Monday....

#Freelance Daily Post:

#Daily Writing Tip :
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Nine Points to Ponder When Writing Short Stories
by: C. M. Clifton

Whenever I begin a short story, I remind myself of two things: to try to get in touch with readers' senses as much as possible by writing something to see, hear, touch, smell, taste, and feel (emotionally), and to try to keep nine points, specifically, in mind when writing my story in hopes of composing a tightly-written story that sticks in readers' minds. Those nine points are as followed:

Focus - Some of the most successful short stories I've read are the stories that stuck to their themes and storylines. They pulled me and kept me reading by maintaining a strong focus. It seems the more tightly drawn a short story is, the better.

Theme - While every story I write won't have some sort of deep, underlying message to it, I still like asking myself what exactly will my story be about. I try to answer the question in one or two sentences whenever possible, and notice that when I do, I usually spend less time smoothing out a story, trying to make it "say" what I want it to say. If you're aiming for a clear message, then try asking yourself just what is that underlying message or statement you're trying to convey to readers? Knowing what you want to say might lead you to tighten your writing, and maybe end up with a story that'll linger in readers' minds.

Time Span - Short stories usually cover a short time period. I try to remember to keep my short stories narrowed down by staying focused on the story's theme, and working to paint a picture explaining the main event for readers. In creating three-dimensional characters, I work to keep all of the characters' emotions, thoughts, and actions relevant to the story.

Hook - "Begin your story with a bang." We've all heard that one, haven't we? However, with short stories, I've noticed that it's more often sage advice than not. Beginning your short story with conflict, whether you choose to do it through action, dialogue, or atmosphere and mood, can hook readers and perhaps keep them reading.

Description - I've actually come across submission guidelines where an editor stressed, "More story; less description." Depending on the market you're planning on submitting to, story word limits might only allow you a small amount of description throughout your stories. A publication that wants more action than descriptive writing in stories, and publications that cap their word counts at around 3,500 to 5,000 words, usually place strict limits on the amount of words you can spend on description. On the other hand, publications with story word limits from around 8,000 to 10,000 allow you to spend much more of the story on descriptive writing. Regardless of word counts, I try to remember to make every word count toward the story by avoiding over-describing settings, actions, or characters.

Characters - It's important that I remember not to include too many characters in a short story. Too many characters might cause the story to spin out of control. Sure, I could solve this problem by extending the short story into a novella or novel. But if my aim is to write only a short story, I try to limit the characters. Two or three characters, or, sometimes, even one character, seems sufficient enough for a short story. Only you will know how many characters it'll take to portray your story, but if it begins to seem like your story is growing out of control when you don't want it to, then try to limit the number of characters.

Setting - I recently read an editorial called "This Story Doesn't Stand Out," and thought it was great insight into an editor's mind. The editorial touched on some of the reasons why an editor might reject your story. One of those reasons was that many of the stories already accepted were set in similiar settings, such as the present-day world. The article also confirmed my suspicion of why I'd finally gotten published by SDO Detective, a former online mystery publication, after several unsuccessful attempts--the last mystery tale I submitted was set in Ancient Egypt. Sure, mystery stories have been set in Ancient Egypt before, but there were none at SDO. So, I took the chance, and submitted my story, "Minkah's First Case," which featured a crime-solving scribe. While setting still isn't my main concern when I begin a short story, I make a conscious effort to try to place the story in a unique setting. Maybe by doing so, the story will head down an unexpected road and end up a better read as a result of the journey.

Twist - Every story doesn't have to end with a twist, but an occasional twist can be fun. I enjoy trying to write some of my own short stories with a twist. You can surprise your readers with an ending they should have seen coming, and maybe even leave your readers guessing about your character's fate after the story has ended. I recently read a short story that offered readers three different endings. It wasn't a twist seen often, so I really enjoyed coming across such a story. It was unpredictable and memorable, as are most successful twists. Have fun trying to create your own tale with a twist.

Denouement - I always try to end my short stories in a sensible, satisfying way. A reader left too far in the dark by the end of the story will be an unhappy reader. As a reader, I don't mind being left to wonder a bit about what else might happen to a character after the story has ended, but not to the point where I'm scratching my head at something that doesn't quite make sense where the story is concerned. As a writer, it's important that I try to write a logical, mostly unpredictable ending that tie up all the major loose ends.

