See Jane Write

Liza Elliott to host mixer for local bloggers, authors, and poets

2013-05-13T18:50:00.001-05:00

Birmingham-based author Liza Elliott

If you're a blogger, author, or poet you need to be at Little Professor Book Center on Sunday at 1:45 p.m. Birmingham-based author Liza Elliott is hosting a B.A.P. (Bloggers Authors and Poets) Mixer for local writers. This event is a great chance to meet other Birmingham-area literary artists.

Elliott is the author of 30-A Supper Club (Red Camel Press), which follows sociologist Harley McBride on her quest to identify a gold coin she finds on a Florida beach near County Road 30-A. McBride's search leads her into a murky world where her longtime friends and members of the 30-A Supper Club protect deep family secrets dating back to the Civil War. A complicated pursuit of the true meaning of the coin begins drawing Harley into secrets about illicit affairs, murders, and more.

Read on to get to know Elliott and be sure to come out to Little Professor on Sunday.

30-A Supper Club seems very different from books you've written in the past. What was the inspiration for this novel?

The beach. On my first trip to Cape Cod when I was a child, I fell in love with the sand and water, the thrill of digging out a partially hidden shell, and the ever-changing sound of the sea, from big waves to gentle slaps on the shore.

A few years ago, I was strolling along the beach in Seagrove Beach, Fl, and thought, “What if I discovered a gold coin in the sand? How did it get there? What if it was old?" Then, I began to imagine the theme of the book. What if identifying the coin led to lost Confederate gold? By the end of my walk, I had the plot.

Tell me about your writing process. Do you write daily? Do you write in a certain place or at a certain time of the day? What do you use to keep yourself inspired?

I write everyday in my home office and prefer the early morning. In the afternoon, I critique my draft, make notes, and problem solve story dilemmas.

All my characters have bios, which I hand-write on an index card. These have details such as hair and eye color, where they went to school or college, their occupations, their hometowns and favorite music, sports teams or movies -- in short, a brief back story. I tack them on a bulletin board, which hangs over my desk.

As for what inspires me, it is people, their stories and the contexts of their lives. How persons individually, in a community, or in a society, interact alone and together under a variety of circumstances presents endless story possibilities. The true ones are often more fantastic than any made up story. So I listen to or read about people with stories of good times, bad times, heroism, or foolishness. Mix it all up and voilá -- a story.

Why did you decide to publish 30-A Supper Club with a small press?

Small presses take risks. That is their strength. They give new writers a chance to showcase works that might be a potential mass audience blockbuster, but more often are smaller niche market books. In addition to working with the writer to produce the best manuscript possible, a small press will handle the details of the cover, the ISBN, and so forth.

What are your thoughts on self-publishing?

Self-publishing, to me, is no different than a musician setting up his or her own label and producing their own albums, CDs, and singles. Many A-list actors set up their own production companies to write, star, and direct. Each succeeds on the basis of the quality of the work and their efforts. Technology and the Internet has made this possible for writers. Writers should explore all options and decide what is best for them.

The B.A.P. Mixer is a great networking opportunity. Why do you think it’s so important for writers to meet and build relationships with other writers?

It is always good to see what is going on in one’s field. The energy from discussions of all sorts of topics can inspire and motivate those who participate. Writers can exchange thoughts on new styles of writing, the future of ebooks, and so forth. Being part of a community of writers reduces the sense of isolation writers sometimes feel. Writing is solitary work. Knowing you can call another writer for input, problem solving, or just to vent about something is valuable.

Liza Elliott will host a mixer for bloggers, authors, and poets
Sunday at Little Professor Book Centers in Homewood.

Do you think Birmingham is a good city for writers?

A writer can be anywhere and write about anyone or anything. That said, Birmingham is a good city for writers. It has a complicated rich history that can be mined for great stories.

Birmingham still has bookstores, from the big chains to important independent bookstores with loyal customers and supporters. Professional recognition and support between local writers and local bookstores can be a match made in heaven.

Birmingham also has a terrific literary magazine, the Birmingham Arts Journal, edited by author Jim Reed. He is the godfather of writers around here and is a longtime leader in the Alabama Writers Conclave.

The Birmingham branch of the National League of American Pen Women, of which I am a member, is a longstanding organization of women writers, artists and musicians where collaboration, exchange and support has existed for many years. Its national scope and activities helps local writers reach a national audience.

With coffee shops to suit your every mood, universities, sports fields, museums, concert halls, small club venues for music, theatres for plays and dance, there is no shortage of settings, people, and activities, here, that can inspire a writer from non-fiction to fantasy, and everything in between.

Join Liza Elliott for The B.A.P. Mixer Sunday, May 19 from 1:45 to 3 p.m. at Little Professor Book Center, 2717 18th St. South in Homewood. A light brunch will be served.

See Javacia Lead

2013-05-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

Even though it was quite horrifying to see my big head taking up a whole page of a magazine, I am extremely honored to be featured in B-Metro's women's issue this month. The article is about my wrote with See Jane Write and you can read it here.

xo,
javacia

A Recap of Our Latest Event, I Wrote a Book...Now What?

2013-05-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Our Amazing Panelists:
Irene Latham, Kathryn C. Lang and TK Thorne

Another See Jane Write event is in the books! Last night's panel discussion I Wrote a Book...Now What? was a huge success with more than 50 people in attendance. Irene Latham, Kathryn C. Lang, and Teresa (T.K.) Thorne were amazing panelists and I can't thank Stephanie Naman enough for being such a great moderator.

Thanks to Christina J. Wade for tweeting this picture.
She was ready to take notes!

Things went so smoothly. The hardest part of the night was trying to tweet out and take note of all the words of wisdom our panelists and moderator were sharing about the publishing industry. I learned so much.

The question that seemed to be on the minds of many attendees was if they should self-publish or go the traditional publishing route. Lang stressed that this was a question you'd really have to answer for yourself based on what you really want out of your writing career.

One of the advantages of going the traditional publishing route is greater distribution and more opportunities to get your book reviewed. Also, with a traditional publishing house you will receive help with marketing. Even if you have a book deal with a major publisher, however, Latham advises doing your own marketing in addition to what your publisher provides for you. For example, when she published her children's book Leaving Gee’s Bend with Putnam/Penguin in 2010, she took it upon herself to arrange school visits to help market her book.

"I wanted to give my book the best shot it could get," Latham said.

Being the English teacher that I am, as I listened to last night's panel discussion I found myself searching for a theme and I didn't have to search for long. The thing that kept coming up was the importance of building relationships.

If you are publishing the traditional way, one important relationship will be that with your literary agent.

To find a good agent the panelists suggested attending genre specific conferences. You should also check websites like QueryTracker.com for reviews on agents. Lang says if a literary agent asks you for payment upfront, run! Typically, the arrangement is the agent receives 15 percent of they sell for you.

Additionally, if you read a book that’s similar to yours check the acknowledgements as writers often thank their agents. Find the agent and send him or her a query letter.

Speaking of which, Thorne stressed the importance of mastering the query (and gave me an idea for a future See Jane Write workshop) and the importance of having a tough skin in this business. You're going to get rejected (by agents, publishers, etc.). Accept it.

Your relationship with your literary agent is a serious one. “It’s like a marriage,” Latham said. An agent, for example, can serve as a mediator between you and your editor.

“And my agent can talk me off the ledge when I’m freaking out,” Latham said.

Nonetheless, it is still a business. Remember you hired your agent.

Moderator Stephanie Naman had plenty of wisdom to share too!

By a show of hands, most of the people in the audience last night were interested in self-publishing. There was a time when self-publishing was looked down upon in the writing world, but Naman said that’s changing. For example, self-publishing is now a huge topic at writing conferences, she added.

Nonetheless, quality is still important. Even if you're not seeking a traditional publishing deal you still need to present your best work. Attend writing conferences and join a critique group, Thorne recommended. Get an editor and a professional graphic designer to help with your cover, Naman added.

Having a good marketing plan is essential for writers who want to self-publish. And the key to successful marketing is, you guessed it, building relationships.

