Writers Teleclass 11-30-06 Part 1

If you scroll down to November 17, you will find the first teleclass facilitated by Suzanne Lieurance (photo on left) on how to improve your blog to attract more readers. You may want to listen to the first call before beginning this one if you haven't already done so. This one-hour class did not allow enough time to visit and critique the blog of each writer. Therefore, we scheduled another call to finish the remaining reviews. I lost phone connection during the call, so after reconnecting we have two parts to this, the second class. Click here to listen to the first part of the second half of this class...

Each writer on the call is allowed to give feedback and tips to improve the look and functionality of one another's blog in an effort to help attract more readers. Click here to listen to the second part of the second half of this class...

A Christmas Story Reading for the Kids! (And the Kids at Heart!)

Hello everyone! We wanted to let you know about a special event that will take place at the Dickens of a Christmas festival in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Here’s the info:

Who: Landmark Booksellers Hosts Scribe Book Company
What: A PREVIEW Reader’s Theatre-style Reading of Miracle at Cabbagehead Pass by Dave Cook
Where: Landmark Booksellers, 118 West Main, downtown Franklin
When: Saturday, December 9, 2:00pm
Why: in conjunction with Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Franklin and the 2007 release of Scribe’s Christmas book

We’ll be reading the entire story, in Reader’s Theatre format, with 4-5 readers. It’ll take about 20-25 minutes. We’ll even have a quick lesson for the kids on “Reindeer Language” (Bet you didn’t know reindeer have their own language!)

So bring your kids, grandkids, and friends, and get a “sneek peek” at Scribe Book Company’s 2007 release, Miracle at Cabbagehead Pass.

Giften Gaaven! (That’s reindeer-speak for “Merry Christmas!”)

Angela DePriest
Scribe Book Company
Book Publishing Outside the Box
www.ScribeBookCompany.com

Write It Right - The Ground Rules For Self-Editing

Authored by Dawn J - Book Review by Lillian Brummet

Like the Pros by Dawn Josephson and Lauren Hidden is a perfect resource book for those who have difficulty editing and deciding where to even begin the process.

The authors make it very clear that editing belongs not just in the publishing world, but also in the corporate world. Proper editing certainly reflects one's image, after all.

The appendixes located at the end of the book are extremely helpful. I found the appendix dealing with common grammar misjudgments quite useful. This appendix alone warrants keeping Write it Right as a permanent part of my writer's resource bookshelf! I give this book the highest of ratings!

ISBN# 0974496626
Author: Dawn Josephson and Lauren Hidden
Publisher: Cameo Publications

~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet, Co-author of Trash talk - a guide for anyone concerned about their impact on the environment - & author of: Towards Understanding - a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

A New Dish

by Cherie Burbach

My words call out to me
like Thanksgiving leftovers
in the kitchen
late at night
nudging me awake
begging me
to mix them up
put them in a pretty dish
and devour them.

They ask me
to taste them
feel them in my mouth
smell their goodness
wrap my tongue around
their flavor.

They tell me
to enjoy them
now, in the moment,
before another year passes
and I'll have different words
to prepare
in a new dish.

Writers in the Sky Podcast Schedule for Dec. 2006

December is a five-week month filled with entertaining and educational podcast shows with some delightful guests. Here is the line up:

December 1 - Maryglenn McCombs

Maryglenn McCombs has been working in the book publishing industry for over 10 years. During that time she has been involved with literally hundreds of books.She has served as a guest lecturer for publishing workshops, conferences and events, including serving as a panelist for the Southern Festival of Books. She is a member of the Publishers Association of the South (PAS) and Publishers Marketing Association (PMA).

On December 1st Maryglenn and Yvonne Perry discuss in a three-part interview how Maryglenn got started as a book publicist and exactly what she does to help authors promote their book. She also tells why it is important to start publicity while you are still writing your book. In part three Maryglenn gives some tips about what an author should do to help promote their book with or without a publicist and how to get the most out of your book sales and marketing efforts. http://www.maryglenn.com/


December 8 – Mary Buckner

Mary Buckner is an award winning writer who earned her B.A. in English Literature from Memphis State University, studied writing at Harvard University, then earned an M.A. in Creative Writing at Boston University.
She is currently a freelance writer, environmental activist, and ardent whitewater kayaker. She has traveled through Europe, New Zealand and North America, lived in California, Alaska, Maine and Massachusetts, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
In Part One, Mary and Yvonne discuss how Mary got started as a writer and what inspires her to write. We also take a look at some of the material Mary has written when we explore the storyline of her first novel Hyperthought, was nominated for the 2003 Philip K. Dick Award for distinguished science fiction.

In part 2 of our interview, we will discuss Mary’s other two novels: Neurolink, published by Penguin/Ace in August, 2004 and War Surfing released in 2005.
We will also discuss how she was published by major houses.


December 15 – Myrna Lou Goldbaum

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands...” Isaiah 49:16

Myrna Lou began reading palms at the age of ten when her mother gave her an old edition of a book on palmistry. Currently on her 55th year of reading palms, she has read, logged and documented in excess of 32,000 hands. She has also conducted psychic meetings, been a guest speaker at various functions, and entertained on the stage in this medium.

As a writer, Myrna Lou has written for The Dayton Daily News, Journal Herald, the News Tribune in Dayton Ohio and many high school and university newspapers and club newsletters. She has written an easy to read how-to book titled "MAY I SEE YOUR HAND? PALM READING FOR FUN AND PROFIT". Still a best-seller, the book is available for podcast listeners for only $15 plus shipping. Make sure you tell her you heard about the special price on Writers in the Sky Podcast.

In April 2003 Myrna Lou's second book "SOUL MATE CONNECTIONS", Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Relationships, Love, Romance and Soul Mates was released by Infinity Publishing. In December 2003 Infinity Publishing released Myrna Lou's third book, "DIARY OF A PALM READER" which contains 46 palm reading sessions taken from 1956 to 2003. She is presently working on a book for children titled Palms of Children.

To order her book or have your palm read by Myrna Lou, email her at hmg@privatei.com. To learn more, visit Myrna Lou’s website at http://www.myrnaloupalmistry.com/


December 22 - Zach Everson

Zach Everson grew up in Reading, MA (a suburb of Boston) and graduated from Wake Forest University where he majored in English literature, minored in journalism, and worked in a variety of positions at the student newspaper as news editor. Today he is a freelance editor and writer.

Zach is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant in Washington, DC. He has also written for the Greensboro News & Record and the Reading (MA) Times Chronicle. He recently published an article in Backstreets, a magazine that focuses on Bruce Springsteen and related Jersey Shore artists. Zach graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a minor in Journalism.

In part one of our interview we discuss how Zach started his writing and editing career. In part two we discuss Zach’s why he decided to become a Toastmaster and how his public speaking experience has been helpful to him as a writer. http://www.zacheverson.com/


December 29 – Jessica Dockter

Graphic artist and book designer extraordinaire, Jessica Dockter is a member of the Write On! team and also the owner of L.E.E. Design. Jessica’s expertise is in building Web sites, creating company logos, designing book covers and interior layout for eBooks. She is a writer’s dream come true. I didn’t know how much I needed her until she took ten hours off the time I was spending to create my newsletter each month. She was able to set up a template that would allow me to archive my past issues and have the current issue available on the page without having to manually input the new material each month. Find out how Jessica can help you with:

• Communication Materials
• Professional Photo Retouching
• Brochures
• Logo Identity
• Brand Services
• Advertising
• Ad Series for Newspaper or Magazine
• Magazine Cover Wrap
• Magalog & Issuelog
• E-Books
• Postcard or Double Postcard
• 2-Pocket Folder Catalog
• Newsletter Design/Makeover
• Magazine Design/Makeover
• HTML Emails

For a small company, L.E.E. Design has an incredible reach and creative bandwidth, serving established companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs alike. We invite you to see what the buzz is all about – and how we can help you reach your communication goals.

