May/June 1998 Newsletter

Literary Links

May/June 1998

Good News and Announcements

Literary Liaisons received an "Excellent Web Site" award from Bookbug on the Web. Our thanks to them. You can visit their site by clicking here.

Welcome to our newest family member, award-winning author Julie Beard. Julie is the author of four historical romances and one novella. Her newest release, Romance of the Rose, has made the following best bestseller lists--Waldenbooks, Ingram and USA Today. To learn more about Julie and her book, visit her Author Listing.

Literary Liaisons, Ltd. President, Michelle Hoppe, is pleased to announce that she placed third in the Four Seasons Contest sponsored by the Windy City chapter of Romance Writers of America with her newest historical romance, BETRAYALS.

It's a first sale for Barbara Bzdziak, member of our Literary Liaisons family. Her book is a time travel set in Indian Territory/Oklahoma. Congratulations, Barbara!

July 30 to August 2--Plan to attend the Romance Writers of America 18th Annual National Conference. This year's conference will be held from July 30 to August 2, 1998 at the Anaheim Hilton & Towers in Anaheim, California. Contact RWA National for more information. I will be attending the conference as both writer, and president of Literary Liaisons. I hope to see you there!

New On Literary Liaisons

There are many new additions to Literary Liaisons. After reading about them below, check them out on the web site.

Authors' Listings

Julie Beard--Julie Beard is a multi-published best-selling author. Read about her newest Elizabethan, Romance of the Rose.

Bookstore

Non-fiction:

The Country House Kitchen, 1650-1900 edited by Pamela A. Sambrook and Peter Brears
Life at the Court of Queen Victoria edited by Barry St. John Nevill
The Penguin Dictionary of Nineteenth-Century History edited by John Belchem and Richard Price
The Writer's Digest Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine Hughes

Fiction:

Various titles by Julie Beard

Feature Title

The Writer's Digest Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine Hughes
Building Believable Characters by Marc McCutcheon

RWA Chapters On-line

Faith, Hope and Love, Inc.
Greater Seattle RWA

Researching the Romance

Writers' Resources

American and British History Resources on the Internet--a searchable structure for scholarly resources
Digital Librarian--A librarian's choice of the best of the web--this site is divided into 90 categories, from ancient history to current affairs.
Dorchester Publishing (Leisure, Lovespell)
Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournaments Resource Library--List of links to related sites on the Internet
The Mining Company--Links, information, articles and a newsletter dedicated to history in the 19^th century
Misc. Writing--This site is a UseNet Newsgroup that provides a forum for discussing all facets of writing, as well as links to listserves in all genres.
The Perpetual Calendar--A helpful tool for historians, this site also explains Julian and Gregorian calendars.
Royal Oak Foundation--The American branch of the British National Trust, with all the same benefits
Voice of the Shuttle--A web page for humanities research--the arts, philosophy, history and government
Writers' Guidelines Database--Submission guidelines for major magazines and journals
Writers Write--For writers of all genres, this site includes articles on the craft of writing, guidelines, and a monthly journal.

Feature Article

Etiquette in the Business World

By Michelle J. Hoppe

I recently attended a seminar on etiquette in the business world, even though I'm a stay-at-home mom struggling toward publication. Surprisingly, I came away with some very helpful pointers that I believe could further any career, no matter what the milieu. Because at some point, writers too, must leave the sanctuary of their home and the security of their computer screen, and come face to face with the real world, be it an editor, agent or the all-important paying customer.

Manners can make or break a relationship. By being considerate and respecting others, you show sincerity in wishing others well. Making others feel good will make you feel good.

Here are a few highlights of the seminar. And just a note--these situations refer to the business setting. Rules for social occasions may vary.

Nametags--that innocuous little addition to your carefully planned wardrobe that becomes suddenly garish on your silk blouse. But they have a purpose, and can better serve that purpose if handled correctly. First of all, print your name clearly. Do not use script. A printed name is easier to read. If you want to be referred to by your first name, print it larger than your last. If you want others to refer to you by your title, include it on the nametag. Always wear the nametag on your right shoulder or lapel. It is easier to read when shaking hands with someone.

Meeting Colleagues--First opinions are instant, therefore you must be poised and gracious, your speech and actions confirming a favorable opinion. How do you do this? Make the other party feel as if he or she is the most important person in the room. Look them in the eye and stand still. Don't rock back and forth on your heels no matter how nervous you are. Speak clearly and in complete sentences. Shake a hand if it is offered. In the work force, the highest-ranking person would initiate the handshake. That may be you, so feel free to do so.

