STARTING OFF . . . AS A FICTION WRITER

STARTING OFF . . . AS A FICTION WRITER After last weeks editorial about becoming known as a writer first Interesting article, but with so few magazines publishing fiction, what are we to do, write for the â€Å"little magazines† for no pay? My bad. I was not clear. What I meant to say is that you need to become known as a writer first . . . in any way possible. . . even in magazines. Even if you write fiction, you can write nonfiction for magazines, which gets you used to deadlines, writing tight, and adhering to editorial guidelines. Once people realize you write, they follow you to your fiction. The average person doesnt recognize that you are a fiction writer or nonfiction writer. They just know you write. Call me a blasphemer for making you write outside your genre. Im being practical, pragmatic, and common sensical. Im a left brain person. Nonfiction pays. Fiction doesnt until you bust all the odds over a long period of time. So . . . if you want to write FOR A LIVING . . . you write nonfiction for a while to become established. Also, fiction has an advantage that nonfiction doesnt have. Contests. There are ten or twenty times the number of contests for fiction than nonfiction. Especially if you write short stories, from flash to 15,000 words. So, while youre writing all that nonfiction that might go against the grain, you can keep preening and honing your fiction for contests. Win one or two contests, and opportunities open up more. What other options do you have as a fiction writer? Write for literary magazines, for little to nothing. Write for genre magazines, for little to nothing. Yes, the clips count. Yes, agents and publishers will admire you for getting published. Just be realistic and accept the fact it is hard to earn a living writing short fiction for magazines and lit journals. But seriously, what nonfiction can you write about as a fiction author? Ideas you can use -how to write or be a writer pieces (The Writer, Writers Digest) -become a specialist about your genre (Amanda Hocking blogged about fantasy) -become a specialist about your setting (rural, inner city, beach, government, a state, a country) -become a specialist about your time period -write for trades in your profession represented in your stories(cake decorator, doctor, police, computer techie, dog trainer) -write for mags that use your voice(humor, noir, cozy, sexy) -beliefs or causes (Mary Alice Monroe and environmental conservation) -subject matter research or methods(PI Magazine on forensics or police procedure if youre a mystery author) -geography(Pat Conroy and Dorothea Benton Frank on South Carolina) Hopefully your mind is spinning with ideas now!

Testimony vs. Testimonial

Testimony vs. Testimonial Testimony vs. Testimonial Testimony vs. Testimonial By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between testimony and testimonial? The former word refers to formal presentation of facts, while the latter, while denoting the same meaning, has a more qualitative connotation in which opinion (and perhaps deception) is expressed as well. Testimony means â€Å"the statement of a witness† and is used generally used only in a legal sense; originally, it also referred to evidence, but that sense is obsolete. Testimonial, as an adjective, means â€Å"of or pertaining to testimony,† but as a noun it means â€Å"a statement of one’s character or qualifications.† This sense has been extended to refer to a common type of advertising in which a person testifies to the efficacy or quality of a product, as well as to a gift symbolizing appreciation. And just as testimony may be faulty or may involve perjury, testimonials are not necessarily reliable or deserved. Testify, meanwhile, is a verb meaning â€Å"to bear witness.† A related word is testament, from the Latin word testamentum, meaning â€Å"a will† or â€Å"publication of a will†; it derives ultimately from testis, meaning â€Å"witness.† Other words with the syllable -test include the verbs attest (â€Å"affirm† or â€Å"prove†), contest (â€Å"dispute† or â€Å"oppose,† originally in the sense of witnessing against someone, but now also meaning â€Å"compete†), detest (with the original sense of â€Å"denounce† but now generally meaning â€Å"abhor, dislike intensely†), and protest (originally, â€Å"declare or state formally or solemnly† but now meaning â€Å"complain† or â€Å"speak out against†); noun forms of contest and protest and nouns extending from attest and detest (attestation and detestation); and adjectival forms such as detestable. The syllable -test in these words is related to Indo-European root word for â€Å"three†; the connection is that a third person, ostensibly neutral, is the ideal witness for providing testimony. Also, curiously enough, the word test, as a synonym for exam or trial, probably has no connection to the Latin syllable; it comes from the unrelated Latin word testum, meaning â€Å"earthen pot,† the earliest type of vessel used for assaying precious minerals. (This term is related to texere, meaning â€Å"to weave,† from which we get the word textile.) Testicle (plural testicles, medical terms testis and testes), meanwhile, is associated with the sense of witnessing, perhaps in that the male reproductive organ bears witness to virility; one scholar, however, does make a connection between testis, the Latin origin of testicle, and testum, the Latin word for a pot. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Addressing A Letter to Two PeopleThe Difference Between "will" and "shall"10 Writing Exercises to Tighten Your Writing

