states: "JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for children and young adults." So, if you are on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, or even Twitter, JacketFlap may be another site you'll want to check out if you write, edit, or illustrate for kids or teens.
What is special and useful about JacketFlap?
Besides networking with professionals in the children's book industry, you can also find and read over 700 children's book-related blogs (and list yours!), search through a database of over 900,000 children's books, read book reviews, look through over 20,000 book publishers, and join for free! The "About Us" page states: "JacketFlap is a comprehensive resource for information on the children's book industry. Thousands of published authors, illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, and publishers visit JacketFlap every day." So, if you're a children's writer or illustrator, then this is definitely one of the social networking sites you want to take advantage of.
Just like other social networking sites, you create your profile and find friends. On your profile, you list key facts about yourself such as where you live, your company name, age, and occupation. You also write a short bio. You can link your blog right to your JacketFlap page. For high tech social networkers, you can add video to your profile and upload some of your work.
Like all social networking sites, JacketFlap will take time to learn and to use. One of my goals this summer is to use this one more. Recently, an author contacted me on JacketFlap who wanted to submit to the same company, White Mane Kids, that is publishing my book. She wanted some information about the company, and we have now become JacketFlap and Facebook buddies. These are the types of connections you can make on specialized sites. If you are a children's writer, you can find other writers who may have information to help you or you to help them. It's like belonging to your own on-line children's writers' group--for free!
Check it out--and if you do, look me up (I'm either luvboxers or Margo Dill). I'd love to learn and build JacketFlap with you.
Check it out--and if you do, look me up (I'm either luvboxers or Margo Dill). I'd love to learn and build JacketFlap with you.
Happy social networking!
Margo Dill
photo from JacketFlap website (JacketFlap logo)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Five Ways to Survive a Dry Spell
by LuAnn Schindler
Having a difficult time generating new ideas? It happens to all writers at some point. But when the creative juices simply don't flow, and the postman keeps delivering the bills, a writer must be proactive to survive a dry spell. Here are five tips to help you find sources of income when the well runs dry.
Having a difficult time generating new ideas? It happens to all writers at some point. But when the creative juices simply don't flow, and the postman keeps delivering the bills, a writer must be proactive to survive a dry spell. Here are five tips to help you find sources of income when the well runs dry.
- Reuse old queries. In a perfect writing world, every query a writer mails would be snatched up by a publication. But in the real writing world, some queries aren't the right fit for a publication at that particular moment in time. Every three months, I go through my queries that didn't make the cut, add new research , tweak my approach, and target a new market. In a notebook, I track each query I submit and add information about potential experts to interview, new research, and any notes I will need later. This visual reminder shows me that I am working toward a writing goal and keeps me motivated.
- Turn a sidebar into a story. Since a sidebar is a short burst of information, it's possible to turn the sidebar or the main idea into a full feature article. Look at sidebars you've submitted and consider a new angle.
- Attend conferences or workshops. Spending time with fellow writers is an excellent way to network and discover new ideas. Don't be afraid to mingle and ask questions.
- Keep track of editor changes. Lets say you queried a publication in the past and were rejected. Now, a new editor heads the publication. Resubmit a query. Just because one idea didn't spark one editor's interest doesn't mean the new editor will reject it.
- Look at editorial calendars. If there's a market you're interested in, check its editorial calendar and see what issues are coming up. Sometimes, an idea for a new article pops to mind when viewing themes for upcoming issues. Then, write a query and hit send.
Generating new and fresh ideas - even from old stories - will help generate cash during a dry spell. And, it will spark your imagination.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Redeeming the passion in your writing
Writing can be a lonely endeavor. But it is also a rewarding and satisfying one. I appreciate connecting with my readers. I love conducting research into something I don't know much about.
However, even as much as I love writing, it can sometimes seem less than the ideal career choice. Add freelance in front of writer and you might as well also write "not-the-most-secure" in front of career. Sometimes a writer might become discouraged.
As I revised for the umpteenth time one of my articles and had a few conversations with one of my editors, I wondered what would I do if I lost my passion for writing? How would I cope with losing that excitement I have for writing?
During a creativity coaching session, it came to me. As I spoke with another creative soul slogging the creative minefields, her voice registered little excitement about her pursuit. What I suggested for her, I think I would prescribe for myself to rejuvenate any flagging creative spirit.
I would take a class in anything. I would explore a craft or hobby or art that I've had a sneaking desire to do. Pottery? Watercolors? Oil painting? Sketching? Calligraphy? Yes to all.
What might you do to regain a lost passion for your writing or other art?
Elizabeth King Humphrey is a writer and a certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach. She writes about motherhood at Coastal Carolina Moms and creativity at TheWriteElizabeth. She hopes one day to have enough money and time (and energy) to pursue any and all creative pursuits to keep all sorts of passions alive.
However, even as much as I love writing, it can sometimes seem less than the ideal career choice. Add freelance in front of writer and you might as well also write "not-the-most-secure" in front of career. Sometimes a writer might become discouraged.
As I revised for the umpteenth time one of my articles and had a few conversations with one of my editors, I wondered what would I do if I lost my passion for writing? How would I cope with losing that excitement I have for writing?
During a creativity coaching session, it came to me. As I spoke with another creative soul slogging the creative minefields, her voice registered little excitement about her pursuit. What I suggested for her, I think I would prescribe for myself to rejuvenate any flagging creative spirit.
I would take a class in anything. I would explore a craft or hobby or art that I've had a sneaking desire to do. Pottery? Watercolors? Oil painting? Sketching? Calligraphy? Yes to all.
What might you do to regain a lost passion for your writing or other art?
Elizabeth King Humphrey is a writer and a certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach. She writes about motherhood at Coastal Carolina Moms and creativity at TheWriteElizabeth. She hopes one day to have enough money and time (and energy) to pursue any and all creative pursuits to keep all sorts of passions alive.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday Speak Out: "Write What You Know? Or Not," Guest Post by Michele Howe
Write What You Know? Or Not.
by Michele Howe
When two of my closest friends became single moms over sixteen years ago, I had no idea that their trials, tribulations and challenges would the become the touchstone of my writing career. What began as a therapeutic way to tell my friends' stories (and to help other single moms) has grown into multiple articles, four books, and a column. All because my dear friends were willing to share their story, first with me, and then to others.
Right after their divorces, I recall being amazed and so proud of these women's hard choices and how they determined to raise their family solo in positive, proactive ways. As a good friend and onlooker, I'd carefully watch, ask questions, and then cheer them both on. Over time, I started writing article after article, telling readers how to tackle the various challenges of being a new single mom, from which "Going It Alone: Meeting the Challenges of Being a Single Mom" published by Hendrickson Publishers was developed.
