Today's post is courtesy of Donna Caubarreaux's Writing Tips emails. Donna is a true writer's writer and sends all kinds of amazing goodies to my inbox that no writer should be without.
This particular post is a compilation of rapid-approaching romance writing contest deadlines. Check 'em out if you've got something in a box you've not sent out in some time....
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Labor of Love (U - P/5)
Heart of Louisiana Chapter
Postmarked by May 29, 2007
Synopsis, prologue, first chapter not to exceed 50 pages total.
First Prize is a complete read by Kristin Nelson, Agent (If you checked out Brenda Novak's Auction for Juvenile Diabetes, Ms. Nelson's Proposal Read is now at $600., and the first prize in this contest is a 'complete read'...)
http://www.heartla.com/Contest06.htm
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Knock Our Socks Off (U - P/5 - EO)
Black Diamond RWA Chapter
Received by May 31, 2007
First five paragraphs not to exceed 150 words.
http://www.bdrwa.com/Contest.htm
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Opal's Erotic Romance Contest (U - P)
Opal Carew, Author (Contest is Free!)
Received by May 31, 2007
Beginning of your erotic romance book up to a maximum of 5000 words
http://www.opalcarew.com/writing_contest_entryform.html
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The Maggies - Unpublished (U)
Georgia Romance Writers
Received by June 1, 2007
Synopsis + first chapter not to exceed 35 pgs total.
http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/Maggies/2007/07unpubrules.php
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American Title (U)
Dorchester Publishing
Received by June 1, 2007
First three chapter of finished Paranormal + 2-7 pg synopsis.
http://www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitlesubmission.php
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Reveal Your Inner Vixen
Maryland Romance Writers
Postmark/E-Deadline by June 1, 2007
One scene that showcases the sexual tension between the hero and heroine, not to exceed twenty (20) pages.
http://www.marylandromancewriters.org/
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Colorado Gold (U)
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Postmarked by June 1, 2007
First twenty pages + synopsis up to eight pages.
http://www.rmfw.org/
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Lone Star (U - PC/5)
Northwest Houston Chapter of RWA
Postmarked by June 4, 2007
First chapter up to 25 pages.
http://www.northwesthoustonrwa.com/
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Happily Ever After (U - P/3 - E)
Mid-Michigan RWA
Received by June 6, 2007
Enter last chapter-epilogue up to 27 pages plus 1-3 pg synopsis.
http://www.midmichiganrwa.org/contest.html
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Happy Contesting & winning, of course!
Beth
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Develop Your Author's Platform
Gonna try something new here.
I'm forever coming across really great resources to post here in everyday emails and by visiting other sites only to bookmark them for later use and forget what they are and why I thought they were great.
I'm going to *try* posting 'em from now on as soon as I come across 'em.
Here's a start: a good, short, succinct article on ways authors can get more press and publicity--essentially building an author's platform for your work & livelyhood. From Patrice-Anne Rutledge's The Web Savvy Writer's Blog--if you're not signed up for her free weekly emails, do yourself a favor and sign up when you visit.
15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author's Platform
Happy platforming...
Beth
I'm forever coming across really great resources to post here in everyday emails and by visiting other sites only to bookmark them for later use and forget what they are and why I thought they were great.
I'm going to *try* posting 'em from now on as soon as I come across 'em.
Here's a start: a good, short, succinct article on ways authors can get more press and publicity--essentially building an author's platform for your work & livelyhood. From Patrice-Anne Rutledge's The Web Savvy Writer's Blog--if you're not signed up for her free weekly emails, do yourself a favor and sign up when you visit.
15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author's Platform
Happy platforming...
Beth
Character Name Generator
Today's post is just plain goofy fun.
I don't write sci fi or wizards or dragons, but the character name generator on the Dungeons and Dragons website makes me want to do something a little paranormal. Just pull up the name generator, fill in a couple (as many or few as you like) of the boxes and see what you get. What's fun is not using the generator literally but as a springboard to other names that might fit better with the genre you're in.
