MasterMind Writers

A New Writing Resolution

2010-12-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

What a year. We NaNoWriMo'd, retreated, workshopped, grouped and wrote our way through another 365 days.

Did you meet your writing goals from last year?

If the answer is yes, take a minute to ask yourself a few questions.

How did it feel to reach my goals?
What was the biggest motivator?
How can I do that more this year?

If the answer is no, take a minute to ask yourself a few more questions.

Were my expectations realistic?
What was the biggest obstacle?
What can I do differently this year?

Even if you think you know the answers, take your time thinking about what really happened and write down your responses. That will help you to objectively address the challenges and opportunities for the next year.

As always, we applaud you for the advances you made and thank you for joining us on this writing journey.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

All Together (writing) Now

2010-12-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

It is once again time to gather around the literary foliage and reflect on how together we were able to accomplish so much this year. I know as I speed through these final days of the year, I am inspired by the people who have held my hand during this journey. That is why I am dedicating this post to my support network.

When I reached out, you were there.

When one of us succeeded, all of us raised our voices in joy.

When it is time to take the next step, we will all take it together.

Thank you for being part of the circle.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

NaNoWriMo Up

2010-11-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

How did your National Novel Writing go? 50,000? 30,000? Notes for next year? Whatever you did, you were a winner if you wrote more than you would have on your own? This global initiative is proof that together writers can push each other to be more productive.

NaNoWriMo has all the elements of a good writing community - measurable goals, an enthusiastic group of supporters cheering each other on, and T-shirts to mark the occasion. According to the official site, more than 28,000 people recorded 50,000+ words each for a total of 2.6 billion words. That is something to celebrate.

I was lucky enough to spend the evening last night with a class of 29 very diverse authors who spent five Monday nights together fueled by cookies, agent visits and a shared sense of purpose. For three hours straight the type, type, typing built until half a dozen announced they had made the 50,000 word goal. Others beat their own personal goals and all came away with a sense of having done something they had only considered in a vague way before.

If you participated, take a moment to congratulate yourself and take a deep breath. You can always go back and edit and fine tune later. The important thing is that you captured your dream.

If you missed this year, now is the time to start collecting folders of ideas about scenes, characters, plot twists and titles so you will be ready come 11.1.11. It will be here before you know it.

Many Thanks

2010-11-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

It is time to give thanks to everyone who supports and inspires me every day. I am so lucky to have so many positive, creative people in my life.

Thank you for doing what you do every day to remind me that the world is full of joy and love at its juicy center. Yes, there is creative conflict at times, but that only helps to make the satisfying resolution sweeter at the end of the proverbial day.

When we all take a deep breath to gather at holiday tables, raise a glass of communal good cheer and reflect on the bounty before us, how can we do anything else, but weep in gratitude. Cheers to you and yours this holiday season and all year long.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

JT Long

Jennifer Sander

A Writer's World

2010-11-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

If you don't believe one story can change the world, you haven't read Malayapinas' inspirational postings on the plight of women in the Philippines. This brave woman is speaking out about the oppression and discrimination in her country one story at a time.

Malayapinas (not her real name because reporters are in life-threatening danger in her country) wrote about the 2006 oil spill that wrought havoc on the Guimaras population, wiping out their food source and way of life. She profiled Evelyn, a mother of four who lived off the bounty of the ocean. This quote said it all: “I’ve learnt that poverty and the oil spill accident is not God given. Our need for food, medical care and livelihood are our basic rights. Our rights for rehabilitation and environmental justice must be demanded from the government. Indeed, through organized and collective action for structural change, we can end poverty,” said Evelyn.

After appearing in World Pulse, the magazine that features global issues through the eyes of women, her story was picked up by national newspapers and organizations have been formed that are forcing the polluters to pay for their degradation.

I had the pleasure of meeting Malayapinas and two other Voices of Our Future at a World Pulse Speaking Tour in San Francisco and left inspired by the power of words to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women.

I already volunteer as a Listener for this organization, reading these women's stories, encouraging them to share their insights and pitching in however I can with the publication. Now I want to shout about this worthy cause to everyone I know in the hopes that these brave women's voices will be amplified and their impact increased.

Yes, your stories can make a difference. Please take a moment to check out their great work, share your insight and help them reach their vision.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

JT Long

Jennifer Sander

Team NaNoWriMo

2010-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

We talk a lot here about the additional power a MasterMind Writing Group can bring to your work. National Novel Writing Month (affectionately known as NaNoWriMo) multiplies that forward momentum by tens of thousands of people all focused on the same goal, pushing out a book in the month of November.

Think about it. What looks to the naked eye like a lone writer tapping away at a keyboard is actually one point of light in a national movement to celebrate literary abandon. This movement is supported by hundreds of web sites, Twitter # groups, local classes and events. Whether you are a young writer, script writer, veteran or first-time writer, resources are available to encourage and celebrate your efforts. If you ever needed an excuse to make your dreams come true, NaNoWriMo is it.

How are you celebrating this life-changing event? Share your progress and tips here and remember - you never write alone.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

My Writing Group Addiction Confession

2010-10-14T07:48:00.001-07:00

I have a confession to make. I run a couple of writers' groups, attend a few others regularly and have had the pleasure of moderating some fascinating panel discussions in the last few months. I do it because I am passionate about supporting and educating writers so we can all grow. But I can't deny the boost my involvement gives me personally.

Every time I come away from one of these events I am inspired and, often, one step closer to a new opportunity.

This was definitely the case on Tuesday night. As chair of the Sacramento Press Club Seminars Committee, I had the pleasure of meeting Sacramento Bee Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjie Lundstrom. She was a joy - engaging, candid, authentic - and probably wouldn't approve of all the adjectives I am using to tell you how great she was. She would say, "Show me."

So instead, I will share a metaphor she used to explain the structure of an effective story. Imagine a necklace. The pearls are the details that shine in the readers eyes. The humble string is the organizational structure that runs through the story giving it shape. Without the string, it isn't a necklace. It's a pile of little white balls.

You can be assured that I will take the time from now on to consider my structure before piling a bunch of details on the page and hoping the reader doesn't trip on them looking for the closure.

In addition to getting to meet this superstar, I also met a number of other word jewelers who took time out of their busy schedules to attend. Once again, I left inspired.

I have to admit, writer group mania is not an addiction I am going to try to kick anytime soon.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

On Writing: What Stephen King can Teach You About Getting Started

2010-10-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

I just finished Stephen King's "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft". I have been told many times over the years that this was a must-read, even if I wasn't "into that type of writing." It was an interesting mix of personal story and practical advice (Second Draft = First Draft - 10%). The author of the graphic "Carrie", "The Shining" and "The Dead Zone" saves the best for last, however.

On page 269, as he describes his struggle to begin writing again after a car vs. pedestrian accident where he was the pedestrian, he wrote some of the truest words yet. "The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better."

That is the way it is with writing. It is easy to find a million other things to do than sit down and pound out your deepest secrets. But once you start, it not only gets better, it becomes painful to stop.

He continues: "I feel that buzz of happiness, that sense of having found the right words and put them in a line. It's like lifting off in an airplane: You're on the ground, on the ground, on the ground... and then you're up, riding on a magical cushion of air and prince of all you survey. It's what I was made to do." Let me repeat that last line. "It's what I was made to do."

That is why we write, isn't it? It's not for money or fame or free coffee. It's because it's what we do.

I would like to thank Stephen (he says everyone calls you by your first name during an emergency) for sharing this insight and inspiring a whole new generation of writers in all genres.

Now it's your turn. How do you get off the ground? What gets your writing started?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmaster

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

The Shared Writer Brain

2010-09-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about being a writer is that we are all automatically part of a shared mental state. It may seem like we pound away at the keys alone, but we are actually closely aligned with thousands of others out there doing the same thing - some with amazing results.

This happy reality hit home for me today as I prepared to speak at a college journalism class. I jotted a note on Facebook asking if anyone had advice they would like to share.

The results were immediate and abundant.

Some practical: "Learn how to spell:)" and "Don't use apostrophes for plurals unless you are writing about the Oakland A's."
Some reflected the changing journalism landscape: "Objectivity and balance continue to be important to ensure readers' trust and loyalty, even in this age of "up-to-the-minute" news."
Some cautionary: "Major in science instead."
Some inspiring: "Believe in the profession. While the medium may change, the stories still need to be told and will be read."

Many of you suggested finding a subject you cared about and becoming an expert in that field so your writing would reflect that deeper understanding.

One of my favorites came from a publisher who said: "Journalism is a relationship business. Engage, interact and know that it's now a conversation more than a one-way dialogue. Writing the story is just the beginning, not the end of the process. Be passionate, authentic and empathetic. Seek truth above all else."

Isn't that why we got into this business in the first place? We want to know and share the truth, whatever that means. And aren't you glad there is a whole community of writers who think the same way?

What advice would you give a journalism student?

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Fall into Writing

2010-09-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

It's time to get down to writing. No more excuses. The lazy days of summer are over. The kids are back in school. The weather is cooler. We have celebrated the hours women give during childbirth with a three-day weekend of barbecues and cleaning gutters. It's time to get back behind the computer and start being productive.

Fall is the perfect time to refocus. The end-of-the-year is within keyboard-throwing distance so if you haven't made progress on your resolutions, you might want to kick it into high gear now. Writers tend to be sprinters anyway so having a deadline around the corner may be just the ticket to locking those fingers on the keys.

Do you not remember your resolutions? No worries. Make a new one now. You have a three-month chunk of days that can be filled with emptying the cat litter box or sharing your stories with the world. Your choice.

I know I am looking forward to meeting with my MasterMind Group at Writers Who Wine tonight to pledge devotion to my literary goals. It has been a productive year and I just finished some big deadlines. But I am anxious to end on a high note so I want to take some time to decide which projects are most important to me and point myself in that direction.

I couldn't ask for a better group of people to share this rededication. Two will be celebrating book launches and one just signed a contract for her next piece. I know from experience that all that forward momentum is contagious.

If you aren't in the area, feel free to get in on the word pledge action virtually. What are planning to write in the next three months?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

PS: If you need some help focusing, space is still available for Fall Write by the Lake retreats.

In Praise of Writing Small

2010-08-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

Try baby steps. You are a writer whether you pen love notes to your husband, blogs for your customers, magazine articles for electrical engineers or novels for young adults. The important thing is to simply write.

I had the pleasure of attending a Capitol City Young Writers' Conference that featured Huntington Sharp II, senior editor of Red Room. This is a wonderful community of diverse authors coming together to celebrate the craft of writing in all its various forms.

His advice for writers? Write. You can research and plan and discuss and think all you want, but in order to be a writer, you have to write. Edit later, but write first and always.

He was, in essence, giving us permission to do what we have always wanted to do, but were afraid to try. That is what writing support networks offer. Permission. What a wonderful gift.

A great way to make the most of that opportunity is to start small. You don't have to write the Great American Novel right out of the gate. Try starting with a 140-character Twitter post or a short story. Write a blog. Guess what, those can later be collected into an article or a book.

A journey starts one step at a time. The good news is that your MasterMind group is there every step of the way.

How do you give yourself permission to write and what keeps your fingers moving?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

The More the Writing Business Changes, the More Writers Stay the Same

2010-07-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

I attended a Capitol City Young Writers Conference this weekend and am happy to report that the love of telling stories is alive an well in future generations.

The literary gathering in the idyllic setting of the Marin hills brought together some of the most inspirational minds in literature today. Keynote speaker was Peter S. Beagle, who wrote his best-selling "A Fine and Private Place" at the age of 19, followed quickly by the classic "The last Unicorn". He connected with the children and adults in the audience when he shared the storytelling urges that have plagued him as long as he can remember. "My mother wrote down the stories before I was able to write them myself," he said. From the beginning, he knew writing would be his passion. Heads young and old nodded in agreement as he spoke.

My friend and event volunteer Dena Kouremetis shares her inspired take on the day here. I would like to add, however, a few bits of wisdom shared by Writer's Digest Community publisher and editorial director Jane Friedman. While she refused to predict the future of publishing, she counseled young writers to not be attached to the medium. Storytelling doesn't require paper and ink. A literary tale can be delivered through online posts, podcasts or some other format not yet imagined.