As time went on and their lives changed and morphed (and still single), I continued to be amazed and wowed at my friends' ongoing savvy skill at parenting. So, at midlife (theirs and mine), "Still Going It Alone: Mothering with Faith and Finesse When the Children Have Grown" (Hendrickson) was born.
It always surprises me when people ask me how I come up with writing material because I never have to look further than my own experience or beyond the experiences of those I love. Everyone has a story to tell. Not everyone has someone to tell it for them. Writers have that privilege to be the voice for another person and what a blessed privilege it is.
Michele Howe is an author and Single Parenting Columnist.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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by Michele HoweWhen two of my closest friends became single moms over sixteen years ago, I had no idea that their trials, tribulations and challenges would the become the touchstone of my writing career. What began as a therapeutic way to tell my friends' stories (and to help other single moms) has grown into multiple articles, four books, and a column. All because my dear friends were willing to share their story, first with me, and then to others.
Right after their divorces, I recall being amazed and so proud of these women's hard choices and how they determined to raise their family solo in positive, proactive ways. As a good friend and onlooker, I'd carefully watch, ask questions, and then cheer them both on. Over time, I started writing article after article, telling readers how to tackle the various challenges of being a new single mom, from which "Going It Alone: Meeting the Challenges of Being a Single Mom" published by Hendrickson Publishers was developed.
As time went on and their lives changed and morphed (and still single), I continued to be amazed and wowed at my friends' ongoing savvy skill at parenting. So, at midlife (theirs and mine), "Still Going It Alone: Mothering with Faith and Finesse When the Children Have Grown" (Hendrickson) was born.
It always surprises me when people ask me how I come up with writing material because I never have to look further than my own experience or beyond the experiences of those I love. Everyone has a story to tell. Not everyone has someone to tell it for them. Writers have that privilege to be the voice for another person and what a blessed privilege it is.
Michele Howe is an author and Single Parenting Columnist.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest
Think you can craft a jazz-influenced short story? Take a look at this contest.
Three times yearly, Jerry Jazz Musician, a website that focuses on jazz music and its influence on American culture, sponsors its Short Fiction Contest.
Submissions have to be original, previously unpublished, and approximately one to five thousand words in length. The winner will receive $100 and have their story published on the Jerry Jazz Musician site.
For contest details and to check out this interesting site, go to http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/mainHTML.cfm?page=fictioncontest.html
The submission deadline is May 31, 2009, so get those entries in. Good luck!
Three times yearly, Jerry Jazz Musician, a website that focuses on jazz music and its influence on American culture, sponsors its Short Fiction Contest.
Submissions have to be original, previously unpublished, and approximately one to five thousand words in length. The winner will receive $100 and have their story published on the Jerry Jazz Musician site.
For contest details and to check out this interesting site, go to http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/mainHTML.cfm?page=fictioncontest.html
The submission deadline is May 31, 2009, so get those entries in. Good luck!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Update on WOW! Winter '09 Contest Winners
Hi Ladies,
We've been having some problems with our server, but the Winter '09 Contest Winners' feature article should be live sometime tonight with our May/June '09 ezine issue. :)
Remember to refresh your browser when revisiting: www.wow-womenonwriting.com
Cheers!
We've been having some problems with our server, but the Winter '09 Contest Winners' feature article should be live sometime tonight with our May/June '09 ezine issue. :)
Remember to refresh your browser when revisiting: www.wow-womenonwriting.com
Cheers!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Stephanie Riseley, author of Love From Both Sides, Launches her Blog Tour!
& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!Stephanie Riseley is a writer, teacher, and hypnotherapist. Her book, Love From Both Sides: A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred Sexuality, tells the story of her husband dying in her arms and coming back to chat.
Besides being a writer, Stephanie has studied hypnosis since 1971. Over the years, she's helped hundreds of people lose weight, quit smoking, and make empowering lifestyle changes. Because she's also a teacher, she explains how our computer-like brains work and then teaches her clients a skill-set that helps them to re-program their own brains. It's like fixing a glitch in the wiring, or like ridding a computer of a pesky internet virus.
Scientific research proves that once people change their thinking, they actually change the physical structure of their brains. Because of that, they're freed of self-destructive behaviors that ruin lives and steal happiness.
To do this, Stephanie uses hypnosis, along with techniques from Cognitive Behavorial Modification and Guided Interactive Therapy.
Find out more about Stephanie by visiting her website: www.stephanieriseley.com
Love From Both Sides: A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred SexualityBy Stephanie Riseley
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN: 1844091392
Publisher: Findhorn Press
In this memoir, memorial, and celebration, Stephanie Riseley shares the deeply emotional and powerfully physical story of the continued relationship between her and her husband Dan after his sudden death. Exploring the ways in which love and forgiveness can transcend the boundaries of life and death, the book intends to change perceptions of the emotional and spiritual relationships two people can share. Problematic marriages and challenging relationships will take on positive new dimensions.
Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
If you received our Events Newsletter, remember, we are holding a contest to win a copy of Stephanie's book, Love From Both Sides: A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred Sexuality, to those that comment. So, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy the chat, and share your thoughts, and comments, at the end.
We will randomly choose a winner from those who comment. Enjoy!
Interview by LuAnn Schindler
WOW: Stephanie, congratulations on your book publication. Thank you for launching your blog tour with WOW! Our readers will definitely want to get to know you, so let's get the tour started.
I lost my spouse six years ago, and for close to a year after his death, I heard him speak to me. And then one day, the discussions ended. Do you think that's a common occurrence when a loved one passes or do you believe only certain people have that cosmic connection?
Stephanie: I think everyone's experience with the "In Between" is specific and different, because it's all very complicated. People "hear" from the Other Side when they are able to "listen," i.e., go deep and quiet. For me personally, the pain of losing my husband was so searing, that I barely had access to my own thoughts, let alone the extra energy needed to "hear" from him. It wasn't until my own "circuits" calmed down enough and my own energy shifted away from the "pain/loss" and I actually got more centered, that my dear dead husband was able to break through the heavy energy that is mourning and begin to chat. I've had so many widows share similar experiences so I know I'm not alone. With your own year of husband chatting? That's about the length of time I had, as well. And in my book, that was because my husband's "energy" had healed enough to choose his next life, and so he reincarnated, and moved onto his next life, and next adventure. Maybe that was your husband's situation, as well.
