Writer Advice

Without a doubt, the best advice an aspiring writer can receive comes from a writer who has spent time on a Best Seller list and toiled for years in the industry. AuthorMagazine.org, www.authormagazine.org, is a great start for writers looking for advice from successful authors. The site offers dozens of author interviews, ranging from Richard Bach to Julia Cameron. Each one shares their unique journey and encourages new authors to stay focused despite a world of negativity.

Author Magazine shares monthly reviews on both fiction and nonfiction books, covering the smaller titles as well as those monster best sellers. It publishes articles offering tips and techniques to ensure each writer gets the most out of every story they pen. The “Editor’s blog” is updated almost three times a week, enticing readers to check out the site frequently.

While those features are exceptional resources, my favorite section was the encouraging author interviews. Julia Cameron, for example, the author of The Artist’s Way, discusses how to “take the ego out of writing.” She explains how doing so allows individuals to write more freely. The amount of quality information available through “Author” is staggering. And it is free of charge!

Author Magazine is presented in partnership with The Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association, and is always encouraging new talent to submit articles or book reviews. Complete with a mailing list and a podcast on iTunes, Author Magazine promises to keep writers current on the happenings in the world of writing. Dive in to all that Author Magazine has available.
+++

Courtney Watson is a professional dreamer and an aspiring writer. She graduated from California Baptist University in 2008 with a B.A. in English and is currently working on a Masters in Creative Nonfiction Writing though National University.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are interested in becoming an intern for Writer Advice, please send a query letter to Lgood67334@comcast.net. Give us a paragraph or two about your writing experience, education, and interests. This is an easy way to pick up writing credits for your resume. We’d love to hear from you.

Book Promotion in the Age of Social Media

I joined Facebook last January. A Writer Advice reader recommended it, and I am grateful she brought me into the world of social media. There’s a revolution going on inside Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and writers are gaining exposure and credibility on all three sites.

On Facebook, I quickly became friends with authors and their friends and with bookstores. I keep up with countless authors. I reconnected with Hope Edelman, who has a new book coming out, and she sent me a copy for review. I found Meg Waite Clayton and learned that The Wednesday Sisters was going into its fourth printing. You can read our interview, “Two Thousand Words or 2:00” at http://www.writeradvice.com/archives.html. Facebook is a great place to announce my events, keep up with the day-to-day musings of teachers, and follow the posts of writers I only see once a month.

On LinkedIn, I’ve found elder care, Alzheimer’s, writing experts, and more. I’ve exchanged books with some and been on radio shows with others. Some writers posts make me grateful for all that is right in my life. Others make me appreciate how hard writers have to work. Several have asked me to be a guest blogger and one asked me to write for his print magazine. LinkedIn is a good place to make professional connections, and it’s opened up several paths for me.

I get so much mail from these sites that I’ve been reluctant to join Twitter. Annie Fox, who did a radio interview with me, archived at http://www.writeradvice.com/ywmtdw.html told me, “I’m finding Twitter to be way more valuable to connect with like-minded professionals and those seeking the kind of services I provide than LinkedIn (which seems to only be professionals) and Facebook which is just friends and family.” That’s good motivation, since Annie and I both help people facing stress. Twitter is a niche I plan to explore very soon.

Which sites are you on and how are they working for you? I’d love to hear your experience, preference, and endorsements. E-mail me at Lgood67334@comcast.net.

Summertime and the Reading is Real Good

A Review of www.goodreads.com/

Summer brings up images of lying in a hammock and being lost in a book. While this may not be reality, you can still carve out time to read.

Looking for book recommendations? Check out the numerous options presented at Good Reads, www.goodreads.com.

It's a great site for diversion, entertainment, information, sharing, and pleasure.

Goodreads bills themselves as “the largest social network for readers in the world.” They have over 2,100,000 members and are a “place for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike.”

If you want to advertise your books, Goodreads Authors program is “a completely free feature designed to help authors reach their target audience — passionate readers.” If you write reviews, they can be published here.

Connect, share, and promote. You can “share book excerpts and other writing” in a blog available to over 2 million members. I particularly enjoyed the non-fiction book lists found at http://www.goodreads.com/list/show_tag?name=non-fiction . Though I don’t agree with every bias, I like the passion and commitment here.

