Cobwebs Of The Mind: Freelancing

at 10:27 AM

I have been really bad with Cobwebs Of The Mind. Truth be told there are quite a few topics I really want to cover, but sometimes just no time. Though I have promised this before, I do hope to get back to a more normal posting schedule.

Kristen King - Cobwebs Of The Mind

This blog review is really long overdue. Of all the blogs I have reviewed Kristen King's "Inkthinker" is probably the most famous (and we are going to get to her other sites as well!). Kristen King's Inkthinker was named one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers by white-paper guru Michael Stelzner. It also has a Google PageRank as of this review, of 5, which is impressive for a writer and freelancer. That simply means people visit her site and link to it again and again, which tells us that Kristen has information others are truly interested in.

And first thing is first though. Truth be told Kristen sent me two photographs. Of course, being me, I forgot which one she wanted me to use. So we are going to use both! (Hey, I write the reviews I get to post the pics!)

Now let us get down to our review shall we?

Kristen does not just sell herself, but wants to help others in the process. That folks is the most commendable thing of all about Kristen. A few things strike the reader of Inkthinker. First off, Kristen knows what she is writing about. This is not a fly-by-night blog with possible tips and tricks. This is a writer who knows her business of freelancing. You do not get put in the top 10 blogs for writers for just having a cute smile. Kristen knows her stuff.

The second thing that strikes the reader of Inkthinker is the wealth of information and possibilities that Kristen offers her readers. It covers the world of freelancing. She brings together the sources of conferences, courses, ideas and article possibilities. Not only in freelance but in creative writing as well.

Talk is cheap. Good writing is priceless. The third thing that strikes the reader of Inkthinker is the fact that Kristen is real. No anonymous junk here. No spewing from the mouth. Acceptance is acceptance and rejection is rejection and Kristen does not hesitate to share both feelings with her readers.

The final point that struck me, as an author of not just one blog, is how incredibly accessible Kristen makes herself to her reading public. Email addresses and even phone numbers are posted in the blog.

Kristen also has a professional newsletter which is well worth the price of signing up for since it is totally free. (And just two minutes on this blog you know that Kristen will never spam you either!) As she writes:

Kristen's Notes in the Margin newsletter for free tips, tricks, and resources for writers, editors, and the people who hire them.

Notes in the Margin also has its own web site where you can read archived back issues and articles.

Think I am done? Not by a long shot. If you are into submissions and writing the perfect query (something I have long ago given up on - my queries will forever bite the dust!) then the following is for you. For the benefit of readers here at Cobwebs Of The Mind I am quoting this in full, with the links intact, from Inkthinker:

The 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge is in full swing, and the only thing that's missing is you!

Join a group of writers determined to get out 120 queries before the end of the 2007 calendar year.

All you have to do is e-mail me your name and blog or website URL and let me know you're in, and I'll add you to the list of Query Challenge participants.

Not only will you have the satisfaction of giving yourself 120 opportunities for writing success, but as an active participant, but you'll also be automatically entered for random prize drawings throughout the year, and you'll be eligible for the grand prize in December, awarded to the participant with the most queries.

What are you waiting for? Read the official kickoff and FAQs.

In the sidebar at Inkthinker take a look at the "The Word on the Street About Kristen King". It is impressive.

The final point that struck me, as an author of not just one blog, is how incredibly accessible Kristen makes herself to her reading public. Now we move on to another web site - "kristen king freelancing" where the header is: "talk is cheap. good writing is priceless." If you need a freelancer for your business this editor/freelancer is for you.

Need an editor? Well then take a look at "editing for everyone" where Kristen is one of the editors on staff and is her own academic editing business.

In short anything to do with writing, editing and freelancing - Kristen King is willing and able and talented enough to do it. She has established a niche in the market and she certainly has not only presented her capabilities to the public, but she has gone one step better. Kristen offers advice, tips, ideas to all those writers out there. She does not just sell herself, but wants to help others in the process. That folks is the most commendable thing of all about Kristen.

Kristen King - Cobwebs Of The Mind

Oops! Hits head. Almost forgot. I promised the other picture of Kristen. Well some things are just fun to do!

Inkthinker gets an easy Five Stars if not Ten!

Put Inkthinker on your list of blogs to visit at least once a week. At the very least! You want to write? You want to earn money writing? This is one place you must visit - constantly.

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind

at 3:36 PM

I'm a freelance writer and journalist. I'm also a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed for the first time at age 35 and subsequently at age 38. Cancer, two times, and I haven't even reached my 40th birthday. If there is information out there that might impact the many years I have left of my life, I'm going to find it. Then I'm going to share it with you.When I discovered that Karen was bedridden from a recent surgery - well that did it. She did not ask for this review, she did not request it either in an email or at Absolute Write. But she sure as hell deserves it. For a great many things. So here we are going to review Karen's The Breast Blog and her own Web Site - Karen M. Lynch.

Why does Karen get this review? After all as you shall soon discover The Breast Blog, is not really connected to writing. Well, Karen is a writer, a freelance writer, as she tells us on her web page, Karen M. Lynch:

Aside from being a freelance writer and journalist ... I’m a wife to Tim, a mother to our three children, a daughter to my parents, a sister to my siblings, an aunt to their kids, and a friend to many special people I’m blessed to have in my life. I’m also a breast cancer survivor, a Delta Gamma alumna, a PTA member, and an avid scrapbooker.

