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Inklings Issue 5.16
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i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 5.16 * Over 45,000 subscribers! * Aug.4, 1999
*****************************************************************
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0516.html>
In this issue, Lee Wardlaw (ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR)
offers advice about what topics work for 8-12-year-olds, and
Donna Gephart answers frequently asked questions about
humor writing.
This issue sponsored by:
*****************************************************************
XLIBRIS exists to help authors publish. Promptly, permanently. You
retain control. We make it happen: your book in beautiful hard
cover and trade paperback editions, available on-demand, forever.
Ask for a free hardback sample: 1-888-7XLIBRIS, email
info@xlibris.com or visit us online: http://www.xlibris.com
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PHYSICIAN WRITERS: submissions needed for planned inspirational
book dealing with doctors and patients. "Feel good" stories,
fiction or nonfiction, 500-5000 words. Pays percentage of
profits. Chris Wiggins, M.D. cewmd1@datasync.com
*****************************************************************
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1999 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
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CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From The Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask The Children's Book Writer
FAQ About Humor Writing
Writers' Classifieds
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
----------------------
I'm pleased to announce a number of new developments at Inkspot:
THE BOOKSTOP (http://www.inkspot.com/books)
Bev Walton-Porter has helped revamp Inkspot's online bookstore.
This section now includes Bev's new book review column,
Inkprints, as well as a discussion forum about writing-related
books.
DISCUSSION FORUMS AND OPINION POLLS (http://www.inkspot.com/forums)
Message boards and polls on many topics of interest to
writers. I'm currently looking for discussion forum Moderators;
more details and an application form can be found at the URL
above (see "How To Host").
Speculative fiction writer Brian A. Hopkins will be participating
in an Inkspot Author open forum chat on Wed. Aug. 11th. See
details in Shane's IWCC update near the end of this issue, or:
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/
Looking for paid online writers
-------------------------------
I am doing research for my book (THE WRITER'S ONLINE MARKETPLACE,
Writer's Digest Books, summer 2000) and would be interested in
hearing from anyone who has sold their writing to an online
market. If you fit this description, please do fill out my
three-question survey. All completed surveys will be entered
in a draw for the 2000 edition of Writer's Market (when it
becomes available). To get a copy of the survey, please send
a blank e-mail to the autoresponder writersurvey@inkspot.com.
Congratulations to
------------------
- Dave Fisher, winner of THE MULLIGAN GUIDE TO SPORTS JOURNALISM
CAREERS.
- Cindy Appel, winner of the secret Classifieds contest in Issue
5.14. Cindy wins a copy of WORLD WIDE WRITERS and a bookmark.
- Wanda Schwandt, winner of SOUL BETWEEN THE LINES and
WRITING ROMANCE FICTION.
Correction to the previous issue
--------------------------------
Writer's Support Page URL should be:
http://members.home.net/wcgrnway/writmain.htm
And finally...
--------------
I will be on a canoe trip on the Nahanni River (Northwest
Territories) in the last half of August. Moira Allen will be
sending out the August 18th issue, and there will be *no
issue* on Sept.1st. Normal Inklings schedule will resume with
the Sept.15th issue.
This will be the longest time I've ever been offline
since...well, since I first got on the Internet. I confess I'm
more concerned about potential Internet withdrawal than the
physical dangers of the trip. :-)
- Debbie
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
PRIZE GIVEAWAYS: WRITING FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA
----------------------------------------------
WRITING FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA: The Complete Guide, by Jon
Samsel and Darryl Wimberley (Allworth Press, Nov/98). Includes
tips on creating design proposals and interactive screenplays,
informational and educational multimedia, hypertext fiction and
online narratives, and behind-the-scenes looks at interactive
creations such as Myst, Paul Is Dead, The X-Files.
