Entering Short Story Contests by Bob Bruggemann
Why enter a short story contest? One answer is to win prizes and services, but the primary reason is for exposure and recognition. It’s the next best thing to getting the entry published.
Some short story contests make submissions public. On other sites, only the winning stories are displayed. Either way, your work will appear before an audience. In rare instances, you may even receive feedback on it.
Short story contests can be scary, as it puts your work up for close inspection. It’s hard to be objective with your own writing. By the time you read and reread the same piece, your mind slips into a surreal fantasy and literally supplies missing words. Get a second or third set of eyes to proof your material and give you a report.
• Receive prizes
• Receive recognition for your labor
• Get Exposure
• Get Reviews
Don’t fear rejection. Keep on submitting. Don’t give up! Check out this SHORT STORY CONTEST for BEGINNERS ONLY at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. (Ends October 20, 2011.)
Short Story Contest Parameters:
• Guidelines (always stay within them)
• Some short story contests use prompts
• Content is first and foremost
Note: Always read the submission guidelines carefully and abide by them or your entry will be discarded as ineligible.
Have Fun
Short story contests immediately connect you with authors and avid readers. They have a unique talent for picking a story apart. A good writing forum will provide you with clear and concise feedback about your work and suggestions to improve it.
• Get your work read, even if it doesn’t win.
• Read your reviews and see where you can improve
• Grow a hard shell. Don’t get hurt feelings. Rewrite the piece and submit it again.
The absolute best part of short story contests is to let your imagination run free. In real life, you have so little control of what is around you, but when you write, you control the story, its inhabitants, and the surroundings. It is your own little world and you’re the king.
Use short story contest opportunities to sharpen your skills and don’t forget to check out this short story contest for beginners. It’s a small contest and your chance of winning is good. First place will receive a cash prize or a free writing course. http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Remember – FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES or your entry will be discarded.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
SHORT STORY CONTEST for BEGINNERS
Third Annual Beginner's Short Story Contest
A contest that is truly for beginner's only! If you have been fortunate enough to sell a book or a short story, congratulations - but you don't qualify for this contest. If you have self-published, you do qualify. This is an honor system.
RULES:
1. Any genre (Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Drama, Children, etc.)
2. 1,000 - 1,750 words
3. There is no entry fee, but since Creative Writing Institute is a non-profit charity that sponsors cancer patients in writing courses, we're asking entrants to donate $1 - $5 donations through credit card or PayPal at http://creativewritinginstitute.com/donate.php. If you can't donate, you're still welcome to enter.
4. Short Story rights remain the property of the author
5. Entries must be G-rated. That means no swearing or vulgarities.
6. Contest ends midnight, USA Eastern Standard Time, October 20, 2011
7. Mail to head judge, jopopek@gmail.com
8. Put WRITING CONTEST in the subject line
9. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, style, and technique
10. NOT following instructions may lead to disqualification
11. Up to two entries per person
12. Winners will be notified by email on or before December 15, 2011.
Prizes: 1st place winner will receive cash (up to $100, depending on donations received) OR a free, tutored writing course at Creative Writing Institute, valued at $200. In addition, the winner will receive two books, Word Magic by Cindy Rogers and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Our thanks go to both Cindy and Barbara for making these prizes available. Winning entry will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and our blogs, along with the winner's bio and picture, if provided.
Second place: Two free tutoring sessions with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and a copy of Word Magic by Cindy Rogers. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Third place: One free tutoring session with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Honorable mentions: Names will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
This is a small contest and your chances of winning are good. Enter now!
If you haven't signed up for The Writer's Choice Newsletter, which is chock full of writing tips, you can do that here: http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Fear not - we won't spam you.
A contest that is truly for beginner's only! If you have been fortunate enough to sell a book or a short story, congratulations - but you don't qualify for this contest. If you have self-published, you do qualify. This is an honor system.
RULES:
1. Any genre (Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Drama, Children, etc.)
2. 1,000 - 1,750 words
3. There is no entry fee, but since Creative Writing Institute is a non-profit charity that sponsors cancer patients in writing courses, we're asking entrants to donate $1 - $5 donations through credit card or PayPal at http://creativewritinginstitute.com/donate.php. If you can't donate, you're still welcome to enter.
4. Short Story rights remain the property of the author
5. Entries must be G-rated. That means no swearing or vulgarities.
6. Contest ends midnight, USA Eastern Standard Time, October 20, 2011
7. Mail to head judge, jopopek@gmail.com
8. Put WRITING CONTEST in the subject line
9. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, style, and technique
10. NOT following instructions may lead to disqualification
11. Up to two entries per person
12. Winners will be notified by email on or before December 15, 2011.
Prizes: 1st place winner will receive cash (up to $100, depending on donations received) OR a free, tutored writing course at Creative Writing Institute, valued at $200. In addition, the winner will receive two books, Word Magic by Cindy Rogers and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Our thanks go to both Cindy and Barbara for making these prizes available. Winning entry will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and our blogs, along with the winner's bio and picture, if provided.
Second place: Two free tutoring sessions with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and a copy of Word Magic by Cindy Rogers. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Third place: One free tutoring session with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Honorable mentions: Names will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
This is a small contest and your chances of winning are good. Enter now!
If you haven't signed up for The Writer's Choice Newsletter, which is chock full of writing tips, you can do that here: http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Fear not - we won't spam you.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Journaling with Your Writing Voice
Use Your Writing Voice to Journal
by guest blogger, Annie Evett
Journaling gives a writer the opportunity to exercise their voice. We all have a story to tell. What better way to express your writing voice than through journaling?
Journal your observations on everyday life. Don't shy away from committing your words to page because you feel your contribution to life is unimportant. What is pedestrian to you will most certainly be exotic to at least a small audience somewhere on the globe.
• Let your writing voice out. Journal first. Worry about getting a publisher or a book deal later. Write to just prove you can do it.
• We are surrounded by those who talk about books they want to write. There are far fewer individuals who actually complete that vision. Write more, talk less.
• Accept your past and all of your experiences as key to shaping who you are. Instead of comparing your writing voice to others, embrace where it is taking you.
