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WritersNotes.Net: Helping Writers Follow Their Dreams Through Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement!
Preliminaries
My apologies for being so silent here lately. Health issues, along with a great deal of writing work, have monopolized my attention lately, preventing me from focusing on brainstorming topics, locating info and resources, and assembling all these into helpful posts. Now and then I'll see a topic that I'd like to share, but a post never seems to materialize. That's why what I'd like to do today is share a few great writing posts that I've come across that can help you in the craft and business of writing. Hopefully, these will arm you with the information, motivation, and practical tools you need to take the next step in your writing career.
Writing Advice from Around the Blogosphere
John Hewitt, at PoeWar, has written a really practical post, called How to Treat Your Writing Like a Business. Check it out. I'm sure you'll find it helpful. In fact, I think you'll also find two of John's other posts particularly helpful to your career: The Realities of a Freelance Writing Career and Six Tips for More Organized Freelancing should get you off to a great start or keep you moving forward toward achieving your writing goals. Of course, I hardly need tell you that you'll find all John's posts immensely helpful to you in your writing. If you've never read them, you'll want to start now!
Other posts I'm sure you'll find helpful are the following:
A Dialog on Blogging Focus, Parts 1, 2, and 3, from Brad Shorr at Word Sell, Inc. Brad also offers a plethora of excellent content that's focused mainly on B2B content creation, business blogging, marketing, and SEO strategies.
Top 25 Books for Writers and Writing-related Topics, from Meryl K. Evans, at Meryl.net. Meryl also offers periodic link posts, such as Links: Just Before March Roars 2010 Edition and Links: Happy Sweet 16 2010 Edition, which are always packed with excellent writing resources.
Has Your Fire Fizzled? from Karen Swim at Words for Hire offers inspiration that can help get you back on track if you've strayed from your writing goals lately. Hard But Not Forever will also give you words of encouragement for the difficult times.
10 Things to Start and One Thing to Stop, from Joanna Young at Confident Writing, is short, sweet, and to-the-point and offers some fabulous tips on ways to increase your writing sensitivity, confidence, inspiration, and enjoyment. Joanna will be taking a break from blogging for a time, but you'll find so much great content in her archives that you'll have plenty to keep you busy while she's gone. Here's another brief but helpful post from Joanna: Make a Start by Writing it Down. Joanna has a wonderful way of distilling an idea down to its most basic--and important--elements, providing quick reads that are jam-packed with insight.
More Link Posts to Come
The blogosphere is, of course, rife with wonderful posts on writing, selling your writing, and living the writing life. Yet, I must unfortunately end my list here--for today at least. In the future, I'll do my best to provide links to other helpful blog posts, written by these and other experienced bloggers who have a great deal to offer the aspiring or active writer.
Enjoy!
Jeanne
Have you found these posts helpful and/or inspiring? Any one or two that seem particularly pertinent to your situation? Have you read any great writing posts lately? We'd love it if you'd share your thoughts with us!
September 21st 2009 19:00
Blogging Friends Help Keep Us Informed!
Thanks to my blogging friend, Lillie Ammann, I learned just this morning that today is World Alzheimer's Day. (I can always count on Lillie to post about the less-widely publicized days that are worthy of note. Thanks, Lillie!) To read Lillie's post, follow this link: World Alzheimer's Day: Wear Purple.
Alzheimer's: A Widespread Problem That Hits Close to Home
Over five million people in America alone currently live with Alzheimer's. Many of my Writer's Notes readers know that my mom was one of them until this devastating illness took her life on May 17, 2009. That was an extremely difficult period in my life, which makes this a cause that's close to my heart. That's one reason I want to do all I can to help raise awareness about Alzheimer's.
The Alzheimer's Association: A Lifeline to Patients and Their Families
Another reason I feel pulled to publicize World Alzheimer's Day is to draw attention to the Alzheimer's Association and the wonderful job it's doing to help support Alzheimer's patients and their families. I've personally experienced that support, through my own local chapter, and I can't stress strongly enough what a godsend it was to have that lifeline to hang onto as I plunged deeper and deeper into a world I didn't understand and didn't possess the skills to cope with effectively. I didn't even avail myself of all the services the Association offers; yet, I found its support invaluable.
Bloggers: Join the Cause by Spreading the Word
If you have a website or blog—or even if you only have a Facebook or other social media account—and you'd like to help spread the word about Alzheimer's, visit this webpage and choose one of several widgets to display on your site and/or profile. (While the animation doesn't work on Facebook, the logo will still display, though it will only show one side rather than switching back and forth between the front and back.)
If you have a Facebook account, you can also show your support by becoming a fan of the Alzheimer's Association on Facebook.
How You Can Learn More
To learn more about Alzheimer's, visit the Alzheimer's Association's blog or read and/or download a copy of the 2009 World Alzheimer's Report.
Many people are wearing purple today to commemorate the Alzheimer's cause. Whether or not you choose to do that, you can still get the word out about Alzheimer's!
Thanks for reading!
Jeanne
Blogapalooza 2009 Comes to an End
They say that all good things must come to an end, and so it is with Robert Hruzek's Blogapalooza 2009. The last few submissions were posted at Middle Zone Musings yesterday, and Mr. MZM has now posted his finished list of a very impressive 128 participating entries. What a phenomenal success this year's project has been! Robert's roundup post, Blogapalooza 2009 is OVER!, contains links to each blogger's What I Learned From 2008 post (found elsewhere on the MZM site), as well as links to each individual participant's own blog. And what a wealth of good reading these linked-to posts contain!
Roundup Post Serves as Blogapalooza's Online "Table of Contents"
I've decided to announce Robert's roundup post to make it easier for those of you who might have thus far refrained from perusing the Blogapalooza posts because you felt it was just too much trouble to work your way through all of them to find the ones that interested you. Robert's roundup post eliminates that problem, allowing you to not only find your favorite bloggers but also locate unfamiliar blog titles that sound as if they might be in your niche or simply sound intriguing, helpful, or entertaining. This list is also an excellent one-stop blog shop that can help you find new blogs that could just become some of your very favorites!
Two Links for Each Listing Provide Added Convenience
Clicking each blogger's name will take you to his or her Blogapalooza entry, which lists up to 12 different blog posts the blogger's written--one for each month of blogging he or she has done during 2008. These posts represent some often-fascinating lessons learned by each blogger over the past year. You may also click the blog title to be taken directly to each entrant's blog so you can check it out firsthand. (Be sure to bookmark the ones you like best! And don't forget to bookmark Robert's roundup post, since there's a lot of material to digest here--far too much to assimilate in a single sitting. You'll definitely want to return later and check out the content, blogs, and bloggers you don't have time to look into the first time around.)
Blogapalooza 2009 Is Over--Or Is It?
Blogapalooza 2009 may be over in one sense--and, no, Robert, I'm not referring to your turning the Blogapalooza title banner upside down!--yet, in another sense, it's just beginning. We now have a wealth of excellent content literally at our fingertips just waiting to be explored--a veritable treasure trove of wisdom, creativity, and expertise that we may freely mine for the gems of knowledge and experience that will prove most valuable to us in our own writing, blogging, business and/or life journeys. So, hurry on over to the "Zone" and get started! I think you'll be glad you did!
Middle Zone Musings: A Blog that Will Soon Have You Hooked!
But, let me warn you: the Zone is definitely habit-forming! Before you know it, Robert's warm and friendly Texas manner--along with his inimitable sense of humor and the hefty doses of down-home wisdom he sends your way--will totally win you over and you'll be hopelessly hooked! You'll soon find yourself wanting to visit the Middle Zone amazingly often to get your regular--and highly beneficial--doses of MZM storytelling interwoven with Robert's impressive musings on life.
But, go right ahead: Indulge! With this particular addiction at least, you needn't feel guilty in the slightest, because every time you leave the Middle Zone, you'll leave just a little bit better than you were when you came--with a little more wisdom, a little more understanding, a little more insight, and a little more vision than you ever had before. And that'll be Robert's special gift to you!
Happy learning!
Jeanne
P.S. If you're interested in single-topic, single-post group writing projects, be sure to visit Middle Zone Musings early each month to find out the topic of the month for Robert's ongoing monthly WILF (What I Learned From) projects. Not only are they a wonderful way to get your group-writing "feet wet," but they also allow you to create entries that double as posts for you own blog--essentially accomplishing two things at once, rather than causing you to forego posting to your own blog in order to participate--a definite plus!
