writer's club: issue #3, july 2006

8/14/2019 Writer's Club: Issue #3, July 2006

1/4

Writers BeatJuly 1, 2006 - Monthly Newsletter - www.writersbeat.com A monthly newsletter for writers Issue 3, July - 2006howcase Publicationf the MonthHarrisons specialhowcase of the month.nterview with Hotsychology.age 2

Ians ReviewVarious updates andthings to shout out.Page 3

Writers Beat WorkshopOur new addition to thestaff and community,riverwriter andworkshops.Page 4

Monthly Writing Con-testAprilrain explains howone can participate inthe monthly writingcontest.Page 4

Monthly Board GamesCompetitionAprilrain lays out someinformation about thesecompetitions.Page 4

A place forwriters...Writers Beat aims to be the place for a ll writers to be a part of in unity. WB is the idealwriting community.

ately we have gone through a ton of changes and continuing to do so. All

hese changes are happening in a positive manner. The Staff are Writers Beatoesnt take likely to anything negative, so we are always striving to bringhanges that will affect everyone in a positive way. If there is a change that youotice and do not like, please be sure to contact the staff and let us know, welle sure to take a survey and evaluate it to nd a better solution.

oints

oints is a growing system in itself. If you are not familiar with it please see ourlog(http://blog.writersbeat.com) and or the Zoints website. The purpose formplementing Zoints in a writing community is to give everyone a dynamicommunity and become better connected to each member. Not only that, butuch a system brings in interest driven trafc, which benets everybody.

ReviewCave.com

Reviewcave.com is a new addition to our family - Ofcially an afliate, tech-ically a sister site. It is owned by Writers Beat now. Were looking for sometaff on that site, and some regulars to post some reviews of various things.here really is no limit on what you can review. If it has something to talk bout, just do it. As a plus, there is actually a special going on. If you are inter-sted, check out this promotion.

ttp://www.writersbeat.com/great-offer-earn-quick-points-t4247.html

Random Tidbits

Looking for that perfect detail to ll in your description? Need inspiring in-formation? Check out the Daily Fun Facts thread in the Reference Room to cover that priceless piece of trivia to make your story complete. - Icarus

Writers Beat is actively looking for staff members. What we are not looking fat the moment is moderators of any kind. We have EXCELLENT ones at themoment and they take care of everything I could ever think of. Id love anyunique talent on the staff though, so if you think you could bring something tothe table that helps us in a different way than moderation, please contact us viaPM (DFIscher) or use the contact form here.

http://www.writersbeat.com/sendmessage.php

If youd like to see a random message here by you, please go ahead and submit oncontacting the staff.

W R I T E R S C L U B

Writers Beat, Simple Overview
http://www.writersbeat.com/sendmessage.phphttp://www.writersbeat.com/sendmessage.phphttp://www.writersbeat.com/sendmessage.phphttp://www.writersbeat.com/great-offer-earn-quick-points-t4247.htmlhttp://www.writersbeat.com/great-offer-earn-quick-points-t4247.htmlhttp://www.writersbeat.com/http://www.writersbeat.com/


2/4

write, though someday I hope to do it from the tropical connes of the greastate of Hawaii. Ive visited the state eight times and I cant imagine a betteplace to let ones thoughts ow to the page.

Jay (WB): What is the most bizarre submission that you received? Jim (HP): I think the most bizarre submission weve received was a well-written piece called, Sponge Bob Gay Pants? It was by a former editor wtruly had a talent for writing and in this article, basically told the world thatsometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon. Weve also received a submission thatried very hard to push the buttons of the conict in Ireland between the

Catholics and Protestants. We didnt accept i t because though we dont shyfrom controversy, the last thing we wanted was a call from the Queen of England telling us to keep our noses to ourselves.

