C. Hope Clark

The Rules Nobody Knows

2012-03-05T01:09:00.001-05:00

Notice how rules are flexible in the publishing industry? For instance, when you ask how many books you need to sell to be considered a success, nobody wants to give a number. 5,000, 10,000 - depends on if it's fiction or nonfiction - depends on whether it's self-published or not - depends on whether you have a platform the publisher is willing to gamble on for book two. Depends . . .

Should you self-publish to draw attention to your writing? In hopes of landing a traditional contract? Depends . . . Should you get an agent? Depends. . . Should you write in first person or third? How much telling versus showing is allowed? How much passive voice is acceptable? Everything depends.

Notice how nobody knows the exact rules but everyone can tell you when it's wrong. And no two interpretations of wrong are the same.

So what does that tell us?

We need to understand the issues, both sides, first hand. We need to study the pros and cons of any issue like those mentioned above, so when we make a decision, it's an informed one.

Understand what an agent does, reading both pros and cons of contacting with one. Then decide if you need one.

Read writing that used telling more than usual, then read those that utilize showing exceptionally well. Be able to readily recognize the difference, so when you tell in a story, you do it with a purpose in mind.

All of the debated issues in our profession have multiple sides. Know all the debated rules, hearing all sides, then formulate your method of keeping the rule, breaking it, or finding a middle ground. However you do it, do it because you have your act together and have analyzed each and every option.

Taking credit for writing success means somewhere along the way taking responsibility for decisions made. The blessing and the curse of being a writer is that the results are on your shoulders. You can shirk responsibility or embrace it, but you can't deny that the results are yours to own.

Choose your own rules of engagement, but only after studying the battles that have gone before you. Only after you've gained education and experience do you have the savvy to choose wisely. Privates don't establish rules of engagement . . . generals do.

Writing 700 words

2012-03-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Can you write 700 words per day?

You'll soon find as you seek freelance work or create a platform, that 700 words is about the average size of a an editorial, a guest blog post, a newsletter piece, a website article, or a magazine column. Some are longer, but few are shorter, and if they are, no less than 500 words. But if you can master this size writing . . . daily . . . you'll be amazed at the evolution of your productivity as a writer.

700 words per day. Wow, you say. You don't think you have time for that. I disagree. You do. At first you may write it in two hours. Then you realize it takes 90 minutes. Then an hour. This progression may take months to achieve, but it does occur. The more you write, the easier the words fall into place. But time isn't your goal. Just the 700 words.

Of course there's editing, but how hard is it to edit 700 words? Today you edit what you wrote yesterday, or three days ago. Of course you know better than to submit a first draft of anything, and allowing it to percolate over a night or two keeps you from submitting mistakes. Now you need markets.

What if you don't have enough markets for a daily dose of 700 words? Then blog. You see, writing this amount of copy takes not only the ability to mesh words together, but to formulate ideas to write about. That is the first trick.The ideas. You sit and think, ponder and curse, but you don't get up until the 700 words come to be.

Soon you are jotting ideas for unwritten pieces when you aren't writing. Your notebook has a dozen little stars beside snippets of themes as you try to keep up with your daily quota. Of course you want to place them in a paying publication, so you search for markets.Those you don't use to query with, you place in a blog.

What you may be seeing here is a trick to turn you into a serious freelancer. Because not only do you have to be able to write, but you have to create ideas, AND you have to find markets for them. It's a balancing act.

Writers complain about not having time to write. But if they can't find time to write, they darn sure don't have time to think of unique ideas, much less market them. Commitment. Diligence. Consistency. There are no substitutes to these traits in the evolution of your talent.

In summary:

Write 700 words.
Edit 700 words.
Create ideas for more 700 words.
Submit 700 words to a market or blog.

If you master 700 words, per day, you soon learn how to juggle some serious wordage and put them to work for you . . . putting you on the fast track to writing for a living.

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Don't forget that we've moved to www.chopeclark.com . Come join us!

Write a Resume to Determine Where to Take Your Writing

2012-02-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

Resumes are boring and we hate tooting our own horns. But nothing identifies your skills for employment faster than a well-honed resume.So what does this have to do with you . . . the author . . . the freelance writer?

Resumes are broken up into primary categories.

SUMMARY - What are you seeking in terms of employment? What is your goal? Who are you in a sentence?

A hungry freelance writer seeking placement in major magazines and online sites to build a credible platform.
-or-
A writer seeking author status in the field of contemporary mystery fiction.

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY - What makes you hire-able?

Extensive clips in entry-level publications and blogs covering subjects of parenting, business and gardening. Excellent communication skills with minimal errors. Positive personality demonstrated by written feedback received from five clients. A quick study of directions and guidelines as shown in a history of meeting all deadlines on time or in advance in approximately 25 cases.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY - Work performed.

Article title, publisher, date, link.
-or-
Book title, publisher, date.
-or-
Contracted assignment, client (if you can name), date.

EDUCATION

University degrees.
Workshops attended.
Retreats attended.
Conferences attended.

AWARDS - Where have you been recognized as outstanding in your efforts?

All this is routine to the person seeking a nine-to-five job, but what do you want this to look like in one year, two years, five years, or ten as a writer? In each of these resume categories, analyze what you'd like to see. The problem with not defining our direction is that we lose our way, forget to focus, then look back and wonder where the time went with little to nothing to show for it. Instead of dancing from a novel to magazines to scripts to poems, without structure for any of them, set your number one priority with an established goal. Then number two. Then three. In each of these categories.

How will you identify and enhance your qualifications? What publishing and writing credits do you strive for? What education will you seek, and what awards will you attempt? Four simple categories.

Focus is hard for many people, often because it commands commitment, but that focus is the only way to improve. Just like a job doesn't come looking for you, neither does writing success. You have to develop yourself to reach out and get it.

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Just a reminder that this blog is also supplied at www.chopeclark.com where it will move permanently in the near future. Come sign up!

Those Autographs are Tricky

2012-02-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

Now that I've weathered two signing events, I've learned some valuable lessons about how to autograph a book. Wow. It isn't as easy as you think. You'd think signing your name was simple, but it's definitely not. It takes attention, and if you have an assistant, by all means use him or her. Hubby has been promoted to Executive Assistant, and if I see you along the tour this year, you'll find him hanging around, helping me make this book signing thing work well.

Lessons I've learned from book signings:

1.Ask if they even want the book signed. Some people put no stock in signatures and want the book in pristine condition.
2. If they want the book signed, ask if they only want the signature. That's preferred more often than you think.
3. If they want the book dedicated, then ask for a spelling. LINDA may sound simple, but you've ruined a book if the person's name is LYNDA.
4. If they want a message, ask is they have something in mind. Otherwise, you are on your own, but be conservative unless the person is a dear friend or close relative who you know will keep that book forever.
5. Forget the stickers that say "autographed book" unless asked to supply the sticker. Many do not like them.

All the more reason for an assistant if you are signing books for a line of people. I once attended a book signing where the people in line were asked to write down how they wanted the book signed on a slip of paper handed to them. In another case, the assistant went down the line, asked the person how he wanted the book signed, wrote it down for him (so the author could read the handwriting), and handed the paper back to the person to give to the author.

If you struggle with technicalities and mistakes, you lose that positivity. The point is to keep the mood light and enjoy meeting people.Let everybody have a grand time . . . including you.

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Remember that this blog is temporary. You'll find this identical post at www.chopeclark.com/blog where you can sign up for updates so that you aren't caught unawares when this Blogger blog runs its course. Thanks!

The Questions They Ask

2012-02-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

Last night, my generous and oh so sweet neighbor hosted a book release party at her house overlooking Lake Murray. Writers from my critique groups (including local published author Rachel Haynie, Myths and Mysteries of SC, Globe Pequot) showed as did so many neighbors. Sold twenty books, but the best part of the entire evening was watching, talking, listening to people talk books.

And I've learned what questions non-writers want to ask published writers about their novels.

1. How long did it take you to write the book?

Took me 14 years, but I'm quick to assure them that the period included a down time of five years, and the fact I wrote it part-time, molded characters, tossed it three times to start from scratch, and ultimately found my voice. Then I tell them it took me a year to write the second, and another to write the third. Many of these people knew I wrote, but had no idea that seeing lights on from the corner of my house until three AM meant I was spinning stories.

2. How much of the book is real?

Unless you're writing sci-fi or fantasy, most readers assume a fiction story spins off from something real in an author's life. I explain that the opening scene of the bribe is somewhat real, but the reality of the rest of that situation was boring, so I had to make up the rest.

3. How many of the characters are people you know?

I use the example that my son pouts that I made him a girl named Ivy. In other words, no character is one person I know. If I like a trait in a person, I infuse it into a character, but there is no copycat character. Remember this in case you'd love to write about a person you love or hate, because one day he may not be so happy you personified him in fiction.

4. When's the next book coming out?

Readers are so accustomed to series that they want to jump on the next one. The important point I realized here is that readers do not find authors when they put out their first book. It's usually the second, third, fourth or more. Then they go back and read the backlist, anxious for more. That proved what I suspected. An author has to be in this for the long run, with multiple books to his credit, before making a serious name for himself.

5. Is it at Barnes & Noble / bookstores?

They want to tell their friends where to go get it. Yes, the inclination is to explain that online is the way to do these days, but when people ask you where to buy the book in person locally, and you can't tell them where it is, you run a strong risk of losing a customer. Amazingly, there still is a demand for bookstores to those who do not write and don't care to understand the growth/change/quirkiness of the publishing industry.

I'm learning daily, and it's a fast past and steep curve, but one day at a time this life apres-release date is coming together. Live and learn, and live it with a smile.

Educating Ourselves to Be Happy

2012-02-20T01:00:00.005-05:00

I read too many blogs sometimes. I'm forever seeking advice to live by and spread to others as I deem it worthy. Sometimes that takes me to sites about educating children. Not that my readers are childish, but we are all students of writing, for as long as we live, and sometimes what's great advice for our progeny is applicable to us. We've just forgotten to open our minds as wide as we once did as kids.

Zen Habits is a simple blog about living simply. This particular post, entitled 9 Essential Skills Kids Should Learn, resonated with me. Yes, I thought as I read the first skill. Then yes, oh yes, definitely yes. The author states that we should prepare our children for an unpredictable future. They should be able to adapt when corporations, government or the guy next door whips the rug out from under them.

In today's publishing world, change happens daily, and major change almost weekly. If someone isn't suing someone, they are amending the method of payment, acceptance, format or rights. Let's take the skills of training savvy children and apply some of them to us.

1. 2. and 3. Ask questions, solve problems, and tackle projects. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do. Ask how, when, why, where, whatever. Don't understand how to self-publish? Look for the answers. Not sure whether to seek an agent? Dig for answers. Instead of saying "I don't know," decide you'll figure it out. So many writers freeze, become stagnant at the thought of maintaining a blog, Tweeting, or using Track Changes for edits. Don't know how to do it? Learn. Set up each obstacle as a project. Ask questions, study resources, and address the issue.

4. Finding passion. When you adore what you do, you weather challenges (like self-promotion) more easily. Overcoming an obstacle places you one step closer to a goal. Don't stand there looking at the hurdle, hating the thought of climbing it. Instead, be excited that you're in this game to win. Ever seen a kid with a quest-type video game? He tackles whatever is thrown in front of him, earning points as he goes.

5. Independence. Ever read posts by writers who wring their hands at the woes of publishing? What if's drive them crazy. Frankly, you can write no matter what's happening in the industry. Because whenever you complete the project, you'll have publishing options. You may have to ask questions and solve a new problem, but because you have passion, you'll solve your publishing dilemma.

6. Being happy on their own. You don't have to belong to a big publishing house. You don't have to self-publish to keep your writing group from being jealous of you. While a tribe is nice, and your mentors held your hand as you learned, you have the means to be a happy camper while pursuing your dream. Happiness is a choice. Be comfortable in yourself.

7. and 8. Compassion and Tolerance. Be empathetic, not condescending. Be tolerant of differences. Focus on your writing goals instead of pointing out flaws in the goals of others. It's such wasted energy to debase how others choose to write, choose to publish, or choose to promote. Hush and let people be different.

9. Dealing with Change. Frankly, if we master 1. through 8., we accomplish 9.

Confidence in ourselves, our choices, and our ability to dip, dive and adapt when life throws curves makes for a sparkling, superbly satisfying life. As writers facing a barrage of rejection and complicated changes in an industry that seems to stand on crumbling ground, we have the most control over how we deal with it all. We can enjoy writing, no matter what happens along the way.

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Remember, this blog will not be around long. Please come follow Hope at www.chopeclark.com at her blog's new home.

Press Kit Ho-Hum

2012-02-17T01:48:00.000-05:00

When my neighbor, a retired marketing specialist for a wine distributor, asked if she could host a book release party for Lowcountry Bribe, I was honored, and a little nervous. Not only was it focusing attention on me, but it involved contacting media. She offered to call all of them, and I was to prepare a media kit.

Whew, I thought. I can run copies of everything, put them in a nice folder with a picture of the book on front, and have it done. She'd deal with the hard part. Easy-peasey.

I put the kit together containing the following:

A bio, with color picture. (1 page)
Excerpts from Lowcountry Bribe. (1 page)
An invitation to the book release party with cover picture. (1 page)
A business card - two-sided with all information.
A postcard - again an invitation to the event, just in different form.
A postcard - brilliant cover on one side and all website and purchase info on back.
Press release. (1 page front and back)
Color coordinated folder to match cover.
Stickers of the cover to place on the mailing envelopes for the kits.

I was so proud. I prepared the mailing labels after my friend graciously ran down all the right names and addresses. I was about to seal the mailers when a teeny irritation niggled at me. Something wasn't right. Here I was mailing a request to people I didn't know, giving them all matching information, in hopes each would find me worthy. This was just like pitching agents and soliciting publishers. I needed to do one more thing.

For several hours, I wrote cover letters, each designed specifically for the individual media outlet at hand. To the paper in my hometown where I attended high school and my parents still live, I inserted an anecdote about my 10th grade English teacher who made me hungry to write, who still lived in that town. To the paper in another county, I described how my book's setting depicted their area well, trying to sell readers on the beauty of the region. In yet another I referenced my love for the lake where I live and how as a local resident, I enjoyed the community and wanted to share my success. Each packet was personalized to the recipient. All 35 of them.

Yes, it took time. And yes, some rejected me regardless. But like any rejection, it's what they say about it that matters. Two editors wished I lived in their town, because they'd jump all over the story. And they added that if I ever did a book signing in their town, let them know and they'd post it.

I kept those remarks, and their addresses. Why? Because the sequels to Lowcountry Bribe move around the state. And the next press kits for subsequent books will include these same editors. Eventually repeat recognition and personal attention just might make them realize they have a real story here, and a diligent individual who just won't go away. And they'll know my name.

Selling with Passion

2012-02-15T10:28:00.002-05:00

If you feel uncomfortable selling, you lack faith in what you sell.

OMG, when I saw that line it stopped me in my tracks. I had to read it again. Then I had to read the rest of the blog post. The post was called Why You Should Embrace Icky Sales and Marketing and is from Men With Pens. The piece made sense, and I enjoyed it even though it centered on marketing "stuff," but nothing hit home with me more than that line.

Some writers are going to get mad at me right now, but some readers are going to think what I have to say is spot on.

Look at that bold line above. I preach this in a nonfiction book for writers I wrote eons ago, The Shy Writer, and had long forgotten about the lesson. I tout that we overcome our shyness in front of people when we speak about something we feel passionate about. The strong emotion propels us past the reservation, and we become better communicators.

If you feel uncomfortable promoting your writing, stop and ponder why. Chances are you aren't quite as confident about your writing as you need to be. Not that you write poorly. It's just that you haven't found that happy place where you feel you did a fine damn job after a long time of perfecting it. It needs more work. Passion is contagious and captivating. When you feel that way about your work after all its edits and amends, as if this were your firstborn and the prettiest baby in the world, willing to hold it up to everyone to see, then you're there.

I'm not saying you'll see a gazillion copies or even that the work is Pulitzer material, but if the creator isn't excited about the writing, the reader never will be.

Looks are Everything

2012-02-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

In a recent blog post, Jeff Goins, writing guru and how-to-be-a-confident-writer mentor, compared being a writer to being a chef. A good chef gives attention to looks as much as taste.

"Why go to all the trouble? Because people eat with their eyes first."

He primarily talks about websites and blogs in his post, but I'm here to tell you that it matters in all realms of writing. The first impression, the format, the cover, the headline, the online design. If that first glance comes across negative in any way, nobody tastes the writing.

I have a friend who struggles with query letters for his literary fiction. I've offered to write them for him, but he doesn't want to impose. He's also insistent that publishers only contract with professors with alphabets strung out behind their names, and his query won't matter. His work is remarkable, but the query process has him stymied. The fact is, a pristine, eye-catching query is like the appetizer that the chef spends time in arranging, drizzling and styling on the plate. If it's good, the diner wants to know what else this chef can cook. I can't get him to understand that dazzling an editor in a query is enough to make him look twice at the writer.

How can you improve your writing presentation, no matter the type of writing?

Use an original design on your blog or website.
Use art or photography with your mag features or blog posts.
Wow a publisher with your voice in your query pitch.
Compose a headline or title that gives a reader pause.
Use a sharp hook in the opening sentence of whatever you write.
Break down chunks of copy into enjoyable, more digestible paragraphs.
Use visuals that grab, draw a smile, or snap.
Use promotional material that outshines the competition.

When I realized that my mystery fiction would become a reality, I started thinking visually. I already knew my publisher, Bell Bridge Books, had a creative eye for covers, and they knocked the ball out of the park on Lowcountry Bribe: A Carolina Slade Mystery. But I wanted a website that would wow readers and entice them to stay, read, and ultimately buy. And for the first time in my life, I hired someone to design for me. Visitors adore the site. It's me, and it gives me a serious warm-and-fuzzy feeling. It captures attention.

With a website and book cover from heaven, I designed postcards, business cards, a portable trade-show banner, and labels. Sure, I could print labels at home, but I went to Staples and had them do it on commercial machines so they were polished. I went up a notch to Moo.com for business cards. I used a wedding design from Vistaprint to format the postcards rather than a standard business design.

And everyone is saying, "Wow, love the cover" because of everything they pick up, whether it's a label on an envelope or a postcard in the mail. And most feel good enough about the quality appearance to order the book. Just today, my postmaster saw the labels I put on the promotional packets I mailed to local media, and she asked, "Is this your book?" I assured her it was. "I love the cover," she said. "Is this at Amazon? It looks like something I'd like."

Chefs study for years to design dishes and learn how flavors compliment each other. They understand food far more than we could imagine. But it's amazing how we have to get past the look of the dish first, before we're willing to take a taste.

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Available at:

Amazon
Bell Bridge Books
Barnes & Noble

Come visit Hope's new website -http://www.chopeclark.com - where you'll see the new blog. For a short period of time, these blog posts will be duplicated both here and at www.chopeclark.com, but not for long. Cruise over to www.chopeclark.com and sign up for email updates or RSS feeds, so you won't be left hanging when this blog closes.

That First Glance

2012-02-11T01:00:00.013-05:00

There's nothing like laying your hands on your book the first time. Remember when you held your eldest child for the first time? Same category, my friends.

This is me after opening the box. We wanted to preserve this moment.

This is me drooling (oh wait, I cut out that picture - too embarrassing).

This is me loving the writing life.

So cool. So cool.

Uh oh. People have called, emailed, texted and Facebook'ed me stating they are reading it. That scares the pants off me knowing that the world I created, that I lived in for years, has opened its doors to visitors. Funny, but I never thought that would make me nervous, but it does. It's like I'm in my study, hiding, while the entire world is digesting my words. I'm anxiously waiting for them to pass judgment.

And I wonder for the slightest moment why I did this. Why expose myself like this? All those nights of personal strife now in the hands of strangers, family and friends. (Head in hands.)

But wait. Remember those first nights with your newborn? You were scared. You wondered what you'd gotten yourself into. You realized there was no return. This baby was yours, forever.

Then you held up that marvelous wonder you created, grinning . . . and fell in love all over again. Yes, it was all worth it.

