you want to be a writer? Great! That's a good aim.
How do you become a writer? Do you take a degree course? A writer's correspondence course?
Well, those will certainly help, but they will not make you into a writer.
How do you really become a writer? It's simple. Now, this instant, you write the first ten words of your future career as a writer.
Doesn't matter what they are. Just ten words. A shopping list, even. A novel you aim to write, the first ten words of an article. A piece of poetry. Or even a Haiku.
I'll wait for a few minutes until you finish putting those ten words down.
OK. Now you are a writer.
Next, practice. Keep writing and good luck!
Monday 19 November 2012
Wednesday 12 September 2012
Backup Technology‘s Online Backup for Word Press Plugin has Over 100,000 Downloads
Backup Technology, world leaders in fully managed Online Backup, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Services,
today announced that its free Online Backup for Word Press Plugin has
now reached an important milestone with in excess of 100,000 downloads.
This makes Online Backup for Word Press the most popular fully featured,
free Word Press backup plugin. Backup Technology’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ritchie Fiddes confirms this: “We are proud to have produced a completely free service that so many people use and trust to protect their websites. The response from the Word Press community has been fantastic and we continue to add new features and functionality based on our users feedback.”
Unlike other plugins, Online Backup for Word Press can even encrypt your backup data to keep it secure while it is downloaded, emailed, or stored on Backup Technology’s Secure Servers.
The plugin can backup your site’s database (containing settings, pages, posts and comments) as well as its file system (containing media, attachments, themes and plugins) to any one of three places:
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Other Online Backup for Word Press features include:
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Tuesday 11 September 2012
That's Health: Spa Secrets Sept/Oct issue sees launch of new freq...
That's Health: Spa Secrets Sept/Oct issue sees launch of new freq...: September/October 2012 issue out now NEW six-issue frequency begins — interview with Christine Bleakley, great subs offer & ...
Saturday 21 July 2012
Get writing for a very British Tour celebration!
The Roadwear collection includes four items: two jerseys and two sets of bib shorts. Each item is made from a Meryl/Lycra actisystem fabric which makes them exceptionally soft but durable, ride after ride and wash after wash. The Lycra in the fabric stretches five times its own length and has moisture management technology that keeps you cool and dry; it is light and windproof, dries quickly, and offers excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Each item has the customary Velobici style and beautifully executed detail and are manufactured by hand entirely in Leicestershire. The full details of the collection are below.
In addition to the road wear and to reflect British cycling success throughout 2012, Velobici is launching its first writing competition. Chris Puttnam of Velobici says “The cycling world has a wealth of writing talent and we thought after all this year’s success in all riding disciplines that there are some inspirational stories to be told. We have 3 categories: The Bike, The Race and The Ride, so your story doesn’t have to be about professional racing. It can be about your own rides, your own memories”. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words (there is no minimum, to encourage the odd Haiku!) and to submit your entry, simply email it to info@velobici.com, stating clearly which category you are entering. The closing date is 10pm on 17 August 2012 and the winners will be announced during September.
The six judges are: Chris Puttnam, founder of Velobici; Adrian Bell of Mousehold Press; Matt Rendell, cycling author and journalist; David Harmon, Eurosport’s lead English language commentator; Matt Stephens, 1998 British Road Race champion and pro rider between 1998 and 2011 and Andy Ward, cycling doctor and writer. Two judges will preside over each category, submitting their favourite two to a ‘grand final’ where all the judges will decide on the three ultimate winners.
To enter, type your essay which should be a maximum of 1,000 words. Email it to info@velobici.com before 10pm on Friday 17 August, and you must put the category you are entering in the subject field. Or go to 'Writing Competition' at www.velobici.cc and make your entry by clicking on the suitable link.
The winner of the Race category will receive a set of the new road wear, a choice of Van Abel or Van Dapper (Jersey & shorts); winner of the Bike category will win a choice of a Classic Bob Maitland or Tommy Godwin jersey, and the winner of the Ride category will win a Lombardy Classic Cardigan with matching Seamless Merino Scarf and Gloves. For female winners, we have a set of Ella Paris or Ella Nice as well as a set of Velobici’s soon-to-be-released women’s wear, a technical vest and briefs. Each winner will receive a copy of the latest publication from Mousehold Press and all three finalists will also be recorded by commentator David Harmon and made available as a podcast on the Velobici website.
Full details of the Roadwear Collection
Van Abel men’s jersey has a full zip and rear drop hem. The back features a sweeping five pocket design, topped with a red binding. Two of the pockets are zipped and lined with matching red waterproof fabric. The side panel features a 'Velobici' jacquard and there is a ‘vb’ chainring jacquard design on the chest. Van Abel also features silicone gripper and reflective piping on the sleeves and hem. Both jerseys have a glasses wipe insert. Retails at £140.
