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Writer's Notes - By Jeanne Dininni

 
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Writer's Notes - December 2008



The Confident Writing Best Posts of 2008

Joanna Young has posted her list of Simply The Best Posts of 2008. (She actually posted her list of links and reasons the bloggers chose their posts a day early--the 29th instead of the 30th of December--though I'm only just getting around to reporting it now. My apologies!)

Be sure to stop by Confident Writing, at the link above, to read some of the best blog content written during 2008, including work from all over the blogosphere! And don't forget to visit Confident Writing regularly for many fantastic writing tips and words of writing wisdom from writing coach, Joanna Young. (In fact, why not bookmark her site or subscribe to her feed.) I guarantee you'll learn a great deal!

Happy reading--and learning!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? What are your thoughts on roundup posts such as these? Do you enjoy visiting blogs that have collected links to some of the best content and placed them into a single post for your convenience? Does this make it easier for you to access more great content amid your busy schedule? Or do you prefer to pick and choose your own preferred posts by making the rounds yourself?



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Confident Writing's Year-End Group Writing Project

Joanna Young, at Confident Writing, is holding a year-end group writing project, in which bloggers select the post they believe to be Simply The Best post they've written during 2008 and describe why "in 30 words or less." Read all about this intriguing project in the following post: Simply The Best: Group Writing Project.


My Writer's Notes Entry

I've chosen the following article* as the Writer's Notes 2008 post that's Simply The Best:

Motivation to Write: Is There a Magic Formula?

In accordance with the rules Joanna has set for this writing project, I've described my reasons for choosing the above post--in exactly 30 words (not counting Joanna's "preamble"). Here they are:

This post is simply the best because...

• It explores an issue that's critical to every writer's success;
• It examines various methods for tapping several common motivational sources;
• It explains how to generate motivation when it eludes us.

Hope you'll enjoy revisiting this Writer's Notes "best" post of 2008 (first published as a guest post at Writing the Cyber Highway). I think that, in addition to a hefty dose of encouragement, you'll find an arsenal of useful techniques for achieving the motivation that's indispensable to your success in your chosen vocation.


Joanna's Roundup Post Will Link to All Entries

Be sure not to miss Joanna's Simply The Best roundup post (which will be published at Confident Writing on December 30th). It will feature links to some of the best blog content of 2008 (along with each blogger's 30-word or shorter description of why it's his/her best post of the year).

If you've had a busy year (as I have) and too often missed reading your favorite blogs, don't miss this "best of the blogosphere" collection! (You can even get a jump on reading these great entries by visiting Joanna's announcement post at the above writing project link and mining her Comments box for the links to all the entries.)


Happy reading!
Jeanne


* I've entered at the 11th hour (actually, later). Yet, I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in such an inspiring project.



Did you enjoy this post? What would you consider your very best post of 2008? Would you have difficulty choosing? If so, stay tuned for another soon-to-be-held year-end group writing project which will include up to 12 of each blog's best posts of 2008: one for each month that the blogger has been blogging this year. Perhaps you'll even decide to participate!



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Fifth Glass Woman Prize Reading Period Starts Today

The Glass Woman Prize website announced the winners of its Fourth Glass Woman Prize today, kicking off the reading period for the next contest, which carries a March 21, 2009 submission deadline. (Prize notification date for the Fifth Glass Woman competition will be June 21, 2009.) Beate Sigriddaughter, who hosts the contest, charges no reading fee and finances contest prizes herself, using 10% of her personal income.


Competition Prizes and Winner Selection Info

The top prize in the Fifth Glass Woman contest will be $700, with two runner-up awards of $100 each and an additional $50 prize. Non-obligatory online publication of the winning entry is also included with each monetary award. Though she uses a group of (female) readers to make initial selections (after all, she received 492 entries in the Fourth Glass Woman Prize competition), Beate reserves the right to be the final judge, selecting the winning entries herself.


Contest Guidelines and Type of Works Sought

The following info, quoted from the website, explains the kind of work Beate is seeking:

The Fifth Glass Woman Prize will be awarded for a work of short fiction or creative non-fiction (prose) written by a woman. Length: between 50 and 5,000 words.

