Fabulous Interview with Literary Agent Coming to JRW Conference next Month!!!

First of all, a Tremendous Thanks and Shout Out to Literary Agent Paige Wheeler for this Fabulous interview!

And to add to the excitement here in Richmond at James River Writers -

We've just found out that the amazing graphic designer Chip Kidd will be available for both a TED-style talk during the conference AND for an interview-style panel on Saturday afternoon, October 19.  If you know any graphic design folks, they will certainly recognize his name, and they might be interested in the one day ticket for $170.00.

Additionally, thanks to our partnership with the Library of Virginia, Lee Smith will also be doing an interview-style panel on Saturday, October 19.

So, there will definitely be a lot happening on Saturday of the Conference, but don’t forget all the things happening on Sunday at the Conference [Including I am moderating a great session on Sunday!]

Just cause to come to the Full Conference.

Not to mention, you should Definitely check out the Friday Workshops, the ones still open, Especially after you finish reading the great interview below with Lit. Agent Paige Wheeler who promises some Tip Sheets, References, and Tricks up her sleeve!     [Need to go see if that’s full yet!]

Here is a link for conference registration

And if you can’t wait till October, check this out, while you are waiting -

This Thursday, September 26, we have Dean King, his New York editor, and his History Channel producer from California on stage for The Writing Show.  It is the last one of the year, and we're trying to end with a bang and a big crowd.  Tickets are still $10 in advance and $12 at the door: the best deal in town! 

For the first time ever, we have JRW t-shirts for sale through Bonfire Funds.  It's a great logo that promotes writing in RVA, so there might be people beyond James River Writers who will be excited about it!  We need to sell 50 shirts by October 6 in order for them to be printed.  You can't tell from the picture, but long sleeve shirts and hoodies are available as well.

And Now On to the Great Interview ! .........

Interview with Literary Agent Paige Wheeler:

I see from your bio’ on the James River Writers website that you represent fiction and non-fiction.

“Currently she represents international and award-winning authors in commercial fiction, and upscale fiction, which includes women’s fiction, mysteries, thrillers, psychological suspense; as well as narrative nonfiction and prescriptive nonfiction including self-help, how-to, business, pop-culture, popular reference projects and women’s issues.”

Question:

Is there something you are really wanting to see from new authors that might be pitching and querying you?

[Other than studying all the great links and resources you have on the FolioLit website!]

Answer:  For fiction, I’m looking for an intriguing plot that makes me wonder, “how is the author going to successfully pull this off?”  I’m also drawn to incredibly fresh and vibrant voices, stories in which the character just sucks me in and I can’t possibly put the manuscript down.  If an author could combine the unique plot with the vibrant voice—then I’m all over the manuscript. 

For nonfiction, I’m looking for thoughtful proposals on fascinating subjects that make we want to talk nonstop about the project. This can be anything from a intriguing memoir or historical nonfiction or pop culture. Ultimately, I want to learn something or be transformed in some way after reading the manuscript. Some examples of this would include Jim Minick’s THE BLUEBERRY YEARS (a VA college professor attempts to homestead his land, living off an organic blueberry farm); Mary Cantando’s LEADING WITH CARE – How women around the world are inspiring Businesses, Empowering communities and Creating opportunity; an upcoming title, Deborrah Himsel’s BEAUTY QUEEN, a book about the reign of Avon CEO Andrea Jung’s rise and fall;  IN THE BELLY OF THE ELEPHANT by Susan Corbett is the story of one woman’s journey to Africa to work for the peace corp and how she was transformed by the experience. 

Q.:

Could you give us your definition, and some examples, of what you are looking for in fiction?  There is mention of commercial fiction, and upscale fiction.   Can you give us some helpful examples to go by?

A:  Commercial fiction is generally plot-driven or character-driven material that is entertaining and well written. Some examples are David Baldacci, Nora Roberts, Sue Grafton, Nicholas Sparks, etc. Upscale fiction can also incorporate a unique plot or engaging character but the writing is as much the focus as the plot or character arc. Some examples would include Adriana Trigiani, Elizabeth Strout, Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri. 

Q.:

You give a good description of what you call prescriptive nonfiction. [And Thank you for that.]  For those that aren’t exactly sure what narrative nonfiction is, would you give us a couple of examples.  

