A writer is someone with talent, hidden or not, with the ability to think "outside the box."  A talent unique to writers, story tellers and people with artistic abilities, all this assumes the "writer" can spell, form sentences, and develop a story.  Writing is something that comes from the ability to be a storyteller, teacher, and draw a picture with words.  This person is also a unique artist who can see their story, article or dream as a visual and translate that vision to written beauty.
 
This unique person dreams in parallel, symmetrical, circle, and linear views, and paints a picture with the written word resembling their views in a picturesque mural of spectacular beauty, enabling the reader to understand fully, visually see the view, and comprehend the meaning.

The writer has the ability to translate a vision of beauty into a verbal mural, and the ability to step outside the box and see their vision through the view of the reader, perceive the emotional feelings and understanding of the reader and relate to the reader's intellectual responses before they are formed.  The writer can perceive what's around the corner, at the top of the hill, or over the mountain peak.  

Let us not forget the ability of mental imaging that enables the writer to view the perceptions of the reader, and perceive the emotional reactions.  A good writer has abilities that far exceed the reader's expectations and must not forget to fulfill those dreams and anticipation.

Our goal as writers is to fulfill the dreams and expectancies and go beyond our visions to develop a remarkable piece of art.

​The first thing you need to do when deciding to work away from your home/secure location is to find out if your location is secure or not.  The last thing you want to do is introduce your home/secure location to the intrusive outside world.  Easy solution!  If your outside location is not secure – don’t to it or find a location that is secure.  A safe-haven for your electronic equipment is a safer more private life for you.  The time you will spend cleaning up the mess from intruders is far less time than you would spend just prolonging your internet experience until you are comfortable with the security of your internet connection. 
 
While you are sitting in a Starbucks house sipping a cup of coffee planning out an article you want to write; it is easy to begin to scan newsfeed that pops up, ads that intrigue your sense of fashion, or many of the other annoying popups that come your way.  Workfrom.com is a secure internet connection site locator.  If you frequently work outside your secure internet setting, it is worth the price of $5.00 per month, or $50 per year to join this group.  Workfrom locates “secure” internet sites for you to “work from” in areas, you wouldn’t think were secure environments.  Writers are a lonely bunch.  We don’t need to have a flock of friends or co-workers around us; in fact, we prefer the calm, quiet surroundings where our mental train of thought is uninterrupted.
 
Anyhow, Workfrom.com can provide you the secure connection away from your protected work environment.
 
If you are into creating videos, which I am not presently doing, but from all my research, video media marketing is the place to be.  I just read about a new aide to the video craze LOOM.com.  Loom appears to be slick, free, and a genuine help to getting you started in making your videos.  If you are already working in Chrome, Loom is a Chrome extension that allows you to record on-screen using your computer’s camera.  When you have finished recording, a browser tab opens a URL and walla; you can share your masterpiece in an email or place it out on the web for publication. 
 
I haven’t tried this Chrome extension yet, but it certainly looks streamlined and efficient – with Chrome, how could you go wrong.
 
If you are always in a Facebook Frenzy, you will love the next suggested social media tool – TWim.com.  TWin is an iOS app, so if you have an iPhone, iLaptop, or other Apple creation, you may want to consider this new application.  TWim is specifically designed to control Twitter notifications. TWim allows the user to search for Twitter ads by subject, sender, person, conversation.  If you are into the in-depth of Twitter messages, this app will certainly fill the bill, so to speak.
 
I’m one of those Twitter people who participates because I have to.  It is the best means of promotion and connection at the moment.  I resent having to share so much of my attention to one application, but if I want my material promoted, I will Tweet on Twitter. 
 