I’ve had two invitations to join--one from a professional and one from an aspiring author. It’s a site for everyone. Check out Good Reads, www.goodreads.com and, if it is right for you, add your voice to the mix.

Be An Expert Who Cares – Help a Reporter
www.helpareporter.com/
A website review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Are you an expert on economic woes, parenting, recycling, feng shui, outdoor sports, global travel, technology or eldercare?

Whatever your specialty, reporters need your help. They need quotes from experts for their stories, so they rely on Peter Shankman’s Haro – Help A Reporter Out, www.helpareporter.com/.

Marketing guru Peter Shankman says, “This list was originally conceived on Facebook, but since Facebook caps group emails at 1,200 people, this is the next incarnation.”

The URL will take you to Shankman’s “I am a source” page. Simply sign up, add Peter Shankman to your address book, and his e-mails, filled with reporters needs, will come straight to your inbox. Skim the queries. If you see a request that you can fill, scroll down and read the specifics. Then contact the reporter. Shankman only asks that you “ promise not to email a reporter with an answer that doesn't match what they're looking for.” Don’t won't waste a reporter's time simply to promote yourself.

Towards the end of his welcome letter, Shankman adds, “Wanna do me a favor? Give your PR buddies this link: www.helpareporter.com ,and give your reporter/editor/journalism buddies this link: www.helpareporter.com/press ” This review answers that request. Take advantage of this win-win opportunity. When you help a reporter, you build your platform, to say nothing of your karma. Enjoy the role of expert.

A Huge Demographic—Learning about Caregivers and Seniors
http://www.agingwithgrace.net/

A website review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Does your readership include the largest growing demographic in America, boomers and seniors? If you want to learn more about them, one source of insider secrets and solutions is Aging with Grace, Your Solution to Eldercare Stress, http://www.agingwithgrace.net/.

Eldercare is a hot non-fiction topic right now. According to “The Silent Productivity Killer” one of the accordion bullets on the home page, at Aging With Grace, “Millions of American workers are caught in a desperate struggle, largely hidden from most employers…. Studies estimate that more than 14 million U.S. workers were taking care of older relatives, with a productivity loss of $29 billion a year.” Learn how people are coping.

Creative writers will get story ideas from photos, the key, and the handwritten postcard decorating the left-hand column. Dig deeper to discover concerns and motivations. The CareConnection Blog includes musings about how seniors are seen, Generation X, mind over matter and more. Whether you want to write a memoir, or a mystery about the will and the insurance, you can find names, places, motivations, and other authentic details here.

The stress of caregiving made me journal, and my experiences became a “how to” meets “self help” book called You Want Me to Do What? Journaling for Caregivers. Aging with Grace can help you find some writing opportunities you may not have considered. Educate yourself about this growing market. Check out Aging with Grace, http://www.agingwithgrace.net/.

New Books and More at MyShelf.com
http://www.myshelf.com/

A website review by B. Lynn Goodwin

My Shelf, http://www.myshelf.com/, is colorful, attractive, and easy to navigate. November’s author of the month, Sue Monk Kidd, is one of my favorites. When I clicked on her name, I found an intelligent essay about her work and her visit to the Marin Center in San Rafael. Reviewer Laura Strathman Hulka is first-rate. Each month a different reviewer chooses a new author.

Back on the home page, I clicked on Holiday Reading Lists and found children’s books grouped by ages, and adult books grouped by genres. Who knew there were so many Thanksgiving books? Who knew that Y2K was a holiday?

The site had 142 new reviews in November and 169 in December. I looked in Adult Non-Fiction under “How-To,” “Self-Help,” and “Writing” searching for Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s review of my book, You Want Me to Do What? Journaling for Caregivers, and I found it under writing. You can learn more about that book on this website by clicking on Journaling for Caregivers.

I returned to My Shelf’s home page and found “Audio Buzz,” “Babes to Teens,” “Back to Literature,” and six more columns filled with appealing commentary. The award-winning site has “contests, reviews, columns, holiday reading lists, and Deaf Characters lists” according to the owner.

Whether you are New York published, self-published, or somewhere in between, explore MyShelf.com. Consider advertising, writing reviews, or editing for them. Explore the wealth of information on this comprehensive, long-running site.

