The Writers Network News: March 24, 2004 http://ezezine.com
March 24, 2004
The Writers Network News
“No Rules; Just Write!”
Editor: Bobbie Christmas (Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or bzebra@aol.com)
NOTE: Next Roswell meeting date: Friday, April 2, 2004
12:00 noon at Wok & Chops Gourmet Restaurant
See bottom of newsletter for directions
In This Issue:
1. Kudos: Barbara Florio Graham
2. From the editor’s desk: Remembering Bud Simpson
3. Q and A: Why can’t I use passive voice and sentence fragments? Huh?
4. Subjects of interest to writers
5. Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quote of the Day: "Books tap the wisdom of our species--the greatest minds, the best teachers--from all over the world and from all our history. And they're patient."
-- Carl Sagan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One: Kudos
[Kudos: noun: praise or honor: praise, credit, or glory for an achievement (takes a singular verb) • The president deservedly got the kudos for the success of the negotiations.]
The Writers Network member Barbara Florio Graham (www.SimonTeakettle.com) will be among the journalists performing in a re-enactment of the founding of the Canadian Women's Press Club. The group evolved during a train trip to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, which brought sixteen women journalists from across the country to Ottawa to board the Canadian Pacific train. Many had never met each other before, and were surprised to hear how similar their problems were in terms of being taken seriously. The play was researched and written by Rosaleen Dickson, a veteran journalist, who is acting as the producer. It will take place at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Canada, on June 26, 2004.
Do you have good news? Please send it to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two: From the editor’s desk:
Last week Bud Simpson, only 68 years old, passed away suddenly. He was my friend and client, a fellow writer and a member of The Writers Network. Many of you knew him as the ever-smiling, soft-spoken fellow who came to meetings whenever he could. A gentle soul, Bud had mastered the skill of bringing a story to life. He honored me to be his editor on his novel, Pebbles in Their Shoes. When his assistant called to tell me of Bud’s passing, I put down the phone and cried like a baby. I’m sure he’s writing the next great novel in a better place, though. Bye, Bud. I miss you.
On the good-news side, I just got a letter notifying me that my submission to A Cup of Comfort For Mothers and Sons has made it to the finals. The final selections will be announced in October, and the book is slated for release in spring 2005. If my story gets in, you’ll see it in the Kudos section.
Today’s newsletter is jam-packed with all sorts of markets for writing, so you have no excuse. Pick up that pen or turn on that computer and write. Life is short. Don’t die with your story unfinished.
Yours in writing,
Bobbie Christmas
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three: Questions and Answers:
Q: I am a bit confused about something, and hope you can help me with the answer. I teach the children's writing pod [for Georgia Writers] and also do some editing. I, like you, agree that using passive writing, incomplete sentences and starting sentences with BUT, AND, and THEN should be done with caution. That is what I teach and what I have learned from years of experience and work.
I've been looking through a lot of best-selling novels, and I have not found one book so far, out of at least 100 books, where the author doesn't use passive writing. They all use it.
The last woman I was editing, I told her right off about passive voice, etc. She told me Nora Roberts and all these famous authors use passive voice, incomplete sentences, and sentence fragments caused by starting sentences with BUT all the time. She asks, why do I think MY way is right and they are all wrong?
Why is it that we teach not to use passive voice, etc. yet everyone already uses it? When people ask this of you, what do you use to back up your beliefs? –Margo Fallis
A: Excellent question, Margo, and here's my answer: We must know the rules before we can break them. An occasional use of a fragment--that is, a sentence starting with "But"--can add power and impact. When two or more sentences start with the same word--any same word--on a page, though, the result is repetition and weak writing. For some reason authors who feel compelled to begin sentences with "And," "But," "So," “Yet,” and "Then" use the same structure again and again, which is a sign of sophomoric writing.
When we have reputations like Nora Roberts, we can break all the rules. Until then, we are wise to tighten our writing, follow rules, use good style, and show the ability to write strong, compelling, active sentences, stories, and books. A writer certainly cannot go wrong by paying attention to detail. Serious writers find ways to make their writing more marketable and more appealing to readers.
