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T h e B a h a m a s W r i t e r - I s s u e # 7
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Release date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
WELCOME:-
Welcome to another issue of The Bahamas Writer. Please feel free to forward it on to anyone you know who's interested in writing.
You are invited to submit your articles, stories, poems, scripts or writing tips for inclusion in upcoming issues.
Although there is no payment for submissions to The Bahamas Writer, this is an excellent way to promote your writing worldwide. We can also include your email address and/or provide a link back to your web site.
Please keep the number of words for articles and stories within 1,000 words and market tips within 300 if possible (unless you can provide a link back to a web site). Please single space with one line space between paragraphs. Scripts will need to have a link back to a web site. Put "BW Submission" in the subject line of your email.
Topics should not be political, involve sensitive issues, be inflammatory, pornographic or objectionable.
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================== CONTENTS ===========================
1.Article: "The Expedition" by Howard Spicer, Australia
2.Writing Tip: "Dialogue Tags" by Linda Adams, U.S.A.
3. Market News
4. Poetry.com - update
5. Published Articles
6. Work in progress
7. Write the Bahamas Writer
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1. Article: "The Expedition" by Howard Spicer
We welcome Australian writer, Howard Spicer, who says his web site, http://www.writersdisplay.com "is, in reality, a new approach to an old problem, namely, how can writers find publishers and publishers find writers?" He says they've taken the middle-ground and aim to help both writers and publishers achieve their goals.
Howard says: "Guidelines are available and we are prepared to help you at any time."
You can reach Howard at howard@writersdisplay.com
THE EXPEDITION by Howard Spicer
As a young boy I went on an expedition with a friend to find gold in the hills of Victoria. We barely noticed the bitter winds of winter as they swept down through the gullies to chill our bones. We were inspired - blinded to elements by a vision of finding our fortune. We had prepared carefully and followed the rules. We had even carried with us a wooden sluice - we called it "The Rocker" - built to separate the unwanted lighter material from the heavier gold. And then, having passed the material through our rocker, we carefully scooped the residue into our pans to do the final wash in the freezing waters of the creek. We worked with confidence, energy and determination but at the end of the first day we had not found a single speck of gold.
The next day we decided to change our strategy and tried other areas of the creek - again without success. By the end of the third day we still had not found anything of value. We simply couldn't accept the outcome of our endeavours. Total failure had not been in our plans! We ruminated over the next few days on the reasons for our failure - the preparations, the strategy, the location. In the end, we gave up and never again attempted to find gold.
The analogy of getting a manuscript through to publication is obvious - the vision, the preparation, the strategy, the location, the determination and, in the very large majority of cases, the failure.
The difficulty for writers is, perhaps, summed up by a recent comment:
"I have many works (alas) that are either summarily rejected or not even read regardless of the proposal formats. It does indeed become a major pain in the rear to have to sort through the enormous listings of publishers and then trying to find the correct editor, etc., which obviously takes a tremendous amount of time and detracts from my primary function as a writer."
It is, indeed, difficult (and costly) to find the right person who can channel a work through to publication and distribution - be it an assessor, an agent, an editor, a publisher. There are, literally, thousands of people involved and available. Researching and choosing the right person eventually comes down to a matter of trial and error.
Nevertheless, disappointment is never distant.
(Another quote)
"I spent approximately $500 on each of my five books and actively knocked on publishers' doors. All my books have been rejected."
At the same time, the search for the "gold" that publishers seek is equally daunting. The material they have to sift through is simply overwhelming. They are besieged by mountains of unsolicited manuscripts and not all those that they do personally solicit measure up to their expectations. Publishers need a "rocker" to filter out the unwanted material. But then, given the volume involved, it would seem that there needs to be a "rocker" for the "rocker" and, then again, even another "rocker!"
Faced with this situation many publishers elect to focus solely on writers with a track record of having been published. Others choose to close their doors and concentrate on the stable of writers at hand. The same goes for agents.
The creation, therefore, of writersdisplay.com has been based on a keen awareness of the validity of the objectives of both writers and publishers and the problems they face.
