Beth Reviews...Stranger than Fiction

My best friend is a movie buff. More like raving addict, IMHO. He sees almost every movie that comes out, and is one of those guys who line up at midnight to get into the first showing of movies that he likes and/or will be really big.

Some time ago, he told me that I needed to see Stranger Than Fiction because of my writing habit. Since Jason the Boy Genius talked me into a Netflix subscription (let's just say movies are rarely on my 'to-do' list), I got Stranger Than Fiction on Friday.

And here's what I thought...

What a cool premise. A little unsettling, especially to the woman who has umpteen unfinished manuscripts at all levels of completion lying around the house, but still unique. Emma Thompson (aka Kay Eiffel) made the perfect scattered, homicidal author. The touch of Queen's English really gave her that extra boost.

I didn't know Will Ferrell was in the flick, and I'm guessing my friend didn't mention it because he knows Will movies drive me crazy (not in a good way...). However, I was actually surprised by his unusually normal performance (it's the character). I felt so sorry for him as he sat on that final bus, all day long, reading the manuscript only to find out his fate. I also wanted to know more about what kind of mother doesn't make cookies for her kids (LOL). Call it writer's instinct but I had a hunch the watch had something to do with the ending.

I also liked how well the characters were characterized by simple means. Dustin Hoffman's character and his coffee (in the urinal?! LOL). Emma and her cigarettes. Will and his numbers. When we cut narrative to the bones in our writing, we can show the same things with meaningful symbols.

All in all, a good movie. If you were expecting a Siskel & Ebert review, you're outta luck.

There were two amazing quotes in the movie that I absolutely loved. Writers will understand!

First, when Kay and Penny are sitting beside the river and Kay is envisioning the car plunging into the water as they sit in the rain (and she tries smoking):

Penny: Sitting in the rain won't write books.
Kay: Well, that illustrates how much you know about writing books.

And the second is when Kay figures out how to kill Harold. Standing by the window, she and Penny have a casual discussion about the actual death scene:

Kay: It came to me.
Penny: How?
Kay: Well, Penny, like anything worth writing, it came to me inexplicably and without method.

Absolutely true. Don't try to deny it.

If you haven't seen it and you write fiction of any type, you really should check it out. It will certainly make me think twice about killing any characters in the future...

Agent's Call for Nonfiction Submissions

Nonfiction authors, stop pouting! The Caren Johnson Literary Agency is looking for submissions from you, too. Below is a snippet; visit http://johnsonlitagency.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/call-for-non-fiction-2/
for the whole story. And good luck!


I want books by journalists or experts in the field that take a new or different look at familiar subjects. A few books that I read and really enjoyed are: The Wal-Mart Effect, by Charles Fishman, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, by Michael Pollan, Legacy of Ashes, by Tim Weiner (not technically narrative non-fiction, but really enjoyable because of how readable it was), Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser, Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich, and Nerds: Who They Are and Why We Need More of Them, by David Anderegg. I have two books on my list that I’m extremely proud of that fit into this category that I’ll highlight to give you an idea of what I’m desperate to see now: Once Again to Zelda: The Stories Behind Literature’s Most Intriguing Dedications, by Marlene Wagman-Geller and Where am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories and People that Make Our Clothes, by Kelsey Timmerman.

Agent's Call for Contemporary Romance Submissions

Just came across this on one of my loops & thought I'd share. This is just a snippet; visit the Caren Johnson Literary Agency's page for the specifics:

http://johnsonlitagency.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/call-for-romance-2/

So here’s the challenge: I want to find 3-4 romance authors who have great contemporary romances (sorry paranormal and romantic suspense authors—as I keep saying, I have some great authors already writing this in my stable so I don’t want to have too much competition within the agency). Please send me great stories with well developed characters, fun plots and great locations (I’m an armchair traveler so don’t hesitate to set your stories in your hometown of Wichita, Kansas or Phoenix, Arizona; I’d love to hear about those places). Send all queries via email—submissions@johnsonlitagency.com— and let’s get some good stories going.

If fiction were nonfiction....

Thinking in terms of the writing process on this one.

Yesterday I went to the corner coffee shop to do a bit of editing, a bit of outlining and some writing. The editing was for one of the guest blog pieces I mentioned earlier, due this weekend. Wednesday evening, I wrote out the rough draft, and as I wrote, I finally got to the message I wanted to convey. It didn't start until the third page, but it was there, and it's highly unlikely from that point to the end that I will edit at all.

As I worked on rewriting the first third of the piece, I had a sudden realization that writing fiction and writing nonfiction should essentially be the same type of process: just write. Sit down, pen on paper, and just start writing.

But that isn't so. I marveled at the realization that in fiction, I struggle to get started. I will find almost anything to do before writing: dishes, take a shower, call my mother..practically any excuse to start. With nonfiction, I grab a pen, the portfolio, and launch into my writing, knowing that I'll probably draft a little, revise a little and work in better words and phrases.

It comes down to this: I start nonfiction knowing and expecting I'll draft, but start fiction with the need for perfection, which keeps me from starting at all many times.

Completely insane.

Do you have this problem? If so, how have you worked on it? It's very interesting to me, especially with the belief that if I can approach fiction with my nonfiction mindset, I might actually get somewhere....

Love Tarot? Check out this contest!

I've been raving to my writing girls about an online course I'm taking which integrates tarot reading with plotting via the Hero's Journey. I was a bit wary because I have ZERO tarot experience (except for being fascinated by it), and, well, let's just say my plotting stamina has something to be desired.

The course has been an absolute godsend. I have never in my life plotted more deeply into a book than I have, and we're only halfway through (but I digress).

Key to my understanding has been the excellent teacher, Stephanie Arwen Lynch. So imagine my surprise when I found out she's going to be not only chatting on a radio show about the Tarot (she *is* the current president of the American Tarot Association), but also hosting a contest for a free reading....:) I'm posting here to get myself into the drawing (definitely check out her blog if you're even remotely interested. Really fab stuff she's got going on!). You won't be sorry....


Let's Talk Tarot & Readings

Do you want to learn more about Tarot? Want to listen in as a professional Tarot consultant gives free readings? Want to be one of the people who gets a reading? Come join Stephanie Arwen Lynch, president of the American Tarot Association and professional Tarot consultant, as she chats with authors Mandy M Roth and Michelle Pillow Wednesday July 16th from 11pm to 12 midnight EST.

And you can win a free reading by posting this notice somewhere it hasn't been posted and leaving the link here. Have to leave it there or it doesn't count.

Busier than A-Rod's attorney

Sorry for the sports reference but my brain is almost mush at this point. What a busy day.

Not complaining--this is part of the reason writing is so much fun. Started the day by sending out the interview/questionnaire requests, then moved on to checking email, only to find I've been asked to guest blog in two new places (how cool is that?!) (details after they're hashed out). Had a morning meeting then a one o'clock phone interview. Yeah, the one I was dreading. Not out of fear but unfamiliarity. I've never talked with a PR person before (in terms of an article), but I had nothing to worry about.

It was a blast! I learned some absolutely fascinating health stuff that will not only flesh out this article (due next week), but gave me some GREAT ideas for a query or two to some big-name markets...ones I've been trying to get into for quite some time. Fingers crossed...

From there, I sent out more questionnaires, worked on a column and played with a few blog widgets. With dinner came another amazing query idea I'm itching to send out to the same big-namers above. Maybe I'll save that one so that when the rejection comes from the first, I can whip out another fab idea. Did some camp planning (soooo close to camp....), and am about to settle in and crank out a minimum three pages on the fiction WIP. I'm also taking part in my local RWA chapter's Power Draft this week, in which I pledged to finish chapter one of the fiction WIP. I'm 1/3 done, so I've got work to do.

Amazingly, I'm not tired yet, and I've been up since 6. Must be that good writing karma.....

Romance Authors are the BEST

...and not just because I am one!

I posted the call for authors this morning here, on my blog, and to three author loops to which I belong. A couple of great ladies passed it on via Twitter and other loops, and as of right now, I've sent out 53 questionnaires. Absolutely fabulous. I've always known romance writers are the best and this just confirms it.

Even better--the responses are completely awesome. I really am so psyched for this article. What's interesting is how the whole idea came about. I'll share that in an upcoming post.

If you're published and just stopping by at the request of a friend and wonder if I can use your insight--absolutely. Please drop me a line at: beth@bethmorrow and I'll be glad to send you the questionnaire. More sources mean a stronger article and more insight, so come on! Tell me what makes your sub-genre the best!

Wanted: Published Romance Authors

If you're a published romance writer and want a little free promo, I've got a deal for you!

I'm working on an article for the October '08 issue of the RWR (topic: sub-genres of romance) and need author interviews to round out the piece.

If you're interested, (the questionnaire is only five questions long and I need it no later than July 20th), drop me an email at: beth@bethmorrow.com or blog@bethmorrow.com and we can chat.

Do feel free to pass this on to any romance-writing friends who might be interested.

Thanks a bunch! Now back to the writing....

My kingdom for a pen....

I'm a ink-pen addict. I make no bones about it. I can't write unless I have the right pen.

98% of the time I'm a fountain pen girl. None of these new-fangled ink pens that stutter and leave blotches. I need the good, solid heft of a real pen to write, especially fiction, which I draft longhand first.

The other 2% of the time, I'm testing out new pens. I buy pens like most women buy shoes. Anything new, shiny, sparkly or with a pretty color suckers me in immediately. The guys at Staples (near where I used to work and now near my house) all know me by first name. If I have a bad day at school, I don't drink to forget my problems (well, ok, I do ...), I stop by the pen aisle on the way home and pick up something cool.

