Author: Lisa E. Betz

Lisa Betz is a writer, blogger, and occasional director who lives in an empty nest perched on a wooded Pennsylvania hillside. She loves to bring characters to life, both on stage and on the page.

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Guest Posts

10 Tips to Ruin Your Book and Lose Your Readership

Writing your book should be something that the author finds interesting. However, in the long run, you aren’t writing the book for yourself. You’re writing it for your audience, which you aren’t a part of. This means that you need to offer them something worth their time and attention, which can put you under a lot of pressure. Some writers crack under this pressure and start to do things that are likely to ruin the book and make them lose their readership. This is something that you have to avoid.

In the spirit of learning through examples of what NOT to do, here are ten things that will cause you to ruin your book or lose your readership.

Wait for inspiration

This is something that too many writers are guilty of. I don’t know where they got the idea that you can’t write a good book (especially fiction) without inspiration. So, they do all sorts of time-wasting gimmicks, sit on a spot, and relax while waiting for inspiration, take coffee, take a walk, etc. These are not bad by themselves, but if you’re doing them to get inspiration, then it’s a waste. The best writers don’t wait for inspiration to write. They write to get inspired. The worst part about waiting for inspiration is that it might never come, and even when the inspiration does come, it’s not a guarantee for a good novel.

Feel insecure about your writing

Good writers have learned to write without stopping to think about what they’re writing and how good or bad it is. Taking time to dwell on your writing during early drafts will only make you feel bad about it. It might start as a self-critic or inner critic, but it might quickly degenerate into fear; fear of not selling a copy, fear of people hating your work, etc. Once these thoughts start creeping in, you begin to ruin the book you’re writing.

Ignoring the craft

Every craft has its rules, structures, and techniques which must be applied to be successful. Writing isn’t any different. One of the best ways to ruin your book is to be an artistic rebel and ignore the craft. Abandon the works of previous writers before you. Listen to no critique and don’t entertain feedback. Just do whatever you want; however, you want it.

Have a chip on your shoulder

Beyond ruining your book, this is the fastest way also to ruin your career. When it comes to publication, make sure that your best tools are defiance and arrogance. No one should ever reject your manuscript. It’s an insult to you and your hard work for anyone to say no to your writing. Rebuke them publicly if you can. Perhaps you can also drag them on social media for being so short-sighted. Do all of this instead of having a rethink and then learn from their criticism of your work and improve it.

Chase the market

There’s popular publishing saying that it’s too late to join a trend once you spot it. It would be best if you ignored this saying. Get the bestselling novels and study them to find a trend. Once you notice the trend, then write your book following this trend. Be extremely market-conscious. It would help if you neglected the fact that people would’ve moved on from that trend into something else by the time you’re done writing yours.

Take shortcuts

Since you’re trying to ruin your book, taking shortcuts to everything will do you much good. The boom in e-book and increasing ease of publishing means that you can self-publish, right? So, why work with a publisher when they’re likely to reject the work after all? Get your friends to help you preview your book and get a freelance editor to edit it, and you’re good to go.

Disregard the audience of your book

You’re trying to write a bad book, so why should you care about what the audience feels or says? That should be none of your concerns. Your book is your book, regardless of whatever experience the readers get while reading it. Write it as lazily and as carefree as you possibly can. Create boring plots and make them read your chapters without actually reading anything. You might lose a few readers, but that shouldn’t be a problem. That’s the goal, right?

Break every known (and unknown) writing rule

You don’t have to give yourself to learning writing rules and how to write in the first place. You don’t owe anyone that, do you? However, should you somehow know some writing rules already, make it a point to continuously break and disregard every one of them in your novel. After all, writing is about getting creative. So, get creative even with simple things like grammatical structure and create bad writing.

Don’t ask for or pay attention to any feedback.

People have a way of making others feel bad about their works. This is done out of jealousy most of the time. (Or so the bad writer thinks.) So, don’t allow anybody to get to you by asking for their feedback. You’re an island by yourself; you don’t need anybody’s feedback. You’ll be fine on your own. You’re a champion; that’s what champions do. If people peradventure send you their feedback, ignore them. Don’t even read or listen to it at all. You have no more growing up to do.

Be a quitter

There is no shame in quitting. If things seem to be going too well with your book, you can choose to stop and if things aren’t going well either, quitting is always an option. You don’t even have to finish the novel. Writing a good book can take a long while, and you’d need to persevere through that time, but you’re an author, not a marathon athlete. Why do you need to persevere with anything?

Conclusion

It’s important to note that this article is for those looking to ruin their books and reputation as authors and don’t mind losing their readership. If you’re looking to write a great book, you should do the exact opposite of this article or look elsewhere for tips.

Leon Collier is a blogger from the UK, working for AssignmentHolic, where he provides this writing paper service. He loves to write about everything: pop culture, history, travel, self-development, education, and marketing. When not writing, you can find him behind a book or playing tabletop games with his friends. Follow him on @LeonCollier12.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

School of Creative Thought with Lori Z. Scott

In this fun-filled episode Lori delights us with her cartoon characters. She explains F2OE, fluency, frequency, originality, and elaborate and leads us through a brainstorming exercise. In life and in writing, sometimes we have to learn to SCAMPER. Even if you don’t feel like a creative person, research shows creativity can be taught. Check out this week’s episode and see for yourself.

Watch the November 3rd replay.

Creating Multi-Layered Conflict in Fiction with Scott Rutherford

Today’s episode will inspire and educate you on ways to add layer upon layers of conflict to you stories. Scott shares how to create, maintain, and amp up various types of conflict and reminds us that conflict is the fuel that drives our stories. To do this, he plans like a plotter and writes like a panster. If you write nonfiction, this episode can inspire you, too. If you want to see how to add more conflict and keep, this episode is for you.

Lori Z Scott, award-winning author, teacher, and speaker. She’s published over 150 short stories, poems, book contributions, and devotions most of these for children. When not writing she loves telling lame jokes, and encouraging writers and teachers to think outside the box. You can connect with Lori on social media and at https://lori-z-scott.com/.

Watch the November 10th replay.

Scott Rutherford, a former youth pastor and home missionary, journalist, ghostwriter, and author. From 2014 to 2018 he was editor, managing editor, and executive editor of Metro Leader. Scott has also served as a writing coach and editor for several projects. When not writing, he enjoys spending time with family, studying history and foreign languages, and playing the drums.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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The Intentional Writer

Do You Understand Copyrights?

The intentional writer

As writers, we are concerned about protecting our work from theft or misuse. That is why we should have a general understanding of copyright laws.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer. This post is intended as a guide to understanding the basics of this topic. If you have actual copyright questions, please contact an expert.

What is a copyright?

According to the Wikipedia entry for Copyright:

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives its owner the exclusive right to make copies of a creative work, usually for a limited time. The creative work may be in a literary, artistic, educational, or musical form.

(Although lengthy, this article provides a good foundation for understanding what the concept of copyright is all about. I recommend you take a look.)

Do I need to apply for a copyright to protect my work?

No. Under current law, as soon as a creative work is “fixed”, or recorded in some tangible way, then copyright protection is automatically in force. Therefore as soon as you write your ideas down or type them on your computer, they are theoretically protected. Authors do not need to apply for a copyright or include a copyright notation on their work. (An older version of the law did require authors to include a copyright notation.)

However, an author’s protection is enhanced when the work is officially registered with the Copyright Office. This can be done online at copyright.gov, but it requires a fee.

Note: A registered copyright only protects the copy you registered. Therefore it makes no sense to apply for copyrights for unfinished works.

What constitutes copyright infringement?

This is where many of us may run into problems. We know better than to plagiarize another author’s writing, but what about grabbing a photo off the web to use in our blog, or borrowing a song to use in a video?

Like writing, other forms of intellectual property are protected by copyright laws. Artwork, photos, music, videos, and performances are considered copyrighted. Which means we don’t have permission to use them unless that permission has been granted by the owner.

How can I use copyrighted material?

  • You can contact the owner and ask for permission.
  • You can purchase the rights, such as buying a stock photo.
  • The law makes an exception for fair use. (See below.)
  • Also, some material has been assigned a Creative Commons license. This is a standardized way for copyright owners to grant permission for others to use their work. (See below.)

What is fair use?

The Copyright Act of 1976 allows for limited copying and distribution of copyrighted material under what is termed “fair use.” However, it can be tricky to determine what does or does not qualify as fair use. Factors to consider include the purpose for which the copies are being used, the proportion of the work that is being used, and how the use might affect the market value of the work.

What are Creative Commons licenses about?

There are six different types of Creative Commons licenses, each of which have different stipulations about what uses are allowed and how the owner of the work should be attributed. These are clearly explained on the Creative Commons website.

Reputable sources of photos, music, or other creative works will indicate which license applies to each item. You should assume that anything on the web not labeled public domain or marked with a CC license is not available for use.

Like most of the information on Wikipedia, the copyright definition I copied in this post falls under a Creative Commons license. Specifically CC 3.0 (CC BY-SA) which states that credit must be given to the author, as I have done by including a hyperlink to the original article.

What is a derivative work?

Some CC licenses do not allow derivative works. A derivative work is something that has been derived from the original. In other words, a work that adapts the original work in some way. For example, taking a photo and adding text to it, as is demonstrated by the featured image on this post.

Some CC licenses specify non-commercial use only. What does that mean?

Non-commercial uses refers to using the material for personal or educational purposes only, without the end product being sold or used for the marketing of a salable product.

Commercial use includes the obvious: the material is being used on or in a product. It also includes any instance where the creative property is being used for any purpose that enables you to make money.

For example, a book trailer is commercial use because it is advertising a product. A blog that makes you money, such as one with affiliate links, is also considered commercial use.

If you are working on a website or anything that may be connected with selling your work, now or in the future, it’s a good idea to stay on the safe side and limit yourself to works that allow commercial use.

