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Course Instructor: Anastasia Suen |
Monday, November 28, 2011
New Year's Resolution Early!
Sent off another manuscript!
I'm also going to enter it into some contests. My local library has one and OWFI has another.
It's time to start a new story!
Monday, November 21, 2011
For Writers
Author unknown
Friday, November 11, 2011
Back to AP Style!
If you want to do any serious magazine writing, most of them require that you use the AP Stylebook. Here's a money saving tip: If you buy it as a book, it's about $20-$25. If you buy it as a one-time year subscription, it's $25. BUT, if you do the automatic renewal, it's only $15/year! Even if you find you don't need it later, you can always cancel.
The online version is much easier to use. You can do a search for terms without having to know in which section it is, save often-used terms to your own "notebook," and get updates as they occur. Very handy!
So, back I go to my AP Stylebook for a refresher! (I wonder how many mistakes I made in this entry!)
Friday, November 4, 2011
Interviewing Billie Letts
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Billie Letts |
Yesterday, I had the
privilege of interviewing Billie Letts, author of Where the Heart Is, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, Shoot the Moon, and Made in the U.S.A. For those of you not familiar with
her work, Where the Heart Is was
selected for Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, and it was made into a movie starring
Natalie Portman and Stockard Channing.
Billie is as gracious
as she is talented. I must admit I was a bit nervous interviewing someone so
famous! In fact, I got halfway there, stopped at Barnes and Nobles to pick up
my own copy of Where the Heart Is (I read a library copy.) and then realized I
left all my interviewing notes at home! I ended up being 15 minutes late. I was
mortified! I had no number to reach her other than her publicist, so I called
that number and left a message; but I was sure when I got there, she would
refuse to see me. But she didn’t. Instead, she graciously welcomed me in.
Interviewing Billie Letts is like going to a good
movie. She’s adventurous, compassionate, and funny. She entertained me with
stories about her own life and the lives of others who provide the inspiration behind
her novels. She talked about her most treasured moments of being a famous
author as being when she reads all the letters she receives from young girls
who quit school but go back after reading her books. And, just when I thought
she was getting serious, she'd pop out a sassy joke about herself. It was delightful.
If you ever get a chance to interview Billie Letts, watch out! She will interview you back. Before I left, she found out as much about me as I did about her. I think she's looking for new characters for her next book!
NOTE: The article, "Best Author-Billie Letts," was published in the January 2011 edition of Oklahoma Living Magazine. It also including my review of Lake Tenkiller.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Writing Business - Where is it Going?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Just for Fun - Looking for a Unique Christmas Present?
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HELO-TC |
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Nimrod Conference and Workshop 2011
Workshops include: Q&A Editing and Publishing: Why? How? What? When?; Fiction I; Fiction II; Fiction III; Poetry; Memoir; Finding an Agent; Young Adult Fantasy; Workout: Exercise Your Writing Muscles; Starting and Growing a Literary Magazine; Hands-on Editing Workshops
For more info: check the website. www.utulsa.edu/nimrod
Gloria Teague, Another Reason I Attend Writer's Groups
One reason I love writer's groups is because of the new friendships I form. It's so nice to have other authors to talk to, to critique your work, and encourage you.
I met this sweet gal, Gloria Teague, at Tulsa Night Writers. She's the writer of both fiction and nonfiction; and, currently has two books and two novels out, as well as more than 50 short stories. What an inspiration!
Her newest book, Beyond the Surgeon's Touch: One Miracle Away from Death, is stories based on actual events in emergency rooms that illustrate that miracles can, and do, happen to average people more often than you may realize. I can't wait to read this one!
You can visit Gloria's website at: www.gloriateague.com
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Writers and Exercise
I joined WeightWatchers two years ago and lost 60 pounds; but after I quit, I gained back 15. Needless to say, I'm back on the wagon. Started WeightWatchers again last week!
The other thing I did, by accident, to help my sedentary life situation was to get a dog. I actually went to the shelter to get a cat, but the shelter had just received eight puppies that were ready to be adopted. So I ended up adopting a puppy instead.
Her name is Oreo. She's half Shihtzu and half Jack Russell, and what a bundle of joy! And energetic! Even with her short little legs, she can move. I think I'll get some exercise now! So long sedentary life.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Short Story Contest
Deadline is September 1 - so don't wait. Enter that story you have tucked away in your desk, NOW!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A new subject to write about . . .
I went to the Tulsa Humane Society to get a cat, but they had just gotten in these adorable pups. I just couldn't resist. So now, I'm potty training, crate training, and pretty much exhausted, but loving it.
Today, we went for our first walk in the park. We walked .13 miles in 14 minutes! Not much exercise, but it was so much fun!
