There Are No Rules - September, 2009

In the monthly Glimmer Train bulletin, you'll find some fabulous advice from working writers. Here's a bit of what novelist Eric Wasserman had to say about research (Eric pictured above):

Fiction writers can easily write themselves into a corner. For the writer of the researched story it almost inevitably happens when the details cease to be attached to characters, particularly when writing historical fiction, which is what I have been engaged in for a number of years. My manuscript reached over 1,000 pages at one point. Of the 450 pages I cut, the majority were sections where I had fallen in love with my research.

Also read J.P. Lacrampe on Humor in Fiction.

And more juicy advice, all free, in Bulletin 33 from Glimmer Train.

Craft & Technique

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:40:41 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Distribution Barrier for Self-Publishers: Less of an Issue?
Posted by Jane

When I started at Writer's Digest in 2001, my first assigned beat was the self-publishing scene. I was given Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual and The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Marilyn & Tom Ross, as primers on the topic.

I edited the magazine's column on self-publishing (discontinued), the newsstand-only special issues on self-publishing (also discontinued), and helped coordinate the judging for the Self-Published Book Awards (still going strong).

Back then, one of the biggest hurdles for any self-published author was securing bookstore distribution for a printed book—a near impossibility unless you could strike a deal with a wholesaler or distributor (also nearly impossible).

Much of the advice we gave in the magazine, and elsewhere, focused on how you could distribute and sell your book directly to readers, or through specialty sales channels. (Fortunately, 50% of books sold in this country are through specialty and mass-merchant accounts. A few examples of a specialty account: Michael's craft store, salons, gift shops.)

The indie scene is much different now for a few reasons:

(1) It is easier to take a risk on self-publishing your work electronically since there is usually very little upfront investment.

(2) You can e-publish your work for a variety of channels
(including the free-to-use Amazon DTP program), without securing an ISBN, and without granting exclusivity to any one channel or retailer.

(3) Avid readers are beginning to buy and even prefer books in electronic format, whether through Kindle, Sony Reader, or mobile devices.

That said, don't take this as a sign that it's easy to realize overnight success through self-publishing options, whether electronically based or not. I really love Christina Katz's "back to reality" advice, Good-bye, Cinderella: Self-Publishing Isn't the Only or Always the Best Choice for Writers.

There are many viewpoints, and there are just as many changes taking place daily in the industry. Just take the latest announcement today from Smashwords, Sony Reader, and AuthorSolutions. People who use Smashwords or AuthorSolutions to publish their work can have their e-book made available on the Sony Reader.

I spoke to Smashwords founder Mark Coker yesterday about the news, and it's impressive to see what his service can now offer an indie author (for free!):

Your e-book available for sale (or you can make it free to readers) in nine different formats, including HTML, JavaScript, Kindle (.mobi), Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF (for Sony), Palm Doc, and plain text (download or online view). This conversion process is totally automated, very fast (minutes), and based on a Word document that you submit to Smashwords.
Automatic distribution to people who use iPhones or Android-based phones.
Distribution to BarnesandNoble.com, including Fictionwise and their eReader app (distribution to B&N is contingent upon your files meeting format requirements, e.g., having a proper cover image and copyright page)
And, as of today, distribution to people using Sony Reader.

Mark says that he's in talks with other major online retailers for even more distribution opportunities. (I bet you can think of at least one major book retailer not listed above.)

I see physical distribution becoming less of a meaningful barrier as authors can distribute e-books in all the same places that traditional books are sold.

It doesn't equate to instant or even easy success, but authors who are able to create demand for their work, and aren't afraid of sweat-equity, have the potential for success if happy readers (fans!) help spread the good word.

Do you have an e-publishing experience to share? Or what questions does this raise for people who are wondering if this path is worth the time and energy?

For more:

My previous blog post: Do Writers' Futures Lie in Indie E-Publishing Platforms? (includes interview with Mark Coker)
Feature package on self-publishing from March/April issue of Writer's Digest magazine
My previous rant on self-publishing
How to publish on Smashwords (at their site)

Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Industry News & Trends | Self-Publishing

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 8:04:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Excellent (and Free) Presentation on Self-Publishing
Posted by Jane

At our conference last week, April Hamilton gave an in-depth presentation on the basics of getting started in self-publishing—or as an indie author.

Click here to download her presentation as a PDF file.

I blogged some tips from her session on the Writer's Digest Conference blog, which I'm reposting below.

April's definition of an indie author
An indie author is not someone who is using self-publishing as a desperation move, but as a carefully considered and conscious decision to self-publish. An indie author is a businessperson and an entrepreneur.

Some easy ways to create e-books

Easy-easy (one-click publishing): Scribd
Easy-easy (one-click publishing): Smashwords
A little more complicated: Amazon DTP (Kindle)
Add-on option with POD services like Lulu

Choosing a POD or self-pub service
April gets down to brass tacks when it comes to choosing a publishing/POD service based on the upfront costs and back-loaded fees—plus how you want (or they want!) to price your book. Lots of useful charts and graphs in her presentation showing how to do the math.

You can get a taste of this by looking at her blog post that compares Lulu and CreateSpace.

If you're considering self-publishing, be sure to check out April's community site devoted to your indie-author options: Publetariat.

(I also recommend Self-Publishing Review.)

Conferences/Events | Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Self-Publishing

Monday, September 28, 2009 3:14:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Best Tweets Returns Mid-October
Posted by Jane

Due to Writer's Digest events & other travel (my birthday travel & my mother's birthday travel), Best Tweets is on hiatus until the week ending October 16. Those who have been sending recommendations: I still have them on tap and will see if they're still appropriate for the next round-up.

Thankfully, after this hiatus, I expect Best Tweets to continue uninterrupted until the December holidays.

In the meantime:

Follow us on Twitter: @writersdigest @JaneFriedman @brianklems @robertleebrewer @alicepope @kmnickell
Become a fan at our Facebook page

Below: Jane sprouts a birthday flower from her head.

Best of Twitter

Monday, September 28, 2009 3:02:45 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Friday, September 25, 2009

The First Writer's Digest Editor's Intensive (And a Boy's First Snowman)
Posted by Jane

Today's guest post is by the generous Darrelyn Saloom, who has brought numerous new readers to my blog. I thank her and I thank you. Follow Darrelyn on Twitter.

Imagine writing a book (any genre, fiction or nonfiction), typing away for ages and then opening an e-mail that says Writer’s Digest (a magazine you’ve enjoyed for years) is having an event (their first) called the Writer’s Digest Editor's Intensive. And, if you attend, an editor will read fifty pages of your manuscript—fifty pages!—to be read by a professional, not your mother, or sister who stopped answering her phone.

