Maria Schneider Shout Out!

It isn’t every day a writer gets to meet a woman like Maria Schneider. Former Chief Editor at Writer’s Digest and the present Lifestyles Digital Content Manager at the Cincinnati Enquirer, Maria Schneider started her website, Editor Unleashed, with the  goal of bridging the gap between writers and professionals  of the publishing industry.  After a successful year of building her website into an impressive resource for writers, Maria can rest assured she has created something to be proud of.

When I first started writing, ten years ago, the idea of having access to woman with Maria’s exceptional credentials and experience would have been ridiculous. Editors are busy.  They rarely have time to drop you a note let alone answer questions about the craft. What sets Maria and her site, Editor Unleashed, above the norm is her willingness to share the wealth of her experience. In a world where so many individuals are selling their tips and/or publishing secrets, Maria’s generosity in making knowledge available to those who seek it is something that deserves recognition.  If the topic is important to writers, you can count on Maria to blog, twitter or have a guest interview about it.

And if she thinks there’s a worthwhile lesson to be taught?

Last summer, Maria Schneider gave writers the opportunity to slip into an editor’s shoes when she hosted the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Flash Fiction 40 Contest at Editor Unleashed.  Not only were writers invited to submit stories without an entry fee, they were permitted to be active participants of the voting process. In short, the writers got to play editor and vote for the stories they thought should win the 500.00 prize. A diligent participant, I read over 280 stories in one week, judged them based on a 1 to 5 star rating system and voted.

For the first time in my life I got to experience what it was like to shift through hundreds of stories at a breakneck pace. And baby, I was ready to bark at the moon by the time I was done.  My conclusion?   Editors do NOT have a master plan to grind the bones of writers’ dreams into dust for use as a facial scrub. They are hardworking individuals who are faced with the daunting prospect of reading hundred, thousands of manuscripts in order to find the few that meet the standard.

It’s a lesson Maria thought writers ought to learn. It’s a lesson that I’ve remembered each time I’ve sent a story out and had it come back to me. I have Maria to thank for demonstrating what it’s like to be in the editor shoes. I have her to thank for holding a contest that taught me about honesty, hard work, gratitude and above all, graciousness. But then, who better to learn from than a woman who has demonstrated all these things herself?

Maria Schneider is embarking on yet another adventure and I wish her safe journey and best of luck. I want to let her know this is one writer who is grateful for her efforts.  I will remember and I will do my best to pay it forward.

Thank you, Maria, for giving me the incentive to step out and begin my own journey.

Laurel

visit  Maria Schneider’s website  at  www.editorunleashed.com

Feast of Flash at “Not From Here Are you?”

It happened while  we were busily tapping away for the Nation Novel Writing Month.  Talented writer and highly successful author, Michael Solender, decided to hold a contest called “Feast of Flash” during November.  The theme? Thanksgiving of course! Michael, author of the “Not From Here Are You?” blog, added a neat twist. (He is a master at twists, by the way) and listed the prize as  100.00 to the winner’s favorite charity.

And that little perk caused me to pause in my nano write and snap at the hook.  Who could resist an opportunity to help out those in need?  So, I submitted a short story written in the spirit of a long ago memory of myself, my bad dog, and a Thanksgiving Day disaster that occurred many years ago. To fully appreciate the Grand Prize Winner: Thanksgiving Day Pies, you need to understand how very bad my childhood dog was.

Freia was a German Shepherd without a conscience.  She  was supremely intelligent and sneaky as hell.  Our 2nd most famous German Shepherd, the first earned her place in a memorable event which resulted in the collapse of our front porch and a mad chase after a screaming paper boy, Freia tested the limits of my parents tolerance that year by chewing the heads off seven chocolate Easter bunnies, eating food off the table at a every summer picnic, gnawing the leg off our roaster while we were praying over our Sunday meal, pooping on the my mother’s Oriental rug (every other week) and shredding cushions, pillows and the trousers of a electric utility man who swore he could tame any dog. ( I’m afraid,  he was the one who learned to jump before Freia.)

