WOW! Women On Writing

Issue 49- March-April 2012: The Art of Storytelling

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:49 -0700

Issue 49 - The Art of Storytelling - Lisa See, Regina Brooks, Adrienne Sharp, Kate White MORE >>

Editor's Desk: Welcome: The Art of Storytelling

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:51 -0700

Storytelling has been around since the beginning of our existence. No one really knows when the first story was told, but the best stories--the truly epic tales--were passed down from one generation to the next, and were eventually recorded on clay tablets, papyrus, and paper as gifts from our ancestors. For writers, storytelling is just as important to us now as it was in ancient times, although the stories have changed. Today's stories reflect what's going on in modern society and how open we've become to talking about issues that were previously taboo. Now we have books about multicultural issues, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and GLBT issues. We have stories written by people outside of their gender and ethnicity. We write stories to attract publicity, and we tell stories that captivate an audience of book lovers. These are just some of the stories and storytelling methods you'll learn in this issue. MORE >>

Feature: Unearthing Precious Ideas: Literary Agent Regina Brooks

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:51 -0700

Regina Brooks is the founder and president of Serendipity Literary Agency LLC in Brooklyn, New York. A boutique literary agency, Serendipity represents a diverse list of authors and illustrators in adult and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature. Kathy Higgs-Coulthard caught up with Regina over a cup of tea at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' 2012 winter conference to discuss storytelling in young adult literature and memoir. MORE >>

Feature: When Worlds Collide: An Outsider's Guide to Writing Multicultural Fiction

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:52 -0700

Is it possible to create engaging multicultural characters who are believable and true when we haven't walked in their shoes? What does it take to bring to life a Korean heroine from another era or a young Afghan protagonist in the throes of war? When the very culture and family life that shapes your characters and stories are foreign to you, it's easy to fall into clichés or keep your distance. But with a healthy dose of respect and solid research, you CAN create multicultural characters that will capture the hearts of your readers. Five incredible authors, editors, and agents share their successes and struggles on the road to publishing memorable multicultural books based on characters that refused to step aside. BJ Marshall interviews literary agent Elise Capron, editor Marilyn Brigham, and authors Gayle Brandeis, Caren McNelly McCormack, and Lisa See. And that's not all! Be sure to check out the bonus article: Words in the Dust: A Case Study in Writing Multicultural Fiction with Author Trent Reedy and Scholastic's Editor Cheryl Klein. MORE >>

Feature: Build the Bridges that Let Readers Access Your Story

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:52 -0700

You've taken the time to create characters that are so real you'd know them if you met them on the street. Your setting is so vibrant you could step into it and explore for a week. Yet, readers fail to connect with your story. When you ask them why, they just don't connect with your characters or your setting. They're inaccessible. What have you done wrong? You probably forgot to build a bridge. Just like in the world you navigate every day, a bridge in fiction spans a gap. It enables your reader to move from her familiar, everyday life into your story. Sue Bradford Edwards shows you how to figure out what you're missing in your story and how to fix character and setting problems that will help your reader span the gap. MORE >>

Feature: It's Not Easy Being a Historical Fiction Writer

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:53 -0700

Nobody ever said writing historical fiction was easy. Not only do you have to create vibrant characters, captivating plotlines, and a voice that leaps off the page, but you also have to do hours upon hours (even years!) of research, convince readers that you know as much or more than they do about their favorite time periods, and get every last setting detail exactly right. Why would anyone undertake such a huge task like writing a historical fiction novel, when writing itself is already difficult? Margo L. Dill interviews five successful historical fiction authors--Darci Hannah, Adrienne Sharp, Karen Kondazian, Beverly Patt, and Clara Gillow Clark--about what it's like to write these novels, how much research it takes, what to do with all the facts and figures when telling a story, and how to get a historical fiction book noticed among the vampires, werewolves, and spy thrillers. They also share some of their favorite writers and tips for starting out in this difficult genre. MORE >>