Character Name Generator
Happy naming (who knew all those vowels and consonants worked together that way!)
Beth
I don't write sci fi or wizards or dragons, but the character name generator on the Dungeons and Dragons website makes me want to do something a little paranormal. Just pull up the name generator, fill in a couple (as many or few as you like) of the boxes and see what you get. What's fun is not using the generator literally but as a springboard to other names that might fit better with the genre you're in.
Character Name Generator
Happy naming (who knew all those vowels and consonants worked together that way!)
Beth
Thursday, May 24, 2007
A Character By Any Other Name...
...or any name, for that matter....
If you're like me (or even if you aren't), you may have some story bones in your mind, a few plots floating around on the edge of your thoughts, some type of fictional writing in your cells every moment of the day, but until you find that perfect name for your character, you'll never get that first paragraph on paper to your satisfaction. (what can I say?!).
Looking for fun places to check out names for my heroine, I came across a wonderful page of naming websites. Really thorough and good stuff...my personal fave was the ethnic tabs for names at the 20000names.com site.
If you can't find a character name you like after checking out all these sites...well, I can't help!
Writing-World.com's Character Naming Resources
Happy Naming and writing!
Beth
If you're like me (or even if you aren't), you may have some story bones in your mind, a few plots floating around on the edge of your thoughts, some type of fictional writing in your cells every moment of the day, but until you find that perfect name for your character, you'll never get that first paragraph on paper to your satisfaction. (what can I say?!).
Looking for fun places to check out names for my heroine, I came across a wonderful page of naming websites. Really thorough and good stuff...my personal fave was the ethnic tabs for names at the 20000names.com site.
If you can't find a character name you like after checking out all these sites...well, I can't help!
Writing-World.com's Character Naming Resources
Happy Naming and writing!
Beth
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
More on plot
Just checked an email account I've not visited in some time to find a really wonderful note from a fellow writer whose work has impacted the way I think about plot...always nice to get those notes!
In August of last year, I reviewed Martha Alderson's Blockbuster Plots, Pure and Simple, for the writer2writer.com ezine. (see the review here)I'm not so great at plot so I figured it couldn't hurt...what it did was expand my view of plot development and help me, the visual learner, internalize plot as something dynamic, not static.
Martha sent me a nice note thanking me for the review and reminding me of the other array of plot-related information on her site. Since it's been a while since I visited, I checked it out this evening and got lost in all the good stuff! She's got a blog on plot stuff, all kinds of articles, a newsletter to sign up for and additional resources to enhance your understanding of the book. I don't need any incentive whatsoever to send writers there--I have no doubt you'll find something you can put to immediate use there. What I'm most excited about is that Martha will be visiting my RWA group's conference this fall and presenting on plot...yay! Better study up :)
If you want plot help, you're bound to find something great...
Blockbuster Plots review
Blockbuster Plots blog
Blockbuster Plots articles
Blockbuster Plots website
Visit, read and just try to not learn something new. I dare you. (Impossible challenge!)
Happy, happy plotting....
Beth
In August of last year, I reviewed Martha Alderson's Blockbuster Plots, Pure and Simple, for the writer2writer.com ezine. (see the review here)I'm not so great at plot so I figured it couldn't hurt...what it did was expand my view of plot development and help me, the visual learner, internalize plot as something dynamic, not static.
Martha sent me a nice note thanking me for the review and reminding me of the other array of plot-related information on her site. Since it's been a while since I visited, I checked it out this evening and got lost in all the good stuff! She's got a blog on plot stuff, all kinds of articles, a newsletter to sign up for and additional resources to enhance your understanding of the book. I don't need any incentive whatsoever to send writers there--I have no doubt you'll find something you can put to immediate use there. What I'm most excited about is that Martha will be visiting my RWA group's conference this fall and presenting on plot...yay! Better study up :)
If you want plot help, you're bound to find something great...
Blockbuster Plots review
Blockbuster Plots blog
Blockbuster Plots articles
Blockbuster Plots website
Visit, read and just try to not learn something new. I dare you. (Impossible challenge!)
