Promote your Book on Radio

One of the best and most efficient ways to obtain publicity for your book is through radio interviews. You can start with local stations and work your way all over the country without ever leaving home since many shows today use call-in guests. No matter what your subject if you look hard enough you can find shows that cover your subject. . You will need to study the stations, and then make yourself a list of those that might be interested in your book. I have found that FM music stations sometimes cover specialized subjects such as gardening, cooking, how-to hints and more. But you need to hunt for them.

You best bet is the Bacon’s Radio Directory, http://www.bacons.com/research/radiotvcable.htm The directory itself lists the shows, the producers and much more.

Here are some others: Radio-Locator offers links to more than 10,000 radio stations internationally at www.radio-locator.com. Yahoo offers about 7,000 links to stations at

www.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/Radio.    

www.Newslink.org/rneradi.html news talk stations

www.bookmarket.com/tips.html 

www.newsbuzz.com  

The magazine Radio-TV Interview Report reaches several thousand radio producers and lists over 100 authors available for interviews. Costs $325 a month with a minimum. I have had clients who have used this publication quite successfully. www.rtir.com 

For the larger stations, you will need to talk to the producer of each show. For smaller stations ask for the station’s program or news director. In practice I have found it best to call and ask which shows take authors, then get the name of the producer. After that I send a letter, then call to the producer. This has resulted in a number of radio interviews. You will find the details about this process on

http://www.thebooksite.net/id5.html

The Published Poet

By Michelle Ailene True

Author of True Reflections and True Emotions

michelleailenetrue@yahoo.com

www.michelleailenetrue.com

Starting a Poetry Writers Group

The only thing more fun than writing poetry is networking with other poets by joining a writers group!  It’s a wonderful place for learning more about poetry, increasing your writing skills, sharing resources and making friends!  There are often writers group that can be found at libraries, universities, literary organizations and community colleges.   Many writers group include not only poets, but also novelists.  If there aren’t many people interested in poetry, you may feel strangely out of place.  That is where a writers group specifically for poets is a great alternative.   

It’s preferable to find an existing poetry writers group that is within a reasonable distance from your home or work.  It should also meet on a day and at a time that works for you.  If you can’t find one that fits all these criteria, you can start your own group!  That’s exactly what I did in July 2003.  The group I started, Poetic License Writers Group, meets on the first Thursday evening of every month at my local library.  We had five people attend the first meeting and we now have fifteen active members.  Here are some tips for starting your own group!

1. Pick a unique, catchy name, such as The Living Poets’ Society or Cityville Poets or Let’s Write. 

       2. Determine the goals you want the group to have.  These goals can be adjusted later as members have input.  Some goals may include: share

       creative ideas, develop poetry writing skills, try new forms of poetry, share your work with others, learn how to critique poetry, how to

       self-publish or get published, develop public speaking skills, learn how to market your work, and support from other writers.

       3. Find a location to meet.  Ask your local library to sponsor the group.  They will provide you with a meeting room.  Or pick a local, quite coffee

       shop.  It's NOT advisable to meet in people's homes.

       4. Make sure to pick a regular meeting day and time that always works for you, as you will always have to be there, as the facilitator.  (You can

       also decide to have members take turns leading the meetings).

       5. Set up a website to display information about the group, meeting place/dates/time, directions, contact information, and even members’ poetry. 

       6. Create a yahoo group so the group can email each other in between meetings to stay in touch and share important information!

       7. Schedule and advertise your first meeting!

Next Month: Operating a Poetry Writers Group

In addition to writing “The Published Poet” column for The Professional Authors Newsletter, Michelle Ailene True is the author of "True Reflections," her first book of poetry.  Michelle's second book of poetry, "True Emotions," will be released in early 2005.  She is currently writing her third book of poetry ("True Identities") as well as a non-fiction book and a science fiction book.  Michelle operates a poetry writers group and an online poetry magazine.   She mentors high school students interested in a writing career and reads her work regularly at local poetry open mikes.  She is also a member of the Illinois State Poetry Society, Chicago Writers Association and Barrington Area Arts Council.  

Karen’s Fiction Korner

By

Karen Newcomb

Characterization Part Three

Have you pledged your New Year’s resolution to yourself yet?  January always seems to be the time of promising ourselves we are going to keep those resolutions.  Yeah, right!

However, if you have an unfinished novel in waiting, pull it out and finish it, then fire off a well-written query letter to editors and see what happens.  After that…start another novel.  You’ll only get better with practice.

Question:  What exactly is conflict?

