"Best of the Web" and Other Announcements...

Good morning groovy people.
Like many of you, I'm preparing for the holiday weekend, and looking forward to a fun, food-filled, safe celebration.

As we come to the end of the month, I wanted to share some items of interest with you. (And please feel free to share your own).

1. Pen & Prosper was just chosen as "Best of the Web" by a popular lifestyle Blog known as PocketChange.com. I'm really geeked and grateful to have been recognized along with some very interesting, dynamic and eclectic sites. If you have an opportunity, please check them out and share some online love.

2. In June, Pen & Prosper will celebrate three years of being in the blogosphere! Yay! Though it may be a bit early, I'd just like to say how wonderful each of you have made this "ride". I look forward to more of our journey in times to come. Please make sure you stop by in June to share all the fun and festivities, and a few surprises and give-aways.

3. Are you looking to make more money in 2012? Seeking ways to "work smarter not harder"? If so, signing up for an online writer's class could be a smart choice.
Coffeehouseforwriters.com will start its new session of popular classes, May 28th.
Offerings include: Blogging for Fun or Profit, Bootcamp for Writers, Writing for Magazines, How to Write Ebooks, Writing Historical Fiction, Your Personal Editor and more! Sign up today for a better writing future.

Here's wishing you a wonderful holiday celebration with rich memories!

Jen

Blog is a Verb**5 Things That Will Frustrate Your Readers!

You’ve written a great article on the Web.
And either you were blessed by the Creative Gods that I happened to stumble upon it navigating the Net, or a friend of a friend Tweeted or linked to your work.

Excitedly, I rush to your referenced blog for more of your words of wisdom, your vibe, or perhaps your entertainment value.
Sipping on a cup of hot herbal tea in one hand, and my laptop in the other, I can’t wait to discover more about you. For me, it’s like getting lost between the pages of a good read.
So I’m thinking…wow me, won’t you?

Unfortunately, five minutes in, and I’m out.
As much as I love to read and share blogs of interest, (and I wish you the best), chances are, I won’t be back soon.

Here are five of the most common reasons some fail to click with this chick:

1. Your blog was difficult to navigate.
Finding out more about you was as taxing as trying to get secrets from the C.I.A.
And my time (and patience) is very limited.

Solution? Minimally have a nice photo so I know whom I’m connecting with, along with designated categories or pages that include an “About Me” page.
Tell me a little about what brings you to the blogosphere. What are your hobbies? Why should I read you? Make it clear. Quickly. Please don’t send me on a scavenger hunt where there’s no real prize.

2. You held me “hostage”.
The only thing missing was the gun. Blog post lengths are of course, a judgment call, usually based upon the blog owner’s blogging style, available time, and subject matter. And there are different schools of thought here. No doubt.
Still, a quality post doesn’t have to be of epic proportion. Blogging, by its very nature is intended to be a quicker, briefer read. Wouldn‘t you agree?

Solution? Give me the “Cliff Notes” version. Complete with bullet points and lists, and short paragraphs. Or break long posts into several parts for different days. It gives us both something to look forward to.

3. Your blog was a bit bland.
Okay, I like Vanilla ice cream. “Vanilla” blogs? Unfortunately, not so much.:-)
I’m sure you’re an absolutely lovely person in person. Really. And don't take this harshly... I prefer blogs with a little humor, the occasional rant, controversy handled with class, colorful images that enhance your message, and a host who has a conversational tone. Other readers will too.

Solution? Know your strengths. Capitalize on them. Be yourself. And remember that variety is the spice of life.

4. I fear you’re fickle.
Some months you post. Other months you don’t. It’s a classic case of “she loves me, she loves me not.” Readers don’t know what to expect. Or when.
The last thing I need is to “follow“ someone who has no clear direction or sense of commitment.
I‘m confused enough on my own.

5. You don’t value my readership.
How can I tell? Here are a few red flags. You didn’t proofread your post (evident in the amount of errors detected). You don’t respond to readers’ comments. Your titles aren’t captivating, or they fail to deliver on what‘s been promised.
Hello?

