Top Ten Great Headline Ideas

What Makes a Great Headline?

Headlines are far more important than the copy beneath them. If you don't use headlines within your chapter or in your Web site sales letters and article titles, you will lose your audience's attention in a few seconds. And, that's serious.

Apply These Top Ten Headline Ideas and Prosper

Your Headline...

1. Needs to compel and propel the skimmer to stay and go to sales copy beneath if on your Web site. Your book chapter headlines should lead your reader by the hand to what he wants to know. They can be questions or statements, but make them clear, and if possible, sizzle.

2. Must be attention-getting. Use emotion in your copywriting because people buy because they connect emotionally, not because they need something.

3. Make it benefit-driven--how your product or service will solve your audience's problem, concern, or challenge.

4. Make an irresistible offer. Most eBooks that sell well offer special bonus reports they attach at the end of the document. People often buy just because of the bonus such as my "How to Get Testimonials from the Rich and Famous" for my book on writing a book.

5. Make a wild promise and pay up. Most people don't like hype, but will notice your promises in your benefit statements. Back it up with the how when they read the copy beneath the headline.

6. Keep it simple. Some headlines go on and on to include many problems and benefits. Stick to a one line for the best results.

7. Include one top benefit. The top headline of your Web or email sales letter should taut your number one benefit of your product or service. Show the big result and wow your readers. They are looking for answers.

8. Build curiosity/suspense. Would this attract you? "Overcome Writers' Block with Snake Dancing?" Sometimes the improbable can hook your readers attention, and that's what you want.

9. Must be "you" centered.

Instead of saying "I can do this for you" write it "You will get this benefit when you..." Check out your home page. Does it need a lift? If it has a lot about you, your mission, and your bio, you have missed the mark.

10. Think before you write your headlines. Leave the lackluster ones behind. To announce his seminars, one client put "Upcoming Seminars" in the email subject line. Who cares? Entice your market to act by making a specific, benefit-driven headline.

To prepare for great headlines, start with a list of great benefits. Before you post, check with associates for their reactions. They are a sample of the groups and individuals you want to attract.

Business Writing: 10 Great Authors

Great business writers combine narrative skills with sound judgment to create classics that help both the beginner and the mid-career professional.

Writing's completely subjective. What interests you may not interest me. But if somebody told me I could read the wisdom of only ten business writers, these are the ones I'd choose:

1. Socrates - He was likely history's first "self-help" writer. He taught people to seek ultimate truths by questioning conventional wisdom and examining their own beliefs. He said folks shouldn't accept opinion as fact.

2. Sophocles - Another guy with no last name. He created plays that usually centered on a single heroic character who chose an unpopular course of action. This dramatist may have been the first "niche" marketer.

3. Benjamin Franklin - This multi-talented American championed succinct writing, and his epigrams became part of our national heritage. Ben warned, "He that speaks much is much mistaken." Franklin succeeded in multiple business ventures.

4. Mark Twain - He's been called America's finest author because he wrote in American dialect, using phrases and speech unique to the United States. He punctured pompous prose, and laced his stories with regional references. (Many say Twain was also America's greatest lecturer.)

5. Claude Hopkins - This researcher wrote "Scientific Advertising" in 1923. He's among the first to discuss the use of product samples and demonstrations.

6. Edward Bernays - This nephew of Sigmund Freud is called the "father of public relations." He authored the classic book "Crystallizing Public Opinion" in 1923.

7. Dale Carnegie - His book "how to Win Friends and Influence People" is one history's greatest guides. He discussed the value of developing one's personality, and wrote beautifully.

8. David Ogilvy - This brilliant copywriter and ad agency executive believed in the value of brand image, and valued advertising research and testing.

9. John Caples - His wonderful books like "Tested Advertising Methods" serve as a great source of information on powerful words, phrases, sentences, headlines, and much more.

10. Al Ries and Jack Trout - They wrote the classic "Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind," which discusses ways to get your product or service remembered. (It's my favorite business book.)

Taking the Free Out of Freelance Writing

When you run an online agency for freelance writers, editors and proofreaders you'd think the biggest problem would be attracting employers who are willing to pay a decent hourly rate for freelance writing.

You'd be wrong.

Actually, the biggest problem is dealing with freelancers who're absolutely determined to offer their services for free. This week I was forced to suspend the account of one of our writers for just this reason. She had repeatedly responded to requests for tenders on our jobs board with the offer of free writing, which she would provide on the basis that if the employer liked it, they could arrange a fee. And if not? well, if not, she would have wasted time that she could have spent finding a paid writing job.

Why "freelance" shouldn't mean "free."

Unfortunately, this kind of scenario is all too common in the world of freelance writing, where there are so many writers chasing the same jobs that it's hard not to feel that you have to be as competitive as possible in order to win the tender.

Writing for free isn't "being competitive", though. It's being taken advantage of. Unfortunately, this is another concept which many freelance writers are all too familiar with. We're asked to write "for the experience" or for the byline. We're expected to want to spend hours of our time and a huge chunk of our talent working on a writing project just for the fun of it. Sadly, many of us do.

The problem with freelance writing

It's a problem which is peculiar to the freelance writing business. So-called "employers" who wouldn't dream of asking a mechanic to repair their car "just for the experience", or offer an accountant the "opportunity" to deal with their tax returns "for fun", think nothing of asking talented writers, who've spent years honing their skill, to work for nothing more than their name on the bottom of their article, and maybe a link to their website - if they're lucky.

There are a lot of unscrupulous "employers" out there. In the scenario above, there's a good chance that the writer never would have been paid for her work. When you offer to write for someone with the promise that "if you don't like it, you don't have to pay me, and if you do, we'll work out a fee", there's always a risk that you'll get stung. What's to stop the "employer" from telling you "thanks, but no thanks" - and then using your work anyway? What if they agree to pay you, but want to pay far less than you're worth?

How to make sure you're paid for your work

We all know how competitive freelance writing is. But that doesn't mean you should simply give your work away. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, try to always bear these rules in mind:

1. Always agree your fee upfront

Never start work on a project unless you know how much you'll be paid, and how the money will change hands. Some writers insist on 50% upfront and the rest on completion, others are prepared to be paid when they hand over the work. However you do it, make sure both yourself and the client are clear on the details.

2. Get it in writing

One you've agreed your free, and the project details, it's a good idea to get things in writing. You can download standard contracts online, or get your lawyer to prepare one for you, but make sure you have something to prove what's been agreed, especially for larger projects.

3. Join a reputable agency

WritingWorld.org was formed based on the principle that freelance writers deserve to be paid, just like any other professional. All job postings on our boards are closely monitored, and we do not allow our freelancers to work for free.

Writing With Power: 5 Snappy Rules For Success

Almost everyone could profit from enhancing their writing skills. From writing more crisp meta-tags - which search engine bots find quite sexy - to turbo-charging your blog readership by writing with punch, a skilled pen can propel any online effort in the right direction. But who has the time, money or know-how to tackle this daunting task, right? On the contrary, I have just the free and powerful writing clinic for you. We have named it "Writing With Power." And did I mention it's free?

Here, we - my friends and I - aim to lend a boost to your writing skills fast. We do this for people all the time by showing them how to use George Orwell's oh-so-practical principles of good writing. Today, I will offer five of them, and show you how to use them with ease. But first I must introduce you to an odd sort of person, whom I call, "Homo Graphicus," and he stars in a very popular fib dubbed the "Myth of the Great Writer."

What does he do? He sits far back in the recesses of your mind, whittling away at another masterpiece. For, you see, he flawlessly crafts only the finest specimens of the literary art, and he does so day-in and day-out. No piles of crumpled paper wads litter his desk or the floor, and he doesn't DO erasers. He simply presses the "insight" button, absorbs the inspired notion, and, with a flick of the wrist, returns to churning out his next scripted champion.

Now, the good news for those of us with all the creative flare of peet moss is this: this man does not exist. There are no great writers. The world knows only great rewriters. The way to produce a fine piece of writing comes by outlining briefly what you wish to say, filling out the floor plan with a few data from your research, and then by sifting carefully through the first draft many times - systematically. Just follow the rules, step-by-step.

So where's the love? It comes by filtering the unruly items from your draft (with our rules), and replacing them with the beloved features of good writing. Here, you take your very rough draft - and some will prove rougher than others - and purge from it all the dross in a step-by-step fashion, with rules simple enough for clever pets to follow. Even Cocoa could do this.

Our first rule, we shall say this way: prefer concrete nouns to the abstract. By "concrete" I mean to suggest that you should employ the kinds of nouns we can all see, taste, smell, hear and see. This would include peanut butter, cars, frying pans, and DVD's. Abstract nouns, on the other hand, insist on playing hide-and-seek from our five senses. Most of the badly overused ones end in "-tion." These include words like marginalization, utilization, and transportation. Good rewriters will make every effort to paint pictures, so to speak, in the minds of their readers. Do not simply tell them, SHOW them. Now be assured that no one has the foggiest idea what "marginalization" looks like, but we all know a marshmallow when we see one. Paint vivid, lustrous - even golden - pictures in your readers' minds. Use images that drip honey. So replace the do-nothing abstract nouns in your draft with smoldering wicks, chandeliers of fiery brass, and shimmering scarlet wine (preferably California Cabernets).