A: A couple of examples of popular narrative nonfiction would include DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Eric Larson; IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot; and SEABISCUIT by Laura Hillenbrand. I love narrative nonfiction—it tells an intriguing story in an entertaining way.  IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote is probably one of the best examples of narrative nonfiction, but I also bring up INTO THIN AIR by Jon Krakauer as another great example of narrative nonfiction. 

Q.:

  What would you like people coming to the James River Writers Conference in October to know about meeting, pitching, and / or querying you?

A:  First, I’m really not threatening at all, so don’t be nervous!  Second, you should feel comfortable enough about (and with) your project that we can converse easily about it. You should be THAT familiar with it that any questions I may have can be easily answered. Finally, if I happen to pass on your project, realize that I’m passing on that PROJECT and not you as a writer. I welcome queries for new projects from authors who have previously pitched to me. 

I really want to fall in love with a project! What that means is that I’m looking for material that I am willing to spend a lot of time on—even if it takes longer to make a sale than anticipated. 

I have 40 titles coming out in 2013 and most of my authors have been working with me for years. I’m selective about who I represent, but it usually means that we will work together for many, many years and develop a lasting relationship. 

Q.:

You have a workshop scheduled for the Friday before the JRW Conference, on October 18, 2013, can you give us some teasers of why everyone’s going to want to sign up for it?  [Or already has. Workshops are going Fast.]

A:  I’m focusing on Career Novelists because that’s the dream of so many fiction writers. Who doesn’t want to quit their day job and write mega hit after mega hit? In my workshop, I’ll outline the Essential Elements of Career Novelists and the skill set that writers need to acquire in order to have a long and successful career as a published author. I have tip sheets, references and tricks up my sleeve to share with the audience. 

Q.:

The publishing world has been in such turmoil and flux for a few years now with agents and writers trying to figure out their roles with each other.

 And the choices and decisions facing authors, such as, to self-publish or look for agent representation.  Or to keep looking for it.

Would you give us some of your thoughts on this changing world, and words of wisdom? 

A:  It’s an exciting era to be in publishing!  I think I will look back on this and be proud that I’ve navigated these tumultuous times and have been a part of such change!

I think that an author needs to decide what is best for him or her. We all have different goals and skill sets, so the course that may be right for one author may be entirely wrong for another. I have many authors who are established and enjoy the role that traditional publishing plays in launching and maintaining their career. I have other authors who have hit a list and have decided that they want more control over publishing decisions, so have opted for a hybrid career. Some authors really want and need the editorial and stylistic support that traditional publishing entails and others do not. Of course I think the role of an agent is vital---and I’ll give some tips during my workshop on why I think it’s critical to have an agent on your side. Ultimately, the industry is definitely experiencing dramatic change and I think authors, editors and agents are eager to embrace the changes if it means better access to wonderfully written books and an increase in readership. 

Q.:

Any predictions or thoughts on possible trends coming that we as writers might be able to take advantage of now?

A:  I think the only trend that I can really predict with any accuracy is the importance of an author being able to create a platform. This is true both in fiction as well as nonfiction. The concept of platform has changed, though, over the past few years. A few years ago, platform meant name recognition that was already established within households. Now, it’s the ability to quickly create that recognition—usually through a network of well-placed friends and social media. So, what can you do now? Lay the groundwork and create a network that’s ready to promote your book.  

Here is a link for conference registration

I Know you are ready for it now!

Thanks again to Paige Wheeler for the wonderful interview.   See you at the Conference, and hopefully your Workshop, in a few short weeks!

Writing is Writing, Who Knew

I was reminded at James River Writers Writing Show at the end of February, that all writing is writing.  And Editing.   

But it all has things in common no matter what form you are working in.

It really struck that Writing is Writing.

And no matter what the subject of the James River Writers Writing Show is that month - they are always the last Thursday of the month —  go to it. 

 You will definitely learn something. 

Or at least be reminded of some good points.

Like THIS point - can it be repeated too many times?

 the 1st 5-10 pages are crucial to hook the reader. Then you build the rest off a successful hook.

1st pages Critical with screenplay And books

First 5-10 pages need to hook the reader/viewer

First 5-10 pages need to hook the reader/viewer. #writingshow #writetip #jrwc13” Man. Novelists get one page.

