The writers of old paved a literary path that we now enjoy. They could
not have foreseen the legacy they left for us. I’d be willing to bet that
even in this digital age where heart is so often replaced by a bottom line
and spirit is starved by the electronic equipment we depend on so
heavily, they would be proud to see that the spirit and nobility of the
tradition of writing has survived and flourished.

As a writer who has been “in the ranks” for over 15 years, I toast all the
hard work, dedication and tradition of all the writers I’ve known and have
yet to meet. My hat is off to you all, and I wish you all prosperity, fame
and most important of all, happiness in your work!

Cherie’ Davidson is a freelance writer and Web content developer who
lives in the Pacific Northwest with her toy poodle, Auggie Dog, her
“energy muse.” During her “day job” she runs her own freelance writing
business, Suitable Words Publications (http://www.suitablewords.com),
where she writes and promotes Website content, designs and develops
e-books, hires out as a copywriter and writes a wide variety of articles
and essays. She has finally caved in and started a blog for helpful and
humorous comments and articles for and about writing. You are invited
to visit her blog at http://suitablewords.blogspot.com or drop her a note
at cherie@suitablewords.com

His fascination with France began at the age ofseventeen when, as the ‘lowliest trainee’ in Shell, hewas instructed to accompany his boss - a Mr. Jenkins -on a trip to Paris, and discovered that there was moreto life than fish-and-chips. Jenkins, needless to say,was a caricature of the Englishman abroad(”personally, I never eat anything I can’tpronounce”).

In his twenties he went to New York and becameadvertising copywriter for David Ogilvy. He laterreturned to England to a comfortable life inadvertising, with a salary higher than the PrimeMinister’s.

At age 35, after ‘one committee meeting too many’, heleft his career as an advertising executive and movedwith his wife and children to Devon in the south ofEngland to write children’s books.

In 1974 one of his books - ‘Where Did I Come From’ -became a best-seller, but because of an unfavorabledeal with the publisher, the book didn’t make himwealthy.

In his late 40’s Peter Mayle moved with his third wifeto Provence in the south of France, where theyrenovated an old farmhouse.

Their experiences became the subject for ‘A Year inProvence’ which was an instant success and spent threeyears on the New York Times best-seller list. It wastranslated into twenty languages and turned into a BBCseries.

‘A Year in Provence’ was followed by ‘ToujoursProvence’ and ‘Encore Provence’.

But his new-found fame came at a cost. Hordes oftourists and reporters descended on Provence lookingfor the writer and his house.

Not realizing the book would become a best-seller,Peter Mayle had given an accurate description of thelocation of his house in the opening pages of ‘A YearIn Provence’.

Plagued with unwanted visitors, and suddenly unpopularwith the locals, Peter Mayle fled with his wife to Long Island.

Four years later, when the hue and cry had died down,he returned to France and bought a large house nearAvignon.

Peter Mayle’s success with the Provence books spawneda new genre in travel writing - books by Englishmenwho leave the cold wet island, set up house insunnier climes and then write about the curious habitsof the locals. There’s even a phrase for it: “Doing aPeter Mayle”.

You can get your copy of ‘A Year in Provence’ at:
http://www.ezine-writer.com/mayle.html

————————————————————
Michael Southon has been writing for the Internet for over 3
years. He has shown hundreds of webmasters how to use this
simple technique to build a successful online business. Click
here to find out more: http://ezine-writer.com/
————————————————————

Writers write? Right?
Whether we’re amateurs or professionals, we all share one common daily activity - writing.

So it makes sense that those successful writers would enjoy writing about their personal experiences in the publishing industry as much as they enjoy writing articles, reports, or books for profit.

Thankfully many best-selling authors and established experts in our industry willingly share their advice and suggestions for those beginners seeking to develop a profitable, fulfilling career as a writer.

I have read a lot of free reports, downloaded dozens of free tips and guides offered by online authors, published professionals and Internet marketing gurus. I have also purchased guides to writing for a living, books about how to become a successful writer, and e-books written by online experts.

