Riley Adams's Blog, page 203

8 Things Non-Writers Should Know About Living With Writers

I feel a little sorry for non-writers sharing a home with writers.

It's got to be challenging, sometimes. And most likely no one warned you it was going to be. Writers should come with warning labels.

So I came up with some friendly warnings. :) You can check them out over on A Good Blog is Hard to Find.

What Our Characters Do When No One is Looking

My family and I saw a great performance of Cats on Saturday. I'd seen the musical a couple of times before, but it's been forever since I last saw it.

One of the things I hadn't remembered from 20 years ago is that the cats who weren't on center stage were still acting around the edges of the stage…in character. So while Old Deuteronomy might be in the spotlight, singing a solo, Rum Tum Tugger was flirting off to the side of the stage. Grizabella was trying unsuccessfully to engage with other cats. They were acting in character, even while the spotlight wasn't on them.

It made me think about character development. One way that I like to learn more about my characters is to think about what they do when my characters aren't on stage.

Most of the time I don't actually use the information in a book (although sometimes it comes in handy.) But usually it just helps me to know how a character would react in a particular situation. How do they deal with emergencies? Do they laugh when they're embarrassed or are they the kinds of people who get angry, instead?

Knowing a little bit about what characters do in their spare time and their background helps me to figure out how to portray them in a story—and sometimes they take the story in a different direction.

If you'd like some resources to help you think more about your character's identity, here are some helpful links (and you can find a ton more on the Writer's Knowledge Base):

Character Questionnaires and Worksheets:
The EPIGUIDE.COM Character Chart for Fiction Writers
The Script Lab's Questionnaire
Fiction Writer's Character Chart
Adventures in Children's Publishing worksheet- Part 1 (the other parts to this excellent series are in the left sidebar)
Scribe Sisters Questionnaire

Mind mapping for Character Development and Plotting:
Quips and Tips for Successful Writers
Write for Your Life
Routines for Writers

Nice article on Character Development
Story Fix: 3 Dimensions of Character Development

What kinds of things help you develop your characters so they come to life on the page?

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Sign up for the free, monthly Writer's Knowledge Base newsletter for writing tips and resources and to be entered in our first giveaway. Details here.

Finger Lickin' Dead launches June 7th

Twitterific

Below are writing links that I've posted to Twitter in the last week.

The Writer's Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links searchable—try it for searches on plotting, characterization, querying, book promo, and more.

[image error]Anyone signing up for the free Writer's Knowledge Base newsletter this month (and current subscribers) will be automatically entered in a June drawing to receive K.M. Weiland's CD (or MP3) Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration CD . Sign up here for the web's best writing links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 . (You can unsubscribe at any time, and your email information is never shared.)

Chaperoning a field trip is like a well-told story: http://bit.ly/jSr4VB @laurapauling

The Art Of The Blurb Request: http://bit.ly/kYwfnn

A Critical Marketing Secret: Don't Go It Alone: http://bit.ly/jzFXjf

The Art of the Two-Book Deal: http://bit.ly/mzSvWX

5 Sentences Saved by Em Dashes: http://bit.ly/it8waV

How to Start a Writers' Group (And Keep It Going): http://bit.ly/jKnoUu

Chatty Main Characters: http://bit.ly/l4gfJx

An editor on hyphenated compound adjectives: http://bit.ly/myrIhp

How to find out if your agent is an idiot: http://bit.ly/lbPpfy

10 questions to consider when hiring a freelance editor: http://bit.ly/kzVyjv

Tips for writing natural dialogue: http://bit.ly/kXpetZ

The Importance of First Impressions: http://bit.ly/lr0aiu @ingridsundberg

Is your idea blog-worthy or book-ready? http://bit.ly/kzixCc

9 Tips For Finishing That Novel: http://bit.ly/mChqLr

Diversity in SF/F for Young Readers, part 1: http://bit.ly/kKdeVf , part 2: http://bit.ly/j3RzVH , part 3: http://bit.ly/mqQox3

As a writer, it's normal to struggle: http://bit.ly/m7cyCC

PublishAmerica Will Be Your Literary Agent...For $199: http://bit.ly/kRRGxu

8 Ways to Use Blogging as an Interactive Marketing Tool: http://bit.ly/jeatLb

Find your unique hooks: http://bit.ly/mGIu7S

How to give a good interview: http://bit.ly/iDNBg2

Is there really such a thing as an original story? http://bit.ly/kRX5pk

Revisions Rock the House: http://bit.ly/kzDvzv

Strengthen Your Voice: http://bit.ly/kVgDC4

Do Stories Need a Theme? http://bit.ly/kAzeCx @jamigold

How to Tell a Compelling Story in 3 Steps: http://bit.ly/lvPzVf

Best Articles This Week for Writers 5/27/11: http://bit.ly/kPUHnF @4kidlit

Studying books you love: http://bit.ly/iJXkeH

Creativity Tweets of the Week : http://bit.ly/mjSZRH @on_creativity

An editor on chapter headings: http://bit.ly/iFVjOR

The Joy of Writing (Not More, Just Better) Sex: http://bit.ly/lpYIqD @BTMargins

5 Free E-Books Every Writer Needs: http://bit.ly/jFj6zf @janefriedman

Scenes in swim lanes: http://bit.ly/ipdzPN

5 ways to avoid an info dump: http://bit.ly/kvLUMo

62 ways to improve your press releases: http://bit.ly/jxHC0k

Are Your Blog Comments Good, Bad or Ugly? http://bit.ly/mmGtwY @BloggingMentor

How Many Projects Should You Have Before You Submit? An agent answers: http://bit.ly/lEVnFb

