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November 5, 2004
 
 
Betsie's Literary Page Newsletter
"We need anything politically important rationed out like Pez: small, sweet, and coming out of a funny, plastic head."

Greetings to One and All!

Welcome to our newest subscribers!

Wow baseball season is over... was bummed out that Cards had lost, but hey the Redsox are a great team too!

Election raming has died down... well sort of. At least now we can get back to our regularly scheduled program.

This week we have loads of new books to tell you about, as well as much information we hope will aid everyone in the promotion of their works. So get those printers ready!

This week we've also added a number of job listings if you're interested!

*****

We appreciate and hope you continue to send us your comments, opinions, articles and suggestions. Remember if you submit anything to our newsletter - include a link back to your site for a free plug.

Betsie's Literary Page is where readers and shoppers are respected, books are cherished, aspiring writers are encouraged and authors are adored.

Have a great weekend!


Betsie

CELEBRITY GOSSIP


LOVE GETTING BACK TOGETHER WITH JIM BARBER? - The former boyfriend at the centre of two of rocker COURTNEY LOVE's legal woes is keen to reunite with the former HOLE star. JIM BARBER was in court to ''support'' his ex yesterday (03NOV04) on what was supposed to be the first day of her Beverly Hills, California felony drug trial. And he told the press outside the courthouse that he hopes to have reunited with Love before the stalled trial fully gets underway on 14 December (04). Ironically, Love is on trial for her behaviour outside the music producer's Los Angeles home last year (03), where she smashed windows and hurled abuse before allegedly overdosing at her own home nearby. Barber was also at the centre of Love's felony assault charges seven months later, after his ex beat up KRISTIN KING, a visitor to his home.


U2 TEAM UP WITH CSI - Rockers U2 will preview songs from their upcoming HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB album on America's number one TV drama CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION. Two tracks from the disc will appear on the show on 18 November (04) - a week before the LP is released. A third track, which is yet to be decided upon, will appear in the 25 November CSI episode - two days after the release of the new U2 album.


FORMER PUMPKINS REUNITE - Former SMASHING PUMPKINS and ZWAN star JIMMY CHAMBERLIN (corr) has teamed up with former band leader BILLY CORGAN on his first solo album. The rocker wanted to record with Corgan again because it was him who encouraged him to go solo and celebrate his love for ''jazz fusion'' on record. The new album also features guest spots from former CATHERINE WHEEL frontman ROB DICKINSON and veteran RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS crooner BILL MEDLEY.


JAGGER DENIES WOMANISING REPUTATION - Rock legend MICK JAGGER has laughed off any similarities between him and JUDE LAW's womanising character in ALFIE. The ROLLING STONE frontman, who worked on the movie remake's soundtrack, insists he's the opposite of the film's lothario character, despite being romancing a number of beauties over the decades including SOPHIE DAHL, JANICE DICKINSON and LUCIANA MORAD. Jagger tells website PAGESIX.COM, ''I have always been a career- minded person, and any vague resemblance to a playboy is coincidental.''


DOUBLE BLOW FOR JOHN EDWARDS - American vice-presidential hopeful JOHN EDWARDS and his family were dealt two severe blows yesterday (03NOV04) - they missed out on a chance to run America and Edwards' wife ELIZABETH was diagnosed with breast cancer. Edwards learned the news about his wife shortly after his running mate Senator JOHN KERRY conceded defeat in the presidential election to PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH. Edwards reportedly discovered a lump in her breast last week


CHIKLIS THRILLED WITH CLOSE CALL-UP - Actor MICHAEL CHIKLIS is so thrilled to hear his heroine GLENN CLOSE is to join him on TV drama THE SHIELD he's offering to do all he can to make her stay on the show as comfortable as possible. The generous star, who plays tough cop VIC MACKEY (corr) on The Shield, has told producers he wants Close to get the best trailer available for her run on the series next year (05). He says, ''I will concede to her comfort anytime.'' FATAL ATTRACTION star Close will play Chiklis' boss on the new season of The Shield.



A Beginner's Guide to Exchanging Links

Reciprocal linking is an effective, free way to get more visitors to your website.

Exchanging links with other webmasters can help you in two ways.

Firstly, by getting your link displayed on other websites you are increasing the number of paths leading back to your your own site. This in turn will increase the number of visitors.

Secondly, exchanging links will increase the chances of getting your web page ranked more highly in the results returned by search engines.

The reason for this is that for most search engines, the number of links pointing to a site plays a huge part in determining where that site ranks. Why? Well, wouldn't you be more likely to visit a place that had been recommended to you by a friend? The same reasoning applies to search engine positioning.

A link from site A to site B is like a vote for site B. The more votes that site B gets, the higher it is regarded by search engines.

However, quantity is not everything! A link carries more weight if it is from a high quality site - in the same way that a recommendation from a trusted friend would be taken more seriously than a recommendation from a casual acquaintance.

If you have been reading up on the subject of search engine positioning, you may be familiar with the term "PR", or "Page Rank". Page Rank is Google's way of measuring the "importance" of a web page. In simple terms PR is a number between 1 and 10 and can be viewed by downloading the Google toolbar.

So, how do you start reciprocal linking?

The first step is to find other sites that you want to link to. Use search engines and links from other websites to find sites that complement your own and try to request links from sites that you think would interest your visitors.

You can find some linking directory resources to help you.

You may have been recommended to avoid linking with your direct competitors. Whether you do this or not is entirely up to you - the main disadvantage of doing this is the chance of losing business, whereas the advantage is the extra traffic that you will gain by doing so.

Before you start your linking campaign here are a few tips to help you:

(1) Ensure that there is a visible link to the "Links" directory on the index page of the site you are requesting the link from and that the links directory is organized. It's unlikely that visitors will find your link if it is one of the 100 links on an unorganized links page.

(2) Follow the above rules for your own website - it's only fair.

(3) Once you have found a page it is good manners to add a link to your own site before requesting a link from another. This way the webmaster of that site will know that you are serious and will be more likely to link back to your site.

(4) Being highly organized whilst requesting links is also important. Using link management software to keep track of all your link requests and automatically add them to your web page literally halves the time taken to request and manage links.

(5) Keep track of all the links you have requested, either through link management software or in a spreadsheet. Add the URL, date requested and contact information for all the links you have requested and update this every time a link is approved or declined. This will help you to keep track of your reciprocal linking campaign and prevent you from looking stupid by requesting a link from the same site multiple times.

(6) Use tools to help you decide which sites to link to and to help monitor your own progress. Tools that I use include:

- Alexa Toolbar
- Google Toolbar
- Link Popularity tool

Finally, set yourself a goal to request a specific number of links per week or per month. Keep going until you meet this target. It may be boring, but once you get into the way of doing this, it will seem like second nature and you will start to reap the benefits in the form of increased traffic to your website!


IN THE NEWS


Of Dreams and Nightmares by Shirley Roe - Many of you may be familiar with Shirley Roe, Managing Editor of Allbooks Reviews. Shirley has helped promote many up and coming authors over the years and has finally published her first novel.