My latest trial-and-error is a success. For years, the only pen the hubby would use to grade lab notebooks and chemistry quizzes was the Pilot extra-fine. (In red, of course). A few weeks ago, I discovered the Pilot Precise v5 RT (extra fine as well)--in a retractable, not capped, form. I got a package (for him, I claimed) for fun.

I love this pen!! It's smooth and doesn't skip, drip or smear. (I'm a fast writer). I love the extra fine tip for scribbling extra notes to myself in the margins (or between lines) for future drafts. I'm not going to leave the fountain pens anytime soon, but this is a definite keeper.

(It takes so very little to excite me sometimes it's almost scary, but if you write longhand, you understand my happiness :))

When you write, which pen is your favorite? Tell me about it. Remember, every post gets you entered in the July 23 drawing by Jason, the boy genius. (a hint: he hates writing with pens. Pencils only. Maybe he's adopted...)

(and maybe an extra point if you can tell me from whom I filched the post title from...)

Oooh, Goody! A Contest!

Yeah, it's been a while. I've been cruising around my favorite blogs and realized I haven't done much to reward you loyal readers (and lord knows, you need a reason to read this drivel!)

For the next three (or so) weeks, I'm gonna host a contest. Lucky for you, there's no writing to this one. Every comment you post will constitute an entry, and on July 23rd, I'll have Jason, the boy genius, pick his favorite for a nice little summer door prize. Don't start looking into vacay properties just yet--there's no cash involved. (I am a struggling writer just like you!). But I do have a nice assortment of writing toys for your pleasure, maybe a craft book or two. I'll see what I can dig up and will post that list later.

In the meantime, I'm on my way to a post about my newest (simpleminded) discovery: pens. Try not to have too much fun with that one....

Goals with the Girls

Just back from a nice gab session at Panera's with the Serious Writer girls. Every three weeks, we all meet and congratulate, commiserate and cogitate on our writing and writing process.

It never, ever, ever (did I say "ever?") fails that I come home ready and raring to write from these coffeeshop gatherings. Whether it's a renewed focus on my fiction or a new attitude toward my articles, the SW girls always get me moving (and it's not just the threat of owing $5 in three weeks for lack of meeting the goal.)

Here are my next goals. This will be a busy three-week period, because the 25th-August 2nd I'll be away on vacation (working at summer camp--better than any vacation anywhere), and there's no time to mess up.

1) Finish chapter one in the new fiction work (untitled as of yet)
2) Submit romance genre article on July 24th (not due til Aug. 3 but I don't think my brain will be back in writing mode after camp)
3) Submit article editor requested today (yay!) for diabetes magazine (due the 17th, would like to turn it in by the 15th)

I think that's good enough. Not to mention I'm still taking the plotting-your-novel-using-the-Tarot online workshop (SOOOoooo much fun!), so I have to keep up with that as well. Suddenly, my summer went from slow to slow down in just a day. I like it that way :)

What about you? What about your writing goals for the next three weeks? And how will you reward yourself? I'd love to hear!

Writing Karma, part 2

I just spent a few minutes trying to find the post where I'd mentioned how I swear some writing topics & ideas are synergistic, meaning several people write about them in a close timeframe. It's happened to me before, and it's just happened to me again. (I can't find the post but I'm going to bore you with my story anyway!)

Maybe this one wasn't karmic in nature. I like to think it was my intellect as a writer coming to the surface before someone else (whom I admire) wrote a similar article.

I'm a huge, huge fan of Chris Bibey's Freelance Writing blog, so imagine my surprise when I hopped over for a dose and found a post (almost eerily) similar to a two-article series I just finished for the Writer2Writer.com ezine this month. Same topic, same advice (though mine spans two columns). Wild!

Check it out for yourself and tell me how crazy this is:

My articles, from May and June:

4 Ways to Get Freelance Writing Jobs, Part 1: Online Jobs

4 Ways to Get Freelance Writing Jobs, Part 2: Real-Life Jobs

and Chris' post today:

How to Find More Freelance Writing Clients Next Month


Tell me that's not a little bit funky!

I just hope no one is working on a novel with my unique theme...

The ugly baby's been put to sleep

...and thank god, none too soon.

I actually re-read the story (not my usual M.O. in reviewing books) to see exactly what it was that I didn't like so much. I discovered, aside from the crappy editing (for example, the hero asks a question, the heroine has three lines of internal thought, then a one-word response in quotation marks attached to the end of her thought...ack!!), I was disappointed that the author failed to deliver the premise.

The story started strong and romantic, but a few pages in, we get zinged with a gratuitous (and vivid/graphic) sex thought by the heroine--in the MIDDLE of a fight scene between the hero and her (bully) friend. Nothing the heroine had said, thought or done up to this point in the book was remotely graphic/erotic. Sensual, yes. But I swear (and didn't write, though I wanted to), that it was as if the graphic thoughts were randomly inserted as if to make this story salable as an erotica.

Shame, too. Had such potential as a simple romance. Ah, well. I just signed up for three more books to review. One contemporary and two paranormal time travels. I'm hoping the ugly baby was the only one of the summer and that the rest of the reviews are smooth sailing.

As if one of me weren't enough...

So what if it's true I just squandered away the last half-hour playing online? I found the funnest place to mess around in a long time.

Doesn't hurt that it's related to the best show known to mankind...aka the Simpsons.

Here's the rub: upload a photo of yourself and it'll Simpsonize you. I think it's a little dark for me, but it's still cute...

Simpsonize yourself at: http://simpsonizeme.com/

How Did I End Up On the Cover...

This is entirely too funny. Someone is too creative for their own good!

(Yeah, so it's from 2006. Still funny)

How Did I End Up on the Cover of this Romance Novel?

Fiction hates me.

The best part of being a fiction writer is discovering the story.

The worst part of being a fiction writer is discovering the story requires you to tell the story in ways you try to avoid because they scare you.

The current WIP was initially a very short story idea--no more than 20 pages. However, as I've played with it, it's gotten bigger. Part of the appeal of the short short to me is that novel-length still scares me a little. I mean, try writing six of them and getting nowhere. After a while, and success at a shorter length, it makes sense to stick with what's working.

Oh, but no. I had to get this idea, had to start working on it and figure out where it's going. I get bits and pieces at a time, and that keeps me happy and writing. But once I figured out the hero's main problem, there was a slight possibility that his current problem (which stems from a past tragedy) could trigger a mushroom cloud of emotion, requiring a deeper, more complex story line than I could possibly cover in twenty pages.

I gave up on the 20 pages thing before I started to write. Novella, I convinced myself, and continued plotting, blissfully happy that I could manage the length with the story I had.

My walk & plot session on Friday, however, turned the tables on me. Damned if I didn't know from the start that his emotional plot line is going to require his past tragedy on center stage. Over an hour of walking and plotting, and only one conclusion: the story can't be the story without his action today to overcome the tragedy of yesterday.

Oh, well. I've plotted a novel (or six) before, I can do it again. I just wish I didn't hear that sarcastic laughter in the back of my head saying....I told you so....

Past my bedtime

I put off the ugly baby review for another day. Just can't get the gumption to write something I don't want to write.

But I have been working today. I judged two contest entries for my local RWA chapter as a discrepancy judge. One was ....not an ugly baby but.... and the other was almost perfect. Loved the story, the style and the premise. Not to mention the h/h tension. I think I'll be reading that as a published novel some day....

I've also been plotting the current WIP. I'm taking a different route on this one: tarot cards. Yeah, I know--I know nothing about them other than they're pretty. But I'm taking an online course by a very talented Tarot reader & novelist who is one of the best online instructors I've had. I've been toying with my hero's issues over the past few days, and tonight when I drew his Call to Action card, things started to fall into place. An English professor who hates the classics and finds myth overrated...that's the tortured soul I've been hearing about!

I also got a nice bit of news earlier this evening. An online article I wrote for a diabetes magazine was selected for the print version, due out in July or August. Just gotta get 'em a bio and photo. My favorite part of the writing process...

Off to draw a card for my heroine's Call to Action. I could do this all night...well, if I knew anything else about Tarot cards, I could...lol

How do you say....ugly baby?

Actually, this was going to be my pre-Martha Beck post but I tend to get a little excited when I find real-life stuff that relates to writing.

This post is all writing-related.

I've been reading a book for a review. I used to do a lot of reviewing but cut back about a year ago. This one's a fiction title I'm doing for a review site I work with. I was intrigued by the premise, so I took it off the shelf. It's an erotica, which I don't mind reviewing, just have to post under the pen name. It's a novella, so it was a quick (one-night) read.

And that's about the only good stuff I can say about it.

Don't get me wrong. It's not the sub-genre. I've read some fan-tabulous erotica authors (Angela Knight, JC Wilder, Rosemary Laurey come to mind, for starters). It's the book itself. It comes from a great, popular publisher that I've read tons of stuff from, and almost always like. As I mentioned, I LOVED the premise.

But the story sucked.

I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters. All the heroine did was sob about her ex (boyfriend, husband. I forget) and feel sorry for herself. While that happens in life, if it happens in fiction, it should be a spoonful with a purpose, not a cup full to be dumped. As for the hero, I was told repeatedly how sexy he was, and occasionally shown how sexy he was (although any character younger than my 29 year-old brother doesn't qualify as "sexy", he qualifies as "a kid"). He didn't come across as true male because of a few of his actions, but that was a minor offense.

The story goes along nicely, if blandly. The heroine is a simple lady, not a sensual thought in her head. But when the hero is introduced, it's like Mrs. Jekyll and Hyde. Stuff happens to the heroine that literally shocked me out of the story. Not what happened--I can handle that. More of how out-of-character-for-the-character-I'd-just-been-reading it was.