Excited to receive such an e-mail, I wanted to go. But did I want to fly to Ohio in December? It gets cold in Ohio, and I live in the South. So far south it only snows once every five years—at the most. And rarely sticks to the ground. The cold sort of scared me. And the name of the event scared me, too: An Editor's Intensive. I imagined a group of editors, squinting at manuscripts, lines etched between brows, faces frozen in frowns.

But fifty pages of manuscript! For the past two years I’d been working with boxing champion, Deirdre Gogarty, on her memoir. And in those (inevitable?) moments of doubt, we had questions: Are we headed in the right direction? Or wasting our time? We wanted answers. And if Deirdre and I both signed up, we could submit a hundred pages!

So we signed up online. And the first thing I did was buy a Michelin-Man coat. Down-filled and puffy. And warm—make that hot, worn indoors made me sweat—a lot. I bought gloves and socks, a scarf and wool cap, while Deirdre (who packed a light jacket) found someone to feed her two cats.

And then we flew to Cincinnati (actually to Kentucky but on the state line). Into a taxi to Hannaford Suites, no need to rent a car. Okay, we needed a car. But managed just fine (thank you Sharon Pielemeier and Barbara Weibel for the rides!). After the first day, Chuck, Jane, and Alice left us wiser than wise (and their faces were not frozen in frowns or squinting lines!).

We learned about Facebook and Twitter, WordPress and blogging, platform and publishing. And made the kind of friends you keep for life: Other writers from around the country who were as nervous as Deirdre and I. For the next day was Sunday, the day of our appointed critique. So Saturday night, a group of us went out to eat.

And then we searched for bookstores, which closed by nine. So we pressed our noses to the windows and visualized: the books of Barbara Weibel, Sean Miller, Kent Ostby, Caitlin O’Sullivan, Amber Gardner, Mark Benedict, Deirdre Gogarty, and mine. It was magical, really. Bonded by a desire to publish stories we write. And by doubts, questions, and obstacles that plague a writer’s life.

On Sunday, we huddled together and waited our turn. We discussed our manuscripts and scanned faces of fellow writers as they emerged. And every one I talked to went in nervous but left satisfied. Some were sobered by reality, others floated on cloud-nine. But questions were answered, and manuscripts were marked with professional advice: Valuable information that defied any price.

Never wore the down-filled coat at the conference. Turned out Deirdre was right to pack only a light jacket (though I brought one of those, too). I’ve only worn my Michelin-Man coat once since I bought it last year. A short time later, the magic I found in Cincinnati seemed to follow me home—and it snowed. So I bundled up and played outside. And my grandson, Milas, built the first real snowman of his life.

Conferences/Events | Guest Post

Friday, September 25, 2009 6:55:32 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

A Note About My Good Friend Earl
Posted by Jane

There's a joke by Jay Leno that goes something like:

Go through your phone book, call people and ask them to drive you to the airport. The ones who will drive you are your true friends.

And there's another saying, in publishing: Only work with authors who you wouldn't mind being stranded with in an airport for 8 hours.

In 2003, at my first year speaking at the Midwest Writers Workshop, I spent a lot of time in an airport with Earl Conn, one of the founders of the organization.

My airport memory is my fondest memory of him, when we traveled together to Indianapolis, about an hour's drive, to pick up the famous George Plimpton, the MWW keynote speaker. Plimpton's flight was late, so Earl and I ended up chatting in the airport for a couple hours until our VIP arrived. (Read a personal essay I wrote on the experience of meeting Plimpton here.) Earl bought me a pretzel, talked about his years of teaching and writing and Ball State, and he was also the only person at MWW who knew the exact location (and claim to fame) of my hometown of Oakland City, Ind. (That's because he wrote a popular travel column about Indiana.)

I got news this week that Earl passed away. It's a great loss for the Midwest Writers Workshop, and he'll be greatly missed. One of our last conversations was about whether some of his essays and book ideas should be developed further and taken to publishers, or whether he should look at independent options. He was a devoted and energetic writer to the end, and I'll miss his wise and insightful presence at MWW.

My thanks to Judy Joslin for sending me the above photo of me & Earl at the most recent MWW.

For more that I've written on MWW in general:

The Four Stages of Marketing & Promotion (MWW 2009 Recap)
MWW 2008 Day 1 Recap
MWW 2008 Day 2 Recap
MWW 2008 Day 3 Recap

Conferences/Events | F+W Life | General

Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:05:24 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Glimmer Train Monthly News
Posted by Jane

Glimmer Train has just chosen the winning stories for their July Very Short Fiction Award. This twice yearly competition is open to all writers for stories on any theme, with a word count not exceeding 3000. Their monthly submission calendar may be viewed here.

First place: J.P. Lacrampe (pictured above, photo by Ashley Ording) of San Francisco, CA, wins $1200 for “Farmers’ Market.” His story will be published in the Winter 2011 issue of Glimmer Train Stories, out in November 2010. [Photo attached.]

Second place: Stephanie Reents of Providence, RI, wins $500 for “The Indefinite Article Is a Different Story.”

Third place: James Scoles of Carbondale, IL, wins $300 for “To Cook an Egg Gently.”

A PDF of the Top 25 winners can be found here.

Deadlines soon approaching!

Best Start: September 30
This competition is held quarterly and is open only to writers whose fiction has not appeared in a print publication with a circulation over 3000. Each submission should be an engaging, coherent narrative, but does not need to be a complete story, just an important part of a story in progress. Word count: under 1000. Click here for complete guidelines.

Fiction Open: September 30
This competition is held quarterly and is open to all writers for stories with a word count range between 2000-20,000. No theme restrictions. Click here for complete guidelines.

--

If you didn't know, Writer's Digest partnered with Glimmer Train to publish two compilation volumes of the best stuff from their Writers Ask newsletter. Be sure to check them out.

General | Getting Published

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:54:35 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

How to Succeed in Today's Publishing Industry (Takeaways from Conference)
Posted by Jane

By noon on Saturday, attendees were commenting that they'd already gotten their money's worth. I consider that a big win!

If you missed the event, you can still get some valuable takeaways:

Meryl Evans has compiled Tweets from the event, which I've made available for printing and download on Scribd.
You can also read this fabulous recap from an attendee: 8 Gatejumper Tips Heard at the Writer's Digest Conference.

And most remarkably, Meryl Evans sent me a note to help attendees make sense of what to do next! See below. My big thanks to her generosity.

