Alliance of Writers

Amazon Kindle 2: Authors Guild Take

2009-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

From the Author's Guild:

On Monday, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled Amazon's Kindle 2 e-book reading device at the Morgan Library in New York. Most of the changes from the first version of the Kindle are incremental improvements: the new Kindle is lighter and thinner, for example, and Amazon eliminated the scroll wheel. One update, however, is wholly new: Amazon has added a "Text to Speech" function that reads the e-book aloud through the use of special software.

This presents a significant challenge to the publishing industry. Audiobooks surpassed $1 billion in sales in 2007; e-book sales are just a small fraction of that. While the audio quality of the Kindle 2, judging from Amazon's promotional materials, is best described as serviceable, it's far better than the text-to-speech audio of just a few years ago. We expect this software to improve rapidly.

We're studying this matter closely and will report back to you. In the meantime, we recommend that if you haven't yet granted your e-book rights to backlist or other titles, this isn't the time to start. If you have a new book contract and are negotiating your e-book rights, make sure Amazon's use of those rights is part of the dialog. Publishers certainly could contractually prohibit Amazon from adding audio functionality to its e-books without authorization, and Amazon could comply by adding a software tag that would prohibit its machine from creating an audio version of a book unless Amazon has acquired the appropriate rights. Until this issue is worked out, Amazon may be undermining your audio market as it exploits your e-books.

Bundling e-books and audio books has been discussed for a long time in the industry. It's a good idea, but it shouldn't be accomplished by fiat by an e-book distributor.

Reading to your kids note: A Wall Street Journal article quoted a portion of an interview with Authors Guild executive director Paul Aiken regarding the Kindle 2. The remarks have been interpreted by some as suggesting that the Guild believes that private out-loud reading is protected by copyright. It isn't, unless the reading is being done by a machine. And even out-loud reading by a machine is fine, of course, if it's from an authorized audio copy. Others suggest that challenging Amazon's use of this software challenges accessibility to the visually impaired. It doesn't: Kindle 2 isn't designed for such use. The Guild continues to support efforts to make works truly accessible to the visually impaired.

Local Booksellers Need You!

2008-12-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Recently the Authors Guild sent out an email which encouraged members to spread the word to support local booksellers.

We are fortunate where I live because we do not have any large book retailers in close proximity.

The closest B&N is about a forty-five minute drive down the winding mountain roads.

Even so, the grocery stores have taken over many of the magazine and mass market sales but we all still tend to support the local bookstores because they are important to our minds and our communities.

But is it enough?

One of our locals stores closed its doors not too long ago...but I believe it was due to poor business practices more than anything else.

Just last year, I sent out an announcement for my latest book to booksellers around the nation and was sad to see about 50 of my postcards returned marked "closed" or "empty building."

I happen to prefer the cozy, intimate nature of independent bookstores such as Cabin Fever in Sky Forest, California or Mcabe Books in Crestline, California.

Sometimes being pals with the booksellers can get in the way of shopping--but we all love it.

This year we lost the eclectic Eastside Book Cafe but Edelweiss Books is still going strong after something like 30 years and the Big Bear Book & Bean had to downsize but we are hopeful that they will survive.

Anyway, below is the email plea from the Authors Guild--and I'd like to invite you to take action and join in the efforts to support ANY local independent bookseller.

Drop by an independent bookseller on a day trip, order from a local bookstore by phone, or get gift certificates as stocking stuffers this season.

Find excuses throughout the year to support small businesses of all types but especially those who sell the books that stimulate minds and help maintain diversity and that pick unique titles instead of those few picked out of hundreds of titles to be marketed heavily.

From Roy Blount:

I've been talking to booksellers lately who report that times are hard. And local booksellers aren't known for vast reserves of capital, so a serious dip in sales can be devastating.

Booksellers don't lose enough money, however, to receive congressional attention. A government bailout isn't in the cards.

We don't want bookstores to die. Authors need them, and so do neighborhoods. So let's mount a book-buying splurge.

Get your friends together, go to your local bookstore and have a book-buying party. Buy the rest of your Christmas presents, but that's just for starters.

Clear out the mysteries, wrap up the histories, beam up the science fiction! Round up the westerns, go crazy for self-help, say yes to the university press books! Get a load of those coffee-table books, fatten up on slim volumes of verse, and take a chance on romance!

There will be birthdays in the next twelve months; books keep well; they're easy to wrap: buy those books now.

Buy replacements for any books looking raggedy on your shelves.

Stockpile children's books as gifts for friends who look like they may eventually give birth.

Hold off on the flat-screen TV and the GPS (they'll be cheaper after Christmas) and buy many, many books.

Then tell the grateful booksellers, who by this time will be hanging onto your legs begging you to stay and live with their cat in the stockroom:

"Got to move on, folks. Got some books to write now. You see...we're the Authors Guild."

Enjoy the holidays.

Roy Blount Jr.
President
Authors Guild

NaNoWrMo 2008

2008-10-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

National Novel Writing Month begins on November 1st--are you game? If so, sign up now and be sure to check out the NaNoWrMo podcast!

Meet Your Muse Workshop

2008-09-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

A Journey to Discovering, Nurturing, Exercising, & Rewarding Your Muse. (Workshop for writers and other creative types.)

Instructor: Diana L Guerrero (Author and founder of the Alliance of Writers.)

Saturday, October 11, 2008
11am to 3pm
$60 per person.
Lunch is included.

Comment or call 760.875-6874 for more information.

Pay the Writer

2008-09-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Literary Pie: Annual Celebration

2008-07-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Above (L to R): Kat Blanc, Diana L Guerrero, "William Sarabande," Liz Harris, Rita Robinson Campbell. Not pictured is Pamela Heiman.

This week was our annual author lunch which now revolves around the Literary Pie tradition started by Susan Messer & Patry Francis.

If you have not had your piece of the Literary Pie, you'd better get busy and feed that muse. This year my pie didn't look as perfect as it has in the past but it always tastes out of this world!

Above: This year's Literary Pie. Check out the recipe and rules to this tradition here.

We sent our good thoughts and blessings over to Patry and I hope to hear from her soon. She's had some health challenges of late.

You can visit Patry's blog here and see her last year's pie while you are at it!

Review: Yaro Starak's Blog Mastermind Program

2008-07-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Above: Yaro talks to me about Blog Mastermind

One of the big challenges facing any author is how to establish a relationship with your readers and maintain it.

In addition, marketing budgets are low or non-existent for most newly published authors or bloggers.

My last book, Blessing of the Animals was designed to drive readers to the book’s website which had an opt-in email list and a blog.

Today I am overhauling the site (and this one--I have about 10 so be patient) so that it will be blog (web journal) that allows two way communication with my readership or visitors who are surfing the web and who land on the site.

Let me tell you why.

I just ended a year long investment into two programs by Yaro Starak. If you don’t know who Yaro Starak is—you probably are new to blogging.

Yaro Starak's programs are great for writers or authors because they can help you build your audience and monetize (teach you to make an income) your blog in the process.

It wasn't too long ago that Yaro began blogging and quickly shot to the top of the heap as on of the most successful and well known internet bloggers.

If you are going to spend time and energy blogging—shouldn’t you do it right? Shouldn’t you make money in the process?

Yes, do it right and make money!

I've taken the advice and despite health challenges and other setbacks my blogs that were projects in Yaro Starak's Blog Mastermind program are bringing in passive income.

Let me give you a bit of history on my experience with Yaro Starak and state right now that it is my recommendation that you enroll in his Blog Mastermind Program. I don't often recommend or review programs (and yes, I am an affiliate) but this is a gem.

If you are a skeptic, start with his free resources—the Blog Profits Blueprint and the Become a Blogger tutorials--but don’t miss out on the Blog Mastermind Program because it opens up to new students this month and he only takes so many students per session.

I first learned of Yaro Starak during a teleseminar about podcasting. A novice at the effort, I was glad that he shared vital information that helped me right away. In addition, I liked what he had to say and the personality that he presented.

So, when he invited listeners to opt-in to his email list—I joined.

That was in 2006 and boy am I glad I did.

It was just last year when he invited me to get involved in the early launch of his Blog Mastermind Program. It was so great that I continued into the beta Mastermind Membership Program.

Yaro Starak reopens the Blog Mastermind Program to a new group of students perodically and I HIGHLY recommend it. The program is by far one of the best values for the investment.

If you want an overview into what the program delves into, take a moment and download the Blog Profits Blueprint by Yaro Starak (if you did not do so already). The free download gives you an inkling of how generous the guy is—but the blueprint only scratches the surface.

The Blog Mastermind Program is a series of twenty-seven lessons delivered once a week to your email address. You just click on the link and read the assignment.

In addition, you can participate in a membership only forum, ask questions of advanced bloggers (including Yaro), and listen to audio interviews from some of the top bloggers and marketers, such as Darren Rowse (Problogger), Brian Clark (Copyblogger), and a whole lot more.

As they say, “but that’s not all” since you will also be able to view video case studies and tutorials where Yaro reviews blogs and makes suggestions for change or reveals tools or techniques you might have missed.

One of the other perks is that you get to network with other students. If you feel alone out there--you won't in this program. Everyone tries to help each other and you build some good online pals in the process.

Now, I do have to admit that I wasn’t happy with Starak’s review of one of my blogs—but he was right and that is what I was paying him for—to help me optimize and make it work for me. Now that blog is doing more than I expected--you can see the before and after blog makeover at this review on the Fawnskin Flyer.

The program is well worth the price and at least one other review said that she would be “willing to invest much more in it than I would have in any other product.” So let’s talk about the program:

First, blogging takes time and growing your audience, traffic, and any profits come from time invested. Yaro Starak makes a pretty good income from his blogging. Will you?

I haven’t yet but with the Blog Mastermind Program you’ll be guided closer to that goal and I am making some money now--which I had not done the previous couple of years prior to enrolling!

Blog Mastermind is a great step-by-step guide, and the time frame for the assignments allows you to absorb all the lessons but if you don’t—those that complete the program have lifetime access to the course and any new goodies that will be added in the future.

One of the things I really liked was that Yaro Starak explains tough concepts clearly and serves them up in bite size pieces.

My bottom line assessment is that Yaro Starak’s Blog Mastermind Program will equip you with all the tools you need to make money blogging. The program support is excellent. I am still very happy I joined.

The Blog Mastermind Program teaches you how to implement strategies to help you make money. It does take work...it is not a get rich quick scheme and has integrity.

The Blog Mastermind Program is worth the money and I encourage you to join.

Read the Blog Mastermind Sales Page
Download the Blog Profits Blueprint Now
Learn How to Blog

From the Authors Guild: eBooks Simon & Schuster

2008-07-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Simon & Schuster has recently sent a one-page letter to many, perhaps thousands, of authors with unspecified e-book royalty rates in an attempt to set those rates at 15% of the "catalog retail price" of the e-book. (This is the typical e-book royalty rate for S&S.) As with any amendment to a book contract, the Authors Guild advises caution:

1. Discuss the amendment with your agent or attorney, if you have one.

2. Depending on your existing contract with Simon & Schuster, the amendment may grant the publisher rights that you've otherwise retained.

3. Be aware that the amendment may affect your ability to obtain a reversion of rights.

In any negotiation regarding e-book royalty rates, we suggest that you keep your powder dry: try to retain the right to renegotiate e-book royalty rates. The Authors Guild expects that 15% of the retail list price will be the low-water mark for e-book royalties. As the e-book market develops, authors with clout will doubtlessly insist on a more reasonable share of e-book revenues, and the industry will have to adapt. One glance at Amazon.com's home page, which has for months been ceaselessly promoting its Kindle e-book reader, indicates that day may be near.

