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Friday Find: A Writing Exercise from Midge Raymond

by Erika Dreifus on
3

Each issue of Midge Raymond’s e-newsletter for writers includes a writing exercise, and I really love the one she sent out this month. Essentially, she suggests that you write a review of your current project, whatever the genre:

“Take a step back from the work and try to see it objectively. Write the review as if the piece is already published, and be honest in terms of what works and what doesn’t (adopt the style of your favorite book reviewer if this helps you get some distance). Be specific — cite examples, quote from the work itself — and then put it away. Wait a week, then take out the review and look it over. Pay attention to what it tells you about your project: first, where you are, and second, where you’d like to be.”

I’m going to give it a try. How about you?

Meantime, enjoy the weekend. See you back here on Monday!

Friday Find: Live Chat on "How to Write a Book" with Roy Peter Clark

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

“When I was 30 years old,” writes Roy Peter Clark, “I wrote a column that revealed my goal in life was to write one good book. The problem: I didn’t know how.”

Today, he says, “I can stand in front of a stack of 15 books that carry my name as author or editor. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and now I’m eager to share those secret strategies with you in a live chat Friday, January 8 at 1 p.m. ET.”

As many of you know, Clark, who is Senior Scholar at The Poynter Institute, “has taught writing at every level–to school children and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors–for more than 30 years, and has spoken about the writer’s craft on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NPR and Today; at conferences from Singapore to Brazil; and at news organizations from The New York Times to the Sowetan in South Africa. He is the author of ‘Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer,’ the book and the blog.”

I’m sorry for the late notice on this, and I should probably add that I suspect this chat is likely to be nonfiction-intensive. (Twitterers, take note: There may still be time for you to submit a question ahead of the chat.)

Have a great weekend–see you back here on Monday.

Friday Find: Experiences with Editors

by Erika Dreifus on
2

The “featured resource” in the current issue of The Practicing Writer (which went out to subscribers on Wednesday) is a new series over on the Emerging Writers Network blog. Its title is “Experiences with Editors,” and it features authors describing “some of the best (and occasionally, worst) experiences they’ve had with editors at both literary journals, and publishing houses. A peek inside the process and what it is that has excited (or upset) various authors through their years of publishing.” Definitely worth reading.

Enjoy, happy new year, and happy weekend! See you back here on Monday.

Friday Find: Free Market Guides!

by Erika Dreifus on
10

[UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Thank you all for the comments. I’m always interested in what you’ve been up to and what your future goals may be. I really appreciate the participation here.

Our two winners (per the random number generator) are #2 (Rob) and #9 (Joan Bailey). Rob and Joan, please e-mail me to claim your prize. Please indicate which e-book you would like to receive, and the e-mail address where you’d prefer to receive it. Congratulations!]

So, in case you missed Monday’s announcement, I’ve just completed the latest updates for both of our market directories. One provides information on publications that pay essayists, and the other concentrates on paying venues for book reviewers.

I update these guides twice each year (admittedly, not the most exciting work in the world) to check links, make sure each publication is still in business AND is indicating its guidelines AND pay rates online, and, when we’re lucky, add new finds. You can see what each guide is all about, and peruse sample listings, by clicking here.

Now, here’s the fun part. Since this evening marks the conclusion of Chanukah, I’m going to offer a giveaway. Actually, I’ll offer two giveaways. I’m feeling generous.


Our two lucky winners will each be able to select a free copy of the e-book of his/her choice. To enter, please leave a comment on this post telling us about a) the publication you’re proudest to have added to your credits in 2009 OR b) a publication you’re hoping to crack in 2010. Please be sure to leave your name AND check back at the blog on Monday morning (12/22) when the winners–who will be selected randomly–will be revealed. Please note that any winner who does not contact me by Tuesday midnight (U.S. Eastern time) will forfeit the prize.

Sound clear? Oh, and one more thing–this blog’s comments are moderated, so don’t worry if your comment doesn’t appear right away.

Thanks for playing, and good luck!

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference Readings and Lectures on iTunes U

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

If you’re one of those writers who yearns to attend the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference but who, for whatever reason, has never quite made it to Vermont, you may be especially glad to know that you can download readings and lectures presented at the Conference. Free! Without traveling! (Hat tip to Celeste Ng/the FWR blog for reminding me that this resource is available.)