Poetry Tips & Advice

This week on From A Writers POV, one of our groups hosted Poetry Week Workshop. This week we learned about different types of poetry and gave tips. So to recap what we learned, here is a little info on poetry and the different types of poetry.



Different Types of Poems



Narrartive Poem

Personal Poem

Address Poem

List Poem

Acrostic Poem



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Words that are considered redundant



absolutely certain

just exactly

revert back

enter into

actual fact

forward progress

baby kitten

sum total



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Stanza: a group of lines gathered together as a unit, like a paragraph in prose

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Epigraph: A quotation preceeding a book, chapter or poem, often intended to evoke something of it's theme or atmosphere.

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Margins: Keep righthand and lefthand margins roughly the same width. Exception: If a great deal of editing is expected, the lefthand margin should be roomy enough to accomodate this work.

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View a list of words used incorrectly

accept

except

advice

advise

brake

break

capital

capitol

compare

constrast

flair

flare

hail

hale

lay

lie

whose

who's

your

you're



View some of the members poems and get more tips and advice on poetry: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/thepovwritersworkshop



Before we end this blog...



Be a Guest Speaker on The POV Lounge. Do you have some tips and advice on writing, marketing, editing, publishing, etc. We want to hear your advice and tips. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm



View From A Writers POV New Chat rooms: http://www.network54.com/Chat/132384



Signing Off,



Dominique Watson

The Best Synopsis

For the month of June, From A Writers POV is celebrating 20 issues. In celebration we are running a contest for The Best Synopsis. Writers have submitted their synopsis and four writers were picked as the finalists. Each week this month we are displaying one of the four finalists and at the end of this month, the winner will be picked and displayed.

So how does a writer, write The Best Synopsis? We are going to discuss that briely in today's blog.

A synopsis must be eye catching. From the time the reader reads the first line, it must get their attention. The synopsis must give the reader so much that they say they won't more.

The synopsis should give brief details about the main character. What their role will be. What will happen to get the story going. It should then give a mysteric sentence or statement that something is going to happen to change the current events of the book. It should finally say what could happen and what the reader will experience while reading it.

A synopsis should be about 5-6 paragraphs long. Be detailed but do not give up too much. Make the reader want to read the book. It's just like reading the back of a book. Give details that will make the reader hold on to a book.

Someone once told me, "The best way to get a good synopsis is to let your friend or relative who has read the manuscript write it for you"

Before we end today's blog.....

Don't forget to check out our online writing course. Registration ends tomorrow for our first session. You can register here: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/

Vote for this week's Synopsis: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/home.htm

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Poetry Compilation: Guest Speaker Don Svant

Today we have a very special guest. We are talking with Don Savant. He is a writer at From A Writers POV. His column is "Don Savan't Relationship Corner" http://fromawriterspovarticles.webs.com/relationshipsmale.htm

Today Don is joining us to talk about a new project he has going on with From A Writers POV. I'm excited about this project because I believe it's a great opportunity for those that love to write poetry. Read about this new project in Don's interview below.


Dominique Watson (DW): Don, thank you so much for joining us at The POV Lounge. We are glad to have you and glad to be speaking about your new project. Give us some brief details about it.

Don Savant (DS): Basically, I want to create something that will include as many POV members as possible. It will be a means to showcase yourself and also present what would be considered underground poetry in a way that will hopefully inspire others. The fact that we're all strangers that share not much more than a love for writing and creativity makes it even sweeter.

DW: What exactly are you looking for other writers and authors to bring to this compilation?

DS: I'm looking for the participants of this project to bring themselves to this project. By that I mean, the work that is submitted should represent each individual's voice in the best manner possible.

DW: What will the writers and authors get out of this project?

DS: Being involved with this project will hopefully bring a sense of accomplishment to each writer. Especially those that have yet to see their work in print. It is my wish that it will inspire them to want to continue to have their voices represented whether it's through projects such as this or ones of a personal nature.

DW: How successful was your last compilation?

DS: My last compilation was actually my first. It took a while to put together for several different reasons. It was done and published last year and it has been a great tool for everyone that was involved. I am currently working on the second volume as we speak and the first one was just placed into the Amazon.com Marketplace by lulu.com.

DW: Do you have a link for us to view it?

DS: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/life-inside-the-asylum/2500803

DW: When do you expect this project to be finished and published?

DS: I'm hoping for a release of mid to late July.

