Important Writing Advice

Hello readers.

It's been a while. I've been busy at working on my own material and helping other. Today I have an important piece of writing advice. It is quite simple:

When writing a script or novel, write the script or novel in full first. Then go back to read and revise it. Never write the first chapter or act 1 then keep redoing it until you get them right then go on to write the rest of the script or novel. Doing this takes time away from focusing on completing the story and can confuse you. Worst of all, you'll never get the material done. I tell this to writers all the time.

Also don't worry over grammar and spelling. When doing the first draft just focus on getting the idea down. Then make adjustments and correction and changes in future drafts. That script or novel will never come out perfect in the first draft.

That is all I have to say for today .

Differences Between Middle Grade & Young Adult Novels

Lately I've been getting questions from writers wondering what is the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult novels. Following is an article from Writer's Digest that gives the best explanation.

The Key Differences Between Middle Grade vs Young Adult Miss your mark with your target audience and you won't be graduating to the pros. Here's how to ace the key differences between MG and YA. Read more ...

Hello, Readers! Long Time No See !

Hello, everyone.

It has been a while since I made a blog entry. Well, I've been busy working on scripts for clients. One client has an agent. So we've been getting his script ready for marketing.

I've also been busy working on a new novel. I'm currently seeking an agent for the novel I finished.

The summer heat has been supper hot. So I've been keeping cool by eating watermelon, cherries, and grapes.

So that is about it. NO vacations around the world. NO trips to Disneyland. That's all I've got to update.

BestSelling Book Blowout: Books Only $5.00!

Hello, everyone!

Happy August!

Summer is almost over!

Following is an email I got from Writer's Digest. This month they are selling writing resource books for $5.00! That is a great deal. I strongly suggest checking this out.

Select titles are only $5 in August! Open this email in your browser » August 8,  2015 Writers Digest Shop  |  Best Sellers  |  New  |   Writer's Digest Magazine  |  Sale + Clearance Select Titles are Only $5 While Supplies Last! Hurry, Don't Miss the Lowest Prices of the Year on These Titles! SHOP NOW Shop All $5 Books Now >> Writing and Selling New Adult Fiction The 4 A.M. Breakthrough Jane Eyre The Weekend Book Proposal: How to Write a Winning Proposal in 48 Hours and Sell Your Book Was $17.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $16.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $22.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $17.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Pep Talks, Warnings, & Screeds Write and Revise for Publication Story Physics The Writer's Workout Was $17.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $19.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $16.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $19.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW The Power Of Point Of View On Writing Fiction First Draft In 30 Days Writing the Paranormal Novel Was $16.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $14.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $19.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW Was $17.99 Now Only $5.00 BUY NOW

*Sale applies to specific products only through August 31, 2015 at 11:59 MST. No coupon needed, some exclusions apply

Here is my last post for today.

I just got an email from GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENT newsletter telling of 2 new agents open to queries. If you've written something to fit what they're looking for, feel free to contact them.


2 New Agents Seeking New Writers NOW 

Click on any name below to see the full mini-profile on the GLA Blog (with submission instructions). Good luck querying!  

1. Amanda O'Connor of Trident Media

She is seeking: Amanda is continuously building her client list in general-interest and upmarket nonfiction, spirituality and wellness, and literary fiction. She looks for the "wisdom factor" across genres and disciplines, especially authors who have an expertise they are eager to share with the world. Her favored subjects include (but are not limited to) history, religion, popular science, sociology, culinary arts, and creativity. In spirituality, Amanda's approach is truly ecumenical, seeking leaders of all faith communities from Catholic nuns to Sikh entrepreneurs, from practical self-help to inspirational memoir. Literary fiction is a pursuit of passion. She gravitates towards works that address timeless concerns of the soul through the lens of modern life. Above all else, Amanda loves a well-crafted sentence.

2. Mallory C. Brown of TriadaUS

She is seeking: young adult, new adult, women's fiction, and nonfiction. She is especially drawn to pieces with strong character-driven plots and witty humor. She loves contemporary fiction, low fantasy, and romance. Mallory also appreciates a well-placed comma and hopes you do, too.

Screen Writing Resources 2015

Dear Readers,

Here is a new list of articles to read from SCRIPT MAGAZINE.

WRITERS ON THE WEB: Getting a Web Series in Festivals, Part 1
Enter tutorial promo editorial here...
Click to Continue

BACK TO THE CHALKBOARD: How to Apply to Film School
Screenwriter and Professor Brad Riddell offers must-read tips on how to apply to film school - writing samples, personal essay, letters of recommendations and more!
Click to Continue

Elevate Your Antagonist with Tips in Our FREE Download
Get your FREE download of 6 Tips for a Stand-Out Antagonist to learn how to create an compelling nemesis for your protagonist!
Click to Continue

SCRIPT ANGEL: Creating a Story For Your Character
The mind and life of a character is the story behind the story. Script Angel's Hayley McKenzie offers tips on creating a strong story for your character.
Click to Continue

Industry Insider Television Writing Contest AND Features Contest on NOW!
The lucky winner of the Industry Insider Television Writing Contest receives unparalleled Industry experience, a meeting with Anonymous Content (True Detective, The Knick) and other Industry Insiders and much more. Not a TV writer? Enter the features contests where you write 15 pages off a given logline and all finalists get a mentor to help them finish their scripts!
Click to Continue

BEHIND THE LINES WITH DR: The Big Deep and Realizing Your Dreams
It was indeed an exciting time for realizing your dreams. To be broke, living by a sliver-thin thread as if real life itself was projected in Cinemascope.
Click to Continue

Top 5 Tips for Submitting a Screenplay
Your script is done, now what? Susan Kouguell gives the top tips every screenwriter needs to know before submitting a screenplay.
Click to Continue

SCRIPT INDUSTRY EXPERT Q&A: Meet Jose Prendes of 'Zen in the Art of Screenwriting'
Script takes you behind the scenes to get to know Jose Prendes, author of the column 'Zen in the Art of Screenwriting.'
Click to Continue

SELLING YOUR SCREENPLAY: Screenwriter & Director Antonia Bogdanovich On Getting 'Phantom Halo' Produced
Ashley Scott Meyers interviews Antonia Bogdanovich, who recently completed her feature directorial debut on a film called 'Phantom Halo'.
Click to Continue

Why is Screenwriting Format Important + Exclusive FREE Download from Dave Trottier, AKA Dr. Format!
In our free download, Dave Trottier, AKA Dr. Format and author of The Screenwriter's Bible, gives examples of how to format text messages, phone conversations, overlapping dialogue, wryles and more. Dave's examples of formatting a screenplay will help you easily polish your screenplay like a pro.
Click to Continue

ScriptMag Archives: SCRIPT TIPS: Two Easy Ways To Create Memorable Villains Using Life Experience
ScriptMag looks back at older articles that still pack value for today's screenwriter. Marilyn Horowitz explains how to apply real-life experiences to create memorable villains and obstacles, which will in turn raise the potential for conflict, creating a compelling story.
Click to Continue


Dear Writers,

I am now writing coverages for scripts/screenplay. People have been asking for them, and I have been doing them. So I might as include it in my list of services.

Below is a list of all my services.

Coverage for Scripts/Screenplays: $69.00 

Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $30.00

Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)

Edits/Proofread:  $50.00  (proofread for scripts)

Critique :  $64.00 ( for scripts)

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.)

Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I  recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.

However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together.  So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.

Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00   This is a discount savings of $40.00

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.



Film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting services, coverage service, screenplay formatting margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, Search terms: screenplays, screenwriting service, edit and critique service, writing screenplays, screenplay format, loglines, query letter, film scripts, movie scripts, screenplay format, screenplay synopsis, script synopsis, treatment, proofreading service for writers, novels, writing services, fiction writing, film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting service, coverage service, screenplay critique service, screenplay format margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, free writing tutorials,   script consultant, screenwriting jobs, film production companies, writing short stories, writing novels, screenplay contest, short story contest, action, young adult fiction, query letter sample, query letter format,  query letter fiction, query letter nonfiction, professional treatments, thriller, horror, paranormal, romance, drama, coverage, script coverage, screenplay coverage

2015 Summer Writing Contests

Hello,

I've been busy lately. Sorry for not making any new posts. But I have something here that might interest you from POETS & WRITERS, a list of writing contests. Some charge a fee and some offer free entry.  So check it out.

57 Writing Contests

Our Grants & Awards database is the most trusted resource for information about legitimate writing contests available anywhere. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest we include.       The database lists fifty-seven deadlines between now and September 15, including: The Rattle Poetry Prize, offering $10,000 and publication for a poem. Ten finalists will receive $200 and a chance to win the $2,000 Readers' Choice Award. Deadline: July 15. The Glimmer Train Short Story Award for New Writers, offering $1,500 and publication for a short story by a writer whose fiction has not been published in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000. Deadline: August 31. The Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize, offering $1,000 and publication for an essay. Deadline: September 10. Browse More Contests