John McCafferty, a member of our local Sarasota chapter of the Florida Writers Association, recently wrote a feature article that has been published in the current edition of the Venice Gondolier Sun newspaper. The article shines a compassionate spotlight on a young man named Garret Frey who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in 1987. Since then, Garret has been a quadriplegic who is totally paralyzed and must depend on a respirator for every breath.
Despite his physical limitations, however, Garret has recently published a book titled AS I AM. In the book, he talks about his life as a quadriplegic and how he has utilized his disabilities to make the lives of other handicapped persons richer and fuller. Garret and his mother even appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States. The appearance resulted in a ground-breaking decision that "Set a precedent of access to public education for thousands of handicapped children throughout the nation."
Garret Frey, along with his mother Charlene and Sarasota Psychologist and mentor Dr. Karen Pirnot, will be sharing their story Tuesday, May 5th, at the Venice Public Library, beginning at 3:30. That is also the date of Garret's 27th birthday and his 23rd birthday since the accident.
As McCafferty says in his article, "Only the person with the disability really knows what it is like to live day-to-day as a quadriplegic, but Frey shines a bright light on that mystery in his book."
Please plan to attend this inspirational event.
And congratulations to John McCafferty for his excellent article!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
John McCafferty - A Special Tribute
Sarasota's FWA member, John McCafferty, is a quiet, rather subdued man, but he is a people person extrordinaire. Whenever a need arises to help someone, promote something worthy, and devote time and effort above and beyond the call of group loyalty and assistance, I call on John.
I did so recently in my effort to help promote an amazing young man by the name of Garrett Frey. Garrett, due to an accident as a small child, was rendered a life of quadraplegia paralyzed from the neck down. Along with help and devotion from his mother, Charlene, and a local resident and Child Psychologist, Dr. Karen Pirnot, Garrett has accomplished things that no able-bodied person could even comprehend. Dr. Pirnot, an author in her own right, has dedicated a large portion of her life to working with Garret Frey. Now, with her assistance, one of Garrett's fondest goals has been met. He has written a life story that stands alone in stories of one life's accomplishments in his recently released book, "As I Am".
So, what does all this have to do with John McCafferty? Anyone who can get their hands on a copy of the Venice Gondolier for Saturday, May 2nd will see. John has provided, through hours of work and dedication, a full page story with continuation on two more pages of Garrett's new book and his special appearance at Venice Library next Tuesday, May 5th, at 3:30 p.m. The editor of the Venice Gondolier, Kim Cool, respects and values John's past community services with his stories so much that publication is a given if John presents her with a valid storyline. I want to thank the Kim and the Gondolier, as well.
My personal thank you to John cannot be adequately expressed in a blog post. I would ask with a grateful heart, that if anyone should read this message and find themselves able to attend the event for this remarkable young man, your presence is heartily hoped for. If it is impossible to attend, please do make every effort to obtain a copy of the Gondolier and read the work of one special man's telling of another special man's appearance in our community.
Too, Sviat at the Sanddollar Bookstore at the corner of Miami Ave and Nassau in downtown Venice is featuring "As I Am" at his store to coincide with the event. Sviat and the Sanddollar, also a friend to all local authors. Thank you, Sviat.
Lots of rainbows in our town . . .
Susan
I did so recently in my effort to help promote an amazing young man by the name of Garrett Frey. Garrett, due to an accident as a small child, was rendered a life of quadraplegia paralyzed from the neck down. Along with help and devotion from his mother, Charlene, and a local resident and Child Psychologist, Dr. Karen Pirnot, Garrett has accomplished things that no able-bodied person could even comprehend. Dr. Pirnot, an author in her own right, has dedicated a large portion of her life to working with Garret Frey. Now, with her assistance, one of Garrett's fondest goals has been met. He has written a life story that stands alone in stories of one life's accomplishments in his recently released book, "As I Am".
So, what does all this have to do with John McCafferty? Anyone who can get their hands on a copy of the Venice Gondolier for Saturday, May 2nd will see. John has provided, through hours of work and dedication, a full page story with continuation on two more pages of Garrett's new book and his special appearance at Venice Library next Tuesday, May 5th, at 3:30 p.m. The editor of the Venice Gondolier, Kim Cool, respects and values John's past community services with his stories so much that publication is a given if John presents her with a valid storyline. I want to thank the Kim and the Gondolier, as well.
My personal thank you to John cannot be adequately expressed in a blog post. I would ask with a grateful heart, that if anyone should read this message and find themselves able to attend the event for this remarkable young man, your presence is heartily hoped for. If it is impossible to attend, please do make every effort to obtain a copy of the Gondolier and read the work of one special man's telling of another special man's appearance in our community.
Too, Sviat at the Sanddollar Bookstore at the corner of Miami Ave and Nassau in downtown Venice is featuring "As I Am" at his store to coincide with the event. Sviat and the Sanddollar, also a friend to all local authors. Thank you, Sviat.
Lots of rainbows in our town . . .
Susan
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Spotlight on Susan Haley
For those of you who want to know more about Susan Haley, the facilitator of our local FWA chapter, there is an excellent and informative interview with her on a blog that is coordinated by Bree Hill. Bree is a sometimes-resident of Sarasota, a book reviewer, a world traveler, and an excellent writer in her own right.
This interview may be especially helpful to our new members who are wondering just who this Susan Haley is? What has she accomplished? What are her goals? And how did she end up as our local "den mother?"
Click on the following link for the answer to these and to the many other questions that might be floating around in your head.
www.noralyn.com/blogger/success
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
This interview may be especially helpful to our new members who are wondering just who this Susan Haley is? What has she accomplished? What are her goals? And how did she end up as our local "den mother?"
Click on the following link for the answer to these and to the many other questions that might be floating around in your head.
www.noralyn.com/blogger/success
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
Sunday, April 05, 2009
One of the most advantageous benefits of FWA membership is statewide coverage of our publicity announcements. The link to our own Sarasota blog is on the main FWA website. Anyone browsing there in this area will click on our blog. So we help ALL FWA members when we share our announcements from group to group.
An FWA member in the Fort Myers group will be signing and discussing her new novel "The Ride" at Barnes and Noble here in Sarasota next Saturday, 4/11/09 from 1-4. Let's try to support each other and visiting FWA members, as well. Anyone looking for an Easter Gift for an adult? Maybe a visit with Jane on Saturday would end your search.
Susan
An FWA member in the Fort Myers group will be signing and discussing her new novel "The Ride" at Barnes and Noble here in Sarasota next Saturday, 4/11/09 from 1-4. Let's try to support each other and visiting FWA members, as well. Anyone looking for an Easter Gift for an adult? Maybe a visit with Jane on Saturday would end your search.
Susan
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What Russ Heitz's Interview Taught Me.
Folks, it was my intention last night, at the FWA meeting, to relay a few pointers I picked up from listening to Russ Heitz’s Internet Radio Interview on January 27, 2009. We know that Russ is an extraordinary writer with his works encompassing many different genres. So, when the Interviewer asked Russ what advice he would pass on to new writers, I listened.
Russ advised that all new writers should always work with a detailed outline. I tried to skip this part when I sat down to write a children’s chapter book. I was anxious to start writing. I prepared a brief outline. Not good, fellow beginners. When Russ says “detailed,” he is saying it for a reason. After I wrote three Chapters, I found I was floundering. Why? I jumped from one scene to another, leaving out important details that were needed for transition. So, it was back to the drawing board for me – I spent trillions of hours developing that “detailed” outline, the effect of which sent me flying through chapters.
Prompted by the interviewer, Russ relayed that the hardest part of writing a book is getting through the initial First Draft and that the “fun part” is the rewriting. Yup – that First Draft is a killer. Novices must understand this. If they do, they will not give up, as so many do. I rewrote six times and, guess what novices, it is fun. Never in a million years, after writing that First Draft” did I think I would have fun. I dreaded the thought of having to go back and make changes. I didn’t think I had it in me, was capable of offering anything else. Once I began, though, and saw that changes improved the flow, I took off like a bat out of “that fiery place.” And, I had fun.
Russ then told the Interviewer that the biggest hurdle a new writer must face is rejection. I'd read this over and over again in all those “How To” books. To hear a writer as prominent as Russ say this, substantiated those words – making them credible. Yes, we must be prepared for the obstacles that our established authors warn us about.
Just one more important piece of information that Russ conveyed to the interviewer regarding marketing literature. Russ said (maybe not word for word), “Used to be you would write (and that’s it). The publisher would publish. Publishers today now want you to get out there and market your own book.” I was flabbergasted to hear this. I knew this was true of Independent Publishers, but not Traditional. Unfortunately, I see a future where those with creative talent will have to suppress that talent because it will be impossible for them to put the proverbial “food on the table.” Writing takes an enormous amount of time; selling takes more. Only the chosen few authors will be able to make a living from their talent. The rest of them will be left only with their dreams.
Reality – we must succumb to it and then work with it to our best advantage. We all can do this – “Yes we can” because we have the best resource of all to teach us how – The Florida Writer’s Association. As Russ explained to the Interviewer, this organization is all about “writers helping writers.”
You're amazing, Russ. Thank you! Your Interview helped me and I now hope these few points from your interview will help others.
Linda M. Malloy
Russ advised that all new writers should always work with a detailed outline. I tried to skip this part when I sat down to write a children’s chapter book. I was anxious to start writing. I prepared a brief outline. Not good, fellow beginners. When Russ says “detailed,” he is saying it for a reason. After I wrote three Chapters, I found I was floundering. Why? I jumped from one scene to another, leaving out important details that were needed for transition. So, it was back to the drawing board for me – I spent trillions of hours developing that “detailed” outline, the effect of which sent me flying through chapters.
Prompted by the interviewer, Russ relayed that the hardest part of writing a book is getting through the initial First Draft and that the “fun part” is the rewriting. Yup – that First Draft is a killer. Novices must understand this. If they do, they will not give up, as so many do. I rewrote six times and, guess what novices, it is fun. Never in a million years, after writing that First Draft” did I think I would have fun. I dreaded the thought of having to go back and make changes. I didn’t think I had it in me, was capable of offering anything else. Once I began, though, and saw that changes improved the flow, I took off like a bat out of “that fiery place.” And, I had fun.
Russ then told the Interviewer that the biggest hurdle a new writer must face is rejection. I'd read this over and over again in all those “How To” books. To hear a writer as prominent as Russ say this, substantiated those words – making them credible. Yes, we must be prepared for the obstacles that our established authors warn us about.
Just one more important piece of information that Russ conveyed to the interviewer regarding marketing literature. Russ said (maybe not word for word), “Used to be you would write (and that’s it). The publisher would publish. Publishers today now want you to get out there and market your own book.” I was flabbergasted to hear this. I knew this was true of Independent Publishers, but not Traditional. Unfortunately, I see a future where those with creative talent will have to suppress that talent because it will be impossible for them to put the proverbial “food on the table.” Writing takes an enormous amount of time; selling takes more. Only the chosen few authors will be able to make a living from their talent. The rest of them will be left only with their dreams.
Reality – we must succumb to it and then work with it to our best advantage. We all can do this – “Yes we can” because we have the best resource of all to teach us how – The Florida Writer’s Association. As Russ explained to the Interviewer, this organization is all about “writers helping writers.”
You're amazing, Russ. Thank you! Your Interview helped me and I now hope these few points from your interview will help others.
Linda M. Malloy
Friday, March 20, 2009
Hats Off To Susan Haley!
I attended my second Sarasota Chapter Florida Writers Association meeting last night - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - at the Gulf Gate Library. I left "inspired." I left "hopeful." The contributions of the participants gave me an opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge regarding the writing world. I am grateful to Susan Haley, our FWA leader, for leading well. In my lifetime, I have attended many meetings that were not well conducted, not organized and carried an agenda that was not well thought out. When that happens members often leave frustrated and angry with no knowledge gained and/or nothing accomplished. That was not the case with this FWA meeting. Why? Exemplary leadership.
Thank you, members, for sharing your thoughts, ideas and work.
Thank you, Susan, for your leadership and for all of the time and effort you devote to this organization.
Linda M. Malloy
Thank you, members, for sharing your thoughts, ideas and work.
Thank you, Susan, for your leadership and for all of the time and effort you devote to this organization.
Linda M. Malloy
Friday, March 13, 2009
How To Structure A Novel
Madeline Mora-Summonte wants to pass on some info about a course coming up at the Sarasota County Technical Institute. It should appeal to a number of writers in our group, especially those interested in learning more about getting published. The course is called HOW TO STRUCTURE A NOVEL SO EDITORS & AGENTS WANT IT. A brief description of the course is as follows:
"No matter what genre they write in, beginning novelists who rely on words alone to tell their stories always find their manuscripts rejected by agents and editors. In this workshop, learn the vital framework that determines whether a novel is published or rejected, how to tell if what they've already done has that framework, and what to do if it doesn't. Strictly a nuts and bolts workshop for writers who are serious about getting published. NO critiquing or discussion of story idea. FEE FOR THIS CLASS IS NONREFUNDABLE."
TIME: Saturday, April 18, 9:00am till 12 noon
LOCATION: SCTI, Portable I-1
COST: $23.00
INSTRUCTOR: Blaize Clement (well-known mystery writer who has several traditionally published books to her credit)
For those unfamiliar with ACEC the letters stand for Adult & Community Education Center. And please be aware that you must register ahead of time for this workshop. Seating is limited. And you must register through ACEC, NOT SCTI. Just go to the ACEC website listed below, click on "One Day Workshops" and scroll down to "How to Structure a Novel So Editors & Agents Want It."
For more info go to: http://www.ace-sarasota.com/
Thanks for the info, Madeline. Sounds like an interesting workshop!
Posted by
Russ Heitz
"No matter what genre they write in, beginning novelists who rely on words alone to tell their stories always find their manuscripts rejected by agents and editors. In this workshop, learn the vital framework that determines whether a novel is published or rejected, how to tell if what they've already done has that framework, and what to do if it doesn't. Strictly a nuts and bolts workshop for writers who are serious about getting published. NO critiquing or discussion of story idea. FEE FOR THIS CLASS IS NONREFUNDABLE."
TIME: Saturday, April 18, 9:00am till 12 noon
LOCATION: SCTI, Portable I-1
COST: $23.00
INSTRUCTOR: Blaize Clement (well-known mystery writer who has several traditionally published books to her credit)
For those unfamiliar with ACEC the letters stand for Adult & Community Education Center. And please be aware that you must register ahead of time for this workshop. Seating is limited. And you must register through ACEC, NOT SCTI. Just go to the ACEC website listed below, click on "One Day Workshops" and scroll down to "How to Structure a Novel So Editors & Agents Want It."
For more info go to: http://www.ace-sarasota.com/
Thanks for the info, Madeline. Sounds like an interesting workshop!
Posted by
Russ Heitz
Friday, February 20, 2009
Meeting 2/18 updates and site links
Hello Group!
I'm happy to report we had a great meeting on Wednesday. Welcome to the potential new members and guests and also the returning members who'd missed a couple of meetings. Based on my feedback, everyone is enjoying the time set aside for readings and discussions and more and more are signing up to take part. I already have my first reader for March. Two places to fill, so get me your request asap. I take them in order of receipt. Patti will continue her 'novel saga' which we've all come to look forward to.
There was great interest shown in the opportunity to submit work to Julie Milton, the Executive Editor for Scene Sarasota magazine for her new Web Access Only project. She is accepting short stories up to 3000 words, essays, and poems. Names and a short bio will be included in the print magazine contents and your work featured on the website. She must receive submissions by the 20th of each month. If you'd like to take part send by document attachment with submissions in the email subject line to: Julie@scenesarasota.com.
For the nature and garden lovers be sure to check out www.rafgardens.org for the contest guidelines. The entry fee is unbelievably low at $10 for 3-5 poems and $10 for an essay. You can enter both categories. RAF is a non-profit organization based in Redlands, California that does great work in preserving nature and sharing its bounties with the infirm in the form of floral bouquets delivered to care centers. The contest is worth supporting for that reason alone. Check out their site: www.RafGardens.org
Any further questions on either publication, feel free to email me.
Thanks to all for their interest and support of our local FWA Chapter. It is a true example of "Writers Helping Writers".
Susan
I'm happy to report we had a great meeting on Wednesday. Welcome to the potential new members and guests and also the returning members who'd missed a couple of meetings. Based on my feedback, everyone is enjoying the time set aside for readings and discussions and more and more are signing up to take part. I already have my first reader for March. Two places to fill, so get me your request asap. I take them in order of receipt. Patti will continue her 'novel saga' which we've all come to look forward to.
There was great interest shown in the opportunity to submit work to Julie Milton, the Executive Editor for Scene Sarasota magazine for her new Web Access Only project. She is accepting short stories up to 3000 words, essays, and poems. Names and a short bio will be included in the print magazine contents and your work featured on the website. She must receive submissions by the 20th of each month. If you'd like to take part send by document attachment with submissions in the email subject line to: Julie@scenesarasota.com.
For the nature and garden lovers be sure to check out www.rafgardens.org for the contest guidelines. The entry fee is unbelievably low at $10 for 3-5 poems and $10 for an essay. You can enter both categories. RAF is a non-profit organization based in Redlands, California that does great work in preserving nature and sharing its bounties with the infirm in the form of floral bouquets delivered to care centers. The contest is worth supporting for that reason alone. Check out their site: www.RafGardens.org
Any further questions on either publication, feel free to email me.
Thanks to all for their interest and support of our local FWA Chapter. It is a true example of "Writers Helping Writers".
Susan
Monday, February 09, 2009
You Never Know Whose Eyes Are Watching!
For those of you who think nobody looks at our blog except a couple of us local FWA-ers, guess again. The following response came after I posted the brief blurb about the current Writer's Digest issue that focuses on self-publishing:
"Dear Russ,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the kind recommendation of our March/April issue to the FWA Sarasota Writers Group. I came across your post on fwasarasota.blogspot.com, and was so happy to hear that you found it informative and that it provided the kind of overview we were aiming to deliver!"
The note was signed:
Jessica Strawser
Editor, Writer's Digest
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.writersdigest.com
So ... a word to the wise: One never knows WHOSE eyes are watching! So send in those submissions!
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
"Dear Russ,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the kind recommendation of our March/April issue to the FWA Sarasota Writers Group. I came across your post on fwasarasota.blogspot.com, and was so happy to hear that you found it informative and that it provided the kind of overview we were aiming to deliver!"
The note was signed:
Jessica Strawser
Editor, Writer's Digest
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.writersdigest.com
So ... a word to the wise: One never knows WHOSE eyes are watching! So send in those submissions!
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Never Give Up!!
The words Never Give Up are a bottom line message in my own novel, Rainy Day People. I'm sensitive to that quest for personal reasons. I had a great email from Russ Heitz and I felt compelled to share it with the group and all writers. Read on . . .
"Before Christmas I made a gift shop run of Venice, Sarasota, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Long Boat and Siesta Keys, trying to place my book Krazy Kritters of Florida for the Christmas shopping season. The interest was disappointingly slim. However, yesterday I got a call from the Island Bazaar Gift Shop in Holmes Beach. The owner recently found my flyer on his desk, called me on the phone, and promptly ordered 12 copies, all signed, and with the little "Autographed Copy" stickers on the front. So you never know when one of the many seeds you scatter will find a little patch of fertile ground. Never give up!"
Great news! I hope my yappin' at Russ about this 'persevere' premise all the time helped. I have great faith in his abilities and if anyone out there isn't aware of Russ' writing talents, I suggest you visit his website and look in to acquiring one of his books. www.russheitz.com
Susan
"Before Christmas I made a gift shop run of Venice, Sarasota, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Long Boat and Siesta Keys, trying to place my book Krazy Kritters of Florida for the Christmas shopping season. The interest was disappointingly slim. However, yesterday I got a call from the Island Bazaar Gift Shop in Holmes Beach. The owner recently found my flyer on his desk, called me on the phone, and promptly ordered 12 copies, all signed, and with the little "Autographed Copy" stickers on the front. So you never know when one of the many seeds you scatter will find a little patch of fertile ground. Never give up!"
Great news! I hope my yappin' at Russ about this 'persevere' premise all the time helped. I have great faith in his abilities and if anyone out there isn't aware of Russ' writing talents, I suggest you visit his website and look in to acquiring one of his books. www.russheitz.com
Susan
Spotlight: Self Publishing
If you still have a lot of questions about self publishing, and who doesn't, beg, borrow or buy a copy of the new March/April issue of Writer's Digest. The magazine has dedicated a good portion of its space to the many different aspects of self publishing. Some of the subjects they cover include PODs, e-books, editorial services, self publishing statistics, books made to order, POD cookbooks, self publishing awards, etc. etc. This issue provides a very good overview of the whole world of self publishing and contrasts it to traditional publishing. Check it out. You're bound to learn a thing or two.
Russ Heitz
Russ Heitz
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Now THAT'S called Perseverance
Mystery Writers of America (MWA) recently named two writers as their co-Grand Masters for 2009. Sue Grafton is one half of the winning team. The other half is James Lee Burke who has written more than 25 mystery & suspense novels. But he did NOT start out as a Grand Master. In fact, his novel The Lost Get-Back Boogie was rejected 111 times over the course of 9 years! When the book was finally published it was quickly nominated for a Pulitzer Prize!
Later, Burke was the recipient of the Breadloaf and Guggenheim Fellowship and two of his titles, Heaven's Prisoners and Two for Texas were made into movies. He has also won MWA's Edgar award twice in the category of "Best Novel."
So the next time you think about shoving that Great American Novel of yours into the bottom drawer, remember James Lee Burke. Rejected. 111 times.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Later, Burke was the recipient of the Breadloaf and Guggenheim Fellowship and two of his titles, Heaven's Prisoners and Two for Texas were made into movies. He has also won MWA's Edgar award twice in the category of "Best Novel."
So the next time you think about shoving that Great American Novel of yours into the bottom drawer, remember James Lee Burke. Rejected. 111 times.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Brush-up Time?
From time to time, we all need to brush up on adverbs, adjectives, misplaced modifiers, and a whole bunch of other stuff that we may have forgotten from English 101. John McCafferty suggests a good place to start is www.newsroom101.com. Among other things, the site features eight lessons assembled by the grammar consultant for the Tallahassee Democrat Ron Hartung, assisted by Gerald Grow, professor of journalism at Florida A & M University.
The site also "offers more than 2,000 free, self-instructional exercises for journalists, writers, editors," and anyone else who wants to "review (or learn) journalistic language, as governed by the Associated Press Stylebook."
Check it out. It'll show you how much you've forgotten. The multiple choice questions will also help you become a better writer, regardless of your genre. All the lessons are free, too. All you have to do is sign in. Such a deal ...
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
The site also "offers more than 2,000 free, self-instructional exercises for journalists, writers, editors," and anyone else who wants to "review (or learn) journalistic language, as governed by the Associated Press Stylebook."
Check it out. It'll show you how much you've forgotten. The multiple choice questions will also help you become a better writer, regardless of your genre. All the lessons are free, too. All you have to do is sign in. Such a deal ...
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Friday, January 09, 2009
Toot Your Own Horn
One of the nice things about having our own FWA local chapter BLOG is that it gives us all a chance to toot our own horns every now and then. And a good opportunity it is, since there aren't too many folks around who'll toot your horn FOR you. So whenever anything happens in your writing life that you're proud of, or want to share with the rest of us, send the info to Mike Durr at michael_durr@comcast.net, Sue Haley at shaley1112@Verizon.net, or Russ Heitz at rlh3738@msn.com. Any one of us will be DELIGHTED to post your good news for all to see.
And to show you how it works, I'll toot my own horn right now. BEEP-BEEP!
If any of you ever listen to Internet radio stations check out www.radioearnetwork.com. A local interviewer named Joe has been interviewing local writers and broadcasting the interviews WORLDWIDE via the Internet and Radioearnetwork. I was interviewed recently and the interview will be coming up online later this month. At first my interview was scheduled for January 20 at 11 a.m.!! And I thought, Oh, great. That's about the time everyone in the Western World and a good part of the Eastern World will be watching and/or listening to Obama's Inauguration. I'll be lucky if 2 people hear my interview. But then, thank goodness, my interview was moved to Tuesday, January 27th at 11 a.m., with a repeat on the 29th at 7 a.m. So if you're at your computer at either of those times go to www.radioearnetwork.com. That is, if you're interested. If not, forget I mentioned it. But don't ask me to listen to YOUR interview either!
The interview will also be available sometime soon on my website, thanks to Ray Ryder, another one of our local mystery writers. If you'd like to be interviewed and have that interview broadcast World Wide, contact Susan Klaus at furryklaus@aol.com. Susan Klaus has published a couple fantasy books that especially appeal to the ladies. "I haven't met a woman yet who doesn't like my books," Susan says. Susan belongs to both the Authors Connection group and the Sarasota Fiction Writers, as does Ray Ryder. Ray, by the way, will be appearing at the St. Pete Book Fair later this month. For more info about that event, contact Ray at ray@starbake.com.
Now, see how easy that was? I not only tooted my own horn, I tooted a couple other horns as well! And before I forget. Our own Writer Emeritus In Residence John McCafferty is the one who suggested we post some info about online writing courses. (See the previous article.) So let's hear it for John. BEEP-BEEP!
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
And to show you how it works, I'll toot my own horn right now. BEEP-BEEP!
If any of you ever listen to Internet radio stations check out www.radioearnetwork.com. A local interviewer named Joe has been interviewing local writers and broadcasting the interviews WORLDWIDE via the Internet and Radioearnetwork. I was interviewed recently and the interview will be coming up online later this month. At first my interview was scheduled for January 20 at 11 a.m.!! And I thought, Oh, great. That's about the time everyone in the Western World and a good part of the Eastern World will be watching and/or listening to Obama's Inauguration. I'll be lucky if 2 people hear my interview. But then, thank goodness, my interview was moved to Tuesday, January 27th at 11 a.m., with a repeat on the 29th at 7 a.m. So if you're at your computer at either of those times go to www.radioearnetwork.com. That is, if you're interested. If not, forget I mentioned it. But don't ask me to listen to YOUR interview either!
The interview will also be available sometime soon on my website, thanks to Ray Ryder, another one of our local mystery writers. If you'd like to be interviewed and have that interview broadcast World Wide, contact Susan Klaus at furryklaus@aol.com. Susan Klaus has published a couple fantasy books that especially appeal to the ladies. "I haven't met a woman yet who doesn't like my books," Susan says. Susan belongs to both the Authors Connection group and the Sarasota Fiction Writers, as does Ray Ryder. Ray, by the way, will be appearing at the St. Pete Book Fair later this month. For more info about that event, contact Ray at ray@starbake.com.
Now, see how easy that was? I not only tooted my own horn, I tooted a couple other horns as well! And before I forget. Our own Writer Emeritus In Residence John McCafferty is the one who suggested we post some info about online writing courses. (See the previous article.) So let's hear it for John. BEEP-BEEP!
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Big Changes in the Big Apple
For those who are not on the mailing list, Dan Poynter's latest Newsletter had a couple of very disturbing articles and links about some of the firings, transfers, downsizings, consolidatings, and goings out of business that are rocking the Big Name Publishers in NYC. Publishers like Random House, Doubleday, et. al. Like nearly every other industry, publishing has been taking some pretty brutal shocks lately. And the upshot of it all spells more trouble for writers. If you want the honest and gloomy truth about the effects of our recession on the publishing industry, check out Poynter's website: http://www.parapublishing.com/ and find the "newsletter" tab. Item #4 of the current issue is where all the bad news starts. And if you don't get Poynter's newsletter, think about signing up. It really does contain a lot of worthwhile info. And better yet, IT'S FREE!
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Outsourcing Everthing
For those who may have missed it, a Maureen Dowd column in the New York Times illustrated once again the inevitable encroachment of globalization. This time it is local newspapers that are taking the plunge.
James Macpherson, publisher of a local California newspaper called PASADENA NOW, recently fired seven members of his Pasadena staff, which included five reporters, and replaced them with a handful of non-journalists who live in India. The reason? The reporters were being paid $600 to $800 a week. The non-journalists in India will do the same work for less ... for a whole LOT less.
There's no need for overhead expenses either, like health benefits, merit raises, workshop training, computer breakdowns, etc. Macpherson simply buys his articles one at a time.
"I pay per piece, just the way it was in the garment business," he says. "A thousand words pays $7.50." For those who don't have a calculator nearby, that comes out to .0075 cents a word. As a comparison, that is considerably less than science fiction magazines 50 years ago were paying for novellas about interplanetary space travel, green-skinned aliens, and a cock-eyed concept called Global Warming.
How do non-journalists in India report on local events going on in Pasadena, California? By using today's electronic gadgetry: email, cell phones, web surfing, and internet videos of local town hall meetings. Macpherson admits, however, that sometimes something is lost in multi-continent translations. One of his Indian non-journalists, for example, thought the Rose Bowl was some kind of gastronomic delight, rather than a football game. But hey, who cares about trivia, right?
It would be nice to think Macpherson's idea is just some nutty experiment by one small-time publisher. Unfortunately, it's more like a warning about the future of newpapers. A guy named Dean Singleton, who just happens to be the head of a newspaper conglomerate that includes 54 daily newspapers such as The Denver Post, The Detroit News, and The Pasadena Star-News, is also looking into the possibility of outsourcing every aspect of publishing, including possibly having one news desk for ALL of his papers, and having that desk "maybe even offshore," he says.
Shocking? Sure, but not surprising. Everything else is being globalized, why not local newspapers.
If you want to read Maureen Dowd's entire column go to www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/opinion/30dowd.html.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
James Macpherson, publisher of a local California newspaper called PASADENA NOW, recently fired seven members of his Pasadena staff, which included five reporters, and replaced them with a handful of non-journalists who live in India. The reason? The reporters were being paid $600 to $800 a week. The non-journalists in India will do the same work for less ... for a whole LOT less.
There's no need for overhead expenses either, like health benefits, merit raises, workshop training, computer breakdowns, etc. Macpherson simply buys his articles one at a time.
"I pay per piece, just the way it was in the garment business," he says. "A thousand words pays $7.50." For those who don't have a calculator nearby, that comes out to .0075 cents a word. As a comparison, that is considerably less than science fiction magazines 50 years ago were paying for novellas about interplanetary space travel, green-skinned aliens, and a cock-eyed concept called Global Warming.
How do non-journalists in India report on local events going on in Pasadena, California? By using today's electronic gadgetry: email, cell phones, web surfing, and internet videos of local town hall meetings. Macpherson admits, however, that sometimes something is lost in multi-continent translations. One of his Indian non-journalists, for example, thought the Rose Bowl was some kind of gastronomic delight, rather than a football game. But hey, who cares about trivia, right?
It would be nice to think Macpherson's idea is just some nutty experiment by one small-time publisher. Unfortunately, it's more like a warning about the future of newpapers. A guy named Dean Singleton, who just happens to be the head of a newspaper conglomerate that includes 54 daily newspapers such as The Denver Post, The Detroit News, and The Pasadena Star-News, is also looking into the possibility of outsourcing every aspect of publishing, including possibly having one news desk for ALL of his papers, and having that desk "maybe even offshore," he says.
Shocking? Sure, but not surprising. Everything else is being globalized, why not local newspapers.
If you want to read Maureen Dowd's entire column go to www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/opinion/30dowd.html.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Testing The Power of Networking!
I received the following note from Jane Sutton, an FWA member in Lee County. Let's help her out . . . Saturday, December 6th at Barnes and Noble at 3:00 pm. Great way to give a 'feedback flower' and do some gift shopping, too!
Dear Susan
I'm a member of FWA and belong to the Southwest Florida Group (I live in Fort
Myers). On Saturday, December 6 at 3pm, I will be doing a book signing at the
Barnes and Noble on 4010 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. I'm wondering
if you would let your group know about the event? It is my first signing and I
don't know anyone in the area so I am hoping that some FWA members will be
able to drop by for a bit of moral support, if nothing else.
Thanks for your help.
Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride
http://janesutton.com/
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
Dear Susan
I'm a member of FWA and belong to the Southwest Florida Group (I live in Fort
Myers). On Saturday, December 6 at 3pm, I will be doing a book signing at the
Barnes and Noble on 4010 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. I'm wondering
if you would let your group know about the event? It is my first signing and I
don't know anyone in the area so I am hoping that some FWA members will be
able to drop by for a bit of moral support, if nothing else.
Thanks for your help.
Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride
http://janesutton.com/
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Writer's Conference Tips
This excerpt is from $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book.
Writers’ Conference Tips:
• When called upon to read, do not describe what you are reading. Simply stand up and begin. We cannot repeat the cardinal rule of writing enough…show, don’t tell.
• Make and practice an elevator speech about your book. That translates to giving a synopsis in 30 seconds or less.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
www.noralyn.com/blogger/success
Writers’ Conference Tips:
• When called upon to read, do not describe what you are reading. Simply stand up and begin. We cannot repeat the cardinal rule of writing enough…show, don’t tell.
• Make and practice an elevator speech about your book. That translates to giving a synopsis in 30 seconds or less.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
www.noralyn.com/blogger/success
You Could Be Right
As we get closer to November and the chance to vote for a new president of these United States, conversations between normally pleasant people can turn ugly when we let our opinions and our enthusiasm rule our basic good manners. I find myself growing more quiet when I don't agree with someone's political or religious position, not knowing what to say without attacking their point of view.
Then recently someone gave me a golden nugget of advice on how to be pleasant without sacrificing what you believe in. Just four little words you could use in those tricky situations when you need to respond to something you couldn't possibly agree with: "You could be right". You're not saying they ARE right, or that you agree with them, but you've managed to make them feel like you're listening and considering what they are saying without criticizing or trying to persuade them to change their position.
Patti Stevenson
Then recently someone gave me a golden nugget of advice on how to be pleasant without sacrificing what you believe in. Just four little words you could use in those tricky situations when you need to respond to something you couldn't possibly agree with: "You could be right". You're not saying they ARE right, or that you agree with them, but you've managed to make them feel like you're listening and considering what they are saying without criticizing or trying to persuade them to change their position.
Patti Stevenson
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Cacophony of Chatter
We've lost the art of critical thinking. There canʼt be much denial of this lack if one simply uses the powers of observation. Have you peered at the world around you lately? The recent disaster on Wall Street, if you think about it, has been silently screaming at us for months. Iʼve recently had a revelation as to the possible root cause, or at least one of them, of this lost treasure. In order to employ critical thinking, one must have a stimulant of clarity, or relevant information about which to think. Without that, the most you can do is react after the fact, or blindly follow the herd.
In order to contribute a relatively informed critique of ever-changing current events in my columns, Iʼve had to become a political talk show junkie. Personal opinions and philosophies aside, I've watched overtly partisan channels to observe the ʽbig pictureʼ of event coverage and campaign rhetoric. At the risk of blindness, Iʼve poured over every major newspaper and underground publication on the ʽnetʼ, devouring the editorials and opinion columns of every well-known journalist and a few not so known. Iʼve discovered that what we as a society have truly lost is the ʽart of listeningʼ.
Susan Haley, author of Rainy Day People
Link to the article
In order to contribute a relatively informed critique of ever-changing current events in my columns, Iʼve had to become a political talk show junkie. Personal opinions and philosophies aside, I've watched overtly partisan channels to observe the ʽbig pictureʼ of event coverage and campaign rhetoric. At the risk of blindness, Iʼve poured over every major newspaper and underground publication on the ʽnetʼ, devouring the editorials and opinion columns of every well-known journalist and a few not so known. Iʼve discovered that what we as a society have truly lost is the ʽart of listeningʼ.
Susan Haley, author of Rainy Day People
Link to the article
Book Marketing Ideas
Here are some hints from “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book.”
1. Frequent bookstores and browse shelves to see what others are writing on your topic and what makes your project unique.
2. Cover design attracting attention, making you grab a book, will cause buyers to pick up your book. Be sure the size of your book and cover will fit on a shelf easily as the spine may be all that shows. Title and author should be clear.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
1. Frequent bookstores and browse shelves to see what others are writing on your topic and what makes your project unique.
2. Cover design attracting attention, making you grab a book, will cause buyers to pick up your book. Be sure the size of your book and cover will fit on a shelf easily as the spine may be all that shows. Title and author should be clear.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sharing Your Poetry and Writing Online
I mentioned a couple months ago that I post poetry at Allpoetry.com. The sister site for stories is called storywrite.com. Sign up at either site and you can post your writings and post comments to other members there. You can mark some for Adults; I have some of my poems marked that way because of graphic imagery used. It is free to sign up, but you can pay to get extra features.
Jim Geimer
Jim Geimer
Basics for Avoiding Lawsuits
John McCafferty sent in some information about writing and lawsuits that all of us need to consider. Most of it is common sense: don't libel other people and don't plagiarize. Those are the biggies.
But within those generalizations are important details. A good place to start is by checking out the link below. There are also plenty of good books on the topic of communications law. If you're going to write for public consumption, you should buy an up-to-date one and read it.
John's link is from The Poynter Institute's web site about the legal aspects of Blogging, but it also pertains to writing in general.
Mike Durr
Link to article on legal aspects of blogging
But within those generalizations are important details. A good place to start is by checking out the link below. There are also plenty of good books on the topic of communications law. If you're going to write for public consumption, you should buy an up-to-date one and read it.
John's link is from The Poynter Institute's web site about the legal aspects of Blogging, but it also pertains to writing in general.
Mike Durr
Link to article on legal aspects of blogging
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Googling with God
Fling your Internet far and wide
Capture all Knowledge known to Man
Then you challenge the All-seeing God
Great Gamble! - Who'll blink first?
John Clarke
Capture all Knowledge known to Man
Then you challenge the All-seeing God
Great Gamble! - Who'll blink first?
John Clarke
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
REVIEW OF A MYSTERY
Have been reading "Impossible Possession" by Kay Harper and it is pure drivel. It is not a very thick book so I can probably plow my way through to its ending.
It is more "Bodice Ripper" than "Mystery" and not even a particularly interesting "Bodice Ripper." The heroine is
incredibly rich, incredibly gorgeous, incredibly powerful and most incredibly is a 30-year-old VIRGIN until page 188 when, thankfully, her incredibly rich, incredibly handsome, incredibly powerful Boyfriend relieves her of this burden.
Gag me with a spoon !!!
Sharon Baker
It is more "Bodice Ripper" than "Mystery" and not even a particularly interesting "Bodice Ripper." The heroine is
incredibly rich, incredibly gorgeous, incredibly powerful and most incredibly is a 30-year-old VIRGIN until page 188 when, thankfully, her incredibly rich, incredibly handsome, incredibly powerful Boyfriend relieves her of this burden.
Gag me with a spoon !!!
Sharon Baker
Friday, September 19, 2008
Identify Needs & Competition
Many identify goals automatically. For others, it is a chore. In “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book,” we list eight major ones. Writing your goals helps. Start with:
1. Identify your long-term vision, and determine how you are going to get there with your short-term and long-term goals.
2. What is unique about your topic so it stands out from others on the market today? Work on discovering the innovative hook.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
1. Identify your long-term vision, and determine how you are going to get there with your short-term and long-term goals.
2. What is unique about your topic so it stands out from others on the market today? Work on discovering the innovative hook.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Simplicity
For me, mornings are the toughest. Delightful dreams subsume to screams of lawnmowers, garbage trucks. Arising alone to face workday, chores, singleness wearies.
Soon comfort comes in mews of hungry cats, the curling of three felines around ankles; the senses are treated. Sometimes simple chores turn delightful.
While gardening early today, a walking stick chose to scale my hand, an alien land, and its singular beauty reminded me all day long of what really matters.
Kathy Powers
Soon comfort comes in mews of hungry cats, the curling of three felines around ankles; the senses are treated. Sometimes simple chores turn delightful.
While gardening early today, a walking stick chose to scale my hand, an alien land, and its singular beauty reminded me all day long of what really matters.
Kathy Powers
Monday, September 15, 2008
Taking Out the Wash
In his biography of Picasso, Patrick O’Brian observes that while some good painters are lost to drink and depression, that’s not the rule: “In general, painting is a healthy trade, perhaps because painters work out their conflicts in a perpetual self-analysis….”
The same seems true of writers. Serious writers inspect their frailties in public. The result is continual, cleansing catharsis. We writers may wear our emotions on our shirtsleeves, but shirtsleeves are easily washed.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
http://www.thebusinessofthinking.biz/thinkingarticles.htm.
The same seems true of writers. Serious writers inspect their frailties in public. The result is continual, cleansing catharsis. We writers may wear our emotions on our shirtsleeves, but shirtsleeves are easily washed.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
http://www.thebusinessofthinking.biz/thinkingarticles.htm.
Friday, September 12, 2008
What a Wonderful Surprise!
Hello Group!
I've just returned from a trip to California where I had little computer access. I'm so thrilled to see the participation here on the blog. Keep it coming. It's a pleasure to read and what a great way to keep in touch with the members and be up on the latest news of the group. I'd like to thank Michael Durr for putting the time in to make this possible.
Best,
Susan Haley
I've just returned from a trip to California where I had little computer access. I'm so thrilled to see the participation here on the blog. Keep it coming. It's a pleasure to read and what a great way to keep in touch with the members and be up on the latest news of the group. I'd like to thank Michael Durr for putting the time in to make this possible.
Best,
Susan Haley
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Checklist
Is my draft clear, concise, honest?
Spelling, grammar correct?
Does it say what I mean?
Do I use active verbs?
Employ the senses?
Create mental pictures?
Avoid cliches, useless words?
Is the language specific, definite, concrete?
Are story and characters credible?
Is the dialogue realistic?
Have I double-checked facts?
Would rewrite help?
John McCafferty
Spelling, grammar correct?
Does it say what I mean?
Do I use active verbs?
Employ the senses?
Create mental pictures?
Avoid cliches, useless words?
Is the language specific, definite, concrete?
Are story and characters credible?
Is the dialogue realistic?
Have I double-checked facts?
Would rewrite help?
John McCafferty
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)