Do only certain people have a cosmic connection? No, we are all wired to "hear." It's just a skill set that either gets developed or doesn't. Like playing a violin--you first need to pick up the violin, then you must practice. And that's all it takes. A desire followed by discipline. But as a species, we are all hard-wired to "hear."
WOW: It's interesting how some people tune in and others never experience 'hearing'. People may be surprised by what they discover.
Growing up, you experienced several serious medical setbacks, and eventually, you were diagnosed with lupus. How did that experience guide your career and writing choices?
Stephanie: The story of my own health "issue" would take another book, but in short? It's been my biggest gift. Yes, at 20 years old, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus--a pretty nasty autoimmune disease, where my body made anti-bodies to itself, that is, attacked all my own connective tissues. At the time, my doctors gave me about five years to live. Even though I could barely walk because of joint pain, couldn't breathe because my lungs were filled with fluid, and my kidneys were shutting down, I refused to believe those doctors, and I found an alternate form of healing. Because of that, today's my 62nd birthday, and I look and feel great! But I take very good care of myself. And that's what I teach my clients--how to take care of their bodies and how to take care of their brains and minds. What you decide to put inside your head is just important (if not more so) as what you put inside your body!
WOW: Deciding what to put inside one's head is a lesson everyone should consider. Healthy choices offer so many possibilities, as you mention. Perhaps you will write a book about your Lupus diagnosis and share your journey to good health.
Let's talk about your publication path. You had experience as a screenwriter, but you discovered getting a script picked up differs from publishing a novel. First, you tried the traditional route. And then, fate intervened. Would you share your story, from when you finished the book through the publication process, and now, marketing your book?
Stephanie: I gave up, literally. "Let go, let God." I'm a screenwriter, so I knew getting a book published would not be easy, but it was much harder than I imagined. I wrote to book agents, sent my book proposal out to publishing houses, I bought Arielle Ford's system, I signed up for some MediaBistro's "book selling" workshops, but nothing seemed to work. If you read my book, you'll see that finishing "Love from Both Sides" took all the energy I had, but I finished it, and thought, “Okay. Now what?” Since, I'm a hypnotherapist, and do Past Life Regressions, I created a website. Someone emailed me and asked me a question about Past Life Regressions, and I answered her. She kept asking more and more questions, until I said, "I wrote a book that will explain all of this. Why don't I send it to you?" And so I did. And she shot back immediately, "This is a fabulous book! Who's publishing it in England?" I said, "No one's publishing it in the U.S., let alone England." And she said, "Well, I forgot to tell you that I'm the book editor at the Birmingham Post, and I think Findhorn Press would love your book!" And with one email, I sent the book off to Findhorn Press, and the publisher, Thierry Bogliolo, said, "Not only do we want to publish it, but we want to fast track it."
If you think writing is hard? Selling impossible? Get ready for marketing. Unbelievably difficult, but doable!! If you keep smiling, yes? Know that it will feel overwhelming and impossible, but that you will do it anyway!
WOW: (Smiles) Isn't it amazing when luck connects you with a person and the end result offers a positive outcome? Your journey to publishing gives hope to those of us who are still searching for a publisher.
A book title is so important. Surveys show people purchase books based on titles and cover art. Love from Both Sides explains the importance of expressing love when you're alive and how love continues after death. Why is love important from both sides of life?
Stephanie: Before Dan, my husband died, I'd planned to write a book called, "The Married Girls Guide to Hot and Sacred Sex," but then he died, and because I needed to figure out a way of making money, I decided to go back and try to write that book. So, I got a group of married friends together to talk about marriage, sex (or the lack of it) and love. I'd been a widow for only four months by then, and I was still in "thick, miserably, mourning hell," but while they all complained about their very much alive husbands, I started to feel sick. Because I was surrounded by moms with kids, I left them to chat about marriage and sex, and I went home. It wasn't until the next morning, when I got up to yet another lonely, horrible Sunday that I got mad at being so miserable. (One of the stages of mourning.) And because of that, my energy shifted out of "mourning hell" (which is hard to break through for spirits) and my husband's energy burst into my body… into my arm, because I channeled him. The communication began with: You are my goddess now and forever. We walked a life together that allowed me to love more profoundly and deeply because of you. You must honor what we had together and forget the rest.
Love from Both Sides simply "presented" itself one day. The subtitle--A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred Sexuality--I had to come up with for the marketing department. And that wasn't easy!
WOW: I'll be honest, the subtitle caught my attention! Do you write in other genres or do you specialize in spiritual non-fiction?
Stephanie: I'm a screenwriter, and I used to write short stories. I'm still proud of my wonderful, handwritten rejections from Roger Angel at the New Yorker!
WOW: You have a lot of varied writing experiences. Do you think it's important for writers to specialize?
Stephanie: Writers should write. Period. End of story. It's your purpose--it's your gift. Do it now, or you'll get to the Other Side, and there will be hell to pay! Head Spirits will be upset with you… your voice was needed.
WOW: (grins) I write every day so the head spirits should be pleased with me!
Stephanie, are you currently working on any projects you'd like to share with our readers?
Stephanie: Right now, I'm busy with my wonderful clients and the book marketing to do much else. But, just yesterday, one of my clients, a producer at Paramount, who's trying to launch a movie, asked me to read the script and give him notes. I said, "Why me?"
And he said, "I don't know anyone whose intelligence and judgment I’d trust more." Now, because all girls love to flattered, so even though I don't have time to do it, I said, "Yes." He's very crafty, my client, but my feeling is that the Universe works in such weirdo ways, and who knows where the next opportunity will come from. That’s why it's important say "Yes!" to everything. (Unless, of course, it’s dangerous or illegal! ;) )
WOW: Thanks, Stephanie, for giving readers a glimpse inside your book and your writing life. Best of luck on your blog tour.
Stephanie: My pleasure!
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Want to join Stephanie on her blog tour? Check out these dates and mark your calendar! You can also snag a copy of WOW's Events Calendar HERE.
Blog Tour Dates: Come and join the fun!
MAY 18, 2009 Monday
Stephanie will be chatting with WOW! Women On Writing at The Muffin. Stop by and share your comments! One lucky commenter will win copy of Stephanie's book!