DW: You told me earlier that you are looking for an editor and distributor. Speak about that for us. What exactly are you looking for and how can people with this service contact you?

DS: I am capable of serving as editor for this project just as I do my others but sometimes it's good to have another set of eyes looking over things. As far as distribution goes, it would definitely be nice to have if we can work out compensation so that everyone will be paid equally for their contributions. I can be contacted at real.writersllc@gmail.com concerning those aspects of this project.

DW: How can writers and authors contact you? What are the steps they need to take in order to begin the process of this project?

DS: Pertaining to this project, authors and writers may contact me either on POV, or at my real.writersllc@gmail.com address. Any personal e-mails or correspondence may be sent to don.savant@gmail.com.

DW: Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers to let them know about your project?

DS: I would just like to say that this project has the potential to be something special. The talent is there, the resources are there so, with the proper networking and participation, there is absolutely no limit to what we can accomplish together.

DW: Thanks so much Don, I wish you great success with your project and I hope to hear back from you soon on The POV Lounge about this project.

DS: I thank God for you Dominique. I thank Him for sending you my way and for you offering me a spot in the space you've created for us. May your blessings continue to multiply and humble you indefinitely.

I was so glad to speak to Don about this project. There is really no reason for poetry writers to not get involved. We are always looking for great projects to get involved in with our writing. Here it is! I encourage all poetry writers to contact Don about this and get involved. Your writings could be read by many!

Before we end today's blog...

Don't forget to check out our online writing course. Registration ends tomorrow for our first session. You can register here: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/

From A Writers POV now offers The Open Poetry Cafe. Members can freely submit poems to our blog. Be sure to read the rules and you must be a member of our magazine in order to submit. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/blog/

Signing off,

Dominique Watson

Business side of writing: Guest Speaker with M.R. Webb, JD

A lot of people may think that there is no business side to writing. Well there is. We go into business when we decide to publish our work. As a published authors, I can safely say it is important to know the business side of writing.

Today we have a guest speaker, M.R. Webb JD. He is the author of "Having Babies by BUMS" and works as a Senior Executive at a Consulting Firm. He gives us advice and tips on contracts, reading the fine print and much more in the business field. Read his interview below.

Dominique Watson (DW: You told us that you are a senior executive at a business consulting firm. What made you get into business?

M.R. Webb, JD (MRW): I’ve always been an advocate of business and entrepreneurship. My partners and I have started, owned, and operated a number business over the last 15 years. I realized early on in my academic career and professional career that I was going to take the “road less traveled” and work for myself. I’ve been able to use my legal and business experience to help clients across the nation and internationally to obtain their goals by establishing and operating their own successful businesses.

DW: What does your day to day life in business consist of?

MRW: There is no “typical” day for me. I like that. I consider myself to be a “professional problem solver”. My day may include advising clients on what business entity will best serve their particular business objectives, sitting in a record studio with artists and producers discussing copyright and music publishing issues, or negotiating a deal for the purchase or develop real estate.

DW: What advice do you have for writers concerning Contract Negotiation? How can they beware of the fine print?

MRW: Well, in many aspects the publishing industry reminds me of the music industry in the 80’s and 90’s. Most of the contracts are written with the best interest of the company or corporate conglomerate in mind. In that regard, the artist or writer starts out at a disadvantage. First, it’s imperative that a Writer have an understanding about copyright law and the implications of assigning their Copyright to a Publisher or other entity. Secondly, a Writer has to determine whether or not the monetary and intangible services that the Publisher is obligated to perform pursuant to the contract are worth the control and ownership in the copyrights that the writer is relinquishing. Lastly, I advise Writers to ask questions or seek professional help when there is language in a contract that they are confused about.

Many Writers consider themselves to be very intelligent people. I agree. However, the language in most contracts is legal jargon that even the most “intelligent” people find confusing. Asking questions or seeking clarification on an issue is nothing for a Writer to be ashamed of.

DW: What is your advice on Copyrights & Trademarks, and Licensing of Intellectual Properties?

MRW: A Copyright is created whenever a Writer creates an original Work in a tangible medium. Failing to take the additional step of registering a Work with the United States Copyright Office may result in the author being unable to pursue certain legal remedies in the event someone violates the Writer’s rights.

Many Writer’s and individuals who own their publishing company or business fail to take the vital step of obtaining Trademark protection. A Trademark does not protect the actual title of a book. However, a Trademark will protect the name of a business and the logo used for that business. If you own a publishing company or business and have not taken the time to trademark the name and logo you are not being a smart businessperson. You are spending time and money to build a business and you don’t own the name of that business.