—

So You Went to the Writer's Digest Conference. What Are You Going to Do Now?
by Meryl Evans

In the Writer's Digest Conference blog, Robert Lee Brewer reported on something he overheard:

So, earlier today, in the hallway, I overheard one writer speaking to another. She said, "I don't have the time to handle all this."

I was not surprised to hear this kind of statement at a conference on publishing and marketing and communicating and podcasting and basically everything we've been going over since Friday. But, of course, I started thinking about how successful writers should be, at least, trying.

Well, after a long pause, she continued speaking to the other (very good listener) writer, "But I have to make the time if I'm serious about making this work."

The writer caught on. Not all of us think about how we're going to make the most of a conference. Or we feel overwhelmed that it paralyzes us preventing us from taking action. We bring home all the notes we took filing them away only to never see them again. Then the least we can hope for is that our brains remembered a few key points while we wrote or typed them and apply them.

Review Your Notes
Take five or ten minutes to look over your notes. You can handle that, right? As you review your notes, pick one to three things you want to use. Post them in your to do list or whatever you use on a regular basis so you can remember and practice. Give yourself a deadline—you're a writer, you can handle it. Check off each item as you do them.

Got 'em all done? Great. Now, go back to your notes to cross them off. Pick one to three more things to try. Repeat.

That wasn't so bad, was it? Turning loads of notes into a couple of doable tasks makes a difference.

Write One Article
You probably walked away from the conference with a few article ideas. Rather than trying to do it all, I pick one topic and write the article within a couple of days after returning home. You can make it a blog entry, an article for your publication, whatever. In writing the article, those ideas will stick with you. Plus, you gain a bonus of sharing that with others.

When you finish the article, revisit the other article ideas and what you can do with them. Rather than feeling spread thin with all your article ideas, you focus on one article at a time while putting the rest away for later. You've captured the ideas on paper or on your laptop. They won't disappear. Well, unless you delete them, lose them or trash them.

Key Points from WD Conference
You can find great tweets from the conference by searching Twitter for WDC09. Here are some highlights worth remembering, captured from tweets and the blog so you don't have to read it all:

Christina Katz: Platform is everything you do with your expertise. So many tools are available; must prioritize, maximize your time. Do you see yourself as the producer of your writing career and take 100% responsibility for your success?
Jane Friedman: Platform comes first! Book second. Without a strong platform and topic—creating demand—your book will have a difficult time finding its place in the market. Any changes publishers want to make to the book is what they believe will help increase book sales. They basically want what's economically best for your book—and that's ultimately a good thing.
Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood: Once you show you can move (sell) books, publishers will take notice. That's why giving away your first book online for free and building up an audience is essential to getting publishers—who have ignored you for years—to wake up and realize your talent and value. "You are the best person to sell your book," says Hardwood.
Alice Rosengard: Sees organization as a common problem with nonfiction proposals.
David Mathison (Be the Media) keys: Have a direct relationship with your audience. Control your rights. Repurpose your content.
Chris Brogan: The best way to get a book published is to not try to get a book published. The whole trick about promoting is to not talk about yourself. Learn to talk about other people. Twitter is not about talking; it's about listening.
Agent Miriam Kriss: A lot of "overnight successes" are 10 years in the making.
Agent Panel (Jessica Sinsheimer, Regina Brooks and Michelle Humphrey): Difference between freelanced editing and traditional editor is the latter cares, has a vested interest in the book. Professionally edited, professionally typeset, professionally designed are critical for success via POD.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:33:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Instant Publishing Tools: Getting Noticed & Visible
Posted by Jane

Today I taught an online class about instant publishing tools that can help you get exposure for your work in digital formats. Thanks to all the participants who joined me today. Here's a summary of some of the sites & tools we reviewed (a handy reference for the attendees, as well as a good peek for others on what we discussed).

You can join me for my next webinar on Thursday, covering 3 secrets to getting your nonfiction book published ($99).

Instant & Digital Publishing Sites (Free to Use)

Smashwords (get your books onto iPhone, BarnesandNoble.com)
Scribd
Amazon Digital Text platform (get your books on Kindle)
Blurb (great for full-color, print projects)

Community Writing & Publishing Sites (also free)

Authonomy
WeBook

Blogging and Site Building (free)

Wordpress
Storytlr
JaneFriedman.com (example of my lifestreaming homepage using Storytlr)

Social Networking

Writer's Digest fan page on Facebook
My page on Facebook
Twitter (Writer's Digest)
Twitter (Jane Friedman)

Previous & Helpful Blog Posts

Conferences/Events | Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Self-Publishing

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:20:35 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Monday, September 21, 2009

Just One More Blogging Benefit for Aspiring Writers
Posted by Jane

As I catch up from being away at the Writer's Digest Conference (read more than 100 posts with info here!), guest blogger Jane Koenen Bretl is filling in with some more advice on the benefits of blogging!

When I started my blog jane, candid in January 2009, it was my starting point to create visibility and web presence for my work, and explore a whole new avenue of writing. Inspired by the December 2008 Writer’s Digest Editor’s Intensive, through blogging I found a voice that can be the start of my author platform; it took me in a new, unexpected direction that I may not have pursued, at least at this point in my writing career.

The benefits of blogging to an aspiring writer are numerous, but a most unexpected, helpful and frankly delightful outcome has been the relationships I have developed with other writers.

I actively seek out writing blogs, and by participating in author blog tours, networking through thoughtful commenting, and trolling through the blogrolls of other writers, I have met many other writers who have provided useful advice and much encouragement.

As a result, I’ve hosted an oft-published author at my home while he was on a 20-state book signing tour. I’ve hosted guest-blogging authors who brought both a new audience and increased credibility to my site. I’ve been a guest blogger on other wonderful blogs (like this one!) that provide a new, exciting forum for my work. And I’ve developed friendships with many writers who share selflessly of their experience.

It is a curious concept to me, this idea of meeting others online. At first I had preconceived (mostly negative) notions about online relationships, a prejudice lodged somewhere between online dating, ranting chat rooms, and all-night Dungeons and Dragon-esque gaming sessions. (Not that there is anything inherently wrong with those activities, they are just not my scene.)

I thought real people made real friendships face-to-face, not sitting alone in a computer chair with fingers tapping at the keys. Preconceived notions can and do close doors.

Blogging has instead opened doors for me to meet other writers from around the world, kindred spirits surely not on my life’s path otherwise. It has opened windows through which I can watch the progress of other writers, and see both the pitfalls they have faced and the successes they have earned through hard work and great talent. There is a collective sense of celebration when a blogger-friend reaches a writing milestone. It inspires me.

This summer, I had the opportunity to take a fond blogger relationship to a new place— face-to-face. Judy Clement Wall wrote one of the first comments I ever received on my blog, offering kind words right when I was nervously venturing into unfamiliar territory.

