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Barnes and Noble Update
Not being able to sell books, and find profit, B&N has cut everything they can think of from not stocking shelves like they should, putting more fluff gifts on the empty shelves, printing more classics in China so they don't have to pay for U. S. Printed books. They have cut staff, raised prices on even the coffee, etc etc. You would think they have done everything they could do. Well fear not. They just cut their CEO and will not replace the position. Saving a coooool two million a year. We hate to see anyone loose their job, but when the average author makes less than $10,000 a year I say "Is RandomHouse listening, or S&S or Ingram or B&T? " Without new exciting well crafted writers no one has good fresh product..

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September 27 -- Day of Writing Instruction --- Last time we did not get the web address that you go to and sign up. Therefore we are putting it in here twice, HERE and later.

The CWG's Cleveland Writers Group has invited Cyn Mobley from Knoxville to spend a Saturday teaching the basics of writing. If you want to go, a place in the class must be reserved early. The class can be paid for online through PayPal.

For more information you can check out Cyn Mobley's web site and sign up HERE The 6 hour course is $95 but is discounted to $80 for CWG members. If you know someone who is not a CWG member encourage them to become a member and carpool to the class. Those that have taken her class say you will go away knowing a lot more than when you walk in.

To be held at the Peerless Road Church hall in Cleveland

Directions: 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN.
From I-75 S take exit 27/ Paul Huff Parkway left on Paul Huff, approx. .2 mile turn right at traffic light onto Peerless Rd. travel 1.2 miles on Peerless Rd. Church is on the right at the traffic light. From I-75 N take exit 27/ Paul Huff Parkway and turn right onto Paul Huff. go approx. .1 then right on Peerless. travel 1.2 miles Peerless Rd. Church is on right at the traffic light.

Space is limited and filling up fast.

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Ten Things that Agents and Editors Hate

They hate when:

#1: Writers claim no competition exists.Competitive or comparable books usually exist. Rarely does a book have no competition.

#2: Writers claim their books will be the next blockbuster. Although it's essential for authors to be enthusiastic about their books, it's equally important that they be realistic.

#3: Writers say how much others liked their books. Agents and editors simply don't care what others think about a book unless they are (a) book-publishing professionals or (b) celebrities or published authors who are willing to endorse the book. Even then, their opinions don't carry much weight and will rarely influence the agent's or editor's decision.

#4: Submissions are made for books on subjects that the agent or editor doesn't handle.Sending submissions that recipients don't handle wastes every one's time. So don't send your memoir to an agency when the guidebooks and agency's Web site clearly state that it doesn't represent memoirs.

#5: Correspondence is not addressed to a particular agent or editor.Don't address any correspondence, especially submissions, generally or to "Dear Agent or Editor." It's impersonal and it makes your communiqué look like a form letter that you simply dashed off to a slew of agents or editors.

#6: Writers call constantly, are demanding and don't let up.It makes no sense to put undue pressure on agents and editors. Be reasonable, patient, and understanding. Agents and editors know how important your book is to you, but their hands may be tied.

#7: Writers try to be cute, instead of being direct and straightforward.In children, cuteness can be adorable. In adults, it seldom works; in fact, it usually becomes irritating. Agents and editors don't have time for cuteness. They want to know, in a few words, what your book is about, and why you're the perfect person to write it.

#8: Writers send submissions in strange formats and colors.Attract interest in your writing by providing top-quality work. Great ideas expressed in clear, well-crafted sentences that are built with the most vivid words will speak more convincingly than outlandish colors and designs.

#9: Writers have a bad attitude or act superior.Acting as if you're entitled to an editor's attention will instantly turn him or her off.

#10: Writers reject professional advice.Some writers won't listen to constructive criticism from their agents and/or editors. Trust the people who are publishing your book and don't think that you know more than they do about the publishing process.
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Six Week Writing Class in Knoxville -- Don Williams, columnist, blogger, short story writer, magazine writer and founding editor of New Millennium Writings, will teach Adventures In Writing, a six-week course open to all writers and aspiring writers and poets of any level of expertise or experience. The course begins 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church at 2931, Kingston Pike, near Cumberland Avenue, UT and Fort Sanders. The course lasts six weeks and meets for just over 2 hours each week. Cost is $140. If you like, take the first night on me and then decide. For more information, phone 428-0389 or 865-805-8849 or email donwilliams7@charter.net, and I'll send complete details. ALSO, if you know you'll be missing several Tuesdays and would like to spread attendance over two six-week class cycles contact me. Participants will engage in writing exercises, guided meditations, critique one another’s works and study examples of effective word-craft. Among topics we'll discuss are "Striking the right tone," "Great opening lines," "Drawing on family history, imagination, and the subconscious," "Writing effective dialogue," "The art of the interview," "The nexus of poetry, fiction and nonfiction," "Communicating with editors and agents," "Formatting the manuscript," "Building a writing community" and "Writing opportunities on the Internet." Such discussions and exercises depend to some extent on how much material is turned in for round-robin critiquing, which is at the heart of the course, although submitting is not mandatory. $140 price includes instructional materials, which will be provided. To enroll, bring payment, pen and paper and a page or two of something you’ve written (optional) to read at the first meeting. For more information, email donwilliams7@charter.net, phone 865-428-0389.

Don't Forget --Picnic and Annual Business Meeting April 9th --- Green Way Farm --- 6 til 9 pm

Greenway Farm directions - Follow I 24 east to I-75 north to highway 153 North.

After crossing Chickamauga Dam on Highway 153, proceed to the first traffic light and turn left on Hamil Road. There is a CVS pharmacy on the corner. Pass Memorial North Park hospital on the left. Greenway farm is approximately 1.2 miles on the right.

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CWG Member featured at the Tenn Festival of Books ---- KB Ballentine is featured in Oct Festival of Books in Nashville. Share a ride get a group together. This is an annual festival in Tennessee. One year it is in Nashville then it moves to Memphis.
http://www.humanitiestennessee.org/festival/index.php

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HELP WANTED ----- CWG is looking for volunteers.

1] A facilitator in starting new small groups. Background and understanding how to start and grow small educational groups. PhD in psychology not necessary, but good smile will be helpful.

2] Idea people to come up with suggestions on how we can make our web site better [programing not necessary -- but constructive ideas are]

3] Someone to help collect members profiles and photos for the web site. You will collect photographs and bios of new members and get them posted on our web site. Digital camera a must. Ability to write puff not necessary.

4] Gatekeeper for our Members only web chat room.

If you are interested in helping with any of these, please let one of the members of the Board of Directors know and they will let you know what to do next.

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