Currently viewing the tag: "Letters"
I am in the process of doing some writing for enjoyment. I have heard that the “average” fiction book contains 25k – 50k words and the “average” non-fiction book has around 20k words. Is that correct?
As a novice, what I’m wondering is how do they count the words? Do they include spaces between the words.
Thanks for any input.
Most lenders require homeowners applying for a short sale to write a hardship letter. A hardship letter is a written explanation describing why a borrower is not able to make his or her mortgage payments. The thought of writing a hardship letter sometimes causes fear and anxiety in homeowners, but it’s really quite simple and if written properly, a good hardship letter can help a homeowner make a powerful case to their lender.  Certain elements written into your hardship letter can help make your case to the bank while others can hurt your chances of getting a short sale approval. Here are 7 tips to writing a persuasive hardship letter:
Write it yourself. This is your story, only you can tell it convincingly, so make sure you write it.
Explain the events and personal circumstances that contributed to your inability to make your mortgage payments. Examples include: tenant problems, a medical condition or illness, job loss, job relocation, death in the family, divorce etc. Â Also, describe any additional circumstances currently making your financial situation difficult.
Describe all attempts previously made to sell your home either by you personally or through a real estate agent. Be sure to include all previous price adjustments. The fact that you’ve already tried to sell your home helps make a more compelling case to your lender that your financial hardship is real and that you are not just trying to walk away from your financial obligation.
Don’t blame the bank for your financial trouble in your hardship letter. Scapegoating the people that you are trying to convince to reduce your mortgage does not work to your advantage, so don’t do it!
Make sure your hardship letter makes logical sense. More specifically, make certain your hardship letter does not contradict any of the other personal documents your bank is examining as part of your short sale application (i.e. your bank statements, personal financial worksheet, pay stubs, tax returns).
Tell your lender that you want to avoid bankruptcy. If the bank believes that you intend to file bankruptcy, it will be less likely to seriously consider your short sale application.
Tell the bank what you want them to do. Although your ultimate goal in pursuing a short sale may seem obvious to you, it may not be to your bank. In your hardship letter, don’t forget to ask your lender to accept your buyer’s sales contract, approve your short sale application and forgive any deficiency that may arise as a result of the short sale.
Gerald Lucas is Managing Director of Performance Property, LLC (http://www.performancepropertyllc.com/) Mr. Lucas shares his extensive experience as an investor, guest speaker, coach, and college lecturer. Mr. Lucas holds business degrees from Howard University and MIT. Contact Gerald directly at gerald@performanceproperty.biz
Enter the world of Make Believe with Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (ISBN: 9781589824690), a historical/fiction novel, filled with adventure and romance. With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, the liar’s fire, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening.
Melynda Gascoyne, The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York, wrote: “Clarke draws the reader into a world full of color and intrigue right from the first page. Her characters have faults that you want to see them overcome as you laugh, cry and cheer at just how genuine and vivid they are. They could easily be the neighbor next door. It’s refreshing to be able to read a story that can make you run the full range of emotions. The end is uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend Edith and the Mysterious Stranger to anyone looking for a novel that is easy to read and just makes you feel good.”
It is 1904. Edith has wonderful qualities but her expectations are so high that she never gives a man a second chance. She used to sing professionally but has now settled down and serves others through her nursing abilities. During her stay in Idaho, Edith meets two men. Henry, the superintendent of schools, seems to be arrogant, flirtatious, and quite impressed with her talents. Joseph, a farmer and ranch hand, is just the opposite. He acts completely disinterested in her and unimpressed. At first, both men tend to get on her nerves until she decides it’s about time to not be so judgmental.
Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews, wrote: “Clarke’s passion for her historical subject matter is apparent in the solid writing, which transports the reader back in time effortlessly. Her multi-layered characters are unique individuals who evoke empathy. The experiences, challenges, dialogue, and dress are realistic for the time period and the descriptions are so vivid the reader is more a participant in the events than a pageturner. Edith and the Mysterious Stranger is a highly recommended read. It’s a great adventure story with strong values; great for the entire family.”
After Edith’s arrival to Idaho, a mysterious stranger begins to write to her, which changes her outlook on life for the better. For the first time, she gets to know a man’s inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery and the best thing that has ever happened to her. The question that puzzles her is whether or not he’s as wonderful in person as he is in his letters.
Wendy Cleveland, Reader Views, wrote: “The Power of the Written Word — this is the life lesson I took away from Linda Weaver Clarke’s book Edith and the Mysterious Stranger. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in a good inspirational read from beginning to end. You won’t be disappointed. I’m definitely a fan and will be looking for another installment in the Roberts family saga.”
About the Author
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories. Her novel “Melinda and the Wild West” was a Semi-Finalist in the “Reviewers Choice Awards 2007.” The historical fiction novels, A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley, include the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West (2006), Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2008), and Jenny’s Dream (2009).
“Edith and the Mysterious Stranger” (ISBN 978-1-58982-469-0, American Book Publishing, 2008) can be purchased through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com. Publicity contact: www.american-book.com.
Linda Weaver Clarke received her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Southern Utah University and writes articles for the American Chronicle. She has traveled throughout the United States, teaching a ?Family Legacy Workshop,? encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories.
Clarke is the author of Melinda and the Wild West, a semi-finalist for the ?Reviewers Choice Award 2007.? The historical fiction novels, A Family Saga in Bear Lake, include the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West (2006), Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2008), Jenny?s Dream (2009), David and the Bear Lake Monster (2009), and Elena, Woman of Courage (2009).
Tagged with: Edith • fiction • Historical • Letters • Mysterious • novel • Romance • Stranger • Subject
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