So it’s not just us poor, unknown writers who sneak into bookstores to see if our books are on the shelf.
Of course, unlike Stephen King in this article, I expect very few of us travel to foreign countries to do it or are so apologised to after being called a book vandal.
Isn’t it funny how at one moment your calendar can be completely empty and the next day you’re left wondering when you’ll be able to find time for cuppas with friends?
Maybe it’s something about the weather and the approach of Spring (not that it’s reflected in the current weather) that spurs people into booking speakers and arranging events. Anyway whatever it is, if you’re in Perth and hoping to get to one of my talks on writing or a writing workshops you’ll be pleased to know that there are now a few to pick from. Click here to go to the newly updated Events page.
Of course, if you can’t find a prearranged event that suits what you’re after, don’t forget that it’s really quite easy to arrange for me to come and talk at your local group or business.
Yes, I have finally made my decision on who to pass this award on to. Took a while I know, but you have to get these things right, don’t you? Or maybe it was just the school holidays getting in the way, hmm? Anyway, apart from the reasons listed below I also picked these women because I know what wonderful women they are and am totally impressed by their writing skills and abilities to find blog writing time when I know their lives are so incredibly busy. But hey, I guess that’s what the Rockin’ Girl Blogger Award is all about. So here goes …
I have always been impressed with Heather’s blog at A Creative Journal, and not purely because she has managed to put in regular (if not daily) entries for absolutely years. Heather always has something new to think about, a resource to link to or a suggestion for writing - and what about the Freaky Fridays?
I’m also passing the award on to Dotti Enderle. I love the insights into life as a successful writer (and all it entails) but also the interviews with others in the field. There is always some piece of information to make me feel wiser for having read the article and, with her sense of humour, something to giggle at.
Then of course, if Melissa hadn’t passed the award to me I certainly would have passed it on to her. She has so many lovely pictures and diverse entries in her blogs.
I can’t wait to see who Heather and Dotti pick as their favourite Rockin’ Girl Bloggers. (You can pick up to five each, Ladies)
Anyway, that’s my decision. Please feel free to check out the sites, you won’t be disappointed.
For anybody interested in improving the way their writing touches others, don’t forget that today is the last day for booking in for the ‘Writing From The Heart’ e-course.
To find out more about the course (which of course you can do no matter where you live) CLICK HERE.
One of my goals move a step closer to reality yesterday. So I have to let you all know what I have done (whether you want to know or not, sorry).
For ages ‘the man’ (or should that be ‘my man’) has been letting me know about the wonders of downloadable books and how I should put my writing workbooks in the same format. In response I have been doing the standard wife thing, nodding my head and saying, ‘I’ll think about it’.
Well, a few weeks ago work was a little quiet for me (yes I do have quiet weeks! Occasionally) so I thought I would have a go and Hey Presto! I now have my workbooks available online to download as a .pdf.
I won’t mention the times I spent actively swearing at my computer, stumbling through html or wondering what on earth I was supposed to do. I have just chosen to focus on the fact that I have learned yet another new skill that will hopefully enable me one day to forget the skill of how to sweep and vacuum.
So if you are interested in checking out the workbooks click on the links below.
Only a few days left to book in for the ‘Making Money From Writing’ workshop this weekend. Besides, let’s face it any excuse to go down south is worth it. Just think of the green hills, log fire, red wines, sumptuous foods, to say nothing of the great company and it being tax deductable.
For those who need even more reason to go (as if) below is the start of the newspaper blurb.
‘The thought of making a living as a writer is one that appeals to many. Visions of relaxing on the verandah typing on a laptop, or traveling the world with all your expenses covered by the last article you wrote, have inspired many people to put pen to paper. While, in truth, the life of a freelance writer is rarely as visualised there are many benefits; wearing your ugg boots to work, choosing your own hours, picking the projects, even the occasional holiday paid for by articles. However for many the true benefit of writing for money is as a second income, something you can do alongside your role as mother, earner, student, retiree, and so on. ‘Many aspiring writers fail not through lack of drive, but through lack of knowledge,’ says Elizabeth Bezant, international freelance writer, writing coach and founder of Writing To Inspire. ‘Editors are busy people and more often than not they will take the piece of work that is best targeted to their publication and that needs the least amount of editing. To succeed it’s vital to know which publishers to approach, which topics to write about, to say nothing of how to write them and submit them.’
I’m not a poetry person, let me state that straight up. Other than the occasional line my appreciation doesn’t go far past A.A. Milne or a wonderful male reading voice, however after reading last week’s Sunday Times I am being forced to reconsider.
For those who didn’t get to read the article by Denise Cullen it was expounding on the health benefits of writing Haiku poetry. (A japanese style of poetry that consists of 3 lines and no title. First line has a total of 5 syllables, the second 7, and the third 5).
Apparently the mere composing of the poetry will calm the mind, thoughts and emotions, lift the spirits, keep the brain active, and many other things. As a writer I’ve always believed words can do such things, but it’s nice to have it in print.
So next time you are tempted to swear at the driver in front of you, yell at the children, or hang up when you are put on hold, remember 5,7,5.
I love e-courses, you can attend them without having to organise babysitting, without having to take your slippers off, without having to find parking and, best of all, at a time that suits you.
Whether that’s the reason this e-course has been so popular in the past or because it’s an excellent course at an excellent price, I’m not sure. The first year I was astounded by the interest, the second year I had double the amount of people applying.
Here’s a few quotes from last year’s ‘Writing From The Heart’ e-course
‘Thanks to Elizabeth I can now source markets for personal stories, competently make my writing market-ready and sell it with confidence. Her editing skills are an asset in the writing community. I recommend this course to any writer who wants to break into this market.’ JOH, Australia
‘I’m delighted and proud of my first attempt. Thank you for a wonderful course. I have been enriched.’ AK, Zimbabwe
‘I thought the way the market information was presented was not only informative but importantly for me it was written in a friendly manner. It took away some of the awesome fear I have of confronting the real world of publishing.’ KM, Australia
‘Great course Elizabeth! I would not have taken the time to seriously try this genre but for your course. I made the last few changes you suggested and have the essay in to …………. After reviewing their requirements I see that my piece fits in every way possible.’ SM, Canada
This year’s course start Thursday 5th July.
To find out more CLICK HERE
Isn’t timing an interesting thing?
Just after I wrote yesterday’s post about the importance of access to the internet I received a phone call from a friend. Apparently the motherboard on her computer had just blown, she’s lost everything and hasn’t got a recent back up.
I don’t know about you, but everytime I hear a story like that I always react the same way. First, I curse computers for making us so vulnerable to their frailties and whims, and secondly I scurry off to find a spare disk to back-up my information on.
Copying and saving data, like dusting and phoning my mum, is something I never do often enough. Therefore when I hear a story like the one above I always take it as a serious reminder, and one that is worth passing on.
PLEASE remember to make a disk copy of everything important on your computer. If you think you’re too busy to do it now, what are you going to think when you have to re-enter all your email addresses, re-write all your stories, re-load pictures, re-research your favourite websites ….
I’ve just come back from a great weekend writing retreat with the Society of Women Writers, WA . However while I was staring at the papers in front of me, and wondering when I’d rediscover my desk, it occured to me that most of the things I learned from the weekend were not writing based.
Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of workshops (prose, poetry, dream writing, fun writing, writing exercises) but that’s not usually the reason I go. These days it’s more to mix with other writers, to enjoy the comraderie and to work on which ever of my writing projects has the most immediate deadline.
I played a part in organising this retreat, it was held in what used to be a convent and by all accounts seems to have been successful. But, since I’m always eager to learn more, I would love to hear about retreats you’ve been on (the good, the bad and the funny), and also why do you (or would you) go to a writer’s retreat?
One of my lingering memories from this weekend is me (baptised Anglican) meditating in a Roman Catholic chapel to Buddhist chants. I know it’s possible that I’ve upset a few people with that combination, but to me it was a wonderful sign of diversity and acceptance.
So having said that, if you’re a writer and you get the chance to go on a writing retreat - take it.