Jay (WB): What else can you tell us about Hot Psychology Magazine? Jim (HP): We dont take sides on issues. In fact, we are happy to publishopinions on both sides of an issue. I happen to personally believe that seeinthings from one side of the fence tends to unfairly segregate the other side. someone is interested in voicing an opinion, wed be happy to publish it, buwe think the other side should be heard from as well. We encourage begin-ning writers as well as writers of all experience levels to write for us. Yes, aarticles go through editing by the appropriate section editors, but our editorare experienced writers and editors and as such, take the time to coach theirwriters, polishing up what can truly be a exquisite pearl of an article. I see

great things for this magazine and given the talents of those who participatein our little family, its no surprise that others are starting to see it as well.

I would like to thank Jim for taking the time to do the interview. Congratulations to Hot Psychology Magazine for being Writers Beat publication showcase of the month. They are currently looking for a News Editor and writersin all departments.

Hot Psychology - July 2006 Show-case Publication of The Month

his months show publication is Hot Psychology. Hot Psychology was introduced toWriters Beat by our member ~lacy~. She is the Our Culture department editor, andas been a Writers Beat member since mid-April. She had posted a thread that hadn essay contest by Hot Psychology on the topic, What it means to be human.

Hot Psychology has given Writers Beat a free advertising spot that normally

would cost $80.00 per month. The publication has also allowed me to becomestaff writer for the Our Culture department. Recently, they have offered me

he positions of Sales & Marketing Director and Web Master to me, and Iave accepted. It is one of the only magazines that I read from cover to cover.

have had the opportunity to interview the chief editor, Jim Idema:

ay Harrison (Writers Beat): When was the rst of Hot Psychology pub-shed?m Idema (Hot Psychology): First issue of Hot Psychology Magazine wasublished January of 2005. Weve gone through a lot of changes in the 19

months weve been around, but I really like what weve become and wherewere going.

ay (Writers Beat): What are the different departments of the magazine?m (Hot Psychology): The different departments are: Our Culture (a discus-ion of the varying cultural issues we are all privy to), The Sports Fan (dedi-ated to all things sports), Close Encounters (adult themes), My News, My

Views (articles and opinions on the news of the day), Feature Presentationfeatures on practically anything you can imagine), Ask Dr. Charmaine (Dr.harmaine Saunders answers questions sent in by readers from around the

world), To Your Health (a section that focuses on health issues) and TechNotes (technology and how it affects us).

ay (WB): What makes Hot Psychology unique?m (HP): The different departments are: Our Culture (a discussion of thearying cultural issues we are all privy to), The Sports Fan (dedicated to allhings sports), Close Encounters (adult themes), My News, My Views (arti-les and opinions on the news of the day), Feature Presentation (features onractically anything you can imagine), Ask Dr. Charmaine (Dr. Charmaineaunders answers questions sent in by readers from around the world), To

Your Health (a section that focuses on health issues) and Tech Notes (tech-ology and how it affects us).

ay (WB): What is your writing and editing experience?m (HP): Ive been a freelance writer for over ten years, publishing in a vari-ty of periodicals. In the works I have a novel which is nearly complete, acreenplay, and the opening pages for two other novels. I cant imagine myfe without the ability to express by way of the written word. Ive also beenn entrepreneur, an IT guy, a factory rat and a Navy man. These days I just

W R I T E R S B E A T

writersbeat.


3/4

While a lot of songs are catchy and open to a larger audience, there are acouple songs that many older fans of Boysetsre who prefer their heaviermaterial will enjoy. Final Communiqu is a short, two-minute song thatnever loses its pace. A rolling bass line and leering drum bit open the song before full on screaming roars on in. With lines such as, Youll never see ucoming, striking from the shadows. Headrst, st raised to the sky. Pull thetrigger released in anger. Well bite off the ngers that feed us your ****, iplainly obvious Boysetsre is staying by their political side. Then there is LongAnd Thanks For The Crutches. In a way the title could be a way osaying to the politicians in power, Pack up your ****, youve doped us up

long enough. Thats how I like to think of it at least. Anyway, the song staroff in a weird way that wouldnt suggest itd be the mosher it really is. Itstarts out very jazzy with an upright bass and what seems to be a synthe-sized piano. After twenty-seconds though what is heard next is easily thehardest part of the whole album. The whole song is rather heavy and re-mains so during the chorus where the synthesized piano makes a secondappearance. Not surprisingly, the lyrics to the song are meant to be motivat-ing and encouraging. Just enough freedom to forget youre a slave, justenough anger to make sure we get paid could refer to what Green Dayssong, American Idiot, did in talking about the media numbing the masses