Think: Miss Beadle in "Little House on the Prairie" (the first teacher) turns into Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone's alter-ego in "Basic Instinct")..then back again.

Freaky, huh? That's a pretty good assessment. (I know. Take a little time to think that one over...LOL). Over and over and over. Just s*x for the sake of s*x, not the sake of furthering plot or character.

Well, that was my reading night. To make matters worse, the book was HORRIBLY (or, quite possibly, not at all) edited. Tense shifts, point of view changes, the hero internalizing thoughts the heroine should have had...it took everything in me not to pull out the red pen and edit the damn thing as I read.

At the end, I was so disheartened. I loved the premise. Still do. But the quality of writing, the depth of emotion, the story delivery fell so short I feel like I completely wasted those hours of my life and should demand a refund.

The worst part about this is that I still have to write a review. Mind you, I've written not-so-favorable reviews before (only one that I actually recall). I completely document the reasons why, because I don't believe writers should be criticized (their stories, anyway) without solid proof, but I also don't believe people should spend money on a story that is more of a brainstorming session without structure.

Since getting my own story published, I've developed an extra sensitivity to the whole review process. Waiting for those first reviews can make you want to throw up. (at least me). I don't want to make anyone feel bad about their work, but this one is truly worse than the bag of forgotten lettuce I found in the back of the fridge last week.

Stories are our babies. We fuss and play with them for weeks or months in our minds before we let them into the world. Who wants to hear they have an ugly baby? I'm going to need extra help with this one...

10% More...

I went to a meeting this morning and the speaker presented an interesting thought (this was on the topic of losing weight, but I'm always thinking writing):

What if you did just 10% more in addition to what you're already doing? How would that change your results?

Pretty easy in terms of weight loss. I walk an hour a day and do about 20 minutes of weightlifting a day, of some sort, so those numbers are simple.

But what about writing? If it were you, how would that translate? Here are some thoughts: (bear with me if the math is off. We all know I truly suck. I'm trying hard LOL)

--one additional query for each ten you send out
--ten additional minutes of brainstorming or writing for every hour that you spend
--five additional pages edited for every 50 (or however many you may edit at a time)
--one more reprint market approached for every ten

I kept it simple, mostly because to do percents, I have to keep the numbers small (lol), but I really am thinking of how 10% more (per day) spent on my writing would be the most well-spent. So many possibilities.

How about you? If you chose to give 10% more to your writing, where would you add it and why? I'd love to hear....

Oprah Mag II: Martha's Article

I suppose if I were a good blogger, I'd have done this first...lol.

Stopped by Oprah's site and found the text link to Martha's article on regret:

Who's Sorry Now? by Martha Beck

Page 2 has the particular section I mention below. See if it doesn't make you think a bit differently about your character emotions....

Oprah Magazine and the Art of Character Development

I'm a huge fan of life coaches, especially Cheryl Richardson and Martha Beck. I don't think I've ever heard anything from either of these ladies that didn't make sense to some part of my life.

In the July issue of Oprah Magazine, Martha's "Advice, etc." column shows that she's not only a very funny writer (which you can pick up by reading her books as well), she's got some serious insight into human emotions, most notably in this article, regret.

I wasn't reading for any particular reason other than I like her stuff, but when I got to the second step, "Separate regret's basic ingredients", it struck me that this isn't only a blueprint of human emotion, it's also one of our fictional characters' emotions.

That second step alone is worth its weight in gold when it comes to figuring out what our characters are feeling. Rather than lump "anger" or "happiness" or "remorse" into a one-word description in our stories, we'd be far better served (and get to the heart and meat of the character, which in turn deepens the reader's reaction and emotional engagement) to figure out what elements go into that emotion for that character at that point in time. Not only will it add depth to the story and character, it might even lend itself to a few scenes or a future action that can highlight the problem (remember, show, don't tell).

If your character is angry, why is she angry? It isn't enough to know she's angry because someone backed into her new car. One character might be angry because the car represents her life savings and now she has to find a way to pay for repairs. Another might be angry because the person who backed into her was driving drunk, and her brother was killed by a drunk driver. (ooooh, backstory and emotion. Like that!). A third might be angry because the accident is making her late for the most important court date of her lawyer career. And a fourth might be mad because he was borrowing the car from dad...without mentioning it to dad that he was leaving. Four characters, four stories, four drastically different points of view...from one emotion.

Read the article for a more in-depth presentation of what I'm trying to summarize. What it really comes down is.....Get to the root of your problem and infuse your stories with the detail you discover. Your readers will thank you for it.

Be a writer, not a wimp

Yesterday while awaiting the start of my yoga class, I overheard a conversation between two older women I didn't know, but, judged on their interaction, must have known each other. Here's the gist:

Lady 1: "Wow, it's been so long since I've seen you. What are you up to?"

Lady 2: "Not much. After class, I've got a meeting with my writing group."

Lady 1: "I didn't know you were a writer. What do you write?"

Lady 2: "Oh, well, um, I, you know, well. I wrote one poem about six years ago and it was published."

Lady 1: "Neat. So what do you do with your writing group?"

Lady 2: "Well, we write stuff. And share stuff. Well, I don't really write, but I just visit with them. I think about writing. I'm not really that good at writing."

Lady 1: "That's nice. Sounds fun. So where can I find your writing?"

Lady 2: "Um, oh, well. Um, well, there's not too much. Just the poem. There are three places, but the websites are long. You probably won't remember."

Lady 1: "Can I just Google your name? Or the name of the poem? What's the title of the poem?"

Lady 2: "Oh, dear. No, it was over six years ago. One of the websites is, um, well, I think...www.blahbeddyblah.blah.com..."

Lady 1: (after three deep breaths, a confused look then a relieved look when the instructor came into the class): "Well, it was nice seeing you again. Have fun at your...writing...meeting. Have a good class."

===

It took everything in me not to get up, shake the "writer" and plop her down on her purple mat. Two things about the interaction really hacked me off:

1) If you're a writer, don't be a wimp about it. No "oh, well, um..er...and I...but I'm not good enough because I'm not published...blahblahblah" crap. This might sound a little harsh, and even judgmental, but I feel justified in saying it because I was once in that very position.

I loved writing, wrote a number of short stories and six novels that were just not meant to be published. I hardly ever admitted in public that I was a writer, and when I did, I beat around the bush. Part a lack of confidence, part a mental equation of publishing=true writer, I wanted validation from someone else that I was a writer. Once I realized that no one was going to pat my hand and say, "Oh, honey, you *ARE* a real writer!", I got the courage, in small increments, to admit without remorse that I was a writer. It eventually led to my first national feature, just from confidently sharing that I was a writer.

I told my son about the two ladies and he couldn't understand why I wanted to shake the lady right out of Hero's pose. I likened it to this example: No one else underestimates themselves like writers (especially unpubs). I have never met a lawyer or teacher or retail sales clerk who introduces themselves like: "Oh, I sorta do law and represent some people but I haven't won a million dollar case yet, so I'm just dabbling in law," or, "Um, I, uh, well, I teach kids, but they're not really that great and don't have college scholarships or anything," or, "I like to sell stuff, but just little things like perfume and handbags. I'm not really a salesperson because I haven't sold a ten-carat diamond bracelet yet."

Hello?! If you're a writer, you're a writer. Practice in front of a mirror if you have to, or with a friend. Don't be the Cowardly Lion of writing.

Oh, and the second thought: (lol)

2) On the other hand, if Miss Writing Example isn't writing, only wrote one poem six years ago and hangs out with other writers for fun but doesn't really write anything, either get your butt writing or quit calling yourself a writer. Yes, harsh again, but it hacks me off to no end that "being a writer" is more about "hanging out with writers" than "writing". I call myself a baker, and, if you ask anyone around me, I'm always baking something. Cookies, bread, currently trying to win a cookbook contest with my secret peanut butter dessert...I don't call myself a baker because I read cookbooks or hang out at a bakery and admire the croissant flakes.

Now, I know I have a different (read: more opinionated opinion) on this issue than other writers. I know because it's come up different times in different groups of writers, and it just makes me mad. I don't know why, it shouldn't be my concern if someone says they're a writer but they don't write. (That's like me claiming to be a math wiz when the last math problem I finished (incorrectly, most likely) was in geometry class in 1987. ) It just does.

So the bottom line is this: If you're a writer, admit you're a writer. If you're a wimp, don't admit that you're a wimp by admitting that you're a writer when you don't write. Thank you!

Freelance-Zone.com: Another Great Writing Blog (and not just because they mentioned me)

Ok, you're right. I should be working on the final edit for the business article...since it is due tomorrow. All I have to do is clean it up, so no worries. Geez. You're as bad as mom. (Ok, maybe not *that* bad...) (I'm kidding, mom!)

Instead, I'm running amok online, engrossed in my favorite internet past time: reading the blogs of other writers. Lord, we're all so much alike it's almost scary. (Actually, it's quite comforting).

You'll never guess what I found! A post about me and my writing blog! Crazy, huh? Joe Wallace, the intrepid author of the Freelance-Zone.com blog not only mentioned Writer In Progress, but gave us quite a nice post. I sure wasn't expecting that. In fact, when I pulled down his recent posts in my Firefox reader and saw "Writer In Progress" I worried someone was stealing my identity ...lol.

Anyways, the post gave me an unexpected boost. I have admired Joe's blog for some time, always look forward to reading and know that I'll find something new that will either have me thinking or acting toward a writing goal. I really like his take on all things writing and editing, and especially admire his ability to call things as he sees is instead of trying to sound all nice (it's a curse I cannot break. I wish I could bring myself to use "idiots", "WTF", "bastards" and "dolts" in my writing observations). Maybe I can work on that....

