Inside Writer's Webcast

And, For Your Listening Enjoyment

2007-10-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Two new interviews are coming up. First, an interview with author Haven Kimmel. She discusses fiction and memoir writing plus the stroke of luck that made it happen. The back story is at Writers Webcast and the full interview will be posted at Wauktown Radio.

Next is an interview with Hillary Frank, an author and radio producer. If you've ever wondered just how those public radio shows come about, she will be on hand to tell us.

October Already

2007-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, the McArthur Genius grants were announced and--this is absolutely shocking--I did not make the list. I also did not win the lottery. So life is going at a rather calm pace. I did, however, read Starbucks Saved My Life, a terrific book about having it all (money, family, and a job at J. Walter Thompson) and loosing it all yet still managing to tell the story. And get a publishing contract, too. After reading the book, I now have a new career choice in mind. With benefits!

The interview with Wendy Willett will be this Saturday and should be online next week. Wendy has a marvelous story about what she decided to do when the fame and fortune of the publishing world alluded her.

Also coming up is an interview with Havel Kimmel (Zippy, She Got Up Off the Couch, and others.) Haven was in the Chicago area this week and I interviewed her in Highwood, IL following her presentation. Haven told me she had a bit of luck when it came to getting a contract for Zippy, the book that put her on the best seller's list.

Back in Action

2007-09-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Back in action...off and running....WaukTown Radio has rejuvenated itself and we'll be back doing interviews very soon. It's good to talk to other writers and hear what keeps them motivated and inspired- selling or not.

This week I plan to post another short audio story on www.writerswebcast.com. This story is called American Dream and I wrote and produced it in response to Third Coast Festival's call for short docs. Unfortunately, it did not win, place, or show.

So, I'm looking forward to our upcoming conversation with Wendy Willett and hear her publishing solution.

Technical Difficulities are Causing a Slight Delay

2007-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Wauktown Radio is experiencing some difficulties and recording new shows are on hold until the technology is resolved. It has something to do with the host...and Texas....

There's probably a thing amacallit and a herkmere in there, too. It's all terribly, terribly serious, probably because of intrastate transit. Or something.

But, Writer's Webcast is still alive and well, although slightly sweaty from all the high temps and even higher humidity here in Illinois.

When things are back to normal our guest will be Wendy Willett who has just published her first novel Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands, the story of a thirteen year old White Magic witch in-training. She describes her writing journey as one of "struggle, impatience, and anticipation." Definitely someone I can identify with!

Wendy has numerous works published on AuthorsDen.com. Visit her website at http://outskirtspress.com/wendywillett.

Coming Attractions

2007-05-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Plenty of new guests are going to be on hand in the coming months. Be sure to check www.writerswebcast.com often!

The new site also has a list of interview guests plus some mighty nice mp3s!

Under Construction With More "Stuff"

2007-03-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Is there a writer anyplace that doesn't like to tinker just a bit once something is written? Of course not. Just a slight change here...perhaps a new direction, too, as a long as I'm making a few changes. Well, you certainly see where I'm heading with this.

Yes, a new blog. A New website. It's under construction...I'm still tinkering!

But there are new ideas. New pages. And new opportunities to tinker with. Please check out www.writerswebcast.wordpress.com and send your comments to me at Chriswangelos (at) hotmail dot com or respond here.

Just put "Writer's Webcast" in the subject line so I know you are real and not a piece of spam offering me advice on how to enlarge body parts.

Good Stories Share Universal Truths-Ben Rosenfield

2007-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

For Ben Rosenfield one of the best parts of having an audience for his stories is the look in people’s eyes and the expressions on their faces. Ben is a storyteller and gets to enjoy the first hand reaction his words bring to listeners. His web site is www.thefrogguy.com.

“Good story tellers don’t talk about themselves, they talk about life, about family,” said Ben as he summed up what makes for a successful story—and storyteller. It’s a gentle way to bring about the awareness that we are all connected. In the interview, Ben talks about the positive effect that story telling has had in classrooms where he’s used it as an educator.

