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 Two, Issue Eight -- September 2005 (View Our Masthead & Bios)

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:
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

September 25, 2005

Dear Fellow Writers,

It's harvest time and I love it. From now until December 30 is my favorite time of year. And from what my students tell me, I am not alone. The question I'm asking myself this fall is this: I have been working my butt off all year; what do I have to show for it?

So I made a list of my accomplishments, and believe it or not, I impressed myself. Here are a few highlights from the complete list:

• Landed my first book deal with Writer's Digest (stay tuned for details, the ink is not yet dry)
• Formed partnership with Rita Rosenkranz, a New York agent for the same book deal
• Will reach the two year anniversary of Writers on the Rise (originally A Writer's Companion) on October 1st
• Wrote more articles, interviews and profiles (that I need to compile in my portfolio) than I can keep up with
• Made several wonderful new writer friends through this newsletter, Willamette Writers and the WW Conference
• Am enjoying the satisfaction of meeting my goals for the year (and it's not over yet!) one month at a time

After compiling the list, I started feeling like I have definitely earned the vacation I am taking next week. I intend to thoroughly enjoy myself and pat myself on the back often. So how about you? Now it's your turn. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What am I harvesting from my writing and publishing efforts this year? Am I poised to meet my annual 2005 goals? Have I taken the time to compile my successes and improve upon my weaknesses? How do I feel about what I have or haven't accomplished? Can I implement some strategies now that will change the outcome of my 2005 efforts?

There's so much to learn, not only from where we'd like to be, but from where we've been. I want to encourage everyone to get in the spirit of the season and reap what you have sown. And don't forget to take frequent breaks to watch the sunflowers taking a bow, the harvest moon rising and the pumpkins turning orange in the fields.

As usual, this month, we've got a great line-up of inspiration, insight and ideas for writers. Jane Friedman, tells us about the changing face of Writer's Digest from her vantage point as Acquisitions Editor. Gregory Kompes, author, editor and publisher of The Fabulist Flash tells us all about his luck writing 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live forthcoming from Career Press.

And mark your calendars! Cathy Belben, television writer extraordinaire from the UPN series Veronica Mars, will be on The Late, Late, Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday, September 27, 12:30 a.m. Catch her, if it's not past your bedtime. Tivo or tape her, if it is.

In the writing spirit,
Christina Katz

P.S. We need to raise funds to keep great issues like this of Writers On The Rise coming. The money we've raised in the past has been used to cover the costs of our Web site start up. Help keep us a paying market for rising writers by making a donation today. We appreciate your support. All about ways to give just below.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
The Three-Month Challenge: Share Us with your Friends!

Ask Wendy Column: Answers to Your Freelance Writing Questions

Poetry Appreciation Break: Poetry in Film, Radio and TV at Poetry.org

Cheers and Applause: Announce Your Writing Successes Here

Fit to Write: Drink Up! by Kelly James-Enger

Writer Reminder: The More You Submit, The More You Publish

The 'View: The New Writer's Digest, An Interview with Jane Friedman, Executive Editor

Featured Writer On The Rise: My Publishing Opportunity by Gregory Kompes

Writers with a Cause: 826 Valencia is Helping Kids to Love Writing by Kristin Bair

Recommended Book of the Month: Blackbelly by Heather Sharfeddin

Writers On The Rise Fundraiser: Help Us Celebrate Two Years Inspiring Rising Writers

Blissings and Thanks: The Last Thing We Do Every Month

The Month Three Challenge

We've been on the Web for three months and since June we've been gaining 1,000 hits per month. Won't you help us keep growing by spreading the word about Writers On The Rise? If every reader forwards this newsletter to three people he or she knows, I just know we can make our numbers for September. To forward a link to this page, go to "File" and select "Mail Link To This Page," repeat two more times and we'll be golden. Thank you for helping to spread the word.

ASK WENDY: Answers to Your Freelance Writing Questions
By Wendy Burt

Dear Wendy,

It seems like the money in freelancing is in nonfiction. Should I just forget about submitting my short fiction until I have compiled enough stories to make a book?