You really should stop over and check out his recent "Confessions of an Editor" series to understand just how ridiculous (unprofessional and wannabe) writers can be. Don't worry, we won't expect you back in time for dinner. Wander the halls and poke around the corners--I guarantee you'll find all kinds of great stuff over there.

Vote for Romance!

Just got a link from a colleague about a story & accompanying poll at MSNBC regarding romance novels & thought I'd share.

The article focuses on Danielle Steel's latest release....and a poll asking if you read "bodice rippers". Of course I voted that I did, and of course I left a snarky comment about the greatness of the genre, too. I despise general media's upturned nose at romance!

If you like romance in the least (as a reader or writer), check out the article and poll for yourself:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25191970/

The poll is about halfway down the page, past the cover shot of her newest release.

Mr. Logic Brain STINKS!

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by thought. I occasionally wonder if it's because I'm creative and have trouble focusing at times or if it's just human nature. For example...

This week I've been in the middle of two articles due on the same day (as you may have noted..lol). One was finished (I rarely draft nonfiction) Monday, and the other I just finished last night. Since I cannot, for the life of me, edit worth a crap on the computer, I printed them off around eleven and went to bed to approach them with a fresh eye today.

After a great walk with the dog around 7, I felt the pressure mounting to get these two pieces done and finished. Now. Right now, this instant. Two days, two days, two days is what my logical brain kept saying as I made breakfast and did a bit of cleaning. They're done, they're done, they're done, my creative brain replied as I put away dishes and pulled out boxes of plastic silverware for a party we're having tomorrow. As much as I disliked it, the logical brain just kept pounding away until the panic started to grow.

Hoping for relief, I edited the writing article. Super-easy-peasy. A few (ok, one) typos, a couple of synonyms and a reworded sentence later, I zipped it off to the editor...and made logical brain happy. He immediately shut his stupid mouth and the panic melted away. I think he thinks he got one up on me...logic is always trying to gain the upper hand in my creative life, but I refuse to allow it.

I'm sure I'll hear from him again soon enough, however. I'm still awaiting a phone call for a statistic I'd like to use in the biz article, and if my source doesn't return my call today, old logic will certainly have something to say about that. Why can't he just be quiet..for once?

writer's block? Have a pity party!

True to form, the pity party must have just cleaned out all kinds of stuff that's kept me from writing to my potential for the last few days. I managed to finish not one, but both articles today AND start scene 2 of chapter one.

Maybe I should have pity parties more often LOL. Let's hope the good vibes keep coming tomorrow when I work on a few more article ideas and blog brainstorming!

Always back to the writing

I woke early this morning without having gotten much sleep (par for the course on Sunday nights, who knows why?), had a nine a.m. appointment, then came home and relaxed for a bit with my dog on the patio.

I took my fiction notebook with me, since a snippet of self-revealing dialogue from my hero has been running around in my brain and I thought I'd try to capture it. It's one of those snippets that's too strong to be forgotten, the second scene in chapter 1, so I just let it go and relaxed.

Soon, I felt fully in the grip of a pity party. A couple of things have been weighing heavily on my mind recently, none of which are related to writing, but all of which have been gaining momentum as I shove them to the back of my brain and valiantly forge on through life. Wah, wah, wah, poor me. X is happening in this part of my life, Y already happened...yadda yadda. Don't tell me you don't have these moments (unless you're not human).

Since I spent almost three hours on Saturday in my first yoga class in six months (so, so good to be back in Hero's pose and scaring others with Lion's pose), I thought I'd do the proper Buddhist approach and sit with my feelings. I don't know if sitting=wallowing, but I did a bang-up job of it. I boo-hoo'ed and sniffled, whined and moaned (to myself, didn't want to scare the dog), did some creative visualization to rid myself of some of the crappier thoughts.

I finished with a bit of meditation, striving for that "blue sky mind" I like to get to when things get too fast or overwhelming to me. Now, I must admit that I love meditation and enjoy the challenge of it. I also tend to think I'm good at it (at which time I usually get snowed under by all kinds of stuff that gets in the way of blue-sky mind)--but not today. Instead of letting thoughts pass by like feathers on the wind, a lump of reality planted its round little butt in the middle of my meditation and refused to get up and leave.

Writing. In particular, two deadlines I have this week.

I tried pushing past, letting the thoughts go. I'm not concerned with the pieces--they're both pieces I'm passionate about. I've outlined one and finished the first draft of the second, and will most likely have them both done by the end of today or tomorrow, but my mind didn't want to hear any of that.

Writing. Ideas, thoughts, structure. Publishing, emotion, voice, character. Like little mice on the proverbial wheels, all of the elements of writing attacked my brain and started doing that little thing they always do when inside my mind: creating sparks and energy.

I fought the thoughts for a while, then relented. When I opened my eyes, I discovered that not only was my pity party a distant memory, but that I had a smile on my face and paragraphs assaulting me from every angle. I was refreshed and refocused, and all I had to do was lie in the lawn chair for a few minutes.

I have these "moments" (aka pity parties) now and then, and nothing ever seems to bring me back up out of the doldrums like writing. Of course, if you have any experience at all with writing yourself, you'll know implicitly that writing will send you to those doldrums, too, and sometimes keep pushing your head back down under the water, but eventually the pressure lessens, the creativity opens and the words flow. I can't explain it much more than that...it always comes back to the writing.

How about you? Do you ever feel like writing=life? How does writing affect you? I know I'm not the only one and am always curious to see how creativity manifests itself in the lives of others. Such an interesting topic...

Nonfiction Market: HCI Books

Just got wind of a new market you might be interested in:

HCI Books, the Life Issues Publisher, published the first of many New York Times bestsellers in 1983 and is the original publisher of the phenomenal Chicken Soup for the Soul® series.

Named the #1 Self-Help Publisher by Publishers Weekly, we are guided by the philosophy that we "publish people, not books" and we consider anthologies a core pillar of our publishing program.

Each title in the ULTIMATE series features

• talented writers who express the texture and nuances of everyday life
• full-color photography that tells a story without words
• the insight and knowledge of top experts and mentors in specific topics of interest to readers

We're looking for "slice-of-life" stories and photos that are inspirational, motivational, humorous or thought-provoking. Here's what's looming, please don't procrastinate - we're already evaluating stories (thank you if you've already sent one!):

submission deadline June 30, 2008(*) The Ultimate Christmas (pub date Nov 2008)
submission deadline July 31, 2008 The Ultimate Teacher (pub date Feb 2009)
submission deadline August 31, 2008 The Ultimate Mom (pub date March 2009)
submission deadline September 30, 2008 The Ultimate Dad (pub date April 2009)

All the details you'll need (e.g. what we pay, our guidelines, book synopses, and a full list of titles in development) can be found at www.ultimatehcibooks.com.

Visit the link above for all the details....and happy writing!

Beth

the best laid plans

I started this week with very high hopes for my creative (fiction) writing.

When the SeriousWriters met on June 1, I had the grand idea of challenging my friend Katy to a little writing competition. She's starting a new story, I'm starting a new story, and figured we could both use a kick in the pants. I proposed a challenge, and we refined it to be a race to 5K. The first one there wins (we never did choose a reward and punishment..hmmm). We were to start Monday and write with wild abandon until one of us crossed that threshold.

I was mentally prepped to go. I'd spent most of last week brainstorming and outlining the first two scenes of chapter one, nailed down all types of details I need to know before starting (especially names, which have changed), and was practically salivating on Sunday afternoon, forcing myself to not touch my Alphasmart under threat of death. True, I had to attend an out-of-town funeral on Monday, but it was an hour away, and that'd give me ample time to light up the keys with the bar scene.

Alas, it wasn't meant to happen. Insomnia struck Sunday night for some reason (probably thinking I had school Monday...), and I woke up in time to walk the dog and get dressed. Took the alphasmart, but car rides always put me to sleep if I'm the least bit drowsy, so I woke up just in time for the church.

I did do a little more brainstorming on the way home, but not much.

Tuesday, I had a morning appointment then nothing...writing until early afternoon when we were to head south for a baseball game. I did manage to type the first few paragraphs, but nothing as I'd hoped.

Today was a vet's appointment, more cleaning...only to have the hub&son invite friends over to swim, which required a house cleaning. Cleaned the house, friends didn't show. I'm here....no creative writing done. I did manage to sit down and fully brainstorm two nonfiction articles due on the same day next week, however.

Tomorrow I have zero plans. Nothing, except for getting up to walk the dog around six am. Oh, and I'm meeting the SeriousWriters for coffee. Yikes. I just hope Katy's had some busy days at work so I don't look like a total timewaster...maybe I can crank out something in the morning....

I still have high hopes for the story and the challenge. Just might take more time than I'd planned (isn't that the way with writing?!)

Great ideas from another Beth!

Beth Morrissey is a fellow freelance author with a great, insightful post today on her blog listing ideas for making more money--go check it out!

Money Matters: Making More at Beth Morrissey's Hell or High Water blog.

If nothing there gets you excited...well, we can't help. I'm guessing you'll have a ton of ideas after reading her list!

Why I love writing freelance articles

I think my brain is being a little bit contrary lately. After my post last night, I went to bed, full of the questions, thoughts and tidbits of story for my fiction-in-progress. I fell asleep thinking about the hero/heroine bar scene and it really came to life for me in my mind. I went to sleep with the intention of waking early (fiction always compels me to get up early and write--like 5am or earlier early) and writing myself into the story.

