Issue 76
August 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
ANNUAL SHORT STORY CONTEST ENDS SEPT. 15
Secret Writing Technique #4 Pathos/Ethos/Logos
What's Hot and What's Not!
Writing Terminologies
Off the Wall Dates in August
Book Review
Competitions, Literary Agents, Writing Jobs
Trivia Quiz
Points to Ponder
Connect with our CEO
A Word Fitly Spoken
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Short Story Contest Ends Sept. 15
Entry fee $5. First, second, third place winners and up to twelve additional stories (including Judge's Picks) will receive publication in our fourth annual anthology. For the first time, we are awarding professional eMedals and Judge's Pick ribbons to post on your site or blog.
First place: Gold eMedal and $100
Second place: Silver eMedal and $50
Third place: Bronze eMedal and $25
Fourth and Fifth place: Finalist eMedal
Judge's Pick: Judge's Pick Red Ribbon
This is a themed contest and this exact sentence must appear in the story:
"Explain how that happened."
- Your story must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
- No swearing, profanity, explicit sexual scenes, graphic violence, etc.
- Your story must not have been published before. By entering this contest, winners grant minor editing rights for publication; Creative Writing Institute has first, non-exclusive, electronic rights to publish the winners and Judge's Choice stories in our anthology. All Rights return to the author upon publication.
- ONE submission per person, please
- Accepting submissions from July 15, 2016 until September 15, 2016, midnight, USA Eastern Standard Time. No early or late submissions will be accepted.
- Entries will only be accepted through the form at https://CreativeWritingInstitute.submittable.com/submit.
- As you go through the submission process, there will be a space for you to copy and paste your document. Do NOT email attachments as these will not be accepted.
Please direct questions to Ms. Jo Popek, head judge, at ms.jo@cwinst.com. Our special thanks to our judges and assisting award winning Co-ordinator, Jianna Higgins.
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What's Hot and What's Not
by Kevin Keeney, Columnist
The term “morning pages” originated in Julia Cameron's self-help book, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. The idea of morning pages is to write three pages daily to start your day, clear your mind, and inspire your creativity.
The creator of http://www.750words.com took the idea of morning pages and developed an interactive website to help writers write daily. The number 750 is from the generally accepted count of 250 double-spaced words fit on a typed page.
Signing up is easy, and free for 30 days. The website's layout is clean and easy to understand, which makes a lot of sense. It isn't rocket science. It's a website to go to daily and write.
Across the top of the screen are your menu selections:
- TODAY - the date, a list of people who wrote on this day so far, the number of words you wrote, and your stats for the day.
- THIS MONTH – includes the writers taking the current month's challenge to write every day, and those who have signed up for the following month.
- HELP
3.1. About Page – introduction to the site.
3.2. FAQs – just the FAQs.
3.3. Badges – badges are fun icons awarded for streaks and word counts.
3.4. Links – social website links, including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Coach.Me.
- SETTINGS
4.1. Your info – name, email address, time zone, and email preferences.
4.2. Edit Password – an area to change your password.
4.3. Customize page – font family, size, and color. Also background and link colors.
4.4. Search and Export – search your writing and/or save as a text file.
4.5. Schedule Time Off – take a timeout without interrupting your writing streak(s).
- MEMBERS
5.1. Good People - a list of the members of the site.
5.2. Inspirational Note – write a testimonial for the website.
Ready to go? Click on TODAY at the upper left of your screen, then select “Write every day.”
Welcome to your page! Underneath the menu selections on this page is a row of blank boxes, one for every day in the current month. Write 750 or more words on this page and get an “X” in the box for today. Simple. Membership is required after 30 days and costs $5/month, payable through a PayPal subscription.
Questions you may have:
- Why should I pay $5 a month to write on 750words.com when I can write in the comfortable surroundings of my own word processor?
It's possible you'll get the urge to write, the urge to get that box checked every day, knowing that you're one of thousands of writers worldwide toiling daily to make those 750 words appear. You might start to write every day, which might magically morph into a genuine writing habit. That's worth $5!
