So, you'd like to be a writer? Congrats! Writing not only is a great way to express yourself, but can provide an income. Keep in mind not all writers make a fortune, some still cant quit their day job. Below are some tips to start your writing journey.
1. Start Writing
Okay, so this tip is obvious. For some, it's a question of what to write about, for others how to write. Write how and what you want. What kind of books do you like to read? Fiction, Mystery, science fiction, how to books? How about articles, reports, maybe you're interested in journalism. Whatever the case may be, to get your creative juices flowing, start writing! Don't worry about how it sounds, grammar or other mistakes, you can go back to fix these.
2. Join online and offline groups/message boards and chats
If you already know what you want to write about, consider joining writer groups at your local library, or online groups, along with message boards and chats. It's a great way to network with other writers and published authors. It's also a good place to share your work and receive feedback. Many places online are free to join, some require a membership which usually consist of a user name, e-mail address and password for your user name. Some request more information such as a name, address and sometimes phone number.
3. The Library
You've probably heard about some books that writers refer to, this could be writer markets, e-book publishing, self publishing and generally how to improve your writing. Bu what do you do when you can't afford to buy these books from your local bookstore or online? A trip to your library is the key. Many libraries carry writer resource books, which if you have a library card, are free. If you're living out of the area, the library may require a fee for membership. The book you're looking for may not always be at your local library, however libraries borrow from other libraries in and out of state. The method of receiving outside books is called Inter-Library Loan. Later on, if you find the book to be a great resource, you may be able to purchase a used copy online.
4. Researching
The Internet is also another good resource for information. Keep in mind that not every resource you find online is going to be an honest good resource. It will take time to sort out which websites are useful. Most information is free, so you can sit back and research in the comfort of your home. If you don't have a computer with Internet access, check your local library and see if you can use one of theirs.
5. Workshops
Workshops taught by experts is a great way to learn from the professionals, but only if you can afford it! Make sure the topic of the workshop is based around your interest. For instance, if you love fiction..it wouldn't be a good idea to go to a workshop based only on non-fiction. It's a good idea to register early to ensure a spot at the event. Bring a new legal pad, plus a few writing tools to take notes.
6. Contents
After writing a while, you may want to enter contents. Some require an entry fee. I suggest staying away from the entry fee contents until you've entered some other free ones. That way you can get a feel for how contests work. Spend some time writing and re-writing your entries. If you've written your entry in 5 or so minutes, th judges will notice it immediately. You wouldn't want a reputation for sloppy work.
There you are, 6 tips to get you started on your journey to writing. Good Luck!
Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/
http://unityberrytree.blogspot.com/
http://www.MyBerryTree.com/bt53423
Showing posts with label write. Show all posts
Showing posts with label write. Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
I Have to Write an Article but I Can't Get Started by Joann Snell
I have to write an article but I don't know where to begin. What topic should I use for today? This blank page is driving me crazy! Nothing is rolling out onto the computer screen! What's happening to me? Oh, no! It can't be! It's ... Writers Block!! Have you ever had this happen to you? Let's see what can be causing this evil writers block. Then maybe it can be over come.
Well, this is what I have come up with. The top four reasons for writers block are Editing instead of Composing, Perfectionism, Concentration or lack there of, and Procrastinating. Do any of these phrases fit your profile for not being able to write? Let's go through them one by one so we can cut to the chase. That deadline is getting awfully close. We need to get busy and write that article.
The first road block is composing instead of editing. No, that's not quite right. Let me fix that last sentence. It should read: The first road block to overcome is composing the first draft instead of editing it. Yes, that is much better. Now let's continue writing. Hold it; I need to correct the spelling of this word. Alright let's continue.
Next we have perfectionism. Now let me see, I need a really good first line. How can I start my articles first line to grab the reader's attention? I can't start to write until I figure out what that first line is going to say. Wow, this could take hours! I'll never make my deadline!
Lack of total concentration is another culprit that keeps Writers Block going. What was that? The kids are screaming, the phone is ringing, and I have to take care of ageing parents! How can anyone think about writing with all this going on? I see, it is hard to concentrate with daily life situations happening.
Finally, the last culprit of writers block is procrastination. We've all done it. We tell ourselves we have plenty of time to write later. I have to do this first. Or you just hate to write to begin with. These are all valid reasons to procrastinate. Or are they?
There it is, some of the evil causes of Writers Block. Now that we know what is causing our dilemma we can be better prepared to deal with it. How? You ask. Just sit down and write what ever is on your mind. Go on a babbling spree and see what you end up with. Don't worry whether it sounds great or has punctuation or grammar mistakes. You can fix those later. Imagine yourself in a good vacation spot so you can think better. That should help clear your mind of distracting messages. Lastly, just do what you gotta do...Write!
About the Author
Joann Snell is a freelance Graphic Designer. She specializes in print, corporate id, branding, and other marketing tools for small-medium sized businesses. Article by Joann Snell ©2007, July 18 Jo's Graphic Designs http://www.josgraphicdesigns.com
Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/
Well, this is what I have come up with. The top four reasons for writers block are Editing instead of Composing, Perfectionism, Concentration or lack there of, and Procrastinating. Do any of these phrases fit your profile for not being able to write? Let's go through them one by one so we can cut to the chase. That deadline is getting awfully close. We need to get busy and write that article.