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html
MAY 19, 2009 Tuesday
Stephanie will be stopping by Carolyn Howard-Johnson's blog, The New Book Review, to share some wonderful feedback from one of her readers.
http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/
MAY 20, 2009 Wednesday
Stephanie will be stopping by Ashley Cooper's blog, Rituals for Healthy Living, to discuss the differences between soul love vs. sexual love in everyday life. This should be an interesting post!
http://healthylivingrituals.blogspot.com/
MAY 22, 2009 Friday
Stephanie will be stopping by SuperEnlightenMe, a blog about spirituality and self-help topics, to share her thoughts on spirituality.
http://www.superenlightme.com/
MAY 27, 2009 Wednesday
Stephanie will be stopping by Linda Sue Anderson's blog, Holistic Future, to chat about one of the topics in her book--maintaining a relationship with a loved one after death.
http://www.holisticfuture.com/
JUNE 3, 2009 Wednesday
Stephanie stops by Mary Jo Campbell's blog, Writers Inspired, for an author interview & book giveaway comments contest! Be sure to stop by--Mary Jo's interviews are always a lot of fun!
http://writerinspired.wordpress.com/
JUNE 8, 2009 Monday
Stephanie stops by Your Hypnotist Blog to answer questions from the UK blog's readers! If you have a question for Stephanie, check out this post for details on how to send in your question. You can remain anonymous, but be sure you send in your question before Friday, May 22nd, for inclusion in this stop. It'll be interesting to see what questions readers will come up with!
http://www.yourhypnotistblog.co.uk/
JUNE 9, 2009 Tuesday
Don't miss this stop! Today, Stephanie stops by Hot Flashbacks Cool Insights to share one of the most unique flashes of intuition of all time--how to continue to commune with a loved one after death.
http://hotflashbackscoolinsights.blogspot.com/
JUNE 12, 2009 Friday
Stephanie stops by Madeline Sharples blog, Choices, to chat about memoir writing--specifically, writing to heal and the road to finding representation and a publisher for your memoirs. This should be an insightful stop for writers!
http://madeline40.blogspot.com/
JUNE 14, 2009 Sunday
Wondering if you've already met your life partner? Stephanie stops by Fiftyish Diva to share her tips on recognizing your soulmate. Not to miss!
http://blog.fiftyishdiva.com/
JUNE 16, 2009 Tuesday
Stephanie stops by Michele Avanti's blog, Astrology and More, for an author interview! This blog not only answers questions about all things metaphysical, it also shares information about publishing, writing, and creating successful books even for small niche publishers.
http://www.astrologyandmore.blogspot.com/
We also have several more dates to come, so be sure to check out our Events Calendar HERE.
Get involved!
We hope you are as excited about the tour as we are! Mark your calendar, save these dates, and join us for this truly unique and fascinating author blog tour.If you have a blog or website and would like to participate in Stephanie Riseley's blog tour, or schedule a tour of your own, please email Angela and Jodi at: blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com
** Please feel free to copy any portion of this post.
Oh, be sure to comment on this post to enter in a drawing for a copy of Stephanie's book Love From Both Sides: A True Story of Soul Survival and Sacred Sexuality.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Greet Me With Your Writing
This seemed too appropriate for me today, my birthday, to write about: greeting card writing. It was one of the first topics I thought of when I started writing for this blog, but for whatever reason, I neglected to write about it so far.
I do not know about you, but when I go into a store looking for cards, I am usually more devious than I would normally be. I go for the obnoxious cards, although not the ones with music. I look for the puns, the digs, the disses, and for the jokes of a child.
Most of all, however, I look for something that makes me laugh. That said, how does someone take the comedies of life's situations and depict them in so few words and so little artwork? How do they just know the intended audience and inside jokes of our lives well enough for us to shell out several dollars on what is in essence a folded piece of paper?
If one goes into a web search engine (Yahoo, Altavista, Google, etc.) and searches for "how to be a greeting card writer" or "the life of a greeting card writer," a truly insightful experience is found. Who knew there were entire classes on how to write greeting cards (http://www.greetingcardwriting.com/Tipsheet.htm)? I know I did not until I read Sandra Miller-Louden's site. The tips of the trade and even the addresses of various companies are listed on the website link above as well as elsewhere on the Internet.
Therefore, if any of you are interested, there's another short but sweet writing gig out there for you if you are a witty individual! If nothing else, it could be a fun writing exercise before you get back to the project at hand. Write yourself a congrats card for when you finish!
I do not know about you, but when I go into a store looking for cards, I am usually more devious than I would normally be. I go for the obnoxious cards, although not the ones with music. I look for the puns, the digs, the disses, and for the jokes of a child.
Most of all, however, I look for something that makes me laugh. That said, how does someone take the comedies of life's situations and depict them in so few words and so little artwork? How do they just know the intended audience and inside jokes of our lives well enough for us to shell out several dollars on what is in essence a folded piece of paper?
If one goes into a web search engine (Yahoo, Altavista, Google, etc.) and searches for "how to be a greeting card writer" or "the life of a greeting card writer," a truly insightful experience is found. Who knew there were entire classes on how to write greeting cards (http://www.greetingcardwriting.com/Tipsheet.htm)? I know I did not until I read Sandra Miller-Louden's site. The tips of the trade and even the addresses of various companies are listed on the website link above as well as elsewhere on the Internet.
Therefore, if any of you are interested, there's another short but sweet writing gig out there for you if you are a witty individual! If nothing else, it could be a fun writing exercise before you get back to the project at hand. Write yourself a congrats card for when you finish!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
MAGAZINE WRITING SUCCESS e-course Starts Wednesday May 20
Have you checked out WOW!'s brand new Workshops & Classes page? If you subscribe to our newsletter, you probably saw all the great new e-courses we're offering. The first class to kick off our summer season is Wendy Meyeroff's Magazine Writing Success Course! Wendy is still accepting students, so if you're interested in learning the craft of magazine writing and marketing your work to this lucrative market, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
START DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
DURATION: 6 weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a class for writers who’d like to build a portfolio (and make money). Magazine articles are a great place to start. The class not only discusses writing non-fiction articles for well-known publications (e.g., Cosmo, Good Housekeeping, Wired), it teaches students to look beyond them and points out other avenues for both income and recognition. This is NOT a how-to-write class; it’s about finding saleable story ideas, marketing yourself and your work, and getting the best price for it. At the end of class, students receive a free e-zine summarizing top 10 class highlights, for easy review.
