| Food for Thought |
| Art by Mj Gillot |
FRAN SPEAKS OUT! Talk with Children's Book Author Fran Lewis |
Keeping It Together - Dellani Oakes |
If you're like me, you need an intervention. No, not with drugs, alcohol or gambling, organization!
My desk and files are an organizational nightmare! I'm not the most disorganized person I know, but I'm close. Being an author with O.D.D.,
(Organization Disability Disorder), I've come up with a couple very simple tricks.
Since I work on more than one story at a time, I'm juggling characters and story lines. To keep myself straight, especially with minor characters, I
keep a three ring binder with sections and tabs for each story. Using the file name from the computer file, I write it on the tab. On one page, I keep
a list of characters, all of them, no matter how small a role they play. On another, I keep a list of chapters and their page numbers. It's very easy to
continue writing until a story is complete, but it's good to give the story some natural stopping or slowing places.
Every author has to do research at some point. Although I bookmark pages on my browser, it's a horrible mess. Despite my best efforts to do
better, it's still a mile long and a disaster. To combat that, I print out the pages of research that I need, complete with the web address, in case I
have to go back. These, I punch and put in another three ring binder. I keep it within reach so that I can find what I need.
I have in mind to tag the pages per story or at least per subject, but I haven't gotten that far. That's my goal – though it may be next year before I
get it done. These are very easy things for any writer to accomplish. Even for the clinically O.D.D., there is hope!
Everyone judges a book by its cover. The average bookstore browser spends about five seconds looking at the front cover and about ten seconds scanning the back cover. Human animals share a tendency with monkeys and crows; we’re all attracted to bright, shiny objects. Having a gold seal on your book cover (and maybe even printed on the back cover) attracts attention and denotes the “seal of approval” from someone of authority. An award sticker brings extra credibility to a book that can give it an edge with buyers making a decision between competing titles. Freda Roberts |
Terry Spear For children's literature: Read the age level books that you love to write. It helps to get a feel for what publishers are looking for, the cadence, the kinds of material that is acceptable, the word count, what's been done to death before and come up with something unique! Terry Lee Wilde, Author of The Vampire...In My Dreams, Deidre's Secrets,http://www.terrywildeteenbooks.com For adult literature: Start the story where the character is facing a dilemma. Too much past history in the form of back story slows the pacing and makes for a slow start for readers. If back story is necessary, sprinkle it through the story in small bites so it doesn't take the reader out of the present. The story should move forward--toward some resolution--good or bad. Terry Spear, Award-winning author of Urban Fantasy & Medieval Romance,http://www.terryspear.com |
My advice for writers: The best advice is “persevere.” You may write a piece you love, but it never finds a good home in the public eye. No matter: readers come in all tastes, and if you like your stories, chances are someone else out there will like them, too. Keep trying, and try not to be discouraged by rejection. Accept constructive criticism; if you need to work on your craft, and/or find an editor to help you with the details, then do so. Don’t let one editor’s, one reviewer’s, one reader’s opinion of your work cause you to throw in the towel, though. If all else fails, will your writing to the college or high school you attended, and some future generation will discover your unappreciated genius. Do read your work out loud to yourself; don’t take rejection personally. Erin O'Riordan www.erinoriordan.blogspot.com |
| SECRETS OF COLLABORATION by Karen Elizabeth Rigley |
Writing can be lonely and isolate you, so it’s fun to write with others. Co-writing means someone to brainstorm with you, a
partner to share the load, who adds depth and speed; maybe a kindred spirit to inspire (or carry) you when words won't flow.
My most frequent writing partner and I have worked together for over a decade. Also, I have collaborated with other writers on
various projects from novels to scripts. In fact, right now I’m collaborating with a friend and novelist on a mystery. She has
current deadlines, so I’m beginning the book on my own, but sending it to her and incorporating her edits as I go.Collaboration
gone awry can be a dangerous thing: ripping apart friends, crippling careers and poisoning once cordial personalities. It doesn't
take luck to make collaboration work -- it takes trust.In collaboration you share the benefits and you share the problems.
Attitudes that are adaptable and willing to compromise spell the difference between stop and go or unfinished and sold. Forget
POWER. No such thing exists in a true partnership. Work together. Build upon each other's words, ignite one another's
creativity and draw dimension from your differences.Here are some collaboration rules to smooth your co-writing path:*Trust
and respect your co-writer.*Believe in your partner's skill.*Share a vision of the project.*Don't get stuck in a your way or my
way mindset. (There's always another choice, an additional alternative.)*Be flexible and willing to compromise.*Don’t jockey for
power or battle for control.*Blend your writing. Don't force your style on your partner.*Once you complete a project,
collaborators should go over it carefully for a seamless manuscript – no one should be able to detect a difference in who wrote
what. It should flow together like two streams winding into one river.*Agree on terms before you begin collaboration.*Sign a
simple contract beforehand. We have a brief agreement stating we share 50/50 all earnings and major expenses such as agent
fees.*Make sure you are compatible -- from software to personalities. *Define your collaboration methods upfront; then please be
flexible. *Be supportive. Life throws everyone curves at times.*Keep a sense of humor. You can handle anything, if you can laugh
about it.*Remember nothing is carved in stone.Co-writing doesn't work for every author or on every project. Don't be crushed if
it doesn't work out. Maybe you were paired with the wrong writer or at the wrong time.Collaboration can add dimension to
writing, enhancing one another’s talents to create an end product better than either could produce alone. If you want to
collaborate – go for it. Co-writing can be fun. Maybe you’ll discover it’s your favorite way to write.PARTNERSCollaboration
takes respect,compromiseand trustcombined with a bitof magicand humor to glue it.Without the right formula,don’tdo it. ***K.
E. Rigley bio:A multi-award winning author/poet/designer, Karen is recognized for her ability to touch readers with her myriad
of stories, articles, scripts and poetry. She’s a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and also the
International Women’s Writing Guild. She was editor/director of Writer's Rainbow and has been a first reader for several
publications.Her work’s appeared in: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories, Underwired Magazine (Sept 08), WritersReign, On
the SingleSide, Magic, The Magic Within, Today’s Woman, Grit, Science Fiction Review, ComputerEdge, Andre Norton’s TALES
OF THE WITCHWORLD (Volumes Two & Three), CATFANTASTIC Edited by Andre Norton & Martin H. Greenberg,
CATFANTASTIC II and CATFANTASTIC III, Romance Writers Report, RhymeTime, SouthWest Writers Workshop, Science Fiction
& Fantasy Workshop, Inkling, Today’s Writing Community, Keystrokes, MysteryTime, Housewife Writers Forum, Strange
Wonderland, Stuff My Ear Magazine, Warrior Wise Woman 2 anthology (Norilana Books), etc.
partner to share the load, who adds depth and speed; maybe a kindred spirit to inspire (or carry) you when words won't flow.
