Riley Adams's Blog, page 158
March 22, 2013
Focusing on the Writing First
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
When I was a kid, my elementary school would have tornado drills at least twice in a school year. What I remember most about these drills was that the teachers would direct all the children into the hallway to kneel with our arms covering our heads...and then they'd spend the entire drill busily cranking open the casement windows. The prevailing wisdom at the time (at least, in my elementary school), was that the windows must be opened or else the school would explode from the pressure during a tornado. I know...it sounds nutty now.
Actually, it seemed crazy to me at the time that the teachers would be working so long and so hard to open those half-painted-shut windows...during a tornado. I remember thinking, "So...if this were a real tornado, the kids will all be safe in the hall. And all the adults will be dead because they're trying to open the windows. What will we do then?" The windows just weren't the right things to be focusing on.
Twice recently, I've had new writers approach me to ask me publishing-related questions for unfinished first manuscripts. I actually used to love talking with new writers. I couldn't figure out why other writers disliked it so much. Lately, though, I completely understand. As I listened to them asking me questions about the industry, my heart sank. How could I possibly give them any direction in only a few minutes?
Neither had ever finished a book. One had been working on a book for years, but not regularly. It was something she picked up every few months. She was concerned about agents and publishers and how to approach them.
The other writer asked me about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and building a platform. And the writer looked totally overwhelmed. I'd have been totally overwhelmed, too. Working on a first novel, thinking about all the social media and the way the industry is imploding or exploding or improving (depending how you look at it.)
It all reminded me of the teachers trying to crank those windows open. Their principal had them focused on the wrong task. They should have huddled down next to us in the hall. Writers need to huddle down and write.
Yes, we've got to follow the industry news. It will help give us direction when we're figuring out the best avenue for publishing our story. Plus, it's just such a dynamic time that our whole concept of the publishing industry could become outdated in a short period of time. But the story comes first.
Platform building is important. But the timing of its importance is in question. If it prevents you from writing that first book, that's a problem. Industry expert Jane Friedman put it bluntly in her recent post (and the entire post is an insightful read) on Writer Unboxed, 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writer’s Attention:
I do think it's nice to have a home base on the web...a website, a blog, some place to hang your hat. Definitely a professional-sounding email address, at the very least. But instead of platforming, new writers should think about discovering information from the writing community--craft, industry news, support. Again, nothing that takes the place of the writing. Platforming makes more sense for writers who have books launching.
Once the book is finished, we do have lots of decisions to make and tons of information to absorb. But we're focused in the wrong direction, it makes it even harder to find time to write.
How do you keep focused on your writing instead of all the other writing-related issues (industry changes, networking, platforming, agents and publishers)? For me, it means knocking out my daily writing goal before hopping online.
Image: MorgueFile: npclark2k
When I was a kid, my elementary school would have tornado drills at least twice in a school year. What I remember most about these drills was that the teachers would direct all the children into the hallway to kneel with our arms covering our heads...and then they'd spend the entire drill busily cranking open the casement windows. The prevailing wisdom at the time (at least, in my elementary school), was that the windows must be opened or else the school would explode from the pressure during a tornado. I know...it sounds nutty now.
Actually, it seemed crazy to me at the time that the teachers would be working so long and so hard to open those half-painted-shut windows...during a tornado. I remember thinking, "So...if this were a real tornado, the kids will all be safe in the hall. And all the adults will be dead because they're trying to open the windows. What will we do then?" The windows just weren't the right things to be focusing on.
Twice recently, I've had new writers approach me to ask me publishing-related questions for unfinished first manuscripts. I actually used to love talking with new writers. I couldn't figure out why other writers disliked it so much. Lately, though, I completely understand. As I listened to them asking me questions about the industry, my heart sank. How could I possibly give them any direction in only a few minutes?
Neither had ever finished a book. One had been working on a book for years, but not regularly. It was something she picked up every few months. She was concerned about agents and publishers and how to approach them.
The other writer asked me about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and building a platform. And the writer looked totally overwhelmed. I'd have been totally overwhelmed, too. Working on a first novel, thinking about all the social media and the way the industry is imploding or exploding or improving (depending how you look at it.)
It all reminded me of the teachers trying to crank those windows open. Their principal had them focused on the wrong task. They should have huddled down next to us in the hall. Writers need to huddle down and write.
Yes, we've got to follow the industry news. It will help give us direction when we're figuring out the best avenue for publishing our story. Plus, it's just such a dynamic time that our whole concept of the publishing industry could become outdated in a short period of time. But the story comes first.
Platform building is important. But the timing of its importance is in question. If it prevents you from writing that first book, that's a problem. Industry expert Jane Friedman put it bluntly in her recent post (and the entire post is an insightful read) on Writer Unboxed, 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writer’s Attention:
If you’re a totally new, unpublished writer who is focused on fiction,
memoir, poetry, or any type of narrative-driven work, forget you ever
heard the word platform. I think it’s causing more damage than good.
It’s causing writers to do things that they dislike (even hate), and
that are unnatural for them at an early stage of their careers. They’re
confused, for good reason, and platform building grows into a raging
distraction from the work at hand—the writing.
I do think it's nice to have a home base on the web...a website, a blog, some place to hang your hat. Definitely a professional-sounding email address, at the very least. But instead of platforming, new writers should think about discovering information from the writing community--craft, industry news, support. Again, nothing that takes the place of the writing. Platforming makes more sense for writers who have books launching.
Once the book is finished, we do have lots of decisions to make and tons of information to absorb. But we're focused in the wrong direction, it makes it even harder to find time to write.
How do you keep focused on your writing instead of all the other writing-related issues (industry changes, networking, platforming, agents and publishers)? For me, it means knocking out my daily writing goal before hopping online.
Image: MorgueFile: npclark2k
March 20, 2013
Troubleshooting Your Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Hi everyone! I'm over at the Writer's in the Storm blog today, with a guest post aimed at mystery writers--"Troubleshooting Your Mystery." I'll share some common problems mystery writers face and offer some potential solutions.
Hope you'll drop by if you have a chance. Writers in the Storm , if you haven't visited there, is a helpful blog, focusing on the writing craft...their archives are fun to delve into!
Update--I'm trying a new plug-in for comments. When I turned on comment moderation yesterday afternoon, I promptly received 50 spam comments to moderate. By this morning, it was in the hundreds. Hoping that a third-party site will improve our commenting experience here, but we'll see!
Hi everyone! I'm over at the Writer's in the Storm blog today, with a guest post aimed at mystery writers--"Troubleshooting Your Mystery." I'll share some common problems mystery writers face and offer some potential solutions.
Hope you'll drop by if you have a chance. Writers in the Storm , if you haven't visited there, is a helpful blog, focusing on the writing craft...their archives are fun to delve into!
Update--I'm trying a new plug-in for comments. When I turned on comment moderation yesterday afternoon, I promptly received 50 spam comments to moderate. By this morning, it was in the hundreds. Hoping that a third-party site will improve our commenting experience here, but we'll see!
March 17, 2013
Stressed-Out Characters – Just the Way We Want Them--Guest Post by Diane Krause
by Diane Krause,@DianeKrause2
In addition to writing and editing, one of my other
interests is human behavior and personality types. I’m fascinated by the way
we’re each uniquely wired, and what it takes for us all to work and play nicely
together.
For a number of years, I’ve worked with a personality
assessment called The Birkman Method™. This particular assessment stands out
among others, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, because Birkman measures
more aspects of an individual’s personality than other assessments. One of
those aspects is Stress Behavior, a
concept that can be quite useful for fiction writers.
Stress
Behavior, according to The Birkman Method™, is the behavior we exhibit
when our needs aren’t met. That seems logical, right? When all is right
with the world -- the bills are paid, the laundry’s done, the children are
behaving, and we’re exceeding our word count quota – our behaviors are usually
pretty positive and we’re a joy to be around. Yet when all is not
right with the world, well, it’s not a pretty sight, is it?
The Birkman assessment takes that concept and breaks it down
by the four primary personality types, with each type possessing its own set of
positive behaviors, basic needs, and stress behavior. An understanding of the
four types and some common stress behaviors can help us add a bit more
dimension, or complexity, to our fictional characters. After all, we do want
our characters to be stressed, right? Stress creates conflict, which is
critical to creating great fiction.
The following is a crash course in the four basic
personality types, and some common stress behaviors that are likely to pop up
in each when all is not right with his or her world.
The
Doer Personality. This is the classic Type A personality. He’s
quick to make decisions, likes to be in charge, and lives to see results. This
is the Ready-Fire-Aim guy. He’s most
comfortable with people who think and act like him, and he tends to have little
patience with creative types who prefer to explore options and think before
acting. He prefers to deal with people in a frank, direct and straightforward
manner with a minimal amount of emotion and sentimentality.
The
Doer’s Stress Behavior. When his needs aren’t met – say he’s stuck
working with a bunch of free spirits -- he will tend to become insensitive,
bossy, dogmatic, impulsive, edgy, and impatient. He’ll be overly factual and
abrupt, and will tend to have difficulty responding to the personal needs of
others.
The
Influencer Personality. This is your killer saleswoman. She loves
being around people and can work a room like nobody’s business. The Influencer
likes novelty, change, a minimal amount of structure, and the freedom to do her
own thing. She tends to get along well with most people, but doesn’t care for
people who are overly insistent on rules and procedures.
The
Influencer’s Stress Behavior. When the Influencer is stressed
– say her personal freedom is limited and she’s stuck following rigid rules –
she’ll tend to become defensive, argumentative, resistant to rules, easily
side-tracked, and may be overly concerned with saving face.
The
Rules and Regs Personality. This is your class process
person. To him, Heaven – not the devil – is in the details. He loves working
with rules, definitions, processes, and systematic procedures. He’s not much of
a people person and is typically content working quietly by himself. He’s
orderly, consistent and cautious, and likes all the lines clearly drawn. He
wants to know what’s expected of him, and what he can expect of others
(preferably that they’re following the rules).
The
Rules and Regs’s Stress Behavior. When order is lost or
abandoned, the rules guy will be stressed. In reaction, his fear of the
unexpected will cause him to become over-controlling, too factual, opinionated,
and resistant to change. Personal interactions with others will be even more
challenging than usual.
The
Thinker Personality. She’s the best idea person around – creative,
innovative, and almost always able to see things from a new angle (a good
quality in a sleuth). She’s insightful and typically easy-going. She longs for
freedom from social demands, values strong personal relationships, and needs
plenty of time to make decisions.
