To read this newsletter in PDF (with a bit more pizzazz) go to:
http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/SharingwithWriters_Aug_23_2008.pdf


August 23, 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)
*Letter to the Editor
*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: “Eavesdropping for Writers“
*Humor Hints by Anne Louise
*Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
*Wordstuff ™

Special to this Issue
*Amazon's Mysterious Disappearing Books
*The Optimal Editor: You're an editor if you blog or publish a newsletter.
*Technorati: Getting More Traffic to Your Blog Made Easy


Note from Carolyn

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

It's interesting how things cycle. Back in the early 1970s when my husband and I opened our first retail store, we eschewed business cards. Even though I had a background in publicity, business cards were just so, well . . . formal. So ostentatious. So . . . statusy!

When we finally realized that business cards were essential to promoting our business (and a service to our customers!), we ameliorated the Ugh! factor by listing ourselves not at CEOs or Presidents but as "Owners and Chief Toilet Swabbers." This was the 70s, after all, and humor - - even four decades later - - is still an effective means of toning down anything too high falutin'.

Now Time magazine reports that social norms are changing and calling cards, precursors to business cards, are back. Calling cards were used by the socially elite in Victorian times but lost favor as people visited one another more by phone (and now by e - mail and by texting). Also anything that smacked of snobbery was not a pretty thing during the flower child era.

Now Crane and Company has launched a marketing campaign that has successfully brought calling cards back. They're used like business cards for people who aren't in business or those who are who want to be less status conscious. Talk about a reversal!

Calling cards make it easier for mothers at the park playground to exchange information, as an example. Or for retired people on a cruise to exchange names. They're good at high school or college reunions if you don't want to flaunt that you are now a partner with your law firm.

And some businesses are using them, too. Their intent is similar to the reasons my husband and I resorted to humor on ours. They are less stodgy (many are larger or smaller than traditional cards, more colorfully designed, etc). In a word, more casual.

And that brings us to your business cards. I have long used business cards that are more like mini ads for my books. They are not designed with gorgeous, swooshy logos and lots of open space (however much I like open space!). Instead they include my book covers and little blurbs about each book. I even go so far as to mention their awards. I also use both sides (one for my literary work and one for my how - to books for writers).

I do keep them the traditional size, however. They would be prettier and easier to read if they were larger, but not so easily stowed in the recipient's wallet. And that, after all, is the point. Whether we call them business cards or calling cards or mini book ads, they are all about giving, getting and keeping information. And that's why - - if one must make a choice based on budget - - I prefer them over bookmarks.

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

PS: 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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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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Letter to the Editor
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Carolyn:
My book Months and Seasons, as you know, debuted in June. I had a great publication day where my book ranked on Amazon at nine thousand and something. I sold 150 books that day, it turned out, and about 53 were at the publication party itself. I'm loving Lightning Source because they give me monthly sales figures, and when I saw I'd sold zero books in July, that told me I needed to do something fast.

Although my publicist was supposed to keep things going, she, of course, has many clients, and what can happen with a book of short stories anyway? She managed to get two reviews for the book the previous month, but then placements stopped. So I've spent hours on the Internet, looking for literary websites of quality, and I've written personal notes to the editors of those sites if they are listed. Frankly, I'm surprised how a number of literary websites are anonymous. Sometimes one gets only a screen name, such as Reader Lady or Biblioaddict. Sometimes there are no e - mail addresses given. The best places offer the editor's full name and ways to contact him or her.
In short, I now have another nine reviews given to my book with perhaps another half dozen or more to come.

I've sent out 21 books, but I can't assume everyone will actually read it. This effort has been much less expensive than a publicist. I used a publicist because I wanted to try everything, but next time, I might not spend that money.

One of the things that has helped give me visibility is a place called Red Room, "where the writers are." My page is: http://www.redroom.com/author/christopher - meeks. I joined as an author and received my own webpage there at no cost. The site is particularly well designed. I haven't told anyone until now about it because I've been on vacation. The hit counter, only visible to me, shows 370 hits have occurred on the page - - not bad considering none of my friends know about it. If you want to join, there's a link somewhere on the home page that explains how to join as both a member and as an author. There's also free blogging if you're a member.

My book is selling again, I'm happy to say.

Best,
Chris Meeks, www.chrismeeks.com

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Tip: Here's the scenario. You've been thinking you should do something about the security of your computer. A pop - up ad comes on, maybe from a reliable source like McAfee. You click. And you just bought yourself a virus. Don't ever click on popup ads that appear on your computer screen. You want McAfee, you go to McAfee on your own.


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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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Tip: Publisher and authors' advocate Patrika Vaughn (www.acapella.com) sends you this tip: When revising your work, you need to let go of the love you feel for your own words. Objectivity is the key. To achieve that, try these steps:
1) Change your environment. Take your manuscript to a new spot (back porch, Starbucks, etc.) and ask yourself:
2) Have I shown and not told?
3) Is every scene necessary?
4) Is the plot a cause - and - effect sequence or merely a chronology?
5) Has my main character changed? If so, how?

Honest, objective answers will show you how to revise your work (That's really what revising is all about!).

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Tip: Have you registered your blog with Technorati? I just did (finally!). Find it here http://technorati.com/people/technorati/CarolynHowardJohnson. And when you go to any of my blogs or anyone else's, please take a minute to click on the Technorati logo at the top left of each page. By the way, registering was a lot easier than I expected. I shouldn't have waited so long to do it! Learn more about how to register keywords or tags later in this newsletter.


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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

The National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada. . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . has asked award - winning author and speaker Robin Jay to talk about what it takes to become a published author at their luncheon at the Las Vegas Country Club on August 26th, from 11:30AM - 1PM. For reservations, visit www.NAWBOSNV.org. Jay is an award - winning author and professional speaker and is also the president of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau. Jay will speak on “Defining Yourself as an Expert: Using Publishing to Make Your Mark.” Jay says that anyone can become a published author if they take the time to learn about the industry. “It can be expensive if you don’t know what to look out for,” shares Jay. “There are many short - cuts to getting published and I love helping authors connect with their passion. Plus, being published is a great way to put yourself ahead of your competition in business.” For more information or to book Robin to speak to your business or association, e - mail her at Robin@RobinJay.com.


Learn How to Make Money Speaking . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . at the Millionaire Speakers Boot Camp on Oct 4 and 5 just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. It is conducted by Robin Jay, award - winning author, professional keynote speaker and president of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau. In this boot camp, Robin will reveal how the speaking industry works and why most professional speakers are starving. She will share with you how to develop your products, build an irresistible offer and master the close.
Robin says, “When you attend my 2 - day intensive boot camp, I will share with you the tools you need to earn thousands of dollars every time you speak. I am not going to teach you how to tell funny jokes or show you how to juggle balls in your left hand, play the drums with your right hand while wearing bells on your knees. What you will learn is how to make money as a speaker. Even some of the ‘A - List’ speakers with the bureau – those who earn $15,000 for a keynote – call me asking how they can earn more money. Why wait for a bureau or meeting planner to call you? Take control of your speaking career and your income by discovering how to work smarter – not harder! Your dream of becoming a paid speaker is waiting for you - - if you will take the time to learn how to achieve it.
This boot camp is $2495.00, and you can bring a friend, spouse or guest for only $500. But Robin has made a special offer for my friends and associates; if you want to attend, just tell her that Carolyn sent you and you can attend for just $1500.00 each - - even if you attend alone. AND, if you don’t live near Las Vegas, your tuition will include a fabulous nearby hotel room for Saturday night. The boot camp is Saturday and Sunday from 10AM – 5PM each day and includes a healthy lunch both days. For more information, please call Robin at 702 - 460 - 1420 or e - mail her for more information at Robin@RobinJay.com.


The Mother Daughter Club Radio Show . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . Is looking for authors with topics related to spirituality. Host Kathe Gogolewski suggests authors listen to some recent shows before sending a query. She carefully vets guests so that they are a match for the show. www.themotherdaughterclub.com, Listen live Thursday at 8 pm Eastern Standard Time.


