Pen and Prosper Brings You the "Back Story" Behind Fan Story *With Creator Tom Ens

Please join me in welcoming Tom Ens today. I'm sure you'll become a fan of FanStory.com, as you read about the many services and offerings for writers today of all levels and genres.

Q. Welcome, Tom. Can you tell my readers a little about who you are and your background?

My name is Tom Ens, I'm the founder of FanStory.com, FanArtReview.com and FanMusic.com. All three are communities for artists. FanStory.com is the community for writers.

Q. You started FanStory more than a decade ago. What was the inspiration back then and your creative vision?

There wasn't a specific vision. I was looking for a place to share my stories and there simply wasn't a good place. The feedback I was receiving was from family and friends. I didn't like bothering people to read my work. And I was never sure if they were just being nice or meant what they said about my writing.
So being a web developer I created a website and invited other writers. The feedback from this new website was much different. It was honest and I learned a great deal from the comments I received.

Q.  How has FanStory evolved over the years?

The development of the site never stops. I think the biggest change is with the writing contests and poetry contests. I'm not the type of writer that can just sit down and write. I need to have that nibble in the back of my mind. I need an idea that is itching to get on “paper”.

The contests were developed to help writers find that spark. They do have cash prizes but that was never the real motivation. The goal of the contests is to present an idea and see what comes of it. A good example is the contest we just announced. The topic is: Driving down a partially lit road, you (or your character) notice something moving in a trash bag on the median...

If you are having trouble finding something to write about I think this scene can inspire. The fact that there is a cash prize is nice too. We now have well over 50 contests every month and two new writing prompts daily.

For "Poetry Contests" please see: http://www.fanstory.com/page/poetry_contests/poetry_contests.jsp
For "Writing Contests" please see: http://www.fanstory.com/page/writing_contest/writing_contest.jsp

Q.  What’s the most popular feature or service associated with FanStory?

It's still the feedback. We've added many features over the years but the heart of the site hasn't changed. Writers are looking for feedback, good detailed feedback.

What has evolved from this feedback is a community. When you are reviewing or getting feedback you make friends. You become a fan of writers. And readers become fans of you. You get to know people online with similar interests.

So the social network feature has been a big focus of the site. Making it easier for a writer to stay in touch with the fans that he or she gets on the site and also keeping fans up to date on what is going on with writers they are following.

Q. Can you walk us through a typical day?

I still am the host of FanStory and the other sites so as you might guess most of my day is spent answering questions and helping people. I'm still the developer of the sites. So I'm always working on improvements. The next version of FanStory is always being worked on.

Q.  I see you’ve won a few industry awards. What has been your proudest accomplishment thus far?

It isn't the rewards. And it isn't anything I accomplished. I think it is a letter I received from the first author that wrote to tell me that he was published and he attributed it to FanStory and the reviewers. I was so happy for the author and so proud of the community.

Q.  Do you come up with all the contest concepts, or is it a collective effort?

My well of contest ideas is pretty much dry! The community comes up with the ideas now. Frankly, I think they do a better job than I ever did. :)

Q. What has surprised you about your experience?

The number of FanStory.com authors being published. I mentioned the first author being published. That hasn't stopped. We've announced three authors being published in just the past thirty days.

What I'm also seeing is that the FanStory social network feature is bringing together writers and publishers. At least one publisher has an account and the publisher is reading what is posted and looking for talent. This publisher alone has published three books from FanStory writers this year. This is, of course, very encouraging. I think it is a natural extension of what the site provides.

  Complete the sentence. Success is:  ...Doing what you love well.


Readers, please share your thoughts or questions.
Any of you out there already familiar with FanStory.com?

Retreating to Write*Guest Post By Author, Coach & Counselor, Noelle Sterne

What writer hasn’t drooled over the thought of getting away to write for a whole day, week, or month—even an hour? My best fantasy is a cozy private cottage nestled in the mountains of upstate New York.

I sit at the knotty pine desk by the picture window, laptop purring, the splendid view prompting ever more creative flights, with only a silent padded server setting mealtime trays outside the door.