Be Wrong

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

As writers, as human beings, we often worry about taking the wrong step, for fear someone will point a finger and accuse you of . . . gasp . . . being wrong! I'm not talking about breaking the law here. I refer to being wrong in someone's eyes, by some unwritten rule, because the majority says so, and the list goes on.

Dare to be wrong.

As I pursued writing and publishing Lowcountry Bribe, I was accused many times of being wrong. Some of the "advice" included:

A female sleuth cannot have young kids without ruining the mystery.
A man can't say "Honey" or "Babe" without being somewhat demeaning.
Hunt for an agent in New York or you lessen your chances of landing one.
Do not go over 100,000 words, no matter what.
Forget traditional publishing. Self-publish since you have a platform already.
Readers don't want to read about a woman attracted to another man before she's divorced.
In real life, a woman would not take these risks if she had children.
Readers prefer Southern women to drink wine, not bourbon.
Write in third person. It's too difficult to tell a story, particularly a mystery, from first person perspective.

Well, sometimes you have to do what you feel is right for you. Yes, you want to know the basic rules of writing and the basic guidelines for your genre. But if everyone followed all the rules as written, stories would muddy into each other, diluting so many distinct voices.

I have a friend writing a YA literary fantasy. It's cute as a button! Another is writing high brow, historic romance, and it's sexy as hell. Neither is published . . . yet. I have no doubt they will be, because their work is good. And they've discovered their uniqueness. And they are hell-bent on refining it, making it work, and not becoming "the norm."

Being stubborn is one thing. Standing by your standards is another. While you know what you want to do, don't be deaf to suggestions, and don't be afraid to try change. Just realize that it's all optional. Being afraid to deviate from the norm confines you to a box with thousands of other writers afraid to be different. But also, being afraid to listen to suggestions is just as unwise, as someone might have gone before you and see the cliff you're about to walk off of.

Leave your options open.

Dare. Dare to be wrong. Dare to try different. Dare to define what right really is.

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Available at:

Amazon
Bell Bridge Books
Barnes & Noble

Come visit Hope's new website -http://www.chopeclark.com - where you'll see the new blog. For a short period of time, these blog posts will be duplicated both here and at www.chopeclark.com, but not for long. Sign up for email updates or RSS feeds, at the new site, but either way, the new blog welcomes you.

A Night to Remember

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Lowcountry Bribe went live on Amazon, B&N and Bell Bridge Books. I knew it was coming, but not exactly when, so when I could "see" the results of over a decade of work, it was a giddy-silly, out-of-body, this-isn't-real moment. I walked down the hall from my study. Hubby was washing dishes in the kitchen.

"I'm a published author!" I said. "Lowcountry Bribe" is live!."

"Yay, Sweetie!" he said as he came over and wrapped me in a hug. He held me back at arm's length and asked, "Should I bake you a cake or something?"

We laughed. I returned to my work, emailing, tweaking random things still not working on the website, and immersed myself in work. I thought about sending an email to about 25 friends and relatives about where they could see the book, composed it, and shot it off, anxious to hear responses.

A while later, hubby walked in and sat a coffee and liqueur drink we affectionately call a "nudge" on the desk before me, in my favorite green cup with my name on it. Whipped cream and all. Cherry on top. Then he set down a teeny little sweet treat. Two cookies with icing in between and on top, the word "yeah, Sweetie" written across the top.

Of course I had to hug him tight, laugh some more, almost cry. Then I ate the treat in two bites, followed by whipped cream and coffee. He laughed hard and I grinned. "What?"

"You have a green tongue," he said.

"You used green icing on the cookie," I explained, licking my teeth.

"It's not going away," he grinned.

"Wait," I said. "What did you use on this cookie?"

"Just what was in your baking drawer. The tube said green on it."

Yep, hubby had used green gel food dye to write the words.

"A night to remember," I said, chuckling. "A good moment." I sat back down and returned to work, in a marvelous mood.

Then someone replied to my earlier email. OMG. I'd mailed my announcement as a forward to a batch of jokes sent by a writing friend. Seeing his email address had prompted me to send the notice, but in the excitement, I hit forward instead of compose.

Panic ripped through me as I thought about the first joke - a picture of a voluptuous girl's T-shirt-clad shirt displaying the words "I lost my virginity but I still have the package it came in."

Then I had to laugh out loud. A belly laugh. A life happens laugh.

Dare to be silly. Dare to be memorable. Dare to enjoy whatever happens, when it happens, and let it weave into the fabric of your being. For the rest of my days I'll remember green teeth and busty jokes as symbols of the kick-off night my novel came alive. And it'll always bring a smile to my face as a night nothing could go wrong, and all was right with the world.

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Available at:

Amazon
Bell Bridge Books
Barnes & Noble

Come visit Hope's new website -http://www.chopeclark.com - where you'll see the new blog. For a short period of time, these blog posts will be duplicated, but not for long. Sign up for email updates or RSS feeds, but either way, the new blog welcomes you.

Two Days of Craziness

2012-02-06T14:22:00.004-05:00

Since learning this weekend that Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bell Bridge Books went live with Lowcountry Bribe, I've been beating the keyboard, working, setting up things, changing things, promoting, answering congrats, etc. etc. Now that I have a small, short lull today on a Monday, my mind won't shut down for fear of forgetting something to do.

For those just learning about the release, Lowcountry Bribe is up for purchase. The novel I've spoken about, edited, pitched to agents, and rewritten for a publisher, has become a reality. Over a decade of work. This is a major bucket list item I can check off - publish a mystery via a traditional press.

Here's where you can find Lowcountry Bribe:

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Lowcountry-Bribe-C-Hope-Clark/dp/1611940907/

Bell Bridge Books - http://www.bellebooks.com/shopexd.asp?id=153

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lowcountry-bribe-c-hope-clark/1108542168

And here is the gorgeous new website! C. Hope Clark's site – http://www.chopeclark.com In case you're wondering, it was designed by Shaila Abdullah at the House of Design. Such an eye!

The blog is moving from here at Blogger to my website, and you can sign up via RSS or email. There's also a newsletter that I promise will be no more than monthly, simply because I only have 24 hours per day. You'll also see where I'll be throughout the year, speaking and signing, hugging readers.

And I'm friggin' exhausted! LOL More posts to come on this experience, people. Seriously. The devil is in the details.

I'm ecstatic, to say the least.L owcountry Bribe has been spinning in my head since 1998. Carolina Slade is a flawed and tough protagonist whom I've come to love. She grows in each book, always growing wiser, but always through her mistakes. The sidekicks and secondary characters could easily be alive in my life. I'd be honored . . . extremely and humbly beholden . . . if you chose to read Lowcountry Bribe. The new (did I say gorgeous yet?) website introduced you to the story, and upon signing up for the newsletter, you will be sent the first chapter.

I'm sharing, not pushing. It's just that my FundsforWriters readers are family, in my opinion, and who else do you think of first, when you have good news to share? Thanks so much.

C. Hope Clark's Blog Has Moved

2012-02-04T13:31:00.000-05:00

I've been sluggish the last two weeks posting to the blog, and a couple of people have asked where I've been. Frankly, releasing a book is phenomenal work, especially when you develop a website to go with it.

Introducing www.chopeclark.com. From www.chopeclark.com , you can:

read my blog
find Lowcountry Bribe, my new novel
learn about the Carolina Slade Mystery Series
link to FundsforWriters
sign up for my personal newsletter - C. Hope Clark
see where I'll be, where I've been, and who I've visited

FundsforWriters remains the same as it has for 13 years, but at C. Hope Clark, you'll see a new side of Hope. You're welcome to come visit.

The latest blog post at the new site is If You Rest, You Rust. I've learned that taking too much down time just makes you work harder for what you want. Please come take a peek at the post, and sign up for most updates. I believe you'll find it most appealing. I'm proud of this new site.

See ya' there!

PS
I'll be announcing the book ANY TIME now. . . as in a matter of hours. Stay tuned!

The Best Way to Get More Attention as a Writer

2012-02-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: I'm getting lots of feedback on this post. I've just moved the blog (to include this post to my author site - www.chopeclark.com . Feel free to visit it there and leave a message that will be preserved forever!!! Thanks. ~HOPE

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Do we Facebook more? Post twice a day on our blog? Tweet? Speak?

Actually, the best way to get more attention as a writer is to write more.

Write more stories, features, blog posts, guest blog posts, comments on blogs, editorials, interviews, contest entries. I'm not talking about resubbing the same old material. I'm not a firm believer in that on a regular basis. Instead, I think new, fresh, crisp, cracker-jack writing is what counts. For several reasons:

1. Your work gets better each time you tax your mind to write anew.

2. The more you distribute your work, the better the chance it'll be read . . .and you'll be followed.

3. You build a reputation as an expert. The more times you appear on a Google search, the better your credibility, or at least the higher your chances of being considered an expert or . . . gasp, as famous.

Do NOT write a story then spend weeks trying to place it, stopping in place, waiting for responses before delving into another tale. Keep writing. Pitch the old, turn back around to your keyboard, and write the new, nonstop, incessantly, with fervor. You're a word machine. If that first piece fails, then start over with it . . . or toss it, crack your knuckles and open a fresh page. No whining, no anger, no blame game. Always move forward.

Write, write more, edit and edit more. Produce until someone realizes you really are a writer.

Why Hire More Eyes?

2012-01-31T01:00:00.006-05:00

Had several consults lately, and I'm noticing a trend. Those I spoke with didn't like writer's groups and had never considered hiring an editor.

The Myths and Misunderstandings of Finding Other Eyes to Review Your Work

1. They will slow down your process.

Chances are, that's exactly what you need to happen. If you've been the only person with hands on your story, you can't see the flaws. The story might be in your head, but not clearly portrayed on the paper. Never rush a story. It's a path to disappointment.

2. They will steal your story.

Nobody steals stories these days. Everyone is too wrapped up in his own story, and chances are they aren't in love with your work as much as you are. But let's say the story is phenomenal. How will you know how phenomenal it is until someone thinks so other than yourself? What if it's great until chapter 15 when the momentum slows to a crawl, but you know how it comes out on the other end, so it's cool. You need those eyes. Even if, by a really rare chance, someone likes your idea, they will not write it like you do. They will not risk you coming after them for plagiarism. Get over this. There are too many stories to tell to steal them. If this concern makes you abstain from getting help with your work, then either grow up, take the chance, or give up writing.

3. They don't know your work like you do.

No they don't. However, you want them to. Who doesn't want the world to embrace their story and adore it as much as its creator? Let them get to know it. Only then can you receive a clear read on whether you're work is working, or your too close to your baby to be objective.

4. They have an axe to grind about passive voice, or romance, or strong female characters, or talking dogs, or fill-in-the-blank.

Every editor or writer has pet issues. In a room of ten writers, you'll receive ten diverse critiques, and that's a marvelous experience. You don't want each person to critique the same. You want the grammar guru, the character champion, and the point-of-view princess. You want the big picture seekers and the detailed divas. Let them grind their axes. Then be adult enough to sift through all the notes, taking time to ponder what advice is worth following and what is not.

Writer's groups and editors are gold when they are good. They can impact the quality of your writing to the point you'll deed your house or sign over your first born. I'm that way. When my novel is released, I have a dedication in the front to include my writers groups, with four special people being particularly key in helping me become a novelist.

Toughen up and take it on the chin. Whether in a group or hired by the word, let people rip your work apart, because when the manuscript heals back from all that spilled red ink, it'll be so much stronger.

NOTE: I'm talking DAYS until the release of my mystery. Fingers crossed!

Ebooking It Alone, or Not

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

Per PEW Internet, the number of e-book device owners doubled over the holiday season to 19% of the adults in the United States. My 78-year-old neighbor has already asked me could he purchase my new mystery about to be released next month, for his Nook. He adores his e-reader. Why? He can sit in his deer stand and read without making noise and scaring off the deer.

That means if you write books, they darn well better be in e-book form. But before you scramble to throw something together and start buying guidelines on how to format for Kindle, slow down. Decide if you want to format, design and manage those ebooks yourself.

Yes, it sounds simple and lucrative if you take all those rosy-colored blog posts verbatim, and choose to think you're the next Amanda Hocking. But do you have the savvy to make them polished? And do you want to take the time to manage sales? All of this comes out of your writing time, remember.

Formatting can be a bear. It's never as easy as some profess. Those went through a learning curve, and now that they are on their fifth or sixth book, they think it's easy. They'll blog about the ease of formatting, but it isn't elementary. It's doable, but not without frustration. Or you can pay someone to format your e-book, like E-book Architects or Design by Insight (they also do covers).

Covers are profoundly important. Even with e-books, because that tiny thumbnail cover needs to pop online. Covers drawn by friends with amateur ideas keep readers from touching the Buy Now key. That means hiring a decent graphic designer who knows e-book design. Yes, invest in a good one, especially if it's fiction. Design by Insight listed above does covers. Any graphic designer can. Many web designers do as well. One unique site to land a cool cover is 99 Designs, where you have people bid to do your cover. I've seen some beautiful material come from this site.

Management sounds easy. Upload and college the checks. But you should monitor those books, understanding when to drop the price, raise the price, or offer it for free. How is the competition? What is making your book sell, or not sell?

You might consider an e-book publisher. Yes, you have to be vetted, and yes, your book needs to be well written. You will get rejected before you are accepted. But an e-book publisher (or traditional publisher who publishes you in print and electronically) has a lot at stake and knows what covers work, how to format, and when to calculate promotional tricks on Amazon. Your royalties should run 25% minimum (that's on the low side) up to 70% (for ebook publisher trying to collect a stable of writers and get off the ground). 40% is good.

E-books aren't a quick fix to becoming published. If you do it yourself, be prepared to get muddy up to your elbows and pay for professional services to avoid that "crayon cover" look and crazy spacing and formatting gaps. And don't feel shortchanged if you go traditional and receive less royalties, because they handle much of the headaches, leaving you free to be more creative than entrepreneurial.

There's a huge pressure these days to self-publish. Commit to doing it right. Or keep submitting to traditional publishers to improve your chances of looking good. Just don't cut corners, even if you have to wait longer to see your name up in lights on Amazon.

Reasons you can't sell your work

2012-01-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

Oh. My. Gosh. (I love how some teen came up with that way of making a point.)

Again, oh my gosh. I read a visual artist blog called The Abundant Artist recently, and the artist put the reason for branding, and platform building I might add, into a simple one - two - three.

One of three reasons why you can't sell your art (and that includes writing).

1. They don't like you.
2. They can't find you.
3. They don't know you exist.

And guess what? The burden of changing your inability-to-sell is all on you.

1. Options to they don't like you.
Find people who do like you, or change so people do like you. It's not selling your soul. That's a cop-out, in my opinion. Chances are, people like good writing and don't live immature writing. Not everybody will like you, but if we can't find anyone willing to buy it, then we are writing for ourselves and hiding from the fact our material needs correction.

2. Options to they can't find you.
Ah, so someone knows you can write, but they can't find you online. And yes, when someone what to find someone else, they look online. No more phone book. No more phone calls. We all use online tools for what we need. Why not use it to give others what they seek? Frankly, it ticks me off to want to find a writer and there's no sign of them other than a byline in a magazine or a book on Amazon. That's not being available. These days, it takes availability to be a marketable commodity.

3. Options to they don't know you exist.
Put yourself out there. If you are afraid to step in front of crowds, then do it online or find enough good friends, fans, mentors or peers willing to sing your praises for you. Self-promotion. Social media. Networking. Connection. Yes, they are tired old words. I hate them, too. But they keep recycling for a reason.

It's 3 AM and I'm still afraid

2012-01-25T03:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's 3 AM, and I just finished reading my new novel for the 6th time since it's been contracted. Checking for mistakes. And my six edits are on top of the several edits done by the editor and copyreader. They sent it to me for "one last" edit. The book is released in February. After tonight, it goes to print.

Scary.

Why? Because each and every time I read this book, I find a comma that should or should not be in a place. I find a straight quote instead of a smart quote. And I worry how many people are going to read the story and only see misplaced punctuation. So I spent hours today scanning the manuscript, hunting for the minutiae. I'd bet $100 without blinking that all of us did not catch them all. In 105,000 words and 34 chapters, I'd bet a week's pay that someone will find something to fix.

After going through all these edits, it also scares me to think I'd do this on my own. No, I'm not about to bash those who self-publish. On the contrary, my hat's off to them for dissecting all the formatting, legal and graphic obstacles that go with that journey. But I've learned that one, two, six, even ten rounds of proofreading and edits may not be enough.

If you decide to write a book, my advice to you is :

Write it without rushing.
Rewrite it a half dozen times. It gets better each time, I promise. Nobody over-edits, trust me.
Let it chill for weeks, months even.
Edit it yourself several times.
Give it to others to edit, not read, edit.
Hire someone to edit, someone not connected to you.
Hire someone else, and do it again.

I understand why it takes a while to publish a book, regardless the method. Mine took 15 months, and oh my gosh, am I glad it did.

Being Yourself Isn't Easy

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

I think we spend a good chuck of our lives fighting to be true to ourselves. As writers, that struggle is doubly dramatic, and twice as hard. Not only do we have others telling us how to behave as people, but we have others telling us how to write (or not to write). In both situations, there is what is known as "acceptable" behavior. Bute often times, "acceptable" or "normal" behavior, or choices, conflict with the uniqueness inside us.

So we dare to be ourselves, writing stories that don't fit standard genres about topics that aren't mainstream, using characters who are quirky enough to make an editor uncomfortable. And we get rejected.

It's like being a rowdy child, or a child who doesn't want to dress off the racks at Abercrombie, or the boy who prefers ballet to baseball. Sometimes we dare to stand out, but often times we wind up following the parade everyone else follows.

Being different comes with a price.

Doing your own thing means alienating people who don't feel comfortable with odd, novel, or unique. You won't make friends with these people, and they might not respect you. That's not fun, no matter how cowboy you claim to be.

Being normal when it's not in your heart means you fit in the crowd and receive pats on the head, maybe even publishing something because it met all the "conditions." But inside you are empty, and writing loses its joy.

You pay a price. Yes, we have to eat. The bills have to be paid, and stepping too far out of line might mean a zero bank account. You might take a non-writing job to cover expenses, doing tasks that bore you to tears. You've sold your soul . . . and you give up writing.

It doesn't have to be that way. The key is to do what you have to in order to support yourself. Look at it as subsidizing your writing, enabling yourself to have the freedom to write.Just don't get so caught up in following the norm that you forget the strange, exceptional, bizarre magic inside of you. Don't sacrifice and forget what you're sacrificing for. That exciting eccentricity that you're afraid to show needs your attention, too.

Even if you never publish those crazy stories, that side of your persona feeds your happiness. Don't let it starve because it's not what everyone else eats. Gorge on it, and feel good.

Self-publishing and traditional publishing: why doing both could be good for your career

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Note from Hope:

Enjoy this guest post by Sean McLachlan who blogs about travel for Gadling and writes history books for three different publishers. He recently released his Civil War novel, A Fine Likeness, and a collection of short stories titled The Night the Nazis Came to Dinner and other dark tales. For more about Sean, see his blog Civil War Horror.

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Self-publishing and traditional publishing: why doing both could be good for your career

By Sean McLachlan

I’ve been working in this crazy business for twelve years now. In that time I’ve landed a gig at the world’s most popular travel blog, written for national magazines, and had nine nonfiction books published with two more on the way. Now I’m self-publishing my fiction.

Huh? Why am I “taking a step back” by self-publishing? Because publishing is changing and I need to change with it if I’m going to keep this craziness going for another twelve years. I’m not alone. Plenty of hardworking midlisters are self-publishing their backlist and new material in electronic and POD editions. As far as I know, though, I’m the only writer with one business model for nonfiction and another for fiction.

My reasons for self-publishing fiction are both personal and professional. There’s a bottleneck in the submissions process that’s keeping books in the slush pile for months, even years. Big publishers are scaling back on lines and not taking any risks. My rejections from editors and agents all have one thing in common—they love my work but don’t think it will be as profitable as whatever book they accepted that week. Fair enough. They’re in business to make money and they have a right to their opinion.

But consider this. If I got accepted by a major publishing house, as a first-time genre novelist I’d get an average $5,000 advance and virtually no marketing. Well, if the money is poor and I have to do all the marketing myself, why don’t I just get 35-70% royalties via Amazon instead of 6% via some publisher? If I went to the small press the situation would be the same except there’d be little or no advance. After years of positively worded rejections, it made economic sense for me to self-publish. Better a small profit on the novels I’ve written than no profit at all.