- Who gets to see your 750 words?
The website, http://www.750words.com, started in December of 2009 with the pledge to keep
everyone's writing private. No one will see your work.
- You're not convinced that Big Brother can't get at your words. After all, if the government is breaking into phones, what's to keep them from getting the database of all the 750words.com writers?
I believe 750words.com would notify you, if it came down to that, but if you're still convinced about the privacy of your work, check out http://www.freewrite.org, which does not save anything. The app clears your words as soon as you finish. They are never stored.
In conclusion: http://www.750words.com is a simple idea that has been brilliantly implemented. The website is easy to use, understand, and navigate. If you struggle with daily writing, this might be your ticket to a genuine writing habit. At a measly $5 a month, which is less than most drinks at Starbucks, CWI awards 750words.com ten stars out of ten!
Now if you will excuse me, I have 750 words to write.
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Writing Terminologies
by Michelle Malsbury, Editor
Mood – the state of mind or major emotional thread of the story or characters in a scene.
Irony - incongruous situations established between characters in a drama or actions of those characters that the audience understands, but the characters do not.
Imagery – the images that are written into a work that add to the ambiance. Language, places, and things that allow the reader to imagine the story.
The flatness does not necessarily diminish the importance of the character.
Flat Character – a character that is simple and straightforward, or has few traits that are illustrated in the story or plot.
Falling Action – the action that occurs after the climax, causing forward movement toward resolution.
Exposition – stage one of the plot. This provides the background or foundation of the story.
Dramatic Irony – sometimes shown as a miscommunication in which the characters are not aware, but the reader is.
Denouement – the outcome of a plot. It reveals the answers to the secrets or misunderstandings in the plot and comes after the climax.
Conflict – a deviation or struggle between opposing forces or characters in a literary work, usually resolved at the end.
Climax – the most important portion of the story, oftentimes near the end. It is a turning point or change in intensity in the action that transpires as the tale unfurls.
Assonance – Words with the same vowel sounds, but beginning with a different consonant. I.e. “Enjoy fall fun in the sun” and “The bright sky rose high.”
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Off-the-Wall Dates in August 2016
by William Battis
We pause for silly and odd days each month, but let's begin this month's with a date we will never forget. The year was 1945 and WWII was drawing to an end. The U.S. had developed the atomic bomb, and dropped it on Hiroshima August 6, and on Nagasaki, August 9. The Japanese cabled their surrender August 14 and on August 15, it was announced to the world.
On September 2, 1945, a formal surrender ceremony was held in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri. At that time, -the-President Truman declared September 2 to be VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day). Regardless of which date you view as VJ Day, World War II was finally over.
August 6th- National Mustard Day. Mustard is an important ingredient in many recipes, besides on hot dogs, hamburgers and sandwiches. Mustard is the most used condiment. It has been in use for thousands of years and is diversified to many variations, not just yellow. National Mustard Day was created in 1991 by, who else, the Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb, WI.
August 7th- National Lighthouse Day. This day honors and commemorates a beacon of light that symbolizes safety and security for ships at sea. On August 7, 1789, the Federal Government took over the responsibility for building and operating our nation’s lighthouses that guide ships to ports especially in inclement weather. Today, radar and GPS systems have taken over this function. However, lighthouses are still a historical symbol in America and many have been preserved as landmarks or parks.
August 13- Left-handers Day. The world is built for right-handed people who operate using the left side of the brain, but lefthanders use the right side. Lefthanders tend to exclaim that they are the only ones in their right minds! About 10% of the population is left-handed. During the 1600’s people thought left-handers were witches or warlocks. Their slogan is, “Everyone is born right-handed, and only the greatest overcome it!”
August 16th- National Tell A Joke Day. This day was proclaimed by the comics and clowns in our midst. It grows very popular near election days. Some of those elected have turned out to be jokes. Sometimes at meetings, a joke will ease tension and lighten up the participants. We all love to laugh and hear jokes or funny tales. Very few wish to be the butt of jokes, so keep it light and entertaining for smiles and laughter!