Moving on to rule number two, we encourage good rewriters to supplant verb forms of "to be" (e.g. was, were, are, am, will be) with active verbs. Adorn your draft with highly-caffeinated words that careen, thunder, swoop, roar, derail and dance. Comatose words like "is" barely manage to register a heartbeat as verbs. They portray nothing at all. Some politicians, it is rumored, do not even know what the meaning of "is" really is. Yet, who can blame them for wanting to defrock such a flimsy and haggard word? As a good rewriter, you must convict and impeach these lackluster, worthless, and dull-witted imposters - meaning, of course, lazy verbs - not the politicians.

Under the rubric of rule three, good rewriting will insist that you vary your word choices. Do not employ the same words too often. This means you must scan the draft to spy out the repeat offenders, so you can give their space to an underemployed synonym. You can plunder any good thesaurus to get these. Variety remains THE spice central to good writing, so spice it up.

Rule number four for good rewriting warns us to keep it short and snappy. Take a step back form your paper for a moment to clean it up now. Go ahead and give your draft a clean shave, and take a little off the top. Trimming from your draft excess words, phrases, and perhaps even sentences, will ensure clear writing that gets right to the point. If your sentence says it in twenty words, find a way to say it in, maybe, fifteen. But watch out for nicks and cuts. Never toss out any important ideas or words essential to your writing task. Yet, when it doubt, throw it out - or at the least - give it a fair snipping to keep it lean.

Finally, rule number five bids good rewriters juggle their sentence lengths. Mix it up. If your first sentence spans only a few words, follow this with a lengthier one. Then chase that one with a mid-length sentence. This creates an almost enchanting, writing "flow"- where your readers wonder what will come next. This subtle variety in your writing style draws the reader in, and keeps her coming back. And we know that keeping readers interested remains the best way to keep them.

Now these rules work very well and can improve your writing immensely almost at once, but only if you put them to use. On such topics as these, of course, I have much more to say. And I hasten to do so at: http://scriberight.blogspot.com, giving examples, tips and great resources along the way. Remember, you will need to rely heavily on a fairly comprehensive thesaurus. Don't be afraid to invest a little in this venture.

All the best efforts of the academic world have not managed to prevent the current shortage of good rewriters. Most folks still cling to the "Myth of the Great Writer," and this hinders them from jumping straightway into the river of personal advancement. Don't let a literary fiction keep you from securing your own set of extremely marketable and valuable skills with a little effort and practice. Start today, and come on in - the water is fine. And did I mention that it's free?

Carson Day has written approximately 1.3 gazillion articles and essays, many with very insightful, if alternative, viewpoints. He presently writes for Ophir Gold Corporation, and specialized in the history of ideas in college. He has been quoted in the past as saying "What box?" and remains at large despite the best efforts of the civil authorities.

Becoming A Successful Author: The Price!

So you want to be a successful author? You want to be up there with Brown, Archer, King, but what price are you prepared to pay? You might be lucky and your first book could be an overnight success but the chances are you'll be hacking it for years before success knocks.

If you decided to become a lawyer, an accountant, a bricklayer, or even to start an 'ordinary' business then you would be prepared to make sacrifices, to invest in the future. Why expect it to be different??

The amount of effort you put into your apprenticeship will dictate how successful you will be as a fully fledged tradesman, a successful author!

Are you prepared to spend a year putting a novel together to have it rejected by not one, not two, not three but four publishers? Are you prepared to take the novel sit down and do a major rewrite! If you are then you might, just might, be more successful second time around.

Harder still are your prepared to accept that the book just doesn't hack it and bin it!

There are very few real overnight successes: role up your sleeves and do some hard graft, learn the trade. Then you'll succeed.

Competitions are a good starting point. You are continuously challenged to meet deadlines. You should aim to enter at least one competition a month and you should aim to enter all the major competitions for new writers. For details on current competitions see my website http://www.abcwritersnetwork.co.uk/competitions.htm Remember that as far as major competitions are concerned you can 'win' without collecting the first prize, though that would be nice! Get a good mention and it will do your career the world of good. Publishers are often asked to judge competitions, think name recognition.

Competitions also help you understand what it is you are doing wrong, and what it is you are doing right. Contact the winner, congratulate them on their success, ask them for a copy of the winning entry and see how it differed from yours.

When entering a competition you are effectively asking someone's advice, you are asking them is my entry the best in the bunch. And they will say either yes or no! The price here is rejection.

If possible get your own personal critic. Your wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, sibling. Anyone as long as they are prepared to give you a good, fair, honest opinion and not just say for an easy life, 'that's a fantastic story.' If they're not prepared to give it to you, warts and all, then let them wait until they eventually see your name in print.

A good place to find honest critics is at your local writing group. Join one, join two - but join! Some people underestimate these groups; think that they are just a bundle of middle age women playing at writing. In many cases that is correct but there is always one or two serious authors there and it is those you want to meet. Together you can knock ideas of one another. Believe me you will learn and grow.

You wouldn't dream of becoming a lawyer or a doctor without buying the books necessary to study. Granted you'll not buy them all, you'll borrow some, perhaps most, from the university library but there are key books you'll need throughout your career and these you will buy and use again and again.

Why on earth are you not prepared to invest in your chosen career by buying your own trade books? I've given a list of the most popular ones over on my website. They're not all essential, like all reference books there is some cross over. But please: beg, borrow or steal (no skip that last one!) at least three of them. I've suggested the main ones. It's all part of the price.

You've decided on the genre you're going to specialize in. You have, haven't you!! Well then make it a point to read at least one, if not two, books in that genre each week.

We all like to go to our local library and borrow books, and I'm all for supporting my local library. Be honest though, they are totally under-funded and while my librarians are wonderful they can't come up with the goods.

I'm not suggesting buying a new book every week but I do suggest buying one every four to six weeks. You must keep up with what the market is producing. My site carries information on what is current - http://www.abcwritersnetwork.co.uk/reviews.htm.

For those of us who are forty plus tax there is the added danger of reading what we like: be careful, ask yourself the question would your favourite author hack it today?

Consider collecting the works of a particular (modern) author who you appreciate and admire and don't be afraid to use the yellow marker, after all they are text books, not collector's items.

What ever you do, don't try to be the same.. Why be a second rate Stephen King, or Jeffery Archer when you can be an original!

Best Writing Advice I Ever Got

I've been in the communications business a long time?over 25 years. During that period I've gathered writing suggestions from all over, and put much of it in my new book "Words That Stick."

In the next few paragraphs, I'll give you some of the best advice I've received. Perhaps some of this will help you write better instantly.

Writing is a one-to-one communication. The best writing literally comes alive. It makes the reader believe the writer is speaking to him or her alone.

I hope you enjoy this list of tips. After you read them, try a few out.

1. The headline - or heading - of a report is the most important part. Research tells us it's read four times as much as the rest of the copy. That's why it's gotta be really good.

2. My favorite headlines are slightly incongruous. They just don't quite make sense. That's what forces me to read more.

3. One of the strongest first sentences is one that asks a question. Example: "Do you have these symptoms of fatigue?"

4. It appears that the faster the world moves, the more readers gravitate to short copy. Most of us are looking for quick explanations and simple solutions. Can you provide those to your reader?

5. Readers generally quit reading because they get bored. Therefore, each paragraph should be exciting, logical, and compel the reader to keep going.

6. One of the best ways to convince the reader to agree with you is to provide testimonials. A testimonial is someone else's validation of your product or service.

7. The ending to a report should sound natural to the reader. If you begin the ending well - by signaling your readers you're nearing the conclusion - they will know to expect it in the next few sentences.

Top Seven Ways to Write your Print or eBook Fast

Want to write your book? But, need a blueprint on why it will help your profits and brand your business? Need to know each step so you can delegate it to an assistant or do it yourself in just an hour a day for less than a month?

Each chapter within my eBook "Write Your Print or Other Short Book-Fast!" can help fiction and non-fiction authors.

Ch. 1. Why Write a Book?

The best way to brand your business is to author a book. It's cheaper, faster, and better received than CD's or audios. Attract clients and customers, be known as the savvy expert, make consistent income for life, and share your useful how-tos with your audience. Discover how to choose a subject that sells, test your book's significance, and how it will outsell others. See your sales explode and hear your toll-free book order number ring like a stuck slot machine.

Ch. 2. Write your Chapters in Half the Time with Fewer Edits

People are more likely to recommend books they've read cover-to-cover. Your readers will keep turning pages and love your chapter's step-by-step guidance. Catapult fiction or non-fiction book sales on the back end with. Judy's "Fast-Forward Writing Technique." and slash editing time in half while writing easy to read copy. Consider your satisfied readers as your 24/7 sales team to put the power of "word of mouth" promotion to work for you!

Ch. 3. Market While you Write with the "Essential Nine-Hot-Selling Points"

The #1 goal of effective book marketing is to pre-sell your book. Design every part of your book as a sales tool before you write a single chapter. Know the "Nine Hot-Selling Points" to guide your writing to solve your reader's problem or challenge. Cut writing time and produce a superior book with this success blueprint.

Ch. 4. Which Way to Publish is Best for You?