Outline week 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outline week 4 - Assignment Example Such incidences may include screening for malarial parasites in our blood. Tertiary interventions are procedures taken to reduce the impact caused by the disease after infection and hence reduce its lifespan or longevity. Such interventions may include using proper dosage for treatment of malaria and also using drugs in which malaria will not easily develop resistance against. B. Use of treated mosquito nets and vector control strategies targeted at the environment and indoor residual spraying with DDT have proved very successful in preventing mosquito bites. Use of protective clothing and larval control are very effective. Use of prophylaxis such as quinine, doxycline, mefloquine, and atovaquone has proved positive as secondary intervention measures (Bartoloni A, 2012). In terms of tertiary prevention, patients who treat the disease early prompt diagnosis and reduced complications have shown over 90% full recovery. C. There are opportunities to change the prevalence of malaria. There is need to continuously alter the use of chemoprophylaxis due to the ability of mosquitoes to develop genes which are resistant to drugs if given for a long time. Moreover, there is need to improve screening services as an intervention measure. Provision of knowledge and education to communities most affected is necessary as a way of fighting

Macro & Micro Economics Of PRC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Macro & Micro Economics Of PRC - Essay Example PRC is consciously making effort to lower its inflation rate and/or manage inflation expectations by raising bank reserve ratio of deposits through a directive from PRC’s Central Bank. This brings as to the first question as to how will this affect the balance sheets of both the banks and the PRC’s Central Bank. As regard to the banks, their assets, particular deposits will decrease and the same amount will increase the reserve in the "Liabilities" portion in their Balance Sheet.   Expectedly, the assets of the Central Bank either in receivables or deposits will increase as well as their reserves. Normally, banks hold two bank reserves, one is used for cashing checks or satisfying client's withdrawals while the other is called "legal reserves" or sometimes called â€Å"federal reserves† or central bank reserves. This is the specific reserves that the PRC’s Central Bank wanted to be raised by the banks, and for this year alone, the reserve requirement rat io (RRR) has been raised for the 5th time to a record high of 21 percent according to Xinhua.  Ã‚   PRC’s Central Bank recent move which is a â€Å"contractionary monetary policy† according to Li-Gang Liu, could help manage excessive liquidity in the market but the economic growth of PRC will slow down, however steady during the next two years. Asian Development Bank said in its 2011 Asian Development Outlook that â€Å"there is very little risk of hard landing because growth momentum remains robust for the medium term†.†. As compared to last year the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will slow to 9.3% in 2011, a dip from 10.3% annual growth in 2010 (Global Times), mainly due to stubborn inflation this year. One determinant factor of inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as the CPI rise so is the inflation. Consumer consumption is one of the major components in arriving at the total GDP, the others are government expenditures, gross investment a nd the net of exports versus imports. Consumer consumption may not be a factor at this time because wages will not outpace production. Government expenditures were already programmed to pay maturing foreign loans, hence will be constant, while investment will decrease minimally due to the expected increase in interest rates. The one that will affect most in computing the GDP is the net difference between exports and imports. As I analyze it, imports will continue to outpace exports due primarily to higher demands for fuel consumption, which are outsourced externally. The World Bank said "strong domestic demand and relative price changes have reduced the importance of external trade for China" (Reuters.com) There might be an oversupply of products which will considerably affect prices and therefore have an effect on equilibrium. As regards the aggregate expenses, again this will tend to below as the net effect of imports versus exports is high. PRC’s Central Bank raising of RRR will certainly have an effect on the money multiplier since it will

Bollywood Film Essay Example for Free

Bollywood Film Essay The development of technology has caused various changes in the different aspects of the society. One of the most observable modifications is in terms of the source of entertainment for most people. Nowadays, majority of the people are interested in watching movies. They tend to get the satisfaction out of looking at actors and actresses play various roles. Motion pictures also portray different themes that could be focused on romance, actions, horror, science fiction, and others. The clamor for movies also paved the way for the success and popularity of numerous thespians such as those in Bollywood. Bollywood usually make movies that feature the concept of Scopophilia, which literally means the â€Å"love of watching. † This term is also synonymous with voyeurism that pertains to the experience of sexual gratification by means of observing other people in secret. Most of the time, the object of such kind of desire is someone who is undressed or engaged in a sexual activity. The main idea in the concept of scopophilia is that the one who is looking or peeping does not interact with the person being observed. In the same manner that movie-viewing also adheres to such practice because the audience watches the activities of the people on the screen, who are unaware that they are being observed. Most of the time, filmmakers would use erotic scenes in order to satisfy the sense of scopophilia within a person. However, they could get around it by featuring a chaste woman in the plot of the story. In this sense, the filmmakers are actually creating a balance between a woman who easily engages in sexual activity and another female who represents the conservative value of being chaste. This is greatly observable in Shri 420, wherein it shows two women that were linked with the main character Raj, Vidya the virtuous woman and Maya the sultry temptress. The film shows erotic scenes especially those involving Maya. Nevertheless, they were able to get away with it because of the argument that these scenes are important in order to show the difference of Maya from Vidya. As such, erotic scenes were perceived to have an important purpose in the plot of the story to be able to distinguish the kinds of women that exist. This also symbolizes the difference of the good and the bad that is shown in the movie, wherein Raj was with Vidya when he was still living a morally upright life but later on tempted by Maya when he was already engaged in illegal activities. The discussions above show that scopophilia is actually the main idea behind the very nature of movie-watching. Filmmakers usually use erotic scenes in order to satisfy this kind of desire within a person. Nevertheless, erotic scenes also have an important part in the movie as it tends to distinguish the upright life from the unethical one by using women as examples.

