Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published
Writers often hear “show us, don’t tell us” in one variation or another. But what does it really mean to show rather than tell?
Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary gives the definition of tell as “to relate in detail: narrate, recount,” and show as “to cause or permit to be seen.” As writers, we do both these things.
But as storytellers we must [Read more…] about Telling vs. Showing, what it is and how to fix it.
No, these activities are not the same thing. According to Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary,
Market means “to expose for sale in a market” (verb). Platform means “a raised flooring (such as a stage or dais) in a building on which speakers, theatrical performers, or other person show themselves to an audience” (noun)
In his book Platform, Get Noticed in a Noisy World, Michael Hyatt defines platform [Read more…] about Are marketing and building your platform one and the same?
Today is launch day for Finding Beth, so I’m doubly excited about my Friday Feature interview with debut author Linnette R. Mullin because we get to share in her excitement.
Linnette has graciously offered my readers an opportunity to win a free copy of Finding Beth. Keep reading for contest details.
I bet you can hardly contain your excitement about today, Linnette. What does the day have in store for you?
Yes, I’m excited and nervous and anxious all rolled into one!
First on the agenda is our visit here, of course. I can’t wait to hear from and talk with readers. I’ll also be running last minute errands, gathering my books, book marks, pens, and whatever other things I need to take to my book launch event.
My whole family will be loading up and heading to Atlanta Bread Company in West Columbia, SC. (What to wear???) We’ll arrive at 5:00 to set up. The party will last from 5:30-8:30. We’ll gather near the fireplace around the Christmas tree.
My son and a friend of his will be supplying us with acoustic music and singing. We’re really excited about that! A press release went out on Sunday, so I’m praying the Lord will use that to bring in readers. One can always hope!
I can’t believe it’s time for celebrating the release of Finding Beth. It’s heady stuff. I feel like I’m moon walking; my feet are hardly touching the ground.
How long did it take to write your book? [Read more…] about An Interview with Author Linnette R. Mullin
Do you cringe at the mention of marketing? Many writers do.
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the verb market as “to expose for sale in a market.”
As a beginning writer (to whom I chiefly speak), my question to you is “What have you got to sell?” [Read more…] about Should marketing be your focus right now?
I’ve been reading a wonderful book written by Lynn Austin titled Hidden Places.
More than once as I’ve read the gentle, lilting prose of this story I’ve said to myself “I wish I could write like this.”
I bet you’ve found yourself saying the same thing as you’ve read books that gripped you with the power of those well written words.
But this morning the very moment after I thought those words, God answered back. [Read more…] about Put an End to “I’ll Never Write Like That”
It’s the third Friday of the month, time for our debut author interview. Today, I’m visiting with Peggy Cunningham, author of the children’s book series Really Rare Rabbits. Book 1, Giant Ghost Rabbits Guarding the Inca Treasure Fires released in February.
Peggy has been burning up the keyboard this year. Since scheduling my interview with her, she has released the second book in the series, Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass, and book 3 releases next month.
Debra: How long did it take to write your book?
Peggy: The idea of my book lingered in my head for a few years before my first attempt to jot it down. I scribbled the core of the story on a notepad in an hour or so. It remained in my files for a few years before I began writing it. I took a course on how to write book proposals and had to come up with a story for a book for the proposal. I pulled my rabbit story from my files and wrote the story in a matter of a few days. However, that was only the beginning of my book.
From that point, I developed a book proposal, edited my story, and acquired an editor to help me get it ready to submit.
Debra: What prompted you to take a course about writing book proposals and how did it help you?
[Read more…] about An Interview with Author Peggy Cunningham
Save yourself time and heartache over rejection. Analyze a magazine first, then submit to those that will be interested in your idea.
Front Page: design and headlines will help you determine the target audience.
The ads: Who are their advertisers? Read enough of the ads to get a feel for the target audience.
General topics: are the articles about [Read more…] about How to Analyze a Magazine
Listed below are 11 types of magazine articles you can consider writing. Each one has it own requirements and purposes.
The Devotional Article helps readers understand a biblical principle by applying a passage of Scripture to a life example. Devotionals are often short pieces of 300 words or less, but there are markets that accept longer readings.
The How-To Article is self-explanatory. This is a wide market as there are [Read more…] about 11 Kinds of Articles You Can Write