WHY IS IT?

Why is it that:

1) Everytime my workload slows down, I try to hunt down new jobs, and then people who have kept me on hold suddenly flood in like a tidal wave?

2) I hurry to meet my client's deadline, and when I email to let the client know I've completed the assignment, the client takes his time getting back to me.

3) Ten people need me at once, or nobody needs me.

4) As soon as I get on the phone with an author, another author needs to reach me.

5) When I'm on a tight deadline, my email is not working or my phone is not working.

6) When we're almost ready to go to press, my production manager's computer crashes and important files for the book are lost.

7) I sometimes feel as if I'm the only one experiencing bad luck!

Over The Top Award

Well, what do ya know...Author of the blog, Creative Chronicles, has awarded me with their "Over The Top Award," saying she likes the way I write. I'm tickled, touched, flattered, and thankful. Aw shucks.

Letter From Who's Who

Dear Donna Erickson,

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and to thank you for your continued support of Marquis Who's Who.

As a member of the Marquis Who's Who family, you play a key role in upholding a tradition of excellence that spans more than a century, one that can be proudly shared with family, friends, and colleagues.

Only with your participation, and the careful review of your biographical information, are we able to produce accurate and up-to-date publications, relied upon by many of the world's most prestigious libraries and corporations.

We're honored to have you as a biographee, and wish you continued success in 2010.

Sincerely,

Fred Marks, Editor-in-Chief
and the entire Marquis Who's Who team

A lot is happening!

After launching the self-publishing division on September 25th, we signed our first author on November 30th. Author Susan Ronne is writing an imaginative children's book soon to be edited by our own Jane Mackay. We are working with a second children's author and compiling her stories into one manuscript.

Genesis Magazine will feature us in their January edition, which will focus on my e-book, "No-Hassle Publishing." We are preparing the book for print to be sold in online bookstores.

I was invited as a guest on blogtalkradio's nationally syndicated program, Dresser After Dark and was interviewed by well-known host, Michael Ray Dresser. Funny guy.

Jim Farrell, owner of PR First, has invited me as a guest to appear on his cable television program (in the Hanover, MA area) in March.

My printer, Ernie Foster, says, "You're on a roll!" I guess I'll keep rolling along...

Here's a recent e-mail from a "Write Stuff" contestant.

Ms Erickson,

I have not even gotten to the point of chapters, but I can send you a few pages. I am interested in the coaching and the tips. Honestly, I know an English major who is willing to help me basically for free so you understand it is not a personal thing. I think your services are a great idea. Also if your a judge with the show, will that effect me? I am interested in your book about publishing. Let me know and I will e-mail you some of my book. I do value your opinion. I saw your You-tube submission and found it impressive. Thank you for your time.


Geremy Howard

Care to add another comment on my articles?

Donna,

Congratulations! A new comment was recently left for your article, "Become a Better Business Writer".

You can view the comment here:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/comment.php?Become_a_Better_Business_Writer&id=2332686

Become a Better Business Writer

By Donna Erickson

Article Word Count: 475 [View Summary] Comments (0)



Every sentence you put down on paper (or on a computer screen) identifies who you are and/or what your business offers. Poor writing, grammatical errors, and typos all deflect from the professionalism you want to generate and the image you want to create. The following tips are meant to help guide you, so your writing is clean, crisp, and clear.

1. Use the active rather than passive voice. This steadfast rule for professional writing is especially important for authors of both fiction and non-fiction. However, the advice is good for all writers creating any form of narrative, copywriting, or web content. Voice shows whether the subject performs (active) or receives (passive) the action of the verb. Instead of saying, "The film was watched by a large audience, say, "A large audience viewed the film." The use of the active voice allows for a more direct and aggressive type of writing.

2. Avoid linking verbs. Rather than saying, "She was honest and genuine" you could say, "Her proven honesty made her even more genuine." Add more power to the punch by staying away from linking verbs, such as is, was, seemed, or had. As soon as you are tempted to begin a sentence with there is, it was, or he had (for example), try coming up with a new approach, such as the one above.

3. Try not to use the word very. In most cases, the sentence will sound better without it. Most likely, you'll notice if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it.

