Nancy Christie's Blog, page 76
April 6, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 4.6.16 from Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Push Through the Block The first paragraph, the first sentence, the first word…
Sometimes wefind ourselvesstopped even before weget started.
When that happens, there is the temptation to walk away, give in, give up. We think if we were any good, the words would just flow.
Not true. Even experienced authors with miles of published words unrolling behind them can be slowed down when starting a new work.
The trick is to keep going. At this juncture, thequality of what we are writing matters les...
April 5, 2016
Authors: How To Make Bookstores Love You
Your book is ready to be released. Or maybe it’s been out for awhile and you are trying to generate some fresh interest.
In any case, you have set aside your pennies with a goal of doing some in-person appearances at bookstores.
Well, before you hit the road, make sure that you have done everything you can to make the events successful—both for you and the hosting location.
You might think that bookstore owners and managers don’t care how wel...
March 30, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 3.30.16 from Robert Frost
Are you outside the story or inside it? We do such a fine dance when writing—staying outside of the story enough to write well but trying also to be feeling what the characters are feeling to give the events verisimilitude.
Robert Frost counseled that we shouldhave the same emotional reaction to what is happening that we wantthe reader to feel. Otherwise, our work is lifeless, rote, routine.
Write — and feel what you are writing. Be amazed, grieving, frightened, hopeful. Reactto your story an...
March 29, 2016
March Post Round-Up
Just in case you missed any of the posts this month, here is a round-up of latest ones!
Wednesday Writing Inspiration 3/2/16 from Roy Blount Jr. 3/9/16 from David Charnoff 3/16/16 from Barbara Kingsolver 3/23/16 from John Steinbeck
Guest Posts Ways to Make Social Media Work for You: Guest Post from Michelle Arbore Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
March 23, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 3.23.16
Whom are you writing for? Sometimes we get so caught upthinking about “the market” that we can’t actually write.
We wonder if we are writing what will sell. We worry what agents, publishers, reviewers and book critics will think of our words. We hold back because we’re not sure if anyone really cares what we write.Stop.
Just think about that one single reader, the person who picks up your book or downloads it onto an e-reader, and gets caught up by your words.
That is who you are writing f...
March 16, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 3.16.16
Block out the world and just write Who is in your head, influencing what and how you write?
What thoughts or fears are keeping you from fully exploring the story you want to tell?
Close the door—literally and figuratively.
Shut out the critics—the externalones and the ones inside you.
Just let the words come.
March 9, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 3.9.16
Where will your writing take you? Are you holding back because you are afraid of how writing it down might change your perception of yourself or the world?
Write anyway.
Grow through the words.
Expand your sense of what is and what could be as you fill the page.
March 8, 2016
Ways to Make Social Media Work for You: Guest Post from Michelle Arbore
The social media challenge We all know thatsocial media is what you have to do if you want to build your platform.
But
What’s the best way to do it? And do you use all the platforms out there? If not, how do you choose which one (or ones!) to post on?Since this has been something I’ve been struggling with, I reached out toMichelle Arbore, owner of Savvy Social Media, for some solid advice.
Michelle helps entrepreneurs and small businesses move past the overwhelm and frustration of social m...
March 2, 2016
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 3.2.16
Never stop writing Yes, you get frustrated.
Yes, you get stuck.
Yes, the rejections outweigh the acceptances.
But not writing is never the answer.
InsteadWrite more.
Write better.
Write again.
February 29, 2016
February Post Round-Up
Just in case you missed any of the posts this month, Here is a round-up of what you’ll find at The Writer’s Place!
Wednesday Writing Inspiration 2/3/16 from Stephen King 2/10/16 from Edgar Rice Burroughs 2/17/16 from HP Lovecraft 2/24/16 from Peter Handke Guest Posts Cleaning up “Speaker Pollution”: Guest Post from Bruce Miller— consultant forfor authors who need some help making their verbal presentations the best they can be. Hashtagging Your Way To Social Media Relevance:...
