Categories
Child's Craft

Strengthening Your Children’s Story

So, you’ve written your masterpiece of a story. You finally put your great idea onto the pages. What a fabulous accomplishment. Great job! However, it’s still not ready to submit to a publisher. Now it must be strengthened.

Rewriting is the next step where your great story becomes magnificent! Don’t dread this stage. The fun continues. You get to play with your words. First, check your word count. It doesn’t matter at this point how many words you have. Your job was just to get it on paper – to let it flow and hopefully you did. But the first part of rewriting is to know how many words you need to eliminate.

[bctt tweet=”Rewriting is the next step where your great story becomes magnificent! #rewrite #editgoal” via=”no”]

Keep in mind your target age group. Here are word count guidelines for each group. These may vary from publisher to publisher so check the Writers Market Guide for each publisher’s guidelines.

0-2 board books (less than 250 words)

2-4 toddler board books (500 words or less)

5-8 picture book (roughly up to 1000 words)

7-10 chapter books (up to 15,000 words)

9-12 tween (20,000-35,000 words)

13+ young adult (55,000-70,000 words)

If a publisher states they accept picture books up to 1200 words. Don’t send them a manuscript with 1500 words hoping they’ll make an exception. Send them what they publish.

Check to see if each sentence, thought, idea moves your story forward. Is it all necessary? Shave off a part and see if the story still flows. If it doesn’t, put that part back in and shave off a different part. Sometimes the shaving actually strengthens the story.

For picture books, circle all the verbs. That’s right. All of them.  Picture books contain few words so choose them wisely. Try to eliminate the weak verbs: is, are, am, was, were, will, have, had, has, be, been. Then strengthen them. Check for synonyms and plug in other words. Play with it.

Next, underline your adjectives and adverbs. Try to eliminate ‘ly’ words and find stronger words.

Here is an example:

Sally ran quickly to get out of the rain. Suddenly she stopped when she saw a bright rainbow. Now she was happy.

22 words.

Circle the verbs: ran, get, stopped, saw, was.

Underline descriptors: quickly, suddenly, bright, happy.

All pretty weak. Let’s see if we can tighten it up a bit.

Sally raced from the rain but slowed when a sparkling rainbow appeared. She smiled.

14 words. Not an exciting story, but the same point is made with less but somewhat stronger words.

Now, highlight words you’ve used more than once. In the first example I used ‘she’ three times, which is too many. In the second example ‘she’ is used only once.

If you’re writing a story about a kitten, how many times did you use the word kitten? Unless repetition is your goal, can you replace it with another word while keeping the words age-appropriate? Kitty, cat, ball of fur, fluff ball.

Shorten, tighten, strengthen.

 

Categories
Guest post archive

Writer, Do You Have Any Idea What You’re Really Doing? – Lori Roeleveld

 

Don’t say “I work with words.”

Rather say, “I handle hazardous material so combustible it has destroyed careers and incited revolutions.”

Don’t say, “All I can do is write.”

Rather say, “All I can do is create life-infused dispatches from behind enemy lines using the same compound that sparked what the uninformed refer to as the Big-Bang. “

Don’t say “I write.”

Rather say, “I apprentice in my Father’s business, following in His footsteps, and modeling His every move as He is the Master Craftsman. His words produced entire solar systems, the greatest thinkers of our time, and the curve of a woman’s thigh. There is this potential, also, in what I scribble. It may not be evident today but I have endless days to perfect my craft, to create new worlds, to breathe life into the souls I dream.”

Don’t say, “I hope my words are read.”

Rather say, “My desire is that through my art, you will hear the cylinders click into position and know I have unlocked the priceless potential of words. That you will stand and tremble realizing I have unleashed the junkyard dogs of the building blocks of existence containing a force beyond that of a thousand nuclear warheads and that you will not be able to outrun the snarling revelation overtaking you like a truth unchained.”

Don’t say, “I hope to be published.”

Rather say, “I hope the blast effects that occur when I combine words in my laptop laboratory will illuminate the heavens so that they cannot be ignored or denied. I hope the radiance of the detonation will inspire the illiterate to learn to read just so they can enter deeper into the experience of the Glorious God my words seek to describe.

I hope the masses fall silent as they stare, open-mouthed and weeping, at the realization that what they thought was only possible in their private dreams is accessible to all and that they grasp my dangling participles to rise above their own shattered stories, their feet lifting from the unforgiving earth, their lungs emptied of the noxious gas of deception, and their victorious laughter fired by the helium of freedom as my words carry them closer to the great God-heart they now know beats also for them. “

Don’t say, “I am a writer.”

Rather say, “I am my Father’s child.”

[author title=”Lori Stanley Roeleveld” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Roeleveld-Headshot.jpeg”]Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored an unsettling blog since 2009; a pursuit that eventually resulted in her first book, Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus). Though she has degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori learned the most important things from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. You’ll find her at her website www.loriroeleveld.com. If not, know she’s off somewhere slaying dragons. Not available for children’s parties.[/author]

 

Categories
Touching Soul and Spirit

Identity: Who Are You?

Who you are is your identity. What you do is your vocation, your calling, or your talent. But it’s not your identity.

One of the first things a detective will establish when investigating a missing person who has purportedly been found or a body that has been discovered is to ascertain a precise indentification. The “who are you?” question must be answered to bring closure to the case. The police look at identity markers like fingerprints, dental records, and DNA, which are unique in every person. These are essential in determining an accurate identification. That person’s vocation, hobbies, talents, and calling may be important in the investigation, but when the missing person or the body is identified, who that person is matters more than what that person does.

You are not what you do! It may consume most of your time. You may find great joy and value in it, but you are not what you do—you are who you are. So, who are you?

[bctt tweet=”What you do is your vocation, your calling, or your talent. But it’s not your identity. #inspiration #truth #calling” via=”no”]

You were created in the image and the likeness of God. You are like God but you are not a god and never will be (even if your fans think you are). As a Christ follower, you are a son or a daughter of God. When Jesus saved you, you became a new creation. The old you was swallowed up in grace. When God looks at you now, he sees the real you, not the writer, the author, the pastor, the teacher, or the Indian chief. And, he is pleased with his handiwork and the progress that has been made.

When we live our lives based on what we do we will always be disappointed in who we are at that moment. I remember fondly the first book proposal that was accepted, the first book published, and the first award one of my books won, but none of those things determined my identity. I tried to find my identity in them but they left me empty, unfulfilled, and wanting more. What I do is enhanced by knowing and understanding who I am. It never works the other way. I am a son of the living God and that does not change. I am redeemed and secure in Jesus Christ. And best of all, I am a new creation. That is who God says I am, and that’s really all that matters.

