June 9, 2006: Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and
Authors' Coalition Friends
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If you prefer to see this letter all its colourful glory, please go to:

http://www.authorsden.com/adstorage/1713/Newsletter_June_SecondWeek_2006.doc

You will find the 'Best of Sharing with Writers' at Apollos Lyre

www.ApollosLyre.com

Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition

http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

an organization of writers who help writers.
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members and Subscribers:

Have you noticed how weeks slip by more quickly than they once did? No? Then you are probably under 40!

Have you noticed that illness is not always a bad thing. If you have to stay home, you might get more done. No? Then perhaps you have learned to pace yourself better than I have.

Have you noticed how much more you get done if you get up early and exercise? No? Then maybe you've never gotten up early enough? Or exercised?

Just so you'll know what brought on this introspection (for me), I had a whole week ahead of me -- one in which I planned to write a second draft of my new book. It didn't happen. The days move quickly like clouds in a windy sky and there I am with little to show for a whole week. I just wanted you to know if this has happened to you, you're not alone.

Have you ever noticed when you write about it, whatever you did or didn't do doesn't seem nearly so bad?

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

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If you enjoy "Sharing with Writers" please
nominate it for Writer's Digest's 101 Best
Newsletters for Writers. We aren't big, we
aren't old. So it would take a huge outpouring
from subscribers to make a dent. Send an
e-mail to writersdig@fwpubs.com with
subject line, "101 Best Newsletters for
Authors" and let them know what this
newsletter does for you!
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Letters to the Editor:
Hi Carolyn,

Just wanted to let you know that I followed your instructions. I contacted a journalist (got her voicemail) and explained how my story would benefit her reading audience. I shared my name at the end. She called me back later that day, elated about my story. She e-mailed her editor with the subject line: great story. Woo hoo! She did the write up and included my photo.

Had I not read that technique in your book, I would have missed the opportunity to brand myself. I didn't think the classes I taught [at a prison] were news worthy. Boy was I wrong. As a result, I've been asked to come to other prisons and teach the same class.

Valerie Coleman
www.ButterflyPress.net/Anthology
Blended Families Anthology
www.ButterflyPress.net/Symposium
Pen To Paper Literary Symposium
www.ButterflyPress.net/Writeon
Write On! Workshops
http://www.penofthewriter.com/

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Authors' Coalition members! Use the AC
log on your promotional materials for
credibility. Ask for it by sending an
e-mail to HoJoNews@aol.com or download
it with a click from the AC site http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
Be sure to link it to the AC site, too!
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Opportunities:

Contest: Bookpleasures.com has teamed up with bookreporter.com to promote a weekly novel giveaway. Your book may be suitable! More information can be found here:

http://www.bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/99/2042/CONTEST/article/Are_you_Interested_in_Winning_A_Book.html
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Self Published Authors may enter a respected contest sponsored by Foreword. It must have a 2006 copyright date.
Go here: http://www.forewordmagazine.com/awards/
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Nancy Mills writes: "Our upcoming call is with Marcia Wallace. Her story will give many writers hope. After being turned down by a ga-zillion publishers, she self-published her book and is raking it in!"
Here are the details:
"Spirited Woman Circle" (July 11, 10 am PST) - presents a telephone conversation with Marcia Wallace, well-known actress and author of "Don't Look Back We're Not Going That Way." http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_circle/
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Radio, Anyone? Listen, Submit or???
Fran Silvaman's guest Tuesday, June 13, on "Book Marketing with Fran" on Achieve Radio, is Cindy La Ferle, author of "Writing Home" (Hearth Stone Books 2005), a collection of stories from her award-winning newspaper columns on motherhood and the domestic arts. http://www.laferle.com

Fran's program is live on Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. (MST); 11 a.m., (PST), 1 p.m. (CST) and 2 p.m. (EST). Go to http://www.achieveradio.com . On left side, click "Shows, Hosts and Schedules" and scroll down to Fran's show.
To talk to Fran and her guest, you can call toll free 800-920-3717 (Phoenix area - 623-772-9379). To e-mail, click "In-Quick Message or Call-In" (In-Quick only works during live shows).
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New members will help Authors' Coalition
serve all its members better! Ask your
writing friends to join at http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.