One submission is allowed per entrant per reading period. Beate also says that "(p)reviously published work and simultaneous submissions are OK" and adds that "(c)opyright is retained by the author."

To read some of the winning entries and get a better idea of the type of work that impresses this judge, visit the website by following the link in the first paragraph of this post.


Purpose of the Contest

About her reasons for running the contest, Beate has this to say (again, taken from her website):

I want to help along the cause of women expressing themselves authentically and fearlessly and passionately. It has something to do with a contribution to justice and soul growing in the world.

One of my ex-husbands once said that women don't support each other. I want to either change that or prove it wrong. This is my small gesture of changing the world.

Beate states the following about her standards for judging contest entries, "My criterion is passion, excellence, and authenticity in the woman’s writing voice."


Why Not Go For It?

If the Glass Woman Prize sounds like something you'd be interested in winning--and particularly if you already have a short fiction story, creative non-fiction piece, or thought-provoking essay lying around which is "significant to women"--why not enter? You certainly have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if you haven't written anything yet, this contest could be just the inspiration you need to help you get creative!


Best of luck with your entry--and all your writing endeavors!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? What are your thoughts about this contest? How does it compare to other contests you know of? How likely will you be to enter the Glass Woman Prize contest? Do you have any other contest experiences you'd like to share with us--or any other ideas about writing competitions? What are your thoughts on writing contest entry fees, and do you ever enter contests that charge entry fees? Why or why not?



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I've Won--And So Have Seven Others!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've won one of the eight prizes offered in the Win Up to $500 Writing About Cell Phone Users and Abusers! contest hosted by Brad Shorr at Word Sell, Inc. What a wonderful surprise it was to visit Word Sell a few days ago and see my name listed among the winners! (I was one of three people who won $100! There were also a $500 grand prize and four $50 prizes--a truly generous lineup of contest prizes!) To see a list of all eight winners and their respective prizes, see Brad's post, Announcing! Cell Phone Contest Prizes. (Be sure to visit Word Sell often for Brad's insightful advice on how you can use the written word to effectively market yourself, your ideas, products, or services.)


Contest Details and Links to Individual Entries

Winners were chosen by random drawing after penning posts about cell phone use and abuse, which they published to their own blogs, as their contest entries, sending links to Brad. In case you'd like to read the fascinating entries, Brad has also published a Cell Phone Users and Abusers Contest Roundup post containing links to all the entries. This group of blog posts represents a host of perspectives on a topic which is redefining modern life.


A Contest Highlighting Dr. Mike O'Malley's "Cell Hell" Book

The Cell Phone Users and Abusers contest was held to publicize Dr. Mike O'Malley's new book, Cell Hell: 55 Cell Phone Users You'd Like to Silence, which provides an entertaining look at the people who annoy, irritate, and sometimes even place us in mortal danger through their appalling cell phone habits. My own entry was The Cell Phone: Both a Blessing and a Curse.

If you have a cell phone story to tell, Dr. O'Malley is interested in receiving your stories of cell phone abuse. Visit his website to send him a message via his contact form.

Just had to share this wonderful news with all of you!


Thanks for reading!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? Have any thoughts to share on this contest? How about other contests you've entered? How do the prizes offered in this contest compare to those of other contests in which you've participated? Do they seem especially generous, average, common, or rare, based on your past experience? Have you ever won a contest? I'd love to hear your thoughts!



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Three Great Posts for Writers

I'd like to share links to a few blog posts I've come across this week which I've found helpful and which I think might benefit other writers, as well. They're written by three writers/bloggers I highly respect. Please note that these three posts are by no means the only three I believe to be of value this week but merely three that I've read and been impressed with (as I invariably am with all the posts I read whenever I visit these three blogs).


A Hefty Dose of Writing Encouragement and Strategy from Brain Based Biz

The first post, called As a Writer - I Can, was written by a blogger I greatly respect: Robyn McMaster at Brain Based Biz. This very encouraging post (which I found in the BBB November archives) will inspire you to look within for the writing talent you may not even realize you possess and provide strategies that can help you learn to believe in your own ability as a writer. You'll find many more fabulous posts at Brain Based Biz (many of which focus on the fascinating topic of multiple intelligences) which will help you put your brain power to work to achieve your writing--and life--goals. So, be sure to visit often! You'll find Robyn's posts insightfully written, immensely interesting, and totally practical.