One of my favorite quotes is “Let not the birds sing to you – you sing to the birds.”  [©2016 LeeChristineBrownlee]  Of course, translated into Twitter language:  “Let not the birds tweet to you, you twitter to the birds.” [©2017 LeeChristineBrownlee]
 
Last helpful application for the day is Bitly.com  Bitly is a URL life saver.  For all those lengthy URLs that no one can retype with only one try, Bitly has devised a brilliant solution to ease the pain of retyping the ridiculously long line of text.  You simply copy the lengthy URL, past it in the box on Bitly and you will be given a shortened version of that URL you can share on your website, in emails, or insert into text documents.  It will save you and your readers an excruciating amount of time and typos.
 

Join the National Writers Union at the our Annual Picnic along the Hudson River this Sunday (8/27) from 2 PM to 5 PM.
ALL Are Invited. The only fee is a plate filled with your favorite food you'd like to share.
Spend a summer afternoon and share great food with fellow writers while overlooking the Hudson River. We'll be on the 66th Street Plaza in Riverside Park South near the Pier I Cafe and Linda's Lawn. Best way to find us is to use Google Earth.All of our members and friends are invited. We do ask that you RSVP with the food and/or drink you're planning to bring.
One plate/bowl of food or one bottle of water/soda/tea/lemonade is fine. No alcoholic beverages.
If you can come on Sunday, please email nwuny@nwu.org. Directions to the Picnic Site:By Foot:
Walk to Riverside Blvd. (not Riverside Drive) and W 68th Street. Find the path to the right (North) of the playground. Walk down the path (West toward the water), it will bring you into Riverside Park South.
By Bike:Ride your bike along the bikeway that runs through Riverside Park South. This bikeway can be accessed from the Hudson River Park and Riverside Park bikeways. The NYC Parks Department provides bike racks near the PIER i CAFE.
By Train:Take the 1, 2, or 3 Lines to W 72nd Street. Walk to West End Ave and W 70th Street. Continue on W 70th Street until you reach Riverside Blvd then walk South to W 68th Street then follow walking directions. (Note: W 68th Street does not connect to Riverside Blvd, thus we suggest the W 70th Street route).
By Bus:Take M72 cross-town to W 70th Street and Riverside Blvd (last stop.) Walk South to W 68th Street then follow walking directions.
Watch for more announcements about these other upcoming events:- NYC Labor Day Parade - September 9 starting at 10:30 AM.
- NWU Second Wednesday Series Event: "How do Publishers Read a Manuscript" - September 13 at 6 PM at the NWU office, 256 W 38th Street, 12th floor.
- NWU at the Brooklyn Book Festival - September 17 - Members can sell their books for free at our booth.
- NWU Member Peter Pullman is offering a weekly series of ninety-minute lectures on William Wordsworth this fall in or near downtown Brooklyn. Talks will be delivered by a couple of noted professors of romantic poetry. Course projects to ten weeks. Cost is $20 per class. Exact location and dates/times to be determined. Contact: peterpullman@hotmail.com.
 
 
Why Join the NWU?Having free space to sell your books at the Harlem Book Fair, the New York Poetry Festival, and the Brooklyn Book Festival is just one of many reasons for becoming an NWU member.
 In keeping with its mission to defend writers’ rights and improve writers’ economic conditions, the NWU, through the collective efforts of its members, is able to provide a host of resources, benefits, and services to those who join us. For more information about the membership benefits, see below.

• Access to National and International Press Passes
• Tools to Earn More from Your Writing
• Contract and Grievance Help
• Advice along the way
• Support network as you travel to promote your work
• Advocacy
• Find a Union Writer
• Share your writing story
• Help with health insurance
• Union Plus benefits

Visit nwu.org to learn more.

Look for the TWEET on Monday, August 21st, releasing the some of the events I attended at the Writer's Digest Conference that took place in New York City at the Hilton Hotel over the weekend.  It was spectacular and very informative.

Also, there will be reminders of coming events in August and September you may want to attend if you are in the New York Area!

Things get exciting the last half of the year and you want to mark them on your calendar!