Van Abel men’s bib shorts match the jersey with a Velobici side panel jacquard. The Meryl Actisystem Lycra Velobici has chosen has a super soft feel that stretches five times its own length. The insert is a top of the range Gopresia Airmesh seat pad with flatlock stitching to prevent any rubbing, plus a centre back 'Radio' pocket and soft leg grippers. Retails at £130.
Van Dapper men’s jersey has a full zip and rear drop hem. The back features a sweeping five pocket design, topped with a yellow binding. Two of the pockets are zipped and waterproof with black lining. There is easy access to the right side hip pockets with bespoke Velobici logo zip pullers. The side panel features a 'vb' chainring jacquard with 'vĂ©lobici' embroidered on the front chest. Van Dapper also features reflective piping and gripper on the sleeves and hem. Retails at £140.
Van Dapper men’s bib shorts match the Van Dapper jersey and have ‘vb’ chainring designed jacquard side panels. Retails at £130.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
New book on freelance writing says success is still possible – with hard work
Author and journalist Linda Jones has written Freelance Writing, Straightforward Advice from a Woman who Knows, five years after an earlier book met critical acclaim and was dubbed ‘the freelancers’ bible’ by one reviewer.
Those years have seen turbulent times for freelance writers, with lucrative markets shrinking as publications continue to close or freeze freelance budgets. For many, the best advice for wannabe freelance writers may be ‘don’t bother.’
But according to Freelance Writing, it’s still possible to carve out a successful living in freelance writing, so long as you have a strong work ethic, businesslike approach, can deliver and are willing to adapt.
In her introduction, Linda says: “I’d also say don’t bother – don’t bother that is unless you are prepared to work hard, market yourself and set yourself apart from the competition, learning new skills along the way. If you are good at what you do, meet deadlines, supply excellent copy and build strong relationships with your editors, then you still have a chance.
“You need an endless supply of timely ideas, an old fashioned nose for a story and a strong work ethic. You also need to be ready to adapt and continue to learn, be inspired by innovative writers and editors, fully exploring the potential of newer media practises and new ways of investigating, reporting and reading.”
Media coach Joanne Mallon says in her foreword: “It’s not all bad, the huge explosion in online publishing has meant that there are now more outlets for your writing than ever before. And a writer can find themselves doing jobs that didn’t even exist ten years ago, such as writing a blog for a client or getting hired to tweet.”
Freelance Writing, Straightforward Advice From a Woman Who Knows includes advice on social media writers from Linda, herself an award-winning blogger, as well as influential online commentators.
Sound guidance on pitching editors comes from regular contributors to national newspapers and magazines and detailed pointers on how to win and keep commercial writing work comes from award-winning businesswoman Carol Garrington, Linda’s fellow director at Midlands agency, The Marketing Room.
Established writers and freelance journalists offering their advice in the
book include:
• Alex Gazzola: Health journalist, author and writing tutor.
• Anne Wollenberg: Freelance journalist and sub editor
• Kelly Rose Bradford: Contributing editor, freelance journalist and short story author
• Nick Daws: Author, freelance writer and tutor
• Tara Cain Leading UK blogger and former features editor
Chapters included are:
• Getting Started
• Advice from the Professionals
• The Business of Freelancing
• Writing for Newspapers and Magazines
• Real Life Stories and Travel Writing
• Research and Interview Skills
• Writing for the Internet
• Social Media for Writers
• Other Types of Writing
• Commercial Writing Work
• Doing Your Own PR
About Freelance Writing, Straightforward Advice from a Woman Who Knows
Published by Greatest Guides
Foreword by media coach Joanne Mallon
256 pages, 11 chapters, ISBN 978-1-907906-20-6, Price £9.99
Available from all good bookshops including: Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smiths
http://www.greatestguides.com/
FACTFILE:
Linda Jones (Married name Linda Aitchison)
Linda is an agency director, freelance journalist, author and trainer based in the West Midlands. These days she spends much of her time training and mentoring writers. She began her career at the Wolverhampton Express & Star in 1990 and has since worked as an editor in Russia, news editor on UK regional newspapers, online editor and regular contributor to national, regional and specialist titles. She blogs at http://www.freelancewritingtips.com.
Praise for Linda Jones’ first book on freelance writing:
"Newcomers to the trade of professional writing would be wise to invest in this book if only to avoid some of the more common pitfalls that can happen to the inexperienced. But even the most seasoned hacks should find enough in here to inspire them, remind them or encourage them." Louise Bolotin
The author has tips not just on magazine and newspaper markets, but also on Internet and commercial opportunities, and even has advice on the gentle art of getting paid. She says that her book aims to ‘offer realistic advice to those at the start of a freelance writing career’. It certainly does that. Richard Bell, Writing magazine
Linda is generous with her advice, but at the same time she doesn't mollycoddle and that's what I liked the most about this book. Yes, it's encouraging and enlightening, but it's also realistic about your chances of making it as a freelancer, which, as I know from experience, will be vastly increased by learning from Linda." Keris Stainton, Trashionista "
Friday 8 June 2012
The Return of the Fountain Pen!
