The Writers Network News, December 3, 2004 http://ezezine.com
December 3, 2004
The Writers Network News
“No Rules; Just Write!”
Editor: Bobbie Christmas (Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or bzebra@aol.com)
Bobbie Christmas Blog for Writers: http://journals.aol.com/bzebra/BobbieChristmasBlogforWriters/
Next Roswell meeting date: Friday, January 7, 2005
12:00 noon at Wok & Chops Chinese Restaurant
You don’t have to attend meetings to enjoy the benefits of this e-zine—most of our subscribers are in other states and even other countries, anyway. If you happen to be in Atlanta on the first Friday of the month, though, take your membership a step further by networking at our meeting. Bring your questions and your business cards and network with the best of us. See driving directions at the end of the e-zine.
Special note: As the editor, I like to get this e-zine out at least a few days before our meeting dates, but I was out of the country until a couple of days ago, and the e-zine server has been down since my return. From the looks of things as I write this, this issue is not going to go out before the meeting, but at least you have the information in hand. Mark your calendars for the next meeting, Friday, January 7.
In This Issue:
One: Kudos: Margo Fallis, Kathleen Boehmig, Penny Holder, Ava Chambers, Nanette Littlestone, and Dr. Jay Grady
Two: From the editor’s desk: Two accomplishments for your editor!
Three: Q and A: Cover art, classical style, selling an idea
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Five: Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
Six: Writing Assignment: Touch Me
Seven: New Feature! Looking for Critique Circles
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Writer’s quote of the day:
“One begins with two people on a stage, and one of them had better say something pretty damn quick.” –Moss Hart
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One: Kudos
[Kudos: noun: praise or honor: praise, credit, or glory for an achievement]
Margo Fallis writes, “Just to let you know that ‘Sacred Stones’ came out today. It is by Maril Crabtree, but I have a story in it called Khamseem and Stone. Also, Kathleen Boehmig, Penny Holder, and Ava Chambers, all of Atlanta Writer's Club also have stories in it, too. There's a book Sacred Feathers already out, and Maril is working on Sacred Rock and Sacred Fire too, so if anyone wants to send a story in for those, they can contact me and I'll give them Maril's email.” –Margo margofallis@yahoo.com
“I have a short story titled Almost Hemingway coming out in December on Monthly Short Stories (http://monthlyshortstories.com). There is a preview available right now.” --Nanette Littlestone
I am going into my second printing of my book "Stop Verbal Abuse." Original order was 1,000 books, and I self-published. We have not spent any money on ads. This book is so powerful in helping victims of verbal abuse, that word of mouth has been selling the book. --Dr. Jay Grady http://www.stopverbalabuse.com/
Do you have good news? Others benefit from hearing your success stories, so please share them. Send them to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Two: From the editor’s desk: No worries, mate!
Dear Fellow Writers:
Whew! I’m finally back from Australia, jet-lagged and surprised to enter winter suddenly, after leaving the desert at 104 degrees. It’s good to be back, although I’ll miss the friendly Australians and their endearing wildlife.
Sometimes it takes awards and kudos to make us feel like the writers that we already are, and this month I’m glowing. Right before I left for Australia, I learned that my book, “Write In Style.” had won a First Place Royal Palm Literary Award in Adult Education. When I got back I had received a handsome trophy plus the judges’ comments, and all three judges gave all the elements of the book almost perfect scores. Wow, what an honor!
When I checked my e-mail, I learned that Colleen Sell, editor of the Cup of Comfort series (Adams Media Corporation) had sent me the following note: “I am pleased to inform you that A Cup of Comfort for Mothers and Sons is finally done and will soon go to the printer ... and that your terrific story "Roses and Rodents and Mom, Oh Yeah!" (originally titled "Happy Mother's Day from My Best Friend") is among the 54 published in this delightful volume.” This story makes the third I’ve sold to the Cup of Comfort series, a national bestselling series.
Writing is solitary work; awards and accomplishments can be shared, though. Be sure to keep sending in your accomplishments for others to see. We all gain strength from the deeds of others.
Enjoy this newsletter and be sure to send your kudos, questions, comments, and leads to share with members of your network.
