SHALLA CHATS

SHALLA CHATS with Alice Andrews

“Biofiction Introduced”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/AliceAndrews.php

SHALLA CHATS with Bob Mayer

“The Current State and Future of the Publishing Business”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/BobMayer.php

SHALLA CHATS with David Smitherman
“ Writing and Publishing Books”
by Shalla DeGuzman

SHALLA CHATS with Executive Editor, Elizabeth Burton

“Zumaya Publications Looks for Authors”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/ElizabethBurton.php

SHALLA CHATS with Hallie Ephron

“Writing Your Mystery Novel”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/HallieEphron.php

SHALLA CHATS with Executive Editor Paula Eykelhof
“New Harlequin Imprint Calls for EPIC ROMANCE”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/PaulaEykelhof.php

SHALLA CHATS with Richard Peabody

“Writing and Publishing Literary Fiction”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/RichardPeabody.php

SHALLA CHATS with fiction editor Sarah Miles
“Introducing Fringe Magazine”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/SarahMiles.php

SHALLA CHATS with Literary Agent Scott Eagan
“ Greyhaus Literary Agency Now Open for Business”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/ScottEagan.php

SHALLA CHATS with Publicist Theresa Meyers
“Publicize Your Fiction! How-to’s”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/TheresaMeyers.php

SHALLA CHATS with Literary Agent Dr. Uwe Stender
“Negotiating with Publishers”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/UweStender.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Andrea Wilder
“ Choosing to E-publish”
by Shalla De Guzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Andrea_Wilder.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Barry Eisler

“Insider’s Look at Publishing the Rain Series ”

by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Barry_Eisler.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Brett Battles
"Elements of a Page Turner"
by Shalla De Guzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Brett_Battles.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Diane J. Newton
“To Market, To Market: How to Promote Your Book”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Diane_J_Newton.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Frederick Ramsay
"Writing Mystery Fiction”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Frederick_Ramsay.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Gena Showalter

“ Write Sex: Getting Characters ’ Chemistry Sizzling off the Page!”

by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Gena_Showalter.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Judie Aitken

“Writing Time Travel Romance”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Judie_Aitken.php

SHALLA CHATS with poet Lawrence Schimel

“Ways to Write Poetry”

by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Lawrence_Schimel.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Margaret L. Carter

“ Writing Vampire Paranormals”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Margaret_L_Carter.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Mari Mancusi

“ What Comes After the call?”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Marianne_Mancusi.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Michele Scott

“A Publisher wants my Book! Now what?”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Michele_Scott.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Pamela Waller
"How I got a Literary Agent"
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Pamela_Waller.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Patricia M. Terrell
"Taking the Mystery Out of Promoting Your Book"
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Patricia_M_Terrell.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Shara Lanel
“Write Erotic Romance ”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Shara_Lanel.php

SHALLA CHATS with chick lit author Sonia Singh

“Chick Lit and Bollywood Confidential”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Sonia_Singh.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Terry Spear
"The Low-down on Getting Published "

by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Terry_Spear.php

SHALLA CHATS with freelance editor and writing coach, Zaz LaMarr
“Writers: Why Get a Freelance Editor?”
by
Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Zaz_Lamarr.php

SHALLA CHATS with Tess Mallory
“Writing the Winning Query Letter”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Tess_Mallory.php

SHALLA CHATS Harlequin novelist Jacqueline Diamond

“Writing Romance for Harlequin”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Jacqueline_Diamond.php

SHALLA CHATS with author Tina Gerow

“The Great, Okay and the Ugly of E-Publishing”
by Shalla DeGuzman

http://shalladeguzman.com/shallachats/authors/Tina_Gerow.php

SHALLA: Write Romance?

Write Romance Novels?

Get tips, read our Q&A

SHALLA CHATS Harlequin novelist Jacqueline Diamond

*read more

Have you read a Jackie Diamond novel yet?

Jackie Diamond Hyman is the author of more than 80 novels in numerous genres ... She is a former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist ... READ MORE

Here are some writing tips from Jackie Diamond

A Day in a Writer's LIfe
What Authors Don't Tell Readers
Critique Groups -- Are They For You?
Exposition
Getting Started
Professionalism
One Way to Analyze a Plot
Characterization

New Release!

September
2009
Harlequin American Romance

Doctor Daddy

Obstetrician Jane McKay longs for a baby and a husband of her own. But is her new medical partner, charismatic lady killer Luke Van Dam, really the answer to her dreams?
to order, click here
to read Chapter One, click here

Check out her website for more writing tips at http://www.jacquelinediamond.com/

Jackie Shows You How to Organize...

***

Help Defend Preditors & Editors

(they review lit agents, publishers, etc)

Unfortunately, there are those who do not like P&E or its editor because we give out information that they would prefer remain hidden from writers. Usually, they slink away, but not this time. P&E is being sued and we are asking for donations to mount a legal defense in court. Please click on the link below and give if you can to help protect P&E so it can continue to defend writers as it has for the past eleven years.

