Volume 3, Issue 7 - 5 April 2006

Brought to you by Aneeta Sundararaj and Eric Okeke

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NEWSLETTER CONTENTS ...

  • From the Editor's Desk

  • Important Warning For Storytellers Worldwide

  • StoryAfrica

  • StoryAsia

  • Tips For StoryTellers

  • What's Your Fascinating Story

  • Blow Your Own Trumpet!

  • Articles For Storytellers

  • Book Club

  • Paying Markets For Storytellers

  • Tell Everyone About

  • What Our Reader's Are Saying

  • Resources For Storytellers - Blogs, Books, Paying Marktes and so on

  • Products We Recommend For Storytellers Who Would Like To Start A Storytelling Business

  • Subscriber Contest

  • Help Support Us

  • Freebies For Storytellers

  • Advertise With Us

  • How To Contact Us


I.   from the editor's desk ...

 

Dear [First Name],

 

The winner of this week's contest, which showcases a copy of Lynn Grocott's copy of Cut The Strings is Diane Pollock. Diane, please contact Lynn at Grocott3@aol.com to get a copy of this ebook. Congratulations, Diane.

 

This week's contest features Steve Robertson's 'Soccer Made Easy for Americans'. Click on the link below, under 'Subscribers' Contest' and you'll be taken to the page where you can enter the contest.

 

In this edition, I've added more Freebies, namely ebooks entitled, 'Self-Publish Now! Less Time, Less Effort, Less Money! Compare Then Choose Wisely' and '15 Simple Copyright Tips You Need To Know! (& 20 FAQ You Might Ask)'.

 

As for StoryAfrica, Eric's too busy with his book to contribute a story and so I've taken it upon myself to find a story that's suitable; I adapted the tale, 'The Bachelors and the Python' from this site: http://www.darsie.net/talesofwonder/africa/python.html. I'm a little unsure about the accuracy of this tale and if you can tell me whether it's correct or not, I'll be grateful. In StoryAsia, I've chosen to share a tale I used to listen to when I was a child - it's about a mouse deer and a tiger. I hope you enjoy these tales.

 

I've also posted new articles and a review of Steve Halls's book, 'FBI: Fit Body Initiative'. There are more resources in the number of blogs, books and paying markets I've added to the resources.

 

The issue about surrounding writing articles for the net features in both 'Blow Your Own Trumpet', where I've posted an interview with the owner of IdeaMarketers, Marnie Pehrson; furthermore, in 'Tips for Storytellers' I've given you some idea of how to increase sales of your storybooks/collection of stories by writing articles based on your books.

 

In 'What's Your Fascinating Story?', Steve Robertson allowed me to share with you his story about the treatment he's receiving for prostrate cancer. It's a great tale and I encourage you to read it. Follow the links in the column below and you'll be, at the very least, entertained... I guarantee this.

 

Lastly, I received a 'compliment' of sorts from one of my usual readers. She has chosen to remain anonymous but had made the comment that this newsletter had "too much to read" and threatened to 'unsubscribe'. I take this as a compliment and wish to add that I have purposely chosen to send this newsletter out once every two weeks rather than ever week. This gives me the time to find proper resources, stories and so on which I can share with you. So, please, take your time reading this newsletter and it is my hope that you benefit from what I share.

 

Here's to your storytelling success.

 

Aneeta Sundararaj

editor@howtotellagreatstory.com

 

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

 

IMPORTANT WARNING FOR STORYTELLERS WORLDWIDE ...

 

About a month ago, Eric contacted me to tell me about the fact that he had sent his story to an agency in New York. He'd seen their ad on Google and clicked on it. It's called The New York Literary Agency and I was curious. I 'Googled' the name and was alarmed about what I found out. They're a hoax and in short, you'll lose your work even before you start ...

 

First though, here's their website: http://www.newyorkliteraryagency.com/

 

It's an impressive website and looks quite cool. However, I found out that there's quite a scam going on and in short, keep away from all of the following ...

