Before Setting Goals…Plant Seeds of Joy

As the year comes to a close, many people begin setting goals for the New Year.  If you are a goal setter, I challenge you to delay creating your writing goals until you engage in what I call “Planting Seeds of Joy”.   In a writer’s life, there are many facets to the writing process.  Some parts are easier and then there are the aspects that we’d rather avoid.  If you really want to nurture your writing life, try the following exercise.

First, take some time to contemplate what part of writing brings you joy.  I love generating new ideas, finishing that first draft, sharing my work, seeing it published.  I’m not too fond of revision number 75, but I’m thrilled when I am happy with a final draft.  You get the idea.  The things that you enjoy about writing are your “Seeds of Joy”.  Now plant these seeds by jotting them down and posting them where you write.

Later when you are feeling frustrated with your progress, act on one of your “Seeds”.
Since I know that for me working on the 20th revision can at times be tiresome, I intersperse my revisions with a writing activity that makes my fingers dance on the keyboard.  For example, when I’m really feeling bogged down, I’ll take ten minutes and generate some new picture books ideas.  This revives my enthusiasm and helps me get back on task and work on one of my goals.

If you “plant seeds of joy” in your writing life, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to watch your writing goals grow.   You might even consider “planting seeds of joy” in other areas of your life.
___________________

Mary Jo Guglielmo is an intuitive life strategist that helps clients push through their blocks, envision their path and take the necessary action to live their true north.  If you are interested in an Artist Breakthrough session or a Personal Mentoring Program go to http://donorth.biz/personal_sessions.htm

For more information check out  www.donorth.biz
or folllow her at:
http://theadvantagepoint.wordpress.com
http://www.helpingchidrencope.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/do_north
http://facebook.com/DoNorth.biz

Do you have a Writing Buddy and do you need one?

Many people have no idea what a writing buddy is or if they need one.

What is a writing buddy?

My definition of a writing buddy may vary from others. To me a writing buddy should have certain traits, those being:

• Have a personality that matches or compliments the writer
• Be honest with the writer offering constructive criticism
• Be honest with any critique
• Be committed to contacting the writer on a schedule that is agreed upon.
• Someone to keep the writer honest and working on their writing
• Someone to motivate the writer
• Someone to act as a reader

Writers should have a writing buddy keep them on track and writing, and to help them with their manuscript, blog posting, or anything related to writing.

It is hard to find the right person to be your buddy. It takes commitment to be a writing buddy, but finding the right one can make a huge difference for both the writer and the writing buddy in accomplishing a first class manuscript.

It is this freelance writer’s opinion that writing groups should have a page of contacts for writing buddies, perhaps even a mentor page for aspiring writers, newbie writers to help them with confidence, or questions about writing they may have.

If someone makes the conscious choice to become a writing buddy, they are making a commitment to the writer to be there to help, motivate, critique, and answer questions about the particular piece the writer is working on.

Do not take a writing buddy position lightly, it takes work, and commitment when you choose to become a writing buddy. Will it take time away from your own writing? Yes, but this writer is of the opinion that if may just make the buddy a better writer in the process.

The opinions expressed are those of freelance writer, Robert Medak.

Robert Medak

Writer, Blogger, Editor, Marketer, Poet, Proofreader, Researcher, and Reviewer.

Robert J Medak Writing & More

http://stormywriter.com

Setting Writing Goals for 2012...How are Your Goals Working for You?

Writing takes planning and implementing, reviewing and revising. In nursing we learn to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate for a patient problem. That process can apply to many things outside of delivering nursing care. It can also apply to your writing goals for 2012.

Assess: Sit down and make a list of what you have accomplished in  2011 against what you wanted to accomplish. This activity is the time for assessing what has worked for you this year and what has not related to your writing goals. Assuming we want to be published and to sell our work means the honest assessment of how much we published and how much we sold. This is crucial to setting goals for 2012. After you have assessed where you are and where you want to be as an author, list 3 or 4 major writing/publishing goals for the New Year.

Plan: Now to make a workable plan, your smaller action steps must be actions that work towards one of your major goals. The actions you took in the past year that led to more submissions and acceptances needs to be placed in the plan again. The marketing actions that you took that produced successful sales needs to be added and tweaked for the coming year. The things you assessed that did not work or that hindered your writing need to be deleted. Sometimes that means deleting an activity unrelated to writing but that takes time away from your writing. Keep in mind if the actions you want to take don't move you towards your goals, they are not part of this plan.

Implement: January 1st will be here before you know it so try to have your assessment and your plan figured out before the first of the year, or at least the first week of the New Year. Then decide what day your plan will start and begin implementing the actions you have decided on. If I want to monetize my blog for instance, I may put something in my plan that lists the actions I will take to do this. Here is a sample for January if one of my major goals would be to monetize the blog-

• Week 1- research products to incorporate on the blog/affiliate products
• Week 2- add links to my blog with 2-4 affiliate links with posts about each product
• Week 3- post at least once about the products, send out newsletter to remind readers about products
• Week 4- post at least once about how one of the products has helped me with my writing career

 This is just an example, but you get the idea.

Evaluate: Set up time in your writing schedule to evaluate your goals and your actions steps at least 3 or 4 times a year. Many writers evaluate weekly and set up a new plan for the next week. Awesome if you can do that, but realistically many of us are lucky to jot a few notes every week. In some ways we evaluate every day about what we did and what we need to do. A serious evaluation every 3-4 months includes looking at what you have circulating out with publishers, what you need to resubmit, what needs revisions, and what are the next target markets on your list. However you decide to evaluate your goals, make sure the new changes will be action steps that will make your writing soar.

Keep in mind that the rule for goals is this:

Goals should be specific.
Goals should be realistic.
Goals should be attainable.
Goals should be measurable.

Remeber that you also may need to hone your skills as one of your major goals in order to make your writing and publishing goals attainable and realistic.

Now, looking at your goals for last year, be honest in deciding what is working for you. Can you expand your career this next year? Do you need more education? Do you need to focus on submissions? Do you want to attend a conference? Do you want to become active in a critique group to help hone your skills? Do you want to publish a novel? Be specific in what you want and go for it. There is no time like the present to take actions steps towards making your writing and marketing career soar for 2012. My writing mentor, Suzanne Lieurance always tells us to write like the wind, and I will add soar like an eagle. Make this next year your best.

Query Letter Quandary

I’ve found that many writers are intimidated by a query letter. Some tips that can help you get over that”

1.     Use a font that is easy to read like Times New Roman. If you’re sending it to an editor in hard copy then be sure to use a 10 or 12 point font. Editors suffer from eye strain and are looking for more reasons to not publish your book at first. If the query letter is not easy to read, then it goes into the rejection pile mostly unread.

2.     If you are sending this to one of the large publishing houses have you researched and verified who the editor is and do they take unsolicited manuscripts. Small and mid-size publishers are more likely to take a new author and may not require you to have an agent. Agents act as screeners for the publishers and are a great ally in negotiating for you if they like your work. Only use agents who work strictly on commission of no more than 15%.

3.     The letter needs to be addressed to a specific person. You can call the publishing house and ask to confirm that the editor is still with the company and the address that it needs to be sent to. The receptionist can give you that information.

4.     The best sources for research of agents and publishers is the annual Writer’s Market. Realize that much of this information is six months old when the new book is released at the beginning of each year. You can purchase it online, which is a better deal because they update it throughout the year. However, still confirm that the person is still there and in that position. People change positions quit often in the publishing world.

5.     The best book I’ve found on book proposals is W. Terry Whalin’s Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success. It focuses on nonfiction, but some of the same rules apply to fiction. Fiction must be completed when you submit a query and proposal whereas nonfiction only needs the first three chapters, outline, and synopsis. Each agent and editor has specific guidelines that they expect us to follow to the letter.

6.     Make your synopsis complete but brief. Include main events and characters.

8.     Include a thank you at the end of the letter. An editor wants to be grabbed by the first couple of sentences or he will move on to the next letter.

9.     Be specific as to who your audience is. It is a mistake stating that your market is all ages or everyone. Research who reads your type of book to find out.

10.   Briefly give your background, knowledge of your platform, savvy marketing ideas, and willingness to work hard at selling your books.

11.    Read successful examples in magazines like Writer’s Digest or get a good book on how to write a query letter.

********

Dianne G. Sagan

Author of Tools and Tips: What Every Writer Needs to Know to Go “Pro”

http://www.diannegsagan.biz

Feeling Inspired?

Where does the inspiration come from? It's the question I'm most often asked when interviewed. 

For me, inspiration is found in many places. Almost always it comes when my senses are inflamed. For example:

1. The calming feeling of being outside is naturally inspiring. Walking with leaves at my feet, the sun on my hair and water flowing nearby is always invigorating and consequently, I find myself quickly jotting down notes. But it isn't only nature that does this to me. 

2. I can find inspiration at the local mall as well. I generally find a nice busy spot and people watch. I create stories for the "characters" I see walk by. I listen, (yes, I know it might be considered rude,) to conversations. Some of my most favorite quotes have come from people I don't know.

3. On warm spring days you will often find me laying in a hammock with my eyes closed. If you, like my husband, were to ask me what I'm doing, you'd learn I'm working. Yes, napping, relaxing, long baths, all those also give me inspiration.

4. Music is another way I am inspired. Lately I've been using spa music, but I'm not picky, rock, hip-hop and rap have also worked depending upon what I'm working on. In fact, when I'm struggling with a particular story line, most often music is what will take me through to the other side of the challenge. 

5. I'm surprised, but occasionally when I'm sitting down to a fantastic meal, it also stirs the creative in me.  When food dances on my palate and the taste comes together to create the unforgettable, I can't help but record it all in detail.

6. Where else has inspiration called? Rose gardens, movie theaters, and the kitchen when I'm baking cookies or even washing dishes. It calls when I'm reading non-fiction or watching a documentary.

Really, inspiration is always calling to us. It's just that sometimes we become to busy to listen, to notice, to feel. So inspiration comes when we allow the muse to get our attention. Let your muse speak to you through your senses. The results are amazing. Good luck!    

           ________________________________________________________________

D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction. She loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is the author of Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole and, Perception, her latest book dealing with the subject of death and the afterlife. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.

She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com

Her novels are available in electronic format here, or print format here. 

You can also follower her at www.djeanquarles.blogspot.com or on Facebook

Or you can just contact her at d.jeanquarles@yahoo.com

Media Release Distribution: Why It's Important

Media Release Distribution: Why It's Important

By Donna M. McDine


Call it what you want, a news release, a media release, or a press release. Whichever of the fore mentioned you prefer know that releases are a critical promotional tool for any business, especially in our ever changing technological world.

Suppose for a moment you have achieved the golden moment of signing your first or tenth book contract or your very first byline has been published for the world to read. I know, you are walking on air and you may even envision yourself shouting from the rooftops, “Hello world I’m a published writer!” Go for it, let out your delightful shout of joy. When you are done, it’s now time to get down to business in writing your perfect release.

You may hem and haw a bit and wonder why such a formal announcement is important? For one, with the Internet at our fingertips promotional opportunities are just a click away. And second, just because your latest book or byline is published doesn’t mean a large majority of the population even knows about it. Strengthen your chances in getting your name and platform out there by writing and publishing your releases. It is never too soon to set yourself apart from the pack. Establish yourself as an expert in your field by writing articles on your latest published works that compliments the subject matter. You can then write a release about your published credits and point your readers to your blog, website, and/or Ezine Articles page for your related articles.

Keyword search and implementation into your releases is as critical as when blogging. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how quickly your name and material cross reference each other when doing so.

For instance, as I was writing I conducted the following Google search: “Donna McDine, children’s author and publicist” and the following pulled up on the first Google search page:

WOW! Women On Writing Blog: An Interview with Donna McDine ...

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2011/02/interview-with-donna-mcdine-childrens.html

Feb 17, 2011 – Award-winning children's author Donna McDine published her first book ... She writes, moms, and is the publicist intern for The National Writing ...

Donna McDine
LinkedIn

http://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamcdine

Greater New York City Area - Editor-in-Chief at Guardian Angel Kids Ezine - Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the ... moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the ...

The Golden Pathway: Children's Author, Donna McDine to appear on ...

http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2011/04/childrens-author-donna-mcdine-to-appear.html

Apr 12, 2011 – Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, ... Kids and Publicist for the NWFCC from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. ...

Children's author, Donna McDine ~ guest speaker at Westchester ...

http://www.gatekeeperspost.com/autoposts/childrens-author-donna-mcdine-guest-speaker-at-westchester-reading-council/ Children's author, Donna McDine ~ guest speaker at Westchester Reading Council ... Best wishes, Donna M. McDine. Award-winning Children's Author ...
Interview with Award-winning Author Donna McDine, Author of The ...

http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/interview-with-award-winning-author-donna-mcdine-author-of-the-golden-pathway/ May 13, 2011 – Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable ... She writes, moms and is the Publicist Intern for The National Writing for ...

Donna McDines Biography - Donna M. McDine

www.donnamcdine.com/bio.html  

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the ... Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Children's Writers' Coaching Club and ...
Donna M. McDine's - News & Announcements

www.donnamcdine.com/newsannouncements.html

Donna M. McDine, Children's Author .... the children's publishing industry ...

Show more results from donnamcdine.com
Award-Winning Children's Author, Donna McDine Visits With Stephen ...

http://pressexposure.com/Award-Winning_Childrens_Author,_Donna_McDine_Visits_With_Stephen_Tremp_-_July_7th_and_8th-320577.html Jul 6, 2011 – PressExposure.com Allows Public Relations Professionals To Distribute Their Press Releases To Reach Their Target Audience For Free.
CREATIVE CREW - GUARDIAN ANGEL KIDS online ezine for Kids!

www.guardian-angel-kids.com/creative-crew.htm

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the ... Editor-in-Chief and The National Writing for Children Center, Publicist from ...

Donna McDine – Media Releases & Social ... - Working Writer's Club

http://www.workingwritersclub.com/writers-for-hire/donna-mcdine/

Coupled with her Publicist experience at the Working Writer's Coach and as ... Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the ...

The above is a mixture of my blogs, website, press release sites, interview stops, our very own Working Writer’s Club, and Guardian Angel Kids Ezine. See how all my work intertwines with the other?
The proof is in the Google search! Don’t wait. Get down to the business side of writing and create your release today. Are you still hesitating because you don’t have published credits yet, how about you write up a media release of an interview or article you have posted on your blog. This is what I did early on in my writing career and still do. It’s imperative you get the momentum going or your rankings will steadily drop.

Visit me at http://donnamcdine.com/dynamicmediareleases.html for a listing of preferred media release sites I regularly post to online and of course when announcing new business products or your latest book release don’t forget to send your release to your local media.

Bio:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Literary Classics Seal of Approval Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway.


Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Dynamic Media Release Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.

Further information:

http://www.donnamcdine.com/
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/

A Big Thank You to Our Followers and Subscribers

With the end of the year at our door step, we'd like to take the time to thank you for your support. We do appreciate that you take time out of your busy schedules to stop by and visit with us.

And, we'd like to wish everyone a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous new year.

There are two ways we thought of to show our appreciation and they both have to do with writing and marketing. Well, what'd you think they'd be on? :)

First, we have a new Writers on the Move Holiday Season 2011 eBook from our members, it's on the sidebar as a free gift to you and to all who visit.

The second gift will be in the next A Writer's World newsletter, they'll be an exclusive link to one of my new e-books, Editing Books Like a Pro. Please, DO NOT SHARE the link or the e-book. It is meant as a gift to A Writer's World subscribers and is for sale to everyone else.

I should have the newsletter out by this weekend. As usual I'm running behind. :)

We hope you'll continue to be a part of our writing world in 2012, and we hope to make lots of more friends and followers. We're doing our best to provide informative and practical writing and marketing information on a daily basis. And, we now have webinars as a new informational tool to use to offer more engaging workshops.

Our goal for 2012 is to do our best to bring you fresh and useful information, tips, and advice to help you on your writing and marketing journey.

So, again, have a healthy, safe, and happy Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance Writer, Editor

Karen’s Books Page:
http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html

Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing
http://KarenCioffi.com
DKV Writing 4 U