Lea's Pen & Paper

Attitude is Everything

2008-01-01T14:59:00.000-06:00

Have you heard that "attitude is everything?"

Ever want to punch the person who said it to you? ;-)

However irritating this full-of-sunshine little phrase, it's true.

I find myself, on this first day of the year, reevaluating my goals and setting paths to achieve them. Yes, I am an ambitious woman by nature. There's a difference this year, though. I am now a returning college student with a major in English and an emphasis on creative writing.

The University of Arkansas' English/creative writing program is ranked among the top 10 in the United States, so I am hyped to be part of their organization. I still have two years before finishing with my BA.

But, completing my education is paramount to future job prospects. I also think it will add credence when I pitch my novels to agents and editors. Really, when has an education ever HARMED anyone?

New experiences await in the coming year, and I'm primed to meet them. Some will be wonderful. Others, heart-wrenching. I already know this. But, I'll greet each with the same attitude -

I'm ready, and by God, my life will be full of rich experiences, published articles, and new information.

C'mon. Join me. 2008 awaits.

Good Reference Book

2008-01-01T14:42:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd share a great book I recently bought. It's called Final Exits and is written by Michael Largo. It would be helpful for writers of thrillers, mysteries, and similar.

It's the illustrated encyclopedia of how we die. Retails for $15.95, and it reveals the truth behind kicking the bucket. ;-)

This is a true sourcebook on the ways we die.

Yes, it's a touchy subject. But, Mr. Largo covers things in very interesting ways! Thumb through it the next time you're in a bookstore.

Quotes to Consider for 2008

2008-01-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

Hello, friends! So sorry I've neglected this blog. Last post was September? Lord, I'm ashamed.
Want some cool quotes to consider for this new year? Here are a few of my faves:

"We are here on earth to fart around and don't let anyone tell you any different."
-Kurt Vonnegut

"If you try to preserve the past, you will not be able to produce the future."
-Alan Greenspan

"When I am writing, I know I'm doing the thing I was born to do."
-Logan Pearsall Smith

"Loafing is the most productive part of a writer's life."
-James Norman Hall

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but working through the fear to reach the desired goal."
-Lea Milford

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."
-Mark Twain

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney

Happy New Year!!

Need Some Inspiration?

2007-09-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Here are a few uplifting quotes. They make you "think."

Your potential -

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." - Albert Einstein

Procrastination -

"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." -Henry Ford

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." –John A. Shedd

"If you want your dreams to come true, get out of bed." -Unknown

Writers (or wannabe writers), join me!

2007-09-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

Keep informed on Gather.com! Content ranges from politics to cooking, and we earn Gather Points™ or cash for using the site!View my content here: lea-oh-lea
lea-oh-lea.gather.com

New Contest & Anthology

2007-09-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

WwW.SparkleTags.Com

Are you ready for fall?
The holidays are approaching and I'm in the mood to enter a few contests. Must be the anticipation of fresh, cool air and bright orange pumpkins that boost my energy (not to mention that I LOVE Halloween)

This particular contest is sponsored by writers/editors I know very well and recommend. So, enter with confidence.

Short Story Contest
Voices - An Anthology of Short Stories - Volume One

Contest Guidelines:
**$200.00 and publication awarded for best short story. A guaranteed twenty-fiveother winners will be published in the anthology.
*Short stories only, up to 3,000 words. No essays or poetry
*Standard manuscript format. Mail two copies of each story, along with your entry fee, to: Voices, P.O. Box 9076 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703. You may enter as many times as you like, but each entry must be accompanied by a $10.00 entry fee. No SASE required. Manuscripts will be destroyed after contest.
*Include a cover letter with all contact information and a fifty-word bio.
* All genres, except erotica. No gratuitous foul language, violence, or gore.
*By submitting to this contest, you are giving permission to publish your work in Voices, An Anthology of Short Stories, Volume One. No other contract will be required.
*Initial deadline for entries: December 31, 2007. Winners will be notified 30 days after submissions close.
*Hint from the editors: "We're looking for good stories with a well-defined voice.