I hope this helps you understand the world of copyrights, so that you can honor the intellectual property of others as ethically as you wish your rights to be honored.

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

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Bestsellers

Interview with Award-Winning Author Becky Spencer

award-winning author

Can you share a little about your recent book?

A Bruised Reed: Memoirs of African Orphans and Their Rescuers reveals the true stories children my husband Tracy and I have been honored to lift from the pit of neglect and abuse. While the stories are initially heart-breaking, the Father’s love—and call to help—inspires readers to fight for justice for the broken children Jesus loves dearly.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

When I first started writing and speaking, it seemed my themes were disjointed—adoption, marriage, Christian living. But at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference, editors and agents helped me discover that the driving force behind my messages was actually one main focus: things worth fighting for. In fact, this recent book is the first in a series of books under that banner. The second book, When God Comes Down Like Rain: Overcoming Obstacles to Faith, is nearly done. Many other subjects will follow, because they’re also worth fighting for, such as righteousness, prodigals, and even some rewrites of earlier works on marriage and adoption. Friends and associates started calling me “the Fight Lady,” and it stuck. I don’t go looking for a fight, but when one comes to me, I don’t back down. In over 45 years of walking with Jesus, He’s taught me a thing or two about how to engage in the battle, and my goal is to help others run into the fray, too.

How long have you been writing?

I did some creative writing in high school, and I’ve written countless songs. But I wrote my first book twenty-one years ago.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

When I wrote my first two books, I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing industry. I was speaking and singing at churches, and people wanted to take the stories home with them, so I “barfed” out two books: one about our adoption journey and the next about how our marriage when from selfishness, temptation, and despair to hope, joy, and unconditional love. The thing is, the books looked awful! I used a ridiculous font on the first one and bold type on both . . . crazy margins . . . broke all kinds of “rules.” But people wanted the stories and bought them anyway.

I went to my first writer’s conference in total naivety! The agents and editors were kind and expressed interest in my manuscripts. But others explained that since I already had a platform/audience, my best plan (economically) was to continue to self-publish. I met expert editors, typesetters, and designers who made my last book look as nice as any books published traditionally. I’m very pleased with the outcome and sales.

Which of your books is your favorite?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, because each one serves its own purpose. But A Bruised Reed is dear to my heart because the stories take me back to eSwatini, and they allow me to share our precious Swazi children with others on this side of the ocean.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

The Golden Scrolls Award in the memoir category was special to me because it came from my peers in the industry—even though it’s a self-published book. Sometimes you write and write and write, and you have no idea whether anyone else will think it’s worth reading, especially when you self-publish. I felt like I got a big “that-a girl” to encourage me to keep sharing my stories.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Oh, dear, you would ask that! Haha! I usually get the first draft done in a very short amount of time, anywhere from one week to four months. But editing and polishing takes much longer, simply because my life is so crazy.

We spend 2 – 4 months of the year in eSwatini, Africa. Back at home, we try to keep up with running a bed and breakfast in our home, helping at the thrift boutique that supports our mission work, and staying connected to our huge family of eight children and kids-in-love, plus twenty-eight grandchildren (though two are in heaven and four were taken from their mother). If I could stay in a cabin for a month or two for edits, I’d be able to finish most books in half a year or so. Instead, I trust the timing to the Lord.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

Honestly, I’m not in a position to make it part of my regular schedule. I have to carve out time when others don’t need me, which means late at night—and I’m getting older and too tired to push like that—or when I can get away from home for a week or so. Perhaps at some point I’ll slow down on the other obligations and write more consistently. I hope so—I have so many ideas for the series about things worth fighting for!

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

It’s probably not interesting, but if I’m pushing to try to write at home where life is so crazy, I viciously chew through entire bags of strawberry Twizzlers. Somehow that helps me stay focused!

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

I’ve had several people tell me that they decided to adopt after reading Leapin’ Lizards . . . and other leaps of faith, which is the story of our adopting a sibling group of four. Likewise, many women have told me how my marriage book, When Prince Charming Falls off His Horse . . . and you’ve become his nag! has encouraged or helped them navigate troubled times. Knowing my writing has made a difference to someone is incredibly fulfilling.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

I became terribly discouraged over my current work in progress, because from November of 2019 till September of this year, I didn’t even open the manuscript. I’d planned to have the book on shelves by fall of last year, and the rough draft was complete, but I just couldn’t get past the halfway mark on edits. We’re always incredibly busy at the boutique during the holidays, and when that wrapped up, I had only days to pack for a three-month mission trip in eSwatini, Africa. During that trip, my mother-in-law passed away, so we flew home for the funeral and to deal with her affairs. We went back to our Swazi children, only to have to leave the country early before the borders closed because of Covid-19. Of course, we had to quarantine when we finally got home, and emotionally, I just didn’t have it in me to get back to the book. Many volunteers at the thrift boutique stayed home after we opened, so I had to spend lots more time there.

I just felt like I just couldn’t get out from under the stress and busyness, and the book felt like a heavy burden instead of the joy I usually experience. It’s only been in the last month or so that I’ve felt the burden lift.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I can’t think of a time when I’ve experienced rejection connected to my writing. But in my speaking career, I had a pastor call me just days before I was scheduled to share. Someone had reported that two of our teenagers were in rebellion, so he just didn’t know if I was qualified to share with the women of his congregation. I told him that it was true that two of our kids were struggling with their faith and relationship with my husband and me. I added that if he preferred I didn’t come, I would understand. But I also suggested that Christian families are under attack everywhere, and it just might be that I would have something encouraging for the women—that we aren’t perfect families, any of us, but we can run to Jesus and find grace in time of need. I gave him our pastor’s name and contact info, and he ended up chatting with him and finally leaving my invitation open. Interestingly enough, one woman at the altar after my message desperately needed to dose of reality in the area of rearing our children, but also in marriage. Up to that point, she’d felt like she was likely the only Christian woman facing these issues, and hearing my stories helped her see that she wasn’t alone and there was hope. I still felt rejected, but I received confirmation that my husband was right in encouraging me to tell our marriage story and write about it, because the trials and temptations are common, even in the church.

Where do you get your ideas?

Real life, since I write nonfiction.

Who is your favorite author to read?

Oh, hard to narrow it down! Currently, probably Cindy Sproles. I also love Dee Henderson, Robert Whitlow, Mary Demuth, Patricia Hickman, and Lisa Samson. (I could go on and on! So many books, so little time!)

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Go to writer’s conferences early on. The information available, one-on-one advice, and relationships formed are invaluable.

Also, write a lot. Your voice doesn’t come through until you’ve put out lots of words.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?

Our books are like our babies, and nobody wants to be told that their creation is less than perfect. It can be tempting to take suggestions by professionals as criticism.

But we can learn so much from listening to experienced authors, editors, and agents. The rough draft is just that—rough! People in the industry know what works. If you hear the same thing more than once, be willing to consider making changes, even structural ones. If possible, tackle suggestions like a challenge you’re eager to take on!

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Each situation is as different as the individual writer. If you’re a speaker or singer-songwriter with an audience already asking for your stories, you’ve got a head start. But in most cases, writer’s conferences will be the easiest way to make connections. Mailing an unsolicited manuscript to a publishing house will likely lead nowhere. Conferences help writers of every level, from beginners to experienced, published writers. They help you take the next step needed to succeed.

Becky Spencer

Becky Jo Spencer and her husband Tracy have been married for forty-four years. They raised 8 children–four birth and four adopted–and so far, they have twenty-eight grandchildren. Becky doesn’t go looking for a fight, but battles find her. So she writes, sings, and speaks about things worth fighting for.

When she’s not traveling, Becky stays busy running their bed and breakfast; serving vulnerable children in eSwatini, Africa; directing Grand Staff Ministries; volunteering at Grand Staff Thrift Boutique; writing; and enjoying her role as Grammy.

You’ll find Becky and Tracy fighting the good fight of faith in Buhler, Kansas.

Contact Info:

beckyjospencer@gmail.com, www.grandstaffministries.com

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Finding Your Writer’s Voice with Lisa Carter

Sometimes we struggle with knowing how to find our writer’s voice. In this episode, Lisa Carter shares not only what a writer’s voice is but how to enhance that voice. She said, “Your voice is defined by what you have to say and the way you choose to say it. Voice is the total sum of personality, experiences, and how you look at the world.” What a great explanation of voice. If you struggle with voice or simply would like to hear some of Lisa’s tips, be sure to check out this week’s episode of Writers Chat.

Watch the October 20th replay.

Lisa Carter, author of romantic suspense novels, which she like to call, “Sweet tea with a slice of murder.” Her latest novel, The Sound of Falling Leaves, released this month. Lisa also writes contemporary romance set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When not writing or researching for her next novel she loves spending time with family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions about barbecue and ACC basketball. You can connect with Lisa on social media and at www.lisacarterauthor.com

Generational Storytelling with Elaine McAllister

Elaine provides an A to Z guide to uncovering your family’s generational legacy, curating your discoveries, and sharing them with future generations. When she’s not playing with words (a.k.a. writing) or staring at a blank screen awaiting inspiration, Elaine is digging either in her flower beds or in the stories of her ancestors. For more information and delightful tips for preserving your family legacy, check out this week’s episode.

Watch the October 27th replay.

Elaine McAllister is an award-winning writer, author, blogger, and columnist who also loves being called “Gramma Mac” by five of her favorite people. She loves to celebrate grandparenting. Is passionate about discovering and sharing resources with other grandparents, empowering them to intentionally create memories and build relationships with their grands. You can connect with Elaine on social media and at www.elainemcallister.com

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Novelists Unwind

Novelists Unwind Interviews Amanda Cox & Joanna Davidson Politano

Amanda Cox recently released her debut novel. The Edge of Belonging, which takes place in both the 1990s and the present day, explores multiple themes through the experiences of two protagonists: Harvey, who grew up in the foster system and is homeless by choice (the 1990s storyline), and Ivy, whose idyllic childhood provided a strong foundation yet didn’t prepare her for the heartache she’d experience as an adult (the contemporary storyline).