Happy, happy plotting....
Beth
Re-Goaling
I know, I know. Are you sick of my posts on goals yet?
I'm not!
What most people don't realize (but we, as smart writers, know implicitly) is that when you meet goals (or have tried repeatedly to meet goals and are hitting more obstacles than targets), you have to sit your behind in a chair and come up with more, greater, higher, loftier goals. (I know, grammatically incorrect...too bad).
It's hard to find the time to write down goals when all you really want to do is, well, write. But you'd never start a journey to Canada without a map (even if you live in Canada), so trying to start a new writing project, venture or dream without a goal is just as fruitless.
I'm at a goal-setting junction. Finished all the articles I've had slated for the first half of the year (with the exception of polishing an online lecture and following up on a possible research gig, but that's not til July), managed to sell more than I anticipated (namely, fiction) so it's time to retool the thought process. Good thing I found this excellent article from Holly Lisle on goal-setting....
How to Get There From Here: The Magic of Setting Goals by Holly Lisle.
My lunchtime reading...what's yours?
Happy goaling and re-goaling,
Beth
I'm not!
What most people don't realize (but we, as smart writers, know implicitly) is that when you meet goals (or have tried repeatedly to meet goals and are hitting more obstacles than targets), you have to sit your behind in a chair and come up with more, greater, higher, loftier goals. (I know, grammatically incorrect...too bad).
It's hard to find the time to write down goals when all you really want to do is, well, write. But you'd never start a journey to Canada without a map (even if you live in Canada), so trying to start a new writing project, venture or dream without a goal is just as fruitless.
I'm at a goal-setting junction. Finished all the articles I've had slated for the first half of the year (with the exception of polishing an online lecture and following up on a possible research gig, but that's not til July), managed to sell more than I anticipated (namely, fiction) so it's time to retool the thought process. Good thing I found this excellent article from Holly Lisle on goal-setting....
How to Get There From Here: The Magic of Setting Goals by Holly Lisle.
My lunchtime reading...what's yours?
Happy goaling and re-goaling,
Beth
Monday, May 14, 2007
Website Advice for Pubbed Authors
Let's interrupt this character-building train of thought for a really great blog post my prolific and popular Serious Writing friend Rosemary Laurey shared with me. (Yes, a run-on sentence, and I don't care!)
Top 10 Peeves from Booksellers and Readers About Author Websites is posted on the Dear Author blog--chock full of good reading any day but really interesting today.
If you've ever wondered what readers and book sellers think of your website or how to make tiny changes toward a big difference, this is a good place to start.
Happy website improving,
Beth
Top 10 Peeves from Booksellers and Readers About Author Websites is posted on the Dear Author blog--chock full of good reading any day but really interesting today.
If you've ever wondered what readers and book sellers think of your website or how to make tiny changes toward a big difference, this is a good place to start.
Happy website improving,
Beth
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Characters. Again.
Yeah, again.
So I've decided to work with this lovely young lady character who's been haunting me for at least a year, on and off (mostly on when I decide to write fiction and off when I don't). I keep thinking I know her, only because I know the portion of her that will show up in my story (because it's scarily similar to myself in that respect), but this weekend I've been realizing new things about her: she just earned a degree (Masters? Ph.D?) in Russian (or some Eastern European language), she's had a rough go of it with her dad (along with her siblings) and has this immense crush on a real bad boy who's gonna, of course, be the hero.
Problem is, I know the story structure, just not how to get deep into her depths. In my search to solve my own character problems, I'll share with you a few links that have me thinking...
Four Methods for Interviewing Your Characters by Laurie Schnebly-Campbell (I can't believe I didn't have this one posted already--Laurie's stuff is priceless)
Seven Common Character Types by Terry Ervin II
Create A Character: Bringing Personality to Your Characters by Leslie Oliver
Happy character creating,
Beth
So I've decided to work with this lovely young lady character who's been haunting me for at least a year, on and off (mostly on when I decide to write fiction and off when I don't). I keep thinking I know her, only because I know the portion of her that will show up in my story (because it's scarily similar to myself in that respect), but this weekend I've been realizing new things about her: she just earned a degree (Masters? Ph.D?) in Russian (or some Eastern European language), she's had a rough go of it with her dad (along with her siblings) and has this immense crush on a real bad boy who's gonna, of course, be the hero.