Few of us, though, with ever-increasing obligations, spoken-for finances, and multi-roles incessantly demanding attention and time, can afford our ultimate retreat dream. But we can reach it with some innovative and economical mini-retreats.

Listen for Your Preferences

First, though, recognize your preferences. One experienced writer was sure he’d put in twelve writing hours at a formal retreat, but he could only work four hours a day.

Do you crave absolute quiet? Or go bonkers without at least a few human voices? Do you need workshops and assignments, physical activities, introspective lectures, writers’ gossip fests, yoga classes, the bustle of people nearby, pizza or sushi in town?

Cafes and Restaurants

Cafés and restaurants remain the time-honored writers’ haunts (J.K. Rowling, Natalie Goldberg, Hemingway). See Juliet C. Obodo’s books on best cafés and “café etiquette” for writers in major cities (www.writersretreatcityguides.com).

When I lived in New York, I luxuriated in glorious writing sessions at a little café with delectable homemade Hungarian pastries, located near the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The “Hungarian” always hosted a mix of passionate and unruly-haired students from Columbia University, young mothers with baby buggies stuck in a corner while they furtively grabbed a cuppa and a chocolate fix before the next diaper change, and would-be dedicated writers like me.

I learned to stretch one mug of coffee for hours and project insulated solitude—bookbag propped on two chairs, notebook pointedly open, and chronic scowl—so no one would sit down, start a conversation, or try to pick me up. But I thrived on the humanity around me and wrote regularly in the Hungarian.

Get a Room

“Borrow” a study, guest room, or patio from a friend, relative, or neighbor for an afternoon or day. Explain your purpose and assure them they don’t have to entertain or feed you or check in at discreet intervals. Offer something in return—babysitting, a home-cooked meal, dog-walking. Once I exchanged writing sessions at a neighbor’s living room desk, overlooking the Hudson River, for watering her plants. She always left me coffee and supportive little notes.

Check Into a Hotel

Not literally. Nice hotels have great lobbies, and with your briefcase, papers, and laptop, you’ll look like you’ve just arrived for an important meeting. You have—with yourself. Settle into a cozy alcove or a corner table in the bar. Order something modest and non-mind-numbing. One writer became such a fixture that when the bartender saw her coming he set out a big bowl of pretzels and served her with a smile.

Check Out the Library

Despite our ability today to research anything in the universe from our cozy computers, real public libraries are still treasures. Creating the riddles for my children’s book Tyrannosaurus Wrecks: A Book of Dinosaur Riddles, I rediscovered the wonderful children’s section. The young people’s encyclopedias had easy-to-understand texts (I wasn’t a dinosaur major in college), and I sat for hours gathering information and watched parents help their kids choose real books.

Explore your local college and university libraries. Studious in atmosphere, with their beckoning cubbyholes and semi-private tables they promote serious writing. A writer-graduate student friend discovered small charming libraries in his school’s music and architecture departments. Alumni or resident cards are generally available for small annual fees.

Hit the Beach, Park in the Park

In good weather, try beachfronts and parks. Pack a blanket or folding chair, and take a thermos of a comforting drink. One writer reported producing great work sitting in a park propped against a tree trunk, laptop on his knees, latté at his elbow, and birds chirping encouragement.

Go to the Mall

The local mall can be an oasis (stash your credit cards at home). In my neighborhood, a Starbucks reigns in the center courtyard with a high, light atrium. The management thoughtfully arranged café-like tables and chairs, and I regularly work at a table, enjoying the background din and discouraging visitors (see Hungarian above).

You never know where a mall session can lead. Another writer shared a Starbucks table with the man who became his historical novel researcher. My mall writing sessions evolved into my Absolute Write column, “The Starbucks Chronicles.”

Rent a Room

Rent a motel room for the day (alone). Yes, this costs something, but weekday rates are the lowest offered. Bring a big bag of indulgent snacks and hang out the “Do Not Disturb” sign. Just make sure the room doesn’t look out over the interstate. And turn the TV to the wall.

Save to Splurge

If you want a real getaway, save up for that divine week in Provincetown, Big Sur, the Greek Isles, or the magnificent cruise to Maui. Such retreats can give you much-needed respite from daily duties and refill your writing well of inspiration and purpose.