Nothing was off-limits to this dog.  Smart without ever being trained, she once climbed a ladder to return a paint brush that my sister dropped while painting the ceiling.  Freia’s nickname was “Bushwacker” because she would allow anyone onto the property, stalk them like a wolf and charge them when she was confident of her victory.  Many times we found articles scattered on the sidewalk–articles that belonged to would-be visitors  who had been forced to flee the premises. We’d identify them by the wallets or purses left behind and make the obligatory phone calls, apologizing  and promising that it would never happen again.

By the time the terrible pie incident occurred, Freia was on probation. I’d already covered up a plethora of canine indiscretions–a poop outside my parent’s door,  a pee outside the bathroom door, a chewed slipper at the bottom of the staircase AND  a brutally savaged Oriental runner in the upstairs hallway.  (A crime which I concealed by a skillful application of oil paints to the naked mesh.) But even with all my efforts,  Freia was definitely working on her third and  final strike that Thanksgiving Day– a day that went down in history as the day Freia escaped the pound.

I hope you visit Michael Solender’s blog and read “Thanksgiving Day Pies” on Thanksgiving Day.  In fact,  please read  all the wonderful stories he sparked with his challenge.  Each story is worth the visit. Michael is offering one week of delicious Thanksgiving stories.   It’s a collection of great writes by  fabulous authors raising money for charity.  Stop in and read. Leave a comment if you like. These writers are fine.

http://notfromhereareyou.blogspot.com/

Here’s the schedule:

11/24: First Runners up:

Mike Whitney -Simple Gifts

J.F Juzwik – Undying Gratitude.

11/25: Second Runners Up:

Jodi MacArthur- Burning Yesterday

Mary Beth Ray – On The Autostrada

11/ 26: Grand Prize Winner : Laurel Wilczek – Thanksgiving Day Pies.

Saturday 11/28: Lee Hughes

Sunday 11/29: Kim Perzy Urig & Aleathia Drehmer

Monday 11/30: Eric Beetner & Hazar Worth

Tuesday 12/1: Christopher Grant

Wednesday 12/2 Paul Phillips & Erin Cole

Thursday 12/3 Angel Zapata & Daniel Stine

Finished the National Novel Writing Month Challenge!

How did I do that?

I’ve been neglecting you, but with good reason.  I’ve been chasing after my word count for National Novel Writing Month.  And baby, I am done.  I sailed over the finish line yesterday afternoon at 50,000 + words.  Which means, I averaged 2500 words per day or 17,500 words per week. Which  also means my mother is right AGAIN!

When you break a large (seemingly impossible) goal into smaller parts, you are more likely to succeed. I did this fast. I did it without eating myself into a sugar coma. I did it without missing my favorite programs and, much to my family’s relief, without missing one shower.

How did I do it?

This is the first time I’ve broken my writing sessions into two parts. Looking at the results, I’m going to say it’s a good plan.  I wrote twice a day, morning and night, and logged 1,250 for each session.  Each time I sat down I found that goal doable. In fact, I found it downright exciting. Why? There’s something about that number that just seems friendly. Maybe it’s because when I first started writing short stories that was the word count I set. Maybe because 1,700 just reads as 2,000 to my brain and sooo much further away.

The end result was that I hit ground running and never actually felt the crushing weight of the 50,000 word goal.  I felt confident. I felt capable.

Heck, I felt downright powerful.

As for my teen writers NaNo group? I’m proud to say they are all doing themselves proud. Every week they show up. ON TIME! And they leave. LATE! They have excellent work to read and they’ve gotten better and better at providing feedback for each other.  I look at this as the true success of NaNoWriMo for me. To share the fun of creation with young people, to watch them strive for their goals and fight the good fight, is to discover that imagination is not dead, nor is courage.

Trust me.

I’ve got a class of talented writers who prove it every week.

Go NaNo Rhinos!

IT HAS BEGUN!

National Novel Writing Month has arrived!