Now it’s your turn.

  • Who are you? Think about that for a moment and try to put it in one sentence. It will be tougher than you think.
  • What makes you—you?
  • Are you at ease with who you are right now?

Discovering who you really are will only enhance what God has called you to do.

Categories
Heart Lift

Celebrate Small Successes

Janell Rardon Heart Lift

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.”
― Albert Schweitzer

Knowing Our Why

It’s a known fact. Women my age are having plastic surgery. In 2012, 14.6 million cosmetic surgeries were performed, both minimally-invasive and surgical.  In fact, TIME Magazine insists that before it is all said and done, everyone will have something done.

While I can’t say I agree with that statement, I do agree with the “why” behind their findings. Staff writer, Alice Park writes, “Putting aside reconstructive surgery, facial plastic surgery is all about vanity.”

Ouch. 

Vain Pursuits

Vanity? That’s a little harsh, isn’t it? Or is it?

In Webster’s 1828, he defines vanity as, “Emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty; inanity.”

Taking it one step further, vanity comes from the L. root, vain, [want], meaning, “Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one’s own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited.”

More showy than valuable. Elated with a high opinion of one’s own accomplishments.

I like to think I have “no vain pursuits” or “vanity” in my writing career, but then I remind myself that Ego doesn’t die quietly.

[bctt tweet=”Ego doesn’t die quietly, does it?”]

Have you noticed how sensitive Ego is? How easily bruised? How darn much it desires attention and affirmation and applause?

And, Almost-an-Author Ego wants every publisher to think they have the next bestseller, wants to win every contest, and so wants their novel to be the next Hollywood blockbuster.

Sell 2,000 copies? Oh no, that is just not good enough.

Isn’t a Heart Lift Way Better Than a Face Lift?

Years and years ago, the beloved Elisabeth Elliot looked me in the eyes and said, “Janell, don’t ask to be a writer. It’s a hard, isolating vocation. If God calls you to write, then He will be with you in the isolation. Seek Him.”

I did exactly what she said. I sought God. And, I believe He did call me to write.

[bctt tweet=”The writing life requires resilience.”]

I have held Elisabeth Elliot’s words close to my heart, because writing is indeed hard. It requires so much from us and often doesn’t give a lot back in return.

But when it does give back, the reward is rich, satisfying, and as Christians, eternally significant.

[bctt tweet=”Do you need a heart lift today?”]

I can’t offer you a face lift today, but I can offer you a heart lift, which I think is way better.

Each and every post written with your heart in mind.

Today’s Heart Lift: Celebrate the Small Successes

Most of us will never have a best seller. Hard truth, but no sugar coating here. That doesn’t mean we will stop dreaming or honing our craft or believing God to expand our spheres of influence. We will keep putting words on paper and praying they will impact this world for good.

AND, most importantly, we will celebrate every single small success along the way, both individually and corporately.

[bctt tweet=”Celebrate every small success.”]

What small success will you celebrate today? Please share it with us so we can celebrate with you.

Until next time, do something special for someone in your life. I bet they could use a heart lift!

Janell Rardon Signature

Categories
Have Words, Will Travel....Travel Writing 101

Moving Three Steps Closer to Travel Writing

So, what exactly is a travel writer? The answer seems obvious, which is why I prefer Brian Klems’ perspective:

“All good travel writing moves the reader twice: it transports him to a place, and moves him emotionally.”

This idea of moving our readers embraces a plethora of possibilities for the one who invites others to see what they see, feel what they feel. Like the weekend warrior who introduces local readers to nearby adventures, sites, and attractions they might have otherwise missed. Or, perhaps it’s the person with wanderlust buried in their bones, traveling both home and abroad.

Either way, there must be a starting point. Below are three steps to help move you towards your goal, whether it’s for professional or personal purposes:

  • Create a travel blog. This is an effective way to build a platform, increasing the visibility of your name and especially your work. Post pictures and videos, along with your unique take on the destination, as well as the journey itself. (I’ll share more tips specifically for travel blogs in future posts.)
  • Take time to network. Set aside 30 minutes every day, or a few times each week, to visit other travel blogs and Web sites. Leave pithy, well-composed comments on those sites you value most. Try to avoid simplistic comments, like “great post!” This is your opportunity to connect with those whose work you respect. Be specific. Tell them what you found to be most valuable in their post.
  • Spiff up those skills! Refuse to settle for being a good writer. Head back to school, take an evening class, join a local or online critique group, read, etc. Competition for travel articles is particularly intense.

Care to join me on this exploration of all things travel writing? If there’s a particular subject you would like to see covered in this column, please share in the comment section.

In the meantime, in honor of beloved Dr. Suess, what’s a favorite place you would like to go?

“Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” – Dr. Suess

[bctt tweet=”So, what exactly is a travel writer? #travel #writer” via=”no”]

 

 

 

Categories
Heard It Through The Hartline

Matchmaking and a Good Proposal

Book and knowledge concept

Agenting is a lot like being the matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. We have the job of searching for a suitable match between you, the author, and the right publishing house for your writing. A publisher that can provide a long-standing relationship where the author can flourish and mature.

As the publishing houses continue to recover from the economic changes the digital revolution brought about, it is more important than ever for authors to present an agent with a good proposal. Each portion of the proposal convinces the publisher to make a financial investment in you. For example, the competitive analysis helps an editor decide if there is a large enough reader-ship for titles such as yours that make their investment worthwhile. In the case of nonfiction titles, this list helps them determine if your book has something to say that has not been said before, or if it says it in a unique and marketable way.

[bctt tweet=”Agenting is a lot like being the matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. #agent #amwriting” via=”no”]

Be sure to take advantage of the writing conference schedules available in your areas, many of them offer great workshops on preparing a stellar proposal. A few of my favorite resource titles are; A Writers Survival Guide by Terry Burns, Author 101- Bestselling Book Proposals, Frishman & Spizman, and of course Terry Whalin’s Book Proposals That Sell.

Nonfiction authors must meet a large ‘platform’ challenge. With so much free online material and a plethora of blogs on every conceivable topic, having huge numbers of followers in their social media stats is very important. A publisher must be assured that the nonfiction author can help promote and sell their book through a strong network, and a speaking platform, where back of the room sales can take place.