The
Thinker’s Stress Behavior. If the Thinker’s world gets too loud or
busy, she’s easily overwhelmed. Extended social demands, pressure to make quick
decisions, heavy doses of criticism, and bossy people will all cause the
Thinker to become stressed. When that happens, she’ll become oversensitive,
easily hurt, idealistic, withdrawn, and even more hesitant to make decisions.
She’ll also tend to second-guess almost everything she does.
As writers, of course we want to create fictional characters
as complex and unique as real people – a formidable challenge. Borrowing traits
from the living and breathing can often give us a jump-start on creating the
characters that will bring our stories to life.
Are there any interesting stress behaviors you would add to
this list? What are some characteristics you’ve given to your characters to
increase the conflict in your stories?
Diane
Krause is a freelance editor, writer, and author of 25 Ways
to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love. You can connect with Diane through her website at www.thedianekrause.com , or on Twitter @DianeKrause2.
25 Ways to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love is a short book designed to inspire writers
and provide a jump-start on creating believable fictional characters. Available
on Amazon .
March 16, 2013
Twitterific
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Twitterific links are fed into
the Writer’s Knowledge Base search
engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has
over 19,000 free articles on writing related topics. It's the search engine for
writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly
writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike Fleming is working with
author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an online, interactive,
writing program to help make your next novel great. It's called "Knockout
Novel" and you can learn more about it at KnockoutNovel.com. Plus, all the data is
stored in your Hiveword account for easy
access.
*******
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Tags, Traits And Tells: http://bit.ly/WsCSLS @woodwardkaren
How to Write a Story: http://bit.ly/WsCVY5 @stephengjones72
5 Keys Steps to Adding Depth to Your Fictional Relationships: http://bit.ly/WGrXsV @JordanDane
Spring Cleaning? 10 Tips for Writers: http://bit.ly/WsD6Tj @WritingFineLine
Worldbuilding Process: http://bit.ly/WsDiC2 @juliettewade
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Fall or Fly? http://bit.ly/WGsBGO @johnhartness
Are Email Interviews That Bad? Yes.http://bit.ly/WsDCAK @10000Words
Screenwriters Roundtable: http://bit.ly/WGt8IF @gointothestory
When characters go their own way: http://bit.ly/WsE0yZ
The Value of Taking a Productive Pause: http://bit.ly/WGtpeI @abmarkman
115 Words for "walks": http://bit.ly/WsE9Te @gointothestory
Creating Intriguing Characters: http://bit.ly/WsEjKo @fcmalby
The hidden power of no: http://bit.ly/VGaMeV @RLLaFevers
Writing Authentic Crime: How To Get Away With Murder: http://bit.ly/XQi12t @GarryRodgers1
Are Self-Pub Books the New Slush Pile? http://bit.ly/XQi8uX @rachellegardner
Writing Effective Grief In Fiction: 5 Ideas For Writers: http://bit.ly/VGc7lV @denisejaden
An Experience in Translating a Self-Published Book: http://bit.ly/XQiv8E @selfpubreview
3 Quick Tips for Linking to External Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/XQjLZx @genelempp
How To Sell Ebooks: http://bit.ly/VGdQrd @jakonrath
Another 25 Reasons Your Submissions are Rejected: http://bit.ly/XQkbz8
Your Amazon Author Central page: http://bit.ly/W80Klw @bufocalvin
Feeling Overwhelmed? Social Media Can Make Us Crazy: http://bit.ly/W815Vn @kristenlambtx
AWP president addresses criticism of the conference:
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Writing Organizations—Finding the perfect fit: http://bit.ly/ZivCgO @OrlyKonigLopez
10 Qualities of Successful Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/ZivIoH
Describing Character Reactions And Emotions: She Smiled, He Frowned: http://bit.ly/ZiAq5G @woodwardkaren
8 Tips For Approaching Editing Your Work: http://bit.ly/W85JCM @BryanThomasS
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
How to Make Your Similes Sparkle: http://bit.ly/W85UOC @write_practice
5 Ways to Promote Your Words When You're Not Feeling Worthy: http://bit.ly/ZiAOBb @wherewriterswin
A Critique of a Darker Opening: http://bit.ly/W863lb @janice_hardy
Plot Perseverance and Plodding: http://bit.ly/ZiAVwM @sarahahoyt
Writing the right story: http://bit.ly/ZiBcjc @juliekibler
Physical Attributes Entry: Stomach: http://bit.ly/W86wUl @angelaackerman
Write-Brained: The Neuroscience of Writing and Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ZiBqqA @robdyoungwrites
Screenwriter roundtable: http://bit.ly/W86ETY @gointothestory
The Storytelling Masters and Their Lessons: http://bit.ly/W86L1N @NightBirder
1984: George Orwell's road to dystopia: http://bbc.in/W86Suj @BBCNewsMagazine
Dreaming up story ideas: http://bit.ly/ZiBRkK @kristinnador
Guy Kawasaki on budgeting for your book: http://bit.ly/ZiC3R7 @jasonboog
ISBNs For Self-Publishing: http://bit.ly/W87akF @laurahoward78 @rippatton
4 Character Essentials: http://bit.ly/ZiCdI6 @josiskilpack
Great Character: The Bride ("Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2″): http://bit.ly/W87waZ @gointothestory
Used e-books: http://bit.ly/ZiCESA
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How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time: http://bit.ly/W8nyl9 @jamesscottbell
Writing Rules and Fantasy: Mary Sues: http://bit.ly/ZiWqO6 @VickyThinks
How to Get Your ISBN: http://bit.ly/W8OyRJ @MyBookShepherd
Why Science Fiction Poetry is Embarrassingly Bad: http://bit.ly/ZjvxJC @AmazingStories0
10 Movies That Make Writing Look Incredibly Dangerous: http://bit.ly/ZjwlOW @flavorpill
The Trouble With Adverbs: http://bit.ly/ZjwCRQ @woodwardkaren
Who should read your unpublished work? http://bit.ly/W8PKUY @rachellegardner
A Way To End Ebook Piracy? http://bit.ly/Zjx0zC
Using Ebook Covers to Brand an Author Across Genres: http://bit.ly/Zjxd62 @ddscottromcom
Ebook cover critiques: http://bit.ly/ZldhzD @jfbookman
Tips for writing subplots: http://bit.ly/16dzOFl @gointothesstory
9 Reasons Authors Still Choose Traditional Publishing: http://bit.ly/ZldKli @melissadonovan
5 things 1 self-pubbed writer has learned so far: http://bit.ly/16dzXbL @livewritethrive @SeanYeagerAdv
How to build a storyworld based on character: http://bit.ly/Zle1Vr @Onidroid
Breaking the Literary Atrophy: http://bit.ly/16dAeLN @chicklitgurrl71
How To Write More And Create A Daily Writing Habit: http://bit.ly/ZlejM7 @thecreativepenn
Cooking up a
culinary cozy mystery: http://bit.ly/YvINub
@JudyAlter
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Details and Description—Getting the Facts Right: http://bit.ly/ZleuqG @noveleditor
Every Author Needs a Copyright Page: http://bit.ly/XYDRh5 @MyBookShepherd
Keep the Plot Taut: http://bit.ly/XFecOj @Lindasclare
Forcing readers to like characters--admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
Think Like a Publisher 2013: Return on Investment: http://bit.ly/16dAFFV @deanwesleysmith
Translation Rights: http://bit.ly/ZleQ0o
Review on gerunds: http://bit.ly/16dAWZn @writing_tips
Tips for writing loglines: http://bit.ly/16dB8If @SHalvatzis
How Twitter lists help writers: http://bit.ly/Zlfawe @ninabadzin
5 Principles of Creativity: http://bit.ly/16dBmiB @Digitaltonto
10 modern horror masterpieces: http://bit.ly/Zlfn2t
Expertise vs. Humility – A Blogger's Battle Royale? http://bit.ly/16dBxub
Bookkeeping for writers: http://bit.ly/16dBBKj @bob_brooke
Screenwriters' roundtable: http://bit.ly/ZlfBa2 @gointothestory
The math of writing fast: http://bit.ly/lIVgw0 @deanwesleysmith
How to Build a Platform before You Finish Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYrXbc @grubwriters
Thomas Edison, Power-Napper: The Great Inventor on Sleep & Creative Success: http://bit.ly/YRx2hm @brainpicker
How to Use What Ifs While Revising: http://bit.ly/XYs46w @ava_jae
What 1 writer wishes he'd known about writing: http://bit.ly/YRxbBE @2bwriters
Tips for dumping info dumps: http://bit.ly/XYsrOn @CompulsionReads
Six sentence story planning for pantsers: http://bit.ly/YRxw7e @ajackwriting
Why Hunter S. Thompson Would've Loved Author Rank: http://bit.ly/XYsSbD @copyblogger
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Promise of the Premise: http://bit.ly/XYtjmd @carrieryan
Five Ways to Use YouTube to Promote Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYtmhY @wherewriterswin
Rejection slip scrapbook: http://bit.ly/YRylwX @amazingstories0
Losing Sight of the Target: http://bit.ly/XYtwpm @StinaLL
Tips for dealing with rejection: http://bit.ly/YRysbD @angelaackerman
A dialogue exercise: http://bit.ly/YRyAbj @biljanalikic
English as a Foreign Language: http://bit.ly/XYtRbP
As Barnes & Noble shrinks, small bookstores are born: http://lat.ms/Zxgwrt @latimesbooks
Writing male characters--their reactions to grief: http://bit.ly/14LbLtP @lkblackburne
Plotting and Crafting Action Scenes: http://bit.ly/Zxhe83
Create a Table of Contents to Help Your Readers Navigate Your Book: http://bit.ly/15HpJiB @ninaamir
Successfully self-pubbed authors share 10 tips for finding more readers: http://bit.ly/12HBsA3 @LauraPepWu
The Aftermath of the Agency Model: http://bit.ly/12HBzM1 @pubperspectives
When you're told your story concept isn't "big enough": http://bit.ly/12HBJ5S @Julie_Gray
6 Publishing Trends That Benefit Readers & Authors: http://bit.ly/12HBU18 @mollygreene @tobywneal
3 Easy Ways to Better Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HC1K9 @lindasclare
The Most Important Quality In Best Selling Authors: http://bit.ly/12HClZj @jodyhedlund
Want to write a book? Thoughts for starting out: http://bit.ly/15HqtEq @4YALit
Analyzing Story Structure: http://bit.ly/15HqxnB @woodwardkaren
Bad news for blog readers--Google Reader
to shutter on July 1: http://bit.ly/16uISpr @Porter_Anderson
@dcseifert @mmasnick
How to Write a Character From Start to Finish: http://bit.ly/12HCyvt @BrianKlems
What to Expect When You're Expecting…to Be Published: http://bit.ly/12HCE6x @BoydMorrison