My most frequent writing partner and I have worked together for over a decade. Also, I have collaborated with other writers on
various projects from novels to scripts. In fact, right now I’m collaborating with a friend and novelist on a mystery. She has
current deadlines, so I’m beginning the book on my own, but sending it to her and incorporating her edits as I go.Collaboration
gone awry can be a dangerous thing: ripping apart friends, crippling careers and poisoning once cordial personalities. It doesn't
take luck to make collaboration work -- it takes trust.In collaboration you share the benefits and you share the problems.
Attitudes that are adaptable and willing to compromise spell the difference between stop and go or unfinished and sold. Forget
POWER. No such thing exists in a true partnership. Work together. Build upon each other's words, ignite one another's
creativity and draw dimension from your differences.Here are some collaboration rules to smooth your co-writing path:*Trust
and respect your co-writer.*Believe in your partner's skill.*Share a vision of the project.*Don't get stuck in a your way or my
way mindset. (There's always another choice, an additional alternative.)*Be flexible and willing to compromise.*Don’t jockey for
power or battle for control.*Blend your writing. Don't force your style on your partner.*Once you complete a project,
collaborators should go over it carefully for a seamless manuscript – no one should be able to detect a difference in who wrote
what. It should flow together like two streams winding into one river.*Agree on terms before you begin collaboration.*Sign a
simple contract beforehand. We have a brief agreement stating we share 50/50 all earnings and major expenses such as agent
fees.*Make sure you are compatible -- from software to personalities. *Define your collaboration methods upfront; then please be
flexible. *Be supportive. Life throws everyone curves at times.*Keep a sense of humor. You can handle anything, if you can laugh
about it.*Remember nothing is carved in stone.Co-writing doesn't work for every author or on every project. Don't be crushed if
it doesn't work out. Maybe you were paired with the wrong writer or at the wrong time.Collaboration can add dimension to
writing, enhancing one another’s talents to create an end product better than either could produce alone. If you want to
collaborate – go for it. Co-writing can be fun. Maybe you’ll discover it’s your favorite way to write.PARTNERSCollaboration
takes respect,compromiseand trustcombined with a bitof magicand humor to glue it.Without the right formula,don’tdo it. ***K.
E. Rigley bio:A multi-award winning author/poet/designer, Karen is recognized for her ability to touch readers with her myriad
of stories, articles, scripts and poetry. She’s a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and also the
International Women’s Writing Guild. She was editor/director of Writer's Rainbow and has been a first reader for several
publications.Her work’s appeared in: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories, Underwired Magazine (Sept 08), WritersReign, On
the SingleSide, Magic, The Magic Within, Today’s Woman, Grit, Science Fiction Review, ComputerEdge, Andre Norton’s TALES
OF THE WITCHWORLD (Volumes Two & Three), CATFANTASTIC Edited by Andre Norton & Martin H. Greenberg,
CATFANTASTIC II and CATFANTASTIC III, Romance Writers Report, RhymeTime, SouthWest Writers Workshop, Science Fiction
& Fantasy Workshop, Inkling, Today’s Writing Community, Keystrokes, MysteryTime, Housewife Writers Forum, Strange
Wonderland, Stuff My Ear Magazine, Warrior Wise Woman 2 anthology (Norilana Books), etc.
CAPTURING CHARACTERS by Karen Elizabeth Rigley Nonwriters often ask, "Where do you get your ideas?" The answer is everywhere. A word or phrase can fire a writer's imagination. Overhearing a conversation in a café, or the way a person cocks their head, or watching strangers say goodbye at the airport may spark a story. News items, children's antics, cloud formations, an unusual name or the scent of a night-blooming flower, can be the match to burst a twig-size idea into forest fire. Writers can discover things to write about any where they care to look. How often has an emotion or memory or disaster struck you with "I must write about this"? Frequently a character picked from real life or imagination demands to be written about, maybe because of a special strength or flaw. A quality which makes that character react in a special way to problems and situations. Even a real life crime can inspire a story (preferably with an ending customized by the author). One story of mine actually developed from an old- fashioned used typewriter ribbon, one from a pretty name, another from a missing housewife and her cup of coffee. An intrigue can blossom out of secret passages within the walls of a fourteenth century German castle or a curious classified ad. Who? Why? A match lights! The stealthy silhouette of a man standing by a street lamp on a rainy night can inspire a mystery. Seeing an unknown woman crying can spark a writer's imagination. Even an unidentified noise at midnight can spin into a tale. Hobbies fuel ideas for characters, background and plot. So can careers. Or an author can discover a story in research. Perhaps a historical novelist striking gold in a century old journal kept by a medical student. Some authors can write an entire book around one antique gown. Where will it be worn? When? Who will where it? For who? What happens? Often a writer's ideas spring from questions like: "What if?" or "What happens next?" Anything can ignite a novel's action/reaction plot if it strikes an author. Lobsters at the supermarket, a shadow through a shower curtain, even a trip to the zoo have sparked entire novels. Anything can set off a writer. We aren't safe anywhere -- not washing the dishes, sitting in a dentist chair, or flying over the desert. Keep notes to stockpile your ideas. Organize your ideas in notebook, on index cards or in your computer. Writers never know when that idea-spark might be needed to light a story bonfire. Ideas are everywhere. Capture them. bio: A multi-award winning author/poet/designer, Karen is recognized for her ability to touch readers with her myriad of stories, articles, scripts and poetry. She’s a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and also the International Women’s Writing Guild. She was editor/director of Writer's Rainbow. Her work’s appeared in: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories, Underwired Magazine (Sept 08), On the SingleSide, Magic, The Magic Within, Grit, Science Fiction Review, ComputerEdge, Andre Norton’s TALES OF THE WITCHWORLD (Volume Three), CATFANTASTIC Edited by Andre Norton & Martin H. Greenberg, CATFANTASTIC II and CATFANTASTIC III, Romance Writers Report, Today's Woman, SouthWest Writers Workshop, Science Fiction & Fantasy Workshop, Inkling, Keystrokes, MysteryTime, Housewife Writers Forum, Strange Wonderland, Stuff My Ear Magazine, Warrior Wise Woman 2 Anthology (Norilana Books), etc. |
| Art by Wendy Whittingham |
Writing Tips for Robins Falls Kids
There are times when you are in school and
you find it hard dealing with other kids that
are mean or try to bully you. There are other
times when they pick on you because of what
you are wearing or the fact that you might be
overweight. I know. I lived with being
overweight as a child, teenager and as an
adult. I managed to use my sense of humor
and intelligence to handle the remarks, but
that does not mean that I was not hurt and
felt really bad.