For more info, contact louturn@aol.com

Need a laugh today?

2007-09-08T00:11:00.000-05:00

Two hunters were in the Arkansas woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls emergency services.

"My friend is dead. What can I do?"

"Take it easy," she says. "I can help. First let's make sure he's dead."

There is silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. "Ok, now what?"

Limerick Time!

2007-09-06T13:31:00.001-05:00

Can you write a limerick? If so, check out the link below for a contest:
http://www.localmouth.com/home/view/local_limerick_awards

2007-09-05T16:37:00.000-05:00

insurancedirectory.org

Add YOUR blog to the list and get more exposure. Writers need Web presence!

It's September!

2007-09-01T18:21:00.000-05:00

School is back in session, and I'm home alone again during the day with no excuses for not writing.

Not in the middle of any particular writing project? Need some writing prompts?

Try this spot:

http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/

2007-08-15T18:34:00.000-05:00

Well, it must be time for me to clean my desk and surrounding area. There are contest entries, novel manuscripts, unfinished magazine articles, & sections of newspapers with "keep" penned in margins - buried under other current projects. On top of all are a dictionary and thesaurus.

That's not everything either. Snippets of paper (reminder notes) are on the floor, in the nook between my computer speaker and a storage box. The bits of paper are also taped to nearby walls and to my monitor.

I missed a contest I wanted to enter - just because the flier wasn't within view, but buried in the literary mess.

Sooo, off I go. By this time next week, I should be more organized.

Do YOU need to organize and clean around your writing area?

Some tips on organization can be found here: http://www.onlineorganizing.com/CalendarHoliday.asp?holiday=4

Folding Mirror Poem

2007-08-14T10:50:00.001-05:00

I came across a contest, and it asked the writer to create a Folding Mirror Poem.

Here were the rules:
This structure sees the structure of one half of the poem reflecting the other half. I modified it a bit, though.

The middle line represents the fold. Nine lines total with the middle (5th line as the fold). See below structure:

four words
two words
a sentence
one word
middle line (this line should "join" the two parts. Use either a sentence or a couple of words)
one word
a sentence
two words
four words

Symmetry is important in this poem. What good practice (and possibly a contest entry.)
Have fun!

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

2007-08-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hope you all are having a restful (yet lucrative) summer. It's finally hot here in the Ozark Mountains. We had it "easy" until now.

Speaking of the Ozarks, there is a writer's conference coming up in October. It is given by the Ozark Creative Writers. See www.ozarkcreativewriters.org
Take a look.

This conference offers writing contests, quality speakers, and lots of fun networking with other writers.

Hope to see you there!

Writing Contest!

2007-06-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

Hello, friends.

Here is a writing contest, but note that it does have a deadline of July 21, 2007.

InkSpotter's 4th Annual - Finding the Right Words - Flash Fiction Contest.

Theme: "Give Me Shelter" - However, all stories must have a title. Do not use Give Me Shelter as your title, please.

1st prize: $60 + publication
2nd prize: $30 + publication

Genre: Fiction
Length: 500 words or fewer
Entry Fee: $1.50 (Canadian funds). Funds must be negotiable in Canada. Contact Betty Dobson if you have a question. Her e-mail is below.

You may pay through Paypal and submit your entry via e-mail (in the e-mail body) - with subject line reading Annual Contest Submission - to contests@inkspotter.com

If you'd rather snail-mail your entry, send it to the address below:

Betty Dobson
InkSpotter Publishing
163 Main Avenue
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3M 1B3

THE RULES:
* Don't indent paragraphs, just skip lines between them.
* Be sure to include your full name and e-mail address.
* You retain copyright of your story

To read past entries, visit inkspotter.com/publications/newsletters/inkspotternews/archive.htm
Then, download volulme 4.08 or 3.10. These are 2006 and 2005 winners.

~~Now, to figure out what funds to send~~ ;o)

What IS a win?

2007-06-03T23:03:00.000-05:00

I have questions about contest wins.

What really constitutes mentioning? Is 3rd honorable mention truly a win?

