Tuesday, September 30, 2008

You Don't Have To Be A Genius To Write A Love Poem

Love cannot be written but we can write some love :D

Let's see what Marguerite Bonneville told us what to do about love!

You Don't Have To Be A Genius To Write A Love Poem
by: Marguerite Bonneville


Love poems are a wonderfully romantic gesture and can often express your thoughts far more eloquently than verbal communication.

If you have some talent with words, why not take a few moments and try your hand at writing a poem for your lover? Just sit down and list all the reasons why you think they're special. Then put them into some kind of free verse format: a wide column of lines, roughly the same length, which may rhyme but don't need to.

Even if your poem won't win any literary prizes, the person you present it to will most likely treasure it as if it were composed by one of the great Romantic poets. People tend to value a personalized gift far more than one that's purchased. What they're really appreciating is the time and effort invested on their behalf.

I'd like to share a story of the first time I received a love poem.

When I was twelve years old I had a crush on Robert, the new boy in my class at school, and he had very generously decided that I was "cute". One afternoon we were waiting with some classmates at the bus stop when he announced that he didn't like me anymore. He was now in love with my best friend, Julie.

I was so incensed by this betrayal that I lunged at him and chased him down the street. He swerved into the gutter and I bolted after him just as the bus pulled in. It hit me from behind and I went down. The bus then ran over my right foot.

A short time later, the ambulance arrived and the paramedic driver examined me. He decided that I didn't need hospitalization so he drove me home with instructions to spend the next six weeks in bed. Meanwhile, a distraught Robert was blaming himself for the accident. He asked the other children at the bus stop where I lived, and walked the two miles to my house. Then he sat across the street on the pavement, wondering if my father would strangle him if he knocked at the front door.

A couple of hours later he worked up the courage to confront my father, which turned out to be something of an anti-climax because my father had no idea about Robert's part in the drama. When Robert tiptoed into my room he handed me a sheet of paper; he had written a poem for me as he sat across the street from my house. I remember how thrilled I was that someone would do such a thing. It was like something out of a novel or a movie.

I kept that poem, which ran to one and a half legal pages, for a number of years, until it disappeared when we moved house a decade later. But I still remember the first four lines:

Her name is Marguerite
I very much like that girl
She means much more to me
Than any gem or pearl

That was a lifetime ago and yet those words remain in my memory.

As for the boy himself, by the time I got back to school Robert had moved on to greener pastures (he now liked my best friend's new best friend). But that hardly mattered as I was now a minor celebrity because I got hit by a bus while chasing a boy. The nuns had a field day praying for my soul, which was not the last time they'd engage in that futile exercise.

My right foot is still a little flatter than my left but it was worth it for the notoriety. And hey, Robert, wherever you are, thanks for the memory.

Using Other People's Love Poems

If you don't have Robert's literary talent, there is another option. Find an existing poem that best expresses how you feel and present it to your lover inside a greeting card or gift.

There are a number of sites online that offer love poems. You can find a list on our web site or do a keyword search.

About The Author

© Marguerite Bonneville

Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer for http://www.romantic-gift-ideas-online.com, a resource site dedicated to helping visitors find the perfect romantic gift.
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The Crusades Of Writing

The Crusades Of Writing
by: Tushar Jain


This article does not discuss what to write or how to write, but merely a favorite – why to write.

The world appears in its dissatisfactions. Potential lies in the prospect that desires to change it, and prosperity lies in the chaotic chase that has already begun. Writing is barely a provision of the many to choose from.

Any man can breathe. Any man can disembowel liquid. Any man can write.

Writing becomes a necessity when the worthier elements of life like love and joy, become pursuits instead of possessions. Those who like to mouth ‘I love to write’ might as well have ‘loved to bungee jump’. So often, writing is an escape rather than a commitment, an alternative rather than a motive, a hobby rather than an involvement.

The difference between writing, when writing is the object of a desire, and writing, when it is the dearth of one, is similar to the difference between consuming food through your mouth or your nostrils. One is precise; the other is either foolhardy or deliberate.

A failure in one’s life is an achievement in one’s vanities. A hurt pride resorts to dissimilar paths of self-absorption eluding the one that confronts its vulnerabilities. Those who fail as intellectuals, rise as diplomats, but never cede to be individuals – because compliance with circumstances defeats the purport of the indomitable convictions of man, so likely, we forge more humane opportunities. Opportunities that are severely consistent, ripe and simple. Opportunities like writing.

Once again, take notice – Any man can breathe. Any man can disembowel liquid. Any man can write.

The object of scrutiny when two things are placed in contrasting contest is not spurious triumph, but progress through aptitude. Sometimes, it is essential to lose, and sometimes it is downright pivotal; it is forever substantial to remember that neither is success a construct of victories, nor is it a servant of one. Success lies deep in the path of experience and often, unknowingly, people who disembowel liquid, bungee jumpers, writers - pass it demurely. It is a fervent moment writhing within several unnamed others; it cannot be achieved, it has to be a yielding harvest.

In writing, there are no discoveries, only inventions – those, that either concoct interest or intrigue. If anything in the written connotation is a function of the former, it is languid and specious. If anything, at all, as it has been a rarity for so long, compromises with the latter, it is grand, unique, most welcome, and most awaited.

Uselessness is an innate, inherent part of writing anything. Futility, you see, is perfect and the only thing that is so. Those who master it are legends, those who come across it accidentally are writers, and those who tend towards it are fools. Those who come closest are renowned as professionals.

Precision in any sort of writing is a triviality and a widowed cliché. There is no ‘bull’s eye’ in perspectives, in predilection or in opinion; it is consequential to generalize. A thing that is meant to socialize with more than a single existent word should never focus or centralize acutely. It’ll fail to stand ground, and eventually fail to impress.

The diversity one writer inures to delineate himself from another is only in an unrealized, imperfect conformity of perseverance. Hard work is an unknown realm, a world within a world, a most secret horizon of each written syllable – when we expand these realms and horizons, when we free our worlds, we can hope towards hope… to be writers. A just and lively hope to be good writers, and if not, efficient in the least.

There is still a last truth to reckon with, again and again, until it is defunct and old and as gray as cement stripping off naked walls –

Any man can breathe. Any man can disembowel liquid. Any man can write.

Learn to survive it.

About The Author

Tushar Jain
Any queries - shoot them at mosaics12@rediffmail.com
>>Read more...

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Stuff E-mail Query Letters are Made of

The Stuff E-mail Query Letters are Made of
by: Mridu Khullar


Your mother always told you how first impressions were extremely important. That’s why whenever you go to meet an editor, you dress impeccably, walk confidently and talk as if you just got out of training with Oprah Winfrey.

But as you sit down to write that email query, you forget everything your mother told you and send editors a query that couldn’t have lacked any more even if you wanted it to. The subject line reads “Query” or something in close proximity with the language spammers use—“Become Debt Free Today”. You write your email address and Web address, but leave out other information such as your address and phone number. And of course, since it’s an email query, you don’t include clips. After all, the editor explicitly mentioned no attachments, right?

After sending out a dozen queries of this sort, you sit in front of your computer, reading rejections and crib about the state of the publishing world.

But you know what, there’s a better way. You don’t have to be rejected all the time. You can write queries that can melt the toughest of editors and have them begging you to write for them.

For starters, get the subject line right. You’re a writer—so be creative. Instead of writing query or submission or even the name of the magazine, how about using the title of your article? And I don’t have to tell you that the title you choose should be informative, witty and creative. It doesn’t always have to be funny, but it has to be interesting. Here’s the format I usually follow for my subject lines:

Query: Creative Article Title

Try to avoid titles that read like spam. “Lose Weight Easily” can be rephrased as “10 Ways to Keep Fit”. Similarly, “Discover Singles in Your Area” is a line spammers love to use, so you could use something more attention-grabbing and less spam-seeming such as “The Top 10 Places to Find your Soul Mate.” Notice the difference?

Write your email query as if you were writing a normal query. Induce in it, the same passion, the same commitment and the same confidence that you would like to project in a query sent by snail mail. Forget the mantra that editors will delete long queries. Not a chance. If you’ve sparked the interest of an editor, do you think she’s going to stop reading simply because it’s too long? Nope.

Like in a mailed query, take the time and space you need to get the editor’s attention. But refrain from rambling. Generally, your query (email or otherwise) should fit into two pages or less. More than that, and you’re giving away too much. One page queries are even better. They’re succinct, to-the-point, and if you’ve done your job well, you’ll have the editor asking for more. Always include your address and phone number should the editor feel like calling and giving you the assignment.

Remember how editors are busy people? That’s why, instead of sending them hyperlinks of all the articles you’ve ever written, send in three or four relevant clips of your best work. And yes, attachments are strictly prohibited. Instead, include your article as text in your email. But what about the pretty pictures and the beautiful fonts, you wail. Well, that’s why, above the article, include the link to the article. If the editor has the time or the inclination, she can go online and view it in its full glory. If not, you’re sending the material in the email so she doesn’t have to wander around cyberspace looking for your great creations.

Email queries aren’t much different from snail mail ones. If your query is professional, presented in an original style and makes the editor sit on the edge of her seat, you’ve got a winner. And always remember what mom preached—first impressions do count.

About The Author

Mridu Khullar is the editor-in-chief of www.WritersCrossing.com, a free online magazine for writers. Sign up for the free weekly newsletter to get a complimentary e-book with 400+ paying markets. Also check out her e-book, "Knock Their Socks Off! A Freelance Writer's Guide to Query Letters That Sell," available at http://www.writerscrossing.com/queries.html
>>Read more...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

How to Be an Editor's First Choice

How to Be an Editor's First Choice
by: Mridu Khullar


There are writers who editors like, and those they’d bet their careers on. How can you be that writer who the editor will call on every time she needs an important assignment to be done? Are you a hot favorite or a pass-on-for-another-freelancer who keeps querying but receives no response? Here are the qualities that will endear you to an editor.