For more on Amazon and e-books, see this July 4th article from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Copyright Issues & JK Rowling

2008-04-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the trial on the JK Rowling VS Harry Potter Lexicon (RDR Books) has concluded--for the moment. Additional documents will have to be in by May 9th. This case should be of interest to any author or creator of original works and I'd be interested to hear your opinion.

Orphan Files: Protect Your Copyrights!

2008-04-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Urgent for you artists to read this regarding legislation about orphan files and this orphan works resource page.

Amazon Book Surge Info Request

2008-04-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

This just in from the Author's Guild:

Last week Amazon announced that it would be requiring that all books that it sells that are produced through on-demand means be printed by BookSurge, their in-house on-demand printer/publisher.

Amazon pitched this as a customer service matter, a means for more speedily delivering print-on-demand books and allowing for the bundling of shipments with other items purchased at the same time from Amazon. It also put a bit of an environmental spin on the move -- claiming less transportation fuel is used (this is unlikely, but that's another story) when all items are shipped directly from Amazon.

We, and many others, think something else is afoot. Ingram Industries' Lightning Source is currently the dominant printer for on-demand titles, and they appear to be quite efficient at their task. They ship on-demand titles shortly after they are ordered through Amazon directly to the customer. It's a nice business for Ingram, since they get a percentage of the sales and a printing fee for every on-demand book they ship. Amazon would be foolish not to covet that business.

What's the rub? Once Amazon owns the supply chain, it has effective control of much of the "long tail" of publishing -- the enormous number of titles that sell in low volumes but which, in aggregate, make a lot of money for the aggregator. Since Amazon has a firm grip on the retailing of these books (it's uneconomic for physical book stores to stock many of these titles), owning the supply chain would allow it to easily increase its profit margins on these books: it need only insist on buying at a deeper discount -- or it can choose to charge more for its printing of the books -- to increase its profits. Most publishers could do little but grumble and comply.

We suspect this maneuver by Amazon is far more about profit margin than it is about customer service or fossil fuels. The potential big losers (other than Ingram) if Amazon does impose greater discounts on the industry, are authors -- since many are paid for on-demand sales based on the publisher's gross revenues -- and publishers.

We're reviewing the antitrust and other legal implications of Amazon's bold move. If you have any information on this matter that you think could be helpful to us, please call us at (212) 563-5904 and ask for the legal services department, or send an e-mail to staffauthorsguild.org.

Feel free to post or forward this message in its entirety.

Meet Your Muse Workshop

2008-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

New for 2008, the Meet Your Muse Workshop was presented as part of a two day program for magazine writers visiting the Big Bear Valley in March.

The weekend workshop was condensed to an hour. The workshop is usually a full day of activities that include outdoor assignments, writing exercises, and guided visualizations with an optional second day of social activities and sharing.

The new course is another project of Diana L Guerrero, author speaker, and founder of the Alliance of Writers.

The workshop location is a quaint cabin with a fabulous view of Big Bear Lake and a short walking distance from the national forest and hiking trails. Overnight accommodations are available to those attending from "off the mountain".

Meet Your Muse will be presented again in May of 2008. For further information contact Guerrero at (800) 818-7387.

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-01T07:17:00.001-08:00

Holiday Wishes and Sarcastic Video

2007-12-25T09:13:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays! What do you think about this video allegedly by the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers?

Just a note to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...and Happy Holidays to those of you with different traditions!

Free Gifts for Writers & Writers Guild Strike in Week Six

2007-12-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! If you want to have some free presents compliments of the Alliance of Writers, just click here: Free Gifts for Writers

I always love seeing creativity at work. Did you know if you live (or visit) Manhattan that you can get custom poetry while you wait?

Hollywood Writers on Strike
If you are wondering about the Hollywood writers strike, now six weeks old, you can read more about the Writers Guild Strike and get the latest updates here.

Jay Leno & Conan will be going back on the air January 2nd. Concerns over the Golden Globe and Oscar programs are just some of many repercussions facing the movie and television industry.

The strike has resulted in a ripple effect on Hollywood--many jobs are on hold.

Yesterday, one of my buddies told me his wife (a hair dresser to the industry) said that estimates are that lost wages are somewhere in the ballpark of 21 million dollars per day.

You can also visit United Hollywood for more information.

Amazon's Kindle: Reviews & Other Scuttlebutt

2007-11-30T14:22:00.001-08:00

I thought you might like to read this review (at Publishers Weekly) of the new Amazon Kindle which retails for $400.

Here is the Amazon.com info:
What is Amazon Kindle?

Amazon Kindle (http://amazon.com/kindle) is a revolutionary portable reader that wirelessly downloads books, newspapers, magazines and blogs to a crisp, high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.

Kindle customers, no matter where they are in the U.S., can wirelessly shop the Kindle Store and download new content — all without a PC or a WiFi hot spot. Amazon pays for Kindle’s wireless connectivity so there are no monthly wireless bills and no service commitments for customers. The Kindle Store contains over 90,000 books that can be purchased and delivered wirelessly to Kindle, each in less than a minute. Customers can choose from hundreds of top newspapers, magazines and blogs and have their subscriptions auto-delivered wirelessly. All New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise.

At 10.3 ounces, Kindle is lighter and thinner than a paperback book, carries two hundred books, and includes built-in access to The New Oxford American Dictionary and wireless access to the Earth’s biggest encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org.

Freelance Class Action Suit Update

2007-11-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, remember I mentioned that writers are often treated like bottom feeders? Never mind the Writers Guild fight for internet rights. This am I got word about the class action suit about works that were published without permission across the Internet from the Author's Guild:

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, in a 2-1 decision, the district court's approval of the settlement.

That settlement, valued at up to $18 million, was to resolve the copyright infringement claims of freelance writers against database companies, such as Dow Jones and the owners of Lexis-Nexis, that had made digital use of the writers' articles without permission. Plaintiffs and defendants had arrived at settlement in 2005.

The appellate court ruled that the district court lacked jurisdiction over claims relating to unregistered freelance articles. Copyright registration is required to bring a suit for infringement, but since registration is viewed as a formality (comparable, many of us believe, to the requirement that one file a complaint in order to get into court), lawyers on both sides thought the settlement could resolve infringement claims for both registered and unregistered works.

The settlement had been objected to and appealed by a group of freelance writers who thought it failed to allot sufficient funds to the claims of authors of unregistered works. If this decision stands, of course, such claims would be shut out entirely.

The shard of good news is that there is a substantial dissenting opinion by Judge Walker. We are considering our options at the moment. One possibility is to seek an en banc review (a review by all of the judges of the 2nd Circuit) to see whether we can persuade a majority of the court to see things our way.

This is sad news. I've had work taken and posted without permission and without stipulation in the contractual agreement. For my professional brand, it usually works out well for me, but from the professional writing standpoint it is a horrible thing...

Read more at the Authors Guild

Judge Says Book Reading/Purchasing Is Private

2007-11-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Just thought you would find this interesting--I personally prefer privacy where ever I can get it! This rewrite came to me via email from Publishers Market Place.

Court records unsealed last week indicate that earlier this year federal prosecutors had tried to get a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Wisconsin to approve a subpoena compelling Amazon.com to disclose the identity of thousands of people who bought used books online. They were investigating former Madison public official Robert D'Angelo, indicted recently on charges that he ran a used book business of his office and did not report the proceeds as income.

Judge Stephen Crocker turned down the request, ruling that there is a First Amendment right to keep your reading habits private. And the AP says he also "unsealed documents detailing the showdown against prosecutors' wishes."

He wrote, "Well-founded or not, rumors of an Orwellian federal criminal investigation into the reading habits of Amazon's customers could frighten countless potential customers into canceling planned online book purchases." Crocker added, "The subpoena is troubling because it permits the government to peek into the reading habits of specific individuals without their knowledge or permission.... It is an unsettling and un-American scenario to envision federal agents nosing through the reading lists of law-abiding citizens while hunting for evidence against somebody else."

Apparently, "Crocker brokered a compromise in which [Amazon] would send a letter to the 24,000 customers describing the investigation and asking them to voluntarily contact prosecutors if they were interested in testifying."
AP

Happy Thanksgiving Paperback Writers!

2007-11-22T07:47:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving--for your enjoyment paperback writer with the Beatles!

Writing YA & Beyond

2007-11-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

J is a former member of the Alliance of Writers. When she read her work, everyone tranformed into little children, sitting on the edges of their seats, waiting in anticipation of another story.

Me too. I miss that.

Once, I began talking about how my mouse was out--meaning the mouse to my computer died. J came up with a whole story about a mouse getting out...a furry one and funny.

So I found it amusing that in a recent blog she talked about being amazed at the ideas that came from the writers in her current critique group--she forgets that she has always done a good job herself. You can read some of her musings at Writing YA.

Karen, another former member just dropped me a line saying her book is already going into second printing--it came out in May. Check the archives for it.

Good going.

Me, I have to work on my next proposal and am catching up with all my work online in the meantime.

*Sigh* I never stop but I did take three whole days off--never mind I worked more than 30 days straight.

In the writing world, many colleagues are on strike. Which seems strange. Writers need to fight for their rights on many levels but there are a ton of people who write for free.

I understand their concerns because basically, writers are often viewed as bottom feeders. At least the money is big in Hollywood. Bottom feeders with a rich, thick, layer of nutrient rich...oh dear, there I go again...

The Internet and new media makes things a bit tricky. I've had work copied and posted on the World Wide Web without permission and there are worse stories from inside the industry...I actually had one publisher want to use my work perpetually online when she only paid for it in a print magazine. Geez.

There is another place where my work is still up. When do you fight and when do figure it is a marketing edge?

You don't hear many of the publishing world tales unless you are in a dark room, lights dim, poets murmuring in the corner--then you hear whispers of discontent.

Those stories are the ones that make you shake your head and look for a good literary attorney--just in case.

Speaking of attorneys and advocates, the Wall Street Journal had an interesting article on the Writers Guild and the current strike.

It is a shame we have to have advocacy groups for this type of thing but also is one of the reasons you should hold professional memberships so you don't have to fight the fight alone.

The only good news is that I don't watch too much television and so I don't miss much of anything during the strike. Those poor writers are picketing when they could be writing!

Annie Jennings PR Million Dollar Mindset Audio

2007-10-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

If you haven't discovered Annie Jennings PR you might want to take a preview of her Million Dollar Mindset audio. I spent three years listening to Annie & Tony and landed some great media spots by following their advice. Check out the Annie Jennings PR Million Dollar Mindset Audio now.

Moms Choose Kendra Kandlestar

2007-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well, my pal author and illustrator Lee Födi has finally scored! I love his work and it is about time he won an award, check out this announcement:

Moms Choose Kendra Kandlestar

New York, NY (October 13, 2007) — How often do moms and their kids like the same thing? Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers by Lee Edward Födi is loved by both and as a result has won the 2007 Mom's Choice Award® for best children's chapter book, aged 8 and up.

The awards were announced October 13, 2007, in New York by an esteemed panel of judges, including Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein; Jodee Blanco, New York Times best-selling author; LeAnn Thieman, coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, President of PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association; and MCA founder Tara Paterson.

"We're delighted with the outstanding works represented in this very special group of recipients," said Paterson.

Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers is a combination of fairytale, folklore, and fantasy. The tale involves a magic box that has guarded all the secrets in the Land of Een for over a thousand years. When the box is suddenly stolen, young Kendra Kandlestar finds herself swept away on a magical adventure, only to discover that the greatest magic comes when she finds the courage to face herself—and her own precious secret.

The sequel, Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger is scheduled for release in November.