• Write from your whole self and from your passions. A clear writing voice will reach your audience. Flavor it with humor. Learn to laugh at yourself. If you like to talk about new ideas, liberally sprinkle them in your writing. Anything less will be unsustainable along your journey as a writer.
• Start journaling the passions and perceptions of events that shape your existence. Do more than write a series of personal events. Put effort into your writing.
A myriad of venues that simply includes surroundings and experiences can stop creative flow. Similarly, a writing voice that holds no structure or theme leaves the audience little to identify with. Even when you write only for yourself, let your writing voice shine.
Can anyone write or is it only for the chosen few?
Perhaps it is for the few that choose to hone their writing voice.
by guest blogger, Annie Evett
Journaling gives a writer the opportunity to exercise their voice. We all have a story to tell. What better way to express your writing voice than through journaling?
Journal your observations on everyday life. Don't shy away from committing your words to page because you feel your contribution to life is unimportant. What is pedestrian to you will most certainly be exotic to at least a small audience somewhere on the globe.
• Let your writing voice out. Journal first. Worry about getting a publisher or a book deal later. Write to just prove you can do it.
• We are surrounded by those who talk about books they want to write. There are far fewer individuals who actually complete that vision. Write more, talk less.
• Accept your past and all of your experiences as key to shaping who you are. Instead of comparing your writing voice to others, embrace where it is taking you.
• Write from your whole self and from your passions. A clear writing voice will reach your audience. Flavor it with humor. Learn to laugh at yourself. If you like to talk about new ideas, liberally sprinkle them in your writing. Anything less will be unsustainable along your journey as a writer.
• Start journaling the passions and perceptions of events that shape your existence. Do more than write a series of personal events. Put effort into your writing.
A myriad of venues that simply includes surroundings and experiences can stop creative flow. Similarly, a writing voice that holds no structure or theme leaves the audience little to identify with. Even when you write only for yourself, let your writing voice shine.
Can anyone write or is it only for the chosen few?
Perhaps it is for the few that choose to hone their writing voice.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
HOW TO PAINT A STORY
STORY PAINTING by guest blogger Sandra Tooley
Painting a story is a lot like painting a picture. My sister is an artist. When she paints a picture of Santa Claus, you can almost smell the smoke coming from his pipe. I happened to be there when she was painting flowerpots for a Christmas bizarre. As I watched, I realized her process wasn’t much different from the one I use to write a book. You can use the same process to write a story.
Step One: Sketching the Story
First, the basics. She painted the terra cotta pot with an undercoat of white. She sketched a scene of a brick house, Christmas tree, a clothesline with Santa’s long underwear hanging from it, a birdhouse, shrubbery, and a deer.
When I start writing, I sketch my basic plot. I usually know the beginning, the end, and several action points I’ll include. Then I let the characters write the story going from Point A to B and C. It’s only a sketch so I write whatever comes to mind without agonizing over whether a scene is working.
Step Two: Add Details to the Story
When Sis completes her sketch, she erases and makes changes, such as adding ornaments to the tree, another plant, and the face of an elf in the window.
When I finish my initial draft, I read through to see what details are added, discover what doesn’t move the story along and what can be deleted. Sometimes I eliminate unnecessary characters or even whole chapters that aren’t essential to the plot.
Step Three: Add Color to Your Story
When Sis is ready to paint, she adds color to her characters and scenery.
When I write, I don’t take time to research. Instead, I type two question marks ?? where I need information. Then I print out all the pages with ?? on them and start picking expert’s brains: my brother, the lawyer; my friend, the nurse; my friend’s husband, the cop. I use a Forensics for Dummies book and of course, the Internet.
Step Four: Add More Story Color
My sister constantly does touches up on her art. She has a way with shading colors that makes everything look real. Santa’s long johns actually look worn, the trees and plants seem to grow in front of your eyes, and the snow looks real enough to cause a shiver.
This is the point where I make sure my characters have a distinct voice, that I have engaged at least two senses on each page, that my setting gives the readers a sense of place, and that the crime and solution are logical.
Step Five: The Critical Eye of Story Telling
This is when Sis turns on the critical eye. She knows the sections that are complete and which ones need more work.
Writers can’t see their own mistakes as clearly as artists can so this is where I pass my manuscript off to the editor or one of my friends. They’re great at catching mistakes that I miss because I’ve been looking at the words for months on end and don’t realize my character had brown eyes in chapter two and blue eyes in chapter twenty. Once I get my friends’ feedback and my editor’s comments, it’s time to make the final changes. Voila! I’m done.
You can comment without signing in. Please do. For more great writing tips, get our newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.
* Sandra Tooley’s Sam Casey Series combines mystery with paranormal (think Medium with a Native American twist). Her Chase Dagger Series combines mystery with fantasy. Dagger takes on cases that are more like X-Files and his assistant is a Shape Shifter (Critics call it MacGyver meets Dark Angel). You can find Sandra’s books in print, audio, and ebook formats. Check out her website at www.sdtooley.com. Her email is sdtooley@sbcglobal.net.
Painting a story is a lot like painting a picture. My sister is an artist. When she paints a picture of Santa Claus, you can almost smell the smoke coming from his pipe. I happened to be there when she was painting flowerpots for a Christmas bizarre. As I watched, I realized her process wasn’t much different from the one I use to write a book. You can use the same process to write a story.
Step One: Sketching the Story
First, the basics. She painted the terra cotta pot with an undercoat of white. She sketched a scene of a brick house, Christmas tree, a clothesline with Santa’s long underwear hanging from it, a birdhouse, shrubbery, and a deer.
When I start writing, I sketch my basic plot. I usually know the beginning, the end, and several action points I’ll include. Then I let the characters write the story going from Point A to B and C. It’s only a sketch so I write whatever comes to mind without agonizing over whether a scene is working.
Step Two: Add Details to the Story
When Sis completes her sketch, she erases and makes changes, such as adding ornaments to the tree, another plant, and the face of an elf in the window.
When I finish my initial draft, I read through to see what details are added, discover what doesn’t move the story along and what can be deleted. Sometimes I eliminate unnecessary characters or even whole chapters that aren’t essential to the plot.