1. Giving more than you promise

When an editor asks for two samples, give her three. If she trusts you with an assignment, don’t wait for the final deadline, but send it in a day in advance. If she’s asked you to provide notes, make sure you give her everything she needs so that she doesn’t have to ask for anything more. If you make an editor’s job easier, she’ll love you for it. And she’ll be willing to trust you again with more assignments.

2. Constantly coming up with fresh slants

There may not be too many new topics (unless you’re writing about technology; then you just can’t complain), but there can always be new slants. An editor likes writers who can reduce her brainwork, and make her look good in front of her superiors by coming up consistently with great ideas.

3. Having all the answers

It’s important to know about your subject. That’s why so many well-paid writers advise you to specialize. So, if an editor calls you to discuss your query, and poses follow-up questions, you better have the answers. Because an editor’s never going to trust you with an assignment unless she’s sure you know what you’re doing. And not having answers to her questions is a sure-shot sign that you don’t.

4. Coming up with clever titles, and great sidebars

The most important thing I’ve learnt so far is to visualize your article. See how it appears on the page. Granted, it’s usually not going to come out like you’d imagined it, but for a minute forget that you’re a writer, and think like a designer. See the beautiful fonts and the shaded box on the side? That’s how the editor sees your article. Now it’s your job to bring that visual to life with your words.

5. Understanding the core audience of the magazine

If you’re writing for a magazine for home PC users, your editor’s not going to appreciate ideas on network security, however wonderful they may be. Similarly, when writing for a small business owner, you’d want to treat that person as a little smarter, even if he might have the same knowledge base as that of a home user. His computing decisions are more important. That’s why you should always be familiar with the reader’s knowledge level. That’ll help you make the distinction between good ideas, and great ones.

6. Making boring subjects come alive

Editors love writers with a dash of style, attitude and chutzpah. If you can give even a serious subject a touch of humor, you’ll soon be a hot favorite. This is especially true with technical, business and trade magazines. Their subject matter tends to be boring. It’s your job to not only inform the reader, but also to entertain him.

7. Having the whole package

If you can write great prose, but not meet deadlines, you’re replaceable. If you can get great interviews and dig up little-known statistics, but make the fact-checker’s life hell, you might not be seen as a great catch. If you come up with the best ideas, but can’t provide equally interesting sidebars, there’s probably someone who can. But if you give the editor all those things and more, she has no reason to look beyond you.

8. Knowing the magazine

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that will never sell something to a magazine you haven’t read (I have), but I will say that you’re not going to get rich doing it. If you don’t want to go broke buying all the prospective magazines, get yourself a reliable Internet connection and visit the magazine’s Website. No editor will stand a query that looks like it’s been sent to a million others.

Editors often like to work with a select group of freelance writers, who’ve earned the editor’s trust over time. By following the tips above, you’ll soon ensure an impressed editor, but many lucrative assignments as well.

About The Author

Mridu Khullar is the editor-in-chief of www.WritersCrossing.com, a free online magazine for writers. Sign up for the free weekly newsletter to get a complimentary e-book with 400+ paying markets. Also check out her e-book, "Knock Their Socks Off! A Freelance Writer's Guide to Query Letters That Sell," available at http://www.writerscrossing.com/queries.html
>>Read more...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Subject And Object Theory

The Subject And Object Theory
by: Tushar Jain


I am Tushar Jain, a student of literature. This subject, literature, is one which is susceptible to every clause scripted, every letter sculpted, and is liable to get one enamored by vacuous words like ‘subjective’. To the wholesome degree of which the students believe in the language, there is but a similar degree that coerces them to refute and impugn its likewise liabilities.

Recently, in a class, I had all the inconvenience of a teacher’s dilatory eyes boring into mine, and an arbitrary buffed nail earmarking my attendance in the room; eventually she flicked a question at me,

“How are the characters in the novel connected?”

The sludge of pacing words in a soporific room, filled with irascible impatience and derivative petulance. I couldn’t connect to what she said until a later second and replied in a baritone, ensemble of an answer most suited, “by freedom and perspective.”

“No, by imagination and memory,” she snapped back. This is the kind of strain you’ll see ostensible in a class where an accretion of both, enslaved and free minds saunter. Concisely put, we need to hope fairly for the convictions an authority lays down for us, or else, we are forsaken to the roads less traveled.

On my way home, my way across a flight of stairs, my way about the sun-lit sidewalk – I literally dreamt of what had passed, whether I had been wrong or had the authority misjudged to the convenience of our simpleton mindsets, yet bourgeoning. I came to a conclusion and that is what this article is pretty much about – the subject and object theory.

In life, in books, in writing and in reading, i.e., any form of self-indulging, whenever factual, fictional or prejudiced relations are meant to be taxed, there stands an exclusive ground that gauges each to each without exceptions – the dogged tolerance of a subject and an object.

The subject, by characteristic, is more substantial; this is what obligates two things to be related. The object is the antithesis, the infraction of the above said; it is the juncture by which the same two things are naturally related, are invariably kindred. Subject, more often than not, is consequential of the two while the object is the feeling that is mutual to any two strangers that can be deemed to exist. Both of them subsist at counters, at contention and at contrary moments to each other. While the subject encompasses more substance than the object, only the object is the foundation where the subject is either incipient or deadened.

That is the theory and if it sets in limberly, trying to construe any kind of liaison between members, people, characters, etc. becomes profligately simple and exact. You see, whenever we talk of connecting things in certain, we must pamper merely the sheerness of reality and not obnoxious pigheadedness.

Now, as a paradigm of analysis via the subject and object theory, lets take into account and beckon the above-held circumstance.

The distinction between ‘freedom and perspective’ and ‘imagination and memory’ is appositely what the subject and object theory jostles or throws into place. ‘Freedom and perspective’ are pragmatically correct – where freedom is the subject and perspective is the object, i.e., through dissimilar perspectives of myriad characters or people, one can view the one general reflections on freedom. This is what places them in a common nexus, this is how they connect. Conversely, in the case of ‘imagination and memory’, both of them are barely subjects, vilely innate ones at that.

Now, for a more authentic opus of the theory, we choose human guinea pigs – myself and the teacher, let us suppose. In the class, the teacher and I confronted with deferential, cogent relations of a teacher and a student. However, if we were to encounter histrionically on the street, there is nevertheless another kind of relation – a universal, middling boy and girl kinship that is bound to imply. The former is the subject and the latter is the object. The neutrality and average of either is the relation we bear.

Relations are constructs, moral and social. Their hypothesis is need, and their motive is a circumstance of need. We must constantly be at fault when we endeavor to discern them, for perfect relations like perfect morality or perfect sociality, remain but in gaping, rife spaces of books.

About The Author

Tushar Jain
Hello, any queries? Please feel free to contact - mosaics12@rediffmail.com
>>Read more...

Friday, September 26, 2008

Write Right for the Right Reasons

Write Right for the Right Reasons
by: Scott Foreman


It seems that I must get dozens of newsletters and ezines in my email box every day. That does not include, of course, all the Internet Marketing groups that I belong to that send me a listing of all articles posted each day. It seems like thousands of new articles are published every week just on home business ideas alone. The pure volume of written material can be intimidating.

Why are there so many articles out there? Surely most of them go unread, right? I think you’d be surprised. The simple truth is, marketers write articles because they work. Let’s take a look at what original articles do for you, the writer. First, you’ve worked hard for the knowledge you have. If you could share some pearls of wisdom and help someone out, wouldn’t you? Not only that, but the more people that find your knowledge helpful, the more you establish credibility and name-recognition. Second, articles are a way of keeping your subscribers in touch with you. The more compelling your subject matter, the more likely you will re-visit the site that originated the material. Third, and probably most important, is the wildfire effect that articles have. As you write more original material, more people are bound to publish what you’ve written. That creates exposure as well as linking to your site.

When my business partner and I started writing original articles, we watched our websites’ page rankings soar and the Alexa number drop (which is good). Not only that, we started seeing our names and articles in the search engines too. Slowly, the keywords that are most pertinent to our site are starting to be associated with our site (as far as the search engines are concerned) and that is never bad.

I know what you’re saying. I can’t write and I don’t have anything to write about. Hogwash. Even if today is your first day in the Internet Marketing field, you bring with you a lifetime full of knowledge. Even if you don’t know the first thing about affiliate programs, pay per click advertising, or viral marketing, write about something that you know about. What do you know more about than most people around you? Parenting? Accounting? Tulips? Write about that. You never know who’s reading.

You say that you can’t write. That’s okay. Just make your first article a paragraph or two. Answer these questions: Why would the average reader be interested in your subject? What questions might a person want answered on your subject? What information can you provide that will address those questions? Where can the reader go to get more information on your subject? What will cause the reader to think about your subject even after they close the article?

If you don’t know where to start, begin at http://groups.yahoo.com and I can almost guarantee you’ll find a group that interests you. Not only will your market niche probably be represented there, you’ll also find general business groups that can be helpful and educational. Now I don’t want to make any wild claims. I’m not saying, “Write articles and make $10,000 a month with no other work.” You laugh, but I’ve seen it. What I’m saying is that articles are a great way to create exposure for your website, your product, and your presence as an expert in your field. Try your hand at writing a few and pretty soon you’ll not only get the hang of it, you’ll start seeing some amazing results come from your efforts.

Most everyone likes giving their opinion. Give yours to help out the next guy/gal and expose the world to what you and your business have to offer.