The first road block is composing instead of editing. No, that's not quite right. Let me fix that last sentence. It should read: The first road block to overcome is composing the first draft instead of editing it. Yes, that is much better. Now let's continue writing. Hold it; I need to correct the spelling of this word. Alright let's continue.
Next we have perfectionism. Now let me see, I need a really good first line. How can I start my articles first line to grab the reader's attention? I can't start to write until I figure out what that first line is going to say. Wow, this could take hours! I'll never make my deadline!
Lack of total concentration is another culprit that keeps Writers Block going. What was that? The kids are screaming, the phone is ringing, and I have to take care of ageing parents! How can anyone think about writing with all this going on? I see, it is hard to concentrate with daily life situations happening.
Finally, the last culprit of writers block is procrastination. We've all done it. We tell ourselves we have plenty of time to write later. I have to do this first. Or you just hate to write to begin with. These are all valid reasons to procrastinate. Or are they?
There it is, some of the evil causes of Writers Block. Now that we know what is causing our dilemma we can be better prepared to deal with it. How? You ask. Just sit down and write what ever is on your mind. Go on a babbling spree and see what you end up with. Don't worry whether it sounds great or has punctuation or grammar mistakes. You can fix those later. Imagine yourself in a good vacation spot so you can think better. That should help clear your mind of distracting messages. Lastly, just do what you gotta do...Write!
About the Author
Joann Snell is a freelance Graphic Designer. She specializes in print, corporate id, branding, and other marketing tools for small-medium sized businesses. Article by Joann Snell ©2007, July 18 Jo's Graphic Designs http://www.josgraphicdesigns.com
Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 13, 2007
These Hot Tips Will Get Your Article Read by Carl Hoffman
There are many people who dread having to write papers or articles. Many just feel like it seems to be too much work and it all just goes to waste when no one reads them. To some people, reading articles seems like work to, especially if the article is boring and very bland. Well, articles are supposed to be read, that's their purpose to impart your message and information. If it is not read then it is a waste of time and effort.
But all the same, articles have to be written to be read. It's just a matter of making them good. Making a good article doesn't have to be strenuous and straining. There are just some points needed to be reminded of, and some guides to follow. Once you get the hang of it, writing articles could be fun, as well as profitable for you and your site.
Of course, writing articles must be about something you know about, that's why if you own a site, you probably is knowledgeable about that certain topic and theme. When you write about it, you won't have a hard time because you already know what it is and what it's about. It'sjust a matter of making your articles creative and interesting.
To make sure that your articles get read and enjoyed, here are six red hot tips to get your articles read. These tips will make your articles readable and interesting.
1) Use short paragraphs. When the paragraph are very long, the words get jumbled in the mind of the reader just looking at it It can get quite confusing and too much of a hard work to read. The reader will just quickly disregard the paragraph and move on to much easier reading articles that are good to look at as well as read. Paragraphs can be a single sentence, sometimes even a single word!
2) Make use of numbers or bullets. As each point is stressed out, numbers and bullets can quickly make the point easy to remember and digest. As each point, tip, guide or method is started with a bullet or point, readers will know that this is where the tips start and getting stressed. Format you bullets and numbers with indentations so that your article won't look like a single block of square paragraphs. Add a little bit of flair and pizzazz to your articles shape.
3) Use Sub-headings to sub-divide your paragraphs in the page. Doing this will break each point into sections but still would be incorporated into one whole article. It would also be easy for the reader to move on from one point to another; the transition would be smooth and easy. You will never lose your readers attention as well as the point and direction to where the article is pointing.
4) Provide a good attention-grabbing title or header. If your title can entice a person's curiosity you're already halfway in getting a person to read your article. Use statements and questions that utilize keywords that people are looking for. Provide titles or headers that describe your articles content but should also be short and concise.
Use titles like, "Tips On Making Her Want You More, or "How to make her swoon." .You could also use titles that can command people, for example, "Make her yours in six easy Ways." These types of titles reach out to a person's emotions and makes them interested.
5) Keep them interested from the start to the finish. From your opening paragraph, use real life situations that can be adopted by the reader. Use good descriptions and metaphors to drive in your point, just don't over do it. Driving your examples with graphic metaphors and similes would make it easy for them to imagine what you are talking about. Making the experience pleasurable and enjoyable for them.
6) Utilize figures when necessary and not just ordinary and insipid statements. Using specific facts and figures can heighten your article because it makes it authoritative. But do not make it too formal, it should be light and easy in them and flow. Like a friendly teac her having a little chat with an eager student
Carl Hoffman has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience and an expert cook. He has many online ventures and author of many articles on cooking, health, sales and marketing. Visit him at http://www.hoffys.kitchen.com http://www.cehoffman.com
Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/
But all the same, articles have to be written to be read. It's just a matter of making them good. Making a good article doesn't have to be strenuous and straining. There are just some points needed to be reminded of, and some guides to follow. Once you get the hang of it, writing articles could be fun, as well as profitable for you and your site.
