LyX, Tips, Contests, and More!

I, being the bad blogger of late and somewhat overlooking my bloggy duties (altho for a myriad of very valid reasons I add) have just assembled these notes of interest for writers from the various items submitted to me by readers and visitors. If you'd like me to include your news, information, or other writing oriented item, just email it to me when you get a chance :)

Designing a book with LyX
Corinne McKay and Daniel J. Urist

Self-publishing is becoming easier and cheaper, thanks in part to improved printing technologies and desktop publishing tools. If you've ever considered writing a book, you may have looked at the layout capabilities of OpenOffice.org Writer, AbiWord, KWrite, or other word processing programs. While these tools can produce adequate results for many types of documents, it's also worth considering LyX, an open source (GPL) desktop publishing application that, with a bit of work, can create a really professional-looking book that is indistinguishable from a book produced by a mainstream publishing house.

LINK: LyX


Writing Productivity Tips
A.C. Crispin

Six quick tips on how you can be a more productive writer!

LINK: A C Crispin


Writer's Digest Contests

We're pleased to announce the only WD competition exclusively for poets, the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! Regardless of style—rhyming, free verse, haiku and more—if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all. Submit your entries by the December 20, 2006 deadline ... and your words could be worth cold hard cash!

The 7th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! We're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it—the deadline is December 1, 2006.

LINK: Writer's Digest Homepage


Short Story Release

Are you in the mood for a little short story humor? For only 49 cents from Amazon.com, Kathy Gogolewski's story, “Weighing In,” takes a light-hearted romp through discrimination reversed. In this case...thin people beware as the tables are turned for those with svelte figures!

Consider the main character, Carolyn Plemmons, a gourmand who delights in excessive cooking and eating. Yet, she pays a hefty price for her indulgence, and not just in extra pounds. This is all about to change, though, and nothing will ever be the same again.

LINK: Weighing In


Writing Etc. Newsletter from beth Erickson

Tips, Techniques, and Resources to Transform You From An Average Freelancer to A Highly Paid Professional.

LINK: http://filbertpublishing.com


New Newsletter: The Fiction Flyer

LINK: http://www.TRI-Studio.com/NEWSLETTER1.html