Jessica Werner's Blog, page 2

Let’s talk about – Write what you know

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No matter if you write fiction or non-fiction, blog posts, do-it-yourself articles, advice columns, short stories or novels, you might have heard that one piece of advice all through your weeks, months or years of writing: “Write what you know.”

When I heard that for the first time I had immediate thoughts on what I know!

I know how to cook frozen Pizza.

I know how to not starve because I ordered a huge pack of ramen noodles in all kinds of flavours.

I know how to sleep for a long time.

I know how to take a shower without breaking my neck – 37 years of study in that subject proof that.

I know how to binge watch TV-Shows and movies.

I know how to avoid doctor visits when I really “don’t wanna”.

I know many many things more, but let’s be honest: Nobody wants to read a book about that. Well actually I’d die to read a book about it, but I might not be a big market all on my own.

After eliminating all these useful, elaborate skillsets the question remained: What do I write about?

Writing fiction might be a tad easier on that because you don’t have to go into the depths of a subject too much, but you still need to know what you are talking about. Maybe the whole ‘Write what you know’ does not only mean the experiences or your degree you have in a field.

Instead, make sure that you research the hell out of something you want to write about. Writing paranormal stories with demons and vampires? Study the lore. Writing a story that plays in the Tudor era? Read about it, the life, language, customs, important events and what have you. (Coincidentally that is what I’m doing at the moment.) Want to write for a woman but you’re a bloke and have no idea about that? Study women, read magazines, talk to them and ask what they’d do. If your character goes through a life-changing event and you have no experience with that said event, chat with folks who’ve gone through it.

There are many ways to research and accumulate knowledge about what you are writing about. So go ahead, dig in and then “write what you know”.

What is it you are writing about? How did you get to know about it and got more insight? Was it easy? Exciting? Boring (if so why the heck did you want to write about boring stuff?) Share your experiences and tell me more right down in the comments.

Filed under: Creativity, iamwriting, Let's talk about, Writing, writing tips Tagged: iamwriting, writing, writing research, writing tips

New year, new stuff – What do YOU really want to see?

First of all: Happy new year. Welcome in 2017, let’s make it an awesome one!

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All of you have most likely noticed that I do not write often. Most of the time it is because I’m actually busy writing but many other times it is because I am not sure what you guys actually want to see on an author’s blog. There are countless articles out there on what should be found, what we should write about. Be it about us and our life to get to know us better, or about our books, extras, characters, plot ideas, or new projects, writing tips, books we like, tools we use and and and. But I am never sure if anyone really wants to know that.

So for the new year I thought I could just asks. I know very innovative concept.

My Bucket List: Graphic Novel Project

Some of you know, that I am a resident of a virtual world called Second Life. A world by the people for the people, when it comes to the world itself. Everything you see from items, houses, clothing, skins, hair and what not has been made by residents. I’m one of these content creators as well but today I want to talk about a different part of this world.

For about 6 years – I think – I am part of a theatre group in that virtual world: The Jewell Theatre. We are a group of people enjoying the art of theatre and bring it to different places to entertain the audience. We also meet at least once a year to participate in the 48 hours machinima festival, in which we make short machinimas in competition with other teams. We are having a ton of fun with this and can’t wait for the next time.

Why am I telling you this? Because our theatre writer and director Karen Wheatley has written a machinima for this festival 5 years ago called “The Lucid Journey”. Just recently for Second Life’s 13th birthday, she rewrote it to make it into a play to perform during the festivities. It came out so well, that we also went on tour with it.

In every culture there have been legends regarding the relationship between our dreams and travel. Suppose our dreams are more than random scenes from our waking lives? Lewis Liddell is missing presumed dead, and his wife is left to unravel the mystery of what’s become of him. Her journey to find him will take her into our shared dreamscape and beyond.

During the tour while looking at screenshots of the play, an idea was born. What if we made a Graphic Novel out of this story? Yeah, what if? I tell you what. It’d be awesome!

We had a photoshoot in which I shot about 400 snapshots. Karen and I work on sifting through the script to make sure that we only have the necessary parts in the graphic novel, and I can check something off my bucket list. I always wanted to create a Graphic Novel but never knew about what and how, since I can’t draw for my life. So this is super exciting for me, Karen and the members of the Jewell Theatre. The first pages are already done. I just love seeing how it comes together!