Did you enjoy this post? What are your thoughts on group writing projects such as Blogapalooza? Do you enjoy being kept updated about them? Do you think you might enjoy participating in this type of project in the future? Why or why not? If you're less than enthusiastic about participating in such large-scale projects, would you prefer to hear about other, similar but smaller-scale writing projects you might join in on? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue!
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It's Official: My Writer's Notes' Blogapalooza Post is Now Up
On the last day that Robert is accepting submissions for his annual Blogapalooza group writing project, I finally finished and e-mailed my entry; and Robert informed me just a little while ago that my What I Learned From 2008 post is now up at MZM--along with the other 127 submissions to the project!
It's always a pleasure to participate in an MZM WILF (What I Learned From) project, since every project always has real substance and inspires a great deal of thought. Yet, Robert's annual Blogapalooza projects are always special, because, with them, bloggers are offered the singular honor of having their posts actually published at Middle Zone Musings, with links back to their best monthly blog posts, rather than publishing their posts on their own blogs with only a link roundup being displayed at MZM. So, Blogapalooza is really special!
Visit MZM and Read My Submission--Along with 127 Others
Stop by when you have the time and check out my submission. Perhaps you'll find a few Writer's Notes posts listed there that you've missed. Since this list of a dozen posts (one for each month of 2008) represents the posts I've found especially instructive to me, perhaps you'll find them particularly instructive or informative, as well. You might think of these as some of the best Writer's Notes content of 2008. In addition to listing this content, my Blogapalooza post gives a brief explanation of what I learned from each of the 12 posts I've chosen for the project.
You'll also want to check out some of the other Blogapalooza posts written by various bloggers and peruse the content they've written over the past year which they consider to be their best and most instructive. Drop over and take a look. You may just learn something--and be entertained in the bargain!
May reading these posts teach you as much as we've learned writing them!
Happy reading!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Which Writer's Notes posts highlighted in this project had you never read before? What value do you see in group writing projects such as this one? Do you enjoy having more meaningful posts resurrected from the archival abyss in this manner, or are you totally ready to move on to new things in the new year, without looking back? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Blogapalooza 2009 Group Writing Project Under Way
In case you haven't noticed what's been going on at Middle Zone Musings all month, you'll definitely want to check it out. Robert Hruzek's annual Blogapalooza Extravaganza is well under way. It's called "What I Learned From 2008." This group writing project is the culmination of a year of WILF projects Robert has hosted each month during 2008.
Posts Represent Each Blogger's Monthly Best in 2008
While his regular monthly WILF projects consist of posts written on each month's featured topic by various bloggers (each of which are posted to their own blogs, with links to each post listed at MZM), Blogapalooza is a bit different. It features the actual posts themselves, which are run at MZM as guest posts and link out to the post each blogger has learned the most from during each month he or she has been blogging in 2008. (It's a fantastic opportunity to catch some great posts you may have missed during the past year.)
Record Number of Bloggers Enter This Year
Robert's goal this year has been 100 posts, and he has clearly exceeded his goal, hitting the 100 mark on January 12th and currently boasting 126 posts and counting. This is fantastic—particularly since last year's Blogapalooza garnered a mere 30 entries! Robert has accepted entries all month so far, and the (rather lengthy) submission period for the project is just about ready to end. So, if, like me, you have a last-minute entry, be sure to get it in soon. (Entries may be submitted through Sunday, January 25th. Since Robert lives in Texas, USA, I imagine that last-minute international entrants will be able to base their deadline on Robert's time zone, rather than their own.)
Hurry on over to Middle Zone Musings and check out the fascinating array of posts from a wide variety of different blogs, many of which are bound to be in your own niche, providing valuable insight to help you succeed!
Enjoy!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? What do you think of beginning-of-the-year roundups of the best posts published during the previous year? Are there any particular posts you've found especially enlightening in this year's Blogapalooza? If so, which ones were they, and why?
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The Confident Writing Best Posts of 2008
Joanna Young has posted her list of Simply The Best Posts of 2008. (She actually posted her list of links and reasons the bloggers chose their posts a day early--the 29th instead of the 30th of December--though I'm only just getting around to reporting it now. My apologies!)
Be sure to stop by Confident Writing, at the link above, to read some of the best blog content written during 2008, including work from all over the blogosphere! And don't forget to visit Confident Writing regularly for many fantastic writing tips and words of writing wisdom from writing coach, Joanna Young. (In fact, why not bookmark her site or subscribe to her feed.) I guarantee you'll learn a great deal!
Happy reading--and learning!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? What are your thoughts on roundup posts such as these? Do you enjoy visiting blogs that have collected links to some of the best content and placed them into a single post for your convenience? Does this make it easier for you to access more great content amid your busy schedule? Or do you prefer to pick and choose your own preferred posts by making the rounds yourself?
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Three Great Posts for Writers
I'd like to share links to a few blog posts I've come across this week which I've found helpful and which I think might benefit other writers, as well. They're written by three writers/bloggers I highly respect. Please note that these three posts are by no means the only three I believe to be of value this week but merely three that I've read and been impressed with (as I invariably am with all the posts I read whenever I visit these three blogs).
A Hefty Dose of Writing Encouragement and Strategy from Brain Based Biz
The first post, called As a Writer - I Can, was written by a blogger I greatly respect: Robyn McMaster at Brain Based Biz. This very encouraging post (which I found in the BBB November archives) will inspire you to look within for the writing talent you may not even realize you possess and provide strategies that can help you learn to believe in your own ability as a writer. You'll find many more fabulous posts at Brain Based Biz (many of which focus on the fascinating topic of multiple intelligences) which will help you put your brain power to work to achieve your writing--and life--goals. So, be sure to visit often! You'll find Robyn's posts insightfully written, immensely interesting, and totally practical.
Some Fantastic Tips for Stepping Beyond Fear at Brain Leaders and Learners
The second post, 10 Strides from Fear to Freedom, comes from my respected colleague, Ellen Weber, at Brain Leaders and Learners--yes, another fascinating blog that delves deeply into brain research and intelligence, providing tips and techniques for using your mental powers to their best advantage and using them to achieve impressive results. This post will encourage you by providing the inspiration, as well as the practical techniques, you need to overcome fear--which will help you go much farther in your writing endeavors. Be sure to drop by Brain Leaders and Learners regularly for your latest fascinating dose of brain-related information, along with Ellen's sage, well-written advice on applying this information to your work.
An Excellent Guide for Creating Your First e-Book and More from Confident Writing
The third post was written by another blogger I've always thought very highly of: Joanna Young of Confident Writing. It's called A Simple Guide to Compiling a Free E-Book. If you've ever considered writing an e-book and wanted to know how to go about it, you'll find this post--as well as Joanna's free e-book, Asking Questions For a Change: how to ask purposeful questions--a great help to you in getting started in e-book writing. Joanna's blog also offers a wealth of information on other aspects and types of writing, so make sure you stop back by Confident Writing often to take advantage of her always insightful words of wisdom about writing.
Three Blogs to Bookmark
Be sure to visit--and bookmark--these three fabulous blogs. If you're a reader of RSS feeds, you might also want to subscribe. The next time you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical information, you'll definitely be glad you decided to keep these three blogs close at hand!
Read, grow, and enjoy!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? What have you found most helpful about one or more of these three amazing blogs? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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We Have a Great Deal Planned Today!
Dream or Destiny: A prize worth winning
Sit down, relax, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and join us for Lillie Ammann's second exciting stop at Writer's Notes, where you'll learn who won a copy of Dream or Destiny, read all about Lillie's road to publication, and ask this experienced author, who has published several books, all the pressing questions you've always wanted to ask about publishing your own work.
First Order of Business: Contest Winner
Drum roll, please! And, the lucky winner of an autographed copy of Dream or Destiny is...Mark Antony! Congratulations, Mark! I know you'll enjoy the book! Please e-mail me at writersnotes@gmail.com with your shipping info, which I'll pass on to Lillie so she can ship your book to you.
A big Thank You to all who participated in the drawing! I appreciate your comments and wish all of you could have won! Thanks, also, to those who commented without entering! It's always great to hear your thoughts!
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Next on the Agenda: My Exciting Interview With Lillie Ammann!