Home is Where the Start Is

Sometimes, though, the best retreat is no retreat. Our nests can be supremely soothing. Put on your cottons—or a crisp professional shirt. Choose a favorite room or spot. It’s sacred to you.

Hide all electronic lures and firmly announce your retreat to your household. Prepare your favorite food and drink in advance or order in. Decide on the project you’ll work on. Congratulate yourself for not having to pack, make complicated advance arrangements, or spending thousands on a “writer’s retreat.”

* * * * * *

Writer’s retreats are all around us, waiting only for our ingenuity and current projects. So award yourself, knowing you can “retreat” anytime and anywhere you choose.


Your turn, readers. Thoughts? Any of these ideas appeal to you? Which would be your favorite?

BIO:
Author, editor, ghostwriter, writing coach, and spiritual counselor, Noelle visits many of the writer’s retreats she describes in this column. They have helped her publish over 250 fiction and nonfiction pieces in print and online venues. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University, for over 28 years Noelle has guided doctoral candidates to completion of their dissertations. Based on this work, her latest project-in-progress is a practical-psychological-spiritual handbook, Grad U: Complete Your Dissertation—Finally—and Ease the Trip for Yourself and Everyone Who Has to Live With You. In her current book, Trust Your Life: Forgive Yourself and Go After Your Dreams (Unity Books), Noelle draws examples from her practice and other aspects of life to help writers and others release regrets, relabel their past, and reach their lifelong yearnings. Visit Noelle at http://www.trustyourlifenow.com/


Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Note: A similar version of this post appeared in the "Bloom" Column at the Coffeehouse Blog.






 

Drum Roll, Please...Pen & Prosper Announces the Winners of "I'm Sweet on Chocolate"



Happy Thursday, readers. I hope you've had a prolific, interesting, and fun writing week.
I 've been busy and blessed. New assignments, old challenges, and connecting with potential clients.

As many of you know, we recently had a contest here, that challenged writers to come up with a poem, slogan or story that describes their love of chocolate, in honor of National Chocolate week.
Many of you did. And I thank each of you.

I'm happy to announce...after cogitating, meditating, and deliberating, the winners have been finally chosen.
The top 3 winners were selected based upon creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest's guidelines.
So, here they are. This was tough choosing, folks.

                                                 Congratulations to the following winners!   

1ST PLACE---"WRITER'S INSPIRATION" BY LINDA O'CONNELL

2ND PLACE---"WHAT BROWN DOES" BY JEREMIE GUY 

3RD PLACE---"A CHOCOLATE SONNET" BY YASMIN MORAIS

Please join me in congratulating them!

Winners: To claim your prizes, please contact me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com, along with your mailing address and contact info.

Prizes to be awarded in November.

I hope to have a few more contests in the near future...stay tuned. Enjoy your week.

JEN

Image credit:
 Freedigitalphotos.net

The Politics of Publishing* By: Dr. Heather Harrison

I’ve been writing long before I could even “write”.
I used to make up stories and have my mom write them for me. In second grade, I begged my parents for a typewriter until they finally consented. I was ecstatic and spent hours teaching myself how to type. I would create all sorts of newspapers about the neighborhood and other made up tales. My mom still has them all stored in a box somewhere. The best Christmas present I ever got was in third grade when I got a subscription to Writer’s Digest. By fourth grade, I’d written my first novel. It was entitled, The Overnighters, and it was all about a group of friends who had sleepovers. I gave it to my fourth grade English teacher and never saw it again. My mom is convinced he published it and that it’s lining the shelves of a bookstore somewhere.

I still remember pouring through the Writer’s Digest magazines and reading again and again how difficult it was to get published. Fast forward, twenty years and they are still saying the same thing. I’m getting a bit tired about what they say about the current publishing climate. I’m not so sure I trust them. And quite frankly, I’m not sure they even know much about good quality writing.

I wrote a great parenting book about a year ago that marries both my education and my experience with being a first time mother. It’s hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time. This last year, I’ve been trying to publish it. I secured an agent which wasn’t any fun. I would much rather write an entire book than draft a query letter. Seriously. But I did it and I got a pretty great agent. He started shopping around my book to the big publishing houses. You know the ones. It’s where they live.

