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W R I T I N G W O R L D
A World of Writing Information - For Writers Around the World
http://www.writing-world.com
Issue 10:01 10,027 subscribers January 7, 2010
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SPECIAL NOTICE: Please DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail; any messages
sent in reply to the newsletter are deleted. See the bottom of
this newsletter for information on how to subscribe, unsubscribe,
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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THE EDITOR'S DESK: by Moira Allen
INQUIRING WRITER: Resolutions, by Dawn Copeman
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
WRITING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
FEATURE: A Writing Plan for 2010, by Shaunna Privratsky
COLUMN: Free Stuff for Writers, by Aline Lechaye
THE WRITE SITES -- Online Resources for Writers
The Author's Bookshelf
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Writing.Com is the online community for writers of all interests.
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* Contests. Over 40 contests are always open and free to enter.
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
================================================================
Taking the Lazy Way Out...
--------------------------
Dawn and I have an arrangement: Normally I write the editorial for
the first issue of the month, and she writes the second. Well, I
have been pummelling my brain for something "original" to say about
New Year's resolutions for three days now, and nothing exciting is
emerging. In particular, nothing has emerged to compare with the
impromptu editorial that Dawn managed to write while writing up the
"results" of her "Inquiring Writer" column on resolutions, below.
So... Taking the lazy way out, I'm letting Dawn's article take over
the editorial slot this issue! See you in two weeks!
-- Moira Allen, Editor
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THE INQUIRING WRITER: Resolutions, by Dawn Copeman
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Last time I asked if you had any New Year Writing Resolutions and I
can only assume you were all far too busy enjoying the festive
season to respond or that you've given up on the whole resolutions
idea.
It might just be that with the state of the economy still being so
uncertain, with magazines folding and rates for articles falling,
you feel that it is useless to make resolutions this year. It could
be that you are just too drained to think of any, or have a 'been
there, done that' attitude to resolutions.
You might think that goals are just for new writers. Certainly,
over at newbiewriters.com the new writers are busy sharing their
resolutions with each other on the forum. Could it be that we think
that we are beyond such things?
If the latter is the case then this means we are in danger of
becoming complacent, of letting our writing slide and of letting
other 'non' writing things get in the way. Even if we don't do
resolutions per se, January is the perfect time to reflect on our
writing in the past year and to realistically work out what we
intend to achieve this year and how we are going to set about it.
Yes, I've said it before, but I cannot stress enough how important
this annual review of our writing is.
It can be oh so easy, when we're trying to make money however we can,
to put our writing to one side. I've done it. I was in demand as a
languages tutor and so took on more and more work in this area, thus
squeezing the amount of time I had to write. At the time I reasoned
to myself that "this is actual money, while for writing I'm dealing
with only potential sales." This was true, but I was seriously
reducing my chances of making any sales at all, especially when I'd
reduced my writing time to one hour a week! Without reviewing my
writing plan in January, how easy it would have been to gradually
push writing out of my life altogether.
So even if you don't resolve to write 100,000 words of your novel
this year or submit to new markets, or write 15 queries a month, I
suggest you do resolve to check out the state of your writing health
and ensure that your original goals and work patterns are still
working for you today.
And speaking of working, this month's question comes from Helen,
who asked the following question: "I am thinking of moving away from
Microsoft Office to use a free office suite such as Open Office. Do
you know if documents created in Open Office are easily opened and
read by people using Word? Will using Open Office make it harder for
me to sell my work? Or will I just have to suck up the increased
cost of purchasing the latest version of Microsoft Office? Have any
of your readers made the switch to free office programs?"
If you have made the switch and can offer Helen any advice, email
me with the subject line 'inquiring writer' to
editorial@writing-world.com. Also if you have any questions you
would like to put to our writing community, email them to me at the
same address. I am running low on questions and need your help!
