duotrope's digest Code Red

duotrope's digest is a great site for finding publishing opportunities as well as a wealth of information about journals including guidelines, percentage of acceptances, and the average response time. Plus, writers can sign up for e-mails on a regular basis listing new and changed markets. The problem is, the site, like The Rose & Thorn and many others, needs money to run, but most subscribers expect it to be free. According to a recent e-mail alert, if each subscriber donated just $4.25 per year, they would meet their goals, but only a little over 7% of subscribers donate.

The Rose & Thorn has a stake in this as we are one of the publications listed, and I'm betting we've gotten several submissions from subscribers to the site. It's not the norm for one entity that runs on donations to solicit for another, but at a little over $4.00 (probably a drop in the bucket compared to what you spend on your writing throughout the year), there should be plenty left over for you to donate to us, too.

Most services on the Internet are not free. They just appear that way.

Writing Classes: Are They Worth the Money? by Nannette Croce

It seems in the last decade or so the number of classes available to aspiring creative writers has exploded. They include enrichment courses offered by colleges and universities to non-matriculating students; adult night school classes; and innumerable online offerings. The prices vary widely. Online, for example, a class with Writer’s Village University might cost under $100, while a class with Gotham Writers’ Workshop runs closer to $400. College courses can cost even more.

How can a writer tell if the price of these courses is commensurate with the value, or if they need to take any classes at all?

To a large extent that will vary based on needs and expectations, but I've taken more than a few of these classes in my time, enough to give you some points to keep in mind when making your decision.

Don’t expect too much

Despite what they may advertise, no writing class can guarantee publication, and they won’t turn a rank amateur into a publishable writer. Don’t expect the equivalent of an MFA in six to ten weeks. Most simply focus on the basics like plot, tense, and POV. You may learn to avoid the verb “to be,” or to “show not tell,” but don’t expect to get into the nuances of sentence structure or word choice.

Ability of participants will vary widely

In non-selective classes—which most of these are—the abilities of participants will vary widely. Since most classes run on the workshop format, where participants share work and provide feedback, this can be a major factor in what you gain from the experience. Even when various levels of instruction are offered, if the only requirement is a prerequisite course, that’s no guarantee students were ready to move on to the next level. In the best scenario, at least some students’ work will inspire you to new levels. However, expect some participants who just want (usually undeserved) praise.

What is the instructor's role?

The instructor can, actually, make a world of difference no matter what the level of the participants. Some online classes set out a series of assignments but have no instructor at all or may have a facilitator who handles only technical issues. These classes can be helpful if you just want exercises to jump-start or improve your writing, but with no instructor, they have a tendency to disintegrate as students fall behind in assignments or drop out.

The best online classes provide feedback and regular “lecturing” from a competent instructor as well as—and this is rare online—certain demands on participants to get assignments in on time and make use of what they’ve learned. Some real-world and online classes may be run by well-published writers. This can certainly provide some valuable input and be worth a few extra dollars.

Online or Real-World

Nothing beats the convenience of online classes. You can attend in your pajamas, your instructor might live anywhere in the world, and while assignments have a deadline, you don’t usually need to be in a certain place at a certain time. On the other hand, while the level of instruction may vary in any class, you will never get, online, the one-on-one instruction or opportunity to ask specific questions about your work that you potentially receive in a real-world classroom.

Also, while that loosey-goosey quality of online makes for convenience, at least some students end up not taking it seriously, running late on assignments, and even dropping out, leaving you with only one or two other students or sometimes alone by then end of the class.

So, are writing classes worth the money?

In my experience, with non-selective programs you can probably learn just as much by reading a few good books and joining a writer’s group to get feedback. But sometimes the structure and discipline of a class can be valuable, not to mention the input of an enthusiastic instructor. Just don’t expect miracles and consider carefully before laying down a wad of money.


Nannette Croce is Co-Managing Editor of The Rose & Thorn and an official YOGer. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications including The Philadelphia Inquirer. For more information on her published work, visit her website.

Ann Arbor Book Festival Writer's Conference

Friday, May 16, 2008

Click here for more details

Call for Submissions: James Brown Anthology

This is a shout out for help. Almost a year ago, when
brother James Brown made his transition, I posted the
following Call for Poems about the impact his
lifetime of music has had on anyone within the reach
of the call. To date the response has been powerful
but as of today-February 20, 2008, the number of
poems submitted for consideration number less than 50.