WEEKS AT A GLANCE:
Week 1: Broadening Your Horizons. Includes introducing students to outlets beyond well-known publications
Week 2: Tricks of the Trade to Help You Get In (Includes a Checklist for Magazine Analysis)
Week 3: Creating More Effective Query Letters
Week 4: Setting Your “Hourly Rate”
Week 5: The Art of Negotiating
Week 6: Going Green: Extra Income Through Recycling Your Articles
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: I started as a reporter and then also an editor at a variety of trade magazines (pharmacy, optical and telecommunications). My work on the pharmacy magazine eventually got me a freelance assignment: a newspaper column, “Health & Beauty Hotline,” which was distributed to over 250,000 readers weekly for three years. These clips got me into Family Circle magazine and then to Woman’s Day, Working Mother, and Weight Watchers (plus many other publications). That led me to become one of the first writers for webzines, like CBSHealthwatch.com. And all of this helped me get commercial contracts for much more money down the line.
Visit our Workshops & Classes Page for full details! http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.htmlThursday, May 14, 2009
Learning From Rats: Cinderella Story Part Two
Jennifer Crusie is a New York Times Bestselling author and recently the source of much inspiration for my critique group. One of our members found this blog post of hers titled "Rats With Islands: How to Survive Your Publishing Career." When I read her essay, I thought of my last post about believing that your Cinderella story can come true with hard work and determination. So, I am not the only optimist out here in the publishing world.In Jennifer's essay, she talks about an experiment with rats and compares the creatures in this experiment to writers trying to have a successful writing career. From this description of her essay, I realize it doesn't sound inspirational--but it really is. I hope you will check out Jennifer's essay. One of the best parts, and what I tried to show you with J. K. Rowling's story in my last post, was when Jennifer writes about the number of successful authors who did not have an easy time on the road to their success. Crusie tells us about Debbie Macomber, who was featured in the March issue of WOW!. Debbie didn't even own a typewriter--she had to rent one! Now, think about it--we are so spoiled by our computers that we can't even imagine writing on a typewriter. And Debbie had to RENT one.
These are hard times--I know. I recently saw a post on a children's writers' listserve about an author who has still not received her December royalty check. With this post came several stories about companies paying a year late. My own historical fiction book has had the release date moved back due to the economy. Editors are probably less likely to take a chance on new authors if their company is already in trouble. But do you think a bad economy would have stopped J. K. Rowling, Debbie Macomber, or Jennifer Crusie? NO! And don't let it stop you. The bad economy won't be here forever--history shows us that.
Check out Jennifer's essay, and keep your head up. Maybe even become a rat looking for its island. . .
Happy Writing!
Margo Dill
www.margodill.com
Read These Books and Use Them (blog)
photo from Jennifer Crusie's website
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Get By With A Little Help From My Twitter Friends
by LuAnn Schindler
OK, I'll admit it. I'm a social networking junkie. Especially Twitter. And OK, I'll admit that sometimes it get carried away and check out too many links that my friends post. But I can also say that I believe I've grown as a writer, a journalist, and a digital citizen. And yes, I'll thank my Twitter friends for shaping me and for keeping me on task when I really need to be.
As a journalist, I see the value of tweeting. I've watched a regional newspaper use Twitter to increase its circulation. Sure, this publication has a strong web presence, thanks to a fantastic Web Editor who isn't afraid to take a chance. I've witnessed breaking news story coverage. I've discovered new ideas. For me, the Twitterverse is an infinite inkwell. I'm always coming up with new ideas or twists to old notions.
As a Twitter member, I can follow anyone I choose to follow. I've made it a point to follow industry professionals who offer a birds-eye view of the publishing nest. Agents, fellow writers, print journalists, broadcast journalists, and publishers share their thoughts and opinions, and I'm soaking up their knowledge and insight and putting it to good use.
As a digital citizen, I'm learning what should and should not be posted in a worldwide forum. Yes, I would like for millions of citizens to read my work and discuss it. But I also realize that I need to be careful about what I say because, let's face it, sometimes those 140 characters can be misconstrued. Tone can't always be developed in a handful of words. Or people read how they want to hear it and form a judgement. It's a tricky tightrope to walk, but the lesson should be learned by everyone. Be careful what you write and wish for.
And finally, I appreciate that I can type 'Hey, I can't get motivated today' and I can count on my friends, especially Jennifer, to tell me to get to work! Twitter can be an excellent motivator, especially when following other writers and seeing how much they accomplish in a day.
I've heard a lot of people say they don't have time for a social network, but isn't it time to put that network to good use? Isn't it time to network, meet other writers, and promote your work? We're in the midst of an economic downturn, and let's face it, we have to work hard to make those hard-earned dollars. Promoting our work and developing a strong network is one avenue writers must be willing to pursue. Otherwise, what's the point?
**********
Want to follow writers on Twitter? Check out the Hot 100+ Writers on Twitter .
OK, I'll admit it. I'm a social networking junkie. Especially Twitter. And OK, I'll admit that sometimes it get carried away and check out too many links that my friends post. But I can also say that I believe I've grown as a writer, a journalist, and a digital citizen. And yes, I'll thank my Twitter friends for shaping me and for keeping me on task when I really need to be.
As a journalist, I see the value of tweeting. I've watched a regional newspaper use Twitter to increase its circulation. Sure, this publication has a strong web presence, thanks to a fantastic Web Editor who isn't afraid to take a chance. I've witnessed breaking news story coverage. I've discovered new ideas. For me, the Twitterverse is an infinite inkwell. I'm always coming up with new ideas or twists to old notions.
As a Twitter member, I can follow anyone I choose to follow. I've made it a point to follow industry professionals who offer a birds-eye view of the publishing nest. Agents, fellow writers, print journalists, broadcast journalists, and publishers share their thoughts and opinions, and I'm soaking up their knowledge and insight and putting it to good use.
As a digital citizen, I'm learning what should and should not be posted in a worldwide forum. Yes, I would like for millions of citizens to read my work and discuss it. But I also realize that I need to be careful about what I say because, let's face it, sometimes those 140 characters can be misconstrued. Tone can't always be developed in a handful of words. Or people read how they want to hear it and form a judgement. It's a tricky tightrope to walk, but the lesson should be learned by everyone. Be careful what you write and wish for.
And finally, I appreciate that I can type 'Hey, I can't get motivated today' and I can count on my friends, especially Jennifer, to tell me to get to work! Twitter can be an excellent motivator, especially when following other writers and seeing how much they accomplish in a day.
I've heard a lot of people say they don't have time for a social network, but isn't it time to put that network to good use? Isn't it time to network, meet other writers, and promote your work? We're in the midst of an economic downturn, and let's face it, we have to work hard to make those hard-earned dollars. Promoting our work and developing a strong network is one avenue writers must be willing to pursue. Otherwise, what's the point?
**********
Want to follow writers on Twitter? Check out the Hot 100+ Writers on Twitter .