Tips for writing openings: http://bit.ly/lLauqd @authorterryo

10 Short Lessons From The World's Best Copywriters: http://bit.ly/lAwwHp

Lose gaudy tag lines in your dialogue: http://bit.ly/l7Pchx

5 simple ways to make your blog more visually appealing to readers: http://bit.ly/lyVmHR

Marketing Lessons From Mom: http://bit.ly/izEMJR

8 journalists fired for tweeting: part 1: http://bit.ly/ksaRzP & part 2: http://bit.ly/k5oNcF

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Eggplant Bruschetta? http://bit.ly/lF1jSk

What not to do as a writer--a full rewrite: http://bit.ly/jRJz27

Best Films From Books (Daily Beast): http://bit.ly/lmGdpA#

Thinking in Nonlinear Terms: http://bit.ly/iQ0K9n

Can I Turn 'Children's Book Writer' Into a Full-Time Job? 2 writers answer: http://bit.ly/mDyJcC

Coming Up With a Strong Conflict: http://bit.ly/m9WtoB

Are you growing, as a writer? http://bit.ly/j8FOZ1 @katieganshert

How To Find Music for Your Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/kKAd9m @galleycat

12 insider interview tips from 2 accomplished writers: http://bit.ly/kIgvqN

30 Signs You're a (Children's) Writer-Parent: http://bit.ly/mAAqb0 @CherylRWrites

Capitalize on Keyword Searches on Amazon: http://bit.ly/jajjY9

22 ways to stay focused on writing: http://bit.ly/jw3LWa

Is That a TV Show You're Reading? http://bit.ly/jUDqqz

Is Google Planning an E-Book Rental Service? http://rww.to/lUyxqU

13 principles of plot: http://bit.ly/itlQXT

The "New Era" of the Author is Imminent: http://bit.ly/kzwrJh

10 Tips to Balance Parallel Sentence Structure: http://bit.ly/mIBVhg

Previously Published Authors & Their Decision to Self-Pub: http://bit.ly/mNzODz

How Can We Possibly Connect With ALL Our Followers? http://bit.ly/kr0svH

Ebook covers are different from print: http://bit.ly/iBe0A4

One Surefire Way to Increase Your Productivity: http://bit.ly/lJ7zxn

7 Tips for Falling in Love with Your Blog All Over Again: http://bit.ly/ioxOjT

The endless war between pantsters and outliners: http://bit.ly/j1bqIx

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Killer Strawberry and Chicken Entree & Murder ala Mode Book Giveaway http://bit.ly/g4MtQa

An author's career arc: http://bit.ly/jDcZMl @pubperspectives

Challenges and rewards of being a pro writer--and qualities we should have: http://bit.ly/iN1Il2

5 Steps to Subconscious-Driven Creativity: http://bit.ly/mPo7wC

25 useful Mac apps for writers: http://bit.ly/j5PSnK

One writer's difficult choice between self-pub and small press: http://bit.ly/k9QAML @HeatherMcCorkle

Thoughts on writing action scenes: http://bit.ly/iXxeSH

Track goals to make your dreams a reality: http://bit.ly/j3uCE8

Finding the Right Writing Group: http://bit.ly/iqcKcW @bluemaven

Tips for Reducing Eye Strain for Readers and Writers: http://bit.ly/jbDLR0

7 things teen writers can do to hone their craft during break: http://bit.ly/kisonu

A Look at POV Shifts--5 ways to spot them: http://bit.ly/l2FFpq

Worldbuilding: What's on the page? http://bit.ly/jqMoDb

Common flaws 1 writer has noticed in self-pubbed books: http://bit.ly/kNPIxZ

Are You Making Any of These 5 Mistakes in Your "About Me" section? http://bit.ly/jpTCDT

Blog Law – Is Your Giveaway Legal? http://bit.ly/jUfahB

Give characters a chance to grow: http://bit.ly/joNTzR

The 2 Types of Blogs and Which One Is Right for You: http://bit.ly/lL2sQl

3 Reasons Action is Important, 3 Reasons It's Not: http://bit.ly/iKnM2M

2 Tricks to Keep Your Online Reading Manageable: http://bit.ly/lMR8c7

Kill writer's block and become a master copywriter in 3 hours a day: http://bit.ly/joVZgX

Including crotchety and annoying characters in our books: http://bit.ly/ljwToN @mkinberg

How to Run a Successful Social Media Contest: http://bit.ly/mkG7k0

Killing a writing career? http://bit.ly/lruko0

This Week's Twitter Fail Whale–The Hashtag Ho: http://bit.ly/loCDZe

No, That Character Is Not You: http://bit.ly/iidpV2 @LesaHolstine

Keep an eye on your objective, when writing: http://bit.ly/laQf3R @RavenRequiem13

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Pink Lemonade Pie—by Riley Adams http://bit.ly/jFdwm6

Detectives & their Drink: Cocktail Recipes & Thin Man Martini Video: http://bit.ly/iwCwxP @JanetRudolph

Tips for indie booksellers--hand-selling dos and don'ts: http://bit.ly/mMF38P and social media tips: http://bit.ly/mKjGwj