Introductions--It is a common business practice to introduce oneself with first and last name only, although persons who have worked hard for their titles sometimes use them. Rank plays a role in introductions, but customers rank over everyone except dignitaries when it comes to business. The lower-ranking person is introduced to the higher-ranking person. The subordinate to the boss, the colleague to a customer. Verbalize the highest-ranking person's name first. For example, if Sue is the colleague and Mary is the customer, the introduction is as follows: "Mary, I'd like to introduce Sue to you. Sue, this is Mary."

Err on the conservative side when addressing a new colleague. Use their title (Mr., Ms., etc.) until they give you permission to address them by their first name. Never take the liberty of using a nickname unless it is offered. Be sure to repeat a name in greeting and during ensuing conversations. Not only will the person appreciate it, but saying it helps you remember the name for the future.

After the initial introduction, move on to small talk. Ask how they are, then add a compliment or other statement. In the business world, this should not be personal, that is, relating to clothes, family or the like. Also, in a group of people, never single out a person and compliment them. If you must compliment someone, compliment the group as a whole.

Conversations--A good rule of thumb is 'Think before you speak.' Listen to what others are saying before you jump in. Stay away from negative comments. Be generous with praise and careful of criticism. Be considerate of other's feelings. Avoid slang, and don't dominate the conversation. And by all means, be discreet. Confidences are just that--confidential.

Deadlines--Not only should you be on time to work or for appointments, you should meet any deadlines and keep any promises you make. Emergencies sometimes creep up, but if you have a reputation for reliability, you will more likely be granted that extension you need.

Dress--While acceptable attire varies from business to business, there are some general guidelines to help choose the wardrobe right for you. Look at what your boss or supervisor is wearing and dress similarly. Keep as conservative as possible. Shorts don't belong in the office setting, nor do gaudy nails or glitter and sequins. Skirts should not be higher than just above the knee, or fall below mid-calf. Shoes should be well kept, with heels no taller than two to three inches. And that perfume you love so much? Wear it for your enjoyment only.

So the next time that editor meets you at a conference, smile, shake hands and say hello. Make them feel as important as they are. You will be remembered not only for your manuscript, but also for your manners. Make that lasting impression a favorable one. Once back in your hotel room or home, you can kick back, relax, throw on the jeans and have that chewing gum again. And let your knees knock as much as they want.

(Michelle Hoppe, 1997 Golden Heart Finalist, is webmaster for Chicago-North RWA, and runs her own business on the Internet: http://www.literary-liaisons.com)

Editor's Note

I can't believe one year has passed since we've opened our doors for business. At the time, I was just learning about the Internet and HTML coding. And I was wondering how I could ever maintain a site this size. But the more I worked on it, the more I learned. That's not to say there weren't some obstacles along the way. When my computer's hard drive melted last September, I was ready to throw in the towel--only four months into the project. Nothing could be salvaged from the wreckage. I persevered, however, knowing there were few sites like this one on the Internet. While many offer promotion and review of books, rarely do they offer valuable research articles and links along with that. I wanted to share my knowledge and my expertise. I have a new computer now, thank goodness, because the old one (which was actually less than a year old at the time of the crash) just crashed again. So I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my readers for their support over the last year. Your notes and compliments are encouraging. And please, if there's anything you'd like to see on the site, feel free to e-mail me at: mich13@xsite.net

FAQ Column

Q: Is anything new in the works for Literary Liaisons?

A: There's always something new on Literary Liaisons. Rather than clutter each page with "NEW" signs or dates, however, the easiest way to find out if anything has changed since your last visit is to check the date at the bottom of each page. I update it every time I add/delete any content or links from that page. Another way to check out what's new is to read these newsletters. Everything I've added in the two months preceding the date of the newsletter will be listed. It's not as immediate as the dates on the pages, but it's all in one place for you.

Historical Calendar of Events

1843--

Maoris revolt against Britain in New Zealand, killing settlers in the Massacre of Wairau, and a 5-year Maori War begins.

February 17-- After India's Muslim emirs of Sind refuse to surrender their independence to the East India Company, British commander Sir Charles Napier attacks a 30,000-man Baluch army, and his 2,800 men defeat the Baluchs in an engagement that sees generals fighting alongside private soldiers.