Poets we need at least another 150 poems, to put
together a strong anthology.

I know a lot of people hit this drum. I'm asking each
person who reads this call to stop and take a minute
to forward it to at least 3 people they know who are
either poets or who know poets.

If you belong to other listserves, consider helping us
out by posting this call on it if possible.

If ya'll don't have a James Brown poem-considering
writing one and send it to us. I realize all things
come in their own time, but on the practical
side-books like these have their time too-

May 6, 2008, will mark year the world's been without
James Brown. In his honor, get down-send us your James
Brown poems today. Peace, Mary Weems

Dr. Mary E. Weems invites your submission:

Say it Loud: Poems about James Brown. Edited by: Mary
E. Weems, and Michael Oatman. We grew up on James
Brown's hit me! When he danced every young Black
man wanted to move, groove and look like him. Mr.
Brown wasn't called the hardest workingman in show
business because he wasn't. Experiencing a James Brown
show was like getting your favourite soul food twice,
plus desert. His songs, like black power fists you
could be proud of and move to at the same time.
When Mr. Brown sang make it funky we sweated even in
the wintertime.

Losing him was like losing somebody in our family.
This is a shout out for poems about the impact James
Brown had on our lives. Poems that will help people
remember, honour, and celebrate his legacy. Don't be
left in a cold sweat, send us your old and new James
Brown poems today.

Submission Guidelines: 3-5 Unpublished and/or
published poems with acknowledgement included. No
longer than 73 lines Deadline: April 30, 2008
(Receipt not postmark) Send hard copies along with a
Word Document and short bio on a CD to: Dr. Mary E.
Weems / English Department / John Carroll University /
20700 North Park Blvd. / University Hts., Ohio 44118 /

Send via e-mail attachment (Word Documents Only) to:
mweems @sbcglobal.net
and mikeoatman@hotmail.com

Free Writers Workshop

From a writers list:

Free Workshop with Waverly Fitzgerald, writing coach and author of Slow Time: Recovering the Natural Rhythm of Life -- Saturday, March 8th, 12:00 pm PST/3:00pm EST. Do you have difficulty setting priorities? Do you dream of finding ways to put yourself – and your art – first? Seattle-based writing coach Waverly Fitzgerald gives demonstrations and exercises so you can set your plans and goals, while honoring your own commitment to yourself. Using her own brand of organic time management – or “slow time” – Waverly also teaches the difference between natural and artificial time, and how to align the creative rhythms to nature’s own flow. Participation is limited. Registration required for this free virtual workshop. To attend contact us via email at events@hercircleezine.com. Visit Waverly online at www.waverlyfitzgerald.com . To learn more about her book, Slow Time: Recovering the Natural Rhythm of Life, visit www.schooloftheseasons.com. www.hercircleezine.com

Literary Publications Directory

Check out Poetry Links by Drowning Man

A comprehensive directory of literary publications, from small presses up to the most famous, with an emphasis on poetry journals.

Over 500 print journals listed. Most contain submission guidelines and some contain additional links.

Tips on Novel Writing, by Apryl Fox

If you’ve ever asked yourself if you could write a novel, the answer is "yes." All it takes is a simple idea, a lot of patience, and the ability to write well. My first attempts at novel writing were very crude and I had trouble coming up with something to write. Many professional writers have told me that they use novel outlines to help them stay on track.

A novel outline is simply an outline of events that take place in your novel. But how do you write one?

First thing first, you need an idea. Ideas can come from anywhere: from snatches of conversation, something you saw on the news, or from your own life. It is also a good idea to be consistent with your writing.

If you’re a busy person, all you need to do is take out an hour of your day to just sit down and work on your novel. Whenever I write, I try to use the scenario, "What if?" That helps get the creative wheels turning. If you’re anything like me, and you’re impatient, you must realize that writing a novel takes time, and you can’t rush through it like so many unfinished symphonies.


Apryl Fox is an Assistant Poetry Editor of The Rose and Thorn Ezine.

Preditors & Editors: Please Vote

This year's Preditors & Editors Poll is open until January 15.

The Rose & Thorn is nominated in the categories of Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction (essays, humor), and Barbara Quinn is nominated in the Editor category. The Roses & Thorns blog is also nominated as a Review Site. In the past Rose & Thorn has always finished in the top ten in all our categories. Please consider casting your vote for us to keep the tradition going.