Amanda shares her unusual writing journey–she came to an editor’s attention during a Twitter #FaithPitch event–and secured a contract before signing with an agent!

Joanna Davidson Politano has received tremendous acclaim for her writing since the debut of her first novel, Lady Jayne Disappears. She returns to Novelists Unwind to talk about her latest novel, The Love Note, which is just as mysterious and intriguing.

Joanna talks about how both Charles Dickens and Daphne Du Maurier–two authors who seem very different–influence her story-telling. She appreciates Dickens’ characterizations, Du Maurier’s insights, and how both authors love to surprise the reader. These are the elements that Joanna brings to her own writing. We also talk about Joanna’s travels to the historic ruins found in England and Scotland, how these ruins inspire her stories, and the inspiration behind The Love Note. 

The next Novelists Unwind Giveaway will be announced on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at http://www.johnnie-alexander.com/. Be sure to enter for your chance to win an inspirational novel.

Meet Johnnie

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. She is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in multiple genres, serves as a board member for Serious Writer, Inc. and Midsouth Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing to Heal with Yvonne Ortega

The heart is key to writing, but what happens when the heart is broken? In this episode of Writers Chat, Yvonne discusses writing to heal. Heal from your own hurts and also helping others heal from theirs.
Timing is everything including the when to transition from healing to time to share how God has helped you recover and heal. If you’re a writer who is hurting, be sure to watch the replay. You will be encouraged and just maybe you load might become a little lighter.

Watch the September 29th replay.

BIO
Yvonne Ortega, author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® Series which deals with overcoming heartache from cancer, divorce, forgiveness, and loss. With a background as a licensed professional counselor, Yvonne brings a unique perspective into the heart of women. She speaks with honesty and humor as she shares her life and struggles to find peace, power, and purpose through God’s Word.

Five Steps to Landing Endorsements with Ben Cooper

In today’s episode, Ben shares great tips on landing endorsements from small to great. Many writers wait until their book is finished to look for endorsements, but Ben suggests you begin before you finish your book. To help you remember the five steps, he uses the acronym BRASH. To learn more about being brash in a good way, check out this week’s episode.

Watch the October 6th replay.

BIO

Ben Cooper is an award-winning author of All Nature Sings and Created Critters with Wings. Ben recently retired from the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He enjoys spending time outside with nature, especially in his bee yard. When he isn’t writing, Ben enjoys teaching at Allegany College of Maryland and mentoring new beekeepers. You can connect with Ben on social media or at Serious Writer https://www.seriouswriter.com/bencooper/.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Writing Mentors

Interview with A Mentor: Linda S. Glaz

Why do you write?

I can’t imagine a life NOT writing. OR it’s those nasty voices in my head trying to get out. Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books? Forgiveness and trust are probably the two key elements.

How long have you been writing?

I could be cheesy and say that first story in eighth grade hooked, but more seriously, about 28-29 years.

And how long did it take you to get your first book published?

My first novella was published 18 years after I started writing. It took me a while to ‘get it’, that I wasn’t all that good and a nickel!

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

Agent of the Year for ACFW. Meant so much to know that someone cared enough to write an essay that nominated me.

Tell us about a recent/favorite book or article you’ve published.

I have a client who writes historic romance, and she’s received numerous started reviews from Publisher’s Weekly. Having been a part of that has meant a lot.

Tell us about one of your greatest joy(s) in your writing career.

Having a patients at the clinic where I worked asked me to “Please” write a sequel to that first novella. I had thought to sit down and dash off a 500-750 word epilogue that would complete what happened to the secondary characters and give it just to her. Once I started, however, I realized that those characters had their own story to tell, so wrote another novella. She was so pleased.

Tell us about one of your darkest moment(s) in your writing career.

Writing a story about the bombing of the White House, but when I finished it, 9-11 happened and I was encouraged to shelve it for a while. Now, because of circumstances in the story, the theme is a moot point and I have to completely rewrite the entire arc. So until I have that moment when I simple ‘have’ to tell the story differently, I’m stuck waiting. Probably my best and fave writing to boot.

Rejection is a common experience for writers. How do you overcome rejection?

Perseverance and believing how important perseverance is. How has rejection shaped you or your career? I think it prepared me to be an agent more than an author. I know how much it hurts and try not to dish that out to new authors.

How has God led you to mentor other writers?

It’s just what I do. I’ve always taught in many arenas, and when your heart’s in it, you want to help others.

Do you speak at writers’ conferences?

Oh, yes. Love to. What are some of your favorite topics to speak about? Perseverance, Show vs. Tell, Writing first pages that Pop! and other topics.

Tell us about some of your favorite conferences and why you like them.

I tend to love the smaller more intimate conferences where you can really get to know people. But then, there’s the ACFW massive conference which is really awesome in its own right.

Have you organized or led other types of groups to support writers?

Writers groups, but I honestly prefer to leave that to folks with amazing organizational skills. Or, you DON’T want to see my office!!!

How else do you provide support for writers?

Seeing potential in someone and just wanting to help them get it right!

Tell us about a facet of mentoring that particularly excites you.

Starting to work with a new author, and then seeing them receive a contract from a publisher, then seeing readers go crazy for their novels.

What venues/methods have you found most effective for meeting and mentoring writers?

 Conferences, for sure. And, of course, referrals.

What advice do you have for writers as we interact with our peers? What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers?

Do your best to show them that you are a professional. Learn to do things the right way first time out and it will show. What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers? Help by reposting new book releases for friends, take part in contests, help by becoming beta readers and being part of friends’ launch teams.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Lead Magnets 101:A Useful Tool for Growing Your Audience

The intentional writer

What is a lead magnet?

A lead magnet is a marketing term for a free item or service that is given away to potential customers for the purpose of gathering contact details, such as their email address. Examples of lead magnets include free ebooks, webinars, and printable checklists.

How do lead magnets help you?

The purpose of lead magnets is to attract potential customers, who hopefully will become actual customers after interacting with your lead magnet. Even those of us who don’t yet have a book to sell benefit from lead magnets, because lead magnets build your email list, which enlarges your platform.

Here are some ways they can attract customers.

  1. People like free stuff. Marketers have been exploiting this fact for years.
  2. If your freebie is on-brand, it will attract the kind of readers who are most likely to be interested in your writing, and thus and purchase your products in the future.
  3. They give potential customers something helpful, which A) builds trust in your brand and B) makes them more likely to return and purchase something from you.
  4. They help you acquire potential customers for future sales by growing your email list, which is still the most effective way to convert book sales.

Before you create a lead magnet, you must consider three parts of the definition:

  • the What (the free item or service)
  • the Who (potential customers)
  • the Why (your purpose for gathering contact details)

Don’t put the cart before the horse

To create the best possible lead magnet, you need to consider the Why and Who before worrying about the What.

1. The Why: Consider your specific purpose

What do you want the lead magnet to accomplish? What is your end goal? Possibilities include:

  • Gain author newsletter subscribers
  • Gain blog followers
  • Get people to try your product/service in the hopes they’ll want more
  • Get people to read your free ebook, so they’ll want to read more of your books

2. The Who: Define your target audience (and their felt needs)

The more specifically you can define your target audience, the easier it will be to create a valuable lead magnet that meets one of their felt needs.

  • What are the target audience(s) of your author brand?
  • What subset of that target audience you are targeting with your lead magnet? You will need different lead magnets for different goals and audience subsets.
  • What are their felt needs or pain points? The more specific you are at identifying these pain points, the better your chance of creating a lead magnet they will love.
  • What social media platforms do they spend time on? Optimize your lead magnet for that kind of media.

3. The What: Create a freebie your target audience will love

The ideal lead magnet will:

  1. Meet a felt need or pain point the user has
  2. Be something the user can use immediately and easily
  3. Be something the user can use repeatedly
  4. Make the user feel like they’re “stealing” from you—i.e. getting a lot of value for free
  5. Reinforce your brand.
  6. Deliver what is promised. Don’t disappoint the user with content that doesn’t live up to the hype.

With those goals in mind, begin to brainstorm:

  •  What helpful service or information can you offer that meets a felt need of your target audience? .
  • How might you package that information into a downloadable form? (Printable pdf, How-To video, ebook, free link to a training webinar, etc.)
  • Which kinds of media and content do you feel most comfortable creating? A quality lead magnet combines a useful idea with good design. If you’ve never created a video before, it’s probably not the best format for your lead magnet.

There are tons of websites that offer lists of ideas. Here are three to try:

Three fiction lead magnet ideas

Lead magnet examples from successful authors.

A comprehensive list of 101 ideas with a handy table of contents.

Finally, don’t stress out! (And stop trying to create the perfect lead magnet.)

There’s no such thing as the perfect lead magnet, so stop stressing over whether your idea is “right”. Your goal is not to spend the next six months analyzing your target audience, coming up with eight dozen possible lead magnets ideas and then rejecting all of them.

Your goal is to make your best effort, put it out there, and see what happens. So have fun.

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

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Guest Posts

The Top 3 Easiest Ways to Market Your Book on a Budget

You’ve written a book and published, and that felt like the hard part. But marketing your book is one of the most important items on an author’s to-do list. Or at least it should be. After all, how can you expect any sales if you don’t get your book out there, in front of the hungry readers who want to dive into your story?

In this article, we’ll look at three easy ways you can market your book on a budget. 

