Editor's Blog

Sep 1, And then...

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:25:24 GMT

This phrase always tickles my imagination. I always come up with something ludicrous afterwards, and then your off

Aug 29, Take your time!

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:06:12 GMT

Take yor time in writing, don't force yourself. If you're strugglig take a break. It will come to you. Writing should be fun not frustrating.

Aug 29, 5 minute writing

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:03:38 GMT

Yes, the title says it all. Set a timer to 5 minutes and wrote non stop for that amount of time. Even if you cannot think of anything. Write I don't know

Aug 19, Yvette Fleming Self Publisher

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:25:32 GMT

Yvette Fleming describes the motivation behind her books and her decision to self publish.

Aug 18, Self Publishers Define Success

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:23:16 GMT

Read the survey results of how 18 self publishers define success. Audrey Owen, editor for self publishing writers, conducted the survey at the Sunshine Coast Writers' Festival.

Aug 18, Articles on Writing

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:19:26 GMT

A collection of articles on writing for self publishing and other writers. These gems do not fit neatly into the structure of Writer's Helper, but are too good to leave off the site.

Aug 18, Self Publishers Survey

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:11:45 GMT

Audrey Owen at WritersHelper.com conducted a self-publishers survey at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts in Sechelt, BC. The 18 writers shared their stories and provided valuable data fo

Aug 5, An Idea from Dickens

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:58:14 GMT

The Great Victorian Novelist Charles Dickens carried a notebook with him everywhere he went. In it he would write character names, story titles, character

Aug 2, Creating Realistic Characters - Just Add Passion!

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:41:35 GMT

We all know about irritating, one-dimensional characters in writing that completely ruin a story. Look no further than Twilight's bland heroine, Bella

Jul 30, Rule number 1

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:46:56 GMT

Once began, do not stop

Jul 25, Books For Writers

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:36:38 GMT

Recommended books for writers. Reference books I wouldn't be without. Buy them for yourself or for a friend.

Jul 12, Writing Goals 2010

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:29:09 GMT

Writers share their writing goals for 2009 and receive support from Audrey Owen, editor at writershelper.com.

Jul 7, Be the character

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:39:00 GMT

If you imagine yourself in the same place that your character is in, you can place yourself in the moment. Placing yourself in the moment can help prevent

Jul 4, OUR STORIES ARE US

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:13:22 GMT

It is true that our books, novels and short stories are a projection of ourselves on paper. What one writes, whether he/she realizes it or not, is inspired

Jun 24, Be inspired

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:32:16 GMT

Don't just make a boring story up, be inspired by other authors who you like and who you know are very good writers. If you have a favourite book read

Jun 21, First Impression Matters

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:43:50 GMT

Whatever you are writing, wait for inspiration about the choice of words and language construction for the first paragraph. The first paragraph is like

Jun 20, line spacing

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:40:26 GMT

When I go to format, to set up my page, I can't seem to get the right line spacing on each page the same. I'm trying for 24 lines, but sometimes I get

Jun 19, Index

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:20:57 GMT

Where do indexes go? Front or back at the end of a book

Jun 13, Give your character a name the reader will admire.

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:22:00 GMT

A name for a character can be difficult to conjure up. But if you put effort into it you can come up with something the reader will idolize, and that

May 25, when drowning in the flood of ideas

Tue, 25 May 2010 05:09:13 GMT

I have had the problem of holding on to one idea and work it start to finish, I allways have multiple storylines in motion and it can get distracting sometimes.

May 25, Cliches

Tue, 25 May 2010 05:08:44 GMT

avoid cliches like the plague. (Get it?...It's still great advice!

May 18, Forget It!!!

Tue, 18 May 2010 04:51:24 GMT

Give your manuscript a break before editing it. Allow yourself to forget the story so that when you re-read it you see every word as the reader will. You

May 11, Plow!

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:45:54 GMT

Never stop writing. Start and do NOT stop until you have to stand up and do something. When you go back feel free to read over what's you've written. But

May 11, Step Into Their Shoes

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:45:07 GMT

When you're alone, or outside, talk to yourself. Start an imaginary conversation. Yes, with yourself. When I'm sitting outside with no creativity at all,

May 11, Give Your Soul to Your Writing

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:44:15 GMT

Making a piece come alive means putting your whole soul in it. By this I mean, if you're writing a sad part, summon up the saddest feeling you ever had

May 7, Give it all you got!

