Because of technical difficulties, this letter will not be available in .pdf - - only plain text. So scroll down. My apologies. No color. No pictures!

November 08, 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
~Note from Carolyn (Editorial: Yes! You Can Speak on Cruise Lines!)
~Thank Yous (where you also find leads and great resources!)
~Tips and News Galore! (They're scattered, you'll just have to find them!)
~Opportunities
~On Poetry
~Author Successes (Also full of resources that have worked for your fellow subscribers)
~Humor Hint by Anne Louise
~Mindy Lawrence's Itty Bitty Column: “Keeping Writers Healthy”
~Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching
~Wordstuff ™

Special to this Issue
~News: Amazon Short Program Appears Dead
~Writers Going Green by V.H. Melville
~On Cruising and Promoting by Daniel Hall


Note from Carolyn

Dear Subscribers and Authors' Coalition Members:

Well, I'm b - a - a - a - ck. The big news isn't the amazing trek through the Panama Canal on a Panamax ship at the cost of more than $300,000 dollars. It isn't even about the amazing ports in Aruba, Venezuela, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico, it's that I used this cruise to promote and maybe even get a speaking gig. And it was all by luck.

When I cruised before, I often used the talent searches most lines feature. I read poetry and my chapbook, Tracings, to cruise audiences, but I could just as easily have read a WOW excerpt from my novel or short story collection. I'd also casually applied for cruise speaking through the regular online agent services to no avail. I even had a recommendation from frequent cruise speaker and friend, Erica Miner. Also to no avail.

Then three weeks ago I learned something new about how to do it (see below) by networking - - this time at a Book Publicists of Southern California meeting. And Voila! In two minutes I had an essential tip I hadn't had before and lots of personal attention. That meant that two days before I boarded, I had an onboard audition talking about the Magic and Mystery of the Mayans with an audience of easily 200. I also made lots of other networking friends including a very helpful port speaker, Robert Raincock. If it works out, I'll be doing more cruises (f r ^ ^) and more speaking, which I love.

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

PS: If you're interested in promoting your book on cruises, my magic man is Daniel Hall. He says, "Trade your talents for free luxury cruises. Get your free special report 'The Top 5 Cruise Line Enrichment Programs and How To Use Them To Get Free Luxury Cruises' at www.speakerscruisefree.com. You'll find a how - to - do - it article by Daniel in this newsletter. Just scroll down!

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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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Special Request

Please nominate this newsletter and its companion blogs, www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com or www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com for Writers' Digest 101 Best Websites. Here are the guidelines:

Send your nomination mentioning Sharing with Writers or The Frugal Editor and the appropriate URL (web address) to writersdig@fwpubs.com. Put "101
Sites" in the subject line. If you'd like, copy me at hojonews@aol.com. If you want to nominate both addresses, they must be submitted in separate e - mails. ( - :


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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: Using a style sheet is an important part of writing any book. Learn why on latest entry at my Frugal Editor blog, www.thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com


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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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Humor Hint by Anne Louise . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Writing tends to be a solitary occupation, which is a challenge for a humor writer - - I’m left to laugh alone at my own jokes. Fortunately, I’m a member of a writers’ group, which has been an invaluable source of support, feedback and laughter - - at mostly the right places. But although helpful, the group isn’t focused on humor writing, and I felt like I needed support specifically in that area. So, I decided to start my own group. Through the illustrious author of this newsletter, Carolyn Howard - Johnson, I had also connected with a monthly lunch group of women writers in our area. I figured that it was a good place to start, so I asked who might be interested in a comedy writing work group, and voila! Four or five of us meet twice per month, each time discussing a chapter of “Comedy Writing Secrets” by Mel Helitzer and Mark Shatz. The book is a fabulous guide to writing funny, replete with examples and practice exercises. I had been working through it on my own, but working alone, I was back to my original problem. Now, I meet with my fellow writers, we give support and feedback, and we laugh - - at more of the right places.
Talk to you soon!

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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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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Thank Yous

Thank You to Michael M. Marcus, Author and Blogger . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~.
. . . for strongly recommending The Frugal Book Promoter to his readers. As director of http://www.ablecomm.com/, the telecom department store, this is a blog to watch. The link is: http://bookmakingblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/misleading - book - title - made - me - waste - my.html

Thank You to Blogger Kristi Holl. . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~.
. . . who blogs on all things writing. She added my blog to her blog roll: http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers - First - Aid - blog/ . You'll want to check it out for learning opportunities.