1. Newsletter Swaps 

The first step to building a great author platform and making your marketing efforts easier is growing a mailing list of your readers. You can do this by: 

  1. Writing a reader magnet (this is a short, free book or resource that you give away to your readers to get them to sign up for your list). 
  2. Signing up for a mailing list service. I suggest MailerLite because you get so much with your free account and you can have up to 1,000 contacts. It’s also super easy to set up. 
  3. Put a link to your reader magnet in the back of your books, asking readers to sign up. 
  4. Distribute your reader magnet using either BookFunnel or StoryOrigin (StoryOrigin is free). 

With that out of the way, let’s talk about newsletter swaps. 

Newsletter swaps are when authors who have mailing lists take turns sharing each other’s books. So, Author A shares Author B’s book and vice versa. 

It’s important for both authors to be in similar genres. For instance, if you write sci fi, you probably wouldn’t benefit too much from a romantic mystery books author promoting you to their readers. And you should make sure any books you choose to promote are books your own readers will enjoy. 

But how do you find these other authors? Well, that’s where StoryOrigin comes in. 

It’s a completely free service authors can sign up for, and they facilitate author swaps by connecting you with other authors in your genre. It’s pretty neat. 

2. Revamp Your Cover and Blurb 

This might not be the most obvious marketing step you take, but it is probably the more important one. 

If your cover isn’t right for your genre, readers simply won’t click on it or buy your book, because they have expectations that match what they’re used to. So, if you’re writing sci-fi military books, your cover should probably look something like the bestsellers in the genre. 

It’s safe to say that readers in this genre would expect your cover to be similar if your book was a military sci-fi. And the same can be said for your title and your blurbs. 

Follow these steps to make your book more appealing to your target customers: 

  1. Check out the top 20 books in your category (independently published ones) and note down what their covers look like. 
  2. Note down what keywords the books are using in their titles, subtitles, and book descriptions. 
  3. Rewrite your blurb to better suit the genre. Check out Bryan Cohen’s book, How to Write a Sizzling Synopsisfor more direction on how to do this. 
  4. Redesign your cover (either yourself or with a cover designer). For DIY cover redesign at a low-cost price, I suggest checking out BookBrush. They’re an author friendly service that can help you redesign your cover quickly and professionally. 

3. Change Your Kindle Keywords

This might not be the most obvious way to market your book, but it’s a big one. If you’ve ever set up a book in your KDP Dashboard before, you’ll have seen 7 boxes on the first page of setup.

Basically, your goal is to enter keywords into these boxes that help Amazon present your books to readers browsing the Kindle Store. But how do you find those keywords? 

Well, you can follow this method: 

  1. Open Amazon in your browser’s incognito mode and select ‘Kindle Store’ from the dropdown menu. 
  2. Type in a keyword that best suits your book ‘military sci-fi’ for instance. Type in ‘military sci-fi a’, ‘military sci-fi b’ etc. and note down all the auto-fill keyword phrases that Amazon gives you. These are all search terms that readers have typed into Amazon before. 
  3. Check out the competition for these keywords by looking at the top 3 books and working out how many books they sold to get there. You can do this by noting their ABSR then heading over to my Amazon Sales Rank Calculator and working it out. If they’re not selling many books, the keyword might be no good. 
  4. Once you have your list of keywords, make sure they’re ‘allowed’ by Amazon by checking out their keyword requirements here.
  5. Now you have your list of keywords, input them into the boxes. 

If you already have these keywords boxes filled, start by changing only two of them (and write down the original keywords you had in there before you change them). Then, wait 5-7 days to see if your sales go up. If they don’t, change back to the old keywords, if they do, keep the new ones and consider performing more experiments. Here’s a full guide on changing your keywords. 

Final Thoughts

Publishing a book can definitely cost money, but marketing your book doesn’t have to be super expensive. That’s why I recommend the above three methods for getting the most bang for your buck. 

Cheers! 

Dave Chesson is the creator of Kindlepreneur.com, a website devoted to teaching advanced book Marketing which even Amazon KDP acknowledge as one of the best by telling users to “Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books.” Having worked with such authors as Orson Scott Card, Ted Dekker and more, his tactics help both Fiction and Nonfiction authors of all levels get their books discovered by the right readers.

Categories
Bestsellers

Interview with Award-winning Author Elizabeth Byler Younts

award-winning author

Can you share a little about your recent book?

The Bright Unknown is ultimately a story of what it means to belong. When a girl, Brighton, recognizes that while she was born in an asylum it doesn’t mean she belongs there it pushes her to find a true place of belonging. It’s a split time novel placed in the pre-WW2 era and 1990s and the reader will get to meet a lot of colorful characters both inside and outside of the asylum. I’ve been told readers might need some tissues, too.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write to learn more about what it means to be human. Writing gives me the chance to dig deeper into beliefs, behaviors, habits, and so much more. With each book I learn more about myself and about society. All of this affects my horizontal relationships with people around me and also vertically with God. 

How long have you been writing? 

My mom has a photo of me scribbling in a notebook when I wasn’t even old enough to read—I said I was writing. I was always “writing.” I wrote my first novel when I was 11. It was titled Randi’s Will and it was awful. I’m sure it has an inch’s worth of dust on it and that’s the way I like it. I began writing more seriously in my early 30s when I was a young mom. 

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

Things happened far faster than I had anticipated, to be honest. I was in my early-30s and had a completed manuscript for a few agents to look at in September 2012. I became agented that same month (Natasha Kern) and she had a 3-book contract for me with Howard Books by October 2012. It was a whirlwind. I’m extremely grateful for that first chance to write fiction and to my agent! 

Which of your books is your favorite?

That’s very hard to ask! I connected possibly the most deeply with the characters from The Solace of Water but The Bright Unknown was the most difficult book to write so there’s something very special I feel for it as well. The journey I went through with those characters will always stay with me. So I am going to say it’s a tie!  

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

I think my favorite character is DeeDee from The Solace of Water and Angel from The Bright Unknown. DeeDee because she’s the only character I ever wrote who literally just said whatever came to her mind. If you’re not a writer that might sound odd. You might be thinking, “don’t I control what she says?” Yes, I do, BUT… The thing is that some characters are really hard to “hear”, but not DeeDee. She let it all hang out and she didn’t pull punches. While I want to say she was “fun” to write, I can’t, because her content was intense, dark, and heavy; but it was warranted, given what had happened to her. I think, while it hurt, it was a deep dive into grief unlike I ever expected with an entirely sold-out attitude. I let myself go where she did and wrote and wrote and wrote. As for Angel. Angel was the most pure soul that I’ve ever written. I found him as comforting as a warm blanket. I just loved his purity and optimism.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

The Carol Award for The Solace of Water was incredibly meaningful and unexpected. I really did not anticipate winning so much so that I decided not to attend the awards gala event. I was in complete shock watching the live feed with my family. There is something very special about being recognized with an award for a book that you wrote with your heart and soul. However, I would have to still say…awards aren’t everything. I’ve lost more awards than won and it’s okay.  

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me a long time. I think the pre-writing phase is what makes my process very slow…like snail-pace sort of slow. I have a hard time getting the initial ideas out of my head and onto the page, to be honest. Once I’ve dug in a bit more then it begins to move at a slow pace…which is as fast as I get. I do tend to torture the entire process with a lot of angst. If I really, really know what I’m writing and the research is either done or well on it’s way, I will still need no less than 9 months. But, in reality, with being a wife and mom and all that goes into that on top of writing, 18 months would be awesome.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I am not a structured writer, unfortunately! So at times it might be early mornings for a few hours and other times it’s late at night. I am always envious of writers who are super scheduled. There are times where that happens for sure, but writing can often look like a bit of a pickle ball match! If you’ve never heard of pickle ball…look it up…it’s my most recent obsession. This is a good thing since I’m not obsessed with much that requires real physical exertion. 

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I think it’s safe to say that I usually have a familiar TV show or instrumental music (otherwise I’ll sing) on in the background. Pure silence tends to hinder me somehow. I enjoy writing in public where there’s activity around me. My home office is very open as a 3rd floor loft so I can hear everything that’s happening in the house and there’s very little that stifles me when it comes to noise and/or activity.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

I believe that the opportunity I have to write is truly a gift from God. I don’t take it for granted and I take it very seriously. My writing is not just a hobby. Being able to have conversations with readers is an incredible joy and getting to know the publishing team I get to work with. Another true joy is sharing the process alongside my family. They are my cheerleaders and biggest fans. I could never do this without them.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

I am not sure I can go into detail how these moments came about but there is a sense of great darkness when you feel that all the hard work has been for nothing. That has crept into my world several times. It’s intense and can be paralyzing. It’s never a good place to linger within. 

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I don’t know how many times but enough to say that it’s hard. It does make you stronger but let’s not pretend that it feels okay. Let’s also not pretend that all rejection is created equal. I’ve experienced plenty of the sort where you have to let it roll off your back and move on but I’ve also experienced the kind of rejection that makes your heart stop and you feel wounded. It hurts! But it’s not a stopping point; when you’re ready and give yourself an exhale, it can become a jumping off point.

Where do you get your ideas?

LIFE! LIFE! LIFE! and my wild brain. It’s often just random things over time that start melding together and eventually look like something I can write from. Mixtures of conversations, stories, movies, historical events, teaching students, and so many things weave together to create “what if…” questions in my head and then the book begins to form. The initial ideas of The Solace of Water began 6 years before it was published. Ideas linger and develop on their own time. I don’t force any of my stories. 

Who is your favorite author to read?

I love contemporary writers like Marilyn Robinson, Leif Enger, Wendell Berry, Susan Meissner, and Susie Finkbeiner. Then there are writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, and L.M. Montgomery who have shaped me in ways I can’t express. Each of these authors have filled my soul in beautiful ways.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Read a lot! Write a lot! Don’t pity yourself when you see others succeeding. Cheer for them! Go to conferences and join a GOOD critique group. Write the WHOLE manuscript before you even consider finding an agent. And YES, get an agent if you are looking for a traditional contract.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?

