Day: June 5, 2012

Sentinel Literary Quarterly Short Story Competition

Sentinel Literary QuarterlyThe Sentinel Literary Quarterly Short Story Competition on any subject or style which have NOT have been previously published, or posted on a website or blog. The three winning Short Stories, and three highly commended Short Stories will receive first publication in Sentinel Champions magazine in print and eBook in February 2013. The authors will each receive a free contributor’s copy.

There is a £4.00 entry fee. The prizes are – First: £150.00, Second: £75.00, Third: £50.00, Highly Commended: £10 x 3. Deadline: June 20, 2012.

For more information, please visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.

My best day as a writer? by TD McKinnon

Author TD McKinnon
Author TD McKinnon

While considering this question, I found that it was not as straight forward as it first appeared, there were several occasions that I was tempted to label as ‘my best day as a writer’.

It could have been the day I finished the first draft of my first book. That memory, with its associated feeling of accomplishment, conjures up a warm, fuzzy sensation; radiating happiness. I have heard other writers describe this as their best day as writer.

It may well have been the day I completed the final draft of that first book; with the realisation that ‘this is the definitive copy, the one that is going to the printers’. Again, I’ve heard others define, in glowing terms, this experience as their best day, and I do remember that day, fondly: how my blood pumped just a little quicker and my head felt light and buzzy. Continue reading “My best day as a writer? by TD McKinnon”

To curse or not to curse…

I love Louis CK. He is our Lenny Bruce. There is something about him that makes everything he says funny. He says things that no one else could pull off. It’s quite amazing. Do some googling if you haven’t heard of him.

I’m thinking about Louis CK this morning because I’ve started doing an advice column, and it’s pretty NOT PG-13. But people like it. My family hates it of course. That is to be expected because it is different hearing your loved one curse (or talk about weird fetishes) than hearing a stranger curse (or talk about weird fetishes). But it raises an interesting dilemma.

Continue reading “To curse or not to curse…”

Twitter Tutorial Tuesday – Don’t Be a Mystery

Author K. S. Brooks
Author K. S. Brooks

Yeah yeah, I know.  You’re on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, LibraryThing, Google+, LinkedIn, eHarmony and who knows what else.  If you’re like me, you’re wondering if these things are helping at all in the promotion of your book(s).

Sometimes it’s not about where you are, but “how” you are using those tools.  Here’s a tip on how you can use Twitter just a little bit better – and it’s something you only have to do once!

Now you’re saying “It’s 140 characters. Who cares?” Well, honestly, think about it – you probably get those emails all the time which say: “so and so is now following you on Twitter”. All it says under the person’s cryptic handle is “likes cake”. Sure, I like cake too, but who is this person? Do they write? Are they a reader? A publisher? A reviewer? Do I want to follow them back? Is that what people think when YOU follow THEM?

Stay with me here. This is very quick and very easy. All we’re going to do is “spruce up” your profile. It’s really about making yourself more accessible – and giving people the opportunity to find out more about you in a quick and convenient fashion. Continue reading “Twitter Tutorial Tuesday – Don’t Be a Mystery”