When twenty minutes is all you can spare, consider these ideas:

• Journal
  • Recording the events of your days is not only healthy for releasing tensions and sorting through problems, it can also give ideas for future articles and events transpiring in larger works, including novels.
• Writing Burst
  • Buddy up with a friend who writes.  Plan to do one writing burst a week and exchange them.  You might be pleasantly surprised at what comes through your mailbox and the inspiration it provides.
• Summarize the days events in 100 words or less
  • Keep it short and simple!  By limiting yourself to a small number of words, you will encourage your mind to pinpoint precise events and encourage learning new words to describe more than one action or event.
• Describe your best experience of the week
  • When life becomes chaotic, often times people will focus on the negative instead of look at the positive.  By focusing on the best experience of your week, you will boost your own mood and help change your perspective and disposition into one that is more positive.
• Carry a notebook and pen
  • By having a thought journal or idea journal that you carry, keeping track of ideas or jotting a few lines of a story will help bring those thoughts back to life when you have time to write.

Even though you may find you have no time to write an actual article or full piece of work, by continuing to write you are encouraging yourself to get right back into full-fledged writing once life settles back into routine.  Where can you find twenty minutes throughout your day?

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While I don’t think that a cluttered desk is essential, the points George makes with his “Essential Tools” are important to remember. Beyond these tools, George includes sage advice on how to approach being a writer and the rocks beneath the muddy surface of the publishing industry.

Dead Meat

Every last story should be considered dead meat. If anyone ever asks, “What’s your favorite story or novel that you’ve written?” it should be what you’re working on at the moment, for you are always getting better, and striving.

~ Pep Talk: 98 (Dead Meat) from Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds by George Singleton

Singleton is an opinionated writer with firm ideas of what being a writer is and how writing should be done. In some respects his advice could be controversial. How would Starbucks survive the current economical downturn if writers and wanna-be writers remained at home in their shoeboxes rather than downing caramel lattes?

How many writers would remain obscure if not for their blogs? Indeed, one might wonder how George Singleton can justify his Blog Tour this month given his poor opinion of bloggers and the “bloodsucking parasites” we carry?

Despite getting my hackles firmly spiked and my own opinions leaping to the defensive, “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds” has its mix of great content. For authors this book is worth reading.

George has a strident voice, he knows how to hook a reader, how to influence their thoughts, and he has done his time in the trenches of fiction. Much of his advice and wisdom has rich value to new writers. More experienced writers will find themselves laughing out loud (to strange glances from family) at the ring of truth in some parts of this book.

Getting to the Marrow

A butcher might argue that there’s a relationship between meat’s taste and its proximity to the bone. The closer to the marrow, the better the flavor. I don’t know how to complete this analogy for vegetarians. Maybe the center cuts of beets, carrots, and tomatoes offer more excitement for the consumer. Let’s pretend that’s the case.

In stories, the closer to the marrow a writer can get, the more enjoyment a reader will receive.

~ Pep Talk: 150 (Getting to the Marrow) from Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds by George Singleton

“Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds” is worth reading on any road of your writing journey. It is a valuable mulch to cultivate your future as a writer. Go forward into each new pep talk, warning, and screed with an open mind but allow your own experiences and preferences to discern which lessons you will take to heart. You’ll enjoy the ideas George expresses, and be eager to get back to your own writing.

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On Tuesday, March 3rd, George will share a captivating guest post. You have the opportunity to greet George and ask any questions you may have for him during his visit. I will share my review of “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds” and discuss some of the topics highlighted in George’s book.

March is also the perfect month to stay tuned because later this month I will be giving away a copy of George’s book, “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds“, to one lucky winner. Subscribe today so you won’t miss out on the contest details.

Please, join me in welcoming George Singleton! I hope you’ll enjoy your visit, George, and congratulations on your continued success.

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If you’re thinking about starting a business, there’s no shortage of books available on the subject. You can find how-to business guides that range from bare business basics all the way to MBA level in-depth business guides.

Edward Paulson and Marcia Layton collaborated on the Alpha Books release, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business“. Paulson is an MBA and engineer with entrepreneurial experience, and Layton is an MBA who runs her own business and marketing consulting group. The authors have years of background in starting and running small and large businesses, and they give real world advice in this basic business guide.

Like most books in the “Complete Idiot’s Guide” series, the Guide to Starting Your Own Business breaks down the basics of starting a business into easy to understand sections. Graphics are used to highlight special points and advice throughout the text.