The common thread for me was the advice to persevere. Find new ways to connect with your audience and hone your craft. That had me nodding my head.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

5 Steps to a Healthy Writing Exercise Routine

2010-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

I recently shared some of our MasterMind Writing Group publishing secrets with fellow writers at Your Writing Dept. (You can read the post: Endurance Training For Writers here.)

Why spread the word? First of all, the duo that runs Your Writing Dept. Ron Creel and Tom Guarnera, are serious technical writers. They know their stuff, but they also know that writers have to stick together. They are always looking for new gigs to put scribes to work. I like that.

You see, writing is an endurance sport, but it is not a contest. You are challenging yourself and the more people who cross the finish line, the more high fives you get to score.

Like any sport, we improve with practice. So I would like to devote this week's post to exercises that strengthen the muse.

1. Lift a writing friend's day by asking about ongoing projects, challenges, successes.

2. Leverage resources by suggesting sources, similar stories, agents, attorneys who might be able to help.

3. Sit at the computer for some deep writing time.

4. Raise a glass at the July 8 Writers Who Wine Night Out to celebrate all that you have accomplished.

5. Repeat.

It's that easy. The secret is that you have to do all five. You can't just talk about writing, you have to actually sit down and do it. But celebrating your accomplishments with friends is also essential to keep you motivated during those long hours in front of the computer. So put on your work-out clothes and get started.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Writing Goal Check-Up

2010-06-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

It has been six months since you made your 2010 writing resolutions. Have you allowed your MasterMind Writer's Group to hold you accountable? Have you written those proposals? Consistently blogged? Finished that Great American Novel? Have you celebrated appropriately?

I know life can get in the way. Kids, dogs, editors can be very demanding. But you have to make your self-imposed deadlines a priority if you are going to reach your publishing dreams.

Let's take this summer break as an opportunity to renew your commitment to writing like you have never written before. Answer the following questions honestly and publicly so you will be more inclined to make the answers stick.

Was my 2010 goal practical?
What adjustments do I need to make to ensure that I will be successful?
Am I using all of my network's resources to meet my goal?
Am I scheduling time in my week to pursue my dreams?
How will I celebrate when I cross the publishing line?

The good news is that there is still another six months left to reach all of your goals and more. But you will only be successful if you commit to yourself and your support network.

Tell the Unspoken Stories

2010-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I talk a lot about how a circle of literary friends can help support you during the hard work of penning your story. The importance of a writing network is even more important if you are a disenfranchised group - like a prisoner in Burma. That is why I am dedicating this blog to the Voice of Witness, a nonprofit book series that empowers people who have lived through human rights crises by helping them tell their stories.

Titles include:

Surviving Justice: America's Wrongfully Convicted and Exonerated
Voices From the Storm: The Peopole of New Orleans on Hurricane Katrina and Its Aftermath
UnderGround America: Narratives of Undocumented Lives
Out of Exile: Narratives from the Abducted and Displaced People of Sudan

As Maggie Lemer and Zoe West said so eloquently in the Copyblogger post How to Use Stories to Change the World, "Bloggers are storytellers, and your stories give you power." They are looking for ways to get the word out about all of the books in Voice of Witness, including Nowhere to Be Home: Narratives from Survivors of Burma's Military Regime.

Do you know anyone who is too scared, tired, or oppressed to tell his or her story? Reach out and offer to listen, to make connections, to get that story heard. You can leverage your writer's group to find ghostwriters, translators, editors and publishers who can bring these untold stories to a larger audience.

Only when the power of personal connection has been made can lives be saved, laws made and changes occur. You have that power as a writer. Use it wisely.

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

The Cure for Literary Loneliness

2010-05-31T22:28:00.000-07:00

Can a MasterMind Writer's Group be as therapeutic as a pile of kittens?

New studies show that people are feeling more isolated than ever even as technology makes it easier than ever to connect? Why is this? Theories abound.

Smaller families more geographically scattered
Less of a need to physically connect with people
Loss of central spaces and organizations to unite communities

These are all trends that a writer's group can address. Writers, in particular, are vulnerable to succumbing to the bittersweet nature of their isolated pursuit. However, by connecting with others over a shared passion of the written word, they create strong bonds.

In fact, I consider my Writer's Group to be part of my extended family. Between the monthly meetings and the Facebook updates, I can keep up with them in real time. That sense of belonging can mean a lot on a day when the only person who has asked how I am doing is my barista. Seeing that a friend has had her manuscript accepted or finished that big project is like having a tabby rubbing up against my leg to let me know the world is not as cold and lonely of a place as the evening news might suggest. Knowing a group of people I admire wants me to succeed is both comforting and inspiring.

So I challenge you to defy the odds. Reach out and form a MasterMind Writer's Group today. Or, if you already have one, call up one of your fellow members, ask how the latest project is going, set up a lunch or just say Hello.

We can change the worldwide bonding trend one meeting at a time.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Another Day Another Book Launch

2010-05-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

2010 has been a great year for my writing group. It seems every month another member is planning a book launch.

First we hailed Judith Horstman's second book for Scientific American, Brave New Brain. It received great traction because it was such a timely topic and a fun read. Then Jennifer Sander and her co-author Paula Munier burned up the book shelves with Hot Flash Haiku. Again, it was perfect timing as an ideal Mother's Day gift. Verna Dreisbach was next out of the gate with Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives. It is getting great reviews and, I hear, going into a second printing. Now our own Dawn Lairimore has released her kick-ass princess young adult novel Ivy's Ever After. I love the book and the launch page. I know of two others about to be released, one is a mystery romance and the other a travel book.

Although the subjects vary widely, the support each member has received from the group at the launch parties, on their web sites and in their personal networks has been universally powerful. Mastermind groups share in the journey and the celebration at the end.

So, why were so many of our members able to cross the finish line at once? It is the result of a number of things.

Momentum: The energy and excitement of each launch encourages the rest of the group to pursue their dreams. This is not competition, this is all boats rising in the tide of publishing.
Collective Resources: The more published writers we have in the group, the more agents, publishers and strategies can be shared at each meeting.
Magnetic Power: The more successful our group is, the more it attracts other successful authors and empowers the first two items.

Powerful isn't it? Well, time to go get ready for the next launch. Please take a moment before your next book bash and share with me your group's success secrets.

Yours in Publishing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

The Power of an "Outlier" Writing Community

2010-03-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

As writers, we are all products of our environment. The trick is to shape that environment to create a top-quality product - something that may be easier said in retrospect than consciously done.

I just finished the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. It is full of conversation-starters about everything from our education system to cultural norms. It's point, however, seemed to be that no one - not even groundbreaking technology entrepreneurs, rock bands and geniuses - exists in a vacuum. The myth of the self-made man (or woman) may be just that. We are influenced by powerful forces in our recent and distant past that may not initially be apparent. By virtue of being born at a particular time, in a particular place to people with certain attitudes and with specific advantages, we can achieve things that others don't have the opportunity to even imagine.

Gladwell stresses that these superstars still had to work hard (in fact putting in 10,000 hours to hone a craft is one of the deciding factors in the ability to excel he posits). But we also have to have a chance to work hard, encouragement to dream big and in some instances a cultural tendency for success in a particular field.

A writing community can help will all of these things.

By surrounding yourself with people who can share the tips and tools for getting published, you will put yourself in a position to make the most of your innate writing abilities.
A writing community can also prod, guilt and otherwise encourage you to put the time in to hone your craft.
Finally, your fellow writers can inspire you to be the best you can be.

I have always believed this. That is why my company name, logo and signature line all include an "& Co." acknowledgement of everyone who has impacted my development over the years. This includes my mother, my barista and you. It's a copyright thing. Your unique insights, friendship, thoughts and advice made me the person I am today. I could not write what I write without your influence.

Thank you.

Please keep sharing. Tell me who pushes you to be an outlier, to go above and beyond, to write.

Yours in writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Group Biography Challenge

2010-03-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

As writers, we all face challenging subjects from time to time. As my dear friend and MasterMind Writer's Group member Dena Kouremetis illustrates so eloquently in her Ultimate Communic8or blog this week, writing about ourselves can be the most challenging.

Dena shares some valuable tips for balancing the self-promotion/modesty/brevity tasks.

I would add to that list, reach out to your fellow writers for objective feedback about your strengths. As people who have shared your journey, they can point out things you might have missed, fill in blanks and add perspective.

I also advise reaching out to your support group to act as a second set of eyes to catch any errors you might have might have missed while your cheeks were burning due to shyness. Writers are always under pressure to put out the best written product, even if it is a grocery list.

Thank you Dena for an insightful blog and many thanks to my group for being patient as I rush to meet all the deadlines now on my plate. Together we will all be winners.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Informal MasterMind Writing Groups Add Liquidity to Publishing Plans

2010-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Not all writing groups have to be formal sessions where everyone sits down and accounts for each word written since the last meeting. Those moments of truth can be very valuable, but a less formal event call also get the creative juices flowing.

In addition to my MasterMind Group, I also participate in Writers Who Wine an informal monthly gathering of writers at all stages of their career. We meet at a nice bar, have a drink and talk about the biz of putting words together.

I meet the most interesting people and leave inspired to find new ways to express myself - and make money in my chosen field.

We started our group on Facebook with a core group of writing friends and invited anyone in the Sacramento area who wanted to chat about writing to join us. We now have 119 members signed up to receive invitations and usually about 20 show up. I always meet someone new and have twice secured paying writing gigs from the contacts made there. I know writers who are now teaching classes, have been published in the local paper and featured in online stories because of the events.

The bottom line is, don't whine about finding opportunities. Take the initiative. Gather a group of people together in whatever setting, format and venue suits you. You could be the Creative Cookies who share recipes and write cookbooks. You could found the Java Journalists and take turns making presentations in a coffee shop. The idea is to share the inspiration, contacts and joy that comes from interacting with your fellow writers.

How do you stay connected?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

JT Long

Jennifer Sander

A Place for Every Thought and Every Writing Project in its Place

2010-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

Like an overstuffed closet, writer brains are often bursting with colorful ideas, story starters and overdue assignments. I know I am continuously shifting between pitching, researching, writing and then following up to see when the check will be sent. Focusing on our WIP can be difficult when we can't find out desk.

That is why my writer's group asked an organizational consultant, Christine Giri of Time Tamer Consulting, to share secrets for turning that jumble of notes and files into the building blocks of the next Great American Novel.

Giri's presentation was inspiring and practical. She did not advocate one tool over another or mandate that everyone move from paper to digital. Instead, she encouraged each writer to find what works best and stick to it. The stick to it part seemed to be important.

A couple of other tips she shared included:

* Turn off email/Facebook/Twitter notification beeps. They distract even if you don't go look and interrupt blocks of creative writing time.

* Leave no emails in your box at the end of the day. Delete or take action immediately instead of putting of decisions. Again, making decisions seemed to be important.

* Schedule your time. That includes writing, paperwork, going to the gym, date night, whatever is important should be scheduled to ensure it gets done.

Whether you keep a spreadsheet like my Twitter friend Liana Brooks, scribble deadlines on a white board or post it notes on the monitor (an efficiency no-no according to Giri), find the system that turns your literary pile of shoes and sweaters into a compartmentalized haven where there is a place to preserve every thought and every writing project is in it's place.

How do you keep your creative juices organized? Share with your MasterMind Group and us. We love to celebrate success.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Writing Resolution Check-Up

2010-01-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Time for a writing resolution check-up. Are you reaching your word count goals? Have you been querying editors? Are you almost done with your book proposal?

Or did life get in the way and you got distracted with work and the kids, a winter cough have you down. Those things can happen. I know.

The best way to get back on track is to find someone to hold you accountable. Do you have a writing partner? Share the byline and you could double your productivity.

If the job turned out to be bigger than you had anticipated, then maybe you need a ghostwriter - a professional you pay to turn your ideas into chapters and finished products. There is nothing like writing a check to keep you focused on the goal.

Creating a writing habit is not that much different than an exercise routine. If you work out with a friend or hire a trainer, you are more likely to get out of bed on those cold mornings to do squats and lifts.

In addition to guilting you onto the straight and narrow, a support network is also there to celebrate when you finish your rough draft or lose that dreaded 10 pounds.

Now, if I could just figure out a way to write on the treadmill while drinking coffee with my MasterMind Group, I'm pretty sure I could take over the world. This is powerful stuff.

Are you keeping your resolutions? What is your secret?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Writing Resolutions Kept

2010-01-04T11:39:00.001-08:00

It has been six days and counting. Have you kept your writing resolutions so far?