Thorne, who has found much success with email distribution lists, said having an online presence is important but reminded us not to be a pest. She said she understands how excited you'll feel after your book is in print. "I had to resist stopping strangers on the street when Noah's Wife was published," she said.

Of course, you also need a website or blog and using social media is a great idea too but don't post about your book every three minutes on Facebook, Lang said.

Naman recommended that authors use methods that work best for them; stick to things you're good at. For example, Naman is not a fan of book signings. Instead she loves blogging and networking on Twitter and thus has used those platforms instead to promote her book Murder on the First Day of Christmas.

When marketing remember to focus on how you can help people. This will help you build relationships and make people really care about the success of your projects. So instead of your emails and blog posts simply being about you and your work, use these tools to share valuable information (such as writing, publishing, or networking tips) with your followers.

Marketing will be a lot of work, but don't stop writing to focus solely on marketing. The more you write the more connections you'll make. And the money you make from your first book can help you produce and promote your next one.

"The key to a successful writing career," Lang said, "is to keep writing."

How You Can Carry On the Mission of Magic City Post

2013-05-07T05:58:00.000-05:00

We were very sad to learn yesterday that Magic City Post is closing. Since 2010 the Magic City Post website has been publishing great stories about the positive aspects of Birmingham, about the passionate people dedicated to helping Birmingham live up to its nickname of the Magic City, and about all the hip happenings of the city.

Yesterday's farewell post by MCP founder Emily Lowrey was the site's final post. The Magic City Post website and social media channels will shut down in a few weeks.

It's so hard to say goodbye, but Lowrey says it's time. In her post Lowrey writes:

If you’re wondering why we’re shutting the site down…well, it’s just time. In many ways, we feel like we fulfilled some of our mission to help inform people about the bright side of Birmingham. More often now, we’re seeing positive local content covered by other publications and that’s a good thing.

Magic City Post Founder Emily Lowrey

Still I can't help feeling as if the closing of Magic City Post is going to leave a huge void in Birmingham's media and blogging scene. Perhaps that is a void that you can fill.

I asked Lowrey to share with me any advice she'd give to someone hoping to pick up where she left off by starting a website like Magic City Post. Lowrey gives these ten tips:

1. Develop a posting calendar. For MCP, this meant working the calendar out weekly, but it's a tool that should work for you. Adjust to fit your niche.

2. Don't do it all yourself. If you can afford to pay writers to contribute, then do that because you make the local writer community stronger. Also, rely on your writer friends for guest posts to help fill your editorial calendar and be sure to reciprocate.

3. Find under-served communities who need to be brought together, and do that through your blog by producing content important to them. On that same note, remember that if you and your community share common values and interests you'll likely find content ideas or even complete stories just by asking your community for contributions.

4. The "right" intern can make your blogging experience far more enjoyable. Mandy Shunnarah worked well for Magic City Post not only because she was a writer, but I'd say even more importantly because she shared MCP's mission to experience and share the positive side of Birmingham. She was absolutely invaluable to this experience.

5. If you choose to partner with anyone, most especially a business partner, make sure that you share those common values and that you've agreed upon a list of ground rules for how you'll resolve any issues that you encounter.

6. Be mission focused. For you, that may mean that you are building up your presence and expertise in a particular topical area. However, if you are blogging because you want to make a living off blogging, then you either need to become a sales expert or you need to find a sales expert partner.

7. Extend the reach of your blog by partnering with a network. On the content side, this could be a group like See Jane Write where you support and share information with one another. On the revenue side, this could mean finding advertising solutions that allow you to sell into a larger network. MCP's real estate partnership with Zillow was one example of revenue network extension.

8. Rely on expert resources. I still learn something new each week that I visit Feverbee.com, a site with information that will help you identify and develop online communities.

9. Some of my favorite experiences at MCP was meeting our readers, but nothing can ever top hearing that you connected two readers who then went on to fulfill your mission (for us that was making Birmingham a better place to live). That, my friends, is liquid gold.

10. Finally, you aren't married to your blog forever; you do need an exit plan. If you develop a community and decide to shut down that community, point your members toward new resources where they can find similar content.

I Wrote a Book...Now What?

2013-04-21T16:22:00.000-05:00

Have you written a novel that you're just letting collect virtual dust on your computer? Or maybe you have an idea for a book that you haven't started on because you have no clue how you would ever get your book published once it's complete.

If either of these scenarios sounds familiar, then the next See Jane Write panel discussion is one you don't want to miss.

I Wrote a Book...Now What? is a panel discussion on the publishing world and is set for Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. This free event will be held in the Arrington Auditorium of the Central Branch of the Birmingham Public Library. To register visit: http://sjwpublishingpanel.eventbrite.com.

Whether you have questions about landing a deal with a major publishing house, working with a small press, finding a literary agent or self-publishing, our panelists can help.

Irene Latham

Birmingham poet and novelist Irene Latham is the author of Leaving Gee's Bend, published by Putnam/Penguin in 2010. That book is set in Alabama during the Great Depression and was awarded Alabama Library Association's 2011 Children's Book Award. Her latest novel Don't Feed the Boy (Roaring Brook/Macmillan, 2012) is about a boy who wants to escape his life at the zoo. Irene is also poetry editor for Birmingham Arts Journal and has authored two award-winning poetry collections, What Came Before (Negative Capability Press, 2007) and , The Color of Lost Rooms (Blue Rooster Press, 2010).

Kathryn Lang

Self-published author Kathryn C. Lang was presented with the Nation's first Tourism Fiction Awardfor her short story, "Digging Up Bones." The short story will be featured in the third novel of her Big Springs novels. Kathryn's books are published in paperback through CreateSpace (Amazon's publishing wing) and online through Smashwords and Kindle.

TK Thorne

Teresa (T.K.) Thorne is the executive director of CAP (City Action Partnership) and a retired captain from the Birmingham Police Department. Active in the community, she also moonlights as an author, and her debut novel, Noah’s Wife won ForeWord Reviews“Book of the Year” award for 2009. Her short stories and screenplays have garnered awards as well. A film from her screenplay, Six Blocks Wide, was based on her experiences in the Birmingham Police Department and has shown at juried film festivals in Alabama and Europe. Her next book, Last Chance for Justice: How Relentless Investigators Uncovered New Evidence Convicting the Birmingham Church Bombers is being published by Chicago Press Review and will be out September 1, 2013.

Our panel discussion will be moderated by Stephanie Naman. Stephanie is an advertising and editorial writer with fifteen years experience. Her first book, BarCode: Your Personal Pocket Decoder to the Modern Dating Scene, was turned into segments for a syndicated dating show called “The Single Life.” In addition to writing for advertising clients like Little Debbie and AT&T, she is working on the Chloe Carstairs mystery novel series written under the pseudonym Billie Thomas. The first novel in the series, Murder on the First Day of Christmas was released in December 2012. Stephanie is also the marketing director for Indie Visible, a collective of writers working to use social media and other resources to promote quality independent work.

Leave your questions for our panelists in the comments section of this post and don't forget to spread the word about this event to all your writer pals!

Letter of the Law: Keep Your Blog Legal

2013-03-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: The following post is by Keith Lee, an attorney with the Hamer Law Group and the man behind the popular law blog Associate's Mind. Ketih will be a special guest at See Jane's Write Bloggers Who Brunch event set for April 7. RSVP via Facebook or in the comments section of this post.

Guest post by Keith Lee

Blogging is one of the greatest revolutions in publication since the printing press. It has given the ability to publish and be heard to essentially everyone with access to a computer. Almost all of the filters or barriers between a person wishing to share their thoughts, and display them in public, have been removed. Computers and the internet have given everyone the opportunity to have their voice heard.

But with this opportunity comes responsibilities and liabilities. You decide to blog about a bad experience you had at a restaurant which then reads your review and decides to sue you for defamation. Or someone makes a comment on one of your blog posts that attacks a politician. That same politician decides to come after you instead of the commentator. You decide to tweet about something that a local business gave you as a free trial - and the FTC decides to open an investigation file.

