Volume 3, Issue 9 - 3 May 2006

Brought to you by Aneeta Sundararaj and Eric Okeke

 

For the online version of this newsletter, please click on this link:

http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com/gsn/03052006.html

 

To subscribe to this newsletter, please go to:

http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com/gsn/indextogsn.html 

 

The information we have on file is:

Your name: [First Name] [Last Name]

Your email address: [Email]

 

To unsubscribe, please send a blank email to unsubscribe@howtotellagreatstory.com

 

Please forward this whole newsletter to your friends and colleagues.

 

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW SUBSCRIBERS!

 


I.   from the editor's desk ...

 

Dear [First Name],

 

First, I must thank all of you who wrote to tell me that some of the links in the last edition of the newsletter were not working. To eliminate this problem, what I've done is to post an online version of this newsletter and the link to it is posted at the very beginning.

 

On another issue of the often incomprehensible workings of internet technology, somehow I'm unable to activate the 'unsubscribe' feature and if you're receiving this newsletter, even though you've unsubscribed, please do not send me nasty emails about this. I appreciate your patience while I work this out.

 

I received an interesting query from one of our readers. I could not answer this query and suggested that she re-write it (to make it precise) and I would post it under What Readers Want To Know ... She never replied but I feel that her question is a good one and I hope that if you know the answer, you'll help me help her. After all, isn't helping a fellow-storyteller another way of building a great network? So please scroll down to the part called  What Readers Want To Know ... and I look forward to receiving your reply.

 

I've posted a new interview with Earma Brown and for the subscribers of this newsletter only, Earma is offering a 50% OFF coupon for her ePackages which start at $19.97. As this is a time-sensitive offer, 3rd and 10th of May 2006, send Earma an email today to get access to this offer. Don’t forget to mention that you’re a subscriber to this newsletter. Earma’s email is earmabrown@yahoo.com.

 

I've added loads of articles to the database but because of space constraints, I've only listed down five here. Please, do take your time and enjoy reading some of the very many articles on storytelling I've collated.

 

In addition, I've added a new review and that was of Lynn Grocott's book, Cut The Strings - The True Story of a Soul Reclaimed and I can tell you, it's worth reading.

 

If you have any articles on storytelling or even reviews of books/movies that you've written and would like to share, please forward them to me using the appropriate forms I've created (go to the respective columns below for links) and I'd be happy to post them for you.

 

There are announcements by our readers, new blog listings, new books, websites for storytellers and other resources added. Also, I've also included more freebies, namely, the transcript of a teleclass on "Insider Secrets to Self-Publishing" by Marnie Pehrson.

 

Lastly, I have been receiving requests from readers to edit/proof-read and even ghostwrite. Although I am interested in this kind of work, I know that it's going to be impossible for me to manage it all on my own. So, what I've done is to create a page where I've listed down the services we can offer. I am now looking for people who are not only interested in this field but have experience in it and would like to earn some extra money. If you are of one such person, or know of someone who may be interested, you can read all of details here:

http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com/editorial_services.html

 

Here's to your storytelling success.

 

Aneeta Sundararaj

editor@howtotellagreatstory.com

 


OVERVIEW OF NEWSLETTER CONTENTS ...

  • From the Editor's Desk

  • StoryAfrica

  • StoryAsia

  • Tips For StoryTellers

  • What's Your Fascinating Story

  • Blow Your Own Trumpet!

  • Articles For Storytellers

  • Tell Everyone About ...

  • Resources For Storytellers - Blogs, Books, Websites and so on

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ...

 

If you would like to send us your feedback about this newsletter, you can either send an email to editor@howtotellagreatstory.com or fill in the webform at

http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com/survey.html

 

In addition, if you're of the opinion that this site is a good site for writers, please nominate us for next year's 'The 101 Best Websites For Writers' competition by sending an email stating your comments and nomination to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "101 Best Web sites" as the subject.

How To Tell A Great Story (5th Edition)

  • Do you catch people holding back their yawns every time you speak?

  • Do you want to converse better in social situations?

  • Do you have trouble narrating your own experiences in a way that people will listen?

  • Do you want someone to ask you how your day was and be able to narrate even the simple things you do in an interesting way?

The answers to these questions lie in learning the BENEFITS of How To Tell A Great Story. Your Friends, Colleagues and Business Associates Will Be On The Edge of Their Seats Every Time You Open Your Mouth!

 

If you would like to know more, please click on this link for more details: http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com

 

STORYAFRICA

 

Storytelling on transport vehicles

 

Do commercial transport vehicles in your country tell stories? By this I mean if there are any inscriptions on moving commercial buses and trucks that tell stories either of the ethics, beliefs, vision, or integrity of the bus owner or driver. Or such inscriptions may well result from the unique experiences of the transporter in his journey through life. I call them, Transport Story Alerts. It is simply telling stories on commercial vehicles, or giving you story ideas on moving vehicles. What does this tell you: Even transport entrepreneurs are storytellers.

