WOW! Women On Writing

Issue 38- March 2010: YA Authors, Writing for Teens

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:21 -0800

Issue 38
Are you interested in young adult literature? Do you write for teens? This issue explores the much-debated topic of YA censorship, how to use social networking to build a teen audience, using your past to write teen fiction, and when to use technology references in your YA fiction. Interviews with YA authors Ellen Hopkins, Carla McClafferty, Pam Munoz Ryan, and Liz Rosenberg. Expert advice from Bree Despain, Melissa Marr, Maureen Johnson, Lisa Schroeder, Alice Pope, danah boyd, Greg Pincus, Mary Kole, Esther Hershenhorn, Jenny Meyerhoff, Laura Ruby, and Stacy Cantor..... MORE >>

Editor's Desk: Welcome: Being True, Being Real: YA Authors

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:25 -0800

I confess--I love young adult literature. Maybe I've never grown up, and that’s the reason why I read YA books and write for teens. Maybe I still remember what it’s like to be full of angst over the pimple on your chin before you see your crush in first period, or decide whether or not you should go to the party your parents forbid you to attend. Maybe I fell in love with this genre when I coached high school cheerleading and basketball and discovered that teens are refreshingly honest, full of love and enthusiasm, and surviving everyday in a teen-eat-teen world ... MORE >>

Feature: Speak Your Truth: YA Novels and Censorship

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:26 -0800

Novels like Speak, Whale Talk, and Boy Toy have moved past the subject of blossoming into womanhood, which censored young adult novelist Judy Blume explored through her 13 plus YA and middle-grade novels, and into new territory such as homosexual relationships, rape, drug and alcohol addiction, racial ugliness, and graphic violence. The times they are a-changin', but are young adult authors being forced to remain in the past? Allena Tapia explores this subject through interviews with authors, teachers, students, parents, and librarians ... MORE >>

Feature: Write Nonfiction for Kids? Break Out with a High-Concept Idea

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:27 -0800

A high-concept book is one that takes a universal theme and puts a fresh, original, creative twist on it. It can be explained in two or three sentences and will leave you wanting to read the book; or in the case of writers, it may leave you wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" When the idea of high concepts is applied to nonfiction for kids, it can create breakout titles for an author. Darcy Pattison interviews Carla McClafferty, author of three such high-concept books, who tells us how she does it... MORE >>

Feature: Channeling the Voice of Youth: An Interview with Ellen Hopkins

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:27 -0800

Voice--the personality on the page. It’s what pulls readers in and keeps them along for the journey. Finding the perfect voice for a story is never easy, but writing for the young adult audience can be downright daunting. Teenagers want to see themselves reflected between the pages of a book. It is'’t enough to mimic the voice of a teenager; to hook the young adult crowd, you have to climb inside their skin and channel their unique energy. Kathy Higgs-Coulthard chats with Ellen Hopkins, New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, and Tricks, who shares her secrets on perfecting YA voice... MORE >>

Feature: Blogs, Twitter, Websites and More: Connecting with Young Readers Through Social Media

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:28 -0800

Whether you are finishing your YA manuscript, searching for your dream agent, or surviving waves of revisions, you’re looking to grow your readership. Since 93 percent of teens are accessing the Internet, getting the word out online is key to obtaining bestselling readership numbers. There’s only one problem: unless you’re already a well-known YA author, teens aren't going to come to you. Bridgid Gallagher interviews social-media-savvy experts and successful YA authors that help point you towards timesaving social media tools. Build your network now and who knows? It just may lead to your next book deal... MORE >>

How 2 Use Technology References in Young Adult Fiction

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:29 -0800

If you've crossed paths with any teenagers lately, you've no doubt witnessed them texting, e-mailing, and social networking--or talking on their cell phones about how they just texted, e-mailed or visited a social networking site. Technology and modern communication devices are not just an accessory to teens today, but a part of the fabric of how they relate to one another and to the rest of the world. But how do you integrate technology into a storyline without making the work seem dated? Or leave technology out without appearing out of touch? And how important is it to keep current with the latest gadgets and online tools? In this article, BJ Marshall talks with authors, agents, and editors who share their best tips on how to incorporate modern technology into believable plots that can withstand the test of time... MORE >>