 Show Don’t Tell

Don't tell emotion can insinuate but keep lean to point

With any writing -  after all, isn’t this what makes some writing flow along and others bog down?

keep the script lean, short, brief to the point.

 you can have the best plot in the world, but ruin it with bad dialogue.

 dialogue needs to be real, but not too real. Keep the interesting parts.

general rule of thumb, dialogue shouldn't be more than 4 lines. But there are cheats - breaking it up with actions.

when writing dialogue - spew it out, then go back and ask if it makes sense to say it that way.

when editing dialogue, there are multiple editing passes to get it right

dialogue is a 'musical' soundtrack to the story.

And to help with dialog - help readers keep individual characters straight:

Get to know char Find voice of char 

 know what the spine of the story. Follow the main characters, don't get distracted.

Network like crazy #jrwc13 Great advice for writers of any kind

Genre specific film festivals can help you more easily break into the film industry.

 film festivals are great networking environments. You never know who you might meet.

Make sure you party and have fun at film festivals, but network network network the entire time

festival awards can be huge. Just placing as a finalist can open doors

 participate in festivals and film groups. Network, network, network.

Go to conferences and festivals and network, network, network.

If you are doing screenplays - The Screenwriters Bible book Highly recommended

And don’t we all want to sell our writing -    

 Keeping the story marketable

And sell it well.    Guess it would be redundant to say, sell-J.K. Rowling-well.

Selling your writing had some interesting thoughts - apparently giving ‘visual’ mental clues to the writing is important to screenwriting, but also helps people with ‘placing’ books as well.

Some of the interesting, uh, ‘visual’ comparisons mentioned at the Writing Show  - 

LOTR battle scene with paintballs instead of swords

[Translation for non-fans, of Twitter or Tolkien - Lord of the Rings with battle scenes with paintballs instead of swords.]

Not to mention this one -

"Psycho meets Goonies." Never thought I'd hear THAT at the #writingshow. #jrwc13

And some other great writing advice / thoughts :

When it comes to persevering in the writing/film business, being stubborn can be a strength

Understanding the business improves writing and producing skills.

important to know your audience.

 Find where your project fits. Challenge yourself creatively.

Thanks to all the Twitter feeders from JRW Writing Show -

@leilagaskin

@ywrite

@BillTheWildcat

@kaherndon

For more of their tips, 

and just great Writing Tips 

follow them on Twitter or tune in to hashtags      #JRWC13     #jrwc13        #writingshow

#JRWC13 .. Either cap or uncap - will also get you the great Twitter Chats that are going on with authors coming to the JRW Conference in October as well!  The Twitter Chats are happening all the time!

You can get great tips and information at ALL James River Writers Events -

Writers Wednesday - TOMORROW evening!  

Writing Conference - October

Writing Show -   next one,  is about Killing Your Darlins’  [my southern translation.  After all, it’s My blog, for more info’ on these and all events go over to the JRW site.

And even get a ’true’? Recap of the Feb. Writing Show, in non-Twitter speak.

So come to the Writing Show in couple weeks, on March 28^th, and Tweet along with us.

— Get info’ on the JRW site

And speaking of JRW Events - James River Writers is a non-profit, which means we depend on your support and membership.

Another Great JRW event is their fundraiser in June.

Which is where JRWs Emyl Jenkins Award is presented.  Emyl Jenkins was an active member and supporter of JRW, and an important supporter and champion of all writers everywhere.    She touched a lot of writers and readers before she suddenly passed away in 2010, a great loss to JRW and to writers, especially to the ones who knew her, perhaps even greater to the ones that didn’t get that chance.

If you know of someone in Virginia who has made Virginia a better place for writers, we want to hear about them.  Go over to the JRW site and nominate them for the Emyl Award.   The guidelines are here -

Deadline is not that far away, so why not go do it now.

And keep making Virginia a better place for writers, like Emyl did.

Working with People Selling Books

No, I’m not talking about some guy accosting you in a raincoat with books in a multitude of pockets.

But hey….  No, No, No, that’s not advocated.   Unless it’s your neighborhood bookseller trying to save their business.  And with the sad fact of the pressure on them these days……

This post is about the James River Writers Writing Show at the end of January:

January 31, 2013

Bookstore Battle Plan:  

                                          How to Get Your Writing into Bookstores

The panel consisted of Katarina Spears, Elizabeth Gleichman, and soon to be published Ginny Pye sitting in for Fountain Bookstore owner Kelly Justice who was so sick she couldn’t make it.   [Kelly, hope you get well Soon!]

Katarina Spears manages the gift shops at the Library of Virginia, the Virginia State Capitol, and an international online store.