If you met with your MasterMind Writing Group today, what would you have to report? Have you been following the steps in Writer's Secret for a productive network? Are you holding each other accountable, celebrating success and setting actionable goals?

You should. Know why? Because it works.

For those of you in the Sacramento area, we will be meeting on Jan. 14 at Iron Steaks for some accountability and lots of celebrating. There were months in 2009 when I was attending a book launch party a week for members of our scribing community. I look forward to more success stories in 2010.

For those outside the area, I am watching you as well. A quick peek at #resolutions on Twitter shows that you are vowing to:

* "Be my own man in 2010" @tigerteam

* "Change your Handwriting, Change Your Life" @TamarindThai

* "Give up coffee" @anitasethi

I would find that last one difficult, but wish you all success.

Over at #writegoal we tend to take our resolutions one day and 1,000 words at a time. Either way, I hope you are pledging your dedication to a wordy 2010 and celebrating milestones with your fellow scribes.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Master Writing Resolutions

2009-12-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is an obvious time for making resolutions. We can pledge to be thinner, nicer, more productive - and mean it. But what is the secret to keeping those vows long after the smoke has cleared? Your band of fellow writers, of course.

A resolution is simply the public statement of your heart's desire in an attempt to add motivation to your will power. A MasterMind Writer's Group is a formal way to announce, hold accountable, secure resources and celebrate success.

January is a great time to hold a special meeting dedicated to rejoicing all the great things your members accomplished last year, setting realistic goals for next year and putting in writing plans for achieving those goals.

I will start.

I am celebrating the fact that I found some exciting, consistent publishing outlets in 2009 who allowed me to explore new subjects, new ways of telling stories and new audiences.

This year, I hope to enter the national consumer market with some expanded trend pieces.

I will start by sending out at least one query letter a week to publications I have not worked with before. I will attend at least two national conferences to meet national publishers. And with the help of my wonderful writer community, I will position myself as a resource for editors looking to educate and entertain their readers.

Resolutions are not right or wrong. They are great exercises. Check out this one from the very funny Nanny Goats in Panties. The key is to really mean it and call on your friends to hold you to your word.

Your turn. What goals did you reach in 2009? How will you expand on that in 2010?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmaster

JT Long

The Gift of a Writing Community

2009-12-14T09:30:00.001-08:00

This is the time of year when we reflect on the things that make life joyous. At the top of my list is my family and my writing family.

All year long the members of my writing group have been there to encourage me, give me advice, share tips and celebrate my swishes. I would like to thank them for caring and let them know that I will be there for them when they need some perspective, the name of a good agent or a pat on the back.

For those who haven't had the pleasure of forming a circle of writers, this is the one shameless promotion plug of the year. If you are still struggling to find your writer home or know someone who needs a support network, Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success makes a great Christmas gift that doesn't have to be wrapped or bought at the mall. It is a wonderful way to start a new year that could end with author being added to your title.

So to all my friends with pens, I wish you a happy holiday and a literary new year.

Yours in writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How to Target the Best Agent for Your Book Proposal

2009-12-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, you have a perfect book proposal that hits all the right notes when it comes to market research, author bio and marketing plan. Now, what do you do with it?

Not all editors/publishers are alike. You need to do careful research to find advocates who specialize in your type of writing. So, if you have the next Great American Sea Monster Novel, don't send it to an editor who specializes in spy novels or your proposal will be tossed or worse - return in an SASE with a mysterious white powdered substance.

You already researched your competition. Take it one step further and check to see who published those books. If the first set of Dogs Around the World books was successful, the publisher might be looking for Cats on the Beach.

Peruse your Writer's Market for agents that have a history of working with Quilting and Dummies guides for your Easy Stitching in the Dark book. This is for your protection and theirs. Agents don't want to be bothered with pitches for books they don't have the expertise to judge and you don't want an agent who doesn't have the connections to publishers of your genre. Propose carefully and you will save a lot of tears all the way around.

Once you have targeted the correct advocates, talk to your MasterMind Writer's Group to see if you can get an introduction. This can go a long way to getting your work to the top of the stack. Some agents won't even talk to an author or look at a proposal until they get a recommendation. This is where your network can be very valuable.

Now, fire away. As we said last week, you can't sell your book until you send it out. So start proposing. And let us know how it goes.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Four Must-Do Steps to Polish Your Book Proposal

2009-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

Like the turkey, after countless hours of stuffing and basting, your book proposal is almost done. You have written a compelling outline, two sample chapters, a bio that made you look like the literary chosen one and a marketing plan that will move books out the door at record speed. Now it is time to clean it up.

I know, you are probably sick of looking at this book within a book, but a final polish could be the thing that makes or breaks the deal. Following are four must-do steps to finalize your ticket to published author status.

1. Proofread Every Word. This is essential. One major typo in the opening could send all your hard work to the slush pile. The agent and/or editor needs to feel comfortable that you can deliver a clean, error-free book. Grammatical lapses in the introduction will not induce confidence. This is where your MasterMind Writer friends can help. You have seen every word so often that you probably don't see the individual letters anymore. Divide it up among the members of your group or share it with your trusted writing companion. They will catch things you might have missed reading it 10 times.

2. Formatting. You don't have to learn InDesign or turn your proposal into a coffee table book, but make sure the font type and size is legible, the margins are consistent, the proposal flows well. Make it as easy as possible for your agent/editor to read it and say yes.

3. Attachments. You have a succinct summary that will quickly convince the gatekeeper that you are worthy. Now attach any corroborating evidence in case he or she would like to know more. Do you have newspaper or magazine articles you have written on the topic? How about endorsements for your previous works? Attach them. Most importantly, don't say you will attach something and then forget to add the file or include it in the envelope. Never make your editor search for something that just isn't there.

4. Send it. I know, this sounds obvious, but editors won't buy your book project if they can't read the proposal. Once you have finished it, send it. Stop fussing. Send it out into the world (Look for more next week on how to target the right agent).

What are your book proposal rituals, success/horror stories? Share them with the Group.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How Writing a Book Proposal is Like Stuffing a Turkey

2009-11-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

You know Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, right? Wrong.

Yes, just like your book idea, the turkey should be mouth-wateringly plump, juicy and golden. The aroma (or the one-sentence pitch) should make editors stand in line in abject anticipation to sample a taste of that meaty goodness.

But you will also be judged on your stuffing (ability to write compelling copy filled with filling information and savory facts).

Don't forget the vegetables (the writer bio that shows you have the "shallots" to pull the book off) and the mashed potatoes (the market study that showed what other various books are in the same niche and how they are similar and different from your masterpiece).

The big finale is the pumpkin pie, the veritable icing on the cake (the marketing proposal) that will seal the deal and turn the agent's head.

Pardon the reach when it comes to my holiday metaphors, but you need to serve up a complete meal in your book proposal so an editor will feel grateful that you have chosen to grace him with your words.

Drive and eat (and propose) safely.

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Sell Your Book's Sizzle

2009-11-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Bad News:

The days of the multi-city national book tour signing hundreds of copies for adoring fans, staying in posh hotels and eating at the finest restaurants on the publisher's dime are over - if they ever existed.

The Good News:

The days of the multi-city national book tour signing hundreds of copies for adoring fans, staying in dive hotels and eating on the road on the publisher's dime are over.

Today, it is almost always the author's responsibility to market your book. That is why one of the most important parts of your book proposal is the marketing section. In fact, a well-thought out campaign for creating buzz should be one of the most substation parts of your proposal. Very few publishers today invest a lot of money in marketing books - particularly by first-time authors.

That leaves the heavy lifting of getting the word out about your book to you. A publisher wants to know how you plan to tell people about your Perfect Pie tribute - and they want to know before they put the money into printing 50,000 copies.

How will you sell the sizzle? Are you going to work the fairs, trade shows and cooking demonstrations?

The other good news is that thanks to social media, you can build a platform of interested potential readers long before you write the first chapter. In fact, your best bet is to develop devoted followers before you write the proposal so you can tell your prospective publisher about the 10,000 tweets who hang on your every 140-word post and the Facebook fan club waiting to devour your next article.

This is where your MasterMind Writer's Group can come in handy. Leverage their relationships to find new audiences for your work.

Include a section in your marketing proposal for virtual demonstrations that will give your readers a taste of what is inside the book. And always leave them wanting more.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How to Turn an Editor's Head

2009-10-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Think back to third grade. What was the first assignment your teacher gave you when you returned to school in the fall? You wrote about your summer vacation.

Why did your teacher give you this predictable assignment? Was she doing a thesis on waterparks of the greater metro area? Did she want to torture you with images that were now long gone? No, she knew you would be more likely to write if you wrote about something you loved - like yourself.

Now that we are grown authors, we are told, "Write what you know." What do we know better than ourselves?

So why does writing your bio in a book proposal seem like such a chore?

It's not like we have to do a lot of research.

It can't be because we are shy. Aren't authors, by definition, narcissists?

The challenge is that this can't be just any old bio. This needs to be a description of yourself that positions you as the best person under the sun to write about this particular topic. Or as the kids on the playground would ask, "Who died and make you king?" You have to crown yourself.

Start by doing some brainstorming. List every connection you have to the topic. Call your mother or your MasterMind team if you need help seeing the resource in the mirror. This is no time for modesty.

List your education, life experience, other writing on this topic, talks that you have given. If it is a new age book go ahead and include a past life or two if that helps. This should be easy. You have been talking about yourself since third grade.

Now weave that into a narrative that convinces the editor you uniquely understand the subject and the audience and your phone will start ringing.

Good luck.

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Viral Book Titles

2009-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

How are you progressing on your 100-day book proposal challenge? Have you brainstormed with your MasterMind group to come up with the perfect topic?

Now you need a headline that will go viral.

Human brains are the original search engines, constantly sending out feelers looking for interesting bits of information that resonate and intrigue. You need a title that is optimized to latch onto those inquisitive minds by playing off trends, fascinations and identification. It needs to worm it's way into their psyche so they have to buy that book from the infinite stacks in the physical and digital book store.

How do you do this?

Grab a MasterMind partner and start a quick word association game. Write down every term that comes to mind. If the topic is swine flu, then the list should start with bacon and end with tetanus.

What natural word phrases come from those roots? What words stress the uniqueness of your book? The Virus that Launched a Billion Shots? The Pandemic that Never Was? Feel free to jump in at any time. The more ideas the better at this point.

Your sub-head can clarify the catchy title and explain what the reader will learn by the last page. The Race to Distribute N1H1 Vaccine. Modern Methods for Communicating Urgency. You get the picture. Now start the word spew.

I look forward to hearing your titles and updates on your 10--Day Book Proposal Challenge.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Research Your Way to the Bestseller List

2009-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

The first step in your 100-day book proposal challenge is to determine exactly what book you are pitching. That means researching to find the topic that fits your writing style like a glove. While the answer may seem obvious, be careful to collect all the data before drawing a conclusion. Only once you have taken the following three steps are you ready to write a compelling description that will get the eye of an agent and a publisher.

1. Start with some open ended brainstorming. Even if you have known since you were in third grade that you were going to write the Great American Novel about bacteria and fungi, start by writing all the terms that come to mind on the topic. Look for connections with recent headlines, controversial angles and eye-catching hooks.

2. Now the research begins. Collect all the information you can on your topic. I don't just mean look it up on wikipedia or google search. Be creative. Who are the faces behind bacillus? What do they look, smell and taste like? How do the good and bad microorganisms live together? What do they have for breakfast?

3. As you follow the meandering information trail, monitor your internal awe-o-meter for what interests you. What makes you want to know more? What makes you sit up in your seat and put down your coffee cup? Chances are those are the topics that will stir enough passion in you to keep you interested during the long months it takes to write a book. That passion is also what will keep your readers interested enough to buy and finish your work of art.

4. Your research also has to include an exhaustive search of all books written on that topic. And don't say this is a completely new subject. Chances are someone has already delved into the sex life of Escherichia coli bacilli. And that is a good thing in the eye of your future publisher. It means that there is a market for the topic. Now you just have to find your unique, timely, provocative take on the subject.

5. Write down a few variations. "Aquificae for Fun and Profit", "Tenericutes: The Nitrospirae of a New World" Maybe "Gemmatimonadetes goes Wild". Say your bestselling titles out loud. Do they make you want to know more? Try your titles out on your MasterMind group. Keep trying until you hit on an idea that has legs.

