A Novel Approach

Open Mic???

2010-02-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of mrgilles

I know this post is probably going to draw some backlash, but that's never stopped me in the past, so.... have at it.

I have a dirty little secret. It keeps me awake at night, and I hate myself for it. I've tried to change, to be more open, but I just can't do it.

I hate open mic events.

You know what they are, right? Usually a coffee house setting, where people sit around and drink java or cappuccino or hoity toity tea and listen as amateur poets, writers or singers stand on stage or sit on a stool and perform. Reminds me a bit of Maynard G. Krebs in Dobie Gillis. Okay, you may be too young to get the reference, but it worked for me.

The thought of sitting in an audience listening to an amateur read his or her work sends shivers up my spine. I'd rather have a root canal. And I've had a root canal, so I know of what I speak.

I believe open mic nights are the literary equivalent of Karaoke, only without the alcohol. I kind of even understand Karaoke. Enough rum and Coke and I might even be persuaded to get out and belt out my version of I've Got You Babe. On second thought, I don't think there is enought rum in the whole world to make me to that.

There are generally a couple of types of people who read at those sorts of functions. The ones whose work is boooooring and they just like to hear themselves talk. So we, the audience, sit and twiddle our thumbs and pray for a power outage.

Then you get the ones whose work is really good, but they can't read worth a damn. Why ruin a good story by reading it aloud. Just pass me the paper and let me read it. That's how I absorb best anyway. If you are an open miker, I'm sorry, but it's just my opinion

Blame it on my childhood if you like, maybe my mother read to me too much or didn't read enough. Or school, blame it on my teachers and professors for subjecting me to hours of lecture. Or just blame it on me. I hate to be read to.

I love words. I love paper and I especially love words on paper.

So what do you think of ~~Karaoke~~ Open Mic events?

Book Signing

2010-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

Photo by Carrie Schechter Studios

Laura Bradford will be at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri on Saturday, March 6th signing her books SEW DEADLY (Elizabeth Lynn Casey) and KAYLA'S DADDY (Laura Bradford). The event time is 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Laura spoke at Saturday Writers a few years back and did a great job talking about book promotion. I was impressed with Laura's 'go-get-em' attitude, and it looks like it's really paying off for her.

If you haven't read one of Laura's books, it's your loss, but it's not too late. Please show your support for this fantastic author and stop by Main Street Books for one or both of her books.

Warren Adler Short Story Writing Contest

2010-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

TRIVIA FOR THE DAY: Did you know the first Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887? Neither did I.

NOW FOR THE CONTEST:

Did you also know it's time for the Fifth Annual Warren Adler Short Story Writing Contest. First prize is $1000. Entry fee is $15.

Check out this link for details. There are also links to previous winning entries, so you can scope out the competition.

Check out this link for Warren Adler's bio.

Social Networking Class for Writers

2010-01-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Margo L. Dill
logos courtesy of WOW!

My friend Margo L. Dill is teaching a 4-week course on social networking for authors. Learn how Twitter, Facebook and other techno stuff can help you expand your social network. Margo will show you how to spend a few minutes a day using these tools and others to get great results.

Margo is an excellent teacher, writer, conference planner and all around great person. She is also the social media manager for WOW! Women on Writing.

SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND MORE! by Margo L. Dill

START DATE: Monday, February 22, 2010

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will teach writers how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites such as Shelfari or Jacket Flap (students’ choice) to network; to build a following of fans; to start working on a brand/image; and to promote books, articles, magazines, and blogs. Instead of using Facebook and Twitter to write about your fabulous dinner or disastrous day at the grocery store, you will learn to sell yourself and your writing!

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Week One: Facebook: We will discuss how to use Facebook to promote yourself and your writing. We will talk about posting links to your work, using status updates to promote writing, joining Facebook groups for writers, and even starting a Fan page for yourself or your work.

Assignment: Create a Facebook profile if you haven’t yet, complete your Facebook profile, make it scream writer!, join at least one writing group and become active!, and start promoting your writing with your Facebook page.

Week Two: Twitter: My favorite marketing tool ever is Twitter. Twitter can be used in so many ways as a writer—to promote your work, to follow writers and editors who provide useful information, to find other writers for support, and to discuss writing. You will learn how to do all of this and more on Twitter. You will be introduced to two Twitter tools—Tweetdeck and Hootsuite, and you will register yourself with Twellow.

Assignment: Create a Twitter profile if you haven’t yet. Make your Twitter profile scream writer! Start tweeting. Participate in a writers’ chat. Register with Twellow. Try out Tweetdeck or Hootsuite.

Week Three: LinkedIn: This week, we will talk about how to use LinkedIn as a writer. LinkedIn seems harder for people to figure out and use to market yourself, but there are ways through your status updates, by checking out your contacts’ contacts, by recommending others and having them recommend you, and by participating in LinkedIn groups.

Assignments: Create a LinkedIn profile and/or complete yours. Make it scream writer! Join a few LinkedIn groups. Find more contacts. Check out your contacts’ contacts and link to them.

Week Four: More Social Networking and Evaluation: The content in this week’s class will depend on the participants in the class. The instructor will do a survey to find out what people are most interested in learning about and trying out with guidance: Shelfari? JacketFlap? Digg? Students will also fill out a class evaluation.

Assignments: Try out one or two of the social networks that classmates are most interested in. Fill out the class evaluation.

COST: $100, which will include four weeks of instruction on how to use social networking as an author and one critique for each student of a social networking profile page—student’s choice.

To sign up: http://wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#MargoDill_SocialNetworking (scroll to the bottom of the class listing)

It's Time to Think About Goals...

2009-12-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Tim Zim

Goal is a dirty word, I know. When I worked, my stomach would tighten, my eyes narrow and my heart palpitate when my boss said that four-letter word. Goal. Hrrrmmmp. Goal. Then he/or she would proceed to give me a laundry list of items I was to accomplish in the coming year. AND almost all the items I had absolutely no control over. NONE.

So you can see why goals make me cringe. I'm the kind of person who takes full responsibility for things over which I have control. Not a problem. If it's in my sphere of influence, I'll take charge and do it to the best of my ability. But don't expect me to solve the national debt, end the war in Afghanistan or balance my checkbook. Okay, the checkbook I do have control over, but I'm lousy at math.

But my dear writer friends, we do have control over our writing. I'm much better at achieving my personal goals if I write them down and keep them close. So here's the list I have taped next to my computer. I encourage you to do the same (make your own list, that is.)

1. Finish the damn synopsis (Yes, I have started referring to it as The Damn Synopsis)
2. Final edit the book
3. Attend 1 workshop to work on skills
4. Attend 2 conferences when I can pitch the novel
5. Begin second draft of second novel
6. Participate in NaNoWriMo for 4th year
7. Assemble the list of potential agents and begin the query process
8. Submit one - two essays per month.
9. Organize my office
10. Remain positive even in the face of rejection.

Okay, so there you have my goals.

What are your writing goals for 2010?

It's Time to Start Thinking About Conferences

2009-12-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of paul

I know, I know. Christmas isn't even here yet, but it's not that far away. And with the new year right around the corner it got me to thinking about writing conferences. I attended two last year OWFI and MWG. Both are in the planning stages for 2010. Each was good and had lots to offer in the way of speakers, motivation and opportunities.

OWFI is a class act and hard to beat. The quality just keeps getting better. MWG was smaller than normal last year, but I still got my money's worth.

Last year was my 2nd year for OWFI and my 4th or 5th year for MWG. For me, attending conferences is all about two things, networking and pitching my novel. So this year I've decided to branch out and try another conference or two.

Any suggestions? I'm curious about Jackson Hole Writer's Conference, Mad Anthony, Northern Colorado Writers Workshop, Society of Southwestern Writers, South Carolina Writers Workshop Conference.

But I'm open to suggestions. Any of you have any tried and true conferences or workshops that you attend?

Tell me...

Ta Da - NaNoWriMo

2009-11-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of minegro

Is it the end or is it the beginning? I typed my 50,000th word on November 20th just hours before departing for Minneapolis. This is the quickest I've every completed a NaNoWriMo. However, I couldn't validate the results until today. So that said, I WON. Woo hoo, what a great feeling to have a third novel waiting in the wings.

That brings up the ...is it the end or is it the beginning. Even though I have the 50,000 words, the novel is far from over. Now I begin the laborious project of adding, cutting, editing and in general getting the masterpiece into well... masterpiece form. After 20 days of writing with my internal editor locked in a drawer, the resulting novel needs more work.

So, why try and write 50,000 words in the span of a month (or 20 days for me) if it is going to need to be edited and massaged into shape? Because, if I hadn't challenged myself to going all out, I would still be at the starting line thinking about writing the novel.

Where do I go from here? Good question. This novel (working title Dirty Deception) goes into mothballs for a year. Yep, I let her stew for about 12 months. She lingers around on my hard drive while I pull out the novel I wrote for NaNo last year and start the editing process. Dirty Deal (working title from last year) has been laying around relaxing and now it's time to drag her out and see what needs to be done.

Why do I let them lay around for a year? Absence makes the heart grow fonder they say. And with my NaNo projects nothing could be truer. If I were to start the editing process immediately I would probably just delete the sucker from my hard drive because after working on it non-stop for twenty days (for hours and hours each day) I am sick of it. So to prevent me from having a meltdown and to preserve my prose, it gets to rest for a year.

Now for a well-deserved Thanksgiving dinner for one and all. Remember to give thanks to all that is important to you and yours.

Day 14 NaNoWriMo

2009-11-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of duncan

I'm reveling in my aheadedness (is that a word, I don't think so,) but I'm ahead of the curve and my writing buddies. Take that maryji and k9friend1 (I mean that in all sweetness. I'm not trying to be ugly, I swear.)

I pulled ahead of maryji yesterday, but she has a good excuse -- company and football. so I'm sure the minute her company leaves, she will kick my butt.

k9friend1-- don't know about her. I'll send her a little email and see what's up. Though, I imagine the minute she gets back to writing, she too, will kick my butt. That woman can write some words.

I've got company coming tomorrow, so I'm trying to get some extra words in today.

The weather here is excellent for November. Windows wide open today and no coats. Makes it hard to stay inside and write. Though it looks like rain all next week, so that will help the word count.

I have 1450 for today so far, with another three or four hours to write yet. I'm hoping to pull off 3000 - 4000 today.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Day 11, 12, 13 NaNoWriMo

2009-11-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of sneeu

The last three days have gone by in a fog.

Day 11 - I spent with my friend Barb, who I am so thankful chooses to spend her Wednesdays with me. It's like having a free therapist and getting to each lunch all at once. Let's hear it for good friends who listen even when you rant and rave... :) Word count for Wednesday was 2002.

Day 12 - Critique day. Yep, after the gym and critique, I managed to squeeze out only 1586. But I noticed the word count widget is working. Yeah, NaNoWriMo gadget gurus. Thanks. don't ask me what the colors mean. I tried to figure it out thinking it was days I hit a target were one color and days I didn't were another color. And what's the thirds color. Anyway, that's not it. So if anyone can enlighten me, please do so. It's driving me crazy.

Day 13 - I am struggling mightily. I'm ready to kill off my main character and throw her love interest off a bridge. Sometime this week I totally abandoned my linear process and jumped write into writing out of sequence big time. I swore I wouldn't do that this year, but I did. I'll have to work on the linking scenes when my brain isn't so muddled. Word count today is 3003.

Day 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 NaNoWriMo

2009-11-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, busy, busy.I noticed my little counter thing is still not working, so tomorrow if I get some time, I'll see if I can download another one.

Day 5 - Today was my critique group. No I didn't dare take in what I've been working on for NaNo. I do have some pride. I managed to crank out about 1500 words today.

Day 6 - Headed to the lake for a little peace and quiet. It's always easier writing in an atmosphere conducive to reflection. It doesn't hurt that it's in the middle of nowhere and there are no kids running up and down the roads on 4-wheelers. The only sounds are the rustling of the wind through the leaves. Oh wait, the leaves were all on the ground. The sound I heard was actually acorns falling on the metal roof --ALL NIGHT LONG. Due to travel, eating out with friends and the fact that my eyes were sagging by 8 p.m., I only managed a little over 100 words today.

Day 7 - Got an early start today. Had almost 1000 words before 8 a.m. Hubby went to coffee with the old codgers, so I hopped up and went to work. The afternoon lagged a little because my neighbor invited me to lunch. But I picked it up again in the late afternoon while hubby was raking leaves. YEAH for NaNo, it gets me out of raking leave. I did feel a tad guilty, but not for long. Grand total today 2300.

Day 8 - Neighbors went out of town, so we had no interruptions until hubby climbed in the attic and began tearing up the floorboard. His hammering and prying nearly drove me insane, so I read. Seriously, he should have been out raking leaves. When he realized I'd quit working on the novel, he went out to the barn to work. YEAH! I managed 4009 words today.

Day 9 - Neighbors still out of town. I fixed and awesome breakfast then gave hubby the rake and told him to get to work. I moved out onto the porch with my laptop and cranked out 4025 words. Hubby rewarded me with a bonfire and s'mores that evening. He must like me.

Day 10 - Travel day and bunko night, plus had a pukey puppy at home. Between all that and a visit to Crane's Country Store, where I swear I have never seen so many Carhartt items, I managed to get in 1615 words.

My grand total for 10 days is 23,765.

I did stall a couple of times and resorted to writing a few scenes out of sequence. I highly recommend this in the event your plot is stalling. If you know there are scenes you need, go ahead and write them, you can always go back and write the linking scenes when time permits. I managed 5 of these scenes this weekend, and it helped me to examine my plot and get a better understanding of where I was going with it.

Day 4 NaNoWriMo

2009-11-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Hilarywho

Yes, Virginia there really was a Day 3. However, I barely made my word count. Needless to say I did not blog.

Day 3 was torture. My character is boring! It's hard to be funny in the face of murder, but she needs to lighten up.

Yesterday I worked for every word I put on the page. I struggled, but true to NaNo, I did not edit. Me thinks that is why I struggled. I know my character too well. As I would type a sentence, my internal editor screamed from inside the desk drawer, "she would not do that. Make her stop. She is not that stupid. Give her a funny line. Make the cop kiss her, you doofus."

I threw chocolate in the drawer, she shut up and I continued to type. I made it through Day 3.

Day 4, a tad better. I got to the point in the story where my character's personality is starting to shine through. (The only sounds that came from my desk drawer were moans of pleasure. I'm hoping it was the chocolate or it could have been the Chippendale calendar I threw in there. Whatever! At least she isn't screaming at me.)

My word count...are you ready (drumroll sounds) 10,140. k9friend1 and maryji are still beating me. But as my professor daughter pointed out, "They are probably writing crap. It's much easier to make your word count when you throw down a bunch of crap." Did I say how much I love my professor daughter. Little does she know how much crap dear old mom is writing.

Ah, but that is what NaNo is all about.......writing. Letting the words flow onto the computer screen. Foregoing contractions. Adding every adverb and adjective in the dictionary and never, ever hyphenating a word. I can clean all that up in December :)

I promised a little widget on the side so you could keep up with my word count. . . it's broken. Rest assured the brain trust at NaNoWriMo is working on it. So when you see it, you'll know it's fixed.

