~ Elemental Musings ~ Savoring the writing life one word at a time

NEW website! Introducing Elemental Editrix.

2009-07-12T04:57:00.001-06:00

Still have tweaks to put into effect and loading to a domain, but wanted to share my new writing/editing site: http://editrix.homestead.com

Writing Prompts for the Zodiac: Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

2009-06-20T14:14:00.005-06:00

**Bev's note: I'm going to be a bit busy over the next couple of days, so I have a treat: I'm posting Milli's writing prompt for Cancer a couple days early! Once again, I'd like to thank Milli for being so generous with her monthly contributions. Enjoy and get to writing! ;-)**

By guest blogger Milli Thornton

THIS POST CONTINUES our series of zodiac writing prompts—a fun collaboration between myself and Bev using Bev's book, Sun Signs for Writers, and the writing prompt method from my book, Fear of Writing.

At the bottom of this post you'll find links to the prompts for Aries, Taurus and Gemini. But if none of these signs pertain to you, don't let that stop you from having fun with these prompts. They can be used by anyone at any time.

Now, let's go crabbing!

In human terms, we use the crab as the symbol of crabbiness. Yes, those born under the sign of Cancer are usually quite emotional people. But this doesn't have to mean negative or out-of-control emotion. Other key personality traits belonging to Cancer are sensitivity, intuition and purposefulness.

Cancerians love to focus on home and family; they’re are adept at nurturing others and keeping the hearth fires burning. Bev shares with us that “Crabs have an uncanny ability to send and understand the inner motivations of others, as well as a knack for spotting contradictions between a person's true feelings and his verbal and nonverbal behavior.”

Whoa! Doesn't that sound like the perfect picture of someone who’s probably adept at writing the subtext of his or her fictional characters?

While they may be good at spotting it, this doesn't mean the Cancer writer thrives on conflict. To the contrary, Cancers live in respect of authority and take their duties seriously. Give any Cancer you know a task, whether small or large, and she will carry out that task to her highest ability.

Cancer people are also empathic and very sensitive. They almost can't help taking on the moods of other people or shouldering their burdens. When they reach overload their likely to retreat into their shells like hermit crabs until they've had a chance to recenter.

Now that we know a little about the Cancer writer, let's put a twist into it and make a story.

Read the writing prompt below and allow it to sink deep into your subconscious mind.

Usually this will be enough to produce the makings of a story, but if not, no worries! Look in the links section at the bottom of this post for the article “10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts” and you're bound to find at least one tip that will help you get started.

WALNUT SHELL
The “hermit crab” shell is no longer private enough for you—too many leg holes for people to poke into, trying to draw you back out. You create a walnut shell in your imagination and curl up inside to escape the pressures of life. Soaking in everyone else's stuff and taking on their problems and woes has left you battle weary. You are sick of nurturing others! When will someone nurture you? And when will you ever have the time, let alone the energy, to write? That’s if you could feel your own feelings enough to know if you even want to. While curled in the walnut shell for what seems like an eternity, suddenly the idea for a book comes to you. Entitled, “What This Crab Knows,” you at first assume it's going to be non-fiction. But when you extend two index fingers out of your shell and tentatively start pecking at the keyboard, you're surprised to find it feels more like a short story or novel. And, because you know this material like the back of your crab claw, it's practically writing itself.

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10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

March writing prompt: Aries

April writing prompt: Taurus

May writing prompt: Gemini

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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and still misses Australia, where she lived for 25 years. A bit of a gypsy, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband. Milli blogs at the Fear of Writing Blog and Milliver’s Travels.

2009-06-15T23:28:00.003-06:00

Dear friends and colleagues,

Today is the day!

The order page for my new contemporary romance novel, Hidden Fire, is up at Whiskey Creek Press!

Read a sample chapter over there as well.

Thanks, as always, for your constant support and friendship!

Bev Walton-Porter, writing as Star Ferris

Pre-release video for Hidden Fire (teaser)

2009-06-04T18:08:00.003-06:00

Here's the book teaser dear hubby did for my June 15 release, Hidden Fire (written under my pen name, Star Ferris). He's doing a 60-second video as well, but this is the pre-release teaser.