Word power--misaligned subjects: http://bit.ly/ip4qyT

A mash-up of helpful links for self-publishing: http://bit.ly/lssH3w @jhansenwrites

Reversals in Novels and Movies: http://bit.ly/mPlmnl

Why One Writer Doesn't Count Followers, Mentions, Google Alerts, or Blog Hits Anymore: http://bit.ly/iOBUfn

Creating endings that resonate: http://bit.ly/iAJ56A @juliemusil

10 Commandments of Grammar for Fiction Writers: http://bit.ly/lRezTj

Romancing the Bookseller--dos and don'ts of working with bookstores to promote books: http://bit.ly/izvqzl @pubperspectives

How to Fix Big Problems with Small Changes: http://bit.ly/lcD5gJ @JamiGold

3 things to think about when writing modern dialogue: http://bit.ly/jH6v0B @DeeScribe

Improv tip for writers--keep it here and now: http://bit.ly/k6ETfs @thinkStory

3 Publishing Trends Writers Must Stay On Top Of: http://bit.ly/kPECKU

How Often Should You Update Your Blog? http://bit.ly/mbKBA0 @BloggingMentor

Critique Feedback: Accentuate the Positives: http://bit.ly/iSo2uE @keligwyn

A rapidly changing future for agents: http://bit.ly/mhYBbD

Creating a Series: http://bit.ly/koLvqy

Steampunk Sub-Genre Bingo: http://bit.ly/lic3U2

Why One Writer Still Believes in Big-Press Publishing: http://bit.ly/jXVwDJ

Goal Setting Success – the Charlie Brown Method: http://bit.ly/lj66Ku

How do you "write what you know" in SF/F? http://bit.ly/ifffwd

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: A Healthy Snack: Foolproof Stuffed Mushrooms from Cleo Coyle and a Giveaway from ... http://bit.ly/lQUxbW

The write apps: apps there *should* be for writers: http://bit.ly/jcSn2H

The importance of voice in your query letter: http://bit.ly/ldQRH9 @writeangleblog

2 things Hitchcock taught one writer about adding details to a story: http://bit.ly/jUHYu5

Building an Online Presence 101: Getting Started: http://bit.ly/jKkDjS

Plot Basics—The Events of Story: http://bit.ly/if9J39

Time to get passive aggressive – get your main character out of the back seat: http://bit.ly/lBP2oO @dirtywhitecandy

Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/20/11): http://bit.ly/mF8U1X @janefriedman

The evolution of a writer: http://bit.ly/khEXdT

How 1 writer has consciously worked to improve his writing: http://bit.ly/iKck6O

The all-important writer bio: http://bit.ly/kmad7d

21 quick steps for blogging success: http://bit.ly/kltpeT

The Constant Drumbeat for Every Writer: http://bit.ly/kITBb6

Get Your Character Through That Door: http://bit.ly/ipcqlF

World Building: Don't Do It! http://bit.ly/kqiCCK @thecreativepenn

The Kung Fu Panda Guide to Writing Action Scenes: http://bit.ly/mgFeVb

Tips for character creation: http://bit.ly/miyfqS

The 10 Terrible Truths of Book Marketing: http://bit.ly/jRLdi4

How to use the power of Twitter to develop and promote your zone of genius: http://bit.ly/jy36Hz

Search my tweets-- http://dld.bz/KPgS

How to Indicate Unspoken and Indirect Discourse: http://bit.ly/m8zT4K

LinkedIn: The Social Media Tool Writers Should Not Ignore: http://bit.ly/jwgwUI

Konrath on Why You Won't Succeed As A Self-Published Ebook Writer: http://bit.ly/j0vRaO

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Chocoholics Unite! http://bit.ly/lSLU6G

Helpful plug-ins for Wordpress bloggers: http://bit.ly/isYsIC @storiestorm

Top 10 most frightening books for teenagers (Guardian): http://bit.ly/jmlSva

On the future of journalism: http://bit.ly/mz9qKf

So How, Exactly, Does a Writer Grow? http://bit.ly/mbUQNb

20 tips to accomplish your dreams: http://bit.ly/mnmP5A

Do Facebook and Google Control Too Much Personal Information? (The Atlantic): http://bit.ly/m0Ofdp

Slow and Steady: http://bit.ly/lEw5Ip

Breathing new life into books with official hashtags: http://bit.ly/kY2OeB

Finding Your Blog's Unique Voice: http://bit.ly/kYHxpI

A helpful thesaurus for settings, emotions, symbolism, & weather--now with character traits: http://bit.ly/mQINxh @AngelaAckerman

What it Really Means When Your Book Gets Rejected: http://bit.ly/j0CPKC @annerallen

Will Your Manuscript Survive to Page 20? http://bit.ly/j0aAVz

Why contemporary romantic suspense is an improvement over old school novels: http://bit.ly/kOsVnT

Don't discard the librarians (Globe and Mail): http://bit.ly/ijmJb1

Tips for word thieves: http://bit.ly/jZCJ9y @juliemusil

Beyond the First Draft–Preparing the Perfect Proposal: http://bit.ly/lqeDHg

A cautionary comic for writers: http://bit.ly/lJbxV7 @inkyelbows

On Punctuation Gimmicks: http://bit.ly/lFukWn

The Resume Is Dead, The Bio Is King: http://bit.ly/kMSG2r

Balancing inner and outer story in your book: http://bit.ly/jbwkBg

4 Types of Reference Books You Didn't Know You Needed: http://bit.ly/j0eZux

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Welcome Guest Blogger - Larry Sweazy! http://bit.ly/kMqken

Writing late? Writing early? How Little Sleep Can You Get Away With? (NY Times): http://nyti.ms/kyZnXZ

10 Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice: http://bit.ly/iWADJe @JeffGoins via @designerdaze

Putting your work in the market and keeping it there until sold: http://bit.ly/jelev9

Publishing--a small press adventure: http://bit.ly/mEDwbP

Consciously Making Writing Goals

My writing friend, Jan Morrison, had a great post on Thursday about the book The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer.