Deadline: Aug.12, 1999. For more info about these books and how
to enter, see: http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
Tips For Writers
----------------
Moira Allen's web resource for writers. Lots of useful articles,
resource links. (DRO)
http://www.tipsforwriters.com
Screenwriting
-------------
This is part of the former MiningCompany.Com site. I really
enjoyed the article "Steal This Idea" about how Hollywood has
turned recycling into art. (TK)
ttp://screenwriting.about.com/
Page ONE
--------
Free newsletter and website resource for writers. To subscribe,
send an e-mail to subscribe@pageonelit.com. (DRO)
http://www.pageonelit.com/
The History Net: Today in History
---------------------------------
I can't get enough of these sites. And this one is one of the
best. Lots of detailed articles to go with the the bare date
data. Of course, it's searchable. (TK)
http://www.thehistorynet.com/today/today.htm
Writing Corner
--------------
Articles, chat room, link resources, contest, even a special
section for young writers. (DRO)
http://writingcorner.freehosting.net/main.htm
RefDesk
-------
I never met a writer who had too many dictionaries or reference
books. Add this site to the list. You can search the site, the
web, the dictionary or newsgroups. Also has links to Ask the
Expert, Download, Newspaper and other resource pages. Bookmark it
and prepare to miss lots of writing time. (TK)
http://www.refdesk.com/
Global Writers' Ink reminder!
-----------------------------
Don't forget...Inkspot's new e-mail newsletter, GLOBAL WRITERS'
INK, will launch on August 11th. The first issue will be free and
available by autoresponder as well as on the website. First 500
subscribers will be entered in a prize draw for Michael Sedge's
global markets book. See below for details. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/global/
CORRECTION FROM LAST ISSUE:
The correct URL for the Paradox Concepts Writer's Support Page
is: http://members.home.net/wcgrnway/writmain.htm. Apologies
for any inconvenience.
Fresh Ink contributors: (TK:Tony King) (DRO:Debbie Ridpath Ohi)
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
FREELANCE SUCCESS newsletter gives nonfiction writers the tools
to earn a fulltime living. Detailed market info and online
writing classes. SASE to 801 NE 70th St., Miami, FL 33138, email
freelance-success@usa.net or see http://www.freelancesuccess.com
*****************************************************************
The Readers' Subscription offers a wide variety of fine
books and materials that cater to the discriminating reader, all
from leading publishers in the field. Join now and take any 3
books for $1.99 each. http://rs.booksonline.com/rs0010
*****************************************************************
MARKET INFORMATION
------------------
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/bt/market/.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs": simultaneous
submissions, "mss": manuscript, "RT": response time, "GL":
guidelines, "wds":words, "cc":contributor's copy.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research this issue:
Kathie Meyers (KM).
** Please do not reprint the market listings below without
** permission. See copyright info at end of issue for details.
STORIES & LETTERS DIGEST
------------------------
Stories & Letters Digest. PO Box 690, Milton, WA 98354-0690.
253-927-0374 or 253-952-9358. Editor & Publisher: James Rudy
Humphreys. Quarterly digest-sized literary newsletter. 12pp.
Circ: 100 (new market). General reading audience. age: 30-60 yrs.
NEEDS: Short fiction, 500 to 3000 wds. All categories considered,
but emphasis will be placed on serious, mainstream work. Nothing
obviously pornographic or obscene. Use your own judgment as to
what is or what isn't; I, as editor, will do the same.
Occasionally uses poetry. PAY: On acceptance. One time rights.
Fiction and poetry: 1/2-1 cent/wd. SUBMISSIONS: Snail mail only.
SASE with all submissions. NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS. RT:
Queries: 2 wks. Manuscripts: 2-4 wks. Sample issues for $2,
mailed to address above. TIP: I am just recently beginning to get
a significant number of submissions in the mail, most of them
science fiction, and most of them really bad. Now, I like science
fiction, but some of the things I've been reading are really
terrible. The guidelines for Stories & Letters do state "All
categories considered, but emphasis will be placed on serious,
mainstream work." And that is exactly what I would like to see
more of. (ST)
GL: http://hometown.aol.com/jhumph6290/prof/index.html
E-mail: jhumph6290@aol.com
NUTRITION CLUB
--------------
Nutrition Club, 12600 Rockside Rd/169, Garfield Hts, OH 44125.
