Fall Writing Prompts for November 2023 Free Instant Download PDF

Fall Writing Prompts for November 2023 Free Instant Download PDF

Click on this link for your free instant download of writing prompts

Trees provide endless opportunities for drawing and writing. With leaves falling and branches beginning to bare, our imaginations take us to thoughts of harvest and large gatherings with the foods autumn provides. Time to get out winter clothing if you live in a four-season area. Time to dust off the recipe books for the upcoming holiday meals and desserts. Each prompt has a text prompt page, and also a picture-only prompt page. We always include a coloring page for children who may be in attendance. 

November is full of gray - skies, branches, old withering leaves, and gardens prepared for next year.

Leaves underfoot? Who can resist "crunching" them! Leaf piles are irresistible to children, and sometimes adults. Walks are enjoyable when there are things to discover like colorful leaves, acorns, pine needles, and pinecones. It is probably going to be a mast year for acorns. I heard a discussion on NPR about the high numbers of acorns this fall. 

Baking in the fall is fun with new apples, pumpkins, and other things that may be available. Can you imagine the aroma? Such fun to eat, as well. 

Light snows that do not stay on the ground are lovely as it probably isn't too cold as yet. Can you catch a snowflake on your tongue?

Big family gatherings may be enjoyable, or not, depending on what a family is going through at this time. It will be my first Thanksgiving meal for a LO in memory care, and I am not really happy about the situation but hopefully, it won't be too sad. 

 As usual, there is a coloring page for the children included in the PDF.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

See a list of prompts we have previously posted at this link.

Thank you for reading, Carolyn

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn 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 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to 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" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Super Hero and Heroine Writing Prompts Free Instant PDF Download

Superheroes and heroines abound in television shows, movies, stories, and comics. Such fun it is for writers to think of a character with special powers to solve story problems. Every story has a problem the characters want to solve, and who better than a super person to swoop in and make everything right again? 

Get your free instant Super Characters PDF download by clicking this link

Even superheroes have problems of their own. Mostly, they are able to solve them when we are watching a film or reading a book. What could this hero be thinking? Either use the text prompt provided or think of your own story idea. 

This character is from a Pixabay.com download. At least, I don't think he is in any stories I know about. What might his special powers be? This could be a serious or comical answer. 

This character looks rather sinister, and again I am unaware that this is anything but an image from Pixabay. Did you realize some of the images I selected this month were AI generated? Yes, they were. And Pixabay has more AI generated clip art. If your students or group has access to computers, they could search for their own characters to write about. 

Yes, this one is also AI generated art, but we know what this character does. So this might be easier for some writers to use for a writing warm-up. 

Now the issue of twin heroines who have different special powers! What are their talents? How do they help others?

And of course, the coloring page for any one who would rather color. It could be used as a wordless prompt, also. 

Thank you for reading, 

Carolyn Wilhelm

dementiapdfdownloads.com

and

jamsandbooks.org

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn 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 Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," "The Frugal Editor" and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to 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" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Improve a Chatbot A1 Generated Content Response

Improve a Chatbot A1-generated content response for this month's writing prompt.

Currently, we are hearing so much about chatbots and A1-generated content. It is software to generate human-like written paragraphs, essays, reports, and even books. Oh, my. It sounds mysterious and scary at the same time. There is debate about this capability, but it isn't going away. Don't know what it is? You have probably used these online already. We use chatbots as they are the little "chats" in the corner that answer questions. No wonder they don't know very many answers and make us mad; they are not human! Oh, those, you remember. But can they write a whole book? They have done so. There is a surge of e-books written by chatbots on Amazon. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence in areas such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Schools are concerned students will use chatbots for class assignments. One teacher took the bull by the horns and assigned students to use chatbots. They were to generate three responses to a writing prompt. The assignment was to edit and rewrite all three into a final polished piece. He wanted students to realize the generated content could be rewritten and that the content is not necessarily perfect or final draft material. Teachers have many other creative ideas for using chatbots in the classroom. 

Since I write prompts each month, I thought writing groups and adults could do something similar by entering information into one of these bots and generating responses. It could be very interesting. I had no reason to try these or even look at them, but thought I might like to see what would happen. I tried only two, one from Smodin, and one from ChatBot. Google search chatbot and find many different possibilities. Or maybe you have one or more apps already and want to try them out. 

Note: When you want to try chatbots, remember they will start emailing as people have to sign up to use even the free versions. I put such emails in my junk folder, so I don't have to see them unless I want. 