Paying Markets
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1489.asp and http://www.writerswrite.net/paylist.cfm

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

Have you checked the Contests and Markets page for the current (Fall, 2008) issue? If so, you’ve found some of the excellent markets I discovered when I typed “little known writing markets” into Google and found “Markets for Writers—Nonfiction Writing.” From there I found Bella Online http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1489.asp. There are 111 markets listed on that page.

I clicked on one of the first few entries, “Alphabetical List of Paying Markets,” which took me to Paying Markets List, http://www.writerswrite.net/paylist.cfm, and found 676 markets listed. It was certainly worth the few clicks it took to get there.

I clicked randomly and found publisher, website, and description on all pages. Most also included the editor, an e-mail address, the URL, rights, needs, length, and payment information, plus a place to click for guidelines.

Scroll through. Click on whatever looks interesting. Record the sites that look promising. Though I found a few defunct sites as I used the list to complete my “Contests and Markets” page for the Winter Issue of Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com, most are current.

If that site doesn’t meet your needs though, click back. There are 110 more sites to explore on Bella Online. Find links to literary publications, fantasy and science fiction markets, Christian markets, dark markets, children’s markets, travel markets foreign publications, something called Fiction Factor, and much more in this eclectic list. Men are welcome despite their claim that Bella Online is “the voice of women.”

Why not get paid for doing what you love? There are nearly 676 leads at Paying Markets List, http://www.writerswrite.net/paylist.cfm and 110 other sites listed at Bella Online, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1489.asp.

The Internet Review of Books
http://internetreviewofbooks.com/index.html

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

Are you a bibliophile? Do you crave intelligent book reviews? Visit The Internet Review of Books, http://internetreviewofbooks.com/index.html, which reviews books in the fields of science, social science, history, art, music, and current affairs with “attitude and passion.” It bills itself as “An Intelligent Guide for Intelligent People.”

Though Editor Carter Jefferson included May booklists from Publisher’s Weekly and the Wall Street Journal on the blog page, his site also encourages self-published authors, offering them

special advertising rates. The June issue takes a specific look at the perks and perils of self-publishing in Associate Editor Bob Sanchez’s essay, “Diving for Pearls.”

In the May issue, I found a drop down box of enticing questions. Click on the question and you were zapped to the review that explored it. In the June issue, I found some questions, but no way to click. I hope this is a technical glitch, rather than a new style.

The reviews I read in both May and June were well written, balanced, and strengthened by the voice of the reviewer. Writers dig for meaning and interpret it within the context of their own lives.

Interested in reviewing or contributing to the “Lasting Impressions” series? IRB accepts unsolicited manuscripts. Details are in “Reviewing Guidelines.” Get to it by clicking on “About IRB.”

I plan to revisit this site, especially when I fear that my own reviews are falling flat. The pieces in IRB revitalize and inspire me. Be sure to check them out.

Booksense pairs with Independent Booksellers
http://www.booksense.com/

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

Frustrated by bookstore chains? Check out the recommendations of independent booksellers by visiting Book Sense, http://www.booksense.com/. Click on Book Sense Picks to read current recommendations from booksellers. Thirty-six were listed for the week of May 13. All can be ordered from the website or purchased elsewhere.

Looking for more titles? Click on Bestseller List. Then choose from Trade Paperback Fiction, Trade Paperback Nonfiction, Hardcover Fiction, Hardcover Nonfiction, Mass Market, Children's Interest, Children's Illustrated, and Children's Fiction Series. The top three books in each category are pictured. Click on the picture and you’ll go to a page that announces, “BookSense.com is all about shopping locally.”

The site makes it easy to buy online, but if you want to go shopping, click on Store Locater. I did, and I learned that my California zip code yielded 110 results. Many offer links to their web pages, where customers can continue to click and explore.

The site gives you “…access to information about myriad staff recommendations -- and you will also be presented with content that reflects the collective wisdom of booksellers from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.”

If you passionately support independent bookstores, as most authors do, check out Book Sense, www.booksense.com.

Read and Hear THE WRITER’S ALMANAC
with Garrison Keillor
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/

A web site review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Poetry rocks. It can also intimidate. Exposure helps.

