Writers On The Rise Zine for Freelancers January 2006

A free monthly e-zine

offering the freshest

inspiration, insight & ideas

for emerging writers

W R I T E R S • O N • T H E • R I S E
Inspiration, Insight and Ideas For Emerging Freelance Writers
Volume Three, Issue One -- January 2006 (View Our Masthead & Bios)

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Writers on the Rise is intended to revive your world-weary inner writer. Published and edited by Christina Katz, WOTR is a free monthly online newsletter for up-and-coming writers of all experience levels. Each issue is designed to provide plenty of positive energy to spark your creativity, authenticity and sense of satisfaction. Our goal is to be the best read for writers about writers by writers on the Web. How are we doing? You can respond at the bottom of this newsletter.

Quote of the Month:

Creativity—like human life itself—begins in darkness.

~ Julia Cameron

January 1, 2005

Dear Fellow Writers,

As the holidays go out with a bang on New Year’s Eve, I have to admit, I’m relieved. I can get back to work! Yes!

I love what I do. I love writing. And I feel so grateful to be able to pursue what I love as a career.

Writing has been my constant companion in times of duress and joy. It has opened doors that might have remained closed or that I simply may have not noticed. Writing has helped me to create a strong, healthy inner dialogue with myself. Writing has helped me to transform self-destructiveness into creative self-determination. Writing has pulled me up, pulled me through and been an instrument for reaching out to others. Writing has helped me meet some truly wonderful people.

My writing career hasn’t exactly been a cake-walk, but when I look back, I can see pretty clearly that my struggles have not been about others or even, “The Industry,” they have been about me struggling with me. When I flail, I am the one thrashing myself around. When I stumble, I am usually the one who was not paying attention. And when I succeed, it is because of my own consistent efforts over time.

My husband Jason likes to say, “Slow and steady wins the race”—an expression a jackrabbit personality like myself does not always relish hearing. But in writing, as in most professions, he is right on the money. Developing a writing career takes time and patience and self-awareness. And the beat goes on, if you know what I mean.

If we’re lucky, each January, we take the opportunity to look back and assess where we’ve been and then to look ahead to see where we’d like to be. Hopefully, we can take some time from our soon-to-be-busy-again schedules to set aside a few hours to envision a more expanded vision of our self-expression and our writing career.

For me, the biggest difference comes from turning dreams into actions. Whatever steps we need to take, no matter how big or small, if we make them into a list of actions and take at least one step into uncharted territory per month, per week, per day, or however often we can, we will not have the same career at the end of 2006 as we do today.

The whole point of action steps is to get us out of our comfort zone and out into the game. I can personally attest to suffering from tunnel vision, complacency and negative thinking. But when I take action, a real shift for the better is created.

So, it’s a brand-spankin’ New Year. What’s that going to mean for you and your writing career? My hope is that this issue of Writers On The Rise will inspire you to step higher than you’ve ever dared to step before.

Here’s a little toast: To all of our increased joy, prosperity and success in 2006! Cheers, everybody!

In the writing spirit,

Christina Katz

P.S. We’ve got news. First, I am happy to announce that we have a new contributor. Susan Clark and I met in-person after she took my e-mail class last fall and we’ve been writer buddies ever since. I’m pleased that she was willing to take time out from the busy holiday season to help pull together this month’s issue. I think you’ll enjoy her article, “Write, Read and Cut Like Crazy: How I Became an Award-winning Writer,” her interview with Jennie Shortridge, author of the recently released novel, “Eating Heaven,” and the first of her many columns on how to create a more “Sustainable Office.”

You asked for it, so each month this year I'll share the "The Writer Mama Story," the play-by-play on how I landed a book deal with Writer's Digest Books at the Willamette Writers Conference in August. I'll also update you on the book's progress and process.

On a more personal note in WOTR news, Kristin Bair announced her engagement. She will marry in February and move to China with her soon-to-be husband Andrew, where they plan to live for two years. Needless to say, she's taking a couple of months off from “Writers with a Cause”—she's got a wedding to plan! Congratulations, Kristin and Andrew.

UPDATED WRITING AND PUBLISHING NONFICTION ARTICLES CLASS STARTS JANUARY 4TH!