Without further ado, I present to you my interview with Lillie--a fascinating exhange in which this experienced author offers a wealth of interesting, helpful, and encouraging information for aspiring and practicing writers! Plan to give it a thorough reading--and make sure you check out the valuable resource links Lillie provides for your benefit!
WN: What writing and/or life experiences sparked the idea for Dream or Destiny?
LA: I saw a television documentary about a woman who uses her psychic dreams to help the police solve crimes. Her dreams are after the fact and are generally about such things as the location of the body rather than about the crime itself. However, that sparked my imagination. I wondered, “What if someone dreamed about a murder before it happened?”
WN: How detailed was your plot line when you began writing Dream or Destiny, and how did your plot unfold?
LA: I knew little about the plot when I started writing. Characters come first for me. The characters bounce around in my head for awhile before I have any idea of the plot. I knew Marilee would dream about a murder, and that’s about all I knew at first. I got to know Marilee, then David appeared. I hadn’t consciously planned to write about domestic violence, but when I was getting acquainted with David, a long history of abuse came to light. It’s probably more accurate to say the characters told me the story than to say I wrote the story. I didn’t know what was going to happen until they told me. In fact, I didn’t even know who the murderer was until the very end!
WN: Dream or Destiny tackles a sensitive topic: domestic violence. What challenges did you face in weaving this issue into your story and still creating realistic character development?
LA: As I said earlier, the characters really told me their story. One of the best compliments I have received came from Bluestocking at The Bluestocking Guide. She asked me if I had personal experience with domestic violence and said when she read the book, she felt sure it was written by someone who had either experienced abuse personally or was close to a victim of domestic violence. Bluestocking is an attorney and domestic violence victims’ advocate, so I was pleased that she said the characters were true to life, unlike what she normally finds in fiction.
WN: What techniques have you found effective for strengthening motivation when working on a book-length project such as Dream or Destiny?
LA: While I was writing Dream or Destiny, I belonged to a critique group. Each member was expected to bring a chapter for critique to each weekly meeting. Having that accountability was a powerful motivator. I didn’t want to show up without my chapter, and I couldn’t just not show up—the meeting was at my house. The group no longer meets so when I start my next novel, I am going to give myself deadlines. If accounting to myself isn’t enough, I’ll partner with another writer to be accountable to each other.
WN: The tension between raw creativity and literary polish often plagues writers. How did you achieve (and how would you recommend that other aspiring writers achieve) the balance needed for creating an inspired yet polished piece of writing?
LA: I learned in an online writing class that first drafts are supposed to be “pure green dreck.” I separate the raw creativity/the inspiration from the literary polish. The purpose of the first draft is to get to know the characters and find out what happens. The only editing I permit myself at that stage is primarily getting back into the story after a break. I re-read the last few paragraphs from the work of the last writing session, whether that was the previous day or weeks ago. I allow myself to make minor revisions in those paragraphs, then it’s back to “pure green dreck.”
The only time I would consider making major revisions during the first draft would be if I found myself completely off-track. That’s never happened, though. After the “pure green dreck” is poured out onto the pages of the manuscript, I like to put it aside for days or weeks. Then I go back to edit … and edit … and edit … and edit again. One way to look at it is you can’t polish a gem unless you have a gem to polish. That “pure green dreck” is the diamond-in-the-rough that you will turn into a stunning jewel.
WN: Tell us a bit about your road to publishing Dream or Destiny.
LA: It was a long road with so many twists and turns I couldn’t see the end until I was almost there. My road to publishing this book should encourage any other writer who is discouraged that their manuscript hasn’t sold. As I wrote in How Things Change—Editing a Manuscript Ten Years Later, “The road to publication for Dream or Destiny was a long one—more than ten years, in fact. For much of that time, publication seemed like a dream that, unlike Marilee’s nightmare, didn’t come true. Representation by an agent for two years resulted in nothing more than a stack of rejections. I put the manuscript away and tried to forget it, but the characters wouldn’t let me forget. They seemed to call out to me, demanding publication, claiming it as their destiny.”
Several times I put the manuscript away to gather virtual dust on my computer, only to have the characters clamor out again. I signed a contract with one publisher, then before Dream or Destiny went into production, the company decided to focus on publishing erotica. They released me from the contract because my book would not be a good fit. After some more virtual-dust-gathering, I sold the book to GASLight. However, there were delays as a result of health issues and other circumstances. Finally Dream or Destiny has come to the end of that long road and is now a reality.
WN: I understand that much of your experience has been with small press and self-publishing. What have you found to be the main advantages of each? Are there any disadvantages to these publishing methods that other authors should be aware of?
LA: Both self-publishing and publishing with small press allow the author much more input into the publishing process than is possible with major traditional publishers. Self-publishing gives the author total control, but not all writers are comfortable with the responsibilities and risks of self-publishing.
Small presses assume the responsibilities and risks but don’t offer as much control as self-publishing. Neither self-published nor small press-published books have the distribution of the large publishers. Writers will generally sell fewer copies of small- or self-published books, although they will earn significantly more on each sale.
In general, I think self-publishing is more viable for nonfiction than for fiction because it’s easier to find customers through niche marketing to people interested in the subject of the nonfiction book. I’ve written about the pros and cons of various kinds of publishing in my free Self-Publishing Primer.
WN: What advice would you give writers whose manuscripts are sitting around gathering dust and who feel they have little hope of getting them published?
LA: Re-read the manuscript yourself. If it’s been sitting around for awhile, it will be fresher than it was when you were working on it constantly. Ask yourself honestly if you still believe in this story. Do you like what you read … or would you quit reading if the book had been written by someone else? If you still love your story, ask for input from other writers or readers that you trust.
This is something else I’ve discussed in other blog stops, especially Getting Published with a Little Help from my Friends. If the readers like the story, submit it again …and again … and again. If the readers make suggestions for improvements, evaluate their suggestions and decide which you agree with and which you don’t. Revise, then start submitting again.
WN: Where can we go to read an excerpt from Dream or Destiny?
LA: You can download a free excerpt from Dream or Destiny in a PDF file on my Web site.
WN: Where can we purchase Dream or Destiny, and what formats are available?
LA: You can buy the book in paperback and e-book formats from the publisher, GASLight Publishing. If you order the e-book, you will download a zip file with several different electronic formats so you can choose the one you prefer. You can also order the book in paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon.com.
WN: I believe Dream or Destiny is your second published book. Would you mind sharing a little about your first book and your inspiration for it?
LA: Dream or Destiny is my second published novel, but my fourth published book. My first book, Look beyond Tomorrow: The Carola Spencer Story, told of the courage, faith, hope, and love exhibited by my friend and her employees after a double-murder/suicide at their workplace. I wrote the story to raise money for Carola’s medical expenses, and we donated the rest of the books to a literacy organization. I also wrote a nonfiction book on network marketing. Both are out of print now.
As is the case with many first-time writers, my first novel, Stroke of Luck, is autobiographical. The heroine has a stroke like the one I had. During my recovery, my husband had to care for me. I wondered how someone who did not have that support system would cope with devastating illness. That wondering led to Stroke of Luck.
WN: Where can we read an excerpt from Stroke of Luck, where may we purchase it, and what format(s) are available?
LA: You can read a free excerpt from Stroke of Luck on the publisher’s Web site. The book is available only as an e-book (a zip file with four different electronic formats) from GASLight Publishing.
WN: Tell us a little about your blog and what it has to offer writers seeking publication of their own work.
LA: A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye covers writing, editing, and publishing; freelancing; and books and authors, along with occasional patriotic and Christian topics. I write about working on clients’ books as well as my own, and I’m planning to host several authors on blog book tours in the coming weeks. Writers will learn and be inspired by other writers’ stories. I also give practical advice on writing and publishing as well as related topics, such as rejection.
WN: Share with us, if you would, a few blog posts or series you’ve written that writers might find especially helpful in preparing and publishing their own work.
LA: Readers can go to my Series and Related Posts page and look through the categories. The most helpful posts in preparing and publishing your own work will be in the following categories: Critique and Other Groups, E-Books and E-Publishing, Editing, Life Lessons/Inspiration, Rejection, Self-Publishing/Publishing, and Writing and Self-Editing.
WN: What plans do you have for your next book?
LA: Characters for two different books are struggling for dominance in my brain right now. I know my next two books will be about secondary characters in Dream or Destiny. However, I’m not sure which of the books I’ll write first: Tess, “the crazy lady,” or Bonita, who was involved with a married man.
