Write Words

Tags: february writing prompts, writing prompts
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To Cliché is Passé

January 27th, 2010

Clichés are a dime a dozen, too good to be true, not worth the paper they’re written on…you get my drift?

By now most writers know not to use clichés in their writing. A cliché is a saying, expression or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect. Why would any self-respecting writer use an unoriginal word or phrase that had become, well, cliché? I should include a disclaimer here for fiction writers who have a character who uses idioms or nonfiction writers who are writing about a real person who uses them. But, for the rest of us, no clichés allowed!

Challenge your creative talent. Look through something you’ve written and find the overused phrases. Transform them into something fresh, exciting and intriguing. Another option is to take a commonly used cliché and make your own. Here are a few of my favorites:

A mind is a terrible thing (my friend’s mother)

All men are created equal, but not all men are created the same (my husband believes this is his original thought but won’t argue with anyone who has seen it elsewhere)

I think, therefore I am confused (this is mine and it’s often true as I tend to over think)

Do you have a favorite reworked cliché’? Send me your new expressions and I’ll share them in a future post. Better yet, take one of your new idioms and develop a story or essay around it.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth (sorry, had to include one more). Take the tired clichés out of your writing and I promise a stronger, more powerful read will result.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

Tags: cliche, self editing, write for fun
Posted in Articles, Editing, Lazy Writing | 3 Comments »

Is self publishing the best option for your book?

January 21st, 2010

One question I’m asked more than anything else is, should I self-publish my book or try to find a traditional publisher? My answer is always the same, it depends on what you want. You have to decide why you wrote your book, who you want to read it, when you want them to read it, how much control you want with it, how much money you want to make, etc.

That’s a lot to think about, I know, but until you know those answers you won’t know which publishing option is best for you. To help with your decision, I’ve attached a PDF file that compares traditional publishing and self publishing. It lists exactly what each type of publishing is, the pros, cons and the money breakdown. This page is directly from my book Write, Publish, Market and Sell Your Nonfiction Book.

You should know that however your book is published, your sales will be a direct result of your marketing attempts. For nonfiction that means establishing yourself as an expert in your book’s field, being willing to speak and teach about your subject, and getting comfortable with the news media.

Is this is the year you’ll finish your book? If so, consider purchasing the audio CDs and workbook for Write, Publish, Market and Sell Your Nonfiction Book. For just $24.99, you get everything you need to succeed at your own pace. It has query letter templates, a worksheet for identifying your target audience, a marketing checklist, ideas for how to organize your book chapters and more.

Also, I have a couple of coaching slots left for spring 2010. If you want someone to walk with you one-on-one through the process of writing, editing, publishing and selling your book, contact me for a free consultation. Remember, I only work with nonfiction authors.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

Tags: market sell your nonfiction book, publish, publishing non fiction book, self publishing, traditional publishing, write
Posted in Articles, Book Writing, Get Published, Nonfiction Writing, Writing Resources | 2 Comments »

Ten Prompt Thursday - January edition

January 14th, 2010

My 2010 challenge to you – write for a minimum of ten minutes at least ten days each month. To help you achieve this goal, I’m initiating Ten Prompt Thursday. On the second Thursday of each month I’ll post ten prompts to get your creative juices gurgling. You can use these prompts as is, modify them, or come up with your own. Obviously you don’t have to limit yourself to ten minutes or ten days, challenge yourself to write even more.

January’s prompts:

Write about your favorite New Year’s Eve.
Write about the worse thing that happened to you last year.
Write from the perspective of the baby New Year. You’ve been a baby for 2010 years, what does it feel like? What are your hopes for this year?
Look at a date in January from a previous journal. What is different today?
Write your goals/resolutions for the year.
January 18^th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Write your thoughts on what Dr. King would think of the state of the country today.
Write a brief biography of your writing life.
Write an essay titled, “Januarys.” Chronicle what the month has meant in your life.
January 19^th is Thesaurus Day. Write as many synonyms for the word “writing” as you can think of. Be creative, what does writing mean to you?
Write a thank you card or letter to someone who positively influenced you in 2009. Mail it.