4. Limit the word that. Its overuse in today's writing is abundant. Example: see the last sentence, in number three above. I could have chosen to write: most likely, you'll notice that if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it. You can see the word is not necessary. By the way, I just created another sentence without that (in the previous sentence).

5. Write to the reader. If you are writing to sell, be sure to use the word you more than the word I or we. You want the reader to identify with what you are saying.

6. Stay away from cliches and colloquialisms. Experts recommend limiting the use of them. Occasional use is okay, but I have seen writers who tend to write every sentence that way. Some examples to avoid include: chill out, pissed off, as fate would have it, on top of the world, bored to death, etc.

7. Keep sentences short. Rather than writing a long, run-on sentence of connected phrases, chop it up. Cut it into several short sentences or use the em dash (see below), and you'll see the readability will improve.
If you follow these rules, your writing should improve dramatically. You may even get more business - *because you will be keeping the reader's attention instead of losing a sale.

*( use of em dash)

Donna Erickson
"Your Publishing Guru"
Owner, A Flair For Writing
http://www.aflairforwriting.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Erickson

What You Need To Know About Publishing Today

A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing

I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling author with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.

I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.

You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know ,and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.

What You Need To Know About Publishing Today

A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing

I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling offer with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.

I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.

You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know, and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.

My First Book

By Donna Erickson



I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Have you written any books? I’ve always had to reply “no” and then explain what I do write. Finally, all that is about to change. I’m writing my first book and learning a lot as I go along.

After completing a major investigative search into my genealogical background, I suddenly decided the lives of my maternal grandparents would be great material for a book. The drama, excitement, and countless struggles they endured coming from Lithuania to this country--as they set the stage for future generations--could serve as the foundation of a gripping tale. I was excited about the idea and eager to begin. Although my book is based on their actual lives, I am writing it as historical fiction. Neither my parents nor my grandparents are alive today. I stare at their photos and wonder what information they would have for me--the unknown details of their lives and the lives of their parents. I recently received a picture from my cousin of my great-grandparents before they came to America. A lot of my story is written around that picture. Somehow, I feel more connected to them and able to imagine their trials and tribulations and what their personalities were like. None of my living relatives knew them or know much about the lives they lived. My cousin was helpful in providing important incidents I have recounted in the early chapters of the book.

It’s very strange “getting into the minds” of your great-grandparents to create the dialogue for the story. It’s also quite sad to imagine what they lived through–the terror, the persecution--and the courage they needed to flee their homeland.

I have completed a rough draft of Chapters One, Two, and Three and have prepared an outline for the remainder of the book. I am estimating a total of twelve chapters and somewhere around 250 pages. I found it helpful to have completed character sketches and plot points before beginning to write. The website www.writethatnovel.com has been especially helpful. There are forms you can download and print out to help you through the stages of manuscript preparation.

Researching the historical time period has been the most challenging part so far. I’ve had to find out about architecture of nineteenth century homes in two separate European districts, as well as the influence of the Russian Czar’s rulings on my ancestors and their daily lives. (Russia governed Lithuania at the time.) I never stopped to think just how bad conditions were for my ancestors. I remember the first time I saw the movie, Fiddler On the Roof, and crying at the end—yet the movie didn’t show the scenes of horror, death, and destruction these people later encountered.

Each day, I am trying to write at least one page (in addition to a full-time writing career) and more on the weekends. It may take me a year to complete, but I’m determined and motivated to get it done.

A TYPICAL WORKDAY

Usually, my workday begins about 9 a.m. – sometimes earlier, sometimes later. That’s one of the things I like best about being my own boss. First, I check all of my e-mail and sort through what needs to be answered right away and what can be saved. I check the date for any deadlines that I have given to my clients or colleagues. If someone was supposed to get back to me (with revisions, payments, completed e-mail forms, etc.) and hasn’t, I follow up with a phone call and/or e-mail. Then I make any other phone calls that are necessary before beginning my work.

