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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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Great books, and authors, may be headed your way.

The Wisconsin Book Festival 2009 began yesterday in Madison, WI. This annual festival began in 2002 and now draws about 15,000 people – all in the name of books and writing and the love of reading.

56209_WBF09_Print_Guide-1

Wow, what a line-up. A whole slew of amazing authors are being hosted, heard, and admired as you read this. Download the Program Schedule, a work of art in itself.

But, beware, when they say “it’s a large PDF file, it might take a while to download,” they mean business. Still, I waited. I flipped through it. My eyes teared up. I thought of packing my bags and camping out in Madison for the next several days.

But, if you’re like me (have a job, raise young kids, don’t bother checking your wallet because all that’s in there is a library card and crumpled receipts marking the obvious…you’re broke), leaving town is not an option.

A peek at the program is still in order, though. Even if you’re hundreds of miles away from Wisconsin, it’s an experience to read through the list of authors. I’m awed by the amount of awards and fellowships represented. And, I’m reminded about the number of books I want to list my GoodReads page as “to-read.”

If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the other statewide areas offering their own piece of the festival pie, you might still get a chance to see great authors in action. I’m checking the schedule, and I’m running through my list of babysitters (hoping for one free of charge). With a quarter tank of gas, I can make it to at least one of those events!