We are going to discuss some of Karen's writing as well. BUT - and let me make this absolutely clear - even if Karen was not in any way connected to writing, even if she just owned The Breast Blog I would still give this blog a Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review.

Why? Because it is important. It accomplishes a public service. It is critical information. And it is courageous all wrapped into one blog.

Karen's writing is shaped by her bout with cancer. There is no doubt about it. She has had articles appear such as “Beating the Odds” published online at the Chicken Soup for the Soul Magazine website (October/November 2006). And she is a public speaker on "surviving cancer".

These are not only writing credits - they are serious "person" credits. There is something incredibly courageous and important about what Karen does.

But she is also a writer. Someone who has been attached to the art of writing since her childhood.

Writing was what I loved to do, what I was meant to do. It was finally time for me to be a writer.

And do not forget to take a look at the menu entry A Writer's Blog - where Karen chronicles her life as a writer and to be published.

Now let us take a look at Karen's The Breast Blog. I am not going to quote here or try and dig up posts. The following is how Karen herself describes her own blog - and it says it all!

I'm a freelance writer and journalist. I'm also a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed for the first time at age 35 and subsequently at age 38. Cancer, two times, and I haven't even reached my 40th birthday. If there is information out there that might impact the many years I have left of my life, I'm going to find it. Then I'm going to share it with you. Thanks for reading!

There is a good chance that someone you know is struggling with Breast Cancer. Or someone you know is worried about getting it. This is the blog for you. It could save your life. It certainly can help you. And you will find gathered in one place most of the sites you will want to visit in terms of Breast Cancer. Also if you wish, will be able to contact a woman who has gone through it.

If there is any blog that deserves a clear five stars and a Blog review it is Karen Lynch's The Breast Blog. And if there is any person out there who deserves our respect for her courage, determination and desire to help others it is Karen herself.

We wish Karen a speedy recovery. We wish Karen only health and prosperity and peace in this season of total cheer.

I personally wish for Karen that all the darkness in her life is chased away - may it be replaced by light and health. May Karen be given as we say in Hebrew a "Refuah Shelemah" - "A complete and total recovery" - and may all the good she has done and continues to do in her blog, The Breast Blog, stand as witness to the courage, determination and fortitude of one woman, whom when faced with such news, not only decided to help herself but to help others as well.

May Karen go from "strength to strength".

Visit the The Breast Blog - it could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind

at 10:52 AM

In many, many posts I have tried to warn, explain and otherwise make it clear about scams that seem to perpetuate and are geared for writers. I have tried to do this in a straightforward manner in posts such as When Is Being Published NOT Being Published?; and There Is A Sucker Born Every Minute; and even in my ongoing "Writing & Despair Happy Hour Series" (to which I thank all of you for the great emails I am getting - but leave a comment...sheesh!) "Writing & Despair Happy Hour Series - Part 5". (Also see Kristen King's great blog Inkthinker and the post entitled: Ignorance is not bliss; it's just ignorance)

Now while the object or purpose of Cobwebs Of The Mind is not to concentrate on scams, from time to time it is important to post information for authors who need to know that such exists. It seems though even with the plethora of Blogs out there warning and warning again about scams, there is no end to the ingenuity of scams for writers. Perhaps it is perceived that writers as an overall community are willing to pay out good money for dreams. I do not know. But in this post I am just offering the writing community a varied list of places to go and check out BEFORE you decide to put your hard earned money on the table. I hope this helps. And I hope you learn from what you read on the various web-sites and blogs posted here.

Writer Beware Blogs! this should be your first stop. Period. If it is a known scam it will be listed here and discussed and search the archives. I personally have emailed Victoria Strauss twice about a request for information. She has always been fairly prompt, always incredibly nice, and always forthcoming with the information. This blog is your first and most important step to the world of writing scams. Just take a look at her recent entry, "Victoria Strauss -- The Identity of Author Identity" to see how much work and effort she goes through to make sure her facts are correct and totally right.
Absolute Write Bewares and Background Check - This is your next stop. You do not have to be a member of Ablsolute Write to view these threads. You can search for a name of an agent or agency at your leisure and find out if anything has been said about them and what. This is a critical resource of information, and perhaps the most important reason for Ablsolute Write to exist on the Internet.
Preditors & Editors' - Your next stop. Here I will quote from their About Page to give you an understanding of what they are about in terms of scamming. (They have other really important purposes too for writers.)

"Preditors & Editors' sole purpose is to provide writers with information and contacts for the purpose of seeking publication of their work. Because artists, composers, and game designers often face the same challenges, they have been included in our coverage...."

"...After considerable thought, we realized that Preditors & Editors would perform a disservice to writers, artists, and composers if it does not warn them about known scams or problems within the industry. Consequently, the policy of not criticizing any publishers, publications, writing services, or resources was changed as of 28 September 1997. A new Warnings page can now be referenced by anyone interested in protecting himself. However, most warnings are posted beside the appropriate entries in the listings so that those can be found easier. Additionally, we are very interested in learning about anyone who treats writers shabbily, even if they don't have anything to do with writing."
AgentQuery - This is a place where most writers who look for reputable agents go to. Here you can discover web sites, email addresses and the like along with the fact if they are members of the AAR or another group that gives a stamp of approval for an agent. And Again I quote from their Home Page:

"Agent Query has been recognized by Writer's Digest Magazine May 2006 Issue as one of the Best Websites for Writers. Second Year in a Row!