I’m usually writing or editing until about 1 p.m. From approximately 1:00 to 2:00, I’m busy with lunch, errands, exercise, or meditation. At about 2:00, I’ll answer saved e-mail, any new e-mail, and return phone calls. Then it’s back to writing/editing until about 4:30.

After making dinner and connecting with my family, I’ll be cleaning up, taking a walk (if I hadn’t gotten any fresh air that day), and talking on the phone to friends or family. I also try to read the newspaper. Between 7 and 8 p.m., I do a final e-mail check or some last minute editing.

As soon as a client requests a job, I create a file and open the account. All notes and information gets tossed into the folder and placed in my “Work In Progress” pile. From there, it moves to “Work Completed,” where I may be waiting for a reply, revisions, or payment. Once it is complete, it is stored and saved on a back-up disk.

I try to keep all of my work in progress prioritized. The folders are lined up, so I can see what needs my attention first. It’s also handy to have them nearby if a client calls, and I need to pull the file while we talk. Being organized definitely helps me get through each workday day with ease.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Upcoming Reality Show Promotes Reading, Offers Book Deal to Writers

Contact: Cheryl Pillsbury, AG Press
978-300-5178/ 617-447-1554
www.AGPress.8m.net / www.poeticmonthly.com

Donna Erickson, A Flair For Writing
781-857-2396
www.aflairforwriting.com

To encourage literacy throughout the United States, Shadow Play Entertainment and its partners are gearing up for a historic literary journey of a lifetime: to find the next big thing in publishing. They realize that reading is not only important, but providing quality entertainment to the masses is also vital. Introducing "The Write Stuff" (http://www.thewritestufftv.com), a new reality show designed to assist individuals in their quest to get their work recognized, as well as network with those who have made it in the industry.

This new project will not only encourage creativity but also provide assistance to those who are looking to make it in the world of publishing. Hosted by Creator and Executive Producer Cyrus A. Webb (Shadow Play Entertainment/ Conversations Book Club), the show will take contestants who have drive, ambition and the willingness to succeed through 14 weeks of challenges to prepare them for the competitive literary world.

Airing in select cities (on the CW Channel and select My Network Channels) and ABC affiliates, the show will be seen by over 20 million households. After airing, all episodes will be available on The Write Stuff TV channel on Youtube found at http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv. As new markets open, previous episodes will be re-aired with the finale airing simultaneously.

"The Write Stuff" will put the contestants in the faces of those who can make it happen for them in the publishing world and those who can give them the tools they need to be successful. At stake is the ultimate prize for those who want to make their mark in the industry: a ONE-BOOK DEAL provided by AG Press! Along with the book deal and recognition of having "The Write Stuff," come a brand new Dell Laptop and a prize package of marketing tools and a promotional campaign worth over $16,000. There will also be features in Conversations Magazine (online and print), Poetic Monthly Magazine (online and print), Crunk Magazine (online and print), and Hype Magazine, along with other publications across the country!

The contestants for Season One are as follows: Tommie Townsley, Shanedria Ridley, Geremy Howard, David Dickson, Darrell Bruner Dr. M. F., Deana Davis, Justina Wheelock, Keyana Hawthorne, Sybil Presley, Powwah Uhuru, Crystal Johnson, Moffatt Nelson, JJ Harrison, Angela Brown, Ross Walton, Monique Williams, Lakeisha Young-Sanders, Jym Cherry, Jenelle N. Robinson, Pam Briars, Khpra Senwosret, R. Wolf Baldassarro and Stacey Cochran.

Judges include up-and-coming as well as best-selling authors from across the country. There is no doubt that this project will be one for the record books, getting national attention, as well as helping many contestants make a name for themselves---all while encouraging literacy for those watching at home and online.

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Cheryl Pillsbury or Donna Erickson using the information above or contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Additional information can also be found at http://www.thewritestufftv.com.
http://thewritestufftv.webs.com/

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My Promo Video for The Write Stuff TV Show

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW.