Tips for finding coffee shops that will let you sit and write for a while: http://bit.ly/12HCQmf @halophoenix @lifehacker
Tips for creating great characters: http://bit.ly/15HqSql @HookedOnNoir
Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HD6BB @writersdigest
Discovery is Publishers' Problem; Readers are Doing Just Fine: http://bit.ly/15Hr0WN @glecharles
How to deal with your moments of despair as a writer: http://bit.ly/12HDgsH @ajackwriting
"'Used Ebooks' Hurts My Brain": http://bit.ly/15HQ6oE @readingape
10 tips for drawing readers to your website: http://bit.ly/12IiY2e @authormedia
A look at the school and library marketing part of the industry: http://bit.ly/12IjbSY @alexbracken
Enemies of the art--failure to focus: http://bit.ly/15HQp2D @kristenlambTX
Is "Discoverability" Even A Problem? http://bit.ly/15HWVXm @bsandusky
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5 Unexpected Tips For Self-Pubbed Authors to Find Success: http://bit.ly/XkG39i @digibookworld
Recipe for a Successful Synopsis: http://bit.ly/14PsQmb @jamigold
Is Your Agent an Asset? http://bit.ly/XkGAbh @behlerpublish
3 Tips for Strengthening Narrative Descriptions: http://bit.ly/14Pt7FU @lkhillbooks
FREE Books: Bane or Boon? http://bit.ly/XkH0OR @SusanKayeQuinn
8 Ways To Fix Online Review Systems: http://bit.ly/14PtBvN @scottmarlowe
What is Wattpad? And how can it help me as a self-published author? http://bit.ly/YpaK6J @bibliocrunch
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5 Steps to Boost eBook Sales - Listening to Readers: http://huff.to/YpaW61 @markcoker
Why self-publishing authors should think "foreign rights" from the outset: http://bit.ly/13QQiDu @SueCollier
Tips for Twitter newbies: http://bit.ly/13QQMti @blurbisaverb @teconklin
How to write a novel: http://bit.ly/13QR03A @salon @carytennis
Supernatural Horror In Literature: http://bit.ly/Ypc7lS @amazingstories0
Don't be Afraid of Embarrassing Your Grandmother: http://bit.ly/13QR837 @americanediting
On Writing, Christopher Walken and Finding Your 'Wild Thing': http://bit.ly/13QRcji @JudyLeeDunn
6 Tips To Creating A Writing Partnership That Works: http://bit.ly/Ypce0V @goodinaroom
Boost Creativity and Enhance Your Sleep with These Lucid Dreaming Techniques: http://bit.ly/YpcgpB @lifehacker
Building a Street Team: http://bit.ly/XI6rId @EArroyo5 @janice_hardy
3 Quick Ways to Find Hidden Guest Blogging Opportunities: http://bit.ly/XI6vaJ @copyblogger
The Modifier Zone: http://bit.ly/YanIpY @jgetzler
Examples of a coming-of-age theme in fiction: http://bit.ly/10ypp6O @mkinberg
Why noir remains popular today: http://bit.ly/15HoGza @mkinberg
Did Amazon Change Algorithms to Protect Their Readers? The 10,000 Gatekeepers of KDP Select: http://bit.ly/15HpBjc @edwrobertson
Proper Nouns, Pronouns, and Antecedents--a Review: http://bit.ly/12I0Y89 @authorterryo
AWP con: it's become MFA-Con: http://bit.ly/XkJs7Z @Porter_Anderson
March Madness for mystery lovers: http://augustwainwright.com/ @acwainwright
Random House ebook imprints with 'predatory' contracts: http://bit.ly/YpavZr @Porter_Anderson @JamesScottBell @VictoriaStrauss
How to use email to preview your eBook files on an iPad: http://bit.ly/13QSuLo @bibliocrunch @miralsattar
Traditional mystery writers--make the
amateur sleuth's involvement believable: http://bit.ly/ZKTBGQ
@sharonwhopkins
A POV overview: http://bit.ly/XX3qiv @p2p_editor
Twitterific links are fed into
the Writer’s Knowledge Base search
engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has
over 19,000 free articles on writing related topics. It's the search engine for
writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly
writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike Fleming is working with
author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an online, interactive,
writing program to help make your next novel great. It's called "Knockout
Novel" and you can learn more about it at KnockoutNovel.com. Plus, all the data is
stored in your Hiveword account for easy
access.
*******
A free directory of cover designers, formatters, freelance editors, and more: http://bit.ly/nolbXq
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How to Write a Story: http://bit.ly/WsCVY5 @stephengjones72
5 Keys Steps to Adding Depth to Your Fictional Relationships: http://bit.ly/WGrXsV @JordanDane
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Worldbuilding Process: http://bit.ly/WsDiC2 @juliettewade
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Are Email Interviews That Bad? Yes.http://bit.ly/WsDCAK @10000Words
Screenwriters Roundtable: http://bit.ly/WGt8IF @gointothestory
When characters go their own way: http://bit.ly/WsE0yZ
The Value of Taking a Productive Pause: http://bit.ly/WGtpeI @abmarkman
115 Words for "walks": http://bit.ly/WsE9Te @gointothestory
Creating Intriguing Characters: http://bit.ly/WsEjKo @fcmalby
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Writing Authentic Crime: How To Get Away With Murder: http://bit.ly/XQi12t @GarryRodgers1
Are Self-Pub Books the New Slush Pile? http://bit.ly/XQi8uX @rachellegardner
Writing Effective Grief In Fiction: 5 Ideas For Writers: http://bit.ly/VGc7lV @denisejaden
An Experience in Translating a Self-Published Book: http://bit.ly/XQiv8E @selfpubreview
3 Quick Tips for Linking to External Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/XQjLZx @genelempp
How To Sell Ebooks: http://bit.ly/VGdQrd @jakonrath
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Feeling Overwhelmed? Social Media Can Make Us Crazy: http://bit.ly/W815Vn @kristenlambtx
AWP president addresses criticism of the conference:
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Writing Organizations—Finding the perfect fit: http://bit.ly/ZivCgO @OrlyKonigLopez
10 Qualities of Successful Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/ZivIoH
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5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
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5 Ways to Promote Your Words When You're Not Feeling Worthy: http://bit.ly/ZiAOBb @wherewriterswin
A Critique of a Darker Opening: http://bit.ly/W863lb @janice_hardy
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Writing the right story: http://bit.ly/ZiBcjc @juliekibler
Physical Attributes Entry: Stomach: http://bit.ly/W86wUl @angelaackerman
Write-Brained: The Neuroscience of Writing and Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ZiBqqA @robdyoungwrites
Screenwriter roundtable: http://bit.ly/W86ETY @gointothestory
The Storytelling Masters and Their Lessons: http://bit.ly/W86L1N @NightBirder
1984: George Orwell's road to dystopia: http://bbc.in/W86Suj @BBCNewsMagazine
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Guy Kawasaki on budgeting for your book: http://bit.ly/ZiC3R7 @jasonboog
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4 Character Essentials: http://bit.ly/ZiCdI6 @josiskilpack
Great Character: The Bride ("Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2″): http://bit.ly/W87waZ @gointothestory
Used e-books: http://bit.ly/ZiCESA
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How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time: http://bit.ly/W8nyl9 @jamesscottbell
Writing Rules and Fantasy: Mary Sues: http://bit.ly/ZiWqO6 @VickyThinks
How to Get Your ISBN: http://bit.ly/W8OyRJ @MyBookShepherd
Why Science Fiction Poetry is Embarrassingly Bad: http://bit.ly/ZjvxJC @AmazingStories0
10 Movies That Make Writing Look Incredibly Dangerous: http://bit.ly/ZjwlOW @flavorpill
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Who should read your unpublished work? http://bit.ly/W8PKUY @rachellegardner
A Way To End Ebook Piracy? http://bit.ly/Zjx0zC
Using Ebook Covers to Brand an Author Across Genres: http://bit.ly/Zjxd62 @ddscottromcom
Ebook cover critiques: http://bit.ly/ZldhzD @jfbookman
Tips for writing subplots: http://bit.ly/16dzOFl @gointothesstory
9 Reasons Authors Still Choose Traditional Publishing: http://bit.ly/ZldKli @melissadonovan
5 things 1 self-pubbed writer has learned so far: http://bit.ly/16dzXbL @livewritethrive @SeanYeagerAdv
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How To Write More And Create A Daily Writing Habit: http://bit.ly/ZlejM7 @thecreativepenn
Cooking up a
culinary cozy mystery: http://bit.ly/YvINub
@JudyAlter
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Details and Description—Getting the Facts Right: http://bit.ly/ZleuqG @noveleditor
Every Author Needs a Copyright Page: http://bit.ly/XYDRh5 @MyBookShepherd
Keep the Plot Taut: http://bit.ly/XFecOj @Lindasclare
Forcing readers to like characters--admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
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Review on gerunds: http://bit.ly/16dAWZn @writing_tips
Tips for writing loglines: http://bit.ly/16dB8If @SHalvatzis
How Twitter lists help writers: http://bit.ly/Zlfawe @ninabadzin
5 Principles of Creativity: http://bit.ly/16dBmiB @Digitaltonto
10 modern horror masterpieces: http://bit.ly/Zlfn2t
Expertise vs. Humility – A Blogger's Battle Royale? http://bit.ly/16dBxub
Bookkeeping for writers: http://bit.ly/16dBBKj @bob_brooke
Screenwriters' roundtable: http://bit.ly/ZlfBa2 @gointothestory
The math of writing fast: http://bit.ly/lIVgw0 @deanwesleysmith
How to Build a Platform before You Finish Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYrXbc @grubwriters
Thomas Edison, Power-Napper: The Great Inventor on Sleep & Creative Success: http://bit.ly/YRx2hm @brainpicker
How to Use What Ifs While Revising: http://bit.ly/XYs46w @ava_jae
What 1 writer wishes he'd known about writing: http://bit.ly/YRxbBE @2bwriters
Tips for dumping info dumps: http://bit.ly/XYsrOn @CompulsionReads
Six sentence story planning for pantsers: http://bit.ly/YRxw7e @ajackwriting
Why Hunter S. Thompson Would've Loved Author Rank: http://bit.ly/XYsSbD @copyblogger
5 Ways to Revise Poems: http://bit.ly/YRxZWU @robertleebrewer
Promise of the Premise: http://bit.ly/XYtjmd @carrieryan
Five Ways to Use YouTube to Promote Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYtmhY @wherewriterswin