Author, Lee Edward Födi, known as the “Wizard of Words” to hoards of children, lives in Vancouver, Canada. Kids like the illustrator’s live interactive programs—and often get carried away in the details of what an ogre should look like. Warts and boogers seem to be favorites.

Lee Födi has penned three books for children and has illustrated numerous picture books for other authors, including the Canadian national bestseller, The Chocolatier’s Apprentice. Födi is also the co-founder and head mentor for Dream Workshop, a Vancouver-based creative writing program for children, which helps young authors, aged 8-13, publish their own books.

For more information on the Moms’ Choice awards, or Kendra Kandlestar, visit www.momschoiceawards.com or www.kendrakandlestar.com

Get the scoop on where Lee is touring here.

If you want to contact his publicist try: Cindy Birne, Publicity Director, Brown Books
• e: cindybrownbooks.com • T: 972.381.0009

Is your publisher working with or against you?

2007-10-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

One of the most frustrating things in publishing, at least from the author's standpoint, is that when your book is published you are already a has-been in the publishing world. Honest to goodness I cannot figure out just why publishers do what they do...but then I am not a publisher.

I spent a wad to go promote my last book in New York and the publisher didn't even have one of them on display. They were already into the Fall catalog.

Every author has stories. I changed my publisher after my last book based on some of the actions they took that just were not in my best interest. My newest publisher has been better in some ways and worse than others.

As an author, you expect a publisher to assist you with sales and follow-up to media inquiries. If an author is kept in the loop he or she can at least mitigate any oversights--if it is caught. When there is a communciation break down or some other issue and something surfaces--it certain kills the enthusiasm.

Publishers have more books to sell and push than just mine, I am aware of that, but I know that not many authors promote or go after media like I do. I'd like to be confident that they will follow up on those requests in a timely manner--when they don't it makes it hard to move forward.

So, I completely understand why some of my colleagues have bailed on the traditional publishing model and have moved toward subsidized publishing and even self-publishing.

On the one hand, self-publishing and print-on-demand (POD) haved earned bad names due to all the crap that has been produced and then pushed on booksellers. BUT there are some self-published works that went on to be really big sellers for mainstream publishers.

We actually began to require authors to send galleys before allowing them to appear and sign at the Alliance of Writers just because we didn't want any trouble. We had some great self-published works and some real trash.

However, today the pendulum is swinging as far as the mainstream view of self-publishing and POD. Unless some things that may become the only way to get niche books and non-celebrity driven titles.

When looking at the industry, I can't say that I know any other successful industry that allows product to be returned after six months just because it didn't sell or the store wanted to exchange the product for something newer.

Nor do I know businesses who own successful selling products and then stop producing them because they are "old" or too niched.

Since I've recently been getting a lot of media again, I have a small inventory--just for problem situations like the one that came up this week. The author endorsed my book and since he is an artist, he also donated the press kit for my last book. He still did not receive his copy of the book (which was requested back in March of 2007, again in June 2007, and again this week) so I priority shipped one to him to get rid of the pain.

Each book is a learning curve. My next one (*wince*) will also be a perennial, I'll seek another publisher and hope for the best. In the end, I have some of my own projects coming out under my imprint just because they don't fit the same old model. Did I mention a publisher who I shopped it with knocked off a similar series?

Wow.

I'd like to hear your positive publishing experiences...one of my pals is doing great with her publisher. It is her first book so hopefully it will lead to others.

Authors on the Web: Yes, a website or Blog is critical to your success.

2007-10-15T07:34:00.001-07:00

You know I am often amazed at how many "writers" are not on the web or don't use a computer to create their work. This is not very business savvy in my opinion because most of the world conducts business over the internet.

My first publisher and I sent files and edits back and forth and the whole final manuscript was sent in via email. My last editor at another publishing house demanded a hard copy and disk. The whole process was slow and laborious--simply because she was not up to speed on the new technology.

If you read the previous guest post, I would say I would agree with the basic idea that you MUST have a web presence but I don't think you need to create an old fashioned website when a blog will get you up and running, get you better search engine results, and is very simple to manage.

This page is a blog that I attached to the website. More and more I have moved away from adding new content on the static part of any of my sites because I can blog and go live instantly. Granted, this is a pain because I run multiple sites and now feel they should all be blogs to save me the headaches of running a website...which means more work.

The key is that blogs allow your audience and readers to interact with you. It creates a community which is what you ultimately want. It also gets you better search engine traffic and ranking.

Consistency is key. You need a web presence and you need to update it, at the very minimum, once a month. I tend to blog at least once a week and more on a couple of my blogs.

So, I believe you should have a website for each book and for you as an author. Currently I run three just on my work and to promote my work as an author, speaker, and animal specialist. If someone types in the book name, they get my book website, if they type in my name--they get my website designed for the media and event planners.

This strategy has landed some big media spots related to breaking news and quite a few feature interviews on my books. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

So, having said that you won't want to miss the Annie Jennings PR teleseminar reviewing media websites on October 17th.

If you miss it, she also has a wealth of information free to authors and other experts at the Annie Jennings PR website. You can find some of the past Annie Jennings PR teleseminar shows on the site or you can purchase the best Annie Jennings PR programs by clicking here.

Steve Harrison: Limited Time Offer How to Become a Much More Successful Author & Getting A Whole Lot More Publicity...

2007-10-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Some of you might know about Steve Harrison and Radio & Television Interview Report. He sent a special offer and for a limited time, until Friday, October 19th, you can call into listen to the following courses at no charge.

To access the "How to Become a Much More Successful Author By Learning What Rich Authors Know That Poor Authors Don't" call from Thursday, October 4th, dial: 1-620-294-1533.

To access the "Getting A Whole Lot More Publicity And Exposure For Whatever You're Promoting And Making A Name For Yourself As An Expert In Your Field" call from Thursday, October 11th, dial: 1-620-294-1517.

Next Thursday, October 18th he is offering the third and final preview teleseminar for his Quantum Leap Coaching Program on how to make more from your expertise quickly and easily.

He will be previewing more of the material you'll learn in my Quantum Leap program. Be sure to sign up for this one because there will be no replays available. Click here to register

Guest Post by Nick Daws: Why Every Writer Needs a Web Presence

2007-10-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer and don't have your own website to advertise yourself, you're missing out on a lot of opportunities. How do I know? Well, I've had my own site for about seven years now, and during that time it's brought me dozens, possibly hundreds, of work opportunities. Here are just a few which came my way as a result of people seeing my site...

* Hamlyn Publishing (UK) wanting me to write a couple of two-page spreads for a proposed book.

* A retired gangster living in Ireland wanting me to help write his memoirs.

* A local video company, wanting my help scripting a training video.

* A US publishing house wanting me to ghost-write an exposé of malpractice in the insurance industry.

* A UK publisher, wanting me to quote for producing a series of city guides for publication on the Internet.

* And, not least, White Cliff Computing Limited, whose interest in my work led to me writing two courses for them, “Write Any Book in 28 Days – Or Less!” and “Quick Cash Writing”.

I didn't actually take up all of the opportunities mentioned above. Sometimes I was too busy with other projects (and I must admit the retired gangster scared me a little…). However, the point is that none of these approaches would have come my way without a website.

There are other benefits as well. If I'm applying for a new writing project or commission, I can simply suggest that the potential client refers to my website if they require any further information. It saves constantly sending out weighty CVs or résumés, and makes me look like a technologically aware, up-to-the-minute sort of guy (this becomes more important when, as in my case, you are no longer in the first flush of youth). The website also helps me keep in touch with readers of my books, and it provides me with an additional (if small) income stream through advertising.

OK, I hear you saying, you've sold me on the benefits of having a website, but I'm a writer, not a tech-head. I don't know how to create my own site, and I don't have the spare cash to hire someone to build one for me.

Let's take the latter point first. Getting a website built for you need not be hugely expensive. Freelance writers really don't need whizzy, cutting-edge designs with Flash animation, online databases, shopping trolleys, and so forth. A basic site which showcases you and your work should be more than sufficient. Try entering "website designer" in your favorite search engine and
you'll get hundreds of potential designers. Approach a few with details of your requirements and see what responses you get. You may well be pleasantly surprised by the quotes you receive. Website design is a very competitive field – and, of course, the designer you use can be based anywhere in the world.

However, if at all possible, I do strongly recommend that you consider building and maintaining your own site. This has all sorts of advantages. For one, you can update it yourself quickly and easily, and you can also create it exactly as you wish. You can add bits, take bits away, try out advertising, start your own newsletter, etc. etc. This is the route I have taken, and although my site is never going to win any awards for its design, it suits my purposes very well.

In my time I've used various programs to create and maintain my website, starting with a program called the CompuServe First Web Page Designer (now, I'm sure, residing in software heaven). If I was starting again today, however, I would definitely invest a few bucks in the Newbie Club First Website Builder. This is a four-volume guide to creating, writing, designing, automating, uploading and promoting your own website, in fully illustrated e-book format. As well as the four beautifully written e-books, you get loads of free software, including the Super Easy Mini Site Wizard, which will build a basic site for you in literally minutes. Check out everything on offer in this product at the Newbie Club. I guarantee it'll blow you away.

Even if you decide to hire a professional designer to create your site for you, the Newbie Club First Website Builder will show you everything you need to know in order to take over the running of your site and maintain and update it yourself.

Incidentally, the Newbie Club, which is aimed at people new to computing rather than IT specialists, also produces a free email newsletter packed with hints and tips for newcomers to computing – you can sign up to it at the Newbie Club main page if you wish. Although I've been using PCs for quite a while now, I still subscribe, and regularly pick up useful hints and tips I hadn't been aware of before.

Nick Daws is a best-selling author living in Staffordshire, England.
Discover his course online at How to Write Any Book in 28 Days -- Or Less!"

Why Authors Hate Doing Book Store Events

2007-10-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have refrained from ranting but back in June I was asked to do an event for a bookstore. I only toured locally for my last book, while my previous book took me out for 60 (yes, _6_0_) in a year.

Author's do book events because they help sell books. It is good to get out with fans--and if they like you they buy.

Booksellers like book events because they view them as part of their customer service support--and that is the fatal flaw.

Book events are for selling books. Authors take time off from writing, travel, pay for hotel, transportation, and meals to help sell books. They don't view them as a customer service activity--they are there to help make money--for the publisher, for the bookseller, and for the often paultry royalty checks that eventually roll in.

So, I showed up for my event--and not only was the bookseller rude to me, they didn't have one book in stock. Not one. The owner demanded to know if I had brought them!

"Uh, no. I don't ever bring them. All the bookstores either order them from their distributors or my publishers--and nobody asked me to do such a thing."

My thoughts were, "You must be kidding me, you asked me to come and now you want me to fund your inventory? This on top of spending two days in travel and prep when I could be writing or creating an income!"

If I was someone else, I would have turned around the car when I called the store in the am and the bookseller didn't have the time to talk to me. However, I stayed and I enjoyed the company of a number of pet owners and pets that came and stayed to visit with me for a solid hour. One dog and owner kept me chatting for another hour before I took off for lunch.

I did take order forms--hopefully they will order from me or the website..

I'll save you all the details but I have to say the bookseller has the distinction of being one of the rudest people I have ever agreed to do an event for. His event guy seemed super but was not there--and one staff member came in for the event. Other than that I won't recommend the place or go back.

If you talk to an author you will find we all have a lot of the same stories...I don't do bookstore events much these days--only for those I know and like AND for those who pay the minimum deposit now required to cover my expenses.

Don't think that this is a unique experience. Here are some of the other things that have happened--be sure to add your own.

