Three Groups of Writers

The last week or so, I have featured writers who self-published, or independently published books. They have become successful writers. I put them in one group while placing other writers in two other groups. 

Famed Writers

Successful Writers

Working at it Writers

All the people in the three groups above are working writers. The Famed Writers become a household name. People like Nora Roberts, John Grisham, James Patterson, Louise Penny and more are well-known in the USA and abroad. Those people didn't become part of this group in a flash. They worked hard to reach that level. They wrote and wrote and suffered rejection upon rejection at the beginning. They persevered and climbed the ladder until they reached the top. Even then, they must still continue to work and write novels that sell. 

What about the Successful Writers group? The authors featured at this blog in the past week or two are a part of that group. They, too, have worked hard, climbing the ladder to success one rung at a time. They aren't at the top yet but definitely on the way. They, too, have persevered, have received multiple rejections but kept going. They looked into the sef=lf-publishing route to success. Their books are selling, but they have to do all the things a publishing house might do for them. They want to pluck the gold ring as they pass by on the carousel of writing. Maybe they work even harder than the first group because they must do it all. 

The final group are the ones called Working at it Writers. They're working hard, too, but they stand at the lowest rungs of the ladder to success. Some are newbies who are learning as they go. Some are wannabe writers who also must learn a great deal. They have success often enough to want to keep writing. This group also lives with rejections and doubts and fear. (To be honest,the other two groups deal with these things, too) If the passion is within them, they'll continue to learn the craft and write often enough to start making further progress. The more we write, the more we learn, and the stronger our writing becomes. 

One writer friend is in the Successful Writers group. He formed his own publishing company and worked as hard at marketing as he did writing his YA novels. Did it work? Yes. His books have added audio versions, are used in schools as a teaching tool along with a teachers' guide. Did he persevere? Did he work hard? Absolutely. Will he continue? Yes

All three groups of writers have similar attributes. They work hard, They persevere. They learn to develop patience. They have goals and work toward them. They like writing. They do not give up.

 Which group do you belong to? Which one do you strive toward? 

Historical Fiction At Its Best

 If you like Historical Fiction, you'll find Madge Walls latest novel just your cup of tea. The story revolves around two women in the early 20th century who became close friends at Bryn Mawr, a private women's liberal arts college. Caroline marries before they graduate and later invites her close friend, Lily, to spend some time with her after graduation. Lily has no future set, no marriage possibility, or funds. She is educated and a lady with nowhere to go. Caroline suggests she become one of the 'visiting girls' who spend time with various friends who would be happy to open their upper class homes to her one at a time.

All is well, until Lily disappears without telling Caroline why or where she is going. Twenty years go by, and Caroline receives a letter requesting that she come to visit Lily and her husband, Marco. Recently widowed, Caroline decides to accept the invitation and travel from Philadelphia to Portland, Oregon to visit her friend to learn what happened the many years before. The fact that Lily is very ill and asking Caroline to come so that she can explain all that had occurred makes Caroline feel she must go. 

After a disastrous five day train trip across the country, Caroline is thrilled to be reunited with her close friend, but dismayed that Lily is so very ill with death hovering. The bond the women always had is still strong, and over weeks Lily tells her story when she feels up to it to Caroline, who meets and gets to know the rest of Lily's family--her husband Marco, her son, Mark, and a devoted employee and companion to Lily named Letty. 

Lily's story is revealed in bits and pieces, avoiding the dark secret she has kept for twenty years for fear of hurting her friend and destroying their friendship. The women's bond becomes closer and closer as Lily's illness leaves her weak and unable to do anything more than reveal more of her story on her good days until the most difficult part to tell is accomplished.

Madge Walls is a master of words and able to keep readers turning pages to learn more. It is obvious that she has done a great deal of research prior to writing this book. The reader is privileged to learn a great deal about what life was like for women in the first twenty years of the twentieth century. The author addresses education, abortion rights, the vote for women, the difficulty women met when trying to start a business, and the naivete of women in that era about sex. The author weaves information about Portland, Oregon through the story, as well. 

The author is adept at giving the reader a sense of place and the time period by weaving both in and out the story.

The cover, designed by the author's daughter-in-law, and the title would draw my attention if I was looking for a book at the library or a bookstore. Both are most appealing. 

I found an extra treat at the end of the book. The author included the following sections: Afterword, acknowledgements, About the Author, Book Clubs, Book Club Questions, and Selected Bibliography.

Find the book at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Visiting-Girl-Madge-Walls-ebook/dp/B099NY2GDD

Tips on Marketing from a Self-Published Author

 

Gloria Zachgo

Gloria Zachgo graciously agreed to my request to write a post on what happens after you've finished and self-published your book. She and her husband work together on the marketing. Gloria is the author of four self-published books. The titles are The Rocking Horse, Hush Girl, Never Waste Tears, and Never Waste Dreams.

Gloria Zachgo writes:

When Nancy asked if I would guest blog about marketing my self-published books, I said sure. Then I realized I would have to tell others how little I know. My husband, Ron, is the one who does most of the work of promoting my four novels. That makes it easier for me, but he can tell you it’s not an easy job. 

