Friday the 13th . . . Good Luck for Writers!

I read this note from the editor of WritersMarket.com today and wanted to pass it along to all of you. As writers (and in life), we make our own good luck. Remember that . . . and after you're done working, play the lottery tonight!

Write on, Gina

Over the years, I've met many writers who think their struggles as a writer are merely luck—bad luck. It doesn't matter how many stories exist to the contrary, these writers are convinced that finding success is like winning the lottery. And maybe there's something to that.

I suppose if I was a writer who thought getting published was all about luck that I wouldn't invest too much energy on revision. After all, a lucky writer will find the right editor to fix up any manuscript flaws, right? I guess I wouldn't waste time building a platform or developing an audience either, because that surely comes to writers who are already lucky and/or published, which is the same as lucky.

There are examples of writers getting lucky, but let's face it: Most success stories come from writers making their own luck through working at their craft, networking (online and off), and persevering. Don't let yourself get caught in the trap of thinking you're not lucky enough to make it as a writer; you can make yourself lucky starting now.

Until next we meet, keep writing and marketing what you write.

Robert Lee Brewer
Senior Content Editor
Writer's Market
WritersMarket.com

City of Alchemy

The amazing young sage Tone Anogianakis flew to da 'Burgh from Vancouver last week to interview me about EMNM, higher consciousness, PGH's role in the planet's spiritual evolution, conscious parenting and other topics. Filmed at the West End Overlook....

City of Alchemy

Looking for a Book Publicist?

Hey all,

As a publishing consultant, I help match up prospective (and current) authors with whatever resources they need to get their message out into the world. If you have a writing project in the works and need an assist connecting with literary agents, small presses, larger publishing houses, POD companies, printers, typesetters, graphic design wizards and publicists, I'd be happy to work with you.

Over the years, my author clients have asked me to directly serve as their agent or publicist. While I would love to be all things to all people, I can't . . . heck, no one can. Yes, I can make valuable contacts for you and get your ball rolling in the proper direction. With that in mind, here is a link to a pretty good list of reputable book publicists. Check it out!

http://bookmarket.com/101pr.htm

Need a Shot of Creative Juice?

I will be a guest on the Living at Yes radio show tonight @ 6. See Twitter banner on the right-hand column of this blog to connect!

Considering Publishing on Amazon Kindle?

Kindle Bestsellers			Top Movers & Shakers
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson(Knopf) The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks (Grand Central) The Help - Kathryn Stockett (Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam) Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane (HarperTorch) Split Image - Robert B. Parker (Putnam)	The Girl Who Played with Fire - Stieg Larsson(Knopf) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot (Crown) The Last Surgeon - Michael Palmer (St. Martin's Press) Fantasy in Death - J.D. Robb (Putnam) The Silent Sea - Clive Cussler (Putnam)		Vows of Silence: The Abuse of Power in the Papacy of John Paul II -Jason Berry (Free Press) +8400% The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Vietnam War - Phillip Jennings(Regnery Press) +3800% Arthur and George - Julian Barnes (Knopf) +2400% Marshall's Law - Denise A. Agnew (Samhain) +1900% True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa - Michael Finkel (Harper Perennial) +1900%
For more information on how to publish your titles on the Amazon Kindle, please click here.

Are you ON THE VERGE of a creative breakthrough?

Don't miss this evening program on March 2 in Pittsburgh.

Created and produced by yours truly.

ON THE VERGE

Check it out: www.epiphanyworks.org/events.html

Creating a Virtual Book Tour

My friend and colleague, Linda Handley, recently published an endearing children’s book, Squeeky and Louie, in honor of her father, F. R. Handley. (All proceeds from its sale benefit the American Cancer Society.) Linda had the brilliant idea to take Squeeky and Louie on a virtual book tour and was kind enough to share her process for doing so with all of you.

What is a Virtual Book Tour?

A virtual book tour is when an author visits websites, blogs and forums instead of bookstores, cafes and universities that a brick-and-mortar book tour would include. During each stop of the virtual book tour, an author "visits" a different website, blog or forum and may: be interviewed, post an original article or essay (guest post), have their book reviewed, answer questions from the blog's readers or any combination of the above.

Creating a Virtual Book Tour

When creating a virtual book tour it is important to have a well thought out and organized tour. Here are five steps to get you started.

1. Review your current contact and inform them that you are doing a tour; invite them to join you by 1) posting content to their own blog, 2) getting the word out to their social networks or 3) giving you general support.

2. Search other blogs, forums and networks for additional sites that may be interested in hosting you. Keep in mind that you want to stay in your target area and not just invite everyone.

3. Keep a schedule of your dates, keeping in mind that you will need to monitor and respond to comments.

4. Promote your tour on your web site, social networks, blog and press releases.

5. Thank the tour host and do any necessary follow-up.

6. Have an electronic copy of your media kit accessible on your web site or blog. This allows for easy sharing of your book information and you as an author.