Remember, be good to yourself and never underestimate the power associated with the intensity of your passion.

Wishing you Success,

Scott Foreman
scott@build-passive-income.com

Copyright 2004 Foreman Enterprises
by Scott Foreman Build-Passive-Income.com

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: newsgroups@build-passive-income.com

Publishers! We'll pay you to run this article. Sign up for our Affiliate program and we'll pay you up to $24.98 for every person who converts on our site. Change the link in the bio box to your affiliate link: http://www.build-passive-income.com/affiliate

About The Author

Wayne and Scott Foreman are co-owners of www.build-passive-income.com

This Secret Book Made Terry Dean Rich! You Can Get it Free IF you click below now (you won't believe the simple techniques it reveals that ANYONE can use)

http://www.Build-Passive-Income.com/secret

scott@build-passive-income.com
>>Read more...

Thursday, September 25, 2008

You Need To Write-Write Now!

You Need To Write-Write Now!
by: Timothy Ward


I've been shouting it for years, and I will probably keep shouting for many years to come. If you want to get some quality, free visitors to your website-You Need To Write An Ezine Article!

You can go ahead and admit that secretly you been toying with the idea anyway. You've fantasized about one day checking your email and seeing your name in the table of contents of your favorite ezine. You've imagine what it's like to know that hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people are reading YOUR words. And then there's the glorious payoff: Some of these people will visit your website. People who through reading your article have already established a relationship with you and are therefore more likely to pay real attention to what your website has to offer. Ahh, what a lovely dream...

But I'm telling you today to STOP DREAMING. Open your eyes, open up a new Word document and get started writing!

Of course, you need something to write about. I suggest one of two choices:

(1) Write about whatever subject your website covers. If your website is about Internet marketing, write about some of the ways your website suggests marketing online. If your website sells chocolate brownies, write about chocolate brownie recipes. If your website is a Drew Barrymoore fan site, please send me the URL immediately. Just kidding! Actually you could write and article about Drew's latest movie or her fight with alcoholism. The point is, if you have website-you have a topic.

(2) Write about something you know. We all have areas where we excel, as well as subjects that interest us. For instance, I know a lot about ezine articles so I write about them. One of the benefits of writing about something you know is what I like to call the 'Expert Factor'. If you write enough articles about a certain subject you will eventually get known as an expert in that field online. People will then trust what you say and will be even more inclined check out any websites or offers you endorse. In a nutshell-you gain credibility. And online that's a GOOOOD thing!

I'll just go ahead and blurt this one out because I know it's on your mind: Don't worry about being an expert writer. Don't shy away from writing ezine articles because you think you might misplace a few commas, semicolons or dashes. This is the Internet, not the Oxford Journal of Medicine. You're not trying to win a Pulitzer Prize. Just write your article the best you can, re-read it several times, run spellcheck, and then go from there. I also recommend waiting at least half a day and then coming back and re-reading your article. This allows your brain to basically re-boot and you may find some errors you overlooked before. But don't stress; You should see some of the typos I have made.

I'm not going to bombard you with everything there is to know about ezine article writing today. This article was designed to just wet your whistle a little bit. To get you in the mood so to speak. To get you wanting to write and to give you ideas on what to write about. I assure you there will be other article in the future that touch on all the other aspects of ezine article writing. For now, though, I'll leave you to your writing; Me, I've suddenly got a taste for some chocolate brownies...

About The Author

Timothy Ward is a webmaster and ezine publisher. For more of his tips on ezine articles and free promotion sign up for the new Ward Wide Webzine.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ward_Wide_Webzine

wailinward@yahoo.com >>Read more...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

6 Tips For Your Writing Journey

6 Tips For Your Writing Journey
by: Laura Hickey


So, you'd like to be a writer? Congrats! Writing not only is a great way to express yourself, but can provide an income. Keep in mind not all writers make a fortune, some still cant quit their day job. Below are some tips to start your writing journey.

1. Start Writing

Okay, so this tip is obvious. For some, it's a question of what to write about, for others how to write. Write how and what you want. What kind of books do you like to read? Fiction, Mystery, science fiction, how to books? How about articles, reports, maybe you're interested in journalism. Whatever the case may be, to get your creative juices flowing, start writing! Don't worry about how it sounds, grammar or other mistakes, you can go back to fix these.

2. Join online and offline groups/message boards and chats

If you already know what you want to write about, consider joining writer groups at your local library, or online groups, along with message boards and chats. It's a great way to network with other writers and published authors. It's also a good place to share your work and receive feedback. Many places online are free to join, some require a membership which usually consist of a user name, e-mail address and password for your user name. Some request more information such as a name, address and sometimes phone number.

3. The Library

You've probably heard about some books that writers refer to, this could be writer markets, e-book publishing, self publishing and generally how to improve your writing. Bu what do you do when you can't afford to buy these books from your local bookstore or online? A trip to your library is the key. Many libraries carry writer resource books, which if you have a library card, are free. If you're living out of the area, the library may require a fee for membership. The book you're looking for may not always be at your local library, however libraries borrow from other libraries in and out of state. The method of receiving outside books is called Inter-Library Loan. Later on, if you find the book to be a great resource, you may be able to purchase a used copy online.

4. Researching

The Internet is also another good resource for information. Keep in mind that not every resource you find online is going to be an honest good resource. It will take time to sort out which websites are useful. Most information is free, so you can sit back and research in the comfort of your home. If you don't have a computer with Internet access, check your local library and see if you can use one of theirs.

5. Workshops

Workshops taught by experts is a great way to learn from the professionals, but only if you can afford it! Make sure the topic of the workshop is based around your interest. For instance, if you love fiction..it wouldn't be a good idea to go to a workshop based only on non-fiction. It's a good idea to register early to ensure a spot at the event. Bring a new legal pad, plus a few writing tools to take notes.

6. Contents

After writing a while, you may want to enter contents. Some require an entry fee. I suggest staying away from the entry fee contents until you've entered some other free ones. That way you can get a feel for how contests work. Spend some time writing and re-writing your entries. If you've written your entry in 5 or so minutes, th judges will notice it immediately. You wouldn't want a reputation for sloppy work.

There you are, 6 tips to get you started on your journey to writing. Good Luck!

About The Author

Laura Hickey is the author of the children's book Mysterious Chills and Thrills- 10 short stories to tickle the imagination. It may be purchased at http://www.laurahickey.com. Access Laura's press kit...interviews, book reviews, PR's and more.

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Monday, September 22, 2008

Memoir Writing Help, Memoir Writing Ideas

Memoir Writing Help, Memoir Writing Ideas
by: Roxanne McDonald


You might not need any memoir writing help, per se, as you know your past and you know quite well how to write, thank you. You might instead just need someone to inspire you, motivate you, give you a nudge--with some memoir writing ideas.

Here are a few prompts to stimulate your memory and to encourage your creativity...of which you have plenty to work with and to share. So do the activities (or at least one), and share them (or it) with loved ones...or with me if you wish. I love reading your memoirs and responding.

Prompt:

Starting on June 17, 1976, Diego and Susy Goldberg, of Buenos Ares, Argentina, photographed head shots of each member of the family...one day every year. Of course, they started as a family of two--Diego and Susy--and have over the years created a photo essay that captures their physical growth (and more) over time.

Visit the website and study the photo essay, "Time" (at www.zonezero.com/ magazine/essays/diegotime/time.html).

In words instead of photos, choose one day of your family's life (starting with your parents or guardians and adding you as a child) and describe what you each look like. Do this for one day every year for as many years as you can.

Prompt:

All art is a response to something--other art, an event in our culture, a moment in history. Look at the photos (on roxannewrites.com or anywhere on the web, and write a page or two of your immediate associations with that picture.

For example, look at the photo of the old 50’s drive-in. What is the first memory that comes up for you? Who was involved? Who was absent and why? What sounds do you recall as predominant that day? What smells were there? What colors do you recall? How did you feel on that day?

Prompt:

At the bottom of the page of my site are two pictures. One is clearly related to the movie theatre, as it features a crowd of men and women (of the 40’s?) standing outside The Dixie Theatre, all facing the camera; and the other has to do with the stage (and movies...later), as it is an artistic rendering of Othello pulling back the bedchamber curtains and peering in at a sleeping Desdemona. Decide what one play or movie influenced you the earliest.

What was the name of the play or film? When did you first see it? What impact did it have on you? For instance, if you and your family were poor and you only saw one movie when you were a kid, maybe you grew up to love movies or work in the movie industry.

Maybe, instead, you saw a play every year with your since deceased uncle, and were inspired to go into theatre or to study literature. Write whatever you want about one movie or play, and then email me with the draft(s) for a response and more encouragement if you wish.

Finished with these prompts?

There are more lessons in Memoir Writing for Our Elders.

Note: The black and white photo below may remind you of something other than your first movie experience. Go for that draft, too!

And stop in every month for new prompts and/or a response to your creative memoir writing if you’d like. I know I’d love it if you did.

About The Author

N.H.-born prize-winning poet, creative nonfiction writer, memoirist, and award-winning Assoc. Prof. of English, Roxanne is also web content and freelance writer/founder of www.roxannewrites.com, a support site for academic, memoir, mental disability, and creative writers who need a nudge, a nod, or just ideas…of which Roxanne has 1,000s, so do stop in for a visit, as this sentence can’t possibly get any longer….

admin@roxannewrites.com >>Read more...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Gaining Exposure Within Writing.Com

Gaining Exposure Within Writing.Com
by: The StoryMaster


Dear Writing Reader,

One of the most popular questions from Authors on Writing.Com is: How do I gain exposure on Writing.Com?

In this letter, I will provide numerous tips for increasing the amount of exposure you receive on Writing.Com.