The journey began ten years ago when I self-published my first novel. Except for my family and friends, I was an unknown author. So, we introduced The Rocking Horse during a 24-hour period giveaway. As a result, the eBook version was downloaded 6,953 times. It had cost me nothing, and the next month, it resulted in the most sales I’ve ever had. However, that was in 20ll when fewer books were being published, and self-publishing was relatively new. 

So, what does an author do to get noticed today? Advice flows all over the internet on how to make your book stand out from the thousands of new titles published daily. Unfortunately, many times there is a hefty price tag on that advice. So, how do I know if the price is too high? Who is giving me advice? Who do I follow? 

Here are some of our experiences using what’s available in this highly competitive market.

I’ve had book signings, I’ve spoken at libraries and book clubs, I’ve joined several writer groups, and I’ve even given a few workshops. This personal touch of meeting readers face-to-face not only gives me good local exposure but also rewards me with feedback from other authors and readers. In addition, it’s great for selling my paperback copies. However, to market my eBooks, I need to concentrate on a much broader venue. 

It’s a constant challenge to find new ways to become noticed. We’ve recently learned that although we were only permitted two categories when first listing a book with Amazon, they allow up to ten categories later if they are requested from Amazon. By listing more categories, Amazon makes it possible for readers to search books in the genre of their interest. This website supplies more information.  https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/kdp/amazon-book-categories/

  

To have more professional images on my website and social media, we include AllAuthor  https://allauthor.com/ in our budget. It offers review GIFs that allow a download of customer reviews, mockup banner themes, and options to generate JEPG or PNG images. In addition, many of the images can be saved, and utilizing AllAuthor’s TWEET SCHEDULER, they will be automatically tweeted. 

Because we’ve chosen not to establish an email list, we’ve decided to budget advertising through several different promotion sites. Numerous websites give advice on promotional services. One Ron trusts and often refers to is Alliance of Independent Authors, or ALLi   https://selfpublishingadvice.org/

We are currently trying different promo sites, often with a pricing special. Some have paid for advertising costs, and some haven’t. BookBub has the reputation of being the best. However, it is also the most expensive and uses a selection process. It is my understanding that only 20% of the books submitted will be accepted. We’ve submitted books but have not had one selected yet. We will try again. 

I can’t write about marketing without mentioning how critical reviews are for an author—especially if they are independently published. I know that I usually read several reviews when selecting a book to read. But not all reviews are equal, and we’ve found both reader reviews and editorial reviews may be purchased in either small or large quantities. We do not include this service in our budget. However, I consider reviews and star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads as a gift from my readers.  

 

A Tale of Love, Honor and Intrigue Semi-finalist for Award

 

                                          Kate Reynolds

Early last January, I posted a book review on Ernestine by Kate Reynolds. I loved the book so much that I ordered two copies to give to friends. I learned yesterday that Kate Reynolds' book has placed in the semi-finals in the annual BookLife Prize Awards. Ms Reynolds says she was told there were over 900 entries. She must be floating on a cloud to receive this kind of recognition for her first published novel, which was published independently. Judges are people from Publisher's Weekly and BookLife. 

For those of you who missed reading the book earlier, I am repeating my review. Check it our on Amazon and order the Kindle Edition or paperback. Only 2.99 for the Kindle edition and 16.95 for the paperback. KindleUnlimited was free and may still be. 

My earlier review:

Historical fiction brings the reader into another time period and can also tell a special story. Ernestine is Kate Reynolds's debut novel, but she is no amateur when it comes to crafting a fascinating story that draws readers quickly and holds them right up to the end using beautiful and descriptive prose.

When only a child in the early 1500s, Ernestine learned how to cheat at betting games and became a fine bunco artist at her father's tutelage. Once a young woman, she marries the man she loves, helps him run an inn in France, and is happy being nothing more than a loving wife. When Sebastian dies, she flees with documents he and his brother had hidden, documents that could be world-changing. 

Ernestine takes the vows of a Clarissa nun and finds her way to an abbey in Spain near Granada. She knows she is being followed by a man who wants the documents she carried away. Hoping for safety in the abbey, she hides the documents but finds one problem after another amongst the 90 nuns. The Abbess is a kindly woman whose greatest love is caring for the olive groves the abbey owns. Keeping the accounts book is beyond her, and when she learns that Ernestine can work with figures, she begs the new nun to take over the Accounts Book. Reluctant to do so because of a problem with an account book in her past that might have led to her husband's death Ernestine demurs but is finally persuaded. 

Add to the story a priest who plays a betting game with Mother Faviola every week, always winning, a young novitiate who is hopelessly in love with a young man, a festival and parade, which the Abbey has always won but is suddenly in peril, and Ernestine mixed up in all of it, and you have a very fine novel.

Taking place at the time of the Great Trials, or Inquisition, we see the effect on the everyday world of those whose vocation was often riddled with fear. 

The supporting characters in the novel are realistic and also of interest to the reader. In particular, Luz, the oldest nun who is blind, draws Ernestine's story from her as they work together in the cellary bit by bit and relates many of her own. As they work with the abbey's foodstuffs in a series of caves, Luz tells Ernestine the Spanish term 'pundonor' which means 'point of honor' and is an integral part of Ernestine's story.