Thank you.
Other sites are welcome to copy the code for our donation button and place it on their pages with an appeal on behalf of P&E.

Have you read our Q&A with author Lauren Baratz-Logsted?

Have you read our Q&A with author Lauren Baratz-Logsted?

Read our Transcript here:
http://shalladeguzmandotcom.blogspot.com/2005/08/lauren-baratz-logsted.html

It was at the ShallaDeGuzman Writers Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShalladeGuzman/

Now on Sale!

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes
by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Read Excerpt Recommended Reads

Self-Publishing: Should You Tell Literary Agents and Editors About Your Self-Published Book?

by Ronnie Smith

Listing your self-published book in the writing bio section of your cover or query letter may not be the best idea when you're trying to impress literary agents and editors. Before you mention your self-published book or books, you need to be certain you're not doing more harm than good.Finishing a book is a huge achievement- self-publishing a novel or book manuscript can also be an accomplishment worthy of real celebration and joy.


However, unless your project has been exceptionally successful, you could shoot yourself in the foot if you mention your self-published book in your cover or query letters to literary agents and editors. Here are a few possibilities to consider before announcing your self-publications in your query and cover letters.


Practice books. Publishing professionals know that it can take a few tries before a new writer is able to master the many complexities of writing a full-length book. Although you may adore your first few novels, a literary agent will likely look at them as "practice" books, not necessarily as fresh, high-quality projects that reach the top percentile. Practice books are important life achievements, but they are not to be confused with important publishing credits worthy of being listed in a query letter.Low sales = low enthusiasm.

If you self-publish a book but then are not able to sell a significant number of copies, literary agents will have a hard time being excited about it, or they will presume that you have not done the necessary marketing. If you can't inspire readers' enthusiasm, an editor may doubt that you can inspire his/her enthusiasm.

Negative Presumptions. Some self-published novels have done quite well. Many have become wildly popular, but keep in mind that they are the exception to the rule. The fact remains that the quality of self-published novels as a whole doesn't compare to the quality of novels that have been vetted and edited at traditional publishing houses. In other words, if you align yourself with the legions of others who have self-published, agents may presume your writing is weak. Also, agents may worry that you no longer hold all rights to your self-published book if you don't specify otherwise.


Cutting Corners. Many people self-publish because they think it's easier than dealing with the submission process (though that's not always the case). There's some concern that a writer who has self-published is a writer who would rather settle for second-best and cut corners than go the distance. Low sales indicate lackluster motivation. Literary agents want to work with passionate, driven people who will stop at nothing to reach their dreams of being successful writers.


*For more http://www.fictionf actor.com/ guests/self- publishing. html

Get Published!

(Disclaimer: Mention of a market/ contest in Let's Shalla Blog is not necessarily an endorsement. Check all guidelines in full before submitting)

Best Horror of the Year, Vol. 2

http://www.ralan.com/antho/listings/besthorror09.htm Annual print anthology is seeking reprints of horror that were published throughout 2009. All branches of horror will be considered, from traditional- supernatural to the borderline, including high-tech sf horror, supernatural, psychological horror, dark thrillers.Guidelines are quite specific. Please read guidelines in full prior to submitting.

Deadline: 15th December 2009

Phazehttp://www.phaze.com/

What We Look For * Strong, passionate, intelligent characters * Intense sensual tension and situations * Well-defined, well-executed romantic plot that illustrates the mutual relationship between two to four central characters (the romantic unit) and which includes plenty of opportunity for erotic exploration and variety.

Submission Guidelines: http://www.phaze.com/submissions.html

Shades of Romance Magazine http://www.sormag.com/

Seeking short stories between 500-1500 words. The short story must focus on the romance, and have an upbeat ending. All genres are considered, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, mystery, regency Futuristic, and Time-Travel. We do not publish erotica. Payment $20 on publication.

Submission Guidelines: http://www.sormag.com/guide.html

*For more Paying Publisher Listings: http://www.fictionfactor.com/markets.html

Happy Publisher Hunting!

Heard SHALLA yet?

Coming Soon!

Das Erdbeeressen (Eating Strawberries)

a short story in German with its English translation

by Shalla DeGuzman

SHALLA GOES DEUTSCH: die TIEREN

***

SHALLA Magazine

spring 2009

The Sea by Christian Ward

Moth by Christian Ward

Shadows by C.P.Stewart

Writing Butterflies on the Wall by Zachary Kluckman

A small bird has flown into my chest by Linda Albert

In Passing by James Keane

PICKING UP OLD VIETNAMESE WOMAN FROM DIALYSIS
by David Allen Bright

in Perspective by Nabina Das
Departure by Anthony Kendrick

responsorium by Christopher Mulrooney
Who were nominated for the 2009 Pushcart Prize?

TOMATO
by Linda Leedy Schneider

THE REQUIRED ACCOMPANYING COVER LETTER
by Richard Fein


Congratulations!

Your submissions are the best literary work we received in 2008.

(Remember, only 'literary' work are eligible for the Pushcart)
Good luck to our 2009 submissions!