When I am asked in reference to a nonfiction title, what should come first, the book or the platform, I encourage the platform. For without it, I will not be able to place your book with a publisher.

Romance novels continue to be an open door for new authors at Harlequins Love Inspired imprints. Authors must adhere to their submission formula or they will waste their time and receive a rejection. Many male authors are trying their hand at romance writing in an effort to get a published foot in the door.

Christian book sales continue to be good, although there are fewer slots open or titles being published, publishing houses are still buying. Be encouraged, God is in the process, and He is still on the throne.

 

Categories
Bestsellers

Wacky Ways to Windup Your Creativity

We’ve all been there. Deadlines are looming for our blog or our novels. A tingling in the pit of your stomach borders on nausea. We settle into our favorite chair and turn on our computer. Pull up our WIP. Position our fingers on the keyboard. And nothing.

We read the pages we wrote the day before.

We dive into our favorite source of caffeine.

We read the blogs on how to get past writer’s block.

One writer jogs three miles.

Another pulls weeds.

Read a few excerpts from a bestseller.

Watch a movie.

For some writers those ideas might not work. A twinge of fear sets it, and you search frantically for words that are chained deep inside your mind.

The time has come to look deeper and discover your own ways to spark your creativity. Take a look at seven out-of-the-box ways to break out of writer’s block.

  1. Play with kids under the age of six. These little people have imaginations that soar into places we adults are afraid to go. A boy crouches on the sofa in the Spider Man position. A girl closes her eyes and sings from the movie Pose a story line and let them finish it.
  2. Jump into the pool—with goggles. Look at the world beneath the water. What do you see? What do you feel? How can your writing take an unusual dip?
  3. Study the world of a hummingbird by spending time around a feeder. Who’s in control? What makes you laugh? Picture yourself miniature size and climb on board a hummingbird. Which one would you choose?
  4. Clean your garage. When I do this, I find things I’ve lost and things I wish I hadn’t found. Put your character beside you. How does his/her discoveries enhance the storyline?
  5. View a cooking show where competition and a time limit means high stakes. Study the cooks’ What are the successes and failures? Where does their conflict take your character?
  6. Plan a vacation, the one that’s at the top of your bucket list. Create a budget, research flight availability, consult the climate and weather, and decide who will accompany you. What about your character, can he/she use this information? How would their itinerary be different?
  7. Visit a zoo. Take your time to study birds, animals, and reptiles. Their habits and peculiarities can force the writer to take an unusual approach to story.

[bctt tweet=”Watch your fingers race over the keyboard with the next great American novel. #amwriting #writetip” via=”no”]

Maybe some of these wacky ways to shake off the chains of writer’s block will appeal to you. Take a huge breath, try something new, and watch your fingers race over the keyboard with the next great American novel.

Categories
Writer's Block

The Blank Page

There’s nothing more daunting than a blank page and no idea where to go next. Over the next months we will be sharing ways to overcome the dreaded Writer’s Block.

Of course, our first line of defense should be prayer but often it’s the last thing we do. And, even if we won’t admit it, we sometimes feel that people use the statement “pray about it” just to get out of offering us any other help.

Writing Prompt #1: PRAY

   Writing Prompt #2: USE PICTURES TO JUMP START YOUR STORY

We are going to start with the following picture. I want you to study this picture and then write the first page of your story based on what you see and feel when you look at it. Hook me. Make me want to read your book. Email me your stories and I’ll pick a winner to announce in next month’s column.

Apply to Your Story

How to use this idea in your own story: Start from the scene where your character is stuck. Use the idea of a picture to see and feel what your character is seeing and feeling. Go on with your story from there.

Keep Praying and Keep Writing!

[bctt tweet=”There’s nothing more daunting than a blank page #writersblock #novel #writingtip” via=”no”]

 

 

 

Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire. Support Writer Encouragement

3 Reasons to Learn How to Share (Your Writing)

I slogged through composing an article, retyping the same sentence six or seven times. The sentence was too short, too wordy, too awkward, too something. I deleted the string of witless words.

Nothing.

It was time to escalate so I shot an email to a writing buddy and attached the offending sentence along with a plea for help. In minutes, she replied with the suggestions of moving one word and adding punctuation after another.

The problem that I had stared down for way too long, she had solved in seconds.

In this unique realm where we subsist as writers, critique partners are our lifelines. The benefits of sharing our work with like-minded souls are boundless, including improving our basic skills, developing a sense of community, and dealing with doubts and insecurities.

Do you ever feel bogged down in a writing project? These are my three favorite reasons to reach out to other writers:

1. Accountability
Writers tend to live a life of isolation. We can stay secluded for days and even weeks at a time. The downside of this is the tendency to drift toward laziness and procrastination in our work. Knowing that someone will be asking about our progress can give us just the push we need to keep going.

2. Fresh Insight/Perspective
We can read our work a dozen times and not see the problems that a critique partner will see on a first perusal. Feedback is crucial to our growth and development as a writer. We learn exponentially under honest review and evaluation. My favorite phrase to hear is, “Is this what you meant to say…?”

3. Inspiration
Brainstorming with fellow writers can be a little touch of heaven on earth. Article and book ideas have been conceived from a group of writers laughing, sharing and challenging each other to dig deeper and reach higher. In a recent conference workshop, I deliberately began an article with over-the-top silliness. My critique group proceeded to surprise me by saying, “Keep it in!” They gave me the courage to jump in and experience something fresh and new in my writing.

[bctt tweet=”Brainstorming with fellow writers can be a little touch of heaven on earth. #amwriting @lthomaswrites”]

Who keeps you accountable and fans the flames of creativity in your writing-life? If no one comes to mind, make it a point to seek out like-minded friends and colleagues. Do a google-search of writer’s groups in your area or contact a respected conference website for recommendations (brmcwc.org and word-weavers.com are good examples).

You may be the inspiration that someone else is seeking.

[bctt tweet=”Who keeps you accountable and fans the flames of creativity in your writing-life? #amwriting #writer @lthomaswrites”]

Photo art by Hilary Brooke Hall ©2015
Used by permission

Categories
Publishing Perspectives

Smaller Publishers

Publishing Perspectives column

The number of smaller publishers will continue to grow as technology enables more people to complete the tasks involved in producing a book. Many people consider a publishing house an “Indie” press as long as it isn’t owned by one of the Big Five companies.

So in the world of Christian publishing, who are some of these smaller publishing houses? And by “smaller” I don’t mean that some of these are tiny (some are) but simply that they aren’t Big Five.

