The Real Writer

Client Testimonials

 A few words from some of my favorite clients:

 

"Christine has edited all of my writing projects - from screenplays, to short stories, novels and creative non-fiction. She has clarity, brevity and honest words in mind - she'll seek to rough out your true, nugget of a voice and chop out the useless, without feeling like you're missing anything. She's got the precision of a word surgeon, and I'm always happy with the results. She makes my work feel like MY work, in its purest form. She's a resource I couldn't do without." --Juliet Johnson, Nonfiction, California, author of  Somebody's Always Hungry (Nell Books).
 
“Chris is an enthusiastic and exacting editor with a keen eye and a great sense of humor! She was a wonderful mentor in every way." -Carrie M., MFA, Poetry

“I sent out six queries for the book in the past week and two agents have already asked to see the whole ms! You did a great job!” - Jen Michalski, Fiction, Maryland, author of Close Encounters (So New) and May-December (Press 53), www.jenmichalski.com

“You have been remarkably helpful in all your points. You have helped a lot. More than maybe anyone else that I have used to help chip away at the block of marble, waiting for something to appear on the other side.” - Bob R., Nonfiction, Texas

“You were instrumental in helping me to hone the stories -- both polishing the writing and encouraging me to dig deeper in each story. So I'm putting you at the top of the list on my acknowledgements page.” – Eric Goodman, Fiction, Maryland, author of Tracks (Atticus Books) www.writeful.blogspot.com

“Received notes and excited to get working on them. You were able to pinpoint the reasons for the nagging dissatisfied feelings I was having about what I wrote. That told me I'm in good hands. I have much to learn and I trust that I will do so with your guidance.” – Patrice K., Fiction, Canada

Want to move your writing forward? Check out my Editing and Critique Services.

Email me with questions: therealwriter@gmail.com

New Rules For Writers by Anis Shivani - Ignore Publicity, Shun Crowds, Refuse Recognition....

This is an awesome article. He's passionate and opinionated and I love it. I don't play these games and you shouldn't either - resist the machine!

From the opening:

"These "rules" totally go against every prescription for writing success you'll hear as a young writer from all quarters: the conformity-driven MFA system, the publishing industry's hype-machine, successful writers who act either like prima donnas or untouchable mystics, the marketing experts who seek to impose advertising rules on the writing product. Overpaid editors, illiterate agents, arrogant gatekeepers, and stupid reviewers want you to bargain away your soul for a pittance -- the bids in the market escalate downward, a reverse auction where you compete with the lowest of the low to be acknowledged as an entity that counts.

Why take part in the game at all? Who has ever come out of it alive, able to set up tent and build followers on the other side? Why not accept the reality that writers aren't forged in social harmony and peer input and obedient fellowship, but in a region where madmen and insomniacs find no comfort? To get you started on a regimen designed to pull you away from the mother-teat of the writing industry, here are the ten commandments..."

Read more.

Deadlines for Mid-Atlantic Arts Support for Artists in Maryland, Delaware, US Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

MID ATLANTIC ARTS FOUNDATION

SUPPORTS ARTISTS RESIDENCIES

September 15, 2010

October 1, 2010

January 15, 2011

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation annually supports regional artists in residence at The Millay Colony for the Arts, Austerlitz, NY, and the Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Sweet Briar, VA. Residencies support writers, composers, and visual artists.

The visiting artist is provided with a private studio, room and board, and the company of other artists from around the nation, for an intensive period of self-guided creative exploration and development.

In addition to sponsorship support, a small travel subsidy is awarded to the selected artist. Artists must apply directly to the appropriate colony. Application materials are available on the websites listed below.

Artists in Delaware, Maryland, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia may apply to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. www.vcca.com.

VCCA Deadlines: September 15, 2010 and January 15, 2011

Artists in the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania may apply to the Millay Colony.

www.millaycolony.org

Millay Deadline: October 1, 2010

Contact Us email: annmidatlanticarts.org

www.midatlanticarts.org

Fun With the Paraprosdokian Sentence

As a writer, it's your duty to find ways to spice up your writing, nay, spice up your very sentences.  Using active voice and not too much 'to be' verb is a start. Not always writing the same sentence length or following the structure of subject-verb-adjective-object is also good. Eradicate the adverb from your memory banks? Yes, dear god, yes.

But there is so much more out there my friends! Like the paraprosdokian (from Greek "παρα-", meaning "beyond" and "προσδοκία", meaning "expectation") sentence.

The paraprosdokian is a figure of speech  in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists.