Plus I already have a platform—other published books, a recognizable readership, internet visibility, knowledge of the business, professional contacts, etc. I’m well placed to do this myself.

First I published my historical novel, A Fine Likeness, set in Civil War Missouri. I’ve had two books on the Civil War and three on Missouri published. I also have many contacts with the mainstream media in that state and for that subject. Instant marketing platform. Having a number of titles increases visibility, so a month later I came out with a short story collection The Night theNazis Came to Dinner, and other dark tales. I priced it at 99 cents to draw in readers who might not take the chance on my $4.99 Civil War novel. Now I’m busy doing guest blogs, tweeting, press release writing, and other marketing that I’d have had to do if I’d been traditionally published.

From a strictly professional point of view I should stick to what’s making money and put my fiction on the back burner. That’s not going to happen because fiction is half the reason I got into writing in the first place. Until now I was only living half my dream. Oh, I got a short story published every now and then, but that wasn’t enough to satisfy me. The death of a closefriend who was only twenty years older than I am and the near-fatal heart attack of a colleague only ten years older than I am reminded me that I won’t be around forever. I want my legacy to include a bunch of novels. I have things to say in fictional form and I want the chance to say them.

Now I’m living my entire dream. It’s scary, exhausting, fun, and deeply satisfying. But most of all it’s a relief. The bottleneck in publishing was being mirrored by a bottleneck in my own production. Three novels in the hopper and more on the way and all I got from publishers were rejectionletters saying how good my work was. Publishing my fiction has given my fiction writing new life. I’m being more productive and inspired now than ever before. My fiction matters now, it’s out before the public eye.

And increasing your productivity and inspiration are the best career moves you can make.

Why Would People Gossip About You?

2012-01-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we discussed how people will find you. Today, list ten reasons people would tell anyone else that they did. What makes you worth gossiping about?

A common mistake fresh writers make is telling others to buy, to read, to spread the word. People don't like to be told what to do. The intelligent writer with wares to sell and image to project makes the reader want to repeat what he found, tell others what a cool writer you are.

Dan Zarrella of danzarrella.com, recently guest posted on Problogger, providing a piece entitled What Motivates Readers to Share? He stated that you must: first--have an online presence, second--put updates in the hands of readers, and third--motivate the reader in that update. Then through studies, databases and research, Dan analyzed what messages get repeated, i.e., gossiped. The results?

1. Simple wording.

You write for your audience. Ask a professional children's writer the different between writing for Pre-K, grades 1-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and so on. Ask a sci-fi writer about what his reader expects. Same for romance. If you want the masses to know you, then write in a language that the masses can understand at first glance. Keep it simple - less wordy - crisp and clear.

2. Pertinent wording

Using words like I, my and me aren't nearly as attractive as you. Also, using please and help works. Amazingly, nine of the twenty most commonly used words relate to social media. What does THAT tell you. And words that sound boring, come across boring and aren't usually repeated. Note that ING words, the words writers should see as passive, don't catch the eye either.

Bottom line . . . write for the reader in your advertising efforts to sell, not you. Use a call to action, but make it sound voluntary and polite. When the reader feels compelled to help you because you've respected him first, you've done a good job. That makes for great gossip.

How Do People Find You?

2012-01-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

List the ways that readers find your writing. Go ahead . . . I'll wait. See if you can name ten.

(Jeopardy song . . . )

How hard was that? Probably quite difficult, is my guess. We often dislike thinking about where we're bold, in neon, advertised for others to see. I was lining up a consult with someone once, and as usual, I asked for a list of online presences. He told me to Google him. He was only listed on the publisher's website and Amazon. Or rather, the books were listed. The writer thought that was sufficient, yet he wanted to consult with me how to get agents or publishers interested in his most recent manuscript. He'd written for years, but never told the world; instead, he'd banked on the hope that others would do that for him.

Here's a generic list of where people initially find you:

Your website
Your blog
Your Facebook
Your Twitter
Your LinkedIn
Your writing clubs
Your previous magazine editors
Your previous guest blogs
Your speaking engagements
Your blog posts on other blogs
Your guest appearances online and in person

Notice that the above ways to find you, dictate that you be PROACTIVE. And it means that you KEEP being proactive. The minute you snooze, expecting others to spread the word, the word slows down and disappears. Ask anyone with an online business or multiple books in a backlist.

The only way for people to find you is to play Hansel and Gretel . . . and leave a lot of breadcrumbs.

My Fiction Day - Like Minds are Golden

2012-01-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

I attended a neighborhood party on Saturday. I live on a lake cove, and we have a new neighbor who adores social gatherings. Such events are pleasant with 2-4 other people, in my opinion, but she had 20. However, I learned to enjoy myself and now know my other neighbors. Then when I mentioned I was releasing a mystery, the first in a series, all said they'd buy. Heck, my new neighbor is hosting a release party. The idea of being supported by those around me is thrilling!

It's like my critique groups. They can rip up a chapter then go to dinner and bend over backwards to help me reword a tricky paragraph or a plot with flaws. It's not only soothing, it's empowering. One of my online crit members tonight said she couldn't get the smile off her face when I sent her the cover draft of my novel, Lowcountry Bribe. She's seen all the edits and reworks of this story - for seven years. She said it's like watching a child enter kindergarten, and she's so proud of me.

Being reminded that people support your hard work, and stand ready to help you enjoy the rewards, is a mental high. It's also empowering to keep going . . . harder . . . seeking more success. It's why we struggle to find great friends, good social groups, and mentors - to enjoy sharing like thoughts, like pleasures, like goals. After all, we are social creatures.

Yes, we are reclusive as writers. I adore being locked away for days at a time, writing. But sometimes we need human companionship and the attention of like minds. Sharing what means the world to us with someone who understands is a gift we all need to say grace over each and every day. They want to be happy for me as I want to be happy for them. We swap each others books, or stand ready to lift a hand in some manner to make a reward that much sweeter. We send each other a card or pop a bottle of bubbly. We pick up the tab at the burger place or attend an event just to be that one extra body in the room.

Remember that when you have a chance to support another writer. Next time, she'll be there for you. Besides, celebrating en mass is so much more fun than celebrating alone.

NOTE: Sometime in the next 3-4 weeks (fingers crossed), Lowcountry Bribe will be available. I'm still stunned.

Mini Journaling

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

This is journaling I can do. It's called 280daily, and you journal each day using twice the number of characters of Twitter. Yes, very doable.

I quit counting the number of journals I've started and dropped. Some I've reread and torn out pages, mad at myself for the stupid angst I felt the need to tell the world. You see, private to me is something I don't want to tell the world, but putting it in a journal is . . . telling the world. I inevitably get frustrated at revealing myself, or bored at what I try to write by NOT revealing myself. (A shrink can step in here at any time, please.) The result? I don't journal.

But I like this. It makes you condense your day into a thought. Not pages of thought, just A thought. That's when you can pick one little moment of your day and memorialize it, or summarize the day as the wonder or bitch it was. But wait . . . this site gets much better.

You can search these posts. You can add a photo. You can ask to read a random post. And you can print them off, even create a book from them.

Okay, it's a new year. Maybe I'll give journaling a try again. How hard can a double-Tweet be?

Walking the Tight Rope

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

There's a fine line between branding and hard-selling. At first blush, it doesn't seem so hard. One sounds passive and the other is so in-your-face. Yet, we often find ourselves crossing the line from professional self-promotion to the dark side of hawking our wares.

When you meet a salesperson, do you cringe, wondering what gimmick he'll use? I'm on guard the minute one walks up to me. Furniture, cars, clothes, security systems, cable TV, jewelry . . . you know what I'm talking about without me explaining it, don't you? They try to tell you what you need. They sometimes talk over you. They act as if they know what's good for you . . . better than you do.

Jennie is my connection at the local nursery. As an outdoor and gardening enthusiast, I see Jennie a lot. Yes, she knows me now, but I love the way she addresses customers.

"Hey, can I help you?" Then she actually stops and listens. She nods as they explain what type of plant died, or how the amount of sun they have on a particular bed is causing the plants to wilt, or why they can't seem to find the right bush to go beside the porch without it getting in the way. The customer is in charge. She waits for them to stop explaining . . . or waits for their direct question. Then she solves their dilemma. They walk away feeling they practically solved their own problem because they directed the conversation.

When you thrust anything in front of a potential customer, you challenge them. It almost becomes a dare. It assumes you know best. the move feels like you are trying to corner them. Professional salespeople will tell you otherwise.

I've taken the attitude that anyone selling anything works for me. Therefore, I expect to be handled well.

When you feel infringed upon, the sales tactic is wrong. Take note of that next time it happens. What is the person doing wrong that made you defensive? Let's go over a handful of mistakes that handicap branding, and ultimately sales. Most of this list came from a fabulous blog post I discovered a couple days ago called Personal Branding Blog. Yep, it's a little in-your-face, and I don't recommend most writers read it religiously, but I've learned I can lurk on business and blog websites that have nothing to do with writing and learn a lot of tricks.

1. Automatic messages.

When someone signs up for your blog, newsletter or even Twitter messages, don't shoot them anything other than a thank-you with links, in case they want to delve further. Hitting them right off the bat with "Buy My Book" or "Attend My Signing" or "Like me on Facebook" is presumptuous.

2. Spamming.

Yes, people still do it. But now they do it on Facebook messages, LinkedIn messages, and listgroups with disclaimers that say "forgive me if you've read this already but this is a cross-posted message." Spamming isn't just for email anymore! If someone follows you on Facebook, don't presume they want mass messages about a book signing, exhibition, nonprofit project, breast cancer awareness mission (what's the color of YOUR bra?), or help us do an anthology that won't pay the writers effort. Treat people like individuals and they'll love you so much more.

3. Asking to Connect.

If you want someone to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or otherwise, make it personal. "Will you follow me?" says absolutely nothing. Mention what you have in common. Do you love their book? Have you heard them speak? Did someone mention them elsewhere? Did you see their blog? Even if you just saw their name mentioned and heard they were an expert, excellent writer, chicken raiser or Clemson fan, say it. Don't just say, "let's connect" without a purpose. Connecting isn't about the numbers; it's about the quality of the connection. Make people want to know you. Be interesting.

4. Asking to Forward.

Listen. If your work, post or ideas are good, they will be forwarded, copies, pasted, reTweeted, etc. Don't say, "retweet this" or "send to all your friends" or "post this." You sound desperate.

Be your creative, social self. Fight to always stay on your game. Address people as if they were friends. You hate it when the government treats you like a number, or the bank thinks you're an account instead of a human being. Enjoy readers as people, and they'll love you in return.

10 Reasons Why Having a Critique Partner Will Rock Your World

2012-01-13T01:00:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the following guest post from Laura Pepper Wu. She's a pretty sharp cookie. ~Hope

Laura Pepper Wu is the founder of Ladies Who Critique and the co-founder of the book marketing and promotions company, 30 Day Books. She realized the value of having a critique partner through her in-person writing group, but when it became harder and harder to make the Saturday afternoon meetings she began to search for help online. After realizing how difficult it was to find a suitable critique partner who “got” her genre, she founded Ladies Who Critique.com. Writers of all levels are welcome to join - men too! - and begin their search for the perfect critiquing relationship. It’s free and always will be!

10 Reasons Why Having a Critique Partner Will Rock Your World

I learned the value of having a second pair of eyes, or in my case a second pair of ears, when I started attending a writing group in early 2010. Not only did our weekly Saturday meetings motivate me to write (and rewrite) each week so that I would have something to read out loud, it gave me the confidence to call myself a writer. I made some fantastic friends who I shared the journey step by step to publishing my first book.

Despite having read one of the chapters of my manuscript several times, one of my characters arrived in a taxi but left in his car and this had completely passed me by! I was in disbelief when this was pointed out to me, but it confirmed for me that sometimes we are simply too close to our work for too long, and that it’s far too easy to miss gaping holes and inconsistencies.

In addition to all that, I felt my writing grow and improve simply by being exposed to other writers and witnessing their books coming together piece by piece. Almost through the power of osmosis I began to learn which story plots worked, how to create effective conflict and what a well-fleshed out character was composed of. Plus hanging out with other writers was awesome and I returned from each meeting with a new spark in my step.

In case I haven’t convinced you yet that having a critique partner or being in a critiquing group will really rock your world, here are my top 10 reasons why. If I missed anything, please leave a comment below!

1. Accountability. A reason to write each day since someone is waiting to read your work!

2. To raise your spirits. Writing has it’s fair share of tough moments. There is nothing nicer than someone complimenting your last chapter to cheer you up.

3. Build your confidence. Are you nervous to put your work out there? Showing it to a CP is a great first step to showing your writing to the world.

4. Find “your voice”. A great CP will help you to see where you are going wrong, and more importantly, where you are going right.

5. Give you a different point of view. Stuck, unsure about a phrase, character or storyline? Having a second opinion can help. After all two brains are better than one!

6. A fresh pair of eyes. A beta reader or critique partner will help you see your work – which you have been too close to for too long from a fresh perspective. This makes it easy to reveal inconsistencies, plot holes or lack of description/ vital information.

7. A critique partner can help reverse writers block. And that happens to the best of us!

8. It makes the writing process less lonely. We’re social creatures and we need a little contact each day. Connecting with your CP is like a virtual coffee break or lunch date.

9. Support. A great CP is your biggest fan and greatest cheerleader. She can offer you advice from someone who ‘gets’ the writing world, as well as supporting your promotional efforts when the time comes to publish.

10. A preview of what your readers will say later. As a writer you are going to receive feedback whether you ask for it or not – from agents, publishers, editors and eventually reviewers. Let your CP catch any holes or flaws in your writing first.

Bonus Reason: For those writers wanting to self publish, readers are repeatedly pointing out plot holes, inconsistencies, spelling errors and general problems with manuscripts that make a book look obviously ‘self published’ in their reviews. This can harm sales of a book or eBook for a very long time. Critique is a very different thing from editing, but having a group of critique partners, as well as a professional editor, is a crucial part of maintaining a high standard in your manuscript.

Taking a Day Off Doesn't Mean Taking a Day Off

2012-01-12T01:00:00.004-05:00

Joe Bunting, guest poster on the blog The Write Practice and the e-book 14 Prompts that I think the world of, recently wrote a post entitled You Have to Choose . He decided to turn his computer off for one day a week, to focus on his personal life.

To say yes to life, sometimes you have to say no to work. To spend time with your friends and your family, those people who make life meaningful, you have to stop. He ended on the note: Six days a week we write. One day we stop. I challenge you to join us today.

Admirable, but I argued that we don't have to take one day off per week. What we do have to do, however, is recognize when personal time takes priority, but that doesn't have to be one day per week. I respect Joe, but I politely disagree.

If we choose every Sunday, which is the choice of most who work full-time, who says your family or friends are ready, willing and able to spend time with you on that particular day? What if they want you on Saturday? What if they need you on Wednesday?

What if someone needs you when they are off work or out of school but not during the day? What if they go to bed early and you don't?

My point is that flexibility is key for a writer to take time off. I work 40+ hours per week at my job as a writer. Yes, I'm lucky in that regard. I usually touch my computer daily unless I'm on the road, and even then, I'll tap email on my phone or laptop. Why? Because I have clients, readers and fans who appreciate my availability and adherence to deadlines.

I enjoy my work. Heck, I'm thrilled about my career. My family appreciates the fact I'm working a job that compliments my personality (and attitude). I'll get up on Sundays, and my husband will say, "Remember to moderate today!" I'm a moderator for the Sisters in Crime listgroup, and Sunday is my assigned day. Some afternoons, as I head to my computer, he'll ask, "What are you working on tonight?" or "What chapter are you editing tonight?" or "Get your newsletters out today?" I really appreciate that. He knows what I do and respects it. He tends to brag. So do my sons.

Note that I said "night" several times. We can work 40 hours per week and do it at our leisure, or when we have the best chunk of time. I'm a night owl and hate mornings. So I work in the afternoons, evenings, and up to two or three AM. I have that option. In the spring, when the yard needs weeding and the garden planted, I especially enjoy working nights. In the summer, when I can appreciate my lake with family and bask in the bright sunshine, I also enjoy working nights. In the winter, when the chickens need closer attention, I can address their needs in warmer noon day sun.

Flexibility is so key in this profession. If I decide to go to dinner with a neighbor or see a movie with my husband or attend a writers' conference, I make adjustments. Seeing family and friends at night might mean rising a little earlier or working a double shift another day to make time. Going out of town means a week of double time to buy three or four days of liberty.

I did the eight-to-five thing for years, dreaming of this day when I freelance. However, the diligence I then owned to work a forty-hour week still applies. Some folks tend to let the hours melt away if given such latitude and no parameters. That's another topic for another day. You still have to possess the perseverance to meet your deadlines. But the last thing I want to do as a freelancer is to adhere to the same schedule I had as a bureaucrat. Yes, family still comes first, but now I have the luxury of giving my time to them as they need it, seven days a week.

My Fiction Day - Competing With Myself

2012-01-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

I've been a bit less active in social media of late due to the second novel. Since the first is about to come out, the second is expected to be complete. That's how it goes to remain viable as an author. So each night, I stop FundsforWriters and return to the fiction . . . but it's hard.

I admit it . . . I'll get stuck on a word or how to get Carolina Slade to sass her beau or how to twist a plot point, and I'll check the email. Go ahead . . . shake your head. I'm not practicing what everybody preaches--to just write and let the world go by unanswered. But for some reason, the back and forth works for me.

I've tried turning off the Internet and just using the word processor. That's when I check the laundry, then go back. Dust a room, then go back. Check the chickens, then go back. My husband calls me a "damn frog," because if he asks me to watch a mystery on television, I'm up during commercials, doing something. And I've decided it's how I write.

For some reason, that little nudge of something different, like a hint of chutney with dinner, jars my pea-brain into finding the right words.

So when I see books, telling me to write this way, or write that way, I shut them. No two writers write the same in voice or content, so why should their writing behavior be the same?

Do your thing. Do it to the best of your ability. Just know that you're to blame if it doesn't work, and you're the victor if it does.

The Writer's Workout - new release by Christina Katz

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

I've followed Christina Katz from the outset, all the way from her Writer Mama fame, before thousands of writers knew who she was. This new book demonstrates how far and wise she's become.

The Writer’s Workout, 366 Tips, Tasks & Techniques From Your Writing Career Coach serves as a daily devotional of sorts, giving you food for thought (and writing) that focuses on the craft, not marketing, not platform, not self-promotion. We tire of hearing how we need to be salespeople to be authors. Here's a sound and solid book that doles out small daily steps on how to become a writer who can't awaken each morning without wanting to spin words . . . and feel like he's on the right track doing it.

Is your writing feeling out of sorts? Flip to Nurture Your Ideas or Trust Your Instincts. Can't get motivated? Go to Discover Your Rhythm or Run the 500-Word Dash. These 366 chapters are one page each, taking you all of ten minutes to read, reread, digest, and decide how to work it into your day's writing. Our craft is hard work, but Katz's book lets you learn in baby steps. You don't have to start at the beginning, either. Select what you need and read it, checking each one off until you've mastered them all.

Highly recommended. ~Hope

From the website:

The Writer’s Workout is like having a personal trainer for your brain every day of the year. In the age of information overload, writers need the ability to focus and feel satisfied at the keyboard on a daily basis. The Writer’s Workout greets you each day of the year with fresh advice that helps writers coach themselves to produce an impressive body of published work, whether in print or online. You’ll learn manageable, no-nonsense techniques for every aspect of your writing career from getting organized to connecting with your audience to relationship building.

The Writer’s Workout contains 366 tips for writers in every genre on how to:

Make your writing as strong and powerful as possible.
Pitch and sell your work at every opportunity.
Overcome rejection to come back better than ever.
Promote your work and build an audience.
Learn how to balance your creative life with your daily life.

Veteran writing coach Christina Katz draws on her knowledge from more than a decade in the business. With her no-more-excuses wisdom, you’ll find your stride and motivate yourself to career-long publishing success. The Writer’s Workout gives you substantial suggestions every day to help you build a robust, unique writing career.

