Authors Incognito
Newsletter
October 2010
This Month's Theme:
Social Networking and Self Promotion
FROM THE MODERATOR
- Nichole Giles(aka Queen of Awesome)
IN THE NEWS
The Swore Family (aka Wendy Swore) Kiddy Corn Maze opens this weekend.
AI members are offered a special discount (free family pass)
Ask for Wendy, introduce yourself, and she'll offer you the grand tour.
http://www.sworefarms.com/
Janice LeFevre recently began working as an editorial intern for the Ensign magazine. She would like everyone to know she loves her job.
Roundup Winners!
During September's League of Utah Writers Roundup, we had several winners:
Connie Hall won the Gold Quill for Martha's Freedom Train
C.L. Beck and D.N. Giles won a Silver Quill for Mormon Mishaps and Mischief
D.N. Giles won another Silver Quill for The Sharp Edge of a Knife
Renae Mackley won third place in the creative nonfiction category for "Our Miracle Baby"
Carolyn Frank won an honorable mention in the children's and picture book category for "My Friend is a Tree"
Jenn Wilks also won an honorable mention in the children's and picture book category for "Annie is Such a Copycat"
Bill Tandy won third place in the Tween category for "Time Geek"
Tobyn Degraw won an honorable mention in the Tween category for "Jaeger"
Carolyn Frank also won an honorable mention in the Tween category for "Hitler's Promise"
Karen Mittan won second place in the rhyming poetry category for "Wyoming Winter"
A huge congratulations to all the winners, as well as the rest of the participants. Entering contests is difficult and you are to be commended for your courage.
* * *
NEW BOOKS BEING RELEASED
The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D.N. Giles (This year's Silver Quill winner) is now available for your e-reader for the bargain price of $6.95! Click here for more information or to purchase your e-copy.
The Thorn by Daron Fraley is also now available in e-book format, an excellent price at $3.99. You can find it online at Barnes and Noble.
Also by Daron Fraley, an anthology, Water and Other Stories also available at Barnes and Noble.
We would love to get some more official nominees for the Whitney awards so
as to overwhelm our judges with books to read--if you have an eligible book,
or love someone who does, feel free to drum up some votes! If you've read
some great books by LDS authors, don't be stingy--tell us about it!
Nominations can be sent via the website http://www.whitneyawards.com/
or to
whitneyawards@gmail.com
Thanks much,
Josi Kilpack
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Christine Bryant has always been a writer. Even before she could compose a single word with a pen, she scribbled her version of cursive along the open page, just to see what it looked like. She spent her teenage years swiping her father's old black Royal typewriter so her muse could breathe life into what her vivid imagination had created.
When she's not with her family or tickling the computer keys, she loves camping, reading, scrapbooking, listening to all kinds of music, and making new friends.
Christine is currently living in the middle of sage brush and lava rock with a spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon in South Central Idaho. (Don't freak, I didn't cut my hair. This is an old picture, taken after I'd lost a ton of weight.)
Newsletter
October 2010
Social Networking and Self Promotion
FROM THE MODERATOR
- Nichole Giles(aka Queen of Awesome)
It’s fall conference season again, and an excellent time to spread our wings and extend the hand of friendship to people with whom we share a common interest. But while attending conferences is one of the best ways to meet people in the writing community, it’s not the only way.
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, networking with industry professionals has never been easier. Sites like Facebook and Twitter have allowed me access to friends across the globe, some of whom I’ve never met in person, but who know my name and that I’m a writer.
I’m able to communicate with authors, agents, and editors, ask questions, build friendly relationships and also a name for myself. But as with all things, caution is key. It only takes one bad day, one heated post or comment, one thoughtless remark to change the way people view me. Especially when they don’t know me as well as my closest in-person friends.
As we go about our social networking attempts, we should all remember this, and set rules and guidelines as to what is acceptable to put on the internet. It would do us all well to create a hard fast line that will only ever be crossed with people we love and trust. In this way, we’ll remain professional and positive. People will remember us, not because we once lashed out and said something terrible or negative online, but rather for achieving the common goal of every author. Touching the hearts of our readers.
IN THE NEWS
The Swore Family (aka Wendy Swore) Kiddy Corn Maze opens this weekend.
AI members are offered a special discount (free family pass)
Ask for Wendy, introduce yourself, and she'll offer you the grand tour.
http://www.sworefarms.com/
Janice LeFevre recently began working as an editorial intern for the Ensign magazine. She would like everyone to know she loves her job.
Roundup Winners!