On A1 Chatbot I selected which style I wanted. Then, I pickled which language, title or keywords, entered a little text, a little content, and the decided upon the tone. I tried generating content about March weather. Clare O'Beara says that in Ireland March is called "Many Weathers" so it must be similar to our lion or lamb references to weather in the US. And, yes, the generator wrote like a human. Clicking regenerate gave another version, and so on. 

I also tried ChatBot. I could have selected many others, as well. I could have kept clicking regenerate for additional versions. This time I asked the bot how it felt about spring. In the answer, the bot mentioned it does not have feelings. Google fired an engineer who said a certain chatbot had feelings. 

When you read answers, you might see why a person would say so. Weird. 

I also have a printable PDF with a few prompts for those who want to print and write in "real life." 

Click on this link for your free instant download PDF

Thank you for reading, Carolyn Wilhelm @jamsandbooks.org

You might also like this video of teachers discussing the use and dangers of chatbots in educational settings. 

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 (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. She is also the author of" 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" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "The Great First Impression Book Proposal" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor" (https://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), recently released in its third 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 help them understand what is needed to 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" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Advice for Staying Emotionally Strong Enough to Write Well. Wow!

A Change is as Good as a Rest

By Donna Schlachter

"In order to write deep stories that will draw readers in, 

we need to be in prime emotional condition. 

We can’t do that if we don’t take care of ourselves."

  

“A change is as good as a rest”. My father used to say that a lot.

Lately I’ve been really tired. I thought I needed a rest. A vacation. And so I told some friends, “I’d like to take a vacation where I don’t have to travel every day. Where I get to sleep in the same comfy bed every night. Where I don’t have to cook, or clean, or make the bed.”

The next day I learned that my attendance at a set of weekend meetings wasn’t required. But I’d already booked the time off, reserved a hotel, and bought tickets to a museum in the area.

What to do?

Wait a minute. I was just saying I needed a vacation. Yippee!

Suddenly I was re-energized. I buckled down and accomplished a lot in one day. Caught up on my correspondence, cleaned out my email inbox, wrote some blogs that were due, and generally felt a lot better about myself, my schedule, and my workload.
Do you need a rest? Maybe all you really need is a “change”. And while I wish I’d said I’d like to spend my vacation somewhere warm, like on a beach, I’ll take what I’ve been given.

So if you need to make a “change”, my first suggestion would be: be specific. There is nothing wrong with spelling out exactly what you want. Maybe a new car. Well, describe it. Perhaps you need a new house. Write down how many bedrooms, how many levels, even the color if you know it. Maybe lose weight. Decide what your ideal weight goal is.
Next, decide what the first step is to achieve your goal. If you want a new car, perhaps you need to start saving. A new house? Go to open houses in the area you’d like to live in. Lose weight? Decide what foods tempt you and get them out of the house.

Third step would be to visualize your change. Find pictures of that new car or new house. Post pictures of outfits you’d like to wear or the cruise ship you’ll sail on when you can fit into a sleeker swimsuit.

Finally, do whatever it takes to achieve your goal. Need to save more money faster? What can you sell? What service can you cancel? Maybe you don’t need a landline telephone and a cell phone. Maybe you can live without cable for a while. Don’t want flabby skin after you reach your weight loss goal? Maybe you can walk some each day. Get up early and do some stretches. Join a gym.

Whatever your “change” is, you won’t achieve it if you don’t start. So start dreaming today, and tomorrow, put some action behind your dreams.
 
Takeaway: In order to write deep stories that will draw readers in, we need to be in prime emotional condition. We can’t do that if we don’t take care of ourselves.
 
Exercises:

1. If you’re feeling physically exhausted, could there be a physical reason? What you’re eating? Not getting enough sleep? What changes are you willing to make to improve how you feel?

1. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted, check your calendar. Schedule in some down time, some couple time, some family time.

1. How’s your prayer life? If you aren’t spending time with God now on a daily basis, perhaps now is the time to start. Get a Bible and a reading plan, and follow it. Spending time in the Word on a daily basis rejuvenates like nothing else.

 
 
Check out Donna’s latest release, Calli, here: https://www.amazon.com/Calli-Prairie-Roses-Collection-Book-ebook/dp/B09SD6XPRQ
 
About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 50 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both. 
 
www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for Donna's free newsletter at:
www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog
Check out previous blog posts by using #SharingwithWriters' search engine. 

