Virtuous Living
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So You Want to Be a Writer
Writing tips and information for those who are interested in becoming a published author. Writing tips,marketing tips and calls for submissions.
Check back often for new tips and information!
by Tina Morgan
As a member of several on-line writers' groups, I am always amazed by the number of writers who timidly toss out story ideas and ask if the group feels they're worth pursuing. Character exercises and setting descriptions flow through my in-box almost as quickly as the porn spam. Unlike the ads to enlarge my non-existent male anatomy, I actually read these and I wonder how I can help these inexperienced writers gain the confidence they deserve.
Unfortunately there is no magic spell that can bestow this gift. It has to be earned but not in the way you might think. Becoming published isn't the only way to build confidence in your writing. Ask yourself this question:
If a musician, athlete or scholar is expected to practice and study to improve their talents, then why isn't a storyteller?
Why do we expect to put pen to paper and create a masterpiece the first time we try? Many of us have played games of skill, studied for a test, or learned to play an instrument. We knew we had to work to improve; yet we don't carry that expectation over to our writing.
In an interview with Orson Scott Card, he told me, "And since every writer has about ten thousand pages of utter drivel in them, you might as well start now so you can get a good portion of that out of your way while you're still young. After all, you learn more about writing from writing a 100,000-word manuscript than you ever will from any writing class or writing book (and I say that as a teacher of writing classes and a writer of writing books)."
We have to practice. We have to work to improve our talent. It doesn't matter how old we are. It doesn't matter what level of talent we have. We will never improve if we don't start somewhere.
So don't question your story ideas. Write them. Put them to paper and then put them away for a day, a week, or a month. Read a new author. Try a new genre. Then go back and reread what you've written. How does the story affect you? Do you feel you've captured that elusive element of 'storytelling' and not just written what the how-to books and classes tell you is required?
The writers we remember are those that tell a good story. Even if they work from a formulaic plot, we continue reading them because they're "storytellers" . They don't just "talk" on the page, they tell a story that comes to life and lives inside our mind while we read. Some of them write flowery prose that almost sings, while others remind us of down home relatives talking about everyday things. Whatever their style, we read each page with anticipation.
Call For Submissions |
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Triumph Book #2 (MEN) Due to the success of The Triumph of My Soul and in continuation of the Triumph series, Peace in the Storm Publishing is seeking submissions for THE TRIUMPH SERIES. THE SECOND BOOK IN THE TRIUMPH SERIES IS PRESENTLY UNTITLED. In search of Stories from a male perspective, as this anthology in the series will feature men and stories must prominently feature a Christian/inspirati onal storyline with African-Americans in one or more of the key roles. · Stories should be bold, and honest, soul-stirring and between 3,500-6,000 words in length (no longer). · Stories must show triumph over adversity, be encouraging and inspirational and must actually have a storyline and character development. · Topics include but are not limited to Fatherhood, Marriage, Health, Love, Relationships, overcoming difficulties, criminal justice system, etc and must show triumph from a male perspective/ experience/ point of view. · Stories can be fiction or non-fiction. · The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2008. · Please allow 2 months for a response. · Contributors will receive 2 complimentary copies of the finished book along with national promotions in author newsletters, email campaigns, flyers, promotional materials and publicity campaigns, interviews and an author tour will take place after the official release. · All submissions must be double-spaced with 1" margins and in 12-pt. Times New Roman font or will not be considered. See www.TheTriumphOfMyS oul.com for info on the first book in the series. Please send your submissions to: Shayla Simone, Peace In The Storm Publishing, via email to peaceinthestormbook s@yahoo.com with THE TRIUMPH SERIES BOOK#2 in the subject line. |
