You Are Not Alone – Get a Mentor

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You just wanted to write – and upload your book to Amazon, expecting that it becomes an instant hit. The writing – your skills – an art you mastered, is making you proud. However the publishing / marketing process feels scary … and you never before thought about becoming an entrepreneur.
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Sure, you know all the benefits of self-publishing:

• Author-publishing brought your book much faster to market, than waiting almost two years till it hits the shelves, even if you got a publishing contract
• The marketing part will always be completely on you, no matter if you self-publish or if you go with a big traditional publisher
• As a self-publisher you keep full control over the book design, the sales outlets, the price and the time your book will be on the market (maybe forever) – just to name a few
• if your book is successful you can make a lot more money than a “published author”

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You learned a lot already:
You read all the blog articles how to become a real author-publisher, even with printed books and their distribution to bookstores, running from April 8 – April 13 on http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/

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But you still have many questions… it seems, as if you have to learn a complete new profession. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone on your site to help you with:

• all the details of the e-book and print book production process 
• how readers can find your book on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple etc.
• how you can create your “platform” and establish a brand as a writer
• how you set up a blog/website and a social media presence
• which reader forums you should join 
• … plus all these questions you did not even know to ask
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The Value of Mentor-ship
We do not only work for our clients during the time you actually book us, but long after, giving you regularly tips and news.  The articles we write about your book will stay on our sites forever.
With our help, self-publishing and book marketing can become an enjoyable journey for you: We help you to save time, money and efforts in your publishing / book marketing process.

Take advantage of our professional help, we have studied business, marketing and e-publishing and have 30 years publishing experience. We customize coaching to your needs and teach you:

• how you can establish a brand as a writer
• the publishing and retail possibilities
• all the pre-publishing book marketing steps
• blogging & automatic posting of your articles to Twitter, FB, Google+, Goodreads…
• how to save a lot of time using social media sites for reader contacts 
• researching your possible competition & popularity of genres/positioning
• how to identify your target readers & plan your blog content & marketing strategies
• how to find lots of readers, book bloggers & reviewers
• … and the list goes on and on. Don’t forget: Writing is an art – publishing a business!

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Would you learn to drive a car or fly a plane without instructor? It is frightening first, but once you have learned it – with a professional instructor on your site – gaining self-confidence, it becomes sheer pleasure for you. Everything you accomplished in life makes you proud and is fun doing. So will be author-publishing and book marketing!
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If you want to get help and valuable support, for less than $1/per day: Sign up now for an individual Book Marketing online seminar & coaching, customized to YOUR book and your needs. Get practical support to market your book almost for free. Find all the details: http://www.111Publishing.com/seminar

For your questions and to get testimonials contact us via: 111Publishing  gmail.com
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Further reading and details:
http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/10-reasons-to-get-help-boosting-your-books-success/
http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/writing-is-an-art-publishing-is-a-business/

• we offer weekend classes for groups,
• individual online seminars, targeted to your needs for a very low fee
• and even a publishing / book marketing seminar at sea

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If you enjoyed this blog post, please feel free to check out all previous posts of this blog (there are more than 720 of them : ) if you haven’t already. Why not sign up to receive them regularly by email? Just click on “Follow” in the upper line on each page – and then on ”LIKE” next to it. There is also the “SHARE” button underneath each article where you can share and submit the article to Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, Chime.in, Facebook, Tumblr and StumpleUpon.

Thanks a lot for following:

@111publishing

http://pinterest.com/111publishing/

http://on.fb.me/TvqDaK

http://bit.ly/VmtVAS 111Publishing @ Google+

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Nassau, Bahamas: There is more than Shopping...

Reblogged from Caribbean Cruise:

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Arriving with the cruise ship in Nassau do as the locals do: Sway to the rhythms of steel-pan bands; savor fresh conch in Arawak Cay or sip cold Kalik beer to beat the heat. The charms of this tropical isle revolve around sun, sea, and sand Or you can shop at the lively markets in Nassau’s town center.  You will have lots of time to hit the shops.  

