seriouswriting

WRITERS WORKSHOP IN NAIROBI

2011-03-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

Dear writers in Nairobi,

Come attend the writers workshop on Saturday the 26th of March 2011.

Learn how to turn your surroundings into cash - Getting freelance work easy and frequently - earning from newsletter writing - selling your writing services to the corporate world - writing professional pitches to marketing managers.

Plus pitching your article ideas to newspaper/magazine editors - sending professional query letters and outlines - finding article ideas that editors look for - the DO's and DONT's that would save you from the editor's wrath - studying the newspaper/magazine markets - getting the angle and the house style right.

Plus setting up a writing company - establishing demand before the product - why you need a website - setting up a simple website - selling yourself professionally.

Plus finding work both online and offline - online paying companies that recruit writers free - what you need - plus a list of those companies.

And MUCH MUCH MORE.

VENUE: EDELVALE TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

TIME: 3:00 PM

CHARGES: 500/= Advanced before 20th March 1000/= at the gate

KWANI TRUST

2010-03-05T23:46:00.000-08:00

Once in a week, we shall be looking at publishing houses that give writers great opportunities.This week, my interest has landed on Kwani trust, publishing African stories. Founded by a group of talented professionals, Kwani does not discriminate any writer - whether upcoming or already established writer, Kwani trust has some room for you. It feels satisfying when you write knowing someone out there is ready to appreciate your work. It keeps your creative talent rolling in a see of honey. So if you believe you have an African story to tell, then why not try Kwani Trust.

For more info, click Here

WRITERS MARKETS

2010-03-05T02:12:00.000-08:00

It was so shocking when I watched cattle farmers in - was it central province? - pour the milk they had toiled for so long simply because they lacked market to sell their milk - What!

What causes much pain is to learn that you have something in plenty but don't have where to sell it - it just hurts! and as a writer, you don't want to find yourself in such a toucher. This is a talent you have toiled for so long and throwing up your hands because you can't find a market to submit your work is the last thing you can think off. I will be leasting writers markets on this blog on a weekly basis and to start off, below are markets you can submit your work.

BLACKLONDONERS APPEAL

This is a London based group calling on all writers for contribution of short stories, poems and lyrics to a collection of works to be published in May 2010. The book will be titled, "A word for haiti", aimed at raising funds, awareness and help to keep focus on the Haiti. Writers are encouraged to send their work to, word4haiti@blacklondonerappeal.com

MOTHER EARTH

Mother Earth News is a bimonthly magazine that promotes more self-sufficient, financially independent and environmentally aware lifestyles.Readers range in age from the early teens to 90-plus. All told, each issue of Mother Earth News reaches about 1 million people across the United States and Canada.
From readers, theye welcome articles and quality photographs for two departments: “Country Lore” and “Firsthand Reports from the Field.” “Country Lore” presents handy how-to tips of 100 to 300 words; payment is $25 to $50 per published item. “Firsthand Reports from the Field” are first-person stories (1,500 to 2,000 words) about sustainable lifestyles of all sorts; payment is $150 per published piece. Submissions should be send by e-mail to letters@MotherEarthNews.com

More info HERE

WEND

Wend is interested in first-person accounts of literate adventure
travel with a social/anthropological/environmental awareness that
permeates throughout the story. Stories are about ordinary people
doing extraordinary things, not extraordinary people doing ordinary
things. All departments pay 25 cents a word, plus photos.

More info HERE

STYLUS MEDIA

London, UK based Stylus Media Group is looking for global freelance
contributors to support their dynamic new online business and a
growing global team for the interiors, design and lifestyle
industries. Whether you're a dedicated interiors, architecture or
design reporter, visual arts and culture writer, a travel
specialist or an expert within the trend forecasting business with
knowledge of consumer and lifestyle trends, they would like to hear
from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter to jobs@stylusmediagroup.com

SCREEN WRITING

2009-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought of selling your movie script to a movie production anywhere..? It's more easier than it sounds. Producers and directors are constantly looking for new scripts. They can't get enough of it - and that is where you, as a screen writer, need to come in. This though does not mean that they are so desperate to a point of just picking any script, because they need it! GET OVER THIS; they will only pay for good movie ideas. So how do you get your script to producers or directors? first, you should have a movie idea you want to sell. Then it is more easier to use.Be professional. send them an e-mail telling them that you have a movie idea you think might interest them - or better still, call them directly. Some of them will be rude but don't despair or give up! You will be amused with how some of them will talk to you. Include a short pitch of your movie idea in the e-mail. If they like it, they will ask for a synopsis and/or the treatment. If they fill your story is good enough, they will ask you to write the script. Be quick and do that as soon as possible.

WRITING A GOOD PITCH.
This is usually around 50 to 100 words. Your screen play might be about 15000 words but you should learn to capture the idea in just few words.Producers will choose scripts that grab their interest in the shortest words possible. make sure the angle (something that will make your story stand out) comes out clearly. See an example of a good pitch - I just made up this.

