Writers Unbound

the wild west

I am no conservative. However I hold deep respect for a woman who writes this much! Ideology creates only part of the story, Go visit some of the links. She knows how to write, how to get published, and how to get paid for her work. We can all learn from that.

[edit] References
1.^ http://therightwoman.blogtownhall.com/2008/03/12/disenfrancised_voters_and_le_morte_darthur.thtml
2.^ [1]
3.^ http://kknt960.townhall.com/youropinion/
4.^ http://arizonapoliticalheat.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-catholics-feel-about-illegal.html
5.^ http://www.tcotreport.com/
6.^ http://topconservativesontwitter.org/index.php/component/userdetail/?twitter_id=rightwoman
7.^ http://obama.wsj.com/article/03Tqb6I5gW4Y8?q=Timothy
8.^ http://smartgirlpolitics.ning.com/profile/GaylePlatoBesley
Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gayle_Plato-Besley”
Categories: 1964 births | Living people

There's a story here...

Wow! Now I know who he is! I do support many of his viewpoints.

In a previous blog, I added part of a long list of top 10 bloggers. I was perusing the list and found Ezra Levant. It is relly worth going to the description of him: it’s huge ad intriguing. A glimpse of a writer in action. (I may or may not endorse his actions or work, however I certainly admire his achievements in writing!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Levant
Publishing
In 2004 Levant co-founded the Western Standard, a national magazine with an emphasis on Western Canada, political conservatism, and libertarianism.[21] In October 2007 the magazine ended its print-run due to its unprofitability and became an exclusively online publication.[22] Levant sold the publication’s remaining assets to Matthew Johnson.[23]

A column by Levant appeared in the Calgary Sun on and off, over a ten year period, until October 2007 when the paper dropped the columnist because of an “internal personnel decision.”[24] He continues to write occasionally for the National Post.[25]

[edit] Human Rights complaint
On February 14, 2006 the Western Standard drew the attention of the Muslim community by reprinting the controversial editorial cartoons depicting Muhammad, the founder of Islam.[26]

Levant republished the Muhammed cartoons on his website in January 2008 on the same day he appeared before a hearing of the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission investigating a complaint by Syed Soharwardy of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, and the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities about Levant’s earlier publication of the cartoon. Additionally, Sowharwardy has filed a complaint with Calgary police about Levant saying he fears for his safety because of “lies” he says Levant has been spreading about him claiming Levant is inciting hatred. Police said they were actively investigating the complaint.[25]

Levant was called before the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission and asked to respond to the complaint. At the demand of Levant and his lawyers, he was allowed to videotape his interview with Shirley McGovern, a human rights investigator with the commission. The videos of his interview before the Alberta Human Rights Commission were published on YouTube by Levant,[27] which received a notable amount of interest from bloggers and internet users, spending several days in the top ten viewed videos on YouTube. The videos have been collectively viewed more than half-a-million times, and excerpts of the audio and video been featured by many notable radio and television programs.[28][29] Soharwardy’s complaint was ultimately withdrawn [30] and the police investigation ended; however the identical complaint by the Edmonton Muslim Council proceeded. The complaint was dismissed by the Commission on August 5, 2008.

The timing of the Levant case was notable, in that it coincided with a high-profile case considered by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The case was initiated by the Canadian Islamic Congress against Maclean’s Magazine for the printing of material they alleged was also discriminatory towards Muslims.

Levant and several other conservative bloggers, as well as the National Post, are being sued for libel by lawyer Richard Warman as a result of comments made about the lawyer in relation to human rights complaints he has initiated.[31]

In July 2008, Levant was invited to be an expert witness before the U.S. Congress’s Human Rights Caucus,[citation needed] where he spoke about the tribunals.

See also: Canadian Islamic Congress human rights complaint against Maclean’s Magazine

[edit] Stance against the Alberta Human Rights Commission
In 2008 Levant republished the letter of Steve Boissoin that had gotten Mr. Boissoin fined $7,000 and ordered not to publicly comment on homosexuality again. Although a complaint was filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission over Levant’s letter, the commission claimed his publishing of it was legitimate political discourse.