Oh, I need to give a shout out to my friend Barb, for taking me away from the computer today and listening to me carry on and complain. That's what friends are for!

So, how's your day going?

Day 2 NaNoWriMo

2009-11-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Rootytootoot

TODAY IS: PLAN YOUR EPITAPH DAY (No I did not make this up.) What do you want on your tombstone?

Took a shower this morning. I'm not one of the NanoWriMoers who can go without the basic necessities like clean clothes, brushed teeth and clean hair. I'll give up word count for personal hygiene any day.

Apparently, I'll give up word count for a good shopping spree, too. My daughter's been gone a week, and today was her first day home. She asked me to go shopping today for goodies for her new house. Could I say no? No. So a shopping we did go. But I did use the time wisely. While we were driving to our destination, eating our lunch and agonizing over which curtains would look nice in her living room, I plotted.

I'm sure the lady who overhead our conversation at lunch was ready to whip out her cell phone and call 911. It went something like this.

Me: If I murdered someone at school, say in the maintenance shed out back, would the cops shut the school down?

Daughter: Depends. Is school in session?

Me: No, the principal canceled classes due to the flood.

Daughter: Did you leave any clues in the actual school building?

Me: No, the murder weapon is in the maintenance shed right next to the body. Easy to find, right out in the open.

Daughter: You should be good to go. They might close it down for 24 hours or so while they investigate, but you should be back in after 24 - 35 hours.

Me: Great, cause I still need to clean up after the flood.

Now to put that all into perspective. It's been raining here for about 40 days and 40 nights with all kinds of flash flood warnings.

Anyway, that's pretty much how my day went--mulling murder and mayhem while shopping for curtains, rugs and utensil containers. What can I say? Just an ordinary day in the life of a writer. Create a scene and buy some pots and pans.

So... I didn't get back to the computer until after six, and I've been slaving away over the keyboard ever since. Except for the side trip to the kitchen for a bowl of pretzels. Oh, and after I started eating the pretzels, cough, cough, cough. I needed a Diet Coke to wash it down.

Next year I am seriously considering buying one of those little refrigerators for next to my desk. I figure if I don't have to go downstairs for caffeine, I can add about 100 words to my word count. And diapers, if I drink all that caffeine...well you know what happens. It's not that the bathroom is that far away, but the time it takes could be more wisely spent adding word count.

Now for the word count you ask? How many did I get? Well, you all aren't cheering me on, so I only managed 2018 today--482 short of my goal. If I'd had that fridge and the diapers, I could have easily made it.

Keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow. NO SHOPPING, NO CAFFEINE, NO POTTY STOPS.

Oh and my writing buddies... K9friend1 topped 8300 today. I think she is so wearing a diaper. Maryji is at 4699. Not sure what's happened to Maryji today. She hasn't checked in that I know of. She's probably out buying diapers, so she can push the word count tomorrow.

Till then, keep rooting for me.

P.S. I don't know what's wrong with the little word count widget I added. I'll keep working on it. I need something to procrastinate on anyway.

Day 1 - NaNoWriMo

2009-11-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of Duncan

Woohoo! I stayed up until midnight last night. Being the rule-abider that I am, I started my novel at 1 minute after zero hour. I didn't last long, and was in bed by 12:45. But I had a start.

After a leisurely breakfast, I read the newspaper and scoured the ads for sales. Nothing of interest, so I climbed the stairs and pounded out 2500 words finishing just before supper. Kind of slow for me, but I took several breaks and checked in with my writing buddies K9friend and Maryji. I am not happy to report that both ladies have exceeded my goal and are making me look bad. Though I am glad they are doing so well. I just hate that they're making me look like a slacker. But I did manage to meet the daily goal I had established and the night is still young. I'm hoping to end the day with about 3500 words. I'll be happy at that pace.

I have kept my promise to stay off Facebook. I might use that as a weekly reward, but only if I meet my weekly goal. It's just to tempting to click on it and check on everything. Oh, Facebook, I miss you.

Keep your fingers crossed. I need all the luck I can muster.

Off to the bat cave!

Tips and Tricks for a Successful NaNoWriMo

2009-10-26T19:48:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of NaNoWriMo

Can you believe it is a little over 24 hours before NaNoWriMo starts. I am stoked this year. I have two wins under my belt and ready for another.

It's only 30 days, but it can be a frustrating 30 days as I have found. First of all November is a short month, and it has Thanksgiving and Black Friday--two days where I am totally worthless when it comes to writing.

Here are my tips and tricks for completing NaNoWriMo.

1. Start with an outline, idea or basic premise. Don't wait until zero hour on November 1st to start thinking about what you want to write. The only given with NaNo is that you cannot start writing the novel until November 1st, but you can outline and do character sketches to your heart's content.

2. Have a beginning, middle and end in mind. You may not make it to the end before you use up your 50,000 words, but at least know what the end is. How can you get there if you don't know where you're going?

3. Turn off your internal editor. This really goes without saying, but I'll say it again. Shove your internal editor in the drawer along with copious amounts of chocolate. Let yourself write crap. You can clean it up later when you aren't on deadline. So you miss a comma or split an infinitive. Who cares? Get the story down and worry about cleaning it up later. Focus on the big picture, not the little details.

4. Draw up a schedule. You have to write roughly 1666 words a day in order to reach 50,000 by November 30th. If you know you're going to be cooking the turkey on Thanksgiving and have 50 belligerent relatives coming over, chances are you aren't going to be writing 1666 words that day, so spread them out across other days. Plan for it and then spend turkey day with your family. I have an Excel spreadsheet. I know I'm obsessive-compulsive, get over it. I set a daily goal for the entire month and then track it each day. If I lag behind, then I smack myself around and catch up.

5. Front load your schedule. You're going to be fresher in the early days in NaNo than you are coming down the home stretch. If you can write 1800 or 200o words a day the first couple of days or the first week, you'll be ahead when you start to feel like your dragging. Or if you are employed (some of us aren't) then plan to write extra words on your days off. I always plan to take Thanksgiving and Black Friday off, so I divide those 3332 words up and write them in the beginning of the month.

6. Do not allow yourself to get behind. Some days it's hard enough to come up with 1666 words, but if you get behind, especially in the waning days of NaNoWriMo, it is almost impossible to keep up your momentum. That's where the schedule comes in handy.

7. Get a Writing Buddy. It helps to have someone encourage you through the event. Misery loves company, right? So get a writing buddy and track your progress with each other. Don't get bogged down in emails and drivel, just check in periodically and give each other a kind word of encouragement.

8. Log on to NaNoWriMo. Speaking of support, NaNoWriMo provides it. Whatever you want. They have forums of every sort, cool widgets to take your progress, buddy lists, encouraging pep talks, word count tracker, Municipal Liaisons who organize and support local write-ins. You name it they got it. So go check it out. And while you're there, consider making a donation to help keep the site up and running. (Thanks NaNoWriMo for all you do.)

9. Use a timer. Raid the kitchen junk drawer, and get out that timer you never use. Or download a timer from Harmony Hollow Software. Set the time for one hour and write non-stop. If you need to take a pit-stop or caffeine break, stop the timer, do you business, then come right back and start the timer. No fair sitting in the bathroom until the timer goes off. Once you finish your hour, set the timer for 10 minutes and take a break. Get up and leave your writing space. Grab a coke, stretch your legs, deep breath, put the laundry in the dryer--whatever. When your ten minutes is up, set the timer for another hour and continue. Repeat with 10 minutes breaks until you've written your daily goal.

10. Don't give up the fun stuff. Are you addicted to email, Facebook, Farmtown, or any one of a number of online distractions. Use them as rewards. When your hour timer goes off and you get your 10 minute break, use it to check your email or play a quick game. But when your break is over, go back to work. NO EXCEPTIONS!

11. Reward yourself. Once you've written your daily goal, do something fun. Kick back and relax, take a bath (you know you need one), go for a walk, call a friend, eat a healthy snack.

12. Backup your work frequently. You do not want to lose even one single word you've written during NaNoWriMo, so back your work up onto a flashdrive, an external drive or whatever means you have to backup your documents. Don't just back it up on the PC or laptop you're using. Make sure to have an external source. During NaNoWriMo, I back up my to 2 flash drives and if I leave the house, I take one of them with me. Paranoid, I know. but it saves having to re-create a file that you've slaved over.

13. Select writing music. I have several mixes I use to write with, depending on my mood and the type of scene I am writing. If you haven't tried writing with music, give it a try. If it's distracting you can always ditch it, or change up the tunes.

14. Don't be afraid to lock the door and turn off the phone. Most non-writers do not understand the the need we writers have to dive into such a project. Heck, some writers don't even understand it. Send an email prior to NaNoWriMo and tell your friends you love them, but you want them to leave you the hell alone until December 1. I would say do this to your immediately family, but you live with them and may have to depend on them to slide your meals under the door or toss in clean underwear periodically.

15. Emerge periodically from your office. You need sunshine so you don't get rickets or scurvy or whatever that horrible disease was that sailors use to get from lack of sunshine. At the very least eat an orange now and then.

16. Finally, and foremost, remember why you are doing this. Can't help you here. I have my own reasons and they probably differ from yours, so insert yours here________________________________________________________.

Go forth and have fun. See you at the finish line.

Tricia

P.S. Come back here often and cheer me on. I'll have a little counter shortly so you can see my progress.

Hello World

2009-10-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of viewmaker

Ready or not. I am back. It's been a few months since I've updated the blog. What can I say? Life has a way of getting in the way. Actually it was my novel. I'm on the downhill slide of editing. It's going out to a couple more readers (thanks Kim and Ashley) then that puppy is going to be making its rounds to various agents and editors. So if you have any suggestions, send them my way. It's women's fiction with a cozy bent. But not too cozy.

I'm ready to take on Novel #2 which was written during NaNoWriMo last year. It's the sequel to the one I just finished editing, and I am looking forward to digging into it and getting back in touch with the new characters I added. It was really hard to go back to editing Novel 1 after I had written Novel 2, because my character had grown, but I had to remember not to include the growth. hard to do. Plus I added some depth to previous characters and had to leave them shallow. Aargh! It was hard.

Actually working on the outline for Novel 3 which I will discuss a little next week.

So for now, keep writing and if you have agents/editors who are looking for women's fiction, feel free to name drop. All suggestions accepted.

Too Many Miles

2009-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Punk27fay

Sorry I've been out to lunch lately. In truth, I've been on the road. Logged more than 300o miles in the past two weeks. (I'll tell you about the rest of the trip another time.)

Started my trip in Norman, OK at OWFI. Now if you haven't been to OWFI, you haven't been to a writer's conference. OWFI stands for Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. Those folks really know how to throw a great conference. This is my second year. I didn't think they could top last year, but they did.

The keynote speaker was New York Times Bestselling Author Tess Gerritsen, and she was amazing. Her speech was motivating and peppered with personal anecdotes about her writing.

My new favorite author Jodi Thomas was there and I attended every one of her sessions. My only downfall was not getting her to sign the book I bought. I got so wrapped up in conference, that I got away without asking. There was even an autograph party, but I wasn't able to stay. I did get Tess to sign hers.

Jodi was also motivating and very personable. Her willingness to talk to people just stunned me. Several times she gave out her phone number and told people to call her, especially if they got stuck or felt like their writing career was stalled. (Sorry, I won't give it out, but bet if you check Jodi's website, she'll have a way for you to get in contact.) Jodi, if you read this, I heart you. All the advice you dispensed will be taken to heart by me. And I sure hope to see you in Amarillo next year. Can't make it this year, but I've got my fingers crossed for next year.

The Book Doctor Robyn Conley did two great talks that I attended and also reviewed the first five pages of my manuscript. I received a glowing report and she only found a couple of things.

All of the sessions that I attended were excellent, the speakers professional and approachable and the buzz of excitement in the air was exhilerating. And they had a great crowd. I met several writers and had a great time. I also took tons of notes.

Oh, oh, oh... The best part. An agent asked to see my first three chapters and a synopsis. Now the waiting begins.

Oh, and Ody got hailed on again. Not sure what it is about Oklahoma and my van, but this is the second year in a row, that it has hailed on us in Oklahoma. I'm beginning to believe that it hails every day down there. Thank goodness it was only pea-size. Last year it looked like golf balls. Several vehicles suffered broken windshields. Ody just had hudge dents. This year I couldn't tell, because I never had him fixed from last year. Good thing. Next year, I'm flying.

Word Frequency

2009-04-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Feuillu

I'm somewhat of a word hoarder. I find a word I like to use and latch on to it. A few of my favorites are: well, so, maybe, finally, little, and very. Recently some rogues have slipped in like: decided, some, clearly, eye (don't ask) and shrugged.

To combat my little problem, I have a list of words that all too often pepper my writing. I try not to use them, but my hands and brain don't always work in sync. Did I say I'm a techno-phobe when it comes to the computer? In the past, I have always performed a "find" and "search" and rooted out the evils doers. It takes for stinking ever to do that.

But, aha, last night I found a macro that will do it for me. One swift click of a button and all the "wells" are rounded up and highlighted in red. Makes it much easier for me to go back through and slay the ones I don't want to keep and bypass the ones that get to stay.

I can tweak the macro to change the word or color. I'm in love...

How about you? Doyou have any words that sneak into your writing? Do you let them slide and pick them out in editing or do you kill them right away?

Point of View

2009-04-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of herr_hartman

The topic of point of view at our monthly meeting of Saturday Writers got me to thinking about my preference for writing in 1st person. I like the immediacy (is that a word?) it gives me. It allows me to be the character. For me it is easier, because I don't have to worry about inappropriate POV shifts. I just ask myself WWMCD (what would my character do?) If my character's not seeing it or feeling it, I know not to put it to paper.

However, I've noticed that I like to read a combination of 1st and 3rd person, and it depends on the genre. If I'm reading romance (which I don't usually do) or cozy mysteries, I prefer first person. I prefer to "be" the character or at least see the story from the protagonists POV.

But if I'm reading a suspense, thriller or historical, I prefer third person. And I really like multiple POV's. I feel like it gives me a 360 degree view of the story.

And I've even read a couple that switch back and forth between 1st and 3rd. Most of those are pretty clunky, but Harlan Coben does it in a couple of his novels and does an excellent job at creating a story so smooth you never notice it. He's also a great story weaver, but that's another whole topic. He's my writing hero. And I just discovered him last year, and already I've read all his books. So, Harlan if you stop by and read this, get to cracking on that next book. I'm waiting.

What's your favorite POV to write and does it differ from your favorite POV to read?

True Confession Time

2009-04-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of jovite

No sordid details. I promise.

The other day I sat down to work on edits for my novel and something seemed off. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was different, but I had a hard time concentrating. The words were a jumble on the page (that's why I needed to edit. Duh!)

I ran downstairs and got a Diet Coke, grabbed a bowl of pretzels and returned to my computer. My comfortable writing chair felt fine, my screen was at the perfect angle and the light wasn't glaring. Then it dawned on me. I had shoes on. I usually never wear shoes in the house and never wear them upstairs to my office, but in my excitement to finish editing the chapter, I had rushed in after an errand and failed to remove said shoes.