The character in all three of my children’s
books is Bertha. Bertha is really I and
everything that happens to her in all three
books really happened to me. I would love for
you to share in a letter to Bertha what you did
or would do if someone made you feel bad
because you were overweight or like me a
total klutz. What would you do to handle a
bully without using your hands to fight back?
Writing Tip:
Write a friendly letter or email to Bertha
telling her what you did and how you handled
the problem.
Ways to handle bullies Bertha’s Way
1. Never show them that you are afraid
2. Treat the bully as if he or she is your
friend instead of someone you do not like.
3. I have a sense of humor and used it to
turn situations that were frightening into
funny ones and then could walk away.
4. Using your hands and yelling at them
gives that person the power to know that they
have gotten you angry so stay calm
5. Ignore insults they are only words that
they use when they don’t know anything else
and these insults mean nothing if you do not
fight back refuse to dignify them with an
answer.
6. The one who wins is the one that does
not give in to the bully and fights. Half the
time they back away from a fight.
7. Scream or yell and stand up to that
person. Call for help if you are in school use
the proper authority to help you out.
8. Ignore Threats
9. Use your brain/try reasoning with them
10. Take a fighting stance of all fails they
usually back down.
When someone was mean to me I would let
him or her know that what he or she said was
really hurtful. I do not like what you said.
What you said was hurtful and mean. In the
future if you want to stay friends with me you
will have to watch what you say and how you
say it in a more friendly and kinder way. I don’
t think you would like it if someone insulted
you or hurt your feeling because of the way
you look, your grades or anything else.
Write an email or a friendly letter using the
right form for the letter and tell Bertha what
you did when you met up with a bully or
someone said something mean to you and
you did not like it. She will answer you. I
promise.
E-mail Bertha at riffyone@aol.com
There are times when you are in school and
you find it hard dealing with other kids that
are mean or try to bully you. There are other
times when they pick on you because of what
you are wearing or the fact that you might be
overweight. I know. I lived with being
overweight as a child, teenager and as an
adult. I managed to use my sense of humor
and intelligence to handle the remarks, but
that does not mean that I was not hurt and
felt really bad.
The character in all three of my children’s
books is Bertha. Bertha is really I and
everything that happens to her in all three
books really happened to me. I would love for
you to share in a letter to Bertha what you did
or would do if someone made you feel bad
because you were overweight or like me a
total klutz. What would you do to handle a
bully without using your hands to fight back?
Writing Tip:
Write a friendly letter or email to Bertha
telling her what you did and how you handled
the problem.
Ways to handle bullies Bertha’s Way
1. Never show them that you are afraid
2. Treat the bully as if he or she is your
friend instead of someone you do not like.
3. I have a sense of humor and used it to
turn situations that were frightening into
funny ones and then could walk away.
4. Using your hands and yelling at them
gives that person the power to know that they
have gotten you angry so stay calm
5. Ignore insults they are only words that
they use when they don’t know anything else
and these insults mean nothing if you do not
fight back refuse to dignify them with an
answer.
6. The one who wins is the one that does
not give in to the bully and fights. Half the
time they back away from a fight.
7. Scream or yell and stand up to that
person. Call for help if you are in school use
the proper authority to help you out.
8. Ignore Threats
9. Use your brain/try reasoning with them
10. Take a fighting stance of all fails they
usually back down.
When someone was mean to me I would let
him or her know that what he or she said was
really hurtful. I do not like what you said.
What you said was hurtful and mean. In the
future if you want to stay friends with me you
will have to watch what you say and how you
say it in a more friendly and kinder way. I don’
t think you would like it if someone insulted
you or hurt your feeling because of the way
you look, your grades or anything else.
Write an email or a friendly letter using the
right form for the letter and tell Bertha what
you did when you met up with a bully or
someone said something mean to you and
you did not like it. She will answer you. I
promise.
E-mail Bertha at riffyone@aol.com
| WRITING AFTER LIFE UPHEAVAL By Karen Elizabeth Rigley |
Storms of life can leave you battered and shipwrecked from your writing. Whatever the crisis, the resulting chaos can dam up your ability to create.
It’s difficult, sometimes nearly impossible, to be creative and inspired when you’re in turmoil – emotionally or physically. You feel drained. As if the
ability to write’s been sucked out, leaving you empty. Words that once bubbled forth, vanish.
You may think you’re empty, but you’re not. Once a writer, always a writer. A writer’s spirit flows with an undulating ocean of words and your ocean
hasn’t evaporated. The power of words; the passion to create, still lurk in hidden depths. So realize it’s temporary when that blank screen and
empty page haunt you.
Simple steps and a bit of patience will help reclaim your muse and get your creativity flowing once more. Wade into the shallows instead of trying to
dive.
(1) Look beyond the seawall.
Revisit your last project. Read your last chapter, paragraph or sentence. Review your notes. Re-emerge yourself gradually into whatever you were
writing. Don’t expect to plunge in full force.
(2) Collect seashells.
Edit or critique someone else’s manuscript. It’s amazing how helping someone else with their work can help you swim back into your own writing.
(3) Relax on the beach.
Read. Every writer was a reader first. Wasn’t reading what ignited your desire to write? Let the tide wash over you to soothe and renew your spirit.
(4) Test the waters.
Think of a new project or the way you want to end your current one. Play with an outline, a character sketch or a scene. Maybe do some research.