Get to know Donna better: 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=donna+schlachter
Etsy online shop of original artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dare2DreamUS  

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 (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. 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 (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and The Great First Impression Book Proposal (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. The Frugal Editor (https://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 (https://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 all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Road Trip Writing Prompts for July 15th 2021 Free Download

Road Trip Writing Prompts Free Instant Download for July 15th 2021

Road trip time! If it needs to be safely done or if possible, here are some writing prompts for writing groups to try. Click on this link for your free instant download PDF. 

Oh, the joy (not) of taking unappreciative teens on family vacations. They complained and whined and plugin, acting like they aren't enjoying the experience. Yet, later, many times, they remember the trip fondly. Sometimes they even start acting like themselves after a few days of travel. The family might even enjoy each other! This prompt is for situations with teens. Of course, there is another page with the image only so writers may be inspired to write something completely different. There are 6 pages with images and prompts, and six with images only, as usual. There is also a coloring page for children who may be waiting through the meeting. 

Maybe this never happened to you, but it did to me. My parents would drive until very late in the 1960s when the motels would often offer a discount to travelers. My father worked nights as a printer, so he was used to being up late and would take advantage of lower prices. However, once in a while, it didn't work very well when there was only one not-so-good alternative. Once we found a motel probably in Arkansas with the kindest and nicest old lady who fussed over us and let us stay in her extra house. However, the roaches woke us up and we left in a hurry. My parents didn't explain why we left, just that we were in a hurry. Has something similar happened to you? I hope not, but in case, here is a writing prompt to get you started writing. 

A more modern problem is that sometimes certain people I know (ahem!) do not always follow the GPS directions. The navigation system adjusts and starts from wherever we are, you know. But then, sometimes this certain person doesn't follow the new directions. We live in modern times! Listen to the nice GPS voice! This prompt might not be for you if you ride with people who follow commands or use the page without the text. 

Oh, this picture of motorcycles reminds me of a family from England I knew who took a family trip to South Dakota during August and smack in the middle of the Sturgis rally. Yep! And being brave, they went into the restaurants and talked to bikers. Have you been somewhere and then thousands of motorcycles appeared? Or even enough to make things interesting? 

Sometimes children attend writing groups and wait around for them to end if in the care of a writer. It has happened in the writing groups I've attended. The coloring page is for such situations or another time. 

I hope you enjoy the prompts. We have others, too, so see below. 

Thank you for reading, Carolyn 

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

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

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. 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.

Commonly Confused and Incorrectly Used Words

Commonly Confused Words

by Charlene Tess

Some words sound the same, but are spelled differently and have very different meanings. Using the wrong word is easy to do, but it is just as easy to use them correctly if you study a few at a time.

The following words are frequently confused and used incorrectly:

Their:             belongs to them

Example:     I found their house by using Google Maps.

There:            location (Replace it with the similar word “where.”)

                         Example: We will be going there today.

 

Loose:           (rhymes with moose) not close together – free

Example:     Baby’s front tooth is loose.

Lose:              to suffer loss

                        Example: Our team is going to lose tonight.

 

Hear:              to receive sound through the ears

Example:     I hope to hear him sing tonight.

Here:              this place

                         Example: Let’s stop here and rest.

 

Passed:         verb, past tense of pass

                        Example: Father passed me the potatoes.

Past:              noun, preposition, or adjective

                        Example: I wonder if he had a troubled past.

                        Example: Her past experience is valuable.

                        Example: The plane flew past the buildings.

 

Peace:           the opposite of war

                        Example: We are praying for peace in the Middle East.

Piece:            a portion of something

                        Example:  Please cut me a piece of cake.

After you finish writing a book, do a word search for the words above to be sure you have chosen the correct word. 

You will find a free lesson and quiz to practice using these words at this link.  The lesson will open on Teachers Pay Teachers which is also free to join. 

Thank you for reading, Charlene Tess

Guest Post 

Charlene Tess taught English and creative writing to high school students and adults for over thirty-four years. She was the Secondary Teacher of the Year for Ysleta Independent School District in 1998, and one of the five finalists for Region XIX Teacher of the Year. She is listed in Who's Who in America. She is the author of twelve novels, and the highly acclaimed Simple Steps to Sentence Sense Series, and has published short fiction and numerous articles in magazines and in short story collections.

