CornerScribe

Archive for March, 2005

I was listening to Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones today. Most creative writers have probable read her book. I enjoy it, but in small doses — she is rather overwhelming, isn’t she?

Now, I’ve been thinking of things to do to spark a little creativity. I’ve been doing a lot of nonfiction lately, so I’ve been feeling a little less creative than usual.

Here’s a few to try…

• Draw something that represents your creative style. If you’re so inclined, design a web page background (maybe for your own page?)
• Write a children’s story with your first pet as the main character
• Write a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in years.
• You can return to any place you’ve ever been. Where is it?
• Design an alien that lives on a very different type of planet. How would they manage an invasion of Earth?
• If you could be transplanted to any time, when would it be?

So… maybe we should all get writing.

Link: Slashdot | Women Leaving I.T..

This article (and comments) is rather interesting. As a woman in IT, I can relate to the discussion. Note that the article the discussion references is a bit simplistic, attributing women’s exodus, for the most part, to family responsibilities.

For those who aren’t slashdot fans, note that it’s a heavily male audience and very tech oriented. If you’re easily offended, maybe you ought to just skim the comments…

Link: Write for KeepItComing.net.

I haven’t heard anything negative about these guys, and it is an interesting concept.

The idea is that you write a serial (1000-1500 words per installment) and keep them coming (get it?) twice per week. Readers subscribe to stories for $3.33 per month/per story, and the writer takes 70 percent of that.

It seems like a lot of work, but if you have a lot of friends who’ll read your stuff….

Link: WritersWeekly.com.

If you’re looking for paying markets, these guys are a good place to look. They list markets on their site, and you should also check out the forums, where you can verify a market’s legitimacy with other members.

I’ve used them for a while now, and I’ve managed to avoid a couple of bad writing jobs with their help. This one is definitely worth your time.

Want to make a few extra dollars a month and build an article portfolio? Check out writeforcash .

They pay $10-$15 per article (around 800 words or up). You choose the topic from a list they have posted on their website. There are a lot of do-it-yourself topics (how to change an outlet, how to repair a dryer, etc.) but others as well.

No, it’s not much money, but the articles don’t take that long to put together. Besides, if you choose a topic you’re somewhat interested in, it can be a little fun. They will post your byline, so you can use these to flesh out a sparse writing portfolio.

All my research so far indicates they’re a reputable site. Good luck!

For anyone who’s been thinking I completely disappeared…. I haven’t, yet.

I have been busy though. I’ve been working on the novel (February NaNo), but not nearly as much as I should. I didn’t even come close to making 50,000 words this time. How many, you ask? Never mind.

I have been doing some other writing, for a site called write for cash. I’ll post a separate entry about them as well.

I’m back in grad school, finishing my last semester. So, as you can see, I’ve been really, really busy. I do intend to keep the blogs coming at a more steady rate, so come back soon.