WN: Thanks so much, Lillie, for sharing your experiences with us and giving away a free, autographed copy of Dream or Destiny here at Writer's Notes today!
LA: I’m delighted to be here, Jeanne, and look forward to answering readers’ questions.
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Learn More at Lillie's Other Tour Stops
Be sure to visit the other stops on Lillie's tour and read her other fascinating interviews and guest posts. You'll find links to all of them on her Dream or Destiny tour schedule.
Have Your own Publishing Questions Answered Right Here: Leave a Comment for Lillie
Lillie is ready and willing to answer your questions about planning and writing your book, preparing your manuscript for publication, and doing exactly what it takes to get that book published and in print--with your byline on it! So, ask away! Bring your questions about all those small--or big--matters you've always been curious about and ask them with confidence of a writer who's been there. Leave a comment on this post, and Lillie will be happy to answer your questions.
Hope you've enjoyed this Writer's Notes interview with Lillie Ammann, author of Dream or Destiny. If reading Lillie's story has made you the least bit curious about her book, why not purchase a copy of Dream or Destiny at one of the above links. And be sure to invite everyone you know who enjoys a good mystery to visit this post, read my earlier review of Dream or Destiny, and get a copy of this entertaining book!
Enjoy!
Jeanne
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About Lillie:
Lillie Ammann does freelance writing and editing for authors, publishers, and business and nonprofit organizations. She is also Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Your Information Center, a publisher of short, practical, free online guides on a variety of subjects.
As a freelancer, Lillie works with authors and publishers to prepare manuscripts for publication. She also writes and edits business documents and helps families and individuals compile family histories and memoirs. She especially enjoys helping self-publishing authors navigate the publishing maze and likes to think of herself as a book midwife. She can design the interior of the book, negotiate and contract with cover designers and printers, create and maintain the author’s website, and help with promotional activities, such as writing and distributing press releases. Lillie is as proud of the published book as the author is.
Source: Lillie's website
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Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? Any questions for Lillie? Perhaps reading Lillie's story has inspired you to write and/or publish your own book. What do you need to do to make that happen? What do you need to know to make it happen? Would it help you to get a bit of encouragement from one who's "been there"? If so, ask away! Lillie is waiting to give you the advice and encouragement you need to go for it and make your dreams of publication come true. Perhaps you'll find, after learning from Lillie's quest to publish Dream or Destiny, that publication of your own book is both your dream and your destiny!
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My promised review of Lillie Ammann's novel, Dream or Destiny, follows. Be sure to leave a comment on this post sometime between now and midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time on Thursday to enter our drawing for a free copy of the book! (The winner's copy will be shipped free-of-charge by Lillie.) Both U.S. and international readers are encouraged to enter.
Please feel free to leave a comment even if you don't want to be entered into the drawing (i.e., you already have the book or you're hosting one of the other stops on Lillie's tour). Simply mention that you prefer not to enter. We still value your comments--whether or not you enter the drawing!
A Dream of Murder Comes True
A terrifying nightmare. A gruesome murder. And an eerie resemblance between the two. So begins Marilee Anderson's battle to uncover the truth about a crime that happened just as she'd dreamed it, making her everyone's favorite suspect.
Dream or Destiny, Lillie Ammann's tale of murder, mystery, and intrigue, opens on a moonlit night when the icy hands of fear shake Marilee awake. In the novel's opening scene, Lillie skillfully sets the mood, drawing the reader irresistibly into the tale, as it gradually begins to unfold.
Marilee Anderson trembled, her nightgown drenched with cold sweat. Moving only her eyes, she studied her surroundings. Moonlight crept through the cracks between the curtains and created strange shadows that moved on the floor like a flow of dark blood….
The drapes moved…(W)as someone in the room with her?...Pure terror turned her spine to ice. What had woken her? Strange images superimposed themselves over the disturbing distortions of her bedroom. A figure in black, stealthily creeping down a hallway, bursts of flame from the muzzle of a gun held in a gloved hand, a river of blood, and the smell of death….
Somewhere in the back of her consciousness, Marilee slowly recalls all the unsettling details of her nightmare and finally convinces herself that there's no one in the room with her, after all. A relief, yet still—
How could she have dreamed such horror?
A Pair of Suspects Turn Investigators
As Marilee ponders the horror of that nightmare, she realizes that she recognized the victim but can recall the dream murderer only as a dark, shadowy figure whose face she can't make out. And when she learns that the real-life murder has happened exactly as the murder in her dream had, she doesn't know what to think.
Lillie Ammann has turned this fascinating premise into an intriguing tale in which a highly intuitive, professionally competent, yet personally somewhat less-than secure Marilee must team up with the victim's brother, David Nichols, to uncover the truth about his sister's death. As the cop on the case, Detective Garcia, becomes more and more convinced that one or both of them are responsible for the murder, and as David's impatience to find his sister's killer grows, the two decide to do a little investigating of their own.
A Colorful Cast of Characters
Lillie Ammann has created a fascinating cast of characters in Dream or Destiny—from Marilee and David, who must learn to trust one another, despite the very real deficiencies of their own past relationships, as they work together to catch a murderer; to Tess the "crazy" lady, who somehow seems to know far more than she should about her neighbors. From Jason Tremont, Marilee's ex-boyfriend, who was dating Barbara Nichols at the time of her death; to George Welty, Barbara's rich but abusive ex-husband; and Henry Nichols, David and Barbara's religious-fanatic father, who always believed child abuse to be his God-given right—Lillie gives her readers a variety of multi-dimensional characters to either care about or despise.
A Look at Several Pressing Social Problems
Through its myriad twists and turns—of plot and phrase—Dream or Destiny offers the reader insightful glimpses into such serious social issues as child abuse, domestic violence, religious fanaticism, and other eccentric behaviors. It explores the psychological effects of grief, guilt, and regret, as it weaves its magic, steadily advancing toward its exciting climax. Along with the above issues, the novel touches on the critical importance of learning to trust—and love—after those closest to you have let you down.
A Balanced Look at Positive and Negative Religion
Along with its intriguing journey toward solving the story's mystery, Dream or Destiny is a book that provides a balanced and realistic view of the paradox that is religion, with the vastly different mindsets it can yield, contrasting the sickness of religious fanaticism with the healthy effects of genuine faith, which bears good fruit in the lives of those it touches, rather than filling them with ugliness and decay.
A Hopeful Book
And while Dream or Destiny doesn't claim to answer the question of why some of us must suffer--and sometimes even die--at the hands of our abusers, it does hold out the hope of healing for those who have survived it.
A Multi-Faceted Book
If you enjoy a good mystery that offers lots of colorful suspects, insightful commentary on some of the most pressing social issues of our day, and a realistic portrayal of the effects of true and false religion, you'll want to read Dream or Destiny.
________________________
You may read an excerpt and/or purchase Dream or Destiny at GASLight Publishing.
Visit Lillie Ammann's blog, A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye, to learn how you can write better and get your own work published.
There are still a few more stops on Lillie's virtual book tour. So be sure to check them out!
And don't forget to comment--between now and Thursday midnight U.S. PST--for your chance to win a copy of Dream or Destiny!
Please feel free to comment even if you choose not to enter the drawing. Simply mention that you prefer not to enter. We still value your comments--whether or not you enter the drawing!
Marilee Anderson dreams about a murder and wakes to find it really happened. She and David Nichols, the victim’s brother, become the prime suspects. Though they have their secrets and aren’t sure they can trust each other, Marilee and David team up to find the killer....Will Marilee and David find the killer? Or will they end up in jail—or dead?
Excerpt from back cover, Dream or Destiny, by Lillie Ammann
Mark Your Calendar! Two WN Stops on Dream or Destiny Book Tour Start Monday
One week from today--Monday, November 10th--Writer's Notes will host the first of Lillie Ammann's two WN stops on her blog book tour for her newly released mystery-romance novel, Dream or Destiny. Two of Lillie's last stops (during the final week of her tour) will be spent at Writer's Notes (the second will be Friday, November 14th, the tour's final day) where she will share details about her book, her experience with the publishing industry, and a free print copy of her book (which will go to one lucky Writer's Notes reader).
So, please stay tuned for Monday's post, and plan to leave a comment so you'll be entered into the drawing for the free book. (The winner will be announced in Friday's post.)