Levant denounced this inexplicable change in attitude as an indication of the uneven standards of the AHRC and the fact that it was intentionally anti-Christian. Levant noted that “100% of the CHRC’s targets have been white, Christian or conservative” and that “It’s legal for a Jew like me to publish [Boissoin’s letter]. It’s illegal for a Christian like Rev. Boissoin to publish it.”[32

It’s time to submit your book reviews, articles, poems, and announcements about anything related to writing, editing, publishing, and book promotion.

If you wish to contribute anything to Writers in the Sky Newsletter for July 2009, please review the guidelines on our Web site: http://writersinthesky.com/writing-newsletter.html.

Hurry, the deadline is June 24, 2009!

Yvonne Perry
Owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services

journeys call us to return; walking always photo by Mary MacIntyre

These cloudy days make me happy. First they have brought rain to my plants. Second they have completed 50% of the work I need to do on my “landscaping” PT gig. We don’t have much rain here, and so every drop is a blessing.
Article writing is very similar.

Light always abounds within us: celebrate! photo by Mary MacIntyre

Want to submit an article here? Leave me a commnet.

Getting into the niche article database (versus the big guys) and a few opportunities for magazine submissions.

Article databases are kind of a standby for freelance writers. It’s easy to join, free (or low-cost), and if you produce enough content and get enough page views, you can bring in money long after you’ve published the article. Actually, that little phrase “long after” is the key to understanding those big databases. It takes time to build up enough content, and get enough page views, to make any significant income. And there is plenty of competition.

Still, the lack - or long turn around time - on pay is often ignored because if you do get enough content and enough exposure, you can get payback in referrals from the sites that use your content. Your content there also gives something to potential clients: they can easily see your writing style, your ability to produce, your expertise. Maybe it’s not about the money.

I’ve not brought myself to do anything at the really big sites, like Associated Content or Ezine Articles. They’re just so big and so, well, not special.

The compromise I’ve found is in smaller, niche article databases. One I’ve found is Wahm-Articles.com. There is no monetary compensation, no ad revenue, no page view rates. It’s strictly for advertising, referrals, and building your expertise. That’s okay. I’m not expecting to make money from these article databases, just gain clients and experience. It makes sense to me to go with a smaller database that targets the same audience I’m after - in this case, work at home moms - and take advantage of 1) less competitive masses and 2) the expert appeal that comes from being part of a specialized site.

There are other niche article databases around… and of course, this opens up the whole “Should a freelance writer have a niche or just generalize” debate. I won’t get into that here. (You might think you know my answer because I have a wahm niche… but don’t make too many assumptions.)

Below you’ll find a list of a few niche article directories to get you started. I haven’t read through much on these sites, so make sure the guidelines and the content fit what you’re after.

• Education Articles for k-12.
• Online Education Articles
• My Family Living: Family Articles Seems to cover more than family living.
• Recipes and Cooking Articles
• Work at Home Articles Topics include Affiliate, Financial Issues, Marketing Online, and WAH Tips.
• Travel Articles

Make it a good day.

Image Credits: rochelle et. al. at Flickr.

Good morning readers and writers. It’s Writers Work Wednesday. Let’s get some dollars going.

• Avalon sure is friendly to potential authors. Their ”want list” is almost always updated. They’re currently putting the call out for a guide on travel to Honduras.
• Are you new to blogging? You may want to see if you can get on board with the Families.com blog network.
• Veteran writers based in San Francisco may want to check out this posting.
• Tech and custom car blogger needed. Be sure to bookmark this board, it’s great because it tells you how long ago the job was posted.
• Here’s a magazine I would read: Mexico Xpatz is seeking freelance writers. I’m burned out on writing about Mexico right now, so I won’t compete with you! (I’ll just subscribe and read you later!)
• Habitat Magazine is looking for journalists.
• Novelists: Twelfth Planet Press has put out a call for novellas numbering between 20,000 and 40,00 words.