One Shot

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I can get impatient online. When information is fast, easy and available at one click of a button, many of us are dissatisfied when it takes two. Or maybe we like something about a product or person and can't find an immediate link to buy or learn more. But in this environment, one touch is what we want to move forward, not a research effort or a Google search.

We have one shot to make a good first impression . . . or make a sale . . . or earn a fan . . . or lose a potential customer.

You may argue that we can introduce ourselves to readers in hopes they come back later after giving us some thought. Yes, sometimes. But not most of the time. One touch, one tap, one click is more the norm.

What does that mean exactly?

1. Your teeny little Twitter bio needs to be sharp, clear and eye-catching. Leave it blank or tell me that you have 25 interests, and I'm moving on. Put a link in it, for goodness sake, and be clear who you are.

2. Your email signature needs to be sharp, clear and eye-catching as well. If you wrote a book, put the link. If you blog religiously, put the link. If your Facebook is remarkable, put the link. Don't make me hunt for you. I may forget, or get mad that you made me work for it.

3. Link to whatever you mention. If you speak about your column, link it. If you mention your new release, link it. Take me there before I change my mind. There are too many other pieces to read in this world of instant-publishing. The first rule is that it must be easy to get.

4. Don't just link. Be sassy, polished, intriguing, magical when you mention your column, book or blog so that I want to click the link. Just telling me to buy (fill in blank) without courting me is like your mother ordering you to eat your vegetables. It ain't going to happen.

One shot . . . one kill. If you hunt, you understand the concept. If you don't, then it means you better get it right the first time, because the target won't be there for a second try.

Make me love you, hate you, become curious about you . . . the first time I read anything about you. That will impress me and make me your fan.

Three Traits of an Author's Platform

2012-01-06T01:00:00.003-05:00

Developing a platform is a vague concept to most folks. There are no 1-2-3 steps to a successful platform. That's good and that's bad. Bad in that you don't know where to start. Good in that the decisions are all your own.

When I mention platform at conferences, a writer invariably says, "Easy for you to say. You have a platform." Yes. It is easy for me to say, because I did develop a platform. I'm still working hard at it. As a matter of fact, I have to work harder than ever at it because I've launched into the fiction world, where few people know me.

So I take the lessons I learned from FundsforWriters and extract the best ideas, the obvious habits, and the most productive choices in an attempt to build that brand new platform, where people know me as a mystery author.

1. Consistency

Deliver a consistent message. What genre do I write? Mystery. I read them, talk them, join groups that promote them. When a reader thinks of C. Hope Clark, he hopefully thinks mystery as well as FundsforWriters. Hopefully, he'll think of the book title, A Lowcountry Bribe, or the series, Palmetto State Mystery Series, but if he doesn't, he knows he can Google "mystery AND Hope Clark." You want people to hear your name and know what you are, and that comes from consistency in being "out there" spreading the word.

2. Intrigue

Your voice must be interesting . . . intriguing. Readers get a dose of your work and want more due to your unique characters, smooth voice, or remarkable twists. You are nobody else, and when a reader invests in you, he gets his money's worth. You want to take chances with your work. You want to be memorable.

3. Availability

If a reader hears of you, be available. Blog, Facebook, website, Twitter, Goodread, etc. Leave your footprint in enough places, on a daily basis, so that people stumble upon the impression you make without much effort. Reply to email. Answer Facebook messages. Tweet back. Remove any sense of aloofness, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, don't hide behind your fear of self-promotion. Nobody can promote you better than you, and if a handful of readers like your work, make it easy for them to contact you and say so. You'll make a long-term fan.

That's it. Consistency. Intrigue. Availability. Keep those professional traits in mind and you'll be amazed at how quickly your marketing takes hold and shoots you forward.

To Prompt or Not to Prompt

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Jeff Goins, one of my favorite bloggers on writing, posted on his blog about his distaste for writing prompts.

AMEN, I shouted. I HATE WRITING PROMPTS. I posted the comment on Facebook and Twitter. Amazingly, a bunch of other writers felt the same way. Prompts are an age-old writing suggestion, suggested by the respected likes of Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way. I almost put journaling in the same light - practice writing. But then I always close the journal, ruing the time I could have spent on the novel, regretting that I expended energy writing well for nobody to see.

Search for writing prompts and you'll find all you need, to include morning emails to get you started and random ideas you can click on to help your brain find a clue. Sites such as:

Creative Writing Prompts
Writer's Digest Prompts
Prompt Generator
Writing Fix
Story Starters (for kids)

As you would imagine, prompts are used to teach children how to write stories. Children, while imaginative, have to first learn that a story has a theme, a beginning, middle and end. Prompts help them define those terms and create a story that's molded properly.

Adults, however, should be past that. I can understand taking classes and attending college to hone writing, but as a freelancer, uninhibited by the walls of academia, you should be able to write . . . on your own. If you cannot come up with ideas, you are still in the learning phase of writing, teaching your thinking muscles to function properly.

As a freelancer, you are trying to earn a living. Ideas should be your meat and potatoes. You should be able to sit in your chair and not get up without an idea. In other words, you should be able to generate your own prompt, only you will use it to get somewhere, not just practice.

Maybe I'm being harsh, but if you are in the business, you write to publish. If you are still finding your way, you have the luxury of writing to prompts. If you need a prompt, you need another profession until you realize that a professional writer doesn't just write well . . . he writes well about great ideas.

The only writing prompt book I've read that I thoroughly enjoyed was Joe Bunting's 14 Prompts. No, he doesn't know I'm writing this, and it's not an affiliate relationship. I just liked the easy way Joe writes and the practicality of his use of writing prompts. These you can use in the work, not just to expend ink.

To earn a living as a writer, write for purpose . . . not for practice.

My Fiction Day - The Pain in the Butt Reality of Getting Better

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm diving into book two, updating it so that it's a more seamless flow from book one. We changed so many things in book one, now titled A Lowcountry Bribe, (release date in February) that some facts are wrong in the second book. No problem, right? I'm accustomed now to making edits, even major ones. But a critique partner brought something to my attention today that I hadn't realized . . . my writing is better now than it was when I wrote that book.

ARGH!!!

I'm not only inserting, deleting and reformatting characters and facts, but I'm rewording almost everything! Phrasing used before seems more amateur now. I'd crammed a lot of action in the opening chapter only to realize that I needed less action and better writing to make it an intriguing opening.

I spent years (a decade, really) writing A Lowcountry Bribe. I was developing characters and finding my voice. I now like my voice and adore my characters. I leaped right into book two with the same characters and a different setting (my books take place in different locales in South Carolina). The story smoked! Really! I love the plot better than book one, but that's just me. It could be the result of finding my stride, too, and have nothing to do with the storyline. But regardless, I was happy with it.

Anyway, I later wrote book three. My critique group said the writing was remarkably better. I was enjoying the process better, but I wasn't seeing the improvement they spoke of. I was still in love with book two, frankly. But now . . . now that I'm going back to seriously edit book two, I'm seeing the growth difference.

And it friggin' frustrates me. But . . . continual editing is what landed the agent and the book contract. It's part of what we do. And each change, each hard-thought-out alteration is another growing pain that makes us stronger.

So . . . I'll be here, continually doing FundsforWriters work in January and February, but just know that I'm deep in the trenches otherwise, reworking book two . . . because I now have the ability to make it better.

Know Thine Competition/Mentor/Peer/Enemy/Whatever

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

Those selling books at the same time you are selling books, or those selling features when you are to the same magazines, are your competition/peer/enemy and even a possible mentor or friend. In other words, those in the same business as you should be in your contacts list, RSS feed or email. Yes, I know it takes time to find and follow other writers in your niche. It's part of social networking, and some of us abhor the time it takes to dabble in all the social networking venues. It's so tempting to delete emails and blog post notifications when you're up to your eyeballs in your own work. Why take the time to study someone else's?

1. Learn from their success.

Not that you want to copy them. No. Absolutely not. But you want to study their logic and effort and use that type of energy to develop a success on your own terms, in your own world. They can enlighten you to pursue avenues you never pondered before. E-books, self-publishing, speaking, finding an agent. You might learn tricks that can save you from reinventing the wheel. Marvel at their catchy title or headline. Note how they dress in pictures. Follow where they promote, and how well they land gigs and sales. Who is their agent? What publisher did such a great job of formatting the manuscript? Who build their website?

2. Learn from their failures.

Join a few chat groups, list serves and forums and you'll find a complainer in two minutes. I promise. Study what rocked their boat so you can avoid or better navigate your own ocean, but also note how they fuss and complain. Impressions mean everything. I know some novelists and freelancers who I avoid doing business with or holding discussions with because they hold a poisonous air about them, voicing disgruntlement at the drop of a hat. But also study their website, blog, brand and book titles. Find the flaws so you don't have to trip over them in your own travels.

3. Receive feedback.

While you're analyzing their moves, try to get feedback from them about yours. Ask for advice. Share stories, both positive and negative. You might land a mentor or, at a minimum, a fan. Compliment them and their work first and foremost, and then ask your questions. But don't become a stalker, emailing every day with a new question. Maintain a professional give and take, and you'll groom a tight acquaintance for years to come.

4. Share blogs.

Follow others and ask them to follow you. Offer a guest post for their blog, and ask them to blog on yours. This mutual respect weaves a professional connection that can assist your efforts well in the long run.

I posted Competition/Mentor/Peer/Enemy/Whatever in the title of this post. What you make of this person is up to you, but you don't have to limit yourself to the friendly sorts or feel that competition is solely your enemy. Don't limit your exchange with those just at your level. Connect with equals, betters and those trailing behind you. Know who has traveled before you, blazing a trail, and who is walking alongside you, able to hold your hand. Finally, don't overlook those following in your footsteps. All of these people have the potential to introduce you to someone, buy your work, promote you to others, and suggest improvements. You can quietly learn from their stumbles and loudly share in their successes.

Know who is in this profession with you and learn from them. It's how any other business works. Why not writing?

When We Fail

2012-01-02T01:00:00.005-05:00

Note: This post is taken from a FFW Small Markets newsletter. It seemed so appropriate this time of year to use it again. ~HOPE
---

I had a rather unsettling issue with a Christmas gift this year. I busted my butt finding the right item, spending more than I expected, in order to please someone who is very hard to please. I went into Christmas nervous about it. The gift went okay, but the credit for it went to someone else.

I blamed the person receiving the gift. Then I blamed myself, thinking I can't get things right. Then I hated the whole holiday for putting me in the position of having to deal with such an issue.

When we're rejected, we have to react. Nobody shrugs and moves on easily, especially when the submission felt so right. Rejection hurts. Then your reaction naturally is directed first at the person who did not accept your work. Then, realizing there's nothing you can do about that, you turn that hurt inward, frustrated that you took too little time on the query, or overestimated your ability to write. Then when that frustration results in little positive results, you feel like a lesser person, and you get mad at the publishing industry.

I've seen these reactions on blogs, in chats, and across forums everywhere. It's almost stereotypical in nature. That hurt has to go somewhere.

What we can do is don armor, reminding ourselves it's part of writing, and ultimately part of life. We can't win all the time. We can't win half the time. We can't win regularly, or even predictably. Sometimes we don't win for a long, long time.

That's when we strive to lose graciously. We must distance ourselves from that inevitable disappointment just enough not to fall apart, but leave it close enough to learn from it.

It's not easy. We don't learn how to maintain our balance without failing . . . failing a lot. We're failed in 2011. We'll fail in 2012. But the difference can be a simple matter of attitude, in how we juggle the experience, in hopes that one day we stand on our feet, scarred but wiser, and winning a little more.
Happy New Year, friends.

Leaving the Year Behind You

2011-12-30T01:00:00.011-05:00

One can't move forward until one has recognized where he's been. I'd like to quote that from somebody, but I just made that up. In today's helter-skelter, ant-hill type of world, we're always rushing to get to some point, some place, some moment where life is better.

We never get there, frankly. It's never perfect. And I try so hard to live in the moment. Some moments are memorable. Some make us smile. Some rip our hearts out. But we learn from each one.

That's why we need to take time to recall what worked and didn't work for us in 2011, before we launch into 2012. NOT to do so, means you catapult yourself blindly into a new year, without rhyme or reason. Looking back gives you bearings for when you turn around and go forward.

In looking back into 2011, I see so much. It was a trying year, a growing year, a thankful year - but then, shouldn't all years be like that?

== I spoke to a large writers conference in St. Louis, Missouri and made some very excellent friends.
== Writer's Digest asked me to do an online tutorial for them - quite an honor for me.
== Writer's Digest selected FundsforWriters for 101 Best Websites for Writers - for the 11th time.
== I became close to the editor of my mystery novel, coming out February 2012.
== I worked on several rewrites/edits to same novel, taking weeks and weeks of focus.
== I became close to a casual friend, a beautiful find. Now we frequent the beach to see her.
== I lost 12 pounds.
== My son married a phenomenal girl, and we enjoyed the full regalia of a wedding with all its dinners and showers
== Another son adopted a black lab from a shelter, and I became a grandmother to a sweet dog. We share secrets.
== Same son left home to a new job a state away, leaving us with an empty nest.
== I enjoyed kisses from a four-year-old granddaughter we hadn't seen in two years.
== We lost Dixie, my mini-dachshund of 15 years, my shadow, my baby, after a long year of tending to her aging needs. I still tear up several times a week when I catch myself reaching for her in bed, listening for her steps in the hall as she comes to visit me in my study, looking for her to share a bite of whatever I find delicious on my plate.

So much experience. What have I learned?

How to compromise.
How to share.
How to appreciate personalities without judgment.
How to dig down deep and try harder.
How to meet expectations and when to meet my own instead.
How to be silent and proud.
How to love and let go.
How to love and embrace anew.
How to be thankful.

There. Doesn't that feel good? To look at the past, remember it in all its warts and sparkle, disaster and glory? Now, what do you plan for 2012? Keep in mind you have three categories:

== The goals you need to meet.
== The goals you want to meet.
== The goals you dream of meeting.

If you are indeed lucky, all three are the same, but in reality, some things we do as writers aren't that much fun - like marketing, maybe blogging, speaking, cold-calling, querying, web design. But once you've thrown away the last of the ripped wrapping paper and sent your guests back safely home, grab a hot cup of something soothing, a pad, and a pen that rests easy in your hand. Envision what you hope to be writing this time next year - the accomplishments you made in 2012. Then make those items your goals.

Happy, Happy New Year, my friends.

2012 Rocks - I Can Tell Already

2011-12-29T01:00:00.020-05:00

Today I'm headed to the beach to hail the new year with a good friend. She's positive. A yoga instructor in tune with various energies. She makes me feel great about myself. Anyone who knows me realizes that I'm as grounded and logical as they come. But there's something about being around this lady that settles me and helps me see myself better. So to the beach I go, to welcome new goals and a new year, because I think 2012 will be different. No, I can't forecast the future, and I'm not that connected to assume I'll be successful, but I've decided 2012 will rock. Why?

1. I have vision.

My goals are pretty solid. They are book-related. I won't release them here because I believe that broadcasting your goals takes some of the starch out of them, leaving them less exciting. Many writers announce their goals, thinking they'll be held more accountable by making promises in writing and out loud. Keep your goals to yourself, as if you are planning a surprise. Face it . . . if you told everyone around you what your presents were going to be, the feeling of awe when they are finally revealed feels rather dampened.

2. I have support.

I belong to a few writers' groups, online and in person. I have friends who like the fact I'm a writer. I have a spouse ready to hit the road with me in 2012 to conferences and writing group visits. This quote rather intrigued me this week as I pondered the upcoming year:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”- Jim Rohn

If you spend most of your time with people who don't believe in you, you tend not to believe in yourself. Change that. So you can't alter your spouse, child, significant other or coworker. You can however, make a point of connecting with those who understand writing. Seriously, that sense of belonging and camaraderie with like souls empowers you. You can also educate those around you who don't understand the importance of writing in your life. When they see you taking responsibility for your writing and taking it seriously, they will, too.

3. I have excitement.

Leading into a goal with trepidation is like trying to dance ballet in hiking boots. You aren't giving yourself permission to be good. Yes, it's easy to be excited on January 1. It's clean, new, without scars and mistakes. However, you can look at each month's 1st as a point to re-energize. Analyze what you did the previous month and make plans to dance on your toes in top form in the next.

Nothing magic. All attitude. Decide 2012 will rock for you. Take baby steps or giant leaps, it doesn't matter. What does make the difference is how you think about yourself and what you are capable of fulfilling.

The Broken Rule

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

“I try to write a certain amount each day, five days a week. A rule sometimes broken is better than no rule.”
—Herman Wouk

We are in the midst of busy times . . . the holidays, which frankly could be called the hecticdays. All routine is thrown out the window as all those around us focus on Christmas, Hanukkah, and more. You will break your writing rules. But that doesn't mean you give up on them because they were fractured once, or twice.

It's like a diet. You slip one day because you had to have those french fries. Then you snitched a bite of bread at dinner, or a second slice of ham. But, you can go to bed, wake up the next day and start the routine again. Better to miss once and start back than to toss the rule.

So, when you can squeeze a moment to write, do it. It might not be the whole hour you want or might not be long enough to complete that draft, but you are marching forward. If you skip a day, insure you don't skip the next. Missed your AM journaling? Do it before you go to bed, or at least don't miss the next morning.

Your writing can be the stabilizing factor in this chaos of the holidays. I know it's mine. Yesterday I baked, hung wreaths, wrapped presents, invited a neighbor to come in and taste my candy goodies, and planned the Christmas menu. Also, this year we are without our beloved dachshund Dixie, for the first Christmas in 15 years, so it's particularly hard. So last night I sat at my computer and worked on anything having to do with writing. I needed that back-to-right activity.

So it's okay to break the rules. Life shifts and moves around you, so no plan works all the time. Allow that slip, that reprieve. Just try not to let missing your routine become the new routine.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Serve the 10 percent

2011-12-22T00:33:00.002-05:00

Funny, but here lately I've read several blogs that referenced "serving the ten percent." Easy to say, harder to do. Especially when you realize you are NOT serving 90 percent.

Imagine speaking in a room full of, say, 100 people. Ninety of them walk out before you are through with your speech. Talk about a buzz kill! That's a pretty profound visual. It's enough to make most speakers leave the room with them!

But let's study what that means. When business and marketing gurus tell you to serve the ten percent, they are telling you to identify your loyal customers. Sure, you may have 10,000 followers on Facebook, but how many of them comment and message you? How many look forward to your next post, book or article? How many would buy your book the minute it's released? These are the equivalent of the ten people in your audience who did not walk out the door because they hang on your every word.

The experts swear by the ten percent rule. Blogging pros instruct newbies to strive for that loyal 100 or loyal 1000. Once you have them, you have momentum. You have word of mouth. You have the foundation for a solid platform. You have buddies who'll not flit away to the next new author or newest smart-talking blogger.

These people are there for you. Sure, 10,000 followers sounds better, but do you expect that 10,000 to buy what you have to sell? Would they follow you wherever you went, in whatever publication you publish in? No. But that ten percent will. And they'll tell their friends who'll tell their friends. They'll Tweet and text about you, too.

Catering to your special followers, reaching them and writing for them, gives you more mileage than trying to write, reach and cater to everybody. Everybody might open your email, or they might not. They don't often leave comments on your blog. They won't attend your book signing. They'll occasionally read your newsletter. They won't answer your survey or Tweet back.

Continue to build a following. Don't feel you have to sift through the sign-ups for your email updates. Just know that is you have 550 followers, that only about 55 will wait for your guidance, talent or latest release.

Understand your ten percent and serve their needs, for these noble souls keep your work selling and will ask for more. There's where you focus your marketing attention, because these individuals will listen and act. Better to have a small hot loyal following than a large lukewarm fan case. Of course you can enjoy both, but know where to pour your energies when your time, creativity and energies are limited. They'll love you back ten fold.

Last Minute Gifts for Writers

2011-12-21T01:16:00.001-05:00

Uh oh. It's about too late to ship anything to you, and you forgot to buy for your favorite writer. Fear not. Here are a few ideas that can be instantly delivered and highly appreciated by your writing fanatic. Get two while you're at it . . . so you can enjoy the gift with your buddy.

Gotham Writers Workshop Gift Certificate

You can't beat the gift of better writing, and nobody has a better reputation than Gotham Writers. Whether attending in person at their NY locations or online, you can't go wrong with this gift. Gifts start at $50.