Tell them to visit our blog, too, where
they'll learn how to spark generally
insipid book fairs by using value-added
promotions: http://redeneginepress.com/chjohnson .
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Promote with Book Clubs :
Norma Sundberg, humor columnist and subscriber (nsundberg@netzero.net), thought authors could donate books for drawings that Suzanne Beecher, Book Preview Club Editor at Booksamillion, does for her reading audience. Suzanne's e-address is: Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com and the book club address is: http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books/help/bookpreview?id=3498256363286
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Thank yous:

To Norm Goldman: http://www.a-pos-tro-phe.com/v2n3/thelecture.html who just published a lovely review of "The Complete Writer's Journal" that I co-edited. You can find it on his Book Pleasures review site as well as on his Authors Den site: http://www.bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/0/2091/article/The_Complete_Writers_Journal.html?pt_sid=803d8a2cb98fc26ec25caa0b19150cd5

http://authorsden.com/visit/viewnews.asp?id=13204&AuthorID=9996
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To Bonnie Parmenter and Fred Baines for sending an outstanding newsletter nomination for "Sharing with Writers" to Writer's Digest--and for letting me know.
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Tip: I borrowed this one from Norm Goldman, editor at BookPleasures.com. He mentioned that he had posted a review on searchwarp.com so I went there to see what it was all about. It's about US. Go dig around and see how it can help you expose your writing. You can post reviews, articles, and your bio. When you post, the site leads you to several search engines to increase your exposure there!
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When was the last time you bought a book
from an author you know? "Tracings" my new
chapbook of poetry,
www.finishinglinepress.com,
is available for that honor at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1141623936/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-4692447-2218401?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
but any book mentioned in any one of
your "Sharing with Writers" newsletters
would be a nice gesture. If all of us
directed more of our reading to newer
authors who write in genres we love or
genres we need to stretch into, we would
do ourselves and the publishing
industry a great favor.
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Idea for Getting Clips:

Norma Sundberg is sharing a column she wrote (and then recycled). That it was published and then published again is a success story, of course, but the column itself tells a story about how writing to other writers can work as a career builder. This article, posted on Dayton University's Erma Bombeck Writers' Conference site, might make us think of a way to utilize Norma's technique for our own purposes. http://www.humorwriters.org/Sundberg.html
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Reciprocal Links:
Virgil Jose ghostwrites and edits nonfiction. Reach him at scribe1937@yahoo.com

Book Exclusives! Find insider news from authors, publishers, agents, editors and others involved in the book biz. Read excerpts, interviews and get in on the latest in promotions, sales and contests. http://pubproauthors.bravehost.com/

The Shy Writer: An Introvert's Guide to Writing Success - Author C. Hope Clark advises you how to "sell your words, not your soul" when you promote your work. http://www.theshywriter.com/
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The Reading Tub is a charity that promotes family and children's literacy. They read every children's book that is sent to them to be reviewed. The books are then donated to community organizations. Go to www.thereadingtub.com.
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Walter Brasch's America's Unpatriotic Acts: The Federal Government's Violation of Constitutional and Civil Rights. ) is a look at the effects of the USA Patriot Act upon the erosion of our civil liberties and violations of at least five of the Bill of Rights. It has been endorsed by liberals and conservatives.
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The Scribal Press News Calendar. The news calendar of writer events around the world, no matter where you live. Find it at: http://www.scribalpress.com/thisnthat.html?
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Star Publish offers near self-publish profits on your paperback; it is an alternative to unapproachable publishers. http://starpublish.com.
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Do you want to hone your skills? Writer to Writer features tips on writing, marketing, submitting, selling and more. Regular no-f e e contests.
www.writer2writer.com
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Authors' Coalition is for writers. Find support for authors--both emotional and material--at
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
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Gather at QueenPower.com where women promote, support and encourage women. Start living your best life now! http://www.queenpower.com/
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Kathe's Kroner:

Here are some tips for submitting your website to search engines:

1. Never submit more than once a month or you could be removed/denied search engine inclusion.
2. Manually list to the major search engines that hold more than 80%
of the search engine market including:

http://www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl (This will include aol)

http://beta.search.msn.com/docs/submit.aspx
http://www.dmoz.org/add.html_

http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request (this will include all
theweb.com, altavista, and overture).