All of the basic business topics are covered: what type of business is right for you, whether or not to incorporate, how to write a business plan, and sales and marketing techniques. The book addresses each topic clearly and most of the information is general enough to be applicable to many types of businesses.

The one drawback of this book, and this may be addressed in later editions, is the relative lack of information on home based and internet businesses. Granted, there are entire books written on those two topics themselves, but if you’re looking for information specific to those two industries, you may want to consider a different book.

As a basic business reference guide, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business” skims the surface of A to Z. It provides worksheets for discovering your talents and what type of business you’d like to run, and it walks you through all the most basic business procedures like incorporation. There’s even a section on hiring employees, and a very brief section on independent contractors and how they differ from employees.

Overall, if you’ve just begun to think about starting your own business and you’re looking for a basic reference guide to get you started, this book will suffice. If you already know the type of business you’d like to start, or if you’ve already started the process of working for yourself, you might be better served by a more in-depth book more closely related to the field you’re interested in.

Reviewer: AJ Kerr

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I’d like to give my sincere thanks to Katie-Anne Gustafsson for this Guest Review. I haven’t had a chance to read Noah Lukeman’s book, “The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life” but it definitely sounds like this book and Noah’s first, “The First Five Pages” are necessary additions to my writer’s shelf. I hope you enjoy her review.

Have you read Noah Lukeman’s book? I would love to know what you thought of it. Feel free to leave your comments, review, or book review link in the comments. Are there any books in particular you’d like to know more about or would you like to share a Guest Review on Writer’s Round-About? Leave a comment or drop me an email!

Read more about Plot and Structure!

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Amazon says, “Writer’s Digest offers specific advice on writing and selling fiction and nonfiction books, stories, plays, magazine and newspaper articles, scripts and more. It provides information that helps writers succeed as they pursue their passion, through hands-on techniques from top authors, insider tips on working with agents and editors, listings of hot markets for their work, and news about the writing world. Advice from industry experts and inspiring stories from successful writers living the dream round out the package.”

Subscribe and receive 6 information-packed issues every year!

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Jean Knill is an talented writer and I’ve adored reading her lively and genuine voice. You can read more about Jean and her writing life on her blog, Jean’s Musings and at WriteLink.

As one of the millions who’ve always wanted to write, I started freelancing in the 1980s. I achieved some success among UK specialist newspapers, magazines and trade journals. Then life took over and, single again, I had to concentrate on a day job to house, feed, clothe and entertain my children.

I always knew what I wanted to do when I was able to retire from the day job. One day I was silver surfing when I found Writelink. And that’s when my rejuvenated writing took off.

Writelink is a UK based website with an international membership. Reading membership of the site is free, but to get the most from it, you pay £15 a year to become a writing member. The core group of these members are the most supportive folk you could wish to meet.

The site has been through many stages of development, but when I got involved, there were already a number of helpful sections. In the Arena, writing members can post work in progress for others to review and give a star rating. Arena sections allow for articles, short fiction, book chapters and poetry, but only one at a time is allowed in each.

The ambition of all new members is to get a total of 40 stars on piece of work, so it is spotlighted and moved to a permanent section. Other work is removed after 10 days, but during that time, authors can note the comments of their peers to help them edit and polish their work. They might also get views on markets and how to target them.

Once a writer is spotlighted, they can submit to the Resources Section. Anyone who is already published will receive automatic spotlight status when they join. New work is added to the Resources section each month, when new submission guidelines are issued for the next lot. Authors are paid £20 for work accepted for Resources. Not long after I joined, my piece on Making the Most of Writelink was accepted for Resources. Another article of mine, Internet Middle Men, is currently featured.

Other helpful sections of Writelink are a library of e-books, free for members, and lists of markets and competitions, which are updated monthly. Writelink also runs its own monthly competitions, which are great fun. There is also a forum for members to chat, get more advice, or share their successes and their grievances.

Many of the site developments over the last couple of years have been controversial. The latest is the addition of a blog site, which will eventually swallow all the other sections from the old site, and do away with it. It’s happening slowly and carefully, and getting lots of feedback from members. The one downside is that, as members take on the blogging, they use the old site less, so it’s more difficult for new members to get enough reviews to become spotlighted.

I try to get there as much as I can, but it tends to be in bursts now, since my writing has taken off in different directions, and I’m really busy. But I know I have a huge debt to repay to Writelink and its members. Recently I posted a children’s story in the Arena hoping for some helpful reviews, which I received. So then I made time for about 10 reviews of other people’s work in the Arena.