Membership to a Writers Organization

Can't give you a link here . . . the list is too long. Each state has a writer's organization. Mine is the South Carolina Writers Workshop. Florida is the Florida Writers Association. Missouri is the Missouri Writers Guild. You get the drift. Memberships range from $25 to $55, from my experience.

Entry Fee to a Writing Contest

Again, too many options to post here, but if you have access to TOTAL FundsforWriters, you have a long list of potentials. Come to think of it, why not give the gift of TOTAL? The newsletters lists 15-20 contests every two weeks, and FundsforWriters is running a $9 subscription special in December! Cost: $5 to $75.

Advertisements

Huh? Think about it. If your the writer you care for has books or a writing service, he needs to advertise. Purchase advertising for your proofreader, an editor, an author, an illustrator, or copywriter. Advertising can be on a blog, in a newsletter, or in a magazine. The cost is whatever you make it. Ads can be as little as $10 or as high as $500. Don't forget the advertising options on Facebook, either. How about GoogleAdSense? How about in a newsletter like FundsforWriters?

Business Cards and Postcards

Give a gift certificate to Vistaprint, or the printer of your preference. The gift certificates start at $5.99. A very thick, cardstock business card and postcard service is Moo.com . I just ordered some cards, and I'm VERY pleased with them. Thicker cards seem to be the fab thing these days, so don't neglect Minted.com and Peartreegreetings.com as well.

Other Tangible Promo

While you'd love to wrap the actual coffee mug donning the cover of your friend's latest book, you still have time to grab a gift certificate to a promotional item store like CafePress.com .

Office Supplies

Who doesn't hate to buy ink and toner? How about paper? I often give baby diapers to new mothers because 1) they need them and 2) they hate to buy them. I'd be ecstatic if someone bought me toner for my laser jet. It lasts me for six months . . . and that's a gift that keeps on giving. Gift certificate for Staples, Office Depot, or any office supply venue.

And finally . . .

Go on a campaign to promote the writer's work. Tweet, Like and spread the news on Facebook, write a blog, comment on other blogs, review on Goodread, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Create a book trailer. Design an ad campaign. Create a new logo. Provide a graphic cover design. These cost little to nothing and require little more than your time and creativity. Now that's a gift from the heart. Keep a list, write it up in a fancy way, and put paper and a bow on it, and you'll make a writer's day when he opens it Christmas morning.

You'll be your writer's best Santa of 2011 with these ideas. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Christmas Gifts for Writers

2011-12-20T01:00:00.002-05:00

I always love shopping for writing gifts. There's always something about the new tip of a quality pen, an empty notebook or a coffee cup the right size. I've always dreamed of having a bone china, Victorian designed tea cup and saucer, maybe with a teapot to go with it. Living in a house full of men, they never really captured the hint . . . probably for fear of buying such a dainty gift . . . not understanding why anyone wouldn't prefer a mug that holds more to drink. Sigh.

Anyway, in my window shopping, I found a few unique ideas for the writer in your life (or for you, but nobody has to know). I receive no affiliate fee for these. I just loved them.

Wooden Journals from Yellow Bird Books. From the website:

"YellowBird Books is a completely handmade shop where you will find artisan journals spanning from theme to theme. The most common materials used in the journals are wood,hemp, wood and copper buttons, and designer cardstock, all used to help inspire, impact lives, and record memories."

Mini Book Earrings made of real leather from Keepreading. From the website: "The book contains 14 pages (28 both sides) that have been stitched traditional bookbinding with waxed linen thread. It's like a real book. You can open it and write!"

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jewelry - literary black brass cuff bracelet from Jezebel Charms. From the website: "Mr Darcy's impromptu proposal to Elizabeth Bennet from one of the most popular novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice. The scripted quotation by Mr.Darcy said to Elizabeth is set upon 19th century imagery of the chapter that particular quote is from. Finished in chic black. I'm ecstatic and proud to say you can now find my literary brass cuffs at Jane Austen's House Museum in Hampshire, England."

T.S. Eliot Magnet Gift Set from Quoted Art. Other authors available. From the website: "The entire set will arrive in a chiffon bag suitable for gift giving. I seal the images with multiple layers of decoupage and top it with a layer of varnish for a shiny, glassy finish! Magnets are crafted from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch up-cycled pattern tiles"

Navy Walden Pond Tie with Book Set from Little Bird Gift Shop. From the website: "My tie designs are based on literature and can be purchased in a bound book or with a raffia ribbon. Each tie comes with a card that describes the elements of the tie that were inspired by Thoreau's Walden. The tie is 100% silk twill, hand sewn with a machine finish. The tie design features elements of nature described by Thoreau as well as the house he lived in and the train that gave him such a scare when he first observed it storming through the forest."

Fairy Tale, an Altered Book by The Abandoned Attic. From the website: "The Land of Fairy tales is altered Book constructed from a Book a book dated 1923 called Fairy land, it is beautifully carved to tell the story in sculpture form. The details are amazing. this book comes with a museum quality case and would display nice in any office, home library or shelf."

Check Excuses at the Door

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

If you were a teacher, you'd have to show up to school, lesson plan completed, prepared to teach that sea of young faces. No excuses.

If you were a surgeon, you'd have to show up at the hospital, prepared to heal sick and hurting people. No excuses.

If you were a CEO, you'd have to show up at the board meetings, prepared to lead and advise. No excuses.

But you are a writer. Do you show up every day, regardless of how you feel? No excuses?

The degree of your writing success depends directly upon your acceptance of that responsibility. If you write half days, or every other day, or twice a week, or whatever the sporatic time may be, you divide your chance of success by that amount.

For instance, a career writer works a minimum of forty hours a week. If you work ten hours, due to other obligations, you slow down your progress by 75% and diminish your odds for success by the same.

If you are wishing that you'll "strike it rich" accidentally by your manuscript stumbling into the hands of someone who can catapult it to stardom, dream on. If you market your book a quarter of the time that a full-time writer does, expect to make a quarter of the sales.

Sure, there's a degree of luck in the equation. Just keep in mind that everybody is subject to that same amount of luck. In other words, you get out of writing what you put into it. You get out of marketing what you put into it. Not what someone else puts into it. You.

Writing is a profession, one of the lucky few, in which you have 90 percent control over your success. That's a good thing or a bad thing. . . . depending on how well you embrace the odds.

I'm Delirious

2011-12-09T01:00:00.001-05:00

I happened to get pulled into an online conversation a few days ago about the publishing industry. An individual who has published a few years in the past but felt frustrated about current efforts, wanted to know what writers could do about what she perceived was a broken industry. She said something along the line of the readers are not being properly served because of publishing's shortcomings and inability to publish good works.

I suggested that readers were being served abundantly since more writers than ever were in print, and readers had more good works to read than they could ever enjoy. A writer's foremost responsibility was to write the best he could in order to compete in this market. Writers had more options than ever before.

She said too many books were horrible, publishers were shirking their duties, and I was "delirious." She then asked for feedback from people who were NOT getting published, and I was banned from the conversation.

I moved on, but a blog post began to take form in my head. Not the obvious about accepting responsibility for our own writing (addressed yesterday on this blog), but one about envy. Here was a handful of people upset about not being published, yet they'd adore being published. They wanted to be the other guy, the guy who'd succeeded. But then they become the person they don't like, with the assumption that their work is better.

It's like being mad at somebody with money, then getting the money and saying "but I'm different. I'm not like that other guy. I'll be a better, nicer rich guy."

We all would appreciate winning the lottery. We'd all like to be published. We'd all like to be a bestselling author. In the meantime, however, don't knock the people who find their way sooner than you do. Live and let live, in my opinion. Be the best of who you are, where you are, wherever you are, and you'll have a successful life, regardless if you mke the NY Times Bestseller list.

Own up to your writing

2011-12-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

Whether it's selling or not, own up to your writing.
Whether it receives good reviews or bad, own up to your writing.
Whether a critique group likes it or not, own up to your writing.
When an editor didn't answer your query, own up to your writing.

Of course it's your writing. Why wouldn't you own up to it?

Actually, the hard part of owning up to your writing is stepping up when it's rejected and criticized. We have to admit when we're rejected 45 times that our writing still needs work. We have to admit that the accolades from our family are not valid judgment for a novel we hope to sell to professionals. When we lose contests, we have to admit that someone else wrote better, or a judge didn't find our work palatable enough.

In other words, we need to quit complaining about THOSE editors, THOSE judges, and THOSE publishers. Put a lid on the blame game. Learn to be solid enough in your own decisions and abilities to sift through the feedback, select the jewels that just might matter, and grow a little more in your effort. Same goes for queries. Sure, they're a pain, but they are a tool. They are the conduit between you, the needy, and the others, the providers.

Per Penny Sansevieri, in a recent Huffington Post:
Assuming success eluded you because of someone else's lack of interest or follow through might be undermining your campaign and you could be missing out on important data that could really help turn your campaign around.

My Fiction Day: Book Tours

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to decide whether to do a book tour. I'm weighing all the options, costs and time expenditure. I've about come to the conclusion that they aren't worth the trouble.

Now, that's not to say I won't go to a conference and promote at the same time. That's not to say I won't do an event that happens to fit into my already packed agenda. It's just to say that if an event is going to drain my pocketbook and impede my writing time, I might just have to let it go.

These days, readers choose books via word-of-mouth and online connections. Some still like to peruse bookstores. However, few watch for book signings and show up to make a determination whether to buy a book based upon the author's presentation. Per a Wall Street Journal post, partially copied at the blog Passive Voice, bookstores don't even want writers who just read from their book or sit behind a table, waiting for interested parties. They want an event . . . something that attracts people who crave active entertainment.

The world today throws too much competition at people. Competition for leisure time, in which book reading falls. If someone has five hours after work to fill with eating, errands and reading a book, what will an author offer on the premises of a bookstore to entice that individual to deter from an already heavy schedule? Like I said . . . it has to be an EVENT. Add music. Have hors doeurves. Give away items (more than a book). Have dancers, actors. Present an app for a phone or computer. Animals. Who knows?

Therefore, I lean toward conferences and online. Yes, I have somewhat of a platform that gives me an edge, but that platform was developed for this purpose - to reach readers, via computer, who don't want to go to the bookstore to find me. It's what every writer should be trying to do. It's how book sales work these days.

More and more people are writing books. More and more people are competing for the reader's hour in bed, in the study, on the bus, during lunch. Therefore, you have to decide what works best for you in terms of reaching those readers, convincing them that YOUR book is better than others. Analyze your book, your reader, your mobility, your online expertise, your network . . . then decide how best to distribute your book and connect with readers.

Frankly, I love smaller groups. So once my book is out, and my conference schedule is in place, I want to hear from you guys. If you live in a city enroute, I'd be interested in dropping by your writer's group, church or library meeting place, and visiting. Let's have coffee. Let's talk like it's not a formal event. Let's just talk books and have a grand old good time.

I was born to do this

2011-12-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

I am not afraid…I was born to do this. ~ Joan of Arc

The mindset is that you will write come hell or high water. You pen stories whether you expect to publish or not, but you know in your heart that you will do so anyway. Because you won't stop until you are.

When you feel you are born to do a task, pursue a goal, or become a professional, you do not fear rejection. Instead, you revere it. You use it to measure the advancement of your ability. Without criticism, you languish, unsure of your performance. And you don't want just any criticism. You want feedback from those who have excelled before you. You crave mentors. You want clear assurance that you are climbing the ladder.

Delay irritates you. Other events in your day that steal your time, frustrate you. Contests, critiques, editors and publishers beckon like coke to an addict. If you don't write, you feel like a marathon runner with a twisted ankle, chomping at the bit to get back to it.

If you find yourself "trying out" writing, or "getting to" writing, instead of making time to write in spite of the rest of the world's agenda, then you might ask yourself is this what you were born to do. Everyone deserves to possess such a mission - a task he was born to do. If writing isn't it, then find what is, because it makes your life phenomenally richer.

Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Email - in that order

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm addicted, but I prefer to call it a professional habit. Everyday I feel the need to Tweet, blog and Facebook. It fits into my schedule now, like brushing my teeth. And I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. Especially since I'm still writing as much or more than I ever did before.

A lot of my best material goes into these venues. Most of you follow FundsforWriters primarily via newsletter, others through the website. However, most of my thoughts and guidance are channeled via social media and never see the newsletter audience.

Why? Because social media is at my fingertips. It's real-time. It's immediate. You understand that as a writer. You have revelations and reach for a notebook. Only now, your notebook can be that electronic notebook on your desk, or in that case in your car.

It's also on your phone. I just purchased a smartphone and can tweet, check email, and Facebook on my phone.

So, when I'm reading email and run across an idea that sparks a remarkable thought, I open up some media tool and start pounding away on the keys. It's instant, and the muse gets captured way more than she flits away these days. Talk about fulfillment!

My schedule consists of five blogs per week, Monday through Friday. If I have great motivational ideas, they take priority. But if I find a juicy contest or grant, I find room for it, too. But five days a week, my blog covers territory you don't experience in the newsletters.

Twitter is my baby. I've learned so much information, obtained so many markets, and connected with so many professionals via that tool. Each night I contribute to Twitter in my own way, regurgitating some gem of wisdom I found or coming up with quotes of my own. I've attended conferences simply through the tweets of others sitting in the room as a speaker presents. I hope to attend my next conference and Tweet in real-time
to my own readers.

To date, I have 3500 on Facebook and 3400 on Twitter. Those folks are conversing with me, and we are having a ball discovering what works and what doesn't in this ridiculous business we've embraced called writing. I learn, they learn, and we are supportive of each other.

I can't learn fast enough. It's rejuvenating and empowering. And on top of everything, I can't wait to promote my book on social media. I consider most of these people real friends, because the conversation is two-way.

I adore my newsletters, but I also adore my followers. Social media enables me to reach out and touch them. And that is a remarkable thrill. Come join me.

THE BLOG - http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark or @hopeclark

FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark

What You Wish For

2011-12-02T01:00:00.001-05:00

The Bookwish Foundation asked me to post this opportunity for writers while at the same time spreading the word about their anthology. Read further. It's a great idea, and look at the authors involved!

What You Wish For (ISBN 9780399254543, Putnam Juvenile, Sep. 15, 2011) is a collection of short stories and poems about wishes from 18 all-star writers: Meg Cabot, Jeanne DuPrau, Cornelia Funke, Nikki Giovanni, John Green, Karen Hesse, Ann M. Martin, Alexander McCall Smith, Marilyn Nelson, Naomi Shihab Nye, Joyce Carol Oates, Nate Powell, Sofia Quintero, Gary Soto, R.L. Stine, Francisco X. Stork, Cynthia Voigt, Jane Yolen. With a Foreword by Mia Farrow. Book Wish Foundation is donating 100% of its proceeds from the book to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, to fund the development of libraries in Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad.

Win a literary agent or acclaimed author's feedback on your unpublished manuscript for young adult or middle grade readers. This rare opportunity is being offered to the six winners of an essay contest recently announced by the literacy charity Book Wish Foundation. See http://bookwish.org/contest for full details.

You could win a manuscript critique from:

Laura Langlie, literary agent for Meg Cabot

Nancy Gallt, literary agent for Jeanne DuPrau

Brenda Bowen, literary agent and editor of Karen Hesse's Newbery Medal winner Out of the Dust

Ann M. Martin, winner of the Newbery Honor for A Corner of the Universe

Francisco X. Stork, winner of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award for The Last Summer of the Death Warriors

Cynthia Voigt, winner of the Newbery Medal for Dicey's Song and the Newbery Honor for A Solitary Blue

All that separates you from this prize is a 500-word essay about a short story in Book Wish Foundation's new anthology, What You Wish For. Essays are due Feb. 1, 2012 and winners will be announced around Mar. 1, 2012. If you win, you will have six months to submit the first 50 pages of your manuscript for critique (which means you can enter the contest even if you haven't finished, or started, your manuscript). You can even enter multiple times, with essays about more than one of the contest stories, for a chance to win up to six critiques.

If you dream of being a published author, this is an opportunity you should not miss. To enter, follow the instructions at http://bookwish.org/contest

Good luck and best wishes,
Logan Kleinwaks
President, Book Wish Foundation

Your Own Name . . . Your Own Story

2011-12-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

I once asked my nine-year-old son how his day went at school. He had an important project to turn in, as important as a fourth grade project can be, and he'd worked hard on it.

"Fine," he said, never one for embellishments.

Eager for details about how my eldest son has bested his class or amazed the teacher, I asked, "How did you do compared to everyone else?"

"I don't know," he said. "I was only worried about mine."

I'll remember that lesson till the day I leave this earth. A young boy, educating his mother on what was most important. All too often, we rank our success based on others' achievements . . . others' goals instead of our own. That's a no-win race.

Our goals should not be to write as well as your favorite best-selling author. There's nothing wrong with analyzing his work and learning from his prowess, but we don't want to be Stephen King the second or Tess Gerritsen, Junior. The last thing we want is to be compared to JK Rowling or James Patterson.

We want others to be compared to us.

Groom yourself instead of striving to be someone else. Set your goals. Write your story. Publish it your way. Sell as many as you want . . . or as few. Put your own name on writing success, and be happy with who you are.

My Fiction Day - Toss the Opening

2011-11-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

After reviewing so many essays for the 10th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest, (and the nine years before) and having written several novels now, I've learned without a doubt that the first paragraphs we write are usually trial runs and highly in need of a delete button. I must have thrown away twenty paragraphs before finding one that worked to open Chapter One, and only then did I edit it for conciseness. I saw many contest entries with 50-100 extra words opening the piece before the author finally made his point.

In our draft phase, we tend to feel the need to warm up, put words down just to be putting them down. No problem, that's what drafts are for. The rub comes when we don't realize it and keep those weak openings for the final draft because we hate throwing anything away.

Most of the time, the openings are passive, telling (in lieu of showing), or full of back story. It's like we have this idea in our head that the reader needs to know this information in order to understand what's going, or to "get" the character. In reality, readers are much smarter than we think.When you throw a first draft on paper, I'd bet money that your story starts around paragraph three or four, when the action starts.

We all do it. And like finding your voice, it takes time for you to see that you are doing it. In your mind, those words are necessary. I'm the queen of minimalism, so I tend to take cutting to the chase to the extreme, which only means if I do it, most other writers do it, too.

Next time you write anything - fiction or nonfiction, journalism or flash, prose or poetry - cross through the first paragraph and see if the story can start at paragraph two. If not, then cross through paragraph two and see if three does the trick. I'm telling you, we rev up the engine when we start a new story, which means we tend to idle a moment before putting the machine into gear to head anywhere.

And yes, it's perfectly okay to delete it. In doing so, you see the opening in a new light as a stronger, better piece. What ticks me off is I never see the fluff before I write it, only after it's taking up space on my page. Now I toss those empty words as if they were spam in my email box. No saving Draft One or Saved Paragraphs because I think one day I'll need them. Delete that excess baggage. You feel like you've shed extra pounds after two months of dieting, and you'll look so sleek.

Turn. Turn. Turn

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

Everything has a purpose. Remember the song by The Byrds entitled "Turn Turn Turn"?

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

Now that song is stuck in your head, isn't it? Good, because I want to make a point.

Read the lyrics. "...a time for every purpose..." That's how I want you to start looking at your life . . . particularly your writing life, but heck, apply it to your entire life, too. Whatever you do, do it with purpose. If it has no purpose, then stop doing it. Focus . . . and ask yourself this question about everything in your day:

"What is the purpose?"

You may find a lot of activities in your life have no purpose.

= watching most television shows
= cleaning unless it absolutely needs it (or as I do, only when people come to visit)
= catching the news everyday
= reading 47 blogs everyday to "keep up"
= fill in the blank

We tend to gravitate to things that aren't focused, that fall into two categories:

1. They feel good to do them.
2. What will others think about me if I don't do this?

So . . . you are seated at your computer. What is your purpose today . . . at this moment? Not sure? Then see if what you are doing falls into the above two categories, making them nonessential. You'd be amazed at how reluctant we are to give up items in category 1. "If it feels good, do it" covers a lot of ground in our schedules, and before we know it, it's time for bed and the day behind us is empty.