Rejection slip scrapbook: http://bit.ly/YRylwX @amazingstories0
Losing Sight of the Target: http://bit.ly/XYtwpm @StinaLL
Tips for dealing with rejection: http://bit.ly/YRysbD @angelaackerman
A dialogue exercise: http://bit.ly/YRyAbj @biljanalikic
English as a Foreign Language: http://bit.ly/XYtRbP
As Barnes & Noble shrinks, small bookstores are born: http://lat.ms/Zxgwrt @latimesbooks
Writing male characters--their reactions to grief: http://bit.ly/14LbLtP @lkblackburne
Plotting and Crafting Action Scenes: http://bit.ly/Zxhe83
Create a Table of Contents to Help Your Readers Navigate Your Book: http://bit.ly/15HpJiB @ninaamir
Successfully self-pubbed authors share 10 tips for finding more readers: http://bit.ly/12HBsA3 @LauraPepWu
The Aftermath of the Agency Model: http://bit.ly/12HBzM1 @pubperspectives
When you're told your story concept isn't "big enough": http://bit.ly/12HBJ5S @Julie_Gray
6 Publishing Trends That Benefit Readers & Authors: http://bit.ly/12HBU18 @mollygreene @tobywneal
3 Easy Ways to Better Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HC1K9 @lindasclare
The Most Important Quality In Best Selling Authors: http://bit.ly/12HClZj @jodyhedlund
Want to write a book? Thoughts for starting out: http://bit.ly/15HqtEq @4YALit
Analyzing Story Structure: http://bit.ly/15HqxnB @woodwardkaren
Bad news for blog readers--Google Reader
to shutter on July 1: http://bit.ly/16uISpr @Porter_Anderson
@dcseifert @mmasnick
How to Write a Character From Start to Finish: http://bit.ly/12HCyvt @BrianKlems
What to Expect When You're Expecting…to Be Published: http://bit.ly/12HCE6x @BoydMorrison
Tips for finding coffee shops that will let you sit and write for a while: http://bit.ly/12HCQmf @halophoenix @lifehacker
Tips for creating great characters: http://bit.ly/15HqSql @HookedOnNoir
Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HD6BB @writersdigest
Discovery is Publishers' Problem; Readers are Doing Just Fine: http://bit.ly/15Hr0WN @glecharles
How to deal with your moments of despair as a writer: http://bit.ly/12HDgsH @ajackwriting
"'Used Ebooks' Hurts My Brain": http://bit.ly/15HQ6oE @readingape
10 tips for drawing readers to your website: http://bit.ly/12IiY2e @authormedia
A look at the school and library marketing part of the industry: http://bit.ly/12IjbSY @alexbracken
Enemies of the art--failure to focus: http://bit.ly/15HQp2D @kristenlambTX
Is "Discoverability" Even A Problem? http://bit.ly/15HWVXm @bsandusky
Awkwardly charming: Thomas Hardy and the strangeness of bad writing that is somehow good: http://slate.me/12IuJFU @slate
5 Unexpected Tips For Self-Pubbed Authors to Find Success: http://bit.ly/XkG39i @digibookworld
Recipe for a Successful Synopsis: http://bit.ly/14PsQmb @jamigold
Is Your Agent an Asset? http://bit.ly/XkGAbh @behlerpublish
3 Tips for Strengthening Narrative Descriptions: http://bit.ly/14Pt7FU @lkhillbooks
FREE Books: Bane or Boon? http://bit.ly/XkH0OR @SusanKayeQuinn
8 Ways To Fix Online Review Systems: http://bit.ly/14PtBvN @scottmarlowe
What is Wattpad? And how can it help me as a self-published author? http://bit.ly/YpaK6J @bibliocrunch
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Why self-publishing authors should think "foreign rights" from the outset: http://bit.ly/13QQiDu @SueCollier
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3 Quick Ways to Find Hidden Guest Blogging Opportunities: http://bit.ly/XI6vaJ @copyblogger
The Modifier Zone: http://bit.ly/YanIpY @jgetzler
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Why noir remains popular today: http://bit.ly/15HoGza @mkinberg
Did Amazon Change Algorithms to Protect Their Readers? The 10,000 Gatekeepers of KDP Select: http://bit.ly/15HpBjc @edwrobertson
Proper Nouns, Pronouns, and Antecedents--a Review: http://bit.ly/12I0Y89 @authorterryo
AWP con: it's become MFA-Con: http://bit.ly/XkJs7Z @Porter_Anderson
March Madness for mystery lovers: http://augustwainwright.com/ @acwainwright
Random House ebook imprints with 'predatory' contracts: http://bit.ly/YpavZr @Porter_Anderson @JamesScottBell @VictoriaStrauss
How to use email to preview your eBook files on an iPad: http://bit.ly/13QSuLo @bibliocrunch @miralsattar
Traditional mystery writers--make the
amateur sleuth's involvement believable: http://bit.ly/ZKTBGQ
@sharonwhopkins
A POV overview: http://bit.ly/XX3qiv @p2p_editor
March 14, 2013
Cooking Up a Culinary Cozy--Guest Post by Judy Alter
by Judy Alter, @JudyAlter
In another life, I’d probably be a chef. I love being a writer, but cooking is my avocation. I like nothing better than to try out a new recipe on company—usually it works fine, though there have been disasters. But I am known as the “foodie” among my friends. Everyone laughed that I made the protagonist in my Kelly O’Connell Mystery series a non-cook who fed her children pizza or took them out for turkey burgers.
I always wanted to write a culinary mystery, but who can match the inimitable Diane Mott Davidson with her sophisticated and tempting recipes? I have a friend who has tried some and reports delicious results. But in my new Blue Plate Café Mystery series I have reached a compromise—a culinary touch to a cozy mystery set in a small town. Only this is not sophisticated cooking; it’s strictly down home.
Two threads from my life are woven into this café-based series: for almost twenty years, my children and I spent lovely weekends with dear friends who owned Arc Ridge Ranch, outside of Ben Wheeler in near East Texas. Sometimes we went to the nearby town of Edom to a café called The Shed for dinner. The Saturday night special was always fried catfish, and they had a mean lemon meringue pie. Breakfasts were equally tempting, and I can still mentally put myself inside that small restaurant.
But the other thread was cooking at the ranch with Reva, or as my children called her Aunt Reva. Reva was a great, down-home cook, a Missouri farm girl transplanted to Texas. She and I were a terrific kitchen team, though mostly I learned from her as we put together huge feasts. We made everything from pot roast and mashed potatoes to barbecued chicken and potato salad. We tossed salads and created wonderful desserts. Each of us contributed recipes and ideas. If one of the children got lucky and caught a sizeable bass in the lake in front of their house, we cooked that (after Uncle Charles cleaned it).
Arc Ridge Ranch was a B&B with several two-bedroom cabins, complete with kitchens. Reva stocked the fridges for breakfast with orange juice and usually her famous prune bread (secret recipe—she wouldn’t even share it with me). Most guests were on their own for lunch and dinner, but we were family, and those dinners on the front porch, overlooking the lake, stand out as among the happiest, most peaceful moments in my life.
By the time I compiled a cookbook, Cooking My Way Through Life with Kids and Books, Reva had left us, but I had enough of her recipes to include them along with a tribute to our happy days at the ranch. Charles even gave me the treasured prune bread recipe.
Murder at the Blue Plate Café, the brand new first in the series, has a short appendix of recipes, all from Gram who ran the Blue Plate until her death. But Gram’s recipes are really Reva’s—chicken salad, meatloaf, beans, sheet cake (over which we had endless arguments: she called it sheath cake and I maintained it was a sheet cake because it was baked on a jelly roll sheet). Here’s a new one, her recipe for Toffee Bars, sent to me one year so I could serve it at my annual Christmas party:
Toffee Bars
½ lb. (2 sticks) butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg yolk
2 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9x13 pan.
Cream butter and sugar. Add the egg yolk and beat. Sift in the flour and then add the vanilla. Spread the batter in the pan—it will be difficult to cover all the corners; you’ll have a thick batter that you will probably have to spread by hand, and then it will be thinly distributed. Bake for 25 minutes.
Take the cake out of the oven, cover it with chocolate chips, and return to the oven for three minutes. When you remove it from the oven this time, smooth the chocolate evenly with the blade of a table knife and sprinkle with nuts. Cool.
Makes about thirty pieces, depending on how you cut them.
About Judy Alter:
An award-winning novelist, Judy Alter is the author of three books in the Kelly O’Connell Mysteries series: Skeleton in a Dead Space, No Neighborhood for Old Women, and Trouble in a Big Box. With Murder at the Blue Plate Café, she moves from inner city Fort Worth to small-town East Texas to create a new set of characters in a setting modeled after a restaurant that was for years one of her family’s favorites.
Contact Judy at j.alter@tcu.edu or visit her web page at www.judyalter.com.
Blogs: Judy’s Stew http://www.blogspot.com and Potluck with Judy http://potluckwithjudy.blogspot.com.
Murder at the Blue Plate Café:
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When twin sisters Kate and Donna inherit their grandmother’s restaurant, the Blue Plate Cafe, in Wheeler, Texas, there’s immediate conflict. Donna wants to sell and use her money to establish a B&B; Kate wants to keep the cafe. Thirty-two-year-old Kate leaves a Dallas career as a paralegal and a married lover to move back to Wheeler and run the café, while Donna plans her B&B and complicates her life by having an affair with her sole investor. Kate soon learns that Wheeler is not the idyllic small town she thought it was fourteen years ago. The mayor, a woman, is power-mad and listens to no one, and the chief of the police department, newly come from Dallas, doesn’t understand small-town ways. Kate’s suspicion about her grandmother’s sudden death deepens when the mayor of Wheeler becomes seriously ill after eating food from the café, delivered by Donna’s husband. When Donna’s investor is shot, she is arrested. Kate must defend her sister and solve the murders to keep her business open, but even Kate begins to wonder about the sister she has a love-hate relationship with. Gram guides Kate through it all, though Kate’s never quite sure she’s hearing Gram—and sometimes Gram’s guidance is really off the wall.