Here’s the responses I got: Harrison has a great voice. We really like her writing style. She describes early motherhood from a unique perspective. They sang lots of praises about my writing. BUT…she doesn’t have the platform necessary to be competitive in this category. Yep. Over and over again.

I write non-fiction and in the midst of this I would walk into Barnes and Noble and see the big posters of the latest non-fiction book to get published. Names like Kate Gosselin. Snooki. Yes, Snooki. Almost every Desperate Housewife from every state. It just kept getting worse. This was my competition? Each week it seemed to get more ridiculous. A few weeks ago, I walked into the blazing banner of Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy? Ozzy has a book? The guy could sing, but let’s face it, he’s done so many drugs he can barely speak. I’m fairly certain he can’t write.

Here’s the deal: I’m a writer. I’m not a reality TV star. I can’t compete with that and honestly, I don’t want to. I want to be judged by the quality of my writing and not by my ratings on primetime. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I recently self-published my book. I did it even though they said that no one will take me seriously if I self-publish. But you know what? I don’t care what they say anymore.

I believe in the intelligence of the people. I believe there are still people out there who read books because of the writing that is inside of them and not because of the face on the cover.

Your turn, readers.
Do you think that having a platform should be a prerequisite to being published through "traditional" means, or is talent more important? Is there still a "stigma" attached to being self-published? What are your thoughts here?

BIO:

Dr. Heather Harrison is a psychologist, freelance writer, and the mother of a spirited 3 year old boy, Gus. She is the author of The Mommy Psychologist: The child psychologist who thought she had all the answers to parenting until she became one herself. If she’s not running around after Gus, you can find her running through the streets of Los Angeles prepping for her next marathon.

8 Lessons I Learned From Becoming a Lessons Writer for the Ever-popular "LifeHack" Site

Like many professional writers, I periodically scour online job boards in an effort to expand my portfolio and my bottom line.

(Not to mention, a girl has got to have her "chocolate" money, right?)

Well, what I've found is that some of the "best" jobs actually never make it to the listings, but are ultimately shared through the "grapevine".

Which is why I was surprised and totally thrilled, back in September, to discover that LifeHack.org was looking for Lessons Writers. I immediately threw my hat in the ring for consideration; never giving it much of a second thought. 

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with Lifehack.org, it is one of the top-tier online productivity and lifestyle sites. It boasts about 3,000,000 page views per month, and over 90,000 RSS subscribers.

Technorati lists it as a Top 100 Business Site, and it is also listed as a Top-10 designation on many online rankings. Think of it like the "Prada" of productivity brands.

Anyway, back to what I was saying...

Some time after answering the Ad, I got a message that made my day.

It was something along the lines of... "Thank you for your application to Lifehacker. We are pleased to announce that you are one of the few that made it to the final stage."

Can I tell you I was totally geeked?

The last time I was this excited, I could fit into my "skinny jeans"!

As I read on, my enthusiasm however, was replaced with a degree of fear.

There would be a test. I repeat...there would be a test.

Though I've always done well in school, I sometimes suffer from test anxiety.

(But, we'll save that post for another time, folks). :-)

When I went over the multiple pages of instructions, I was initially stumped.

Call it writer's block, performance anxiety, or panic. But, I just couldn't seem to pen anything that seemed coherent and worthy of publication. I tried writing things "long hand", I tried studying other lessons on the site, I tried tea therapy, but for some reason I couldn't seem to "wrap" my brain around this assignment.
This writer couldn't seem to "hack" it. :-)

Frustrated, I actually considered apologizing and withdrawing my application.

But then, I reasoned, I would not only be a quitter but a coward.

So, I put on my "big girl pants" and gave it the ole college try.

And, I'm happy to say folks, it worked. I pulled it off.

And I am pleased and proud as a peacock to join them. :-).

In the process, I learned a few "lessons" along the way that I'd like to share today, that I hope will help you to conquer your fears and broaden your horizons.

I'd love to hear your thoughts accordingly.

