Science Fiction & Fantasy Online Writing Conference April 11-12 ; All Writers Welcome!

Dear Readers,

On April 11-12 the Writer's Digest is hosting an online Science Fiction &Fantasy writing conference. The conference will be all about developing the elements needed in creating stories for these genres. I highly recommend signing up. The Fantasy and SiFi genre are the most popular in the literary market.

eating is Limited - April 11-12!

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Join Us for Writer's Digest University's First Ever Science Fiction & Fantasy Online Writing Conference Limited Seating Available - April 11-12 - Reserve Your Spot Today REGISTER TODAY! Agents: Catherine Luttinger Marisa Corvisiero Cate Hart Mark Gottlieb Leon Husock Instructors: Jeff Gerke Elizabeth Bear Steven Harper Piziks Philip Athans Michael J. Sullivan N. K. Jemisin Register today to receive: • SIX all-new, one-hour webinar presentations provided by award-winning and bestselling science fiction and fantasy authors*, all examining different aspects of writing novels in these genres. Each session will include an opportunity for live Q&A with the authors! • A critique (with written feedback) of your query letter from an agent with experience in the science fiction and fantasy genres. • A bonus 90-minute On Demand webinar covering how to write a query letter so you're prepared when pitching your novel to agents. (A $79.99 value!) • The ability to network with fellow science fiction and fantasy writers via discussion boards that will be open throughout the weekend. Share ideas, and even your work if you choose. • Unlimited OnDemand viewing! All conference sessions will be made available for download in the week following the live presentations. Even if you can't attend every session live, you will be able to view each lecture on your own whenever you choose. Conference Schedule: • SESSION 1: You've Never Been Here Before: Effectively Drawing Readers into Your Story World Instructor: Jeff Gerke • SESSION 2: Not Your Grandmother's Speculative Fiction: Writing Convincing Societal Change in Science Fiction and Fantasy  Instructor: Elizabeth Bear • SESSION 3: The Theme's the Thing Instructor: Steven Harper Piziks • SESSION 4: Writing Monsters: How to Make Your Imaginary Creatures Extraordinarily Real  Instructor: Philip Athans • SESSION 5: Writing a Series: Challenges and Opportunities  Instructor: Michael J. Sullivan • New Session Announced! SESSION 6: Growing Your Iceberg: Crafting a Secondary World That Feels Ancient in 60 Minutes Instructor: N. K. Jemisin REGISTER TODAY! NEW SESSION JUST ADDED!   SESSION 6: Growing Your Iceberg: Crafting a Secondary World That Feels Ancient in 60 Minutes Instructor: N. K. Jemisin | 5:00 PM EDT   A common adage is that writers should show only ten percent of their worldbuilding -- but the other ninety percent has to be there, solid as an iceberg, in order for the world to feel "lived in". In this workshop, award-winning fantasy author N. K. Jemisin will guide you through the process of creating the planet, politics, and people of a complete and original secondary world, using principles that you can easily apply to creating your own. INSTRUCTOR: N. K. Jemisin JN. K. Jemisin is a Brooklyn author whose works have been nominated for the Hugo, the World Fantasy Award, and the Nebula, and have won the Locus Award. Her new novel THE FIFTH SEASON comes out from Orbit in August 2015. Her website is nkjemisin.com.