Read an excerpt here: http://www.judyalter.com
Amazon/KIndle: http://tinyurl.com/aakef9d
Turquoise Morning Press: http://tinyurl.com/agueko9
Available for most e-readers at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/286301
Print available from your local bookseller, Amazon or Turquoise Morning Press
March 12, 2013
Thoughts on Unreliable Narrators
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I'll write this post from a reader perspective since I haven't used unreliable narrrators in my books, and I'll keep the post general so there won't be any spoilers.
I just finished reading a book where the narrator was unreliable throughout the book. Although reading books with unreliable narrators can be a lot of fun, this book was honestly kind of tiring for me. I kept looking for signs that the narrator was believable...or wasn't. (Narrator was an alcoholic.) It made for an interesting read, but it wasn't what I'd call relaxing. (Is the narrator drunk now? Is the narrator in denial? Is the narrator sober?)
Usually, I'm fonder of situations when I think the narrator is reliable and find out later that they're not. Otherwise, I spend a lot of the book trying to figure out who I can believe.
When it may be easier to get away with an unreliable narrator (without frustrating the reader):
When the narrator is unreliable because of age, species, etc.. Readers understand that children are looking at the world from a different perspective. I've read books where animals narrated. I've read books where persons with mental challenges narrated. Readers understand these narrators view the world through a different lens.
When you use clues. If you're using an unreliable narrator who readers think is reliable, but actually isn't, I'd advise sticking in plenty of clues that that's the case. It's fun to have the wool pulled over your eyes (a few movies and a couple of mysteries come to mind), but it's no fun to be completely tricked. It feels like cheating on the writer's part if there are no small hints that the narrator is unreliable.
When the book is written from a first person POV. Then it seems less of an authorial manipulation and more of the character being sneaky or deceptive. In fact, it may be even easier to drop those clues to the narrator's unreliability when the story is written in this POV.
When the narrator is consistent. That can mean consistently unreliable, as long as they're not hopping back and forth through the whole story. They can even be consistent when they grow or change as characters, as long as the impetus for the change is believable.
When you don't reveal the narrator's unreliability immediately in the story (although, as mentioned above, you'll need to sprinkle in clues so it's fair to the reader.) We can probably all think of books or movies that end up with a major plot twist at the end of the story when it's revealed the narrator is a ghost-murderer-lunatic-etc.
If the narrator is likeable. As a reader, I'll put up with even an inconsistent, confusing, mess-of-an-unreliable narrator if he's likeable...or at least interesting.
In some respects, all narrators are unreliable. We all approach life with our backstories influencing our perceptions. If it's done well, unreliable narrators can really add an unexpected and fun element to a story.
Have you ever used an unreliable narrator? Do you enjoy reading books that feature them? Any thoughts about pulling it off well?
Image: MorgueFile--Schick
I'll write this post from a reader perspective since I haven't used unreliable narrrators in my books, and I'll keep the post general so there won't be any spoilers.
I just finished reading a book where the narrator was unreliable throughout the book. Although reading books with unreliable narrators can be a lot of fun, this book was honestly kind of tiring for me. I kept looking for signs that the narrator was believable...or wasn't. (Narrator was an alcoholic.) It made for an interesting read, but it wasn't what I'd call relaxing. (Is the narrator drunk now? Is the narrator in denial? Is the narrator sober?)
Usually, I'm fonder of situations when I think the narrator is reliable and find out later that they're not. Otherwise, I spend a lot of the book trying to figure out who I can believe.
When it may be easier to get away with an unreliable narrator (without frustrating the reader):
When the narrator is unreliable because of age, species, etc.. Readers understand that children are looking at the world from a different perspective. I've read books where animals narrated. I've read books where persons with mental challenges narrated. Readers understand these narrators view the world through a different lens.
When you use clues. If you're using an unreliable narrator who readers think is reliable, but actually isn't, I'd advise sticking in plenty of clues that that's the case. It's fun to have the wool pulled over your eyes (a few movies and a couple of mysteries come to mind), but it's no fun to be completely tricked. It feels like cheating on the writer's part if there are no small hints that the narrator is unreliable.
When the book is written from a first person POV. Then it seems less of an authorial manipulation and more of the character being sneaky or deceptive. In fact, it may be even easier to drop those clues to the narrator's unreliability when the story is written in this POV.
When the narrator is consistent. That can mean consistently unreliable, as long as they're not hopping back and forth through the whole story. They can even be consistent when they grow or change as characters, as long as the impetus for the change is believable.
When you don't reveal the narrator's unreliability immediately in the story (although, as mentioned above, you'll need to sprinkle in clues so it's fair to the reader.) We can probably all think of books or movies that end up with a major plot twist at the end of the story when it's revealed the narrator is a ghost-murderer-lunatic-etc.
If the narrator is likeable. As a reader, I'll put up with even an inconsistent, confusing, mess-of-an-unreliable narrator if he's likeable...or at least interesting.
In some respects, all narrators are unreliable. We all approach life with our backstories influencing our perceptions. If it's done well, unreliable narrators can really add an unexpected and fun element to a story.
Have you ever used an unreliable narrator? Do you enjoy reading books that feature them? Any thoughts about pulling it off well?
Image: MorgueFile--Schick
March 10, 2013
Voice Recording as a Writing Tool
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Sometimes the whole world seems to work against your getting any writing done.
You know the kinds of weeks or months I’m talking about. The story doesn’t cooperate. Your schedule goes haywire with unexpected stuff popping up. Kids come home sick from school. There are activities all hours of the day and night.
So we keep plugging on, writing when we can. But sometimes we want to try to make up for lost time.
I’m a big proponent of don’t try to catch up. Start each day trying to reach that day’s goal, not the day before or the week before, or all the other goals you’ve missed. Just focus on the goal of the day—you’re not behind.
But some days, I still want to try to make up for less-productive days. I’ll squeeze in writing when I can.
I’ve gotten to the point where it’s less-often that I try new ways to approach writing. But sometimes I run across ideas that work better than expected.
I’ve used voice recorders in the past to talk through plots or record ideas on the go (sometimes literally on the go as I drive long car trips.) But I’ve never actually used them to dictate my story before.
I have used voice recognition software and still use it from time to time when my carpal tunnel acts up. I did find, though, that it trips up over my Southern accent sometimes and it distracts me when I see the words coming up wrong on the screen. I did use the Southern accent setting on the software and I have trained it to recognize words that it’s missed before—but it wasn’t perfect, just a helpful tool when I’ve got a messed-up arm (which happens more often than I’d like.) At the price (I purchased Dragon, Naturally Speaking for around $50), you could give it a try and see what you think.
When I don’t have any carpal tunnel issues, I’m a very fast typist. For some reason, it didn’t occur to me to dictate my stories to transcribe, myself, later—until I read a post by writer Katie Ganshert recently: “The Secret to Writing Fast and Furious.”
As Katie put it:
Katie was able to dictate 25,000 words in three days, using a voice recorder and then typing the results.
My numbers were lower than Katie’s, but still pretty good for supplementary writing. I averaged about 1,000 words in only minutes before I needed to run off and do a carpool or go to an appointment. Since I was supplementing writing I’d already done that day, it just added to my word count.
Now, my internal editor was still present, unfortunately. Not only did she make me say, “Scratch that,” about three or four times each recording, but she also told me that my Southern accent stood out particularly strong when I was recorded (my teenage son hastened to agree with my internal editor.) But I’ve managed to ignore the internal editor and continue on.
I don’t use this method every day. But I’ve found that if I use it several times a week, it’s really pumped up my word count. Interestingly enough, I tend to make minor corrections (stronger verbs, better diction) when I type in the dictation…so I guess, in a way, I’m editing as I go when I use this method.
I use a free app that I downloaded on my phone. My phone is always with me (moms are the world’s emergency contacts), so I’ve always got my voice recorder with me.
Have you ever used either voice recognition software or voice recorders? What other methods have you used to increase your word count?
Sometimes the whole world seems to work against your getting any writing done.
You know the kinds of weeks or months I’m talking about. The story doesn’t cooperate. Your schedule goes haywire with unexpected stuff popping up. Kids come home sick from school. There are activities all hours of the day and night.
So we keep plugging on, writing when we can. But sometimes we want to try to make up for lost time.
I’m a big proponent of don’t try to catch up. Start each day trying to reach that day’s goal, not the day before or the week before, or all the other goals you’ve missed. Just focus on the goal of the day—you’re not behind.
But some days, I still want to try to make up for less-productive days. I’ll squeeze in writing when I can.
I’ve gotten to the point where it’s less-often that I try new ways to approach writing. But sometimes I run across ideas that work better than expected.
I’ve used voice recorders in the past to talk through plots or record ideas on the go (sometimes literally on the go as I drive long car trips.) But I’ve never actually used them to dictate my story before.
I have used voice recognition software and still use it from time to time when my carpal tunnel acts up. I did find, though, that it trips up over my Southern accent sometimes and it distracts me when I see the words coming up wrong on the screen. I did use the Southern accent setting on the software and I have trained it to recognize words that it’s missed before—but it wasn’t perfect, just a helpful tool when I’ve got a messed-up arm (which happens more often than I’d like.) At the price (I purchased Dragon, Naturally Speaking for around $50), you could give it a try and see what you think.
When I don’t have any carpal tunnel issues, I’m a very fast typist. For some reason, it didn’t occur to me to dictate my stories to transcribe, myself, later—until I read a post by writer Katie Ganshert recently: “The Secret to Writing Fast and Furious.”
As Katie put it:
The beautiful thing about this method is that it completely silences the dreaded internal editor.
There’s no back space. There’s no flashing cursor. There’s no blank page. There’s no critical little man sitting on your shoulder, reading each sentence while tutting and shaking his head.
There’s just a red record button.
Katie was able to dictate 25,000 words in three days, using a voice recorder and then typing the results.
My numbers were lower than Katie’s, but still pretty good for supplementary writing. I averaged about 1,000 words in only minutes before I needed to run off and do a carpool or go to an appointment. Since I was supplementing writing I’d already done that day, it just added to my word count.
Now, my internal editor was still present, unfortunately. Not only did she make me say, “Scratch that,” about three or four times each recording, but she also told me that my Southern accent stood out particularly strong when I was recorded (my teenage son hastened to agree with my internal editor.) But I’ve managed to ignore the internal editor and continue on.
I don’t use this method every day. But I’ve found that if I use it several times a week, it’s really pumped up my word count. Interestingly enough, I tend to make minor corrections (stronger verbs, better diction) when I type in the dictation…so I guess, in a way, I’m editing as I go when I use this method.
