Thanks for the informative article on semicolons! This helps clear up my nearly life long confusion!
I know I'm a little late in responding to this newsletter.... I have had to take an unscheduled break from writing.com but am back now! Great article!
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Welcome back! Better late than never. It’s good to hear from you, and I’m glad you found that issue helpful. — Jessiebelle
Hi, Jessiebelle. Thanks for another wonderful newsletter! I'm honored that you included my article link.
We, as writers, definitely have a responsibility. Words are power, and as the old saying goes, with power comes responsibility. This should extend to everything that is written to be publicly viewed, including blogs and message board posts. I counter those who use the freedom of speech rule as an excuse to be rude and obnoxious by reminding them that it only applies if we don't step on anyone else's freedom by saying whatever it is that we say, or write what we write. People tend to forget that part. We don't have the freedom to say what we wish if it jeopardizes someone else's safety or well-being.
I'll save this one to check out those links.
Well said, and thank you. — Jessiebelle
I've been thinking about stories and writing good ones. My thoughts led to me the concept of "The Hero's Journey." I've read some people say that it is ONLY a literary tool for analysis and shouldn't be used as a template for creating a story. What do you think?
Thanks,
Lolli
I think it can be used as a framework for creating a story, if it helps. Notice, though, that when writers write honestly about any human endeavor or desire, their fiction tends to fall within this framework whether they try to make it so, or not. It seems to me that the Hero’s Journey is a way to “codify” the experience and motivation shared by most humans. That said, anything followed too rigidly, as a “formula,” is likely to seem contrived. — Jessiebelle
Ms. Belle:
What an outstanding newsletter. I am looking forward to reading some of the back issues as well.
Take care, and God bless...
--A
Thanks, A. — Jessiebelle
Thanks for this one, this shows me to pick an e-mail publisher is not so easy, is it?
More work ahead, this truly helps.
An email publisher? Choosing any agent or publisher can be tricky. It’s always wise to do a little research before doing business with anyone, but that’s especially true when you’re getting ready to send your carefully-crafted literary creations off into the void. — Jessiebelle
Jessie,
I learned things I didn't realize before about the different writing awards. Granted, I have never aspired to anything higher than writing as a hobby, the newsletter this week sort of makes me feel inspired.
Thanks, Lady Lore
Good! There are lots of contests. I was just amazed at how simple the rules and requirements seem to be for those two prestigious awards: the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer Prize. Sort of makes you think “I could do this…” And why not? — Jessiebelle
Thanks for an informative newsletter. There are several referances in Blue by you and other writers I intend to go back and review. I also do not know about em's or en's but then I am an eighth grade drop out. I will be playing with the Auto Format controls and spell check on my word 2000. I currently do not agree with many of it's correction applications. Some would rob my story of meaning, others just do not make proper sense.I do need to find out more about agent /publisher scams. I have spent too much time and put too much of myself in my baby . If someone did it wrong I would have to hunt them down and kill them. Thanks for a wonderful newsletter. Keep on writing. TopKat
TopKat, it’s never too late to learn. Put eighth grade behind you and move forward. There is only forward. As for MS Word, I’d suggest that if AutoCorrect flags something, you view it as “suspect.” Not “wrong,” just “suspect.” Check it out with a real dictionary, a real writing guide, or a friend. Put it up for review on Writing.com, if you still disagree with Word’s suggestions. And definitely do your homework before selecting an agent or publisher. — Jessiebelle
Excellent newsletter. Choice and timely topic. The right of freedom of speech needs to be exercised...or risk losing it.
Sin.D
Yep. “Use it or lose it!” Just use it responsibly and wholeheartedly. — Jessiebelle
I had a similar experience with Poetry.com, only I made the mistake of sending something like thirty or so poems to them as a kid. I got my first one "published" when I was sixteen.
It can be quite disappointing when you finally find out that they are a fraud..fake..phony.
I deliberately sent them a poem that was all about how they weren't real. THEY SENT BACK A PROOF! I cried for hours. (I wonder if a bunch of us should team up and get them..heheheh.)
The newsletter was great, thanks.
LOL! I think it’s been done. Search Poetry.com for the author name “Habte.” — Jessiebelle
Thank you for reminding us that we must think of the legal and business side of writing as well as the fun side of it; ie. creating.