Jan explains that Maurer's approach to life involves asking ourselves small questions to move forward toward goals. Jan said that by posing small questions to ourselves we don't freak ourselves out by goal-planning and subconsciously sabotage our efforts.

I like this idea a lot because while I'm a huge list-maker and goal-planner, the thought of the Big Picture of the next 20 years of my writing life tends to freak me out a little. If you were to ask me, off the cuff, where I'd like to be with my writing 20 years from now, for example, I'd probably be so overwhelmed that I wouldn't even know how to answer the question.

In fact, my agent asked me a similar question about a year ago (we were having a coffee together at a conference) and I looked at her like she'd grown horns.

Sometimes I feel like I can't see the forest for the trees—I'm just so darned busy. I'm working toward the next deadline at all times.

What my agent's question forced me to do last year, though, was to actually pull myself out of my minute to minute scrambling and think about the big picture. It still freaks me out, though. My answer to my agent's question, at the time, was to say that I wanted to keep doing what I was doing right now. That I was interested in exploring other genres and ideas….later on. I was very vague about it all.

Jan posted her list of small questions to herself on her blog post. She gives some good direction on how to start thinking about goals for life and writing. And asking myself questions is a much nicer way to approach goal-setting than making a bulleted list.

I also like the idea of breaking down goals (once I've identified them) into small steps…it makes it so much easier to reach a goal.

Have you set goals for yourself, as a writer?

An Original Story

I just finished reading a very disturbing book all the way from cover to cover—so you know it must be book club time for me. :)

Ordinarily, I wouldn't pick a story to read that gives me nightmares at night, but my book club seems to have a proclivity for picking them.

I was reading the harrowing and unusual tale with great trepidation when I suddenly came across some story elements so familiar to me that they comforted me—and it all started with a crazy wife locked in a remote section of a large house. Jane Eyre! I thought with relief, and was able to keep reading the book club selection. Sure enough, the story was on a real Gothic kick from that point on.

I'll sometimes hear writers worry about writing a really original, breakout story.

But I really don't think there are any really original breakout stories to be written. I think that each of us has the opportunity to do a really bang-up job on an old story in our unique voice.

It's been said that there are only seven basic plots in all of literature. Actually, there have been said to be several different numbers of basic plots, but seven is the number mentioned most frequently.

This site lists 1 basic plot, 7 , 20, and finally, 36 basic plots.

What if there are as many as 36 basic plots in literature? That's still not many.

And yet, with all the similarity in theme, we're not getting bored with books. Or movies, because films are limited to these plot lines, too.

That's because each writer brings something of themselves to the book. It could be an amazing character they created or a fabulous setting. It could be the writer's voice in the way he tells the story.

Just the fact that the writers are all different means that their stories will be unique. Their takes on the stories will be unique. Out of the 36 plots, one writer might use a particular plot in a thriller and another might use it in a romance.

It's our different takes on life that make plots unique.

Do you ever notice this repetition of plots in books and movies? Most of the time, I'll admit, I don't…each story seems very different.

Staying Motivated by Starting Out the Day With a Win

Lately, looking at my to-do list, I've felt pretty snowed. I've got Finger Lickin' Dead releasing June 7th, a book due July 1, and a complete outline for another book due August 1.

And the children are almost out of school for the summer. :)

I'm good at prioritizing the things I need to do, but when everything is a priority, it makes it tough.

What I've found keeps me knocking through the items on my to-do list, is a couple of different approaches.

Some days I'll put several quick and easy tasks on my to-do list—stuff that I need to do, but that only take a second. So my list could have these things on it: 1) Put sunflower seed in the birdfeeder 2) Water potted plants on front porch 3) Put newspapers in recycling bin

Honestly, I feel so smug after crossing three things off on my list, that I start attacking the rest of the to-do list with renewed vigor. Sad, but true.

My other approach is to put the most loathed, procrastinated task on the top of my to-do list. Then, the whole rest of the day, I'm proud of myself for knocking it out. It gives me more motivation to keep crossing things off my list.

I'm a productivity nut, so please share how you stay motivated and don't get overwhelmed by your to-do lists. Inquiring minds want to know!

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Sign up for the free, monthly Writer's Knowledge Base newsletter for writing tips and resources and to be entered in our first giveaway. Details here.

Finger Lickin' Dead launches June 7th

Giving Characters a Chance to Grow

In the book I've just finished writing, my protagonist is a successful, self-assured, retired museum curator. She's moved to a small Southern town to be near her daughter and get a break from the hectic pace of her life.

Of course, things don't go all that smoothly for my character. Besides getting mixed up in a murder investigation (the main plot), she's also faced with a number of challenges on a smaller scale—everything from dealing with the change of pace, to learning quilting (something she'd had no plans of ever learning.) My protagonist is pushed from her comfort zone at every opportunity.