I believe there is a time and a place for a rant or turbulent speech, but to confuse poetry with a diatribe of words creates an injustice to our literary brilliance.  Don't get me wrong, I haven't a problem with a good rant, but please do not call it poetry.
 
Another annoyance with poetry is the offspring of “Slam Poetry.”  The word “Slam” implies violence, anger, and hurt.  Writing poetry that is visual, expressive and pictorial does not relate to the word “slam.”  Slam poetry can also be defined as to put something down – in my estimation this also falls under the category of RANT.  Or could this be a combination of “Rant Poetry?”
 
Poetry is beautiful, emotional, descriptive and visual.  Screaming and yelling line after line of poetry is a rant.  Please, don't misunderstand, there should be a poetry called “Rant Poetry.”  This would at least let the audience know what type of poetry to expect and they could make a decision to attend the reading or stay at home and listen to Choppin, Mozart, or Mose Allison, or another Jazz musician and sooth the soul.
 
I have also heard Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes done in “Slam Poetry Style.”  Please leave the children out of this and let them have their precious memories of Mother Goose as being loving and gentle. 
 
I welcome comments and arguments to help me broaden my understanding of the descriptive poetry defined above.  Thank you.
​

The National Writers Union, New York Chapter, New York City - has established a new monthly program open to the all writers.
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The monthly programs are designed to advance your career beginning with the business side of writing.  Each monthly program is specifically designed to promote writing, publishing and promotion of the written word.  You are invited to join the group free if you are a member of the NWU, or for a minimal charge of $5.00 to those who have not yet enjoyed the benefits of belonging to a group dedicated to promoting the "world of writing" and supporting the rights or writers worldwide.

All programs are free for NWU members, $5.00 for nonmembers.
Nonmembers who join will be reimbursed the $5.00 fee.
All programs: 6 pm light refreshments, 6:30-9:00 pm speaker and discussion.

Remember - Seats are limited, be prompt and be prepared to enjoy yourself with an evening packed with information and solidarity.

Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC - (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information - contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com, 917-428-1352

Sept 13, 2017 -  How Do Publishers Read a Manuscript? Timothy Sheard (editor, Hard Ball Press) and Andy Wentink (editor, Turning Point Press) will reveal what they look for in a manuscript, and in an author.
Their approach has significant differences from how the writer reads the work. Find out what induces a publisher to accept a MS and what leads to rejection.

October 11, 2017 - How to Pitch a Book to Agents and Publishers - Prolific and successful book author Peter Benjaminson, Publications: (The Lost Supreme, Super Freak: The Life of Rick James), will discuss how to query an agent and an editor, what works in a query letter, what are the entry points for meeting agents and editors, and what approach is doomed to failure. Sample query letters will be provided.

November 8, 2017 - Write and Sell In Multiple Genres  - Gabriel Schivone has successfully pitched novels, nonfiction political-historical books, comic books and children’s books to publishers. Learn how he manages to adapt to these varied formats and platforms.

December 13, 2017 -  Identify and Build Your Brand - Former marketing editor and current director of marketing and communications for Pratt Institute, Marion Hammond will explain what is a brand and how to express it in your marketing materials. Authors will have an opportunity to brainstorm with Marion about their work and develop slogans and descriptions that grab a potential customer.

January 10, 2017 -  Topic TBA

February 21, 2018 - (the 3rd Wednesday of the month) Performance Poetry - Raymond Nat Turner, Garret Robinson and The Jive Poet discuss how they use live performances to sharpen their writing voice and build their brand.

March 14, 2018 - Test Your Manuscript for Doneness Publisher - editor Timothy Sheard will grade your writing with a 10-point guide to polished prose. Bring 2 copies of the first 5 pages of your MS to read aloud and see how many common writing mistakes you make.

April 11, 2018 - Topic TBA
May 9, 2018 - Topic TBA
June 13, 2019 -  Topic TBA

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
If Birds Tweet, Should Writers Twitter: Using a free social media to build your brand and attract customers.