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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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Tip: Here's a free brochure - making web site. http://mybrochuremaker.com/. It makes a professional looking brochure using your own computer. This tip is shared by SWW subscriber Jewel Sample who blogs at Jewel's Sand Box News, http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com/.


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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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Author Successes

Michael Levy Publishes Paradise Graces A Simple Mind . . .
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Michael says, "A simple mind has no room for worry or fear. No matter what problems arise, there are natural answers that can solve the most demanding questions
"A simple mind knows how to protect its time on earth. It enables every person to select authentic choices to grow and prosper in a trustworthy reality of balance." The book (ISBN 9780981936703) was published on Wednesday! Give it a warm welcome!

Matt Freese Wins SubtleTea's Essay Contest . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . . with his work, "Cameras as Remembrances of Things Past." It will be published in the October/December 2008 edition. Find Matt at www.mathiasbfreese.com and David Herrle, publisher of SubtleTea at www.subtletea.com.



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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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Tip: Subscriber Chris Meeks offers some newfound tips on presenting his material at events. I know you'll think this one is worth taking the time to go to my blog. For the tips but also for the inspiration. Yes, you can sound like a professional when you read your own material even if you don't consider yourself a great dramatist. www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com.


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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.

When You Travel Take a Journal . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
. . .think of food as poetry. You may be surprised with what you come up with. I'm going to do a chapbook of very light poems about recipes that tour guides from all over the world have shared with me. Think of the smells, the color, the exotic differences!


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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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Feature

Writers Going Green . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By VH Melville
Being green is not about politics. It's not about money, either. You can be super frugal or spend on eco luxury items.

When going green you don't have to try anything and everything. Some green tips might work with your lifestyle when others won't. As an example, the remoteness of the place I live sometimes limits what I am able to do.

Here are some new ideas that recently occurred to me:

*If you writing a book on crafts, incorporate nontoxic but discarded items for reuse and recycling.

*You could replace plastic grocery with canvas bags that have your book cover on it. I have never done this because I am not a big self promoter but maybe I should.

*If you chug a lot of bottled water while writing, replace your cups with a reusable metal bottle or just a nice mug. If your water doesn't taste good, consider a filter. Most bottled water is just filtered tap water anyway.

*Use the other side of the paper you've printed on as scrap paper. You might even use junk mail for writing down story ideas.

*If you live in a safe neighborhood get a backpack or a pull wagon and walk to places you have to go. Writers who walk will observe things that they can't when they're driving.

*Thrift stores are not only a great way to reuse and to give but they can be amazing resources for stories and articles. That tiger lamp or old jewelry box might have a story to it.

*Submit to publishers that allow e - mail queries and submissions.

*Green your press kit. Ask: Is there anything in my kit that can be replaced with something that's recycled or biodegradable? Will the publisher take a digital press kit?
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VH Melville writes science fiction, humor, poetry and children's fiction. She lives in the state of confusion. Her latest novel Death Toys for Quasar is a sci - fi romp. http://diskuspublishing.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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Feature

Eight Easy Steps to a Lifetime of Free Cruises by Sharing Your Passions and Interests as an Onboard Lecturer (Even if You're Petrified of Public Speaking)
By Daniel Hall, Cruise Speaking Guru, http://www.SpeakersCruiseFree.com

Being an approved cruise enrichment lecturer is the greatest gig on the seven seas.
The deal is simple: you furnish the cruise lines three or four 1 - hour lectures on subjects you love and you get a free cruise for yourself and a companion.

The best part is the lectures are usually scheduled on sea days so you'll have every port day totally free to explore.

Further, you cruise as a passenger (not a crew member) so you'll get every other passenger perk, too.

That's why I love this deal. Your return on time investment is enormous!

I calculated what I received in exchange for my time on my last cruise through the Inside Passage of Alaska.

I contracted with the cruise line to deliver three 1 - hour presentations on sea days. The 7 - day cruise was at the end of July beginning of August.

Statistically, this is the most popular time to cruise Alaska of any time of the year!

Before leaving I reviewed what other passengers were paying for the same or similar cabin and the fares were astronomical!

I found fares ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 for a double occupancy stateroom!

Thus, I divided these fares by the number of hours I was to deliver presentations.

The result?

At the low end of the range I received $833 per hour in value. At the high end a whopping $1333!

And to boot... I have a ball every time I cruise as a speaker!

And here's the great thing. You can do this, too!

It is relatively easy for anyone willing to try.

