I managed to, maybe get a total of an hour of revising, yuck, but I did use some of the features of the writing program I use. Just in case you don't remember, I'm presently using yWriter5. You can download it here: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html
I looked at some others and this one is working fine for my budget.
There's a contest coming up at Writer's Digest: Writer's Digest 81st Annual Writing Competition
Happy writing and good luck in the contest.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
No Writing Today
Doctor's appointments, lots to accomplish at work and, on top of that, slower than snail computers. 9:00 pm came and not one iota of writing accomplished. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.
Happy Writing.
Happy Writing.
Monday, March 19, 2012
FictionBrigade Flash Fiction Publishers Review
FictionBrigade is a publishing company created to promote experienced and aspiring authors and artists. Through their online literary magazine, readers can enjoy a variety of flash fiction stories-50 to 1500 words. This is a fairly new publisher. The website appears to have started about September 2011 and their first magazine was published about February 2012.
Bethany, one of the owners, is presently finishing her M.S. Degree in Publishing at New York University. Previous publishing experience includes Oxford University Press, in their Higher Education Department and Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Sabrina, the other owner, is also finishing her M.S. Degree in Publishing at New York University. Her previous publishing experiences include Live.com, Wendy Lamb Books at Random House, HardMagic Publishing, Santa Barbara Magazine, Noozhawk-an online magazine-and the Daily Nexus.
I recommend checking the about page-for more information about Bethany, Sabrina and their interesting backers and the blog-although this is seldom updated. Last entry December 2011. But there are some interesting articles in the blog as well as in their resources section. Don't forget to click the issues for some reading and art. I disagree with the issues because I purchased the Expresso Fiction: A Collection of Flash Fiction for the Average Joe for $ 4.99 and discovered the stories were the same as those in the issues of which I had already read-free. And, if you have time, complete their survey. I believe this is a university project.
They recently changed their submission process and are now using SubMishMash instead of email. I really like this change. They have a schedule and theme for their online magazine and they are accepting any type of Flash Fiction outside of their themes.
Their response time is stated to be between 4-8 weeks. I consider this reasonable. I submitted, via email, 3/6/2012 before they changed to their present system. I did not receive a confirmation of receipt and when I discovered their change, I emailed to confirm they had my submission. I have received no response as of the posting of this. I'll wait the 8 weeks and, if I haven't heard from them, I'll re-submit so I can get back with you about their submission process.
The worth of this publisher will show itself with time and the quality of their published submissions. I feel the FictionBrigade is worth watching and recommend patience through their growing pains. I'm sure Bethany and Sabrina are pretty busy with university stuff. Check out updates at their Facebook and Twitter pages.
http://www.fictionbrigade.com/
Bethany, one of the owners, is presently finishing her M.S. Degree in Publishing at New York University. Previous publishing experience includes Oxford University Press, in their Higher Education Department and Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Sabrina, the other owner, is also finishing her M.S. Degree in Publishing at New York University. Her previous publishing experiences include Live.com, Wendy Lamb Books at Random House, HardMagic Publishing, Santa Barbara Magazine, Noozhawk-an online magazine-and the Daily Nexus.
I recommend checking the about page-for more information about Bethany, Sabrina and their interesting backers and the blog-although this is seldom updated. Last entry December 2011. But there are some interesting articles in the blog as well as in their resources section. Don't forget to click the issues for some reading and art. I disagree with the issues because I purchased the Expresso Fiction: A Collection of Flash Fiction for the Average Joe for $ 4.99 and discovered the stories were the same as those in the issues of which I had already read-free. And, if you have time, complete their survey. I believe this is a university project.
They recently changed their submission process and are now using SubMishMash instead of email. I really like this change. They have a schedule and theme for their online magazine and they are accepting any type of Flash Fiction outside of their themes.
Their response time is stated to be between 4-8 weeks. I consider this reasonable. I submitted, via email, 3/6/2012 before they changed to their present system. I did not receive a confirmation of receipt and when I discovered their change, I emailed to confirm they had my submission. I have received no response as of the posting of this. I'll wait the 8 weeks and, if I haven't heard from them, I'll re-submit so I can get back with you about their submission process.
The worth of this publisher will show itself with time and the quality of their published submissions. I feel the FictionBrigade is worth watching and recommend patience through their growing pains. I'm sure Bethany and Sabrina are pretty busy with university stuff. Check out updates at their Facebook and Twitter pages.
http://www.fictionbrigade.com/
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Saturday update
Yesterday my husband stopped by and that was the end of blogging, writing, etc.
I spent most of Friday reviewing a website for a newsletter, wrote up the review and sent it on its way. Then I worked on the Picture Book that came to mind a few days ago. It's coming along. I also worked on the second scene in my novel Second Chances. I'm really excited about this novel. I expect to have it ready for submission late this year or early next year.
Today, I'll spend as much of it I can between the Picture Book and Second Chances. Next week I'm helping out a friend, so I'm not sure how much will be done toward my writing. Probably mostly reading. I've a few books I want to finish anyway.
Happy writing.