Want to learn how to write for publications on topics that engage you? In this e-mail course, you will develop confidence by writing and submitting an article at the end of our six weeks together. You can try your pen at the three most marketable types of nonfiction articles—personal essays, how-to articles and interviews—and polish and submit one of your drafts by the end of the class. The class workbook is 60-pages long and includes weekly questionnaires, check-ins, resources, inspiration and assignments to advance your writing career. Two detailed reviews of your draft-in-progress are included at weeks three and six. Visit Writing Classes with Christina Katz for more information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Ask Wendy Column Answers to Your Freelance Writing Questions by Wendy Burt

FREE New Year's Gift Wendy Burt's Accountability Worksheet

Motivation Break Start Your Day Off Right with Brightmoment.com

Cheers and Applause Announce Your Writing Successes Here

The Writer Mama Story by Christina Katz

The 'View Interview with Jennie Shortridge by Susan Clark

Publishing Dish by Kelly Huffman

Write, Read and Cut Like Crazy How I Became an Award-Winning Writer by Susan Clark

Recommended Book of the Month The Renegade Writer (Updated) by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell

Recipe from Jennie Shortridge's Novel Eating Heaven Ellie’s Boeuf Bourguignon Lite

Fit to Write by Kelly James-Enger

Blissings and Thanks The Last Thing We Do Every Month

FOUR WAYS TO SUPPORT WRITERS ON THE RISE & SUPPORT RISING WRITERS

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Ask Wendy: Answers to Your Freelance Writing Questions
By Wendy Burt

Dear Wendy:

I have written some personal essays and have a long list of ideas for more. Is it hard to place an essay you’ve already written it? And can I make as much money selling essays as I could from selling, say, how-to articles?

Personal essays are a great way to make money. Most of the big consumer magazines pay very well for these. Family Circle, for example, bought one of mine for $1,000 – more than $1/word.

Depending on the market, they pay as well as or better than nonfiction articles and you’ve probably got a better chance of selling your piece as many magazines have staff writers or regular contributors to write their articles. In addition, you don’t’ need a list of credentials to sell a personal essay. They want real stories from real people.

Dear Wendy:

I do fine setting my goals each year, it’s sticking to the plan that I’m not good at. How can I hold myself accountable monthly, weekly, even daily, so I’ll stay on track?

You know why weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig work so well? Support and routine. Writing is a lonely business and we often do better when we surround ourselves with like-minded people. Join a writers’ group that requires you to submit a certain amount of pieces between meetings or better yet, start an accountability group. (Here's a free copy of the accountability sheet I use.)

My accountability group meets every Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and is made up of writers and artists. We arrive with our sheets filled out and then discuss our weekly and yearly goals, our successes and our blocks. Some groups even charge fees for not accomplishing your goals, then they use the pot to throw a party at the end of the year.

The other key is to develop a routine. Set up a schedule for yourself that forces you to write from 10 a.m. to noon (or whenever your energy is highest) or to send out a certain number of queries every Monday. If you only write when you feel like it, you’ll never make it as a writer.

Most importantly, make sure that your daily and weekly goals are leading you to accomplish your yearly goals.

Wendy Burt is a full-time freelance writer and editor in Colorado Springs, Colo. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Writer, Writer’s Digest, Byline and Family Circle. Autographed copies of her two books, “Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One” (April 2001, McGraw-Hill) and “Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick” (June 2003, McGraw-Hill) are available through http://BurtCreations.com.

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Wendy Burt offers the audio version of her workshop, "Breaking Into Freelnace Writing" (3 CDs and 32-page class packet) for $29.99. (The live class is normally $49.) You can order by writing to her at WendyBurt@aol.com or by ordering through the WOTR "Resources" page.

Cheers and Applause

Announce Your Success Stories Here

SUSAN CLARK was named the "Author of the Year" by the editor of In Good Tilth at the annual conference of Oregon Tilth. Her article "A Permaculture Campaigner in Suburbia" in the December issue of Permaculture Activist. Her article "Developing Organic Wool" ran in In Good Tilth and will be reprinted in Small Farm Journal.

LAUREN FRITZEN published two articles in Entertainment News Northwest's December issue: "Escape Day Spa Offers Rejuvenating Holiday Gift Ideas" and "The Kulshan Chorus Revs Up For Their Annual Holiday Concert."

LORI RUSSELL won the Story of the Month Award for her article "Devastation and Hope: After Katrina, nurse learns lessons from working in Louisiana as a volunteer," published in the December issue of Ruralite magazine.

LAURAL RINGLER published "Carnations and Cordless Drills: Ladies' Night at Hardware Sales" in the 12/1-12/7 issue of the Bellingham Weekly. "Two Lifetimes of Painting: A Mother-Daughter Exhibition at Jelita Arts" appeared in the November issue of Entertainment News Northwest.