Fri, 07 May 2010 02:48:52 GMT

When I'm writing I throw it all out there, I don't worry about editing or spelling, I just want to get my ideas on paper before I forget them, then I take

May 5, Problem in using the definite article

Wed, 05 May 2010 05:27:43 GMT

Hi, I'm not a native English speaker; therefore, I always have problem correctly using the definite article the in my sentences. Can you please provide

May 5, being in the momment

Wed, 05 May 2010 05:20:33 GMT

you have to let the reader fell like he or she is in the story use creative words that describe how the characters feel in every moment of the story, and

Apr 28, German ?

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:02:58 GMT

Hello, can I use it for German language

Apr 28, lost email

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:02:34 GMT

Hi Audrey, I seem to have lost your email address-I wanted to invite you to our group on facebook but there are several people with the same name. We are

Apr 15, Skip the boring bits!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:36:04 GMT

When I'm writing, I always find it best to write the bits I enjoy first, and slave over the middle bits later. The hardest part, in my opinion, is trying

Apr 15, Short, sweet and to the point!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:34:42 GMT

DOn't always go for long, dreary sentences! All you're doing is loosing attention and interest! The odd short sentence here or there can make all the difference,

Apr 9, If I change my name, is it still my memoir?

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:56:45 GMT

Dear Audrey, can I write a memoir and change everyone's name, including my own? Or would it have to become fiction at this point, and have to follow the

Mar 21, Do I need permission to use a friend's name in my autobiography?

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:02:26 GMT

In my autobiography I am telling about my experience of attending seminary and the friend's I acquired during that experience. What I need to know: do

Mar 18, Be in the story

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:34:56 GMT

One thing I have always found useful is to BE IN the writing yourself. For other people to feel what you feel, see what you see in YOUR mind you must

Mar 13, Read - a lot.

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:31:00 GMT

It seems obvious but you can never read too much when you're writing. Especially if you have writers block. Read within the genre you are writing, and

Mar 13, West Coast Screenwriting

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:27:13 GMT

West Coast Screenwriting asks, "Are you feeding your inner screenwriter?" In March, West Coast Screenwriting principals, Keith Digby (Time Exposures) and Brian Paisley (Lies Like Truth) will hold a Weekend Blitz workshop for NINE aspiring screenwriters. Yes, that's right. There will only be NINE participants, maximum, in the class. This course is not only specific to success in the craft of screenwriting, but also uniquely personal in the assessment and development of each individual participant's work. Location: Bay Film Studios, Maple Bay, Vancouver Island. Dates: Friday March 26th (evening) to Sunday March 28th (late afternoon) Please Note: Only 3 places left! For new and emerging screenwriters, bring your idea/concept, outline or unfinished screenplay. Novel and short story writers, who might be thinking of adapting one of their works, bring a one-page outline and watch its progress to the screen. Are you interested in taking this high-power, team-taught 12-hour course? Take the plunge.
Take the workshop!
Tell other writers about this opportunity. Sponsored by Bay Film Studios... Where major motion picture, Tommy Prince, Devil with a Heart, starring Adam Beach, will shoot this summer!

Mar 11, Author Payment For Library Use

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:46:35 GMT

Did you know that there is provision for author payment for library use? Find out how to get your cheque.

Mar 11, Can first and third person live together?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:24:57 GMT

Dear Audrey, If I'm writing in first person, can I write my second POV character in third person? Thank you, Jacquelin

Mar 11, no ideas?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:24:16 GMT

when you don't know what to write, try these easy tips to get your writing going again. 1. Read a book! 2. Imagine the characters are at a different

Mar 10, Heather Conn Reading

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:22:53 GMT

Hi everyone, I hope that youve been enjoying this glorious sunshine. I will be doing an author reading on Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery as part of their Words and Image exhibition. I will read short excerpts from my memoir-in-progress and some other creative nonfiction works. Ill also show a few slides from my trip in India The gallery is downstairs at 287 Gower Point Road. Hope to see you there. Cheers, Heather

Mar 8, Write On Vancovuer

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:46:59 GMT

Write On, Vancouver
Vancouver, BC, Canada
The mini-conference for fiction writers
May 28th 29th, 2010