I in turn visited her site and her words struck a cord with me immediately. I have been an avid reader of her blog zebra sounds ever since. Like many bloggers, she kept the personal details of her home address and her family private; it just feels safer that way. However, as I prepared for a long-planned summer vacation to the West Coast (yes, I was reading Judy’s blog instead of packing), I realized through one of her off-handed references that this blog-buddy might live in the very area we were to visit! After some off-line emails, we learned it was indeed the same town. Serendipity strikes again. We made plans to meet at a coffee shop during my trip, since we already knew we shared an addiction to coffee as well as a love of writing.

Ironically, me, the online relationship snob, was as nervous to actually meet her as I might have been on a first date: Would I recognize her from her photo? Would she be as friendly as she seemed? It felt surreal, this crossing of worlds (maybe I had already drank too much coffee that day???).

Of course, the meeting was delightful. We shared blogging advice (how did you add that cool widget?), warm mutual admiration, and encouragement for next steps in our writing careers, all right along with our hot caffeinated beverages. It felt like a reunion, not a first meeting.

Ironically, the act of blogging can be much more personal than the typical conversations between new acquaintances, what some describe as the nakedness of putting it out there for all to see, sharing these words that come from some deep place inside. This has been my biggest revelation about blogging.

So as I strive to build my author platform, increase my online visibility, create a potential audience for my work, and generally make waves out there in the social media world of the publishing industry, I can also reap the benefits of my blogging community and all that they share.

Considering it? Give it a try.

--

[Editor's note: Be sure to read Judy Clement Wall's companion blog post to this, "(Sometimes it's not) All About Me"]

Building Readership | Digitization & New Technology | General | Guest Post | Marketing & Self-Promotion

Monday, September 21, 2009 3:15:47 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Benefit From Our Conference From Afar (or Nearby)
Posted by Jane

It's definitely one the favorite parts of my job: speaking at events and meeting writers and other professionals in the business.

This weekend, Writer's Digest debuts its first stand-alone event in New York City at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square. (And there's still time to register on-site at the event, for just a day or for the whole thing.)

For those who aren't registered, you can still get a piece of the action!

Read up-to-the-minute reports from our conference floor, by the Writer's Digest staff, at our conference blog.
Follow the event on Twitter: #wdc09. Here's a direct RSS feed/page if you're feeling a little confused by those instructions.
Join us at our first-ever Poetry Slam, at the NYC Bowery Club, Friday night, 8p. Mention Writer's Digest at the door, and you can still get in even if you're not registered for the conference.
Or join us Saturday night! Speakers and staff from the conference are having a NYC Tweetup. At 6p, everyone will meet at the Atrium Cafe (8th floor of Marriott Marquis). At 7:30p, the group moves to Joe Franklin's Comedy Club (713 Eighth Ave at 45th St). $10 cover charge. Here's a link to the Facebook invitation.

For those who are registered, I look forward to meeting you in NYC!

Conferences/Events | F+W Life

Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:32:19 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Your Friends & Family Are Wrong
Posted by Jane

Time for a little tough love.

To all those writers who say:

My family has encouraged me to write this story
I had this idea while talking with friends, and they thought it was brilliant
My [insert close friend or family member name here] absolutely love my stories
I read my work to my students, and they think I should get it published

You need to ignore what these people are telling you.

You need to write because you can't do anything else. Because you would suffer if you didn't.

Your motivation to write has to come from within.

Don't write (only) because you were given validation or permission by someone close to you. What you really need (require) is your own inner conviction.

...

When I was a kid, my mother wrote a middle-grade fantasy novel. I read it many times. I absolutely loved it.

I remember her blue-gray electric typewriter that weighed a million pounds sitting on the dining room table. It had a very loud mechanical hum and the table vibrated and shook during periods of vigorous typing.

My mom consulted Writer's Market at the town library and sent her manuscript to dozens of publishers. She received all rejections, though some were encouraging and personalized. Eventually the typewriter was packed away in a closet.

Flash forward 20 years. The old manuscript is dusted off, brought into Microsoft Word, tweaked, and … everyone knows what's next.

I read my mother's book once again, not as a young daughter, but as a publishing professional who gives advice to writers.

I bet you're all wishing you had a family member in publishing to help you out, right?

It can be a curse rather than a blessing.

Family members are supposed to encourage and support you—act as cheerleaders during the long periods of rejecton.

There are some unusual cases where your family/friends can offer critical feedback as insightful and careful readers, and you can make excellent use of it.

But for most writers, you must not and cannot rely on your family and friends to give you this feedback, even if they are your target audience. And you especially can't rely on them to tell you that your work deserves publication (or to give you ANY kind of business-of-publishing advice).

Unless, of course, your daughter works in publishing and has a job that specializes in giving advice to writers.

Mom's story read very differently to me as a grown-up. I gave her feedback on how to revise it for today's market.

The manuscript is back in the proverbial closet.

But in the years to come, I know I will treasure and cherish her work more than any publisher could.

Photo credit: Pliable Trade

F+W Life | General | Getting Published

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:15:50 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Benefits of Blogging (Your Feedback!)
Posted by Jane

There have been so many wonderful comments from you on the subject of blogging (on this blog, on my Facebook page, and on the Writer's Digest Facebook page), that I wanted to share a few pieces of the helpful advice.

My appreciation to everyone who has shared their experiences!

From published (or soon-to-be-published) authors

Terri Coyne: I started my blog around the same time I sold my debut novel. I committed to posting once a week or more but not less. … not only did it help connect me to an audience but by syndicating to Facebook, Amazon and other places, it allows me to share my writing out from a central location.

Having a blog before I built my website was also a good way for me to post information for a nominal cost. As my website was being designed, I had my URL (www.tericoyne.com) point to the blog. There are so many widgets and options available for blogs, you can create a nice site as a starting point.

In my monthly newsletter to readers I link back to my blog and use it as a source for important updates. It works well.

LK Hunsaker: I've been blogging for years and it did take time to build an audience, but it's a great way to interact and get feedback. My books revolve around the arts along with societal issues, so on my blog I do book and music reviews, author interviews, artistic musings that reveal my writing voice and style, and some minor societal issue entries. It shows who I am and what I'm about. I think free promo is something every up-and-coming author should consider seriously. Blogs are free promo. Start early and build your audience before your books come out if they haven't yet.

From aspiring writers

Marie Devers: I am an unpublished-writer blogger, and here is what I love about blogging:

1. It gives me a homebase on the Web. I'm not ready for a Web site yet. When I send out queries, however, important people can Google me and quickly see that I write daily and coherently. They can also find my email and twitter addresses.