 

Such alerts can be phrases, statements,  short sentences or teasers boldly inscribed on the body of the vehicles for visibility as it criss-crosses the highways. Such alerts are ways to speak out. They tell a lot of stories if you can use your imagination to interpret them.

 

 There are so many of such in Africa where make transport vehicles are a good story medium besides an advert medium. Such story alerts offer plenty of insight and wisdom and we can all learn from them. Take the examples of some transport story alert messages on vehicles plying Nigerian roads. These are my interpretations.

 

      No condition is permanent.

This is wisdom talking. You can be down today, up tomorrow; sad today, happy tomorrow, broke today, a millionaire tomorrow. You see such inscriptions on trucks carrying goods or logs of timber on Nigerian highways.

 

God’s case, no appeal.

 In your dealings and relationships with others, please be fair and ethical. If you are ripped off and cannot get justice from man, take the matter to God. He is the final arbiter, and no appeal court on earth can upturn what God has decided.

 

No telephone to heaven.

I do not know what to make of this or how to interpret it. But it is full of wisdom and tells a story.

 

A clear conscience fears no accusation.

This one does not require too much interpretation. It is really clear and straight to the point. A moving vehicle in Nigeria can tell you this. These vehicles are really wisdom media.

 

Destiny un-choosable.

Can you choose you destiny? This is a big question and answers can depend on your cultural and religious beliefs.

 

Be careful, many have gone.

This is actually a warning against over speeding and a road safety caution. If you speed you crash and die like many that have done so. So drive safely and be alive.

There are more passenger story alerts on moving vehicles in Nigeria. If you want to know them, stay tuned to StoryAfrica.

 

Eric Okeke

Writer, Storyteller.
Visit my blog.
http://howtotellagreatstory.com/b2evolution/index.php?blog=7

STORYASIA

 

* Watch this space ...

 

TIPS FOR STORYTELLERS

Tips to make your verbal presentations have an impact

  • Use the five senses to paint images with your words when describing things.
  • You can create suspense by starting out with a provocative question.
  • If you’re trying to describe a ‘dry’ topic, add a story and everyone will remember your topic even more.
  • Use an anecdote whenever possible but limit the use of personal anecdotes to no more than two.
  • Practice your storytelling skills on a daily basis.

 

WHAT'S YOUR FASCINATING STORY?

 

IT WAS PROSTATE CANCER

H. Steven Robertson

 

This is being written to record my experience at having been diagnosed with prostate cancer and the ensuing tests and treatment.  It is intended as information as well as to help any of the other men who have been diagnosed with the disease.  I plan to send it to the American Cancer Society and the AARP magazine.  The names have been changed to protect the private identities of the individuals involved.

 

“Three, two, one.” Pop!

            “Uhhhhh!”

            “Three, two, one.” Pop!

            “Uhhhhh!”

                       

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

To tell your own Fascinating Story, please click here...

 

BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET!!

 

The path of making a golden gift better - an interview with Earma Jones.

 

Excerpts ...

 

Aneeta: It’s obvious that you’re a very motivated person. As storytellers are most in need of motivation at the best (and worst) of times, can you tell me, do you have a source of motivation and if so, what is it?

 

Earma: That sounds like a compliment. So first of all thank you. I am a spiritual person so I am compelled to say my ultimate motivation comes from God. But practically speaking, I think some of my early life lessons, the discipline I got from growing up on a farm and my passion for words is what motivates me.

 

My work motto has become: love your craft (gift), learn your craft and live your craft. I can’t say that I am gifted with any thing but a passion for writing. I’ve been building on that.

 

To read more, please click here ...


 

If you'd like to be interviewed for this column, please contact me at editor@howtotellagreastory.com 

 

ARTICLES FOR STORYTELLERS

 

Age is Not a Deterrent!
Advice from a Freelancer Later in Life
 

“I’m too old to start something new.”

 

“I can’t go back to college now.”

 

“How can I convince an editor that even though I have no published clips, I DO know how to write?”

 

Stop looking at age as a deterrent! In fact, you should regard your more “mature” years as a gift—especially with regard to freelance writing.

 


When you get a bad book review   

by Laura Hickey

 

You've just been notified a review of your book has been posted. You're all excited and can't wait to see what has been written. You're clicking onto your book's page when...Oh no! They hated your book! This bad review is going to turn away customers from buying your book. Wait! This isn't the end of the world. Here's 3 tips to deal when you get a bad review.

1. You can't please everyone!

Example: One of my favorite authors is a bestseller but the author didn't receive such hot customer reviews.

To read more, please click here ...


A First Time Author's Publicity Kit Materials

 

If you're a new author that has been requested to send publicist materials, you may feel left in the dark on what to send. Here's a list of the usual items.

1. Author Bio
This is no place for modesty. You're competing with many other authors out there and need to show how your hot and worth it. Remember to include your accomplishments and give a little background information. Often readers want to know about the author's interests..

To read more, please click here ...

 


How To Tell If A New of Small Press is Legitimate

 

It seems like every day you can open up a trade journal and read about a new publisher entering the children's book scene. While most of these publishers are well-funded and have some sort of background in the industry, a few may be bad risks for an author or illustrator. Here are some ways you can check out a publisher before signing a contract:

  • See if the publisher is listed in Children's & Illustrator's Market. This won't apply if the publisher is brand new, but if the company is at least a year old it could be listed in CWIM, or similar trade directories. CWIM checks out publishers before listing them, and if the directory receives three or more complaints about a company, the listing is removed the following year. Was the publisher listed last year but not in the current edition?

To read more, please click here ...

 


The Importance of a Pre-Publication Marketing Plan: A Basic Guide for Self-Published and Print on Demand Authors


Y
ou’ve written your book, gone through the editing gauntlet and decided to publish the finished product yourself. You’ve researched all the self publishing options, decided on a company, approved the book’s cover and polished the book’s final lay-out. All you’re “i’s” are dotted and “t’s” are crossed. Now, you’re ready to go to press. Right?

Wrong!
 

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

If you would like to submit your own article on storytelling, please click here...

 

BOOKCLUB

 

Review of Awaken the Giant Within

 

It surprises me not one bit that this book has sold over a million copies.

 

Briefly, this book has, as its subheading, ‘How to take control of your mental emotional, physical and financial destiny.’

 

There are four parts to this book:-

Part 1 – Unleash Your Power

Part 2 – Taking Control – The Master System

Part 3 – The Seven Days to Shape Your Life

Part 4 – A Lesson in Destiny

 

To read more, please click here

 


Review of Cut The Strings - The True Story of a Soul Reclaimed

 

I was a little stunned when Lynn sent to me a copy of this ebook. I never expected it and I read it with much interest. My attention was grabbed right from the start. It was these words which set me reading this entire ebook in one go: Bryn Jones, who wrote the Preface used these words when signing off: ‘proud friend to Lynn and Glen Grocott.’ ...

 

To read more, please click here

 


 

If you would like to submit your own article on storytelling, please click here...

 

BLOGS FOR STORYTELLERS...

 

Here are some of the first blogs that I've found fascinating to read. I hope that you enjoy reading their stories as well...

 

Name: Gary's Stories of Life in China
Author: Gary
Link: http://www.orientaloutpost.com/blogs.php
   
Name: Life is Work
Author: Christian Buckley
Link: http://buckleyplanet.typepad.com/life_is_work/
   
Name: Innovation Weblog
Author:

Chuck Frey

Link:

http://www.innovationtools.com/weblog

/innovationblog-detail.asp?ArticleID=897

 

RESOURCES FOR STORYTELLERS...

TELL EVERYONE ABOUT ...

 

Amber A. Whitman - Author of Dreams of Grandeur- A delightful book of poetry. Please visit www.geocities.com/whitmansbooks  for your own special look then order directly at restless80@hotmail.com

My personal website is http://homebody2001-ivil.tripod.com

Appearing in Food for the Soul http://www.wolfdencreations.com/AmberWhitman.shtml

Appearing in Temporal Currents available at: www.lulu.com/content/202352. Check out my blog at www.awtoronto.com

 


FREE Special Report: "How To Make Your Book An Amazon Best-Seller in 24 Hours or Less"
 
I'm Debbie Jenkins, boss of www.bookshaker.com. On Wednesday 5th April 2006 we made "...and death came third!" (www.deathcamethird.com) by Peter Roper and Andy Lopata an "instant best-seller" using the power of networking, leverage and good old fashioned *ethical* bribery!

On the launch day, using our plan, their book stormed onto Amazon.co.uk's Hot 100 (number 83) by 8.20am and then rocketed to the top 10 (achieving number 2) by noon (a spot they kept for well over 24 hours after).

In all we sold over 2,000 books in a single day, making more than £30,000 in sales. Here’s your link to the report on how we did it… http://www.bookshaker.com/amazon-best-seller
 


How are people going to know about your great storytelling resources [books, websites, newsletters, forums, e-books, manuals, ideas, thoughts, tapes and so much more] if you don't tell them? Here's your chance - Send info about your stuff and we'll post it here for free. Please keep the number of words to no more than 125. Send an email to editor@howtotellagreatstory.com with 'Tell Everyone About ...' in the subject line.

 

WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING ...

 

And we can both be thankful to Aneeta for providing yet another way of making the world smaller through networking.

