Writer to Writer - August 2008 - Issue One

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You want to write.
You've always wanted to write.

But you:

Can't find the time

Can't find the initiative

Can't find the discipline

... to sit down and create the stories and characters and worlds that you know are inside you.

Click here to learn more!

EDITORIAL:

The NZ conference was wonderful. Truly inspiring!

It would have to be the best conference I've ever attended, and I don't say that lightly. It was a much smaller group than the conferences I've been to before, and I'm sure that had something to do with it. (Huge crowds are not my thing.)

Aside from that, the workshops, the people, the atmosphere... all fantastic.

This is me on the podium (left), and I admit I was truly nervous. More nervous than I can ever remember being when speaking.

And I've done a lot of public speaking over the years; workshops, conferences, meetings, schools, and even on television.

Many of the attendees said my talk was very inspiring, so I guess that means I didn't do too bad a job. <g>

There were so many fantastic workshops that it was hard to choose which ones to attend. And I met loads of terrific people. And ate way too much indulgent food.

I've blogged about it (on my very neglected blog!), so to get the whole story, go here: http://www.writer2writer.com/blog

Veering off the track just a little, I want to talk about today's quote, simply because I can't get it out of my head:

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. - Beverly Sills

I ended my talk at the conference with this quote, and an eerie quiet went over the room. At the Awards Dinner that night I was asked if I minded if it was repeated, since it had so much impact on the conference goers. Of course I said yes.

This quote is so incredibly true for writers, which is the reason I used it. Think about how many times you've tried and been disappointed. I don't know about you, but for me it's heaps.

Now think about the times you decided not to try something simply because you thought you might fail. I'm guilty of that one also.

The problem with the latter is we'll never know if we could have achieved what we wanted to do. Lost opportunities and all that stuff...

Even worse, often, because we've tried and failed in the past, we don't try again. This would have to be one of the biggest reasons writers don't get published. They give up too soon. Only those who are truly committed will go on to become published. Surviving in this industry takes a lot of commitment and mega amounts of tenacity.

Take me as an example. I was told I would never get published, simply because this was the hardest thing for anyone to achieve, and I was recovering from five bouts of pneumonia in a six month period.

Instead of listening to negative talk, I forged ahead. A few months later I secured a regular monthly column with a US magazine.

Six years down the track I have nine books published, and three more scheduled for publication in the near future. Plus magazine articles, web content etc, etc.

Never tell me I can't do something; it just makes me even more determined to do it.

Changing the subject completely, many of you have written to me about my copywriting exploits, and asking how to get started and how keep clients. Because I've had so many requests, I've started writing a copywriting course. A lot of the courses and books I've read or taken only give the bare essentials, so I've made an effort to make this an 'all round' course, taking you from idea to full-blown copywriting business.

Because of the nature of the content, this course won't be in ebook format, but will be available via email lessons. I'll let you know when it's up and running.

And speaking of copywriting, I had work waiting for me when I arrived home from New Zealand. A keyword article request from one of my regular clients. And just a short time ago, a phone call from another current client. He has a ton of writing that needs to be done.

Gotta love that; regular clients means no marketing involved. <g>

In the last issue I told you about a very substantial discount Steven Schneiderman, owner of Get Published Instantly, is offering on his services to Writer2Writer subscribers . (This discount is only available to you as a valued subscriber - it's not being offered to others.)

To check it out, go here: http://www.getpublishedinstantly.com/ww/ - I don't know how long Steven is keeping this offer open, so don't delay.

Now for the current issue: Roy Barnes educates us in the art of scoring press trips. These are an excellent way to get new material for travel articles at no cost whatsoever. The article comes in two parts; you'll find the link for part two at the end of part one. I know you'll find this interesting.

Are you frustrated with your efforts to sell your published books? Then you must read Judy Bagshaw's article in this issue. Branding is so important for authors, and despite the fact Judy uses the term 'romance' in the article, it is relevant to authors of all genres, and even non-fiction writers.

Okay, that's it from me - time to sit back and enjoy this issue.

Til next time…

Cheryl

p.s. In case you missed the last issue, here's a gift from Holly Lisle. It's an introduction to her Create A Plot Clinic. It's 51 pages long, and contains a ton of information. Grab your totally *free* copy here.

p.p.s. Some of you have asked about Holly Lisle's books. Holly has been around for many, many years. She was one of my early 'mentors' and I learned heaps from her. Her books are of the highest quality, and are worth way more than she charges. (But don't tell her that! <g>)

Current and Past Issues:

You can also read this issue online here:

http://www.writer2writer.com/Newsletter_2_August_2008.htm

If you missed the last issue, you'll find it here:

http://www.writer2writer.com/Newsletter_August_2008.htm

Tired of Earning Peanuts from Your Writing?