Analysis of Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeares Romeo and Jul

Analysis of Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is a dramatic tragedy, and was first performed in 1595. The novel is about two young lovers, Romeo & Juliet and the struggle with their relationship. Romeo and Juliet are from opposing families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The conflict between their two families causes problems for their love of one another. Shakespeare's main themes throughout the play are of love, conflict and of youth versus age. The scene that we are analysing, Act 3 Scene 5 is one of the most important scenes in the novel. This is mainly because; the character of Juliet is developed tremendously. Juliet's feelings and thoughts are shown more in this scene than in any other. Other reasons why the scene is important are that we get to the see the huge gap in the relationship of Juliet and her mother, and also we get to see other sides of the characters. One other way of getting across Romeo and Juliet's struggle is the way Shakespeare uses fate. Everything seems to happen to them because of something they did earlier. For example, because Romeo killed Tybalt, Juliet's parents want her to marry Paris. The audience feels more sorrow for the young couple because everything seems to be happening to them, although all they want is top be in love. Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony is very prominent in Act 3 Scene 5, and also throughout the play. When Lady Capulet tells her daughter Juliet "Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride," she is telling her that she is going to marry Paris. The dramatic irony in this is that the audience knows that she cannot marry Paris because she is already married to Romeo. This ... ...es of the play because Shakespeare uses contrast a lot to keep the audience interested. Another way in which Shakespeare uses contrast is with the character of the nurse. She shifts her opinion on Romeo very quickly. Here she is talking about Paris "A lovely gentleman." She also says that Romeo could never compare to him. Like Lord Capulet her mood changes very quickly. In Act 2 Scene 5, it was the nurse who organised Juliet's marriage and honeymoon. Then now she decides she does not like Romeo. This shows how the nurse's mood changes very quickly. She does not seem to understand Juliet's love for Romeo. This makes the audience feel bad for Juliet; it makes them more involved in the atmosphere of the scene. The strongest contrast in this scene is between the idyllic and loveliness of Romeo and Juliet's world and the angry world of her parents. Analysis of Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Jul Analysis of Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is a dramatic tragedy, and was first performed in 1595. The novel is about two young lovers, Romeo & Juliet and the struggle with their relationship. Romeo and Juliet are from opposing families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The conflict between their two families causes problems for their love of one another. Shakespeare's main themes throughout the play are of love, conflict and of youth versus age. The scene that we are analysing, Act 3 Scene 5 is one of the most important scenes in the novel. This is mainly because; the character of Juliet is developed tremendously. Juliet's feelings and thoughts are shown more in this scene than in any other. Other reasons why the scene is important are that we get to the see the huge gap in the relationship of Juliet and her mother, and also we get to see other sides of the characters. One other way of getting across Romeo and Juliet's struggle is the way Shakespeare uses fate. Everything seems to happen to them because of something they did earlier. For example, because Romeo killed Tybalt, Juliet's parents want her to marry Paris. The audience feels more sorrow for the young couple because everything seems to be happening to them, although all they want is top be in love. Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony is very prominent in Act 3 Scene 5, and also throughout the play. When Lady Capulet tells her daughter Juliet "Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride," she is telling her that she is going to marry Paris. The dramatic irony in this is that the audience knows that she cannot marry Paris because she is already married to Romeo. This ... ...es of the play because Shakespeare uses contrast a lot to keep the audience interested. Another way in which Shakespeare uses contrast is with the character of the nurse. She shifts her opinion on Romeo very quickly. Here she is talking about Paris "A lovely gentleman." She also says that Romeo could never compare to him. Like Lord Capulet her mood changes very quickly. In Act 2 Scene 5, it was the nurse who organised Juliet's marriage and honeymoon. Then now she decides she does not like Romeo. This shows how the nurse's mood changes very quickly. She does not seem to understand Juliet's love for Romeo. This makes the audience feel bad for Juliet; it makes them more involved in the atmosphere of the scene. The strongest contrast in this scene is between the idyllic and loveliness of Romeo and Juliet's world and the angry world of her parents.