The thing that I hear often enough from aspiring writers who have a chapter written or just an idea is that they want to know which publishing house they should be considering. That’s flipflopped. Write the whole book! Learn the craft while writing. As I said previously, a good critique group would be a great next step. The critique group I participated with before I was contracted made a huge difference in my life. If everything the other writers say is glowing, question it. If everything is overly critical, question it. There is probably a mixture of both in your writing and a good critique partner or group can see that. A critique group that has published writers who critique with you is ideal!

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

As with nearly any career—be faithful. Nothing is by chance or pure luck. Be faithful.

***Books can be purchased at any retail sites. Brick & mortar stories will likely be able to order it if they don’t carry them.

Award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts writes historical fiction for Harper Collins / Thomas Nelson. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the Carol award-winning novel The Solace of Water, critically-acclaimed novel The Bright Unknown, and The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.

You can find Elizabeth’s books at any retail sites. Brick & mortar stories will likely be able to order them if they don’t carry them. You can also connect with Elizabeth through her newsletter or social media. (She has taken a brief hiatus from social media but will be re-engaging in the next few months.)

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Challenge of Writing for Children with Crystal Bowman

Writing for children can be more difficult than one might think. However, in this episode of Writers Char, Crystal Bowman discusses how she’s navigated the muddy waters successfully and shares, from years of experience, some of her how-to’s of writing for children—from first steps to sub-genres to marketing. If you’re an experienced children’s author or are curious about writing for children, be sure to check out this week’s replay.

Watch the September 15th replay.

Crystal Bowman has written more than 100 books for children and seen more than two million copies of her books sold internationally, and translated into more than a dozen languages. She and her daughter, Teri McKinley, are the co-authors of Our Daily Bread for Kids. She is also a regular contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, and writes lyrics for children’s piano music. You can find Crystal on FaceBook, Linked-In, Pinterest and at https://crystalbowman.com/

Embrace the Wait with Annette Marie Griffin

The writing journey seems to have long periods of waiting. What should one do during these long times of waiting? Well, on today’s episode of Writers Chat, Annette shares with us ways to handle insecurities, expectations, and family during the waiting process. Annette writes,

“As a new author one thing that has been particularly challenging for me is the waiting part of writing. Funny, I never considered myself an inpatient person before I pursued publishing. Rarely does anything in the publishing journey come easily or quickly. Whether looking for an agent or waiting for a response to a query or proposal, long wait times seem to be the norm in the publishing industry. For Christian writers who want to ‘run the race with endurance’–the sitting part can seem like torture. But God is showing me that there’s more to the wait than meets the eye. In fact, some of the most powerful lessons Christians can learn are hidden within those seemingly pointless spaces of time.”

Watch the September 22nd replay.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who’s worked with children and youth for over twenty years. She has developed curriculum for elementary-age children, facilitated parent training seminars, and worked with at-risk youth. She and her husband have adopted two children with learning challenges and continue to look for opportunities to help children with special needs. With over 3,000 social media followers and climbing, Annette enjoys connecting with people of all ages. You can connect with her on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and at annettemariegriffin.com

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Novelists Unwind

Novelists Unwind Interviews with Liz Johnson & Jane Kirkpatrick

Liz Johnson shares the story behind the story of A Dazzle of Diamonds, the latest novel in her popular Georgia Coast Romance Series. The story, set in Savannah, is rooted in history and family pride as the protagonist delves into the past to clear his family’s name from scandal.

Before writing her novel, Liz traveled to Savannah. She shares a few anecdotes about her experiences as we talk about Sherman’s March, lost Civil War treasure, and the richness of Savannah’s lore.

Liz is a New York Times best-selling author, a Christy finalist, and a two-time Carol Award finalist. For her next series, she’ll be returning to Prince Edward Island–the setting for her previous Prince Edward Island Dream Series–to write about the Ross brothers and a small fishing village called Victoria by the Sea.

Jane Kirkpatrick talks about her latest novel, Something Worth Doing, the fictional biography of Abigail “Jenny” Scott Duniway who was involved in six campaigns to win Oregon women the right to vote. Beyond that distinction, Abigail was at various times in her life a caregiver, a newspaper columnist, a novelist, and a business owner. For a time, she ran a school from her home. All of this while raising six children and suffering from health issues.

Jane has written several novels based on real-life women from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In our interview, we talk about the qualities that caused these seemingly ordinary women to accomplish the extraordinary despite both social restrictions and personal challenges. I so appreciated Jane’s thoughts on this topic–be sure to listen to the interview to hear what she had to say.

The next Novelists Unwind Giveaway will be announced on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at http://www.johnnie-alexander.com/. Be sure to enter for your chance to win an inspirational novel.

Meet Johnnie

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. She is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in multiple genres, serves as a board member for Serious Writer, Inc. and Midsouth Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.

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Guest Posts

Reader, I…? Writing in the First Person

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960), the character Atticus Finch says, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb in his skin and walk around in it.” As authors, this is what we do when we choose to write in the first person. We come as close as we ever can to experiencing the world from a perspective that’s not our own. Writing fiction in the first person then is a leap of empathy and imagination, but the challenges this point of view (POV) poses are technical, as well as psychological. 

Some writers experiment with POV, trying out omniscient third, close third, and first, before settling on a narrative approach for their book. But when writing my debut novel, Bronte’s Mistress, I was never in any doubt as to whose voice the story needed to be told in. Not only was my book a response to one of the most famous first-person novels ever written, Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 Jane Eyre (“reader, I married him”), but my protagonist, Lydia Robinson, was a woman who’s been vilified through history as being responsible for the Bronte family’s demise. What would she say if she could tell her side of the story? I wondered. And, equally importantly, How would she say it?

Writing Lydia forced me to enter a world (1840s England) in which, even wealthy, women had few choices. She doesn’t own property, she’s never voted, she has no access to divorce. And it also made me confront the technicalities of writing first person prose, a few of which I’ll share with you today.

Placing your narrator in time

You’ve decided you’ll be writing in the first person, but this is just one of a series of hard choices. Now that you have the who, it’s time to think about the when. Will your first person narrator be telling the story from a point in the future? Will they know the story’s destination from the very first line? Think of Charles Dickens’s titular character David Copperfield (1850) or Nick Carraway in F. Scott Fitzerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925).

Choosing a retrospective viewpoint has the potential to make your story more didactic. It’s easier for a character to draw conclusions or moralize with the benefit of hindsight. And there are other advantages. For example, if your character is going to undergo a significant transformation, the older protagonist can excuse, explain or apologize for the behavior of their younger self, maintaining reader sympathy. This makes this choice popular for writers of bildungsroman. 

On the other hand, a retrospective first person can distance us from the character in the moment, alienating us from the action, and even intruding on scenes with overly expositional commentary. A retrospective first person can slacken the tension too. A first person character is already unlikely to die, but the existence of an older narrator pretty much precludes this possibility. If you write historical fiction like me, you might also have to pinpoint an exact year from which your protagonist is speaking, giving you a second time period to research and understand.

In Bronte’s Mistress, although the book is in the past tense, Lydia Robinson tells her story as if she’s in the moment and living through the events of the novel vs. relating the events years later. For me, this decision made sense as I wanted readers to feel viscerally with Lydia as she enters into an illicit and dangerous affair. However, I did occasionally miss the tools a retrospective first provides, like giving me the option to foreshadow more overtly.

Experiencing your story through their senses

Writing first person means your story can only contain what the protagonist knows, but this advice goes beyond questions of plot. 

Seeing the world through the narrator’s eyes means describing each new setting through the lens of what they would observe—and in the order in which they would notice every detail. Your characters’ senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch) become readers’ only points of access to the world around them. This isn’t a movie where you can start with an establishing shot before zooming in on the face of the character we’re following!

This means you have to be careful that your descriptions seem to fit within your character’s realm of experience. Can your narrator really detail different types of weapons? (Maybe yes, maybe no.) Can they see another character’s expression from so far away?

Watching your metaphors

Linked to this, is the difficulty of handling imagery (for instance, simile and metaphor), when writing in first person.

As with your descriptions, your images need to ring true to the character whose perspective you’re writing from. Would they know these words and think these thoughts? Crucially too, is this an appropriate moment for them to be thinking poetically? Or are you sacrificing believability because you’ve fallen in love with a sentence, phrase or image? If your character starts thinking in too many similes, they may seem distracted from the task at hand.

People have their favorite images and points of comparison, and these are dependent on their interests. Tapping into this can be a great way to establish your character’s personality, but you may also run the risk of making your imagery repetitive. In Bronte’s Mistress, for instance, my character Lydia is a good musician, so she often uses musical metaphors. This was a helpful guide for me, as music gave me a lot of scope to play, without the imagery I employed ever feeling out of place in her narration.

Offering other perspectives

Finally, one of the toughest parts of writing first person fiction is the danger for overidentification between the writer and the protagonist. How can you show that you disagree with your character’s views or actions, if you’re writing from their perspective?

Here, other characters’ voices (e.g. through dialogue) are crucial. Include others’ views to cast doubt on your protagonist’s conclusions or to hint that they might be unreliable. There is also potential to use irony in the same way, having “what happens next” totally contradicting what the first person narrator has thought/said previously.

In Bronte’s Mistress, I had another device to help me do this. I inserted letters addressed to Lydia at various points in my narrative, allowing me to showcase viewpoints that were in opposition to hers, and, of course, play around with additional first person voices!

I hope some of these tips have been helpful to those of you writing fiction in the first person. Writing using the “I” may seem straightforward, but when the going gets tough, remember that what you’re attempting is truly extraordinary. You’re stepping out of your own skin and into someone else’s. What could be more miraculous?