Read more… 796 more words

I am very excited to tell you about our upcoming Writer's Seminar at Sea. We'll be sailing on November 3, 2013, aboard the incredible new cruise ship "Breeze", recently named 2012's "Best New Ship" by Cruise Critic. Learn effective techniques to market your books, network with peers, and have the time of your life in the exotic Caribbean! Partially tax de-ductable! Seminars are on days at sea, so there is lots of time to explore the Caribbean Islands. Seminar-Cruise starts from $1.032 pp ALL INCLUSIVE & for spouses who don't attend only $832. See complete details http://writers.thecruiseevent.com/

Related articles

• Learn & Sail
• 13 Reasons for Writers to Cruise the Caribbean

 

Get Grants for Literary Events

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Is your writing group or author organization member of Poets & Writers, or sponsoring workshops or readings? And will this take place in either one of these areas:

• California
  
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  Chicago

  New York State

• Washington D.C.
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Detroit
• Houston
• New Orleans
• Seattle
• Tucson

You may apply for grants to be used for writers’ fees payments at Poets & Writers.

Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the proposed event.

To support as many literary events as possible, Poets & Writers generally grants no more than $1,500 to organizations in New York State and California, and $500 to organizations in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Seattle, Tucson, and Washington, D.C., during the course of their fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Decisions on maximum grant amounts are based on the availability of funds and are made at the discretion of Poets & Writers.
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Grants for readings or spoken word performances range from $50 to $350. Grants for workshops range from $100 to $200 per session. Organizations should match payments to writers if possible.
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Grant checks are payable to the writer and sent to the sponsor, which is responsible for delivering them to the author. We do not fund administrative costs, publicity, transportation, or other expenses related to producing events.
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Eligible Organizations include colleges, cultural centers, museums, libraries, hospitals, small presses, community centers, senior centers, places of worship, bookstores, cafés, galleries, and theaters.
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Nonprofit status is not required. If your organization has not previously received support from the R/W program, include a brief letter that describes your organization, the program for which you’re seeking funding, and publicity plans for the event. Please enclose publicity samples from past events.
Prefered organizations are those that:

• serve a culturally diverse audience
• feature culturally diverse writers
• feature writers who have not previously presented at that venue
• present programs in rural or other underserved areas
• have not previously received P&W support
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Events must be open to the public, with the exception of events taking place in institutions. All requests are considered on an event-by-event basis. Applications from organizations only. However, writers are encouraged to initiate events and let organizations know they can apply on their behalf.
More info & guidelines can be found here: http://www.pw.org/sites/all/themes/pw/national_rw_app.pdf

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If you enjoyed this blog post, please feel free to check out all previous posts of this blog (there are almost 700 of them : ) if you haven’t already. Why not sign up to receive them regularly by email? Just click on “Follow” in the upper line on each page – and then on “LIKE” next to it. There is also the “SHARE” button underneath each article where you can submit the article to Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, Chime.in, Facebook, Tumblr and StumpleUpon.

Thanks a lot for following:

@111publishing

http://pinterest.com/111publishing/

http://on.fb.me/TvqDaK

http://bit.ly/VmtVAS 111Publishing @ Google+

Don’t forget to spread the word on other social networking sites of your choice for other writers who might also enjoy this blog and find it useful. Thanks

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Be Spoiled for Choice …

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… how you want to learn book promotion.  And there is a lot to learn: Publishing evolves constantly and the success of your book(s) is very much depending on you, no matter if you self-publish or if you go with one of the big publishers. 

Choices in publishing, essentials of book / e-book layout and design, your platform and brand,  optimizing social media, use of non-traditional ways of book marketing, book distribution, online retailers, learning about  marketing on a shoestring… it’s over-whelming.  But not if you get help from someone who has studied e-publishing and marketing for many years – and practices it all.

Choose between weekend seminars or sign-up for customized online marketing training (special offer in December)  

… or plan ahead for a publishing and book marketing seminar on a 5-day Caribbean Cruise on board of the Carnival Breeze, a brand new cruise liner, taking off in Miami, FL, on November 3, 2013.  Make your travel plans soon, bookings for this offer start at the end of this month!  

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Hello, I’m Doris-Maria Heilmann with 111 Publishing.  We are not only publishers of traditional and eBooks, we extensively market our authors books.  We also host informative seminars for authors on the “art” of promotion. 

During the last years, publishing books has totally changed. Nowadays we writers need to build our own platforms, identify our own demographics, and find our own market share – even if we are with a traditional publishing house!  The profession has changed and we need to adapt in order to succeed.   