Be Quoted in a New Book . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Attention writers, authors, editors, lit agents and publishers! Want to be interviewed for my new writing book? Trimming the Fat: A Writer's Guide to Revising coaches writers on the perils and pitfalls of revision! Advice from the pros and writers who have "been there, done that" are right alongside quotes on revision, and each chapter gives the lowdown on how to revise/rewrite all kinds of writing. With tips and techniques on how to revise/rewrite fiction, nonfiction, poetry and entire manuscripts, you, the writer, and you, the editor, can share your knowledge and expertise! Want in on it? Send an e - mail to Dawn Colclasure at DMCWriter@gmail.com if you're interested.


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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 Dawn Colclasure . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . .. for interviewing me on her Palms to Pines blog: http://palmstopines.blogspot.com/2008/08/carolyn - howard - johnson - talks - books.html Dawn not only lets me tell the story behind my 1949 dictionary that is more than 1 foot high but also is a fine writer to network with.


Thank You to Krista Barrett . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . editor of Writer Gazette newsletter, for publishing my review of a book on spelling I told you about a couple of issues ago. To subscribe go to www.writergazette.com and sign up for her letter in the form you'll find close to the top of the page, center column.


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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

This week, I'm advocating criminal activity, so those of you with scruples
may not want to read any further.

(If you're still reading, I hope you realize what that says about you.) Now, on to our criminal activity: In general, it is wrong to steal. However, there is one group from which it is not only permissible to steal, it's advisable. That's because it's the only payback you'll get from them for years. I'm speaking of course, about your offspring.

Kids are funny. If you don't have any, rent some; they are a great source of material. My kids have uttered some great lines, and I've been able to appropriate almost all of them for my own nefarious purposes.

For example, my oldest son's response to hearing his sister talk on the phone was, "Listen, she's texting out loud!" This provided a great ending for an article on my adventures learning to send text messages. I got this descriptive oxymoronish line from my daughter, "He's like a genius, only slower." And a younger son provided "It was an accident gone wrong," which became the basis for an entire chapter in the middle - grade novel that I will someday get back to writing.

Wait - - could it be that my lines aren't funny at all, and only theirs are any good? Well . . . they're mine now.

- - - - - 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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Q&A a la Ann Landers

Amazon's Mysterious Disappearing Books

Question:
My novel, After the Floods, was available at both Amazon and Barnes&Noble.com - - now it has been dropped from both. What do you suppose has happened and what can I do about it?
- - - - - Bruce Henrickson, author of After the Floods.

Answer: Please go www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com for the answer to this question including information on publishers; responsiblities.


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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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The Optimal Editor: 7 Ways to Work More Efficiently and Get the Most Out of Writers ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By Jennifer Brown Banks

(SWW Editor's Note: This article is for writers who edit to put eggs on the table and writers who edit newsletters and blogs. Once you take on one of these tasks, you have a whole new profession to master.)
I love editors. Where would we be as writers without them?

They’re like image consultants for our words.
They can help us to have “poise” on paper, polish our look, cultivate our talent, and take a career to new heights.

In fact, over a decade ago, I was blessed to encounter one who has made a significant impact on my success to date.

Back then, she was my only fan, other than my mom. She believed in me before I truly recognized my own true potential. As a result, I’ve written for her for 15 years now, and it would take wild horses to drag me away!

It was this background experience and preparation that allowed me to transition to the role of senior editor of a regional publication, some time ago.
In so doing, I’ve had the opportunity to see both sides of the coin—freelance writer and editor. Wow, what an eye - opener!

As much as I have a high regard for editors, (having walked in their shoes), it’s clear to me that some are not operating at their full potential. Despite their diligence, some are simply not getting the most from their efforts or the writers who contribute to their life’s work.

To this end, I offer the following 7 tips to become an optimal editor and to create more win - win situations in the publishing game!

1. Help writers to help you. Make sure that guidelines for your writers are as specific and clear as possible, whether they are online or in a formatted letter. Be certain to note any stylistic preferences as well. The other day I spent needless hours revising a few pieces for two of my favorite editors that could have been avoided if these small requirements would have just been posted with their submission guidelines, or communicated earlier. Though I wasn’t bothered by the extra steps, it’s a good example of not working smarter but harder.

