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DirtyMartini

Over 90 days ago

United States

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13 Jul 2011

Congrats to Cowgirl Brumby and Clarabelle for their recent story sales to Every Night Erotica, to Sprite and Xuani for their recent contest winnings over on the sister site, to Don Abdul and DirtyMartini for getting their stories in the most recent July issue of Bare Back Magazine, to Magnificent1Rascal for her recent Editor Pick right here on Stories Space, Cowgirl Brumby also got an offer from a publisher for an e-book and print deal...and I just found out today that my contest story The Birthday Party will be in the next issue of eFiction Magazine, the premier indie fiction magazine...did I miss anyone here on my friends list? And that's just in the last two weeks...nice to see everyone doing well here... icon_smile

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13 Jul 2011

Quote by Sherzahd

I need to mention that it’s/its are two of the most commonly confused words, so be sure that you are using the correct form in the proper context.
It’s is a contraction for it is. It’s is NEVER a possessive.
Its is the possessive for it.
For example: It’s a brave cat that shakes its tail at a dog.

Enough said? I think so.

I always got confused by that one, and have been rather guilty of making that mistake...though I understand it now...

It seems to me that the possessive form of it should be it's...just like the cat's tail or the dog's bark...

But, I'm not going to try to understand it...I know now that unless you are using the contracted form of "it is" that you omit the apostrophe...

'nuff said...

13 Jul 2011

Doug is in one of my writing groups over on Facebook, and I had sent him "The Birthday Party" which is, of course, my contest story for Stories Space...I had only sent it in about a week ago, and received this e-mail today...

Alan,

Thank you for sending us "The Birthday Party". We love it and would like to publish it in the next issue of eFiction Magazine. Congratulations!

Please reply with any comments or questions you may have about the publishing process.

Sincerely,

Doug Lance
eFiction Magazine

So...it's always nice to get acknowledged for what you do, and like I mentioned getting your name out there is something you really can't put a value on... icon_smile

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13 Jul 2011

eFiction Magazine touts itself as "the premier indie fiction magazine"...a quote from their site...

"eFiction is the premier indie fiction magazine. We publish stories from published and unpublished authors alike, but we prefer to publish new authors who are unrepresented and do not have current publishing deals with big publishers."

Here is the link to the magazine...
http://www.efictionmag.com/

So...they accept previously published stories, and they also do promos for authors " and I'd love to publish a free ad for Indie Authors. Send a 1250 x 1650 pixel image to . Our previous ads have reported sales of 45 copies. I hope to hear from you!"...so, if you have an e-book out there, let them know about it...they will help you promote your work...Doug Lance is the editor-in-chief and is a nice guy who is of course sympathetic to indie authors...

Go for it...they don't pay, but the value of getting your name out there as an author is often worth a lot more than the few dollars some e-Zines pay...

12 Jul 2011

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America have a site called Writer Beware which alerts authors to scams in the publishing industry...I know, hard to believe...check it out as the site applies to all genres, and be sure to like their Facebook page... smile

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WRITER BEWARE ®
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/

From their site...

"Writer Beware is the public face of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s Committee on Writing Scams. We also receive sponsorship from the Mystery Writers of America. Like many genre-focused writers’ groups, SFWA and MWA are concerned not just with issues that affect professional authors, but with the problems and pitfalls that face aspiring writers. Writer Beware, founded in 1998, reflects that concern.

Although SFWA and MWA are US-based organizations of professional fiction authors, Writer Beware’s efforts aren’t limited by country, genre, or publication history. We’ve designed the Writer Beware website so it can be used by any writer, new or established, regardless of subject, style, genre, or nationality."

I urge anyone considering using any publisher that asks for any upfront fee to check out the site...I know there are quite a few writers these days going various self-publishing routes...and there are plenty of publishers out there willing to take a writer's money to put out a book...how much you actually get in return, especially after the check clears, is a whole other subject...

12 Jul 2011

Hey Sharon...looks like we get the same newsletters... icon_smile

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I don't think I'm doing too bad with this one, though I do make a few...

1. Laziness...in the example they give about writing the same thing over and over, I don't think I'm guilty...I make it a point to try to not do the same thing, or write what others have written time and again...on the sister site, for instance...I am in 16 categories...more than anyone else on the site...I've always made it a point to write stories that were a bit "outside the box" and anyone who has actually read them, I think would agree...

