.

What's a Richmond Writer To Do?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:11:00 +0000

In my surfing the net and following several links at some friendly blogs, I found the following upcoming events that may be of interest to writers in the Greater Richmond Area. If you go, let me know by leaving a comment! Writers need to network and take every opportunity to learn the art AND business of writing!

11/9/2009 7 – 9 PM: The Richmond Playwright's Forum meets monthly at the Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn conference room. Members share works in progress and discuss the play writing process. RPF is open to all interested persons, and welcomes your participation as voice actors or active listeners. For more information, contact Margie Langston at margie.langston@yahoo.com.

11/10/2009 12 – 1 PM: Eugene Trani discusses and signs his collaborative work with Donald E. Davis, Distorted Mirrors: Americans and Their Relations with Russia and China in the Twentieth Century. Free and open to the public. Limited free parking under the library. At The Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St, 804-692-3500, http://www.lva.lib.va.us/.

11/11/2009 5:30 – 7:30 PM: “Writers Wednesday.” JRW hosts a casual meet and greet for writers of all genres every second Wednesday. At Richbrau Brewing Company’s TapHouse Grill, 1212 E Cary St. Access parking in the decks on 12th St or Virginia St (between Cary and Canal Streets).

11/13/2009 4 PM: “VCU Visiting Writers Series” continues with a reading by acclaimed poet Lucia Perillo (Luck is Luck). Free and open to the public. At Barnes & Noble, VCU, 111 W Broad St, 804-828-1678. For further details call Thom Didato at 804-828-1329.

11/13/2009 6 – 9 PM: Grand opening of Books On Wheels Thrift Store: Books, Bikes, and Beyond. Catered by Joe’s Inn. At 302 Brookland Park Ave. For more details visit Chop Suey Books or call Ward at 804-422-8066.

11/14/2009 11 AM – 3 PM: “1st Annual Authors Literary Festival.” Free and open to the public. At Precious Memories Book Store, 3229 Idlewood Ave, 804-726-8501, http://www.blackauthlitfestival.webs.com/.

11/14/2009 5 PM & 8 PM: SlamRichmond’s Poetry Slam Workshop and Open Mike. Cost $5. At Artspace Gallery, 31 E 3rd St, 804-232-6464. For more details visit http://www.myspace.com/slamrichmond

If you go, let me know how it was!

Blessings on your journey

CHRISTIAN WRITERS RETREAT

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:36:00 +0000

OFFERED BY PUBLISHED AUTHOR LINK &
WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER
JOANNE LIGGAN, EVENT COORDINATOR

An event for Christians who write, not necessarily writers who write

Christian material. Non-Christians are welcome with the understanding

there will be prayer and discussion in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

and no offensive material will be tolerated. If you have questions concerning

the definition of offensive material, please contact Joanne Liggan by e-mail at jliggan@verizon.net.

DATE: February 19 - 21 (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)
LOCATION: Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center; 9275 Barnes Road; Toano, VA 23168

COST: $175/person
Includes:
Lodging for 2 nights
Meals from Friday evening through Sunday morning
Workshops/Discussions/Devotions to encourage and stimulate writers
Fellowship with other writers and Christians

(Anyone living in Williamsburg, and therefore not requiring lodging,

the cost is $95 for meals and attending daily events.)

EMAIL jliggan@verizon.net for a registration form!

Blessings on your journey

Win a $25 Gift Card to Celebrate My Interview about Woman At The Well!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:06:00 +0000

My interview with Katrina Robinson, Richmond Books Examiner has been published! She's interviewing me about Woman At The Well on her column as part of her Reading Religiously series.

Win a free $25 Barnes & Noble gift card by leaving a comment here. Win an additional chance by also leaving a comment in the comments section of the interview post: Reading Religiously: Woman At The Well by Mary Moss.

Blessings on your journey

I just sold an article at Helium.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Woo Hoo! I just received an e-mail from Helium.com that one of my articles has been sold to a publisher looking for articles about "parenting in the new millennium!" It's not a huge amount of cash, but completely unexpected!