Of Dreams and Nightmares is a historical romance taking the reader on a journey from the English aristocracy to the trials and tribulations of pioneer life. Martha McGuire's arranged marriage to Jebediah Whittaker turns her life into her worst nightmare. Calamity follows, leaving her alone with a devil of a man and his three sons in a vast wilderness of Wyoming. Will hero Austin Wells find her and rescue her from her nightmare. How does brother-in-law Jeremy fit into the scenario? Can she ever find true and lasting love?

Reviewer, Maria Romero: The authors' research of the period shines through with captivating three- dimensional characters readers will easily relate to. Overall, the feel of this romantic tale is of epic proportions, moving at a fast, intriguing pace, that will keep readers glued to each page, lusting for more, even after they reach the end! A sequel perhaps?

*Now available for preorder through PublishAmerica
For more information:
Shirley Roe
email: Allbookreviews@aol.com


Award-Winning Author to Teach UCLA Class for Writers - Carolyn Howard-Johnson, the author of the newly released THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T, will be teaching a class for UCLA Extension Writers Program this fall quarter.

The world-renowned program offers writers classes-- from the craft of writing to promoting one's writing-- at several different venues and online. Howard- Johnson's weekend seminar, CREATING A SAVVY MARKETING PLAN FOR YOUR BOOK: A WORKSHOP FOR REALISTS DETERMINED TO PLAN AHEAD will be taught Nov. 20 and 21 at Bunche Hall on the UCLA campus. The class will be based on the content of her book THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T, a best-selling E-book and newly released as a paperback on online and other bookstores.

Howard-Johnson was named Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment this year by the 43rd and 44th District of the California Legislature. Her first novel, This is the Place, and her book of creative nonfiction, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, are both award winners. Her fiction, nonfiction and poems have appeared in national magazines, anthologies and review journals. She speaks on Utah's culture, tolerance and other subjects and has appeared on TV and hundreds of radio stations nationwide.

For more information on UCLA's Writers Program or to request their Writers Program catalog, your may send an e-mail to writers@uclaextension.edu or call 310) 825-9415.

For more information:
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
email: HoJoNews@aol.com
The registration number for the class is Q8103B.

"After reading, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER you may know more about book publicity than your publisher." Tim Bete, director of the Erma Bombeck's Writers' Workshop and author of In The Beginning There Were No Diapers


Legendary French/British Stop-Motion Master Ivor Wood Dies - Ivor Wood, the animator who worked on some of the best-loved children's television programs, including THE MAGIC ROUNDABOUT, THE WOMBLES, PADDINGTON and POSTMAN PAT, has died in London, reports THE TIMES. He was 72 years old.


KIDS' WB! POWERS UP FOR THIRD SEASON OF SHOPRO'S MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR: Kids' WB! and ShoPro Ent. team up for the third season of MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR: AXESS. The network has ordered 30 never-before-seen episodes of the dynamic Japanese animated series that will begin airing in spring 2005. The third season order brings the total commitment of the series to 70 episodes. "MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR has proven to be a breakout hit and continues to outperform its broadcast time period competition.


NETWORK PRIME-TIME SHOW, DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW CONTINUES! - Don't miss DREW CAREY'S GREEN SCREEN SHOW Thursdays on The WB! Network. This innovative improv comedy show sets top improvers Drew Carey, Colin Mochrie, Greg Proops, Brad Sherwood, Jeff Davis and others against a greenscreen effects set in a host of various improvisational games. Later, Acme Filmworks' roster of top animation talent from around the globe adds to the hilarity with animated backdrops and props that compliment the performances of the actors.


BOOK REVIEWS


Beautiful: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes by Angela Thomas
Publisher: Transit Books a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc (September 2004)
Genre: Children/Youth Interests/ Christian Living
ISBN: 1400304261
Paperback: 183 pages
Price: $14.99

Rating: Highly Recommended

A Magnificent Book that will make every girl feel like Cinderella.

Oct. 28, 2004

This brilliant interactive study will show your resident princess how beautiful she is in God's eyes. Angela Thomas begins with asking out loud a question every girl, young or old, longs to ask. Using chapters in a progressive type of story line of a girl going to the dance (or Cinderella going to the ball) will help young girls visualize the love affair between the divine creator and his princess bride.

I highly recommend this book. Angela Thomas uses personal experiences to illustrate the points of her book. Sometimes funny and often endearing, I found myself relating to Thomas' memories of her childhood and teen experiences.

Reviewed by Deven Vasko


Waiting for White Horses by Nathan Jorgenson
Publisher: Flat Rock Publishing (December 2003)
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0974637009
Paperback: 492 pages
Price: $16.95

Rating: Highly Recommended

A Celebration of Life!

Oct. 28, 2004

Waiting for White Horses is a true celebration of all the changes we must face as we travel down the road of life. Grant Thorson is sustained through several traumatic losses by his unique bond with his best friend, Will Campbell. This friendship is the basis of how Grant views the world and the path all humans travel. Will tenderly helps Grant define and understand why bad things happen to one person one way and why it will happen another way to someone else. But, when tragedy once again visits Grant's life, he must make a choice to live this river of life or to stop living.

Nathan Jorgenson has written a beautiful and compelling first novel. I highly recommend Waiting for White Horses to everyone. It's sure to become a modern classic.

Reviewed by Deven Vasko


Snake Eyes by John Jay Richardson
Publisher: PublishAmerica LLP; (November 2004)
Genre: Crime/ Mystery/Suspense
ISBN: 141373037X
Paperback; 292pp
$ 24.95

Rating: Highly Recommended

A quaint world of old-fashioned mystery solving.

October 29, 2004

Alexander Hamilton Stone, a modern-day Bogart type with a sense of humor is a private investigator in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. His reputation, based upon honesty, integrity, and a twenty-five year warranty on your new roof.

Penelope Harmon is the superbly beautiful devoted secretary. She constantly gives off the aura that she has had a physical relationship with Hamilton in the past and that some of it still hangs around even though nothing has ever come of their "friendly" relationship.

Stone receives a call from Detective Felton Isaac Bradshaw summoning him to 225 Dexter Avenue. Both men have known each other since grade school. Upon arriving at the requested location, Stone finds Bradshaw standing next to a barely discernible corpse.

The oddity of this encounter is that Bradshaw allows Stone to move the body around, as well as handle evidence without the crime scene techs present. This doesn't register with Stone until it is too late. He's struck from behind.

When Stone comes to, he discovers Bradshaw is dead!

The same day: Penny is summoned away by her mother- supposedly her forgotten stepbrother is back in town. Nicholas Sevier, a homicide lieutenant and his partner shows up at his office. Stone is arrested for the suspected murder of his friend then released.

By the next day the plot thickens when the widow Bradshaw asks Hamilton to investigate her husband's murder, federal agents join the investigation, an intelligent-homeless hacker gives aide, bodies are beginning to pile up, and an APB goes out, making Hamilton again a wanted man!