2. It's how I found my beta readers. There are four of us. We each have a blog where we pimp each other out. We also have great email sessions, where we perform group emergency surgery on queries that aren't working and where we celebrate when one of our own gets an offer of representation (She's signing tomorrow!).

3. As solitary as writing can be, it's nice to have someone to report to, and I feel like my blog readers are my boss. It's much, much harder to give up when you've publicly announced that you are trying to publish a novel and people all over the world support your efforts.

Jeff Posey: I started a blog this spring and began using Twitter a short time later. I post short scenes and character interviews outside my core in-progress novel but that illuminate it.

My lesson? This has been a great way to explore my main storyline and has inspired me to increase my average weekly writing output toward my novel, even while spending perhaps two-to-four hours per week on the blog and Twitter activity.

Besides, it's a load of fun.

Reesha: I'm being patient. Not a lot of peope are reading my blog right now, but every now and then I hear about someone who's been reading all along and I didn't know about it.

When I get discouraged about writing or building my platform, or even lonely, I imagine lots of lurkers who secretly read my blog, are interested in what I have to say, and love my work.

I was once told to approach things like this with the attitude that the person who you're interacting with loves you and is generally interested in what you have to say. The worst case scenario is that they hate you and aren't interested in what you have to say, and then you or they move on. There are lots of people out there. Lots of possibilities someone who likes what you have to say will find you.

Livia: I mulled over the expertise question quite a bit when starting my blog. Since I'm not published yet, why would people want to listen to my writing advice? For that reason, I decided to focus on analyzing examples of good writing from published fiction and reviewing craft books rather than preach my own writing tips.

Terry Petersen: The discipline is great. My theme is "After sixty, a time to begin." Since I don't specify what I'm beginning, I can write about anything I'm learning, on any level.

Ashley Olson Rosen: For me, starting a humor blog has been helpful in two ways: it makes me look at everyday occurances and frustrations in a more positive light -- which can never be a bad thing -- and it provides so much encouragement when people, especially strangers, send in comments. It's also good practice to force you to write on a regular basis. I was writing fiction before and now am considering trying a humor manuscript. I say to try blogging!

Florence Gardner: I'm also in my first couple of months of my blog.
I'm an unpublished writer of mid-grade and YA fiction with a manuscript under exclusive review by an agent right now. A couple of years ago I thought it would be insane for someone like me to have a blog.

I got a professional to help me design and get it up and running and am SO glad I did. It wasn't very expensive and I think makes a huge difference. (she's fantastic by the way, if anyone is looking for that kind of help).

I'm having a ton of fun with it. I don't think of it as "advice giving" at all. But a chance to make friends and to step into a wider conversation about writing and reading.

Photo credit: Hello Jenuine

Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Marketing & Self-Promotion

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 9:23:59 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Monday, September 14, 2009

Should You Blog? And If So, What Are Best Practices?
Posted by Jane

Photo credit: Laughing Squid

More writers are blogging than ever. And if you're not blogging already, you've probably considered it. Recently, a writer asked me via Facebook about blogging.

She said:

[It is] my impression that blogs related to writing are primarily written by people with expertise in their field and who have valuable advice and connections within the industry. Now, however, I am checking around and I see that many writers, even writers who are unpublished -- and some who appear very far from being published -- have blogs, also where they discuss writing and their completed works and/or works in progress. These people generally have direct links to their blogs that become available when they sign their name (or their blog name) when commenting on another blog. So, I suppose they are doing some marketing for themselves.

So, my question is: Should I have a blog?

This writer had some serious reservations about starting a blog, and here's how I answered her questions.

1. I don't feel like I have much in the way of valuable advice. What kind of advice do I have to dispense?

For aspiring writers (especially novelists), it often comes down to a matter of voice—an engaging voice, humorous insights, or a unique perspective to bring to the table.

Sometimes you may have specific advice, sometimes not. For many aspiring writers who blog, it's about a community—writers who are learning from one another. It helps if you can identify what about your experience sets you apart, but this insight may not occur for 6 months or more of blogging.

Don't assume your blog should be specifically about writing. It could be about whatever sets you apart, makes you unique. The writing life can simply be an accent.

2. One person mentioned on his blog that a literary agent looked at his blog, saw his complaints about the issues remaining with his book, and decided not to look at his book. I suppose it seems obvious that you shouldn't write negative things about your work on your blog, but to me this seems like one example of potentially many examples of why a BAD blog could be worse than no blog at all.

There's always that risk that an editor/agent will be turned off by your site or blog. Frankly, though, if you're sending out material knowing there are still issues to resolve, you should be getting rejected. (Never send material out that isn't as final as you can make it!)

If an agent/editor is turned off by your site/blog, they may not like your style or voice, regardless of content or professionalism. If your blog is a good representation of who you are as a writer (and most blogs are), then it would be like worrying about a potential mate who decides not to start a relationship with you because he/she doesn't like your personality. Saves you both some trouble, right?

3. I know nothing about blogging, so I feel my chances of writing a bad blog are sufficiently high that I should be concerned.

Maybe you worry too much. This could a unique angle to your blog.

4. Since blogs need to be updated on a regular basis and you have to respond to your commentors, I feel like a blog could be a significant time sink. I just wonder if my time isn't better spent working on my next book.

This is a legitimate concern, but only because you would fall in love with blogging and community building and not do the real writing.

The administrative part of the blog (design/setup/posting/blahblahblah) takes no time at all (minutes). Many people fall into the trap of widget-y improvements, or the fun tinkering, the stuff that you do to avoid writing.

You should decide upfront how much time you want to spend (or can afford), e.g., I will post once a week, the post will be about 500 words. It can actually be a good warm-up exercise.

Try not to plan this out too much or wait to act because you feel lots of preparation is needed. Overplanning or overthinking is somewhat antithetical to today's blogging practice (except for professional bloggers who make a living at it).

5. One final concern: if I post excerpts from my novel on my blog, is that a problem down the road? I see that many authors do post excerpts from their unpublished books. Do you know if posting excerpts is a problem?

You do not lose ownership of your content by posting it online; it does not go into the public domain or give anyone else the right to use it. (Of course, it can heighten risk of someone stealing it, but this is incredibly rare, and it's not like there's raging demand out there for unpublished writing—where people are just waiting to steal and profit from your work!)

Unless you want to see your excerpts published in a literary journal or magazine in about the same form as on your site/blog, there's no need to worry. Your blog audience and platform is not the same thing as having a book published and distributed through major retail channels. Some authors have podcasted or otherwise distributed their entire novels before publication, and it helped them get a book deal. (See www.scottsigler.com)

So, what do you think? Do you think that *trying* to start a blog is a valuable investment for me at this stage?

