Need Ideas? A Conference? A Challenge?

The following is from the Coffeehouse for Writers blog, where I regularly share reviews for the On Our Bookshelves page.  In addition to book reviews, writing advice and other goodies can be found at the Coffeehouse blog. I invite you to check it out. :)

The Writer’s Idea Book

By Jack Heffron

Need ideas? Jack Heffron, former senior editor at Writer’s Digest Books, has a few to share. Four hundred to be exact, if you count each one of the prompts included here. I purchased this book because I wanted prompt ideas to use with writing classes. Its claim, “How to develop great ideas for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays” far exceeded my expectations. Heffron doesn’t just list a bunch of prompts; he encourages us to think and explore to stretch our skills. Having fun is key, and he further elaborates by sharing the things that help make our writing shine. His philosophy consists of general writing truths that keep those creative juices flowing.

What are these truths? First, we must “show up”. In other words, make time to write. Second, acknowledge the difficulty. Yes, “showing up” on a consistent basis can be hard. Next, joy and gratitude play a part in this equation, and these are a result of the first two truths. Heffron continues by explaining what the enemies of creativity are and talks us through those as well.

The book consists of four parts: Bending and Stretching, Exploring, Finding Form, and Assessing and Developing. Each part’s chapters cover steps to guide us on the creative path, with a liberal sprinkling of prompts. Chapter Eighteen, entitled Of Sonnets and Toasters, for example, discusses “appliance fiction”. Never heard of “appliance fiction”? I hadn’t either, but it’s an interesting way to tie fiction and technology together. Add in related exercises, and you’ve got a great start to fresh writing ideas.

This book is helpful and informative from start to finish, but ideas and prompts can also be sampled and used whenever you like. I’ve used this for teaching creative writing to teens and adults, and for my own writing adventures. It’s a great resource for all genres and levels; I plan on keeping this one around for a long time.


More Conferences


The Inland Northwest Christian Writers conference in Spokane, Washington is scheduled for March 19, 2011. Keynote speaker is Jim Rubart, author of Rooms. Other speakers include Jan Cline and Terri Tiffany. Click here for details.


The "Just Write" conference sponsored by the Missouri Writer's Guild will be held in St. Louis on April 8-10. Love the title!

A Challenge

The ladies over at BooKrushed have issued a challenge. Read 11 books published in 2011, now through December 31, 2011. They invite you to join...And, there are prizes...(I said that in a sing-song voice, could you tell?) For more info, visit the BooKrushed site.

What writing books do you recommend? Which one is your all time favorite?

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1187357

Giveaway, Contests, & Links

Hope you are all staying warm! Here are a few odds and ends to wrap up the week:

Giveaway & Interview

If you happened to miss the interview and book giveaway with Cathy Bryant, I invite you to check it out here. We're giving away a copy of Cathy's latest book, A Path Less Traveled. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 8, 2011.


Contests

The Write Helper has several contests running for non-fiction and flash fiction. There are cash prizes, but hurry, two of the three contest deadlines are February 10, 2011. Click here for details.

The Writer's Digest Self Published Awards deadline is April 15, 2011. Grand prize winner gets $3000 and a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in NYC. Details can be found here.

Conferences

The International Women's Writing Guild is sponsoring several conferences this year. Locations include California, New York City, and Connecticut. Visit their site for details.

Stop by the Faithwriters' site for info on their annual conferences in Australia and the United States. Their site also offers contests and other writer goodies.

Writing Courses

Another great series of online workshops begin Monday, February 7 at the Coffeehouse for Writers.  The workshop assortment includes Blogging for Profit or Pleasure, Promotion 101, Writing for Children and lots more. I'll be there, of course, facilitating the Basic Boot Camp for Writers. If you're so inclined, stop over and see us!

Is it warm or cold in your neck of the woods?

Have a Super weekend! ;)
Karen

Image credit: nkzs http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1089540

Speaking of Cross Training

Thanks a bunch!

Thanks for all the great feedback on Monday's post on cross training for writing. My blogging gang always gets a good conversation going. If you didn't get in on things on Monday, feel free to leave a comment today telling us how you like to stretch your writing muscles.

While we're on the topic of cross training, Coffeehouse for Writers' workshops begin September 6, 2010. Offerings include Blogging for Profit or Pleasure, Creating Character, Writing for Children, Stress Management for Writers, Writing for Magazines, and Historical Fiction. For more details, visit their site.

Oh, and just in case you wanted to know, I'll be teaching a workshop for the Coffeehouse in October. It's called Back to Basics Boot Camp for Writers and will include a refresher on the mechanics of good writing. I'm excited about it; maybe I'll see you there. :)

Special Labor Day Celebration Week

Be sure and stop by next week for a special two part author interview and giveaway!

Have you taken any writing courses or workshops lately? Are there any areas of grammar that you could use a bit of a refresher? What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

Happy Labor Day!

Blessings,
Karen

Image credit: dubock http://www.sxc.hu/photo/960016

Writing Resources

I often get questions about how to get into freelance or other writing, so thought I'd share some of my favorite writing resources. There are so many great sites, blogs, newsletters, classes, and other treasures available for all genres.

Here's a small sampling.

Funds for Writers is the brainchild of Hope Clark, and features newsletters, books, markets, contests, and grants for writers. FFW has been voted as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Web Sites for Writers since 2001.

Writing for Dollars  is another stop chock full of articles, markets, books, a newsletter, and even a daily cartoon.

Long Ridge Writer's Group offers courses for writers, articles, chat rooms, forums, and helpful links.

LRWG is the sister school of The Institute of Children's Literature, where I took several courses (which were excellent, btw). ICL's site also has great links, chat rooms, markets, a bookstore, contests, and more.

Writing, Etc., where Beth Ann Erickson is in charge, has articles, e-courses, books, advice, and a newsletter.

Writer's Digest not only has a great magazine, their website boasts articles, tips and info, courses, and a weekly newsletter.

Coffeehouse for Writers offers t-shirts, mugs, and other gifts for writers, as well as online courses, critique groups, newsletters, links, and a blog.

This list barely scratches the surface of the resources at our fingertips, but perhaps a link or two will inspire or help on your writing journey. You know me, I'll share more links in the future. :)

What are some of your favorite writing resources or tips? What advice would you give to someone just jumping into this writing life?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen

Coffee House for Writers

Coffeehouse for Writers

This is an interesting website that has lots of things for writers of all genres. Their Learn the Craft section offers online courses with topics like E-books, Fiction in a Flash, How to Quit Your Day Job, Writing for Magazines, Writing Historical Fiction, and more. These are priced at $80 for a four week course; all are taught by experienced, published writers. The courses are offered every month, so you can pick the time that works for you.

CHW also publishes a free e-newletter, and offers online critique groups and communities. Their Coffeehouse Corner Shoppe sells writing themed t-shirts, and of course, coffee mugs. They also have moderated book discussion groups. If you'd rather connect with a real live, in person writer's group, they have links to several regional groups.

There are all sorts of goodies out there to help us with our writing. What resources have you found to be helpful? Share them with us; we're all ears!

Happy writing:)