*****

As you can see we have some exciting guest this month so be sure to subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed so you'll get a reminder email when I upload a new show. You can listen to the streaming audio on by blog http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/.

You may download Writers in the Sky podcast shows from itunes.com. You must have iTunes software loaded on your computer but you can download the free software at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Have a great week!

Yvonne Perry

Why Are People so Afraid of Me?

Let’s get this straight from the start. People aren’t afraid of me, the writer here. They’re afraid of “me” the pronoun.

Somehow, “me” has gotten a bad rap and writers and speakers everywhere are afraid of it. Instead, they tend to misuse the word “I” or, worse yet, “myself” when all they really need to use is the word “me.”

Think of it this way and you won’t be so afraid of “me.” “I” is a subject pronoun. Use it when it is the subject of the sentence.

Example: Jane and I are going to the store.

“Me” is an object pronoun. Use it when it is the object of the sentence.

Example: He doesn’t like Jane or me.

People think “I” is correct in most cases, but it isn't if it’s misused as a subject pronoun.

Correct: The clothes were washed by Jane and me.

Incorrect: The clothes were washed by Jane and I.

Now here’s where people are really, really afraid to use “me” and they misuse the word “myself” instead.

Correct: If you have questions, feel free to ask Debra or me.

Incorrect: If you have questions, feel free to ask Debra or myself.

Here’s the “rule” for use of the word myself:

Myself is a reflexive pronoun. That just means you MUST use the word “I” earlier in the sentence in order to use “myself.”

Here’s an example:

Correct: I hit myself in the head.

Incorrect: I hit me in the head.

Here’s another example (since most people have such a tough time with “myself”):

Correct: Mary gave the flowers to Susan and me.

Incorrect: Mary gave the flowers to Susan and myself.

Okay, so I hope these examples have lessened your fear of the word “me.”

Just remember - “Me” is an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun. In order to use “Myself” correctly, you must use “I” earlier in the sentence.

Now what’s so scary about that?

Nothing...right?

Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime freelance writer, children's author, and The Working Writer's Coach. Visit her website at http://www.workingwriterscoach.com/ to find out more about her coaching program. http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Lieurance

Getting started as a freelance writer

I started my business Write On! Creative Writing Services in 2003 with a dream and a lot of hope. I still remember all the times I wanted to give up and go back to a corporate job where I could consistently make good money. Perseverance paid off and today I am happy to say that I am a full-time freelance writer supervising my own a team of contracted writers. I love what I do and each day brings a special joy as I busily spend my time writing my own non-fiction, marketing my business, networking with other writers, publishers and publicists as well as producing work for my clients. You may be ready to step out on your own and give freelancing a try. I'll share some tips to help you get started.

How it all began
Before I ever considered striking out on my own, I started writing pro-bono copy for some volunteer organizations that needed promotional materials. That was during the time when my kids were teenagers and they were raising reptiles and all kinds of animals in our basement. I was going nuts, but the stories I wrote about daily events were hilarious. Each week I sent stories to my friends and each week they came back with the same response: You should publish these stories as a book. Their encouragement helped me see that I had exceptional writing skills that could be put to good use in making money for myself. My day job as an administrative assistant required a lot of writing so I was naturally keeping my skills honed. It occurred to me that I could be making some money on the side so I started taking on writing assignments through Guru.com where I had to bid for projects. At first I was like a weed in a field. There were so many writers and tons of project leads, but I had no idea what to charge; and I was not that confident that I was a great writer. I felt overwhelmed; however, I had paid my yearly fee to join so I decided to give it my best shot.

The first thing I had to learn was how to market myself. I had little experience but I showcased the few articles I had written and started bidding really low hoping to land a project. During that year, I managed to build my writing portfolio, and I learned to market my skills and define what type of writing I was best at. It seemed that everyone had a website but me and I wasn’t going to be left behind in the dust. I got a domain name from Godaddy.com and used their template to create a home page and post a few of my writing samples.

In that first year I learned by trial and error what prices to charge. I searched the Internet for other writing services and compared my prices to theirs. After my business grew to where I was not able to help all the clients needing my services, I took on a couple of experienced writers and formed a team. Together we set our prices according to market trends and stayed a little lower than the guidelines maintained by Writer’s Market in order to gain a competitive edge.
If you are considering a career as a freelance writer, you may want to read sign up for my free monthly newsletter or listen to my podcast about freelance writing. These are very helpful resources accessible from the home page of my website. By the way, I did have a professional who knows what they are doing redesign the site for me last year. Now it attracts much more traffic and clients.

There are always learning curves to be considered and even with the best advice, you are going to make some mistakes along the way. Don’t give up. It is worth the pursuit. I wish you well in your writing career.

Yvonne Perry
www.yvonneperry.net

FULL ARTICLE LISTING

Check out Krista Barrett's article listing. She has over 450 articles housed at Writer Gazette and tons of them are about writing. See the full list here: http://www.writergazette.com/articlelist.shtml or click on a link below to go to the listing of your choice:

General Writing
Book Reviews
Creative/Novel Writing
Ebooks/POD
Freelancing
Grammar/Writing Style
Internet/Website Writing
Journaling< Newspaper Writing
Press Releases
Sales & Marketing
Screenwriting
Self Publishing
Tech Writing

Book on Botox coming soon

Dr. Eric Scott Kaplan and his wife Bonnie were poisoned by a doctor who injected them with fake Botox in 2004. You may remember hearing their story in the news as the Kaplan’s fought for their lives in a Florida Hospital and were later weaned from life support at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

Dr. Eric Kaplan's book “DYING TO BE YOUNG, From Botox to Botulism” has been accepted for publishing by Nightengale Press and is on track for publication early in 2007. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready, please email Valerie Connelly publisher@nightengalepress.biz .

Read more...

Press Releases - The Best Exposure

You have written a press release, but now what?
Do you know where to send it to get the best exposure?

Read Tips, Guidelines and Templates for Writing an Effective Press Release at http://www.prwebdirect.com/pressreleasetips.php.
Then, post it on PR web News Release Wire.

This Week’s Updates & Reminders

From Suzanne Lieurance - The Working Writer’s Coach
**********************************************
I hope those of you in the USA had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone has had a great weekend.

Here are some special offers, reminders, announcements, and tips for the week of November 26, 2006.

40 Article Challenge Update: We have 22 writers who have accepted the Challenge to write 40 articles for article directories by the end of the year. First to cross the finish line in this challenge is full time freelance writer, Yvonne Perry, who wrote and submitted her 40th article just the other day. Congratulations, Yvonne! Now you should start to see a lot of new traffic to your website and blog.

Weekly F.REE Networking Teleconference: The Thursday night F.REE networking teleconferences offered by the Lieurance Group are a fun way to learn more about the freelance writing business. This Thursday night, the topic for the conference will be Making Your Blog More Appealing for Readers so You Get More Blog Traffic - Part II. Email me with the words “networking call” in the subject line and I’ll reserve a phone line for you. Then, Thursday morning I will email you the call-in information you will need for the teleconference. We will take a look at more blogs during this call, so join us if you’d like to have our comments and suggestions about your blog.