[bctt tweet=”Who are some of these smaller publishing houses? #publishing #indiepub” via=”no”]

  • Abingdon Press
  • AMG – Living Ink Books
  • B&H Publishing (a division of LifeWay Christian Resources)
  • Baker Publishing Group
    • Bethany House
    • Revell
    • Baker Books
    • Baker Academic
    • Brazos Press
    • Chosen Books
    • Regal Books
  • Barbour Publishing
  • CrossRiver Media Group
  • Crossway
  • David C. Cook
  • Ellechor Publishing House
  • Enclave Publishing
  • Guideposts
    • Summerside Press
  • Harvest House Publishers
  • HopeSprings Books
  • Kregel Publications
  • Lamp Post, Inc.
  • Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
  • Lion Fiction
  • Lovely Christian Romance Press
  • Mountainview Books
  • NavPress
  • New Hope Publishers
  • Next Step Books
  • Pelican
    • Harbourlight Books
    • White Rose Publishing
  • Prism Book Group
    • Inspired
  • Realms
  • Rhiza Press
  • River North
  • Shade Tree Publishing
  • Splashdown Books
  • Urban Christian
  • Whitaker House
  • WhiteFire Publishing
  • Write Integrity Press

I’m sure there are others! These are from the list of Recognized Publishers from the American Christian Fiction Writers group.

In order to be considered for ACFW’s Recognized Publisher List, a publisher must meet the following criteria:

  1. The publisher publishes novels written from a Christian worldview in any Christian fiction genre (i.e. should not contain profanity, graphic sex, gratuitous violence or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards of the CBA.)
  2. All of the publisher’s fiction is Christian, or the publisher has an imprint devoted entirely to Christian fiction (in which case only the imprint will be recognized).
  3. The author must not participate financially in the production or distribution of the book (including a requirement to buy books).
  4. The publisher must pay royalties.
  5. The publisher must have been in business at least one year, and have previously unpublished books of Christian fiction by at least two authors (other than the owners) in print over the past year.
  6. The publisher’s books must show evidence of professional editing and cover art, and the content must reflect biblical principles.

I like these criteria. They are good ones for authors to keep in mind when evaluating any publishing house that you might like to work with.

Categories
Polishing Your Message

Three Steps to Confident Feedback

Ever ask a friend’s, relative’s or colleague’s opinion on something you’ve written? You wait patiently, trying not to stare, interpreting each facial expression as a sign or clue. Finally a reply, “I like it,” or “It’s good,” is uttered with no additional words following.  You think to yourself, That’s it? That doesn’t help me.

Perhaps on occasion you have been the person responding above not knowing what to say.  You didn’t feel confident offering your thoughts. You’re not an expert or a published author. You still have trouble calling yourself a writer.

Well, “It’s good,” doesn’t say anything.  To a writer the phrase is too vague, too meaningless. He or she is seeking feedback more specific.

Whether asking for feedback or offering feedback, here are three steps to help readers share responses to a draft.

Before you start to read, let go of the pressure to catch every error or mistake. There is a difference between editing/proofreading and reader responses. Don’t be afraid. You are qualified to respond. You are an experienced reader, and writers need to know how their message is being received or interpreted. You are qualified to offer your reaction and thoughts to something you read.

Next, keep it simple. Keep it nice, and remember three things by ReadWriteThink.org:

PQP: Praise-Question-Polish.

Step 1: PRAISE.   Always find something positive to say about the piece you have been asked to read. Perhaps you like a particular phrase or word choice that lingers in your mind after reading, or you like how the writer describes a scene which easily forms in your mind’s eye. Always find something big or small to praise within the work.

question mark

Step 2: QUESTION.  As you read make notes of any questions that enter your mind. Maybe you wonder why the author doesn’t mention something you would expect to be included on the topic, or where the baby was in the scene when the mother went to the store. Any questions while reading can offer insight the author may need to improve or revise the current draft or work.

Step 3: POLISH.   Finally, offer specific ways you think the writer could polish the piece. These comments cannot be too vague. When you offer an idea to polish, the writer cannot be wondering what you mean. He or she needs a starting point or direction to act on your comment. Read-Write-Think suggests three types of comments: vague, general/useful, and specific. Below are examples of each:

Vague:  “Revise the second paragraph.” or “It’s good.”

Useful/general: “shiny engiveI don’t see enough background information or support for your idea.” or “Can you describe the kitchen scene better?”

Specific:  “I like how you give the points to remember, but can you add an example to help readers better understand what you mean?” or “The title doesn’t seem to convey the topic.”

If grammar and mechanics are your strengths, by all means offer comments and corrections. If you think something doesn’t look right, but you are not sure, you may suggest the writer double check a concern. The main thing about “Polish” is to give the writer a starting point or direction to consider changes.

Writers know what they intend to say in the message, but the receiver of the message does not always hear it as intended. If you are asked to offer quick feedback on a draft, just remember PQP. You can always find something positive to say, did you have any questions, and offer a specific comment the writer may consider to polish the piece.

You don’t have to be an expert or published author to provide helpful feedback to a writer. And as a writer, what you do with the feedback is entirely up to you. Some suggestions will spur new ideas, and some will lead to a dead end and remain left behind.  Nonetheless, diverse readers, diverse backgrounds, and diverse worldviews will encourage your message to be received differently. Stay focused on your message and meaning, use feedback to clarify and polish, then send your message out trusting the Holy Spirit to handle the rest.

[bctt tweet=”provide helpful feedback to a writer #writers #readers #polishing”]

[bctt tweet=”asking for feedback #writer #reader #drafts”]

Source acknowledged:  www.readwritethink.org,

ReadWriteThink.org is a nonprofit website maintained by the International Literacy Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, with support from the Verizon Foundation.”

Image Credits: Colin Harris, Dave Wilson   https://www.flickr.com/photos/

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

Poetry Defined

Teachers of literature typically define poetry as anything other than prose. Even though this definition is true, it’s vague at best.

Poetry has been around for a long, long time. Some historians even believe that poetry in the form of oral tradition predated the practice of writing. You can find poems in every major movement, era, and time period in human history. Likewise, throughout the ages it has developed many forms.

The best way to define poetry is to describe the various forms that it takes.

Narrative poetry tells stories.  Lyric poetry is usually shorter and uses strong imagery to create an emotional effect.

Concrete poetry expresses the theme through the design and the placement of the words. Haiku are short Japanese poems focused on the theme of nature.