Interested in your own teaser/book video? E-mail my hubby at paulspromos@gmail.com and tell him you are a friend/colleague for a 15 percent discount!

CSPA and KOAA.com investigate - a haunting in Manitou Springs

2009-06-02T01:20:00.002-06:00

Below is the story KOAA 5/30 did about our local paranormal group's investigation at Onaledge B & B in Manitou Springs, CO -- check it out!

At the end of the written story, there's a link to the video segment!

Thanks to John Romero and KOAA, as well as Brett Maddox of Onaledge for allowing us to investigate his property!

Bev
Founder/Team Lead, Colo Spgs Paranormal Association (CSPA)

KOAA.com - A haunting in Manitou Springs

Shared via AddThis

Writing Prompts for the Zodiac: Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

2009-05-22T20:19:00.003-06:00

By guest blogger Milli Thornton

Welcome back to our series of zodiac writing prompts, one for each month of the year. These prompts are inspired by Bev’s book, Sun Signs for Writers, and using the prompt style from my book, Fear of Writing.

This month we’re putting Gemini under the microscope to see what kind of fun we can extract.

Naturally, you don’t have to be a Gemini yourself to have fun with this. Allow the story idea to sneak in under your radar: These prompts work best when you allow your subconscious mind to participate. To do that, just relax and treat it as an adventure. No achievement-oriented thinking allowed!

As Bev reminds us in her book, Geminis are the great communicators of the zodiac. They love to talk; they're very sociable, inquisitive, and intellectual.

If you could look inside the brain of a Gemini writer, you would see dozens of ideas for stories or articles all leapfrogging for attention. Multitasking is second nature and the lust to start something new is never satisfied.

Hmm, are we wondering about consequences at this point? You guessed it! One of the biggest challenges for the Gemini writer is focus and follow-through.

To remedy that cycle of initial enthusiasm followed by the itch to move on to something new, it’s vital for Gemini to identify writing projects that can sustain her levels of passion and interest.

Now that we've reviewed a few of the qualities of Gemini, read the prompt and allow it to soak into your subconscious mind. Then doodle in the margin of your notebook or indulge in a little daydreaming while you wait for inspiration.

Remember that you needn’t use every detail from the prompt. Use whatever sparks your imagination.

Also, don’t be afraid to repeat or rephrase key sentences from the prompt in your story (or even write/type the entire prompt). This is a great way to get going when you need an extra push. Such a simple practice, but it can really put your subconscious mind into gear.

If inspiration continues to eludes you, try our 10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts in the link section below.

MY FAVORITE GEMINI
You’ve been hired to write a book on a subject of enormous interest to you. You’ve spent the past month feasting on a smorgasbord of knowledge, and you have a dozen micro-cassettes full of verbal research notes. You had so much fun talking into that little recorder! But now it’s time to write the first draft. Arrrrgghh. Suddenly, you would almost rather be someone else with a different career. The thought of all that writing and discipline makes you restless! While watching reruns one afternoon, Uncle Martin from that old show about the Martian steps out of the screen. He tells you he's here to be your writing mentor. “You're like a butterfly on caffeine,” he says. “Now I want you to sit down and start writing. I’ll time you. And NO TALKING! Your first session will be twenty minutes. OK, go!” Double argh. But how can you say no to Uncle Martin? You sit down and write for twenty minutes . . . and that’s when you have a revelation about your writing.

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10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

March writing prompt: Aries

April writing prompt: Taurus
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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and still misses Australia, where she lived for 25 years. A bit of a gypsy, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband. Milli blogs at the Fear of Writing Blog and Screenwriting in the Boonies.

New book cover revealed!

2009-05-14T22:40:00.005-06:00

Front cover of my upcoming book, Hidden Fire, due for release next month from Whiskey Creek Press.

Back cover of my upcoming book, Hidden Fire, due for release next month, in June, from Whiskey Creek Press.

Thanks, Jinger!