Our unique “Seminar-At-Sea” will help authors to:

• Strategically establish a writing career
• Create our own brand
• Identify our target readers
• Find out how to reach these readers
• Market and publicize our books on a budget
• Find free book publishing funding sources

Soon I will be announcing all the details of this spectacular opportunity.  But for now…mark November 3, 2013 on your calendars!!  Connect with your peers and learn invaluable information to enhance your writing career…all while having the time of your life on an exotic Caribbean Cruise!!

Doris-Maria Heilmann

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If you enjoyed this blog post, please feel free to check out all previous posts of this blog (there are almost 600 of them : ) if you haven’t already. Why not sign up to receive them regularly by email? Just click on “Follow” in the upper line on each page – and then on “LIKE” next to it. There is also the “SHARE” button underneath each article where you can submit the article to Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, Tumblr and StumpleUpon.

Follow on Twitter: @111publishing

And don’t forget to spread the word on other social networking sites of your choice for other writers who might also enjoy this blog and find it useful. Thanks, Doris

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Cruise Seminars for Writer and Publishers

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Crystal Cruises’ World Cruise segments can be a voyage of learning and self-discovery, offering guests literally hundreds of hours of expert instruction as your ship cruises through the world.
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Chris Owen is a travel writer from Orlando Florida. He mentions in his blog the February 2, 2013  24-day world cruise segment from Lima to Buenos Aires that has dozens of stimulating classes, hands-on lessons and interactive workshops in everything from golf to global affairs, from Pilates to painting, from memoir writing to magic.

Just to name a few:

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  Carnival Breeze

  How to appreciate Chilean wine through visits to Chile’s Napa-like Casablanca Valley

  How to perfect your swing in PGA pro-led golf clinic

  Improve computer skills through Crystal’s own Computer University@Sea

• How to tell your story during reflective memoir-writing workshops 

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However, not everyone has time for a 24-day cruise or wants to spend that amount of money. What about a 5-day / 6-night Bahama cruise, that offers valuable hands-on seminars in publishing and book marketing – for not even a tenth of the price? Stay tuned for more information.  And the best of all: you can deduct parts of your cruise from your taxes.  http://writers.thecruiseevent.com
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If you enjoyed this blog post, please feel free to check out all previous posts (there are more than 550 of them : ) if you haven’t already. Why not sign up to receive them regularly by email? Just click on “Follow” in the upper line on each page – and then on “LIKE” next to it. There is also the “SHARE” button underneath each article where you can submit the article to Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, Tumblr and StumpleUpon.

Follow on Twitter: @111publishing

And don’t forget to spread the word on other social networking sites of your choice for other writers who might also enjoy this blog and find it useful. Thanks, Doris
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30 Books by Bestseller Author Rayne Hall

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… and what you can learn from her.

Rayne Hall is the author of thirty books in different genres (mostly horror, fantasy and non-fiction) and under different pen names, published by twelve publishers in several countries and languages (mostly English, German, Polish and Chinese).  Her short stories have been published in many magazines, e-zines and anthologies.

Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management as well as a Masters degree in creative writing.  Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more.
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Currently, she tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can update them and publish them as e-books.  After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in south east England where she lives in a dilapidated seaside town of former Regency and Victorian grandeur.

Outside publishing, she has worked as a museum guide, apple picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and bellydancer.  Many of these experiences have provided fodder for fiction: several of Rayne’s stories feature bellydancers. Many of Rayne Hall’s stories explore the individuals’ responsibility for their choices, and the dark side of the human psyche. Her horror tales are psychological, creepy and suspenseful rather than gory.

She edits a series of themed multi-author short story anthologies (Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates, Scared: Ten Tales of Horror etc). For a list of books currently published under the Rayne Hall pen name, go to Amazon:

She judges writing contests (mostly for short stories, horror or fantasy fiction), coaches authors and teaches online classes for writers among others:

• ‘Writing Fight Scenes’

• ‘Writing Scary Scenes’

• ‘Writing about Magic’

• ‘Edit your Writing’ 

These classes are for intermediate to advanced-level writers and professional authors – definitely not for beginners or the faint-of heart.  Get an up-to-date list of scheduled classes.

