A writer's life

Jobs/contests for Writers

2010-08-17T11:18:00.000-04:00

Job Mob free blogging contest

Job Mob is running its free "guest blogging" contest with a limited number of spaces.More info here:

http://jobmob. co.il/blog/ guest-blogging- contest

Reply to: gigs-y6jea-18967655 21@craigslist. org
Web Content Writer
Looking for clean professional writing for beauty website. Elegant and straight forward.
Approximate 5-10 short pages. If interested, please send a short writing sample of ONE of the following items. For example, it’s
history/beauty benefits.
Brown algae extract
Green Tea extract
Camellia oil
Organic Silicon
Shea butter
Tocopherol
The time line for this project is approximately 3 weeks. Please include your approximate price quote for such a project.

SHORT FICTION CONTEST: ZOETROPE

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL ZOETROPE ALL-STORY SHORT FICTION CONTEST

Guest Judge: Andrew Sean Greer

First prize: $1,000

Second prize: $500

Third prize: $250

http://www.all/- story.com/ contests. cgi
The three prizewinners and seven honorable mentions will be considered for representation by the William Morris Agency, ICM, Regal Literary, the Elaine Markson Literary Agency, Inkwell Management, Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Georges Borchardt Literary Agency. The deadline is October 1, 2010.
Results will be announced at the website December 15, 2010, and in the Spring 2011 issue of Zoetrope: All-Story; and the winning story will be published as a special online supplement to that Spring 2011 issue.
Complete Contest Guidelines:
We accept all genres of literary fiction. Entries must be: unpublished; strictly 5,000 words or less; and accompanied by a $15 entry fee per story.
There are no formatting restrictions; please ensure only that the story is legible.
We welcome multiple entries ($15/story) and entries from outside the U.S. We will e-mail contest updates to anyone who provides an active e-mail address.
Entrants retain all rights to their stories. Once a story is submitted, we
cannot accept an updated draft. (However, an entrant is welcome to submit an
updated draft as a new entry.) Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.
Entries must be complete by 11:59 P.M. PDT on October 1, 2010. Enter at
https://www/. zoetrope. com/contests_ allstory/ secure/index. cgi
Please e-mail us at contests(at) all-story.com (replace (at) with @)with further questions. Thank you for your interest, and good luck!

We need article writers who can produce at least 10-20 articles every day and can work for at least 5 days a week.

Pay rate will start from $1 per 500 words and will increase based on the writer's work. Payment method will only be PayPal (those who cannot accept PayPal, please refrain from bidding).
Please post few sample articles showcasing all your styles along with your bid. Also, mention your experiences in certain subjects (health, IT, etc.) and fields (Ezine, eHow, etc.).
Looking forward to your bids. (Native writers are preferred though any one with a good grasp of English may bid)

PodCastle is one of a trio (see below) of mags with somewhat similar submission requirements.

http://podcastle/. org/guidelines/

From their Guidelines page:

PodCastle is always looking for quality fiction. If you're a writer with a speculative short story that you'd like to hear narrated by one of our performers, we'd like to see it.

What We Want

PodCastle is looking for fantasy stories. We're open to all the sub-genres of fantasy, from magical realism to urban fantasy to slipstream to high fantasy, and everything in between. Fantastical or non-real content should be meaningful to the story.

If you have a science fiction story, please send it to our sister podcast Escape Pod. Horror fiction should be directed to Pseudopod. The dividing line between horror and fantasy can be tricky. We at PodCastle are open to dark fantasy. We don't object to your trying us either before or after Pseudopod, if the story seems to suit both aesthetics.

Length

We're primarily interested in two lengths of fiction, which we've dubbed (somewhat arbitrarily) "short fiction" and "flash fiction."

Short Fiction: Most of our weekly stories will fall between about 2,000 and 6,000 words. Shorter stories would be overwhelmed by the commentary before and after the stories. Longer stories are difficult to fit into our upper time limit (defined rigorously as "The length of a morning commute"). We may run longer stories, but it will be a harder sell. We pay $100 for short fiction at this length.

Flash Fiction: We will sometimes podcast short five-to-ten minute "bonus" pieces between our weekly main episodes. These stories can be up to 1,000 words. Flash pieces are frequently quirkier and more experimental than our weekly features. We pay $20 for flash fiction.

For stories between 1,000 and 2,000 words, we'll make a judgment call, based on whether we think the story would work better as a featured story or a bonus.
Reprints
We prefer reprints, or works with a prior publication credit. We define "publication" as any venue that paid you money for your work, online or on paper. Unpublished work will be considered as well, but if your story's good enough for us to buy it, it's probably good enough to sell to another market first. Why not try to get two audiences and two checks?
If you're looking for a market to send to for first publication, we recommend perusing the listings at Duotrope and Ralan.
Multiple and Simultaneous Submissions
We accept simultaneous submissions (sending a story to us and to one or more other markets at the same time), but appreciate being advised that the story is under consideration elsewhere. Please do not send multiple submissions (sending more than one story at a time to us) unless you have been told that it is acceptable for you to do so. This extends to all of the Escape Artists podcasts as a group (Escape Pod, PodCastle, and Pseudopod). When submitting to one Escape Artists podcast, please wait to hear back before submitting the same story to another.
Content
We are an audio magazine. Our audience can't skim past the boring parts. While we appreciate beautiful stories, those that feature beautiful language at the expense of plot may not translate well. Ideally, fiction should have strong pacing, well-defined characters, engaging dialogue, clear action, and still be beautiful. Above all, we're looking for stories that are fun to listen to. Humor is encouraged.