I cannot tell you how to become a successful writer or whose book you should buy to learn guaranteed secrets to getting published. I can tell you my personal opinion and beliefs about what advice has proven to be valuable and what suggestions failed to provide me with any assistance!

First of all, regardless of whether I read a free resource or paid for a book of ideas about writing, a few frequent recommendations were offered by most successful writers.

1 - Write what you know about. Use your own life-experiences, passions, and interests to inspire ideas for articles.

2 - Create a how-to report about something in demand by the masses. Information sells, they say.
Most commonly suggested topics include:

• How to make money


• How to save money


• How to become a better… (parent, spouse, business person etc.)


• How to succeed in… (life, business, personal relationships etc.)


• How to get free stuff… (publicity, money, products, publications etc.)


• How to reach your dreams


• How to become more… (self-confident, financially secure, better-looking, slimmer etc.)

- and other topics that give people good ideas, viable resources, and unique opportunities.

3 - Establish your own personal website. Give your “how-to” report away for free. By doing these two things, they say you will be able to promote yourself without spending a lot of money and you will attract people to your website to get your free report, which will give you the opportunity to sell them your other services.

4- Produce an e-zine. By offering to deliver a “free” newsletter to someone’s email box, you should be able to establish a list of readers. If your e-zine provides something valuable to your subscribers, you will continue to build a constant audience that you can promote yourself to every day, every week or every month (depending on the frequency of your publication.)

5- Write an e-book. Again your topic should be something you know about, some valuable tips you’ve acquired through your own life experiences or by extensive, documented research, or some unique, original ideas you can share with others to make their life better. Give your e-book away for free. (See #3 for the reasons why you should offer it free)

Maybe these ideas will work for you. Maybe they won’t. Maybe they’re becoming overused or over-publicized, thus decreasing their value, successful results and potential profitability.

For more information and resources to get published on the Internet, see the category Self-Publishing at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1860.asp

Best of Luck to You! If becoming a self-published writer, creating an e-book or ezine, and/or getting published on the Internet are ideas that intrigue you, please be sure to come back to this site in the next few weeks. I plan to continue my coverage of these topics in more depth, featuring additional, related resources for you to investigate on the web.

© Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of the Free Ezine for Writers featuring news, reviews, and continuously updated links to the best resources for writers online like - freelancing & jobs, markets & publishers, literary agents, classes & contests, and more… Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp

So I wonder, is it possible to see into the future? To hear the world speaks to you as if warning you or directing you into what could be your fate or purpose? I usually see some kind of psychic or gypsy when I hit the ole road and somehow they usually tell me things that I don’t ever expect. I always go in thinking I’m going to spot whatever tricks they might be using or clever ways to make me believe that they could know something about me. But is it really that hard to believe? The human mind is capable of so many things; look at how far we have come! In not even a hundred years we have nearly turned into the jetsons, well maybe not exactly but for the most part, definitely compared to the old west! Have you ever seen that discovery channel special on the Chinese medicine guy that can heat foil white hot with his hands and the energy from his chi? If that guy can do that with infrared cameras rolling on the discovery channel and monks can sit on the floor in the snow or set themselves on fire and not run around screaming to put it out is it really so hard to believe that somehow you could glimpse into the future with enough focus to pull information out?

You may ask yourself:
How can I submit it to publishers?
How can I present it?

Here comes the cover letter. It is not difficult to write one, just follow the instructions below.

Submitting the right cover letter to the editors /publishers will increase your chances of getting your work accepted!

What is a cover letter?

It is a letter that goes with your work. You can’t send your work alone. You need to say something about it and about yourself in the cover letter.

This letter is very important as it is this document that will persuade prospective editors/publishers to read your work.

It is not difficult to write a cover letter, but you should be careful not to omit any essential info. If you don’t do it right, you can’t expect success.

I will help you do it right. If I can write a cover letter, you can do it, too. It’s easy.

