Writer to Writer January 2006

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Hi [FIRSTNAME],

This month’s issue is an abridged version because of the holidays. That means there’s only one article this month – mine.

As I mentioned last month, I wanted to write an article about setting goals. I’ve done that, but gone one step further and created a worksheet for you as well. This way you’ll be able to put into action all that newfound knowledge on goal-setting.

I won’t go too much into what I’ve done since the last issue, because I haven’t done terribly much! But it does look like I’ve sold my non-fiction book; the one I’ve been working on over the last couple of months.

I’ve had the ‘unofficial’ word it will be contracted, but nothing official yet. Until that contract is signed and returned, I’m not counting any chickens – hatched or otherwise. (lol)

The big news this month is my good friend Rob Parnell released a new book a few days ago, one I’m sure will interest many. The book is based on Rob’s Easy Way To Write Romance workshop, and will set any aspiring romance writer on the right track.

I was very lucky to receive a review copy of the book, and believe me, it’s a very informative book. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I know, it’s a non-fiction book, not a novel, but I just wanted to keep reading!

As you may know, I’m multi-published in the romance genre, but I still learned a lot from reading Rob’s book. (And I will be reading it again – this time doing the exercises.)

To learn more, go to http://www.writer2writer.com/ewtwromancebook.htm

It’s nearly four years since I’ve had a decent break – from family, from work, from anything! – and this Sunday I’m jetting off for eight whole days of peace and quiet. I’m leaving everyone behind (including hubby!) and will enjoy the time with my writing buddy. We’ll do some writing I’m sure, but mostly we’ll spend quality time together relaxing.

So… that means I’ll be away when the Christmas specials are supposed to end. Since I won’t have access to update the website, I’ve decided to extend the sale til February 5. But that’s it; after that it’s all over and the prices will be restored to normal.

A quick recap:

Buy Outside the Square Fiction Workshop AND I Wanna Win! - Tips for Becoming an Award Winning Writer and get both books (and all the bonuses) for less than $35! SAVE $10

Buy Outside the Square Fiction Workshop and SAVE $5. (And still get the bonuses!)

Buy I Wanna Win! - Tips for Becoming an Award Winning Writer and SAVE $5. (And still get the bonuses!)

Buy the Info Product Reseller's Pack (.exe format) and get a heap of bonuses not normally offered.

Pay just $3-50 for Cynthia VanRooy’s ebooklet The Secrets to Query Letters That Work.

To check out all these great offers, go to:

http://www.writer2writer.com/christmas.htm

I’ve had a few emails about the next contest – sorry guys; I’ve been so busy (with the school holidays and family issues) and also haven’t located a photo that I thought would spark ideas. So… still looking and hopefully it will be up and running early next month.

Okay, that’s it from me. Sit back and enjoy this short issue, then work out your 2006 goals!

Til next month,

Cheryl

Quote of the Month:

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

Dr. Stephen Covey

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Purchasing through affiliate links and advertisements in this newsletter assist in keeping it free.

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Please note: Language is set as "English - Australia" - words are not spelled incorrectly. (Not intentionally, anyway!)

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Announcements:

Writer's Digest magazine is once again putting together its list of the '101 Best Websites for Writers'! If Writer2Writer.com has helped you in any way, I’d be very appreciative if you could take a moment to write to Writer's Digest and nominate Writer2Writer.com for their 2006 list. Nominations should be emailed to mailto:writersdig@fwpubs.com with your nomination and any comments you have about the site. The subject line should be "101 Sites".

Thank you for your support!

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Christmas Specials!

Check out our time-limited special offers - http://www.writer2writer.com/christmas.htm

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The Motivation Factor

I’ve never been one for resolutions, mainly because I never keep them.

But goals are a whole different ball game. Goals can be measured, they can be changed, but most of all, they can be extremely motivating.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve set goals for myself. You could even call them deadlines.

No matter the project or how big or small it is, I always set goals for myself. This not only gets me motivated and writing, it also gives me guidelines that allow me to plan even more projects. This is a great way to keep moving ahead.

Perhaps I should go back further…

Before I ever got any of my work published, goals were one of the biggest factors in working toward publication. Back then my sights were set on much smaller achievements at any given time. In those early days I received one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever had – take baby steps. In other words, don’t try to take on too much at once, ruining your chances of achieving that goal.

That priceless advice has stayed with me for many years, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

Baby steps helped tremendously in achieving what I set out to do, and setting goals was definitely one of the vital stepping stones to publication.

Read the full article here

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How do I?

No questions this month.