Step Three: Add Color to Your Story
When Sis is ready to paint, she adds color to her characters and scenery.
When I write, I don’t take time to research. Instead, I type two question marks ?? where I need information. Then I print out all the pages with ?? on them and start picking expert’s brains: my brother, the lawyer; my friend, the nurse; my friend’s husband, the cop. I use a Forensics for Dummies book and of course, the Internet.
Step Four: Add More Story Color
My sister constantly does touches up on her art. She has a way with shading colors that makes everything look real. Santa’s long johns actually look worn, the trees and plants seem to grow in front of your eyes, and the snow looks real enough to cause a shiver.
This is the point where I make sure my characters have a distinct voice, that I have engaged at least two senses on each page, that my setting gives the readers a sense of place, and that the crime and solution are logical.
Step Five: The Critical Eye of Story Telling
This is when Sis turns on the critical eye. She knows the sections that are complete and which ones need more work.
Writers can’t see their own mistakes as clearly as artists can so this is where I pass my manuscript off to the editor or one of my friends. They’re great at catching mistakes that I miss because I’ve been looking at the words for months on end and don’t realize my character had brown eyes in chapter two and blue eyes in chapter twenty. Once I get my friends’ feedback and my editor’s comments, it’s time to make the final changes. Voila! I’m done.
You can comment without signing in. Please do. For more great writing tips, get our newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.
* Sandra Tooley’s Sam Casey Series combines mystery with paranormal (think Medium with a Native American twist). Her Chase Dagger Series combines mystery with fantasy. Dagger takes on cases that are more like X-Files and his assistant is a Shape Shifter (Critics call it MacGyver meets Dark Angel). You can find Sandra’s books in print, audio, and ebook formats. Check out her website at www.sdtooley.com. Her email is sdtooley@sbcglobal.net.
Friday, August 5, 2011
How to Get Published
Get Published Right Away
Where do I submit my stuff?
By guest blogger, Annie Evett
Where do new writers get published? You’ve just finished writing material that you think is pretty good, but you’re not sure where to send it. Most writers begin their career by submitting to free publications such as e-anthologies (ebooks or pdfs available online), e-zines (online magazines or newsletters)or local newspapers. The thrill of seeing your name in the byline is reward enough, but accepted and published work also reinforces the belief that your work has some quality. It exposes your talents to a new audience, boosts your ego, and may pave the way to paid work.
When seeking publication, be sure to:
1. Check your work for:
• Grammatical and spelling errors
• Beta read by at least two other people. (Beta readers are people outside your immediate family or friend circle and who are more likely to give you constructive feedback. Their role is to give an impression of how your piece will be received by the audience you’re targeting. Beta readers don’t edit or correct your piece. Try to find someone with some writing experience.)
• Act upon their feedback
• Rewrite to perfection
• Submit to an editor (know the editor’s name)
2. Craft a cover letter and a short biography (up to 50 words)
3. Submit a publicity photo (clear head shot) of yourself in electronic format. Most publications will include this in your byline at the end of your piece.
4. Write a publishing goal for yourself and make a specific date. (Answer such questions as what is most important to you? To be paid? How much? To be published? Be recognized? Why? By whom?) Post your goal in a prominent place near your writing area. These answers will arm you with a basic level of professionalism.
Data bases of markets open to emerging writers:
Duotropes http://www.duotrope.com/
Worldwide Freelance http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/
Fiction Writing Markets http://www.writerswrite.com/fiction/markets.htm
The Short Story http://www.theshortstory.org.uk/prizes/
Writers Weekly http://www.writersweekly.com/markets_and_jobs.php
Womagwriter http://womagwriter.blogspot.com This blog highlights magazines that accept short story submissions across several countries. They also provide writers guidelines and the blog will keep you up to date with what’s happening in the market.
Also Open for Submissions:
Untitled http://www.untitledonline.com.au Fiction of any genre - 350 words to 5000 words.
Ether books - http://www.etherbooks.co.uk/ - open to any genre in fiction. Specifically looking at short stories or serial stories. This platform publishes to mobile devices and are available through itunes.
Global Short Stories http://www.globalshortstories.net - all genres all themes - short stories under 2000 words.
Noble Romance - https://www.nobleromance.com Sweethearts (no sex or sexual overtones) and Erotica (more saucy)- Short Stories– 3-10K words. Novellas 10,001-29,999K, 30+K words and up for novels
Wet Ink - http://www.wetink.com.au A magazine of new writing - open to fiction (including genre fiction), creative non-fiction, poetry, memoir, essays and opinion pieces
eFiction http://authors.efictionmag.com/ online monthly magazine - all genres
Red Asylum - http://theredasylum.webs.com/ Quarterly online magazine, devoted to the discovery and publication of dark and twisted stories.
Lyrical Press http://www.lyricalpress.com Seeking erotica, romance, and urban fantasy short stories (15K) through to novels
Got your stories posted on your site and want some readers? These sites are community-run listings of online fiction where you can post a link to your stories and go and check out other writers work. This is particularly handy in order to get feedback from other writers and build your own support group.
Webfiction http://webfictionguide.com/
Write Anythings Fiction Friday http://wa.emergent-publishing.com/writing-prompts/
Mad Utopia http://MadUtopia.com/blog/fridayflash/what-is-fridayflash/
Make sure you follow the submission guidelines carefully - and good luck!
For more great tips, get The Writer’s Choice Newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Please take a moment to rate this article and make a comment. Bookmark us! Happy day!
Where do I submit my stuff?
By guest blogger, Annie Evett
Where do new writers get published? You’ve just finished writing material that you think is pretty good, but you’re not sure where to send it. Most writers begin their career by submitting to free publications such as e-anthologies (ebooks or pdfs available online), e-zines (online magazines or newsletters)or local newspapers. The thrill of seeing your name in the byline is reward enough, but accepted and published work also reinforces the belief that your work has some quality. It exposes your talents to a new audience, boosts your ego, and may pave the way to paid work.
When seeking publication, be sure to:
1. Check your work for:
• Grammatical and spelling errors
• Beta read by at least two other people. (Beta readers are people outside your immediate family or friend circle and who are more likely to give you constructive feedback. Their role is to give an impression of how your piece will be received by the audience you’re targeting. Beta readers don’t edit or correct your piece. Try to find someone with some writing experience.)