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WRITING FIGHT SCENES – the e-Book.
Learn step-by-step how to create fictional fights which leave the reader breathless with excitement.
The book gives you a six-part structure to use as blueprint for your scene. It reveals tricks how to combine fighting with dialogue, which senses to use when and how, how to create a sense of realism, and how to stir the reader’s emotions. You’ll decide how much violence your scene needs, what’s the best location, how your heroine can get out of trouble with self-defence and how to adapt your writing style to the fast pace of the action.

There are sections on female fighters, male fighters, animals and weres, psychological obstacles, battles, duels, brawls, riots and final showdowns. For the requirements of your genre, there is even advice on how to build erotic tension in a fight scene, how magicians fight, how pirates capture ships and much more. You will learn about different types of weapons, how to use them in fiction, and how to avoid embarrassing blunders. Note: The book uses British spellings.

Writing Fight Scenes is vailable from Amazon (US site), Amazon (UK site), Barnes&Noble, Smashwords, iTunes,  Kobo and other online booksellers.

Rayne is active on Twitter where she posts #writetip tweets. If your profile says that you read or write, she will follow you back.
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Do You Write Historic Novels?

History wasn’t short of wars and battles. Unless you can find detailed testimonials of eye-witnesses in archives, you need to employ some techniques to describe realistic battle scenes. Thanks to guest blogger Rayne Hall we get some very interesting tips here:

WRITING BATTLE SCENES
by Rayne Hall

Here are some techniques for creating powerful, exciting, realistic battle scenes. The biggest challenge in writing a battle scene is the point of view. To make the experience exciting and moving, it is best to stick to the perspective of a single fighter. However, the individual soldier can’t see what goes on a few feet from him, let alone what’s happening at the other end of the battlefield or how the sun dyes the horizon bloody red.
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Here’s a possible solution: Show the terrain before the fight begins, and have the general give a pep talk explaining the overall strategy. Once the fighting is over, show the battlefield and have your point of view character talk with his comrades about the implications.

Do you want to involve the reader’s emotions? Stack the odds against your heroes. The readers’ natural sympathies lie with the smaller army. The greater you can make the numerical difference, the better. The evil overlord’s army is bigger than the hero’s, and it is much better equipped, too.

Have you heard of the battle of Thermopylae (480 BC), when three hundred Spartans defended Greece against thousands of invading Persians? The Spartans knew they were going to die, and fought anyway, to gain time for their homeland to prepare further defences. Since then, thousands of battles have been fought – and forgotten. Thermopylae is remembered. The story has been retold in many novels, non-
fiction books, and films. The incredible bravery against overwhelming odds still rouses audiences’ emotions. When writing your own battle scenes, use Thermopylae as your inspiration.

Battles don’t just happen: they are usually planned. At least one side seeks the battle and is prepared. The generals plan a battle strategy in advance, and make sure that their officers know it. In the heat of the battle, it’s often impossible to change strategy or give orders. Sometimes, soldiers are still fighting when the battle has already been decided, because they don’t know that their king is dead or the enemy general has surrendered.

Often, the location decides the outcome of the battle. Generals choose the location carefully – and so should you, the author!  If the battle takes place on a slope, the army uphill has a huge advantage, because it’s easier to fight downhill than uphill, and because missiles fly further. Each general tries to make the battle happen in terrain which favours his own army, and where the enemy can’t fully deploy his. For example, chariots are fearsome on the plain, but useless in the mountains. Foot archers can fight on any terrain, especially in the mountains. The general who has many chariots will try to force a battle on the plain, while the general who has archers will try to lure them into mountainous terrain. If one general has a small army and his enemy has a large one, he’ll try to lure them into a gorge or other restricted space where they can’t move.

Armies are organised in units either by level of skill and experience (elite, veterans, novices, untrained peasants…) or by weapons and equipment (cavalry, infantry, archers, spearmen, chariots…) or both.

Before the battle, the general probably addresses the troops, firing their fighting spirit and courage. This pep talk may include de-personalizing the enemy, because soldiers are more willing to kill monsters than to kill fellow human beings. It’s easy to kill a man whom you consider a menace to your children, and difficult to kill him if you think of him as a fellow human who loves his children as much as you love yours.