Although I have found there to be a lot more opportunities to sell nonfiction (articles, profiles, tips and personal essays), that is not to say that A) there aren’t markets for fiction or B) you can’t make money writing short stories.

A lot depends on your genre. If you write paranormal romance, for example, you’ll probably have a harder time finding markets. If you write sci fi or horror, there are more markets, but they tend to be smaller and generally pay less (think $.03-$.05/word) than major consumer magazines.

The best markets for short stories?

• The big women’s magazines (Family Circle, Woman’s Day)
• General consumer magazines (Grit, Capper’s, The Sun)
• Children’s magazines (Boys’ Life, Cricket, Spider)
• In-flight magazines (Hemispheres) - which often pay more than $1/word

Just be sure to look at some back issues and read the writer’s guidelines to get an idea of what types of stories they buy and what word counts they prefer.

Dear Wendy,

Do you think it would be easier to get regular assignments if I specialized?

That depends on what you specialize in. If it’s something related to general health, for example, maybe. If you’re specializing in raising llamas, you might run out of markets quickly.

I’ve actually found that many magazine editors prefer having contributors who can write on a wide variety of random topics. I think that if I had gotten a reputation as ONLY an expert on a certain topic, I wouldn’t have been given assignments on pregnancy, racecars, fruit juices, pizzerias and real estate.

I certainly think it’s valuable to mention that you specialize in GENERAL topics (health, fitness, business, etc.) but be sure to let them know that you’re open to assignments on virtually any topic.

Also, if you’re already getting assignments, you may not need to be pitching specific ideas to local and regional publications. You could just be calling/emailing them and saying, “I’m a PUBLISHED freelance writer looking for more assignments. Please add me to your list of writers.” Of course, ask them if they’d prefer to be pitched ideas, but at the very least get your name on their list in case they need a freelancer in the meantime.

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.

~ ~ ~

Wendy is offering 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.

POETRY APPRECIATION BREAK: POETRY IN FILM, RADIO AND TV AT POETRY.ORG

It's not the first time we've stopped by poetry.org because they have a lot to offer poetry enthusiasts and any writer who just needs a verbal recharge. Last time, it was to hear poems read aloud; this time, it's to check out poetry in film, radio and TV. What a cool list. Check it out at: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/195.

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE:

ANNOUNCE YOUR SUCCESS STORIES HERE

KELLY HUFFMAN published a review on September 20 of the Seattle Repertory Theatre's production of "Cathay: 3 Tales of China" for the website Theatermania.com — http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/6717.

LAUREN FRITZEN published "Heather Richendrfer to Judge Highland Dance World Championships in Scotland" in the September issue of Entertainment News Northwest.

LORI RUSSELL won Ruralite magazine's Story of the Month Award for her article "Young Chef Shares Recipe for Success" published in the September issue. Her article, "Generous in Spirit: Holidays in the Columbia Gorge," appears in the Fall issue of Columbia Gorge Magazine.

LAURAL RINGLER published "Saint Sophia Food Festival’s Cuisine and Culture," in the September issue of Entertainment News Northwest.

ELIZABETH SHORT published “Green Beans for Home Roasters: A New Kind of Buzz” in the August 2005 issue of Specialty Coffee Retailer; and “Kids in the Kitchen: Food, Fun, and Lots More” in the 9/1/05 issue of the Bellingham Weekly.

JOANNA NESBIT published “Evergreen AIDS Annual Art Auction” in the September 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.

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: DRINK UP!

By Kelly James-Enger

Part of eating well is drinking well, too—a lot of us are chronically dehydrated. If you don’t take in enough fluids, you may feel tired, spacey or have trouble concentrating. While I swear by the energy-boosting benefits of Diet Mountain Dew, I make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re a coffee drinker, you need water, too—the caffeine in coffee, tea and some sodas can tend to dehydrate you.

The oft-quoted recommendation of eight eight-ounce glasses a day is only that—a recommendation. You may need more than that, especially if you exercise vigorously, or you may need less. The rule of thumb is to check your urine—if you’re drinking enough fluids, your urine should be straw-colored. Deep yellow means your body needs more water, so drink up.

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.