Of course, writing articles must be about something you know about, that's why if you own a site, you probably is knowledgeable about that certain topic and theme. When you write about it, you won't have a hard time because you already know what it is and what it's about. It'sjust a matter of making your articles creative and interesting.
To make sure that your articles get read and enjoyed, here are six red hot tips to get your articles read. These tips will make your articles readable and interesting.
1) Use short paragraphs. When the paragraph are very long, the words get jumbled in the mind of the reader just looking at it It can get quite confusing and too much of a hard work to read. The reader will just quickly disregard the paragraph and move on to much easier reading articles that are good to look at as well as read. Paragraphs can be a single sentence, sometimes even a single word!
2) Make use of numbers or bullets. As each point is stressed out, numbers and bullets can quickly make the point easy to remember and digest. As each point, tip, guide or method is started with a bullet or point, readers will know that this is where the tips start and getting stressed. Format you bullets and numbers with indentations so that your article won't look like a single block of square paragraphs. Add a little bit of flair and pizzazz to your articles shape.
3) Use Sub-headings to sub-divide your paragraphs in the page. Doing this will break each point into sections but still would be incorporated into one whole article. It would also be easy for the reader to move on from one point to another; the transition would be smooth and easy. You will never lose your readers attention as well as the point and direction to where the article is pointing.
4) Provide a good attention-grabbing title or header. If your title can entice a person's curiosity you're already halfway in getting a person to read your article. Use statements and questions that utilize keywords that people are looking for. Provide titles or headers that describe your articles content but should also be short and concise.
Use titles like, "Tips On Making Her Want You More, or "How to make her swoon." .You could also use titles that can command people, for example, "Make her yours in six easy Ways." These types of titles reach out to a person's emotions and makes them interested.
5) Keep them interested from the start to the finish. From your opening paragraph, use real life situations that can be adopted by the reader. Use good descriptions and metaphors to drive in your point, just don't over do it. Driving your examples with graphic metaphors and similes would make it easy for them to imagine what you are talking about. Making the experience pleasurable and enjoyable for them.
6) Utilize figures when necessary and not just ordinary and insipid statements. Using specific facts and figures can heighten your article because it makes it authoritative. But do not make it too formal, it should be light and easy in them and flow. Like a friendly teac her having a little chat with an eager student
Carl Hoffman has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience and an expert cook. He has many online ventures and author of many articles on cooking, health, sales and marketing. Visit him at http://www.hoffys.kitchen.com http://www.cehoffman.com
Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
How To Write A Short Story (Part 4)
Writing short stories can be very valuable to building your writing career. Short stories are also a very quick way to put your feelings on paper. Starting to write short stories can be a tough endeavor but the more you write the better you will get. I’m almost half way into my 10 part series on how to write a short story. This will be the fourth edition on how to write stories.
Time To Pick A Point of View
You have to determine who is going to tell the story and how much information is available for the narrator to reveal in the story. There are three points of view that we will review. They are written from the perspective of first, second, or third person. The narrator may be involved subjectively or he can report the action objectively.
1. First Person
This style is usually the best choice for beginning writers because it is the easiest to write. The story is told in the “I” point of view. The narrator is either the main character or the secondary character telling the story around the protagonist.
2. Second Person
This puts the readers in the actual scene. This way they are able to confront possibilities directly. It’s important to put your characters in an understandable environment so that details that your readers need are not left out. The second person point of view is usually told directly by you.
3. Third Person
This is where the narrator knows everything about all the characters. The narrator may take sides in the conflict. Or it can be set in a position that you want your reader to challenge. The third person story is told in the “he,” “she,” or “it”.
For beginning reader’s first person is the best way to start your writing. However if you chose to write in one of the other point of views make sure you stick to it. Don’t mix your views. It takes a seasoned writer to be able to mix points of views and even then lots of writers have trouble with it.
This is the end of my fourth article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer whose writing is getting picked up and read more and more everyday. You can look at his writing blog here. http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ Two more of his very popular blogs can be found at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
Time To Pick A Point of View
You have to determine who is going to tell the story and how much information is available for the narrator to reveal in the story. There are three points of view that we will review. They are written from the perspective of first, second, or third person. The narrator may be involved subjectively or he can report the action objectively.
1. First Person
This style is usually the best choice for beginning writers because it is the easiest to write. The story is told in the “I” point of view. The narrator is either the main character or the secondary character telling the story around the protagonist.
2. Second Person
This puts the readers in the actual scene. This way they are able to confront possibilities directly. It’s important to put your characters in an understandable environment so that details that your readers need are not left out. The second person point of view is usually told directly by you.
3. Third Person
This is where the narrator knows everything about all the characters. The narrator may take sides in the conflict. Or it can be set in a position that you want your reader to challenge. The third person story is told in the “he,” “she,” or “it”.
For beginning reader’s first person is the best way to start your writing. However if you chose to write in one of the other point of views make sure you stick to it. Don’t mix your views. It takes a seasoned writer to be able to mix points of views and even then lots of writers have trouble with it.
This is the end of my fourth article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer whose writing is getting picked up and read more and more everyday. You can look at his writing blog here. http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ Two more of his very popular blogs can be found at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
How To Write In The Children’s Market (Part 3)
This is going to be my third article of many to come. The article series is the how to when it comes to writing in the children’s market. It is going to be a considerably long series so keep checking back for new updates.