--Bobbie Christmas
Author of award-winning Write In Style (Union Square Publishing, an imprint of Cardoza Publishing) and leader of The Writers Network
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Three: Questions and Answers
Q: I have researched the Net and haven't been found the answer to my question anywhere, so I hope you can help. I would like to buy the original art work, a 9.5"x14" watercolor painted for the cover of my book. The artist will retain the copyright; however, neither the artist nor I know how much the painting should be worth. Can you give us an idea?
A: Art is subjective, as is the value of it. Some has no value; some is priceless. In my opinion, value is determined by the purchaser. That is, an artist may wish to sell her art for $5,000, but if no one will pay that price, it has no value. If a collector loves a work of art, he or she may pay millions for it from another collector, as in the case of a Rubens or a Van Gogh, and yet the artist may have received little or nothing for the original work.
Your question is one of rights as well as acquisition. You want to acquire the right to reproduce the artwork after you buy the original. Here’s a suggestion. Make the artist an offer that you think is fair that would include the rights to use the work. If the artist agrees, you have established the worth. You may need a legal document, to ensure the agreement is final and that you have infinite rights to reproduce the art. If so, consult an attorney.
Q: I read your article on writing-world.com and I wanted to know if you could help me with a writing situation. I'm halfway through my first book and well aware that editing is poor, but my concern is the style. I have been reading the older classics like Beowulf, The Odyssey, and then the modern fantasy literature like Lord of the Rings. I don't want to copy anyone's style, but I want to use the classical technique or structure, I don't know the proper way to describe the writing. I have been looking for books on how to write with classical or formal writing but can't find anything. I was wondering if you might be able to guide me somewhere or give advice or suggestions. Perhaps you know of someone that could help me if you are unable to advise.
A: Interesting question, because publishers today look for contemporary writing, rather than classical (sometimes called literary) style. If you insist on classical structure, keep doing what you’re doing. Read the classics and learn from them. You won’t be copying anyone’s style, because you’ll be using your own story and words. The main thing to remember is that literary style tends to be wordier, has more telling than showing, and uses few if any contractions, all of which is contrary to popular contemporary fiction. As a result, you may be attempting to buck a trend, and in so doing, may write unmarketable fiction. A joke among editors goes like this: What’s the difference between contemporary fiction and literary fiction? Contemporary fiction sells. Think about it.
Q: I have come up with a wonderful publishing idea. My first target is a well-known magazine. I am battling with how to sell this idea. This column/page will be a write-in column for readers, one that will be included in every issue. Should I sell the rights to use my idea and get one flat fee, or should I receive payment for each monthly issue.
A: I get some interesting questions from writers, many of which require an attorney rather than a book doctor. I think this question falls within that realm. Without benefit of legal knowledge, though, I suspect the answer may come from the buyer, rather than the seller of the idea, but it might be negotiable. I’m glad you are determining first what you want before you pitch the idea. It better be a good idea, first, though.
Truth is, if I were a publisher, I’d want to pay you only once, but as the creator of the idea, I’d rather get paid monthly. If you’d rather get paid monthly, I suggest that you offer to moderate and/or edit the submissions that come in for the column/page.
Do you have a question? Send it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Four: Subjects of interest to writers
What booksellers want
“What I need as a bookseller is stuff that will help me sell the book in question. Things I like to get:
- An accompanying press kit with usable copy - a generic author interview, for example, that I can plug right into my next newsletter. Five stars if it comes on a CD ROM and I can cut and paste.
- A selection on audio I can stick in the car so I can listen on the way to/from work.
- A "Recommended Reading" shelf talker card with a picture of the book.
- Contact information for the author's website, and an indication of what events/programs the author likes/is willing to do.” --Nicki Leone, "The Book Lady at Bristol Books" (excerpted from AnvilPub BookNews, an online newsletter for publishers http://anvilpub.com/BookNews.htm
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Bobbie’s Ask The Book Doctor Column is now on Writing-World.com. See http://www.writing-world.com/columns/book/current.shtml
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It can happen! $2 million advance to new author
Little, Brown & Co. paid $2 million for Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel, “The Historian,” described as a gothic and slated for June publication.