Join The Writer's Digest Conference July 31 2015- August 2, 2015

Another Writer's Digest Annual Conference is almost here and we've been busy putting the finishing touches on what I think will be the best program I've been a part of yet. And lucky you—you still have until tomorrow at midnight to join me at the Early-Bird price! So explore the program and speakers and start planning your writing getaway. Here are some of my picks for can't-miss sessions and activities this July 31 –August 2 in New York City: FRIDAY     Opening Keynote | Jonathan Maberry | 6:00 - 6:50 PM While it's important for us all to have a realistic picture of publishing, I can't help but feel discouraged sometimes when the industry talk turns negative. That's why I just know Jonathan Maberry is going to be a great keynote: He's all about positivity. I'm already anticipating the great energy in the room! 7 Steps to Stronger Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels | Gabriela Pereira | 3:00 - 3:50 PMNot much is hotter than YA right now, but writing a great book for this audience requires different muscles than one for the grown-up crowd. DIY MFA founder Gabriela Pereira will take you step-by-step through the process. Writing a Mystery: A Crash Course | Hallie Ephron | 4:00 - 4:50 PMAttendee favorite Hallie is here to "demystify the art and artifice" of writing a mystery. Sign me up!     SATURDAY     Agent Pitch Slam | 1-Hour Sessions Throughout the DayYear after year, we hear success stories of writers whose book deals start at the Writer's Digest Pitch Slam. Who will stand out to our eager crop of agents this year? We can't wait to find out! How to Become a Regular Contributor to Any Publication | Jessica Strawser | 1:10 - 2:10 PMThis conference isn't just about publishing books-and every type of writer can benefit from the platform building power of seeing their bylines in print. Together with my co-presenters Susan Shapiro (whose bio speaks for itself) and accomplished magazine editor and freelance writer Zac Petit, we'll arm attendees with strategies for building their bios (and their bank accounts). Cocktail Reception | 5:30 - 7:00 PMWho doesn't look forward to a good cocktail party? This is where attendees have a chance to mingle with presenters and connect with one another, and it's the perfect way to cap our action-packed Saturdayof sessions.     SUNDAY     Self-Publishing on a Shoestring: Where to Skimp and Where to Splurge for Maximum Exposure | G.P. Ching | 9:00 - 9:50 AMThis is THE question we hear again and again from writers who are considering the indie publishing path. The chance to dig into this topic with such a knowledgeable source is sure to be a goldmine for attendees. Sticking the Landing | Jacquelyn Mitchard | 11:10 - 12: 00 PMYour characters may be compelling, your setting transportive, but a book that nails the ending is what really ensures it lingers in the mind of your reader. And The Deep End of the Ocean author Jacquelyn Mitchard aims to let you in on her secrets. Nail By Nail: A Carpenter's Guide to Building the Debut Bestseller at Midlife | Tim Johnston | 12:10 - 1:00 PMTim Johnston will be discussing how he built a career as an author while building houses for a living. Turns out crafting houses and stories share some pretty fundamental similarities. He'll also be discussing how he learned to write in a way that challenges readers—inspiring you to do the same.     Remember, you've only got until tomorrow at midnight to get all of this—plus a whole lot more—at the lowest price we're offering. I hope you'll take the leap and make your plans today!

Need You Book Proofread For An Affordable Cost?

Dear Readers,

Yes. I do proofread books. People have been asking me this. This service is listed on my blog site along with my services for script writers. Below are my fees and services for books:

Query Letters :  $28.00 (scripts/books): 

Synopsis :  $38.00 (script/books): 

Edits/ Proofread for Books:  $90.00

Critiques for Books:  $125.00

( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need  to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)


All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks

If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com

Phone: (360) 696-4298

There's nothing like a good deal.



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2015 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

Dear Readers,

HAPPY MONDAY!

Lately I've been getting question about self-publishing. Many of you have written books and decided to go the self-publish route after being rejected by agents. Below is a listing for a self -publishing contest put on by WRITERS DIGEST. Check it out if your interested. They're giving some great prizes.

Earn your self-published book the recognition it deserves—plus a free webinar! Writer’s Digest is proud to present the 23rd Annual Self-Published Book Awards, the premier competition for self-published authors! All entrants receive free access to a special 60-minute live webinar (a $79 value) presented by Tim Grahl, author ofYour First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book. A brief commentary from a judge is also included with each entry. Entrants also have the chance to win these incredible prizes: $8,000 in cash A feature article about you and your book for the March/April 2016 issue ofWriter's Digest A trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference A press release from Writer's Digest, to be sent, along with a copy of your book, to 10 different major publishing review houses A guaranteed review in Midwest Book Review, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC. And much, much more. Too much to even list here, trust us.  Explore all the prizes! Writers from all genres are welcome to vie for this extraordinary prize, including writers of life stories, fiction, non-fiction, inspirational, children’s and poetry, to name just a few. See the full list of categories here. Don’t let your book slip through the cracks. This competition is the chance to get your book into the hands of people who can help raise your book’s profile and increase your sales. Grab this opportunity, and register today! EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2015

