The Fabulist Flash

Issue 157

In This Issue:

1. This Week
2. Plain Language Compromise
3. Simple Steps to Powerful Writing
4. Carrie Lynn Lyons takes the 18Q
5. About The Fabulist Flash

1. This Week

October is National Popcorn Popping Month. It's also Health Literacy Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, American Pharmacist Month, Apple Jack Month, Clergy Appreciation Month, Computer Learning Month, Cookie Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Eat Country Ham Month, International Drum Month, Lupus Awareness Month, National Diabetes Month, National Pizza Month, National Vegetarian Month, Sarcastic Month, and Seafood Month.

The weeks are also special in October including: Get Organized Week, Customer Service Week, Fire Prevention Week, Pet Peeve Week, and Pastoral Care Week.

And, not to be outdone, every day in October has at least one special attribute. Did you miss Name Your Car Day on the 2nd? Have you taken advantage of today being It's My Party Day and also Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day? Personally, I'm looking forward to National Hermit Day on the 29th and National Candy Corn Day on the 30th.

Of course there's humor in many of these, but there's also opportunity. If you're looking for writing topics, media release pegs, or just a little laugh now and then, visit and bookmark Holiday Insights.

Hope you're writing up a storm!

Gregory

Upcoming Events

October 20, 2007: Internet Tech: Building Your ACE Internet Self-Promotion Platform with Gregory A. Kompes -- learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this three hour seminar sponsored by NSA-Las Vegas.

October 29, 2007: Writerpreneur(tm) Course: Internet ACE: Building Your Online Self-Platform Platform with Gregory A. Kompes -- learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this 10 week, interactive, online course. Registration Open.

November 10, 2007: Writerpreneur Workshop: Say It, Don't Slay It with Linda O'Connor. Las Vegas, NV.

If you'll be in Las Vegas on a Wednesday night, socialize with the local writers at the Writer's Pen & Grill(TM). Open to all writers!

2. Plain Language Compromise

Plain Language Compromise
by Gregory A. Kompes

When I finished my English degree at Columbia a few years ago my "informal" writing studies began. I quickly discovered a lot of what I learned about writing and language was wrong. Maybe not wrong in an academic setting, but wrong if I hoped to address a mass public and sell my work; wrong if I hoped to help others learn complex concepts. The right style: write in plain language.

Plain English means creating a document that is...

• visually inviting,
• logically organized, and
• understandable on the first reading.

How do you create a plain English document?

• Know your audience
• Know what you need to say
• Organize your material logically
• Avoid repetition

Use these tools to write clearly:

• Active voice with strong verbs
• Short sentences
• Personal pronouns
• Concrete, familiar words
• No surplus words
• No legal jargon
• Tabular presentation of complex information, and
• Use a design and layout that increase comprehension.

I don't think plain language is appropriate for all avenues, I resist it at times. I love the art of language; I love complicated sentences that take advantage of semicolons, emdashes, and ellipsis. I don't believe in spoon feeding every idea and concept. Everything written shouldn't be so easy that a reader never works to explore symbolism or parallel structures to find deeper meaning.

At the same time, I'm a realist. There's something I love more than readers exploring my work. Selling my work and eating.

I've come to a compromise. In my classrooms and during my seminars & workshops I strive for clarity by using plain, approachable language. I break down complex concepts into spoon size bites. Along the way, I encourage and answer a lot of questions. In my nonfiction, I follow these same rules. I speak to my audience as if I'm speaking to a single reader.

There's a small transition in my fiction. While I write in clear prose, I insert symbolism, parallel constructs, and all the other devices when appropriate. Those who dig a little deeper see them; those who don't still enjoy the story.

Finally, I step full off in my poetry. It's almost impossible to sell poetry so the only reason to write it is for oneself. This allows me to keep learning language. I can take full advantage of punctuation used to creative ends. It gives me permission to spend hours with dictionaries and style guides. And, I can write at a level off the Flesch-Kinkaid scale.