I enjoyed learning more about this period in history where no nun or priest was protected from the Inquisition. I found the nuns' language of the fans fascinating as well as the beauty of the Alhambra surrounding the nuns who toiled in the olive groves and merely subsisted rather than thrived. 

This is a many-faceted tale that has much more than what I have written here. Peel the many layers as you read. Find it on Amazon with both a Kindle edition and a paperback. I look forward to reading more novels by Kate Reynolds.

Moments Become Memories to Write About

I like this quote from Dr. Seuss. It bears reading more than once. "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." How many moments in our lives do become memories?

I have been asked more than once how I can remember and write about incidents in my childhood. Maybe I'm blessed with an excellent memory, or, more likely, I remember the parts of my life that greatly impressed me. 

When I think back to my childhood, I see the places, the people, and even some conversations very clearly. I feel very fortunate in being able to do so, as it has acted as inspiration for many of the stories I've written about my family. And now, for my present day family. 

Some things in life act as triggers for our memories. Smells will do it for many. When you get a whiff of cinnamon, it could take you back to your grandmother's kitchen and the cinnamon rolls she was known for. Smell chlorine at a pool today, and it may bring memories of your long-ago neighborhood pool and all the kids you knew there. What if something scary happened at the pool? Smelling chlorine could easily bring back the uneasy memory. 

Taste is a sense that can trigger a memory. I once used a vile tasting cough syrup when I had the flu. One taste sent me traveling back to the small apartment where I grew up and my mother insisting I take the cough syrup on the spoon she was holding close to my mouth. It smelled awful and tasted even worse. I resisted, but she won.

Other things trigger our memories--a photo, a certain kind of tree, the sound of church bells and more. 

When our memories come back to us from those special moments we experienced, as writers, we need to act. A story idea has been given to us, so it's time to write the story. Write it for your Family Stories book, write it to submit for publication. Write it to keep that memory alive. 

When sending a note of sympathy to a grieving family member or friend, I often add in my note on the card a simple sentence:  Treasure the memories. I believe that the many memories we have of a family member or friend truly are treasures. Have you ever been asked to write a eulogy? So many memories are recalled and shared with others. What a wonderful way to help us honor and remember the deceased person. 

One  moment which became a special memory for me. When our first grandchild was born, we went to the hospital to see her. I picked her up and held her close. I looked down at that sweet little face, and my prevailing thought was 'this is the child of my child.' I was nearly overcome with emotion as I stood there cradling our granddaughter. The very emotional moment remains a treasured memory for me, even 25 years later. 

Enjoy the moments that become memories. Better yet, write about them in a journal or a story or a memoir piece. Capture them for posterity and perhaps for readers near and far. 

A writer friend is celebrating the publication on October 24th of her memoir about growing up mid-century. Her book is filled with those moments that turned into special memories. Ann Vigola Anderson's Posts of a Mid-Century Kid might trigger a few special memories of your own. Find her book at Amazon.

 

Realizing Your Writing Dream

I love today's photo poster. The picture itself is glorious, but the quote is also special. "I will take at least one step everyday towards achieving my dreams." 

As a writer, I can take that one step by writing something every day. Not some days, but every day. A habit is established if we write on a daily basis. Of course, there will be certain days when it is impossible, but only a few. Normally, we can make time for some writing, even if it is only 15 minutes or half an hour. 

Note the keywords in that last sentence--make time. Most of us are busy people, so making time to write is a necessity. Even if you do nothing more than write for 15 minutes in a journal, you have written something. Ideally, we would like to be able to set aside an hour or two, and there are times when that is possible.

Novelists and those who write for a living devote much of their day to writing, but many who write as an avocation or hobby spend less time creating than the one who writes as an occupation. We each know what is needed, and it is up to us to make it happen.

When we write every day, it becomes a habit. That habit will help us reach the goals we have set.

Another step towards realizing your dream of being a successful writer is to spend some time learning more about the craft, whether by reading or attending a conference. Doing either is time well spent in bringing you a little closer to being a published writer. 

There are writers whose dream is to write only for themselves or for family.  Is that wrong? Of course not. We each determine what our dream in the writing world is to be, and then we work towards that end. If you are writing in hopes of publication, that's fine, too. We each set our own goals, but we must all take the steps to realize that dream.

 

Proofreading and Editing Your Writing

 

It's time to talk about editing once again. Editing is important not just today, but every day. Gone are the days when you were such a beginner that you thought the first draft and final draft were one and the same. Any successful writer would put a gold star next to editing in a list of what writers should do. I would also add proofreading.

What is the difference between proofreading and editing? When you proofread a piece, you're looking for mechanical errors like spelling and punctuation. In editing, you are looking for clarity and whole ideas that need revision. You're looking for awkward sentences. For me, proofreading is just a subheading under editing. 

Our poster photo today tells us we should edit because it is the right thing to do. I agree. It is the right thing to do if you want to have a chance at having your work accepted for publication. It is the right thing to do if you want to have a piece of writing that you can be proud of. It's the right thing to do because you should always strive to be the best you can be. 

What should you look for when proofreading and/or editing?

