~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ profile picture

~*Sun Signs for Writers*~

Harness your creativity with the power of the zodiac!

About Me


SAGITTARIUS sun; GEMINI moon; VIRGO ascendant; PLUTO in 1st House; GEMINI midheaven; Jupiter in TAURUS; Venus in SCORPIO
Hi and welcome!
My name is Bev Walton-Porter and I'm the author of the book Sun Signs for Writers. My bio can be found here .
I have a personal MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/elementalmuse , but felt I needed a more serious MySpace that was strictly geared toward areas related to my professional interests in writing, editing, publishing and astrology. Of course, I also would like to have a place to let people know about my books as well. I'd like to keep this a professional MySpace as a way to network/connect with other writers and creatives.
My author blog is located here: http://www.elementalmusing.blogspot.com . I will often cross-post entries there as well as here. However, there will be times when entries will be posted here, but not there, and vice versa. :-) Depends on the prevailing mood. I have Gemini moon, so changing my mind at the drop of a hat is a common thing! *grin*
For almost a decade I have published Scribe & Quill , an award-winning e-zine for writers of all experience levels and genres. I am also the founder and consulting editor for The Bloodied Quill , the official newsletter for the International Order of Horror Professionals.
My fiance and I are co-founders of The International Order of Horror Professionals . Yes, I like genre fiction and I'm proud of it.
My first book, Sun Signs for Writers, is a one-of-a-kind writing reference that harnesses the power of the zodiac to spark your creativity. I sold it to Writer's Digest Books in 2004 and it was published August 23, 2006.
My first fiction book, a contemporary romance entitled Mending Fences, was released September 6, 2006 from Whiskey Creek Press under my fiction pseudonym, Star Ferris. Ironically, I was adopted and Starlette ("Star") Dawn Ferris was my birth name, although on my birth certificate my name is Beverly. My birth mother is the only person who actually calls me Star, although it seems like a cool name fit for one who loves astrology and numerology as I do!
In November 2006, Mending Fences hit #6 on WCP's Top Ten Bestseller list.
I have several more book ideas I've developed and one other completed romance ms. I hope to place with a publisher soon. I am a client of the Meredith Bernstein Agency in New York City.
Although I wish I could, I am not able to accept unsolicited queries asking for me to read and/or critique manuscripts for others. Unfortunately, I cannot make exceptions to this rule. However, I do offer professional manuscript editing services at a reasonable cost. In addition, if you would like to chat about writing in general or need positive encouragement, feel free to drop me an e-mail anytime .
Please note that if you contact me, I answer personal e-mails as soon as I can, but it may take a few days for me to reply since family, writing and academic obligations must always come first. Thanks so much for understanding ;-)
In addition to being a full-time writer since May 1997, I have had an avid interest in astrology since about the age of nine. Currently, I am an Associate Astrologer who holds membership in the American Federation of Astrologers . My aim is to eventually become a Certified Professional Astrologer.
Past and present professional associations include: The Authors Guild, National Writers Union, National Association of Women Writers, Pikes Peak Writers, Mid-America Romance Authors, International Order of Horror Professionals and Romance Writers of America.
Finally, I am a real-life paranormal investigator (some call it ghost hunting). My fiance and I are Team Leaders for Colorado Springs Paranormal Association . We conduct paranormal investigations for FREE within a three-hour radius of Colorado Springs. If you believe you are experiencing paranormal activity, feel free to contact us to schedule an investigation.
One last note: I reserve the right to, on occasion, split infinitives, but some errors are beyond reproach: my teeth itch every time I spot a misplaced apostrophe. ARGH!
SUN SIGNS FOR WRITERS IS A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR WRITERS -- EVEN IF THEY AREN'T INTO ASTROLOGY! THE BOOK IS JAM-PACKED WITH COMMON-SENSE TIPS TO HELP WRITERS INCREASE THEIR CREATIVITY AND PRODUCTIVITY. THIS BOOK IS FOR *SERIOUS* WRITERS BECAUSE WRITING, FOR ME, IS A SERIOUS ENDEAVOR!
Please read below to discover more about the book - and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me !
The book's website: http://www.astrologyforwriters.com
Sun Signs for Writers Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
(an imprint of F + W Publications, Inc.)
Author: Bev Walton~Porter (Sagittarius sun, Gemini moon, Virgo rising/Pluto in the first house/Venus in Scorpio)
RELEASED: August 23, 2006
Order your autographed and hand-numbered copy of Sun Signs for Writers directly from me at this page or by e-mailing [email protected] with AUTOGRAPHED COPY INQUIRY in the e-mail subject line.
The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at bookstores throughout the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and Europe. If your bookstore doesn't carry Sun Signs for Writers, ask them to order it for you! You may also order a copy from Writer's Digest Book Club as well!
To order your **HAND-NUMBERED AND AUTOGRAPHED COPY** from the author, visit: this link . Your price includes shipping. If you would like a particular inscription inside your book, please add that in your comments when you place the order.