6. Congratulate yourself. This is important work. Plus, you are going to need all your strength for next week's project. Writing a description of your novella that has the potential to go viral.

Feel free to share.

Yours in Writing

Promtpmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

100-Day Book Writing Challenge

2009-10-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's time for some goal setting. As we celebrate the arrival of fall, let's take a moment to think about what we could accomplish in the next 100-days (basically three months) if we put our collective minds to the task of moving our writing careers forward.

Pick a partner and together pledge to write that proposal, send in that article or start that blog you have always talked about, but never had time to finish. Now is the time!

Like a good three-legged race, the key to crossing the finish line is not strength or speed, but planning. Left, right, left. Comfortable strides. Pace out your project. If it is a proposal, start by researching the competition and drafting your marketing plan. Then pencil out the table of contents and the first few chapters.

Check in with your MasterMind writing partner regularly for feedback. Then polish, polish, polish. Once you are in the home stretch, network with your writing community to make a connection with the appropriate agent.

Think how good it will feel to finally hold your dream in a complete package ready to go out into the world. All thanks to a little help from your team. That is the power of a 100-Day Book Publishing Challenge.

Starting Now! Go! And don't forget to check in with us here at MMW. We are cheering you on every day.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How to Form a MasterMind Group (or how to add Kevin Bacon to your circle)

2009-09-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

We talk a lot about the benefits of sharing, holding accountable and celebrating our writing success in a MasterMind Group forum. But I am often asked exactly how does a writer find a group of like-minded scribes?

The degrees of separation between you and your fellow writers are narrower than you might think. If, as the theory goes, there are only five degrees of separation between any given person and Kevin Bacon, then the separation between you and another motivated author are even smaller.

Following are four ways to make the connection that could change your literary life.

1. Ask your friends. I know this sounds obvious, but sometimes we are shy about announcing our desire to be a published author. Proclaim your intention to the world. Talk about your desire to host a group of writers to facilitate mutual publication. The woman who sits in the cubicle next to you may be a closet GAN (Great American Novelist). Your Batista may pen poems on his breaks. Your neighbor may be a blogger of epic proportions. You never know if you don't ask. Plus, verbalizing your desire to start the group will keep you focused and accountable. When asked at the next office party how your group is going you will be able to report your success.

2. Look for Hubs. Where do writers congregate? Coffee shops? Libraries? College campuses? Think about the type of writing you want to do and the type of people who would work well with your group style. Hang out there. Post notices on bulletin boards. Start conversations. This is a great way to focus your group and meet new people.

3. Use technology. Writers today will find making connections with fellow authors much easier thanks to innovations such as Twitter, Facebook, Meetup and Craigslist. So no excuses. Get online and find your perfect group or post an invitation that lets them find you. Remember, you don't have to be confined by geography. MasterMind Groups can Skype, conference call and chat their way to success. You just miss out on the homemade cookies at some pot luck meetings.

4. Just do it. In the end, you have to stop talking and posting about your group and just start meeting. Even if it is you and one friend. Set a date and start reporting, nudging, announcing and celebrating. The word will get out and soon Kevin will be calling you to see if he can join.

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How Writing Groups are Like Human Pyramids

2009-09-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

One of my family's favorite summer activities is cruising the river. Bill and the kids wakeboard, swim and search for the perfect rope swing. We always bring friends. Some are experts at holding onto a stick with a board on their feet. Others are beginners. All make the trip more fun because they bring their own perspective.

Like MasterMind Writing Groups that mix skill levels, expert boarders learn from beginners by recalling the basics. Beginners, in turn, benefit from the wisdom of those who have been doing it since they could walk.

We all remember how nervous we were that first time we tentatively grabbed the writing world by the keyboard and pulled ourselves up. Circling around to share a trick with a new writer gives us a chance to think up new angles no one has ever tried before. We step up our game and we bring our group along with us for the refreshing ride.

Of course one of the best things about spending a sunny day on the water is cruising up to a shoreside restaurant at sunset to celebrate our accomplishments - something a MasterMind Group is well suited to replicate. The group that learns together celebrates together.

How does your group cool it's jets?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Paint with Words

2009-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Since MasterMind Groups are about sharing, I thought I would pass on a resource a fellow Tweep, @keisawilliams sent out into the Twitterverse over the weekend. http://tinyurl.com/ljmjrb is a list of character analysis vocabulary words from the writing center at Valle Verde that can help you put the right face on the right character.

For instance, when you introduce the heroine, she can be beautiful, pretty, fair, comely or delicate. All could probably describe a cast of runway models, but each shows a slightly different side of our evolving damsel and can translate into different actions later in the story.

Similarly for our everyman hero. He can be virile, robust, hardy, strapping, stalwart or brawny. Any of the above might be able to open a pickle jar, but might react differently if in a pickle that required a moral judgement.

When it comes to shading our characters characters, it helps to have a palette full of subtle variations to cast just the right tone.

Isn't that what we do? We paint with words. The wrong word can create a picture that just doesn't look right somehow, like a cubist Picasso painting, but for the wrong reasons.

Practice describing famous people with your MasterMind Group using the Valle Verde list as a jumping off point. Them move to real people who have not already been made into caricatures by the media. See how changing just a few words alters the mood of the image.

Feel free to share the results here.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Labor of Love

2009-09-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate Labor Day, remember that the holiday - and the very idea of a weekend - was made possible by a group of people who came together focused on a goal bigger than any of them individually.

Whether you are a union member fighting for health insurance, an environmentalist trying to save habitat or a writer struggling to overcome writer's block, it helps to have a group of friends you can turn to for support. MasterMind Writers Groups help you learn, grow and do.

Networks open your eyes to a bigger world. You are not alone. They bring resources available only in large, diverse organizations and they make the fight that much more fun.

Plus, when you reach your goal, you have a ready-made pot luck barbecue invite list.

What did your group do over the summer to make the world better for writers everywhere?

What do you plan to do this fall to pave the way for a literary 2010?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Welcome Back the Team

2009-08-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time. Teachers today understand they aren't just drilling facts into tableau rosas; they are giving students the tools to be effective in the real world. That means an understanding of the importance of working well in teams.

As we all learned from Welcome Back Kotter, the more diverse the team, the more resources the collective has to put into a project and the more likely a lesson will be learned by the end of the half-hour show.

The same is true in writing teams. A diverse group of talented people coming together to share their unique experiences helps everyone grow - and have fun doing it.

Each episode featured a different member of the cast working through a challenge, with supporting cast members giving advice, a shoulder to cry on and praise for a job well done. Similarly, in a MasterMind Group, members take turns sharing their progress, celebrating fellow member accomplishments and everyone learns from the experience.

If you haven't formed your group yet, now is the time to set up a regular meeting schedule. Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success has an entire chapter devoted to creative ways to launch a productive group.

If you already have a group, approach meetings with a team attitude and you may find that you have more answers that you previously thought.

Can I get a Ooh, ooh, Mr. Kotter?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Literary Cartographers

2009-08-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Writing is a communal act that spans generations and cultures. This shared struggle is evidenced in the wise words of Milan Kundera's essay in Seven Parts, "The Curtain".

One if the many jewels uncovered in this deconstruction of the evolution of the novel is borrowed from avant-garde 1920s writers. "First, as in the automatic writing of the surrealists, write twenty pages with no rational control, then reread that with a sharp critical eye, keep what is essential and go on that way."

Good advice we would probably call stream of consciousness writing. I often brain dump all my research on a page before creating an outline, subheads and categories. Then I polish the transitions, but Kundera turns this mechanical process into a powerful image when he follows this advice with the observation: "It is as if he hoped to hitch the novel's cart to a wild horse called 'drunkenness', alongside a trained horse called 'rationality.'"

Where is your wagon team taking you? Don't be afraid to look to those who have traveled the literary trail for directions. At the same time, don't be afraid to blaze your own trail.

Who are your literary cartographers? What advice do you value as you move to make your mark?

Bum in Chair, Pen in Hand (BICPIH)

2009-08-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have heard the sentiment expressed many ways, "Ass in Chair, Fingers on Keys"; "Bottom in Seat, Hands on Keyboard", A friend from Australia used to say "Bum in Chair". Personally, I like the romantic ideal of using a Pen in Hand to capture fleeting thoughts before subjecting them to the rigors of MS Word Spellcheck and the dreaded Track Changes.

No matter how you say it, the concept is the same. The key to finishing a story, blog or book is to sit down and do it.

Last week, I asked about your ideal place to write.

Patricia Brooks replied that her best writing is done "in a cubicle at the library and outdoors when it is cool on the deck."

Damien Grintalis chimed in with "Sitting on my sofa, laptop balanced on my knees from midnight to 5 a.m."

And Joanna Young said "Coffee shop or anywhere my kids aren't." I know that one.

I usually work in my home office with my file folders close at hand, my hot tea at my side, the crazy yellow lab on the daybed by the window and a shelf of shoes to motivate me to work harder. However, modern technology has made it possible to work anywhere and I have been known to bang out a story or two by the pool or in a hotel room.

This week, my MasterMind Writer's Group will be meeting at The Urban Hive www.theurbanhive.com a coworking space in Sacramento designed to allow creative people to work independently while taking advantage of the collective group environment at an affordable price. This can be a big help to writers who get lonely at home or need other people to keep them accountable and out of the kitchen. Sounds more productive than sharing a space with a dog that randomly inserts her head under your hand until you remove your fingers from the keyboard to pet her.

To demonstrate the power of working together independently, the Hive has declared August 13 to be Writer's Day and will allow literary visitors to work there free. I'm looking forward to soaking in the vibe and seeing the magic for myself.

Hope to see you there.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Where Does Your Book Grow?

2009-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful things about being a writer is that you can practice your craft anywhere - almost.

As mobile as writing sounds with the help of laptops and cell phones, finding a quiet place, that isn't too quiet, can be a challenge. We have talked about when we write - between dropping off kids and making dinner, early morning, late at night - but now I would like to hear about your where.

Do you have a home office devoted to pads of paper, books on dialogue and plotting?
Do you share space with the sewing machine and fight for an outlet with the television?
Do you work at a coffee shop, inspired by the diverse set of characters that come and go all day?
Do you go to an office, perhaps a shared office, to be inspired by coworkers?

This month the MasterMind Group will be hosted by the Sacramento co-working space Urban Hive (more details to come later) for a day of sharing, encouragement and goal-setting. As we test drive this creative option, please share with us where you work and why. What do you like best about your arrangement? What are the challenges. We just may have some suggestions that will feed your spirit and your productivity.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

Write Together Safely

2009-07-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of MasterMinding with other writers is that on occasion an opportunity comes up where writers can partner together. This is a great way to split the work and double the fun. However, new partners should exercise caution when setting up a writing team.

The best way to ensure that the creative ideas and the good will keeps flowing is to start by writing out a legal agreement that spells out responsibilities and rewards. Who will do what portions of the project? How will any compensation be divided? These necessary "technicalities" can take a number of forms:

Collaboration agreement – used when two or more writers work together on a project, it should spell out what is required of each. It should also spell out what happens if one of the parties fails to deliver.

Work-For-Hire Agreement – used by publishing companies when they commission or assign work to a writer, rather than a writer approaching them with an idea. With a WFH agreement, the writer is doing work in exchange for a flat fee and will not own any rights in the work.

Partnership Agreement – similar to a collaboration agreement, a partnership agreement generally implies that there is more to the project than just a book – such as a web site or spin off products.

Release Form – release forms should be used whenever you are including material in your books/articles that you did not write yourself. An example is a story release form that each contributor to an anthology would have to sign in order to have their story appear in the book.

We both have stories of times we wish we had dotted more "i"s and crossed all out "t"s in advance. Any MasterMind readers care to share their tips for keeping the wordsmithing positive?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Building a Platform

2009-07-20T09:46:00.001-07:00

Last week was devoted to co-mingling - getting out there and mixing it up for inspiration, business and fun. One of the highlights of my week was a workshop performed by an inspirational woman in my Writer's MasterMind Group, Dena Kouremetis.

Dena is writing a book tentatively titled "A Smart Woman's Guide to Romance in Midlife". She is out building her platform while she researches and writes the book. Now that is smart.

The event was information-packed, fun and filled with vibrant women aided in part by her connections in our writer's group. One fellow member spoke and pitched her own book to the group. She also made the connection at the swanky spa where we relaxed while talking about respecting our inner and outer happiness.

