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ERMA BOMBECK WRITERS' WORKSHOP NEWSLETTER
University of Dayton
May 2005
mailto:erma@udayton.edu
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Dear writer:
Reality TV has finally come to the world of publishing.
“Book Millionaire,” a new reality TV show featuring authors and would-be authors, is having a casting call for the show's debut season (fall 2005). Eight people who want to become published or achieve best-selling status will begin filming in August. The application deadline is July 31, 2005.
The show's Web site says, "Viewers will feel the excitement of intense tasks and growing stakes as the doors to publishing success open. The Candidates’ goal is to be the one who is headed to press. Each week one Candidate Author will hear the dreaded words, 'The doors to publishing have closed.'"
Keep writing!
Tim Bete
Latest news...
AN INTERVIEW WITH FUNNY LADY SUSAN REINHARDT
She rides a unicycle, secretly dreams of becoming a nurse, and is the author of the hysterical new book, “Not Tonight, Honey…Wait ‘til I’m a size 6.” Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop director Tim Bete recently chatted with columnist Susan Reinhardt. Read more.
HUMORWRITERS.ORG WINS AWARD
The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Web site was picked by Writer's Digest magazine as one of the “101 Best Web Sites for Writers." HumorWriters.org was included in the "niches" category and is featured in the May issue of Writer's Digest. The article says, "The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop page is stocked with articles and links for humor writers." Please nominate www.HumorWriters.org site for the “101 Best Sites of 2006” awards. Send your comments, along with our Web name and URL, to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "101 Sites" in the subject line.
ERMA INTRODUCED THE POPE
On Sept. 14, 1987, using her trademark wit, Erma Bombeck was given the honor of introducing Pope John Paul II when he visited Phoenix, Ariz. Read more.
FIRST LADY OF COMEDY?
Laura Bush wowed them at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Read more.
A BOOK’S BACK COVER: FIVE MISTAKES
AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM
An enticing back cover can hook potential buyers in a matter of moments. Book coach Judy Cullins reveals what information every back cover should—and shouldn’t—include. Read more.
WRITING HUMOR: FOR STARTERS, MAKE IT FUNNY
Just a friendly reminder from columnist Bob Welch, a judge for the 2005 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. He talked with 2003 winner, Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant, who offers advice on how to turn humorous into hilarious. Read more.
2005 PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Check out who the jury deemed as America’s finest writers. Envision your name in their place next year. Read more.
AN INTERVIEW? PIECE OF CAKE!
For some writers the thought of interviewing a source is enough to make them retire their computer and flee the country. Freelancer Len Maxwell proves that with some careful planning, interviews can go surprisingly well. Read more.
SERIOUSLY FUNNY
Amid his random musings on humor writing, Cameron Koo divulges what he believes to be a humorist’s key to success.
COMEDY WRITER DAVE FREEMAN DIES
Veteran comedy writer Dave Freeman, who co-wrote The Benny Hill Show and worked on some of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms, has died at the age of 82. Read more.
HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE BECOMES MOVIE
Twenty-seven years ago, Douglas Adams wrote a BBC radio series about Arthur Dent, an Englishman who has barely gotten out of bed when Earth is destroyed by extraterrestrials to make way for an interstellar freeway. Read more.
Humor writer of the month
MATT OTTINGER
Matt Ottinger is the editor of the Uinta County Herald (Evanston, WY). In January, he won received a first-place award for column writing from the Wyoming Press Association. ("Granted," Ottinger wrote, "Wyoming only has four columnists.") Visit his Web site.
Emmis Books giveaway
Each month we give away a book on writing to a few subscribers to our newsletter. If you're subscribed, you're entered to win! This issue's winners are:
* Russell Allen
* Kirk Hanley
Thanks to Emmis Books for providing the books for our giveaway!
Who's publishing what?
PAST WORKSHOP FACULTY
KIRKLAND BRINGS
BETE IN THE NEWS: Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service, Gannett News, Scripps Howard and Beliefnet.comWire are featuring stories about Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop director Tim Bete and his new book, In The Beginning...There Were No Diapers. The book has been covered in the Honolulu Advertiser, Florida Today, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Asheville Citizen-Times, Springfield News-Leader and Stamford Advocate, among other papers.
PAST WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
LAWSON LANDS BOOK DEAL: Patti Lawson's The Dog Diet, a book detailing how to lift your spirits, lighten your heart and shrink your waistline by focusing on the needs of another living creature, is set for publication in spring 2006.
PEREL’S BOOK RECEIVES HONOR: Saralee Perel's book, Raw Nerves, was picked as a Book Sense Notable for April. It's the first time a POD book has made it as a Book Sense.
OTHER PUBLISHING NEWS
DOC PENS STRANGE BUT TRUE TALES: Dr. Doug Farrango has published The Placebo Chronicles, stories of "the ridiculous, the silly, and the just plain weird cases doctors face."
Markets, contests and more
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS
ANTHOLOGY SUMBISSIONS: Looking for more content for an anthology of short stories about life's most embarrassing moments. Read more.
CALL FOR BOOK ENTRIES: The USABookNews.com, second annual "Best Books 2005" awards are in full swing. Enter your title in one of over 30 categories. Winners and Finalists receive national exposure. Read more.
FREE NETWORKING TOOL: The Writer’s Marketing Association (WMA) mission is to create a network of national writers in all genres. Through membership in WMA, writers receive information through WMA Connect, a monthly electronic newsletter and regional workshops. Enter your work in the "Fresh Voices 2005" literary awards." Become a member for free.
RESOURCE FOR MAGAZINE WRITERS: With the ability to locate whatever type of magazine you’re looking for and introduce you to new markets, www.WoodenHorsePub.com came recommended to us by a fellow writer who deemed the site “one of the best resources for magazine writers.”
UNIQUE BOOK MARKETING CONCEPT: See your words in action. VidLit reviews your book in an online video format and allows people to purchase it after they view your mini film. Read more.
BOOKBLASTER OPENS DOORS TO SELLING YOUR NOVEL: Reach more than 500 literary agents and publishers via e-mail. Bookblaster e-query service will send your query letters from your own e-mail address. Read more.
HUMOR COLLECTION: The Humor Collection is a service for all who wish to raise the humor quotient in their life and is dedicated to connecting people to the wealth of humor and comedy created by comedians over the years. Read more.
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NETWORK WITH OTHER HUMOR WRITERS: Network with other humor writers. Join the e-mail discussion group for past attendees of the Erma Bombeck Writers'
Workshop and those who would like to attend in the future.
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SUGGEST A RESOURCE: If you have a favorite book or Web site, let us know at bete@udayton.edu.
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Copyright 2005, University of Dayton