More on editing

A nice exercise/review on the art of self-editing:

http://obs.law.cuny.edu/wc/students/usage/Editing.html

Publicizing Your Work

Sat Sep 29, 2007 11:03 am (PST)

Maybe you have a blog to which you want to drive traffic, so that when you're presenting a book to a publisher you can say, “Why, yes—I do have a platform of eager readers in place!”

Or maybe you've self-published an e-book to add a little padding to your wallet in time for Christmas.

Whatever your reasons for needing a publicity and marketing push, audio advertising may be the answer.

------

I am currently assessing interest in an e-course or e-book that will help writers take advantage of publicity and advertising through audio, including podcasts and traditional radio.

Before I commit to the project, I want to know if the market will support the effort.

If you are a writer, I'd like to hear from you.

Would you be interested in learning more about how to get on podcasts and radio programs as a guest? Would you be interested in learning more about how to advertise on podcasts and radio?

Email me at patrysha@easyresultswithradio.com to complete a brief marketing survey and I'll send you two FREE e-books—one on radio advertising and one on writing press releases.

GREAT PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY FOR GREAT ESSAYS

GREAT PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY FOR GREAT ESSAYS

The bestselling A Cup of Comfort book series is now seeking submissions for five new anthologies. Stories may be humorous, insightful, inspiring, or poignant, but whatever the tone or the topic, they must be authentic and positive.

A Cup of Comfort for Divorced Women

Divorce in the 21st century should come with an instruction manual, a release valve, and a support system. This anthology will serve essentially those three purposes, in the form of comforting, insightful, and inspirational stories about surviving and thriving during and after divorce. We seek uplifting, contemporary stories on a wide range of topics of importance to divorced women—including but not limited to: dating, children, relationship with ex, in-laws, finances, friends, solitude, personal transformation, healing, revenge, mending fences, the ex’s new wife or lover, empowerment, rediscovery of self. Most, if not all, of the stories published in the book will be written by women who are or have been divorced. Stories can be poignant, irreverent, humorous, witty, or wise.

Submission deadline: November 10, 2007 <>
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book

A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors <>

It has been said that “stories are medicine” and that “one of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to share our stories.” This collection will include inspiring and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and living after—breast cancer. Possible story themes include but are not limited to: diagnosis, treatment, emotional impact, support systems, healthy lifestyle practices, emotional healing, coping mechanisms, impact on loved ones, effect on friendships, effect on career/work, effect on romance/intimacy, life lessons learned, personal transformation, silver linings, gratitude, triumph over trials, body image, and more. All themes and writing styles considered, as long as the story is positive.

Submission deadline: December 31, 2007 <>

**Exclusively for the Breast Cancer Survivor volume, the Cup of Comfort publisher, Adams Media, is working in partnership with Redbook Magazine and will award a $5,000 grand prize, $5,000 donation to the Susan G. Fomen Breast Cancer Foundation in the grand prize winner’s name, and a bonus prize to each of three runner-up stories. An announcement about the Redbook/Cup of Comfort contest appears in the October 2007 issue of Redbook.**

A Cup of Comfort for Military Families

It has been said that military life is “not for the faint of heart.” But neither is it without its benefits and blessings. One thing is certain: it is an experience like no other—for both the soldiers and their families. For this book, we want positive stories about how military life affects the personal lives of service men and women (enlisted and officers), how family affects soldiers’ on the job, and how military life affects family members (primarily spouses, children, and parents but also siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, fiancés, etc.). Any situation or subject that is significant and/or unique to military personnel and their loved ones is acceptable. Our goal is to compile a collection of inspiring or uplifting stories that cover a wide range of topics and reveal a variety of perspectives, experiences, and emotions specific to military families. Stories may be written by the service man or woman or a close family member; military service may be current, recent, or past.

