Write Words

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

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Prompts for writers http://dioncommunications.com/writewords/?cat=146

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Tags: how to write a memoir, memoir writing
Posted in Articles, Memoirs, Nonfiction Writing, Setting goals for writing success | No Comments »

Can an Author Write from the Perspective of a different race?

July 22nd, 2010

09-12-3-cover-well-considered So when might Write Words and Let’s talk about Race collide? How about when a white man writes a novel from a black man’s perspective? Richard Morris did just that in Well Considered. Here’s what he had to say about how and why he came to write the book. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

In writing Well Considered, how could I, a white man, hope to get into the mind and soul of a black man and describe how he thinks and feels? And how could I do the same with my other black characters? Isn’t that invasive and presumptuous?

Still, I had to try. My story revolves around a black man, Ron Watkins, and his neighbors, some of whom are white. I did not just want to just look at them from a distance—I wanted to see them from within.

Writing Well Considered was a challenge for me—a test to see if I really could understand the thoughts and feelings of people on the other side of the racial divide. In doing so, I had to pay close attention to what my African-American friends and acquaintances said, some of whom were friends in my small book discussion group. So I listened when they said, “Oh, we don’t do that,” referring to asking what someone does for a living as a means of getting acquainted. Their openers would revolve around, “where are you from?” “And we would never say…” this and that. Their comments were generalizations of course. People are individuals and cannot all be lumped together.

But there are cultural threads tying people together. My delving into the hearts and characters of black people had to be based on black history—slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, persecution by whites, powerlessness, and the endless distancing of whites from blacks through white flight and by simply turning each one into an “Invisible Man.”

In Well Considered, I also had to describe a mix of white characters with disparate beliefs—from white supremacist segregationists to liberal integrationists. I needed all of them to tell the story. And I could not shy away from my task. Literature should not be segregated into books for whites written by whites and books by blacks for blacks, and further subdivided into all the other races, nationalities, and religions. Can no writers see how people different from themselves think and act? Of course they can. Some do it better than others.

I did not know how well I could do. But I decided in writing Well Considered that I would just do the best I could and let readers judge for themselves the veracity of my characters. This week I was delighted to find that at least one reviewer, Robert Fleming from AALBC, an African-American literary website (http://aalbc.com/reviews/well_considered.html), found my effort successful. Fleming says, “Some critics have often said white authors cannot capture the soul and passion of African American characters, but that is not the case with Richard Morris’s aptly titled novel of race, hate, eugenics, and violence.”

Now it is time for you to judge it.

Cross posted with permission from Richard Morris: http://richardmorrisauthor.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/into-the-mind/

So, what do you think? Can a white man accurately depict the thoughts and feelings of a black man? Would you consider this perspective valid? Do you feel this is “invasive and presumptuous”? For my writer friends, share how you’ve written from perspectives different from your own. Let’s talk…

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

Find out about our coaching services. http://dioncommunications.com/writewords/?page_id=334

Workbooks and audio CDs for writers.

Prompts for writers

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

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Tags: richard morris, talk about race, well considered, write about race
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Hook and Title

July 8th, 2010

Imagine you’re on an elevator. While waiting to reach your floor, you small talk with another rider. During the chat you discover she’s an editor at Simon & Schuster. You courageously announce to her that you’re writing a book. She says, “So, what is your book about?”

You have ten seconds, what will you say? I have written three books and if I were on that elevator…

Let’s Talk about Race is a how-to for anyone who wants to have safe, honest and productive small group conversations about race.

Dear Son: Letters from a Birth Mother is a memoir. It’s a collection of 20 years of letters I wrote to the son I placed for adoption in 1980.

Nine Steps to Successful Nonfiction Magazine Writing is a workbook for novice writers who want to make money writing for magazines.

Notice in each of these samples that I don’t use more than 30 words. I include only my title and book hook. A hook gives just enough information to entice a bite. My general rule is you should be able to fit the title and hook of your book on the back of your business card.

The book hook should be short and to the point. A nonfiction book title and subtitle should tell exactly what your book is about. Don’t waste an editor or reader’s time with your eloquent prose. Just tell them what the book is about and wait for them to probe you further. If they’re interested, they will ask you to share more.

Now it’s your turn. Grab your business card and write your book title and hook on the back. Not as easy at it sounds, I know. When you get this done, memorize it…you never know who might be standing next to you in the elevator.

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

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

Find out about our coaching services. http://dioncommunications.com/writewords/?page_id=334

Workbooks and audio CDs for writers.

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Tags: book hook, book title, write a book hook
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Ten Prompt Thursday - July Edition

July 1st, 2010

It’s July. In Southern Maryland we’ve had a few HOT days – high 90’s and even a couple of days in the triple digits. I hope you’re enjoying your summer: vacationing, barbequing, tanning, WRITING! (Sorry for yelling.) Here’s another ten prompts to get you started for July. Enjoy.