Plain Language Resources

http://www.plainlanguage.gov

http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/about.htm

http://www.clarity-international.net/index.htm

http://www.write-better-english.com/index.aspx

http://www.plainlanguagenetwork.org

About the Author
================================================================= Bestselling author, teacher, and coach, Gregory A. Kompes, helps writers at all stages through his Writer's Series books and Internet courses. (www.Kompes.com)

3. Simple Steps to Powerful Writing

Simple Steps to Powerful Writing
by Walter Jenkins

Your success in today's world is directly tied to your ability to communicate. If you cannot write effectively you will not succeed. This is true in academics, business and your personal life.

The following proven steps will make your writing vibrant and make you a more effective communicator.

1. Use the active voice.

The active voice is the most powerful way to express an idea. The passive voice lacks the power and clarity of the active voice. Sentences that are structured as "subject, verb, object" focus the reader's attention and cogently convey your message.

2. Use active words.

Word choice is critical. Always choose words that create a vivid image. Active words grab the reader's attention and hold onto it. Active words make your writing come alive. Almost every word has a more powerful and energetic synonym and that's the word you should use. For example, the word "think" could be replaced with "ruminate," "deliberate," "ponder," and so on. Each of these words creates a much stronger picture in the imagination of the reader.

3. Use short sentences.

Short sentences focus the reader's attention. Even the most complex idea can be expressed in a concise manner. Words are valuable; don't throw them away. A general rule is to keep your sentences to a maximum of twenty-five words. Sentences longer than twenty-five words won't keep your readers interested. One long sentence can always be broken into two (or more) shorter ones.

I was once an editor of a graduate school journal. My duties included reviewing submissions for publication. One article had numerous meandering sentences, including one that was 103 words long. It rambled in so many different directions I could not penetrate what the writer intended to convey, despite several readings. The author may have had an original and important thought. However, because the writing was poorly structured, whatever knowledge I could have gleaned was lost.

Don't try to demonstrate how smart you are by drafting long, convoluted sentences. Prove your intelligence by clearly conveying your information.

A reader should not feel like they are on a treasure hunt, searching for meaning in your writing. Make it easy for the reader to understand your point. Short sentences are a great way to vibrantly educate your audience.

4. Know your audience and your purpose.

Understanding who will read your work and why empowers you to craft your words precisely. Jargon is an asset if the reader understands it, but is a hindrance if he does not. Don't waste energy including unnecessary information. If your audience should know what a term means, you don't need explain it. If people of varying backgrounds may read your work, assume no one knows the meaning of jargon and use more commonplace words. This guarantees your article will be understood by all.

5. Proofread your work.

This point cannot be overemphasized. You must review your work. Nothing emasculates good writing more quickly than obvious misspellings and typographical errors. I recently received a free ebook from a writer. The book was informative but after the first few pages I was distracted by some blatant errors. I was so befuddled that the quality of the information was diluted. Even though the product was free, I resented the fact that the writer did not consider my time worthy of her proofreading the book. Use spell check as a step in your creative process. Some email programs can be configured to check spelling and grammar prior to sending mail. One mouse click to check spelling and grammar will save you embarrassment and make you more successful.

By following these steps you will improve the quality of your writing and communication. This will create positive results, from better grades to better job performance to increased personal satisfaction.

About the Author
================================================================= Walter Jenkins is a professional writer and speaker. Learn more about him at http://www.walterjenkins.com

4. Carrie Lynn Lyons takes the 18Q

First-time novelist and long-time newsletter editor, Carrie Lynn Lyons (a.k.a. Charlene Austin), takes the 18Q.

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
I think it was more of a case of being roped and tied into it rather than any matter of choice.

2. What is your background?
I have worked in the medical field for 27 years, office management, insurance and transcription. Oh, and I am a professional grandmother. I get to say that since all the grandkids live with me. Don't I?

3. When did you 'know' you were a writer?
I wrote my first book when I was eleven. Really. Ninety hand written pages titled the Outlaws of Redrock Canyon, (I was very into my dad's western novels at the time.) Trust me you don't want to read that one, but I knew then I would always write.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?
Suspense with just a bit of other, and just a bit of heart.

5. What is your writing process?
Type a word, chase the kids, type two more, do the laundry, type three words, go to work, write whenever and however I can.

6. What was your path to publication?
Long and winding. I actually dumped one publisher along the way. I am not sorry I did. It is not an easy road and when you get there you still have to climb the mountain. But...what a view!

