MARCH/APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER
Volume 1, Issue 3

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. Author Unknown


MESSAGE FROM DEBORAH

Are you thinking about writing a book? Well, instead of just sitting around thinking about it, get to your computer and start writing.
My daughter used to sit around and complain that she had a book she wanted to write, but she didn’t know when she was going to be able to start. She talked about her job, her volunteer activities, and her continuing education classes. According to her, she had no time left over to work on a book, yet she would easily spend twenty hours a week watching television and doing non-productive activities-chatting on the phone with friends, window shopping, and gazing out the window complaining that she had no time to write.
I’ve thought about many popular writers over the years. Before they got their big breaks, they wrote on trains, planes, on their lunch hours, during recess breaks, before or after their children go to bed. I’m sure all of them had NO time, but yet they found it.
“People make time for the things that are important to them,” I told my daughter. “If you really want to write, you’ll find some time. Besides, you don’t need hours upon end. Carry a notebook around with you and when you have a few minutes, jot down some notes. Find 15 minutes a day to devote to your writing, set a timer if you have to, but for those 15 minutes all you do is write.”
Needless to say, she wasn’t pleased with my interjecting some common sense in to her dilemma, but after an hour of pouting she decided to take my advice. She is now over half-way through writing her book. I’ve looked over it and it has potential.
Because writing and publishing is such a subjective business, I think everyone has potential. Sitting around and talking about writing a book will NOT get it written. And to sell a book, a book must be written.
So, what are you waiting for? Find your fifteen minutes and get to writing.



NEW PLACES TO EXPLORE ON THE WWW

Writers Beware Blog http://accrispin.blogspot.com/ If you are an author and you don’t have this website marked in your favorites, navigate off this page and go bookmark it now. This site keeps writers up-to-date on scams, shams, and lawsuits. The Sci-Fi Writers and Mystery Writers have joined forces to gather information and disclose things going on behind the scenes of publishing. So, if you want to be in the “know”, read this blog on a regularly basis.



FUN PRODUCTS FOR WRITERS

If you are interested in writing screenplays, check out The Writer’s Store at www.writersstore.com. Here you will find over 1000 products with software, books, supplies, course and seminar listings to jumpstart your screenwriting career. Those who are interested in furthering their writing skills will find books and CDs as well. If you are looking for some fun and inspiration, check out the dolls, ties, hats and more offered on this site. As a side note, this is not just a website. The Writer’s Store brick and mortar building is located on Westwood in Hollywood, California.


A MARKET FOR YOU

For you history buffs out there, I thought I would remind you of Renaissance Magazine. It was established in 1996 and has a readership of 33,000. It is looking for essays, expose, historical, how-to, interview, opinion, travel and more geared toward its readership. The publication accepts queries or complete manuscript. Length desired for manuscript is 1,000 to 5,000 words. Pays 8¢ per word. The publication is 90% freelance written. Website is www.renaissancemagazine.com. Contact email is editortom@renaissancemagazine.com.



WHAT DEBORAH’S READING

I know there are a vast amount of readers who do not care for romances, but I do. Annnnddd I am still stuck in Julia Quinn’s world. I am reading the last book she published and the last one of hers I haven’t read. While I have enjoyed all her books, I am having a tad bit of trouble with this one. I read Mr. Cavendish, I Presume and the end was a shocker for me. While the hero did get the girl, everything else in his life went wrong. I kept waiting for his life to turn around, but it didn’t. Now, in The Lost Duke of Wyndham, the hero here is the character I didn’t like Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. The books are basically the same story, but told from different viewpoints. I am over half way through the book and am still finding it hard to sympathize with this hero. I’m hoping the end is a little different. Right now, he isn’t redeeming himself in my eyes. If you want to do a study of viewpoints, this is the book for you.


THIS MONTH’S CHALLENGE

Create a muse character for yourself, and then sit down and write him/her a lengthy letter. Tell your new confidant your writing dreams and aspirations. Write about your trials and tribulations. You don’t have to write it all in one sitting. Perhaps make some notes the first time you sit down to write, and then add exposition the next time. Make writing to your muse a daily or weekly habit. You will be surprised what you can get off your chest when you have a confidant.


Disclaimer: Deborah does not make any money off the products she discusses in this newsletter or endorses any website or market. Her purpose is to provide information only. She believes research and decision making is always left to the individual reader.