Web Site Construction: How to build an inexpensive web site that a writer who is not computer savvy can update and maintain.

Avoid Rip-Off Expensive Book Editing & Fulfillment Services - Too many writers pay huge amounts of money for editing, book design and fulfillment services that leaves them without ownership of their work or their ISBN. Learn how to hire union editors, book designers and graphic artists for a fraction of the cost while keeping the writer – YOU – in control and with full ownership of all royalties.

Pirates of Intellectual Property - This is one of the most vexing problems that writers face: companies that sell your work without the author’s permission.
​
Some sell in the Amazon ecosystem, others sell E-books directly, some give away your work for free. They are difficult to defeat. Join a discussion about fighting internet piracy and help quash this scourge of the internet.

The Harlem Book Fair was held last Saturday, July 22nd on 136th Street between Lennox and Adam Clayton Powell Avenues in New York City.
 
The event was fabulous, music all day, Open Mic Poetry Readings at both ends of 135th Street and crowds of poetry and book lovers everywhere.  There were racks of books, food and drink enough for the crowds to enjoy their day.  Although the humidity ensured the crowds were blessed with warmth, the fair managed to escape the possibility of rain and we had a wonderful day.
 
I was at the Harlem Book Fair supporting the NWU, National Writers Union at their booth looking for new members in their effort to support writers.  The representation of the NWU not limited to book fairs and conferences.  The organization leads, supports and defends writers whose rights have been jeopardized.
 
The NWU was instrumental in the recent law adopted in the State of New York - “Freelance Writing Is Not Free” – The law is a huge movement sweeping our nation and the NWU supports every writer in their effort to receive pay for work performed.  Writing is not to be misconstrued as “free” because the writer is working as a “freelance” writer.
 
In that same vein, Ebony Media Organization (EMO) is making headlines throughout America because of their reluctance to pay writers employed by Ebony.  The NWU, National Writers Union has taken a stand on behalf of the writers.  The NWU President, Larry Goldbetter stated “This is completely unacceptable.  See You In Court!”
 
The NWU represents approximately 30 writers who are owed $60K.  These actions have forced EBONY to begin issuing checks to writers, although only three of the 30 writers have been paid in full thus far.  The NWU will continue their efforts until all writers are paid for work performed because “Freelance Writing Is Not Free.”
 
This is only one of the areas in which the NWU supports its members.  Their legal staff assists their members with the review of publishing contracts.  They hold numerous events for both members and non-members helping advance the skill of writing, self-publishing, in’s and out’s of acquiring an agent, etc.  The benefits are extensive and increasing.  Members to meet and share their experiences as a writer, and work in solidarity, supporting each other for the benefit of all.
 
Upcoming events include the NWU NY Annual Picnic on August 27, 2017.  NY Poetry Festival on Governor’s Island on July 29/30, 2017 and writing event lectures starting in September 2017.  For additional upcoming events, visit http://www.NWU.org
​

The MeMeMe Authors Press Room


A writer wears many hats.  Writing is the “fun” hat. If you love writing, you enjoy the activity, the planning, the creativity and the stress of developing your story/poetry or characters in your piece.  Along with the fun must come the responsibility of promoting your work, selling your articles, books, poetry, etc.

I have stressed the importance of every writer/author having a website.  The website is the vein to your existence, the Who’s Who of the website.  The site is how the followers, readers, and future purchasers of your work will connect with you and witness you evolving from an unknown writer to someone they follow and hopefully purchase every creative bite you release.

