Greetings!
Should you specialize? Some writers argue that specializing limits your opportunities. These writers like the flexibility of moving from topic to topic. It may fit their writing styles and interests (or attention spans) better. There's nothing wrong with that. How else are you supposed to figure out what you really love to do? Yet, others say specializing has benefited their writing careers and personal lives. After developing a specialty (or several) of their own, these writers found that assignments came easier, and their productivity increased, as well as their income. They didn't have to spend as much time researching their topic, so they were able to pursue other interests--writing or otherwise. They also found that specializing provided them with other opportunities, including speaking engagements, teaching gigs, consulting, and publishing offers.
But what if you're not an experienced writer? No need to worry. Anyone can specialize. To start with, all you need to do is concentrate on a handful of subjects rather than trying to write about everything. And specializing isn't only for freelance writers. You can carve a niche in any writing field, even fiction! You can take a genre and make a micro-genre of your own. You can take a hobby and turn it into a specialty. Just make sure it's something you'll want to write about for years to come. I say this from experience...
 Angela w/ pro vert rider
Buster Halterman
Before I started WOW!, I "fell" into the action sports industry. My husband was the marketing director for a large corporation that sponsored some of the top skateboarders and snowboarders of our time, and I accompanied him to many events. I began to build an interest in the lifestyle, culture, products, and people I was meeting. I actually started to understand what was going on--the names of tricks performed, how contests were judged, what equipment and brands they used, and how to "speak their language." And yes, at times it was like learning a foreign language! That was seven years ago, but I was still in my thirties--a ripe old age to start learning about the industry. But, strangely enough, I thrived. I was one of a handful of women writing about the subject at the time. I not only wrote articles, ad copy, newsletters, and covered events, but I also created magazine layouts, posters, trade show booths, and full-length skateboarding videos with my multimedia graphic design business. I had carved a niche without knowing it. And it was the best time of my life! Making a living was easy, for once. Work came my way (more than I could handle), and I was able to farm most of it out, thus starting a lucrative business. But the topic wasn't something I was truly passionate about, and I began to lose interest. I was at the point where I could have taken what I built and turned myself into an expert. But when I really thought about it, I realized that I didn't want to be an expert on action sports. I felt like a poser. Like a food critic who didn't know how to cook herself. And at thirty-something, I wasn't about to jump on a skateboard and drop into a bowl! So, even though I'm still involved in the industry somewhat, I wouldn't say I carved out a niche for myself there. It is niche writing, but it's not my niche. There's a difference, and we explore that a bit in this issue. We actually cover both writing for a niche and carving out a niche for yourself and becoming the go-to expert.
Like many writers, I may not have found my niche yet, but I'm always interested in the possibilities. You should be, too! Perhaps it was out of my curiosity of what other writers were doing, what interesting niches existed out there, and what advice they could share with me on how to find my own that this issue came about. And it's a jam-packed issue! We have everything from writing for the lucrative cookbook market to finding the micro-niche in science writing. We interview experts like Kelly James-Enger to help us find our specialty in freelance writing, and we interview Kristen Painter who is starting to carve her niche in the gothic urban fantasy genre. We cover the pros and cons of writing for the parenting market and help you get started in writing nonfiction books for children. We have an article on collaborative novel writing, where readers vote on the next scene; and we have a fabulous article on how to turn your hobby into a niche! You're bound to find inspiration in this issue.
And to those of you who are NaNoing at the moment, we applaud you for taking the 50,000-word challenge this month during NaNoWriMo! Many of WOW!'s team members are participating as well, and we've be posting words of encouragement for NaNoers and sharing stories on our blog, The Muffin. If you'd like to share a story about your experience, please e-mail our blog editor Marcia Peterson at marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. We're also chatting about all things NaNoWriMo on our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter. Join the fun and network with us!
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did putting it together. I learned a lot about niche writing and how to begin carving a niche of my own. I also discovered many new opportunities and resources I never knew existed. The experts in this issue are fabulous mentors! I know you'll learn a lot as well. And when you find your niche, let us know; we may just feature you as an expert in our next issue!
Visit the editor's desk for thank yous...
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Please take a moment and vote for WOW!
A vote for WOW! is a vote for women writers! If you enjoy WOW! Women On Writing, please feel free to send an e-mail to writersdigest@fwmedia.com with "101 Websites" in the subject line, and ask them to include WOW! Women On Writing (www.wow-womenonwriting.com) on their list for 2012!