Let’s get started!

• First write your name, address and contact number/e-mail on the right side of an A4 sheet.

• Next, write the editor/publisher’s name and address on the left side, below your personal info.

• Write the date on the right side.

• Start with : Dear Mr/Ms -name of publisher

It’s better to write the name of the publisher if you know it. If you don’t, start with: Dear Sir/Madam

• Keep in mind that the letter is formal. Don’t use any contractions such as I’m or it’s.

The first paragraph

Now you can add the first paragraph. It goes like this:

‘I enclose the synopsis of my book/article and I wonder if you would be interested in it.’

• Now give the publisher sufficient info about your book/article. Tell him in 1-2 lines the content of your book/article.

e.g. Let us suppose you’ve written a book about Turtles.

You can write:

TURTLES is about keeping and caring for turtle pets indoors.

The main body

You should tell the publisher why the people are going to read such a book, and who is going to buy it.

e.g. TURTLES is a pet book that would interest children from 8-16 years old, and all pet lovers as well. This book is original because it is written with children at that age in mind , and it is practical and easy to read.

• You must convince the publisher that you are qualified to write on the subject.

e.g. ‘ This book is based on my own experience in turtle
breeding. Or ‘ I have worked in a pet shop for two years…’ . You can add any experience you’ve had on this subject. Ask yourself:

Any other experience relevant?
Any studies?
Any research?

More tips

• Be brief and informative. One page of an A4 sheet is enough.

• Now, if you wish, mention in your letter that you also enclose a sample chapter of your book.

e.g ‘I also enclose a list of chapters and a sample
chapter for you to read.’

The cover letter usually goes with a synopsis, a sample

chapter and a list of chapters.

This is the complete proposal package and I always do so myself. However, you can send a cover letter and a synopsis only, but be prepared to have a sample chapter ready whenever you are asked to by a publisher to submit it.

It usually takes a lot of time before you get a reply, so you may as well send the whole package to save time.

• State that you enclose a s.a.e ( a second envelope that is stamped and addressed to yourself). They are not going to reply if you don’t enclose this.

• Close the letter. Be polite.

e.g. ‘ Thank you for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest

convenience.

Yours sincerely

Your full name

Your e-mail address

• If you wish to use the internet to submit your work, follow the same procedure-of course there’s no need for a s.a.e.

Last notice

Before you submit any work, read the regulations thoroughly . Some publishers do not accept sample work via e-mail!

Now, you are ready to write your own cover letter.

GOOD LUCK!

———————————————————————-

748

Liana Metal is a teacher, artist and freelance writer based in Greece.

Visit her web site and become a contributor!
lianametal.tripod.com
lianametal.tripod.com/thehostel
liamet.tripod.com/flowers

Author Promotion at Author-Promo.tripod.com

Contact her at lianametal@yahoo.com

Before you write that check, research and evaluate the contests that interest you. Narrow down your choices to the best contests for you personally and the best ones for your scripts. These guidelines might help:

TIPS FOR RESEARCHING CONTESTS

> Check out their website >

Nearly all contests have an online page with guidelines and other vital details. I know it’s tempting to salivate over the prize list and ignore the other features available on the site. Don’t let the promised goodies distract you –> $10,000 and a trip to Hollywood to meet the film industry movers and shakers you dream of impressing. You’re on a mission. You need to find out if the contest has preferences regarding the subject matter of the script, the ethnicity/gender of the author or the area where the writer resides.

Shortcut: At the very least read the FAQ page and note the submission deadline.

> Rely on peer reports >

If you belong to any online screenwriting discussion lists (and you should!), post a query about the contests you’re considering. Learn from the experiences of others. Movie Bytes offers a very useful feature to help you: Contest Report Card. Writers evaluate contests they’ve entered and post their comments. Take advantage of this wonderful resource:

> Feedback, feedback, feedback >

Unproduced writers need professional feedback. Some contests offer feedback on your script as part of the package. Even if you don’t win, you’ve received some extra value for your money. If the source of the ‘professional feedback’ is not listed on the site, send an email requesting this information. It’s important — pin them down!