Do you have a question? Send it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Writer's Mentor is a critique group for writers serious about developing their craft. We specialize in short fiction, memoir, essay, and novel. Join with us on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Regular attendance at meetings is expected. 1911 Cliff Valley Way, NE, Come share and learn. Visitors are welcome. Call Jack Cooley, 404-312-9072, or cell 404-762-5135, or email jcooley1@bellsouth.net
***************
Looking for a writers conference near you, or one in an exotic location? Visit www.writing.shawguides.com for a complete listing.
***********
Writer near Roswell Road and Northridge needs ride to meeting—and a job.
My name is Sue Hibbetts, and I have a published poetry book titled "Walking Persephone’s Path." I’m finishing up a novel, which I’ve been working on for seven years and hope to find a publisher soon.
I have two "challenges" and wonder if anyone can assist me. I want to come to the next writers meeting, and am looking for a ride. (Taking MARTA has turned out to be a challenge.) I live off of Roswell Road and Northridge. Is anyone down this way able to give me a ride? I would pay some on the gas.
The second challenge is I’m unemployed. I was self-employed for twelve years as a medical actor/tarot reader and business-papers organizer. (Called myself the "Paper Whisperer.”) I’m looking for a position as a receptionist, file clerk, companion, house/pet sitter. I learn quickly and do a variety of tasks. I’m also an intuitive tarot reader and specialize in reading at parties as well as private readings. Call me at: 770 993-1495 or e-mail me at: faerie48@hotmail.com Or visit me on the web at: http://faeriewind.tripod.com/faeriesdream/
***************
_Purge Your Prose of Problems_, a book doctor’s desk reference book compiled by Bobbie Christmas, is now available by charge card. Save thousands and edit your own book. To order, go to www.zebraeditor.com and click on Bookstore.
**************
Rev Up Your Writing and Win! Seminar Available on Tape
Rev Up Your Writing and Win is a high-quality cassette recorded at the Harriette Austin Writers Conference in Athens, Georgia. The package includes all accompanying materials and handouts. Only $14.95 plus $4 shipping (total $18.95). To order, call Bobbie Christmas (770/924-0528) or write to her (bobbie@zebraeditor.com).
***************
From LaLaLand Newsletter:
“Editorially, the NY Times is as viciously scornful of Jayson Blair as one might be of a lover who dumped you. Expect tough reviews calling Blair a "serial liar." How-some-ever, some people at the Times of NY may secretly hope his book, "Burning Down My Master's House," does a scorching hot business. Blair got a six-figure advance from his publisher, New Milennium, which is bankrupt and trying to pay off creditors. Guess who one of those creditors is - try to stay with me on this. Yes, yes, you guessed -The Times of New York to the tune of $45, 344. So, if Blair's book does well, the Times back office gets paid all the while the Times front office is bad mouthing it***Last Blair Bit: Jayson announced his next book will be a novel. Since fiction seems his forte, how will we know?” Copyright, 2004, George Mair, P.O. 535, Dana Point, CA 92629/ Gmair8001 @aol.com
Author granted permission to use. George also sent me the following followup: Update on Blair, his sales are terrible--under 2,000 copies sold.
***************
Fourth Annual Zona Rosa Writers' Retreat with Rosemary Daniell in Tybee Island,
Savannah, GA, May 30 - June 6, 2004. For details see: www.myzonarosa.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
Lessons Learned, Volume II, looking for submissions from writers in the Southeast
The Knowledge Shop, Chapter 11 Discount Bookstore, the Georgia Writers Association and The School Box present Lessons Learned, Volume II, an anthology competition for writers in the Southeast.
The second annual volume of Lessons Learned seeks positive nonfiction, fiction and poetry depicting lessons learned through classes, seminars, reading, relatives, friends or life.
Lessons Learned, Volume II, welcomes submissions from aspiring writers all over the Southeast. The Lessons Learned Volume II anthology will feature the top entries. All who enter get a certificate for one free copy of the anthology, and writers whose work is chosen for inclusion will be featured at a book signing at the Chapter 11 store of their choice in the Atlanta area. Top winners in each category (Adult fiction, nonfiction and poetry and Student fiction, nonfiction and poetry) will also win valuable prizes from The Knowledge Shop, Chapter 11, Georgia Writers, and The School Box.
Enter as often as you’d like, but you must follow strict guidelines, use only official entry forms and send entries that adhere to the theme. Guidelines and forms are available at The Knowledge Shop, 180 Cobb Parkway #C24, Marietta, Georgia 30060, at Chapter 11 bookstores in the Atlanta area, or at Georgia Writers meetings and events. You may also get the guidelines and entry forms in pdf format by sending an e-mail request to: TheKnowledgeShop@aol.com.