Tips provided by Lee Drozak of My Office Assistant: www.myofficeassist.org.

Read more about Squeeky and Louie:

Squeeky and Louie is a children's tale about two gray mice and their adventures with Gus the Cat. "What are little, loving mice going to do when they want to come out and play? This turns out to be an easy problem to solve. Well, with a little clever help the two mice lead the reader on a tale of adventure." The simple text is joyous and engaging, but this is really a story told through the marvelous illustrations. Youngsters will love all the captivating facial expressions and wonderful humorous detail on each page. Squeeky and Louie is a timeless classic to share with friends, family, and future generations. Visit www.squeekyandlouie.com.

Ten Changes in Publishing Since 2000

A lot has changed in the writing industry since WritersMarket.com started in 2000 (the same year that my first book, The Highest and The Best, was released). Most of us used dial-up to search the Internet for publishers and agent. Social network wasn't in the English vernacular yet (Facebook didn't even start until 2003)

Here are a few other things that have changed in the past 10 years, according to WritersMarket.com:

1. Many publications and publishers accept electronic submissions, whether via e-mail or online submission forms.
2. More than ever, writers have to brand themselves.
3. Writers must do the work of marketing and promoting themselves to agents, editors, publishers, and--ultimately--readers. (Wondering how? We recommend Get Known Before the Book Deal.)
4. Personal sites and blogs have made it easier than ever for writers to develop an audience.
5. Ad-based print resources (i.e., Magazines and Newspapers) have struggled to adjust to the Internet with new content strategies and pricing models. (Market Watch, exclusively forWritersMarket.com subscribers gives you insight on the latest changes.)
6. Due to the tough economic times, publications are relying more and more on freelancers. (With over 8000 listings, WritersMarket.com can help you find these opportunities.)
7. The proliferation of online content has opened up more opportunities than ever for writers from all backgrounds.
8. There are more online tools than ever to help writers research and write more efficiently and knowledgeably.
9. Social media offers easy and ground-breaking ways to network with publishing professionals, other writers, and potential interviewees. (If you're not already a member, join the Writer's Digest Community. You'll become a part of a supportive and creative community dedicated to the art and craft of writing.)
10. Businesses and organizations now rely on great content to attract new customers, sell products, and spread important messages--the trend of content marketing. (Wonder how much you should charge for this content? The "How Much Should I Charge? Rate Card" gives you answers!)
    

Words of Writing Wisdom for Twenty Ten

As we begin this new decade, we're reminded of how fast time flies. Have you set fresh writing goals for 2010? Don't break that resolution before even the first of the year's 12 months is over. Take courage from these words by one of my favorite writing teachers, Natalie Goldberg:

"As writers we live life twice, like a cow that eats its food once and then regurgitates it to chew and digest it again. We have a second chance at biting into our experience and examining it . . . This is our life and it's not going to last forever. There isn't time to talk about someday writing that short story or poem or novel. Slow down now, touch what is around you, and out of care and compassion for each moment and detail, put pen to paper and begin to write."

Onward and upward!

Best, Gina

What Writers REALLY Want for Christmas

I’ve had several requests to revive a little Muse You Can Use ditty that I wrote circa the winter solstice in 2003. So here it is, my gift to all of you fabulous writers out there:

12 Days of Writers’ Wishes

In honor of the season (and because “public domain” copyright law permits derivative works, ha, ha), I’m revising the lyrics from “The 12 Days of Christmas” to offer inspiration to those of you who’ve been working with the word this year.

I’ve omitted the “my true love gave to me” portion because we writers know that no one – not even our truest loves – can give us what it takes to inventively emote on the page. That gift comes from within and above.

I’ve also deleted the “days” idea (wow, this looks nothing like the original work!) and replaced each verse with things that writers REALLY want—none of that piping and drumming nonsense. Of what use are milking maids or geese-a-laying anyway, unless you own a cow or have a fetish for large waterfowl?

What remains after all this editing are 12 gifts that I hope you will receive in the coming year, if you so desire!

12 Drummers Drumming = 12 percent (or more) royalties

11 Pipers Piping = 11 hours of heavenly solitude to write, write, write

10 Lords a Leaping = 10 larger-than-life fiction characters leaping off the page, including one bad-ass antagonist and a main character who makes your heart melt

9 Ladies Dancing = 9 muses dancing in your head, rousing your imagination all year long

8 Maids a Milking = milking each of your first-rights-only articles 8 times through serial rights

7 Swans a Swimming = 7 article acceptance notices swimming in your e-box

6 Geese a Laying = 6^th sense about when your project is rightfully “done,” and the patience to keep incubating until it is

5 Golden Rings = 5 testimonials from readers saying how much they enjoyed reading you

4 Calling Birds = 4 call-in talk show offers, at least one in syndication

3 French Hens = 3 AAR literary agents offering representation (I don’t mean to infer that agents are hens)

2 Turtle Doves = 2 editors-in-charge of imprints, cooing for your manuscript (auction!)

A Partridge in a Pear Tree = a screen adaptation and a call from Oprah’s executive producer

HAPPY, HAPPY BLESSED HOLIDAY EVERYONE!