A. Spelling errors--most word programs have a spell check

B. Proper punctuation--if this is a problem for you, make an effort to learn the rules, then use them

C.  Repetition of words close to one another. So easy to do and just as easy to remedy.

D.  Awkward sentences--the writer understands, but you must make sure the sentences are clear to the reader.

E.  Overly long sentences and incomplete sentences. An occasional incomplete sentence used for effect is alright.

F.  Redundancy of points made or ideas.

G.  Looking for sensory details--add some or delete if overdone

H.  Get rid of the parts that are extraneous.

I.   Replace as many passive verbs with active ones as possible.

J.  Pare down the number of adjectives used for each noun. One is good, two is alright at times, but three is over the limit.

K.  Check dialogue for content--is it clear, is it necessary. Check for proper punctuation in dialogue

L.  Cut words if you are writing for a specific word count and you have run over.

Yes, there are a great many things to be checked after that first draft is written. If you take the time to do a good proofreading and editing, you'll have a stronger piece of writing that should be something you are ready to submit for publication. After the final proofreading, of course!

A Good Question for Writers

A Good Question

How often have you told yourself you would write a book someday, or a series of essays, or enough poems to fill a book? Keyword here is 'someday.' 

We all have good intentions, but the goal gets farther and farther away as we procrastinate. Yes, we procrastinate. Why don't we get started on those many projects swirling in our minds?

One reason is fear that they won't turn out in reality the way we vision them in our minds.

Another reason is lack of confidence. We don't always trust ourselves to do what we dream about. 

Yet another reason is lack of time.

And one more--lack of discipline. 

Still another--spreading ourselves too thin, taking on too many activities.

Another--we're waiting for the project in mind becomes more clear before we start the first draft.

As you see, there are many reasons that we delay starting a new writing project. Have you been guilty of any of them? I imagine that nearly all of us can say yes to one or more. I've found that the longer I delay getting started, the easier it is to let the project stay as an idea in the recesses of my mind. 

Think about a writing project you would like to start someday. Ah, there is that word again--someday. Our photo today asks a good question. "If not now, when?" It seems a good one to put on a piece of paper or cardboard and post in your working space where you'll see it on a daily basis. Let it nag you into writing that first draft. 

If not now, when?" A very good question.

 

Writers and Public Speaking

Me, third from left with other panelists at a convention

Have you been asked to serve on a panel at a conference or teach a workshop? Have you been invited to speak at a local meeting? Ever been interviewed on radio or tv? Done a book signing and reading? Have you talked to children in schools?

If so, do you enjoy speaking about your writing? Or, do you shudder at the thought? 

The photo today is of me and three other writers who served on a panel about blogging at a Kansas Authors Convention in 2019. It was great fun. All four of us have blogs, but each one has a different theme. Yet, the act of blogging is much the same. We each gave a presentation, and then we took turns answering questions from the audience. We all look like very ordinary people, but we had something to give to others at the convention.

Many people shy away from speaking in public. It gives them the jitters. They agonize over being in the spotlight. But guess what? Doing so is part of building your writer's platform. The writing is only the beginning. You must sell yourself to your readers and fellow writers. It's a way to enhance your name recognition. 

You needn't always wait to be asked. Volunteer to give a program at your church or a local organization you belong to. If you have had a book published, approach the local bookstore owner(s) and offer to have a book signing and reading. Many Chicken Soup for the Soul authors have signings for the book in which their story appears. Don't hesitate to ask, but don't do so timidly. 

You can start small by reading your work aloud at a writers' group. The people there are on your side, so there is nothing to be nervous about. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are going to be a speaker:

A.  Write the speech, then highlight the points you want to make.

B.  Practice in front of a mirror

C. You need not memorize word for word, but read what you have written multiple times so that just a paper with highlighted points on it will let you speak to each. 

D.  If you can speak 'off the cuff,' you're going to come across well

E.  Consider that the people in your audience have come to hear you, the expert. Keep in mind that you ARE the expert on your topic.

F.  Don't shy away from a tv interview. I have found that the tv personality puts you at ease. They do all they can to make you comfortable.

G.  If presenting a workshop at a meeting, offer to have attendees ask questions as you progress, or tell them there will be a Q&A at the end of your presentation. 

The first couple times you speak to an audience can be a bit nerve wracking, but the more you speak in public, the easier it becomes. In fact, it can be completely enjoyable.

Remember that it's to your benefit to tell others about your writing world, and you'll give them something to take away, as well. 

Finding Calls for Submissions

Call for Submissions

Remember when you were a kid playing Hide and Seek with the neighborhood gang? When the person who was 'it' gave up, he/she called in a loud voice "All ye outs come in free." And those still hiding came running with no fear of being tagged to be the next 'it.' 

Writers still wait for a call, but the one they want to hear is a Call for Submissions. Writing is only the first part of getting published. We must find a place to submit our glorious finished piece. In today's world, we're quite fortunate to have all the internet connections that help us find somewhere to send our writing. 

On Facebook, there is a group page named Call for Submissions. If you're a Facebook member, put in  those three words in the search box. It's a public group and has many good places to submit your work.

Another place I find some good information is from Sally Clark. She sends single emails off and on with information on new calls. Check her site at www.sallyclark.info  

Erika Dreifus offers a weekly list of places to submit and contests to enter. Find her at www.erikadreifus.com Sign up for her newsletters. She has more than one.