Problem is, I know the story structure, just not how to get deep into her depths. In my search to solve my own character problems, I'll share with you a few links that have me thinking...
Four Methods for Interviewing Your Characters by Laurie Schnebly-Campbell (I can't believe I didn't have this one posted already--Laurie's stuff is priceless)
Seven Common Character Types by Terry Ervin II
Create A Character: Bringing Personality to Your Characters by Leslie Oliver
Happy character creating,
Beth
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Themes, part 2
Found more interesting reading on themes in our works of fiction. Cool stuff...lots of thought-provoking ideas....
Romance Novel Themes compiled by Megan Campbell
Themes in Fiction
Thickening the Plot by Dr. Vicki Hinze
Get busy theming,
Beth
Romance Novel Themes compiled by Megan Campbell
Themes in Fiction
Thickening the Plot by Dr. Vicki Hinze
Get busy theming,
Beth
Theme
I'm just starting to flesh out a new fiction idea for a short story and realized, in reviewing my notes, that I had a ready-made theme from all the bits and pieces of plot action coming to me. I'm pretty damn lucky--that's never happened before.
We all know the importance of theme to our stories. If you have trouble finding your theme, Anne M. Marble has some good advice to consider in pursuit of theme.
Themes and the Romance Writer by Anne M. Marble
Happy Theme-ing,
Beth
We all know the importance of theme to our stories. If you have trouble finding your theme, Anne M. Marble has some good advice to consider in pursuit of theme.
Themes and the Romance Writer by Anne M. Marble
Happy Theme-ing,
Beth
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A Good Cause
Away from my usual references, today's post is one to support three causes I love most in the world: writers, editors and diabetes research.
Feel free to visit Brenda's site and feel free to pass this on to other interested folks...
Beth
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----permission to forward---
Don't miss Brenda Novak's Third Annual On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research May 1 - May 31st at www.brendanovak.com (Brenda's son has diabetes). There will be an amazing For Writers section that will include reads/critiques/lunches/teas/phone consultations with some of the biggest agents and editors in the business. There will also be plenty for published authors--publicity packages, lunch with Borders/Waldens bookbuyer Sue Grimshaw, Lunch with Levy Books, web site design, etc. The person who places the most bids over all will win a $1500 prize package that includes a brand new laptop computer and digital camera (even if that person doesn't actually win a single item)! For a preview of what will be available, there's a list posted at brendanovak.com.
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Feel free to visit Brenda's site and feel free to pass this on to other interested folks...
Beth
====
----permission to forward---
Don't miss Brenda Novak's Third Annual On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research May 1 - May 31st at www.brendanovak.com (Brenda's son has diabetes). There will be an amazing For Writers section that will include reads/critiques/lunches/teas/phone consultations with some of the biggest agents and editors in the business. There will also be plenty for published authors--publicity packages, lunch with Borders/Waldens bookbuyer Sue Grimshaw, Lunch with Levy Books, web site design, etc. The person who places the most bids over all will win a $1500 prize package that includes a brand new laptop computer and digital camera (even if that person doesn't actually win a single item)! For a preview of what will be available, there's a list posted at brendanovak.com.
=======
Monday, April 30, 2007
Back Cover Blurbs
Ok, since we've mastered the author bio, here's another fun, short writing assignment--the back cover blurb.
If you need help, aside from actually reading blurbs to learn how to write them, check out this advice:
How To Write a Blurb (Back Cover Copy) by Marilynn Byerly
How to Write a Blurb by Helen Williams
Happy blurbing,
Beth
If you need help, aside from actually reading blurbs to learn how to write them, check out this advice:
How To Write a Blurb (Back Cover Copy) by Marilynn Byerly
How to Write a Blurb by Helen Williams
Happy blurbing,
Beth
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Writing Your Author's Bio
I'm trying to put together my first serious bio as an author and am finding it harder to do than write a 55,000 word novel. Insane!