  • Children's Literary Agency

  • Christian Literary Agency

  • New York Literary Agency

  • Poets [sic] Literary Agency

  • The Screenplay Agency

  • Stylus Literary Agency (formerly ST Literary Agency, formerly Sydra-Techniques)

  • The Writers [sic] Literary & Publishing Services Company

 

STORYAFRICA

 

The Bachelors and the Python

Adapted from http://www.darsie.net/talesofwonder/africa/python.html

 

There were only two unmarried men left in a small village. Every other bachelor had found a suitable partner. One of the unmarried men was Kalemeleme, who was so gentle that he would not stand up for his own rights, or anyone else's. The other was Kinku, who was so bad-tempered that no one could stand his tantrums for long.

 

They were both pretty unhappy until one day, Kalemeleme took his bow and arrows to go into the forest. He left early in the morning and during his time in the jungle, he shot a grey wild-cat and a brown wild-cat.

 

On his way home he met Moma, the great rock python, mightiest snake in the forest, and was about to shoot when Moma pleaded, "Gentle one, have mercy on me, for I am stiff with cold. Take me to the river where it is warm."

 

Touched with pity, Kalemeleme took the great reptile on his shoulders to the stream and threw him in.

 

Moma lifted his head above the reeds and said, "Thank you, gentle one. I have seen your loneliness. Throw in your grey wild-cat and your brown wild-cat and take what the water-spirit gives you."

 

Kalemeleme threw his grey wild-cat and his brown wildcat into the river. Immediately the water began to ripple and grow redder and redder until beneath the surface there appeared a great, red, open mouth.

 

He put in his hand and pulled out a gourd. He took it home and opened it, when out stepped . . . the most beautiful girl that was ever seen, and she was as good as she was lovely. She could weave mats, plait baskets, and make pots; she kept the house so neat, and cultivated the garden so well, she prepared the food so carefully and helped her neighbors so willingly, that soon Kalemeleme and his beautiful wife were the favourites of the village.

 

Kinku came to him and asked, "Tell me, Kalemeleme, where did you get your wife?"

 

"The water-spirit gave her to me," Kalemeleme replied, and he told him the circumstances.

 

"Well, I want a wife too," said Kinku, so he took his bow and his arrows and went off into the forest when the sun was boiling hot overhead.

 

He killed a grey wild-cat and a brown wild-cat. On his way home he too met Moma, the mighty python, wilting with the heat under a bush. He was about to shoot when Moma pleaded, "Mercy, Kinku. Have mercy on me for I am suffocated with this heat. Take me to the river where it's cool."

 

"What! Take you, a loathsome reptile? Find your own way to the river!"

 

"Very well. Come along." And the snake glided through the undergrowth, while Kinku followed.

 

Moma plunged into the water and, lifting his head above the reeds, he called out, "Kinku. I have seen your loneliness. Now throw in your grey wild-cat and your brown wild-cat and take what the water-spirit gives you."

 

Kinku threw in his grey wild-cat and his brown wildcat. At once the water began to ripple and became redder and redder, until beneath the surface Kinku saw a huge open mouth.

 

He put in his hand and drew out a pumpkin. He staggered home with it. It became heavier and heavier as he went, and at last he dropped it.

 

It cracked. And, out stepped the ugliest woman that he had ever seen. Before he could recover from his shock she boxed him soundly on the ears, and taking him by the nose she said, "Come on, Kinku. I am your wife."

 

She didn't give him the chance to say "no", but pummelled him and biffed him, bullied him and blamed him. She led him a dog's life, for she was as lazy as she was hideous.

 

"Kinku, carry the water!"

"Kinku, cut the firewood!"

"Kinku, cultivate the garden!"

"Kinku, cook the meal!"

 

All the while, she simply lay about and abused him.

 

Of course Kinku blamed the water-spirit, but had he only known it, he had nobody to blame but himself.
 

STORYASIA

 

Mouse Deer and Tiger.

 

A mouse deer is an animal about the size of a cat. It has the legs and tail of a deer but the face and body of a mouse. However, it is neither a mouse nor a deer. It eats only plants but the other animals in the jungle it the mouse deer. To stay alive, it stays quick on its feet and smart.

 

A story goes that one day, a mouse deer was singing:

I’m quick and smart as I can be.
Try and try, but you can’t catch me!

 

It was, as usual, looking for fruit, roots and shoots to eat.

 

All of a sudden, it heard the roar of a tiger.

 

The tiger said, "Hello mouse deer. I'm really hungry. Now that you're here, you can be my lunch."