I got such a kick out of this detective novel, so much that I think I was grinning from ear to ear. The other characters in this story are extraordinary, they completely hold your attention and are just as interesting, perhaps even more so, than the 1941 sleuth actors.

If you're a mystery connoisseur, you will without doubt enjoy Snake Eyes!

Reviewed by Betsie


Blue Water Adventure by Rick Magers
Publisher: Grizzly Bookz Publishing-GBP
Genre: Adventure/Fiction
ISBN: 0974795100
Paperback: 446 pages -44 pictures
$17.00

October 29, 2004

Blue Water Adventure is based on a true story. The author's personal experience as a Florida commercial fisherman and the people he lived and worked with provide the basis for this novel. He has cleverly included individual photos, which give the novel a personal touch.

Raymond James and his father Bol trap Florida lobster (crawfish) for a living. Leaving their home in Florida to escape crawfish thieves, they move to the Virgin Islands. Life in paradise is good until once again, crawfish pirates steal their catch and they are forced to take the law into their own hands. The story takes us from Florida, to the Virgin Islands, Bahamas and back to Florida over a span of about twenty years. Boats get bigger and airplanes are added. The temptation of large sums of money beacons to our weary fisherman. Drug lords, pirates and island life mix and mingle to create an exciting novel by author, Rick Magers.

Characters are lively and entertaining. Rita also known as "Little Bug", Raymond's island girl adds sparkle and wit to the dialogue. Ray's best friend, Bangor, provides comedy relief. Roland, Becky and the many crewmen are real life characters with interesting pasts, all forming a melting pot of spicy camaraderie and conflict. Island jargon and local expressions are peppered throughout the dialogue bringing the Caribbean settings to life.

Rick Mager's experience with crawfish trapping along with his extensive research, provide an in depth, highly detailed look at the industry.

The original book was more than 600 pages. The printer's choice of a large font, made the book unnecessarily bulky. The final product published by Grizzly Bookz is shorter and less epic in proportion, improving the readability.

All in all a good read with lots of excitement, adventure and romance-a good gift for the fishermen and boating enthusiast in your life.

Reviewed Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews


The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
Illustrations by: Alan Dingman
Publisher: Little Simon; Pop-Up edition (October 2004)
Genre: Children's Fiction Books
Reading level: Ages 9-12
ISBN: 0689862725
Hardcover: 14pp
$24.95
Also available in Paperback and Audio Cassette

Rating: Highly Recommended

Exciting, Suspense Thriller

October 30, 2004

The tale begins when Trisha, 9 and her older brother Peter are taken by their divorced mother on a hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail. Mother and son argue the entire ride up (mainly about their living arrangements) and then continue the bickering on the trail. Trisha announces her need to use the bathroom, although mother and son are too busy arguing to even hear her.

Assuming it's okay, Trisha wanders off in search of a remote spot. What happens next is every parent's worst nightmare. Trisha determined to have some quiet time, instead of listening to the bickering decides to take a shortcut to end the expedition quicker. Though things don't work out as planned, and Trisha accidentally gets lost.

Amongst the wilderness, fear sets in, giving way to auditory hallucinations as well as visual ones. Trisha carries in her backpack, an egg, a tuna sandwich, a soda (lime), a bottle of water, celery sticks, 2 Twinkies, and a Walkman. To distract herself she focuses on baseball, especially her favorite closing pitcher, Tom Gordon.

Trisha's survival skills are put to the test day after day, as she struggles to manage alone in the woods for a week! She does so buy eating raw fish, berries, nuts, then drinking from ponds, and puddles - once her own supplies have run out.

The question is: How many nine-year-olds could survive such a traumatic event?

Stephen King has done a wonderful job with this book, and the illustrations certainly helped bring his words to life. There are subtle symbolisms that address issues like religion and self-realization. Children of all ages are sure to love this spooky- adventurous tale-- I know I did!

Reviewed by Betsie


Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell
Illustrated by: Jason Cockcroft
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st US edition (October 2004)
Genre: Children's Books
Reading level: Age 6 & up
ISBN: 0689868413
Hardcover: 32 pages
$15.95

Rating: Highly Recommended

A delightful twist on a historical tale!

October 30, 2004

About two thousand years ago, in the town of Nazareth, a miracle occurred. There were Shepherds, the Angels and, on Epiphany, the Wise Men.

In author Martin Waddell's version: This particular winter night is cold, and Kind Ox lies in his stable sheltered from the harsh bitter airs. He is snuggled in the warmth of his straw bed until Old Dog comes along in search of shelter and a warm place to rest his weary bones. Kind Ox invites him in. Not long after do more travelers arrive, also in need of shelter. Stray Cat, and Small Mouse, to be precise.

Then Tired Donkey arrives, leading Joseph along, as he carries Mary on his back. Mary is very tired and needed a place to stay. At each inn, the story was the same. There was no room for them.

"Where will my baby be born?" Mary asked.

Kind Ox invited Tired Donkey in. Mary gives birth to Jesus with the animals around them.

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale, is not only simply written and easy to understand, but is also exquisitely illustrated. This is a book your child will read everyday of the year!

Reviewed by Betsie


The Compound by Gloria Shepherd
Publisher: Aventine Press; (August, 2004)
Genre: Fiction-Espionage/Thriller
ISBN: 159330224X
Paperback: 324 pages
$17.95

Rating: Highly Recommended

A well written thriller and an exciting love story.

November 1, 2004

Carly Manning encounters a group of men on a road after loosing control of her vehicle. She realizes that she has stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time, but fortunately, she mentions the name of a mutual acquaintance and the group agrees to assist her. She meets Ken Morgan, a charismatic musician and the leader of a group called "The Compound." As Carly and Ken interact with one another you get the distinct impression that they are meant to be together. From that point forward they have begun an adventure that becomes the plot for The Compound.

Most espionage type thrillers consist of two- dimensional characters that simply do what you expect them to do. Without conscience or remorse they bed anyone necessary to achieve their objective. Although Carly and Ken are attractive and attracted to each other, they keep a respectable distance from one another. That fact creates a cloak of sexual tension that the reader can detect on any page on which the names Ken and Carly are mentioned together. It is as if they want to put their past "exploits" behind them and experience true love. Both characters have a colorful past in which "love" simply means sexual relations, but that may change as the hero and heroine fall deeply in love.

Ken has become Carly's protector in a sense. From her innermost thoughts you can sense that she can take care of herself but she allows Ken to defend her, mainly from some of the other members of Ken's team. Now, the tables have turned and Carly must fight to save Ken from his destruction. His team, the Compound, has become obsolete and an assassin has been sent to bring Ken down. Carly has decided that she will do what is necessary to save the man that she loves. Will she fail? Will she succeed? Is she more than what she appears to be? Read the book and you will surrender yourself to a literary roller coaster that you will not be able to put down.