Gina

Writing a Memoir in 2010?

Interested in writing a memoir? Check out this podcast I recently did with fellow author Sharon Lippincott. And while you're listening, have a glass of creamy (organic, of course!) holiday eggnog or a sweet hot apple toddy to get those creative juices flowing.

http://heartandcraft.blogspot.com/2009/11/interview-with-gina-mazza.html

Cheers, Gina

DARE TO RELAX THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

REMINDER: WOMEN WHO DARE SALON

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

6:30 to 9 p.m., MUDDY CUP COFFEE HOUSE, BELLEVUE

'Tis the season to make your lists, check them twice . . . then shop 'til your drop. Huh? Nah! For one evening, put aside the "to do" lists and take a little time for reflection. Join us for an evening of relaxed camaraderie and robust conversation amongst gal-pals. The Muddy Cup is serving up gingerbread lattes and special holiday treats in its bakery just for us. Learn more about the Salon and register here: http://www.ginamazza.com/events.htm.

Blessings of the season,

Gina

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. (Kahlil Gibran)

Take a spare few moments this holiday weekend to write about what you are most thankful for. Pen your own daily prayer of gratitude and refer to it often throughout the coming months.

Wishing you a blessed holiday,

Gina

WE HAVE LIFTOFF!

New website is live!

Go to it: ginamazza.com

TESTING, 1 . . . 2 . . 3

Okay, the test pages for my new website are live. Still have some kinks to smooth out . . . so this is an official sneak peak for loyal Muse You Can Use blog followers!

Let me know your thoughts: www.ginamazza.com

Good day, Gina

Troy Polamalu in Faith & Family

A portion of my PITTSBURGH Magazine August cover story on NFL super-hot dude Troy Polamalu was just reprinted at Faith & Family. Check out: Faith & Family : Features : The Mane Man

Go Steelers! :)

Gina

Interested in Filmmaking? Have a Script?

Film Factory Competition Kicks Off Tomorrow...

Emerging talent in southwestern Pennsylvania will get a chance to have their scripts read and material developed by Film Factory advisors, who represent some of the finest filmmaking professionals in Hollywood and in the Pittsburgh.

Saturday, November 7

10:30 a.m., Melwood Screening Room

477 Melwood Avenue

Oakland, PA

The Steeltown FILM FACTORY Filmmaking Competition is Pittsburgh's own version of "Project
Greenlight." Get your script ready! To learn more, visit www.wifmpit.com.

Apparently, Nature is the Mother of All Inspiration

The results of this blog's creativity poll are in! After a tally of the numbers, it appears that the majority of you (more than 80%) find your best creative inspiration in nature, such as walking in the woods, on the beach or through a clover meadow.
To a lesser extent, some of you glean inspiration from reading elegant prose from literary writers. And even fewer poll takers reported being inspired by swilling a cosmo (not too surprising) of falling in LUV (which I DO find surprising). Hmmm.....what does that say about the state of the "union"? Mother Nature, you win!

Major Tom to Ground Control

Okay, so I've had to postpone my website launch for a short bit due to (1) my html person getting a hellacious flu and (2) astrological reasons. No kidding. I consult with my one-and-only astrologer on matters of personal and professional importance such as launching new ventures. I thought November 1 had a lovely ring to it but he ixnayed that idea. Anyway, I prefer to have the oomph of the solar system behind me, so sit tight, people, we'll have liftoff soon. Take your protein pills and put your helmets on.... :-0

Taking My Own Advice . . .

OUTTAKES FROM MY WEBSITE PHOTO SHOOT

I’ve been acting like the doctor who never gets a check-up, the mechanic who skips oil changes, the accountant who owes back taxes. You see, part of my work is to help individuals and companies put their best foot forward in words, and I’ve been remiss at doing the same with my writer website. For a while, I’ve been saying that my site needs to better reflect who I am and how I serve. Well, the time has come to put my money where my mouth is. Time to quit being loquacious and just get down to it.

And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. One of the many hats I’ve been wearing these past few months is “doyenne of web redesign.” Far from being another chore on my marketing agenda, I’ve been giddy with excitement about reinventing this site. I assembled a highly creative and talented team—photographers, stylist, graphic designer and web master (the accompanying photos tell a bit of the story)—but in the end, it came down to doing what I do for everyone else: put pen to paper (actually fingers to keyboard) and, as Rumi says, “open the window in the center of your chest and let the birds fly out.” Ah!

My newly refashioned Ginamazza.com site launches on November 1. You DON’T want to miss it.

Stay tuned!

Gina