• Act upon their feedback
• Rewrite to perfection
• Submit to an editor (know the editor’s name)
2. Craft a cover letter and a short biography (up to 50 words)
3. Submit a publicity photo (clear head shot) of yourself in electronic format. Most publications will include this in your byline at the end of your piece.
4. Write a publishing goal for yourself and make a specific date. (Answer such questions as what is most important to you? To be paid? How much? To be published? Be recognized? Why? By whom?) Post your goal in a prominent place near your writing area. These answers will arm you with a basic level of professionalism.
Data bases of markets open to emerging writers:
Duotropes http://www.duotrope.com/
Worldwide Freelance http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/
Fiction Writing Markets http://www.writerswrite.com/fiction/markets.htm
The Short Story http://www.theshortstory.org.uk/prizes/
Writers Weekly http://www.writersweekly.com/markets_and_jobs.php
Womagwriter http://womagwriter.blogspot.com This blog highlights magazines that accept short story submissions across several countries. They also provide writers guidelines and the blog will keep you up to date with what’s happening in the market.
Also Open for Submissions:
Untitled http://www.untitledonline.com.au Fiction of any genre - 350 words to 5000 words.
Ether books - http://www.etherbooks.co.uk/ - open to any genre in fiction. Specifically looking at short stories or serial stories. This platform publishes to mobile devices and are available through itunes.
Global Short Stories http://www.globalshortstories.net - all genres all themes - short stories under 2000 words.
Noble Romance - https://www.nobleromance.com Sweethearts (no sex or sexual overtones) and Erotica (more saucy)- Short Stories– 3-10K words. Novellas 10,001-29,999K, 30+K words and up for novels
Wet Ink - http://www.wetink.com.au A magazine of new writing - open to fiction (including genre fiction), creative non-fiction, poetry, memoir, essays and opinion pieces
eFiction http://authors.efictionmag.com/ online monthly magazine - all genres
Red Asylum - http://theredasylum.webs.com/ Quarterly online magazine, devoted to the discovery and publication of dark and twisted stories.
Lyrical Press http://www.lyricalpress.com Seeking erotica, romance, and urban fantasy short stories (15K) through to novels
Got your stories posted on your site and want some readers? These sites are community-run listings of online fiction where you can post a link to your stories and go and check out other writers work. This is particularly handy in order to get feedback from other writers and build your own support group.
Webfiction http://webfictionguide.com/
Write Anythings Fiction Friday http://wa.emergent-publishing.com/writing-prompts/
Mad Utopia http://MadUtopia.com/blog/fridayflash/what-is-fridayflash/
Make sure you follow the submission guidelines carefully - and good luck!
For more great tips, get The Writer’s Choice Newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Please take a moment to rate this article and make a comment. Bookmark us! Happy day!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Benefits of Journaling
Good Reasons Why You Should Journal
by guest blogger Annie Evett
We write for myriads of reasons:
• To share with others
• To seek social justice
• For self expression
• As a journey of self discovery
• To privately meditate
Journaling is a tool. Listen carefully and you’ll hear the deepest voice of your soul emerge. Open the door to your soul and allow empowerment to blossom. Let the words flow until you situation in black and white. Sometimes issues will resolve themselves, but even if they don't, confronting them will help you work through the pain.
Journaling provides opportunity to question yourself on a deeper level. Once you find the courage to voice the questions, it will be easier to find the answers… answers that may offer inspiration, further pondering, or maybe the base for a new character or article.
Reflective writing will help you keep in touch with honest feelings, explore without judgment, sense intimacy through movement, and process life.
Journaling will help you find solutions. Some people prefer the private formatting of pen and paper while others release through a keyboard or blog. Whichever you choose, commit to it on a daily basis. Don’t edit thoughts or direction the first five minutes. More often than not, the time will stretch and skills will ensue. Don’t worry about the end. It will come when you’re ready for it.
Every reflection will help solve your puzzle. You’ll clarify your thoughts and before you know it, past patterns of life will emerge as resurfaced memories. The incidents from yesteryear have formed your present being, but now you’ll be able to view them as a bridge between the present and the past.
Grant yourself the time to search your soul, understand yourself better, explore the pain, find new purpose, heal, and connect with the world around you. You’ll find that the song you sing will not only warble for you, but it will provide a guiding light for countless others.
Journaling is part of writing therapy and that's what we special in at Creative Writing Institute. Drop by for a visit at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and find more great writing tips in The Writer's Choice Newsletter, available on that page.
Have you journaled (or written in a diary)? Tell us how it helped you work through issues.
by guest blogger Annie Evett
We write for myriads of reasons:
• To share with others
• To seek social justice
• For self expression
• As a journey of self discovery
• To privately meditate
Journaling is a tool. Listen carefully and you’ll hear the deepest voice of your soul emerge. Open the door to your soul and allow empowerment to blossom. Let the words flow until you situation in black and white. Sometimes issues will resolve themselves, but even if they don't, confronting them will help you work through the pain.
Journaling provides opportunity to question yourself on a deeper level. Once you find the courage to voice the questions, it will be easier to find the answers… answers that may offer inspiration, further pondering, or maybe the base for a new character or article.
Reflective writing will help you keep in touch with honest feelings, explore without judgment, sense intimacy through movement, and process life.
Journaling will help you find solutions. Some people prefer the private formatting of pen and paper while others release through a keyboard or blog. Whichever you choose, commit to it on a daily basis. Don’t edit thoughts or direction the first five minutes. More often than not, the time will stretch and skills will ensue. Don’t worry about the end. It will come when you’re ready for it.
Every reflection will help solve your puzzle. You’ll clarify your thoughts and before you know it, past patterns of life will emerge as resurfaced memories. The incidents from yesteryear have formed your present being, but now you’ll be able to view them as a bridge between the present and the past.
Grant yourself the time to search your soul, understand yourself better, explore the pain, find new purpose, heal, and connect with the world around you. You’ll find that the song you sing will not only warble for you, but it will provide a guiding light for countless others.