During a time of austerity, openly embracing nostalgia and all it brings may save our nation from misery. Having become a cold, technological age gave us what? Teenagers spending every waking moment locked to social media, the importance of office stationery shrinking as an increasing number of business decisions are made over email and the good old fashioned catch up with family and friends slowly morphing into instant messaging and web chats…since when did a nation renowned for its fighting spirit and after dinner politics turn into robots?
We were once people who embraced the face to face chatter, the meetings of old and new minds and the written letter crafted with fountain pens which, connected us so beautifully to our loved ones but where has that all gone?
The Great British nation has lost its spirit and its camaraderie!
The fountain pen was once the ultimate symbol of communication, providing a unique personal touch to correspondence however; Tablet PCs and smart phones have now taken away the beauty of personal communication…a beauty that can only return if it’s out with the new and in with the old. Researchers revealed that reminiscing is great for mental health so why shouldn’t, in a time of struggle, our nation bring back the simpler times? Put the theory to the test; bring back personal communication and return the character and strength to our land.
The rise in sales of the fountain pen proves that during a time where emails, instant messaging and social media seem to conquer our way of life; the appreciation of the personal touch is still there. Not all of us wish to hide behind machines.
The fountain pen is a classic symbol of communication yet, it soon disappeared into the background becoming nothing but an unneeded work tool, however; during a time of severe strain now is the time for the return of the written letter. The personal touch, whatever the business; provides a sense of ease and comfort during a time of austerity…the power of the pen has never been stronger.
“The resurgence of the fountain pen is yet another instance of our increasing appetite for nostalgia. The march of technology can be quite alienating and it is not surprising that some of us want to connect to a simpler past which the fountain pen seems to embody.” Ed Beerbohm. Paperstone.
The UK is struggling economically; it is time to return to the good old days and bring back our fighting spirit. The paperless office will not succeed and the constant electronic communication will not suffice. We are a nation proud to hold the pen!
Friday 25 May 2012
Survey of Authors Reveals Widespread Dissastisfaction with Publishing Industry
A survey of
professional authors has revealed serious levels of dissatisfaction with
traditional publishers. One third of authors report that they were not
consulted about marketing plans. Asked about marketing campaigns, 38.7%
of authors chose the answer, ‘What marketing campaign? I never noticed
one.’ Almost one-half of authors (45.8%) say that their publisher has
never asked them for feedback.
When asked, ‘With your next book, if some other publisher offered you the same advance as your current one, would you move to the new house or stay where you are?’, just 37.3% of authors chose, ‘I’d stay.’ That implies about two-thirds of authors would prefer to move to a new publisher - or think hard about doing so.
The survey was commissioned by The Writers’ Workshop, an editorial consultancy. 323 authors responded. Those authors were generally much-published, typically by major publishing houses. The survey benefitted from the assistance of the Society of Authors, the Crime Writers Association, the Romantic Novelists Association and many others. We believe it to the the largest recent survey of its kind.
Harry Bingham, head of The Writers’ Workshop and himself an author, commented, ‘These results don’t surprise me, but they are sad. Authors want to love their publishers but there are key respects in which publishers are making that hard. Authors are underwhelmed by marketing that is too often ineffective. And standards of communication are miserable right across the industry.’
‘The problem with marketing is perhaps that publishers have not yet successfully migrated their marketing efforts to an increasingly digital world. As for the lack of communication, there is simply no excuse available. Publishers should seek to find out if their authors are happy and, if they’re not, they should seek to fix any problems. At the moment, our survey shows that only 1 in 5 authors is properly consulted.’
Other key stats included the following. Authors generally rated publishers excellent (43.9%) or good (30.5%) on editorial matters and either excellent (47.4%) or good (33.4%) on copyediting and proofreading. Still on the positive end of things, authors were generally highly (57.5%) or somewhat (35.5%) satisfied with cover design. Only 41% of authors achieved advances in excess of GBP5,000 (a finding which confirms the picture of a 2007 ALCS study).
Asked about whether their publisher consulted with them on marketing, only 19.7% of authors said that they had been ‘closely involved’. The other responses included ‘I was consulted, but my involvement was marginal’ (31.3%), and ‘There was no attempt at consultation’ (33%).
Asked whether they would ever consider cutting out their publisher altogether in favour of e-publishing, only 26.0% of authors responded, ‘No, I would always want a publisher to guide me.’
