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Writer's Notes - By Jeanne Dininni

 
WritersNotes.Net: Helping Writers Follow Their Dreams Through Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement!

Writer's Notes - September 2008

Google Update in Progress

September 28th 2008 23:50


Have You Checked Your Google PR Lately?

If you haven't checked your Google Page Rank lately, now would be a good time to do it, because I've just learned that a Google update is in progress. (You'll find a link to a Google PR Checker Tool in my sidebar under Spotlight Posts.) Hopefully, your site's PR has increased with this update.


Writer's Notes Loses PR

Unfortunately, Writer's Notes' PR has decreased from PR 3 to PR 2--which causes me to speculate about whether the decrease could be related to a few sponsored posts I've written lately (after I'd refrained from writing sponsored posts for quite a while). It's always difficult to determine what Google's precise motivation is for cutting a site's PR, and it may be totally unrelated to the mere two sponsored reviews I've posted recently. Quite likely, it has more to do with my blog's decreasing Technorati ranking and authority and its relatively low Alexa ranking. (Though my Alexa ranking is actually improving, it's not the best it's been since I began blogging in early 2007.)


What's Your New PR?

If you don't already have a PR widget on your blog to alert you to fluctuations in your site's PR, why not use the PR checker tool I've placed on my blog for your convenience--or any one of many others that are available online--and find out your blog's latest PR. You may just be pleasantly surprised!


Hope your PR has skyrocketed!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Were you aware that a Google PR Update is in progress before reading this post? Have any thoughts about the Google PR update process? Any great news to share about your new PR? I'd love to hear it!



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Have You Tested Your Literary Thrill-Generating Skills Lately?

Suspense Magazine is currently holding its first annual writing contest/sweepstakes for authors of short stories in the suspense/thriller/mystery genre. If you are a fiction writer and this is one of the areas where you shine, you have until December 31st to submit one or more stories, ranging in length from 1500 to 5,000 words. There's no entry fee, and up for grabs are the following prizes:

Grand Prize: 12 books (one from each of Suspense Magazine's 12 authors of the month for 2008). Some of the books are autographed.

Second Prize: $50 gift card from Amazon.com

Third Prize: $25 gift card from Amazon.com

Please be sure to follow all contest rules, so your story(ies) won't be disqualified.

Best of luck to you!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts to share about this writing contest or writing contests in general? Have you written a story that you might like to submit? Considering writing a new one--or several? Ever win a short story contest before? We'd love to hear your thoughts and/or experiences!



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The Lowdown Right from the Lizard's* Mouth!

Joel Ratner, Director of Zirdland.com, has graciously responded to several somewhat skeptical comments left on my recent post: "That First Line" Contest Offers $500 Prize for One Line! In his comment, Joel addresses a few issues raised by some Writer's Notes readers. I've decided to reproduce his fairly lengthy comment in this post to be certain that everyone who's read the earlier post and either entertained or expressed doubts about the Zirdland website and its writing contests will see his remarks and benefit from hearing the other side of the story.


The Inside Scoop from the Top Man at Zirdland

The following is what Joel had to say about his site:


Hi Jeanne -

Thanks for writing so many wonderful things about our web site. It's been a long development process. But we want to make sure we get this right. For too long, writers have been left in the dark wondering how to get published. Publishers are similarly in the dark about where the "truly" great works can be found. They rely on third-parties to evaluate and recommend. Seems to us (as writers) a tragic failed business model.

So, maybe we're crazy for trying to change things, but somebody needs to do something - the same old stuff keeps getting published - and I can tell you from what we've seen in both the first-line contest and the new novel competition, that there are some incredibly talented people with very meaningful works out there. Even more tragic are some of the tales of their querying experiences.

The Arc Angel is something we've worked on for 4 years now, and when deployed, we hope it can bridge the gap - helping writers structure their plots and characters for maximum reader satisfaction, and helping the publishers wade through their slush-piles in a more organized way. While it can't "read" like a human - or interpret the social significance of a work, it can accurately detect emotional development, dramatic ebb and flow and chart-out the arc structure for each character and for combinations of characters.

The actual user-interface you will eventually see on the site will be very intuitive, graphical, and integrated with a text editor so a writer can work in the desktop environment and have the Arc Angel analyze the edits on the fly.

Our writers focus groups have given us valuable feedback and even some of the die-hard skeptics remained well afterwards to get more hands-on with the Arc Angel - addicted, as we are.

The novel competition is our beta test - giving the Arc Angel and the processing engines a work-out with real submissions. While we've taken reasonable precautions to protect the entries, writers should always copyright their works. No rights are lost by entering - we only expect to test the system. Eventually, each entrant will receive the analysis output of their entry. And of course, one exceptional writer will also get $1,000.