Thank you for your continued support. :)
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Issue Sponsors:
We handpick sponsors that we think will be of interest to WOW! readers. We hope you enjoy their special offers.
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Want to publish a bestseller? Hire an editor who has.
USA Today bestselling author Cara Lockwood can help you work toward your goal of becoming a bestselling author. She can improve your manuscript and sharpen your work with insightful editing and copy proofing.
Mention WOW! Women On Writing for 25% Off your first purchase by e-mailing Cara at info@edit-my-novel.com. You can also request a free sample 1-page edit (500 words) by e-mailing her.
Find out more about Cara and her services by visiting her website: www.edit-my-novel.com.
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Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest
Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or a short story, 5 pages max, any theme, for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $1275.00. Postmark deadline: December 31, 2011.
Visit her website http://www.dreamquestone.com for details.
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Bookmark Services: We bring out your best.
Bookmark Services is a full-service editorial company, offering editing, fact-checking research, transcription, layout, book proposals, website development, self-publishing assistance, and e-book conversion. I have many happy clients. Will you join them?
Let's get started!
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All-in-One Self-Publishing Package
Infinity Publishing's OneBook package includes the creation of your book in print, e-book, and as a 1-hour Audio book, as well as global distribution services. They are offering WOW! subscribers a one-week GoodReads Book Giveaway Promotion ($249 value) with purchase of the OneBook package by November 30, 2011.
Find out more about the WOW! Infinity Promotion and download their free 100-page publishing guide.
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Help for the Holidays! 7 Days of Journaling
Create Write Now's new eWorkbook, Help for the Holidays: 7 Days of Jouranling to Ho! Ho! Ho! helps you create your most healthiest and happiest of holidays!
Use targeted journaling exercises to stay centered, calm and healthy during the chaotic holiday season, when you are trying to juggle work, family and other commitments.
When you purchase Help for the Holidays you also receive access to a private forum where you can discuss your holiday challenges and get support from other journalers. You will also be entered to win a cute journaling t-shirt.
Visit http://www.createwritenow.com/Journaling-Holidays-Help-eWorkbook/
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Changes In Life Monthly Newsletter for Women
Currently seeking personal essays. Aspiring writers encouraged to submit. See site for submission guidelines: www.changesinlife.com
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Story Circle Network
An International Women's Organization
Offering Online Classes, Conferences, Internet Writing Groups and more
Visit www.storycircle.org
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If you'd like to be featured in this section, please contact us about our special advertising rates and discounts that aren't reflected in our media kit. (You can also view our media kit here.)
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Fall 2011 Flash Fiction Contest
DEADLINE: November 30, 2011 Midnight,
Pacific Time.
GUEST JUDGE: Literary Agent, Andrea Hurst
About Andrea: Andrea Hurst, President of Andrea Hurst Literary Management, works with both major and regional publishing houses, and her client list includes emerging new voices and New York Times best-selling authors. Andrea represents high profile adult nonfiction and well-crafted fiction. Her clients and their books have appeared on the Oprah Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, National Geographic Network, and in the New York Times.
In addition to working in the publishing field for over 25 years, Andrea is a published author, skilled developmental editor, keynote speaker, and educator. She recently started the AUTHORNOMICS Series on her site to help writers learn about the ever-changing publishing industry. The series features literary agents, editors, authors, marketing experts and more talking about their opinions on the publishing industry, writing, and what a writer needs to know. She enjoys working with authors who have something meaningful to share and are driven by their enthusiasm and desire to create books that touch lives and make a difference. Andrea is the author of The Lazy Dog's Guide to Enlightenment and Everybody's Natural Food Cookbook.
With years of experience in all areas of publishing, Andrea offers professional insight into the business, and works with motivated authors to edit, polish, and perfect their proposal and manuscript. Andrea's passion for books drives her quest to find stories that have the power to change--stories that will take her on a journey to another place, and leave her with an unforgettable impression.
If your work is accepted by Andrea Hurst it is because she believes in your book, your purpose in sharing it, and your career as a writer. She will invest her time and expertise to guide and support your writing career and establish a satisfying and productive long-term relationship.
To learn more about Andrea Hurst and Andrea Hurst Literary Management, please visit www.andreahurst.com.
