NEWSLETTERS
November 2007
The Write Stuff
Online Newsletter of Word Journeys
IN THIS ISSUE:
• November Workshop Series Set for Tucson
• Self-Editing Topic of SSA Presentation Nov. 18
• Aisling Press Starts Out Strong
• In Your Service Available to Vets, Families
• At A Writing Workshop e-Book Coming
• Service of the Month: Non-Fiction Manuscript Editing
• Books, Workshops Available at WordJourneys.com
• Featured Author: Stephen Gladish
• Exercise Your Pen!
• Denouement
November Workshop Series Set for Tucson
After a busy summer and early fall in the Midwest and South, the Word Journeys Workshop Series moves to Tucson, Ariz. for three November workshops.
On Saturday, Nov. 10, Bob Yehling will present “Write Deep Heal Deep” at An Inspiration Station. Based on a forthcoming book of the same title, the heralded all-day workshop will offer information, writing techniques and exercises to facilitate and contribute to emotional, spiritual and even physical healing. It is open to writers, therapists, doctors, healers, counselors and others interested in healing. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Only $69 if paid before Nov. 5; $79 thereafter.
On Thursday, Nov. 15, Yehling will offer a salon-style workshop, “Writing Well-Sung: Delivering Your Fullest Voice.” This workshop will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the home of Barbara Stahura. Intended for working writers or those preparing to write a book or major project, “Writing Well-Sung” will present the finer craft of putting author and character voices into every sentence. Cost: $30. To register: call 520-575-9650.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, Yehling returns to An Inspiration Station for a half-day workshop, “Writes Of Life: Your Most Compelling Stories.” Based on the 2007 Independent Publisher Award-winning book of the same title, “Writes Of Life” shows participants many ways to access their life experiences, and convert them to stories, poems, essays, characters, travelogues, memoir and much more. As with “Write Deep Heal Deep,” this workshop will include a 60-minute mini-symposium on publishing and marketing strategies. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Only $39 if paid before Nov. 5; $49 thereafter.
Those planning to attend both “Write Deep Heal Deep” and “Writes Of Life” can receive a discount price of $100 if they pay by Nov. 5, or $120 after.
For registration information, call 917-826-7880 or 520-615-1449 or go to www.beaninspirationstation or www.wordjourneys.com.
Self-Editing Topic of SSA Presentation Nov. 18
Bob Yehling will discuss the advantages, perils and finer points of self-editing when he presents the keynote speech at the Society of Southwestern Authors luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 18 in Tucson.
With a dearth of dedicated in-house editors, self-editing has become essential for authors wishing to publish books or e-books through traditional publishers. Yehling will offer tales of his 30 years as a published writer and editor while giving specific tips and techniques to attendees. More than 100 people are expected at the luncheon, which will also honor 94-year-old SSA member Bonnie Prudden.
Aisling Press Starts Out Strong
A new publishing house has roared into existence—Aisling Press. Based in Tampa, Fla., Aisling is publishing mainstream, crime and fantasy fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays and young adult books through both traditional and digital means. Aisling is a part of Oculus Media, a versatile 21st century house that also includes Brann Publishing for expert-assisted self-publishing; Cairn Media Services for complete manuscript, editing, design and promotional service; and Aisling Digital, for e-books and audiobooks.
Fall/Holiday 2007 titles include Mustang Fever, by Stephen B. Gladish; Deviations by Elissa Malcoln; Heroes Often Fail by Frank Zafiro; the re-releases of Writes of Life and Coyotes In Broad Daylight by Robert Yehling, Reggie & Ryssa by Bo Savino, and the Freedom of Vision anthology (edited by Stephen B. Gladish and Robert Yehling); and the forthcoming Awakening The Soul by Bill Missett.
For more information, visit www.aislingpress.com.
In Your Service Available to Vets, Families
A most important new book, In Your Service, will be launched on Veteran’s Day weekend in San Diego County. The 100-page book, written by financial planning advisor Galen Maddy with assistance from Bob Yehling, assists wartime veterans and their families in obtaining the so-called Aid & Attendance Benefit—a little-known Veterans Administration monthly benefit that considerably helps with the cost of assisted living and other services for those unable to fully care for themselves.
