About Issue 70
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- Created on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:20
- Published on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 03:20
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Vision
Issue 70
January/February/March 2013
We are starting 2013 with several new authors in the ranks and numerous fine articles to help you with your writing. I hope you'll take the time to look over the various articles and appreciate the help they offer here. This issue also features a very long Workshop (6,000 words) which I hope will help some of you who are trying to deal with multiple projects at the same time.
You may also recognize the web site review from the last issue. Because it didn't get into Table of Contents (only listed on the first page), I am going to run it again. This is too good of an article to push into the back issues without more notice.
Vision: A Resource for Writers has begun the first steps towards paying its own way. The ezine has been published since 2001 without any outside support (except for some wonderful donated articles). Starting this issue, Vision will be open to a very limited form of sponsorship (which includes advertisements). For more information, check out this page.
I am always looking for new articles. Read the submission guidelines and consider sending me an article or two about writing. I look forward to hearing from you.
In this issue:
From the Editor: It's a New Year!
I love starting out each year with something brand new to write. This year it is the third Summerfield book, Winter Warning. This is going to be a fun way to get started, but beyond this novel, the year is pretty much a blank slate. Shall I write the second book to Resurrection? The sequel to Water/Stone/Light? Shall I branch out into some new genre?
Inkygirl Comic
-- by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
The Gift of Time
Workshop: Multiple Projects: Take Control!
-- by Lazette Gifford
Authors who plan to make a career in the publishing business should be on the look out for writing opportunities which will help them get their name in front of the reading public. Sometimes a short article in a writing magazine, for instance, can reach new readers by a venue outside the usual marketing lines. Short stories can do the same, and even writing something like a blog on a regular basis can draw potential fans.
Indie Corner: ISBNs: What Are the Retailer Requirements?
-- by J A Marlow
The issue of obtaining ISBNs differs according to the physical location of the author or publisher. Certain countries provide free ISBNs to their authors and publishers on request.
Plotting Your Story Using Screenwriting Tools
-- by D. S. Kane
Publishers will want to wrangle every last penny of revenue from anyone's first novel. One of their best sources is the movie that can be made from a novelist's first publication. The major reason is that movies drive incremental book sales for the author, years after the book has backlisted.
Keeping On Track
-- by Dr. Bob Rich
There are two ways to construct a story:
- Create some characters. Put them in a setting, and let them do what they want.
- Construct a detailed plot, and expand it into a story in a number of well-defined steps.
All for the Want of a Nail
-- by Becky Burkheart
Many times, horses must be written in stories because they exist in the fabric of worlds such as the American west, historical Europe, and many types of fantasies. It's a shame when these horses are nothing but cardboard cut-outs in the backdrop. In addition to their day jobs, real horses are an endless source of both conflict and humor, so give at least one in your story some personality. Even used lightly, they can deepen your layers, strengthen the base of your world, and add flavor to your characters. At the same time, keep in mind horses can be difficult to write for three reasons.
5 Freelancing Faux Pas
--by April Aragam
Freelance writing can sometimes be a frustrating business. Editors are busy people who receive hundreds of emails in a month. It's important that you don't waste their time, or your own, by committing a freelancing faux pas. This article outlines 5 freelancing faux pas that you may be committing.
What Now?
--by Connie Cockrell
What the heck! I just wrote over 60,000 words! Yeah, it was a challenge from my daughter but still. I’ve written over 60,000 words! Now what?
What's Next for Digital Book Publishing?
-- by Bianca Crouse
You could publish a book right now, if you wanted to. No need to find a publisher, or an editor. No need to be rejected. All you need to do is write a book, and then put it on the internet.
Website Review: Pro Writing Aid
-- Reviewed by J. A. Marlow
"Pro Writing Aid" is a new manuscript analyzer for writers available through a web interface. Paste your story into the window provided and then click "Analyze" at the bottom. It will first come up with a summary of the issues it finds with a red "X". The issues which passed will be flagged in green. (This article was listed for last issue, but didn't make it into the Table of Contents, so I am running it again this issue.)
Book Review: Conflict, Action & Suspense by William Noble
-- Reviewed by Lazette Gifford
William Noble's books on writing are full of good, common sense advice. Conflict, Action & Suspense, which is part of The Elements of Writing Fiction series, covers a number of important lessons for writer's to learn and to remember. Written in a clear, concise and readable style, this 185 page book is filled with excellent lessons for the new writer and thoughtful reminders for those who have been writing for a while.
New on the Shelves-- Books
Check out the new publications by Forward Motion Members
New on the Shelves-- Short Works
Check out the new publications by Forward Motion Members