Did you miss Conversations LIVE! Radio's exclusive interview with Donna Erickson of A Flair For Writing and Cheryl Pillsbury of AG Press? If so, listen to the entire podcast here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2009/02/13/Donna-Erickson-and-Cheryl-Pillsbury-talk-to-Conversations-LIVE-Radio


http://www.aflairforwriting.com

www.AGPress.8m.net / www.poeticmonthly.com

The two shared their beginnings as writers, how they balance their personal and professional lives as well as how they began working together.Are you someone who wonders how you can get started today pursuing your goals and dreams? Erickson and Pillsbury share their advice as well as how they feel about being invovled in the historic reality show The Write Stuff.
Missed other interviews on Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com.



____________________________________________________________
Aching back? Sore neck? Cick to learn how to manage your pain.

The Write Stuff Reality TV Show Will Be Broadcast in 20 Million Households...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Literary Professionals in Massachusetts Add Support to Reality Show's Search For the Next Best-selling Author

Contact: James Magee, Communications Director
Shadow Play Entertainment/ "The Write Stuff"
601.937.3245 http://www.thewritestufftv.com

Donna Erickson, Founder
A Flair For Writing/Senior Editor for AG Press
781.857.2396 http://www.aflairforwriting.com / http://www.agpress.8m.net

In a matter of weeks, an exciting chain reaction will take place in the literary community that will give hope to those who aspire to not only see their names in print but also be a success in the industry. The catalyst for this hope is an exciting, new reality show called, "The Write Stuff." The auditions began in January--to see who believes they have what it takes, in order to make it as an author.

Created by Cyrus A. Webb of Shadow Play Entertainment and Zane Bell of Innovations Inc., the show will begin to air in select markets, during the summer of 2009, to almost 20 million households. Auditions will take place in San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Jackson and Metairie, as well as online. However, individuals outside of those areas are taking notice of the project and its mission. One such individual is Donna Erickson, founder of A Flair For Writing in Abington, MA and Senior Editor for AG Press, Townsend, MA. She, along with Cheryl Pillsbury, Owner of AG Press, have become supporters of "The Write Stuff.”
"I was motivated to get involved in this project because I am at a place in life where I want to give something back," says Erickson (seen above). She has been a professional writer for over 20 years. Her writing experience includes newspaper and magazine articles, resumes, college application assistance, direct mail, press releases, editing manuscripts for publication, brochures, website content, and advertising copy. Recently, Donna has expanded her services worldwide and has serviced clients outside of the United States. Donna spent 10 years as a feature writer and has been published in Mariner Publications, South Shore News and the South Shore Baby Journal. Although she now focuses on publishing on the web, her freelance work has appeared in local, national, and international publications.

She continues with this: "After 23 years in the business, I hope to encourage new writers to pursue their dreams of getting published. As Senior Editor at AG Press, I have found it rewarding to coach and assist other editors. As a member of the Board of Directors for the South Shore Ad Club, I have created the Writers Guidelines and help oversee all creative materials. Both of these positions have enabled me to work with new writers, and I have enjoyed those opportunities. I want to take part in sponsoring and judging “The Write Stuff,” so an aspiring writer can ultimately succeed."


Cheryl also wanted to use AG Press to do something to benefit the project. The winner of "The Write Stuff" will be getting a one-book deal with Hollygrove Publishing; however, AG Press will also provide him/her with virtual copies of his/her book on CD. Designed for travelers and those who find themselves living on their computers, she believes these will be ideal for those who want to read on the go. (Other prizes for the winner will include a personally-designed marketing plan by New York Times best-selling author, J. L. King; two years of representation by Shadow Play Entertainment Publicity Dept.; a brand new Dell laptop; features in print and online publications; and the recognition of having "The Write Stuff.”)

For more information about Donna Erickson, A Flair For Writing, or AG Press, call 781.857.2396 or visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com or http://www.agpress.8m.net. To find out more about "The Write Stuff" reality show, contact James Magee at 601.937.3245 or visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com.

Some feedback about my article, An Amazing Journey.

Donna –



I applaud your candor and skills in sharing a personal story.



Steve



Steve Dubin

51 Lot Phillips Road, Kingston, MA 02364

Telephone (781) 582-1061

Mobile (781) 864-1837

Fax (781) 582-1075

Email - SDubin@PRWorkZone.com

Web - www.PRWorkZone.com