Move through the warm shallows before diving into the cold sea.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Like the ebb and flow of ocean tides, rhythms vary. Everyone heals at their own rate. Soon your writing will begin to
flow and you’ll find yourself afloat in an ocean of words.
*
WORD WAVE
A lifetime is not long enough
to drain the pulsing tide,
flowing from the reservoir
held in a writer’s mind.
Karen Elizabeth Rigley
***
| 7 Tips to Stay Visible Using Other People's Content by Nancy Marmolejo |
In the game of staying visible in business, the pressure to produce new content seems to never let up. There is a way you can stay visible, share
valuable content with your followers, and score mega-Brownie points in the process. How? By using OPC, aka, Other People's Content.
This is not the same as randomly picking up an article from an online directory. What you want to do is strategically select a person whose work you
want to highlight as part of your relationship building plan and visibility strategy. You're not just running an article that someone else has written,
you're using the exchange as a way to deepen a relationship that holds potential for both parties.
Here's how it works:
1. Identify a person you'd like to connect with or whose audience you'd like to get in front of.
2. Scan that person's blog or article bank for some really great information in the form of tips or articles.
3. If the information you found is on their blog, then first leave a comment saying how awesome the article is.
4. Then you want to write a blog post that references that article and links to it.
5. Start a dialog. Contact the author and ask permission to reprint their article in your ezine or run the entire article on your blog. Let them
know who you are and how much you value their information. Be sincere and lay-off the urge to self promote too much.
6. Follow up by being a continuous "fan" of this person's work. Be a regular commenter on their blog (subscribe to the RSS feed to make
following them easier).
7. Repeat as needed with this person and others who fit the criteria.
As in all relationship building, this process doesn't create instant best friends overnight. However, it does put you on the radar screen and gets your
name out there. Name recognition works in politics and it works in marketing your business. Using Other People's Content not only gives you great
information to share with your readers, but facilitates valuable relationship building that can take your visibility to new heights.
Nancy Marmolejo is a PR, media, and social networking strategist who teaches women entrepreneurs how to generate more money and attention
by positioning themselves in the spotlight. An award winning business owner, Nancy is frequently quoted in the areas of business, creativity, and
social networking. Get started on your path to fame by getting Nancy's 7 part free audio course at www.VivaVisibility.com
Nancy Marmolejo teaches entrepreneurs how to break the cycle of struggle and mediocrity and emerge as confident, sought after, profitable
business owners. Using her signature Profitable Essence™ system, Nancy’s clients learn to connect their authenticity and talents with what will
make them the most money. Her approach is a blend of expert strategy, intuitive insights, and high octane creativity. With over 100 media credits to
her name and numerous business achievement awards, Nancy is a respected expert with a loyal following from around the globe.
| How to Look Like You're in 10 Places At Once: Smart Social Networking Tips to Save You Time, Money, by Nancy Marmolejo |
I knew I was in trouble when I had my first social networking stress nightmare. In this dream, I was surrounded by computer screens of various sites-
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter plus a host of utility and tool sites- each vying for my attention.
The inboxes of each one were filled with hundreds of unread messages, I needed to click updates, I was behind on posting, and I had thousands of
pending friend requests I couldn't get to.
I awoke in a sweat, the chatter of instant messages still fogging my brain. It was at this point I realized something needed to change!
Social networking is a great way to build relationships and generate more business . . . when used correctly and wisely. It can also become time
consuming and (dare I say) addictive. The addiction starts out as fun, but then spirals into a monster that eats up your time and costs you money in
lost opportunities and distracted focus.
You can still be present on all your favorite sites without having to resort to stealing televisions to support your Twitter habit.
Here are 5 ways you can do it starting today.
1. Connect Facebook to your blog.
In the notes section of Facebook, you have the option to import notes from an outside source. Enter the RSS feed of your blog and each time you
post a blog, your blog post will appear on Facebook. If you preload your blog posts for publication at different times, it will load those up on
Facebook as they're published.
2. Connect Twitter to Facebook
You can do this really simply by using the applications Twitter and Twitter Synch. Each time you Tweet, it will add that to your status update without
any further effort on your part.
3. Sign Up for Tweet Later
Go to www.TweetLater.com and start an account. This site allows you to preload Tweets so if you are traveling or (gasp!) having a life, it will
automatically upload these Tweets to Twitter. Remember, these will also appear on Facebook if you've done step 2.
4. Go Back to Your Blog
You can add cool plug-ins to your blog that actually show your social networking activity in a sidebar on your blog. Why is this important? Adding
fresh, new content to your blog is what search engines love. Watch a video on this and see all the plug-ins in action by visiting http:
//vivavisibilityblog.com/anatomy-of-a-social-networking-friendly-blog/
5. Put it all together on Friend Feed Sign up for www.FriendFeed.com and synchronize all of your social networking pages. This is for the
person who has multiple pages up on many sites. It makes life much easier and gives you an at-a-glance view of who is doing what online.
Don't let social networking stress you out. Try these simple tips and put your nightmares to rest with confidence.
Nancy Marmolejo teaches entrepreneurs how to break the cycle of struggle and mediocrity and emerge as confident, sought after, profitable
business owners. Using her signature Profitable Essence™ system, Nancy’s clients learn to connect their authenticity and talents with what will
make them the most money. Her approach is a blend of expert strategy, intuitive insights, and high octane creativity. With over 100 media credits to
her name and numerous business achievement awards, Nancy is a respected expert with a loyal following from around the globe.
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter plus a host of utility and tool sites- each vying for my attention.
The inboxes of each one were filled with hundreds of unread messages, I needed to click updates, I was behind on posting, and I had thousands of
pending friend requests I couldn't get to.
I awoke in a sweat, the chatter of instant messages still fogging my brain. It was at this point I realized something needed to change!
Social networking is a great way to build relationships and generate more business . . . when used correctly and wisely. It can also become time
consuming and (dare I say) addictive. The addiction starts out as fun, but then spirals into a monster that eats up your time and costs you money in
lost opportunities and distracted focus.
You can still be present on all your favorite sites without having to resort to stealing televisions to support your Twitter habit.
Here are 5 ways you can do it starting today.
1. Connect Facebook to your blog.
In the notes section of Facebook, you have the option to import notes from an outside source. Enter the RSS feed of your blog and each time you
post a blog, your blog post will appear on Facebook. If you preload your blog posts for publication at different times, it will load those up on
Facebook as they're published.