Writers need to have their work seen, evaluated, appreciated and, above all, published. This can become an expensive process with little result. They also need someone to champion their work and, in the view of writersdisplay.com that need should not be contained to the borders of one's country. It has, therefore, embarked on an ambitious program of actively contacting publishers around the world on a personal basis and encouraging them to use the site as a source of material. It provides writers with an opportunity to display a sample of their work and assists them with guidelines to help them make the most of that opportunity. Further, it only costs AUD$11.00 (US$6.00) per month for a writer to display his or her work - significantly less than the cost of sending a manuscript.
In structuring the site, writersdisplay.com has also kept the needs of publishers in mind. It has therefore, provided rapid and easy appreciation of works on display. Further, publishers who register with on the site, receive a monthly list of works on display identified by genre and the means direct and rapid access to selected works. Statistics and registrations indicate that Publishers around the world have responded to the invitation.
The process is simple. Those involved in the publishing process can, at no charge, access a writer's biography, scan a 500-word synopsis and then review a 5000-word sample of his or her work. If they like what they see, they have the facility to directly contact the writer. They can then either offer their services - such as in assessment or editing - or in direct representation as an agent or publisher. This is a process that takes only minutes to accomplish and, in viewing the work, no-one is placed under any obligation to respond to the writer.
The reaction to the site has, in the main, been extremely positive and a number of publishers have registered and contacted writers. Links with other similarly-minded sites have also been established on a world-wide basis.
In essence, writersdisplay.com aims to encourage the writer and make life easier for the publisher. It also provides publishers with an opportunity to reduce their operating costs.
There have, nevertheless, been some negative reactions. One criticism has been that the site makes no attempt to filter out submissions of poor quality. Writersdisplay.com considers, however, that in its role of encouraging the writer it cannot assume the position of Quality Controller. There have, nevertheless, been some occasions when it has suggested enhancement of a submission so as to improve a writer's chance of success.
While acknowledging that some submission may not measure up, it is argued that, in reality, it takes little time for anybody to scan a work on display and make a qualitative judgment.
Another criticism has been made in regard to the lack of censorship. Indeed, even to the point where one writer withdrew their submission in protest at another's work which contained the F-word! In this regard writersdisplay.com considers that freedom of speech is the paramount right of any individual anywhere in the world. People can simply choose not to read what offends them.
Then again, there is the view that there are only a few publishers who actually read manuscripts directly and, therefore, they would never visit the site. The existence of a number of publishers who have already registered would belie that view. Still, it is acknowledged that there is a traditional mind-set in publishing and some cherish the exclusivity that has accompanied publisher-writer relations in the past.
While writersdisplay.com agrees with that sentiment, it would argue that responsible exclusivity should result only upon agreement between the writer and the publisher but that the search and selection of a writer by a publisher should be open for all. The website does, in a sense challenge traditional thinking. The issue then becomes, a question of education. In time, a paradigm shift in thinking will take place to the benefit of all stakeholders.
The internet, as far as publishing goes, is in its infancy. There are a number of scenarios that could emerge. Given the vast number of writers and publishers that are responding to writersdisplay.com, unlimited developments are clearly possible. Many people, for example, have set up e-publishing enterprises and, in this regard, reviews by Piers Anthony at www.hipiers.com are worth visiting.
The future of the internet, as far as both writers and publishers are concerned, has a long way to go. In the meantime, writersdisplay.com says to writers:
"Out there, someone is waiting to read what you have written…"
and to publishers:
"Out there, someone has written what you are looking for…"
© Copyright Howard Spicer January, 2002
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Note: You may distribute this Newsletter. Feel free to post it
to your website or BBS if you like. However no part of this
Newsletter may be reproduced in whole, or in part, without
keeping the links within this newsletter active.
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2.Writing Tip: "Dialogue Tags" by Linda Adams
From the web site of Linda Adams and Emory Hackman - http://www.hackman-adams.com:-
"Linda Adams has been published internationally in fiction and non-fiction. She started writing at eight years old when her best friend wrote a class play. The first thing she decided she wanted to do was to was write a mystery novel like the Nancy Drew series. Her character was Sharon McCall, an 18-year old who solved mysteries. Of course, the novel didn't happen right away, and she wrote short stories and poetry. She took her first and only creative writing class in high school and went on to win the high school writing contest five times.