Sonnets are highly structured poems that make use of iambic pentameter and rhyme scheme.  Similarly, villanelles make use of refrains, stanza, and rhyme.

The modern free verse form has opened up even more possibilities for poets because ironically this “form” of poetry is defined as any poem that doesn’t fit the molds of the other forms.  It’s a form without a form.  The rules are whatever you make them.

Essentially poetry can be fun or serious.  It can be simple or complex. Most poets try to communicate a complex message in as few words as possible.

Recently, I was sitting in a conference session with well-known poets, Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger as they defined contemporary poetry perfectly. They called it “snapshot writing” and described it as “non-fiction focused through a creative lens.”

How appropriate.

If you think about it, much personal poetry today is non-fiction with a few exceptions.  Poetry takes our everyday encounters and transforms them into extraordinary experiences, whether for better or worse.  We poets paint pictures of our emotions that are too deep to describe with simple language.

[bctt tweet=”Poetry takes our everyday encounters and transforms them into extraordinary experiences. #poetry #writerslife”]

Of course these are only a few of the many ways we could define poetry.

One thing is for sure.  Poetry is not simply anything other than prose.

It’s a unique form of linguistic expression that allows for much creativity and imagination.  Poets can play with words, sounds and techniques until they come up with the perfect mixture that expresses the exact meaning and emotions they want to express.

Therefore, you could say my personal definition of poetry is an artistic arrangement of words to capture an experience.

What is poetry to you?  Comment below your definition of poetry.

Categories
Writing Conference

Christian Writing Conferences (USA) July 2015 – Feb 2016 (UPDATED)

Want a great investment idea for your writing career? Go to a Christian writers Conference. You will meet the best writers, get the best advice and meet other writers who will become your friends. Going to a conference is like a mental boot camp. Your brain will hurt, you will be exhausted but the result are worth it. Here is a short list of Christian conferences for the next few months. Remember, most of these conferences have scholarships.   I attended my first three from scholarship monies. You pay for travel, food and board.   It is well worth it. If you know of a Christian writing conference that is not on the list, please put it in the comments below.

UPDATED: ACFW Virginia Writer’s Conference: July 25th, Woodbridge, VA

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: July 29-August 1, Langhorne PA

Christian Indie Authors and Readers Conference: July 30- August 2, Davenport IA

UPDATED: Realm Makers: August 7-8, St. Louis, MO

Oregon Christian Writers Conference: August 10 – August 13, Portland, O

Atlanta’s Christian Writing Conference: August 20-22, 2015, Marietta, GA

Christian Communicators Conference: August 26-30, 2015, Asheville, NC.

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference: September 17-20, 2015, Grapevine, TX

Writer to Writer Conference: Sept 18-20 2015 Murfreesboro, TN

Breathe Christian Writers Conference: October 9-10, 2015, Grand Rapids, MI

Blue Ridge Christian Novelist Retreat: October 18-22, 2015, Ridgecrest, NC

Indiana Faith and Writing Conference: October 30-31, Anderson, IN

Next Step Writers Contreat: November 12-14, 2015, Albuquerque, NM

Writer to Writer Conference, February 5-7, 2016 Hershey PA

Writers Advance Boot Camp: February 19-21, 2016, Asheville, NC

 

Here are a few websites that display all conferences and retreats, both Christian and non-Christian.

awpwriter.org/wcc/directory_conferences_centers

writing.shawguides.com/Events

newpages.com/writers-resources/writing-conferences-events

Don’t forget to check Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Market Writers Guide for more listings.

You can purchase the guide here   www.jerryjenkins.com/guide

Categories
The Writer's PenCase

Writing Ideas – Part I

Eye
Watch for ideas

Earlier, I posted about what fuels your ideas, and I used “Early Edition” as one of my ideas. Someday I’d like to get into my head and pull out all of my favorite plot twists, events, characters, settings, etc.–wishing I could put them all together into one great idea list.

Continue reading “Writing Ideas – Part I”
Categories
Genre Specs: Speculative Fiction

Teen Machine

Now is the time to get into the writing industry. Being young and gorgeous has its advantages (not that I know from experience). We’re young, and if we play our cards right, we can make things happen.

But to be a successful part of the writing industry, we must know how the machine functions, work well with others, and do our part.

Learn how the machine functions.

Check out this antique car.
Check out this antique car.

Do your homework. There’s no “operator’s guide,” per se, but there is information in shiploads. As teens in a primarily-adult industry, we’re only valuable if we’re serious about it. Here are a few ways to get serious:

  • Know your genre. Every genre has a different set of expectations. Read bestselling books in your genre. Make sure your protags are in the right age range. Pay attention to word count. Learn how much setting is appropriate (this is a biggie for me, since I write Spec-Fic. I have to balance action with storyworld.) Figure out the norm on chapter-length. If you write Spec-Fic, your chapters are normally longer than those in a Contemporary Romance novel, for example.
  • Study your agents, because every agent is different. Do they want a query with an attachment? (Probably not.) Do they prefer a hard copy mailed to their office? (Know the difference between a query letter and a proposal…methinks that could be another post.) What are they looking for? You want them to enjoy your genre, believe in your story. What will they not accept? If an agent says they don’t deal in any Historical Romance, then for the love of every stud muffin out there, don’t send them your (as awesome as it may be) Historical Romance. Not only will this particular agent decline it, but they’re gonna be real irritated with you for wasting their precious time. Word travels fast in the writing world, and if you’re known for poor educate, no one’s going to want you. Steve Laube (the owner of Enclave) and Sally Apokedak are just two who represent speculative fiction.
  • Or, if you want to go Indie, learn the ropes. Perhaps you don’t want an agent. Maybe you don’t want a publisher. If you plan to go Indie make sure you’re not going it all alone—the indie community is super-supportive. If you’re really interested in this road, then I’d suggest you look into what Susan Kaye Quinn has to say about it.

 

[bctt tweet=”Be a successful part of the writing community. There’s no operator’s manual, but there is community and information. Find them. #amwriting #teenwriter “]

Work well with others.

See? This sad gear has no friends. Gear, meet car.
See? This sad gear has no friends. Gear, meet car.

It isn’t a game if no one’s playing it with you, so meet people that write what you write. Great minds think alike. You can join Facebook groups, follow blogs, and go to conferences. It’s good to surround yourself with others that do what you do. Writing Buddies, as it were, are great for Committers. You can keep each other accountable, keep writing. I have an excellent writing partner and highly recommend you find one. It helps loads. Trust me.