All of the above are worst case scenarios that are unlikely to happen. But at the same time, it makes sense to take some basic, and generally easy, precautions to familiarize yourself with laws and make sure you are complying with them.

Free Speech

First and foremost, you have the right to free speech. The government has no right to censor or impede you sharing your opinions. It is unlikely you will ever face any restrictions on your speech from the government. But sometimes individuals or businesses will attempt to suppress an individuals right to free speech through what is known as a SLAPP - Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.

To go back to our bad restaurant review as a example, the restaurant learns of the bad review by a blogger. The restaurant files a lawsuit against the blogger as a way to threaten and bully them to take the review down. The restaurant is betting on the fact that they have deeper pockets, and better lawyers, than a small-time blogger. So while the restaurant's lawsuit would likely fail if it ran its course, it doesn’t matter. The restaurant doesn’t need to win in court, they only need to intimidate the blogger enough to take down their review. Hence, a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.

Other People’s Speech

Another difficult issue that can arise in blogging is the comments on a post. Comments are fantastic to receive because it indicates that your readers are engaged with your writing. But it can also be a headache it they are negative or attacking people in public. But as a blogger you are generally protected. Specifically, you are protected by a section of the Communications Decency Act passed in 1996. While much of the Act has been struck down as restrictions on free speech, one important part has survived:

Section 230 says that "No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider" (47 U.S.C. § 230).

Essentially, you are not responsible for the speech of others on your website. Under the law, bloggers are not liable for comments left by readers, the work of guest bloggers, tips sent via email, or information received through RSS feeds. Section 230 provides the protection that has allowed innovation and freedom to thrive on the internet. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has an excellent infographic on why Section 230 is so important.

Paid or Compensated Speech

Many people who start blogs do so in the hopes of them becoming a business. Maybe not a full-time one, but a passive, secondary business nonetheless. The way many bloggers make money is through the endorsement of products and services through affiliate links. Affiliate links are unique links that serve two purposes: A) it directs a visitor to a sales page AND B) credits the host-blog with a commission should the visitor make a purchase by tracking the link back to them. The most common example of this is Amazon’s Associates program.

This type of activity went unfettered for many years before the government stepped in. In 2009 the Federal Trade Commission revised its rules and regulations regarding endorsements and testimonials in reaction to blogs and online advertising (warning: only read that you link if you are a glutton for punishment or a lawyer!). What these new rules mean is that there is now a requirement for voluntary disclosure of endorsements and affiliate links.

The easiest way to do this is a simple statement: “This is an affiliate link,” or “I received this product from X company - but I am endorsing it because I use it and believe in it.” What matters here is honest communication with the reader, not compliance with some obscure legalese.

Want To Learn More?

As I stated earlier, blogging is a fantastic revolution, and one that people should embrace. But you should also be aware that, like everything else, it is governed by rules and regulations. These rules should not intimidate you. You just need to take a small amount of time to learn about them and make sure you are complying with the law and keeping yourself protected. Which, admittedly, can be tough - just last week the FTC released a new set of rules that particularly affects Twitter. So it’s worth your time to keep tabs on the laws affecting blogging from time-to-time.

If you would like to learn more about these, and other issues you might face as a blogger, I’ll be speaking at See Jane Write's Bloggers Who Brunch at noon on April 7 at Black Market Bar. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you.

See Jane Write Turns 2!

2013-03-24T13:58:00.001-05:00

Exactly two years ago today See Jane Write began with a small gathering of 14 women at a local Mexican restaurant. We crowded around a table and discussed our writing adventures and aspirations and I asked them what they wanted from a group like See Jane Write. The women there that night I barely knew at the time, but some are now good friends of mine -- women like Chanda Temple, Erin Shaw Street and Karri Bentley. And it's crazy to think that some of See Jane Write's biggest supporters currently -- women like Sherri Ross Walters, Tanya Sylvan, Mandy Shunnarah, Jessica Jack Wyrick, Emily Lowrey, Darlene Robinson Millender, Jennifer Dome and Carol Marks, who has driven all the way from Huntsville to attend events-- are women I hadn't even met two years ago.

The second See Jane Write event -- a Twitter workshop -- drew about 40 people; the next event -- a panel discussion on blogging -- drew about 65. The See Jane Write email list has grown to nearly 300 addresses. And thanks to this wonderful group I've been featured on great websites like Magic City Made and The Cobalt Club and I received the SMART Award, an honor given by the Women's Fund of Greater Birmingham to innovative women in the city.

It's hard to believe that all this has happened in just two years. But I have a feeling that year 3 is going to be even more amazing.

If you'd like to give See Jane Write a birthday gift feel free to do so via the PayPal button to the right. But if you can't spare any extra cash there are other ways I'd love for you to be part of the See Jane Write movement.

Here are my goals for the next year and how you can help.

1. Start magazine.

As some of you already know, I plan to launch See Jane Write Magazine this summer. This will be a blog-style website offering information and inspiration for women writers, bloggers, and journalists worldwide. You can support this project now by following the new Twitter account @seejanewritemag.

2. Create a blueprint.

I've had requests to start See Jane Write organizations in other cities and even other states, which is one of the reasons I decided to start the magazine. But I want to do more. I want to one day be able to offer a detailed blueprint to future See Jane Write ambassadors in different cities. But See Jane Write is only two; she's a toddler that still stumbles when she walks. I need your help in getting See Jane Write where she needs to be before we can start showing her off to the rest of the country.

3. Have a See Jane Write conference.

I would really like to have a See Jane Write conference one day but the idea is so overwhelming it ties my stomach into knots. But with your help, I believe a See Jane Write conference could be fantastic. As author Jen Hatmaker says, instead of being overwhelmed let's be awesome.

If you're interested in helping with any of these projects, please email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com. I will be hosting a small planning party in the coming months.

Let's do this!

And the winner is...

2013-03-08T17:32:00.000-06:00

The winner of the free all-access pass to the Strength Mitzi Jane Media Social Media Conference is "Katie - Hems for Her." Please email me so I can get you set up with your prize.
If you didn't win remember you can still get a $20 discount on the full conference rate until 10 p.m. tomorrow by using the code jane. Click here (affiliate link) to register.
*I used Random Number Generator to select the winner. "Katie- Hems for Her" was the fourth person to enter.
True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:4Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Win a Free Pass to the STRENGTH Social Media Conference

2013-03-06T15:04:00.000-06:00

We writers may like to believe that wise and witty words are enough to bring readers to our books and blogs, but sadly, that’s just not true. We must market our work as well, and these days one of the best ways to do so is through social media.

“Social media, partnered with blogging, is a tool to strengthen your personal brand, connect with current and future readers, network with other writers, and share stories,” said Mitzi Eaker of the social media consulting group Mitzi Jane Media. “For writers, blogging highlights their talents and gives them a platform to share their writing.”

Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media

Next month you’ll have a chance to learn how to improve your social media skills at STRENGTH, a Mitzi Jane Media social media conference for small businesses. If you think this conference isn’t for you because you’re a writer, not a business owner, think again.

“I think all the sessions are beneficial to writers, especially if they want to create a business as a writer, monetize a blog, or market a book,” Eaker said.

Eaker believes so strongly that this conference is beneficial for writers and bloggers that she is offering a discount to See Jane Write members and giving away an all-access pass to one lucky Jane.

Workshops will be held every Monday evening during the month of April from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The conference takes place at Danberry at Inverness, 235 Inverness Center Drive.

During the first session Eaker will give a broad introduction to social media and later author and blogger Teri Lynne Underwood will share how she used social media to promote her blog and sell her books.

For the second week Eaker will share the steps to building a social media strategy and veteran blogger and designer Karla Archer will share how to create strong social media content and a blogging calendar.

The third week will cover Google Analytics and SEO. Week four will delve into branding. In the final session Emily Lowrey of Magic City Post will help attendees learn how to be more productive with their time online.

Other things you can expect to learn include: how to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest strategically; steps to ebook publishing and how to connect with small businesses for marketing promotions.

Early bird registration for the full conference is $129.99 and available through March 8. After March 8 the full conference rate is $169. The cost per night is $39.99.