I use a free app that I downloaded on my phone. My phone is always with me (moms are the world’s emergency contacts), so I’ve always got my voice recorder with me.
Have you ever used either voice recognition software or voice recorders? What other methods have you used to increase your word count?
March 9, 2013
Twitterific
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Twitterific links are fed into the
Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software
engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 19,000 free articles on writing related
topics. It's the search engine for writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike Fleming is working with author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an online, interactive, writing program to help make your next novel great. It's called "Knockout Novel" and you can learn more about it at KnockoutNovel.com. Plus, all the data is stored in your Hiveword account for easy access.
A free directory of cover designers, formatters, freelance editors, and more: http://bit.ly/nolbXq
3 Ways to Add Tension During Revisions: http://bit.ly/ZEwWAx @janice_hardy
What it Means When Someone Tries to Tell You THE Rules of Good Writing: http://bit.ly/XyUsM8 @io9
Stitching Your Scenes Together with Transitions: http://bit.ly/XXUObp @howtowriteshop
Shout Your Author Message… With a Whisper: http://bit.ly/XyUBPG @thehrgoddess
Options for Dilemmas in a Sequel: http://bit.ly/XXUUQm @kmweiland
3 ways your novel might carry unwanted junk: http://bit.ly/XXUYzG @dirtywhitecandy
The State of a Genre Title, 2013: http://bit.ly/XXV5er @scalzi
Digital Comics Are Getting Cheaper: http://bit.ly/XXVbCJ @PublishersWkly
How EBook Readers Shop And The Importance Of Sampling: http://bit.ly/XyVjMV @thecreativepenn
Plot Grids: http://bit.ly/XXVnC5 @KarenMusings
Yes, Past Tense Narrators Can Still Die: http://bit.ly/XyW0FZ @chihuahuazero
The Rules of Writing: http://bit.ly/XXVUEf
Stand-alones vs. series: http://bit.ly/XyWfkm @mistymassey
Improve Your Focus by Fidgeting: http://bit.ly/XXWdyT @lifehacker
Rethink Cover Design for a Small, Small World: http://bit.ly/XyWM5P @ElleLothlorien
Extensive vs. Minimal: What is Your World Building Coming To? http://bit.ly/XXWr99 @The_Drill99
Think Like a Publisher: Production and Scheduling: http://bit.ly/XyWWKz @deanwesleysmith
Simplifying the Story Question: http://bit.ly/XYD0Nu @SHalvatzis
The Table Theory of Characterization: http://bit.ly/XYD67C @RyanHowse
The case of the celibate detectives: http://bit.ly/XzYcNq @salon
What agents are doing these days: http://bit.ly/XYDtyY @rachellegardner
The 10 Worst Types of Critique Partnershttp://bit.ly/XYDIKt @donnacooner
Every Author Needs a Copyright Page: http://bit.ly/XYDRh5 @MyBookShepherd
5 Ways To Take Your Writing Farther: http://bit.ly/XzZ9pc @thecreativepenn
Penguin Art Director Giuseppe Castellano on his relationship with editorial: http://bit.ly/XzZp7t @pinocastellano
On writers' power to move readers: http://bit.ly/XYEkjn @BeccaPuglisi
A homonym review: http://bit.ly/XzZYyf
Tips for correcting stilted dialogue: http://bit.ly/XA08Ws @LynDeeWalker
Challenges and choices facing self-pubbed authors: http://bit.ly/XA0hcj @livewritethrive
What 1 publisher looks for in translation projects and translation challenges in the US: http://bit.ly/XA0CvL @pubperspectives
Closing the Gap: Moving from Notebook to Story: http://bit.ly/XYJYSp @SJacksonRodgers
6 Ways to Evoke Emotion in Poetry and Prose: http://bit.ly/YgLj75 @AJWagoner
Description tips: http://bit.ly/VwtIhl @cockeyedcaravan
7 Tips for creating a PowerPoint Presentation: http://bit.ly/YgLsrf @nicolebasaraba
How SF Can Highlight Our Historical Bias: http://bit.ly/134Uijn @MattMitrovich
Improve Your Writing By Eliminating Redundancies: http://bit.ly/Xb2fjP @melissadonovan
Verbal Deprivation: http://bit.ly/YXRw8W @pprmint777
Scrivener and yWriter: why 1 writer uses neither: http://bit.ly/Xb2FXj @janelebak
10 tips for marketing your book release: http://bit.ly/YXRNsp+|+Duolit%29 @danasitar
When the Writing Life Finds You: http://bit.ly/YXRTQY
What's Your Character Aiming For? http://bit.ly/Xb2YBs @AimeeLSalter
5 Edits to Strengthen Your Writing, Right Now: http://bit.ly/YXS2nl @janice_hardy
Bleak stories can be as consoling as self-help: http://bit.ly/YXXJlp @guardianbooks
Upside of Distraction: http://nyti.ms/Xb8qVd @nytimes
Who's on your team? http://bit.ly/YXY8UH @JaelMchenry
English literature's 50 key moments from Marlowe to JK Rowling: http://bit.ly/Xb8ELR @guardianbooks
Screenwriters' roundtable: http://bit.ly/XIS2HM @gointothestory
10 mistakes 1 writer has made with his writing career: http://bit.ly/XFbSa0 @ajackwriting
How to Style Profanity: http://bit.ly/XISkhT @writing_tips
How To Use MailChimp--From Sign-Up To "Send": http://bit.ly/XFcdtw @JeriWB @mollygreene
Tips for better dialogue: http://bit.ly/XISDcI @americanediting
The Peril of the Contemporary: http://bit.ly/XFcBrM @MykeCole
Intelligent Science Fiction: http://bit.ly/XIUbDv @PeterCawdron @SciInMyFi
Keep the Plot Taut: http://bit.ly/XFecOj @Lindasclare
When we defend romance reading as escapism, the critics win: http://bit.ly/XFesNl @dearauthor
Marketing Idea: Developing a Song Playlist for Your Novel: http://bit.ly/XIUOgr @KathyLynnHarris
Considerations for worldbuilding: http://bit.ly/XFeWTz @Figures
How To Write Perfect Press Releases: http://bit.ly/XIVsKO @thecreativepenn @rule17
When should you look for another agent? http://bit.ly/XIVCBN @breeogden
5 Things That Should Be On Every Writer's Bucket List: http://bit.ly/XFfJDY @danasitar
Crossroads: Romance – More Powerful than You Could Possibly Imagine: http://bit.ly/WvKEza @KgElfland2ndCuz
Forcing readers to like characters--admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
A writer shares revision examples from her own work: http://bit.ly/Y4vJeU @rebeccaberto
Screenwriter roundtable: http://bit.ly/13uGqzC @gointothestory
Top 10 Mythical Creatures: http://bit.ly/Y4vOzj @smashinglists
The Way Publishers Create Marketing Copy is Stranger Than Fiction: http://bit.ly/13uGEXs @digibookworld
A sf/f writer experiments in literary thinking: http://bit.ly/Y4w01x @juliettewade
What to Do When You're Hit With Heavy Editing: http://bit.ly/13uGNtV @TiceWrites
A look at a classic horror novel: Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House: http://bit.ly/Y4w8Oo
The Real Cost of Ebooks for Libraries: http://bit.ly/13uH6oy @digibookworld
Good Writing: Using The Senses: http://bit.ly/Y4wk0g @woodwardkaren
Tips for writing loglines: http://bit.ly/13uHfsb @Julie_Gray
4 Reasons Not to Compare Yourself with Other Writers: http://bit.ly/Y4xf0F @LyndaRYoung
Brainstorming: scenes: http://bit.ly/13uIR5d
Organizations Building Diversity in Science Fiction and Fantasy: http://bit.ly/13uJ1JD @DeborahJRoss
Forcing Readers To Like Characters: Admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
Tips for talking to book clubs: http://bit.ly/13uJkUU @Lit_Gal
Tips for exploring and exploiting your relationship with your characters: http://bit.ly/Y4xCbv @donmaass
Building Character – The Art of Genuine Interactions: http://bit.ly/13uJz2h @Fictorians
How 1 writer multi-tasks her projects: http://bit.ly/Y4xI2Q @jillkemerer
Tips for finding music to write by: http://bit.ly/13uJITr @JulieEshbaugh
Storytelling in the graphic form: http://bit.ly/Y4xPvl @ghostfinder
6 Ways to connect with other writers: http://bit.ly/13uJYSg @charmaineclancy
Writing Tip: Maximize Your Excitement: http://bit.ly/XjVU5B @ava_jae
7 Little-Known Strategies To Get Your Deadbeat Blog Working For You: http://bit.ly/ZeCvB2 @problogger
Staying Motivated: The Accountability Factor: http://bit.ly/XjW0Kw @howtowriteshop
Awaiting judgment: http://bit.ly/ZeCNrD @mikemartinez72
Identify Your Novel's Plot Points: http://bit.ly/XjWbWc @Lindasclare
The Football of Story: http://bit.ly/ZeD1yU @storyfix
For the busy writer: 10 Essential Email Habits: http://bit.ly/13AkOlk @leobabauta
Is anyone still querying? http://bit.ly/15rXYu8 @CreepyQueryGirl
An editor urges writers to dig deeper: http://bit.ly/13Al03Y @behlerpublish
5 tips for writing humor: http://bit.ly/15rYad4 @fictionnotes
5 Cases of Premature Reference: http://bit.ly/13All6J @writing_tips
One Million Words Of Crap And Other Wisdom: http://bit.ly/15rYxEh @YAHighway
On the Interbook Indecision: http://bit.ly/13Als2b @KgElfland2ndCuz
Critiquing loglines: http://bit.ly/15rYHvC @thestorydepartment
Being Social Can Bring Extra Promotion: http://bit.ly/13AlC9T @rltheauthor
Tips for improving dialogue: http://bit.ly/15rYOXT @americanediting
Essential Characteristics of a Thriller Hero: http://bit.ly/13AlOWx @JodieRennerEd
Writers--get up and move: http://bit.ly/15rZ2OH @InkyBites
Drawing the Reader in through Character Emotion: http://bit.ly/13Am08q @BeccaPuglisi
Orphan Works: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Weighs In: http://bit.ly/15rZfS2 @victoriastrauss
Why Do Authors Choose Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing? http://bit.ly/13AmgUR @digibookworld
Romance in Urban Fantasy – Keeping it Real: http://bit.ly/15rZoVE @sfsignal
Collaborative Writing: http://bit.ly/13AmAmD @bluemaven
Script To Screen: "The Insider": http://bit.ly/15rZA7h @gointothestory
31 Simple Ways for Writers to Maximize Efficiency in a Home Office: http://bit.ly/U06r5f @lifehackorg
Words that aren't actually approved words: http://bit.ly/YmORc6 @writing_tips
Worldbuilding and Plot: http://bit.ly/WmAZuR @davidbcoe
How to Find Your Creative Sweet Spot: http://bit.ly/WmCf0X @emilywenstrom
What it Means When Someone Tries to Tell You THE Rules of Good Writing: http://bit.ly/XyUsM8 @io9
How to Write Non-Fiction & Keep Your Friends: http://bit.ly/Z3JK0T @write_practice
Self-Publishing: Prioritizing Fast, Cheap, and Good: http://bit.ly/Zjeetr @jamigold
Ideas about the future of bookselling: http://bit.ly/Z4gMOl @MikeShatzkin
The Business of Screenwriting: Bidding War: http://bit.ly/Zjew3E @gointothestory
Traditional Publishing by the Numbers: http://bit.ly/Z4hiM4 @passivevoiceblg
What writers need to know about the business of writing: http://bit.ly/Z4hwmz @kristinerusch
Writing a realistic plea bargain scene: http://bit.ly/Z4i9fK @DADiaries
How To Use Stereotypes In Writing Fiction: http://bit.ly/Z4itv0 @VeronicaSicoe
9 Essential Apps for Writers: http://bit.ly/Z4iWNO
The Opening Hook of a Book: Is It Important or Not? http://bit.ly/ZjgvVw @jodyhedlund