1. My blog Let’s Talk about Race is seeking submissions. Send me your articles, book reviews, resources, opinion pieces, poetry, book excerpts, videos, etc. that will spark discussion about race. I don’t mind controversy, opinion, whimsy, just nothing profane please. Also, if you have a previously published book excerpt, blog or article about race, we take reprints.

Simply send your submission (try to keep it around 500 words) to angela@dioncommunications.com. End your piece with a few questions that will get people talking. Add your bio and photo (feel free to plug your blog, book, web site, products, etc.). I’ll contact you when/if I use your post.

2. We can’t have July writing prompts without including Independence Day. Write your definition of independence. Do you have independence? Why or why not?

3. Write an ode to the hot dog.

4. Find a post card of your home town and send it to a friend who lives far away. “I wish you were here…”

5. Apollo 11 lifted off on July 16, 1969. Imagine you are a fly on the wall – tell us about the trip. BTW – I don’t know if a fly would survive in space J

6. Your air conditioner broke. Make a list of ten ridiculous ways to cool off.

7. Try one of them (from number 6) and write about the experience.

8. “I was bored so I opened the closet and…” C.S. Lewis created an entire Narnia series with this premise; see what you can come up with.

9. Watch a movie you haven’t seen in over ten years. Write a review.

10. Six months left in 2010. Write about an adventure you have had or plan to have this year, can be fact or fiction.

11. BONUS daily writing challenge. This month I’m writing something I’m thankful for every day. I’m calling it 31 Days of Praises. To participate, post your praises on FB and/or Twitter each day.

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

PS: A couple more success stories.

Claudia Tynes will speak at the PUSH Women’s Conference on October 30 at Crown Plaza http://uniquebooksbypam.com/News.aspx. Congrats Claudia, I know you’ll be awesome.

Louis Cecchini III released his music CD “Second Chronicles.” I didn’t get a chance to listen yet Louis, but kudos to you for pursuing your recording dreams.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

Find out about our coaching services. http://dioncommunications.com/writewords/?page_id=334

Workbooks and audio CDs for writers.

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Tags: july writing prompts, Let's talk about race blog, writing prompts
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Success Stories Spring 2010

June 24th, 2010

From time to time I like to brag a little on the writers I know, teach and/or work with. Here are some of the awesome things happening. I’ve done a lot of happy dancing this month! I am so proud to be associated with such fine writers.

Dawn Sanders graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bethel Seminary last week!! Kudos to Dawn as she was the only student to graduate with that high honor. Dawn also had two queries accepted for articles and is scheduling many speaking engagements for the fall. www.acordofblue.net

Bermesola Dyer is working on the FINAL edit of her book. Look for The Beauty of Self Love: A 30 Day Devotional Guide to Higher Self Esteem to release this fall. Terrific Bermesola, I’m so excited for you.

Gerald Spence was featured in the Maryland Independent for his book The War. He’s our local celebrity writer now and has done several book signings. http://www.somdnews.com/stories/05142010/indymor155327_32194.shtml

Rev. Thomas D. Clay launched his web page www.cathedralquest.com. It is a beautifully presented display of photos and writing on cathedrals he’s visited throughout the world.

James Mascia had a query accepted at Writers Journal magazine – just one week after sending it in! Awesome James, here’s his web site www.islandofdren.com.

Yvonne Medley found an agent for her fiction book God in Wingtip Shoes. She also spoke at the Maryland Writer’s Conference in April.

Your name here. Do you have a writing-related success you’d like to share? Let me know and I’ll post it in a future issue.

Here’s what’s been happening with me:

Marc and I are speaking about No More Segregated Sunday at First Baptist Church of Accokeek on July 11^th at 11 am service. www.fbcoa.org

I started a part-time counseling job on June 1^st. It’s amazing how I’m finding time to do that and still run Dion Communications – I think that means I have the best clients in both worlds.

I did two radio interviews in the past month: one on Sky High Radio about church segregation and the other with Lake Enterprises about the film “Good Hair” http://www.blogtalkradio.com/deborahelake/2010/05/07/good-hair

My article “Act it Out” was accepted in Teaching Tolerance Magazine; it will appear this fall www.tolerance.org

I am currently completing an interview for EVERYTHING Interracial and Intercultural Group (EIRIC™) (www.everythingiric.com) which should post in the next month or so.

PG Gazette http://www.gazette.net/stories/05272010/entepri142358_32553.php

Maryland Independent Article http://www.somdnews.com/stories/01272010/indytop171706_32230.shtml

Happy writing and happy dancing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

P.S. The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

Find out about our coaching services. http://dioncommunications.com/writewords/?page_id=334

Workbooks and audio CDs for writers.