Here's the link to read the article: Parenting Pitfalls: 10 Mistakes Even Good Parents Make.

I'm going to check out other publishing opportunities to see if I can score another paycheck:-)I haven't visited the site for a while and it appears they have really enhanced the site and increased opportunities for writers to earn money. If you're interested in writing for Helium.com, send me your email: divinelydesigned@hotmail.com and I'll send you an invitation.

I've been doing quite well at Examiner.com as well! My page views have been consistently exceeding the average number in the category of Family and Parenting both in Richmond and at the national level on many days. Here's my link: Richmond Frugal Family. If you'd like to have your own column on examiner.com, click HERE and tell them Mary Moss referred you (examiner ID #20427)

I'm counting down to my interview with Katrina Robinson, Richmond Books Examiner. She's interviewing me about Woman At The Well on her column as part of her Reading Religiously series.

When my interview runs, I'll be offering an opportunity to win a free $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. So check back soon to find out how to qualify for the gift card!

Blessings on your journey

October Writing Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:12:00 +0000

It's been a busy month, and it's not over yet! Here's what going on in my little part of the writing world:

Upcoming interviews and book signing/sales:

Interview: Wednesday, October 21 an interview about Woman at the Well and my women's ministry will be published at Katrina Robinson's Reading Religiously series on Examiner.com

Book signing/sales: Sunday, October 25 at Good Shepherd UMC Pumpkin Palooza

Book signing/sales: Saturday, December 5 at the Craft Fair at Emeritus @ Deep Run (Morningside) on Gaskins Road

Adventures in frugality - some recent posts from my Examiner.com column, Richmond Frugal Family:
Target announces biggest sale of the season
More October Deals & Steals (including 12 oz beverage at 7-Eleven)
Fun, frugal Halloween costumes
My "What's Frugal or Free in Richmond" weekend series has been very well received and I work all week to find activities for Richmond families that won't break the bank!

God's Wonder Woman at Take Root and Write wraps up my series on The Seven Deadly Sins.

I'll be interviewing Frank Robinson, author of Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story here at Godly Graffiti on December 5 as part of the Christian Speaker's Service blog tour. Watch for details coming soon.

I hope to enter two contests before the month is over as well. I figured out if I give up sleeping I'll have time to fit everything in a 24-hour period that I want to get done!

What about you? Leave a comment and share your writing activities this month!

Blessings on your journey

Wow! Save $30 on October On-line Courses for Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:54:00 +0000

I just had to share this list of upcoming on-line workshops through Writer's Digest ! Even better: use coupon code OCT09 to save $30 on any course!

Name	Start Date
Elements of Effective Writing I: Grammar and Mechanics	10/1/2009
Fundamentals Of Fiction Writing	10/1/2009
Accelerated Fundamentals Of Fiction Writing	10/8/2009
Focus On The Novel	10/8/2009
Getting Started In Writing	10/8/2009
Focus On Writing Nonfiction For Children	10/8/2009
Fundamentals Of Nonfiction Writing	10/15/2009
Fundamentals Of Writing For Children	10/15/2009
Fundamentals Of Life Stories Writing	10/15/2009
Advanced Short Fiction Writing	10/15/2009
Focus On The Nonfiction Magazine Article	10/22/2009
Little Red Writing Workshop	10/22/2009
Advanced Poetry Writing	10/22/2009
Essentials Of Technical Writing	10/29/2009
Write Great Fiction: Revision & Self-Editing	10/29/2009

Remember - use coupon code OCT09 to save $30 on any of these upcoming courses!Just click on the on the title of interest and you'll be linked to the course outline.

Blessings on your journey

Back in the Swing: Writing, Growing, Learning, Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:34:00 +0000

THE DON'T-DO-THAT RUT

Editor: C. Hope Clark
Mailto: Hope@FundsforWriters.com
Web Site: www.fundsforwriters.com

The quickest way to irritate another writer is to speak
in absolutes.

Never use passive voice.
Never begin a sentence with AND.
Never self-publish.
Write EVERY day.
ONLY pitch to New York agents.
Don't sell all rights.
Never accept a work-for-hire gig.
Never pay an entry fee for a contest.