Tip #1: Utilize Our Newsletters!

Every week Writing.Com sends out over 140,000 issues of its 13 various newsletters. Each week, Newsletter Editors ask for questions and feedback from their readers. Each week we see many of the newsletters "Ask & Answer" sections go blank! Get easy, quick exposure by emailing Writing.Com Newsletter Editors and asking them questions to be included in their next issue.

Subscribe to newsletters that cover your favorite genres. Email the editors with questions pertaining to the genre, writing style or topic that Editor chose that week. In most cases, you will find your name, your question and a response in that Editor's newsletter the following week. Readers of that newsletter will, more than likely, check out your portfolio!

Tip #2: Review, Review, Review!

Reading and rating are very important for writers, but when it comes to garnering eyeballs for your own work - nothing beats reviewing. When you review another author's item, invite that Author to your own portfolio. Most of our Authors will be more than happy to check out your portfolio, since you were so kind to take a look first!

Review, review and then review some more. Correspond with other Authors on the site and you'll be surprised how many more views your items get!

Tip #3: Plug Yourself In!

There are many In & Outs and Message Forums that are geared toward giving Writing.Com Authors exposure. Most of these are run by Authors themselves and receive heavy traffic. Writing.Com itself provides one that is linked from the "Item Jumps" pulldown menu.

Plug yourself without shame; utilize The Shameless "Plug" Page. Don't be shy; start posting in message forums asking people to visit your portfolio. Tell readers a little about yourself, your portfolio and your writing style; you're sure to gain new readers!

Tip #4: Win Exposure With Contests!

There are many contests run by Writing.Com members, as well! Participating in contests does not only give you the opportunity to win Gift Points, but also provides a free stage for you to flaunt your writing to others who are entering or judging that contest. Contests are easy to enter, give a wide variety of assignment and provide GREAT exposure whether you win or not!

Participate in contests! To start, you will find some by visiting Writing Contests @ Writing.Com!. You can also visit the "Contest" sub-type link from within the Static Item listing page.

Tip #5: Get BidClicking!

Now take the Gift Points you just won in the contests and Sponsor your items with the Writing.Com BidClick System!

My recommendation is to use the Genre and Item Type sponsorship opportunities. Extremely popular genres like Romance/Love, Action/Adventure, and Fantasy can be sponsored for under 25 Gift Points (or 1/4 of a penny)!

Placing items within applicable genres will generate highly targeted readers who are more likely to read, rate AND review your item; and it costs FAR FEWER Gift Points than the main Sponsored Items column!

If you want instant exposure to all of our visitors, you can bid a higher Gift Point price for the Sponsored Items listing. This listing is shown on the right-hand side of every page and is seen by every visitor to Writing.Com. We've seen items gain over 100 ratings in less than 24 hours when sponsored there!

Sponsor items within the Genre or Item Type listing pages. For even more exposure, try out the Sponsored Items area. For even more information on this, read The Writing.Com BidClick System!

I hope you found useful information within my letter; good luck and have fun!

~~ The StoryMaster (19)

About The Author

The StoryMaster is WebMaster of Writing.Com ( http://www.Writing.Com/ ). Established in 2000, Writing.Com is the online community for readers and writers of all ages and interests.

Whether you're a casual reader searching for a good story or a creative writer looking for the perfect place to improve your skills, Writing.Com is the site for you! Over 293,848 members have joined and posted over 819,680 literary items.

>>Read more...

Saturday, September 20, 2008

A Few Brief Tips for Dealing with Rejection

A Few Brief Tips for Dealing with Rejection
by: Laura Hickey


What to do when you get rejected.

You've just finished your book, sent out query letters and was rejected. What's left to do? You could give up, but I wouldn't suggest this. Here's some brief tips on how to deal with rejection.

1.Take a breather

You've probably been wondering and rattling your brain as to why you got rejected. Take a break, not a long one...some time for a breather. If you continue to constantly analyze why you were rejected, you'll drive yourself crazy. Plus...if you decide after rejections to continue sending out new query letters, they may not be your best work. Why you ask? Because you may not produce your best work under all the stress you've put yourself under over the rejections. You wouldn't want more rejections because you didn't have the energy to send out your best sales pitch.

2.Self-esteem- Failure is not an option

You might be down in the dumps...this is understandable, but don't allow yourself to be in the mood for too long. Have you had others read your work? Did they like it, love it? It's a good idea to remember all the positives, rather than negatives. If everyone who didn't get what they wanted the first time quit, do you know what we'd have? A bunch of failures. They aren't failures though for not getting it for the first time, rather they are if they quit.

Motivation-

Think about your favorite movie, song or book. Now, what if they stopped trying? That favorite song, book or movie wouldn't exist. If you give up, someone out there won't have a chance to have your work as a favorite. Think about it.

Remember that rejection doesn't have to be the end of your journey unless you let it be. Good Luck!

About The Author

Laura Hickey is the author of the children's book "Mysterious Chills and Thrills" which has gotten 5 star ratings.

Along with writing children's books, she also wrote for the sitcom pilot + episodes for a project called "Officially Lush" You can read her whole bio plus access her press kit at http://www.laurahickey.com. >>Read more...

Friday, September 19, 2008

Tips for First Time Authors : 2 Easy Steps to Make Your First Book a Success

Tips for First Time Authors : 2 Easy Steps to Make Your First Book a Success
by: Kim Dushinski


Congratulations on writing your first book. That is quite an accomplishment. Many people dream of writing a book, but you actually did it. Way to go.

At this point you are probably wondering where to get started, who to contact, how to even take the first step. Don’t worry, that is very common. And now you’ve found a great resource to help you.

Step #1

Create a map for yourself.

If you want to get somewhere you need to know where you are and where you want to be. Then you figure out how you are going to get there. Yet many first time authors jump in with the how to get there specifics – getting reviews, making it onto bookstore shelves, creating a website.

Instead, start by figuring out your goals. What do you want to happen with your book? Be very specific. Try writing down at least 10 goals for your book. If that was easy, write down 25.

Next, figure out what you have to bring to the project. How much money are you able to invest? How much time can you spend doing marketing? Be realistic. You can make your marketing work with whatever budget you have and time you can allocate.

Then you can start finding specific marketing actions that match your goals and resources. By knowing your goals and resources you can find the exact marketing tools to make your goals a reality within your time and money budget.

Step # 2

Avoid the common mistakes.

Hundreds of thousands of people write books every year. Tens of thousands of these authors are doing it for the first time. It is only natural that some of the same mistakes are made over and over. Once you know what they are you can avoid making them and get ahead with your book faster.

The single most common mistake we see is authors who fail to clearly define their target market. They believe that “everyone” will buy their book.

They waste their valuable resources trying to market to an audience that is too broad. Let me give you an example from the TV show The Apprentice.

Two teams are in New York trying to sell wedding dresses. One team goes to Grand Central Station where there are tons of people and hands out flyers to everyone walking by. The other team stays in the office, goes online and buys an email list from a popular wedding site (theknot.com) of couples getting married who live in the New York area.

The first team trying to sell to “everyone” is reaching tons of people who simply do not care about what they are selling for one very simple reason - they are not getting married.

Will any amount of marketing on the team’s part convince them that they need a wedding dress? NO.

Does it even matter how great the wedding dresses are made?

NO.

The other team however, has found the perfect target market – people who live in New York who are getting married.

Do you see the difference? Marketing to people who ALREADY CARE about your book’s subject and forgetting the rest of the people who don’t care is the ONLY smart way to do marketing.

About The Author

Kim Dushinski is a partner at MarketAbility, a book publicity firm located in Colorado that specializes in cost-effective, results-driven PR Campaigns. You can find more tips, strategies and techniques specifically designed for first time authors in our First Time Author Toolkit at http://www.marketability.com/first-time-author-info15.html. >>Read more...

Thursday, September 18, 2008

You Can Be An Author

You Can Be An Author
by: Crystal Paine


“You should write a book.” For years, I had been hearing this comment. Writing an entire book seemed completely overwhelming, and so, for a long time, I contented myself with writing short articles. One day, inspiration for an article hit me and, as I started writing, paragraphs began flowing out at an enormous rate. Before I knew it, a rather lengthy piece was developing. It was too long to be an article, so, I decided it would not hurt to try self-publishing a little booklet. Was I ever surprised! The first printing of this 32-page black and white booklet sold out within a week.

All of us have an area which we have more knowledge and experience than the person next to us. What many do not realize is that there is often a hungry market out there ready and willing to pay for the information we have to offer. Yes, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to see a book to completion and printing, but it is well worth it.

Some things I have learned through the experience:

1. Start small. Don’t attempt to tackle a 400-page work for your first publication. You will also save yourself a bundle on printing if you keep it small. I recommend a booklet under 50-pages to launch your career as an author.

2. Enlist the help of others who are more experienced. If you know someone who has published anything, ask their advice and help. You will gain invaluable information from them and save yourself many headaches. In addition, request assistance from others for editing and proofreading. No matter how meticulous you are, it is always good to have other eyes review the final draft before it goes to the printer.

3. Be prepared to deal with disappointment. When you put your heart into something only to hear, "We're not interested," it is easy to take it personally. But, you must continually remind yourself that this is part of the package deal in self-publishing. For every "yes" you receive at least five "no's" (or so it seems). Learning to humbly and graciously accept rejection, not let it get you down, and keep pressing forward is an absolute must in self-publishing, especially at the beginning.

4. The more you market, the more you sell. You can publish an excellent book, but unless people know it is available, you cannot expect many buyers. The possibilities for marketing are endless. Check out all the books on marketing your local library offers. These will give you some great starter ideas. Send out an e-mail to friends, family, and business associates announcing your book’s publication date and offer a limited-time pre-publication special. Join self-publishing groups and let them know about your book. Ask others to promote your book. Be pro-active and do not be afraid to try novel ideas!

