Write the Book of Your Dreams in Beautiful Tuscany!
August 31, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
It’s not too early to start planning ahead!
Join me for a week long writers’ workshop in Cortona, Italy, next summer – June 4-11, 2011.
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Imagine…
Staying at a centuries old monastery that is now a 3 star resort…
Writing in the beautiful Tuscany countryside every morning and afternoon…
Taking part in a wine tasting every evening before enjoying a delicious Italian dinner!
You truly will Have the Time of Your Life and Write the Book of Your Dreams!
And here’s an extra special bonus, at NO extra charge – for 12 months AFTER we return from Italy, we’ll meet once a month via telephone as a group to critique and review your ongoing chapters to make sure you FINISH writing the book you start in Italy!
Register NOW to have the time of your life as you write the book of your dreams!
A Few Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing
August 29, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
It doesn’t take much to improve your writing. Here are 4 ways to instantly strengthen your fiction or nonfiction:
1. Comb through each sentence in the manuscript, looking for places where you’ve repeated a word, over and over again. For example, I receive book reviews for the National Writing for Children Center every week. It’s surprising how often the word “book” can be repeated within a short, 250 to 500-word review. I spend a lot of time reworking sentences just to eliminate the word “book” as much as possible. A strong manuscript doesn’t overuse words unless they’re repeated to create rhythm or to emphasize something (as in the case of a children’s picture book, for example).
2. Look for lenthy sentences that muddle your meaning. If a sentence is too long, it becomes difficult for the reader to remember what you’re talking about. Aim for shorter sentences, as a rule.
3. Eliminate the word “that” whenever possible. How do you know when you can cut it? When the sentence makes sense without “that”, of course.
4. When you write for publication, often you’ll need to adhere to strict word limits. Learn to write things as short and simply as possible. Almost anything you write can be revised and shortened, yet I have writers all the time who tell me, “I know I need to get the word count down on this article. But I can’t find anything I can cut.” My answer to that is, “You’re just being lazy! Go back over every sentence looking for words and phrases you can trim.”
Here’s an example of a sentence that can easily be cut from 14 words to just 10 words.
14 words: Here are a few tips to follow in order to edit your manuscript effectively.
10 words: Here are a few tips for effectively editing your manuscript.
See how easy it was to smooth out that sentence and cut a few words?
It isn’t difficult to trim most manuscripts. Follow these tips and you’ll produce stronger, shorter, less clunky articles and stories right away.
Try it!
Suzanne
The Working Writer’s Coach
P.S. For a simple lesson each week that will help you Write Better, More Powerful, More Engaging Nonfiction, register for my 52-week e-course here now!
A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a PODCASTING PRO!
August 28, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
Annie Jennings, of the National PR Firm Annie Jennings PR, and Andrew Schlichting, WEB 2.0 Director from PRWEB.com present a 10 Session “How To Podcast” Support Group where you learn everything from the very basics to how to distribute your PODCASTS all over the world.
Listen to their F.REE 10 audio session series.
WHAT’S IN THE PODCASTING SUPPORT GROUPS 10 AUDIO SESSION SERIES?
Session 1 discusses what a podcast is and what the group can expect from the meetings. The group talks about equipment you will need to build a podcast as well as assigns homework.
Session 2 discusses the different types of microphones, microphone pickups, iPods, MP3 players, podcasts, and audio file formats.
Session 3 contains information about podcast feeds, view option in itunes, khz, kbps, group testimonials, and ends with downloading Audacity.
Session 4 discusses the free recording software Audacity, the free audio recording & editing program. The group talks about the features of the software as well as how to use them.
Session 5 discusses Firefox, exporting and converting MP3′s, initial exploration of using Blogger or WordPress and Feedburner to move into the distribution phase including an RSS discussion.
Session 6 discusses bandwidth, web space for posting MP3′s, Blogger,WordPress.com. The group advises becoming familiar with Blogger & WordPress.com to be prepared for Session 7 where we will discuss building a blog & about RSS distribution.
Session 7 discusses how to create a blog using WordPress. Learn the details on blog creation and be sure to come to the next Podcast Support Group, #8, with an MP3 recording that is “Podcast Ready”.
Session 8 of the Podcast Support Group discusses how to build our RSS feed using Feedburner.
Session 9 we discuss what to do after creating an RSS feed. We go back to the itunes music store and use another feature (uploading the podcast). As well as creating an account with Podcastpickle.
In the10th and final session of the Podcast Support Group hosted by PRWeb.com and Annie Jennings PR we recap how to build a podcast from scratch. From tagging to distribution we cover how to successfully build a podcast from scratch.
All for you HERE.
Check Out ArtSkirt – A Pure Art Journalism Resource
August 26, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
If you love resource sites for artists, writers, and other creative types, check out ArtSkirt.com, which bills itself as “a pure art journalism resource.” And while you’re there, read my article called Six Simple Ways to Make the Most of Any Writing Workshop or Writing Class.
You’ll find helpful links and other resources for writers at ArtSkirt as well as content on all sorts of topics–everything from DIY (Do-It-Yourself) articles to blogs about religion and announcements for cultural events across the country.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
August 25, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
As a writer, I usually read the types of books I’d like to write. But recently I got caught up in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, even though I don’t usually read crime novels, and I’d never be able to write something like this – I don’t think I’d even want to try. Still, it’s good to see what techniques another author uses to create tension and maintain suspense and develop the characters.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first in a trilogy, which includes The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.
There is also an interesting story behind these stories. For one thing, the author died before any of these books was published.
Watch this trailer to get a feel for the book, although you can’t really tell what the story is about.
Have you read any of the books in this series? If so, what did you think?
Need a Speaker for Your Conference or Other Event?
August 24, 2010 by Working Writers Coach
Filed under Blog
One of the things I enjoy most is speaking at writers’ conferences and workshops. I just LOVE to help other writers learn more about the business of writing. I also like to speak at meetings for small business owners, coaches, and other professionals since there are so many ways that today’s entrepreneurs and other business people can write their way to business success.
I have several prepared presentations that I offer for events. Some of these presentations are perfect for writers’ conferences. Others are better for my author visits to schools and meetings of homeschool organizations.
If you need a speaker for your next event, send me an email with information about your event and let me know what you are looking for. If I don’t have a prepared presentation, chances are I can create something specifically for your group!
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