Now is that dumb or what that I couldn't concentrate with shoes on. I wrote curriculum for XX (a lot) of years in a corporate setting and always wore shoes in the office.

Anyway it got me to thinking about some of my other weird writing habits... Like my chair. My old faithful died a few years back, so I went to several office supply and furniture stores and did numerous test sits until I found the perfect one. Now, if I'm not at home, I have a hard time writing because my butt is not comfortable anywhere else.

And my tunes. I have a couple of different mixes that I use depending on the scene I'm writing. If it's introspective, I listen to classical. If it's a tense, I tend to go more for old rock tunes. And romantic, I pick country. But, I always have music on.

My clothing. I opt for sweats or pj's. Again, couldn't do that in the corporate world. Yeah, for working from home!

Visuals. I used to have a window by my computer, but found it too distracting. I'd catch myself staring out into the yard watching butterflies or thinking about the weeds that needed to be pulled. Anyway, I switched my office around so I can't look outside, but whenever possible, I keep the window open. I love a gentle breeze. But that aside, now I have a wonderful view of my bookshelf, and that makes me happy.

And I love fragrances. I keep one of those diffusers on my book shelf, usually with something fresh-smelling like rain or clean cotton. I'm a sap for all that natury stuff.

So what are your writing habits? Do you write in your underwear with a lampshade on your head? True confession time.

Short Story Contest

2009-04-22T17:02:00.001-07:00

photo courtesy of Cowtools

Here's one for all you Sci Fi, Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense or Thriller writers. The Garden State Horror Writers sponsors their 15th annual short story contest.

1st price is $100
2nd prize is $50
3rd prize is $25

Each eligible entry will be critiqued by up to three published writers and/or editors.

The entry fee is $10 for non-members and $5.00 for GSHW members.

Check their guidelines for submissions. Be sure to read them and follow to keep from being disqualified.

Contest closes June 30th.

Poetry Contest

2009-04-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of sky_mitch

Poets Contest Corner

announces the 2nd Round of submissions

for its

Poetry Competition

Winner will receive $200 Cash Prize

If there are enough entries, there will be two runners up who will each receive $50 Cash Prize

Poets Contest Corner welcomes you and invites you to join in our endeavor to bring a little unexpected income by way of your poetry. In these hard times, when the dominant breadwinners may have lost their jobs and the price of everything has gone up, we hope that we may be helpful in a small way.

Our intention is to begin small, and with the success of our first rounds, we hope to increase the amount of cash prizes and the number of winners.

Please talk it up on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, College Dorms and classrooms— anywhere you can network. The reading fee is only $5, which is very reasonable. This fee is also used to cover our advertising costs. So, the more you pass the word, the less advertising we need to pay for, which means the more the cash prizes can be. We do not want to up the entry fee, as we wish this to be as affordable as possible to all.

(Note: Get your entries in early. The judges keep them in the order received. Those received early are those that remain in front of them the longest. )

Check their website for Rules and Guidelines:

Should you have any questions, please email Poets Contest Corner.

Writers's Conference

2009-03-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Ant Smith

Looking for a writers' conference. I found this one too late to attend (already had plans), but it's not too late for you. It's The Mad Anthony Writers' Conference in Hamilton, OH., April 17-19.

It features Lee Lofland, award winning crime and mystery, 30 multi-genre workshops, publisher and agent appointments, manuscript critiques and a Writers Police Academy (how cool is that???)

Jane Friedman, Publisher and Editorial Director of Writer's Digest will be there. I recently attended a workshop led by Jane, and she was fantastic. I learned so much about platform-building, social networking and what turns an editor off. Plus, she is so approachable.

The early bird price has expired (sorry, for not posting sooner), but if you postmark by April 15th, it's still as bargain at $125.

This one is definitely going on my calendar for next year. If anyone has attended this conference, please let us know details.

Short Story Contest--April 1st Deadline

2009-03-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of hint of plum

Hey all you hip mamas hop over to hip Mama and check out their contest. Top prize is $100. The theme is open but a mama must be in the story. So get on your computer and get those keys aclacking. You can churn out a story in 2500 words or less. Come on, you know you can.
Oh, there's an entry fee and a possiblity to get your story critiqued for an additional charge.

Sorry for the short notice, but the deadline is April 1st so hurry. You can pay by Paypal and submit online. so check out the guidelines.

Earth Hour

2009-03-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

photo courtesy of rustybrick

Want to save some energy? Join a cause? Do something good for the planet? Tonight from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.(local time), you can participate in Earth Hour. Simply turn off your lights for an hour. You can join millions of participants in conserving energy for this third annual event. Read about it here.

Can you do it? Will you be able to shut off TV, turn off the computer, read by candlelight? The Gateway Arch in my home city of St. Louis will be dousing the lights along with other such notable landmarks as the Sydney Opera House, Las Vegas Strip, the Golden Gate Bridge.

And while we're on the subject did you know that many states are participating in an Energy Star Tax Holiday? If you live in Missouri, the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 19 -25. State sales tax will be lifted for qualified Energy Star appliances.

Wanna Write a Script?

2009-03-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance? November has NaNoWriMo and April has Script Frenzy. What better way to get your feet wet writing a script than do to it with a group of fellow writers and a website to cheer you on. Check it out Script Frenzy.

The challenge, if you're up to it, write 100 pages of script in 30 days. Script Frenzy starts April 1st and ends April 30th.

I can already hear the coffee pots gurgling and the chocolate bags rustling.

If you're up for the challenge, let me know!

Hear Ye Hear Ye

2009-03-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

My writer friend David Kirkland has a new book hot off the presses.

Now Available!

God's Three Step Plan
A Celebration of Micah 6:8
by David Lee Kirkland

"I found God's Three Step Plan a wonderful read.... I have read a number of books that have tried to draw out the meaning from Micah and I have always found them wanting. This book wonderfully draws out the meaning to each part of God's message to us in Micah (act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God). I loved how lots of different voices, many from outside the Christian tradition, helped illuminate God's three step plan. It is a very Christian book but refreshingly aware of the voices outside of our religious tradition who can help us see what Micah's words are saying to us."- (The Rev.) Kurt J. HuberRector, St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Intrigued? Read an excerpt at: davidleekirkland.com
Available at Amazon.com

For bulk purchases, contact Highhillpress@gmail.com

ISBN: 978-1-60653-004-7

Also by David Lee Kirkland—The Yesteryear Tales
Short stories of Appalachia and the Ozarks
Awarded First Place in the Ozark Writers League
2008 Book of the Year Competition

Book Giveaway

2009-03-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Image from Christina's website

Christina Katz has chosen Coffee and Critique as a stop on her blog tour celebrating the second anniversary of her book, Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids.

Stop by the Tricia Grissom's blog Coffee and Critique Writers Group on Saturday (March 14th) and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Christina's book. The post will be up starting at 12:01 a.m. tonight. Christina is telling the story of how she got published and she has some great info in this installment on how to build a support system for your book. Writer Mama is an excellent resource for jump starting your freelance writing - whether you have youngins at home still or not.

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

2009-03-12T20:08:00.001-07:00

Image from Jamie Cat Callan's website

Well, maybe not. Sliced bread is pretty awesome. You can toast it, butter it, slather it with P,B and J. You can make a sandwich with it. The possibilities are endless. Endless, I tell you. You can cut a hole in the middle and bake an egg in it. (Why one would want to do that I don't know.) You can hide a pill in it and fool your dog. Ya get my drift.

So what does bread have to do with it. Nothing. My critique group, Scribes' Tribe, did an exercise tonight where we used The Writer's Toolbox by Jamie Cat Callan.

When our fearless leader announced "Creativity Night", I groaned. I hate spontaneous writing. My mood has to be just right. I have to be in my favorite writing chair with my writer's hat perched atop my head (literally). My iPod must be plugged into my ears, and I have to be free to roam about the room and ponder that on which I am writing. I NEED MY SPACE and copious amounts of tea and chocolate.

Everyone else in the group seemed to take to the idea like butter on bread (see I worked it in.) Rather than be the proverbial stick in the mud, I decided to play along. I even took my laptop. I hoped the center where we held critique had wifi just in case I was bored to tears. I could surf the net while the other ~~suckers~~ members toiled over their ~~miserable excuses for~~ stories. (I kid. I kid. I love you guys! Smooch, smooch.)

I won't give the whole premise of the toolbox away, but let me just say it gives you ideas for story starters, obstacles for your characters, unusual situations, surprise characters and on and on.

There is a timer involved and Popsicle sticks and short spurts of speed writing. We provided chocolate, cupcakes and cookies to feed the muse while we worked. (Jamie, you might want to think about that in future editions.) Our leaders hauled in real tools like hammers, levels, chisels, screwdrivers and blueprints to set the mood.

Each member drew a starting sentence stick and the exercise began. There were a few whimpers and a curse word or two, but everyone, and I do mean everyone started writing or typing (and no, the center did not have wifi). We wrote without pause for three minutes, then stopped and drew another stick (no, I'm not telling you what it was. Go check it out for yourself.) We wrote for another three minutes. It seemed like we had about eight writing triggers (I got so engrossed I lost count), each with a brief intermission while we stuffed our faces.

When we finished the exercise, we all had complete or almost complete stories, and we took turns reading them aloud. None of them will win awards, but most of us came away with something we could work on. (And the best part was Candace didn't hit anyone with the hammer. Personally, I think she brought it to use on me. She'll deny it, but I know how she thinks.)

I came away with my first ever flash fiction piece. It even drew a few laughs from the group. (Yes, it was supposed to be funny. Thank you very much.) It still needs a lot of work, but it's 700 more words than I had when I went tonight. And I certainly came away with a character I would have never dreamed up on my own.

If you're looking for something to add a little zing to your critique group or even your own writing, give it a try. It is definitely an activity I will try again.

Writer U.--Online Writing Workshop

2009-03-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of sgrace

April 3-30, 2009

"In & Out: Writing Believable Conflict"

by Sherry Lewis

http://www.writeruniv.com/

This workshop focuses on the art and craft of creating realistic, believable conflict for your character, both internal and external, and on weaving those conflict together in ways that are fresh, exciting, and powerful enough to catch an editor's eye.

Topics include:

* Understanding how a character's core beliefs crate conflict

* How internal and external conflicts work together

* When to hang on to / let go of a character's past

* Keeping conflicts realistic

* Creating layers of conflict

* Why urgency matters in conflict

* Applying conflict to each scene you write

* Avoiding anticipated conflict

Sherry Lewis is a career writer with more than 30 published mystery, contemporary romance, and time travel romance novels to her credit. She loves sharing what she has learned since selling her first book fifteen years ago, and has given workshops all over the country. Sherry has also taught online workshops for several years.

Woman's Day Essay Contest

2009-03-10T10:17:00.001-07:00

Library photo courtesy of OZinOH

Woman's Day magazine and the American Library Association are announcing a call for essays on using the library to help save money. Here's a link to their submission requirements. The contest is open to women 18 years and older and must be submitted no later than noon ET on May 18, 2009.

Good luck to all who enter.

Who's on Your Blog Roll?

2009-03-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of rustybrick

Aside from my blog, what blogs are you reading? Please check out my writer friends. Not only are they great writers, they're also smart people. If you check out their blogs and like them, tell them I sent you. If you don't like them, what can I say? Sorry! Likewise, if you came to my blog from one of theirs, let me know.

What do you look for in a blog? I like entertainment, for sure. But I'm also looking for industry news and writing advice. I'm especially anxious to check out the blogs of several agents every day. Some of the ones I follow are Janet Reid, Nathan Bransford, Jenny Rappaport, Colleen Lindsay, Kristin Nelson, Laurie McLean.

If you're submitting to agents and not reading their blogs, shame on you. It's a great way to get insider information (not in a stalker kind of way) about the agent's likes and dislikes. I don't stalk you guys, I promise. Well, maybe a little, but not in a scary way.

Here's a great post by Dustin Wax that lists 22 Blogs Every Writer Should Read.

So tell me, what are you favorite blogs and why? If you want to tout yours here, give me a shout and I'll swap links with you.

Writing Retreat -- St. Louis

2009-02-28T21:49:00.000-08:00

Learn Character-Driven Plotting In 2 Days!!

Our 2008 classes were filled with writers not-yet-published and multi-published authors.
This program is great for Plotters and Pantsers – what?!
It’s true. Plotters learn how to organize their story so that conflict doesn’t break down and pacing stays strong. Pantsers leave with a way to flush out weak spots in a story – PLOT HOLES – and fix the problems. Getting published just got harder with budget tightening…but publishers are always looking for good books.
More so than ever before – your story has to be the very best.

Instructors for Break Into Fiction® Power Plotting Retreat:
Award-winning author Mary Buckham
& NYT best selling author Dianna Love.

Retreat has limited seating to assure time to work with every attendee on their story throughout the 2 days. And…attendees receive 5 bonus templates.

"...I used to think I was good at plotting – but this past (retreat) weekend made me realize I’ve been guilty of a more complicated version of the ‘one damned thing after another’ plot. I’m stunned at how well an entire story arc came together in just two days.” Marcella Burnard

“Break into Fiction is solidly grounded in storytelling fundamentals but then goes much farther into the practical detail that determines whether your book will bring a check or a rejection slip.” ~~ Jon Franklin, author of Writing for Story and a Pulitzer Prize winner

Break Into Fiction® 2008 Attendees…

4 attendees from 2008 have sold
2 more have books with editors who have “recommended a buy”
15 have had agent requests, 10 finally finished their books
Many have finaled and won contests that put them in front of editors & agents
Published author feedback shows they are thrilled with their new level of production and writing quality

What about you?

LAST LIVE RETREAT IN 2009 -

St. LOUIS – April 4-5th

http://www.breakintofiction.com/

P.S. Also be sure and visit the website http://www.breakintofiction.com/ to enter a Contest for great writing-related prizes.

Writing Contest

2009-02-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Witheyes

The Kansas Author’s Club District 2 is now accepting entries for the 2009 Annual Writing Contest. The contest is open to all writers and includes four prose categories and four poetry categories.

Prose entries, which have a 2000-word limit, include: short story, memoir, inspirational, and children’s story. Poetry categories are: classic forms (sonnet 14 lines, all others up to 40 lines); free verse (40-line limit); rhymed verse (40-line limit); and haiku (3-line limit).

All entries should be unpublished.

Prizes of $20, $10, and $5 will be offered for First, Second and Third place in all eight categories. Honorable mentions will receive certificates. Closing date for entries is March 31. Winners will be announced on May 9.

The entry fee is $3 per submission for KAC District 2 members, $4 for non-members. Only the title and category (no name) appear at the top of the first page of each typed entry. On a separate cover sheet, type name and address, including email address if available, a list of entries submitted by title and category, and indicate whether a District 2 member or non-member.

The submission plus entry fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope should be sent to Norm Ledgin, KAC District 2 Writing Contest, P.O. Box 23571, Stanley, KS 66283.

Information about Kansas Authors Club is available at http://kansasauthors.org/
Under “Districts,” then “District 2 News,” click on “2009 Writing Contest” for more information.

