Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – Writing Goals for 2021

January 7, 2021
mandyevebarnett


At the beginning of every year, we decide on what goals we want to achieve. Sometimes we are successful, sometimes not, but it is the thrill of a new year that engages us in this ritual. I make a goal board to help my focus and motivation. It is not just for my writing goals but other personal ones too. As you can see from the image, I have four sections to my board this year – writing, family & friends, finances and health and relaxation.

Interestingly, this board is the most complex one I have ever made. Maybe because there is a stronger motivation this year due to the restrictions we have all encountered. And that is my word for 2021 as well – MOTIVATION.

Do you have a word for 2021?

I have already submitted to several writing contests and began a six week writing course too, so I am on my way. I am also determined to have the first book of my detective novel trilogy, edited and revised by the end of the year, so it can be published. To this end, members of my writing group will be swapping chapters of our current work in progress for suggestions, editing and review over several months. This is such a useful tool, as each person will ‘read’ the story, allowing me (and them) a preview of our novels.

What writing goals do you have for 2021?

Magazines Overloaded with Adverts and a Prompt…

March 28, 2014
mandyevebarnett


magazines-in-a-bunch This week Alberta magazine awards were announced and received – see link.  http://www.albertamagazines.com/news-events/news/ampa-news/item/announcing-awards-winners 

I occasionally glance through magazines when visiting the hairdressers but find most are so full of adverts that I put them back. I prefer something with more substance, such as National Geographic and Writer’s Digest. In reality the magazine company’s require the revenue from the advertisements but surely not so many! Do you find it annoying?

In my current research into freelancing, I have found many magazines, who welcome articles from freelance writers. I have compiled a long list and will create specific articles for them in the coming months.

Do you write for magazines?

What is your experience? Any tips?

Quotes:  I love magazines. It’s such a McNugget kind of information.  Scott Adams

When I was 16, I started publishing all kinds of things in school magazines. Margaret Attwood

“It’s so important to have a genuine curiosity not just about magazines, but the world around you.” —Anne Fulenwider,Editor in Chief, Marie Claire

 FunDayWrite in the style of a magazine or newspaper article of a everyday mundane event to make it ‘exciting and newsworthy’.

Please share them once written.

Are you Ready for Friday Fun and Literary News..?

January 24, 2014
mandyevebarnett


FunDay

Happy Friday!

We’ve managed another week…how was yours? Did you accomplish what you wanted or are the last few projects/things to do  making it onto the top of next week’s list?

For many authors and writers the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award announcement is exciting and nerve racking at the same time.

Should I enter? Is my novel ready?  All submissions are a leap of faith and if nothing else good practice.

Are you entering? What is your genre? 

This is the seventh year of this competition – make it your year.

abna_900x120._V192571703_

http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011

Fun Prompt:

You have a super power – what is it and how do you use it?

SuperPower

Follow the Guidelines – It’s Vital…

December 9, 2013
mandyevebarnett


Guidelines – definition: an indication or outline of policy or conduct

top-10-list

Guidelines are important and should be adhered to when submitting your work. Whether it is for a competition, a particular genre or for freelance submissions. How we submit is almost as crucial as the work itself. Many publishing houses and agents now accept email instead of snail mail, but remember to read  carefully how they expect your work to be received. Some prefer attachments while others want everything in the body of the email.

When freelance writers are contacting potential clients the guidelines change from company to company and an incorrect submission can mean the difference between success and failure. Researching the company’s profile, any articles already published and establishing the correct person to contact enables you to refine your work and ensure the piece is received and not lost in the internal mail system of the company.

For manuscripts, submissions are more tricky. Which agent or publisher to send your novel to requires a good deal of research before you send anything to them. Find out which genre they publish. If one company publishes or represents numerous genres ensure you identify the correct agent and read up on their profile before sending. Try to make the ‘match’ as perfect as possible for the genre and the person you are contacting. Send exactly how and what they require – no less, no more.

Competitions are a great way to practice submitting your work but again who, how and where to send is still important. A horror story will not make it with a romance competition even if there is a romantic element within it. Again adhere to the instructions given.

A handy tip is to print out the guidelines and tick off each item to ensure you have crossed your T’s and dotted your i’s as per the guidelines. It may be time consuming but worth while if you want your work published.

Do you have any tips or experiences you would like to share?

Related articles

Reverse Your Thinking…

July 29, 2013
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Bouleversement – definition: complete overthrow : a reversal

I wanted to share this poem with you all:

http://melancholyinmadness.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/turmoil/

And this magnificent piece of art.

English: he calls it bliss turmoil in pink bliss

English: he calls it bliss turmoil in pink bliss (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

All writers have some sort of inner turmoil, it is our motivation. This turmoil can change from moment to moment when we are struggling with a new project or settle on our minds after we send off submissions. A constant questioning of our talent and the words we have loving placed on screen or paper – has many of us unwilling to share them.

Be brave in your commitment, reverse your thinking and have confidence in yourself and your work. A first reading or an initial submission are rites of passage. The more you do the easier it becomes. The important thing to remember is you and your ‘voice’ are unique.

In the words of Oddball in the movie Kelly’s Heroes –

Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change? 

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