During September's League of Utah Writers Roundup, we had several winners:
Connie Hall won the Gold Quill for Martha's Freedom Train
C.L. Beck and D.N. Giles won a Silver Quill for Mormon Mishaps and Mischief
D.N. Giles won another Silver Quill for The Sharp Edge of a Knife
Renae Mackley won third place in the creative nonfiction category for "Our Miracle Baby"
Carolyn Frank won an honorable mention in the children's and picture book category for "My Friend is a Tree"
Jenn Wilks also won an honorable mention in the children's and picture book category for "Annie is Such a Copycat"
Bill Tandy won third place in the Tween category for "Time Geek"
Tobyn Degraw won an honorable mention in the Tween category for "Jaeger"
Carolyn Frank also won an honorable mention in the Tween category for "Hitler's Promise"
Karen Mittan won second place in the rhyming poetry category for "Wyoming Winter"
A huge congratulations to all the winners, as well as the rest of the participants. Entering contests is difficult and you are to be commended for your courage.
* * *
NEW BOOKS BEING RELEASED
The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D.N. Giles (This year's Silver Quill winner) is now available for your e-reader for the bargain price of $6.95! Click here for more information or to purchase your e-copy.
The Thorn by Daron Fraley is also now available in e-book format, an excellent price at $3.99. You can find it online at Barnes and Noble.
PLEA FOR WHITNEY NOMINATIONS
from Josi Kilpack
as to overwhelm our judges with books to read--if you have an eligible book,
or love someone who does, feel free to drum up some votes! If you've read
some great books by LDS authors, don't be stingy--tell us about it!
Nominations can be sent via the website http://www.whitneyawards.com/
or to
whitneyawards@gmail.com
Thanks much,
Josi Kilpack
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
She's spent the last twenty-three years married to the man of her dreams and raising their two sons. After helping run the family restaurant for most of their marriage, Christine has finally broken away to pursue her dream of being an author.
When she's not with her family or tickling the computer keys, she loves camping, reading, scrapbooking, listening to all kinds of music, and making new friends.
Christine is currently living in the middle of sage brush and lava rock with a spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon in South Central Idaho. (Don't freak, I didn't cut my hair. This is an old picture, taken after I'd lost a ton of weight.)
Cheri Chesley believes in magic and miracles. When not writing she can be found reading the dictionary for fun or improving her photography. She lives with her husband and numerous children in Tooele, Utah. Look for updates on her latest works at www.cherichesley.com or check out her blog at http://cherichesley.blogspot.comHow Networking Has Helped Me
by T.J. Bronley
Networking is the most important thing that will help you realize you are not alone in the writing world. As I attend conferences, it's nice to feel "normal" among others. But the best thing about them is you never know who you're going to meet that will help you in your path to publishing.
I've connected with a lot of different writers who have taught me so much about the writing world and have introduced me to other writers who have done the same thing. If I need advice on something, these author friends are willing to share. If I need a critique on a short piece, I have people to turn to. Someone I may have met along the way could be the person who will help me up that one step to publication.
The other thing about networking that’s really awesome is when it helps you on a day-to-day basis. For example, I have met author Annette Lyon through a few different means. I once wrote a blog post that I shared with her. After that, she spread word of the post and my blog got hit like a wildfire. I got over 500 hits over the following two days because of it. Nothing could’ve made my day better at that point. I actually wrote something that someone loved enough to share. For some reason, that networking moment is one that has become the best in my writing life.
You can have moments like these as well. Just know that they don’t happen because you force them. They happen because you’ve done the right thing, met the right person, and asked the right question or said something good.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES and WRITING CLASSES
The First EVER official Authors Incognito Writers Retreat
Held in conjunction with NaNoWriMo
Nov 4, 11:00 am-Nov 6th, 4:00 pm
We're renting a beautiful cabin in Heber, UT and will host classes, contests, and write-ins.
Email Danyelle or Nichole for registration information.
There are still two spots left!
The Ozark Creative Writer's Conference
The Ozark Creative Writer's Conference
Oct 7-9, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
SCWBI Utah/Idaho
November 13-14, 2010
City Library
210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Speakers include several editors, agents and authors.
Cost: $105 for members, $125 for non-members
Critiques and Portfolio reviews will be an additional $45
American Fork Arts Council
Autumn Conference for Writers
Historic American Fork City Hall, 31 North Church Street (50 East), American Fork
Saturday, October 9, 2010; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Historic American Fork City Hall, 31 North Church Street (50 East), American Fork
Saturday, October 9, 2010; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
TO REGISTER, CALL 801-763-3081 or email lori@afcity.net
Tristi Pinkston is now offering personal writing instruction.