DESCRIPTION:
Sun Signs for Writers is a one-of-a-kind guide that will help you discover your unique writing personality by combining the insights of astrology with practical how-to writing instruction. By exploring the proclivities of your particular sun sign, you'll better understand your creative style and more effectively find your path to success.
The guide includes:
* Sure-fire ways to beat writer's block
* Advice on how to deal with rejection
* How to give critiques and understand critiques coming from other signs
* Writing exercises tailored for your creative style
* How to use astrological signs to build the perfect foundations for believable characters.
You may also order from Amazon , although your copy will not be numbered or autographed.
You may also order from Barnes & Noble ...
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My Interests

* Astrology
* Writing
* Reading
* Academic pursuits
* Books (duh!) - non-fiction, romance, paranormal/horror
* Music- rock, alt, classical, goth, industrial, metal
* Cats
* Philosophy - esp. Spinoza, existentialism, Leibniz
* Religion - particularly Eastern and Alternative
* MBTI and Keirsey - I'm an ENFP, by the way
* Tarot
* Numerology
* The psychology of divination
* The Goddess Athena
* Ganesha
* Lemurs
* Scotland
* Chocolate (!)
* B-horror movies
* Comedies/Stand-up comedians
* Johnny Depp (what can I say?)
* Creativity
* MBTI/Keirsey
* World of Warcraft!
* Blogging
* Quantum physics
* Synchronicity
* Serendipity
* Taoism
Your Career Type: Artistic
You are expressive, original, and independent.
Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

You would make an excellent:

Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor
Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer
Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer
Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor

The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary. What's Your Ideal Career?

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I'd like to meet:


Where authors and readers come together!
VISIT MY PROFILE ON AUTHORS DEN:
http://www.authorsden.com/bevwaltonporter

* Readers
* Astrologers
* Artists
* Authors
* Writers -- novice, intermediate or professional!
* Freelancers
* Editors
* Agents
* Publishers
* Musicians
* Multimedia people
* Filmmakers
* Romance and/or horror buffs
* Other creative people
* Enthusiastic, positive individuals

Music:

Like all music except for country or gangsta rap. At nights I'll listen to classical to put me to bed, then during the day I'll listen to anything from Marilyn Manson to Keane. My musical tastes are extremely eclectic. Grew up in the 80s as a new waver and still am an alternative/rock/goth/industrial fan. A sampling of music I like or have liked (if the bands are no longer together): * The Cure
* Skinny Puppy
* Delirium
* A Perfect Circle
* David Bowie
* The Clash
* Siouxsie & the Banshees
* Beethoven
* Mozart
* Depeche Mode
* Faith and the Muse
* Lacuna Coil
* Dead Can Dance
* Nine Inch Nails
* Oingo Boingo
* VNV Nation
* Cruxshadows
* Switchblade Symphony
* Marilyn Manson
* Liz Phair
* (original) KISS
* Aerosmith
* B Tribe
* Scribe Machine
* Disturbed
* Korn
* Rob Zombie
* Linkin Park
* Jack Off Jill
* Hole
* Stabbing Westward
* Christian Death
* Massive Attack
* Mushroomhead
...I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