While I'm sure I haven't quite written that short story that sticks in readers' minds, I'll keep trying by continuing to practice these nine points whenever I write a short story. Don't be afraid to tighten your story, begin with a "bang," or let your story have a message, a brief time span, good description, interesting characters, a strange setting, and a twist. Happy writing!

About The Author

C. M. Clifton is a published fiction author as well as an author at http://www.Writing.Com
which is a site for Writers.

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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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FREELANCE SPORTS REPORTERS - Fort Lauderdale, FL

FREELANCE SPORTS REPORTERS FREELANCE SPORTS REPORTERS Forum Publishing Group, publisher of 24 community newspapers in South Florida and a subsidiary of the Chicago Tribune, seeks freelance sports reporters for its weekly tabloid products in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Qualified candidates must have a solid background in news writing and a keen interest in community sports. The successful applicant must be a self-starter, well organized and have the ability to meet deadlines consistently. For immediate consideration,

Please send resumes and clips to: R. Menning Forum Publishing Group 1701 Green Road, Suite B Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 or e-mail to: ******** or fax to (954) 429-1207

To apply view the job in career Builder

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Entertainment journalist (Bang Media International -London )

Top entertainment news agency seeks a vibrant reporter.

Local newspaper or agency experience and a passion for showbiz a must. Limitless opportunities await.

We are a worldwide leader in supplying showbiz news and features around the globe to all media including print, new and broadcast.

This is a wonderful opportunity which can lead to big things. Grab it!

We also now have work experience positions available as well as a vacancy for a dynamic ambitious person to join our media sales team

Apply with CV and examples of work to Rick Sky.

Please quote journalism.co.uk when applying for this position.

Apply to:

Mr Rick Sky

Managing Director

Bang Media International

28 Holmes Road

London

NW5 3AB

Telephone: 020 7485 1005

Email: *********

To apply view the job in Journalism .co .uk

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Copy Editor/Proofreader - The Princeton Review - US

K12 division of educational publishing company is in its busiest season—BACK TO SCHOOL!

Perfect opportunity for any freelancer with the right mix of experience who enjoys producing quality educational books and tests for K12 students.

Copy Editors/Proofreaders needed to copyedit manuscript and proofread pages of K12 books and tests.

Successful candidate must fulfill these requirements:
1) Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel at an intermediate level
2) Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style, and ability to adapt to various styles
3) Extensive knowledge of the printing process, including manuscript, page proofs, and blues, required; knowledge of online production a plus
4) Maintain constant, clear communication between all departments
5) Manage multiple deadlines overseeing books and assessment tests from manuscript to finished product
6) Monitor project status and alert Director of any problems or delays
7) All candidates will be required to take a short copyediting test

We are not looking to hire long-term, but we are looking to build a reliable pool of freelance staff available for on-site work for the next four months and who thereafter can be booked for short-term projects that can be accomplished from home or here in our offices. Both full-time and part-time shifts are available.

Additional criteria required for each position:
• College degree preferred
• Previous copyediting/proofreading experience a must
• Strong knowledge of publishing industry and general business practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player or independently with minimal guidance
• Work well with various internal departments and cross-functions to manage projects
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Adapt quickly to a continuously changing production process and workflow
• Ensure all projects conform to quality standards and deadlines

Candidates should e-mail resume and cover letter with hourly rate to **********

Disclaimer: We regret that we are not able to submit critiques or comments to those who submit our copyediting test. We will keep all submissions and tests on file, but will contact you only if we wish to have you copyedit for one of our print or online products.

To apply view the job in NaSPA

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Freelance Web Content Writer - must live local -(The Creative Group - Whitehouse Station, NJ)
We are seeking a content writer with experience writing for an audience of medical professionals and other interested parties in the pharma market. We are seeking someone with web writing experience for medical products. The requirements include past experience and portfolio of writing samples in the field, web writing samples, as well as a demonstrated ability to write for a on-line audience. Ability to work Part-time and freelance work is preferred.