The full dataset, and a longer commentary from Harry Bingham, has been released on The Writers’ Workshop’s blog.
When asked, ‘With your next book, if some other publisher offered you the same advance as your current one, would you move to the new house or stay where you are?’, just 37.3% of authors chose, ‘I’d stay.’ That implies about two-thirds of authors would prefer to move to a new publisher - or think hard about doing so.
The survey was commissioned by The Writers’ Workshop, an editorial consultancy. 323 authors responded. Those authors were generally much-published, typically by major publishing houses. The survey benefitted from the assistance of the Society of Authors, the Crime Writers Association, the Romantic Novelists Association and many others. We believe it to the the largest recent survey of its kind.
Harry Bingham, head of The Writers’ Workshop and himself an author, commented, ‘These results don’t surprise me, but they are sad. Authors want to love their publishers but there are key respects in which publishers are making that hard. Authors are underwhelmed by marketing that is too often ineffective. And standards of communication are miserable right across the industry.’
‘The problem with marketing is perhaps that publishers have not yet successfully migrated their marketing efforts to an increasingly digital world. As for the lack of communication, there is simply no excuse available. Publishers should seek to find out if their authors are happy and, if they’re not, they should seek to fix any problems. At the moment, our survey shows that only 1 in 5 authors is properly consulted.’
Other key stats included the following. Authors generally rated publishers excellent (43.9%) or good (30.5%) on editorial matters and either excellent (47.4%) or good (33.4%) on copyediting and proofreading. Still on the positive end of things, authors were generally highly (57.5%) or somewhat (35.5%) satisfied with cover design. Only 41% of authors achieved advances in excess of GBP5,000 (a finding which confirms the picture of a 2007 ALCS study).
Asked about whether their publisher consulted with them on marketing, only 19.7% of authors said that they had been ‘closely involved’. The other responses included ‘I was consulted, but my involvement was marginal’ (31.3%), and ‘There was no attempt at consultation’ (33%).
Asked whether they would ever consider cutting out their publisher altogether in favour of e-publishing, only 26.0% of authors responded, ‘No, I would always want a publisher to guide me.’
The full dataset, and a longer commentary from Harry Bingham, has been released on The Writers’ Workshop’s blog.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
That's Business: Through the Door Promotions announce the launch of...
That's Business: Through the Door Promotions announce the launch of...: In order to go THROUGH THE DOOR, you must OPEN the door... Through the Door Promotions, a luxury lifestyle PR Company based in Shoreditch...
Thursday 17 May 2012
That's Technology: Cybher, the event for women who blog
That's Technology: Cybher, the event for women who blog: On Saturday 12th May 2012, central London was alive as 300 of the most influential bloggers and speakers from all corners of the blogosphe...
Thursday 10 May 2012
That's Technology: Cybher: The event for women who blog
That's Technology: Cybher: The event for women who blog: Cybher is the first all-inclusive female blogger event of its kind in the UK. It’s taking place on the 12th May 2012 at 8 Northumberland ...
Sunday 6 May 2012
That's Books: New from author Lee Baldwin
That's Books: New from author Lee Baldwin: Author Lee Baldwin, writer of Angle of Attack reports that his book Angle of Attack has now come out in a special second edition, with a rew...
How I wrote a story
The story "No Lips to Scream With" is a Science Fiction story I wrote.
How I came to write this story is different to how I write most of my fictional pieces.
An idea came to me for the end of a story: "...He tried to scream, but his lips fell off."
That made me laugh. I mean... how could that be? How could someone's lips fall off?
What if it was a dreadful alien disease for which there was no cure? A disease that made parts of the body (lips, nose, fingers, etc.) quickly start to fall off, once the infection had set in?
But how did the disease get out into the wild?
What if a kindly, gentle race was experimenting with a universal vaccine? What if this vaccine had somehow caused a plague that killed everyone it came into contact with? Then I thought that the world phage seemeds more deadly than plague, so the disease became a phage.
OK, then? What was this race called? Revilians. And they tried to stop the disease from spreading at home bgy sending out plague barge ships crammed with the sick and dying, spreading the disease far and wide.
A survey ship finds an Earth ship that was 500 years old. The crew had been killed by a virus, perhaps a variation of the Martian strain of flu that had killed the second Mars expedition, as theorised by the survey ship's doctor?
However, the doctor is certain that the Universal Mega Vaccine -developed in the meantime- would protect them. The only thing the Universal Mega Vaccine could not cure was the Revilian Phage, but as the symptoms of the disease were nothing like Revilian Phage, they knew it could not be that.
However, they realise that the 500-year-old ship had come into contact with a Revilian plague barge.
The ship's doctor was able to theorise that in its 'natural' state, Revilian Phage caused the deadly flu-like ailment, but with the addition of Universal Mega Vaccine it transmuted into the current form of the disease.