Desire plus danger.  Your protagonist (hero/heroine) has a goal to reach at the end of the story but all along the way they bump into the antagonist (bad guy) who is trying to prevent the hero from reaching that goal.  In my first writing class it was explained like this—put two dogs and one bone together and you have conflict. 

Characterization (Part Three)

By no means is this the actual end of characterization, but the stepping-stone you need to put the final pieces in place.  Remember that characters in a work of fiction should never come across as flat and dull.  Now that you’ve given your main character(s) a name, physical and personal appearance you need to give them character tags and traits.  I touched briefly on this in the November lesson. 

You can characterize these traits and tags through the use of their body language, speech, expression or posture.  Would you think of John Wayne and call his walk a swagger?  Didn’t he always stand straight? Or seated tall in the saddle?  His voice affliction was one of his strong character traits.  As was Jimmy Stewart’s stuttering speech.  While playing a cowboy, Jimmy Stewart, unlike John Wayne, was wiry and slouched, but walked tall with slumped shoulders.  Take these men out of their screen personas and they would have those same traits.  A trait is something that is part of that character.  Actor Peter Faulk has a glass eye, which complimented his character Colombo, but in real life he still has that glass eye and it’s part of his characterization he can’t get away from.  Once you get to know your own characters their special traits will come to you.

Ask yourself what sets this character apart from the others in your story.  What will your readers want to know about his/her background?  What will your readers like about him/her?  How does your character react to others?  Why will this character be remembered?

Every character has a dominant trait and a secondary trait.  For instance, maybe you’ve given them the dominant trait of confidence in everything they do.  But a secondary trait is that deep down inside they are unsure of themselves.  This could lead to some pretty interesting decisions when put in stressful situations.

One final pointer in getting to the heart of your character’s personality is to go into his/her bedroom, look around, go through the closet and dresser drawers.  What color is their bedroom, type of furniture, books they read, what type of shoes, what style of clothes?  Be a fly on the wall.  Sound silly?  Try it and I promise, you will be surprised.

Your final test in getting to know your character is to put them into the three situations I’ve already talked about and have them react.  Also remember no one is perfect!

1. Start with putting the character in the home setting.  If they have a family how does he relate to each member?
2. Put the character in an office setting, or work setting.  How do they react to the other characters?  What persona do they project at work?
3. Put them by themselves.  This is where the real character comes out when they are all alone to think and do as they please.

Remember that your characters will react differently in different environments.  If you put a swagger in a male gait in a western no one would think anything of it, but put it in a contemporary story and you might get a different reaction.  A stutter in a hero wouldn’t even be considered in today’s novel, but could be used in a secondary character.  Romance writers learned never to use a red headed hero.  Although, this may have changed over the years.  Readers change with the times.  So should the writers.

Be observant, watch people, and notice everything.  And keep on writing.

Karen

Article Writers: Try the Senior Market

The senior market can be a gold mine for article writers. I have sold them everything from RV guides, to hiking to house boating and more. There are about 300 of these magazines if you include regional publications that can keep you busy forever. They pay from modest to well. I will give you some publications here and you can go from there.