About The Author

Crystal Paine is a 23-year-old homeschool graduate and the owner of Covenant Wedding Source, LLC (an online retail bridal business). She writes articles on a variety of topics and is the author of The Merchant Maiden: Earning an Income Without Compromising Convictions. She lives with her husband in Kansas. For more information on her business and booklet, visit her website: http://www.covenantweddingsource.com.

contact@covenantweddingsource.com >>Read more...

Monday, September 15, 2008

Spoken and Written English

Spoken and Written English
by: Samir K. Dash


The English of speech tends to be different from the English of writing some fairly obvious ways. For instance:

* We have time to plan our message in writing, but that is not possible while using the spoken form of English.

* We often use words like Well, You see etc in speech. But in writing we tend to avoid these. These kind of words and phrases add little facts , but tell us something about the attitude of the speaker towards the context and audience.

* We often use Hesitate fillers, i.e. some speech forms like um / /, err/ / while we think of what next to say.

* More over in spoken form, we may fail to complete the sentence and mix up one grammatical construction with another. These do not occur in writing.

* In spoken form a sentence has a less strict construction than the sentence in a writing form. It is also difficult to divide a spoken conversation into separate sentences and the relationships between one clause to another is less clear in this case as the speaker relies more on hearer’s understanding of the context. The speaker also depends upon the ability of the listener to interpret if he fails to provide the exact sound representation to his expression.

More over the speaker is able to rely on features of intonation which tell us a great deal, which can’t be given in written punctuation.

Even, as far as the sound or the phonetic aspect of the analysis is concerned, there are some important point to note which makes spoken form some what special. Though the sound system of our spoken language serves us primarily as a medium of communication, its efficiency as such an instrument of communication does not depend upon the perfect production and reception of every single element of speech.

The speaker will , in almost any utterance, provide the listener with far more cues than he needs for easy comprehension. The situation or the context of which both the speaker and the listener are aware of , limit the purport of an utterance. A.C. Gimson, in his book An Introduction to Pronounciation in English gives an example as follows:

Thus, in any discussion about a zoo, involving a statement such as ‘We saw the lions and the tigers’, we are predisposed by the context to understand lions, even if the n is omitted and the word actually said is liars . or again , we are conditioned by grammatical probabilities, so that a particular sound may lose much of its significance, e. g. in the phrase ‘The men are working’, the quality of the vowel in men is not as vitally important for deciding whether it is a question of men or man .as it would be if the word were said in isolation , since here plurality is determined in addition by the demonstrative adjective preceding men and the verb form following.

This kind of appropriation of sound is called redundancy.

About The Author

Samir K. Dash is a MA in English (UGC-NET qulaified) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (INDIA). Currently he is working as senior content developer at AniGraphs.com

He can be contacted at his homepage: www.samirshomepage.zzn.com

E-Mail: samirkdash@yahoo.com >>Read more...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Use of Special Words/Phrases in Spoken English

Use of Special Words/Phrases in Spoken English
by: Samir K. Dash


Responses to statements

In most speech sessions we use some special response words, though they are not demanded by the speaker of the statements to which these are made.

These type of responses include:

* Oh!
* Mm
* Good
* Oh dear!
* I see.

These are made to represent an interest, surprise, pleasure, regret etc.

Even most of the cases we frequently use these to express that we are attending to our speaker’s statements. With the growth of telephone service, these kind of use have increased, as the response maker has to show his interest or reactions to the man at the other side, whom he can’t show it through his physical expressions. Hence he may use the words like Hmm, Errr, Hmm, Errr, Yeah just to compensate the visual expression needed to carry on a good conversation.

In use of modern communication techniques such as internet Chat, the use of emoticons, and smiley also represent such activity in the part of the listener.

Questions as responses to statements

These have the similar kind of function like the general responses to statements as we discussed above. Among such are:

* Why?
* What?
* How?
* Why not?
* Who for?
* Where?

Hesitant Fillers

We often use Hesitate fillers, i.e. some speech forms like um / /, err/ / while we think of what next to say. These are never appear in writing as , while writing we have plenty of time to plan and re-arrange our expressions. But as in the act of speech, there is virtually no time for that we use such words, phrases and sounds to gain time , while we plan for next expressions.

Linking signals in connected discourse

These are in fact a set of words and phrases which we use to link one context to another. Most of such are sentence adverbials, and they generally come at the beginning of a sentence, which is to be connected to the context.Though we use such kind of signals in writing, the vast use of such expressions comes from the act of speaking in any connected discourse.

Such linkers can be grouped into three sections in reference to there occurrence and use:

· Starting Linkers:

To start a new train of thought we use well and now at the front of the sentence.

Example:

Ram: How was your experience in Puri?
Gopal: It was fine.
Ram: Well, I have also planned to visit that place.

· Changing Linkers:

By the way and incidentally are used to change the topic or subject.

Example:

Ram: How was your experience in Puri?
Gopal: It was fine.
Ram: By the way, I am planning for a new car.

· Listing Linkers:

These include firstly, secondly, thirdly etc. also, to begin with, in the second place and to conclude.

Example:

To begin with the cause of unemployment in India can be traced to existing curroption.

· Reinforcing Linkers:

In any case, furthermore, besides and anyway are used to reinforce a point in the discourse.

Example:

I have never seen him, besides I don’t talk to any strangers.

About The Author

Samir K. Dash is a MA in English (UGC-NET qulaified) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (INDIA). Currently he is working as senior content developer at AniGraphs.com

He can be contacted at his homepage: www.samirshomepage.zzn.com

E-Mail: samirkdash@yahoo.com >>Read more...

Saturday, September 13, 2008

A Good Book Cover Design is Key

A Good Book Cover Design is Key
by: Laura Hickey


Marketing your Book cover, Spine and Information.

Whether you've written your book or are just starting out, having an eye catching cover is a must. Did you know that customers may be looking over your book for 10 seconds or less? A good book cover entices the customer to want to read more information and to result in a purchase. To accomplish this, you need to know what catches a customers eyes. A good place to start is your friends and family. Ones that you trust. Ask their opinions. If you're uncomfortable with asking your inner circle or would like your book's cover to be a surprise, look to the net. You can post your book's cover idea and receive feedback. Only post your idea on the net if you trust it won't be stolen. When deciding to create my book cover for Mysterious Chills and Thrills for Kids, I looked at many other ones in the children's field. I kept in mind which book covers attracted me and for the ones that didn't, why it didn't. Keep in mind that not everyone is going to agree with your taste.

The same applies to your back cover information about your book. If the book is fiction, you'll need to ensure the customer that their entertainment dollars are worth purchasing your book. If your book is non-fiction, show the customer the benefits of purchasing. Can it help solve a problem? Many customers want to know that they are buying something that in some form can benefit them. You'll also need to show how your book is better than then next one in it's category.

Don't forget the spine and price. If your book is spine out, it'll need to attract the customer's eyes. When they pull out your book, the price can turn a purchase away. Look at other books in the field and price accordingly. Much lower prices than your competition may appear to sell more but may give the idea that your work isn't as good.

Self publishing, Small Press or a Large Publishing company, either way your book is competing against others out there. Make it count!

About The Author

Read more free reprintable articles on writing written by Ms. Laura Hickey in English, Italiano and Espanol. Read book reviews and interviews for her children's book, Mysterious Chills and Thrills for Kids.

http://www.laurahickey.com >>Read more...

Friday, September 12, 2008

I'm All Storied Out!

I'm All Storied Out!
by: Ed Williams


One of the nicest and most frustrating parts of being a writer of stories is that when you’re out somewhere, people will come up and tell you stories - lots of them. I’ve actually been at book signings where people have come up and stood there for ten to fifteen minutes telling me some story of theirs. For them, it's fun, for me, it’s sometimes fun (dependent on the quality of the story itself), but for the poor person standing behind them in line it’s probably not much fun at all. And that’s me being polite about it.

The only problem I run into sometimes when this happens is that the person will tell me a story, finish it, and then ask, “Ed, how would you like to use that for one of your future books or columns?” I never know what to say in response, because if the story is good I feel like I’m ripping them off, and if it’s bad you hate to tell them that. And if y’all don’t think I haven’t heard some really bad ones along the way, here are a few shortened examples of some that have actually been told to me:

>From a lady that I talked to recently at a literary festival:

“Ed, when I was a young girl over in Alabama, my daddy grew us a watermelon patch every year. We ate lots of melons, you see. One day I walked over to where one of the biggest melons in the patch was, and you know, it was really, really green. Then I noticed somethin’ move, and there was a big green grass snake right next to that melon! Why, I got so beside myself that I flinched and kicked the devil out of that melon. The good news was that it rolled over and flattened the snake. The bad news was that none of us were brave enough to go and try and pick that melon up after that, so it was left there to rot. Rotten snake, rotten melon, rotten luck, life sure is funny sometimes, ain’t it?

From a guy who has some close friends he wanted to tell me about:

“My buddies are like yer Brotherhood, except we are even wilder and crazier than you three boys have ever thought about bein.’ Why one time Alfred, one of my three best friends along with Bert, Terry, Ken, Fred, and Rabbit, burped right out loud at Mawdie Jones’ funeral. I mean, right out loud in front of the preacher, Mawdie’s family, and everybody. I guess when the preacher talked about makin’ a joyful noise that Alfred took him pretty serious. That Alfred, he’s out there on the edge, ain’t he? I’ll bet if you call him and talk it over that he’ll let you write this story, especially if you give him some of those royalties that all you writers get.”