Deadline for entries is April 30, 2004.
**************
Sara Ann Freed Memorial Award for a First Mystery
Mysterious Press/Warner Books announces the 1st Sara Ann Freed Memorial Award for a first mystery novel. Mysterious Press plans to award a publishing contract to one unpublished writer in the mystery genre. This award will honor the beloved Mysterious Press editor Sara Ann Freed, who passed away in June 2003. Submissions can be straight mysteries, noir, police procedurals, or historicals. They should have a male or female protagonist who is an amateur or professional detective. We are not looking for international thrillers, horror, supernatural, true crime, or mysteries with science fiction elements.
http://www.twbookmark.com/mystery/saraannfreed.html
***************
Submit your story to '2DO Before I Die'
http://www.2dobeforeidie.com
Have you ever cycled the coast of California? Sung in front of a crowd? Fought for a cause? The forthcoming book 2DO Before I Die (to be published by Little, Brown in early 2005) will help you make your ultimate list of things to do. Filled with imaginative ideas for your list, provocative questions and most of all true stories, 2DO Before I Die will spark thoughts, conversation and action about what's really important and what's possible. As it's a showcase for all the things people have risked, gambled, explored and enjoyed, the authors of the book want to hear your story. From a lifelong ambition fulfilled to the smallest of pleasures you've enjoyed, is there a story you would like to share? A recommendation you would like to make? If ‘getting published’ is on your list, this might be your chance. Deadline for story submissions to their Web site is Monday, April 19, 2004.
Visit http://www.2dobeforeidie.com for more about the book, ideas on how to start your 2DO List, story examples, and details on submitting a story of your own.
***************
Writer/Editor for Marketing Department in Atlanta
L.C.SNYDER@MINDSPRING.COM
From member Linda Claire Snyder:
“I wanted to tell you about a position for a writer/editor at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The position is in the Marketing Department; therefore, not having comprehension of detailed medical knowledge should not be a problem. Go to job postings at www.choa.org. I get a bonus if I recommend someone who is interested. Have anyone interested write to me.”
Linda Claire Snyder L.C.SNYDER@MINDSPRING.COM
***************
Vintage Romance Publishing, LLC is looking for authors. "Our company specializes in nostalgic romances set in the early to mid-Twentieth Century and we need writers. We invite you to our website, www.vrpublishing.com to take a look around. Then, if you feel like this is something you can do or like to try, we'd love to see your work. We're happy to work with published or unpublished authors alike. We look forward to hearing from you."
*****************
Did words ever change your life? Share YOUR story!
In the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Right Words at the Right Time,
Marlo Thomas gathered stories from 108 celebrities and luminaries about
how they had received the "right words at the right time".
Now Marlo invites YOU to share your story of inspiration for possible
inclusion in an all-new volume of The Right Words at the Right Time.
For details about submissions, see the paperback edition or visit
http://email.publishersweekly.com/cgi-bin2/DM/y/egLE0I1SqM0JqM0CAPZ0Aa
0-7434-4650-X
$16.00/$24.00 Can.
Atria Books
*******************
Opinion Magazine Wants YOU
If you think you have what it takes to be a writer, let our professional staff take a look at your work. You can share your Opinions and show off your talents with the most popular Magazine on the Net. http://www.theopinionmagazine.com/submission_info.htm
*******************
SENIOR EDITOR
National Geographic
Washington, DC
National Geographic, the largest non-profit scientific and educational organization, has an immediate opening for a Senior Editor to identify, acquire, and develop eight to ten book projects a year. Look up National Geographic on the Internet or in the D.C. phonebook.
*******************
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER RETAIL
Publications International Ltd.
Chicago
Publications International is a leading publisher of children's and consumer reference books, and gift and stationery products. The National Accounts Manager will work in the Gift & Stationery division, to continue to build share in mass-market, office products, and specialty retail channels. Look up Publications International Ltd. on the Internet or in the Chicago phonebook.
*******************
MANUSCRIPT EDITOR
Education Next
Cambridge, MA
Education Next is a quarterly journal specializing in education policy. The manuscript editor will work with the editor-in-chief, senior editor, two executive editors, research editor, managing editor, copy editor and proofreader. Look up Education Next on the Internet or in the Cambridge phonebook.