Publish the best way to make you, the author, the most money. Discover the myths of traditional publishing and the solutions, and how Print on Demand can be an author's friend. Forget the long, slow, less money, hard road of traditional publishing path. Speed up your book's finish line with self-publishing--both with your print or eBook.

Ch. 5. Organize your Book Before you Write it

If it takes more than a minute to find any book file or folder, you're losing time, money and opportunities. Successful authors organize their book project files because it eliminates needless procrastination and frustration. Learn Judy's "Think Tupperware" method. Everything important is kept handy, fresh and easy to use.

Ch. 6. eBook Opportunities

Ebooks are cheap to produce, and offer higher net income per sale with considerably less risk than print." Make 100% of your book's profits, publish easily and instantly without the long, hard traditional road. Judy shares choices that suit your budget and time frame. Thousands of targeted Online potential buyers want and need your information! Sell your eBook on the Internet for highest profits.

Ch. 7. How to Choose your Book's Format

Choose your book's best format to suit the right style to publish and promote it. Write an eBook and a print book at the same time. Choose your format from Judy's "Four Format Options." Compare prices to save you money and fit your book's purpose.

Don't get discouraged by reading about high self-publishing costs. Your book can bypass roadblocks when you open your mind to a tried and true way to share your important message.

Personal Journaling - Strategies To Make It Easy

Recently I was watching the Oprah show and it was about doing something really great in someones life. Was it buying them a special gift? Or taking them out? Not really.

It was about saying something really special to them. Telling a child how beautiful they are. Telling someone you love how you appreciate their beauty, how you love spending your life with them.

Comments like these last for that person and makes an "imprint" on them for the rest of their life. Especially to children.

When I was a child my mother had an album for me, you know the magnetic kind. But she did something different....

She wrote words of love on the pages.

I remember sitting and looking at my album over and over at the pen on those pages, know how much she loved me because I read those words over and over.

They also say, "Children live what they learn."

Isn't that so true?

We all know as scrapbookers how important journaling is to our albums, but alot of us get stuck with what to say.

Sometimes we feel like robots writing down, the place time, etc.

Next time you sit down to journal remember that your child will read your words over and over. And how much your love will be conveyed to them.

You don't need to write a long story about your day to the beach. Even simple statements can show your child how you loved your day with them.

Personal journaling is exactly that. Your own personal story about your time with your child.

Learn how to convey your true self to your child. Honour your day with your handwriting, and your child will read it over and over again like I did as a child.

Enjoy journaling for your baby!

Writing for the Internet -- How To Give the Readers What They Want

In this article you will find tips on: How to intrigue your readers from the very start-the most important part of your piece isn't the content, Once they're hooked-reel them in, How to keep them reading through the entire piece instead of scanning for information, Break it up!-How to keep their attention span from reaching its limits, and How to keep your readers from becoming distracted while reading your well crafted articles.

Introduction
If you're new at writing on the Super Information Highway you may be stumped as to what readers want. As the Internet has become a major staple to the information flow of our society--and many around the world--more and more of the traditional writers have turned to the Internet and discovered new heights for their creative genius. So, with that said, let's get on with the Info!

The Most Important Part of Your Piece Isn't the Content
"What?" you say. "But isn't the content what it's all about?" Yes and no. If what you've written isn't very good, the effort you put into your work was most likely in vein. But, the body of your work isn't the first thing that your audience sees. The title of your piece is the most important part of your article. If the title doesn't grab their attention, and arouse their curiosity, they won't even give a second thought to reading what you've worked so diligently to produce. Make it so intriguing that they won't want to pass it up for fear of not being able to find it again.

Once They're Hooked-Reel Them In
Now that you've gotten their attention, you need to keep it--because if you don't, they're only a click away from never coming back. You need to do something to keep them wanting more. Provide them with an index of sorts, as I have done for you at the beginning of this article. Let them know what you are going to be telling them. Break it up into sections so they can easily tell where each begins and ends. Make bold headings for each of your sub-sections.

How To Keep Them Reading Through the Entire piece
This is the most important thing you can do to keep your reader's attention--the placement of your information. You need to take all of your pertinent information and stuff it at the top of your piece. Take the most important information from each section and push it to the beginning of that section. After you have done that, cut out everything else. Yes, I said it! Get rid of all that hard work you put into writing all the extra little things about your topic. If it is not absolutely necessary, get rid of it. Why? Because those who surf the web for information don't want all the little details-unless that is the purpose of the written piece.

Break It Up!
Now that you have thrown out most of your work, break up your sections into shorter paragraphs. Readers feel overwhelmed by long sections. They don't want to get a headache from your work, that's why you did it for them!

How to Keep Your Readers from Becoming Distracted
You've read plenty of articles on the Internet by now, so you know that while links are a great asset to have, it's distracting when you're reading and you come across a link that takes you somewhere you want to go, but then you forget about what you were reading in the first place and you lose interest. Put those links at the end of your article. Merely let the reader know--within the body of the text--that they can find additional information if they follow the links provided at the end of the article.

Conclusion
If everyone followed these simple guidelines, I believe, the Internet would be a much easier place to visit when looking for key information. I hope the information provided in this article will help you as much as it has me.

Planning Time To Write

In his book, "Achieving Financial Independence as a Freelance Writer," Ray Dreyfack, a full-time freelancer for 30 years, suggests that writers "ease" into full-time writing while maintaining their day jobs. If you're following this advice, either by choice or by necessity, you know that it's not always easy. Obligations to jobs and families tend to take priority over writing. It's easy to lose focus of your writing goals when you have so many distractions in your life.

It is possible to pursue a career as a freelance writer, even though you can't commit yourself to it full time. All you need are three things: time management skills, desire, and a day-planner. If you have the first two, you can get the third after you read this article!

Schedule Your Week

As in any part-time job, you must determine your hours of availability. Every Sunday evening check your calendar for the upcoming week. Schedule yourself "off" for the days filled other obligations. Establish what your work hours will be before you do anything else. Write your work days and times in your planner.

Writing Goals

Most experts promote the practice of setting writing goals. However, plans such as, "write something everyday" or "research on Mondays, write queries on Tuesdays," (you get the picture), are too vague for writers operating on a time crunch. What happens if your child has a band concert on Tuesday? Not only will that throw you off course for this week, chances are, it will also set you back the following week. These disruptions in such a loose plan can cause frustration and weaken your writing resolve. For greater productivity, set your goals on a weekly basis, after you've determined your hours of availability. Plan what you will do at each work session, according to the time available, and write it in your planner. This way, you'll be focused the minute you sit down, instead of trying to decide what you should do.

Create A Secondary "To Do" List

This list is separate from your weekly plan. It contains tasks that require a small block of time to complete. Organizing files, writing greeting card ditties, sending out reprint offers, and researching markets are some examples. This list is where you turn when you unexpectedly find yourself with extra work time. It will also come in handy on those days when your work time has been unavoidably reduced. Without this list, you may end up spending this precious time trying to decide what to do with it. Designate an area in your planner for this list. Remember to cross off your accomplishments and add to your list as needed.

Organize Your Supplies

Keep everything you need in one area. Nothing wastes time like repeatedly getting up to retrieve items you need. If you have an office or work area, keep your most important tools of the trade close at hand. If you don't have an area designated for your writing, a bin with everything you'll need works just fine.

Use an area in your planner to keep track of your writing supplies. Make a list of everything you use. As you begin to run low on any of the items, make a note to replenish your stock as soon as possible.

Show Up For Work

A Beginners Guide to Writing a Novel

No one is born a novel writer. But do you believe that we all have the capability to be writers? Impossible as it may seem but the answer is yes! If we have the passion for it and if we strive to make it happen, novelwriting can be as easy as writing ABC. Writing is actually not a very complicated thing. It is just like drawing, painting, and even cooking. It is an art! Your imagination is all that it takes to get it started. What makes it hard is not writing itself but how people make it harder than it really is.

The first key to writing a novel is the ability to dream and imagine. Think back to when you were a little child and dreamed. Your imagination took you to places you've never been before. It made you do things you never thought you could do. Having superpowers... being in strange places... the conditions are limitless. Writing a novel is actually imagination translated into words. You close your eyes and let your thoughts drift while creating a web of consequential ideas. After which, you write them down on paper.

The second key to writing is formulating the premise of your novel. Let's say you'd start with a huge asteroid moving about in space. Then suddenly it collided with another asteroid and instantly created an explosion. Some of the explosion's debris fell down into the earth's atmosphere. By accident a person comes in contact with it. These sequence of events could be your initial start in which you let your mind take hold of and run with to produce the succeeding events.

The third key would be creating a stream of spontaneous ideas. Once you have the initial idea, sink down into it and allow yourself to be completely absorbed. Let's say after the person comes in contact with the asteroid debris, he gains supernatural powers! And then he notices some new changes in his being, not just physically but also emotionally and psychologically. This is where an avalanche of new ideas start coming in. You will notice that you are no longer directing your story but your story is directing you. That makes writing now so easy. You don't need to analyze anything because the story now starts to play like a movie. All you have to do is put them into words as the story plays in your head.