PROMPT: Open Prompt
WORD COUNT: 750 Max; 250 Min
We raised the cash prizes this season!
LIMIT: 300 Entries
Don't wait until the last minute! Enter
Today. Visit the Contest
Page and download our terms &
conditions e-book. Good luck!
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Calls for Submissions:
Call for Queries: Jan/Feb 2012 issue (Start of Year Topics)
Let's start the year off right! Our January/February issue will be an open issue, but keep the new year in mind. We're interested in topics like planning, organization, editing after NaNo, starting a business, author promotion, book marketing, and more. Please query us asap! You can review our submission guidelines on our Contact
Page (scroll to the bottom under "Submissions") for info on how to submit. Pay rate is $50 - $150 per article. We look forward to hearing from you!
Seeking Experienced Bloggers
Do you blog on a regular basis? Do you have a following? Do you like to blog about the publishing industry? Can you break news? WOW! is seeking bloggers to join our team at the start of 2012. Bloggers must already be experienced in one (or more) of the following topics: publishing industry news, the business freelancing, author and book marketing/promotion. Send an e-mail to editors@wow-womenonwriting.com with a link to your blog and the topic you're most interested in writing about.
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On to the issue... Enjoy!
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Summer 2011 Flash Fiction Contest Winners Announced!
Drum roll...
Congratulations goes to everyone who entered the Summer '11 Flash Fiction Contest. All of your entries were incredible this round, and our esteemed guest judge, literary agent Kim Lionetti, did not have an easy job! But with her expertise, she dutifully picked the winners, and we thank Kim!
All of the stories this season were phenomenal! It was hard to narrow down the entries to the Top 20 and then the Top 10. All the stories were superlative in subject, content, and style--it really came down to technical aspects and the guest judge's personal choice of which ones made it into the Top 10. Every story is a winner in its own right and has the potential to win a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place. They were that good.
I know you've all been waiting very patiently, so here's the results!
-- 1st Place Winner: "Better Late" by Denise R. Graham
-- 2nd Place Winner: "Shades of Grey" by Maria Mankin
-- 3rd Place Winner: "Seeds of Change" by S. Paulina Nelson
Runners Up (in no particular order):
-- "Unbuckling Orion's Belt" by Michelle Martinez
-- "Beacon" by Fran Haley
-- "A Preponderance for Hope" by Anne Muccino
-- "The Exhibit" by Jacey Fortin
-- "Justice Unleashed" by Ann Swann
-- "Time Standing Still" by Mary Blalock
-- "Spellbound" by Kristen Boe
Read the Top 10 winners' stories in our contest feature!
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
-- "Answers" by Sandra Walker
-- "Needing to Forget to Remember" by Madeline Cole
-- "Reap What You Sow" by Geeta Isardas
-- "Carry the One" by Cheryl Fines
-- "Last Summer" by Nancy McCaffrey
-- "Wherever I Land" by Lisa Ann Hayes
-- "The Clay Lady" by Patti Cavaliere
-- "Snatch & Grab" by Amy Severson
-- "Your Mother and I Have Some Concerns About Your Worth" by Linda Courtland
-- "Bamboozled" by Heather Newton Derks
Congratulations goes out to all the winners! And congrats to everyone who hit the send button--we know it's not easy, but each season provides a rebirth of opportunity!
Notes: if you purchased a critique for the Summer '11 contest, you may have received your critique already. About half of them were sent out and the second half are in the process of being sent out. If you haven't received your critique by the end of November (make sure you check your bulk mail), please send us an e-mail and we'll resend. Prizes: all prizes this season are digital, so we will be sending gift cards, e-books, and cash prizes electronically next week. Thank you!
MORE >>
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Culinary Creations: Whipping Up the Niche Cookbook Market
By LuAnn Schindler
For years, a classic red-and-white checkerboard cookbook adorned many kitchens across America, displaying a plethora of timeless recipes neatly arranged by soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. But cookbooks have come a long way, baby, since those first all-encompassing tomes. Now, cookbooks concentrate on a forte: cheesecakes, gluten-free cuisine, one-pot wonders, healthy fare for diabetics, Tuscany techniques. Like an accurately measured recipe, cookbooks and their authors measure potential audience appeal and dole out dishes that satisfy specific appetites when pitching a cookbook idea.