That is the place I took at a recent contest. I don't consider that a placement at all. I'm not eletist or anything. I just don't think the equivalent of 6th place is a winner. After all, there were only about 20 entries at most.

There should be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. That's all. Unless the contest has one hundred entrants, why bother with further placements?

This is a pet peve of mine. May not bother you. If not, disregard. If it bothers you, too, let's boycott honorable mentions! I rarely claim them (unless the source of the contest is a biggie).

Have a great day - pet peeves and all!

You've Gotta See This Guy

2007-05-19T19:39:00.001-05:00

I had a stupendous time at a recent conference. I attended two sessions taught by the television reporter/author, Jeff Crilley. He works in Dallas, TX.

Jeff was a hoot. So much fun and full of useful information!

Visit his site and buy his book. You won't be sorry.

www.jeffcrilley.com

He'll show you how to get FREE PUBLICITY for your book (just like he received in this listing - sly man, he is)
;o)

Fresh Ideas

2007-03-11T16:58:00.001-05:00

To me, March means sessions of creativity and new ideas.

Our critique group held a writer's conference this weekend. We had around sixty in attendance, met new people, hugged old friends, and got a few new writing hints.

One conference speaker challenged us to "write a story" in the hour that she spoke.

She had us invent a character with a motivation, conflict, and goal.

Then, we were to invent a secondary character who has different motivation, goal, and conflict.

Our speaker then said to picture a setting and place the two characters in a scene with dialogue.

We wrote quietly for several minutes. When finished, many of us had ideas for new short stories or even novels!

Fun stuff!

Why don't you try it?

Springtime Splendor!

2007-02-21T13:50:00.000-06:00

Instead of our regular writing websites, I thought you might enjoy a few springtime forays.
Have fun!

1) http://www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/04apr/spring.htm

2) http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10799

3) http://interiordec.about.com/od/springdecor/a/a_springcentpcs.htm

4) http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/

New Program

2007-02-11T21:26:00.000-06:00

In the morning, I'm headed to Galena, Kansas (just outside Joplin, MO) to give a program on herbs and writing.

The weather is iffy, usual for February.

Reminds me that when spring arrives, I'll be finding excuses to stay outdoors, garden, play with the cats, or grill on the deck instead of sitting at the computer - writing.

NOW is the time to sit at the monitor with a cup of hot tea and my favorite music playing on the DVD player - and write.

Do you find this trend in your own life?

Visit the website below to motivate you to write, write, write.

I gave another motivational site back on Jan. 14th, I believe, but this one has a few unique ideas.

http://www.writing-world.com/basics/wavers.shtml

Hang in there!

Romance is in the air

2007-02-07T20:17:00.000-06:00

It's almost Valentine's Day. Are you in the mood to write a bit of romance?
Below are some links to visit:

1) http://www.writersjournal.com/RomanceContest.htm

2) http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWA-Contests.html

3) http://www.thedabblingmum.com/writing/writerniche/romance.htm

These are fun but informative sites. Hope you are writing and submitting!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Short Stories

2007-01-18T14:25:00.000-06:00

Hi, friends!

I've been working on short stories for a contest later this year in Oklahoma City. It got me to thinking that maybe my friends out in "cyber land" might like to visit a website or two concerning short story writing.

Here they are. Have fun:

1) http://www.shortstorygroup.com

2) http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative/shortstory

3) http://www.write101.com/shortstory.htm

New Year, new projects

2007-01-14T19:08:00.000-06:00

I hope all of you are making progress in the goals you set for 2007. The wintery weather we've had for the past few days has made my going to the gym an impossibility. However, I'm not giving up. As soon as the weather permits, I'm off to sweat on the elliptical machine and the treadmill.

As for my writing goals, they have also stalled. My college "kids" have been home all day since school has been out for winter break. I can't write when they are wanting to go to the mall or eat lunch with me. :o) (yes, they are my excuses and I'm sticking with them.)

Kids go back to school on Tuesday (one more day) - so the gym AND a regular writing routine will be back in sight.