• Seniors News Magazine-- a monthly news publication for mature adults and senior citizens. The average reader is 35+. Seniors "2000" features national and local information of interest to its readers, focusing on information they can use such as finance, legal, travel, ballroom dancing, healthcare, retirement and much more. Seniors "2000" 's mission is to provide its readers with the tools and resources to prepare them for the 21st century. Seniors "2000" is distributed throughout the Dallas/Ft Worth, TX metroplex and offers subscriptions nationwide. For more information call (972) 235-8610, fax (972) 644-0924, or e-mail at ewingbochum@mci2000.com.
• Pension Plus -- a monthly newsletter by the National Council of Senior Citizens. Full of money-saving tips and useful facts, Pension Plus can be a valuable asset to retirees and those planning for retirement. http://www.nsclc.org 
• Prime Monthly Magazine -- is a glossy covered tabloid publishing five editions in northern California (Santa Clara County, San Francisco/San Mateo County, Alameda County, Marin- Napa/Sonoma County and Monterey/Santa Cruz County). Prime Monthly features local writers in each of its five distinct monthly editions, as well as national writers. Monthly topics cover health, retirement living, entertainment, travel and much more.  2355 Paragon Dr., Ste B. San Jose, Ca. 95131 Ph: (408) 453-8242 Fax :(408) 453-3427, email Natalie Nixon -- ptm@hypersurf.com 
• Senior Times is a monthly publication in Rhode Island. Our motto is "A Spirited Guide To Today's Senior Lifestyle". We have published 35,000 copies locally for about five years, but we are now online. Address is http://www.seniortimes.com or e-mail Cappy Burke
• Senior Magazine in northern California -- Prime Monthly Magazine is a glossy covered tabloid publishing five editions in northern California (Santa Clara County, San Francisco/San Mateo County, Alameda County, Marin- Napa/Sonoma County and Santa/Santa Cruz County). Prime Monthly features local writers in each of its five distinct monthly editions, as well as national writers. Monthly topics cover health, retirement living, entertainment, travel and much more. Special periodic features include a Retirement Housing Guide, 2355 Paragon Dr., Ste B. San Jose, Ca. 95131 Ph: (408) 453-8242 Fax :(408) 453-3427, email to ptm@hypersurf.com.
• infoZine -- Kansas City's Digital Monthly Magazine. http://www.tfs.net/infozine  
• Answers --A magazine written for anyone facing the questions, issues, and concerns from having an aging parent http://www.service.com/answers/cover.html  
• Grand Times -- a weekly on-line magazine designed exclusively for active older adults. Learn how to set limits with spoiled grandkids, explore grand travel destinations, experience natural headache relief, sample healthful recipes from around the world. Controversial, entertaining and informative. GRAND TIMES celebrates life's opportunities and examines life challenges. New articles are added every Tuesday. http://www.grandtimes.com  
• Getup & Go! Previously Senior World Newsmagazine. -- Voted #1 Senior Tabloid in the United States. Serving over one million active, affluent adults 55 plus. Senior World publishes separate monthly editions throughout Southern California - Los Angeles, Orange counties, Riverside/San Bernardino, San Diego. Subscriptions $30. Send to P.O. Box 1565, El Cajon, CA 92022.
• Today's Caregivers --is a quarterly magazine created for Caregivers by Caregivers. Regardless of the illness you are helping to battle, this is where you can find the help. Magazine Topics are designed to help educate, inform and support Caregivers.
  http://caregiver.com  
• Today's Seniors -- is published monthly in tabloid, newspaper format, in English and is circulated in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia and Florida. Regional editions are printed in the communities they serve.
  http://novatech.on.ca/seniors/

Here are more.

• AARP Magazine - magazine for the American retired person.
• Active Adult - guide to Ontario's leading retirement and adult lifestyle communities.
• Best Retirement Spots - monthly, subscription-based electronic newsletter showcasing retirement communities at home and abroad.
• Good Life Magazine - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness after 50.
• Grand Times - weekly magazine for active seniors. Controversial, entertaining and informative, we celebrate life's opportunities and examine life's challenges.
• Home Front Magazine - features stories and columns.
• Off Our Rockers - grandparents raising children.
• Prime Club Magazine - for mature clients of Permanent Bank. Features include financial, travel, health, and lifestyle topics.
• PrimeSeason.com - online magazine bringing you information about health, money, family, leisure, travel, and more.
• Reminisce Magazine - features stories, pictures, and memories from a simpler time.
• Saga Magazine - the U.K.'s magazine for mature people.
• Senior Journal - covering a wide range of topics including aging, fitness, health, politics, and more.
• Senior One Source - referral resource and online magazine with articles and information for/about seniors in the Denver, CO area.
• Senior Times, The - monthly online magazine dealing with issues of concern for those over 50, including health, finance, travel, news, entertainment, and senior's rights.
• Today's Senior - fashioned for the mature adult who enjoys life.
• Vintage Magazine - for active mature adults.
• Where to Retire - contains subscription information.

And still more
50+ Senior News
Arizona Senior World
Grand Times
Kerby News
Senior Lifestyle
Senior Living
Senior World
Southern California Senior Life
Today's Senior
West Michigan Senior Times

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So You’re Writing a Book About Grieving

Everybody at some time suffer a loss they can eventually turn into a book. After all there are hundreds of them in print. The secret is to give your book an unusual angle. Let me offer some of the current published books. 

• Beacon: Living When a Loved One Has Died,
• Champion Press: I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of A Love One. The standard five stages of grief may not be so neat.
• Fairview Press: Remembering with Love: Messages of Hope for the First Year of Grieving. Healing lies in remembering the last loved one.
• Hyperion: Fatherloss: How Sons of All Ages Come to Terms With the Death of Their Dads a new view of the grieving process.
• Jossey-Bass: Healing Conversations: What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say. Ways to bridge communication gaps.
• New Horizon Press: I’m Grieving as Fast as I Can: How Young Widows and Widowers Can Cope and Heal. Finding a path through shock, emotions and practical needs.