The Authors Press Room is part of you – An extension of you that answers all the questions of who you are, where you came from, and where you’re heading.  The Authors Press Room releases more information about you that you care to think about, but all of it good.
​
What should your Authors Press Room include:

• Information provided on the cover of your book:  This information should be approximately 2-3 short paragraphs.  It is a tool that exposes you to publications, other writers, media gatekeepers, bloggers, reporters, and producers.  The information publicizes you and your talent.  You can refer to it as the “MeMeMe Release.” 
• This release isn’t your life history exposing every nano-secret you have.  Read other bios on the book jackets or websites to get an idea of “what’s in a bio, and what’s out.”
• Ensure your content is SEO (search engine optimization) enhanced.  SEO is your gateway to exposure on the internet.  Title the section on your website as “Press Release.”  “Media Materials,” “Author’s Bio and Info.”  Anything that can easily be identified by journalists, magazines, newspapers and reporters will help search engines zoom in on you.  You must be the megaphone for your writing.
• Ensure your bio includes a picture of you that newspapers and journalists can grab and add to their copy.
• Add a brief objective description of your work, book, the website of what you hope to bring to your readers and followers.  To become recognized as one of the “best sellers” your book must sell more than 10,000 books in the first two weeks.
• Include in your bio your education, brief description of your work experience, writing acclaims, style/genre, your writing education or training you have provide others.
• Include a copy of your book cover in your Press Room to view and download.
• Also, create a list of downloadable files from your Authors Press Room to make it easy for newspaper journalists, magazine article writers, and bloggers to have the correct information you wish released.
• You can also create a list of commonly asked questions of authors, and provide the answers. 
• Include your contact information so that you can be easily reached for additional information.

Make this section accurate, simple and inviting.  You control the information published about you and your book, so don’t leave it to amateur writers to create the content of your life, book, and career.  Leave nothing to chance.

​Have you written a non-fiction book?  Or, are you planning to write a non-fiction book?
In your plan for your book, have you given much thought to including an INDEX?  I hope so, for several reasons:

1. An index heightens the value of the book.
2. An index is an indispensable tool for the reader.
3. An index identifies all the places throughout the document that address specific areas of interest.

The index is created by an “index specialist.”  Yes, the publisher does produce the index in many cases, but today’s publishers are doing less and less of the tasks in-house and may identify an independent indexer to handle the job, but not until the book has undergone the final editing.  The author needs to review the index for consistency and accuracy.
Guess who pays for the indexer?  You’re right, the author.  When you think about it, the index is part of the manuscript that the author will be proposed for publication – I’m sure you will find the tiny print somewhere in the contract identifying who-pays-for-what.  The cost of the indexer is paid through the royalties from book sales.  I’m always a little dubious about the actual cost of items reported by the publisher.
If you are short of funds, there are several software applications available that perform the indexing procedure, although they are sometimes pricey, too.  If you are planning on writing many self-help books, or non-fiction books, it may behoove you to purchase a quality index software application such as TExtract.  TExtract is an invaluable tool and has the versatility of combining manual and application indexing.  <a>http://www.TExtract.com</a>  The software can cost as little as $79 for a one-time use and as much as $595 for unlimited use.  The fee for an indexer can run anywhere from $500.00 to $1500.00 depending on the length of the book and the complexities of the content.  Of course, you must understand that either method of indexing will need to be checked by the author for accuracy.  There’s no escaping the author’s input for accuracy of others.  You wrote the book – you own the responsibility.
Indexing Considerations
There are two types of indexing – Alphabetical (Concordance) and a real index that cross-references and organizes the author’s message by subject or theme.
It is believed that a professional indexer is a key to the author’s message.  An indexer adds professionalism to the index, whereas indexes created by software tend to appear amateurish and lack the representation of expertise.
Tracking Software for Creating an Index
If you are familiar with the old method of creating an index, you’re familiar with index cards. I think index cards will always be around as a useful tool for many tasks.  But for manual indexing, you guessed it; software applications have replaced the index cards.  A few of the commended applications are <a>http://www.Cindex.com</a>, <a>http://www.Sky.com</a>, <a>http://www.Macrex.com</a>
Enhance your book for the reader to enjoy and reference over and over for years.