For fiction writers and poets, a blog should exercise your creative muscles and let you write in an unpressured way. Sometimes it can help you stumble on insights, as well as new friendships. However, for an aspiring writer, you have to be careful it doesn't detract or replace the "real" work of writing the book or the manuscript.

For nonfiction writers, blogs can be an essential part of your marketing and promotion—the author platform that helps you get published in the first place.

Only you can make the final decision. While you shouldn't jump in just because everyone else is doing it, sometimes it's good to try things that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Blogging isn't for everyone, and there's no shame in leaving it behind if you don't like it.

I'd love to hear in the comments from aspiring writers who are bloggers. What's your experience? Has anyone started, then decided to stop—and why?

Building Readership | Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Marketing & Self-Promotion

Monday, September 14, 2009 10:54:15 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 9/11/09)
Posted by Jane

I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!) for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.

Best of Best

Great post: "When should I consider spending my own money on having an outside marketing person work with me?"
@BubbleCow

Should You Self-Publish?
@selfpubreview

This is good re: self pub "myths" RT @AlanBaxter: @jimchines talks self-publishing
@thecreativepenn

Marketing tips for authors round-up from @TonyEldridge
@thecreativepenn

Stand Alone

It's becoming more and more common for unpubbed fiction writers to query before the book is complete. don't even think about it.
@BookEndsJessica

Authors: I'm not a fan of prologues--I view them as unnecessary. I really don't see the point of a preface AND a prologue.
@ginger_clark

It's usually the book that's the problem, not the query, so emailing to ask me how to fix the query won't help. Sorry.
@agentgame

What should you be doing while you're waiting for responses to your queries? Writing your next book.
@agentgame

To authors offering a review copy of your book to book bloggers, personalize your pitch based on their reviews & review guidelines.
@GenreReviewer

If "seem" is in the first sentence of your novel, cut it right now. I want to read about things that ARE, not SEEM.
@kate_mckean

If in your query u sound difficult to work w/ I'll pass. Even if I like the plot. & when u respond rudely, I think "bullet dodged!"
@jessregel

Keep in mind that that phrase "fiction novel" is a hot button for most editors and agents. They hate it!
@rachellegardner

A well-written, thoroughly researched conventional query is more likely to stand out in the slush than an “unconventional” one.
@bostonbookgirl

What if you started your query letter with a rhetorical question? Would that interest agents? (Uh, no.)
@DaphneUn

Writing a nonfiction book proposal? Can you identify your idea in 25 words or less? If not, keep trying.
@promptedtowrite

If you go into querying thinking of literary agents as your opponents, you're more likely to fail to get one.
@agentgame

Don't try to pitch/query agents via their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc., unless they specifically ask for it.
@agentgame

"...*mentioning* strong feelings [in your writing] only cheapens them." —Josip Novakovich
@KMWeiland

"If your metaphors explicitly draw attention to themselves, your prose will appear labored and mannered." —Josip Novakovich
@KMWeiland

"You don't find the meaning of life, you create it. A successful writer, is a self-fulfilled one."
@RyanJVanSeters

Getting Published, Agents/Editors

If an agent doesn't follow up about a manuscript there is a 9/10 chance we're not going to read it [from an editor]
@asuen1

What makes your literary agent worry? Great tips for writers, with/without an agent!
@inkyelbows

How close is that book deal?
@BubbleCow

Puncturing another writers' myth: "You have to know someone."
@victoriastrauss

How Much Editing Can An Agent Do? Asks @RachelleGardner
@BookBuzzr

Crime novelist's tips on getting published
@sarahw

Craft & Technique

Stephen King’s Top 7 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer (via @featureBlend)
@Flipbooks

13 writing tips by Chuck Palahniuk
@mystorywriter

Do you know the REAL reason not to use passive voice?
@p2p_editor

5 Grammar Mistakes that Make You Sound Like a Chimp
@Copyblogger

Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing

What numbers mean when we talk about how many books an author "sells." Outstanding writing/publishing insights
@dbschlosser

Fascinating study of the monetary advances that book authors receive before their books are published.
@BookBuzzr

Re-thinking the Publisher/Author Partnership via @PubPerspectives [Bob Miller from HarperStudio]
@thecreativepenn

Good WSJ article on rise of plotted commercial novel/fall of Modernist literary novel
@SJDriscoll

Harlequin revenues up 8.7%, to $225.5M in 1st 1/2 ...
Nearly 1/3 of purchases R #author-driven.
@DigiBookWorld

Who cares if Steve Jobs is lying about eBooks? Publishers aren't ready for the iPod of eReaders yet
@glecharles

Scribd says it wants to shake up bookselling: now it’s starting to look like the document-sharing startup might succeed.
@Personanondata

Marketing/Promotion

Why You Should Help Your Publisher Sell Your Book (via @RachelleGardner)
@BookBuzzr

Have You Prepared Your Book’s Marketing Plan? via @rogercparker
@thecreativepenn

Terrific post from @LoisKelly What marketers can learn from screenwriters.
@AndreaJarrell

10 Ways Freelance Writers Can Make More Money via @UrbanMuseWriter
@thecreativepenn

Piracy vs Obscurity
@thecreativepenn

"Helpful is always a powerful way to compete." via @chrisbrogan
@mariaschneider

Self-Publishing and E-Publishing

The business of digital publishing [via @booksquare]
@KFZuzulo

Blogging

26 Free eBooks For Bloggers
@TrendTracker

Resources and Tools

The Editor Unleashed 25 Best Writing Blogs
@mariaschneider

40 Freelance Writing Blogs
@flipbooks

31 podcasts that keep freelance professionals informed
@LStudios

Excellent List of Writing Critique Groups
@BubbleCow

Thought you’d like to share this tool with your readers (writing prompt tool)
@ProcrastWriter

The Writing Life / Philosophical / Inspirational

My Ten-Year Overnight Success via @bakerkline ~ inspiring to keep one writing through the droughts.
@mystorywriter

Want to be a better writer? Read!
@alittlesandy

Fun

The Last Remaining Ways to Get a Book Deal via @gawker
@thecreativepenn

Just for fun: I stumbled upon a book of The Writer magazine issues from 1892-93! U can download @ end of Alcott post.
@WritingSpirit

Looking for more?

