Wooing the Muse

Congrats to the Surly Writer on visiting with her muse. She took the photo caption/story starter contest and followed through with her initial entry idea to craft a full blown story. Being the honest and good person Michelle is, she asked for her entry to be removed from comments on the original post so I wouldn't think she was trying to butter me up for the win.

Check out Michelle's story and let it inspire you to reach for your own creative goals.

How do you commune with your "muse" in order to be more productive?

Getting the Most from Writers Conferences

It's midweek, so time to talk about writing. First, according to the poll I did on the topic of writing goals, it appears that 50% of voters say they "make more progress when I have specific goals" vs. no goals, or even loose goals. *Eww, that sounds terribly close to a bad physical condition. 'Nuff said.* So, according to polling data, it would behoove us as writers to actually w.r.i.t.e. down our goals, break them into small and large chunks, and go after them systematically.

Second, I'm so so happy to see there have been inspiring good news announcements for blogging friends this week, as I predicted according to my trusty gut, there would be. Cannot wait to see if there'll be even more. Please please share it when you have it. If we can't toot our own horns and bang our own cymbals, how are we going to promote books, poems, short stories and other writing projects...and sell future work?

Here's a shortened form of a blog post I did for our beloved The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine which I hope you will enjoy --

The success of writer’s conferences depend mainly on the quality of speakers and material presented, but there are several things participants can do to increase returns on the time and money invested to attend.

• BE PREPARED –DO arrive fully prepared to work on your writing project. Have supplies including hard copies and digital copy (on disk/flash drive) of your polished writing project; pens and paper; business cards (even if temporary ones with just your name and email address made at Kinko’s or on home computer); laptop; and appropriately dressy and casual clothing and shoes. Bring your comfort items if not provided by the conference or hotel, such as a travel coffeepot, bottled water, a special pillow, and whatever helps you sleep soundly away from home. Be well-rested beforehand. Chances are, you won’t be getting as much sleep while away, so stock up on it before you arrive at the conference. If possible, plan to arrive early and/or stay late so you can relax and unwind. DON’T pack everything you own. Most hotels now provide blow dryers, irons and toiletries. Conference organizers will probably arrange for simple supplies on-site. Lots and lots of extra luggage and “stuff” to haul around will tire you unnecessarily.
• SCHMOOZING –DO take every opportunity to interact with speakers, classmates, agents, and editors as much as possible, including breaks between sessions, social gatherings, at the coffeepot, and anywhere possible. If your conference is mostly breakout sessions or classroom style, think about bringing a small gift to the teacher and/or organizer. Most work hard to host a good conference and will appreciate the thought. After the conference, thank-you notes are always nice. DON’T stalk or harass conference presenters. They need downtime, too, and efforts to invade their personal space at every moment will not cause you to be remembered kindly. Maybe a speaker, organizer, agent, or publisher would enjoy dining with you if he/she doesn’t have plans, and either way, it never hurts to ask.
• TAKING NOTES –DO bring a fully charged laptop if taking notes is easier on a keyboard vs. longhand if you will be at a table or desk. You may also want to “swap notes” with a fellow attendee afterward to make sure you’ve gotten as much solid information as possible. DON’T think you will remember all the information presented without having to jot down a few reminders. Most conferences are intensive and packed with important tips and how-to data you’ll want later.
• AFTERWARD –DO transcribe notes while they are fresh. Organize handouts and information however it’s most useful and accessible. A three-ring binder might be helpful, or creating a new computer file may be more your style. Whatever method you choose, spend the extra time needed to get your notes in order to save time and effort later. Begin work on your writing, submitting, querying, or whatever your goal was before attending the conference. There’s something to be said for striking while the iron (and information) are hot, especially as it pertains to contacting agents, publishers, or speakers if given the green light. DON’T go home and get back to business as usual. Make the effort to compile and process the information you got at the conference and make a plan of attack concerning writing goals. While enthusiasm is at a peak, you’re more apt to make strides. Many agents, publishers and speakers travel frequently to conferences, so do not assume they will remember who you are and what your writing is about six months from now. Make contact as soon as possible after the event.