Words Matter
Kansas Author’s Club, District 2http://www.kansasauthors.org/

The Body Language of a Cop

2009-02-25T21:12:00.000-08:00

For all you mystery writers. You have cops in your scenes. Do you know a cop? If not, cops have different body language than the average joe citizen. I know, I'm married to one. when I started my mystery series it was pretty easy for me to figure out how my cop was going to act, how we would react and what his body stance would be. Yep, I just observed hubby.

I love watching him interact in public. The most obvious thing I learned about his actions was that in a restaurant, he will NEVER sit with his back to the door. Being a writer, I'm an observer of people and this drives me nuts, because I have to sit with my back to the door. I get stuck watching the looney birds in the corner play smoochy face or whatever, while he gets to watch people come and go. I know I could run in and sit down in the seat facing the door, but it's a protection, macho thing on his part. So I watch the looney birds.

I ran across a great post by Lynda Sue Cooper about cop body language, and this gal really drilled it. It's because she and her husband are both cops. As I read the post, I thought, "Oh boy, she must know my husband."

The next time you write about a cop or any professional for that matter, stop and think about what in their profession causes them to do certain things or act certain ways.

Writer's Block

2009-02-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

photo couresy of Darren Hester

Do you believe in it? Have you experienced it?

I can't say I believe in writer's block. What I do believe is that some days I am more inspired to write. On the days I'm not inspired, it's not that I don't have anything to say. Goodness knows I always have something to say. But I may not like the tone on the rhythm or the way it looks on my computer screen.

Did you ever have one of those nights where you were tired, yet you couldn't sleep? The more you tried the more frustrating it became. Or how about a recipe that you've made a thousand times and everytime you make it, it tastes different?

When I experience on of those "frustrating" times when I'm writing, it's usually because I am trying too hard (kind of like the sleep thing.) Sleep experts tell you when you are dealing with insomnia the worst thing you can do it stay in bed. Get up, walk around, watch television, read a book, but don't lie in bed. I try and follow the same advice when I'm sitting at the computer and the words won't come, because the more I stare at the screen, the more frustrated and anxious I become. Changing scenery is sometimes just the thing I need to work out the cobwebs in my head and find the perfect words I wanted to say.

I found this article by Jennifer Roach that talks about jumpstarts when your writing is stalled. Even if you don't suffer from writer's blocks, these are some great ideas for story starters or for just letting your muse wander.

Cliches and Me

2009-02-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have a hard time with cliches (and also the html coding for the wierd little thing over the e.) So bear with me. I'm talking those crazy little phrases that drive us up the wall (notice the cliche.) But if I say, "cute as a button," for example. Ya'll know exactly what I mean. Or if, it was a dark and stormy night, there is no getting around the fact (getting around the fact is probably a cliche, too) that there was rain coming down, and the sun was not to be found. What about, let the cat out of the bag. We all know someone couldn't keep a secret.

Rather than ban cliches, I say embrace them. Then we don't have to think so hard to figure out what's being said. Do I hear a yes? Anyone?

I know, I know. Agents make little notches in their knickers every time they see a cliche, so I'm redlining them (the cliches, not the agents.) Agents are our friends.

When I go back and edit, I always find those stinking little words. They are way too easy to slip in subconsciously. I even made a lit of the worst offenders. But it's like cussing, if you get the habit, it's hard to break. Maybe I need to put a quarter box on my desk and tos sin a quarter for every cliche I find.

I am contastly looking for new ways to express myself in my writing. I Now I'm just hoping that no one latches onto my new phrases and makes cliches out of them.

Check out this link that lists cliches. It's from Laura Hayden's "Left-Brain- Right Brain/Creativity Program". As a added bonus, there's a listing of euphemisms for the word "Stupid." And I found one I've never heard of... His yeast went bad. Is that a knee-slapper or what? Oops, I think that should be added to the cliche list.

Hope you enjoy the link.

Flash Fiction Contest

2009-02-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

Pike's Peak courtesy of DewKnight

Announcing the 2009 Pikes Peak Branch National League of American Pen Women Flash Fiction Contest

A complete but very short story of 100 words or fewer

Deadline: Postmarked by March 2, 2009

Entry fee: $10.00

Prizes: 1st $75; 2nd $40; Judge's Merit $15.00

Theme: "Everything was perfect"

Flash fiction is a complete but very short story of 100 words or fewer. The title is not included in the word count. The story must pertain to the theme, "Everything was perfect." All genres are welcome, and multiple entries may be submitted. An entry fee is required for each entry. No poetry. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included. Winners will be notified by or before April 15, 2009. For complete rules and entry blank please go to www.nlapwcolorado.org. (click Pikes Peak branch, then contests) or e-mail cacaverly@juno.com

Carol Caverly
Flash Fiction
Contest Chair
86 Rising Sun Ter
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Call for Submissions - Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love

2009-02-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of my_amii

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about Dating, Romance, Love and Marriage

Everyone loves a good love story. And we all love stories about how the love started and blossomed.

Join us in a fun new book about dating, romance, love, and marriage, scheduled for publication in January 2010, just in time for Valentine's Day.

We are looking for true stories and poems about your soulmate, your true love, the one that got away, and all the ups and downs of your love life. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both.

We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of 600-1,200 words. Stories should not be pre-published unless in very small publications.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:
Dating adventures - the good and the bad
How you met
Internet searching and dating
Speed dating and other strategies
When did you know?
Proposals
Wedding stories
Parental pressure and support
Pressure and support from children
Senior dating and love at a certain age
Making marriage work
Second chances

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose.

You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100.

You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it. SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://www.chickensoupforthesoul.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story
DEADLINE IS May 31, 2009.

Teen relationships will be covered in a future book, so please do not submit them for this book.

Online Writing Class

2009-02-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Online class: March 1-31, 2009

"Pacing: How To Create A Page-Turning Manuscript"
by Mary Buckham
Registration $30 at www.WriterUniv.com/

What keeps a book intriguing enough to have fans turn the pages and not set it down? How can one author's books have you riveted and another's leave you feeling ho-hum? Ever wondered if there are key craft tips and techniques to balance fast-paced conflict, tension, suspense or mystery, action and emotion? In PACING: HOW TO CREATE A PAGE TURNING MANUSCRIPT you'll learn:
* The ingredients of a page-turner
* What hooks are and how to maximize them
* The power of effective scenes: common pacing pitfalls to avoid
* The ten elements of strong pacing
* How to use subplots and secondary characters
* How to avoid a sagging middle
* What a beat is and how to use it
* Great beginnings & endings that have your readers wanting more!

Mary Buckham’s debut Romantic Suspense novel, THE MAKEOVER MISSION, was a Silhouette Intimate Moments release. Her second novel, INVISIBLE RECRUIT, was a May 2006 Silhouette Bombshell. A former magazine editor, she has written hundreds of free-lance articles and a non-fiction book. Currently she is a national writing-workshop presenter, both online and at conferences. Visit www.MaryBuckham.com or www.BreakIntoFiction.com for more information about the release of her Break Into Fiction book coming June 2009.

Writer's Groups and Community

2009-02-11T15:11:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of iirraa

I'm always evaluating and re-evaluating the writer's groups I belong to. Am I contributing enough? Am I growing as a writer as a result of belonging to the group? Do I belong more for socializing than for the benefit of my writing? Do I leave the meeting or event fired up and ready to write?

I ran across this essay written by Jerry Waxler, the Workshop Chair for Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. I love that Jerry talks about writing groups promoting regional culture and teaching writing classes at senior centers. How many times have I thought about what I wouldn't give to have had my grandmother write down our family history. It's too late for me. What an awesome class to present at a senior center. I'm not going to rehash his essay, so just go read it. And while your at it, check out his blog Memory Writers Network.

I hadn't given much thought to the impact my groups have on my community. But, I'd like to think we are giving something back. Though, I have to admit I'll be adding this question to my evaluation. What does my group bring to the community?

Jerry has provided some great ideas for ways writing groups can enhance a community. I know it has me thinking.

What does your group do for your community?

2009-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Platform courtesy of acromion

Interesting post (scroll down to Fiction Writers need Platforms, too) by Jane Friedman over at There Are No Rules. It's always made sense to me that a non-ficiton writer needs a platform. I mean if you're dishing dirt on celebs, probably makes sense that you actually know some. Or if you writing a book on parenting, probably a good thing to have a couple of kids who aren't in prison, unless of course, you're writing about how not to parent.

Now they tell me it's a good thing for a novelist to have a platform. Ummm, I've written a murder mystery. No, calm down. I have never murdered anyone . And my protagonist is a rich country club type. Nope, never belong to a country club, and I'm not rich-yet. So now I gotta figure out my platform. I thought the synopsis was bad.

After reading the tips which Jane says Christina Katz also discusses in her book Get Known Before the Book Deal, I'm off to buy Christina's book. I think I've figured out my angle. I have a fair knowledge of law enforcement (having slept with a cop for 30 years), and what I don't know, he'll be glad to tell me. Plus, I'm writing about a real location, so that's a no-brainer. I just have to figure out the rest.

Now I'm back to they synopsis. Aaacckk. Anyone? Anyone out there with a smashing example of a synopsis for me? Better yet, anyone out there willing to write the synopsis for me? Acccckkkk.

Missouri Writers' Guild 94th Annual Conference

2009-02-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Press Release: 94th Annual Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference
http://www.missouriwritersguild.org/ or http://www.mwgconference.org/
by Margo L. Dill 217-714-8582 or margodll@aol.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU--Writers and editors will be speaking and networking in Cape Girardeau at the beginning of April. If you are a writer at any stage in your career, don’t miss this opportunity to meet with writing professionals right in the Midwest. The Missouri Writers’ Guild is thrilled to be hosting its 94th annual writing conference and inviting writers of every genre to attend for the weekend of a lifetime. From April 3 to April 5, conference attendees will have a chance to meet one-on-one with speakers, have two pages of their work read in front of editors, network with other writers from across the country, perfect their craft, attend lectures and workshops, and enjoy a spring weekend just over 100 miles south of St. Louis.

One of the speakers is Lee Goldberg, television writer for Monk and Diagnosis Murder. “I'll be talking about how to break into television and teaching conference goers how to watch a TV show the way TV writers do,” Goldberg said. “How to recognize the ‘franchise’ and key conflicts that power the narrative engine—essential skills if you hope to succeed in the TV business.”

Two inspirational women in the writing business, Angela Mackintosh and Annette Fix, will speak and meet with attendees. Both Mackintosh and Fix have years of experience as writers and are the editors of the WOW! Women on Writing e-zine. Fix is also the author of The Break-Up Diet. “I'll be doing a session on memoir writing--teaching how writers can mine the unique stories in their lives, find their voices, and shape the material into memoirs that have universal appeal,” Fix said.

Other speakers scheduled are Pulitzer Prize nominated poet, Harvey Stanbrough; Simon and Schuster editor, Kate Angelella; editor of Listen Magazine, Celeste Walker; tween series author, Jessica Burkhart; and Mary Higgins Clark Award winner Marcia Kay Preston. Check the website, http://www.mwgconference.org/, for speaker updates, bios, and classes they are teaching.

For one registration price, attendees will be able to attend a keynote session, break-out workshops, a luncheon, and social-networking periods with snacks. A bookstore and free materials will also be available to conference registrants. Attendees can also bring two pages of their work for an open-mic critique session with the editors on Friday night. The price of attendance for Friday night and all day Saturday is either $139, $149, or $159 until February 6, depending if you are a Missouri Writers’ Guild member or not. After February 6, add $10 to the above prices. You can register on-line or print off a registration sheet at http://www.mwgconference.org/. A Saturday night writing awards’ banquet ticket can be purchased for an additional $25, and Sunday morning master’s classes will be available as of February 1 for an additional $50.

The conference will be held in Cape Girardeau, MO at the Drury Lodge, 104 South Vantage Drive, phone number: 573-334-7151. Drury Lodge is providing a special rate of $85 a night for rooms for the MWG conference attendees. The hotel offers free wireless Internet, a free evening beverage reception, free popcorn, free long distance calls, and a free hot breakfast in the morning.

Writing Workshop -- FREE

2009-01-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of AJC1

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS WRITERS WORKSHOP FREE CONFERENCE

March 14, 2009 at Ozarks Electric, 3641 W. Wedington Drive, Exit # 64, off I - 540. This is also highway 16/Wedington Road west. Go ½ mile West, building is on the left. Sign - In 8:30 a.m.

We ask that you pre - register so we can be prepared.

Email Velda at vebrotherton@gmail.com or Dusty at dustyrichards@cox.net

Scheduled Workshops:
9:00 a.m. Storyteller Molly Lemmons will demonstrate how to turn family memories into entertaining and informative stories.
10:00 a.m. A PowerPoint presentation. A critique panel of workshop members will demonstrate how the group critiques the work of novice writers.
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Instruction on manuscript formatting from published authors in short story, fiction and nonfiction genres.
11:30 a.m. Pam Thompson will present the Top Ten Grammar Errors and how to clean them from your manuscript.
NOON Lunch Break. $6.00 will buy your lunch on the premises. It will consist of meat and cheese platters for sandwiches, chips, cookies and a cold drink. During lunch break published authors will read from and discuss their work. Plan on remaining in the building.
1:00 p.m. Velda Brotherton will speak on the literary, the mainstream and the genre in today’s market.
2:15 to 2:30 p.m. Break
2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Dusty Richards will speak on Writing 101. The basics of writing a good book.
Published authors are invited to bring their books to sell during the conference. We’ll have plenty of tables.

Don't forget to enter our anthology

NEW THIS YEAR ANTHOLOGY INVITATION

All members of the Northwest Arkansas Writers Workshop and anyone attending the March 14, 2009 one - day seminar sponsored by the NWAWW are invited to submit a short story for consideration for an anthology of short stories.

· Unpublished short stories only, up to 3,000 words, no
essays or
poetry.

· Standard manuscript format, Times New Roman, 12 point
font. No
fee. Mail one copy to Dusty Richards, P.O. Box 6460, Springdale, AR
72766. No SASE required.

Manuscripts will be destroyed after contest. First North American Rights.
Rights revert back to author thirty days after publication.

· Include a cover letter with name, address, telephone number
and
email address upper left, Title and length upper right, and a fifty word bio halfway down the page.

· All genres, except erotica. No gratuitous foul language,
violence, or gore.

· By submitting to this contest, you are giving permission
for your work to be edited and to publish your work in this anthology. No other contract will be required. There will be no payment to authors for work published. Prior to publication, authors will be able to order copies at a discounted price of 40% – 50%.

· Deadline for entries: Postmarked no later than March 21,
2009.
Chosen authors will be notified thirty days after submissions close.

· Publication date: March, 2010. Available at the March
2010
NAWW seminar.

About our speakers:
Molly Lemmons is a vivacious speaker who draws the crowd into her world.
She will illustrate how she wrote her book of memories, then everyone will join in with examples of their own memories as she gives story prompts.
This promises to be a worthwhile hour.

A panel of experienced critique group members will illustrate how the group helps writers who attend the weekly workshop.

We see writers having trouble with manuscript formatting, so there will be a panel to illustrate the proper formatting of all sorts of manuscripts by authors published in those fields.

Pam Thompson writes and edits for a living. She is an expert grammarian who can spot a misplaced adverb, adjective or verb a mile off.

Velda Brotherton is the cochair of the writer's workshop and is a multi - published writer in short and long fiction and non fiction.