 Another thing I want to bring up this Writer’s Work Wednesday is this wonderful book I’m reading that WILL get you motivated to query magazines and GET ASSIGNMENTS. I’m not even done with it, yet I CANNOT wait to recommend it to you: Writer Mama by Christina Katz.

Christina takes you through the process of becoming a writer for magazines, from beginning to end (and beyond). One book has never generated so many ideas for me before. I am reviewing it for About.com Freelance Writing, and carefully crafting my review. But don’t wait, get it today! 

Following are some questions I’ve ran into lately from various peers, online and etc.

• What the heck does FNASR mean? This stands for First North American Serial Rights. First of course indicates that this is the first time your piece has been published in North America. While well known as the U.S. and Canada, you should also be aware that Mexico is geographically and officially part of North America, meaning a publisher will not have to ask for International Rights for printing in Mexico. Of course, this will most likely only be an issue in academic works, or bilingual/Latino-targeted publications. Serial rights indicates that the rights apply to a serial (repeating) publication- such as a magazine. For information on managing and making decisions about rights for your work, I highly recommend joining the Freelance Writer’s Union.
• Should I query by phone? Very rarely is this an acceptable method of pitching an article or article idea to an editor. Instead, you should carefully investigate the preferences of an editor through their writer’s page or through the Writer’s Market.
• I haven’t got paid even though I submitted my article at the beginning of December! I saw that my article came out yesterday. Am I dealing with a scam? Actually, probably not. If you have a contract for your work, check the wording. Often magazines will pay after publication. You may be getting your check any day now.
• I notice you’re a full time freelancer. Do you like it? Is it a good fit for moms? Can one really get the bills paid? I do like my job and running my own business. The bills are getting paid, but I have to bust my butt just about every single day to do so. As far as being a good fit for moms, I would not recommend trying to make full time money if you have children who are not yet in school- at least not without some kind of childcare. I have a four year old who is in preschool 3x a week. I do try to get work done the other 2 days, but it’s just so very stressful.

Thanks for all the questions, and sorry about the comments issue. The boss man here at 451 Press is working on it as we speak. Meanwhile, keep emailing using the link to your right!

WELCOME BACK and Happy New Year! I am well rested and ready to offer you the best blogging year I’ve got in me. Let’s get to work! Ok, I’ll admit that the “top 5 genres” is subjective, but whether you’re a freelancer, biz-tech writer, blogger, novelist, or poet I’ve got something for you today!

Freelancers: Now is the time to find out the editorial schedule of your targeted magazine for the following year! Editorial calendars basically tell you what topics the magazine has planned for the year. Many will also indicate the amount of lead time needed for each issue. You can then tailor your pitch to fit their needs. So, how exactly do you find the editorial calendar? 

The easiest way is to subscribe to a service such as CyberAlert or MediaCalendars. Designed and aimed at PR professionals, these subscription-based services offer a searchable database of thousands of publication’s editorial calendars. Of course, I said it’s the easiestway- it’s not necessarily the cheapest. For example, a subscription for CyberAlert costs $499.

Don’t want to invest $500? I don’t blame you. Another way to find editorial calendars is the old fashioned way- search their website. If you can’t find the info on the writers page, be sure to check the advertising page.

Biztech Writers: Tired of trolling the same old places for jobs? Yes, it sure is convenient, but how about creating your own list of weekly job board bookmarks to check? Advantages include:

• Job searching on your own schedule
• That whole “early bird gets the worm” adage means that your resume and email are in front of the hiring manager’s eyes before he is buried under an avalanche of queries.
• Keeping your bookmarks up to date means that you’ll build a series of multiple leads that are tailored to your preferred job boards. 

Ready to go? Start building your list by checking out my list of 20 Links to Find Your Next Job. (Full disclosure: this link is to my guide site at About.com.)

Continue building your list by bookmarking every job board you happen upon. Soon you’ll have a huge list (like me! 85 and counting!) 

Poets: Do I ever have a great resource for you! Check out this listing of over 25 poetry contests with deadlines coming up soon. (Hurry, some require submission as soon as January 15- how’s that for motivation?)