Monday, November 10th: My Dream or Destiny Book Review/Book Giveaway
Monday's post will contain my review of Dream or Destiny, and, as mentioned above, everyone who leaves a comment on that post between posting time Monday and midnight U.S. PST Thursday will be entered into the drawing for a free copy of the book. (Both U.S. and international readers are encouraged to enter.)
Friday, November 14th: Interview with Lillie/Open Question Forum/Book Contest Winner Announcement
In Friday's post, aside from announcing the lucky winner, I will interview Lillie about her book and her experiences with book publishing and will offer readers the opportunity to ask Lillie questions about the ins and outs of getting a book published. So, bring your questions about your own novel or other book and plan to ask Lillie everything you've always wanted to know about getting your book into print.
While Lillie doesn't claim to be an expert on every area of publishing, she does have considerable experience in certain areas of book publishing and she'd be more than happy to help with any questions she's able to answer to help you get that much closer to publishing your own book-length manuscript.
Last Chance to Win a Free Copy of Dream or Destiny
Don't miss these two stops at the end of Lillie's blog book tour--and don't pass up your opportunity to win a free copy of her suspenseful murder mystery, Dream or Destiny! Be sure to visit Writer's Notes between Monday, November 10th and Friday, November 14th to learn what Lillie's book is all about and enter the drawing, and on November 14th to read some fascinating info about Lillie, her book, and book publishing in general, to have your questions about publishing your own book answered, and to find out whether you will soon be reading your own complimentary copy of Dream or Destiny!
Hope to see you here!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Do you have a novel or other book-length manuscript of your own sitting around gathering dust? Have you all but given up on getting it published? Do you have questions about the publishing process? What fictional genres do you prefer to read--or write? Or do you prefer non-fiction? How would YOU like to win a copy of Dream or Destiny?
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Age of Conversation, Round 2, Comes Out Swinging
In a massive effort to raise $15,000 for Variety Children's Charity, Drew McLellan and Gavin Heaton have once again joined forces to assemble a diverse group of 237 authors from around the blogosphere and across the globe to create Age of Conversation 2: Why Don't they Get It? AOC 2 is the sequel to last year's popular Age of Conversation, itself a collaborative effort between 103 authors which raised $14,000 for Variety.
Age of Conversation 2 Will Make You Think
Age of Conversation 2 is about communication in a lightning-fast, technology-enabled, globally connected world. It explores various issues which affect us all, providing thought-provoking commentary on the realities of real-world vs. virtual interaction in the 21st century—realities which we often overlook, misunderstand, or fail to recognize the full impact of.
Multiple Authors and Perspectives Will Add Variety to Your Reading Experience
Age of Conversation 2 offers 237 unique perspectives on a wide array of topics relevant to modern life. It's a plethora of fascinating viewpoints, eloquently expressed by some of the best internet writers of our age, who represent a whole spectrum of backgrounds and philosophies and hail from 15 different countries. Aside from their expertise with the written word, and a bit of life-, work-, and business-experience thrown in for good measure, the only thing these authors have in common is a desire to donate their time and talents to help sick children around the world get well.
An Array of Fascinating Topics Will Grab Your Interest
Topics AOC 2 authors explore in this one-of-a-kind book are listed below:
Manifestos
Keeping Secrets in the Age of Conversation
Moving from Conversation to Action
The Accidental Marketer
A New Brand of Creative
My Marketing Tragedy
Business Model Evolution
Life in the Conversation Lane
You can bet that this creative group will have many intriguing ideas to share in each bite-sized, single-page treatise. Coming in at 258 8-1/2 x 11 inch pages, AOC 2 is one book that will provide you with reading material for quite some time--yet each individual article can be enjoyed in a single sitting whenever you have a few free minutes. It's the ideal book for busy people.
Sneak Preview of My Own AOC 2 Chapter
Here's a sneak peek at part of my chapter, which falls under the Life In the Conversation Lane category. It's called "Who's Using What? (or What's Using Whom?) Life in the Internet Age."
Thanks to the internet, the world is getting smaller every day. The Web has opened vistas unimagined just a few short years ago. Thanks to the advances of modern technology, we now have access to news, information, entertainment, goods, and services from half-a-world away, literally at our fingertips 24/7, 365 days a year.
Welcome to the age of mega data, super commerce, and ultra communication...
AOC 2 Launches Today (October 29, 2008)
Age of Conversation 2 debuts today at Lulu.com at 8 am U.S. EST and will be available for purchase in your choice of e-book, hardbound, or soft-cover versions. (Prior to 8 am U.S. EST today, only last year's original Age of Conversation will be available.) Visit the site for pricing info. As mentioned earlier, proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Variety Children's Charity, so you'll know your money is going to a good cause.
Don't miss out on a fantastic read—and a wonderful opportunity to help children in need. Hurry over to Lulu.com today and pick up your copy of Age of Conversation 2: Why Don't They Get It? You'll be glad you did!
AOC 2 Authors List
Here's a list of the 237 authors who have made this book possible:
Adrian Ho
Aki Spicer
Alex Henault
Amy Jussel
Andrew Odom
Andy Nulman
Andy Sernovitz
Andy Whitlock
Angela Maiers
Ann Handley
Anna Farmery
Armando Alves
Arun Rajagopal
Asi Sharabi
Becky Carroll
Becky McCray
Bernie Scheffler
Bill Gammell
Bob LeDrew
Brad Shorr
Brandon Murphy
Branislav Peric
Brent Dixon
Brett Macfarlane
Brian Reich
C.C. Chapman
Cam Beck
Casper Willer
Cathleen Rittereiser
Cathryn Hrudicka
Cedric Giorgi
Charles Sipe
Chris Kieff
Chris Cree
Chris Wilson
Christina Kerley (CK)
C.B. Whittemore
Chris Brown
Connie Bensen
Connie Reece
Corentin Monot
Craig Wilson
Daniel Honigman
Dan Schawbel
Dan Sitter
Daria Radota Rasmussen
Darren Herman
Dave Davison
David Armano
David Berkowitz
David Koopmans
David Meerman Scott
David Petherick
David Reich
David Weinfeld
David Zinger
Deanna Gernert
Deborah Brown
Dennis Price
Derrick Kwa
Dino Demopoulos
Doug Haslam
Doug Meacham
Doug Mitchell
Douglas Hanna
Douglas Karr
Drew McLellan
Duane Brown
Dustin Jacobsen
Dylan Viner
Ed Brenegar
Ed Cotton
Efrain Mendicuti
Ellen Weber
Eric Peterson
Eric Nehrlich
Ernie Mosteller
Faris Yakob
Fernanda Romano
Francis Anderson
Gareth Kay
Gary Cohen
Gaurav Mishra
Gavin Heaton
Geert Desager
George Jenkins
G. Kofi Annan
G.L. Hoffman
Gianandrea Facchini
Gordon Whitehead
Greg Verdino
Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming
Hillel Cooperman
Hugh Weber
J. Erik Potter
James Gordon-Macintosh
Jamey Shiels
Jasmin Tragas
Jason Oke
Jay Ehret
Jeanne Dininni
Jeff De Cagna
Jeff Gwynne & Todd Cabral
Jeff Noble
Jeff Wallace
Jennifer Warwick
Jenny Meade
Jeremy Fuksa
Jeremy Heilpern
Jeroen Verkroost
Jessica Hagy
Joanna Young
Joe Pulizzi
John Herrington
John Moore
John Rosen
John Todor
Jon Burg
Jon Swanson
Jonathan Trenn
Jordan Behan
Julie Fleischer
Justin Foster
Karl Turley
Kate Trgovac
Katie Chatfield
Katie Konrath
Kenny Lauer
Keri Willenborg
Kevin Jessop
Kristin Gorski
Lewis Green
Lois Kelly
Lori Magno
Louise Manning
Luc Debaisieux
Mario Vellandi
Mark Blair
Mark Earls
Mark Goren
Mark Hancock
Mark Lewis
Mark McGuinness
Matt Dickman
Matt J. McDonald
Matt Moore
Michael Karnjanaprakorn
Michelle Lamar
Mike Arauz
Mike McAllen
Mike Sansone
Mitch Joel
Neil Perkin
Nettie Hartsock
Nick Rice
Oleksandr Skorokhod
Ozgur Alaz
Paul Chaney
Paul Hebert
Paul Isakson
Paul McEnany
Paul Tedesco
Paul Williams
Pet Campbell
Pete Deutschman
Peter Corbett
Phil Gerbyshak
Phil Lewis
Phil Soden
Piet Wulleman
Rachel Steiner
Sreeraj Menon
Reginald Adkins
Richard Huntington
Rishi Desai
Robert Hruzek
Roberta Rosenberg
Robyn McMaster
Roger von Oech
Rohit Bhargava
Ron Shevlin
Ryan Barrett
Ryan Karpeles
Ryan Rasmussen
Sam Huleatt
Sandy Renshaw and James G. Lindberg
Scott Goodson
Scott Monty
Scott Townsend
Scott White
Sean Howard
Sean Scott
Seni Thomas
Seth Gaffney
Shama Hyder
Sheila Scarborough
Sheryl Steadman
Simon Payn
Sonia Simone
Spike Jones
Stanley Johnson
Stephen Collins
Stephen Landau
Stephen Smith
Steve Bannister
Steve Hardy
Steve Portigal
Steve Roesler
Steven Verbruggen
Steve Woodruff
Sue Edworthy
Susan Bird
Susan Gunelius
Susan Heywood
Tammy Lenski
Terrell Meek
Thomas Clifford
Thomas Knoll
Tim Brunelle
Tim Connor
Tim Jackson
Tim Mannveille
Tim Tyler
Timothy Johnson
Tinu Abayomi-Paul
Toby Bloomberg
Todd Andrlik
Troy Rutter
Troy Worman
Uwe Hook
Valeria Maltoni
Vandana Ahuja
Vanessa DiMauro
Veronique Rabuteau
Wayne Buckhanan
William Azaroff
Yves Van Landeghem
Happy Reading!
