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A Writer’s Week in Twitter Hashtags II *

I’ve been behind on my reading (and my writing, but that’s another post). Blame it on the weather, a series of sick days with kids, a lack of focus. I’m ready for Spring.

But, I’m catching up this week and armed with several articles worthy of bookmarks.

#Writing

What does a novel’s interior say about its characters? from Nichole Bernier on Beyond the Margins

[Certain novels’] distinctive settings stayed with me, years after reading the book, for being not just unforgettable, but critical in molding their characters. Environments that were epic not just because they were vividly drawn, but because they represented very specific emotional landscapes, sometimes packed into very small spaces.

#FindYourCommunity

For the man who called me for advice about how to get published, from Cathy Day on The Big Thing (when a phone call for quick advice turns into a lesson for her students, and all of us):

My advice: find two or three people in your classes [or your writing circle] who you can trade work with in the years to come, because you’re going to need those people. Bad.

#Submissions

Literary Magazine Submission Tips Submitted to Myself, by Joseph Scapellato on Gulf Coast Blog.

Submit to the idea that submitting your work can teach you where you’ve come from as a writer, where you’re at as a writer, and where you might be going as a writer.

#BookBloggers

Beth Hoffman – LOOKING FOR ME – Review on Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways.

Beth Hoffman is a master at crafting a gentle story fierce with emotion. Her novels are comfort reads, and Looking for Me is no exception. It’s a work that defies categorization encompassing aspects of mystery, romance and literary fiction while maintaining a cozy distinctiveness that’s become a signature touch. Hoffman is a keen observer of life and her astute awareness of the world around her filters into her writing immersing the reader in detail that’s as multi-dimensional as it is visceral.

I’ve got my copy (and can’t wait to share all about in a Q&A with Beth Hoffman in May). You can pre-order your copy here.

What’s on your Twitter feed this week?

* Read A Writer’s Week in Twitter Hashtags (first edition) here.

 

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A Writer’s Week in Twitter Hashtags

#America

“Today is the clearest proof yet that, against the odds, ordinary Americans can overcome powerful interests.”
~President Obama, 11-06-12, in his message to supporters.

#BookBloggers

“Our goal has always been to help readers of influence discover new titles.”

I first heard about NetGalley.com, an online resource that connects book bloggers and reviewers with authors and publishers, via Erika Dreifus. I’m always on the lookout for new authors to interview, and, while Twitter keeps me up-to-date, I miss plenty of information during busy weeks when social media takes a back seat. NetGalley offers another outlet through which reviewers and book bloggers can stay current. Sign up, fill out a profile, browse the titles, request a galley. It’s that easy. All the galley’s are in electronic format, but you don’t have to have a Kindle to read them. Click here for more information on how it works and what you need to get started.

#NaNoWriMo

I’m not attempting NaNoWriMo this year (though maybe I should sign up with the goal of finishing the last 5000 words of my novel draft in 30 days. I could use the NaNoWriMo cheerleaders and Pep Talks). Still, even if I’m not directly involved, I do love following all the writers in the thick of it (Hi Dot!). I also bookmark NaNoWriMo articles that come out this time of year, since they’re often chock-full of resources for novel writing in general. Take this one from Nathan Bransford, which lists 12 blog posts to help you get that novel started. Maybe you’re not pushing 50,000 words in 30 days, but you’ll want to hold on to “5 Ways to Stay Motivated While Writing a Novel” and “What Makes a Great Setting” and “Do You Have a Plot.” If Nathan Bransford’s list isn’t enough to fill your reading card, go on over to the NaNoWriMo website and peruse the Pep Talk archives. Then, get busy writing.

#AmReading

Speaking of reading and writing, I bought the Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Flash Nonfiction a while back and finally got a chance to dig into the pages last week. I haven’t written much flash nonfiction, but I’m working on a collection of flash fiction. And, this book is an excellent resource for both categories of flash. I cannot get enough of the essays, the writing exercises, the examples of flash that leave me wanting more. It’s my new favorite read. Get your copy, in print or on Kindle. I’m not kidding.

#WritersUnite

This weekend, I head to Madison for the Wisconsin Book Festival. But, even more exciting, I’ll be spending some good writerly time with my friend E. Victoria Flynn. We may re-live moments from our weekend in Chicago, minus the train. There’s so much going on in Madison over the next several days, and it’s all free (bonus); book lovers, writers, creative types: readings, workshops, writing. I can’t wait!

What’s on your docket this week?

* American flags photo credit: Schick via morguefile.com

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Put on your listening ears, we’re reading.

This week, I am part of a virtual literary salon. Last December, my story, “If It Wasn’t for Sylva”, was published in an anthology. As a bit of promotion for the book, E. Victoria Flynn, Stephen Penner, and I made videos of ourselves reading excerpts from our stories.

While you sit in your comfy chair and sip your latte or stir your chamomile tea or crunch ice from that mid-day mojito (because I have a certain friend vacationing in Puerto Rico as I type this…lucky girl), you can click and listen to a sampling of stories from The Dead Shoe Society Anthology.

I recorded the video below a few days ago with my son’s iPod (used totally without permission, but then I did help purchase the thing), while sitting in the dining room under natural light, praying the phone wouldn’t ring and hoping the pixels might soften my crow’s feet. The whole experience was witnessed by an audience of one — the mailman, who dropped the mail through the slot just as I stopped recording.

He always has such good timing.

Following the video, you’ll find information below on how to get your hands on the book and read more if you want. Too, don’t forget to stop by E. Victoria Flynn’s website to hear a snippet of her story, “The Deadest One”, and Stephen Penner’s site to catch a bit of his story, “Lady Justice Wears Heels”.

Drumroll, please…and Play.

Click here to listen to E. Victoria Flynn.

And, here to listen to Stephen Penner.

The Dead Shoe Society Anthology can be purchased on Amazon or on Smashwords, in print or in e-Book format.