In June, we asked you to write a "Book Signing" scene.

Thursday Bram sent this winning entry:

"The Book Signing"

"That's my granddaughter, you know."

He says it again. And again. He's invited along all his friends, his business partner, the old men from the synagogue.

He tells them, "That's my granddaughter, you know."

I sign each of their books, personalizing with the block letters, the crossed 'z's that I copied from him. His writing had fascinated me: slow, deliberate, European in style. It was the product of eight years of cheder and a thousand years of doing business.

He gets so tired these days - I ask him to come sit next to me, to help me greet readers.

"You can sign a few books, too," I tease him.

He jokes with the next lady in line: "I used to tell her, 'I'll trade you in for two boys.' But, you know, I think it was a better deal, keeping her."

She grins; even young women seem to melt for that thick European accent. So thick, despite fifty years in the States.

I sign her book and thank her. She tells me that I have a real charmer of a grandfather. I wave the next person in line up, joking with my grandfather. He tells each person how proud he is, how lucky.

All this, and he will never read my book.

Thursday Bram spends most of her time writing about small business topics. Her first love, however, is the art of the short story. More information about Thursday is available at her website, www.ThursdayBram.com

Wanted: Author Feedback and Support

It's been said that writers lead a lonely existence. I don't know that I agree with that statement, however; what I have sometimes found difficult is finding someone who supports my writing endeavors but also is willing to give honest feedback that helps me as an author improve my work. Following are some ideas for support and feedback, almost all of which I've tried personally. There are pros and cons to each.

Family/Friends

This choice can be dangerous, because an author often runs the risk of (a) getting glowing feedback from family and friends which isn't necessarily honest or (b) brutal feedback which soon causes you to question why you thought you could ever be a writer in the first place.

I've been on both sides of this situation, with good and bad results. For instance, my family has never understood what exactly I write about as an author, and their interest has been minimal at best. However, when I'm writing something for a family member, I'm the greatest writer since Shakespeare.

Using friends for feedback can put you in the same position. One author friend who reviewed the first draft of Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace was brutal in her assessment. However, it forced me to reevaluate the story and how it was being told, and start from a completely new angle. This ultimately made for a much better story.

On later revisions I had a good friend who was an English major edit the manuscript at least twice. Besides the grammar expertise, her ideas and feedback proved invaluable. It may have been in her approach or the fact that we are very close, but that relationship worked well.

When considering asking family and friends for feedback and support on your work, the best advice I can offer is to approach with caution. You have to decide if you're comfortable and if seeking out family and friends will actually be of benefit.

Writing Groups

Writer's groups can support authors in a lot of ways. Some offer forums where writers can post their work requesting feedback, others specialize in specific genres (like romance, horror, science fiction, mystery, etc.) that can help you write in a given genre. Still others provide authors with a network of people just like us.

Where I have found writing groups most beneficial is in the promotional opportunities offered members. Most groups want to celebrate the achievement of their authors, and what better way to announce publication of your latest book, article, or poem than through your writer's group.

Classes

Writing classes often include a critique component from fellow students, and some people love it while others hate it. Having taken a number of classes through different writing organizations, I have generally found the feedback from instructors to be the most helpful. However, that is not always the case. I have also known authors who have found the insights and suggestions of their classmates so helpful that without them their work would have suffered.

Editors

I've received the most useful feedback from editors I've submitted manuscripts to. However, I've had difficulty finding editors who work with short stories, a segment which may be better served through classes and writing groups.

The downside of editors is that they can be expensive. But with any book you're writing you're going to want expert editorial advice at least once. A good place to find recommendations from satisfied clients is through your writing group.

Writing/Critique Buddy

I hadn't heard of having a "writing buddy" until this year, but it's a concept I like. Being a member of a writing group is a good way to find other authors you are comfortable with (and they with you) and become buddies. Some writers are more comfortable with criticism and suggestions from one or two people at a time, versus hearing from 12 or 14 as with a class.

A writing buddy can also be a terrific resource on agents, marketing, writing related sites, classes, and their own personal experiences in the field. And they're a great source of support.

