tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17350055149438168222012-02-10T12:36:08.865+01:00The Writer's ABC ChecklistThe Writer’s ABC Checklist blog offers advice and tips for writers. Writing Magazine columnist and Writers Bureau tutor, Lorraine Mace, puts her writing experience online for writers everywhere.Words with JAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16595838458076154912noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-78360129373892524442012-02-10T10:52:00.001+01:002012-02-10T11:04:44.882+01:00Writing Historical Fiction? You Really Should Read This ...My guest today is Cathie Dunn, who has generously agreed to share with us her tips on how to bring a time period to life.
First of all, I would like to thank Lorraine for the opportunity to talk about my favourite subject (apart from my novels!) - historical research. I hope you won’t doze off...
As a writer of historical fiction in all and any of its forms, one thing is a definite: getting your Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-37853895919105538652012-01-26T15:44:00.000+01:002012-01-26T15:44:23.531+01:00How to Signal a Flashback<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-77766114501448676822012-01-18T21:24:00.001+01:002012-01-19T08:14:05.681+01:00Comma, pause, comma, eek!Georgia from Durban, South Africa, cries: Help! I am totally defeated by commas. I never know when to use them and spend more time putting them in and taking them out again than I do writing. Is there a simple rule to follow?
Hmm, wouldn’t it be wonderful if uses of the comma could be explained in one simple rule? Unfortunately, that isn’t possible, but maybe the list below will help to make its Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-37979202897875580612012-01-10T11:50:00.002+01:002012-01-10T11:56:09.778+01:00The Positively Productive WriterA great guest post from writer friend Simon Whaley on how to be, as he says in the title, a positively productive writer.
Twitter is terrible, Facebook is ferocious and Google just gobbles up all of our potential writing time. To be proper writers we have to throw away these distractions and lock ourselves up in some primitive garret somewhere and start squeezing the creative muse from whichever Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-85506984588509028172011-12-05T14:57:00.000+01:002011-12-05T14:57:33.007+01:00Empty When Half FullSome writing projects take a moment but are still worthwhile. Writing Magazine columnist, Patrick Forsyth explains:
Getting a new writing project is good, and most of us just want to crack into it; the sooner it’s done, the sooner we get paid. But sometimes … a while ago I saw a notice saying It is dangerous to cross this bridge when this notice is under water. We all see such things sometimes Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-46650760960378912011-11-28T16:15:00.001+01:002011-11-28T17:38:18.001+01:00You May Be Surprised by What You FindDavid Robinson shares his thoughts on why we should look deep within to find possibilities.I read this week that writer Talli Roland has hit 20,000 sales of her e-titles over the last year. Great going, Talli, more power to your elbow.Then I look at my sales. Nowhere near. Not even a dot on the horizon in comparison to Talli’s and when compared to the likes of John Locke or Amanda Hocking, I’m Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-70934108297801721172011-11-24T15:11:00.000+01:002011-11-24T15:11:58.770+01:00Penguin Novel Give-away<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-85956678427221995572011-11-23T15:02:00.000+01:002011-11-23T15:02:00.899+01:00Learn to Earn from your Writing<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-21061844496089756862011-11-14T14:31:00.000+01:002011-11-14T14:31:35.554+01:00Foreign Flavours: A New Anthology from Writers Abroad<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-21703837610148880272011-11-01T15:37:00.000+01:002011-11-01T15:37:06.055+01:00Six Useful Articles for Writers<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-4556351973567730692011-10-26T12:32:00.000+02:002011-10-26T12:32:56.069+02:00Once Upon a Time - Guest Post by Karen King<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-42078495016120514202011-10-12T14:27:00.000+02:002011-10-12T14:27:28.480+02:00How Much Are You Worth?Another guest post from David Robinson - and one which all freelance writers should read and absorb to make sure they don't undersell their talents.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-65331501081525335202011-09-26T11:45:00.000+02:002011-09-26T11:45:03.206+02:00Getting the most from a critiqueMaureen Vincent-Northam, my good writing friend and co-author of the The Writer's ABC Checklist asked me to guest post on her blog. I gave some advice on getting the most from a critique. You can read it here: Critically Speaking
The Writer’s ABC Checklist
Critique Service for Writers
Flash 500 Flash Fiction Competition
Flash 500 Humour Verse CompetitionLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-15708013494177451142011-09-16T11:35:00.002+02:002011-09-22T11:20:10.837+02:00Don't Know? Look it UpToday my guest post is from my very good friend and research guru, Maureen Vincent-Northam. Her advice is invaluable for all writers, whether researching for an article, non-fiction book or even fiction.
