Issue 35 -- June 2008
In This Issue
Straight Talk From the Editor
- Feature: "Viewpoint Writing 2: How to Use Your Character's 'Voice'"
- Paying Markets
- Writing and Publishing News
- Writing Exercise
- Café Fun
- Answers to May's Café Fun
- Legal Information
- Advertising Information
- Suggestions and Feedback
- Brewing for July 2008
Straight Talk From the Editor
I don't know about you but May was a slow one for me. It wasn't because I didn't have projects, though. The problem was a sinus infection... or at least I believe that's what is was. It all began with a runny nose, and then the headache hit and lasted for three days. The next morning everything was worse. Along with the runny nose, persistent cough and headache, I had no energy and was very tired. I tried to sit at the computer to work on my projects, but I just couldn't hold my head up. Besides, staring at the screen with a headache wasn't helping matters either. What did I do? I had my stepson drive me to town and bought some sinus medicine, but after taking that, I still felt pretty much the same. I felt so bad that all I could do was sleep.
One week later I felt a little better and was able to catch up on some of the work I had to put off. Today I'm thankful that I'm back to working, but unfortunately whatever it truly was that had in bed for a week has not completely abandoned my body. The headache did leave -- thank God -- but I'm still battling with the sniffles, dizziness and a few aches and pains. I wonder if it's all related to getting old ... LOL. Oh well, I'm sure it will pass soon, but if it doesn't, then I guess I'll just have to pay another visit to the doctor.
Now that you know how the month of May went for me, I'll stop ranting now and let you enjoy this month's edition of Coffee Break for Writers. Stay well and keep me in your prayers.
Best wishes,
Misti Sandefur, editor
Viewpoint Writing 2: How to Use Your Character's "Voice"
By Steve Dempster
There are some simple rules to remember when writing from a character's viewpoint, yet many forget them. Here's a rundown of some to remember ...
No matter what language you speak, regional accents and dialect always give away your origin -- unless of course you have had voice coaching. In the UK accent differences can be very subtle -- for example, I can tell if someone is from my hometown or a town just ten miles away. You can probably do this too.
When "building" a character for your story, their "voice" is very important -- and not just accent or local patois. Listen to your friends. Let's say for the sake of convenience you all grew up in the same part of town. You, therefore, all have the same accent and probably use much the same slang words and idiom. So what sets you apart? It's the way you talk. Some people talk rapidly, some are slow and thoughtful. Some have little speech mannerisms that mark them out. All these things add up to them being an individual, a real, live, talking person. Using your character's "voice" is therefore a powerful tool that helps your reader to identify with that character and so makes them much more real.
Let's take an example. Three people are watching TV: grandmother, mother and daughter. They're watching a movie. Suppose it's pulp fiction. Now, how do you think they would speak if asked to describe that movie? Maybe the grandmother would be scandalized by the sex and violence. Maybe the mother would be uncomfortable about her daughter seeing it. Perhaps the daughter just loves it.
So they all have different attitudes to the movie, but how do you think they would summarize it? Let's see how this sounds.
Grandmother: I thought it a good movie, but really, is all that bad language and shooting necessary?
Mother: Yes, it was a good film, but I thought it was rather violent, and I was concerned about my daughter seeing it.
Daughter: I really enjoyed the movie. It was very thrilling and full of action.
Garbage, isn't it? It all sounds the same -- as if one person was saying all three lines. Maybe this is better:
Grandmother: I thought it a good movie, but really, is all that bad language and shooting necessary?
Mother: I kind of liked it, but, you know, I was a bit worried about my daughter being exposed to all that bloodshed and goings-on.
Daughter: A really cool movie. It was just so laid-back yet full of go at the same time, you know?
Now I'm not pretending that they would really speak like that -- it's just an illustration of "voice." In this instance I kept the way the grandmother might speak as that was they style I used for all three in the first run-through. Have a bit of fun -- rewrite it as if the daughter was the "voice" for all three -- it comes out just as bad as my first attempt did!
This extends into all your writing. In a previous article I mentioned our all-action hero, Jake Bullet, as he enters a bar where a gunman is waiting for him. Here, in a few lines, is the same scene from Jake's viewpoint and that of his adversary:
As he turned and saw the guy heave a pistol out from beneath his coat, Jake exploded into action, leaping the length of the bar and crashing a fist into the gunman's chin. Standing over the guy Jake turned to Henry. "That's one thing he won't try again. If he gets up I'm gonna bust his face."
Pulling the pistol from under his jacket, Sam thought what a posing daisy this famous slick cop looked in his fancy suit. He was going to be easy. Then he froze as his mark jumped toward him. He just had time to think what a bum story his boss had given him about this creep cop before he saw stars and hit the floor. Bummer.
Again, it's not a finished piece! It just gives an idea of how using a slightly different "delivery" can help to identify the character. A point to note also is that the character's "voice" goes beyond dialogue. Sam's way of thinking and some of his character comes out in the way he is described as seeing the scene. This is another aspect of viewpoint writing and "voice" -- describing the action as would the character -- not you. Keep to this as your scene unfolds -- remember, it's your character who is doing the seeing and talking!
