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October 30, 2007
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Dedicated to the Success of Aspiring, Stalled and Struggling Writers
October 30, 2007 ISSN 1543-8090 ***
WriteSuccess is sent by voluntary subscription only. Ads in WriteSuccess allow me to keep the e-zine
fr.ee for subscribers. By subscribing to WriteSuccess and remaining on the list, you are giving your consent to receive these
advertisements along with the rest of the newsletter's content. *** IN THIS ISSUE… - From My Desk to Yours:
The Man Behind the Quote
- Article: Ten Characteristics of Successful "Working"
Freelance Writers by Suzanne Lieurance
- Setting Your Sites: Useful Sites for Writers
- Free Resources for Writers
- WriteSuccess Product Review
- WriteSuccess Stories
- Calls for Writers
- E-zine Ad Swaps
*** This
issue of WriteSuccess is Sponsored by…
TOM HOWARD/JOHN
H. REID SHORT STORY CONTEST
Sixteenth year. Fourteen cash prizes totaling
$5,250. Top prize $2,000. Seeks short stories, essays and other works of prose, up to 5,000 words. Winning entries published
online. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Fee per entry is $12, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline:
March 31. Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: Tom Howard Short Story Contest,
351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Web Sites for Writers"
(Writer's Digest, 2005-2007). More information: www.winningwriters.com/tomstory *** WriteSuccess Quote "When I talked, no one listened to me. But as soon as I acted I became persuasive, and I no longer
find anyone incredulous." ---Borsi Giosué 1888 - 1915
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FROM MY DESK TO YOURS: The Man Behind the Quote Hello: Although I enjoy publishing WriteSuccess
for many reasons, finding a quote to kick each issue off is one of my favorite activities. Often, the quote itself gives me
an idea for this column or an for an entire article, which would have occurred with this issue’s quote, if I hadn’t
gotten sidetracked.
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I became curious about Borsi Giosué, as I’d never heard of him. What
particularly caught my eye was the short span of his life. You have to love Google, though—I quickly found out
that our young quote-maker was a prolific Italian poet and writer who, although the son of an anti-church newspaper editor,
converted to Christianity, joined the Italian Army during World War I, rose to the rank of lieutenant, and lost his life on
the battlefield at 27 years of age.
He certainly lived those 27 years to the fullest, creatively. Giosué
wrote his first poem at age thirteen, achieved fame by the age of 20 as "the foremost commentator on Dante in Italy,"
and had published two volumes of verse and a "great volume of prose writings" before his death. Words from his posthumously published "Letters from the Front" and "Spiritual Colloquies"
have found their way onto numerous quotation Web sites, but I could find little about his life in English; most of the sites
referring to him are Italian. The one exception is a New York Times article published in October, 1916 and archived at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E01E0DD1730E733A0575BC0A9669D946796D6CF . Having read a little about
him, I am even more enamored of and inspired by this young poet-soldier’s quote now than I was when I stumbled upon
it. We can talk about our writing aspirations all we want. But it’s our actions, our writing accomplishments, that prove
to others (and ourselves) that we are serious about writing. As we continue to write and submit stories or articles, grow
our copy writing businesses, put the finishing touches on our books, poems, lyrics and essays, or receive checks for our short
pieces and fillers, we will no longer find others incredulous of our chosen vocation. And
perhaps, as in the case of young Borsi Giosué, some of what we have to say will find its way into immortality. Here’s to your writing success. Mary Anne
P.S. This makes me think of the book I just ordered, Bill O’Hanlon’s
Write is a Verb. I haven’t received it yet, but I get the feeling it will speak to a lot of aspiring and stalled
writers. You can check it out yourself here http://tinyurl.com/2qxpp3 .
P.P.S.