As far as laziness in general...guilty lately...though it's more a matter of avoiding more "difficult" writing projects, a common thing among writers...and my upcoming projects are more difficult than I'm used to...

2. Trying to be a good student...I've been guilty of that...I don't usually research stories, or even take notes, but in the ones that I have I did seem to feel I had to throw everything in...

3. Marching down the outline...never actually wrote an outline for a story, but I don't know if I would see following an outline such a bad thing...

4. Denying jealousy....I don't feel I'm ever jealous of other writer's success, I think in large part because I consider myself somewhat unique as a writer...if I thought there was a writer who wrote exactly like me, and saw them making the big bucks, then it might be different...but, I don't see that happening any time soon...

5. Focusing too heavily on the business....guilty of that lately...been reading too much about publishing and other assorted stuff in writing groups when I should really be getting back to writing...but, it's something that hopefully won't last much longer...and I have learned a lot on the subject in the last several months...for better or worse...

6. Not reading books...hmmm, you talking to me??? I didn't hear anything...too busy reading... study

study

OK, maybe not...I've never actually been much of a fiction reader...people who have known me for a long time are actually fairly amazed that I actually write anything...
Very guilty here...just to give you an idea, I believe I read one novel in my twenties and thirties...yeah, one novel in two decades...

7. Imitation...well, I guess one of the advantages I have in not reading is that I can't be accused of imitating anyone...I don't have a problem with this one at least... icon_smile

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OK, I'm done here...who wants to go next? Lol...

11 Jul 2011

Quote by Duketravers
I did a script. Short thing though, and It was all in a notebook. First piece of work I ever finished and a testiment to my sucking ambiousness, at least I think so.

I thought your synopsis there was intriguing...I think you should at least type it up and post it here on Stories Space...

I for one would read it...

I actually think you have a lot of possibilities there Duke...and with the popularity of werewolves these days and all...just saying, but you might be sitting on the next best-seller... icon_smile

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10 Jul 2011

Quote by Sherzahd
I used to write screenplays for my high school drama club. And after that for teaching purposes. I should try that again, it is very different from writing a story.

As Van pointed out, if you are actually writing a screenplay with the intention that it may actually get picked up and turned into a movie...and if you are going to go through the effort of writing one, my thoughts are why not do it the right way so that the possibility at least exists...that is why there are software programs people use to ensure they conform to studio standards...

There was a discussion thread in one of the groups over on LinkedIn where a professional screenwriter was asking people what they wanted to know about screenplay writing for an upcoming course he was planning on the subject...basically, I mentioned I'd be interested in knowing any free programs that would be suitable, and I also inquired about estimating running time...you have to consider with a screenplay, it is not just the time it takes to read the script, since there are scenes where there is action but no spoken words...

He mentioned that, in general, you can assume about a minute per page of the script...his biggest advice to anyone considering writing one was to read a few though...and he recommended the above site...

So, figure for a two hour movie you're looking at a 120 page doc...that should keep you busy for a while... icon_smile

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10 Jul 2011

pump...

10 Jul 2011

Anyone ever hear of a "book shepherd?"...anyone ever use one??? Just heard the term this morning on LinkedIn...Thought this might be of interest to some...basically, it's a for-hire service to help new authors get published...you can buy anything in the publishing world...or anywhere else for that matter... icon_smile

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Here is the link to one...
http://www.smarketing.com/shepherd.html

9 Jul 2011

Are you into dance? Want to write about it? Want to make money doing so??? Check out this site...pays up to $250 for an article, from what I gather... smile

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Dance Spirit magazine – Inspiring. Trendy. Fun. Dream big. Dream now.
www.dancespirit.com
With the hottest up-and-coming talent, trendiest dancewear, health & fitness tips, and career advice, Dance Spirit knows what teen dancers need and delivers it.

Here is another site...
http://www.danceinternational.org/submissions.html

Dance International Magazine (DIM) is your ticket to
the world of professional dance and ballet. We offer
you gravity-defying photographs, world class writers,
and in-depth articles four times a year to keep you
up to date. Pays up to $150. Pays a 50% kill fee.
Send complete manuscript. Articles up to 1,500 words
that cover general information, opinions, profiles.
Covers classical and contemporary, dancers, performers,
choreographers, companies, troupes, programs, and
competitions. Columns are up to 1,000 words. These cover
commentaries, book reviews and performance reviews.