*******************
RECOVERING YOUR LOST SELF
Personal Transformation Press is working on a series of anthologies, with the theme of “recovering your lost self.” The first will focus on recovering from adversity, i.e., stories about people who have stumbled on life’s path or had a bad start, picked themselves up, and gone on to succeed. If your story is selected, you receive 100 books and a share of net proceeds. You can read more about the project at our Website: http://www.personaltransformationpress.com/recovering-your-self.html, which also contains submission guidelines (500-1000 words in a word-processing format, with adversity pieces by end of March please). Please contact tjpublish@aol.com using “Anthology Article” as the subject
line. --Tony Stubbs
***********
Desdemona's Third Erotic Story Contest - The Fishnet Flash
Contest (due April 15, 2004, cash prizes):
http://www.desdmona.com/contestsubmit.asp
***********
Indiana Review Poetry Prize 2004 due March 29, 2004, $15
entry fee, win $1,000 honorarium, publication, and
subscription): http://www.indiana.edu/~inreview/
***********
BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
I am working on a new book, Dancing With Fear: breast cancer wisdom from survivors. It will compile user-friendly, non-medical tips of practical help, hope and humor from hundreds who have been there for newcomers facing the same challenge. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to research and prevention. My deadline for survey entries is April 30 with release scheduled for October, the breast cancer month. If you are a survivor and wish to participate, please visit http://www.DancingWithFear.org for an online survey. --Leila Peltosaari
***********
SUCCESS STORIES WANTED
CashCow Kids ™ is seeking stories about Young Entrepreneurs of all ages, from preschool to college age. We want to hear about your success and/or how you did it, what you learned and where you are going with a business venture, an invention, a product, outreach or even community service project. We are seeking inspiring stories to use in upcoming publications and books about remarkable kids and their achievements. Please submit to success@cashcowkids.com. --Lisa Jordan and Sheri Provos
***********
STARS AND STRIPES
529 14th Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20045
Phone: (202) 761-0900
Fax: (202) 761-0890
http://stripes.com
Contact: Doug Clawson, Managing Editor
E-mail: clawsond@stripes.osd.mil
The daily newspaper provides broad coverage of issues important to veterans and their families. Stars and Stripes serves as "the hometown newspaper" for service members, government civilians and their families in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and it offers the same type of national and international news, sports and opinion columns found in newspapers in the United States. The European and Pacific editions also strive to keep readers informed about issues in their host countries, local communities and commands. Pays 15 to 20 cents a word. Circulation: 147,000
***********
The Sun
http://www.thesunmagazine.org
Pays up to $1250 for essays and interviews on publication. "We publish essays, interviews, fiction, and poetry. We tend to favor personal writing, but we're also looking for thoughtful, well-written essays on political, cultural, and philosophical themes. Please, no journalistic features, academic works, or opinion pieces. Other than that, we're open to just about anything. Surprise us; we often don't know what we'll like until we read it." Guidelines: http://www.thesunmagazine.org/writer_guidelines.html
***********
Chronogram
http://www.chronogram.com
Pays $75-$150 on publication. "The editor's ears are always open for new voices and all story ideas are invited for pitching. Chronogram welcomes all voices and viewpoints as long as they are expressed well. We discriminate solely based on the quality of the writing, nothing else." Guidelines: http://www.chronogram.com/submissions.html
***********
SELF
Condé Nast
4 Times Square
New York NY 10036
Phone: (212)286-2860
Fax: (212)286-8110
E-Mail: comments@self.com
Website: www.self.com
Contact: Dana Points, executive editor
Monthly magazine for women ages 20-45.
"Self-confidence, self-assurance, and a healthy, happy lifestyle are pivotal to Self readers. This healthy lifestyle magazine delivers by addressing real-life issues from the inside out, with unparalleled energy and authority. From beauty, fitness, health and nutrition to personal style, finance, and happiness, the path to total well-being begins with Self." Editor's Note: SELF magazine does not accept unsolicited mss, so always query first. Key To This Market: Break in with "an original, news-driven story idea conveyed with lively and compelling writing and storytelling."
***********
Freelance Technology Writers Needed
http://www.successes.com
“We’re looking for smart, experienced, enthusiastic, business technology writers to join our expanding team. We offer you considerable creative input and an extremely flexible working environment, appreciation and support for your work, generous pay and bonuses, and because we’re completely virtual, your location is not an issue if you have access to high-speed connectivity. We need a person who: is a self-starter and highly productive in a non- office environment; someone who is focused and enjoys technology; is outstandingly reliable with strict client-driven deadlines; able to work quickly yet carefully under pressure; has great interviewing and people skills; is a strong team player, likes a stimulating, collaborative environment; has a strong work ethic: and above all, someone who understands that 'good enough` -- isn't! Payment is competitive and commensurate with experience. All fees are negotiated in advance and are paid within 30 days completion (or sooner!) of the
assignment, regardless of publication date. Please email resume, references and clips or urls so we can review at least 3 examples of your work to a.future@successes.com.”
*******************
TRAVEL WRITERS
“Sunset is Western America's largest-circulation regional magazine, with monthly issues devoted to four subject areas: travel and recreation; garden and outdoor living; food and entertaining; home design, remodeling, and projects. “Sunset is looking for well-written travel stories that offer our readers reliably satisfying travel experiences that can be successfully accomplished in a day or weekend outing, or included as part of a vacation.”
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/web/Magazine/FAQs/TravelWriters.html
*******************
Horrible Holidays
lynmarie1@comcast.net
I want you to tell me about your worst holiday experience. Whether it be sad, stupid,
disastrous, so-bad-it's-funny, strange, whatever. Holidays would include all the widely observed legal and religious ones. No birthday stories, please. I am compiling a book that features several stories per holiday. Only your first name, age, and occupation will be used. Try to keep it under 500 words. It doesn't have to be the most well-crafted prose, just capture the essence of the situation. I'm particularly in need of stories other than those about Christmas. Feel free to e-mail questions. Compensation: $20 per accepted story
*******************
New Children’s Magazine Needs Writers
job-26338441@craigslist.org
CHILDREN'S DRUG-FREE HEALTH EDUCATION, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS CREATING A NEW CHILDREN'S MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS. WRITERS OF EXCITING ARTICLES ARE NEEDED. ARTICLES NEED TO BE INTERESTING AND CONTAIN CURRENT INFORMATION. SUBMIT RESUME AND ARTICLE EXAMPLES. Pays $25.00 PER ARTICLE.
*******************
Call for Submissions: Gay/Lesbian Fiction
NewYorkLiterary@yahoo.com
We are a highly selective New-York-based literary agency on the lookout for new full-length manuscript submissions in the category of gay/lesbian fiction. Writers seeking agent representation for their work in this genre are encouraged to submit information about their project(s) for serious consideration. There is no reading fee involved.
Please include:
(1) a detailed synopsis of your work/work-in-progress (one page or less);
(2) a brief author bio (including publishing history, if applicable); and
(3) a sample chapter (preferably the first).
Please: No short-story submissions, unless you plan to expand yours into a full-length novel. Literary and commercial submissions are welcomed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Will you be in Atlanta on the first Friday of the month? Join our meeting at noon!
Directions to monthly meetings at Wok & Chops Gourmet Restaurant, Roswell, Georgia:
The restaurant is in King’s Market on Holcomb Bridge, Roswell, Georgia, one block from Hwy. 400. If on 400, take Exit 7 toward Norcross (7A if going north, exit 7 and turn left, if going south). If on Holcomb Bridge already, turn into King’s Market onto Market Boulevard beside SouthTrust Bank, turn left behind the bank, and you’ll see the restaurant in the hollow on the right. Restaurant phone: 770-552-8981.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do YOU have news for The Writers Network News? Please send it in the body copy, not an attachment, to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
…………………………………………………………………………….
Send a copy of this F-R-E-E newsletter to all your writing friends. Tell them to join The Writers Network F-R-E-E by visiting www.zebraeditor.com and clicking on “Free Writers Newsletter.” …………………………………………………………………………….
Newsletter Sponsor:
Zebra Communications: We Rev Up Your Writing, To Rev Up Your Sales.
We write, edit, and evaluate manuscripts, query letters, synopses, and articles. We even handle the submission process for you. Call to ask about our services or visit www.zebraeditor.com.
Zebra Communications, 230 Deerchase Drive, Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30188 770/924-0528
…………………………………………………………………………….
The Writers Network--a free network for writers everywhere. "No Rules; Just Write!"