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Interview with Holly Helscher: Fall 2008 Personal Essay Runner Up
Kudos to Holly Helscher, a runner up in the Fall 2008 WOW! Personal Essay contest. Holly's eclectic education background includes a doctorate in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology, a BS in English Literature and a MA in Community Counseling. Currently, she resides in Tucson, Arizona, where she serves as Campus President of Brown Mackie College. Her move from America's heartland to the desert is the basis for her essay.
A college creative writing course sparked Holly's love for writing. Since then, she has taken additional writing courses to learn more about how to perfect the craft, including the Antioch Writers Workshop and Women Writing for (a) Change.
If you haven't had the opportunity to read Holly's essay, The Desert Was in My Closet, which focuses on colors in the closet, head over to WOW! and check it out. Your closet, as well as your wardrobe, will thank you.
WOW!: Congratulations on writing an award-winning essay, Holly! And thanks for sharing your time and talents with us today. Sometimes writers have a difficult time fine tuning an idea. Once you saw the contest prompt, did you have several ideas in mind or did this story stand out?
Holly: This story was screaming to be written. When I saw the prompt, I immediately thought of those white walls and my struggle to not only adjust to them, but to an entirely new geographic region. The desert can be void of color which drove me nuts. The adjustment was much harder than I thought it would be. As that part of my life unfolded, I never dreamed it would change my wardrobe.
WOW!: Moving must have been a huge adjustment. It's interesting how something most people take for granted, like a wardrobe, can control a person's preconceived notion. Do you think many people fall into a "color trap" where they tend to wear or like certain colors because it is expected of them or because the color relates to a person's work?
Holly: I actually do believe people fall into a “color trap”. Big business, corporate America or whatever you want to call it does have an expectation of dark suits. I remember being told that in order to dress for success, you must never wear a color that BMW wouldn’t make a car for. At that time BMW only made cars in blues, blacks and grays. It’s funny how things stick with you. But to give you an example of how ingrained conformity can be. When I first walked onto the campus of Brown Mackie College ten years ago, I was able to immediately classify employees by how they dressed. Very casual dress with all kinds of colored shirts and blouses marked instructors. Business casual or slacks and shirt and tie, mostly blue and white, indicated middle managers. A dark suit and white shirt with a conservative tie indicated upper management. When I interviewed and met people, I was exactly right. Wardrobe expectations are everywhere, but women are particularly prone to this because we’ve learned in order to get ahead in a “man’s” world, we have to dress like a man. And we conformed. In looking back over my career, 25 years ago (e gads!) that was true. But times have changed and women can dress more femininely if we want to. I still think mini skirts and cleavage in the workplace are unacceptable, but that may just show I’m a little on the conservative side.
WOW!: Yes, you are right. Times have certainly changed, and so have fashions! It's interesting how the counselor pinpointed your closet. Your frustration with the counselor was humorous yet heartfelt. If a counselor told me to look in my closet, I'd tell her it is overstuffed and color-coded. As a counselor, how do you get others to achieve awareness of a situation on their own? Do you find writing a way to achieve that same goal?
Holly: Unlike television, personal insight is not quick. We all have areas in ourselves that we can’t see, particularly when a storm is raging inside. It’s far easier for a counselor to identify where we might be stuck. But really good counselors avoid giving direct ideas because personal growth works best if the client does the exploration. Besides that, if a client isn’t ready to hear it, nothing happens except defensiveness. Ideas such as looking in a closet for wardrobe ruts are non-threatening in nature and can shift a person’s thoughts just enough to look at a problem from a different perspective. In practice I have to listen to a person to know what ideas might work. Someone who is psychologically savvy is not going to gain a lot of insight from using words because words can be used to avoid issues. So suggesting that the person draw pictures using her left hand, or even writing a letter using the left hand bypasses that brain function and gets more to the heart of the matter. Other ideas work for other types of people. The whole idea is to find something that allows the person to see something differently. In that way growth and insight occur. Writing helps me a lot because I love to write. It works best if I don’t pay attention to editing, punctuation, spelling, and wordsmithing. Those tasks are too cerebral. Fast writes where I just type and don’t look at the screen are much more helpful when something is bothering me. That’s the point of fast writing for me. But I keep them because some of them can be polished up and used in a more professional way. Others, however, are just for me.
WOW!: Wonderful! I find writing without editing helps me work through problems, too, and I've polished a few pieces of publication. Your education background is so varied. Have your education experiences led to other writing opportunities?
Holly: My experiences in education have given me tons of opportunities to write. Writing isn’t just poetry or short stories or novels. Writing is communication and good writing is always in style. My writing skills have gotten lots of funding for programs. I’ve also been able to set up training programs which requires a different style of writing. Research papers, of course, are things that are common in education. Journal articles also abound in the educational field and I’ve done some of those as well. One time I was even paid to write a technical manual on how a distributor cap worked. Imagine that!
WOW!: (Chuckles) You never know what experiences will bring in the writing dollar! Your work schedule must be busy. How do you balance your administration position with writing?
Holly: Good question. I’m a morning person. And when I say “morning” I’m talking 3-4 a.m. That’s when I do a lot of my writing. Some people wonder how I can get up that early. I just can. It’s always been that way. But I think the real draw for me is that everything is quiet and there are absolutely no obligations pulling at me at that time of day. That is so important to me. Women are obligated to many people all the time. Kids need to eat, dogs need to be walked, work has a start time. And once the obligations start tugging, personal time evaporates. I really think writing is like exercise – I have to do it at the same time everyday. Then it’s a habit and since those early morning hours contain no interruptions, the only resistance to writing is my own. I also carry around a set of index cards. I get the ones that have a spiral binder. When I hear a funny line, or perhaps see a funny situation, I jot it down for use as a prompt later. There’s nothing worse for me than looking at that computer screen and having absolutely nothing to write. That’s where the index cards are valuable. I flip one open and then I take off writing. That allows me to have a cache of writing. When I have that, I’m ready for opportunity.
WOW!: What a great idea! I may borrow the flip index card idea! You never know when inspiration will hit. What projects are you currently working on?
Holly: I’m working on an ebook about the blended family. I talk to women all the time who struggle with step children and former spouses. They realize at some point in the first year of marriage that things are not as easy as who disciplines the kids. I have yet to find anything out there that genuinely speaks to challenge, which could be one reason why divorce rates in blended families are through the roof. There is so much at stake in these complex situations and I’d like to give women some practical ideas on how to manage. I have a lot of personal experience in this area and am one of the lucky ones who made it through to when all the kids were emancipated. But it was touch and go in some of the early years. Getting through is not impossible, but it’s tough and women need help because quite frankly, most of them end up being scared to death.