To find out more about breaking into the niche cookbook market, LuAnn Schindler interviews experts: Libbie Summers, author of The Whole Hog Cookbook; Amy Reiley, Master of Gastronomy from Le Cordon Bleu and aphrodisiac cookbook author and publisher; Tasia Malakasis, owner of Belle Chevre creamery and author of Tasia's Table; and Stephanie Bostic, author of One Bowl: Simple Healthy Recipes for One.
MORE>>
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Personalize Your Parenting (Writing): The Pros and Cons of Building a Niche on Your Family's Experiences
By Janine Boldrin
From potty training to tantrums to packing the best school lunch, print and electronic media are bursting with articles and essays written by freelancers on parenting conundrums. The opportunities to write about parenting topics may seem endless; however, the competition for assignments and acceptance of submissions is also stiff. Wondering how you can stand out in the hundreds or thousands of queries editors receive from parenting writers just like you?
In this article, Janine Boldrin shows you how to discover your parenting specialty, grow your expertise, connect with readers, watch out for TMI, protect your baby (and babies), and adapt to change. Janine also interviews parenting experts Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama; Teri Cettina, author of Cash In On Your Kids; and freelance writers Julia Garstecki who specializes in parenting a special needs child and Jenny Kales, creator of the popular food allergy blog, The Nut-Free Mom. Janine also shares her list of parenting markets that are receptive to new writers!
MORE>>
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Pioneers of Cyberspace: Collaborative Novel Writing
By Jenny Ryan
Six months ago, Jenny Ryan started writing a story; but after 1,000 words, she got stuck. She wasn't sure what her characters should do next, so she posted the story on her blog and asked readers to vote on the next plot point. Now, her story stands at thirty chapters--twenty-nine of which were written with readers. She also discovered three other authors and one publishing company working this way. Jenny chats with authors Luisa Plaja, Ceri Neil, and Sharon Gosling about the process of collaborative storytelling, as well as Laura Durman, an editor at Fiction Express, on how to write for this market!
MORE>>
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WOW! Women On Writing Workshops & Classes
Get ready for 2012!
Whether you are looking to boost your income
or work on your craft, we know that education
is an important part of a writer's career.
That's why WOW! handpicks qualified
instructors and targeted classes that women
writers will benefit from. The instructors
are women we've worked with on a professional
level, and these ladies offer high quality
courses on various topics.
How the courses work: All of the
courses operate online--whether through
email, website, chat room, or listserv,
depending on the instructor's
preferences--and are taught one-on-one with
the instructor. The flexibility of the
platform allows students to complete
assignments on their own time and work at
their own pace in the comfort of their own
home. It's a wonderful experience and an
excellent way to further develop your skills,
or to try your hand at something completely new.
Featured e-Courses (By Date):
Starts every Friday:
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING: The Definitive Course On Achieving Self-Publishing Excellence and Profitability New self-study format! by Deana Riddle
If you are ready to self-publish your own work, the Independent Publishing Program offers a step-by-step guide on everything from creating your own publishing identity to preparing your book for publication and placing it on the market. This program will simplify the publishing process, show you how to earn 2 to 3 times more profit on book sales, help you avoid frustrating and costly mistakes, and give you the knowledge and tools needed to succeed as an independent publisher.
November 28, 2011
MEMOIR WORKSHOP by Annette Fix
Discover the story you want to tell and learn how to turn your personal experiences into a story that comes alive on the page.
November 30, 2011
THE UNWILLING GRAMMARIAN by Karlyn Thayer
Do you hate grammar like you hate snakes? This class, "The Unwilling Grammarian" takes an easy and fun approach to grammar. Other grammar courses require students to learn dozens of complicated terms. This course begins by asking you to learn two terms only, and shows you how those two terms can be the key to writing success.
December 5, 2011
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES: INTRO TO SCREENWRITING by Christina Hamlett
Learn the techniques and formatting requirements to develop an original screenplay. Study character development, dialogue, genre, structure, pacing, budget, and marketability, and receive critiques from an expert!
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE: INTRO TO PLAYWRITING by Christina Hamlett
Learn what makes a play successful and how to write one yourself. Write a 15-minute one-act play, which will be professionally critiqued.