 

The mouse deer was not one bit afraid by this threat. It looked around and noticed a lump of mud. It then turned to the tiger and said, "I'm sorry. I cannot be your lunch. The King has ordered me to guard his dessert."

 

"His dessert?" the tiger asked.

 

"Yes. There it is," the mouse deer said and pointed to the lump of mud.

 

"But why?" the tiger asked, incredulous.

 

"What do you mean why? It's the most delicious thing on earth! The King is waiting for a good time to come here and enjoy it in peace."

 

The tiger looked at the mud and said, "I'd like to taste it."

 

"Oh well," said the mouse deer. "You can, but first, let me run as far away as possible so that no one will blame me."

 

"O.K." the tiger said.

 

As it made its way to the mud, the tiger said, "Wow! The King's dessert. Who would have thought I would be eating it."

 

It took one bite into the mid and spat it out. "Yuck! This is just mud. Where's that mouse deer?"

 

But, the mouse deer was far away. Skipping along the jungle and all the while singing,

I’m quick and smart as I can be.
Try and try, but you can’t catch me!

 

TIPS FOR STORYTELLERS

 

5 Steps to assist you in selling more copies of your storytelling books.

 

You have a new book on storytelling or even a collection of your stories published and you'd love to sales go through the roof. There is one way in which you can maximise the potential and that is by writing an article based on the subject matter of your book and publishing it on the internet. There are six steps you can use to help you in this task.

 

1. Your article should be no more than 800 words.

2. Prepare about six articles.

3. Prepare the following information in advance: Title, Author, Short Description (usually the teaser), Long Description, Number of Words and Keywords.

4. Build a database of sites which accept submission of articles based on your topic. Here is a list of some sites that accept article submission for storytelling and the business of storytelling:

[Note: these are only some of the few that I use. If you're able to build a wider network and increase your database of sites to submit to]

5.  Once a week, submit one article to all the sites on your list and watch your sales increase by leaps and bounds.

 

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!”

           

            I was bending over a table in the urologist’s office with the Dr. and a male nurse behind me.  They were manipulating an ultrasound device with a special gun attached that fired hollow needles to take biopsies of my prostate gland.  There would be around twelve shots.  Fortunately they had given me a mild anesthesia.

 

            “Three, two, one.” Pop!

            “Uhhhhh!”

 

            It all started around September of 2005.  I was sitting on an examining table in my physician’s office and my Dr. sat in a chair beside me looking over the printed results of my recent blood work from the lab.  He is an excellent physician.  “Mmmm, your blood pressure was fine, we have that down, cholesterol looks good, liver looks good.”  He turned the page.  “We might have a problem here.  Last year your PSA read 5.1, which was a little high, but we decided to watch it.  Now, it’s up to 8.2.  This definitely must be checked out.  I need for you to make an appointment with an urologist today.  You don’t have to meet with him today, but you must make the appointment and I recommend Dr. Jones.”   PSA stands for prostate specific antigen.  When the prostate gland, which is unique only to males, has a problem, it produces antigens to combat it.  These antigens are specific to the prostate and can be detected in the blood stream.

 

I told him that I would make the appointment and he was quite adamant, saying that he needed to know if I didn’t.  I might be a little chicken when it comes to my nether parts, but I’m not stupid.  I assured him that I would call right away, which I did.

 

            Dr. Jones is an outstanding urologist and he was quite serious when he looked over the lab results.  “8.2 is pretty high. Normally, we like to see it 4 or below.  We’ll need to get a biopsy.  I’ll have Susie (his wonderful office assistant) make an appointment.”  So here I was,  “Three, two, one.” Pop!

 

            “Uhhhh!”

 

            The results of the biopsy had come back from the lab and I was on my way to hear the results.  I was a little worried but, at the same time, I was a bit smug as well.  After all, wasn’t I Superman?  I’d enjoyed perfect health my entire life.  Surely it was some small infection or something.  I turned down Thirteenth Avenue in South Jacksonville Beach where the office was located.  When I signed in I noticed that the day was October thirteenth.  I turned and walked over to a seat and there was a Gideon’s Bible sitting on the table beside it.  Oh my God, I’m in trouble, flew through my head.

 

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

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

 

BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET!!

 

Ideas! Ideas! - an interview with Marnie Pehrson.

