Welcome to my writers page!

I'm finally back to update this page...I know it's been over a month. If only there was more time in a day I then feel I could get more work accomplished. The past 2 months have took their toll on me with trying to manage 3 weekly sites and starting a new college basketball fan site for the Tarheels. The following is the link to: UNC Hoops Nation. Other than writing online content I've been selling advertising on the sites plus experimenting with affiliate programs while looking for a new day job (yeah, I've had no luck with that at all...may be that's why I'm compelled to write so much).

The problem I experience often as do most middle-class Americans is that the job market in small cities is condensed to mainly low-paying jobs that almost no one wants. Good entry-level positions are hard to come by and the competition is so intense now more than ever that there are 10 times as many applicants than there are positions available. In that regard, employers weed through resumes and applications so fast that qualified candidates seemingly always get overlooked. This is why I don't believe my Associates degree in Marketing will ever enable me to get a "real" job. I've already conducted business based on marketing and selling online which didn't require the knowledge of having such a degree.

To me running a business online as a single owner or merchant means a person needs to find a niche market and for me so far it's been sports promotion and coverage for basketball and baseball. I'm glad to have started have own blogs because they've grown in popularity and reach such a wide audience. I like the idea of doing business online because it eliminates the hassles of face-to-face meetings and conflicts. Plus the opportunity has gain me extra time to gain writing experience even if it's not for a major publication as a regular columnist. Somehow one day I'd like to find a way to combine creative efforts to become a writer, actor, and comedian. I've actually already done a little of each more weighing though on writing.

The only writing tips I can offer in this post are start off small with literary work. Many new online magazines look for contributions from prospective writers who have a fresh idea or new style that intrigues a readership. Submitting articles, opinion pieces, and poems are probably the most effective way to get published as a first time writer. Publications are usually picky and sometimes don't know what they're looking for right away and will turn down new writers without credentials. However, there are those who are open to new ideas, want to gain further exposure for their publication, and are willing to give new comers a chance.

You may not earn money, but at least you'll have clips which can be used later. Feel free to click on this link for writing resources: http://www.bookcatcher.com/resources/index.php
The smart move is to write as often as possible and keep a notebook handy when traveling because a great idea could stem out of no where...so write it down or else you might forget it. Keep those creative juices flowing and good luck in all creative endeavors!

Hello and welcome!

I'm back with another post...finally. I haven't updated this page since New Years. Yes, it's been quite a while. The content writing has got a little haywire for me the past couple of months. Keeping 3 other blogs/sites updated each week is hectic for me, probably is for anyone. It would be nice if I had a few contributors to help with web design and writing other content, but unfortunately that's not the case. Mainly, I write sports columns and funny blurbs about news, events, and celebrities on my humor blog, http://www.humorousculture.blogspot.com.

In my other limited spare time I been browsing the screenwriting and Hollywood entertainment websites to see what movies are in current production as well as the scripts being sold and the types agents and producers are seeking. I heard a movie about the Hardy Boys will be filmed in 2008. Ben Stiller and Tom Cruise are set to star, teaming up for the project on the literary classic. Also, a new installment of the Indiana Jones series is undergoing production this year. Some scenes are expected to be shot in Los Angeles. I enjoyed the 3 previous films, but how durable and death-defying can Indy be at a ripe old age (sorry Harrison Ford, but it's true).

Several screenwriting directories have lists of screenplays which can be read or used for educational purposes. Occasionally I download a few scripts and save them for future reading and research. Here are a few links to such pages:

http://www.scriptpimp.com/show_me/free_screenplays/index.cfm?search=true&search_criteria=Show_All

http://www.scriptcrawler.com/scripts.php?date=2006-07-24

You can also search for plays and TV scripts on the second website. Many newbies are posting their screenplays and shorts on such sites for visitors to read and review. As a writer you never know when a director or agent may stumble upon your original script and contact you. Gaining the exposure and learning from the feedback others give you is most important. Well, until next time...sometime next month, let the writing spirit guide you. Writer out!