Why Children Hold The Key To Your Future As An Author: http://bit.ly/ZjgG39 @jonathangunson
Types of conflict in fiction: http://bit.ly/Zjh9CD @SarahAveryBooks
Promoting for the reluctant promoter: http://bit.ly/Z4oB6H+|+Duolit%29 @duolit
12 tenets that guide 1 pro writer: http://bit.ly/ZjkKjV @katrinschumann
Eliminate Deadline Stress: http://bit.ly/Z4oZlC @RealLifeE
10 Ways Readers Can Help Authors: http://bit.ly/ZjkRvS @scottmarlowe
100 stock photo and art websites: http://bit.ly/Zecxxx
Data points for the NYT Review of books--which pubs got full reviews this week and in which genres: http://bit.ly/VtT65Z
Online journalism today--pay issues and controversies: http://bit.ly/W81CXi @JaneFriedman @nate_thayer @alexismadrigal @Porter_Anderson
5 Tips for Handling Details in Our Stories: http://bit.ly/Vu38UG @authorterryo
Did Amazon Just Kill a Golden Goose? http://bit.ly/VvrkWM @geoburke
A preview of the AWP con, #AWP13, beginning Thursday: http://bit.ly/Z4uz7A @Porter_Anderson
What Barnes & Noble’s Travails May Mean. Or not. http://bit.ly/WGtZJt @Porter_Anderson @eoinpurcell
Women Writers' issues well-covered at upcoming AWP con: http://bit.ly/W7HsNl @Porter_Anderson
5 Steps to a Great Product Description: http://bit.ly/W8P9mt @annerallen @mredwards
Missing person themes in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/13KwW3d @mkinberg
March 7, 2013
Writing the Historically Accurate Novel
Guest Post by Charles Brokaw
Re-writing History: Uncovering The Oracle Code
Writing an adventure novel based on ancient mysteries is a great way to bring together historical realities with exciting characters and a thrilling plot. The newest addition to the Thomas Lourdes series, The Oracle Code , required a great deal of research exploring some history’s most mysterious myths regarding Alexander the Great and the truths, questions and the skepticisms, all of which have been battled over by historians for years.
Using primary and secondary sources, I wanted to explore these myths even more and take what is known to be true and build on it.
Beginning With The Atlantis Code
Every book in the Thomas Lourdes series begins with some real-life event or bit of historical information. For example, The Atlantis Code, the first in the Thomas Lourdes series, was based on historical information about the lost city of Atlantis. In the summer of 2004, satellite photography showed artificial formations of land that displayed a near identical description of Atlantis. The formations were discovered in one of Spain’s great national parks, in the city of Cadiz. The odds of excavating the finds were pretty small although the inability to dig and the uncertainty of the pieced-together information only fueled our fire. We wanted to know more. We wanted to uncover the lost city of Atlantis.
In researching and documenting all of the information that we discovered, our research team began to imagine what it would be like if the satellite imagery did in fact turn out to be Atlantis. We also thought the idea of hidden ancient code was fascinating—inevitably leading to the first addition to the Thomas Lourdes series, The Atlantis Code.
An Archaeological Journey Continued…
The disappearance of the tomb of Alexander the Great is one of the greatest archaeological mysteries to date and is a subject that piques my interest to no end. As a writer and academic fascinated by history, Alexander’s accomplishments in such a short-lived time have far surpassed any man to follow, leading me to question the very existence of the oracle and what role she played in Alexander’s divine existence and bitter end
Reading and reviewing each historical document pronouncing the mishaps of his early death has led archaeologists and historians alike to question the disappearance of his tomb that stood for centuries, untouched, in a sacred area of ancient Greece. This automatically begs the question, “Does the tomb of Alexander the Great and the oracle of Delphi’s secret still survive?”
An ancient scroll holding its location was said to materialize in Afghanistan. In writing The Oracle Code, a friend of mine along with a crew of researchers followed me on my journey to gain a deeper understanding of the Afghan culture—the food, clothing, trade routes and location where each scene took place.
Herat, Afghanistan—the location of the dig and one of the main cities in which the book takes place has an extensive history, dating back to the ancient times. Its location on the ancient trade routes of the Middle East, and Central and South Asia made Herat a vital city to research, especially when looking into the disappearance of Alexander the Great.
Without giving the story away, I welcome you to read The Oracle Code and to allow your mind to travel to a land that is not often associated with buried treasure and yet holds endless mysteries under the sand. By piecing historical data with conjectures, will you be able to discover what might have happened to the tomb of Alexander the Great and the Oracle of Delphi.
Charles Brokaw is a pseudonym for an author, academic, and college educator living in the Midwest. He’s had a rich and varied life, and is fascinated by history, human accomplishment, and archeology.
Re-writing History: Uncovering The Oracle Code
Writing an adventure novel based on ancient mysteries is a great way to bring together historical realities with exciting characters and a thrilling plot. The newest addition to the Thomas Lourdes series, The Oracle Code , required a great deal of research exploring some history’s most mysterious myths regarding Alexander the Great and the truths, questions and the skepticisms, all of which have been battled over by historians for years.
Using primary and secondary sources, I wanted to explore these myths even more and take what is known to be true and build on it.
Beginning With The Atlantis Code
Every book in the Thomas Lourdes series begins with some real-life event or bit of historical information. For example, The Atlantis Code, the first in the Thomas Lourdes series, was based on historical information about the lost city of Atlantis. In the summer of 2004, satellite photography showed artificial formations of land that displayed a near identical description of Atlantis. The formations were discovered in one of Spain’s great national parks, in the city of Cadiz. The odds of excavating the finds were pretty small although the inability to dig and the uncertainty of the pieced-together information only fueled our fire. We wanted to know more. We wanted to uncover the lost city of Atlantis.
In researching and documenting all of the information that we discovered, our research team began to imagine what it would be like if the satellite imagery did in fact turn out to be Atlantis. We also thought the idea of hidden ancient code was fascinating—inevitably leading to the first addition to the Thomas Lourdes series, The Atlantis Code.
An Archaeological Journey Continued…
The disappearance of the tomb of Alexander the Great is one of the greatest archaeological mysteries to date and is a subject that piques my interest to no end. As a writer and academic fascinated by history, Alexander’s accomplishments in such a short-lived time have far surpassed any man to follow, leading me to question the very existence of the oracle and what role she played in Alexander’s divine existence and bitter end
Reading and reviewing each historical document pronouncing the mishaps of his early death has led archaeologists and historians alike to question the disappearance of his tomb that stood for centuries, untouched, in a sacred area of ancient Greece. This automatically begs the question, “Does the tomb of Alexander the Great and the oracle of Delphi’s secret still survive?”
An ancient scroll holding its location was said to materialize in Afghanistan. In writing The Oracle Code, a friend of mine along with a crew of researchers followed me on my journey to gain a deeper understanding of the Afghan culture—the food, clothing, trade routes and location where each scene took place.
Herat, Afghanistan—the location of the dig and one of the main cities in which the book takes place has an extensive history, dating back to the ancient times. Its location on the ancient trade routes of the Middle East, and Central and South Asia made Herat a vital city to research, especially when looking into the disappearance of Alexander the Great.
Without giving the story away, I welcome you to read The Oracle Code and to allow your mind to travel to a land that is not often associated with buried treasure and yet holds endless mysteries under the sand. By piecing historical data with conjectures, will you be able to discover what might have happened to the tomb of Alexander the Great and the Oracle of Delphi.
Charles Brokaw is a pseudonym for an author, academic, and college educator living in the Midwest. He’s had a rich and varied life, and is fascinated by history, human accomplishment, and archeology.
March 5, 2013
Should Writers Query Publishers or Self-Publish?
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I've gotten quite a few emails and direct messages on Twitter lately, asking whether I'd advise writers to query publishers or self-publish.
I've not offered much opinion on this question. For one thing, the issue has gotten (sadly) contentious and I'm cautious about entering online frays. For another, I don't like telling people what they should do. I can't possibly know what's going on in their lives, with their story, with their mindset, in order to give them good advice.
But I've noticed that my being wishy-washy and reluctant to comment hasn't won me any fans, either. One frustrated writer DMed me back on Twitter, asking me to just please give them an opinion. That's what I'll do--give an opinion. So here it is, with a proviso: this may not be the right thing for you to do. I'll tell you what I would do.
Although it’s hard to tell you what I'd do as a brand-new writer with my first manuscript in my hand facing this type of choice...because I'm just imagining that. I'm not in the same situation. Right now, I'm positioned pretty well--I'm not making gobs of cash, but I make a tidy monthly income with very little promotion. I have a fairly large online platform. I have a couple of different traditionally published series and a standalone with large publishers. This would not be the same situation for a new writer.