Next, make sure you are able to retain your daydreaming and concentration as one event goes after another. This state is now called the "alpha state". According to Judith Tramayne-Barth, this is the place between consciousness and sleep. Time stands still when you are in this state. Words keep coming to you until you start to feel pain in your legs and in your waist and then you suddenly flick consciousness and you become flabbergasted because you've not only written one or two pages but five or more without even knowing it!

The next key would be to practice flipping in and out of the "alpha state". You can do this by rereading what you've written and internalizing it as if it was your first time. It might take you time, as much as hours or even days before you are able to go to your "alpha state" again but once you're adept at going into the zone, it would only be a matter of minutes before you start writing a new dialogue.

So, you've finished your story! Now it's time to do the final touch-ups. There is still one last thing that you need to do. Yea, you guessed it. You need to check the entire story again for spelling, punctuations, grammar, correct word usage and coherence. You might even need to revise it a few times before you are able to arrive with the final output. But don't fret, it's not much work really compared to writing the entire novel. What's important is you now have your own novel, written by yourself, using your very own imagination. How much more proud could you get?

Benjamin Franklin: His Ageless Writing Tips

If Ben Franklin were alive today, he would be...uh, very old. But his writing style would be as current as e-mail, yet as timeless as the man himself.

This great American championed succinct writing, and his epigrams became part of our national heritage. Before discussing his classic quotes, let's first examine how he grew into an acclaimed wordsmith.

Apprenticed as a printer's helper, Franklin studied the handbills and circulars his shop printed. When newsletters and newspapers began in the colonies, Franklin submitted letters or witty sayings under a pseudonym.

More and more of his short sayings began to appear. People enjoyed them, so Franklin decided to publish even more with the creation of "Poor Richard's Almanac." What attracted readers to him?

a. He wrote simply. He knew his audience, and focused on basic words and ideas.

b. He wrote briefly. The Almanac itself emphasizes frugality and brevity. "Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly," Franklin said.

c. He used humor. Franklin's sayings are among the most quoted in history.

d. He spoke of moral truths, and offered valuable advice.

Next time you sit down to write, remember that the reader's very busy. So deliver your message simply and memorably.

What you Dont Know About Book Publishing Can Cost You

Dream that your book can be a number one best seller? Read books or visit Web sites that say they have your answers? -- All you need to do is get their program, follow their advice, and the world is yours. Or, you think I'll write it, but someone else can market and promote it. And that would be who? Publishers certainly don't promote unknown authors.

Which author are you?

1. Individual dreamer. Naive, you don't know what makes a saleable book, nor want to promote it. You often contact the Print on Demand companies who charge little on the front end, but over price your book and overcharge for your wholesale copies too. They make money. The author doesn't.

2. An unknown seeking prestige writer. You know your book can beat the odds. You write a longer book like winners in your field, chase the traditional publishing dream so you will be respected, get on Oprah, and get a big agent/publisher deal.

Think again. These businesses accept 1-2% of the top submissions. Unless you are famous, you will miss out and spend a lot of time and money trying to get their attention. Check with other authors whose publishing adventure went south. Know that even if you get on the shows, you don't get a guarantee of selling books. In two years, one client went broke getting ready for Dr. Phil's show (printed 20,000 books) and when he got on, he didn't have enough money to write a good sales page for Phil's Web site that was only up two weeks.

3. A businessperson who wants their book to brand their business and attract higher paying clients. You may want a publisher for prestige, but some of you will opt for a self-publishing approach where you will make all the profits. You know no one else will do it for you, so you spend time and money on learning how to write a saleable book as well as promoting it--especially Online.

4. An open-minded savvy person who knows there are multiple ways to write and publish a saleable book. You can leverage your success writing a print and eBook, and learn how to connect with the huge, Online audience, ready to buy books conveniently and fast on many topics.

You don't have to publish the slow, hard, alone way. Educate yourself on self-publishing and its rewards that give many an author/business person like myself a healthy income.

Story Building with Imagination

In the words of Aristotle, "happiness is self contentedness helping to make children deeply and quietly glad that they are who they are, and gives them a priceless legacy: the strength to meet life's stresses and the courage to become committed, responsible, productive, creative, and fully human adults... Helping a child is the greatest gift you can give in the language of the human heart. It spells love in the most profound way."

Elements of Storybuilding

"HOPE YOU ARE READY!!!! I AM GOING TO HELP TAKE YOU ON A MAGICAL RIDE CALLED STORYBUILDING"

Remember

There is something that belongs to you and nobody else - something that you can always keep a secret. There is something so special that it is priceless, and yet it costs you nothing. This is something that can never be taken away from you, but is yours to share with as many people as you choose. This is something you can keep for a lifetime and use anytime. Do you know what it is? Do you give up? This is your imagination.

What does your imagination look like? Where is your imagination? Close your eyes, and try to see it - try to feel it. It's alive - and yes, it's active. Has anyone ever commented on your active mind? No? Yes? Well, it's natural for you to have an active mind. The thoughts that keep your mind active are important because like your imagination, they are your very own. In fact, they run straight from your mind to your imagination, and keep on running around once they team up with your memory. Your memory spends a lot of time with your imagination. Mind, memory, and imagination form important triangles that make even everyday happenings worth writing about.

Remember today, did you make you bed? Did you walk to school? Did you ride your bike? Did you do your homework? Did you watch TV?

I can't hear you, but I am going to imagine you can remember making your bed. You continue remembering whatever it is you choose. Follow my example, and answer my questions with your own information.

How did you feel? (When I made my bed, I felt angry)

Why did you feel that way? (I was late for ball practice)

What did you hear? (My mom was waking up my little brother)

What did you smell? (Breakfast cooking - I was too late to eat)

Close your eyes, and remember your very own experiences.

Recite

Recite your answers aloud. Listen, when you remember, it will be your imagination reciting to you inside your head. If you don't hear anything, that's okay, I'll bet you can see pictures - describe them out loud. Recite the description to yourself or your helper.

"I'm making my bed. Yeah, yeah, and I see something - look, there's something there. I can hear voices and I smell something and I'm feeling angry - I'm late, and I'm hungry."

Be patient, just muter out what ever your imagination brings into your mind.

Record

If you don't like to write, don't go away; just ask someone to write down, or record you thoughts for you. Get them down on paper - record those memories, or even record them into a tape recorder, if that's what you prefer.

When you've finished, you will have built a beginning to a story! Hmmmmm! Now I have to use my imagination to pretend I'm you because I want you to see just how this works.

If I write something like you did, don't say I copied! If I'm extremely different, you can laugh. If you read what I've written, or ask your helper to read it out to you, you'll see the kind of paragraph I am asking you to remember recite and record.

Here goes:

"Today, I made my bed. I was feeling angry, because I was late. I saw the baseball glove I thought I'd lost, and heard my mother calling my brother. I smelled bacon - my favourite, but I wouldn't have time to eat. Baseball practice was in ten minutes. At least I'd found my glove."

Is yours like that? I can't believe that it is, because your memories are special, unique and different. But I'm sure your paragraph is very interesting.

Special? Interesting: Sure it is! This paragraph of yours is a wonderful beginning for a story. So, what's next? Well, this is where the magic really begins, because you are moving away from your memory into imagination. Do you remember where your imagination is? When you find it, ask it a question. "Imagination, what if?"

Here's what my imagination might say to me about my example.

What if, while you were making your bed, there was an earthquake!

What if you fell downstairs!

What if your little brother ripped your bed apart!

What if an alien landed in your window!

You thought of own "what if", didn't you? Of course you did, because your imagination is your very own. Well, you can recite till it sounds okay, and then record what is going to be your second paragraph now - just you, your imagination and your helper if you have one.

How exciting it would be to read this new story aloud to family, friends or teachers - to an audience. Exiting? About making a bed? Did I hear you ask me if I were serious?

Yes, of course, I am. It's up to you if you feel comfortable, but I bet this good story of yours will have a great ending. How do you build that ending, anyway? Ask your imagination to suggest something. Recite it aloud, and then record it so you don't forget. Here are some examples for my story.

It was all a dream and you wake up - you're not really late?

You have to teach an alien race how to play baseball?

Your mother insists that your little brother has to make you bed for a week to make up to you?

Well, it's your story, and because it comes from your very own memories and imagination, it's yours and extra special. We've built an exciting story together - you, me, and your imagination. It's a good story with a beginning, middle and end. There is some excitement - and it's based on a real memory.

Rewrite

We've decided that you have built an excellent story. But how do you know it's well built?

Good story builders build until they run out of ideas, and stop as certainly as if they've seen a red light. That's what you did. When the building stops is the time to check if it is as well-built as it can possible be. Checking and fixing is the part of story building called rewriting.

Pick up that story you've just built. Read that good story out loud to yourself or ask you helper to read it back. Read it proudly with a lot of expression.

Do you understand what you've recorded? Is it clear? In my example, if I said there was a moon shining through my bedroom window, but it's almost time for baseball practice, that's confusing for my audience.

Audience, yes, it's time to imagine you have an audience who cannot see into your imagination the same you can. Have you brought out all those good ideas and recorded them just so that audience can understand what you are saying?

If there's something confusing - rebuild, rewrite it, or ask you helper to rewrite.

Another example from my story is that I might have said "he" ripped my newly-made bed apart.