Looking for the perfect way to challenge your character? Ask yourself how they view themselves. What do they think they're good at? What do they find personally challenging?

Why we should play to a character's weaknesses instead of their strengths:

It gives them the opportunity to fail. Who likes perfect characters?

It gives them the opportunity to try again. And persistence is a likeable trait.

It provides additional conflict for your book. Sure we've got the main plot and all the conflict that goes with it. But extra conflict adds tension to a book and makes for an interesting subplot that can motivate the reader to keep reading to see how the character deals with it.

It gives them an opportunity to ultimately succeed. Because we all like to see hard work rewarded.

Have you given your characters a chance to grow lately?

Quick Tip for Character Development

In my blog reading last week, I came across an interesting post on the Seeing Creative blog.

Sometimes I think stereotypes are nice for writers.  I know that sounds odd to say, but if you're writing a minor character--if you have your stock nerd, jock, prom queen, etc., the reader instantly gets the character. There's not a lot of work needed there. It's easy.  And it's easy for the reader, too—particularly if they're trying to get acquainted with all the other characters (the important characters) in your book.

But stock characters won't work for a protagonist or other characters with large roles.  Obviously, if our books are overflowing with stereotypes,  we haven't done our jobs as writers.

A cool way to shake up stereotypes and help create unique characters was mentioned in the post "Creating the Non-Stereotypical Character." Stina Lindenblatt said that author Mary Buckham recently conducted a workshop through her local RWA chapter.  In the workshop, she had the writer either pick the occupation or hobby/interest of the main characters in their novel,  then list 5 character traits associated with those careers.  Ms. Buckham then had the author switch the traits around.  You can see some results here. 

Another good way to create unique character is by blending the traits of several different strong personalities of people you know. 

How do you keep your characters unique?  Do you sometimes use stock characters for minor roles in your book?

Who We Are—the All-Important Bio

I came across an interesting post the other day by Michael Margolis called The Resume Is Dead, The Bio Is King.

In the story's lead-in, the writer states:

If you're a designer, entrepreneur, or creative – you probably haven't been asked for your resume in a long time. Instead, people Google you – and quickly assess your talents based on your website, portfolio, and social media profiles. Do they resonate with what you're sharing? Do they identify with your story? Are you even giving them a story to wrap their head around?

Margolis also gives a list of questions that can help you to formulate your bio in story format.

How many bios/taglines do you need? Probably more kinds than you think.

Blog: I'll admit that the bio, or "About Me" is the first thing I look for on a blog—before anything else. That's because blogging is about developing relationships and I want to know just some really basic information first. What do you write? What's your name (and a pen name is okay—lots of anonymity online)? A picture can help readers identify with you, or, barring that, a book cover or an avatar that you feel expresses a little about who you are. It's nice to also see one additional bit of information about the writer—are they a parent? Devoted dog owner? Avid filmgoer? Wine aficionado?

Email signature: I've mentioned before that this is a great way to tell your friends and family you're a writer. Your email signature could have your blog link under it, and a link to a book or article that you've written. I have a different one for my personal email than I do for my writing-related account.

Twitter bio: Obviously, this one is tricky because of the space limitation. I play with my bio on Twitter from time to time. You can see it above. I'm basically saying what I write (and the name of the different series), giving my purpose on Twitter (tweeting interesting writing links), and then providing my blog address for anyone who's interested.

Short bio: There are many times that I need a short bio. There are book catalogs for different organizations that ask for short bios and short book descriptions. Panels and conferences want a short bio. If I've written an article for a print magazine (which sometimes I still do, to keep my hand in it), they always want just a line. So it's good to think up a very abbreviated way to tell who you are and where folks can find out more about you.

An adaptable base bio—a basic bio that can be adapted. Mine is a few paragraphs that I can take bits and pieces from, depending on the situation. I have one that's sort of cute and funny when I'm writing humorous guest posts or if I'm talking about fun topics on a panel. I have one that's very businesslike and professional sounding if I'm speaking in a more formal setting or on a more serious topic.

Facebook: Facebook just turns your basic info into a bio for you. Mine says where I work (which are the publishing houses I write for), where I went to school, and where I live. I've been meaning to dabble with my FB bio a bit—it would be easy to change your occupation to "writes traditional mysteries," etc., if you wanted to showcase that info on your FB profile page instead of what your day job is.

Guest post bio/tagline: If you're guest posting, there's probably something that you're trying to accomplish. Wanting to expand your blog readership? Promote a new book? For my upcoming blog tour, I mention my new release first (with a buy link hyperlinked to the book's name….this is the main purpose for my tour), and the name I'm writing the series under (Riley Adams). Then I mention the other series I write. Then I mention my blog, the Writer's Knowledge Base, and my Twitter handle (and I hyperlink those things, so they're live links). Then I figure everyone has all the basics—and can click links to find out the rest. (And it's shorter than it sounds…I think short works better.)

Have you got different bios for different occasions or different social media? Have any tips for writing bios or thoughts on what information you're hoping to discover when you're reading someone's?

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Sign up for the free, monthly Writer's Knowledge Base newsletter for writing tips and resources and to be entered in our first giveaway. Details here.

Finger Lickin' Dead launches June 7th

Twitterific

Below are writing links that I've posted to Twitter in the last week.