If you want to break into non-fiction magazine writing but don't know how, this ebook is for you. You'll learn all the concepts that are essential for all magazine writers.

Whether you are a novice or experienced writer, Cheryl Wright will teach you how to boost your income writing for magazines.

Click here now to learn more!

To avoid non-delivery of your newsletter, please whitelist write_cheryl@optusnet.com.au - otherwise your spa^m filters may reject any correspondence sent.

Motivational Quote:

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

- Beverly Sills

There's a difference between "Into every life some rain must fall," and "I must be standing underneath freakin' Niagara Falls"—and having been there, all I can say is, you know the difference when it's falling on your head.

The trauma that slams your writing to a standstill can be anything: an assault, an auto accident, birth, a child molester, death, divorce, earthquakes, fights, floods, fractures, guerrillas, heart attacks, hurricanes... all the way down to living in a war zone or being run over by stampeding zebras.
Life ain't gentle.

It can kick the wind out of you, drain your creativity dry, leave you rolled up in a ball under the table sucking your thumb. And sometimes it comes at you so hard and so fast that all you can do is grit your teeth and let it, and pray for better days.

If you write for a living, though, or want to, you need to know how to get out from under the table as fast as possible, to kick-start your creativity, and to turn whatever it was that just ran over you to your advantage.

Please support Writer2Writer.com and the Writer to Writer newsletter by purchasing through the affiliate and advertising links in this newsletter. This keeps the newsletter and other information (such as fr*ee courses) at no charge to subscribers. Some similar publications are now charging a yearly fee - I'm constantly fighting against that trend.

How Writers Can Score Press Trips:
Part I - Landing A Press Trip

For travel writers, it’s challenging to recoup the cost of their trip expenses with sales of articles. Writers can save much if not all of their expenses (and thus, net more from their writing while getting new ideas) when they participate in group or individual press trips (also called FAM {for Familiarization} Trips), where the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of a city or region (or the Public Relations firm who handles their account) pays some or all of the writer’s trip expenses like air, hotel, attraction fees, and meals, or gets the local venues to "comp (make it complimentary)" the charges. These organizations do this to encourage writers to write about the attractions they wish to see featured.

Writers wishing to attend press trips need to realize a lot of competition for these exists, as well as the expectation that article(s) based on these trips will be published. Here are some tips on scoring a press trip:

Have Published Clippings

Many CVB/PR firms won’t even consider writers unless they have published travel clippings, which are weblinks or hard copies of your travel articles. At times, this isn’t even enough as the published clippings or potential editorial interest has to be from certain print magazines that focus on specific areas of travel or newspapers with a minimum circulation. Other CVB/PR firms will consider travel websites. In this case, ask the online editor for the monthly/yearly unique visits the website gets. If the numbers/demographics are impressive, you might draw interest from the CVB/PR firm.

For writers who have only non-travel-themed clippings, don’t fret. Think of the publications you’ve been published in. Many of them publish travel-themed articles based on their covered subject matter. Some or all the venues or personalities covered in a press trip could make for a feature article(s) that inspires reader visits. It never hurts to ask editors you’ve built up a good relationship with if they’d consider a travel tie in article. Asking doesn’t cost anything.

Read the entire article here

55% of ALL Fiction Sold World-Wide is Romance - Why not CA$H IN on that Market?
	Lynette's Rees e-book Crafting the Romance Story is an interactive workbook for aspiring romance writers, as well as containing useful
information and links, it also contains character and plot worksheets. Check it out here

Struggling to get published in Fiction?

Originally taught as an online interactive workshop, many of the participants went on to become published authors.

If you're frustrated with your current results, you owe it to yourself to work your way through this award-winning workshop.

Read more here!

Subscriber News:

None this time.

**If you have any news, please send it along.

Click here to email Cheryl

Branding Yourself

Google. Pepsi. Stephen King. What do all these have in common? A strong brand. As a romance writer, you need to consider establishing your own brand.

The romance industry is a big, big pond and most of us are just little fishies in that pond. So how do you ensure that you stand out from the crowd?

Branding is the platform upon which you build your marketing and promoting efforts. It clearly identifies what you want to be known for. Essentially, your goal is build a sense of trust with your readership. When they see your name, they know what they are getting. For example, romance author Pat Ballard has dubbed herself “The Queen of Rubenesque Romances”. Is she the only writer writing BBW romance? No. In fact, I do too. But she made this her brand. It makes her stand out from the rest of us in the genre.

To build a brand, you need to begin by asking what it is you want to be known for. Be clear. Be consistent, and above all, be authentic. You see Stephen King’s name, and you know what to expect in his books…a good scare; Patricia Cornwell…a good forensic thriller; Johanna Lindsey?...sexy romances.

Read the entire article here

Contests:

No new listings this month.

