Volume 1 ~ Issue 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2008

Published by TopNotch Communications Group, LLC
MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D., CLC, Principal
Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.

From the Editor's Desk . . .

Writers in the Kingdom of God have always been prime targets of the enemy. But lately, it seems as though God's writers are being assaulted like never before. If you find yourself in the midst of a severe trial, take heart. You must be doing something right or the enemy wouldn't bother with you.

The key to overcoming any trial is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Our God is bigger than any problem. He will see us through because He has promised that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Do you really believe that? If you do, you have nothing to fear. If you don't, you may wish to stir up your faith (2 Timothy 1:6).

Blessings,

Dr. MaryAnn

In this issue . . .

• Lack of focus may be at the core of your writing challenges. Read this article to find out.
  
• Are you being buried under a mountain of paper? If so, here's a way to dig yourself out.
  
• Has the blogging bug bitten you? Learn what to do next.
  
• Wisdom from a writing mother of twelve. Meet the fantastic and faith-filled Phyllis Giglio.
  
• NEW RELEASE: Magnolia Memories, a heartwarming short story by MaryAnn Diorio
.

• Don't forget to order your copy of The ABCs of TopNotch
  Writing.

ATTITUDE

Where Is Your Focus?
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D.

It is a psychological and spiritual principle that what we focus on will grow. What are you focusing on in your writing career? Is it that latest rejection that marked the tenth in a row? Is it that agent who turned you down? Is it that critique group member who tore your manuscript apart and shattered your last shred of self-esteem?

Whatever the case, if you keep focusing on the negative, you will get only more of the same. But the good news is that the same principle of focus will work just as easily in the positive. If you start focusing on the positive, the positive in your writing will begin to grow.

So get your eyes off the failure and look ahead. God made you a very special promise when He said that His plans for you are for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). And that future includes success in your writing career.

BUSINESS

Conquering the Paper Monster
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D.

Having grown up on paper files and paper piles, I was recently challenged by my daughter in a positive way when she said, "Mom, why are you still printing things out? Why not just store everything on your computer and save both paper and storage space?"

My daughter's suggestion got me thinking. Why, indeed, was I still printing out copies of documents and stuffing them in files that were getting fatter and fatter and taking up more and more space in my office? What I discovered showed me that I needed some updating in my thinking.

When I got brutally honest with myself, I had to admit that printing out copies stemmed from an innate lack of trust in technology. Plain and simple, I was afraid of losing important material to the jaws of a machine.

At the same time, my ever burgeoning office was only increasing my stress level. I was simply running out of space and had to do something fast. Even cleaning out outdated files made little dent in the problem.

My solution came in the form of an online backup service called Carbonite.com. Up to that point, I had been backing up on an external hard drive, a flash drive, and, at times, a CD. But I'd often forget to backup, and one of my flash drives became corrupted and inaccessible.

So when I heard Rush Limbaugh advertise Carbonite.com, my ears perked up. First of all, if Rush Limbaugh advertises a product, I can trust that it is a good product. Second, Rush's commercial inspired me to research other online backup services for price comparisons. After completing my research, I settled for Carbonite.com at only $49 per year compared to other backup services that cost about the same amount per month.

Let me assure you that I am not getting a kickback on Carbonite.com. But I can tell you that it has helped me significantly reduce the amount of paper in my office and the amount of stress in my life. With Carbonite.com, my files are backed up every day without fail. I don't even have to think about it since the backup is automatically done for me at the time I've scheduled.

If you'd like to eliminate paper piles and save money on paper and printer cartridges, check out Carbonite.com.

CRAFT

The Blogging Phenomenon
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D

Blogging has grown into a cultural phenomenon of major proportions. There is a blog for just about every subject. Not only that, blogging has made publishing accessible to virtually everyone in every field and condition of life.

Blogs for writers abound. Some are not so good; some are good; and some are great. If you're thinking of starting a blog, here are some things to consider:

1) Determine the purpose of your blog. The clearer you are about yor purpose, the better your blog will be. Blogs have followers interested in a particular topic. So make your topic clear to boost your readership.

2) Decide how often you will blog and be faithful. If there is anything a reader hates when it comes to blogs, it's inconsistency. Ask yourself how many entries you can post a week. Don't over-estimate. It's better to start with a post only once a week and write it faithfully than to say you will post five entries a week and then default on your promise.