HOW TO GET THE RIGHT AGENT FOR YOUR MANUSCRIPT by Annette Fix
By the end of this course, you will know how to target the right agent for your material and leave with a list of agents who are signing and selling in your genre. You will develop your "elevator pitch" and learn valuable in-person pitching techniques. You will complete your course with a query letter that showcases your voice and the tone of your book, and lifts your query out of the slush pile.
December 9, 2011
GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER 50% OFF this session only! by Nicky LaMarco
This class is for beginning freelance writers or for those who are interested in becoming freelance writers. It includes all of the basics of freelance writing: overviews of the different fields in freelance writing, what is needed to begin, how to store ideas, where to get ideas, how much you should make, where to find clients, and how to get clients.
January 2, 2012
DIGITAL REVOLUTION: How to Publish Your Book as an E-Book NEW! by Annette Fix
If you're tired of waiting for the traditional publishing gatekeepers to give you permission to publish your book, and you're ready to join the digital revolution, this class will guide you through the process of how to publish your fiction or nonfiction book as an eBook.
January 4, 2012
WRITING YOUR NOVEL FROM THE GROUND UP: How to Build Your Story While Building Yourself as a Writer for Long-Term Success NEW! Special Introductory Price (this session only) by Diane O'Connell & Renate Reimann
Writing a novel is like building a house: you need to start with a vision and a clear blueprint, then construct it from the inside out. This class will help you learn techniques to write your novel effortlessly, as well as to overcome the obstacles that may block you from completing your manuscript.
January 7, 2012
HOW TO WRITE CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS & GET PUBLISHED by Lynne Garner
During this 6-week course students will learn what makes a successful picture book by studying titles already published. They will be introduced to devices used in the writing of a picture book, how to present their work, and research whom to send their work to. By the end of the course each student will hopefully have completed a picture book manuscript and a cover letter, which they will be encouraged to send to a publisher/packager.
HOW TO WRITE A "HOW-TO" CRAFT BOOK by Lynne Garner
During this 5-week course students will be taught how to access their knowledge base and use this to write a hobby-based "how-to" book. It is hoped by the end of the course each student will have a completed synopsis, first chapter, and query letter, which they will be encouraged to send to an appropriate publisher/packager.
January 9, 2012
EMPOWER YOUR MUSE, EMPOWER YOUR WRITING SELF $50 OFF this session only! by Kelly L. Stone
In this class, participants will learn methods for overcoming a variety of issues facing all writers, including lack of self confidence, lack of follow through, resistance to writing, avoidance to writing, and discouragement. Fee includes EITHER a free critique of any genre, up to 25 pages, or a 15 minute one-on-one phone consultation with the instructor on any topic related to writing.
FREELANCE WRITING: Querying and Writing Non-Fiction Articles by Margo Dill
Students will learn how to query editors with article ideas and follow through to create the article for any publication. Many topics will be discussed, including tracking queries and submissions, repurposing articles, writing strong query letters and article hooks, interviewing experts, and finding publishable topics.
January 10, 2012
BREAKING INTO MAGAZINE WRITING WITH REGIONAL MARKETS by Jodi Webb
This class will help students research their local regional markets, the types of articles they accept, and give students tips on photography, local experts, and article ideas. The instructor will also help the student develop an article idea, pinpoint a market, and write a query.
January 16, 2012
LITERARY DEVICES WORKSHOP by Gila Green
In this course, we will go beyond the simile and metaphor and learn how to layer our writing with literary devices. Through short readings and in-class assignments, you will learn how to create suspense, tension, change the pace, deepen and control your writing through the use of devices from repetition to personification. This class is suitable for anyone working on a novel, short story, memoir, essay or life story.
January 18, 2012
SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS by Margo L. Dill
This class will teach writers how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites such as Goodreads or Google Plus (students' choice) to network; to build a following of fans; to start working on a brand/image; and to promote books, articles, magazines, and blogs.
January 20, 2012
CRAFTING FLASH FICTION NEW! by Melanie Faith
Students will receive packets of short fiction, along with weekly reading assignments and exercises from the instructional text. A variety of writing prompts and tips, both in the text and at the class Grouply group, will spark students' own flash fiction. Each Friday, students will submit a new flash fiction of 1,000 words or less (topic of the students' own choosing) for supportive and constructive feedback from the instructor. Topics covered will include: where to get ideas, crafting unforgettable characters and beginnings, drafting believable dialogue, increasing conflict, the art of brevity, revising flash fiction, and much more.
