Life of A Writer

It's been a while, but I have been working on my new e-zine for writers, and I just launched it the other day. Since it has launched I've been busy going through submissions that have come in. The e-zine is also a paying market for writers, and that's the reason I've been busy reading through submissions. Not only am I a writer, but now I'm also an editor. I've had some editing experience in the past, but now I've taken on the full role of an editor and writer. Boy, talking about a busy life now, but hey, I enjoy it and that's all that matters.

Since I've taken on the writer and editing role I think now my "Life of a Writer" blog should be changed to "Life of a Writer and Editor." Who knows, I just may change this later down the road. Just a head up, now you'll be reading about my editing life as well as my writing life; this should make for some interesting reading ;-) And hey, if you're thinking of writing for the e-zine yourself this just may be a great place for you to come for tips on breaking in -- you never know what I may share.

And now that I'm on the subject of tips I'll give you my very first one now. Before sending a query to "Coffee Break for Writers" (that's the name of the new e-zine), make sure you know how to write an effective query letter. I say this because so far the queries I have received told me nothing about the articles that were being proposed. All I got from the queries I've received so far is the name of the writer, a little bit about their writing profession and the title of the article they wanted to send. Here's the problem, a query should include the writer's experience, and of course I'd need to know his/her name and the title of the article he/she is selling, but I also need to know about the article too, and the queries I've received so far did not tell me anything about the article they were trying to sell. If you're unsure how to write an effective query letter you can visit Writing World's Web site. Knowing how to write an effective query letter will increase your chances of an acceptance. Not only should you know this information for my e-zine, but this is also information you need to know before you send a submission to other publications too.

Well that's all for now. I've got to get back to work before the storms headed to my area shut me down. Until next time, take care of yourself!

God Bless You & Yours,
Misti Sandefur, Freelance Writer & Editor
http://www.mistisandefur.com

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I just entered a short story into a contest, and the short story is true. It's about my worst date, and it just happens to be about the very first blind date I ever went on. It's a dandy. You can head over now to read all about it, and while you're there, please support me by giving me a good rating (*wink*), the rating on the story is a part of the judging process. Also, leave your comments and let me know if you enjoyed reading about my bad experience...or should I call it a nightmare?

I'm going to bed now, I've been up all night, so I need to catch some much needed zzzz's. I just wanted to let you know about my story, and invite you to read all about it. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Hugs,
Misti Sandefur, Author & Freelance Writer
www.mistisandefur.com

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While reading through press releases I find out about a class action lawsuit that I would like to bring to your attention. If you have ever used ReNu with MoistureLoc™ lens solution you may want to keep reading.

On May 7, 2006 a release was sent out to the press. This release announced a lawsuit filed against Bausch & Lomb. The lawsuit was filed for a woman who currently resides in West Virginia. Parker & Waichman, LLP and Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP filed suit in behalf of the West Virginia woman. Apparently this woman used the ReNu with MoistureLoc™ lens solution, and later she developed a condition referred to as Fusarium Keratitis. Fusarium Keratitis, in the end, left the woman permanently blind in her left eye, and as a result, the woman now wears an ocular shell. However, after the CDC interviewed other patients they discovered that this woman wasn't the only one to develop fungal keratitis after use of ReNu with MoistureLoc™ lens solution.

As an alternative, consumers currently using ReNu MoistureLoc™ lens solution are advised, by Bausch & Lomb, Inc. to use another lens care solution. On April 13, 2006, Bausch & Lomb, Inc. asked all storekeepers to take ReNu with MoistureLoc™ off their shelves.

If you have ever used ReNu with MoistureLoc™ lens solution, or you know someone who has, you need to visit Renu lawyer for additional information.

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Being a writer keeps me busy reading news releases, researching the latest trends and much more. I do this because it sometimes jogs my brain and gives me article ideas. While researching this week I learned something new. I learned that flowers aren't just for looks. Maybe I'm a dumb, dumb, and I'm the last person on this Earth to find this information out, but either way, I did find it interesting, and I would like to share a little of what I learned with you; just in case I'm not alone.

I came across a piece by Sue Lawrence, and in her piece Ms. Lawrence tells us how flowers also make great ingredients for cooking. Her piece even gives a few of her favorite recipes that she uses flowers in. Ms. Lawrence's piece not only caught my attention (since I love flowers so much anyway), but it also sparked an idea. I think I'll research this more later to find out what other uses flowers have, and then I'll write my own piece.

Ms. Lawrence's piece not only gives recipes, but she goes on to tell us how we can use flowers in cooking, and she tells what to do if we're in doubt about which flowers to choose. In addition, Ms. Lawrence tells about specific types of flowers -- Borage, Pimms, Marigold, Herb flowers and Nasturtium.

Whether you're cooking or just planting flowers, Beyond Blossoms is a great place to buy flowers. And while you're there you can click over to Beyond Blossoms' blog and view Ms. Lawrence's piece titled "Cooking with Flowers."

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If you're a faithful viewer of American Idol you may be interested in the contest I'm running. In this contest I will be giving away 1 American Idol Season 5 Encores CD. This CD, right now, is available for pre-order on Amazon -- it will not be released until May 23, 2006. If you would like to have this CD on your CD shelf then you should check out and enter my contest.

I will be taking entries for this contest starting today, but you must get your entry in before the deadline -- the deadline is at midnight (CST) on May 31, 2006, and the winner will be drawn from a hat on June 1, 2006. To find out more about my American Idol 2006 Contest, and to submit your entry, visit Contest for American Idol Fans. Good luck!

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I'm happy to say I've finally finished re-modeling my Web site and it's back up for viewing. I hope that you'll stop by to see my new look, and most of all, I hope you'll let me know what you think about the new look. You can send your comments on my new look, and also any suggestions you may have to me by signing my guestbook, posting your comments here or by e-mail (see "contact information" on my new and improved Web site).

As always, my Web site will give you more information about me, my writing and my books. In addition, I also list resources for fellow writers. Oh yes, and the new addition to my Web site...a recent picture of me since the one that was there before was over two years old.

Now that I've finished re-modeling my Web site I'm now working on another project. This next project will be announced on the front page of my Web site and also in the news section once I have completed it. The new project I'm working on is an e-zine for writers. Yes, I know there are many newsletters and e-zines out there for writers, but I'm looking to take a different approach with mine. Mine will cover topics that aren't usually covered in other e-zines, and if they are they aren't covered as often. I don't want to give it all away until I've finished the project, but I will say, I'm going to do my very best to make it different from all the others, and best of all, it will be a paying market for all you writers out there.

I expect my new e-zine to be completed within the next month, but I will keep you updated. I'm only working on this project in my spare time right now. Since the project is my own I also have to focus on paying assignments and my other writing projects for clients; my clients come first. However, as I have the extra time I will be putting this e-zine together. If you're a writer and have any suggestions for my new e-zine, please send your suggestions by posting a comment (you can post anonoymously). Send suggestions of things you'd like to see and read about in the e-zine that you don't normally see or read a lot about in other e-zines, newsletters or magazines for writers. I'm excited about my new project, and I hope that it brings lots of help, guideance and advice to other writers.

That will do it for tonight. Don't forget to leave your comments on my Web site's new look, and also, don't forget to leave your suggestions for my new e-zine for writers.

Best Wishes,
Misti Sandefur, Author & Professional Freelance Writer
http://www.mistisandefur.com

P.S. In case you're wondering, I'm thinking of calling my new e-zine Coffee Break with Misti Sandefur. If you have a better title suggestion just let me know -- there will be something special in it for you later if I choose your title.

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