No books were on hand for a signing at a major book festival when the author showed up.
Other authors were also selling books (author was not notified--this can work for you).
Booksellers had not set up for the author and the event started late.
Book Store did not announce or promote the event prior to the signing.
Books were not on display prior to the event nor were any signs posted.
The event location was closed upon arrival--only opened a couple of minutes before the event.
A signing with the publisher was arranged at a large event. The publisher did not want a poster annoucing the event put near the booth. They also did not advance promote the event AND when the author was signing promoted another author instead of the one in the booth!

New Products for the Web Savvy Writer

2007-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've discovered a good new resource for writers, it is called dealdotcom. If you do any amount of online writing and are looking for deals on internet marketing or related materials be sure to check it out.

Today's special is for a press release package. The deals are usually around 50% off. They change everyday so don't miss out click here to sign up and grab the latest deal at dealdotcom!

Promoting Your Brand & Other Author Tools: Review of Xiosoft Instant Teleseminar (Telewebcast)

2007-10-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

One of the things I've done to promote my work recently is teleseminars and telewebcasts. In case you are not familiar with such online activities, let me explain.

We all know what a seminar is, right? A teleseminar is one that takes place via your phone line.

Since I live in a rural area I find these ideal. All I have to do to attend is sign up and then call the line and enter the passcode on the time and day of the event.

Over the past two years the strategies that I have picked up from such efforts have landed me national media coverage for my book and my brand. I'll get into these in the next few posts as well--because landing spots as an expert on the Today Show and on ABC News and NBC News is something I am sure every author wants to learn!

Recently I discovered a new type of program called Instant Teleseminar-which actually is a teleseminar and telewebcast combined. This program is similar to teleseminars except that you can also attend, or have your readers attend, via the internet. This allows you a wider audience AND lets people hear the course or interview after it is done.

Not too long ago I interviewed author, Karen Mehringer to help her promote her new book and you can listen to the telewebcast of Sail into Your Dreams by clicking here now.

This was my first test of the program that Rick Radditz launched earlier this year. There have been several glitches during a couple of my telesseminar/telewebcasts but you can see how nice the final program looks.

What I like about the Xiosoft Instant Teleseminar program it is that it instantly becomes available online after you are done. I have not yet integrated the program into my websites but that is the next step.

I was disappointed that some of the features I thought were coming are slower to materialize-- but they are being added. One of the perks is that each month I get to attend the inner circle group of people who are using the system and so am part of the crew who get to help shape it.

Alex Mandossian and Rick Radditz are introducing new features almost on a monthly basis to make it worth the monthly fee. I tried the $7 offer for a free trial and stayed with it after the trial was done. If you click on any of the links in this post, you will be able to take advantage of the same offer. But let me finish my review...

Currently I am using an hour class on animal behavior as a bonus to drive people to subscribe to my eNewsletter. One of the reasons you take such steps is to build your list.

If you are not currently building your email list--get that on your "to do" list because that is how you are going to reach a larger audience. It also helps your readers by giving them information not available elsewhere.

Let's not forget that it helps forge a closer relationship with those readers and hopefully they will help you fine-tune the direction you move by actually telling you what they are waiting for or what they want from you.

I am also able to have others send out an email to drive new people over to take advantage of the free class. You can see how I am driving traffic to my animal site from the teleseminar/telewebcast by sending an email to freeclass insert-the-at-symbol-here arkanimals.com.

You should receive an invitation to the free class and the link immediately. I'll talk about using an autoresponder in another post.

Anyway, when I advertise or send out press releases this email address can be included to get readers over to the course for a personal introduction via audio. I can also schedule a course and offer it online almost immediately.

The Xiosoft Instant Teleseminar system can be used in a variety of ways but I have been reluctant to really market it yet because I've had glitches during each of the bigger telewebcasts I have done. This did not make me happy...

However, I have to say that when contacted, Rick Radditz got back to me personally right away. The developer also sent me an email so I could help them troubleshoot the problem--which turned out to be a browser issue in one instance and server issues in two others.

Rick went the extra mile and gave me his private email address AND his cell number. I'd say that is pretty great because I really hate not being able to reach a live human or not getting a response in a timely manner.

So, the support on the other end is a huge plus. I thought the product was ready to go but it is still being fine-tuned and developed further. As part of the early crew I have to say that my experience has been pretty good so far. For now, I am staying on board because I think it is a great shift from the teleseminar model.

If you would like to check it out, please click this link to view the demo video of the InstantTeleseminar.Com

UCLA Writers' Fair

2007-09-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

This just in from IWOSC:

Join IWOSC on Sunday, September 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on the UCLA campus for the annual Writers Faire, a festive
and enlightening day of free programs on the art and craft
of writing, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers'
Program.

IWOSC is one of only twenty specially selected
organizations invited to participate.

Here are some highlights:

* Hear from more than 70 creative writers and screenwriters
as they share their expertise and tips in 24 unique mini-
classes.
* Enroll in most Writers' Program fall courses at a 10
percent discount.
* Get one-on-one advice on courses and certificate programs.
* Attend a special session on graduate programs in creative
writing.
* Talk to representatives from 20 community and
professional organizations, graduate writing programs, and
writing-allied businesses.

For more information call 310/825-9415 or visit www.uclaextension.edu/writers.

Blessing of the Animals Radio Interview

2007-08-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

I wanted to invite you to listen in on my interview with Animal Tails Radio this Friday out of WGNU in St Louis. The air time is 11:15-11:45am Central Time but you can click here to listen via streaming audio.

Do you remember Authors on the Air? One of the hosts used to run that program.

Virtual Tour or Post Your Tour Online!

2007-08-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention a new service online for authors. Click here to visit BookTour.com it allows you to post your books and your events. The site is fairly new and they continue to add new features--so take advantage of it!

Book Contest Invitation & Maria Marotti

2007-08-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've been out and about but wanted to post this announcement sent to me for all of you recently.

We are looking for entries into our book project, which is falling into the realm of mystery/fantasy and thought that your members might be interested in writing a chapter entry. The book project is a collaborative effort to write a book, so it is great experience for many authors. We are accepting new chapter entries (deadline 9/13), which will be voted into the book. This project has a 100% focus on education as all profits from the sale of the book will be donated to various organizations. Also, each winning entry will have the writer's name placed next to his/her chapter in the book and our last chapter winner gained exposure in his local newspaper for his entry.

I thought that your members might be interested in participating in the project, or at least following the progress. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, or visit bookhitch.com and click on "Read More" in the pink box.

Maria Marotti who used to attend our groups was up signing this weekend. She has a POD that just came out.

Get Your Piece of the Literary Pie & Feed Your Muse!

2007-07-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Above: The blueberry literary pie--designed to feed the muse and bring together those who have a passion for writing.

This week I got my piece of literary pie--along with other Big Bear authors Rita S. Robinson-Campbell & Joan Cline (aka William Sarabande) and Kat Blanc. We all took a couple hours from our busy schedules to get together for lunch.

The literary pie is actually the recipe of Patry Francis, author of the Liar's Diary. The rules are that you have to thank your muse (and feed her) and get together with others of the literary mindset to do it. I included the literary pie recipe on the Fawnskin Flyer last year. So, I baked the pie and we all got together for good company, good conversation, and good food.

Above: Fawnskin authors (left to right), Joan Cline, Rita Robinson, and Diana Guerrero.

Did we talk about writing? Yes, but that was not the focus of the afternoon. We chatted about all kinds of topics and yes, we thanked our muses and fed them--so we all expect to be more creative and productive than usual.

When I conducted seminars on creativity we followed the guidelines of Julia Cameron. Part of the process included taking a day off to fill the creative well. Sometimes we get too busy to make the time to do so.

I have to say that I've been guilty of that lately and the break to spend time with other working writers to talk about anything that came to mind was fun and refreshing. Below are the books our little lunch group has written.

If you are working on your writing, I'd suggest taking a break. Get together with a group of writers or avid readers and indulge in a bit of literary pie--to feed your muse and stimulate your taste buds!

Books by Fawnskin Author Diana L Guerrero

Books by Fawnskin Author Joan Cline aka William Sarabande

Books by Fawnskin Author Rita S Robinson

Books by Big Bear Author Kat Blanc

Thanks to Patry Francis for the recipe...here is her book:

Typography Video

2007-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Just for fun...

What is your process?

2007-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

From my Authors Guild Bulletin:

Norman Mailer claimed that it took him 20 years to learn to write. "I moved from being an amateur to being a professional. A professional can do a decent day's work even on a bad day. You have to work. It's as hard to write as it is to learn to play the piano well.

I keep hearing the same questions over and over again and so thought I it would be a good thing to start answering them here. One of the biggest questions is, how do you become a writer?

You write.

Yep, that is it. You probably didn't want to hear that answer.

So is it simple? My first inclination is to say that if it was that easy more people would be doing it instead of talking about it.

Writers write because they can't help it.

When I first met with a screenwriter to discuss a cooperative project he told me, "You are a writer." I laughed and asked why he said that. "Because you are always writing something." Turns out that he was paying attention to something I still had not realized.

So write--and if you want to get better and become a published author continue to write. AND read, learn about the craft, write more, and spend time meeting and getting to know others who write.

The Alliance of Writers attracted a wide variety of people when we met regularly. At one time we had over 130 participants (18-26 weekly regulars). With the growth came change. Suddenly there was a mix of serious writers--and those who just wanted to talk about writing.

Writers write, they do talk, but they spend more time writing.

Which one are you?

One of the Alliance members was worried about her skill level as she began to query editors and publishing houses. When she read, the group members all morphed into five year olds in excited anticipation of story time. She called me up and paced as we chatted, and as she lamented about her lack of skill, out of my mouth came these words:

Anyone can right but not everyone has talent--you have talent.

She does have talent but she isn't published--YET. This woman is so talented it is scary. In the meantime, she writes, edits, and writes more.

Talent doesn't necessarily mean you will have success. Can you forge ahead and develop skills and make it anyway? Yes, I believe you can.

Even with three books out, I still feel that I am not as strong of a writer as I might be--but I still write. I write every day. Is it perfect? No, but I write anyway.

Is there a magic formula to writing? A specific time? Place? Ceremony?

Yes, sit down and write!

Virtual Tour: Karen Mehringer & Sail Into Your Dreams

2007-07-03T14:32:00.001-07:00

Don't miss this event:

EVENT:b Sail Into Your Dreams with Karen Mehringer
DATE & TIME: Friday, July 6th at 3:00pm Pacific
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...
http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=378093

Buy the book and bring your questions. Karen was a member of the Alliance of Writers and is now touring with her new book...find out how she made her dream of being a writer come true!

This event is offered at no charge.

Independent Writers of Southern California

2007-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

IWOSC's monthly drop-in satellite sessions are open to all
writers. Bring your writing, your ideas, problems,
questions, complaints. Support, laughs, juicy controversy,
and plenty of networking. You don't have to be an IWOSC
member to attend.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SATELLITE
Wednesday, June 13
(Second Wednesday of every month)
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
More than Waffles - Encino Town Centre, 17200 Ventura Blvd.

We've returned to our favorite Valley breakfast eaterie!
Please enjoy a delicious nosh while participating with
other Valley writers in an exchange of ideas about their
work and the writing business.

COST: Although IWOSC does not charge for this meeting, the
restaurant has a $5 minimum (including gratuity) whether or
not you order food. Attendees are responsible for paying
for their own meals and gratuity.

We are also seeking a co-coordinator (or two) for this
Satellite. Please contact IWOSC Satellite Coordinator
Miriam Poe at MacPoe@aol.com or Gary Young at
artsy12earthlink.net if you'd be interested in helping
out. IWOSC members only, please.