Jeremy, a kindhearted man, is forced into evil by his elder brother John. Their late father, Joshua, leaves most of his wealth to Jeremy before his death. Through clever manipulation, John gets Jeremy sent to jail so he to remain with the wealth. John then rapes Jeremy's wife, Jane and imprisons her in his room. From jail, Jeremy vows revenge and seek justice for his family, a dangerous path that will lead him to the heart of darkness.

What is the angle in this pitch - Jeremy only decides to partake in criminal activities because he wants to
seek justice for his family.

A GOOD SYNOPSIS
This is much more like a novel synopsis only that it's shorter and less detailed. The work of a synopsis is to present a story that looks and deserves to be "filmable" while at the same time attractive to actors and movie makers. It should be less than two pages long - single spaced with 12-point times, typeface.
When writing a movie synopsis, focus on growth and change of the protagonist - the obstacles they face and how they overcome them.
It's not necessary to include the end in the synopsis - leave the reader guessing.

If again the producer thinks the script should go to the next stage, then he will ask you to write the treatment.

THE TREATMENT
This is just a description of your movie. The good thing here is to think scenes while writing a movie treatment. Write like though you're describing scenes.
And if the producer is certisfied with your treatment, he will ask for...well...

THE STORY.
Most stories nowadays are "star led" what this means is that you will probably rush to watch a movie simply because you've heard that your favorite actor is staring in that movie and not because of the story line - can you decline this fact..?
When writing a story, try to keep actors in mind. Keep asking yourself if it was James bond given to play the role of the main character in your script, will he like it?
This does not mean that you should write the whole story for actors but make sure your story possess the following basics;

A dramatic and engaging beginning.
Up to 3 or 4 characters.
At least 1 main character who engages the audience sympathy.
A series of obstacles to be overcome.
A series of events that deal with the obstacles.
A compelling climax
A successful conclusion for at least 1 character.

Then what follows next is a flow of cash into your bank account. So, why not try - you have nothing to lose after all.

Good Luck!

Posted by Ismael Akango

pitching your ideas to article editors!

2009-03-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

I have been mute for quite some time due to unavoidable circumstances - but I am now back with a bum!

Today we shall be looking on how to pitch your ideas to article editors. Editors are busy people and have no time perusing through unsolicited material, trying to find good articles to publish. They feel irritated with manuscripts which land on their desks unannounced. That is the same reason they announce in most of their publications,"unsolicited material will not be acknowledged" or "The editor will not be liable to lose or damage of any unsolicited material" or more often, they will tell you to your face, "No unsolicited material!"

What they are trying to say in a simple language is that don't send work they have not asked for!
Most publications will ask their readers to send personal experience-type articles. That is now a solicited material- the editor is already waiting for it.
However if you have an idea you think is newsworthy, it's advisable to pitch it to the editor.
Send in, a query letter introducing yourself and the title of the article you want to tackle. In addition, include an outline/synopsis of the article explaining what subject you want to tackle and how you will tackle it. The two should be brief and business like.
This will show the editor how professional you are and he/she will be glad to scan through it and if he likes the idea, he will ask for the main article and of course, you will be a step away from recording a sell!

I hope this helps.
Till next time,
Keep writing!

Written by Ismael Akango(uniquewriter)

FINDING IDEAS FOR WRITING.

2009-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my friend Stevon approached me and asked, "What can I write about? I have run out of ideas"

"What do you mean by you've run out of ideas?" I responded. "Describe me, then. My skin, rough and black like charcoal! My lips or better still, my buggy mouth! just anything!" at this point, I could read from his smiling face that he had gotten something to write about, even if it was describing my stinking socks!

Many writers believe that you can run dry of ideas and head for the writer's block! I personally do not believe in writer's block. Most writers lack a strong nose to sniff the ideas around them. Ideas are always there waiting to be discovered. All you need is a keen eye and a strong Norse to sniff them.

If you reach a point where you think you can't write or have nothing to write about, drop the pen and focus on something different; watch a T.V, read a book, browse through the net, listen to other people or better still, take a prom down the beach. There after, describe the experience; how was the T.V programme you just watched? entertaining... boring...educative... what is the life experience of a mom you just listened to? did she escape death by a whisker in a fatal road accident... or was she dumped by her husband who is also a pastor? or better still, what is the sound of the lonely waters at the sea... the strong sent of the beach!

By doing this frequently, you will find ideas flowing in plenty.

By this time I know you now have some ideas to write about, keep writing without apology; it's your earthly right!

Best regards and keep writing.

Ismael Akango. (Uniquewriter)

MAINTAINING YOUR DAILY WRITING SCHEDULE.

2009-01-17T02:16:00.000-08:00

I mention earlier on that in order to achieve your master writing goal, you have to brake it into small daily realistic schedle. For instance, if you want to complete a 60-thousand words novel by the end of two months, then you can brake that into writing a thousand words per day. Maintaining this goals at a time becomes too difficult; admit it! I have faced it myself. So how do you ensure you become efficient in maintaining your daily writing schedule?

1. Make sure you write anything and everything daily; even if it is your name, dreams or just describing your laziness.

2. Write continously. The only three ways to develope your writing is write,write and write. Don't worry what to write. just write anything and everything that crosses your mind.