No entry fee this time around. The first-line contest was an effort to raise money for our literacy partners (Firstbook and National Center for Family Literacy) while providing a fun opportunity for writers. We love competitions and feel it sparks creativity. I think Zirdland will always have some sort of contest running...at least we'll try.

Hope that helps. I'm excited to see so much discussion about our project and we'd welcome any suggestions or insights your readers may have.

Thanks again for great coverage of the adventure!

Joel Ratner, Director
Zirdland.com, LLC


Permission to Quote Graciously Granted

In response to my request for permission to turn his comment into a blog post, Joel later posted this friendly follow-up comment:


Hi Jeanne -

No problem at all in distributing my comments. Yes, I did see your later post. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments about Zirdland. I'm glad to get some opposing viewpoints from all the responses to your post - it helps us understand what areas we need to focus on as we develop this site.

It's been a lot of fun and we've received so many well-wishes.

Let me know if you or your readers have any additional questions, comments or concerns. I'll do my best to answer them.


Any Questions or Comments for Joel About His Site?

There you have it--right from the source. If you still have questions, concerns, thoughts, or opinions about Zirdland, its contests, or its Arc Angel Story Analysis Tool that you'd like to share, Joel would be more than happy to listen and respond to any issues you may have.


Thanks to All!

Thanks so much, Joel, for your willingness to entertain our comments, answer our questions, and assuage our concerns!

And thank-you, Writer's Notes readers for your thoughtful comments left in response to my earlier post! Thanks, too, for any feedback you may decide to give Joel in response to his gracious offer to clarify his site's plans, goals, philosophy, policies, and practices!


To your writing future!
Jeanne


* The Zirdland trademark/mascot is a bright green lizard, appropriately called a zird.


Did you enjoy this post? Have any questions for Joel about his site, his software, or his contests? Any suggestions for ways his site could better serve you as a writer? Any concerns that haven't been addressed either on the site or in his comments? Both he and I would love to hear your thoughts!



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Need a Bit of Musical Inspiration? Try HD Digital Radio

Music can be a real source of inspiration for writers, artists, and other creative people. Many find that listening to their favorite music while they work sets the appropriate atmosphere to enhance their intellectual and perceptual abilities, stimulate their imaginations, focus their minds, and fuel their inner urge to create. And, while artistic people have been creating to music for years, with the advent of such modern, state-of-the-art HD digital radio systems as the Jensen JiMS 525i, there's never been a better time for enjoying top-quality sound in your home or office.


HD Radio Advantages and Options

Upgrading to HD digital radio can provide many advantages over traditional, analog radio, including better sound clarity, greater convenience, and easy building of your music library through iTunes Tagging. With an iTunes Tagging enabled HD Radio™ receiver, you can quickly and easily tag your favorite songs as soon as you hear them on the radio, conveniently marking them for later purchase and download from iTunes® to your iPod®.

If you live in the U.S., you'll also be able to search for new music stations on the HD radio website, by using the drop-down menu, which lists the stations by city and state. Many HD stations are also offering added HD2 and HD3 channels, which are subscription-free, making it even easier for you to surround yourself with that inspiration that comes from the magic of music.


Price vs. Quality of Life

HD digital radio receivers come in various types, including clock radios and compact desk systems with or without iPod® docks. And while the cost of some such systems can be fairly significant, the JiMS 525i is quite reasonably priced. Offering numerous great features, this system's cost-to-benefit ratio is a solid one, and people whose music systems are an important expenditure for their quality of life will likely find this one well worth the cost.


To your inspiration!
Jeanne


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A Writing Project Too Good to Miss

The topic of this month’s WILF (What I Learned From) group writing project at Middle Zone Musings is What I Learned From…My Friends. And while I was unable to complete my post in time for the deadline, I wrote it anyway because I still wanted to contribute my own thoughts on this very important topic. (Be sure to read the other great entries over at MZM!)

As Robert Hruzek comes back online after his recent battle with Hurricane Ike, during which the thoughts and prayers of his many friends went up on his behalf—and were answered in that he and his wife are safe and their Houston home has suffered no damage—I feel that this is a fitting time to broach the topic of friends. (Robert, how did you know that the topic you’d chosen earlier this month would be so timely?)

Here are my musings about the friends I’ve made both online and off and the many profound ways that these fantastic folks have spoken into my life.


Friends: A Host of Gifts, A Host of Lessons

Friends care. They always have our best interests at heart. They’d much rather hear how we’re really doing than listen to a litany of pretentious pleasantries. They teach us that honest communication is absolutely necessary for getting our needs met.