WRITER REMINDER OF THE DAY: THE MORE YOU SUBMIT, THE MORE YOU PUBLISH

I just got an e-mail from the editor of a library journal (VOYA--Voice of Youth Advocates) that I submitted to in June 2004! Amazingly, the editor held on to my article this long, and now wants to publish it in December (of this year, not 2007 or something!). I think this is a good lesson to all of us writers about submitting frequently and moving on. The more you submit, the more likely you are to get published. I think in the beginning, writers are timid about submitting, and so we send out one thing and then wait anxiously for the news. I think this is a mistake--the more you submit, the less attached you are to any one piece. When you're more likely to get published, the rejections don't hit so hard.             ~ Cathy Belben

When good things happen that remind you of basic principles to share with your fellow writers, send your story in and we'll select and publish one each month. Our e-mail address appears at the bottom of the page.

THE 'VIEW: THE NEW WRITER'S DIGEST

An Interview with Jane Friedman, Executive Editor

by Christina Katz

Jane Friedman, Executive Editor at Writer's Digest, took a few moments away from a recent vacation to answer some questions for Writers On The Rise about how things have been changing at the Cincinnati-based publishing house. You may have noticed that some of the new books bearing the Writer's Digest colophon have changed from you trusty Writer's Market or one of WD's handy reference or how-to books. After I met Jane at the Willamette Writer's Conference in August, I thought I'd take my curiosity straight to the source. Here's what she has to say on the topic:

Jane, can you tell us how long you've been acquiring books for Writer's Digest and how you advanced into that position?

I've been with the Writer's Digest family for four years. I started as managing editor at the magazine, then moved to the book division. I've spent 2.5 years acquiring for WDB, but I had previous acquisitions experience at North Light Books, which is another imprint of F+W Publications (the parent company). My life at F+W started as a college intern at North Light.

I've noticed a shift in tone and presentation in Writer's Digest books lately. Can you tell us why?

We want our books to be more visual, interactive, and engaging--especially to compete against the range of free material on the Web. So it's not just about the information anymore. It's about how that information is packaged and presented--how it feels to experience the book. Many of our new titles try to emphasize accessibility and browsability, while throwing in an element of playfulness--when appropriate, of course.

What are some of the books that you've edited in the recent past?

The first one I edited came out just a year ago, The Little Red Writing Book by Brandon Royal. Others include Some Writers Deserve to Starve by Elaura Niles and The Dictionary of Disagreeable English by Robert Fiske.

Do you have any favorite books that are coming out or have come out this fall, and can you tell us a little bit about them?

Definitely! My two favorites this fall are Fondling Your Muse by John Warner and A Writer's Paris by Eric Maisel.

Fondling Your Muse is a satire on how-to-write books. I'm sure some people will be very surprised it's coming from Writer's Digest, since it pokes fun at the majority of books we publish.

Eric's book is an inspirational guide on how to take a soul-renewing journey to Paris (either in your mind or for real), and what it means to rededicate yourself to the writing life even if you've slipped a little (or a lot) in recent years.

What will you be looking for, author-wise, in the year ahead?

Authors who have media connections or a strong network in the writing/literary community are always very attractive to us. We also love to have authors who are actively teaching at colleges, universities, conferences or online.

What's the most exciting or enjoyable part of your job at Writer's Digest?

I love finding new authors and new book ideas, and figuring out the best way to bring them to market. I also love to meet (and teach) writers at conferences and other industry events -- that's when I can really find out what matters to the writers we're trying to serve through our publications.

Christina Katz is publisher and editor of Writers On The Rise. She is currently negotiating a book contract with Writer's Digest for a project scheduled for release in February 2007. Stay tuned to Writers On The Rise for monthly updates. For more information on Christina, visit http://www.christinakatz.com. If you are interested in being interviewed by Christina for The 'View, please visit our Guidelines.

FEATURED WRITER ON THE RISE: GREGORY A. KOMPES

My Publishing Opportunity

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Seneca (Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD)

These words guide my life and were apparent at each step in process of my first book, 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live (Career Press, 2005; ISBN: 1564148270; www.FabCities.com).

The Idea

The idea for 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live wasn't mine.  The project came to me through a series of lucky breaks.  I wanted to explore a writing career and discovered the online writing courses at EdToGo.com.  That's where I met my teacher, mentor and now friend Eva Shaw.