Submission deadline: March 1, 2008
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book

A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers

Few experiences bring forth as many anxieties, blessings, challenges, wonders, and changes as having a baby—whether it’s your first child or fifth, your birth child or adopted child. And nothing is as miraculous as giving birth to or witnessing the birth of your baby. This heartwarming anthology will be filled with birth stories and newborn homecoming stories as well as a wide range of stories about the various experiences, emotions, and concerns involved in adding a new baby to one’s life and family. Potential topics include but are not limited to: nursing (or not), caring for a newborn, bonding/falling in love with infant, lack of sleep, relationship with spouse, how siblings respond, returning to work, balancing responsibilities, post-partum depression, self transformation, unexpected joys, life lessons, small miracles, etc. The majority of the stories will be about birth children, but the book will likely include a couple adoptive stories as well. Likewise, most of the stories will be written from the new mother’s perspective, but we are open to including a few stories written from the spouse’s or a very close family member’s perspective. All stories will be uplifting and positive, no matter how difficult the situation portrayed in the story might be. We do not want stories that simply recount misfortunes and sorrows and that do not clearly reveal a positive outcome or redeeming result (silver lining).

Submission deadline: April 1, 2008
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book

A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families

The primary purpose of this book is to celebrate adoptive families and to recognize the extraordinary and challenging experiences that are unique to “chosen children” and their families. We are most interested in stories written by adult adoptive children and their adoptive parents and siblings, but the book will also likely include some stories written by members of the extended adoptive family (grandparent, aunt/uncle, cousin), close friends of the adoptive family (i.e. godparent), and birth family members. Virtually any topic relevant to adopted children and their adoptive parents is acceptable—as long as it is authentic, positive, insightful, and uplifting or inspiring. We do not want heartbreaking stories about adoptive parents or birth families that regret the adoption; there is a place for stories of that ilk, but this book is not that place. All of the stories in this collection must show a positive aspect of adoption and must bring comfort or joy or inspiration to those who have been adopted and/or to the families who adopted them—no matter how difficult the experience and emotions portrayed in the story might be.

Submission deadline: June 15, 2008
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book

All Cup of Comfort stories must be true, original, positive, narrative essays (creation nonfiction), and 1,000-2,000 words. Entrants pay no fees. Writer's guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm.

Copyright 2007, Adams Media Corporation, an F+W Publications Company

Interview with Managing Editor BARBARA QUINN

Read an interview with The Rose & Thorn's Publisher & Managing Editor, Barbara Quinn, at Women of the Web.

In this interview, with an emphasis on our poetry section, Barbara discusses the joys and challenges of managing a quarterly online literary publication.

PHILADELPHIA AREA WRITERS

NOTE: This may be of special interest to anyone who attended the Penn Writer's Conference in the past. That conference has been discontinued.



Push to Publish One-Day Workshop
Strategies and Techniques to Get Your Work in Print and Online

International House
October 13, 2007, 9:00-5:00
3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Fee: $75-$65 for students (includes meals and one speed date pass)

Registration Deadline is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH!
After the 10th the Registration fee is $85--$75 for students.

Whether you are an established writer or just getting started, this one-day workshop will provide valuable resources you can use to get your work in print and online.

SCHEDULE

9:00 Registration and Breakfast

10:00 Keynote Speaker: Karen E. Quinones Miller, author of Satin Doll, I’m Telling, Using What You Got, and Ida B

11:15 Speed Dating with the Editors
Spend 10 minutes with the editor (or editors) of your choice to get personalized critiques of your work!

12:30 Lunch

1:15 Breakout Session I
A: How to Make Friends and Influence People: The Business of Networking
B: Taking Matters into Your Own Hands: Successful Self-Publishing
C: Novelist Roundtable: The Ups and Downs of Publishing

2:30 Breakout Session II
A: Selling Your Book, Selling Yourself: Marketing
B: Through the Looking Glass: Writing for Children
C. Poet Roundtable: What Makes a Good Poem?
D: The Naked Truth: Creative Nonfiction

3:45 Breakout Session III
A: Spotlight on Small Presses
B: Publishing Poetry: Finding the Right Market
C: How to Succeed in Submissions: Tips on Getting Your Short Fiction into Print
and Online

To see a complete schedule, including information on the many participating authors and editors, go to: www.philadelphiastories.org. To receive a brochure, email: pushtopub@philadelphiastories.org

Push to Publish is sponsored by Philadelphia Stories magazine (www.philadelphiastories.org), the nonprofit literary magazine that publishes literary fiction, poetry, essays, and art from the tri-state area and provides it to the general public free of charge. All proceeds from the workshop will go directly toward keeping the magazine in print, in color, and free.