Who's he? Asks my imaginary audience. My little brother, or course, I answer. You didn't say so though, the audience complains. That's confusing!

It's time to rewrite, - fix it up.

Good writing is clear writing. Is you helper writing for you? That's wonderful! You can tell your helper words to record as clearly as if you were writing them yourself.

Did you know that many authors dictate stories into a tape recorder? Sometimes somebody else types them out to help. The stories always belong to the person who imagined them - who build them.

Imagine - even if you do not like writing, or reading, you can be a powerful story builder!

Did you use a lot of words in one sentence, so that when you or your helper reads aloud, the tongue trips, your imaginary audience is confused and bored?

Like this: "The baseball glove that I had lost was under the bed. I reached under the bed and pulled out the baseball glove that I had lost. I was very very happy that I had found the baseball glove that I had lost.

Don't worry. It only takes magic tricks to fix it up and rewrite. Magic - you don't have to really know the rules, you just make things sound right. Now, listen:

"My lost baseball glove! It was under the bed. I reached and pulled it out. Finding that glove made me so happy!"

Doesn't that sound like something you would say if you were talking out loud? It doesn't have to be different when you record it. Just imagine yourself telling the story out loud - yes, there's that imagination again.

Everything you do everyday can build a story with the help of your imagination.

Any story can be a good story. Any good story can be well written. Like riding a bike, swimming, or playing a sport, the more practice you give yourself, the better you'll become. Yes, I will tell you that building a story can be as much fun as playing, swimming, or riding a bike.

You have the secret power of your imagination that you can switch on anytime - even when you are alone, even when it's stormy outside.

On Giving and Receiving Feedback

Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with another what we wrote is to risk. Some of us are more hidden than others, some of us tolerate risk better than others. When you critique someone's work you don't know where on this continuum the writer stands.

In order to offer feedback, one needs to be prepared. First you must respect the writer. He (or she) put his soul into the work and probably cares about it more than he thinks he should.

Secondly, you must respect opinions, tastes and ways of navigating the world that differ from your personal preferences.

This respect for the writer leads to understanding the writer. Now you are ready to offer feedback.

1. First of all, tell the writer what works in her story. What did you like? What moved you, intrigued you, made you think, made you feel? Where does the writer's strengths lie? In description, humor, drama, dialog?

In my 14 years of teaching creative writing, I have noticed that writers grow more from focusing on developing their strengths than trying to fix their weaknesses. This does not mean that we should pretend that writing weaknesses do not exist. When the strengths expand, however, they crowd out the weaknesses. The more one writes, the more one can intuitively fix the writing up as she goes along.

2. Do you feel that something essential is missing? What do you wish was in the story?

3. Technical assistance: Were there parts that you didn't understand?

Try to critique your own work also, following these guidelines.

To receive feedback also takes some preparation. Were you appreciated? Misunderstood? Did they find the one spot that you knew was weak, but you told yourself no one would ever notice? Was the part you loved the best the part they thought should be eliminated? There are two important points to remember:

1. Without honest feedback from others, how will you grow and improve as a writer?

2. Don't give feedback-givers power over your writing, your self image and your emotions. Whether to accept their points and make actual changes based on them, is always Your decision.

If you find that feedback from others discourages you from writing, then stop seeking out feedback.

You Cant Always Believe What You See On Your Computer Screen

You may not remember this, but in the early days of the personal computer, many industry insiders were predicting a paperless society.

Of course, this hasn't happened. In fact, we use more paper today than we ever did before computers.

This has happened because computers have made creating everything from e-mails to articles to business plans so easy that there's been an explosion in document creation. Naturally, we decide some of these documents need saving. How do we save them? We print them out, and file them.

For example, when I finish a short story or an article or a novel, I not only save it on disk, I save a hardcopy that goes into a filing cabinet. You might do this, too.

But that's not the only time I print out a copy of my work. In fact, before a story or novel is finished, I might print it out as many as five or six times.

Why?

Because I've learned that I can't always trust what I see on my computer screen.

Sounds bizarre, I know. But believe me, it's true.

I discovered this the hard way, after the rejection of what I had believed was a solid short story.

Getting rejected is part of the business of being a writer. It happens to all of us. Most of the time, I don't think twice about it. I just submit to the next publisher and get back to work on something else. If a story gets rejected three or four times, then I sit up and pay attention. Because that's a sign there might be a problem.

But I was convinced this particular story had been good. So I printed out a copy and took it to lunch with me.

This was a story I had written and edited completely on screen. Words were words, after all. What did it matter if I wrote and edited on screen or in print?

Apparently, it mattered a great deal.

I discovered sentences that made no sense. Transitions that were clumsy. Words that were undeniably the wrong choice. It was stunning how different this story was from the story I had read on my computer screen.

Of course, they weren't any different. They were exactly the same.

But it was like seeing the forest on a bright sunny day as opposed to a foggy overcast morning. Every broken branch, every twisted knothole was suddenly clear and unmistakable.

I couldn't imagine a reasonable explanation for this. I still can't. But whenever I had the opporunity to talk with another writer, I asked if he or she had experienced anything similar.

To a person, they had all come to the same conclusion: you can't trust what you see on the computer screen. You have to print out a hardcopy and edit your work on paper.

As I said, I can't offer you an explanation. I can only tell you that it's true. Write your first draft on the computer. And for every draft after that ... print it out and mark it up directly on the paper. Your writing will be better for it.

If you don't believe me, try testing it for yourself.

You'll be shocked at the results you get.

Finding The Book Writing Resources, Tips, And Help You Need!

Writing can be more difficult that just compiling your thoughts on a few pieces of paper. In fact, it can be a challenge to find something new, interesting, and publishable to write about. Even if you have the basic designs for a book, you still need to fill the pages in with creative, flowing words to convey your thoughts or the actions within the book. What you need is to find book writing resources, tips, and help to get you through the more difficult areas. Even when the words are flowing through the keys or the pen, you may need some additional book writing resources, tips, and help to get you a final product that can be published!

The good news is that you can find ample book writing resources, tips, and help in several different areas. Of course, if you need a basic education of writing skills and grammar, the best option will be a few courses in these areas. Even your local community college can do this for you. In situations where you need feedback, you'll find great resources online. Or, going back to your teachers may help you as well. Looking for tips on how to write the book that is stored within your mind? Why not look for resources at the local library, or, if you are skilled at finding good writing websites that can offer you guidance, look to the internet. Don't stop at the first one you find, but rather search out the best of the best. Joining these types of groups can provide you with a huge amount of knowledge. In fact, the experiences that many of the individuals you will find will propel you in the right direction undoubtedly.

In the end, you'll find the book writing resources, tips and help you need to succeed available to you online. If you are a freelance writer or an experienced, published author there are resources out there to help you. Look for websites dedicated to the art of writing, freelancing, or publishing. Perhaps you will find a trustworthy individual there to help guide your thoughts and your fingers in producing a quality, well written piece. From basic grammar to complex plans to writing your book and even to getting it published, look to these websites for guidance and direction.

Write For Yourself First

It would be very selfless or noble of me to tell you that I have created my web site only to help you and the rest of humanity. The reason for me spending so much time and energy into my writing and this site is selfish. And I must remind myself of that from time to time, especially when I move into a down period and I am asking myself "why."

The real truth for the site in all honesty is to give myself an outlet for my own thoughts, a forum in which others may benefit. It really is all about me. I place value in my belief system. I can express these thoughts on my site without censorship or having anything cleared or approved by another person or organization. That's important to me. My writing most often gets to the point in as few words as possible. I am a sort of "No Frills," author, and some people may get offended.

All of us have something to say. There is a book in each and everyone of us, that needs to be written. I write for myself first, if anyone benefits by it, it is a bonus to my ego and it likes to receive the praise that it does.

I sincerely want to empower others as well as myself to get the book out. My fondest wish is to inspire someone else to write something even better than I have done.

I often question the validity of my writing and its source. The truth is, there is only once source, and it is the same source that is yours or any other author. There is only one consciousness in the universe and we all draw from the same pool. I express that consciousness in my writing. The writing that I do each morning comes from that source and it is filtered through me in a way, that it only can be, and is uniquely mine.

All the words that I use are words that have been used millions of times by others. There are no original words. It is the combination of the words and the circumstances of how they are used that bring them from my subconscious to the paper. These words will be heard or read and they will trigger the correct response in the reader. As the correct combination of a lock will open doors for those that use it. Every one of us has these combinations present within us, and need to get them out.

Once again there is a book waiting to be written in all of us. We all have an obligation to write or tell it. First for ourselves, simply because it's there, and secondly we know that there is someone waiting to hear or read it. It is our words that will open the door for one of them. For every lock there is a combination that will open it.

You owe it to yourself and others to open that door. What you write should be heart felt and always in your own words and said or written your way, in order to match the correct combination.

Authors say to me, I am overwhelmed when I go to the book store and see all the books and the authors that are writing about the same thing as I. What chance do I have of being published or anyone seeing my book. I remind them that they are writing the book for themselves, it's in the action of having the words come out that the reward is found, the door opens for you as well as for others. You do it because it's there and it needs to come out. It is there for that one person who will read it and be inspired, because of you words. Many may read your words, but few will hear what you have to say.