From a very old man who told this story right out loud in front of about ten or so people at a recent speaking engagement:

“I have this huntin’ dog, Spanky, that I’ve owned for years. Best huntin’ dog I’ve ever seen, he’ll point and tree just about anything – birds, rabbits, squirrels, you just name it, he’ll tree it. Why just a few weeks ago Spanky loped down into the woods one morning, he likes to get out and stretch his paws sometimes, and the woods is where he goes. Anyway, he stayed down there a right good while, and then came out with a pair of ladies’ drawers in his mouth. I’m serious, ladies’ drawers. Thing is, they were big, ole ladies drawers, I promise they were about three feet wide across the beam, you coulda hung them up in a sailboat and gone to China on them. When I saw that, I realized that it only coulda been one of about three old gals from around here that could fit into them drawers. And then I wondered how she lost them down in the woods like that in the first place. It caused me to tell this little rhyme up in my head,

“Lost drawers’
In the woods,
Should I tell this?
Yes I should!”

Man, man, man, y’all see what I mean? Bad thing is, I could’ve told another twenty or so just like these. I guess, in the end, that everyone has stories that they think are interesting, but some really do need to stay close to the vest – in fact, they need to stay very, very close to the vest. And I would say even more, but Ray and Hugh have just walked in, and we’re talkin’ about seein’ if we can get a pair of those three foot wide drawers and use ‘em to sail the S.S. Pippin across Lake Sinclair – after all:

Three foot drawers, they won’t float,
But mebbe they can move our boat!

About The Author

Ed’s latest book, “Rough As A Cob,“ can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He’s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com. >>Read more...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

7 Devastating Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

7 Devastating Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
by: Jason A. Martin


Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes more than just typing out what you want to say. By correcting these major mistakes, your copy will soar to newfound heights. While there are many common mistakes made by copywriters, seven in particular are deadly.

Mistake One: Don’t take that tone with me!

Many writers fail to write to their intended audience by writing in a general or wrong tone. Either way is costly. It is important to identify and write to the intended audience. Review the following two statements to see how the same information differs based on the intended audience.

Audience One is comprised of computer neophytes.

Move your mouse pointer over to the START icon, which is located in the lower left area of your computer screen. Next, click your left mouse button one time. Your start menu should now be displayed.

Audience Two is comprised of knowledgeable computer users.

Open up your START menu.

Notice the stark contrast between the two examples. If we continued with the examples, “Audience Two” would be spoken to in more technical terms whereas “Audience One” would be spoken to in very simple terms with every action described in full detail.

Mistake Two: Welcome to the claims department.

Most non-fiction writing, especially ad copy, makes a claim of some sort. Hard to believe claims destroy credibility. The golden rule of claims: Always support your claims fully.

I can’t believe it!

When a claim sounds too good to be true, credibility is lost. Perhaps the ad copy is claiming that a person can lose up to 300 pounds in 30 days on a certain type of program. The more substantial the claim, the more support required. Still, if the claim is hard to believe, all the support in the world won’t help much.

4 out of 5 dentists agree.

A claim made must be supported. An article reporting that 4 out of 5 dentists agree about using a certain product must include the supporting evidence. Never expect people to take your word for it, because they won’t.

Mistake Three: So enough about you, what about me?

Have you ever visited a website or heard an ad that chimed in with “we here at [insert company name] believe…?” The majority of people will react by simply ignoring the copy all together. It is important to build up a rapport with the reader before talking about yourself—if possible. The reader must first be given a reason as to why he or she should care. This mistake is most common in ad copy. Focus on the reader first and foremost.

Mistake Four: Could you repeat that?

Repetitious wording occurs when a word is used that was previously written in close proximity. Try to keep sentences fresh and flowing with new words. This is a great reason to pick up a thesaurus and learn some word alternatives. In ad copy it is sometimes necessary to use a word more than once for effect. An example of this would be: Excellent service. Excellent selection. Excellent prices.

Don’t do this

I really like the quality of the shoes and the overall quality of the store. Store X is an all around high-quality establishment.

Notice the word “quality” was used three times quickly. These two sentences should be rewritten with the world quality being used only once.

Mistake Five: At this present time, the fact of the matter is, you are reading this article.

This mistake plagues us all because our normal speech is full of redundancies. Some redundancies are simply two words that say the same thing, while others are phrases that repeat something previously mentioned in the sentence. Fluffing up text does not make for good writing or reading. Let’s look at some examples.

“It is a true fact.”

Is there a false fact? Revised: “It is a fact.”

“I found a total of 927 websites with my name on them.”

Eliminate “total of”. Revised: “I found 927 websites with my name on them.”

“The future to come is full of surprises.”

The future is something to come, which is why it is called the future and not the present or past. Stating “future to come” is wordy and does nothing to enhance the reading experience. Revised: “The future is full of surprises.”

To find out more, visit your favorite search engine, and look for results under these terms:

Pleonasm

Redundant writing

Mistake Six: You’re its owner therefore it’s yours.

It is amazing how four simple words can become a virtual wrecking ball to the prose of so many. The four words are: its, it’s, your, and you’re

Its

This is possessive and has no apostrophe. Example: Put your hand on its mouth.

It’s

This version has the apostrophe and means “it is.” Example: It’s mine.

Your

Again, this is the possessive and has no apostrophe. Example: Your car is stalled.

You’re

With the apostrophe, it means “you are.” Example: You’re smiling at me.

Many writers make this mistake because it’s simple to do. Writing fast will increase the possibility of making this mistake, which is why rereading your copy many times is crucial.

Mistake Seven: I think I can. Well, maybe I can try.

It is important that the reader feels secure about the author, which is why writing in a passive voice will render the prose helpless. It is very easy to use passive writing without knowing it because everyday speech is filled with passivity. Recognizing passive writing and replacing it will make a tremendous difference in your copy.

Passive: The final exam was failed by over half of the students.

Active: Half of the students failed the exam.

Notice the difference between the two sentences. Overcoming this mistake takes practice—as does learning to write well.

Ad copy should be dripping in confidence. Word selection and order are extremely important. Using words like “try” should be omitted when possible.

Common Example: “We work to make our clients happy.”

Rewrite: “We have satisfied clients.” or “We will make you happy.”

In the “Common Example”, it implies that you might not be happy. The company will “work” to make you happy, but there is no guarantee they can. In the rewrite, the implication is removed by altering the text.

Crafting solid prose takes practice. By running this checklist against your copy and correcting mistakes, it will become more effective. Every printed word is priceless. A single word or sentence can cause decent copy to fail. Should you require a copywriter, visit my website.

©2005 Jason Andrew Martin LLC

About The Author

Jason A. Martin has been conducting business on the Internet for 11 years. He is a copywriter and entrepreneur. Mr. Martin is currently working on obtaining a degree in Journalism and Law. He runs the Internet business site: Internet Business Entrepreneur.

His official web site, which contains articles you can use for your web site, can be viewed at: Jason A Martin

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Checking for Mismatched Quotation Marks

Checking for Mismatched Quotation Marks
by: Jan Kovarik


—or—

How To Make Sure that Every Opening Quotation Mark Has an Ending Quotation Mark

When writing a term paper, research paper, or post-graduate thesis, one of the most common errors is "mismatched" quotation marks. That is, an opening (beginning) quotation mark will not have a closing (ending) quotation mark, or vice versa. It is a hard error to spot while proofreading, and your computer's spellchecker will not find this type of error.

There is a very simple way to verify that a document has “matching” quotation marks.

After you have completed your document, position the cursor at the very beginning of the text (that is, move the cursor in front of the first word on the first page and click to “position” it).

1. Open Find/Replace (or Search/Replace, whatever is applicable to your Word software).

2. In the “Find” field, key in a double quote mark (shift key and the "/' key).

3. In the “Replace” field, key in the same thing (so that both fields show ").

4. Hit “Replace All” (or whatever selection you have for making a global correction to a document). You should then see the number of replacements that were made.

5. If an odd number shows up after all the replacements are made, then somewhere in the transcript there is an “unmatched” quotation mark.

If you do get an odd number of replacements, then switch to “Find” only, and begin to hit “Find Next” repeatedly so that the computer stops on each opening or closing quote mark. As the computer highlights each quotation mark, verify that it is matched, i.e., that every opening quotation mark has a corresponding closing quotation mark (and vice versa).

You need to pay close attention to this process, otherwise, you are likely to “Find Next” before you realize that the computer found a closing quote mark before it found an opening quote mark.

Eventually, as you review the document, you will either come across an opening quote mark for which there is no closing quote mark (that is, the computer will find an opening quote mark, and then the very next one that it finds will also be an opening quote mark), or vice versa.

Once you have inserted the missing quote mark, you should do the “Find/Replace” steps again, to verify that the computer now shows an even number of replacements.

Please note that this is not a fail-safe procedure because it is possible that you have two unmatched pairs of quote marks, but it is a tool that you can use to help prevent an easy mistake.

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com/ for more information about Jan’s services; http://work-at-home.janktheproofer.com/ for work at home articles and free printables; and for work at home moms, visit Jan’s sister site http://work-at-home.momsbreak.com/ for articles, free printables, and work at home T-shirts and other fun products.

© Copyright 2005 All rights reserved.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

How To Re-Set Spellchecker to Recheck Document

How To Re-Set Spellchecker to Recheck Document
by: Jan Kovarik


After you have written a text and run spellcheck, you might find it necessary to go back and revise the document. You might also have found that you have been running spellcheck, your brain has gotten a little numb, and you can't remember if you actually fixed the last error or just "Ignore" automatically. You'll need to re-set your spellchecker so that it will recheck the entire document, not just new text that is added. Here’s an easy way to re-run spellcheck:

Block highlight the ENTIRE text (that is, click at the very beginning of the document, before the first word on the first page, and drag to the bottom of the text; or click the cursor before the first word on the first page, and then hold down the Shift key and click behind the last word on the last page).