Poets, potential poets, and the rest of us can have a new poem delivered by e-mail seven days a week. Simply subscribe to The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor at http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/. Visit the webpage and click on Newsletters. Then enter your information and scroll down to click on The Writer’s Almanac.

In addition to a poem, each e-mail includes Literary and Historical Notes for the day. To hear Garrison Keillor read the notes and poem, click back to the Home Page and subscribe to Podcast or click on Real Audio when you get your e-mail. Keillor’s voice enhances meaning and his pacing brings out subtle nuances.

Want to know more about the poet’s craft? Click on Bookshelf and select a poet. You’ll read highlights of an interview focusing on inspiration and technique.

The Writer’s Almanac houses an amazing library of contemporary poets and their predecessors in Archives. Records go back to 1995.

Let The Writer’s Almanac, http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/, broaden your imagination and enhance your appreciation of poetry. Reading or listening to The Writer’s Almanac will enhance your day.

Mediabistro Offers Help for Nonfiction Writers
http://www.mediabistro.com/

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

Mediabistro, http://www.mediabistro.com/, caters to nonfiction professionals. It is “dedicated to anyone who creates or works with content, or who is a non-creative professional working in a content/creative industry,” according to the site.

Register at no charge to read blogs, media news, class descriptions, and current job openings. See what other freelancers offer or list your freelancing specialties for a fee. Explore the Content tab, which includes many free articles. Explore the Forums tab, where you can post your own questions and respond to others. As a newly registered member, I posted information about the Writer Advice Flash Prose Contest (www.writeradvice.com) on the Bulletin Boards in Forums with no problems at all.

The “How to Pitch” segments come highly recommended. Mediabistro includes a piece called “Pitching an Agent.” I am told these articles are well worth the $49 annual fee.

Although the quantity of content seems overwhelming at first, Mediabistro has a great deal to offer journalists, editors, photographers, memoirists, screenwriters, and freelancers. Take some time to explore http://www.mediabistro.com/.

Detective Fiction References
http://www.strafe.com/FogCity/Gino's/Noir.html

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

After you enjoy the mystery short story anthology, Fog City Nocturne, edited by B.J. West, take yourself on an intriguing internet adventure to http://www.strafe.com/FogCity/Gino's/Noir.html

You will find "Detective Fiction References". These are numerous links that will take you too sites such as Twists, Slugs and Roscoes: A Glossary of Hardboiled Slang, American Crime Fiction and Film Noir, and Film Noir and the Hard-Boiled Detective Hero, by John Blaser, just to name a few. John Blaser's essay discusses the nuances of the tough, cool operative, a character at the center of detective fiction.

These links will assist you in exploring, and writing, your own crime fiction. There is nothing as satisfying as good Noir fiction. If you are a writer who enjoys creating intriguing stories, or a reader who enjoys taking a peak at the "dark underbelly" of mysterious characters, this website will take you where you want to go. Remember, make your way carefully through the dark alleys, writing can be dangerous.
++++

Double click on the Hooked on Books button above and you will find Catherine Accardi's bio following her review of Fog City Nocture.

SFWA--A Treasure Trove of Resources
http://www.sfwa.org/

A web site review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Do futuristic worlds open the doors of your imagination? Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Inc, http://www.sfwa.org/ is an excellent place to expand your knowledge. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, a science fiction writer or pursuing other genres, you'll find valuable resources here. Most of them are available whether you are a member of the organization or not.

At the bottom of the Home Page, you'll find seventeen links. Want the latest news about the Sci Fi-Fantasy World? Click on The Bulletin. Want to read work published in the genre? Click on Members' Fiction. Want to improve your writing skills? Click on Writing. Inside each of these pages, you'll find straightforward articles packed with facts and inspiration. Looking for a writing group? Find them inside Links.

If you want to dig further into the genre, explore Members' Pages, Reading, Pressbook, and Nebula Awards. For expert tips on the business of writing, visit Contracts and Writers Beware. To stimulate your imagination, explore all that is offered in Links. This page goes beyond what you might expect on a writer's site.

Expand your knowledge at http://www.sfwa.org/. This thoroughly professional site offers something for every writer.

Duotrope's Digest
http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

Let's just say you had written the best novel ever. Where would you go to find "a database of over 1,925 current markets for short fiction, poetry and novels." Let me help you with the answer to that question: Duotrope's Digest at http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx.