Journaling is part of writing therapy and that's what we special in at Creative Writing Institute. Drop by for a visit at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and find more great writing tips in The Writer's Choice Newsletter, available on that page.
Have you journaled (or written in a diary)? Tell us how it helped you work through issues.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Novel Writing Isn't for Beginners
Beginners Writing Novels? Oh No!
Why does every beginning writer want to write a book about their rough life? Don't waste your time attacking me. A hundred newbies are beating my door down now. By the time you arrive there will be little left to the imagination but… you might send a sympathy card to my husband.
I can speak on this subject authoritatively. Why? Because I did it. I wish someone had told me I was wasting my time. I wish they had told me to save the serious writing for when I learned a little about the craft. That's why I say novel writing is something that should be left for those who have AT LEAST a little experience... and when I say a "little experience", I mean experience in publication.
And now for the second brutal fact of life: the general public doesn't care about your rough life... UNLESS it can be of practical value to them. The day for caring about what happened to your neighbor is nearly at an end. Today's public is out for one thing - and that is - "What's in it for me?" You have to answer that question.
But there are other reasons why beginners shouldn't try to write novels. Do you know:
• what a hook is? (No, you don't fish with it.)
• how to build with proper foundation and structure? (Nope. No cement involved in this kind of construction.)
• what a theme is? (I'm not referring to holidays or Disneyland.)
• what a plot is, or how to build it? (Nope - not a plot of ground.)
• how to build a character or give them "warts"? (I'm not talking about real warts on the Wicked Witch of the West.)
• what an arc is or where to place it? (Nope, it's not a rainbow.)
• what resolutions are or how to resolve them? (Sounds like something that should be in a contract, doesn't it?)
• or how to write a properly crafted, publishable 2,000 word short story? (Ah, now we're getting down to brass tacks.)
So where does that leave you? Probably at the corner of I Don't Care, I'm Gonna Write it Anyway and How Do I Learn All This Stuff? My answer is, go south one block and turn right on Writing Course Avenue.
Don't try to start at the top of the ladder. Take your place as a beginner and earn your stripes like the rest of us. Two classes will get you off the ground and give you a good foundation but learning the art will take years so settle in for the long haul. Only the persistent make it. There are no shortcuts. If there were, I'd write an exposé and become an overnight millionaire.
If you truly don't have money to take writing courses, read and study every article you can find on writing. The net is full of them. Take notes! Subscribe to a good writing magazine (I like The Writer, and no, I don't have affiliations with them). Write to people who own writing websites and ask specific questions. Get to know writers on Facebook and LinkedIn. Join a writing group such as www.writing.com. They have a five-star rating system where you can post your work and receive ratings. In return, you rate the writing of others. Another good site is My Writer's Circle at www.mywriterscircle.com.
But before you join a writing group, make up your mind to accept and act upon 95% of the suggestions and criticisms you receive. Resolve to step out of your Hanes Hurt Feelings Underwear and stand naked before the truth. That's when you'll really find the help you seek.
So – when should you write the novel that you can't get out of your mind? You can start on it now – in your spare time. Form a rough outline by using working (temporary) titles and write anywhere from two sentences to a paragraph about each one. Yes, you can depart from the outline but it will always be there to help pull you back into form. Write fifty questions about each of the two main characters and answer those questions. Find a picture of them in a magazine or catalog and place it where you'll see it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. These are things you should do in preparation. Don't waste your time trying to write the book in full. You'll only have to rewrite the whole thing a dozen or more times. Just get the ideas down and get well acquainted with your characters.
In the meantime, work on learning how to craft a good 2,000 word short story (the equivalent of one chapter). When you sell one or two short stories, it will be time to take a novel writing class.
Paperback novels usually run about 50,000 words. A hardback book will run upwards of 80,000. Now really, don't you think it would be wise to learn how to write one proper chapter before you begin a novel? It's just common sense. A book is a monstrous commitment and the disappointment of rejection is huge. Start small. Think big. Good luck!
For more great writing tips, see http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Our newsletter is super!
Why does every beginning writer want to write a book about their rough life? Don't waste your time attacking me. A hundred newbies are beating my door down now. By the time you arrive there will be little left to the imagination but… you might send a sympathy card to my husband.
I can speak on this subject authoritatively. Why? Because I did it. I wish someone had told me I was wasting my time. I wish they had told me to save the serious writing for when I learned a little about the craft. That's why I say novel writing is something that should be left for those who have AT LEAST a little experience... and when I say a "little experience", I mean experience in publication.
And now for the second brutal fact of life: the general public doesn't care about your rough life... UNLESS it can be of practical value to them. The day for caring about what happened to your neighbor is nearly at an end. Today's public is out for one thing - and that is - "What's in it for me?" You have to answer that question.
But there are other reasons why beginners shouldn't try to write novels. Do you know:
• what a hook is? (No, you don't fish with it.)
• how to build with proper foundation and structure? (Nope. No cement involved in this kind of construction.)
• what a theme is? (I'm not referring to holidays or Disneyland.)
• what a plot is, or how to build it? (Nope - not a plot of ground.)
• how to build a character or give them "warts"? (I'm not talking about real warts on the Wicked Witch of the West.)
• what an arc is or where to place it? (Nope, it's not a rainbow.)
• what resolutions are or how to resolve them? (Sounds like something that should be in a contract, doesn't it?)
• or how to write a properly crafted, publishable 2,000 word short story? (Ah, now we're getting down to brass tacks.)
So where does that leave you? Probably at the corner of I Don't Care, I'm Gonna Write it Anyway and How Do I Learn All This Stuff? My answer is, go south one block and turn right on Writing Course Avenue.
Don't try to start at the top of the ladder. Take your place as a beginner and earn your stripes like the rest of us. Two classes will get you off the ground and give you a good foundation but learning the art will take years so settle in for the long haul. Only the persistent make it. There are no shortcuts. If there were, I'd write an exposé and become an overnight millionaire.
If you truly don't have money to take writing courses, read and study every article you can find on writing. The net is full of them. Take notes! Subscribe to a good writing magazine (I like The Writer, and no, I don't have affiliations with them). Write to people who own writing websites and ask specific questions. Get to know writers on Facebook and LinkedIn. Join a writing group such as www.writing.com. They have a five-star rating system where you can post your work and receive ratings. In return, you rate the writing of others. Another good site is My Writer's Circle at www.mywriterscircle.com.