Join us for the Writer's Digest Conference (Sept 18-20) in New York City, which focuses on how to use the newest tools to get published and market/promote your work.
Follow us on Twitter: @writersdigest @JaneFriedman @brianklems @robertleebrewer @alicepope @kmnickell
Become a fan at our Facebook page

Best of Twitter

Sunday, September 13, 2009 3:53:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Book Promotion: Like Shouting Prayers Into Hurricane
Posted by Jane

I first met author N.M. Kelby at the AWP Conference in Atlanta. The Writer's Digest staff includes many fans of her work, so it was thrilling to talk with her about a potential book project.

I'm now proud to announce the fruits of our collaboration, new to our list this fall:
The Constant Art of Being a Writer.

Read an excerpt from the book here: Test Your Story Ideas
The book's editor, Kelly Nickell, comments on NM Kelby and the project
Discover Kelby's other book releasing this fall, A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts (I love this title!)

Kelby recently did a Twitter-style Q&A interview for Reckless Hearts, and shared the answers with me.

1. Favorite book as a child?
Loved my father’s copy of The Last Days Of Pompeii by Edward "It was a dark and stormy night" Bulwer-Lytton. That explains a lot, doesn’t it?

2. What are you reading right now?
The Escoffier Cookbook and Guide to the Fine Art of Cookery. Don’t you want to know why?

3. Read aloud a favorite segment/recipe/poem from your book …
Smoke billowed out into the street, blanketed the stars. It tinted the night sepia, as if the moment had already been lived and forgotten.

4. Why that title?
TRAVEL GUIDE FOR RECKLESS HEARTS? Who doesn’t have one? Who doesn’t need a guide to travel through the world with that joyous unruly beast?

5. Why independent bookstores matter?
For the same reasons that cowboys matter, their wild untamed spirits. They make their own rules. Plus they know bull when they see it.

6. Favorite part of writing a book?
To write a book is to begin a conversation. I love to tour and finish that chat face to face. Nothing is more fun than reading for readers.

7. Least favorite part of writing a book?
I know it’s now a writer’s job to promote their book but sometimes it feels like you’re shouting prayers into a hurricane.

8. Are you working on anything new?
Yes. BTW This could be my first answer under 140 spaces.

9. Do you have any superstitions, lucky charms, or rituals around your writing?
I arrive at my desk by 9 a.m., take 30 minutes for lunch, and leave at 6 p.m. It’s a job, after all. A great job––but still, a job.

10. Comment on the writing life...
THE CONSTANT ART OF BEING A WRITER: THE LIFE, ART AND BUSINESS OF FICTION is my comment on the life. It’s more than 140 spaces––it’s $17.95.

11. Hardest part of the creation to publication experience?
Writers are public dreamers––the work itself is a great joy. Selling dreams twelve to a carton is another story.

12. Why do you write?
Asking a writer why they write is like asking a dog why they breathe … they don’t understand the question but they’re still hoping you’ll toss them a bone.

13. When do you write?
I write when I am sleeping, lying, eating, flirting, praying, and pulling weeds. Living life is writing. It’s paper optional.

14. When did you know you were a writer?
When I was about 7 years old and started creating library books for my dolls to check out.

15. What, or Who, will you dish on, as in gossip about, at dinner?
I have a great many Dwight Yoakam stories––some of which involve me being naked, which, surprisingly, is more innocent than it sounds.

16. What will make you a scintillating dinner guest?
I believe in fun, gossip, and the well-turned phrase and am a consummate foodie. Heck, even my in-laws like to eat with me.

17. Who is your favorite new author?
Chef Auguste Escoffier––although he is dead and only new to me.

18. What is your drink of choice?
I drink bourbon and wine, although not usually in the same glass. Of course, there is an exception to every rule.

19. What is your favorite food?
If it isn’t moving, fried, fatty and the word “atomic” is not printed before it on the menu, I’m willing to give it a try. I’m all about the food.

20. Will you talk business over dinner?
Why would a writer talk business at dinner? That’s like asking your ex who makes the best surveillance cameras.

--

After Kelby's workshop at the Writer's Digest/BEA Conference in 2009, she handed me a print-out of one of her slides. I have it hanging in my office now—see below.

(Hint: Our authors-speakers are always such a delight. You can experience them too at our conference next week in NYC. Register here for the full event or just for a day. Use code PC109 to get $50 off a full registration up until Monday.)

Thursday, September 10, 2009 9:58:13 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Saturday, September 05, 2009

Best Tweets Returns Next Week
Posted by Jane

It has been nearly 2 weeks since my last curated Twitter list—my apologies for the hiatus. This feature will resume at the end of next week.

For those of you who have sent tips and additions for Best Tweets, my appreciation. I have your recommendations safely reserved.

If you have a Best Tweet to suggest, especially any I've missed between August 21 and September 4, you're welcome to DM me via Twitter or send me an e-mail. (Go here for my e-mail address if you don't have it already.)

Best of Twitter

Saturday, September 05, 2009 10:51:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Best Tweets Returns Next Week
Posted by Jane

Best of Twitter

Saturday, September 05, 2009 3:47:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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5 Questions You Can Ask Yourself About Stories
Posted by Jane

A little more from Glimmer Train this month—from the bulletin they just e-mailed to their writers. Go read the full bulletin here.

From Ingrid Hill: The Devil’s Trampoline:

My sweet grandmother used to murmur consolingly, when I crabbed about the misery of sitting with hot rollers burning my scalp, "Honey, you have to suffer to be beautiful." Not till I was grown did I realize the deeper meaning: not till you have been cast into tribulation's depths, suffered in your core, can beauty shine out of your eyes or your art.

From Charles Baxter: Five Questions (Baxter pictured above):

There are about five questions you can ask yourself about stories, and they're not foolproof, but they're useful. One is, what do these characters want? Second is, what are they afraid of? Third is, what's at stake in this story? Fourth is, what are the consequences of these scenes or these actions? And the last one is, how does the language of this story reflect the world of the story itself?

Craft & Technique | General

Saturday, September 05, 2009 3:23:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Friday, September 04, 2009

Zen in the Art of a Kiss and a Dream
Posted by Jane

Today's guest post is from everyone's favorite regular contributor, Darrelyn Saloom. Follow her on Twitter.

Nineteen years ago, I read the nine essays of Ray Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing and dreamed I met the legendary author. In the dream, Bradbury and I discussed a story I’d written called “The Last Housewife on Earth.” I’d not written such a story (only in the dream). But I knew the bored and restless housewife, because she was me.

As I read the Preface to Zen in the Art of Writing, Bradbury’s words ignited an inner slapping (not unlike Poe’s raven’s tapping). Bradbury described his nine-year-old self tearing up what he loved (Buck Rogers comic strips) due to criticism from schoolmates. But where did he find the strength a month later to “judge all of his friends idiots and rush back to collecting?” Bradbury writes:

So I collected comics, fell in love with carnivals and World’s Fairs and began to write. And what, you ask, does writing teach us?