If you are interested in hearing more about the Jewell Theatre you can follow the Twitter account. If you are a Second Life resident, you can visit the sim and join the subscriber to be informed about new plays.

Have you ever created a Graphic Novel or worked with someone on one? Do you like Graphic Novels or do you prefer regular novels? Share your experiences with me below in the comics. Let’s have a chat!

Filed under: Fun, graphic novel, Second Life, Stuff about me Tagged: graphic novel, Second Life, Theatre

Let’s talk about – Short stories

 

Did you ever do something many many times and it is deep in your bones and blood and you could do it in your sleep? Then you try something else and it works really well but you go back to do that old thing and you fail over and over? That is me with short stories. I used to write them a lot. But ever since I wrote my first novel I have real trouble with them.

That wouldn’t be too bad if I wouldn’t want to write them. I have several ideas for stories that are not meant to be as long as a novel or even a novella. So short story it is. Well said. Tell that to my 50 attempts to write one. I tried it with outlining, making keynotes, pre-planning … nothing. I keep running into a wall and believe what I wrote sucks big hairy sweaty donkey balls. Eeew, I know.

I am usually a big fan of research and reading articles to help me going, but in this case, it just makes me nutters. It feels like everyone knows how to write a short story but I don’t. And I don’t know you but I become obsessive about this. Trying even harder and falling with my nose flat on the concrete floor.

So next I’ll try to throw out the outline and plans and write that short story by feeling and using my gut instinct. Let’s see how that goes!

How are you with writing short stories? Are they hard? How do you deal with the struggle? Or are they smooth sailing? How did you get there? Share your experiences with us in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe[image error]

 

Filed under: Creativity, iamwriting, Let's talk about, Short story, Writing Tagged: amwriting, i am writing, iamwriting, short story

“Enemy of my Enemy” is here! (Plus a subscriber special)

It’s finally here! I’m so excited!

As I have mentioned a few times before I wrote a novelette, based in a roleplaying universe my friend Jonathan Snyder has developed: Blood in Space. That novelette is finally done and published by Epic Worlds Press! I have a ton of fun writing the story around the young Atelak Larenssa and hope that you’ll enjoy reading about it just as much.

Larenssa always dreamed of a life as a strong warrior. All of her young life she trained to be ready and bring honor and glory to her tribe. Passing her initiation rites posed a challenge, but it pales in comparison to what she will endure during her personal hunt.

Leaving her tribe behind, Larenssa begins one of the most important journeys of her life. She finds herself at the mercy of her prey and is forced to make a decision. What will happen when the tables are turned and she becomes the hunted?  

This novelette is available as Ebook on Smashwords and as print book on Lulu.

I promised you a subscriber special!

Everyone on my subscriber list and those who will join receives a 50% discount code for the ebook version on Smashwords! That is to thank you for your support and interest in my writing.

(Credits: The base of this image is a Mock-up Set made by Vadim Sherbakov. You can find it here.)

If you are not yet a member of my newsletter list you can subscribe here:

 

I’m looking forward to have you and if you like it I’d appreciate a review on Smashwords, Lulu and/or goodreads. Thank you and have fun reading!!

Filed under: blood in space, ebook, iamwriting, Release, Writing Tagged: blood in space, ebook, iamwriting, kindle, lulu, novelette, print book, published, smashwords

Brand spanking new Podcast interview

Some of you know, that part of my creativity goes to and comes from being a member of a Star Trek Roleplaying Community called Starbase 118. I’ve written with this group of ST enthusiasts for 4 years and have met all kinds of awesome people from casual writers to fellow authors. In this community of fans and writers we also have great institutions like a podcast team! Jonathan Snyder from that team has recently interviewed me about what I do when I’m not writing for Starbase 118 and the result has been published today!

It has been my very first audio interview so I was a little nervous, but I had a blast! Of course I’m sharing it with you and hope you’ll enjoy!

What did you think of the interview? Did you enjoy the information you’ve got? Which questions would you ask me if you had the chance? Did you do podcast interviews and how did they go? Please comment below and let me know! Thank you for taking the time and see you around next time!