9 Jul 2011

Oh, here we go...the Literary Hatchet is looking for dark, horror-type fiction and poetry...and they will consider previously published stuff...go for it, I know you all got something stashed away you can send in... icon_smile

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About the Literary Hatchet
http://www.hatchetonline.com/HatchetOnline/LiteraryHatchet/submissions.htm
The Literary Hatchet is an Internet journal devoted to dark fiction (short stories) and provocative poetry and prose. We are interested in well-written but easy to read works in the horror genre, but also accept works that are paranormal in nature.

9 Jul 2011

Lingerfiction is looking for short, flash-fiction type stuff that's "unforgettable"...or so they say...they pay $20 if they like your piece, nothing if they don't like it... icon_smile

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Submission Guidelines « lingerfiction
http://lingerfiction.com/submission-guidelines/
We want stuff that’s unforgettable; stories that grab us from the first paragraph and won’t release us until the last word. Even then, the stories should stay with us. We want to think about it on the bus the next morning, and tell our friends about it.

9 Jul 2011

A contest for..." any fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry piece inspired by volunteer work, community service, travel experiences, or other personal interactions that deal with the subject of intercommunication and friendship."...got that? Good... smile

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United Planet Day Contest Information
http://www.unitedplanet.org/united-planet-day-contest
Help disaster recovery efforts in Japan with United Planet Volunteer Abroad Programs

No entry fee...first prize is choice of two week trip or $300...good luck... icon_smile

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8 Jul 2011

Congratulations to Cowgirl Brumby on her big offer of a book deal, e-book and print from a real publisher... icon_smile

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Is it too early to celebrate? Have all the contracts been signed? Lol...I just thought about your story "The Contract"...

Let us know when we can uncork the bubbly...

8 Jul 2011

youthful...

8 Jul 2011

I found this site as well...a professional screenwriter made the suggestion that I actually read some screenplays first...who would have thought?

Don't think I mentioned this before, but if you have any interest in movie scripts...or are simply looking for a transcript of you favorite movie...check out this site... smile

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SimplyScripts - Movie Scripts and Screenplays
www.simplyscripts.com
‎1000s of free, downloadable movie scripts and movie screenplays on the 'net. Searchable database of movie, television, radio, anime scripts, transcripts and plays. A screenwriter's resource.

8 Jul 2011

Here's another article on self-publishing e-books...I personally don't have a high opinion of self-publishing, especially e-books...but I don't know much anyway... icon_smile

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Publish Your Own Ebooks | How To Write, Publish & Sell Ebooks Online
www.publishyourownebooks.com
In this post I want to give a quick overview of what to look for in a mailing list management service. As your fan base grows you need an effective way of communicating with your readers by email. If you are building your author platform online then you really need .

8 Jul 2011

I think it has a few features that make it preferable over just sending e-mails back and forth...

Multiple writers traveling together? Use Writeboard (
http://writeboard.com/) to collaborate vacation plans and/or
writing ideas. Create a virtual whiteboard at the site and add as
many collaborators as needed. The Writeboard will automatically
update when new notes are added, and you can export all the content
into an .html or .txt file. Also, the site requires that you set a
password for your Writeboard, so you don't have to worry that your
top secret info will be compromised!

8 Jul 2011

Since everybody and their mother seems to have a blog these days... icon_smile

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How to Write Great Blog Content
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With more and more jobs for bloggers being advertised and the
growth of the blog set to continue, this site will help you to find
ways to create blog content.
http://www.problogger.net/how-to-write-great-blog-content/

8 Jul 2011

New Book Journal
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Authors and publishers can submit press releases about new books,
awards, events, etc. free to this site. Click on the "Contact Me"
button to upload information. The site can also embed trailers and
cover art, plus links to Amazon.
http://NewBookJournal.com

8 Jul 2011

GoChords® - A Free Web-Based Tool For Writing and Playing Songs - You Don't Have To Read To Write®
www.gochords.com
GoChords.com is a free, easy-to-use web-based tool for creating simple song sheets, complete with chord symbols and lyrics. This uncomplicated application allows you to change keys, change instruments, auto-scroll, create custom chord shapes, and create groups to share your music with others...
http://www.gochords.com/

8 Jul 2011

Atticus Books Open to Submissions
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Atticus Books publishes material that 'falls through the cracks
between genres'. They publish books, short stories, literary
fiction and creative nonfiction both in print and on their website.
For more information visit:
http://atticusbooksonline.com/about/ and
http://atticusbooksonline.com/about/how-to-publish-with-us/

8 Jul 2011

Andersen Press is looking for authors of children's books...they specialize in those big, picture type books with a maximum of 1000 words...so, if you got something...check them out...

