Now that August is wrapping up and we’re making the transition into fall, I find myself thinking about organization, setting goals, and clearing my desk for the working months ahead. Maybe it’s the relation of fall to school that always has me thinking autumn is such a great time for working on writing tasks and getting a few big projects from my to-do list accomplished, or maybe it’s just the change in season. But I always feel like fall is the start of something new. A new book; a new collection of poems; a new start….
Summer is such a time of play for me. The workload seems lighter, more playful, and social with readings, festivals, and other events. This change in season brings on a new schedule of events, sure, but it is also one of cracking down and getting to work. I’ve sharpened my pencils, I’ve reorganized my computer files, and I have a nice list of to-dos awaiting my attention as I segue into the next season. What about you? Do you start new projects in the fall? Do you reflect on your progress and set goals for yourself? Do you start drooling at the to-be-read pile, knowing you’ll get around to reading more during the fall than in the busy social months of summer?
Perhaps you’ve been working on something and are eager to receive feedback. If that’s the case, I have to let you know that Aug 31st is the last postmark day to register for the 2009 Critique Mania. This is a fundraiser for Soundings Review, which stems from the Whidbey Island Writers Association. Not only is this a great way to support a fantastic organization for writers, but for a mere $25 a writer can submit 1,000 words of prose or one poem (50 lines max) to be professionally critiqued and reviewed by one of many writers who have volunteered their time to support emerging artists through this fundraiser.
The response is fast – critiques will be returned by October 7th. And, if you have more than one piece you would like critiqued, or wish to have more than one author look at your writing, that’s possible too. So you can pick and choose what you’d like to receive feedback on, select which author(s) you would like to review your work, and all the while you’ll be supporting one of the best writing organizations I have come across.
You can find out more about Critique Mania here and there is detailed info about the participating authors here. Go on, check it out, and if you have something you want critiqued, make sure you get your submission postmarked today!
Also, don’t forget about the upcoming contest! At the end of September, I’ll be randomly selecting a name from the list of blog followers; one lucky winner will receive a personally signed copy of one of my books! So click to follow this blog if you don’t want to miss the latest news, interviews, and guest blogs and snag your chance to win a signed book.
Until next time… happy reading!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
guest blog: quit writing
Today’s post is courtesy of Jude Hardin, who blogs at http://judehardin.blogspot.com, where this post originated in February 2009. I loved it and wanted to share it with you here. Jude is a hard working writer, keeping the dream alive, and he has some truly outstanding posts on his blog, guest interviews, etc. Be sure to check it out after you read this teaser. Thanks to Jude for contributing!
Top Ten Reasons to Quit Writing
By Jude Hardin
10. The odds of landing a book deal right now are about the same as winning the lottery and being struck by lightning on the same day.
9. Even if you do manage to get a book deal, you can make more money bagging groceries.
8. Blank, white, rectangular thingies with the number 1 in the top right corner make you want to puke.
7. You could never write anything as good as {insert name of favorite author here}, so why even bother?
6. If you add one more rejection letter to the pile, the Earth might actually tilt on its axis.
5. There’s this abstract concept you vaguely remember called “a life,” and you’re starting to think you might need to get one.
4. You’re so preoccupied sometimes, complete strangers tap you on the shoulder and say, “Are you all right?”
3. You plan to make whoever was responsible for getting your order wrong at Hardee’s drive-thru yesterday a victim in your next mystery.
2. You have erotic dreams about the sales clerk at Staples.
And the number one reason to quit writing is...
Screw it. I'm not even going to waste my time posting the number one reason. If you’re really a writer, you’ll just ignore it anyway.
****
Thanks, Jude! Readers, be sure to visit Jude’s blog and share your feedback with him here or there.
On Monday, we’ll be returning to our usual blog schedule as my life returns to normal (kind of). I wish to send out a BIG thanks to Kiersten White, Erica Orloff, and Jude Hardin for filling in the cracks during this extra busy month for me. It’s been great to share some additional voices in here, and I hope you have all enjoyed the guest blogs.
Until Monday…. Happy reading!
Top Ten Reasons to Quit Writing
By Jude Hardin
10. The odds of landing a book deal right now are about the same as winning the lottery and being struck by lightning on the same day.
9. Even if you do manage to get a book deal, you can make more money bagging groceries.
8. Blank, white, rectangular thingies with the number 1 in the top right corner make you want to puke.
7. You could never write anything as good as {insert name of favorite author here}, so why even bother?
6. If you add one more rejection letter to the pile, the Earth might actually tilt on its axis.
5. There’s this abstract concept you vaguely remember called “a life,” and you’re starting to think you might need to get one.
4. You’re so preoccupied sometimes, complete strangers tap you on the shoulder and say, “Are you all right?”
3. You plan to make whoever was responsible for getting your order wrong at Hardee’s drive-thru yesterday a victim in your next mystery.
2. You have erotic dreams about the sales clerk at Staples.
And the number one reason to quit writing is...
Screw it. I'm not even going to waste my time posting the number one reason. If you’re really a writer, you’ll just ignore it anyway.
****
Thanks, Jude! Readers, be sure to visit Jude’s blog and share your feedback with him here or there.
On Monday, we’ll be returning to our usual blog schedule as my life returns to normal (kind of). I wish to send out a BIG thanks to Kiersten White, Erica Orloff, and Jude Hardin for filling in the cracks during this extra busy month for me. It’s been great to share some additional voices in here, and I hope you have all enjoyed the guest blogs.
Until Monday…. Happy reading!
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