2. Connect Twitter to Facebook
You can do this really simply by using the applications Twitter and Twitter Synch. Each time you Tweet, it will add that to your status update without
any further effort on your part.
3. Sign Up for Tweet Later
Go to www.TweetLater.com and start an account. This site allows you to preload Tweets so if you are traveling or (gasp!) having a life, it will
automatically upload these Tweets to Twitter. Remember, these will also appear on Facebook if you've done step 2.
4. Go Back to Your Blog
You can add cool plug-ins to your blog that actually show your social networking activity in a sidebar on your blog. Why is this important? Adding
fresh, new content to your blog is what search engines love. Watch a video on this and see all the plug-ins in action by visiting http:
//vivavisibilityblog.com/anatomy-of-a-social-networking-friendly-blog/
5. Put it all together on Friend Feed Sign up for www.FriendFeed.com and synchronize all of your social networking pages. This is for the
person who has multiple pages up on many sites. It makes life much easier and gives you an at-a-glance view of who is doing what online.
Don't let social networking stress you out. Try these simple tips and put your nightmares to rest with confidence.
Nancy Marmolejo teaches entrepreneurs how to break the cycle of struggle and mediocrity and emerge as confident, sought after, profitable
business owners. Using her signature Profitable Essence™ system, Nancy’s clients learn to connect their authenticity and talents with what will
make them the most money. Her approach is a blend of expert strategy, intuitive insights, and high octane creativity. With over 100 media credits to
her name and numerous business achievement awards, Nancy is a respected expert with a loyal following from around the globe.
| How to Weed Out Your Social Media Following by Nancy Marmolejo |
Social media success is not achieved simply by adding thousands of unknown followers to your contacts. When you focus on numbers only, you
invite in a fair share of unwanted spam and junk followers.
It's important to have a well matched following who is open to your comments, information, and expertise. Otherwise you're stuck in the cyber
equivalent of a crowded room full of people you really have nothing in common with.
There comes a time when you need to weed out the mismatches. Don't worry- even if your numbers dip after doing this, the percentage of well
matched contacts will increase as a result. That means the majority of people in your network hold potential for opportunities.
If you're afraid you might delete the wrong person, here are 6 guidelines to help you determine how to weed out your social media following.
1. No Avatar
If the person has no avatar (photo that accompanies your posts), then remove him or her.
2. Not a Real Person
If the person isn't even a person but rather a puppy, a teddy bear, a slot machine, or my personal favorite- a flashy dollar sign- then delete. I also
put pin-up type pics in this category, especially ones with user names like "MakeLotsaMoney". Some businesses have social media accounts that
aren't related back to an individual. As long as it's clear that there is a legitimate business behind this, then those can be the exception.
3. Uneven Follower/Following Ratio
On Twitter, the ratio between followers and following must not have a huge gap. Twitter accounts that have thousands of followers but are only
following a few people need to go. Those are usually spammers.
4. Obvious Language Barrier
It's great to connect with followers out of your country or who speak another language if you can understand one another, but if not, then there's an
obvious barrier. Unless you've committed to learning a new language via your Twitter friends, best to unfollow people who pose an obvious
language gap.
5. People Who Don't Post
You may have someone in your following who signed up for Twitter or Facebook but never actually uses the sites or posts. Unless it's someone you
know who's still learning and you have the patience, remove.
6. Haters and Mean People
When you surround yourself with agreeable people, you can forget that the occasional mean person can surface and wreck the party for everyone.
Don't even waste your time with people who are using social networking as a place to bully, berate, and intimidate. You might be the next victim and
it's really not worth the time or effort to keep people like this on your list of followers. Block them or report them if a hater turns on you.
You want to weed out your social media contacts for the same reason you prune a fruit tree: so your harvest gives you a bountiful, high quality
yield. When you focus on quality over quantity, you have what it takes for real social media success.
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Nancy Marmolejo simplifies social media for entrepreneurs so they can turn their online visibility into a steady stream of profitability. With over 100
media credits to her name, Nancy knows how to generate word of mouth buzz and free publicity using proven social media strategies. Read Nancy's
tips and download her free resources by visiting The Viva Visibility Blog, http://www.VivaVisibility.com
How E-queries Make Your Life Easier By Bev Walton-Porter |
What are e-queries, you ask? Quite simply, e-queries are nothing more than query letters which are sent through e-mail as opposed to regular
mail, or "snail" mail.
E-queries can make life SO much easier for writers when it comes to selling articles. Many editors prefer e-queries, also, although there is still a die-
hard group of editors who staunchly require regular mail queries. I predict that eventually most, if not all, editors
will move to e-queries.
What makes an e-query different from a regular query sent through the mail? Not much, save for the need for an envelope and a stamp, plus a self-
addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) attached.
When you compose an e-query, you should make it as professional as one you write on real paper. Just because e-mail seems informal to many
people, you shouldn't treat it casually. In this case, it's a business tool.
All the elements of a query letter sent through standard mail should also be present in your e-query. The format should remain the same. You
should make sure to include your mailing address and telephone number on your e-query, as well. Just because it's an electronic query, that
doesn't mean an editor won't contact you by standard mail or by phone.
In an e-query, you should type directly into an e-mail message rather than add it as an attachment. Some publications may specifically request
attachments, but if they don't, write it up as a regular e-mail message. I've never sent an e-query as an attachment. So far, I've not had any
complaints from editors.
As a precaution, and for record-keeping, I would recommend that anything you send to an editor through e-mail, you send as a copy to yourself, as
well. Use the CC (carbon copy) line in your e-mail program to mail a copy to yourself. This goes for not only e-queries, but for articles you submit,
as well. Although e-mail is a relatively reliable means of communication, I have had a couple of articles that were never received by editors when I
clearly sent them and had my own copy to prove it.
Although some people are reticent about using technology to its fullest extent because they clamor for a true, hard copy of their submissions, I
would highly recommend that you try at least one e-mail query. There is just no good reason to shun e-mail as a tool for procuring more writing
assignments.
You have to slog through a lot of frogs to find a prince, and sometimes you have to slog through a lot of queries before landing a gem of an
assignment. Make it easier on yourself by using all the tools available to you--including e-queries.