But before you join a writing group, make up your mind to accept and act upon 95% of the suggestions and criticisms you receive. Resolve to step out of your Hanes Hurt Feelings Underwear and stand naked before the truth. That's when you'll really find the help you seek.
So – when should you write the novel that you can't get out of your mind? You can start on it now – in your spare time. Form a rough outline by using working (temporary) titles and write anywhere from two sentences to a paragraph about each one. Yes, you can depart from the outline but it will always be there to help pull you back into form. Write fifty questions about each of the two main characters and answer those questions. Find a picture of them in a magazine or catalog and place it where you'll see it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. These are things you should do in preparation. Don't waste your time trying to write the book in full. You'll only have to rewrite the whole thing a dozen or more times. Just get the ideas down and get well acquainted with your characters.
In the meantime, work on learning how to craft a good 2,000 word short story (the equivalent of one chapter). When you sell one or two short stories, it will be time to take a novel writing class.
Paperback novels usually run about 50,000 words. A hardback book will run upwards of 80,000. Now really, don't you think it would be wise to learn how to write one proper chapter before you begin a novel? It's just common sense. A book is a monstrous commitment and the disappointment of rejection is huge. Start small. Think big. Good luck!
For more great writing tips, see http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Our newsletter is super!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Persistence in Writing
Writing Persistence Wins in the Long Run
Persistence is the key to success. Out of 100 people, only 50 will finish their writing project. Out of those 50, about 25 will quit after their first rejection. Out of the remaining 25, only 12 will follow the guidelines & submit properly. Out of that 12, only 7 or 8 will match their work to the proper source.
Your odds are better than you thought! Here's the moral to the story:
1. Choose your market FIRST and then write the story/article to match the market. (Line up three markets at a time so that when [not if] you get your rejection slip, you can pop it into the mail to the next market)
2. Finish the project
3. Edit it properly
4. Read the market's guidelines and follow them to the letter
5. Call the market and learn the editor's name. Be sure to get the spelling correct. (Editors move around a lot. You may see the editor's name as you research, but that's old news. That editor may not still be there.)
6. Submit, submit, submit, submit
7. Keep your rejection slips. Frame them in gold. It means you went further than 93% of the writers did.
8. Pop it into the mail to the next market. If it doesn't sell after three submissions, something is wrong. Ask a veteran writer to look at it and and give you an honest critique.
For more great writing tips, sign up for our newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. If you like this article, drop a quick comment and click on "Like". Thanks!
Persistence is the key to success. Out of 100 people, only 50 will finish their writing project. Out of those 50, about 25 will quit after their first rejection. Out of the remaining 25, only 12 will follow the guidelines & submit properly. Out of that 12, only 7 or 8 will match their work to the proper source.
Your odds are better than you thought! Here's the moral to the story:
1. Choose your market FIRST and then write the story/article to match the market. (Line up three markets at a time so that when [not if] you get your rejection slip, you can pop it into the mail to the next market)
2. Finish the project
3. Edit it properly
4. Read the market's guidelines and follow them to the letter
5. Call the market and learn the editor's name. Be sure to get the spelling correct. (Editors move around a lot. You may see the editor's name as you research, but that's old news. That editor may not still be there.)
6. Submit, submit, submit, submit
7. Keep your rejection slips. Frame them in gold. It means you went further than 93% of the writers did.
8. Pop it into the mail to the next market. If it doesn't sell after three submissions, something is wrong. Ask a veteran writer to look at it and and give you an honest critique.
For more great writing tips, sign up for our newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. If you like this article, drop a quick comment and click on "Like". Thanks!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
E-Publishing - Should You Do It?
To E-Publish or Not E-Publish... That is the Question
by guest blogger Nicholas Boving
Let’s face it, for the little-known author, getting a book into print is tough. Regular publishing is nearly impossible. Self-publishing is an exercise in frustration and sales rarely cover the cost. Besides, who wants a garage full of moldy, unsold books? Any way you look at it, your earnings per hour will average below starvation wage.
So what’s the alternative? After a stuttering, stammering start, E-Book Publishing is making a comeback in spades. The giants of the book selling world, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, have grabbed the baton and made their presence known.
But again, it comes down to self-promotion. Shameless self promotion. Put the information on Facebook. Send it to your friends and ask them to pass the message on. Twitter as hard as your little fat fingers will type. Blog about it. Guest blog about it. Get on LinkedIn and other such sites, set up a professional profile, hang out with authors and advertise your E-books. Use provocative titles that ask questions or make bold statements.
The Big Secret: Upload your babies to an E-Book site, bite the bullet and let it go for nothing. That’s right, for zip, nada, as in FREE! If you’ve only got one book, set a time limit on your offer. If you’ve got more than one, maybe rotate them. Study some of the E-Books you read and get ideas on how to present your idea in the best way possible. You'll want to use colors, bold headlines, bullet points, etc. Not too many people can resist a freebie that meets a need. The name of the game is to get readers.
Of course there are no guarantees in life and even fewer in publishing, but at least with E-Books your destiny is in your own hands and it won't cost you a cent. Why not give it a try?
You can see Nick's E-books at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Nicholas.
For more great writing tips, subscribe to The Writer's Choice at Creative Writing Institute at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.
by guest blogger Nicholas Boving
Let’s face it, for the little-known author, getting a book into print is tough. Regular publishing is nearly impossible. Self-publishing is an exercise in frustration and sales rarely cover the cost. Besides, who wants a garage full of moldy, unsold books? Any way you look at it, your earnings per hour will average below starvation wage.
So what’s the alternative? After a stuttering, stammering start, E-Book Publishing is making a comeback in spades. The giants of the book selling world, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, have grabbed the baton and made their presence known.
But again, it comes down to self-promotion. Shameless self promotion. Put the information on Facebook. Send it to your friends and ask them to pass the message on. Twitter as hard as your little fat fingers will type. Blog about it. Guest blog about it. Get on LinkedIn and other such sites, set up a professional profile, hang out with authors and advertise your E-books. Use provocative titles that ask questions or make bold statements.