Podcastle hopes to publish fiction reflecting the full range of settings and tropes found in fantasy fiction. We'd particularly like to see more stories set outside America, and stories that feature characters who represent a range of backgrounds and ethnicities.

We will not balk at sexual content or strong language, but if your story is primarily erotic or scatological in nature, it may not be for us. Consider Open Source Sex for the former or satellite radio for the latter.

. Travel writers wanted

http://beaguide.about.com/gdapplynow.htm?selection=http%3A%2F%2Fbeaguide.about.com%2Fgdapplynow.htm&x=76&y=14

This post is a repost from PayingWriterJobs.

BestBuy, bring in your old stuff get new stuff

2010-08-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

Hi all. Im a electonic gadget buff. However, the draw back from that is that I want the new stuff. So, how do I get the new stuff without cluttering my apartment with the old stuff. Best Buy is my answer. Best Buy will allow you to trade in select electronics and get a Best Buy Gift card. What a bettter way to get the new gadgets, get help paying for the new gadget, but not move your family out of their home with the clutter of the old gadgets. They offer in-store drop offs and if you do not have the receipt, you can do it all online. Check it out, what do you have to lose, but some used stuff.

Writer life - wow

2010-08-03T11:09:00.001-04:00

Hey all, long time no read? Okay, bad joke. LOL! Anyways, there has been some busy time for this writer since we last talked. I have had to fulfill a few long article contracts along with my usual J.O.B. I am back, full swing again. I would like to post here for any of my readers in New Hampshire, actually any writer near the state capital of Concord. There is a new writer's group forming at a bookstore, Liberty Books and Comics at 75 Allison St. I went to the first meeting and it seems like it might take off actually. The owner of the bookstore, Jim Dodson, was present and the Joe Paquette, a friend from my usual J.O.B., gathered a few of us writers together. We spend an hour getting to know each other and talking about our passion of writing. We also talked about support and what each other's strengths are when it comes to writing. I actually lost track of time. The meeting was only suppose to be an hour which Joe was great about keeping it moving along and on track. We all decided to meet again, in a month. Also, Joe and Jim wanted to open this up to more writers in the area. They will be advertising this writers group, however, if anyone in the area wants to catch up with this group - the next meeting is August 25, between 6 and 7 PM. No RSVP is required, just show up. I already know of several more people that will be making an attendance for the next meeting. If nothing else, you can network with other writers or just browse the shelves of the store.

Now, I am going to try and get back into blogging more. I have been busy writing, working and finding time with the family. I have bought a few electronic fun toys that I want to review on this site as well as - I am in the market for a new laptop. You will be getting some reviews on these and more gadgets for writers. I also am compiling some sources for publishing your article, looking for jobs and book publishing. My plan is to review some and have you let me know how things are going with your current publisher. I also welcome book reviewers, ads and websites where many of you are listed. I will publish any links to your work or personal website. Just drop me a line.

Well, I am off. I have some things to do as this is my day off from my J.O.B., but not from writing. :)

Contests for writers and more

2009-10-06T18:08:00.000-04:00

Thousands of writers use FanStory.com for:

•Feedback - Learn from feedback that will be written on everything you write. All forms of writing welcomed including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, book chapters, and scripts.

•Contests - Participate in free writing contests for cash prizes. Choose from over 50 new writing contests each month. In addition, a new writing prompt contest is announced daily.

•Rankings - If you are talented enough you can earn a top rank or even the #1 spot in the rankings. Every comment counts towards your rank

•Fun - Enjoy an online experience with no match. Put your writing to work for you and enjoy the friendly and competitive nature of FanStory.com

Contest Listing
Write a folksy song about this pair

Write either a folk song or a country song about the pair depicted in the picture.

Deadline: Tomorrow, Oct. 6th.

A Science Fiction Thriller

This is a topic based contest. Write a story based on the topic provided in the the announcement.

Deadline: Tomorrow, Oct. 6th.

Biblically Inspired VII

Write a 8-24 lined Biblically Inspired Poem. The poem must have the inspired verse(s) in the authors notes to qualify. Since this is the 7th Biblicaly Inspired contest--write a poem that includes a scriptural reference to the number seven.

Deadline: In Two Days, Oct. 7th.

Watch the world burn

This is a topic based contest. Write a story based on the topic provided in the the announcement.

Deadline: In Three Days, Oct 8th

My Favorite Quote

Write an essay about your favorite quote, why, and how it influence you. Use any quote you wish, be it old, contemporary, anonymous.

Deadline: In Three Days, Oct 8th

Sunshine Songs

Write a 1970's sunny and optimistic pop song in the style of : The Turtles, The Rascals, Three Dog Night , The Grass Roots etc.

Deadline: In Three Days, Oct 8th

A Princess Journey

You are challenged to write a story poem that somehow incorporates the artwork shown in the announcement.

Deadline: In Four Days, Oct 9th

Strong Woman

Write a strong character story based on the portrait shown in the announcement. To increase the challenge, certain topics are off-limits, see announcement for details.

Deadline: In Five Days, Oct 10th

Wonderful Friendships!

This is a topic based contest. Write a story based on the topic provided in the the announcement. Friendships come in every imaginable form. Any type of Prose is acceptable.

Deadline: In Five Days, Oct 10th

Book of the Month

Each month one book chapter is selected to be the Book of the Month. A public vote determines the winner. All books posted during the month are automatically considered for this contest.

Deadline: Oct 11th

Historical Flash Fiction

Write a flash fiction story based on an American Historical Figure, first or third person. Good or bad, living or dead.

Deadline: Oct 12th

Beached

Write a story based on the artwork shown in the announcement.

Deadline: Oct 12th

We are taking this book because...