All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States. All applicants applying for Canadian job openings must be authorized to work in Canada.

Experience:
***Must have a proven track record of writing for the web

***Must have pharmaceutical client experience

***Must live local, be authorized to work within the U.S., and be available immediately

To apply view the job in JadBall

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Freelance Travel Writers Needed

European independent travel magazine is looking for travel writers. In particular we are looking for writers with experience of traveling in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey for our next edition, but we would like to hear from anyone who is well-traveled across Europe and knows how to write about their experiences in an interesting and unique way.
We are a young magazine, and as such do not pay brilliantly...but we do pay! A chance to see your work in print and earn a little bit of cash towards that next trip...our rate is approximately €75 per 1000 words, although this can be discussed.
If you are interested, drop us a line at mailto:editor@packedmagazine.com-

To apply view the job in about freelance writing

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Telecommute - online news editor for amazing national daily news site ( The Daily Source - Online - telecommute, United States )

We are looking for individuals with a nose for news to update our site with compelling content around the clock.

Our mission is to bring high-quality news from hundreds of sources across the Internet to the public in one place. We are an IRS-approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

This job will be between 20-40 hours per week. We will make our decision based on the candidates who apply, and hire the best candidate possible.

For more information about our mission, click here –

http://www.dailysource.org/about/site

We are truly a 21st-century news organization built for the future. We just went live one week ago and have gotten an incredibly positive response. We believe we will become the top news site in the world.

To view the site, click here –

http://www.dailysource.org/

The Internet is fast becoming the leading place for people to get their news. Come be on the cutting edge of it with us.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

* Find and choose articles, columns, editorials, photos, audio and video. We use AP photos as our photos service. * Edit headlines and summaries * Layout the front page using our incredibly easy-to-use software * Help manage, train, motivate and teach volunteer editors how to do the above * Ensure quality of material we link to and presentation of it on our site

REQUIREMENTS:

* Responsible, professional * Diligent, productive and quick * Strong attention to details * Open to learning and improving * Self-motivated * Knowledge of the news, plus a knack for knowing great material when you see it * A strong sense of aesthetics for picking photos and laying out the site * Ability to manage others, teach, coach and motivate * Journalism experience preferred, but not required.

Our software is advanced, powerful and incredibly easy to use. If you know how to use basic computer programs like Word you will be set. You will be amazed by what it can do.

This work is virtual so you can be anywhere in the world as long as you have high- speed Internet and a phone.

We do not have a large budget at the moment.

You will receive excellent journalism experience, get an excellent resume builder, and a portfolio of pages you have helped create. You name will be credited on the front page each day. You will be part of producing a great site and have the satisfaction of making the world a better place.

To apply, send your resume and a cover letter to info@dailysource.org. Please let us know:

* The number of hours you’re interested in working. You can list a range if you like (e.g. 20-30 hours)

* Days you can work

* The date you’re available to start.

* Anything else you think would be useful

Thank you for your interest.

To apply view the job in Journalism jobs

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Freelance writers wanted - ( CommonTies.com - Portland, OR )

Common Ties (www.CommonTies.com) is a blog that collects people's personal stories. Anything goes, so long as the story is personal and true ? and you will even have the choice to be anonymous should the subject matter be so personal you'd rather not give your name.

Writers Guidelines

1. Word length. The site does not accept stories longer than 2,000 words, less than 1,000 is far preferred.


2. Story type. The site is interested in personal stories, whether told in the 1st person about yourself or in the 3rd about people you know. Personal stories can involve breaking news if you were a part of that story ? for instance, Elizabeth reported on 9/11 from Ground Zero, thus her first-person account of the week would be one type of personal story. When writing about others please state explicitly in your submission that you have obtained permission from those in the story to publish.


3. Pay. Our fee guideline is $200 per published story. But it is only a guideline. You can suggest a higher or lower fee depending upon what you think is an acceptable level given the quality of the story and your past publishing experience. Our goal is to make payments within five days of your work being accepted ? which will usually be in advance of publication.


To see the rest of our guidelines and learn how to submit a story please go to: http://commonties.com/blog/submit-a-story/

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Requirements:
Great personal experiences and writing skills.

To apply view the job in AJB

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