Noble thoughts and ideals have no room during battle. The thinker of noble thoughts and carrier of high ideals during battle won’t survive. If you want to show your hero’s nobility, do it when the fighting is over: perhaps he gives the fallen enemies a decent burial, or ensures that his captives get medical treatment and food.

Consider using interesting or extreme weather to make your battle scene unusual. Imagine pristine snow which gets trampled, becomes slippery, and stains red with blood. Or a strong wind which blows arrows off course. Or blistering heat and glaring sun. Or week-long rain turning the field into knee-deep mud, making it difficult for foot soldiers, let alone horses or chariots. Or fog blocking the view of the enemy.

At the beginning of the battle, both armies shoot missiles to take out as many of the enemy as possible before they get close. In a historical novel, clouds of arrows may darken the sky before the battle begins. When the fighting is under way, describe only what the point of view character can see: this is probably only what is immediately before him, such as the enemy weapon stabbing at him.

To create excitement, mention sounds: the clanking of swords, the hissing of arrows, the pinging of bullets.
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Once the fighting is over, the survivors count their dead, bandage their wounds and repair their weapons. In this section, you can inject realism… Soon after the battle, there’ll be carrion birds (e.g. crows, vultures) feeding on the corpses. There’ll be humans (probably the victorious soldiers) gathering up re-usable weapons (because weapons are valuable) and looting the corpses. The battlefield is covered in
blood, gore, and amputated limbs. The stench is awful, because in death, the bladder and bowels have opened. Plus, there’s the smell from injuries, not just blood (which starts to stink only after a while) but the content of stomachs and intestines from belly wounds. The stench gets worse after a few hours, especially if the weather is hot. After some hours, the corpses will be crawling with flies, and before long, there’ll be maggots.

If you’re aiming for great realism, you may want to spend several paragraphs describing the gruesome aftermath. If you want to create more light-hearted entertainment, it’s best to keep the aftermath section short and to skip the gory details.

For tips on writing all kinds of fight scenes – from duels to riots, from self-defence to pirate attack – you may find my book “Writing Fight Scenes” useful. It’s available as an e-book. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Fight-Scenes-ebook/dp/B005MJFVS0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

If you have questions about writing battle scenes, feel free to ask. I’ll be around for the next week and will respond: rain_dancer_uk – a t – yahoo.com

 

 

For Writers Who Are Serious About Achieving Success!

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Writers Conference in Denton (DFW area) July 21 – 22, 2012

From their invitation:
In a world filled with people who think they are writers, only a handful will truly succeed. What separates them from the rest of the crowd? They take advantage of all the available opportunities and resources to promote their work and themselves. So, you have to ask yourself – Are you as well known as you could be? Are your books selling as well as they should?

Nowadays, writers are expected to take on more of the marketing and promotional duties.
They have to not only write, they have to blog and post and tweet as well. They have to build their own platforms, identify their own demographics, and find their own market share. The profession has changed and anyone who does not adopt and adapt will not succeed.
The LEXICON WRITERS CONFERENCE seeks to assist, promote, and educate writers in all genres and fields, including fiction, non-fiction, screenplay, and graphic novel. Published and unpublished writers are invited to attend. Meet with established writers, literary agents, publishers and marketing experts to discuss your finished or unfinished manuscripts. We will also have experts in various fields to provide technical information.

The LEXICON WRITERS CONFERENCE will be held on July 21 – 22, 2012 in Denton, Texas but we have special events set up for the 19th and 20th as well.
LOCATION:
The BEST WESTERN PREMIER AND HILTON GARDEN INN located at HOSPITALITY HILL in Denton, Texas – 30 minutes north of D/FW International Airport and Dallas, Texas. The two host hotels have special rates for attendees and have waved their cancellation policy, allowing people to cancel their rooms up to 4:00 the day of July 20, 2012.