WOW!: As a step-parent, I understand that delicate balance. This sounds like such an interesting project. The contest experience seems to have paid off for you. Have you entered other contests? Any advice to writers considering entering?
Holly: The Fall Personal Essay Contest from WOW was the first contest I ever entered. I was energized by it. That caused me to start looking for other contests and I was amazed at how many are out there. So I entered more. I’ve discovered I love the challenge of the contest. What I like best about contest writing is that I can pick contests that have topics I enjoy writing about. In freelance work there isn’t always that choice. I think I could become a contest junkie. LOL I think contest writing is a lot like writing grants. You have to pay attention to the criteria. In this contest there was a suggestion to look at the book written by the judge. I spent three hours driving all over Tucson to find one and I ultimately did. It was by looking at the book that I discovered writing about my closet would be acceptable. What if I had written it about my closet and her book was just about living rooms? I would have lost because it would not have technically met the criteria. I do know contest entries have to be exact from font to word count to topic. There was another contest I entered recently where the topic seemed straightforward. But I reviewed some of the archived magazines from this organization. What I found was that the articles are distinctively spiritual in nature. The topic didn’t tell me that. But because I took the time to research, I knew it had to have a spiritual slant to even be considered. See what I mean? And of course nothing, but nothing, replaces editing and presentation. Good content can be completely overshadowed by poor presentation. I tell students this all the time. If you have a good paper but a reader has to struggle through poor grammar and punctuation to grasp the content, you’ve lost the battle. Writing for contests, actually writing for anything, is much the same.
WOW!: That's great advice, Holly. Thank you for taking time to talk with us about your writing journey. You find time and offer practical advice. Best of luck to you with your writing career and book.
Interview by LuAnn Schindler
Monday, May 11, 2009
Elizabeth Fournier, author of All Men are Cremated Equal, Launches her Blog Tour!
& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!After she got over her dream of being a Solid Gold Dancer, Fournier promptly headed into the local funeral home and asked for a job, any job. She became the live-in night keeper which meant she resided in a trailer in the far reaches of a large, hilly cemetery and slept with a shotgun near her bed. It was the scariest summer of her life.
She is currently the voice of the autopsy exhibit in the forensic wing at the United States National Museum of Medicine and a full-time mortician. She is also a ballroom dance instructor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. But she couldn't resist writing the story of her unusual method of dating that led her to the love of her life.
You can find out more about Elizabeth by visiting her website: www.elizabethfournier.com
Book Giveaway Comments Contest!If you received our Events Newsletter, remember, we are holding a contest to win a copy of Elizabeth's book, All Men are Cremated Equal: My 77 Blind Dates, to those that comment. So, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy the chat, and share your thoughts, and comments, at the end.
All Men Are Cremated Equal: My 77 Blind Dates
By Elizabeth Fournier
Elizabeth chronicles her true life dating spree as a marriage-minded mortician in her mid-30's. Set off by her broken engagement, she enlists everyone in sight to set her up on blind dates in a passionate quest to meet just one really great guy. Armed with a 10-point list of dating criteria, skintight jeans, and flash cards on Nascar, football, and micro-breweries, she spends one full year doing the blind meet and greet. Names are changed to protect the rejected as she humorously dishes dot-com hotties, compulsive bloggers, and tattooed graduates of the Gene Simmons School of Dating. Bridget Jones would be proud of her American cousin.
We will randomly choose a winner from those who comment. Enjoy!
Interview by Jill Earl
WOW: Elizabeth, thank you so much for launching your blog tour with WOW! I know that our readers are interested in getting to know you, so let’s get right to it.
For many people, turning their dating experiences into a book for all to see would be intimidating, to say the least. Not only did you do that, but you wrote your book while you were a newlywed. Can you tell us about your book and what inspired you to write it?
ELIZABETH: All Men are Cremated Equal: My 77 Blind Dates is the memoir of a lovelorn mortician that captures the experience of being single, female and fast approaching 40, still longing to find “The One.”
I was freshly broken up with my fiancé, and wasn’t in the market for yet another dead-end relationship. I made a list of the ten qualities I was looking for in a man and forwarded the list to my vast social network. I then ventured on 77 blind dates, letting friends act as matchmakers in the Portland and San Francisco Bay Area dating scene.
I take my readers along on the good dates (the sexy local candidate), the bad (the concert promoter who ended up bloodied), the utterly bizarre (the man who speaks in quotations), and the educational (the contractor who invites her along on a last-minute concrete pour). I chronicle the giddy anticipation of a first meeting, the sense of adventure as the night lingers on, and the challenge to remain optimistic when there were 55 dates down, and 22 more to go.
Throughout, I discuss my life in the funeral industry, from the workaday tasks, to the more unusual aspects of the business. My memoir describes how I balanced my social life (with the living) with my professional responsibilities (to the dead).
WOW: Looks like your life offers a new spin and perspective on the work-life balance issue! It’s not always easy, but you’ve figured out a way to make it work for you.
Now, with your completed book in hand, you made the decision to go the self-publishing route, as opposed to traditional publishing. Why?
ELIZABETH: Unfortunately the route was chose for me. I banged out my memoir and was gung-ho to have it picked up, published and purchased. The proposals sent out by my agent did receive decent feedback, but ultimately an offer was not to be. I thought that publishers would read the synopsis and opening chapters to see if I had a feel for idiom and a talent for crafting my story. To that scope, I did achieve something. Although every submission came back with a dismissal, it was apparent they had enjoyed reading my work.
But I knew that I was in fine company and that all would eventually work itself out. Robert Persig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was rejected 121 times; Louis L'Amour - 200 rejections. Deepak Chopra and Zane Grey were self-publishers. Life went on for them, didn’t it?
WOW: I had no idea that Persig and L’Amour had the number of rejections they did or that Chopra and Grey were self-published. That’s great inspiration for the rest of us to keep plugging along. Duly noted!
Can I just say that I LOVE your book’s title? All Men Are Cremated Equal is a delightful play on words, but alludes to one of your other occupations—mortician. How did you get into that field?
ELIZABETH: Comfort level, I guess. I spent a lot of time in funeral homes as a kid. Not because of my family in the business, but my family in caskets. Fourniers don’t exactly have the best longevity record.