Empire is one song that everyone should hear. It wouldnt be surprising aall if this turned into a single, i t certainly is catchy enough. Boysetsre takea perspective of the people running the affairs of the world. I speak, you

throw parades. Ignore the sense of rage welling inside. Pay no mind to whawe do cause well sell it all to you in modern luxuries. And weve made qusure you believe youre free. It really hits home with this part. Just believ believe youre free, cause youre on your own. It doesnt matter just be surethat this is our empire this is war. Forgotten heroes, chessboard roles to makyou think youre something more, but youre on your own

What is going to be talked about next is one of my personal favorites, Fal-ling Out Theme. Its not particularly a standout, but they way it is sung anthe lyrics seem attractive to me. At rst it seems to be much like, So LongAnd Thanks For The Crutches and Final Communiqu, but that is not thcase at all. It does start out heavy with some nice, fast paced riffs, but soongoes into almost inaudible crooning (the booklet calls i t random bitching,haha) accompanied by a cello. It takes a while to get to the actual song, butits well worth the wait. Joshs singing is absolutely impeccable and when hsings, Love and weapons kill much the same way. With shaking hands westart again, a feeling of raw energy encompasses me. The rolling drums aremost noticeable during this part as well, and the jumping guitar riffs too. Toadd a little variety to this already superb album, there is a nice litt le balladtitled, (10) And Counting. Its very soft and includes the use of an acoustguitar at the start. The lyrics seem to call back to the days possibly of whenthey were facing tough times. The song also seems to say in a way that evethough some may hate the band they will be the ones standing when every-thing falls apart. Its a lot more emotional than some songs, but it doesnt feout of place at all.

What Boysetsre have created is nothing short of spectacular. Theyve takenolder elements of (post) hardcore music, twisted it into something meaningful, and made it widely appealing to a broad audience. Politically standing,Boysetsre hasnt lost their edge that they started out with from the begin-ning. The music may be a bit softer compared to early demos and EPs, butthey still manage to assault the senses every once in a while. Even thoughsome songs may stand out among some others, this album really must belistened to completely in order to fully grasp how great this album is. Itwouldnt be a surprise at all for bands ve to ten years from now to cite thisexact record as a major inuence in their l ife. It sure has inuenced mine.

5/5

Reviewcave.com Sponsored Re-view

y Ian

Boysetsre - Equal Vision-Feb. 2006

racklisting:. Walk Astray. Requiem. Final Communiqu. The Misery Index. (10) And Counting. Falling Out Theme. Empire. So Long...And Thanks For The Crutches. With Cold Eyes0. Deja Coup1. Social Register Fanclub2. Nostaligic For Guillotines3. A Far Cry

s rather ironic that of all bands, Boysetsre isnt very well known. Lately itas become popular of many bands to take a political stance and because of they gain in popularity (a la Green Day). But while many of those bands

ave been together for a while and only recently started protesting the gov-rnment Boysetsre have been since they started out. They did have a chanceowever to be propelled to great heights when they had been signed to a

major label, but it opped and when they were writing for this new recordhey were dropped. Thankfully, they were picked up by Equal Vision andhen nished up their latest record, The Misery Index: notes from thelaque years. What is on here is emotionally and politically charged musichat is very post-hardcore inuenced, but also easy to get into.

Walk Away eloquently opens up the almost hour-long album. A lonecoustic guitar and the voice of singer Josh open things up. He croons aboutow he doesnt, want to sing about freedom anymore, I want to see it, I

want to feel. I want to know that it still sits behind the lies weve been told,eyond the wars that keep our families from home. Obviously this album isolitical, but its done in a very intelligent way and doesnt ever try to saynything ridiculous. After a little over a minute of the soft acoustics every-hing speeds up into the older, hardcore side of Boysetsre. The politicallement of the song continues though. Our dreams are their worst night-

mares, these songs a call to arms. We can dance on the graves that held us,we can change the course of time. This is what is so great about Boysetsre;hey manage to be both inspirational and rebellious, but never get snot-nosedbout it. The catchiness of the song is also a big factor too. While, for the

most part, it is heavy, there are also some parts sung which gives the song a

it more of a rened taste to it. Which is how a lot of the record is.