If you want a serious dose of absolutes, attend an
online writer's group, visit a writer's chatroom, read
blog comments. Sooner or later someone will say, "Thou
shalt not..." then rattle off an absolute.

Writing is an artistic endeavor, and throwing absolutes
in the way cramps that creativity. Sure there are a few
common sense rules like not harassing an editor daily
or not writing a query letter on stationery that smells
like gardenias. But for the most part, it's our creativity
that drives us and drives those who need our work.

You can read the rest of this article offering great advice to writers HERE.

On the home front: My mother-in-law, Audrey, is showing some small signs of improvement, but her doctor has told us to have her follow up with him in 3 months. That seems like such a long time when everything she has known in her life is like a missing link. Thankfully she knows all of us and seems to enjoy some of the activities at the skilled nursing facility that is her temporary residence.

We continue to pray for 100% healing. We also continue to need prayers on behalf of Audrey's family, especially my husband and sister-in-law who are basically scheduling their lives around their Mom and her needs. My husband has been bearing the burden of "looking out" for his mom on his own for quite a few years and we are grateful his sister is back in the U.S. and able to pitch in with her brother.

My writing has not been in the forefront lately, needless to say, though Audrey's stroke has served to remind me that we simply do not know how much time we have on this earth - and to be of sound mind and body. That has prompted me to reshuffle, re-prioritize -- in other woods to give myself a much needed good swift kick to get back on track with my writing and also in other areas of my life!

I'm bowing out of some the activities that have sidetracked me from what I feel God desires of me right now. It is never easy to let go, but I am learning and God has been faithful in affirming and assuring me as I grow and learn His ways.

I've researched some contests accepting entries and I will work on that this week. This is a big "contest" time of year, so there are plenty from which to choose. I'm especially considering some pieces I wrote then have just filed away in a general folder on the computer. This morning I re-read one in particular and decided it's time to put it out there:-)

Here are links to the contests I'm considering. You may want to look at them as well.

==================================================

BLUE EARTH REVIEW
http://www.english2.mnsu.edu/ber/contests.html#flashfiction
---
$5 ENTRY FEE FOR THREE ENTRIES

The Annual $5.550 Tom Howard Short Story, Essay and Prose Contest Is Now Open!: http://shortstorycontest.0catch.com/

The 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! We're looking for fiction
that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it—the
deadline is December 1, 2009.

The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2—or more—per word).
For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, click here.

=====
THESE SOUND GREAT AND MAY BE A WAY TO KICK THINGS UP A NOTCH FOR SERIOUS WRITERS:

WOW! Women On Writing Online Workshops & Classes- price range $150-$200

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html

=====

My column at Examiner.com, Richmond Frugal Family is going very well. I've begun posting "Frugal Weekend" activities and several folks have commented they appreciate the ideas. I'm not going to get rich, but I am able to expand my ministry in a way I had been praying about: frugality as a lifestyle.

Whether one is a Christian or not, stewardship is important to ensure a family's welfare and also as a way to preserve our planet's resources. I am pleased to be able to share my passion for this lifestyle with so many who are in search of ways to stretch their limited resources and learn how to thrive on less.

God's Wonder Woman at Take Root and Write posts on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The October 7 post continues the series "The Seven Deadly Sins." In the meantime, you can stop by HERE to read past issues.

What's going on with your writing? Leave me a comment! I'd love to reconnect and know how to pray for your writing efforts.

Blessings on your journey

Easy Yoke, Light Burden and Sufficient Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Two days after making my last post our lives changed dramatically. On Friday, Sept. 18, my mother-in-law suffered an ischemic stroke. To say we have been on a roller-coaster ride in the past week would be an understatement! We have literally lived at the hospital, and in the past two days at the assisted living facility where she will be staying for some indeterminate length of time. We have been away from her to work, to change clothes and sleep and little more.

Last Friday morning when we got up, we had a long, long, long list of all the very important things we had been putting off and absolutely needed to get done by Sunday in anticipation of the week ahead.

