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Saturday, 14 November 2009
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Currently
Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing
see relatedFeature Article Writing - How to Write a Feature Article
Are you thinking about writing a feature article for major print or online publication? Perhaps, you would want your articles and your name to be published on Slate or Time Magazine. You can make this happen by following these simple tips:
1. Target a human interest story. More often than not, these are the topics that can easily capture the attention of both publishers and readers. Carefully study your chosen topic, do your research and keep yourself posted on specific angles of topics that can spark interest among your target readers. If you are writing about Hollywood for example, you can write an article about a celebrity who's coming out from a very difficult situation. Ensure that you angle your story in such a way that your readers will be able to easily relate with you.
2. Study the publication where you would like to submit your articles. You would want to know if they are strict with writing formats and with their terms and conditions. This is to increase your chances of getting your articles accepted and published the first time that you submit them.
3. Use controversial titles. Whether in online or offline publication, controversy really sell. Learn the art of creating punchy, controversial titles that will help you draw more attention. You can challenge common belief, use intriguing statements, or just avoid being ordinary.
4. Make your articles engaging. Boring articles will not land you a good spot on Time magazine. You need something that can engage your readers. Write using light, conversational tone. Go ahead and ask questions, inject appropriate humor, and share your relevant stories.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing success, "Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide"
Download it free here: Article Writing
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Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed"Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize
Friday, 13 November 2009
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Currently
1,000 Comic Books You Must Read
By Tony Isabella
see relatedAbout: 1000 Comic Books You Must Read
What makes a comic book great? It could be the iconic heroes, venomous villains, mysterious crusaders, campy fantasy characters, and outrageous aliens. Or, perhaps it’s the art, stories and plots; and maybe it’s a little bit of everything. Whatever it is that makes them great, comic books continue their reign as the inspiration for big screen blockbusters, must-have toys, and cutting-edge video games; while bringing more people into the wonderful world of comic books.
In 1000 Comic Books You Must Read (Krause Publications, available now) readers take an unforgettable journey through more than 70 years of comic books, complete with highlights of the little pieces that make these comics great. Of course in a world as big as comic books, creating a list of must-read selections can be tough, just ask author Tony Isabella whose initial response was “only a thousand?” However, the list he compiled is truly something to behold. This book represents nearly every genre of comic book, includes many obvious choices (Action Comics #1 June, 1938 – the first appearance of Superman), and a number of comic books even the most experienced and seasoned collectors may not have heard of.
From the first page to the back cover, this book showcases information you won’t find anywhere else and is a true celebration of comic book fandom. In addition to featuring a comic book cover for each listing, the book also provides the name of the writer, artist, and publisher, date it was issued, along with Tony Isabella’s intriguing, insightful, and clever reasoning for including it in the book. His introduction is even more invitation than anything else, as he writes: “This book is my journey through seven decades of comic books. Oh, the places we’ll go, the remarkable characters we’ll meet, the laughs and the thrills we’ll share, including my pick for the greatest comic book ever! Fire up the Batmobile. This is gonna be one sweet ride.”
1000 Comic Books You Must Read has something for all ages. From the life-long comic book collector or dealer, to the young fan with a fascination for movies like Spider-Man, Batman, and The Hulk, this book provides a look at the past, present, and future of comic books and the heroes/heroines/characters and stories that started it all. Of course because tastes and interests vary, especially in comic books, Isabella invites readers to post their opinions about the 1000 selected, including titles they believe should have been included, at www.1000ComicBooksYouMustRead.com.
About the author: Tony Isabella has been a comics writer and columnist for more than 35 years. He got his start working for Stan Lee at Marvel Comics as a writer and editor. At DC Comics he created Black Lightning, the company’s first headline African-American hero. He’s a contributing editor and the lead reviewer for Comics Buyer’s Guide, where he has reviewed more comic books than anyone else in the magazine’s history.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
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Currently
Color My World
By Debbie Mancini-Wilson
see relatedDebbie Mancini-Wilson's Color My World
I just received this from my good friend, Debbie Mancini-Wilson, and I had to share it with you. She has written an amazing book that nurtures creativity, fosters independent thinking skills and celebrates uniqueness! 'Color My World' is a treasure for kids and adults alike as it gives us a clear passage to what is in their heads and hearts.