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Triumph Book #3 (WOMEN) In continuation of the Triumph series, Peace in the Storm Publishing is seeking submissions for THE TRIUMPH SERIES. THE THIRD BOOK IN THE TRIUMPH SERIES IS PRESENTLY UNTITLED. In search of Stories from a female perspective, as this anthology in the series will feature women and stories must prominently feature a Christian/inspirati onal storyline with African-Americans in one or more of the key roles. · Stories should be bold, and honest, soul-stirring and between 3,500-6,000 words in length (no longer). Stories must show triumph over adversity, and reveal a breakthrough. Revelation of an "ah ha" moment in which you realized that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. When you were cured of the disease to please. Pivotal moments about weight, height, skin color, hair, relationships, motherhood, being a wife, etc. Signify without compromise, a breakthrough when the character realizes with God's help that you are comfortable in the skin you're in and learned how to play the hand you're dealt. How did the character reach a breakthrough, how has the life changed, how much better is the character because of it. How does stereotypes, the media, and televison play a role in the adversity and how did the character triumph. · Stories can be fiction or non-fiction. · The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2008. · Please allow 2 months for a response. · Contributors will receive 2 complimentary copies of the finished book along with national promotions in author newsletters, email campaigns, flyers, promotional materials and publicity campaigns, interviews and an author tour will take place after the official release. · All submissions must be double-spaced with 1" margins and in 12-pt. Times New Roman font or will not be considered. See www.TheTriumphOfMyS oul.com for info on the first book in the series. Please send your submissions to: Shayla Simone, Peace In The Storm Publishing, via email to peaceinthestormbook s@yahoo.com with THE TRIUMPH SERIES BOOK#3 in the subject line. Peace In The Storm Publishing
2009 Titles AND MANY MORE!
Peace in the Storm Publishing is a broad-based publisher whose strength lies in publishing quality books to reach the reader's soul. Our motto is "Giving your Soul a Rise, One Page at a Time." Our mission is to publish entertaining and enjoyable works by gifted storytellers in all genres, including, contemporary fiction, mystery, romance, self help, general interest fiction, street-lit, erotica, non-fiction and Christian fiction.
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Cool Places for Writers
AgentQuery.com
URL:www.agentquery.com
Agent Query offers lists of established literary agents seeking writers. It also offers tips for formatting your query letter and packaging your submission. Best of all, it’s free.
Christian Storyteller
URL:www.christianstoryteller.com
As advertised, it’s a nonprofit website of Christian authors for Christian authors by Christian authors. The site highlights up-and-coming authors and books, and offers marketing seminars on cruises—what’s not to like about that?
Constant-Content
URL:www.constant-content.com
Write about any topic, name your price and place it on this site. Folks in need of web content can browse the work and buy what they want at this online store for freelance work. The cost to you is a 35-percent commission, but there are no upfront costs and you can work at your own pace.
Crime Writers
URL:www.groups.yahoo.com/group/crime-writers
With more than 500 members, this group is a forum for those interested in writing or currently writing crime fiction, including police procedurals, noir, hard-boiled, etc
Fiction Factor
URL:www.fictionfactor.com
Connect with other fiction writers from all over the world right here. The Fiction Factor group includes several niche sister sites, including fantasy, sci-fi, children’s fiction, romance, horror, Christian fiction and erotica.
Funds for Writers
URL:www.fundsforwriters.com
If you’re a freelancer looking for a writing grant, this site is for you. It also houses a nice list of contests, fellowships and markets, and an always-enjoyable “Word of the Day.”
LuLu
URL:www.lulu.com
If you’d like to see your book in print, this site offers a self-publishing option with no upfront costs.
Preditors & Editors
URL:www.anotherealm.com/prededitors
With a few clicks of the mouse, you can find out which writing-related services, contests, organizations, etc., are on the up-and-up and which should be avoided.
The Poetry Market
URL:www.thepoetrymarket.com
This free, not-for-profit, monthly e-zine features poetry markets, poetry contests, poetry reviews and news.
U.S. Copyright Office
URL:www.copyright.gov
Your writing is copyrighted the minute you’ve put it in a tangible form, but if you want further protection, you can register it here. There’s a price, but the FAQ is free and very helpful.
Young Writers Society
URL:www.youngwriterssociety.com
Created for the young writer, this site is an online community where kids, tweens and teens can share work, chat, create a blog, join usergroups and much more. The site also has its own monthly publication called the Squills E-Zine, compiled of members’ work.