3) Choose a reputable blogging site for launching and maintaining your blog. One of the most popular is blogger.com. This is the site I've chosen for my soon-to-be relaunched blog called The Write Power (formerly Musings That Matter).

If done properly, blogging can be a lot of fun and provide a great service to your readers. So if you've caught the blogging bug, get blogging!

FEATURE ARTICLE

GETTING STARTED
by Phyllis Giglio

Perhaps the most challenging ordeal facing a writer is "Getting started." When I was finally ready to write my autobiography, I didn't know where to start. Should I recount my birth, my infancy, my school age years, etc? Or should I start at the present time and work backwards? How about beginning with my present years and working down through my experiences? How about starting in the middle, then going to earlier years, then later years? As you can imagine, it was a daunting dilemma for me. And lastly, why was I embarking on this journey anyway?

I attended Christian College, from which I graduated at age sixty-nine. The term paper my psychology professor assigned as a final project was to write a PIP, a personal improvement plan, or a 500-word essay on where you have been and what you learned. I chose the essay and aced the course. The professor wrote a note at the end of my paper saying, "You should write a book."

At about the same time, I was launched into a ministry of encouragement and motivation. I would be invited to Christian women's meetings to tell of my life before Christ, how I met Christ, and how my life has since changed. I would then give an invitation to the audience to ask Jesus to be Lord of their lives. I have been blessed to see many women respond.

I always begin my talk with a humorous story. Being the mother of six sons and six daughters has provided copious material. Invariably, after the meetings one or two women would say to me--you guessed it--"You should write a book." So I did. I believe my autobiography is really the story of God's amazing grace and unending love displayed in my life. To Him be the glory.

Editor's Note: You will be greatly blessed by reading Phyllis' book, When You Come to the End of Your Rope, There Is Hope. Order here.

BOOK REVIEW
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D.

How to Write Irresistible Query Letters
by Lisa Collier Cool

When it comes to writing superb query letters, the name "Lisa Collier Cool" ranks at the top of the list. In her outstanding and clearly written book, How to Write Irresistible Query Letters, Ms. Cool provides several highly effective steps for creating query letters that consistently result in sales. Here are some of the things you'll learn by reading her book:

1) how to recognize viable ideas;

2) how to hook an editor with a great lead;

3) how to craft a summary that stirs an editor's desire to purchase your article;

4) how to convince an editor that you are THE person to write the piece.

If you're tired of rejection after rejection, read this book and watch your sales soar.

To order your copy of How to Write Irresistible Query Letters, click here.

To purchase books and products featured in earlier issues of
The TopNotch® Writer, click here.

To read back issues of The TopNotch® Writer, click here.

TOPNOTCH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC
TopNotch Writing Solutions
TopNotch Translation Services
TopNotch Life & Career Coaching
PO Box 405 Millville, NJ 08332-0405
P (856) 327-1231 F (856) 327-0291
DrMaryAnn@TopNotchCommunicationsGroup.com
www.TopNotchCommunicationsGroup.com

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, CEO and Publisher

FREE!

Subscribe to The TopNotch Writer.
Send a blank email to:

TopNotchWriter@aweber.com

Get your copy ofDr. MaryAnn's inspiring
and informative e-book for only $7.00.

The ABCs
of
TopNotch Writing

New Jersey residents, please
order here. Your price will be
$7.49 to include sales tax.

All others, please
order here. Your price will
be $7.00.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!
New Short Story

Widowed and still deeply in love with her husband, Jennie Belle Crawford resists the efforts of her persistent matchmaker neighbor, Miss Aubrey. But can she ignore God’s gentle voice as well?

Imprint: Incredibly Short and Sweet
Price: $0.49 Download-ORDER HERE.

Daily Devotions for Writers

Compiled and edited by Patricia Lorenz,
well-known Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor, this book will make a great
gift for yourself or a writer friend.

Order your copy now.

NJ residents, order here.

All others, order here.

ATTENTION
PARENTS, TEACHERS,
& HOMESCHOOLERS!

If you're looking for outstanding literature books you can trust,
check out Dr. MaryAnn's
series on American authors.

A Student's Guide
to Nathaniel Hawthorne

A Student's Guide
to Herman Melville

A Student's Guide
to Mark Twain

All three books are available through
Enslow Publishers.

ADVERTISE WITH US!