A three dimensional plot has been merged with two three dimensional characters to create a realistic adventure that will entice and entertain the senses. Enter The Compound and sample the work of Gloria Shepherd. Ms. Shepherd is a seasoned, veteran writer with the ability to create believable characters tackling realistic issues. She writes with a romantic edge that will draw multiple audiences into the book with a desire to see how the book ends. Do the two heroes fall in love and stay together? Or, will the covert world of espionage tear them apart? I'm not going to tell...

Reviewed by Tyrone Vincent Banks


Third-Grade Detectives #10: The Mystery of the Stolen Statue by George E. Stanley
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (November 2004)
Genre: Children's Fiction
Reading level: 6-9
ISBN: 0689864914
Paperback: 70 pages
Price: $3.99

Rating: Recommended

Forensics by Number

November 1, 2004

In the tenth book of the Third Grade Detectives series, the young detectives stumble onto a mystery during a field trip to an art museum. The "priceless fifteenth-century statue of Joan of Arc," on loan from a Paris museum that they have come to see has been stolen! There is something very suspicious about Willie, the janitor who works at the museum. And, it is apparent that the director of the museum, Dr. Kirk, is not terribly eager for the children's assistance in finding the statue. Since these third graders are also intrepid detectives, under the guidance of Mr. Merlin - who is not only their teacher, but also a former spy - they are sure that they can help solve the mystery of what has become of the statue. Before they can begin their search, however, the police discover the statue, broken into tiny pieces, in a nearby dumpster. It is up to the third graders to break the coded messages given to them by Mr. Merlin in order to reveal the truth about the statue and why it was stolen. Using forensic evidence and the help of a police crime lab, they ultimately discover they mystery of the stolen statue.

The stated age group for this book is 6-9 years old and readers of this series will find that this book lives up to their expectations. The author follows the formula used in previous books and not only provides readers with a mystery to solve, but uses interactive clues so that his young readers will scramble to uncover the answers along with the children in the book. He also provides age-appropriate scientific information for his readers, which is a fun way for young children to learn new science facts. Young readers will enjoy solving the mystery and learning new information at the same time.

Reviewed by Nancy Machlis Rechtman

SCREENWRITING TIPS
Scene structure

Just as the screenplay as a whole has structure, so should individual scenes.

Although a screenwriting rule of thumb stipulates that scenes should not run much more than two minutes (two full script pages), you should still regard them as mini-dramas. Some short scenes, called transitional scenes, merely connect one place or time to another like a bridge and don't require special treatment. Each character in a scene should have an objective, or need, and the tension created by these needs should rise throughout the scene.

Once you have the ARCHETYPE of your story, you are commited to plot development and still need to work out its structure. What happens to these characters that turns situation into story?

Structure. Because without structure you have a story that comes across like telling someone about a dream you had the night before. Because structure is the very reason why stories are important to us. Because without structure a story ends up just as messy as our every day lives, which is not what we go to the movies to see. Whether it is for escape or clarity, thrill or insight, to fall in love or to be caused to think--we go to be shown what we can't see ourselves.

This is all fine and good, but what exactly is structure and how do you achieve it? At its simplest, structure can bee seen to fall into the three acts movie execs are so fond of, but this is misleading.

You have to have a feel for it; the way comics have a feel for timing. It involves knowing what scenes work in relation to each other and how long a scene can go on before having to cut away to another, contrary scene. It has to do with when, exactly, at what beat, to cut away from a scene and what to cut to, knowing what scenes work in opposition to each other and which work together, like rhythm in a piece of music. It has to do with how the scenes need to be laid out to make a cohesive whole. Ultimately, though, there are no strict rules on how to do this--this despite the fact that scriptwriting teachers will tell you things like always enter a scene as close to the end as possible.

Structure must grow from story, holding tension at a maximum while keeping the conclusion at bay until, inevitably, but still surprisingly, it comes together with all the pieces falling naturally in place like a puzzle waiting to be completed.


Author Writing Tips
How to write a Cover Letter

Covers letters and queries are a source of great anxiety for writers.

One of the biggest mistakes that writers make today is underestimating the importance of their cover letters. The cover letter is a best way to get noticed and should be given just as much attention.

Cover letters are viewed by many as talismans or lucky charms, the magic object that will open the door leading to publication, fame and fortune.

Not quite.

Cover letters have never sold bad manuscripts.

So what is a good cover letter?

Here are some tips to make sure that your cover letter sends the right message!

1. Use the right format. -A cover letter should follow the format of Introduction, Sales pitch, Call to action. That means that, in a succinct manner, you tell the reader who you are, why he needs you and when you are going to contact him.

2. Get a name. -If you have no other option, then use the Dear Sir or Madam greeting, but if at all possible find out the name of the particular editor for submissions and use it. Addressing the letter to "Dear Editor" is fine. It 's direct and gender neutral.

3. Publishers are aware of the major markets for the kind of books they publish. -Don't spend too much space on marketing ideas.

4. Avoid starting every sentence with I. -A cover letter can get very monotonous when each statement begins with I did, I do, I feel... be creative and you will keep the readers attention. Try phrases like "My background includes..." or descriptions of the results of your projects.

5. Refer to your accomplishments in the cover letter. -Qualifying and quantifying your accomplishments in your cover letter is just as important. If you don't have any publishing history, just don't mention it. Apologies are not necessary.

6. Unless you are an artist: -Don't send cover art when your manuscript is requested. Publishers are responsible for the production of the book, including the cover art.

7. Follow-up. -Instead of saying that you are looking forward to hearing from the person, say you will be contacting her office on a specific date (3- 4months) to discuss the manuscript.

8. Proofread, proofread, proofread. -If there are typos in your cover letter, you are not going to get called, interviewed or considered! It is as simple as that.

9. What sort of book or what it's about. -A letter that tells the entire plot, or in case of a picture book, a synopsis that is as long as the manuscript - will probably be tossed out. Keep it short and simple. A Cover Letter is 1 page!

10. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Otherwise how do you expect someone to contact you?


Following one of the basic rules of good writing to show, not tell - will certainly garner more responses!


SCREENWRITERS
Scripts Wanted!

** Remember - DO NOT SEND MATERIAL TO ANYONE LISTED UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THE COMPANY AND/OR PRODUCER IS LEGIT AND YOUR WORK HAS BEEN COPYRIGHTED.


----- 1) Crosshairs Entertainment -----

Production company behind MASSHOLES, VENICE UNDERGROUND (see IMDb) looking for low budget ($2- $5 million) psychological horror/thriller high concept scripts.

Submit a one-sentence logline (no attachments) to crosshairsent@hotmail.com


----- 2) Raw Entertainment -----

I am looking for completed smart action stories. Examples of these are: 'Clear and Present Danger', 'Patriot Games', 'Man on Fire' and 'Hunt for Red October' (not looking for a submarine movie, though). The story must be based in reality.

I am NOT looking for comedy action such as 'Lethal Weapon' or 'Tango and Cash'.