Friends accept us as we are. They don’t expect us to be perfect. By accepting us unconditionally, they help us to accept ourselves—weaknesses and all. They teach us that we have value, that we are worthy of acceptance—regardless of our shortcomings, simply because we are us.

Friends encourage. When nothing seems to be going our way, when the whole world appears to be against us, when we’re most in need of a cheering section, friends are always there to encourage us and build our confidence. They teach us that "two are better than one...for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow..." *

Friends provide perspective. They have an amazing way of cutting to the heart of a matter and pointing out the aspects we can’t seem to recognize for ourselves in the midst of our own hurts, hang-ups, insecurities, mental blocks, and self-imposed limitations. They teach us that things aren't always as they seem--and that, so often, that's very good news!

Friends allow us the luxury of making mistakes—and learning from them—without judging or thinking less of us and without saying “I told you so.” They teach us that it’s OK to be fallible and that when we fail, we will recover.

Friends forgive. They care enough to place the value of our friendship above their own hurt feelings. They don’t close us off when we’ve said or done something foolish but willingly talk it out in a non-accusatory way. And by setting that wonderfully generous example, they increase our capacity to forgive ourselves, teaching us that we aren't the wretched, hopeless cases we sometimes think we must be.

Friends share our joys, as well as our sorrows. They never envy our successes or begrudge us our moment in the spotlight. Instead, they cheer the loudest and step forward to become our greatest fans. They teach us that, contrary to the popularity of the phrase, there’s really no such thing as a fair-weather friend. There are only fair-weather acquaintances--because real friends stand by us through sunshine and rain.

Friends give. They contribute to our well-being in countless ways—from sharing their insights to sharing their sympathy—providing the mental, emotional, material, and even physical sustenance we require in order to thrive. They teach us the wisdom of the age-old truth that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. **

Friends tell us the truth—gently and with love. They know that dishonesty and lack of candor drives a wedge between people; yet, by the same token, they recognize that tact is one of the greatest ways of showing they truly care. They teach us that harshness is never required for getting one's point across.

Friends help us laugh at ourselves. They never laugh at us but only with us, and in that delightfully liberating way, they teach us never to take ourselves too seriously

Friends inspire us to use our gifts. Through their influence, they bring out the best in us. They teach us that resources reside within us that we ourselves don’t always recognize—or utilize—and they gently remind us to do so. Because of their belief in us, they plant within us the desire to fulfill their highest expectations--and they make us believe we actually can.

Friends smooth our rough edges. Through their example, their patience, their insight, and their counsel, they teach us to see ourselves as we are, and they jump-start the process of gradually narrowing the gap between where we are and where we’d like to be, as they sand away our imperfections and help us refine our personalities.

Friends sharpen us. They help us hone our mental facility to a razor’s edge by asking incisive questions that urge us to analyze, describe, express, explain, and often even defend our motives, opinions, ideas, and perceptions. They hold us accountable for responsibly developing both our humanity and our intellect. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” *** In the process they teach us that, in order to reach our full potential, we need one another.

Friends validate us. They teach us that we are unique, that no one else in the entire universe can take our place, that the air we breathe and the space we inhabit, while gifts, are things of which we are supremely worthy. They teach us, too, that when we are gone and our personal space is empty, we will leave an inexpressible void which no one else can fill—and we will be missed.


The Wonderful Impact of Friends

These are the many lessons I’ve learned from my friends, lessons that impact my life—and my writing—in so many wonderful ways!


Your friend,
Jeanne


* Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – The Bible, King James Version
** Acts 20:35 – The Bible, King James Version
*** Proverbs 27:17 – The Bible, New International Version


Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? How do your friends impact your life? How do they impact your writing? Do they inspire? Encourage? Believe in your talent? Help you sharpen your skills? Hold you accountable for taking care of business? Give you constructive feedback? I’d love it if you’d share your thoughts!



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Thoughts.com: A Friendly Place to Blog

September 18th 2008 19:09


Blogs, Forums, Free Polls, or Exciting Prizes, Anyone?

Are you looking for a free online blog community where you can share your thoughts, photos and videos, music files, podcasts, and more--without pressure, deadlines, or stress? Would a friendly and active forum where you can meet new people and discuss current news, events, or any other topic that strikes your fancy, or the opportunity to win expense-paid retreats to fabulous places excite your interest? Does unlimited free space for your postings sound like a great deal to you? You might even already have a blog of your own and would simply like to create free polls to post on it. If any of the above features sound good to you, you might want to check out a new community which is growing up at Thoughts.com--a community which focuses on Blogs, with a capital B!