Requiem (a requiem is a funeral hymn, or chant) is the lead single off of The Misery Index: notes from the plaque years and it really is rather tting,ut not just because its one of the more catchier tunes from the album. Ashe chorus suggests, this is Boysetsre saying that they are not dead andone, but are here to stay and not leaving without a ght. This is not ourequiem, were wasting time as victims. Why spend our lives on bendednee, choosing not to be free? This is one song that should be downloaded,r heard by those unfamiliar with Boysetsre and not particularly intotraight up (post) hardcore. Its a song that works greatly as both a represen-ation of the record and a song that should gain the band a larger following.


eviewcave.com - Reviews from a to z.


4/4

Creating a village in a WritersBeat Workshop

lease check out the Writers Workshop forum for more information and workshopshemselves. - Byriverstone

his is an easy way to prevent writers block. Take any situation or environ-ment and describe the people present including their histories and theirommunities. Eventually, you will nd someone who interests you enough to

write about. A classic village is the one that develops around a car accident:

ix vehicles are involved in an accident. Your job is to answer the who, when,where and whys of the people in the vehicles.

Where does the accident happen? Why does it happen? Who is in each car?Draw a map of the accident from the air. What borders the area of the acci-ent? Who witnessed the accident?

Here is the beginning of an accident village to get you started:

he vehicles are returning from the beach.A bird watcher sees the accident.

he rst car stops suddenly for an animal in the road.

One of the vehicles has a family with kids.One vehicle carries musicians.One vehicle has at least one lawyer in it.

here is a body in one of the trunks or boots.At least one person involved or watching is clinically insane.

ome people have tickets to the same event on a later date.At least one person is a crook.At least one person is armed.

ome people stayed in a bed & breakfast at the beach.ome know each other in other environments.

One person may be contemplating suicide.One person has a terminal illness.More than one race and more than one culture are represented.

hats how it works. In the WritersBeat Workshops, Ill be adding villages forou to explore. There will be cruise ships, trains, an island, a cottage, and son. There may be villages that represent multiple generations of a family oreveral hundred years of history on one small piece of land. The potentialillages are as endless as our imaginations.

lease use the WritersBeat Workshops thread to let me know what work-hops you want and I will do my best to create them.

WB S Monthly Writing Contest

Beginning this month, WB is hosting a writing contest that you may enterthrough the ction, non-ction, or poetry forum of the boards. All entriesshould not exceed 1000 words, and each must incorporate the commontheme of freedom. Entries that go over the word count (and that includesthe title) will be penalized. Check the appropriate forums for the thread thatannounces the contest and post your entry to that thread. Winners will bechosen for each of the three categories. You may submit an entry in all three

categories, if you wish. The decision of the judges (currently WB staff mem bers) is nal.

Entries must be posted between July 1st and the end of the day (11:59 p.m.US Pacic Time) on July 16th. Winners will be announced on August 1st anwill be published in the August newsletter. If the honor of being a WBcontest winner isnt enough, dont worry. We have other prizes in mind, butyoull just have to enter to nd out what they are.

Good luck! - aprilrain

WB s Monthly Board Games Competition

Think you are king or queen of the Board Games? Well, prove it by enteringthe monthly Board Games Competition! You will nd the word game ques-tions in a sticky thread of the Board Games forum on July 1st. DO NOT poyour answers anywhere on the forum. Send them by PM to aprilrain anytim before the end of the day (11:59 p.m., Pacic Time) on July 25th. The winnand the correct answers will be posted on August 1st in both the forum andthe August newsletter. Aside from bragging rights, other prizes will be giveGood luck! - aprilrain


writersbeat.

writer's club: issue #3, july 2006

Documents