Jeanne
Great Advice, Tips, and Techniques from Orble Writing Bloggers
My recent collection of helpful posts for writers would hardly be complete if I didn't include in the mix several posts written by some of Orble's very own writing gurus. So, sit back, read and enjoy the following valuable contributions to writing and publishing lore, and be sure to check out the other helpful posts these bloggers have written by digging into their archives.
Orble Writing Wisdom
Joanne Fedler, at Secret Writer’s Business
How to Create Credible Characters in Fiction
Jenn Hollowell, at Freelance Tips
Job Boards vs. Querying Ideas
Toni, at What’s Your Story?
10 Places to Get Ideas A-Flowin’
Chris Champion, at words-worth
Writing rules from Elmore et al
Michele Wyan, at Novelist’s Notes
Dialogue in Your Novel
Best wishes for success!
Jeanne
As an afterthought, I've decided that, since I, too, am an Orble blogger, I will humbly add a post of my own to the above list. Here it is:
Keys to Overcoming the Writer's Fear of Failure
Hope that if you haven't yet read this post--and maybe even if you have--you'll find it helpful!
Did you enjoy this post? Have you discovered any blogs in this list that you've never read before? Know of any other great Orble writing posts? If so, we hope you'll share your discoveries with us! Perhaps you, yourself, have written an especially informative post about writing. We'd be honored if you would share your insights with us, so we can all learn and grow together! Even if your blog isn't at Orble, we'd love to learn from your experience!
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Still More Great Posts to Help the Writer Master the Craft
After assembling my last collection of fantastic posts from around the blogosphere, I discovered quite a few other helpful writings that I just couldn't leave out. Hence, Round 2 of my compilation of blog posts for writers.
Read on to see some sage advice made available to you by my second group of skilled craftspeople who have precisely what it takes to help you succeed as a writer/blogger. (All posts that follow fall into the individual post category.)
Words of Wisdom from the Experts
Yuwanda Black, at Blogging Tips
Freelance Writers: Why You Should Never Give Away All Rights to Your Content
Karthik Ramadoss (aka, K), at ShanKri-la
Google Chrome—New Kid in the Browser Block
J.D. Meier, at Sources of Insight
Fear of Weaknesses, Fear of Failure, and Fear of Who You Are
Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes
Saturday Soiree - Mine your life for writing material
Matt Jones, at Blogging Fingers
Blogging Affects Your Thought Processes
Chris Bibey, at Freelance Writing
Where is your Freelance Writing Career Headed?
Dan C. Rinnert (aka, dcr), at dcrBlogs
Your Blog Garden
Karen Swim, at Words for Hire
Perception and Art
Bob Younce, at The Writing Journey
The #1 Way to Increase Your Blog Readers
James Chartrand, at Men With Pens
Learning to Fly Without Wings
Harry McLeod, at Men With Pens
Forget the Details and Work On the Big Picture
Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward
How to Master the Writing Process
Well, there you have it! Now, go ahead: click on over to these great sites and prepare to be entertained, informed, encouraged, and inspired! (And don't forget to bookmark this post, so you can return at your leisure to finish reading the posts you don't have time for right now.)
Enjoy!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? What area of writing/blogging have you felt particularly inclined to focus on in reading the above posts? Care to share any of your thoughts on what you've learned or how you've benefited from these great bloggers' advice? Know any other helpful posts on writing or blogging? We'd just love to hear about them!
Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!
A Virtual Trip Around the Blogosphere
I've found so much fantastic content around the blogosphere lately, that I thought I'd compile a list of links to share with you--links to content that will help you in a multitude of ways. So, just in case you've missed one or more of the following posts, here's your chance to check them out. I know I've listed quite a few, but that will only increase your opportunity for finding a topic that will address an interest, need, or concern you're facing now.
So, sit back and browse this excellent list, which I've divided into three different categories, based on general post type. You might even decide to bookmark this post so you can return later to visit the posts you don't have enough time to read now.
Compilation of Posts on Virtually Any Topic of Interest to Writers
Individual Blog Posts
Deb Ng, at Freelance Writing Jobs:
10 Bad Freelance Writing Habits You Need to Break
Laura Spencer, at Writing Thoughts:
Is Your Freelance Writing Timeless?
Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc:
A Guide to Confusing Business Words and Phrases
Robyn McMaster, at Brain Based Biz:
Do Night Owls Get the Best From Their Brains?
Joanna Young, at Confident Writing:
10 Practical Ways to Boost Blog Comments and Conversation
Liz Strauss, at Successful Blog:
Look to Have Fun with the World
Brian Clark, at Copyblogger:
How to Read
Darren Rowse, at ProBlogger:
13 Ways to Add New Dimensions to Your Next Post
Matthew Henrickson, at Blog About Your Blog:
Squidoo is Perfect for Bloggers
Daniel Scocco, at Daily Blog Tips:
You Need to Call Your Visitors to Action
Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online:
Five Essential Questions For Freelance Writers
Link-Compilation Posts
Michele Tune, at Writing the Cyber Highway:
Freelance Writing: Writers on the Cyber Highway
Amy Derby, at Write From Home:
Freelance Writing Blogs That Rock
Workshop/Series/Group Writing Project Posts
Robert Hruzek, at Middle Zone Musings:
September WILF (What I Learned From) Group Writing Project:
A Little Help From My Friends
Rebecca Laffar-Smith, at Writer's Round-About:
September Goal Setting Workshop
John Hewitt, at Writer's Resource Center (aka, PoeWar):
Internet Writing Project: 30 Poems in 30 Days
About 30 Poems in 30 Days
Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye:
Barter Series (Four Parts)
Barter—Part 1: What Is It?
Hope you'll find these posts, which have been written by a variety of fantastic bloggers, useful to you in your own writing.
Knowledge is Power!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? How has one or more of the above posts helped you? Know of any other especially helpful or inspiring posts for writers/bloggers? We'd just love it if you'd share them with us!
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What's Your Pleasure: A Blogging Career or a Little Moonlighting?
Do you love blogging so much that you'd like to make a career of it? Perhaps you'd rather simply find a blogging gig or two that would allow you to express yourself in a more personal setting while picking up a few extra bucks to supplement your other freelance writing income. You might even hope to use your new-found blogging gig to underwrite or help promote your current AdSense-revenue-only blog. These are all great reasons for seeking work as a blogger.