Be that as it may, there are many pitfalls to becoming an approved cruise lecturer. Here's how to avoid them.

Today we are going to cover the number one mistake to avoid:

*** Not doing your homework. ***

Learn which cruise lines have enrichment lecturer programs and (most importantly) what topics they generally seek.

Some cruise lines only seek destination - driven type presentations and arts and crafts projects.

Others want more general interest topics and projects.

Some will entertain speakers with investment, business and self improvement lectures.

Others don't want these topics at all.

Find out which before contacting any cruise lines.

They will know if you aren't asking intelligent questions.

You'll only be able to sound intelligent about their programs if you've done your homework.

Being labeled as an amateur because you have not done the required up front work will be the kiss of death to your application.

Additionally, doing homework like this will also be an indication to the cruise line that you are serious about your pursuit.

It will also help to establish you as a prepared professional.

In other words, someone the cruise lines will trust to perform appropriately and professionally with its paying passengers.

There you have it. Do all your homework and you'll exponentially increase odds of success!
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Subscribe to Daniel's newsletter and get info on things like this:
Avoiding the mistake of not picking "good fit" topics.
~ Avoiding the mistake of not making a professional, cogent presentation to the cruise lines.
~ Avoiding the mistake of sending an unpersuasive "lecture packet."
~ Avoiding the mistake of not being flexible.
~ Avoiding the mistake of not educating yourself in the process of getting approved.
Get his complete reports by going to get the complete report by going to http://www.SpeakersCruiseFree.com/.
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Book News: A deal between Google and the Association of American Publishers (AAP) involves Google's Book Search program. Industry experts say it will benefit US publishers, readers and scholars if approved by a federal court.

The deal will allow a new channel for payment to publishers for digital works online and still let Google make books available to read or buy through its search program. Those with rights to creative material may opt out of the program if they wish (please don't! I believe this kind of exposure - - paid or not - - can only help your readership!)

Google Book Search will let readers search the full texts of copyrighted books—both those in - print and out - of - print. They can pay a per - page fee to print or buy a digital or hard copy of a book. Schools and libraries may buy a subscription service.


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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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News: Because I have a piece ("The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need To Know To Sell Your Book in 20 Minutes or Less") published by Amazon and another one accepted but lying fallow, I have been waiting for definitive news about what Amazon plans to do with the program. And now, we have it. One of my publishing partners for my coming chapbook book of poetry She Wore Emerald Then, May Lattanzio, finally heard from a Peg Anderson who signed her letter as "Executive Customer Relations." It said that they are no longer accepting new content (my interpretation of "new content": articles, short stories or anything else for the short program) "while we investigate other ways to easily connect authors to Amazon.com customers." She assured May that existing shorts would continue to be available on Amazon but - - here's the kicker - - "no additional content will be added to the program." So, if you've been saving up a short piece because it seems ideal for Amazon Shorts, you'll want to figure out something else to do with it or save it to see if the new program they are investigating is a fit.
Oh, Ms. Anderson said that if you have other questions (can't imagine what they would be - - this seems pretty final!), you can write to amazon - shorts@amazon.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: In her Book Marketing in the Digital Age Yvonne Perry reminds writers to use all the forms of a keyword that people might use to search for your topic. So, you wouldn't use just "truck," but also "trucks," "trucked," "trucking."



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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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Vocabulary: You need to know the term "Navigation Tabs" to communicate with Web types. They're the little buttons or drop downs at the top of your website. We are word people, after all. ( - :


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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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A Build - Your - Website Right Tip: Read Just the FAQs: Websites (at www.justthefaqs.net/).


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"AC is the current that powers your writing career." http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Tip: Know who links to your Web site by going to www.wholinks2me.com.


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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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Opportunities:

Research Radio Hosts with Fran Silverman
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Fran's guests are mostly (all?) radio hosts in their own rights so you can learn from her shows and research possibilities for appearances of your own at the same time. Here is her November schedule.

November 11, 2008, at 10 am (ET): Pete Klein, host of Adirondack Book House on Blog Talk Radio, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The - Dancing - Valkyrie

November 18, 2008, at 10 am (ET): David Ewen, host of Today's Author on http://www.ewenprime.com

November 25, 2008 at 10 am (ET): Robin Kall, host of Reading with Robin on WHJJ, Providence, R.I., http://www.920whjj.com

Just call in at 646 - 378 - 1865 during the live half - hour segment. The shows are archived about 15 minutes after they end. To access the archives, scroll down at the site and at the bottom right where it says "Archives" click the date.