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Tags: Dion Communications, Success Stories, writer success stories
Posted in Success Stories | 2 Comments »

Glossary of Terms for Magazine Writers

June 17th, 2010

If you are new to the magazine writing profession you may come across some terms that are unfamiliar. Here’s a brief list of definitions that may be helpful.

Clips/Published clips. Copies of your published articles.

Contributor copies. Free copies of the magazine in which your article appears.

Editorial lead time. Advance time an editor needs to receive your article or query before it is published.

IRC (international Reply Coupon). Used as postage for materials sent to foreign publisher.

Kill fee. Percentage of original payment amount paid for an article that isn’t published.

Multiple submissions. Submitting more than one article to a publication at the same time.

Payment.

On acceptance. Payment is made when the article is accepted by the publisher.

On publication. Payment is made when the article appears in the magazine.

On speculation. Author writes the article, but payment is only made if the article is accepted in the magazine.

Rights.

All rights. Author has no further control of article once it is sold.

Electronic rights. Magazine has right to publish piece online.

First rights. Editor has right to publish the piece first.

First North American rights. Editor buys right to publish piece first in North America.

Foreign/International rights. Giving permission to use or translate article in foreign country.

One —time rights. Editor buys right to use the article once.

Reprint rights. Editor buys right to reprint the article after it has appeared in another publication.

Second serial rights. Same as reprint rights.

Simultaneous rights. Selling same piece to several publishers simultaneously.

SASE. Self-addressed stamped envelope (#10 business envelop implied).

SASP. Self-addressed stamped postcard.

Simultaneous submissions. Sending a manuscript to more than one publisher at the same time.

Trade magazine/journal. Magazine geared towards certain trade or business.

Unsolicited manuscript. Sending an article an editor did not request.

Hope this helps as you start your magazine writing business.

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

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Tags: definitions for magazine writers, glossary of terms for writers
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Add a Little Pizzazz to your writing

June 10th, 2010

Editors like working with writers who include pizzazz in their articles. What is pizzazz? Simply put—anything that sets your article apart from the typical manuscript. Check a few sample copies of the magazine you’re querying to see if they use any of these pizzazz factors, then see if you can add one or two to your piece.

Side bars—side bars are the additional information that doesn’t quite fit with the article, but is relevant to the topic. For example an article I did on weight loss options included a side bar of specific programs, how much they cost and their websites.

Lists—a list is just that. There’s no law saying you can’t include a list in the middle of your article. How about asking a question and offering a list of possible answers? Or instead of setting a grocery list off with commas, make an actual list?

Hot box—a hot box is a quote pulled from the article to catch the reader’s attention.

Photos—one editor I work with is more likely to accept my articles if I include photos. Her magazine includes a lot of “average people” photographs. Let the editor know if you have photos that compliment your piece. With digital cameras and Photo Shop, you truly can make amateur photos look professional. Added bonus, most magazines pay extra for photos.

Shapes – suggest a shape idea to your editor in the query to add pizzazz. For example, you could present an article about things to do for Valentine’s Day in the shape of a heart.

Diagrams, charts and graphs - You could do a humorous article that includes a cartoon, or use a chart of graph instead of words to give statistics.

Unusual approach – taking a different approach with a subject is another pizzazz fact. Examples: I’m sad when my kids go back to school; A honeymoon is a horrible way to start a marriage; Menopause: the best time of my life.

Be creative. I’m sure you can think of other ways to spice up your article. The point of this is to set your manuscript apart from the plethora of others editors receive. You’re doing some of their job for them and they’ll appreciate it, I promise.

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

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Tags: add pizzazz to writing, how to write magazine article, magazine article writing
Posted in Articles, Get Published, Magazine articles | 1 Comment »

Ten Prompt Thursday - June edition

June 3rd, 2010

Before I get to the prompts, let me share a couple of things going on in my life. Tomorrow (June 4^th) Marc and I will celebrate our 22^nd year of marriage! He truly is my best friend and I’m proud to call him my husband. Our son Marcel is home for the summer after his first year at University of Maryland. He’s doing well and we couldn’t be prouder. I reentered the counseling field on Tuesday. I’m working part time for the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County. I’m adjusting to the commute.

I’m still running Dion Communications but will focus on coaching and speaking for the next year. This means I’m putting editing, the fiction book and teaching aside for a year. I’ll miss these things, but have to be realistic with my time. I still plan to write everyday though, even if it’s just a ten minute prompt.

If you need an editor, check out: Yvonne Medley emeddle@aol.com and Shelley Mascia shelleymascia07@hotmail.com (both will edit fiction and nonfiction) and Carlette Ritter (edits resumes) mslette@comcast.net.

How have you been with the prompt writing? Are you succeeding at writing at least ten minutes ten days each month? Have the prompts been helpful? Do you have suggestions for future prompts? Drop me a line and let me know how you’re doing.

This month’s prompts:

Write about an anniversary.
The first week of June if teacher thank you week. Write a thank you note to one of your favorite teachers. Mail it.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on June 10, 1935. Write about an addiction (fact or fiction) and how you overcame it.
What does the American flag mean to you?
Begin an essay with “Usually a smile is an encouraging signal, but when he smiled…”
Happy Father’s Day. Write about the perfect father.
What a story about the blizzard of June 21, 2010, the first day of summer.
The first typewriter was patented on June 23, 1868. Write a poem “Ode to the Typewriter.”
On June 24, 1947, Kenneth Arnold, a pilot flyer in Washington State, reported seeing a UFO – the first recorded sighting. His description led the press to coin the phrase “flying saucer.” Write a journal entry for that day from Arnold’s perspective.
The end of June middle of the year. If you could sum up the first half of 2010 in one word, what would it be? Why?
BONUS daily prompt: This month I’m writing a prayer a day, a simple phrase to set the tone for my day. I’m posting them on Facebook each day and invite you to do the same.

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

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Tags: june prompts, prompts, writing prompts
Posted in Publisher's Desk, Ten Prompt Thursday, prompts | No Comments »

Five simple choices that will improve your writing

May 27th, 2010

How are your current writing projects going? I’m plugging away on a couple of articles I have due and thought I’d share some quick editing tips that have helped me stay focused in my work.

Choose an obvious purpose and stick to it - What do you want reader reaction to be? To inform? To influence? To activate? To entertain? Make sure every word of your piece fits with that purpose. That doesn’t mean that a how-to article can’t include humor, but the humor must not just entertain, but also support the how-to purpose.

Choose a voice and stick to it - Use first (I), second (you), or third (it) person throughout the piece. If you’re writing a magazine article, check sample articles to see which voice it uses in their articles and use that one. Most memoirs, personal experience and essays are written in the first person.

Choose a tense and stick to it - Use past, present or future tense throughout piece. Writers will often fluctuate between the three and not even notice it. Try reading your piece out loud to see if it flows. Another option is to find all of the verbs and make sure they are consistent.

Choose the perfect word and use it. Always look for the perfect word (use thesaurus if necessary) to say what you need to say. In my Blizzard Editing article, I talked about using concrete nouns and verbs. Start there but make sure every word is the write word and conveys precisely what you’re trying to communicate.
Choose when you have reached the end…stop! After critiquing and rewriting, let the piece sit for a while (I let articles sit for a week, books for a month). Do a final edit and accept that it is your best work. You can drive yourself crazy trying to get a piece perfect. At some point it is done and it needs to be sent out. Realize when a piece is the best that you can make it, stop, mail or email it, and start on the next one.

Happy writing and editing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

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Tags: Editing, editing techniques, self editing
Posted in Articles, Editing | No Comments »

Do you want to be a Best Selling or Best Writing Author?

May 20th, 2010

Best selling author Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad) says he’s just that, a best selling author. He doesn’t have much confidence in his writing skills though. He asks authors who they want to be, a best selling or best writing author?

When I heard him speak I was a little miffed at first, I want to write well, I thought. But we all know that putting out a well written book is NOT the secret to success. We’ve all also read horrible books that spend years on the best selling list.

I decided I want to produce well written materials that sell well. Yes, I want to be both a best selling and best writing author. To do that I have to continue to improve as a writer but I must also put on my marketing garb.

Best selling authors know some things that best writing authors must learn.

Best selling authors know that marketing is as important, if not more important than writing. If you have a great book and no one knows about it, you still just have a great book. If you have a message you believe it, don’t be ashamed to tell everyone about it. Learn to market effectively and consider it a priority.

Best selling authors go outside of their comfort zones. I’ve never heard a best selling author who didn’t experience anxiety when promoting their book. They all had to do their first radio, television interview, speech or book signing and were probably nervous as first, but they did it anyway and kept doing it even if they bombed the first time out.

Best selling authors listen to experts when it comes to producing marketing materials. Experts know which cover designs sell, what a great press release reads like and even which font and colors to use on promotional materials. Most writers know what they like, not what sells - listen to the experts.

Best selling authors know writing the book is not the last of their writing. They know they must blog, write articles, maintain a web site, network, court the press, etc. in order to keep their words in potential readers minds.

Best selling authors expect sales to come faster than one book at a time. They don’t rely on Amazon, their web site and the book store for sales. They understand that selling books in bulk – to colleges, corporations, charities, etc. is the way to become best sellers.

Lastly, best selling authors are willing to put time and effort into marketing their books. Yes, time and effort. Not just for a month or so, or even a year or so. In Robert Kiyosaki’s case, it took three years for him to go from self-publisher of Rich Dad Poor Dad to NY Times Bestseller with Warner Brothers as his publisher. You really can take control of your book sales and determine your success, even if you’re not the world’s most prolific writer.

Happy writing and selling,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

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