Children hate it when they can’t check out the book they want because it’s going to be too hard for them to read. That as why as writers we write what’s called easy readers. There for kids that are in the in between stage of reading. There still developing their skills but they want to read. So we have to get them reading a good story through easy readers and then we will have them reading for life.
Easy readers are books that are a step up from picture books. Even though adults are still the primary buyers of easy readers the books themselves are intended for children in kindergarten to grade 3. An easy reader usually runs about 64 pages long and is formatted very differently. The story is usually divided into sections that are meant to resemble chapters.
There are some pictures in easy readers but they don’t mean as much as they did in picture books. Plots are kept simple by focusing on one main character and only one event. It is important to know that the characters must be children and children will always solve all conflicts. Kids at this age don’t mind reading cross gender stories.
You have to use humor, suspense or action to keep the children interested and keep the stories moving. You have to remember that these kids are just starting school so there is a whole new world opening up to them. There are so many topics to write about at this point. All you have to do is open your eyes and you can write about what you see.
Dialogue is used very freely when it comes to easy readers. Dialogue is a very important way to keep the story moving. It also helps to keep a lot of whit space on the page thus making it easier for the children to get through a page. You have to still use proper sentence structure but you have to keep them simple. There are no specified vocabulary lists because children are learning how to sound out words at this age. However you don’t want to make things too difficult.
To sum it up while developing an idea for your story make sure you keep the plot simple and limit your main characters to no more than 2. Once you are done your manuscript should be 20 to 25 double spaced pages.
Dale Mazurek
Dale works hard to help new people to the world of making money on line. You can go to his blog at http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/ or check out the best program on line to get started with http://InsiderBlueprint.com/?id=1347 and http://mymoneydragon.com/member.php?id=8180
Children hate it when they can’t check out the book they want because it’s going to be too hard for them to read. That as why as writers we write what’s called easy readers. There for kids that are in the in between stage of reading. There still developing their skills but they want to read. So we have to get them reading a good story through easy readers and then we will have them reading for life.
Easy readers are books that are a step up from picture books. Even though adults are still the primary buyers of easy readers the books themselves are intended for children in kindergarten to grade 3. An easy reader usually runs about 64 pages long and is formatted very differently. The story is usually divided into sections that are meant to resemble chapters.
There are some pictures in easy readers but they don’t mean as much as they did in picture books. Plots are kept simple by focusing on one main character and only one event. It is important to know that the characters must be children and children will always solve all conflicts. Kids at this age don’t mind reading cross gender stories.
You have to use humor, suspense or action to keep the children interested and keep the stories moving. You have to remember that these kids are just starting school so there is a whole new world opening up to them. There are so many topics to write about at this point. All you have to do is open your eyes and you can write about what you see.
Dialogue is used very freely when it comes to easy readers. Dialogue is a very important way to keep the story moving. It also helps to keep a lot of whit space on the page thus making it easier for the children to get through a page. You have to still use proper sentence structure but you have to keep them simple. There are no specified vocabulary lists because children are learning how to sound out words at this age. However you don’t want to make things too difficult.
To sum it up while developing an idea for your story make sure you keep the plot simple and limit your main characters to no more than 2. Once you are done your manuscript should be 20 to 25 double spaced pages.
Dale Mazurek
Dale works hard to help new people to the world of making money on line. You can go to his blog at http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/ or check out the best program on line to get started with http://InsiderBlueprint.com/?id=1347 and http://mymoneydragon.com/member.php?id=8180
Saturday, May 26, 2007
How To Write A Short Story (Part 3)
Writing short stories can be very valuable to building your writing career. Short stories are also a very quick way to put your feelings on paper. Starting to write short stories can be a tough endeavor but the more you write the better you will get. In the next couple of weeks I will be submitting a 10 part series on how to write your short story. This will be the third edition on how to write short stories.
You Have To Build Your Character
It is important to make your character bigger then real life. The key to this is knowing more about the character then you will ever need or use in your story. Below I will make a list of character traits that you should think about for your character.
Name, age, job, ethnicity, appearance, residence, something hated, secrets, strong memories, any illnesses, nervous gestures, sleep patterns, favorite colors, friends, favorite foods, drinking patterns, phobias, faults, pets, religion, hobbies, marital status, kids, temperament.
It’s really only important that you build all these traits for your character. The reader doesn’t have to know all of them but they will help you when you are making your character believable for your reader. There is however four important areas that your reader needs to know.
Appearance- Your reader does have to be able to visualize what your character looks like.
Actions- You have to describe actions so that your reader can understand what kind of person your character is.
Speech- Your character has to be always talking. This will develop him quicker as a character instead of just announcing important facts.
Thoughts- You have to show your characters memories, fears, hopes or whatever feelings you would like. This will bring your character into the readers mind.
This is just a brief outline into building an identity for your character that the reader can identify with and also believe in. This is the end of my third article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. You can find his writing tips at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ two of his other very popular blogs can be found at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
You Have To Build Your Character
It is important to make your character bigger then real life. The key to this is knowing more about the character then you will ever need or use in your story. Below I will make a list of character traits that you should think about for your character.