And I’ve started the race with a dozen teen writers itching to prove themselves. We’ve got a lot of enthusiasm, an excess of talent and tons of CANDY! Personally, I think Chris Baty’s strategy for holding the NaNoWriMo in November is dastardly clever.  Thousands of writers all over the world are participating in Nano.  Here in the United States we’ve got all that Halloween fuel available.  Kinda gives us an advantage, don’t you think?

So how’s it really going? The kids are true competitors.  By Monday, most of them had logged in over two thousand words and counting.  Great group. I love young writers because so much of the world is still fresh in their minds. They’re using their time with me to discuss whatever is on their minds.  The librarian who has been kind enough to set everything up for us has also provided a 24 hour hot line for the kids. They can check in and post questions at anytime up to the last day of November.

I’ve been hearing a lot of back and forth over whether NaNoWriMo is a worthy endeavor. Obviously, I think so.  Besides pushing writers to step out of their comfort zones and do something crazy, NaNoWriMo also brings writers together.  Let’s face it, much of the time we are all in competition for the prize, be it a contest win or publication. Sometimes, I think there is too much stress on combat strategy and not enough stress on working together.

It’s a well-known fact that luck plays a part in success, but all the luck in the world won’t carry a writer if he/she stinks.  The trick is to be prepared for the moment of success. Or as my dad likes to say, “Get all your dogs in a row.” Yeah, I know, but he thinks it’s funny.  I think lining up those “dogs” includes learning and practicing the principle of give and take.  How many times have I heard, “Those who can’t, teach.”

That’s a rotten point of view.  Most of us wouldn’t be here without our teachers. And, after taking classes with teachers like Jordan Rosenfeld and Shelley Lieber, I’m going to add that most of us STILL need teachers along the way.

I think we ought to be more grateful for our mentors. I think that those who teach know that everything given comes back two-fold.

And I think whoever came up with that selfish statement is probably sitting on a rock in the middle of a forgotten desert, wondering why nobody gives a darn that they’re missing from the rest of the human race.

Raven

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH

It’s almost here.  I can feel the tension mounting. The NaNoWriMo event is just about a week away.  All over the world, writers are buring the midnight oil as they prepare for National Novel Writing Month.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about check out this event at:

www.nanowrimo.org

This year, I’m writing with a team of teen writers at our local library. In fact, tomorrow we will be meeting to go over the guidelines for this event.  It’s the first time our library has participated in the NaNo write off and everyone is hyped for Nov. 1, 2009.

I’m also going to be writing with the ever-enthusiastic, albeit insane,  Scribblers group.  Some of the writers in this group are participating in their 3rd or 4th year.  Which brings me to a question that keeps showing up in my mailbox. “Isn’t this a waste of time? What do I get out of NaNo?”

Answer: A novel.

Okay, it’s actually a draft of a novel, but so what? Do you have any idea of the wonderful stuff you’re going to write during this challenge? That draft will be packed with moments of brilliance. You’ll find them when you go back over the novel in the December revision. If you don’t do the December revision, you’ll find them whenever you decide to open up that NaNo file and reread what you’ve done.

This isn’t about writing the perfect novel, it’s about starting and finishing a creative work.  There’s anticipation, frustration, irritation and constipation ahead.  All things you experience at one time or another, but this time you’ll get more than an ulcer, a headache, and a bottle of the pink stuff. This time you get a certificate that says you’re a winner and  a 50,000 draft that’s waiting to be turned into your first published novel.

Remember, NaNoWriMo is an experience. It’s about  pounding out a story for the sheer joy of it.  Friends from all over the world are converging in the NaNo sandbox and they’re bringing  a bucketful  of dreams with them. The excitement is contagious.

Is it a waste of time?

If you join us, you’ll have a novel in thirty days.

If you don’t, you’ll be 50,000 words short of a dream.

Raven

WHERE AM I GOING AND WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Where Have I Been?

I think I’ve been stuck in high anxiety mode for a month and it hasn’t been pleasant.  I’m going to have to figure out the final word count for the TAP! writers, which is impressive because they all kept writing and reporting in throughout the month of August.