Don't Know? Look it Up
Some words have a certain writery ring about them: muse, reflection, creativity, contemplation. Others are less inspiring: tedium, frustration, research.
Okay, let’s leaveLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-19035783738593567692011-09-14T12:07:00.000+02:002011-09-14T12:07:41.955+02:00Pressing for publicity<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-90414451203527266992011-09-06T12:19:00.000+02:002011-09-06T12:19:50.906+02:00Avoid this writing scam<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-878375175343983592011-08-22T17:54:00.000+02:002011-08-22T17:54:31.632+02:00When Your Characters Don't Speak Your Language ...<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-91217451806469305742011-08-17T15:07:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:18:02.265+02:00Branding for WritersMy good friend David Robinson has kindly provided today's guest post, which is likely to be of use to most authors, both self and traditionally published.
“Self-publishing on the Kindle? You need a brand.”That’s what they said, so I lit the fires and jammed the irons into them. I wasn’t too sure how the Kindle would react to burning my initials onto the plastic casing. I know the dog played Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-76919030385787988522011-08-02T10:15:00.000+02:002011-08-02T10:15:22.210+02:00Copying from someone else's work<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-20076940404026138002011-07-26T10:36:00.000+02:002011-07-26T10:36:17.064+02:00How to construct an article outline<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-9034969031761141302011-07-25T12:18:00.000+02:002011-07-25T12:18:39.869+02:00Long Lists for Flash Fiction and Humour Verse CompetitionsThe long list is up ...... on the Flash 500 winners’ page. These stories are now being whittled down to create the shortlist. Once again, we had an incredible batch of entries – with stories arriving from no fewer than 40 countries. If you fancy entering this quarter, the details of the competition can be found on the Flash 500 website.
And the humour verse long list has also been decidedI’m Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-49620338327952288212011-07-18T11:08:00.003+02:002011-09-14T12:18:50.490+02:00Tips on writing fantasy by Jo ReedThinking of writing fantasy? Today Jo Reed, author of the Blood Dancer series of novels, shares her expertise.
Writing fantasy is easier than most other genres, someone said to me the other day, because you can just make things up as you go along. There aren’t any rules – it’s not the real world, so you can do anything you like. It’s an opinion I’ve heard many times, but as any writer who has Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-80477120252188556622011-07-13T18:05:00.000+02:002011-07-13T18:05:24.286+02:00Lorraine Mace talks (even more than usual)<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-37105983000350745082011-07-01T16:31:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:19:54.629+02:00Traveller's TalesFancy being a Travel Writer? Do you want to get invited to VIP events, or use the Press and VIP areas at exhibitions, shows, etc?
The guest post today comes from well established travel writer, Lyn Funnell. Lyn has kindly shared with us some of her tips and advice for those wishing to follow in her footsteps.
As Lyn says: Yes, it is fun to be greeted with coffee and breakfast when you arrive, or Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-58593854099985673112011-06-21T11:00:00.000+02:002011-06-21T11:00:35.421+02:00Are my mum and dad capital people?<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-61201908555098667662011-06-20T11:45:00.000+02:002011-06-20T11:45:43.222+02:00Published, but not paid<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-32494982553382130582011-06-16T10:58:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:20:26.488+02:00For the Love of itIf you've ever been inclined to pen a romance, then this post by Sue Moorcroft is essential reading.
For the Love of it
I think I write romantic fiction for many of the reasons I read it – I like the sensation of falling in love. And doing it on paper is much better for my marriage than doing it for real.
Also, romantic fiction is comforting. That’s why, during a recession, the sales of Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-90697597727403541712011-06-13T15:58:00.000+02:002011-06-13T15:58:54.156+02:00Go on, make us laugh<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-6593418589702114442011-06-03T12:10:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:20:58.710+02:00Ghostly Advice for Writers by Lynne HacklesI'm thrilled to have a guest piece this week from Lynne Hackles. Lynne is an extremely successful writer, but much of her best work doesn't go out under her own name. Why not? Read her post to find out ...