Thoughts.com: A Great Place to Try Your Hand at Blogging

For those who have the creative urge, yet who've mainly focused on reading other people's blogs, possibly going so far as to comment occasionally, and have begun thinking about trying blogging out for themselves, yet up till now, have been a little shy about doing so, Thoughts.com can be a great place to start. The friendly, casual, easygoing atmosphere of this site can help make the sometimes-frightening prospect of becoming an official blogger a positive, enjoyable, even fun experience, helping you get your "Web feet" wet, with zero performance anxiety.


Something for Everyone

Whether you've always dreamed of blogging, but haven't yet had the nerve to try it, or are simply seeking a site where you can engage others in conversation--or pick up a nifty, free poll for your own website or blog--Thoughts.com could just be the site you've been looking for. Why not stop by and check it out? You may just like what you see.


Happy blogging!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? If you've never blogged before, would you be more inclined to try blogging on a more casual, low-profile website or an "official," high-profile site? Why? If you're an experienced blogger, do you often check out forums and other social media sites where you can connect with others of like mind? I'd love to hear your thoughts!



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A Fantasy of Epic Proportions

September 14th 2008 04:11


How Would You Like to Be Famous?

As writers and/or bloggers, most of us crave public attention--or perhaps it might be a bit more modest to say that we covet the attention of our readers, and the more we attract, the better. If we were really honest, though, we might even admit that we dream, at times, of what it might be like to be swept up in a wave of intense popularity--a wave so immense that the attention leaves us reeling.


Campaign Fantasy

In this election year, as we watch the candidates engage their public along the campaign trail, our own sensitive psyches can become so easily enamored with our secret dreams of fame and grandeur. So much so, in fact, that a part of us would readily receive an announcement such as the one depicted in the following video, which my brother recently (and somewhat deviously) informed me he'd found circulating on the internet about me:


NOTE: If the video isn't visible, please click either the post title (above) or the "Add Comments" link (below).



27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" WIDTH="384" HEIGHT="304">



Well (sigh), we can all dream, can't we?


Your Own Private Campaign Fantasy

What do you think it would be like to watch this video, with your name displayed in it, instead of mine? I can tell you, it was a very strange feeling from my vantage point! If you'd like to find out (or prefer to send this video to your friends and let them find out), visit this News3Online link. I guarantee that you (or your friends) will experience a very unusual reaction.


To your great--if short-lived--fame!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts? What do you think your reaction would be to receiving a message that this video was circulating the internet about you? Have you watched your own version of the video? If so, how did it make you feel? If not, do you plan to? Why or why not? Have you sent it to someone you know? What was this person's reaction?



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Commenters or Commentators?

September 11th 2008 21:08


Which Term Do You Use?

While I realize this isn't an issue of earth-shattering importance, the question was brought home to me this morning when MS-Word unceremoniously informed me (via the dreaded squiggly red underline) that the word "commenters" was incorrect. (For those of you who may not yet know it, this is the form I use exclusively [and without apology]--at least with reference to the people who comment on blogs.)

Allow me to add here that my personal preference for the word "commenters" over "commentators" is in no way intended as a criticism of those who choose the latter term. However, my mention of this issue is intended to present the reasons for my preference, as well as the reasons why MS-Word--and anyone else who believes the word "commenters" to be second-rate English--is just plain wrong.


Dictionary Definitions

My (print) dictionary tells me that "commenter" is indeed a legitimate term for one who comments, since it happens to be listed as an accepted form of the word "comment." It also defines a "commentator" as either "one who writes commentaries" or "one who discusses or analyzes news events." Personally, I've always tended to view the term "commentator" in this more specialized and official manner.

I am aware, of course, that, because the word "commentaries," used in the first definition, can simply mean "comments," it's also perfectly legitimate to use "commentators" to describe those who comment on blogs. But, my intention in writing this post never was to dispute that fact in the first place, but rather to demonstrate that "commenters" is an equally valid alternative.

Other dictionaries I've consulted (online), however, tend to reinforce my interpretation of the term "commentator" as an expert who writes and/or broadcasts analysis of the news, sports, weather, and the like, most of these websites making no mention of the simple, casual act of "commenting." But, apparently, as in most questions which involve the continuous evolution of the language, there's a great deal of room for interpretation on this issue. So, dear readers, I would contend that the choice is entirely ours.


Judge Not

Nevertheless, I've always been--and I suspect will always remain--partial to the term "commenter" when referring to those who offer feedback on our blog posts. I also suspect that I'll continue to reserve the term "commentator" for more specialized use. You, on the other hand, may choose to do otherwise, and that's certainly your prerogative. I promise not to judge you if you won't judge me.