The 6 Ps of Networking

{This is from an article I had in The Fabulist Flash a few years ago, and which I also updated and published at Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine.}

Writers know the importance of networking, and blogging can be a big part of that. But if you're also working outside the writing arena, say, like in a part- or full time "regular" job, and maybe even have a kid or two thrown into the mix, you really know the value of making contacts and working with like minded people. If nothing else, it keeps you from going bonkers.

Since I'm one of those busy mom writers, my brain cells are at dangerously low levels and my time is stretched to the max. Networking helps me to maximize my writing productivity, it's easy and fun.

I know the principles of networking are sound because I've co-authored three inspirational books, had a joint humor/advice column with my twin sister, participate in two blogs with other writers, have facilitated writers groups, and worked on many joint projects.

By joining live and/or cyber groups and subscribing to e-zines, we increase our exposure to the job market and to fellow writers and their experiences. Exchanging submission call outs and opportunities is another benefit of group membership.

The 6Ps which help me stay on track with writing?

1. Patience - The bad news first. Our personal writing Rome won't be built in a day or even a year. Be prepared for lots of hard work and a heavy dose of patience while paying writing dues. Working with another person or group requires a little extra thought and is one of the reasons patience is a virtue. It's hard as hell to have it, hold onto it, and trust in it. But it yields results.


2. Persistence - We've heard the inspirational quotes, now it's time to believe them. "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.'" ~ Calvin Coolidge. "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." ~ Thomas Edison. When your energy or motivation flags, someone in your writing network can shore you up and put you back on the path.


3. Partnerships - Here's a personal quote: "Nothing worth doing is done alone." Never underestimate the power of your partnerships and the fun and inspiration to be had.


4. Prayer (or if you prefer, Positive Thinking) - Prayer power has been my most reliable weapon in the battle to get published. Grabbing opportunities offered me; I've cleaned houses (flexible and good cash), gotten regular column gigs, and private investigation jobs. All these I juggled with freelancing for a decent paycheck, and all required that I work with others in the process.


5. Playing the Field - Diversify your goals. Write your novel, but keep your writing fresh by trying your hand at articles, working for start up publications, crafting short stories/poetry or whatever. Who knows where these avenues will lead? By playing the writing field, you increase your chances of catching an editor's eye. You build your clip file. You gain experience. And again, you build your network.
   Are there contests you might enter? So what if you don't win? You have a finished product to edit and submit elsewhere. I'm a deadline-pressure-in-order-to-get-moving kind of writer, so contest deadlines help me produce.


6. Perception - See things differently, look outside conventions and boxes. To increase your writing and publishing scores, try to be different. Look for opportunities others overlook. If you see an ad for an freelance article writer for a new publication and it's full of typos or bad grammar, offer your editing services. Think of creative ways to advertise your services. Partner up with others to decrease advertising expenses.

And an extra "P" while I'm thinking about it: Plant your writing seeds wisely and tend them afterward. Always thank those who've helped you along the writing road, and lend a hand when you can. Little kindnesses are appreciated, they come back to you in multiple, and they leave your name with a good connotation in others' minds.

Can you think of any Ps that help you in your writing journey? If not a P, any letter will do.

Out of the Blogging Bog

Good morning, even if it is a Monday! [That's "Webding" for Monday.]

Last week I polled some blogging buds about their favorite all time post topics. What interesting and varied responses you shared, and thank you again. Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, am I the only nut who posts and reads on weekends? LOL

Sidebar: If Web + Log = Blog, does Blog + Post = Ghost or Boast?