It is your legacy, your obligation. It is the inheritance that you pass on to others, after you are gone. All of us, everyone has this ability. Whether it is a quotable quote or an entire 500 page volume. Someone will be touched, and more than likely, the one who wrote it.

You have the skates, I have the key, give the key to me, so that I may skate. My treasure is locked within. It may be you that sets me free, for I am a prisoner of my own ignorance. Your word, just at the right time is all that I need.

My writing is for me first. The answers you are looking for my be hidden within the paragraphs on the pages. It is my gift, my obligation, my Karma being released, that you should find it. If, even the dull and ignorant have their story, then I am in fine company.

Roy E. Klienwachter is a resident of British Columbia, Canada. An ordained minister and New Age Light Worker. Roy has written three books on New Age wisdom. "Simple Manifesting," "First Steps To Spiritual Enlightenment," "The New Age of Healing." Roy's books are thought provoking and designed to empower you to take responsibility for your life and what you create. His books and articles are written in the simplicity and eloquence of Zen wisdom.

Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and You

May I tell you about a writing technique shared by Aesop and Abe Lincoln?

Let's look first at Aesop's timeless tale about the tortoise and the hare. It's the one that ends "slow and sure wins the race." The entire story is about 160 words long.

Now let's move forward in history about 2600 years.

Nearly 150 years ago President Abe Lincoln stood to address the crowd at a cemetery dedication ceremony. He spoke so briefly and left the podium so quickly, the photographer barely had time to snap a picture.

Yet the Gettysburg Address is considered one of humankind's greatest speeches. And it's only about 240 words. (That's even more impressive when you consider the average speech back then ran about 7200 to 15,000 words!)

Have you guessed what Aesop's tale and Lincoln's speech have in common? Yes?each is very short, well under 200 words.

Recent research presents convincing evidence that shorter, more succinct messages get read and remembered better than longer ones.

Next time you sit down to write a letter or report, remember Aesop. Remember Abe Lincoln. If they can write powerful documents in very few words, so can you.

You've got a great advantage over these two magnificent authors. They're not with us anymore. But tomorrow, you could create a classic.

Looking For Good Copywriter Books?

If you are looking for copywriter books, you'll want to devote some time to reading. In fact, if you plan to look online for your copy writer resources, you might as well just devote your life to reading! There are so many books that are available for you to purchase. Sure, there are standard things that each book will probably include. And, like the vast amount of diets out there, copywriter books are just as versatile and, unfortunately, misleading.

Now, before you get frustrated with that, let's clarify that there are many thousands of different copywriter books available. Some do have very good points, business tips, and offer a great amount of help. But, let's get realistic when it comes to the outrageous claims of making millions as a freelance copy writer just from reading a book. Like those fad diets, there are those that like to fluff the quality of their material incredibly. The key is to find the good stuff, pull it out, and use it wisely.

Let's think about that analogy about diets claiming fantastic results again. We all know that tried and true diet of eating healthy, well balanced meals and getting in a good amount of exercise is going to result in weight loss, right? The same goes for these books claiming fantastic results. If you want a freelance career as a copy writer that makes you millions, you'll need to work for it, from the beginning.

There is no easy way to make a career as a proof reader or copy writer unless you build strong, good relationships with your clients from the beginning. Sure, you can find copywriter books that can give you great tips on how to get out there, how to present yourself, and how to make your business work, but in the end, if your work is not of good quality, you can forget the whole thing. Do not be discouraged away from purchasing these books though. They can provide you with an outstanding amount of useful information. Just don't set your goals so high that you can't see the first step of the ladder!

Learn How To Write Poetry!

A poet isn't born; you must work at crafting your art. If you have the desire to write, you can learn how to write poetry or simply improve your writing. I had no formal training as a poet, and have been published in many print and online publications without ever having to take a workshop or a writing course. You too can learn to write poetry by following these basic rules.

The first step in becoming a poet is to write, write, and write. The more you write, the further you will develop as a writer. Writing helps to sharpen your skills; it feeds your poet brain. It is best to start by writing what you know and are most passionate about. The length of your writing is not important. Begin jotting done words, phrases, things you like, things that bother you, etc. Partaking in this exercise overtime will help you on both structuring and assembling your poem.

As you become more comfortable with writing and constructing your thoughts on paper, the next step in becoming a poet is to practice the art of revision. Revising one's work is very important for a writer. How do you do this? Pay close attention to grammar usage, check thoroughly for spelling mistakes or errors, get accustomed to using a thesaurus, and make sure you are using the right punctuation. There are a variety of grammar handbooks to help you with this if grammar is something you struggle with. Writing for fun is one thing, but, if you want to become a published poet you have to keep this in mind.

You like to write and that's a good thing. But, reading it just as important in learning how to write and for improving your writing skills. Many poets and those who are new to writing don't spend enough time reading the craft that they love. And often don't advance enough to become a published poet. To further your abilities as a writer of poetry: you must read not just your work, but, also the writings of other poets. In particularly, read poems by poets you admire or are inspired by. Reading poetry by other poets helps you to learn how to use language, to write metaphors and imagery. Reading is also a vital part of the writing process and will also help provide more critique to your own work.

These are just a few basic principles and keys to writing poetry. You won't become a poet overnight; but, with time, patience and effort you can develop into the kind of writer that you'd like to become. You do not have to take workshops to write poetry if you make the commitment yourself to develop your craft. Once you compile a number of poems, it will be no time until you are published.

Retail Margin, Trade Discount, and What it Means for the Author

DEFINITIONS

Retail margin is basically the difference between your book's wholesale price and your book's retail price. For example, a book with a cover price of $10 and a wholesale price of $5 has a 50% retail margin.

Wholesale price is the cost of your book to a retailer. To use the same rudimentary example, a book with a cover price of $10 and a retail margin of 50% will be sold to a retailer for $5.

Retail price is the same as cover price or selling price. This is the cost of the book to the end consumer (the reader). The retail price is typically printed on the cover of the book and also "embedded" within the barcode on the back. For example, a book with a wholesale price of $5 and a retail margin of 50% will have a retail price of $10.

As you can see, retail margin, wholesale price, and retail price are interconnected. By having two figures, the third can be calculated.

The fourth definition to be aware of is the trade discount, which is the percentage off the retail price that a wholesaler or distributor pays for your book. Since the retail margin is a portion of the trade discount, the trade discount always exceeds the retail margin. Distributors typically expect between 50% - 70% in order to provide an acceptable margin to the retailer.

MAKING DISTRIBUTION WORK FOR YOU

It should come as no surprise that the amount of distribution your book enjoys rests largely upon its trade discount. Generally, the higher the discount, the greater the distribution.

Think about it - distributors want to make money, too. So do retailers.

While your book's trade discount is but a piece of your pie (albeit a big piece), it is the entire cake for distributors and retailers, who together must split the take. The greater the number, the greater incentive they have to distribute your book, sell your book, and market your book, etc.

The proper trade discount depends upon each author's intentions, and can vary from author to author just as readily as from book to book. Obviously, the higher the retail margin, the higher the cover price, so authors interested in maintaining the lowest cover price possible will often opt for a lower retail margin.

Conversely, those authors who long for the best distribution possible will elect a higher trade discount, even though their cover price will increase accordingly (or their profit will decrease accordingly). Non-fiction or niche-markets are less affected by higher retail prices and greater distribution is often advantageous in finding those markets.

Often, the author will have little to no say in what trade discount to offer for their books -- its whatever the distributor mandates.

Trade discounts can be as low as 20% to successfully get listed on Internet retailers like Amazon.com, who manage to make a profit with such low margins through EDI (electronic data interface) with distributors like Ingram and on-demand publishers like iUniverse and Outskirts Press.

By comparison, trade discounts can be as high as 75% - 80% when dealing with a niche wholesaler, or when attempting distribution for a book that does not have a proven market. In these cases, the distributor may be padding the coffers a bit in anticipation for a "harder sell" and perhaps, also, in preparation for offering an increased retail margin to close the deal.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Industry standards for retail margins are difficult to define because, ultimately, it comes down to negotiation between all parties involved. Publishers have the power to negotiate with distributors, who have the power to negotiate with retailers, who have the ability to negotiate with the reader, but the typical trade discount is around 55%, which allows for a typical retail margin of 40%.

Publishing-on-demand is removing some of the participants in this little dance, and as a result, the same piece of pie is being divided among fewer people, resulting in more money for the remaining players (especially the author).

Why I Write

I started writing as a way of keeping safe memories of a particularly adventurous 3 years of my life when I became totally addicted to the world of online chat rooms and met a number of 'gentlemen' for real that I met in fantasyland online.

However after I allowed an educated friend to read my short stories, I was motivated to attempt a manuscript, and whilst it was extremely daunting to open my life up for judgement, I considered the good I could do by way of educating people on the dangers of this kind of activity far outweighed my personal discomfort.

My manuscript became reality and in turn became a book that is now released in the USA. The title? Secrets, Lies & Chat. Since writing the manuscript and gaining a contract I have branched out in my writing but always on issues that I'm passionate about.

