Archive for October, 2006
How to Write a Short Story
BY RACHELLE ARLIN CREDO
Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the drama or the poem, it is imaginative literature that should appeal to the emotions of the readers. Since it communicates the writer’s interpretation of reality, there must be an artistic use of language to signify human experience. But how do we write a great short story? What are the things to keep in mind in order to come up with a short story that works? Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
My Little Red Diary Part 2: Writing About What I Ate Today
BY KYM MOORE
Why on earth would anyone be interested in what you ate as a teenager? It may surprise you how your eating habits back then could greatly affect the way teenagers look at what they eat today. It may not be what you ate, as much as your emotional state or occurrences that took place during this time. Eating involves varied emotions (hunger, frustration, happiness, anxiety, weight consciousness, etc.).
Power Writing 101: Tips and Tricks to Get You Taken Seriously!
BY DINA GIOLITTO
In my ten years as an advertiser, I’ve encountered plenty of folks with a flair for writing. They were born having some idea of where to put the words within the sentence, and the sentences within the paragraph. They usually know what words to use — when to say ‘bloom’ instead of ‘grow,’ or ‘confused’ instead of ‘befuddled.’
But having a flair doesn’t make them an expert in the field.
Creative Writing: Dealing with Rejection
BY LAURA COLLEGE
I am often approached by clients who have been trying for years to write their own books, but haven’t got anything to show for their efforts except several drawers full of politely (and not-so-politely) written rejection letters. So how does a writer — or any artist, for that matter — deal with the pain of rejection?
71 Ways for a Writer to Make Money
BY JULIA TANG
There are so many ways for writers to make good money by writing. Some people love to write, even as a hobby. You can turn your writing skills into income. Here are a brief list for your reference.
Suspense Novels Made Easy
BY MARK BARNES
Suspense novels are probably the easiest novels to write. Suspense novels require a simple formula, which will make your work truly suspenseful. Follow this basic recipe, and you’re well on your way to building a whole library of successful suspense novels.
Need to Write a Sizzling Story? Check Out Your Little Red Diary!
BY KYM MOORE
Oh the stories your little red diary can produce. Do they still make those things? Are they still called diaries? Why were they red? Perhaps there were other colors, but somehow I never remembered seeing any other color besides red. The presence of the gold lock and key signified that the contents were off limits to those other than the owner. Why was everyone so curious about what was inside that little red book, especially when it belonged to someone else? Is it because when you know something is forbidden, your urge to explore the mysteries behind it intensifies? One thing for sure, you could only write a brief summary of what you were entering in your diary, because there were only three to four lines in that compact treasure trove.
Free Internet Resources and Strategies for Writers
BY LOUISE DOP
Most writers these days are switched on to the everyday benefits of the Internet. Communicating with editors, potential readers and fellow writers has never been easier and the millions of pages of information at our fingertips have revolutionized the way we do our research.
The Cure for TMS – 3 Tips to Get Your Muse Back
BY DAWN ARKIN
You say you have TMS — Tired Muse Syndrome? Well, cheer up, because help is one the way. You, yes, YOU can free your muse in easy, fun steps in the privacy of your own home.
A Ghostwriter’s Thoughts on Vanity Publishing
BY LAURA COLLEGE
The difference between traditional publishing and vanity publishing, if you ask me, is pride. A traditional publisher pays you for your manuscript and continues to pay you royalties each time the book is scanned through a bookstore cash register. A vanity publisher, however, makes you pay for them to publish your manuscript, and you only make money if you manage to market the book sufficiently to gain public interest.
Build Demand for Your Book Before it is Written
BY CHARLES BROWN
After authoring 70 books, Robert Bly has announced he will write no more. He is getting out of the book writing business. Publishers, he says, are wanting more for less from authors. Advances have gone down to the point he feels writing another book is simply no longer financially rewarding.
Can You Make a Living as a Writer?
BY LAURA COLLEGE
Most people are confused when I tell them what I do for a living, and to be honest, I can’t fault them. When I first discovered ghostwriting, I was just as confused as the general public, and I had no idea that people other than novelists actually wrote for a living.
Writer’s Block? Brainstorm Yourself!
BY ELAINE BERRY
Have you ever been on a “Training Day�
When I used to work for a local government department, we often used to get sent on Training Days.
Writers’ Guide to Submitting Photographs
BY LOUISE DOP
Most writers know that an eye-catching photograph can enhance the chances of acceptance but if it’s submitted in the wrong format any advantage will be thrown away. A glance through a selection of contributors’ guidelines reveals editorial requirements ranging from ‘non-matt prints at 72 dpi’ to ‘TIFF files split for CMYK.’ The uninitiated shouldn’t be daunted by such technical jargon. This simple guide to the more widely used terms will arm you with the knowledge required to submit your pictures correctly and, critically, to keep those editors satisfied.
The Ghostwriting Process
BY LAURA COLLEGE
ED. NOTE: Want to be in the market as a ghostwriter? Here’s a piece that’ll help your prospective clients know what’s generally involved in working with one.
Editing, Army Brat Style
BY DAWN ARKIN
ATTENTION!
Listen up, Creative Soldiers! My name is Staff Sergeant Arkin. While you are here I will try to give you the information you’ll need to turn your rough draft into polished prose.
6 Honest Reasons to Write a Book
BY YVONNE GARCIA
The way I see it, learning how to write a book is not about you struggling with much of anything at all. If you can talk, you can write. So writing a book is not as difficult as you might think. And actually, many experts say that you should write like you speak. Your writing will be more real, instead of like a thesis or scholarly-like essay. Which do you prefer to read? A personal communication or a thesis? Once you get inspired you might not be able to stop! These reasons for writing a book might just inspire you. I hope they do.