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I am not sure I have one yet. I do know I believe strongly in the quote "By working together we can accomplish great things." I think working together with other authors is not only cost effective, productive, but lots of good fun. I like the "outside the box" thinking that targets those that don't make the book stores. For instance, Brian Rouff and I will be doing Beer and a Book night at the Brass Rail Saloon on June 30th. Come join the fun.

8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer?
Characters. They are quite amazing, sometimes irritating and frustrating. And usually know much more about their story than I do.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
Life, the kids, life. There is inspiration all around, everyday, if we just allow ourselves to open to it. Creativity, well that is all Carrie. I am often asked why I chose to write under a pseudonym. Their are several standard reasons, but the truth is, Carrie doesn't have a day job, or kids, or laundry. She is an alter ego of long ago days, free to sit and dream and imagine. And when I can connect with her, when allowed to take over for awhile she can really fill the pages. Of course, often the kids or duty snaps Char back, but when Carrie is in the zone the writing flows.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?
At a signing recently, a reader brought a book they bought on Amazon to get it signed. They stayed for half an hour telling me they loved the book, and telling everyone who walked by it was great. That has to be it. It is wonderful to hear someone really enjoys your work.

11. What's the best advice you were given about writing?
Read. Really, you can learn more about writing reading than writing. Like not to write sentences like that one.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
LOL, see above.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Well it is always time and money, isn't it? It is a business. Who knew all those writers didn't just sit in their office drinking coffee and creating wonderful characters and stories all day while someone else did all the work. You suddenly find yourself promoting and keeping business files and records and appointments and trying to schedule more, and budget for all of it. But hey, there is always that view to look forward to.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?
Never give up. Never stop. Listen and Learn, Read and learn. Study and learn. Write and write and write, and submit, submit, submit.

15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun?
Read. Play with the kids. Crochet.

16. Who do you like to read?
Everything and everyone! Soup can labels when there is nothing else. Historical non fiction, but I confess to being a fiction fanatic. I love mystery, suspense, S/F, all the big names and small. Koontz, JD Robb, John Katzenbach, Mel Foster, Tim Layhaye and Jerry Jenkins, Brian Rouff, Tami Hoag, Lee Denning, John Grisham, Dennis Griffin, Maggie Shane, Kay Hooper, Sue Gafton, James Patterson. JA Wilkins and RR Draude are new favorites. I don't have enough paper to list them all.

17. What's your advice for new writers?
Never give up. Write everyday. Read everything you love, hate, like and don't. Do critiques for other writers. Learn and grow.

18. What are you currently working on?
Book two of the Carnival Soul Trilogy "Dream Shadows" is almost ready to go to the publisher. Book three is outlined and I am playing with the start of a mystery based on a true story, tentatively titled "A Mother's Cry for Justice," a couple of new articles, and a couple of short stories.

Take the 18Q Today!
=================================================================
Selected a Writer's Digest "101 Best Website" for 2007, the 18Q is a collection of writers sharing their experiences.

More than 100 authors have taken the 18Q. Take your turn Today!

5. About The Fabulist Flash

ISSN: 1554-0804

The Fabulist Flash is dedicated to helping writers find resources and inspiration.

When you forward The Fabulist Flash to your friends please do so in its entirety.

If someone forwarded you this copy and you'd like to begin receiving The Fabulist Flash in your own inbox go to www.FabulistFlash.com to join the mailing list.

We're open to ideas and suggestions for future issues. Let us know if there's something you'd like to see or learn about, what you've enjoyed and would like to see more of, or just want us to know you think The Fabulist Flash is fabulous. Send your comments and ideas to editor@fabulistflash.com.

-------------------------------

Submissions: Published Guest Columnists receive $25 for their 500-600 word article. Visit The Fabulist Flash Writer Guidelines for more information.

-------------------------------


The Fabulist Flash thinks your privacy is important. We NEVER lend, sell, or distribute our email subscriber list to anyone.

Contact The Fabulist Flash:

Online
www.FabulistFlash.com

Email
Editor@FabulistFlash.com

Snail Mail
Gregory A. Kompes, editor
The Fabulist Flash
PO Box 570368
Las Vegas, NV 89157

To unsubscribe follow the instructions at the end of this email.