The Power of Story to Change Hearts and Minds about the Treatment of Horses
We're writing to let you know about the new story contest below in the announcement's section. It is the 2008 Angel Horses with a Mission True Story Contest with cash prizes and no entry fee. For details read the announcement below and visit www.angelanimals.net/contests.html.
We invite you to cross-post the contest announcement on newsletters, blogs, or columns that you write, on websites for horse enthusiasts or writers, and as an email to your horse-loving friends and family.
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NEW ANGEL HORSES WITH A MISSION TRUE STORY CONTEST
The Power of Story to Change Hearts and Minds about the Treatment of Horses
The pros and cons of horse racing are being hotly debated because of Eight Belles' tragic death after this year's Kentucky Derby. Allen and Linda Anderson, authors of a popular anthology series that includes Angel Horses: Divine Messengers of Hope (New World Library, 2006), are looking for true stories about equines that inspire rather than outrage animal lovers.
Their Angel Animals Network (www.angelanimals.net) is sponsoring the 2008 Angel Horse Contest to find the most thought-provoking horse stories and consider them for publication in their book, Angel Horses with a Mission (New World Library, Fall 2009). There are cash prizes and no entry fee. Complete contest rules and a downloadable entry form are at www.angelanimals.net/awards.html or write with SASE to 2008 Angel Horses Contest, POB 26354, Minneapolis, MN 55426.
Allen Anderson says, "By showing how the immense spirit, heart, and intelligence of horses enables them to fulfill a higher purpose, we hope the power of true stories will persuade people to challenge brutality and the practice of treating horses as disposable possessions."
The Andersons suggest considering the following questions and entering the contest by writing about profound experiences: "Has a horse performed an act of compassion, protection, healing, or heroic courage? Have you had a miraculous or mystical experience with a horse? Did a horse lead you to finding your purpose in life? Do you know a horse who has taken on the mission of giving service?"
WRITE DOWN THOUGHTS AND PROBLEMS
By Andrew Andabwa
No matter how busy my day is, I normally have some time dedicated to thinking my thoughts. I think about
problems and challenges in detail with a kind of zoom-in, zoom-out effect. I found that it's possible to use this time creatively and effectively in writing.
Just write down all the thoughts and problems you have at the time that you are confronting them or thinking about them.
In the future these snippets you wrote could be the basis of a great short story, novel, or even poem. Since the
problems are real, the writing that you will wrap around them will be equally real or grounded in reality. And it will make for an interesting read.
Great writing is writing that just flows on its own. What better way is there than combining your writing, problems, and thoughts -- all of which you have a passion for. The resultant writing could be great writing.
BIO:
Andrew Andabwa is a freelance writer who calls himself "The Total Writer" since he write in all genres --
poetry, short story, novels, essays, and anecdotes. He lives in Kenya in East Africa. He is looking for writing
assignments from everyone and can be contacted via e-mail <drendabwa @ yahoo.com>. (Spaces inserted before
and after @.)
An Animal Rights Book Without An Overdose of Guilt
Sometimes a book comes along that we feel we must bring to your attention. Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals by Karen Dawn (Harper, April 29, 2008) is one of those books. It is a successful attempt at bringing information about the animal rights movement into the mainstream world.
The book is colorful, illustrated with cartoons and photos, easy to read, and insightful. If you have ever wondered what exactly are the animal rights issues that get people so emotionally involved, this book gives an overview and lets you decide for yourself what to think and believe.
Dawn writes in the book that her intention is "not to fight with my readers and win the battle for animals rights, and not to force my values on others. The idea, rather, is to tell you everything you wanted to know about animal rights but were afraid to get into a fight about, and to let you weigh that information against your own values. You can decide what practices you find acceptable or not, and how you might avoid supporting what you cannot condone."
Publisher's Weekly gave Dawn's book a starred review and called it a "cogent and thoroughly researched overview of all the major issues in animal rights, past and present." Library Journal called it, "sensitive and informative" and a "highly recommended riveting text." Gloria Steinam writes, "With wisdom and insight. . . [a] bridge between worlds for both the committed and the curious." Actor David Duchovny says, "Give this book to somebody you know who doesn't know." Matthew Scully, author of Dominion, says, "This book is a fast read that can change your life forever."