The search engine on this site allows you to find publishers by genre, length, pay scale, media, and country. The database is updated daily. There are fifteen genres to choose from including literary, mainstream, fantasy, romance, mystery, action, historical and western. What more could you want? Read on.

The handy guide on the side of the home page allows you to easily search by these categories with a clear legend of all the information provided. The menus at the top of the home page allow you to explore the free services offered including "Find by Title", "Newsletter", and "Theme Calendar".

I entered genre: mystery; length: short story; media: any, and instantly I received a listing of 77 primary matching markets and a listing of 170 secondary markets. For each listing there is a "details" button, which provided me with complete details of that particular market, including market description and detailed submission guidelines.

I have bookmarked this gem of a website, so, now go ahead and you do the same!
++++

Click on Hooked on Books and scroll down to read Catherine Accardi’s bio.

Book Catcher Shares Advice
www.bookcatcher.com

By B. Lynn Goodwin

Need to jump start the marketing and publicity for your newest book? Book Catcher, www.bookcatcher.com, is one of many sites that can help. It promotes itself as the site for people who write, publish, market, and love books. Whether you fall into one category or all four, check it out.

You’ll find that Book Catcher is chock full of how-to information and expert advice. It has 23 book development articles, 38 book marketing pieces, and 11 book publishing guides.

Not to the publicity stage just yet? There are 25 articles on book writing.

Considering self publishing? Check out the information in the self publishing and e-publishing links. Learn what works and what to avoid.

Take a look at what is happening in the writing world today by clicking on publishing news and book marketing. Two other how-to sections, book events and writing contests, should be updated soon. There’s also an excellent section offering freelance writing jobs. New postings go in almost every day.

If you have a book you are already promoting, submit a copy of your release to their free book publicity directory. Wherever you are in the writing process, Book Catcher has something to offer you.

Mystery Readers International
http://www.mysteryreaders.org

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

Mystery Readers International (MRI) is the largest mystery fan/readers organization in the world. It is no wonder their website, http://www.mysteryreaders.org, is fabulous.

Mystery Readers International’s organization, and website, are open to all readers, writers, fans, critics, editors, and publishers. All of the above consider this site as an essential source of mystery related information. Mystery Readers International is headquartered in Berkeley, California, but MRI has members in all fifty states and eighteen foreign counties.

Categories on the website include:

- The Mystery Readers Journal: Here you can enjoy samples of past issues of the quarterly, thematic periodical online. Listed are themes for 2007, such as Historical Mysteries and Mysteries Set in Ireland. Authors of mysteries falling into the themes are invited to submit short essays.

- At Home Online: This section provides interviews with prominent mystery authors.

- Mystery bookstores: Here you will find listings of mystery bookstore for the entire United States and thirteen countries.

- Reading groups: This listing includes reading groups in the United States, Canada, England and Spain.

- Mystery periodicals: One hundred seven periodicals are listed. Each has a brief description, website address, and contact information.

- Mystery readers/writers events: Events are listed for all the States, and several foreign countries.

- Members in the News: Keep up to date on the latest news regarding your favorite authors, including yourself!

Of course, the website is appealing to the discriminating eye of the viewer, but the website also provides substantial amounts of current, useful information for the mystery reader, and writer alike.

Catherine Accardi is a regular contributor to Writer Advice. Click on the Hooked on Books button to read her bio.

Travelers’ Tales
http://travelerstales.com

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

If you have the time to travel and the urge to write, take action. Plan a trip; record your experiences, reflections, and personal growth; and when you get back, turn your adventures into travel writing. If your journeys are limited to visiting relatives, you’ll find plenty of stories there as well.

Whatever your circumstances visit Travelers’ Tales, http://travelerstales.com/, to learn about travel writing that sells. The site focuses on “stories, wit, and wisdom from travelers around the world.” In the center of the home page, Editors’ Choice publishes submissions that work. Author Talk shares interviews in podcasts.

Flying Carpet, Travel Watch, and TT Experts help you organize your trip and make travel arrangements.

Catalog lists great themed books and will give you ideas for focusing your own writing.

Solas Awards offers cash prizes. The deadline for the second competition is September 1, 2007 and details are on the site.

