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Posted by on Jun. 8, 2012 at 10:05 AM
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Congratulations to our winners: survivorinohio and AKDmom!

Are you a writer? Do you dream of becoming one? Whether you're already working on the next great American novel, you've got a blog, or you just like to jot down ideas in a journal, our expert is here to help you hone your skills!

Kate Hopper, award-winning teacher and author of Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers, will be here all week to share her experience as a mom and writer, offer her expert advice, and answer YOUR questions! Plus, you could win a copy of Kate's book!


Please ask your questions for Kate in the replies below. Kate will post her answers here as well.

Welcome, Kate, and thanks for joining us!

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Giveaway rules:

  • The Kate Hopper giveaway starts 6/08/12 at 10:05am (ET) and ends 6/17//2012 at 11pm (ET) (the "Giveaway Period").
  • Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment during the Giveaway Period.
  • Multiple entries are permitted and encouraged, as it increases your chances of winning.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries to receive a copy of Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers.
  • The random drawing shall occur on or about 6/27/12.
  • No Purchase Necessary.
  • Open to US residents 16 years and older.
  • Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.
Posted by on Jun. 8, 2012 at 10:05 AM
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Replies:
QpidRox
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:24 AM

I would like to enter to win your book!  Also, where do you find the time to write as a single mom with 3 kids?  I am currently working on my book and haven't been able to get past the first chapter because i'm so busy.  

slou1024
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:24 AM

Hi. Thanks for your advice in advance :). My question is more for my kids than for me. My son is 13 and he likes to write short stories. Could you please offer some advice on how he should get started (publishing, editing, focusing. etc.)?  Thanks again.

Nikkijr
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Hello and welcome to cafemom! Have you heard of Millcitypress? I want to go through them. What are your suggestions?
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acrogodess
by Member on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:33 AM
How much does it cost to get your work copyrighted?
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acrogodess
by Member on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:33 AM
what publishers really take a chance on unpublished authors?
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acrogodess
by Member on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:34 AM
what are the chances of your work being stolen and pass off as someone else's work?
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Kate_Hopper
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:34 AM


Quoting othermom:

Where would be the best place to try to publish poetry


Hi othermom,

There are a ton of literary journals (both online and print) that publish poetry. Many of many students have had luck at Vox Poetica (http://voxpoetica.com/). But also check out Poets & Writers. They have a database that you can search by genre. (http://www.pw.org/literary_magazines?&perpage=*) Make sure you read the journalsto see whether they are a fit for your work before submitting. That saves time in the long run. Best of luck!!

acrogodess
by Member on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:34 AM
how long were you writing before being published?
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SusanArlene
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:51 AM


Quoting 1_hawt_mami:

In what order do you go in when writing a book? Do you write whatever then piece it together later?

My brain is always all over the place.:)

Same here. I am writing a memoir, and I don't even know where to begin!

SusanArlene
by on Jun. 11, 2012 at 11:57 AM


Quoting survivorinohio:

Hi Kate, thank you for giving us this opportunity to pick your brain:)  I think there are a lot of ladies here who have an interest in writing and can benefit from your advice.

I have been told I should write about my life by a  lot of people, my life is a bit off the norm lol.  I have often wondered how I would begin such a story.  What do you think is the best way to start a book? 

I have thought about setting a scene with the opening, do you think thats the best way to introduce characters? 

Also I wonder about fictionalizing rather than just telling the story in hopes of protecting the guilty lol and the innocent as well.  The problem I think of is that much of the story I have to tell is pretty unusual and I dont want it to be taken less seriously.  So do you think fictionalizing true stories is a good idea or would a pseudonym be a better strategy?

I am struggling with the same thing. I do not want to "fictionalize" my life, though; however, I do plan to change people's names and locations to protect myself. I also have an unusual story to tell, but I've also had people tell me they don't think it is that unusual.  So I need to really make it good so people will read it.  I am writing it as a creative nonfiction piece, so I do have some leeway. Even so, I realize I do need to be careful about how I deal with the guilty. Any advice in that area?  Thank you.

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