Go to Tools, Language, Set Language, U.S. English (or other language being used), OK.

Then click at the beginning of the document to remove the highlighting.

The spellchecker has now been re-set. You can run it again, and the entire document will be spellchecked.

You can also do this just for sections of text, by block-highlighting the section you want to re-spellcheck.

You can also recheck your spelling using this alternative method:

With your document open, click Tools, Options, Spelling & Grammar. At the bottom of the window under “Proofing Tools” is a button for “Recheck Document.” Click on the button. When you do, you will get the following window:

This operation resets spell checker and grammar checker. Do you want to continue?

Click Yes. Then, re-run spellcheck on your document.

It is easy to re-check a document that has already been spellchecked. Please be sure to remember to run a final spellcheck when you are completely finished with your document!

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information. Visit Jan K., the Proofer’s sister sites: Mom’s Break at http://www.MomsBreak.com for free printable projects and crafts. Jan’s Dough at http://www.jansdough.com for free printable recipes for Sourdough Bread and more. For more articles by Jan K., The Proofer, visit http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com. Article © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

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Monday, September 8, 2008

Your Spellchecker Can Catch Punctuation Mistakes

Your Spellchecker Can Catch Punctuation Mistakes
by: Jan Kovarik


Even though you should never only rely on your spellchecker to find mistakes in your document, you can make the most of your spellchecker by changing the settings. It isn't as scary as it sounds and once you learn where these settings are, you can change them as often as you need to for whatever guidelines you have to use for a particular document that you are writing.

These punctuation settings are consistent with the American publishing industry. If you are writing for Great Britain (the United Kingdom) or writing in English for any other country, be sure to learn what punctuation rules are used in that country's publishing industry. You can reset the spellchecker options at any time so that when you run spellcheck, it will automatically check for the right punctuation placement.

Here’s the easy 1-2-3 instructions for changing and checking your spellchecker settings:

1. Open Word.

2. On the toolbar, click on Tools. In the drop-down window, click on Options.

3. Click on the Spelling & Grammar tab, hit the Settings button. A new window will appear. Set the first three requirements:

Comma required before last list item (always)
Punctuation required with quotes (inside)
Spaces required between sentences (1)

Click OK.

Now, close all the windows that are open. Your spellchecker has now been re-set and these option settings will be in place for all Word documents that you create from now on. You only need to go through this procedure again is if you need to change these settings to comply with a specific publishing requirement. If you do change the settings, remember to change them back to these settings once you have finished that document.

Be sure to always run a final spellcheck of your document, after you have made your final corrections!

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information. Visit Jan K., the Proofer’s sister sites: Mom’s Break at http://www.MomsBreak.com for free printable projects and crafts. Jan’s Dough at http://www.jansdough.com for free printable recipes for Sourdough Bread and more. For more articles by Jan K., The Proofer, visit http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com. Article © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

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Sunday, September 7, 2008

In Spellchecker We Trust... Right?

In Spellchecker We Trust... Right?
by: Jan Kovarik


This article could have easily been titled "We Don't Need a Proofreader...right?" Businesses today are transforming printed text into computer-based documents and, well, all you have to do is run the computer's spellchecker to make sure there aren't any mistakes...right?

Spellcheckers are wonderful things, but the truth is that if the document that you just received and/or are about to send out to your client was checked only by a computer spellchecker, then it could contain some very embarrassing errors. The English language (especially Americanized English) is a multi-layered honeycomb of word usages and nuances that can confound a computerized spellchecker’s ability to produce a document that is 100% error-free. Although spellcheckers will stop at and highlight “sound alikes” (homonyms) such as their and there, will it know that the word you actually need is the contraction they’re. Most spellcheckers will point out you’re and your, but what if you really want yore? What spellchecker will alert you to the possible misuse of boost for boast? And what about horror words like lose and loose, allude and elude, and those favorites pique, peak, and peek? A spellchecker can blithely sail over typographical faux pas such as this (or possibly worse) without so much as a beep.

Today, the world is becoming increasingly more dependent on the written word. Texts of every length and topic and produced in the shortest amount of time possible are being sped along the Information Highway as email attachments, FTP files, and as pages posted to a website. Often, you are merely an intermediary; you receive a document, possibly to massage it to suit some end-purpose, and then send on to the next stop. Maybe you don’t even stop to read it; maybe you just attach your name to it and send it to its final destination. When you do so, you’ve made the presumption (or worse, the assumption) that when the document was originated, someone made sure it was right.

Proofreading, a word that may connote a skill whose time is past, is still a vital part of the preparation of text that is meant for broad dissemination, whether in hard copy or electronic form. A proofreader checks for word misspellings and incorrect word form usages. A copyeditor, on the other hand, reads not only for content, but also for context and provides corrections as needed. Combining these two skills creates a “Quality Assurance Editor” who can do all those things in one combined process. Performing quality assurance editing (QA) for a document means that unusual terms and terminologies have been reviewed for accuracy (spelling, usage, and topic relevancy) and that there is overall consistency within a single document or across several related documents. This process provides the end-user with a document that is as error-free as the combined talents of the human brain and the computer chip can achieve.

Proofreading, copyediting, or QA…don’t let the document go without it! If you produce or utilize documents of any type for your personal end-use or for that of your clients or customers, then those documents need to be reviewed by someone whose sole purpose is to read that document for accuracy, grammar, word usage, and otherwise. For documents that come to you from an outside source, you should ask about the level of proofreading or QA that was provided. For documents that you produce in-house, QA can be provided by knowledgeable staff or by an outsourced service. Either way, don’t send that document along its way on the Information Highway until someone has made sure it is right!

Three Questions to Ask to That Ensure Quality Controls Are In Place

1. Do you regularly do Quality Assurance reviews (proofreading and/or copyediting) of texts before you finalize them?

2. Is the QA Editor/Proofreader someone other than the author of the text or transcript and is that person knowledgeable about the topic of the text?

3. Does the QA Editor/Proofreader have access to the original manuscript and/or audio, as well as any resources necessary, to verify text-specific terms and terminologies?

The services of a reliable QA Editor/Proofreader/Copyeditor is a value-added investment. All it takes is one error to slip through in a document to create a cascade-failure-type debacle. Next time you think you've produced an error-free document that is going to be used for an important business project or as a presentation to a client, and that document hasn't been subjected to QA proofreading...think again.

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance copyeditor and proofreader and provides QA editing/proofreading for a variety of clients. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information. Written in conjunction with Domenichelli Business Services---Transcription with the Power of E. Nancy Domenichelli: http://www.ModernDayScribe.com. For more articles by Jan K., The Proofer, visit http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com Article © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

jkproof@bellsouth.net
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Saturday, September 6, 2008

Harnessing The Wisdom of Procrastination

Harnessing The Wisdom of Procrastination
by: Jill Nagle


The Heart of The Delay: Harnessing the Wisdom of Procrastination, AKA Writer’s Block

I am sure that at in some era, at some desk, with some kind of paper (and perhaps some very special ink), some writer has breezed through a lengthy and challenging project from beginning to end with no delays. No one in her household has suffered, she’s felt pleased at each step of the process, and her shoulders have never cried out for massage. I’m sure of this.

I am equally certain that for most people, writing projects have at least some period of delay. Sometimes, it takes the form of distraction, and a bit of discipline works just fine to bring us back. Other times, our life’s work or inspiration of the moment sits there, waiting for us to get back to it, and every incomplete we’ve ever taken in school, every shaming message we’ve ever heard, or self-doubt we’ve ever felt encrusts the project like so many barnacles.

Worse still, “procrastination” and “writer’s block” pop up in writer’s tracts like names of diseases that need “cures,” the right sledgehammer, or perhaps simply to be ignored. While some writers may find it helpful to have a name for what gets in the way of what they’re trying to achieve, “writer’s block” or “procrastination” can falsely universalize very different phenomena. My obstacles, yours, and hers may be different animals, different species or even perhaps silicon-based non-organic entities. Framing them as negative blocks the opportunity to learn something about ourselves or our writing.

For example, my reluctance to finish my novel may reflect a correct hunch about a major flaw in the story structure I’m loathe to face, while yours may stem from guilt about being the first in your family to succeed at an intellectual task. Each of us has an opportunity to notice and deal directly with the heart of the delay, rather than its limbs which trip us. Dealing with the heart of the delay could lead us down a more effective and sustainable path than the one we’d forge by simply steamrolling over the delay, or walking around it. I might need to bring in a book doctor to raise the quality of my work, while you might need to have a heart-to-heart with a family member, neutral third party, or both about what it means for you to succeed as a writer.

I humbly suggest the following: When next you find your mind meandering anywhere but to your work, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, give a listen to what’s guiding you astray. The answer may surprise you—and give you some clues about how to proceed with your project on the clearest path possible. Here are some questions to help you determine what’s tripping you up, as well as some responses to each.

1) Do you have in mind an ideal way of doing things, and then get paralyzed when you start to do things in your own natural quirky way?

Here’s permission, then. Write out of order.

If ideas for the middle or end of your book come before the beginning, go with it. You can always move things later.

Multitask—use one project to procrastinate from doing another.

If you’ve done your emotional homework and find that you still procrastinate (and many great writers do), have other projects in the pipeline so that when you find yourself drifting from the one big project, you’ve got others to work on to fill your time until you can get back to that one. If you’re stopped in your tracks because you think you have to work in a certain way, get back to the drawing board! Work on the pieces that compel you when you feel like working on them.

