Dallas Woodburn's Blog, page 36

Drowning in Excess

My article "Waterlogged, Yet Still Drinking" is the featured "Starting Over" piece at NewsSip this week! Here is a snippet:

On my bookshelf sit thirteen paperback books I want to read. I know that with schoolwork and clubs and other commitments, I will be lucky to get through two of them by the end of the semester. And yet, there they sit. Waiting. I will lug them home with me, and when school starts again in the fall I know I will lug them — plus half-a-dozen new "must reads" I'll pick up...

The Waiting Game

Dear Dallas: I sent in a story to a publisher two weeks ago, and I still haven't heard back! I'm on the edge of my seat after sending my "baby" out into the world. What's up?

I know two weeks feels like a long time to wait for comments from a publisher or editor! And I understand from personal experience how nerve-wracking it can be to send your writing out into the world, especially a piece you have spent a long time writing and editing!

Unfortunately, though, waiting is a part of the...

Calling All Teen Girl Memoir Writers for New Book Series

The Louder Than Words series is currently reviewing submissions from teen writers who are interested in writing a memoir. The editors are looking to connect with teen girls ages 13-19 who: are passionate about writinghave an important real-life story to telllove to journal, blog, or write poetrydream of being a publishing author If this describes you, you can apply to be a Louder Than Words author by
emailing editor Deborah Reber (submissions@deborahreber.com) with the following information: ...

Interview with Tainted Tea Literary Magazine Editors Shane Toogood & Kris Fossett

Shane Toogood and Kris Fossett met while getting their Associates Degree in Communication Arts, Journalism at Delaware County Community College. They have now started a literary journal, Tainted Tea: http://taintedtea.blogspot.com. Read on for their insights on writing, editing, publishing, and everything in between!

Congrats on the first issue of Tainted Tea! Why did you decide to start this lit mag? And what was the process like? Any surprises/unknown difficulties?

Shane: Thanks so much, Dal...

Overcoming Rejection

Dear Dallas, How do you deal with rejection? It can be very discouraging.

Rejection is something that all writers share. I could wallpaper all four of my bedroom walls with all the rejection letters I have received from editors! The important thing is not to take it personally. For whatever reason, you or your writing just wasn't a right fit for that publication at this specific time. That doesn't mean that they won't love the next piece you send to them! When I get a rejection letter, I...

Interview with Amazing Young Nonfiction Writer Allie Sakowicz

Allie Sakowicz is proof that you are never too young to make your dreams come true. At just fifteen years old, she has written more than 30 articles for print magazines such as Odyssey Magazine and Chicago Parent as well as several in online publications including True Genius Magazine and Scrubs Magazine. She is also a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps, and as such her assignments have included attending a rally for former Presidential candidate John McCain, and President Barack Obama...

Online Writers Marketing Group

I just joined an online marketing group for writers and authors, and I am so excited about it that I just had to share in case any of you are interested in joining as well!

Here is more information:

Put your writing career in motion with the yahoo marketing group VBT-Writers on the Move. Promote your platform, yourself and your books! We utilize ONGOING tours; viewpoint segments; mystery site give aways; blog radio spots; and much more to increase visibility and readership. To learn more...

Essay Contest for Young Writers

Be the Star You Are! announces its 6th annual essay contest to promote literacy and positive messages.

WORD COUNT: 300-600 words.

TOPIC: Who is your role model and/or mentor? In what ways has this person changed your life for the better?

FEE: $10 donation per entry

DATES: November 15, 2009-January 18, 2010

FIRST Prize: $100 plus guest appearance on the nationally syndicated radio program, Be the Star You Are!® (Total value, $700) www.bethestaryouareradio.com Additionally, your story will be...

Write Every Day!

One of my favorite activities is visiting schools and talking about reading and writing. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Junipero Serra Elementary School in Ventura, California to talk to all the third and fourth grade students. They were so creative, respectful, energized and, to use one of their favorite words, awesome! :)

Often kids will ask me what advice I have for becoming a writer. My biggest advice is simple: Write every single day. Even if only for fifteen or twenty minutes. ...

Stress-Busting Tips

On this Monday morning, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about a condition that plagues just about all of us: stress.

Do you fluster through your days always worried about the next thing you need to get done? Do you never seem to have enough time? Do you often feel irritated and cranky, causing you to lash out at loved ones without meaning to?

How much more fulfilling would your life be with less stress?

Thanks to Victoria Moran, author of Living a Charmed Life, for telling me abou...