The first mate has announced that there is only room for one book in the raft, you have just a few minutes to convince your fellow would be deserted island mates that all of you would be best with this book...

Deadline: Oct 13th

A Song About Love Gone Wrong

Write a story about a fictional or factual failed romantic relationship.

Deadline: Oct 13th

Cinquain Poetry

Write an "Cinquain" poem for this contest. A cinquain poem is a poem that follows a specific format. Read the announcement for a sample poem. $100 prize for the winner of this poetry contest.

Deadline: Oct 15th

Freedom

Write a poem based on the topic of "Freedom" for this poetry contest.

Deadline: Oct 15th

He's Been Watching Me All Day

Elisa is bored. She accompanied friends to Aruba, but stayed for a few extra days after they left because she doesn't want to go back to her boring life. Describe how she will have fun over the next few days.

Deadline: Oct 15th

Poem of the Month

Each month one poem is selected to be the Poem of the Month. A public vote determines the winner. All poems posted during the month are automatically considered.

Deadline: Oct 16th

Princess Ember

You are challenged to write a story poem that somehow incorporates the artwork shown in the announcement.

Deadline: Oct 20th

Adult Halloween Costume Party

Write a story based on an Adult Halloween costume party. It can be sensuous, flirty, erotic, or innocent. You decide. But, you must make reference to the costume in the artwork provided.

Deadline: Oct 20th

Flash Fiction

In this flash fiction contest we are challenging writers to write a flash fiction piece that is between 500 and 800 words on the topic provided. The topic is "the dance". $100 prize for the winner of this writing contest.

Deadline: Oct 23rd

Strong Character

A strong character can make a story. Write a story based on the character pictured in this announcement. This writing contest rewards a $100 prize to the winner.

Deadline: Oct 26th

Halloween Poetry

Write a horror or thriller poem for our Halloween poetry writing contest. We are looking for horror or thriller poetry. Put your readers on edge or terrorize them with your words for this contest. $100 prize for the winner of this poetry contest.

Deadline: Oct 31st

Halloween Horror Story

Write a horror or thriller story for our Halloween writing contest. Put your readers on edge or terrorize them for this contest. The winner of this contest will take away a $100 prize.

Deadline: Oct 31st

Annual Poetry Awards Competition

2009-09-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Enter the only WD competition exclusively for poets, the
Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! Regardless of style—rhyming,
free verse, haiku and more—if your poems are 32 lines or fewer,
we want them all. Submit your entries by the December 15, 2009
deadline ... and your words could be worth cold hard cash!

First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place:
$50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

Plus, the names and poem titles of all First- through Tenth-Place
winners will be printed in the August 2010 issue of Writer's Digest,
and all winners will receive a copy of the 2010 Poet's Market.
Click here for more information!

A book to remember - Book Blitz - Tuatha and the Seven Sisters Moon

2009-09-23T17:53:00.003-04:00

Tuatha and the Seven Sisters Moon

Book Description:

Julius Caesar wrote of the Celts: "The Celts were fearless warriors because they wish to inculcate this as one of their leading tenets, that souls do not become extinct, but pass after death from one body to another..."

Seven Sisters. The infamous collection of stars align with the full moon on Hallo’een, alighting the sky for a destiny that’s waited centuries. Dru, a gifted, but tormented witch living alone on the coast of Ireland wakes to find Ty, her long-time love, mysteriously disappeared. In Paris, Katerina, an oppressed but talented dancer bravely takes the stage in one final performance before escaping a life of tyranny, looking for a freedom she’d only known in dreams. Aodh, The Dagda, a man made of ancient legends, has slumbered for two millennia. Tonight, when the moon is full and the stars are aligned, he rises from his temporary grave to find the world is not as he remembers. His people, his family, his tribe have vanquished, along with the majority of his considerable power.

Chance takes him to Dru, and together they set out to find the key to reopening his world, whilst forming a bond of friendship neither has ever previously known. During their search, Dru learns Ty was no mortal man, but a god with a prophecy to fulfill. Ty died before fulfilling that prophecy, setting off a chain of events that would forever alter the future. Devastated, Dru abandons Aodh and the life that should have already been hers, and finds herself in the company of the worst sort. She begins a sordid affair with Kas, a daemon whose insatiable lust for power is only outdone by his lust for Dru.

Separated from the only friend he knows, Aodh is left to search the world alone for answers. He meets the young and beautiful dancer, Katerina, and is instantly smitten with her grace and purity. He stays near her, pretending to be mortal, gaining her friendship. But on Katerina’s birthday, just as Aodh is ready to concede to a life of mortality, Katerina is ripped from him by Kas. Aodh’s ideas on remaining mortal are no more; he has to unlock the secrets to his world that will open a trove of unimaginable power to save the two women he loves, before time is no longer in his favour, and he loses everything.

Purchase Tuatha and the Seven Sisters Moon on September 25th 2009 and receive a free bookmark that matches the beautiful limited edition cover.

Additional information:

This Limited Edition of Tuatha and the Seven Sisters Moon will never be reprinted. Not only does it have a special cover dedicated to the Witch City (Salem) it also holds additional content not in the standard version. This Limited Edition houses a secret chapter that will NEVER BE RELEASED in any other volume. This chapter is pivotal in the understanding of a character that weaves everyone together and offers clues up front to the other books in the series. You will also receive your copy before the standard version even hits stores. Every copy will be signed and personalized by the author. This printing will help launch the novel, my publishing firm, as well as the book tour that begins in Salem, Mass during Haunted Happenings in October.

New book on sale!

