Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published
As a writer you know you have to hook your reader.
And you know you do that by writing a compelling opening line/paragraph.
But where do you go from there? How do you keep that reader interested and turning the page, instead of slamming the covers shut?
The secret lies with your main character. [Read more…] about Six Tasks to Accomplish in Act 1 of Your Novel – Part 2
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing longtime friend Joyce L. Villeneuve. Joyce is a senior marketing and communications consultant and successful entrepreneur in the advertising, photography, and public relations fields.
I knew Joyce long before either of us became published authors. We worked together in Colorado. Joyce is now the author of two books: Courage to Forgive, released in May 2010, and Finding Forgiveness in God’s Word released earlier this year in April.
Joyce played a key part in my healing process some 12 years ago concerning my husband’s abuse of my daughter. [Read more…] about What Drives Us to Write?
As writers we know we have to hook our reader at the onset — no matter what it is we’re writing.
But as novelists, the opening act of our story needs to accomplish six tasks to keep our readers interested and wanting to know what’s just around the bend. For the next several Tuesday Writing Tip posts, that’s what I’ll be discussing. Included with this series is the opportunity to win James Scott Bell’s book Plot & Structure. You’ll find the giveaway details at the end of this post.
You may know what those 6 things are already without even realizing it. You’ve gleaned them from your own reading most likely, but, like me, may not be consciously aware of them. What’s #1? [Read more…] about 6 Tasks to Accomplish with Act 1 of Your Novel – Part 1
I welcome multi-published author Paulette Harris to my blog today. Paulette is a delightful lady with a heart for God and a desire to help others.
Because Paulette is celebrating her birthday this month, one lucky person will win a print copy of her book Vapors. I’ll randomly choose someone from those who leave a comment. Comments will be open Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have a chance to win if you missed reading on Friday.
The winner will be announced on Monday, so be sure to visit again to see if you’ve won.
Let’s find out what advice Paulette has for writers about the publishing business.
[Read more…] about An Interview with Author Paulette Harris on Publishing
Rejection letters.
Most writers dislike them. At least most of my writer friends do.
Rejection letters are discouraging and leave a nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach.
As the editorial director for CrossRiver Media, I can tell you I don’t like writing rejection letters anymore than I, as a writer, like getting them.
And, I will venture to say, [Read more…] about The Dreaded Rejection Letter & Why Editors Write Them
My life is a good example of what my guest Michelle Rayburn has to share today. We all have bad experiences and hurts in our lives. Whether we allow God to work in, through, and with them is up to us.
At the age of 42 I started life over. And piece by piece God has created a new me. I use my skill as a writer to encourage and teach other writers so they in turn can share what God has done in their lives and shine the light of God into a dark world. Are you …
I love trash to treasure and shabby chic decorating. In the decorating world, I would describe repurposing as the process of giving a worn out or abandoned object a new purpose—usually something imaginative and clever—despite it being too broken for its original use. One of my favorite repurposed possessions is the vintage bicycle I have in my flowerbed. The tires are flat and the gears shot, but it holds a basket of flowers in its rusty “arms” and the whimsical presence makes me smile. [Read more…] about Ready for Repurposing?
Social media. Love it or hate it.
Utilizing it is a fact of life for authors. There are a multitude out there, with new ones emerging all the time. I understand how daunting it can be.
Today I have a special guest post for you from Twitter expert Jo Linsdell. Jo is a best selling author, illustrator, and internationally recognized marketing expert based in Italy. She has just launched her latest book How to be Twittertastic.
Top Twitter Tools for Authors
By Jo Linsdell
Are you ready to be Twittertastic?
Twitter is the most immediate of all social media and allows you to connect with readers and others from the literary industry from all over the world. The fastest growing network with a 44% growth from 2012-2013 Twitter now boasts 255 million monthly active users.
A lot of authors shy away from social media as they think it will eat into their writing time too much. The beauty of Twitter is that everything is bite-sized. Coming up with something of 140 characters or less isn’t going to take away too much of your time.
Today I’m going to share with you some of my favourite tools and why they make my “Top Twitter Tools for Authors” list. [Read more…] about Top Twitter Tools for Authors
I met today’s Friday feature author Nshan Erganian through the local writers’ guild I belong to here in St. Joseph, Missouri. He’s a very interesting guy with quite a sense of humor. But I think you’ll discover that for yourselves as you read his interview.
Q: What did you know going into this whole publishing process that helped you the most, Nshan?
A: I think there is too much emphasis placed on this notion that the major publishers will not take the time to consider your story. I hear it every time I sit in a writing class or seminar. Maybe it’s true, but I think it causes new authors to shy away from sending query letters to publishers. It may be true that you’ll get back a lot of rejections, [Read more…] about Keeper of the Mountain and Dr. Nshan Erganian