Editor: Tj Jackson. "Nutrition Club is a daily (M-F) electronic
newsletter providing its readers useful and factual information
on nutrition, supplements, low-fat recipes, health and beauty and
exercise. We are a growing publication, as our readership and
sponsorship increase so shall our rates." Circulation: 11,200
with 35-50 new subscribers per day. Size:16-20K HTML - 5K Text.
Feature Article: Factual information on any nutrition and health
topics that may be of interest to dieters or health conscious
people. Health and Beauty was generally reserved for staff but is
now open to freelancers: Articles such as 10 Ways to Soothe
Sunburn, Home Facials, Dealing with Insomnia, etc. No need to
query/response generally 2-3 weeks. Send submissions via email (
.txt, .doc, .rtf) to submit@success2day.com. Submission FAX:
707.222.2802. Simsubs OK; does not buy reprints. PAYS: Feature
Article 300-600 wds @ $0.09/wd; Health and Beauty 100-200 wds @
$0.06/wd. Pays on publication. Buys one time rights. Byline and
link given. "We encourage anyone considering a submission to read
at least one issue obtained by subscription from the web site."
Writer's guidelines: send an email to info@success2day.com. This
information will be available online soon. (KM)
URL: http://www.success2day.com/
E-mail: info@success2day.com
MOXIE MAGAZINE
--------------
Moxie Magazine: for the woman who dares. 1230 Glen Avenue,
Berkeley, CA 94708. 510-540-5510 FAX: 510-670-6457 Editor: Emily
Hancock. Quarterly. Circ: ~10K. Size: 56pp b/w with color cover.
Moxie, for the woman who dares, is for gutsy women who want more
from a magazine than fashion, sex, and beauty. With an entirely
unique voice, Moxie encourages young women to define themselves
from the inside out -- apart from media stereotypes. Upbeat and
positive, it reflects women's strengths instead of making them
feel depressed about how they measure up. Produced, written by
and targeted for 20-something women, our audience is based more,
though, on a mindset ("for the woman who dares") than an age.
Readers range in age from teens to eighties. An independent
magazine now in its second year of publication, Moxie is
distributed nationwide to Barnes & Noble, Virgin, Tower, and
Borders, as well as independent bookstores. (Check out our
current issue on role models, mentors, and sheroes, and have a
look at our website at http://www.moxiemag.com for the table of
contents, as well as more than a dozen related articles.) NEEDS:
1,000 - 3,000 wds. Fiction, poetry and non-fiction geared to real
women who are putting together lives that work in the real world,
from careers to friends to fiction, from sexuality to
multiculturalism, to travel, technology and sports. Anything is
game, especially the topics that make most national magazines shy
away. NOTE: THEMED ISSUES. DEADLINES: We publish two quarterly
zines: print and web. Deadlines for print: 9/15, 12/15, 3/15,
6/15. Deadlines for Web: one month later (much looser). Our
winter issue will be on identity, including all aspects of
identity--personal, psychological, sexual, family, social, work,
political, professional, etc. etc. Stories should mirror the
spirit of the magazine, describing or inspiring our readers.