Finola Austin, also known as the Secret Victorianist on her award-winning blog, is an England-born, Northern Ireland-raised, Brooklyn-based historical novelist and lover of the nineteenth century. She has two degrees from the University of Oxford, including a Master’s in Victorian literature. Brontë’s Mistress is her first novel and is available for purchase now. By day, Finola works in digital advertising. Find her online at www.finolaaustin.com, or connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Book Chat: Writing Life Stories by Bill Roorbach

Host Jean Wise is joined by behind the scenes members Jann W. Martin, Norma Poore, and Melissa Stroh to share their take on a few of the writing exercises from Bill’s book. For example, write out a favorite childhood memory. Could this become a scene in your story? Is there a bit of inspiration usable in your nonfiction work? This book is full of practical tips and ideas for memoir writing, but also gets the creative juices flowing for whatever genre you write. If you need a pick me up writing wise, this would be the episode for you. Check it out.

Watch the September 1st replay

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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The Intentional Writer

Boost Creativity by Increasing Diversity

The intentional writer

Do you want to take your creativity and problem-solving abilities to a new level? Diversify your inputs. Increasing the diversity of the groups you interact with and the sources of your creative inspiration will lead to:

  • Greater creativity
  • More innovative ideas
  • Improved problem-solving
  • Better decisions

All of which lead to greater success and greater job satisfaction.

It makes sense when you think about it. The more alike your friends and writing associates are, the more likely they will think along the same lines and come up with similar answers to problems. On the other hand, a more diverse group of people will have a broader outlook, more varied ideas, and more novel approaches to solving problems.

If you want to tap into the power of diversity, consider where you can add more diverse inputs in your writing life. Here are some suggestions.

Critique partners

Do your critique partners all write in the same genre? Do they all prefer to read the same sorts of books? While a critique from someone who hates your genre is usually not helpful, it’s wise to find critique partners who aren’t all writing the same kind of story.

My main critique partners write in completely different genres. This has served us well. In addition, I have joined forces with a fellow mystery writer (through the Sisters in Crime organization). When we were first brought together we weren’t sure it would work because our styles and worldviews appeared to be very different, but it turns out those differences have helped us identify blind spots, faulty assumptions, and plot holes. (Not to mention an occasional discussion on midwest vs. northeast idioms and brand familiarity.)

If you are looking for ways to diversify your critique input, here is a sample of the factors to consider:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Cultural background
  • Income level
  • Education level
  • Occupation(s)
  • Work experience
  • Religious beliefs
  • Where they’ve lived
  • Where they’ve traveled
  • Family background
  • Personality / temperament
  • Taste in books
  • Taste in music, and/or other arts
  • Main interests and hobbies
  • Favorite leisure activities
  • Writing experience level
  • Genres they write
  • Pantser or plotter?
  • Writing style and voice

Beta readers

The same goes for beta readers. Your readers will (hopefully) come from all walks of life, so finding a diverse group of beta readers will help ensure your story makes sense and appeals to different audience segments who might benefit from your book.

Brainstorming

Who do you bounce ideas off of? Do you count on your spouse and your critique partners to solve all your writing problems, or do you solicit ideas from a larger group of people? You might benefit from finding a handful of people with diverse backgrounds who are willing to gather now and then to brainstorm plot problems, plot ideas, marketing strategies, or anything else that could spark new life into your writing career. When choosing brainstorming partners, remember to choose a mixed group, and don’t limit yourself to writers.

Social contacts

How diverse are the backgrounds and life experiences of the people you interact with on a regular basis? Could you benefit from spending more time with people outside your usual group? I realize it’s difficult to socialize in a post-Covid world, but social media and internet forums provide an opportunity to interact with diverse viewpoints.

Book and media consumption

Just as with nutrition, the more varied our diet, the healthier we’ll be. If you find yourself reading book after book in the same tried-and-true genre, it may be time to branch out. Pick up a few books in genres you don’t normally read. If you really hate them, you don’t have to finish them, but don’t dismiss an entire genre just because you disliked one or two books. Ditto for movies, music, and other creative inputs.

Years ago I stated a book club with the primary purpose of forcing myself to read books I wouldn’t normally read. Because it’s an organized thing, it makes me remain intentional about choosing a variety of book genres, topics, and styles. Do you have a book club that pushes you out of your reading comfort zone? If not, perhaps its time to join one or start your own.

 I hope these ideas help you widen your creative horizons and find new inspiration.

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

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Bestsellers

Interview with Award-Winning Author Kevin Wayne Johnson

award-winning author

Can you share a little about your recent book?

Leadership with a Servant’s Heart is about being a servant leader to equip the current and next generation of leaders.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

It’s therapeutic and fun. It aligns with my personal life mission – to support and advocate for the dreams, goals and aspirations of others.

How long have you been writing?

19 years

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

No book contracts – all of my books are independently (self) published. The 17 books that I written as the principal author, or a contributing author, have earned 23 literary awards. Goes to show that many traditional publishers don’t recognize or acknowledge talent.

Which of your books is your favorite?

Book #1 – Know God and Do the Will of God Concerning Your Life, published in 2001 and revised in 2011 and Book #17 – Leadership with a Servant’s Heart, released in 2019 and winner of 6 literary awards so far in 2020.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

All are invaluable and quite humbling. The publishing industry and our readers are saying that they appreciate our literary skills and messaging. Here are links to a few so far in 2020:

Living Now Book Awards

International Book Awards

eLit Book Awards

Human Relations Indie Book Awards

Christian Indie Awards

How long does it take you to write a book?

Approx 6-8 months from start to finish

What’s your writing work schedule like?

It’s random, but usually carve out 90 minutes, 6 days/week to writing. No writing on Sunday’s – it’s my rest day.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

Comments from my readers and book tours where I meet people from across the USA

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

Unscrupulous public relations folks and social media experts that overcharge for their services. In both cases, these groups of people take advantage of what the author does not know.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I have received over 30 rejection letters from traditional publishers. In hindsight, it was a blessing. At the time of the rejection, it really hurt.

Where do you get your ideas?

Study, research and reflection

Who is your favorite author to read?

Dr. Myles Munroe

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Get started, it’s the only way to finish.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?

Thinking that their book will be an immediate bestseller. It crushes their dreams

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Attend a writers conference near their home.

Reverend Kevin Wayne Johnson Celebration Church @ Columbia (MD) / Celebration United (a church development network)Pastor of Leadership Development / Deputy Director www.wininlife.com Faith Community Commissioner – Commission for SUICIDE PREVENTION (2019-2023)Governor Larry Hogan (Maryland) Board of Directors (National and Baltimore, MD) Nexus Youth & Family Solutions, Plymouth, MN (2019 –        )Advocating for people with disabilities, at-risk youth, and their families www.nexusfamilyhealing.org Founder/CEO/Publisher – Writing for the Lord Ministries

Purchase my latest book here.

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Guest Posts

How Authors Can Market a Book with No Budget

The biggest misconception that most authors have is that they need to have hundreds or thousands of dollars to market their work. This is not true. Spending a lot of money on marketing is not a guarantee that people will buy your book. In our world today, there are lots of opportunities for authors to connect with their readers and make more sales.

You need not be a marketing expert to connect with your audience. Marketing is all about connecting with people who share similar interests with you. With this fact in mind, marketing becomes a simple puzzle. The best thing about marketing is you can connect with anyone in the world. If you don’t have enough money to market your book, here are a few tips that will help you make rapid progress.

1. Start immediately

Don’t wait to complete your book to start marketing it. If you do, it might be too late. When you start marketing the book while writing it, you’ll have enough time to build relationships and bond with your readers. According to best custom essay, connecting with your readers will help you know their needs and expectations. You can also put yourself in their shoes while writing the book. Knowing your target market and their interests in advance will make it easier for you to market the book.

2. Focus on a few promotions

To market your book effectively, you need to pick a few promotions and focus on them. When you spread yourself too thin, you’ll have a hard time marketing your book effectively. Focus is a key ingredient of success. Picking lots of promotions will not only affect your performance but also lead to stress and anxiety.

3. Small audiences are great

When you compare yourself to famous writers, you might think that you have a small audience. However, a small audience is good. Remember, we all start with nothing. According to essay writing service, every person who signs up or buys a book plays an important role in your success. You should treat them like royalty. Find out where they buy their books, how they find new books, and which blogs they visit frequently to name a few. A small audience will help you discover more details and insights that will help you reach other people.

4. Make plans

Don’t just throw everything together and expect great results. You need to think things through before acting. Think about your goals and how your book can help you accomplish them. Create a clear strategy that will help you reach your destination. People who write down their plans and goals are 42 percent more likely to realize them.

No matter how small your budget is, the one thing you should do to make your book a success is to invest in time. Set aside at least two to three hours every week to focus on your book and marketing.

5. Know your reader

I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of knowing your ideal reader. When you write your book with your ideal reader in mind, marketing will be a simple puzzle to solve. Remember, you are not writing for yourself but for your readers. As assignment writing service reports, failing to know your ideal reader will make marketing extremely difficult. No reader wants to invest in a book that he or she will never read.

6. Focus on opportunities in your area

In most cases, writers tend to focus on the big opportunities that they’ll find in cities and international libraries whilst ignoring their own backyard. There are lots of opportunities around you that will help you generate money without having to spend a fortune. Think of the local bookstores, libraries, schools, festivals, breakfast, and literary organizations around you. These institutions will not only provide local support but also help you connect with other bigger merchants.

7. Contact publications and local news outlets

Writers often overlook local news when it comes to attracting the attention of the public. This is the best place for writers to start if they want their efforts to pay off in the long run. A Google search will help you get contact info for the local newspapers, talk shows, websites, and blogs to name a few. Remember to look at their requirements before making your submission.

8. Use your hobbies

How do you spend your free time? Do you draw, knit, garden or paint? You can use your hobbies to connect with other people. According to the essay writers, the more people you connect with; the more people will be aware of your work.