The author, Karen Dawn, writes the daily e-newsletter DawnWatch that alerts 20,000 readers to coverage of animal issues with information on how to praise or pan the media for its accuracy and attention. She writes opinion pieces for the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, has hosted her own radio series about animals on Pacifica stations in Houston and Los Angeles, and been a guest on MTV.
What we especially like about this book is that with Karen Dawn's positive track record with the media, she actually has a chance of getting these important messages out into the public. The more we all support her, the larger audiences she can reach. She chose to write in an authentic style and user-friendly presentation that is not preachy or holier-than-thou.
Karen and her publisher are to be commended for presenting hard-to-take information about animal cruelty in medical and cosmetic testing, the abuse of animals for entertainment, and the practical reasons for vegetarian and vegan food choices in ways that will be easier for most people to consider without becoming defensive.
If you have read Karen's book or after you do so, please comment on it, or make comments about today's Story of the Week or the "Something to Think About" section at blog.angelanimals.net (Angel Animals Network Blog), community.beliefnet.com (Angel Pets Fan Club), or seattlepi.com (Reader Blog: Angel Animals). See the
Announcement below for URLs to click and comment on discussion topics and stories. That way, everyone can gain from your insights.
For more information about Karen Dawn's new book and one of the greatest promotional videos you'll ever see, go to www.ThankingtheMonkey.com.
I'M IN DEVELOPMENT
for writing on the run
We hope these tips bring you closer to achieving your writing goals and inspire you to share your own great ideas
for how to enjoy writing, even when life gets busy.
I'M IN DEVELOPMENT
by Rebecca Dienger
Thinking small makes me feel like I have more time.
I don't look for wide open spaces anymore, because it's a process. I take detailed notes on ideas for later development.
I free-write in short sessions but never leave a thought unfinished. I revise while the kids are occupied. (Days
may pass between versions, making it easier to edit.)
I target several markets so I can quickly resubmit a piece if it's rejected. I'm aiming high, low, and everywhere in
between to find my niche, believing these habits will take me much further and faster when my kids are older.
BIO:
Rebecca Dienger is a freelance writer and busy mom, working on her first non-fiction book in the nooks and
crannies of home life.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
How could you follow Rebecca's example of aiming high, low, and everywhere in between for the audience who will appreciate your writing?
How nice would it be to remember that you and your writing are special, and your readers will be appreciative?
By J. Blair Taylor
Take a few minutes every month to write an appreciation letter to yourself from a reader.
Dear ________, (insert your name here)
Your writing helped open my heart and understand ________ (fill in blank).
Or whatever else you would like to accomplish as a writer.
It is amazing how focused and excited about writing this technique helps you to become. It gives the pat on the back for work you have finished. And it keeps you open to the gifts you have to offer in the future as a writer.
BIO:
J. Blair Taylor is a freelance writer, photographer, mother, wife, wildlife rehabilitator, friend, and daughter, not always listed in order of importance. And it is all good. Among her other published works, J. Blair's story "The Journey of Joy" was featured in GOD'S MESSENGERS: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
How nice would it be to remember that you and your writing are special, and your readers will be appreciative?
Could you try Richard's three methods for making time to write in your busy life?
By Richard R. Blake
For some time, I have wanted to provide autobiographical background for my family. I recently learned of a class on "Autobiographical Writing."
I joined the class, which meets weekly. The class affords me the benefit of a writing critique group. We are expected to submit written work each week. Individual readings are limited to approximately five minutes. I established a goal of writing two or three pages per week.
Unexpected staff shortages on my job created additional time demands. I found that if I wanted to pursue my writing, I would have to develop some other disciplines to make the time to write.
I decided to make the class a priority. I set a writing goal in line with the class requirements. I began to say no to distractions and other time drains to free up time for writing.
Establishing the priority to take the class, developing time management disciplines, and setting a weekly writing goal to meet the class requirements provided the impetus I needed to begin writing regularly.
At Christmas last year, I presented my family with the fruit of my labor -- the first installment of "My Story."