Sometime during the night, maybe during one of the massive thunderstorms that rolled through town, my brain changed gears. Instead of waking to thoughts of Christopher, I woke up with the complete outline and most of the text of a freelance article I'd just barely brainstormed a few weeks ago with one of the Serious Writing girls. Every bit of the article is there, on the tip of the brain, screaming at me to write it down. Of course I'll comply--it's a cool article idea that I hope will help many writers during the summer months get more done with the kids at home. Never, ever overlook writing when it comes unprompted to the brain. (Beth's first law of writing).

I love that nonfiction writing forms itself in my brain with very little anguish to me. Unlike fiction, I don't usually have to write out, longhand, my freelance articles--it's straight to the computer, type that sucker up, and let it simmer a few days before editing & proofing. There are few wrong turns, unless an editor wants a rewrite or additional source. Nonfiction always flows. Fiction does too, but not as often.

Man, do I love freelancing...

Why I love writing romance fiction

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you've probably noticed that I have a love/like (never hate) relationship with writing fiction vs. freelancing. My fiction doesn't sell, my freelancing does. If you're a writer, a little gratification now & then (in terms of a paycheck and/or credit) is nice, hence why I've been doing more freelance lately.

Last week, in cleaning up some old files, I found the beginning of a story I started last year and realized that it's really not that bad. I love the premise (if you've read Mandi's Lucky Day, it's a little twisty like that) and the hero is just a flat-out hunk with a tortured soul. I've been reading over the old notes and finished pages (about 12), and have found the story creeping back into my mind at odd times of the day.

Last night, I took the fiction writing notebook (yes, I have a fiction and a freelance one...they look and feel different) to bed and instead of getting sleep, brainstormed on the first three chapters, intent on answering one major question:

Who falls first?

Romance writers know what I mean. In a romance, either the hero or heroine has to give in first and show their hand in the attraction game. Otherwise, you lose readers. (In case you didn't know, Mandi is the one--and only--since the story is from her pov). There has to be some type of awareness on the part of one character for the other or we just run around in circles waiting for someone to make a move.

However--this is one of my weaknesses. For the most part, I'm a pantser. I do a bit of broad, overarching plotting (I know the beginning, ending and first kiss scene), but I generally write the rest by the seat of my pants. In the case of showing their hand, I rarely know who goes first, and when writing as a pantser, find that it's difficult to nail down.

So when I sat last night with the notebook and freshly-loaded fountain pen, I was trying to save myself a little grief and know the attraction focus from the start. I'll be honest: I didn't have much faith that I'd figure it out. I was tempted to just start writing and see how far I got, but instead I asked a lot of questions of my characters. I actually learned that my heroine's ex didn't get caught with the secretary, he had some type of secret life (hence the "ex"). I discovered that the story takes place in mid-spring Chicago, not Louisiana. I realized that my heroine's original name of Lily is entirely too light and simple for such a complex girl (I can't write far into a story without the perfect name. Once I name a character, they almost NEVER change). I also found that Christopher (that hunky hero I mentioned above) likes drinking scotch (ick) in quiet, dark bars. I found that I didn't need the setup scene in chapter one: if I dive into the story, it makes much more of an impact to the plot and reader.

Oh, and I discovered that Chris falls for [Lily] first. She's the exact opposite of the type of woman he thought she'd be (a setup date for a friend), and he is totally enamoured with her when she sits beside him at the bar and chats up the bartender about the loser professor she's gotta date for her sister in law...which happens to be him.

That's why I love fiction writing. Unlike freelancing, which I can almost completely complete in my head, I have to write out the problems of fiction to discover the solutions. Must be the mystery that has me hooked. Or that hunky hero...

What the heck am I doing here telling you about it? Where's that fiction notebook?!

Shameless Self-Promo

A writing colleague sent along this blog link today, which mentions the very fabulous writer2writer.com ezine that I write for monthly (you ARE subscribed, aren't you? It's f...r...e...e.....) in general and my recent article in specific (along with the talented Judy Bagshaw):

http://lesbillgates.blogspot.com/2008/05/is-this-best-site-for-writers.html

I think it's one of the better articles I've put together in a while, and even better...it's only part 1 of 2. Check it out here:

4 Ways to Get Freelance Writing Jobs: Part 1: Online Jobs at writer2writer.com

hint: part 2 will focus on real-life jobs...coming in June!

Want to learn the basics of freelancing? Sign up now!

Beth's Freelance Writing Course, June 2-30, with the Carolina Romance Writers

I don't know why I kept forgetting to mention this, but if you're interested in learning the nuts & bolts (and all kinds of other good stuff) about freelancing, come sign up for my class with the Carolina Romance Writers.

The online class will be from June 2-30, and I guarantee you'll get more for your $20 than you imagined. The secret idea generator is worth that alone (I'm being serious). What we'll study over the 4 weeks:

--finding markets for your work
--coming up with myriad ideas on one topic or key word
--working with editors (and the seven universal elements that will help sell your query to every editor)
--creating the perfect query (my favorite thing, as you know...) (with a template...you gotta love that...)
--a submission plan for you to get your ideas out to editors and get you published

Just so you know, this is NOT a workshop for romance writers only. (don't let the title fool you!) It's for anyone interested in learning more about the freelancing world and what it can do for your writing career. I've had many positive comments from folks who've taken the course before, and have had several send me notes that they got published as a result of the course.

Come on, it's better than reading a book...and a lot more fun!

If you have questions, be sure to send me a note (blog@bethmorrow.com)

I'm pretty qualified to answer whatever you wanna know :)


Fiction to Freelance workshop with the Carolina Romance Writers, June 2-30

Friday's 2 Freelance Lessons

A day late but still worth it!

Yesterday I learned a kinda new freelance lesson, but not one I didn't somewhat already know. And the second lesson isn't really a lesson for me, since I've done it before with success, but it never hurts to remind you of yet another great way into an editor's fold.

Old Lesson, revisited:
In visiting with my summer camp director a few weeks ago in her office, I spied a copy of a summer camp trade magazine for program and director people, and browsed through the content. I liked what I saw--and wish I'd have seen it sooner. I figured there were topics covered in past issues that I, as a camp program director for like the last ten years, could have used at some point. Immediately, though, my first thought was, "I have perfect experience for this publication and I want to write for them." I noted the url and visited at home that evening. I sent off a nice note to the editor (fake doesn't work here, only the genuine thing) about how I wished I'd have seen it sooner, and how I'd like to write for them. I didn't pitch any ideas, just mentioned that if she needed writers at some point, I had experience. (If you're a longtime reader, you know that I did this with a diabetes magazine about a year ago. They bought the article but folded before it had its debut)

I got a note back the next day thanking me for my nice note, and with an attachment: the editorial calendar. She said she was filling the Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec. issue slots and invited me to pitch something based on those topics. At that time, I was pressed to finish an overdue piece assigned me the week before, so I told her I'd reply to her by the end of next (last) week, which she was fine with. And that leads me to yesterday's lesson....

New Lesson:
So, I spent about a week staring at this list of topics and scratching my head. These were tough ones--things I knew about but really didn't know enough about to appeal to an audience of over 10K subscribers. I felt the pressure around lunch yesterday (my self-appointed freelance time at work), and thought that if I can't give her an idea to blow her away, I'd twist a topic into something I knew about intimately--a topic we were facing or have recently dealt with in my camping experience. I chose two topics (mini-lesson: always send two ideas. You can send one with a detailed outline and just mention the second, or two detailed outlines, or two general ideas, but always send two. Even if the editor isn't interested in either, it shows that you can think broadly and not just have one great idea for the rest of your life), wrote a paragraph for each on how we were facing those and dealing with them, and sent it off. I truthfully didn't expect them to interest her. I'm not usually at a loss for great topic ideas for articles, but that one tested me.

Got back a note last night from her: she didn't like one of them--she liked BOTH of them! Crazy. She appreciated the thought I put into them (knowing how to deal with them on an intimate kind of basis was a good thing for both of us) and would like them both. Very cool. So now I've got two more assignments to add to the calendar, for a topic I love deeply. Go with what you know, and you can't go wrong.

And don't quit writing this weekend just because it's a holiday!

Today's Freelance Lesson(s)

Today was a first for me...my first face-to-face interview. I interviewed a wonderful doctor and longtime friend from the summer camp I've worked at for the last 15 years on his thoughts on diabetes pumps. His insight was just what I needed, and conducting my first f2f (I've done phone and email interviews before) with him eliminated a lot of worry on my part. However, I did learn a few lessons:

1) Always call to re-confirm.
I scheduled this interview over a week and a half ago with his secretary and didn't think about re-confirming between then and today. But when I called to make sure his office was in the building I thought it was in, his secretary informed me that he doesn't see patients on Thursday. I reminded her that I'm a camp colleague and interviewing for a magazine article. She was OK with that, but when I sat down with him, he mentioned that she'd forgotten to put it on his calendar, and, as a result, he had limited time with which to interview with me. No prob, as the questions were fairly simple, but I wished I'd have called last week to remind them.

2) Don't always press on your questions (but be sure you get the answers you need)
In the interviews I've conducted, I often find that once I start asking questions, my pre-planned questions aren't half as interesting as some of the stuff my interviewees come up with. I once interviewed an internet marketing guy and had five simple questions to ask. I asked one, and we talked for an hour and a half on some of the most fascinating facts of his work I had no idea existed. I got more than I needed, and even some extra for future fodder. (maybe I should post on that giant corkboard...lol). Plus, it gives a greater connection between the two of you if they can go deeper into their thoughts and responses without you badgering them with another question. I asked the right question from the start, and within that one response, he answered my first five questions. Cool.