Writing is a skill and as it’s a skill we - I’m assuming it’s writers reading this - possess then why not sell it? I don’t mean by writing your own stories and articles. I mean sell your skill Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-29008100843018151802011-05-20T10:27:00.000+02:002011-05-20T10:27:18.326+02:00International Life Writing Competition - great prizes<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-79602015688443604662011-05-18T14:40:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:21:25.896+02:00An Indie Publishing ExperienceDarren J Guest, author of Dark Heart: The Purgatory of Leo Stamp, published by independent Snowbooks, tells us about his indie experience, giving some insider knowledge and tips for anyone thinking of following in his footsteps. The spectrum of quality within independent publishing is as broad as it is with mainstream. I would say I got lucky signing with Snowbooks, as it is one of the few Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-78352235950410433302011-05-16T10:04:00.000+02:002011-05-16T10:04:57.500+02:00Resubmitting after a rejection<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-83170053641519367212011-05-04T11:05:00.000+02:002011-05-04T11:05:47.062+02:00Interview with Trish Nicholson - winner of the Flash 500 Competition<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-34056111286139682192011-04-21T09:45:00.000+02:002011-04-21T09:45:44.076+02:00Review of The Writer's ABC ChecklistIt's always nice to find good, unsolicited reviews of our book for writers. This one is from the Welsh Books Council, reproduced here with their kind permission. Gwales ReviewMace and Vincent-Northam have cracked it. In the space of 239 pages they have covered virtually every aspect that we writers require an answer for. As a leader of a number of writers’ workshops, involving most genres andLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-88644115672136944352011-04-18T16:59:00.000+02:002011-04-18T16:59:50.356+02:00Word counts for children's novels<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-20096978337519901102011-04-05T12:57:00.001+02:002011-09-14T12:21:50.912+02:00Writing Erotica for WomenToday we are lucky enough to get some tips from a top writer of erotic fiction for women, Barbie Scott.
Writing Erotica for Womenby Barbie Scott
It may seem obvious but erotica needs to be erotic. It must be sensual, exciting, arousing. Be brave – write about what arouses you. After all, if something turns you on, it will turn others on as well.
Never forget that an erotic story is still a Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-70180999097968089932011-03-24T10:56:00.000+01:002011-03-24T10:56:39.770+01:00Pay me and I'll publish your book - yeah, right!<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-79031942152334837112011-03-23T11:18:00.000+01:002011-03-23T11:18:19.644+01:00Flash 500 - nine day countdown<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-6451271324255515382011-03-21T11:21:00.001+01:002011-03-24T07:52:07.914+01:00Foreign Flavours AnthologyCall for Submissions - Short Stories and Non-Fiction Articles
Organised by expat writers group - Writers AbroadWriters Abroad will be publishing their second Anthology entitled ‘Foreign Flavours’.We are seeking submissions of short stories and non-fiction pieces on the general theme of food, drink and cooking from around the world. The anthology will be published as an e-book and as hard copy viaLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-37483477926220094342011-03-18T12:30:00.000+01:002011-03-18T12:30:18.631+01:00What is Flash Fiction?<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-60738802466280416872011-03-16T10:04:00.000+01:002011-03-16T10:04:01.643+01:00Payment Matters<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-8989959034086005832011-03-11T10:58:00.000+01:002011-03-11T10:58:55.730+01:00Residential Writing Course<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-52364931509885547152011-03-10T11:00:00.000+01:002011-03-10T11:00:17.088+01:00Why Won't Editors Publish My Stories?<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-46210649517445475202011-03-08T13:03:00.000+01:002011-03-08T13:03:55.852+01:00A question about indexing<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-86410893810218921482011-01-31T15:43:00.000+01:002011-01-31T15:43:05.051+01:00Punctuating dialogue<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-23935653988332332552011-01-31T14:55:00.000+01:002011-01-31T14:55:59.597+01:00First page writing competitionWords with JAM are looking for the most captivating first page of a story. Think about those people who only buy books if the first page or two excites them. Entries will be judged anonymously, and it can be the first page (up to 400 words) of a novel – it can be from a novel previously unpublished, a part written novel, or simply a first page written purely for the competition.