February 1, 2012
WRITING CHARACTER-DRIVEN FICTION NEW! by Bonnie Hearn Hill
All great fiction is character driven. Think of your favorite story, and it is the character you remember. In this six-week workshop, you will learn to create memorable characters and put them into well crafted scenes. Character and plot are opposite sides of the same coin. Until you have one, you won't be able to do much with the other. In addition to class work and critiques, the instructor will line-edit up to 50 pages for each class member. You'll leave with a short story or novel chapters that are ready to go.
February 6, 2012
HOW TO WRITE A TV PILOT: An Introduction to the Craft of Creating a TV Show NEW! by Christina Hamlett
This 4-week class provides an overview of the techniques and formatting requirements to develop an original TV series. The lectures and assignments cover character development, dialogue, genre, structure, pacing, budget, and marketability. All materials submitted are critiqued by a professional screenplay consultant and learners are free to ask as many questions as they'd like about how to turn a story idea into a commercial, pitch-ready script.
February 10, 2012
BLOGGING 101 by Margo Dill
Blogging is one of the best and cheapest ways to achieve an Internet presence. This class will help students start a blog. If you already have a blog, it will help you target the readers you want to reach. Students will also learn how to create a unique blog, build followers and/or drive traffic to their blogs, blog on a schedule, connect posts to social networking sites, and monetize their blogs.
February 22, 2012
WRITING A MIDDLE-GRADE NOVEL by Margo L. Dill
Learn what makes a novel middle-grade and brainstorm different ideas for this age group. The instructor will lead students through pre-writing exercises and help students write their first two chapters with plenty of feedback on ways to revise and edit their work. When the class is over, students will be well on their way to completing a middle-grade novel.
March 5, 2012
WRITING FOR CHILDREN: Everything You Need to Know About Short Stories, Articles, and Fillers Winter sale! by Margo Dill
This class will teach the basics of writing for children's magazines, crafting short stories, nonfiction articles, poetry, and fillers. The student will come away with a short story and cover letter, nonfiction query letter, and a filler or poem. She will also have a list of potential markets, fitting her manuscripts. The instructor will also share an organizational tool for submissions and information on finding other children's writers and networking.
March 21, 2012
VAMPIRES OPTIONAL: WRITING YOUNG ADULT (YA) FICTION NEW! by Bonnie Hearn Hill
Young adult fiction is more than vampires, although they're fine too. In a highly competitive market, you need more than even a good plot. The instructor is a successful writer of young adult as well as six international thrillers, and she has mentored numerous successful authors. In this workshop, she will help you deepen your characters, develop your plot, tighten your pace, and avoid the mistakes most young adult authors make. In addition to class work and critiques, the instructor will line-edit up to 50 pages for each class member. You'll leave with a submission packet of sample chapters and synopsis.
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I hope
you are as excited about our classes
as we are. WOW! Women On Writing
ensures that our instructors will work with
you one-on-one. In most cases you will
receive emailed course materials and
assignments, or for those with groups, you
will be able to download course materials.
Your instructor will give you assignments and
personal feedback, and guide you through a
charted course of learning. Our instructors
are wonderful ladies who go above and beyond
to help you achieve your writing goals.
VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR COMPLETE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS>>
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WOW! BLOG: THE MUFFIN
Find out the latest from the Bakers of WOW!
Have you checked out what we've been baking
for you on the daily Muffin? We've stirred
together some traditional ingredients with
new ones to deliver more interviews,
enlightenment, thought provoking ideas, and
inspirational messages to help you through
those gray writing days.
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Never Stale! Here's the Latest:
Tuesdays are contest interview
days!
If you are interested in
writing for our contests, check out the
interviews with previous Top 10 winners to
find out how they crafted their stories.
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction First Place Winner: Michael Throne
Interview by Anne Greenawalt
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Second Place Winner: Holly Bauer-Ping
Interview by Marcia Peterson
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Third Place Winner: Laurie Griffin
Interview by Margo Dill
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Jody Rathgeb
Interview by Marcia Peterson
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Susan DuMond
Interview by LuAnn Schindler
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Jacinda Little
Interview by Robyn Chausse
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Cheryl Fines
Interview by Anne Greenawalt
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Victoria Wright
Interview by Margo Dill
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Philip Murray-Lawson
Interview by LuAnn Schindler
Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Runner Up: Liz Tucker
Interview by Robyn Chausse
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Blog Posts of Interest:
What Do I Do With My Writing Time? The 80/20 Equation
By Margo Dill
Some experts say that 80% of your writing time should be spent on pieces that will make you "instant" money, instead of royalties later on down the road. The other 20% should be reserved for your creative side--that poem you've been thinking about since you went for a walk in your old neighborhood, the novel you're rewriting, or a short story to send to a contest. A great discussion about how this actually works in practice. What do you think?