Writing Children Books; Multi-Genre Authors; Forming a Writing Routine

Dear readers,

Happy weekend. here is something for you to read from Writers Digest.


Have an Agent Critique Your Entire Picture Book or the First 10 Pages of Your YA/MG Book: Agent One-on-One Boot Camp Starts April 20 
In this brand new Writer's Digest Boot Camp starting Dec. 5, 2014 called "Sell Your Children's Book," the agents of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency will answer all those questions and more. They'll also critique your work and allow you to ask any questions you like. Registrants can choose to hear a tutorial on how to craft an amazing picture book, and then get their picture book critiqued-or they can choose to hear a different tutorial on writing MG and YA, and then get their first 10 manuscript pages critiqued. 
Read more ...


What We Can Learn From Multi-Genre Authors 
One of my favorite parts of my job as editor of Writer's Digest is overseeing our WD Interview cover stories in every issue-deciding who to feature, making sure we're hosting a conversation that covers ground our readers won't find elsewhere, and quite often even conducting the interviews and crafting the profiles myself. 
Read more ...



Interview With Laura Backes Bard of Children's Book Insider
Former agent and children's book expert Laura Backes Bardwants offers up some advice for budding children's book writers and more.
Read more ...








4 Reasons You're Procrastinating Instead of Writing
As writers, we are as diverse as our stories. I wouldn't write a publishable word if I had to schedule my writing sessions, and I know there are many writers out there-maybe even you-who wouldn't write a thing if you didn't. We all select our words differently. And thank god for that. Are you a routine-less writer? If so, consider these tips.
Read more ...

What is "Genre" ?

Dear Reader,

Here's something for you to read.

Genre.

Get an understanding of the different genres and determine what genre you story (novel or screenplay) falls under.

This info is from an email I got from GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS.

Novel Genres Defined: Insights, Tips and Definitions from Literary Agents Questions  

Sometimes you've written a book, but for the love of all that is holy, you can't quite figure out what exact genre or category it is. For help on defining and examining genres, I turned to literary agents and asked them all kinds of questions. See all their answers in my Writers in the Storm guest column here: "Genres Explained: Insights, Tips and Definitions From Literary Agents." In the meantime, here are some questions I asked:

-- The difference between high fantasy and urban fantasy 
-- The confusion between urban fantasy and paranormal romance
-- Mystery vs. thriller
-- On an agent's willingness to work with a book that straddles two, three, or even four genres 
-- On what constitutes crime fiction
-- On the categories of children's fiction (young adult, middle grade, early readers, etc)
-- On classifying erotica, romance, erotic romance, and women's fiction
-- On classifying a book as LGBTQ. (Read the entire column here.)

Here's more good stuff for you from Writer's Digest University.

Join Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency for How to Find and Keep a Literary Agent Boot Camp March 23 - 26, 2015 - Claim Your Spot Today! Only a Few Seats Left! Hurry, Boot Camp Starts Monday!  Start Date:March 23, 2015 Tuition: $199.99   REGISTER NOW How do you hook an agent right away, keep them hooked, and make the  most of your new publishing relationship? In this Boot Camp, "How to Find and Keep a Literary Agent," you'll learn how to get a literary agent's attention through a great submission, and also how to navigate the process of working  successfully with an agent. You'll also work with an agent online to review and  refine your all-important query letter and the first five pages of your novel. This Boot Camp will cover a range of important questions: • What keeps an agent reading? What makes writing jump off the page? • What are the most common Chapter 1 mistakes that make them stop reviewing  your submission? • What are the steps you need to give your query and manuscript the best possible shot? • What are the turn-ons and turn-offs when it comes to queries? • How do agents make judgment calls? • And much more. With real-life examples of queries that do and don't work, you will learn how  you can refine your own query letter and get an agent to request your novel. The world of literary agencies can be an intimidating place. You'll be lead through  the inner-workings of finding the perfect literary agent, working with an agent and  how to get the most out of your relationship. See what a day in the life of an agent  looks like, and get tips about how to find your perfect author-agent match that will  result in a successful partnership. The best part is that you'll be working directly with a knowledgeable and experienced agent, who will provide feedback specific to your work. Here's how it works: On March 23, you will gain access to a special 60-minute online tutorial presented  by agents at the Dijkstra Literary Agency. It will explain the submission process of  submitting to an agent, what they find appealing in a query letter and what an author-agent  relationship looks like from the inside. You will also be notified by email which agent you'll  be working with Monday afternoon. From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (PT) on March 24 and 25, instructors will be available to answer  questions and provide additional feedback via the Writer's Digest University message boards.  Only registered students can access these boards. You'll also be able to ask question of your  fellow students. Feel free to share your work and gain support from your peers. After listening to the presentation and participating in the discussion sessions, you'll be able  to revise your query & first 5 double-spaced pages as necessary. Then, you'll email those pages  directly to Jill Marr, Elise Capron, Thao Le or Roz Foster, by the end of the day on Thursday.  They will spend 10 days reviewing their assigned critiques and providing feedback as to what works and what doesn't. Please note that any one of the instructing agents may ask for additional pages if the initial submission shows serious promise. In addition to feedback from instructing agents, attendees will also receive: • Download of "An Agent's Tips on Story Structures that Sell," an on-demand webinar by Andrea Hurst • 1-year subscription to the WritersMarket.com literary agent database

About Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency: ELISE CAPRON is an acquiring agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. She also manages the SDLA office and works closely with Sandra Dijkstra on author development and management. She is most interested in serious, character-driven literary fiction and well-written narrative non-fiction (particularly serious history with a good story). JILL MARR is an acquiring agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. Jill is interested in commercial fiction, with an emphasis on mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense and horror, women's commercial fiction and historical fiction. She is also looking for non-fiction by authors who are getting their work published regularly and who have a realistic sense of the market and their audience. Jill is looking for non-fiction projects in the areas of history, sports, politics, current events, self-help, cookbooks, memoir, health & nutrition, pop culture, humor and music. ROZ FOSTER  is an acquiring agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. She works from New York. Roz is interested in non-fiction in the areas of cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, science and design. She looks for driven, narrative storytelling and sharp concepts that have the potential to transcend their primary audience. She's also interested in literary and commercial fiction, literary YA with crossover potential for the adult market, and literary sci-fi. In fiction, she looks for a resonant, lively voice; rich, irresistible language; characters with compelling development arcs; and a mastery of dramatic structure. Across the board, she's looking for books that make her feel like the author is tuned into a rising revolution -- cultural, political, literary, or what not -- that's about to burst on the scene. THAO LE  joined the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency in 2011. She handles finances and select contracts and is also an agent. Thao is looking for adult sci-fi/fantasy/horror, NA (new adult), YA (young adult), and MG (middle grade). She enjoys both gritty, dark narratives and fantastically quirky stories. She is also looking for light-hearted, funny, and moving contemporary YAs with a raw, authentic teen voice. She's particularly drawn to memorable characters, smart-mouthed dialogue, strong plots, and tight writing. Her favorite books are ones that reimagine familiar tales and tropes in a completely fresh new way and she has a soft spot for multicultural stories and lush settings. JESSICA WATTERSON is an agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. Jessica is most interested in all sub-genres of romance. She greatly enjoys character driven plots that pull the reader into the pages and won't let go, ending with a fantastic happily ever after. Jessica also loves second chance romances, and stories of redemption. Register Now