The Epic of Beowulf: Order Overpowers Chaos

In the epic poem Beowulf, the warrior hero Beowulf chooses to confront the tyrannical monster Grendel in his own domain, the hijacked mead hall of Heorot. A battle of brute strength ensues, in which Grendel, unable to escape his opponent's awesome armgrip, rips away from his own arm and flees, dying soon after from bloodloss. Beowulf's victory, though relatively early in the story, is a pivotal moment that signifies the defeat of discord and the return of civilization.Due to the stark ifferences in their appearances, lineages, and tactics of warfare, Grendel and Beowulf in battle symbolize the recurring conflict between chaos and order. When it comes to physical form, Grendel's wild nature is demonstrated by his scaly, barbed, hulking fgure and his razor-sharp talons, while Beowulf's powerful human form and clothing present him as much more civil. As the Danish soldiers marvel at the monster's severed arm, they notice that â€Å"Every nail, claw-scale and spur, every spike and welt on the hand of that heathen brute was like barbed steel.Everybody said here was no honed iron hard enough to pierce him through, no time-proofed blade that could cut his brutal blood-caked claw' (983-989). Their description not only refers to their unsuccessful attempts to penetrate Grendel's flesh by blade, but it illustrates a conception of his features as a whole. The creature's size and bodily protrusions characterize the hostile nature of Grendel, making him uncivilized to the point of being inhuman. Beowulfs features, however, have the opposite effect.Speaking of the hero, the Danish coast guard exclaims, â€Å"Nor have I seen a mightier an-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in hero's armor† (247-251). Beowulfs appearance and frame, although imposing, do not spark fear such as that of Grendel, but rather awe and respect. Likewise, his characteristics portray him as honorable, including his sleeping garments when he decides to face Grendel unaided by sword or breastmail (669-673); both his clothing and appearance of chivalry depict him as a fair and ethical fghter.Therefore, while Grendel's monstrous image paints him as a arbinger of anarchy, Beowulf's regal aspect and normal human look illustrate his role as civilization. In the case of their family backgrounds, Beowulf is a prince descended from many honourable and noble kings who served their people, and is therefore orderly; Grendel, in contrast, is the offspring of generations' worth of violent sinners, mainly the biblical Cain, and is feral by default. When asked of his origins, â€Å"The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat leader, resolute in his helmet, answered in return: We are retainers from Hygelac's band.Beowulf is my name† (340-343). The Geat warrior inherits a lineage that manifests itself in his name and reputation. Essentially, Beowulf and his ancestors are known for being valiant an d honorable, which are reflected in his actions, such as his offer to face Grendel. In contrast to the poem's protagonist, Grendel is a member of â€Å"Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts†¦. and out of the curse of his exile there sprang ogres and elves and evil phantoms and the giants brother, is infamous for being violent and vengeful; such traits are conferred to Grendel.Like his ancestor, Grendel ambushes his enemies without warning while gnoring moral conduct, effectively depicting his wild disposition. In essence, Grendel's heritage embodies his part in the conflict as barbarism, whereas that of Beowulf paints him as civil society. Lastly, what ultimately determines the two characters' natures is their fighting strategies: Grendel lashes out and demolishes his enemies in the middle of the night, but Beowulf chooses to fght without weapons to ensure a fair battle.The monster's unjust battle tactics are outlined in â€Å"the vicious raids and ravages of Grendel, his long and unrelenting feud, nothing but war; how he ould never parley or make peace with any Dane nor stop his death-dealing nor pay the death-price† (152-156). By choosing to ambush his enemies in their moments of vulnerability, Grendel highlights his own lack of ethical standards, as well as his inner cowardice, both shameful traits for a warrior to possess.His tactics of constant war and ignorance with respect to war atonement also feature his savage essence, making him the embodiment of lawlessness. In reference to his opponent, Beowulf states that â€Å"He has no idea of the arts of war, of shield or sword-play, although he does possess a wild strength. No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares. And may the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side He sees fit† (681-687).His decision to battle Grendel without arms exemplifies both his sense of honor in warfare a s well as his courage; on a different note, it is also indicative of his intelligence, as none of the other warriors were aware that Grendel's hide was impervious to weapons. Additionally, Beowulf accepts that the fate of the brawl will ultimately be chosen by God, demonstrating his moral values. As a result, Grendel represents disorder hrough his cowardly war strategies and his unethical values; Beowulf, on the other hand, symbolizes organized society due to his courtesy in war as well as his valor.By virtue of their symbolic roles as order and chaos, Beowulf and Grendel oppose each other Just as they did in the mead hall. The very existence of both fgures was inherently contradictory, illuminated by the fact that â€Å"As long as either lived, he was hateful to the other† (814-815). Lawfulness cannot be present while anarchy and tumult remain. Therefore, Beowulf's overthrow of Grendel personifies the transition from discord and turmoil to order and civilization.