Prizes
1st PrizeLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-65444506307505465502011-01-18T09:37:00.007+01:002011-01-18T09:37:00.238+01:00Getting the Personal Bio Right<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-63542942469562471652011-01-12T14:53:00.000+01:002011-01-12T14:53:09.966+01:00My Six Favourite Short Story Competitions – by Trish NicholsonWriter Trish Nicholson has a very useful and informative post on writing competitions she feels are well worth entering. I'm thrilled to say that she has placed Flash 500 at number one. Read all about the Flash 500 and five other competitions here: My Six Favourite Short Story Competitions – by Trish NicholsonLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-83704550914352030552011-01-11T09:36:00.000+01:002011-01-11T09:36:33.934+01:00What is a Sidebar?<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-14022229248197422162010-11-25T14:49:00.000+01:002010-11-25T14:49:12.831+01:00Writers Abroad Anthology - free download Writers Abroad Anthology of Expat Stories in support of National Short Story Week 2010
Click on this link to access the free Anthology of Short Stories 2010. You can also read it on-line by following the link on the website. Writers Abroad hope you will enjoy reading about their tales of expat life and that the short story format continues to be supported.
If you are a writer living Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-62655020991603212592010-11-15T12:29:00.000+01:002010-11-15T12:29:27.663+01:00Interviewed for Winning Words blogI am usually the interviewer, so it made a pleasant change to be on the interviewee side of the questions. You can read all about me (and the Flash 500 competition) here.
I'd like to thank Michelle for her interest.
LorraineLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-9829971319601950532010-11-02T10:21:00.000+01:002010-11-02T10:21:46.070+01:00Flash 500 Winning Stories Now OnlineThe waiting is over and the results are in! To read the top three stories, visit the Winning Entries page of the Flash 500 website.
Winning stories picked by Sue Moorcroft
First place: Lord Stanton's Horse by Heikki Hietala
Second place: The Ghost of Christmas Past by Jayne Thickett
Third place: Fur by Janet Pate
Highly Commended: That's Life by Sheila Alcock
Sue Moorcroft's judge's report is Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-34972791449113091362010-10-20T09:46:00.000+02:002010-10-20T09:46:36.955+02:00Useful blog post by Sue MoorcroftThis week I'm going to send you over to the blog of Sue Moorcroft, whose student asks the following question:
If you don’t want to write for weekly magazines and haven’t got the ‘legs’ to write a novel – what other markets are there?
Sue's comprehensive answer can be found here. Her blog is a mine of information of real use to writers, both beginner and experienced.
My own answers to questions Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-44956880619329909992010-10-14T15:29:00.000+02:002010-10-14T15:29:42.822+02:00Flash 500 Shortlist AnnouncedI have a somewhat longer than usual post this time. I'm announcing the shortlist for the third quarter of the Flash 500 Competition (and paying tribute to those authors who made the long list but didn’t get through to the final judging). I'm also letting you know about the fabulous new judge for the final quarter of the year, as well as giving news on publication of the winning entry from the Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-6325895536239401542010-10-06T12:35:00.000+02:002010-10-06T12:35:00.568+02:00Actively PassiveDavid from Vancouver sent in the following question. I belong to a writers’ group and keep hearing that writers shouldn’t use the passive voice, but no one can tell me why. What’s wrong with the passive voice and why is it such a taboo?
Because new writers tend to overuse the passive voice, many writing teachers advise their students not to use it. This has resulted in lots of confusion, with Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-47955048333448506752010-09-29T12:26:00.002+02:002010-09-29T12:26:00.315+02:00Accepted, but never publishedVanessa Couchman from Caylus, France asked: What recourse do you have if an editor agrees to publish your article, but then changes his/her mind later on?
Providing you have some form of proof that the article had been commissioned or accepted, such as a contract or acceptance email, then you would be able to claim a kill fee if the work wasn’t published.
This applies regardless of whether the Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-45901898886117941942010-09-22T12:30:00.002+02:002010-09-22T12:30:00.691+02:00What's the Point (of View)?Rob from the Costa Blanca in Spain writes: Several of my writing associates from our new group, Writers Abroad, have been struggling to resolve the issues surrounding the ‘Point of View’ often simply referred to as POV. Our main POV problem lies in writing in the 3rd person and the introduction of multi POVs. Is this permissible or must it be avoided?