Short synopsis of my upcoming book, Hidden Fire

2009-04-28T19:51:00.002-06:00

Several people have asked what my next fiction novel is about. I've posted a short synopsis below. The book's written under my romantic fiction pen name, Star Ferris. When I write serious nonfiction, I use my other name, Bev Walton-Porter. When I let my fantasies come alive, I slip into my other persona, Star ;-)

Hidden Fire will be published in June 2009 by Whiskey Creek Press. I've selected award-winning artist Jinger Heaston as the book's cover artist. Without further ado, here's the short synopsis of the book:

Hidden Fire is a contemporary romance of about 75,000 words. The story is set in my home town of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The heroine is Alexa Chastain, a single career woman who owns a local law office and is content with her steady, predictable life. That is until she stumbles across Devon Munroe, the tall, hazel-eyed hunk of a businessman who is the legal representative opposing her sister Karyn. Though she’d prefer to ignore the brash, sandy-haired Munroe, she has no choice but to deal with him.

As tempers flare, sexual attraction crackles as Alexa and Devon compete to see who’ll come out on top in a competition involving wills, weddings and familial warfare. Hidden Fire is a novel featuring lightning-quick dialogue, deep sensuality and intriguing characters set in the Rocky Mountains.

More than just a romance, Hidden Fire offers a taste of mystery and suspense in a tale involving the sons of the wealthy Munroe family empire—all set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak in one of Colorado’s largest cities.

Writing Prompts for the Zodiac: Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

2009-04-20T23:59:00.006-06:00

By guest blogger Milli Thornton

We are pleased to continue our series of zodiac writing prompts inspired by Bev’s book, Sun Signs for Writers, and using the prompt style from my book, Fear of Writing.

This month we’re exploring the joys and challenges of being Taurus.

You don’t have to be a Bull yourself to have fun with the prompt provided below. Allow the prompt to burrow its way into your subconscious, where it will grow legs and reward you with stuff you didn’t realize was there.

Everyone knows a lovable Taurus or two. They are the ones firmly grounded on Planet Earth and determined to savor every sensory pleasure they can get their hands on. I once knew a Taurus with food in his eyebrows and a handprint of pasta sauce on the light switch (hey, good food travels!).

Our Taurus companions are musically inclined and fantastic at creating comfortable spaces that appeal to our senses. They’re also hard workers and reliable finishers (once you nudge them to get started).

We look to the Bull for practicality, steadiness, patience and the ability to withstand distractions.

Sometimes these sturdy qualities can translate to a desire for predictability. One Taurus friend refused, for over ten years, to budge from his territory (a gloomy apartment known as “The Cave”) even though he could have lived somewhere nicer.

This I saw as an earthy attachment to what he was familiar with, rather than bull-headedness.

But when it comes to the “S” word (stubborn with a capital S) you can be sure to get your money’s worth from any self-respecting Taurus. As the mother of a wonderful 24-year-old Bull, I can vouch for that!

Now that you’re acquainted (or reacquainted) with some of the qualities of Taurus, go ahead and read the prompt, pen in hand. If inspiration eludes you, try our 10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts at the link below.

Remember that the prompt is designed to playfully emphasize Taurus traits that will lend your story extra conflict—the juice of fiction. And you needn’t use every detail. Use whatever sparks your imagination.

BULLPRINTS IN THE SAND
To support your novel-writing habit, for the past five years you’ve offered a critique service online. With the help of your no-nonsense, on-target critiques, you’ve watched dozens of writers achieve their dreams of breaking into print. Meanwhile, despite your best efforts to attract agents and editors, your three novels remain in limbo. You decide to seek manuscript feedback from a rival critique service. When the report comes in, your practical side recognizes a fellow professional at work . . . while your stubborn side finds unexplored levels of resistance to changing a single word!

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10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

March writing prompt: Aries

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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and still misses Australia, where she lived for 25 years. Milli lives in Ohio with her husband and has taken up screenwriting with a passion. She blogs at the Fear of Writing Blog and Screenwriting in the Boonies.