Right now, let’s talk about Where I Am Going.

I’m working on a youth  program with the local library.  We’re going to offer local teens the opportunity to participate in National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo.  I’ve done it for three years.  This year, I’m going to play group leader and meet with a group of young writers at the library.  We’re going to do the big write together.

I’m also two weeks into  Jordan Rosenfeld’s four week Fiction Magic class.  She’s an inspirational  teacher with two fantastic books to her credit Write Free and Make a Scene. I love the assignments she’s sending me.  I don’t think I’ve ever pored so hard over my scenes as I have in this class.  It is well worth the money. Check out her blog at

http://www.jordanrosenfeld.net/

I’m also enrolled in Shelley Lieber’s From Class to Cash in 6 Weeks which starts next Tuesday.  Shelley’s Vip Authors site is fantastic.  She’s got audio downloads (coaching calls and author talks) that are extremely helpful for anyone who wants to learn the business side of writing.  I’ve attend several tele-classes hosted by Shelley and I enjoyed them all.  More importantly, I’ve learned more in one hour than I have in three months scanning magazines on the topic of how market myself and my work.  Take a peek at:

www.vipauthors.com

AND I’m returning to my writing group at Writers’ Village University. I’ve missed my buddies over there and though I don’t feel I actually got the rest I’d hoped for during my hiatus, I’m ready to return to the company of these fabulous writers.   I hear the Sweethearts are about to make a run at an intriguing Australian author, among other things.  Sounds like fun.  Guys, I’ve been lurking and reading the assignments.  I can’t wait to get back into Landon’s Lectures.

So, there you are. Or here I am.  Or maybe there I go.

It’s all relative.  I’m sure from the perspective of a fruit fly, I’m standing still.

Raven

DAY 26 of TAP!

I’ve fallen behind in reporting the progress of our writers. Basically, life seems determined to gnaw away at my ankles, undermining my best efforts to keep organized.  This past weekend, my father fell and broke his hip ball joint. Today, my father is undergoing hip surgery.  It’s got me feeling a little nervous and a lot distracted.  I’m going to focus on healing thoughts this morning.

In the meantime…

Our group of writers IS continuing to write and report to me.  I’ll do my best to get those totals up at the end of today.  Let me leave you with a bit of inspiration.

We’ve visited this blog before, this is a second post  that seems to fit my mood of late.

http://backspacewriters.blogspot.com/2009/08/writers-middle-finger-part-two-on.html

You all be good.

Ravenne

Day 20 of Tap!

The drama continues! My daughter sets off for college next week and I am scrambling to get things squared away before she leaves.  As most people know, it’s a bad year for college students with student grants.  Everyone is cutting back, even the high schools.  Yesterday, I learned the dual enrollment program offered to high school seniors has been suspended. No money.  It’s a real shame because my first daughter was able to take five college classes through it and was able to get into an exceptional college after high school.  Looks like my second daughter won’t be able to get any help from that program.

It’s tough out here.   Do you hear talk that the recession is over?  Perhaps the media ought to take a look down at us folks in the trenches before they start singing that tune.

“Good news!” says the government. “You can all buy new cars to live in after you lose your homes!“

You know what I think? A clearance sale on unsold stock is just a sale on stuff nobody wanted to buy in the first place.  Be careful if you’re buying.  Choose wisely.  I’ve been reading Consumer Reports on cars and I am appalled at how poorly many of these “bargain” cars did in the ratings.

Could the junker you know be better than the junky car the  dealers are pushing off on you? I visited more than a few dealers who didn’t have the stock they advertised for the junker program.  Quite a few dealers decided not to follow the government list as to whether or not our car qualified for the program and in two cases I noted that the sale price of vehicle we were considering had been increased by two thousand dollars from last year. So, be careful.

Anyway, I’ll be updating the totals later today.  Right now,  I better start writing.

I’m going to need to buy dog food this week.

Ravenne

DAY 17 of TAP!