Our family was anticipating with great joy and excitement and reveling in God's blessings upon our lives as we looked to the week ahead: Second wedding anniversary of our beautiful daughter and wonderful son-in-law; my birthday, our son's victorious graduation from Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, my husband having been offered a full-time job after more than 2 years of working multiple part-time jobs simultaneously while looking for full-time employment. We had planned a marvelous, joyous, yes, perhaps even a bit rowdy, family celebration this weekend!

Since shortly before our daughter's wedding we have been through a refining process. My husband was laid off from his job. I wasn't working full time. We had planned that I would be able to pursue my writing full time. But God decided we needed further refining in order to fulfill His plans for us. That's how we have viewed it. I went back to work--we needed health insurance and a steady, assured minimum income. We offered up to God all of our desires and dreams, all of our hopes and plans, even our very survival. There were days, weeks, months where it was our absolute and complete reliance upon God alone that allowed us to make it at all.

These were not only lean years financially, they were lean in terms of our control over circumstances--very literally we hung by a thread for a long time, hoping, praying, trusting, and ultimately believing without question or hesitation that God held our very lives in the palm of His hand and that he would sustain us. We were ready to accept whatever He planned for us - even losing everything we owned. We knew that He would provide for us what we truly needed and that He would never leave us on our own. And we were okay because we had our family and our faith.

We had learned to rejoice, even in our adversity, lack of financial security, lack of certainty about what the future held. God's grace transformed our lacking by the world's standards into an attitude of abundance only possible through belief in Jesus Christ. And our faith has grown strong and deep roots. And God has refined us and reworked and reshaped and revitalized us. And we have rejoiced that He has considered us worthy of His time and effort.

His yoke became easy and His burden light. Then Audrey had a stroke.

I could write a book about just the past week. Some of it, no one would even believe. Some of it would be just too hard to relive in the writing of it. Some of it, God isn't done using to teach us about yet. But this much we know: All of it is written in God's book of plans for Audrey and for us. He is in it all and He is in control. And we rejoice in that! We are grateful for Jesus' easy yoke and light burden. We continue to rejoice in all the "worse case scenarios" that could have played out that didn't -- not just for Audrey but for us in the past two years -- no, for us in the past 50+ years we have been alive.

One week out: we are grateful beyond expression for God's grace and mercy. We rejoice that He is in control and we are thankful for the prayers and expressions of kindness from friends and strangers regarding Audrey. We don't know the prognosis for Audrey, beyond our assurance that she will one day be in heaven - and hopefully, we will be there too. Until then, we are leaning on God and relying upon His strength, trusting in His mercy, rejoicing in His grace and coveting prayers on her behalf and ours. Oh, and we're going to have that family celebration:-)

"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you" (Philippians 3:1 NIV).

"But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:13 NIV).

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4 NIV)!

Blessings on your journey

Growing, Living and Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:44:00 +0000

September is National Coupon Month! Imagine my excitement at discovering this, considering it is also my birthday month AND in light of my newest undertaking as the Richmond Frugal Family Examiner!

In my last post I shared about how I have been striving. Having shared it, and my poem/prayer, I felt some easing of my sense of laboring so hard. God is so very good and He has introduced still more Christian women entrepreneurs and writers into my life, even in just this week and they have encouraged and uplifted me!

I have also had the joy of helping several others with issues in their "non-bloggy", non-writing lives and that is even more a blessing - to be a blessing to another. That's really what life is about.

This week I am working on submissions to several contests and the latest edition of my 2X/month God's Wonder Woman column at Take Root and Write is live. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read part 2 of The Seven Deadly Sins. God continues to reveal to me so much about Himself and His love as I research this topic.

I am learning to view my sin not as something that will prevent me from going to heaven, but rather as a means of growing in grace toward others in my life, myself, and the world at large. I've got a long way to go, but I am learning to view life through a new lens and it is pretty incredible!

Since I'm a bit ahead in posts for Richmond Frugal Family, I'm going to try to finalize two author interviews I've agreed to host here in the near future. Stay tuned! You'll want to know about these two writers!