 

Aneeta: To begin with, please tell me a little about you – where you came from, where you live, how you got into this business and a little about your career.

 

Marnie: I’m a wife and mother of 6. We live on 24 acres in Ringgold, Georgia, which is about an hour and a half north of Atlanta. I got into business back in 1990 when my husband had a job transition that didn’t work out. I started doing computer training from my home. Eventually I wrote a book on How to Run a Successful Computer Training Business from Home and started marketing it on AOL and Compuserve. I’d upload a sample chapter and people would send me checks in the mail for the book.

 

In 1995-1996 I got into Web development with a friend that I met on Compuserve, and we started an online mall. Over the years I’ve continued to develop niche sites like IdeaMarketers.com , SheLovesGod.com , 1ChapterFree.com, BelieversAtWork.com, LocateACoach.com and most recently SyndicatedWriters.com . My next project is ReadyToPublish.com, which I hope to launch in late April 2006.

 

 

Aneeta: You’ve done many things and it’s hard to think of where to start. But, let’s start with the most applicable one to storytellers, your experiences as an author. Tell me a little about how you started out as an author, the kinds of book you’ve published and any that you may have in the pipeline.

 

Marnie: As I said, I started with “How to Run a Successful Computer Training Business from Home.” After that was “How to Get & Keep Customers for Your Computer-Based Business.” Then I went into a season of Web development. With SheLovesGod.com that I opened in 2000, I wrote weekly study lessons for my subscribers. Eventually many of the concepts from these study lessons went into “10 Steps to Fulfilling Your Divine Destiny” and “Lord, Are You Sure?”

 

In 2003, a romance novelist friend of mine, Marcia Lynn McClure, introduced me to her distributor and they picked up “Lord, Are You Sure?” along with a couple other of my inspirational books. Between reading Marcia’s novels and my distributor suggesting I try fiction, I decided to write a historical romance novel that I’d been mulling for years about my 4th Great Grandmother, Dicey Langston. She was a Revolutionary War heroine who carried information she overheard from her Loyalist neighbors to her brothers in the Patriot cause.

 

Writing Dicey’s story completely hooked me on fiction. Since then I’ve written 4 additional novels that have gone to print and 10 ebooks. Marcia Lynn McClure and I started the www.CleanRomanceClub.com in February of 2004 and both our ebooks are available there.

 

I’ve also continued my inspirational writing and last fall released “You Can’t Fly If You’re Still Clutching the Dirt: How to Stop Worrying and Achieve Your God-given Potential.” As for the future, a publisher has picked up Hannah’s Heart and plans to release it in a romance series sometime this summer. I’m currently turning one of my Civil War period ebooks, Angel and the Enemy, into a full-length novel.

 

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

 

Ten Winning Habits of Frequently Published Writers

 

Are you ready to sign off on your first project or publish more of what you have already written? Have you been wondering who will publish your work? The publishing industy is changing in the new millineum and doesn’t appear ready to stop changing. It is estimated that in the next 10 years, 50 percent of all books will be self-published or published by smaller presses. Even so, it should not exempt us from the pursuit of excellence in our craft through sound writing rules and business etiquette.

 

With that said the way to more published writing credits is basically the same as Anne Wayman says, "Write well and write often." If you want to get published more by industry respected magazines and even enter into the competition for the attention of traditional book publishers, you may want to examine some of your writing habits. There are some habits those writers who consistently get published share. If you want to join the winner’s circle of frequently published writers develop these habits:


Habit #1 Develop and maintain a strong sense of professionalism

Frequently published writers know they are not just creative artists. They know publishing is a business. They realize as a writer they supply a product to the publisher or directly to the customer. The writer that comes to terms with producing their writing as a product develops a professional attitude. He seeks to develop the most excellent product that will satisfy the demands of its consumers. The professional writer follows the basic rules of business etiquette. For example, they use crisp, clean paper for letterhead. They never handwrite letters or manuscripts. They always include a SASE with each query.


Habit #2 Write your best, always.

Unseasoned writers and those who lack professionalism always seem to be saving their best effort for later. Other writers who save their best for the next project often procrastinate themselves out of enough time to do a good job. Some feel the buyer has left them no profit, so they give them what they feel they paid for.
 

The solution though it may not be quickly is to always do your best. This practice works well with the universal law that says, ‘What you give comes back around to you.” When you continually give your best – the best is always coming to you – the best assignments, the best rewards, and the best credit. So write your best and expect the best.

 


To read more, please click here ...

 


Selling Your Ebooks Online

 

You've just given birth to your eBook and it's going to revolutionize the world as we know it - or at least your bank account. All you time and effort has created a serious piece on that special topic that has grown very close to your heart. You ebook clearly establishes you as an expert in your field but a sense of dread begins to creap up on you as you begin to wonder if anyone will ever read it. The truth is there are well over 100,000 ebooks and many more on the way. How are you going to rise above the din and get your important work noticed? This is no easy task but there are plenty of ways to tackle this common problem. The one I recommend is to start your own blog on the very topic you wrote. But it's not enough to have a blog, you need to write in it every day. If your topic is specific enough and your daily posts are on-topic, in about 45 days you should start seeing significant trraffic. The easiest way to set up a blog is to go to blogger.com and sign up. It takes about 10 minutes to get up and running and being a blogger is tres chic!

 
To read more, please click here ...


Destroy 9 Myths that Block You From Completing Your Book

 

Many speakers, consultants, and small business owners alike feel confident with communicating their message orally. They can spout their message in an elevator speech with the accuracy of a scientist. But when it comes to putting it on paper, some grown men & women end up crying like a baby.

 

Through speaking and writing, I have discovered 9 myths that often block others from writing their best book now. I promise.

It's not hard once you know exactly what to do. Successful writers set up a system of writing. Destroy these myths and setup your system of writing with nine easy solutions.

 

Myth # 1 It's too hard.

 

Too many of us for too long have hid behind the words, "It's too hard." Now is the time to take charge of our fears and conquer them.  First things first, to overcome procrastination - the fear of failure- is to act now. Most times the bottom line of procrastination is fear of failure.

 

Solution: Act now. Select step one of an easy writing program and begin today. Or choose to sign-up for an easy 7 lesson ecourse "Jumpstart Writing Your Best Book Now. " Send any email to iscribe@writetowin.org Action will destroy fear. Each successful step of your system will deal a death blow to fear.

 

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

Expand your reach and increase your credibility

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of publications in print and on the web looking for articles on topics relating to the needs of their audience or clientele. By sharing your expertise you will develop trust, connection and credibility that simply cannot be achieved through advertising.

In today's internet landscape you don't even need a source to send your articles. Adding articles to your own web site provides information for current and potential clients, as well as improves your site's ranking on the net. With the increasing number of marketing sites, search engines determine ranking by the amount of informative content.

An added benefit of articles -- writing helps you hone your message and address the key health issues of your niche market. So where to begin? The simplest way to begin writing an article is to break it into three key ingredients. You want to provide information, incorporate attention getters and create easy reading.

PROVIDE INFORMATION

The purpose of an article is to provide information, tools and/or resources for your niche market. Different than a promotional piece, where the goal is to market you and your services, an article addresses a specific issue or concern. Adding a 50-75 word bio slug with a web link at the bottom of the article is a great place for information about you. The article itself should address the issue, not promote how wonderful you are.

Many of my clients ask "how do I find out what information my niche needs?"

* Ask your clients. By writing about the specific concerns of your clientele, you can build your community through your commitment to address their needs.

* Make a list of the common issues your patients face.

* Address trends (lifestyle, health or seasonal factors that impact your reader)

Message: Write with a goal in mind. Create more than just a "how to" list; incorporate a message for your patients. The goal of a good article is to enhance learning AND provide actions your reader can implement to change their life.

* Be personable. Using jargon distances you from your reader. As you shape your message speak to them in language they can relate to on issues that have immediate relevance.

* Choose engaging examples that highlight your message.

* Keep the content relevant, focused and succinct.

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

The Art of Listening

 

Life is difficult. Now, most people know that, at least those who have managed to grow up and turn into responsible adults. But on the other hand there seem to be a lot of tools and techniques for those who, in spite of that fundamental truth, have not given up to try and ease the burden on themselves and on others.

 

There is a lot of suffering around us. And it doesn´t seem to depend on the country which I happen to visit, or the type of people I meet. It doesn´t seem to depend on the affluence or the poverty which prevails in this or that society. It doesn´t depend on the time of day, nor on the weather. It just seems to be there.

 

We can see it on the faces of people in a crowd. I'm not referring to people who have come together for a common purpose, like celebrating a saints day or demonstrating against the government. Those people wear almost identical expressions, because they are sharing identical thoughts and objectives.

I mean people on the street, at the bus stop, waiting in line in the supermarket. People walking or traveling home from work, waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

 

There is no common cause that connects them, makes them really feel 'part of the crowd'. They are essentially alone, sharing time and space with other humans that happen to be in the same place. And there is very little social interaction.

 

Talking to someone almost always means that you have an agenda, that you want something . You might want to know of that person where the next public telephone booth is because you forgot to recharge your cellphone. You might want to convince your spouse that tonight it would be so much better to stay home instead of going to the movies. That telephone call to your brother, where you say virtually nothing but show him by placing that call that you are sorry for what happened last night.

And, having an agenda, we control our body language, which includes our facial expression, tone of voice, the way we gesture, etc. We are, in a very real sense, acting, wanting to make the right impression.

 

People in an anonymous crowd don´t do that. They don´t wear a mask, here 'what you see is what you get'. They don´t feel observed, therefore there seems to be no need to control the facial expression. And it can be a little bit frightening when you look long and close enough, can´t it?

 

We all carry our burden, some with more, some with less grace. We all, without exception, have our problems. I might be suffering from my overweight, my apparent inability to control my food intake. Now, even though that's a condition shared by millions around the globe, it still is my own, personal problem, and I feel alone with it. Nobody really understands me.

 

To read more, please click here ...

 


 

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

 

BOOKCLUB

 

Review of FBI: Fit Body Initiative

 

The title of this book, for me, was immediately arresting. I would hazard a guess that I am not the first person to wonder what on earth the ‘FBI’ has to do with being healthy. However, upon closer analysis, it becomes obvious that ‘FBI’ is short for “Fit Body Initiative’. In the title alone, this book has achieved the aim of catching a reader’s attention.

 

Furthermore, the ominous colour, black, for the background of the cover design with the words in ochre adds to the attraction of this book.

 

The purpose of this work is clearly stated on the back cover where Mr. Halls writes:

Imagine What You Could Achieve In 90 Days With Your Own Personal Trainer … Well this book is the next best thing and a lot more affordable – you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home.

 

The FBI has been specially written to help you change your lifestyle gradually. With nutritional advice, training tips and tasks that build into a comprehensive guide to a healthy lifestyle – you get in the best shape of your life one day at a time.

 

To read more, please click here

 


 

If you would like your book/product to be reviewed, please click here to send an email with your request.

 

PAYING MARKETS FOR STORYTELLERS...

 

ByLine Magazine

http://www.bylinemag.com

 

ByLine is a monthly magazine for writers. Since its founding in 1981, ByLine has published--and paid for--the first work of hundreds of poets and writers of fiction and nonfiction. We encourage and advise novice writers; we publish the work of beginners and veterans alike.

The magazine presents articles on the craft or business of writing, including regular columns on writing poetry, fiction, nonfiction and children's literature. We also publish short stories and poetry.

 

ByLine sponsors monthly contests designed to motivate writers by providing deadlines, competition and cash prizes. These contests are open to anyone.

 

All dates listed are postmark deadlines. Enter your own work only. Type your name, address, phone number and the contest category on the first page of the manuscript (no cover sheet). Prepare in standard manuscript format. Entries will not be returned, so there's no need for SASE. You may send multiple entries to any contest, but each entry requires an entry fee. Entries should be unpublished when entered. A list of winners in each category will be printed in the issue of ByLine dated three months after deadline. Winning manuscripts are not published so that authors retain all rights.

 

Mail entries to:

 

Contests, ByLine Magazine
PO Box 5240
Edmond, OK 73083-5240

 

April 2006 Deadlines

FLASH FICTION—Deadline April 5, 2006. A quick fiction which feels complete in less than a thousand words. These stories often depend on atmosphere, technique, and a sense of immediacy. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $50, $30, $20.

 

SPRING POEM—Deadline April 10, 2006. Any style or length, connected in some way with the season. Entry fee $3. Prizes: $40, $25, $15.