Anthology Calls for Submissions:

This is a paying market:

The bestselling A Cup of Comfort book series is now seeking submissions for new anthologies. Stories must be true, original, positive, narrative essays (creative nonfiction), and 1,000-2,000 words. Entrants pay no fees.

Full guidelines, terms, and conditions can be found here:

http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

SHARE SOME COMFORT

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR FATHERS

The connection between father and child can be as deep as the ocean, as strong as a mountain, and as uplifting as fresh air. For all its rewards, though, fatherhood is not without its challenges. And for all the gifts dads bring to their kids' lives, dads sometimes falter and fumble. Yet, the father-child bond forms, holds, and grows. A Cup of Comfort for Fathers will feature inspiring and insight true stories about the life-defining and life-enriching relationships and experiences shared by fathers and their children. These personal essays will be of varying topics and tones (heartwarming, humorous, poignant, provocative, etc.); about fathers and children of all ages and varying circumstances; and written by fathers, daughters, and sons.

Submission deadline: August 31, 2008 *Note updated deadline

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

For this very special collection, we seek uplifting true stories about the ins and outs, ups and downs, blessing and challenges of parenting children with special needs. The stories will cover children of all ages (birth to adult) and a wide range of developmental, physical, and mental delays/disabilities. No matter how difficult the experiences/emotions conveyed in a story might be (we want them to be authentic, after all), the story must reveal a positive aspect, resolution, or outcome and must be of comfort to parents of children with special needs. Stories may be serious, humorous, insightful, heartwarming, or inspiring. The majority of the stories will be written by parents of children with special needs; we will also consider stories written by adult children with special needs. (No articles or commentaries by clinicians, please.)

Submission deadline: September 15, 2008

A SECOND CUP OF COMFORT FOR DOG LOVERS

Oh, how we humans love our canine companions -- for so many reasons and in so many ways that one Cup of Comfort collection of uplifting dog stories just wasn’t enough. So we’re giving all you dog-loving writers another opportunity to share your personal stories of canine comfort with a growing legion of dog-loving readers. This volume will feature both serious and humorous anecdotal stories covering a wide range of topics and perspectives and varying breeds of dogs. We do NOT want sad stories about a dog’s illness, injury, or death, though we will consider stories that weave a beloved pet’s illness or death into an otherwise positive story. The story should focus on the dog’s remarkable attributes and/or actions as well as on the special relationship between the dog and his/her human(s).

Submission deadline: December 15, 2008

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR THE GRIEVING HEART

When a loved one passes away, comfort is often fleeting and hard to come by. Yet, even a small comfort, like a personal story of how someone has faced a similar loss, does help to ease the sorrow. This volume will feature uplifting personal stories that reveal the special relationships and extraordinary experiences shared by the deceased and his/her loved one(s) immediately before, during, and after the loved one’s passing; it will also includes stories about the internal and external processes by which one deals with and heals from the loss of a loved one. The stories will vary with regard to subject matter, circumstances of death, and the relationship of the author to the individual who has passed away. The book will not include eulogies, profiles/memoirs of people who have passed away, or clinical depictions of death and dying.

Submission deadline: February 1, 2009

Please note that deadlines are sometimes extended by one to four weeks.

BASIC GUIDELINES

All Cup of Comfort stories must be original; true; appropriate for mainstream Americans (adult, primarily women); inspiring, comforting, and/or uplifting; and 1,000 to 2,000 words.

Creative nonfiction and narrative essays preferred (that is, incorporating such fictive elements as scene, dialogue, character/plot development, imagery, and literary word usage). Whether serious or humorous, the story should be authentic and engaging.

Electronic submissions preferred. One submission per email. Copy and paste (or type) into body of email. No formatting (no indents, centering, doublespace, bold, underline, etc.). To: wordsinger@aol.com.

Mailed submissions are acceptable. Standard typed manuscript (double-spaced, indents). Send as many submissions per envelope as you’d like, but include one SASE per submission. To: Colleen Sell, 71563 London Rd., Cottage Grove, Oregon, 97424, USA.

Each submission must include: author’s full name, mailing address, email address, phone number, story title, story wordcount, and theme of volume for which it is being submitted (i.e., Grieving Hearts).

For more detailed writers guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

How Do I?

No questions this month.

If you have a writing-related question, send it here.

FEEDBACK:

If you have any feedback about this newsletter; comments, criticisms, (praise!) sections you'd like to see added, tell me

Submissions:

We are a paying market. Full guidelines are available here, along with current needs. *Note: We are again open for submissions, but waaaay behind in responding. (So what's new? <g>)

Disclaimer:

Inclusion of a market, contest, anthology or similar is not necessarily an endorsement. It is strongly suggested that you do your own legwork in checking out any markets etc you decide to approach. If you feel wary or uncomfortable, there's probably a reason!

Advertising:

Guidelines for advertising, and ad rates can be found here

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