I common misconception is that a business owner “owns the right to their business’ name” simple because they file for a DBA or establish a Corporation, LLC, or LLP with their Secretary of State. That is completely false. The only way to obtain a Trademark and ownership of a company name or logo is to complete the process through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you haven’t taken this step do it today! The last thing you want is to receive a letter from another company informing you that they have obtained a Trademark and own your business’ name. A judge could force you to stop doing business and rename your business. That process could destroy your business or cost you thousands of dollars.

Licensing of Copyrights, Trademarks, and Patents (Collectively referred to as Intellectual Properties) can be a very profitable business. Writers today can benefit from licensing their books in a digital format (e-books and audio books) or by granting a license to an international Publisher. The critical areas of a Licensing Agreement include the Term (or duration) or the agreement, the ability of the Writer to reclaim the rights being licensed, and the fees being paid for the license.

DW: How did you go from being in business to an author?

MRW: There was really was never a “transition” for me. I’ve always been a writer and I’ve always been involved in business. I think that all Writers should realize that publishing a book is a business decision.

DW: How was the book formed?

MRW: My 15 year-old niece recently gave birth. The father who is 21 years-old is emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially unable to take care of the baby. He’s a BUM. I felt that I needed to write Having Babies By BUMS because it was a discussion that was long overdue. It was a conversation that could save lives.

DW: What advice do you have for writers and authors on Business Ownership?

MRW: I encourage writers and authors to pursue Business Ownership. I advise them to obtain professional assistance before deciding to structure their business. At the very least make the investment in a one hour consultation with a professional who can give you sound advice. You will be astonished at all of the costly mistakes that can be avoided simply by speaking with someone who has expertise in the areas of business structuring, contracts, and intellectual properties.

Operating a business as a Sole Proprietorship or DBA is one of the worst decisions that any business owner can make. These business entities do not provide the owner with any personal liability protection. The business owner will be held personally liable for any debts, legal actions, or other adverse business dealings of the company. Intelligent business owners make the investment and structure their publishing companies and businesses as Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP).
Not all contracts are created equal. If you choose to use pre-printed form contracts you could be exposing yourself to potential liability, giving up your rights and interests, and foregoing huge amounts in earnings. Take the time and make the investment to have specialized contracts drafted that take your specific deals points and interests into consideration. Attempting to save money on a “one size fits all” book or CD of legal forms and agreements could ultimately cost you.

Your interest and ownership in Copyrights and Trademarks could possible support you and your family for generations. You should treat these Intellectual Properties like money in the bank. Take the time to register these properties with the USCO and the USPTO. Seek professional advice before you decide to license these rights.

I thought today's interview with M.R.Webb was very helpful. We as writers don't realize the flip side of writing. We all want to be Best-Sellers one day but we must know the business side to writing. I think it's important to seek legal help when dealing with anything legal. You always want to make sure you are doing the right thing and won't have to back track in the future.

Before we end today's blog......

If you have insight, advice or tips to help writers, be a guest speaker on our blog. We would love to feature you. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm

Sign up for our online writing courses. Registration ends this Saturday June 6th! http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Manuscript Submission Checklist

So the manuscript is finished, now what? Let's do a checklist before we submit the book to a publisher.

1. Is the manuscript completely finished? Don't send a manuscript to a publisher that still needs work. My advice is to complete your manuscript first before you decide to submit.


2. Have you decided on the packages your manuscript will need?


3. Have you decided if you are going to publisher your book with a POD Publisher or Traditional Publisher?


4. Is your proposal complete?


5. Did you type up a query letter?


6. Is the manuscript in the form that was asked by the publisher or editor?


7. Have you conducted a synopsis and author bio?


8. Some publishers ask for a marketing plan. Did you conduct a marketing plan?


9. Did you get and pay for a SASE?


10. Did you complete your chapter outline?


11. Is your title page formatted correctly?


12. Have you re-read this list and double checked everything you are about to send?

Double check everything. Make sure manuscripts are submitted the way the publishers asks. Make sure the proposal is submitted the way the publisher asks. Be sure that all of your contact info is correct so the publisher can get in contact with you concerning their decision.