All storytellers have their “signature stories” that they are known for and, in each performance, they add stories they are developing or have customized for the event. Ben's shows feature plenty of stories based on his upbringing in rural Ohio.

For more information on storytelling Ben recommends visiting Storytelling.org. And, by the way, Ben’s full name really is Ben. Not Benjamin. That’s a story, too.

The Suspense of a Thrilling Mystery- Robert Goldsborough & Raymond Benson

2007-03-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

The interview has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio.

Love is murder….mystery…thrills….suspense and a visit with Robert Goldsborough and Raymond Benson at the Love is Murder conference.

What do you do with all of expert knowledge you’ve acquired? For Robert Goldsborough and Raymond Benson, it was compiling the information, each writing a book on their subjects, getting them published…and launching fiction writing careers.

Robert Goldsborogh grew up reading Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries. In the interview, he tells how his love of the series turned into keeping the legacy alive. Robert began his career as a Chicago journalist and now writes his own original books with historical Chicago as the background. His character in the Snap Malek mystery series covers the police beat for the Chicago Tribune in the 1940s.

Raymond Benson’s James Bond Bedside Companion is the book that began an extensive writing career that includes James Bond novels, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell novels, and his own original thriller/suspense novels. Raymond uses a Hitchcock-type suspense in his books. His most recent release is Sweetie’s Diamonds. Benson's interview tells how he was able to combine his talents with what the marketplace wanted to attain success.

A Joint Look at Publishing & Submitting-Karen Syed & Roxe Anne Peacock

2007-02-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

The interview with Karen Syed and Roxe Anne Peacock has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio.

I met Karen and Roxe Anne at the recent Love is Murder conference. They are the first in a series of mystery and suspense authors we’ll meet in upcoming shows.

It may seem like Karen Syed of Echelon Press and Roxe Anne Peacock are at opposite ends of the publishing world: one owns a small press and one is a writer. Actually, there’s another way to look at it. They are the embodiment of the best of publishing and therefore very much in the same category. Karen is a publisher looking for writers that she can develop, work with, and introduce to the word while providing a positive experience for all. Roxe Anne may be an unpublished author --at this particular moment-- but she believes in her stories so strongly, and is dong the right steps so positively to get published, that the end result will surely come her way.

Roxe Anne belongs to Rockford Writing Guild and says she received some great information as a newbie from Guppies , the Sisters in Crime support and information group for writers.

Christian Writers Focus Beyond Publishing-Dave & Neta Jackson

2007-02-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

The interview with Dave and Neta Jackson has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio.

When Dave and Neta Jackson decided to go into business for themselves as writers twenty years ago, they had a business plan based in practicality. Yes, they planned on writing their own books, but they also planned on co-authoring books for others on variety of topics. With contacts they made while working in Christian publishing, Dave and Neta knew there was a need. Their published books have gone on to include several series—including Neta’s popular Yada Yada, which she says in the interview are in line for a major development.

As Christian writers, Dave and Neta say it's not that they follow guidelines from publishers but they follow the philosophy that is at the core of their belief and transferred to their writing. This internal belief keeps Christian books from sounding preachy, Neta explains, because the values are woven into the story and are a part of the character’s lives, actions, and reactions.

Dave’s tip to writers it to read like a writer. When reading something ask why it works ...or doesn’t. Stop and figure out what comes next and compare it to what you would do if you were the author.

What book are you currently reading? Stop at the middle and try Dave’s strategy. Is the story working…or not working? How would you continue the story from where you stopped reading? How did the author finish the story?

It's a Fact: Opportunities Exist in Non-Fiction-Suzanne Buckingham Slade

2007-01-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

The audio interview with Suzanne Buckingham Slade is online at WaukTOWN Radio.

Yes, it is possible to have a job you love to do. But it may take some work to get it…and some risk, too. Is it worth it?

For Suzanne Buckingham Slade the answer is yes. Most definitely yes. Suzanne is a full time writer and the author of more than 50 books. In an earlier life, Suzanne was an engineer and has a strong background in science and math. After a number of years, she wanted a change and a more fulfilling career. She took her interests, analyzed the children’s non-fiction market, and found a niche almost custom made for her.