Click here (affiliate link) to register.

To receive $20 off registration for the full conference use the code - jane. This code will expire Saturday at 10 p.m.

To enter the giveaway for the free full conference pass leave a comment telling us what your greatest social media training needs are. Also, to be eligible to win you must follow See Jane Write and Mitzi Jane Media on Twitter or Facebook. The contest will end Friday at 5 p.m. and the winner announced shortly after.

Mitzi Jane Media on Facebook www.facebook.com/MitziJaneMedia

Mitzi Jane Media on Twitter @mitzijanemedia

See Jane Write on Facebook www.facebook.com/seejanewritebham

See Jane Write on Twitter @seejanewritebhm

Blog Like a Girl, BFW 2013 Edition: Abby Hathorn of Vintage Inspired Passionista

2013-03-01T16:41:00.000-06:00

Abby Hathorn of Vintage Inspired Passionista

Look out Tavi Gevinson! Birmingham may have its own teen prodigy in the world of fashion blogging. Abby Hathorn started her website Vintage Inspired Passionista about a year ago when she was only 16.

"I wanted to show that teenage girls did not have to be sixteen and pregnant, but sixteen and successful," Hathorn said.

Hathorn not only blogs but also works part-time as a stylist for Mississippi-based Town and Gown Magazine and writes for Real Story Publishing.

"Juggling my blog, writing for Real Story Publishing, styling for Town and Gown Magazine, and finding time in the day to homeschool is quite a challenging task, but thanks to my iPhone and Claire Massy at Town and Gown Magazine and Joseph St. John at Real Story Publishing, I am able to find time in the day to do what I love-fashion and writing," Abby says. "It is great to be able to collaborate with them via text and email. I am originally from Mississippi and have family and friends close to Starkville and Columbus which allows me to travel there as often as I am needed."

This past week Abby was busy covering Birmingham Fashion Week, but she still made time to chat with See Jane Write about blogging and the Birmingham fashion scene.

Abby at the BFW 2013 Kick Off Party

How did you put together the outfit you wore to the Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Kick Off Party?

I love mixing patterns! When I spotted the printed dress and chevron cardigan at Banana Republic, I knew they were meant to be in my closet! I felt the basic navy needed a pop of color, so I sported my favorite pair of Michael Kors heels with it. I adore handmade jewelry and Etsy so I topped off my BFW 2013 Kick Off Party ensemble with handmade earrings by Rachel Leathers (of Hearts of Stone Jewelry) and a luscious stone ring by Lisa Hamilton (of Beadsoul).

Why do you think it's good for Birmingham to have an event like Birmingham Fashion Week?

Events such as Birmingham Fashion Week help to boost tourism and draw attention to the area's awesome attractions, shops, and dining. It brings attention to and supports nonprofit foundations like Alabama Forever and Camp Smile-A-Mile. It also shows off the South's fashionable talents! And what shopaholic doesn't love a preview of spring fashions?

Why do you think it is important for local bloggers to cover Birmingham Fashion Week and how can they do it in a way that will fully engage their readers?

It is a fantastic and fashionable way to support the community! Easy ways to fully engage readers during events like BFW is with photos and interviews. Readers love to be involved, so ask them which design/event was their favorite.

How did you get interested in fashion?

My fascination with fashion began at a young age. I was always playing dress up in my mom's closet! Well, I suppose, I still play dress up.

What was the inspiration behind the name of your blog?

I am inspired by all things vintage! Vintage clothes, music, movies, and cars! There is nothing better than putting on a vintage Frank Sinatra record while brainstorming about blog ideas.

How did you get your gig with Town and Gown Magazine? How do you manage to work for them while living in Birmingham?

Claire Massey, the editor of Town and Gown Magazine, discovered and contacted me to do a fashion article for the November 2012 issue. Since that article, I have been working as a stylist for Town and Gown Magazine.

Town and Gown is a wonderful publication with which to work! Claire Massey, the editor, and Divian Conner, the photographer, make planning and conducting photo shoots easy.

What tips would you give to bloggers (not only fashion bloggers) looking to build their brand and a community?

Social media promotion is key! Create a Facebook Like Page, Twitter, and Instagram page for your blog to draw in your readers, and be sure to post often, but not overwhelmingly. Early on in my blog, I decided that I needed a logo that not only represented the VIP, but also was catchy! Thanks to Amy Shaw for creating a fabulous logo for me. Another super easy way to grow a blogging brand is with business cards. I always have lots of business cards with me, and I hand them out everywhere I shop, eat, and hangout.

What If Carrie Bradshaw Wrote a Murder Mystery?

2013-02-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I’m not usually a fan of murder mystery novels. And I hope that doesn’t make me sound like a book snob. I’m certainly not one. You can find The Carrie Diaries series on my bookshelf right now.

But I like reading fluffy fiction about Carrie Bradshaw for the same reason I enjoy heavy classics like Toni Morison’s The Bluest Eye and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar: I am a sucker for well-developed and relatable characters. And these are hard to find in most mystery novels.

Nevertheless, over the Christmas holidays I read Billie Thomas’ Murder on the First Day of Christmas and I’m sure glad I did.

Set in Birmingham, Alabama, the novel follows Chloe Carstairs and her mother Amanda, two decorators who find themselves in the middle of a homicide investigation after two of their clients are killed. Chloe and her mom soon become amateur sleuths determined to crack the case and complete hilarity ensues.

You may remember that I interviewed Thomas in December shortly after the book was made available on Kindle. I’m happy to announce that Murder on the First Day of Christmas is now available in paperback.

Whether you like murder mysteries or not, you should give this novel a try largely because of the charismatic main characters.

You will immediately love Chloe Carstairs because she’ll remind you of your best friend, or yourself, or both. Like many of us, she’s a 30-something gal struggling to navigate her personal and professional lives and having many hilarious and humbling encounters along the way.

But it’s Chloe’s relationship with her mom that really got me hooked. Their mother-daughter banter will have you laughing out loud, while the obvious love they have for each other will have you picking up the phone to call your parents just to say “hi.”

Thomas does a great job of unraveling the mystery as well and soon you will have put on your detective hat too, trying to figure out who done it along with Chloe and Amanda.

Of course, I enjoyed all the references to Birmingham and I hope non-natives will read it and realize there’s more to Birmingham than they once believed.

Overall, I just love how cleverly this story is put together. Even the funny little anecdotes told throughout narrative come to serve a purpose in the end, showing you just how talented Thomas really is.

Cross-posted at The Writeous Babe Project.

The Blogger's Guide to Birmingham Fashion Week 2013

2013-02-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 kicks off Saturday, Feb. 23, and if you’re a fashion blogger you know this is an event you shouldn’t miss.

Unfortunately, however, you did miss the Feb. 15 deadline to apply for a media pass and you simply can’t afford to buy tickets for every BFW event.

But all hope is not lost. You can still feature Birmingham Fashion Week on your blog without breaking the bank.

The Birmingham Fashion Week kick-off party is free so make plans to be at Gus Mayer on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. BFW models will be live modeling in display windows while the community rocks out with DJ Coco.

If you only attend one other event it should be the Finale Runway show set for Saturday, March 2.

This event will feature a showing of the 2013 spring collection by Tibi, an internationally renowned brand designed by Amy Smilovic.

"This designer typically only shows on stages like the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week so it is an honor for Alabama to be able to host such a label," says Kimberlee Brooks, spokesperson for BFW.

Also, the winners from the Rising Design Star, Emerging Designers and Fresh Face of Fashion competitions will be announced on Saturday too. Thus this event could give you good material for a feature on the future of fashion.

For the Rising Design Star competition middle and high school students were challenged to create a garment using only non-traditional materials such as bubble wrap, trash bags, computer keyboard parts, coffee filters, bottle tops, etc. The top 30 are chosen to compete at BFW. For the Emerging Designers Competition college and post-grad students had to design and create four garments the top 16 will be chosen to showcase their items on stage. The Fresh Face of Fashion competition is a competition for the official BFW models, who are judged throughout the week by industry professionals. The winner receives a grand prize of $3500 worth of cash and prizes and the title of the Fresh Face of Fashion.