Do you have a business or service
you'd like to promote? Then reach
readers all over the world by
placing your ad here.
Contact us for reasonable rates.
Send an email to:

DrMaryAnn@TopNotchWritingSolutions.com

Fruit Bearer Publishing
Candy Abbott, CEO

www.fruitbearer.com
fruitbearer.publishing@verizon.net
www.GavinGoodfellow.com

"Help for Writers Series"
by Dianne Butts

Need help with your writing? Check out Dianne E. Butts' pamphlets for writers: Basics for Beginners, Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter, How to Market Your Reprints, How Do I "Show, Don't Tell"?, and Should I Become a Writer?. $3.95 each + shipping. Click "For Writers" at www.DianneEButts.com

Get a Book Proposal Ready to Submit to Publishers ... and pay only $595. And you will only need to pay $495 now; the balance of $100 won't be due until you secure a book contract or decide to self-publish. Please take a moment and read my special offer below...

My name is John Riddle, and I am an author and ghostwriter from Bear, Delaware. I am the author of 34 books, and have worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects. (Some of the books I have written
include "For God and Country," "Lintball Leo's Not So Stupid Questions About Your Body, "Consulting Business," and "The Story of the Pony Express.")

If you are interested in writing a book, but either don't have the time or are not sure how the publishing process works, I can help you.

I have over 30 years experience as an author, and over the past 7 years have been teaching at writer's conferences all across the country. I teach with some of the top editors, publishers and agents in the industry, and I know what types of books they are looking for.

Most people don't realize they can sell a book project to a publisher without writing the entire book. All you need is a "book proposal," which consists of:

1. One page summary of the book

2. Two sample chapters

3. Table of Contents

4. Author bio

5. Marketing plan

I can help you create the book proposal for only $595. And you will only need to pay $495 now; the balance of $100 won't be due until you secure a book contract, or decide to self publish. I accept checks and credit card payments via Pay Pal.

Once the book proposal is completed, I will supply you with a list of publishing companies and a few agents. I will also draft a cover letter for you to use when sending out your book proposal.

Once a publisher is interested in your book, they will offer you a contract, and an "advance" payment (against future royalties). I can also review your contract, to make sure you are getting the best deal, and advise you on how to get the "highest advance" possible.

You can learn more about me by visiting www.ilovetowriteday.org I am the Founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign I launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing every November 15. The event has really taken off in schools, and last year over 20,000 schools all across the country held special ILTWD events and activities.

Let me know if I can help you with your book project. As a ghostwriter, editor and book doctor, I can take your "rough drafts" of chapters and "whip them into shape," so a publisher will say "yes!"

Thank you for your time and consideration.

May God bless all that you do!
John Riddle
302-834-4910
johnriddle@sprintmail.com

WRITING COACHES

Are you feeling "stuck" in your writing? I've been there myself. Allow me to help you!

Andrea Boeshaar
Certified Christian Life Coach
& Published Author
www.andreaboeshaar.com

___________

TopNotch Life & Career Coaching
MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D., CLC

www.TopNotchLifeandCareerCoaching.com

Are you tired of rejection slips?
If so, why not hire a writing coach?

Dr. MaryAnn will coach you in proven
techniques for achieving the writing
success you long for. Give her a call at
856-327- 1231 or email her at
DrMaryAnn@TopNotchLifeandCareerCoaching.com

WRITING SERVICES

THE MOST VALUABLE 2-CENTS YOU’LL EVER FIND!

Clear – Concise – Compelling
Political Commentary That Will Turn
Your Readers into Returning Readers.

Gina Diorio cuts to the chase on today’s hottest issues in a style that's engaging, intellectual, and at times irreverent. Readers might get happy – they might get angry – but they will get thinking.

Contact Gina today to include her political commentary in your publication.