I know life isn't black and white, but what I'm trying to get you to do is design your life for purpose, which ultimately leads to progress, and most likely, success. There's no such thing as part-time focus . . . not without sacrifice of results.

What's your writing purpose? What are you making time for? I know you can't make time -- we all have 24 hours in a day. But it's remarkably stunning how you find time to achieve when you have purpose . . . and focus.

Tips for Writing Historical Fiction

2011-11-28T01:00:00.004-05:00

Today our guest is Sean McLachlan, who recently released his Civil War novel A Fine Likeness. I've admired Sean for years, and he's been a loyal FundsforWriters reader just as long. Sean has made a nice career out of writing about travel and history, an accomplishment to be quite envious of. He’s written several books on history and the Civil War, and today shares his ideas about writing historical fiction. For more about Sean, see his blog Civil War Horror. I know there are a lot of history and historical fiction writers in the FFW family, so read and learn . . .

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Tips for Writing Historical Fiction

by Sean McLachlan

Our ancestors thought differently. . .

One of my protagonists, Captain Addison of the Union army, grieves for his son killed in battle. It’s not the first child he’s lost, and in one scene he thinks about them.

“It wasn’t fair. . .A month shy of his nineteenth birthday. A father had to expect to lose a child or two. That was the way things were—the two infants born still, poor little Janet who died of yellow fever before reaching her second year—you expect that. It was hard but you expect that. But to lose a child who had so recently become a man, who you’d taught to tie his shoes and ride a horse, who you saw sparking his first girl at your neighbor’s barn raising, that was too much.”

Before modern medicine, Addison’s experience was all too common. So the next time someone starts talking about the “good old days”, remind them that in those good times parents actually expected to see their children die.

. . .but weren’t all that different

My other protagonist, Jimmy Rawlins, is an 18 year-old Confederate guerrilla. He’s far from home and constantly thinks about the girl he left behind. And what does he think of when he thinks of her? Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex. In that regard, teenagers then were no different than teenagers now. This being the 19^th century, however, Jimmy’s never actually had sex. His best friend Morgan has slept around some, boys will be boys after all, and constantly ribs Jimmy about his greater prowess.

Details, Details, Details

Details bring the past to life. In the 1860s, a common way to sign a formal letter was “I am, sir, your most obedient servant.” You even see this in letters from superior officers to their subordinates and between enemy officers. A member of my writing group questioned whether a general would sign a letter to a captain in this manner, so I realized I needed to explain it within the text. This is Addison’s reaction after yet another letter from General Brown refusing Addison’s request for better weapons.

“Addison always viewed this common form of signing a polite letter as unashamedly false and stupid. If Brown was his most obedient servant, he would have sent the damn pistols when he asked for them and kept him from having to loot his neighbors.”

About A Fine Likeness

A Confederate guerrilla and a Union captain discover there’s something more dangerous in the woods than each other.

Jimmy Rawlins is a teenaged bushwhacker who leads his friends on ambushes of Union patrols. They join infamous guerrilla leader Bloody Bill Anderson on a raid through Missouri, but Jimmy questions his commitment to the Cause when he discovers this madman plans to sacrifice a Union prisoner in a hellish ritual to raise the Confederate dead.

Richard Addison is an aging captain of a lackluster Union militia. Depressed over his son’s death in battle, a glimpse of Jimmy changes his life. Jimmy and his son look so much alike that Addison becomes obsessed with saving him from Bloody Bill. Captain Addison must wreck his reputation to win this war within a war, while Jimmy must decide whether to betray the Confederacy to stop the evil arising in the woods of Missouri.

$4.99 at the Kindle store in the US and £3.65 at the Kindle store in the UK! Print, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords editions coming soon.

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How to contact Sean:

http://civilwarhorror.blogspot.com//

http://midlistwriter.blogspot.com//

Twitter: @WriterSean

Change Sucks . . . or Does It?

2011-11-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

Right now on writers' groups everywhere, writers are moaning about how hard it is to publish, format an e-book, communicate with an agent, afford a conference, make enough money, land a contract, fill-in-the-blank. The publishing industry started shifting about five years ago, and it continues to shake with huge aftershocks with no foreseeable settling back into some sense of norm.

And writers continue to wring their hands.

They whine that things aren't what they used to be. Or the business is all but bankrupt. Nobody can make a decent living. Everybody piece meals an income together, with no one making respectable wages. Amazon, Google, The Author's Guild, etc continue to point fingers and sue each other over changes, rights, the ability to earn a living. There might be some justification for some suits, but seriously. When writers raise hell, fuss and sling blame in anything other than rare occasion, they hurt themselves more than anyone else.

I follow a blog called Life Optimizer. Nice advice on how to live. I need this type of blog sprinkled in the midst of my sea of writing blogs that pour through my email. It keeps me grounded, sane, and civil.

Per the author, Sh--t, um...change happens. And we can make personal adjustments to deal with it. Let me summarize in my own words, so I don't just regurgitate someone else's blog.

Let change happen. At least the change that you can do nothing about. Of course you need to snatch your child out of the street, but why bitch about the Big Six publishers doing all that they do? Why cry about Amazon? When you hear change and then knee-jerk respond in emails, texts, and blog posts, you are wasting your time, energy and precious brain power that could be better used writing.

Accept the fact that change exists, and the world isn't going to always behave in a manner you respect. Just like someone, somewhere, doesn't like the way you write, reply, speak, look, walk, smell, etc. Change keeps this world alive and interesting. If it doesn't go your way, suck it up. Pick your fights carefully, and let the rest just wash over you.

Unless you're in court and somebody needs to be found guilty, forget placing blame. Change is never one person's fault in this crazy industry we work within. It's a huge machine with many gears that turns slowly. The Internet may make it seem change happens like a toggle switch, but it doesn't, and we don't know all the details that led to the results.The longer you think about it, the deeper you go, and chances are the more radical you'll take that trek. In other words, you over think. Again, let it wash over you.

Fighting and writing rarely coexist in a healthy manner. I know this globe is currently in the midst of economic and political chaos, but that doesn't mean you have to jump in the fray and fight for fairness in publishing. Like in economics and politics, fairness depends on the interpretation, and few agree.

How about this? Steer clear of the animosity, accept the fact the change is a fact, and write your story. Simplify your life, quiet the fury, and watch your productivity soar.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

If you guys are reading this blog on Thanksgiving, either you don't have someone to share it with or you're slipping away from the chaos for some you-time at the computer. Either way, I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you are joyous or sad about the holiday, take a moment to list ten things you're thankful for. Then if you're on a roll, list ten more. Here's my list for Thanksgiving 2011. Enjoy and take care of yourself.

Thankful for:
1. Husband - He's the photo taker and appreciates how writing is such a joy in my life.
2. Sons - They are proud that I do my own thing as a writer.
3. Health - I can travel, write, garden and exercise. I'm so thankful for those gifts.
4. Friends - Many of them, to include most of you, are almost as anxious as I am to see the book released.
5. Income to pay bills - In this economy, enough said about that.
6. Nature - It makes me feel like a whole person. Garden, chickens, lake, trees, birds, you name it.
7. Freedom - I have the freedom to write, the freedom to write what I want to write. Some don't.
8. Dixie - My dachshund passed away a month ago now, but I'm thankful I had such a long and loving life with her. I still miss hearing her little toenails tick-tick-tick on the hardwood floors.
9. Home - I love my place in the country. Solitude, nature and peace. Sigh.
10. A Higher Power - He created me for some strange reason, and hopefully I can make his plan come together before I'm out of here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Fiction Day - Titles and Covers

2011-11-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm gaining new respect for what goes into a book's creation with a traditional press. This week it's been all about the cover and the title. The publisher has allowed me input, but the ratio is two editors to one author, so sometimes I lose. But the thought process is still cool.

I won't tell you my original title because I don't want it to stick in your head. It was two-words and to the point. I adore to-the-point. It makes my day. And the title fit in a theme with the other two books nipping at this one's heels. So now we have to change all of them. That's okay. I'm good with that. They were very accommodating with my preferences in the story. I'm still scared to say the title quite yet, though. They haven't given me the nod.

But we emailed back and forth in a three-way conversation for three days. Probably 20 emails. We looked at the crimes in the book, the location, the characters, the lifestyle of the region. Finally we narrowed it down to locale being the carrying theme. Then we couldn't agree on which location in the book. I lost on that one, but the final choice was doable.

The fun part was filling out a Q&A for whoever creates the cover. I described the protagonist. I rated the story on light/dark, mood, pace, emotion. I had to name five items from the book that could represent the story. That was friggin' hard to do and not look like a cliche. I even was asked if my book were a color, which one would it be. (I chose Rust.) Then I had to find covers and images from Dreamstime.com to give them ideas on how I invision the story.

If I ever self-publish a book, I've learned I'll never use a template. Not after seeing the thought that's going into this cover.

If you choose to self-pub, however, make yourself slow down and brainstorm with someone who respects you and your story. Do not stand alone in all these decisions of title, cover, font, and so on. Get feedback. Let someone validate your selections, or dash your choices. You need that.

My writing group isn't happy that the book's name has changed. After all, they've heard it by another name for years. But I'm not the one investing the money into the book. I'm not the one with a neck on the chopping block, with a serious need for this book to make a return on investment. I think we forget that when we get sassy about publishers. They spend thousands of dollars and we sit back and cry like divas, in many cases, because the title and cover aren't what we envisioned. Or they made us change the protagonist's choice of boyfriend or alter who kills the bad guy. I, for one, am willing to listen. They've made way more money at this than I have, and the least I can do is give their expertise a chance to pitch itself to me.

Now I'm anxious for them to start book two. It's beginning to get fun and wild, people. Just realized this post really doesn't have a lesson and maybe not a fluid theme, but hey, thought you guys would appreciate the update. Hope it made sense.

When do readers trust you?

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

The reason you can't publish a book and expect people to immediately buy it is this . . . you haven't built a trust with the people.

Many writers equate trust with glitz, 10,000 blog readers, Facebook fans and so on. While numbers often hint that trust has been involved in the process of building that platform, being flashy doesn't mean you've garnered trust from your potential readers.

This is what I interpret as trust between a writer and a reader:

1. Quality. The reader can focus on content, knowing that the writer has done his job well.
2. Consistency. The writer is where he's supposed to be: blog post, newsletter delivery, speaking engagements, website updates, new stories. He promises and delivers.
3. Empathy. The author understands and believes in his readers. He connects instead of just writing to sell.

So here we go again, the chicken or the egg dilemma. You feel like nobody. You don't know how you're supposed to make a name for yourself and find your readers. How do you bridge the chasm between the unknown writer and the searching reader? How do you build trust?

STEP 1 - Put your best writing in the public's eye.
STEP 2 - Repeat until they find you.

No, it will not happen in a month. Expect trust building to take time. A reader has to know you're in this for long haul, not to use him for your guinea pig as you figure out whether you want to be a serious writer.

Put . . . yourself . . . out . . . there. And do it repeatedly, consistently, reliably. Readers need to know that if and when they decide they want to read you, that you'll be there. The reader who doesn't want you today may want to buy all your stories a year from now. If you decided after six months of rejection that you were done or taking a break, all that platform building stops. Readers who seek you are disappointed. Even if you decide to renew your vow to write, they'll remember you as the person who disappeared. You become unreliable. There's no making up with those readers.

There isn't a profession out there who considers a one-year history in the job as trustworthy. It takes time. Blogs aren't something you do occasionally. Websites are not updated once a year. Letting several weeks lapse in your effort to become a known author can hurt. And whether you realize it or not, a silent reader who may have heard of you, who decided after hearing about you twice thanks to some word-of-mouth, finds out you aren't what or where he thought you were. And he moves on.

And you basically start over on your platform. Tortoise and the hare, people. We all know the end of that story.

Putting in the Time Doesn't Always Cut It

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

I adore Steve Martin. There's something intellectual about him, even as he's being the biggest dork. It's as if he being dumb in an intellectual way, knowing with every joke and antic that he's owning you, in a nice way.

He's an author, you know. Before you push him aside into the pile of celebrities who publish a book by snapping a finger at a ghostwriter, think again. He's the real deal.

In the blog Study Hacks, blogger and computer scientist Cal Newport dissects what makes Steve Martin successful. That's the theme of Newport's blog - understanding how people become successful. He takes Steve Martin's history, and his book Born Standing Up, and reveals two simple, yet profound, thoughts of advice.

1. Strive to improve.
2. Focus.

The blog post goes in to greater detail, but as one who loves to pare down and condense a message, this is the gist of Martin's secret ingredients for success. It's not how long you've written, or how many times you've submitted, or how many words are in your trilogy, or even who you know.

While butt-in-chair mentality is needed to progress, if you keep writing the same old stuff, without studying for improvement, you write in circles. And if you can't focus on your main project, goal or purpose as a writer, you're wasting time.

Simply being busy isn't productive.Pick a mission. Live for it. And live to improve it each time you touch it. It's not about sweating. It's about sweating smart.

Writing and Age

2011-11-18T01:42:00.002-05:00

I receive countless emails from writers telling me they decided later in life to write. As a result, they say one of the following phrases:

1. I'm too old, and nobody takes me seriously.
2. I have to self-publish because I don't have time to go the normal route with an agent and publisher.
3. I've had a good life and people would learn from what I have to say, so I need to pen my memoirs.
4. I'm older, and I'm in a hurry, with little time to waste.

Age can be a catalyst for decisions we've postponed or an excuse for short cuts. Mistakes are made easily with this mindset.

I also receive emails from writers who are still learning about the world, in their teens and twenties. Their concerns follow these lines of logic:

1. I'm too young, and nobody takes me seriously.
2. I have to self-publish because it's the way new writers are getting discovered these days.
3. I had a bad experience and people would learn from what I have to say, so I need to pen my memoirs.
4. I'm younger, and I'm in a hurry, with little time to waste.

Notice the similarities. To me, one of the most attractive aspects of being a writer is that it's ageless. You can be any age and write about any age. Your work speaks for you, and the best queries give no indication of your age, thus, making the editor/publisher/agent consider you per your writing abilities first and foremost.

The bottom line is, age doesn't matter. If the writing, project, lesson or story is good, it can get published. What I don't want you to do is blame age for anything. You're in one of the most age-forgiving professions in the world. The moment you mention it, you reveal your insecurities. Insecurity is a deterrent to those buying work. They don't want that baggage. They want good writing and writers who believe in their writing.

The next time you write a query, avoid these words when speaking about yourself:

-old
-senior
-retired/retirement
-disabled
-grandparent/grandchildren
-age
-previous profession (i.e., I'm a retired [fill in blank] )

-young
-just out of school
-my teachers
-high school
-not published
-lack of work experience

You want your writing to be judged, not you. On the other hand, if any of these items have a parallel connection to the story you pitch, use them as strengths in your bio, demonstrating you have first-hand experience.

But never use them otherwise. They come across that you seek sympathy or need an excuse as to why you aren't more than you are. This business is competitive enough without fueling the fire, giving editors an excuse to say no.

Say you are a writer. Not older, not younger, not inexperienced, not retired. Focus on the writer in you. That's what you want to come across in your work.

How are you touching your reader?

2011-11-17T01:33:00.000-05:00

As a writer, your job, if you choose to accept it, (cue Mission Impossible Theme) is to meet the needs of the reading public. If you're good at your job, you also become the magnet for the nonreading public. The more the merrier.

Since the beginning of time, a writer's responsibility has been to fulfill people's needs. Readers want the writing to flow well enough to clearly provide one of the following:

A - answers
B - happiness
C - understanding

I don't care what you write or how you package it, you deliver one of these for a reader, or the book doesn't get finished, assuming it's ever bought.

A romance novel can entertain or let someone escape from a less than entertaining reality. It's happiness or a temporary answer to a problem. A self-help book can provide all three. A teen might find answers, happiness and understanding in a story about a youth just like her.

Maybe you write sci-fi or mystery or historical fiction. You might think your work doesn't apply to the Rule of Three. If you've fleshed out the characters and layered the plot, you are catering to it. You create a seamless world that draws in the reader, carrying him away.

People read to seek answers to their problems. Sometimes that's a straight forward how-to book. Other times it's more obtuse, such as when an answer is found in a character's handling of his trying issues in a suspense novel.

Same goes for magazines and blogs. You answer a question, deliver happiness or provide understanding or people pass by your words for others that assuage their wants.

It isn't just about the active verbs or passive voice. It isn't about your need to write. Ultimately, it has nothing to do with you. It's all about souls searching, wanting, needing. The talented writer aims for the heart, the head or the soul of these folks, filling their voids, improving their qualify of life.

How are you touching readers?

My Fiction Day - Finding Peers

2011-11-16T01:48:00.001-05:00

The authors with my publisher recently created a group in which we can chat. No strict rules, just chat. Of course, the topics are ninety percent writing related. Last week it was about opening lines. It also turned into a discussion about the pros and cons of being tall or short when it comes to making an impression. I've downloaded two new books I didn't even know existed and signed up for blog updates from new voices.

I feel like I fit in as an author.

As a new novelist, I'm constantly judging myself, wondering when someone will discover me for the fraud I am. I've learned that's a common conception. Forget all that crap about "you're a writer the minute you put words on paper." You know it and I know it - we're writers when others recognize us as writers. There are levels of writers, and when a traditional publisher is interested in you, you can't deny that you feel more validated.

Self-pubbing is fine; I'm not judging it. However, the confirmation of your decision to write stories isn't earned until you've made thousands of sales and/or developed quite the reputation. There's still something about a traditional publisher accepting you that makes you walk a little higher off the ground and gives you enough sense of self to carry you into that release date.

But whether you self-pub or go traditional, whether you write for magazines or blogs, finding like minds is extremely important in this business . . . in any career. Peers keep you grounded and lift you up. They become a barometer for your efforts.

Ah, but there are those who state that groups and peers can erode you - knock you off that horse you've been riding. That criticism is what drives many into a corner, writing for themselves only. Just take your horse to another town and try again. You need peers.

All of us need mentors, but we need equals, too. They are walking the same path. They support you when you get tired and vice versa. They spread the word about your successes, and you spread theirs. They commiserate and cheer. They get you.

Last week, we listed our own first lines in our novels. I did so with trepidation . . . until they told me how it hooked them right in. I think I grew up a little in that moment . . . and it felt so damn good.

NOTE: As to the picture: Melinda is a critique buddy of mine. She doesn't pull punches, but she'll support you to the end of the earth, too. Great traits for a writing pal.

Making the Leap When You Can't See Where to Land

2011-11-15T01:13:00.001-05:00

I've seen several people making the leap lately from the dreadful day job to freelancing writing. Some by choice; most due to economy factors. I fear for them, but having done it, I know it can be done. It just takes careful attention to details and a strategic action plan to make it happen. You don't jump in before knowing how deep the water is or what stumps hide beneath the surface. Or before you know how to swim or find your way back to land.

Work part-time first.

Working part-time takes as much planning as full-time. Don't think that eight hours a day will solve your time management issues. Frankly, it makes your problems grow. Work part-time with a set schedule, goals for income, and benchmarks for networking and self-promotion. Once you have a pattern after a year or more, analyze it. Which months are good ones; which are lulls? How much do you earn per month on the average? How many hours did you work to earn that much? What does that convert to in terms of dollars per hour?

Once you have a grip on those statistics, you have a better feel for what to expect. If you work ten hours per week and earn $2,000 in a year, you've earned a full-time salary of $8,000. That's $2 per hour. Put measures on your efforts to determine the possibility of full-time success.

And no, you won't make more per hour because you have more time. You'll be amazed at the administrative tasks of full-time writing that will still consume your time. But it's more than being unemployed, right? Actually, you can flip burgers for more than that, with benefits.

Nail down health insurance.

Freelance health insurance stinks - and it stinks bad. And don't think that government health care will happen in time to take care of your needs. The government moves like a slug in December.

If you don't have access to health insurance, continue to write after hours - after you get home from the day job. One car accident, one broken leg, one serious bout of the flu or strep throat can set you back hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Set your pace and keep it.

When you become full-time, embrace it like you work for the biggest employer in town. Report to work, put in your hours, and clock out. There's nothing wrong with entertaining writing after you've done your duty, but putting bacon on the table has to come first.