Her advice to other writers? Writing about what you know is still the best place to start because it gives you passion for a topic. Take a close look at your hobbies, interests, education and use them to connect with a publisher and cinch the deal. She explains how in the interview.

Suzanne found the children’s non-fiction market has numerous “for hire” opportunities. The publishers need writers to write to a particular set of guidelines (topic, length, word count) and pay a set fee. She uses the Children’s Writer’s Workbook by Alijandra Mogilner to find the right word to match vocabulary to the particular age group.

Once Suzanne made the commitment to write, she had to dedicate her time and effort to it. That meant her priorities had to shift to be in line with her goal if she wanted to see results. Her work has paid off with published non-fiction books, the recent sale of a picture book...and a job she loves.

Where is your energy going? If you want to write and publish, is that how you are spending your time? Can you realign your commitments to reflect your priorities?

Comedy Writing Takes Serious Work-Glenn Earich

2007-01-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

There’s a formula to comedy writing, says Glenn Earich who teaches at Second City in Chicago and Improv Playhouse in Libertyville, Il. It’s possible to teach (and learn!) what makes something funny. But there’s a special ingredient—the x factor Glen calls it—when someone is able to take the formula of setting up a joke or a sketch and turn it into his or her own material and make people laugh.

It takes time to develop the humorous side of life and it is not an overnight career. Glenn says figure several years just to get the comfortable with the basics of comedy, getting to know people in the industry, and letting them know you. It’s the connections that provide the job opportunities in this field.

It takes time. It takes persistence. How bad do you want to write comedy? How much work are you willing to do to get to the point of being able to deliver consistently funny material for a variety of people and projects? Have you developed a reputation for being easy to work with? A lot of jobs are the result of meeting people in a comedy writing or improv class or working on a project and remembering each other and wanting to work together again when someone gets a new opportunity.

Time, energy, and plenty of persistence are necessary ingredients if comedy writing is your true calling. But wait. There's more! Glenn says there’s still another factor to consider if you want to write comedy: Can you use your own life and be truthful enough about it to share your world with others? David Sedaris, for example, writes about his life and makes it funny as only he can because it’s his life. Are you willing to be honest and tell your story?

Future "big breaks" can come from people we’ve worked with in the past. Who is passing along your name? And whose name are you passing along?

Extra! Extra! Community Newspapers A Good Place For Writers-Michael Bivona

2007-01-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

The interview with Michael Bivona has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio.

Community newspapers are an important part of a writer’s life for obtaining publicity, freelance assignments, and developing a voice. For Michael Bivona, newspapers have also provided a career.

Each step Michael took as a journalist writing for newspapers brought him closer to him current position as a managing editor at Pioneer Press. He started out as a freelance writer for newspapers which provided some clips of his work and developed into a job as a reporter and bureau chief. In his current position, Michael is responsible for determining the content for six newspapers and works with reporters on stories.

A weekly community newspaper has numerous opportunities for writers. For an author promoting a book, it’s the place to start for marketing. Make sure that the newspaper realizes there is a local story angle by letting them know you are an author from the community. Michael says he gets so many press releases that it’s easy to overlook the community connection if it’s not prominent. Press releases don’t have to be submitted by a professional, you will get the same consideration if you send one in yourself.

Weekly newspapers are also a good place to get clips as a freelancer. Michael says if you have a story idea to write that is fit for the community, let the editor know by phone or by email.

Has your weekly newspaper been a resource for you? Do you read it for story ideas? Write freelance articles for it to get clips? Have you let the editors know you and your book would be a terrific subject of an article?

Want Publicity? 3 Insiders Tell How To Get It

2007-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

Your manuscript has been published. Now it’s time to let the world know why you’ve been incommunicado these past two years—or more. Yes, it’s time to promote your book!

Newspapers, libraries and book stores are great places to get the word out about your masterpiece. A massive amount of publicity begins with the one-to-one connection, according to Larry Lough of The Lakeland News Group. Establish a rapport with the reporter or editor. It’s a sales job, says Larry, whether you’re looking for an assignment as a freelance writer or have an interest in a feature article—about you.