They call me opinionated, one-eyed, in it for the money (that one is a real hoot), out to ruin the internet etc etc. My real aim? Education of the uninititated to the world of the Internet. And no, not to ruin any part of the Internet, but to give the newbies an edge so that what they will ultimately find online won't have such a huge impact hopefully, as it did on me.

Bitter? Never. The Internet is the best thing I can think of that has happened in my lifetime and will grow in power and might. The one big problem is the anonymity, and everyone who naively comes online needs to be aware and wary. End of story. My writing is the way I can use words to hopefully make a difference, even a small one. A little cog in a big wheel, but maybe one that makes the wheel work how it should. One can hope.

Whenever I can gain a forum, I speak the truth of what I've found on the Internet. I voice my fears for the children who are already online chatting. I know they will eventually wander into teenage rooms and I know what they will find once they become part of that scene. I've met the predators online, I've spoken to teenagers and heard their side of the story, and their disgust with what goes on in some of the rooms.

Online chat is a lifeline for many people and can be a wonderful way to spend idle time. Friends online are like penpals of the old days, with one huge difference. No longer does anyone have to wait by the postbox, disheartened when there are no letters. A simple connection to the internet, and there are your penfriends waiting for you to join in with the fun and banter and gossip. And yet underneath all that goodness, lurks something very different. Many never find it, but many do and are scarred for life by what they experience. Many would say I am an alarmist, a dreamer, a liar even. But I know, and so do many others, that there is danger on the Internet.

Why I write is to spread the word, both good and bad, so people have a choice, so people have knowledge of what they may encounter online. No matter what they think of what I say, with a bit of luck it will linger in the back of their minds, and one day they may be in a situation that will set them back on their heels, and they may may have reason to say, "Vena was right, there are things in here that aren't quite right".

If we all sit back and say nothing, just accept what is on offer and turn our back on it as 'someone else's problem' then the Internet that I love will become something to fear. I will do my utmost in any forum I can, to stir up some passion, to get people thinking, and my primary targets are children, young adults and parents.

Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters - Writing a Screenplay Using Structure

Effective screenwriting relies on the good understanding and use of structure.

Inexperienced screenwriters may believe that structure inhibits creativity, but experienced writers know that following a template helps them to problem identify, generate ideas, select good ideas and develop them to reach that all important words-on-paper first draft - structure is not a hindrance but an enhancer of creative output.

If doubts about structure still exist, then they are soon eliminated - when screenplays are presented to decision makers for evaluation, writers soon learn that structure becomes an important part of the evaluation process.

A writer, through an individual and tortuous process of trial and error, may develop templates, or he or she may use one of the classic templates such as the Hero's Journey. But a writer will rarely admit to the use of templates (it reduces the perception of originality) or he or she may be only mildly aware that they are following a process.

The Classic Hero's Journey story structure template contains 106 sequences and more than 30 in the final act alone. It is an evolution of Campbells' original model, containing only 17,18 or 19 sequences, depending on who the interpreter is.

There is a theory that there are only five jokes in the world. Similarly there is a theory that there is only one story in the world. An analyses of nearly all the stories produced by Hollywood bears this out from a certain perspective and the Hero's Journey would be this universal template.

But from the one universal template are derived many descendants, and one of those is the NO WAY BUT DOWN story structure. In it, the anti-hero heads for self-destruction as a result of his own misdeeds and the betrayal of a shape shifter, allies and goddess et al. It is more exploratory of the darker side of human nature and behaviour and there are no happy endings?but it still makes for a fascinating story.

 

How to Write Articles, Reports, and Books Quickly

Do you have trouble getting your thoughts and ideas down into an article? Do you find it difficult to put 'pen to paper' to get your book started? Do you sit facing a blank screen struggling to find the words to write? If so, here are some tips and strategies you can use to get your material written quickly.

1. As daft as this may sound, don't worry about the words. Most delays appear to be trying to choose the words. You don't do this when in conversation. The words come naturally. By trying to be careful over the words, you are interrupting your brain's word selection processes. The result is that you can't choose the words - because you are trying! So, don't try to choose the right words. Just get writing - your brain will choose the right words. Trust it, just as you do in conversation.

2. To make it easier for you to get writing, start off as though you were speaking to an individual. As I write this I'm imagining I'm talking directly to you. When you write for an individual it is so much easier. This is because your brain is in 'conversation mode'. The words come more easily then. Plus...and this is important...conversational English is easier to read than 'written' English. Many business reports are difficult to penetrate and fail to communicate their message because the authors have spent ages agonising over the words to write them in 'business-ese'. Forget it: make your reports easy to read - and easy to write - by being conversational.

3. Get the words down and do the editing later. This is how newspapers and magazines survive. They get thousands of words first, then they knock them into shape later. Editing 'as you go' doesn't work. It slows things down. Switch off your spell checker and grammar checker. When it shows you with squiggly lines what's wrong, you'll be inclined to go back and check it. This will slow you down. Check the spelling and grammar once you have finished. That way you'll get your work done more quickly.

4. Set a deadline which is absolutely fixed. Do not set deadlines like 'next Wednesday'. Instead, set a deadline of 10.15am on Wednesday. Give yourself an immovable deadline and stick to it. The difference between newspapers, magazines, TV and radio and the rest of the world is that their deadlines cannot be moved. Each day a national newspaper produces the equivalent of two novels in terms of number of words. They can do that because the deadlines are completely fixed. The pressure of the immovable deadline is a tremendous motivator to getting the words down on paper. I know many potential authors who still haven't written their book because they keep moving their deadline. Don't do that, you'll never get your article, report or book written. Most people move deadlines because they are worrying about 'getting it right'. Forget getting it right, get it written.

5 If you really do find it difficult to put 'pen to paper' or 'finger to keyboard' tape record your thoughts, ideas, knowledge etc. into a tape recorder, or onto your PC in some way. Then get the material transcribed and use this as the basis for your written material.Or get yourself interviewed by someone in your field, then use the interview as the basis for your printed material.

6. If all else fails get a ghost writer (try http://www.elance.com). You'll only need to pay a small fee to get most things written. A book, for instance, will only cost you a few hundred dollars.

Graham Jones is a psychologist who has specialized in the way we use the Internet. He is an author of 27 books and thousands of articles. He runs Infoselling.com where you can get a FREE report on how to sell your own information products, ebooks, reports and articles online.

Extreme Research: 10 Snappy Rules For Success

So you want to learn to research well, and not waste any time. Let's do it. Here are a few NECESSARY preliminary points.

First, adopt an aggressive I-am-taking-over-this-place mindset.

2. Develop a system for executing the research process. By creating your own rules to follow systematically, you really speed things up. Don't have one? No worries. You can use mine. I happen to have "research animal" stamped on my forehead.

3. Follow the rules. You can tweek them to suit your own style after a couple of runs with this method. But these make for great training wheels.

4. Before going into battle, always ready your weapons.

Do not go near a library or desk to start research unless and until everything you will need sits neatly arranged all about you for quick access. This one is your call. I use 2 or 3 pens and a pad of paper to scratch out notes and thoughts, and a pack of index cards for especially important notes. Then come the highlighters. In college, I used to work the highlighters until they overheated.

Some people like sticky notes (post-its). You can stick 'em all around you as you work. You will want a rolodex and a phone nearby in case you have to call someone you know to ask questions. For instance, if you have a specially-gifted techie friend in your inner circle, or know a professor, you may want to put him on speed dial. Think a bit about anything else you might need. Some folks study and research well to music, so get your headphones if you need them. Okay, here we have the system lined up for you.

PART #1: Begin Reconnaissance. You're going in.

A. Get an overview and "contextualize" your topic. Learn its timeline of events and the major historical factors associated with it. When did it happen? What did it do? Why do people care about it at all? Find a short article that outlines the history of, or at least offers a timeline for, your topic. Everything has a history, and gaining a quick overview of your topic's chronology will give you the context into which all your other sources will fit.

B. Next, ride the wave. This is the surfing and browsing stage. Start with what you know. Pick out words associated with your topic or subject and Google them. When you land a starting topic (you can change this as you go, no worries. Just start somewhere.), use online encyclopedias and other resources to get a "quick snapshot" of the general views on the subject that exist out there already. Try to see your subject from as many angles as possible, as it were, "walking all the way round it," inspecting as you go. Ask questions in your head, or even out loud like I do (caution: this may scare people), and put them down on paper in a special spot. Slap a sticky note on it that reads "QUESTIONS I HAVE."

To aid and abet developing a "snapshot overview," start looking up books on the topic. Find 10 of them. Note the titles on maybe 50 books -- if you can find that many -- about your subject or topic. Note the overlap in words used in the titles about your topic. This will give you a quick idea about who or what this topic means to others who have already studied it.

Next, read the bibliographies of books. One good book can give you 5-10 great leads you might never have found otherwise. Note the titles that show up repeatedly in different bibliographies. In research geekspeak this is "bibbo," bibliographic overlap. Bibbo identifies your IRT's -- Initial Research Targets. Photocopy or print out from your IRT's: the table of contents; the first chapter; a middle chapter that looks interesting or helpful; and the final chapter. Then read these and highlight the Dickens out of them. This gives you a snapshot, and a working knowledge, of the entire book extremely fast. It works too. Use your scribbled out question set as a filter for "what to look for" -- and highlight or take notes on -- when reading your IRT's. Write down any further questions that develop. These can be as simple as "Who is that guy?" Let your curiosity guide you, and let the sticky notes FLY!!

