2007 has now been officially booted out the door and 2008 invited to the table. We can all draw a collective deep breath.

Write Spot travelled a rocky road during the past year: Its editor met with personal troubles, and its co-editor (that would be me) unexpectedly became too busy to properly tend the site without help. Unfortunately, not many stepped in to help even though we gained many, many new members. However, with renewed resolve, I shall now endeavor to bring Write Spot back to its intended and richly deserved glory.

Two years ago, Helene and I sought to build Write Spot to 100 members. We now celebrate over five hundred! What an incredible increase in membership. Think of the places we can go, the sights we can see, the articles and stories and books we can write! *Draws herself back from verbiose excitement with difficulty *

A brave new year awaits us, gentle writers (and readers). As an indubitably wise personage once said, "Be there or be ...... somewhere else not near as cool."

New Articles this issue:

Featured Articles

Internet Authors don't need Club Class

• What have 'bacon bits' got to do with new novels and Internet Publishing? See what Mike Scantlebury has to say about the obsession of Traditional Publishers for the supposed First Class of novel writing, and check out what other options might be available for the aspiring author and would-be writer.

Book Marketing: When the Stats Don't Apply to You

• Americans are reading less...why you don't need to worry.

Fiction

Got to think of a good title, but damned if I can think of one

• What catches a reader’s eye when in a bookstore or looking for books on the Internet, title or cover? My research showed cover, then the blurb on the back.

Film & Music

Many Try To Write Screenplays

• Considering the appeal of screenwriting.

Getting Published

Tips and Tricks to Self-Publishing Your Book

• Modern technology has made self-publishing a great way for first-time authors to get into the industry. Read this article to learn the tips and tricks you can use the maximize the impact of your first book.

Improve Your Writing

Paint Me A Picture

• Compare these two paragraphs:

Non-Fiction

Can you Write a Good Article?

• Article explaining the art of writing a good article and how this skill could be developed.

Poetry and Prose

Poetry: Exploration And Experience

• Are you ready to abandon your poems? Before you toss your newest poem away, revisit it using some exercises that have proven helpful to poets who are feeling “stuck.” If you explore some of these ideas, you may be steps closer to placing your poetry in a well-known literary journal.