While approximately 2 million veterans and/or surviving spouses might be eligible to receive the benefit, only 143,000 are currently doing so. “This benefit protects assets so that our deserving veterans and their spouses can receive the care and quality of life they deserve,” Maddy said.
Produced by Brann Publishing, In Your Service will be available through bookstores, www.amazon.com and www.brannpublishing.com by December 1.
At A Writing Workshop e-Book Coming
We’re delighted to inform you that Bob Yehling is assembling ten years of writing workshop notes, outlines, exercises and experiences to create At A Writing Workshop—and he’s taking it to e-book format! At A Writing Workshop will feature the fruits of more than 20 workshop subjects Yehling has taught throughout the United States and Germany, giving buyers plenty of exercises while introducing a subscription-based service that promises continual updates. While it’s not the same as attending a workshop, the e-book will provide a package unlike any other on the market.
Look for At A Writing Workshop from Aisling Digital in January 2008, with the subscription-based service available on wordjourneys.com.
Service of the Month: Non-Fiction Manuscript Editing
One of our core specialties is the editing of non-fiction manuscripts for traditional and e-book publishing. We work in virtually all subjects, with a particular emphasis on memoir, travelogue, self-help, how-to, healing/recovery and health-based subjects, essays, business, spiritual, educational and topical titles.
Our service includes the following:
• Consultation on overall contents and presentation of the manuscript
• Assistance in developing sample chapters and chapter summaries, for proposals
• Complete first-draft edit, including review of narrative direction (arc), sequencing of material, use of language, grammar, punctuation, development of facts or topics, and overall writing presentation.
• Revision draft edit, which reviews consistency and strength of narrative, grammar, punctuation, and provides a final polish for your manuscript before publication.
• Proofreading of the final draft and, later, the unedited galley when delivered to you by the publisher or self-publishing service.
We will be working in conjunction with Cairn Media Services to provide this service. For more information on rates, email bob@wordjourneys.com or go to www.cairnmediaservices.com.
Books, Workshops Available at WordJourneys.com
At long last, our online store will be open at www.wordjourneys.com. Check in on Black Friday, November 26 as we jump into the holiday shopping madness with the rest of America! We will offer books, gift packs, accessories, workshops, e-books, online courses, subscriptions to a variety of highly informative newsletters and e-book continuations, and much more. You’ll be able to pay by check, or by credit card through our PayPal service.
Featured Author: Stephen B. Gladish
He’s tireless, creative, informative and full of adventure—in his own life and in his books. Now, Stephen B. Gladish hits the Holiday Season with his second novel, Mustang Fever, a thrilling wall-to-wall adventure account that converges several competing forces—including the majestic mustangs—in the high desert with elements of Native teachings, nuclear testing, drama, budding romance and life-and-death situations. The second in a series that began with Moonlight, Missiles & Moana, Mustang Fever continues the story of Chance Chisholm, who will also figure in Gladish’s next novel, Tornado Alley.
Mustang Fever is Gladish’s second published book of 2007. Earlier in the year, he and Robert Yehling joined editing forces to present Freedom of Vision: Voices From Behind Prison Walls, a collection of more than 125 pieces from authors either incarcerated at one time or working with the prison systems. The ever-busy author also teaches at Pima College in Tucson, Ariz., where his courses include “Film as Literature,” an intriguing look at the way literature is depicted and utilized in motion pictures.
Mustang Fever is already receiving rave reviews from fellow authors and magazines alike. Pick up your copy now by going to www.aislingpress.com, www.amazon.com or visit your local bookstore to buy or order.
Exercise Your Pen!
Creative writing professors love to give exercises in writing from points of view other than your own. Here’s a fascinating twist: Pick a modern-day event, or recent major occurrence in your life, and describe it from three points of you—your present-day self, your teen or young adult self (under 25), and your child self (under 12). Consider how you view(ed) the world, now and then; how you regard yourself, now and then; and political or social views, now and then. Write out the three vignettes, each 200 to 500 words—and reap the certain revelations about yourself!
—From The Write Stuff: 365 Days, 365 Writing Adventures, by Robert Yehling and Dr. Terra Pressler, to be published in 2008
Denouement
I know this language is in my skin and flesh. All great writing comes from this place. It comes from your body, from a place that's unnameable—but the axis is there because it's your deepest language, your deepest truth." — Lois-Ann Yamanaka
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