Do your part.

laptop

Of course none of this really matters unless you practice, and you keep writing. What is a writer if not someone who writes, am I right?

Okay I may have had too much fun with that last sentence.

This is how I see things through my lenses. What do you see?

specs again

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Listening to Writing Mentors

Writers who listen are writers who learn. If we’re so busy pitching our ideas and promoting our writing agenda, we’ll turn into writers without a clue. And likely, writers without a contract for publication.

Years ago, I was a nursing student and one of my classes was entitled “Therapeutic Conversation.”

The title sounded ridiculous but it was anything but that. It taught me how to really listen to what a patient says, as well as observe their body language and facial expressions. The class coached us in how to rephrase what the person said back to them to be certain we understood their meaning. It forced us to listen, rather than speak all the time.

The biggest thing I learned from that class was how much I talk. That was humbling. I like hearing what I have to say, it seems. But I quickly was educated in the importance of really listening to my patients so I could be a better caregiver of their needs.

I also realized that this can carry over into every area of my life to improve communication with family and friends. It can also carry over into communication with other writers and editors, publishers and agents.

ID-100299392

Often I hear other writers express concern for what they will say at writer’s conferences, especially if it’s there first conference. If they ask me for advice, I encourage them to keep their introductions simple, their words few and their ears OPEN.

It seems we live in a society of talkers. National news interviews and reality TV shows are flooded with talk—and plenty of it. People are talking over people, expressing their thoughts and ideas without a concern for what the other person is trying to say. It gets downright annoying and you come away thinking, did anything get resolved? Did anyone learn anything?

That’s how I perceive some writers I’ve observed who attend sessions with potential mentors—editors and more experienced writers. These fledgling writers talk much, listen little—and already have all the answers. Or so they think.

The way to a potential relationship with an editor or publisher is to listen and learn. Ask questions but hear the answers. In this world of chatter, it can be hard to focus. But for the serious writer seeking publication, wisdom is in the words of the more experienced. I’d encourage some therapeutic listening.

[bctt tweet=”Fledgling writers talk much, listen little #writers #writetips” via=”no”]

Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.com

Image of woman courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com

 

Categories
Tour

Blog Tour Stop – Amy L Sullivan

[author title=”Amy L Sullivan” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AmyHeadshot.jpeg”] For the past two years, Amy L. Sullivan looked harder, loved stronger, and discovered more by fixing her gaze on something other than the person staring back at her in the mirror. Amy writes for oodles of print and online publications and loves speaking with groups of any size. Connect with her online at AmyLSullivan.com.[/author]

What is the title of your latest book?

When More Is Not Enough: How to Stop Giving Your Kids What They Want and Give Them What They Need.

Tell us more about your book:

Amy believes no one loves harder and more completely than children. She also believes selfies, cell phones, must-have tech gadgets, and the sparkly allure of possessions lull kids into an insatiable desire for more.

When More is Not Enough celebrates the idea of more: more prayers cried out, more time spent together, more use of our talents, more interest in strangers, more forgiveness of hurt, more of what Jesus taught us each day of His life. This book focuses on helping children grow generous hearts, tender spirits, and a deep compassion for others.

Filled with biblical reasoning, real-life anecdotes, practical resources, and start-this-very-second activities, When More is Not Enough is for families who are ready to move from seeing generosity as a series of tasks and instead, turn it into a way life.

Why do you write what you do?

I write what I do because I am mad crazy about God, people, and words.

What are you currently working on?:

My next project is a picture book series for tween girls entitled Gutsy Girls: Strong Christian Women Who Impacted the World. The first book in the series is scheduled to release in the fall of 2015.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

There are shelves of books about living a generous life. However, When More is Not Enough is different because it is practical, and it lays out start-this-very-second ideas which encourage families to take small steps in order to create big change in their lives.

How does your writing process work?

My writing process goes something like this:

Step 1: Get up when it is dark and write, write, write.
Step 2: After the second cup of coffee decide I hate most of what I have written and quit writing before 9:00 am.
Step 3: Ponder the idea of giving up writing forever.
Step 4: After my kids go to bed, give my draft a once over and realize I could give up writing as easily as I could give up breathing.
Step 4: Set my alarm for the next day.
Step 5: Repeat.

You can find Amy L. Sullivan online at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyLSullivan1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amylsullivan/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amylsullivan1/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101973049755582600896/posts
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AmyLSullivanwrites?ref=hl

 You can buy Amy’s book at:

Categories
A Word in Season

God Has Your Number

Do you know that God has your number?

Discouragement tries to rob us of the reminder of the nearness of God. We don’t win a writing contest we entered. One of our friends experiences writing successes that we don’t. We read our own words and feel dumb. We may even be tempted to think, “This is ridiculous. I am wasting my time. My little writing does not matter to the Lord.   He is too busy with Charles Swindoll, Beth Moore, and Jerry Jenkins.”

In such times God may feel 1000 miles away.

But He isn’t, he has your number.  He still has those theological qualities I learned as a boy in church.  God is omnipresent.  He is everywhere.  God is omniscient.  He knows everything. Ken Gaub, an itinerant evangelist, shares an amazing testimony in his book God’s Got Your Number: When you least expect it, He is there!

FDSCN8216eeling forgotten by the Lord, Gaub stopped his Silver Eagle bus at a Dayton, Ohio, exit for his family to get lunch.  Walking outside he heard the continual ringing of a payphone – yes, long before cell phones.  He finally answered it and heard, “Long distance call for Ken Gaub.”

Wondering if he were on Candid Camera, Ken was dumbfounded.  Responding to a persistent operator, he accepted the call.  The caller, Millie from Pennsylvania, told him that she was about to commit suicide.  She remembered seeing Gaub on television and thought he could help her, but she did not know how to reach him.  While writing her suicide note, several numbers spontaneously popped into her head.

Picking up the phone and dialing the numbers, she thought that it would be a miracle if she were calling Ken Gaub’s office in Washington state.  He explained to her that he was standing inside of a phone booth in Ohio.

The woman gave her life to Christ over the phone and began mapping her life in a whole new direction.  Gaub writes, “I walked away from that telephone booth with an electrifying sense of our Heavenly Father’s concern for each of His children.”

God sees you.  He knows.  You trust Him and be faithful. He will use you and your writing for His glory.

He’s got your number.