Feature: Talking Taboo with Style in Memoir Writing

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:54 -0700

A really good memoir combines the art of storytelling with subject matter many often consider taboo. These books have all the same elements of a best-selling work of fiction: engaging characters, snappy dialogue, enticing setting, and a story that opens up slowly, drawing the reader in with each word. Chynna Laird interviews four amazing authors--Michelle O’Neil, Jill Talbot, Lisa Vaughn, and Nicole Johns--who share their best tips on how to talk about taboo subjects (such as alcoholism, homosexuality, and eating disorders) while still telling an engaging story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. MORE >>

Feature: Not a Flash in the Pan: Flash Fiction Storytelling

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:54 -0700

We may be entering the Golden Age of Flash Fiction. Now that there is a cell phone in every pocket, and our attention spans are on the decline (not to mention lack of ample time for digging into massive tomes), flash fiction is ideally suited to the modern reader. In Japan, entire novels are published serially, bit by bit, on cell phone screens; and reading apps for small digital devices have popped up in the United States as well. To get a grip on what's happening in the world of flash fiction, Suzanne Kamata talks to four experts, including literary agent Andrea Hurst, Tara Masih, Stefanie Freele, and Meg Pokrass. MORE >>

Freelancer's Corner: Falling for the Storyteller: Tips for Public Speaking

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:56 -0700

Perhaps you've written your own submission-ready manuscript. Maybe you've snagged an agent or even garnered a publishing contract. Possibly, you've decided to self-publish. So sometime soon, you may stand with your book in hand. But are you ready to stand up in front of a crowd and tell your story? Do you have the skills you'll need to make readers fall for you? Because great storytellers sell books! It's not enough today to be a great written storyteller. You have to master public speaking skills, too. Cathy C. Hall interviews authors Sally Apokedak, Elizabeth Dulemba, Janice Hardy, Donny Seagraves, and Jo Kittinger who share their best tips for facing the crowds. MORE>>

How to Tell Stories that Draw Publicity

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:24:58 -0700

When authors set out to do publicity, they often focus on the book and the content of their story. That means they miss a great opportunity to capture an audience's attention: authors should tell their own personal stories--whether it is in interview, speaking engagement, online forum, or mingling at a book signing. Oh, you think, no one is interested in you and your story? You're wrong: there are six types of personal stories, which are guaranteed to draw interest. Darcy Pattison shares these six types of stories and provides you with personal story examples. MORE >>

Redefining Superwoman: Kate White, Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:01 -0700

Kate White may not sport an S on her favorite blue shirt or wear a red cape. She may not leap tall buildings in a single bound either. But this modern-day Superwoman who juggles the world’s most famous magazine brand discovered a way to avoid kryptonite early in her career, and that magic formula has allowed her to diversify. While White oversees duties at Cosmopolitan as its editor-in-chief, she finds balance as a critically acclaimed author of both nonfiction and fiction. Her latest saga in the Bailey Weggins series, So Pretty It Hurts, was released this month. This fall, Sweet Success, a nonfiction follow-up to Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead . . . But Gutsy Girls Do: Nine Secrets Every Career Woman Must Know will be out. LuAnn Schindler chats with Kate about what it's like to be at the helm of Cosmo, her writing routine, and what women really want. MORE >>

Flash Fiction Contest Announcement: Spring 2012

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:03 -0700

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.

SPRING: March - May 31st, Midnight (Pacific Time) - NOW OPEN!... MORE >>

Fall 2011 Flash Fiction Contest Winners!

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:04 -0700

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Andrea Hurst, president of Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management, has made her final decisions. Read the winning stories of the 750 words or less open prompt Fall ’11 Flash Fiction Contest... MORE >>

WOW! Classes

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:06 -0700

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.

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

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:11 -0700

Never stale! The Muffin provides daily writing tips, inspiration and updates from the bakers of WOW!

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Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:12 -0700

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Tue, 3 Apr 2012 04:25:13 -0700

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Issue 48- January-February 2012: A Writer's Action Plan

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:57:08 -0800

Issue 48 - A Writer's Action Plan - Sage Cohen, Diane Albright, Kerrie Flanagan, Victoria Ipri MORE >>

Issue 47- September-October 2011: Carving Out Your Writing Niche

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:43:50 -0800

Issue 47 - Carving Out Your Niche - Kelly James Enger, Christina Katz, Libbie Summers MORE >>

Issue 46- July-August 2011: The E-Publishing Revolution

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 18:34:53 -0700

Issue 46 - The E-Publishing Revolution - Karen McQuestion, Bella Andre and H.P. Mallory... MORE >>

Issue 45- May-June 2011: Girls Just Want to Have Fun...Writing!