Filed under: Fun, iamwriting, Interview, Stuff about me, Video Tagged: about the author, interview, podcast, writing

How Can I Help My Author Friend? | Dave Butler Writes

I’ve seen this today from a fellow writer and I just had to share with you guys!

 

A skeletal and non-exhaustive list, offered with no comment. You can:

Buy her book.
Buy more copies, and give them as gifts.
Share on social media that you’ve bought the book.
Reshare your friend’s announcements about the book.
Reshare great reviews of your friend’s book.
Post a review to Amazon, Goodreads, or other sites.
Share your review on social media.
Feature her cover art on your “wall” or other social media platform. Provide a link.
“Like” good reviews of her book.
Review her book on your blog.
Invite her to post about her book’s release on your blog.
Suggest her book to your book club.
Write and share a filk song based on her book.
Ask your library to order a copy.
Ask your kids’ school to order a copy.
Attend your friend’s book launch.
Offer to host a book launch for your friend.
Pass information about public speaking opportunities (at libraries, schools, conventions) to your friend.
Cosplay your friend’s characters at conventions.
Tell other people verbally about the book.
Sell copies on consignment in your place of business.
Suggest your kids do book reports on her book.
Leave a copy lying prominently in your house for people to notice and ask about.

Source: How Can I Help My Author Friend? | Dave Butler Writes

Filed under: iamwriting, Writing Tagged: help an author, i am writing, writing

Self publishing #3 – Editors

As I have promised you in my most recent blog post about beta readers, we are going to look at Editors in this post. As usual I am going to tell you what I did and then tell you what I should have done. I’ll also explain a bit about different kinds of editors and give you a few sources about how to find them and what to watch out for.

Ready? Yes? Let’s begin.

When I wrote my first Book “Sra’kalor“, it was quite an adventure. It was my very first book that I’ve finished, and also the very first book I wrote in English. Since it’s my second language I’m naturally making mistakes. That just means I’ll have to learn more, but until then I definitely need someone to check what I write for grammar, spelling, possible misuse of words and so on. I went through my book four times until I couldn’t find anything wrong with it any more. Believing it was great, I sent it to my partner and he checked once more. He found a bunch of things that could be improved and a pile of spelling and grammar mistakes. I fixed these as well believed to be done, because we had worked a lot and hard on it. So I published the book and began to send it to reviewers, bloggers and the like.

In the coming weeks I received reviews that mentioned grammar and spelling mistakes, that the language sounded as if English wasn’t my first language, that it sounded too formal and some words were misused. You can possibly imagine the punch I felt in my stomach. For a while I even thought I should stop writing if it is that bad, but thanks to some encouraging friends that feeling didn’t last long and I decided to want to improve instead of giving up – yay me. One of my friends has an editor in their family and connected us. I sent my book to her, she took the time and effort to edit it and did not only mark the parts that were wrong, but also explained to me why. That helped tremendously. So I revised the book and feel much better with it now.

No matter how well you write, how much you work on your book, how many mistakes you find and correct, having an editor go through it for you and bring the best out of it is very important. That is something that I absolutely underestimated in the beginning but have learned until now. And if you work with Beta readers – as mentioned in the previous post – you would first write and edit as much as you possibly can and then send your work to your beta readers and after they took it apart and helped you to make it even better it’s the editor’s turn. Not the other way around.

What would an editor do for you? That depends on the kind of editor.

Content editors/developmental editors – They check your book for structure, plot holes, parts that go too slow, others that go too fast, inconsistencies (what we call goofs in movies) and so on. It might happen that they change something in your story to make it flow better, change the way you wrote sentences or whole scenes. They work directly with the content of the story and help authors to find their writing voice.
Copy editors – These make sure your book has a high readability, that it’s written smooth and has a consistent style all over.
Line Editors – They focus on grammar, spelling, punctuation, verb tenses and so on. You know all these little things that we do not see any more because we know our story and our brain reads them correctly even though they are misspelled.

Copy and Line editors are often one person nowadays but sometimes they are still different people. And you might even find someone who does all of the above but not that often.