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)

Your Career, Your Fun: An Off-the-Beaten Path Writers Conference

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR CORONAVIRIS UPDATES

In The Frugal Book Promoter, I suggest combining a Writers' Conference and travel to keep a little spice in the lives of authors who spend lots of solitary time behind a computer and reduce taxes (along with lots of ways to make writers' conferences more productive for writers!)  I will be presenting (see the details below) and plan to do use that. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan! Really!! Maybe combine it with a cruise of the Great Lakes!  

But now is the time to circle your calendar (June 6) and start making plans for a career-boosting event and some fun. I would love to see in Michigan!  Here is some basic information and a link for learning more.  

The 21st annual Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) Spring Conference will be held June 6th 2020 at the Olson Library on the campus of Northern Michigan University, Marquette Michigan.  Attendance is free for UPPAA members and $50 for non-members.  The Spring Conference will be preceded by a pre-conference Fiction Writing Workshop hosted by Red Ore Writers.

Authors who attend will learn best practices for writing, marketing, and selling their work from a broad selection of industry professionals.  This year's special topics include: romance writing, children's picture books, social media marketing, and writing/researching your historical fiction/non-fiction books. Our keynote speaker is Carolyn Howard-Johnson who will present "Your Frugal Book Launch:  The first 100 days to success".  Updates will be posted at www.UPPAA.org.

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 (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)

Authors for Authors Hosts 10th Writers' Conference at Melbourne's Hilton

Authors for Authors will have their tenth annual Writers' Conference on April 28, 2019, at the Hilton Rialto Melbourne FL, from 9:00 Am to 5:00 PM. Contact Valerie Allen at VAllenWriter@gmail.com. Find more information at AuthorsForAuthors.com

There are two frugal opportunities for authors across the US to participate and reach more readers!

1) Book Display Only for those who cannot attend the conference. Mail your book(s) and business cards for only $5.00 per book and have them on display at the main entrance all day. Books with a SASE will be returned. 

2) Register and attend the conference. Listen and learn how to improve your writing, market effectively and sell more books! Genre discussion groups, breakout sessions, author interviews, meet the vendors and listen to the award-winning Keynote Speaker, John Torres, an award-winning investigative journalist with Florida Today.  His series, "Murder on the Space Coast" appears across various podcasts, as he works with the Innocence Project for those wrongly convicted. John's presentation will be "The Power of Words."


MORE ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

John A. Torres is an award-winning columnist and author as well as the creator, host, and reporter of the popular podcast “Murder on the Space Coast.” John was born in the Bronx, N.Y. and earned his B.A. from Fordham University. His first reporting job was at a small weekly newspaper in Dobbs Ferry, NY called The Enterprise. John later worked as a sports writer for United Press International and Westchester Gannett Newspapers. In 1998, John was hired as the education reporter at the Poughkeepsie Journal and before long was the assistant city editor. Tired of the cold and snow of the Hudson Valley, John moved to Brevard County in 2001 where he was hired by a former editor at Florida Today. There John has covered a wide variety of topics but has made his mark writing about social and criminal justice issues. The last few years he has worked primarily reporting and writing his podcast.
John has written more than 65 books. The majority are middle-school books on a variety of topics. His 2014 book, "Soccer Star Leo Messi," was recognized by the Junior Library Guild. His most recent books have been," Famous Immigrant Athletes," "The People Behind Mass Shootings," and "Joined by Fate," the intertwined biographies of Hernan Cortes and La Malinche.” John is married and he and his wife have five children between them. JTorres@FloridaToday.com

 MORE ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

~  Valerie Allen  ~

                                             ValerieAllenWriter.com                                                    VAllenWriter@gmail.com

Amazon.com/author/valerieallen

Write, Publish, Sell! 2 ed

Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony

Amazing Grace
Sins of the Father

Suffer The Little Children

The Prodigal Son

Stories for the Man in Your Life

A Gift for Mom: Short Story Collection

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume One

'Tis Herself: Short Story Volume Two

Summer School for Smarties

Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends

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 award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter 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/CarolynsAmznProfile. Great 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 (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 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)

Critique Guidelines from Joan Y Edwards

                                     How to Make Helpful Critiques (c) 2018

By Joan Y. Edwards

Are you in a critique group? Are you floundering for ideas of the best ways to offer your suggestions for improvement? Do you make sure you give positive feedback as well as changes that might need to be made? Good for you. These simple steps will help you.

How to give a good manuscript critique?

When you have someone critique your own work, ask them five of the following questions.

When you critique a manuscript, do a good job. Ask the author to choose three questions from the list below that they would like for you to answer. Choose two or three of your own questions.