Travel Tales editors search continuously for humorous, insightful, reflective essays to share. Submit a Story gives guidelines for the books in progress.

In 1993, editors James O'Reilly, Larry Habegger, and Tim O'Reilly teamed up to “paint a portrait of a country through the experiences of many travelers.... These books give readers a depth of understanding that can only come from people who have been there.” Let their essays encourage you to expand your world.

Pack your suitcase and travel to new settings, where untold stories await. Share what you find at Travelers’ Tales and order the stories of other travelers.

Mystery Lovers Corner
http://www.sleuthedit.com/mlc.html

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

Exploring can be a mystery especially if you are exploring the website, Mystery Lovers Corner.

Discover the many new best selling mysteries, as well as obscure hidden treasures. Check out Meet the Authors, Featuring, and News, for the latest information about your favorite authors.

Click on Categories to find a listing of mysteries from academic to wildlife. Click on Library, and you can just place your mouse on the cover of one of the featured books, and read the first chapter.

This website truly is a Mystery Lovers Corner, so make yourself a cup of tea, get cozy, and explore a mystery!

Click the Hooked on Books button and scroll down for Ms. Accardi’s bio. She’s reviewed a mystery called Bookmarked to Die there.

The Association of Authors’ Representatives
http://www.aar-online.org/

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

For writers, The Association of Authors’ Representatives, AAR, http://www.aar-online.org/ is a little like Match.com--without the photos or fees. Writers can search for an agent by looking at all 381 listed agents or narrow the search in several ways.

Looking for someone to publish your self-help book? Go to “Search for an Agent,” click on “Simple Search,” and type in self-help. Looking for agents that specialize in children’s books? Type in children. Hear an agents name at a conference? Look her up in “Name Quick Search.” Save, store, and retrieve the results. It’s all part of the service.

The site answers four FAQs:

What can an agent do for you?
What does the Author/Agent relationship consist of?
How can you find an agent?
What should you do if you find an agent?

A well-stocked page of links lists high quality publishing publications and offers links to a wide array of professional organizations, book fairs, booksellers, bestseller lists, and reference sites including sites on copyrights and royalties. AAR will open your eyes.

The world of agents is sometime murky or overwhelming. Let this site simplify the process. The Association of Authors’ Representatives, http://www.aar-online.org/, is here to serve.

Writing-World.com
http:///www.writing-world.com

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

“A World of Writing Tips…For Writers Around the World”

More than 600 articles and columns are available at Writing-World.

This website is huge, offering vast amounts of information for every type and level of writing.

If you are new to the writing world, click on “Getting Started.” Here you will find ten subcategories, such as “First Things First: What You Need To Get Started,” and “Setting Effective Writing Goals.”

If you are ready to publish, click on “Rights and Contracts” and you will find six subcategories such as “Understanding Rights and Copyright” and “Understanding Contracts”.

There is also every conceivable subject in-between, from beginning a writing project and sealing the final deal. It even has a section titled “Writers Wanted” with links to paying and nonpaying markets, and lots of them.

Since Writing-World.com is such an extremely large website, I suggest you go to the “Site Index” to start your journey into the world of writing.

Writing –World is a must see website. Seriously, fellow writers, put Writing-World.com at the top of your “to do list”.

Wordsmyth

A Dictionary-Thesaurus Worth Exploring
www.wordsmyth.net

Review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Explore, discover, and create at the Wordsmyth Dictionary-Thesaurus, www.wordsmyth.net. It will help broaden your appreciation of the nuances in the English language.

Take advantage of the incredibly useable format. Simply type in any word and find a definition, synonyms, and related words. Click on the synonyms and see more and more words emerging like branches from a tree trunk. Expand your vocabulary and delete repetition.

Inside “Vocabulary,” click on “Word of the Week” and you’ll over 100 categories. Click on the E.S.L. List, the College Entrance List, the Language Lovers List or the Crossword Puzzle.

In addition, visit “Links” for access to “ language and linguistics,” “grammar and usage,” “dictionaries & thesauri,” “ESL,” and “education.” With all due respect to Microsoft Word, this incredible site takes the dictionary-thesaurus concept to a whole new dimension. Log in (privacy guaranteed) and bookmark this site. You’ll want to return to Wordsmyth’s resources.