At the Warren Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Il. readers' advisory librarian Debbie Hoffman says consider having a good hook to draw patrons to your presentation. The library hosts numerous authors from around the country and Debbie says she is already planning for next year.

Every published book is a joyous occasion. Jan Dundon at Anderson’s Books in Naperville, Il. calls it a “celebration” when an author comes to visit. She tells what is involved.

Remember, getting publicity is all about making the sale to the person you are contacting. And while you’re “selling,” you get the opportunity to do something you love to do-- talk about your book!

You’ve published your book. Congratulations, by the way! Now, call/email/write your community newspaper and see if they will write an article about your accomplishment. Contact your library or local bookstore and see if you can arrange an author visit. What happened?

Personal Stories Speak to Everyone

2007-01-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

Listening to writers share their stories gives us the special gift of learning how they strive to master the craft and how they balance life. At the SCBWI Prairie Writer’s Day, I asked writers how they stay motivated… inspired… and keep writing.

Seven writers joined us to talk about personal life events, choices, and a powerful desire to document and make sense out of an event by putting it down on paper.

Our guests are Laura Ruby, Carmela Martino, Aliess Kime, Barbara Rosenstock, Juliet Bond, Elizabeth Sale and Karen Halvorsen Schreck.

Listening to them is exciting. They offer plenty of ideas to energize writers interested in undertaking a new challenge…and the motivation to take all of the ideas and energy and sit down, be still....and write.

What personal situation in your life sparked a story? Where you concerned that the personal information was.....too personal? How did you resolve that in your writing?

Writer’s Conference Connections Have Plenty of Spark

2006-12-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

A writer’s conference provides the opportunity to meet with other writers and get up close and personal with editors, agents and publishers. It’s making a connection and leaving a favorable impression. At the recent Prairie Writer’s Day, sponsored by the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), guest speakers included New York editors, publishers and an agent, all ready to share publishing tips. Kim Winters of SCBWI says the goal of conference attendees should be to begin to build a relationship with those in the publishing industry…keeping proper protocol in mind.

Editor Julie Romeis and agent Stephen Fraser were among the guest speakers

Julie, of New York’s Bloomsbury Children’s Books, says a manuscript that will attract her attention—and that of other editors—is polished and doesn’t need anything flashy to stand out. She tells writers what not to do when submitting.

Stephen, of the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency in New York, reminds writers of the essence of why they write—that there is a goal even bigger than fame or fortune. Even though Stephen can’t represent every writer, he tries to be honest-- yet kind--if he has to turn someone down.

A writer’s conference is a place for connections and motivation. It offers a gentle reminder that persistence pays off. To be published, writers must submit. Then, submit again and again. “Be confident and fearless,” says Stephen.

And have hope.

Did you go to this conference or another one? Has it made a difference in your writing?

Happy Holidays. May you have love, joy and and meaning in your life. And find the words to share your stories with others.

Restaurant Reviews Infused With Journalism-Sherman Kaplan

2006-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

The interview with Sherman Kaplan has been posted on Writer's Webcast at WaukTOWN Radio.

There were no mentors to guide Sherman Kaplan when he decided to write restaurant reviews in the early 1970s. No one to tell him the right way or the wrong way to do something. So Sherman relied on his journalism skills to develop the foundation for each review. Asking the questions of who, what, where, why, and how gave him the initial story, and he followed up with additional research or interviews with restaurant personnel a day or so after the meal. Over the years, Sherman built on this foundation by expanding his knowledge of food techniques and trends. He said learning about cooking is important to a restaurant reviewer because it gives him a baseline to compare what he’s eaten to what the properly prepared dish should taste like. Sherman said, as a restaurant reviewer, it’s also important to know what goes on behind the scenes in a kitchen to appreciate the work that goes into a meal.

Sherman is also the midday co-news anchor at WBBM News Radio 780. Business writing is, of course, not as subjective as reviewing a restaurant. In focusing on business, rather than news in general, Sherman combines his interest in business with the same journalism skills that he used to demystify reviewing restaurants. He asks the five basic questions to determine how business affects people’s lives. Sherman then broadcasts the finished story on the radio...and adds just a pinch of inflection in his voice and a dash of pacing in his speech.