And of course, my old favorite Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. You can find a running and revolving page for a call for submissions by going to www.chickensoup.com Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Submit a Story. That page has three headings. You will want to check the one that says Possible Book Topics. 

Another way to find calls for submissions is to use your favorite search engine with that phrase as your keywords for the search. 

Find another list of places to submit to at www.duotrope.com  

You can sign up for regular emails at many of these sites. Some require that you create an account, but it's free and no big deal. It's for your benefit. 

 

Writing Contests Are Callilng

 

The winners of our Kansas Authors Club state writing contest were announced last weekend. I was pleased to have four winners in three categories. There are many writing contests available to writers. Should you enter? Or not? Maybe the article I wrote for a writing website will answer some of your questions. 

Contests Calling—Should You Enter?

Have you ever wanted to enter a writing contest but talked yourself out of it? Ever convinced yourself you weren’t good enough to enter a writing contest? What’s in it for you if you don’t win, or what if you do win?

Many considerations come into play when I send my finest work to a writing contest. I’ve entered many contests and won in several--not always first place-- even Honorable Mention is a winner. You may have noticed that I stated “…sending my finest work….”  That’s important.

Find writing contests in writer’s newsletters, magazines, online and newspapers. Some require an entry fee. Many offer terrific prizes, while others promise only publication of the winning entries.

I didn’t enter writing contests in the early stages of my writing world. I didn’t have enough confidence and I knew my work hadn’t reached a professional level. Later, I sold some of the contest entry articles, stories and poems I submitted to editors. Oh sure, I got plenty of rejections, but my confidence level moved up a notch with each acceptance. Once my work began to sell, I thought more seriously about entering contests.

I submitted my first contest entry at the district level of my state authors’ organization, competing against only a couple dozen people. I entered in several categories, and to my great surprise, I placed in each and won small amounts of cash. The state contest offered bigger cash prizes, but also greater competition. I entered my prize-winners from the district contest, but when the winners list arrived, my name was absent. Even though disappointed, I continued to enter the district and state contests, winning often at district level. It took a few years before I saw results at the state level.

 One year, I entered a poem in the theme category of the state contest, though not a poet. I feared it was a waste of money as I had to pay a small fee. Winning first place surprised me. If I’d talked myself out of sending the poem, hadn’t wanted to waste that entry fee, I’d never have had the pleasure of winning nor of cashing the very nice check that arrived with my Award Certificate.

Since then, I’ve entered poetry contests at a few websites-- no entry fees so I had nothing to lose. I won first place with a poem about my granddaughter at a writers’ website, and I won third place and two Honorable Mention awards at another website’s poetry contest three successive years. I learned that you can’t win if you don’t enter.

Recognition comes with publication of the winner’s work. Editors sometimes look at winners in contests and offer to purchase the entry for their own publication. The first time I attended our state authors’ convention, more than one person remembered my name from the prize winners lists of the previous years.

A reading fee is the same as an entry fee. Some are nominal, and others seem quite high, but they offer a greater prize at the end as well as stronger competition. Each writer must weigh the options. Be selective, and an occasional entry fee is worth considering.

Adhering to contest guidelines is important. Time and effort go into the entries, so I check carefully and give my work a winner’s chance. If there is a theme for the contest, I try to make sure the entry fits. If single-spaced, non-indented paragraphs are called for, I don’t send a double-spaced manuscript.

Want another reason to enter contests? If I pen a winner, it’s a great addition to my cover letter when I submit the piece to an editor. Most will take note of such an announcement and may look more closely at the submission. It’s helpful, but doesn’t always ensure a sale. For example, one of my stories for children won in three contests. But to date, it hasn’t sold.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the myriad writing contests via a search engine and send your best work. If you don’t make it the first time, try again. Read and analyze the winning entries. Entering contests is no different than submitting your work to an editor. Both require patience and persistence. Start with the smaller contests and before you know it, you’ll be ready to enter bigger ones. There’s nothing to lose, and the payoff may be a prize or an impressive clip for your portfolio.

Responsible Writers

 

Regular readers of this blog know that I frequently tell writers that it is up to them to make the decisions and choices in their writing world. I can't do it for you. Your spouse cannot do it for you. Your kids can't do it. Your hairdresser cannot do it either. 

You are the one who must allot the time devoted to writing in your day.

You are the one who must find story ideas.

You are the one who must find a grand opening for each writing project.

You are the one who must write the first draft.

You are the one who needs to edit and revise that first draft.

You are the one who needs to find a place to submit the finished product.

You are the one who needs to market self-published books.

You are the one who should continue learning about the craft of writing.

You are the one who must go to writing conferences to learn and mingle with other writers.

You are the one to decide if you should join a writing critique group.

You are the one must enter writing contests.

You are the one responsible to keep the passion for writing alive.

Oh Wow! That's a lot to put on any one of you, or me. However, it's what our writing world is all about. It's whole basis is you and the decisions and choices you make. You're a team of one! 

Writers and Words

The photo today is of a coaster that I keep on my computer desk. It's meant for a glass or cup, but it also is a fine reminder for me. It reminds me what my writing world is about. 

Writers put words on paper or screen. One word. A phrase with several words. A sentence with even more words. A paragraph made up of many words. You get the picture, I'm sure.