Classes offered in dialogue, narrative description, punctuation, realistic characters, and many others.
In addition to lesson material, you will receive a full edit of your a 2-3 page segment.
$15.00 per class with a 20% discount available to those who sign up for three or more classes.
Visit http://www.tristipinkstonwi.blogspot.com/ for more information.
David Wolverton is hosting another Professional Writer's Workshop
June 6-11, Ramada Inn, St. George, Utah.
$500.00, 18 students max.
Reserve your seat at www.davidfarland.net/writingworkshops.
From the LDStorymakers
Submitted by Jamie Theler
Just the facts, Ma'am. Just the facts.
Who: You
What: LDStorymakers 8th annual conference
When: May 5-7, 2011
Where: Sheraton Hotel, downtown Salt Lake City
Why: Because it's more fun than a poke in the eye with a woolly mammoth.
We're excited to have local and national agents, editors, and authors join us for a fun-filled weekend packed with all things writing. Scheduled guests include:
Irene Kraas – of Kraas Literary Agent. http://www.kraasliteraryagency.com/
Marcia Markland – Senior editor with Thomas Dunne Books specializing in suspense fiction. http://us.macmillan.com/ThomasDunne.aspx
Larry Brooks – Author of five published novels, including Story Engineering: Understanding the Six Core Competencies of Writing. http://storyfix.com/
Sara Crowe – agent with Harvey Klinger, Inc. http://www.saracrowe.com/
Other activities include bootcamp, first chapter contest, pitch session, master classes, and more.
http://www.ldstorymakers.com/conference_2011.php
Who: You
What: LDStorymakers 8th annual conference
When: May 5-7, 2011
Where: Sheraton Hotel, downtown Salt Lake City
Why: Because it's more fun than a poke in the eye with a woolly mammoth.
We're excited to have local and national agents, editors, and authors join us for a fun-filled weekend packed with all things writing. Scheduled guests include:
Irene Kraas – of Kraas Literary Agent. http://www.kraasliteraryagency.com/
Marcia Markland – Senior editor with Thomas Dunne Books specializing in suspense fiction. http://us.macmillan.com/ThomasDunne.aspx
Larry Brooks – Author of five published novels, including Story Engineering: Understanding the Six Core Competencies of Writing. http://storyfix.com/
Sara Crowe – agent with Harvey Klinger, Inc. http://www.saracrowe.com/
Other activities include bootcamp, first chapter contest, pitch session, master classes, and more.
http://www.ldstorymakers.com/conference_2011.php
CONTESTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS
Paranormal / Urban Fantasy romance writers
Enter to win a 10 page agent critique by Marisa Corvisiero, among other prizes.
Act fast, this contest closes October 6th!
Click here for details.
Don't forget to keep checking the forums over at Write On Con.
Not only do they have monthly chats, but they're constantly giving away prizes.
Check them out!
Paranormal / Urban Fantasy romance writers
Enter to win a 10 page agent critique by Marisa Corvisiero, among other prizes.
Act fast, this contest closes October 6th!
Click here for details.
Don't forget to keep checking the forums over at Write On Con.
Not only do they have monthly chats, but they're constantly giving away prizes.
Check them out!
Keep an eye on the Querytracker blog.
They have agent / editor judged writing contests sometimes once a month. This is a great resource for researching agents and publishers and what they're looking for in a client.
They have agent / editor judged writing contests sometimes once a month. This is a great resource for researching agents and publishers and what they're looking for in a client.
The Benefits of Networking
by Jane Still
At my first LDS StoryMakers Conference, I met brilliant authors who were all computer marketing geniuses and grammar gurus. I knew then that I would never be a professional author. Not only could I not write but the thought of marketing myself made me want to puke.
About five years later, my first book hit the market and I was forced to face those nightmares.My computer illiteracy was compounded by the fact that I am totally blonde in everything I do. I padded the walls in my bedroom, locked the door, and kicked my computer around. When it came back from the shop, I went to work.
The most important thing I realized about networking is to think long-term. You don’t have to accomplish it all today but you must do something everyday. Do what you feel comfortable doing and become comfortable in what you can’t do.
My next book is coming out next March and I rejoice in the fact that I now have Facebook and blog followers.
When you cross hurdles rejoice.
This year I will learn how to do a blog tour.
Everyone will use different methods to network but to be effective, you must learn some basic psychologies.
1. Show no fear. You can have it, just don’t show it. The biggest fear people have is being rejected. HELLO, you are authors. You are rejection magnets. All successful people get rejections; pick up a newspaper.
2. People want to be your friend and to help. You are an author. If you are not arrogant, people want to know you and help you.