Please keep in mind that I am not going to buy your script, as I am looking for writer(s) to work with to develop other stories. However, I will need to see a sample of your writing. I am ONLY looking for writers who have completed screenplays, which meet the above requirements.

I have taken on 4 writers through InkTip and one of the scripts from one of the writers is out to the majors now. I am partnered with Brian Oliver whose credits include 'Auto Focus' and the TV series 'The Badge'.

Please email a logline and synopsis followed by a resume (if available) in the body of the email (NO email attachments. Those emails will be deleted without being read) to Rich Newey: Badcard2004@aol.com


-------- 3) Canary Films ---------

A NY independent production company was started in 2001. We are developing our film slate and currently searching for a coming of age drama set in the United States. We do not have financing in place for these projects. Currently we are looking to spec option material. We are also looking for novels for screenplay adaptation.

1. Subject line: requested from MovieBytes
2. Send a logline, synopsis, and any additional information about yourself.
3. Indicate if your screenplay has won any awards.
4. No attachments please.
Email to: jlschweitzer@earthlink.net


------ 4) WE WANT COMEDIES! ---------

Professional Denver Theater Company seeks comedy scripts for world premiere productions. Especially interested in adaptable movie and TV scripts.

Please send a brief email containing logline and synopsis
Email to: john@avenuetheater.com


----- 5) Workshop Productions LLC -----

We are looking for a completed comedy or drama script that has a BASEBALL theme and is intended for a family audience. It can be like 'Hard Ball' or 'The Sandlot'. We are not interested in an 'Any Given Sunday' type of baseball story (too adult) or 'Major League' (too much traveling).

Budget range is 1 million. Please do not send us a story that involves scenes in a packed stadium or that involves traveling from city to city.

Workshop Productions is a new production company whose members have won numerous awards, including a Student Academy Award for 'Zen and the Art of Landscaping'. As production manager/line producer, their member credits include: Ed Harris' 'Pollock', Hal Hartley's 'No Such Thing' and David Mamet's 'The Spanish Prisoner', among others. Last year, we produced the feature 'Messengers', which we found through InkTip.

Please put 'Inktip/Baseball' in the subject of the email. Please email a logline and synopsis followed by a resume (if available) in the body of the email (NO email attachments. Those emails will be deleted without being read) to Alvaro Donado: Adonado@Workshopentertainment.com


-------- 6) Lucky Girl Productions ---------

We are currently seeking original scripts of all genres to develop and produce. Focus of the company is strong leading lady and character driven stories.

Treatments, Logline with Synopsis OK. Include SASE for return.

Lucky Girl Productions
263 W. Olive #315
Burbank, CA 91502


** Once you are certain the listing is legit, submit material through an attorney or agent. Never, never, never send your complete script to anyone over the net. A half page synopsis is all that should be expected via email, the requestor should supply full postal details for anything more. Unless you intend to make more money from the potential lawsuit than selling your script, make sure your script is registered with the AWG/wga-west or east. Best of luck!


WHERE TO GET PUBLISHED ONLINE FOR -FREE


Expression Magazine is looking for poetry or fiction submissions. Mainstream and literary only. No genre, pornography, gratuitous violence or racism of any kind.


Presen ting Anathematic, a new webzine featuring dark fiction. Issue one will hit the either December 2nd, '04. "We're looking for horror, primarily. Dark, speculative fiction in general. That includes science fiction and fantasy with dark tones. Traditional themes are welcome, as are stories that defy convention or challenge ready definition.


Submit to The American Drivel Review: A Unified Field Theory of Wit. - Utilizing the power of atoms and science, The American Drivel Review provides a truly American home for humorous works of Americans and like-minded citizens of the world.

We are seeking a few good submissions for this journal and think you've got the right stuff for this noble cause. This is your opportunity to join the elite *wonderfew* whose lives and works ignite the funny buds of your friends, family, and government!

Please send up to five pages of fiction, essay, drama, poetry, letters to the editor, reviews, illustration, advertisements, hybrid works, memoir, found art, collage, screen-plays, lyrics, academic papers, photo- graphs, journal entries, or scientific studies via United States Postal Service or Atomic-Powered Electro-Mail to:

The American Drivel Review
1425 Stuart Street #1
Longmont, CO 80501
americandrivelreview@hotmail.com

Query for longer works or large electronic files. For more information contact David Wester at the e-mail address above.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Print Magazines

Remember pitching your story idea to any one of these magazines will bring your book or product to the attention of thousands!


Unmuzzled Ox
105 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013-2331
Frequency: 4 x year
Circulation: 6,000
Editorial Profile: Publication contains poetry, art, and political articles.


Woodward Magazine
799 Industrial Court
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Email: info@woodwardmagazine.com
Frequency: 4 x year
Circulation: 26,000
Editorial Profile: Consumer


The Explicator
1319 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036-1802
Frequency: 4 x year
Circulation: 1,627
Email: exp@heldref.org
Editorial Profile: Publication is an academic guide to various interpretations of literary matter; each issue contains short essays of literary explication.


The Cresset
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Frequency: 7 x year
Circulation: 4,700
Email: cresset@valpo.edu
Editorial Profile: Publication is a review of literature, the arts, and public affairs.


San Diego Writer's Monthly
3910 Chapman Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Frequency: 1 x month
Circulation: 2,000
Editorial Profile: Publication features fiction, non- fiction, poetry, and tips for getting published.


Many Mountains Moving
420 22nd Street
Boulder, CO 80302-7909
Frequency: 2 x year
Circulation: 2,250
Email: mmm@mmminc.org
Editorial Profile: Publication contains, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art from all cultures.


Conjunctions
21 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10003
Frequency: 2 x year
Circulation: 7,000
Email: conjunctions@bard.edu
Editorial Profile: Publication contains art, fiction, poetry, interviews, and essays.


Landing a feature in any one of these magazines could also add up in sales - so don't procrastinate - get cracking and call, write, or morse code your news today!


Online Book Reviewers

We strongly suggest that you DO NOT submit anything without querying first!


Kathy Boswell
Co-managing Editor
The Best Reviews
2503 Glendale Lane
Beaufort, SC 29902
e-Mail: boswell@islc.net
Reviewers Categories: E-books; Fiction, General Romance


Elise Holm
Cloudy Mountain Books
106 Blake Avenue
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
Phone: 256-383-7624
row@fictionforest.com
Reviewers Categories: Art, Audiobooks, Books From Small Presses, Cookbook, Fiction, General, Health, How-To, Lifestyle, Metaphysical, Romance, Serials, Spiritual, Women, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Thriller/Suspense, Theater, Politics, Film History


Christian Perring, Ph.D. Metapsychology Online Review c/o Philosophy Dept
Dowling College
Oakdale , NY 11769
Phone: 631-244-3349
metapsychology@mentalhelp.net
Categories: Art, Audiobooks, Books From Small Presses, Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Non-Fiction, General, Health, Humanities, Literature, Metaphysical, Mystery, Pop Culture, Sociology, Women, Young Adult - Children, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Comics, Science


Sarah Johnson, Coordinating Editor (USA)
Historica l Novels Review
Booth Library, Reference Services
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: 217-581-7538
cfsln@eiu.edu
Reviewers Categories: Australian Books, Books From Small Presses, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Sci- Fi/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense, Adventure Historical fiction (pre-1950s setting) and its associated subgenres: historical mystery, fantasy, religious fiction, and romance IF history plays a strong role in story. No e-books. Please query first w/ title, author, and brief description.