I have begun to partner with author Cheryl Wright on her members-only site, Resources4Writers at http://tinyurl.com/2c6u69. We plan to offer a number of our own e-courses and e-books free to members
that we will be selling outright to non-members, and perhaps offer some members-only
exclusives. There’s also a members-only forum there where Cheryl (and sometimes me, when I feel I have something significant
to contribute) will answer any writing questions that you have. That’s in addition to all of the tools and resources
that Cheryl has already gathered there. Right now, you can
get a seven day free trial and then join the site for $60 a year. After Cheryl and I add the courses, the membership fee will go up. So think about getting in early! http://tinyurl.com/2c6u69
*** ARE YOUR THOUGHTS GETTING
IN THE WAY OF YOUR WRITING SUCCESS?Mike Brescia has developed the ultimate mental
conditioning programs that can help anyone wipe out intense fears and enjoy huge successes
in all areas of life. FREE details: http://tinyurl.com/yvyrec ***
ARTICLE: Ten Characteristics of Successful "Working"
Freelance Writers By Suzanne Lieurance Anyone
can become a freelance writer. But successful "working" freelance writers all share ten characteristics. If your
freelance writing career isn't what you'd like for it to be, maybe you need to develop a few more of these characteristics. - A "working" freelance writer writes on a regular basis. That should be no surprise. But
it's probably the number one difference between people who dabble at freelance writing and those who make a living at
it. "Working" freelance writers write every day. Even if they aren't working on a particular writing assignment
they're usually writing something, even if it's just updating their blog, posting to their Web site, or writing promotional
materials for their writing and writing services.
- A "working" freelance
writer knows how to study the freelance markets. He takes the time to get to know the publications he wants to write for BEFORE
he queries them. He studies each publication's guidelines, reads several months' worth of back issues, and digs around
online to find the editorial calendars for publications so he knows the best times to "pitch" his article ideas.
- A "working" freelance writer knows how to write winning query letters and book proposals.
He knows editors want to read a query that "hooks" them in the first paragraph and is written in the same style
and tone as the proposed article. He knows all the components of a winning book proposal and he also knows how to find an
agent and/or a publisher to submit it to.
- A "working" freelance writer
knows how to write for specific markets. He knows that an article he writes for AARP Magazine should not have the same tone
as an article for TEEN magazine. Obviously, the subject matter for these publications should be different, also.
- A "working" freelance writer knows how to find many lucrative writing assignments. He doesn't
sit around waiting for jobs to fall in his lap. He knows how to find jobs at online job boards. He subscribes to a variety
of e-zines that list freelance writing jobs. He also knows how to develop relationships with editors so they call him back
for assignments over and over again.
- A "working" freelance writer always
has a weekly marketing plan for his writing and writing services. He knows that marketing his work, and developing a "platform"
for himself, is just as important as his actual writing assignments.
- A "working"
freelance writer has a network of contacts that help him promote his writing and writing services. He knows writers all across
the country (and even across the globe) and networks effectively with these people.
- A
"working" freelance writer has developed a focus for his writing career. That is, he knows where he wants to go
with his writing. He doesn't waste his time writing a slew of short articles each week that pay peanuts and eat up his
time. He goes for larger, more lucrative projects, and also develops presentations, courses and workshops that pay him well
for his time and expertise.
- A "working" freelance writer knows how
to stay focused so he lives the writer's life of his dreams. He has a plan that keeps him focused. When he can't stay
focused alone he hires a coach to help him stay on course.
- A "working"
freelance writer has developed his own informational products to market and has other people marketing them for him as well.
Most top-notch freelance writers know a LOT about the subject of freelance writing. They use that knowledge to create articles
about writing, tips booklets about writing, and books and courses about writing. They market many of these items themselves
but also have affiliates who sell the items for them as well.
Develop all ten of these characteristics and it won't be long before you're
a "working" freelance writer, too. Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime
freelance writer, children's author, and The Working Writer's Coach. Visit her Web site at http://www.workingwriterscoach.com to find out more about her coaching program designed to help people who like to write
become "working" freelance writers. Visit her blog at http://www.the-working-writers-coach.blogspot.com for more helpful tips for writers. Join her mailing list at her blog, and every weekday
morning you'll receive The Morning Nudge, a few words to motivate and inspire you to get a little writing done. For free
weekly networking teleconferences for writers, visit The Lieurance Group blog at http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com.
SETTING YOUR SITES: Useful
Sites for Writers
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) http://www.nanowrimo.org/ National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach
to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight,
November 30. Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo
is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time
and effort involved. Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that
matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations,
take risks, and write on the fly.