2009-09-23T15:46:00.005-04:00

HE KEPT HIS PROMISE (How do you stand on the Word of God when your legs of faith are broken?)
ISBN 978-0-578-03833-9

by Brandy "BrandyWine" Rankins

Cleveland, OH – Proof of God’s grace and restoration, He KEPT HIS PROMISE (How do you stand on the Word of God when your legs of faith are broken?), is the “must have” inspirational book of the year. This book is in a league of its own; as it challenges you to do one thing…try God. Who is Brandy “BrandyWine” Rankins? I’m glad you asked- erupting past the deep trenches of trial, tribulation, and the impossible, comes the birth and fresh anointing of acclaimed poet and new author Brandy “Brandywine” Rankins. Her testimony alone spells faith. Brandywine (as known when performing) was introduced to her gift of writing at the early and fruitful age of eight years old. Since this time, God has been maturing the gift of writing, speaking, ministry, and evangelism within her. In this book this ordinary woman does one extraordinary thing; confronts and overcomes her past while finding restoration. If you are up to the challenge, this book extends an open invitation for you to journey the highs and lows of brokenness to a destination of breakthrough; confirming that not only is God real but still performing miracles. Get ready to laugh, cry, and most of all become inspired during these times where the economy is low, violence is at an all time high, yet God is forever faithful. This book is for everyone.
If you are in need of a breakthrough or are in a state of brokenness, this book will encourage and witness to you personally. Within the pages of this book you are not just able to see the depths of Brandy’s wombs; you are able to touch them. Just when you thought your own problems couldn’t get any worse, comes a woman who’s faced with death, robbery, being fired from her job, no money to bury her mom, a new baby with a serious medical diagnosis, and oh did I mention she became a widow at the age of 21? It’s true that every book on the market has a story to tell but you haven’t heard a life changing testimony until you have read this book written by Brandy “BrandyWine” Rankins’. HE KEPT HIS PROMISE is a hot commodity but like Levar Burton use to say “You don’t have to take my word for it”.
The book is being self-published by the author Brandy “Brandywine” Rankins, who is willing to share to you her soul's trials and tribulations, in hopes that you will also receive hope and clarity to many of the trials you have faced in your own life. Brandywine’s resume consists of being a performance poet for over five years humbly blessing microphones, venues, and poetry slams throughout the nation. She’s spoken at churches worldwide; be the first to request her to come speak at yours.
Brandywine doesn’t embrace worldly egos or influences to express her uniqueness or diversity amongst audiences. Instead, she allows the message to be your greatest inspiration. She exemplifies her trials of embarrassment, grief, and shame to encourage the masses that they too can and will overcome with faith in God. Don’t miss your chance to voyage through words inked upon pages defining salvation, redemption, and new hope.
Brandywine was born Brandy Poteat on October 06, 1977 to parents Kent and Sharon Poteat. She is the youngest of five children and has two sisters and two brothers. Upon marrying her husband, Thomas Rankins Jr., in May of 2006, Brandy left her maiden name behind becoming Brandy Rankins. She has three sons: Jah’Mir, Toma’rez, Braelyn, and daughter Brielle. The Rankins family are proud members of Zion Pentecostal Church of Christ under the pastoral leadership of Bishop C.Wayne Brantley. Brandywine and her family currently reside in one of Cleveland Ohio’s eastern suburbs.
The book is available for purchase on her web site at www.freewebs.com/brandywine01 and at Amazon.com. Brandy “BrandyWine” Rankins is also the author of REDEEMED; FROM EARTH’S GRAVEL TO GOD’S GLORY. Check her website for upcoming signings and events!

Writer's Market

2009-09-23T15:35:00.000-04:00

What's Inside WritersMarket.com!
WritersMarket.com has more qualified listings than any other market listing site available. With our expert advice, exclusive Q&A, and more, WritersMarket.com has the tools you need to get published - no matter what you write!

•Novelist Julianna Baggott Addresses Pitching Novels
•Nonfiction Freelancer Jessica McCann Answers a Question About Getting Assignments
•2,000+ Consumer Magazines
•1,400+ Book Publishers in all genres
•900+ Contests, Award, and Grants

•700+ Literary Agents
•PLUS listings for Greeting Cards, Screenwriting Markets, Newspapers, Online Consumer Publications, and more.
Plus, with your subscription, you get access to:
•Tools to add your own markets, and save your favorite searches for future reference
•Tools for tracking your manuscripts and submissions
•Exclusive articles and market watch, plus the "How Much Should I Charge?" Rate Card

When you subscribe, you will also get the 2009 Ultimate Writer's Resource Guide, from Writer's Digest - a $15 value - free with your membership*. The Resource Guide provides the best information for working writers today, including a state-by-state collection of nearly 400 writing organizations, the top 100 markets for your work, writing contests, and more. This offer expires September 30, so sign up today! Membership subscriptions are available for just $1.67 a month**.

If you're serious about being published, join WritersMarket.com today.

Last chance to register for 2 webinars

2009-09-20T11:18:00.000-04:00

LAST CHANCE to register for 2 great webinars – both happening this week!
Instant Publishing Models: Get Visible & Get Noticed by Agents/Editors
How New Publishing Models and Community Models Further Your Career
Presented by Jane Friedman
75 minutes, $79
Live Event: Tuesday, September 22

Get a live time tour of how community sites and free digital publishing services can help you get published, or make your published work more successful. Also learn how you can instantly make your e-book for sale on Amazon, when to make your content free (and when to charge), and how to decide when it's time for traditional or print publishing options.

Register Now!

3 Secrets to Selling Your Nonfiction Book
Presented by Jane Friedman
60 minutes, $99
Live Event: Thursday, September 24

Do you know the one golden rule of nonfiction book ideas? In this exclusive webinar, learn the difference between a nonfiction book concept that gets an immediate, enthusiastic response from an editor or agent – and one that gets no response at all. Make sure that your proposal and concept sizzle!
Save $20! Enter coupon code xf4bv3v3l6 when you register!

Register Now!

A book to read - You Know They're Here

2009-09-11T09:48:00.004-04:00

You Know They're Here
By Paul Kenyon

A paranormal book about a haunted home. “You Know They're Here is a true accounts novel describing the experiences of a family faced with paranormal activity in the early 1970s. Paul J. Kenyon met the Dandy family August 17, 1973, the same day the...”

This book will be available in about one to two weeks on amazon.com and virtualbookworm.com

Writer opportunities - sponsoredreviews.com

2009-09-08T17:06:00.003-04:00

Hello writers,
I have had the opportunity to try out SponsoredReviews.com. My thoughts, if it does what it claims to do - a great opportunity awaits any of you that blog. I found many advertisers listed that would do justice for any of my blogs. How does it work? Just join for free - add your blog and await approval. There are guidelines for their accepting your blog, but it is worth making sure your blog is up to speed.
After your blog is approved then follow their really easy steps to get your account going. All that is left after that is to bid for ads to blog about. If your bid is approved, the advertiser pays the site, you write the reveiw and get paid every two weeks. The time to write your blog is seven (7) days which is very generous. I have had to write an advertisers blog in less then two days and sometimes the same day. I, so far, have found this site worth the time to visit. I hope you do as well.

I welcome and all comments on this blog as I want to know what other feel about this site. As always; read, write and be merry. Good luck!

New Post

2009-09-01T20:12:00.002-04:00

Hey all, I realize it has been a little bit since I blogged. I have been hard at work on a couple of new projects. Not much going on about my actual writing though. I have been inspired by a friend to finish a long needed short story that I have been working on and off for about six months. He is trying to get me to push it a bit and make it into a book. I actually might do it.

Anyways... I came across a really great blog called Authors Promoting Authors. It is a blog run by a woman named Tina-Sue. Look for it on blogspot.com. It is really worth joining. I mostly follow it on Facebook. She really works hard on assisting writers/authors in promoting their work. Other writers that have joined her also assist in blogging about your work and the work of all writers. Jump over and check it out. Well worth the time - truely.

I will be returning to school soon. I have a couple of things to finish. What? Well, I have my psychology degree to finish and I want to take a couple of courses on fashion design. I have a publishing company trying to come to the surface with a couple of writer buddies and I have a much needed ebook that I am trying to get together on abuse and living with it or not, trying to ... no... screaming to get written.

I just got a promotion on my J.O.B. this past week. My hours seemed to have gotten longer and soon my schedule will be changing. I am still trying to get back to full-time freelance. I thought I was almost there, but I had to slow down. My older sister just got diagnosed with COPD and pnemonia. She is only 44. Please feel free to pray for her or keep her in mind with well wishes. So, she has been in my thoughts and prayers lately as well as her family.

Well, I am going to be off for the night. I hope to work on my blogs and some much needed writing tomorrow. I had a resident that I was very close to pass away today. It was hard as it was not expected. I need to take the rest of the evening and mourn for her passing. I did not have a change to sit and think about her today as there was many other residents that needed my attention. It was hard doing her end of life cares. Luckily, a very good LNA buddy assisted me. I thank her, thanks Kim.

Off I go. Remember to read, write and be merry. Oh, do not forget to tell your loved ones that you love them. Sleep well tonight.

Books to read

2009-08-25T12:15:00.003-04:00

Hey all! I have a couple of books that some might be interested in - read below:

"Child abuse, rape, struggling to live are all things women go through at least once in their lifetime. In this tale, Naya Mona takes readers on a journey through her crayon box of life, and shows us what her true colors are as she recounts her past to her son whom she is meeting for the first time. How do you tell your son that your father is his? The spiral of events that fill Naya's life provides each reader an intimate look at the drama, romance and struggles that become her voice. On stage, she must become Jazzmyne-the jazz singer. Naya no doubt commands the attention of its readers and takes them on a rollercoaster ride that is filled with the melodious tones that makes Color Me Jazzmyne a true reading pleasure."

You want more? I thought you would. Here is the author's website and places to purchase this book.
Author's Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com

Where to Purchase:

Amazon.com

The other book you might be interested in, a children's book ages 10-14. This sounded really interesting to me, so I will be putting in an order for it in November for my 9 Year olds birthday. He is really into this kind of book.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
The Website is www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. There are about 9 illustrations including map, opening hieroglyphics and hieroglyphic alphabet at the back. It was nominated a Finalist in the 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards. It is published by iUniverse.

Book Synopsis: "A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events, pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!"

Young explorers will enjoy an interactive journey through Egypt, following Justin and Adam’s exciting adventure on www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. Readers can also browse the first chapter of the book and there is a Book Glossary for interested readers. Those who survive the journey and manage to translate the Curse of Thoth will be able to read the first chapter in Adam and Justin’s next adventure—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—as they hunt for the Scroll of the Ancients.
The book is available internationally through Amazon.com and selected online book sites as well as Barnes & Noble Book Stores.

Look to this blog in the future for more books new to the market or books of interest. Remember to read, write and be merry.

Writer classes

2009-08-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

Learn the Craft of Storytelling!