Copyright (c) 2010 Dawn Copeman
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VAPORWARE FICTION CONTEST - For fiction writers with a taste for the
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NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
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Amazon Sells More Ebooks Than Printed Ones On Christmas Day
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For the first time in its history, the online book retailer sold
more digital books than traditional printed books on Christmas Day,
leading many traditional publishers feeling apprehensive about the
future. Traditional publishers are concerned that the low cost of
ebooks, $7.99 for a bestseller as opposed to $35 for the same book
in hardcover, will lead to a huge loss of revenue for the publishing
houses and in consequence lead to a lowering of earnings for
authors. For more on this story and how the publishers are trying
to compete, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/yg5xgos
A Christmas Carol Reaches Highest Price For Dickens' Book
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A first edition of the book, which was inscribed by Dickens to a
friend on December 17, 1843, sold at an auction at Christie's New
York for $233,194. This was well above the expected price of
$120,000 - $200,000 and makes this the most expensive Dickens' book
ever purchased. For more on this story visit:
http://tinyurl.com/yakb4sx
Google Fined in French Court
----------------------------
A court in Paris fined Google over $429,000 for breaching French
copyright law. The money will go to French publishers and authors
whose works were digitised and put online by Google. For more on
this story visit: http://tinyurl.com/yavyhpt
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WRITING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
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History Writers Wanted
----------------------
History-on-the-web is an online publishing site that publishes all
things historical. Whatever the topic, whatever the period, they
want to publish your work. Their requirements are simple:
*It must be referenced.
*It must be original.
*You must submit a profile.
Writers receive 50% Royalties and bonus.
View website for details.
http://www.history-on-the-web.com
Daily Mooch Seeks Satire Writers
--------------------------------
The Daily Mooch is here for entertainment purposes only. All stories
are fabricated and are not true. Would you like to write for TDM? If
you think you can meet the mark, drop them a line. View website for
details. http://www.thedailymooch.com/spoofnew/
New Home and Lifestyle Magazine Seeks Writers
---------------------------------------------
PremiereDesigners.com has a new digital, luxury home, shelter &
lifestyle magazine in the works. The new magazine is to debut late
January of 2010 and will resemble a print magazine with features on
affluent interior design, Designers, lifestyle and destinations.
Check out the website for more details. http://tinyurl.com/y9ctbza
Blog Writers Wanted
-------------------
A2Digital is looking for experienced writers to maintain their
blogs. Applicants should have the ability to read and review works
published for semi-daily blog entries. Specialized experience in
genres such as mystery, suspense, thriller and technical manuals
welcome. View website for more details.
http://a2digital.net/jobs.html
Short Story Authors Wanted for a "Sunday Supper" anthology
----------------------------------------------------------
Twelve authors are needed for an anthology of "Sunday supper"
stories. Authors should be between the ages of 40 and 60.
The story will be about you and your family at the last Sunday
supper together at about, or when you were around 7 to ten years
old. It must combine comedy and drama. We also seek two notable
authors with "name recognition" to write the preface and conclusion
(suggestions welcome!).
Proceeds from the book will be divided as follows: 50% up front will
go to missions and feeding programs. This will be distributed by a
group of 12 people overseeing the funds. This group will be formed
from either the authors of the book, or a representative appointed
from the author to take his or her place. The remaining 50% will be
divided equally between 12 authors, plus the authors handling the
preface and conclusion. There will be no prepayments prior to
publication. All expenditures will be available for study upon
request.
Submission requirements: 10-15 5.5x8.5-inch pages in black,
with half-inch margins on all sides, in single-spaced 14-point type.
Please submit a PDF file for review. All accepted submissions will
be responded to; otherwise, response will be sent only to
submissions that meet the designated specs. Send submissions to
submitshortstory@yahoo.com. Please include e-mail address, postal
address, and phone number. Submission deadline is February 14, 2010.
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FEATURE: A Writing Plan for 2010
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By Shaunna Privratsky
I don't like resolutions. Resolutions tend to start out bright and
shiny, and then become dull when something gets in the way or it
just becomes too hard. Whether we're talking about losing weight,
being more organized, or improving the quality of our lives or our
writing, resolutions are make-or-break: an all or nothing mindset.
Most resolutions fail because we aim too high or are unrealistic
when we set our goals.
Instead, I love setting goals and making plans to accomplish those
goals. January is the perfect time to create new goals. It is the
blank slate, the fresh page on the calendar, the promise of
beginnings; the perfect do-over. Forget your past mistakes and start again.