IWOSC WESTSIDE SATELLITE
Thursday, June 14
(Second Thursday of every month)
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hamburger Hamlet, 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood

IWOSC's Westside Satellite is back in orbit! This Satellite
is newly relaunched with Melissa Kelly at the helm. Please
e-mail melissathetraveleryahoo.com with your questions
and/or RSVP.

Blessing of the Animals: Press Enterprise Feature

2007-05-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I am currently in New York at the big Book Expo America and just find out a feature story appeared in California about my new book, Blessing of the Animals check it out online.

Book Expo America 2007: Founder of Alliance of Writers Promotes New Work

2007-05-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Most people think animals are a blessing according to author and animal trend watcher, Diana L Guerrero. The California scribe also says that the fur flies over some ceremonies such as pet mitzvahs and pet weddings. This week the Latina heads to New York for BEA to join the "who's who" of the book industry and to reveal the secrets behind the timeless traditions of pet blessings and the new wave of pet ceremonies sweeping the nation. Learn more in Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677).

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 25, 2007 -- Is your pet a blessing? Local California author Diana L. Guerrero thinks so. She is the author of the newly released "Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677) and both will be found at the biggest book event in the United States May 31-June 4, 2007.

The Book Expo America is attended by the "who's who" of the book industry. This year the expo will be held at Jacob K. Javitz Center in New York. Over 2,000 exhibitors, 1,200 publishers, 500 authors, and 1,000 media members will attend. In addition, booksellers from all over the United States will converge in New York for previews to new and exciting titles of books just hitting the shelves.

Guerrero will be amidst the weekend jungle of bibliophiles in her newest safari hat covered with animals. Her newest book, Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677) was recently released throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

When asked about it Guerrero said, "Blessing of the Animals is a compendium of stories, prayers, ceremonies, and engaging tidbits. It welcomes all creeds, all breeds, and covers everything from amusing contemporary phenomena--with such chapters about "bark" and other pet mitzvahs, pet pageants such as the Miss Crustacean contest and Lobster Dog competition--to more serious issues of pet illness, loss, and burial."

Guerrero toured extensively with her last book but is only doing local events before embarking on a virtual tour. So far, she has conducted a couple of pet blessings live on the air and pet parents have already shared that they are using it for their own ceremonies.

She said, "The book is really fun and unlike similar titles, Blessing of the Animals is more than a collection of poems or blessings. Although there are blessings for the furry, feathered, scaled, and finned, there are also ceremonies and prayers for pets, fascinating background on the historical roots of the animal blessing traditions and where to find some of the most popular ones today."

There are also tales of muttrimony and other pet nuptials--for pets or adding critters to human wedding parties. If you need advice on hosting a purr-fect party or where to participate in a pet pageant you'll find that included too.

When asked for insider information, Guerrero said, "The fur really flies over pet nuptials and mitzvahs, and believe it or not, during animal blessings most creatures remain calm and cooperative...but some critters need a list of commandments: Thou shall come when called, Thou shall behave in public..."

Guerrero included those commandments in Blessing of the Animals and you can preview excerpts online at www.blessingoftheanimals.com. For a schedule of events visit www.dianalguerrero.com.

If you are attending Book Expo America drop by the Sterling Publishing booth (4138-39) to take a look. Guerrero's book is available from most major book distributors and local bookstores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Guerrero's What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures (ISBN 1893361845) is available at the Skylight Paths Publishing booth (3249) and can be found at most major bookstores in the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

IWOSC E-NEWSLETTER, April 2007

2007-04-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC)
wants to help you improve your skills, enlarge your
network, and run your business more effectively. Visit
www.iwosc.org for more information.
============================================
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
2. THE FESTIVAL OF BOOKS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
3. IN ORBIT: Satellite Meetings
4. AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE
5. APRIL GENERAL MEETING:
"Agent Insider 2007:
What's New, What's Tried & True, What They Want"
Monday, April 30
7:30 p.m.
6. APRIL SEMINAR:
"Businesses Reaching Businesses -- In Your Words"
Saturday, April 21
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7. THE INDEPENDENT LIFE:
"With All Due Celerity: A Lesson in the First
Amendment"
8. "WRITES OF PASSAGE"
9. WRITING-RELATED EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
10. LEADERSHIP/AT YOUR SERVICE

**********************************************
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

March events drew crowds and praise. IWOSC has the best
programs in town.

Speaking of crowds -- we have a reservations policy for
panels and seminars. The IWOSC office staff takes
reservations for Saturday seminars until 6 p.m. Friday
evening, and for Monday night programs, until noon Monday.
We count on you to show up, and most of you do. However
(you just knew there was a "however" in the offing, didn't
you?) -- when you won't be able to honor your reservation,
will you please let info@iwosc.org in on the secret?

There's another etiquette or, better, ethical, issue:
members do not market to other members' e-mail addresses.
And non-members most certainly should not. If an IWOSC
member is annoyed by unsolicited e-mail that seemingly
comes via an IWOSC connection, be assured that IWOSC does
not make our members' e-mail addresses available, least of
all to anyone selling anything. I recommend sending the
offender's address to your spam blocker. We have an
excellent Yahoo group that does allow us to inform each
other, and a larger circle, if we have something worthwhile
to offer our fellow writers. Abuse of e-mail reveals much
about the spammer: untrustworthy, unscrupulous, unmannerly.
And ultimately self-defeating. We trust our members to
remain ethical.

We're a good group, founded on good principles; for 25
years -- less a few months -- IWOSC has been making life
better for writers in Southern California. We gather at
IWOSC satellites in the San Fernando Valley and in Pasadena
to enjoy a free exchange of ideas and problem-solving
techniques. Good news! IWOSC's San Fernando Valley
satellite has been invited to return to our delicious
original location -- see the story below.

And, more good news -- IWOSC's Westside Satellite is back
in orbit! To all who, with such good will and pleasurable
anticipation, answered our survey about preferences for the
new Westside Satellite: there were almost as many
preferences for days of the week and times of day as there
are IWOSCans who replied. Oh, okay. That's hyperbole. We
charted as well as we could your wishes, and are delighted
to announce that the new IWOSC Westside Satellite will be
held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 10 to 11:30
a.m., beginning April 12, at the Hamburger Hamlet in
Brentwood -- a short hop from the 405, on San Vicente.
Watch your e-mail for further particulars. Parking is
ample, and there's plenty of pleasant space to meet and
talk about all the issues we writers need to ventilate
about. Much appreciation to Melissa Kelly organizer and
moderator. Do you think you can come? Reservations are not
necessary, but it would be fun to see who's thinking
seriously about attending. E-mail info@iwosc.org. Thanks.
See you there!

IWOSC supports the free speech principles of the First
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The
Supreme Court famously ruled in 1969 that students do
not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech
or expression at the schoolhouse gate." Recent firings at
Los Angeles' Celerity Nascent Charter School prompted a
story in this newsletter. We welcome your comments.

Thanks for your directory listings. The directory will be
available in IWOSC's booth at the Los Angeles Times
Festival of Books, April 28 and 29. See you there!

Alice Campbell Romano
President
IWOSC - Independent Writers of Southern California
=======================================
2. LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
CALL FOR BOOK JACKET AND MAGAZINE STORY ART
Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29

Here it comes again -- one of our all-time favorite weekend
events. So, mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday,
April 28 and 29. It's the annual Los Angeles Times Festival
of Books, to be held at UCLA's Dickson Plaza. IWOSC's booth
is located, once again, right there, in the heart of the
action.

For those who have previously experienced the Festival of
Books, you know the two-day event is filled with exciting
demonstrations and lectures by prominent authors and
notable newsmakers of international acclaim. There is
something or someone here for everyone, from sci-fi to
romance to biographies to nonfiction; even kids and
domesticated pets can mingle with their favorite book
authors.

* IWOSC's booth is seen by the thousands of Festival
visitors. And we are working furiously to create an
appealing booth to publicize not only IWOSC's great
programs and activities, but also our members'
accomplishments. Call it "The Story of You."

A stand-up display will be designed to showcase members'
books and/or published articles and stories. Any members in
good standing are invited to submit cover art from their
latest books or published magazine articles.

As always, there are some guidelines. Please use the
following instructions:

> Two copies of each submission, please.

> Do NOT send an original. Send ONLY color copies of the
book cover or magazine story. Not the flaps or the back
cover. If your literary work is an unusual size reduce the
color copy to 8" x 10" or less. Magazine stories should be
8 1/2" x 11" or less. All of this can be done at any copy
center.

> We are also planning a collage with your publications'
mastheads. Please send two copies of each masthead under
separate cover (see below.)

> If there's room, we'll include a brief two-paragraph
author bio or a condensed version of the jacket blurb,
whichever you provide. Send this copy by e-mail to:
frontpagenews@sbcglobal.net.

>Art should be mailed (NOT e-mailed - we will not print
this material out for you) in a non-bendable envelope to:

Judy Seckler
4548 Irvine Ave.
Studio City, CA 91602-1916

> Send magazine masthead art to:

Laura Meyers
1818 South Gramercy Place
Los Angeles, CA 90019

> The deadline is April 16, 2007. After this date, it
cannot be guaranteed that artwork will appear on the
display. Material that exceeds these dimensions or does not
meet the other requirements will not be used. Any
questions: Call (818) 681-6760 or e-mail
frontpagenews@sbcglobal.net.

* As always, the greatest fun comes from direct
participation. So consider donating at least two hours of
your time to work at the booth, on either or both days. You
will meet members of the writing community and promote the
myriad benefits of becoming a member of IWOSC. You'll be
pleasantly surprised by how much satisfaction you will find
in discussing your craft with others.

Lyn Corum has agreed to take on the all-important role of
volunteer coordinator. Call her with your availability at
(310) 828-7145 or e-mail her at lyncorum@earthlink.net.
Courtesy refreshments will be available for our booth
volunteers.

* If you would like more information about IWOSC's
participation in the Festival, please contact Roberta Edgar
at robertage@aol.com or (310) 552-4905.

**************************************
3. IN ORBIT: UPCOMING SATELLITE MEETINGS

IWOSC's monthly drop-in satellite sessions are open to all
writers. Bring your writing, your ideas, problems,
questions, complaints. Support, laughs, juicy controversy,
and plenty of networking. You don't have to be an IWOSC
member to attend.

* NOTE: We are also reorganizing our Satellite in Orange
County. If you would like to participate, or have an idea
of your own, please contact IWOSC Satellite Coordinator
Miriam Poe at MacPoe@aol.com.
===============================
4. AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE:

A contest.

"The Sopranos" begins its final eight episodes on Sunday.
By the end of the eighth episode, Tony Soprano will either
be dead, missing (so the movie can be made), reformed and
driving an ice cream truck throughout Bergen County, in
jail, or on the Board of IWOSC. He should be so lucky.

Here's the offer:

Predict the fate of Tony Soprano. Whoever gets closest,
with the most specific details (does he die, how does he
die, who does it, where is he) will be awarded a one-year
membership or three seminars (winner's choice).

Get your creative and irreverent juices flowing for this
fun-raiser (not fund-raiser). Please keep your submission
(s) to one nice-sized paragraph at most. You can submit up
to two treatments. Open to both members and not-yet-members
of IWOSC.

We will publish some of the more interesting thoughts in
our succeeding newsletters.

Send your work to: Laura Meyers at lauramink@aol.com, with
a copy to Gary Young at artsy12@earthlink.net.

Good luck!