Do you know of a good writing website that should appear here? Contact Lgood67334@comcast.net.

The OWL at Purdue
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Reviewed by Catherine Accardi

What a clever website – The OWL at Purdue. OWL stands for Online Writing Lab, but, as we all know, an owl is considered a wise bird. It would be wise to visit the OWL.

According to the website, OWL is used as “a complement to classroom instruction, a supplement to face-face tutorials, and a stand-alone reference for thousands of writers”. This popular website received 312 million visitors from over 125 countries in 2005-2006.

The navigation menu covers thirteen writing related subject areas, such as The Writing Process, Research, and Creative Writing.

Each major area is then sub-divided. For example, you can click on “The Writing Process” and a drop-down menu includes “Developing an Outline”, “Proofreading”, “Starting the Writing Process”, and “Writers Block”.

Clicking on “Starting the Writing Process” provides three pages of detailed advice to guide the writer. Clicking on “Research and Citation” takes you to twelve sub-headings.

The OWL provides wise advice indeed.

The OWL is provided and maintained by Purdue University. The University requests that visitors to their site read and observe the Fair Use Policy found at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/551/01/.

Glimmer Train

A Collection of Fiction That Shines
http://www.glimmertrain.com/

Reviewed by B. Lynn Goodwin

Glimmer Train Press, Inc. at http://www.glimmertrain.com/ is a boon to literary fiction. It publishes 'Writers Ask,' a newsletter for serious writers, and 'Glimmer Train Stories,' one of the most respected short-story journals in publication. Read samples of their quality stories and poems by clicking on "Index." If what you see appeals, consider buying a single copy, subscribing, or even submitting your own work. Log in to learn more. It’s free.

Glimmer Train accepts submissions in five categories: Standard Submissions, (no reading fee), Fiction Open, Poetry Open, Very Short Fiction Award, and Short-Story Award for New Writers. Click on "Writing Guidelines" for details about each one. Online submissions streamline the process and even a technophobe can do it with ease.

Reading fees pay contest winners. An owner explains, "We imagined, at the beginning, that it might be possible to break even eventually. So far, 13 years later, that’s not happening. Competition reading fees help some, but mostly go to larger payments to competition winners. Subscriptions help a LOT."

Worth it? You be the judge. Look at "Index" and "Writers Ask," and consider submitting or subscribing to this classy collection. You'll be in excellent company.

Bookslut.com –

Reviews, Interviews, and Attitude
http://www.Bookslut.com

A Web Site Review by B. Lynn Goodwin

For a perceptive, edgy look at diverse current titles, visit www.Bookslut.com. Editor-in-chief Jessa Crispin used the name of a book club she was in to articulated the site’s mission: Speak the truth and pull no punches. An article in the Contra Costa Times identified Bookslut.com as “a premiere Web destination for book lovers.”

Curious, I visited and was seduced by this attractive, well-organized, graphically pleasing site. It features multiple interviews; fiction, nonfiction, and poetry reviews; and sassily titled columns.

Ready to read strong voices and unflinching points of view? Reviews and articles pinpoint truth and are laced with audacity, which piqued my curiosity. While I resist harsh critiques, intelligent reviewers and sparkling prose make this site work. It’s reviews and blog attract 5500 and 6000 visitors daily.

Click on “contact” to learn how to submit a letter to the editor, send your own books for review, or offer your services as a reviewer or columnist. Take a bite out of the literary world at Bookslut.com.

The Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org

A Web Site Review by Catherine Accardi

The Internet Public Library (IPL) website is a gem. From the home page, at http://www.ipl.org, click on “Arts and Humanities”, then on “Literature”, and you will be taken to a vast network of resources for the writer. Included on this page are sections on authors (information about the work and lives of specific authors) and writing (works about the writing process and directed mainly towards writers). The “Writing” section includes grammar, style notes and what makes a good short story.

One of the gems of this site is the section titled “Purdue Writing Lab Instructional Handouts”. The section is of particular interest to writers. It is a seemingly endless selection of quality information. Go directly to this site at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/. You will find a collection of over 120 online papers on writing organized by topic; subjects covered include general writing concerns and professional writing issues.