Some Fantastic Tips for Stepping Beyond Fear at Brain Leaders and Learners

The second post, 10 Strides from Fear to Freedom, comes from my respected colleague, Ellen Weber, at Brain Leaders and Learners--yes, another fascinating blog that delves deeply into brain research and intelligence, providing tips and techniques for using your mental powers to their best advantage and using them to achieve impressive results. This post will encourage you by providing the inspiration, as well as the practical techniques, you need to overcome fear--which will help you go much farther in your writing endeavors. Be sure to drop by Brain Leaders and Learners regularly for your latest fascinating dose of brain-related information, along with Ellen's sage, well-written advice on applying this information to your work.


An Excellent Guide for Creating Your First e-Book and More from Confident Writing

The third post was written by another blogger I've always thought very highly of: Joanna Young of Confident Writing. It's called A Simple Guide to Compiling a Free E-Book. If you've ever considered writing an e-book and wanted to know how to go about it, you'll find this post--as well as Joanna's free e-book, Asking Questions For a Change: how to ask purposeful questions--a great help to you in getting started in e-book writing. Joanna's blog also offers a wealth of information on other aspects and types of writing, so make sure you stop back by Confident Writing often to take advantage of her always insightful words of wisdom about writing.


Three Blogs to Bookmark

Be sure to visit--and bookmark--these three fabulous blogs. If you're a reader of RSS feeds, you might also want to subscribe. The next time you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical information, you'll definitely be glad you decided to keep these three blogs close at hand!

Read, grow, and enjoy!
Jeanne


Did you enjoy this post? What have you found most helpful about one or more of these three amazing blogs? We'd love to hear your thoughts!



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Cell Phones: A Revolution in Communication

Writers understand the importance of communication perhaps more than many "ordinary" people do. Yet, writing is but one mode of communication. Despite the revolutionary advances that have created the worldwide network known as the Internet—which allows us to send the written word (and many other types of media) halfway across the world—still another interwoven web of networks has further expanded the reach of everyday people, simplifying and yet complicating our lives at the same time: the system of communication known as the cellular telephone network.


Convenience vs. Annoyance

Cell phones offer so much convenience to our busy, often-hectic lives that it would be difficult to imagine life without them. Yet, along with that convenience come certain annoyances (from tiny irritations to infuriating distractions)—and even serious potential dangers—that should certainly give us pause. At the very least, these unpleasant cell-phone realities should make us pause long enough—and in mid-conversation, I might add—to consider the consequences of thoughtless, irresponsible, and downright dangerous cell phone use.


Fight Cell Phone Abuse!


Thoughtless Cell Phone Use

Most of us have been at least mildly irritated by the thoughtlessness of cell phone users who ignore everyone else around them while speaking loudly into that harmless looking little device they have glued to their ear. If we were totally honest, of course, many of us would have to admit to having actually been that thoughtless cell phone user at one time or another. Yet, it somehow seems so different when it's our conversation—which we all know is so much more important…necessary…excusable than the other guy's…

(You don't think that mindset we so innocently display could possibly be more widespread than we realize, do you? That it might actually contribute to the problem the other guy has being polite to others while in the vicinity of his cell phone? Hmmm…Certainly gets one thinking, doesn't it?)


Cell Phones: A Wonderful Invention

Cell phones are a wonderful invention—no question about it. They make it possible for stranded people to get help. They alert first responders when emergencies occur. They reassure us that our loved ones are safe while they're traveling far from home. They enable us to call ahead when traffic snags, preventing us from getting to an appointment on time. They even let us find each other at the mall or in the supermarket, or call one another with that indispensable dinner ingredient we've somehow forgotten to put on the shopping list. Yet, to one particular segment of society, they do much more than the above, improving the lives of this group in a far more fundamental way.