If you are interested in viewing a list of free-lance writing jobs available around the world, click HERE to read Anne Wyman's roundup of opportunities. It's so great that she does all the research and lists everything in one place - including her advice on whether or not it is a good opportunity. Anne also publishes great tips for writers at About Freelance Writing.

What are you writing about this week?

Blessings on your journey

My All and All

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:52:00 +0000

I tend to focus on and ruminate over a word or phrase that comes to mind. A particular term that continues to "visit me" is striving. I had a pretty good idea of the definition, but being a wordsmith and lover of words, I decided to look it up. Here's what I found at dictionary.com:

1.	to exert oneself vigorously; try hard.

2.	to make strenuous efforts toward any goal.

3.	to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.

4.	to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance.

5.	to rival; vie.

Ah, yes . . . this is exactly what I thought! It is also exactly what I have been doing lately! I've also noticed lately that many others in my life have had a week or a month, or a year or even a lifetime of striving. And what are we striving for?

I asked myself that question the other day. "What, Mary, is it that is causing you so much struggle? What are you laboring for?" I know Jesus offers us an easy burden and a light yoke. Why is it, then, that I don't lay down MY burdens and take on His?

It is exhausting, this striving. It wears us out and beats us down. It doesn't matter what good or joy there is in our lives. Striving is always in the background, like white noise, if we don't give it over to the One who has already borne our burdens and won us a victory over this world.

Striving is spinning our wheels, believing we are in control, we are in charge, we are the masters of our own destinies. Hard work is a noble thing! Don't get me wrong! I believe in hard work! I believe in 'fighting the good fight' and doing what needs to be done to advance God's kingdom on earth. That's not striving though! Striving leaves out God, because there's isn't any room, or any energy to include one more component of the struggle. Striving is like there's too much friction; going against the grain; swimming against the tide.

Hard work sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Striving can't even see a pin dot of light anywhere on the horizon. Okay, I think I've belabored my point. Over the last several days, this poem has come to me. It is a prayer, really, offering over my striving to the One who lifts us on eagle's wings. I pray the words minister to you as well.

Lord of my striving

Lord of my ease

Lord of my journeying

Lord of my rest

Lord of my labor

Lord of my respite

Lord of my past

Lord of my days

Lord of my future

Lord of my hours

Lord of my burden

Lord of my comfort

Lord of my yoke

Lord of my freedom

Lord of my striving

Lord of my ease

Keeper of my heart

Champion of my fears

You are

My all in all.

Blessings on your journey

Weekly Writing Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:09:00 +0000

The latest God's Wonder Woman column has been posted at Take Root and Write!

I've started a series on the seven deadly sins. I've really learned a lot as I researched and studied more about these particular sins. It's very humbling to realize the true depth and breadth of our sinfulness, especially as it relates to our need to extend grace to others.

I've also made several posts to Richmond Frugal Family at examiner.com. Looking for a great family-friendly place to eat that won't break the bank? Check out my review of Silver Diner at Innsbrook in Glen Allen, VA.

I began participating in the meme hosted weekly by Marianne Thomas, "Let's Go Krogering" over at Crayon Chronicles this week.

I also joined in the Word-Filled Wednesday meme hosted by various blogs weekly. This week it was hosted by pennyraine.com, for Amy at the 160 acre woods

What have you written this week? Leave me a message to be eligible to win a free copy of my book. (If you're a former winner, I'll send you a copy of the blank journal I designed and a pack of 20 scripture cards.)

Blessings on your journey

LET ME INTRODUCE: THE NEW RICHMOND FRUGAL FAMILY COLUMNIST

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:00 +0000

It's me!!

Those who know me will immediately say, "that's a perfect fit!" I recently was awarded the position of Richmond Frugal Family Examiner at the site examiner.com

If you would like to write for them, please use my referral link:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20427-Richmond-Frugal-Family-Examiner

My Examiner ID is: 20427

What will you find at the site? Information on just about any subject you can imagine! Kelly and Tracy, two members of my Christian writer's group, are also columnists. I hope you'll also take the time to view their columns while your at the site.

http://www.examiner.com/x-18479-Richmond-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner

and

http://www.examiner.com/x-20766-Richmond-Breastfeeding--Examiner

Subscribe to all of us! Make us all your favorites on the site!