Join Our Next Blog Chain: A good way to generate more blog traffic is to create a blog chain. Our first blog chain has now been completed. It was a lot of fun for those of us in the chain. Read my blog to find out all about how to become part of our next blog chain which will start soon.

Freelance Writing: How to Jumpstart Your Career: Join me this Tuesday night (November 28) for the next session of my class for freelance writers at the University of Masters. The topic for this session will be How to Live with the Frustrations of Freelance Writing. Actually, I presented this session a couple of weeks ago but it did not get recorded for some reason, so I’ve decided to repeat the session. If you missed it the first time, try to join me this time and vent your own frustrations as a writer and I’ll try to give you tips for dealing with them. To become a member of this great online university is just $19.95 per month and you have access to all sorts of informative classes and you can download them and listen to them at your convenience.

Subscribe to The Working-Writers-Coach Blog: If you enjoy reading my blog each day, you might want to subscribe to it and have any updates sent to you daily as an email. To subscribe, simply visit the blog and fill in the box that says “subscribe me.”

New CD & E-workbook Set for Children’s Writers Coming This Week: If you want to learn to write for the growing children’s markets, then you’ll want to order my new 2 CD, 2 e-workbook set called Tricks of the Trade: The Secrets of Writing for Children. It should be available at my websites and blogs sometime this week. You can also sign up to offer this set at your own sites and earn affiliate commissions from every sale. Check out my website this week for more details.

That’s it for this week. If you have good news to share or an announcement for a workshop, writing group, etc. I’d be glad to help spread the word. Just email me your information. Have a great writing week!

Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer’s Coach

Press Release Services

When it comes to getting articles published in a trade magazine, the best thing to do is get copies of the magazines and see who the department editor is and what guidelines they have for submission. It is helpful to know the magazine’s publication schedule since many of them have a theme they try to work in each issue. Then, you will need to write a query letter pitching your idea for an article that would specifically fit their need. It might take a while to get some interest but once a magazine accepts you, many times they will ask you for a second article. With newspapers, it’s pretty much the same, but most don’t have a publication schedule since they are looking for news all day everyday on just about any topic. It’s important to know who to contact at the paper so your query gets to the right person.

For press releases you might consider some online news services such as:

http://www.prweb.com/
http://www.businesswire.com/
http://www.adpost.com/us
http://www.ad-to-the-web.com/
http://www.free-press-release-center.info/
http://www.prnewswire.com/

You have to pay for some of these services, but people do go to these sites to read business news and the circulation is very good since people subscribe to the RSS feed. If you need a press release written and submitted to one of these sites, any writer on the Write On! Creative Writing Services team would be happy to assist you. www.yvonneperry.net/meet-the-writers.htm

Writers in the Sky Podcast is booming

In our Podcast you will receive information about the craft and business of writing. We offer interviews with authors and writers, as well as news about books, publishing and marketing.

Occasionally, a teleclass may be longer, but most of the classes are recorded in 15-minute segments which may be downloaded to your computer, iPod or mp3 player and used as an educational tool for busy people on the go. Already there are 450 subscribers to our RSS Feed, so I know someone out there is enjoying the shows.

New shows are posted weekly! Check our schedule to see who's coming!

TGI Friday November 24, 2006

TGI Friday, November 24, 2006. I am pleased to welcome children’s author, Lynne Berry as my guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast!

Lynne grew up in Sudbury, a small suburb of Boston, Massachusetts and graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1990. She earned a B.A. in biology in 1994 from Wellesley College and then attended Vanderbilt University where she received her Ph.D. in cell biology.

Click here to listen to Part One...

After publishing several papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, she decided not to continue with laboratory research. Instead she entered the field of medical and technical writing as a day job, to enable her to pursue her interest in writing for children. She has published more than a dozen poems, many published in Ladybug magazine. In part 2 of our interview, we discuss Lynne’s children’s books Duck Skates and The Curious Demise of a Contrary Cat. http://www.lynneberry.com/

Each show has multiple parts which last about 15-20 minutes each. The short-length classes are a great way to learn about the craft and business of writing while driving to work or sweating at the gym!

Click here to listen to Part Two...

Sneak Preview of Podcast Guests

DECEMBER 2006

Book Publicist Maryglenn McCombs has been working in the book publishing industry for over 10 years. During that time she has been involved with literally hundreds of books. She has served as a guest lecturer for publishing workshops, conferences and events, including serving as a panelist for the Southern Festival of Books. She is a member of the Publishers Association of the South (PAS) and Publishers Marketing Association (PMA). She will be sharing ways a publicist can help authors get the most out of their book sales and marketing efforts. http://www.maryglenn.com/

JANUARY 2007

Award-Winning Author Peter Bowerman will be coming to Writers in the Sky January 5, 2007. Peter is the author of the Well-Fed Writer and TWFW: Back For Seconds on the field of lucrative commercial freelancing, self-publishing and marketing www.wellfedwriter.com. We will be discussing his newly released book The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book Into a Full-Time Living. For full details and FREE report, visit www.wellfedsp.com. Subscribe to THE WELL-FED E-PUB, the critically acclaimed FREE monthly ezine and companion to The Well-Fed Writer series: www.wellfedwriter.com/ezine.shtml.

FEBRUARY 2007

Pam Lontos has worked extensively in the radio industry; from salesperson to Vice President of Sales for Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting. She was a professional speaker for 20 years and is a long-time member of the National Speakers Association (where she has earned the CSP designation). Her full-time occupation now is as head of PR/PR. Her ability to get publicity for herself is legendary and now she is getting the same kind of publicity results for her clients. PR/PR Pulse is a free e-zine provided by PR/PR. Your complimentary issue will give you tips to get the print, radio, TV and Internet publicity that you and your business deserve! www.prpr.net

Plus, there are many more guests to be featured (a new show each Friday) on Writers in the Sky so be sure to subscribe to the RSS Feed at http://feeds.feedburner.com/WritersInTheSky so you don't miss a show.

Resources to connect authors with media

http://www.authorsandexperts.com/ and http://www.schoolbookings.com/ are economical resources for authors, experts, and speakers to connect with members of the media, schools and those searching for speakers.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Looking for some great FR*EE articles for your website or blog?

Looking for some great FR*EE articles for your website or blog? Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services based in Nashville, Tennessee. She and her team of ghostwriters service clients all over the globe by offering quality writing on a wide variety of topics at an affordable price. A list of articles written by Yvonne are posted at ezinearticles.com. You may use them to post her content-rich material on your website or blog. Please leave a comment or article rating when you visit http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Perry.
If you need a customized brochure, web text, business document, resume, bio, article, press release or book, visit http://www.yvonneperry.net. While there sure to subscribe to the RSS podcast feed and the free monthly newsletter about writing, networking, publishing and marketing. Read more on Yvonne’s blog at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com.

Out of the Flames by Rebecka Vigus

In her latest novel, Out of the Flames, Rebecka Vigus takes the reader through the process of catching an arsonist. A rash of arsons in the town of Ridge Cliff have fire and police stumped. The latest fire at The Homestead has resulted in the death of an elderly woman and an undercover police officer. Can arson investigator Jake Robins and Detective Rachel Adams find the culprits?

When the two first start investigating they uncover a cache of arms and a six year old witness. Until they can discover what their witness knows they must keep her safe. Will they be able to do it? Then they discover someone in the police department could be involved. Will they be safe? Will they be safe? They must discover as much about the undercover officer as they can while they look into who might have wanted him dead. They must also find out who in the police department is tracking them. Will they be able to solve the case without being in more danger?
Robins comes at the investigation from the arson angle and Adams comes at it from a murder angle. Do the two paths meet or do they pose problems for each other? They are on the same team, but do they have the chemistry to make it work?

The book starts out at the scene of the most recent fire. The reader gets the perspective of the arsonist and the fire investigator. Jake Robins is amidst the crowd waiting his turn to go into the burning building to see if he can determine the cause of the fire. He listens to the speculation around him. Meanwhile from a nearby room, the arsonist looks down on the scene of the burning building and the reader gets his thoughts.

Out of the Flames (ISBN #978-1-4303-0911-6) by Rebecka Vigus in conjunction with Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/), the fastest-growing publisher of print-on-demand books is a runaway book. The straightforward language and fast pace of the book will keep you turning pages right up to the end.

Rebecka Vigus is an educator in northern Michigan. She has been writing since she was a teen. She is a life long learner with an English degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s degree from Oakland University. She has post-graduate work in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. Her love of mysteries has led her to her second novel. Her first, titled Secrets, was published in the spring of 2006 by Lulu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecka Vigus, LadyRebecka@yahoo.com, or http://www.penadream.com/ . Link to Publication: http://www.lulu.com/RebeckaVigus.

Writing Education Groups

If you are a writer hoping to start your own freelance writing business, I recommend you educate yourself as much as possible on the subject and learn from others who are successfully doing what you want to be doing. There are several places to meet other writers, ask questions, get a critique of your work and help with marketing. As you will quickly learn, networking is one of the best ways to grow your business. Here are a few places to check out:

Suzanne Lieurance’s group of writers is taking the 40 article challenge Write 40 articles by the end of the year and submit them to free article directories. Go here to find out why writing for free can actually be good a marketing strategy.

Sign up for Suzanne’s Morning Nudge and receive daily tips about working as a freelance writer http://www.workingwriterscoach.com/

Suzanne’s blog has tons of articles about writing http://lieurancegroup.blogspot.com/

Read and post on my blog: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ -- the one you are now on.

Listen to my podcast about writing, marketing and publishing. You may also subscribe to the RSS Feed there. Look for other writing podcasts on iTunes.com.

Sign up for other writers’ newsletters and read them. Here are a few really good ones:

Dan Poynter
Fran Silverman
Krista Barrett
Best eZines
Writers in the Sky

Find a writers meetup in your area www.meetup.com put your zip code in the search blank and find a group in your area to chat with online and meet in person within your area.

If you are a good writer, the opportunity to make a living as a freelance writer does exist and you can find your niche if you are willing to persevere.

Children's author Lynne Berry

You are going to love my interview with Lynne Berry this coming Friday, November 24th on Writers in the Sky Podcast. Lynne is a children's book author and has been published by Henry Holt & Company and Simon & Schuster.

Her tales are sure to delight most children, but even adults (especially writers) are going to love her success story about how she, as a first-time author landed a publishing contract with Henry Holt & Company in November 2001 and by Simon & Schuster in 2006.

You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to Yvonne Perry's website writersinthesky.com

DPP Store

Yvonne Perry is the author of several eBooks available at DPP online store.

Zach Everson on Writers in the Sky

Freelance Writer, Editor and Public Speaker Zach Everson will be my guest on December 22nd. A holiday treat for sure as he talks about how he got started as a freelance writer by using proceeds from a real estate investment. He also shares how public speaking has helped him as a writer and editor. Read his announcement here.

If you would like to subscribe to the RSS Feed for Writers in the Sky Podcast, please go to http://feeds.feedburner.com/WritersInTheSky and you will automatically receive an email whenever I upload a new show.

Top Ten Tips When You Decide to "Go Mobile":

Converting from PC to Laptop by J.J. Murphy

Ever since I discovered it was possible to operate a VA business using a laptop as a primary computer, my goal has been to "go mobile," using a laptop and cell phone. It seemed a perfect fit for this career and I wanted to break the tethers.

In late November 2004, the laptop became my main machine, but getting there took a bit more time, skill, savvy than I realized. In fact, I'm still working on the cell phone part of this plan.
I wanted to share what I've learned along the way for those of you seeking to take the plunge.
1. Get IT support. Having IT support before purchasing a laptop helps with set-up. A laptop is not a miniature PC. It takes specialized knowledge to set up security, cope with pre-programmed elements designed to save energy, and transfer files.

2. Wired vs. wireless. Wireless networking is provides greater flexibility, so you can reconfigure your office space as your client base grows and changes, and you have the option of being in business while you are mobile.

3. Time to Transfer. Be sure to budget time for being connected to the PC and laptop simultaneously. When I first set up the laptop, the security and energy saving default was set to “Hibernate,” which meant that my computer screen went black and was unresponsive to the keyboard every time I took my hands off it for more than 20 minutes. It was a relief to have the PC for backup.

4. Backup and Wipe Clean. Before actually disconnecting your business from the PC, make sure all critical files and programs are backed up. Also, make sure that the software installed on the laptop is working. My old PC is now the property of a family member, so I wiped out all information from the hard drive.

5. Traveling. While you are in transit, make sure your laptop and any peripherals are safely encased in bags designed for this use. Always power off by using the Windows Shutdown option before moving your laptop.

6. Test drive. Before you need the laptop in a mobile situation, take it out. Be prepared by checking to see if everything is working properly. I quickly discovered a problem with the Bluetooth connection on my cell phone. For now I’m wired on cable again, but I know better than to expect to operate in a remote location until I get the cell phone issue resolved.

7. Battery power. My laptop’s battery is charging while the laptop is plugged into AC. While traveling outdoors, make sure you have enough battery power. Be aware of the differences in air temperature if you are using your laptop outdoors.

8. Overheating. When operating on battery power, to minimize your laptop’s tendency to get too hot to handle, work on a hard surface, rather than on your lap. Also consider a device such as CoolPad (roadtools.com) created to increase air flow.

9. Peripherals. The keypad on my laptop is comfortable, but the touchpad slows me down. Now I have to decide on whether adding a mouse and having something else to carry is worth it. I had not even thought of a printer. What I am using in my office is too bulky to take on the road.

10. Future needs. As computer technology gets smaller, faster, and more responsive to consumers with mobile work needs, I have to balance what I invest now with how quickly I can recoup the return on my investment. IVAA has been a wonderful resource because members who are hardware and software savvy share their experiences with their purchases.

J.J. Murphy is a nature writer, blogging hiker, curriculum creator and tree-hugging naturalist based in Harriman, NY. JJ offers creative nature curriculum, wild food recipes, fiction, poetry, articles and writing services for ecologically aware individuals and companies. writer@WriterByNature.com

THE FALLEN

Not to be missed, The Fallen is a modern-day Aesop's Fable.

Some stories are older than time. So are some people. The Fallen takes the reader on a journey into the human soul. Choice and consequence are explored as the characters come to understand the origin of their spirits. This is an erotic adventure that allows each reader to consider an important choice while enjoying a spellbinding story. From the author of Card Shark, The Fallen has the same deep character development for which Miner is known, allowing the reader to feel as if they know the individuals contained within the pages.

For more information, visit: http://www.lulu.com/content/491768
Gigi Miner
www.geocities.com/gigi_miner
www.minerbooks.info

Hope – A Book Review by Will Jordan

Who knew a story about a tiny flower, which is in search of happiness could be such a compelling theme. Filled with inspirational imagery and emotionally infused, thoughtful themes, “Hope,” is a story for all children young and old.
Author and Illustrator Shawn-Michelle Surber poured her heart and soul into the frail character, Hope, a miniscule flower, who is all alone in a vast arid desert, without “anyone to love and share her dreams.”
Despite the sometimes overwhelming obstacles put in front of Hope, the flower learns to cope with her harsh surroundings, after meeting a bespectacled, knowledgeable little worm named, “Wisdom.” Upon their meeting, Wisdom teaches Hope the definition of her name he gave her, and suddenly things begin to look up for the wilting flower, leaving the reader with a “hopeful” ending.
Shawn-Michelle Surber proves to the world she is a talented, young writer and illustrator with her first children’s story, and it is obvious the artist is on to something special with her loveable character, Hope.
And in her own words, the author doesn’t disappoint those who fall in love with the little flower. With the ending promise, “…the beginning,” let’s hope there’s more to come.

Publisher: Mornin’ Light Media, March 2006
ISBN: 0-9763534-0-7
Author: Shawn-Michelle Surber
Genre: all-ages children's book
Full color, Hardback, 35 pages
Contact: hopebook@bellsouth.net
Member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Will Jordan is a contributing writer for Rib Magazine in Franklin, Tennessee. www.ribmag.com

How are we doing?

Feel free to leave a comment about your experience in working with Write On! Creative Writing Services or tell us what you like about Writers in the Sky Newsletter or give us feedback about Writers in the Sky Podcast.

All you have to do is call this number: (214) 615-6505 and enter 7282 when asked for the code. You can speak for up to 5 minutes.

We appreciate your comments and feedback! We will post the audio clips on http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/.

Resources for authors

http://www.authorsandexperts.com/ and http://www.schoolbookings.com/ are economical resources for authors, experts, and speakers to connect with members of the media, schools and those searching for speakers.

Improving Your Blog to Attract More Readers

An attractive blog is nice to look at but it should also be user friendly and easy to navigate. In a writer’s networking teleclass facilitated by Suzanne Lieurance we discuss ways to do both.

We will be referring to several blogs in this discussion and here’s the list of blogs on the chain discussed in this audio:

Suzanne Lieurance

www.writelit.com/blog/countrymom7

Linda Della Donna Griefcase for Widows

Trish Anderson

Maureen Hinds Children's writer

http://freelancewriterforhire.blogspot.com

www.creativeinsomnia.com/blog Sondra Kornblatt

Click the arrow above to listen to the audio. This class is already underway when the audio begins. Part two of this class will be forthcoming.

TGI Friday November 17, 2006

Hal Manogue moved from a path of seeking to satisfy his ego as a shoe salesman to a path of finding his true Self through poetry. In part one of this interview Hal shares his story of how his mother’s death and the void he felt inside led him to read poetry by greats such as Rumi, Rilke, Blake, Goethe, Dante, Dickinson Takahashi, and John Paul II.

Listen to Part One by clicking on the arrow below

Hal says that reading and writing poetry is his spiritual path to enlightenment. In part two Hal gives an account of how he self-published his first book of poetry titled Short Sleeves, A Book for Friends by working with a local printer who used leftover paper to produce 100 copies of Hal’s poems written in long-hand. When he published his second book of poetry Short Sleeves, A Book for Friends, 2006 Collection Hal used Ingram’s self-publishing affiliate Lightning Source to print a small run that he sells on his website http://www.shortsleeves.net/.

Listen to Part Two by clicking on the arrow below

The Difference Between Networking and Marketing

Networking and marketing may be similar but they are definitely not one in the same.

Networking is the art of making acquaintances and sharing information about yourself, your business or product. Its purpose is to build relationships that offer a mutual opportunity for both parties to prosper. Marketing is publicizing a service or product with the intent of closing a sale.

In promoting my business, I use networking efforts far more than sales and marketing tactics mainly because it is fun and I love people. I don’t like to be face-to-face or on the phone with a pushy salesperson and I do not enjoy hard-sell printed ads that use in-your-face (blatant) methods to persuade me to buy a product. Many times these ads are boastful and make promises that I know cannot be fulfilled by the product. On the other hand, I do enjoy reading content-rich articles or listening to an online seminar or teleclass that offers good information even if there is a subtle sales plug in it. I also like to talk with people and find out more about them and what they do. Many times that involves the swapping of information about the services and/or products we each offer. This information is shared for the purpose of building a friendship and helping one another grow our businesses.

By letting me know what you do or have to offer, I will keep my eyes and ears open for someone I meet who might benefit from your products or services. In the same manner, the person I share my information with may know someone who needs a writer and because we now have a business and personal relationship, they will recommend me. After all, most people would rather utilize the services of an individual or company who has been recommended by someone we trust rather than hiring someone from the Yellow Pages. For example: if you need an auto repair would you rather take your car to the mechanic your friend has been satisfied with for years or would you rather drive into a greasy garage not knowing anything about the reputation of the company?

Ways to network
I enjoy reading newsletters so I have subscribed to several. In them I find people and services that interest me and I take the time to email or call the person to say hello. Many times I’ll offer to put an announcement in my newsletter Writers in the Sky or ask to interview them for my podcast, thereby furthering their opportunity to have their name or product in front of people on my subscriber list. In return, I have content-rich material to offer my readers and listeners. I always use a permission-based service to launch my newsletters. Spamming is no way to network or build a relationship.

Where to Network
The possibilities are endless. If you meet someone at the gym, or at school, or church, or in your social club, or while dining out, you have an opportunity to make a new friend and do some networking. Think of the times when you have taken a silent elevator ride with a stranger. Who says that person has to be a stranger by the time we reach the 7th floor? Most people know what an “elevator speech” is and a good networker has refined their one-minute blurb to a few concise sentences that explain who they are, what they do and how they can help people. Be bold and make the attempt to speak to people. Even if you only have one minute with a stranger, introduce yourself. Be friendly and always have your business cards handy.

Tools Needed for Networking
You still need some marketing tools when networking. A smile and a warm handshake is always a good tool to use when meeting someone new. I like to give people my brochure, a giveaway item or a business card with my contact information whenever I talk to someone. Otherwise, they may forget your name and web address by the time they have access to paper and pen to write it down. I give two of any item so the person I’m speaking with has a way to contact me and they have something to give to the next person they tell about me.

How has networking paid off for me? I met many of you as well as the terrific writers in the Lieurance co-op through networking. We have swapped books and sent leads to one another. I have found places to host book signings; I’ve participated as a vendor at local events, and found new clients through networking groups such as www.Meetup.com, Toastmasters and www.NashvilleCable.org. I met Fran Silverman who has found opportunities for me to appear as guest on several radio shows. Fran also introduced me to publisher/editor Valerie Connelly of Nightengale Press who has agreed to publish my next book: Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America. I have learned and gained a lot from each one of you. I trust that in some way I have helped you as well.

Networking is a win-win situation for everyone because we all benefit from the effort. Give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised by how fulfilling it is to help others as you help yourself.

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services based in Nashville, Tennessee. She and her team of ghostwriters service clients all over the globe by offering quality writing at an affordable price. If you need a brochure, web text, business document, resume, bio, article or book visit www.yvonneperry.net.

Paying Markets for Fiction and Poetry

Writing-World.com’s Guide to… Paying Markets for Fiction and Poetry – More Than 675 Publications That Pay for Your Work, by Moira Allen (book review).

Writing-World.com’s Guide to Paying Markets for Fiction and Poetry by Moira Allen, is more than just a book of data for writer’s submissions. The author includes only paying markets of periodicals (E-zines, magazines and a few newspapers). The author created a highly valuable section entitled “About this Guide”, that explains what each section of details listed under the publications means. She even goes as far as describing the various rights that are often required by periodicals. I learned within the first 17 pages that I had been addressing envelopes incorrectly for international shipping by placing the country in mostly small caps beside the state or province. And what a surprise that was for me - I had no idea there was a protocol for shipping out-of-country! This important chapter also discusses common issues and problems with email and online submissions. Moira’s discussion on literary magazines was also very informative and interesting.

Listing markets for short stories, poetry, fiction, fantasy, horror, Christian, adult and many other genres from romance to mystery – this book is sure to help authors market their books and freelance writers sell their articles. Author Moira Allen, goes a step farther and sub-groups markets into smaller categories, such as Children/Christian and Flash Fiction, to make the selection easier for writers.

Reference books like these tend to be dry and boring to read, but Moira’s book is written personably – which is difficult to do when listing data. Each listing has numerous helpful tips and information including what kind of material the publication accepts submission for, what the publication’s pay rate starts at, what rights are requested and contact information (including emails and website URLs).

This book has definitely found a spot on my writer’s reference shelf in my office!

Publisher: Writing-World.com
Available at: http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml

~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

Divine Nobodies Book Signing in Nashville

Jim Palmer http://www.divinenobodies.com/ will be my guest on Writers in the Sky podcast in February 2007. He will be signing his book Divine Nobodies at a meet and greet in Nashville this Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 3-4 p.m. This event is the annual Christmas Open House at Cokesbury nationwide and they are having some great deals if you need to do a little shopping and want to head downtown.

Cokesbury
301 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, TN

40 Article Challenge Update

40 Article Challenge Update: If you haven’t joined the 40 Article Challenge, it’s not too late. We have 22 writers who have accepted the Challenge so far, and they’ve been busy writing articles for article directories. Accept the Challenge and find out what article marketing is all about. You might not be able to write 40 new articles by the end of this year, but you’ll probably get more written if you accept the challenge. To join this group, send a blank email to 40ArticleChallenge@yahoogroups.com.

Working from Home: How to Organize Your Time and Space to Best Meet Goals

If you own or manage an online business, you may already be aware of the benefits of working from the comfort of your own home. As your own boss or manager, it’s important that while you reap the rewards of your flexible agenda you also get the best out of each and every day on the job. Here are some tips to keep an effective schedule and environment for all of your work from home endeavors.

Organize Your Time

1. Make a set schedule and stick to it.
Starting and ending your work day at the same time every week will help you determine the exact amount of time you have to complete your tasks. Like punching in a time card at the office, have a set period of time that you must work every day. Not only does this apply to being on time every day, it also means leaving at the same time so you don’t over do it. Part of the joy of being your own boss or manager is the flexibility of the job, so keep a schedule that works best for you. Many find that a 9-5 schedule helps to keep work days more productive. Chances are that others within your life may share a similar schedule- making it easier to keep in touch with them when the work day comes to an end. Having a set schedule will also help to keep those around you aware that during a certain period of time every day, even if you are at your own home, you are busy “at work”. Also, a good tip for all “work at homers” is to take weekends off. Make sure you have the opportunity to enjoy life outside of the proverbial office.

2. Set deadlines to meet and goals to accomplish.
Have a list of goals, whether short-term or long-term, and devise plans to meet those goals. Even though you may not need them, a set group of goals will help to better accomplish your daily tasks. So, stick to deadlines even if there is no major repercussion for not meeting them. Small deadlines and goals often lead to much larger rewards although you may be unaware of their significance at the time. For example, if you want to learn more about Search Engine Optimization- make a goal to read one article once a week. You’ll be amazed at the amount of information you’ll acquire and the things you will learn within just a few short months. I once heard of a man that wrote one page of a book, once a week. It may seem like a small goal yet within one year he had written a great 50-page paperback that was later published. You will often find that the benefits of meeting your goal will more than compensate for the obedience needed in accomplishing that daily or weekly task.

Organize your space
1. Separate your “work” area from your “living” area.
Create an office space separate from any other area of your house. That space must have privacy and be void of any and all distractions, such as computer games and sometimes the biggest distraction of all- other people. Declare the space off limits during working hours. Not only will separating this space help avoid distractions from other elements, it will help you set the mood for your “office” in knowing- once I am here, it is time to get to work.

A set of goals to accomplish with an established setting to accomplish them in will help make the best of each and every day on the job. And finally one last tip, enjoy the opportunity you have in working from home and make sure to take many breaks. You may even want to take one to count the gas money you’ve saved and to revel on how much you love the boss you work for!

Stacie Leonard completed the Texas Creative program, receiving a degree in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and is now happily employed with Volusion, Inc. http://Volusion.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacie_Leonard

The podcast survey

Do you prefer podcast shows that have multiple parts of 15-20 minutes each or one 30-40 ninute show? Please let me know which you enjoy most and would utilize best. Feel free to comment here, email your suggestion to writer @ yvonneperry dot net, or call our comment line at (214) 615-6505 ext 7282 to record your message.

Your input is appreciated.

Poet Hal Manogue on Writers in the Sky Podcast

Hal Manogue will be my guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast November 17, 2006. Hal is a poet and the author of two books of poetry sure to please those who are on a path of awakening and enlightenment.

Hal's unique story about how he became a poet wiill surprise some when they hear that poety is actually Hal's spiritual path.

Here is a poem written by Hal from his first book Short Sleeves.

Daylight Is Every Thing
To A Sunrise
There Is
No End To Daylights
Love
No End To The Love
That Awakes A World
Each Day
The Presence Of A Sunrise
Is A Present
From Love
To Be Shared
With Love
To Be Enjoyed
In Love
To Be Love
Especially At Sunrise


Listen to Hal's audio biography by clicking on the arrow below.

WRITE A REVIEW FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

If you appreciate Writers in the Sky newsletter, please consider writing a short review and give Writers in the Sky a rating for the Best ezine. Simply go to http://bestezines.com/review.php?Writers-in-the-Sky-Newsletter&id=2471.

If you are not familiar with our newsletter about the craft and business of writing you may read the current or archived issues and subscribe to the no-cost monthly publication at http://www.yvonneperry.net/Writers-in-the-Sky-Newsletter.html.

Working with Editors

I get the impression that many writers fear editors. To some extent, this is understandable, from the standpoint that an editor has the power to reject your work (and to many, this translates into a rejection of self, because we pour our heart and souls into our work). However, in my admittedly limited experience in having the pleasure to work with one editor for several years, and meet and listen to several others, I’ve discovered that editors are generally nice people. They aren't out to make your day miserable, and when they do say "yes," their part of the equation can mean a much improved final product.

Keep in mind that editors rarely get their names on the books, and they work hard—very hard!—behind the scenes. I owe a great deal to my editor, and I know it. She's been incredibly gracious with me, and she's definitely improved the work. We’ve developed an enjoyable professional relationship over the years, which has greatly added to the writing process, in both the actual development of the books and the quality of the final products. I've yet to meet her in person, but I hope that I might have the opportunity to do so some day.

There’s nothing like finding the “right” editor for your work. Just as writers do, editors also have their preferences about writing, and each has his or her own approach to working with writers and manuscripts. Some are very hands-on, while others are not. When working with editors, remember that this is a business relationship. It’s their job to ensure that any manuscript they accept is as good as it can be. This helps promote sales, which ultimately, is the bottom line for you, the editor, and the publisher. This is, after all, a business.

When sending your work to editors, keep in mind that they have busy, and at times, difficult jobs. Include a professionally written cover letter with your work, and if requested, a SASE for a response. Inform the editor if the manuscript is a simultaneous (or multiple, to use another term) submission. Allow enough time for the editor to respond to you, and resist the temptation to call. Also resist the temptation to send gifts with your manuscript or to use fancy packaging. The manuscript has to stand on its own. These “extras” will not make your writing any better, but they will make you look less professional. Follow the publisher’s guidelines, and wait the appropriate amount of time before sending a follow-up inquiry.

Finally, remember that editors are human, and if you have the good fortune to work with one, you'll quickly realize this. They aren't evil overlords trying to make your life miserable. But perhaps most importantly, remember that a good editor can help make a good manuscript great.

Maurene J. Hinds is a children's author with five published books and two forthcoming. She is an experienced teacher who has taught creative and technical writing and literature at the high school and college levels, and teaches online writing workshops and offers manuscript critiques through her website. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Teenagers from Vermont College. She is completing a young adult novel, "Bruised," under the name Maurene Janiece. Visit her website at http://www.maurenejhinds.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurene_J._Hinds

My Private Hell: Struggle & Survival

A book review by the author Gail Fonda

My first book is entitled, "My Private Hell: Struggle & Survival," by Gail Fonda. It's short, but very revealing and to-the-point. I explain in detail my personal emotional trauma, as well as the physical problems I've had to endure as I go through the aging process.

I discuss my nervous illness, anxiety and depression, and the side effects associated with those problems, which sometimes made life unbearable to me. The book is both a memoir and a self-help book, because I reveal my innermost feelings, and how, at times in the past, I used illicit drugs to calm myself down. I think that's a common problem amongst very sensitive individuals, such as artists and actors.

We read about that every day in the tabloids. I think famous people resort to drugs or alcohol to combat their feelings of insecurity and unworthiness in the world, and their lack of self-esteem. Those are all problems I've had to deal with myself. And when you add that I've evolved from a dysfunctional, loveless, family, I had to find some way to make it through life.

The self-help part comes when I reveal how I use regular, daily exercise to erase the negatives in my life, as well as help control newer problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraines and even hot flashes.I describe how I got started exercising and where I am today with it.

Exercise must be a mainstay in everyone's life for the benefits to work on a permanent basis. Yes, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps gain a positive attitude and gives you energy to pursue whatever your life's dreams might be, and for me, that's getting published and exercising!

This book is available on Amazon.com.
ISBN: 1-4137-6082-1
Publisher: PublishAmerica
Available at: gdvoref@hotmail.com

Why write for free?

Networking has to do with fostering relationships and building credibility. One way to do this is through writing articles for free article directories. You don't get paid to write the articles, but it may be worth it in the long run.

Marketing guru and author Joe Vitale has written an excellent piece about where to pitch articles and news releases (see http://www.publaw.com/sendnews.html.) He mentions writing for free article directories, so it must be a good idea. Here’s how it works: you write an article on any topic you enjoy and submit it to the site. I created a list of some of the popular ones I know about. People who are looking for articles may use your article on their own website or blog, but they must retain the contact information you included in your bio in the resource box at the bottom of the article. It’s a neat way to have people promote you on their site while their readers have access to content-rich articles that showcase your talent. Plus, if you need an article for your newsletter, blog or website and you don't have time to write one, you can simply pull one from the free article directory and have an instant post.

Here are a few website that accept articles for this purpose:

* http://freearticle.name/
* http://www.ezinearticles.com/
* http://www.articlesbase.com/
* http://www.goarticles.com/
* http://www.ideamarketers.com/

I have submitted about 30 articles to http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Perry. Feel free to use any of them on your blog or website.

Several writers in the Lieurance co-op have taken the challenge to write 40 articles by the end of the year. Give article writing a try and see if you don't get more traffic to your website or blog as a result. The more articles you write, the more you will get noticed.

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services based in Nashville, Tennessee. She and her team of ghostwriters service clients all over the globe by offering quality writing at an affordable price. Be sure to subscribe to the RSS podcast feed and the free monthly newsletter about writing, networking, publishing and marketing on her website at http://www.yvonneperry.net.

TGI Friday November 10, 2006

TGI Friday and Yvonne has uploaded a new show to Writers in the Sky Podcast! This week's guest is Reverend Cherise Thorne.

Reverend Cherise Thorne is the author of "The Blessing of Liberation: Path of Cleansing Karma." In part 1 we discuss how this ordained minister got started as a writer and why she is an expert on karma.

Listen to part 1 now

In part 2 we discuss what karma really is and how to clear it or use it to assist us on our spiritual path. Thorne's book is available on Amazon.com as well as on Cherise’s website http://www.newdawnascension.com/.

Listen to Part 2 now


Reverend Thorne's book is available on Amazon.com as well as on Cherise’s website http://www.newdawnascension.com/.

Writers Teleclass November 9, 2006

In this class Yvonne Perry facilitates a discussion on how to set fees for freelance writing jobs. The most common pricing options for freelance writers are:
• Flat fee or project rate
• By the hour
• By the word
• By the page
• Per diem
• On retainer

Learn about each of these pricing options and learn to set a fair price according to the assignment, your writing pace, and your client’s wishes.

Click on the arrow to listen

Shedding religion to find God

Jim Palmer, Author of Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you) will be my guest on the Writers in the Sky (WITS) podcast in February. I wanted to let you know about his recently released book with quite a long and interesting title.

What does a Hip-Hop artist, Waffle House waitress, tire salesman, and disabled girl have to do with discovering spiritual truth? What if embracing authentic Christianity is a journey of unlearning? Welcome to Jim Palmer's world! Amazon writes, "Don Miller meets Anne Lamott meets Brian McLaren in this tale of shedding religion and plunging into uncharted depths of knowing God. Jim Palmer shares his compelling off-road spiritual journey and the unsuspecting people who became his guides."

Putting a troubled childhood behind him, Jim earned a Masters of Divinity degree and was well on his way of becoming a top evangelical Christian leader. But when a series of setbacks left him heartbroken and wondering just exactly where God was, a string of chance encounters with ordinary folks changed almost everything Jim thought he knew about God."Perhaps God's reason for wanting me," writes Palmer, "is much better than my reason for wanting him. Maybe God's idea of my salvation trumps the version I am too willing to settle for. Seeing I needed a little help to get this, God sent a variety pack of characters to awaken me."

For all those hoping there's more to God and Christianity than what they've heard or experienced, each chapter of Divine Nobodies gives the reader permission and freedom to discover it for themselves. Sometimes comical, other times tragic, at times shocking, always honest; Jim Palmer's story offers an inspiring and profound glimpse into life with God beyond institutional church and conventional religion.

The book was voted “Top Pick” by Christian Retailers magazine and has received early reviews like this: "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Donald Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice . . . Divine Nobodies is a delight to read, and it was good for my soul to read it."
-Brian McLaren, Author of The Secret Message of Jesus

"You hold in your hands an amazing story of a broken man finding freedom in all the right places-in God's work in the lives of some extraordinarily ordinary people around him. You will thrill to this delightful blend of gut-wrenching honesty and laugh-out-loud hilarity, and in the end you'll find God much closer, the body of Christ far bigger and your own journey far clearer than you ever dreamed."
-Wayne JacobsenAuthor of Authentic Relationships

In addition to his theology degree and pastoral experience, Jim’s background also includes inner-city service and international human rights work. One of the chapters in the book recounts Jim’s experience traveling in South Asia with International Justice Mission confronting the tragic injustice of forced child prostitution. Jim and the book are currently being featured on explorefaith.org.

I look forward to having him as my guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast in February.

Increase Your Creative Flow: Manage Your Inner Critic

Sit down, pour a cup of tea, and have a conversation with your Critic.

Your Critic is that inner alarm that rings--or yells or whines--every time you step out of its shifting safety zone. It zaps your energy with twisted logic, persistent arguments, inner sabotage,a option overload, and dread of fear and disapproval.

Needless to say, the Critic puts a damper on the flow of your creativity.

Which doesn't mean you get rid of the Critic. The Critic is useful when it points out problems to correct--later on in the germination of your ideas. As your idea takes flight, though, you need to put the Critic aside until you're ready to hear its view.

As a writer, teacher, and promoter of my materials, I've learned few tricks that helped me balance the Critic. Whenever I appear on TV, I first push the Critic out of my body and tell it to stay at home until later that night when I agree to ask for its opinion. I am much more relaxed on TV while I don't have to fight that inner voice. The Critic has given me useful feedback when I'm ready to hear it--at the end, for next time. Here are some ways to free yourself of your Critic's hold--right now.

Change Your Mind

Remind yourself of how far you've come.
Remember that the Critic is only thoughts, not reality.
Focus on Your Body
See if the Critic "lives" in a certain part of your body--maybe your shoulders. Do some yoga or counter movements to loosen that hold
Push the Critic out of your body. Feel yourself without that energy inside you.
Tell the Critic to leave the room, stay in the car, go to the coffee shop. You'll check in with it later.
Reduce Emotional Charge
Notice the sensations of emotional intensity in your body. Stay with those sensations as you notice any sounds or images that go with them. This helps disconnect thoughts spurring on feelings.

Present Moment
Be grateful for the present moment.
Notice your body in the present moment. Feel your skin: the air, clothing, gravity and sensations. (Thanks to Rick Carson of Taming Your Gremlin [Collins 2003] for that idea.)

Play
Give your Critic a funny name or appearance--and laugh at it.

Change Your Habits
Write long-hand for 20 minutes. The computer screen brings out the evil editor.

Draw a picture.
While your Critic won't disappear, you can change your relationship to it. Instead of being an inescapable wall, you learn to see your Critic as boulders (rocks? stones?) in a field. You can move around on climb over them! Your true self finds its flow. © Creative Insomnia, Sondra Kornblatt 2003-2006


Sondra Kornblatt developed ways to help insomniacs renew when they can’t sleep in her program, Creative Insomnia. Do you feel stressed when you can't sleep? If you're still awake after alternative cures--or a visit to the doctor--you can still mimic the benefits of sleep. Creative Insomnia helps you renew at night, develop your inner creativity, and greet the day refreshed.

Sondra is also a seasoned freelance writer focusing on wellness and health. Get a free E-book on Creative and Restful Insomnia when you sign up for the newsletter at www.creativeinsomnia.com.

Networking Works

Taryn is one of the fabulous writers on the Write On! Creative Writing Services team. Her article gives practical tips about networking:

Whether you are in the game to further yourself personally or professionally, one key ingredient is essential: Networking!

I remember some years ago, Joan Rivers gave a commencement speech at Harvard, and the professors and parents were absolutely appalled by her message. It was simple, “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know…” that will get you that great job, promotion, or perhaps a foot in the door to a new career or circle of friends. I’m sure that bit of advice didn’t help the sting of that very expensive Harvard education that your parents are still paying for, but nonetheless, it’s oh, so very true.

You might be saying to yourself, “…yeah, but I don’t know anyone and I want to start my own business.” First of all, that may not be a true statement. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started on capitalizing on your network savvy.

• What do you want to accomplish? A promotion? A completely different line of work? Starting your own business? Dr. Phil states that if you can verbalize it, you can make it happen. So write detailed notes of what you aspire to do. For example, if you want to start your own business; do you want to be a consultant? Do you want to open a retail shop? What EXACTLY do you want to do? How will you make money? Do you enjoy it?
• Make a List Tally every friend, acquaintance, family member or neighbor you know and detail what type of connections THEY have if any. How could they help you?
• Educate Yourself Surf the net and educate yourself on what tools and knowledge you will need in order to be successful at your new venture. You will be amazed at how much free information is out there.
• Attend Seminars or Meetings Don’t be afraid to talk to people and tell them about yourself and what you are interested in doing. This is precisely why people get together with a common interest. Someone ALWAYS seems to have a friend of a friend they can refer.
• Volunteer Offer your services to businesses or friends to build your reputation. If you are going for a promotion at work, offer to do extra projects and take the extra time to really make a great presentation. Believe me, your boss will sit up and take notice.
Taryn Simpson is a published author and freelance writer with over 15 years of HR experience. Ms. Simpson owns her own writing company, Simpson - E Publishing which offers clients ghostwriting of novels/articles, web content, brochures, newsletters, press releases and more. Sign up to recieve her free newsletter for writer's tips and news on her website. To learn more about this writer, feel free to visit her online presskit: www.TarynSimpson.com

Complimentary eBook HEALING KATRINA

For a limited time and in honor of the one year anniversary of the gulf coast's most devastating storms, Asogomi Publishing International is offering a complimentary eBook titled HEALING KATRINA: THE RED CROSS, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, & ME written by Tim Warneka.

You may download it at http://www.asogomi.com/ and share it with anyone. In exchange for the e-book, Tim asks you to make a small donation to the Red Cross. (If you are financially unable to make a contribution, no worries. You’re still welcome to download the e-book.

Rev. Cherise Thorne on WITS this Friday

My guest on Writers in the Sky (WITS) podcast this coming Friday (Nov. 7th) will be Reverend Cherise Thorne.

Reverend Thorne's credentials (see the list below) make her an expert on karma, the topic of her newly released book The Blessing of Liberation: Path of Cleansing Karma.

• Licensed Ordained Minister
• Licensed Clinical Hypnotherapist
• Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor
• Extensive study of the Healing Arts, Shamanic Healing, Vibrational Therapy, Healing Touch, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Magnified Healing, Meditation, Astrology and Hatha Yoga
  
  Cherise and her mother Reverend Angela Thorne co-founded New Dawn Ascension Foundation in 1995. Through their books and the Ascension Program she shares her teachings with students seeking to evolve and know enlightenment for themselves and others.
  
  Revernd Thorne's book is available on Amazon.com as well as on Cherise’s website http://www.newdawnascension.com/

Internet Dating

Cherie Burbach is the author of two books of poetry, The Difference Now, and A New Dish, as well as a book titled At the Coffee Shop, a humorous look at the world of Internet dating. Cherie works as a consultant for PersonalsTrainer in which she helps online daters write great profiles that catch attention. Watch for her new novel, FOR THOSE WHO KNEW ZACH, coming soon. For more information, please visit her website at http://www.blogger.com/www.thedifferencenow.com.

450 articles housed at Writer Gazette!

Krita Barrett has over 450 articles housed at Writer Gazette! Select from a variety of writing-related topics. Read more here http://www.writergazette.com/articlelist.shtml or click on the links below to go to the listing of your choice:

General Writing
Book Reviews
Creative/Novel Writing
Ebooks/POD
Freelancing
Grammar/Writing Style
Internet/Website Writing
Journaling
Newspaper Writing
Press Releases
Sales & Marketing
Screenwriting
Self Publishing
Tech Writing

Word of Month - November

Having an extensive vocabulary is important to writers. In each issue of Writers in the Sky, I will introduce and define a word that we use don’t often use. This word this month is:

Majuscule (MAJ-uh-skyool)

A large letter such as an upper case or capital letter

Example sentence:My sister uses elaborate majuscules that dwarf the other letters.