On top of that, your family and friends have to understand. I've been writing for ten years, seven years full-time. You'd be amazed at how many of my family members still don't get it. Be adamant about your work hours. Close the door. Refuse to answer the phone. Turn down social activities. These people wouldn't interrupt you at a corporate job, would they?

Those are the three main factors in making the leap to a full-time, freelance writer. Sure there are other details, but if you control these three, the small stuff comes easy. But let me add one more consideration.

Have an exit plan.

Give yourself a year, maybe two. Know in advance the minimum you have to earn to make this choice a long-term commitment. Visit that plan monthly, measuring your time, expenses and income. Extrapolate what you made for three months and see if that will meet your goal. If not, make changes. But . . . when the day comes where you have to decide whether to stick with it or find another job, be realistic.

A friend in my writing group writes in every spare moment. She's a clerk on a cash register. She has down time between customers. She writes while she's standing there, waiting. I used to write during the boss's staff meetings. You can always write. However, you don't recover easily from bankruptcy, foreclosure or repossession.

Don't Fool Yourself

2011-11-14T01:08:00.005-05:00

Writing talent isn't something you're born with. You might like it more than the person next to you, but you weren't birthed ready to pen a bestselling tome. Writing is work. There's nothing accidental about it, and the sooner you understand that, the sooner you'll tackle a realistic writing venture - with less disappointment.

I've counseled people who've decided to do an about-face and write. They've decided to do what they love for a change. My concern is, have they been writing all along and just now took it serious? Or have they decided they like the idea of writing and want to take up the craft?

Either is admirable. However, writing becomes worthy, improves, and grows only with use, critique and study. It doesn't just happen. A writer isn't an actress discovered beside a dime store soda fountain by a Hollywood director. A writer earns his way, starting at the bottom and working up. These days many decide that when they are going to write, that means publish. Who wants to write and not publish? However, writing isn't synonymous with publishing. Publishing is what you do once you've learned how to write.

With practice, study, review and repetition, a voice takes root. You aren't born with voice. It evolves with each word you pen. You don't look for it. You don't develop a plan and create it. It comes with the confidence of telling a story, after many attempts and a lot of backing up and starting over.

I'm often asked in conferences or online chats, "If you could give one piece of advice to writers, what would it be?" Without a doubt, it would be to write more and publish slowly. I've seen too many people hurt by doing the opposite.

When someone asks for a consult with me, I always ask for their educational, publishing and writing background. Some have never published, yet are writing a book they think is the next King, Rowling, Clancy or Patterson. I admire their determination. But then I wonder how many realize that they are talking about a multi-year venture? Most don't. I can usually tell which ones are deceiving themselves. I always pray I'm wrong.

I want you to succeed. I want to see your name on the top 100 lists, the top 10 lists, the bestseller lists. Who doesn't love seeing people they know rise to the top? But it pains me to see people sabotage their writing future by writing one piece then decide it can be published without an editor, without rewrites, without critique.

Coca Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken didn't become household names using the first formulas they tried. It wasn't until after following countless tests that they found a flavor the public loved. Cologne, clothes, cars, recipes and architecture are all the same. The first, second, or even third drafts are just steps in a journey. That way the end result is more predictable, more likely to win consumer approval.

Practice makes perfect.

If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster

2011-11-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

“If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster.” - Clint Eastwood

I love Clint Eastwood. Tell me he directed a movie, and I'm there. There's something about his self-assurance. Even at 81 years old, he's a presence. If you read anything about him,you realize he liked to take a stand and strike out firmly with it. He makes a goal and pours 110 percent into it. Most writers fear doing so, in need of guarantees or assurances that their attempt will reap reward. Risk isn't in their genes.

You may say that Clint Eastwood can afford to take risks. Once up on a time he couldn't afford it. And he's a huge believer in instincts and being true to yourself. I actually got caught up in his bio, because it showed quotes from him along with many of his beliefs, again, demonstrating a man of substance.

People love it when those in the limelight take a tasteful stand on subjects, admitting who they are, without walking on the heads of those without the same opinion. As I stated earlier this week, it's a Live and Let Live attitude - knowing who you are while accepting who others are.

But taking stands can be pricey. You may commit to a vampire novel, because you have this unique take on the breed like they hover or can read weak minds yet not strong ones or can swim underwater during the daylight and be protected from the sun. Or they run for President, or form a union, or run the largest international bank which impacts the entire global economy. However, when you mention it's a vampire book, you instantly receive winces, because the character has been done so many times in so many ways.

Do you continue with your project, taking a gamble? Or do you follow through, fearless that you will make this formula work?

Other un-guaranteed moves as a writer:

1. Hanging the shingle as a copywriter without a string of clients.
2. Entering contests.
3. Pitching to an agent at a conference.
4. Submitting to a New York agent who has Pulitzer writers in her stable.
5. Writing a story your family will not approve of.
6. Writing about a subject that will make people wonder about you.
7. Self-publishing and scheduling a book tour.
8. Renting a booth at the state book fair.
9. Changing from mystery to romance, regardless of what your mother thinks.
10. Signing up for a writers retreat that requires you to produce a story by the end.
11. Attending conferences and sitting in on an advanced class.
12. Approaching an editor, shaking hands and introducing yourself.
13. Speaking to a writers group.
14. Cold-calling businesses and offering your services.
15. Writing on something that makes you cry, then submitting it.
16. Admitting you are an author to friends, relatives, acquaintances, business people . . . the world- and not a person who writes on the side.
17. Submitting to a national magazine, three times.
18. Writing your bio and make yourself sound amazing.
19. Pitching a column to ten newspapers, purporting you are an endless fount of material.
20. Posting comments on blogs of famous editors, authors, actors, editors, columnists.
21. Asking for a fee that is representative of what you're worth.

Confidence gives you power. Not confident? Them the appearance of confidence gives you power. Those you address see it as the same thing, plus eventually you learn to believe it. And that sensation opens doors to way more opportunity. People like to affiliate themselves with the self-assured.

Sensing the Reader

2011-11-10T01:00:00.002-05:00

One may think that there are as many reasons for writing as there are writers. I disagree. I can categorize why we write into three categories:

1. We have a story to tell about what impacts us deeply.

2. We have a story to tell that will affect others deeply.

3. We want to make a living.

One may argue that we write for all three reasons. I can agree with that. I can also disagree with that. While some of us may be mature enough in our writing journey to incorporate all three categories into our writing regime, others of use are not. Frankly, the earlier we are in our career, the more likely we can only handle one concept at a time.

Everyone leads off with either 1 or 3. It's natural.

Look at 3. We want to earn a living as a writer, so we hunt for markets and write whatever fits the mold. Nothing wrong with that. It's just that the writing will sound hollow, regardless of the syntax, grammar or structure. You can get all the parts right, but the heart may not be engaged. We're thinking business and income first. As we grow, we learn that passion has to fit in somewhere, whether it's yours or that of your character or subject. As you travel in your journey, you hopefully learn that depth matters.

Look at 1. Many commence their writing career with a cathartic story to tell, whether fiction or nonfiction. The first chapter of my novel began as a real-life moment from which I spun fiction. It was a story that I could see in my head; one that took me years to record on paper. Many writers have memoirs, person issues, obstacles overcome, loved ones lost, family biographies or personal beliefs that they feel need to be disseminated to the world. Ideas that are chocked full of passion! They need to tell these tales. They need to express themselves. They tell themselves that others need to know these stories to live better lives, when in reality, it's more about recording these moments for posterity. In most cases, they aren't sure they could define the readership of such a story. As any seasoned writer knows, "everyone" isn't a readership. The scribe must write for a particular type of reader.

The commonality of 1 and 3 is this . . . the reader is not a prime consideration. Sure, many writers in category 1 "think" they are writing for others, but they aren't. It's a justification of writing their own story. Many writers starting off in category 3 think they can just tweak their words meet the needs of others, but it's not an on and off switch.

Conclusion: A good writer writes for the reader. He knows the ages, social levels, geography, education, experience, professions and, most of all, needs of his reader. The new writer struggles with this, but over time realizes that it's just as important as writing well. When he feels the reader looking over his shoulder at the end of each paragraph, he's in the zone. Like developing voice, sensing the reader is a talent that takes time, but is well-worth cultivating. Content isn't king . . . the relationship with a reader is.

Playing the Odds - Contests

2011-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Why writers fear contests stymies me. By choosing to be writers, we choose to be competitive. (Unless you're working for the man in a nine-to-five job.) We have chosen a profession where we bid, pitch, query and all but beg for work. We know if we don't land the gig, there's another writer right outside the door who will. We fight to polish, hook, grab and intrigue with our words.

So why don't we like entering contests?

I cheer when I receive an email saying, "I finally listened to your advice and entered a contest." The message usually discusses a fear of the beast, as if entering opens a front door to your home, or access to your diary. Not winning, for some reason, scares people silly while they'll pitch to agents and editors expecting rejection.

You are not a dope for entering a contest, but that's a common sense I feel from many readers. "How dare I think I can win a contest?" Well, that thought can be spread across the entire profession. How dare you write anything at all? Someone might not like it!

Contests are fantastic barometers. You write to deadline, often on a theme. You seek to polish words so they capture attention. They pay in terms of money, publication and/or reputation. Contests are no different than querying a magazine or publisher. Frankly, the great thing about contests is you actually see who was chosen. In many cases, you get to read the winner, and in doing so, you learn and grow as you analyze why the writer's piece was selected over yours. You improve your skills of presentation, grammar, flow and storytelling.

Some writers play the lottery more readily than entering a writing contest. The odds are one in over a million. If you are lucky, you win $20, and those odds are one in hundreds. The odds in placing in a writing contest are much greater. The Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest resulted in 503 entries. Six prizes will be awarded. Writer's Digest contests have thousands of entries, but numerous categories. Landing honorable mention is a big plus. Your odds are probably one in several thousand.

In a lottery, you have no control over who wins or how to jockey for consideration. In a contest, you show your skills, and those are purely in your control. If you don't win this time, you can compete again, wiser from the experience. If you play the lottery for ten years, you purely gamble. If you enter a contest for ten years, you actually increase your odds of winning . . . on many levels.

Live and Let Live

2011-11-07T01:00:00.001-05:00

First of all, Steve Spohn was the Random.org selected winner of the Writer's Digest Magazine subscription. Thanks for all the great writing resources posted on last Thursday's post!
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Live and let live. Lately those words have fallen out of my mouth more than I'd like to hear. We've become a nation and a world of adversarial opinions, and it does more harm than good, in my measly little humble opinion. For some reason we think we have to present our side to the world as if it was the only viewpoint that matters, and as writers, we need to stop and think about that.

We often write with a slant. After all, we query editors with ideas intended to match the readership of a publication. Left wing, right wing, Protestant, Catholic, wild game eaters, vegans, home-schooling, public school - we are supposed to be able to move with the subject, telling the story that needs telling. Or more so, telling the story that an editor wants to buy. We are spin masters!

However, when it comes to our profession, we tend to don blinders, dig in heels, and tout missives about "the best way" to do many tasks. For people being so open minded when writing articles and posts, we sure can be stubborn when it comes to topics like:

-self-publishing
-libraries loaning e-books
-Amazon's payment policy
-selective agents and subsequent rejections
-Big Six publishers versus small presses
-commas
-level of social media participation
-and so on

As someone once against self-publishing, I've learned to accept its place in the industry. I'll use whatever comma rule an editor wants me to use. I've chosen a small press for my fiction, but do not profess it's the best and only decision that makes sense. I blog, but don't expect every writer to own a five-post-per-week blog.

As the member of several listservs, where writers list their stands on many subjects in the industry, I easily tire of those touting one road to anything. I'm not far from removing my name off most of them. As fallible, less-than-perfect human beings, how dare we profess one method to our madness? As creative creatures, we are diverse by nature, a freedom we should embrace.

Live and let live. Each author can pick a route and make it work for him in terms of writing, promotion, agents, and publishing. And we need to accept the choices of that author. We don't have to buy his book or comment on his blog, but we don't have to bash his chosen direction.

Because we have a voice . . . because we have the Internet . . . doesn't mean we have to use either like a megaphone, flaunting our decisions and belittling others. To each his own - live and let live. As the clamor settles down, you might learn another way to be better at what you do.

What are your resources?

2011-11-03T01:00:00.001-05:00

How do you keep up with the industry? How do you know what marketing is outmoded and what type of publishing is the best deal? How do you know what genre is hot (i.e., young adult) and which theme (i.e., vampires) is not? When do you need an agent and when do you self-publish?

Of course, there isn't one resource that tells you all the answers. We have to sift and choose who and what advice to follow. However, you do need to spend a percentage of your writing life reading and studying the ways of the industry not to mention who's still alive and kicking in the industry. My personal advice to you . . .

1. Pick one writer's magazine and subscribe. The most obvious in the USA are Writer's Digest, The Writer, and Poets & Writers.

2. Pick a reference guide for agents and/or publishers.Writers' Market is one - both online and in book form. But so is Publishers Marketplace since it lists current information, updated daily. Guide to Literary Agents is great.

3. Select one reference guide for magazines and periodicals. The Best of the Magazine Markets for Writers is one of my favorites. Writer's Market already listed above is also good. I also like the online database of Worldwide Freelance. It is international in flavor, but also covers US markets. I find it maintained well.

4. Pick three newsletters or blogs to follow. Follow them for a month. Then choose three more, culling those you already had that aren't doing you any good. Do not get caught up in trying to read them all. Pick a day a month in which you analyze whether to keep or add new resources like this. Find ten tops, unless you are writing full-time. These can be genre related, as in fantasy or children's writing. Or they can be marketing related, or self-publishing related. Just don't think you have to follow everyone. Be selective.

5. Join a writer's organization. Don't try to join a dozen. You won't have the time to become active in more than one yet still find time to write. Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators if you write children's books. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America - Mystery Writers of America - International Thriller Writers Association - Romance Writers of America. There are groups for copywriters, journalists and editors. Go to my website and look at Professional Organization on a hidden links page I still maintain. You'll find dozens.

Yes, there are gobs of resources. No, you don't have to subscribe to all of them. Pick and choose. One magazine, one database, one resource book, one writers organization. You need to stay somewhat up to date, but you don't have to become an expert. Writing is time consuming, but if you don't know what to do with it once it's written, then where are you? Just know enough to know where to look when a need arises.

GIVEAWAY NOTICE: I'd like to give a gift subscription to Writer's Digest Magazine to one lucky commenter. ~~To be considered, leave a comment below as to your favorite writing resource, so others can learn as well. Deadline Sunday, November 6, midnight. Winner announced in Monday's blog post - November 7.~~

UPDATE - WINNER: Steve Spohn is the winner of the Writer's Digest magazine subscription. Congrats, Steve!

My Fiction Day - Getting Stuck

2011-11-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

I've said it before . . . writing is like a maze. You travel down one path, hit a wall, turn around and try another direction. A short story is just a smaller maze than the novel, with less turns and walls. So a temporary inability to come up with an idea means I'm still fumbling around the maze. Here's how I've felt my way back to the entrance, back to where I can tell where I am and put the idea on paper/screen.

I research.

My second book, still pending on the editor's desk for contract consideration, takes place mostly on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County. So when I found myself unsure of plot or a character's decision or behavior, I read about the region. I bought several books on the history of the area - the farming, slaves, drugs, law enforcement, wildlife, and effect of the Civil War. Then one weekend I drove there to see if my memories from the early 80s, when I actually lived in the region, were correct. Suddenly, my story took shape.But what if you're making up your setting? Then go somewhere that resembles it. Read about its history and come up with something similar or even completely opposite. These stimuli shake you loose. It worked for me.

I jot ideas.

That means leaving the computer. Pen and pad in hand, I pull away from anything electronic and venture outside, usually. Sometimes while I'm riding in the car, especially a long trip. There's a certain unclogging process that takes place when I write generally about what is going on then spin out one idea, then another, scribbling through one then drawing arrows and circles to connect others. Maybe it's just me, but eventually a scene takes place and my character finally understands the direction she has to take.

I study life.

In book one, coming out in February, I recalled a tense moment I had in my own life with a client, dissecting it, remembering his eyes, how he sat in a chair, how I watched the door, how nobody paid us attention at a time when I needed people to pay more attention, just in case something happened. In another instance, I rode in the car, closing my eyes, feeling what it would be like to not see yet feel how the tires interpreted speed and road construction. I can't count the times I decided to feel a moment or recall a time in my life from which I could extract a snippet to better understand how to write the scene.

One of those will shake you loose. I promise. It's a matter of shifting you from the stagnate state of watching a screen to gathering bits of ideas from other sources that redirect your story into something real, worth writing.

Your number one challenge as a writer

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

What is your main challenge when it comes to being a writer?

What is your main challenge when it comes to earning a living as a writer?

These are two completely different questions, yet each is as important as the other if you intend on making a buck as a writer. You should be asking yourself these questions annually, then make the proper adjustments in your next year's professional development plan and business plan. Yes, you should have two plans as a writer.

Challenge of Being a Writer

Make a list of your shortcomings as a writer. Do NOT make them general or they mean nothing. If you aren't sure what your flaws are, then speak to other writers who know your work, or join a critique group either online or in person. In fiction I know that mine are transitions and a fear of the past perfect verb. I balk at too much conflict, then have to go back and insert more, and more, then more again. An editor had to tell me the first two. My online critique group taught me the other. So I intend to ask my critique groups to watch for these flaws in 2012. In my nonfiction, I tend to write fast and fumble with my point. As a result, I've worked hard at making hard, sharp points which means I, again, shortcut transitions. So I intend to focus on that flaw by sleeping on my work more, and reading it aloud to someone. In other words, slowing down and paying more attention to detail. Again, more critique group help and more proofing.

Challenge of Earning a Living as a Writer

I've shifted a bit more toward fiction in the last two years. Fiction, however, doesn't earn much of a living for writers. As a result, my income is down. In 2012, I need to define fiction and nonfiction time each day, while now I tend to write what I feel like writing. And in that pursuit of an income, I hope to prepare a nonfiction book, maybe a course, and a couple of e-books. By the end of the year, once I place dates on conferences and a few small book tours, I'll assign benchmark and final dates to these goals.

Like any entrepreneur, we love seeing our accomplishments. However, we need more emphasis placed on improvement or we cease to grow, and even become stagnant. If you intend to earn income as a writer, full-time or part-time, answer the questions posted below. Feel free to share with others on this blog.

What is your main challenge when it comes to being a writer?
What is your main challenge when it comes to earning a living as a writer?

Writing the Moment

2011-10-31T01:00:00.012-05:00

I'm moving a friend 150 miles away . . . to the beach, lucky girl. I'll have to endure two full days away from the computer, which means my mind will wander while my muscles are hauling boxes. I'm noted for getting distracted while doing physical work, letting my thoughts drift.But that's how I've discovered some of my best work.

Without electronics, we think differently. I'm a firm believer in that, and it's a diversion we should occasionally take the time to do.

For instance, I have a fear of dark water, but there have been moments I've had to venture into it. I grew up near the beach and I currently live on the banks of a lake, but throw me in and I'm likely to either have a heart attack or walk on top of it to find land. So in my second book set in coastal Beaufort, South Carolina, I knew I had to throw my protagonist in the ocean, way over her head. I swear, my own heart raced as I described her panic.

In a romance scene, I recalled several beach moments, hidden in the sand dunes, back in my younger days. In one chapter, my protagonist relocated from her apartment to a new house. I recalled the details of my own moves . . . so many of them . . . and what the half-moved living room looked like, the cramped maneuvering inside the van, the scratch on my cherry bed, a blanket pallet in the corner for a child to nap, the hyper-activity of kids and the hysteric darts of the cat.

When we stray from our computer, we should hone our senses, paying attention to the most trivial of sights, smells, feelings, and movements. Close our eyes to draw in sound and feel the moment. Note the bulging bicep muscle of lifting a heavy box, the twinge in a calf, the strain of the back, the short breaths climbing the stairs with arms loaded down with odd-shaped items our fingers are about to let slip.

Amazingly, once we learn to pay attention to the minutiae in and around ourselves, we develop the ability to create it in a character, even if we've never experienced it. It's a habit of observing detail and redefining it into fiction, nonfiction, journalism, whatever we're writing.

