Ivy Keating's Blog, page 5
March 16, 2020
What a Character!
A great character in a book is similar to a good friend in the sense that they're both someone we want to spend time with. But, unlike our good buddies, great characters can be rotten to the core. So, what is it about certain fictional players that draw us in? Three of my favorite attributes are their intrigue, image, and depth.
Intrigue is what about them holds our interest. It's why someone should care about the character. What personality traits do they have that make them unique, or what behaviors do they exhibit that a reader could empathize with.
Image is what the reader makes a character out to look like. We don't really need to know if the protagonist has straight hair or curly, but if we can picture them-it closes the gap between our worlds.
My favorite trait to analyze is depth. Depth is how solid the character is. Can I get a feel for how they would act in any circumstance: even outside the story? Does the player feel authentic? This is done by showing the character's actions in a variety of situations and, every time, showing their behaviors are true to their personality and physical limitations. If a character is flawed or chaotic or rotten to the core-their actions still must make sense for their reality.
If you're a writer, think about the characters you've created and analyze them. If they're bland, inconsistent, or hard to imagine, they will have a negative impact on your story. Interesting, well developed, players will be the ones readers want to hang out with.
Intrigue is what about them holds our interest. It's why someone should care about the character. What personality traits do they have that make them unique, or what behaviors do they exhibit that a reader could empathize with.
Image is what the reader makes a character out to look like. We don't really need to know if the protagonist has straight hair or curly, but if we can picture them-it closes the gap between our worlds.
My favorite trait to analyze is depth. Depth is how solid the character is. Can I get a feel for how they would act in any circumstance: even outside the story? Does the player feel authentic? This is done by showing the character's actions in a variety of situations and, every time, showing their behaviors are true to their personality and physical limitations. If a character is flawed or chaotic or rotten to the core-their actions still must make sense for their reality.
If you're a writer, think about the characters you've created and analyze them. If they're bland, inconsistent, or hard to imagine, they will have a negative impact on your story. Interesting, well developed, players will be the ones readers want to hang out with.
February 27, 2020
Let's Talk Promotions!
Recently I had a request to do a blog on how I promote 'Camouflage'. I'm happy to share some of the things that work and how I go about organizing them.
My background is in social work and I like to set up any challenge in a structured goal attainment way. First I define my goal. Then I do research to discover the best way to get results, and then I try what I discover.
In this blog I'd like to focus on the goal of increasing sales. 'Camouflage' is sold primarily online as an eBook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple iTune. Any promotion I run has to send readers to these sites.
After I define my goal, I do my research. I constantly search for the best promotional sites and then go to Kboards to see if anyone has had experience with them. Here's my favorites for science fiction and fantasy: Bargain Booksy, Booksends, EreaderCafe, (their last minute option) and The Portalist. BookBub is supposed to be terrific but they are expensive. A great strategy is to line up a few promotions in a row. This will help you climb in rank on Amazon.
I also promote my book for free by reaching out to bloggers, and I contact magazines and newspapers to write articles featuring 'Camouflage'. The New England landscape inspired my story and I mention this to interest local publications. My bank allowed me to set up a table with my book and information about my social media. Getting the word out always helps increase sales.
I hope this answers some questions about promotions. I am open to answering questions and anyone may email me directly through my website, ivykeating.com.
My background is in social work and I like to set up any challenge in a structured goal attainment way. First I define my goal. Then I do research to discover the best way to get results, and then I try what I discover.
In this blog I'd like to focus on the goal of increasing sales. 'Camouflage' is sold primarily online as an eBook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple iTune. Any promotion I run has to send readers to these sites.
After I define my goal, I do my research. I constantly search for the best promotional sites and then go to Kboards to see if anyone has had experience with them. Here's my favorites for science fiction and fantasy: Bargain Booksy, Booksends, EreaderCafe, (their last minute option) and The Portalist. BookBub is supposed to be terrific but they are expensive. A great strategy is to line up a few promotions in a row. This will help you climb in rank on Amazon.
I also promote my book for free by reaching out to bloggers, and I contact magazines and newspapers to write articles featuring 'Camouflage'. The New England landscape inspired my story and I mention this to interest local publications. My bank allowed me to set up a table with my book and information about my social media. Getting the word out always helps increase sales.
I hope this answers some questions about promotions. I am open to answering questions and anyone may email me directly through my website, ivykeating.com.
February 7, 2020
We're Connected!
When it comes to reaching goals, the importance of networking should not be overlooked.
Networking is the act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts. It can also help us generate fresh ideas.
The extent one can benefit from this varies. There's a sentiment-It's what you don't know that can hold you back. As you're working toward your goals, seek out others in your field. Chances are you will discover something that can help you that you may not have known to look for.
An example of a site that has fantastic networks for writers is Goodreads! To find the best ways to promote 'Camouflage', I searched for Goodreads' groups that discuss promotions. For finding an agent, I like the network "Query Tracker" because writers share their experiences. These sites do not push an agenda. Instead they encourage dialogue. In reading this blog, you are networking because there's an opportunity to share comments and ask questions.
No goal can be reached in isolation. Finding a good network can be an invaluable resource.
Networking is the act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts. It can also help us generate fresh ideas.
The extent one can benefit from this varies. There's a sentiment-It's what you don't know that can hold you back. As you're working toward your goals, seek out others in your field. Chances are you will discover something that can help you that you may not have known to look for.
An example of a site that has fantastic networks for writers is Goodreads! To find the best ways to promote 'Camouflage', I searched for Goodreads' groups that discuss promotions. For finding an agent, I like the network "Query Tracker" because writers share their experiences. These sites do not push an agenda. Instead they encourage dialogue. In reading this blog, you are networking because there's an opportunity to share comments and ask questions.
No goal can be reached in isolation. Finding a good network can be an invaluable resource.
January 24, 2020
Focus and a Good Night's Sleep
Years ago, I learned a trick for what to do if I couldn't fall asleep. The solution was to stop trying. Get up, walk around, even turn on the light, and then - after a few minutes - settle back in bed and close my eyes. It worked!
I think the reason this trick was successful was because it took the focus away from the pressure and the negative feelings of not being able to do something. Negative feelings stifle productivity.
Did you ever notice how sometimes the best ideas come to us when we're not trying? While submitting my second novel for consideration an agent asked me what inspired the story. My answer was the Great Lakes. What an odd answer for a fantasy novel with magical creatures, but I remember thinking about the lakes and wondering what kind of imaginary world could be built around them. Without pressure or doubt it's easier for ideas to flow.
If you are trying to start a project or find yourself having trouble finishing one, ask yourself if negative thoughts are blocking your ability to succeed. If you have to refocus, step away from the project, even for 10 minutes, and come back to it. This simple action may be all you need.
I think the reason this trick was successful was because it took the focus away from the pressure and the negative feelings of not being able to do something. Negative feelings stifle productivity.
Did you ever notice how sometimes the best ideas come to us when we're not trying? While submitting my second novel for consideration an agent asked me what inspired the story. My answer was the Great Lakes. What an odd answer for a fantasy novel with magical creatures, but I remember thinking about the lakes and wondering what kind of imaginary world could be built around them. Without pressure or doubt it's easier for ideas to flow.
If you are trying to start a project or find yourself having trouble finishing one, ask yourself if negative thoughts are blocking your ability to succeed. If you have to refocus, step away from the project, even for 10 minutes, and come back to it. This simple action may be all you need.
January 8, 2020
I'm Positive
Having a positive attitude is beneficial in many ways. Studies have shown that being optimistic can give us more energy, enhance problem solving skills, and reduce stress. It can also help us get more done.
But it's hard to stay positive when things don't go as we planned. Here are some suggestions to help keep the good energy flowing.
First, it's important to understand that things won't always go our way. There's bound to be some setbacks; it's how we handle them that makes the difference.