Sign up now for the conference and take advantage of the reduced prices (See Information Page for prices and deadlines). Be sure to indicate whether you are interested in attending the Friday Night Meet and Greet Dinner or any of the other special programs.
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2012 Writers Conferences and Why You Benefit From Attending

One of the main benefits of attending a writers retreat or conference is the opportunity to meet editors, agents, publishers and other writers.  Widening your circle of connections in the literary world can help you mark your own presence in that world, learn about the publishing industry, and how to get your book published.  Just a few of the many retreat offers:

Jackson Hole, WY, June 28 – 30, 2012

http://jacksonholewritersconference.com

Program Description
Three manuscript critiques with authors & editors. Tracks for fiction, creative nonfiction, magazine, young adult, and poetry; workshops, talks & craft sessions.
Program Length 3 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio 4:1
Program Focus:  Children’s, Fiction, Journalism, Marketing, Mystery, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Travel, Young Adult
Costs:   Early bird $365

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Mendocino Coast Writers Conference, July 26 – 28, 2012

http://www.mcwc.org

Program Description
5 morning workshops with same presenter each day; large forum readings and discussions with editors, agents, & newly published authors; afternoon lecture sessions on craft.
Program Length 3 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio workshops 15:1
Program Focus:  Autobiography/Memoir, Children’s, Fiction, Journalism, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Screenwriting, Young Adult
Faculty 13+ presenters. Includes authors, editors & literary agents.
Costs:   Earlybird $525. $60/consultation. Lodging $55-$250 & camping; hostel-like farmhouse $18-$25/night.

Squaw Valley, California  July, August 2012

http://www.squawvalleywriters.org

Program Description
Morning workshops, afternoon panel discussions, individual conferences, craft lectures, staff readings
Program Length 7 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio 20-124
Program Focus:  Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Mystery, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry and Screenwriting
Faculty 28 instructors for the Fiction Workshop, 5 for the Poetry Workshop, 8 for the Screenwriting Workshop.
Costs:   $840 includes 6 dinners. Shared (single) lodging in local houses & condos arranged for $350 ($550)/week; inexpensive bunk bed available.
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Purchase, NY   June 25 – 29, 2012

http://www.mville.edu/writersweek

Program Description
Five 3-hour morning workshops in a particular genre (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry,Writing for Young Readers, Graphic Novel). Afternoons include special workshops, readings, session with editors & agents, and individual manuscript consultation.
Program Length 4-1/2 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio 80-100
Program Focus:  Autobiography/Memoir, Children’s, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Screenwriting, Young Adult
Costs:   $725 for the week. 2 graduate credits are also available for graduate tuition (extra fee).
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Edmonds, WA, September 30 – October 2, 2012

http://www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/ArtsCommission/wots.stm

Program Description
Focus is on the craft of writing. 4 sessions/day & a choice of 4 workshops/session; Saturday keynote, pre-conference workshops on Friday.
Program Length 2-1/2 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio Max 200
Program Focus:  Autobiography/Memoir, Business/Technical, Children’s, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Travel, Young Adult
Faculty:  30 additional presenters speaking on a variety of topics.
Costs:   $139/2 days ($116 early bird), $72/1 day. Pre-conference workshops $68, writing contest entry $10, manuscript critique $25, Keynote (open to the public) $16 adult/$10 student.

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Santa Barbara, CA, June 9 – 14, 2012

http://www.sbwritersconference.com

Program Description
Daily AM & PM concurrent workshops & plenary sessions, evening speakers, panels, Advance
Submission with agents & editors, late-night pirate workshops.
Program Length 6 days
Group Size or S:T Ratio 200
Program Focus:  Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Mystery, Nature, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Screen-writing, Travel,
Faculty: 30 daily faculty plus evening speakers
Costs   $625 includes barbecue, cocktail reception, awards banquet.

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Corte Madera, CA, August 9 – 12, 2012

http://bookpassage.com/travel-food-photography-conference

(Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco)
Conference Coordinator: Kathryn Petrocelli
Phone: (800) 999-7909 ext 239
bpconferences@bookpassage.com

Geared to Food & Travel writers and photographers this Conference has an extraordinary, international reputation among publishers, editors, and writers. This four-day Conference offers an array of writing and photography workshops in the morning, a full afternoon of panels and discussions, and evening faculty presentations.
The faculty includes publishers, magazine editors, photographers, travel essayists, food writers, guidebook writers and more.