In addition to the workshops (another one is planned for Aug 21 if you are interested in attending a Heartfelt Transitions Ladies Night Out), she also writes a Lady Boomer column for the Examiner, speaks about citizen journalism and networks with the powerful local chapter of eWomen Network.

As you delve into your topic, researching, writing and obsessing over your book, set aside some time to think about how you will market, sell and leverage the finished product to launch a career that could pay more and be even more satisfying than you had originally intended. Your agent will be glad you did. Plus, you may end up with a better product if you are getting feedback early in the process. And when the ink has finally dried, you will have a developed audience eagerly anticipating and ready to buy your finished product.

What can you do to build a platform even before you book is complete?

1. Network in the field in person and online

2. Give classes, workshops, talks on the topic

3. Seek out others in the field and establish a mutually beneficial relationship by guest blogging, speaking with them or trading book blurbs

How do you build your platform?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Three Ways to Add Meaning to Mixers

2009-07-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

We are back from vacation just in time for the mid-summer mixer season. Why is it important for writers to leave their keyboards and spend an evening or two in the company of fellow wordsmiths? For the same reason writing groups enrich the process. Connecting with people in thoughtful ways can make you a happier, more focused person and writer.

Meaningful conversations - like realistic dialogue - don't just happen by accident. You have to be ready to get beyond the talk about the weather and vacations. Before you don your party shoes and order that glass of bubbly, take a minute to think about you goals.

Yes, even social events can have goals. Below are three of mine and how I plan to achieve them.

1. Fresh Faces

I am always richer for having brought new ideas and perspectives into my life. While hanging with people I already know is safer, it won't broaden my horizons. At each event I plan to walk up to someone I have never seen before and introduce myself. While I don't want to impose by taking up a lot of time, I will stay with this person long enough to understand what drew him to the event, what she hopes to take away and how I can help.

2. Real Solutions

Instead of focusing on small talk, I plan to ask people about the challenges and successes they are having. In fact, I will share my most recent challenge (so far today it is getting phone calls returned, a common summer malady) and see if my fellow writers have any creative solutions. If I am experiencing it, others may be as well.

3. Follow Up

As fun and productive as some events may feel on the drive home, they become the equivalent of a one-night-stand if I don't follow up. Instead of letting that pile of business cards stare at me menacingly for weeks before they accidentally end up in the garbage, I will take a moment when I get home to drop a note to those I promised to send information about other events. I will make appointments for coffee and lunch. I will pitch stories, thank hosts and add contacts to my Outlook. Then I will sleep soundly knowing I had a meaningful evening.

What are your secrets for a meaningful mixer?

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Enjoy the Journey

2009-06-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Writing is a journey, so we are taking the MasterMind Writers on a trip to the great Northwest. As we travel, we will share the thoughts that make us want to reach for our pen, stop at a wifi hot spot and boot up the mini to record our inspiration for later.

Life comes at us fast. That is why we need our friends there to help us remember - and sometimes to help us forget.

Are you taking a trip this summer? Record your experiences for posterity - and a tax write off. Then share with us here at MMW. We're looking forward to comparing tan lines.

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

The Write Twitter Goal

2009-06-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Today I will prove to you why writers need to be on and using Twitter.

In the last year I have:

Met and been inspired by a diverse array of talented writers and thinkers reaching out to anyone who would listen in 140 characters or less.
Participated in #journchat, #editorchat and #writechat.
Interacted with some 1,500 followers at varying levels.
Spread the word about interesting sites, books worthy causes and people.
Connected with old friends.
Found new sources.
Enjoyed real-time glimpses into what people all over the world are doing at any given moment.
Won tickets to the jazz jubilee and half price dinner at L Wine Lounge.
Learned about new software.
Read a progressive novel (written as a community effort in 140-character increments).

Last week, the Twitter experience moved to a new level of productivity for me. Anna DeStefana, an Atlanta-based paranormal romantic suspense author started a new Twitter meeting place under the hashtag #writegoal. Writers state their goals in the morning then report back that evening. We all hold each other accountable and and cheer every success as our own.

Examples include:

wiremamma Today - get WIP big character intro scene completed - looking at 1k words. Good luck w/ your goals, everyone! #writegoal
jenniholbrook #writegoal reading through everyone's goals. Its going to be a productive day! I just know it.

about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck

uniquelysteph I've written every day since last Tuesday thanks to #writegoal :) And it's been fun! That hasn't happened in well over a year.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox

How is that for inspiring? Are you convinced? Join the conversation. Tell us your goals. Share your secrets for reaching them and celebrate with us as we bring new works of literary art into the world.

Yours in writingPromptmastersJennifer SanderJT Long (@jtlongandco)

Spare the Pen...

2009-06-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

Writing groups come in all shapes, sizes, colors and capacities. Some are designed to inspire, motivate and focus. Others get down to the letter level with members critiquing, editing and giving feedback on writing projects.

Both kinds of groups have their place. Today we will look at the pros and cons on including critique in your MasterMind Writing Group.

Pro:

An External Gauge. It is easy to get caught up in your own story - writing, revising and obsessing over details that others might not see while missing the black hole in the center of the plot. Having someone else read your piece and give objective feedback can help you see the work with new eyes. Is there something that doesn't make sense? Does the dialogue sound natural? Are the characters developed? Does it need more research?

Motivation. Knowing that someone will be reading your piece is a great motivator to get it done and polished. Writers need deadlines - and coffee.

Con:

Time and space. Reading your fellow writers' masterpieces can be a joy and a time eater. If you are going to be reading each other's works, limit the number of people in the group, the number of pages submitted for feedback and allow enough time between submitting and meeting to let everyone do their homework.

Expertise. Feedback is great, but quality feedback requires finding a group of people with similar expertise in your genre who understand the writing style, the market and how to overcome common challenges. That can make forming the group more difficult.

Once you consider the pros and cons, create a group that fits your needs. That may mean having more than one group, a larger one to talk about the business of writing and a smaller, more intimate one where a couple of other people who are at about the same level and style of writing help you iron out the details of your work.

The most important thing is that you get out there, meet people with the same goals and help each other find publishing success.

Have you hugged your MasterMind Group today?

Yours in publishing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

On Living Vicariously Through Your Fellow Writers

2009-06-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Every week I write about the joys of having a writer's network that prods, supports and educates me. Today, I want to show you the best reason for sharing the writing journey - parties.

Over the weekend, each member of our writing group received the following email from Dawn Lairamore, a very talented writer who will soon be a household name:

"Some of you know this has been brewing for a little while, so today I’m pleased to be able to announce that Holiday House Inc., an independent publisher of children’s books in New York City, has formally acquired the rights to my first novel, Emma & Elridge, which they tentatively hope to release as part of their Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 book list."

"I can’t thank you ladies enough for all your support over the past year. I hope you’ll wish me luck as E&E heads into editorial (a thought that makes my heart pound every time I think of it), and, of course, I’ll send out more news as it becomes available."

This was tantamount to a birth announcement directed toward the midwives who have been holding her hand as the pregnancy progressed. We couldn't be prouder.

What we weren't was surprised. Dawn can write! And the story is amazing. Check out the synopsis from the book proposal:

"The kingdom of Ardendale has always locked its princesses in a white tower guarded by a dragon. It’s the only way to lure gallant young princes to the tiny, out-of-the-way kingdom to marry them. But Emma is a princess who doesn’t care to be rescued, and Elridge a dragon afraid of being slain. Neither wants anything to do with Romil, a scheming prince from the frozen north who has his own less-than-romantic reasons for wanting Emma’s hand in marriage. Never mind that humans and dragons have loathed each other for centuries, it isn’t long before this feisty princess and rather undragonly dragon have fled the tower and set off on a perilous journey to find Emma’s long-lost fairy godmother, the only one who might help them escape the not-so-fairy-tale fates that await them. Full of humor and high adventure—and plenty of refurbished fairy tale motifs—Emma & Elridge is a twist on the typical princess-needs-rescuing-from-a-dragon storyline so common in traditional tales, featuring a princess and a dragon who actually team up to thwart the handsome prince."

How cool is that? I know the first comment is going to be where can I order advance copies. I'll let you know as soon as I find out. In the meantime, let's all celebrate the success of this very talented woman. She is an inspiration to us all.

Now it is your turn to conquer the world and share your milestones with us at MasterMind Writers.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Master of All Writing Trades

2009-06-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Writers write, right? Actually a successful writer must do so much more.

First writers have to master the subject they pen, whether that is paranormal romance (very popular right now I might add) or murder mystery. The good news is that it may be easier for a writer to learn the nuances of each of these worlds than for a vampire or jewelry thief to get the hang of Strunk and White.

But that is just for starters. Writers must also know how to negotiate with agents and publishers, manage the business side if they self-publish, market themselves and their book and speak to audiences large and small about the zombie call girl killer they spent the last two years creating.

Those of you who Twitter may have caught some of last week's #writechat where we discussed the Master of All Trades requirement for writers. While some of these skills come naturally to some of you, others may have to be learned.

That is where a MasterMind Writer's Group can help. While each member of your group may not possess all of these traits, collectively, you have the resources of a NYC publishing house. Don't be shy about asking for advice on the best way to book radio interviews, declare tax deductions or get more favorable terms with an agent. Often they have been there and done that and are happy to share what they learned.

Speaking of shy, your group is a great way to break into public speaking if that is a difficult area for you. Start by talking to this small support group about your project and you will find it easier to talk to larger groups of strangers about why they should buy your book. Many people find that giving workshops and seminars on their topic is actually more rewarding than selling the book itself. You may discover a whole new career.

Explore other resources as well. Think of the world as your own personal MasterMind Group. Below are some organizations you might want to consider joining in your town:

Toastmasters

American Marketing Association

Independent Book Publisher's Association

Where do you go for advice on how to master the many tasks required of writers today?

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

Remembering Literary Heroes

2009-05-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to take a moment to remember the authors throughout time who risked their lives - and their sanity in some instances - to challenge the powers that be armed only with the written word.

Writing is not an easy profession. We choose to put words to paper because we have something to say. Sometimes those words aren't popular with the status quo and the reward for speaking the truth can be punishment - or in the case of Salman Rushdie, a fatwa for committing "intellectual terrorism."

The world can be a difficult place for writers who dare to make a difference. I know I usually talk about the power that your fellow writers can make as a small group dedicated to your publishing success. But sometimes literature needs a coordinated support network.

PEN, the association of writers working to advance literature, defend free expression and foster international literary fellowship, works to defend the rights of writers all over the world.

You can help the journalists currently suffering in prisons or under threat of death for telling the truth by visiting the PEN site. Become a member, sign a petition and get on the Rapid Action Network list to keep informed of the challenges facing writers today.

I always say, never write alone. Let's take a moment to honor the legacy authors have left so we are free to write what and how we want by making a commitment to speak out for those who don't have that freedom. They are not alone as long as they are in our thoughts and actions.

Keep writing. You owe it to your literary ancestors.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

Do You Have a Firm Writing Foundation?

2009-05-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

There is no right way to run a writer's group. I am a member of three very different creative consortiums and each one fills a different need.

However, over the years, we have learned some basics of meeting management that can help everyone be more successful. You see, like a glass and steel skyscraper, the strength of any building is in it's foundation. If the framework is sound, then the details can shine.

The building blocks of a productive MasterMind Writing Group include:

Piers (or peers): Start with a core group of dedicated fellow writers, Ideally, some will be more experienced and some less seasoned. This makes for a nice mix of energy, resources, mentoring and education. As long as everyone shares the goal of reaching for the publishing stars, then you will all benefit from the diverse grounding.

Support: Like the New York city skyline, the impact comes from the critical mass of proud buildings shining in the night. Each member benefits from the glow of success thrown by fellow writers as all bask in the advancement of the group. Make time for sharing and celebrating success. It is inspiring and uplifting.

Code: While this is a creative group, members must still be held accountable to progress and process. One of the most powerful aspects of a MasterMind Group is the peer pressure to set goals and then report back on progress at the next meeting. Procrastination loses its appeal when you know you will have to put down your glass and admit you didn't finish your query or your chapter. Process is also essential as following a set routine at a meeting allows each person time to report, ask for advice and set new goals.

What are your secrets for a strong writing group foundation? How do your structure your meetings, share your successes and reach for the sky?