The Big Secret: Upload your babies to an E-Book site, bite the bullet and let it go for nothing. That’s right, for zip, nada, as in FREE! If you’ve only got one book, set a time limit on your offer. If you’ve got more than one, maybe rotate them. Study some of the E-Books you read and get ideas on how to present your idea in the best way possible. You'll want to use colors, bold headlines, bullet points, etc. Not too many people can resist a freebie that meets a need. The name of the game is to get readers.
Of course there are no guarantees in life and even fewer in publishing, but at least with E-Books your destiny is in your own hands and it won't cost you a cent. Why not give it a try?
You can see Nick's E-books at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Nicholas.
For more great writing tips, subscribe to The Writer's Choice at Creative Writing Institute at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Valentine Party
It's time for a break, so let's have fun this week. Guest blogger, Jill Lundberg, (chef and caterer for NASA launch) gives us this great idea:
Valentine's Day is an exciting excuse to throw a party. Have everybody wear red apparel. Guests will be in a loving mood and looking for a good time. It doesn’t matter whether you invite couples or singles or a mixture of both but it always adds spice to add some new friends.
Make the house bright and festive. Decorations are easy and available. Buy or cut out red hearts then cut the hearts out in double layers using a jigsaw pattern so that each heart half only matches one other. Put half of each heart into a container for the women and the other half into a container for the men. Before your guests sit down for dinner, have each person draw half a heart from the proper container and find the person with the matching half. This will really spark dinner conversation and it will also eliminate the need to worry about seating.
Joke for the week:
A gal went to a doctor with black eyes, a badly bruised arm and missing teeth.
"What happened to you?” the doctor said.
"Every time my husband and I argue, he beats me up. I love him, but I just can’t take it any more."
"You need the Sweet Tea solution."
"What's that?" she said.
"Every time your husband is in the same room with you, take a mouthful of sweet tea. As long as he remains in the room you may swish it around or even gargle, but don't swallow it or spit it out. Come back in a month and we'll see how that works."
The next month she returned and looked great.
"How are you doing?" the doctor said.
"The Sweet Tea solution worked great. What's the secret?"
"You couldn't talk."
For more great ideas and recipes, drop in for a visit at http://www.lettucemakeyoulaugh.com.
Valentine's Day is an exciting excuse to throw a party. Have everybody wear red apparel. Guests will be in a loving mood and looking for a good time. It doesn’t matter whether you invite couples or singles or a mixture of both but it always adds spice to add some new friends.
Make the house bright and festive. Decorations are easy and available. Buy or cut out red hearts then cut the hearts out in double layers using a jigsaw pattern so that each heart half only matches one other. Put half of each heart into a container for the women and the other half into a container for the men. Before your guests sit down for dinner, have each person draw half a heart from the proper container and find the person with the matching half. This will really spark dinner conversation and it will also eliminate the need to worry about seating.
Joke for the week:
A gal went to a doctor with black eyes, a badly bruised arm and missing teeth.
"What happened to you?” the doctor said.
"Every time my husband and I argue, he beats me up. I love him, but I just can’t take it any more."
"You need the Sweet Tea solution."
"What's that?" she said.
"Every time your husband is in the same room with you, take a mouthful of sweet tea. As long as he remains in the room you may swish it around or even gargle, but don't swallow it or spit it out. Come back in a month and we'll see how that works."
The next month she returned and looked great.
"How are you doing?" the doctor said.
"The Sweet Tea solution worked great. What's the secret?"
"You couldn't talk."
For more great ideas and recipes, drop in for a visit at http://www.lettucemakeyoulaugh.com.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What is Your Story?
What is Your Story?
by guest blogger, Annie Evett
The old saw, “write what you know,” is good advice. However, many aspiring writers shy away from exposing their private lives to the public. They mistakenly believe that nothing of importance happens to them and that other people’s lives are far more interesting. But consider this: what is pedestrian or humdrum to you will almost certainly seem exotic to someone else. Accept your past and embrace your experiences. They have shaped you. Don’t compare your story with others. Yours is unique.
Write first. Getting yourself published is not a concern at this time. Just write. Prove to yourself and others that you can do it.
To keep the creative juices flowing, you must write every day. But, beware! Ideas will dry up if you quit writing, even for a few days. Those who intend to write a book are everywhere among us. Far fewer individuals actually realize their vision so talk less and write more.
Write from your passions. Only bored writers write boring stories. Have the courage to dig down deep and bring out the real stories. Talk about your pains and joys and hide those tidbits of secrecy within your characters. That’s what people are interested in. To make an impression on your audience, make your writer’s voice clear, energetic and authentic. If you have a sense of humor, use it. If people don't laugh with you on a regular basis, don't try to be funny. If you like to talk about ideas, sprinkle them liberally throughout your writing. Be yourself. It’s important. Anything less will be unsustainable along your journey.
Writing is more than just sitting down and scribbling whatever comes to mind. To be effective, you must have some inclination toward sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Most people can write if they really want to, but learning the craft involves knowledge of plot, theme, and characterization, among other things.
Can anyone write or is it only for the chosen few? Perhaps it’s only for the persistent few who choose to continually hone their skills.
For more great tips, get The Writer's Choice Newsletter at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Fear not. They won't sell your address or spam you.
Monday, December 27, 2010
WRITING TIP: Writing Syle, Brits vs. Americans
Writing tip: Semi-colons and Show, Don't Tell
Did you know it's all but a cardinal sin NOT to use frequent semi-colons in British writing? And did you know the Brits use far more telling than they do showing? So... who's right? The Brits or the Americans? It isn't a matter of who's right. It's a matter of who you want to sell to. Ever hear the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?"
In America, you aren't likely to sell much (if anything) unless you use the Show, Don't Tell rule - which means you should paint a picture of the action and not say it outright. In other words, the art in showing is found in hinting at what you want your reader to imagine. For example, if you were to say, "She blushed," you would be telling the action. If, however, you said, "Shades of scarlet crept up her neck and into her cheeks," you would be showing the blush. Do you see how telling speaks it outright and showing hints at what you want the reader to imagine? So methinks the Brits take the easy way out on this.