The use of multiple points of view is one ofLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-28428165766893890072010-09-16T12:30:00.001+02:002010-09-16T12:30:00.612+02:00Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Editor/Agent/PublisherMike from Norwich wants to know if it’s important to address editors, agents and publishers by name. He writes: I’ve been told that I should use the person’s name when sending in a submission, but I can’t always find the name I need on a website or in a magazine, so does it really matter if I don’t address the recipient by name?
It is always worth going to a bit of trouble to try to find out theLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-84435697656840806322010-09-08T12:30:00.002+02:002010-10-17T18:03:18.023+02:00Passing the Past ParcelLiza from Brighton sent in this plea for help: No matter how hard I try, I just cannot get to grips with when I should use passed and when I should use past. Is there an easy way to remember?
This is something that many writers have difficulty getting right. The way I deal with it is to determine whether the context requires a verb or another part of speech. If you decide the sentence needs a Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-42225076733200159122010-09-05T12:30:00.024+02:002010-09-06T08:14:50.276+02:00Update on Flash 500 CompetitionA warm hello to all. I thought I'd bring you up to date on this quarter's Flash 500 competition.
We have had a few problems with PayPal rejecting credit and debit cards this quarter, but fortunately this has now been resolved and the site is once again able to process both debit and credit card payments.
If you have experienced any difficulties paying for this quarter’s entries with a bank cardLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-38630054793963467372010-07-28T10:30:00.000+02:002010-07-28T10:30:06.658+02:00Flash 500 ResultsThe results of the second quarter of the Flash 500 Competition have been announced. The stories and the judge's report are up on the website.
The third quarter is open for entries and will be judged by Sue Moorcroft. Sue is the chief judge for the monthly Writers' Forum short story competition, and also judges many other quality competitions.
Flash 500 is a quarterly open-themed Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-62672247069580830942010-07-26T14:50:00.000+02:002010-07-26T14:50:12.539+02:00Win £200 with How To Books!Nick Lewis of How To Books sent me this message, which I thought I'd share with all the writers I know.
In celebration of our new user submission service, we have been holding a competition throughout July for the best article submitted to www.howto.co.uk. The winner, as judged by our editors, will be announced on the 16th of August and will receive £200 on top of any other earnings the article Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-48335979929709575372010-07-07T20:19:00.000+02:002010-07-07T20:19:16.492+02:00To E or not to EToday an old writing friend is guest posting about his experiences with e-book publishing. David Robinson is 60 years old (see, I told you he was an old friend) and lives on the northeast outskirts of Manchester in sight of the Saddleworth Moors, a location he's used in at least one of his novels.
But I'll leave it to David to tell you the rest in his own words ...
My fourth novel hit the Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-57225815474301828462010-06-10T15:23:00.000+02:002010-06-10T15:23:51.198+02:00Short tips on entering writing competitionsI've just sent out a newsletter for the Flash 500 Competition, but for anyone not on the subscribers list, I thought I'd repeat the information here.
Time is marching on ...
... but there are still three weeks left to get your entry in for this quarter's competition, so if you haven't yet written your prize-winning tale, there's still time to get going. However, before you start writing, or Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-84125176174411752852010-05-30T14:05:00.000+02:002010-05-30T14:05:40.748+02:00Inspiration and Advice for WritersI want to point up two great blog posts by writing friends. In the first, Guy Saville outlines why we should never give up on our dreams. Guy’s post, Perseverance, Rejections and a Two-Book Deal tells of his twelve year journey to getting published by one of the UK’s top publishing houses. Something many writers forget is that overnight success usually takes several years to achieve.
Sue Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-9831595210179385802010-04-15T10:02:00.002+02:002011-09-14T12:22:55.838+02:00Co-authorship advice - guest post by Nick DawsToday I'm fortunate in having a writing friend make a guest post. Nick Daws gives some great advice to anyone thinking of co-authoring.
SOME THOUGHTS ON WRITING WITH A COLLABORATOR
by NICK DAWS
By its nature writing is usually a solitary business, and it can sometimes also be a lonely one.
