The Mojo Monthly – What’s New in November

Hello and welcome new subscribers! Thanks to all who participated in the survey. I got some really helpful feedback that included quizzes, reviews, advice column, tips, visuals..and more cat anecdotes (real cute, Rena). I will take these suggestions under consideration and make some changes. When I attended SARK's Succulent Pajama Party last month ( an event that took two blog postings and 41 digital pictures to document.), one of the workshop "games" I participated in was called Thanks, I Know This. The whole weekend was about female empowerment and this particular game focused on, in my interpretation, validation. We had a certain amount of time (I don't remember how long...5 mins maybe?) to go up to different people, state your name and what you're good at. It could be anything from "I make the best oatmeal raisin cookies" to "I homeschool my children." The person you're telling has to say something like, "Really? That's fantastic." or "Really? That's amazing." You respond, "Thanks, I know this." Then reciprocate. Picture this: Close to 50 fifty women dressed in pajamas (because, well, it's a pajama party), outside on the lawn next to the conference casita, running up to each other and saying, "Hi, my name is INSERT NAME HERE, and I INSERT BRAG HERE". "Really? That's amazing." "Thanks, I know this" for a good five minutes. Needless to say, I felt weird saying, "Hi, I'm Celise. I write for Young Adults and I have my own publishing company" and hearing a "normally" sarcastic response in return. But this exercise made it fun and more often than not, I wanted to linger and get more details, but it wasn't allowed.

During the course of this 3-day workshop, I was asked numerous questions about my writing and my business. The one question that kept popping up was "Do you publish other authors?" The answer is no, but it's a goal of mine and something I'll go into detail in a minute. After the workshop (and attending Omega Vector the weekend before) I began to take stock of where I am as a writer and as a businessperson. As someone who wears two hats, I realized that I've spent too much time wearing the businessperson hat and not enough time wearing the writer hat. First and foremost, I am a writer. I'm a writer...who happens to own a small press. And until I've reached that level of comfort in which I can promote myself, I can't take on other writers. So, I have decided to make a change. I've decided to focus on Celise the Writer and put Celise the Small Press Owner on the backburner. This change includes creating an author website, re-vamping the company website and rejuvenating the company logo. There will also be some changes to the newsletter format. Stay tuned for updates.

As the title states, this month is Small Press Month. The vision I have for my company includes an adult romance division and publishing books by young adults. Not a publisher of Young Adult fiction/nonfiction (adults writing for young adults), but young adult fiction/non-nonfiction written by young adults. There's a difference. I write for Young Adults, ages 13-18. Gemini Mojo Press will publish the work of young adults, ages 13-18. Currently, I only know of one company out there that caters to the creative talent of this age group. I want to do the same...5-10 years down the line. Maybe sooner. I'd like to think that by the time I'm ready to take on this new phase, more small presses will have jumped on the bandwagon to support the imagination of our youth. If not, so be it. I will have the knowledge that I have filled a unique and unknown hole in the publishing business.

11) Irving Berlin - songwriter of musicals such as "Annie Get Your Gun" and Puttin' on the Ritz"