If you have writing related question you would like answered, send it to:

mailto:cheryl@writer2writer.com?subject=How_Do_I

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Affordable Writing Courses:

Easy Way to Write Romance

Romance outsells all other fiction by a factor of 5 to I, but it's also one of the most difficult genres to break into. Why? Because the competition is enormous. The good news for you and me is that 90% of all romance manuscripts are reportedly terrible. This is because most new romance writers just don't understand the needs of publishers (magazine and book), agents and indeed, the reading public. This course takes a refreshing new look into the genre. Click here to begin your career as a romance writer!

Now available as an ebook! Click here for details.

Easy Way to Write the Mystery Novel

Mystery is constantly growing in popularity, but many writers simply don't understand the genre. As a result, they can't get their books published. This course will give you total understanding of the genre, and prepare you for your journey as a published mystery writer. Click here to kick-start your new career as a mystery writer!

Show, Don't Tell Mastercouse

Discover the tricks and techniques that all the best writers use. In this course, you will get one-on-one tutoring and feedback. You will learn what constitutes a professionally crafted manuscript, what makes editors contract stories, and how to follow suit. In this Master Class from Robyn Opie, author of 55 published books, you will learn the secrets you need to become a published author. If you are already published, the techniques and concepts taught will reinforce and enhance your knowledge. Full details available here.

Learn to Write Thrillers

Thrillers are in hot demand for translation, serial and resell rights. Authoring a series of thrillers can literally catapult your career and your earning potential to the stars! Not only do thrillers make authors and their publishers very rich, they also make the most money in terms of film and TV rights, generating vast revenues worldwide. To join this valuable workshop, click here.

Become a Food Writer

Love to eat? Is writing your passion? Combine the two with a career in food writing. Pamela White, author of FabJob’s Guide to Become a Food Writer, publisher of Food Writing, the online newsletter, and online food writing teacher for over five years has created an updated and more in-depth version of her popular food writing class: Eat, Drink and Make Money: All About Food Writing. Classes fill quickly, so don't delay. All information can be found here. - including starting dates.

*** All workshops are ongoing unless otherwise specified

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Contest Announcement

ByLine's Silver Anniversary
Poetry Chapbook Competition
Sponsored by ByLine magazine
Celebrating 25 years of continuous publication
www.bylinemag.com
Deadline March 1, 2006

Entry: 24 to 30 original poems, maximum 39 lines each including title and stanza breaks. Style and subject are open. We suggest (but do not require) that the poems be centered on a theme. Both the entry and the individual poems must be titled. Type poems single-spaced, one to a page, with the chapbook title on a page by itself. If any poems in the entry have been published, include a separate acknowledgment page. Author's name must not appear on any of the poems, nor on the title or acknowledgment pages.

On a typed cover sheet, list the following information: author's name, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail if available, title of chapbook manuscript, and a list of individual poem titles.

Place the cover sheet on top of entry and mail FLAT to ByLine Chapbook Competition, PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240. Enclose either a large SASE for return of entire manuscript after judging, or a business-sized envelope for winners' list only. Winners will be announced in the June issue of ByLine.

Prize: A $200 cash award, plus 50 copies of the published book. Additional copies available at an author's discount.

Deadline: March 1, 2006 (postmark)

Entry fee: $15 per manuscript (not per poem)

Judging: Manuscripts will be judged by well-published, professional poets.

For a copy of the 2004 winner, Sailing in the Blue by Robert Colleen, send $8 (includes postage & handling) to ByLine Press, PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240, or order online at http://www.bylinemag.com/ - poetry page.

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Subscriber news:

My poem "Grandfather Waltzes" will be included in Passing, an anthology that deals with the emotions surrounding death. The collection is scheduled for 2006 release from PoetWorks Press.

See http://www.poetworks.com/Passing.html for more information.

Betty Dobson

InkSpotter Publishing

http://inkspotter.com/

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Hi Cheryl,

What a great newsletter you have. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to promote our books.

My latest picture book, Daniel Boone Trailblazer, has been published by Pelican Press in Gretna, Louisiana. Another picture book, On the Banks of the Amazon, was award the 2005 Appalachian Book of the Year in children literature.

Sincerley,

Nancy Kelly Allen
nkallen@tgtel.com
Now available: Daniel Boone: Trailblazer
On the Banks of the Amazon-Appalachian Book of the Year in children's literature

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Hi, Cheryl!

I was one of your writing contest winners this year, and I was happy to be able to list that in my recent novel proposal.

I'm even happier that the proposal led to a two-novel contract (my first) with Harvest House Publishers! The novels are tentatively titled The Guy I'm Not Dating and Too Good to Be True (both Christian romantic comedies--chick lit). The manuscripts are due Feb. 1, so I'm doing nothing but writing this Christmas season, while my dear husband does all of the things I usually do. Heaven!

Thanks for your inspiration this year, Cheryl. And congrats on your recent contest win! Praying for a happy New Year for you and Writer2Writer.

Trish Perry

Please visit my site!

www.TrishPerryBooks.com

Congratulations to each and every one of you!