For many writers the prospect of working with someone else is therefore attractive for the human contactLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-63015697570494846562010-04-13T10:56:00.000+02:002010-04-13T10:56:03.441+02:00Flash 500 Competition - winners announcedThe winning stories and judge's report are now available to read on the the Flash 500 Website.
Well done to the prize winners.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-44101967056645616262010-04-07T12:34:00.003+02:002010-04-07T14:58:07.991+02:00Flash 500 shortlist announcedThe following stories, listed in alphabetical order, have reached the shortlist stage of the first quarter's Flash500 competition. The authors have been notified by email.
A Slip of the Tongue
A walk in the park
After the Wake
Coming Home
Countdown
Diminishing Returns
First Time
Half-mown Lawn
Immaculate misconception
In a Right Hump
Kalpani's melody
Life Stories
Mr Bailey and the Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-52100350104325183402010-04-02T11:44:00.001+02:002010-04-03T13:38:42.946+02:00Flash 500 Competition - international entriesWow, what a successful start to the Flash500 competition! I’d hoped to attract interest from other countries, but the entries have exceeded my expectations. There have been submissions from the UK (naturally), the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, France, Ireland, Finland, Poland, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the Czech Republic, India, Egypt and Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-40648512448335669922010-03-25T08:27:00.000+01:002010-03-25T08:27:52.098+01:00Flash 500 Competition - final weekOnly one week left to enter the Flash 500 fiction competition. Entries of up to 500 words on any theme are welcome.
Entry fee: £5 for one story, £8 for two stories
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
First: £250 plus publication in Words with JAM
Second: £100
Third: £50
Highly commended: A copy of The Writers ABC Checklist
The three winning entries will be published on the competition website Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-71896548519693688272010-03-10T10:10:00.000+01:002010-03-10T10:10:59.677+01:00Wild books and their progressTwenty books have been 'released into the wild' at different places around the UK - hopefully to be picked up, read, and then sent on further adventures. Find out all about this experiment, and learn more about the website http://www.bookcrossing.com/, which will allow us to track their progress, in the next edition of the writing e-zine Words with JAM, out 30th March.
Subscribe to Words with Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-23683907215549531482010-03-08T10:41:00.000+01:002010-03-08T10:41:42.951+01:00Cross-genre writing insightsToday I’m fortunate enough to have a good writing friend as a guest blogger. Gillian Hamer offers some great insight into writing cross-genre fiction.
Whose Advice ?
When I started writing crime novels, I had it in mind I wanted to bring something new to the genre. Maybe not unique, but something that stood me apart from the crowd.
Don’t get me wrong, I love detective stories. I will always Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-3620469249300313342010-03-07T16:25:00.000+01:002010-03-07T16:25:51.034+01:00Mistakes Writers MakeA writing tutor colleague of mine, Alex Gazzola, has started a blog called Mistakes Writers Make (and how to put them right), the idea behind which is to encourage new and student writers of non-fiction to view their mistakes as positives to learn from, rather than negatives to fret about. You can find it here at Mistakes Writers Make
The site includes market pages and lots of useful informationLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-74843926209024272512010-03-02T08:26:00.002+01:002011-09-14T12:23:42.353+02:00Greg's 100 Stories for Haiti Blog TourI'm proud to have Greg McQueen guest post today. Greg saw a need for help after the disaster in Haiti, as did most of us, but he went one stage further and found a practical way to do so. His 100 Stories for Haiti Book Project idea is a wonderful example of how the internet can work for the good of others. Well done to Greg and everyone who contributed a story and/or worked behind the scenes.
Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-59533188087505140962010-02-09T16:24:00.001+01:002010-02-09T16:28:02.509+01:00Writing Serials for the Women's Magazine MarketIf you've ever thought about writing serials for the women's magazine market, but didn't know where to start, then you should visit Sue Moorcroft's blog to find out all you need to know on the subject.