KELLY HUFMAN published a review of the play "Purgatorio" on the website Theatermania.com; an article titled "Stay Warm this Winter Without Breaking the Bank" for the quarterly paper Destination Issaquah; and a review of the play "Forbidden Xmas" for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

JOANNA NESBIT published “December Darkness Spawns Light” and “Holiday Recipes for December Celebrations” in the December 2005 issue of Entertainment News Northwest.

Success happens in clusters, writers! Keep the stories coming and keep inspiring each other. Corrections, Omissions, News? Keep us posted.

NEW YEAR/NEW CLASS: PITCHING PRACTICE STARTS FEBRUARY 22ND— REGISTER NOW!

You've taken freelance writing classes, you've read writing and marketing books, you've published a few articles. Now all you need are assignments, deadlines and more checks made out to yours truly. In this class, pitching is all we do. Over the course of six weeks, we are crank out six queries. This is exactly the kind of practice you need if you want to get in the habit of landing regular assignments, designed for writers with a basic understanding of query writing, who want to take their career to the next level. Many have signed up and expressed interest, so don't delay if you are interested. For details visit: http://www.writersontherise.com/classes.html.

The Writer Mama Story

Part One: Breakfast with Champions

by Christina Katz

I imagine for many writers, book deals come about in the traditional way. The writer comes up with an idea, types up a book proposal, sends it to the appropriate person with the appropriate cover letter and gains the attention of an agent scouting new talent or an acquisitions editor with a list to fill. However, that's not how this story goes.

The concept for Writer Mama was born over a monthly breakfast with two authors, Elaura Niles and Julie Fast, in a booth at Shari's restaurant. We had been meeting for breakfast for several months when, with the Willamette Writers Conference approaching, I asked for their input on what topic I might pitch to attending agents and editors.

I opened up my sketch pad and started listing some of what I perceived as my strong suits and after a few ideas were tossed around Elaura suggested that I pitch a freelance book to an audience of parents. She knew that Jane Friedman, Executive Editor from Writer's Digest Books was actively looking for a book of this kind, which was exactly the kind of insider information I needed to focus my energy.

Elaura is the author of Some Authors Deserve To Starve (WDB, 2005) and she is not only a skillful networker, but also a genuinely nice person. After I joined Willamette Writers and posted some information about myself on their Web site, including that I was new to the Portlland area and that I had recently moved from Bellingham, Washington, Elaura sent me an e-mail and suggested getting together. She had moved to the area from Northwest Washington a few years earlier, and could relate to being the new writer-kid in town.

After our first meeting, where I was eager to make new friends, but also rather intimidated by the sheer number of book projects Elaura had going, she suggested we start having a monthly breakfast and invite her friend Julie Fast, bestselling author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger, 2004) and the upcoming book, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder (Time/Warner, fall 2006).

I felt a bit intimidated to be meeting with these two book champions, because I didn't have any books published yet, but I also felt grateful to have two new writer friends with experience with the publishing industry . [Story continues next month...]

Read Christina's Busy Writer Mama Blog where she riffs on everything from Bono to "March of the Penguins."

Christina Katz is a author, speaker and workshop facilitator from Wilsonville, Oregon. She is currently working on Writer Mama (Writer's Digest, 2007) to help moms launch a successful and productive writing career while taking care of the kids. She has published over 100 articles in national, regional and online publications. For more about Christina, please visit: http://christinakatz.com.

The 'View: An Interview with Jennie Shortridge

Interview by Susan W. Clark

Author Jennie Shortridge now has two bestselling novels, Eating Heaven, a Book Sense Notable, and Riding with the Queen in bookstores. This interview follows up an Oregon Writers’ Colony presentation she gave at Powell’s bookstore in Tigard, Oregon.

What is the most satisfying part of the whole novel making process?

I find each part of the process rewarding in its own way. I have the most fun developing the initial idea and discovering all of the nuances, surprises, and truths that seem to be waiting for me to find them. I've long been a studier of people, so I love the character development process. I do so much background development, in fact, that I could probably write a novel about each of them, but I think that's what helps characters come to life on the page.

That said, I've learned to love the revision process as well. I used to hate it, because I didn't understand it. Where drafting is the passionate capturing of ideas, revision is a construction project, and you get to be architect, builder, and interior designer!

I also love the interactive parts of my job: working with my agent, publicist, and editor to bring the book to life and then working with Penguin's sales reps and booksellers to bring it to readers. And the time I spend with my readers is my pay-off for the eons it takes to get a book written.