If you plan on freelance writing, you'll have to get used to the fact that querying will be a normal part of your publication plan. You won't ever get
published unless you connect and communicate with editors. It's a necessary part of this business (or your hobby, if it's not a business quite yet).
Take away as much intimidation and stress as possible by finding ways to make the most of your time.
E-queries cut down on turnaround time for the most part. Granted, you can't make an editor answer you faster through e-mail, but you'll know the
same day an editor gives you the "yes" or "no"--and you won't have to wait three to seven more days for postal handling. Those three to seven
days gained will allow you to get to work reworking your query and resending to other markets.
If you're convinced and ready to test the waters with an e-query, here is a short checklist to follow before hitting the send button:
1. No fancy fonts or unique e-mail stationery. Just because you can do wonderful backgrounds with some e-mail software, that doesn't mean this is
the time to use them. Follow the same rule for snail mail queries - don't make it fancy, just neat and professional. In an e-query, a white background
and black type (ten- or 12-point, Times New Roman or San Serif (Arial) font will do just fine.
2. Electronic queries do not give one a license to be informal. This is still a professional letter to an editor, so "Hiya there, Bob!" won't cut it. Use all
your salutations and closings as you would a query sent through regular mail.
3. Always send a copy to yourself. I would even recommend saving a copy on a disk specifically labeled "my queries" or printing them out and
placing in a file folder. Depends on how dedicated you are to keeping hard copies and additional paper in your office.
4. Add your mailing address and your telephone number to all electronic query letters. You never know when an editor will be inclined to pick up the
phone and CALL you about an assignment. It's happened to me!
5. Type your e-query directly into an e-mail message. Do not send as an attachment unless it has been specifically requested by an editor. The
trouble with attachments is that not everyone uses the same word processing software, and why go to the trouble of guessing when you can just
type it right in the e-mail message? Simpler is better.
6. Use your spell check before hitting the send button. Make final checks for grammar and punctuation errors.
7. Once sent, begin another query. See how easy it is?
Bev Sninchak (writing as Bev Walton-Porter and Star Ferris) is a professional writer/author who has published hundreds of stories on a wide variety
of subjects. She's also written four books: “Sun Signs for Writers,” “Mending Fences,” "Hidden Fire" and “The Complete Writer: A Guide to Tapping
Your Full Potential,” co-authored with three other writers.
Bev also works as a contract editor, writing instructor and creativity coach. She has edited and published the award-winning e-zine for writers,
Scribe & Quill, for the past 12 years. She is a member of The Authors Guild and is represented by the Meredith Bernstein Literary Agency in NYC
and MPL Creative Services of Springfield, MO.
mail, or "snail" mail.
E-queries can make life SO much easier for writers when it comes to selling articles. Many editors prefer e-queries, also, although there is still a die-
hard group of editors who staunchly require regular mail queries. I predict that eventually most, if not all, editors
will move to e-queries.
What makes an e-query different from a regular query sent through the mail? Not much, save for the need for an envelope and a stamp, plus a self-
addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) attached.
When you compose an e-query, you should make it as professional as one you write on real paper. Just because e-mail seems informal to many
people, you shouldn't treat it casually. In this case, it's a business tool.
All the elements of a query letter sent through standard mail should also be present in your e-query. The format should remain the same. You
should make sure to include your mailing address and telephone number on your e-query, as well. Just because it's an electronic query, that
doesn't mean an editor won't contact you by standard mail or by phone.
In an e-query, you should type directly into an e-mail message rather than add it as an attachment. Some publications may specifically request
attachments, but if they don't, write it up as a regular e-mail message. I've never sent an e-query as an attachment. So far, I've not had any
complaints from editors.
As a precaution, and for record-keeping, I would recommend that anything you send to an editor through e-mail, you send as a copy to yourself, as
well. Use the CC (carbon copy) line in your e-mail program to mail a copy to yourself. This goes for not only e-queries, but for articles you submit,
as well. Although e-mail is a relatively reliable means of communication, I have had a couple of articles that were never received by editors when I
clearly sent them and had my own copy to prove it.
Although some people are reticent about using technology to its fullest extent because they clamor for a true, hard copy of their submissions, I
would highly recommend that you try at least one e-mail query. There is just no good reason to shun e-mail as a tool for procuring more writing
assignments.
You have to slog through a lot of frogs to find a prince, and sometimes you have to slog through a lot of queries before landing a gem of an
assignment. Make it easier on yourself by using all the tools available to you--including e-queries.
If you plan on freelance writing, you'll have to get used to the fact that querying will be a normal part of your publication plan. You won't ever get
published unless you connect and communicate with editors. It's a necessary part of this business (or your hobby, if it's not a business quite yet).
Take away as much intimidation and stress as possible by finding ways to make the most of your time.
E-queries cut down on turnaround time for the most part. Granted, you can't make an editor answer you faster through e-mail, but you'll know the
same day an editor gives you the "yes" or "no"--and you won't have to wait three to seven more days for postal handling. Those three to seven
days gained will allow you to get to work reworking your query and resending to other markets.
If you're convinced and ready to test the waters with an e-query, here is a short checklist to follow before hitting the send button:
1. No fancy fonts or unique e-mail stationery. Just because you can do wonderful backgrounds with some e-mail software, that doesn't mean this is
the time to use them. Follow the same rule for snail mail queries - don't make it fancy, just neat and professional. In an e-query, a white background
and black type (ten- or 12-point, Times New Roman or San Serif (Arial) font will do just fine.
2. Electronic queries do not give one a license to be informal. This is still a professional letter to an editor, so "Hiya there, Bob!" won't cut it. Use all
your salutations and closings as you would a query sent through regular mail.
3. Always send a copy to yourself. I would even recommend saving a copy on a disk specifically labeled "my queries" or printing them out and
placing in a file folder. Depends on how dedicated you are to keeping hard copies and additional paper in your office.
4. Add your mailing address and your telephone number to all electronic query letters. You never know when an editor will be inclined to pick up the
phone and CALL you about an assignment. It's happened to me!
5. Type your e-query directly into an e-mail message. Do not send as an attachment unless it has been specifically requested by an editor. The
trouble with attachments is that not everyone uses the same word processing software, and why go to the trouble of guessing when you can just
type it right in the e-mail message? Simpler is better.