Sue says: As I’m a creative writing tutor as well as a writer, it has been suggested that I should include a few hints and tips about writing, here, on my blog. As I’ve just been asked about Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-58757388277754381672010-02-04T10:42:00.000+01:002010-02-04T10:42:31.356+01:00Regular writing compsThis is a great link to find a list of writing competitions which are run monthly, quarterly or annually. The website also has lots of other information of benefit to writers, so it's well worth a visit. http://www.writersreign.co.uk/Rolling-Competitions.htmlLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-50630862823245650842010-02-03T16:52:00.000+01:002010-02-03T16:52:49.098+01:00List of 100 Stories for HaitiThe list of stories chosen for the 100 Stories for Haiti project can now be viewed at: http://www.100storiesforhaiti.org/Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-7399677965256398482010-01-26T10:57:00.000+01:002010-01-26T10:57:53.552+01:00100 Stories for Haiti - extended deadlineWe have well over 300 submissions — THANK YOU! But we’d like more … Extended deadline: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY, 27, 2010!
By the end of Wednesday, no matter where you are on planet Earth, please cut and paste a story, maximum 1000 words, into the body of an email. More details to be found by using this link: 100 stories for Haiti or by clicking on the image on the right.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-47708996089056760862010-01-25T16:49:00.000+01:002010-01-25T16:49:09.727+01:00Two more Amazon Vine reviewsIt seems that the Amazon Vine reviewers (so far, at least) approve of The Writer's ABC Checklist. We've had another two good reviews - and in both cases it's clear they've looked at it from the point of view of how it can help writers.
The first is from an Amazon Vine reviewer called Sarah McCartney:
Lorraine and Maureen are my new heroes. Sometimes, all you need to be inspired is some Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-71360188390792472352010-01-24T11:22:00.000+01:002010-01-24T11:22:42.259+01:00Another five-star reviewThe Writer’s ABC Checklist has received a five-star review from an Amazon Vine reviewer. I’ve copied it below, exactly as it appears on the Amazon site.
This great little book is of invaluable use to those who are in or are entering the world of publishing work. The title is very apt, as it says exactly what this book is. It isn't a quide on how to write, though it does contain sections on Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-62193604617234252872010-01-20T12:28:00.000+01:002010-01-20T12:28:01.279+01:00100 Stories for HaitiThe following has been copied from the 100 Stories for Haiti post put up by Greg McQueen (whose brilliant idea this is). If you have a story to donate (or expertise in the editing world and you'd like to help out) please use the contact email address below.
It’s simple …
You have until MONDAY, JANUARY 25th, 2010 (MIDNIGHT, CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME) to submit a short story.
ANY GENRE. ORIGINAL Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-30357475876889567792010-01-19T09:57:00.000+01:002010-01-19T09:57:41.668+01:00Writing Competition ListingsIf you’re looking for some great sites which list writing competitions, then the websites below should be comp heaven for you. All three are updated on a regular basis and cover both prose and poetry.
JBWB Competition Page
Prize Magic
Sally Quilford's Competition CalendarLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-47718055725834149892010-01-15T18:23:00.000+01:002010-01-15T18:23:52.034+01:00Do you have a writing-related question?Is there a writing-related question that you'd like answered in a future issue of Words with JAM? If yes, drop me a line at: lorraine@quinnpublications.co.uk and your letter could be one of those featured in the e-zine.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-74224930751249725362010-01-14T10:27:00.000+01:002010-01-14T10:27:31.940+01:00Using the radio to promote your bookI recently wrote a guest post for Daily Writing Tips. The post shows how to use local and online radio to boost awareness of your book. You can read the post here.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-4611760611623021092010-01-14T10:21:00.000+01:002010-01-14T10:21:34.949+01:00Editorial Calendars - final partRead the Magazines
You cannot get sufficient information from the editorial calendar and media pack to successfully pitch an idea. You still need to read back copies and/or articles on the magazine’s website to get a full picture of what the editor is looking for in terms of content and style.
You should also request contributors’ guidelines. But, with the additional information provided in the Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-20888820487329055342010-01-13T10:46:00.001+01:002010-01-13T10:47:30.809+01:00Making the Pitch with Editorial CalendarsFollowing on from yesterday's post on how to find editorial calendars, here's some advice on how to make use of them.
Which magazine should you pitch to?