Yes, we writers use words every time we write. How those words are used varies from writer to writer.

One may use very ordinary words, passive verbs instead of action, no adjectives, few sensory details. Plain, not fancy, is the way this writer might describe his/her work. 

Those who 'fancy' it up a bit by using a variety of words, active verbs, occasional adjectives, and many sensory details are the writers who end up with publishable material. They are the ones who pay attention to the mechanics of writing, edit and revise until they are satisfied with the end product. 

These writers search for better words when they edit a first draft. They work at showing rather than telling. They put more time and effort into their writing than the first kind of writer cited above. 

Effort is important in our writing world. Reaching goals ranks high, as well. Improving as a writer is an all the time job. We should not be satisfied with mediocre work. Instead, we writers should always strive to move higher on our writing journey. 

And yes, those words we write should come from the heart, just as my coaster says. When the words do come from your heart, it shows in what you write. It is evident that you care about what you offer your readers. 

 

The Ugly Three in Our Writing World

 

I have an early morning meeting today, so here's a repeat post. Still relevant.

A writer I know has been stressing out about her writing journey recently. She reached out for advice from a group of writers. What better people to seek for aid than ones who have probably also been through the same situation at some time or other? They gave her bits and pieces of their own similar times and offered suggestions. Many ended by sending a hug. 

As a group, writers probably experience the Ugly Three on a regular rotating basis. I consider The Ugly Three to be fear, doubt, and beating up on yourself. For a long time, we never encounter any of these and suddenly, they pop up from nowhere, or so it seems.

The Ugly Three

FEAR:  New writers feel like a non-swimmer diving into the deep end of the pool Sink or swim! Questions abound Will anyone want to read what I've written? Will an editor accept what I send? Can I write well enough to get published? Do I have anything new to say?

Seasoned writers live with their stomach in knots at times, too. Questions feed fear in their minds, too. Can I find something new to write about? Can I please my readers? Will my editor continue accepting my work? Will I run out of things to write about? How long will it take for me to be a household name in the writing world?

DOUBT:  All writers deal with doubt at some time. Some writers wrestle with it on a daily basis. Instead of accentuating the positives in our writing life (go ahead and list them--there are many!), we tend to let the negatives rise to the top and smother the good things. Don't let that happen. Keep reminding yourself that you chose this writing journey; no one forced you into it. You did it because you had a passion for the written word, the desire to be published. Never forget that you continue to grow as a writer with each piece you write. Even so, things roll through your mind. Is this good enough to be published? Will my readers like it? What if I get terrible reviews? What if my editor dumps me? 

BEATING UP ON YOURSELF:   We all do this now and then. We might not go as far as self-flagellation (please do not ever!) but we do let our mind play games with us at times. We put ourselves down with thoughts like Why did you ever think you could be a writer? What made you think an editor would like your work enough to publish it? You're nowhere near as good as your fellow writers. This new story just plain stinks! Does it make you feel better to beat up on yourself? I don't think so. All it does is feed the doubts and fears we might already have. Remember that YOU are in charge of you so take hold of the problem and confront it. 

Do people in other fields run into The Ugly Three, too? Of course, they do. We're all human and we have hurdles to cross now and then, no matter what our field of expertise happens to be. Know that you are completely normal if you suffer from The Ugly Three. Worry only if they take over your writing life completely. If that happens, it may be time to take a break, come back later and assess the matter and reclaim the passion you once had for writing. 

Meanwhile, I'm sending big hugs to any writer who needs one.

Poetry--Read It Silently or Listen to It?

I've been privileged to hear a few poets read their work aloud recently. Each time I do, I think to myself that I prefer reading it silently to myself than hearing a poem read. Am I in the minority or majority here? I have pondered this question several times. 

I did a little reading on the topic of reading silently to myself or hearing someone else read. I discovered that I may be among the minority by preferring to read a poem to myself silently. 

I learned that reading the poem silently engages the eyes and mind, while listening to someone else read requires mind, ears, and sight. Sight? Yes, because we watch the speaker's mouth as she/he reads. One day last week, I attended a meeting via zoom to hear a friend read her poems from a recently published book. She was at a library and required to wear a mask as she gave her presentation. It made me realize that not all words come across clearly when the speaker is masked, and that I didn't realize how much we do watch a speaker's mouth. 

When a poet reads his/her work aloud, he/she can stress certain words. The silent reader would not know which words the poet hoped to stress. He/she can also control the speed of the reading. 

Rhythm and acoustic devices are easier to pick up when hearing a poem read aloud. Devices like onomatopoeia--when a word actually indicates a sound. An example given was 'crackle.' It made me think of the old advertisement for Rice Krispies--snap, crackle, and pop. Each of those words fit an  acoustic device. 

What about alliteration? Meaning a phrase uses words with the same initial letters, like 'simple songs of summer.' When heard aloud, the alliteration might stand out more. 

What it all comes down to is that reading silently allows for the reader's interpretation, and listening to the poet read aloud gives us the speaker's interpretation. It's up to each person to decide which way they prefer--reading silently or hearing the poet read aloud. 

One reason I like reading a poem silently is that I can read it multiple times. Doing so seems to allow me to appreciate the poem more, to see something the second or third time that I did not on the first go round. Also, some poetry is so beautiful that it deserves to be read more than once. 