Is Your Scriptwriting Guilty of TMI?
By Christina Hamlett
How much do you really need to know about someone before you're hooked into wanting to learn more? The process of setting up character introductions for your screenplay or theatrical script has a lot of similarities to the 1990's matchmaking invention of speed-dating. Check out this post to find out how, and also get information about Christina's wonderful classes, offered only at WOW!
Using An Elementary School Story-Telling Tool For Your Own Writing
By Chynna Laird
Branch out beyond the usual Thesaurus or Dictionary and get those writing juices bubbling. Chynna shares some great writing tools and strategies.
4 Tips on Hiring an Editor
By Elizabeth Humphrey
For writers who want to hire an editor, this post offers a few tips to consider when approaching a person to edit your writing. Also, readers share what has worked for them as an editor or writer.
Getting to Know an eBook Reader
By Elizabeth Humphrey
Has the eBook revolution changed your buying, reading or writing habits? One writer shares how ebooks are growing on her, but slowly.
Using Your Senses
By Jodi Webb
As writers we often have a "movie" playing in our head of what our novel looks like. So we simply describe it: what the people, places and things look like. Although that does great when we're swiftly moving through a first draft, if we simply leave it at that we're cheating our readers and cheating ourselves. It's time to delve into the other senses!
The Write Lessons
By Robyn Chausse
A reflection on how far one writer has come, in a fun list. Share yours too: "If it weren't for writing I never would have learned that..."
So Yes, I Blog!
By Margo Dill
Many people in the world still find blogging to be unique or unusual. You might just be amazed at how AMAZED other people are about your blogging efforts. A new way to look at your blog!
The Unwritten History Told in Recipes
By LuAnn Schindler
If you think about food as simply that--a consumable product--you may not have much of a story. But once you consider the background of the recipe and the history of the cook, you find a delicious blend that weaves a storyline. What story can you connect with a favorite recipe?
Social Networking with a Goal
By Margo Dill
WOW!'s Social Networking workshop teacher explains why it's important to have goals for your social networking sites. A helpful post that goes over what kind of goals should you make, and how you use them to help you with your social networking skills.
Digital vs. Print
By LuAnn Schindler
Is print dead? Do publications need to adapt to a world that will eventually be full of digital natives? What does this premise mean for book authors and publishers?
I'm Ready For NaNoWriMo. Are YOU?
By Chynna Laird
A writer who figured out a few things that really helped with getting on the NaNoWriMo train shares her best tips with you. If you're currently participating, get reinspired by this post!
7 Things To Remember When Writing For Young Adults
By Chynna Laird
Are you NaNoing and writing YA? Just because you write for young people doesn't mean it's easier. In fact, it can be even more difficult because younger readers are more difficult to engage. Chynna shares some tips to keep in mind while you're writing for this genre.
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Friday Speak Out! Posts of Interest:
Writing From the Heart by Christine Molloy
Setting Up Shop by Patti Larsen
Making It Into the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest by Cynthia Watson
A Little Bit Done by Brittnay Buckner
Making Meditation a Part of Your Writing Practice by Michelle Cromer
Defrosting the Deep Freeze by Karna Converse
Juggling for Writers: Why Two Hands and a Good Head are Enough by Kelly Thompson
Getting Started in E-Books by Joy V. Smith
The Write-Less Writer by Stephanie Romero
If you haven't read these posts, be sure to check them out. They're so inspiration and motivating. F.S.O.s rock!
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In Closing:
We hope this issue has inspired you to examine your writing strengths and explore your interests. There are so many wonderful writing niches out there! It's interesting to see what others are doing, but it's also important to find your own little corner of the universe and stake your claim. So, when you are carving the turkey this Thanksgiving, think about where you could be carving your niche. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) And, most of all, make sure it's something you love. Have fun!
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