Novelists: I’d never wish writer’s block on anyone- the frustration level is outright horrific. However, if you suffer from this infliction, there’s a multitude of resources out there. Here’s one of my faves.

Bloggers: How do you get great blogging jobs? Have a great blog! Aren’t bloggers lucky in that we don’t have the chicken and the egg issue that freelancers have? (How do I get clips, no one will hire me without clips!) Just about any literate individual with an internet connection can start a blog.

Now, that doesn’t mean it will be great, or that it will get traffic. Luckily, I can help you with one of those. Submitting your blog to directories is one way to increase the flow. Here’s a couple to try out:

• RSSFeedSubmission.com keeps a huge list of directories.
• Search Engine Watch offers these step by step tips on blog submission.
• Give Best Web Directories a try.

Thanks for reading!

writing tips, writing resources, freelance, poets, poetry, blogs, novels, business writer

Thank you kindly to those who followed our markets series that wrapped up yesterday. 

Moving on, I am currently reviewing “The Anti 9-5″ for my freelance writing site at About.com. It’s about leaving behind the cubicle farm for the “freedom” of freelancing.” Haha. While I adore the book, I do have a shot of reality I’d like to share!

For all those considering freelancing as a career, hoping for some of that “freedom,” I’ve decided to share with you a rundown of a day in the life of a full time freelancer:

• 7:30 Up and out the door. Since we’re down to one car for the next couple days, I have become the official chauffeur. Drop off child #1, drop off husband, drop off child #2.
• 9:00 Stop at Office Max and pick up ink for the printer that decided to suddenly die with no warning at 11:30 last night.
• 9:30 Back home. Let dog out, feed cats, print grad school applications and etc to get into the mail by 10a. Yeah, um, the deadline is Friday.
• 10 Time to “start work,” although I’m not sure what that means I’ve been doing since 7:30.
• 10 to 12 Work on editorial management of regional magazine. I have a meeting today at 4:30 with the magazine’s publisher. I showed up at the last meeting with not enough done, and the guy’s flying to Guatemala for a month on Thursday! Needless to say, he’s a bit antsy about the issue’s MLK print date.

So, this two hours of work consists of: managing his magazine, managing my email and other projects who are poking me for attention, researching for a subject interview for this afternoon, and researching for a client call also coming up this afternoon. In addition, I haven’t done any subject interview for over a year, so I have to cough up my recording equipment and digital camera.

• 12:30 Shower and prep for the interview
• 1:40 Leave
• 2:00 Realize I forgot my laptop, which I need for my 4:30 meeting with my publisher. Crap.
• 2:10 Arrive at interview. Early. Hoping he will be ready. Early.
• 2:40 Subject arrives…late.
• 3:10 I should leave the interview right now. We arranged a half hour, which should be enough for a half a page with the research already done and a stock bio covering the first paragraph.
• 3:15 Ok, I really should leave now.
• 3:30 Finally leave. Call my daughter’s school and let them know I am on my way to pick her up.
• 3:45 Pick kid up, 15 minutes late.
• 3:50 Coach kid not to make a peep during 4 pm phone interview.
• 4:00 Potential client calls. Did I mention I’m still in the car?
• 4:10 Arrive home, gather laptop, get back in car to head to next appointment. Yup, still on the phone interview with client.
• 4:30 Pick up hubby. Still on the phone interview. Yes, we still only have one car. But at least now he can drive while I talk.
• 4:34 Phone interview over.
• 4:35 Dropped off at meeting with publisher at local internet cafe.
• 5:15 Publisher has family emergency. Is called away. I eat dinner alone while waiting for my family to pick me up. They are finishing up their dinner down the street.
•  5:30-8 Family time.
• 8: Children to bed, back to work.
• 9: Conference call with About.com’s fellow channel guides.
• 10-11: Back to work (typing this post, among other things.)

A time breakdown:

1. 4 hours family time
2.  7.5 hours work time
3. 3 hours ”other”- shower, travel time, pets

;-} So that’s my life…not that I’m complaining! Hope I’ve infused some reality into your view. Best of luck!