***************************************
5. APRIL GENERAL MEETING/PANEL DISCUSSION
"Agent Insider 2007:
What's New, What's Tried & True, What They Want"
Monday, April 30
7:30 p.m. Sharp
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue (Culver
City)

You have a strongly saleable idea and writing you've
polished until it shines. Now you want to explore the realm
of agents. What still holds true from the dog-eared books
on agents that you have on your shelf? What's changed in
today's milieu and with the electronic environment? What's
hot today? A stellar panel of agents, including former Los
Angeles Times Book Review editor Steve Wasserman (now a New
York agent), will share insider views. Join us and become
armed with the most up-to-date information.

The panel:

* Steve Wasserman is now director of Kneerim & Williams at
Fish & Richardson and manager of the firm's New York
office. While at the L.A. Times as Book Review editor,
Wasserman was also a principal architect of the Los Angeles
Times Festival of Books. Wasserman's literary interests are
eclectic, and include history, memoir and biography,
narrative nonfiction, science, and popular culture.

* Betsy Amster heads her own literary agency in Los
Angeles. Before opening Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises
in 1992, she spent 10 years as an editor at Pantheon and
Vintage. In a recent profile, Amster was described as
having a no-nonsense style and a whimsical sense of humor.
Her clients include best-selling writers María Amparo
Escandon ("Esperanza's Box of Saints") and Elaine Aron
("The Highly Sensitive Person"). Her agency looks for
literary fiction, quirky mysteries and thrillers, memoirs,
narrative nonfiction, self-help, parenting, and business.

* Paul S. Levine wears two hats, as a literary agent and
lawyer. He represents authors, the sale of motion picture
and television rights to books, and film and TV writers.
Previous projects include fiction by Edward Cline (the
Sparrow Hawk series), "The Dog Ate My Resume" (by Zack and
Larry Arnstein), and the made-for-TV movie "Santa Jr."
(Hallmark Channel). His literary/book interests include
self-help, how-to, politics, sports, and commercial fiction
(i.e. thrillers, mysteries, "soap opera" novels [a la
Danielle Steele], and literary fiction). For film, he looks
for romantic comedies, thrillers, and historic epics; for
TV, he focuses on true-life movies, docu-dramas, and series
(both dramatic and comedic).

Robin Quinn, an award-winning nonfiction ghostwriter and
book editor, will moderate.

Cost: IWOSC members - free! General admission: $15.

Reservations are required. Contact info@iwosc.org or call
(877) 799-7483 for reservations, directions or information.
Reservation deadline (if space is still available) is noon,
Monday, April 30.

This is a very popular event! Please reserve early.
=========================================
6. APRIL SEMINAR:
"Businesses Reaching Businesses -- In Your Words"
Saturday, April 21
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Ave. (Culver City)

You write brochures, flyers, press releases, and reports
for your business clients. In this hands-on, interactive
seminar, you will learn how to optimize your clients'
business-to-business communications.

Instructor Trish Lester teaches techniques that will help
improve your clients' communications to other businesses as
well as directly to the consumer.

Lester is a specialist in corporate communications with
more than 20 years' experience. As a writer, designer, and
project manager, she provides a range of PR and marketing
communications assistance to corporate and professional
clients. She is expert at creating cost effective, quality
print materials that reach a well-defined audience and call
for a specific, measurable response.

Brochures, advertisements, direct mail and newsletters are
her primary areas of expertise. She is also experienced in
developing website content. With extensive background in
healthcare and fitness, international trade, food, and
finance, Lester has won dozens of awards from professional
organizations for achievement in the areas of employee
communications, collateral materials, publications, design,
writing, and PR programming. She is also a
singer/songwriter! Learn more about Lester at
www.SignatureCommunications.net.

We would like to encourage seminar participants to submit a
sample of their business writing-for-hire, and benefit from
Lester's expert critique. After you sign up for the
seminar, you may send (via USPS or other post) your
previously-produced printed materials for critique IN
ADVANCE, along with a few details, to help Lester evaluate:

> Who the intended audience was
> How the piece was distributed
> What type of response was desired from the recipients
> What response was received (if known)
> How the material relates to other
materials/programs/services of the same business (if
applicable)

Mail your materials to:
Trish Lester
Signature Communications
PO Box 221703
Santa Clarita, CA 91322-1703

Samples should be postmarked NO LATER THAN April 16, to
ensure that they arrive and that Lester has time to take a
look. Sorry, no e-mail submissions allowed this time. Note,
too, that this is NOT a requirement of attendance. Seminar
participants may just bring materials for evaluation on the
date of the class. But Lester will be able to give more
serious attention to materials she receives in advance.

COST: General Admission: $35; IWOSC members: $15.

RESERVATIONS: Contact info@iwosc.org or (877) 799-7483.
Space is limited. Reservation deadline: 6 p.m. Friday
evening, March 16.

================================================
7. THE INDEPENDENT LIFE:
"With All Due Celerity: A Lesson in the First Amendment"

In March, the administration of the Celerity Nascent
Charter School in Los Angeles fired seventh grade teacher
Marisol Alba and math teacher Sean Strauss for their
participation in events planned for the school's Black
History Month program.

The school also forbade its students to read a poem, "A
Wreath for Emmett Till," written by Marilyn Nelson, or to
lay a wreath of flowers as part of its memorial to the
slain youth.

In 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Chicagoan, was visiting
the town of Money, Mississippi when he allegedly whistled
at a white woman. Till was African-American. The boy was
abducted by two white men, pistol-whipped, shot in the
head, and weighted down with a 74-pound gin fan before
being dumped in a nearby river. The men were acquitted by
an all-white male jury. Both of his killers publicly
admitted their guilt in a national article in Look
magazine. The savage murder and the trial received
worldwide attention and galvanized the civil rights
movement in the United States.

According to an article in the L.A. Times, school officials
felt that the details of Till's murder were "too graphic"
for its younger students. The article quoted Celerity co-
founder and Executive Director Vielka McFarlane as
saying: "We don't want to focus on how the history of the
country has been checkered but on how do we dress for
success, walk proud and celebrate all the accomplishments
we've made."

Observing from her home in Connecticut, Nelson, a former
poet laureate of Connecticut and National Book Award
finalist, responded with a letter to McFarlane and Grace
Canada, the school's principal, excerpted below.

March 20, 2007

Dear Ms. McFarlane and Ms. Canada:

It has come to my attention that controversy apparently
related to my book, "A Wreath for Emmett Till," has led to
the firing of two of your teachers. I feel compelled to
defend Marisol Alba and Sean Strauss, who were apparently
fired because they had signed one of several letters of
written by students to protest the summary cancellation of
the seventh grade's contribution to the Black History Month
program at Celerity Nascent Charter School.

The seventh graders had planned to read a poem and create a
wreath of white flowers in memory of Emmett Till, who was
lynched when he was their age, for allegedly whistling at a
white woman. I cannot tell from the newspaper article
exactly why the seventh grade's wreath for Emmett Till was
deemed "unfitting for a program intended to be
celebratory." But one might argue that the lifelong courage
of Mamie Till Mobley, Emmett's mother, who spent nearly
fifty years campaigning against lynching, is well worth
celebrating. One might celebrate Emmett Till's contribution
to the then nascent Civil Rights Movement. One might
celebrate how far we have come since the year of his
death. One might -- as was apparently the point of the
program -- celebrate Black History.

But the news coverage indicates something more troubling
than a failure to honor our painful history and its
triumphs. I am shocked to learn that there may truly be
African American women who would consider what happened to
initiate the chain of events leading to Emmett Till's
murder in any way related to "sexual harassment." May I
remind you that fifty years ago, and perhaps still now,
what happened -- if it DID happen -- was not that a man
whistled at a woman, but that a BLACK man (or, actually, a
14-year-old boy with a bad stutter, on the first day of his
first trip without his parents, hundreds of miles from
home, in a Mississippi town, which, surely, his mother
would have warned him about) allegedly whistled at a WHITE
woman.

I am deeply concerned that an educational administrator and
the president of the P.T.A. of a school whose student body
is 80 percent African American would so completely miss the
point; that you hope to teach children to "dress for
success, walk proud, and celebrate accomplishments," yet
choose not to teach such a pivotal moment in our history of
upward striving. Do you allow the students of Celerity
Nascent Charter School to know that slavery existed?

Even more troubling than that initial decision, however, is
your deciding, in a school in which, according to the L.A.
Times, "most students are below grade level in reading when
they enroll, and many have behavioral problems" to fire two
teachers who have turned things around to such an extent
that seventh graders (a notoriously difficult age to teach)
are so committed to their project that they wrote letters
of protest. This whole incident reminds me of a scene in
Ralph Ellison's great novel "Invisible Man," in which the
protagonist, standing in front of the statue which
symbolizes the school's mission, wonders whether the
teacher who is holding a veil over the head of a kneeling
slave is raising the veil, or lowering it.

I suggest, Ms. Canada and Ms. McFarlane, that your firing
Ms. Alba and Mr. Strauss has taught the students of
Celerity Nascent Charter School one of the most important
lessons to be learned from the study of Black history: that
people in power often wield that power unjustly and
unwisely, and that it is our responsibility to speak truth
to power and to resist injustice.

Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King,
Rosa Parks, and Mamie Till Mobley would have been proud of
your students' passionate and clear view of your decision
to cancel their program. They would have signed the
students' letters of protest, too. You have accelerated the
original injustice by firing teachers who encourage your
students to think. Thus you commit injustice against both
teachers and students.

I encourage you to reinstate Marisol Alba and Sean Strauss.
With all celerity.

Yours truly,
Marilyn Nelson
East Haddam, CT

================================================
8. "WRITES OF PASSAGE"

Kudos to these IWOSC members who have great news to report
this month!

BOOKS
PETER A. BALASKAS - "The Grandmaster" (Bards and Sages
Publishing, winter 2007). INA HILLEBRANDT (editor) -
"Sensual Spirit: poetry and thoughts from the place where
body and soul meet," by Chrystine Julian (Pawpress - March
2007). WILLIAM G. HUTCHINGS - "Choose Panama: the Perfect
Retirement Haven" (Mission Bay Publishing, 2nd edition, May
2007).

MAGAZINES/LITERARY JOURNALS
PETER A. BALASKAS - a short story - "Wash Cycle"(Rogue
Worlds, Issue 15, April 2007).

NEWSPAPERS
NAZBANOO PAHLAVI - "Iranians Celebrate Spring in the Valley
With Norooz" (Sherman Oaks Sun, Studio City Sun, March
2007); "Valley's Iranians Celebrate Norooz" (Daily News,
March 23, 2007). COLLEEN PAEFF- "Walking Man" (Los Feliz
Ledger, April 2007).

SOFTWARE
WILLIAM G. HUTCHINGS - "Promote Your Book in the Media"
(Mission Bay Publishing, April 2007).

ENTERTAINMENT
DEVIN ALEXANDER - "Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander"
(Discovery Health Channel, Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. and
Sundays at 11:30 a.m.); TRISH LESTER - a debut CD -
"Plymouth Belvedere" (Signature Communications/Recording
Division, April 2007).

** Tell IWOSC about your writing and career
accomplishments. We'll feature members' books, articles,
stories, awards, and other achievements. Simply e-mail
IWOSC Editor Colleen Paeff at cpaeff@mac.com with your news
(remember, IWOSC Members only.) **

===============================================
9. WRITING-RELATED EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

*NO CRIME UNPUBLISHED CONFERENCE
Sunday, June 10
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, 211 E. Huntington Drive (Arcadia)

Sisters In Crime/LA announces its upcoming conference, "No
Crime Unpublished," featuring guest speakers Rochelle Krich
and Jacqueline Winspear. There will be an "awesome" line-
up of workshops by noted authors, a "thrilling" selection
of forensic workshops, editors from Writers Digest, and a
panel of agents sharing their insights into the crime and
mystery writing biz.