The Writer's Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links searchable—try it for searches on plotting, characterization, querying, book promo, and more.

[image error]Anyone signing up for the free Writer's Knowledge Base newsletter this month (and current subscribers) will be automatically entered in a June drawing to receive K.M. Weiland's CD (or MP3) Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration CD . Sign up here for the web's best writing links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 . (You can unsubscribe at any time, and your email information is never shared.)

Tips on cliffhangers: http://bit.ly/kknQxX @juliemusil

What Ju-Jitsu Can Teach Us About Writing: http://bit.ly/krFW5S

Creating the non-stereotypical character: http://bit.ly/kSgmks

5 Fixes for Pop-Culture Pile-Ups: http://bit.ly/ka4aTt

Summer Survival Guide for Writers: http://bit.ly/kwuFOE

4 tips for dissemination of info in your story: http://bit.ly/le8Xkb

Writing Myths Busted: http://bit.ly/mr2Vla @yaHighway

Do You Tell People You Write? http://bit.ly/mTDOF1

5 ways to know your characters before you even meet them: http://bit.ly/kyznnc @jammer0501

When You Feel Like a Nobody: http://bit.ly/lAOle9

What Not to Write–The Submission: http://bit.ly/kRjUD5

Using MS Word to Auto-Outline and Keep Track of Revelations: http://bit.ly/jamI6a @4kidlit

How to Turn Your Dream Into a Plan In 5 Simple Steps: http://bit.ly/j4KZlQ

When your agent can't sell your book: http://bit.ly/kpVVee

A look at teachers in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/ifxlUC @mkinberg

How To Make a Super 8 Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/lA2dju

When you're an ind. publishing professional, is the expense of attending BEA worth it? http://bit.ly/kLNGpo

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Dinner tonight - easy as pie! http://bit.ly/kyAsDc

All Stories Are Speculative Fictions: An Inquisitive Supposition: http://bit.ly/jUoaVd

How to Captivate New Readers for Your Blog in 5 Seconds or Fewer: http://bit.ly/lKHOEz

It's wedding season--and an opportunity for a 1-chapter critique: http://bit.ly/iRZwXX @jhansenwrites

How To Look for a Publishing Job at BEA: http://bit.ly/kIBWv2 @galleycat

Creativity Tweets of the Week — 5/20/11: http://bit.ly/ilfAaZ @on_creativity

How one writer revised her work to prepare for publication: http://bit.ly/kqRdLx

Working Backward to Flesh Out Your Plot: http://bit.ly/lp2tNF

5 things 1 writer has learned about increasing tension in a story: http://bit.ly/lX0bJN

Writing mentors (Ntl. Post): http://natpo.st/jzoeZa

Are MFA programs ruining American fiction? (Salon): http://bit.ly/lNA2eh

10 ways to improve your proofreading: http://bit.ly/mpINbH

Sucker punching writer's block: http://bit.ly/iJCLMh

Best Articles This Week for Writers 5/20/11: http://bit.ly/k9MAAX @4kidlit

People-Watching with Purpose: 20 tips: http://bit.ly/l0GAVg

How to earn your info dump: http://bit.ly/l6z6TA

Konrath: Tech Talk and the Active Ebook: http://bit.ly/imEbQH

Writing Descriptions: Setting the Scene: http://bit.ly/m5I4SI

A Deeper Understanding of Craft: http://bit.ly/iu5PFr

Figuring Out Your Genre: http://bit.ly/m0zjxx

On Amazon, is fewer than 5 stars a bad review? http://bit.ly/l2k1MW

The Antagonist: http://bit.ly/jqLKAf

Does Your Manuscript Have a Good Hook? http://bit.ly/iTwUOp

Liberty Media Bids $1 Billion for Barnes & Noble (PW): http://bit.ly/lJHixn

5 Things The Great Books Taught @JaneFriedman About Writing: http://bit.ly/lu9724

Genre and Soy Sauce -- Finding What You Want: http://bit.ly/lp5v8e

5 Types of Eponyms: http://bit.ly/j6Jnib

Past Tense or Present Tense...or Both? http://bit.ly/kC7IY7

BEA Survival Tips: http://bit.ly/lDpQj8

Common Sense Writing Superstitions: http://bit.ly/mLs893 @Rachel__Graves

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: My Summer Challenge http://bit.ly/jBExzn

A question on multiple lead characters: http://bit.ly/iClM9Z

The 5 Horsemen of Literary Apocalypse: http://bit.ly/jtm5Eb

Is there gold in your backlist? Self-publish and find out: http://bit.ly/lhzCB2

The secret to worldbuilding success: http://bit.ly/ihNQPV

Rock Stars and Writers–Yes, We Really Do Work: http://bit.ly/mK2IAd

Resist the Urge to Explain: http://bit.ly/mnPkBD

Are Teenagers Too Young to Write Good Fiction? http://bit.ly/ieRON2

Amazon and Waterstones report downloads eclipsing printed book sales (Guardian): http://bit.ly/mmd3Ov

An Agent on Interiority vs. Telling: http://bit.ly/kUSxeD

Tips on Copy Editing Your Own Work: http://bit.ly/mmQCR9

What to Do on a Writing Vacation: http://bit.ly/kyDh3I

Why Are We So Obsessed With Our Numbers? http://bit.ly/jB78Bq

How fantasy author @JaniceHardy uses real places as a foundation for her world-building: http://bit.ly/inIwfM