Make 2010 the year you become a better writer by setting realistic
goals and making a workable plan.
Writing is a career, but it is also a way of life. In order to be
successful, we have to incorporate it into our schedule, instead of
always waiting for the perfect moment. How many times have you
thought, 'I'll wait until the kids are older,' 'I'll really be a
writer if I win that award for a month at a writer's retreat,' or
'I'll write when I have more time?'
If you really think you are too busy to write, sit down and make a
list of everything you do in a day. Now really study it. If you
are at work from 8am to 5pm, maybe you could write during your two
coffee breaks or at lunchtime. Stay at home parents can sneak in
some writing when the kids are napping or enjoying a video.
Take control of your schedule by creating a yearly plan for your
writing career. If time is a struggle, check your schedule and look
for snippets that you could use for writing. Get up one hour
earlier than usual or go to bed a little later. If you want to
write more, see if there are activities that you could eliminate.
Stop making excuses and just begin. Every novel starts with one
word. Even if you can only write for ten minutes a day, make it a
goal to do it every day. Gradually, you will want to extend those
ten minutes to twenty minutes, a half hour or an hour.
There is never going to be a better time than right now, today.
Start writing that novel you've been dreaming about. Jot down three
article ideas and start researching markets. Pen your memories
about the holiday season before they become as stale as the unopened
fruitcake and the drooping tree. Just write.
You might be thinking, 'Easy for her to say.' And I would agree.
After eight years, I finally have the schedule I've been dreaming
of: I can write at least a little each day. If I have a deadline, I
can dedicate larger amounts of time to it and produce a quality
manuscript. With a growing list of published articles and books, I
bring some credibility and experience for each new query or
submission.
Yet I had to work writing into my busy life. I am also taking care
of my disabled husband and two active teenagers. Household chores
and responsibilities seem to take up an inordinate amount of time.
Most days I have to consciously decide to sit down at the computer
and write.
I used to push myself to churn out tons of articles, stories, essays
and poems. I don't regret my drive, but now I am enjoying a more
focused pace. It is not about writing more, but about writing
better. Now my goals concentrate not only on writing, but also
submitting every week.
Decide on a realistic goal for your writing. Don't let yourself
check your emails until you get a rough draft written. Make a goal
to keep ten submissions in play at all times. Finish a new chapter
every three days. Choose whatever mini-goals get you closer to your
prize.
Set a monetary goal. Choose an actual figure. Write down how you
plan to reach it. List the markets you will have to write for and
make monthly goals. Make it as realistic as possible. If you don't
know what you are aiming for, how are you ever going to achieve it?
Although some writers may say that money is not important, I
disagree. Money is a tool that can be used to better our lives and
also to reward us for our hard work. A plumber is not going to say,
"Oh, you don't need to pay me. I just do it for fun."
Using monetary goals as a guideline, you can see how far you have
come in your career. It can also prod you to keep reaching for
higher paying assignments or a market that once was out of reach, or
to try something new that you had never considered.
If you want to spruce up your writing, look for classes, books and
online courses. Check out Writing World's impressive lineup of
articles to improve every area of writing. No matter what genre
you write in, you can always learn more.
Another common goal is to be more organized. This is very important
in the business side of writing. You need to track your
submissions, payments, publications and even taxes. Creating a
system that is workable can be challenging.
I use a simple, very inexpensive system of file folders, notebooks
and backup disks. When I write a new article, I write the title on
a piece of paper. I also write the word count, the day I wrote it,
and where it is saved. I save it on floppy disks and a backup CD.
After letting it rest for awhile, I go back and revise it.
Every time I submit the article, I write the date, place I sent it
to and any pertinent information like payment, response times,
column titles or editor's names. I also write the same information
down in my master notebook. That way, I keep a record of where the
article has been. When I receive an acceptance or a rejection, I
mark it on the paper and in the notebook.
Another way to organize is to group types of writing into folders.
If you write in many different genres or subjects, this is an easy
way to keep track of your submissions. You can also create folders
on your computer and keep everything online. Remember to always
back up your work.