1. Don't let performance anxiety keep you from sharing your talents and passions. Did you know that even major celebrities like Barbara Streisand and Michael Jackson have suffered from performance anxiety? To quote a popular axiom, "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"    
2. There is honor in effort. Even in situations where I've not won the prize or been an editor's "pick", I always hold my head high when I've given the best of my efforts. And you should too.
3. Lighten up. Failure is not permanent. And no job, no matter how important, is worth losing your sense of fun, or self-worth. :-)
4. Always do a good job. Your reputation follows you...and the Blogosphere can sometimes be smaller than you might think.
5. Develop a thick skin. Even when you do your best, believe me, you'll still have critics, naysayers, and "haters". "Take the high road". There's less traffic. :-)
6. No experience is wasted. If you look for the lesson and heed it. 
7. No matter how long you write, or how well, you will always have to prove yourself. Don't rest on your laurels.
8. Reward yourself for periodic successes. This can be anything from small gifts, to extra "down-time" or even positive affirmations. Contrary to popular opinion, writing is hard. But, it's so worth it!

Well, that's it for today's post, lovely readers.

I'm wishing you a positive, productive writing week ahead. Carpe`diem!

Oh  yeah, I almost forgot... for a better quality of life, visit the site at www.lifehack.org 

Your turn. Thoughts?

Experience Vs. Education** Which makes for a better writer?

It's an age-old debate that resurfaces in many different forums and forms.
The value of education as compared to experience.

In fact, Donald Trump, the real estate mogul, took on this topic a few seasons ago, in his hit reality TV show, (The Apprentice), when he pitted "school-of-hard-knocks" contestants against Ivy League graduates. 

So, what does this have to do with writers?
I'll tell you..in my periodic rounds of online popular job boards lately, I've seen a number of positions posted that required a Bachelor's degree for consideration.
Some have been listed at Craigslist, ProBlogger, Freelancewritinggigs.com and Blogging Pro, to name a few.

As a writer who has the benefit of both, it got me to thinking...
I'm inclined to believe that there are positives from both camps.

See if you would agree...

THE PROS OF HAVING A COLLEGE DEGREE AS A WRITER:

• A college degree "theoretically" expands the knowledge base; this can enhance one's ability to speak on an array of topics.
• A college degree often requires academic writing and "formal" expression, which can foster stronger communication skills and mastery of grammar and spelling.
• A college degree adds to one's credentials and overall marketability.

THE PROS OF EXPERIENCE:

• Practice makes perfect. There are some things that can't be taught through "book learning".
• Sometimes having experience allows one to know "protocol", editors' pet peeves, quality short cuts, names in the publishing business, technical savvy, and other intangibles.

Though I can see, from a professional perspective, why a business, editor or publisher might prefer a writer who is a college graduate, I'm not sure that it's absolutely necessary for all writing jobs.

What do you think? Which is better for todays' writer...a college education or writing experience?
If you are a writer who does not have a degree, do you think it has hindered your career?

Anxious to hear your thoughts on this.


Image Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net

Pen & Prosper Presents...(wait for it!) Tony Succar* of the Unity Project

Music is a universal language. One which "speaks" to writers daily, as we compose our creative works, tap into inspirational stimuli, and seek to mellow the madness.

I don't know about you, but growing up, I was exposed to and enjoyed music of all genres. I still do.

From Beethoven's Fifth, which can bring me to tears; no matter how often I hear it...to Billy Joel, John Cougar Mellencamp, Ray Charles and the Old Motown sounds. I also dig Gloria Estefan, Bonnie Raitt, Jose Feliciano, Billie Holiday, Gospel, and Reggae depending upon my mood and mindset.

I also know that many of you share my enthusiasm for music, based upon previous posts and comments made here.

Which is why I'm so excited to have the opportunity to introduce you all to Tony Succar.
He's the mastermind behind the Unity Project.
What's the "Unity Project"?

The Unity Project is a Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, which takes some of his most popular works and gives it a Latin "flava" and interpretation, while celebrating the diversity of different cultures and musical contributions to today's music. It's more than a tribute; it's a movement.

Pen and Prosper caught up with Tony, and here's what he had to share about his vision and the direction of this project...

Welcome, Tony. Can you tell my readers a little about who you are and your professional background?

I was born in Peru and came to Miami, FL when I was three years old. I was fortunate to be born into a musical family… my mom is a singer, dad is a pianist, grandmother is also a singer, great grandfather was a master violinist and composer, and the list goes on. My parents always played folkloric music from Peru, and I’ve been listening to that style of music since I was born. The first instrument that I picked up and started playing was a cajon, it’s a folkoric box shaped percussion instrument… one in which is very present in this Tribute album. I really enjoy fusing different musical elements together, I strongly believe that by doing so you can create rich musical refreshing sounds.
I’ve been exposed to so many cultures growing up in Miami. It’s been a true blessing for me, especially during school. I studied jazz performance at FIU. During my school years, I would spend countless hours just jamming with different students and learning from their cultural musical backgrounds. Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Peruvians, Venezuelans, Dominicans, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, you name it… You learn that each country has many distinct styles of music. They contain their unique folkloric instruments and particular orchestration/arranging styles…. Every country is a musical journey on its own. I try to learn as much as I can from my peers. Learn from their cultures to discover new ways to fuse different elements with my musical inspiration.

2. Give us the 4-1-1. What was the inspiration behind the Unity Project and how did it come about?

I came up with the concept over two years ago. It was a series of events that led me to creating this project. When Michael passed away three years ago, just like many MJ fans around the world, I sat in disbelief, dumbfounded, experiencing one of the saddest moments in my life. A couple of months after his passing, I felt an unquenchable urge to pay homage to Michael’s legacy. I had no idea what I was going to do, or how I was going to do it; I simply knew I needed to follow my heart. Happens to be that in October of 2009 I got a call from an agent that hires my band, his name is Randy Singer, wanted to put together a Halloween party for a local club on South Beach.
He had the idea of making a THRILLER theme costume party, everyone looking like zombies and all… Make a long story short, the band I had at the time was a strict salsa band, we played some other styles, but very few, mainly salsa. Randy wanted me to perform THRILLER for that night… so I went ahead and got the idea of making a salsa arrangement to THRILLER so we can perform it live. When I sat down and wrote that arrangement, performed it, and saw how much the people went crazy for it… that’s when it all began…

I finally discovered what I could do for Michael, his legacy, his music, and his messages. My goal with paying tribute was to embody Michael’s essence by focusing this Tribute on his message of UNITY. UNITY is something that I saw in his lyrics, his music, in his dance, and his way of being. He always looked out to unite people, unite cultures, and unite talent. I wanted to expand on his message by interpreting his music in a new way; in a way where I express myself fully, because expression is in my Latin DNA. This way it would result into something new, hoping that I could continue the legacy and show the world how he influenced me and how important he still is to many of us.

3. Why did you choose Michael Jackson (out of countless other options) as the artist at the center of your project?

Michael Jackson created the soundtrack of my life. There was not one song from Michael that did not penetrate my soul. His vocal abilities, the perfection in his music, his inspiring compositions, the emotion behind his performance, his dancing skills, his energy on stage, everything about Michael was always to the top of its potential. That’s something that always blew me away, how just one person could do so much, and could it so perfectly.
Michael really sacrificed his life for the art of music; he put endless amounts of hard work and dedication to deliver to the world something that is beyond extraordinary.

I strive and work extremely hard to deliver always musical experiences that are above and beyond. Of course, I’m no where near the level of Michael Jackson, but I try to follow his footsteps. Michael loved his fans, he truly did, and always gave them the best of him… I want to do the same.
I can go for days, weeks, months, talking about how I admire his music. I can also go on about how I admire the Jacksons and all the geniuses who worked with them: the musicians, producers, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Seidah Garrett, and more. But there’s one thing I need to highlight right now: the immense impact that Michael’s messages had on my life. His odes to love, respect, reflection, earth consciousness, and unity inspired me, changing my life forever. The legacy Michael has left us is one I cherish, embrace, and intend to mirror for as long as I live.

4. Michael wrote a lot of his own lyrics, and some of my readers are aspiring song writers as well. What do you think is the criteria for a good lyricist?