Some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of an early phrase, but also play on the double meaning of a particular word, creating a syllepsis. Another great one to try. Here's an example, as I remember it, from a story written by one of my students years ago, "She was pink with tulle and perspiration." You pick two very disparate things that can both be linked back to the original word, and put them together. It has the same effect as a good metaphor. The trick is not to force it. Don't look like you spent longer than two seconds creating it.

Some examples of funny paraprosdokian sentences (if they're not your style, write mean or dark or wry ones. Make it your own).

If you're really into this, there's a Facebook group for it (of course!):

Paraprosdokian Facebook Group

(By the way, I have no idea where these came from. They were forwarded to me in an email so if I'm infringing on somebody's copyright, just let me know and I'll pull them.)
  
 
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
  
 
 
 Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
  
 
 
 Ø   I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
  
 
 
 Ø   Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
  
 
 
 Ø   The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
  
 
 
 Ø   Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
  
 
 
 Ø   If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong. 
   
 Ø   We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. 
 
 Ø   War does not determine who is right - only who is left. 
  
 Ø   Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't. 
   
 Ø   To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research. 
   
 Ø   Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR". 
   
 Ø   Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? 
   
 Ø   Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ? 
   
 Ø   You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. 
 
 Ø   Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. 
 

 Ø   Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
   
 You get the picture.
 
 

Who Do You Write Like? Try This Site!

This is a fun tool:

"Check which famous writer you write like with this statistical analysis tool, which analyzes your word choice and writing style and compares them with those of the famous writers.

Any text in English will do: your latest blog post, journal entry, comment, chapter of your unfinished book, etc. For reliable results paste at least a few paragraphs (not tweets). "

Give it a go! I write like Chuck Palaniuk apparently. Not too shabby.

I Write Like 

Editing, Proofreading, Critique Services

THE DEAL: No BS about your MS

EDITING, PROOFREADING, CRITIQUE:

Need help editing your manuscript in order to submit it to an agent, publisher, or contest? I'd love to work with you on this project, helping to trim and clarify the work until only your best voice and compelling prose remains. I will critique your work by offering thoughtful, considerate, but thorough interpretations and suggestions.

You will receive a written evaluation of its strong points, as well as a detailed critique about characters, plot, voice, pacing, structure and quality of writing, pointing out where the writing went smoothly and was effective, and making suggestions on ways to improve the parts that need rewriting. Spelling, punctuation, grammar, diction, and sentence structure will also be addressed.

You work will receive the same energy, care, and attention I give my own. It deserves nothing less! It's very exciting to me when everything comes together and the best version of the piece is realized - one that reflects the voice and goal of my client. Helping you make that happen is my priority. Your book will be better and stronger, and you will learn a great deal about your style as a writer and how you can improve your skills.

FEES:

Full length books: $4/page.

Two thirds of fees are due prior to start, remaining one third at end.

Example: a 300 page book would cost $1200 (300 x $4.00). Two-thirds up front is $900.

Fees include a one hour meeting (by phone or in person) to discuss the manuscript, written summary of comments and suggestions, and a few follow up emails if you have questions.

Short stories: contact me for fee structure, up to 20 pages = $70/hour. Plus one hour for formulating critique and typing it up for you.

Poetry: this includes everything it should: syntax, grammar, punctuation, line breaks, pacing, consistency of figurative language (metaphors are the trickiest), title, stanza structure, successful use of form (if that's being used), voice, how poems interact with each other, the book as a whole, etc. Depending on your plans for the poems or book (contest, MFA portfolio, publication), my comments will be geared towards reaching that goal.

MENTORING:

Sign up for one-on-one mentoring sessions of one to two hours, your choice (once a week or twice a month). You and I will work together on your poems or short fiction or that novel or memoir (or blog entries - anything and everything!)

whatever your goal:

-experimentation, exploration, and FUN

-recording family memories and stories

-creating a portfolio for a MFA application

-polishing a MFA thesis

-submission to an editor or agent, or to a contest

-skill development

You don't need to have a plan to start working with me - we can discover and create one together, tailored to your needs and skill level. Our sessions can be as structured, or as fluid, as you like. I will act as your guide through the process, and promise to both challenge and inspire you, as well as respect your voice and style.

Please note that for a one hour session, I will need another hour to read and evaluate your work prior to our meeting.

For a two hour session, I will need two hours, as there will, naturally, be more of your writing to prepare.

I will work with people online who can't meet in person.

FEES:

The fee is $70/per hour and breaks down as follows:

One hour session/one hour prep = 5 poems or 20-25 pages of prose. (Cost = $140)

Two hour session/ two hour prep = 10 poems or 40-50 pages of prose. (Cost = $280)

Payment is required at the time of our meeting.