> Script readings >

Some contests offer a staged reading of the winning script (or the scripts of all the finalists) as part of the prize. Script readings can be a great tool to help you polish your script as well as good industry exposure. Insider tip: Film festival script competitions in particular seem to offer script-reading opportunities to their finalists.

TIPS FOR EVALUATING CONTESTS

> Sponsors >

The people or companies sponsoring the contest should identify themselves and they should have film industry credentials. Some contests feature a well-known director, actor or producer as a nominal sponsor, implying that this person will read the final scripts or at least the winning one. If that is so, it should be stated in their guidelines or on their website - don’t just assume it’s true.

> Judges >

Some contests post their judges’ names and credentials. I find this reassuring; however many legitimate contests don’t make this information available for various reasons, not necessarily because they’re hiding something shady. A general guideline: The less information the contest makes available, the more aggressively you should query the contest contacts before your write them a check.

> Press releases >

You want to win a contest that makes an effort to publicize their winners. When you come across the press releases of contests that tout their finalists or winners, resist pitching a rant at your agent; instead swallow your envy and jot down the contest details so you can enter the next time around.

> Paid ads announcing winners >

The most helpful form of publicity for contest winners are paid ads in the film industry trade papers. This species is rare; but when you come across it, make a note to at least research the contests that promote their winners in Variety, Hollywood Reporter and the major film magazines.

> Industry contact >

Many contests promise the winners and/or finalists will be exposed to important film industry contacts. Vague promises or inuendoes don’t count. The legitimate contests get specific about what they mean by exposure. Exposure could mean a phone conversation with an agent, a script submission to a studio slushpile, a professional pitching session or an all-expense-paid trip to Hollywood or New York City. Find out.

> Production promises >

Some contests promise that the winning script or scripts will be produced. Yipee! But do they back up this promise with results? Find out - call their bluff. Tip for cynics: Request a contact email for a previous winner or finalist.

IN SHORT: BE CHOOSY!

I hope these guidelines help you find a contest that works for you and your script. Be choosy - it’s your money, your script, and your career.

FEEDBACK: screenwriter@breakingin.net

About the author:

Lenore Wright has 15 years experience selling spec scripts and movie pitches in Hollywood and New York. For a free tutorial on script formats log onto her site => www.breakingin.net/format_tutorial.htm

For FREE insider tips on marketing scripts SUBSCRIBE to SCRIPT MARKET NEWS => mailto:newsletter@breakingin.net

lwright665@aol.com

Some of this thought requires you to consider which attendant gifts will thrill your devoted friends and family who stand by your side on your special day. I’m sure that you have many fond memories that can be captured in the right attendant gifts if you devote a little time to the cause.

Most men love sports. You really can’t go wrong with a sports theme in your attendant gifts. Try tickets to the next hockey game after the wedding. The guys will have a great time and have a great memory of the thoughtful present. Some have suggested golf lessons for the occasion, but I wouldn’t want to insult anyone.

My husband chose the Pittsburgh Steelers for his theme. This worked out great for our wedding party. We bought a Steelers tie for our driver and each attendant got various Steelers paraphernalia specific to his own taste. My business-minded brother received a paperweight with the team logo etched inside while my husband’s brother got a Steeler’s clock.

These attendant gifts are special because they are not normally associated with weddings in particular. Instead, they represent the relationship between my husband and his friends and family.

Right now poker is one of the hottest trends. Even the ladies love poker these days and the entire theme is a great idea for attendant gifts. You can include decks of cards and some poker chips in the collection. This is a personal favorite of mine.

Those who like to stick to tradition can do so in unique ways. For example, common attendant gifts include money clips and watches. There are money clips available in gold or silver that has the face of a watch on the front of them. These working clocks serve a second function.