6. Use your spell check before hitting the send button. Make final checks for grammar and punctuation errors.
7. Once sent, begin another query. See how easy it is?
Bev Sninchak (writing as Bev Walton-Porter and Star Ferris) is a professional writer/author who has published hundreds of stories on a wide variety
of subjects. She's also written four books: “Sun Signs for Writers,” “Mending Fences,” "Hidden Fire" and “The Complete Writer: A Guide to Tapping
Your Full Potential,” co-authored with three other writers.
Bev also works as a contract editor, writing instructor and creativity coach. She has edited and published the award-winning e-zine for writers,
Scribe & Quill, for the past 12 years. She is a member of The Authors Guild and is represented by the Meredith Bernstein Literary Agency in NYC
and MPL Creative Services of Springfield, MO.
| Blogging What You Know – Writing A Story – Philip Martin – Sophie Kinsella by Linda Randall, The Idea Girl |
They say you’re supposed to find your Niche in writing and stick to it.
If you get bored then change the topic.
When I blog, I like to write about books that I’m reading.
This week it was The New Writer’s Handbook 2007 by Philip Martin.
I like the fact that he created 60 blog posts in his book to share with all of us the in and outs of being a successful writer.
He’s published loads of books but what impressed me was reading about a woman who has published 297 books!
Imagine coming up with that many ideas for a book!
Not only has she written fiction, but non-fiction, children’s stories, picture books and poetry.
I’ll be featuring her once I get to her “novel note” in my little reading notebook.
Do you have a novel notes and reading notebook too?
It’s handy to have.
You see an article in the newspaper, or a magazine, jot down the idea that comes to mind.
Later on, you can go back to it, and write a blog about what you learned from it.
This is a good way to network with other writers.
For after you have blogged about a certain article or book, go to the author’s website and drop them a note, adding the link to your blog.
You are doing some free advertising for them, and you will gain some of their readers who want to look at your site.
Make sure that your comment is profound in it’s own way.
Something that will be of interest to the readers of that blog.
In blogging what you know, you will write about your hobbies, things that you want to do, or hobbies that you would love to learn about.
I started blogging about Fashion.
Why?
Because I’m writing about fictional characters that are fashion designers.
I am studying how to be a fashion designer, the creative shows that are posted on youtube and searching their blogs for all the information that I
can get.
I also note it in my novel notes and in my notebook.
For my novel notes, I’ll put the book title, author and genre.
Then I’ll make notes about what my character would glean from the book.
In my notebook, I’ll list the names of the fashion designers and the company they represent.
Later, when I Google their names, collect pictures, and post a blog about them, I can further their career to my audience, and create a platform of
knowledge in the fashion industry.
I felt like such a fool while reading Sophie Kinsella’s – Confessions of a Shopaholic.
I had no clue about New York City or it’s many fashion designers and retail store names.
Now after some research, I can associate with the book and use the material that I’ve learned for future posts to my blogs.
If you get bored then change the topic.
When I blog, I like to write about books that I’m reading.
This week it was The New Writer’s Handbook 2007 by Philip Martin.
I like the fact that he created 60 blog posts in his book to share with all of us the in and outs of being a successful writer.
He’s published loads of books but what impressed me was reading about a woman who has published 297 books!
Imagine coming up with that many ideas for a book!
Not only has she written fiction, but non-fiction, children’s stories, picture books and poetry.
I’ll be featuring her once I get to her “novel note” in my little reading notebook.
Do you have a novel notes and reading notebook too?
It’s handy to have.
You see an article in the newspaper, or a magazine, jot down the idea that comes to mind.
Later on, you can go back to it, and write a blog about what you learned from it.
This is a good way to network with other writers.
For after you have blogged about a certain article or book, go to the author’s website and drop them a note, adding the link to your blog.
You are doing some free advertising for them, and you will gain some of their readers who want to look at your site.
Make sure that your comment is profound in it’s own way.
Something that will be of interest to the readers of that blog.
In blogging what you know, you will write about your hobbies, things that you want to do, or hobbies that you would love to learn about.
I started blogging about Fashion.
Why?
Because I’m writing about fictional characters that are fashion designers.
I am studying how to be a fashion designer, the creative shows that are posted on youtube and searching their blogs for all the information that I
can get.
I also note it in my novel notes and in my notebook.
For my novel notes, I’ll put the book title, author and genre.
Then I’ll make notes about what my character would glean from the book.
In my notebook, I’ll list the names of the fashion designers and the company they represent.
Later, when I Google their names, collect pictures, and post a blog about them, I can further their career to my audience, and create a platform of
knowledge in the fashion industry.
I felt like such a fool while reading Sophie Kinsella’s – Confessions of a Shopaholic.
I had no clue about New York City or it’s many fashion designers and retail store names.
Now after some research, I can associate with the book and use the material that I’ve learned for future posts to my blogs.
| Harry Potter Potions and Spells by Linda Randall, The Idea Girl |
Now I feel great after finding out that I can use these Disco CDs that I bought for my youtube videos that I have been creating on Idea Girl
Consulting Youtube.
The music came in useful after all!
I originally bought the CDS to add to my MP3 Player, but after listening to some of the songs, I wasn’t motivated to do anything by the music.
Instead I’m going to use it for fan videos of my favorite characters in Harry Potter, WWE Raw and Smackdown and Twilight New Moon Cast Photos.
With Twilight I’m using a heavy metal sound, but having trouble with copyright issues.
I should write to the companies and ask for permission but honestly, I’ve used the 135 pictures that I found on Google, so what’s the point?
I can swap it on Youtube for another groovy song, if a problem arises.
I’m learning to make videos in Windows Movie Maker, (Vista) because as an author you have to create a Media Kit for TV Shows and Radio
Stations.
It’s a great way to practice using the program, it helps you create a fan base on youtube and in the credits I always advertise my Blog URLS and
Twitter The Idea Girl.
I’ve collected about 50 new followers since doing this and I’ve boosted the traffic on my blog considerably.
Next I’ll be working on some “idea” videos, to teach my writing tips on?
I have to develop a plan, I’m kind of nervous about doing that because I’ll have to learn how to use power point and make slide shows.
I did make one a long time ago for The Mansion on the Hill (first draft of my very first novel ever written back in 2008).
Consulting Youtube.
The music came in useful after all!
I originally bought the CDS to add to my MP3 Player, but after listening to some of the songs, I wasn’t motivated to do anything by the music.