It's great to make goals, but in order to accomplish them you have
to have a plan in place to reach them. Once you've decided on your
main goal, write it down. Make it as specific as possible. Just
saying you want to write a book someday is too vague. Planning to
have a book completed, revised and submitted to a publishing company
by December 31st is a specific goal.
Now break that goal down into monthly and even weekly goals. In
order to finish a book in a year, how many chapters or pages do you
have to write each week? Set a time-table that works for you and
fits into your schedule. The more realistic you make your plan, the
easier it will be to accomplish each step along the way.
Plans are great, but sometimes things happen to throw them off
track. List some of the things that might derail your plans and how
to overcome them. If you've made goals and plans in the past that
failed, look for the specific reasons. Maybe you gave up after a
few months because you didn't see any results. Perhaps a goal was
too hard to reach or the steps weren't working. Figure out ways to
revise your new plan.
If you are prepared ahead of time for setbacks, you can still
accomplish your goals. Now when the computer breaks down for a week
or the whole family is sick, you will be ready with Plan B.
When you start to accomplish your mini-goals, reward your hard work.
Plan a night out with a friend or give in to a decadent dessert at
your favorite coffee shop. Really reward yourself when you land
that coveted assignment, or one of your short stories is accepted.
Pat yourself on the back; tell your story on the many "Brag Boards"
for writers, and share your good news with your friends and
families. With all the rejections, disappointments and hardships of
writing, a little good news can be an excellent motivator for weeks
or even months.
Support for your goals is another important tool in creating a
workable plan. Whether you have a writing buddy, an online chat
room for writers or a monthly writer's group, connecting with other
writers is key. They can cheer you up when you get a rejection,
celebrate when your book proposal is accepted or offer helpful
critiques when you're working on your latest assignment.
Writing is a privilege, a joy and a way to connect with others.
It can also be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. Meld
the two together into a doable plan that will make 2010 your most
successful year yet. Begin today!
>>--------------------------------------------------<<
Shaunna Privratsky is a fulltime author who juggles her time between
writing, reading, caring for her family, and shoveling snow. Please
visit The Writer Within at http://shaunna67.tripod.com and sign up
for the free newsletters.
Copyright (c) Shaunna Privratsky 2010
For more information on setting writing goals visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/goals.shtml
http://www.writing-world.com/dawn/dawn08.shtml
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/jud.shtml
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WRITER'S RAINBOW ONLINE WORKSHOPS focus on blog building, the
creative process, the writer's platform (new!) and generative
writing classes. Flexible schedule, easy format, affordable.
Taught by creativity coach, author and editor Tamara
Sellman. http://writersrainbow.wordpress.com/online-teaching.
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FREE STUFF FOR WRITERS - New Year Resolutions
=================================================================
By Aline Lechaye
A new year; a new decade, in fact. Perhaps you've already started
planning out the writing you're going to do (or, well, hopefully
going to do) in the upcoming twelve months. Perhaps you've been
meaning to do it, but haven't had the time yet. Or perhaps you're
procrastinating, waiting for the right moment to start.
That moment is now here.
This month, we'll be looking at new markets and submissions
trackers. (Hey, you need to set your system up before you start the
real work!). Next month, we'll be working on the hard stuff...
freebies to help you beat writer's block and those "why did I ever
decide to become a writer" days!
New Markets:
------------
Sure, it's tempting to just send your manuscripts to the same
editors you're comfortable working with, secure in the knowledge
that you'll be accepted. But what do you do when the editor leaves
the magazine, or when you get tired of writing the same pieces over
and over? Sounds like you need to find some new markets to break
into.
Duotrope's Digest (http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx) is probably
the best tool for those of you who write genre fiction and poetry.
Apart from the handy search filter that lets you specify the markets
you're looking for (by genre or pay scale, for example), they also
provide rejection rate information for the publication in question,
so you'll know your chances. Don't forget to check the deadline
calendar that reminds you of upcoming contest and reading period
deadlines. Finally, sign up for their free weekly newsletter that
keeps you up to date with market news!
