LOTS of Tuesday Tips: Getting Your Writing in Shape

So, whilst engaging in my early morning marketing (Okay, checking Facebook), I realized that the newest issue of WOW! Women On Writing was out. Wheee!

There are TONS of great articles, as always, but I'm a little partial to Get In Great Writing Shape for FREE! When I found all those university classes for free, I knew that info would make an exciting article. Because who doesn't want FREE stuff?

So, I added a few more resources for FREE stuff for writers: conferences, books, professional memberships, and all those great giveaways that make me go wheee! Wheee! Wheee!

I hope you'll go wheee, too. Because really, who doesn't love free stuff?

Ooooh! A Baby Bobcat! (Or How I Found a TON of Stuff, Writing and Otherwise)

Isn't that the cutest bobcat kitten? I took this picture at a state park, a year or so ago. Now the little kitten's all grown up and back in the wild.

Now, I hope you don't think I've gratuitously posted a kitten picture just to pique your interest. There's a writing tie-in. Eventually.

So, last week, I decided to get my carpets cleaned. Not the way I usually clean them, with my steam cleaner mostly smashing dirt and such back into the carpet. Oh, no. I contacted Super Cleaner Guys who will move ALL your furniture and leave your home spic 'n span.

That was Mistake Number 1. Because one has to get super-prepared for Super Cleaner Guys. I moved TONS of stuff out of rooms, into bathrooms and shoot, I said to myself, might as well take this stuff down to the basement rather than lug it back into the room where it's just hanging out, collecting dust.

That was Mistake Number 2. Because everytime I moved something, I found more dust. Goodness, I said to myself, that's a lot of dust. Actually what I said was more like, "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! IT'S THE ATTACK OF THE GIANT DUST BUNNIES!

I survived. But I still had to move all the stuff back. Well, I said (and really, it was more like a growl) I should go through all this stuff before I put it back in the bedrooms and the offices.

I found quite a bit of stuff, writing and otherwise:

*My Michael Buble CD (Oh, Michael, I missed you and your honeyed voice!)

*The remote so I could turn on the CD player and listen to Michael Buble (Whew! I'm not gonna lie-I had a hard time figuring out how to operate remote-less.)

*A note with the words: Psalm 51 ( I think because "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew in me a steadfast spirit." is within that psalm. It's a very moving psalm. I'm glad I re-read it.)

*Notes from a talk that editor Cheryl Klein gave, almost three years ago. (She discussed the theme of the Harry Potter books and stressed how important it is that your plot support your theme. What lesson does your character learn through the plot?) But I wouldn't have checked out her swell website today and found that she has a forthcoming book! On plotting, revising and publishing for children and young adults. Wheeee!

*Issues of Writer's Digest from 2008 and other outdated kid's magazines (which I recycled to friends). Amongst the WD articles I skimmed before recycling(because there's always a few you don't get to), I read one about giving critiques and the do's and don'ts of critique etiquette. Which brings us to kittens.

Say there's a member of your critique group who shares a piece of writing wherein you are so offended or so confused or so non-plussed, that there's simply nothing on the positive side to say.
Give 'em a kitten.

Finding Something Friday: Writer Beware

I expect if you've been writing, you've been taken advantage of, writing-wise, somehow, some way. Which is really annoying, because writing's hard enough as it is.

That's why a group of brilliant writers banded together to bring the world Writer Beware. You've probably heard of this site, and know you can go there to get valuable information about scams and scoops, and help with your "problems or pitfalls" in publishing.

But did you know Writer Beware had a blog, brought to you by the same three authors? Not only do they bring you up-to-the-minute publishing news, but they also have links to tons of great blogs-agents, editors and info. It's a quick way to find some of the best writing resources available on the 'net.

Which is really swell, because I've got enough to do, producing scathingly brilliant writing.

(P.S. There's still time to comment for The Quick and the Thread. I'll leave the giveaway open till Monday so weekend visitors can have a chance to win this fun read. But it'd be really, really swell if you commented on that post.)

Tuesday Tip: Clearing Contacts

I don't really understand "the internets" all that well. But occasionally, I'm forced to figure out some internet-related glitch. So what I usually do is a. turn off my computer or b. scream at "the internets."

Neither of these approaches worked very well when the Beneficent Mr. Hall had his Facebook account hacked into. Suddenly, very interesting, not to mention titillating messages were sent to his flock of friends. Which numbers about 10. Seriously.

Still. It was unnerving. Especially in light of the fact that the Beneficent Mr. Hall's email account had been hacked-twice. Unfortunately, there were quite a few more contacts in that account, including business contacts. Um, oopsies!

So, what to do? For the Facebook account, he went all Terminator on it (I mean, who can blame him? The internet demons seem to have targeted him). He tried to terminate his email account, too, but couldn't figure out how. So he cleared out all the contacts.

Which brings us to our Tuesday Tip. You never know when the internet demons might attack. You can have all kinds of internet protection in place, but you could still get hit. So, you might want to be careful about holding on to tons of contacts.

I go through my contacts and get rid of dated ones, but recently, I had a TON of editor/submission contacts hanging about in my email. Imagine if the editor at a Christian anthology received a very interesting, not to mention titillating message from yours truly.

She'd probably go all Terminator on me. So clean out those business contacts, just to be on the safe side. Oh, and change up your passwords once in awhile, to keep the demons on their toes.

And go ahead and scream at the computer. That always makes me feel better.

(P.S. If one of you, my personal and very bestest friend contacts, should get a very interesting, not to mention titillating message from me, please know that's it's not from me. Probably.)

Finding Something Friday: Got Any (Writing) Eggs?

I've come across more than a few good (writing) eggs this week, so I'm just going to throw them out there (carefully).


Calls for Submissions:


Writer's Market is looking for article pitches for the 2012 edition. You don't have to be that famous writer, where everybody knows your name. You just have to have a great idea about writing. And get that idea to the editor by 8/31.


Robert Brewer is also looking for ideas for his Poet's Market 2012. Got a brilliant idea on how to market your poetry? Bet he'd like to see it (by 9/7).

Cup of Comfort for Christian Women's deadline is right around the ...um, next week! If you have a comforting story of faith, write it and send by 8/15!


Free Tips that Won't be Free Next week:


How to Build a Rabid Following on Twitter, courtesy of blogging guru, Jonathan Morrow. Watch and learn!

Is This the Secret to Building a Popular Blog?, also courtesy of Mr. Morrow. Now, I can't help it if you click too late. He'll be pulling these great instructional videos any day now for his paid webinar.


A Bonus Freebie:


If you read Hope Clark's Funds for Writers free newsletter, you know she is a font of markets, contests, grants and more. But have you checked out her Tweetbooks yet? When I renewed my paid subscription for Total FFW, I got this fabulous deal of 8 Tweetbooks with the price of my renewal. BUT, if you just want to see what the Tweetbook fuss is about, she offers a free download. I think it's Poetry Markets right now. So you've got nothing to lose-and 20 markets to gain!


Want to Win a Book?


Blogger buddy Karen over at The Absinthe Road is giving away TWO copies of her poetry collection, Three Thousand Doors. Comment anytime during August.

Blogger buddy LuAnn is giving away a copy of Margaret Norton's memoir, When Ties Break. Comment by 8/11 if you'd like a chance to win this powerful memoir.

Blogger buddy Donna is sponsoring a fun contest where you can win a book, or a critique and um, bubble gum. That's right, bubble gum. You've got till 8/15 till the bubble pops on that one.


Oh, and I'll be giving away a really sweet book myself next week on What Not To Do Wednesday. So I know you'll be busy, what with winning books, writing pitches and essays, and downloading tips. BUT I expect to see you all back here, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to win a wonderful (writing) egg next week!

(Photo from stock.xchng)

What Not To Do Wednesday On Money (It's a Gas)

Oh, yeah. Pink Floyd singing Money. It's a gas, all right. As long as the money's rolling in. But sometimes, we have to put the brakes on a job when there's no money in sight.

I've had a few situations recently that had me thinking about money, grasshopper...

In the first instance, what I thought was a paying market turned out to be a non-paying market. So, I had to do some considering. But here's what not to do: don't be afraid to speak up if a market changes their pay procedure during the submission process.

The other situation involved a job discussion that was going back and forth in the most delightful way- till the money I wanted didn't coincide with what the client wanted to pay.

So here's the thing, grasshopper. Know thyself, where money is concerned. If you want to get paid for your work, set your fee. There's no need for long explanations. Ideally, you've done your research and know what's a fair price for the work you do, whether it's editing or essays or writing on the wall.

Sometimes, you'll make money. And sometimes, a client will drop off the face of the earth, never to be heard from again. Unlike Pink Floyd. They just keep on going-and making money. (Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.)

Finding Something Friday: Genres, Essay Contest and Hugs

Because I need to work on my YA manuscript today, I had editing, Chapter 7, and plot directions and themes on my mind. This Writer's Digest article on The Do's and Don'ts of Combining Genres was exactly what I needed to clear up some genre-blending questions I have. So, if you're working on a book-length manuscript, you might find it illuminating.

Because I love to win, I bookmarked this essay contest from Affordable Insurance. So far, I've come up with, oh, let me think a minute... Um, nope. Still zero ideas for this essay. But I know y'all love essays, too, and perhaps you've got a scathingly brilliant insurance topic. So, good luck with this contest!

And because I can't exactly hug all my wonderful blog readers, I thought I'd pass along Free Hugs in Sondrio, Italy. I love Cohen's Hallelujah, and I always smile when I watch this video on Youtube. So, here's my free hug to you.

I just love Finding Something Friday, don't you?

What's Over YOUR Writing Spot?

My writing spot happens to be a desk.

Oh, I might open my laptop while sitting at the kitchen table, or outside on the deck, or even in my HUGE comfy chair when the Braves are on TV. But serious creative thinking and/or writing goes on at my desk (despite what the Beneficent Mr. Hall may say). So, it's there, above and around my desk, where I've posted stuff to inspire, amuse, prod or cajole me into writing brilliance.

As I just posted my latest calendar sheet of the month, I thought I'd share. Because this simple tool (courtesy of The Verb ezine, from the genius of ReadingWriters) has made me even more brilliant (again, despite what the Beneficent Mr. Hall may say).

What I love about the calendar is that I can see, at a glance, the entire month. I can map out projects I want to tackle, making a workable time table. I check off a goal as I go-or circle a project I didn't get to and add it to the next month. By the end of the month, my pretty little calendar sheet might be a mess. But I'm always surprised at how much I've accomplished. What can I say? There's just something about goals staring me in the face every day that motivates and/or guilts me .

Plus, I always get a kick out of those monthly quotes. So, if you're having trouble organizing your writing goals, you might want to try this simple (and did I mention totally free?) calendar, still available here for download.

I'll share more "stuff over my writing spot" soon, and I'd love to hear about something over YOUR writing spot. Hahahaha! (Sorry-I just noticed one of my comic strips up there. Those Pearls Before Swine guys always make me laugh.)

Tuesday Tip: Practicing Writer's Free E-Book of Essay Markets!

A few years ago, when I first went back to writing, I won one of Erika Dreifus' e-books. It was a wonderful boon, and I remember thinking how lucky I was to have that writer's tool. Now, you can get one of those e-books for free!

Erika is the editor of the Practicing Writer, delivering a free newsletter and hosting a blog of the same name. And, as I mentioned, she's authored a handful of e-books. But now she's getting out of the e-book business. Which is a bonus for the rest of us writers!

Um, that didn't come out exactly right. What I mean to say is that Erika's getting out of the e-book business, but she's giving away her e-books when she goes (August 1). Wheee! So, as many of you are essay writers, you should dash over here, read Erika's post explaining it all, and then get your free e-book, The Practicing Writer's Directory of Paying Essay Markets.

I've already downloaded my freebie. And it was simple (you'll have to sign on to the site, but it's free). So thank you very much, Erika. Again!

What Not To Wednesday on Marketing and WIIFM

Yes, grasshopper, today we're talking about marketing. But don't think you can skip out because it's marketing. It's marketing having to do with writing. And I'll try to be quick about it.

A few years ago, when I first started column writing, I willingly, happily gave my columns to a regional magazine. For free. I needed to learn the ropes, and fortunately for me, a local rope dangled right there in front of me. I learned quite a bit about deadline writing, fitting in the word count, and being funny whether I felt funny or not. So, it was all good.

After a year or so, a new publisher bought the magazine and I worked out a compensation deal for the column. It was all, um, good-er. And then I thought, as Webster is my dictionary, I'll never write for free again!

Now, I can't tell you what to do, grasshopper (though that is kinda the point here at WNTD), but making absolute statements is not such a good idea. Like when it comes to writing for free. Sometimes, I'll write something for free. Because sometimes, I just want to lend a helping (writing) hand to a friend or colleague. But other times, I'll consider WIIFM.

I didn't know there was an actual acronym for "What's in it for me?" but you learn something every day. I learned that tidbit when I read Jane Friedman's spot-on post, "The Most Important Marketing Acronym: WIIFM." She makes a few excellent points on marketing. And you might want to read the comments, too. You'll find some excellent points among her readers' views.

I know what you're thinking, grasshopper. WIIFM has kind of a harsh ring to it. So maybe a new acronym, more polite-sounding, is needed (with the same sentiment). How about "PAPTDAFFYASMYCRTF."

Hmmm. My next What Not To Do will be on Southerners and why we shouldn't put them in charge of writing acronyms.

*Pleased As Punch To Do A Favor For You And Someday Maybe You Can Return The Favor

Bunches of Books!

I'm having one of those weeks filled with bunches of books! There's one you can win, one that I won, one that's a sneak peek, and one that a friend passed along on a loan.

That kinda rhymed, didn't it? Kinda? Anyway, we must hurry if you want to win a book.

My buddy, Jodi, is giving away When A Woman Takes An Axe to a Wall. Which could go several ways, but in this case, has to do with handywoman's work. You only have till midnight TONIGHT to win this book. But even if you're not into axeing down walls like me, you'll love Jodi's blog. So, skedaddle over there and put a comment on her blog wall.



Last week, I mentioned that I won Savvy, a swell middle grade book by Ingrid Law. But I also won a book called Epitaph Road, a swell YA book by David Patneaude. Know how I won it? Twitter. Well, Twitter to Facebook. Twitter is just a fount of book giveaways! So, there's another place to zip through if you like to win books (and then give them away after you read them). Which is likely to happen soon with Epitaph Road.



I received Accidental Cowgirl by Mary Lynn Archibald in the mail yesterday, and I will tell you that it's a. a humorous memoir, b. it'll be on a later blog book tour here at the Hall of Fame and c. the whole name of the book is Accidental Cowgirl, Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue. I haven't even opened the book and I know I'm gonna laugh. So, you'll want to hear more in July, when Mary Lynn Archibald stops by.




And finally, I had lunch with a buddy (okay, it was Anita) who passed along The Maeve Binchy Writer's Club. She really enjoyed this book about the business of writing, and as I really enjoy her blog, and her fine self, I'm itching to sit down and read this book.


But I've got bunches of books to read. And miles to go before I sleep. (That poem reference kinda fit, didn't it? Kinda?)

Thursday's Three: Writing the Query Letter

I've had query letters on the brain lately...I suppose if I keep reading about how to write a great query letter, I'll actually write a great query letter. So, as I've come across three wonderful resources, let's tackle query letters. (Can't I get a Wheee?)

1. Karen Strong, who blogs over at Musings of a Novelista, shared what she learned in 2010 FL SCBWI: Query Letters.

2. Janet Reid, Literary Agent, has a blog wherein she delves into all things query. She completes me-in a query sort of way.

3. Agent Query...kinda says it all. Except here's tons of tips on writing the query letter.

No more excuses. Wheeeeeee!

(Thanks to stock.xchng for photo)

Finding Something Friday on Business Cards (Or Everybody Needs a Simon Cowell Friend)

So, I told you that I purchased new business cards, right? But when they came in, I could see that the photo I used on the card was a tad dark. Still, I figured the card would work.

Until a writer friend of mine said, "Your photo's too dark."

Um, I went to work on that photo, lightening it up, and then ordered new cards. And today, I found the new cards in my mailbox!


As you can clearly see, my writer friend was right. And I'm so glad she told me what I'm sure everyone else was thinking. (If only she could have told me in a British accent.)

What Not To Do Wednesday on Backing Up (Files)

I had to add the (Files) part, 'cause honestly, there are some followers out there who might think I meant driving. And driving is not one of my um, strongpoints.

Backing up files was not one of my strongpoints, either. But after an epic crash, you could say I had a "crash" course in file-backing-up. I don't like to dwell on those dark days, grasshopper. Anyway, we're not talking about me today. We're talking about you and your need to back up files.

There are online storage sites you can use to back up your files. Or you can use a flash drive. Assuming you can remember where your flash drive is. Or you can just email yourself important files. That's what I do with my "pre-published" manuscripts.

I've probably explained all of this before, grasshopper, but it bears repeating. Because I just got a message from my new PC. Something to the effect of "Okay, Sister, you haven't backed up your files. Don't come crying to me when you lose every last word of your latest scathingly brilliant manuscript. All because you couldn't take a lousy 30 seconds to back up files."

Oh, PC. You really have a way with words.

Tuesday Tip: HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

Just because HARO is all about helping reporters and you're NOT a reporter, doesn't mean you can skip this post. HARO is awesome for reporters. But it's an awesome way to get your sweet promotion out there, in whatever way you shine.

First, a little info. HARO was started by the awesome Peter Shankman to provide sources for reporters. You know how you need that one killer quote from an expert to make your article really swell? Or sell, for that matter. So, instead of running around everywhere, looking for experts and tracking them down for a word or two of wisdom, a freelancer can put a call out on this site, absolutely free, and soon, all kinds of responses will come shooting into your inbox.

How's that for easy? When I pitched a horror article to WOW! Women-on-Writing, editor Annette Fix suggested I Wow! the piece with a few quotes. Use HARO to track down a few authors, she said. And before you could say, "Boo!" I had horror authors filling up my inbox. Really helped flesh out the article (no pun intended) and I learned a new thing or two. Always a good day when I learn something new.

But I also had another thought. Maybe I'll sign up on the contact page. You never know when my extensive knowledge about all things Southern may be needed. And horror, now that I've finished that article. And dealing with crazy dogs...and witty writing...and well, you get the picture. And if someone quotes me, then wheee!

But read the HARO rules carefully. Mr. Shankman, I understand, wants everyone to play nicely. Considering what you get out of this fun tool box, it's the least you can do.

Finding Something Friday on Bella Online

Oh, what I would do if time were like money in a bank. If all those days I frittered away (is that a real word-frittered? or a Southern thing?) could be withdrawn now and used in a more, uh, constructive manner.

But time isn't like that. And I have so many projects in the pan now that I haven't seen the light of day for weeks. I'm seriously taking on the pallor of the undead. But maybe you're looking for a project to get you started in your writing. Maybe Bella Online would be a good fit for you.

I stumbled across Bella Online when searching for an article and noticed they were looking for editors. It's a web-content rich site where each editor builds her section. I should say each female editor, because it's also an estrogen-rich site. Pay is tied in with advertising. If you have time to invest, you could really reap a big payoff.

These kinds of writing opportunities are geared to new writers with a need to establish a presence and experience. The site provides templates to work with and I had the impression, all the help you need. Take a look around, find out what editors Bella Online needs, and see what this site has to offer.

Lots of opportunities if you've got time on your hands. I've got to get back to work, but I plan to fritter away my Easter weekend...(Seriously, did I make up the verb "fritter"??? And thanks to Charkrem at flickr.com for the yummy apple fritters-which are real and delicious!)

What Not To Do Wednesday on Web-keeping

You know what annoys me, grasshopper? I mean, besides opening an ice cream carton and finding a mound of ice crystals growing over one lousy tablespoon of mint chocolate chip.

Checking out somebody's blog and finding a post from six months back kinda annoys me. Especially if I've gotten pulled into somebody's interesting blog life. Because then, grasshopper, I'm wondering if that somebody is alive or dead or tossing back Margaritas in Acapulco.

And what about those author websites that haven't been updated in five years? Surely, Ima Author has done something in the last five years that's website-worthy. How about cracking open the website and adding a new link? Or changing out an old link that's no longer relevant?

Here's the thing, grasshopper. If you're going to go to the trouble to build a blog or website and use those tools for promotion and marketing and such, don't you think it might work better to keep the sites current, to practice a little website house-keeping?

When you don't update regularly, you can lose your audience. So, you've wasted all your efforts. And wasting efforts really annoys me. Even more than scraping off ice crystals from the last bite of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

P.S. Don't forget about your chance to win Writer Mama by Christina Katz! Just tell me what you love about writing and you're entered in the Share the Writer Mama Love Giveaway.

Get Organized, Get Successful, Get the ICL E-News

I wrote about my recent article that appeared in the ICL E-News over at Finders and Keepers, where I blog about all things kid-lit related. But then I thought, gee, Cath, why not share the link, and thus my swell organizational ideas here?

So, if you're wondering how to get organized and watch your writing success take off in the process, check out Organize Your Writing Life here. And if you're interested in children's writing, check out the Institute for Children's Lit website here and sign up for the free newsletter. You'll get plenty of writing tips you can use in whatever you're writing.

Oh, and if you're thinking about giving freelance writing a chance, then take a chance in my "Share the Writer Mama" giveaway. Leave a comment today on why you love writing and you're entered to win Christina Katz' book. You can check out Finding Something Friday on February 6 for more details.

Or, you can just leave a comment with your favorite writer's tip for getting organized. I need all the help I can get!

Why Premium Green is a Good Idea

A few weeks ago, I renewed my membership to Premium Green, the freelance markets guide that's available from Wow! Women on Writing. I rely on PG for inside scoops on markets, and I've snagged more than enough writing gigs to pay for my membership many times over.

That's not the top reason I renewed membership. What I really rely on is the support and expertise shared by the members on a daily basis. Writing's a business that requires a tough skin, and I'm glad I've got a bunch of writer friends at PG who pick me up when those tough moments come along.

But what I really, really rely on is the expertise of so many talented writing professionals. Because if Annette Fix (she's the author of The Break-up Diet and senior editor at WOW!) hadn't noticed that I'd written screen saver instead of screen shot on that last post, I'd have looked like an idiot for...well, probably forever. In fact, Annette's the PG'er who passed along the idea of making screen shots of your clips.

So, thanks to Annette for catching that. Too bad she can't fix all those other idiot things I do.

Look, Ma! I Can Create a Screen Shot!

I know what you're thinking. Creating a screen shot is not that big of a deal. But if you were to have a link to one of your precious clips go dead, than what would you do?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? (Did you just hear Karl Malden saying that line?)

Luckily, you've created a screen shot of the clip, or printed a copy and scanned the clip, making a pdf file. So you're covered.

Now, if you'll pardon me, I've got some scanning/ screen shooting to do.