Elizabeth Gleichman is an Assistant General Manager at Books-A-Million.

And sitting in for Kelly Justice owner of independent bookstore Fountain Bookstore, www.fountainbookstore.com, was Ginny Pye soon to be published by a small literary press and giving her perspective as an author.

For more detailed information see the JRW website.

And there should be a more detailed posting of the night’s talk on the site, so be sure to check that out.

There was a teaser at the end of the evening of Pet Peeves of Bookstore Owners / Buyers, so hopefully those will be posted there also.  There was some great information given but also a promise of more, so do be sure to check that out.

One of the things mentioned, and those writers that have been writing for awhile will perk up at this -

It was stated that JRW is a great Platform.

So if you’ve been hearing about you Have to Have a great platform, and let’s face it, if you haven’t heard it, you’ve not been working the business end of writing very long.

Then the next thing becomes the catch of as an author you Need a Great Platform, but if you are a nobody how are you going to get one.

Becoming a part of James River Writers can help you with that!

James River Writers is a non-profit that depends on its volunteers, and of course monetary support, so there has to be some way you can help JRW, and in return JRW helps you with knowledge and power on what it is to be a writer, and how to better your writing, and your career path.

So while you are roaming around on the JRW site, and of course, we hope you do, consider clicking and becoming a member.  Or remember to Renew your membership.   So all this knowledge and support can continue.

Now going from the unsponsored message of joining JRW back to the gist of the January Writing Show:

Of course when you bring up anything nowadays, talk will come up at some point about Social Media.  Especially as it pertains to getting word out.  And as authors and writers we are all going to have to do that and deal with that.

It was stated if you do have a book, or when you do, your book should have its own page on Facebook!

Who knew?

I guess it makes sense, I mean your characters and book take on a life and entity on it’s own anyway.   Okay, so perhaps I’m taking that a little far.  *Grin*   But perhaps use it as one of the memory things to remember to create a page for your book.

Wonder if it needs its own Twitter account too?    Too far?  *Grin*

It was mentioned that figuring out the key phrases that get retweeted can help your retweet ratio.  Well, if you include them in your original tweets of course.  

A lot of what was said was commonsense stuff that most mamma’s trained into you from an early age.  Or should have anyway.

Be respectful.   Play nice.   Treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

Treat your bookseller as a professional, I mean they are you know.   Make appointments to approach them to talk about selling your book.

And Don’t think of it as selling your book — or really as you’ve seen people doing, pressuring you to buy, - think of it as making a connection with people.

They might not buy right at that moment, for whatever reason, but that doesn’t mean they won’t buy it later.   And recommend it to all their friends.

You just never know.

Like my own personal tidbit, be careful what you say in Public, you never know who’s at the next table listening.  If it’s complimentary and Good, by all means, go for it.  If it isn’t, first you might want to figure out why it isn’t - you might just find it’s nothing to do with the other person at all, it’s something in you that you have to deal with, that you just don’t recognize and want to deal with.  Yep, you can only change you, you know.  And you remember the first impressions and all that.  Take a long time to change, if ever.

It also seems that giveaways work really well for getting traffic in on your site and buzz about your book.

As well as, whatever you can do to generate interest, flashing lights, rolling trailers, etc….   Uh, maybe not the guy with the trench coat with large pockets.   Just might want to rethink that, all I’m saying.

Oh, and if you have Anyone show up at your book signing, be Grateful!

Don’t grouch and complain.  Also see my rule about talking in public above.

Be grateful and appreciative of what you do have.  If you are at your own book signing that means you’ve made it at least that far.   And there’s a whole lot of us that are out here still working toward that.  So you have much to be thankful for, no matter where you are in your life.   Be Thankful.

*Found in notes -   Educate Yourself about it !

And just found in notes that should be mentioned    -     Educate Yourself!

I would hope you did that with the Writing of your book, you should also do that with the business of Selling your book as well.

Nowadays there's no reason to not be smart about these things.

See what you can find out when you Build Relationships?     With other writers, with readers, with booksellers.....

Social Media Carnage

How do we keep all the social media from devouring us - and all our time?

Daunting, Difficult, and…and....  Dastardly !

Especially as writers we Try to find time to keep on writing.   [Or like Some of us - work on getting back to it.]

We are told we Have to establish a social ‘identity’ and …. Blah, blah, on and on.   Most of us are familiar with the rest of that refrain.   [if not, comment below, and I'll fill it in for you]

What is never quite clear is how we are supposed to integrate it / shove it / shoe-horn it into our probably already over-crowded time-pressed lives.

Not whining.  Really.  I’m well aware I am Very blessed, and don’t have it as difficult as some.  But that also does not mean my life is dripping roses skipping down a bucolic lane to a mansion.  Totally efficient and spotlessly clean of course.   With clean, and folded, laundry.    [Hey, I can still dream.  Course I might add a cook to that dream also....]

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect.   Or maybe, like, Ever turn out way we expect.   So we get creative and write our happy endings.  Right?   

Okay, so we don’t have our happy endings. Yet.  We can still hope and dream.  And see what we can work on in the meantime.

Which means working out the Social Media kinks in our time lines / lives.

I came across this, that might help a little.  

20 Tips to Tame the Wild Social Media Beast

Has some interesting tips that you might find useful.

Even as Writing Helps they can be useful -

# 1    Don’t expect to be Perfect.        Enough said.   Even as Writing Advice.   Keep Working toward it, but don't expect it.  Especially on your first draft.    ...maybe even your second one.

And some of the others are worth mentioning --- and applying to a Writing Life as good Writing Advice.

Take care of yourself.    

Know your audience.

Prioritize what Really matters.    Or my add to it - what really matters to You.

Realize you can’t do everything at once.   

Like Writing and Social Media and Everything else.

Yeah, you’ve heard / seen about all the studies about multi-tasking, right?   Myth.   We - None of us are very good at multi-tasking.  No matter What we think.   And according to what I saw recently those that believe they Are really Good, are the worst.

But since I'm not going to convince you with that on this post, on to next advice point ....

And most of all, take #19 to heart.      Connect With Like Minds

James River Writers in Richmond, Virginia gives a great opportunity with its programs for writers in the area.   From the Writing Show - Tomorrow Night, Thursday, January 31^st - and each month through August on the last Thursday of the month.   To Writers Wednesday the 2^nd Wednesday of Each and Every month, where everyone casually mingles and shares ideas and commiserations on such things as this.   And the Conference in October.     Not to mention several things along the way, so keep check on the JRW website for more ways to Connect with Like Minds!

There are other interesting links and info’ on the post so feel free to go check it out….. It Would be nice if you came back here and shared what caught your eye.  That I might need to take a second, or third, look at.

And since I still have ‘reality’ of laundry to take care of and the rest of it, I have to go and attack it right now.  Before it attacks me.

And if I am not at the Writing Show tomorrow night send a search party.    Bring chocolate.

Happenings This Week

Okay, sooooo.  Obviously it’s been busy around here.  Well, in my non-blogging life.  I see the wind whistling through the empty spaces here.

Sorry about that.  I do have really good intentions.  I even have some really good ideas stuffed in a file here to blog about.  Sometimes it just seems life careens its way in front of me.  Throws itself down in front of me sometimes.

Okay, so yeah, I have been writing also.  Yes, I have been stepping out on this blog.  I have been working on some new short stories.  And I have been getting an itch to drag out an old novel I wrote a few years ago to have another go at it.

Why is it that stories do things like that to us?

Or is that like asking why there are always clothes to wash and dust bunnies to eradicate?

Or like why our internet provider can’t stop all the dropping / outage that’s been going on with our internet services for over two weeks now.

For as much as they charge and all their hype and promises in their tv ads and how bad their service Really is.

So blame them at least in part for this empty blog!   And for the calls that aren’t answered because going with their hype and putting the phone service into their hands as well.    Yeah, so not conducive to writing a ‘nice’ blog post, about a lot of things.

And if service comes back again this will be posted.  Hopefully in time for you to see it, and take note of all the happenings this week in Richmond, Virginia.

Well I haven’t been looking at what’s happening around the town, just what’s happening in the writing town around James River Writers.   Which of course if you are a writer, aspiring writer, or do any thinking about writing you should be a part of.

Coming up tomorrow - Wednesday, July 25 - [or today depending on when you read this!] join in a Twitter Chat with one of the Conference speakers that’s going to be at the Conference in October!

Starting at noon EDT Wednesday July 25 on Twitter
#JRWC12
@JamesRvrWriter  and everyone else that joins in will be twitter chatting with 
@eleanorwrites   author of the book The Weird Sisters   

And Then Thursday - July 26 - the JRW Writing Show -

• I Tweet, Therefore I Am: Building a Platform and Finding Your Voice

Tune in to the JRW website for all the happenings and for more info’ …

Such as signing up for the Conference in October now — check out what you get if you sign up Before July 31^st.