3) Scout out your locale prior to the interview.
This is a no-brainer if you're going somewhere unfamiliar. I wasn't--listen, I spent six years as an undergrad at Ohio State, so I feel more than qualified to go anywhere on campus with ease...anywhere but the medical campus. Lucky for me, doc's office was on the corner across from student parking (believe me, they'll never know...) but the garage parking beside the office was staff and docs only. (I'm not a doctor but I play one on the internet...). Good thing I was on the corner. Further back in the med campus, there's only (limited) street parking (limited). Did I say limited? Next time, I'll be sure to make sure of parking in advance.

That's all for now. Had a grand time with Dr. Sam. Such a fun guy, and I learn something every time we talk. He also made me miss camp even more, if that's possible. (is it possible to miss something even more than you miss it when you obsess over it?)

Tomorrow I'm meeting with a non-profit client I volunteer for to discuss work on a project I haven't started. Guess I should get cracking on that...or I might have more lessons to share tomorrow!

and I forgot to mention...

Speaking of brilliant ideas (aren't they all? Well, except for the one that suggested we go to a playoff system in college football. But that's another rant for another post...), I've had one of the most massive ones I've had in a long time. (about three weeks, if you're counting).

I think I've mentioned that I've been working as a creativity coach with clients, and how much fun I'm having. Working with creative folks is such a pleasure and I truly learn so much about my own writing by working with theirs. One issue almost all of them face is writer's block, but I decided a long time ago that I don't believe in it, per se...however, I do believe we get creative challenges thrown our way and need to deal with them in order to create and write.

(that wasn't digression. It's where the idea came from!)

So, anywho, I've been trying to define, for myself and future reference, what I actually consider writing blocks, and I came up with the most amazing thoughts. Great stuff. Amazing stuff. Stuff I can't believe came out of this 8.1 pound folded organ (did I tell you I know all about the brain now after visiting the OSU Cadaver lab on Tuesday? Brains are cool). Stuff that has me so blessed excited, I'm working to figure out how to get it written up and into the hands of writers.

I have all kinds of ideas, and one theory on writer's block, and all of my thoughts have come from working with my clients. If you have a chance, drop me a line or leave me a reply to tell me about the times you couldn't write or have felt blocked (and what you did to alliviate it, if applicable). Especially if you're published, because deadlines have a way of making you find a way to write. I'd love your insight. If you don't want it public, send me an email at: blog@bethmorrow.com. I know writers are a superstitious lot, and we don't like mentioning a block for fear it will manifest, but one thing I've learned is that naming your fear helps in overcoming it.

Back to the idea. I'm so excited.....

Wednesday: Where do you get your ideas? Want mine?

I often swear the universe works in synergistic ways. The less-fancy*schmansy way to say that is that more and more frequently, I find that things I'm thinking of or dealing with are issues in the lives of others.

I won't give elaborate descriptions (not yet anyway...lol) but here's a simple one: I've spent the last several days, actually--most of the last week--thinking about the quandry I have with excessive ideas for articles, stories and novels. I hate wasting things. Maybe it comes from the creative thought that something I don't want can be used by someone else (I'm trying desperately to avoid the "one chick's trash is another chick's treasure" thing), or because, growing up, mom always lectured us on not wasting things. (She's a wise one, that mom of mine).

My problem is, and I suspect is the case with many other writers of all genres, once our brains are trained to think about our every day lives in terms of "how can I use this in an article?", we get ideas in spurts. Over the last month or so, I have literally filled my (newly wallpapered) walls with clips, thoughts, quotes, interviews, op-eds and insights that I know have article potential somewhere, but the real fact is that I won't get to 98% of these. And it's sad. I hate waste, when another author somewhere needs ideas and I'm hording them like my sister horded her Halloween candy (yes, Mush, I know--top left dresser drawer. You had to know I snitched it!)

Anyway, I digress.

I've been worried about wanting to share ideas with other writers, so when I read Beth's post (gotta love that name) today at her Hell or High Water blog, Inspiration is Perspiration, I couldn't help but remember my nagging problem. (Back to the synergy point I tried to make too many paragraphs ago).

What do you writers think about this topic of ideas? See, in my creative, no-limits brain, I see a giant online corkboard where folks can stop by and thumbtack those ideas they just know they won't use for others to stop by and swipe. And despite what the conspiracy-theorist writers say, even if two people pick the same topic, there'll write two different articles (the "p" word, plagiarism, excluded).

What do you think about a corkboard? Would you use it? Would it be helpful? I just hate all these great ideas going to waste. I know somewhere, someplace, there's a writer who has a need for an idea I don't have time for. Maybe it's you?!

Monday: Goals for a New Week

Last week was just a bang-up seven days. I managed to get one assignment (already turned in) with the promise of several more, another editor who sent me an editorial calendar and wants me to choose a topic for later in the year (yeah!), a copy writing job from my favorite charity (one of my select few free gigs), and just the general mojo of writing in the air.

This week's goals:
*follow up with editor #1 on the additional research articles he's interested in
*follow up with editor #2 on article ideas for her magazine later in the year (some tough topics. Might have to do a little homework on this one)
*write the rough draft of a brilliant new e-course I just outlined today
*send at least two queries or LOIs to new editors

and maybe, just maybe, work on that fiction story that keeps whispering to me ...maybe...

How about you? Gimme your goals. Or, if not, at least write 'em down. Make it a weekly habit to see just how much you get done. You might surprise yourself....

Desperately Seeking Your Advice On....Online Freelance Markets

Are you sensing a theme here? I'm full of questions! (mom says I'm full of something else, but that's another post for another day)

I'm working on my monthly article for Writer2Writer.com (fab site, go visit and read up!) and this one's dedicated to finding lots of freelance job markets online. I have tons of faves, but my question is for you:

Which online freelance markets (guideline databases, job boards or writing ezine/website listings) are your faves? Share the knowledge....

Desperately Seeking...Your Advice

Here's my problem: I hate taking phone calls from editors on my personal cellphone. Wait, let me clarify: I hate not answering professionally when editors call me. If I don't recognize the number and assume it's an editor, I answer with "Hello, this is Beth...". It works, they don't seem to mind, but I do.

I want a separate line to ring to my cellphone distinctively so I know it's from a business number, not my personal one (make sense?).

I've been researching this and have narrowed it down to what I need to do: sign up for a service where I get another phone number ("virtual" number) and it gets forwarded to my cell.

My question is this: do you have experience doing this? If so, what would you advise? Which service do you use, and are you happy with it? Is it worth the money, or should I just start answering every call professionally? (I can just hear my mother's sarcasm now...LOL).

I'd love your insight. If you don't have experience but know someone who does, by all means invite them. I'm sure more freelancers than just little old me deal with this.

Swiftly Running....Nowhere

Remember those old cartoons where Bugs thinks he's running but he's actually running in place? (or maybe that's Daffy or Wile E. Coyote).

I know the feeling.

One of the editors I spoke with last week liked my idea so much he wants the article ASAP (aka "NOW"). I managed to get the first draft done but am stalled awaiting the return calls of the endocrinologists for interviews. Grrr!! I don't have the interviews with the kids, either, but that's straightforward. I know the kids and the endos well--the kids will return my emailed interview questions, the endos more traditional and less likely to do the email gig, so I've gotta catch them in action with my trusty recorder (I'm buying a new one today and am excited! Getting a digital version....)

Hey, look on the bright side. At least I'm writing and at least someone wants WHAT I'm writing. Not a bad gig....

For you sports lovers in the crowd (...I digress...)

Only here for the writing posts? Be warned this one has nothing to do with writing and everything to do with shameless self-promo...

I'm always up for my 15 minutes of fame, and if you listen to ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike from 6-10am each morning, I got 15 seconds of it there this morning.

If you know me, I'm a sports addict and have an opinion on almost any and everything in the sports world, most notably the best looking athletes in professional sports. No sport is safe from my assessments. (Maybe bowling...). Anyway, the discussion this morning centered on the number of Derek Jeter's past girlfriends who've been named to the Maxim Hot 100 (6 total, if you're interested). Greeny didn't like the question posed by the Gnome--(this one was for guys):if you could trade places with Jeter, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, or Tom Brady, who would you trade with?

I didn't like it either. It didn't take into account the woman's perspective! I zipped off an email telling Greeny & Golic that from a woman's perspective, the question should instead be ...which athlete would a woman rather be with...and that since I was a Buckeye fan, I wouldn't be with Tom Brady, since I'm an Indians fan, I wouldn't be with Jeter, since I'm a Cavaliers fan, I couldn't be with Kobe, so that meant I'd have to take Tiger...who does handle a driver better than my hubby (very true..lol).

Greeny read it on the air and both of them got quite a laugh out of it. Greeny made the misassumption that I'm from Cleveland, so I had to contradict that with another email.

After they read the letter (and even my name), my son excitedly called me (he and the hub were on the way to school) and laughed his head off about how cool it was (he was listening in the car; I was on my way out the door to work). Just goes to show you that a bit of quick sarcasm can be quite fun!

Ah, well. Back to normalcy...(does that count as a query submission? LOL)

Desperately Seeking...Your Thoughts

I just got an email response to a query that left me scratching my head. As writers, I'd like your input on my evident misinterpretation of the guidelines.

Here's the guidelines:

WRITERS GUIDELINES
Articles accepted 'on spec' and available as reprints.
Queries considered if accompanied by writing samples.
Submissions accepted in Microsoft Word, SimpleText or in body of email.

Here's what I asked the assistant editor when I called:
"To whom do I mail my query letter and samples?"

Here's what she said
"xxxx@sssss.com" (obviously changed to protect the innocent--my point is that I deliberately asked about sending the query and the clips)

Here's what I sent:

A query letter for an article topic covered in the "Types of Articles" section plus two published clips.

Here's what I got:

Beth--
At this time we are in no position to assign articles (and pay 'kill' fees if they are not published.)

We accept article submitted on 'spec' and available as reprints.
For our writers guidelines, visit: ssss.com
thanks for your interest...

And here's me now:

Totally confused. I did exactly what they wanted and seemingly was slapped on the wrist for not knowing what I was doing...even though I explicitly followed their guidelines.

Or am I misinterpreting? (Or misremembering, a la Roger Clemens). I would definitely appreciate your interpretation.

I'm not losing sleep, however. The query is on its way tonight to another publication! 2000 words on spec? Are you crazy?

Oh, wait, I meant....

I meant that I sent two queries today. Not really queries, but responses to ads posted on a freelancer's email loop. You know, the kind where you have to send your writer's resume and clips? Man...that resume was a killer (I hate resume writing) but it's nice to have it in the hip pocket to shoot out there at a moment's notice.

I just finished sending out my first letters of interest. You know what those are, right? Where you basically write a self-sales letter to a publisher mentioned your interest in writing for them, include a resume (aha! it strikes again!) and a clip or two. I actually included a link to my online portfolio instead of attaching stuff. You never know if it'll get through or not...

Have you ever sent LOIs? I haven't. Heck, I hadn't heard of 'em til a few weeks ago, but thought it was worth a shot. My ultimate freelance dream is to have editors call me with article ideas they want me to write (and the other part of that dream is to have them offer me six figs for it LOL), so maybe this is a step in the right direction.

One more last question: I'm working on an article on how to write more descriptively and for all you fiction writers in the crowd, what kinds of questions do you have about writing more descriptively? What problems do you face? I have an idea of how I want to approach the content but it's always nice to have the ideas of others in mind. Post a reply here or zip me an email at: blog@bethmorrow.com and let me know.

Another day, another query

I've been on a roll this week. I think I made myself take myself seriously (if you followed that) and am now on a mission to query as much as possible.

Tuesday I sent out two queries. Nothing back.

Today I sent out one query. Obviously nothing back.

I still have 15 LOIs to send out by the end of this week as my personal challenge.

I did pick up a little something interesting. I volunteer at the local diabetes association and mentioned to the executive director some time back that if they ever wanted writing help to call me. One of the directors emailed yesterday and asked to help on some marketing materials, so I'm going in to talk about that on Friday. Very cool. I know some writers scream bloody murder about doing work for free, but this is my way of using my talent to help something I care passionately about.

Oh, and to make someone (a friend and regular blog reader) happy, I've promised to re-visit a comment from the other day: I am a real writer, no matter how cruddy I feel on any given day about the fact that I don't (yet) rule the writing world. I actually made the comment jokingly (you remember in Shrek--I forget which one--where Gingy turns into a boy and says "I'm a real boy!"--well, that's the tone of voice I typed "I'm a real writer" in, even if you couldn't hear it.) (so are you happy, T?)

Off to work out and do a little meditation, then back at the queries. Maybe I can get those LOIs off tonight....or at least make a dent in the list...

I love Mondays. Honest!

Since the new writing room is 98% done (just general clutter to clear), I've been pretending to be a real writer :)

First and foremost, getting those queries out has been my main objective. I've managed to send two more, another just needs a signature line, and I've got a few more floating in the back of my head. But I digress...

I read a fascinating diabetes-related story today on some research the FDA has been conducting on teenagers and insulin pumps. For those of you who know me, that's a near and dear subject to me...my baby brother (who will be 30 (!!!) in September) has been a Type 1 since the age of 18 months, my best friend has been a Type 1 since age two, and I've spent the last 15 years working at a summer camp with the most amazing diabetic teenagers you've ever met. Anyway--this research was a little fanatical and negative toward teenagers' use of insulin pumps, and frankly--it ticked me off. (also, for those who know me, some of my best writing comes when I'm mad...lol).

I wanted to refute the research and let parents (and others) know that the insulin pump has been nothing short of life-altering for many of the kids I work with, so I scratched out a query on my lunch break to a diabetes magazine I enjoy reading. In looking over submission guidelines, I had a hunch they wanted samples along with my query even though it didn't mention it explicitly (call it writer's intuition), so I called the assistant editor, left a message, and went back to work.

Just before I headed out for the day, the editor returned my call. He confirmed what they wanted, I zipped off my query, and promptly forgot about it on the drive home. After dinner, I happened to glance at my phone and noticed a call I'd missed--the head editor. He left me a great message: not only does he want to discuss my idea further (he really likes the idea), but also wants to discuss the possibility of me doing more writing for them. I can't wait to call him tomorrow. I probably won't even sleep. Just like Christmas! I love writing about diabetes with the intention to inform and help. Very cool!

Maybe it's just me pretending, or this great new striped purple wallpaper that inspires me...but I'm starting to feel like a real writer...lol.

All I can say now is...bring on Tuesday! What are your writing goals for the week?

hey freelancers...looking for a writing challenge?

Ok, I've been tossing around an idea in the old noggin for the last few days but am not sure I have thought it all the way through.

I'm having fun (yes, honestly) challenging myself by getting queries in the mail, and wondered if other freelancers might be interested in coming along for the ride. I just read an article in a previous The Writer magazine (forget the issue) where, in the column on how I broke in, the girl interviewed mentioned that she had no fewer than (I believe) 18-20 queries in the mail at a time. Once one was rejected, she reworked it and sent it off to another potential publisher.

So now I've been thinking...what if...a small group of freelancers interested in a fun little challenge all came together to try and get 20 (or another arbitrary number) queries into the mail (or email) in a certain period of time? Maybe even have a little prize for the winner?

Personally, given my competitive nature (so they say...lol) I think it'd be fun.

What about you? If you're a freelancer, would you be interested? Fiction writers...sorry about your luck, but this one wouldn't really apply. I hate to think you have twenty queries in the pipeline for one story...!!

Think about it, zip me a note or post a comment and let's see what we can come up with. Anything in the name of writing!

Two ideas, one assignment. Niiiiiiice.....

Two queries out, one assignment in.

I sent the initial query for the writing article and got the assignment the next day. The editor liked the second idea (there's why you send two at a time after you get to know the editor), so that'll be a fun summer project, out in October.

The first idea from that query letter is something she felt the magazine had done to death, but I like my spin on it, so I'm going to dust it off and send it to another writing magazine I think it fits well with. I'll do that tonight or tomorrow.

Reading one of my many market ezines yesterday, I found a new market I liked a lot (after visiting their web page) and had (I'm not lying here!) seven instant ideas for their niche. I went with the one that seemed most fun and unique. Scribbled out a query over lunch, sent it when I got home. Don't expect to hear back until next week sometime, but I am trying a new "thing" when I get rejections that I read from a prolific freelancer: after the editor sends a rejection, I'm going to have another idea/query to zip off to him. I didn't initially send two ideas in this first query letter because the magazine is a major one, and I've researched enough to know they like detailed queries..which is what I sent.

In reading the Saturday paper, I also found four more new story idea possibilities for trade magazines. Maybe I'll work on that tomorrow. Today is the day I get this office space settled once and for all....

I've got good news ...and...not so good news

Alright, let's start with the not-so-good (it doesn't qualify as "bad" because it could be worse, but it ain't peachy-keen):

Emailed an editor at a publication who'd accepted an article of mine (on a near and dear subject to my heart: diabetes summer camps) last summer. I did get paid (a plus, and I'm lucky--I've heard horror stories) a tidy little sum, but the article was being pushed from late autumn to mid-winter. No problem, but I just had a nagging sense that things weren't going well.

The editor informed me today that the magazine isn't currently being published (money woes) and that she's not with them anymore. Shame--it was a very good magazine. Different, fresh, dynamic. Ah well. Might see if I can get back the rights to sell it somewhere else (it's a damn good article, and features my brother and best friend. What's not to like?!)

So the good news is that the editor I mentioned in the previous post liked my second idea and wants to go with it for the October issue (August deadline). Woohoo! This idea is a cool one--one I came up with on a whim during spring break--and hoped to be able to work into an article. I'm excited. I'll have to do some research for it, but it's focused on genre-specific writing, so that'll be fun. Very cool, and it leaves the first idea free to be pitched elsewhere (I did say I'd do that tomorrow, right?)

I should have time in the morning. I've got a fun trip to the endodontist planned for 10:45 for a root canal. Did I say wooooo--hoo? You know, happy gas always gives me some good ideas too...got a great novel idea when getting a filling once. Maybe tomorrow is my lucky day (all over again!)

Oh, and I've come up with a fun little plan: for the next ten days, I'm going to send out a minimum of one query per day. Let's see how things shape up (and if I can actually *finish* my goal!)

Query Letters

I love query letters. No, I really mean that. Something about being forced to write short, tight and succinct really gets me going.

Since spring break I've been toying with two article ideas for writers. Well, one, to be honest, but the first rule of query writing is never send a query with just one idea (unless it's to the big-league magazines, who often like lengthier and more in-depth queries). So I spent a little time, thought about another article idea that's been lurking in the depths of my brain, and put together an outline to get my idea straight.

Just zipped off the query to an editor who is truly one of my favorites to work with. I sense her love of editing through her emails and that's something I really admired. She's also respectful of replying--no 'falling off the earth into the bowels of rejection' for her--if she doesn't think an idea suits her publication, she'll let you know.

Both of my ideas are good, and one in particular has the potential to be a workshop, report or online course. I love those most. If they don't suit her, I'll spiffy 'em up and send to another editor. We shall see...fingers crossed...(must be this new purple wallpaper inspiring my creativity...)

limes...

I really don't have any reason to entitle this post "limes" other than the fact that (bear with me): limes are the opposite of lemons, idiomatically speaking. Limes are less sour, a little more likeable than lemons, a sparkling shade of green, and, interestingly enough, the best garnish for a margarita (on the rocks, double salt, please)...which is the long way to say...things are looking up.

The wallpaper came last night, but that's not why I'm feeling better. The sun comes up earlier and stays out later, but that's not why I'm feeling better. Ate junkfood and ice cream with my mom and sister yesterday after shopping, but that's not why I'm feeling better.

I'm feeling better because I feel like writing. I feel those creative urges to get out paper and a pen and start scribbling. I have to temper my desire to start a new word document at work with ideas for articles with the fact that I have to finish some observations and school visits (so I compromise by writing article ideas on a post-it pad in my observation notebook). I *literally* get article ideas everywhere I look (a profile for a new store going in on the corner I drive by every day; a series of articles for parents on how to get cooking with your kids after a casual conversation with a friend).

If you're a writer, you know exactly what I'm talking about. There is truly nothing in life more exciting or consuming than being in the beginning stages of a new writing project. Now, if I could just get a pill to keep that excitement and motivation going...maybe I should flavor it with a little lime...

lemons...

I've been getting a lot of those, career-wise,lately. Not the writing career but the classroom one. Long story short, I'm headed back to the classroom.

What's fascinating is that, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I never truly worried about getting something better. It was a shock to find out people (only a few)I have come to know, trust and love like family were really gossiping, spiteful, easily-deluded people (and this just in the last month of life), but if this had happened to me five years ago, it would have devastated and derailed me mentally for months.

Not this time. This time I took it all in stride and used it to springboard my thoughts and actions toward something I know will never let me down: writing. Winter in Ohio has a way of dropping doldrums all around and spring is always a refreshing change. This year, moreso than ever.

Not only am I purging old files, tossing old contracts and getting rid of research used for articles years ago, I'm completely renovating my office from top to bottom. The hubby helped by removing the most *hideous* cabinet from the ceiling of my room, I ordered new wallpaper and am remodeling the closet to be the desk center. Instead of the 1972 seafoam walls, I'll be retreating to a calm, relaxing lavender, purple and daisy-decorated haven guaranteed to inspire. The promise of something fresh is helping energize my writing as well. I'm fleshing out several different projects, from workshops to articles and creative coaching endeavors. I'm so excited I can hardly sit still.

There's nothing like new digs to breathe life into your life...in whatever area it may be. And there's nothing better to temper the sour taste of lemons with than the sweet smells of success.

I know I *should* be....

...writing, of course. (what else?!)

I'm just taking a quick break. This week I've tried something a little different with the writing time: I've created a schedule. Ok, not a rigid and staunch measure of my time, but rather a general goal-oriented list of 8 things I need to do this week to work toward my quarterly goals (April to June, remember?)

Here's what I'm working on:
1) Freelance work: send out six queries this week (I have about twelve good ideas)
2) Come up with a blog schedule to let you know when and what I'm going to post on a regular basis (five days are filled in...)
3) Flesh out two ideas for writing workshops I was asked to create (I have the ideas, just not the "flesh" part..lol)
4) Start an ebook idea list (I have tons of little post-its floating around with my ebook topic ideas)
5) Buy a big calendar from Staples to put on my wall to fill it up with all my workshops, meetings, etc.
6) Get the hub to help me take down this hideous "cabinet" on the ceiling of my writing office so I can repaint & remodel the room (I'd do it myself but it's immense and heavy, solid wood)
7)Clean out the closet in this office and put the organizer here in the hub's garage so I can get a small desk area to put there (and repaint it from the 70's seafoam green that it is now...ugh!!)
8)Update my website to create a page listing my creative/writing coaching service (having lots of fun with that aspect).

I'll check back in on Sunday and let you know where I stand. I will say having the list has helped my focus. If I could just get a seatbelt to help my productivity...!

How about you? What is your writing "to-do" list this week?

Back in the saddle...

Not that I ever *was* in the saddle, mind you. Or stayed there for long...but I digress...

Back from spring break. Been back, actually. Returned Saturday evening. That time lapse from out west to back east gets harder each time. I was up til 11 last night and barely slept a wink before the alarm jarred me again at 5. Ack!

How has your writing been coming? I find that with the transition from winter into spring, I come out with more energy and focus--and that ideas for articles spring forth like crocuses (crocusii??) from the cold ground to get me going again. I love it!

This spring is no different so far. Last night in my sleepless state, I had no less than eleven fabulous (aren't they always fabulous?!) magazine article ideas come to me. I scratched them down with the goal of sending out six queries this week. That's about one a day with a day off (or four in one day and two in another..lol). I'm a weird bird in that I *LOVE LOVE LOVE* to write queries. Go figure. They're sometimes more exciting than the article! (ok, maybe not). But they're where my ideas turn into something solid...I love the process.

What about you? Is spring putting the pep back in your writing step? I'd love to hear about it. How about we have a Comment Contest for April? For each (relevant, not just drive-by) comment you post, I'll put your name in a drawing for some fabulous writer's prize (I'm guessing a book). Use the commenting to your advantage--update us on your blog, your writing or your creative life, ask writing questions or share some writing insight. Writers love reading...give us something to check out!

On that note, I'm heading back to my query challenge. I also set quarterly goals (April-June) of having six new deadlines to add to my calendar between now and June, so I'd better get cracking...

Happy Writing--and commenting!

Beth

Almost off....

I'm half a day away from leaving on spring break. This year, I'm headed to a place in Arizona I fell in love with two years ago in the Sonoran desert.

None too soon, either. I haven't been posting much due to a plethora (I've never used that word before in conversation lol) of issues on the home, job and family fronts. I'm hoping this time away (with sunshine, lord knows we don't get enough of that in Ohio) brings me back refreshed. I've already got a headstart in having done some good fiction writing these last two days.

I promise more regular posts when I get back. In the meantime, check out a new blog or two in the sidebar or visit the archives for mighty good writing advice.

Happy writing!
Beth

sometimes....

....life interferes with the plans we've made.

Without getting into a huge post, let's just say that life's dealt me five interesting cards lately--and I don't remember how to play poker.

It's upsetting but not devastating. What's most upsetting is that it's interfered with my writing. Even though I have the bones of a fiction project I've been working on and they were coming together nicely, I'm struggling with the motivation to do anything further. Normally rife with ideas, my brain isn't cooperating, just slugging along. And the unending rain we've had here in Ohio this past week hasn't helped, either.

Today I feel a little better: I forgot about a deadline (tomorrow, I think) for an article on networking, so I sat down a few minutes ago without a solitary idea in my head and ended up with an outline that not only will guide my article but breathed a little life back into my creativity. You writers know what I mean: that little warm smile you feel inside when your words come to life on the page.

Even if I can't control the events unfolding around me, I can write. I will write. It will keep me sane...well, as close as we can expect, anyway.

I'll let you know when the article is done (hopefully tonight since it's due tomorrow...lol)

happy writing...

Beth

still here, just overwhelmed

I suppose the title says it all!

The day job has really kicked my butt lately. Going in at 6:30, getting home around five with no lunch basically wipes me out for anything creative...blogging, writing, anything. (Who said being a teacher was easy?!)

Luckily, the test that I'm in charge of administering is winding down. Last makeup tomorrow, so I hope to be back soon doing stuff I love (writing, not testing). In the meantime, check out some of the blogs to the right -----> or read some of the archives for a dose of inspiration.

happy back-to-writing-soon,
Beth

March 6: Best of: Writer's Calendar

Nothing better than something to help you get truly organized--check out this writer's calendar. Though the post is dated from 2006, Julie of OrganizedWriter.com has a great 2008 version for your pleasure...

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Monday, December 4, 2006
OrganizedWriter.com's Writer's calendar

March 5: Best of: Blogging

One of the easiest and best ways to build an author's platform is through the use of a blog dedicated to your work or your book. Read more in this best of article at Writers Weekly.com

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc:
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Build an Audience for Your Book with a Blog

Ever-happy blogging,
Beth

March 4: Best of: Publicity

If you're looking for publicity ideas, or need to know what you should have ready when that contract comes in, read no further than this oldie-but-goodie:

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Thursday, March 22nd, 2007
Publicity

Happy publicizing,
Beth

March 3: Best of: Characters. Again.

Since I'm just getting started on a new story (not "new" new: I began it back in 2006 for a contest, but am revamping it as a single title upon the advice of those wonderful Serious Writer girls), here's a good post on ways to create new characters that's bound to have something of interest for ya:

Best of Fountain Pen, Inc.
Sunday, May 13, 2007

Characters. Again.

Happy character creating,
Beth

The life of no time

Life has really monopolized my time lately, hence few (ok, no) postings.

I've got good stuff to post, too, but literally no time. I've had an extremely important "project" at work (I am the school coordinator for the Ohio Graduation Test, the biggest, baddest test in Ohio high schools) and luckily, it's finally taking place this week. I'm not worried about the test going well, it's the prep (7am-5 pm every day, no time for lunch, come home and collapse) that has done me in.

I'll still be cramped for time this week, so I'm relying on work I've done before to enlighten your writing selves. Some of you were regular readers of my Fountain Pen, Inc. blog (I love that name..lol) and what I'll be doing is sorta like "the best of" from FPI. I'll repost a post from there for your reading pleasure here.

I also have a few good writer stories and hope I'll have time to post them before I forget them (bad short term memory, ask anyone who knows me).

So..without further ado, let's go back....

Happy writing,

Beth