"If bloggers can go to more than one night, both Thursday and Friday's runway shows will also be thrilling to watch," Brooks says.

Jeff Garner’s sustainable, organic label Prophetik will headline Thursday’s show. This current collection "The Princess Grace Tribute Collection" was debuted in Monaco and was even on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, proving that fashion truly is an art form.

On Friday, Anthony Ryan Auld, who recently won Project Runway All-Star Season 2, will showcase his fashion-forward yet wearable women's clothing line.

Rising Design Stars and Emerging Designers will also showcase their talents both Thursday and Friday night.

For next year’s Birmingham Fashion Week be sure to apply for your media pass in January. And don’t feel like you can’t apply for one just because you don’t work for a magazine or newspaper.

“We grant many bloggers media passes, even if they are not associated with a mainstream media outlet,” Brooks says. “The most important thing is the kind of base and following the blogger has built. We enjoy working with writers from all backgrounds and reader demographics!”

The organizers of BFW do want to know how many Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and readers you have, so get those media kits ready.

Doing a good job covering this year’s event will also increase your chances of scoring a pass next year.

“Live social media coverage and follow-up posts are key for us,” Brooks says.

For a complete schedule of events and to order tickets visit the Birmingham Fashion Week website.

Life Is But a Dream

2013-02-16T22:56:00.000-06:00

There's often chatter on some of my favorite blogs about whether superstar Beyonce is or isn't a feminist. Her girl power anthems, all-female band and determination to be independent lead some to say that Bey is absolutely a feminist. But some look to her sexy persona and performances and say she's a pawn to the male gaze. Some folks even complain about her decision to name her upcoming tour "The Mrs. Carter Show."

Despite the fact that I've been waving the flag of feminism for years, I actually don't care whether or not Beyonce has the label of "feminist." She continues to inspire me regardless.

I had no intentions of writing about her HBO documentary, Life Is But a Dream, that debuted tonight. But when I found myself scribbling down notes throughout the program, I knew a blog post was about to be born.

Believe it or not, sometimes I do have reservations about calling myself a feminist, but not because of the negative connotations and terrible misconceptions people have about what being a feminist means. Sometimes I feel as if feminism doesn't fully describe my politics, my life mission or my love for and devotion to women. Feminism is simply a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. But my desire to improve the lives of women and help them express themselves is about so much more than equality. It's about sisterhood.

In the documentary Beyonce describes how much her love for women influences her work. She says, "I'm always thinking about women and what we need to hear." And with those words she describes exactly why I blog and why I started See Jane Write.

Beyonce goes on to talk about how important it is for women to have conversations with other women and how much she grows from those heartfelt discussions. I feel the same way, which is why I want to build community here on this blog and offline through See Jane Write networking events.

Life Is But a Dream is a compelling documentary because it reminds viewers that Beyonce is human. Yes, her life is acutely different from ours, but she still has insecurities and heartache, hopes and dreams. She's a woman of faith. And when she's talking about her husband you see she's still a girl in love with a boy, and suddenly the fact that she's calling her new tour the Mrs. Carter Show makes you smile.

But obviously it's when Beyonce talks about her concern for women that she makes my feminist heart flutter. In the documentary during a segment on her Billboard Music Awards performance of "Run the World (Girls)" she says:

It really pisses me off that women don't get the same opportunities as men do or money for that matter because let's face it: money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define our values and to define what's sexy and what's feminine. And that's bullshit. At the end of the day it's not about equal rights it's about how we think. We have to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead and reach as high as humanly possible. That's what I'm going to do, that's my philosophy and that's what "Girls" is all about.

Yes. This.

I love that she puts the ball in our court. If you see an injustice or disparity around you, do something about it! It's time out for whining about men or "the Man" holding us down. It's time that we take control of our careers and our creativity.

It's time to take control of your life so it can finally look just like the one you live in your dreams.

Love Letter to WBHM, Birmingham's NPR Station

2013-02-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Image by Stephen Barnett via Flickr/Creative Commons

"I think I'm in love with my radio

Cause it never lets me down

And I fall in love with my stereo

Whenever I hear that sound"

- "Radio" by Beyonce

Dear WBHM,

When I was a teenager I believed no one could love me like my radio.

It was always there for me. I listened to the radio while getting ready for and riding to school each morning. My radio made evening homework sessions go by faster and every night my radio sang me to sleep.

I still have fond memories of calling my favorite DJ to request my favorite song and then waiting by the radio with a blank cassette in the tape deck so I could record the highly anticipated track.

R&B ballads by the likes of Mariah Carey gave me fuel for all the sad, angst-filled love poems I wrote back then. And the anthems sang by girl groups like TLC stirred within me a sense of self-pride that would eventually blossom into my feminism.

Then one day everything changed. Radio and I grew apart.

I could try to blame it all on mainstream music. I could say rap music became too sexist and senseless and that pop and R&B became too trite. But, truthfully, I'm the one who changed. My favorite artists became folks like Ani DiFranco, musicians who don't get mainstream radio airplay. And most club bangers started to give me a headache.

So I turned off my radio.

Then you came along.

I admit that in the past I was never a huge NPR fan because I felt the radio was supposed to be a source of escape and entertainment. As I grew older I started tuning in to NPR for updates on major news events, but was still far from a loyal listener.

But when I moved back to my hometown of Birmingham I decided to give you a chance. You impressed with your programming and with events like I quickly got hooked on station's programming and was impressed by events like Issues & Ales.

Radio and I began to rekindle the flame, and I owe it all to you.

I am a fan of good music for the same reason that I am a writer -- I love stories. And you are always there telling me an intriguing tale whether it's about life for children in Palestine or the story of a gay man being reunited with his siblings after being cast out the family by his ultra conservative father. Just last week I learned about the evolution of hand dryers. You're so awesome that you can make hand dryers interesting! And two weeks ago, thanks to you, I began my day with an inspiring interview with Sonia Sotomayor.

Because of you I am more informed, more empathetic, and more motivated.

What I'm trying to say is you make me a better person.

And I can't get enough of you.

I've become one of those people who are almost late for work because they're sitting in the parking lot in their cars enraptured by an NPR feature report. Every weekend I look forward to listening to the word game Says You.

And you don't forgot that I love music too. If it weren't for you I would have never learned about the artist Kendra Morris, whose album Banshee was one of my favorite releases of 2012.

I am so happy we're taking our relationship to a new level and making things official now that I've signed on to be the Race & Diversity blogger for your website.

And today is Valentine's Day, so let's celebrate and dance to our song.

A version of this post originally appeared on The Writeous Babe Project.

22 Reasons Women Writers Should Love Birmingham

2013-02-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Image by Andre Natta via Flickr/Creative Commons

Monday morning I received an email that made my day. Actually, it made my week.

The message was from a young woman who is a senior at Harvard University interested in journalism. She contacted me because after she graduates she wants to move to... wait for it... Birmingham!

She came across my name and contact information via the See Jane Write blog and said that she's eager to get involved in See Jane Write once she moves to the Magic City.

The fact that a student at Harvard (who's originally from the D.C. area) wants to move to Birmingham may come to a shock to some, but not to me. This young woman has figured out something that, unfortunately, took me three decades to learn -- Birmingham is a good place for writers.

This month's issue of Birmingham Magazine features a list of 22 reasons to love the city. This list, along with the aforementioned email, inspired me to create a list of my own -- 22 reasons women writers should love Birmingham.

Read on to see if your favorite things about Birmingham made this list.

Snapshot from the See Jane Write event Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism
Photo Credit: Sherri Davidson Ross

Writers in Birmingham believe in building community. Some local organizations for writers,
journalists, and bloggers include:

1. See Jane Write (Of course, I had to include this group!)
2. Alabama Bloggers
3. Alabama Media Professionals
4. Write Club
5. Birmingham Association of Black Journalists

Believe it or not, Birmingham has a thriving magazine scene. If you want to break into the world of glossy publications but don't want to deal with shoveling snow or living in a studio apartment that costs you more than $1,000 a month, the Magic City is the place for you.