The secret to writing a grieving book is to find a different angle.  If you feel you have a grieving book within you, create a list of grieving books from Amazon.com. Next, examine your need to speak out and create a grieving angle from your heart. Then write a two or three sentence summary of what you want to do. Keep it to a single theme. You can go from here.

Roswell Says

“Boy am I excited. My first writing class starts next week. As you know I signed up by computer. Last week the newsletter publisher gave me a laptop computer for Christmas (you know I can’t use a pen), a big red dog pack to carry everything including my manuscript and a cell phone to call home when I need a ride back from school.

Boy will I look great when I walk into class. I’ll bet they’re not expecting a writer like me wearing a bright red backpack. Anyway wish me luck. I’ll think about you as I start my new adventure next Monday. “

Roswell Newcomb, Managing Editor and Office Dog

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The Bulletin Board: Nationwide Writing Announcements

Sacramento, CA: California Writers Club, Sacramento Branch presents the Sell What You Write Workshop Series.

• Write and Sell your Articles, February 5, 2005, Duane Newcomb Author of several thousand articles and 32 books…
• Write It Right, Simplified Grammar for Writers, April 2, 2005,Bobbie Jorgensen…Northern California’s Clear Writing Authority…
• How to Write and Sell Your Novel, June 11, 2005. Author of Grizzly Adams and 54 other novels. 

 All workshops are held on Saturday, 9:00am to 3:00 pm at Luau Garden 1890 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA (across from Arden Fair Mall next to Mervyn’s).  All interested writers welcome.

Each five hour session: Members: $40, non-members $50 (Includes lunch) For more information and to obtain a registration form contact Karen Newcomb knew@thegrid.net or call 530-273-7235

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Chicago: Poetry Book Editing Services Michelle Ailene True Chicago. If your manuscript requires extensive revision, she will contact you with an estimate and/or alternative suggestions, before she begins.

Rate:   $1 per page of poetry.   Send a check or money order to: Michelle True P.O. 7387 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-7387 email your poetry in MS Word, WordPerfect or Text format to: michelleailenetrue@yahoo.com. She will let you know when to expect its return.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

San Francisco   The 2005 San Francisco Writers Conference will be held at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel over President’s Day Weekend—February 18-20^th, 2005.

The list of 2005 San Francisco Writers Conference presenters includes: John Lescroart (The First Law), Karen Joy Fowler (The Jane Austen Book Club), Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Joyce Maynard (To Die For), Mary Roach (STIFF, The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers), Adair Lara (Slowing Down In A Speeded-Up World), and many more.

 ‘Speed Dating for Agents’ session during the conference is designed for writers in search of a literary agent. The session is open to SFWC attendees for $30. The registration fee is $395 until November 30, $425 until January 15, and $495 thereafter. 415-673-0939 or toll free 866-862-SFWC (7392).www.sanfranciscowritersconference.com

The Booksite

Duane Newcomb’s On Line Author’s Magazine: Find agents, writer’s conferences, writer’s clubs, fiction, poetry, copyright, fair usage, time management for writers, publicizing your book and a lot more. I add to this every month so the booksite constantly grows. This year we have a 500% increase in visitor traffic. Check out what’s new this month and our writer’s services. www.thebooksite.net

Article Writers look especially at the articles program. It will increase your article sales. http://www.thebooksite.net/id57.htm

The California Writer’s Academy:

Want to sell what you write? Take an online writing course from the prestigious California Writer’s Academy. It will change your entire outlook toward writing.

www.bookforce.bizland/californiawritersacademy

 Duane’s Speaking Schedule

Saturday Feb. 5, 2005: Duane Newcomb will conduct the Write and Sell Your Articles workshop for the California Writers Club, Members: $40, non-members $50 (Includes lunch) For more information and to obtain a registration form contact Karen Newcomb knew@thegrid.net or 530-273-7235.

Saturday May 21^st, 2005: How to find 20 to 30 Markets for Every Article Idea: California Writers Club, Sacramento Branch, Monthly meeting, For reservations call Nancy Ware 916-489-7923 or Pati Costa 530-346-6461.

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The Professional Author Newsletter, Copyright © 2004. You have my permission to use all or part in your newsletter just include name credit and contact information. (Duane Newcomb. dnew@thegrid.net www.bookforce.bizland.com

P.O. Box 190 Penn Valley, CA 95946- Phone 530-273-7235. E-mail dnew@thegrid.net www.bookforce.bizland.com

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