If you don't know the writer's wishes, choose five of the following questions and write them at the beginning of the manuscript you're about to critique. It will help you focus on the story's strengths, as well as give the author places that need enrichment.

In your critique, make your opinions clear so that the author is able to tell what you think. Tell the author both ways to correct the manuscript and ideas to enhance the manuscript. Here are ideas to guide you and ensure you give a good critique.

25 Questions for a Critique

After reading a manuscript, answer these questions.

1.   What are three Blue Ribbonpassages (great paragraphs)?

2.   Write down any questions that come to mind as you read the manuscript. Share them with the author.

3.   Point out any pet words that the author uses over and over again? A thesaurus might have synonyms to use in place of them.

4.   What are three main errors in punctuation and grammar the author needs to correct?

5.   Point out where the writer needs to show, not tell. SHOW, DON'T TELL.

6.   Mark examples of passive voice so that the author can change them to active voice.

7.   Use quotes from the story to support your idea. Point out passages that show the author's meaning as it unfolds.

8.   After reading the story, can you write a short (25-100 word) summary telling the beginning, middle, and end? Do so. If not, tell the parts you can and explain the parts of the story that are missing.

9.   Explain where the story hooks you and why?

10.What is the setting (time and place) and how does it influence the story? Would a different time and place enhance the story?

11.What is the point of view? Through whose eyes do you see this story?

12.What does the main character) want?

13.What is the main character) willing to do to get what he wants?

14.What is the conflict that keeps the  (main character) from getting what he wants?

15.Does the hero get what he wants? How?

16.What are the mistakes that the main character makes?

17.What are the main character's flaws? (He’s got to have flaws.)

18.What is the lowest point in the story when the main character felt like giving up or he feels that his situation was hopeless?

19.Did the main character change? How? If the main character doesn't change, who does or what does change. Someone or something has to change in a story or there is no story.

20.What does the main character learn about life from his experiences in this story? (Theme)

21.Name the characters in the story and what each one wants.

22.In the dialogue, does each character have a distinct voice of his own? In the descriptions, can you tell which character is on the page?

23.What do you want to know about the characters that the author didn't tell you?

24.Does the story make sense? If not, note in the manuscript which parts that don’t make sense.

25.Does the ending satisfy you as a reader? If not, why not?

Ways to Make Your Critique Notes Stand Out:

1.   Use a separate piece of paper for your notes. Copy noteworthy passages there.

2.   Do critique on actual pages of manuscript.

3.   Put in blue text at least three Blue Ribbonpassages - my name for words, sentences, phrases, paragraphs, or scenes that are especially well-written. In this particular manuscript, these parts win First Prize - the Blue Ribbon.

4.   Highlight in yellow or put in red text, and/or cross out words. .

5.   Use all caps for your input. WHAT A STRONG BEGINNING!

6.   Or do your own thing. Be creative.

I wish you great success in your writing career. Thanks for reading my blog post. You honor me with your presence. Please  leave a comment. I'd love to hear your ideas on how to give a good critique. Tell me about the best critique you've ever received.

References:

1.   Sheryll Clark. "How to Critique a Short Story:" https://www.ebooks4writers.com/2011/04/how-to-critique-a-short-story/ 

2.   Montgomery Kentucky Schools. "Guidelines to Writing a Short Story Critique:" http://www.montgomery.k12.ky.us/userfiles/1501/Classes/686/shortStorycritique.pdf

3.   Victory Crayne. "How to Critique Fiction:" http://crayne.com/howcrit.html

MORE ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST BLOGGER

Joan Y. Edwards is an inspiring author, motivational speaker, and she blogs about writing, marketing and illustration. She is a retired elementary school teacher who loves to read positive thinking books and fiction. She enjoys writing to inspire and motivate people to Never Give Up. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Carl. They love to watch humorous mysteries, such as Columbo and Monk. She loves to connect with you, her readers!  She is the author of  Flip Flap Floodle, 
Joan’s Elder Care Guide, and 
80 Gospel-Based Crossword Puzzles for Year B.

Joan offers three free gifts to subscribe to blog: https://www.joanyedwards.com 

Learn more about Joan at:

Twitter handle: @joanyedwards
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Joan-Y-Edwards-Author-111310278911077/

Email: joanyedwards1@gmail.com

Website: https://www.joanyedwards.com

MORE ABOUT THE SHARING WITH WRITERS  BLOGGER


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/CarolynsAmznProfile. Great 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 )