Kristy’s Magical Discovery

Jared and I finished the big move last night and we’re really getting settled in. I haven’t posted video yet since the place is still a bit of a wreck, but trust me – it’s fantastic!

It’s only a month until the Texas Book Festival. Remember it’s more than buying books, there are lectures and panels with all kinds of awesome folks – and it’s FREE! It’s not all that hard to find a parking place, espically since the Orange Dillo runs right up Congress and it too is FREE.

National Novel Writing Month Is Coming!

If you can’t seem to get around to writing that book you’ve always wanted to write, consider signing up for National Novel Writing Month in November. I’m going to do it (gulp — commitment!), and what could be more fun than doing it with fellow Leaguers!

Although NaNoWriMo’s basic idea is to write a draft (note my emphasis!) of a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30, I’m taking a slightly different approach. I’ve started two books, and my main block is setting aside time to write on them; I tend to fill up my time with everything else rather than those two projects. So I’m looking at NaNoWriMo as more of an impetus to work on my books than the traditional model of start-to-finish in the thirty days of November.

Even if you don’t have a novel itching to get out, think about committing to daily writing in November. That alone would be good for anyone working on a nonfiction book, revising a longer work, writing essays or short fiction, or even writing a book proposal.

The Writers’ League will be hosting several events in conjunction with NaNoWriMo, so stay tuned (and we might just have a prize for League members who make it to November 30!).

Meanwhile, get ready to WRITE!

Sign up for NaNoWriMo here; for more info, check out the NaNoWriMo FAQs.

Posted by Cyndi

Monday Writing Prompt #3

Get your creative juices flowing with a weekly short essay prompt:

You discover you have developed a special power. What is it, and what will you do with it?

Email your 300 – 500 word short essay to me by 10: 00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, and I’ll post my favorite with next Monday’s writing prompt!

Thank you to all the entries in last week’s Monday Writing Prompt! You can read last week’s favorite by Janice Fisher below:

“Not for the faint hearted.” I stared at the ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­alarming words on the brochure in my hand that windy overcast morning in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Zipping my all-weather jacket up to my neck and pulling on my gloves, I pacified myself with the thought that the warning didn’t really apply to me. At age 67 and ever cautious, I had no intention of walking across the 65-foot Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge high above the North Atlantic Ocean.

With our two traveling companions, my husband Jack, and I trekked the long winding trail to the bridge. The path, high above the ocean’s edge, seemed endless as we struggled uphill against the wind with many others making their way to this sight. Next were the 180 steps down to the final point before one crossed the bridge which connected the mainland to a small island once used by salmon fishermen. Jack was elated; he was about to realize his dream.

The bridge spans an 80-foot chasm. I stood against the high wire fence looking over the craggy cliff at the swirling blue water below. Jack descended the very steep metal stairs and waved a casual good-bye as I readied my camera to record the event. He crossed the swinging bridge and disappeared around a bend.

About this time the ticket-taker came up to us ladies and asked, “Would you like to go across?” I told him about my fear of the steep steps, never mind my fear of going across the bridge. He offered to go in front of me and lead the way. Something came over me, “I’m GOING!” I suddenly announced. My friends’ jaws dropped open; they couldn’t believe I would actually traverse that swinging, heaving bridge high above the Atlantic.

Determination spurred me on as I followed the ticket-taker down the steps. He stepped aside then as if to say, “It’s up to you now.” I didn’t expect the swimming, dizzying effect I experienced as I walked gingerly along holding tightly to the rope on each side. “Don’t look down, don’t look down!” I told myself. I must admit, it was exciting. Such a feeling of exhilaration swept over me as I stepped safely off the bridge and onto firm ground. I turned and waved ecstatically to my companions. They waved back. I waited until Jack appeared on the trail. He looked at me incredulously and said, “How’d you get here?” Surprised and proud, he gave me a big bear hug. We went back across the bridge taking photos of each other.

As we hiked back to our car, the sun broke through the overcast skies and gave us wonderful views of the brilliant turquoise ocean and sweeping vistas. The wind was at my back pushing me along the path to my next adventure. I was ready.

Readers Unite at Red Room

Roy Blount, Jr.

If you’re like me, you love following authors. Red Room is the place to keep up with your favorite writers and books. It has everything from videos and podcasts (check out this interview with Alice Walker) to blogs and events. The ever-entertaining Roy Blount, Jr. is one of the Red Room starts at the moment; His page had video interviews (he admits to “writing his way into trouble” — don’t we all!) and a short essay (“Language Belongs to ‘All Y’all’ “), along with mentions of his books.

It’s also great for browsing books, although it can be a bit intimidating because of the sheer numbers. But then that’s a good thing for us readers.

You can become a member of Red Room for free just by signing up . From there, you can apply to be listed as an author too (provided you are one!). In fact, check out this up-and-coming author!

“Monday” Writing Prompt #2

Get your creative juices flowing with a weekly short essay prompt:

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Email your 300 – 500 word short essay to me by Monday, September 29, and I’ll post my favorite with next Monday’s writing prompt!