Well, I blew it. Decided to download Much Ado About Nothing and it's taking forever. Getting into 2 hours and the computer claims I have a great connection. Before I started this I did get the second scene of Second Chances ready for me to listen, but I can't as the computer is tied up. So I am doing a bit of updating at various sites on this computer and cleaned, a bit, around this place. I'm leaving at 6, my husband will run the store, so I can take the children to Kendall for talk by an Area Authority. Nothing more will be done today.
I spent most of Friday reviewing a website for a newsletter, wrote up the review and sent it on its way. Then I worked on the Picture Book that came to mind a few days ago. It's coming along. I also worked on the second scene in my novel Second Chances. I'm really excited about this novel. I expect to have it ready for submission late this year or early next year.
Today, I'll spend as much of it I can between the Picture Book and Second Chances. Next week I'm helping out a friend, so I'm not sure how much will be done toward my writing. Probably mostly reading. I've a few books I want to finish anyway.
Happy writing.
Well, I blew it. Decided to download Much Ado About Nothing and it's taking forever. Getting into 2 hours and the computer claims I have a great connection. Before I started this I did get the second scene of Second Chances ready for me to listen, but I can't as the computer is tied up. So I am doing a bit of updating at various sites on this computer and cleaned, a bit, around this place. I'm leaving at 6, my husband will run the store, so I can take the children to Kendall for talk by an Area Authority. Nothing more will be done today.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Busy few days
Tuesday and Wednesday I finished reading 'On Writing Well' by William Knowlton Zinsser.
Wednesday, I revised the first scene in my novel 'Second Chances'. It's a space opera.
Thursday, Our daughter opened for me. I went in late. Later I purchased some additional fish and a plant from a local fish farm. It poured most of the day, so I spent work organizing and trying to figure out how to help a friend sell more of her books. Marketing eBooks is new to me. I don't know if I was much help, but it's a learning experience for me. I will be in print this year. I've learned so much from Long Ridge Writers Group http://www.longridgewritersgroup.com/index.htm I know this is a possible goal.
Happy writing.
Wednesday, I revised the first scene in my novel 'Second Chances'. It's a space opera.
Thursday, Our daughter opened for me. I went in late. Later I purchased some additional fish and a plant from a local fish farm. It poured most of the day, so I spent work organizing and trying to figure out how to help a friend sell more of her books. Marketing eBooks is new to me. I don't know if I was much help, but it's a learning experience for me. I will be in print this year. I've learned so much from Long Ridge Writers Group http://www.longridgewritersgroup.com/index.htm I know this is a possible goal.
Happy writing.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Had a wonderful weekend
Saturday I decided I had enough of work. I left our 18 year old in charge of the store, purchased the necessary items to clean my canister filter and went home and cleaned the tank. I also picked up a yellow tang for our saltwater tank. We promptly named him 'Scooter'. On his way home, my husband picked up some guppies and platies.
Sunday I relished in the fact the fish were still alive. I always worry about the first 24 hours. Had a wonderful time with my Sunday School class and baked chocolate chips cookies for our family and a friend and our 'Sleeper Family' Blueberry Cake for ourselves and another friend.
Today, I'm reading, for the third time, 'On Writing Well' by William Knowlton Zinsser. I've found it extremely helpful to have his words floating around my head before I start writing. My next assignment will be a short 500 word article about rain. My teacher part is coming into this one and I'm going to outline a science project to make it rain in a jar. We've acquired a large jar of pickles. As soon as the jar is empty, I'll prepare it for the experiment so I can use the results for the article. I'll also use it for our children as, I'm sure, they'll enjoy a little science.
By the way, the book, 'Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers' by Grant Naylor finally took off at about the 10th chapter. I hate having to put it down to go to work or bed. I'm glad I stuck in there and continued to read. I'm now in part 2 chapter 2.
In the meantime Happy Reading and/or Writing.
Sunday I relished in the fact the fish were still alive. I always worry about the first 24 hours. Had a wonderful time with my Sunday School class and baked chocolate chips cookies for our family and a friend and our 'Sleeper Family' Blueberry Cake for ourselves and another friend.
Today, I'm reading, for the third time, 'On Writing Well' by William Knowlton Zinsser. I've found it extremely helpful to have his words floating around my head before I start writing. My next assignment will be a short 500 word article about rain. My teacher part is coming into this one and I'm going to outline a science project to make it rain in a jar. We've acquired a large jar of pickles. As soon as the jar is empty, I'll prepare it for the experiment so I can use the results for the article. I'll also use it for our children as, I'm sure, they'll enjoy a little science.
By the way, the book, 'Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers' by Grant Naylor finally took off at about the 10th chapter. I hate having to put it down to go to work or bed. I'm glad I stuck in there and continued to read. I'm now in part 2 chapter 2.
In the meantime Happy Reading and/or Writing.
Friday, March 9, 2012
I spent all my free time
reading a manuscript for a historical romance. It was pretty well done. Hope the author is able to get it published.
Tomorrow I'll work on my stuff.
Happy Writing.