"In college, she got involved in fandom, a following for the TV series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Not only did she write fiction and non-fiction, she also edited a "zine" called The Seaview Sextant for 12 issues. It was these stories that helped her refine her writing style. She continued to evolve her writing skills, experimenting with journalism, screenwriting, and non-fiction.
"In 1989, she joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. On October 25, 1990, she and her unit were deployed to the Persian Gulf War. Even there, she wrote, entering a contest for Gulf War veterans and placing Honorable Mention--the only Private First Class among all the officers and senior non-commissioned officers who entered. She received a letter from Barbara Bush, President Bush's wife, congratulating her on this success. The story itself, however, was never published.
"Linda has currently teamed up with co-writer Emory Hackman. They are working on their first book, set during the Civil War."
You can reach Linda at adams.linda.m@worldnet.att.net
DIALOGUE TAGS by Linda Adams
She babbled. He burbled. She gasped. He chortled. She snapped. He pontificated.
Do you use dialogue tags like these? Many writers feel that it is repetitive to use the word "said" to convey which character is speaking and use dialogue tags like those above. What they don't realize is they're making a common writing mistake. Remember all those writing books that tell you not to use adjectives, like "he said angrily" or "she said softly"? When you try to use everything but said, you're just using another adjective. These dialogue tags can have a ping-pong effect, diverting the reader's attention from the story. Worse still, they may create unintended humor.
The solution is to craft the image you want to convey into the character's actions using short descriptive passages. For instance, instead of saying, "she snapped," you might say, "Her anger flared unexpectedly, and she fought to control it. Still, when she spoke, each word was clipped and harsh." That creates an immediate image in the reader's mind of your character's reaction and helps further develop the characterizations.
But it should be noted that it is also all right to use the word "said," and at times, it is entirely appropriate. It's a word that's very commonly used, and readers don't notice it as much as we think they do. Which is the best thing for a dialogue tag. They should be seen and not noticed.
So next time, as you write, avoid the adjective-style dialogue tags and think about ways you can use your character's reactions to help enrich the tapestry of your story. It'll improve your skills and your fiction's marketability.
© Linda Adams
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3. Market News
(i) From writer Joanne Hoople, wife of writer Art Montague, Canada: "I've found a site for short story collections, just started by B.B. Lawry, an amazing woman, also editor of Lovewords, which has published three of Art's stories since Oct. 2000. If you want exposure on the web, it's a good place to be, and would draw more people to your site. B.J is also a very good editor - http://shortstuffbooks.tripod.com"
Art's web site: http://amontague.homestead.com
Email: arts-place@rogers.com
Joanne says she has also just created a page for Art at www.authorsden.com.
(ii) From writer Bill Stephens, Canada: "I came across this listing that might turn out to be a market for you. I can't vouch for the folks, it's just a listing, so contact them with the usual caution. Dare I say caveat scriptor? Anyway, if they're legit, it might prove a nice outlet for you:
'Freelance Writers Seeking freelance writers from the Caribbean or with Caribbean interests to write news features on, or about, the Caribbean region or about issues in the United States that can impact Caribbean nationals. Articles are for a new quarterly Caribbean news magazine. Pay is generally $50/article with some exceptions. Stories used as lead articles will earn $100. Payment is for non-exclusive publishing rights. Any payment above the original payment amount will be at Globals' discretion. Global generally responds to queries or submissions within two weeks (sometimes longer). Payment is sent within 14 days of publication. E- mail queries and articles to Globalmediainc@hotmail.com'."
Bill's web site can be found at
http://members.tripod.com/hiredpen0/index.htm
and you can email him at bill_stephensca@yahoo.ca
(iii) From Jackie at journalistusa.com:
"I noticed your involvement in the publishing industry and thought you might be interested in http://www.journalistusa.com
"An online directory of freelance editors, editorial and production staff used by the US publishers when looking for new staff. Jackie."
Note: JournalistUSA.com states:
"We regret to inform non-US residents that we can only accept their resume information if they hold a valid US work permit"
(which the Bahamas Writer doesn't have! Pity!)