In a classroom forum I mentioned I wanted to meet Eva in person, she replied: "Aren't you lucky.  I’m giving a workshop this weekend if you'd like to attend."  Eva and I hit it off at the workshop.

A few weeks later, Eva contacted me.  One of her agents needed a proposal for a new book that Career Press was adding to their "50 Fabulous Places" series.

I'd never written a book proposal before, let alone a book.  But, how could I let this lucky break pass me by?  I combed copies of the other books in the series and read several how-to books on writing proposals.  Visit my Writer's Bookshelf at The Fabulist Flash (http://www.fabulistflash.com) for details.

Combining this knowledge and my life of travel experiences, I wrote and submitted a proposal.  When I heard back from the agent, she said the acquisitions editor liked my style, but wasn't happy with the tone of the sample chapters.  "Can I rewrite and resubmit?" I asked.  The agent said, "They're looking at other writers now, but we can try.  Maybe we'll get lucky."

I researched, rewrote and resubmitted the proposal.  The next time I heard from the agent, luck was on our side.  I had the book.

The Deal

Many writers struggle to find an agent, not to mention their first book deal.  In one fell swoop I had both.  Not understanding contracts, I turned to the books again and trusted having an agent no one would take advantage of me.  Today, I know more and would ask for different things in my contract, but we all begin somewhere.  Remember when you go through your own contract deal for the first time there's no such thing as a "standard" contract.  Everything can be negotiated and your ability to negotiate grows stronger with each new deal.

The Writing

What's the scariest thing about your first book contract?  You have to write the book.  My word count requirement was 120K words, about double the average nonfiction book.  My deadline was only 120 days.  You can do the math.

My research began by choosing the cities to profile.  I searched the Internet, requested travel materials and ordered a large selection of books.  I ended up with 400 cities and the task of narrowing to 50 was daunting.

As I finished, the publisher changed the book's title from 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Cities in America to 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live.  Adding "Live" changed everything.  My book altered from a travel guide to a moving guide.  I now had to look at why my cities were gay-friendly places to live instead of gay-friendly places to visit, a whole different set of criteria.

I luckily realized the new criteria formed a profile template.  Combined with my mountain of research, I only had to fill in the blanks for each city.  When I figured out the process I became bored.  The challenge was done.  The creativity was done.  Now, it was work, filling in each blank 50 times.

This taught me discipline in writing.  I had to show up at the page everyday and do the work whether I felt like it or not.  There wasn't anyone else to turn to; no one was going to get it done but me.  And, the deadline loomed.

All my personal neurosis came right to the surface and self doubt filled my head.  I knew my manuscript would be rejected outright.  I feared they'd laugh at me and tell me I didn't know what I was doing: how can you call yourself an author?  I still showed up at the page every day and filled in those blanks.

My fears caused overcompensation.  I packed my manuscript with plentiful details and rich descriptions.  Fear pushed me though the boredom to finish and submit my manuscript.

The Edits

The acquisitions editor was pleased with my book, but requested additions.  I set to work on a one-week deadline repeating the research and changes 50 times.

I returned the manuscript and the publisher's board requested two cities be replaced.  I made a fight for one of my cities and it stayed in the book, but as a bonus city.  So, I still had to add two profiles, and on a one-week deadline.  I submitted the changes and the moment of truth arrived:  the board accepted my book.

Next, a different editor went through the work for consistency and format.  I expected the manuscript to show up filled with red ink and Post-It notes; instead, I received a series of email queries.  I answered her questions and the editor made the physical edits.

Finally, a line editor was assigned.  While that editor proofed, I received a galley proof for my final read.  At this stage, no "major" changes were allowed, only small corrections not altering the design or layout.  I went through the book, marking it up with red pen and Post-It notes before sending it back.

The End

It doesn't feel real to me, but I've written a book.  I understand the process and the intimidation of writing another is gone.  The end, it turns out, is really the beginning.  As I wait for my first box of books to arrive, I'm working on promotion ideas, chasing endorsements, and writing my next two books.  Best of all, the editors like my work. The publisher wants me to share more of my ideas for future publication.  Is that luck? No, that's opportunity.

Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com) is a writer, photographer, professional speaker and the editor of The Fabulist Flash (www.FabulistFlash), an informative and inspirational newsletter for writers.  His articles and photographs have been published nationally and he has a line of Art Cards and Gifts.  Gregory is a graduate of Columbia University, New York, and the author of: 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live (www.FabCities.com).

WRITERS WITH A CAUSE: PLOT, PUNCTUATION AND PIRATE BOOTY!

826 Valencia is Helping Kids to Love Writing By Kristin Bair

826 Valencia is a drop-in tutoring center in San Francisco that offers free (yes, free!) one-on-one tutoring to students from ages 8–18. The 826 concept, which is rapidly spreading across the country, is the brainchild of Dave Eggers, author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Under his tutelage, a talented, knowledgeable corps of volunteers tutors students in fiction writing, expository writing, and English as a second language.

In addition, 826 Valencia offers in-depth workshops to students in a variety of writing-related fields, including journalism, film, comics, and others. (In keeping with the “free” concept, a $25 deposit is required of all students who sign up for a workshop, BUT a check only gets cashed if the student is a no-show or if the check is marked for donation.)

826 Valencia also offers in-school programs, college prep classes, college scholarships and field trips. Believe it or not, there is even a storefront that sells pirate goods—glass eyes, eye patches, message bottles, and more—and all proceeds support the project. (Aye, matey!)

If you live in the San Francisco area and are interested in volunteering as a writing tutor, call 415.642.5905 or visit www.826valencia.org. And if you don’t live anywhere near San Francisco, but you live in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Michigan, or Seattle, there’s good news. There is an 826 near you, too. Just click on “National” at www.826valencia.org for more information.

Kristin Bair is a writer, editor, and teacher of writing in Newburyport, Massachusetts. In recent years, she has taught at Columbia College Chicago, Boston College, University of New Hampshire, Endicott College and Montserrat College of Art. Her work has appeared in The Gettysburg Review, The Larcom Review, Permafrost and Hair Trigger. She is a regular contributor to The ELL Outlook and PortFolio magazine.

Catch Cathy Belben, television writer extraordinaire,

on "The Late, Late, Show with Craig Ferguson"

Tuesday, September 27, 12:30 a.m.

Another Autumn Quote:

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. ~Stanley Horowitz

Recommended Book Of The Month I met first-time novelist Heather Sharfeddin at the Willamette Writers Conference in August. She's humble, hard-working and has been developing her craft for the past decade. Though Blackbelly is her first published novel, it's actually the fifth of seven novels she's written, which explains why the quality of the writing transcends that of a first attempt. Blackbelly is available in hardcover October 1st in bookstores. Check out chapter one at: http://www.emailbookclub.com/alt/blackbelly/ Where does the inspiration for a main character like Chas McPherson come from? Tune in next month for our interview with this talented, prolific author.

SUPPORT WRITERS ON THE RISE: HELP US CELEBRATE TWO YEARS INSPIRING RISING WRITERS
There is no charge for Writers on the Rise, however, voluntary subscriptions or donations are cheerfully accepted. To send a $25.00 voluntary subscription, 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. Even if you don't wish to send money, thanks for sending good vibes and encouragement!

BLISSINGS AND THANKS:

To my sweet, devoted, hard-working hubby, Jason Katz. Without him none of this would be possible. Thank you! And to my sweet little ballerina, Samantha, who has an ear infection that kept us all up all night.

Secret thanks to C. McCarthy. You know who you are.

Big thanks to the meticulous and gracious writers who contribute to WOTR: Wendy Burt, Kelly James-Enger, Cathy Belben, Lauren Fritzen, Kristin Bair. Also thanks to Gregory Kompes, Jane Friedman and Heather Sharfeddin.

Heartfelt gratitude to all of our readers who forward this month's issue to a friend.

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

Thanks to Me, because this newsletter ain't perfect but it's pretty darn good, considering.

And thanks to You, dear readers, for coming back every month.

Copyright 2005 by Christina Katz

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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PAST ISSUES OF WRITERS ON THE RISE

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