Dusty Richards is the chairman of the writer's workshop and is well published in the western genre. He will share his popular writing tips.

The group sponsors this free workshop to pay forward all the help we've been given over the years, and we hope you can make it.

Fearless Writing Workshop

2009-01-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Theremina

Fearless Writing:

creative reinvention & resilience in tough times a barrier-breaking workshop which uses writing as a powerful tool in developing practical, ongoing creativity

Taught by Crescent Dragonwagon. Four evenings, January 11-14, 2009, Little Rock.

Fearless Writing with Crescent Dragonwagon: four evening workshops in Little Rock

Sunday, January 11, 2009 - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Historic Arkansas Museum 200 East Third Street Little Rock , AR 72201 United States

You don't have to be a writer, or would-be writer, to get a lot out of a Fearless Writing workshop. On the other hand, if you are, you'll get a double-dip: skills and techniques that will serve you not just in writing but in almost every other life-endeavor. If you've ever found yourself stopped cold by unexpected change, doubt in your own abilities, uncertain outcome, or unfamiliar economic, technological, or social conditions... if you're tired of this, Fearless Writing offers a way to stop being stopped. The workshop uses the anxiety generated by chaotic conditions as a powerful creative force.

Fearless is practical, effective, creative, serious and playful. It turns apparent obstacles into the material from which to build a thriving life. Fearless's writing practices and principles spill over cornucopia-like: from writing, to creativity and problem solving, to business and personal life. It works for blocked or would-be writers, and for people who don't identify themselves as either. It works whether you perceive the obstacle stopping you as an inner or outer barrier. It works, period. In Fearless, you'll discover how to
*unwrap the secret gifts of fear, misgivings, and self-doubt
* decode procrastination's hidden messages
* align expenditures of time, energy & money to your life-destination
* experience, trust, and use your creative self as a reliable partner
* work harder by working softer
* immediately begin writing with more clarity, strength, and ease
* find your authentic, original, unique voice
* use Fearless's template to create a business, personal, & creative life in which you thrive & grow
* become your own mentor, continuing the Fearless path long after the workshop

Plus!

Your registration fee includes 25 + pages of valuable material, given at the workshop. Besides its usefulness in your on-going Fearless practice, you'll get that special insider's I-was-there-first satisfaction: Crescent's book on Fearless Writing will be published by Ten Speed Press in 2011, and the hand-outs are a sneak preview of the book's core principles.

Want to know more? See Is Fearless for you? Meet your fearless leader.

Most of all, register right now.

* Register Now Tell a friend

Contact Information Email: crescent@dragonwagon.com Send Email

Payment Instructions

* $295; register on-line

* all credit cards accepted

* full money-back guarantee

* includes 25 page + hand-out The 10 hours of Fearless training, over four days time, are conveniently scheduled so that you can (as some people so unkindly put it) "keep your day job."

Sunday, January 11, 2009: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Monday, January 12, 2009: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Tuesday, January 13, 2009: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Wednesday, January 14, 2009: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Science Fiction Writers Workshop and My Word for the Year

2009-01-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of dotpolka

My Word for the Year...

Ran across this on another blog (thanks Country Girl) that I frequent often (mostly when I'm ~~wasting time~~ researching.) Anyway, she made me think about if I could only choose one word for how I wanted to live my life in 2009, what would it be?

So I thunk and I thunk and came up with world peace. Okay, that's two words, and it's not something I have much control over. Though, I'm pretty sure if my grandma were still alive, she could lick it pretty quick. When my brother and I were young and stayed with her, her answer to our feuding was to sit us on the front porch with a big grocery sack full of peas to shell. Nothing takes the fire out of an argument like sitting on the front porch shelling peas. Course it doesn't hurt that we still made faces at one another sticking out tongues and crossing our eyes and such.

If Grandma could have set old Bush and a few world leaders down on the front porch and made them sit there (she woulda needed a tractor trailer load of peas), I do believe she could have solved the world peace problem. And we'd a had a big, old mess of peas to take care of world hunger, too.

Oh, I've digressed. So what's new. My word is REDUCE. I think it's a great word and fits so many aspects of my life. REDUCE the amount of waste I make. Think recycle. REDUCE the amount of wordly goods that I covet. Think clean up my office and get rid of the stuff I've been meaning to read for a decade, but just keep piling up. REDUCE the amount of money I spend on frivolous things. Think less shopping. REDUCE my figure. Think get back on my healthy living plan. REDUCE my carbon footprint. Think a more green environment for me and my family.

Yes, REDUCE is my word for the year. What's yours?

Now for a Workshop...

Ran across this the other day and had to sigh. Oh how I wish I could find a workshop that specializes in what I write... Cozy mysteries. I'm don't mean a conference, but if you happen to know of one, let me know. But I'm looking for an intensive workshop in novel writing for cozies or even mysteries.

But for those of you looking for an intensive writing workshop check out Science Fiction and Fanstasy Novel Writers Workshop. For 2009, the Writer's Workshop will meet from June 28 through July 10. The Campbell Conference follows it up from July 9 - 12.

In the meantime, think about the word you want to live by for 2009 and post it here.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great 2009!

Market and Bloggy Vacation

2008-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of 19Melissa68

I'm taking a couple of weeks off to enjoy the holidays. Come back after the first of the year, and I'll get back on my novel, new contests and conferences... And be thinking about your goals. I'll post mine, if you'll tell me yours. Then we can hold each other accountable. Deal?

Oh, here's the market. If you like to write green, here's a link to the writers' guidelines for Plenty magazine.

Have a great holiday season!

Holiday Themed Novel Contest

2008-12-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of chicks57

The folks at Ellora's Cave Publishing are holding a contest to find your favorite holiday themed novel. Check out the post on their blog for details.

The contest is limited to fiction published after 1970 and there are prizes to boot. You've got until December 22nd to post comments on their blog listing author and title and a paragraph or two about the story and why it is your holiday favorite.

After 1970 is tough for me. Most everything I think of relating to the holidays is in movie form. Christmas Vacation, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (yes... you got a problem with that), Muppet Family Christmas (so, see previous answer), Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas. Those are all my favorites. It just dawned on me. As much as I read, I don't think I've ever read a Christmas-themed book. Point me in the right direction...

I'm not a scrooge about the holidays. It's just that I think holidays are a time to be with family. I can't do that with my nose stuck in a book. And it seems senseless to read a holiday book say...during June. Instead, we pop in our favorite movies and enjoy the evening as a family. But writer friends, I promise I'm an avid reader the rest of the year. You can ask Borders and Barnes and Noble. They know me well.

I'll have to check back after the contest and see who the winner is. Maybe I'll ask Santa to put the winning book in my stocking.

Personal Essay Contest and Writer Networking

2008-12-10T17:23:00.001-08:00

Take a guess who the baby is...

Memoirs, Ink. Half-Yearly Personal Essay Contest - 2009 Contest Guidelines:

Less is even more this year. What makes this contest different is that the word limit is half that of our yearly contest. The guidelines are below.

Memoirs Ink is looking for original, well-written personal essays, memoirs, or stories that are based on autobiographical experiences. The narrative must be in first person, other that that, the contest is open to any type, genre or style of story. It is open to any writer, any age, writing in English--that means Canadians, Brits, Australians, Ugandans and anyone else anywhere can enter.

Entry must be previously unpublished (this includes websites and blogs).

Entry fee: $17. (Please make check or money order to Memoirs, Ink.) or you can pay online. (Make sure to mail in receipt of payment with entry.) Get $2 off entry fee by becoming a fan on Facebook.

Prizes: This year, to prove that less is more, or at least reward less with more, we are giving away more prize money. First Prize: $1000. Second Prize: $500. Third Prize: $250.

Please limit entries to less than 1500 words.

Contest Deadline: February 15, 2009 (postmark). Late Deadline: February 28, 2009 (Postmark - Late entries require additional $5 entry fee per entry)

Winners will be announced April 30, 2008. We will announce them by e-mail and on our website.
Send entries to: Memoirs Ink Writing Contest 10866 Washington Blvd, Suite 518, Culver City, CA 90232

Please submit entries as follows: Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font.
Your name should appear only on the contest submission form. Click here to print submission form.

The title of the manuscript should appear on every page.
The pages should be numbered.
We used to prefer paperclips, but are now partial to staples.
Multiple submissions are accepted, however, an additional $10 entry fee is required for each additional story.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, however, if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere, you need to let us know immediately that you are withdrawing your submission.
E-mail questions to Jill at Memoirsink dot com

Other Info

Manuscripts will not be returned. Memoirs, Ink., is not responsible for manuscripts lost in the mail, etc. Memoirs, Ink cannot confirm receipt of your entry unless you provide a self-addressed stamped postcard.

Winners must sign a contest winner agreement form that certifies your writing is original and assigns us temporary rights and electronic archiving rights.

If you win, we will publish your story. If you do not want your story published please do not submit it.

We reserve the right to mention or not mention anyone honorably.
Winners will be contacted between April 1-30, 2009.

NOW FOR WRITER NETWORKING

I'm already making resolutions for the new year. Diet failed, so let's try something new. My resolution for the new year is to network, network, network. This is a challenge for me. I know I appear to be a big mouth, but I'm not. Really, I'm not. Talking off the cuff does not come easy. Put me in front of a crowd to talk about something I know something about--no problem. But ask me to make small talk, and I freeze.

I don't consider myself shy, and I don't suffer from stage fright. Speaking in public doesn't make me nervous. So what's the problem? Beats the hell out of me.

So there you have it--my New Year's Resolution. I've said it out loud, so now I have to act on it.

Here's my networking strategy for the new year... (if you can think of others, let me know.)

1. I resolve to mingle more at conferences. Usually I slither into the room at the last minute, find a seat at the back and then beat feet out when the presentation is over.

2. I resolve not to skip social hours at conferences.

3. I resolve to visit other area writer's groups and expand my writing network of friends.

4. I resolve to put myself out there at workshops and conferences by meeting and talking to the presenters and conference organizers.

5. I resolve to put my writing first, but not be obnoxious about it. (I hate it when people are me, me, me and won't let others get a word in edgewise.)

6. I resolve to grow my online writing network.

7. I resolve to actually use my business cards.

8. I resovle to grow my blog by telling people about it (help me out here and tell your friends to stop by for a visit.)

9. I resolve to tell people that I am a writer when they ask what I do.

10. I resolve to pay attention to others who are good at networking and learn their secrets of success.

For you shy ones, C. Hope Clark has a book called The Shy Writer .

First Paragraph Challenge

2008-12-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of abbyladybug

Crazy guy. He's done it again. Nathan Bransford at Curtis Brown LTD. is hosting his 2nd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge. Go check it out here.

Here's Nathan's rules.

1. Please post the first paragraph of any work-in-progress in the comments section of his post (NOT HERE FOLKS-GO TO HIS BLOG). The deadline for entry is THURSDAY 4pm Pacific time, at which point entries will be closed. Finalists will be announced on Friday, at which time you will exercise your democratic rights to choose a grand prize super awesome winner.
2. You may enter once, once you may enter, and enter once you may.
3. Spreading word about the contest is strongly encouraged.
4. I will be sole judge this time. Bwa ha ha.
5. A word on word count: I am not imposing a word count on the paragraphs. However, a paragraph that is too long may lose points in the judge's eyes. Use your own discretion.

Here's da prize.

The grand prize super awesome winner of the SUFPCx2 will win their choice of a partial critique, query critique or 15 minute phone conversation in which we can discuss topics ranging from reality TV shows to, you know, publishing. Your choice. Runners up will receive query critiques and/or other agreed-upon prizes.

My Favorite Writing Books

2008-12-05T19:18:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of Lynn

As promised my favorite writing books in no particular order.

* Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (a must for any aspiring writer)

* Write Right by Jan Venolia (a compact tool kit for writers)

* Painless Grammar by Rebecca Elliot, Ph.d. (a painless and funny guide to better grammar)

* The Fiction Writer's Silent Partner by Martin Roth (great tool for generating ideas)

* No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty (he helps you stomp down your internal editor and write)

* Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld (if you can't write a scene after reading this, keep your day job)

*First Draft in 30 Days by Karen Wiesner (love her worksheets)

* Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (this is the book I'm using to go back and edit my first novel. Really helps you find the flaws and weaknesses in your writing.)

* The Little Red Writing Book by Brandon Royal (short and sweet and a great book to take on the road. It's compact.)

* Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents (Oh boy... I know you can get this stuff on the Internet, but I'm still a book snob. He also provides advice and interviews with agents and such. Thank you Jeff Herman for compiling it in a single book. My carpal tunnel thanks you.)

* Writer's Market (Yep, this stuff is on the Internet, too. They compile it plus provide tips and interviews.)

* To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I know it's not a book on the craft of writing, but read it and you'll know why I included it. It's a classic. And to think Harper Lee only wrote the one book. Oh my gosh...)

Short Fiction Contest and Gifts for Writers

2008-12-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of taberandrew

Boulevard Short Fiction Contest for Emerging Writers

A prize of $1,500 and publication in Boulevard is given annually for a short story by a writer who has not published a nationally distributed book. The editors of Boulevard will judge.
Submit a story of any length with a $15 entry fee, which includes a one-year subscription to Boulevard, by December 31.

Send an SASE, call, or visit the website for complete guidelines. Boulevard, Short Fiction Contest for Emerging Writers, P.O. Box 325, 6614 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, MO 63117. (314) 862-2643. Richard Burgin, Editor.

Gifts for the writer in your life (or you or me.)

-Fuzzy Slippers (to keep footsies toasty under the desk)
-Office Supplies (paperclips, index cards, sticky notes and flags, red ink pens, computer paper)
-Ink Cartridges for Printer (I'd heart you forever)
-Flash Drives (my fav is the SanDisk)
-Digital Recorder (I love mine. It comes in handy when I'm driving and get a brainstorm.)
-Gift Certificates for book stores (we need to keep the book business alive)
-Books on the craft of writing
-Music CD's (who doesn't have a favorite song or artist who inspires them.)
-Registration for a conference they want to attend
-Chocolate (it keeps the internal editor happy)
-Diet Coke (it counteracts the calories from the chocolate)
-Subscription to Writer's Digest (gotta keep those magazines in business)
-Thesaurus (I know I can use WORD, but sometimes you just want to look it up in a book)
-Stapler (it's an office supply, but you gotta try the Paper Pro One Finger Stapler-love it!)
-3-Hole Punch (or if you really heart the person buy the already punched paper)
-Wireless Keyboard (then they can pace around the room)
-Office Chair ( Don't get that balancing ball thing, unless you buy them extra insurance.)
-Portfolio (to keep all the clippings of published articles handy and presentable)
-Postage Stamps (for all those submissions)

Tomorrow, I'll share my favorite writing books.

Short Story and Poetry Contest and What's Next.

2008-12-03T18:50:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of jodimarr

Crazyhorse, a literary journal announces their Crazyhourse Fiction Prize and Lynda Hull Memorial Poetry Prize here .

Top Prize is $2000 and publication in Crazyhorse. Entry fee is $16 per manuscript for new entrants and $14 per manuscript if you've entered Crazyhorse prizes before.

Deadline is Dec. 15, 2008. Get cracking!