Here is the link...
http://www.andersenpress.co.uk/about-us/submitting-a-manuscript

8 Jul 2011

People always seem to be looking for critiques of their writing, heck they even ask me...and really, I don't know anything...

Someone in one of the LinkedIn writing groups posted the link to this site today...the site is called Critique Circle...apparently you post your work and others come along and critique it...

My only concern is that I don't know what the requirements to be one of the critics is...someone might come along and critique your work who knows far less than you, but if you're interested...here's the link...
http://www.critiquecircle.com/

Let us know how this one works for you... icon_smile

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5 Jul 2011

Here is an article that may be of interest to some, on the subject of revision vs. editing...

Someone can read it and tell us what it says... icon_smile

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http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/style/rev-edit.htm

5 Jul 2011

Quote by scooter
Whats her name Dirty, I think I might know her?
Any ways, I spent time on a nother sorta site, an,,,,,
any ways, I never even learned nothin over there,
This is a nicer sorta site!

GrammarGirl...you probably know her...

You know everybody, don't you?

4 Jul 2011

Quote by ladysharon
Alan, honey. I plan on starting a blog that has only my writings on there. Is there any way I can get it copyrighted?

Don't see why not Sharon my dear...try this site, I think it might explain it easier...
http://www.benedict.com/Info/Law/How.aspx

Here is the Library of Congress copyright page...with a FAQ section and other assorted goodies...
http://www.copyright.gov/

4 Jul 2011

I know this one might have limited appeal here...but, check out the link just to see what it is about...

It is a link to info on the upcoming Latino Author and Writers Conference which will be held in New York in October...even if you are not of Hispanic origin, check out the info on the event...there are similar events held in major cities for all writers of any ethnic background...

It is events like these, and yes, there is usually a cover fee involved, where writers get a chance to meet with actual agents...here's the link...
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=614158181&gid=1780627&type=member&item=60420267&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elatinoconference%2Ecom&urlhash=4fja&goback=%2Egde_1780627_member_60420267

4 Jul 2011

There's a girl on another site which I know I can't mention... icon_smile

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She goes by the name of GrammarGirl9....

But anyway...she posts an almost daily blog of often useful writing advice in fairly concise form...she's also very helpful to beginning writers who need help...

Here's an example from a recent blog entry she posted...I thought there were a couple of good tidbits here...

June 24, 25, 26

MISTAKES THAT CAN LEAVE YOUR STORY DEAD IN THE WATER

The editor at the University of Chicago Press, led a workshop on changes in The Chicago Manual of Style: 16th Edition. It was brought out how important it is to be conscious of the latest change. The editor emphasized that, "Just a few grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in your proposal can render it dead in the water before an editor or agent ever reaches the manuscript, using the latest style guidelines can communicate your professionalism as a writer and commitment to your craft." The following is a partial list of changes
that were covered at the workshop:

Chicago Manual of Style 16th Edition Changes

6.119 Commas following other punctuation marks are now allowed.

7.16, 17, or 18 Possessives. To maintain consistency, it was decided that possessives of all names, including names like Jesus and Moses, will end in 's (Jesus's, Moses's).

7.76 Website is now one word (website), and worldwide web is capitalized (Worldwide Web).

8.55 When referring to a specific mountain, river, street, etc., both/all words are capitalized (Chicago River, Illinois River, Blue Ridge Mountains).

8.153 Brand names don't need to follow standard capitalization style (ebay, iPod).

14.7 Access dates. Access dates are now allowed if no publication date is available.

5.220 There is a great list of word combinations to watch out for. Example: close proximity. This is noted as redundant.

2.133 Checklist for proofing electronic publications. Also includes how to communicate those proofing changes on an electronic file.