Agent Query offers the largest, most current searchable database of literary agents on the web—a treasure trove of reputable, established literary agents seeking writers just like you. And it's free (not because there's a catch, but simply because not enough things in this world are free). "
Backspace is also a place you may want to visit. Lots or interviews and interesting information for writers.

"The Backspace Community is dedicated to helping writers navigate the often confusing world of Big Publishing. With over 400 members from a dozen countries and a constantly revolving line-up of guest speakers including literary agents, editors, and authors, the online forums are a virtual writer's conference that runs year round."
AAR - Association of Authors' Representatives, Inc. - This is where you can discover if your agent is a member of the AAR. While not critical if your agent is listed here, you have little to worry about usually. Read their CANON OF ETHICS

There are many more sites. These though are pretty much where you will find the information you need. If you do not find it and Google produces nothing in your search for the Agent's name, then be wary. I certainly would suggest a trip over to Writer Beware Blogs! if all else fails, and an email to A.C. Crispin or Victoria Strauss.

Okay there you have it. A somewhat partial list. If you know of any more sites to really recommend please leave a comment and I will add them to the original post.

Now there is no excuse: Avoidance Of The Excuse Of Ignorance. Don't say you did not have the tools. Don't say you were not informed. Don't jump for joy until you know just why you are jumping for joy when an Agent says: "Here is my contract. Please sign it!"

Be aware. Be knowledgeable. Be smart. And avoid costly mistakes.

Don't Be Cheap! Leave A Comment Below. I Promise Not To Bite!

at 9:43 AM

When Alan asked me to review his blog, A View From The Waterfront my immediate reaction was to decline. I had made it incredibly clear that I would only review blogs about writing, and by the way that rule still stands. However, to be fair to Alan, I went over to A View From The Waterfront, to see just what it was all about and if there was absolutely anything I could use for a blog review on writing and writers.

I always am amazed by the places people choose to live. One blog review we have done, was from someone in Siberia. (See: Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Diana Bocco's "writing, coffee and other obsessions"). Alan lives in Alaska, a life choice for him, and one that has worked out fairly well as we can tell from his blog. Alan has moved around as he writes:

"We have lived in Alaska for about 17 years, currently live in Valdez, Alaska, and moved here from Wrangell, Alaska. Grew up and lived in the American Southwest, Arizona and New Mexico.

We're a small family, my wife and two children. Moving to Alaska was a growth opportunity for all of us. The State is more like a small city, there is only a population of just over 600,000 and you end up knowing people from across the entire state. It's hard to describe to outsiders the vast scale of the land. Travel takes on a new meaning here."

His blog is mostly about boating and life in Alaska, which in and of itself is fairly fascinating. Admit it! Besides the occasional Television series like "Northern Exposure" and a few articles Alaska to most of us remains in the realm of uncharted and mysterious. So there is this element of mystery which cannot be denied.

But still, Cobwebs Of The Mind, does not review boats and harbors and life in Alaska no matter how much "mystery" the subject may entail.

Alan is also a non-fiction, freelance writer. He writes in an area that many of his writer associates choose to ignore. He gets to write actually about the things he loves, and gets paid for it to boot!

I had a book published by the Alaska Sea Grant College Program earlier this year called Northern Harbors and Small Ports – Operations and Maintenance. The book has spun off three other projects this year. It was adopted by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans for their federal boat harbors, the University of Alaska Southeast is using it as a text for a new online marina employee education program, and several resource agencies are working with me on a clean boating publication using material first developed in Northern Harbors. I have written for marine trade related publications and have a boating section at Suite101.

Here is a link to one of his books: Northern Harbors & Small Ports: Operation and Maintenance

And this is why I am presenting this review here. Alan Sorum has turned what he likes into a profession. We are not reading about someone who wants to be the next Clancy (well maybe Alan does but for now he is working on what he likes best!) We read about someone who loves Alaska and boating, likes what he does, is interested in a niche and has written books on it, spinning them off into other projects.

This is a lesson for writers in the non-fiction genre and thus a very valid entry into the Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews. It shows us how a freelance writer can do what he wants in writing, and write about the things that he enjoys, and sell them as well.

All in all, if you are interested in Alaska and boating then certainly pay a visit to A View From The Waterfront. If you want to see just how someone turned his hobby and life love into money from writing - then you must go visit Alan's Blog!

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners in writing. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon below. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Don't Be Cheap! Leave A Comment Below. I Promise Not To Bite!

at 12:30 PM

Judi Silva aka Simran maintains two blogs (and a website for her business) which we will review here. Everything Indian & Writing From Within and her company website (also to do with writing) DARK HORSE ADAPTATIONS.

Everything Indian - Judi's header on this blog states: "Although I don't live in India, I love everything Indian. This blog will tell you all about all my favorite Indian things and my travels to that far-away land, when I finally get to visit there." Judi hails from the United States in New England and one might find this fascination with India a bit overdone. However, since two of my children have spent a lot of time in India, and rave about it, I can relate to Judi's desire to go see it. And thus personally, the things she writes about in her blog Everything Indian I can relate to.

Make no mistake. Everything Indian is about writing but in India or about India. Judi has reviews of books and authors along with numerous articles about Indian culture and Bollywood. As its title suggests Everything Indian will open your eyes to another culture rich in tradition and literature. In skimming through some of her articles, I found an incredible diversity of information on India. If one goes to just the July 2006 Archive on the Blog one will find everything from literature to fashion to recipes to article excerpts to trying to assist Indian writers to just plain information and of course Bollywood (though how much Americans are familiar with Bollywood is beyond me).

Okay so now we know Judy has a penchant for Indian culture but what about writing. That answer comes in her other blog, Writing From Within and from her business website, DARK HORSE ADAPTATIONS.

Since this is a review of the writing and life of people who keep blogs I will give Judi a little PR plug here because her work is directly associated with writing. The following is from her web site.

Dark Horse Adaptations is a professional text editing, proofreading and copy writing service for documents ranging from reports to literary works of art and Web sites. Since we are authors and writing professionals who edit on a daily basis, we are equipped and ready to help you with your writing needs.

Judi herself is a Freelance Writer/Copy Editor/Copy Writer/Columnist. Still in her web site we learn that Judi herself was interviewed several times such as this interview on Indian Cinema.

Judi's professional life truly revolves around the written word which she couples with her passion for all things Indian. It is often worth the time for us to learn as much as we can about other cultures. It is a pleasant surprise when we can do so while enjoying what we read as well. Judi's writing is not just writing about a culture she knows. One can see that she loves and is fascinated by writing and Indian culture. These two passions come through in her work which makes her blog, Everything Indian, a pleasure to read.

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Don't Be Cheap! Leave A Comment Below.
Pay Attention

at 11:46 AM

There are few threads or posts that go up at Absolute Write that I think are worthy of bringing to the attention of readers of Cobwebs Of The Mind. Not because they are not good or funny, but simply because their relevance and thus meaning to many people is lost.

If you are a writer you really should read this beautiful and perhaps heartrending piece, where the author shares her own dreams in writing and frustrations in a wonderful manner. It is also written incredibly well. Read the first post in the thread entitled, "Reflections From One Writer".

To be honest I usually try and spy out posts by this specific person, as she is one of the few that have my deep respect on AW. But I can honestly say in this case even if I loathed her (which is certainly not the case) - "Reflections From One Writer" should be read by any published and not published writer. It is from the heart and soul.

And if you are further interested, see as well:

Rejection, Dejection, Names All Wrong, Coffee Stains and Reading Tea-Leaves

The Color Black

at 10:43 AM

Esther Avila This is not going to be a normative blog review. There is just so much to say here, so much to discuss and so much to point out the following is a post which should have been made weeks ago. My apologies to Esther due to a misunderstanding on my part where I thought she did want her blog reviewed. But in the end all things do work out as it turns out it is exactly one year since Esther started her blog, and thus we can do this review on the Blog Birthday, as it were.

Now that I got over my embarrassment - let us take a look at the life of a devoted mother, tennis enthusiast and a real journalist.

There is something very uplifting about "Midnight Writings", Esther's blog (and there is an accompanying web site Estheravila.com) and something that we should all learn from. There is a quiet, serene osmosis between an individual and her profession. Esther is not just a woman who happens to be a journalist. She is a woman who part of her being is being a journalist. Sometimes, yes, she must write dry facts (though they don't appear in her blog for the most part). Mostly you can see her own thoughts and feelings within the posts on her blog. This allows for the mother, the individual and the professional to all merge as one into a coherent, though certainly emotional and deeply feeling individual.

Make no mistake. I number Esther among one of those who I am proud to call a friend. So yes there is a measure of prejudice in what I write here. However, all this being said, I first discovered Esther at Absolute Write and then without ever talking to her, first looked at her blog, Midnight Writings (of course wanting to know if she always smiles in her pictures and she does!)

Esther's accomplishments are kind of awesome and intimidating. She has more than 3,000 published articles and stories in trade journals, community newsletters, web sites, local magazines and newspapers, including La Verdad, Arrowhead, The Porterville Recorder, Noticiero Semanal, The Fresno Bee, South Valley Bee, The Madera Tribune and Valley Voice.

She has also recorded a television commercial and several radio commercials - the most recent for the Bakersfield Californian. ( Aug. 2006) And she is the recipient of an "Excellence in Journalism" award (Nov. 2003)

Now that is kind of intimidating to those trying to break into journalism!

In this post entitled "My first newspaper assignment -- otherwise known as -- The deer-in-the-headlights look" which Esther put up for her blog birthday, one can read how Esther began her career. She does not write in the usual dry fact journalistic tone required for her newspaper articles. Here she integrates us into her life and doubts, invites us in, if you will to her inner self-doubt and worry about success and just plain getting through the day.

Now, let me introduce you to Esther's writing the way I first was introduced to it. Among one of her many blog entries, is a story entitled "Twirling In Blue". It is real about her life when being a child. It is non-fiction. And yet, I myself, as a literary fiction writer, saw in this simple story such poignant truth and deep emotions that it remained with me days afterwards. If you read nothing else of what Esther has written this is a MUST.

The next entry I strongly suggest everyone who has been in chat forum read is Hans. This is a poignant story and very personal. So personal most people would not have the courage to share such thoughts and feelings in a blog. In this story, Esther tells of her on-line virtual friend whom she went to meet in Holland. It is a story of meeting, of love, of sorrow, and of chances taken and others abandoned. I highly recommend this story to fiction and non-fiction readers alike. Because above all it is real.

One last entry. "The Day My Daughter Almost Died". In this true story, Esther bears her heart to us about a story of guilt and a story of courage. This is a MUST read for anyone who has ever been a parent, and even those who have not been. It is something all of us parents have gone through to one degree or another, and yet in the heart-breaking story Esther tells us how in attempting to deal with life and her daughter, ignoring one small simple thing, almost cost the life of her daughter. And yet it is a tale of parental love told in the most beautiful and simplistic terms.

"Midnight Writings" is not just a blog. It is the heart of a woman, mother, journalist. It is a journey from time to time into the soul of the woman who always smiles, names Esther Avila. Her writing friends at AW know her as "September Skies". And thus when I always think of her I think of a clear blue sky in the heavens on a warm, breezy day. It is always a day that brings a smile to one's face. Esther's heart and soul, with the hope that she portrays in her blog, leaves us with such a smile.

Read "Midnight Writings". Visit "Midnight Writings". You will not be disappointed.

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 1:26 PM

"Writer Unboxed" is a serious, no-nonsense blog devoted to serious writing. This is a collaborative effort by a few writers, though it was Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton hailing from Upstate New York that originally contacted me. It is the first serious collaborative effort I have seen and it seems to work out well.

They claim the purpose of Writer Unboxed is: "Promoting unique writing through craft essays and interviews with publishing professionals and risk-taking authors." So let us take a quick look at this blog and see what it brings us.

The first thing that catches the eye is that they post interviews with published and aspiring authors. One at first may be tempted to think this is just a come-on and the old interview party with really nothing said. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some of the interviews with authors that I read and perused through, such as this one with Allison Brennan, were interesting and informative. Actually, if one can hide one's own pangs of jealousy it is important to read how different authors managed to break into the field.

There are of course other articles and posts on writing. One that I truly liked for its unique idea was titled "Influential Characters" and is worth a read just for the smile. There are categories such as Book Talk and Movie Talk which discuss writing in these areas as well, with interviews and articles that only can add to the aspiring writer and understanding of the world of publishing and writing.

When asked for additional information for this blog review the following answer was given:

"When Kathleen and Therese moved their blog from Blogger to WordPress, they invited other bloggers to join them. New partners include women's fiction author Marsha Moyer, U.K. children's editor and author Victoria Holmes, and Aussie sci-fi writer Jack Slyde. Recent interviews for the blog have been with Aussie fantasy author Juliet Marilliier, Hollywood guru and screenwriter Michael Hauge, literary fiction author Audrey Niffenegger, bestselling children's author Cornelia Funke, and Chicken House publisher Barry Cunningham."

The above shows us just how serious and professional these people are. It is a pleasure to come across blogs like Writer Unboxed and to be able to finally read about a whole slew of writers in one place rather than just about the difficulties and tribulations and accomplishments of one at a time. It gives the reader much needed perspective.

In the end Writer Unboxed is a serious blog for serious writers. It is updated quite often by the authors that collaborate here and certainly has some great interviews, ideas, musings, and information on writing. Unlike many blogs these writers understand the serious nature of the business they are in. Most definitely worth constant visitation to this blog.

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 6:51 PM

Siberia? You are kidding me, right? Siberia?

When Diana's request first hit my email to review her blog, "writing, coffee and other obsessions", as usual I took a quick peek to see if there was really anything worth reviewing. I must admit that there is no doubt that "writing, coffee and other obsessions" and her accompanying web site, dianabocco @ http://www.dianabocco.net/ are definitely worth your while if only to try and figure out just what the hell Diana is doing in Siberia!

Let us first get to the heart of the matter. Diana follows her muse around the world and teaches English as a Second Language. From her web site we read: "She's lived in New York City, South America, and Siberia, and plans on globetrotting until she finds the perfect spot to build her dream wood cabin. She likes all animals except roaches and hasn't eaten meat for the last 12 years, but she has no problems having her characters chopped off to pieces if the story calls for it (and sometimes regardless)."

There is nothing unprofessional about this woman. She is a freelance writer with articles in over 120 magazine to her credit (in some very popular print magazines, I might add). Diana says that she specializes in "nutrition and fitness" and is a vegetarian. Okay. One step at a time. Siberia does not bring up warm and pleasant memories for one who was brought up with the plight of Russian Jewry and with the works of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. But you know what? Hey to each their own! Okay. Fitness we can handle, cause I am an avid swimmer. But when I hear someone say Nutrition I know there is no way my Steak is going to make it through that one. And to make matters worse..OMG a VEGGIE!!!!!

Diana is trying to break into the fiction world as well, and from reading her blog and her obvious talent for writing, I am sure she will be successful in that route as well. And lest you think I am done singing her praises, Diana also gives on-line courses in writing.

When Diana is not writing she tells me that she "spends time picking up stray animals, reading obscure little books in foreign languages, and planning crazy stunts like parachuting and hiking in Ojmjakon (you have to look it up to understand). Of course, all those things eventually turn up in some story."

(Am I done yet?.....phew!)

Despite being a Veggie (we can forgive one fault per person) and despite being way over in Siberia, obviously Diana is really exceptional. The only complaint I have is why the hell is she in Siberia and not living next to me somewhere so we can go out on a zillion dates! Oops.. wait... where will we eat? I would not be caught live in a veggie restaurant...my reputation would be destroyed forever!...mmm...okay .. we will settle on compromise. We will order in :)

A+ Blog from a woman who is professional and not lost her sense of humor. Take a look at "writing, coffee and other obsessions" it is certainly most well worth the time!

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 10:57 AM

There is no secret as to what Timothy is all about on his blog, "bcom" - Business Communication. Once again it is clear that people from all walks of life sometimes have this uncanny ability to also be able to coherently and cogently put a sentence together and express themselves in a delightful manner.

Timothy is a successful business communications expert who originally hails from Australia and now lives in France. His career is geared to, as he writes:

"Professionally I like to think I give French companies the opportunity to think differently, so they can communicate in English in such a way that will make them spectacular and everyone will want to retain what they are saying (I have my work cut out for me)"

Though not published as of yet Timothy is in the midst of putting ideas from his profession into a book. Judging from the entries on his blog the book would be well worth the read for those seeking to better themselves in the international arena of business.

Among his blog entries is one which reads: If you only read one blog post in your life... (though at the time of this review it is the most recent entry it still appears on the home page of the blog)

I read through this piece and quite a few others and one of the most interesting comments you can see below. It shows Timothy's innate intelligence and deep understanding of his profession.

"Trying to establish credibility is backwards. Don't try to get the reader to respect YOU... the reader wants to know that you respect HIM!

Demonstrate that respect by caring about his time. By caring about the quality of time. Your audience should know right up front that you're grateful for the time they're giving you, and you show that by being entertaining, engaging, compelling, interesting, or at least useful. You demonstrate it by assuming they're smart. By recognizing what they already bring to the discussion. By not insulting their intelligence. By being prepared."

Bcom is a blog just getting up to speed. I normally will not usually review a blog that does not have a specific amount of entries, but I made the exception in this case due to Timothy's marriage of his profession and writing capabilities. Enjoy Bcom it really is worth a few minutes of your time.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 12:59 PM

Certainly the very name of this blog "Tennessee Text Wrestling" is something of a conundrum. It shows the eclectic nature of Thomma Lyn's interests among which she lists as "writing, reading, blogging, playing piano, spending time in the mountains, science, cooking, motorcycles, herding cats".

Thomma Lyn has had one e-book published, Thy Eternal Summer, by Chippewa Publishing, and another on the way from StoneGarden Publishing. To be sure many of us are not really into the whole e-book scene and don't much pay attention to the plethora of e-books out there. However, there is no doubt that this is becoming a legitimate venue for authors who are "trying to break in to the more traditional world of writing and publishing". Thomma is one such example that is a success at what she does. She has certainly stayed true to her dream of writing and publishing.

Thomma's blog is an eclectic mixture of humor, thoughts on serious writing, biking, cats (ugh! cats!) and sometimes very interesting quotations which she seems to pull from the vast library of English literature. The following quote which Thomma sent to me actually would describe her blog, Tennessee Text Wrestling, the best. When you read the below quote you will hear the voice of the woman and the serious writer.

"As I grew up, I wrote all kinds of things: stories and longer books. I kept a diary as a child and made up a family newspaper on our old manual typewriter. In college, I majored in English. But all the academic writing I was doing sapped my creative writing urges for a time. I still created, but I created more songs than stories (I’m a classically-trained pianist).....

My novels are all quite different from one another, but they have in common the theme of the redemptive power of love. Most are women’s fiction but not all: my trunk novel is a political thriller. Story and character are more important to me than labels.

I write because written words have been a huge part of my life for as long as l can remember. My best memories of childhood involve the wonderful books I read: they worked magic on the life of the shy little girl I used to be. I love creating people, worlds, and stories. Being involved in my fictional worlds – spinning their stories and discovering their secrets as I do so – is a thrilling process of discovery, both of my fictional world and of myself.

With all the pleasure and insight books have given me throughout my life, I’d love to add my voice – no matter how humble - to their timeless, polyphonous symphony."

Thomma Lyn is a romantic, a realist, an author, and full of hope and positive energy. It would not be amiss for those authors out there who want to view the struggles and decisions of another writer, to take a look at Tennessee Text Wrestling and perhaps get inspiration, hope and the will to continue.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 10:38 AM

New Zealand, a country I must visit one of these days, is home to Talia Mana, an accomplished author. The first thing that comes to mind with Talia's blog, "Resources for Emotional Well-Being", is that her writing is "clean and professional". You do not find meanderings of the mind or disjointed sentences (as one finds here in Cobwebs Of The Mind all the time!) Talia attacks a subject or topic and then presents it with her POV and thoughts.

Talia is a published author of two self-help books: The Art of Calm: Freedom from Stress and Worry (David Ling Publishing, 2001) and Romancing the Frogs: A Singles Guide to Love and Happiness (1999).Talia is also a contributing author to 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life: Volume 2 (Self Improvement Online, 2006) plus lots of published articles in business and health magazines as well as online. (Hey I am one of those frogs so be careful!) You can find this complete listing here.

Her interests vary. From psychology, to dancing, to food and books. As she wrote: "Anything to do with psychology, mental health, links between attitude and health, dancing (I do ballroom and latin 2-3 nights a week) and food! I LOVE food. I also read several books each week - mainly psychology or mysteries."

But since this is review is about writing and blogs and the writers behind them as well, let us take a look at a couple of posts that drew my attention to Talia's blog. I, of course, gravitated for natural reasons to her category on "Love & Relationships". There Talia presents us in an informative clinical way with the results of a survey some facts about love in the mind of modern day man. (Psychologists are so predictable, aren't they?) Yet reading through this post one immediately gets an impression of crisp, clear writing, and the intertwining of a POV as well within the post. She manages to present facts, a bit of humor, and a POV in a well written manner. No small feat for the non-fiction writer.

Today Talia is mainly working on trying to establish a forum to help people with emotional eating, depression, stress management, insomnia etc. Currently researching emotional eating and health psychology (for example the link between optimism and the immune system). I would be remiss if I did not also mention some details on the Forum. There are sections for people who wish to discuss Eating Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar and other such things. If you are interested in these topics or need advice take a look here.

I usually gravitate to fiction writers. Simply because that is what is interests me. In this case I think Talia's blog and forum have a great deal to offer from the writers POV. The writing is crisp and to the point; Talia makes her points clearly; and she offers a forum for those in need of her expertise.

This Frog thinks more non-fiction writers could learn from Talia's blog. A psychologist who presents her expertise in writing and love of writing in the best way possible is a refreshing read.

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 9:32 AM

BILL'S BILGE owned by Bill Fullerton is an incredibly funny and interesting blog that provides a look into the mind of a a Faulkner competition semi-finalist and a finalist by the Santa Fe Writer's Project. At the top of the blog his statement of purpose is absolutely clear:

"I'm a southern newspaper columnist, short story writer, and novelist. Other than that, I'm just another run down, beaten down, slapped down, broken down, shot down, hung down, put down, and kicked around old Boomer who's been beaten up, tied up, chewed up, blown up, hung up, screwed up, messed up, held up, and told to shut the hell up. I'll be posting some of my short stories, chapters from my novels, the occasional odd thought or observation plus any other bilge that comes to mind."

Do not be taken in by that quote. Bill, a newspaper sports columnist for the last 15 years, from the north bank of Kiowa Creek in Dallas, Texas has found homes for some of his short stories in ezines. When I asked for some personal information Bill came back with "Married, three kids, two grandkids, one dog, have a couple college degrees (BS & MA) and a Purple Heart (wounded in Vietnam)". I must admit that having been a battlefield medic for many years, I am impressed by the Purple Heart. I also do think, contrary to conventional wisdom, this does shape a man and his life. Of course Bill listed his interests as "Writing, sports, politics, history, recreational sex". So I kind of like this guy more and more.

There is a tremendous amount of writing up on Bill's site. Indeed he uses his blog as a showcase for his writing, something most authors are loathe to do. However, if your time is limited and you want a taste of what this guy can really do, I strongly suggest you take a look at The Rooster. While it is not for everyone, the art of the craft is very apparent in this excerpt from conversation to description.

Bill mixes humor, self-deprecation and a strong sense of patriotism in all that he comments on in his Blog. Indeed this is not a blog with 4 or 5 entries. It is rich in its presentation of story upon story, comments and musings. It is a true writer blog which shows love of the craft without the normal hand-wringing, angst that you sometimes see from other writers and artists.

In conclusion I will leave you with Bill's final remarks on himself. "I once fouled out in the second quarter of a high school basketball game. The coach raised hell--said the team needed me on the court to win. I'd have felt better except it was the other team's coach. Mine just leaned back on the bench and grinned."

That quote is a measure of not only a writer but a person who knows when, how and where to take himself seriously. Bayou Bill's Blog, BILL'S BILGE, is a serious blog to take a look at, enjoy and watch the mind of a writer at work.

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Reviews are posted from time to time based on blogs that are serious endeavors on the part of their owners. For those of you who wish to have their blog reviewed at Cobwebs Of The Mind please email me by using the GMail Icon on the right of the page. Members of Absolute Write (AW) who wish their blog reviewed please go to the following thread and read the instructions in the first post in the thread.

Tags: books, novels, literary, agents, short stories, memoirs, fantasy literature, legends, tales, erotica, short story, romantica, publishing, writers, fantasy, literary agents, blogs, blogging, writing blogs, Absolute Write
Categories: short stories, writing, on writing series
Getting Wasted - Writing & Editing & Publishing Short Stories

at 10:33 PM

Cobwebs Of The Mind - AW Blogroll Cobwebs Of The Mind is proud to present Blogroll #6 - Absolute Write Writers, Authors & Members
(If you are an AW member and wish to be included please read the thread AW Blogroll - Listing & Exposure for instructions on how to submit. The Blogroll goes up in batches of five.)
These Are ALL GREAT BLOGS for Writers and show Passion for Life and their Work

Wendelynn - Flying Shoes
Blog Address: http://flyingshoes.blogspot.com/
Subject Categories: Writing, Tarot, Digital Art, Scrapping, Alternative Healing, Spirituality,
Blog Description: Put on your Flying Shoes and see the world from inside my butterfly mind.
I happen to love fantasy, angels, devils and am extremely interested in the world of Tarot, dreams, herbal medicine and the like. So it not surprising to say that I loved this blog. If you have any of these interests or just want to get inside of them on a blog that is both artistically well done with information and links then Wendelynn's Flying Shoes is for you. Of course since I drink in this stuff, I would love for Wendelynn to post more information, and due it every day. But she links to some interesting sites, writes incredibly well in a succinct and good style. Take a look at her site, and as she says "see the world from inside her butterfly mind". You will be glad you did.

Simon Haynes - Hal Spacejock
Blog Address: http://halspacejock.blogspot.com
Subject Categories: Writing, publishing
Blog Description: I'm blogging my experience as my novels make it through the publication process. Also includes articles & writing tips and the occasional rant.
Simon, as he tells us in his blog has had fiction appear in several Australian genre magazines and his humorous SF story 'Sleight of Hand' won the 2001 Aurealis Award for horror. However, this blog is devoted to a host of things not the least his Hal Sapcejock series in SF. Simon knows how to write and certainly involves us through a myriad of posts in the art of writing and the frustration at certain things in writing and publishing. It is really interesting to follow the thoughts and adventures of Simon as he attempts to continue his SF series and shows us the inner side of getting his books out and how one author markets them. There is something here for all writers to learn from.

Kristen King - :: inkthinker ::
Blog Address: http://inkthinker.blogspot.com
Subject Categories: Writing and editing
Blog Description: Freelance writer-editor Kristen King is an inkthinker with a passion for the written word. Find out where it all started...and where it's going!
Kristen is a writer who is dead-serious about her craft. She quit her editing job and now is a full time freelance writer (though it is clear from her writing that her ability to write clearly and to the point has been helped with her editing experience.) Her blog is not only useful for any and all freelance writers out there, it is useful for all writers as Kristin has great advice on writing, editing and freelancing. And if you happen to be a freelancer this blog is a must!

Judi Silva aka Simran - Everything Indian
Blog Address: http://everythingindian.blogspot.com
Subject Categories: Writing about everything Indian (India)
Blog Description: As a freelance writer and editor, I write mostly about people and things from India, especially Bollywood.
Simran's blog is a great peephole into Indian Culture and Bollywood. (I am not going to tell you what Bollywood is you will just have to read her blog!) Since two of my children spent many months in India, this certainly holds an interest for me. Obviously someone who can explain the culture as well as the more fun parts to the culture in an entertaining way is something to be cherished and read. Everything Indian gets a thumbs up for a writer who is showing her excellent grasp of the craft of writing, and presenting us with a look at a culture she can explain, smile at, and demystify. Take a look and worth every minute.

Peggy - The Road Less Traveled
Blog Address: http://thoughtsontheroad.blogspot.com
Subject Categories: Cooking, Science, Books, Personal Thoughts
Blog Description: Follow the twisted path of my musings on food & cooking, books & writing, science, art, travel and more.
Actually this is not as twisted as Peggy would like us to believe. Certainly there is an eclectic gathering of posts, but then again that is the purpose of the blog to begin with. Peggy's writing covers a myriad of subjects. I have said this before, that I am not "into" reading personal lives or about what the kids had for breakfast. Peggy does not do this. She writes as the mood hits her, but it is clear from her writing, that she is also conveying a message be it about music, writing, friends or cooking. This blog is worth your while folks. Another fine example of an AW member showing off their craft in a unique way.

Previous Entries in Blogroll Absolute Writers Series:

Absolute Write Blogroll #1

Absolute Write Blogroll #2

Absolute Write Blogroll #3

Absolute Write Blogroll #4

Absolute Write BlogRoll #5

Tags: technology, blogging, web site creation, content, writing, books, Search Engines, SEO, site rank, page rank
Categories: technology, internet, Blogroll
Blogroll #6

Pages

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Kristen King's "Inkthinker" & Etc.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Karen M. Lynch's "The Breast Blog"

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Avoidance Of The Excuse Of Ignorance

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Alan Sorum's "A View From The Waterfront"

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Judi Silva's "Writing From Within" & "Everything Indian"

Worth Reading..Worth Remembering

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Esther Avila's "Midnight Writings"

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: "Writer Unboxed" - A Serious Collaboration Of Fiction Writers For Fiction Writers

Monday, October 30, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Diana Bocco's "writing, coffee and other obsessions"

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Timothy Coote's "bcom" - "Business Communication"

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Thomma Lyn Grindstaff's "Tennessee Text Wrestling"

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Talia Mana's "Resources for Emotional Well-Being"

Monday, October 16, 2006

Cobwebs Of The Mind Blog Review: Bill's Bilge by Southern Newspaper Columnist Bill Fullerton

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Absolute Write BlogRoll #6