3. Stretch your mind to other related businesses. When you are not writing, study the world closerly. how does the cup you are using look like? what is the texture of the seat you are sitting on? try desribing them either in your mind or on paper. Similarly, think about a plot of a play, novel or short story. use the sarrounding to help you plot a scene. for example, if you see two men fighting, how can that fit in the middle scene of your screen play.

4. Develope an inquisitive mind. For instance, if you come across an accident involving two lorries, ask yourself what might have caursed the accident. Is it that the driver's mind might have been carried away by a beautiful lady crossing the road or he was probably drunk!

Practice this and see how it goes. I hope this helps.

Best regards!

By Ismael Akango. (Uniquewriter)

SETTING A BETTER WRITING ENVIROMENT.

2009-01-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

For the better growth of your writing talent, you have to adopt a better environment for healthy growth. This does not mean that you have to fly to planet Jupiter to acquire this environment. What it actually means is that you watch the people you associate with.

Not all of those calling themselves your friends are happy for your success. Some are even determined to dismiss all your efforts with cheap comparison of others-"do you know how many people have tried it before you? or what do you think will make you different!"Ignore them they don't want to be defeated!
Associate with fellow writers whom you can share writing experience and benefit.

Secondly, join those courses addressing your writing needs; you will find them rising your writing talent to another level from where you were yesterday. You will learn new writing techniques and avenues. go for it!

I hope this helps. Till next time, "chao"

BY Ismael Akango. (uniquewriter)

STAYING INFORMED.

2009-01-08T02:10:00.000-08:00

Now that you have identified your interest and set achievable goals, it's time to research all about your interest. For instance, if you are a writer, get more information about writing. Don't let any material about writing pass you. If you come across a piece of paper which might have been used in wrapping fish and have been dumped along the road, why not pick it! You never know, you may get a link to a website with some useful information.Browse the address and see if you can access some important information.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to magazines and e-zines about writing. You might find important information to use in your writing career. Trust me I have been using the same and it works.

Keep your eyes open to the local workshops and seminars organised. Keep attending and I assure you, you will get enough information.

Nowadays, internet has summarised all the world to your finger tip. You can use it to research for important information about your career. Bookmark or write down important sites you come across for easy reference in future.

Lastly, it's important to befriend helpful figures of your interest. Find friends who got knowledge and same interests as yours; somebody you can share and benefit from.

I hope that will be helpful for today.

Best regards and keep writing.

By Ismael Akango. (Unique writer.)

setting your goals

2009-01-02T01:06:00.000-08:00

It has been long before communicating but I hope every body had been engulfed in the x-mass and new year preparations. now that the major days are over, let's get back to business.
Earlier on, I had stated tips on how to prepare your subconscious for your writing career. Now let's focus on the next step after preparing your subconscious. Probably your subconscious is set and singing good things about yourself and your writing career so, what next?

Probably you need to set your target if you want to achieve in your writing career; but how do you do that? let's look some few tips on setting your goals.

Tips.

First, write all you want to achieve down. That is the only sure way of working for achievement. You can't work for what you can't see. So, write all your goals down even if some look stupid, no one will lough at you; even if they lough it won't change a thing. For instance, there is no any crime in writing one of your goals as "kissing my puppy" looks funny but no crime.

Secondly, set a good and realistic time table to achieve your goals. Set your goal to the visibility of your sight. somewhere you can look and see. For instance, don't use statements such as, 'I will make sure I write a book before I die!' This sounds invisible instead, say 'I will be writing a thousandsee words every day and at the end of two months, I will be completing a 60,000 word novel' see what I mean...

Third, break down your working method to smaller bits that you can achieve within a small time lag. The good example is the one I have given with the 60,000-word novel. See, I've broken it into a daily schedule of a thousand word. Learn the same.

Last, ensure you attain your daily target. Many people find it easy saying than doing. They set good goals but become difficult to achieve them. Don't let yourself land into this group.
If you've decided that you want to write a thousand words per day, discipline yourself to exactly do that.

That is enough for today. we shall pick up from there next time.

By Ismael Akango (Unique writer)

preparations for your writing career.

2008-12-27T22:35:00.000-08:00

I hope you've been enjoying the humorous articles on my
blog. They were all designed to jog your mind before embarking on the real motive of this blog- writing, writing and extra ordinary writing.
As the address of the blog suggests, the next issues will be tackling writing in a unique manner as well as being serious about your work.
For today, I want you to think of taking your writing career seriously.
If you want somebody else to take your writing seriously, then you have to start taking it serious yourself.

few tips:

First begin by convincing your subconscious that you can and have to write. Do this by writing down positive things about yourself and your writing. Keep saying them as many times as you can in a day.
What you set your subconscious to believe is what it will take it for.

secondly, keep a keen eye; always be on the look to spot what an ordinary man can't spot. Try describing what you see in your mind; at this point, don't strain your mind trying to think big words. just use simple words.

Last, write regularly, even if it's just a sentence or a paragraph; by doing so, you will be keeping your creative mind alive.

Next we will be looking at setting your goals as a writer.

Best regards and keep writing.