Yours in Writing,

Promtmasters

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

Why Write?

2009-05-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

A meaningful goal is one of the best motivational tools around. Writing is long, hard work. Focusing on the reward on the other side of the page can be a great way to keep motivated. It's like your mother putting that big piece of chocolate cake on the table and telling you to eat your vegetables first.

Why do you write? While our reasons may seem obvious, taking the time to verbalize them to your MasterMind Group could ensure that the type of book you write will actually help you reach your goals. Let's look at a few examples.

Credibility/ Business Development: For many, the word "author" after your name is synonymous with "expert." Writing a book can be a wonderful way to establish your credentials as an authority on a subject. This can differentiate you from your competition and lead to increased speaking requests and sales. Steven Van Yoder, the author of "Get Slightly Famous: Become a Celebrity in Your Field and Attract More Business with Less Effort" recommends publishing a book as one way to create a superstar career.

If business development is your goal, then as you write it is important to keep in mind that you need to express your core marketing message in clear, straightforward ways in order to develop your brand. Do not stray into ancillary areas and consider how the book will translate into talks and workshops.

Expression: Books can influence people and change the world. Peter Singer, author of "The Life You Can Save" and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, says he wrote his most recent plea for a coordinated humanitarian movement because "I thought that the time was right for a book."

Do you have something that you just need to say either as a work of fiction or newspaper opinion piece? The best way to start is to boil the theme down to a few sentences. Try it out on your fellow writers to make sure it resonates. Then build an emotional and logical argument around the issue using your storytelling and research skills.

Get Rich Quick: If making a lot of money by writing the next Great American Novel in a weekend is your idea of the literary life then maybe you need a reality check from your support group. They might even be able to help you pick some lottery numbers. What they will probably share is the value of crafting a fulfilling life working hard and doing what you love.

As you can see, starting with the ending is often the best way to ensure you get where you are going.

Why do you write?

Yours in writing,

Promtpmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

A TEAM Approach

2009-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Crossing the finish line doesn't have to be a solitary moment. In Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success, we use the metaphor of a marathon because the writing and running have a lot in common. Although often considered individual sports, both are more productive and fun when supported by a team concept.

Like publishing a book, running a marathon is not something you wake up and decide to do one day. Both require months of dedicated work. During that time if left to our own devices, it can be easy to get discouraged, lose sight of the goal and slack off.

A group of friends who share the same goal can make the training and hours at the computer more fun by making the dream more vivid. Just knowing that these people are in your corner, cheering you on, can propel you forward. And because they are sharing the same journey, they can offer tips on short cuts, resources and inspiration. This is especially true if they have written a book or completed a marathon before.

When the day finally comes to cross the finish line and attend the launch party, your team will be at your side, celebrating your victory. How sweet is that?

How has your Writer's MasterMind team helped you stay on track?

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

Recipe for a Productive Writing Session

2009-04-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

What is the secret for making sure your time at the keyboard results in the maximum amount of savory prose, juicy details and wordy wisdom? Two things - coffee and deadlines.

When it comes to the second item, I am forever grateful to my editors who keep my on track for weekly production. This blog also helps keep me typing regularly. Discipline was one of the subjects that came up in the weekly Twitter #writechat on Sunday (while I was taking a coffee break from other deadlines) and we all agreed that the structure of a blog was a positive influence on our overall writing. Jessica Rosenberg @kikarose said, "Blogging has made me really work at writing regularly" and Carla Lucchetta @herkind said "Blogging is great for discipline."

For more personal projects I look to my MasterMind Group to keep me on the straight and punctuated. That is why I am so excited that the group is coming to my house on Wednesday for some good old-fashioned nudging, brainstorming and celebrating. Yes, I have to make time to clean and cook, but the ROI will be incentive to finish my proposal so I can sit up straight in my chair and say that I have made genuine progress.

This sort of "at the Pearly Gates" accountability can be done in person or online, but is always more effective with coffee or chocolate or both.

What motivates you?

Yours in writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

Celebrate Collective Success

2009-04-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of the primary goals of a MasterMind Writing Group - along with nudging and brainstorming - is to celebrate collective publishing successes. I am a member of a number of groups and applaud each step members take on their journey toward authorhood. It gives everyone else in the group hope that they can reach similar goals and insight into what works and what doesn't.

I would like to share a couple of success stories with you here so you can think about how to do similar things in your groups.

A relatively new member of one of my groups is Dena, a talented and prolific writer entering a new phase in her career. After years of writing about real estate, she wants to make her work more meaningful. Her next project is entitled A Smart Woman's Guide to Romance in Midlife and it is a labor of love. To create some buzz and start establishing her platform, Dena is holding the first of a series of workshops for unattached midlife ladies aged 40-65 who are ready to embark on finding love again - or even for the first time. If you are in the Roseville, Calif. area Saturday, May 23, join her for Heartfelt Transitions*. You will be educated, inspired and have a lot of fun. In addition to talking about how to use online dating resources effectively, Dena has brought together a team to explore the world of makeup, fitness and wardrobe for confidence. Again, I want to stress, this is a book that hasn't been written yet, but she is taking the time to connect with her potential readers on a very intimate level. You go Dena.

Another member, Michelle, has had immense success promoting her book, Second Bloom: 10 Steps to Change Your Life. This action-oriented look at how to overcome inertia and reach your professional and personal goals stemmed from her personal journey. She has thrown herself into bringing the message to a wider audience. She has given workshops, appeared on local television stations, will be at Professional Business Women of California in May and rumor has it Oprah's people are looking at the book. This success did not happen by accident. Michelle had a plan from the beginning and with the help of her support network she is working every day to realize her dreams.

What can you do to bring your message to the people who need to hear it, even if you haven't finished your book yet? What can your MasterMind Group do to help you reach a wider audience? Please support these inspirational authors and share your successes with your group in person and here. We are rooting for you.

*Heartfelt Transitions will take place on Saturday, May 23rd at Jericho Coffee in Granite Bay, located at 8711 Sierra College Blvd. Admission is $39.99 and tickets will be sold at the door.

Join the Clean Slate Writing Club

2009-04-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is all about new life. Whether it is daffodils poking their heads out of the ground, calves jumping around their mothers in the fields or authors starting fresh with a new resolve to put something into the world that wasn't there before. Think of it as new Year's without the hangover.

Those flowers don't welcome the return of the sun alone and a cow is a part of a herd so why should writers have to go it alone. This is the time to turn to your support network for some nurturing. As we say in Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success, this is not about forcing someone to read your college thesis. Think of a MasterMind group as Miracle Grow for your career. It fertilizes your creative and professional ground so you can grow faster and stronger. Use your group to:

* Brainstorm story ideas

* Ask for productivity tips

* Share the names of good editors and agents.

Remember, a writers support network is as much about giving as it is about receiving. What are you going to bring into the world this year?

Leveraging Resources of All Sizes

2009-04-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

When is a group more than the sum of its parts? When it is a MasterMind Writing Group. As we discuss in Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success, a group of writers focused on helping everyone get published brings a bevy of contacts, best practices and skills to a discussion. Your fellow members can put you in touch with agents, editors and research treasure troves. They can also act as co-writers, guest bloggers and reviewers. The more each member gives, the more each writer gains valuable experience.

In that spirit, as Jennifer and I set off on our Spring Break adventure along the coast of California, we are tapping a vital resource from our primary MasterMind Group, our children. In true Bill Keane Family Circus style, we will have our 14-year-old sons, Joe and Julian, post this week's writing prompts from their observations of slug bugs, college campuses and beastly waves.

This is your chance to write a scene in the voice of today's youth, tomorrow's book-reading audience. What are they really thinking when they type: Hay, wuzup dude? Who are they talking to and what response are they hoping to hear when the attached digital device beep beeps a minute later? Think of it as your chance to glimpse all the energy of a pubescent boy without the smell.

In the meantime, we hope spring has awakened the productive writer in you and we will soon see all kinds of updates about contracts signed, book release parties scheduled and sequels in the works. Our own Laura-Lynne Powell is celebrating the release of her story in the anthology My Mom is My Hero, which is out just in time for Mother's Day. Any MasterWriters in the Sacramento Area, please come support her Mothers' Night Out on April 9 at 7:00 at Fire Cafe. Please share your successes. You inspire us everyday. Lol.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Get it in Writing

2009-03-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Writing together can be much more fun and productive than slaving in front of a glowing computer alone all day. As creative writers, however, many of us tend to gloss over the boring legal aspects of our craft. That is why Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success - and ideally your group - devotes a section to the technical details that can make or break a writing arrangement. As Jennifer's intellectual property attorney reminds her - It is always cheaper to anticipate issues rather than clear up messes after ink has dried.

When working collaboratively, all responsibilities and rewards need to be spelled out clearly before the words start flowing. How will any financial gains be divided. How will costs be shared? While each creative project is unique, the types of arrangements tend to fall in set genres and their accompanying paperwork needs to be the first joint endeavor.

Collaboration Agreements: Used when two or more writers work together on a project; it should spell out what is required of each party - and the consequence if one of the members fails to live up to the agreement.

Work-for-Hire Agreement: Used by publishing companies when they commission or assign work to a writer, rather than a writer approaching them with an idea. With a WFH agreement, the writer is doing work in exchange for a flat fee and will not own any rights in the work.

Partnership Agreement: Similar to a collaboration agreement, a partnership agreement generally implies that there is more to the project than just a boo - maybe a web site or spin off product.

Release Form: Release forms should be used whenever you are including material in your books/articles that you did not write yourself. An example is a story release form that each contributor to an anthology would have to sign in order to have a story appear in a book.

Dot your "i" and cross your "f"s and you will be much more likely to write a happy ending.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander and

JT Long

Big Picture Writing Prompt

2009-03-27T15:38:00.001-07:00

Here is the big picture.

How is your literary scene different now that in the cameos from the last three days?

See why having a MasterMind Group to walk you back can help you consider things you might not have noticed before?

Share your results with your group and your fellow blog readers here.

Writing Prompt

2009-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

What is this guy doing here? Who is he and what is his name. Paint me a picture in words.

2009-03-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Writing Prompt:

Who is she? What is her name? What is she thinking? What is she going to do? Share your literary scene with your fellow MasterMinds here.

2009-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Writing Prompt March 24:

What do you see? Who is she? What is her name? What is she thinking? What is she going to do? Share your literary scene with us below.

Big Picture Writing

2009-03-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today's MasterMind Writer Prompt uses a series of tired cliches to illustrate the need for a support group to light the way to publishing success - if only to encourage you to come up with more original cliches.

Big Picture Thinking: Often, as writers, we get so close to the minute details in our work that we lose sight of the goal. A group can remind you that only a moving finger writes, so get the words on paper even if it is nothing to write home about. Then go back later to fix his wagon and fine tune the dialogue. When you are obsessing about a scene, your fellow writers can take you by the hand and walk you back to the reader's perspective so you can see the answer for yourself. They are your eye in the sky.

Takes a Village: Writing doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor. Pair up with another member of your group to co-write a book. You will finish in half the time and have twice as much fun. Plus, collaborating is a great excuse to meet regularly for coffee. The idea exchange can result in out of the box ideas neither of you would have achieved on your own.

All for One: The reason groups are so successful is that everyone sitting around the table has the same goal. At the end of the day, they all want to publish. Sharing resources, ideas and motivation can get everyone across the finish line faster.

That is why this week's prompts will be all about seeing and describing things as they really are, rather than our preconceived notions of how they should be. I hope you have a very productive writing week.

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

PS: My thanks to the cliche finder for the same old, same old. I only wish there were a reverse button on that site.

Five Steps to Publishing Land

2009-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

While every writer and every MasterMind Writer's Group is different, the secret to a successful cohort is to keep your goals clear. In The Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success, we outline the steps to creating a powerful mission statement, however in any group, the basic goal should be to get everyone closer to published author status. Like the classic children's game Candy Land, the path to the bookstore shelf can be winding and we often end up taking two steps forward and three back due to circumstances (or cards) outside of our control. The basic stages of starting, finishing and publishing a piece remain the same, however. A MasterMind Group composed of writers with a mix of experience levels can make each step a little sweeter.

1. Brainstorming. You may have an idea that has been bouncing around the Candy Cane Forest of your mind for years, but floating it in the Chocolate Syrup of the group experiencewill tell you if it has market appeal. Your fellow writers can suggest new angles, brainstorm titles and resources. A solid, marketable idea is the foundation on which all the other pieces of your book rely. Feedback from a trusted group of advisers can ensure the project has legs.