Survive and Thrive As Writers

I like to read.   Okay, so I Love to read.    EVERY writer Must be a Reader.   Everybody says so!

I haven’t figured out how to make it a paying job though.

Not that I’ve made writing a paying job so far either.   But that’s a whole different tangent.  For now anyway.

It’s so much easier to read than write.

Just like it’s so much easier to spend time reading other writers’ blogs than writing on my own.   WAY much easier.   Huh.

But you should be glad!   Since it gives me lots of fodder for posting here.   ….when I get around to actually posting it….. Instead of just reading it, and copying it….and pondering it all myself….   

So for your pondering self  —  I give you a link to a great list I discovered on another blog :

16 Tips on How to Survive and Thrive as a Writer

There are some really good thoughts here.    Some aren’t exactly new of course, but they are put in a different enough way that you should go at least look at it.

Which is what we are doing as writers, letting our own voice tell our stories.  No matter how similar or how often told, we are different, so our voices of how we tell will be.

Interesting thoughts, and I agree with the list where it talks about believing in yourself and not depending on others for that belief and all.  But writing is lonely enough to do, and while yes, we have to believe in and depend on ourselves for that belief, it can really help to have a group of friends, especially writers who will understand, to reach out to when we are feeling a bit….’delicate.’       We all have those moments.  I’m sure we do.    Don’t you?     I don’t think I’ve ever met a writer, no matter how successful they are, or were, in their career, that didn’t at some time have a bit of insecurity and doubt.

So it helps to have some kind of support somewhere.   Yeah, I agree that we really have to depend mainly on ourselves, and not let other’s unbelief become a detriment holding us back…. But it does make the lonely hours spent writing a bit easier when you know that at least sometimes, you can reach out and there will be others reaching back.

Besides sometimes our biggest fighter, pro and con, is our own selves.  We beat ourselves up so much is there any reason for anyone else to join in?    (Yes, I have my own bruises.   No, you can’t see.)

There are fellow writers out there that will offer you words of encouragement.

If you need to find some of those people, check out James River Writers in Richmond, Virginia.

In fact, there just so happens to be a Writing Show tomorrow, Thursday, night.  Where there will gathering all kinds of writers to hear, and talk about, how to get published.

And the second Wednesday of Every Month, JRW has a casual meet up that you can come and, well, meet up with other writers!      Just remember to cut some of us some slack, some of us are used to spending time alone with characters.  So real conversations can be a little different for us.

Do go check out the List and see what you take away to help you Survive and Thrive as a Writer.

And come back and give me your thoughts on it.

Getting Published and Interesting Info'

How You Can Get Published

What everyone wants to know, right?

Well, since I seem to hang out with a bunch of writers a lot, that’s what’s underlying our hard work.  I won’t mention what hard work it is complaining, and whining, about what hard work writing is.   Ahem :::clears throat:::

And since not all of you come to Writers Wednesday, James River Writers casual get together once a month, guess I’ll just have to post it here.

Oh, some of the solutions - not the whining.   Although I won’t promise that I’m above whining either.  [Since you aren’t close enough to slap me here. :::Sticks tongue out::::]

Okay, on to being a grown up now.  Mostly.

For those in the Richmond, Virginia area, James River Writers just so happens to be talking about this very thing on This Thursday night, June 28.

Many Paths to Publication: What Avenue is Right for You?

For those outside of the Richmond, VA, area, you can check this out —

Indie Author News ‏@IndieAuthorNews

5 MUST READ Blogs for Indie Authors ► http://ow.ly/9z5Wf ◄ on #writing, #amwriting, #selfpub, and #indie book sales.Read more!

I already introduced you all to one of the Great blogs that is listed here earlier in some of my blog posts so you know there’s some great info’ here.   Right?   :::Grin::::

So even if you are here in the Richmond area, and even if you are going to the JRW Writing Show, you should still check out the list of those great blogs.   I mean, especially since we already agree at least one of them is Great.  

Poetry in Motion

Poetry in Motion

As a lovely finale to April’s National Poetry Month, last night was local Richmond author, the talented Meg Medina’s unveiling ceremony of the Hope Tree Project at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  

Meg brought together art in many forms with her books she’s written, her milagros project with area high school students [Very talented, as seen by the many varied and different milagros on the trees], and the Latin Ballet of Virginia, that moved in their bright colors to the great beats provided by the volunteer musicians, all showing that poetry can manifest in many forms.  Even the ‘animals’ that were ‘prowling / dancing’ around the dancers and audience as well.

A great evening, but if you missed it, and even though you missed the great motion poetry exhibited, you can see the great, creative, and heart felt, milagros on the trees in the Children’s Garden at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden through July 4^th.   

Hope in solid form.

So yes, you should check out Ginter, And the Milagros.

Of course, you should check out Meg’s books as well, including her latest, The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind.

Here’s Meg’s blog so you can check out the pictures and info’ I’ve forgotten or neglected to include.

Speaking of poetry - James River Writers’ April Writing Show was filled with poets and poetry.  Winning poets and poetry.  [The panel had the winners of the recent poetry contest.]

These poets also created in ‘other’ forms as well, visual artist, scientist, novelist, poetry guerrilla …  

Yes, that is correct.  You read that right.  Poetry guerrilla.   

Who knew, right?

And no, I’m not going to explain.  Or tell.   You shouldda been there.   ***Evil grin***

But there’s still time to think about JRW’s May Writing Show - don’t know that there’ll be guerrillas there.  Never know though I guess since that was a surprise the other night!

There will be the talented, and lovely, New York agent, Michelle Brower, back to Richmond to talk to us about how to do a synopsis.  Properly.

And the equally lovely and talented, local author Stacy Hawkins Adams.

So go ahead and plan on coming - info’ here.

You might just come away with nuggets of wisdom like this:

‘Write what you know but try to know what’s beyond your own navel’ - attributed to Sandra Beasley said to be out on book tour for her book, Don’t Kill The Birthday Girl.

And to bid farewell to April, and welcome May, these are from Nature’s Gift Aromatherapy Newsletter - check out the great items over at the Nature’s Gift website   

Aromatic Quotes of the Month

"And she was fair as is the rose in May." Geoffrey Chaucer

“Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.”  Unknown

"The world's favorite season is the spring.
All things seem possible in May."
-  Edwin Way Teale

"Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire."
-  Virgil

Meeting Writers and Gaining the World

For most writers the world we live in is small in so many ways, we live in environments in our heads with characters we create, while we go from day to day duties as trudgers in the worn rhythm of everyday life.

But it doesn’t have to be a lonely misunderstood existence, at least not unless that’s what you choose.

Especially with the existence of the internet and instant access to all kinds of information and people. Some you’d rather not, but that’s a different talk.

You can find and access all kinds and sorts of writers on the internet, and that can be great, but it doesn’t help you with the personal training in talking and getting used to interacting with people in person. And face it, at some point you are going to have to do that.

Or we all certainly hope for that, right?

We all want to be successful and be best-sellers. And sometimes that’s going to mean talking and interacting with Real people.

Not that our characters aren’t real to us, of course, but you know what I mean. Right?

If you live anywhere in the Richmond, Virginia area, James River Writers offers you all kinds of opportunities to haul yourself from your chair and imaginary world and learn to interact — in a good way - with others, and most will understand at least some of what you are going through.

You get to practice your people skills with real people, and which of us introvert writers doesn’t need that.

And some of the writers will even have some solutions, or suggestions, or options to help.

Even if you don’t see a need for them now, trust me, you never know where that next story is going to come from, or go. So it helps to have a list of resources handy.

And here’s a great site for that!

[You'll be sorry if don't check it out. I'm telling you. Really.

Be sure to come back and tell me your fave….]

And tying into the JRW February Writing Show that talked about food in writing, here’s a great place to explore.

Yes, looks like some of the links are broken or something, but there’s still some great working ones.

Thanks to Mike for sharing these.

Thanks to The Bookshelf Muse for the Great site.

Thanks to James River Writers for the Writing Show - the last Thursday of each month.

And the casual meet-up of Writers at Writers Wednesday - the 2^nd Wednesday of each month.

The new JRW website is up - as is the schedule for Writers Wednesday for the rest of the year! [A Special Thanks to the Wonderful Writers Wednesday coordinator, Denise!] So you won’t be confused as to where to go to mingle with all us great writers.

Do check the website for current info’ - just in case.

So I’ve offered you several ways to know the world.

And you can always hang out here with me.

Hey, where else are you going to get links to a Zombie Generator!

***Grin***