However, you cannot turn it on and off. Like writing every day, note the tiny stimuli in each moment. Feel the effort of turning off a laugh, hiding tears, lusting over a tight butt in jeans, or silent hungering for attention. Sense the numbness in your butt after hours in a chair, the puffy heaviness of your eyes at two AM, the rocks on bare feet walking across what you thought was just grass.

Pay attention to living. Take moments each day to look around you and realize what you'll no longer have when your dead and gone. You'll find yourself writing better . . . and living richer.

A writer is multi-talented, multi-directional

2011-10-28T01:00:00.002-05:00

I speak at conferences about this concept of multiple funding streams and a wide array of writing opportunities. A writer's career is about more than penning one story. This presentation is in demand more than any other subject I teach. As writers, we have hopes, dreams, and often times, tunnel vision. That's probably why this lesson is so popular.

Most of the time, a writer has a book in mind. Period.

I want writers to think differently. They also have research for that book that might merit a magazine article. Their trials and tribulations in penning that story can result in a how-to piece. The first chapter might make a grand entry for a contest. The subject matter might help qualify the writer for a retreat, where he can pen the rest of that beast. The experience or researched material may serve as blog fodder. And just possibly, that book might qualify the individual as a full-time writer, to land a job with an employer with real benefits. If not, the writer may contract his work, working gigs in copywriting, consulting, or education.

Don't think one dimensional about your writing. It's three dimensional, and you're in charge of whether you're wearing the 3-D glasses or not.

The categories in FundsforWriters and TOTAL FundsforWriters have been around for twelve years. Contests, grants, publishers /agents, freelance markets, and jobs. Any writing opportunity falls in these categories. And every writer can make his work fall into multiple categories, not just one.

FundsforWriters is a major chunk of my platform. I used it to garner the attention of an agent. I also entered novel contests to gain her attention. I also used my degree in agriculture and past employment experiences to prove I could talk-the-talk of my protagonist. My freelance article credits proved I had credibility as a writer, and a handful of awards showed acceptance of others in my field. I used my freelancing, job, contests, and education. None of them can stand alone to prove I was serious about writing, but pool them together, and the result is a more powerful image.

Today, the world is all about entrepreneurialship. What do you have at your fingertips to market to the masses? Do you just have a story? No. You have experience, talent, and knowledge that grew in the process of creating that story. You are 3-D, are you not?

Let's take teachers. Like writers, some of them don't think outside the box either. However, those that do, find quite the interesting journey. Teachers can speak, pen books, write plays, consult, tutor outside the classroom, create blogs, and advise in extracurricular activities. They can run summer camps, help the illiterate, and mentor students in projects of their own. We think of teachers as one-dimensional. They know better. I read educator blogs all the time.

Doctors, plumbers, real estate agents, police, dentists, the list goes on. They don't have to just go to work and
follow the job description. They can dabble in endeavors outside the norm. These are often the professionals we hear the most about - those who strove to step out.

Anybody can write. Not everybody can write well. And not every good writer can sell. The more diverse you are with your abilities, the more you take your focus and spread it on blogs, jobs, freelance gigs, contests, grants and periodicals, the larger your platform becomes. And if you haven't learned by now, platform is everything. It's all about who you reach and who wants to reach you.

Suddenly just writing a book seems just too one-sided, doesn't it?

One Stop Shop Self-Publishing - at Least the First Time

2011-10-27T01:00:00.092-05:00

Many first-timers contact me about where to start when it comes to self-publishing. If you Google "self-publish", you'll come up with vanity presses, how-to format sites, and an assortment of articles about how to become a self-published author, from cover design to purchasing ISBNs. Your eyes will cross and glaze over before you know it. Granted, I've not self-pubbed since 2007, when I used Booklocker.com to publish The Shy Writer: An Introvert's Guide to Writing Success, but I'm not bad at keeping up with change in this industry.

In my opinion, your first decision is e-book or paper or both. Who is your readership? Are they paperback readers or are they big on e-readers? Frankly, the genre fiction subjects of sci-fi, fantasy, young adult, romance, and mystery are selling hot as e-books. How-to nonfiction probably sells better on paper. Study your niche and determine what your readers prefer.

Let's say you want to go the e-book route first. Yes, it's cheaper. If you are like me, you don't want to learn all that formatting if you can help it. Amazon wants one style, Barnes & Noble another, and so many others. You can see the long list of formats at Wikipedia. Don't let it bother you. You don't need to learn all that. Just know that format matters.

You can learn format at each site. Or you can go through someone to format your manuscript for you, like Bookbaby, or the well-known Joshua Tallent (@ebookarchitects), owner of eBook Architects. Or you can go to a place like Smashwords and let them format for Apple, B&N, Kobo, Sony and a few others, and offer e-book sales for you on their site.

I've wondered for a long time whether disbursing an e-book in all those formats was worth the trouble. Writers have told horror stories about taking two weeks to format a book correctly, in one specific format, not to mention all the others. Then there's the extra cost of the various formats unless you want to face a huge learning curve to understanding the technical jargon of each one. Time and money.

Then I read a piece by Morris Rosenthal in which he touts Amazon's Kindle the way to go for e-books and CreateSpace for paper.

I see the Amazon ecosystem as a tremendous leap forward for authors. Publishing with Amazon is the only logical first step for new authors, unless they can land a six figure advance from a trade. And despite the spam and flames, customer reviews bring authors face-to-face with readers in a way that rarely happened with the self selected audiences who would show up for a book reading and signing.

I applaud this man for saying what many writers think. Most readers know how to buy from Amazon first and foremost over other venues. Who doesn't recognize the smiley-face box? Who owns a Kindle and doesn't understand what Whispernet is? And he addresses the fact that the self-published are treated the same as the traditionally published.

Amazon treats self published books exactly like they treat trade published books, the books sell on their merits, as Amazon measures merits. A self publisher will never get the front and center table in a Barnes&Noble or other bookstore, a best, they’ll have one or two copies hidden away on a shelf somewhere. On Amazon, a self publisher who has the right book for the right market can get that front and center table, and make a very good living.

So, if you are trying to figure out all the confusing terminology, guidance and choices in the self-publishing industry, and you have a book ready to go, I suggest you cut your teeth on Amazon - Kindle for e-book and CreateSpace for paper. I'm not saying the other guys aren't any good. I'm just saying that readers know Amazon well. And no matter how good the other guys are, the lion's share of e-book sales takes place via the Kindle format. Then once you feel comfortable with that format, delve in to the others. Just don't let the convoluted collection of e-book how-to tutelage keep you from publishing if you're primed and ready to roll.

My Fiction Day - The Good Editor

2011-10-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

Losing my beloved dachshund, then seeing my youngest marry on the 15th, then hearing the news my oldest got hired and set a date to move out (tomorrow actually) sort of threw me off my game in October. Good news, sad news, life altering news . . . a month of change. I'd also written several chapters of a new nonfiction book, a project on my bucket list, and I hit a wall longer than the Great Wall of China. I had no desire to write that book. Not now anyway. So I put it up for a few weeks, at which time I'll write it over from scratch.

So I blogged, wrote newsletter editorials, wondering when the heck my editor would finalize the line-edits of my novel. The release date is tentatively mid-February, so I was getting nervous about that as well. Between now and then we have to go through copy edits, a new title and a cover, not to mention a promotion plan. Add to that a new website, obtaining blurbs, and so on, and time seemed to be squeezing me in.

So I started having dark thoughts. I'm one of those who thinks long, hard and deep. Let me go on too long, and I can imagine anything, in intricate detail. So I started thinking maybe the publisher had lost interest in my book after having seen better books come in from better authors. The editor was several weeks overdue getting back to me, and I didn't want to be THAT writer who nagged with emails and phone calls. I felt like one big frayed edge of a very long scarf.

Then the editor emailed me Monday and asked if we could talk.

The concerns started again. What if she didn't like my last edits? To bridge what she felt was a minor gap, I'd even created a minor character . . . without telling her. What if the action scene she said needed work . . . still needed work? I expected the release date to be pushed back. I agreed to a phone chat the next day, to get this over with.

I called her. She called me back. I opened the changed manuscript and held my breath as she opened her copy.

She loved the changes. I mean, really loved them. We chatted about loving edits and hating blank pages. We agreed on one edit, then another. We chatted about maybe moving the release date . . . sooner. She talked excitedly about other authors they'd just signed, but she did it in a way that made me proud I was affiliated with such a strong, up-and-coming publishing company. By the time we hung up, I had five small changes to consider. Thirty minutes later, I sent the corrections back. All done. The copy editor will now look for typos, and I'll get one more chance to go behind her for anything she missed.

And I felt good thanks to how an editor treated me. Life turned on a dime, all because someone validated my work. On one hand I felt silly letting myself lose touch with my common sense, to allow myself to be taken down by events out of my control. On the other hand, my belief in my publisher was strengthened, underscoring my original trust in them.

Writing is not an easy journey. It's not designed for the faint of heart or weak-willed. And it's amazingly refreshing when a "gatekeeper" along the way holds the door open for us as we walk through. Something we can keep in mind as we travel along this path; for what we say to another writer can mean so much more than we originally intended. You never know what kind of month the person has had.

Tossing the Old

2011-10-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

We rarely hear of people throwing away their stories. They keep drafts, save copies, cut and paste scenes in separate folders. Nothing gets trashed.

I like to toss what I don't need. None of this "one day I might need that." Maybe the occasional scene in a novel I'm working on, but otherwise, out she goes. When I tell people this habit in my critique groups, they tend to pause, maybe suck in a breath, and say, "aren't you afraid you'll need it one day?" It's as if the time we spent writing that unsellable material was not wasted as long as we hoard the sentences in a folder somewhere.

Old material can be baggage. If you don't know this by now, you haven't written long . . . you write better the more you write. So why reach back to your kindergarten days to tap stories to use once you're at a college level? You've grown past that stage, so why dilute your fresh, more mature material with your childish phrases you stumbled through on your way up?

Throwing away the old frees you, actually forces you to have to create anew. That's where the magic comes from . . . that raw openness that comes from a blank screen. Like people who live in the past and fear the future, a writer who constantly tries to fall back on old work drags down his potential for success.

For instance, why keep five versions of your novel once it's published? Why keep feature articles from five years ago when they've been rejected ten times? Unless you want to remember how bad you were when you started, or have a sentimental attachment to a piece, why keep all your trials and prompts and practice pieces?

You are a writer, which means you can always come up with something new. Spinning words comes naturally. Don't be afraid to release old ways and out-dated work. Instead, look forward to deleting pieces that didn't come through for you. The trial and error stuff that makes you cringe when you read it again has no place in your files.

Stay edgy, sassy and sharp, always open-minded to original ideas. Old knives cut dull, if they cut at all. A keen new blade slices clean, making the job easier and the results prettier to behold.

Hard Sell Winds up Being Hard to Sell

2011-10-24T01:13:00.000-05:00

It's difficult to understand how to market ourselves without shooing people away. Nothing is more irritating that to see a Facebook, Twitter or Instant Message saying "buy __(fill in the blank)__", and you don't know the author, can't tell the genre, or never asked to be on someone's list to be spammed with "Buy My Work" ads. But if you aren't a household name, how are you supposed to sell your writing and build a platform?

1. Be personable.

Your blog doesn't have to continually talk about your writing or your sales. Talk as if you had friends over . . . friends interested in whatever you're interested in. Your genre, places and activities in your stories, a recent magazine feature, current events that affect your profession. Share. Make the blog about them, not you. People read blogs, articles and stories for take-away value, not so much about you.

2. Be casual about your product.

Spin an anecdote that happens to eventually touch upon whatever it is you are promoting. Tell an interesting story in your article or blog, or make an intriguing observation in social media. Then somehow make it about what you do. For instance, I'll write about making sales in trade magazines, but not mention the fact I have a short ebook for sale at the website with a list of guidelines. The product is not the subject. The information is.

3. Be thankful.

Love your readers. Love your profession. Love your life. You don't have to be Pollyanna, but you do need to sound enthusiastic about what you do, where you live, how you carry out your life and profession.

You do not have to be a charismatic cinematic celebrity for people to like you . . . and by extension, like your work. You do, however, have to be someone that others would like to meet and get to know. To do that, you must want to do the same to others. If writing is a chore for you, or if you're slinging words together for dollars, then hunt technical writing gigs, where personality isn't an issue. Otherwise, let your passion shine through without pulling a hard sell.

Nothing makes a reader delete you faster than to say "Buy my work" without giving him a real reason for him to part with his money and spend moments/hours of his life reading it. Be his friend, not his used-car salesman.

Sincerity, patience and appreciation for others, however, draws a crowd. Nothing happens fast in this business. But those who do well develop a slow but sure presence online . . . not via hard selling but through a steady, reliable delivery of respect for others.

Run Ads to Help Finance Your Electronic or Self-Published Books

2011-10-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

Today we have a guest post by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the newly released The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher . And as promised, we drew two names randomly from the commentors on Monday's post about The Frugal Book Promoter.

The winners are: Janet Hartman (ebooks) and Lisa McManus Lange (paperback The Frugal Book Promoter).

Now, welcome this talented lady and one of her many suggestions on how to aid your path to publication.

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Run Ads to Help Finance Your Electronic or Self-Published Books

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Many of our books—especially free promotional booklets and e-books—are perfect for paid ads and ads in barter if they focus on the book’s target audience. The LA Times reports Amazon will position ads in some Kindle readers and that they will then sell those Kindle units at 18% less than the ad-free device ($114). To make it even a better deal, some of those ads offer coupons and discounts to readers. That means ads will help Amazon’s profit margin and help subsidize the cost of the Kindle, too!

How would this marketing/publishing scheme work for you? Consider this. Very fine literary journals have published ads in the backmatter of their paperback journals for years. Some of them advertise back issues of their own journal, but some advertise products that will interest their readers, too. Think about your high school yearbook. Remember the ads in those and how appreciative you were of those businesses who supported your school? What about the ads in theater programs or programs for charity events? Again, appreciation.

So, you’ve decided to put ads into your books. How would you do it? What are the guidelines?

~Though there is no rule that says you couldn’t drop ads into the body of your book, it seems more decorous to put them in the backmatter of your book.

~Accept only professionally produced ads.

~Accept only ads that would interest your target audience. Be prepared to refuse some with the “not quite right” phrase that literary journals use to reject submissions.

~Limit the number of adds to just a few.

~Encourage ads that give discounts or freebies so that the ads are seen as an added value by your readers.

When I offered ads for the second edition of the Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or partnering with your publisher , I offered only five and encouraged those interested to offer a freebie or a discount to my readers.

When you use ads this way, your reader benefits. They learn about new resources, and special discounts may even help pay for the book your reader just bought. That would be your book!

BIO

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. She shares knowledge and experience she has accrued in other industries (like journalism, retailing, and public relations) in her books and with her clients. Because she is also an award-winning novelist and poet she knows that—contrary to accepted wisdom—authors of literary work can promote their books very nearly as easily as those of nonfiction books can. Learn more about her at www.howtodoitfrugally.com and check out her the new updated and expanded second edition of her Frugal Book Promoter .

My Fiction Day - No More Complaints About Publishers, Please

2011-10-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

I'm at an in-between stage of my fiction. Waiting for edits and waiting to hear how the publisher would like me to alter the subsequent stories based on the changes made in the first. So I've read more blogs lately.Was reading Rachelle Gardner's post from today, and caught myself nodding in total agreement. While she doesn't like the fact that writers have to own a platform before being taken seriously, she advises that they should not shoot the publishers requiring it.

And we should all quit whining.

I cringe when I receive an email from a reader that begins on a negative note about horrible publishers who take advantage of writers. Ten to fifteen years ago, chances are that writer did not have a computer in his home. Chances are most writers who started publishing in that same time period would not have considered writing within an introduction to the Internet. That marvelous mechanism that runs on miracle machines we take for granted. Just let the power go out and see what happens to your disposition!

But the very electronic tools that enabled thousands more writers to take dreams and make them a thousand times more possible, are the very tools that have required publishers to demand platforms. When slushpiles are several feet higher today versus fifteen years ago, editors have to cull the stack down somehow. After all, many writers can . . . write.

So let's say a publisher can only publish 100 books a year. The slushpile over that time contains maybe 8,000 queries and manuscripts. Let's say 500 are worth considering. How do they take that 500 down to 100 when the writing is good?

1. The Story. They ask for more of the manuscript to see if the writer can write a beginning, middle and ending.

2. The Experience. They ask for a biography to look for education, experience and awards.

3. The Platform. They ask for how far and easily the writer can sell the ten thousand copies that will come rolling off the printing press, assuming a contract is signed.

4. The Hunger. They measure how eager and able that writer is about self-promotion.

Authors claim independence. You can't profess to not need a publisher to publish then say you need him to promote and market. All the tools that have enabled publishers to publish more and writers to write more, are there for authors to self-promote. Because it's something you don't like to do, doesn't give you the right to bash a publisher for not accepting your first novel and sending you on a six-figure book tour.

A publisher needs to know you're alive and kicking and anxious for this book to cover the world. His job is to print the book while yours is to write it. Somehow the two of you have to meet in the middle and promote it.

Publishers provide a lot more than paper and a name for your story. They provide professionalism, connections, and polish. But they also seek to fill the world with quality material. They can't afford to publish more books than they do, and they also want to stick to publishing memorable stories, not just make money.

We are in this together. Face it, we all love a good story, and that's what this is all about. Each of us is doing his part to make our dreams a part of everyone elses memories.

Per Rachelle Gardner:
"It's about great stories and important thoughts. It's about legacy. It's about a dream. People in publishing still see this dream as worth it. They're willing to swim against the tide because publishing isn't just a business, it's a life, it's a calling, it's a passion. To all writers who believe in the dream, who have the passion, who feel called to the legacy — I'm right there with you, and so is everyone else who has staked their livelihood on this crazy, unpredictable, totally unrealistic business called publishing."

Where to Find Critique Groups

2011-10-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm often asked how did I find my critique groups. When I think back that far, I recall that my current groups weren't my first. I sifted through a handful before settling on the two I have.

Frankly, unless you are invited to a well-established critique group with at least some of the writers at your level, you might need to start a group of your own. Groups have certain dynamics, and they function with rules, both spoken and unspoken. Adhere to the guidelines, allowing three or four meetings to adjust. But if you don't like the fit, don't feel like you've failed. Try others. And when all else fails, advertise that you are starting your own.

In my seven years of critique group interaction, I can say I've learned the following about making a critique group work to my benefit:

1. Bring work to each meeting. Be an active participant. People learn from what you've written as much or more than they learn from being critiqued. If you critique online, rule of thumb is to critique two for every one you submit. But check each group's rules.

2. Critique with sincerity. Some members are afraid to give serious feedback for fear of hurting feelings. Don't be the reviewer in the group who hands back a paper with no marks on it. That's so frustrating to the person being reviewed. He doesn't know if you didn't like it, didn't like him, or don't know what you are doing. Whatever he thinks can only be a negative reflection on you.

3. Pick one or two items to critique. Unless you are allowed to take your time at home with someone's submission, choose your strong suits. Pick grammar, flow, characterization, word usage, dialogue or whatever you feel most skilled at reviewing, and focus on it. In one of my critique groups, we read aloud while the others follow along making notes. You can't cover everything in 10-15 minutes, so give the submitter your best.

4. Lead with positive, address the shortcomings, finish with a strong positive. Saying a piece is all good or all bad is wrong. Writers have to grow from accolades and correction to find their true voice and refine their storytelling technique.

Where to find critique groups near you, or at least how to find other writers who might join yours:

Your state writers organization.
Local chapters of professional writers organizations.
Your library.
Bookstores.
Coffee shops / cafes.
Church halls.
Community recreation centers.
Community colleges / universities.

Below search where to find online critique groups.

www.internetwritingworkshop.org
www.fanstory.com
www.meetup.com
www.yahoogroups.com (search for writers group, writing group or critique group)
www.googlegroups.com (search for writers group, writing group or critique group)
www.writerscafe.org
www.scribophile.com
www.critiquecircle.com
www.absolutewrite.com
www.scribestribes.com
www.ladieswhocritique.com
www.authonomy.com
http://bookcountry.com
www.thenextbigwriter.com

Everyone needs feedback. Nothing and nobody gets stronger without resistance.

One final word of advice. . . ask other writers who their critique partners are or where they meet. Many writers don't broadcast who's in their circle, but don't mind inviting you if they know you're seeking a home.