Back at the IPL home page index, click on “Reading Room” and there you find the text of books, magazines and newspapers that are freely available over the interest.

Click on “Ready Reference” and, magically, at your fingertips are online almanacs, encyclopedias, periodical directories, and the list goes on for several pages.

The Internet Public Library web site is highly recommended. Easy to navigate, it presents accurate information in a dignified manner. Bookmark this site and you will be a happy writer!

Dotlit

The Online Journal of Creative Writing
(http://www.dotlit.qut.edu.au/)

A Web Site Review by Leona Mayeux

Dotlit - a semi-annual journal - prides itself in publishing "new and emerging" writers, as well as commissioning works from "established" writers. Its content brings the reader fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, reviews, scholarly essays, as well as digital stories. It is published by the Creative Writing and Cultural Studies discipline, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.

In its call for submissions, dotlit gives detailed guidelines, pointing out that only unpublished work is accepted. The journal asks that all writing be submitted electronically, double spaced in MS Word. Ten weeks are required for a reply. Not having offered payment for non-academic contributions heretofore, dotlit is working toward some remuneration for future submissions.

Contributors should include a 50-100 word biography, accompanied by an e-mail address. Book reviews submitted may be of fiction, creative non-fiction, 'how-to' guides, or scholarly titles.

I was fascinated by the guidelines given for Digital Stories: "these must be one's own personal story, no longer than two minutes; a transcript must accompany the audio file. Submissions of photographs &/or documents of other people must not be defamatory.

This review is slightly limited, unlike the sight itself. Although different from my usual reviews, I believe it might fascinate the reader enough to lure each of them into the many avenues open for submissions.

About Freelance Writing;

A comprehensive site for writers seeking success
(http://aboutfreelancewriting.com/)

A Web Site Review by Leona Mayeux

I was drawn to About Freelance Writing when I read the site's article entitled "The 3 Secrets to Successful Freelance Writing: Write, Rewrite, and Market." That formula reminded me of my years teaching high school seniors writing. The "rule-of-thumb" I taught was Read, Write, and Correct. The two bits of advice can walk smoothly together without stumbling off the success path. Without reading, the writer can get lost on the path of ignorance, minus the proverbial bliss. Without correction of writing (rewriting) finding a market is highly unlikely. The marketing is usually the most difficult part. In high school the students seek not only good grades, but enhanced self-esteem, knowing they can produce a product acceptable to their mentor - the teacher. For the professional writer, the market mentors hold the writer's future in their editorial hands.

The About Freelance Writing article index covers many avenues to the writer's needs: Getting Started; How- To, Tips & Samples; Getting the Writing Done; Rewriting & Editing; Your Writing as a Business; Marketing Your Writing & Yourself; Writing Specialties; Self-publishing & e-Books; Questions & Answers.

For those aspiring to freelance, the site deals with cogent considerations: the kind of freelancer one hopes to be; concrete ways to realize these hopes; dealing with rejection; being aware of where ideas come from; the query letter, letter of intent; manuscript critique, using a writing coach, one's writing voice and more.

Perusing this vast site could be a sound investment of the writer's time.

Narrative Magazine is First-Rate
(www.narrativemagazine.com)

A web site review by B. Lynn Goodwin

Narrative Magazine, www.narrativemagazine.com, embraces writers and encourages high standards. At a reading last year, a guest remarked, ‘This wasn’t a New York event, it was a Narrative event. . . . No cynics.’”

Editors Carol Edgarian and Tom Jenks answered, ‘…that was precisely our goal—to create an embracing sense of community for writers and for the readers of a magazine that reaches worldwide.”

Dig in and explore the first rate fiction, non-fiction, and interviews as well as numerous other resources. Visit About Us and click on each editors name to discover multiple opportunities.

Submissions guidelines ask for work “of interest to readers who take pleasure in storytelling and imaginative prose.” The magazine awards a $4000 Narrative Prize annually.

A section called “Reader’s Narrative” provides an “ongoing conversation” with readers around the world. Share ‘something meaningful, informative, moving, vivid, essential about the world as you know it.’ Also, check out book recommendations and excerpts in “First & Second Looks.”

This thought-provoking e-zine is a great place to refresh your mind and recharge your literary batteries. Check it out at www.narrativemagazine.com.