Greetings and Happy New Year!

What a year it's been. Where did the time go? So many things happened around the world. There were a well of stories to write about in the news. The media provided coverage of the War in Iraq and scared us with warnings of new diseases ranging from the Bird Flu to Avian Flu. As a writer my concentration was put on blogs rather getting back into the flow of regular literature. I know it's hard to keep New Year's resolutions, but I definitely need to start reading good fiction novels and anthologies. I've put that off in 2006 and it's definitely effected my writing. Whoever said a good writer comes from being a frequent reader is right.

Watching the gala at Times Square in New York, seeing the sea of humanity on hand shows how pumped people are about bringing in the New Year. The dedication from hosts like Dick Clark always make the event special. To think, Americans were informed of the deaths of two former world leaders, Gerald Ford and Saddam Hussein just within the past week yet have something to celebrate. We have all come to grips of the never ending scandals and incompetence within the U.S. government. Americans still search for any positive thing that have come from the Bush Administration.

The War on Christmas and mad holiday shopping has ended (at least until Dec. 2007) giving us all a break from such nonsense and back to our normal lifestyles: being fat and lazy, eating at McDonalds too much, overflooding Wal-marts, paying too much for gasoline, returning to work without a promise of a raise or bonus, and always being a rush. Two things in the U.S. must improve, healthcare and jobs. Too many people are unemployed still and patients go in debt after a visit to the hospital and become victims of malpractices. Suffrage has yet to end in this country. Bad publicity, exercise of liberties, and devastating lawsuits may be part of the cure.

Also people should continue to use their talents for good causes such as charities and fund raisers. Less focus can be put on celebrity lifestyles. Let their business be their own...if they do something remarkable then it's worth mentioning. 2007 can be a productive year for those who set their mind on reaching major goals while not letting distractions of global warming and panic alerts on possible terrorist threats rattle you. Living one day at a time is all anyone can do. Heck, you might put a great plan into action by starting your own business, creating a new invention, or run for President, who knows? Until then, farewell to 2006....let's roll in a New Year!

Welcome to all who find this page. Wow, it's been a while since I've updated this site, almost seems like 3 months. I know most bloggers keep fresh content on their sites every other day or so. It's a shame I'm unable to do so with my writers blog. The work which goes into maintaining a site is overwhelming sometimes. Learning about news feeds, link exchanges, advertising networks, pings, blog directories, and syndication software takes up a crap load of time. The research process is beneficial because you learn how to make money and increase traffic to your blog.

Managing 3 other blogs has been a challenge while balancing such projects with work and other responsibilities. Eventually, blog feeds will be available on mobile devices on cellphones. If there are few flaws readers will be able to access website content faster while saving the source in the cellphone's memory bank. That's sounds cool. What I'd like to see is book publishers and magazine publishers join in the syndication process. Samples of short stories or books could be viewed also. The only problem is the with cellphones so mini now that the text would be small and hard to read. Other than that it will be a great tool for promoting writers.

Professional and novice writers can get access to more readers while giving them a taste of their writing style. Referring readers to their personal website is always good as well as having a link on a publishers site. This new mobile technology could pay major dividends and be the wave of the future. I expect such convenient technology to expand in the next 2 years or so and be readily available at stores and other public places like libraries. Until then I'll keep writing what I know and try to make headway in niche markets. Writers, keep those creative juices flowing!

Welcome once again to my writing page. Yes, it's been a while since I've updated this site. The writing juices have flowed elsewhere. Lately, I've been further educating myself and researching blogs. The blogsphere has really took off in the past year. I've discovered so many methods to make money on blogs. Most everyone is familiar with Google Ads by now. It seems like bloggers everywhere want to get in the action and turn profits. I had yet to experience any success with the Goggle ad program.

I know there several other outlets for making cash as a blogger and writing opportunities available too. It's surprising how many websites are in need of a weekly blogger to write world news, sports, celebrity gossip, and other niche areas such as gardening tips. I had no idea blogging would become so popular. There are also plenty of advertising networks and affiliate programs online that connect bloggers with companies seeking advertising partners or ad space. The best part of the independent networks are that they allow you to set your own rates and terms.