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Saturday, December 11, 2004
Write In Style and You Write to Win!
Free Two-Hour Seminar: $65 value--absolutely free
11:00 to 1:00
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Fayetteville Square
1415 Hwy. 85 North, Suite 200
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770-716-7640
Learn how to power up your prose and add marketability to your manuscripts. Bobbie Christmas, author of Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing (Union Square Publishing, ISBN 1-58042-134-2) explains her trademarked Find and Refine Method™ that makes revisions easier and better. This seminar is not about grammar! It's about what Bobbie Christmas calls "missed opportunities for improvement," the tendencies of all writers to fall into weak, unstylish writing. Her methods focus on what to eliminate from your writing to make it tight, persuasive and marketable. Bring your questions and come prepared for an information-packed two hours. Call 770-716-7640 before December 5 to reserve your seat and help us be sure we have enough handout materials for all.
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Shelby Foote, author of novel Shiloh (1952) and best known for his trilogy, The Civil War: A Narrative, writes six to eight hours a day seven days a week in his bedroom. He writes five or six hundred words a day (about 100,000 words a year) with a dip pen, which he has to dip in ink after every three or four words. After he finishes writing, he sets it aside to dry, then copies it off on a typewriter and puts it on the stack without editing, because Foote doesn't see a need to edit his work. He likes to be left alone when he writes. He often quotes words John Keats wrote in a letter: "A fact is not a truth until you love it."
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Periodicals often prefer AP style, and here’s a quick reference guide
Most newspapers and magazines adhere to Associated Press style, which outlines rules for capitalization, abbreviation, and the use of numbers. AP style often differs from the business English we learned in school. If you write articles, press releases, or columns intended for periodicals, you’ll meet with more success if you write them in AP style. For a quick AP Style reference, see http://www.utexas.edu/coc/journalism/SOURCE/journal_links/AP_style.html
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Saturday, January 9, 2005
Write In Style and You Write to Win!
10:15 to 12:15
$65 value, only $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers
Dunwoody Library
www.georgiawriters.org
Learn how to power up your prose and add marketability to your manuscripts. Bobbie Christmas, author of Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing (Union Square Publishing, ISBN 1-58042-134-2) explains her trademarked Find and Refine Method™ that makes revisions easier and better. This seminar is not about grammar! It's about what Bobbie Christmas calls "missed opportunities for improvement," the tendencies of all writers to fall into weak, unstylish writing. Her methods focus on what to eliminate from your writing to make it tight, persuasive and marketable. Bring your questions and come prepared for an information-packed two hours. Call 770-716-7640 before January 5 to reserve your seat and help us be sure we have enough handout materials for all.
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Join Converse College for The Spirit of Place Writing Workshop in Italy
Discover your voice amid Etruscan echoes. Viorchiano, June 6-June 16, 2005
The writing workshop, open to experienced and beginning poets, fiction and nonfiction writers, will explore new ways to ground our writing in the spirit of place. As writers, we all have our spiritual geographies, our maps of terrains trekked across or yet to conquer. Through special exercises, discussions, and readings, we will learn to evoke and recreate atmospheres of those places and bring them alive in our writing. We will also explore the very specific spirit of place in Vitorchiano, a medieval village of Etruscan origins in a unique natural and architectural setting, and we will craft new pieces of writing in response to that spirit.
Vitorchiano is a medieval village in the Tuscia, heart of Etruscan territory, an area of central Italy bordering Tuscany, Umbria and the greater area of Rome in Northern Lazio. Nestled in the low-lying Cimini hills, surrounded by beech forests, volcanic lakes and hot springs, the Tuscia is one of the most unspoiled natural environments in Italy. Renaissance villas and Etruscan ruins are scattered throughout the countryside. Many writers and artists have been fascinated by the spirit of this place, including Vernon Lee, Edith Wharton, D.H. Lawrence, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Salvator Dali. Well-connected to Rome, Viterbo and Orte, Vitorchiano enjoys an ideal location for exploring other areas of Italy.