P h i l a d e l p h i a S t o r i e s
2021 S. 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 551-5889
Fax: (215) 635-0195

Email: pushtopub@philadelphiastories.org
_

Philadelphia Stories FALL issue (dedicated to Sandy Crimmins) in stores now! See www.philadelphiastories.org for distribution locations.

******

Philadelphia Stories Submission Deadlines
September 28—Winter 2007-8

Between the Lines: Ezine for Writers

Posted by Nannette Croce
Last month we were contacted by folks at the The Editorial Department website re: their ezine, Between the Lines. Since we started the blog we've been contacted by many sites providing resources for writers and I don't want to recommend any site we have not checked out thoroughly. So sometimes it takes a while to get around to posting about the good ones.

According to their website, The Editorial Department is an independent editing service. I really can't vouch for those services having never tried them out. However, I did check out the zine, Between the Lines, and found it chock full of useful information for writers. The site also included a very useful feature, Behind the Bestsellers. This feature analyzes the bestselling novels of the month, pointing out, among other things, which genres are selling best. It also provides agent info for each book––valuable information if you are circulating a book of a similar genre or topic.

The site appears geared more toward writers of book-length pieces rather than short fiction and essays, but some of the zine articles apply to writing in general.

Nannette Croce is Co-Managing Editor at The Rose & Thorn. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications including The Rose & Thorn and The Philadelphia Inquirer. For samples of her work visit her website and her Native American & Western History Books Blog.

He Said, She Said by Andrea Middendorf

Dialogue. How does one write smart, snappy, and scintillating dialogue? A much more difficult question that can be adequately answered in this forum, but perhaps we can touch on some of the high points.

Dialogue should flow easily in and out of your prose. It should NOT be separate, but an essential part of the narrative. You cannot treat dialogue like a written speech. It has to have life, it has to sound and feel real.

Nothing effectively kills your dialogue quicker than the ‘he said, she said’ factor. Knowing who is saying what is very important, yes, but there are better ways of doing it than:

“When is the game?” Frank asked.

“At seven o’clock,” Sue said.

“Who’s pitching tonight?” he asked.

“I think it’s Santana,” she said.

See what I mean? BORing! It’s dull, flat, and worst of all, you will loose your readers. Okay, granted, that little bit was salted to be horrible, but you get my point. A writer can spice up the ‘he saids, she saids,’ but there is a dark side to dialogue tags, you don’t want to overdo it. Writing effective dialogue is a bit like treading shark-infested waters: one must do it carefully, but not be afraid to strike out to open water.

Some of the best dialogue I have read has little or no tags at all. If you think about it, in normal conversation, we don’t have dialogue tags. Granted, in normal conversation, we know who is talking to whom, an advantage that written dialogue does not always enjoy. Let’s take another look at our baseball fans:

“Sue, hon, when’s the game again?”

Rolling her eyes, Sue said, “It’s at seven.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Uh, who’s pitching again?”

“It’s Santana, you goof, and you call yourself a baseball fan.”

This little snippet gives a clearer picture of the scene and of the characters. We see that Frank is a little forgetful, and that Sue is perhaps his long-suffering wife or girlfriend; clearly there’s a relationship here, one that is clearer with the rewrite.

One simple thing a writer can do to help improve their dialogue is to listen to how people talk. Listen while you’re riding the bus, waiting at the bank, anywhere you go, listen to what they say and how they say it. Keep a notebook on you to jot down interesting phrases or vernacular.

Another thing every writer can do is to read and read extensively. This may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t overlook this step. By exposing yourself to different types of writing and dialogue, you can take what you like and leave what you don’t. Look carefully at how the dialogue works, or doesn’t work. Analyze the words and try to figure out why it works, or doesn’t.

Finally, nothing will put your reader off more than if the dialogue isn’t punctuated correctly. Pick up a grammar and punctuation guide like Strunk & White’s Elements of Style, or, if you want something a little lighter but still a good guide, try Patricia T. O’Conner’s Woe is I. Both books are a couple of gems that can be a life saver for any writer.
So, don’t be scared of the mighty dragon of dialogue. Listen, record, and practice, and you will find your characters’ dialogue flowing as easily as your witty prose.

Andrea Middendorf is one of the prose editors forThe Rose & Thorn. When she's not wielding her red pen for the cause, Andrea spends her spare time penning a word or two of her own.