First-person accounts, fiction, non-fiction, essays, photographs,
illustrations all welcome. Just stick with our mission to
describe real women doing real things in the real world. Deadline
for drafts: September 15. PAY: On publication. 3 copies of the
issue and one Moxie T-shirt OR 1 copy of the issue and $25 (your
choice). Author holds rights. SUBMISSION: EMAIL GREATLY
PREFERRED: emily@moxiemag.com; *if you are sending an attachment,
please also paste text into email.* Non-preferred: snail mail,
your name and address on every page. Snail mail submissions get
very poor attention indeed. RT: Email submissions acknowledged
immediately with a time line as to when a decision will be
made/which issue piece is being considered for. SAMPLE COPY: Send
$5 or buy one off the stands. (ST)
URL: http://www.moxiemag.com/
GL: http://www.moxiemag.com/moxie/Articles/index.html
E-mail: Emily Hancock <emily@moxiemag.com>
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE VETERAN'S SOUL
-----------------------------------
Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul c/o Sid Slagter. 607 W.
Broadway Ave. Fairfield, IA 52556-3200 1-888-387-6373 FAX:
1-515-472-0719. Editor: Sid Slagter. Story collection: 101
stories. DEADLINE: 31 Dec 1999 (but we will welcome stories after
this date for a sequel book that is being planned.) NEEDS:
Actively seeking inspirational stories from every war, and from
all branches of service. Some of the topics we would like to
include: -Heroism & Bravery -Comradery & Closeness in Combat
-Leadership -Laughter from the Front Lines -Patriotism -On
Understanding. You may also submit stories which you have read
somewhere else--say in a book, magazine, newspaper, or
newsletter (just include the name of the author and the
publication). Up to 1200 wds. The story should leave the reader
with feelings such as: upliftment, "oh wow!", heart expansion,
heartfelt tears, chills up the spine experience, a lump in the
throat, or a more exalted reason for being alive. -Please read
"What a Chicken Soup story IS and ISN'T":
<http://www.vetstories.com/is/is.html> Double-spaced, in English,
and preferably on an IBM compatible 3.5" disc. E-mail submission
PREFERRED. PAY: On publication. a minimum of $300 per original
stories for one-time rights, and $50 to the first contributor of
a previously published item. RT: Could easily be 6 mos. or more.
"We have a very long process of reviewing the stories... so we
ask for patience :)" We will contribute a percentage of all
profits to associations benefiting veterans. Please feel free to
submit more than one story, whether original or one of your
personal favorites collected over the years from magazines,
newspapers, or other sources. (ST)
URL: http://www.vetstories.com/
GL: http://www.vetstories.com/guidelines/guidelines.html
E-mail: remember@vetstories.com
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
*****************************************************************
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) JudithBowen@poboxes.com
David Breeden (POET) drpoetry@ktc.com
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) cdeemer@teleport.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Carol Henson (BOOK DOCTOR) bookdoc@Prodigy.net
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) send to yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
*****************************************************************
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lee Wardlaw <lee@inkspot.com>
What topics work for 8-12 year olds?
------------------------------------
Q: I've had several short non-fiction articles published in
children's magazines, and would now like to try writing a trade
non-fiction book geared for kids ages 8-12. What subject areas
or topics would work best for this age group?
A: Just about anything goes, because this is THE reading age.
The middle-grade kids - especially 4th graders - spend more
time leisure reading than any other age group. That's because
before age 8, kids are still honing their reading skills...
and after grade 8, they are far too busy with homework,
after-school sports, or ogling that cute girl in algebra class to
spend much time curled up with a good book. But the middle
graders read everything and anything...history, mystery,
biography, science, self-help, you name it! Here are a few tips
to help you narrow the field:
* Choose a topic that interests YOU.
A middle-grade non-fiction book is going to require a lot more
research and writing time than your 500-word articles did -
perhaps a year, altogether. This doesn't include the time you'll
spend on revisions, copyediting, galleys, and photo research once
your book has sold; nor does it include the time needed to
promote your book after it's published. So make sure you choose
a topic that piques your curiosity or captures your
imagination...and will hold both for the years to come.
* Choose a topic that will appeal to a large audience.
At first, I had a tough time selling my middle-grade book
COWABUNGA! THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SURFING (Avon Books, 1991)
because most editors thought the subject matter was too regional:
kids only surf in Hawaii, Florida, and California, right?
Wrong! It wasn't until I expanded the proposal to show how many
wannabe surfers there are in the landlocked states (and how many
of them surf in wave pools!) that I was able to place the book
with a major publishing house. Still, the book had limited appeal
to the general public, so sales were never huge (except within
its target audience) despite its garnering good reviews and
winning an ALA award.
My proposal for BUBBLEMANIA: THE CHEWY HISTORY OF BUBBLE GUM
(Simon & Schuster/Aladdin, 1997), however, was snapped (no pun
intended) up right away, because what kid doesn't like to chew
gum? It was obvious to me and my editors that this book would
have wide appeal, which would translate to good sales. This
proved true: the book went into a second printing almost
immediately after publication, and sold to Troll Book Club/Book
Fair as well.
* Choose a topic that's appropriate for the age level for which you
want to write.
I love studying philosophy, but what kid is going to understand
the complex topics of metaphysics and epistemology? This would
be a topic better suited for high school students, not your
average eight-year-old.
Here's another example: I originally had planned to write
BUBBLEMANIA for young adults, but soon realized teens would
rather CHEW gum than READ about chewing gum. The subject was
right on target, however, for middle graders who love to read AND
spend a whopping $500 billion dollars a year on bubble gum
products.
* Choose a topic that has an element of a story or a mystery in it.
Yes, editors want non-fiction books that are informative, but
first and foremost you need to write a book that entertains.
Remember: you're not writing a textbook! Leave that to the
educators. A non-fiction idea that can unfold like a good novel
will always keep kids reading.
* Choose an idea that offers a wide variety of resources for your
research.
I've heard magazine editors complain about authors who use only
encyclopedias for their research. That's a big no-no for
non-fiction books, too. Check your local library for books that
have already been done on your subject...then dig deeper. Can
you find information in newspapers? Magazines? Old diaries and
journals? Are there historians or other experts in the field
whom you can interview? Do a search on the internet; are their
organizations, associations or companies that may wish to provide
information or contacts?
When I started researching BUBBLEMANIA, I discovered to my
dismay that there had only been one book written about chewing
gum...it was for adults and it was out-of-print! So I had to
get creative to find sources: I interviewed bigwigs in the
chewing gum industry, read trade journals, toured a bubble gum
factory, attended a confection convention, contacted candy and
snack food associations, etc. The information I gathered from
these sources is what helped to make my book come alive for my
readers. Follow the above tips, and I guarantee you can do the
same for your readers too!
**----------------------------------------**
Lee Wardlaw is the award-winning author of 20 books for young
readers. Her newest books include HECTOR'S HICCUPS, an
easy-reader just released by Random House; and FIRST STEPS, a
board book for toddlers to be published next month by
HarperCollins/Growing Tree. Her third non-fiction book for
middle graders, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!, is due out next
summer from Avon.
Copyright (c) 1999 Lee Wardlaw.
*****************************************************************
FAQ ABOUT HUMOR WRITING
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Donna Gephart <emdgephart@email.msn.comail>
Q. How do I learn to write humor?
A. Read. Read. Read. Read humorists from both past and
present. Read instructional books for insight into various
techniques. Observe everyday things and record your
observations. Capture in words what you are passionate about.
Detail what is true for you. Don't be afraid to tap into your
weaknesses, frustrations and fears. The more you write, the
better you will become.
Q. How much do I rewrite?
A. As much as you would rewrite for any other genre. A lot.
You should put your humorous piece away for a few days, then
rewrite, then put it away again, then rewrite. With thorough
rewriting, you will expand and add humor, you will tighten the
humor that's already there, you will eliminate weak or overused
jokes. Extensive editing will improve your work immeasurably and
help you compete with professional humor writers who sell their
work regularly.
Q. What are some of the different formats for my humor?
A. One-liners and jokes
Gag lines for cartoonists
Short poetry
Greeting Cards
Columns and Essays
Books
Q. How much can I expect to earn?
A. As a general guideline:
One-liners and jokes: average $25
Gag lines for cartoonists: 25-35% of what the cartoonist
earns for illustrating your copy (you can earn from $5
to $50. Expect response times to be long.)
Short poetry: average $25
Greeting Cards: $50 - $150
Columns and Essays -newspapers : $25-$150
-magazines: $200-$750
Books -- advances and/or royalty arrangements vary widely
depending on the size of the publishing company.
Q. What kind of word lengths are acceptable?
A. Poetry often comes in at 4 lines with a twist ending, but can
be as long as 12 lines. Greeting cards are usually a one
sentence set-up on the front of the card with a short punch-line
inside, although sometimes longer copy works, such as a list of
funny items. Columns and essays run anywhere from 500 words to
1,200 words, depending on your market. Newspapers usually seek
650 words average, while magazines tend to accept items in the
850 word range.
Q. How do I know if something I've written is funny?
A. Your best guide is to compare it to contemporary humor. Do
the greeting cards you write seem as funny as the ones on the
shelves? If you write essays, do yours compare favorably to
those being published? Always let your work cool for a few days
before rereading. Then listen to your inner voice. Does it
still seem funny? Remember, humor is subjective. What is not
funny to one editor may seem hilarious to another.
Q. Is any subject off limits?
A. Humor is a tricky business. It's about pushing your work to
the edge, but not pushing over the edge. Use your good taste and
judgement. Always consider your audience when deciding if a
certain theme is appropriate. Imagine yourself as the reader.
Would you find something funny or in poor taste?
Q. What do editors look for?
A. Originality. Subject matter their readers can relate to. Surprises.
Unusual ways of looking at everyday experiences. Tight writing. No wasted
words. A punch-line with no explanation after it. Professional
presentation. Bribe money (just kidding).
Q. How do I sell my work to newspapers?
A. Start small. Query your local newspaper editor with a cover
letter and sample humor columns. You might want to start with a
weekly before trying a daily newspaper. Pay is lower, but chances
for acceptance are greater. If you have success with a column in
your local newspaper, you can pitch your work to other newspapers
or a syndicate. Competition is fierce. Be unique, professional
and perseverant.
Q. How do I sell my humor to magazines or greeting card companies?
A. Market guides are helpful. But the best way to determine
where to sell your work is to go to the library and bookstore and
gift shop and read magazines and greeting cards until you find a
particular magazine or greeting card company that matches your
style. Copy their address. Send for and study their guidelines.
Submit.
Q. How do I sell my gag lines to cartoonists?
A. There are a couple of publications that list cartoonists
seeking writers. Cartoon World, George Hartman, Editor; Hartman
Publishing Company, P.O. Box 30367,Lincoln, NE 68503, Tel: (308)
453-3191. Cartoon Opportunities, Bradley Keough, Editor, P.O. Box
248, Chalfont, PA 18914, Tel: (215) 822-9158.
Try these two websites to get you started:
http://www.stus.com/
http://www.borg.com/~traxx/laugh/
Q. How do I sell a humorous book?
A. Again, browse the shelves. Do you have a particular hook
that's not available already? Do you have a particular brand of
humor you've never seen before? If so, query an editor at a
publishing company that produces humorous books (let the humor
section of your bookstore be your guide to publishers). Submit a
query letter describing the scope of your book and offer a sample
of how you will write the book. Perhaps you will submit a few
chapters so the editor can see that you are able to carry out
your idea. If you have relevant writing credits, by all means
include them in your cover letter. And if you submit to more
than one publishing company at a time, note in your cover letter
that it is a simultaneous submission.
Q. I'd like to learn techniques, such as exaggeration and
understatement. I'd like to learn which words are funnier than
others. I'd like to learn more about marketing my humorous
writing. Can you recommend a few instructional books?
A. Comedy Writing Secrets, Melvin Helitzer
How to Write and Sell Your Sense of Humor, Gene Perret
The Art of Comedy Writing, Arthur Asa Berger
How to Write and Sell Greeting Cards, Bumper Stickers, T-shirts
and Other Fun Stuff, Molly Wigand
Jam Packed Press, Write Well & Sell: Greeting Cards,
Sandra Louden, P.O. Box 9701, Pittsburgh, PA 15229
Q. Are there any good humor magazines out there?
A. Funny Times Magazine (http://www.funnytimes.com)
The Comic News (1-800-NOT-1800)
MAD
CRACKED
http://www.theonion.com
http://mcsweeneys.net/
Q. Any parting words?
A. Have fun. But be serious in your craft. Write
uninhibitedly. Edit mercilessly. Read diligently. Submit
professionally.
**----------------------------------------**
Donna Gephart is the humor columnist for Pool & Spa Living
Magazine. She has sold humorous essays to Fitness, Weight
Watchers, Petlife and many others. Her humorous fillers have
appeared in Reader's Digest, Baby Talk, Diet & Fitness and
others. She worked as the editor of a greeting card company for
nearly seven years and currently writes greeting cards for
American Greetings, Gibson Greetings, Oatmeal Studios, Blue
Mountain Arts and others. Her instructional articles have
appeared in The Writer, Canadian Author and others.
Copyright (c) 1999 Donna Gephart.
*****************************************************************
INKSPOT WRITERS COMMUNITY CENTER (IWCC) UPDATE by Shane Stacks
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/
UPCOMING PUBLISHED AUTHOR OPEN FORUM CHAT (LAST ANNOUNCEMENT)
**Wed, Aug 11th @ 8 PM EDT / 7 PM CDT with Brian A. Hopkins!**
Join us for a night of frights and delights in the Inkspot
Classroom as Brian A. Hopkins, author of the novel COLD AT HEART
(nominated to the preliminary ballot for both the coveted Bram
Stoker and Nebula awards) and sixty-plus short stories
(appearing in such prestigious places as DRAGON MAGAZINE,
ABORIGINAL SCIENCE FICTION, and the Stoker winning anthology
HORRORS! 365 SCARY STORIES), shares his unique vision on writing,
both in the horror/dark fantasy field and in general. Want to
know more? Click on over to http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/ for
the full scoop!
IMPORTANT REMINDER! The IWCC is *always* open, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week (including holidays)! Based on feedback I've
received, it appears the general impression is we're only open
during scheduled chats, and that couldn't be further from the
case... come on in and network with other writers in a dynamic
chat environment that's not only fun to use, but will also help
improve your writing skills at the same time (it's like chatting
in a constantly evolving novel). We can't stress *this* enough,
though: please spend a few minutes at the main IWCC URL listed
above and below to familiarize yourself with what you're logging
in to... you'll be glad you did!
MISCELLANY: Up-To-Date IWCC Info and help can ALWAYS be found at
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/, or contact Shane Stacks
directly: staxx@inkspot.com. The IWCC is generously supported by
the kind folks at MOOkti (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca:9996/).
**THE IWCC IS OPEN 24/7, COME ON IN AND HAVE A BLAST ANYTIME!**
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W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
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BUSINESS CARTOONS for newsletters, textbooks, training manuals.
Search by topic or keyword: http://www.tedgoff.com/inkspot.html
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DISCOVER how to sell your writing online. Money-back guarantee.
Free trial e-book download: http://www.sitesell.com/netsales.html
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and free marketing news. http://www.travelwriters.com
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agents, writers. New publishing imprint, Authorlink Press.
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Do you write fiction? StoryCraft software can help you to
overcome writer's block and really make your story come to life.
Check it out: http://writersbbs.com/storycraft/
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TONY KING, SHANE STACKS
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
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Full masthead info at http://www.inkspot.com/admin/contact.html
Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing
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