Instructors
Linda Lappin, Director Centro Studi Pokkoli, Vitorchiano, Italy
Susan Tekulve, Assistant Professor of English, Converse College
Rick Mulkey, Associate Professor of English, Converse College
Costs
1210 Euros or approximately $1,600 (dollar amount subject to changing exchange rate) includes writing workshops, hotel room, three meals a day, airport transport, and planned excursions. Price excludes airfare.
Class size is limited. For more information call (864) 596-9186, email susan.tekulve@converse.edu or visit http://www.pokkoli.com/.
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Secrets from “Write In Style” Revealed
The Find and Refine Method™ assists writers in being objective about their work. To learn much more about Bobbie Christmas’s trademarked method, see http://tinyurl.com/5vabr
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Saturday, January 29 2005
Literary Festival in Fayetteville, Georgia, Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Contact the Fayetteville Barnes & Noble for details as they are finalized.
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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.
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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 bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing teaches the Find and Refine Method ™ to locate specific letters, words and phrases you can delete, upgrade or rewrite to give power to your prose. Bobbie Christmas, professional book editor, reveals secrets only a book doctor could know. First Place winner of the Royal Palm Award for education! Union Square Publishing, publisher; Simon and Schuster, distributor. Available in bookstores as well as from most major Internet retailers, including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, SimonSays.com, Walmart.com and Forbes.com. Can also be ordered at http://zebraeditor.com/bookstore.shtml
Thank you, member Jim Gillaspy for posting the following review of Write In Style on Amazon.com: “Unless you are still writing on a typewriter or with paper and pencil, this book will improve your work. First it tells you the kind of mistakes you should be looking for, then tells you how to find and correct them using your word processor. You won't find lessons on characterization or plot. You will find ways to make your writing tighter and more presentable to both the reader and the agent or publisher you are trying to impress with your work. The book is more than worth the $13 being asked for it.”
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Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
Call for Nominations – Georgia Author of the Year Awards
The 41st annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards presented by the Georgia Writers Association in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Ivan Allen College School of Literature, Communication and Culture offers recognition for traditionally published books and self-published books. The call for nominations is for the following categories:
Fiction
Creative Nonfiction (Divisions are Memoir, History, Essay, Biography, Self-Help, Inspirational)
Short Stories/Anthologies
First Novel
Poetry
Children’s & Young Adult Literature
Lifetime Achievement
Eligibility requirements are (1) authors must be Georgia residents and (2) have a book published in calendar year 2004. (Books may have been published anywhere.)
Nomination deadline: January 15, 2005
For information and a link to official nomination forms see: www.georgiawiters.org/GAYA-Open05.htm
Anyone may enter or nominate an author’s book. Award winners will be announced June 4, 2005, at the Georgia Tech Robert Ferst Center for the Arts.
Additional information is available from Geri Taran, Georgia Writers Association Executive Director, at 678-407-0703 or via email at GAYA@georgiawriters.org.
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Freelance Writing Opportunity
Steady 20-30 hrs/month freelance editing and writing for local Georgia lifestyle publication. Regular source of income, interesting work perfect for someone just entering the freelance life who needs decent, steady income and doesn't have too many clients yet. Work from your home office. Small finder's fee required if referral results in client. Contact Nancy Moreland, 770-517-2364, nmoreland@ConveyMore.com
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WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR CHILD ABOUT HAPPINESS?
For a national magazine, I'm looking for instances of parents being taught something about being happy by their child. It could be something your child said, did, or even something he or she doesn't do (worry, rush, be pessimistic) that helped you perk up and look at life a little differently. Examples can be from kids any age up to 12. Will need your name, child's name and age, and your city/state. Please e-mail me at vicky@writesense.com
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First-Line Stories Competition
Win up to $4,000. New postmark deadline: December 17th (extended from December 1st). Opening line: It seemed harmless at first... Finish this story with your best 250 words (or less). For contest rules and details, go to: Writingcompetition.com. Also, check out the e-zine at, Firstlinestories.com
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Lost Treasure
http://www.losttreasure.com/Guidelines.htm
"Lost Treasure, a monthly publication, accepts lost treasure,
folklore, personal adventure stories; legends; and how-to
articles for treasure hunters and metal detector users; personal
adventure stories when accompanied by a sidebar consisting of a
how-to lesson or tips (hunting, research, technique, etc.,
related to the story); who's who features (by query only) and
miscellaneous how-to tips." Pays $.04/word on publication.