When it comes to punctuation, Brits love to use the semi-colon; American publishers hate it; if you use one semi-colon in a whole story it's one too many; semi-colons skew the lines between commas and periods; the Brits rather like to run it all together; whereas the Americans like everything cut. And dried. Ker-chop.
So the conclusion is this: Know who you're submitting to, where they're located and what they want. Or... the secondary answer is, if you don't have a handle on "showing" and you're prone to filling your stories with semi-colons, peddle it to the Brits. For more great writing tips, get The Writer's Choice Newsletter here: http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Did you know it's all but a cardinal sin NOT to use frequent semi-colons in British writing? And did you know the Brits use far more telling than they do showing? So... who's right? The Brits or the Americans? It isn't a matter of who's right. It's a matter of who you want to sell to. Ever hear the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?"
In America, you aren't likely to sell much (if anything) unless you use the Show, Don't Tell rule - which means you should paint a picture of the action and not say it outright. In other words, the art in showing is found in hinting at what you want your reader to imagine. For example, if you were to say, "She blushed," you would be telling the action. If, however, you said, "Shades of scarlet crept up her neck and into her cheeks," you would be showing the blush. Do you see how telling speaks it outright and showing hints at what you want the reader to imagine? So methinks the Brits take the easy way out on this.
When it comes to punctuation, Brits love to use the semi-colon; American publishers hate it; if you use one semi-colon in a whole story it's one too many; semi-colons skew the lines between commas and periods; the Brits rather like to run it all together; whereas the Americans like everything cut. And dried. Ker-chop.
So the conclusion is this: Know who you're submitting to, where they're located and what they want. Or... the secondary answer is, if you don't have a handle on "showing" and you're prone to filling your stories with semi-colons, peddle it to the Brits. For more great writing tips, get The Writer's Choice Newsletter here: http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CHRISTMAS WRITING SALE - WRITING COURSES
Writing $ale Now in Progress!
Eight-week privately tutored writing courses, originally $200, now available at only $140 until January 15, 2011. Lowest prices ever! Your tuition will help scholarship a cancer patient in writing therapy. Lock in the price today and take your course any time in 2011. Classes are filling (12 per class) so hurry! * Conditions apply. See http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Eight-week privately tutored writing courses, originally $200, now available at only $140 until January 15, 2011. Lowest prices ever! Your tuition will help scholarship a cancer patient in writing therapy. Lock in the price today and take your course any time in 2011. Classes are filling (12 per class) so hurry! * Conditions apply. See http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
CHRISTMAS WRITING SALE - WRITING COURSES
CHRISTMAS WRITING $ALE
This is a great time of year to make writing a priority. Ask for money for Christmas and use it for a writing course. And speaking of writing courses, Creative Writing Institute is having the biggest sale on writing classes it has ever had. All prices are slashed to the bone. Hurry!
Eight-week, privately tutored classes are ONLY $140.
Conditions apply:
1. Sorry, no payment plan available for this sale
2. No Refunds
3. Lock in the price now and take classes any time in 2011
4. Students must select from courses available at the time of study
5. Twelve students per class
CHECK IT OUT at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
This is a great time of year to make writing a priority. Ask for money for Christmas and use it for a writing course. And speaking of writing courses, Creative Writing Institute is having the biggest sale on writing classes it has ever had. All prices are slashed to the bone. Hurry!
Eight-week, privately tutored classes are ONLY $140.
Conditions apply:
1. Sorry, no payment plan available for this sale
2. No Refunds
3. Lock in the price now and take classes any time in 2011
4. Students must select from courses available at the time of study
5. Twelve students per class
CHECK IT OUT at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Amateur Writing Contest Ends - On to the Judging!
Amateur Writing Contest
Our amateur writing contest was a huge success… small enough for good competition but big enough for… uh… good competition. :D Thank you one and all. On to the judging! We’ll notify you as soon as possible. Allow up to two months.
NOTE: I just changed the controls on this site so that you can comment without joining the site, filling in a code or leaving an email address. I know your time is limited and we welcome your comments. Quick and easy!
WRITING TIP: Writing is easier when you have the proper tools. I’m not talking about having fingers to type or write (although that helps). I’m talking about things that will keep you motivated such as joining a writing group, posting your work in those groups, giving and receiving comments, subscribing to The Writer Magazine (or some other) and getting a marketing book such as Writer’s Market. Invest at least $50 a year in yourself. Write 15 min. every single day – even if it’s only about the tidbits of life.
What questions do you have about writing? Just ask and we’ll answer. Please bookmark us, hit “like” and all that good stuff. Help us out and drop in for a visit at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. You can also find me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Happy day!
Our amateur writing contest was a huge success… small enough for good competition but big enough for… uh… good competition. :D Thank you one and all. On to the judging! We’ll notify you as soon as possible. Allow up to two months.
NOTE: I just changed the controls on this site so that you can comment without joining the site, filling in a code or leaving an email address. I know your time is limited and we welcome your comments. Quick and easy!
WRITING TIP: Writing is easier when you have the proper tools. I’m not talking about having fingers to type or write (although that helps). I’m talking about things that will keep you motivated such as joining a writing group, posting your work in those groups, giving and receiving comments, subscribing to The Writer Magazine (or some other) and getting a marketing book such as Writer’s Market. Invest at least $50 a year in yourself. Write 15 min. every single day – even if it’s only about the tidbits of life.
What questions do you have about writing? Just ask and we’ll answer. Please bookmark us, hit “like” and all that good stuff. Help us out and drop in for a visit at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. You can also find me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Happy day!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
AMATEUR WRITING CONTEST CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT
AMATEUR WRITING CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT. It's not too late to join in the fun. NO FEES. CASH PRIZE - Sure will come in handy for Christmas shopping. Hurry! There's still time! See guidelines at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.
WRITING TIP: It's almost impossible 2 find a subject that hasn't been covered. How you build the characters and plot (angle) is what makes your story unique.
WRITING TIP: It's almost impossible 2 find a subject that hasn't been covered. How you build the characters and plot (angle) is what makes your story unique.
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