The following are a list of advertising networks and forums which post blogging jobs:

- blogads

- adbrite

- textlinkads

- payperpost

- b5media

- performancing partners

These are only a few examples of the opportunities that are out there for bloggers. I have a feeling in the near future not only when bloggers get paid to write articles, but also short stories and fillers on publishers' sites. It won't make a person rich, but at least this can serve as a part-time gig and provide extra income a month. To be honest I wouldn't mind working with a big name publisher to start a fiction anthology network where writers can get paid to post their original literary creations. The money could come from ad sponsors.

Eventually with the expansion of news feeds and advanced mobile technology blogging can be done on cellphones and become bigger than ever. The idea of seeing updates on blogs through such devices is mind blowing. Resources for software downloads and insights on blogging are widely available on sites like newsniche.com and forum4bloggers.com. If you're curious go check them out and see for yourself. Until next time...keep it real.

Learning How To Write Horror Stories

Since it's drawing near Halloween this is a good time to dive into horror writing. Personally, I seldom explore the craft in this genre since it's far from my forte. I enjoy watching horror movies, the classics have memorable antagonist characters like Michael Myers in Halloween, Freddy Krueger in Nightmare on Elm Street, and Jason Voorhes in Friday the 13th. The spine chilling moments though are what make these films viewer favorites. When first writing a horror story it's best to work out how scenes build up to characters being killed. Brainstorming a monster's (villian) motivation for murdering people helps to define them.

Writing out a deposition is vital too. Readers want to know what happened to make the main character lose control and go a killing spree. If a backstory is not revealed then interest is lost and the story becomes dull quick. Identifying the protagonist's fear early in a story gives an audience an idea of what he or she feels like inside and how they can relate to this in their life. For example, a reader may experience the same creepy feeling as a character such as having someone mysterious follow them in a deserted parking lot or school then lose sight of them only to find the person stalking them again.

Forget ghosts, goblins, and vampires I think the most frightening characters are humans who are deranged and conceived to be pure evil. They hold the most emotional value with an audience I think because they seem real enough as if we know someone like them with many of their similarities. Now seeing glimpses of these horror figures in nightmares or daydreams means they are stuck in a person's head. That means a writer has done his or her job as far as making their boogeyman stand out.

The essence of the character with the foreboding sense of immanent danger mixed with fear is what drives a story and makes it successful. Having people on the edge of their seats is key. As they try to anticipate what happens they become more and more anxious. Timing with a sequence of events in the proper order can mean everything. Whether the antagonist is present or not and an audience is still scared then a writer has struck a chord and hit home with a central purpose.

New authors who self-publish rather than deal with traditional publishers

As a first time writer the chances of being published through a large publishing house are slim. Less than 10% of book proposals are accepted by traditional publishers. Many independent writers are doing all the work themselves now. From editing to promotiona and marketing. I've got to admit grinding out the whole process sounds overwhelming. There are self-publishers who will provide select services for authors. Depending on how many book copies an author wishes to have special discounts are available.

Below are links to self-publishers for fiction manuscripts:

www.tabbyhouse.com

www.iuniverse.com

There are several costs to factor in when considering self-publishing. Usually editors will charge 3-5 cent a word to edit a manuscript. A book promotion package will be required unless a writer will carry out the function. A front cover design is essential which will be included in any basic package deal, but an author may want additional services like a print-on-demand option (print copies from computer when customers request book), marketing the book by having a press release written or schedule a book signing, and mass production of book which will be sold in bookstores nationwide and online, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com).

Through the right marketing tools and promotion there are many ways to give a book exposure to the target audience. Readers are more likely to response to a book cover with bright colors and a catchy title rather than a bland design that blends in with rest of literature on the shelves. Explore all the options and advantages if you're a new author, self-publishing may be right for you.