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Blog

Actions for Writers

February 17, 2023 1 Comment

Writers are a fun group of people! In many communities, writers periodically get together for food, fun, and entertainment!

In my local area, writers get together for a variety of events, so all writers can find something to enjoy:

  • marathon writing sessions, where they write throughout the night
  • speakers from the publishing industry, so they can learn more about an aspect of writing or publishing
  • conferences, where writers of all types can find something of benefit
  • classes, so they can spend a few hours learning about a particular aspect of writing
  • socializing and networking events, times to just have some fun and intelligent talks
  • contests, to test your writing skills and compare them with one another
  • book fairs, so writers can make a little money off their passion
  •  … and so much more!

As a writer, what is your favorite type of event to attend?

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

Categories: Writing

Member Benefit: Discount on Voiced by Maya

February 10, 2023 Post a comment

Member Benefit #42

Professional audiobook narrator Maya James works with the ACX platform, connected to Amazon and Audible, and can also meet the quality standards for other platforms such as iTunes. Maya is able to meet deadlines and ensure high-quality audio with the help of a very strong production team.

 

NAIWE members receive 20% off audiobook narration!

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Categories: Member Benefits

Jennia D’Lima, NAIWE’s Creative Nonfiction Expert

February 3, 2023 Post a comment

We wanted to get to know Jennia D’Lima (NAIWE’s Creative Nonfiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How do historical details add depth and context to nonfiction manuscripts?

Just like in a work of fiction, details contribute to immersing the reader in the story. They can also be used to heighten the emotions at a given time. For example, a manuscript may be primarily focused on examining the life of a frontier family in depth. A surviving diary entry from one of the members of this family may state a child came down with a disease that would not seem worrisome to contemporary readers. Including statistics for the mortality rate by age, prevalent issues for those who survived the disease, and typical length and severity of the illness would give the reader a better understanding of how the parents may have reacted to this diagnosis. Without this information, an included diary entry along the lines of “Mary was stricken with a fever; we believe she has scarlet fever” may not be given its due significance.

In some cases, these details may also add credibility to the author and any stances taken in the manuscript. This is especially true when making a claim or speculation based on little-known facts. Essential historical background to back up these positions will help decrease the reader’s skepticism while also creating a richer narrative.

What type of historical details should be added to nonfiction manuscripts?

Only those details that are relevant or will add to the reader’s understanding should be included. It is vital to remember that, unless the manuscript is being marketed as a history textbook, there is no need to provide more than the basics. As will be discussed in the webinar, the key is learning how to identify those areas that will most benefit from these inclusions.

Are authors also adding historical details to nonfiction manuscripts to educate readers?

Some are, yes, but this depends upon the author’s original intentions and the larger scope of the work. With a memoir, the focus may not be on education so much as sharing and providing a unique viewpoint. It could be argued this alone is a form of education though it may not be from a historical perspective. However, there will often be ways history naturally and logically incorporates itself even when that isn’t the main goal. For instance, when explaining a medical procedure performed even a decade in the past, providing details may be necessary to give the reader the required information for understanding how it was performed, why it was considered risky or not, and so on. The reader’s knowledge base has now grown despite the author only including this information for clarity-related purposes.

——————

Want to find out how historical details can add depth and context to your creative nonfiction manuscript? Apart from bringing credibility to your topic, these details have the benefit of helping your reader better understand the context surrounding your subject. This session shows how to sift through research and facts to find what will have the most impact and meaning as well as how to identify which areas of your manuscript would most benefit from these additions.

You can join in this conversation on February 27, at 7:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on adding some history to your manuscript. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

Days to Celebrate in February

January 27, 2023 1 Comment

February: National Self-Check Month. Take charge of your health, and increase your odds of avoiding chronic diseases or other preventable diseases.

February: Free and Open Source Software Month. Recognize the cooperative approach to computer programming, open licensing, and free distribution of software.

February: National Library Lover’s Month. Enjoy your library, but also consider volunteering your time this month in a library.

February 1: National Get Up Day. This is a day to persevere, to pick ourselves up when we’ve fallen. We never know when our efforts to seek a goal or overcome an obstacle will encourage another person.