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Key West, FL, every January

http://www.kwls.org

Program Description
4-day seminar includes readings, conversations, lectures, panel discussions. 4-day writers’ workshops feature AM writing sessions (limit 8-12/instructor) and PM individual consultations, talks, open readings.
Program Length Seminar: 4 days / Workshops: 4 days each
Group Size or S:T Ratio Seminar: 350-400 / Workshops: 12:1
Program Focus
Autobiography/Memoir, Children’s, Fiction, Humor, Journalism, Mystery, Nature, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Screenwriting, Travel, Young Adult
Costs   Seminar $495; Workshops $450.
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For a full list of writers retreats in the USA go to:  http://writing.shawguides.com

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From a Moderate $ 33.000 Advance to $1 Million a year

 

A good part of the seminars last month at the San Francisco Writers Conference centered the topic of self-publishing. Three authors talked about their experiences:

Bella Andre, a romance author, has written for many of the big six in New York. A year and a half ago, she wanted to write a spin-off story to one of her print novels that readers had requested for five years, which led her into the self publishing arena. Today, Bella has 12 self-published books that she has translated into five languages and 29 contractors working for her worldwide. Her highest advance from a New York house during her traditionally published career was $33,000. Last year she made over $1 million dollars in self publishing, selling 400,000 e-books.

There are many aspects of self publishing that mesh with Bella’s entrepreneurial spirit, but in addition to enjoying running her own business, she loves the freedom to write whatever sounds like it will be the most fun.

Another author, Barbara Freethy, has written romance novels for 20 years. In 2011, she decided to self-publish her backlist. (When a book goes out of print, the rights return to the author and they are free to reprint or resell the work.) She has also just released three foreign editions in French, German and Spanish of some of her most popular titles.

Elizabeth Jennings, who lives currently in Italy, explained how self-published authors benefit from fewer obstacles in foreign distribution, allowing their work to reach a wider audience faster. She best described the vast potential in global self publishing as, “…the crest of a tsunami – catch the wave.

Read the whole SF Writers Conference report. 

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July 26 – 29, 2012 “Writing the Rockies”

Gunnison, Colorado

The Gunnison Creative Writers Workshop offers valuable learning tools in an inspiring setting at the Campus of the Western State College, located in the beautiful Gunnison Valley of the central Colorado Rockies.  The conference welcomes beginners, as well as published writers, and anyone else who believes in the magic and power of the written word.

Two-hour morning and afternoon concurrent tracks are scheduled in: mainstream (narrative nonfiction) / genre fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Attendees can concentrate on a single track of interest during the course of the conference, or “mix and match” sessions as desired.

Workshop faculty members have a broad range of published works, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and even magazine article writing. Working with participants of all levels, our featured faculty will help writers hone their craft through lectures and will mix with participants during events outside of workshop sessions. Attendees can talk at leisure to agents and book publishers or sign up for pitches. Earn college credit for attending the conference. 

Gunnison Country recreational activities include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, and climbing. Thirty minutes away, the ski resort town of Crested Butte offers outdoor and cultural events as well as shopping and fine dining.

http://www.western.edu/writingtherockies

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Writing Boot Camp in New York

Photo Bobby Mikul

Trying to break into the magazine market? Need help making a query sing? Want to know how to get your nonfiction book published?  The 41st Annual ASJA Writers Conference, with more than 80 workshops and panels, will break down industry barriers and bring a successful freelance career within your reach.

This “Writing Boot Camp” can help you uncover new income streams and ways to boost your bottom line. Learn how to market yourself to editors and agents. Gain access to professional, seasoned writers through numerous networking opportunities. See the latest information on publishing technology.  Meet experts on topics ranging from social networking business strategies to writing craft, technology, breaking into new markets and more.

Learn the “how-to” with information focused on your needs that you can use immediately to help you rise to the top of the freelance writing field. Bestselling author, columnist and blogger Gretchen Rubin shares her personal recipe for success and happiness. Can you be a successful author and also love every word you write? Is there a way to balance promoting your brand while still finding time for your craft? How can aspiring authors navigate the new realities of publishing without losing their minds in the process?

http://www.asja.org/wc/
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Fiction Writing Workshop Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas

April 8-15, 2012 • with Richard Bausch

This week-long workshop sponsored by the Cape Eleuthera Writers & Artist Workshop series will bring together a small group of dedicated fiction writers on the Cape Eleuthera campus to work with celebrated author Richard Bausch. Participants will further develop their writing by receiving expert feedback on their own manuscripts in a safe and constructive environment as well as by engaging in writing exercises, by considering issues of craft and of the writing life, and ultimately by cultivating a community based upon the shared love of writing.