Sign up for From A Writers POV Online Courses: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com

From A Writers POV now has Open Poetry Cafe here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/blog/

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Poetry Tips and Advice with our Guest Speaker Charles Johnson

Today we have the pleasure of having a guest speaker and it's perfect timing because this speaker is speaking about poetry and our Ning Network is hosting Poetry Week Workshop! Join us at our workshop: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/thepovwritersworkshop

Today our guest speaker is Charles Johnson. He is speaking about poetry and what it means to him. View the interview below.

Dominique Watson (DW): How did you get into poetry and short story writing?

Charles Johnson (CJ): Basiclly, I use to write poems when i was younger but stopped. I started writing again last year with the breakup of my marrage.

DW: What type of poetry do you enjoy writing?

CJ: I enjoy writng poem about how i feel and also poems to encourage people

DW: What genre of short story do your write?

CJ: I really dont write short stories except the one that i wrote concerning my first Thanksgivng alone called Why Should I Be Thankful ?Which is a true story. I may try to write another one in the near future

DW: Are any of your books poetry or short story?

CJ: I more so write poetry at this point

DW: What advice would you give a beginning poetry writer?

CJ: Write what you feel. Put your feelings into your poetry, Make the poem a part of you.

DW: What have you found the most pleasing about writing poetry and short story?

CJ: It lets me release my emotions and feelings out so i can express them. Also, I hope that my writings are an encouargement to others.

DW: When do you find the time to write?

CJ: For me since i'm self-employed just about anytime works for me.

I love poetry ! For me it gives me the freedom to express myself to the world in a way that i couldn't share any other way. I'm just really getting into short stories, So there's not much i can say except that it's another form of expression for me.

Advice from one poetry writer to another and I must say poetry writing is so relaxing. It helps me relieve a lot of tension. (That is the title of my first poetry book)

So what did you think of the interview? Was it helpful as a beginning author? Leave your comments below.

Announcement! From A Writers POV has started giving free online writing course. Registration began yesterday and will end on Saturday. If you are interested in taking a few online writing course, check out the website: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/

Poetry Tip
The poetry writing industry is very competitive. Everyone is writing some type of poetry. Find companies that publish your type of work and do the best at what you do!

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Creating a group for like-minded people

Today is the first day of Poetry Week Workshop on From A Writers POV Ning Network- www.fromawriterspov.ning.com So this week, I am going to drop a few tips on poetry as well as give my advice on some of types of writing.

I notice a lot of writers and authors are forming groups for fellow writers and authors. Just as I have with From A Writers POV. Being apart of a group (writers group) is very inspiring. Creating one is even more exciting. Let me give you a few tips on creating a group for like-minded people.

If you are going to create a group for romance writers, poetry writers, authors, short story writers etc, make sure your group is well put together and organized. A lot of people join groups looking for information or to simply meet like-minded people. Organize your group so that members can easily find things that might interest them.

Be sure to welcome your new members every time someone joins. Make them feel comfortable and want to continue to come back.

Keep it updated with new content. Find ways to keep it interesting and fresh.

Make sure you are giving the members what they are looking for. If you are creating a group for mystery writers, having a section for romance writers is not necessary.

Be a people person, respond to emails quickly

Don't let your group go unattended. The members of the group did not join to run the group. They joined for the information you are planning to provide so log into your group often and make sure things are running smoothly.

Find ways to get members active. See what they like and what will bring them to your group.

Be sure to check out your competition.

Do your homework and research on the topic of your group.


No person likes to join a group that is run by someone that doesn't know what they are doing. So make sure you are on your toes when creating a group for like-minded people. Make sure you are placing your passion and creativity on this group. It will show members that you love what your are doing.

A Poetry Tip
For any writers it's good to start a word book. A word book is a book of words like a dictionary but without the meaning. Purchase a notebook and fill it up with words. This comes in handy when you are writing a poem and can't find a word to rhyme with another word. You can go back to your word book and look up the words you have written down. To create this book, you simply write down a new word that comes to mind. You don't realize how hard it is to write a poem until you can't think of a word to write next.

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Interview with Barbara Smitherman on "Free-Writing Technique"

Yesterday I told you I would be speaking with the author of "Free-Writing Technique"-Barbara Smitherman. I interviewed her about the article she submitted to From A Writers POV for our featured article for the month of June.

If you have not had the chance to read her article, you can do so here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/featuredarticle.htm Be sure to leave a comment.

Barbara explained some great tips to us about Free-Writing. Read her interview below


Dominique Watson: (DW) How long have you been a writer?