Movies:

Comedies and horror, especially black-and-white, B-movie horror films. I love zombies and vampires especially! I am an AVID Monty Python movie fan!
Overall, I like movies in the vein of:
* The Crow (only the FIRST movie!)
* The Princess Bride
* Cabin Fever
* Spaceballs
* Monty Python's Holy Grail
* Monty Python's Meaning of Life
* The Jerk
* The Vampire Ecstasy
* Orgy of the Dead
* Plan 9 from Outer Space
* Lair of the White Worm
* Beast of Yucca Flats - "...man's inhumanity to man..."
* House of Sand and Fog
* Dumb and Dumberer
* The 40-yr-Old Virgin
* Pirates of the Caribbean 1 and 2
* Secret Window
* From Hell
Get the picture? (No pun intended)

Television:

Don't watch much television, unless it's documentary or informative. I DO like 24 (even Chuck Norris fears Jack Bauer!) I enjoyed Dead Like Me before it was (inexplicably) yanked from Showtime. What were they thinking?
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Books:

Ha ha -- WAY too many to mention! Mostly nonfiction, horror, romance, anything with a paranormal twist.

Heroes:

Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Jade Walker and most all of the writers/creatives I've met and come to adore during my lifetime.
My personal hero is my own Prince Charming, otherwise known as Paulzuzu . He has a Taurus sun, Taurus moon and Leo ascendant.

My Blog

Scribe & Quill to be featured on Blogcritics Magazine June 11

Terrific news! My interview discussing Scribe & Quill and book reviews will be featured on Blogcritics Magazine on June 11. Thanks to Mayra Calvani, who approached me last month and asked for an i...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:47:00 PST

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac by Kathy Watts

Heads UpThe Writer's Astrological Almanacby Kathy WattsJune 2008The month begins on a Sunday with the Sun surrounded by Venus behind and Mercury retrograde ahead.  It promises to be a month of ...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:30:00 PST

Free Teleseminar on Bringing A Writers’ Dream to Life

M E D I A  R E L E A S EFor Immediate Release Contact: Patrika VaughE-Mail: [email protected]       &nb sp;         &n. ..
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:00:00 PST

Now posted: Scribe and Quill ~ Spring 2008

http://www.scribequill.net/SQSpring08.pdfThe e-mail version has been submitted to Zinester and should be delivered to subscribers' inboxes just any time.Bev Walton-PorterEditor/Publisher, Scribe &...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Mon, 26 May 2008 01:13:00 PST

Collectible copies of 1st Edition Sun Signs for Writers available

Limited number of personally inscribed/autographed and numbered 1st Edition copies available from my private stash!  I only get new shipments every other month, so reserve yours now.To order your...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:27:00 PST

[Article] Overcoming obstacles

The success story article I sold to Writers Weekly was published in this week’s issue. If you get a moment, please go over and check it out:http://writersweekly.com/success_stories/004614_040220.. .
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:26:00 PST

Sickness, government b.s. and peevishness

Well, I caught the crap Paul had for about a week. I’m on my third day of having it now, and I’m thoroughly sick of this ick. I’m in that floaty-headed, medicine-induced haze and it&...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:01:00 PST

Author interview: conjuring up cats

Had an author interview posted at the pets blog located at families.comConjuring Up Cats (Especially Black Ones): An Interview with Author Bev Walton Porterhttp://pets.families.com/blog/conjuring-up-c...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:41:00 PST

Thoughts on self-publishing

Someone contacted me about self-publishing and asked how I felt about it. First of all, although the only books I've self-published were a poetry chapbook and a tip book on freelance writing, my first...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:34:00 PST

LAST autographed copy from my stash available

I have one autographed copy of Sun Signs for Writers left in my inventory here at home. I just sold the next-to-last copy last week and I'm down to my own personal copy (with which I won't part) and o...
Posted by ~*Sun Signs for Writers*~ on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:37:00 PST