2. Choosing a Path. In Candy Land there is only one way to reach the rainbow's end, but in publishing you have many options: find an agent or publishing house, self-publish or e-publish. The decisions can seem daunting. If you use an agent, you need to do your research to find the right ones that represent your genre. Then write a compelling query letter, complete with sample chapters and a marketing plan. If you self- or e-publish, you still need to research the market and have a plan to get your ideas into the right hands. That is why this step comes before the actual writing step. Your decision about how to position the book can change the recipe for cooking the perfect literary confection. Again, feel free to call on the wisdom of the group. What agents were helpful to them? Who can get you an introduction to Queen Frostine? What details held them back? What were the benefits and limitations of having a publisher take the risk and collect any reward for paying the printers? How difficult was it to land major publicity and manage production without a print house name on the spine? A MasterMind Group can give you the real world 411 so you can answer these questions for yourself.

3. Writing the Book. This may seem like the most important step, but without the others, you are writing for an audience of one. Even this private act benefits from the accountability and encouragement of a group dedicated to your success. How much more will you write if you know at the end of the week you have to answer to the group about how much progress you have made toward Gum Drop Mountain?

4. Rewriting the Book. Once you have sent the book to your agent and the agent has forwarded it to the publisher's editor, you can't wipe your hands of the piece. Multiple rounds of changes can follow. Again a MasterMind Group can come in handy, reassuring you that this is nothing personal, keeping you focused on the prize at the end. Everyone - your publisher, your agent and your writing allies - has the same goal: to get the best (selling) book possible printed and distributed. That is the rainbow at the end of the path. Trust their judgement, but don't be afraid to assert your intimate understanding of what you were trying to say.

5. Starting Over. Now that you have successfully published your book the next question on everyone's lips is "What are you going to write next?" There is no rest for the wordsmith. Now, in addition to non-stop promoting your book, you can take the knowledge you learned the first time around and try a different path - or wear in the last one a little bit more depending on your experience. You can also share your feedback with your MasterMind Group. Compare your journey with the other players in your group and on this web site. That way, everyone wins.

Yours in Writing,

Proptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

The Right Time to Write

2009-03-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

When is the best time to write?

Advice about scheduling is one of the most frequent topics I hear in MasterMind Writer Groups. Like most things related to writing, the answer is a personal one, but advice from others in similar situations can help us find solutions that fit our needs. That is why I did a quick Twitter poll (if you aren't already, follow me there @jtlongandco ) and found that the majority of writers - either because of the need to work during the day or temperament - work best in the afternoon/evening hours.

TJ Pontz, a businsess writer and coach, shared that he can only do administrative, uncreative "office-type junk" before lunch.

Jenifer De La Garza, a real estate writer, said: "I write best in the evenings and even better if I'm under pressure or deadline." Sounds familiar.

Carmen Shirkey, author of the new novel, The List, was an exception to the p.m. rule. "Writing comes to me in the wee hours of the a.m. It's like I dream the words and then they keep me awake until I write them down."

Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite writers, had this to say about making time to write. "My work routine is the same as any working mother's. I sit down at my desk with a cup of coffee as soon as my household gets quiet and the school bus has been met, and I quit the minute they get home and bounce in through my study door at 3:40 to tell me the new exciting tales of their day. Oftentimes that cup of coffee will still be sitting next to my left hand, cold and forgotten because I haven't stood up from my desk since I sad down that morning. (Yes, I do get muscle aches, but a walk or some rigorous gardening is good therapy.) I love to write. For me, it takes discipline to STOP writing and go make dinner or clean up the house. I can't tell you how to love writing, but I think the heart of the matter is that you've got to have some big, true THING you are dying to tell the world."

Now it's your turn. Share your scheduling secrets with your online MasterMind Group here or make that the opening topic of conversation in your next group meeting. Don't have a group yet? You can still pick up a copy of the Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success for tips on how to launch and run an effective group.

Get started NOW!

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long

Literary Soulmates

2009-03-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Have you longed to make a meaningful connection with fellow writers, but don't know how to start? Do you dream of a bond based on mutual encouragement and gentle nudging, but are afraid to take the first step? We have all been there. Finding you literary soulmate doesn't have to be difficult. Like all relationships, the first step is to be yourself and - here's the hard part - put yourself out there. No, I am not talking about an ad on craigslist (although that could work). I am talking about as you go through your daily life, talking to people about your plan to start a MasterMind Writer's Group aimed at helping everyone reach their publishing goals faster while having fun doing it. Here are a few places to look for potential groupies:

Friends and Family (they aren't just for loans anymore). You already know that you enjoy spending time with them; why not schedule a coffee once a week devoted to the sharing, brainstorming, goal setting of a structured MasterMind Group?

Library Bulletin Boards. Readers often make the best writers and your library might even have a room you could use once a month to discuss upcoming projects and remind each other of deadline set at the last meeting.

New Media Messages. Put a note on your Facebook or Twitter page (in 140 characters or less of course) that you are looking to start a MasterMind Writer's Group. Geography need not be a barrier to like-minded conversations when free resources such as Skype make it possible for anyone to nudge you toward completion. You can even post your request in the comment section on this site.

In the book Writer's Secret, we provide suggested questions to ask potential literary soulmates before forming a MasterMind linking, but don't worry too much about picking the perfect person. In fact, a diverse group of writing genres and personalities can add perspective to a conversation. A Writer's Group is not set in stone; it is a living, breathing organization that can change as the writers' goals change. If personalities aren't working, then you part ways; no worries.

There is no perfect size for a group. Two people can effectively keep each other on the straight and narrow just as effectively as a dozen. In the end it is a balance between the intimacy of another person who understands your limitations and a group that brings more resources and ideas to the table. After about eight to ten people, meeting space and sharing time can become problematic, but there are no absolute rules for establishing a quorum.

A MasterMind Group is also not a full-time job. While members must commit to attending the meetings and sharing their progress, there are no poems or chapters to read. It is not a critique group; it is a support network.

Now, enough talking about it, get out and start your group. And report back your progress.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

Run Away and Write

2009-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Promptmaster's Note:

Today's guest blogger is Kathryn Canan. She is an accomplished musician, writer and mother who is working on a book called "Run Away With Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Planning a Solo Retreat". You can learn more about her at the Sacramento Recorders site.

I have a room of my own. My husband's office is directly below mine and his conference calls on speaker phone faintly float up the stairs. The kitchen constantly beckons and the laundry needs shifting. The clock reminds me how many minutes I have to accomplish something before I pick up my daughter from school. The kid across the street recently took up drums. Sometimes "a room of one's own" isn't enough. It's time for a writing retreat!

I've done both solo and group writing retreats. I hid myself away at my family's cabin in Montana for a week to jump start my master's thesis and, more recently, I treated myself to one of Jennifer Sander's Write by the Lake retreats.

Which is right for you? It depends on your temperament and goals.

Jennifer's group retreat offered plenty of private time for writing and the support and connections I found there have been invaluable. We each stated a goal for the weekend and provided gentle accountability and feedback for each other. we met after breakfast each morning to warm up with quick prompt responses; then we retreated to private bedrooms or the porch to work on our own projects. At meals, midday walks and evening wine and cheese tastings, we shared our progress and bounced ideas around. I used that weekend to break through an emotional block and write about a harrowing experience; I needed the encouragement of other women for that particular task. I came away from the weekend with renewed confidence that I really can become a professional writer because I met other people who are succeeding.

A solo retreat is a more intense, personal experience. It's more deeply introspective: when you have only yourself for company, you begin to confront your inner strengths and weaknesses and you have to develop your own inner discipline. It's great to start each day of a solo retreat with stream-of-consciousness journaling in order to clear some of the mental junk out of the way, set your daily goals and cheer your own progress. I've found that solo retreats are useful for starting a project - I used my time in the cabin to skim through a huge stack of books on Anglo-Saxon medicine and draft a preliminary thesis proposal and outline. Not many people could have helped me with that. Solitude is also helpful for full-steam-ahead writing, when the research is done and you just need to slap a lot of words onto the page with no interruptions.

There are practical considerations as well. With group retreats, someone else usually does all the planning, provides the meals and cleans up after you. You just get to write. Solo retreats can be less expensive and you have a greater choice of locations, but you do need to spend time on some daily tasks. Try both and see what works for you!

What experiences have you had with retreats for writing and other purposes? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Mood Enhancers

2009-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

I received a number of great answers to the question of how to set the mood from my Tweeples (join us @jtlongandco). the best include:

Getting my writing space cleared the night before puts me in the mood to write. I call it "ready, set..." The next day I can get going right away.

Patrice J.

I write when my brain gets an idea and won't let it go. Any mood. Any time. :)

Carmen S.

If I waited until I was in the mood; I'd never write anything. Panic and terror get my butt in the chair writing.

C. Jewel

Most often it is the need for a check.

Jennifer S.

And I found this resource for writer's mood music.

And, as always, if you to know the best way to find someone to share your earpods, check out Writer's Secret: Mastermind Your Way to Publishing Success.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

Getting in the Mood -- to Write

2009-02-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Valentine's Day as we put away the candles and the romantic music that induced romance -- or at least made that RomCom and popcorn taste a little sweeter -- it's time to think about setting the stage for productive writing sessions.

Everyone is different, but paying attention to the senses can make a lot of sense when it comes to minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity. Let's take each sense one by one.

Hearing: Whether you poke the keys fastest to Enya or Aerosmith, have your music of choice on a long-playing list that requires no attention so it continues to be a help rather than a hindrance. I have a friend who is convinced playing the Orb and Scepter Coronation March on automatic repeat results in her best work -- something about the cymbals. Personally, I prefer instrumental pieces with no words to get in the way of my thoughts.

Smell: Candles, incense or Lysol cleaner -- pick your poison and have it at hand so when you take a deep breath after pounding out a passage, your most powerful sensory organ is satisfied. Personally, the smell of coffee does as much as the actual caffeine jolt. Ask your fellow MasterMind members what works for them and see if a new aroma will breathe life into your body of work.

Taste: If you are working from home, jumping up to get a drink or something to eat can be a tempting procrastination habit and a big problem later if you aren't doing enough jumping jacks. While I start the day with coffee and have plenty of cups throughout the day, I keep a big water bottle handy on the desk to keep me refreshed . And when it comes to lunch -- one of my favorite meals because of the social aspect -- I try to keep it light so my stomach and my thoughts won't be heavy in those potentially productive afternoon sessions. You know what snacks and drinks work best for you, but if you keep them healthy, you might find your work reflects that nutritious energy source.

Vision: When you look up from the computer, what do you see? How does that view make you feel? I'm not advocating building a new study on the river, but you might take a moment to consider your surroundings. In an ideal world for me, keeping my desk in order helps me keep my thoughts in line. I keep multiple sets of files for the individual projects I might be working on at any given time and random paper goes in its place so I can find it later. Business cards are input and tossed. I have pictures of my children and, of course, my accessorized shoe display to remind me why I work.

Touch: I get cold easily, so a sweater and a space heater are requirements for me. Make sure your space is the right temperature, your chair is comfortable and your posture correct, then forget about it. In the end, the feeling of your fingertips on the keys is the most important sensation of all.

As you embark on the next step in your publishing journey, take a moment to consider how you will arrive. Talk to your MasterMind partners about what sights, smells and sounds keep them focused. If you don't have a group, an entire chapter of the Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success suggests ways to set the stage for productive meetings. And, as always, share your secrets with us.

What puts you in the mood -- to write?

2009-02-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to tell the story of a woman I admire for many reasons. For purposes of this blog, we'll call her "Sophie." This amazing woman is a gifted artist and loyal friend. She has also struggled with her weight on and off over the years. She knows, just as you and I do, that the number on the scale is directly proportional to the amount of food she eats and exercise she does. But that knowledge didn't help when she was faced with a tempting bowl of ice cream and the opportunity to relax in front of the television after a hard day of work.

Recently, Sophie turned to Weight Watchers for help. By using a combination of online and in person meetings, she was able to find the discipline to stick to an eating and exercising lifestyle that allowed her to lose six pounds the first week. While after that the pounds dropped at a rate of about two to four a week, she was feeling better and that bolstered her desire to stay on track. According to Sophie, the missing piece in her previous attempts was the accountability of weighing in, facing others on a regular basis who had her best interests at heart and the tools available to make progress easier.