 

The Heart of a Writer

 

There are writers who struggle mightily in their quest to be published. Friends and family often think they are foolish for continuing to pursue a goal that has not been one they achieved. Listen in on this conversation, which is pure fiction, but makes the point.

Maisie rolled her eyes. "Penelope thinks she's a writer, but she's never been published." 

"I know." Nora pursed her lips. "Why does she persist in striving for something she'll never achieve? All she does is make herself miserable." 

Maise nodded her head. "I wonder about that, too. Does she like to be unhappy?

Why not try something else? Like sculpture, or embroidery." 

Penelope's friends don't comprehend the heart of a writer. Today's poster points out that others might not understand a writer's journey, and that is quite alright. It's the writer who is important in this scenario. 

If Penelope has written and submitted her work for years, yet never been published, she definitely has the heart of a writer. She has a passion for the craft. She has determination. She has perseverance. And we can add patience to the other qualities Penelope has. I think she's to be admired.  

Giving up is the easy way out, and those who are only half-heartedly into the writing world most likely do stop writing. They think it is too hard. It is too defeating when one rejection after another happens. These problems are decidedly depressing for a writer, but they don't have to be the end of something the writer wanted to do for a long time.

Every writer has heard multiple stories about now-famous authors who submitted a book manuscript many, many times before it was accepted and published. We could make a very long list of those authors. Like Penelope, they had the heart of a writer, determination, perseverance, and patience. They also believed in themselves. 

Do you have the heart of a writer? I hope so. If you love to write, don't give up your pursuit of publication. And, do not be concerned about what other people think. The only important thoughts are your own. 

Bits of Bliss in Your Writing World

We're so busy with the big stuff in our lives that we often overlook the little things. So many of those small everyday pleasures are easy to miss. They happen, but we are so busy with the big chores that we can easily miss them. 

It's the same in our writing life. We're so involved with writing a first draft, editing and revising, then submitting that we miss the small bits of bliss. We're more often concerned with problems in a project we're working on. 

We skip right by the good feeling we have when a new story idea pops into our head. What is more pleasing than that? You feel good. You are anxious to get started writing the first draft. It's minor in the scope of the rest of your writing world, but worth noting each time it occurs.

Another joy is the satisfaction we feel when a project is completed. I write mostly short things, and it always makes me happy to have finished one. Those who write books must be ecstatic when the book is finished. 

Another small pleasure is when a reader offers a compliment. It might be in an email, on social media, or even in person. Makes you feel wonderful to know that your work has been appreciated, doesn't it?

When one of our submissions is published, the first time we see it in print, whether in a book we hold in our hands or online, we are happy. I once knew an obstetrician who said that he got a thrill every time he delivered a baby. It's the same for those who are published. It never seems to get old. 

I don't know about you, but when I'm at my keyboard tapping away, I forget about anything else that might have been on my mind. I move into a whole other world. It's a little thing, but rather nice. 

Slow down and take a bit of time to appreciate the little pleasures in your writing life. Can you add any others to the ones I've listed above? 
 

Give a Gift of Memories

This is a post from several years ago, written shortly after Christmas. It's been one of the most popular posts on this blog. Thus, I decided to repeat it today. Gifts can be given at any time of the year!

I ran across this poster telling us that one of the best presents we can give is memories. The big gift giving season just finished, but there are other times of the year that we can offer a gift to a friend or family member--Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries--to name a few. We can even give a gift for no reason at all.

Around Thanksgiving, I used a piece about November in Chicago during my growing-up years. I then shared it with a childhood friend who wrote that she enjoyed it so much as it brought back myriad memories. Writing about your memories can be the perfect present for someone you care about.

I've often suggested that we all keep a Family Memories Book. Write one story at a time and put it in the book, something like a three ring binder so that you can easily add to it. It's overwhelming if you try to write about your entire childhood, family stories and characterizations of family members all in one big piece. You'll start and give up before you get very far. 

But single out one person or one story or one specific memory to write about and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. You can divide the notebook into sections any way you like. It might be by the age you were at the time, or relatives' names, or places where you lived. Your choice.

That book will grow as you add story upon story. Consider what a treasure it will be for your children and grandchildren in the years to come. It will be one great big gift!

Besides doing one big Family Stories book, write one story or a musing about a period of life or how you felt about a friend. Make it 500 words, 1,000 or more. Again, it's your choice. Then send it as a gift to whoever can relate to it, whether friend, cousin, sibling or other family member. They will feel pretty special to have been singled out to receive something you wrote. 

Memories are gifts to ourself, as well. Have you ever sat down with a cup of coffee or tea and mused over some long ago memory? It's a pleasant pastime and one memory often triggers another. They give you story ideas. Base a fiction story on a real happening rather than creating it from scratch. 

As the poster says, memories don't need to be returned, don't take up room, have to be replaced and they fit just right. Besides all that, they never have to be dusted!

 

By Nancy Julien Kopp - January 08, 2018 No comments:  

 

Writing Mentally, Not Physically

 

Today's poster will probably make you smile, but there is truth in it and something to ponder. 