A good lyricist is one who can give you goosebumps when just simply reading the lyrics. Forget about the melody, the rhythm, the arrangement, the singing, etc… just read the lyrics… if you can feel the message in your heart, then you’ve made magic. That’s what Michael had… His messages were so powerful, that just the lyrics alone would knock you down. One of the reasons why I think they were so powerful was because he really did feel , and he really did live what he wrote. Every word… listen to songs like Earth Song, They Don’t Care About Us, Black or White, the meaning behind it… You can definitely feel his cry out to the world, his hope and dream that his messages can penetrate the people of this planet to make the world a better place. Not many pop stars do this, not many song writers do this… sometimes we try to write to something “catchy”, or write something that will “sell” , and that’s the wrong way of doing things.
When I read this Michael Jackson quote it all became more clear to me…It helped me realize what it was that I had to do with my life and career in order to be happy:

"I could never just make records for people to buy and just get rich from. That's no good for me. There has to be more than that." - MJ

5. What do you want audiences to take away from the Unity Project?

I Want people to be inspired when they experience Unity. I want Michael Jackson fans to once again feel proud of Michael, and be thankful for what he has left us. I want the world to remember how Michael still is to all of us. I want our audiences to feel the truth behind this project, to see the honest true work that has been going on for the past 3 years. How everything came from the heart, because that’s what I plan to show the world. How we all united for this homage, how it developed over time, how little by little with the unity of more and more people, how the train started getting stronger and stronger. Not necessary bigger, just stronger! :-) But yeah, That’s why I call this project an experience, rather than just a musical album or show, because there are so many plans that I have for this…and so many wonderful ideas for the shows. So excited! You got a VIP in our first concert!!! ;)

BIO:

Born into a family of talented musicians in Lima, Peru on May 18, 1986, Tony Succar’s very DNA must be imbued with cadence and rhythm. The Succar family moved to Miami, Florida when Tony was just two; at the ripe old age of 13, Tony’s own music career began. He says, “I was privileged to be brought up in a family of musicians: I couldn’t be more grateful.” Succar’s music education began on piano then segued to percussion. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University in 2008 and his Master’s degree in 2010. This year Succar became the youngest Artist-in-Residence FIU has ever had.
Succar has worked with artists Arturo Sandoval, Néstor Torres, Ed Calle, Tito Nieves, La India, Obie Bermudez, Jennifer Peña, and Tito Puente Jr., among others. Growing up in Miami—a multi-cultural “Melting Pot”—molded him into a versatile musician, prompting him to make the most of his prodigious talent.

President of his own record label, Mixtura Productions, Tony Succar is well-versed in a number of professional roles: bandleader, percussionist, musician, producer, composer, and arranger. He is currently endorsed by Gon Bops, a top percussion brand. Whether in a timbales solo, an orchestration, or an explosive groove, Succar’s sound is gripping and distinctive and accommodates the energies and interests of musicians and dancers. Notably, at every performance, Tony focuses on the integrity of his music.

For more info and to vibe with his sounds, check out the following sites and links.

www.unitylatintribute.com

facebook.com/unitylatintribute

twitter.com/unitytribute


Your turn. Thoughts? Questions? Your comments are like "music" to my ears. :-)

Battling Writer's Block With Courage!

Guest post by: Sarah Webb of S.L. Writes

The key to successfully battling writer’s block lies in your courage to write badly and to write authentically. This is difficult for writers who struggle with perfectionism.
You see, writer’s block is not a lack of ideas, but actually a fear of writing.
Two primary branches of the fear cause writer’s block: fear of not meeting our own standards, and the fear of rejection from others.

Fear of Not Meeting Our Own Standards

Dara Girard, author of The Writer Behind the Words, says that when we have trouble writing, we should just write any way.

Many writers think they’re writer’s block is a lack of interesting subjects to write about. They toss out topic after topic because it’s not the “perfect” topic. Their writer’s block is really a case of perfectionism.
They’re paralyzed by the potential flaws in every idea. They stare at a blank page for hours waiting to come up with the “perfect” opening.