WORKSHOPS:

If you're local, I'm teaching a one day seminar on writing and delivery your pitch to agents and editors on March 31st for the Johns Hopkins Odyssey program. Email me for details on how to register or go here in the spring:   Register for Pitch Class

Whatever service you choose, I'll help to sharpen your poetry and/or prose, help you with plot and structure or elements of form, tune your dialogue, teach you the fundamentals of craft, help prepare a manuscript for submission, or accompany you in an exploration of the art with exercises and projects.

Whether the goal is publication or simply gathering a record of a period in your life for yourself, family, and friends, I will respect and honor your unique voice and gifts. There's no time like the present to further your dream of being the best writer you can be.

It's never to late to be what you might have been. -- George Eliot

Journal Prompt for Summer Solstice

I just posted a journal prompt on The Real Writer Fan Page on Facebook. It's under 'discussions.' You can reply with some of what you wrote in answer to the questions. Would love to read whatever you'd like to share.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Real-Writer/114726578574368?ref=ts

If you're on Facebook, choose 'like' to receive more notifications of prompts, which I will post periodically for all type of writing, including poetry and prose.

What is a Real Writer?

The name of my website is taken from a Marge Piercy poem called "For The Young Who Want To."

The real writer is one

who really writes. Talent

is an invention like phlogiston

after the fact of fire.

Work is its own cure. You have to

like it better than being loved.

BASICALLY THIS MEANS:  Write because you need to. Because it's who you are. You don't need a degree or a book deal to be a 'real' writer. A Real Writer loves writing for the sake of writing, not just for what it might get him/her in the way of money or success. It goes deeper than that. A Real Writer commits to writing because to do so is to commit to who he/she is and to that passion.

Good writing starts with passion. One must be deeply invested in the act, the process, and the results. And one must be open to the flow, to the unconscious, to the unknown, and see what enters the writing. Not everything works, but there is no such thing as failed writing. It all moves you forward.

It's also about authenticity. Being who you are. YOUR voice. YOUR stories. The ones you are called to write. Not imitating anyone else (being inspired and taught by them, yes; copying their voice, no).

And, let's be honest - as a writer you need to be a little obsessed. If you're not feeling thrilled, terrified, and maybe a little nauseous, you're not yet having a love affair with your imagination. You know that feeling, that high when you meet someone you click with? That's what I'm talking about.

It's incredibly exciting to have a writing practice, a writing life like that and I want it for you.

Here you'll find inspiration, information, and imagination that will help support you on your writing adventure.

EDITING AND CRITIQUE SERVICES:  If you'd like to work together on polishing  your writing, check out the link to my services in the left hand sidebar. I'll challenge you and help you learn how to do some basic critique of your own work so you learn your strengths and weaknesses and improve your skills. If you have a project or a deadline, even better!

If your goal is publication, we can focus on that, but you also need to go deeply and truthfully into your writing first. That's your foundation.

FACEBOOK: I invite you to also join me on Facebook - click on the badge to the right - for regular 'Write Ins' where we gather to respond to prompts to keep the creativity flowing. We should be having one soon soon and it's great fun - all in the privacy of your own home in your pajamas if you like (and I don't know about you but doing anything in my pajamas is a selling point)!

On the fan page you can ask me a question, boast about a project, even vent if you're having a frustrating writing day. I really would love to hear from you.

THANK YOU: There are thousands of sites out there devoted to writing. I appreciate you joining mine and giving me the opportunity to share my ideas, tips, and experience with you. 

 

House Approves Final Version of Econ Recovery Bill, Which Includes $50M to NEA

From Americans for the Arts:

Just moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives approved their final version of the Economic Recovery bill by a vote of 246-183. We can now confirm that the package DOES include $50 million in direct support for arts jobs through National Endowment for the Arts grants. We are also happy to report that the exclusionary Coburn Amendment language banning certain arts groups from receiving any other economic recovery funds has also been successfully removed. Tonight the Senate is scheduled to have their final vote, and President Obama plans to sign the bill on Monday - President's Day.

A United Voice
This is an important victory for all of you as arts advocates. More than 85,000 letters were sent to Congress, thousands of calls were made, and hundreds of op-eds, letters to the editor, news stories, and blog entries were generated in print and online media about the role of the arts in the economy. Artists, business leaders, mayors, governors, and a full range of national, state, and local arts groups all united together on this advocacy issue. This outcome marks a stunning turnaround of events and exemplifies the power of grassroots arts advocacy.