Writers could be classified as daydreamers because of all the writing thoughts swirling in their minds. When they have a blank look and walk through crowds, not acknowledging others, they aren't being rude. They're most likely thinking about a work in progress, one that is not finished. Or perhaps, they are suddenly getting a story idea and are pondering on same. 

Writers can sit at a concert, hearing and appreciating the music, but also working out a story idea. I did exactly that while attending a symphony performance one evening many years ago. The music seemed to open the door to the story for me, and the short fiction was published after going through the actual writing process.

If you see a writer in the grocery store aisle, and he/she passes by, he/she is probably deep in thought about a writing project. Writers write mentally sitting on a bus or commuter train, at a ballgame, or while waiting to see a doctor or dentist. Writers acquire the ability to pay attention to two things at once. They have active minds that concentrate on more than one thing at a time. Occasionally, the story idea might take precedence, and the writer is concentrating only on it. 

Writers can be writing in their mind while doing rote household tasks. When I iron, which happens less and less, my mind is free. The same with unloading the dishwasher. Or dusting the tabletops. Our hands are busy, but our minds are free to think about our writing. And many other things, too.

Once we have a story idea, we don't always run to the computer and begin the first draft. Instead, we ponder the idea in our minds for days, even weeks, before ever starting to write that all-important first draft. 

There are times when we can't come up with that very important first line. Instead of staring at the computer screen, we try out several in our minds. When one appeals or feels satisfying, then it's time to hie ourselves to the keyboard and tap those keys to see the sentence in print rather than in your mind. 

So, when you see a writer away from the keyboard, out in public, know that they might be writing, just not typing. It's a matter of writing mentally, not physically.

Are Trees and Writers Alike?

 As we were driving to church this morning, I noticed the vast number of different trees we passed. Big ones, small ones, Tall ones, short ones. Trees that were full and those a bit sparse. Some had leaves, while others were dressed in needles. Go farther south, and some of the trees would have fronds. All are classified as trees, but each one is different from the others. 

Most everyone has seen or memorized the famous poem by Joyce Kilmer titled 'Trees.' It seems worth putting it in this post.

Trees

BY JOYCE KILMER

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Writers are like trees. Writers may be our group name, but each one looks and writes in a different way. No two are exactly alike. Nor should they be. Each writer uses his/her own voice, his/her own style. All trees should not look alike, and all writers should not write alike. 

Finding your voice, or the style in which you write, does not happen as soon as you begin writing. It evolves as you pursue your craft. The more you write, the more evident your particular way of writing becomes. You are an individual that fits under the group heading of Writers. 

Have you ever heard a reader say something like "Oh, I love the way he writes." Readers are aware of the differences in writers. They know the ones they like best, just as botanists have favorite trees. 

I am reading a book that is written in present tense. It's driving me crazy. I like the story but not the way the writer tells it. Even so, it's his style, his way of telling a story. Many readers might like reading the entire book in present tense. Is he wrong for writing in this manner? Not at all. Different readers appreciate different writers. That's the way it should be, I think. 

Some writers try to copy or imitate the style of a writer they admire. Go ahead and admire that other writer, but develop your own voice, your own style of writing. Each tree is individual, Writers should be, as well. Be yourself. You will still fit into the glorious group known as Writers.

Strive for Perfection in Each Submission

 

Welcome to October! How it got here so fast is beyond me. It's a month of cooler temps, crisper days, falling leaves, jackets and sweaters, and many other things. We have two photos today--one to welcome this new month and the other to show perfection in a table setting for an autumn dinner. 

Why the table setting? Because it makes me think that our writing should strive for the same kind of beauty and perfection. It appears that the table is set for a special occasion meal, and the hostess wants to put her best into the setting. It's exactly what we, as writers, should do with everything we write.

If we are aiming at publication, achieving perfection in what we plan to submit is a leap forward in the publication process. Send in some slap-dash hurried writing, and you're most likely to get a rejection. Put some time and effort into creating the very best writing you can, and you're more likely to move ahead several steps in the line of submissions. Editors appreciate writing that shows the writer understands all the mechanics as well as being able to tell a story or make a statement in an essay.

How do we create a submission that is as near perfect as possible? Let me count the ways! (Shameless, I know, but it popped into my head.)

A.  Make sure your tenses don't jump back and forth. Be consistent.

B.  Check for spelling and punctuation errors.

C.  Limit the use of adverbs. You'll end up with more telling than showing.

D.  Make sure subject and verb tense are compatible.

E.  Use adjectives sparingly. One or two is best--not a handful for one noun.

F.  Check for clarity. What may be perfectly clear to you may not be for the reader.

G.  Look for overly long sentences and revise or split into two shorter ones.

H.  Make sure words and phrases are not repeated close to one another. 

I.  Turn passive verbs into active ones wherever possible.

J.  Check to see what words can be cut.

K.  Look at your opening and closing paragraphs. Are they strong?

L.  Have you included sensory details? They bring life to your writing.

If you can come up with a good story or essay idea, and you go through the checklist above, you'll have a better chance for publication than the many haphazard kind of writers. 

When you prepare for submission, use the same care, thought, and pride that the hostess of a beautiful table setting does. When submitting, you should send your best work. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Take the time to make your submission as perfect as possible. Not once, not twice, but every time you submit your writing for publication.