9. Create amazing visuals

Human beings are visual creatures. We all love looking at beautiful pictures. The first thing people look at before buying a book is the cover. A great book with poorly designed visuals will not sell. You need to take your time to design a book cover and your posters to market your book easily. Apps such as Adobe Spark will make your work easy. And the best part is, most of these great apps are free!

10. Don’t forget family and friends

One of the biggest challenges most writers encounter is getting book reviews, particularly on Amazon. Your family and friends can help you with this. Most of the time, our loved ones are ready and willing to help. However, they have no idea what they should do. Give them a copy of your book and ask them to review it.

11. Connect with other authors

According to custom essay help, you shouldn’t see other authors as the competition but allies. Connecting with other authors will allow you to get mentored and also promote your work. You can help each other progress and grow your audience.

Conclusion

Effective marketing is all about creativity. You need to know the strategies that other successful authors are using and adapt them to get similar results. Always start simple. Start by knowing your ideal reader and using the opportunities in your own backyard. In the end, your book will sell without having to spend a fortune.

“Kurt Walker is a skilled freelancer and editor at a professional writer service and resume writer review service in London. He is one of the many UK essay writers specialized in essay writing and assignment help. In his spare time, Kurt plays the guitar and takes his dog Shay for a walk.”

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writers Groups and Podcasting with Britt Mooney

In this episode of Writers Chat, Britt discusses how his writing group decided to do a collaborative podcast, Brew and Ink. He also shares some technical parts of hosting a podcast, and gives great tips for writers wanting to start a podcast. If you’ve thought about starting a podcast or are curious about the work (and fun) that it takes to be a successful podcast, be sure to check out this week’s episode.

Watch the August 18th replay.

Never Too Late to Break Into Publishing with Deborah Coty

Deborah is an award-winning author and motivational speaker. In this episode she shares her writing journey as a “late bloomer”. While juggling two careers (orthopedic occupational therapist and piano teacher) While in a waiting room, Deb saw an ad in a magazine for a writing contest which put the desire in her heart to begin a writing career at the age of 45. Her story is funny, light hearted, and encouraging. Deb is a great reminder that it is never too late to try and succeed at something new. Check out this week’s show and be encouraged.

Watch the August 25th replay.

Bios

Debora M. Coty is a motivational speaker, newspaper columnist and multiple award- winning author of more than 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed inspirational series, currently with more than 1.2 million books copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. She joins us today on Writers Chat to talk about her writing journey. A “late bloomer,” Deb began her professional writing journey at age 45, while juggling duo careers as an orthopedic occupational therapist and piano teacher. Deb is a tennis addict, hiking enthusiast and choco-athlete (the step beyond chocoholic; means she exercises just so she can eat more chocolate). She lives, loves and laughs in central Florida with her longsuffering husband of 40+ years, two grown children and five precocious grandpals. Join Debora’s fun-loving community of BFFs (Blessed Friends Forever) at www.DeborahCoty.com  

MB “Britt” Mooney, a hybrid author of Christian nonfiction and Fantasy Fiction, joins us today to talk about combining writers groups with podcasting. Britt and writer Steven Faletti are the creative minds behind the Brew and Ink podcast which creates stories based on audience feedback. In this episode, Britt talks about the collaborative Brew and Ink podcast, covers a few technical aspects of hosting a podcast, and shares advice and tips for writers who want to get into podcasting. Britt is also a church planter who works bi-vocationally at a missional coffee company. He is married to the amazing Becca; they and their three amazing kids go on many adventures in the Atlanta, GA area. Find out more about the Brew and Ink podcast at https://www.facebook.com/BrewandInk/

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Novelists Unwind

Novelists Unwind Interviews Hope Bolinger, Ann Gabhart, & Regina Rudd Merrick

Hope Bolinger, who describes herself as a “combo of driven and nerdy,” is a prodigious writer with an impressive resumé. During our interview, she shares why she started writing as a teen, her experiences at Taylor University’s professional writing program, and her love of costumes. (She once sang her order at McDonald’s while wearing a prom dress.)

Hope’s Blaze Trilogy is a modern-day telling of the Old Testament book of Daniel. The stories were inspired by a professor who mentioned that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego may have only been fourteen to sixteen years old when they were forced to leave their homes and journey to Babylon.

In addition to writing YA novels that inspire readers to stay strong in their faith, Hope has written over 800 articles for both the inspirational and general market, sold three screenplays, and is a literary agent for the CYLE (Cyle Young Literary Elite) Agency.

Ann Gabhart the bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty novels, returns to Novelists Unwind to talk about her latest novel, An Appalachian Summer.

Ann shares the history of the Frontier Nursing Service, an organization which plays an important role in her novel, and its remarkable founder, Mary Breckinridge. She first recruited midwives from England to come to the area to provide better healthcare and then opened midwifery schools to train nurses here in the U.S. Her headquarters in Wendover, Kentucky is now a bed-and-breakfast.

We also talk about Ann’s love of Kentucky–she lives on a farm only about a mile from where she was born!

Regina Rudd Merrick returns to Novelists Unwind to share the inspiration behind her latest novel, Heart Restoration. This is the first book in Regina’s RenoVations Series; however, the characters were first introduced in her novella, “Reno-Vating Christmas,” in Hope is Born: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology. 

Regina dedicated her novel to her parents, writing: “You instilled in me a love of home from day one, and were never afraid to try something just because it was hard.”

During our chat, Regina and I talked about how this love for home has influenced both of us in our writing. And we talked about a whole lot more!

The next Novelists Unwind Giveaway will be announced on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at http://www.johnnie-alexander.com/. Be sure to enter for your chance to win an inspirational novel.

Meet Johnnie

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. She is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in multiple genres, serves as a board member for Serious Writer, Inc. and Midsouth Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.

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Book Proposals

We’re All Struggling

We’re all struggling in this craziness, but one thing is sure, we are writers! We push on and don’t allow circumstances to prevent our stories coming to life.

Each day the news is different, and depending on who we listen to, either good or bad. Print sales are up, print sales are down. Ebooks are soaring, Ebooks have tanked. Self-publishing is the only way to go in this climate. Self-publishing will only drain you financially and emotionally. And it’s all Corona’s fault.

It only takes two minutes to open social media or a literary report to give us goosebumps from head to toe. And … cause us to question our chosen vocation. It’s tough to work on a project for a year or more, only to learn at the end of it that we might not be able to sell it.

This latest setback, the novel virus—we all know that has nothing to do with our kind of novel, has contributed to some interesting fluctuations in the market. So much so, that the very weak of heart have given up. But let me explain something. Those who aren’t in this crazy writers’ life for the long haul will use any excuse to give up. ANY excuse. Did you hear that?

They don’t like my work. I got three rejections in one day! I have to make a living (yes, a very valid reason, but if you can squeeze in just twenty minutes a day to write while keeping your day job…). It’s a LOT harder than I thought it would be.

If this crazy lock down did one thing, it’s this: it actually gave a lot of folks more time to write instead of less. And if not, then you’re no worse off than you were before. But write you must! Yes, there I said it. IF you are truly a writer, you have to write as surely as you have to breathe, and nothing … did you read that … nothing will stop you.

Artsy vocations aren’t like going to the bank from nine to five and pulling in a steady paycheck. Artsy vocations: theatre, sculpting, writing, painting, photography, etc., are not five days a week careers. They are 24/7/365 vocations that come from the heart. While you can learn to do all of these things, for true diehards, there is an uncontrollable itch inside that births the desire to create.

Few people wake up one day as a child and just know they must grow up to be a banker. But many children feel that tug to act, paint, or write. They set up stages in the family garage and act out Grease over and over until they are prolific with the songs and dialogue for each and every character. Others start writing stories as soon as they can string words together. And still others might paint/draw incredible concepts early on. This, my friends, comes from the heart. Not from classes, not from books, but from the heart. And THOSE individuals must pursue their art form, as I said, as surely as taking one breath after another.

Okay, nice philosophy, but do I really believe that? Should you really believe that?

Absolutely! If I quit writing altogether, a part of me would shrink (just like muscle atrophy when we stop moving), and I’d wither like a flower on a vine. I need—you need to be creative. We were made that way. As writers, we can’t look around us without seeing stories unfolding. We can’t sit at a keyboard and play games when there are voices in our heads begging to be released so they can tell their stories.

Do NOT allow these crazy, troubling times to become an excuse to sit back and give up. Only you can successfully tell the story or bring to life the information that has been woven into your heart. Don’t give up. Your story or article or memoir might be the very thing that helps another life grow into what he or she is meant to be. You never know who your writing will touch or why. In this lifetime, all you can do is write and assume you are helping to make a difference.

Press on and create. Let nothing … nothing … stop you.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing in Layers with Hallee Bridgeman

Hallee shares with us the layering technique she’s developed to write a 100,000 word novel in four weeks. This is just the writing. She allows another four weeks for characterization development and edits. Not only does Hallee share why she uses this method, but gives some very practical how tos as well. This is episode is full of great information and resources you don’t want to miss, so click the link below and check it out.

Watch the August 4th replay

Leverage the General Market without Feeling Like a Sell-Out with Ashley L. Jones

Are you a faith-based author looking to publish in the general market? In this episode of Writers Chat, Ashley shares her experiences writing the book, Modern Cast Iron. This book was not part of her plan, but one “God downloaded”. Often as writers we have story or nonfiction ideas, but sometimes God has other plans in mind. If this is you or you are curious about the general market, be sure to catch the replay of this episode.

Watch the August 11th replay.

Bios

Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author of action-packed romantic suspense, with nearly a million sales. She has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). She’s an accomplished speaker who’s taught and inspired writers around the globe. You can connect with her on social media or at www.halleebridgeman.com.