Private Critiques

Some organizations that offer writing classes are aware that not every author is keen on putting their work before multiple strangers/classmates for critiques. I know of at least three writing organizations offering classes that also have the option of private instruction and feedback. The downside comes in the expense, so it's best to engage in some in depth research before signing up.

The best news for writers is that no matter how you chose to get support and feedback, all of these options can be done face-to-face or via the Internet. There are online classes and groups galore. My favorite editor lives in Florida and my writing buddies reside in Illinois and New Jersey. Finding the right support and feedback for your written work may take a little research, but it's time well spent.

Catherine Johnson is the author of the novel, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace. Visit her web site at www.CatherineJohnsonNovels.com or contact her via e-mail at: catherinejohns58@yahoo.com

First Person Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to memoir and documentary in all its art forms, has launched its annual, national competition for memoir and documentary writers, videographers, and photographers-- First Person Impressions!

First Person Impressions:

Each day countless stories unfold. Take a real life experience of your own and tell it in a way that only you can. Craft your story with words, photos or video. Make the ordinary magical, or the exotic familiar. Shock us, amaze us or make us pause to reflect. The only rule is that it's real.

All entries must be new works that have not previously been published, exhibited or screened in the US.

Winners will be judged by experts in their category-- the judges for the "writing" category include Daniel Jones, Laurence Kirshbaum, and Amy Salit. Top winners will be invited to present their work at the annual First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art in November. Top winners will also receive cash prizes up $500, as well as the chance to be published in the Philadelphia City Paper and other publications.

More details about guidelines and how to submit entries can be found at www.impressions.firstpersonarts.org

There is a $10 entry fee and the deadline is August 15th.

---

Compete Around the World

The competition site used to find a variety of competitions that are currently going on around the world. The competitions are writing competitions, drawing, poetry, Arts and craft, Essay Competitions,handwriting contest, programming competitions and music competitions, etc.

Check it out at: http://www.competearoundtheworld.com/index.php

---

Unleash Your Story

The authors of Romance Unleashed are hosting an online fund raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).

Please check it out. They're having a write-a-thon and both writers and readers participate. There's fun contests and prizes.

For more information, please visit: www.unleashyourstory.com

---

Ehow

You can write and publish articles on the topic of your choice. You have to register, but it's free. They have a new program called Writer's Compensation Program (WCP).

The site gives information on how to join and the benefits. However, I haven't registered yet so I'm not sure exactly how it works.

You can check it out at: http://www.ehow.com/write.html

---

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

This publisher is the leader in gift books and humor books.

Submission guidelines can be found at: http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/submissions.html#_submissions

---

The New Literary Agents

This is a cool blog by Kae and Jon Tienstra of KT Public Relations. I've been on my agent blog kick for a while now and I thought I'd mention this one.

You can check it out at: http://newliteraryagents.blogspot.com

---

I have my own little announcement to make. I'm a finalist in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh Contest. I entered my manuscript in the Mainstream with Romantic Elements category. The entries are with the final judges now and I'll know the results in September.

I have never made it this far in a contest and I'm still in shock - LOL. It's a great feeling and a needed boost. I am tormented by my inner critic all the time, but one of the judges wrote such an inspiring note on my 1st round entry that I printed it out and have it hanging above my desk to keep me motivated. So for those of you who sometimes get discouraged, please don't! Keep going! Keep writing! You can do it!

---

Bobbie Christmas is the "Book Doctor" and Author of Write In Style, a triple-award-winning textbook for writers of fiction and nonfiction, available wherever books are sold.

Bobbie loves to receive questions from writers and offer her expert advice. If you have any questions you need answered, please e-mail her at: Bobbie@zebraeditor.com

For the latest Q&A with Bobbie, go to AskTheBookDoctor on the CS4W site.

---

If you have an announcement you would like to share with us, please send it to: sandy@coolstuff4writers.com with "announcement" in the subject line.

I love to hear from you!

Peace,

Sandy

email: sandy@coolstuff4writers.com

phone: 732-276-6573

web: http://www.coolstuff4writers.com