BIO: Richard R. Blake is a regular contributor to The Restorative Justice News, Huntsville, Texas, and The Recycler, published by Follow Up Ministries, Inc., Castro Valley, CA.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Could you try Richard's three methods for making time to write in your busy life?
What are your favorite writing attitude helpers?
By Tim Bellows
I find that the more I age, the more insight I have into how life works - and how poetry works (that being my
big-time avocation). So don't we owe it to others coming along the path of life to sprinkle some wisdom around?
Whatever we may have to share?
And really, it's great fun. We're in charge on the page, and getting the knack of catching ideas as they zing into
us is so freeing. It lifts the whole day, opening us to more creative possibilities and a certain agility of thought in all
departments of life.
Well . . . by our attitudes we create our world. So what's your attitude toward advancing your writing as the years
tick by?
As an attitude helper, may I be so bold as to suggest listening to Mozart's piano concertos as you write? Alfred Brendel and Ivan Moravec are two of the great masters of piano -- and Mozart pieces. Gorgeous, heart-deep, divine music! It can only help lift your life.
Finally, the music we expose ourselves to -- at 6 or 60 -- makes the cathedral where we live:
"Thus, by little and little, his spirit expanded in harmony with the cathedral; there he lived, there he slept; scarcely
ever leaving it, and, being perpetually subject to its mysterious influence, he came at last to resemble it. . . ." (From The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, Chapter III.)
Let me close with this quote. I relate it to aging, realizing more about love, and the joy of writing:
"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius."
--W. A. Mozart.
BIO:
Tim Bellows is a poet, writer, and teacher -- devoted to wildland and inner travels. Tim has taught college writing
for over fourteen years. He graduated from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and has seen publication of poems in a variety of journals - and in A Racing Up the Sky (Eclectic Press), Wild Stars (Starry Puddle Press), and Desert Wood
(University of Nevada Press).
*** Contact Tim at tpb45@sbcglobal.net (or through timbellows.com where his book and selected poems are available).
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What are your favorite writing attitude helpers?
What is Priority Writing?
By Richard R. Blake
For sometime, I have wanted to provide some autobiographical background for my family. I recently learned of a class on "Autobiographical Writing."
I joined the class, which meets weekly. The class affords me the benefit of a writing critique group. We are expected to submit written work each week. Individual readings are limited to approximately five minutes. I established a goal of writing two or three pages per week.
Unexpected staff shortages on my job created additional time demands. I found that if I wanted to pursue my writing, I would have to develop some other disciplines to make the time to write.
I decided to make the class a priority. I set a writing goal in line with the class requirements. I began to say no to distractions and other time drains to free up time for writing. Establishing the priority to take the class, developing time management disciplines, and setting a weekly writing goal to meet the class requirements provided the impetus I needed to begin writing regularly.
At Christmas last year, I presented my family with the fruit of my labor -- the first installment of "My Story."
BIO:
Richard R. Blake is a regular contributor to The Restorative Justice News , Huntsville, Texas, and The Recycler, published by Follow Up Ministries, Inc., Castro Valley, CA.
What are your favorite gifts for writers?
What are your favorite gifts for writers? As a writer, what is the best gift you have received to support your dreams?
How do writers build that all-important platform everyone says is so important to a book proposal?
How do writers build that all-important platform everyone says is so important to a book proposal? One of the best ways is to do something that is the opposite of writing - - public speaking.
If you have a topic that fuels your passion enough to devote an entire book to it, you probably have the research and dedication to speak about it. Are there groups or continuing education classes where you could be a guest speaker on your subject?
Speak to local groups about your book topic and maximize the opportunity to support your writing. First, ask the person in charge to write a recommendation for you, as a speaker on this subject, on the organization's or company's letterhead. Second, collect names and email addresses of people who attend your talk and want to continue the discussion on that subject. You can use these names to start a newsletter (like this one) and to find people to interview.
If you are like most writers who are more comfortable writing than speaking, try joining a local Toastmasters group to increase your skills. Remember, if your book is published, at some point, you will have to get out there in public and talk about it. Why not start now and build your readership at the same time?