What part of the novel production process is least satisfying?

The least satisfying parts are those that are completely out of the author's control. It's hard to let go of your "baby" and feel comfortable with others' decisions on things such as book covers, publicity materials, strategic marketing efforts -- or the lack of them as is sometimes the case! Because I have a marketing background, I do my best to fill in blanks as I see them, but it can feel a little like being in a rowboat on the ocean at times.

Who reads your manuscripts to help give you feedback in the editing process?

I like to select readers for specific reasons. I always have experts in the fields that I'm covering--such as oncology, or bipolar or eating disorders--read my manuscripts for accuracy. I like to have readers who are in my target demographic (meaning, people who would choose to read a book like mine), whether or not they're writers. With my first book, I was in a writers' group, which was incredibly helpful, but a group is only as good as its members. Be careful not to take advice that doesn't feel right for you. If many people are saying the same thing, try to figure out where you're letting the reader down and fix it in your own way, not others'. It's a natural tendency for other writers to try to "fix" something that seems broken in your writing, but only you know the right solution.

You appear to have a very active marketing schedule. What advice do you have for writers about this crucial role authors play?

To market your book you need to determine who your readers are and then find ways to put yourself in front of them. This may mean doing readings in bookstores, or it may mean giving cooking demonstrations in natural food stores. Thinking outside the box is especially useful. With my first book, a rock-and-roll novel, I performed songs from the book. Bookstore and coffee shop owners were excited about the events and happy to book me. If you do a traditional reading, plan to both read and discuss how the book came to be. Reading for more than ten minutes at a time quickly puts your audience to sleep!

A writer once told his students that we use ourselves as a well of wisdom we dip deeply into it, to bring up truths to share. How does that relate to your selection of themes and characters?

I believe the reason to write is to tell the story only you can tell. Emotional truth will be the byproduct of doing so. No one has the exact same experiences or feelings that you do, so if you choose material that is closely aligned with who you are, whether or not the result is autobiographical, you will engage readers. I've chosen topics very close to my life--cooking, music, mental illness, cancer, and family relationships--and yet I've not written one autobiographical word. My readers often tell me they feel I've written their story, in fact, because, really, we're all going through much the same stuff in our lives. Writers just have a way of making these stories ring out in a way that transcends the every day. That's our job!

Susan Clark is a freelance writer and co-founder of Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust. She was recently awarded the Author of the Year by the editor of In Good Tilth, a publication she contributes to regularly. She has published over thirty articles and has appeared in Permaculture Activist, the Capital Press, and the Canby Herald.

Brightmoment.com: A Motivational Jumpstart Delivered Daily to your Inbox

I love this Ed Smith guy! His daily messages in my inbox are always pertinent to the unique challenges faced by self-employed folks like me. Only 5-10 sentences each day, and always pertinent. Check him out at: http://brightmoment.com/

Publishing Dish: News and Notes from the Industry You Won't Want to Miss

by Kelly "Scoop" Huffman

Wooing Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s 1982 novel The Color Purple recently debuted as a Broadway musical. But Walker didn’t immediately warm to the idea when producer Scott Sanders approached her with it eight years ago. To overcome her reluctance, he enlisted the aid of women friends – Shirley MacLaine and Bette Midler among them – to do the talking for him. Then he chartered a boat to take Walker and a load of “beautiful people” around Manhattan. She eventually saw the magic in the idea, saying, “I’m always happy to take a risk if it looks like it will be entertaining.”

BusinessWeek

Literary Real Estate

Beat writer Jack Kerouac’s three-bedroom, two-bath Cape Cod house is up for sale. The asking price is a reasonable $365,000. But current owner James Upton warns that the next resident shouldn’t expect to find any literary treasures: "I've already checked the attic for manuscripts."

The Press Association

Taking Notice

Surprise winner of the Mann Booker Prize (for The Sea), novelist John Banville was lunching with a journalist when he suddenly noticed a large cockroach crawling up his companion’s leg. Not missing a beat, Banville grabbed the cockroach and flung it over his shoulder. He then used the incident to defend his novels, which are often criticized as “unreal” and “exaggerated.” No more so than finding a roach in a fancy New York restaurant, Banville responds. “It simply depends on what you choose to take notice of.”

Newsday

Lucky Number 13?