WVU Adds Module Courses by Nannette Croce

For a fee Writer's Village University offers a variety of resources for writers including forums, chats, and critique groups, and a number of online courses, some with mentoring for an extra fee. Now they are adding 8 week Module courses, the first of which begins in August.

I've taken several WVU courses over the years and IMO they compare favorably with some of the pricier sites. Courses benefit new as well as slightly more experienced writers.

Nannette Croce is Co-Managing Editor at The Rose & Thorn. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications including The Rose & Thorn and The Philadelphia Inquirer. For samples of her work visit her website and her Native American & Western History Books Blog.

Great 08 Conference

There's a great upcoming conference for those wanting a taste of olde New Orleans while mingling with publishers & agents. Slots won't last long. Check it out: http://www.pentopressretreat.com/

The woman in charge is friend and author Deb LeBlanc. You can read her interview with R&T here: http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/Spring05/LeBlanc.htm

She's written another book and is under contract for more since then, but always has good writing advice. Her newest project is the LeBlanc Literacy Challenge, which you'll be hearing more about soon.

Check Out Reiter's Block by Nannette Croce

Jendi Reiter, Vice-President of Winning Writers. com gave high praise to Adnan Mahmutovic's short story, Integration Under the Midnight Sun, published in the Summer 2007 issue of The Rose & Thorn, on Reiter's Block. It appears Ms. Reiter not only has good taste but a great website that includes links to other stories online as well as her own poems.

You'll find a review of Mahmutovic's short story collection, Refuge[e] on this blog.

Nannette Croce is Co-Managing Editor at The Rose & Thorn. Her work has appeared in the zine as well as other online and print publications. For samples of her writing and to check out her Writing & Books Blog, visit her website.

Favorite Online Resources for Writers by Nannette Croce

What are your favorite online writing sites? The Internet provides a wealth of places for writers to meet, take courses, and get feedback. Some are genre-specific, some attract mostly new or unpublished writers, while others provide a place for experienced writers to discuss the literary world, publishers, etc. Many are free, but some require a fee.

Why not help other writers by telling us about your favorites? Leave us a comment with the name of the site, the URL, what services it provides, if it is genre-specific or tends to attract writers of specific genres, if there is a fee to join, and anything else you think other writers should know.

Please limit your comments to sites you like and allow sites you don't like to suffer by omission.

Nannette Croce is Co-Managing Editor at The Rose & Thorn. Her work has appeared in the zine as well as other online and print publications. For samples of her writing and to check out her Writing & Books Blog, visit her website

Telling Tales with Bob Dylan by Barbara Quinn

Recently I've taken to listening to Bob Dylan's Theme Time radio show on XM radio. I catch the repeats on Radio AOL as I'm not an XM subscriber. Each week Dylan crafts a musical hour around a theme like baseball, cities, shoes, tears, wedding. It's a fascinating amalgam of music from every decade combined with Dylan's unique perspective. The show is a great way to hear blues, jazz, folk, rock and more. But the thing I enjoy most is Dylan's narrative, which is revelatory about the music he selects.

The man is a natural storyteller and his own works are evidence of that fact. Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They are a Changin', Tangled up in Blue,are a familiar part of our musical landscape and are intense portraits.(There are way too many more of his works to mention here.)

With regard to the narrative, it's absolutely delicious not only because of the content but because of the voice itself. Dylan's voice is, well, indescribable. No one else sounds like him when he speaks (or sings). He is no "man from nowhere," nor is he a Wolfman Jack. It's as though every word he enunciates during the show is spoken with thought and you can't help but pay attention as the words flow. The hour flies by, with Bobby telling you story after story.

I'm biased as I'm old enough to have grown up with Dylan and I saw him live a couple of times; at The Newport Jazz festival when it was still in Newport, and also at The Isle of Wight, which was Europe's Woodstock. But I do think he has so much to offer to people of every age. And I
believe you're missing out on a great opportunity if you don't catch at least one of his shows now while they are available.

Listening to the show made me wonder who the new musical storytellers are today. I'd love to hear about them so do comment!

Dylan's better than a bedtime story for me. I hope you find him to be the same.



Barbara Quinn is the Publisher and Managing Editor of The Rose & Thorn. Her latest novels, 36C and Slings and Arrows are available from DiskusPublishing.