Thank you to all the entries in last week’s Monday Writing Prompt! You can read last week’s favorite by Shannon Barrington below:

Quickly, I jab with the left and punch him squarely in the shoulder. He counters, but he’s not strong enough, I throw a one-two punch and stun him into silence. Just as his hand comes up to connect with my jaw, my fists fly into a flurry of punches and jabs and suddenly – his head pops off.

I am “The Red Rocker”.

My opponent, The Blue Bomber, otherwise known as my sister, sits defeated. She knows the odds are against her. But she likes to play the odds.

Sitting up straighter in her bean bag, she cries for a re-match. “Two out of three.”

In the corner of our wood-paneled, shag carpeted basement, sits the long forgotten game of Pong. All the focus is on the ring of our Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots.

I, The Red Rocker, am up for the challenge. Afraid of no one, especially The Bomber.

I roll my shoulders back, get a nice loose grip on the joystick and start the countdown for the match to begin. “Let’s have a good, clean fight.” I say. My sister cocks her head and tells me to shut up.

Suddenly, I’m hit. I never saw it coming. Checking to make sure I still have my head, I let loose a barrage of punches and counter attacks. Sweat pours down my nine year old face as I try to keep my head on. My sister, older and therefore used to winning, begins to smile.

The bomber hits with such a force that my hand shakes from the impact. I’m still upright and still in the fight, but I fear it’s not for long.

Sure enough, The Bomber sneaks an uppercut into the melee of arms flying and I watch horrified as my head flies to the side of the ring.

I’m down.

I’m out.

But, do I give up? Does that dissuade me enough that I’d throw in the towel and go play with my Barbie Dolls and EZ Bake Oven?

Never! Vengeance would be mine.

I slowly lock my head back into place and say those important words.

“Re-match.”

Freelancing: Tales From the Front

Last night’s SRO “Freelancing: Tales From the Front” panel was jam-packed with advice, tips, observations, and all-too-true experiences from panelists Michael Hurd, Debi Martin, Bill Minutaglio, and Texas Monthly book critic Mike Shea. It was very cool to see the largest crowd to date at the WLT Resource Center! Here are some highlights:

Getting started:

• If you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to work for free or next to nothing so you can build your clips and your resume.
• One of the keys is to find a niche that you like and develop your chops. Debi said that writers can “invent their position and create their situation” by focusing on an area that may not be currently covered.

How to market yourself:

• “The key word is ‘hustle,’ because that’s what you have to do,” Michael advised.
• It’s not all about the writing. As Mike Shea observed, “Your full-time job isn’t writing – it’s looking for work.”
• Debi said, “You’ve got to love it; if you don’t, you need to stop.”

As to whether a journalism degree is essential, the panelists said no. As Michael advised, “If you want to write about sports, get a business or law degree.”

Oddly enough, the panel agreed that even with the demise of so many newspapers, the chances are good for a freelancer to write for newspapers. Because of staff layoffs and cutbacks, newspapers are often open to working with more freelancers.

Advice on pitching and querying:

• As Michael put it, “The toughest thing can be finding the right person to pitch to.” The panelists advised doing your homework by contacting friends or colleagues or even other writers at the publication.
• Your pitch or query should convey how your proposed story would benefit the publication. “Magazine editors look at the value your story would bring to the publication,” Bill said.
• Although e-mail pitches are standard, Debi cautioned writers to be sure to follow up with phone calls.
• Look for other sources for writing jobs besides magazines and newspapers. A lot of businesses and associations contract with writers for press releases and newsletters and even Web site writing.

As much as we don’t like to admit this, it’s often about who you know. Getting to know other writers and going to professional organizations’ meeting and events can also lead to jobs.

Michael passed on this advice from H. L. Mencken giving a speech on writing: “So you want to be writers. Why aren’t you writing?” End of speech.

BM then said, “I can trump your Mencken with Mailer: WRITE!”

Finally, Bill summed it all up: “It’s the greatest job in the world, it’s the ultimate backstage pass.”

Next meeting: Oct. 16, featuring “The Mystique of Critique” (bring something to critique) and the annual election of new board members.

Monday Writing Prompt #1

Get your creative juices flowing with a weekly short essay prompt:

Write about a favorite toy or other object from your childhood.

Email your 300 – 500 word short essay to me by Thursday, September 18, and I’ll post my favorite with next Monday’s writing prompt!

Children’s Writing Workshop – Arlington, TX

The NC/NE Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) would like to extend an invitation to attend the NC/NE SCBWI 2008 One-Day Workshop—”Growing From Your Roots.” This workshop will be held Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas. All the details including schedule and cost are here.

Kristy’s Magical Discovery

MAGIC – GET YER MAGIC

I’m reading Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. So far so great.

We’re doing well here at the office. We have two new interns, Ben and Michelle. Michelle is a senior at the LBJ magnet school and gets credit for our improved publicity. Ben is an aspiring writer and a chef, as well as our Facebook / MySpace guru. I have to mention our new volunteer, Kelly. She’s starting a new career in publicity and is a writer too!

Contest List

Check out this list of 44 contests from Poets and Writers.