Special Guest Keynote Speaker
Laura Resnick An award-winning fantasy, romance, and short fiction author, past president of Novelists, Inc., a popular columnist and public speaker, and author of the highly acclaimed: Rejection, Romance, & Royalties: The Wacky World of a Working Writer "The best book on the writing life since Bird By Bird or The Artist's Way. The incisive and insightful Laura Resnick cuts right to the heart of the joys, sorrows, costs, and rewards of pursuing the creative dream." Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author WORKSHOPS:
Laura Resnick - Story Development and 20 Questions, an interactive industry Q&A Eileen Cook - Pitch Perfect Terri Smolar - Building Your Brand: What every writer should know about developing a media presence Nancy Warren - The Conflict's in the Character...and the Character's in the Conflict INDUSTRY PANEL AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS:
Martin Biro - Kensington Publishing
Johanna Raisanen - Harlequin/Silhouette
Leanne Salter - Cobblestone Press

Kwantlen Polytechnic University,
Richmond Campus
8771 Lansdowne Rd, Richmond, BC REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Early Bird bookings before March 31
Members $100 - Non Members $130
Regular bookings from April 1
Members $130-Non Members $160
An ideal Christmas gift!
For all registration information and bookings please contact
Sally Collins at SallyCollins@shaw.ca PROMO OPPORTUNITY: We welcome promo items from authors. For more information, contact SallyCollins@shaw.ca.

Mar 7, OREGON COAST CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS WORKSHOPS, SUMMER 2010

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:54:55 GMT

Next summer, July 12-16 and July 19-23, 2010 we proudly will present the eighth Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshops, www.occbww.com, in the exquisite Oregon coast town of Oceanside. The instructors for each workshop will include five established children's book authors (between them, specializing in YA and middle school novels, picture books, non-fiction, magazine pieces, and poetry), two children's book editors from major houses, and one children's book agent. Summer Workshops 2010 promise to be our best yet because - The instructor-student ratio will be a maximum of one to six, - Each day, you will meet with an instructor for at least one comprehensive consultation, and - You can have one-on-one informal meetings with instructors each day as well, and - Every student who wishes can have an anonymous first page manuscript critique by all eight instructors in front of the class, and - We will offer at least twelve instructional lectures on various aspects of writing and publishing, and - There will be two evening readings/discussions by instructors, and - Out-of-class consultations with instructors are available, and - There will be at least three guest lectures, and - There will be two wonderful parties (quite appropriate for friends, partners, spouses, children) If you are ambitious to publish a children's book (or simply adore children's books), this is the workshop for you. It will allow you to connect directly with authors, editors, agents who are active in the children's book business. If you go to the website and look under Evaluations, you'll see that it's received extraordinarily high praise (some listed below). The course is available for graduate credit. For complete information we welcome you to visit our website at www.occbww.com We always tend to fill up early and turn many people away who wish to attend simply because there isn't space. So, if this is of interest, you may want to register sooner than later. There's a generous refund policy (described at the website) if you decide not to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Feb 26, Remember...You're Only Talking to Me!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:23:39 GMT

Have you ever noticed when some people write a memo, an email, a letter, an article or even a book which they know will be read by many people, they address

Feb 26, Hey,..I'm a Person....Not a Thing!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:22:42 GMT

Don't forget to use personal pronouns when referring to PEOPLE. Say this: He is the person who invented the shortwave radio. Not this: He is the person

Feb 22, 5 Ways to instantly be a better writer

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:51:53 GMT

1: READ MORE The more you read the more you want to write. Appreciating a good turn of phrase or being irritated by a bad turn of phrase will make you

Feb 15, Is it yesterday's, or the previous day's trousers?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:58:26 GMT

Is it grammatically correct to use yesterday in the following context? Thank you. I walked up the stone staircase wearing yesterday's blue trousers

Feb 15, FOCUS

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:57:41 GMT

As a writer, I have found that for every piece you write, fiction or non-fiction, it is important to FOCUS! At any given point in the piece, you should

Feb 14, Sarcasm

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:29:18 GMT

Sarcasm is fatal to everything i write. I love to be funny. Sarcasm could easily describe a deathly situation, or it could be the base of your next joke.

Feb 14, Be Open to Others Ideas!

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:28:46 GMT

My friends and I write together. We get together and take turns on who writes next. One thing I have learned from this is, don't be touchy. If someone