Motivational quote for the day: chance/goals

2009-04-14T16:36:00.002-06:00

"Chance can allow you to accomplish a goal every once in a while, but consistent achievement happens only if you love what you are doing."
~ Bart Conner

I've also come up with an acronym to help keep me focused on what I want to accomplish or improve upon in my life. It's all about getting my life into S.H.A.P.E., which stands for:

S - Success (personal and professional)
H - Health
A - Abundance
P - Prosperity
E - Energy

Right now I need to hone my focus and intent. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, so I'm taking time off from my social sites (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal) to concentrate more on my work and goals. But I still plan to blog here now and then. The blogs won't be personal, but I'll still blog about anything related to creativity, writing, reading, coaching, etc. I need to take a breath of fresh air, get away from online socializing, redirect my energy and delve into the waters with my Muse for a while.

May you have a productive and wonderful week!

Elemental Musings podcast for 04.09.09

2009-04-09T21:39:00.001-06:00

Just finished my latest broadcast for Elemental Musings. If you get a chance, give it a listen ;-)
On tap in this broadcast: musings on the writing life, quotations, apostrophe abuse, cross-genre writing and more.

http://content.nowlive.com/shows/32571/podcasts/100233622-090409-361239320175.mp3

To listen to archived podcasts of Elemental Musings, go to: http://www.nowlive.com/scribequill

Coming soon!

2009-04-02T17:27:00.000-06:00

Yay! My third published solo book, Hidden Fire, is finally listed under the Coming Soon section for June at the Whiskey Creek Press website. My fiction pen name -- and real birth name -- is Star Ferris, so it's under that author name. I can't wait to see what the cover'll look like! This one'll be contemporary romance/women's fiction set right here in Colorado Springs!

http://whiskeycreekpress.com/comingsoon.shtml

Elemental Musings podcast for 03.28.09

2009-03-28T04:17:00.000-06:00

Elemental Musings podcast for 03.28.09
(http://www.nowlive.com/scribequill)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST:
http://content.nowlive.com/shows/32571/podcasts/100233622-090328-201238232052.mp3

Hosted by: Bev Walton-Porter (http://www.bevwaltonporter.com)
Bev offers up:
* Quotes for writers about criticism
* A critique of the movie "The Haunting in Connecticut"
* Discussion about the romance and horror genres
* Opinions on what makes a movie/story scary
* How NOT to insult your readers/viewers
* Where to go to conquer *your* Fear of Writing

Writing Prompts for the Zodiac: Aries (March 21 – April 19)

2009-03-21T16:25:00.013-06:00

By guest blogger Milli Thornton

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN if we awarded each of our characters a birth date and some of the traits of the related sun sign?

I did try this once, ages ago, in a story called “The Way Dempsey Works” (pg. 145, Fear of Writing). I knew very little about the qualities of Sagittarius, so I decided to have my main character become one.

This really kept the story rolling. Whenever I was stuck for what Stephanie might do with her life, or how she might react, I consulted the traits for Sagittarius in a book I’d borrowed from the library.

For me it was an unusual way of breaking some new ground. And it was fun!

Sun Signs for Writers

When I started reading Bev’s book, Sun Signs for Writers, at first I was so excited about how accurately she’d nailed me (I’m an Aquarian), I could do nothing but speed-read my section and marvel.

Even the quote she used to represent my sign was perfect:

“The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power.”
—Toni Morrison

Next, I was so inspired by Bev’s suggestions for how Aquarians can smash writer’s block, deal with rejection, give and receive criticism, forge a path to publication (and more!), I really didn’t give a thought to the other signs.

When I did finally turn to the other eleven signs, funnily enough it got my “prompt inventing” juices flowing.

Writing Prompts and the Zone

It has long been part of my writing obsession to turn almost everything I see (when I’m in the Zone) into the premise for a fictional story. That’s how I got started on a long run of inventing the “Fertile Material” writing prompts in my book.

Now Bev has given me the opportunity to turn the sun signs she so expertly profiles into writing prompts.

This is the first of twelve prompts to be posted on or near the beginning of each sign’s reign on the calendar. Aries is the first sign in our Western zodiac; its cycle commences today, March 21.

How to Use the Zodiac Prompts

You’ve probably realized from my anecdote about Stephanie the Sagittarian that you absolutely do not have to be an Aries yourself to get the benefits of this prompt. In fact, Aries may know themselves so well they’ll think this one’s boring!

The main thing here is to experiment and have fun. And to remember that the prompt is designed to emphasize the traits of Aries that will lend your story the most juice.

After you read the prompt, your mind may draw a blank. Not to worry! We have a separate post for you chock-full of tips on how to get started. You’ll find the link for that at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, turn your imagination loose as you read this month’s zodiac prompt in honor of our go-getter cousin, Aries.

RAM IN A CHINA SHOP You are a competitive and daring [pick a genre] novelist with three published books under your belt. Blunt and forceful, you love nothing more than a good challenge. You have rested confident in the belief that everyone for miles around can easily see your brilliance and talent. Your editor all this time has been a steady, reliable, unexcitable type who took your headstrong opinions with a large grain of salt. But now Mr./Ms. Unflappable has retired and your new editor is . . . Wowsers! . . . an Aries just like you. With the deadline for your fourth book looming, the get-to-know-you lunch could be some wild stuff.

OK? So if your brain’s already churning ideas, go for it!

If not, follow the link below to read tips guaranteed to help launch you into writing a story.

10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

P.S. If you're an Aries but lacking in the kind of confidence and chutzpah described here, try going out on a limb and writing as if you are that self-assured and even brazen. It’s there inside of you somewhere!

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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and the proud grandmother of Atreyu (named for a boy hero in NeverEnding Story). She lived in Australia for 25 years. Milli currently lives in Ohio with her husband and has taken up screenwriting with a passion. She blogs at http://millithornton.blogspot.com.

10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

2009-03-21T15:58:00.009-06:00

By guest blogger Milli Thornton

THESE TIPS ARE designed to accompany the 12 writing prompts I’ve invented based on the signs of the zodiac as covered in Bev’s book, Sun Signs for Writers.

The zodiac prompts will be posted throughout the year, at the beginning of the cycle for each sign. Look for the prompts on Bev’s blog on or around these dates:

Aries – March 21
Taurus – April 20
Gemini – May 21
Cancer – June 22
Leo – July 23
Virgo – August 23
Libra – September 23
Scorpio – October 23
Sagittarius – November 22
Capricorn – December 22
Aquarius – January 20
Pisces – February 19

10 Tips for Using the Zodiac Writing Prompts

1. Use friends to create the intent to write

Meet with friends in a coffeehouse with the express purpose of doing the prompt(s) together. Even two friends writing together is less intimidating—and more inspiring—than going it alone.

Agree to do it just for fun so there’s no dampener of critiques at the end. Egg one another on to let your hair down and have a real break from your more serious writing. Be sure to practice laughter therapy.

2. A nudge to help you get off and running

Write up the prompt longhand (or, if you're on a computer, type it up). The physical act of writing something, even if you're only regurgitating the assignment, makes the right connections in your brain and gives it something positive to do. Whereas staring at the prompt and tapping your teeth with a pen reinforces the idea that you're not sure how to proceed.

While your brain is engaged with the practical matter of copying the prompt, your subconscious mind has a chance to slip in under the cracks. I’ve seen this simple trick work many times.

3. Start with the basics

Don't pressure yourself to sound perfect (or even warmed up yet) in your opening lines. Sometimes just stating a few simple things about your character can open the doorway to discovering your story line.

Here's an example of a simple opening using a prompt about an old lady making a last stand against developers:

“Aggie Blintz is small with squinty eyes. Her slippers are shabby. She lives in Pasadena.”

4. Name Soup

If you can't seem to think of how to start your story, sometimes the whole energy of the situation can be changed by coming up with a funny, silly or clever name for at least one of your characters.

For instance (from Fear of Writing, page 18): “Wouldn't you find it easier to be slapstick or inventive with a character called Pierre Onion than one by the name of Pete Martin?”

5. Take some risks!

The purpose of these prompts is to stimulate and explore your imagination and to have fun. You’ll get more mileage from the prompt by using a bit of daring.

Make your conflict extreme . . . or perhaps a bit wacky. Or both!

6. Let yourself be messy

Messy can mean any number of things, but let's look at one example. If things in your story were happening out of chronological order—in a way that made sense to you but might confuse a reader—AND it was helping you go with the flow, would that be so bad?

The only person you’re obliged to please with this exercise is yourself.

7. Flaunt those &@#% rules in your head

By the same token, nothing bad is gonna happen if you break some of those ingrained rules from your English teacher. You know the ones. Never start a sentence with “And.” Never include author asides. Don't be inconsistent with your point of view. Yada yada yada.

Give yourself a vacation from the rules. And, don't worry. They’ll always be there when you get back!

8. Turn the tables on yourself

Change one of your familiar patterns. Here are some ideas to get you thinking of your own table-turners.

If you normally write from a less immediate point of view, write in first person this time. If your protagonist is normally a woman, make 'er a man. If your protagonist is usually an animal lover, give her a big dose of doraphobia (fear of contact with animal fur or skin).

Going out of your comfort zone will take your brain into new territories of the imagination.

9. Endings are optional

Having the least expectations on ourselves has a magical way of tapping into our potential. Give yourself the freedom to dabble with this prompt without the pressure of needing to come up with a viable ending for your story.

You may think of one anyway, but the point is, you don't have to.

10. Don't try to write literature

Remember, you're here to have fun and to let your hair down. One writer I know, a grandma, happens to adore Johnny Depp. She has greatly entertained our writing circle by writing sassy, funny stories about a handsome pirate by the name of Capt. Jack Sparrow (and in the story, she is the protagonist who benefits from his manly appeal).

Anything that adds more playfulness—or freedom from internal repression—is the way to go.

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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and the proud grandmother of Atreyu (named for a boy hero in NeverEnding Story). She lived in Australia for 25 years. Milli currently lives in Ohio with her husband and has taken up screenwriting with a passion. She blogs at http://millithornton.blogspot.com.

Guest blogging at the Fear of Writing blog

2009-03-19T00:46:00.003-06:00

My guest post at the Fear of Writing blog has been posted. I've never done a guest blogging gig before, but it was fun! Hope you'll come by and check it out. Thanks to Milli Thornton for this opportunity!

Making creativity click by guest blogger Bev Walton-Porter
http://millithornton.blogspot.com/2009/03/making-creativity-click.html

Filedby author profile

2009-03-18T17:18:00.003-06:00

This is a new site, just launched. I'll be sprucing my page up more when I get a chance. For now, work and CSPA stuff is a'calling, though:

http://www.filedby.com/author/bev_walton_porter/3087245

Scribe & Quill gets mention on The Writing Life blog

2009-03-16T00:46:00.001-06:00

Scribe & Quill gets a nice mention/recommendation at The Writing Life blog. Just two things I need to clarify: the URL should be http://www.scribequill.net and S & Q was first birthed in 1997 and has been around for 12 years come this May, not nine as mentioned here. Still, what a great rec! And from a professional I truly admire!
http://writeanonfictionbook.blogspot.com/2009/03/web-marketing-101-online-newsletters.html

Hidden Fire to be published this June!

2009-03-13T19:18:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone!

I'm pleased to announce that Deb Womack of Whiskey Creek Press has confirmed my next book, Hidden Fire, is due for publication in JUNE! Yep -- only a few months away! *squee*

Hidden Fire is my second women's fiction book and it's set right here in Colorado Springs ;-) The protagonist is a female attorney and the book's full of intrigue, debauchery, death and hot physical interaction, too! ;-) This one's written under my pen name (and actual birth name), Star Ferris.

Just wanted to share the good news! I'm very excited! This'll be my fourth published book in four years!

Thanks for your friendship and support :)

Nice sales for Sun Signs for Writers

2009-03-11T01:54:00.005-06:00

Received the latest royalty statement from the publisher of my book, Sun Signs for Writers. Over 1,400 copies sold since the last sales period. Yay!

If you'd like a personally inscribed, autographed copy, visit my website for details!

Also, if you haven't seen the book video my hubby did for Sun Signs, go check it out! If you're a book author and can't afford to pay an arm or a leg for a book promo video, contact my husband and he'll design one for you for an amazingly affordable price!

AUTHORS, DON'T SETTLE FOR AMATEUR BOOK VIDEOS!