2. Before you reject a submission totally, make sure that it’s not something that only needs to be revisited and revised. For example, I sent a how - to out to an editor some time ago that had a political reference in the introductory paragraph. He rejected it. I sent it out to another editor, who also didn’t like the political reference, but merely asked me to take it out, and I did. And he bought it! In other words, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

3. Remember that it’s “nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” The world of publishing is not very different from the corporate world. Folks generally like to work with others who are likable. Keep in mind that freelancers are professional writers that work with you, not for

4. Value people’s time. With the advent of the Internet, it takes so little to communicate with people. Which is why it really amazes me when it takes some folks 3 - 4 weeks just to respond to an e - mail question? I mean really, how much time and effort does it require to hit the reply button?

5. Hire columnists when possible. The benefits? They typically have a built in readership that they bring with them, which drives traffic to your site, they save you time from searching for creative talent, and most are consummate professionals that require very little grooming.

6. Be fair. The other day I was scouting for freelance work online and I was surprised to discover how many publications offer no compensation to contributors. You get what you pay for. “Free” help can often render less than quality work for your publication.

7. Be your own publicist! Take advantage of the many opportunities to get the word out about who you are and what you do. For example, Blogs and signature e - mails are two popular and inexpensive ways to promote. Many business owners and sales people overlook the YAHOO! option that allows you to tag your signature and website address to all of your outgoing e - mail messages, for free! Don’t be one of them.

By following these 7 tips you’re sure to yield peak performances from yourself and the writers who contribute to your life’s work. After all, we’re all on the same team.

- - - - - Jennifer Brown Banks, Corporate and Creative Communications, Veteran freelance writer, editor and consultant http://www.writergazette.com/jenniferbrownbanks.shtml



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.

I thought you might like to see how I use some of the poems I write when I'm inspired by travel. Find them on the "Travels with Carolyn" page at www.howtodoitfrugally.com. (The button/link is at the top of the homepage.) I should probably put a disclaimer out that these are not my best poems. They are light and kind of fun. They even include recipe poems. If you do something similar, I urge you not to use the poems you'd like to publish in journals or books. Doing so could prevent you from placing them elsewhere. On the other hand, why not have some fun with your poetry, too!


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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: Plan now to be at the LA Times Festival of Books in April of 2009. Sign in a booth located in a great spot on the grounds and utilize the cross - promotion Christine Alexanians and I have set up to benefit those signing. Register before September 16 and receive an early bird discount for the signing slots. One hour signing segments (50 minutes to allow set up) cost $100 for the first and $80 for a second hour. After Sept. 16, the fee will return to its regular $150 for the first and $100 for the second day. The fee includes display of your book, your order forms and your bookmark or business card and a poster for the full two days. Those who are not members of Authors' Coalition will be asked to join Authors Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com) at the Silver Membership level. The regular cost is $25, but will be discounted to $20 for those signing. Participants whose memberships from last year come due in April can join for only $10 in addition to the signing fee. To sign up, e - mail Christine Alexanians at chalexwrite@yahoo.com or me at hojonews@aol.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.)


None to report this week.
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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: So, you want to pitch some book club groups to read you book! Try Book Club Meetups http://bookclub.meetup.com/all/. Click on the link for any given book club to find contact information for the contact person in the left column.


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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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In Brief - - Bloggy/Techy Stuff

Technorati: Making it Easy to Get More Traffic for Your Blog
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It's taken me ages but I'm finally exploring Technorati. That’s the place you go to get more traffic for you blog. They call is "claiming" a blog. Your register your blogs one at a time. That takes a bit of time. As you do it you pick up HTML code and paste it into your blog so people can vote for your blog as a favorite. By the way, it's a nice thing to do - - to take a moment to vote - - when you see these little logos on people's blogs).

From then on you can let Technorati help spread the word about your blogs, too. After you post a blog, go to www.egmstrategy.com/ice/tag - generator.cfm to list the keywords for that particular blog. Be sure that you've checked Technorati as the place you want that site to connect with. Click on Generate Code.
You will get more HTML code which you paste in the edit window of the blog you just posted.