Running Mind Movies to Bring Life to Your Characters: http://bit.ly/kSkhhm

5 Tips for Working with Hollywood as a Publisher or Author: http://bit.ly/jqwp1D

Characters who grow on you: http://bit.ly/imhEiX

Stir Up Your Setting–REAL Fictional Settings: http://bit.ly/jA6dCZ

Dos and Dont's for Pitching: http://bit.ly/iEmBjl

Self-editing checklist for POV: http://bit.ly/mCir2O

This Week's Fail Whale–Tunnel-Vision Tweeter: http://bit.ly/m67jjz

How to explain superpowers: http://bit.ly/kQYqEp

How watching bad 80s movies made one writer cooler: http://bit.ly/miwHCS

When is a writer 'good enough'? http://bit.ly/mHDwvm @camillelaguire

3 Reasons Why Personally Visiting a Source (or Location) Will Better Your Writing: http://bit.ly/j6jWm4

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Kid-friendly Porcupines http://bit.ly/l3df8X

Tools to Make Scheduling Your Time at BEA Easier: http://bit.ly/lhfiGh

Getting Started: The Hardest Part: http://bit.ly/lGHWNE

5 Ways to Write High-Quality Content – Fast: http://bit.ly/mI2euZ

Does your imagined audience hinder you from writing? http://bit.ly/ikN8Ji

What Is The Point Of Writing A Book If You Have No Online Presence? http://bit.ly/kGVkp1 @bubblecow

Thanks to Diane @TheBookResort for hosting me on her blog: http://bit.ly/luVJxv Finger Lickin' Dead releases Jun. 7th! http://amzn.to/iRM9Hw

42 LinkedIn Groups for Publishing Professionals: http://bit.ly/kRtmaI @galleycat

10 Comma Cases in Which More Is More: http://bit.ly/kRdXtQ

An example of a fiction synopsis: http://bit.ly/ktI4sm

Facing Rejection? Here Are 5 Key Steps To Handle Them Like a Pro: http://bit.ly/iH00rj

The Physiology of Foreshadowing: http://bit.ly/krWrcW

Writing When Life Explodes: It Can Be Done: http://bit.ly/l8L7nE

The Ultimate Money Guide for Freelance Writers: http://bit.ly/j5Mjuw

Myths Of Creativity in Business: http://bit.ly/ioRepP

How to Write a Query Letter to Publishers – Fiction Manuscript: http://bit.ly/jN509Z

Stir Up Your Setting: Using All 5 Senses: http://bit.ly/jOgQTB

To Do Digital Books Right, Writers Will Learn to Talk Tech: http://bit.ly/jMOy0f

How to Send Visitors Away from Your Website in Two Seconds or Less: http://bit.ly/klD4l8

Battling the Stigma of the YA Writer: http://bit.ly/kvGbjH

Anatomy of Conflict: http://bit.ly/ixuVfb

Targeted Writing: Remember Your Audience: http://bit.ly/l9wo0k

Traditional Publishing, Self-Publishing and Control: http://bit.ly/mgsqes

The Handy-Dandy Survival Guide to Shipping Doomed Couples: http://bit.ly/lWGVph

Orchestrating the Thriller: http://bit.ly/mSdCxn @RavenRequiem13

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Easy, Cheesy Bread http://bit.ly/ieGkbz

Copywriting ABCs: Why Every Piece of Content You Create Must Always Be Converting: http://bit.ly/m8lBDt

Place holders in fiction: http://bit.ly/jWlIUA

8 Things Readers Want From Self-Published Authors: http://bit.ly/m1qJnF @janefriedman

How 'Not Writing' Could Save Your Story: http://bit.ly/ij0rXG @storyadaymay

What Disneyland Can Teach Us about World-building: http://bit.ly/l8j2Aw @jamigold

Choosing the Right Stories for an Anthology: http://bit.ly/lYpccO

The 10 Deadly Sins of Pitching: http://bit.ly/jYWL4d

Worldbuilding--Research: http://bit.ly/kfNVc6

The rule of 3: http://bit.ly/mKFiFH

Mix and match characters: http://bit.ly/mAAkel

Writing profanity: http://bit.ly/lbptUP

The 2 most important things to know before hiring a freelance editor: http://bit.ly/iPlphH

Why It's Good For Writers to Love Then Hate Their Books: http://bit.ly/ipRO7B @jodyhedlund

The best writers are the best readers: http://bit.ly/iSwzS0

3 Reasons Description is Important, 3 Reasons It's Not: http://bit.ly/lyUN9b @victoriamixon

The word count debut writers don't need to exceed & word count guidelines for children's and YA: http://bit.ly/ivPO4b

Is the ebook the new query? http://bit.ly/ihVJNj @annerallen

Stir Up Your Setting–Finding a Happy Medium: http://bit.ly/lSjKoW

429 Television Script Ideas That Sold: http://bit.ly/kKu83i @galleycat

100,000 Reasons Why You Probably Can't Banish Envy (and May Not Want to): http://bit.ly/mQCo1a

Craft an Exceptional Elevator Pitch: http://bit.ly/kZCNlC @Bookgal

5 Mixed-Up Malapropisms: http://bit.ly/jd1ENr

Crime fiction examples of tightly linked series and series that are more loosely connected: http://bit.ly/jyAdi0 @mkinberg

