Monthly Archives: April 2011

Apr 30 2011

Aspiring Authors Get Critiqued!

Open book

Image via Wikipedia

Hey authors! Penguin Group USA has launched Book Country. You may be asking yourself, why you should care. Well, this is a new way for aspiring authors to post their work and have it critiqued by other writers. It’s time to take your writing to the next level.

If you are serious about getting published this is a great platform to get you started writing and submitting your best work. This site is going to serve as a way to get all of your questions answered in regards to the world of publishing. Book Country will allow users to self-publish their books for a small fee as well. I plan to utilize this great site and take advantage of all of the information.

It’s time for you to get inspired. Help is here and you may even get and agent contacting you to see your manuscript. If you would like to learn more about the launch of Book Country just click on the link, The New York Times.

Happy Writing!

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Apr 28 2011

2011 Writer’s Conferences

Thefront writers

Image via Wikipedia

A writers conference is a good idea. Writers can get together and work on their manuscripts and bond with one another. Conferences can be inexpensive all the way up to high priced getaways. You can polish up on your genre when you’re there. If you haven’t heard of the Shaw Guide you are in for a treat. This site lists every writer’s conference around the world.

Unfortunately, I have never had the luxury to attend a conference but I hope to do so one day. Check out the Shaw Guide at http://writing.shawguides.com/ for a list of conferences and workshop for the 2011 calendar year.

Happy Writing!

Apr 24 2011

Free Events For Writer’s

Kansas City Public Library

Image via Wikipedia

 

The Mysterious, Hilarious, Frustrating, Rewarding, Wonderful World of Writing

This event was hosted by the Kansas City Public Library. It was a free event for writer’s. Whenever I get the chance I make an effort to attend free events like this. Visitors get a chance to ask questions of authors who are in the business and can give insight in regards to the world of publication.

The authors on the stage were Nancy Pickard and Sally Goldenbaum.

Pickard’s The Scent of Rain and Lightning was a best-seller and was named one of the top novels of 2010 by Barnes & Noble, The Kansas City Star and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She is the author of 17 other novels, many short stories, and a non-fiction book for writers.

Goldenbaum is the author of more than 30 novels, including the Seaside Knitters mystery series. The fifth book in the series, The Wedding Shawl, will be published in May.

What did I learn? Well, nothing I didn’t really already know but I got to ask a question and this experience got me thinking about my manuscript. Here are some things to think about:

  • Go to coffee shops and libraries to write.
  • Get a writing buddy to stay focused and bounce ideas off of each other.
  • Write everyday even if it’s just a few words.
  • Take the time to enjoy your writing and your accomplishments.
  • Know your protagonist before you start your book.
  • Connect with your geographical area before you start writing.
  • Try to plot or create a synopsis even though it may change later.
  • Consider an agent for your fiction. They know the industry.
  • Look at books on the subject of what you are writing.
  • If you decide to self publish be sure to edit very well.
  • Always respect your editor.

Just remember the next time you have an opportunity to attend a free event or even a paid event, do it. It pays to network and get the inside scoop. Happy Writing!

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Apr 21 2011

Every Body Hop Friday!

Welcome to the Writer’s Follow Friday Blog Hop! Not sure if you qualify? If you have a blog to add, guess what, you’re a writer! So check out the rules, grab the link and join the hop! We’re small for now, but we hope to continue to grow.
This weeks question:

What is your most referred to website for your writing?

There are a ton of writer websites out there that have great information including this one. But the one that I found that has the most useful information and the best links for writers is: Author Rachelle Burk

http://www.resourcesforchildrenswriters.com/

How do you join in the fun? So glad you asked. It’s really quite simple.
The rules:

  • 1)      Follow me, Elizabeth Sharp, the host of this hop
  • 2)      Follow the featured author of the week and the Neophyte Writer Networked Blog.
  • 3)      Go to Sharp words and copy the image code found there and paste it in your blog. Add your name to the link at the bottom of the post while you are there.
  • 4)      Copy and paste the rules in your blog, as well as this week’s question.
  • 5)      Answer the question
  • 6)      Follow, follow, follow. This is about networking, people, making connections with people in your community. So talk to us. We don’t bite! This post serves as the perfect place for you to say hello.
  • 7)      If someone stops by, says hi and follows you, the polite thing to do is follow back.
  • 8)      Comment here and introduce yourself and you just might find a new follower or two.
Breaking it down, here, in this box, is the code for the snazzy quill link to the hop. Copy it and paste it into your own blog in “Edit HTML” mode.
 <center><a href=” http://somesharpwords.blogspot.com/search/label/FF&#8221; target=”_blank” ><img border=”0″ src=” http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m54/minako97/pen.jpg ” /></a> </center>
Finally add your name to this list of wonderful blog authors by clicking the frog link at the bottom and adding your name and blog address. Make sure you actually answer the question and link to the hop. And please comment, we all like to hear someone out there is listening.

get the InLinkz code

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Apr 17 2011

Protagonist vs. Antagonist

Darth Vader

Image via Wikipedia

I love a good villian! Darth Vader was a good villian and he turned out to be Luke Skywalker‘s Big Pappa! Wow! Who would have thunk it? On the other hand I love a good hero like Batman and even Harry Potter. So, I need to start thinking of my own. I wasn’t quite sure how to put them together until I read about it at Word Play.

The post about heroes and villians gives good insight on where to start. Check it out and tell me your thoughts. Wordplay is an excellent resource for writers http://wordplay-kmweiland.blogspot.com/2011/04/3-traits-your-hero-and-villain-should.html.

Happy Writing!

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