Occasionally they come up with an idea that’s so perfect, they’re afraid they can’t do it justice. They’re overwhelmed by the “perfection” of the idea with the relative “imperfection” of their writing.
For defeating this perfectionist’s writer’s block, the courageous approach is to write a rough draft that’s supposed to be rough and imperfect. Rather than endlessly watching the cursor blink on the page, remind yourself that writing is 90% revision.
A finished product is merely a tenth of all the work that’s been done.
When you realize that whatever you initially put on paper is supposed to be revised, you’re less afraid to just go with it.

Fear of Rejection from Others

This branch of fear has two stems.
Writers might fear criticism about their writing skill.

One tool to break down this wall is to tell yourself that your skill can only improve if your write. If your approach is to wait until you’re a highly skilled writer before you write anything, then you will never write anything, and you will never become highly skilled.
A second coping mechanism is to read rejection letters sent to legendary writers. Earnest Hemingway was once told that it would be “extremely rotten taste” and “horribly cruel” to publish his writing. You can find more rejections of famous writers online.

The second stem comes from the fear of revealing your authentic self to the world which is liable to think and say anything. We fear vulnerability.
If you’re supposed to be writing a piece that gets a little personal, you may feel blocked because you’re anxious about revealing anything about yourself.
This might require the greatest degree of courage to overcome.

A few tips that might encourage you in this situation:

• Remember that mean critics will strike no matter what you do or write.

• Determine how much value might be added if you include the personal content, and how much value could be lost if you delete the personal content. Weigh the pros and cons as objectively as possible, and make your decision from that. (Even with the “objective” data, it will take courage to include the personal content. The exercise won’t remove the fear, but it will give you motivation to act despite the fear.)

• Visualize one reader (real or imagined) who needs to hear your story. When I decided to blog about a topic I’d never expressed to anyone, not even my closest relatives, I was moved to write for others who needed encouragement.

Whether it’s insecurities about your skills or fear of scrutiny, it all boils down to this: Have the courage to write, no matter what.

Agree or disagree? How do you deal with writer's block?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

I'm "Sweet" on Chocolate Writing Contest* Honoring National Chocolate Week

In my mind, there's never really a bad time to celebrate chocolate. Am I right here, readers? :-)

In fact, chocolate and writers just go together. For many of us, it's the ultimate in "comfort food".

It's as synonymous with scribes as donuts are with cops. :-)

Interestingly enough, while doing research for writing ideas, I stumbled across some "trivia" that I thought was pretty sweet. Did you know that there is such a thing as National Chocolate Week?

Yep. There really is. It's actually celebrated in the U.K. October 16th-October 22nd.

There are shows, events, tastings, and a whole lot of fun happenings.

So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to celebrate it here at Pen and Prosper, with "I'm Sweet on Chocolate" writing contest!

Here's your "mission," if you should choose to accept it:

1. All entries must be original and unpublished.

2. Send me a slogan, quote or poem that has to do with writers and chocolate.

3. Word count can not exceed 112 words, (let's keep things interesting, shall we?)

4. Submissions can be entered as "comments" through the Pen and Prosper site, or they can be emailed to me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com embedded in an email. Please, no attachments. 

5. I will choose three winners from entries received.

6. No entry fee required.

Prizes? Bragging rights. A badge to place on your site. And some form of chocolate mailed to you. It could be a book of chocolate recipes, or a chocolate certificate, or real chocolate! More details to follow...

Oh yeah...the deadline is October 22nd (in America...not in the U.K.).:-)

Good luck!

CHOCOLATE TRIVIA...

1). Chocolate produces serotonin, which reduces sensitivity to pain and promotes a feeling of well-being.

From Belleabouttown.com

2). An organic molecule in chocolate can help strengthen tooth enamel, according to research from Tulane University.

From Womenshealthmag.com

3). 87% of men consume chocolate, as compared to 91% of women.

From Mintel.com

4). Every Russian mission and American voyage has included chocolate bars.

From Lindtusa.com

5). Dark chocolate contains flavanoids, which is said to lower blood pressure.

From Womenshealthmag.com

6). The biggest bar of chocolate ever made weighed 5000 pounds!

From Lindtusa.com

Thoughts?

Image: SPFF