Announcements, Resources & Links You'll Love

Good Morning, Readers,

Happy Friday! I hope you're surviving this oppressive heat and finding time to "chill."
Today's post will be brief, but meaty. Please feel free to add any of your upcoming projects, publishing opportunities, or good news in the comments section.

I always love to hear from you.
Now for today's post...

THIS JUST IN

 

Good News

 

Some of you may recall, back in April, where I posted a call for submissions from Women on Writing, for their "Short & Sweet" issue. This edition focused on tight writing, as well as tips and techniques for writers to master using minimal words for maximum impact. Well, I'm proud to announce that my article, "The Moral of the Mini-skirt" was selected out of many pitches, and was recently published. You can read more here:

 

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/69-FE-ShortBlogPosts.html



Resources & Courses

Summer School for Writers--Most of us recognize the importance of education when it comes to our kids, or to the developmental needs of youth. Yet, we neglect it when it comes to our own career advancement or creative career goals. Why is that?  It's time for a paradigm shift. According to
award-winning novelist, columnist, and instructor, Victoria Grossack:
"Too often people assume that because they know how to read that they know how to write. Yet, there are so many artistic decisions to make, from which genre and which words, when to show and when to tell, the sequence of events and emotions, which point of view to use and how to get the most out of the point of view, that it is easy to get lost. Too many writers don’t understand the nuances of choosing verbs and tenses and the different ways of constructing sentences, paragraphs and scenes. They don’t know how to create character-driven stories. Master the tools and the rules, and use them to your advantage or break them when you choose, as you strive to give your audience a great reading experience.

If you were going to run a marathon you wouldn’t expect to do well without training, would you? Most people train better when they have a coach and some structure. That’s what a writing class offers. "

Whether your goal is to finish a novel, start a blog, publish E-books, or quit your 9 to 5 job, Coffeehouse for Writers can help! Classes are provided online, are flexible and affordable. Sign up today at www.Coffeehouseforwriters.com. As a wise man once said: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

Submission Opportunities

Beyond Your Blog

If you have tips to share with writers, profile pieces on interesting individuals in the publishing industry, or success stories associated with your blog, BYB would love to hear from you. Susan pays writers $35.00 per accepted piece. Previously published work also accepted (but without compensation). And here's a bonus: response time is usually two weeks or less. For more details visit:http://www.beyondyourblog.com/work-with-beyond-your-blog/

Chicken Soup for the Soul

This ongoing, popular anthology has a few "calls" for some interesting titles, with various deadlines. Published authors to receive compensation of $200.00, as well as authors' copies. I'm determined to break in this year! To view their needs visit Chicken Soup.com.
If you'd like to increase your odds for publication here, check out the class taught by Linda O, "Beef up Your Chicken Soup!" at Coffeehouseforwriters.com

Pen & Prosper

Can I buy you a cup of coffee? Pen and Prosper is now a paying market. I pay ten bucks (the equivalent of maybe a Vanilla Chai or other fancy smancy drink at your favorite coffee joint), for quality blog posts of 250-750 words on writing, marketing, or blogging related topics. Submit to Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

Writers Weekly

Seeks success stories on an array of writing related topics, and pays $40.00 (on acceptance) for approximately 400 words. You'll find more here at Writers Weekly:
http://writersweekly.com/writersweekly-com-writers-guidelines

Miscellaneous

 

 

Interview

 

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Karen Lange over at the fun and inspirational blog, "Write Now." 

If you'd like to learn a bit more about the woman behind the Pen & Prosper blog, feel free to check it out at:
http://karenelange.blogspot.com/2016/06/5-questions-with-jennifer-brown-banks.html

Welcome

Greetings to all my new followers this month; welcome! It's a pleasure to have you here. Please feel free to share a comment or question at any time.


Recommended Reads Around the Web

Here are a few sites that impressed me recently, that I believe you'll find interesting and informative as well.  Let me know what you think.

http://meerakothand.com/

http://sweatpantsandcoffee.com/


Blind Bat Alert

F.Y.I--I recently purchased a new pair of reading glasses, to which my eyes need to acclimate. In the meantime and in between time... my apologies for any typos, misteaks,  or formatting issues.

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to all of you who share my birth month of June. I wish you many more.

Blog Break

For the first time in seven years, I will be taking a much-needed summer break!
Pen and Prosper will be on a summer hiatus from June 25th-August 25th.
I'll miss you. But, better a "break" than a "break down." :-)

Of course, this doesn't mean we can't stay in touch, right?

Email me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com
Follow me on Twitter@Penandprosper1
Snail mail me with cards, birthday wishes, words of encouragement, photos, or chocolates at:
 P.O. BOX 208704, Chicago, IL 60620-8704
   

Wishing you a safe and exciting summer!

Regards,

Jen