First-time British novelist Diane Setterfield has signed deals with UK and US publishers for well over a million dollars for her debut novel The Thirteenth Tale. Her route to publishing success kicked into high gear when she attended a writing course with author Jim Crace. Setterfield had the idea for her gothic novel, about a reclusive novelist who tells the tale of her strange life to a young woman biographer, five years ago. "I scribbled notes which were then put in a drawer and stayed there for a very long time," she said. "Later, I made major changes and I was very happy with it. At the writing course I took notes on everything about how to get an agent and send work to publishers. After that things moved quickly." The fortysomething Setterfield had worked in academia for years, where she specialized in 19th and 20th-century French literature.

The Independent

Kelly Huffman is a freelance writer and independent events planner based in Seattle. She contributes reviews and arts news to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the website Theatermania.com, and writes for the local lifestyle publication Destination Issaquah.

How I Became An Award-Winning Writer

by Susan W. Clark

The Editor of an organic farming magazine, In Good Tilth, selected me as "Author of the Year." I was stunned. Here's how it happened.

At the recent annual conference of Oregon Tilth, several hundred members, including me, were celebrating thirty years of work in organic agriculture.This was the first year the award was given, so I knew nothing about it. The first I heard of it when a staff member blurted out something about me getting an award that evening at the banquet. He quickly tried to pretend he hadn't said anything, but the secret was out.

The organization's newspaper had hired a new editor almost a year ago, and he was asked to pick one of his contributors as the first "Writer of the Year." As he introduced the award at the banquet, he said he really could only think of one to select, and then he called me up to the front. A mix of emotions clouded my perceptions, but I heard something about "well-researched" and "cutting edge." I think I was thrilled.

I had been a regular contributor to In Good Tilth before he had arrived, and while I wondered if he would want me to continue, I just pitched ideas as usual and he said ‘sounds good.’ I did two of my best articles during his tenure and he mentioned them both when giving the award.

Although I had a few things published decades ago, I didn’t really start my writing career until about five years ago when I decided to write an article about a subject related to organic farming. I was farming, so I knew the subject and the publication.

I continued to write about topics that concerned me, but didn't see myself as a real writer. My big push came from Oregon's economic slump that ended my job. I felt defeated by the job hunt and eventually decided to use my unemployed time to become the writer I had always thought about becoming. I did most of the things we are all told to do.

I joined Willamette Writers. I attended their annual conferences, rubbing shoulders with other writers, taking skill-stoking classes, and getting up the gumption to talk to an editor. I began writing regularly, setting goals, taking classes, and building up my collection of clips.

I got organized (to the level I can stand) and created a writer's resume, had business cards printed, and began calling myself a writer.

If you've read any how-to articles, you'll anticipate what I'm about to say about how you too can become an award-winning writer. I focused on a publication I knew and I queried the editor with an idea. If she said yes, I wrote an article the length she asked for, and sent it in on or before her deadline. I bought a digital camera and offered her photos to accompany most articles.

I did my research carefully, wrote drafts that were too long, and cut them down to size. By having to cut, I found I had a better sense of what the main point of the article was, and I ended up clearer, and with a better flow of ideas. Now I write long on purpose.

When I consulted experts I found them to be surprisingly willing to give me input, quotes, and reviews of drafts. They were very generous. After a few successes with interviews in person and by email, I now look forward to them.

I see this award as proof that editors appreciate it when we do our jobs well. If you want to write and get published in newspapers and magazines, it is in your hands to make it happen. Get on the path to the award that's in your future now.

Two Renegades Who Write Great Together

If I were going to recommend one book to motivate myself out of paralysis and into action in 2006, this would be the book.

Why? The Renegade Writer is irreverent, yet understanding. It's fun, not silly. And it's out in an all new and updated edition!

You can tell which one you have by the color. This is the new one (left). The older version was blue.

The new edition includes updated rules, some new rules, new editor quotes, new writer quotes and Q&As with ten Renegade Writers.

Order through: http://www.marionstreetpress.com

Sustainable Office Strategies

by Susan W. Clark

How about starting 2006 with a look at trash? Sadly, modern office life seems to generate mountains of trash. If you want to move toward a more sustainable office, make your theme this month 'reduce waste.' You can make it easy with a minimum of planning when you follow these tips:

Use two waste baskets. Make your paper recycling bin just as handy as the wastebasket. Set one up for paper and the other for waste, and you'll avoid getting busy and not recycling.

Re-usable chic. Check out what you're throwing away. “Convenience” items usually mean more waste. Set a trend using fabric handkerchiefs; dress up your office with gorgeous ceramic cups rather than styrofoam; try a reusable canvas grocery bag rather than the usual 'paper or plastic.'

Use up your paper. Turn pages over and print new drafts on the back sides of your old drafts. Cut up paper used on one side and use the other side as note paper for phone messages or brainstorming. Want to go all out? Shred your used paper and start a worm bin for this spring's garden. Here's a link that will show you how.

Upcoming Live Workshops with Christina Katz:

Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference
Seattle, WA
Dates: July 13-16, 2006

Willamette Writers Conference
Portland, OR
Dates: August 4-6, 2006

Author Recipe: From Jennie Shortridge

Ellie’s Boeuf Bourguignon Lite from Eating Heaven

This is the recipe from Eleanor’s “Lighten Up Your French Favorites” article, which she thinks of as “Lighten Up Your French Favorites Until They Taste Like Cardboard.” Tested on my own friends at dinner, though, this light version takes advantage of good wine and fresh herbs so you don’t even miss the bacon or butter.

Ingredients:

4-6 servings
1 cup Burgundy or Pinot Noir*
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds beef (loin, sirloin, or top round), cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup baby carrots, chopped or whole
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup low- or non-fat beef stock
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 teaspoon allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Flat-leaf parsley for garnish, coarsely chopped

Preparation:

Mix wine and garlic in a glass or stainless steel dish and marinate meat for at least one hour. At high heat, sear beef chunks on all sides in an olive oil–coated Dutch oven, reserving wine and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and stir in chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until onion begins to soften. Using a sieve or sifter, sprinkle meat mixture with flour. Stir while cooking until a crust forms on the beef. Pour in wine and beef stock, scraping the pan to deglaze it. Add mushrooms and fresh herbs and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, and up to 3-4 hours.

Garnish with parsley and serve with boiled new potatoes, mashed potatoes, or Eleanor’s favorite: buttered noodles.

*These are actually the same grape. For an authentic-to-the-book experience, try an Oregon Pinot Noir.

SUPPORT WRITERS ON THE RISE & SUPPPORT RISING WRITERS
There is no charge for Writers on the Rise, however, voluntary subscriptions or donations are cheerfully accepted and are passed right along to our contributors. To send a $25.00 voluntary subscription (the amount we pay for an article by a rising writer), please Click Here. If you would like to send a personal check or money order, please drop Christina a note at: WOTR, c/o Christina Katz, P.O. Box 1354, Wilsonville, OR 97070.

Fit to Write: Forget Fashion

By Kelly James-Enger

Some of my readers may already know of my penchant for thick, fluffy socks. I can’t concentrate much less write well when my feet are cold, so cuddly socks are an important part of my work “uniform.”

But my uniform is pretty casual. Most days I work in overalls, sweats or pajama bottoms. I’ve found the key for me is to be comfortable. Wearing pants that cut off your circulation (maybe it’s time for the next size up?) or worse, an uncomfortable skirt and toe-pinching high heels may look great, but they won’t help you meet your daily word count allotment. Opt for function over fashion, and comfort over couture. You may not win any best-dressed awards but you’re likely to be more productive at your writing desk—and that’s what’s really important.

Author, speaker and consultant Kelly James-Enger is a certified personal trainer and the author of books including Small Changes, Big Results: A 12-Week Action Plan to a Better Life (with Ellie Krieger, R.D.) and Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money. Visit http://www.becomebodywise.com for free articles about freelancing and more information about her.

Blissings and Thanks

To my husband, Jason Katz, who is now gearing up to direct Fiddler on the Roof. We don't rest very long around here. And to my sweet baby girl, Samantha.

Big thanks to the awesome and prolific writers who contribute to WOTR: Wendy Burt, Kelly James-Enger, Kristin Bair, Kelly Huffman and Susan Clark. Also thanks to Linda Formichelli, Diana Burrell, Jennie Shortridge and Ed Avis.

Thanks to Kim Wilson from Writefromhome.com for sharing info about WPNA in her newsletter Busy Freelancer.

Warm thanks to everyone who sends in fan mail, feedback, cashola and encouragement.

Thanks to Me, because this newsletter is a heck of a lot of work and a heck of a lot of fun and that's why I keep doing it!

And thanks to You, dear readers, for coming back every month and helping to spread the word about us!

Subscribers are welcome to forward or redirect Writers On The Rise to friends, family, discussion lists, etc. as long as the newsletter is forwarded in its entirety. Thank you.

And remember: You are the only one who knows your writing bliss, so you are the only one who can follow it…

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