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4. Update on Poetry.com by Fay Knowles
There it was, sitting in our post office box at Cable Beach, peeping out at me through a window in the "poetry.com" envelope - "I Stay © Fay Knowles" and my poem, displayed for all to see en route to me. My poem must have been viewed by post office staff in Owings Mill, MD, before it exited the U.S., then the staff at the main Nassau post office as it was redirected to Cable Beach. Who knows how many people read my poem in the window envelope on its way to me!
Printed on the envelope was a quote from Robert Frost: "Poetry begins in delight and ends in wisdom."
I can imagine how delighted many aspiring poets must be when they receive this envelope, with their poem peeping through for all to read and inside a letter saying: "After carefully reading and discussing your poem, our Selection Committee has certified your poem as a semi-finalist in our International Open Poetry Contest. Your poem will automatically be entered into the final competition held in April 2002. As a semi-finalist, you now have an excellent chance of winning one of 104 cash or gift prizes - including the $1,000 Grand Prize. You may even win the $10,000 Annual Grand Prize!….."
The letter goes on to say that in "celebration of the unique talent that you have displayed, we also wish to publish your poem in what promises to be one of the most highly sought after collections of poetry we have every published……" and that my poem was "selected for publication, and as a contest semi-finalist, on the basis of your unique talent and artistic vision."
Poetry.com wrote "many people do wish to own a copy of the anthology in which their artistry appears". Of course, they also state "you are under no obligation whatsover to submit any entry fee, any subsidy payment, or to make any purchase of any kind."
However, what writer doesn't want to see their work in print! To be included in the book "Letters from the Soul" would cost me $49.95 for one copy ("regularly $69.95") and $40 per book for two copies ("great for gifts" says Poetry.com)! (Plus Shipping charges).
I make the fifth person that I know of in our town within a very short space of time who "made it" to the semi-finals! There's a warning on WritersWeekly.com about Poetry.com - http://www.writersweekly.com/warnings/poetry.html. Also, see discussions on this in the Bahamas Writer Forums at http://www.bahamaswriter.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=57
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5. Published Articles
"The Punch" Woman in action: CANDID KRISSY
"A New 'Fresh Wind' Government for the Bahamas" (Knowles Realty's May 2002 newsletter "Bahamas Real Estate News", which goes out to over 1,000 subscribers worldwide - and growing!)
http://www.knowlesrealty.com/data/mlistbi/wd01-m5-y02-i23.txt
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6. Work in progress
Work in progress section updated
(http://www.bahamaswriter.com/workinprogress.htm)
If you go to my "Work in progress" section from time to time,
you'll see I share some of the ways I try to market my work.
Of course, I'm not actively working on everything listed there
all of the time - some of it is written, but on the "back
burner"; some is still in note form; other work is still in
the planning process.
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7. Write the Bahamas Writer
(i) From Bahamas Writer member Hazel McLoughlin, Nassau:
"Dear Fay,
"I had just sent you my piece on communicating through the language barrier
when I found this on my e-mail. An amusing little addendum? Hazel
"Foregone Conclusion:
(A) The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(B) On the other hand, the French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(C) The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(D) The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(E) Conclusion: Eat & drink what you like. It's speaking English that kills you!"
Hazel's excellent article "Communicating Through The Language Barrier" featured in the March 2002 issue of The Bahamas Writer - http://www.bahamaswriter.com/issue5.htm. You can email Hazel at hazelmcloughlin@coralwave.com.
(ii) Part of a letter from Joanne Hoople (Art Montague's wife):
"Dear Fay,
"I enjoyed your newsletter, especially Bill Stephens' tips -- good ones, and read the article in the Asian Observer by K.T. Rajasingham, too………….."
http://www.bahamaswriter.com/issue6.htm
(If you would like your comments or questions included in this section, please put "Write the Bahamas Writer" in the subject line of your email. We can also include your email address and/or provide a link back to your web site. Comments and questions should relevant to writing and please keep them as brief as possible).
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Copyright © 2002 The Bahamas Writer. All rights reserved. You may distribute this Newsletter. Feel free to post it to your website or BBS if you like. However no part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in whole, or in part, without keeping the links within this newsletter active.
The Bahamas Writer does not necessarily agree with and is not responsible for any of the views and/or content submitted to issues of this publication.
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