Join us on August 25th for our latest webinar:
Crafting a Narrative Essay: How to Apply Elements of Fiction to Your Nonfiction Story

A narrative essay is a story. And whether that story is a retelling of true events or born of your imagination, the same writing fundamentals apply. In this comprehensive online seminar, the editors of the bestselling Cup of Comfort series will demonstrate how to apply elements of fiction writing to create successful nonfiction stories. These elements include:

Dialogue: Strong dialogue can enhance the effectiveness of your message and reinforce your characters' credibility. Our editors will discuss common flaws and fixes!

Pacing: The right tempo is key to keeping your story on track and your message effective. We'll teach you to know the right pace!

Crafting powerful scenes: Our editors will instruct you on how to create effectual scenes to maximize your story's emotional impact.

Character Development: If readers don't care about your characters, they don't care about your story. We'll help you create characters that leap off the page and into your reader's heart—with just a few lines!

Setting: What's said is important. But where it's said matters too! Our editors will discuss techniques to make your locations come alive!

Structure: You've got a lot to say. We'll help you refine your focus and create a story that flows.

Q&A: Our editors will answer any question you may have following the presentation.

Don't miss the opportunity to refine your writing techniques!

Date: Tuesday, August 25th
Time: 1:00 pm EST
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cost: $49.95

Register Now!

Contests and conferences for writers

2009-08-12T16:49:00.001-04:00

Contests

2009 RRofihe Trophy
Submit an unpublished short story up to 5,000 words; open to all writers and all themes. Prizes: $500 and the RRofihe trophy. Deadline: Oct. 15 (postmark).

The Missouri Review Editors' Prize Contest
The 19th Annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize offers first-prize awards of $5,000 and publication in the spring edition of The Missouri Review in each of three categories: fiction, essay and poetry. In addition to each first-prize winner, three finalists in each category will be chosen. Deadline: Oct. 1 (postmark).

Conference

South Carolina Writers Workshop Annual Conference, Oct. 23-25
Join fellow writers for a weekend of interactive workshops designed for beginning and established writers; critiques; open-mike sessions; agent/editor slush sessions and keynote speaker Steve Berry.

Writersmarket.com Free

2009-08-10T16:50:00.002-04:00

If you haven't tried WritersMarket.com, try it today with our special risk-free trial offer. Sign up for one year of access for just $39.99, and if you don't feel like WritersMarket.com can help you get published, cancel anytime within the first 7 days and you owe nothing!

Why WritersMarket.com?
If writing is your hobby, your passion, or your life (or all three!), WritersMarket.com provides the tools you need to accomplish your personal writing goals.

Over 6000 updated listings, including agents, magazines, and contests.

Extensive search capabilities to find the right publication or agent for you. Plus, save your favorite searches for future reference!

Tools for tracking your manuscripts and submissions
Choose your subscription now:

Annual Subscription: 12 months for $39.99 (only $3.34 a month!)
Biennial Subscription: 24 months for $54.99 (only $2.30 a month - best value!)
Month-to-Month: $5.99 per month*

Try it today!

Writers and Freelance writers/serial writers

2009-08-07T20:00:00.003-04:00

Our new POD Publishing company, Outerlimits Publishing, is going to not just published books and ebooks, but we are also looking to get a serial website going (webezine). Any freelance writers, serial writers, etc interested in being published online (print later)email me with your short stories, comics, interviews, writing tip articles, serial stories, etc and be among the first to be published with this new online webezine. (aprilgodbout@comcast.net)

Feel free to reprint or republish this blog as you see fit to get the word around.
Many thanks from Joe, Justin and April

Freelance Jobs Available/ Authors publish your books

2009-08-07T19:41:00.004-04:00

Hey all, I have knowledge of a new POD publishing company that is starting up. It is being founded by Joe Paquette (published writer), Me(published writer) and our mutual friend, Justin. We are looking for freelance graphic designers (for book covers), freelance artists (for book covers) and freelance editors. All you need to do is send me an email at aprilgodbout@comcast.net as a contact point right now. The new POD Publishing Company is Outerlimits Publishing. We need two samples of your artwork or graphic work in .jpg, a cover letter as to why we should add you too our "pool" of freelance artists or graphic artists, a CV and fee scale and the type of work you do or interested in designing. For editors, we need a cover letter, CV and fee scale and type of genre you would be interested in editing. We will send editors a sample to edit.

Your queries will be brought together and the three of us will pick between 5-10 editors and freelance graphic designers/artists. This is freelance work and is not full-time work as of yet (project to project).

Writers/authors interested in us checking out your manuscript for publishing: we accept poetry, mystery, biographies, paranormal, western, psychological thrillers, scifi/fantasy, how to's, historical romance, and chick lit to name a few. We DO NOT at this time take porn, comic books (in house comics only at this time) or cookbooks. If you are interested in us possibly publishing your work, email me (aprilgodbout@comcast.net) with a query, summary of book, tell me if it is finished or not, and the first 10 pages.

We are in the middle of getting our website up and running. We are also working on different packages to assist in the publishing of your books, we may offer ebooks. So, let me know if you are interested in ebook, print book or both. However, you can always withdraw your manuscript at any time without signing a contract. If we accept your work (before we get the website online) we will email you with our packages.

Thank you and you may repost this anywhere.

Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition

2009-08-07T19:37:00.001-04:00

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.

Free Giveaway

2009-08-04T18:56:00.001-04:00

Hey,
I realize that this has nothing to do with writing, however, I am involved with a free giveaway through the clothing site called Alight.com. Click on this link to read the very few rules and enter to win a free top from Alight.com.