What's Your Take?

Which term do you prefer and why? Does it bother you to read or hear the alternate term (when used to refer to those who comment on blogs)? If so, why do you think that is? Does one or the other term seem less appropriate or somehow less grammatically correct? I'd sure love to hear your take on the topic!


Question for Those With More Recent Versions of Word

If you have a version of MS-Word that's more recent than 2003, does Spell-Check indicate that the word "commenters" is incorrect? I'm quite curious whether Word has caught up with the times and corrected this anomaly.


For the love of Words!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? What are your own personal thoughts on the "commenters/commentators" issue? Do you care? Do you view it simply as another interesting rhetorical question, or is it a pet peeve of yours? I'd love to hear your thoughts!



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Helpful Orble Posts for Writers

September 8th 2008 20:15


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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The End of an Era

After three years of reviewing the most imaginative fictional first lines its contestants could dream up--and paying a hefty $500 prize for the one they liked best--the folks at Zirdland have decided to call it quits on their semi-annual ThatFirstLine competition. The latest contest deadline was September 1st, and the winning entry is slated to be announced on September 30th; so stay tuned for the results of the final edition of Zirdland's popular creative competition.


Zirdland's Novel Competition Still Active

There's still time to enter Zirdland's novel competition, though, which offers an even more-substantial $1,000 prize to the top contender. So, if you've got an unpublished or self-published novel lying around gathering dust, consider entering this contest. As Zirdland puts it, "On 10/10/08, you could be $1,000 richer!" There's no entry fee, and you can simply upload your novel to the website. (Your novel will not be visible to the public.) For further information, visit the Zirdland website, or see my first post about the site and its contests: "That First Line" Contest Offers $500 Prize for One Line.


Screenplay Competition and eQuery Service Also in the Works

Zirdland is also gearing up to host a screenplay competition, which will also offer a $1,000 prize. (See the Zirdland Event Schedule page for projected dates of this contest and other planned events.)

In addition, the website plans to begin offering an eQuery service in the near future, which it will provide free of charge and which will make it easier for writers to submit their work to various publishers, producers, agents, etc., by automating the submission process. Stay tuned for further information on these future Zirdland offerings.


Arc Angel Analysis Tool Soon to Be Offered Online

Check out the Zirdland website to find out more about all the fascinating offerings it has planned for writers in the very near future. You'll want to look into its Arc Angel Analysis Tool. Not only will Arc Angel be used to judge the novel competition, but the site also plans to make the tool available online as of November 1st for writers to use in evaluating and improving their own work. All Zirdland members will have access to the tool, and membership is free. (All entrants to the novel competition will automatically become members, and membership will also be offered to other writers soon.)

Some of the questions you may have about the site and its offerings are addressed on the Zirdland FAQ page.


To your success!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Are you planning to enter the Zirdland novel competition? Or perhaps you're more inclined to submit a screenplay to their next contest. Maybe both? Did you enter your creative masterpiece into their ThatFirstLine competition, which is being judged "as we speak"? What do you think of the unique and varied offerings this unusual website provides?



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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!



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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!



Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!



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August '08 Comment Recognition

I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of August, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog what it is! A special thanks, too, to those of you who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are greatly appreciated!


Thanks So Much, Everyone!

I appreciate all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, opinions, ideas, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I truly enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! Thanks for making August another special month through your valuable input!


August '08 Commenters

The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the fantastic folks who have left comments at Writer's Notes during August, 2008:


Brad Shorr, at Word Sell, Inc.

Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye

Raven, at Alaska Chronicle

Cheryl Wright, at Cheryl Wright Writes

Wilson Pon, at Techno Stuffs

Chris Champion, at Vyoos

Shamelle, at The Enhance Life

Joanne Fedler, at Secret Writers Business

AmyHuang, at Travel String

Ash, at Australian Traveller

Lilla, at Enviro Warrior

Workflow, at Gedys IntraWare

Ravens’ wraith

Robyn McMaster, at Brain Based Biz

Meggie, at TV Chit Chat

D. Armenta, at The Florida Keys and Everglades

Brenton, at Downwrite

Joanna Young, at Confident Writing

Karen Swim, at Words for Hire

Graphic Design Blog, at StuffHeaven

AnonymousC (Cheryl)

高須クリニック (Translation: Clinic)


I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!

Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, advice, and personal experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!


Many, many thanks,
Jeanne


P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during August, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I appreciate every single commenter, and I want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!



Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!



Please note: If the StumbleUpon and other social bookmarking buttons aren't visible, please click the "Add Comments" link beneath this post. Thanks!



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