Writing for free, learning how to find legitimate contests

It's been a while since the last post. I don't expect to keep this page updated every week or often as I like. It's good just to make it to the weekend without anything too dramatic occurring. As writers we all have to learn from mistakes, avoiding pitfalls other writers fall into here and then. One way to do this is by knowing when to write for free and when not to because scammers and thieves within publishing jump at the chance to take advantage of writers.

There are so many schemes where unknown publishers invite new writers to submit literary material to them to be published as anthology or compilation of articles in exchange for cash. Usually writers never hear back from people about receiving payment for their work. It's sometimes stolen and later profited after being sold elsewhere on the market. Avoiding such a cheap ploy can be done by checking a publisher or individual's background, scanning for contact information while in the process of searching former client's feedback or records of business. If no exists this means they're new and probably aren't legit.

It used to seem safe to just enter any writing contests because of the fame and prestige you'd receive if deemed a top winner. Now you can't count on contests to be ran clean. Scam artists realize how eager young, new and inexperienced writers are to publish their first story, building credits and gaining acclaim for their work. That's why they entice people to enter these random contests no one has heard of before, sometimes using fake sponsors to draw more attention or interest. Those tactics you really have to watch out for, otherwise you fall victim to literary corruption and waste a lot of your time.

Finding out the pertinent information such as name of publisher, years in business, past relationships with clients, if they have any partner companies, and if they've been reported to BBB. Setting yourself up for disaster can happen if you don't know what you're doing. It's always good too to ask other reputable publishers or accredited writers if they've heard of these new literary groups.

There are several contests open for the summer and early fall. If interested be sure to check out the following site: www.fictionfanatic.com

Film Review: Firewall

Catching blockbuster hits in the summer can be sporadic. Most are built up way too much and given so much promotion that they truly disappoint an audience when the movie is finally released. A few weeks back I got to watch a film I knew was going to entertaining with a twist of suspense. Firewall starring Harrison Ford is an action thriller that keeps an audience guessing, what will the main character do next and how will he get out this life-threatening predicament?

The film is about a bank security specialist who's family gets kidnapped by a group of bank robbers. They're actually held hostage in their home, with no contact from friends, neighbors, or relatives. The head robber, Bill Cox (Paul Bettany), a violent mysterious man forces Ford's character to break into rich clients' bank accounts through a security code while connected to a bank terminal and deposit money into his off shore accounts. Ford is hooked up to small microphone and video feeds on the outside on his sports jacket as he enters the bank the next day for work.

Bill Cox later enters the bank as a fake acquaintance of Jack (Ford's character) after finding out further information about access to money from other accounts. When Jack refuses to cooperate the bank robbers threaten to kill his family. They kidnap his family and hold them hostage at a disclosed location. Jack finally retaliates, attacking one of the robbers in his home with a coffee pot until he's unconscious and dead. From there he must track down his family to save them with the help of his secretary. It's filled with suspense, leaving an audience on the edge of their seats.

I enjoyed this movie because it was depicted from modern times. You got the idea of what goes through today's mastermind thieves who try calculated schemes to steal money. Harrison Ford again delivered in the leading role. Despite his age he still makes action scenes work and seem realistic, though doesn't perform all of his own stunts. I recommend this film to action/thriller/drama seekers. Out of 10 I give this film a 8 rating. Yeah, it was that good.

Hello and welcome!

This week has flew by without much time to do or think about anything but work. I'm glad to make it to the weekend. Thank God next Tuesday is the 4th and I a day off work. My writing time is hampered during the week to the point where if I don't get up early in the morning and ulitize that time I don't get much if any writing done. As far as ideas, I've comtemplated a few possibilities for TV shows and screenplays. There is only one which I've written a short rough draft, fleshing out the most out of the main characters as I can create.

I've put trying to find a publisher for my short stories on hold. I'd like to go ahead and have them published, but it's just too time consuming for me right now. Being busy isn't always good. You miss out on other activities and projects that can be fulfilling. Searching for work as a writer is pretty much a full-time job. Even if you like to do it as a part-time gig or hobby it's a big committment.

You can check out market lists on writers sites, viewing what publishers are looking for fiction (humor, sci-fi, general, suspense, mystery, etc.) and non-fiction works. Finding the right market takes research and time. Writers have their work cut out for them.

The following are links to writers' market lists:

www.writerswrite.com

www.fictionfactor.com

Enjoy and have a good weekend!