Calling all writers! Writer’s Digest is holding its 79th writing competition. The fees are minimal and the categories are plentiful. Freelance writers, this is your opportunity to dust off those manuscripts and get them in front of people. The fees are nominal and you never know where it could lead you. Visit Writer’s Digest for more information. Get your entries in today because the deadline is May 14, 2010. There is a $5 late entry fee.

Categories

Memoirs/Personal Essay
Mainstream/Literary Short Story
Rhyming Poem
Stage Play
Children’s/Young Adult Fiction
Genre Short Story
Magazine Feature Article
Non-Rhyming Poem
Television/Movie Script
Inspirational Writing

Entry Fees

Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 each additional.
Other entries are $20 for the first manuscript; $15 for each additional.

Good luck!
Rebecca

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Most writers dream of writing the great American novel. This takes time, dedication, and perseverance. You may want to write a money-making novel before you attempt to write the great American novel. Writing groups will help you stay the course and finish your novel, eBook, memoir, screenplay, teleplay, play, or whatever it is you’re writing. There’s safety in numbers.

Sometimes you’re not inspired to write. Life can take you by the hand and lead you down many roads; some of them dark and mysterious, others sunny and straightforward. What if you’re not inspired to write? Where did inspiration go? Writing groups can help you find inspiration and keep it.

A writer’s group can benefit you in many ways. From bouncing off your ideas on others to correcting your grammar, you’ll learn a lot from other writers. In fact, you may want to join various writing groups because each one will focus on a different topic. For example, you may find a group that focuses on grammar and punctuation. You could join a fiction writers group or a screenwriter’s group. This way you’ll learn more about your particular writing niche.

Most writers are shy which is ironic because they’re communicators. Writing groups will allow you to break out of your shell. When you sell your book, you’ll embark on a book tour. Joining a writer’s group will help you to hone your speaking skills and gain confidence. The plan is to promote your best-seller not allow it to collect dust in your publisher’s office.

Screenwriters will benefit from writing groups because the members can read your dialogue. You may cringe at the thought of hearing your dialogue out loud, but it will help you write solid dialogue. And, you’ll find those pesky grammatical errors. Remember that group members are not actors. The point is to hear your dialogue. Is it too long or too short? Does it make sense? Would your character say the words you wrote? You’ll find the answers to these and other questions when you hear your words read aloud.

Writing groups are a great way to connect with other writers. Being a writer is a solitary experience which can make you feel alone in the world. Connecting with others will remind you that you’re not alone and that you’re not the only writer in the world. There are people who understand what you’re going through and will support you on your journey. Reach out to others and connect with them today because you never know where those connections can take you.

Rebecca

How can writing groups help you?

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Many screenwriters would like to see their work produced. However, they may not have the funds and require an investor to back them. This can be tricky because most screenwriters are not business people and don’t understand how investors think and work. It’s best to know what you’re up against before you ask for $50,000 to make your short film.

Screenwriters must know that it’s not about them — it’s about the investor. You may be passionate about your short film, but an investor wants to know what’s in it for him. He’ll ask what the ROI (return on investment) is. If you aren’t familiar with ROI and other business terms, a couple of business courses will educate you in no time.

Make sure you have a business plan when you speak with investors. This does not mean you have to give them a 30-60 page business plan (standard), but have an outline or proposal prepared about the project.

Investors want to back a good deal. Screenwriters must prove themselves to investors. What makes your film unique versus another? How do you know your film will make money? Asking yourself these and other questions will assist you when you approach investors.

Information to give to investors

• Name of project.
• Description of project.
• Filming location of project.
• Time frame of project. When does filming begin and end.
• Budget for project.
• Projections. How much will the investor make on the film?

Numbers and the “bottom line” are important to investors. Screenwriters who don’t know what they’re speaking about can kiss an investment in their film goodbye. That’s the way it goes. If you’re not confident to approach an investor, have someone who knows how to approach investors work with you. Otherwise, you could blow an opportunity of a lifetime.

Screenwriters focus on the creative aspect of the “entertainment business” instead of the entire picture. You are in a business of marketing and making films which solves the problem for the general public of what to do on a Friday or Saturday night. The sooner you understand that Hollywood is a business, the better off you’ll be.

Avoid being rude or arrogant when you approach investors. Screenwriters who lack non-verbal and verbal communication skills will benefit from classes on these subjects. Again, you’re in a business and professionalism is required. This may not sound glamorous but it’s part of the business!

Developing and building relationships is part of the entertainment business. If you’re not relationship savvy hang around people who are and learn from them. Taking a few classes on relationship building will not hurt you — it will only help you.

Screenwriters who are serious and want to see their work produced will do what it takes to get their name out there. Whether or not you make it as a screenwriter depends solely on you and how well you communicate with people. Good luck!

Rebecca

How do you approach investors? Share your thoughts.

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Many freelance writers fear rejection. Heck, most people fear rejection. Once you understand “rejection” in terms of your writing or artistry, you’ll be able to breathe. Rejection is NOT a rejection of you. It’s someone telling you that your work is not for their business or publication. It has nothing to do with you as a person. Writers who are lucky to receive feedback from editors can apply the constructive criticism to your writing which will make it stronger.

When a freelance writer sends a query to an editor they usually hold their breath. Actually, you’re very fortunate if the editor replies to your request and provides you with feedback. The key is to ensure that you followed the guidelines. Many writers do not follow a publication’s guidelines which is why their query is rejected. The writing is spot on, but you did not follow the rules. It’s important to give the editor and publication what they’re asking for the first time. Otherwise, you may not receive a second chance to make a first impression.

When you receive criticism that is rude or condescending take it with a grain of salt. Look past the rudeness and focus on the feedback. The person may be a jerk, but his advice could land you a multi-million dollar book deal. There’s nothing sweeter than making lemonade out of lemons and laughing all the way to the bank!

Artists and freelance writers put their heart and soul into the work they produce. To have someone else look at it and reject it is like a knife going through their heart. This sounds a bit melodramatic, but it’s true for some artists and writers. Get over it. That’s easier said than done, but it will help you deal with rejection. Not everyone will like your work and that’s all right. Focus on markets and people who will be interested in your work. Don’t waste time trying to convince someone they’ll love your work. You could be speaking with other prospects who are interested in you and your work.

Some freelance writers take rejection very hard and never write again. This is extreme. Avoid letting others dampen your dreams. Perhaps if you attended writing classes and workshops, you’re work would improve. It’s up to you to bring success into your life. How bad to you want to be published? If you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to get it. Or, you will realize that it’s not really what you desire.

Rejection doesn’t have to hurt. Before you read any feedback, take a deep breath and count to 10. Read any feedback you receive with objective eyes. Detach for a moment from the constructive criticism. Look at it as an opportunity for you to improve upon your writing, artistry, or business. Have a positive attitude can help diffuse a negative situation. Of course, if the person is horribly rude, take the information and run!

Rebecca

What techniques do you use to handle rejection?

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