Knowing me, I would want to try being traditionally published with a book (not necessarily more books than that.) This may tie into my age and the fact that when I grew up, book choices were either hardback, paperback, or a book included with a vinyl record. I wanted to be an author who had a physical book on a physical shelf. If I were twenty years old instead of nearly forty-two and didn't have that much of a past with paper books...I might feel differently. In fact--I'm sure I'd feel differently.
Digital Book World recently published results of an author survey. They asked which factors influenced the writers' decisions to publish traditionally or to self-publish. Looking at the results, I disagree with the writers surveyed. They cited distribution as a major reason for choosing a traditional publisher. I think that distribution is quickly becoming unimportant, because of digital availability. It will become even less important as readers lose their local bookstores. Barnes and Noble, a major bookseller here in the States, recently stated they expected to close 200 stores in the next ten years. More on the issues that may cause in the post, "More thoughts about the future of bookstores, triggered by Barnes & Noble’s own predictions for itself" by industry expert Mike Shatzkin on his blog.
As far as the surveyed writers' other listed factors that would make them consider traditional publishing, I can agree with "editorial help" (which can be absolutely amazing and provide an incredible education...if you're hooked up with a good editor). I do think that you can find an absolutely fantastic freelance editor to work with and receive a similar education...so this shouldn't be your primary reason to traditionally publish. I can also agree with "publisher prestige," except that I don't think of it that way--I think of it as giving the writer a boost of possibly greatly-needed confidence....if they need it.
If you choose that route, should you go through an agent or go on your own? My answer to that is changing. I don't think it's necessary to go through an agent. Be careful which agent you choose and what you agree to, if you choose to sign with an agent. If you do get an agent, you might want to get one to only help you with that one book, instead of getting signed on as a regular client. If you try to find an agent, don't spend too long looking. I spent far too long and it distracted me from my primary aim--finding a publisher. I'd consider querying publishers directly. I do have an agent. She's helped me find additional work via her contacts with editors. But times are changing. Publishers appear to be more open to working directly with unagented authors. And, when you sign with an agent, you need to be sure that you know what you’re agreeing to. There are times, for sure, when an agent can be useful, even for self-published authors: foreign rights, audio deals, etc.
How long should you spend trying to get a traditional publisher, if you choose that route? How many books do you have? If you only have the one book, work on another book as you query. And...if you're not getting any bites in six months, I'd consider assembling my team for self-publishing. Please--make sure the book is professionally edited. If you need help with your editor search, I do maintain a free database of freelance editors and other ebook professionals here.
I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket. If my book were accepted by a publisher...great. But I'd be thinking ahead to my next project and seriously consider having that one be self-published.
The reason behind that is primarily financial. Advances from publishers are decreasing and I don't see them going up anytime soon. The production schedule takes about a year. Royalties are usually paid quarterly and are frequently not impressive. Your royalty percentage will obviously be a lot lower than going directly through an online retailer like Amazon or Barnes and Noble or Smashwords.
I'm well-positioned to make decent income by self-publishing...and I do. But let's say you're a debut author and are selling a book that's not exactly a commercial product. Maybe you sell only a few books a month.
You might consider that book a flop. But the difference is that it will remain available to readers. If that book were traditionally published and was a flop (obviously, it would sell more copies than a few a month, even doing poorly), then that could effectively be the end of your traditionally published career. Your book would be sent back as returns from the bookstore, the publisher would eventually destroy the excess copies (likely after asking you if you wanted to buy them back at a discount), and no publisher upon looking up your Nielsen BookScan numbers would be thrilled at the prospect of taking on your next book.
But with your self-published book, let's just call it a slow starter, not a flop. You write another book. And another book. You start developing a reader base (if you write well and have a professionally packaged product) and that base begins buying your earlier books--which are still available for sale and are not pulp in Manhattan somewhere.
Last year my traditionally published income included royalties on several older books, an advance payment-on-publication for one title, and acceptance advance income on two titles releasing this year. But I made more on my two self-published titles (much of the year it was only two, since my third was released in October)...one of which was intermittently free.
This advice also goes for traditionally published authors--increase revenue through self-publishing. Is there anything you've gotten your rights back to that you could self-publish? Do you have something you could write on the side...maybe an idea that had been rejected in the past? Could you write short stories just to at least experiment?
So there you go...my two cents, today, on this subject. Not everyone will agree, and there may not be a standard right answer to this question...each writer is different. Ultimately, you're the one who knows what's right for you. My two cents on this subject might change as the industry changes (probably will). I'm a hybrid writer. I'm currently writing a book that I won't pitch, but will self-publish. Looking into the future, it will be very important to stay current with industry news and changes. It's a great time to be a writer because we have choices. And we have the opportunity to do well while doing something we love.
What are your thoughts on the benefits of traditional or self-publishing, or both? Has your opinion changed over the years?
I've gotten quite a few emails and direct messages on Twitter lately, asking whether I'd advise writers to query publishers or self-publish.
I've not offered much opinion on this question. For one thing, the issue has gotten (sadly) contentious and I'm cautious about entering online frays. For another, I don't like telling people what they should do. I can't possibly know what's going on in their lives, with their story, with their mindset, in order to give them good advice.
But I've noticed that my being wishy-washy and reluctant to comment hasn't won me any fans, either. One frustrated writer DMed me back on Twitter, asking me to just please give them an opinion. That's what I'll do--give an opinion. So here it is, with a proviso: this may not be the right thing for you to do. I'll tell you what I would do.
Although it’s hard to tell you what I'd do as a brand-new writer with my first manuscript in my hand facing this type of choice...because I'm just imagining that. I'm not in the same situation. Right now, I'm positioned pretty well--I'm not making gobs of cash, but I make a tidy monthly income with very little promotion. I have a fairly large online platform. I have a couple of different traditionally published series and a standalone with large publishers. This would not be the same situation for a new writer.
Knowing me, I would want to try being traditionally published with a book (not necessarily more books than that.) This may tie into my age and the fact that when I grew up, book choices were either hardback, paperback, or a book included with a vinyl record. I wanted to be an author who had a physical book on a physical shelf. If I were twenty years old instead of nearly forty-two and didn't have that much of a past with paper books...I might feel differently. In fact--I'm sure I'd feel differently.
Digital Book World recently published results of an author survey. They asked which factors influenced the writers' decisions to publish traditionally or to self-publish. Looking at the results, I disagree with the writers surveyed. They cited distribution as a major reason for choosing a traditional publisher. I think that distribution is quickly becoming unimportant, because of digital availability. It will become even less important as readers lose their local bookstores. Barnes and Noble, a major bookseller here in the States, recently stated they expected to close 200 stores in the next ten years. More on the issues that may cause in the post, "More thoughts about the future of bookstores, triggered by Barnes & Noble’s own predictions for itself" by industry expert Mike Shatzkin on his blog.
As far as the surveyed writers' other listed factors that would make them consider traditional publishing, I can agree with "editorial help" (which can be absolutely amazing and provide an incredible education...if you're hooked up with a good editor). I do think that you can find an absolutely fantastic freelance editor to work with and receive a similar education...so this shouldn't be your primary reason to traditionally publish. I can also agree with "publisher prestige," except that I don't think of it that way--I think of it as giving the writer a boost of possibly greatly-needed confidence....if they need it.
If you choose that route, should you go through an agent or go on your own? My answer to that is changing. I don't think it's necessary to go through an agent. Be careful which agent you choose and what you agree to, if you choose to sign with an agent. If you do get an agent, you might want to get one to only help you with that one book, instead of getting signed on as a regular client. If you try to find an agent, don't spend too long looking. I spent far too long and it distracted me from my primary aim--finding a publisher. I'd consider querying publishers directly. I do have an agent. She's helped me find additional work via her contacts with editors. But times are changing. Publishers appear to be more open to working directly with unagented authors. And, when you sign with an agent, you need to be sure that you know what you’re agreeing to. There are times, for sure, when an agent can be useful, even for self-published authors: foreign rights, audio deals, etc.
How long should you spend trying to get a traditional publisher, if you choose that route? How many books do you have? If you only have the one book, work on another book as you query. And...if you're not getting any bites in six months, I'd consider assembling my team for self-publishing. Please--make sure the book is professionally edited. If you need help with your editor search, I do maintain a free database of freelance editors and other ebook professionals here.
I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket. If my book were accepted by a publisher...great. But I'd be thinking ahead to my next project and seriously consider having that one be self-published.
The reason behind that is primarily financial. Advances from publishers are decreasing and I don't see them going up anytime soon. The production schedule takes about a year. Royalties are usually paid quarterly and are frequently not impressive. Your royalty percentage will obviously be a lot lower than going directly through an online retailer like Amazon or Barnes and Noble or Smashwords.
I'm well-positioned to make decent income by self-publishing...and I do. But let's say you're a debut author and are selling a book that's not exactly a commercial product. Maybe you sell only a few books a month.
You might consider that book a flop. But the difference is that it will remain available to readers. If that book were traditionally published and was a flop (obviously, it would sell more copies than a few a month, even doing poorly), then that could effectively be the end of your traditionally published career. Your book would be sent back as returns from the bookstore, the publisher would eventually destroy the excess copies (likely after asking you if you wanted to buy them back at a discount), and no publisher upon looking up your Nielsen BookScan numbers would be thrilled at the prospect of taking on your next book.
But with your self-published book, let's just call it a slow starter, not a flop. You write another book. And another book. You start developing a reader base (if you write well and have a professionally packaged product) and that base begins buying your earlier books--which are still available for sale and are not pulp in Manhattan somewhere.
Last year my traditionally published income included royalties on several older books, an advance payment-on-publication for one title, and acceptance advance income on two titles releasing this year. But I made more on my two self-published titles (much of the year it was only two, since my third was released in October)...one of which was intermittently free.
This advice also goes for traditionally published authors--increase revenue through self-publishing. Is there anything you've gotten your rights back to that you could self-publish? Do you have something you could write on the side...maybe an idea that had been rejected in the past? Could you write short stories just to at least experiment?
So there you go...my two cents, today, on this subject. Not everyone will agree, and there may not be a standard right answer to this question...each writer is different. Ultimately, you're the one who knows what's right for you. My two cents on this subject might change as the industry changes (probably will). I'm a hybrid writer. I'm currently writing a book that I won't pitch, but will self-publish. Looking into the future, it will be very important to stay current with industry news and changes. It's a great time to be a writer because we have choices. And we have the opportunity to do well while doing something we love.
What are your thoughts on the benefits of traditional or self-publishing, or both? Has your opinion changed over the years?