SHALLA on Internet Archive

"I Am Sri Lanka" a poem by Byron D. Howell

Read by Shalla DeGuzman

*for more

http://www.archive.org/details/IAmSriLankaByByronD.Howell

Key Lime Pie a poem by Kenneth Pobo - Written by Kenneth Pobo; Read by Shalla DeGuzman for SHALLA Magazine

A Misty Day's TOP PICKS Good. Nice line breaks, topical, emotional, good visuals. --Misty Day

*for more

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Shalla%20DeGuzman%22

Great Text to Speech Translator

der Apfel

DEUTSCH Hauptwörter

11. Beim Arzt.
10. Im Restaurant.
9. Auf dem Land.
8. In der Stadt.
7. Die Kleidung.
6. Im Supermarkt.
5. die vier Jahreszeiten (das Wetter).
4. die Dachstube.
3. die Küche.
2. Unser Haus.
1. Unser Klassenzimmer.





Free Document Translator

Shalla on Germany and Writing

Hi Writers! Shalla here, back from Deutschland (Germany) studying German... and what better way to learn the language than to read books in German. Specifically novels. More specifically, romance novels. So, I'm checking out Romantic Times. Did you know they're now on Facebook?

At the moment, I'm reading Harry Potter und der Halbblutprinz (and the Half Blood Prince) and one from Nora Roberts (of course!) called Rebeccas Traum (Rebecca's Dream or Impulse). I'm sure both are going to be fun reads :)

RT Book Reviews is on Facebook

RT's Summer Reading Challenge! (win a book bundle)
As the executive editor of RT I read a lot of books in a lot of genres. Some I love. Some I hate. Every once in a while though, I find a book and I wonder why more people haven't read it. So I've decided to issue a summer reading challenge...

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=121515187960&ref=mf

What did I learn in Germany? That learning languages is soooo fun! Now, I've only been studying German at home, full time for 3 months (since late April) but I've been very gung-ho about it--just as I am when I decide to do something--go all the way, I'd say. So, when the language school in Germany placed me, I wasn't in a Beginner's class, I actually ended up with two other students, both with years of training in speaking German. One, from Spain, has been taking German at a university for 4 years, something like that, and he's been at the language school a couple of years ago where he took the beginner's class for one month. My other classmate has been living in Germany for 4 years, he's married to a German and already speaks German and only needed help with writing and some Grammar stuff. So, okay, there I was doing my best to keep up. I studied for at least 5 hours per day, in all hours of the night. I had my index cards, I'm meditating, using aromatherapy (lavender) to sleep--just like college days. Oh, it was sooo fun!

To make a long story short, I survived, got a 90+ on the test, got a feel for the energy of Bavaria, etc. etc. etc.

Can I speak German now? Ja, natürlich! But give me a few more months before I'm a prolific talker. Unless--I also went to France (Paris), you see, and I have several books in French I'd like to read, and okay some Spanish books too... What was really fun about going to that language school, I met so many people who spoke several languages (4 or more wasn't out of the ordinary) that when I told them I'm studying German, French and Spanish for complete fluency, it's not a big deal. It's like, how have I survived this long knowing only 2?

Recently been rejected by a Literary Agent? An Editor?

Ever tried hypnosis to feel better and change your attitude about it?



Get your Positive Attitude back:

http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/downloads/personal_development/positive-attitude.html



Here's one to help with writing:



Overcome Writers Block Unlock The Creative Unconscious Self Hypnosis

by Erick Brown

http://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Writers-Creative-Unconscious-Hypnosis/dp/B001KW8X4C/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1249060517&sr=301-1

We Love You Michael!

To the Genius, the Icon, the King of Pop...

I just have to take some time to honor Michael Jackson.

Yesterday, as soon as I heard that Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital, I immediately lit a candle for him.
I thought he'd be fine, I thought it was a heart attack--people have recovered from those... Then, I learned that it was cardiac arrest... okay, isn't that a heart attack? No, that means his heart has stopped.
I was glued to the TV, praying, sending him loving thoughts...

Michael Jackson...


1983, Philippines. I've heard his song being played on the radio over and over, I think it was Beat It... Michael Jackson, the singer's name is Michael Jackson, everyone loved his songs, everyone knew his name. Music Videos were so new... VH1 on TV was playing every afternoon and that one day, I stumbled upon it for the first time. That's when I saw him for the first time, Michael Jackson, the singer from America and he did not have white skin. As a little Filipino girl, it shook me to learn this... I didn't even know there was such a thing... it was so new to me.


Michael Jackson, he transcended color barriers, cultural barriers... what can I say, the man is legendary, the ultimate artist, the greatest entertainer of all time, the... I woke up this morning, turned on the TV, hoping it was all a bad dream, a publicity stunt, please... When I learned how to sing last year, the first song I worked on learning was Michael Jackson's Ben. When I set my goals, I shot for the stars, the best of the best--to be able to sing like Michael... I can't believe it... I can't believe it...

I love you Michael, you're always with us through your music... your magic lives on...