[bctt tweet=”In such times God may feel 1000 miles away. #encouragement Wauthor” via=”no”]

Image: Michel take a number | by Christopher.Michel

Categories
Truth Be Told

God in a Booger

Truth Not Lies Board Showing Honesty

“Mom, I think Tina could make a sermon illustration out of a booger.”

I saw the two of them giggling back in their pew as I delivered my sermon that morning. When service was over I cornered my friend and asked what she and her daughter found so humorous, since I obviously missed the joke.

She told me what her daughter said, and I couldn’t help but giggle myself.

Truth be told, I do believe we can find a spiritual implication and application in everything.

Isn’t that what Jesus did?

He wanted to make a point and the nearest thing at hand was a wineskin, or a woman’s sewing. As he walked the paths teaching a team of oxen, a fig tree, or an ear of corn became the vehicle to explain a truth.

Over and over Jesus called attention to the obvious and everyday things around him to point to the truth of God.

Look around you. What do you see? A leaf, a car, a baby? What do you hear? A siren, a bird song, a laugh?

Do you see God? He’s there. He wants to be seen. He wants to be shared.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:13-14a, NIV)

Oh, and just to relieve your wonderment: I’ve never preached about a booger!

[bctt tweet=”A sermon illustration out of a booger?#messgae #mess” via=”no”]

Categories
Book Reviews

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills

double cross

Plot Summary:

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation in to a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington–and what she sacrificed to put him away–he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family–even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead…even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

[bctt tweet=”As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. “]

Publisher Information:

Copyright 2015, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. www.tyndale.com

Genre:

Romantic suspense

Characterization Critique:

Most of the characters are very believable. The major characters are Laurel, the FBI agent, Daniel Hilton, the Houston PD officer, Morton Wilmington, the reformed crook, who was sprung from prison early so he could help with the investigation, and Daniel’s grandparents, Abby and Earl Hilton.

Supporting cast includes Marsha Leonard, the director of Silver Hospitality, a senior center where the elder Hiltons spend their days. Two additional characters include FBI agents, Thatcher Graves, who will become the focus of the third book, and Liz Austin, an employee of Silver Hospitality who keeps coming on to Daniel.

The interaction between the three major characters, Daniel, Laurel, and Morton is interesting reading. Daniel, who is Christian, still suspects Morton’s faith is “jailhouse” faith, something to say to get him released from prison. Laurel, who has trouble believing in a God who would allow her parents to be murdered, never believes Morton was really converted. Morton is portrayed as much as possible, as a real Christian, who is not perfect, but who makes the effort. In the end, well, I won’t spoil it for you.

DiAnn Mills
DiAnn Mills

Plot Development:

It generally moved along well. DiAnn is usually noted for unusual twists, but in this case, she was a little too obvious about who the real culprit was, even though that character didn’t “seem” to be the guilty party. It wasn’t apparent at first, but as the characters voiced their suspicions, it was almost a letdown when the truth was revealed, because it had already been suspected.

Other than that, I thought there was enough excitement to sustain reading.

[bctt tweet=”The three major characters move from one problem to the next, trying to solve the mystery.”]

What I Liked:

I like that DiAnn creates stories and characters who seem real and who struggle with self-esteem issues, just like all of us do. She also tackled the issue of Alzheimer’s within the parameters of the plot and character development in the story. There are no easy answers, and the grandfather, Earl Hilton, has his good times and his wooly thinking times. A reader favorite (from posted reviews) is Abby, Daniel’s grandmother, who seems to take Earl’s condition in stride, never seemingly frustrated or angry herself that her husband slips by inches.

What I Didn’t Like:

There wasn’t much I didn’t like. Like I said in the plot development section, I wasn’t surprised at who the person behind the conspiracy was, because there had been much suspicion cast on this person already, whereas in Firewall, whew! Didn’t see that one coming at all.

Categories
A Little Red Ink

Dialogue Tips

dialogue film crew

When you write dialogue, think like a screenwriter. Every minute of screen time, every word counts. Don’t add fluff. 

You don’t want readers to skim your conversations because nothing’s happening. If it doesn’t move the plot forward, cut it, cut it, cut it.

Here’s something else that doesn’t belong in your conversations: director commentary. 

Sure, people buy DVDs with bonus footage, but I don’t know many people who actually watch the version with the director chatting the whole time—explaining, telling what he wanted from the scene, making himself sound generally witty. (Peter Jackson doesn’t count. Of course you watch those.)

Seriously, though. Audiences want the end product. They want to be entertained. They want the scene to play out in their mind. And they don’t want to think for one second about the writer behind the scenes—at least the first time.

Here are a few dialogue tips to help you accomplish that.

1. Use the word “said.” Avoid sounding like a thesaurus with your dialogue tags.  No one wants to be wowed with your synonym skills. Statistics show that readers actually skip over the word “said” in their reading. It doesn’t even register. All they see is dialogue (which is what you want). 

If your characters are replying, interrupting, cajoling, remarking, and muttering? There’s no way people can miss that. 

     “Are you kidding me?” Jen queried. “Just tell me we can undo it,” she complained. “What will it take?” 

     “We’ll do what we have to do,” Will countered.

     “We better,” she sniped. “If we lose this account because you dropped the ball—”

     “Relax,” he challenged. “Your attitude isn’t going to help us win them over.”

It can get annoying after a while, right? 

vancouver
2. Use action beats about 50% of the time. An action beat is exactly that—a moment filled by the character’s action. When it’s right next to the dialogue, it’s clear who’s just spoken. Often, an action beat can do more to convey the emotion than an explanation, with no “said” involved. Isn’t that same excerpt better like this?
“Are you kidding me?” Jen snapped her head to the side. She swallowed, then turned back and locked gazes with Will. “Just tell me we can undo it. What will it take?”

 3. If the characters are taking turns nicely, don’t tag every give and take. Sometimes, it’s obvious. 

     Will stood a little taller. “We’ll do what we have to do.”

     “We better. If we lose this account because you dropped the ball—”

     “Relax. Your attitude isn’t going to help us win them over.”

     Jen rolled her neck and closed her eyes. After a few deep breaths, her shoulders relaxed an inch. She met his gaze once more. “I’ll smile, and you dig us out of this hole you got us in.”

Make sense? A little goes a long way.
Thanks to McBeth and Vancouver Film School for the images.
Categories
Talking Character

The Importance of Emotional Continuity

What is emotional continuity?