Readers will note that as the world is far into the future I took a guess on what the language would be like. If you do read it, please check at those words!
No Lips to Scream With
How I came to write this story is different to how I write most of my fictional pieces.
An idea came to me for the end of a story: "...He tried to scream, but his lips fell off."
That made me laugh. I mean... how could that be? How could someone's lips fall off?
What if it was a dreadful alien disease for which there was no cure? A disease that made parts of the body (lips, nose, fingers, etc.) quickly start to fall off, once the infection had set in?
But how did the disease get out into the wild?
What if a kindly, gentle race was experimenting with a universal vaccine? What if this vaccine had somehow caused a plague that killed everyone it came into contact with? Then I thought that the world phage seemeds more deadly than plague, so the disease became a phage.
OK, then? What was this race called? Revilians. And they tried to stop the disease from spreading at home bgy sending out plague barge ships crammed with the sick and dying, spreading the disease far and wide.
A survey ship finds an Earth ship that was 500 years old. The crew had been killed by a virus, perhaps a variation of the Martian strain of flu that had killed the second Mars expedition, as theorised by the survey ship's doctor?
However, the doctor is certain that the Universal Mega Vaccine -developed in the meantime- would protect them. The only thing the Universal Mega Vaccine could not cure was the Revilian Phage, but as the symptoms of the disease were nothing like Revilian Phage, they knew it could not be that.
However, they realise that the 500-year-old ship had come into contact with a Revilian plague barge.
The ship's doctor was able to theorise that in its 'natural' state, Revilian Phage caused the deadly flu-like ailment, but with the addition of Universal Mega Vaccine it transmuted into the current form of the disease.
Readers will note that as the world is far into the future I took a guess on what the language would be like. If you do read it, please check at those words!
No Lips to Scream With
Saturday 28 April 2012
International Travel Writer Award Winners Announced
Four international travel journalists recently captured top honors in the 2012 International Pow Wow Travel Writer Awards competition. The awards were announced on April 23 during a media reception at the 2012 International Pow Wow (IPW) convention in Los Angeles.
Best International Pow Wow Host City (San Francisco) Article — Gary Dickson, editor at large for New Zealand’s bimonthly Let’s Travel magazine, took top honours in this category. Dickson who associates every city he visits with a song, jumped at the chance to explore San Francisco via the Magic Bus Tour, a 90-minute journey focusing on the city’s musical history. His article, “Flowers in My Hair,” highlights this aspect of San Francisco’s quirky personality.
Best U.S. Travel Destination Article — For the first time, two winners were chosen for this category. Reporter Alicia Boy won for her story “Una Aventura Invernal” (A Winter Adventure), which appeared in Mexico’s Bon Voyage — Excelsior. The article focused on the experience of ice fishing in the Great Lakes of Minnesota and detailed Boy’s understanding of what fishing is all about: friendship, relaxation, and having the right equipment.
Also honoured in the Best U.S. Travel
Destination Article category was reporter Marco Berchi of Italy. His
award-winning story “Dal cielo — Se gli States sono da prendere
al volo” (From the sky — take flight in the States) was published
by La Repubblica Viaggi newspaper. Berchi’s story detailed his
experience with the emerging concept of “air cruising,” a new
style of group tour that trades roads for sky.
Best Trade Publication — “USA News” was chosen to receive the award for Best Trade Publication. Reporter Milton Gonzalez authors this monthly column, which appears in the Mexican travel trade publication Publitur. Gonzalez created the column, whose sole purpose is to educate Mexican travel agents on the highlights of various U.S. destinations, allowing them to better inform their clients on these experiences and travel options.
Best Trade Publication — “USA News” was chosen to receive the award for Best Trade Publication. Reporter Milton Gonzalez authors this monthly column, which appears in the Mexican travel trade publication Publitur. Gonzalez created the column, whose sole purpose is to educate Mexican travel agents on the highlights of various U.S. destinations, allowing them to better inform their clients on these experiences and travel options.
Sponsored by the U.S. Travel
Association and CityPASS, the 2012 International Pow Wow Travel
Writer Awards received more than 100 entries from travel journalists
and editors who attended IPW 2012. Each of the winning writers
received $1,000 and an award certificate.
During their evaluation of the entries,
the judges looked for articles that featured original ideas and
exceptional storytelling skills, as well as prose that would inspire
readers to travel to the United States.
The U.S. Travel Association is a
national, nonprofit organisation representing all components of the
travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and
supports 14 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to promote and
facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more
information, visit www.ustravel.org.
For 15 years, CityPASS has been the
premier product for travelers who want to visit a destination’s top
attractions while enjoying significant savings of up to 50 percent.
CityPASS, which has a 99 percent customer approval rating, contains
prepaid admission to the most popular attractions in 11 North
American destinations: New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern
California and Toronto. For more information on CityPASS and its
partner cities and attractions, visit www.CityPASS.com.
Wednesday 25 April 2012
That's Books: New books shows that treating yourself like a bran...
That's Books: New books shows that treating yourself like a bran...: Brand New You: Reinventing Work, Life & Self through the Power of Personal Branding by SIMON MIDDLETON Published by Hay House on 7th Ma...
Sunday 22 April 2012
NGT Travel Writing Competition 2012 Winners
www.natgeotraveller.co.uk
National Geographic Traveller (UK) asked young travel writers if they had what it takes to be a travel writer in its inaugural Travel Writing 2012 Competition last September — and they proved they did, with the winner and runners-up now available to view online and in the May/June 2012 issue.
As a leader in inspiring narratives and informative travel features, National Geographic Traveller, in association with i-to-i, set out to find the next generation of talent.
Entrants were asked to submit 400-500 words about their most inspirational travel experience. We were soon inundated by submissions, most of which were of a very high standard — and all the more impressive considering our specified age range was from 18-23 years.
Jess Connett's piece, Tribal Tales, about the Iban people in Malaysian Borneo, pipped all the other contenders to become the winner.
Editor Pat Riddell said: “Jess’s entry particularly stood out for its drama, sense of place, and insight into an ancient custom. More importantly, it’s a compelling story that draws you in and is very succinctly focused. The structure is well balanced and the language remains descriptive without being over elaborate.”
As well as seeing her piece in print, Connett has also won a four-week trip-of-a-lifetime to China, courtesy of i-to-i.
Connett said: “I thought it was a practical joke when I got the email to say I’d won! To have a piece of writing published was one of my life ambitions – but I never thought it would happen aged 21, and especially not in a magazine with such prestige as National Geographic. It’s inspired me to keep writing and definitely to keep travelling! I’m extremely grateful, and really excited for the trip to China.”
Five runners up have also been selected and will receive a year's subscription to National Geographic Traveller. They are Lizzie Davey, Bryony Cotton, Sophie McGrath, Nathan Ferreira and Louise Pruce.
Pat Riddell added: “We’d like to thank everyone for their support of our inaugural National Geographic Traveller (UK) Travel Writing Competition 2012. We have been truly impressed by the incredibly high standard of submissions, especially considering the entrants’ wide range of ages, and we think Jess Connett is a very worthy winner.”
The winning piece and five runners-up can be viewed online at
http://natgeotraveller.co.uk/how/features/45194/
National Geographic Traveller (UK) app available for iPad and iPhone.
In the app store: http://bit.ly/NGTUKapp
See the 26-page digital sample of the May/June 12 issue: www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/may12
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NatGeoTraveller
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NatGeoTraveller
FACTFILE:
Travel Writing Competition 2012 Prizes: The winner receives an amazing four-week trip to China, thanks to i-to-i Volunteering. The first two weeks will be spent at a conservation centre for endangered species such as the giant panda, followed by two weeks’ working with disadvantaged children while exploring the city of Xi’an. The prize includes shared accommodation, all activities and excursions, most meals, return flights from London, in-country orientation, a local in-country team and 24-hour emergency support. Five runners-up will receive a year's subscription to National Geographic Traveller (UK). www.i-to-i.com
National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under license by Absolute Publishing Ltd (APL), from the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. It became the 15th local-language edition when it was launched in December 2010. The magazine is also available in China, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Israel, Poland, Latin America, Armenia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Indonesia, Romania and South Africa. The 180-page travel and lifestyle magazine is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives, all focused on the brand’s theme “All Travel, All the Time.” www.natgeotraveller.co.uk
Friday 13 April 2012
That's Books: Wenlock Olympian Games Book Launch
That's Books: Wenlock Olympian Games Book Launch: Graphics and Print, the award winning Shropshire based commercial printers , are proud to have recently been chosen by Ellingham Press, the...
Saturday 31 March 2012
No news is good news? Unions call seven day industrial action and silence Number 10
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From Sunday, the PR industry’s 50,000 UK professional practitioners including lobbyists and spin merchants will down tools. Analysts predict newsrooms throughout the land will grind to a halt as striking PRs fail to email press releases, research story angles or insert interview slots into spokespeople’s diaries. No news at all is expected from Downing Street, headed by former Carlton PR executive, David Cameron, until midday 8th April.
The dispute centres on a ‘complete lack of respect’ for the vital role PRs have in delivering factual news to ever-growing readerships, broadcast audiences and Social Media followers. The week-long protest comes in the light of weeks of nationwide ridicule by journalists and bloggers which included a ‘Wall of Shame’ and a derisory Twitter meme (#prsongs) which saw the microblog misused for open mocking of the PR profession which contributes to the UK economy.