I've finally come down off my NaNoWriMo high and found I actually have some words left (my friends won't be surprised, because I usually never shut up.) I've taken this week off to recuperate (ie. sleep late), clean my office (I pretended to throw stuff away so my husband would shut up about the mess) and get ready to decorate the house for Christmas (okay, put up a fake tree with a couple of shiny ornaments and tinsel that I saved from last year. I had to throw the candy canes away because they got all gooey. Who knew?)

I have three more days, then I get back to work on the novel. Ya'll keep me on my toes, because I have a tendency to slack (play computer games.)

Tomorrow I'll post my list of favorite gifts to buy the writer in your life (or me, if you're so inclined.)

Poetry Contest

2008-12-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

courtesy of sbpoet

One-page Poem Contest

In honor of April being poetry month,

Saturday Writers is announcing our 7th annual poetry contest!

Submission Guidelines:

1) Any style, any subject, any form. Wow us in one page. (One poem per single-spaced page.)
2) No identification should appear on the entry. Attach a separate coversheet with title, name, address, e-mail, and phone number.
3) Two copies of each entry! (Each judge needs a copy.)
4) Entry fee: $5 per poem, maximum of three entries.
5) Poems must be unpublished at the time of submission, original work of the contestant.
6) Deadline: March 16, 2009 postmark.
7) Prizes: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $50, 3rd place - $25. Top 10 entries receive a certificate.
8) Winners will be announced on the website by April 30, 2009. Certificates and cash prizes will be mailed in early May.
9) Mail entries flat, not folded, to:

Louella Turner
Saturday Writers One-page Poem Contest Coordinator
2731 Cumberland Landing
St. Charles, MO 63303

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT send by certified mail!

10) Checks payable to: Saturday Writers.

Contest is open to members of Saturday Writers and non-members. Prize winners and honorable mention recipients (top ten only) may be given the opportunity to have their stories included (one time rights) in the Saturday Writers literary collection, published the following year.

For a list of winners, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Or check out our website after April 30: http://www.saturdaywriters.org/.

Decision of judges is final. Not responsible for lost or misdirected entries. Poems will not be returned. Submissions paid for by checks which are returned by the bank will be immediately disqualified.

Novel Contest and Shopping Update

2008-12-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of weidmaier

It's almost time for Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Contest. Amazon.com, Penguin Group (USA), and CreateSpace are joining forces for the Breakthrough Novel Award for 2009.

If you have an unpublished novel holed up in a drawer somewhere (and honestly who doesn't?), get that sucker out and spit shine it. Open submissions begin in February of 2009. Check out this link for details.

While you're at it, sign up for contest updates.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was awesome. Spent it with family and had a great dinner. And I didn't have to cook. What's not to love about that?

Spent a hectic day on Friday running from store to store in search of bargains. Found not a one, but I spent it with my daughter. We had a great time making fun of all the people lined up outside the stores. Not us. While a whole gaggle of folks were lined up outside Target, we raced into Penney's (no line), made our purchase, then raced down to Dick's Sporting Goods--again no line.

But taking up four spaces (that's right 4) in front of Best Buy was a rented motor home. Yep, a motor home. Apparently some women had rented a motor home to do their holiday shopping in. When we arrived they were sitting inside, drinking coffee. We could see them through the windows-and no we are not peeping toms. They had the curtains open and the lights on, so in the dark night, they stuck out like sore thumbs.

Now I ask you, what kind of bargains warrant renting a motor home?? I don't know about you, but I saved about $10 on my bargains Friday. So there is no motor home in my future shopping escapades.

I'm sure you're asking why I would get up at 5:00 am for a $10 savings. Tradition, folks. It's all about tradition. Heck, I don't even care if I buy anything. It's me and my daughter dragging butt out of bed in the dark and racing to the store--together. It's the day witih my daughter that's important and laughing at the other crazies who brave the night air in search of the elusive bargain.

Oh, and about the shopping cart--I didn't do it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

TA-DA Final Word Count 50079 or 50055

2008-11-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

This is what it's all about folks. No fireworks, no awesome speeches, just the satisfaction of knowing that I had the perserverance to sweat out 50,000 words in less than thirty days- Actually 50,079 by my word counter and 50,055 by NaNoWriMo's word counter.

But it's over. It's done. Now back to regularly scheduled programing.

I'm going to take a couple of bloggy days off to eat turkey and let my carpel tunnel rest, then I'll be back on Monday posting. This novel goes in the drawer for a while, but the other one gets pulled out and finished. (I have now let my internal editor out of the drawer, and let me tell you, she is hopping mad. No amount of chocolate is going to calm her down. She wants to see that novel and she's not taking no for an answer.)

I'll be blogging about my progress finishing the edits, what my readers think of it and even my progress in writing my stinking synopsis. Finally, I hope to be shopping it to agents around February. When I don't have progress to report, I'll be posting writing opportunities, contests, and interesting writing tips and newsy items.

Conference time is right around the corner, so if you know of good ones, let me know and I'll get them posted.

Have a blessed holiday, and stop back by on Monday. If you're traveling, travel safe.

Sprinting to the Finish Line--Word Count 47014

2008-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of TimothyJ

I'm headed for the finish line. Tomorrow will be a monster. After I get home for the gym, I'm locking myself in my office with a gallon of Diet Coke, a bag of pretzels and a Depends. Okay, a box of Depends. I'm not coming out until I hit 50,000 words.

My daughter gets in tomorrow night for the holiday. I don't want to have to write while she's home.

Friday is our annual "shopping bitches" day. (Don't judge us. I see you tsking.) We get out and elbow the crowds just like all the other crazed bargain hunters. Armed with coupons and cell phones, we sneak out of the house before daylight (lest we wake the dogs and then have to stop and take them potty.) It's really quite hilarious. I think last year, I forgot to brush my hair. And my daughter wears scrubs (probably the ones she slept in, but I'm not telling.)

courtesy of LarimdaME

Each car we pass on the way to our first victim/store, we high five each other, because it's one more carload of shoppers that we'll be in front of. If one passes us, we get out the gogo-gadget wheels and step on the gas.

One year, we arrived at Famous Barr (before they sold their souls, I mean before they became Macy's) at 5 am, to stand in line to get the $10 off coupon that they were giving to the first XXX customer. We were there in plenty of time. It was freezing cold and we were dressed in jeans and sweatshirts (no coats to weigh us down while we were shopping.) People were standing around bundled up in blankets and quilts. We could see the managers inside the store counting down to zero hour. We were well within the number of lucky people who would receive the coupon. Zero hour arrived, the doors flew open and two carloads of women pulled up to the curb, hopped out and elbowed their way to the front of the line.

I kid you not. Everyone was screaming at them to no avail. They got the dang coupons and we missed out by about five people. Stupid shopping bitches! We had probably passed them on the highway.

Call for Submissions - AND Word Count 40734

2008-11-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

I made it over 40,000. The total is 40734 and that's 81% of the way to the finish line. I'm not getting overly confident. I still have to come up with over 9000 words. That's a lot of plot to add. I'll be spending some time going back over my outline and seeing where I need to add scenes. I know of several, but some will have to come after I've reached the 50000, because they require a lot more thought than I'm able to put in them right now.

For those of you wondering... No it's not done when I reach 50000. It's only the beginning. I need to add about 25000 more words, but I also need to go back and begin the editing phase (remember the little internal editor is locked away.) There's still a lot of work to do.

'Nuff about that. I promised a call for submissions.

Sojourn a journal of the arts is calling for submissions with a deadline of December 31, 2008. They are looking for a variety of submissions which include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, translations and scripts. Check out their submission guidelines.

Word Count 38793 and Seven Questions

2008-11-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

courtesy of thorinside

Laundry is done. Word count is caught up. It took me all day, and I had to skip critique tonight. Sorry scribes. I'll be back in December. I promise.

I ran across a couple of interesting blogs about critiquing. One by my friend Donna who has a site called Donna's Book Pub where she lists her Top Seven Reasons for Joining a Critique Group. Not to be outdone, fellow blogger and Missourian Sean McLachlan lists his Top Seven Reasons for Not Joining a Critique Group on his blog Midlist Writer. If you have the time, go check out both their blogs. Great information and funny.

I can relate to what both bloggers say. My advice is try before you buy. Or check out the group and make sure it fits you and what you want to accomplish. And ask yourself several questions to make sure you are ready for a critique group.

1. Am I ready to hear the good, the bad and the ugly about my work?

2. Can I tell others the good, the bad and the ugly about their work?

3. What do I expect to get from a critique group?

4. What do I have to offer a critique group?

5. Am I willing to revise and learn from critique?

6. How much time am I willing to put into a critique group?

7. Can I differentiate between critiquing a story and critiquing a writer?

So there you have it. My Seven Questions to ask yourself before joining a critique group. You might even turn those questions around and ask them of potential critique groups.

Word Count 36872

2008-11-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

Writers Block by bornazombie

It took a while, but I caught up. Thanks to my online writing buddies for suggesting a couple of scenes. They worked. I love them.

Tomorrow, I'll be 75% of the way to my word count goal. My husband has been very patient, even cooking dinner a couple of nights. He's even resorted to bringing me a snack in the evening. Probably just making sure I'm really writing and not playing video games. Honest, I haven't played even one game of Mahjongg.

I think he's a little tired of me locking myself away in the office to write for hours on end. Plus, I really need to do laundry tomorrow. You can only turn your clothes inside out so much, you know.

The dog even growled at me today. See if he gets any treats the next time I go to the pantry.

Oh, this was Barbie day. On Wednesdays, my friend Barb and I run errands and have lunch. I told you this already. Anyway, we did a nice nutritious lunch today--Chili's Shrimp Caesar Salad, minus the caesar dressing and with light ranch on the side. Pretty yummy and not so bad for you.

We also had a little coupon frenzy at Macy's. I love to shop, but I hate to break in new salespeople. Here's a hint, Mr. Retailer--please give these people more than four hours of training before you turn them loose on a big sales day. I know it's not the salespersons fault, but cut loose with some dough and give them more training. I hate seeing a new person struggle with trying to credit a return or some weird problem that never cropped up in training.

And there's always one idiot customer (not me, of course) who wants something special. Like the gal in front of me who brought in a coffee maker that didn't work and couldn't decide if she wanted a replacement or not. Duh? Did you not think about this before you left for the store. It's a simple question with a simple answer, yes or no. It is not multiple choice. And who gives a rip if you left your coupon at home. Go home and get it. I brought mine. There are 75 people behind you in line and we haven't had lunch and we probably have to pee. And we are in the housewares department where there are a lot of sharp knives. Make up your mind.

Sorry, but that felt better. Just wish I could use it in my word count. Let the holiday season begin.

Word Count 32074

2008-11-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

who has the upper hadn now? courtesy of sandcastlematt

Yikes! I've fallen behind.

Story veered off in a wierd direction, now I'm trying like crazy to get my character out of a stupid jam.

My internal editor jumped out of the drawer yesterday and sat on my desk shaking her head.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Word Count 30903

2008-11-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

courtesy of evadedave

A quick word about palindromes. You know, words that spell the same thing forward and backward. Like Bob, Hannah, Anna, Mom, Dad. You get my drift. Take a look at my word count--30903 a numerical palindrome. Isn't it cute?

Thanks to all the geeks on NaNo who got me started looking for the palindromes.

So tell me more palindromes to get my mind off numerical ones. I seriously need a distraction.

Word Count 28718

2008-11-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

Run turkey, run

Well, the month is half over and I'm more than halfway to my 50,000 word goal. Unless I have a major meltdown, looks like I'll actually get to eat turkey with my family.

We had snow flurries here today, so that and the wind made me want to stay inside and write. I have a hard time staying at my desk when the weather is nice. I put my garden to bed early this year, so I'd have time for NaNo and would not be tempted to go out and prune plants.

I have to give kudos to Chris Baty and all the behind the scenes folks that work countless hours to keep NaNoWriMo functional. You all give us the momentum we need to push through our procrastination, stubborn characters, stalled plots and everything else that keeps us from writing.

This is my second year participating in NaNoWriMo. I crossed the finish line last year and plan to do so again this year. But I know if I were doing it on my own, I wouldn't find the ooomph to push me to the end. Thanks for everything you all do.

If you are so inclined hop over here and give NaNoWriMo a small donation to help them defer the costs of this awesome program. I know they will be grateful. I am.

And if you don't know anything about NaNoWriMo, go check out their programs here.

Writer's Digest University: Editors' Intensive

2008-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati at Night by Cayusa

Chuck Sambuchino, Editor of Guide to Literary Agents had a post on his blog about a new Writer's Digest workshop called Writer’s Digest University: Editors’ Intensive.

It's December 13th and 14th at Writer’s Digest Headquarters at F+W Media, Inc., 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

The cost is $199.

Check out the link above for more details. But it's limited to 50 people, so better get moving.

WORD COUNT - Ended the day with 26,431

Historic Moment

2008-11-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

Balloons by Crystl

Not like the election or anything, but at 6:40pm, I crossed the halfway point. Yeppers, I have 25,003 words. I still have the whole night ahead of me and all day tomorrow before the month is half over.

More later... with a workshop announcement.

Word Count 24402

2008-11-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

Chicken dog Matisse with his monkey

I'm closing in on the halfway mark. And I still have more than half a month. Woohoo!

WARNING--DOG STORY FOLLOWS This has nothing to do with writing, but it does provide me with comic relief.

So we're dog sitting my daughter's dogs Max and Matisse. Max is a kindly gent and never causes a problem, unless you drop his lease when you take him for a walk. If that happens and he figures it out, he runs like hell.

Matisse on the other hand is like a boomerang, but it's because he's a big chicken. Tuesday the power company was working on a transformer somewhere in the neighborhood. The lights flickered just long enough for the carbon monoxide detector to go off. It emits a horrible squeal, but it goes out quickly. Well, it squealed and chicken dog about wet himself. Now this dog is over 70 pounds and he's trembling like a big sissy cat. Just about the time we got him calmed down, the power goes off again. Yep, now he's frantic.

I decided to unplug the detector and in the process it went off again. By now he's about to have kittens (and by the way, Max is sacked out on his bed sawing logs.) Matisse raced to the garage door and wanted out. So we let him in the garage. He stayed out there for twenty minutes, and we couldn't coax him back in--not even with a treat.

I felt sorry for him because it was cold, so I opened the van door and he hopped in and curled up on the back seat. He stayed there for an hour before we could get him back inside. When he came in, he kept walking around the table staring at the wall socket where the detector had been plugged in.

Needless to say, the carbon monoxide detector is staying unplugged until he goes home.

Word Count 22238 and Critique Groups

2008-11-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

Dice courtesy of pure9

So I'm a bit behind on my word count. Bunko reared its ugly head last night and I stayed too late. I had every intention of getting my word count in early, but it just didn't happen. I figured I'd have plenty of time after. We usually don't party too late, but no we stayed later than usual. I only managed to get about 700 word of my 2000 goal. I still ahead of the NaNo goal, but remember I'm planning on a three-day hiatus around Thanksgiving, so I can enjoy the holiday with my family and not have to be shut up in my office while they're having a good time.