Next, read journal and magazine articles. How do you find these? Try checking your Bibbo. Or just follow any that you think might land you somewhere interesting. Play the detective. Follow your nose if you smell a good lead.

PART #2: Compile and organize your sources.

Use the old-fashioned vanilla file folders and mark them up, so you know which is what. Then get a file box to keep them handy.

PART#3: Determine which are the most relevant features of your topic from its effects or imlplications in 3 different areas of study. For instance, if your topic reads, "Interesting stuff about World War II," then you will need to ask and study questions like, "Who did it cost, and how much did it cost them, to have this war?" Follow the money (economics). Then, you might ask "How did this war change the mindset or values of American society" (sociology or philosophy). Finally, ask maybe, "What inventions did Europeans develop to fight this war?" (technology).

By looking at your topic from at least three disciplinary viewpoints, you will gain a broad understanding of it, and find yourself -- somewhat suddenly -- asking GREAT questions about it.

PART#4: Find and choose a controversial feature of topic, and choose a side of the issue.

Write down your viewpoint in one sentence. This we call your "thesis." Arguing this point well now constitutes your "objective." Ask the question of your thesis, "How do you know this is the case?" Ask this three times. Each time you ask it, give a brief answer in writing from one of your three areas you chose. Each answer must reflect views formed from a different area.

PART#5: Next, Re-read or skim your sources to develop an outline (in order to support your three points offered in defense of your thesis). Now pull out the photocopied (or printed out) chapters from your IRT's and highlight and scribble all over them -- but keep it legible. Argue your case vigorously with your imaginary critic who knows what you know. Take his side and argue against your thesis the best you can. Shoot it down, developing three criticisms. Some of these will already have circulated in print in your sources. Line them up. Then answer the critic. Refute his three points. Your outline is nearly finished.

PART #6: Organize your notes into subgroups listed under the branches of your outline. Draw a picture of the flow of your argument and objections as though it were a tree, and label the parts. Modify the outline as needed. Add relevant subheadings (you will come across new info in your scribbling) under the branches of the outline. Fill out relevant details from your notes to form the arguments for each section and subsection. Your rough draft is now complete.

PART#7: Rewrite your rough draft 5 times using our rules of good writing.

PART:#8 Study the cleaned-up draft for logical errors in arguments. See our "Blogic For Writers" website for this; modify and strenghten your case. Use T Edward Damer's "Attacking Faulty Reasoning" for this too.

PART#9 -- Write your conclusion. This final paragraph spells out "what important point or points you have learned from doing all this hard work (e-search). Here, you make the case for why your research has value. Also, here either write or rewrite your introductory paragraph to "hint at" (anticipate) the concluding paragraph. Most of the time it actually makes the best sense to write your introduction LAST, since this way you write with a view of the WHOLE work, which you did not have at the beginning.

In the introduction, hint at your conclusion, but don't give away the whole story. This makes for a smooth and logical flow from start to finish, giving your work a stylish symmetry, where the first part foresees the end, and the end reflects on the beginning. All good stories have this symmetry.

PART #10. Do the footnoting (or endnoting) and contstruct an extensive bibliography. Add title page and Table of Contents. See Kate Turabian's or an MLA manual online for this, and for grammar and style. You can also use the resources we list in our sidebar.

You are DONE. Your paper or article "so totally rocks," and you get an "A." Your readers love you, and you then become wealthy and famous. Your actual mileage may vary, batteries not included, offer void where prohibited.

Carson Day has written approximately 1.3 gazillion articles and essays, many with very insightful, if alternative, viewpoints. He presently writes for Ophir Gold Corporation, and specialized in the history of ideas in college. He has been quoted in the past as saying "What box?" and remains at large despite the best efforts of the civil authorities.

Cheap Therapy

I call it cheap therapy. That gushing, near-religious, poured-from-the-body stress release that comes after writing my heart out for hours each day, delivers more balm to my soul than years of psychoanalysis.

There were eight of them. Eight family members and friends died in five short years. I was a neophyte in this death thing. This clamping-down-on-your-heart, ripping-a-hole-in-your-soul, death thing. It stunk. Badly. I was forty-three when my grandmother died. It floored me. The shock that it could really happen, that they could actually leave me, was overwhelming.

The guilt that had ridden hard on my back for the past twenty years came at me with a rush. I should have visited more. Called more. Written more. But the three baby daughters that we'd had in two years had consumed every ounce of our energy. We'd fallen into bed each night exhausted, and had awakened tired, but happy, each morning. The thought of a ten-hour trip home had seemed insurmountable with three little ones in car seats and diapers. So we put off the visits home for a long, long time.

The next death came in a single, whooshing blow. My colleague at work, with whom I'd shared an office for eight wonderful years, died suddenly of a heart attack. Then my father-in-law, my grandfather, and so on. I struggled to make sense of it. People were disappearing rapidly.

And then it happened. My father was diagnosed with cancer in the same month that his mother died of Alzheimer's Disease. We had a summer of hope. And then the disease hit again, and he was gone. Gone for good. Gone for real. In six short months, he was diagnosed, treated, and then he disappeared.

I was crushed. Completely shattered. This was bad. The worst.

I walked a lot. I trudged through the autumn woods, as the crispy leaves eddied around my feet. I heard his voice whispering in the breeze. The need to write was insistent. Urgent.

The pieces were gaudy and full of redolent poetry. The words painted my grief. Each time I walked and mourned, I'd return home and write. Again. And again. And again.

Getting the words on paper was a salve for my battered soul. Although I'd always known I would write a mystery series someday, I'd thought it would be when the kids were grown and I had retired.

Then it hit me. I would write a testimony to my father. I'd model my protagonist after Dad. I began to write Double Fortй. My hero was a music professor, like Dad. He gardened with a passion, like Dad. He embraced the arts, like Dad. And he assiduously tended to his musical spirit, like Dad. He played Chopin etudes with wild abandon to clear his mind and feed his soul. And he cooked magnificent feasts for his family from his gardens that burgeoned with exotic vegetables.

As the book began to take shape, so did the characters. Gus LeGarde's secretary, Maddy, became the reincarnation of my Grandma Lena. Oscar and Millie Stone were near replicas of my maternal grandparents. I found comfort in the creation of the scenes that included them. And as the process of writing one book became easier, the next, and the next, and the next flowed effortlessly from my fingertips until I stopped to breathe. I created eight full novels in five short years.

As this healing process provides me with therapy, it also affords an escape to a parallel universe where I control my characters' destiny. I like it. A lot. I invent the bad guys, neatly dispatch them, rescue my hero from certain death, and cement the intricate relationships between my cast members.

This remarkable outlet allows the creative juices to flow and provides a safe haven for my imagination to flourish. I'm hooked, big time. There's no stemming the tide. I fight for time to write, feeling cheated if I don't get my daily "fix." And when the latest chapter is keyed in, or the monthly essay penned, a deep sigh of relief is expelled. I'm freed. I'm sated. I'm going to be okay.

Yep. I'm going to be just fine. And best of all, there's no co-payment.

Aaron Paul Lazar resides in Upstate New York with his wife, three daughters, two grandsons, mother-in- law, two dogs, and three cats. After writing in the early morning hours, he works as an electrophotographic engineer at NexPress Solutions Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, in Rochester, New York. Additional passions include vegetable, fruit, and flower gardening; preparing large family feasts; photographing his family, gardens, and the breathtakingly beautiful Genesee Valley; cross-country skiing across the rolling hills; playing a distinctly amateur level of piano, and spending "time" with the French Impressionists whenever possible.

Writers Block - Melting the Ice

What does one do as a writer who loves writing and feels empty of creativity?

When the writing process stops, there is the experience of fear. There is a sense that something precious has been lost. Out of this fear comes a sense of clinging. There is a clinging to all my beautiful words. It feels as if all my beautiful creativity is melting.

I guess all writers live with this fear. That is until they remember that this flow of creation does not belong to 'me' or 'mine.' I find a wondrous freedom in such recognition. If the writing is not mine then it is a gift given to 'little me.' The 'I' in 'little me' has only to learn how to receive it.

I remember that the fear of not being able to write creatively is the very thing that gets in the way.

This writer waits and watches. He waits as anyone with a little bit of wisdom waits. He waits as anyone who has been graced this day on this beautiful earth waits. He waits at the centre which is always empty but is always full.

I write one word and then I write the next word. There is no judgement of the word. Or there is the observation of such judgement. This is the watching. It is like observing a cloud passing through the blue sky of awareness.

This discipline is the observer observing the action of writing. When the focus is deep enough this writer disappears into the flow. Then creative writing happens. Then the discipline has become discipleship. 'Little me' disappears into the timeless. Creativity flows and freedom arrives. The soul is allowed expression and re-creation arrives. The soul is allowed expression and re-creation happens. There is fullness pouring into the emptiness of the surrendered heart.

This writing becomes a dance. The Beloved knows the steps and all I have to do is learn the grace of surrender. I remember that to live a life of grace is a balance between discipline and surrender. This is the real work. This is the real life.