Welcome to Writerzblox.net’s June 2012 Newsletter! This month we have some advice for new writers, as well as book recommendations, a monthly writing prompt, free wallpaper, tips, tricks and plenty of inspiration.
Putting Yourself Out There~Advice for New Writers
Nothing can be as overwhelming to a new writer as the first time they share their work. You generally put your heart and soul on the page and wonder if others will like what you have to say or judge you based on what you write. How do you get over that initial anxiety? Start by sharing your work online.
Blogging
Currently, blogs are one of the easiest, most popular and most economical ways of getting your writing out to the masses. There are an estimated 150 million plus blogs on the internet at this moment. Personal blogs are basically an online diary or journal where you can post your thoughts, your stories or ‘pearls of wisdom’. There are also Topic blogs, which seem to be the most popular type and focus on a certain subject matter or topic. Have a specific area of expertise and would like to write about it? ~ A topic blog might be for you. Setting up a blog is easy and economical for the beginning writer. There are free services available, which are popular such as WordPress.com, Blogger.com and LiveJournal. Then there are good paid services such as Typepad.com, which can range from approximately $9 to $30 per month depending on the templates, storage and support. Blog frequency is up to the writer, some choose to write daily to gain experience or to establish an audience, while others prefer weekly or even monthly blogs in order to avoid burnout.
Joining Online Writing Communities
Writing groups have always been a great place to meet other writers, form friendships and support. Unfortunately, for some budding writers time constraints due to career or family demands can hinder attending them. However, thanks to the internet, online communities are increasing since they offer a level of convenience as well as anonymity.
Online communities are great for developing your writing voice with like-minded people who are working alongside you towards reaching your goals. Most communities let you register free however, some charge for additional services such as extra storage space, web hosting and reducing the amount of ads on your page. You can create a profile, post your writing, read others’ work, establish working partnerships, join online genre-specific groups, enter contests, and explore writing courses, all of which can help you build a great writing portfolio. Some great online writing communities can be found at:
http://www.writerscafe.org
http://www.writing.com
http://community.writersdigest.com/
Be a Contributing Writer or Guest Blogger
If setting out on your own seems like a great idea but managing, a blog isn’t a possibility or of interest to you, offer to be a contributing writer or blogger for your favourite blog. Ask friends, your company (if it has a blog) or perhaps, approach a blog you read frequently. Some blog owners are open to having new writers write on their blog as it sometimes offers them a fresh change of pace or outlook.
Whatever options you choose, realize that writing is very subjective. Most people are generally supportive to new writers, but you will likely run across some who will be critical. Realize that sometimes constructive criticism can help you grow as a writer and although it may be hurtful at first, it can help you in the long run.
Affirmation For Writers
This Month’s Affirmation:”I am always learning and growing as a writer.”
Coming Soon!
Writing Sparks
by Belinda Witzenhausen
Do you love writing but have a bad case of writer’s block?
For many, it often boils down to not knowing how to get started. “Writing Sparks: Inspiration to ignite your creativity!” by Belinda Witzenhausen offers valuable advice, prompts and tips to help you break through any creative block and start writing. These prompts offer a variety of fiction and nonfiction ideas designed to get you thinking and writing. Some prompts may ask you to reflect on personal opinions or memories , while others ask you to flex your creative muscles with fun and often, quirky suggestions. These “sparks” are designed to get you motivated and challenge you to grow as a writer.
June’s Book of the Month
Book Review
The Elements of Style – 4th Edition (New Edition)
William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Publisher: Longman
Copyright: 2000
ISBN-13: 9780205309023
I had mentioned this in an earlier post and was surprised that I had received several emails asking about it. In my opinion, this is a must-have on every writer’s bookshelf. The Elements of Style is a classic that was first published in 1959 and is still widely used today. This book leads you through rules of grammar, principles of composition and includes a section outlining the words most commonly misspelled. This is a book that you will use as a regular resource for years to come and is ideal for a beginning writer to a seasoned writing veteran.
List Price:CDN$ 10.40
June’s Book Recommendations
The Complete Handbook Of Novel Writing: Everything You Need to Know About Creating & Selling Your Work by Editors of Writer’s Digest Books
List Price: CDN$ 20.99
Fondling Your Muse by John Warner
List Price:CDN$ 21.99
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles [Paperback] by Steven Pressfield
List Price: CDN$ 27.95
June’s Writing Prompt
Lost! You are on a summer road trip with friends and after driving a few hours you realize you are completely lost. Your GPS isn’t working and neither are your cellphones. Write about your adventures, good or bad! Get creative, write and more important, have fun! 🙂
To use as wallpaper click on image to enlarge, for Windows right-click “Set as Desktop”
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