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Bella Diva Magazine
belladivamagazine@yahoo.com
Want to be a part of the media industry's first true-to-life publication totally involving the savvy city life? Have you ever dreamed of seeing your name associated with a top publication in fashion and luxury lifestyle? Do you have an insatiable appetite for arts and culture, fine dining, fashion and film and would like to write about it? Then this magazine is for you!
We are looking for individuals that are creative and tenacious. We want people who are talented and interested in fine living, but more than that, we are interested in those who are willing to pull out all the stops and provide insight, spontaneity and talent to make this magazine more than the nation is ready for. If you are interested, email your resume and/or writing samples along with an essay as to why we should hire you as a contributor.
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Avenue e
brenda_oconnor@nyc.sudler.com
www.avee-health.com
Avenue e seeks experienced medical writers to develop online articles. The content may cover Central Nervous Disorders, Depression, Cardiovascular Disease, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc. Experience in interactive writing a plus.
Freelancers will develop articles and eBlasts, provide recommendations on Websites and create copy for Websites.
Please submit a resume, medical writing samples, and suggested hourly rate. Compensation will depend on level of experience.
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Screenwriters Wanted
anon-49982667@craigslist.org
We supply you with a main character and a very basic outline for a story. You write a feature script. If selected, you will be paid $150 up front, $350 after you complete the 1st act (40 pages), $500 after the 2nd act, and $500 on completion of the screenplay. If we produce the script, you will receive writing credit. Send a 10-page sample of your writing as a Final Draft or Word attachment to the email address below. Screenwriters preferred, but anyone with strong dialogue and action description skills will be considered.
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Freelance Editor/Writers Home and Garden Magazine
job-49473810@craigslist.org
Freelance Editors/Writers needed for a relaxed home, garden and lifestyles magazine in California. Our editorial focus is the relaxed luxury and country living lifestyles (including architectural design, interior design, remodeling, gardening, food and wine) of Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Mendocino counties. Editors/writers must be able to cover feature stories in all four counties and will also need to be able travel to our offices outside Geyserville, California, on a regular basis for meetings.
You must be able to work well with an entire editorial team (approx. 6 people) and directly with the magazine publisher. You must be willing to create work in the positive, upbeat style of the magazine. Duties include generating story ideas, researching, writing and editing.
The ideal candidate will be a motivated, organized and detail-oriented, self-starter with writing/editing experience, preferably at a consumer magazine. Only fun, happy, honest, creative, talented and well-adjusted people should apply.
We also require a strong work ethic and a sense of humor, as well as an ability to mentor and help others develop.
Besides excellent editorial skill, you should have an interest and/or knowledge in some of the following areas. Home design, home construction, interior design, remodeling, gardening, food, wine, jewelry, clothing, antiques, vehicles, ballooning, hiking, camping, bicycling, or water sports.
Please submit resume, cover letter, writing sample(s) and compensation requirements via email. Also, let us know which of the categories listed above you have an interest and/or knowledge in. Please be specific.
Email subject line should read “Editor/Writer position”.
Unpaid (student credit only) editorial and publishing internships are also available. If you are interested in an editorial internship, please list "internship" in the subject line.
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Ascend Business Magazine wants Freelance Writers
editor@ascendbusinessmag.com
Today, more than ever, the face of global business is changing. African/Black American entrepreneurs and business people are on the rise as are education levels, prosperity, ambition and enthusiasm. Ascend Business Magazine is an exciting and thought provoking national bi-monthly magazine targeting African/Black American businessmen and women between the ages of 25 and 54.
Ascend Business Magazine reaches this new generation of African/Black American professionals with compelling features on issues and trends that impact companies large and small; and a wide range of cutting edge how-to pieces that evaluate, analyze and lead to solutions.