Now that I have a dog, I have a whole new topic to write about!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Article Writing - Homeschooling Trends (Oklahoma Living Magazine)
Homeschooling Trends was a fun article for me to write as it was about homeschooling, one of my passions! I enjoyed meeting new homeschooling friends, as well as interviewing Shandra Pinion, a young lady I've known since she was a child.
I also enjoyed working with a new editor, Anna Politano. She was absolutely wonderful to work with. Thank you, Anna, for the great editing job, too!
Magazine writing is a rewarding experience. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. Here are some reasons I like magazine article writing:
- I get to meet new people: the people I interview, as well the editors for whom I am writing
- I get to learn something new - even if I am familiar with the subject, I always learn something from my interviewees
- I get to visit new places - I love to go to new towns, visit their museums and discover their local dining hangouts
- Sometimes I get freebies for writing product reviews, such as iPad covers, appliances, sports equipment, books, etc.
- The assignment has a deadline - I work more efficiently with deadlines
- The assignment is short - I get to see the fruit of my labor much sooner than if I were writing a book
- Writer's Market 2011 - find out which magazines are buying articles and what the editors want
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles - an introduction to magazine writing
- Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing - this is the one I learned with. Although it's not as current as it should be, it still provides all the essential information needed by writers of magazine articles.
- On Writing Well - a classic - this book will help you improve your writing skills. I try to read it at least once a year. It's time to read it again!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Project!
In December, I passed my Technician's license (KF5JFM) and in March, I passed my General. I am currently working on my Extra license. I enjoy teaching and writing, so I have been doing a newsletter for TRO, one of the groups I attend, and I hope to become a VE sometime in the future.
So, what's my new project? I'm thinking about starting an all-girls HAM event. The boys have a donut day every Friday. There is too much testosterone there for me and the donuts are fattening. I got talking with Cathy, another female amateur operator and friend of mine, and decided we needed a Panera Bread group. She said the boys would probably come after they found out how good it was. I said we'll give it a name that will keep them away! So, here it is: The Pink HAMsters! I even had a logo and Facebook Page made for us!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Balancing Act
I need to earn income, so nonfiction writing takes up a large part of my week; I want to help my church and nonprofit groups, so that writing takes up another part of my week. Between that and the rest of my life, I have little time left to work on that book I want to write.
However, the one thing that keeps me going on my fiction writing is my SCBWI critique group. There are four of us in the group, and we meet once a month. Knowing that three other people are expecting me to contribute helps motivate me to keep plugging at my children's book.
If you find yourself putting off that book you want to write, I highly recommend you join or form a critique group. You won't be disappointed!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Writing Without Distractions
Ally writes the first draft on the Alpha Smart and then sends the draft to her computer, where she does all the editing. (She also leaves home so she is not tempted to cook, clean, or otherwise be distracted.

Sure enough, I found an app for my iPad called, My Writing Spot. With this app, I can write, keep track of the number of words written, and sync it with an online version using my Google Account for a backup. I can also send myself an email copy or print the story from the application.
Another feature of My Writing Spot is the ability to look up words in a Thesaurus and Dictionary right from the application.
Simply type the word in on the app; the app goes online behind the scene and brings in the definition or synonyms from Dictionary.com or the online Thesaurus. No need for me to go online and get distracted.
Granted, this app will have the potential for more distractions than the Alpha Smart, but I like the convenience, simplicity and backup features. I carry my iPad with me all the time and have a bluetooth keyboard that I can use with it for more efficient typing.
I'll give it a try for a few days and let you know if it works!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
SCBWI-Writer's Group
Tonight, at my local SCBWI meeting, we were honored to have Ally Carter, author of Heist Society, speak. It was so good! She was funny, as well as informative. We learned all about her road to success, both the good and the bad. Even if I don't write in that genre, it was very informative and inspirational. I got an autographed copy of her book, too!
And then, there is the before and after meeting with all my writer friends. It's so nice to be able to bounce ideas off one another, cheer for those who get published and give a hug to those who get a rejection. We all need friends, especially those who are going through the same things as we are. I wouldn't miss this for anything.
Thanks to Anna Meyers, Pati Hailey, and Helen Newton for planning these events. You are SO appreciated!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A HOT day of HAM Radio!
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Tulsa Repeater Organization at Tour de Cure |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Editing
I interviewed six people and gathered lots of interesting quotes and valuable information. The challenge now is to decide which quotes and information are most important. It makes me sad not to be able to use everything I learned from these helpful and informative people.
I go through this every time I write an article, but it has to be done. Editors aren't happy when you hand in a piece that's too long. So, tomorrow is chopping day! Sigh!
Of course, there is another solution. I could take what's left and craft a second article for another magazine!