Be On the Radio!

2006-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a story. What’s the story you have to tell?

Is it fact, funny, fiction or a personal essay? We’d like to have you read your story on our Internet radio show.

Type your story up and mail it out to us at Writer’s Webcast and you may have the opportunity to read it on the air …have an audience…share your words with the listeners at Wauktown Radio and Writer’s Webcast.

Please keep your submission to about 600 words and include your name, email address and phone number and something about yourself and the story. Our address is Writer’s Webcast, WaukTown Radio, 128 North West Street, Waukegan, Illinois 60085. Or by email to me at chriswangelos@hotmail.com.

Chick Lit Is All About The Journey-Cathy Yardley

2006-11-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

The interview with Cathy Yardley has been posted at www.waukegan.org.

The destination of a romance novel is the love story- will they? And when will they? But, chick lit doesn’t focus on the end result, but rather the journey that the woman takes to get to that destination. The premise of the story is not always about finding love but about a woman finding herself and overcoming some personal or public obstacle.

Writing romance novels gave Cathy Yardley the insight into developing her first non-fiction book, “Will Write for Shoes: How to Write Chick Lit.” She used “How to Write a Book Proposal” by Michael Larsen as a guide to prepare the proposal.

In non-fiction and in fiction, when Cathy sits down to write she already has a good idea of where the story is heading. Of course, not every one works the way Cathy does and outlines the structure of a story before the writing begins. Some people are “pantsers,” Cathy says, and are able to develop the beginning, middle, end of a story seemingly off the top of their head….or by “the seat of their pants.” Perhaps it’s from years of reading, or just a terrific sense of pacing, but some people just seem to know intuitively how to structure the plot for a story. For the rest of us mortals, Cathy says that an unplanned story can easily run into trouble after a few chapters that go no where, a resolution without a conflict, or an ending that is just a dead end.

Cathy’s first writing break came when she entered a contest sponsored by the
San Francisco Chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). RWA provided her with a chance to meet writers up close and discover they are people, too. The group also gave Cathy an opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and join critique groups with other writers.

The Practical Side to Romance-Bettye Griffin

2006-10-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

The interview with Bettye Griffin has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio.

Bettye Griffin is a contemporary woman, just like the characters she writes about. The author of 11 novels, Bettye said one thing that helped her accomplish so much writing is to take her laptop everywhere she goes. Literally. And make the most of opportunities that present themselves.

After we finished the interview and the tape stopped recording, we sat and chatted in the studio. Bettye said her laptop has gone on vacations, and while friends were in the pool, she was poolside writing. She also takes her laptop to work to write during lunch hours when she is temping in an office job.

Working at the office job has benefits, Bettye pointed out, especially since royalty checks are only mailed out twice a year. She has an opportunity to meet new people and takes along book jackets of her latest novel to hand out to new acquaintances to let them know about her writing.

Bettye also carries a stack of business cards with her. Once, she was at a bookstore when a mom and daughter were looking through the African American section where her books were. Bettye presented the mother her business card and ended up being invited to be a presenter at a Black History Month event. More recently, Bettye was at a social service gathering and noted that a reporter was present. She arranged to sit next to the reporter at lunch, and a feature article about her writing and books ended up in the newspaper with a large color picture.

There is a saying that success begins by turning up. For Bettye Griffin, success and luck go hand in hand when you are prepared.

Take the Initiative for Marketing-Heidi Bee Roemer

2006-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

The interview with Heidi Bee Roemer has been posted at WaukTOWN radio.

Be prepared to take responsibility to market your book. Start slowly and build the momentum to step by step, says author Heidi Bee Roemer.

For Heidi, taking the initiative in marketing her book came from realizing that once it was published, she didn’t want the book to languish on a shelf or go out of date. She wanted others, especially children, to experience the joy she found in poetry.