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: (Low Fat!) Strawberry Shortcake Muffins from Cleo Coyle http://bit.ly/jW1YNH

Amazon Book Sales Page Tips: http://bit.ly/k0P7yd @thecreativepenn

10 Reasons To Love & Embrace Platform-building: http://bit.ly/mNe9Kw

Why Writers Need Writer Friends: http://bit.ly/kvgNAg

Gardening and writing--filling the well by following the love: http://bit.ly/ilizet

Ready to query but don't know where to start? http://bit.ly/fYkgJA

15 Tips for Accomplishing More in Less Time: http://bit.ly/mfxG6B

Dealing with Discouragement: http://bit.ly/jK6YU7

Social Media for Unpublished Writers: http://bit.ly/kQuuHj @cheshirescribe

7 Weekly Book Marketing Goals You Can Adopt Today: http://bit.ly/kluqZD

Can Writing Be Taught? http://bit.ly/iewWnq @2bwriters

Show vs Tell: http://bit.ly/isnMOV

The Secret Ingredient of Original Stories: http://bit.ly/k1f8Mq

Stir Up Your Setting–Making Setting a Character: http://bit.ly/jSxbu0

21 Ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don't Have a Clue: http://bit.ly/jBq91Q

10 Simple Ways to Double the Speed of Your Writing … Right Now: http://bit.ly/mHEz8B

Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/13/11): http://bit.ly/j2pTAy

You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order: http://bit.ly/mFpLae

You don't have to have a book to be a writer: http://bit.ly/ihKUcq @Harrison314

An agent explains what's in a publishing contract: http://bit.ly/l0Q5Bt

How to Create Characters That Are Believable and Memorable: http://bit.ly/lUW9xv

When it Makes Sense to Have Multiple Blogs: http://bit.ly/jcqTJo

Wait! Don't Query Too Soon: http://bit.ly/jKIdQ3

An agent on starting a novel in the wrong place: http://bit.ly/lafnAA

The Right Tools for Planning a Writing Group: http://bit.ly/jFzAkS

An agent rants about prologues: http://bit.ly/kmdR5Q

Are you over-editing? http://bit.ly/mdUiHX @juliemusil

Use Manuscript Markers for Your 1st Draft: http://bit.ly/kqXu3r

The Ultimate Guide to Twitter Marketing: http://bit.ly/mmj9uD

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Cardamom Pound Cake http://bit.ly/lSCzU1

Beginning In Media Res: Some Options: http://bit.ly/kqGf3S

Shrugging and Pursing: http://bit.ly/kdSDQr

What NOT to Write: The Query Letter: http://bit.ly/iSc0or

That duck in the T-shirt is a boy: The gender divide in children's lit: http://natpo.st/inReKc

How to Turn a Blog Post into a Press Release: http://bit.ly/myqDn6

Fiction and Empathy: http://bit.ly/l3uKIX @wordrunner

How to Avoid Writing-related Panic Attacks: http://bit.ly/jw48JX

Writer's Knowledge Base -- Search 8000+ articles on : http://bit.ly/dYRayA

Beyond the First Draft—The Query Letter: http://bit.ly/jEN1uh

How Science Fiction Movies Can Help You Write Novels: http://bit.ly/jtu75I

Worldbuilding, part 1: It's not just for science fiction anymore: http://bit.ly/iWvGwG

How to Revise (When You'd Rather Just Drink): http://bit.ly/mS4QAI

Twitterific--my week in tweets: http://bit.ly/mvgje5

One important reason for a day job: http://bit.ly/lmKFVm

Against Professionalism: http://bit.ly/maJOFq

Characterization is important–character is key: http://bit.ly/lS4jhz

Why Doesn't Your Blog Click? http://bit.ly/lyGoZd @hopeclark

Tips for selling more books on the Kindle: http://bit.ly/kSR0Xk

One writer's process: http://bit.ly/lPhPmJ

Short writing tips from a variety of published authors: http://bit.ly/k2Lfiz

On nature and nurturing your inner Gladys Kravitz: http://bit.ly/lln0BF

Advice to teens wanting to publish: http://bit.ly/ljhbkY

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Kate Carlisle's Weeknight Taco Casserole http://bit.ly/j7oVmV

Plot Devices and Other Stupid Things: http://bit.ly/igpzuy

How to Build an Email List: Rich Man, Poor Man List Building: http://bit.ly/libkdP

Stereotyping people by their favorite author: http://bit.ly/mEGeV7

Like With Like = Great Story Flow: http://bit.ly/lGnT9i

Plot Development: Climax, Resolution, and Your Main Character: http://bit.ly/j5Ub1E

Writing Beautiful and Unique Snowflakes: http://bit.ly/lyXHnr

Putting the Character into Characterization: http://bit.ly/lIq8cT

What to do with short stories: http://bit.ly/jpCfjS

Sign up for the monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best writing links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1

8 Ways NOT to Describe Your Main Character: http://bit.ly/iEuG4j @victoriamixon

The Power of No: http://bit.ly/mI6fdT

Social media is for interacting, not BSP: http://bit.ly/jJ6ZdD

3 lessons from the "Vampire Diaries": http://bit.ly/iPTE6C

Why You Should Build Your Freelance Career on Your Own Domain: http://bit.ly/iAV4k8

3 Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters: http://bit.ly/l4NHCL

Using tags to sell books or ebooks on Amazon: http://bit.ly/lGyt07