Tired of hearing, “not right for me”? If you are brave enough to submit your query letter or first 250 words for all the world to see, you can finally get some feedback! Here are the best websites, if you dare:
 
1. http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/
 
“Authoress” hosts Secret Agent contests where real-live agents read and comment on first pages. [...]

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Routines For Writers is pleased to have Kimberly Napoli back for another guest blog. Welcome, Kimberly!
Who Are Your ‘Go-To’ People?
by Kimberly Napoli
Hi all,
          I have the pleasure of filling in for Kitty today while she works on her move to Australia. I have guest blogged a few [...]

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          Last week I posted an update of my 9 x 99 in 2009 project. I’m behind, but I’m getting things done. Kitty made a comment about not realizing how much time each task would take. Her point is valid and I’ve been musing over it for the past week. I [...]

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I’m about to head to the library to return 28 books. I thought it would be interesting to write down the first lines from all these books. Well, from 26 of them since we can’t seem to find 2. See if any of these first lines flame up your imagination.
 
The following were my picks:
 
In [...]

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I have to say, if anything during my travel time has put pressure on me and my lack of writing, it’s this web site! I know that everyone knows I’m about to move to Australia (less than two weeks!! Woo-hooo!!), but I still feel weird that I’m not coming up with amazing ideas to share [...]

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        A little over a month ago I began an experiment. Could I accomplish 9 tasks 99 days? For months, I’d been fighting ever decreasing motivation and energy and creativity. I’d hoped this would re-energize me, that by narrowing my focus, I would increase both my creativity and [...]

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I joined Twitter a few weeks ago to see what all the hullabaloo was about. At first, I didn’t get it (but I did get a bunch of unsolicited followers that I, ahem, immediately deleted. Warning: I was sent an “uncensored” picture. First time I’ve ever had that happen online.)
 
But, when I found a [...]

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This morning John and I were talking to the lady putting out breakfast at the Charlevoix Inn. People around here have been enjoying our story of “local boy makes good.” Our rental car has Illinois plates, which says “Chicago tourist” around here, and our billing address says Los Angeles. I’ve caught a few raised eyebrows [...]

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          Not long ago I read “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharpe. The very first chapter is about establishing a ritual that ensures you force yourself to be creative. (What a great subject. Someone should blog about that concept. )
          [...]

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There is a song playing on the radio that gets me focused to push harder in my writing. Now, I don’t want to hijack the lyrics, because they mean more than just giving my all to becoming a better writer. But I do think about writing whenever I hear it.
 
The song is called The Motions [...]

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