I’ve dabbled with other writing communities, but never found the same kind of support, or the number of good virtual friends. I’m so pleased I found Writelink first.

Have you had experiences with Writelink? What do you think of the site and the services it provides? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Walk With Me: Heel

When a dog learns to heal they’re forced to open their mind a little. They must broaden their horizon. They still need to reign in their curiosity, listen to commands, and watch their progress carefully but they must also accept the leash, move forward and mark their steps at a steady rate.

Learning to heal as a writer requires the same attention to details. After having taken the time to sit regularly you need to find a direction and follow the path with a steady, dogged, determination. If you watch the steps you take and follow the lead of other successful writers you’ll find the walk an easier one to make. Progress is smoother and you share it with others going in the same direction.

Sometimes, it is tempting for a new pup to run ahead, to strain the leash. If given free reign he runs into dangers, pitfalls, or loses energy. A steady pace gives him the freedom to roam forward under the guiding hand of a friend.

A great way to discover your leash is to explore your community, online and off. Other writers have walked the path you walk before you and can offer guidance and advice. If you take a steady pace and listen to that advice along the way you’ll keep your momentum moving forward and avoid running out of steam or overwhelming your creativity.

When Is It Time To Stay?

At various points on any journey you’ll reach a place to pull aside, stay a while. For dogs, learning to stay is important because they need to know they can pause, take new notice of their surroundings, and take heed of any dangers that may have come into play around them.

As a writer, we also have dangers that come into play and pitfalls to be wary of. Sometimes it’s important to take time to pause and appreciate the warning signs around us. Listing to your instincts and do your research.

When you’re approaching a new market, discovering a new niche, are offered a new contract, or feel you’re going in the wrong direction with a client it is important to pause, Stay.

There is nothing wrong with taking a day, a week, to consider your options. It is safer to do this then to run ahead without accepting the consequences one choice might have versus another. It is also important, that after examining your options you take the next step forward in whichever direction you choose to head.

The Stay command is ALWAYS followed by Free, or Come. No dog, or writer, can remain stationary forever. A choice must be made and action taken to follow through.

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1. Accuracy – Firstly of course it’s important to make sure your critic is accurate in his or her comments.

When it comes to suggestions on alternate spelling and grammar, various dialects and locations can differ in opinion. For example, some words when read by an English audience should be spelled differently then they would be if written for American readers. This is important to remember when you are writing for a specific audience but the real rule in this case is to be consistent. You are not incorrect if you use one spelling over the other since both are correct but it is important to maintain the same regional choices throughout your piece.

Some corrections and suggestions readers may make will simply be incorrect. If you’re not sure, always double check in a reliable dictionary or style guide. Check your resources and confirm your facts and your source. It’s better to be sure than to be mistaken.

2. Style and Voice – Some critics will comment on points that are purely personal choice.

Style and Voice are two things that are uniquely you. It’s important when revising the comments of your reviewers that anything relating to areas where opinions will differ greatly should remain true to your own opinion, or the opinion of your primary audience. There is nothing worse than a writer adhering to suggestions in bits and parts of a piece that alter his personal voice. A fluid line of language will quickly become a jumble of multiple personalities that confuse and frustrate readers.

It’s also important to remember that the ‘you’ factor is what makes your writing your own. There is no point listening to the comments of an acclaimed author if your story begins to sound more like their story than your own. Maintain your personal integrity and make changes with your own voice and not the authority of someone else.

3. Motion, Plot and Character – It is important that any suggestions maintain the whole rather than destroy it.

You know your story, plot and characters better than any reader. If you’ve done your job you’ll have given your readers the information they need to fill in all the plot blanks and by the end of your piece you should have answered those pressing questions (and left a few hanging if there will be sequels).

Some critics will pick at points in your story, plot or characters. Much of the time these will be valid and you should pay particular attention to verifying their comments. Decide if you agree with their suggestions and if you make changes ensure they are rounded; follow through with every fact throughout the piece. Consistency is the key to keeping your readers enthralled. Any changes you make need to be maintained by every corroborative scene.

Give Thanks!

Regardless of the value of each critique and review it is important to thank your critic. They have taken the time to read and respond to your writing. Time is a valuable commodity. All feedback enriches your future work. Every review offers you significant insight into the minds of your readers and what they like or dislike. Even if their comments cannot be used with this particular piece you can carry the thoughts into your next story or article. It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of your critics. Besides, you may want them to offer their comments on your next piece.

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