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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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Tip: Authors rely on their computers; thus I feel that that tips on computer security are suitable for this newsletter. Avoid viruses by never accessing a financial account through an e - mail link. Use only your browser's existing bookmark or by typing in the institution's URL in the window yourself. If you think you are being scammed (this is called phishing), forward the e - mail post to spam@uce.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org.


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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: More security info. It's a temptation, I know, but don't use the same password for all online accounts. Learn more about secure passwords at www.consumerreports.org. BTW, I use the notes feature of my Outlook Program to record my different passwords.


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"AC is the current that powers your writing career." http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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TIP: Think how an identity theft could eat into your writing time! When you shop online, use a credit card just for that purpose and never use a debit card.


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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: So you have a Mac and feel computer - secure. Forget it. Consumer Reports suggests that "until Apple beefs up Safari, use a brower with phishing protection such as the latest version of Firefox or Opera. Also try a free anti - phishing toolbar such as McAfee Site Advisor or FirePhish.


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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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Tip: Ever wonder why we capitalize the pronoun "I," but not the others. The answer may surprise you. I just added a fun article for those who love words on my blog at www.thefrugaleditor.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

Eavesdropping for Writers
By Mindy Phillips Lawrence

A group of retired men met weekly in the small café on Saturday morning for breakfast. They crowded around the same set of tables to talk and to escape from women. They didn’t quite succeed. I usually sat at a nearby table where I could overhear their discussions–usually on sports, politics, family or cars. It occurred to me how wonderful it was to sit there and get a male perspective on life, so I started listening more closely and taking notes. I became a well - trained eavesdropper.

If you want to develop dialogue for your book or short story, take a notebook to a café or other public venue, sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of tea and listen. Listen to the servers, to the men, to the women, to the children. You will learn the rhythms of their speech and the topics of their conversations.

I overheard a man at a Steak and Shake trying to order something that was prepared without pork. As I left I asked if he was a vegetarian. He said, “No, I am Muslim.” He invited me to sit and chat with him, which I did. As the conversation closed, he took my bill from me and bought my breakfast. I never saw him again but learned he owned a motel in a nearby town. The entire experience came about because I eavesdropped. I learned a bit about his culture and had a very interesting conversation.

You may never have something like that happen to you, and I pray you never hear something illegal that has occurred, but eavesdropping, politely of course, is a great way to learn how to write dialogue and develop characters.

Conversations aren’t the same as dialogue but they help in its development. Be discreet, but tune those ears of yours onto conversations.

Links

Writing Dialogue: Elizabeth Rose
http://www.scribesworld.com/writersniche/articles/WritingDialogue1ER.html

Writing Dialogue, Fiction Writing: About.Com
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/crafttechnique/tp/dialogue.htm

Baylor University, Writing Dialogue
http://www3.baylor.edu/ ~Greg_Garrett/writing/dialogue.html

Arts Edge, Kennedy Center (PDF)
http://artsedge.kennedy - center.org/content/2233/2233_fictionchar_dialogue.pdf

Writing Great Dialogue: Rob Tobin
http://www.writersstore.com/article.php?articles_id=677

- - - - - Mindy Phillips Lawrence www.freewebs.com/mplcreative is the author of One Blue Star and co - author of The Complete Writer. She is also the publicist and literary agent for Dr. Dan Skelton and representative for the fiction work of Bev Sninchak (formerly Walton - Porter). She is in the process of researching a novel titled Alone is Where We Begin. Blogging at: http://mplcreative.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

(I'm taking the month of August is vacation time (sort of). so my schedule is limited. It doesn't mean I don't love you all! (Nope, June and July weren't as productive as I hoped!)


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 early registration. Nearly 2,000 attended last year and openings are limited. Learn more about this year's conference, October 13 to 19th, and how you can assure your spot in 2008. We will present an all - new program soon. Carolyn will do 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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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.)

"COLLEGE: The four year period when parents are permitted access to the telephone."


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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.

Though 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://starpublish.com/carolyn_howard - johnson.htm

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: http://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.

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