Dan Poytner’s ParaPublishing http://www.parapublishing.com/sites/para/ Check out the Resources page on this site for a number of free and low-cost reports
on various aspects of writing. There’s also a great research links page here.
--- Smart
Writers http://www.smartwriters.com/ SmartWriters.com is dedicated to providing professional children's
writers information about the business of writing, and providing tools that will help you do your jobs better, including a
directory of children's book publishers and paying magazine markets.
Plays On the Net http://www.playsonthenet.com/potn/ An interactive site for playwrights. Includes news, competitions, an invitation to review plays, and a growing assortment of links.
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***
WRITERS: TAP INTO A 2.3 TRILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY Wouldn’t you love to join that elite group of writers who actually earn more than $80,000
a year? Wouldn’t you love to be so in demand that you actually need to turn work away? There are thousands of companies
that need skilled writers. This course not only helps you hone the skills these companies are looking for, but helps you find
these high-paying assignments. Just one assignment will more than pay for this course. http://www.thewriterslife.com/wsb3/ *** FREE
RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
MomWriters Trying to launch
or keep your writing career afloat amidst Barbies and Hot Wheels? Looking for support in a writing forum? Friendship? Conversations
that consists of more than, "Why, Mommy?" Momwriters is a forum for discussion of parenting, writing, and anything
and everything that affects our lives in between. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/momwriters/ ---
ticket2write
It is said that every professional
writer was once an amateur who just refused to quit. If that sounds like you, welcome to ticket2write, an international community
of professional writers united to provide a place to critique, encourage and help each other. Writers and poets in every market,
and of every genre, are welcome to participate. Members are requested to provide at least two critiques for each piece they
post. Remember to critique as you would like to be critiqued. Provide more than an opinion - offer advice which will help
the writer or poet improve. New members are advised to observe the critique process before posting their work here. This group
is not about "positive affirmations." It is about providing objective opinions and offering advice writers can use
to improve their work. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ticket2write/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ticket2write/
---
New!
Womanly Insights This may or may not be considered a resource for writers, but it’s free and it’s
the coolest thing. Women’s Online Magazine has just debuted a "print" magazine called Womanly Insights, only it’s not really a print magazine; it’s an online magazine
that allows you to flip the pages. I was not only fascinated by the technology, but found the publication itself to be well
done and beautifully laid out. Visit, www.WomensOnlineMagazine.com and click on Print Edition to get your free copy. --- Rob Middleton’s Marketing Workbook and E-zine Setting
up a writing and/or editing service? Want it to thrive? Then you need a marketing plan. Get your free workbook here: http://hypertracker.com/go/writesuccess/plan/ *** DEALDOTCOM—Where You’ll
Find a New Deal Every Day! Get great deals on software, Internet
business tools, and more. Or make money promoting this cool site to others. http://www.dealdotcom.com/invite/12000/ *** * Get Paid to Write Book
Reviews * Short and Sweet—Markets for Your Fillers * Cooking Up Recipes—Markets for Your Recipes and Food Tips * Quick as a Flash—Markets for flash fiction 100-500 words *
Just Hit Send—Markets that You Can Query via E-mail These ebooks
provide you with specific markets for these kinds of pieces, saving you hundreds of hours of research. You can download them
within minutes by going here: http://tinyurl.com/2gep2r . ***
*** WRITESUCCESS PRODUCT
REVIEW: The Writer’s Answer Book I’m
mentioning this resource for the second issue in a row because I feel it’ll ease the pain of many an aspiring writer
who just doesn’t want be "aspiring" anymore. In the writing field,
competition is steep. You need to be able to hit the bricks running and not turn back. Knowing more than your competition
can mean the difference between success and failure.
The key to learning what you need to know is to educate yourself
as quickly as possible and make your learning curve as short as you can. "The Writer's Answer Book" will let
you do just that. Written by Jeff Colburn, a published writer for over 30 years, you will have access to his knowledge and
experience.
Go to http://www.WritersAnswerBook.com/writesuccess.shtml to find The Writer's Answer Book.
"The Writer's Answer Book"
will prove to be an invaluable source of information for both new and experienced writers. Some of the areas covered include: * Where to find thousands of potential markets, at no cost. * Knowing how much to charge a client. * What to do
if a client won't pay you. * How to prepare for a book signing. * How to get your book reviewed.