Blessings on your journey

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:56:00 +0000

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Linda Wagner won a signed copy of my book at Back To School Book Bonanza! I'm also sending Patty a copy as a thank you for hosting me.

If you would like to order a copy of Woman At The Well, click HERE and you'll be taken to my lulu.com storefront. If you would like a signed copy, email me with your address and I'll send you one!

Thanks to all who participated last week!

Blessings on your journey

Back 2 School Book Bonanza Author Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:32:00 +0000

I'm so thrilled to be the featured author at Patty Wysong's blog, Patterings!

Pop on over to read my interview AND to learn about the other amazing authors Patty and others have been featuring. You won't want to miss it!

I'm giving away a copy of The Woman At the Well. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment at Patterings and check back there on Wednesday, August 26th to see if you've won.

If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email Patty through the button in her sidebar. OR you could sign up to have Patterings updates delivered to your inbox. If you do, it will give you a bonus entry in the giveaway, otherwise you can enter twice--once for each post you leave a comment on. :^)

Blessings on your journey

Confession is Good for the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:48:00 +0000

The latest edition of God's Wonder Woman has been posted at Take Root and Write! Hop on over to read why "Confession is Good for the Soul."

In the weeks to come I'll be sharing a study of the Seven Deadly Sins. For now, know that I know of what I speak! Confession has allowed God to bless me in so very many ways. He wants to bless you too!

Read all about it!

Blessings on your journey

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:1-2 NIV).

BACK TO SCHOOL BOOK BONANZA!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:26:00 +0000

I'm so excited! I'll be the "featured writer" at the Book Bonanza on August 20th at Patterings!

I hope you'll stop by, learn a little about what makes me "tick" and enter to win a free signed copy of my book, Woman At The Well

Blessings on your journey

Writing Contests at writersmarket.com

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:06:00 +0000

WritersMarket.com lists more than 900 contests & awards. Here are three that have September deadlines:
•
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest offers more than 40 awards with the top prize being $10,000 for an essay on the philosophic ideas of Ayn Rand. The prize is open to high school seniors and college undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline is September 17.
•

Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Series is open to unpublished collections of poetry with a first place prize of publication and $1,000. The deadline is actually to have your submission postmarked by October 1 (though that's close enough to September to count).
•
Robert Watson Literary Prizes offers prizes in both fiction and poetry. First place for each is $500. Winners will also receive publication in The Greensboro Review. Deadline is September 15 (postmarked).

Log in (or sign up) to WritersMarket.com to have access to more than 6,000 listings for contests, book publishers, magazines, and more at WritersMarket.com.

Here's a link to review some FAQ's about WritersMarket.com

The WritersMarket.com team has updated:

23 market listings in the past 7 days.
77 market listings in the past 30 days.

Boost Your Blogging Output

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:05:00 +0000

What are your productivity hacks? A specific time in the morning? Late nights? We’re all scrambling for ways to produce more content for our blogs.

But what actually helps you to be at your best?

Meaning: how and when are you most efficient? In action: your blogging output is consistent, productive, not time wasting and the finished result (post) is something you’re proud of.

The following strategies help boost your blogging output; these tips may work for some while others find that certain methods (not mentioned below) best suit their needs and schedules. I have by no means mastered any of the following strategies.

Let’s get to it! Click HERE to visit Miguel Wickert's blog, thou shall blog for these and more great blogging tips and ideas.

Blessings on your journey

My Bio in Rhyme - Can You Rhyme Yours?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:06:00 +0000

One site where I applied for a writing job, the publishers wanted applicants to do a bio in rhyme - 60 words or less. Here's mine:

Wise beyond her years even at the tender age of four,

Now 52, her knowledge is considered ancient lore.

She is creative, compassionate and loving to her core;

Earth mother, sister of the heart, caring friend and more.

A writer and poet who always has the next story in store.

She won’t stop writing till she reaches heaven’s door.