Name, age, job, ethnicity, appearance, residence, something hated, secrets, strong memories, any illnesses, nervous gestures, sleep patterns, favorite colors, friends, favorite foods, drinking patterns, phobias, faults, pets, religion, hobbies, marital status, kids, temperament.
It’s really only important that you build all these traits for your character. The reader doesn’t have to know all of them but they will help you when you are making your character believable for your reader. There is however four important areas that your reader needs to know.
Appearance- Your reader does have to be able to visualize what your character looks like.
Actions- You have to describe actions so that your reader can understand what kind of person your character is.
Speech- Your character has to be always talking. This will develop him quicker as a character instead of just announcing important facts.
Thoughts- You have to show your characters memories, fears, hopes or whatever feelings you would like. This will bring your character into the readers mind.
This is just a brief outline into building an identity for your character that the reader can identify with and also believe in. This is the end of my third article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. You can find his writing tips at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ two of his other very popular blogs can be found at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
How To Write In The Children’s Market (Part 2)
This is going to be my second article of many that I will be writing on how to break into the children’s writing market. This is going to be a considerably long series so keep checking back for updated posts.
Writing for kids can be one of the greatest ways to break into the writing field. You have such a wide range of readers from toddler to young adults. All you have to do is figure out what you want to write about and you’re on your way.
Chances are good that when you think of children’s books, picture books pop right into your mind. For the most part picture books are usually directed to kids from toddler to grade 4. One thing you have to keep in mind is that the book has to be appealing to the adults as well because they are the ones shelling out the money for them.
Picture books can range from a variety of different topics. You can have fiction, non fiction; they can be about animals, or about different people interacting with different stuff.
There is a basic format for picture books. Traditionally there 32 pages long. That includes every page from front to back. Because of the pictures your story usually has to be told in 14 pages of print. Another thing to remember is that you usually only has around 1000 words to use to write your story. So you have to get a good story in a small amount of space.
Picture books can be tough to write. So many people think that picture books are the way to go but soon find out that that’s not the case. You have to make sure that every word, picture and page has the most amount of detail that counts. You have no room for unnecessary content.
Just because you’re intended audience is youths doesn’t mean every word in your book has to be 4 letters long. Remember its going to be the parents for the most part that are reading the books to their youngsters. Also there is a misconception that all picture books must be rhyming. This is in no way true. As long as you develop a great story rhyming is nice but doesn’t really matter.
Chances are if you think about it then it has been written about already. That’s okay for you to go ahead but you have to find a fresh new way to present the idea. You have to make the publishers want to use it.
Don’t worry if you can’t draw. The editors want to first see if your book can stand on its own with out the pictures. If at that time they decide they like it they will hire an illustrator to help with the pictures. You have to remember that when you are writing a picture book it’s not only about the words. The colors and scenes have to be vibrant. They have to stand on their own.
Before you attempt to write your first picture book make sure you go to your local library or book store and read several different books by several different authors. No one wants you to plagiarize but by studying different styles you can than begin to develop your own style.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is in the process of getting his first novel published and has been writing professionally on line for two years now. You can check out his ever growing blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
Writing for kids can be one of the greatest ways to break into the writing field. You have such a wide range of readers from toddler to young adults. All you have to do is figure out what you want to write about and you’re on your way.
Chances are good that when you think of children’s books, picture books pop right into your mind. For the most part picture books are usually directed to kids from toddler to grade 4. One thing you have to keep in mind is that the book has to be appealing to the adults as well because they are the ones shelling out the money for them.
Picture books can range from a variety of different topics. You can have fiction, non fiction; they can be about animals, or about different people interacting with different stuff.
There is a basic format for picture books. Traditionally there 32 pages long. That includes every page from front to back. Because of the pictures your story usually has to be told in 14 pages of print. Another thing to remember is that you usually only has around 1000 words to use to write your story. So you have to get a good story in a small amount of space.
Picture books can be tough to write. So many people think that picture books are the way to go but soon find out that that’s not the case. You have to make sure that every word, picture and page has the most amount of detail that counts. You have no room for unnecessary content.
Just because you’re intended audience is youths doesn’t mean every word in your book has to be 4 letters long. Remember its going to be the parents for the most part that are reading the books to their youngsters. Also there is a misconception that all picture books must be rhyming. This is in no way true. As long as you develop a great story rhyming is nice but doesn’t really matter.
Chances are if you think about it then it has been written about already. That’s okay for you to go ahead but you have to find a fresh new way to present the idea. You have to make the publishers want to use it.
Don’t worry if you can’t draw. The editors want to first see if your book can stand on its own with out the pictures. If at that time they decide they like it they will hire an illustrator to help with the pictures. You have to remember that when you are writing a picture book it’s not only about the words. The colors and scenes have to be vibrant. They have to stand on their own.
Before you attempt to write your first picture book make sure you go to your local library or book store and read several different books by several different authors. No one wants you to plagiarize but by studying different styles you can than begin to develop your own style.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is in the process of getting his first novel published and has been writing professionally on line for two years now. You can check out his ever growing blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Writing Angles
As a novice writer I firstly write for the love of writing. First of all for me writing does not mean paying the bills. I do make a few dollars here and there and with tips and tales like the ones below my writing is always getting better and better.