These
topics, and many more, will be covered in this extensive and thorough 97-page book. Over 130 questions will be answered in
detail, giving you an extensive knowledge of the writing field.
Go to http://www.WritersAnswerBook.com/writesuccess.shtml to find The Writer's Answer Book.
You deserve to have your questions
answered, and to be prepared for a career as a writer. "The Writer's Answer Book" will do all of this for you,
and much more. You will cut years off of your learning curve, and prevent countless mistakes.
"The Writer's
Answer Book" is like having a professional writer at your beck and call. Your questions and concerns will be addressed,
letting you spend more time writing, and less time learning how the field of freelance writing works. You will be able to
write more, find clients easily and increase your chances of success.
Give yourself the gift of Jeff's experience,
and become the writer you've always wanted to be.
P.S. When you buy "The Writer's Answer Book"
you will also receive 5 bonuses worth $105, at no extra charge. It's Jeff's way of assuring that you have the information
you need to succeed. Don't wait another minute, order it now!
Go to http://www.WritersAnswerBook.com/writesuccess.shtml to find The Writer's Answer Book.
*** CALLS FOR WRITERS In this section, you'll normally find announcements I receive for contests, anthology
submissions, sites looking for content writers, information on writers' conferences, etc. Also, if you are looking to interview or work with certain types of writers, you can post your request here by emailing
me at MaryAnneHahn1@aol.com . --- Boomer Women Speak OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Writing Contest Your
Favorite Thanksgiving Memory Deadline: November 30, 2007 Entry Fee: NONE - Great prizes including $50.00 and New Membership or Renewal to NABBW! PRIZES: The winner's story is placed in
the Our Voices section at Boomer Women Speak, and they will receive the following:
$50.00 CASH!
FREE membership or renewal for the National
Association of Baby Boomer Women, NABBW, the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning 38 million of the healthiest,
wealthiest, and best educated generation of women to ever hit midlife, baby boomer women.
Defying Gravity: A Celebration of Late Blooming Women, by Prill Boyle
What Happens Next, by Chloe JonPaul
Boom: Marketing to
the Ultimate Power Consumer - The Baby Boomer Woman, by Mary Brown and Carol Orsborn, Ph.D. --- Writer, e-zine publisher and past WriteSuccess contributor
Erika Dreifus has posted an extensive listing of writing fellowships on her blog: http://practicing-writing.blogspot.com/2007/10/friday-find-post-mfa-fellowship.html *** LOOKING FOR FREELANCE OR PERMANENT WRITING JOBS?
Check out the links to writing job sites and listings at http://www.writesuccess.com/id25.html
*** E-ZINE AD SWAPS Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free
Ezine "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business on his Web Page? Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday Instructions
to place your ad are in the Newsletter.
FundsforWriters The
grant specialist for writers. Thousands of readers have followed FundsforWriters for over seven years. There's a reason
that Writer's Digest has chosen FFW for its 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for seven years in a row. Come sign up. Our
special is good through December 31, 2007. Register for a newsletter and receive an ebook nd half off the paid subscription,
TOTAL FundsforWriters.
www.fundsforwriters.com --- Want to generate income
from your passion of writing? If you’ve been struggling to sell your work, this site is for you. Writer2Writer is owned
and maintained by a working writer making regular income from her writing. Sign up for our FREE courses (many exclusive to
the site) and learn how to turn your skills into cash. And don’t forget to check out our articles and other resources
for writers. http://www.writer2writer.com/x.php?action=alink&id=108
*** If you’re not familiar with The Literacy Site, it’s a place where your free daily click helps fund books for
children in need. I urge every writer to make a special trip here—it takes seconds to support such a worthy cause. Visit
http://theliteracysite.com .
WANTED: ALL WRITERS WHO WANT *SUCCESSFUL* WRITING CAREERS Do you enjoy WriteSuccess and find it useful? Then I hope you will feel free to forward this issue
to your writing friends and/or online discussion groups. "WriteSuccess" for everyone! If
this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, mailto:writesuccess_ezine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
. ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION Mary
Anne Hahn http://writesuccess.com MaryAnneHahn1@aol.com 'Til next
issue-write *every possible moment*...
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