The short answer to that is as many as possible. By working with several editorial calendars simultaneously you should be able to plan your year so that you are pitching ideas every month. Let’s say you have researched a subject for magazine A,Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-17412884323500042152010-01-12T12:42:00.000+01:002010-01-12T12:42:51.259+01:00Editorial Calendars - a writer's aidDo you know how to find out what editors from hundreds of publications will want throughout the year? Think of the forward planning you could do. Just imagine targeting several magazines, knowing the subject matter is exactly what each editor has in mind for a particular month. That information is available in an editorial calendar.
What is an editorial calendar?
It is a schedule of the topics aLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-17909852666453939282010-01-04T14:25:00.000+01:002010-01-04T14:25:48.586+01:00Writing MarketsThis is a great blog for (mainly non-fiction) writers looking for markets. EuroWriter -- The European Writer's Market LowdownLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-65725159296785449292010-01-03T23:21:00.000+01:002010-01-03T23:21:39.885+01:00Flash 500 CompetitionFlash 500 Competition is a new quarterly open-themed flash fiction competition. Judged by Simon Whaley, it has a closing date of 31st March 2010. Entries of up to 500 words.
Entry fee: £5 for one story, £8 for two stories
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
First: £250 plus publication in Words with JAM
Second: £100
Third: £50
Highly commended: A copy of The Writers ABC Checklist
The three Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-30634965982475199802009-12-31T11:00:00.000+01:002009-12-31T11:00:45.915+01:00Now available!It's a day early, but already showing as in stock on Amazon. Thank you, Accent Press.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-54354231698533833252009-12-30T17:22:00.000+01:002009-12-30T17:22:23.852+01:00Editors? What do they do?Sarah from London sent in the following question to Words with JAM e-zine: People keep referring to ‘editors’, but I’m confused as to what an ‘editor’ actually is. Are there different types of editors and what do they do?
The answer is that there are many categories of editor and each of them has a different job within the publishing industry. The answer below has been taken from The Writer’s Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-83639269972308981702009-12-29T16:09:00.000+01:002009-12-29T16:09:50.164+01:00Writing Questions answered in Words with JAMJessica from Southport asked: If someone has read my book or a piece of my writing, and given me a written quotation, can I use it on publicity material?
Yes, you can use quotes from a review on your website, blog or any other promotional material. If you have received a written review prior to publication, then you could include excerpts from it on the book cover when it is published.
If you Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-85836303587748507802009-12-16T10:18:00.000+01:002009-12-16T10:18:53.795+01:00Experiencing Synopsis Hell?As well as being co-author of The Writer's ABC Checklist, I am also deputy editor of a great new FREE e-zine for writers - Words with JAM
In the next issue Sheila Bugler will pull on her white coat and work together with one of our readers to help improve their synopsis. She will be giving in-depth comments, as well as line edits, and we'll show you a before and after version to help you Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-82356432759845751602009-12-07T16:02:00.000+01:002009-12-07T16:02:24.038+01:00Question CornerI'm fortunate enough to be closely connected with a great new magazine for writers called Words with JAM. Each issue includes Question Corner, where I answer questions sent in by writers.
In the first issue of Words with JAM, Sean from Liverpool asked: What are first serial rights? And are they global?
First Serial Rights are given to a publication the first time that work appears in print. FSRLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-16968594016161166022009-12-04T11:08:00.002+01:002009-12-04T11:10:42.170+01:00Books for Writers - 3 for 2 offer
Great 3 for price of 2 offer on books for writers from Accent Press. Modesty forbids me (almost, but not quite) from saying that the one with the orange cover is pretty good. :) Accent Press offer pageLorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-86032842077905958112009-11-13T23:45:00.000+01:002009-11-13T23:45:47.819+01:00Flash Fiction CompetitionWritelink's Tinsel Tales is calling for flash fiction stories of no more than 250 words (including the title!)
Christmas blessings, Christmas nightmares or just Christmas Grumbles, the theme is wide open, but you must set your story against a Yule tide backdrop.
Tinsel Tales is open to ALL WRITERS irrespective of where they live!
You can register on the website now and then submit your entry Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735005514943816822.post-37350510198337311062009-11-12T23:25:00.000+01:002009-11-12T23:25:16.837+01:00Hello to everyoneThis blog, brought to you by one of the co-authors of The Writer's ABC Checklist, aims to bring you tips and ideas to improve your chances of getting work accepted.Lorraine Macehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972798144640312770noreply@blogger.com0