6. Southern Progress Corporation (home to magazines such as Southern Living, Health, and Cooking Light)

7. Birmingham Magazine

8. B-Metro

Most writers know that one of the best ways to improve your work is to spend time reading the works of others. Birmingham is for lovers -- book lovers, that is. Some of our best bookstores include:

9. Jim Reed Books
10. Little Professor
11. 2nd & Charles

Studies have shown that crowded coffee shops can actually help fire up your creativity. Birmingham has plenty of great coffeehouses to get your mojo going.

12. Church Street Coffee and Books
13. Urban Standard
14. O'Henry's Coffees
15. The Red Cat Coffee House

In Birmingham writers don't just sit home alone writing behind closed doors. In our city writers take the stage with spoken word nights and storytelling events.

16. Bards and Brews, presented by the Birmingham Public Library
17. Arc Light Stories

Smart writers know it's good to get inspiration from all of the arts, including the culinary arts . In Birmingham we have a great art museum and wonderful performing arts centers such as the Alys Stephens Center, but we also have grassroots festivals and conferences and locally owned galleries to set our imaginations to work too.

18. Naked Art Gallery
19. FoodBlogSouth
20. Sidewalk Film Festival
21. Eat Drink Read Write Festival

We creative types typically don't do well working a traditional 9 to 5 job and we tend to want to strike out on our own. If you're ready to set your entrepreneurial spirit free, Birmingham is eager to help you do just that.

22. REV Birmingham

What do you love about Birmingham?

Cross-posted at The Writeous Babe Project.

Alabama Media Professionals & See Jane Write Birmingham -- The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

2013-02-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Guest Post by Jeanie McLean, vice president of Alabama Media Professionals

It’s good to have friends. That’s what I thought when I found See Jane Write while scouting like-minded writing groups in my role as program VP for Alabama Media Professionals. Although some of Birmingham’s writers’ groups seem to have withered with the journalism job market, See Jane Write – like AMP – continues to thrive.

That intrigued me. So I contacted Javacia to see how our groups might connect. She promised to speak to AMP during her summer sabbatical. She also kindly offered me this guest post. Although our groups are different, we have some commonalities. See Jane Write offers a platform for writers, especially those striving to master the blogging arts. AMP takes a somewhat broader approach, as our professionals work in both traditional and new media.

Our leadership thinks there may be ways we could explore mutual interests and share strengths. We’d like to hear your partnering ideas – maybe a project, program or party.

To start you thinking, here’s some information about Alabama Media Professionals – who we are and what we do to help members develop their careers.

Our typical monthly meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Homewood Public Library. Occasionally we have special events at other times. Our members attend for free. Guests must pay $5.00 per meeting, but may apply the fee toward membership dues, should they decide to join.
Our focus is professional development. AMP is the local chapter of the National Federation of Press Women (our membership includes men, too). We enlist highly-qualified speakers for meetings and workshops.
We enjoy networking. AMP includes a diverse network of colleagues (PR representatives, broadcasters, freelance journalists, corporate writers, bloggers, etc.) throughout Alabama.
We maintain an AMP Website providing meeting information/activities. It includes a public listing of members’ professional profiles, which has resulted in job leads and assignments.

Want to learn more, or connect with us? Visit our website at alabamamediaprofessionals.com, email me at jeanmclean2000@yahoo.com, or visit a meeting. Our next meeting is this Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Homewood Public Library and will feature Greg Powell, president and CEO of Birmingham-based fi-Plan Partners. Just in time for tax season, he'll be sharing some financial insights for the self-employed.

Let us know if you have ideas on how AMP and See Jane Write can complement each other.

After all, it’s good to have friends.

Local Authors Expo set for Feb. 2

2013-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Birmingham writers, mark your calendars for Sat., Feb. 2. Next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual Local Authors Expo will be held at the Central branch of the Birmingham Public Library. Up to 100 authors, many from the Birmingham area, will be on site to not only sell and autograph their books, but to discuss their writing process as well.

"One of the main missions of the library is to connect authors and readers and this event does exactly that,” said Jared Millet, the Authors Expo organizer and library department head of acquisitions. “It gives authors an opportunity to promote themselves to the public. If you are a self-published author, it's hard to get into brick and mortar stores. You have to use events like this to get your name out there.''

Whether you’re interested in cooking, sports, or fishing, or you’re looking for an inspirational book or just a great novel, the 2013 Authors Expo will have something for you.

As the city commemorates the 50th anniversary of Birmingham's civil rights movement this year, there will also be a special section of civil rights authors. At 1 p.m. Carolyn Maull McKinstry, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing survivor and author of the book While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age During the Civil Rights Movement, will talk about Birmingham's civil rights movement, the bombing and her life.

This event isn’t just for people who like to read a good book, but also for those looking to write one.

"If you are thinking of writing a book, you need to be at the Birmingham Public Library on Feb. 2,'' said Chanda Temple, director of public relations for the Birmingham Public Library.

At 10:30 a.m. Millet, who is also a published author, will hold a workshop on how to breathe life into your writing. Furthermore, writers will have the opportunity to network with other authors and potential fans.

"A lot of times, writers or beginner writers wonder how an author got his or her book published or how they make their story flow in a certain manner. This expo will give writers a chance to talk to authors, many of them self-published, to find out how they did it,” Temple said. “It's all about making connections, gaining inspiration and building support. We hope this expo will spark networking opportunities for everyone and continue to build the literary community.”

For more information about this event visit http://www.bplonline.org/programs/LocalAuthors/.

Cross-posted at The Writeous Babe Project.

Tweets & Sweets: A See Jane Write Tweet-Up

2013-01-18T08:35:00.002-06:00

Next month See Jane Write will host its second big event of the year -- Tweets & Sweets: A See Jane Write Tweet-Up. This event will be held Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at The Wine Loft, 2200 1st Ave. North. The evening will feature drink specials and sweet treats from Birmingham-area shops and bakeries.

There is no cover, but cash donations to See Jane Write will be much appreciated.

Please click here to RSVP or if you're not on Facebook just let me know in the comments section of this post that you'll be there.

And here are three reason you should be there:

You love networking. Well, maybe you don't love networking, but you're smart enough to know it's an important thing to do. Tweets & Sweets will give you the chance to meet and mingle with other writers in Birmingham, some of whom you may have only previously chatted with on Twitter. Maybe you'll meet your future writing partner -- someone you can meet occasionally for writing sessions, someone to hold you accountable for writing regularly, and someone to critique your work. Because this tweet-up is also a birthday party for yours truly, there will also be folks at this event who aren't writers. Bloggers, these people could become your newest followers and fans. So don't forget to bring your business cards!
You love cake. It's the beginning of the year, so you're probably on a diet. You're trying to lose weight and get in shape. I am too. But it's my party, I'll eat cake if I want to. And I give you permission to do the same. We can go running together the next day to burn off those calories.
You love me! Okay, there's a chance you have no idea who I am and this is your first time ever visiting this site, but hear me out. As I mentioned before, this event is also my birthday party. I'd love to celebrate my special day with fellow writers and bloggers.

Hope to see you on Feb. 8!

Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism Recap

2013-01-13T15:33:00.000-06:00

Photo by Sherri Davidson Ross

On Thursday, Jan. 10, See Jane Write hosted Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism. This panel discussion featured:

Staci Brown Brooks, Community News Director for the Birmingham Hub of Alabama Media Group
Emily Lowrey, founder of Magic City Post, a web publication that offers a daily posts on the Birmingham metro area and shows off the best the region has to offer.
Andre Natta, founder of The Terminal, a critically acclaimed web publication about Birmingham.
Erin Shaw Street, travel editor for Southern Living magazine and editorial content manager for the magazine's social media including its blog, The Daily South

The panel discussion was moderated by Edward T. Bowser, community engagement specialist for the Birmingham Hub of Alabama Media Group, author of the blog Soul In Stereo, and husband to yours truly.