Melanie C. Duncan, Christian Fiction Columnist
Library Journal
444 Forest Hill Road, #813
Macon, GA 31210
MCDuncan@bookdragonreview.com
Categories: Fiction, Religion Religious fiction only (hardcover or paperback) of Christian denominations. Also interested in Jewish, Catholic, Mormon fiction. Galleys may be sent without a query.


Rachel A Hyde
2 Meadow Close
Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6JN
rachelahyde@ntlworld.com
Reviewers Categories: Books From Small Presses, Fiction, Literature, Mystery, Romance, Sci- Fi/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense, Adventure, Horror


Jeanette Lambert
Tennessee Tribune
6940 Sunderland Circle
Nashville, TN 37221-4621
Phone: 615-321-3268
jbl96@aol.com
Reviewers Categories: Children's Book, Cookbook, Fiction, General, How-To, Library, Lifestyle, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Reference, Sociology, Travel/Hospitality, Women, Young Adult/Children's, Biography, Thriller/Suspense, African-American Fiction and Nonfiction , Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Education


Diana Pederson
3809 Calvin Drive
Lansing, MI 48911
onlinewriter@ameritech.net
Reviewers Categories: Christian, nature study books and field guides, gardening books. Reviews will be posted at one of my online columns (gardening.bellaonline.com, houseplants.bellaonline.com or christianliterature.bellaonline.com) or in Grandiflora magazine (garden magazine for the Mid-Atlantic States). Query via eMail before sending book.


Jade Walker, Editor
Inscriptions Magazine
500 Seventh Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10018
e-Mail: Editor@inscriptionsmagazine.com
Reviewers Categories: E-books; Fiction, Non-fiction


Dave Jenkinson
CM/Canadian Review Materials
Faculty of Education
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Phone: 204-474-8780
e-Mail: jenkinson@ms.umanitoba.ca
Categories: Audiobooks; General, Children, Young Adults


Newspapers

Smaller papers are more apt to getting the news out about your book or product in front of readers, so don't leave them out!


Boise Weekly
P.O. Box 1657
Boise, ID 83701-1657
Email: info@boiseweekly.com
Daily Circulation: 25,000
Frequency: 1 x week


Caribou County Sun
169 South 1st Street West
Soda Springs, ID 83276-1501
Daily Circulation: 2,900
Frequency: 1 x week


Idaho Enterprise
P.O. Box 205
Malad City, ID 83252-0205
Daily Circulation: 1,600
Frequency: 1 x week


LatahEagle
P.O. Box 624
Potlatch, ID 83855
Email: lujane@lataheagle.com
Daily Circulation: 3,500
Frequency: 1 x week


Minidoka County News
518 6th Street
Rupert, ID 83350-1621
Daily Circulation: 1,390
Frequency: 1 x week


News-Examiner
847 Washington
Montpelier, ID 83254
Daily Circulation: 2,100
Frequency: 1 x week


Post Falls Press
318 Spokane Street
Post Falls, ID 83854
Daily Circulation: 4,200
Frequency: 7 x week


Teton Valley News
80 East Little Avenue
Driggs, ID 83422
Email: tvnews@tetonvalley.net
Daily Circulation: 2,500
Frequency: 1 x week


Wood River Journal
11 East Bullion
Hailey, ID 83333
Email: wrjidaho@micron.net
Daily Circulation: 12,000
Frequency: 1 x week


Book Stores

Popular Alberta, Canada Independent Bookstores

What many authors may not realize is that you can call these bookstores, pitch your book, and ultimately have the owner stock it on the shelf!

Then make sure you post this information on your website under "available at the following locatiions."


Outlooks Outbooks
Box 439, Suite 100
1039 17th Ave. S.W
Calgary, AB
Ph.403-228-7735


Woman's Place Bookstore
1412 Centre St. S
Calgary, AB T2G 2E4
Tel: 1 403 263-5256
womansplbk@bigfoot.com


University of Calgary Bookstore
2500 University Dr. N.W.
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
P: (403) 220-5936
F: (403) 284-4454
bkstore@ucalgary.ca


Books For You
#36, 6601 - 48 Ave., Duggan Mall
Camrose, AB T4V 3G8
P: (780) 672-1707
F: (780) 672-2967


Café Books
100 - 826 Main St.
Canmore, AB T1W 2B7
P: (403) 678-0908
F: (403) 678-6987
books@monarch.net


University of Alberta Bookstore
166 Student Union Bldg.
Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4
P: (403) 492-9257
F: (403) 492-9256
todd.anderson@ualberta.ca


Greenwoods' Bookshoppe
7925 - 104 St.
Edmonton, AB T6E 4C9
P: (780) 439-2005
F: (780) 433-5774
books@greenwoods.com


The Sentry Box
1835-10th Avenue. S.W.
Calgary, AB T3C 0K2
Canada
Phone: 403-245-2121
Toll-Free: 1-888-220-2121
sentrybox@sentrybox.com


ANNIE'S BOOK COMPANY
912 - 16 Avenue N.W.
Calgary, AB, CANADA T2M 0K3
Tel: (403) 282-1330
annie@anniesbookcompany.ca


Nikki's Book Nook
192 Bernard Dr. NW
Calgary, AB T3K 2B7
CANADA
info@nikkisbooknook.com


Pages Books on Kensington
1135 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P4, Canada
Ph. (403) 283-6655
Fax (403) 283-6676
info@pages.ab.ca


Blurbs .. More than a Bookstore
5109B - 50th Avenue
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0S5
P: (780) 352-0618
F: (780) 361-5380
blurbsbokstore@yahoo.com


Owl's Nest Books
815A 49th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2S 1G8
Tel: (403) 287-9557
Fax: (403) 287-9558
owlsnestbooks@shaw.ca
Contact: Michael Hare or Brenda Mackie


Reader's World Books Ltd
127 Wood Willow Close SW
Calgary, AB T2W 4H2
Tel.: 403-281-0108


Pilgrim Books
110 11 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0B8
Tel.: 403-233-2409


Fair's Fair "For Book Lovers" Inc.
#1430, 1609 14 Street SW
Calgary, AB T3C 1E4
Tel: 1 403 245-2778


Audrey's Books Ltd.
10702 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, AB T5J 3J5
P: (780) 423-3487
F: (780) 425-8446
audrey@audreysbooks.com


Literary Agents

Always query first! DO NOT send materials until requested.