First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is a gift and a privilege, not a right. We must earn life once it has been awarded us. Life asks for rewards back because it has favored us with animation.

So while our art cannot, as we wish it could, save us from wars, privation, envy, greed, old age, death, it can revitalize us amidst it all.

Secondly, writing is survival. Any art, any good work, of course, is that.

Not to write for many of us, is to die

And instantly, I knew what to do. I’d go back to school and learn to write (no more amateur scribbling). But first I’d drive to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, because Ray Bradbury was scheduled to speak. I learned of the lecture the day after I dreamed of our meeting. So, naturally, I had to go.

On a stage, Bradbury read from his Zen book; he spoke of his childhood, but what resonated for me was that he never went to college. Yet, impassioned, he expressed his desire to learn and to write, a yearning so intense he spent countless hours—years!—in libraries, educating himself.

After his lecture, an authority figure announced the author would not be signing books (apparently, the man in charge knew nothing of my dream) so I, and a score of others, sneaked behind thick curtains, where Bradbury was seated—and waiting.

And he did sign our books and answer our questions. Though I barely remember anything he said as I floated backstage in a state of awe (I’d just had this dream!) and here he was with his shock of white hair, his black-framed glasses.

When it was my turn to hand over my copy, his eyes met mine. And all I could utter was (oh, God, this is so embarrassing to admit) but all I could say was, “I love you.” There, I said it. I told him I loved him. And he signed my book (smiling), stood up, and kissed me on the cheek.

I didn’t tell him about my dream; I barely managed those three simple words. But he seemed to appreciate my declaration, because he only stood for one, mine remained the lone kissed cheek. Or, I made a total ass of myself—but it was worth it.

For after his lecture, I went to college and camped in libraries. In literature classes, I read the enormous books from cover to cover, not just the few assigned poems and stories. And I spent hours and hours in my car and studied (because my three children in the house were so noisy).

Worth it because my signed copy of Zen in the Art of Writing is one of my most treasured possessions. Peek inside the Preface and Bradbury reminds to “dive head first into your typewriter.” And then he ends his opening with a gift:

And now:

I have come up with a new simile to describe myself lately. It can be yours.

Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a landmine. The landmine is me.

After the explosion, I spend the rest of the day putting the pieces together.

Now, it’s your turn. Jump!

So much inspiration! It’s why “I love you” rose and sprung from my lips. And I’m grateful for not squandering the opportunity. Because Ray Bradbury—more than anyone—inspired me to make that leap into my own “deep well” and onto my keyboard.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I’ve never washed that Bradbury-kissed cheek. (Okay, I exaggerate; it’s the writer in me. But I did resist for nearly a week.)

And the kiss—still lives—in memories and dreams.

--

Read more from Darrelyn:

The Voice of Truth and Lies
Twitter: Food for the Muse
Better Than Brad Pitt? (Why You Should Go to Book Events)
Stay on Premise, Please!
The Song of Writing

General | Guest Post

Friday, September 04, 2009 10:24:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Thursday, September 03, 2009

Back from Alaska Round-Up (3 Tips)
Posted by Jane

I just returned from my 1-week adventure in Alaska. It is certainly the most foreign place I've ever been within the United States. You can check out photos here.

Here are 3 tips for your Alaska adventure:

One glacier experience is probably enough to satiate your curiosity about glaciers.
You haven't experienced Alaska unless you take advantage of the ubiquitous bush air services. Air is the most efficient form of transportation to and within the state; most towns do not have road or highway access, and that includes the state capital of Juneau.
Weather is extremely changeable. Think Gore-Tex.

And here are 3 tips on exciting stuff at Writer's Digest that I wasn't able to mention last week since I was completely off the grid (e.g., inside a glacier moulin, as pictured above).

Instant Publishing how-to class (Sep 17)
In one of my last conference workshops, I made the comment that with tools today, you can instantly publish yourself. One writer piped up, "Instant Publishing! I want a book on that topic!" In lieu of a book, I'm teaching a class on Thursday, Sept. 17 that gives you a tour of sites that provide instant publishing capabilities (free, very little or no tech experience required). I'll discuss how and when to make your content free, when to charge, and how to evaluate your success. The class fee is $79, with an opportunity for live Q&A. Click here for more info and a link to register.

8 Tips for Writers on Digital Change in Publishing (WD Conference)
Our big NYC event on Sept 18-20 is only a couple weeks away. If you've been on the fence about it, be sure to check out our very affordable 1-day registration options. You can get an excellent preview of Mike Shatzkin's keynote, "What do you tell a writer about digital change in publishing?" over at his blog. Even if you are not going to the event, don't miss his 8 tips.

New MFA Confidential blog
Just launched this week! Check out our newest addition to the Writer's Digest blog family by Kate Monahan, a 2nd year MFA student at The New School University in downtown New York City. One of her first posts is about 6 lessons learned during her first year.

More wonderful stuff still to come this week, including a guest post tomorrow by Darrelyn Saloom.

Below: A view of the Hubbard Glacier.

Thursday, September 03, 2009 10:39:06 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Monthly News from Glimmer Train
Posted by Jane

Glimmer Train has just selected the 50 winning entries for their first Best Start competition. Each wins $50 and makes Glimmer Train’s Best Start list. This competition is held quarterly and is open only to writers whose fiction has not appeared in a print publication with a circulation over 3,000. Each submission should be an engaging, coherent narrative, but does not need to be a complete story, just an important part of a story in progress. Word count: under 1,000. Their next Best Start competition will take place in September.

Glimmer Train has also chosen the winning stories for their June Fiction Open competition. This competition is held quarterly and is open to all writers for stories with a word count range between 2000-20,000. No theme restrictions. Monthly submission calendar may be viewed here.

First place: Ingrid Hill of Iowa City, IA, wins $2000 for “Pavilion.” Her story will be published in the Fall 2010 issue of Glimmer Train Stories, out in August 2010.

Second place: Adam Theron-Lee Rensch of Bronxville, NY, wins $1000 for “A Day in the Life.” His story will also be published in an upcoming issue of Glimmer Train Stories.

Third place: Sam Ruddick of Brighton, MA, wins $600 for “Flight.”

A PDF of the Top 25 winners can be found here .

--

If you didn't know, Writer's Digest partnered with Glimmer Train to publish two compilation volumes of the best stuff from their Writers Ask newsletter. Be sure to check them out.

General | Getting Published

Wednesday, September 02, 2009 2:59:32 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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