Ascend Business Magazine's editorial content is composed of features on emerging trends; success stories in all industries; innovative concepts; and cutting edge people, products and ideas that define today’s and tomorrow’s business world. We also provide readers columns from African/Black American business, government and civic leaders that offer insightful advice and feedback.
We are looking for freelance writers who have business journalism experience as a reporter, editor and/or freelance writer. Please e-mail your resume and three attached writing samples to editor@ascendbusinessmag.com.
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Stringers wanted in convention cities
Small trade newsletter house in Washington, DC, needs stringers in convention towns to *occasionally* report on or record conferences, luncheons or specific panels and speakers (see cities below). This could mean zero to several or more paying jobs/year, depending on numerous factors. Topics include utility competition and broadband. We pay per inch or per hour depending on whether story written or digital recording sent. Writing samples and tests may be used to determine which format we will pay you for. Seasoned reporters welcome, novices may apply. Note to novices: business dress and demeanor required -- not fancy but not sloppy. We do not supply digital recording gear (we recommend Sony ICD-ST10 w/ data cable, bundled software plus a computer). We supply large file transfer website. Other costs negotiable. Cities include Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Boston, New York, Washington DC and other conference destinations. Advancement potential for qualified writers. Send CV and letter to cv@ghinews.com.
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The Booths: An Anthology of Fleeting Erotica
We are looking for real, truth feeling stories, poems, and plays that take place in any variation of a peep show environment, from any point of view. Send us your writings, fiction or nonfiction, of the unexpected stories that take place in this universal and timeless setting. We're open to pushing the structural limits of the peep show environment. We feel strongly that the works should be limited only in the formal concern of being very short well crafted writings that capture the extraordinary tension of these unique voyeuristic moments.
* Stories should be no longer than 500 words, poems 250 words, and plays should be no longer than one act.
* Stories must be appropriate to the theme of the anthology.
*Strong interesting characters, extraordinary scenes, and top quality writing are essential.
* Compensation is around $50 per work to be paid upon publication. Plays may be compensated higher depending on length.
* Deadline is January 15, 2004
Submit work in the body of an email to Scott Kramer at songpoem@hotmail.com
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Venus Press
submissions@venuspress.com
http://www.venuspress.com
Venus Press specializes in erotic fiction, be it erotic romance or pure erotica. We publish all sub-genres, including fantasy, science fiction, suspense, historical, etc. The story must be engaging, with a solid plot and fully realized characters.
At this time, we are interested in shorts (around 10,000-18,000 words), novellas (around 19,000-30,000 words), category length novels (around 31,000-45,000 words), and novel length works (46,000 to 80,000 words).
Send a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters of your completed manuscript to submissions@venuspress.com. While we do accept simultaneous submissions, please indicate if the work is currently under consideration with another publishing company.
The cover letter should briefly describe your work, including the title, word count, and heat level (Cupid, Aphrodite or Hephestus). The synopsis should include a detailed plot outline, and some information about your main characters.
For more information, please visit our website at www.venuspress.com.
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9-1-1 Magazine, a public safety magazine wants contributors
http://www.9-1-1magazine.com/information/edGuides.asp
“9-1-1 Magazine is the magazine for the public safety communications industry. Serving law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and disaster management, 9-1-1 Magazine provides valuable information to readers in all aspects of the public safety communications and response community. Each issue contains a blending of product-related, technical, operational, and people-oriented stories, covering the skills, training, and equipment which these professions all share in common. We run stories on provocative issues and cover major incidents from both a responder and a communications standpoint.
“Eighty-five percent free-lance. Our primary need is for 1,000 -2,500 word articles, accompanied if possible by appropriate high-quality photography. Each manuscript should include a 25-word biography of the author. All submissions must include social security number, address, and phone number.