Solution? Learn the art of wooing your readers. Cultivate chemistry. Care about their experience. Discern their needs. Then deliver.
And last but not least, don't be afraid to learn from experts, if the situation dictates.

Remember “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Here’s hoping yours will be favorable and fierce!
You too can "have the moves like Jagger". :-)

Confession time. What bugs you with blogs?

Image: Stock photo

How Writing "Green" Can Keep You in the Black!

"It ain’t easy being green" states Kermit the Frog.
But green is really what you should be if you want to expand your portfolio and stay in the black as a successful writer.

Nobody likes to admit it, but sometimes the “green eyed monster” and a little friendly competition among fellow scribes can motivate you to move beyond your comfort zone and ultimately make more money.
It’s the age old philosophy “if she can do it I can too!”

Here’s what I mean.

Like most veteran writers, I continually set creative goals for myself and sometimes use other authors’ success as a barometer for my own. And you should too. Let’s face it, after awhile it takes more than a byline and a few bucks to keep you upwardly mobile.

For example, a few months ago an associate of mine announced that she had found an agent to accept her manuscript. I was really happy for her. Who knows better than another writer about the perks and pitfalls of this business?
But then a funny thing happened.

Not long after her disclosure, I found myself dusting off my self help manuscript that remained dormant under my bed for three years, after being rejected a mere dozen times by editors at different publishing houses.
I’m in a good place again.

Another case in point is my work that appears online in a popular database of articles for writers. At last viewing, my “competition” had one piece reflected in the “most popular articles database” to my two. At one time she had three to my one. It reminds me that “status” can be fleeting in this business, and you can’t rest on your laurels.

So here’s how you can keep pace and earn more pay than ever before!

1. Aim high.
Choose a few writers you admire, (either your peers, or those you consider to be on a higher level). View their online credits and Bio. What have they been successful at that you’ve not attempted? What publications have they penned pieces for that might be suitable for your type of work? If they’re full-time and you’re part time, that could even be a goal. My targets? Shaunna Privatsky, Kathryn Lay, and Wendy Burt. I love their passion and productivity, and am inspired by their accomplishments. I like to think of it as success breeding success.

2. Collaborate.
As the old expression goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em join em.” Either way, there’s money to be made and additional exposure for your work. Why not reach out to someone whose work you admire and see if he or she would consider working together on a creative project? It’s a great opportunity to pick up a few “insiders’ tips” along the way.

3. Know that greater heights are within your reach.
Keep in mind that your writing “hero” was once where you may consider yourself to be. Let their success be the spark that ignites yours.

Keep these pointers in mind as you strive to reach a higher plateau in your career. You’ll love how you look in green!

Your turn. Agree or disagree?

Image: Stock photo

Creating Content and Getting it Published in a Spinning Paradigm

By Dr. Ken Atchity

They say insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sometimes I feel that I’m insane trying to publish new authors in the world of “traditional publishing” focused almost entirely on brands. As a story merchant who’s repeatedly found ways of getting new voices noticed, I used to pride myself on being called someone who “thinks outside the box.”Today I’m not sure there IS a box. Or if there is, it’s rapidly changing shape.
The paradigm of getting published is not only SHIFTING, it’s SPINNING.
The ONLY CONSTANT today is the continuing and accelerating need for CREATIVE CONTENT.
The best kind of property to create is intellectual property.

If you had a choice, wouldn’t you rather be Bill Gates than Donald Trump?
Given this situation, what to do?

(1) Be massively proactive.
Every minute of every day is an opportunity for you to use or to waste. Energy creates even more opportunity, and opportunity is the yellow brick road to success.

(2) Invest in yourself.
Clarify your dream, believe in it, and use all your resources to make it happen.