Tomorrow I'll work on my stuff.
Happy Writing.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
What a trying day
Didn't accomplish much, but I did get Assignment 3 on it's way to CT.
I'm reading a manuscript for a friend. Managed to get about 30 pages read. Too busy babysitting an unruly customers child protecting other customers and property.
Oh well, there are days and then there are days.
Happy writing.
I'm reading a manuscript for a friend. Managed to get about 30 pages read. Too busy babysitting an unruly customers child protecting other customers and property.
Oh well, there are days and then there are days.
Happy writing.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Doing Better
Spent all day working on my writing.
First, I decided to submit a flash fiction to FictionBrigade. So I dug out and dusted off a piece that came to me in the middle of the night a couple of years ago. I polished it, nice and shiny, prepared it for submission and submitted it.
Second, I made the recommended changes to Assignment 2. Was working on that until 10:00 pm as I was tutoring from 6:00 pm until then. So I had to squeeze in the changes.
Third, I also squeezed in some time with Assignment 3. Read it to a friend and made a couple of minor changes. I think I'll spend today preparing it for submission and getting it winging its way to CT. If I have time, I'll also finish gathering the jokes for a comedy writing book I'm reading. (It's a rainy day and unfortunately that means slow business)
I also came across this excellent article. Most of the recommendations I'm already doing. I added them to my checklist I do after I'm done revising as part of my editing and polishing. Great ideas and great examples. Check it out: http://www.workingwritersclub.com/2012/02/28/how-to-write-tight-self-editing-tips/
Happy writing.
First, I decided to submit a flash fiction to FictionBrigade. So I dug out and dusted off a piece that came to me in the middle of the night a couple of years ago. I polished it, nice and shiny, prepared it for submission and submitted it.
Second, I made the recommended changes to Assignment 2. Was working on that until 10:00 pm as I was tutoring from 6:00 pm until then. So I had to squeeze in the changes.
Third, I also squeezed in some time with Assignment 3. Read it to a friend and made a couple of minor changes. I think I'll spend today preparing it for submission and getting it winging its way to CT. If I have time, I'll also finish gathering the jokes for a comedy writing book I'm reading. (It's a rainy day and unfortunately that means slow business)
I also came across this excellent article. Most of the recommendations I'm already doing. I added them to my checklist I do after I'm done revising as part of my editing and polishing. Great ideas and great examples. Check it out: http://www.workingwritersclub.com/2012/02/28/how-to-write-tight-self-editing-tips/
Happy writing.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Gathering information today
Sunday I attended FIU's 'Arabian Nights'. It was an interesting adaptation of 'One Thousand and One Nights'.
After the performance, we met and talked with Andrea Askowitz, the director of Lip Service. Check them out if you live in Miami. They have a show once a month at the Miracle Mile Theatre in Coral Gables where submitted true stories are read aloud to a full house. www.lipservicestories.com
I've been reading books about humor. One has assignments so I'm gathering 50 jokes as requested for the first assignment. Kind of fun.
I found a flash fiction publishing website I think I'll submit my second assignment. Check them out. Maybe you have a flash fiction to submit.
After the performance, we met and talked with Andrea Askowitz, the director of Lip Service. Check them out if you live in Miami. They have a show once a month at the Miracle Mile Theatre in Coral Gables where submitted true stories are read aloud to a full house. www.lipservicestories.com
I've been reading books about humor. One has assignments so I'm gathering 50 jokes as requested for the first assignment. Kind of fun.
I found a flash fiction publishing website I think I'll submit my second assignment. Check them out. Maybe you have a flash fiction to submit.
http://www.fictionbrigade.com/
Happy Writing
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Marketing
I know an author should, and is most often told, have a blog, web page, twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Never thought, or heard, about newsletters. Sounds like a great idea. So I have another marketing outlet to get into when I'm ready and to recommend to the authors I meet.
Too much work at work today to do any writing. Maybe tomorrow?
Spending 5 - 8 pm at a renaissance festival selling wares. Actually ended up setting up and taking down. Our daughter wanted to stay. So I let her sell the wares.
Happy writing.
Too much work at work today to do any writing. Maybe tomorrow?
Spending 5 - 8 pm at a renaissance festival selling wares. Actually ended up setting up and taking down. Our daughter wanted to stay. So I let her sell the wares.
Happy writing.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Okay, how can I read
when I'm looking for mistakes? Guess I've spent too much time critiquing. The book I chose didn't have dialogue until page 10. The POV (point of view) is that of the main character and I felt like he talked too much. (I'm feeling confused about show don't tell, so I don't want to outright accuse this 'International Bestseller' of doing exactly what I'm being taught not to, but seems like it) Anyway, decided to try some writing exercises instead. Will get back to you on the results.
I have just a little bit left for compiling the tax info and then comes the real job of putting the figures where they belong. So I'll let that take up my day today and tomorrow.
Happy writing.
I have just a little bit left for compiling the tax info and then comes the real job of putting the figures where they belong. So I'll let that take up my day today and tomorrow.
Happy writing.
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