August 27th- Just Because Day. This is a day that you can do something for a good reason… “Just because.” For instance, knock on someone’s door and compliment him or her on the beautiful flower garden, or visit someone you haven’t seen for a while. Buy something you don’t need or take an unplanned vacation day. Give your special one a surprise gift. You can be creative and have fun doing it!
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Book Review The Art of Racing in the Rain
Novel by Garth Stein
Reviewed by Karen Johnson
The Art of Racing in the Rain, a 321-page novel published in 2008 by Bright White Light, LLC, depicts family, loyalty, and love portrayed through the narration of a dog. Yes, that's right. A dog. Actually, it works pretty well.
Enzo, a shepherd-poodle-terrier mix, lived on a farm in Spangle and longed for love. Life in Spangle had been hard from birth to a dozen weeks and he was lonely. He was the one pick of the litter that could think like a human and befriend his master. Denny Swift bought the dog and took him to his family in Seattle.
Denny was an up and coming race car driver with a wife and daughter. He knew only the best racers managed to stay on the track when it rained, so he learned life lessons by observing the rain masters… zebras and crows.
Enzo was a faithful friend when Denny’s wife, Eva, died of cancer. Their 6-year old daughter, Zoe, was motherless and the grandparents wanted custody. Enzo agreed that the art of life and the art of racing were parallels. If he could predict his opponent's moves and see one lap ahead, he could win the battle.
When Enzo was near death, he looked forward to his reincarnated life as a man and he would choose to race in the rain.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a profoundly rich read and a wonderful teacher for any life student. We rate this book ten stars out of a possible ten!
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Contests, Agents, and Jobs
by Michelle K. Malsbury, BSBM, MM
Administrative Assistant
Tanka Poetry Contest
Tanka (Japanese style) has five lines of poetry that includes thirty-one syllables. Poetry Contest invites entrants to use specific syllable counts. I.e. line one is five syllables, line two is seven syllables, line three is five syllables, line four is seven syllables, and line five is seven syllables. That makes five lines of unrhymed poetry. The deadline is September 5th, 2016 at 11:59 pm. There is a $100 cash prize and each entry receives feedback. Details for this contest can be found on the following website. http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=103116.
Romance Story Contest
Can you write a romance between 2,000 and 7,000 words? This contest may be made for you. Entries must be in by September 10th, 2016 at 11:59 pm and there is a $100 prize for the winner. To learn more please visit http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=103134.
The Chatelaine Awards for Romantic Fiction Novel Writing Contest 2016
Calling all romance writers. Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Adventure and Suspense, Sensual Romance, and Inspirational will be considered in this contest. Deadline is August 31, 2016. There are over $30,000 worth of prizes and cash awarded here with $1,000 Grand Prize. For more insight into this prestigious contest, see https://www.chantireviews.com/services#!/Romance-&-Womens-Fiction-Writing-Contests/p/21521080/category=5193080. Questions can be directed to info@ChantReviews.com. There is an entry fee for this contest.
Nashville Song Service Lyric Contest
Each month the Nashville Song Service holds a lyric contest. Entrants can submit up to three lyrics online. The winner gets a free demo of their lyric. For more information on this contest, go to http://www.nashvillesongservice.com/contest.php. Entries can also be submitted via snail mail.
Agents
Christian Faith Publishing is a wonderful way for Christian authors to connect direct with the publisher and retain control of 100% of the rights for their work. They aid in design and distribution and have a well-structured royalty payout for authors. Check it out at http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/msn/.
Script Mailer connects screenwriters with agents who can submit their work to director and producers for consideration. They network with over 400 screen agents and 650 producers in the Hollywood area. To learn more about this organization and their services for screenwriters, please log on to http://www.scriptmailer.com/.
Writers.net is another resource for matching authors with literary agents. Their website tells new authors what agents do and how the agent-author process pans out. There is a link on their home page that allows you to publish your work with them or to be matched with an organization that fits your genre. For more information about them and what they do, please log on to http://www.writers.net/agents.html.
A website that touts being the largest resource for matching authors with agents and/or publishers is called AgentQuery.com. They offer a fully searchable database that supposedly has only reputable agents listed and it is FREE. To learn more about them please visit http://www.agentquery.com/.
Jobs
Outsource.com claims to be 95% based in the USA. For their jobs, register on their home page, create your profile, and begin to look for jobs that interest you and send those clients a quote. To jump in, log onto https://outsource.com.
Upwork.com is another website that lists writing jobs. Some clients pay per job and other pay an hourly wage. There are many categories of types of writing available and it is user friendly to search. To try this website, please log on to https://www.upwork.com/o/jobs/browse/skill/creative-writing/.
Online Writing Jobs is a place where writers and people who need writers can meet and work together. There is an application on the home page. Peruse the other headings to determine what you want to do and how to get paid. Check out https://www.onlinewritingjobs.com/ to learn more.
Leaving Work Behind is a resource for entry level writers to look for work. They even offer a blogging mentorship program to help aspiring writers learn the ropes of blogging. Visit http://leavingworkbehind.com/entry-level-writing-jobs/ to learn more.
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August Trivia Quiz
by Julie Canfield, Columnist
Writers are often flummoxed by how many words they should write each day. For those who struggle to meet a daily word count, take heart. Hemmingway kept a chart that showed how much he wrote. It varied from 450-1250. Legend has it that he wrote more on some days to assuage the guilt of fishing.
Here is a list of best-selling authors. See if you can guess how productive each writer was, on the average. Good luck!
1. Mark Twain
2. Ian McEwan
3. P.G. Wodehouse
4. Anne Rice
5. Arthur Conan Doyle
6. Graham Greene
7. Jack London
8. Lee Child
9. Lisa See
10. Nicholas Sparks
11. Shelby Foote
12. Stephen King
13. W. Somerset Maugham
14. Sophie Kinsella
15. Norman Mailer
16. Michael Crichton
17. Margaret Meade
18. Arthur Hailey
19. Barbara Kingsolver
20. Frederick Forsyth
Answers
1. Twain 1800
2. McEwan 600
3. Wodehouse 2000
4. Rice 3000
5. Doyle 3000
6. Greene 500
7. London 1500
8. Child 1800
9. See 1000
10. Sparks 2000
11. Foote 500
12. King 2000
13. Maugham 1000
14. Kinsella 1000
15. Mailer 3000
16. Crichton 10,000
17. Meade 1000
18. Hailey 600
19. Kingsolver 1000
20. Forsyth 3000
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Points to Ponder
by Julie Canfield, Columnist
A Writer’s Prayer
I declare I have the pen if a ready writer.
I will shout what God whispers and his words will not come back void.
(Psalms 45:1, Isaiah 55:11)
How often have you stared at a blank screen, waiting for words to arrive? It happens to the best of writers. Some say they are waiting for their muse to arrive. Others call it writer’s block. Regardless of the label, the results are the same – your page is still blank.
There are many ways to overcome this dreaded curse. One of the best ways is to avoid distractions, still the voices in your head, and listen.
God will bless you with ideas, rhythm and flow. Let Him write the words on the walls of your heart. You can structure the sentences correctly and trust that it won't come out like mish-mashed gobbledygook. Getting quiet enough to listen is the hard part, but if you want to be a successful writer, you must learn it.
The next time your Word cookie jar is empty, take a leap of faith. Place your hands on the keyboard and tell God you’re ready. Then listen to the words He whispers and shout them onto the page. Your soul will breathe life into them.
Writer’s block can be conquered by writing daily. Devote your talent to God. Go ahead. Get busy. It’s time to shout His words!
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Connect with our CEO, Deborah Owen
Have a suggestion for the newsletter?
A question?
Comment?
Write to our CEO at DeborahOwen@CWinst.com. She'd like to hear from you! Connect with Deborah at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeborahOwen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.owen.31
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deborahowen1/
Blog: https://DeborahOwen.wordpress.com/
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A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:10
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