February 4: National Thank a Mail Carrier Day. As a small business, you likely work your mail carrier a little harder. Let’s take time out of our day to thank the mail person who is responsible for getting your mail in your mailbox six days a week.

February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day. Send a note to a colleague or client to let them know you are thinking about them.

February 9: National Giving Hearts Day. Make a donation from your business to a charity that you love.

February 11: National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. Think positive. Don’t worry and don’t stress over the little things. Life is too short.

February 11: National Make a Friend Day. Get to know one of your clients a little better. Meeting new people can help sharpen our social skills and keep us from becoming lonely.

February 13: National Clean Out Your Computer Day. Over time, files and programs that are unused clog the memory of your computer. This is a day to take some time to do the needed care on your computers. Organize your files and folders. Delete junk files. Delete duplicate files. Delete old files and programs that are not being used.

February 6-12: National Freelance Writers Appreciation Week. Celebrate these hardworking writers by showing some gratitude, highlighting a fun behind-the-scenes moment.

February 17: National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Write a note or do something nice for one of your clients today.

February 26: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Share a favorite fairy tale with friends or family.

Categories: National Days

Book Review: Murder at the Zoo

January 20, 2023 1 Comment

Murder, mystery, and auditory hallucinations. Murder at the Zoo by M. Glenda Rosen grabs your attention right away and pulls you into the puzzle of Miranda’s life. The perspectives of famous murder mystery authors along with Miranda’s insights make for a fun read.

Something I always enjoy in a book is good banter, and this novel has a lot of it. I found myself laughing aloud while reading Miranda’s interactions with other characters as well as her internal dialogue with her favorite mystery authors.

While it wasn’t always clear which voice Miranda was hearing when Agatha, Raymond, and Sherlock were all conversing, I still enjoyed the interjections of the different perspectives.

Rosen’s descriptions drew me into the story and made it an immersive experience. The narrative often pulled my focus to little details that hint to Miranda’s past and made me want to know more about her. This was an exciting read, and I highly recommend this story, which begins with a murder at the zoo.

 

Aretta Ariel-Boggs is a freelance editor.

Categories: Book Reviews, Member Benefits

Member Benefit: Discount on Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

January 13, 2023 Post a comment

Member Benefit #41

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. Known for its authoritative, easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, language, and tone that will result in powerful, concise, and elegant scholarly communication. It guides users through the scholarly writing process — from the ethics of authorship to reporting research through publication. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work.

NAIWE members receive 15% off the print version of the APA style guide!

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Categories: Member Benefits

Reflections on 2022

January 6, 2023 Post a comment

Reflecting on 2022 and the members that make up the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) makes me so proud to be in the publishing industry!

Honored to be your representative and as the executive director of NAIWE, I discussed the ABC test with NAIWE members and industry experts, and NAIWE ultimately chose to support and co-sign the amicus brief against the ABC test. The brief gave us a voice and let us express how we work and helped to influence decision-makers to come to the realization that we make up a sizable portion of the U.S. workforce and our voice is one to be heard!

Late 2021, at the Be a Better Freelancer Conference, which NAIWE co-sponsored with Communication Central to make the conference more accessible to you, I presented “Business Planning Basics.” All of the sessions at the conference were recorded and are now available as on-demand trainings at a discounted cost for you. And as NAIWE’s executive director, I presented my workshop “Using Your Book to Develop Multiple Streams of Income” in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the Virginia Writers Club Symposium, a cornerstone resource for writers.

NAIWE 2022 Happenings: NAIWE increased the number of on-demand trainings! NAIWE’s Board of Experts led 12 new expert webinars, which were recorded, edited, and then added to the on-demand training library, and shared 12 new expert articles (available only to active members in the Member’s Library) to present opportunities in a new light where learning and growing took place. New NAIWE member benefits include a 15% discount on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, priority access to Covered Press, and 20% off audiobook narration.

NAIWE encourages publishing professionals to unite through membership in a large professional publishing association. As a gift to you, please use code FRIENDS to receive 10% off a new automatic renewal membership at NAIWE.com.