“We prefer queries, but will look at manuscripts on speculation. Most positive responses to queries are to be considered on spec, but occasionally we will make assignments. In such cases, we offer a 20-percent kill fee.” Pays $.10-.20/word
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MOTIVATIONAL ESSAYS WANTED (pays $100)
OFWAIHF - Submissions
PO Box 502
Getzville, NY 14068
or
E-mail as an attached Word document to
submissions@OFWAIHF.org
Essays needed to complete the Our Fathers Who Art in Heaven book
project—December 31 deadline. Did your father teach you an important lesson about leadership or life that you still use today? What advice did your father give you that you still treasure? If your father's leadership ideals have strengthened your life, then now is your chance to allow his wisdom to teach others. The Our Fathers Who Art in Heaven Foundation needs well-written motivational essays that describe leadership and life lessons learned from fathers who are now deceased, but whose messages are still needed in today's world.
For North American paperback and hardback rights, all authors whose essays are chosen for inclusion in the book will receive $100 upon acceptance. Contributor's copies of the finished book will be available at a fifty percent discount, which the contributor is free to resell at the cover price through his or her own efforts.
Decisions will be based on strength of the leadership message, quality of writing, and uniqueness of the lesson. The purpose of the book is to help readers discover the leadership wisdom they encounter through their paternal relationships. Each essay chosen for inclusion will identify a different principle of leadership essential for surviving today's challenges. Response will be made by the end of February 2005.
Deadline is December 31, 2004. Previously published essays and multiple submissions are acceptable when noted. If you have questions, please see
http://www.ofwaihf.org or email Gerry Murak at gerry.murak@OFWAIHF.org.
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Family Energy
editors@iparenting.com
http://familyenergy.com/writers.php
Family Energy is a new glossy print magazine published by iParenting Media. It is the first glossy devoted solely to family health. Articles run 600-1000 words and must have professional sources quoted. Read the first issue or two to become familiar with the style. Buys all rights and may release reprint rights to non-competitive publication. Pays competitive rates 30 days after acceptance.
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New and upcoming markets
* Launched in November, Finance Week aims at "guiding executives through the corporate governance minefield." Centaur will publish the title.
* Due to launch early next year, Spotlight is a bimonthly consumer lifestyle magazine that targets 21- to 40-year-old black readers.
* Ergo, an environmental lifestyle magazine, launched in UK. Ergo claims to be the UK's first glossy, green, lifestyle magazine, "offering a mainstream alternative to the tired consumer magazine formula with a stylish title that appeals to thinking men and women equally."
* SSC Publishing announced a February 2005 launch of a new monthly print and online publication, TUX, The First and Only Magazine for New Linux Users.
* Dan Patrell will be the editor of Maryland Life, a new bimonthly regional magazine "that explores and celebrates the destinations, dining, home styles, and people that make Maryland a great place to live."
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Six: Writing Assignment: Touch Me
The best fiction writers employ all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. For this assignment close your eyes in a safe environment and walk around carefully. Locate, touch and examine in depth, eyes still closed, one or two objects around you. Take all the time you need. Think of how you would describe the things you touch if you could not see them, could only feel them. The tactile descriptions you create may be directly usable in a story, but even if not, the experience of using only your hands to obtain descriptions will help you add the sense of feel to your stories.
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Seven: Looking for Critique Circles
“Bobbie, I'm interested in critique circles for fiction (novels and short stories) and nonfiction. I live in Roswell west of 400. Thanks!” -- Jane Brown, jb.gsu@mindspring.com
“Would be interested in joining a fiction critique (prefer to meet during daytime/early evening) in Buckhead/Brkhaven or thereabouts - best way to reach me is by phone, at 404-234-0241 (call any time, please leave message if I miss you, with day/evening phone numbers and best time to return your call). I've had two novels published and taught fiction writing at Oglethorpe, etc. At the moment I'm working on a big book, so I am able to meet once a month.” -- Chris Drake
Do you want to join or form a critique circle in your area or online? In the body of an e-mail send me your name, general location, contact information, and your preferences (fiction, nonfiction, short stories, books, poetry, etc.). I’ll list your information here, to help you find or form a group that allows you to get feedback.
Remember to ask me for Free Report #101 on forming and maintaining a successful critique circle. Send your request to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Directions to meetings:
Directions to monthly meetings held the first Friday of each month at Wok & Chops Chinese 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 by turning 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.
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Do YOU have news for The Writers Network News? Please send it in the body copy, not an attachment, to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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