Browne & Miller Literary Associates
410 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 460
Chicago, IL 60605
Contact: Danielle Egan-Miller
mail@browneandmiller.com


Alison Bond Literary Agency
155 West 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023
Contact: Alison Bond
alison@bondlit.com


Creative Word Management
19528 Ventura Blvd., #372
Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact: Giselle Springer
cwm@socal.rr.com


Linda Konner Literary Agency
10 West 15th Street Suite 1918
New York, NY 10011
Contact: Linda Konner
ldkonner@cs.com


The Peter Lampack Agency
551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1613
New York, NY 10176
Contact: Peter Lampack
sandyblanton@verizon.net
Contact: Loren Soeiro
sandyblanton@verizon.net


Bleecker Street Associates
532 La Guardia Place #617
New York, NY 10012
Contact: Agnes Birnbaum
bleeckerst@hotmail.com


Celebrity Contacts

Whether your looking for an autograph, celebrity endorsement or just interested in communicating with a star... here's the latest addresses.

Remember: Celebrity endorsements are a good way to boost book sales or any product for that matter, so don't be shy about sending out those requests!


Producers of "Superman Returns" announced that newcomer Brandon Routh will be the new Superman. This former IMG model has so far only appeared in "Will & Grace," "Gilmore Girls" and "Cold Case." Request an autograph now so you can add this generation's Superman in your collection!

Brandon Routh
c/o Staff Member
Main Title Entertainment
5225 Wilshire Blvd #500
Los Angeles, CA 90036
USA


Lil' Kim
c/o Mark Cheatham
International Creative Management (ICM-NY)
40 W 57th St
New York, NY 10019
USA


Elisabeth Hasselbeck
c/o Staff Member
The View
320 W 66th St
New York, NY 10023
USA


Christina Applegate
c/o Tami Lynn
Tami Lynn Productions
20411 Chapter Drive
Woodland Hills, CA 91364


Edie Falco
c/o Staff Member
Innovative Artists (NY) 235 Park Ave S Fl 7
New York, NY 10003
USA


Lucy Liu
c/o Maryellen Mulcahy
Framework Entertainment (LA)
9057 Nemo St #C
W Hollywood, CA 90069
USA


UPCOMING CONTESTS & FESTIVALS


Black Maria Film & Video Festival Looking for Films - Since 1981, the annual Black Maria Film and Video festival has been fulfilling its mission to advocate, exhibit and reward the poetic, expressive and insightful vision of independent film and video makers. The festival is known for its national public exhibition program, which features a variety of bold contemporary works drawn from the annual collection of 50 award-winning films and videos. More than 70 institutions welcome the Black Maria Festival, and each individual program is custom tailored, ensuring an accessible and meaningful experience for varied audiences at theaters, museums, colleges, libraries, film societies, microcinemas and community organizations from coast to coast. There are no category restrictions, and the Black Maria is recognized by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Academy Award qualifying festival for short animation and live-action films.
January 4 - June 29, 2005
Entry Deadline: November 20, 2004


Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) will host its 36th international competition for features, shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental work, music videos and young filmmaker videos. The event was picked by MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE as one of "20 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee" in its Winter 2004 edition. The festival also features archival screenings, workshops, panel discussions, music showcases, vendor and product expo, and guest appearances by nationally recognized film and video artists. First prizes in the Short Narrative and Animation categories qualify the winning films for Academy Award consideration. The Early Entry Deadline is Oct. 29, 2004, the Regular Entry Deadline is Nov. 19, 2004 and the Extended Entry Deadline is Dec. 17, 2004



CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL - March 30 - April 3, 2005. Early deadline: Nov 24, 2004. Final deadline: Dec 24, 2004. The 11th annual Cucalorus Film Festival seeks submissions from independent filmmakers. Cucalorus is a non-competitive showcase of independent features, shorts and documentaries from around the world. The festival is held in historic downtown Wilmington, NC, one of the leading film production cities in the US. Formats: 35mm, 16mm, various video formats. Cucaloriland accepts films from all genres. All entries on VHS(NTSC) must include entry form and fee, $20 early/$30 late. Please download an entry form from our Website. Call 910/343-5995 or write lovely poems and send them to: Cucalorus, PO Box 2763, Wilmington, NC 28402. E-mail: mail@cucalorus.org


GRASSROO TS CINEMA - Q: Why enter a film festival? A: To find distribution and get paid. GC cuts to the chase, distributing and paying while holding a touring festival. Rather than play to festivalgoers in Small Town, USA, we expose your film to the media and the public in LA, NY, SF and more, garnering the same exposure big films get. We believe the filmmaker is a partner and the film is the show, not just a showcase. Festival tours March - May, 2005. Feature and Short Film deadlines: January 16, 2005


HBO FILMS PRESENTS FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER STUDENT TRAILER COMPETITION - Want to see your name on a film screen at one of the most important cultural institutions in the world? Create a dynamic :45 video trailer showcasing the Film Society of Lincoln Center's 40-year reputation of exhibiting cutting-edge, international and independent films and you could win our student trailer competition. The winning trailer will be professionally finished by HBO Films producers and will appear, with the winner's name credited, before every Film Society screening at Lincoln Center for two years. The winner also receives $5,000 and a trip to New York City to see their trailer premiere at New Directors/New Films in March 2005. For more information, including entry forms and official rules, visit our website. ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC. 31, 2004


SCRIPTAPAL OOZA 6TH ANNUAL TELEVISION WRITING COMPETITION - Scriptapalooza TV, has grown in reputation and stature over the last three years with several of its past winners gaining access to top television production companies and literary representatives. Barbara Schwartz has won a 2003 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Animated for the TV series, Rugrats. Scott Gray, also a 2003 Daytime EMMY winner, for Outstanding Children's Animated for the TV series, Rugrats. Deadline is November 15, 2004. We accept existing 1 hour spec scripts, existing half hour spec scripts and pilots. Visit our website or e-mail us at info@scriptapalooza.com or call 323/654-5809


THE SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & WORKSHOP announces its call for submissions for the 11th annual festival, March 3-6, 2005. The four- day festival features more than 125 films, including features, documentaries, shorts and animation. Filmmakers and audiences from around the world have heralded Sedona's festival as one of their favorites. The deadline for submissions to the Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop is Dec. 15, 2004. Visit our website to download a film submission form. For more information, please call the festival office at 928/282-1177.


THE SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL is proud to announce a Call For Entries for a special event at EXPO 2005 (the World's Fair) in Aichi, Japan. Short films under 25 minutes, with an environmental theme are eligible to apply. There is NO ENTRY FEE and no year of production requirements. For more information, please visit our website.


THE SWISS AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL is seven days of the best New American and Swiss Cinema screened in Manhattan's finest venues. Dramatic, comedic, documentary, animated and experimental films are welcome. The largest U.S. showcase of its kind, SWISSAM provides Swiss and American filmmakers an opportunity to screen their work in New York City from November 5th to November 11th, 2004 at the Quad Cinema, Anthology Film Archives and the Lincoln Center. This year, SWISSAM is proud to receive The Locarno International Film Festival as a special guest. Don't miss this seven-day opportunity to join us. Log onto our website to find out more.