3. Know what you want. You can’t get where you want if you don’t know where you are going. Be specific.
4. Ask for what you want. Everywhere I go, I carry bookmarks and business cards. I give tons of them away. I ask people to check out my blog, be a follower, make comments.
5. Build character, do what’s hard. Do it with a smile. Everything you accomplish today will be money in your pocket five years from now.
Happy networking.
~submitted by Elizabeth Mueller
Happy Birthday to all the Author's Incognito members who were born in October.
If we missed you, please let one of us know.
5th - Gaynell Parker
27th - Kristie Ballard
30th - Rebecca Blevins
QUOTE ON WRITING
~submitted by Cheri Chesley
It is impossible to discourage the real writers - they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write.
~Sinclair Lewis WRITING TIP
by Heather Justesen
What Does the Ear Hear?
by Heather Justesen
What Does the Ear Hear?
I'm always amazed at how clean my writing looks, how perfectly everything works when I edit it at home, yet when I get to my critique group with the same section and we read it aloud, there are always things I catch that I didn't notice before. Some of this may stem from knowing someone else is listening to me read my chapter and being self conscious. The rest comes from simply hearing the words spoken. Until the words filter back through my ears, I often don't notice that I used a distinctive word twice too close together, or that I have six words in a single line that start with the letter F. Reading our manuscripts aloud is also quite helpful for recognizing when the dialogue doesn't quite work--if I stumble over it as I read it, chances are someone wouldn't say it that way, either.
So before you send that manuscript off for review, take the time to edit with your ears, and not just your eyes.
Tech Corner
by Daron Fraley
Browser and Social Media Tips
Over the last couple of weeks I have seen several discussions around website loading issues and accounts getting hacked. Having worked in the Info Tech industry for a long time, I am here to offer a few tips which can help keep your system in top running condition and protect your accounts and data.
Tip 1: Ever have browser issues where websites seem to load slowly? Or do you ever have a website which won't load at all anymore? Browsers all have a cache--an area where files are temporarily stored while you access various websites. It is supposed to improve performance. But sometimes the cache gets so cluttered that it actually slows things down. Here is a great tutorial that will help you to clean things up and make your internet experience fast again: http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser%27s-Cache
Tip 2: Backup, backup, backup! Ever lose files? Ever accidentally delete your manuscript? Have you ever had a corrupted file you could no longer open? Here is what I do: My working file is called Manuscript_WORKING_COPY.doc. That is the file I edit. I frequently save my changes while I work. When I am done for the night, I save it again. Then I do a SAVE AS. I name the new file Manuscript_20100928.doc. This file is a second copy of the working file, but contains the date in the filename. Then I save BOTH files to a USB Key. Every so often I backup ALL my files to a SECONDARY USB Key. This way I have two backups. And all of my files. And if I ever have a corrupted or lost WORKING file, I can go back to a previous backup. If those are corrupt, I can go to the nightly file and copy it to the WORKING file. This process solves all three problems I mentioned. Try it.
Tip 3: Ever have your twitter account or facebook account start sending out bogus spam messages without your permission? This is frequently a cause of your account being hacked because a trojan or other form of malware/virus got onto your computer. Here is a tip to keep things safe: NEVER NEVER NEVER use the same password that you use for email as the password for anything else, especially a social media site. Make this password a secure one! Also, try to make your twitter account and facebook account different passwords. I would also suggest, keep the password that you use for online banking different from everything else. Are you having trouble keeping your passwords straight? Try variations like this (don't use these! Passw0rd variations are too common; use your own root word): Passw0rd!T for twitter, Passw0rd@F for facebook, Passw0rd#E for email, etc. Use upper and lower case. Use at least 1 number. Use a special character. If you still have issues with forgetting passwords, download a free password keeper to store them all in. Make sure the one you get has high encryption and is highly recommended in more than one online website dedicated to security. If you need a suggestion, ask a friend what program they use.
Happy writing! Happy computing!
Visit Daron's Website.
Visit Daron's Website.
RECIPE
~submitted by Peggy Urry
Pesole (Mexican Soup)
Soup
2-3 cans chicken broth
1 can hominy
1 rotisserie chicken cut up
2 cans green chilies
Mexican seasoning (cumin, Mex oregano)
Toppings
rice
cabbage shredded
green onions chopped
cilantro chopped
avocado chopped or sliced
radish sliced
celery sliced
cheese shredded
corn chips
lime slices
In a slow cooker simmer the soup ingredients all day. Add toppings of choice and enjoy.
Note: squeezing the lime(s) over the soup is a must!