If you're stuck in the same boat, here are a few thoughts:
Writing Your Bio by Terje Johansen
Inventing The Author: Four Steps to a Compelling Bio by Julie Duffy
Writing an Author Bio That Will Knock The Editor's Socks Off! By Dorothy Thompson
Top Ten Tips for Writing A Professional Overview or Biography by Tara Kachaturoff
Ok, enough procrastination by posting links. Time to get writing...
Happy bio-ing!
Beth
If you're stuck in the same boat, here are a few thoughts:
Writing Your Bio by Terje Johansen
Inventing The Author: Four Steps to a Compelling Bio by Julie Duffy
Writing an Author Bio That Will Knock The Editor's Socks Off! By Dorothy Thompson
Top Ten Tips for Writing A Professional Overview or Biography by Tara Kachaturoff
Ok, enough procrastination by posting links. Time to get writing...
Happy bio-ing!
Beth
Thursday, April 26, 2007
show, don't tell
Working on the first round of edits for my fiction short and have a few passages where the editor wants me to rewrite to show not tell...which translates to active, not passive. I'm usually pretty proud of that little stat that comes up on Word after spellchecking that says like 0% passive sentences.
So I'm learning that I'm not perfect at active v. passive. Yet. :)
Here are a few links to help if you find yourself needing to show, not tell and be active, not passive.
Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing--Passive vs. Active Voice
Writing: Actively Showing Instead of Passively Telling
Donna Sundblad's Craft Of Writing: Warning Flags: Words to Use With Caution
Happy Active Writing,
Beth
So I'm learning that I'm not perfect at active v. passive. Yet. :)
Here are a few links to help if you find yourself needing to show, not tell and be active, not passive.
Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing--Passive vs. Active Voice
Writing: Actively Showing Instead of Passively Telling
Donna Sundblad's Craft Of Writing: Warning Flags: Words to Use With Caution
Happy Active Writing,
Beth
Writer's Conferences
While it does cost money, I do believe every writer should attend a writer's conference at least once (once a year if possible). The networking, the connecting and electric environment is almost an absolute guarantee to get the words flowing again.
It's hard to be able to find the perfect conference without attending first, but checking out the writer's conferences listed at ShawGuides is a good start in finding one that suits your needs (and budget).
Best of all, it's still early in the year and there are lots of conferences in the upcoming year. Get on the ball now and find a conference for you...
http://writing.shawguides.com/
Happy Conferencing,
Beth
It's hard to be able to find the perfect conference without attending first, but checking out the writer's conferences listed at ShawGuides is a good start in finding one that suits your needs (and budget).
Best of all, it's still early in the year and there are lots of conferences in the upcoming year. Get on the ball now and find a conference for you...
http://writing.shawguides.com/
Happy Conferencing,
Beth
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
More Promo Ideas II
Here are more good ideas....just because they both showed up in my inbox today!
15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author Platform by Patrice-Anne Rutledge
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Free Articles for Authors and Editors (lotsa links)
Keep up the promo work,
Beth
15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author Platform by Patrice-Anne Rutledge
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Free Articles for Authors and Editors (lotsa links)
Keep up the promo work,
Beth
Writing With the Senses
No, not trying to parody "Dancing With the Stars" (who has time for television when there are words and stories to write?!). My friend and fellow SeriousWriter Katy just had a poem accepted for publication (woohoo...way to go girl!) and got me thinking about how similar poetry and fiction writing are...and how different they are.
I love imagery and senses in poetry. That's what drags me in and keeps me firmly riveted to the page, and often I find the same true for excellent fiction writers.
Here are some ideas on how imagery can work for your fiction...
Using Poetry to Improve Your Writing by Mika Teachout
Writing From the Senses by Judy Reeves
Writing From Your Senses by Glenn White
Happy sensory imaging!