Avril Lefou, founder of the Association of Public Relations and Information Lobbyists, reasoned: “Recent events have forced this unprecedented move by our members. For too long, our members have pitched some of the most unique fodder to ungrateful newsgatherers.
"Some of these so-called professionals frequently ignore perfectly newsworthy yarns. While perfectly happy to accept press trips and samples, our comrades in news are not putting pen to paper, finger to tablet or phone to ear as we believe they should. We have no option, but to retaliate and withdraw our labour.”
Local protests have been planned up and down the country which will see the printing presses of Manchester grind to a halt, the IPad screens of Hoxton blank and even the world famous BBC flagship Today programme without its trademark shouting matches – a move some predict will see the early retirement of Splott-born John Humphrys.
There is however some good news, rival unions, the Foundation Openly and Objective Lobbying [FOaOL] estimates a saving of electricity from reduced latte consumption, as well as much faster download times for Facebook, Pinterest and other vital PR-related websites. Follow it on #prstrike
(EDITOR: This is, of course, an early April Fool stunt by some PR executives with a very good sense of humour!)
Thursday 29 March 2012
How to get ideas for articles
There's one way that does work, because I have done it myself. In fact, I am doing it now.
What happens is, you develop an illness and write about it.
Some years back I developed cataracts and wrote an article about living with cataracts for a magazine for older people.
Now I have developed diabetes and am writing about it at http://thats-health.blogspot.co.uk my online health magazine.
You can find information from the media contacts of organisations that deal with your particular health issue and use that to create background for your articles and then write about your own personal experiences with the disease or medical condition.
And do ensure that you earn some money from it, as you might as well try to profit from your misfortune!
What happens is, you develop an illness and write about it.
Some years back I developed cataracts and wrote an article about living with cataracts for a magazine for older people.
Now I have developed diabetes and am writing about it at http://thats-health.blogspot.co.uk my online health magazine.
You can find information from the media contacts of organisations that deal with your particular health issue and use that to create background for your articles and then write about your own personal experiences with the disease or medical condition.
And do ensure that you earn some money from it, as you might as well try to profit from your misfortune!
Monday 12 March 2012
That's Home and Household: Pens Poised For London Stationery Show
That's Home and Household: Pens Poised For London Stationery Show: The pens - and notebooks - we use say a lot about us. Pens and stationery have successfully made the transition from being purely function...
Friday 9 March 2012
That's Travel: Make Mother's Day An Opportunity To Potter And Rei...
That's Travel: Make Mother's Day An Opportunity To Potter And Rei...: The Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere is turning Mother’s Day on its head this year by inviting children of all ages...
Monday 20 February 2012
That's Food and Drink: Welcome To Squires Kitchen Bake School, a new publ...
That's Food and Drink: Welcome To Squires Kitchen Bake School, a new publ...: SKMP, publishers of Cakes & Sugarcraft, Wedding Cakes - A Design Source, and Inspired by Food, are launching a new title for budding bakers ...
Sunday 19 February 2012
Competition entry is done!
My competition entry for a novel writing competition is ready to post off.
The top prize is a £20,000 advance and the chance to have my novel posted. Plus there are 3 C1 laptops to be given away, too!
Keep your fingers crossed for me, please!
The top prize is a £20,000 advance and the chance to have my novel posted. Plus there are 3 C1 laptops to be given away, too!
Keep your fingers crossed for me, please!
Saturday 11 February 2012
That's Books: InteractBooks Releases Bill the Fish it's Latest I...
That's Books: InteractBooks Releases Bill the Fish it's Latest I...: In the interactive children’s e-book, Bill the Fish, graphic artist Brett Curzon invites young readers to join him in a delightful journey u...
Thursday 9 February 2012
That's Travel: National Geographic Traveller – Photography Compet...
That's Travel: National Geographic Traveller – Photography Compet...: Photography Competition Supplement 2012 Photography Competition Winner National Geographic Traveller (UK) h...
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Native Foreigner Announces Digital-only Magazine for Travelers
A new, interactive resource for international travellers returning home.
Native Foreigner, an online community for travellers returning from an extended trip abroad, has just launched the first issue of its quarterly magazine, Native Foreigner Magazine. This digital-only magazine is designed for international travellers who are experiencing reverse culture shock and would like to share their stories, photos and videos from their time abroad. In addition, travellers can connect with one another through the online community at www.nativeforeignermag.com.
Native Foreigner Magazine includes personal travel articles, recipes, photos and information about upcoming events. The digital concept is not only interactive, but it gives subscribers quick and easy access to content. Various versions, including a flip-page design, tablet-friendly versions, downloadable pdfs and text-based articles make it easy for users to choose the format most suited to their needs.
“After returning to the United States after a year-and-a-half living in Costa Rica, I realized that there are very few resources for travellers adjusting to life back home,” says editor-in-chief Lindsay Hartfiel. “Native Foreigner was created as a support community for those international travelers who want to connect with others and share their experiences as they make the transition home.”
In addition to the magazine, Native Foreigner features a blog that is regularly updated with information about ways to cope with reverse culture shock as well as news pertaining to international travel. Travellers can also submit photos, videos and recipes that will be posted online.
FACTFILE:
Native Foreigner was launched in January 2012 as a resource for those returning home after a significant amount of time abroad. Native Foreigner is published quarterly and is the primary resource for returning international travellers. Both single-issue and annual subscriptions are available.
Native Foreigner, an online community for travellers returning from an extended trip abroad, has just launched the first issue of its quarterly magazine, Native Foreigner Magazine. This digital-only magazine is designed for international travellers who are experiencing reverse culture shock and would like to share their stories, photos and videos from their time abroad. In addition, travellers can connect with one another through the online community at www.nativeforeignermag.com.
Native Foreigner Magazine includes personal travel articles, recipes, photos and information about upcoming events. The digital concept is not only interactive, but it gives subscribers quick and easy access to content. Various versions, including a flip-page design, tablet-friendly versions, downloadable pdfs and text-based articles make it easy for users to choose the format most suited to their needs.
“After returning to the United States after a year-and-a-half living in Costa Rica, I realized that there are very few resources for travellers adjusting to life back home,” says editor-in-chief Lindsay Hartfiel. “Native Foreigner was created as a support community for those international travelers who want to connect with others and share their experiences as they make the transition home.”
In addition to the magazine, Native Foreigner features a blog that is regularly updated with information about ways to cope with reverse culture shock as well as news pertaining to international travel. Travellers can also submit photos, videos and recipes that will be posted online.
FACTFILE:
Native Foreigner was launched in January 2012 as a resource for those returning home after a significant amount of time abroad. Native Foreigner is published quarterly and is the primary resource for returning international travellers. Both single-issue and annual subscriptions are available.
Sunday 22 January 2012
How to publish a book with Kindle
Publishing a book with Kindle is relatively easy.
First make sure your manuscript is finished and typo free. Then check it again. Also ensure that you check for the wrong word, spelt correctly! And the accidental double use of the the same word can be off-putting to your readers, so please check check for those, too!
You will need to design a cover. My cover was designed using a photograph my wife create. The image was sent to Powerpoint and the text added there.
The image -complete with text- was then saved as a jpeg.
Then you need to go to http://kdp.amazon.com and simply follow the instructions. They take you through setting a price plus various other features that you can use to help promote your book.
You are advised to use a .doc file or it might not work. In Open Office I was able to save it as a .doc file.
You will need to wait for approval and then your book is out there, in the wild!
You can -please!- check my book of short stories out at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070DA1PO
The next book I am working on via The Rann Street Press? A book on basic health and safety principles for the workplace. A vastly different project, but one which I feel passionate about.
First make sure your manuscript is finished and typo free. Then check it again. Also ensure that you check for the wrong word, spelt correctly! And the accidental double use of the the same word can be off-putting to your readers, so please check check for those, too!
You will need to design a cover. My cover was designed using a photograph my wife create. The image was sent to Powerpoint and the text added there.
The image -complete with text- was then saved as a jpeg.
Then you need to go to http://kdp.amazon.com and simply follow the instructions. They take you through setting a price plus various other features that you can use to help promote your book.
You are advised to use a .doc file or it might not work. In Open Office I was able to save it as a .doc file.
You will need to wait for approval and then your book is out there, in the wild!
You can -please!- check my book of short stories out at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070DA1PO
The next book I am working on via The Rann Street Press? A book on basic health and safety principles for the workplace. A vastly different project, but one which I feel passionate about.
That's Books: My first book published!
That's Books: My first book published!: I have published my first book. It is available for purchase on Amazon. www.amazon.com/dp/B0070DA1PO It is a somewhat eclectic collection ...
Friday 20 January 2012
That's Travel: Premier Inn announces opening of second hotel in S...
That's Travel: Premier Inn announces opening of second hotel in S...: Premier Inn has announced that, following an ever increasing demand for affordable ro...
Wednesday 18 January 2012
That's Technology: Watch out, Hollywood is trying to steal YOUR Inter...
That's Technology: Watch out, Hollywood is trying to steal YOUR Inter...: Whilst That's Technology has decided to continue publication (we want to being you technology news, not be a part of the story!) That's Tech...
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Author Beth Gray: Monday writer shout out day
Author Beth Gray: Monday writer shout out day: On the first day of the year, I know all writers are excited about their books coming out. This is the place to shout out what you have comi...
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