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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: Yvonne Perry's Book Marketing in the Digital Age includes the best sample of a one - page sell sheet I've ever seen. Find it at www.onlinepromotionmadeeasy.com.


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Announcement: I plan to release a booklet with terms and words that writers often get wrong when they edit. I haven't decided whether to use tech terms in it or not, because the length of the booklet is so important. But watch for it. I promise to keep it lower than the cost of most greeting cards.( - :
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Tip: You must Twitter! Michael E. Carluen, Twitter guru says "Carolyn, tell your colleagues. This is a F R ^ ^ advertising medium for authors via Twitter! And I love to see & follow authors!" Just join twitter and then type in www.twitwall.com to do longer "I've been thinking . . . " tweets with a place that allows you to expand on a special offer or thought. He picks up his faves for his weekend edition.


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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


Keeping Writers Healthy: Writing and Eating
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By Mindy Phillips Lawrence
Authors sit at keyboards much of the time. They have many physical, medical and emotional issues that need attention while they are creating their work. I have several writer friends who are diabetic. Several are overweight (or think they are) and others are under emotional strain for one reason or another. The next three versions of this Itty Bitty Column with deal with ways to help writers stay healthy: Writing and Eating – Writing and Exercise – Writing and Mental Health. This one is about eating well while writing up a storm. Yep. There will be links as usual.

WRITING AND NUTRITION

Many writers woof down food while they work. I’ve gotten into this nasty habit. It’s not healthy. You need to take time away from the keyboard to gain perspective and to MOVE!
Eating the right things to keep “butt spread” at bay is essential. It’s also important to know how to make simple meals that don’t take a lot of fuss to prepare and are nutritious.
Here’s a recipe I make when I’m in a hurry and want something tasty. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare:
- - Cook enough brown rice along with the appropriate amount of vegetable broth (available at many grocery stores and Wal - Mart) to make one cup of rice, usually one cup rice to one cup liquid. You can also use water but broth is more fun.
- - While this is cooking, add to a BIG SKILLET (my 12 - incher is overkill) about 1/3 cup of olive oil with appropriate spices (I use garlic salt, minced onions, Italian seasoning and Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend because I like a little kick to it). Adjust amounts as desired.
- - Add about 1/4 cup low - salt soy sauce or tamari (to taste) and heat it up.
- - Cook either one pound of lean ground beef or (if you are vegetarian) an equal amount of vegetarian “ground beef crumbles” in the oil/sauce/spice mixture until good and brown. You can also use other meats, like pork, if you like.
- - Add one bag of mixed frozen vegetables of your choice.
- - Add your cooked brown rice along with water if needed.
- - Cook until the veggies are done and serve. YUM!
This is my favorite meal when I am busy. You can also make a double batch and heat it the next day for a super - fast nutritious meal.

Pay attention to the Glycemic Index, especially if you are dealing with diabetes, heart problems or cholesterol issues. It’s the easiest way I know to eat healthy.
NEXT TOPIC: “WRITNG AND EXERCISE.” Get your shoes and weights ready! I’ll be gentle.

LINKS

GLYCEMIC INDEX
http://www.glycemicindex.com/

LOW GLYCEMIC DIET
http://www.lowglycemicdiet.com/gifoodlist.html

OVER 100 EASY RECIPES
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/over - 100 - quick - and - easy - healthy - foods.html

COOKING LIGHT RECIPES
http://search.myrecipes.com/search.html?type=ct:recipes;et:Cooking+Light;&Ntk=photo_sort

VEGETARIAN COOKING


BUYING VEGETARIAN INGREDIENTS ONLINE
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/shoppingproducts/f/Wheretoshop.htm

LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX CHART
http://www.topfitonline.com/chartglycemic.htm

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Mindy Phillips Lawrence www.freewebs.com/mplcreative is the author of the poetry collections One Blue Star and Above and Below. She is co - author of The Complete Writer and 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/.



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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
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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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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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New!I usually don't list places I'm published, mostly because they often don't have anything to do with writing, but Romance Writers' of America will be publishing my article on writing stand - out query letters in the January print edition of their magazine. The editor, P.K. Adey, says you can learn more about the magazine and the organization by going to http://www.rwanational.org/cs/romance_writers_report/current_issue


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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.
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Wordstuff ™

Something to Make Writers Smile
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(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.)

"EGOTIST: Someone who is usually me - deep in conversation."


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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