Ice Qube to go

2009-08-04T18:13:00.003-04:00

Hey all, I have to tell you the very interesting site I just found. Now, I realize that this has nothing to do with writing, however, it is important to be prepared for disaster. I invite you all to check out the affordable site that assists you in proper preparing if a disaster strikes. http://www.ice-qube.com/ This site has everything from a starter kit to baby qube to pets on the go preparedness. You really need to check it out. They state that they based these kits on the US Department of Homeland Security. It is just a thought. However, I did not see an emergency kit for writers... hmmm!
Stay safe, all!
Remember to read, write and be merry.

Checking in

2009-08-04T17:03:00.001-04:00

So how are you all doing? Things are getting interesting here. I have a meeting with some writing friends tomorrow at Borders to see if we can get some writing projects up and going. Ill get back to you tomorrow to fill you all in. Make sure you all check out the new issue of Writer's Digest. It has some great articles in it.
Well, I am off. Remember to read, write and be merry.

Writer's Digest Classes

2009-07-27T17:38:00.002-04:00

New! Essentials of Writing Personal Essays II: Advanced
Write better personal essays with this new course! We will tackle the practical and philisophical questions of writing personal essays, while practicing writing a new essay each week. Seats are limited for this exciting new course. Course begins August 6. Register today!

Also Starting in August:
Fundamentals of Fiction Writing
Develop effective creative writing techniques that can be applied to any long or short fiction form. Learn how to develop believable characters, set the stage, and make readers feel as if they are right there with your characters. Course begins August 6. Register today!
Essentials of Business Writing
Enhance effective writing skills for producing business documents (such as reports, memos, letters, and meeting minutes) that have clarity and impact. Includes tips to overcome mental blocks and avoid common grammar and punctuation mistakes. Course begins August 6. Register now!

Focus on the Personal/Family Memoir
The story of your own or your family's history is likely to be the most personal, emotionally satisfying, and potentially overwhelming writing project you'll ever undertake. Gain an understanding of the various approaches to personal/family memoir writing. Course begins August 6. Register now!

Elements of Effective Writing I: Grammar and Mechanics
Learn the principles of grammar and reinforce them with numerous examples. Apply grammar skills through practical writing assignments. Course begins August 6. Register now!
Advanced Novel Writing Workshop
Take your in-progress novel to the next step. Write and revise 200 pages of your novel manuscript, and provide critique and criticism for classmates. Course begins August 13. Register now!
Focus on the Novel
Work with a published novelist to develop an idea suitable for a novel. Develop a working outline for your entire novel, then write and revise the opening chapters. Course begins August 13. Register now!

Creativity and Expression
Beyond the basics of good writing lie the more creative elements—skills that, once mastered, elevate the craft of writing to the art of writing. Take your creative writing to the next level—no matter what kind of writing you do. Course begins August 13. Register now!

Marketing Your Magazine Articles
Broaden your outlook and possible sales to a variety of magazines by learning how to define a magazine's readership, goals, and style. Also learn about manuscript format (both print and e-mail); what to expect from a contract, including negotiation; and what rights to sell, including reprints and electronic rights. Course begins August 13. Register now!

Register today for any course starting in August, and use offer code AUG09 to activate your $25 coupon!

Writers news and Submissions Wanted

2009-07-23T16:52:00.001-04:00

Lulu Poetry
We are pleased to bring you a new poetry site: Lulu Poetry, http://www.poetry.com. Lulu Poetry is about winning prizes and recognition for your poems, creating and selling beautiful books of your poetry, and learning tips and tricks from other enthusiastic poets just like you. Whether you write poems for your own enjoyment or to entertain and educate others, Lulu Poetry is for you. We'll be handing out prizes to poems selected as winners by the hundreds and thousands of poets who are part of the poetry community. When you win we'll send you a certificate for you to print and hang on your wall to remind everyone of your accomplishment - along with a cash prize.

Release Announcement:
Award-winning authors Dave & Lillian Brummet are proud and excited to announce that the 2nd edition of Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd is now available: www.booklocker.com Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd is a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to be noticed in a snowstorm of writers. With nineteen chapters and twenty-five appendices, this e-book is a means for authors to design an effective marketing plan and utilize frugal promotional tools with the click of their mouse. The e-book also offers over 900 resources that will accelerate your marketing efforts far beyond your peers. As a reassuring marketing plan guide, it contains ample advice for avoiding pit-falls and setting a pace for marketing endeavors. The first edition of this e-book was originally released in June 2007 and since then has made the recommended reading lists of more than a dozen writing courses. The new edition offered the Brummets the opportunity to double check the website address for all the resources that were offered in the first edition along with new information the Brummets have learned in the last two years, with the additional bonus of hundreds of new resources. Publicists and authors of most genres will find this inspiring book an essential component for developing an effective, frugal marketing plan. Announcements are available at: www.brummet.ca/purple.html Help the authors, who donate 30% of the royalties they receive from book sales, raise funds for the SPCA, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Seeds of Diversity Organization simply by purchasing your very own copy for only $10 today: http://www.booklocker.com/books/2949.html

UniBook.com Announces Free Self-Publishing Service
UniBook has launched a revised website that allows authors to write and publish their own books without any listing or start-up costs. Authors retain ownership of their copyrights and earn money on the sale of each book sold on the website. About UniBook: UniBook is a brand name of Peleman Industries Inc. UniBook caters to the self-publishing needs of writers, businesses and government agencies, and is currently available in 10 languages servicing Europe, North America and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.unibook.com

9-1-1 Magazine
PAY: $.10 - $.20/word
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.
http://www.9-1-1magazine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=43

