Introductory Comments
Last two issues

Well, dear readers, that time has come. At the moment, until further notice, the Newsletter will stop publishing as of the October, 2007, issue. I hope to start up again in the near future. But right now I want to channel my energies into promoting my books and screenplays. Well, can you blame me after all – these ‘children’ need homes!

But truly, I’m so touched at how you’ve all stuck with me all these months, and if there’s anything you need to know, please feel free to drop me a line and ask away – or just to say hello every now and then. Thank you! .

Media Update
Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s latest media news

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT:
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com
Phone: 818-790-0502

For Immediate Release

HowToDoItFrugally Author Helps Writers Extend Life of Great Book Reviews

Sometimes a review so good comes along that authors are loathe to let it die. They might include it in their media kit or add it to their websites. Now its life can be extended even further with Carolyn Howard-Johnson's blog, The New Book Review. Here is a review blog that doesn't judge a book by its cover or by the press used to print it. If one reviewer loved a book, that qualifies it for more coverage. Authors are asked to follow the guidelines given in the left column of the blog and, in return, are asked only to let their fans and the media know it is there. That helps expose every review on the blog (a cross-promotion of sorts) and gives authors an opportunity to reach out to the public. Howard-Johnson is the founder of Authors' Coalition, and this blog is an extension of how this group reaches out to help authors including a free e-book section on the site and more. Directors are Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner (www.redenginepress.com)

And… a ‘Thank-you’ from Carolyn for me

My gratitude goes to Carolyn for publishing the following in her newsletter on 7/15/07:

‘You never know when you'll find a name or a site that will help you network or write better!

‘To Erica Miner, author of the Travels with my Lovers (hot, huh?), for taking such good care of her subscribers, including me. Find her newsletter here .

‘Also note how she utilizes media releases for content. I'm often surprised at how many editors of blogs and newsletters think of a release as
1. Something they have to print complete, as its sent to them, or
2. Don't consider them as food for whatever they're doing but rather as merely friendly communication (which they are but they should be far more useful than that!)

‘So, thank you Erica. And those who want to subscribe to a fine resource go to www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.’

For And About Writers
Another pitch for the Muse Online Conference!

This year the fantastically successful Muse Online Conference will have an encore performance. Lea Schizas, writer and editor extraordinaire, worked tirelessly to make last year’s Conference a force to reckon with, and this year’s promises to be even better. I enjoyed my presentation so much that I couldn’t say no to doing it again this year. (You can find a sample of my topics here.

The presenters are listed alphabetically, so scroll down about halfway to find me.) I wanted you all to know about it. It’s geared towards authors, but truly there’s something for everyone, writer and non-writer alike, in the dazzling menu of tempting subjects. And the format is varied and totally cool. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! So read on and check out the site. I have used Carolyn’s Media Release to provide details, plus I’ve included her comment below. You’ll find details on my presentation below the Media Release. And as always, do send me your comments.

Dear Erica: I hope your journalers find they can benefit from some of the presentations. Bet they could! Lea and I want to help as many authors as we can!

M E D I A R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release
Contact: Lea Schizas
E-Mail: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca
Or Publicist Carolyn Howard-Johnson
E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com

Free Muse Online Writers Conference Becomes 1,000-Strong Force for Authors

The Muse Online Writers Conference served more than 1,000 authors in its inaugural year and registrations are running double that in this, its second year.

Scheduled for the week of October 8-14, the conference is sponsored by Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson. It was conceived to serve authors who otherwise may not be able attend onsite writers' conferences. All workshops and presentations are free of charge for attendees, certainly appealing to emerging and starving authors and those homebound.

Learn more here.
Those interested in attending or presenting should email Lea Schizas

'From My Readers' / Closing thought(s)
Gratifying Feedback

This month and last, I’ve been so gratified at all the feedback from you guys. Thank you!

From Lea Schizas, Founder, the Museonline Writers Conference:
‘Erica, we'd like to thank you for placing such a wonderful and big write up in your July issue. I've placed a thank you note on the conference homepage along with a link to your newsletter. It's on the main conference homepage:

From Georgia Richardson, comic genius and comedy author extraordinaire: ‘I love this (quote) ... this is me all over the place. Loved your newsletter babe.... as usual!’
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott

From Ellen Shaw Tufts, San Diego Writers and Editors Guild Board Member at Large: Hi, Erica---Always happy to read your newsletter.’ >>

From ‘Spirited Woman’ Nancy Mills (http://www.thespiritedwoman.com): ‘Excellent newsletter Erica.’

Closing Thought(s)
More quotes… than usual

WOMEN:
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman with passing years--only grows!"
- Audrey Hepburn

WRITERS/WRITING:

"The wastebasket is a writer's best friend."
- Isaac Bashevis Singer

"Writing is turning one's worst moments into money."
- J. P. Donleavy

"Writers are the moral purifiers of the culture. We may not be pure ourselves but we must tell the truth, which is a purifying act."
- Rita Mae Brown

"Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier."
- Kathleen Norris

WORDS:

‘Words are... The most powerful drug used by mankind.’
- Rudyard Kipling

‘Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.’
- Adlai Stevenson

‘All I want is a warm bed and a kind word and unlimited power.’
- Ashleigh Brilliant

‘It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.’
- Gandhi

‘A word is dead when it is said, some say, I say it just begins to live that day.’
- Emily Dickinson

‘Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.’
- Pythagoras

ET ALIA:

"Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life."
- Kobi Yamada

"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch."
- Gilda Radner

"Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door."
- Emily Dickinson

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
- Dolly Parton

"There is always a lot to be thankful for if you take the time to look for it. Right now, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt."
- Barbara Johnson

And, last but not… the quotes of the (past) century:

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."
- Mark Twain

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
- Anne Frank

Until next time.