“Sense of Place,” a concept deeply integral to the philosophy and mission of The Cape Eleuthera Island School, will be interwoven into the fabric of the week, both in the actual workshop activities and in “exploration time.” The workshop ultimately promises to be a perfect mix of instruction, inspiration, relaxation, and celebration of the art of fiction. Highlights of the week include:

• Intimate workshop experience with veteran writer Richard Bausch
• Individualized feedback on a manuscript
• Afternoons to enjoy the beaches, waters, and Cape Eleuthera
• All-day “Sense of Place” writing retreat at Lighthouse Beach
• Optional activities, including SCUBA, snorkeling, and biking
• Accommodations in the new sustainably-designed Hallig House
• Variety of evening social and literary events, including sunset cruise and catered final banquet
Cost  $2,500 includes lodging, meals, local transportation.

http://senseofplaceworkshops.com
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Do You Know These Writer / Publishing Resources?

Are you sometimes scrambling for phrase ideas, marketing tips, not sure, if your query is proper written or do you want to find out where the next writing contest takes place? All this information and more can be found in the following blogs and websites:

http://www.phrases.org.uk/
|The Phrase Thesaurus is a writers’ resource that stimulates ideas for headlines, copy, song lyrics, fiction writing etc.  Journalists, advertising copywriters, songwriters, or anyone interested in creative writing in English, can benefit from this ideas generator.  Also very interesting:  Famous last words of famous people.

http://www.abookinside.blogspot.com
Amazing and useful blog where author Carol Denbow shares excellent writing, publishing and marketing tips. She gives lots of valuable info in each post – tips and expert advice, plus interviews with bestseller authors.

http://www.bookwritinghelp.com/
Chockfull of tips for aspiring writers and their publishing path.
Earma Brown is the author of 12 books including “eBook It! How to Profit from Your Passion with Ebooks & More” and “Article Marketing Speedway”: “How to put your article marketing in the fast lane to sales” as well as other inspirational non-fiction titles.

http://www.booksandtales.com/pod/index.php
This comparison chart of print-on-demand provider shows you the basics about each company. Clea Saal who runs the website also wrote a book about the process of finding a reputable POD company, the title: “The Clearly Confusing World of Self-publishing & POD.”

http://www.carolkluz.homestead.com/index1.html
Lots and lots of writers resources at the click of a button. No explanations – go directly to the companies or associations. Another site for great links is: http://resourcehelp.com/qserwrit.htm

http://www.easywaytowrite.com/articles.htm
“Becoming a Better Writer: A 10-Step Guide” is a perfect place to start browsing. The author has been helping writers and artists improve and further their careers for ten years.  Fiction – What to Leave Out!, I Can’t Put It Down – How to Write Compelling Fiction, Don’t Think, Write! are some of the best blogs. Do sign up for the newsletter.

http://www.cbaybooks.blogspot.com/
Professional, invaluable tips how to create a winning query. The author describes herself as:  Editor/Publisher, Location Texas, United States and overworked, underpaid, with a teething tantrum-throwing toddler.  What I Do: Talk about writing, submitting, publishing, and marketing children’s books and teen books.

http://www.newpagesblog.blogspot.com
Find the latest writing contests for all genres.This invaluable free blog provides news, information and guides to literary magazines, alternative media and more. Also: The best online guide to independent & university book publishers.
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Enjoy browsing through these websites and blogs. But don’t get yourself lost in it… Your book waits to be finished!  And bookmark http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com to read the daily news from the writers and publishers world, plus tons of book marketing tips.

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3-Day Writers Workshop

West Virginia Writers Logo

Held annually at the scenic Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV, 40+ workshops, presentations and panel discussions with talented and well-published presenters are offered.

Three days of writing workshops include all genres for all ages, as well as for beginning to polished writers.

The Annual WV Writers Spring Conference is the premier writing conference for West Virginia  will take place on June 7, 8 and 9, 2013 at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley, West Virginia.

Registration will open on March 1, 2013 and registration forms for both the conference itself and for lodging and meals through Cedar Lakes will be posted at their website: http://www.wvwriters.org/conference.html

Join West Virgina Writers, their yearly membership fee is only $20. West Virginia Writers, Inc. is the largest non-profit writers’ resource and service organization serving literary interests in West Virginia.

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