JOB LISTINGS


Mandeville Films and Television Feature Development Internship Mandeville Films and Television, a production company at the Disney Studios (currently producing the hit TV show Monk, as well as the films BEAUTY SHOP and SHAGGY DOG) is currently looking for part time interns with an eye for feature film development.
Location: Burbank, CA
Contact: Only resumes sent as MS Word or .RTF files will be accepted. Given the high volume of resumes, we cannot guarantee a reply to each and every single one of you. Thanks!
Via email: boz@mandfilms.com
Do NOT send resume as text in body of email This employer will accept your resume as an attachment


DVD Designer
job description: DVD Designers needed immediately. Must be proficient with Photoshop. After Effects experience a plus but not necessary.
Requirements/skills: Must be a California resident.
No phone calls please.
Email resume / reel to- bryce@b1media.com or mail to:
B1 Media
11846 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 300
Studio City, CA 91604
Att: Production Manager


Maya Particle Artist
Job description: Cobalt FX is in need of midlevel or higher Maya particle artist. Ideal candidates should be extremely knowledgeable of Maya's particle engine as well as have a broad based understanding of Maya's underlying fundamentals. Applicants must be able to perform at a consistently high artistic level in a fast paced production environment.
Requirements/skills:3D artistic positions require: 2-3 years professional experience preferred.
Maya experience REQUIERD.
MEL scripting background.
Lighting and texturing knowledge a plus.
Mental ray experience a plus.
Experience with Stroika a plus.
Students who can show a high level of capabilities encouraged. Any applicant who is still in school or attending class must include a written recommendation from a professor who has had them in class or has extensive knowledge of the students work. Position to be filed ASAP. Qualified applicants should MAIL their resume, demo reel, on NTSC VHS or DVD Video and links to any published works to:
Human Resources
Particle - please specify which position you are applying for.
1750 14th St., Suite E
Santa Monica, CA 90404
*IMPORTANT* Only HARD COPIES of resumes will be considered for artist positions. However if you wish to e-mail us your resume in addition to sending a hard copy via mail you may do so at: hr@cobaltfx.com.


2D Traditional Animator
Job description: We are putting together a new animation division in the company-looking to see some new material
Requirements/skills:2D traditional animator-please have reel to send if requested
Type of contract: freelance
Atlantic Motion
New York, NY USA
email: adam@atlanticmotion.com


Network Programmer
Job description: Castaway Entertainment is looking for a great problem solver who is both a team player and self-motivated. This person should be committed to excellence and be willing to do whatever it takes to ship a title
Requirements/skills:
Excellence in C/C++
Game engine programming (RPG - Role Playing Games strongly preferred)
Experience with client-server architecture and TCP/IP networking
Must have demonstrated ability shipping a PC title
Experience in any of the following a plus:
Hierarchical Animation Systems
Audio and/or UI Design
AI
Game Balance
Game Scripting Systems
Special Effects

Castaway Entertainment is a video game development studio founded by a team of animators, character artists, programmers, level designers, background artists, producers, and designers who brought you Diablo and Diablo II. Joined by industry veterans from the Might and Magic series, the Sims, and many others, Castaway Entertainment is dedicated to making games people love to play. Located in Redwood City, CA USA email: ethomas@ea.com


HAVE SMILE ON US!


* * * * A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE * * * * *

I know I'm not going to understand women.

I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax, pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root, and still be afraid of a spider.


* * * * WOMEN'S REVENGE * * * *

"Cash, check or charge?" I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase. As she fumbled for her wallet I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse. "So, do you always carry your TV remote?" I asked.

"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me, so I figured this was the most legal evil thing I could do to him."


* * * * * MARRIAGE SEMINAR * * * * *

While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication, Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other." He addressed the man,

"Can you describe your wife's favorite flower?" Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "It's Pillsbury, isn't it?

The rest of the story gets rather ugly, so we'll stop right here.


SPONSORED LINKS


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** PR by the Book is offering "Betsie's Literary Page" readers a 15% discount until 11/18/04.


WriterOnLine - is an e-publication dedicated to writers and lovers of writing. Fiction, poetry, business and technical writing, how-tos, articles, reviews, freelance markets, jobs for writers and much more, published bi-weekly.


Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, Inc. - Since its inception in 1994, Phenix & Phenix has built a reputation that ranks it among the industry's most highly respected publicity firms, and the publicist of choice for authors and publishers throughout the United States and 17 foreign countries.

Phenix & Phenix also offers a no charge comprehensive media analysis of your book, to evaluate its potential reach and scope in the media.

Contact:
Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, Inc
2525 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 540
Austin, Texas 78757
512.478.2028
512.478.2117

BLOCKING SPAM
What to do if you don't receive our newsletter.
If ever you should find yourself NOT receiving our newsletter its probably due to your ISP blocking Constant Contact, which powers the email communications I send - considering it SPAM.

We value each and everyone of our subscribers and hold strictly to a NO SPAM rule, as well as never sharing nor selling our subscriber list.

However, we should hope you never consider us to be spam, while at the same time we respect your decision to opt out.

We do have a safe unsubscribe link at the top and at the bottom of this newsletter for your convenience.

Although when an ISP begins to block our newsletter we wait after 3 have not been received then send out an annoucement. If this should occur, below is a letter you can send to your ISP. When you receive a response from your ISP, please forward the response email to the following address: ops@constantcontact.com. The Ops Department at Constant Contact will follow-up with your ISP once they receive your email.

You may want to print a copy and keep somewhere in a file and we certainly apologize for any incovenience.

Letter You Can Send to Your ISP

To: ISP Customer Support
Subject: Remove Constant Contact Block

Hello. My name is XXXX and I have been a customer of your services since XXXX. I understand that you have a blacklist in place to protect customers like myself from unsolicited email; however, this blacklist has made it impossible for me to receive newsletters, announcements, and promotions that I have subscribed to receive. I value these communications and would like to receive them using this email address.

The sender of these emails uses an email marketing service called Constant Contact. Constant Contact is not an open relay and has extremely strict anti-spam policies in place. Because you block emails from Constant Contact I am unable to receive these communications.

I ask that you add Constant Contact to your white list. For further information about Constant Contact you may contact the Ops team at Constant Contact - 781.444.6160 ext. 303 or ops@constantcontact.com.

Technical Notes for your Network Department - IP: 63.251.135.74
- IP: 63.251.135.75
- IP: 63.251.135.115
- IP: 63.251.135.98
- IP: 63.251.135.103
- IP: 63.251.135.109
- IP: 64.95.77.162
- IP: 64.95.77.163
- IP: 64.95.77.164
- To be notified of changes send email to ops@roving.com

Please contact me when this problem has been resolved.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX



Many times you'll find this can be corrected by simply adding our address to your address book.



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