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:59:51 -0700

Issue 45 - Girls Just Want to Have Fun ... Writing - Elin Hilderbrand, Claire Cook and Lisa Jackson... MORE >>

Issue 44- March-April 2011: Personal Writing - Memoir, Personal Essay, Journaling

Fri, 20 May 2011 22:46:45 -0700

Issue 44
Do you want to know a secret? The best writing is personal. What goes on between a writer who gets personal and the reader is like an intimate friendship, where you exchange secrets, share emotions, and feel your friendship growing. It comes from somewhere inside, a certain vulnerability that you expose on the page. Once you learn how to write this way, you can apply it to any genre and achieve success. In this issue we explore journaling, from the history of journal writing to journaling for health and happiness. We also explore forms of memoir writing in depth, from personal essay writing and writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul to beginning your memoir and creating your narrative arc to bringing people in your memoir to life... MORE >>

Issue 43- January-February 2011: Physical Fitness for Writers

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:06:19 -0800

Issue 43
If you’re anything like me, there are two resolutions I make every year: to get in great shape through diet and exercise and to be a more productive writer. This issue, we take those resolutions, combine them, and explore the theme, "Physical Fitness for Writers," both literally and figuratively. You're going to learn how to put muscle into a marketing plan, trim fat from your manuscript, make the leap into full-time writing, recover from the injury of a rejection letter, and more! We also interview Jillian Michaels, Cami Ostman, and literary agent Sarah Lapolla... MORE >>

Issue 42- November-December 2010: Freelancing Freedom

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:06:51 -0800

Issue 42
Have you tapped into your inner entrepreneur? I know the word "entrepreneur" can conjure images of gray business suits, massive speaking engagements, and stuffy corporate meetings, but that's not always the case. Today's entrepreneur is a regular woman, just like you or me, sitting behind a computer screen in her home office. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities on the Web for writers to carve out their niche and make a steady living as a freelance writer. And women writers are not only making a living beyond their expectations, they are exploring new paths, forging new identities, and loving the freedom that freelancing brings. In this issue, we explore many opportunities we haven't covered in previous issues--everything from ghostwriting to keyword writing to expat writing to writing for the educational market to taking a blog from start to sold... MORE >>

Issue 41- September-October 2010: Creativity Carnival for Writers

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:06:40 -0800

Issue 41
When it comes to creativity, it's a carnival of possibilities for writers. There are so many different ways we can express ourselves and tap into the core of our creativity. Even the process of creating a new piece of work can be a wild ride. Turn your muse loose on this issue and she’ll be just as excited as a child at her first carnival. We have great interviews with the top creativity experts in the field and articles that take every colorful turn in the creativity kaleidoscope including brainstorming techniques, creating a vision board, sources for prompts and exercises, tips to break through writer’s block, ideas on how to take your creativity on a much-needed retreat, and even ways you can give your home-office space a creative boost using Feng Shui... MORE >>

Issue 40- July-August 2010: The Fiction Writer's Toolkit

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:09:21 -0700

Issue 40
When we compiled this issue, we had one goal in mind: to create a virtual reference library full of free information that fiction writers can use right now. A toolkit filled with techniques, exercises, and how-to advice for almost every aspect of fiction writing. So, we picked out the very best articles we could find to bring to you! This issue covers writing strong fiction, creating scenes, setting and description, voice, dialogue tags, pacing, plot and plotholes, using law in your story, self-editing, and writing flash fiction... MORE >>

Issue 39- May-June 2010: The Big Picture: Book to Film

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:53:35 -0700

Issue 39
Would you like to see your book, short story, or article as a movie? For many authors this is a dream come true, but how does it happen? In this issue, we talk to screenwriters, directors, producers, filmmakers, script consultants, literary managers, film rights agents, and authors to cover every angle of the adaptation process. We also cover book trailer basics and how to format a screenplay..... MORE >>

Issue 38- March-April 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 >>

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 >>