So, to recap, here are some of your best received topics:

Joanne said..."Hmm. I find, and was surprised to see this, that Going Green, with the picture of the green field/pond, was my most popular yet."

http://joannedemaio.blogspot.com/2008/09/going-green.html

Janna Qualman said..."I've been doing Tuesday's Stuff and Things for about a month now, and that gets a lot of readers (according to Statcounter), but posts focused on the craft of writing get a lot of response." http://somethingshewrote.blogspot.com/search/label/stuff%20and%20things

Terri Tiffany said..."If I go according to the number of comments, then my recent post ...the rest of the story, seems to be the one." http://terri-treasures.blogspot.com/2008/09/rest-of-story.html

colbymarshall said..."Herm, I'm not sure what my favorite post is, but I like one where I first described what I would do with a tail if I had one."

http://colbymarshall.blogspot.com/2008/01/if-i-only-had-tail_12.html

The Paper Whisperer said..."I don't have any "tips" for you since I am a virgin blogger."

GardenAuthor said..."A poetic essay...which received several delightful comments and remains one of my personal favorites. It's entitled 'The Three Disciplines of Writing.'"

http://waltzeswithwords.blogspot.com/2008/03/three-disciplines-of-writing.html

Melissa Marsh said..."As far as generating comments goes (ones from lurkers, especially), I did one on the quote, 'God didn't give you the desire without the talent.'" http://grosvenorsquare.blogspot.com/search?q=God+didn%27t+give

Kathryn Magendie said..."It's mixed: some people like that I'm writing a novel draft to blog and are enjoying Clementine's story..." http://kathrynmagendie.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!A5E413A8F4D9C222!9912.entry

texasholly said..."My most popular post within people who read me is my beaver trapping post: http://www.junecleavernirvana.com/2008/05/in-these-here-parts-holly-is-known-as.html But the post that has the most hits due to stumbleupon is this silliness:" http://www.junecleavernirvana.com/2008/07/mr-potatocroc.html

The Very First Spotlight is on...

As I mentioned earlier this week, my days of the week now have their very own topics. So, today being Saturday and all, it's time to talk about some interesting website, blog, book or person.

I know she's gonna throw a hissy fit (yes, those really do exist, and are very different from tizzies, s*it fits, "having a cow," and pitching a b****. *laugh* The momma of the blog below is of the humble variety and does not like anything to do with "tooting her own horn," which being in the writing biz, one does have to do ocassionally. As her good and loyal friend, I don't mind tootin' for her. Wow, that didn't sound right, did it?

Anywho, today while you are blog hopping, browsing or strolling, please take a moment and drop by the playhouse of Kathryn Magendie. If you're interested in how the freakish writer's mind works, her blog should give you a good idea. LOL. She's currently writing a short story/novel?? right into her blog...unedited and organically, just as the characters speak it to her. She's got other interesting items displayed on her blog too. I hope you'll enjoy, and please mention I sent you to her spot. I'll post her screaming reaction at the bottom of this post when she contacts me. hehe.

I'll be featuring some of YOUR blogs soon too, so if you don't want some shameless third party promotion, ya better let me know in advance. If I'm one of your stalkers, ummm, followers, you're fair game. Mwahhahahahaaaaaaaaaaa!

Now, go visit my friend --> http://kathrynmagendie.spaces.live.com/blog/

Wednesday Writings

Good morning, and thanks for visiting. It's a fine day to begin a blog. Here in Louisiana, we have clear skies between Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, and we're hoping it stays that way for a long time!

Wednesdays, I'm going to dedicate blog posts to the business and fun of writing. No matter what genre or type you do, or even if you're a dabbler or wannabe, it's fun and inspiring to just yap about the craft. So, send me a question or post a comment, and let's chew the writing fat. If you want an extra set of eyeballs to scan a piece of something you're working on, post it!

Question o' the day: Why are you a writer? Is it therapy, a creative outlet, self-expression, fame and fortune, reaching/teaching, or just a way to stay in touch? If you're looking for a way to get those fingers moving today, you might enjoy surfing here:

http://http://www.creativity-portal.com/prompts/imagination.prompt.html

Now, promise yourself you'll spend 15/30/60 minutes getting in some writing today. It's good for the soul...and it helps keep Momma sane.

Until tomorrow, write on!