Heidi has done a number of things to attract attention for her books. She put together a web site (www.heidibroemer.com) where she can post information for her audience, taking into consideration the needs of the librarians and teachers who she expects will be reading it. School presentations are also a way of reaching others that Heidi has taken advantage of. And, she has been a writer in residence in the Chicago Public Schools.

With the promotion efforts for her most recent book, What Kinds of Seeds Are These?, Heidi has carefully targeted her audience. She is sending out color postcards printed with the cover of the book on one side and information about the book and her availability for school and library presentations on the other side.

Heidi ordered the postcards from an online print company, then compiled a list of schools in her area—plus a few dream locals to visit as well!—and addressed the cards. Although it did take a while to cut and paste the text from a list of school name and addresses, Heidi said she saved some time by addressing the postcards to the school media center or library so she didn’t need individual names.

Heidi’s marketing initiative has already paid off: Her publisher decided to pay for postage to mail the postcards!

Kid's Poetry, Anthologies, and More (oh my!)

2006-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Our guest this Saturday on Writer’s Webcast is Heidi Roemer. The interview will be uploaded on the Internet the week of Sept. 25 at WaukTOWN radio.

Heidi teaches poetry and has had her own poetry published in many anthologies and is also the other of three books: All Aboard for Zippity Zoo, Come to My Party (a Monarch Award 2007 nominee), and most recently, What Kinds of Seeds Are These?

Her writing and publishing all began in 1996 with what she calls “a modest sale to a children’s Sunday school paper.” Since then, Heidi has published over 300 stories, poems, and articles to a variety of children’s magazines. Make sure to listen to the interview to find out how she did it.

Immerse Yourself For Success

2006-09-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

The interview with Esther Hershenhorn has been posted at WaukTOWN radio.

Esther Hershenhorn began to find publishing success once she immersed herself in her characters which let the story unfold naturally. By finding the emotional connection between the character and the story, Esther is able to develop a manuscript that draws the reader in and attracts the attention of a publisher.

Her technique for creating the entire character involves using all of her senses. Esther’s research involves cooking food, listening to music, visiting locations, and incorporating the sights, sounds, touch, smells, and tastes to immerse herself in the world that would be a part of her character’s life.

Writer’s are always making up stories, Esther pointed out, and using all of our senses when doing research gives us an additional storehouse of information to pull from when developing a character. By doing what the character would so, we are less likely to force the character to do what we want him or her to do and loose the voice of the story.

Esther is so interested in using all of her senses she is even taking an Improv class to unearth new ways for her mind—and body--to respond to the same old things. And create fresh stories from what she has learned.

Focus on Esther Hershenhorn

2006-09-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Author, teacher, and writing coach Esther Hershenhorn will be our guest for the Sept. 16 Writer’s Webcast interview. The show will be uploaded on the Internet the week of Sept. 18 at WaukTOWN Radio.

As a board member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and Regional Advisor of SCBWI’s 900-member Illinois chapter, Esther is also an advocate for children’s books and the people who create them.

Esther’s story is a balm to every writer who isn’t yet published, but wants to be.

She often introduces herself as “the Susan Lucci of children's books” since the road to publication seemed to take as long as what the Emmy-winning soap opera star endured. The accolades from writers that Esther has coached and worked with are testament to her talent, skill, and knowledge of the current publishing scene. Her generosity is also evident, as well. Esther’s name comes up consistently with other writers who speak highly of her and have requested that she be interviewed on Writer’s Webcast.

Esther's books include Chicken Soup by Heart, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award, and the middle grade novel The Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut. She teaches writing for children classes at the University of Chicago's Writer's Studio and Chicago's Newberry Library.

Although Esther’s journey took some time, she discovered something even more wonderful than what she first sought. She found her story was also worth sharing to motivate and inspire other writers. I’m looking forward to talking with her!

If you have a question for Esther, please leave a comment and I will ask it during the interview.

The Up Side of Mailings-Brent Brotine

2006-09-13T10:38:00.002-07:00

Unsolicited mail? Brent Brotine knows there is an upside to all the print and Internet mailings being sent out. The pieces are being sent more frequently, are longer in length, and are more plentiful. That means more words.

