Do you want to build up your professional network on LinkedIn or Facebook, two of the hottest social networking websites out there? If so, connect to me! If the six degrees of separation theory rings true, let’s capitalize on it.

You can see my LinkedIn profile here, and my Facebook one here.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

–Dalya

Last week, I had the good fortune to visit students and faculty involved in the American Humanics chapter at Kennesaw State University (near Atlanta). I was pleased to present my workshop, “How to Write Great Grant Proposals,” to well over 50 enthusiastic students, alumni, nonprofit practitioners, and others. You can see photos of my workshop right here!

A video recording of the workshop will soon be available on this blog…..please stay tuned.

If you would like to speak with me about presenting a writing workshop to your group, just let me know!

Happy Writing,

Dalya

Welcome to Deborah Bowman and Wilson Kwan, two brand new Research Assistants!

Deborah and Wilson will be working with me over the next few months to complete the manuscript of “Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact.” They are both very interested in learning exactly what it takes to make the book the best it can be.

Over the coming weeks, we will be updating this blog and looking for feedback on pieces of the book. Stay tuned!

–Dalya Massachi

Are you an aspiring writer, just itching for a fantastic opportunity to see self-publishing up close and personal?

This is the internship you’ve been waiting for!

OBJECTIVE: Provide research support to the soon-to-be author of “Writing to Make a Difference” (www.dfmassachi.net/wmd.html), to be released later in 2008. The book’s target market consists of those writing for values-driven organizations (nonprofits, socially responsible businesses, community groups, and related organizations).

HOURS: Approximately 10 hours per week, at least half between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. The remainder can be done any day or evening, at your convenience. Exact times are negotiable.

DURATION: April and/or May (with option for additional work in the summer)

LOCATION: The intern will work mostly from a home computer or his/her laptop at the author’s home office in North Oakland (near BART). If you prefer, all work can be done at the author’s office.

DUTIES: You will assist the author in completing the book manuscript via any of the following:

• Fact-checking

• Finding and testing relevant examples

• Completing appendices

• Compiling recommended resources

• Finalizing cross references

• Copyediting

• Related tasks

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:

• Advanced college undergraduate or BA in related field

• Strong writing and editing skills

• Love of the English language; aspiring writer a PLUS!

• Strong organizational skills: able to keep track of a lot of information

• Reliable daily access to email and the web

• Familiar with: Internet research, new media, professional email and phone interactions, MS Office

• Dependable: able to work with or without close supervision

• Detail-oriented

• Resourceful

• Sense of humor

BENEFITS TO YOU:

• Get academic credit (if applicable)

• Gain professional experience on a soon-to-be-published book

• Learn about self-publishing and small business from the inside

• Get acknowledged in the published book and elsewhere

• Gain familiarity with a slew of relevant resources

• Get exposure to other professional writers

• Be considered for possible expansion of the position

FUTURE OPTIONS: While the Manuscript Research Internship is unpaid, a stellar intern could continue through the summer/fall on book production and marketing tasks, potentially involving financial compensation.

TO APPLY: Send a resume, cover letter indicating your fit with the internship qualifications, and contact info for 2 references to Dalya Massachi at dalya@dfmassachi.net