Whether you want your friends to share a special night out after the wedding or whether you want tradition to stand strong, take a little time to put some thought into your attendant gifts. It will pay off in the end.

Translated in Dutch it means: Woon je in Reusel-De Mierden of Geldermalsen en heb je BKR codering. Lenen met en BKR codering is nog nooit zo eenvoudig geweest. Koop een andere auto met mini krediet, 214540 euro is geen probleem om te lenen. Van Overbetuwe tot Marum, financieren met BKR gaat hier altijd.

A merchant bank in Compton California or so can have a total totally different actual interest rate for a 30000 dollar bank loan then a merchant bank in Niagara Falls New York and that makes a vast clear difference in your monthly costs.

The poem basically discussed the good effects of the El Nio phenomenon to the Phillipines in the year 1997. It won’t be called an ode if it won’t tackle the positive and good things! Through this poem, I had given another view to the adverse effects of the said phenomenon. There is more than the perspiration we excrete, the thirst we experience and the scorching heat we endure.

This poem was never published in our school paper due to its unfamiliar wordings and its incomprehensible meaning. Apparently, it was not suitable for high school students to read. Luckily, it was noticed in North America. The poem was selected as a semi-finalist in the North American Open Poetry Contest, in which the final competition was held last winter of 1998. In addition, it was published in The National Library of Poetry’s classic edition-quality hardbound volume, Dawn of Silence, last January 1999. The said poem was not only presented in print but also in spoken word. It was recorded in a cassette tape, The Sound of Poetry, wherein beautiful baroque music and a brief commentary of the poetry served as a prelude to the selected artistry. Originally, this poem was composed of 40 lines, but due to contest rules and regulations, I’d trimmed it down to 20 lines. So far, this is the most high-end poem I’ve ever written.

Ode to El Nio

by Jocell Siyangbigay Maranan

Such could a many canonist e’er canst beck

Gypsies, atheists failed shuffling their tarots

Of mishap; a Centaur, a man and a beast

Hail! Thy little child was born.

Anglophobic was he!

Aye! Aye! Aye!

Together wi’ Hephaestus, slain Nereus, defamed Ganga

Poseidon hath no choice but taste thine might of trident

Lo! Naiads though vagrant hobbled after a sloth

In tri frets higher, blew horns against thy Mother.

Doth Orientals quaffed thine potion made?

Thinking they opened e’ry knocking on the door,

And scooped eddies hiding near the barnyard,

Three times daily, a month or two

Prosaic, consciousness holds still!

As lofty as a king, as bold as a knight

A word in his mouth merged the bestrewed

Gin he does not touch the peaceful morn,

Would blood be water? Would thistles flower?

Would sick tigers feel well? Would empty heads be filled?

About the Author: Jocell Maranan’s Short Biography: Jocell Siyangbigay Maranan was born on February 9, 1982 in Batangas City. He is the third of the five children of Mr. Juan A. Maranan (deceased), a public school teacher, and Mrs. Cecilia S. Maranan, a registered midwife. His father died at the age of 62 when he was 14 years old. Because of this, his mother struggled in raising him and his siblings solely. At an early age, he showed signs of eagerness to go to school. He spent his kindergarten days in Bauan East Central School, elementary in St. Theresa’s Academy and high school in Sta. Teresa College.

Source: www.isnare.com

Wearing happy faces
That smiles upon every glances
This is the time we would truly miss
My one last piece of happiness

The freedom to walk
Alas! I’m free
The freedom to speak
I never thought I could be

Chances that come and won’t ever come back
Using it wisely as to how as use it now
Glad to be with my friends whom I can’t see any more
This would be my one last piece of happiness

I am the champion without medals
I am the champion without trophies
I am the champion without plaques
I am the champion in my one last piece of happiness

A while ago the tears fell down the ground
Making a sound that I could only hear
The sound of our smiles and laughters
The sound that I will always remember!

About the Author: C A R L

Source: www.isnare.com