That is what a MasterMind Group can do for your writing. You already know how to write. You have to sit down and type. But focusing can be difficult when so many other priorities compete for your time. When the laundry is calling your name or the Facebook keeps popping up with alternative ways to spend your time, knowing that you are going to be sitting in a room, reporting on your progress is often enough to keep the momentum going. When a true block comes up, you know who to call to get feedback on the best way around it. And when that acceptance letter comes in the mail, you know who is going to be there to celebrate with you. By focusing on how it will feel to complete your story, novel or screenplay, you will find the small sacrifices required to achieve your dream much easier to make.

Now it's your turn. Set a goal for how many pages you want to write this week. Call a friend who will hold you accountable and celebrate your success. Or check out the Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success for a step-by-step guide on how to set up, run and leverage your group to reach your dreams.

And remember, we are always here for you. Feel free to drop us a line with a goal you would like us to ask you about next week, a trick you use to stay on track or to share your tip for slimming down the timeline to authorhood. And feel free to use the daily prompts to get your fingers warmed up.

Yours in Writing

Chief Nudging Officers

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

We Have 4 Winners

2009-02-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

So many inspirational writers sent in creative ways to keep pen to paper -- or fingers to keyboard -- we decided to name four winners. Of course, you are all winners for pursuing your writing dreams, but these four dedicated souls will get free copies of the Writer's Secret so they can form their own MasterMind Groups to hold them accountable, suggest solutions and celebrate success -- even without the help of a giant vulture.

Keep those secrets coming and you may be the next winner.

And the winners are:

S. Smith

I carry a journal wherever I go. I have been having a hard time writing, but the thoughts come at the spur of the moment. When they do, I stop what I'm doing and write like crazy.. right at that moment until I can't think anymore.

R. Langer

I force myself to just start writing and eventually I get a groove and something worth writing. I usually end up deleting the first effort as it's just to get me going.

E Turner

I make an appointment with myself. A specific time set aside to write. I make sure that the television is off and get rid of any other distractions. Then I just write without thinking or trying to edit in my head. After about a page of "purging," I find that my best and true work comes out. Then I keep going until I am satisfied. When I am done, I reward myself. Ice cream is always nice!

D. Lipper

I have a giant vulture that eats my liver for all eternity unless I scare him away by writing.

What's Your Secret?

2009-02-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

For several weeks I have been sharing the secrets from our book the Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success. In the years we have been writing books and magazines, we have found that the power of a group of peers dedicated to holding us accountable, offering hard-won advice and celebrating our achievements helped us accomplish more than staring at a blank computer screen. We have also shared some tips on how to start and run a MasterMind meeting so it is efficient and stays on topic using the MIND technique:

March of Truth
Identify Challenges
Nudge Suggestions
Direct Goals

Now we want to hear your secrets.

How do you motivate yourself?
What are your writing rituals?
Who do you call when the words don't come?

Only by sharing can we all be more successful. The simple technique that keeps you focused during the warm afternoons when the sun and chores are calling may be the breakthrough that allows someone else to finish that novel. By sharing the results of your trials and errors, you may save someone else from making the same mistake. And by reading the feedback from other writers, you may come across a strategy you hadn't considered before.

That is why we are giving a free Writer's Secret book to the best writing secret submitted to the comments section of this site by Wednesday, Feb. 4. We, the judges, will choose the the most applicable, effective and well-written entry as the winner.

Then everyone in the Sacramento area is invited to join us Thursday, Feb. 5, for a Writers Who Wine Social Meet-Up event at Scandals bar in the Citizen Hotel at 926 J Street. It's time to celebrate you.

Yours in Writing

Chief Nudging Officers

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

Write with a Purpose

2009-01-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

Why do you write?

One of the best ways to motivate yourself to take any action is to clearly define the benefits of doing or not doing something. Want to fit into that bikini for your big vacation? The image of sitting on a beach just might be enough incentive to make you put down the danish. Having a dinner party? Anticipating the lively conversation should propel you to clear off all those magazines sitting on the table.

The same is true with writing. Why are you writing? Do you have something you need to share with the world? Are you trying to earn enough money to pay the rent? Those are powerful reasons. Clearly define what you hope to achieve. Are you writing because you want to be an author? Take that one step further. Why do you want to be a published author?

One popular reason is for career advancement. Being able to say you have published a book on x gives you the immediate perception of being an expert on that topic and can lead to speaking engagements, more writing assignments and, in some cases, promotions. Heck, your kids may even be impressed and take the garbage out without being asked. We can dream can't we?

Your assignment for today is to write down exactly why you write. What benefits do you hope to enjoy when you have reached your goal? How will your life be better? Share your goals with your MasterMind Group (don't have one, learn how to start and run one using the Writer's Secret). Post that goal where you can clearly see it from your chair and then sit down for a power writing session. Did the words flow a little faster? Were you less distracted by the Facebook and Twitter icons?

Now share your goals and the results with us below in the comments section so everyone can be inspired.

Yours in Writing,

Chief Nudging Officers

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

The Feedback You Crave

2009-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Is your writing habit isolating you in front of a glowing screen, pushing yourself to squeeze out those last 100 words, but leaving you feeling empty and your editor wanting more?

When we set out to share The Writer's Secret: Mastermind Your Way to Publishing Success, we knew that a support network was the best way to breathe fresh air into a stale routine because we had experienced firsthand the exhilaration of reaching out to others in various stages of literary success. We had been in a number of writing groups and knew that certain configurations and meeting styles worked better than others. But we did not know there was a physical reason for craving human interaction, encouragement and camaraderie. However, while researching a business book we discovered that the glow experienced after a positive interaction like a MasterMind networking meeting is not wholly because of the wine, but because of a chemical the body releases to encourage these encounters.

Dr. Paul J. Zak, founding director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, says that the ancient, instinctive brain is turned on by the release of the neurotransmitter oxytocin set free during a handshake or recognition of a familiar face. As the bond grows, the release becomes stronger. This reward-based chemical reaction taking place in our bodies is also believed to be responsible for the maternal instinct and monogamy. It makes us happy and it gives us a quick high.

So what are you waiting for? I challenge you to start your MasterMind Writing Network today. It's esy:

1. Reach out to friends.

2. Look online for an established group

3. Post a notice about a planned group at a library or college writing department

(Note: Be sure to have the first meeting in a public place if you don't know the members. More tips on starting a group are in the book and will come in this space.)

Start now. Your brain will thank you; your editor will thank you; and you will get the feedback every writer craves. As always, be sure to share your successes with the readers of this blog. That is part of the feedback loop. Your advances inspire others to do the same.

Yours in Writing,

Chief Nudging Officers

Jennifer Sander and JT Long

10 Things I Like about Being a Writer

2009-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, deadlines can be grueling. They come so fast. And they tend to have a looming quality that hangs over us, daring us to fail. But they are an essential part of the publishing package. If we focus on the difficulty of pushing out that final 1,000 words to give painful birth to a swaddling chapter rather than the wonder of watching an idea come together to form a cohesive piece, then we are forgetting why we got into this crazy business in the first place.

Let's face it, most of us could probably make more money doing something else. But that other thing probably wouldn't be as fulfilling or fun. So be sure you keep the fun in the job description. Instead of comparing the desk chair to a dentist's lounge, take a moment to think of all the things you like about writing. That is today's homework assignment. Write down the 10 things you like most about being a writer. Why did you start? What is the best thing you ever wrote? What have you learned? Who have you helped? What do you still want to write?

I'll start. In no particular order, the 10 things I like most about being a writer:

1. Deadlines (they help me get things done)

2. Personal Release (I think I have something to say - sometimes I just forget what it is)

3. Community Idea Exchange (I help other people say very important things, whether it is the latest on reverse osmosis water desalination systems or the economics of the love triangle -- dating, marriage and divorce -- I have shared it with readers)

4. Continuing Education (I learn new things about the world and myself every day. How can you do a story on time management and not run home to program your blackberry for maximum efficiency?)

5. Rubber Chicken Lunches (and the desserts that go with them)

6. Jammies (I admit that I often write my blog in my jammies, but I make sure I am dressed by lunch)

7. Cocktail Parties (People always want to know more about what you are writing - and what they always wanted to write - when you tell them over a martini)

8. Checks (Even if their scarcity makes them valuable, they do come from time to time and they are always welcome)

9. Other Books (I love reading almost as much as writing and it makes for a nice Zen-like cycling of ideas)

10. Other Writers (The best way to have fun is to throw a party. My MasterMind group is like a monthly party dedicated to celebrating our communal successes. What's not to like about that?)

Now it's your turn. What are your top ten reasons? Post them in the comment section to share with the rest of the writing world and print one out to look at every day so you never forget that writing should be a joyous act of creation.

Remember: You should never have to write alone!

Accountability Counts

2009-01-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year.

We talk a lot about the benefits of the collective brain trust and group support in Writer's Secret and in this space, but the real secret power of a MasterMind Writer's Group is accountability. Holding people to their word is important for politicians, teenagers and writers. It keeps us on the straight and narrow going in the right direction.

The beauty of accountability in the context of a MasterMind Group is that you are setting the bar. The group is just helping you reach your own standard. You set your own marker of what you consider to be success rather than trying to live up to what others might expect of you. It is wonderfully gratifying and it works.

Never underestimate the positive power of saying a goal out loud. It can be as easy as completing a couple of writing prompts or researching a possible book idea or as specific as saying you will write 2,000 words or find an agent. If those plans are shared with a group of fellow writers who will ask you about your progress at the next meeting, then you will have even more incentive to fulfill those goals.

Don't believe me? Pick up the phone right now, call a fellow member of your group (or a writer friend if you still haven't started your group yet) and commit to taking one big step today toward your literary goal. Ask your friend to do the same (remember, a MasterMind Group is as much about giving as asking). Then check in tomorrow and see how you did. The results will be much more positive than if you hadn't made such a statement.

Putting your goals in writing works too. Some groups establish a social networking site where everyone pledges what they want to accomplish each Monday morning ona shared bulletinboard and then review and recommit the following week. If you aren't to this point, a simple email, Twitter or note scribbled on a napkin over coffee will work. You can even drop me a note at the blog and let the community here hold you accountable.

The bottom line is that if you start setting real, attainable goals today, sharing them with friends and letting them hold you accountable, you will be much closer to your dreams next year at this time.

Good luck and good writing.

JT Long & Co. (PS: You are the company because you inspire me every day)

Welcome

2008-12-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

You are not alone.

To all of you writers struggling to reach your publishing dreams by isolating yourself with your computer, we want you to know that you don't have to do it by yourself. In fact, writers all over the world are discovering that by working with a group of like-minded authors, everyone has access to exponentially more resources, perspective and support. The biggest benefit, however, is the raw peer pressure, the accountability of having to answer to a group of people you respect about the progress you have made. MasterMind Groups are more than powerful, they can be life changing.

How do we know? Because we have been there.

As an editor with Random House, Jennifer has heard every reason in the book about why an author missed a deadline. Much of it had to do with working alone. The excuses were too easy and the pressure distant. That is why the author of the Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published started a writer's retreat and wrote the book The Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success. By working as a team to solve problems, hold each other accountable and celebrate each step toward publishing success, everyone wins.

Jennifer's co-author on the Writer's Secret, JT Long, worked for years as a newspaper reporter, a magazine editor, a content developer and then as a freelance writer. Thanks to the wonders of technology, she worked from a home office for years and found she missed having colleagues around her. She formed a MasterMind Group to overcome the isolation and saw her career flourish! The diverse strategies and niches represented by the writers she met with each month opened her mind to how she could be more efficient with her time and clued her in on new places to sell her stories for more money. In turn, JT helped other members make contacts and in some instances hired them to help her on large projects.

Does the idea of friends you trust calling you with paying work appeal to you? Are you ready to participate in the ultimate networking group where trust builds over time and the degree of separation between you and an assignment editor is one handshake? That is the power of a MasterMind and the topic of this blog.

Each day, we will post a new strategy to help you define your ideal group, find members, run productive meetings and get closer to your publishing dreams.

Thank you for being a part of this literary community. This is an interactive group that welcomes your success stories, tips and feedback. Let us know about your group, how you manage all that creative energy and the fabulous results.

We are all in this together.

Chief Nudging Officers (CNO)

Jennifer Sander & JT Long