Check to be sure you are not already listed, and categorize your site properly if asked
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Kathe Gogolewski
http://www.tri-studio.com/, author of "A Promise to Keep" writing as Ann Durand.
Available now from Amazon.com at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-5147852-4133539

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Please pass this letter on to others. Unlike
many others, 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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Reciprocal Links:

For snappy marketing tips and the f~r~e~e report "How to Obtain Book Reviews," subscribe to the PR Postcard at
http://www.authorscompanion.com/
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Cynthia Brian, Media Coach, Writer, Author, Speaker, TV/Radio Personality, Spokesperson. www.star-style.com , www.goddessgals.com , and www.starstyleproductions.com
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Francine Silverman, publisher of Book Promotion Newsletter, serves authors by e-mailing Expert Sheets to the media. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for more information. www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
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Read author interviews, market information, and more in WriterAdvice, www.writeradvice.com. To subscribe or to submit material for consideration, E-mail LGood67334@comcast.net Put "subscribe" in the subject box.
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The Y&W newsletter sponsored by Red Engine Press brings authors, bookstores, publishers and reviewers together. Subscribers can write a short article of interest for publication. Send an email to nate@redenginepress.com with "Y&W Newsletter" in the subject line.
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Sun Signs for Writers: Learn how astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers with a new Writers' Digest book: http://www.writersigns.info
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Judith Woolcock Colombo: Author of The Fablesinger and Night Crimes: Learn more at: http://odin.prohosting.com/~night01
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Discover a novel by Cynthianna Appel and receive another e-book at no cost. Go to http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna/promo.html today!
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Read Joyce Faulkner's Celebrity Cafe.com column to learn about anything from aging feet to her favorite books on writing: http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/Columnists/The_Weekly_Shriek/
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Fr * * Publicity Resource: Let this site send your media release to book trade professionals including Associated Press, Reuters, and more. http://press.heliographica.com/
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Has writing lost its spontaneity? Find remedies in Milli Thornton's online writing course at: http://www.fearofwriting.com/creative-writing-course.htm
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Discover a true-life philosophy about making marriages last a lifetime in Choose Love For Life, by Joe and Edwina Roady (http://www.chooseloveforlife.com/.)
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Find a f * * *, database which details over 2,000 literary and genre magazines and publishers at Dee Rimbaud's site: http://www.thunderburst.co.uk/
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The Complete Writer offers advice on writing, editing, proofreading, publishing and design. Published by Red Engine Press, a traditional press.
http://www.redenginepress.com/

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Tip: Each chapter of The Frugal Book Promoter begins with a quotation -- either mine or from those a heck of a lot more famous. The Complete Writer's Journal is full of quotations (some of them Sharing with Writers subscriber's!). "Support our Troops," the book packaged by Eric Dinyer that I wrote the foreword for, is nothing but quotations (after that foreword--of course!). So what can you do with quotations? How can you let them work for you? Go to www.brainyquote.com and search by author or topic or ??? Don't limit your searches to the traditional. You'll find quotes from Johnny Cash and Little Richard as well as humorist Dave Barry who keynoted the last Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Not only will quotations add depth to what you are writing, you may also find inspiration for a memorable quotation of your own.
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Grammar Tip: Speaking of quotations (see the tip above) many of us use the words "quotation" and "quote" interchangeably. They are not interchangeable. "Quote" is a verb. It means "to repeat the words of a writer or speaker." Think of it as "to quote." "Quotation" is a noun. It means "that which (the words) is quoted" or "the act of quoting."
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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching Gigs:

UCLA Class: Carolyn is teaching a one-day class at UCLA on Saturday, August 5th (summer quarter). Circle it on your calendar! Enroll to learn all you need to know about preparing a professional manuscript for submission to agents, publishers or to ready it for alternative presses. To enroll or to receive a free copy of UCLA's "Writers' Program Quarterly," contact Marcus Hennessey at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.
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Audio Classes: Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner, Kathe Gogolewski, Marilyn Peake and Carolyn, have produced audio classes covering writing skills, book promotion, and technology for writers. Access new audio classes regularly in MP3 or CDRom at

http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/audio.asp.

Learn more about the instructors and find a list of the coming classes at our Authors' Coalition site at:

http://tri-studio.com/AUDIOCLASSESALL.html

To get a fr ^ ^ sample class called "Radio: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Promoting Easy and Cheap!" go to the Double Dragon Publishing (DDP) Website: Download at:
http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.asp?isbn=DDP00000001QP&genre=
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The Muse Online Writing Conference: Lea Schizas, editor of "The Muse on Writing," and Carolyn Howard-Johnson are sponsoring this first annual virtual writers' conference October 9 - 13. This conference lets writers -- published or not -- mingle with some of the publishing world's personalities. Choose from a huge selection of free online workshops.
Bookmark this site

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/

Go back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. Agents, Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada have just accepted invitations and we have dozens of others. Carolyn will be presenting on both book promotion and the craft of writing, specifically "Writing Sparkling Dialogue in 10 Easy Steps."