The fine print: Sisters In Crime members $125, non-members,
$135, through May 31. After June 1: $150. Reservation
forms available at:
http://www.sistersincrimela.com/No_Crime_Unpublished.htm

*FAMILY HISTORY WRITERS CONFERENCE
Sunday, June 10
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
The Southern California Genealogical Society will devote an
entire day of its annual three-day Jamboree to family-
history writing. There will be something offered for every
level of writer, and for every genre of family history
projects, from memoirs, to journaling, to historical
research, to technical tips for managing large writing
projects.

The keynote speaker is well-known writer Carolyn See,
discussing how to handle family secrets with discretion,
honesty and sometimes humor. Other featured writers include
Judith Barrington, with two presentations on memoirs; Linda
Lawrence Hunt, author of "Bold Spirit," on pulling
historical research together into book-shape; D.G. Fulford,
co-founder of www.therememberingsite.org, explaining how to
start the memories flowing; and Thomas Curwen, editor-at-
large at the Los Angeles Times, explaining how professional
writers manage the challenges of taking notes,
interviewing, story structure, dialogue, description, and
characterization.

For complete information, visit www.scgsgenealogy.com or
call (818) 843-7247.

* VENICE WRITERS CRITIQUE GROUP
Thursdays 7:30-10 p.m.
Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd. (Venice Beach)
Bring your voice or your synopsis, one-pager, script, or
other texts you hope to re-write to advance your film work.
We'll read your work out loud and give you constructive
guidance. We meet every Thursday -- first come, first
served. This free, all-volunteer script workshop comes to
you from the non-profit literary arts foundation, Beyond
Baroque.

Drop by or drop them a line: aswrit@hotmail.com. Curious?
Visit www.geocities.com/altscreenwriting/faq.html

Moderated by journalist and researcher Peter D. Coogan.

*WRITING CONTEST: PENUMBRA POETRY & HAIKU 2007 20TH
ANNIVERSARY
Win up to $200 in cash prizes and publication in the annual
contest anthology, in this contest sponsored by the
Tallahassee Writers' Association. Deadline: June 30. Mail
entry fees of $5 per poem and/or $3 per haiku to: TWA
Penumbra, PO Box 15995, Tallahassee, FL, 32317-5995. For
contest e-mail and complete entry guidelines, visit
www.tallahasseewriters.net.

* 2007 NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
The 2007 New York Book Festival will hold its annual
program on June 23, with a daytime festival in Central Park
followed by an evening awards ceremony.

The Festival will consider published, self-published and
independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, children's
books, teenage, how-to, audio/spoken word, comics, e-books,
wild card (anything goes!), science fiction, romance, and
biography/autobiography, published after January 1, 2003.

The judging criteria are:
1) The story-telling ability of the author;
2) The potential of the work to win wider recognition.

The grand prize for the 2007 New York Book Festival Author
of the Year is $1,500 and a flight to New York for the
awards.

TO ENTER: Visit http://newyorkbookfestival.com for entry
categories, deadlines, and for entry forms.

****************************************************

Blessing of the Animals Video

2007-04-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

IWOSC Saturday Seminar "Media is the Message: Media Training for Writers"

2007-03-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

"Media is the Message: Media Training for Writers"
IWOSC Saturday Seminar
Saturday, March 17
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue (Culver
City)

If you have a great book, communications service, or story
idea, plus fire in the belly -- but marbles in your mouth --
then IWOSC's March workshop is the perfect place for you!

Every day, hundreds of people are interviewed on radio and
television, and by print publications. But good interviews
don't happen by accident. Even if you are often on the
OTHER side of the table, acting as an interviewer, would
you know what to do if YOU were the interviewee, promoting
a book or other project? Are you good at delivering short,
memorable sound bites?

Media Training is an effective and powerful tool that helps
you identify your relationship to your public, heighten
your ability to tell great, brief anecdotes, market "brand"
identity, and give a consistent message. In this IWOSC
Saturday Seminar, you'll learn to tell the story of YOU,
and at the same time you'll learn to promote your writing
projects and ideas.

In addition, workshop instructor ANN CONVERY will help you
learn to express your message succinctly, dynamically and
powerfully.

Convery is an international speaker, seminar leader,
trainer and author who has worked with top professionals in
the fields of politics, medicine, law, business, health and
beauty. She created the "Speak Your Business in 30 Seconds
or Less" training for professionals who want to attract
more business instantly. "Speak Your Business in 30 Seconds
or Less" is a technique that utilizes a tightly constructed
sentence or two that uses verbs, sound bites and public
relations techniques to widen your marketplace and elevate
you as an expert. The essence of the 30-second speech is to
create a hunger for additional information that will result
in an editor, agent, or client asking for more.

Convery has prepared clients for speeches, presentations,
and interviews in all major media such as CNN, "60
Minutes," ABC's "20/20," Fox News, MSNBC, The New York
Times, the Los Angeles Times, Vogue, USA Today, People,
Self, and other outlets. In addition, she offers private
training and seminars on "The Art of the Pitch," "Dollarize
Your Business/Double Your Profit," "Portable PR," and "The
Perfect Speech in 3 Hours or Less."

Convery has taught "Presentation Skills" at UCLA
Extension, "The PR Power Panel" at the Learning Annex in
L.A. and New York, and has been interviewed in Elle,
Cosmopolitan, ABC-TV, Maxim, Fitness, Woman's Day, First
for Women, Entrepreneur, Presentations Magazine, Bulldog
Reporter, and many other media. She has also written
several columns for the L.A. Business Journal.

COST: General Admission: $35; IWOSC members: $15.

RESERVATIONS: Contact info@iwosc.org or (877) 799-7483.
Space is limited. Reservation deadline: 6 p.m. Friday
evening, March 16.

Flavors of Life: Writing for the Travel, Health, Fitness, and Food Markets

2007-02-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

IWOSC General Meeting
Monday, February 26
7:30 p.m. Sharp
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue (Culver
City)

Lifestyle writing offers independent writers a wide
selection of writing styles and topics. Like ingredients
found in flavorful dishes, the words of lifestyle writers
can enhance their readers' savory exposure to one or more
fields. For this program, a melange of seasoned writers
and editors who have successfully bridged more than one
style of writing will discuss opportunities in the various
lifestyle genres, synergies between the different topics,
and how to adapt your writing to connect with readers of
particular lifestyle markets.

The panelists are:
Former Gault Millau Guidebooks editor James Burns, an
expert on food, wine and travel writing;

Health writer and editor Elisabeth Deffner, Executive
Editor, FMAware Magazine, published by the National
Fibromyalgia Association (NFA);

Award-winning food and travel writer/editor Barbara
Hansen;

Roy Wallack, a nationally-known bicycle journalist who
writes about health and fitness; and

New York Times bestselling author Devin Alexander, author
of "The Biggest Loser Cookbook," which accompanies the NBC
TV show.

After a decade working editor jobs at various sports and
sporting goods publications (California Bicyclist,
SportStyle, Actiona Sports Retailer, Bicycle Guide, and
Triathlete), ROY M. WALLACK became an independent writer of
health, fitness, and travel stories, and athlete profiles,
for many national magazines (Outside, Men's Journal,
Playboy, Bicycling, Triathlete, and others). He also writes
a regular biweekly fitness gear column in the Los Angeles
Times Health section, and frequently contributes other
features to the Health, Calendar, and the now-defunct
Outdoors sections of the paper.

An endurance cyclist and runner, Wallack has toured the
Soviet Union by bike and has completed the Eco-Challenge,
the 1,200 km Paris-Brest-Paris bike ride, the 400-mile
Trans Alp Challenge mountain bike race, the 2002 Badwater
Ultramarathon, and other endurance events. Wallack is the
author of "The Traveling Cyclist," a how-to book featuring
20 of his bike trips around the world, and the co-author
of "Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100," a game plan for
super-fit longevity through cycling, now in its fifth
printing.

DEVIN ALEXANDER is a veteran in the fight against obesity
and she's winning the war with her unique approach to
healthy cooking. Having maintained a 55-pound weight loss
for over 15 years, she lives and eats her message: you
don't have to deprive yourself to be fit and healthy.

Alexander has shared her secrets for unbelievably decadent,
yet healthy foods through frequent appearances on "Good
Morning America," "The View," "The Biggest Loser,"
Discovery Health, HGTV, USA, Style Network and others shows
and networks, and through over 100 magazine features in
Prevention, Women's Health, Shape, and Healthy Cooking, to
name a few. Alexander's first cooking show, "Healthy
Decadence with Devin Alexander," will start airing on
Discovery Health Channel on March 29.

Alexander has served as culinary advisor to Men's Fitness
magazine and is currently the cooking expert for Women's
Health magazine. Her recently released cookbook, "Fast
Food Fix," was featured as an editor's top pick in USA
Today. And in October she released "The Biggest Loser
Cookbook."

For the IWOSC "Flavors of Life" panel, Alexander will
discuss how she transformed her chef secrets into articles
and story ideas, and how she works with TV producers, print
editors, and publishers.

Lowell Thomas Award-winning food journalist JAMES BURNS is
a one-man-band of food and travel writing in print and on
the Internet. He created the award-winning Cyber Kitchen
weekly magazine, and has edited and/or written several
hundred articles in Self, Westways, L.A. Style, Los Angeles
magazine, Los Angeles Times Magazine, the Philadelphia
Enquirer, Newsday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the
Minneapolis Star Tribune, and the Miami Herald, among other
publications. He was the Editor-in-Chief of "Underground
Wine Journal" which garnered six award nominations under
his watch. He was Senior Editor at the Los Angeles Times
Syndicate, where he edited "FoodStyles," "World's
Fare," "Berger On Wine," and Cooking Light magazine's
syndicated material. Now an independent writer and
publishing consultant, Burns has also been the editor for
various books, including "Cooking Without Fat" and "Baking
Without Fat," both books by George Mateljan which have sold
a combined 670,000 copies so far.

Along with her stewardship of FMAware Magazine, ELISABETH
DEFFNER also is the editor of NFA's e-newsletter, FMOnline.
As an independent writer, Deffner has contributed to
various national and regional publications, including the
Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, American
Profile, Catholic Digest, and National Geographic KIDS.
Her topics have ranged from Gulf War Syndrome to in vitro
fertilization and frozen embryos to recovery from sexual
abuse. She will provide valuable insight into how to pitch
to editors, what health magazines are looking for from
independent writers, and any differences between web-based
and non-web-based content.

Food is BARBARA HANSEN'S profession and passion. Founder,
editor and writer of www.TableConversation.com, Hansen
brings to her cyberspace readers mouth-watering self-tested
recipes, information about traveling to faraway places, and
explorations of the various ethnic foods found in Los
Angeles. For many years, Hansen wrote food features,
restaurant reviews, and travel articles for the Los Angeles
Times. In 2004 she won a James Beard award for an article
on mezcal in Oaxaca. Mezcal is a distilled liquid made
from the hearts (pinas) of various maguey (agave) plants.
She was also nominated previously for a Beard award for an
article on cooking with Chinese medicinal herbs. Hansen
has written for Bon Appetit, Saveur, and Cuisine
magazines. So far, she's produced five cookbooks: "Cooking
California Style," "Good Bread," "Barbara Hansen's Taste of
Southeast Asia," "Southeast Asian Cooking," and "Mexican
Cookery." She will discuss what it takes to develop food
and travel websites, as well as how to approach food and
travel editors with story ideas.

COST: IWOSC members, FREE; General admission: $15.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR IWOSC'S PROGRAMS -- Space is
limited, and the reservation deadline is NOON, Monday,
February 26.

For information or to RSVP, call 1-877-799-7483, or e-mail
info@iwosc.org. Reservations will be honored up to ten
minutes before the meeting begins.

Author Interview: Trailer for New Book is a hoot!

2007-02-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

Lisa Gardner's book HIDE is probably going to get a good buzz with this book trailer...good job, it made me laugh!
Find Lisa at Lisa Gardner dot com

Buzzing Books...

2007-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

I've been hard at work on the marketing of my next book--it is due out in April. Part of my intention is to do a virtual book tour and in my quest to set this up I stumbled across one of the interesting efforts just launched by Bill Stephens to promote his Horizons Past.

In addition to his blog, where he is posting chapters of his book and building his list, he is also putting out videos about the process. I've included his below along with one reading group who submitted a response (and did a good job of marketing in the process).

Good ideas--also check out Patry Francis as she has created quite the buzz about her first novel, The Liar's Diary.

Diarists' Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico

2007-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

I received a bunch of information from Charlene at the Diarist's Workshop in New Mexico. If you live in that area or need an excuse to visit--here are a few of her programs:

WRITE ON
A journal, too can be more than a repository for words, it can serve as the canvas upon which our images, dreams, and symbols can be stretched and colored. - George Simons

Having trouble finding the time to journal? Are you in a rut and wanting to be in the groove with your creativity? Maybe you would benefit from the support, stimulus, or discipline of a group. Be encouraged to use different writing styles and visual techniques while recording your unique perceptions of the world. Have fun filling the pages of your journal with provocative entries suggested by Charlene.

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
8 weeks: January 23rd to March 15th
Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $210 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

INNER CRITIC
Do your "inner voices" criticize, judge, and undermine your efforts continuously? Perhaps it is time for you to turn the spotlight on and the volume up, to better understand where these voices or thoughts come from and what you can do about them. Charlene's thought-provoking writing exercises and discussions will expose, identify, and eventually quiet these most annoying and troublesome voices. Isn't it time you listened to more supportive loving messages?

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
Three Sunday sessions, March 18, 25, April 1
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fee: $195 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

JOURNAL HARVESTING
You need to read your journals with an eye for expanding awareness and growth.-Tristine Rainer, New Diary -Tristine Rainer, New Diary

What are you doing with all those completed journals? When is the last time you opened your completed journals to read your mind? While writing is a tool for self-discovery, revisiting your journals adds another dimension to "knowing thyself." Discover patterns of behavior, consider your thoughts from a new perspective, and honor your accomplishments while turning the pages of your past. Charlene introduces techniques and suggests ways to use past entries that will serve you for years to come.

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
1 Session: Saturday, February 17
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $85 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

PRIVATE SESSIONS
Charlene continues to work privately with individuals who would like to focus on a long or short-term goal, explore what has been ignored or avoided, rediscover a passion, or find the courage to manifest a heart's desire. In a safe environment, uncover possibilities for action by finding and using one's voice, through "Echoing", a process of talking, writing and listening.

$70 per session includes tax.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 to arrange for a consultation or appointment.

This semester two creative and talented teachers, Judy Morse and Ann Hawkins join Charlene at the Diarists' Workshop to offer exciting new classes that delight, inspire, and transform.

YOUR HEARTS' DESIRE
Such a price the Gods exact for song, to become what we sing. - Goethe

This 8-week workshop is based on author Sonia Choquette's Nine Principles for Creating the Life You Really Want. These principles are presented in a clear, simple, practical format, AND THEY WORK! The workshop also includes many journaling exercises and the creation of your own "Alchemy Box."
Students are asked to be committed to the 8-week process, for each week builds upon the previous session and the writing exercises.
Nine Principles covered

* Bring Your Dreams Into Focus
* Gain Support of Your Subconscious Mind
* Imagine Your Heart's Desire
* Eliminate Your Obstacles
* Be Open to Intuitive Guidance
* Choose to Support Your Dream with Love
* Surrender Control
* Claim Your Dream
* Stay True to Your Dream

Instructor: Judy Morse
8 Weeks: January 21st through March 11th
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: $180 includes tax and materials.
Call Judy at 505-424-1744 for further information or to register.

Judy Morse is an experienced diarist, teacher and author who has taught workshops and written articles for the Cuyamungue Institute. She has been teaching "Between the Lines" and "Write On" at the Diarists' Workshop.

BETWEEN THE LINES
And what does January hold? Clean account books. Bare diaries. Three hundred and sixty-five new days, neatly parceled into weeks, months, seasons. A chunk of time, of life... those first notes like an orchestra tuning up before the play begins. - Phyllis Nicholson, Country Bouquet

So, what does the New Year hold for you? How about a fun and innovative journaling class in which you learn many different writing techniques to help fill those bare diary pages? Between the Lines is a foundational journaling class in which students learn writing techniques that are used in many of the classes offered at the Diarists' Workshop. Students learn ten techniques such as Spiral Writing, Unsent Letters, Child Reporter and Third-Person Portrait. These techniques help the experienced or beginner diarist to better express his or her thoughts and feelings.

Instructor: Judy Morse
8 Weeks: January 31st through March 21th
Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $190 includes Inner Outings deck, plus tax and materials.
Call Judy at 505-424-1744 for further information or to register.

THE MAGICAL DAYBOOK
The dominant thoughts and images that you hold in your mind are what you create in your life.

In this 8-week workshop you create a Magical Daybook and design a simple daily ritual, so that you can start each day by cultivating the thoughts, feelings, and images that you want to resonate with throughout your day. Each beautiful page of your personal Magical Daybook provides you with a reminder of the intentions, dreams, goals and values that inspire you to create your masterpiece: your most authentic, meaningful life.
As a group, we explore the Law of Attraction through a carefully orchestrated sequence of provocative journaling exercises, discussions, guided visualizations and book arts. Be challenged to determine what is truly important to you, and what you want to create in your life. Learn how to use self-hypnosis and subconscious affirmations to transform blocks and negative beliefs.

Instructor: Ann Hawkins
8 Weeks: January 25th through March 15th
Thursday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $200 includes tax and materials.
Call Ann at 505-992-2663 for further information or to register.

Ann Hawkins spent 20 years as an advertising and film production executive before coming to Santa Fe to study the healing arts. She is now a licensed Massage Therapist and is Certified in Life Coaching and Hypnotherapy. She previously taught "The Magic Manifestation Workshop" at the Diarists' Workshop.

LIVING LA DOLCE VITA
What is this life for, if not to experience happiness, joy, and delight? In this workshop, you honor the yummy things in life, such as beauty, friendship, the arts, nature, wisdom, love, reflection, and contentment. So often, these precious jewels are forgotten in the midst of our hectic schedules, personal difficulties, and the myriad pressures and distractions of daily life. Sometimes we live in anticipation of happiness and the good life, instead of remembering that we can experience it in every moment.

Using a series of inspiring writing and visual journaling exercises, this workshop gives you the opportunity to explore and name the things in life that bring you the most happiness and make you feel good! A visual Book of Treasures will be the culmination of your musings. You also learn ways to transform your subconscious mind and to enhance your ability to enjoy La Dolce Vita!

Topics Include

* The Inner Game of Appreciation
* Cultivating Evocative Moods
* The Epicurean Art of Happiness
* The Way of Paying Attention
* Being a Connoisseur of Life

Instructor: Ann Hawkins
8 Weeks: February 5th through March 26th
Monday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $200 includes tax and materials.
Call Ann at 505-992-2663 for further information or to register.

IWOSC SATURDAY SEMINAR: January 20, 2007

2007-01-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

"Spiders and Bugs: Web Writing and Management"

Saturday, January 20
10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Writers Store, 2040 Westwood Blvd. (Westwood)

Today's effective professional writers use the Internet as both a tool
and a marketplace. Learn how at IWOSC's January Saturday Seminar, when iMedia
Editor in Chief Brad Berens discusses writing for the Internet, and
Internet marketing expert Cliff Allen speaks about webmastering.

The workshop will cover the differences between writing online and off;
site metrics and how they inform editorial decisions; how to design,
implement and manage a website; tips on creating a good website; personalization;
e-mail marketing; and data mining.

In addition, Berens will talk about iMedia's current needs and its
marketplace for freelancers, including his freelance budget.

Meet our instructors:

Brad Berens is an editor, writer, critic, public speaker, and thinker
--
mostly about media (new and old), culture (high and low), marketing
(traditional and interactive), and how what audiences do with the
things they watch have a huge impact on who they are.

Berens is Editor in Chief and the primary content supervisor (and
freelancers' contact) at iMedia, an online trade publication and
offline events producer whose business mission is "to advance how interactive
media and marketing can -- and must -- work together." The internet has
changed and will continue to change how audiences behave, and tracking those
changes is a big part of what Berens does at iMedia, in his "Mediavorous Blog," and
in talks all over the country.

Cliff Allen began his computer industry career in 1973 when he left the
broadcasting sector to start his own software company serving the
advertising industry with statistical analysis software used to analyze audience
rating data. After selling that company, Allen established a high-tech
advertising/PR firm to provide marketing communications services to
companies selling software, hardware, electronics, data communications, and
telecommunications products.

Allen is also an author whose latest book is "One-to-One Web
Marketing," and whose first book was the "Web Catalog Cookbook." He has written a
weekly column on "precision marketing" for ClickZ.com, as well as articles for
other marketing magazines.

COST: General Admission: $35; IWOSC members: $15

RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION: (required!) info@iwosc.org or 877-799-7483.
Space is limited. Reservations will be held until ten minutes before the
start of the program.

BEYOND WORDS (Writers Guild) February 8, 2007

2007-01-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

BEYOND WORDS – THE NOMINEES PANEL
Thursday, February 8, 7:30pm
At the Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills 90211
parking in adjacent lot

Join the Writers Guild of America and the Writers Guild Foundation for
Beyond Words, a panel discussion and celebration of the year’s best
writing for the big screen. Beyond Words features the WGA and Academy
award nominees for original and adapted screenplays, and is a
must-not-miss event.

TICKETS: www.wgfoundation.org

General - $20
WGA - $15
Student with current ID - $10

Dessert reception to follow in the theatre lobby. This event sells out
every year, so early reservation is recommended.

The panelists will be selected from the following list and from the
Academy Award list of screenwriting nominees when announced:

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Babel, Written by Guillermo Arriaga, Paramount Vantage
Little Miss Sunshine, Written by Michael Arndt, Fox Searchlight
Pictures

The Queen, Written by Peter Morgan, Miramax Films

Stranger Than Fiction, Written by Zach Helm, Sony Pictures
Entertainment

United 93, Written by Paul Greengrass, Universal Pictures

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation
of Kazakhstan, Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Peter
Baynham & Dan Mazer, Story by Sacha Baron Cohen & Peter Baynham &
Anthony Hines & Todd Phillips, Based on a Character Created by Sacha Baron
Cohen, Twentieth Century Fox

The Departed, Screenplay by William Monahan, Based on the Motion
Picture Infernal Affairs, Written by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, Warner Bros.
Pictures

The Devil Wears Prada, Screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, Based on the
Novel by Lauren Weisberger, Twentieth Century Fox

Little Children, Screenplay by Todd Field & Tom Perrotta, Based on the
Novel by Tom Perrotta, New Line Cinema

Thank You for Smoking, Screenplay by Jason Reitman, Based on the Novel
by Christopher Buckley, Fox Searchlight Pictures

TICKETS WILL BE MAILED THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE EVENT (FEB 1)
No refund, no exchange.
WGA member discount automatically calculated when you add item to your
cart.

Alliance of Writers: News Area

2007-01-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

For 2007 we decided to offer a place where writing groups can post their activities. We do not endorse any of these but offer them as a public service since many of you keep emailing about your contests, workshops and other such activities.