At my tiny Catholic school (where most students lived with both parents), I stood out. Everyone knew my mother had died, and they all knew that when they suffered the loss of a family member, or even a pet, I was the person to talk with. I was the only death resource in the community of students. When I got into junior high, and when someone’s parent or sibling would die—anyone, really—I’d be the person they’d seek out. Everybody looked at me as their go-to girl for death.
The funeral industry seemed like such a natural life path, and I truly feel that it is my calling and my ministry.
WOW: It definitely appears that this industry found you! I think the best part is that you discerned what your natural gifts are, and went for the occupations that fulfilled your passion. Speaking of which, another occupation of yours is ballroom dance instructor. How long have you been at it and what got you into it?
ELIZABETH: I became an Arthur Murray dancer right out of college. There was an apprenticeship open at a funeral home in Portland that I had my eye on, but they didn’t hire me. The newspaper was the main job hunting source in the early 90’s and finding another mortuary position listed was bleak at best. I spied the dance instructor job and something clicked. I stared at my closet for quite a long time, figuring out what a ballroom dancer would wear. I finally dressed, made my way to the studio, and was hired after an hour of practicing the waltz and foxtrot. That was 16 years ago.
My dance partner, Scott, has been the Instructor of Ballroom Dance at Reed College since 1995, and I am presently his lovely assistant. Teaching students of this caliber of smarts is really riveting. They actually get into it. Not only do they catch on super fast, they want to know the expression and the origin of the dances.
Most dance steps are taught in segments, repeatedly walked through and then danced with music, and maybe three dances are taught to the group for the duration of their lessons. Not so with Reedies. We can teach more than basic box steps. They crave rhythm, style, and advanced techniques. It is a test for our teaching ability to answer all the questions their hungry minds need for nourishment. No more “the man is the frame; the lady is the window.” These kids are too cool for school.
WOW: Hearing about your ballroom background takes me back to the semester I took ballroom lessons when I was in college. I was far from being ‘Reedie cool’, but it was fun--eventually.
Now, do you have any writing advice to offer us?
ELIZABETH: Read aloud what you have written. Generally your ear is better than your eyes, and if you read it out loud you are much more likely to find dreadful sentences, terrible tenses, and other errors.
WOW: Great advice which I’ve found very effective in my own writing. Are there other genres you’d like to pursue in your writing? Or do you want to stick with nonfiction for now?
ELIZABETH: I love telling a true story. I love connected with people through something I’ve written, and being able to possibly make a difference in someone’s life through something I’ve personally experienced. When you read non-fiction, you're being exposed to the imagination of reality.
WOW: You’ve certainly connected with me and I think that’ll be the case with our readers, too. So, what’s next with you, Elizabeth? Can you share a bit of what you’re working on now?
ELIZABETH: I have been asked to start compiling my notes for another book. There is interest in my life as a small-town female mortician who lives where she works and brings her baby to work at the funeral home. I have years of funeral and cemetery experience that has been rather fascinating, and I am flattered and equally thrilled to move forward with my first draft.
I’m also doing book promotion. It’s a full-time job. And trying to get some sleep. Some weeks I hardly sleep. This week was like that, but I guess I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
WOW: (Laughs) Well, we hope you’ll get that much-needed sleep well before then! Elizabeth, again, it was a delight getting to know you! I can’t wait to get my own copy of your book! Good luck on the tour!
Want to join Elizabeth on her blog tour? Check out these dates and mark your calendar! You can also snag a copy of WOW's Events Calendar HERE.
Blog Tour Dates: Come and join the fun!
MAY 11, 2009 Monday
Elizabeth will be chatting with WOW! Women On Writing at The Muffin. Stop by and share your comments! One lucky commenter will win copy of Jan's book!
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html
MAY 12, 2009 Tuesday
Elizabeth will be stopping by Carolyn Howard-Johnson's blog, The New Book Review. Stop by and hear what readers are saying about All Men Are Cremated Equal!
http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/
MAY 13, 2009 Wednesday
Elizabeth will be stopping by Cheryl Phillips' blog, The Daily Blonde, to share a few bits of advice she learned while on her blind date marathon! This will be a fun stop!
http://thedailyblonde.com/
MAY 14, 2009 Thursday
Elizabeth will be stopping by Mom-e-Centric to give readers an insider's view on self-publishing. Mom-e-Centric will also be holding a book giveaway contest to those that comment!
http://www.momecentric.com/
MAY 15, 2009 Friday
Elizabeth will be stopping by Day-by-Day Writer for an exclusive interview on how she managed to write her memoir while working full time, and her journey through self-publishing and marketing. If you're an author, aspiring or established, this is not to miss!
http://daybydaywriter.wordpress.com/
MAY 18, 2009 Monday
Elizabeth will be stopping by TV Boyfriends to share some online dating stories! Stop by for the fun and enjoy a laugh!
http://www.tvboyfriends.com/
MAY 20, 2009 Wednesday
Elizabeth stops by Mary Jo Campbell's blog, Writers Inspired, for a fun interview about writing, her job as a mortician, and being a newlywed. Not to miss!
http://writerinspired.wordpress.com/
MAY 21, 2009 Thursday
Elizabeth stops by Annette Fix' blog to talk about what it's like to capture an uncomfortable experience (like the worst blind date in history) with your writing. Elizabeth tells all today!
http://www.annettefix.com/
MAY 26, 2009 Tuesday
Elizabeth stops by a fascinating blog, Wedding Skulls, to chat about romance and death. This should be an interesting post!
http://weddingskulls.com/
MAY 27, 2009 Wednesday
Elizabeth stops by Stacie Connerty's blog, The Divine Miss Mommy, for a fun interview and review of All Men Are Cremated Equal.
http://thedivinemissmommy.com/
June 8, 2009 Monday
Elizabeth stops by Sybil Baker's blog to chat about promoting a book without a publisher. This should be an interesting post! Sybil also reviews All Men Are Cremated Equal.
http://sybilbaker.blogspot.com/
June 15, 2009 Monday
Elizabeth stops by Modern Single Momma's blog to chat about dating!
http://www.modernmarriedmomma.com/blog/
We also have several more dates to come, so be sure to check out our Events Calendar HERE.
Get involved!
We hope you are as excited about the tour as we are! Mark your calendar, save these dates, and join us for this truly unique and fascinating author blog tour.If you have a blog or website and would like to participate in Elizabeth Fournier's blog tour, or schedule a tour of your own, please email Angela and Jodi at: blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com
** Please feel free to copy any portion of this post.
Oh, be sure to comment on this post to enter in a drawing for a copy of Elizabeth's book All Men are Cremated Equal: My 77 Blind Dates.