(3) Think big.
The bigger you think, the smaller the competition and the more you’ll be heard. Don’t be afraid of your biggest dreams. They may very well be the easiest ones to turn into reality. They’re the ones that will attract the most potent allies.Of course my companies continue to work for CONTENT PROVIDERS “inside the box” in all media, as witness the sales of Gerald Blaine's The Kennedy Detail and Clint Hill's Mrs Kennedy and Me and the continuing progress of Paramount’s “Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not!” with Jim Carrey starring, Chris Columbus (“Harry Potter”) directing, and Eric Roth (“Incredibly Close And Extremely Loud, Benjamin Buttons”) writing the production script.

But, following my own advice for once, in the last twelve months we’ve also created new paradigms “outside the box”:

1) My partner Chi-Li led us to form a new Reality TV division in joint venture with Renegade (“Blind Date”).
We’re already developing three shows! Bring us high-concept ideas attached to big colorful personalities.
2) Working with AEI client Michael Simpson at Informant Media, we’ve formed a new low-budget division, now having equity funding for a slate of 6-8 $3mm-$6mm films. Looking for elevated genre thrillers, Horror, action, family with directors or cast or supplemental financing attached.The important thing for all of us is to continue seeing the opportunities around us, worrying not about the economy, as Nik Halik says, but your economy.

Trust in the power of your own imagination to find a way through the darkness toward the light.

Thoughts?
To learn more visit his site at Storymerchant.com.

BIO:
With more than forty years experience in the publishing world, and twenty years in entertainment, Dr. Ken Atchity is a self-defined "story merchant" - writer, producer, career coach, teacher, and literary manager, responsible for launching dozens of books and films. His life's passion is finding great storytellers and turning them into bestselling authors and screenwriters.

Ken has produced 30 films, including "Hysteria" (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Informant Media), "Expatriate" (Aaron Eckhart, Informant), the Emmy-nominated "The Kennedy Detail" (Discovery), "The Lost Valentine" (Betty White; Hallmark Hall of Fame), "Joe Somebody" (Tim Allen; Fox), "Life or Something Like It" (Angelina Jolie; Fox), "The Amityville Horror" (NBC), "Shadow of Obsession" (NBC), "The Madam's Family" (Ellen Burstyn; CBS), "Gospel Hill" (Danny Glover; Fox), and "14 Days with Alzheimer's" (with Story Merchant client Lisa Cerasoli).Films in development include "Memories of 100," "Meg," "Boobytrap," "Demonkeeper," "Dr. Fuddle and the Golden Baton," and "Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not!" (starring Jim Carrey; Paramount).

The One Thing You Must Do This Year For Greater Recognition For Your Writing Efforts!

In an effort to get more "peepers" on your posts, no doubt you've scoured the Net for needed answers.
Experts contend that "Tweeting" is the ticket to increase your traffic and your online exposure.

While others in-the-know suggest that you make the rounds of the social media circuit "to win friends and influence people."
And you don't dare dismiss the advice that content is King.
So you devote countless hours to create posts that enable you to put your proverbial best foot forward.

Here's the $64,000 dollar question, in the words of Dr. Phil: "So how's that workin' out for ya'?"

Are you falling short of your goals? Fending off fatigue? Frustrated?
"Don't it make your brown eyes blue?" :-)

Well, here's the one thing that you should add to your efforts that will help you to "work smarter, not harder" and potentially gain the recognition you desire and deserve this year.

In a word? CONTESTS!
That's right. Entering contests can escalate your writing and blogging career to new heights. And I should know.
Though I hadn't earlier on.
Here's what caused a paradigm shift.

Remember back in 2011 when I asked you guys to give your support for the annual Write to Done's Top 10 Writing Blogs Contest by casting your votes for this blog?

Well, as many of you are aware, I made it as a Top 10 finalist.
And, mind you, there were thousands of entries received for this popular competition.

(B/T/W Thanks again for your awesome support!) :-)

Even though I didn't "win" I still emerged as a winner of sorts.
How?
That act alone has garnered more "collective" attention to my blog than guest posting, social media efforts, and begging and pleading. Seriously.
And did I mention it was tons of fun?!
Or think of it this way.