Writers Write (http://www.writerswrite.com/writersguidelines/) lists
its market categories and further breaks them down into paying and
non-paying publications. Ideal for non-fiction magazine writers.
The Write Market has been around since 1966, according to their
website (http://www.writemarket.com/). Again, the markets are
separated into categories and then sub-divided into markets and
publishers. A handy tool is the contest and awards deadline checker
to the right of the page: you can view the deadlines month by month.
The search function is somewhat limited, since it only searches for
keywords on either the site itself or the web.
Submissions Trackers:
---------------------
An editor informs you that the story you sent her last week is
exactly the same as the one she rejected last month. (Oops!) You
have no idea whether you've gotten a reply for that fantasy story
yet or not. You think you got an acceptance letter... or maybe that
was for the sci-fi essay. Hmm.
By signing up at with the previously mentioned Duotrope's Digest,
you can set up a submission tracker to list your submissions, save
your market searches, and track pending deadlines! All your info in
the same place you find markets -- what could be better?
You can also go to The Writer's Database(http://www.writersdb.com)
to sign up for a free online writing submission tracker. The site
helps keep your manuscript, market, and submission information
together. You can also browse market information submitted by other
users to discover new publications. The word count feature for
manuscripts is a good way to track your writing productivity: you
can view the relevant statistics every time you log on to the
website. The toolbar to the left of the screen sets everything up in
a clear manner which is very user-friendly. Even those of you with
computer-phobia should have no trouble with this one.
So get out your calendar and those manuscripts left over from last
year. It's time to start the submissions!
>>--------------------------------------------------<<
Aline Lechaye is a translator, writer, and writing tutor who resides
in Asia. She can be reached at alinelechaye@gmail.com.
Copyright (c) Aline Lechaye 2010
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toasts). Randall Platt presents the first Slangmaster e-book.
Why? Because we don't speak in black and white. Learn more about
the color of our language at http://www.slangmaster.com. Use
the right word, for the right era and occasion, every time!
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THE WRITE SITES
=================================================================
Sparkworks
----------
An intriguing new site with unusual weekly writing prompts to get
you inspired to write, a place for you to submit your work based on
these prompts and a reward system of Amazon gift vouchers for people
who submit once a week for twelve weeks.
http://sparkworks.webs.com/rewards.htm
Write a Novel in 100 Days or Less
---------------------------------
Don't worry, this isn't a site encouraging you to buy a book or join
a course, it is an encouraging article with lots of useful advice
from the Peace Corps writers' site. If you are planning to write a
novel this year, then bookmark this site.
http://tinyurl.com/4mwt2
Writing nonfiction for children
-------------------------------
This is a useful list of articles. Compiled by Fiona Bayrock, this
list will provide you with all you need to know if you want to break
into this market.
http://www.fionabayrock.com/ARTICLEIndex.htm
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WORLDWIDE FREELANCE WRITER - You can download a free list of
writing markets if you subscribe this week. Discover almost
2,000 writing markets from USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australasia.
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
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AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF: Books by Our Readers
=================================================================
Breaking Faith, by Stuart Aken
Portraits in Lavender, by Connie Torrisi
Writing to Win: The Colossal Guide to Writing Contests - 2010
by Moira Allen
Find these and more great books at
http://www.writing-world.com/books/index.shtml
Have you just had a book published? If so, let our readers know:
just click on the link below to list your book.
http://www.writing-world.com/books/listyours.shtml
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ADVERTISE in WRITING WORLD or on WRITING-WORLD.COM! For details
on how to reach 60,000 writers a month with your product, service
or book title, visit
http://www.writing-world.com/admin1/adrates.shtml
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Writing World is a publication of Writing-World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Editor and Publisher: MOIRA ALLEN (editors@writing-world.com)
Newsletter Editor: DAWN COPEMAN (editorial@writing-world.com)
Copyright 2010 Moira Allen
Individual articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues archived at
http://www.writing-world.com/newsletter/index.shtml
Writing World is hosted by Aweber.com
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Subscribers are welcome to re-circulate.
Copyright © 2010 by Moira Allen. All rights reserved.
Copyright to individual articles held by authors.