When actors enter a scene, they bring with them a certain attitude and emotional state that is a result of the moment before they come on stage. If, in the previous scene, we witness a fight between Emma and her mother, when Emma arrives on stage to set the table, we expect some muttering, dark looks and slamming of silverware. If she enters humming, acting as if nothing has happened, we will be confused—or worse, consider it a lousy performance–because emotional continuity was broken.

[bctt tweet=”We expect emotional continuity in our stories. #writetip #writing”]

Writers must be conscious of every character’s moment before, especially in a story with multiple points of view where one or more scenes might fall between a character’s entrance and his previous appearance. It is easy to lose track of where their moment before left them. If we don’t go back and check, we may end up with jarring emotional transitions that don’t make sense.

Elapsed time and the moment before

Sometimes the moment before is clearly defined by the story, but what if hours, or even years, have elapsed since that last scene. Does a writer still need to worry about the moment before if there wasn’t one?

Certainly. A character always enters a scene in some emotional state, as this video explains:

Our job as a writer is to determine what goals, desires and feelings are appropriate for this character at the start of this scene. If the story doesn’t tell us, we need to dig a little.

  • What has happened in the intervening time to bring her to this scene? How does that make her feel?
  • What is his goal in this scene? What moment before would explain this goal or propel him towards it?
  • Does he want to be here? If not, what has compelled him to show up?

Keeping track of your characters’ moments before will ensure emotional continuity and help your characters to remain interesting and engaged in every scene.

[bctt tweet=”When you bring a character into a scene, can you identify his moment before? #writingtip”]

Categories
Journeying through the Writer's Life

What to Pack for the Writing Journey

Early on I discovered a basic truth for writers. Publishing is a journey, not a destination. This holds true no matter what you write—long or short pieces, fiction or non—there’s not really a final destination. Even award-winning, best selling authors still have new places to go with their writing. So it’s important to know what to pack for the writing journey, so you’ll have fewer regrets.

[bctt tweet=”Publishing is a journey, NOT a destination #writing #pubtip”]

  1. A sense of adventure. I can promise you this writing path is going to take you places you never dreamed. Be ready and open to where the road will take you.
  1. The knowledge that the path isn’t a straight line. I know a lot of writers and we all have one thing in common. Our journeys have never gone in a straight line. But truthfully, it’s the twists and turns that make it so much fun.
  1. A library. It’s important for writers to be readers. Read deep and wide and your writing will reflect that.
  1. A sense of curiosity. All they best writers will tell you that they never quit learning. So e prepared for life-long learning.
  1. Humility. In the beginning we tend to look at things as black and white. But the publishing industry is subjective. Hear what others have to say and don’t be quick to argue.
  1. A strong sense of who you are. It’s easy to begin chasing publication and lose your way. It’s also tempting to take every critique we hear and act on it. If you do that, you risk stifling your unique voice.
  1. Traveling companions. Every journey is more fun when you share it with friends and family. Don’t try to tackle this on your own. You’ll miss out on the support and encouragement you’ll need along the way.

These are the things I list when writers ask me what to pack for the writing journey. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

[bctt tweet=”7 things you need to pack for the #writing journey #pubtip”]

Categories
The Efficiency Addict

Write More: How Organizing Can Help

Write More: How Organizing Can Help
Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Looking to spend more time on your writing? A little organizing can help you write more.

Organized writers are

  • Less stressed. They know what work needs to be done and are able to prioritize its completion.
  • More productive. They move from one project to the next smoothly and efficiently.
  • Informed. They save information for their current and future projects and can retrieve it easily when it’s needed.
  • Opportunity finders. They know the areas where they excel and can search for openings in those markets.
  • Scalable. As requests for their writing grow, they can meet the increased need because of all the traits listed above.

You, too, can be an organized writer.

In this column, we’ll explore practical ways to handle the business details of writing so you can focus on your writing craft.

And let me assure you, there’s a huge difference between neatness and good organizing. Good organizing helps you achieve your goals. Neatness just looks pretty when company is coming. The key to good organizing is having systems that

  • are simple.
  • are easy for you to use.
  • save you time and stress.
  • free your mind and desk of clutter.
  • give you confidence that you know what needs to be done.

Being organized has another benefit few people recognize: it lets us be creative. It’s tough to open our minds to new ideas when we’re constantly being bombarded by all the things we need to do and information we need to remember. An effective system of work silences those nagging thoughts leaving your brain free to explore new possibilities or story lines.

Simplifying work and life—that’s my motto and it’s what we’re going to do here at The Efficiency Addict. To get started, visit this post on Simple and Easy Password Tracking.

Care to share?

[bctt tweet=”Write More: How Organizing Can Help. #Organized #AuthorsLife”]

[bctt tweet=”The Key to Good Organizing #Organized #AuthorsLife”]

Categories
Platform and Branding

4 Steps to Boost Your Blog Posts

Blog readers are scanners, their eyes skimming the page for interesting information. Problogger reports the average time spent reading a blog post is 96 seconds. With such a small window of opportunity, how do you engage your reader and communicate your message?

Create visually interesting blog posts!

1. Break up long blocks of text. 

Long paragraphs and large blocks of text are visually boring. They’re also cumbersome to read on a monitor or handheld device. Craft shorter paragraphs with interesting transitions.

Boost your blog post

2. Include an image near the top of your post. 

Images evoke emotion and connect with your reader. A captivating photo can illustrate your message and also give your reader’s eye a place to rest on the page.

(Be careful about copyright infringement and attribution. Personal photos are the safest to use, but there are many resources that allow you to use their images at no charge if you attribute the site and/or photographer.)

3. Vary your text.

Use headers, bold text, italics, block quotes, etc. to call attention to keywords and phrases. Well-placed headings and quotes communicate your main points and keeps your reader’s eye moving. Be careful not to overuse them and clutter your post.

4. Shorter is better. 

Keep in mind the 96-second window, understanding you’ll lose some of your readers with a longer post (500+ words). Write “tight” when you post to your blog. If you find yourself closing in on 500 words and you’ve still got a lot to say, consider making it a two-part post.

Benefits of shorter posts?

  • You’ll retain your reader,
  • They’ll be invested and want to read the sequel,
  • You’ll have another post and an opportunity to link within your site.

Those 96 seconds are precious, so use them wisely and create blog posts that engage and communicate.

Shareables:

4 steps to boost

[bctt tweet=”Are your #blog posts engaging your readers? #amwriting @A3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”The avg #blog reader spends 96 secs on a page. Optimize them! @A3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

Photo Credit
Boost Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Stuart Miles