Published on September 3, 2014
For the past six weeks, we’ve spent every spare moment judging the hundreds of entries submitted for the WritersWeekly Summer, 2014 24-Hour Short Story Contest. In case you’re not familiar with our quarterly contest, this is how it works. On the date of the contest, at start-time, we send out the topic for that specific contest to all registered entrants, while also posting it on WritersWeekly.com. Entrants must be registered before the contest begins and there is a limit of 500 participants per contest. Entrants then have 24 hours to write and submit their stories via email. The stories “must deal with the topic in some way to qualify” and they must not exceed the pre-assigned word count, which is announced with the topic.
After reading the entries for each contest, we can see how difficult it is to come up with a unique plot when working with an assigned topic. But, inevitably, a few writers do manage to successfully break away from the pack.
Published on September 3, 2014
I read about Chuck Waldron’s success landing a traditional publisher. That’s wonderful for him.
I just got my rights back for all three books from Samhain Publishing…
Published on September 3, 2014
writing career advice
A few weeks ago a writer friend suggested that I check out one of her favorite publications. On the surface it looked promising. The journal presented itself as a socially conscious, humanitarian outfit. However, the writers’ guidelines told a different story…
Published on September 3, 2014
A day at the local mega-bookstore rejuvenated my freelance career…
Published on August 27, 2014
Last week, I shared that our son Matt got married. This week, I wanted to share that our daughter, Ali, a pastry chef, made the wedding cakes (yes, plural). And, unfortunately, she asked me to help. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love cooking with Ali. We have a lot of fun and she has taught me SO much over the years. But, wedding cakes are SO stressful. I mean…one little mistake and a catastrophe may ensue!
Published on August 27, 2014
I received my book selection today, 7.625 STRATEGIES IN EVERY BEST-SELLER – my prize for winning last week’s trivia contest. Wow, that was quick – printed and delivered in about a week!
The book looks very good. I’ve already started reading it, and am looking forward to absorbing many of its interesting nuggets of advice.
Thanks,
Randy
Published on August 27, 2014
legal
Has someone recently told you it’s okay to grab, alter, and republish someone else’s material from Pinterest or another website? If so, you should be very wary of that individual’s ethics and so-called expertise…
Published on August 27, 2014
I have another question for you regarding ads on blogs. I’ve been asked by an insurance company to place a monthly ad on my blog. I researched the product and I am okay with that. They want to put their hyperlink somewhere near my title, not on a side bar. I’m okay with that, too.
My question is, what is a good monthly rate to ask for?
Published on August 27, 2014
Do not underestimate the power of a writing group. I owe the success of my first sale to such a group with a membership of only two. While there may be strength in numbers, there is also strength in commitment…
Published on August 20, 2014
Our son, Matt, got married in Maine last weekend. Here is my favorite picture of them…