Dr. Neill Neill

 

Yes, one of the beautiful things about Aneeta's work is that it brings people together. 

Rosemarie Skaine


I have just ordered your e-book and read your bonus #4 Great Storytelling Articles. WOW! did I enjoy. I heard a lot of wisdom coming from your printed words and look forward to reading the rest of your book. From what I've read so far, I know that I'm in for a treat. ...

 

My name is D'lores and I am a newly retired teacher. Growing up with ten brothers and sisters you know that I have been telling stories all of my life. I have been telling African American folktales and stories for about eight years in and about my community. I am always looking for ways to better myself and build upon what I already know.

 

Looking forward to consulting with you (a first for me),

 

D'lores the Storiteacha


Anetta
you are a STAR this is a fantastic write up and wow, I am so humbled by the wording you have used
It is amazing and I am so thrilled with it thank you so much
the article on Debs is great you really have done a fantastic job of the way you have presented it
Your writing holds something very special a huge and mammoth and fantistic hug
Lynn x

Respected Aneeta Madam,

I thank you for sending me such wonderful tips, it inspires me eternaly. Being a teacher it has helped me in profuse and have developed a prpensity to tell these moral, encouraging stories to my students.

i definitely have heaps and heaps of praises for you. Do keep up the good work.

thank you.
 

purvi kothari.

 

READERS WANT TO KNOW ...

 

One reader wants to know: How do I inculcate and inspire school children to not only read a lot but learn to express themselves well and converse fluently in English?

 

Please send your answers to me (Aneeta) and editor@howtotellagreatstory.com and I'll forward it to her.

 

PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO START AN ONLINE BUSINESS  ...

 

"Blogging For Dollars"
 

This report contains shocking case studies and test results, and reveals tricks and strategies you can use to grab a top-10 position in *any* search engine -- even if you don't know a thing about web design or HTML! A team of marketing experts spent over a year compiling this study, and now you can review it FREE!

To read this special profit-making report, visit:
http://www.marketingtips.com/trafficsecrets/t/814293
 


NEWS FLASH* - Private Tours of Successful Web Sites Now Available!

 

Take a private tour of two "Mom & Pop" web sites every month that earn $100,000+ a year... and discover the exact step-by-step strategies they have personally used to generate these massive profits. Click here now and learn the strategies these real people are using to make real money on the Internet!

 


SPECIAL REPORT: Learn the Secrets To Becoming An Internet Cash Millionaire!

Developed by a man who has earned over $40,000,000 online, this guaranteed system will show you how you can start your own Internet business in less than 48 hours... build a top-selling web site for less than $100... find hot products to sell in less than 20 minutes... and MUCH more!

For instant access to this report, go to: http://www.marketingtips.com/t.cgi/814293
 


For more resources, please click here.

 

SUBSCRIBER CONTEST

 

Click on the link above and you will be taken to a page with information about our latest contest for subscribers.

HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK

 

Click on the link above for details

FREEBIES FOR SUBSCRIBERS

 

From time to time, we add free documents, files and software that have been forwarded to us or ones that we have created. We have created a page where you are permitted to have access to these items. Please click on the link above for more details.

 

YOUR TEXT ADVERTISEMENT COULD APPEAR HERE!

$10 for 1 issue

 

Subscriber Base: 1750 with many joining each week.

Traffic: We receive over 400+ visitors and 800+ page views a day.

Sample:

 

Do people hold back their yawns every time you speak?

Find out how to avoid this at

http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com

 

Click on the link below to place your ad or to find out about all our other advertising options.
http://www.howtotellagreastory.com/adrates.html

 

 

Google
 
Web www.howtotellagreatstory.com

HOW TO CONTACT US

 

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this issue of Great StoryTelling Network!

 

The information we have on file is:

Your name: [First Name] [Last Name]

Your email address: [Email]

 

To unsubscribe, please send a blank email to unsubscribe@howtotellagreatstory.com

  

If you prefer to unsubscribe by post/fax please send your request to

How To Tell A Great Story

c/o Sensations Pro Sdn Bhd

P O Box 1123 Jalan Pantai Bharu

59700 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Tel: + 60 3 7960 7048 

Fax: + 60 3 7960 7049

 

 

All rights reserved. © www.howtotellagreastory.com

Note: The Great Storytelling Network, How To Tell A Great Story and Sensations Pro Sdn Bhd will not be held liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages originating from the use of any information listed on our website or in our newsletter. By using this site and newsletter you agree to indemnify and hold all owners and representative parties of the Great Storytelling Network/How To Tell A Great Story/Sensations Pro Sdn Bhd harmless from any claim or demand originating out of your use of this website. Use of our website and newsletters is an indication of your complete understanding and acceptance of these Terms of Service. Thank you.