Proofreaders. After all editors went all through your work and you made sure to fix mistakes and rewrite what needs to be rewritten, proofreaders go through the book again and find all the little things that everyone else missed. Yes that can happen. Editors are humans, you are human, so mistakes happen. Even the most famous works still have mistakes here and there, but imagine them without going through all that editing work.

 

How to find editors?

Since I did not have to find an editor, thanks to my friend, I have done a little research about where to find editors.

“Where do you find an editor?” A goodreads group discussion. Several editors actually replied in this thread to offer their services, other answers linked to websites or people directly.
“Need an affordable editor?” Another goodreads group discussion in which several editors offer their services.
“Are you an Editor / Proofreader?” And another goodreads group discussion

“Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)” To quote the website: “EFA members are editors, writers, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators, and others who offer a broad range of skills and specialties.”
“Publishers Marketplace” Editors and other publishing professionals are advertising their services here, have a look.
“Best book editors on twitter” This is a long list of editors on twitter
“Mediabistro” Here you can find and hire freelancers, among others editors.

What to watch out for when choosing an editor

What kind of editor are they?
Do they work in your genre? That is especially important for content editors. You wouldn’t want a magazine column content editor to edit your romance novel. These are completely different genres and styles. If it only is about spelling and grammar, the genre that editor worked in might not be that important.
What is their experience? Who have they worked with?
Do they offer a trial page or chapter so you can see their style?
Do you click? You work closely with your editor if you can’t stand each other it’ll make it difficult.
What is their rate? Editors are not cheap. Even those with affordable prices might be out of your budget. So check how much you have to pay and how much you can pay.
How many authors do they work with at the same time? Do they have the time for your book it deserves?
Remember not every editor might be the right one for you. You might have to kiss many frogs… wait wrong subject. You might have to try out several editors before finding ‘the one’.

These lists are by far not complete, but do a google search for editors and you’ll find a ton of results. Not only editor pages but also articles about how to find them, what to watch out for, questions you should ask yourself and so on.

Two of these sites are

“Help! I need a book editor” You can find some explanations, more links to editor resources and articles to related subjects.
“5 ways to find the right freelance book editor” This article will give you a few tips on how to find the editor you need including questions you can ask a potential editor to find out if they are a fit

There is so much more but this article has been too long already. If you managed to stay with me until now – Congratulations you are a patient human being! And thank you for sticking with me.

Do you have any more invaluable tips and tricks when it comes to editors? Where did you find yours? What experiences do you have with your editor and did your first find end up to be ‘the one’? What did you do when your choice wasn’t the right one? Please share your stories with us in the comment box below! Until next time and stay creative!

Filed under: iamwriting, Self publishing, Writing, writing tips Tagged: author, editors, i am writing, iamwriting, publishing tips, Self publishing, writing tips

Mockups are fun

Just recently I found myself in the wonderful workd of mockups. I found so many that I want to use for the future that I filled half my hard-drive with them. These are PSD files (at least in the cases that I have here), that help you display your own works in realistic pictures. It is surprisingly hard to explain. But I’ll show you an example below.

That mockup has a ready made picture and the card standing in front of the box allowed to add my own text and card design so it looks like it belongs into the setting. There are mockups for all kinds of things like book covers, computer screens, phone screens, booklets, posters and so on and so forth. They are really fun and come in quite handy. Not only for graphic designers but also for authors who want to display their work in new ways.

I used this one to make it look it belongs into the world of “Sra’kalor”, the card being a part of the story without giving anything away you won’t know after the first two chapters.

Authors for a cure! – A Word With Traci

Some of you know about this other’s don’t (yet). I am a type 2 diabetic, as is my father, and my partner and his brother are type 1 diabetic. While most of the time it’s okay to handle, there are other times in which it is rather scary.

I just found this event through Traci’s blog “A word with Traci” that aims to raise awareness for this disease. You can read more about it through the link below. Check it out, finds new authors to obsess over and get informed! You can find dates and everything in the post (link under the picture).

Please help spread awareness and support the cause. Thank you!

 

Source: Authors for a cure! – A Word With Traci

Filed under: Awareness, Stuff about me Tagged: authors for a cause, Awareness, diabetes