Latest Writing Resources

Today I have a list of resources to help you write more and earn more, including a writing competition with huge cash prizes.

Take a look at what is currently on offer and see what inspires you.

An Introduction to Screenwriting - free online course
Screenplays form the starting point for most dramatic films, the essential work from which all other filmmaking flows. All of the tender romance, terrifying action and memorable lines begin at the screenwriter’s desk. This free online course will introduce you to the basic elements and key concepts behind a professional screenplay.
Starts: 8 May 2017. Duration 2 weeks. Time: 3 hours per week.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/screenwriting

The Writer Creative Writing Competition
The advice is always to write about what you know, right? So what could be better than to craft a story around a writer? The theme is open to interpretation. Make it amusing, serious, contemplative or mysterious. We don’t mind. Just bring your main character to life.  You don’t have to use the photo depicted here if you prefer to craft a character of your own making. Just make sure that your character is larger than life and your story is unique and an enjoyable read. You have 1200 words or less including the title – which should be The Writer.
Closing date: April 10th 2017. Entry fee: £3.50. Open to writers worldwide.
http://creativecompetitor.com/creative-writing-competitions/creative-writing-competitions-2017/writing-competitions-january-february-2017/writing-competitions-march-april/writer-creative-writing-competition/

Kindle Scout
Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book gets published. Selected books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, easy rights reversions and featured Amazon marketing.
https://kindlescout.amazon.com

Breaking into Copywriting
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, novelist or playwright, or even just an avid reader, with Screenwriters University new course, you can turn your love for words into a lucrative career as a professional copywriter. With the explosion of the Internet, the need for creative copywriters who can craft compelling advertising has skyrocketed. And because most companies across all sectors need marketing content, copywriting is a virtually recession-proof career choice.
Breaking into Copywriting with Screenwriters University

Creating Subtext in Your Dialogue
In this new week-long intensive at Screenwriters University, first watch and discuss (via discussion boards) a two-part video lecture and a third bonus lecture exploring what subtext is, why it's imperative to avoid "on-the-nose" dialogue, and the 12 dialogue techniques successfully utilized in popular films. Then, apply those techniques to creating a scene in which two characters express their love for each other without ever saying the words "I Love You."
Creating Subtext in Your Dialogue at Screenwriters University

How to Pitch a Script
With How to Pitch a Script, Hollywood Insider Kathie Fong Yoneda is your go-to expert for teaching you how to pitch a script. She will share the best and most effective ways to prepare, pitch, and present a script! After you've taken this course you will be prepared and have the confidence to meet and greet the people who assist in your big break or take your career to the next level.
Pitch & Presentation: How to Pitch a Script

Seven Weeks to Your TV Spec Script Workshop
In this new workshop beginning on March 23, writers will learn all the key elements to a successful "episodic spec," and will receive ongoing instructor guidance in building their own, from basic idea through finished outline. It begins with knowing how to choose the right kind of show to spec, then understanding which elements to study, in order to really grasp how a typical episode functions well enough to write one. Students will then learn the elements of great story ideas for a spec, and be given a chance to pitch and re-pitch multiple ideas for their episode, before finally settling on one to write.
Seven Weeks to Your TV Spec Script Workshop

Advanced Sitcom Rewriting Course
In Advanced Sitcom Rewriting, an established screenwriter can look over your ENTIRE screenplay and give you tips on how to polish it. Whether you are writing a spec script or an original pilot, this workshop offers you tools to polish up your script for eyes in Hollywood!

