It's always interesting to watch writers pass up opportunities that would give them a boost into being published. Every once in awhile someone will decline our offer to develop their story with us for an upcoming book. Typically the reason they give for not wanting their story to be published is that they intend to write their own memoir and include the story.

Often we will have contact with the person after our book has been published and is on bookshelves. We ask, "Did you write your memoir?" Can you guess the answer?

Invariably the person hasn't gotten around to doing all the work it will take to write an entire book. As far as finding a publisher for a memoir, well, we won't even go there.

Of course, everyone has the right to have his or her story published in an anthology or not. But had these writers seized the opportunity to work with us, the book's editors, proofreaders, and marketing department, they would have had a publication. This could lead to finding a publisher for a longer work. They gave up the probable for the possible.

Are there opportunities you might be missing because you are waiting for bigger ones to come along?

Go to our blog this week and please share your thoughts and experiences with passing up opportunities to further your writing goals. We'd all love to hear from you. Also at the blog, make any coments you have about the Tip of the Week. That way, everyone, including the authors, can read them.

Thanks to this newsletter's readers who came last week, in the snow, to our bookstore events for ANGEL ANIMALS: Divine Messengers of Miracles. It was great meeting and reconnecting with you.

See the announcement below for the new class and workshop we'll be teaching at The Loft Literary Center in January, February, and March 2008. (Could it really be 2008 already?)

Remember, life is your page.



NEW WRITING CLASSES WITH ALLEN AND LINDA ANDERSON

INSPIRATIONAL WRITING AND PUBLISHING TODAY
A18-1 with Linda Anderson

In this spiritually hungry world, people long to be comforted and inspired. Self-help, New Thought, religious books, daily meditations, memoirs, and personal story anthologies top the bestseller lists. In this class you'll learn the forms, elements, and markets for inspirational writing and read samples from masterful writers. You'll get tips for moving from self-expression to service by writing about your life's experiences in ways that help others. We'll also talk about a system for framing chapters in your book-length work, or for organizing an article. This class offers nurturing feedback and suggestions for rewriting, polishing, and getting published. It includes individual review of your assignments or book in progress.
--Meets at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Wednesdays, January 30th
to March 5th (6 weeks), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 612-379-8999 to
register or at www.loft.org.

WRITING FICTIONAL CHARACTERS ON THE RUN
A111 with Allen & Linda Anderson

Do you carry bits of dialogue and half-formed characters in your head -- but don't have the time to get them onto the page? Whether you are working on a short story or a novel, a play or screenplay, this workshop will help you use everyday encounters to enrich character development. The presenters will share tips for organizing and structuring the writing process at home, at work, or even in your car. This exercise-rich workshop will help you learn how to negotiate with friends, family, and yourself for precious writing time and space. You'll also learn ways to keep your creativity flowing and your characters 'growing.' All this is entirely possible without leading a stressful or unbalanced life, and can result in some of your most successful writing experiences.
--The Loft Literary Center at Open Book, Saturday, March 8th, 9:00
a.m. to noon. Call 612-379-8999 to register or at www.loft.org.