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

Categories: News

Days to Celebrate in January

December 30, 2022 Post a comment

January 2: National Science Fiction Day. American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry Isaac Asimov was born on January 2, 1920. He was best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books.

January 5: National Screenwriters Day. Inside the industry, screenwriters are well known for their ability to crack the story, create great roles for actors, and write memorable dialogue.

January 6: National Technology Day. From the wheel to smartphones, technology has been changing the world. Recognize those achievements and look to the future for more advancements in technology.

January 10: National Clean off Your Desk Day. This day is an opportunity to begin your new year with a clean and organized work space. Whether your desk is in a private or shared office, cubicle, home, or a make-shift desk on the counter, having your work space uncluttered, organized, refreshed, and clean will help you work more efficiently and give you a sense of serenity.

January 18: National Thesaurus Day. Whether you are looking for a new word or trying to complete a sentence, the thesaurus can be your best friend. Expanding your vocabulary improves both written and spoken communication skills and creative writing abilities and can be helpful in advancing your career.

January 19: Get to Know Your Customers Day. When businesses get to know your customers, you also get to know more about what you need to grow.

January 23: National Handwriting Day. Reintroduce yourself to a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, it is a chance for all to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

January 24: National Compliment Day. What a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day or to give credit for a job well done!

January 28: National Fun at Work Day. Many people spend a good portion of their lives at work, so why should they not try to enjoy it?

Categories: National Days

Member of the Month: Charlene Dietz

December 23, 2022 Post a comment

Today’s podcast episode is a Member of the Month episode, where we get to know one of our fellow NAIWE members.

Our guest today is Charlene Dietz.

Charlene’s professional career started as a teacher in elementary schools. Years later, she transferred to high school where she taught students with special needs and science. Dietz left public education to teach graduate students at a private college and later became an educational consultant for Houghton Mifflin Publishing. Charlene began writing, and since then her writings have received numerous awards, including those from Kirkus Reviews, Writer’s Digest, International Book Awards, SouthWest Writers, and New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.

 

Q: Please share a little of your professional history with our readers.

I have master’s and bachelor’s degrees obtained from University of New Mexico after I transferred from the University of Wyoming. I taught elementary and high school grades in the public school system before teaching college graduate-level courses at the Albuquerque Branch of the College of Santa Fe. I worked as an educational specialist for Houghton Mifflin Publishing (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) traveling the United States and New Mexico providing educational in-services to administrators and teachers. During this time, I started writing award-winning short stories because one of my main assignments happened to be showing teachers how to teach writing in every classroom at every grade level.

 

Q: How and when did you make this business a reality?

After retiring as an educator, I decided I needed to up my game and start writing novels. My head filled with stories, but I really had no idea how to plot. By off chance, I had a New York editor agree to mentor me. Several years later, in 2016, my first novel, The Flapper, the Scientist, and the Saboteur, earned the coveted Kirkus Reviews starred review. Then my second book, The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker, also garnered a starred review. Now I’ve written four books and decided I needed help with promotion, so I hired a publicist, Marcia Rosen.

 

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

Respect everyone. No matter who they are or what they do or how accomplished, everyone has a story and something worthwhile to share. We cheat ourselves of valuable life information if we’re not open to know what happens with others.

 

Q: Are you working on any personal writing projects at this time?

I’ve completed my fourth book, a historical biography novel with a touch of mystery and suspense. This book became my greatest writing challenge to date. The Spinster, the Rebel, and the Governor, Margaret Brent: Pre-Colonial Maryland 1638–1648 required deep study of English history, geography, social mores, and common law of the times. I also had to have a deep-level of understanding about everything pre-colonial concerning Maryland, her land, people, hardships, customs, and her neighboring colonies. My publisher plans to have this book out early fall 2022. In the meantime, I’ve begun another biography about a most unusual woman here in the United States.

 

Q: Are you working on any special projects you’d like to tell us about?

My grandfather always said not to talk about future endeavors because the conversation would steal the energy from the project. Hmmm, maybe, maybe not. Imagine a strong-willed young woman in the 1920s who studied art at the Chicago Art Institute, then continued her education by painting murals in China, and constructing mosaics in the subways of Moscow. When she returns to the United States the New York Museum of Modern Art shows some of her work and sculptures. Fast forward to her midlife; she’s now working with artist in Taos and Santa Fe. Next she’s getting her doctorate in archeology in California and along with teaching, and flying, she becomes the curator for the Museum of Man in San Diego. I had to know more about this unique woman. This story is too good not to be told.