This four-week workshop is broken up into two sessions that each focus on individual elements of the rewriting process. Each session, you will submit a section of your screenplay for review. Each session will also have focused lectures that help you on each step of your revision process.
Advanced Sitcom Rewriting Course

Finish Your Book in 2017 Premium Collection
Finding the motivation, time, and energy to finish your book can be difficult for even the most seasoned writer. In this premium collection, you will get step-by-step instructions and practical techniques for developing plots, staying motivated and managing competing priorities during the novel writing process. Experts will give you helpful hints to inspire you to write better than ever before so you can not only finish your novel in 2017, but get the attention of agents and publishers all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Finish Your Book in 2017 Premium Collection at Writer's Digest Shop

How To Develop Psychological Backstories For Your Characters
At the conclusion of this course you will have gone through the process of developing psychological backstories for your protagonist and supporting characters. You will also have created an environment in which your characters come to life as their personalities either mesh with their environment or thrive in spite of it. In this course you will learn from an actual psychologist with production experience.
How To Develop Psychological Backstories For Your Characters at Screenwriters University

The Real “Secret” To Writing Success

In the title of this post I’ve used quotes around the word “secret” because there is no real secret to being a successful writer.

It just takes work.

But it’s good work.

And if you do the work you WILL see results - no matter what your situation.

So if  you’re not currently seeing the success from your writing that you want, then you need to take a step back and look at what you’re doing.

What is it that’s holding you back?

What have you been putting off?

What is it that you know you need to do?

What is it that you’re looking for?

Are you looking for an excuse?

Or are you looking for success?

Whatever you’re looking for, you WILL find it.

But what it all comes down to is whether you’re willing to do the work.

Because that is the real “secret” to becoming a successful writer.

http://cheritonhousepublishing.com/books/LLS.html 

Amateur Mindset V Professional Mindset

You've probably heard it before that our thoughts control our lives.

Everything that happens to us depends on what we’re thinking.

So where is your mind when it comes to your writing?

Do you have an amateur mindset or a professional mindset?

Are you planning to work as a professional writer or do you just think that if you write enough pretty words you’ll make money…somehow?

Being a Professional Writer

All successful writers have a blog (or website) and they use social media to grow their audience, get attention and spread their message.

And if you want to do the same you firstly need to have a clear message.

You need to know what it is that you’re trying to say.

And once you know what your message is, you need to get it across clearly.

When you first begin a blog, you only need to get your message across clearly, not perfectly.

Don’t wait for perfection before publishing online because clarity always trumps perfection.

If you’re still unsure what your message to the world is, then try and think of what your worldview is.

Every great writer has a worldview.

To find yours, just ask yourself what is it that bothers you that needs to be fixed?

What problem fascinates you?

Once you know your worldview then you’ll know the audience you’re trying to reach and exactly who you're talking to.

And if you’re still unsure of your worldview, ask the 5 people closest to you to describe you in 3 words or 3 short phrases.

You’ll be surprised what others know about you that you’ve never noticed yourself.

And it doesn’t matter if you want to write fiction or non-fiction. Your worldview will be visible in your writing whether you know it or not.

So it’s better if you know exactly who you’re writing to and what it is that you want to say.

Because that is what writers with a professional mindset do.

http://ruthiswriting.com/links/quickcash.html 

How to Have a Great Idea For a Book

To make money you need to have something to sell.

And as writers, what we sell are our words, usually in the form of a book.

Books are our products that we sell.

But what do you do if you want to write a book but have no idea what to write about?

First, identify your expertise:

~ What do you enjoy researching?

~ What do you enjoy writing?

~ What do you know a lot about?

Next ask; who is your audience?

It’s no good writing a book if no one wants to read it. So picture in your mind the type of person who would enjoy reading your book.

Amazon is a great place to use for inspiration and ideas.

You can look at which books are most popular and you can see readers comments.

With Amazon’s “Search Inside” feature, you can get a really good idea of a book’s contents and the style of writing.

And in the reviews you can find out what people liked and didn’t like as well as what they would have preferred the book contained.

Once you know what to write about, you need to make sure that all your blog posts and emails that you write also serve your audience.

Don’t write only for yourself. Always let your audience know how they can benefit from what you’re telling them.

Then write lots of books and promote them heavily online.

Just always remember that before you write any book, you need a “hungry” market waiting to buy it, so know your audience and always write for them.

And if you want to know how to find hundreds of ideas for writing books, read:

Goodbye Writer's Block: How To Be A Creative Genius And Have An Abundance Of Ideas Plus The Inspiration And Motivation To Write

http://cheritonhousepublishing.com/books/WB.html