Rising, Riding: 20 Questions Answered by YA Author Pam Muñoz Ryan

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:29 -0800

Pam Muñoz Ryan’s credit list is prolific, to say the least. With twenty-five published books to her name, Ryan has touched on several fiction genres, including young adult, middle grade, and children’s picture books. However, it’s often her YA novels, Esperanza Rising and Riding Freedom,, that garner the most attention--mainly due to several prestigious awards the books have won. Esperanza Rising checks in with the Pura Belpré Award among others, while Riding Freedom was awarded the National Willa Cather Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 1999. Allena Tapia interviews Ryan, who was so kind to share her insights into writing for young adults during a busy time--at the cusp of the release of her new YA book, The Dreamer, which follows the life of a young Neftali Reyes of Chile, otherwise known as the poet Pablo Neruda... MORE >>

The Search for YA Inspiration--From Pomegranates to E-Mails: An Interview with Author Liz Rosenberg

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:30 -0800

Writing for a YA audience is akin to teaching teenagers in the classroom--a rewarding give-and-take relationship. It’s a challenge to connect with this age group and capture their attention. But on the flip side, once you do, they return the favor. The intense emotion, enthusiasm, and loyalty that cascade from young readers can encourage writers to return to the YA audience again and again. Jodi Webb caught up with author Liz Rosenberg right as she was in the middle of a move from the U.S. to London, but she graciously found time to share her thoughts about the inspiration she finds in writing YA books... MORE >>

Freelancer's Corner: Pack Rats and Procreation: Using Your Past to Write Teen Fiction

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:32 -0800

When we give our story something unique and specific--quirky characters or memorable settings--we leave a lasting impression on our readers. In order to start writing your childhood, dig deep into your past. Look for clues objects, and memories that inspire you to move forward with the story. In this article, Trina Sotira, a self-proclaimed pack rat, shows you how to take your obsessions from your teenage years and turn them into unique and memorable character traits... MORE >>

Photo Essay: Office-ially Fed Up! One Writer's Home Office Makeover

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:24:57 -0800

One jolly spring, I met a local magazine publisher at a printer’s warehouse not 2 miles from my home to proofread some mock-ups of an upcoming issue. Imagine my chagrin when he asked if we could meet afterward at my home office--a space I knew wasn't in shape to welcome clients. Although I was able to convince him I needed a macchiato, it was still apparent to me that I could make great use of an office that would welcome clients. Thus, the home office makeover project was born! In her photo essay, Allena Tapia includes before pictures with captions of the problems encountered in each photo and after pictures with solutions to the problems. She also shares some tips on ergonomics, meeting and work space, and organization... MORE >>

Review: Must-Have Gadgets For Bloggers

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:01:55 -0800

With so many gadgets out there, it can be tough deciding which ones will fit your needs. And if you’re a blogger, you know gadgets are an essential part of your career. But which gadgets are worth the purchase and where can you find some good freebies? Don’t worry! Anne-Marie Nichols has answers. In this article, she shares her must-have picks for smartphones, netbooks, blog editing software, video cameras, video editing software, and online photo editing tools—just in time for the holidays... MORE >>

Resources For Writers

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:01:58 -0800

Resources on the 'net - everything you need to get your writing career in gear.

Author Sites, Books for Writers, Character Research, Contests Critique Groups, Editorial Services, Grammar Style and Usage, Literary Agencies, Literary Guilds/Book Clubs, Newsletters Organizations. Prompts. Writer Retreats. and Writing Sites.

Articles

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:02:07 -0800

WOW! Women On Writing highlights a Woman Writer, Literary Agent, or Publisher each month in our articles page. Recent updates on craft of writing and freelance writing articles from Jenna Glatzer, Sheri McConnell, literary agent Wendy Keller, Christina Katz, Lisa Silverman, Sandy Tritt, and much more!

The Muffin Blog: Fresh news daily from the bakers of Wow-WomenOnWriting.com

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:39:40 -0800

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Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:39:39 -0800

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Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:39:38 -0800

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Markets: Get The Green With Premium Green

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:39:37 -0800

Let WOW! help you start and grow your freelance career! Premium-Green isn’t just markets listings, it’s a guide with community benefits. As a subscriber, each month you receive a 100+ ebook filled with articles not found elsewhere and markets for writers of every genre and profession: freelance gigs for editors, copywriters, ghostwriters, bloggers; fiction markets; anthology calls; magazine markets; writing contests; niche markets; and... MORE >>

WOW! Classes

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:39:31 -0800

Whether you are looking to increase your income or work on your craft, we know that education is an important part of a writer’s career. That’s why WOW! Women On Writing handpicks qualified instructors and targeted classes that women writers will benefit from. The instructors are women we’ve worked with on a professional level, and these ladies offer high quality courses with one-on-one feedback.

Contest: Winter 2010 Flash Fiction Contest Announcement

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:42 -0800

WOW! hosts a (quarterly) writing contest every three months. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. We are open to all styles of writing, although we do encourage you to take a close look at our guest judge for the season and the flavor of our sponsor, if you are serious about winning. We love creativity, originality, and light-hearted reads. That's not to say that our guest judge will feel the same... so go wild! Express yourself, and most of all, let's have some fun!

OPEN PROMPT! That’s right, this is your chance to shine, and get creative. You can write about anything, as long as it’s within the word count and fiction. So, dig out those stories you started way back when and tailor them to the word count. We’re open to any style and genre. From horror to romance! So, get creative, and most of all, have fun.

WINTER: December - February 28 Midnight (Pacific Time) - NOW OPEN!... MORE >>

Contest: Fall 2009 Flash Fiction Contest Winners!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:45:03 -0800

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Noah Lukeman, has made his final decisions. Read the winning stories of the 750 words or less open prompt Fall ’09 Flash Fiction Contest ... MORE >>

Contest: Summer 2009 Flash Fiction Contest Winners!

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:01:48 -0800

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Melissa Jeglinski, of The Knight Agency, has made her final decisions. Read the winning entries of the 750 words or less open prompt Summer ’09 Flash Fiction Contest... MORE >>

Contest: Spring 2009 Flash Fiction Contest Winners!

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:37:07 -0700

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Wendy Sherman, has made her final decisions. Read the winning entries of the open prompt Spring ’09 Flash Fiction Contest... MORE >>

Issue 37- February 2010: Fall in Love with Romance Writing

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:34:50 -0800

Issue 37
Are you in the mood for love? February's issue is dedicated to the fastest-growing genre out there--romance! Featuring interviews with Nalini Singh, Louisa Edwards, Shannon K. Butcher, Shirley Jump, Simone Elkeles, Debbie Macomber, and Binnie Klein. Articles on Boomer Lit, and How to Dissect Romance Novels and Create Rules for Writing.... MORE >>

Issue 36- January 2010: New Beginnings

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:25:42 -0800

Issue 36
January's issue is about new beginnings and fresh starts. Articles include Beginning After NaNoWriMo, How to Plan a Writing Conference, The DIY Guide to Self-Syndication, How to Run a DIY Writers' Retreat, and One Writer's Home Office Makeover. Interviews with Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, and Holly Sherburne, editor and publisher of Downeast Dog News, a niche newspaper... MORE >>

Issue 35- December 2009: Agents and Authors

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:40:50 -0800

Issue 35
Are you looking for a literary agent to represent your manuscript? In this issue of WOW! we interview literary agents Noah Lukeman, Melissa Jeglinski of The Knight Agency, Jenny Bent of The Bent Agency, and Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary Agency. We also show you how to pitch to a literary agent at a writers’ conference, and interview authors Julie Powell, Anita Shreve, and Marcia Muller...... MORE >>

Issue 34- November 2009: Writing the Web

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:01:47 -0800

Issue 34
Writers depend on the Web for research, resources, work, networking, and self-promotion. Some savvy writers use the Internet as their sole source of income--whether through freelance writing, blogging, podcasting, or website ownership. So how do we tap into this resource and utilize it to our advantage as a writer? That’s what we explore in this month’s issue..... MORE >>

Issue 33 - September-October 2009: Follow the Leader

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:26:08 -0800

Issue 33
Some of the best writing advice I’ve received over the years has been from interviewees. There’s something about sitting down and engaging in an intimate chat with a fellow writer that can’t be replicated in any other form. So in celebration of our three-year anniversary, we’re doing what we do best: chatting with successful women authors!.... MORE >>

Issue 32 - August 2009: The Wings of Self-Promotion

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:43:06 -0700

Issue 32
With the growth of online media and the current economic climate, many publishers have begun to cut costs, and one of the first things to go is an author’s marketing budget. This means authors and authors-in-waiting are expected to do the lion’s share of their book promotion. This issue explores ways to promote yourself and your book through branding, social networking, Twitter, teaching, websites, email lists, and online marketing.... MORE >>

Issue 31 - July 2009: The Process

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:33:55 -0700

Issue 31
"The creative process is a process of surrender, not control." ~ Julia Cameron. No matter what type of writing you do, there is a process involved. It can be a step-by-step process of creating something - from seed to fruition - or it can be a small, but necessary, part of a bigger picture-like communicating with an editor. This issue examines various processes of writing... MORE >>

Issue 30 - May-June 2009: Finding Your Genre

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 03:23:02 -0700

Issue 30
Do you ever wonder exactly where your genre fiction falls? In this issue, we explore many of the genres we haven’t tackled yet (Horror, Southern Gothic, Magic Realism, Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller, Historical Fiction) and break down their subgenres. The experts in this issue also provide you with the tools you need to write for these genres and market your work. Winter Flash Fiction Contest Winners are also announced! ... MORE >>

Issue 29 - April 2009: Money Matters for Writers

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:57:24 -0700

Issue 29
This issue tackles many of the tough money questions many aspiring and professional writers need answered. How do you set up a retirement plan? What about health insurance? What are some of the mistakes other writers make when planning a fulltime career? What are some of the tax issues to consider as a freelance writer? How can you survive as a writer during a recession? What is the best way to make money online? ... MORE >>

Issue 28 - March 2009: What's Romance Got To Do With It?

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 02:05:16 -0700

Issue 28
Romance is the wide brushstroke under which a colorful palette of subgenres lie. Suspense, Paranormal, Historical, Inspirational, Chick-Lit -- that’s some of the rainbow. Considering the flexibility of the genre, it’s not surprising that Harlequin’s North American retail group had their strongest year, despite the economy and the news of other publishers biting the dust. It appears that readers want to escape and fall in love. The thing is, most of the authors in this issue don’t even consider themselves "romance writers." So what’s romance got to do with it? That’s what we’re going to explore ... MORE >>

Issue 27 - February 2009: Picture Perfect Children's Books

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:39:58 -0800

Issue 27
Picture books were our first experience with the printed word. They introduced us to delightful new adventures and taught us to read. It’s not too surprising that, even as adults, we still remember some of our favorites. Even if you’ve never had the inkling to write for children, this issue will change your outlook and provide you with solid take-away tips... MORE >>

Issue 26 - January 2009: It's About Time

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:51:43 -0800

Issue 26
Happy 2009! The start of a new year provides us with the wonderful opportunity to reevaluate ourselves and reinvent our lives. Remember that any goals you set can be realistic, but they must come with an action plan for success. These include organization, time management, balancing your life and your career, and setting deadlines... MORE >>