Things got a bit hairy around my house last week.  Big family party.  Run in with a deer.  Doctor appointments for everybody starting school in a few weeks.  Massive anxiety over whether the clunker I know is better than a new car with horrible reliability ratings and an expiration date stamped on the tail plate.  Seems to me that a sale on clearance is a sale on stuff nobody wanted to buy in the first place.

Between visits to the doctor and many, many dealerships in our area, I did work on my project.  I managed to dedicate two hours a day to my project, even on Sunday.  As for everyone else? Aven tells me he had his hands full getting ready for a family event, so his word count is down.   Paige had a couple days of vacation away from home.  She’ll be back tomorrow night. Shriek checked in on Friday.

Here are the totals for Wednesday  Aug 12th to Sunday August 16th:

Aven reports  13,500 words

Paige reports  11,500

Raven reports 2 hours per day to the rewrite. Additional chapters dropped.  Restructure chapter order…AGAIN!

Shriek reports 21,900 words as of August 16th.

Greta assures me she is working steadily on her novel.

Remember,  each writer’s progress is measured differently.  I think we are all doing great!  It isn’t easy to keep to a schedule.  All things considered, this group is doing very well.  Aven, I hope your party was a big success, but I’m on your tail as of right now.  Put the trash out on the curb and get back to writing.    Paige, you’ve come quite a way in determining the direction of your story.  Stick with the character sketches. They are looking good.  Greta, I know you’re there, working in the background. More power to you! And Shriek, you’ve probably hit 20,000 by now.  Judging by the work you’ve posted in World Building over at WUV,  you must be rocking

Keep up the good work, everyone!  I’m back from my temporary detour.  Will see if anyone checks in today to update their totals.

In the meantime, here’s a cool link  that will help you see the other side of the submission process.  It seems writers aren’t the only people who need to gripe.  Scroll down to “Important Lessons of the Week; Or, Thank God That’s  Almost Over” for a taste of blog personality.

http://www.therejectionist.com/

LOL. I believe I got this one from the Writers’ Village University Assembly Board.

MONDAY TOTALS:  DAY  17 Totals

Aven reports he’s playing hooky for another day.

Paige didn’t check in today.

Greta is working steadily.

Shriek is dealing with a fried monitor and will report her word count later.

Raven has spent two hours working on Chapter 7.

That’s it for today.  I’m going to bed early.

Good night and pleasant dreams.

Raven

DAY 11 OF TAP!

Tuesday Evening Totals:
Aven 500 words =10,000 words so far!

Paige: 1100 words= 10,000 words so far!

Greta: still moving along. Getting through a tough area.

Raven :  1000 words. (remember, I’m revising. I cut out a long scene)

spent 1 1/2 hours at the write and 1/2 hours reading about scenes.

Shriek :  informs me that she, too, is revising and that means word count will not reflect her work effort. For her, this is about the time she is putting into her draft.

“Therefore I DEMAND from myself the right amount of TIME in my weekday schedule: 1 hour early before work and 2 hours after I’ve caught my second wind following work.” (Shriek)

And that demonstrates what Greta is doing too!  The writing process is an individual thing.  Being flexible enough to accept that there are many ways to determine a successful writing session is very important!

AND because I gave into temptation and watched a movie last night, I’m going to offer up a special link.  I found this link at www.awritersgroup.blogspot.com Try visiting Joan sometime. She has tremendous resources available on various writing  topics.  A buddy of mine from SweetHearts at Writers’ Village University, she’s a talent in her own right.  As for the link, that goes out to Paperback which belongs to Lynn Viehl, a truly inspirational writer who has over 45 paperbacks to her credit. She’s a lovely person who generously shares her knowledge with anyone who is in need of wise advice. Check her out at:

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2009/06/seven-deadly-writing-sins.html

If you live in my neck of the woods, I hope you made it through the storms   It’s a mystical night over here. The fog has crept into my backyard on cloven hooves.  I believe I see–yes, I do! A half dozen silvery eyes peering up at me.  I’m going down to take a closer look. Um, if I’m not back tomorrow, keep writing. I’ll be doing research on the other side of that white curtain.

Raven