Barbara Smitherman: (BS) I have actually been a writer most of my life. I wrote for the High School newspaper and I have written many plays for schools and for the church. Although I have been writing for years it wasn’t until last year that I decided to actually write a novel and attempt to get it published.

DW: What are common mistakes that writers make when putting a novel together?

BS: I believe that one mistake that some writers make is not making an outline first. I have found that writing an outline of each chapter helps tremendously. It helps the writer stay on point while writing. An outline also helps against writers blocked. Having an outline helps to inspire and encourage. So not having an outline is one mistake. Another mistake I believe many writers make is in the area of research. either too much or not enough. Even if the novel is fiction there should be some factual areas that need to have been researched. Some times after doing research it is easy to want to add much more than is needed this then becomes an area of boredom to the reader. Or on the other hand they have not done enough research which in many cases will make the novel unbelievable.

DW: Explain in detail how the left side and the right side of the brain can affect the writer.

BS: The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa, thus the old adage that left handed people are in their RIGHT mind. A good way to explain it would be like a habitual liar, they do not stop to THINK they just fabricate stories. It is the same way for a writer they should not stop to think about proper punctuation, grammar; spelling etc. they should just write. The right side of the brain is the side that produces creativity. It is the right side of the brain that lets one visualize what they are writing about. Some words have strong visual associations which the right side of the brain can come to grips with allowing the words to flow easily. If one just writes without stopping to THINK then they are working out of the right side of the brain the creative side. Once the writer stops to think about what they are writing or stops to think about particular words then they are working out of the left side of the brain the analytical side. The left side then analyzes the work and the writer may then become very critical of their work which can cause discouragement. In a normal person the two sides of the brain work together in harmony to bring about balance which is what it was designed to do, but in the case or writers it is a good idea to tap into the right side of the brain and its creativity.

DW: Is Self-Editing better than hiring someone to edit your work?

BS: That is a little difficult to answer since it’s strictly an opinion and not a die hard rule. I believe that another set of eyes is always a good thing. After writing the piece and reading and re-reading, the writer has a tendency to over look things that may really need to be addressed. Sometimes it is a phrase that sounds perfectly correct to the writer but may be better stated another way. I didn’t pay an editor my publishing company has an editorial staff. But one thing I did was contacted a retired high school English teacher and had her to look over my manuscript. She helped me tremendously in the area of punctuation, grammar spelling and word usage. Some one who has an expertise in English but who is not an editor per se usually will charge a very small fee if any at all. Although the first edit should be done by the author them self, I strongly believe we need some one else, an impartial person to read and edit our work.

DW: How long do you think a writer should "Free Write" before going back to edit.

BS: That is strictly a personal choice. I like to write at least an hour, but everyone is different. If all a writer can do is fifteen minutes at a time then do it at fifteen minute intervals. But attempt to write as long as you possibly can. It seems that you can write a lot longer when you free write as opposed to analytical writing. The main thing to remember regardless to how long you free-write is take a break, go get something to drink walk around, check the mail etc. before you go back to edit. This allows both sides of the brain to work in harmony the left side to analyze and the right side to creatively correct the bad spots, thus allowing the author not to feel as though they have wasted their time. But always remember when you free write you will make some boo-boos that need to be corrected. I find this particularly true since I, like most people, think a lot faster than I type.

DW: What is one tip that all writers should keep in mind when writing a novel?

BS: The one tip that I can give that all writers should keep in mind is simply you are not writing this novel for yourself. You are writing it for others to read. No matter how much you like your work the question is will other people like your work. Always put the reader first while you are writing. Always remember the who, the what and the why of your writing: Who is most likely to read this book. What will make it appeal to that audience and why should they want to read this book.



After reading Barbara's article I never thought about how one side of our brain works different from the other. I thought this theory was very interesting. I have to say, I agree with Barbara. We get our best work done when we free write. I also have to agree that an outline is very important when writing a novel. Her tips were great and even helped me as a writer.

So what did you think? Leave a comment on the interview and Barbara's tips below by clicking comment. Give us your feedback on the article and what you read today.

Don't forget:
Starting tomorrow, tune in all next week to From A Writers POV Ning Network's first Poetry Week Workshop. All week we will do exercises on poetry writing and give tips. If you are someone who would like a little more knowledge, practice and help on poetry writing, join our group where the workshop will be featured: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/thepovwritersworkshop

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson