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Named to "Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites," this #SharingwithWriters blog is a way to connect with my readers and fellow writers, a way to give the teaching genes that populate my DNA free rein. Please join the conversation using the very tiny "comment" link. For those interested in editing and grammar, go to http://thefrugaleditor.blogspot.com.
Showing posts with label Carolyn Wilhelm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolyn Wilhelm. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Carolyn Wilhelm's Dec. 15 Writing Prompt Is Here


six picture prompts


It is December 15th on Sharing with Writers and Readers, so it is time for the new writing prompt freebies. Holidays will be front and center in most people's minds, even (or especially) in 2020. Staying at home? Wearing masks? Shopping by mail or going to the store? Whatever plans and preparations are underway at your house will give you some ideas for writing. 


Holiday picture writing prompts free PDF, downloads here

 

This month, I am going to share a little quick-write story of my own. Family recipes sometimes have stories with them, so here is mine. 

 

Potica Just Like Grandma Used to Make, Only Store-Bought

 

Oh, how fun to find Potica at the store today! Usually, we can buy some near Christmas time. The price has climbed a bit since we last purchased any, but as the Pope has referred to Potica by name, what could you expect? Grandma would be so happy the Pope mentioned Potica, but I'm sure she would disapprove of "store-bought" bakery items. 

 

Grandma baked all her own bread and pastries, grew substantial vegetable gardens, canned the vegetables, washed clothes in a wringer washer, hung them on the line to dry, and did everything that needed to be done whenever anyone asked. She was no stranger to hard work. 

 

I'm sure we managed to visit when it just happened to be a baking day more than once. I remember everyone fussing about Potica, but I don't remember much about it, just that it was a lot of work and very special. I do remember liking pie crust cookies made from leftover pieces of pie crust and shaped every which way. They were baked in the oven for a few minutes with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. As a child, I thought those were extremely special! 

 

I remember that Grandma made a salad from dandelions. She made her own oil and vinegar salad dressing. She could can venison meat! She could do anything. I am good at buying Potica from the store, so I hope she forgives me. 

 

As usual, there are six picture prompts with a few words to help some writers get started and six without. Images are enough for some people to begin writing immediately. I hope some people find this useful! 

 

Thank you for reading, Carolyn Wilhelm





MORE ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST BLOGGER

Carolyn Wilhelm is a veteran educator and the owner of Wise Owl Factory LLC .  She reviews for Midwest Book Review  and
New Book Review and is the author of the award-winning Climate Change Captives 2035 and Project SAVE . Learn more about her here: 
A Medium article About Carolyn

PS: A reminder; Here are six picture prompts for you to use, perhaps in a classroom. Perhaps on Zoom. Perhaps around the kitchen table! 

https://www.thewiseowlfactory.com/PDFs/2020/12/December-Holiday-writing-prompt.pdf

The prompts are on Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Sharing with Writers and Readers Blog and post the 15th of each month. 

Adding Color Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Camping Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Comedy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Cyber Crime Writing Prompts post and free instant download

December Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Fantasy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

February Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Halloween and October Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

January Any Year Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Magical and Magical Realism Writing Prompts post and free instant download

March Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Motherhood and May Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Music Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Mystery and Thriller Writing Prompts post and free instant download

November and Fall Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Pandemic People Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Road Trip Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Royals, Monarchs, Kings, and Queens Prompts post and free instant download

Social Media Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Summer Evenings Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Traveling Abroad Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Twitter Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Western Romance Picture Only Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Women Theme Writing Prompts post and free instant download

What if? Writing Prompts post and free instant download

You might also like the following writing prompt freebies on the Wise Owl Factory blog.

14 Quick Writes or Flash Fiction Animal Theme Prompts Free



MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-wining author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. She has two booklets in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series, both in their second editions from Modern History Press. Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon: http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Wednesday, August 05, 2020

Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th: Fantasy Writing Prompts

Free instant download: Fantasy Writing Prompts


On the 15th of the month, you may expect a set of writing prompts for your group or classroom quick writes. This month, we have fantasy writing prompts. There are pages with a written prompt, and the same picture pages without a prompt so the member of the writing group or class may select his or her own prompt. Some people prefer open-ended prompts, and some prefer a starter idea. 

Click on the next link for a free instant download PDF:
Writing Prompts Freebie for the 15th: Fantasy Writing Prompts

Fantasy prompts may be a stretch for some people, and for some, maybe just the right thing. Everyone should try to stretch in writing exercises or even take a new viewpoint. Write from the point of view of someone who is not your usual character. 


Fantasy Writing Prompt Pages Included

Thank you for reading!

Carolyn Wilhelm

Carolyn Wilhelm is the author of The Wise Owl Factory site and blog. She has an MS in Gifted Education, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction K-12, and has completed the KHT Montessori 12-month program. She makes mostly free resources for teachers and parents. Her children's books are available on Amazon.

The prompts are on Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Sharing with Writers and Readers Blog and post on the 15th of each month. 

Adding Color Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Camping Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Comedy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Cyber Crime Writing Prompts post and free instant download

December Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Fantasy Writing Prompts post and free instant download

February Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Halloween and October Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

January Any Year Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Magical and Magical Realism Writing Prompts post and free instant download

March Days Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Motherhood and May Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Music Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Mystery and Thriller Writing Prompts post and free instant download

November and Fall Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Pandemic People Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Road Trip Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Royals, Monarchs, Kings, and Queens Prompts post and free instant download

Social Media Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Summer Evenings Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Traveling Abroad Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Twitter Writing Prompts  post and free instant download

Western Romance Picture Only Writing Prompts post and free instant download

Women Theme Writing Prompts post and free instant download

What if? Writing Prompts post and free instant download


MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi-award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi-award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi-award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page (http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile). Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/Last-MinuteEditsII) is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving. It's now in its second edition and available for resale with the launch scheduled for 9/1/20.  Another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) helps writers who want to be traditionally published. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)

Monday, August 03, 2020

New Resource: Dr. Bob Rich's Life Award for Environmental Literature






My #SharingwithWriters visitors and subscribers know I like to share contests that I have vetted. This "Literature for Environment"  is an award that supports writers who take their work involving the environment seriously.  My poetry partner Magdalena Ball and I  "won" it last year for Sublime Planet, the #EarthDay book in our Celebration Series of Chapbooks and my friend Carolyn Wilhelm just "won" it for her new YA novel (see the cover image above). You see I put "won" in parentheses because the sponsor, author Dr. Bob Rich, tries to be as inclusive as possible; he wants his list of Life recipients to be a research tool for those looking for fine literature for the environment as well as resources for educators to find great teaching aids.

Here is something from Bob that will help you decide to click and explore the award for your book--or just to find great reading:  


Do you worry about the future? Can you see how we are destroying all that is keeping us alive, depriving coming generations of the very basis of existence, stealing from poor countries in order to fuel our extravagant lifestyle?

   Are you saddened by the loss of species, by the replacement of nature's beauty and bounty by humanity's artificial, noisy, ugly creations of concrete, steel and plastic?

   If you are a writer, your attitudes and beliefs will have imbued your work. Your book or books may qualify for the LiFE award: Literature For Environment.

   Fiction or non-fiction, any genre, intended for any age group, published in any format, the details matter not one whit. What matters is that the readers of your books may become inspired to change the way they think and act.

   There are only two kinds of people: conservationists and suicides. To qualify for this Award, your book needs to value the wonderful world of nature, to recognize that we are merely one species out of millions, and that we have a responsibility to cherish and maintain our small planet.

Find the guidelines for submission for your book at http://bobwriting.com/life.html ,


MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Howard-Johnson is the multi award-wining author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered by Modern History Press in its third edition. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page (http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile). Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/Last-MinuteEditing) is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) helps writers who want to be traditionally published. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com)

Friday, November 30, 2018

Review: Sharing with Writers Offers Help for Writers

I rarely post reviews on this blog because I have a blog (The New Book Review) dedicated to reviews. I make exceptions for books I know will help writers like this one from reviewer Carolyn Wilhelm. Enjoy! But feel free to find great reading at #TheNewBookReview, too!
CHJ

Title: How Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically
Subtitle: How to get and use book reviews as part of a biable and ongoing campaign for self-published and traditionally published books
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Published: HowToDoItFrugally Publishing
Series: The multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers
ISBN: 9781536948370
Purchase as e-book or paper on Amazon 

Reviewed by Carolyn Wilhelm originally for Amazon

I like the writing style of this book as it has some humor. 

The author asks, “WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH REVIEWERS ON YOUR LIST? I’m glad you asked.” There is specific and down to earth advice such as: “Don’t say your book is “entitled.’ That’s the wrong word.”

I appreciate the index which makes the book quickly searchable. Put it in the research section. 

Reviews have no value if they can’t be trusted. This book is not about how to manipulate the system. It’s about how to up your chances of getting reviews. Howard-Johnson suggests not sending you romance book to a highly literary reader of Russian poetry, for instance. 

Terms you have maybe heard but do not understand are covered such ad print-on-demand (POD), sell sheets, industry standard, what metadata includes, how to emulate the process that big publishers use, and what great ratings can do for your book and how to manage them. She explains what Amazon Vine is all about, too. What is a praise page? How to quote with permission, and when is permission necessary? 

Should you allow the look inside feature for your book on Amazon? Perhaps there are worries about plagiarizing—but think about it. In stores, people can open and read books. Should you pay for ads or not? What is a digital footprint on search engines? How should negative reviews be handled? What is the Amazon toolbox and how can it help? Do you know how to register a hashtag? How can you get a press pass? Authors want to know.

What is the right category for your e-book on Kindle? What about voting on Amazon? You have a choice to vote helpful (or not). Actually, voting “helpful” for reviews is Karma. What to do if a book is badly written or not worthwhile? What about catalogs — how-tos advantages and disadvantages? 

The Q and A section is very helpful and is like having a conversation with an expert.


The author says a great cover design is essential, but it will be more effective if you use a three-dimensional one. She gives access to an offer to her readers — a special price to create one.

Remember, honesty is especially important in a business that abounds with scams.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER 


Carolyn Wilhelm is a writer and blogger and loves Pinterest. Find her at http://thewiseowlfactory.com and tweet with her @wiseowlfactory. 

How Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically


MORE ABOUT THE SHARING WITH WRITERS BLOGGER


Celebrating 43 Years with a Treasured Quotation and a Self-Google ReminderCarolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter (where she talks more about choosing and the advantages of winning contests and how to use those honors)  and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series is  How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page, http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfileGreat Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. In addition to this blog, she helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com )