The interview with Brent Brotine has been posted at WaukTOWN Radio .

It’s all terrific news to Brent. As a freelance direct mail copywriter for financial and other markets, Brent is the person who puts the words down on paper that entice a prospective consumer to respond. He says there are some good opportunities available in direct market (DM) for writers. But, even though more mailings may mean more writing opportunities, a good portfolio is what gets you the job, according to Brent.

But how do you get the samples to show the samples to get the work?

A good place to start to gather samples is to work for a temporary agency, Brent said. He mentioned Artisan, Paladin, Copy Desk, and City Staffing as possible companies to consider. He also suggested the Independent Writer’s of Chicago (IWOC) as a resource. IWOC has meetings and presentations for writers to network and gather information, plus a job board that is only open to members.

Brent is a past president of IWOC and also teaches public relations for the University of Phoenix. While developing portfolio samples, Brent said it’s still important to remember the basics and make sure your skills are polished. Grammar skills and clear writing are always the foundation of any piece, he said, no mater if the material is for DM or new media.

If Your Mother Says She Loves You...Rick Kogan

2006-09-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Rick Kogan interview at www.waukegan.org.

There’s a saying in journalism that if your mother says she loves you, check it out. The idea, of course, is to be prepared to ask questions and do the legwork if you want to end up with a solid story.

Rick Kogan stressed the importance of research in our recent interview and said it means more than a quick Google search. From a journalistic standpoint, research will make sure to get facts correct. It also lets all writers, fiction and non-fiction, write with confidence since they have a wealth of material to select from. Rick explained his research procedure and used his recent article on entertainer Tom Dreesen as an example. By going back to Tom’s old neighborhood in Harvey, IL, Rick explained how he gathered enough information for the lead in the article to practically write itself. You can read Rick’s Pulitzer-nominated article on Tom at www.tomdreesen.com. Tom Dreesen toured with Frank Sinatra and often appears on the David Letterman Show. Tom will be a future guest on Writer’s Webcast to talk about writing comedy and his new one-man show.

Rick's book A Chicago Tavern was recently published by Lake Claremont Press . This fall, Rick’s tenth book, Sidewalks, Portraits of Chicago will be published by Northwestern University Press.

New Shows Up Soon

2006-09-04T10:15:00.001-07:00

After the recording stops, and the show officially ends, there's always more to say. Sometimes our guests stay in the studio and we talk of cabbages, kings, and all manner of things. Othertimes, there's a mention of something in the interview and we need someplace to collect the additional information.

As my friend Shelli would say, "What to do? What to do?"

That's what great about the Writer's Webcast Blog. It's a place to announce upcoming guests, wrapup topics discussed on the show, and --as soon as I figure it out!--a place for your comments.

The new shows will be posted this week at www.waukegan.org.

Behind the Scenes for Sept. 2 Show

2006-08-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday is a new show and I'm looking forward to talking with the guests. We record in the Waukegan studios of TOWN and then the show is uploaded over the Internet, thanks to the magic of Tony and Frank.

First up on Saturday, we'll meet with Rick Kogan. Rick is an author of ten books, with numbers nine and ten out this summer and fall. He is also the host of WGN Radio's "The Sunday Papers" show and a senior writer for the Chicago Tribune Magazine. Rick is from a writing family. His dad was a newspaperman in Chicago and his mom was a finalist for the job that eventually went to Ann Landers. Rick, by the way, was also Ann Lander's editor for a number of years. If you grew up in Chicago, reading Rick's books are a way to connect once again to all the stories that formed the background of our lives. I'm interested in hearing Rick's Chicago stories and how he writes them and then gets them published.

Brent Brotine is our next guest. Brent is a freelance copywriter for direct response, interactive, and financial markets. Brent is a former agency creative director and now does the behind the scenes work involved in dreaming up concepts with art directors, web designers, and everyone else who is smart enough to know that a professional writer can save time and money by putting the right words together the first time. Check out Brent's Website at www.brotine.com and see the way he has with words. How does he come up with a fresh idea for each client? How does it write it? We'll find out Saturday.

Listen to the shows at www.Waukegan.org