I know so many
of you have children in your life, and whether they are soaring through a happy childhood, or struggling at this particular moment, I thought you would find it to be the perfect book for every child, parent, family member and friend of a child. I LOVE this book, and I believe in Debbie's mission so much that I just had to share this opportunity with you ... especially since she is offering amazing bonuses from people like myself, and Dr. Wayne Dyer~
Do some early holiday shopping today, and receive $8,000 in FREE GIFTS for YOU!
Here’s what Debbie said:
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Dear Chelle,
I am preparing to launch a campaign for my book, Color My World in an attempt to get it into the hands of more children everywhere, and I know that you will want to help make that happen ~ especially since the holidays are right around the corner ~ and this is the perfect gift!
As you know, I have been traveling the country conducting workshops, working with children, parents and teachers ~ the response has been amazing! Although I've appeared on several television and radio shows around the country (including a 9 segment series on an NBC Morning Show), I simply can not be everywhere I need to be quickly enough, and so this campaign is my effort to get the book into as many little hands as possible. What better time than the holidays?
Color My World is the perfect gift for every kid on every holiday list because it is both educational and entertaining. Kids love it, and parents cherish it. By the way, teachers are among its biggest advocates!
It is gender-free ... boys and girls alike are fans of Color My World because it appeals to the individual child and helps to build self-esteem and acceptance. Since Color My World is designed around humor and fun, kids get right into the interactive exercises and begin to journal their feelings and express themselves by writing poems and short stories.
In our fast-paced world, it is difficult enough for us adults to get through our stress-filled days ... but our children are also living with stress levels that are out of control. As a caring adult, give the gift of freedom ... freedom of self-expression ... and watch a joyful child emerge from the stressed-out, test-driven, pushed-too-hard kid you know.
As one of my fans said, "Every child should own this book; every parent should work in it with them."
This book will give you insight, and will open communication in ways that you might not imagine, and it will create golden memories. Psychologists use this book for play therapy because kids don't feel like someone is trying to 'get in there.' And, once their creative juices begin to flow, it unleashes beautiful moments that you will cherish forever!
Let a kid be a kid, and release your inner child as well!
My book is available on amazon.com ~ and, those who order it through my special launch will receive nearly $8,000 in free downloadable gifts!
Please check it out here: Color My World Promotional Launch ~ and cash in on your free gifts today!
Thank you, and enjoy the magic in your day!
;-Deb
"It's never wrong to write!"
Debbie Mancini-Wilson
Internationally Acclaimed Author
Award-Winning Poet
Speaker
Coach
Child Specialist, Advisory Board Member for ZiggityZoom
Harmony Publications, Llc.
Cell: 412-670-3901
http://colormyworld.info/The Color My World website is interactive (just like the book, 'Color My World'); it is designed to help you write poems and short stories, and journal your thoughts. You will see places in this web site where Stosh (the main character from the book) asks you to finish a poem, and other places where Stosh asks you to write a poem or story from your heart. Stosh will also ask you to draw a picture to go with some of the poems and stories, so grab a pencil or box of crayons and get ready to begin your journey through this fun adventure with Stosh!
"Debbie Mancini-Wilson is a breath of fresh air. Her ability to teach parents to take the mundane tasks of everyday life and redeem them into fun learning experiences is amazing! Every child, parent, and teacher would be better off using her program and learning from Debbie."
~ Jason Hornung - A Modern Dad radio show hostabout the woman behind Color My World (in her own words):
"My passion is writing children's poetry. My work has been featured in various publications, and my first book is titled Color My World. I was extremely fortunate to connect with Jackie Cleary, an amazingly talented artist, whose black and white illustrations bring life to the book's main character Stosh. Since most of the poems in this book were inspired by my two sons (Stefan and Josh) the main character in the book was born as a combination of them, as was his name, Stosh. Please check out our website, www.colormyworld.info/ for some free interactive fun. I also enjoy writing short stories and articles, most of which are gleaned from my true life experiences. And, since something’s got to pay the bills, I write a lot of articles, reports and technical pieces for a couple of small businesses which I own. However, I prefer writing for, reading to, and working with children because I adore and respect their innocence, naivete, and sincerity. I devote a lot of myself to children, because it is true what is said, "They are our future." And what I receive in return is immeasurable ... even I, the writer, would be hard-pressed to find the right words to describe such intangible benefits. Perhaps the mere title of my book says it best; they 'Color My World' ........... ;-Deb"
*****
Special Alert!!!
Download the First Chapter ChapBook of my novels with a random drawing for anyone who places a comment on this launch site and the winner would receive a free .pdf ebook of one of my novels
Saturday, 07 November 2009
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Currently
The Midnight Eye Files: The Amulet
By William Meikle
see relatedWriting Tips - Planning Your Writing
A lot of beginners go off the rails when they've got a nice clean sheet of paper or a blank screen in front of them and they've got to fill it with words - meaningful words.
The way to avoid the cold feeling of panic is to have a plan of action. The type of plan that works best for you depends on your personality. Some of you will make structured lists, with every small detail itemized and all T's crossed. Or you may have a vague set of instructions, sometimes little more than remembering to have a beginning, middle and end. Others of you will find that the best way to work is just to start writing and see where it takes you.
The way to find what will work for you is to plan out some example pieces of work. You might never write them, but the practice will benefit you. For example, how would you go about writing an episode of your favourite TV show, or an article on a local photography exhibition, or a review of a best-seller? By writing a plan of approach, you'll give yourself an idea of what the final piece of work would require. When I started writing short stories I used to deconstruct famous stories and plan how I'd re-write them.
The planning step also gives you a check as to whether or not you actually want to write the piece. And remember, if you plan not to have a plan, you've still decided on a plan. And don't stop here.
It's now time to plan your opening sentence. To get readers to keep reading you need a hook, something that will lead them in and keep them there until you've told them what they didn't know they needed to know. Crime writers kill people, romance novelists have people get divorced, good writers hint at a conflict to come but hide it in the middle of something else. Journalists scream at you in huge type and article writers ask you rhetorical questions, all in the first five seconds of reading.
Go away and study the structure of some writing. Look at how writers grab you and reel you in like an expert fisherman.
And ask yourself, "How would I do that?"
Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory
About the Author
William Meikle is currently planning his ninth novel. Read more articles at his website at http://www.williammeikle.com
Friday, 06 November 2009
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Currently
Glimmer: How Design Can Transform Your Life and Maybe Even the World
By Warren Berger
see relatedReview: Glimmer
GLIMMER: How Design Can Transform Your Life and Maybe Even the World
(The Penguin Press)
Award-winning journalist Warren Berger interviewed design wizards such as Marianne Cusato, Yves Behar, Stefan Sagmeister, Dean Kamen, and the book's central figure, Bruce Mau, to illustrate to readers that if you think like a designer – what he calls "design thinking" – you can change your world. Some fascinating highlights:
- The biggest creative breakthroughs often aren't completely original ideas- they're what designers call "smart recombinations."
- Designers tend to come up with ideas not by thinking logically but by "thinking laterally" - something anyone can learn to do.
- The best designers tend to be "T-shaped," meaning their interests range wide as well as deep, enabling them to tackle all kinds of challenges. GLIMMER explains how anyone can become more "T-shaped."
- It's never too late to become a design thinker. In fact, the latest studies on how people think as they age show that, as Berger writes, "The older we get, the easier it is to think like a designer."
- While most fear failure, the process of design can show how to embrace failure - and use it as a stepping stone to success.
When times are tough - and resources are most limited - that is when design thinking can help the most, by showing how to do "more with less."
Glimmer
How Design Can Transform Your Life and Maybe Even the World
Warren Berger - Author
Book: Hardcover | 352 pages
ISBN 9781594202339
15 Oct 2009 | The Penguin Press $27.95
Additional Formats:
eBook - Adobe reader: $27.95
eBook - ePub eBook: $27.95