* Nuts & Volts
PAY: $100 - $450
Nuts & Volts is the leading magazine for those seriously interested in electronics. There now remain only a handful of magazines written for the electronics community with Nuts & Volts being the highest readership, longest running electronics publication left in the US today. And we still have readers and advertisers that have been with us since the early 80s. Nuts & Volts is written for the hands-on hobbyist, design engineer, technician, and experimenter. The diversity of subjects appeals to all levels of experience and spans such topics as amateur robotics, circuit design, lasers, computer control, home automation, data acquisition, new technology, DIY projects, electronic theory, analog, and myriad microcontrollers.
http://www.nutsvolts.com/writers_guidelines.php

* Northern Home & Cottage
PAY: $200 - $700
When shaping an article for us, consider first that it must be strongly rooted in our region. The lack of this foundation element is one of the biggest reasons for our rejecting material. If you send us a piece about peaches, even if it does an admirable job of relaying the history of peaches, their medicinal qualities, their nutritional magnificence and so on, we are likely to reject it if it doesn't include local farms as a reference point. We want features to have entry points. As we use it, the term includes sidebars and extended captions designed to bring in a reader not enticed by the main subject. Using peaches again as an example, if we wanted 2,500 words, perhaps 1,800 words would be devoted to the main body, 300 words would cover U-Pick places; 250 words would cover the technicalities of peach processing and 150 words would be devoted to a recipe.
http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/Contact-Us/Writing-Submission-Guidelines/

* German Life
PAY: $80 - $500
A bimonthly magazine, written for all interested in the diversity of German culture, past and present, and in the various ways that the United States has been shaped by its German element. The magazine is dedicated to solid reporting on cultural and historical events as well as travel information.
http://germanlife.com/submissions.html

* Family Tree Magazine
PAY: pays on acceptance
A special-interest consumer magazine that helps readers discover, preserve and celebrate their family's history. We cover genealogy, ethnic heritage, personal history, genealogy Web sites and software, scrapbooking, photography and photo preservation, and other ways that families connect with their past. Articles are beginner-friendly, but never talk down to the audience. Readers may be experts in one area of our coverage, yet novices in another. We emphasize sidebars, tips and other reader-friendly "packaging," and each article aims to provide the resources necessary to take the next step in the quest for one's personal past.
http://familytreemagazine.com/writersguidelines

* Discovering Family History
PAY: $55+
Based in Toronto, Canada. We anticipate that over 90 percent of the circulation will be in the US with the balance in Canada. The vast majority of articles are written by freelancers. We have no restrictions on who may submit articles. We are quite open to authors who have never had anything published but if you are in this category be aware that we have a "core" of great writers who are knowledgeable, reliable and above all submit interesting and highly readable material: you have to be at least as good as these people to get your work accepted. The good news is that every year 3-4 new authors do meet our high standards and become regular submitters.
http://www.discoveringfamilyhistory.com/anotes_dfh.htm

* ARISE Foundation - Stories about Anger
PAY: $25
A not-for-profit organization (http://www.ariselife-skills.org) that educates high-risk youth and gives them the tools they need to stay out of the adult prison system and grow into productive, successful individuals. ARISE is currently looking for short, memorable stories about anger. Stories should be realistic and contain valuable lessons that inform youth about the dangers of letting anger run their lives. Positive messages and endings that inspire hope are encouraged. ARISE is not interested in stories that contain profanity and descriptions of violent, illegal, or sexually explicit acts. The youth who will be reading these stories are, for the most part, incarcerated and read at a third- to fourth-grade level. Stories must be easy to read and understand, but also compelling enough to capture the youths’ attention. People interested in writing for ARISE should have:
- Excellent creative writing and editing skills
- Ability to write clear, memorable stories
- Ability to provide 3–5 stories (approx. 250 words each) per week
- Ability to work independently
- Access to a computer with Microsoft Word (knowledge of Adobe InDesign is a plus)
Plagiarism of copyrighted material is strictly forbidden. ARISE will pay 25 USD per story accepted for publication. Please provide a sample of your writing (approx. 250 words) based on ONE of the following topics:
1. A boy is suspended from school for beating up a classmate.
2. A young adult is released from prison and faces many frustrations trying to get his life back on track.
3. A teenage girl’s parents have just divorced. Her mother takes off and she is forced to live with her father, whom she feels is to blame for the divorce.
Email your writing sample to ARISE.anger.stories@gmail.com
- Write “Anger story sample” as the subject of your email.
- Paste your writing sample IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL. No attachments, please!
- Include your name and contact infor

networking

2009-07-23T09:19:00.003-04:00

Well, hello all!
I just wanted to drop by and see how you all were doing. So? How are you doing? I want to just droll on about a subject that I can not stress enough - networking. I had a wonderful opportunity in my own J.O.B. to network about my writing and past experiences. I think I told you all about working with other writers. Well, Saturday we decided to get together at Borders in Concord. Although, one of our three guest did not show up - myself and one of the other writers had quite a meeting. The meeting was only suppose to be an hour - nope, almost two hours we met. It was a wonderful meeting. Because of networking even in my day job - I now have the opportunity (possibly) to open a new publishing company with the help of the other writer. It had been his dream, and mine to start again. We need to hash out the details, but I love writing and I love to make other writers dreams come true. It seems like we have the same goals and the same ethics, so I hope to start this project in the near future.
What does this really have to do with networking? You would be surprised at how many doors have opened for me - personally - through networking. You can network anywhere you go. Meet with other writiers, meet with editors... meet with everyone. You need to get yourself out there - the jobs and opportunities will not come knocking at your door. You need to make things happen for yourself.
Some places to network on the internet:
Myspace
Yuwie
facebook
twitter
digg
through your own blogs
oh, my the list goes on.
If you have found a new networking place, drop me a comment. I would love to check it out.
Well, I am off. I have a writing project that I have to do before I have to go back to work tomorrow. Remember to read, write and be merry.