A Group for Whom Text Messaging Equals New Freedom

Modern cell phones allow the Deaf to communicate directly with one another and with the hearing with more freedom and portability than ever before possible, through text messaging while on the go instead of being limited to using a non-portable TTY device or having to resort to the long, drawn-out process of communicating through a relay operator via computer.

This new method of communicating via cell phone is, for the Deaf Community, a totally unprecedented capability made possible because mobile technology has advanced beyond mere voice communications. It opens brand new vistas for an entire cross-section of individuals who are every bit as talented, intelligent, and creative as their hearing counterparts, yet who just happen to be deaf. It empowers a segment of society which, as a result of modern cell phone technology, is now able to transact business in the field—including running their own businesses, managing employees, and coordinating and overseeing projects via the simple method of text messaging. (And you thought only your teens used text messaging to chat with their friends in class.)


When Cell Phones Pose a Hazard

For all their positive attributes, when used irresponsibly, cell phones can cause real danger. Using a cell phone while driving—particularly when fumbling with its keypad, Talk, or End buttons, flipping it open, or holding it while chatting and driving with only one hand—can pose a serious hazard to driver and passengers, other motorists, and the totally unprotected (and often unsuspecting) pedestrian in the crosswalk who actually expects the driver heading her way to see and obey the stop sign when he reaches the corner.

Unfortunately, due to the distraction of the cell phone, this too often doesn't happen—and this is one reason the State of California passed a "hands-free cell phone while driving" law, which went into effect July 1, 2008. Beginning on that day, all cell phone users were (and are) required to use a hands-free cell phone setup—and after my personal experience with one such distracted driver, that wasn't soon enough for me.


A Distracted Driver Is a Dangerous Driver

As I stepped off the curb one sunny California day, I noticed a car approaching the intersection at a moderate rate of speed. I looked through the vehicle's windshield, preparing to make eye contact with the driver, as has always been my custom. With a couple of thousand pounds of metal between the driver and me, I've always felt a nagging need to make sure the driver whose vehicle I'm about the step in front of has noticed me.

(To be honest, I've never understood the people who step out in front of all manner of moving vehicles without so much as a glance in the direction of the metallic monster relentlessly bearing down on them. It's obvious that they believe that having the legal right of way will somehow protect them from danger. But, I always figure that living to see another day is far better than having them put on my gravestone, "She had the right of way.")

As I prepared to step in front of the vehicle, I could tell right away that something was wrong. Not only was the driver not looking at me, but he had a cell phone glued to his ear—and he was not slowing down. As the alarm bells began going off in my head, I had just enough time to jump back out of the way and barely avoided being hit by the inattentive driver, who braked suddenly when he realized what was happening and sheepishly shrugged his apology at me through the closed window. With a rather less than genial expression, I motioned the driver to go first. I wasn't about to step in front of his vehicle again.

Like most other tools that have the potential to make our lives better, cell phones can be used or abused. They can help and improve or distract, annoy, and even destroy. The choice is ours.

Help fight cell phone abuse: Please phone responsibly.

Thanks!
Jeanne


This post is my entry into the Word Sell Win Up to $500 Blogging About Cell Phone Users and Abusers! Contest.


Did you enjoy this post? Have any cell phone horror stories of your own to share? Or maybe you've seen a cell phone save a life or do some good. We'd love to hear your story!



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Need Writing Advice or Resources? Check Out How to Write

If you're looking for a site that offers lots of helpful writing advice and a wide variety of writing-related resources, allow me to introduce you to a blog I think you'll love. How to Write, an Orble blog penned by Moonglow*, offers up a generous spread of wisdom about the craft of writing, topping it off with a host of links to writing websites, markets, and other resources that can help you reach your writing goals.


Some Sample Posts

A few examples of the posts I've enjoyed and think other writers might benefit from at How to Write are Free Christmas Cards (for those of you who might enjoy printing out our own cards this Christmas season and perhaps even including our own verse) and Christian Writing Forum (for those writers who might like to participate in discussions about writing in a Christian context). Haiku Writers Wanted ! and Craft Writers Wanted ! are two examples of the variety of writing markets the site presents. Other entries, such as Free Character Development Worksheet and Free Novel Outline Template, also link to resources you might find helpful in creating your fiction book.