Even the finalists on American Idol garner recording contracts, acting gigs, and "groupie" gaining status.

And you can too.

With this in mind, here are a few places to enter your blog, book, or creative project for cash, prices, or minimally, more exposure and more quality connections.

1. FUNDS FOR WRITERS---Created and managed by C. Hope Clark, Funds for Writers provides weekly contest listings, along with grants and jobs for writers seeking to earn pay for their say.

2. FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS---Sponsors the Dragonfly Awards, honoring authors in various categories. Cash prices range from $100 to $300 bucks. Click on the icon in the right side border for more details and an application.

3. ASK WENDY-THE QUERY QUEEN---Here you'll find endless updates on a variety of contests and calls for submissions to help you shine and share your works.

With this list and links, you should be off to a good start.

Wishing you much success and more moola than you can count!

Thoughts? Any award-winners out there? Don't be shy.

American Idol Rewind-Another Season Brings More Lessons for Writers

If you've been following my blog for more than a minute, no doubt you've discovered that I'm a huge fan of Fox 32's singing show, American Idol.
And if you're a fan of the show, you'll understand why this season has me as excited as a kid at Christmas.

The talent this year has been off the chain. Truly!
So, what does all this have to do with the craft of writing?
I'll tell you.
Though many may not make the correlation, writers are "entertainers" too.
The medium may be different, but every time we pen a post and hit the "publish" button, we are on a "virtual stage".

Every time we create an Ebook for folks to download and purchase, we are sharing our talents and gifts with an audience.
And just like the contestants on this popular show, we have the ability to move folks to tears, make them want to cheer us on to victory, and connect on many levels.

With this being said, here are a few lessons this season leaves us with.

1. Keep plugging away at your dream.
Overnight successes are rare. And certainly not as satisfying as those where sacrifice and a lot of hard work factored into the equation.
I remember one night when I was viewing the show, they did a rewind to a previous season and I was intrigued by what I learned. It turns out that Joshua Ledet, (one of the top 3 contestants), had actually been turned away on a former season of the show. What?!! Instead of being bitter or defeated, he came back. And this time, with a little more maturity, development, and resolve, he made it into the finals.
Failure is not permanent. Nor is it an indictment against our character or ability.
When an editor criticizes our work, or a reader rips us apart with harsh words, we must remember to take it in stride. Regroup. And get back on that horse.

2. Consistency is crucial.
Contestants who manage to wow fans one week, but fall off the next,
(or rest on their laurels), run the risk of losing "the prize" before they make it to the finish line. A similar fate happens with today's bloggers. If you post every blue moon, or don't make an effort to provide quality content on a consistent basis, you're likely to lose your fan base to someone else who brings their "A" game on the regular.

3. Talent alone is only half the battle.
Natural ability without hard work and people skills, can stunt your development as an artist. Don't believe me? The proof is in the pudding. Certainly you have witnessed with quite a few of these talent shows, that those who are more popular sometimes advance over those who are more talented. Assignments don't always go to the writer with the most qualifications. Read this and heed this.

4. Competition doesn't have to be cut throat.
Though every one certainly wants to be the singer that advances to the next round and beat out the competition, there's such a sense of camaraderie with the contestants on this show. Last week, Joshua was moved to tears when his friend Holly was eliminated from the competition. Which moved me to tears.
Don't be fooled. Though I have found some of the most lovely friends and supporters within the blogging and writing community, we are in a sense "competitors".
That doesn't mean we can't be kind, helpful, supportive and encouraging in our interaction. Karma prevails regardless as to your profession. And I believe that you get what you give, many times.

5. Put your own spin on things.
Truth be told, I've always been a fan of James Brown. And his song, "This is a man's world" is among my favorites. But when Joshua Ledet did his version, it became brand new! His rendition was remarkable. His interpretation was awesome. It was fresh, sensitive and sassy. It had "swagger". Hello! As writers, we can take old topics and give them new meaning. We can impose our unique perspective and put our own personal stamp on things. We can challenge traditional ways of thinking. The sky's the limit. Dare to be different.