 

PET or WILDLIFE ARTICLE—Deadline April 20, 2006. Nonfiction about animals or animal-related events. Maximum 1,800 words. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $50, $25, $15.

 

GENERAL POETRY—Deadline April 25, 2006. Any style, subject or length. Entry fee $3. Prizes: $60, $30, $15.

May 2006 Deadlines

NEW-TALENT SHORT STORY—Deadline May 5, 2006. Open to any writer who never has won a cash prize in any ByLine fiction category. Maximum 5,000 words. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $60, $35, $25.

 

STORMY or BLUE POEM—Deadline May 10, 2006. A poem in any style, strongly tied to the weather—storms, rain, blue skies, etc. Entry fee $3. Prizes: $40, $20, $10.

 

PERSONAL MEMOIR—Deadline May 20, 2006. An incident or reminiscence from your own life that left a lasting impression. Written in first person, 1,000 words maximum. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $60, $30, $20.

 

HUMOROUS POEM—Deadline May 31, 2006. Any length or style, the funnier the better. Entry fee $3. Prizes: $40, $25, $15.

For more info, please visit http://www.bylinemag.com/contests.asp

 

[Editor's Note: for a more comprehensive idea of the submission details, please refer to their website]

 

If you have a resource for a paying market or would like to be featured here, please contact editor@howtotellagreatstory.com and let me know about your market.

 

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:

Bibliobibuli

Description:

Woman Battles Serious Book Dependency Problem.

Author:

Sharon Bakar

Link:

http://thebookaholic.blogspot.com/

   
Name: But Enough About You
Description: Me. Me. Me. ... Oh look, still me
Author: Jay
Link: http://www.isorule.blogspot.com/
Name: Kah Teh's Choc-a-blog Blog
Author: Kak Teh
Link: http://kakteh.blogspot.com/
   
Name: Life's Like That
Description: Ramblings of a Despe’rite Housewife
Author: Lydia Teh
Link: http://lydiateh.wordpress.com/
   
Name: The Cool Time and Money Blog
Description:  ...provides thoughts, tips and links to financial planning, goal-setting and time management resources. You are actively encouraged to ask questions here - a serious attempt is made to answer all such queries! This blog is written by Rajen Devadason, who also owns www.FreeCoolArticles.com  and who writes and publishes the free weekly ezine 'GET BETTER'
Author: Rajen Devadason
Link: http://the-cool-time-and-money-blog.blogspot.com/
   
Name: Storytellers Unplugged
Description: We're a group of thirty authors, editors and booksellers working in horror and dark fantasy who want to share our love of the genre with like-minded readers. Each day of the month a different columnist will contribute a post - some will be serious, some will be funny, but all will be informative. Join us daily!
Link: http://www.storytellersunplugged.com/

 

RESOURCES FOR STORYTELLERS...

TELL EVERYONE ABOUT ...

 

Hi: 
I wonder if I could trouble you to go on Amazon and rate Bottom Time for me?  Bottom Time.
 

There is only one review and it is by a professional reviewer who gave it four stars out of five.  I guess I should be satisfied with that, but I'm not.

Thanx

~Steve Rebertson~
 


Hi aneeta sundararaj!

 

Just a note to let you know that my goal with the IdeaMarketers blog is to (each weekday) add tips, tools and strategies that will help you with promoting your business.  For example, if you have an ezine or contact list, you might find Friday's post, "How to Increase Your Email's Open Rate," useful.

 

Also there will be "extras perks" for those who read the blog - like special offers not publicly announced elsewhere. To get the ball rolling, there's one of these now at this link.

 

I hope you find the blog useful. Please jump in and ask quest.ions or make comments. I'd love for you to be a part of this!

 

Best wishes,

Marnie Pehrson

 

Take care,

Marnie Pehrson
 


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.
I don't know what made me order (I usually don't fool with online orders) but I'm glad I did because I have already been blessed.
 
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

... I have started working through your e-book, How to tell a great story, and am enjoying it.

Gopal Ramasammy-Cook


Dear Aneeta,

Wow! What a comprehensive blog!

I trust you're well. You are clearly providing a tremendous outlet for people across the planet who understand the sheer power of a story told with a genuine voice.

Stay well and continue doing that which you do best... which is to write and to write about writing.

Warmest regards,

Rajen

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

 

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