Enough of my whining. I'm skipping critique tomorrow night, so I can get caught up. So in honor of that here's a post on Redlines and Deadlines about critique groups. Enjoy!

What's your experience with critique groups? Do you believe in critiquing with peers or would you rather go it alone?

American Fiction Prize (and word count 19704)

2008-11-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

This from my writing friend Julie Earhart...

AMERICAN FICTION PRIZE

Judge: The Member-Guest and The Weatherman author and two-time American Fiction Prize winner Clint McCown

First Prize: $1,000

Second Prize: $500

Third Prize: $250

Entry fee: $12

American Fiction will revive this year with its American Fiction Prize contest, a competition whose past judges include Joyce Carol Oates, Ann Beattie, Raymond Carver, Anne Tyler, Louise Erdrich, Tim O'Brien, and Tobias Wolff.

This year's judge, Clint McCown, teaches in the creative writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University and is a recipient of the Associated Press Award for Documentary Excellence for his investigations of organized crime and corruption in Alabama politics, and the Society of Midland Authors Award. His novel, War Memorials, was designated for Outstanding Achievement in Literature by the Wisconsin Library Association. McCown's short stories and poems have appeared widely, and he has published two books of verse. He has worked as a screenwriter for Warner Bros. and as an actor with the National Shakespeare Company. He has edited several literary journals, including the Beloit Fiction Journal, which he founded in 1984.

Contest winners and finalists will be published by New Rivers Press in Fall 2010 and distributed nationally by The Consortium.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2009. Winners and finalists will be announced by September 2009.

Contest Guidelines:

We accept all genres of unpublished literary fiction. Entries must be: unpublished; strictly 7500 words or less; postmarked by March 15, 2009; clearly marked "American Fiction Prize" on both the story and the outside of the envelope; accompanied by a $12 entry fee per story (make checks payable to American Fiction). Please include a cover page with your name, story title, mailing address, and email address. Do not include your name on the pages of the story. Please ensure all stories are typed, double-spaced, and that the title and page number appear on each page. In lieu of an email address, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

We welcome multiple entries ($12/story). For entries outside the U.S.: please send entry fee in U.S. currency or money order. While we cannot return manuscripts, we will forward a list of the winning stories to any entrant who includes an SASE; as well, we will e-mail contest updates to anyone who provides an active e-mail address. Entrants retain all rights to their stories.

Mail entries to:

American Fiction Prize / 5712 Briarwick Court / Hermitage, TN 37076

Please e-mail any questions to americanfictionprize AT yahoo DOT com. Thank you for your interest, and good luck!

Word Count 18084

2008-11-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet today.....

Thanks for stopping by.

Word Count 13465

2008-11-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm more than 25% of the way to the 50000 words. Big woohoo for me. And I know you guys are visiting, so where's the comments--Thanks Tricia G. for the support. How about the rest of you? Stick your head in and say HEY! (I have it set to MODERATE COMMENTS, so don't worry if you comment doesn't show up right away.)

Sticking to the outline is harder than I imagined. Last year I did NaNoWriMo by the seat of my pants. No outline, just the idea for a story and a few characters in my head. This year I spent some time preparing the outline. I know--already told you that. Not only did I add a twist at the end, now my story has zigged off. But it's a good thing. It's allowing me to add more depth to one of my favorite characters (think major love interest here.)

I'm swilling down the tea and working into the early hours of morning, but I'm having fun. I found a cool free gadget called Cool Timer from Harmony Hollow. I know I could use a kitchen time, but this one make cool noises. I set it for an hour and write. When the timers goes off, I set it for 10 minutes and give myself a little break. When it sounds again, back to work I go. It's really helping me stay on track and away from surfing the internet.

I'm listening to Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and my hero Trace Adkins--especially Trace. I love his voice. I imagine my character Case Alder with Trace's voice, except Alder can't sing. But he's got the same deep voice.

-

Word Count at the end of Today - 11157

2008-11-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

A Winter Wicked Witch courtesy of smcgee

In some respects this NaNoWriMo is easier than last year. I worked out a pretty good outline before the contest began, so I knew more where my story was headed. Last year, when I started NaNoWriMo, I didn't even have a clue whodunit. I just started writing and characters emerged, the storyline changed and by the end of NaNoWriMo I thought I knew whodunit. I didn't. In the editing process, I added a twist and another character was born.

So the fact that I know where this one is headed is easier, I thought. Today I changed the whodunit. But it made sense and it makes plotting the story easier. I was having trouble with the motive of my suspect, so this change makes so much sense. And it's too cool. I also have to credit my friend, Tricia G for the suggestion. Tricia G, you rock. Now finish that damn zombie book.

The hard part for this one is turning off my internal editor. I thought I'd left her on a cruise ship in Montreal, but the little snit has turned up. I didn't even leave chocolate crumbs, so how she found me, I'll never know. But she's screaming at me to slow down and add sensory details.

Maybe I better get some sleep.

Word Count 7426

2008-11-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

my messy desk 3 courtesy of sparkle glowplug

All I can say is thank goodness my desk doesn't look like that one.

Here's a shout to my friend Barb who didn't know I had a blog, even though I email her her a bazillion times a day, and the blog site is on my signature. Hi Barb!

Today was our weekly outing (me and Barb.) We usually spend Wednesdays together running errands, eating lunch and shopping. So needless to say I'm just now starting on my word count for the day. I'll be up until the wee hours of morning, but that's okay. I enjoy my Wednesdays with Barb and wouldn't trade them for a finished novel.

Barb and I keep each other sane by sharing rants about our husbands, kids, families and life in general. But the great thing is we're equal opportunity ranters. She might monopolize the rant this week, but I get my turn next week. And so it goes. Fortunately for you, I won't be sharing those rants, I'll save mine for Barb next week.

Back to the manuscript.

P.S. For those of you who read my story about the white pants and red flowered underwear--it was Barb who didn't tell me until I'd made a fool out of myself. Thanks Barb.

Cast Your Ballot

2008-11-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Voting is Patriotic (USA) courtesy of farlane

Time out from NaNoWriMo for a political message.

Tuesday is Election Day. I may be one of the few who is not shoving a candidate in your face. I figure if I can influence your candidate choice at this late date, then God help us.

I'm not telling you who to vote for. Just VOTE. It's your right.

I wish both the candidates a good night's sleep and may the best man win.

Word Count 2906

2008-11-03T09:02:00.001-08:00

Maxwell

Yep, I'm slacking. Not intentionally, though. Had to make a trip to Cedar Rapids yesterday to pick up my daughter's dogs (that's Maxwell in the picture)...so round trip that cost me about 8 hours. I did manage to work out some plot issues in my head while driving up there. That counts, doesn't it.

When I got home I worked on the novel for about 3 hours. Today I will be chugging to catch up. If you use all thirty days in November to write, you have to average a little less than 1700 words a day. I've built in a couple of off days around Thanksgiving, so I've upped my target to 2000 words a day to compensate. So starting out this morning I am 1100 words behind my goal. Off to write.

Thanks for checking in and keep that encouragement coming. It keeps me away from the chocolate.

Oh, yesterday I went through Jo dee Messina, Tracy Lawrence, Martina McBride and a partial Kathy Mattea (had to shut it off--somehow the cd got scratched, and it's one of my favorites! Ouch! Sorry Kathy.)

P.S About the dogs, they winter at Grandma's house from November until January. My daughter's schedule is crazy until mid-December. She comes home for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas, so she's usually only away from thethem for about a month total. And it beats having to drive the dogs back and forth for the short Thanksgiving holiday.

Now I really am off to see how much trouble I can get Sissy into today.

P.S.S. If you aren't writing today, how come?

Word Count 1008

2008-11-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

typewriter courtesy of texas gurl

I have one of these old typewriters in the basement. Bought it when I fancied myself an antique collector--I'm not. But I'm sure glad I'm pounding away on a Dell and not this monster.

It's 11:00 am. I started about 8:30 and have 1008 words. Actually, I stayed up until midnight last night and entered the first sentence, so eight words were written in the early am. Then I went to bed and slept on the plot. I figured I'd be awak all night with plots lines running through my head, but I zonked.

Can't get on to the NaNoWriMo site right now, so I'm hoping to update my little calendar later today.

I've been through three cd's - Phil Vassar, Sugarland and Toby Keith, a bottle of Crystal Light and a small bowl of pretzels.

Log on and give me a shout of encouragement.

Housekeeping

2008-10-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Broom courtesy of irina souiki

I'vd added a few new widgets. Most noteably my word count for NaNoWriMo. I'm not a techie, so we'll see if it works--starting Saturday.

I've also added the RSS feeds widget, so please subscribe.

I'll be adding more as soon a November is over. Stay tuned.

By the way, how many of you are participating in NaNoWriMo?

Warren Adler Short Story Contest

2008-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Pencils by phatcontroller

Sharpen those pencils it's time for the Warren Adler Short Story Contest.

Adler is the author of The War of the Roses, Random Hearts and a host of other novels (27) as well as short stories.

Top prize is $1000. The contest ends January 16, 2009 and has an entry fee of $15.

The theme of the contest is pretty open - Short fiction in all of its varied genres.

Looking for a speaker for a writing conference??

2008-10-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Street in Quebec City

Hey, didn't mean to leave the lights off for so long.

October has been crazy. First part of the month, I went on a cruise to see the fall colors in New England and Canada. Instead of seeing colors, we out ran a hurricane (yeah in New England--who would have thunk?) Then our scenic cruising day on the St. Lawrence, it was so foggy we could barely see over the side of the ship. What gives with that?

But the gem of Quebec City was waiting for us. What a treat! If you've never been there, it is so worth the visit. It's not for the faint of heart. There are hills and winding streets, but around every corner, there's a neat little shop or cafe. I can't wait to go back.

The last part of the month I've was busy getting Saturday Writers annual fall workshop lined up. It was this past Saturday. We had a magnificent day. The weather was outstanding. Our speakers were awesome, and it's over. And the best part if next year someone else gets to plan it :)

If you're planning a workshop or conference I've got some names you might want to try. Krista Goering from The Krista Goering Literary Agency was our agent. She did a presentation in the morning and took pitches in the afternoon. She is a delightful woman, very friendly and outgoing. I would highly recommend her.

In the afternoon we had an editor panel that consisted of Anna Genoese, a freelance editor, Dr. Susan Swartwout from Southeast Missouri State University and Rebecca French Smith from Missouri Life magazine. All of these ladies did a great job and again and recommendation from me is in order.

My thanks to all our great speakers for taking the time from their schedule to spend the day with us and share their expertise.

On a side note, my writing friends have convinced me to set the current novel aside for the month while I take Sissy on another adventure. That's what I'm going to do. I've been at this one for almost a year now and it seems like I've read it a thousand times, probably because I have. Plus I need a break because I have this huge new plot line in my head and it keeps distracting me. Once I get it on paper, I think I will be better able to go back finalize my first one.

I'm gearing up for NaNoWriMo which starts November 1st. I'm not going to be as active on here, but will be trying to post my results daily and give the rest of you a little pep talk. You know, if I can write 50,008 words in a month so can you. So, freeze up a bunch of meals, buy scads of chocolate, wash up all the laundry and pull up a chair. The writing is about to begin. AND I can't wait.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Synopsis = #$^$^#$*%$#@#$

2008-10-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Aftermath courtesy of mr. rich

Really. I'm trying to write the dang thing. I thought the query was tough. Piece of cake compared to the synopsis. And I know why I don't like them. Remember book reports. I hated book reports when I was in school.

I always won top honors for reading the most books, but my grade always suffered because of the stinking book reports we had to write. I can even remember saying, "Why do we have to write stinking book reports? It's not like we'll have to do book reports when we grow up." Ha! Little did I know.

Where's the Cliffs Notes for my novel when I need it? Oh wait, I would have to write it, wouldn't I.

A fellow critiquer (thanks Tom) sent me a link to mystery, suspense, thriller writer Lisa Gardner's website where she has a online lecture Conquering the Dreaded Synopsis .

And it's a great link. Lots of great detail, but I'm brain dead. I read it and I know what I supposed to do, but gaaaaa, it just does not compute onto the page.

I know I need to introduce my characters, fill in the plot points and YES.... I know I have to tell the ending. But it sounds like a book report from junior high and no thank you Mr. Blevins for making me write them. Apparently you didn't teach me anything. You should have sttod over my desk and beat me with the book you were so handy at throwing across the room to get our attention. Sorry, I digress--that's a whole nother blog topic.
Back to the synopsis or rather the bad book report. It sounds like Susie did this and then Susie did that and then the bad guy did the bad thing and Susie ... Well, you get my drift. I'm usually not bad at transitions, but I know that's the problem here.

Yo, Lisa, wanna help a sister out? If you love writing the synopsis, how about you do mine? What's one more? I know you're a good sport or else you wouldn't have all the great stuff on your webiste for fellow writers. All you have to do is one, then I'll get the hang of it. I promise! I'm a quick study, but I need to see the real deal in print to be able to catch on.

I'll send you my outline and you whip out a synopsis for me. I'll be your BFF forever and I'll read all your books forever more and give you great reviews (wait that's kind of like a book report. What am I saying?) Okay, I'll read all your books and give you 5-star ratings.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Breast Cancer Ribbon courtesy of Yongjiet

A quick aside to my normal posts.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in On Deck for the Cure, a fundraising event founded by Holland America in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

I won't go into the details of the walk, but just want to take the opportunity to remind all my female friends to remember to get their annual mammogram and don't forget your monthly breast exams. Early detection is the key to survival.

You aren't too busy to save your life. Pick up your phone and make an appointment.

And for you guys, men get breast cancer, too. So, don't ignore a suspcious lump.

Here's a Contest for 30 and Younger

2008-10-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Money Grab courtesy of Steve Wampler

From Narrative Magazine...

Narrative is calling on writers, visual artists, photographers, performers, and filmmakers, ages eighteen to thirty, to tell us a story. We are interested in narrative in the many forms it takes: the word and the image, the traditional and the innovative, the true and the imaginary.

Awards:
First Prize is $1,500
Second Prize is $750
Third Prize is $300.

The prize winners will be announced in Narrative. Additionally, ten finalists will be chosen and announced in the magazine. All entries will be considered for publication. (Limit of two entries per individual.)

Read the rest of the guidelines here .

There is no entry fee and entries are due by October 27, 2008.

Too Many Irons in the Fire

2008-10-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

The to-do list courtesy of Brian Indrelunas

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. My to-do list is beginning to look like my college thesis. I'm considering having it bound for posterity.

Seriously, I can't scratch an item off the list without adding two more things two it. How's a girl supposed to get anything finished? And bad as that is I only managed to work on the novel a little last week. So I'm back at it this week and gearing up to make the final edits. Keep me on my toes people!

What's your best tip for staying caught up?

P.S. I promise to get back to posting regularly. That's on the top of my to-do-list. Honest. I've also placed stop worrying about my 401K at the top of the list. It's only paper, right? At least that's what my husband keeps saying.

The Novel

2008-09-25T05:50:00.001-07:00

photo courtesy Thomas Hawk

It's getting down to the wire. I've added several new scenes and a new kiss (and it's a scorcher.) I've also added a new character who is showing real promise of hanging around and becoming an ally to my protagonist.