Instead I’m going to use it for fan videos of my favorite characters in Harry Potter, WWE Raw and Smackdown and Twilight New Moon Cast Photos.
With Twilight I’m using a heavy metal sound, but having trouble with copyright issues.
I should write to the companies and ask for permission but honestly, I’ve used the 135 pictures that I found on Google, so what’s the point?
I can swap it on Youtube for another groovy song, if a problem arises.
I’m learning to make videos in Windows Movie Maker, (Vista) because as an author you have to create a Media Kit for TV Shows and Radio
Stations.
It’s a great way to practice using the program, it helps you create a fan base on youtube and in the credits I always advertise my Blog URLS and
Twitter The Idea Girl.
I’ve collected about 50 new followers since doing this and I’ve boosted the traffic on my blog considerably.
Next I’ll be working on some “idea” videos, to teach my writing tips on?
I have to develop a plan, I’m kind of nervous about doing that because I’ll have to learn how to use power point and make slide shows.
I did make one a long time ago for The Mansion on the Hill (first draft of my very first novel ever written back in 2008).
| Funny Pugs – Pets – Laughs by Linda Randall, The Idea Girl |
It’s Sunday!
I love Sundays, it’s when we go out for bacon and eggs, then head to the flea markets to see what kind of deals are to be made.
I can usually find several things for $5, yep only five bucks!
Books and Banana Bread are my usual purchases.
Sometimes I’ll find a purse for $10, or a necklace for $2, I even found a WWE Towel for $12 (pre-christmas gift).
I’m not going near the malls, it’s going to be crazy there.
I do have to venture out next week for groceries and I’m not looking forward to it.
I hope we don’t get any bad snow storms and have the power go out again!
That happened to me three times in the past and no Christmas dinner for three years.
Knock on wood, hope it doesn’t happen again!
So Today I’m taking a break.
It’s always important to take a break from writing, research and work.
You need a day to rest, do your errands and just have fun.
Yesterday I watched four comedies on TV and enjoyed a day of being lazy.
I feel refreshed today and by Monday I’ll be raring to go at my writing again.
Here’s something to make you howl!
I love Sundays, it’s when we go out for bacon and eggs, then head to the flea markets to see what kind of deals are to be made.
I can usually find several things for $5, yep only five bucks!
Books and Banana Bread are my usual purchases.
Sometimes I’ll find a purse for $10, or a necklace for $2, I even found a WWE Towel for $12 (pre-christmas gift).
I’m not going near the malls, it’s going to be crazy there.
I do have to venture out next week for groceries and I’m not looking forward to it.
I hope we don’t get any bad snow storms and have the power go out again!
That happened to me three times in the past and no Christmas dinner for three years.
Knock on wood, hope it doesn’t happen again!
So Today I’m taking a break.
It’s always important to take a break from writing, research and work.
You need a day to rest, do your errands and just have fun.
Yesterday I watched four comedies on TV and enjoyed a day of being lazy.
I feel refreshed today and by Monday I’ll be raring to go at my writing again.
Here’s something to make you howl!
Gift of $1 to Robin Falls
Interview with Mayra Calvani Interview by Kit Grady, www.KitGrady.com |
Multi-genre author, reviewer and animal advocate, Mayra Calvani, enjoys writing for children and adults. A regular contributor to BLOGCRITICS MAGAZINE and AMERICAN CHRONICLE, she's a member of SCBWI, CWCC and Broad Universe. She keeps two blogs, Mayra's Secret Bookcase and The Dark Phantom Review. Additionally, she's the co-author of the ForeWord Best of the Year Award winner, THE SLIPPERY ART OF BOOK REVIEWING. Visit her newest, fun blog, Pets and Their Authors, where her golden retriever interviews authors' pets. Mayra does Spanish translations of children's picture books, is co-editor of Voice in the Dark newsletter, and the National Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com. Check out her children's books at Mayra's Secret Bookcase. When working on a story, what steps or process do you use? For a picture book, what usually happens is I get an idea and then let it simmer in my mind for weeks, sometimes even months or years. Then one day I just feel the need to write it down and the whole thing pours out of me in a sitting. When this happens, I stay working on the story a whole morning or a whole day. I then take a break from it for maybe a day or two before going back and polishing it. Then I send it to my critique group for feedback. This is very helpful. I may or may not take on their suggestions, but their advice is always good. I save each version of the story, so if I edit the story 5 times, I’ll save those 5 files of each version under a folder named after the book’s title. What sparks your ideas for stories? Real life, newspaper articles, TV shows, family stories, memories, photos, beautiful scenery. Everything around me may spark an idea in me. The Muse is a very curious thing. What is your strongest personal trait that make you a better writer? I would say persistence. I never give up, no matter how many rejection letters I get or the competitive state of the children’s book market. Where did your last story idea come from? Where were you when you began working on it? For a long time I wanted to write a picture book story about a little mouse or hamster who loved books so much, he didn’t have time for friends. That’s how Humberto the Bookworm Hamster came about. As usual, I let the idea simmer for some time, then, one morning, I got up from bed and had to sit down and write it. So that’s what I did, and the story poured out of me in one sitting. Humberto loves books so much, he reads at all times of the day; even while he sleeps he reads—audio books. The other animals want to become his friends, but he doesn’t have time for them. He’s too busy reading! Then one day a flood comes and he must decide whether to salvage the rest of his books before they sink in the rising water or helping the animals. Humberto’s story is a tale about books and the true meaning of friendship: how good are books really if you can’t share them with people who care about? I can sympathize with my character because many times I see myself in him. As a writer and reviewer, I’m so involved with books I tend to become a hermit. Socializing is important too. What advice would you give a new writer? My first advice would be, of course, to read a lot. If you want to write picture books, read dozen of picture books a month. Especially read award winners and when you read these books, study them and what made them so successful. If you’re new to the craft of picture book writing, read nonfiction books on the subject, take a course or a workshop. Join a good critique group, one that focuses on picture books. A writer who’s not familiar with this genre won’t be able to help you, no matter how good they are at writing, let’s say, chick-lit novels. Last but not least, WRITE. I try to write one picture book story a week, or at least two a month. You get better the more you write and, most importantly, the writing will come easier. Peek inside Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster at Guardian Angel Publishing. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/humberto.htm |
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