Well, that's the conclusion of this "performance".

Your turn. Are you an Idol fan? Any lessons here resonate with you?

Image: Stock photo

10 Ways to Mentor Your Mentor

Mentoring writers is a two-way relationship. Don’t think that you—the person being mentored—receive all the reward.
Let me assure you that most mentors greatly enjoy this experience. Personally, it is exciting for me to meet new writers at a conference or via the telephone or Internet, encourage them in their writing, and then later open a magazine and see an article or short story written by them, or receive a copy of a published book with their name on the cover.

How do you find a mentor? There are three ways: 1) If you’re fortunate, another writer may recognize your potential and offer to mentor you; 2) a friend may recom­mend someone to you; or 3) you may “click” with a fellow author at a writers’ club or conference.

It may even be an editor or agent who sees potential in your work and is willing to take the time to help you in your climb up the writing ladder. Be courageous, take the plunge, and ask if he or she is available from time to time to answer questions and offer encouragement. If the answer is yes, then the following 10 hints will make this a rewarding experience for you both.

10 Tips for a successful mentoring experience:

1. Before contacting your mentor with a question, look for the answer on the Internet or at the library. You’ll remember it more if you dig for it. Do as much on your own as you can.

2. Make a list of your questions before you call or e-mail. This will ensure you get all the information you need, and you can jot down the answers on your sheet next to each question.

3. Be considerate in the timing if you’re phoning. Try not to call on Sundays, holidays, or the day after a conference. Also, remember the different time zones if you’re calling another state.

4. If you call, ask if this is a good time or if you should call at another time. They may have company, be preparing for a conference, or be facing a writing deadline.

5. If you write your mentor with a question, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope, along with reimbursement for any expenses they may incur such as photocopies.

6. If you send a manuscript for them to look over, give them a little time. Don’t call three days later and ask what they thought of it. If you’re using regular mail, enclose a self- addressed stamped envelope for them to return your manuscript. You might also include a self-addressed postcard they can stick in the mailbox letting you know they received the material.

7. Whether sending your manuscript by e-mail or regular mail, to receive more complete feedback, call or write first. (A manuscript with a $400 check once lay in my mailbox over the weekend. I hadn’t heard from this author in 2 years, so he didn’t even know if I was still in the business, or if I lived at the same address. The mail carrier left it in a second delivery which we didn’t know about.) Let them know how many pages it will be and if you have a deadline to meet. Allow enough time before this deadline to insert any changes your mentor suggests. Rush jobs should be avoided.

8. If your mentor’s services include editing, type the manuscript double-spaced, with at least a one-inch margin on all sides. Number the pages consecutively, not chapter by chapter.

9. When you get your manuscript back, go through it and make a note of any weak­nesses your mentor points out. Correct these weaknesses in future manuscripts you send.

10. Sometimes mentors need encouragement too. A “Thinking of You” card or an occasional token of appreciation may arrive on a day when their spirits need a lift.


Why would a person be willing to give up valuable time to help a new writer?
For me, the answer is that early in my life, many people gave of their time and knowledge to help me. One way of thanking them is to pass on to others what I have learned through the years.

Recently, a friend gave me a copy of her first published book. Inside she had written, “Here’s the product of your encouragement. Thanks for your help and love during this project.” This letter, and others like it in my file, is why I mentor.

Perhaps after you’ve been writing for a while, someone will come up to you and ask, “Will you be my mentor?” And, of course, if you believe in “paying it forward,” you’ll say “yes.”


This guest post is provided by Donna Clark Goodrich.

BIO:
Donna Clark Goodrich is a freelance writer and proofreader residing in Mesa, Arizona.
She is the author of over twenty books and more than 700 published manuscripts.
To learn more, visit her site at www.thewritersfriend.net

Thoughts? Do you have a mentoring relationship with anyone? Do you think they are beneficial for today's writer?

Image: Stock photo