For Writers and Writer Wanna-Be's of All Ages

How to Learn the Art of Creative Writing

~ Mark Woodcock

The term creative writing is used to discern certain types of inventive or artistic writing from other general types of writing. The field of creative writing is broad and includes many different formats and genres of writing. The broad and general description of it is purposeful in its effort not to limit the imagination of the potential writer, or that of the reader. Creative writing is totally different from other types of writing, such as technical writing, scientific writing, or copy-driven journalism. The discipline of creative writing includes, but should not be limited to, works of fiction, poetry, personal memoir or autobiography, song lyrics, plays and screenplays, and any mixture of the above. By and large, writing is a skill that is innate to a person. Just like with other proficiencies, most types of writing often comes easier to some people than to others. Therefore, it is often thought that a person cannot be taught how to write, especially creatively. Despite whatever natural talents for writing a person might have, those talents often need to be developed in order for the writer to realize his or her fullest potential in the craft. Learning how to write creatively must begin on the inside. A certain amount of individual experience, opinion, and innate sensitivity must be tapped when taking on the task of creative writing. Creative writing is an artistic _expression, like painting or composing music. It is therefore subject to criticism, both constructive and disrespectful. This should in no way deter a person from writing creatively, or in any other way. Sometimes, artistic _expression is done just for the sake of doing it. There does not have to be a reason to create something, and there does not have to be an explanation behind the creation. The personal _expression is free. This sentiment holds especially true with creative writing. Creative writing courses are extremely popular and widely available in various formats. Short-term workshops ranging from merely a few hours to a day or several weekly sessions are available through public libraries, community education centers, and even community colleges. They are for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned writer looking to polish his or her skills. In a creative writing course, there are many potential topics to discuss and methods to teach at length. These topics include, but are not limited to, techniques on brainstorming and exploring creative ideas, overcoming writer's block, learning how to structure work, overcoming the fear of people reading/judging the created work, editing completed work, and getting works published. Though some will argue that true creative writing cannot be taught, it is widely acknowledged that certain skills can be mined and honed, as well as certain techniques taught, to make almost anyone at least a fair writer, and not be afraid to unleash his or her creativity. Many budding writers opt to study creative writing in college. Often it can be an emphasis within a major in English, and a 4-year bachelor's degree can be earned. This can open doors to many professional opportunities, as well as equip a writer with the skills to either take a stab at freelance writing, or translate his or her creative writing skills into other professional arenas, such as public relations, advertising, or editing. For those whose writing ambition is to do creative writing as more of a hobby, looking to the Internet for creative writing websites is a good way to get work seen and gain insight into the craft. Many creative writing websites offer bulletin boards where writers can post works to be read and enjoyed, and where feedback can be given reciprocally. Also, writers can find a real community of individuals looking for other writers with whom to trade and share ideas. Some creative writing websites also offer some of the same lessons and pointers on brainstorming and formulating ideas, editing, publishing, and other techniques that many workshops or writing courses offer, except it often does not cost anything online, and it is more convenient. There is also the appeal of the relative anonymity online, for the shy writer who is not quite ready for the face-to-face public arena. True creative writing might not be a learned talent, but the ability to tap inner creativity is possible for just about anyone.

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About The Author: Mark is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.articlepromotions.com

Resource of the Month

A Long Story Short
This e-zine features women writers and showcases its favorite contributions to the site. The site’s submission committee provides critiques to aspiring writers, time permitting.

Resource of the Month for Teens

SURROUNDED
http://surroundedmag.com/
---
Surrounded, a literary magazine run by students, created to
give a voice to teenagers across the United States. It's a
forum for teenage writing, designed by and chosen by teenagers.
Any form of writing - any content, style or tone - will be
considered. We hope to publish it annually starting in 2006
and make it available to the community at large through
newsstands, independent bookstores, the Internet, and other
venues. All profits will go back into the magazine so that we
can make this a welcoming and available opportunity for U.S.
teen writers. Surrounded is the creation of Campbell Hall High
School students and writer Glen Hirshberg.

Spill the Details

15 Things about me and writing: Ronica Davis

1) I listen to music as I write.

2) Drinks and snacks are essential.

3) I am very superstitious. I'll tell people I'm working on something, but if I give details, the project seems to flop.

4) I've been writing since I was eleven.

5) A banana appears at least once in every book I write.

6) I write the best when I'm not supposed to be writing. For example, when I should be sleeping or cleaning the house.

7) My characters often keep me up at night.

8) I have to fall in love with my characters for the WIP to go past 25 pages.

9) I prefer writing at the computer or laptop.

10) I carry a yellow legal pad with me for taking notes.

11) Music inspires me greatly.

12) I'm still fighting the inner critic.

13) Book titles usually don't come to me until I'm nearly finished writing the novel.

14) I like to keep a game at my disposal when I write--usually BeJeweled 2 or Boggle.

15) I feel like giving up at least once a day

Check out Ronni's online journal here

Getting to Know You...Ronica Davis

I'd like to get to know my subscribers, so please cut and paste the questions below and email your responses to: celise@geminimojopress.com with the words “Getting to Know” in the subject line.

My parents gave me the name of: Ronica

But sometimes I go by: Ronni

I was born in: Cleveland, OH

I currently live in: Columbus, OH

Siblings or only child: 1 younger sister

I do/do not have pets: 3 cats!

My favorite food: Spaghetti

My favorite day of the week is: Friday evening!

My favorite flower is: wildflowers

My favorite flavor of ice cream is: Chocolate with M&M mixed in

My favorite fast food joint is: McDonalds

My favorite movies are: Boondock Saints, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

My favorite type of movies are: romantic comedy usually

My favorite actors and actresses are: Robert Pattinson, Adam Brody, Drew Barrymore, Angelina JolieMy favorite T.V. shows are (including cartoons): Unwrapped