If you have any prompts to share, please forward them on to me and I’ll add them to a future Ten Prompt Thursday.

Tags: january writing prompts, writing prompts
Posted in Ten Prompt Thursday, prompts | 1 Comment »

Extended Deadline for Internship

January 12th, 2010

Life’s been slightly more active than I expected this week: three interviews, two potential client meetings and a new book to edit. That’s in addition to my regular coaching and writing schedule. And yes, I still plan to take this Friday off – this is only a test.

As a result, I’ve extended the deadline to apply for the internship to January 20th.

If you or someone you know is interested, Dion Communications, LLC is accepting resumes for its editorial internship program. Interns work on a part-time, unpaid basis for three to five months and receive practical experience in writing, editing, research and the general workings of a freelance business. Interns will work closely with the owner on books, magazine articles, blogs, etc. and can develop their own work for publication. Those interested in the program are invited to submit a resume and a 500 word nonfiction writing sample to angela@dioncommunications.com by Monday, January 20, 2010.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion
Dion Communications, LLC
The right words at the right time.
PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021
301-645-9427
angela@dioncommunications.com
Let’s Talk about Race
Join me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

Tags: internships for writers, part time writers internship
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2010 Writing Resolutions

January 5th, 2010

Statistics say about 100 million Americans make New Year’s Resolutions each year. Only about 20 percent keep them. In fact, most falter within the first three weeks. Statistics also reveal that if you write down and share your goals you’re more likely to achieve them.

Each year I set goals (for some reason I don’t like the word resolution) for my personal and professional life. I thought I’d share some as they relate to my writing.

1. I will keep a targeted writing schedule. Includes: sending two queries a week, writing two more workbooks with CDs (one for teen writers and the other for memoir writers), writing articles as assigned, marketing the book, teaching writing courses, etc.

2. For fun I’m going to write a murder mystery! I’m excited as I’ve never written any serious fiction before. I already have a basic plot, a protagonist, a victim and a likely suspect. I’m working on character development and setting scenes. I love it so far.

3. I’m taking Fridays off this year (to write my fiction book!). I won’t do any client or business work on Fridays. I learned last year how important it is for me to relax. I will work occasionally on Saturdays, usually for speaking engagements and client meetings but you won’t find me “in the office” at all on Fridays.

4. I want to build my social network on Facebook and Twitter. This is the future of marketing whether we like it or not. If you’re planning a writing career (or any business career for that matter) and aren’t on these networking sites, join today. It’s free and it only takes a few minutes a day to maintain once you set up your page. Join me on Facebook , Follow me on Twitter

5. I worked with some wonderful interns last year and want to continue this program in 2010. If you or someone you know is interested: Dion Communications, LLC is accepting resumes for its editorial internship program. Interns work on a part-time, unpaid basis for three to five months and receive practical experience in writing, editing, research and the general workings of a freelance business. Interns will work closely with the owner on books, magazine articles, blogs, etc. and can develop their own work for publication. Those interested in the program are invited to submit a resume and a 500 word nonfiction writing sample to angela@dioncommunications.com

6. The main goal I have as owner of Dion Communications, LLC is to do everything in my power to help you write and publish your nonfiction books and magazine articles. Let me know what I can do to coach and motivate you along the way.

Well, that’s about it. What about you? What goals have you set for your writing life this year? I’m hoping I can work with you to make your writing wishes come true.

Happy writing,

Tags: goals for writers, setting goals in writing, writing resolutions
Posted in Articles, Setting goals for writing success | 1 Comment »

Season’s Greetings

December 22nd, 2009

My vacation officially begins tomorrow so this is the last newsletter you will receive in 2009. I wanted to take this time to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. I also want to thank you for your support of Dion Communications, LLC, Write Words and Let’s Talk about Race. I truly appreciate you, your business and your referrals.