To check on the growing faculty and workshop session, go to:

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/agenda.htm -----
Reach for Your Dream: Publish Your Book Your Way is coming to the Glendale Central Library tomorrow (June 10) at 10 am. Refreshments. Fun. Easy no-c^st parking. Learn more at: http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/writers_support_group.asp

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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 a
permanent spot (or as my list grows,
semi-permanent) spot in this newsletter.
I use only links that benefit writers
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Tip: Small Publishers of North America has an Internet discussion group and Internet newsletter that is a wealth of publishing, promotion and writing information. Both may be accessed on SPAN's home page, http://spannet.org.
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Author Releases:

Denecian Angeleia has released "How To Get Over Him and Learn From Your Mistakes: A Survival Guide" by Denician Angeleia. It covers relationship break ups and recommends safe dating guidelines. It is available at amazon.com and other online bookstores. Contact: honilovee@yahoo.com, or www.geocities.com/honilovee/
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Marilyn Meredith,
http://www.marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/ does it again. Her new trade paperback and e-book "Wishing Makes It So" was just released by Hard Shell Word Factory.

Because of their parenting and counseling experience, Alyse and Steven feel they can make a difference in a young girl's life. When they take her into their home they learn that really, really bad things can happen to good people.
Marilyn Meredith is the author of the popular Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and other mysteries. A stand-alone, "Wishing Makes It So" is darker than her previous novels. It is available from http://fictionwise.com and Amazon.com
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Launch Your Book in Ten Steps:
The Essential List Factor

Wanna know how to make your launch or next signing successful? I just posted an article on the lessons learned from my first book launch. The article is now a plog on Amazon. You can read it by cutting and pasting the URL below or by going to the Frugal Book Promoter page on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193299310X/qid=1149015406/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-4692447-2218401?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

While you're there, sign up to receive my plogs in your e-mail boxes (the plog button is on the left hand side of the page). It's really a continuation of "Sharing with Writers." You know, ideas for promoting, writing and more.

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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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Tip: In a survey, Drew Gerber of Wasabi Publicity found that 90% of the media prefers to get their media kits electronically. Now you know how to best distribute information on yourself and you book -- with a pressroom on your website or by offering an e-mail attachment upon request.
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Reciprocal Links:

One of my favorite groups for meeting "Publishing and Promoting" peers is moderated by award-winning suspense novelist Diane J. Newton, http://dianejnewton.bravehost.com/
To subscribe go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/publishingandpromoting/ .
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Dr. Bob Rich, freelance editor, finds the good things in your book and makes suggestions for improving it. Find him at http://bobswriting.com/editing.html
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Success Literary Services offers complete book manuscript services. They were honored with twelve awards. References. http://www.successliterary.com / suc-srv@pacbell.net
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HUGS, HOPE, and Peanut Butter: Finding Light Behind Life's Storm Clouds is a book of humorous, inspirational essays illustrated by critically ill children. www.hugsandhope.org/pb.htm
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The Compulsive Reader reviews books!. Find interviews, literary news, criticism, a no - c^st e-zine, and more. http://www.compulsivereader.com/html.
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Do bookstores owe you money? Michelle Dunn's books help you get your checks in full and on time. http://www.michelledunn.com/
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Erica Miner, queenpower.com's Queen of Journaling, edits a newsletter with an emphasis on journaling. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php
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Need help with your writing career? Contact your Author's Advocate, Patrika Vaughn, at www.acappela.com.
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Dreams of Grandeur, a book of poetry by Amber A. Whitman is available at http://homebody2001-ivil.tripod.com/. A reader says "I'm impressed…a great deal of talent."

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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://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm

author of "This is the Place," "Harkening:
A Collection of Stories Remembered,"
"Tracings," and "The Frugal Book Promoter:
How to Do What Your Publisher Won't,"
this newsletter lets authors share
with each other.

To submit information for consideration,
e-mail Carolyn at

HoJoNews@aol.com

If you do not care to receive this letter, unsubscribe at

HoJoNews@aol.com.

Include "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.

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.
Order it as an e-book or paperback at
Amazon where it is discounted:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-0672916-9668863 .

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry,
may be ordered at

http://finishinglinepress.com

and at,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1139084827/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7824821-4156653?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Carolyn's novel, "This is the Place,"
and book of creative nonfiction,
"Harkening: A Collection of Stories
Remembered," may be ordered at Amazon.com.