On a rainy weeknight we packed out the conference room of Innovation Depot with about 40 people in attendance. And that night our hashtag, #sjwbhm, was the number 2 Twitter trending topic for Birmingham.

From left: Emily Lowrey, Staci Brown Brooks, Erin Shaw Street,
Andre Natta and Edward T. Bowser

The night began with a discussion about what bloggers must do to be respected as journalists.

Build up your source list and quote experts in your posts to help establish credibility, Lowrey said. And this goes for all bloggers, even those not covering hard news. If you’re a fashion blogger in Birmingham, she said, you need to know the people behind Birmingham Fashion Week.

If you are a blogger hoping to be taken seriously as a journalist there are three words you should live by, Brooks said: accuracy, ethics, and truth. Natta said he would also add to that list transparency.

Don't feel you need a journalism degree to be a serious blogger. Natta does not have a journalism degree and neither did his hero – the late, great Ed Bradley. Journalism is less about a degree and more about doing the right thing for your community, Natta said.

Can bloggers and journalists work together? Absolutely.

Erin Shaw Street and Andre Natta

“There’s room for everyone,” Brooks said. Street offered this great tip: in this digital age many “old school” journalists want to learn from bloggers. Find a reporter that can show you how to be a good journalist while you teach him or her how to be a good blogger.

When it comes to how best to promote your blog, the advice given really boiled down to this – talk to people! That could mean networking face-to-face at events or on Twitter. Participating in Twitter chats, for example, can be quite beneficial.

Natta says people looking promote their blogs also need to get involved in groups like See Jane Write (two points for Andre!).

Natta got the word out about The Terminal in part through MySpace (remember that site?) where he wished followers happy birthday and sent out links to posts that hadn't previously received much attention. He also promoted the website with events and with merchandise such as T-shirts.

And speaking of social media, for those of you still holding out on Twitter, you need to get with it. Lowrey said that if you’re interested in working for Magic City Post they won’t even consider you if you don’t have a Twitter account. Publications want to know that you’re bringing an audience with you, she said.

That said, be sure your tweets and your Facebook account properly represent you as a professional, Brooks added.

For those of you still struggling to find your niche, just be sure to blog about your passions. You must be excited about your topics to have a successful blog. "Blogging should be fun!" Street reminded us.

If you’re covering a topic or a community that you feel isn't getting adequate attention from mainstream media take advantage of this opportunity. Look for those gaps. Figure out what’s missing and fill the holes. “Learn as much as you can,” Natta said. “You may become a source for the mainstream media on this topic.”

And don’t worry about blogging in a niche that feels a bit crowded.

“A little competition can be healthy,” Brooks said. And remember, Street added, your voice and your perspective will set you apart from the rest.

One audience member wanted to know how often one should blog.

As often as you can, our panelists said. Readers want fresh content. But be realistic about how often you can post. Set a realistic schedule and stick with it.

Whether you're a blogger, a journalist, or both, it's all about "strategic agility," Street said, as several people in the room quickly jotted down and tweeted out this term. She summed it up this way -- be prolific, be able to hustle, be able to adapt.

For more photos from this event visit us on Facebook.

Resources for Bloggers and Journalists:

The Poynter Institute

Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press

Reynolds Journalism Institute

The Knight Foundation

Meet the Moderator: Edward T. Bowser

2013-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Edward T. Bowser will serve as moderator for tomorrow's panel
Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism

The moderator for our upcoming event Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism holds a special place in my heart. He has been See Jane Write's biggest supporter since the moment I had the idea to start this group. He is also my husband!

Edward T. Bowser is a Community Engagement Specialist with the Birmingham hub of Alabama Media Group.

His love of social media and community service has brought him full-circle back to the world of journalism. A native of Portsmouth, Va, Edward started his newspaper career at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he eventually served as assistant copy desk chief. After moving to Birmingham in 2009, Edward joined advertising agency Luckie & Company, where he immersed himself in all things digital. But now he's returned to his first love -- journalism. At AL.com Edward strives to strengthens the company's digital voice by managing their social media accounts while also serving as a community ambassador. His column, Agents of Change, showcases young professionals who are reshaping Birmingham in new and exciting ways.

Outside of the office, you can find Edward ranting about urban music, relationships and pop culture on his blog SoulInStereo.com.

There are two questions I asked all our panelists after they agreed to be part of this discussion and Edward was eager to chime in as well. Check out his responses below:

What must bloggers who want to be considered journalists do to be taken seriously?

A blogger who wants to be taken seriously as a journalist must first treat the profession of journalism seriously. The mediums may have evolved but the core ideals of journalism remain. That means sourcing your material, not taking anything at face value and forming your own opinions instead of mimicking someone else's. A strong and trustworthy voice will rise above idle chatter.

What main piece of advice would you give to folks who want to use their blogs to tell important stories in their communities?

Listen to your community. What do they want to hear? What do they need to hear? In the race to be first to break stories or meet revenue goals the reader often suffers. The best way to serve the community is to immerse yourself in it. Meet the residents, listen to their needs and let your blog become their voice.

This panel discussion is a free event but registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

Panelist Spotlight: Staci Brown Brooks

2013-01-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Staci Brown Brooks

If you want a career in journalism in Birmingham Staci Brown Brooks is a woman you need to know.

Brooks is the director of community news in Birmingham for the Alabama Media Group, the state's largest news gathering organization. Prior to that she worked at The Birmingham News for several years in a variety of writing and editing positions. She has previously worked at The Tuscaloosa News and the Detroit Free Press, and as an instructor at The University of Alabama.

On Thursday, she'll step into that teaching role again briefly as she shares media and web wisdom at our upcoming panel discussion Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism.

Brooks received a bachelor's degree in journalism from UA, and is currently studying there for her master's in business administration. Brooks also is a graduate of the Alabama Leadership Initiative and the Maynard Media Academy at Harvard University.

If you want to know more about how you can use blogging and journalism to be a leader in your community, you can do just that on Thursday, Jan. 10 at our next event. Click here to register.

There are two questions I asked all our panelists after they agreed to be part of this discussion. Check out Brooks' responses below:

What must bloggers who want to be considered journalists do to be taken seriously?

Put accuracy and ethics above all else. Know your current audience and the audience you are trying to develop --- be able to articulate what you do and who you try to reach if asked. If you are committed to growing your blog's audience, you must be committed to assuring your vision for it is responsive to their needs, wishes and patterns.What main piece of advice would you give to folks who want to use their blogs to tell important stories in their communities?

Be passionate about the niche you've chosen --- or the niche that has chosen you. That's the one thing no one can teach you; everything else you can learn, if you are willing. Passion can't be taught and it can't be faked. Always put accuracy and ethics above all else. And write your hearts out.

If you have more questions for Staci Brown Brooks leave them in the comments section and we will add them to our list of questions for our upcoming event.

Panelist Spotlight: Erin Shaw Street

2013-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

Erin Shaw Street

This past summer Southern Living magazine launched The Daily South, a blog that the magazine's editors hope will become the go-to destination for Southern culture, food, home, travel and style. It made sense that the woman at the helm of this new online project would be Erin Shaw Street.

Street is travel editor at Southern Living and thus it's her job to canvas the South to discover the latest destinations, tastemakers and trends. Erin has also been blogging for years and is a social media guru in her own right. In fact, Street led the first See Jane Write workshop, which was a seminar on Twitter. We're excited she'll be partnering with us again and serving as a panelist for our upcoming event Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism.

In addition to her role as travel editor at Southern Living and the work she does for The Daily South, Street also manages editorial content for the brand’s social media. She is the recipient of more than 20 writing awards, including the 2012 Gold Lowell Thomas Award for “What Stands In A Storm,” Southern Living’s coverage of the 2011 tornadoes, and a 2012 Folio Award for "Heroes of the New South."

If you want to know more about blogging and/or journalism, Street is clearly a great person from whom to learn. And you can do just that on Thursday, Jan. 10 at our next event. Click here to register.

There are two questions I asked all our panelists after they agreed to be part of this discussion. Check out Street's responses below:

What must bloggers who want to be considered journalists do to be taken seriously?