2009-03-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

A promotional video is a great way to sell your book, but don't let cost deter you from getting the quality video production you deserve. As a seasoned video professional, I will work with you to design a book video you can be proud of, one that will market your book effectively, and at a cost that won't break the bank. You can afford better than a PowerPoint slide show as a means of marketing your work.

View samples here: http://www.myspace.com/paulspromos

Contact me for options and an *affordable* rate quote: paulspromos@gmail.com

Would a Writing Coach Help?

2009-03-05T16:14:00.001-07:00

My interview about coaching writers is posted at Writergrrls.

Please stop by and check it out! ;-)

Would a Writing Coach Help?
http://wordgrrls.com/?p=757

Invitation to join my personal group, Elemental Musing, on Google Groups

2009-03-03T21:57:00.004-07:00

Current web address:
http://groups.google.com/group/elementalmusing

Current email address:
elementalmusing@googlegroups.com

Hi, this is Bev Sninchak (a.k.a. Bev Walton-Porter). I'd love if you'd join my PERSONAL Google Group, Elemental Musings. This is a specific group I've created to keep in touch with my readers, writing colleagues, family and friends.

This list will offer posts about all sorts of things, including announcements, articles, books and online/offline events, as well as occasional market postings and any other information that might be useful to readers, writers and other creatives.

I might also post information about my paranormal investigation group and our adventures every now and then, so if you're into ghosts and things that go bump in the night, then that's another reason to join *g*

I hope you'll join my list. If you have anything to say, feel free to post an entry yourself, relay an announcement or offer a reply to another post you've read here :)

Thanks,
Bev

P.S. - This list is OPT-IN only. If you're on this list, you must confirm the invite to remain a member. Nobody is added without permission. You may OPT OUT at any time. Of course, I hope you'll stay ;-)

Interview with Osiris, Bev Walton-Porter's Masterful Cat

2009-02-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Interview with Osiris, Bev Walton Porter's Masterful Cat

With a name like that, a cat is destined to have delusions of greatness, so I don't blame him (I'm feeling cat friendly today, plus I don't want to scare away future feline guests--a smart business move for my blog). His author mom, Bev Walton Porter, is a multigenre author, writing coach, and Editor-in-Chief of Scribe & Quill Ezine.

To read the interview, please visit this link:
http://petsandauthors.blogspot.com/2009/02/interview-with-osiris.html

Author School book development program

2009-02-27T00:44:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know I've accepted the position of Director of Education for Author School, a new educational mentorship program for writers and authors. In addition to acting as director, I'm also a mentor/instructor -- something I've been doing since 1997! I'm excited about this new program and urge you to check out the information below, then visit the site, and sign up for your FREE initial assessment with NO obligation.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Beverly - Author School
Director of Education
bev@authorschool.com

Author School
http://www.authorschool.com

Our affordable programs range from $19 per week to $99 per week.
To enroll, visit: http://authorschool.com/signup.html

AuthorSchool.com focuses on finding and developing your project on an individual basis. We help you transform your book idea into concrete ready-to-submit reality. The end result is a completed, professional fiction or non-fiction book manuscript.

We feature the following academies:
--> Children's Book Writing Academy
--> Fiction Writing Academy
--> Romance Writing Academy
--> Erotica Writing Academy
--> Non-fiction Writing Academy
--> Memoir Writing Academy

Each Book Writing Academy features customized educational modules in your chosen genre.

Our one-of-a-kind curriculum offers these advantages:

* Personalized, one-on-one instruction from seasoned working professionals
* Step-by-step manuscript review and assessment
* Client-specific mentorship
* Assistance with graphic images and/or illustrations (if needed) to act as visual enhancement of your written work
* Student support through a private interactive forum
* Final project review and assessment
* Completion certificate

Writers: our standard book development program is tailored for beginning-to-intermediate writers who need mentorship and guidance through the stages of idea generation, narrowing focus, developing interesting themes, expanding themes through research, using logic to organize material, and polishing a finalized manuscript.

Authors: our advanced book development program is designed for intermediate-to-advanced writers who already have the basics in place (have written most of the book) and who want to employ advanced marketing techniques, promotional methods, book platform construction, book publishing, and distribution.

For more information, contact our Enrollment Director:
Robert@authorschool.com