Beth
I love imagery and senses in poetry. That's what drags me in and keeps me firmly riveted to the page, and often I find the same true for excellent fiction writers.
Here are some ideas on how imagery can work for your fiction...
Using Poetry to Improve Your Writing by Mika Teachout
Writing From the Senses by Judy Reeves
Writing From Your Senses by Glenn White
Happy sensory imaging!
Beth
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Book Signing Tips
Good news yesterday...got an email from the editor working with my short story and she says she's ready to work with me and that the contract for my story is forthcoming :)
This is a new arena for me--being published in fiction. While it's only a modest short story and not a novel (yet), I'm still in novice mode in looking for information on what new writers can expect, need to do, should consider, etc.
For you pubs out there, these links might not be much but for us newbies (despite the fact that I won't have a booksigning just yet) it's always good to get an idea ahead of the game to know what to expect.
Book Signing 101 by Elizabeth Harrin (courtesy of WritersWeekly.com)
40+ Ways to Make Your Next Booksigning An Event by Larry James
How to Have a Successful Booksigning by MaryJanice Davidson
Quick Tips for Hosting a Successful Booksigning by Martha Reed
That should be enough to get you (and me!) excited!
Happy booksigning,
Beth
This is a new arena for me--being published in fiction. While it's only a modest short story and not a novel (yet), I'm still in novice mode in looking for information on what new writers can expect, need to do, should consider, etc.
For you pubs out there, these links might not be much but for us newbies (despite the fact that I won't have a booksigning just yet) it's always good to get an idea ahead of the game to know what to expect.
Book Signing 101 by Elizabeth Harrin (courtesy of WritersWeekly.com)
40+ Ways to Make Your Next Booksigning An Event by Larry James
How to Have a Successful Booksigning by MaryJanice Davidson
Quick Tips for Hosting a Successful Booksigning by Martha Reed
That should be enough to get you (and me!) excited!
Happy booksigning,
Beth
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
More Promo Ideas
Because I'm still interested in promo ideas....
Online Press Releases: Attract Both the Media and Potential Readers by Patrice-Anne Rutledge
Heck, make it easy on yourself and visit Writing-World.com's "Promoting Your Writing" section and just see if there are any areas left you have questions about...
Writing-World.com's Promoting Your Writing
Happy Promoing,
Beth
Online Press Releases: Attract Both the Media and Potential Readers by Patrice-Anne Rutledge
Heck, make it easy on yourself and visit Writing-World.com's "Promoting Your Writing" section and just see if there are any areas left you have questions about...
Writing-World.com's Promoting Your Writing
Happy Promoing,
Beth
Freelance Writing, Part 1
Actually, this might be a part 2 or part 3--can't remember if I've posted anything on freelancing lately...
At any rate, I'm working on the final draft of an online course I'll be teaching for the Hearts Through History RWA chapter in June on how to take the plunge from fiction to freelance writing and am at the point of searching out quality freelancing resources to include in my lectures (I sound so smart when I say that!).
One great site for writers--not just the freelancing aspect--has a treasure trove of articles on freelancing & that'll be today's resource. Whether you've never considered freelancing, have given it a passing though, are just starting out or want a bit of a new angle to pursue, check out the freelance articles at (where else?!) WorldwideFreelanceWriter.com
Freelance Writing 101 Articles at WorldWideFreelanceWriter.com
Happy, happy freelancing,
Beth
At any rate, I'm working on the final draft of an online course I'll be teaching for the Hearts Through History RWA chapter in June on how to take the plunge from fiction to freelance writing and am at the point of searching out quality freelancing resources to include in my lectures (I sound so smart when I say that!).
One great site for writers--not just the freelancing aspect--has a treasure trove of articles on freelancing & that'll be today's resource. Whether you've never considered freelancing, have given it a passing though, are just starting out or want a bit of a new angle to pursue, check out the freelance articles at (where else?!) WorldwideFreelanceWriter.com
Freelance Writing 101 Articles at WorldWideFreelanceWriter.com
Happy, happy freelancing,
Beth
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