2) Is it possible that you lose the big picture of what you’re doing in the daily details?

Connect your deepest desires and visions to each moment of your work.

Distill your longings into a sentence or paragraph such as “I am a published writer who gets great reviews and makes my entire living through my writing,” and post this in a visible place. Say it out loud to your mirror each time you begin your work. It might seem hokey, but many writers find that it actually helps to keep the big picture in mind.

3) Do you have a realistic image of the quality of your work?

Find out what if any kind of help you need, then get it.

A society of journalists was asked how many writers were in the room. Nearly all the hands went up. Then the speaker asked how many of the writers considered themselves “good writers.” Nearly half the hands went down.

While even the best writers doubt their skill, others suffer from overconfidence. Well, maybe overconfident writers don’t experience suffering themselves, but their careers (and perhaps their peers) can suffer for their lack of help getting their writing to a publishable place. If you find yourself putting off work because you don’t know if it’s any good, find out. Get a professional in the field with obvious credentials to help you make that determination, or do it yourself.

If you find out your work stands up content-wise, you may still need an outside eye to tell you whether your writing is okay on its own, or you need professional assistance to make it publishable. An editor experienced in your type of manuscript will be able to help you polish your prose to a high sheen.

Another option is ghostwriting, or hiring a professional writer to pen some or all of your manuscript. Many of the most famous authors hire ghostwriters to help them get their message across. Sometimes they’re credited on the cover with an “and” or “with,” but often they’re silent partners, hence the term “ghost.”

Having marketable ideas is one thing—finding the language to best articulate them is another entirely. Don’t kill yourself trying to develop a skill that takes years to hone when you’ve got other more compelling plans, and when there are plenty of people already prepped for that task. We live in a specialized society expressly for not having to kill ourselves trying to deliver garbage, make contact lenses, paint all the artwork on our walls, and yes, craft and polish all our own prose.

4) Who is in your immediate environment?

Take a look, give a listen. Is what you observe conducive to writing?

On one end of the solitude-contact continuum is the person who works best alone. On the other end is someone who needs a partner to check in and collaborate with at each stage of the process. What are your needs around other people’s involvement in your work? For the solitary type, the solution could be finding a “room of one’s own,” or at least a borrowed space with peace and quiet enough to think and write.

At the other end it could be finding a buddy, coach or collaborator to check in with regularly. In the middle, where lots of people find themselves, are authors who attend local writers groups or participate in online communities. Take the time to notice and get to know your own needs, and to create the space and/or support you need to move forward.

5) Is some healing in order?

At the deepest level of your awareness, what do you feel and believe about yourself and your writing?

On another plane entirely from practical concerns are wounds of the soul that need healing. It’s difficult to allow our excellence to shine when we truly believe we’re not worthy, or that to succeed would betray some unspoken agreement about staying small.

If everything within you wants to move forward into the world with your writing, and something inside you is holding you back, realize that only you can make the decision to find the therapist, spiritual counselor, coach or practice to move you through that place. Procrastination could be a signal to finally heal an old wound.

6) Is this project the best expression of what you love and want to put out into the world right now?

Ascertain or revisit what made you put your energy behind this project.

Whether it’s money, prestige, self-expression, career advancement or something else, ask yourself if your original reasons are congruent with your current needs. If not, give yourself permission to do something else.

7) Are you afraid of the impact you’ll make on the world, whether positive or negative?

You should be—if you’ve never been published before, you’re about to lose your anonymity.

Consider using a pen name, at least for the time you’re writing. You can always change it back later. I did this for the very first essay I ever published, because at the time, I felt shy about writing about sex, and also wanted to protect those whom I discussed in the essay.

guerilla tip: Most writers will not become all that famous, and the feedback most of us receive is damned scant. So—consider using your real name before going to press. If you go on to build your career around related material, you’ll be grateful you did.

8) Do You Need to Reassess your Pace?

Maybe the goals you’ve set aren’t realistic for you.

Procrastination can be an utterly human attempt to create a sustainable work pace. If you expect eight hours of writing a day from yourself six days a week, no wonder your body’s rebelling. If your goals more clearly meet your known capabilities, and you’re still having difficulty meeting them, ask yourself honestly whether your timetable makes sense for you today.

Your life may have changed since you last set the pace of your writing treadmill. If so, change your expectations to ones you’re more likely to achieve—then reward yourself when you do. If you still have trouble, consider structural supports, like a writing buddy, group, or some form of coaching.

9) Do you think your first drafts have to be perfect?

Come on. You’re slinging mud on a wall. Or, if you prefer, as one of my clients put it, “I just put one word in front of the other.”

You’re going to go through so many revisions from the time you put those first few words down to the time you’re polished, that you might as well bulk up the page now. There will be plenty of time for trimming later.

10) Do you hate the idea of rewriting yet one more time?

Of course you do. People in other fields get to be finished with their tasks when they stop working, and enjoy the fruits of their labors. But nooooo, not writers! There’s always another draft in the wings.

Face it—endless rewriting sucks. You know and I know it needs doing, but isn’t there a better way? The bad news is, the only way around is through. The good news is, you can reward yourself for each phase, and I encourage you to do so.

11) When was the last time you saw the sky?

Get outside, for crying out loud. Humans were never meant to spend all day immersed in words.

Some days, your procrastination may be telling you to Get A Life. If so, listen. Enjoy yourself. However talented you are and however important your work, you aren’t your writing. At least not entirely. Breaking up your day with physical activities, or anything very different from writing will give you a fresh perspective on your text. Plus, when this project is all over, you’ll want to have had a bit of sunshine from time to time, maybe a friendship or two.

Remember, not all bouts of delay are alike. Yours might carry a message. Take the time to listen, heed and respond to that message. Your writing—and your life—will be better for it.

About The Author

You are welcome to reprint this article any time, anywhere with no further permission, and no payment, provided the following is included at the end or beginning:

Author Jill Nagle is founder and principal of GetPublished, http://www.GetPublished.com, which provides coaching, consulting, ghostwriting, classes and do-it-yourself products to emerging and published authors. Her most recent book is How to Find An Agent Who Can Sell Your Book for Top Dollar http://www.FindTheRightAgent.com.

Jill@getpublished.com
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Friday, September 5, 2008

For Beginners: 10 Ways To Prepare To Get Published

For Beginners: 10 Ways To Prepare To Get Published
by: Jill Nagle


(Skip directly to ten for the fastest shortcut!)

Like any field, excellent writing requires study, practice and mentorship. Very few successful authors ever published their first draft of their first work. Nearly all had to expend considerable effort to improve their craft. Here are some ways to prepare for that moment of publication. These tips also help keep you on your toes after publication for better and better writing results as your career develops.

1) Read, read, read in your field. You can never read too much when you’re trying to excel as a writer. Reading in your field helps you develop a discerning eye. You need this discerning eye for when you step back and look at your own work.

2) Cultivate role models. Know who the top-selling authors are in your field. Find out more about them. How did they get to where they are? Do searches in the Internet (available in most libraries-ask your librarian how to use a search engine) for information about particular authors whose careers you admire. Let your role models inspire rather than daunt you. There is no competition, only inspiration, potential teachers and opportunities for cooperation. That author you envy this year may be writing a blurb for your first novel next year.

3) Research your markets. If you want to publish in periodicals, whether literary fiction, journalistic writing, or anything else, realize publication standards serve a purpose other than to frustrate new authors.

4) Take classes. Many cities offer writing classes through community colleges or local writing groups. Online writing classes are popping up everywhere. If possible, choose a writing teacher who has published in a field you’d like to enter. Even better, find someone you already consider a mentor. Not every published author has what it takes to offer beginning writers what they need, but many do.

5) Join or start a writer’s group in your area. We teach best what we most need to learn. There is no better way to improve your own writing than to help others with theirs.

6) Find a writing buddy with whom to check in on a regular basis. The two of you can be each others’ inspiration, accountability market, guidepost and reality check. Having structure and someone to check in with may help you look forward to your otherwise lonely writing sessions.

7) Play with changing voices. Copy other writers you admire. How does that feel? Pretend you suddenly got an injection of creativity serum or I.Q. booster, then write like mad for ten minutes. What happens to the quality of your words? Is this a possible new direction for you? As creative and intelligent beings, we have so much more within us than we could ever dream.

8) Accept the reality of rewriting. Unlike other professions who get to rest on their milestones, for writers, a completed manuscript often represents a beginning. The best writing comes after lots of rewriting, even for seasoned authors. You needn’t throw any of it away, but not every sentence belongs in every work. Save the scraps, but don’t get attached to where they go, or the integrity of your project will suffer.

9) Get clear on what you want out of getting published. Many writers move forward without knowing where they want to wind up. As a teacher once told me, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” The answer to what you want out of getting published will help you determine the best route to take. And in publishing, those routes are many and varied. You can use our Twenty Questions as a self-help guide.

10) If what you want is to get published in the least amount of time, considering hiring a ghostwriter. An extremely common but rarely discussed practice, many successful authors talk to ghostwriters, who put their skills to work on an author’s behalf. Although some such ghostwriters get a cover credit, many do not, hence the “ghost” terminology. If you have more money than time or inclination to toil, ghostwriting may be the option for you. To learn more about ghostwriting, send an email to information@getpublished.com.

About The Author

You are welcome to reprint this article any time, anywhere with no further permission, and no payment, provided the following is included at the end or beginning:

Author Jill Nagle is founder and principal of GetPublished, http://www.GetPublished.com, which provides coaching, consulting, ghostwriting, classes and do-it-yourself products to emerging and published authors. Her most recent book is How to Find An Agent Who Can Sell Your Book for Top Dollar http://www.FindTheRightAgent.com.

Jill@getpublished.com >>Read more...