1. Organization
If you are having a hard time finding the best way to organize the plans for your ideas then this is what you can try. Get a number of index cards and write down each main topic. Now decide what’s best for your readers and arrange the cards in an order that makes the most sense.
2. Wordiness
The great American writer Thomas Wolfe was famous not only for the quality of his prose but also for its quantity. He had a very hard time cutting excess words from his drafts. “Although I am able to criticize wordiness and over abundance in others,” Wolfe wrote to his editor Maxwell Perkins about his novel Look Homeward, Angel, “I am not able practically to criticize it in myself. The business of selection and revision is simply hell for me-my efforts to cut out 50 000 words may sometimes result in adding 75 000.” The first draft of Look Homeward, Angel came in at over 1000 pages. Wolfe and Perkins did a nice job editing, however, the edition I have is around 750 pages.
3. More Purposes
A specific piece of writing can have more than one purpose, and often does. A fable, for example, amuses its readers as it teaches a lesson.
4. Ghost Words
Ghost words are words that never existed until someone mistook an error for a word. For example, dord (meaning density) began life as an error made in transcribing a card that read: “D or d, meaning a capital D or a small d-for ‘density.’ “The word appeared in the 1934 edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but it was eliminated from future editions.
5. Adjective Phrase
An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective in a sentence. For example: The caption on the cartoon made them laugh. The adjective phrase “on the cartoon” describes the noun “caption.”
Looking around in any magazine, book or writing website you can find hundreds and hundreds of articles and tid bits like these. In the future I will be publishing many more articles of this sort. If you choose to use any of this advice then great. If not then at least enjoy reading.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is an expert on line writer. You can check out his on line affiliate program at http://stcajo.netsalaries.com or you can check out two of his very popular blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
1. Organization
If you are having a hard time finding the best way to organize the plans for your ideas then this is what you can try. Get a number of index cards and write down each main topic. Now decide what’s best for your readers and arrange the cards in an order that makes the most sense.
2. Wordiness
The great American writer Thomas Wolfe was famous not only for the quality of his prose but also for its quantity. He had a very hard time cutting excess words from his drafts. “Although I am able to criticize wordiness and over abundance in others,” Wolfe wrote to his editor Maxwell Perkins about his novel Look Homeward, Angel, “I am not able practically to criticize it in myself. The business of selection and revision is simply hell for me-my efforts to cut out 50 000 words may sometimes result in adding 75 000.” The first draft of Look Homeward, Angel came in at over 1000 pages. Wolfe and Perkins did a nice job editing, however, the edition I have is around 750 pages.
3. More Purposes
A specific piece of writing can have more than one purpose, and often does. A fable, for example, amuses its readers as it teaches a lesson.
4. Ghost Words
Ghost words are words that never existed until someone mistook an error for a word. For example, dord (meaning density) began life as an error made in transcribing a card that read: “D or d, meaning a capital D or a small d-for ‘density.’ “The word appeared in the 1934 edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but it was eliminated from future editions.
5. Adjective Phrase
An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective in a sentence. For example: The caption on the cartoon made them laugh. The adjective phrase “on the cartoon” describes the noun “caption.”
Looking around in any magazine, book or writing website you can find hundreds and hundreds of articles and tid bits like these. In the future I will be publishing many more articles of this sort. If you choose to use any of this advice then great. If not then at least enjoy reading.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is an expert on line writer. You can check out his on line affiliate program at http://stcajo.netsalaries.com or you can check out two of his very popular blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Writing Tid Bits
As novice writers we are always looking for little things to help our writing. In this article I am going to stray away from the serious side of the business and provide a number of tidbits that have to do with writing. Some are humorous, some are not. Some are useful and some are not. I hope you find them interesting.
1. Dewey Decimal
When using the Dewey Decimal System make sure you copy down the call number exactly as it appears in the card catalogue. Failing to do this will make it tough to find your book. It might even make it impossible.
2. Longest Sentence
What is the longest sentence in the world? In 1957 George Andrezeyevski wrote a book called Gates Of Paradise with no punctuation so technically this could be one long sentence. But Sylvester Hassel had a 3153 word sentence in the book History of the Church of God.
3. What is Writing
Writing is as much process as product. As a result, people often write to discover what they want to say. The process of writing can be an act of discovery, start out knowing where you’re going and get there just fine.
4. Study, Study, Study
It’s so important to study everything you read. Study opening paragraphs in newspaper and magazine articles. You might be surprised to discover that topic sentences such as statements of purpose often appear in the middle and end of paragraphs as well as in the beginning.
5. Speeches
Okay now you have to write a speech so this will help a little. When you write a speech, use punctuation not only to indicate the usual sentence breaks, but also to allow you to pause for emphasis when necessary.
There are hundreds of little points out there to help would be writers or even veteran writers. From time to time I will put out an article like this one and hopefully someone can take some of these tid bits and use them in their writing.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. He is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can check out some of his very popular blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and his newest http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
1. Dewey Decimal
When using the Dewey Decimal System make sure you copy down the call number exactly as it appears in the card catalogue. Failing to do this will make it tough to find your book. It might even make it impossible.