I don't remember the site and I assume I wasn't awarded whatever "gig" it was. I do think it's a fun exercise and if you label yourself a poet . . . well, I'm just saying!

How about you? Can you rhyme your credentials/story of your life in 60 words or less?

Talk about a way to stand out to publishers!

Blessings on your journey

Every Person Has a Story

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:58:00 +0000

"Every Picture Tells a Story." I don't know who coined that phrase, but I'm going to take liberties to change it to "Every Person Has a Story." That truth became so evident to me as I "worked the room" yesterday at the Hanover Book Festival!

Most of the authors to whom I spoke were eager to tell me not only about their book(s) but also about themselves. I met young, old, black, white, male, female, "dog people", "horse people", those interested in the paranormal, those who had survived tremendous adversity, some who wrote children's books (most of whom had a light-hearted demeanor). In other words, if there is a "walk of life" I met someone from just about every one of them!

I got my table set up and then I grabbed a handful of my business cards and started around the room. I gave a card to each person to whom I introduced myself and asked them about their book(s) or made a comment that encouraged them to respond. I got their cards, email addresses, story of their book writing, etc. I think you get the picture. I engaged in conversation with a lot of writers yesterday!

Last night I reflected that it was almost like going to the State Fair! There was something there for every taste and style, background and interest. I also thought about how some of the stories just broke my heart. Yes, there were a couple of people who had overcome great tragedy or adversity, there were some to whom God had revealed their "job" was really their "ministry." But every single person had a story to tell, not only with their book, but with their life.

Networking was the name of the game yesterday! It wasn't really about selling books, but rather about making connections. I emailed the names of two authors and two publishers to the co-director of Richmond Christians Who Write for consideration as future speakers to our group.

I also exchanged marketing ideas and experiences with publishers with many of the authors. I shared a table with my dear friend, Tanya Tucker-Blowe. I met Tanya at a Christian Writer's conference in Virginia Beach. Her book title is based on the same scripture as mine, though our titles are different and our writing is different. She has been a gracious and generous encourager and I was thrilled I discovered she lives in Richmond. We have become good friends and sisters in Christ - encouraging and uplififting each other as authors and as friends.

God also revealed to me that I better get busy! Yes, that's right: I've got about 4 more books in me (last year at this time I tentatively would have shared that "maybe" I'll probably write another one in the future!) I know God has put a fire in my heart to get writing! Just do it, Mary! Do it now! Get 'er done!

I look forward to how God will use the people I met yesterday--not only in my own life, but in the world. I've already "friended" all I could find on FaceBook. The others I will email today. I have grown to care deeply for some of my "on-line" friends and I look forward to the relationships that will grow from the Book Festival.

My kids would tell you they're not the least bit surprised that I talked to so many people. They got over their embarassment of my talking to anybody and everybody - anywhere, anytime at a very early age:-) That's what it's all about my friends: connection, relationship, shining your light. Because you never know who is living in darkness, desperately in need of a light to guide them out into the light of Christ.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
"[ The Glory of Zion ]

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you" (Isaiah 60:1 NIV).

Blessings on your journey

Books Are Magic at the Hanover Book Festival!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Come on out to visit me tomorrow at the Hanover Book Festival:

DIRECTIONS: Whichever direction you are traveling, you will want to eventually get onto 295. Both 64 and 95 can get you there.

When on 295, take the "Tappahannock" exit onto Rt. 360E;
Turn right at the first stoplight onto Bell Creek Rd.;
Go to the end of Bell Creek and continue STRAIGHT through the stoplight onto Brooking Way;
Turn right into the parking lot of the VFW.

I'll be at table #18!

Why should an author, or aspiring author, attend the Hanover Book Festival?
Great networking opportunity!
Forum for book sales and promotions
Workshops for Adult Writers
A Workshop for Teen Writers
Marketing opportunity for soon-to-be-published books
Door Prizes and Contests
Festival atmosphere providing an enjoyable day with other writers, publishers, agents... and readers!

(For a Schedule of Events, please click here.)