Blogging Gigs: Regular--But Not Always Substantial--Income
One nice thing about blogging gigs is that they can provide a writer with regular income--a handy commodity in the uncertain, feast-or-famine world of freelance writing. But, though regular, often blogging income isn't very substantial. This is one of the realities of the Internet culture in which we ply our writing craft. Blogs are everywhere! Yet, there are companies that understand and want to capitalize on the booming popularity of blogs and are therefore willing to pay fairly decent to quite lucrative compensation amounts for regular blog posts on virtually unlimited topics--particularly from seasoned and/or popluar bloggers.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Paid Blogger?
If you enjoy blogging and have a fair amount of knowledge about one or more topics (or an area of personal interest, coupled with some great research skills), if you can express yourself clearly and explain your topic well, and if you have the ability to make your topic come alive via an engaging writing style, these elements can add up to opportunity for you. Every company requires a different level of expertise of its bloggers. In fact, some don't require anything more than the "gift of gab," a real interest in your topic, the ability to write about it in an engaging manner, and some proof that you have the ability to post consistently on your topic (i.e., a regularly-updated past or current blog).
Blogging Gigs: What Are You Looking For?
Every blogger is looking for something different in a blogging gig, and available opportunities vary widely. Some offer only a share of advertising revenues, some "pay" you by providing a forum whereby you can promote and link to your current website or blog, others pay token amounts, and still others offer reasonable to excellent compensation for your posts. You'll need to assess your own needs, wants, talents, experience, availability, temperament, and current financial situation and weigh these against the opportunities available if you hope to make professional blogging a realistic part of your writing business.
Caution: Blogging Gigs Can Raise Your Blood Pressure!
Before considering a blogging gig, be sure you're prepared to face the sometimes stressful requirement of providing fresh, new, interesting content on a recurring basis. Some companies require 3-5 posts a week, others, daily posting, and still others, multiple posts per day. Be sure you'll be up to the task and able to think clearly under the incessant pressure of daily or weekly blogging quotas and deadlines. If you have a tendency to experience a disproportionate amount of stress under deadline pressure or become excessively anxious over impending projects, paid blogging may not be the gig for you.
(Now and then, you'll actually find companies that require less-frequent posting--e.g., once per week. Periodically, you'll even run across ads seeking individual blog posts as contributions to already-existing blogs. This is a great way to take the pressure off and might prove the ideal answer for those who enjoy blogging yet prefer to avoid the stress of assuming the entire responsibility for administering a blog.)
Always Remember That a Blog Is a Community
Another factor to consider where blogging gigs are concerned is that, whereas most freelance writing simply requires writing an article or other type of copy and submitting/selling it to a publisher or website, a successful blog requires interaction with its readers. Be sure you're prepared to spend the time it takes to reply to comments and build a rapport with your readers before you accept a blogging gig. Figure in the time you'll inevitably spend in this activity when considering whether or not the compensation you'll receive will be sufficient for the time, energy, and effort expended.
Follow-Up Post: Blogging Job Sites
Stay tuned for my next post, in which I'll provide links to some websites that list blogging gigs. In the meantime, give a little thought to the question of whether these are the kinds of writing gigs you should focus on, whether you should simply consider them as an adjunct to other types of writing, or whether you should, perhaps, avoid them completely--except, possibly, for submitting an occasional post to an already active blog. Only you can answer that question--though it might take you a bit more time and experience to figure it out!
Happy blogging!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have any insights on paid blogging to share? Have you ever seriously considered focusing exclusively on blogging gigs? Perhaps you already do. If the only blog you currently write is your own, how different do you think it would be to write a blog for someone else? Would you consider it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Two Big Moves: a Domain and a Domicile!
Confident Writing coach Joanna Young has been very busy of late. First, she moved her Confident Writing blog to WordPress--a big enough job in itself! Then, she took on the Herculean task of moving her residence, as well. Some Internet connection problems right before her move only added to the stress, but I'm happy to report that Joanna's move is complete, she's happily tucked away in her new home, her Internet connection issues have been resolved, and she's raring to resume her activities coaching wordsmiths like you to become "confident writers."
Confident Writing: A Blog You Don't Want to Miss!
If you're not familiar with Joanna's blog, you don't know what you've been missing! And if you've been looking for a place where you could learn the secrets of writing with confidence, you're in luck! Joanna's blog is chock-full of tips, techniques, encouragement, advice, and inspiration to help you become the writer you've always known you could be.
One Confident Writing post I think you'll love as much as I did is The Secret: 20 Ways To Attract More Comments On Your Blog. And this is just one of many, many excellent posts Joanna has written to help you become a more confident writer (and blogger). Do yourself a favor and mine her archives--after you've read all her recent posts, that is.
You'll Feel Right at Home at Joanna's New Home!
One of the best things about Confident Writing is that Joanna will welcome you with open arms! Please make it a point to visit and let her know you're glad she's back. (When you do, you'll see what a gracious hostess she is.) And while you're at it, why not bookmark her site? You'll be glad you did!
Welcome Back, Joanna!
You have many friends in the blogosphere, all of whom wish you well. Please accept our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful life in your brand new home, a prosperous season on your new domain, and a glorious sense of the warmth with which we welcome you back to your rightful place among those of us who care so much about you!
Many good wishes for the future!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts to share about writing with confidence--or about your visit to Confident Writing? I'd love to hear them!
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Wild Bill Rides Again!
After a 10-month hiatus, Passionate Blogger Wild Bill is back online--and that's good news! If you've read his blog before, you know how dedicated Wild Bill is to helping bloggers reach their full potential--and earn money doing it. And you've likely been as disappointed as I to see this great source of blogging inspiration and knowledge fall dormant for so long. If you haven't read this blog before, you're in for a treat, and you're destined to become a diehard fan!
One thing you'll notice right away when you visit Passionate Blogger and begin to read is that this is one inspirational blog! Another is that it's written by a man who really cares about his readers--a man totally dedicated to imparting the wisdom he's gained through his own experience to you, his reader and fellow blogger, with totally generous abandon. Visit this blog and I can almost guarantee that you'll be hooked in no time!
Wild Bill Shares About Himself and His Blog
Here's what Wild Bill has to say about Passionate Blogger:
Passionate Blogger is a blog about using your passion to blog better and make more money blogging. With easy to understand weekly articles Passionate Blogger unlocks the secrets of professional bloggers that will grow your blog faster than ever before. Making a living online is very possible and Passionate Blogger is here to help make your dream blog a reality.
And here's what he has to say about the man behind the blog (aka, himself):
I'm an internet entrepreneur and full time blogger making a living from blogs like Passionate America. I started my first blog in 2004, have blogged on 10 blogs, and have been featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal.
You'll find more info about Wild Bill on the Passionate Blogger About Page.
Get Ready for Some Fantastic Content!
Wild Bill has written some great content since reviving his blog on July 16th. Appropriately enough, his first post gives timely advice on How to Resurrect a Dead or Dying Blog--and, after all, he should know, since he's in the middle of doing it, as we "speak."
Another post Wild Bill has added since his return to the blogging scene is Making New Friends, 10 Passionate Ways to Connect With Friends Online--a must-read for any blogger who wants some sage advice on how to best forge those all-important relationships that make blogging so uniquely rewarding.
Don't Overlook Wild Bill's Earlier Posts!
When you visit Passionate Blogger, be sure to check out Wild Bill's older posts, as well. You'll definitely find some gems in his archives, including his three-part Give and Receive Series and the following individual posts: Does Your Blog Get a Failing Grade? How to Get an A+, Do You Have a Blogging Addiction? and Stop Cramming for a Post!--a very practical piece that can help you limit the time and effort you spend on prep work for your posts.
More Great Passionate Blogger Content to Come!
The above posts should more than whet your appetite for the wonderful content yet to come on the newly resurrected Passionate Blogger site! So, be sure to visit often. And while you're at it, why not leave a comment to let Wild Bill know you're reading and are glad he's back. (You might even want to sign up for his RSS feed to keep on top of new posts.)
Link to Passionate Blogger in Writer's Notes' Sidebar
You'll find a link to Passionate Blogger in my Sites for Writers list at the bottom of my left sidebar. That way, you'll be able to drop by and visit Wild Bill with a single click, whenever you're reading Writer's Notes and have a sudden urge for some passionate blogging advice!
Happy--and passionate--blogging!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts to share about passionate blogging? I'd just love to hear them!
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AbleStable: An Inspiration to Writers and Other Creative Types
In keeping with the theme of my series, Inspiration, I'd like to introduce a website, which many of my readers may not have heard of, but which I think would prove a real inspiration to you in your creative endeavors. And if you happen to be an artistic type who expresses your creativity in a variety of different ways, other than just through writing, you'll like this site even more.