How to Write: A Blog to Bookmark

Visit (and don't forget to bookmark) How to Write, where you'll find not only a host of helpful writing-related tips, tactics, markets, and other resources--presented concisely for quick digestion by busy writers--but also a friendly, wise, and engaging blogger. If that winning combo isn't enough to bring you back, you must already know so much and have such an arsenal of writing resources that you simply don't need to seek knowledge or information elsewhere. However, if, like most of us, you're always interested in acquiring a link to the latest gem of a writing website or you always enjoy reading another insightful tidbit of writing wisdom, hurry over to How to Write--and be sure to tell Moonglow I sent you.


Enjoy these resources!
Jeanne


* I hope Moonglow will forgive me for capitalizing her username, since she always uses all lower case letters, referring to herself as "moonglow." I just can't seem to get used to doing that, though, and hope my respected blogging colleague doesn't mind!



Did you enjoy this post? Have any other great writing resource sites to share? We'd love to hear about them!



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November '08 Comment Recognition

I'm honored to once again recognize my valued readers who have left comments at Writer's Notes. To all the special people who have graced this little corner of the blogosphere with your wit and wisdom during the month of November, 2008, "Thank you!" You help to make this blog better by your presence and your feedback! Special thanks, also, to those who commented here for the first time last month! You, too, are truly appreciated!


Thanks, Everyone!

I'm truly grateful for all your thoughtful, wise, inspiring, informative, and incisive comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, experiences, and support at Writer's Notes! I really enjoy reading your insights, viewpoints, and perspectives! They add so much richness to my own experience! Thanks so much for making November another great month through your valuable input!

Thanks, too, for joining in on Lillie Ammann's two Dream or Destiny book tour stops at Writer's Notes last month--for leaving your comments about my book review as your entries into the drawing for a free copy of Lillie's book and for reading Lillie's fascinating interview and bringing your questions about writing and publishing your own work in order to learn from Lillie's experience. Many congratulations to Mark Antony, who won the drawing!


November '08 Commenters

The following is a list (in no particular order) of all the wonderful people who have left comments at Writer's Notes during November, 2008:


Lillie Ammann, at A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye

Connie Arnold, at Inspirational Poetry of Connie Arnold

Bluestocking, at The Bluestocking Guide

Janet Collins, at The Social Critic

BJ Keltz, at Enriched By Words

Mark Antony, at Bloggers Quest

Wilson Pon, at TechnoStuffs

Cath Lawson

Morgan Bell, at Current Business News

Karen Swim, at Words for Hire

Kyle Howard, at MoneyVac

Lynn Smythe, at Bike Diva

Moonglow, at How to Write

Dianna G, at I Wish This Was 42



I Truly Appreciate Your Comments!

Thank you so much, everyone, for making the Writer's Notes conversation so much richer during the past month by visiting and sharing your, insights, opinions, advice, and experiences with us! You add so much value to this blog, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!


Many Apologies for My Sparser than Usual Posting Schedule Last Month

Due to several new ongoing writing/editing/coaching gigs, I've been so overwhelmed with work during the past few weeks that I simply haven't been able to find the time to post--for which I truly apologize! I was in fact offered--and accepted--two regular ongoing gigs and one longer term project in the same week, which has basically wreaked havoc with my writing--and life--schedule, keeping me busy almost nonstop since.

As you can well imagine, many regular gigs include a steep learning curve, which makes them even more work at the beginning, and this is what I've been up against--particularly with my new editing gig which consists of editing grant proposals for an educational website. So far, I've completed six different assignments of varying lengths for this site in the past 10 days, one of which was a substantive edit of a full grant proposal consisting of 12 pages. So, I have definitely been keeping busy lately and not simply ignoring you!


Many, many thanks for your comments!
Jeanne


P.S. If you've commented at Writer's Notes during November, and I've somehow managed to overlook you, please be sure to let me know. I do my best to keep track, but every so often I do slip up. I appreciate every single commenter, and I definitely want to give each of you the recognition you deserve!



Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add...any insights to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts! After all, your comments are what these monthly recognition posts are all about!



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