Woo, it's difficult to become a journalist overnight! It takes a while. Journalists spend years learning about the practice, which includes ethics, reporting, interview skills, writing, and editing. If a blogger is serious about learning these skills, commit to gaining this knowledge from the best. Read quality journalism. Seek out a journalist from whom you can learn -- he or she might need to learn about blogging and/or social; strike up that conversation. Follow reputable journalism sources and watchdogs, like the Poynter Institute (poynter.org).

What main piece of advice would you give to folks who want to use their blogs to tell important stories in their communities?

You don't need a Pulitzer to tell compelling stories. Tell them from your vantage point -- from the carpool line, from the downtown you see growing into something more, from the conversations in which you and your friends dream. Get out and live in your community, then do the reporting. Talk to other people. Share what they and you experience.

If you have more questions for Erin Shaw Street leave them in the comments section and we will add them to our list of questions for our upcoming event.

Panelist Spotlight: André Natta

2013-01-03T10:45:00.000-06:00

Andre Natta will be one of the panelists featured in our
discussion on blogging and community journalism
set for Thursday, Jan. 10.

Long before I returned to my hometown of Birmimgham, Ala., in 2009 I was hearing talk about The Terminal. André Natta started this critically acclaimed web publication about Birmingham in 2007 and the site has since garnered him plenty of attention and respect in the Magic City and beyond.

Natta will be one of the panelists featured in next week's event Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism. The Terminal is just one of the reasons I'm excited to have Natta as part of this discussion.

In addition to his work with The Terminal, Natta has two blogs -- a personal one (Dre's Ramblings) and another looking at modern communication methods and urbanism (Urban Conversations). He also contributes a monthly column on technology and how it’s affecting the future of Birmingham (The Digital City) for B-Metro Magazine.

This week over on his blog Urban Conversations, Natta started a series he calls The Four Agreements of Blogging. Inspired by The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, this series will examine principles we should all keep in mind when it comes to writing and digital strategy. You can begin reading the series here.

And you can learn even more from Natta about blogging and community journalism on Thursday, Jan. 10 at our next event. Click here to register.

There are two questions I asked all our panelists after they agreed to be part of this discussion. Check out Natta's responses below:

What must bloggers who want to be considered journalists do to be taken seriously?

I'd say they'd want to approach writing their posts with passion. They got to be willing to tell the truth and have the ability to connect dots most folks wouldn't at first glance. Always be willing to question and to learn as much as possible.

What main piece of advice would you give to folks who want to use their blogs to tell important stories in their communities?

Be willing to do the research necessary to make sure no stone is left unturned. This includes reaching out to all sides of the story; there are normally more than two. Even if folks don't reciprocate, you know you've done all you can to present as complete a piece as possible. Being thorough and transparent matters much more than being balanced and objective.

If you have more questions for Natta leave them in the comments section and we will add them to our list of questions for next week's event.

3 Reasons You Should Join the See Jane Write Facebook Group

2012-12-28T12:18:00.001-06:00

You've signed up for the See Jane Write mailing list and you've liked our Facebook page. And for that I am truly grateful. But, believe it or not, you may still be missing out on See Jane Write happenings. Here are three reasons why you need to join our Facebook group.

Reason 1: You'll learn about new events first!

Long before I announced the next See Jane Write panel discussion on this blog or via email, I announced it first on the See Jane Write Facebook group page. In case you missed it, the next See Jane Write event, Blogging and the Future of Community Journalism, is set for Thursday, Jan. 10. This panel discussion will feature editors from AL.com, Magic City Post, Southern Living, and The Terminal. This event is perfect for bloggers looking for a way to use their blogs to support and promote the communities they care about and for journalists wondering about the future of community journalism in the digital age. This event, like all See Jane Write programs, is free, but registration is required. Click here for more details and to register.

Reason 2: You'll make new friends.

Last month I hosted a blogging challenge called #bloglikecrazy over on my blog WriteousBabe.com. The idea was to publish a new blog post every day for 30 days for the month of November. When some of the Janes found out about this they jumped on it, ran with it, and turned #bloglikecrazy into so much more than I could have ever imagined. These awesome women shared their #bloglikecrazy posts on the See Jane Write Facebook page and something beautiful happened. Not only were they reading each other's blogs but they were having discussions on an array of topics and finding out they had much more in common than writing. For example, several of us discovered we had an interest in fitness. The result was See Jane Write's first fitness event, See Jane Move, which was organized by Tanya Sylvan. If you missed it, you can learn more about that wonderful event here.

For January I'm hosting another blogging challenge called 31 Days to a Better Blog. I hope you'll join us!

Reason 3: You'll find new readers.

The Facebook group page is a great way to spread the word about your blog, but don't think it's for bloggers alone. You can also use it to promote other projects such as your latest published article or your new book. For example, check out Murder on the First Day of Christmas by Billie Thomas, a new book by See Jane Write member Stephanie Naman. I found out about this book via the See Jane Write Facebook group and bought it right away to show my support. I've enjoyed reading it so much that I was eager to interview Naman. You can find the Q&A on this blog and at WriteousBabe.com.

And now that you are thoroughly convinced thta you need to join our awesome Facebook group, you can do so here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/seejanewritebham.

31 Days to a Better Blog

2012-12-26T13:17:00.001-06:00

super cute photo found here

I’m not a fashion blogger, but I regularly read the Independent Fashion Bloggers website because it always features such great tips for bloggers of any niche.

At the beginning of this month I came across a blog post on that website on 31 Ways to Boost Your Blog into 2013. Taylor Davies gave a list of 31 things to do in the month of December to make for a more successful blog in the New Year. Unfortunately, I didn't see this post until a few days into the month and since I’m not a fashion blogger several items on the list didn't really apply to me. Then I thought, “I feel another blogging challenging coming on!”

Drawing inspiration from Davies' post, I’ve put together a list of my own: 31 Days to a Better Blog. Here are 31 things to do in January (that’s one task for each day) to improve your blog. What a great way to kick off the New Year.

Below is the entire list so you can play along, but each day I’ll be posting at WriteousBabe.com or tweeting @writeousbabe about the tasks (with the hashtag #31Days).

If you plan to join me on this challenge let me know in the comments so I can swing by your blog to check on your progress.

Happy blogging!

31 Days to a Better Blog

Carve out a new niche for yourself. Create the blog you wish existed!

Create an editorial calendar and stick with it!
Update your Twitter header.

Write a mission statement for your blog.

Revamp your About page (and include that new mission statement).

Redesign your header.

Take a photo that you will use on all your social networking sites and add the photo to your blog as an "About Me" graphic that links to your About page.

If you've been thinking about changing your URL, title or platform, do it!
Sign up for a blogging class or conference.

Recommit to being more engaging on Facebook and Twitter.

Dust off your LinkedIn profile. Believe it or not, I've had more people contact me about writing and social media gigs through LinkedIn than Facebook or Twitter.

Update your Google profile.

Learn how you can use Pinterest to boost your blog.

Update your blogroll.

Now recommit to leaving thoughtful comments on most of those sites in your blogroll.

Cut ties with some of your tweeps to streamline you Twitter experience.
Make commenting on your blog easier.

Organize an event for bloggers in your area.

Get connected with an online blogging community such as BlogHer, Skirt or IFB.
Make a pitch to be featured on or to contribute to one of your favorite blogs.

Make a pitch to be featured in local (or even national) media.

Start a video post feature on a topic related to your niche.

Post an interview with someone you admire. These posts generally bring lots of pageviews.
Introduce yourself to important people in your niche.

Blog about a controversial topic. These posts are shared over and over in cyberspace and are sure to bring you more traffic.

Start an e-newsletter.
Have a blog date. Go to your favorite coffee shop and blog for hours.

Highlight your best blog posts.

Cover a local event. These types of posts tend to be popular, too.
Compile a post of all the lesssons you've learned about blogging thus far. Your readers who are also bloggers will appreciate it, and this will be a great post for you to refer back to when you feel you've lost your way.

Create a list of great blog post ideas for 2013.