2. Longest Sentence
What is the longest sentence in the world? In 1957 George Andrezeyevski wrote a book called Gates Of Paradise with no punctuation so technically this could be one long sentence. But Sylvester Hassel had a 3153 word sentence in the book History of the Church of God.
3. What is Writing
Writing is as much process as product. As a result, people often write to discover what they want to say. The process of writing can be an act of discovery, start out knowing where you’re going and get there just fine.
4. Study, Study, Study
It’s so important to study everything you read. Study opening paragraphs in newspaper and magazine articles. You might be surprised to discover that topic sentences such as statements of purpose often appear in the middle and end of paragraphs as well as in the beginning.
5. Speeches
Okay now you have to write a speech so this will help a little. When you write a speech, use punctuation not only to indicate the usual sentence breaks, but also to allow you to pause for emphasis when necessary.
There are hundreds of little points out there to help would be writers or even veteran writers. From time to time I will put out an article like this one and hopefully someone can take some of these tid bits and use them in their writing.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. He is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can check out some of his very popular blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and his newest http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Writing Watches
Below is an article of rambling writing tips and interesting little tid bits. I could probably write an article a week directed at these. Some will help would be writers and some wont but one thing for sure is that most of them are interesting.
1. Footnote
A footnote is a complete bibliographical citation indicated by a number in the text. Endnotes follow the same format but are listed on a page at the end of the paper. Today’s great computer programs make them easy to prepare.
2. Paragraphs
Paragraphs in newspapers are most often one or two sentences long. Paragraphs in essays are far longer. Newspapers writers assume your not going to read the article all the way through. They keep their paragraphs punchy to keep you interested. Essay writers assume you’re in for the long haul. They have the luxury of writing more discursive passages.
3. English Is Different
All English isn’t the same. British English, used not only in Great Britain but also in India, the West Indies, and parts of Africa, uses some words and phrases differently from American English. For example, here are some common British words and the American equivalents: Lorry(truck), lift(elevator), bonnet(car hood), chips(French fries), crisps(snack chips), flat(apartment), barrister or solicitor(attorney or lawyer), nappy(diaper), mate(buddy), sweets(candy).
4. Expert Fields
Warning: The writer’s education and academic degrees must match the field in which he or she is claiming expertise. Having a medical degree in brain surgery, for example, doesn’t give someone the credentials to write about rocket science-or any other subject outside his or her field.
5. Friends Don’t Read Drafts
Thinking of asking a friend or a lover to read your drafts to help you edit them? It’s a great idea from your stand point, but your reader may not be as enthusiastic. British Prime Minister and writer Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) had a standard reply unmatched for diplomatic ambiguity for people who sent him unsolicited manuscripts to read: “Many thanks; I shall lose no time in reading it.”
I hope you find some of these facts interesting and some of the tips useful. Keep watching for more articles with more and more tips and facts.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional online writer and he is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can have a look at three more of his very popular blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/ and http://affiliatemarketingfornewbies.blogspot.com/
1. Footnote
A footnote is a complete bibliographical citation indicated by a number in the text. Endnotes follow the same format but are listed on a page at the end of the paper. Today’s great computer programs make them easy to prepare.
2. Paragraphs
Paragraphs in newspapers are most often one or two sentences long. Paragraphs in essays are far longer. Newspapers writers assume your not going to read the article all the way through. They keep their paragraphs punchy to keep you interested. Essay writers assume you’re in for the long haul. They have the luxury of writing more discursive passages.
3. English Is Different
All English isn’t the same. British English, used not only in Great Britain but also in India, the West Indies, and parts of Africa, uses some words and phrases differently from American English. For example, here are some common British words and the American equivalents: Lorry(truck), lift(elevator), bonnet(car hood), chips(French fries), crisps(snack chips), flat(apartment), barrister or solicitor(attorney or lawyer), nappy(diaper), mate(buddy), sweets(candy).
4. Expert Fields
Warning: The writer’s education and academic degrees must match the field in which he or she is claiming expertise. Having a medical degree in brain surgery, for example, doesn’t give someone the credentials to write about rocket science-or any other subject outside his or her field.
5. Friends Don’t Read Drafts
Thinking of asking a friend or a lover to read your drafts to help you edit them? It’s a great idea from your stand point, but your reader may not be as enthusiastic. British Prime Minister and writer Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) had a standard reply unmatched for diplomatic ambiguity for people who sent him unsolicited manuscripts to read: “Many thanks; I shall lose no time in reading it.”
I hope you find some of these facts interesting and some of the tips useful. Keep watching for more articles with more and more tips and facts.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional online writer and he is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can have a look at three more of his very popular blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/ and http://affiliatemarketingfornewbies.blogspot.com/
Writing What Nots
As novice writers we are always looking for that one big break that would help to jump start our careers. Sometimes we take things way to seriously and forget that writing at first is not about paying the bills. I love writing but let me tell you if I had to rely on it to pay the bills I would be living on the street. In this article I am going to point out some small tid bits about writing so sit back and enjoy.