Don't beat yourself up if you haven't found time or inclination to "create" recently. I believe in priorities, and family is before anything else. Besides, beating yourself up doesn't help. If anything, it hinders creativity. I'm the queen of guilt, so I can empathize with many of you.

Take a look at this website. It might give you the boost you need to get back in the writing mode:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1036304

Two new pieces per month

2006-12-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

It is time to think about fresh starts. Whether it be weight loss or writing more (both in my case), we should evaluate our goals and work to make them happen this year.

One of my goals is to exercise every day. I've done so since December 14th (with the exception of sick days - 4 of them). So, I'm off to a good start!

Another goal is to write two new articles or short stories or book chapters per month.

I love having checks in the mail and watiting for my newest article to surface.
However, I'm in the middle of writing a romance and need to do regular work on it, as well.
So, I have enough irons in the fire to keep me on task (hopefully).

I suggest that you not make too many demands of yourself this year. Leave time for lazy-day window shopping, relaxing in a porch swing, or sipping hot cocoa in an oversized chair while watching "You've Got Mail" for the fifth time.

We need those "down times" to allow our brains to rest - before taxing them once again with our demand for new ideas.

God bless you and yours this new year!

In the Know

2006-12-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

If you want to read some free ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) newsletters, visit http://www.asja.org/newspub/newspub.php

There are interesting monthly columns - including tech talk, the writing life, and member websites. Member sites are interesting. They often give us a glimpse into other writers' minds - a scary place to visit.

There are also monthly feature articles ranging from light humor about a writer's life to suggestions on writing a text book!

ASJA archived past months' newsletters too, so sit back and have fun looking.

End of November?

2006-11-29T14:37:00.000-06:00

It is almost December and I haven't blogged anything of interest since October. Shame!
Here is a goodie!

www.willwrite4food.com - designed to inform, equip, and encourage writers.

A great spot to mingle with fellow wordsmiths.

Also, are you looking for a writing-related gift for a friend?
visit www.CoolStuff4Writers.com for some GREAT items. I bought a mouse pad there that says Book Slut! It's hilarious!

I'll write again soon with more. Keep your cool while Christmas shopping! :o)
~Lea~

Pitching to an agent or editor

2006-10-18T22:33:00.001-05:00

Hi, all! I decided to cover agents and pitching to agents/editors.

www.publishersweekly.com Try this site when you are ready to query agents to represent your work of art. :o)

At a recent writer's conference, I met with a literary agent for a few minutes. Below, I've listed several hints concerning pitching to an agent or editor:

1) Have the project finished before pitching it, unless it is a nonfiction work. That editor or agent wants to know s/he won't be waiting around for you to finish (IF you finish) the book. Show them you have the power to complete a work.

2) Don't memorize your pitch. THIS is what killed my first pitch. I thought I'd memorize it incase I froze from nerves. It sounded canned because it WAS canned. There is no way around it, just KNOW your book. Don't memorize anything for the agent/editor appointment.

3) Show your enthusiasm about your book. That kind of energy and excitement is contaigous.

4) Never ask the agent/editor to take a copy of your proposal home with him or her. If everyone did that, the agent would need an extra suitcase to drag all of the papers home.

5) Along the same lines as #4, don't ask him or her to read your synopsis while you wait OR to take it home with him or her.

6) Focus on pitching one project. ONLY if the agent or editor shows absolutely no interest in it should you then mention another project you have going.

7) If time permits, show the agent you have a mind for marketing. Remember, you love your prose. He loves the bottom line ($$).

Hope this helps some new writers out there. Goodness knows, I learned the hard way.

Later,

First Blog

2006-10-16T20:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it's finally happened. I started blogging. It's not like I don't already have enough to say without having to broadcast it over the internet.

But, in my business of writing, every little bit of exposure helps.

Here I am:
Writing a novel (women's fiction) and winning a contest here and there. Also, freelance articles help bring in some $$.

What do I have to say that would warrant a blog? Information, silly!
I hope to compile helpful websites and pertinent info to help writers and others interested in the craft.

#1
Wonder what the proofreader's marks mean? Try this site, folks:
http://www.m-w.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm

Till next time,