What Is AbleStable?
AbleStable is a unique website which brings together information, inspiration, and a wide variety of resources for creative individuals who work their magic in a number of different disciplines. Whether you choose to express your personal creativity through writing, music, visual art, acting, or more than one of a broad array of artistic modes, you'll find something on this website to interest, inspire, empower, and equip you for your specialty.
What Does AbleStable Have to Offer?
From articles on a variety of creative topics to competitions and exhibitions featuring readers' work, there's something here for everyone. Helpful tools, e-books, freeware, a glossary of terminology used on the site, games, puzzles, and other activities make this a site with broad appeal for artistic personalities everywhere. In addition, the site provides a free listing service, where "creatives" can present their own services to the world.
Who Runs AbleStable?
Mike de Sousa, director of AbleStable and obviously himself a highly creative type, as can be seen by his About Us page, as well as his articles, is the personality behind the site. Mike has a great deal to offer the artistic visitor to his website. With a background in music, writing, art, photography, and both graphic and website design, he understands the differing needs of individuals involved in a variety of creative areas and can therefore provide on-target information, resources, inspiration, and encouragement to which each type of artist can relate.
AbleStable Articles to Inspire You
Being a writer, myself, I enjoy reading Mike's articles about How To Be Creative, Emotion and Creativity, Finding Balance, and The Purpose of Art. I find that his articles also Inspire Me and encourage me to Write from the Heart. The foregoing are just a few examples of some of the fascinating articles you'll find in the archive of Mike's monthly feature, The Column. Mike's articles are engagingly written and will definitely appeal to your creative, contemplative side. Speaking as one artist to another, through The Column, Mike shares the considerable insights he's gleaned from his own creative--and not-so-creative--experiences.
Visit AbleStable and Be Inspired
Whatever your creative specialty, check out AbleStable. There's something for everyone on this fantastic site!
Enjoy your visit!
Jeanne
This is not a sponsored post.
Did you enjoy this post? Find it helpful? Have any thoughts to share? I'd love to hear from you!
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Age of Conversation: 100+ Authors Write to Raise Funds for Children's Charity
Today's the day to join the concerted effort of a dedicated group of people from all over the blogosphere (and all over the world) to drive last year's Age of Conversation collaborative book project to the top of the Amazon charts! Why? To raise awareness for the soon-to-be-published Age of Conversation 2008 sequel*--and simultaneously raise even more funds for Variety Children's Charity. (All monies raised through the books' sales and referrals go to Variety's Lifeline Children's Project.)
Two Bloggers Take On a Monumental Task
Spearheaded, organized, overseen, and edited by bloggers Drew McLellan and Gavin Heaton, the original Age of Conversation “brings together over 100 of the world’s leading marketers, writers, thinkers and creative innovators in a ground-breaking and unusual publication.” If you're interested in good writing, great wisdom on business and life, and helping sick children get well, please join this effort to bring the book the attention it deserves. As mentioned above, no one involved in this project will be making a profit from the book's production and sale: 100% of the proceeds will go to Variety Children's Charity (just as they will with the book's sequel).
Variety Children's Lifeline Program
Here's what Drew had to say about this charity in his Age of Conversation's Gift of Life post last year:
Lifeline's sole mission is providing medical assistance to children with treatable and survivable heart conditions in countries where the appropriate medical facilities, expertise or resources do not exist.
Today's Effort to Launch The Age of Conversation to the Top of the Charts Explained
Today's launch of the Age of Conversation Bum Rush is explained at Chris Wilson's Marketing Fresh Peel blog, in the following two posts: The Launch: The Age of Conversation Bum Rush and The Real Age of Conversation Bum Rush: March 29th. Please drop by and check out these posts. And if you feel this to be a worthy endeavor, consider joining these hard-working authors in helping to make a difference in the lives of sick children around the world by buying your copy of The Age of Conversation and encouraging others you know to do the same.
Please use the following link (or one of the specially designated links at other participating blogs) when purchasing The Age of Conversation. This will ensure that referral monies go to Variety Children's Charity, in addition to book sale proceeds.
Each purchase will only be counted once, regardless of how many books you purchase; so please buy each book separately (Super Saver shipping to the U.S. is free on this item)--and buy it TODAY--to help this charitable project gain greater recognition by rising to the top of the Amazon Best Seller List.
Hope you'll join us!
Jeanne
* While I wasn't among the authors of the original Age of Conversation, I will be on board for The Age of Conversation 2008--along with 274 other dedicated writers and bloggers. (What a wonderful way to use our writing talents--by helping others! I highly recommend it!)
INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT - 6 AM CST, MARCH 29TH: Between 2 pm CST, March 28th and 1:30 am CST, March 29th, the book's ranking rose from #102,282 to #16,879! Way to go, everyone! Further updates will be posted at Marketing Fresh Peel, in Chris's Launch post, and also on Twitter, throughout the day (info in the Launch post).
3:15 pm CST: AOC has jumped to #368! Keep up the good work, everyone!
AOC made it to #262 of all books sold at Amazon.com on March 29th. Not as high as we'd hoped, but not bad, at all! (At one point, it actually hit #33 in the Business/Investing category.) Great work, everyone!
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? Which worthy causes have you loaned your writing talents to, and did you feel as if you'd made a difference?
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Some Health Facts to Get a Writer Thinking—About Bananas!
An e-mail that's making the rounds right now lists all the health benefits of the banana—which turns out to be a food that’s pretty-much under-appreciated. I found it quite fascinating to note that a number of the health benefits of this yellow-jacketed fruit are particularly applicable to the physical and mental faculties that help the writer more effectively engage in those activities that are essential to his or her craft.
Better Brain Power—and More!
Apparently, bananas can boost your brain power, increase your energy level, lower your blood pressure, calm your nerves, and decrease stress—all very helpful to the working writer! Of course, better overall health is as good for the writer as it is for everyone else, so all the other health benefits that bananas provide can help us keep our bodies in optimal running condition, providing better overall support to our minds for the task ahead!
Optimize the “Business” of Writing—With Bananas!
Because deadlines can’t wait, our busy schedules and frequent marathon writing sessions often cause us to eat a less-than-ideal diet. Here’s where the banana can come to our rescue, providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other health-building nutrients to keep us going longer and stronger, while simultaneously contributing to more acute mental processes. This can be helpful for the real nuts-and-bolts work of organizing our thoughts, doing our research, analyzing our data, planning our written work, handling the actual mechanics of writing, and editing our work into a finished piece.
Calm Your Nerves and Release Your Creativity—With Tryptophan!
It might even be argued that the tryptophan that bananas contain, which triggers the production of serotonin in our brains, causing feelings of calmness, relaxation, and well-being, is beneficial to our imaginations, putting us into a state of mind that’s more conducive to creativity. This creative state can help us to conceive bigger, better, more abundant ideas, write with greater flair, and create a better rapport—a real connection—with our readers.
Bananas: A Quick and Easy Brain and Body Building Snack
And who could ask for a quicker, easier snack! When we’re immersed in a really involved writing project, it can be quite tempting to grab whatever snack happens to be handy when those hunger pangs strike; and too often that turns out to be something that isn’t very good for our health. The banana provides a great alternative to chips and other non-nutritious snack foods.
Bananas do a body good!* And I think the writer can find some really valid reasons for making them a part of his or her daily writing routine!
An E-Mail Worth Passing On
The e-mail listing the many benefits of this extraordinary fruit follows:
The Amazing Banana
A professor at The Binscarth School For Higher Learning physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe, and polish with a dry cloth. Amazing fruit!
One more PS: Even roses love bananas. For those of you that have roses, place banana peel strips about an inch below the dirt all around the rose bush. Good fertilizer. It sure is amazing!
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry to the nearest market and buy some!
Happy—and healthy—writing!
Jeanne
*This statement is not intended to apply to those who are allergic or otherwise sensitive to bananas or who suffer from kidney disease or other medical conditions which prevent the body from properly metabolizing potassium.
PLEASE NOTE: This post is not intended to constitute medical advice and should not be construed to suggest that anyone stop taking medication or other medical treatments prescribed by their physician without the advice of that physician.
Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts to share? What foods have you found to be especially conducive to creativity and brain power? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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