A Missing Piece in the Economic Stimulus: Hobbling Arts Hobbles Innovation

•  

By Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein on February 11, 2009 in Imagine That!

As the economy stumbles, the first things to get cut at the national, state, and local levels are the arts. The first thing that goes in our school curricula are the arts. Arts, common wisdom tells us, are luxuries we can do without in times of crisis. Or can we?

Let's see what happens when we start throwing out all the science and technology that the arts have made possible.

You may be shocked to find that you'll have to do without your cell phone or PDA. In the first place, it uses a form of encryption called frequency hopping to ensure your messages can't easily be intercepted. Frequency hopping was invented by American composer George Antheil in collaboration with the actress Hedy Lamarr. Yeah, really.

Next, the electronic screen that displays your messages (and those on your computer and TV) employ a combination of red, green, and blue dots from which all the different colors can be generated. That innovation was the collaboration of a series of painter-scientists (including American physicist Ogden Rood and Nobel laureate Wilhelm Ostwald) and post-impressionist artists like Seurat - you know, the guy who painted his pictures out of dots of color, just like the ones in your electronic devices. The programming inside owes its existence to J. M. Jacquard, a weaver, who invented programmable looms using punch cards. Exactly the same technique was borrowed to program the first computers and is incorporated into modern programming languages.

Then there are all those computer chips running our critical devices. They're made using a combination of three classic artistic inventions: etching, silk screen printing, and photolithography. Add to that the fact that data from NASA and NSA satellites is enhanced using artistic techniques such as chiaroscuro (a Renaissance invention) and false coloring (invented by Fauvist painters) to increase contrast so it's easier to perceive important information. (Parenthetically, artists also figured out how to hide information. Camouflage was invented by the American painter Abbot Thayer and during WWI the Vorticists in England and the Cubists in France were co-opted by their governments to design prints to protect troops, equipment, and planes.) Hey, the arts look pretty useful, huh?

That's only the beginning. In medicine, the stitches that permit a surgeon to correct an aneurysm or carry out a transplant were invented by American Nobel laureate Alexis Carrel, who took his knowledge of lace making into the operating room. Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin while gathering beautifully colored microbes for his (rather unusual) hobby of "painting" with microorganisms. Pacemakers are simple modifications of musical metronomes. If you have a neurological deficit, your neurologist may employ dance notation to analyze your problem. Physicians at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and other major medical centers are trained by actors to interact humanely with you as a patient. These same physicians may learn to observe your symptoms more closely by being taught to draw, paint or photograph, or through art appreciation courses. Many hospitals employ music to relieve stress in operating rooms and post-operatively. Painting, drawing and sculpting are also used to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. Indeed, our own institution, Michigan State University, originated music therapy as a way to treat soldiers suffering from what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder.

Oh, and that bridge you may drive over on the way to work? Princeton engineering professor David Billington and Smithsonian historian of technology Brooke Hindle have demonstrated that most innovations in bridge design originated with artistically trained engineers such as John Roebling and Robert Maillart. They're part of a long tradition of American artist-inventors. You may not know that Samuel Morse (to whom we owe the telegraph) and Robert Fulton (to whom we owe the steam ship) were two of the most prominent 19th century American artists before they turned to inventing -- visit the Smithsonian American Art Galleries some time and see for yourself. Alexander Graham Bell was a pianist whose invention of the telephone began with a simple musical game. Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes don't just provide us with unusual architectures, they also inform our understanding of cell and virus structure and permit new biomedical insights. Kenneth Snelson's tensegrity sculptures (stroll past his "Needle Tower" outside the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden on the Washington Mall) aren't just fascinating constructions in and of themselves, they've also created a whole new form of engineering. Google it!

Thefact is that the arts foster innovation. We've just published a study that shows that almost all Nobel laureates in the sciences actively engage in arts as adults. They are twenty-five times as likely as the average scientist to sing, dance, or act; seventeen times as likely to be a visual artist; twelve times more likely to write poetry and literature; eight times more likely to do woodworking or some other craft; four times as likely to be a musician; and twice as likely to be a photographer. Many connect their art to their scientific ability with some riff on Nobel prizewinning physicist Max Planck words: "The creative scientist needs an artistic imagination."

Bottom line: Successful scientists and inventors are artistic people. Hobble the arts and you hobble innovation. It's a lesson our legislators need to learn. So feel free to cut and paste this column into a letter to your senators and congressmen, as well as your school representatives, or simply send them a link to this column. One way or another, if we as a society wish to cultivate creativity, the arts MUST be part of the equation!

http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/imagine-that/200902/a-missing-piece-in-the-economic-stimulus-hobbling-arts-hobbles-innovation