1. The Paragraph
The paragraph first made its debut in the 1866 book Composition and Rhetoric, by Alexander Bain, a professor of rhetoric at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Bain defined a paragraph as a “collection of sentences with unity of purpose.” Later, the paragraph came to be seen as a small-scale composition, a view we still hold today, due to the clear beginning, middle, and end that both share.
2. Plot
Plot is the arrangement of events in a story. Plots include the exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement (resolution).
3. Bake A Cake
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that writing is a neat process. It’s rather messy, like baking a cake. As you add each “ingredient,” You stir the whole thing around a lot to blend it altogether. If your paper looks sloppy, then you’re probably on the right track.
4. Some Formats
Paragraphs in essays, novels, short stories, and so on are normally indented 5 spaces. This is set automatically on your tab key. Business letters, in contrast, are often typed in “block format,” without indented paragraphs. Instead, you separate the paragraphs with a double space. When deciding whether or not to indent paragraphs in business documents, follow the style conventions used in your business or company.
5. Too Much
There’s such a thing as too much elaboration. You’re under no obligation to include everything you found. Don’t beat the topic to death.
If you look around you will find hundreds and hundreds of little tid bits like the ones here. In the future I will be writing more articles with more of these little helpers. If you choose to use any of them, that is entirely up to you but they are fun to read and discover where a lot of them come from.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. He is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can check out some of his very popular blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and his newest http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
1. The Paragraph
The paragraph first made its debut in the 1866 book Composition and Rhetoric, by Alexander Bain, a professor of rhetoric at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Bain defined a paragraph as a “collection of sentences with unity of purpose.” Later, the paragraph came to be seen as a small-scale composition, a view we still hold today, due to the clear beginning, middle, and end that both share.
2. Plot
Plot is the arrangement of events in a story. Plots include the exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement (resolution).
3. Bake A Cake
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that writing is a neat process. It’s rather messy, like baking a cake. As you add each “ingredient,” You stir the whole thing around a lot to blend it altogether. If your paper looks sloppy, then you’re probably on the right track.
4. Some Formats
Paragraphs in essays, novels, short stories, and so on are normally indented 5 spaces. This is set automatically on your tab key. Business letters, in contrast, are often typed in “block format,” without indented paragraphs. Instead, you separate the paragraphs with a double space. When deciding whether or not to indent paragraphs in business documents, follow the style conventions used in your business or company.
5. Too Much
There’s such a thing as too much elaboration. You’re under no obligation to include everything you found. Don’t beat the topic to death.
If you look around you will find hundreds and hundreds of little tid bits like the ones here. In the future I will be writing more articles with more of these little helpers. If you choose to use any of them, that is entirely up to you but they are fun to read and discover where a lot of them come from.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a professional on line writer. He is also in the process of getting his first novel published. You can check out some of his very popular blogs at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and his newest http://funtidbits.blogspot.com/
Thursday, April 12, 2007
How To Write A Short Story (Part 2)
Writing short stories can be very valuable to your writing career. Short stories are also a very quick way to put your feelings on paper. Starting to write short stories can be a tough project but the more you write the better you will get. In the next couple of weeks I will be submitting a 10 part series on how to write short stories. This will be the second edition on how to write short stories.
First Paragraph Has To Be The Catchy One
Everyone today is reading but there reading fast. We live in such a high paced environment that people who do read need to be caught in the first paragraph or else there gone to the next story. The first paragraph has to be unusual. What happens has to be unexpected and full of conflict and action right from the beginning. It is a short story and the beginning is always close to the end so there is no room for being lazy when it comes to short stories.
The Rest Of The Paragraph
You have to figure out where your character fits in with the conflict and you have to introduce the protagonist and give a hint into how he is going to make things difficult.
Put It Together
Now the two parts have to be put together. It is important that you at least understand a bit about fiction before making the two come together. It’s not so different from preparing your favorite meal. It makes a big difference in the meal if you put the wrong ingredients as compared to the right ones. Your story is no different than this. As long as you put the right amount of rules in the right place then your first paragraph will be a great paragraph.
This is the end of my second article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is in the process of getting his first novel published. You can read some of his short stories at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ You can also check in on a couple of his interactive blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
First Paragraph Has To Be The Catchy One
Everyone today is reading but there reading fast. We live in such a high paced environment that people who do read need to be caught in the first paragraph or else there gone to the next story. The first paragraph has to be unusual. What happens has to be unexpected and full of conflict and action right from the beginning. It is a short story and the beginning is always close to the end so there is no room for being lazy when it comes to short stories.
The Rest Of The Paragraph
You have to figure out where your character fits in with the conflict and you have to introduce the protagonist and give a hint into how he is going to make things difficult.
Put It Together
Now the two parts have to be put together. It is important that you at least understand a bit about fiction before making the two come together. It’s not so different from preparing your favorite meal. It makes a big difference in the meal if you put the wrong ingredients as compared to the right ones. Your story is no different than this. As long as you put the right amount of rules in the right place then your first paragraph will be a great paragraph.
This is the end of my second article on how to write a short story. I make these tips available because I think there is an author in everyone. Just because you write doesn’t mean you have to get paid for it. You should first and foremost write because you love it and everything will eventually fall into place.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is in the process of getting his first novel published. You can read some of his short stories at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ You can also check in on a couple of his interactive blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ and http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/
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