WritersDigest.com
Check here for articles and tips for writers of all genres or get information on our latest contests. If you havenÕt visited the newly revamped WriterÕs Forum, stop by and interact with more than 6,600 writers. You can also find writing prompts, post writing-related questions, and give and receive critiques on your works-in-progress.
WritersMarket.com
Provides more than 6,000 market listings updated daily to give subscribers the most current information available. The site also contains special features like "My Manuscripts," "My Folders," "Expert Advice articles," "Market Watch," "Agent Q&A" and much more.
Eve's Literary Service
Eve’s Literary Services is aneditorial firm offering a vast range of prose-related services, including manuscript editing, proofreading, evaluation or critique, ghostwriting, and writing consultation for the professional literary community.
http://www.evesliteraryservice.com/
Dorsey Publications
DORSEY Publications was co-founded by Tredell and Makasha Dorsey as a means to distribute quality, fiction and non-fiction by means of books, magazines, and newsletters. The husband and wife team are committed to providing a source of education and entertainment to the sect of people mainstream publishers considers as “non-readers”.
http://dorseypublications.com
Black Butterfly Review
The mission of Black Butterfly Review is to serve as a showcase to authors and their work. Our goal is to provide well written, unbiased and most of all honest reviews for the literary community in an attempt to cultivate an interest in reading while exposing readers to a variety of genres, authors and poet.
http://www.blackbutterflyreview.com/
Cool Places for Readers
R.A.W. SISTAZ (Reading and Writing SISTAZ) focuses on reading, writing, and discussing books primarily by African-American Authors. Our groups (both online and off) are not only book clubs, but resources to readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts.
http://www.rawsistaz.com
Booklists
Advanced Word sign up
Advance Word is a service for people who love to read, brought to you by the New Yorker and book publishers advertising in The New Yorker. As an Advance Word member, you'll receive a custom e-mail each month with a listing of books that interest you.
American Library Association Notable Books
Since 1944 the American Library Association has compiled an annual list of the year's most outstanding books published during the previous year. View these lists here -- and enjoy reading some of the finest fiction and nonfiction of the past 50+ years.
The Booklist Center
Links to more than 230 browsable booklists divided into more than 50 categories.
Booklist Editors' Choice
A book review journal published by the American Library Association, features editors' picks in fiction and nonfiction books, videos and recordings for adults, teen and children.
The Chronicle Western 100
The San Francisco Chronicle's list of the best 20th Century fiction and nonfiction written in or about---or by an author from---the western United States.
Evanston Public Library Bibliography Index
Lists of fiction, nonfiction, adult and teen books recommended for readers by the librarians at the Evanston Public Library in Illinois.
Fiction_L Booklists
Once available only to librarians, Fiction_L is now offered online by the librarians at the Morton Grove Public Library in Illinois. Lists focus on fiction books for teens, Gen Xers, and other adult readers.
Hungry Mind Review's 100 Best 20th Century American Books
This theme-based book review magazine offers a list, chosen by a group of authors, of the 100 best books written since 1900 by American authors.
Modern Library: 100 Best Novels
This news-making list of 100 Best Novels was created by a group of writers, historians and critics. Because it contains few minority, women or contemporary authors, the list created controversy. For comparison the site includes an alternative list of the 100 Best Novels chosen by readers.
100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century
Members of the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association looked back 100 years and compiled this list of favorites.
100 Great 20th Century Works of Fiction by Women
Feminista!, an online journal of art, literature and social commentary, created this list of 100 great works of fiction written by women during the last century.
Oprahlikes
Are you an Oprah Book Club reader? This annotated list of books includes her selections as well as additional recommended titles with similar themes or style. A great place to discover other good reads.
The Romance Reader Top 100 List
Reviews and news about romance novels, plus a readers' list of favorite romance reads of the last century.
Who Reads What? Celebrity Reading Lists
Favorite books of celebrities in all fields.
YALSA Booklists
The Young Adult Library Services division of the American Library Association lists its annual "Best Books" and "Quick Pick" choices for young adult/teen readers