These walk-on characters are killing me. They come out of nowhere make themselves indispensable and then refuse to leave. I'm not sure what that means. Is my creativity flowing or am I allowing my characters to much leeway? Either way, this one's a keeper.

My goal was to have this thing finished the end of September, but that schedule is sliding a little due to some other commitments. But I'm on track for October. I do have my query letter ready to go and it's a good one, if I do say so myself. I'm working on the synopsis and it's not so good yet. But practice makes perfect. So I'll keep slogging away.

The mornings are starting to get chilly, and I love to open the window and let the morning air ruffle the curtains while I write. This morning I can hear the rooster next door crowing his little heart out. He must be a late sleeper, because it's already 8 a.m. I was up before him. Maybe I should start crowing to wake the little slacker up.

Morning is my favorite time to write, but I don't get to do it often. When I do it's a special treat.

When's your favorite time to write?

Writers Weekly.com Fall 2008 24-Hour Short Story Contest

2008-09-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy Chris Campbell

Found this post over on Writers Weekly . It announces their Fall 2008 24-Hour Short Story Contest and it starts this Saturday. The catch is you MUST be signed up before the topic is posted to participate, and it's already 73% full (probably more by now.) Yep, you read that right. You sign up and then you get the topic. And you only have 24 hours in which to write the story. How fun is that?

The prizes are awesome.

1st Place $300
2nd Place $250
3rd Place $200

The entry fee is only $5. Click here to register online.

The clock starts ticking Saturday.

P.S. I promise to tell you how the novel is coming along

2008-09-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow......

Photo courtesy summervillain

Contest for the 8-18er's

2008-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of anyhoo

This one has a long lead time. Entries aren't due until March 30, 2009. The Listen to a Life Contest is an awesome opportunity for the younger generation to connect with a member of the older generation (gulp! That's me.) The whole premise is for the young person to interview the oldster (parent, grandparent, friend of family, aunt, uncle, the list is endless) about their dreams and how they achieved them or advice they would offer. Or maybe how they overcame obstacles.
After the interview the young person writes a 300-word essay based on the interview.

The site even offers tips and sample interview questions. If that's not enough they even provide a link to winning entries from last year.

What are the prizes you ask... That would be here.

Sponsored by lenovo and Orchard Software.

18th Annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize Contest

2008-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Big Money courtesy of LiZPhoToArt

There's still time to enter the 18th Annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize in Fiction, Essay and Poetry. The Missouri Review will again be offering over $9000 in prize money along with publication in the magazine. The deadline for submissions is October 1,2008; winners will be announced in early 2009. See contest guidelines for additional information.

Dog Stories- A Call for Submissions

2008-09-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Matisse - My daughter's little con artist

1000 words or fewer flash fiction pieces -

Dogs: Wet & Dry - A Collection of Canine Flash Fiction.

These stories will run from humorous to heartfelt to quirky.
The topic range is open: from dog rescue, training, and adoption to companionship, communication, and behavior.

Accepted pieces will receive $50 when the book is published, plus one copy of the anthology.
Send submissions (please, no profanity or animal abuse) in the body of the e-mail along with a short bio (100 words or less) in third person to: submissions@dogswetanddry.com
Submission period - 9/15/2008-12/1/2008
Deadline: 12/1/2008

Margo Dill Interview

2008-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Check out The Differently-Abled Writer for an interview with my friend Margo Dill.

Margo is the Past President of The Missouri Writers' Guild and a member of Saturday Writers.

She is a multi-talented writer, an awesome speaker and a great critiquer. If you need a freelance writer, editor or a speaker, give Margo a call.

NaNoWriMo -

2008-09-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

What?

NaNoWriMo I say. That's National Novel Writing Month and it begins November 1st. The point of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 in a month--a mere 30 days.

Why am I telling you now? So you can plan. So you can figure out what you want to write, and how you're going to carve out time to do it.

Why would you want to do that? It's an awesome process. I did it last year and ended the month with 50004 words, just 4 little words pushed me over the threshold. Since then I've deleted those 4 words and added another 8000. So see my point. In one month I wrote 50004 words. In the last 10 1/2 months, I've only written 80000. Actually I've probably written more than that, because while I was writing the 50,000 I completely tuned out my internal editor. I shoved her in a desk drawer and threw in chocolate periodically to shut her up.

But I digress...

What did I learn from NaNoWriMo? Several things.

1. I'm a linear writer. So it's best for me to go from start to finish and not skip around writing scenes as they come to me. It boggles my mind too much to have to go back and try and weave stuff in.

2. I write better from an outline. My first attempt was a sheer pantser (by the seat of my pants.) And while I like the story, I wish I had created an outline to keep me on track.

3. While I'll write from an outline next time, I won't be so rigid as to have to stick to it, if my characters want to veer off in another direction.

4. I learned that characters do veer off. One of my minor characters in this novel refused to be minor, so she's come out of the background and will be a major player in my next novel.

5. I need a strict writing schedule with scheduled down time. I abolished all extra-curricular Internet activities until I reached my writing goal for the day. Once I did that, I'd check email, chat with friends and surf.

6. I used a timer and forced myself to write in one hour intervals. After an hour, I got up and stretched, got a drink and made wee wee. I know you're supposed to get up more often than that, but I have a short attention span and it takes me a while to get back to work. So one hour was my interval with a ten minute break.

7. I allowed myself days off. I know it caused my daily writing schedule to increase, but I'm not eating turkey at my computer and I refuse to give up my day after Thanksgiving shopping madness.

8. Writing is easer than editing.

9. Yes, you can actually take showers. You don't have to be a slob to make the goal.

10. It doesn't count if you write - I can't think of anything to write. I can't think of anything to write. I can't think of anything to write.

Will I do it again this year? Heck yeah. October 1st, I start my outline. And yes, you can have an outline, but DO NOT WRITE one word on the novel until November 1st. That's a big no-no.

Is there a prize? Yes, the satisfaction of writing 50,000 words.

Is this a big deal? Just ask the NaNoWriMoer's who wrote a collective 1,187,931,929 words last November.

Here's the website. Go sign up.

Tell me, did you NaNoWriMo last year? What was your experience? Will you do it again?

A Moment of Silence

2008-09-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy: size8jeans

My prayers are with all who suffered as a result of 9/11.

MWG's Flash Fiction Contest

2008-09-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Hottest Flash Fiction Contest
Deadline - October 15, 2008
Entry fee: $10
Word Limit 1,000 words.
First Place: $100.
Second Place Winner: $50.
Third Place $25.
Honorable mentions are awarded at the discretion of the Judge.

What is Flash Fiction? It's fun. It's challenging. For writers, it is an exercise in rewriting and editing. It is a short short story. All flash fiction includes the classic story elements: protagonist, conflict, obstacles or complications, and resolution. The brevity of this genre often forces some of the story elements to be implied or unwritten in the storyline.

This 6-word flash by Ernest Hemingway is an example of extreme flash fiction:"For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Good Luck!
Questions? contact Contest Chairman, Judith Stock at FlashFiction@missouriwritersguild.org

Saturday Writers "Turn the Page" Workshop

2008-09-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: Kateyay

Saturday Writers Presents
Turn the Page Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Time: 10:00 am—3:00 pm
Location: St. Peters City Hall—Rm A
One St. Peters Centre Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376

Early Bird Registration ends Oct. 1st Members: $50.00; Non-Members $60.00

After October 1st: Members: $60.00; Non-Members $70.00

At Door: Everyone $ 75.00 (NO LUNCH PROVIDED)

LUNCH AND BEVERAGE PROVIDED FOR ADVANCED REGISTRANTS

Finished your novel or almost have it finished? Have new ideas for a smashing article? Well, turn the page and join us for an all-day workshop featuring Krista Goering, literary agent from Krista Goering Literary Agency LLC, Susan Swartwout, professor, director of the University Press and editor of Big Muddy, Rebecca French Smith, Managing Editor Missouri Life, and Anna Genoese, Consulting Editor for Tom Doherty Associates, LLC..

PUBLISHING 101 BY KRISTA:
* The book publishing industry in general and how it is changing
* How agents work
* What information is important in a query letter
* What not to do when querying an agent
* How to write a great nonfiction book proposal
* When it makes sense to self-publish
* How to promote/publicize your book

EDITOR IDOL:
Bring your first paragraph, manuscript formatted, of fiction or non-fiction work or 10 lines of poetry. Editors will read out loud, preserving your privacy, then comment on what they liked or didn't like, what hooked or didn't hook them. You can bring more than once piece (on a separate sheet of paper), but we’ll only take seconds if time permits.

5-MINUTE PITCH APPOINTMENTS WITH KRISTA, SUSAN OR REBECCA:
Sign up to pitch when you register. Appointment will be assigned and
given the day of the workshop. (Attendees only)

ADVANCE WRITTEN CRITIQUES:
Krista will do a limited number of written critiques for attendees for $25.00.
FICTION: First 10 manuscript pages OR query letter and synopsis.
NON-FICTION: Proposal (5 pages max) OR first 10 pages of manuscript.

Email to president@saturdaywriters.org with the documents in the body of email, or mail hard copy with registration. Attachments will be deleted.
Payment must follow with registration. No manuscripts will be sent to Krista until payment is received. No manuscripts accepted after October 1st

Questions: email president@saturdaywriters.org

For Registration form or to register via Paypal visit our webpage http://www.saturdaywriters.org/ and click on EVENTS.

Did you go to Woodstock??

2008-09-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of radarxlove

If so, Adams Media is looking for your story for an anthology entitled Woodstock Revisited. The deadline is tight, September 7, 2008, but they are desperatly seeking stories.
This sounds like an exciting anthology. The 60s were such turbulent times--peace, war, free love, riots, the happy face, Vietnam.

Check out Literary Cottage for the call for submissions.

My story is that I wanted to go to Woodstock, but I was 15 and a big chicken. So there. If I had it to do all over again, would I go. Hell, yeah! What's your Woodstock story?

Speaking of Queries

2008-09-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm almost at the point where I'm ready to hone my query letter. I've written it a time or two, but I want to polish it up as best I can. Susan McBride, our speaker from Saturday Writers sent me a link to a query article by Holly Lisle . Wow, not only is the article great, but her website is jampacked with information, and she offers a free class on outlining your plot.

P.S. Susan's new book The Debs just made its debut.

Query Shark

2008-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I love it. Janet Reid at FinePrint Literary Management is critiquing query letters at Query Shark. Now if I could just find the Jaws music. How fun is that? Probably not, if you've sent in a crappy query letter, but the opportunity to get some advance feedback before you send it on. Priceless.

Janet doesn't promise to critique all submissions, but what do you have to lose. And she only does fiction, so don't send the other ones in or she'll probably chum the water with you. Check out Query Shark for recent query letters she has critiqued and for instructions on how to submit yours. (Remember, play by her rules.)

And Janet, thanks for all you do for us.

A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors

2008-08-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

A hearty congratulations to my writing buddy Alice. You go, girl! Alice garnered her first publication in A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors for her story "Hidden Treasures."

I am proud to say that Alice shared the story with me longry long before publication. It's a touching story about... Well, you'll just have to buy the book to find out. For each copy sold, fifty cents will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I hope this one is a sell-out everytime it hits the store shelves.

The book contain fifty survior stories. Every one brings a unique voice of hope and courage. And a spirit of determination is evident throughout the book.

Congratulations to my friend Alice and all the authors whose stories lie within the pages. Not just because you were published, but because of your strength, candor and willingness to share your story with others.

Free Writer's Conference

2008-08-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Tired of spending gas money or staying in hotels with lumpy mattresses, try an online conference. Huh? Yep, you read it correctly. The Muse Online Writers Conference is absolutely free (though, they will glady take donations.)

Missouri Writers Guild's own Barri Bumgarner is a presenter along with a host of others.

The conference runs from October 13th - 19th on a computer in your home. Registration deadline is September 1st. So don't delay.

I'm looking forward to this one.

What's your favorite part about going to a conference? Besides happpy hour :)

Attention Conference Goers

2008-08-27T16:28:00.001-07:00

Agent Janet Reid from FinePrint Literary Management has some tips on her blog for conference planners on how to make an agent more productive and happier at your conference. And if they're happy, we know we'll be happier.

I've always felt bad for agents at the conferences I attend. Not because I am an agent stalker, but there are those of you out there who are. And you know who I'm talking about. I have yet to meet an agent at a conference (well, okay one) who wasn't willing to go above and beyond. The one was just plain rude and no, it wasn't Janet. But I'm not naming names. These poor men and women are on stage 24/7 when in conference mode, even if they aren't up on the stage. Some of them can barely get out of their rooms without people crowding around trying to monopolize the conversation.

If you want to get some good, alone time with an agent offer to be a shepard or drive them from the airport. Offer to take them to dinner (and pick up the tab.) Agents are human and some of them are damn funny when you let them talk about something other than YOUR novel. (Laurie, are you listening? I'll drive you and Lynn around Kentucky any day.)

If you let them talk about other stuff once in a while, most agents will even eventually ask about your novel. Then when they do, give them your pitch and give them an opportunity to ask questions. They know you want to, but don't track them down the hallway waving pages in their face, or scoot your synopsis across the table and under their water glass. Let them breath a little, eat a little and wait for the magic moment when they lean back and say, "Tell me about your novel." That's your cue.

Seven Hills Writing Contest Accepting Submissions

2008-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Increased prize money and altered categories are some of the changes made to the Seven Hills Contest for Writers this year.

First-place winners will receive $100; second-place, $75; and third-place, $50.

Essay and memoir categories have been combined and expanded under the heading, “creative nonfiction,” works of factual literary prose. Unlike other types of nonfiction, such as technical writing or journalism, the emphasis in creative nonfiction is on factually true yet elegant literary expression. Submissions in this genre could include, but are not limited to, memoir, food or travel writing, personal essays, new journalism, biography, nonfiction stories and nature writing.

Children’s literature this year is restricted to chapter books or short stories (ages 6-8 or 9-12). The following year we will accept only picture books. The change was made because it seemed as if the two types of children’s literature needed to be considered separately.

All contest entries have a word limit of 2,500 words.

The contest has grown so much they will no longer require detailed critiques from judges, although they will be free to make comments and suggestions to authors if they wish. Manuscripts must be postmarked by Sept. 30.

Please see the TWA Website for complete contest rules and entry fees.

Are Your Phrases Redundant?

2008-08-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

When I worked for the phone company, redundancies were a good thing. Not in spoken or written communication, but in our central office switching equipment. One goes down, the redundant one kicks in and takes over. Kind of like a battery back-up. Okay, I was a trainer, not a switching guru, but you get the drift.

In writing, redundancies are a no-no. Was that redundant? I just finished editing Chapter 10 of my novel, and I ran into a couple of places where I repeated myself--completely engulfed in flames. Ummmm. If it's engulfed, then it is completely in flames. but I made a note to go back through my previous chapters and look for phrases where I repeated myself.

Then I found this article by Richard Nordquist on About.com . He points out that sometimes it might be okay to be repetitious in order to clarify a point. For the most part, redundant phrases just bog down the story. And the best part--he included a list of common expressions. I love that. Usually you get one or two examples, but he has an alphabetized listing. I printed that sucker and taped it to my credenza.