 

Q: What are some of the teachers, books, or authors who have influenced your professional life in a positive way?

People say they’re voracious readers. I’m not. I’m a compulsive reader. Reading (books and audiobooks) has always been part of my life. As most authors, I grew up with a flashlight under the covers. I read everything from comic books to Hardy Boys, horse stories, O. Henry short stories, anything Viking, Shakespeare, Stevenson, Walter Scott, and devoured science fiction-fantasy tales. These all gave me a love of story. As a writer, Patricia Highsmith’s writing fascinated me with her duplicity; Alice Hoffman’s writings encouraged me to infuse something untouchable—magically questionable—within my stories; Naturally, O. Henry’s writings insisted I must twist and turn throughout my stories when most unexpected. Michael Connelly’s characters and plots, William Kent Kruger’s scene settings, Frank Herbert’s wild imagination . . . so many—too many to name. Yet, I must give the loudest shout of thanks to Peter Gelfan, the NY editor/author, who actually taught me how to write my stories in an engaging way for others to read.

 

Q: As a seasoned professional, what advice would you offer an independent writer or editor who is just beginning a career?

  1. You have no better friend than revision. When you believe you’ve finished, go back and revise, again.
  2. Only compete with yourself. Be the best you can be, and forget the others.
  3. Cheer every success obtained by your friends and acquaintances. This takes nothing away from your own abilities, and someday you may need a cheer or two.

 

Q: What inspires you?

The unique, the unknown, the complicated, and something from the heart.

 

Q: How has your membership in NAIWE benefited you professionally?

Because of NAIWE, I’ve found a wonderful publicist, Marcia Rosen, and an intelligent editor, Leah Rubin. As a fairly new member, I look forward to uncovering even more benefits for authors.

 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I appreciate NAIWE “having my back” in this whole process.

Categories: Member Benefits, Member of the Month, The Freelance Life Podcast, Writing

NAIWE’s Tribute to Prince

December 19, 2022 Post a comment

It is with great sadness that NAIWE shares with its members that Kajli Prince, our Tax Expert, died on October 22, 2022.

Prince had a passion for the NAIWE mission as an author of a bestselling book Knowledge for the Next Time. His desire to be more than a paying member of the association led him to take on the role of NAIWE’s Tax Expert in 2020. In this role, Prince wrote informative articles and held interactive webinars. To any of you who participated in his webinars, you can attest that Prince was engaging and very knowledgeable as he possessed expertise in many areas. Even in the midst of a pandemic, his devotion to the publishing industry remained steadfast as he served our community well with his talents and skills.

Prince was a delight to be around. His love for people and God showed in the generous smile that lit up his face. Prince will be missed.

NAIWE extends its sincere condolences to his wife, Ronla Prince, and their children.

_____

KAJLI PRINCE
THE TAX EXPERT

Kajli Prince (“Prince”) has over 20 years of experience in small business tax preparation; he is a senior tax analyst and small business certified tax professional in the Centreville, Virginia, Block Advisors office. As a self-published author, Prince holds a special appreciation for NAIWE and its members. One of his passions is sharing relevant information with people and showing them how best to use it for their benefit. Prince is a small business owner of 25 years, and his specialties include emerging currencies (e.g., virtual/crypto currencies), information technology, intellectual property, and investment real estate.

Categories: Board of Experts, News

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  • Member Benefit: Discount on Geoff Hart’s Effective Onscreen Editing
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Days to Celebrate in August

July 25, 2025

Member Benefit: Discount on Geoff Hart’s Effective Onscreen Editing

July 11, 2025

Days to Celebrate in July

June 27, 2025

NAIWE.org! The New NAIWE Website Is Live!

June 20, 2025

Member Benefit: Discount on Fictionary’s An Insider’s View of Story Editing Course

June 13, 2025

Book Review: Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper

June 9, 2025

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