So, are you done with your Christmas shopping, have your New Year’s plans in place, preparing for a vacation? Whatever your intentions, I truly pray you have a holiday filled with joy, peace and happiness. I’ll ask you to consider spending a couple of minutes before the end of the year to purchase a gift for yourself. Consider a gift that will keep giving throughout 2010.

To that end, check out all of my books, workbooks and audio courses. Order through this link which will only be available through December 31, 2009, and receive a 10% refund check with your order – that’s like getting your products with no shipping or taxes.

I look forward to writing with you in 2010 and beyond.

Happy writing, happy holidays, happy shopping,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

http://www.charlescounty.org/unityinourcommunity/blueribbon.htm

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Upcoming Events

December 15th, 2009

I’m ready for 2010, are you? I spent last weekend setting my business and personal goals for next year. I’m taking Fridays off, running an 8-K and writing a workbook for teen writers, to name of few.

Below is my class and speaking schedule for the first few months of the year. I’m most excited to be the keynote speaker at the Charles County Unity in Our Community event on Saturday, January 23rd. As most of you know, encouraging dialogue about race is my passion. I hope to see many of you there – the event is free but you still have to register at this link to attend http://www.charlescounty.org/unityinourcommunity/registration.pdf

Upcoming Events

Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations - Committee Member Meeting

Charles County Government Building, La Plata

Wednesday, 12/16/09, 6 pm

Angela’s Vacation – Thursday, 12/24/09 – Monday, 1/4/10

Life Journeys Writers Club – Teaching about Journaling

Charles County Public Library, La Plata

Saturday, 1/16/10, 4 pm

Unity in Our Community: Building Bridges through Dialogue – Keynote Speaker and Group Facilitator

College of Southern Maryland, La Plata

Saturday, 1/23/10, 9 am

Event is free, but you must register at http://www.charlescounty.org/unityinourcommunity/registration.pdf

Creative Writing Class PEP 7190/81993

College of Southern Maryland, La Plata

Wednesdays, 2/3/10 -3/31/10, 3 – 5 pm

Tuition $10, Fees $75 http://www.csmd.edu/Training/Register/#Register

Writing Seminar – The Research Paper Class (ages 12-17)

College of Southern Maryland, Waldorf

Wednesdays, 3/3/10 - 4/28/10, 12:30 – 2:30 pm

Tuition $25, Fees $108

http://www.csmd.edu/Training/Register/#Register

8 Steps to Successful Nonfiction Magazine Writing Class

AuthorSmart Tele-Class

Tuesdays, 3/30/10 – 5/18/10

http://www.writewellu.com/authorsmart/eight_steps_nf_mag_articles.html

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2010 Update

December 8th, 2009

I cannot believe it is December 8^th already. I’m feeling no stress though because I decided not to buy any Christmas gifts this year! Talk about liberating. As soon as I told everyone my plan I experienced this incredible sense of peace. No fighting for a parking space at the mall. No budgeting twists and turns. No guilt for forgetting someone who didn’t forget me. Whew!

Since I haven’t been shopping, I’ve been planning for next year. This is just a quick notice to let you know of a couple of changes for Dion Communications, LLC for 2010.

First, I will no longer do book editing unless it’s for a coaching client. I’ve found that clients I coach and edit for do better than those I simply edit for – the former finish their books earlier, are more likely to publish their books, sell more books and publish other kinds of writing. Ironically for all this extra success, the cost is not that different (about 10%).

Another related change is that new coaching clients must agree to once a week coaching for six months. I’ve tried coaching new clients every other week or once a month and it just doesn’t work as well. Once a week clients have more success, stay more motivated, sell more books and articles, etc.

I still edit query letters, resumes, newsletters, articles, term papers and essays. Contact me for my 2010 fees on these services.

So, nothing too earth shattering. I will continue to try to make the writing process fun, fruitful and financially assessable for you. I hope we can work together in 2010 to make your writing goals a reality. Feel free to schedule a free phone consultation if you’d like to speak further about any of the services I offer. angela@dioncommunications.com

Happy writing,