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Monday, March 30, 2009
Hang Tough, Writer!
Is it just me, or is anybody else out there
tired of the gloomy, "dark clouds only" reporting of the news media? Concerning the news media, here are a few things
to keep in mind:
1) They often distort the truth or don't give the whole side of the story.
2) They
have an agenda, whether political or ratings oriented.
3) You can choose not to participate.
That's
right. You can choose not to participate. Turn off the television. Hey, you're a writer. You should be writing anyway.
The more negative input you get, the more residue it leaves on you, which isn't good for creativity.
But what
about the recession, you ask? Markets abound for writers--still! Don't believe me? Go to your local library or bookstore
and find the writing reference section. Take a look at the Writer's Market Book. Is it thick? Is it a bit heavy
to lug around? That's because it's chock full of--you guessed it--writing markets! Opportunities!
The
Chinese have an interesting translation for the word "crisis." It means both "danger" and "opportunity." As
others sit at the sidelines, paralyzed by fear, you, brave writer, can seize the opportunity to write and publish your
work!
12:54 pm cdt
Monday, March 9, 2009
Light From the Contest Day
I've got a friend
in Denmark named Andrea--a writer who contacted this website last year for editing services. A writer who, through our continued
email exchanges, has become a long distance friend.
Andrea is a teacher on Sejeroe, an island which
is part of Denmark. There she teaches English (and other subjects) to students of various ages, some of whom have written
to this American to practice their English skills. When Andrea told me that she wanted to encourage the students in their
English language lessons, I suggested that the children write stories in English for a contest I offered to judge.
The idea took off from there. The kids and their parents got really excited about it. A library offered to give books for
prizes. The local newspaper wrote a story about it. Adults on the island expressed interest in starting up classes to learn
English. While it was some extra work for Andrea because she'd have to type in all of the stories, both she and I got
excited about the idea, too. After I judged the stories and wrote encouraging words to all of the students about their entries,
I waited with anticipation to see how the day would turn out.
Later I saw an email in my inbox from my Danish
friend with the title "Light from the contest day," and I eagerly read the news. The day had been special,
with parents gathering with their children for the awards presentation. The students were happy to receive their book
prizes, as even those who didn't win received something. One of the students, Jonas, who won the best story category
for the older children didn't think he would win anything.
The newspaper did a follow-up story, and I have
here a copy of it, thanks to Andrea. I see the faces of the kids, and I'm glad that I was a part of it. That I could help
with a wonderful project that brought happiness and encouragement to young writers. It was like Andrea said, "light from
the contest day!"
1:59 pm cdt
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Only 1 day left to enter our Amazing Story Fiction Contest with new, easy guidelines and longer word length. Only 45 entries received as of 7/31!
Results are in for our Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest! Congratulations to the winners.
Check out
our Past Winners for more great reads!
Need an editor?
Have
you written a story but are unsure what to do next? Do you find grammar and punctuation confusing? Let us fuss over your writing!
We will polish your work so that you communicate effectively, accurately, and creatively. For
more information, see our competitive rates.
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"Two
saxophone cases sat on the table. I rushed over and ran my fingers over the case that was clearly the more expensive. When
I lifted the cover, I gasped and my mouth went dry. I'd never seen anything so beautiful. The gold-lacquered saxophone, nested
in a plush velvet lining, shimmered like a rare jewel. I ached to own it and to run my fingers over the mother-of-pearl finger
pads whenever I wanted to. It was a dream. Would it come true?" [...] Read "The Saxophone" by George Thomas, winner of our 2010 Dead of Winter Nonfiction Contest.
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So why get a critique?
Every day we pay for small, trivial things, like a soda out of the vending machine at work or
a candy bar in line at the grocery store. A magazine or a manicure. A cup of coffee through the drive-thru.
But how much do we invest in enriching our lives?
Developing a talent that's been dormant for a long time? Realizing a dream, like seeing our name in print?
Why
get a critique? I say, why not?
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