We can hope that the legal and business side of writing is the next logical step from our efforts, can’t we? But never lose sight of the fun parts, either. — Jessiebelle
This newsletter is SO AWSOME! I would rather win a Bram Stoker Award as opposed to Nobel or Pulitzer.
Any award feels pretty good, really. — Jessiebelle
Hi Jessiebelle! As always, I thoroughly enjoyed your newsletter! A quick thought on freedom of speech: Should books be published on clearly illegal topics? I work at a major book store, and was shocked to learn that there is a section for books on how to grow and cultivate marijuana and other drugs. These books are not in any restricted section, they're at the end of gardening. Anyone can look up exactly how to grow marijuana in your closet, or anything else. People can also order books on how to make bombs. These books teach people how to break the law. Do you believe these books should or should not be available? Interesting dilemma: freedom of speech vs. the law.
Great NL!
ShadowDawn
Yes. I believe in freedom of information. What people choose to do with that information may be good or criminal. Years ago, I read The Anarchist’s Cookbook. I did not go out and cook my neighbor with homemade napalm-loaded lightbulbs. I did not build a bomb. I did not smoke banana peels or whip up a batch of marijuana brownies. I wanted to know why a character in a movie added liquid detergent to gasoline when turning a lightbulb into an incendiary device. As I recall, that book answered my question (makes the burning gasoline stick to the victim and other flammable surfaces). It satisfied my curiosity. It did not prompt me to go out and commit illegal acts. Ultimately, it’s bad human behavior that should be punished, not the freedom to exchange information and ideas. — Jessiebelle
Jessiebelle, that's one awesome newsletter mix of helpful explanations, encouragement and inspiration. This is going to my resource file!
Tuck me in there gently, okay? — Jessiebelle
Hi! I have a quick question. I was reading your Ask and Answer section and DB Cooper commented that POD had uses too, to which the editor agreed. Um, what is POD? I'm sure I've heard of it before, but right now I'm drawing a blank.
Thanks!
ShadowDawn
POD is “print on demand” or “publish on demand.” These terms are used interchangeably, and that leads to some confusion. “Publish on demand” could refer to a vanity press, though the actual printing may be offset printing. “Print on demand” refers to the ability, thanks to high-speed, high-quality copier/printers, to economically print low quantities of books – as few as one – “on demand.” Lulu (http://www.lulu.com) is a little of both – it’s a very easy, economical way to self-publish your book, since it requires no up-front setup fees and no minimum book purchases from its authors. Books are printed – black and white or full color - on a Xerox DocuTech printer. That said, I wouldn’t call it a “vanity press” because there’s no one there catering to the author’s ego. There’s no one pushing extra, high-cost services. Self-publishing isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth exploring if you want to be in control of your book from start to finish, can edit your work or have access to a good editor, can design and format your book from cover to cover, and have decent marketing and sales skills. — Jessiebelle
Dan
Why, thank you, Dan. — Jessiebelle
I enjoyed the newsletter on freedom of speech, Jessie. You packed a mighty lot of info in this. Oh, didn't you hear? Our book will a Nobel Prize in Literature. Well, you said dream big. ~~ Viv
Our book? Oh, you mean this book?
ASIN: 141163103X |
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A
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But of course it will! — Jessiebelle
Great newsletter. Love your focus on freedom of speech, and all the great practical advice, too, and extensive letter section. Great work.
Thank you! — Jessiebelle
Another excellent newsletter. Great links, good discussions and a lot to think about.
Thanks. Readers’ feedback keeps it from being a totally one-sided discussion, and that’s what keeps it fun for me, too! — Jessiebelle
Jessie - You can do it all! Have you ever written a column for a newspaper? This newsletter's content is top-notch and written in such user friendly terms. The love you have for this art-form is palpable and aren't we the lucky ones!
This newsletter was very informative and thought provoking. I was very pleased.
Kaitlin
“Informative and thought provoking” has a nice ring to it. Thank you! — Jessiebelle
I love getting feedback on the For Authors Newsletter – it lets me know you’re reading, and it tells me whether I’m writing about the subjects that interest you. Please keep those questions and comments coming!
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