Britain makes Natal a British colony following repulsion of the Boers.

Britain separates the Gambia from Sierra Leone and makes it a separate crown colony.

November 28--Hawaii gains independence in a convention between Britain and France who promise not to annex the Sandwich Islands. Hawaiian ruler, Kamehameha, obtained U.S. recognition in 1842, seeking closer U.S. relations.

English social agitator Feargus O'Connor urges creation of a Chartist cooperative land association that will free working people from the tyranny of the factory and the Poor Law.

Richard Carlile, English reformer, dies.

William McKinley, 25^th U.S. President, is born.

Daniel Webster retires as Secretary of State in America.

Andrew Johnson is elected to the U.S. Congress.

Jefferson Davis, future Confederate leader, enters politics.

The London weekly financial paper, "The Economist", is founded in September by Sir James Wilson.

W. H. Ainsworth publishes Windsor Castle, a novel.

Robert Browning publishes "A Blot in the Scutcheon."

Henry James, Anglo-American novelist, is born.

Alfred Lord Tennyson publishes "Morte d'Arthur" and "Locksley Hall."

William Wordsworth is appointed English poet laureate.

Charles Dickens publishes Martin Chuzzlewit and A Christmas Carol.

Noah Webster, American lexicographer, dies.

Edgar A. Poe publishes the following--The Prose Romances of Edgar A. Poe; "The Gold Bug" in the Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper; "The Pit and the Pendulum" in The Gift; and "The Black Cat" in the August 19 Philadelphia United States Saturday Post.

London's Sunday News of the World begins publication. Circulation reaches 12,971 copies per week within a year.

French novelist, Prosper Mérimée, publishes "Carmen", a short story of a Spanish cigarette factory girl that will be the basis of an 1875 opera.

November--M. W. Balfe presents "The Bohemian Girl" at London's Drury Lane Theatre.

Edward Grieg, Norwegian composer, is born.

John C. Fremont crosses the Rocky Mountains to California.

Boston physician Oliver Wendell Holmes publishes "The Contagiousness of Puerperal Fever." Dr. Holmes has quit private practice to teach medicine at Harvard.

Yellow fever sweeps the Mississippi Valley, killing 13,000 people.

The Thames Tunnel between Rotherhithe and Wapping, London, is built by M. I. Brunel.

July 19--The S.S. Great Britain is launched by I. K. Brunel. It is the first of the large iron-hulled screw-propeller steamships to cross the Atlantic.

The U.S. Congress grants Samuel Morse $30,000 to build the first telegraph line. It will run from Washington D.C. to Baltimore.

The world's first night club, "Le Bal des Anglais", opens in Paris.

Skiing begins as a sport in Tromso, Norway.

A statue of the late Lord Nelson is hoisted atop a column erected in the center of London's new Trafalgar Square. The square had been completed 2 years prior in an urban redevelopment program that cleared out squalid courts and cheap cookshops that had given the area the name Porridge Island.

The typewriter, patented by Worcester, Mass. inventor Charles Thurber, is a hand-printing "chirographer" with a cylinder that moves horizontally and contains a device for letter spacing.

The Howe Sewing Machine is invented by Boston machine shop apprentice Elias Howe, Jr.. It uses two threads to make a stitch that is interlocked by a shuttle. It won't be patented until 1846.

London museum director Henry Cole sends out the world's first Christmas cards. He has designed a three-panel card that says, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year"

The College of the Holy Cross is founded by Jesuits at Worcester, Mass.

Scottish settlers in New Zealand strip millions of acres of forests to create sheep pastures. Deforestation for the country's wool industry will lead to ruinous land erosion.

Some 1,000 Americans come west on the Oregon Trail in a wagon train led by missionary Marcus Whitman. They settle Columbia River Valley, territory that Britain claims on the basis of explorations by Francis Drake in 1579 and explorations by James Cook in 1788.

Atlanta, Georgia is named Marthasville after Martha Atlanta Thomson, daughter of Gov. Wilson Lumpkin. This name replaces "Terminus", used since 1837 to identify the termination point of J. E. Thomson's Western and Atlantic Railroad. The town is re-named Atlanta in 1847.

Former Boston schoolteacher Dorothea Lynde Dix, reveals inhumane treatment of mental patients to the Massachusetts legislature. They agree to enlarge the Worcester insane asylum.

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