Ashley L. Jones, author, blogger, and teacher, but her favorite title is Big Sister. Believing we all have something worth sharing she began her blog Big Sister Knows to encourage other young women to live their life with gusto. You can connect with Ashely on social media or at www.bigsisterknows.com.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Guest Posts

8 Things to Do Before Your Self-Published Book is Released

It has never been easier to publish a book thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. Goodreads and Amazon are some of the best platforms for new authors, most of whom are unknown and inexperienced. Most writers have no idea about what it takes to release a book. Publishing a professional, well-written, and memorable book is a process.

As a writer, you’ve probably published some of your books. Perhaps you have completed writing another book and you want different results when you finally release your creativity to the world. Here are eight things that you should so before releasing your book.

1. Write a great book

According to college papers, every reader wants to invest in great books. While this point may appear simple, you’ll be surprised by the number of poorly written books that have already been published. Don’t be too excited to release your book without ensuring that it’s good. People will hate the book and the author. And you’ll end up hating yourself.

How can you be sure that your book is good? If you are happy with the plot, characters, and the flow then you are one step closer to having a good book. However, reading the book alone is not the most effective solution. There are people who can spot errors that your eyes can’t see even if you read your work fifty times. You need beta readers to help you out.

2. Find beta readers

Beta readers are people who read your book from cover to cover and give you an honest opinion. Some of these readers might be writers. And others might be people who simply love reading. You give them a free book for their honest opinion.

It can be surprisingly difficult to find people to read your book especially if it’s too long. Some will say they don’t have enough time to read. And others will want to read without having to look for mistakes. Avoid asking the following people to point out mistakes in your work:

  • Best friend: Even if they are willing to help, there’s a chance that they’ll never find time to read it. You’ll keep pestering them and they’ll always come up with excuses or worse, avoid you.
  • Your mum: Your mum is always going to love the work of your hands. Your mother is the best choice if you want to be complimented. However, not the best choice if you want honesty.
  • Your spouse: People who are close to you are the least likely to be completely honest with you. They have already accepted you with all your strengths and weaknesses.

You should ask:

  • Writers: Writers understand their craft. You should go for experienced authors because they’ll quickly notice your mistakes. They can also offer constructive criticism and suggestions of what you need to improve and how to go about it.
  • Editors: Editors love reading books. Some of them won’t charge you anything for reading your book. Editors are experienced in pointing out mistakes. They won’t hesitate to tell you what needs to be improved.

Today, it’s quite easy to find beta readers. They have formed groups on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Other platforms to find experienced writers and editors include research paper writing service, assignment help and essay reviews. For other people to read your work, you must be willing to read other people’s work.

3. Criticism shouldn’t hurt

Don’t send your book to an experienced writer or editor and expect them to shower you with compliments. They won’t unless they are close to you.

Criticism is a free gift that improves the quality of your book. Some people will just trash your book without any valid reason. Instead of feeling awful, ignore such people. However, if you get comments such as “continuity error in Chapter X Paragraph Y, then you’ve got some work to do.

Criticism can hurt. But it’s one of the most effective ways of improving your skills. Take criticism well and make the most out of it. If one reader can spot mistakes and leave honest feedback, it’s highly likely that others will feel the same way.

4. Find more beta readers

After correcting your work, send it more beta readers. Hopefully, some of your original readers will be interested in reading your revised manuscript. This is good because they’ll let you know if the changes you made have improved your book. And other things that you need to add. Honest feedback can be a pain in the ass. But it’s an important process if you want readers to take you seriously.

5. Find a copy editor

According to dissertation help service, if you are self-publishing, you’ll have to hire a copy editor. The best part is, you’ll get to choose an editor who is ideal for you. A copy editor will check for things like repetition, word choices, and get rid of weak sentences. Beta readers will not do this for you. But a copy editor will greatly improve the quality of your work.

6. Hire a proofreader

All the stages that we’ve discussed are important. And can be skipped if you are an experienced writer with a loyal following. However, proofreading is a must. Since our eyes are usually blind when it comes to finding our errors, a proofreader will help you fix typos, punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors. Unless your book is short and you are a professional proofreader, it’s always good to hire someone.

A study conducted by Dissertation Today found out that close to forty percent of books that you’ll find on shelves have never been proofread. They are full of spelling mistakes, incomplete sentences, and tense confusion. And they frustrate many readers. To avoid joining this club, hire a proofreader to polish your work.

7. Get a captivating cover

The cover is the first thing people look at before picking a book. Believe it or not, a lot of readers judge a book by its cover. Therefore, it’s important to hire a professional designer to help you create a good cover for your book. Ensure that the designer takes into account the main points in your book. You don’t want your creativity to be hidden behind a poorly designed cover.

8. Format

Self-publishing a book requires a lot of formatting work. The font has to fit properly on e-readers like Kindle. The cover size has to be perfect. It’s better to work hard and eliminate errors before releasing your book than after you’ve released it.

Conclusion

After completing all these steps, you’ll have a professionally written manuscript with a great cover waiting to be published. And you can start calling yourself an author. The more you write, the easier this process will be.

Kurt Walker is a skilled freelancer and editor at a professional writer service in London. He is one of the many UK essay writers specialized in essay writing and assignment help. In his spare time, Kurt plays the guitar and takes his dog Shay for a walk.

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Get Started with Writing Articles

The first thing a beginning writers often hear is “write what you know.” Good advice! But once you have exhausted what you know, how do you find other things to write about? Is it possible to write about things you don’t know?

Of course it is. You just have to know how to locate information that can make you a temporary expert!

1. Research. These days we have research at our fingertips. Start with an online search on a topic you would like to write about. Read the information but don’t stop there. Locate the sources in the bibliography of the article and go to some of them. The closer you can get to the original source of your information, the more accurate it will be.

2. Interview others who are experts on your topic. There are websites that can connect you with experts in every field. Local directories can give you contact information of those experts in your area. Social media is now a quick way to find people who are knowledgeable on a certain topic. If you still can’t find enough for your article, try colleges or local educators. Often they can give you the information you need or know someone who is knowledgeable in that area.

3. Look in your newspaper. People who write articles for newspapers and magazines have already done research and if they have already written about the topic you want to write about, they can be a gold mine of information.

4. Spend some time learning about the subject. For instance, Barbara Ehrenreich wanted to write about the welfare system in our country. She got a job and tried to live off of her meager salary as she researched that system.

At one point I wrote a soccer handbook. I had no idea how to begin or even what the rules for soccer were. My sons friends who played on the high school soccer team stopped by almost every afternoon to see what questions I had about the game. Those young men made it possible for me to complete my assignment and do it well.

Perhaps you are writing about a character in your novel and you are not familiar with the occupation of one of your characters. Ask to shadow someone for several days who has the same job. You would be surprised what you can learn in just a few sessions with someone who is knowledgeable.

As you can see there are lots of ways to write about something you don’t know about. So maybe we should rephrase our subject. If you are a beginning writer, write what you know and write what you can learn.

Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of writing. Linda recently released Articles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles. As director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Linda helps many writers take the next step in reaching their writing goals. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com

Categories
The Intentional Writer

The Importance of Taking Breaks

The intentional writer

Writing is hard work. It may not look like writers expend much energy, but we are. Writing saps our mental, emotional, and spiritual energy reserves. If you’ve ever felt drained after a writing session you know what I mean.

In order to be effective in our writing career, we need to intentional about taking breaks to restore our creative energy. We need time to rest, refuel, and find new inspiration. Here are some ideas:

Five types of breaks to boost writing success

Give your project a rest

Sometimes the best thing we can do with a writing project is set it aside for a time. When we get deep into a story we lose the ability to look at it objectively, plus we tend to get stuck on certain details, scenes, or sentences. When we set the project aside and work on a different piece of writing for a time, we allow our brains to do a reset.

Taking a break between one draft and the next enables our conscious and unconscious brains to return to the project with clearer thinking. We can more easily spot problems and think up more creative solutions for solving them. If you feel stuck with a piece of writing, try locking it in a drawer (real or virtual) for at least a week, or perhaps a few months.

Take short breaks to enhance efficiency

When we’re in the middle of a busy day, taking a break may feel highly unproductive, but productivity experts have shown that taking short breaks actually enhances our ability to think and perform. They suggest stopping every two hours or so to take a short break.

All breaks are not created equally, however. To make the most of short breaks, walk away from your desk, turn your brain to a completely unrelated subject, and connect with either nature or other humans. Limit the break to about fifteen minutes. Above all, resist the temptation to check social media or email! Those activities are not restorative.

Refill your empty tank

When we push ourselves to keep going after our inner energy tank is on empty, our creativity suffers. If we want to do our best work, we must be intentional about taking refueling breaks. What refreshes and restores your heart and soul? Taking a walk along the seashore? Paining a picture? Gardening? Reading? Talking with a friend over coffee? Do yourself and your future readers a favor by making a point to refuel yourself regularly by spending time in activities that restore your body and psyche.

Seek out inspiration

Along with refueling our inner energy tank, we occasionally need to resupply our stock of inspiration. Now and then we need to take a break from writing to seek other kinds of experiences that will fill our store of ideas and spark creativity. The more varied the activities, the better. Vacations, nature walks, art classes, dancing lessons, or a visit to an art museum are all great ways to refill our cache of inspiration. So is reading a book outside our preferred genres or watching a TED talk on something we know nothing about. It may feel like wasted time, but all positive input is fodder for out subconscious. What new things can you learn or experience this week?

Meditate and pray

Our words reflect the state of our spirit. If we hope to communicate truth and hope to our readers we need to remain connected to our Lord. He is the one who gifted us with imagination and called us to write. He is the one who can inspire, guide, and clarify our thoughts. He is the one who enables us to write with efficiency and purpose. Taking spiritual breaks to pray and meditate will help us stay true to our calling and enable us to communicate the truths in our hearts.

I hope these tips help you avoid burnout and enhance your creative output.

Happy writing!

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.