Blessings on your journey

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
101 Stories of Gratitude, Fortitude, and Silver Linings

This follow-on book to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope in these difficult times. These inspirational stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for -- whether it is having the sun shine or having food on the table. Power outages and storms, health scares and illnesses, job woes and financial insecurities, housing challenges and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining. The simple pleasures of family, home, health, and inexpensive good times are described.

Find out all the details at Richmond Christians Who Write blog.

Blessings on your journey

Where Books Are Sold

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:48:00 +0000

I read this information at
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

WHERE BOOKS ARE SOLD

RR Bowker reported at the most recent Book Expo where books were sold in 2008. The nonwriter assumes major bookstores carry the elephant's share of book sales, but not so.

(Data collected at www.anvilpub.com)

23% purchased through online purchase/e-commerce
22% sold through large chains (Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million)
22% through a variety of "Other outlets" which includes author
hand-to-hand sales, churches and other organizations, craft
fairs, speakers selling from the back of the auditorium, etc.
10% sold through book clubs
7% through independents
6% through mass merchandisers (Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart)
4% through warehouse clubs (Sam's, Costco, BJs)
2% through supermarket/grocery stores
1% each through discount stores, drug stores, religious bookstores
and book fairs

The first two didn't surprise me. But "other outlets" blew me away. That's sweaty, back-breaking self-promotion. Sales in a hodge-podge of venues can equal the sales in big boy bookstores. I'm blown away.

I've reached some conclusions.

1. Don't tell me a platform can't be lucrative. Don't tell me a
platform isn't absolutely necessary, either.

2. Face-time self-promotion is serious to a successful author.

3. Book fairs don't amount to many sales. Tells me to put more
time investment into online business or speaking.

4. Book clubs merit attention. All this talk about people reading
less doesn't apply here. These clubbers are serious buyers.

5. An online presence is mandatory. You better learn whatever you
don't understand about websites, blogs, social networking and
affiliate programs.

Please note: This newsletter is by paid subscription only. Teachers may duplicate for one classroom use only. Writers may duplicate for one writers group use only.

Please protect the fact this is a copyrighted and paid subscription. For subscription information, contact:

hope@fundsforwriters.com
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Blessings on your journey.

Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:30:00 +0000

The Writer's Relief Staff has published Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

1-Skip the rhyme.
2-Keep it short.
3-Submit three to five poems per submission.
4-Avoid clichés.
5-Steer clear of one-word title
6-Use eye-catching titles.
7-Develop a strong bio

These are the bullets - but the entire post is well worth reading if you really want to get your poetry noticed. Stop by Writer's Relief today to read the full article.

Would you like a free Writer's Relief T-Shirt? Click Here for details.

If you would like to subscribe to Writer's Relief free email newsletter, click HERE.

Blessings on your journey.

Hope and Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Many thanks to Andrea for her rallying prayer warriors from around the world to intercede on our behalf!

Well, 3 days and much stress, worry and concern later, I brought Jim home this afternoon! He spent 13 hours in the ER before the cardiologist released him to a room in the Heart Pavilion. There was only one minor episode on Sunday night where the nurse gave Jim nitroglycerin because he complained of some rather painful pressure in his chest. Since then -- nothing!

Jim has had what one of the technicians at the hospital dubbed "the million dollar workup"!!! In other words, they did just about every logical test they could do without him undergoing any invasive procedures. (We're pretty sure that tech isn't too far off on the cost, either!:-)

The doctors are baffled because every test was negative -- multiple blood work-ups, chest x-ray, echo-cardiogram, ultrasound, stress test, full body scan, upper G.I. & esophageal something - all negative. And yet, on two occasions when he experienced chest pain/pressure, he responded to nitroglycerin.

We tend to believe that the prayers of the faithful led God to heal him. That is our ardent hope and the hope that we cling to. God is so good to have placed so many faithful prayer warriors in our lives -- and around the world! We felt your prayers and love every moment during our ordeal and thank you more than we can ever express.

We do ask for continued prayer that Jim not experience any more episodes like this.

I don't think all of it has really hit me yet, but I am certain in the days and weeks ahead there will be much about which to write and share.

Until then, blessings on your journey.

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16 NKJV)

"pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV)