To read this newsletter in PDF (with a bit more pizzazz) go to:
http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/SharingwithWriters_Sept_07_2008.pdf

September 11, 2008
Sharing with Writers
A newsletter that is also a community. Share your ideas. Learn from theirs!

From the Desks of
Carolyn Howard - Johnson
And Authors' Coalition Friends
Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition,
www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
An organization of writers who help writers.

In the spirit of the advice I give in the Frugal Editor - - that is to use an extra pair of eyes whenever possible - - this newsletter is voluntarily copyedited by Authors' Coalition member, Mindy Phillips Lawrence ~ mplcreative1@aol.com ~ www.freewebs.com/mplcreative. I also tell writers to be patient with other writers when they make editing boo - boos. We're all human, this letter comes out weekly and it's long!

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Contents

Regular Features
*Notes from Carolyn (Editorial)
*Tips Galore! (They're scattered, you'll just have to find them!)
*Opportunities: Contest
*Thank Yous (They're full of resources if you pause to read them)
*On Poetry
*Author Successes (Also full of resources that have worked for your fellow subscribers)
*Mindy Lawrence's Itty Bitty Column: “Groundlings and Your Writing”
*Humor Hints by Anne Louise
*Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
*Wordstuff ™

Special to this Issue
*Know About Knol?
*So What About Those LJ Reviews?

Note from Carolyn

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

Ahhh. There is hope for better writing when we see poetry on national ads and commercial ad copy that is both well - written and poignant. Granted, I see that more for ads that come from nonprofits, but it's a start.

One of the ads I like shows Richard Gere sitting on a stoop with his dad nearby. The copy reads, "My dad teaches me how to act every day of his life." Simple and touching. The ad was for Meals on Wheels, www.mowaa.org.

Another - - in the same issue of Time - - was for the Cleveland Clinic, www.clevelandclinic.org. It was really a poem in a font that looked like a typewriter had done it. It was superimposed over the image of piano keys. It was attributed to a Parkinson patient named Frank. It goes:

"Almost a decade has passed in silence.
Because of my Parkinson.
But soon my brain will send tiny electronic notes to my fingers.
and they will bend to my will as before.
Let the neighbors bang on the walls.
For I will play 'fortissimo' all night long."

I find that inspiring. I love that great, image - packed writing, writing with a theme and an underlying message, writing that is not overblown but elegant in its simplicity is not being forgotten in a time when we are all just so, so busy and so, so taken with kitsch (which is fun, too!)

Happy promoting! And yes, writing and editing, too!
Carolyn Howard - Johnson

PS: I have another vacation planned. That means you have a chance to go back over your old Sharing with Writers and actually DO some of those things you have tagged for the future. Your next letter probably won't be out until after October 4 - - something like that. Let's see how jet lag treats me.

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Please pass this letter on to others. Unlike many, I do not mind if you use only portions of it as long as you credit the writers and include this subscribe information. "To subscribe to 'Sharing with Writers' send an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with 'Subscribe' in the subject line."
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Tip: People change their e - mail often as a defense against S P A M. But that can work against an author. When you change website addresses or e - mail addresses, you lose links you've worked so hard to get all over the web. You do want your loyal fans to know where to find you, don't you?


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Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites is now accepting nominations for next year’s list. If you've found Sharing with Writers newsletter or blog or the resources at HowToDoItFrugally.com helpful in the past year, please send your nomination to writersdig@fwpubs.com. Put "101 Websites" in the subject line. Please do it now. Jan 1, 2009, is the deadline and you know how the holidays get! ( - :
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Tip: I love Scribal News Calendar. Unknown to most, the title includes owner Sylvia McClain's play on the word scribble as a way to be remembered. We as writers all know that if we don't leave a mark, we will be forgotten. Scribal News Calendar is nothing but a free listing of upcoming writing events for the aspiring, the published, and the ones who have been out of touch for a while. Sylvia lists author events by location. East coast, west coast, south, etc. This is so each subscriber does not have to go through a complete listing of events from coast to coast to find one near their hometown. She says, "I also list it in date order. I want the writers out there around the world, to find out what is happening and where to attend, network, learn, and become another success story. The fastest way to sign up is to go to the Web site www.scribalpress.com/thisnthat.html ."


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New members will help Authors' Coalition serve all its members better! Ask your writing friends to join at www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/. Paid members get a favorite review posted, consideration for an interview or review in Yarnspinners and Wordweavers, ditto for The Fiction Flyer and Betty Dobson's Inkspotter. Membership is reasonable, too.
Tell friends to visit the Authors' Coalition blog. There they'll learn how to spark generally insipid book fairs by using value - added promotions. www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com.
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Referral . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

. . . from Leora Krygier (www.leorakrygier.com), author of When She Sleeps: Steve Porus set up my website. He is also the talent behind Phyllis GeBauer's. (Phyllis is the author of Hot Widow.) He not only has a beautiful creative mind, but also a keen sensibility for authors in and their specific needs. He's also wonderful to work with, patient, responsive and accommodating. His email is sjporus@unlaccess.com. I can't begin to sing his praises.

Opportunity to Help . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Janet Jensen is collecting autographed books for Bridgerland Literacy's upcoming fundraiser. Any kind of book would be wonderful. If they can be sent by Oct. 1 that would be wonderful. Bridgerland Literacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing instruction at no charge to any individuals who need help with reading. She says, "I have been a tutor for 3 years so it's a cause close to my heart." Send your book to:
Janet Jensen
1762 University Drive
Logan, UT 84341 - 3008


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My blog, War, Peace, Tolerance and Our Soldiers is where I get to nag and rag and try to make things better for our troops and maybe for the world. I'd love to have you leave a comment. www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com
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Opportunities
Plot Workshop in Southern California . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Martha Alderson, the Plot Whisperer, brings her expertise to Southern California for a two - day plot workshop! Martha Alderson has been diving into the murky depths of plot since childhood. Now she has streamlined everything you need to know in one plot - o - rific weekend. This plot workshop will benefit writers of all kinds: Screenwriters, Novelists, and Memoirists. Learn how to:
*Develop a multi - layered plot for the overall story level
*Deepen character development and dramatic action at the scene level
The wokshop is $95. Learn more at http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=3954&discount=ezine
Martha holds an M.A., is an award - winning writer of historical fiction, a writer's coach, and plot consultant. She teaches plot writing workshops privately and through Learning Annex, UC Santa Cruz Extension, Writing Salon, and writers conferences. Join Martha to explore the critical relationship between characterization and plot.


Authors Den to Add Benefits . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . in the coming months, all free.
1. Professional Book Reviews will be provided to all Platinum and Gold Members.
2. AuthorsDen is partnering with some of the largest publishers in the world and will soon be providing a direct door for AuthorsDen members to easily publish, market and sell their books.
3. ReadersDen.com will be launched for readers to interact with authors, their books and like - minded readers.

I like Authors' Den for distribution of media releases (Google finds the ones posted there very fast!) and for distribution of this newsletter.


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So you got As in English. You know grammar and spelling. That's great but an editor of you it doth not make. An editor knows formatting, front and back matter, indexing, structure, the elements of fiction and on and on. But mostly she'll see your manuscript in a fresh, new light. Learn how to hire a great editor and learn to be a better partner for any author - - awful to superb - - in The Frugal Editor.
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Thank Yous

(There are leads here, just as you'll find in all the most innocent - looking areas of this newsletter. You never know when you'll find a name or a site that will help you network or write better!)


Thank You to SOKYZQ of Your Image Here . . .
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. . . for publishing a great, informative review of The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success. Find it and leave a comment at: http://kevpahezt.blogspot.com/.


Thank You to V.S. Grenier . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. . .. who published my article on our odd little pronoun "I" in her "Let It All Out" column in the September 2008 of her Stories for Children newsletter. After the 2nd Sunday in September find it at http://vsgrenier.com/Documents/SFCNewsletter_Issue23.pdf . Learn more about her newsletter at http://vsgrenier.com/newsletter.aspx


Thank You to Lea Schizas, Editor of Apollos Lyre . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. . . for using my review of Get Noticed . . . Get Referrals, by Jill Lublin with Mark Steisel in her newsletter. Get Noticed is a book that I think will help writers, especially those who sell writing services like editing, indexing, etc. You may want to subscribe or submit to Apollos Lyre as well. Find it at http://www.apollos - lyre.com.


Thank You to Carrie White . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . for her great article on utilizing LinkedIn.com and for mentioning my small part in that process. Her blog is called Inks Goes Freelance. Find it at http://inkserotica.blogspot.com/2008/08/asking - for - endorsements.html


Thank You to Romance at Heart Magazine . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Rose at Romance at Heart magazine is a dear about posting my releases about seminars and radio appearances that I'm doing. Guess she knows they will help her romance authors. Check out http://romanceatheart.com.


Thank You to Write Success . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . for recommending my books and Amazon short for writers on the home page. Go see but also stop by at the Resource Page Editor Mary Anne is growing there. www.writesuccess.com.


Thank You to Krista Barrett . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. . . editor of Writer Gazette for publishing my "When Book Sales Are Getting Musty" in her newsletter. You'll find other helpful articles for writers at http://www.writergazette.com/articlelist.shtml.


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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising. If you would like to advertise to subscribers, display ads are available at www.howtodoitfrugally.com at less per year than most sites charge for a single month (see the advertising tab at the top of the page). Authors' Coalition www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com is also accepting ads. So is Yarnspinners and Wordweavers. Contact katieseyes@aol.com.
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From Anne Louise Reinhard to You

Humor Hints

Many things in life are just too close for comfort, like the soccer ball that my kids weren't really playing with in the house - the one that just missed my grandmother's antique hurricane lamp. When I try to write humor, though, some things are just too close for comedy. Working on my "Thought of the Day/Week/Month/Whatever" today, I really wanted to write about rude people that go camping but then play their music really loudly and spoil it for everyone. But I just couldn't make it very funny, because I'm still MAD. I finally stopped, looked at what I was doing, and realized, "Hey, this isn't really humor, this is more of a rant." I wondered if I should try writing about something else, and that's when the beauty of this assignment hit me - it's my website and I'll rant if I want to. And live to post something funny another day.

May your keyboard never falter!

- - - - Reach Anne Louise at annelouise@annelouise.net. Read more of her humor at www.annelouise.net.


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Subscribers who have websites or newsletters of their own may be interested in the Free Articles 4 Readers and Writers on my site, www.howtodoitfrugally.com. I try to add new articles to it frequently. If you don't see what you need for your blog or newsletter, just ask. HoJoNews@aol.com.
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Know about Knol? From Google to You . . .
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This is straight from Google's mouth to you:
Knol: a new way to give your expert content exposure on Google
We've recently launched a free tool called Knol, which makes it easy to write an authoritative web article (or knol). Knols prominently display authors' names to make sure you get credit for your work. Through links, knols can help promote your other works as well, on Book Search or otherwise. Knol also offers a new type of "moderated collaboration" where any user can edit a knol directly, but authors retain the power to accept or reject any changes. Moderated collaboration gives you a new way to interact with your readers while still maintaining control over your content.

Millions of people turn to the Internet for research every day. Some of these readers might not think they need to look at an entire book on a subject, but as we've seen, a book can provide a great experience with the proper introduction. You can use a knol to make just that type of introduction. Ready to get started? Head on over to the Knol site. Want to learn more? Join us for a Webinar (Session 1: Wed. Sept. 24th (https://googleonline.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?service=1&siteurl=googleonline&nomenu=true&main_url=%2Fmc0800l%2Fe.do%3Fsiteurl%3Dgoogleonline%26AT%3DMI%26EventID%3D111119492%26UID%3D0%26Host%3Dc743a696f01d0e2c23383e%26RG%3D1%26FrameSet%3D2) at 8 A.M. PDT, Session 2: Wed. Oct. 1st at 2 P.M. PDT) (https://googleonline.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?service=1&siteurl=googleonline&nomenu=true&main_url=%2Fmc0800l%2Fe.do%3Fsiteurl%3Dgoogleonline%26AT%3DMI%26EventID%3D111119802%26UID%3D0%26Host%3D50b43f5c7a2a3f3f%26RG%3D1%26FrameSet%3D2 ) and learn more about how Knol can strengthen your business.


Tip on Pacing . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . because it's so important. Some of us love the semi - colon. It's so, well . . . esoteric. The thing is, it slows down your narrative. And people don't talk in semicolons. Heck, they barely talk in sentences. So they're the last thing you'd want to put into dialogue; even if your character is an etymology professor, he still won't talk in semicolons. You notice I used a semicolon in the sentence above. That's because I wanted you, the reader, to slow down a bit and think before I tackled one of the arguments you might come up with. So, avoid semicolons, but use them when you have a very good reason to do so.


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Fun and F r * *: If you purchased the Frugal Book Promoter or the Frugal Editor, I'd love for you to review it on Amazon or BN.com. Make it simple; just tell what part of it you found most valuable. If you do, send me the review link (URL) and I will send you a handout from one of my UCLA classes. As a thank you, of course. HoJoNews@aol.com
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On Poetry
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This is a running feature for the poets among us and those who would like to try writing poetry but feel, well . . . inadequate. Please send in your poetry tips and resources for this section.

Subscriber Norma J. Sundberg, author of The Odd Fable (children's lit) contributed to the Sharing with Writers blog earlier this week. It's on poetry scams. I think you'll like it if you write poetry (and, maybe even if you don't!). www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com


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Google's Book Search: Did you know that if you have published a book without an ISBN (many poets publish chapbooks that way!) that Google will now let you use their Book Search feature. http://books.google.com/support/partner/bin/request.py


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Don't suffer with book proposals. You can be a pro with and investment of only 20 minutes and 49 cents with my Great First Impression Book Proposal Short.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U
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TIP: If you'd like to do something that makes writing greener, check out www.carbonfund.org. It's offers a way to offset the carbon emissions inherent in writing (and living). You'll also want to check out www.betterworld.com, a carbon - neutral bookstore that uses their services and specializes in green topics.

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Tip: Try Write Success for ideas, resources and a steady stream of those commodieties with the f r ^ ^ newsletter. http://writesuccess.com,


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Tip: So what do you do about split infinitives that feel right? See my newest short entry at www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com.


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A general marketing rule is that a product must be seen seven times before it is purchased. That is just as true for books (because they are products, like it or not!). Let people see that book cover image! To do that, you are invited to advertise as a site sponsor at www.howtodoitfrugally.com for only $25 to $30 a year. Yep, the frugal way! Click on the Advertising tab at the top of the page or contact me personally at hojonews@aol.com.
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Author Successes

(If you read about others' successes you'll not only be inspired, you'll glean resources for future successes of your own. You are invited to send me news about your successes. Please use "AUTHOR SUCCESSES" as a subject lines.)

Karen DeGroot Carter's Book Recorded for Blind & Dyslexic . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . One Sister’s Song will be read and recorded at the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) 2008 Colorado Authors’ Day in September. According to Bob Janowski, Production Director of the RFB&D Rocky Mountain Unit, “Guest readers and experienced volunteers will produce an audio version of your book, which will then become a part of the national RFB&D catalog. This means your work will be among approximately 120,000 current titles available to almost a quarter million members with print disabilities.”

RFB&D is “the only nonprofit organization in the country recording textbooks for students of all ages who are blind, print - impaired, or physically challenged.”

Karen DeGroot Carter has participated as a volunteer reader for the Rocky Mountain Unit of the RFB&D for the past three years and looks forward to pitching in again in a couple weeks. She wanted you to know about the possilbities, too.


Gene Welischar, Eleanor Bartlett, Kathy Pautler, Nancy Cocord ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . for publishing with A Capella Publishing. They are:
Gene Welischar: If You Play With Fire (www.ifyouplaywithfire.com) (Adult Fiction) An novel by a veteran firefighter about firefighting in New York City, including the 1960 - 70s arsonists, civil disobedience, the sexual revolution and government graft.

Eleanor Bartlett & Kathy Pautler: Friday - A Dog's Tale (Children's) A true story about a puppy that changed not only a family but an entire neighborhood. (www.booksbyebkp.com)

Nancy Colcord: Knowing Knox. (Memoir) A heartwarming remembrance of her father and family life, published privately, not for the public.


David Leonhardt Opens Ghost Writing Blog . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . where his top ghost writers will be blogging. David is president of The Happy Guy Marketing, info@SEO - writer.com. Find the blog at http://www.seo - writer.com/writers/


Michele M. Graf published . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . a poem "Forest" and a photo in the Sept/Oct 2008 issue of The Writer's Eye,
http://www.thewriterseye.com/thewriterseye_poetry_006_4.html?utm_source=The+Writer%27s+Eye+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c0f2d10bb - Sept_Oct_2008_09012008&utm_medium=email
She says, "This is a terrific online magazine (which is why I submitted my work), created by Amber Lea Starfire, an esteemed member of the Muse Online Writers group. Her mission statement says: The Writer's Eye Magazine http://www.thewriterseye.com/ was created by writer/photographer, Amber Lea Starfire. Published bi - monthly. . . . It provides a venue for writers who are also visual artists - - photographers, painters, sculptors, etc. Each issue highlights work that combines the verbal and visual arts, encouraging and inspiring readers, writers, and artists. Ms. Starfire's vision is to support writer/artists and provide quality writing and art for the magazine's readers at no charge. The magazine pays published writer/artists professional rates for their work.


Mary Jean Kelso and Book Cover Artist Pair for Promotion . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
K.C. Snider, a western and wildlife artist, recently won awards for her art. She is a book cover artist for Mary Jean Kelso, Mayra Calvani and Marilee Crow. Kelso says, "she is amazing because she is not only a great artist but she helps her authors promote their books." All published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc, Kelso is the author of Andy and the Albino Horse, Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair, One Family's Christmas, the sequel to The Christmas Angel. Calvani's are The Magic Violin and Crow's are Does Heaven Get Mail, Cartwheel Annie and Alleycat. All Guardian Angel books are available in a variety of electronic options as well as print through the publisher, Ingrams, Baker and Taylor, Amazon.com and bookstores all over the world.


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Available: Audios from Audio Divas on many aspects of building a writing career are published by Double Dragon Press. Here is the page where you'll find the full list (http://www.double - dragon - ebooks.com/eAuthor.php?Name=Carolyn%20Howard - Johnson) including one on "Do It Yourself Indexing." The first audio, "Promoting Easy and Cheap!" is a
F R ^ ^ sample you can download. Each comes with a resource guide. Here is an example of a guide for the audio - lesson Your Divas did on "Contests": http://www.derondouglas.com/audiosample/AwardResourceGuideContests.pdf
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Tip: Cultivating Relationships with magazine editors is important. Magazine editors prefer e - mail correspondence above all else, especially when submitting query letters and final articles. (Those who don't specifically tell you so in their submission guidelines.) If you e - mail a story, make sure to paste it into the body of your e - mail, just in case the conversion of an attached file does not go smoothly and because many publishing companies block or won't allow editors to open attachments. E - mailing correspondence and articles means the editor can cut and paste it into the publication without having to retype. Digital delivery saves the editor lots of time.
- - - - From Patrika Vaughn, ACapella.com.


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Endorsement: "I am so happy for you to receive a second award [Reader Views Literary Award] for The Frugal Editor. I bought this book a week ago, and I love it. I can already see the improvement in my work. Thank you. You deserve this award." ~Katherine Harms, author
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Tip: Planning a big book fair season? You'll want display implements like retail stores use. Try www.montcopackaging.com. They'll even imprint the header cards for you. BTW, Don't forget to sign up before Sept. 16 to get a discount for the Authors' Coalition signing spots at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of books. Contact Christine Alexanians at chalexwrite@yahoo.com.



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Authors' Coalition members! For credibility, use the AC logo on your promotional materials. Ask for it by sending an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com or download it with a click from the AC site: http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/AC_Promotional_Videos,%20Logos%20&%20More.
You know you want it on your website! Be sure to link it to the AC site, too! And there is a cross - promotional slide show there that will add movement and color to your site or blog, even if you aren't featured on it. It's all about Karma. ( - :
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News: In The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, I mention that indexes are becoming more commonplace in fiction because readers want to know what is based on fact and what is not. Martin's Amis's House of Meetings, Norman Mailer's The Castle in the Forest both have indexes. Shouldn't you be considering it? Especially you historical fiction writers?


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Authors' Coalition: No Hum - Drum Book Fair Promotion Allowed is a blog where you can watch how Authors' Coalition members make book fairs successful with cross - promotion, value - added promotions and a good assessment process. Find it at www.authorscoalition.blogspot.com. It's time to sign up for 2009's LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books with Christine Alexanians, tinooshik@yahoo.com
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Tip: Many are leery of writing dialogue. Writing it doesn't feel natural to them. But to your reader (if done right!) it will feel more natural. That's why many reporters now use dialogue in their news stories. If you're writing anything other than academic papers, knowing how to write dialogue is essential. Here is what good dialogue does for you. 1. Helps develop character 2. advances the plot line 3. shows conflict 4. gives the reader information, especially information that might be awkward to impart other ways 5. helps set a mood 6. let's your reader become part of the story - - that is, make judgments without your telling him or her what to think


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"AC is the current that powers your writing career." http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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TIP: Rarely do I reprise an old tip from a past Sharing with Writers. This one bears repeating. No need to pay money for a list of reviewers. Here is a free one: http://www.midwestbookreview.com/links/othr_rev.htm Jim Cox, the guru behind Midwest, researches the reviewer before he puts a name on a list.


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Reciprocal Links: Many subscribers are in a position to cross promote. Let me know if you would like to trade some recommendation or promotion for any of my books - - from the HowToDoItFrugally series to my chapbook of poetry - - for a place on my Resources for Writers or Resources for Readers pages on www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.
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Tip: It is always easier for others to find out clichés than for us to do it for ourselves. Taking a poetry class may help with identifying clichés. Some words you'd never expect are tip - offs that you may be writing in clichés (or at least generalizations) rather than in solid images. Words like "soul," and "memories," are examples.


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I use Vista Print for lots of my promotional materials. Be aware that shipping prices may fluctuate, depending on the deal of the moment. Please use this link:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=815651421184
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Q&A a la Ann Landers

So What About Those LJ Reviewers

Question:

Any ideas on how one would learn the name(s) of LJ reviewer(s) without moving mountains to do so? I ask because you ran this tip in your last issue:
Tip: If you don't get a review when you first submit your ARC to review journals, don't give up. Research the reviewers who write for that journal or site, send them personal queries. That's how I got my novel, This Is the Place, reviewed by Library Journal and it really made a difference in library sales. Warning: You have to find a reviewer who likes your genre and submits reviews in it. Just any reviewer won't do. That's even true for Amazon reviewers. ~ Virgil Jose, author of a murder mystery called The Examined Life.

Answer:

Go to the Library Journal site. I think you can sign up for their editorial schedule. If not, e - mail their marketing department and tell them you'd like to receive that in your e - mail box. They may have a whole issue dedicated to your genre. The regular notice they send out may or may not give you the name of reviewers.
Another way is to get reviews by going around the system they have set up.
To read about getting in the backdoor of LJ, read the rest of this article at www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com.


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The New Book Review is a service of this newsletter and Authors' Coalition. It allows authors to get more exposure from their favorite review and reviewers a chance to have more readers see their reviews - - with links, of course. Please check the guidelines on the blog site at www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com.
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An Itty - Bitty Column on Writing


Groundlings and Your Writing
By Mindy Phillips Lawrence


When we think about going to a Shakespearean play, we think about sitting quietly in a theater and listening to the performance. That’s not how it was. Shakespeare’s original audience contained several diverse groups, one called the Groundlings. Shakespeare described them this way:

O, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious
periwig - pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to
very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who
for the most part are capable of nothing but
inexplicable dumbshows and noise.
(Hamlet, 3.2)

Groundlings paid an English penny (almost a day’s wage) to get a space - - not a seat - - with no comforts. Think about how hard Shakespeare must have worked on writing something that would appeal to both this uneducated rabble as well as the wealthy who paid for good seats with cushions.

When we write, we must be ever conscious of our audience. Who is going to be reading the piece? If we suggest an article for a conservative - based magazine, we don’t want to write it the same way we would if we write for a liberal publication. If we write for a senior magazine, we probably wouldn’t be writing about rap music (that could be a stereotype so consider the source–a grey - haired grandmother from Missouri).

Always be aware of your reading audience and tailor your work to them. Write your query letter with the same diligence to make it fit the market for which you are writing.

Stroll through the links at the bottom of this column and see what you can learn about your readership and your market.

And, by all means, when you perform, “Speak the speech I pray you as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue.” (Hamlet, Shakespeare)

LINKS
Choosing and Writing for an Audience, Dr. Steven Hale
http://facstaff.gpc.edu/ ~shale/humanities/composition/handouts/audience.html

Adapting to Your Audience
http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/audmod/
Audience

http://www.english.uiuc.edu/cws/wworkshop/writer_resources/writing_tips/audience.htm

“Writing for Your Audience,” Daily Writing Tips
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/writing - for - your - audience

“Do’s and Don’ts When Writing for your Audience,” Marisa Peacock
http://www.cmswire.com/cms/web - content/dos - and - donts - when - writing - for - your - audience - 002823.php

Are You Really Writing for your Blog Audience? Lorelle VanFossen
http://www.blogherald.com/2007/05/04/are - you - really - writing - for - your - blog - audience/

Ten Steps to a Magazine Query, Mui Sun
http://ezinearticles.com/?10 - Steps - to - a - Magazine - Query&id=34491

- - - - - Mindy Phillips Lawrence www.freewebs.com/mplcreative is the author of One Blue Star and co - author of The Complete Writer. She is also a publicist and literary agent. She is in the process of researching a novel titled Alone is Where We Begin. Blogging at: http://mplcreative.blogspot.com/. Watch for the roll - out of her new poetry chapbook ABOVE AND BELOW at http://thinkingstonepress.blogspot.com/.



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Endorsement:
"www.HowToDoItFrugally.com , by Carolyn Howard - Johnson [is] a top website for writers . . . I'd say my ROI is over 1,000%. The advice is particularly strong in addressing the new author where they are in learning the publishing/selling process. Very practical. The site is excellent."
~ Hill Kemp, author of Capitol Offense, and contributor to Secrets, Fact or Fiction? I, ISBN 0 - 9737282 - 5 - 6 and Secrets, Fact or Fiction? II, ISBN 1 - 59594 - 062 - 6, LOC 2006904627, http://www.secretsfactorfiction.com
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching


Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be the featured interview October 10, 2008 on Novel Journey, recently named one of Writer's Digest's top websites for writers. The site is known for its author interviews, commentary on the writing life and book giveaways, and appears on My Space News. Novel Journey has become a must - visit blog that is frequented by publicists, editors, publishers and multi - published authors. The Novel Journey contributors have crafted questions designed to guarantee that each post will offer something valuable to our growing readership.
http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/

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The f r e ^ Muse Online Writers' Conference, sponsored by Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard - Johnson, is accepting registrations. Nearly 2,000 attended last year and openings are limited. Learn more about this year's conference, October 13 to 19th. I will present a seminar on "Query Letters! Editing them perfectly for a great first impression." Go to: For more information click here:
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com

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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will speak to the California Writers Club of San Fernando Valley at 1 pm on December 13, 2008. It's at the Encino Community Center, 4939 Balboa Blvd (just north of Ventura Blvd.), Encino, CA 91316. Learn more about the year's programs www.calwriterssfv.com and sign up to join. It's a dynamic group. E - mail is cwcsfv@gmail.com.
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Carolyn Howard - Johnson will be signing a new chapbook of poetry as well as her other books, including the HowToDoItFrugally series of books at the world renowned LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books the last weekend in April, 2009, on the UCLA Campus. To learn more about a signing position for yourself contact Christine Alexanians at chalexwrite@yahoo.com.
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New! Carolyn Howard - Johnson will appear on the Career Czar,
www.alltalkradio.net\careerczar on January 30, 2009. It is a unique Internet talk radio program focusing on all aspects of the world of careers. We'll be chatting about something dear to the hearts of baby - boomers - - reinventing yourself at retirement. With writing of course. The first segment will be about careers in freelance and journalism. The second segment will be about a career in fiction (novels and short stories). The third segment will be about poetry. The fourth segment will be about nonfiction - - specifically my nonfiction - - on how it's helped my career and that of others and how something similar can work for yours. Check out host Paul Bruno's website and enhance your career by getting connected with The Career Czar.”


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Sign up to receive a copy of my Sharing with Writers blog in your e - mail box. It is a focused blog on all things related to writing and publishing. Go to www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com. Sign up in the left hand column. Find related resources by scrolling to the bottom of the blog.
It’s hotter than August! ( - :
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Wordstuff ™

Something to Make Writers Smile

(Definitions in the next few newsletters are from www.butlerwebs.com/jokes/definitions.htm.You might have some favorite neologisms, metaphors or similes that make you smile. If so, please contribute.)

"DUST: Mud with the juice squeezed out."


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Essential Book and Record Keeping:

This letter is an entity of Authors' Coalition http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

Edited and distributed by Carolyn Howard - Johnson,
http://carolynhoward - johnson.com

This is a place to share with others and learn from others.

Although I do attempt to verify information used within this newsletter's pages, Sharing with Writers does not guarantee entities or information. Subscribers should research resources.

To submit information articles, tips or other information, e - mail Carolyn at HoJoNews@aol.com. Please put "Submission: Sharing with Writers" in the subject line.

If you do not care to receive this newsletter, send an e - mail to HoJoNews@aol.com with "Unsubscribe” in the subject line, but please, please don't tell me you've given up writing or promoting!

To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e - mail with "Subscribe" in the subject line to: HoJoNews@aol.com.

Please pass this newsletter on to friends or e - groups. It needn't be pasted in its complete form, but please credit this newsletter, Authors' Coalition and the individual contributors with anything you snip and paste.

Ordering Information:
Order the Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't at stores like UCLA, Dayton University and San Diego State University's bookstores or at Amazon where it is discounted:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/193299310X/qid=1149015406/sr=2 - 1/ Order it as an e - book at http://starpublishllc.com/id43.html

The second in the How To Do It Frugally series of books, The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, is available at
www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870

The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know About Selling Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less, is available on Amazon as a Short for 49 cents.
http://www.amazon.com/Great - First - Impression - Book - Proposal/dp/B000YG6O5U/

This Is the Place,
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, Tracings,
www.howtodoitfrugally.com.

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry, published by Finishing Line Press may be ordered at
www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1139084827/sr=1 - 1/

Contact Information
Websites: http://carolynhoward - Johnson.com (literary)
http://HowToDoItFrugally.com (all things about writing)
Authors' Coalition: http://www.AuthorsCoalitionandRedEnginepress.com
For the Frugal Editor, Amazon - direct: www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870

Blogs:
http://AuthorsCoalition.blogspot.com, a blog focused on book fairs

http://www.SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com, a blog on all things publishing

http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog focused on YOUR reviews

http://www.TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com, a blog focused on editing, formatting and craft

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com War. Peace. Tolerance. And Our Soldiers.

And now! Squidooing at
http://www.squidoo.com/HowToDoItFrugallyforAuthors
and http://www.squidoo.com/carolynhoward - johnson