Gina L. Diorio, M.A., Principal
www.Liberty WritingSolutions.com

Check out Gina's New Blog at
http://www.modernconservative.com/blog.php

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Christian

International Writers Fellowship Conference
Brookville PA
Jan Sady
814 –856-2560
janfran@windstream.net

Pen to Paper Literary Symposium
October 3-4, 2008
Dayton, Ohio
Contact: Valerie Coleman
937-307-0760
info@penofthewriter.com

Blue Ridge Christian Novelist Conference
October 5-9, 208
Ridgecrest, North Carolina

Oregon Christian Writers Fall Conference
October 18, 2008

Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference
October 22-26, 2008
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Washington, DC Metro Writers Seminar
November 1, 2008
Herndon, Virginia
Contact: Mary J. Yerkes

(NEW) First Annual Forum of
Christian Writers' Conference Directors
January 13-15, 2009
Nashville, Tennessee
Contact: RegAForder@aol.com

Writing for the Soul Conference
February 19-22, 2009
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Florida Christian Writers' Conference
February 26-March 1, 2009
Lake Yale Conference Center
Leesburg, Florida

Secular

New York Writers' Workshop
Non-Fiction Pitch
October 10-12, 2008
New York, New York

South Carolina Writers Workshop
October 24-26, 2008
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference
October 24-27, 2008 and
November 14-17, 2008
Colrain, Massachusetts

Sanibel Island Writers' Conference
November 6-9, 2008
Sanibel Island, Florida

Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway in Cape May, NJ
January 16-19, 2009
Cape May, New Jersey

20th Annual Writers' Institute
March 27-29, 2009
Madison, Wisconsin

Check out these conference resources:

www.ShawGuides.com

http://writersconf.org/

WRITING CONTESTS
This month we begin a new feature:
Writing Contests. Check these out
and enter a few. You may just win! :)

Christian

Operation First Novel
Deadline: October 1, 2008

Operation First Non-Fiction Book
Deadline: October 1, 2008

The AMY Foundation Writing Awards
Deadline: January 31, 2009

Secular

Writer's Digest Poetry Contest
Deadline: December 19, 2008

WRITING JOBS
The resources below offer both in-house
and freelance job opportunities for writers.

Absolute Markets Newsletter

EU Writer
(writing opps in Europe)

Journalism Jobs

Morning Coffee

Worldwide Freelance Writer

Writing for Dollars

RESOURCES

Writers Magazines

Christian

Advanced Christian Writer

Cross & Quill

The Christian Communicator


Secular

Byline

Poetry Magazine

Poets & Writers

Publisher's Weekly

The Writer

Writers' Digest

Writers' Organizations

Christian

Act One

American Christian Writers

American Christian Fiction Writers

Christian E-Authors

ChristianPoetry.org

ChristianWriters.com

Christian Writers' Fellowship International

Christian Writers' Group International

Christian Writers' Guild

FaithWriters.com

Fellowship of Christian Writers

Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship

International Christian Writers

Literary Christian

Suite 101 for Christian Writers

Utmost Christian Writers

Writers' Information Network

Secular

Academy of American Poets

American Screenwriters Association

American Society of
Authors &Journalists

American Society of Food Journalists

Freelance Writing Organization Int'l

International Association of
Business Communicators

National Association of Science Writers

National Education Writers Association

National Press Club

National Writers' Association

Society of American Travel Writers

Society of Professional Journalists

Teachers and Writers Online

Writers Guild of America

Blogs/Ezines/Websites/Loops

Christian

Christian Fiction Factor

Right-Writing.com

http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/

Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Marketplace

The Write Power

The Writers' View
(by application only)

Secular

Fiction Factor

Poetic Asides

The Wooden Horse

The Writers' Bag

http://writersdigest.com/101BestSites/

http://www.writing-world.com/

SELF-PUBLISHING RESOURCES

BookMasters

Fruitbearer Publishing

Morris Publishing

Small Publishers Association of North America

Wine Press Publishing

FEATURED MARKET

The Christian Online Magazine

COURSES FOR WRITERS

Internet

Writers Online Workshops

Gotham Writers' Workshop

Correspondence

The Christian Writers' Guild

American Christian Writers (ACW)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!

Nov. 15, 2008

I LOVE TO WRITE DAY!

For more info, go to

http://www.ILovetoWriteDay.org

Supplies for Writers

The Writers' Store

The Writers' Life Gift Shop

Organized Times

Writing-Related Resources

Get Organized Now!

Christian Book Distributors

Amazon.com

Oil Painting Techniques

Virtual Sheet Music

Current Cards

AWeber.com

The Christian Writer's Power Source
(The Baptism in the Holy Spirit)

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter."

~James Michener

THE TOPNOTCH WRITER is published monthly by TOPNOTCH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC, owned and operated by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. Articles in THE TOPNOTCH WRITER are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any way or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio.

To subscribe to THE TOPNOTCH WRITER, please send a blank email to

TopNotchWriter@aweber.com