Monday, May 30, 2011
My Other Life - HAM Radio Operator
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TRO Communications Team |
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Me - Learning how to do the Log
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Sunday, May 22, 2011
Self Publishing Article in the NYT
News on the Homefront
There are so many things you don't think about until someone close to you loses their vision. For instance, do you know how difficult it is for someone to do the laundry, cook in the oven, or run the dishwasher with the new touch screen pads? They can't feel the buttons. Or how about putting toothpaste on your toothbrush? Or reading a menu and paying the bill at a restaurant when you can't tell what denomination the money is?
It's been quite an adjustment for my husband, Bill, as he loses more and more of his independence, and for me, as I have to take on more and more of the responsibilities. But, with God's help, we are making it and it's getting better every day. We are adjusting and life is good!
Thanks to everyone who has been praying with us as we go through this process. We really appreciate you!
Friday, May 20, 2011
My Other Life - Ham Radio
In January, I became the Public Relations Chair for the Tulsa Repeater Organization. A large part of my responsibility is the TRO Signal Newsletter. I enjoy using my writing skills for this super group of Ham operators.
Our big project right now is setting up our Ham Shack. I'll post some pictures as it develops!
73 KF5JFM
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Heros and Heroines
She mentions a book called, The Complete Writers Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden. If you're looking for a good book on character development, this looks like a great choice.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Time for Nonfiction
The idea came for redecorating my porch came from some purple, pink and white violets I bought at the grocery store. First, I bought purple napkins, pillows, and a candle for my bookshelf. I added another purple and green flower arrangement to the bookshelf, as well as white porcelain cats on two tables.
I already had green and white railroad plates from my mother, so I used those on top of green place mats for the table. In the center, I placed purple grapes in a cut glass bowl.
Next, I found a green lounge chair that goes perfect with the greens in the accessories. Of course, my cat had to help Bill put it together!
Then I moved everything around for a more comfortable setting. That included getting rid of a desk I had in there. No more office look!
What do you think? Isn't this the perfect spot for writing! I'm totally inspired, so back to work!
Monday, March 28, 2011
SCBWI Spring Conference
I met some new writer friends, as well as reconnected with others that I don't often get to see. And, even though I didn't win all the prizes this year, I had a great time! Thanks to everyone who helped on this conference. I really appreciate it.
New story idea
No, I'm not given up on my Ferret story, but I am putting it aside for awhile and thinking about how I can change it back to prose, keep it fun, and make it marketable.
In the meantime, I have a new idea I'm working on for a kids book - it's about circles and squares. I'm also working hard developing characters for my 60's era novel. Must keep writing!
Writer's Workshop-May 8th
The workshop entitled, "Lessons from a Best Seller," is structured into three, fifty-minute sessions and a Q&A session at the end. It will be taught by New York Times best-selling author, Steve Berry, author of The Paris Vendetta, The Emperor's Tomb and others. Berry will instruct participants on the craft of writing, including story structure, effective dialogue, point of view, and other important rules of writing.
Registration is $85 and ends March 31. Send registrations to the Oklahoma History Center Gift Shop, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC, OK 73105 or call 405.522.5214 and pay with a credit card.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Rejections - those necessary evils to make you a better writer!
Rejection #1:
"Thanks very much for sending this story. It's sweet, but the rhyming doesn't feel organic to me, and the writing overall isn't, in my opinion, strong enough for the picture book market. I do appreciate the opportunity, and I wish you the best of luck." Kind regards, Jennifer DeChiara, The Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency
Rejection #2:
"Cindy, Thank you so much for meeting me in New York and for the opportunity to read a sample of CAROLINE'S FERRETS. Unfortunately, this is a pass for me. The writing here is good and the premise is interesting but I'm having a hard time imagining how to pitch or sell this in today's market. I'm afraid the sales hook/potential isn't as strong as I need it to be. You've obviously a very skilled writer but I'm not connecting to the material enough to be the best advocate for it in the marketplace, and you deserve nothing less. I'm sure another agent will feel differently and I look forward to reading about your many successes. Cheers," Mary Kole, Associate Agent, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc."So, what am I doing about it? Well, I'm currently rewriting it, hoping to make it rhyme better and trying to figure out a better sales hook. I'm not giving up on fiction, yet!
Jennifer and Mary - Thank you for the feedback!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Called to Write Conference, April 1-2
This year's conference will feature Terry W. Burns, agent with Harline Literary and Jeanette Gardner Littleton, author and editor for Moody Magazine.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Chicken Soup for Soul writer: Linda Apple
Come at noon with a sack lunch for a time of fellowship.
Meeting begins at 1:00 pm
Fellowship Lutheran Church
6727 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa
Visit the WIN website for directions at www.win-acfw.