Steve Dempster writes fiction, copy and informative articles such as the one above. His Web site can be found at I Want To Write!
Paying Markets
Are you looking for writers? If so, send your information to Coffee Break for Writers. Your information will then be posted in our July 2008 issue. There is only one requirement: you MUST pay writers at a rate of $.10 or more per word or a flat rate of $25 or more. It won't cost you a dime to have your call for writers placed in Coffee Break for Writers. Deadline for sending your information: July 1, 2008.
Baltimore's Child
"Baltimore's Child has a central theme of helping Baltimore area families find activities, services and resources in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Our audience consists of parents of children from birth through the teen years."
Seeking: Articles that emphasize positive, constructive and practical advice to help parents make informed choices and stories with a local angle that offer specific resources and information.
Payment information: Competitive with other local publications, which should meet our minimum payment requirement.
Five
"As in five dimensions - the environment, eco-tourism, healthy lifestyles, culture and image. No doom
and gloom rants. Instead we focus on solutions, inspiring ideas and innovation."
Seeking: Articles related to the environment, eco-tourism, healthy lifestyles, culture -- think film, music, books -- and image.
Payment information: $40, contributor copies and a bio and photo placed on their contributors' page.
Mad Penguin
"Mad Penguin will pay you for writing original content that make it to final publication on our site. We are constantly looking for good writers, and if you think you've got what it takes to write for us, step up to the plate ... let's see what you've got!"
Seeking: Linux software reviews, Linux distribution reviews, original commentary, tutorials and feature articles.
Payment information: $30 for reviews.
Plenty
"Plenty covers a broad range of lifestyle topics, from food, travel, and fashion to technology, business, and culture. We're looking for creative, well-researched ideas that put a positive spin on protecting the environment."
Seeking: Profiles, investigative stories, trend pieces, think pieces and first-person narratives about specific aspects of eco-friendly living.
Payment information: Pays $1 per word if published in print (depending on experience) and $150 for stories published on the Web.
Precast Inc.
"Precast Inc. helps precast concrete manufacturers run their operations more effectively, keeps them apprised of emerging issues in business and technology, and educates them about increasing market shares for precast concrete."
Seeking: Articles related to precast manufacturing and business.
Payment information: Pays anywhere from $250 up to $750.
Writing and Publishing News
Have you launched a new e-zine, newsletter, magazine, blog or Web site for writers? Has your publication made editorial changes? Are you currently running a contest for writers that doesn't require an entry fee? Will you be hosting an upcoming event for writers? Send us your press release and your news could appear in the next edition of Coffee Break for Writers!
New Publications
Looking to break into a new market and/or gain a new client? Send your letter of introduction or query to one or more of these new publications:
Knitting Trade Journal: A new online magazine that covers the knitting and hosiery industry supply chain.
Standpoint: Launched in May 2008, Standpoint is a UK-based magazine that features cultural and political-related content.
Writing Exercise
Write a short story that begins with something taking place in a train station.
Café Fun
How about some true and false questions related to writing?
1. True or false: It's professional to start query letters with Dear Sir or Mam?
2. True or false: Following up with current clients could lead to more paying assignments?
3. True or false: Amazing is an adjective?
4. True or false: The query letter was sent by me to Woman's Day magazine is written in active voice?
5. True or false: Him is a subject pronoun?
Answers will be revealed in the July 2008 edition of Coffee Break for Writers.
Answers to May's Café Fun
Last month I gave you a phrase (Freelance Writer) and asked you how many words you could come up with from that phrase. The words had to be a minimum of two characters. I'm sure you had a long list of words, and now I wonder if you came up with any of the same words as I. I won't share my entire list, but following are a few of the words I was able to spot in Freelance Writer:
- At
An
We
If
In
Fee
Fen
Few
Far
Fan
Ran
Eel
Elf
Art
Awe
Feel
Lane
Lice
Anti
WearLegal Information
Coffee Break for Writers has made every effort to be factual with regard to the content and information provided in this e-zine; however, your results may vary. Coffee Break for Writers accepts no liability of any kind for any losses or damages caused or alleged to be caused - directly or indirectly - from the use of the information generated within this e-zine.
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If you're interested in any article published in this e-zine, you must contact the editor of Coffee Break for Writers. When inquiring about an article, make sure to mention the title and author of the article. Upon receipt of your inquiry, Coffee Break for Writers will forward your request to the copyright owner of the article or articles.
Advertising Information
Coffee Break for Writers e-zine is an advertisement-free publication. Therefore, we do not place any advertisements in this section of our Website. However, we do accept advertisements on other sections of this Web site as long as they relate to the writing or publishing industry. To find out more about our advertising, visit Affordable Advertising. Once there, you'll also find our demographics.
Suggestions and Feedback
If you have any suggestions at all for future issues of Coffee Break for Writers, send them our way. It can be suggestions for articles, new columns or etc. We also welcome your comments on anything in this issue, past issues or future issues. Don't be shy; send your letter to the editor. We value every word.
Brewing for July 2008
- Feature article: "How do you stop sermonic or preachy writing?" by W. Terry Whalin
- Free writing contests
- ... and more