Think of these setbacks as opportunities to advance in a different way. It's a cliche, but if one door closes, look for another to open. There is more than one way to accomplish something. Brainstorm, be creative, and think of what else you can do to move in the direction of your goal.
Optimism is positive energy and energy is created with momentum. When you decide how to proceed, take a deep breath and continue with what you've been working on. This may be the hardest part of the journey. But, moving forward again is great fuel for optimism.
But it's hard to stay positive when things don't go as we planned. Here are some suggestions to help keep the good energy flowing.
First, it's important to understand that things won't always go our way. There's bound to be some setbacks; it's how we handle them that makes the difference.
Think of these setbacks as opportunities to advance in a different way. It's a cliche, but if one door closes, look for another to open. There is more than one way to accomplish something. Brainstorm, be creative, and think of what else you can do to move in the direction of your goal.
Optimism is positive energy and energy is created with momentum. When you decide how to proceed, take a deep breath and continue with what you've been working on. This may be the hardest part of the journey. But, moving forward again is great fuel for optimism.
December 19, 2019
J.O.Y.
Today, I was inconvenienced. I had to wait to pick someone up, and there was no parking. I pulled down a side street and sent a text message - 'I'm here...'.
As I waited, I started to get annoyed. I like taking photos of nature for my social media. So, to pass the time, I drove slowly down the block. Just yards down the road I discovered a lovely stream, a quaint bridge, and a large lake with rock features and ducks - who knew?
My bad mood lifted! It made me think how negative emotions can obstruct our ability to reach our goals, but there are things we can do to lift our spirits. Here are three ways to move on with J.O.Y..
'J' is for 'justify' your feelings. We all have suffered disappointments. Tell yourself it's okay to feel upset, sad, or any other way.
'O' is for 'options'. Help yourself move away from negative feelings by thinking about 1 or 2 things you can do to change the situation. Even making a small list can help you realize things can change.
'Y' is for 'you', as in 'you can do it'. When we feel vulnerable it's harder to act. If you can think about the options you have and make a small start you will move yourself on to feeling better.
**I wish everyone Happy Holidays and the skills to keep that happiness all year round! **
As I waited, I started to get annoyed. I like taking photos of nature for my social media. So, to pass the time, I drove slowly down the block. Just yards down the road I discovered a lovely stream, a quaint bridge, and a large lake with rock features and ducks - who knew?
My bad mood lifted! It made me think how negative emotions can obstruct our ability to reach our goals, but there are things we can do to lift our spirits. Here are three ways to move on with J.O.Y..
'J' is for 'justify' your feelings. We all have suffered disappointments. Tell yourself it's okay to feel upset, sad, or any other way.
'O' is for 'options'. Help yourself move away from negative feelings by thinking about 1 or 2 things you can do to change the situation. Even making a small list can help you realize things can change.
'Y' is for 'you', as in 'you can do it'. When we feel vulnerable it's harder to act. If you can think about the options you have and make a small start you will move yourself on to feeling better.
**I wish everyone Happy Holidays and the skills to keep that happiness all year round! **
December 5, 2019
Right or Wrong
When you ask someone's opinion, whether it's on a book you've written or how you look in a new sweater, you open yourself up to criticism. But, how do you know when to listen to advice or ignore it? How do you know what's right or wrong for you?
The first thing to consider is, who is giving you the advice? Does this person have expertise in the field? In the example of writing a book, if the critique is from a publisher, the critique should be considered seriously.
Next, think about your expertise on the subject. In the example of writing a book, are you a new author? If you are, then definitely listen to criticism. This doesn't mean you have to change anything, but it's definitely a learning opportunity.
Most importantly, understand yourself. What are your limitations? What do you need help with? What are you good at? What are you confident about? You must really know you and be secure with what you are presenting. This will help you know from within if a change is needed.
The decision to change something about your work or wardrobe has to feel right for you. Keep an open mind to feedback, particularly from people who have knowledge on the subject, but the final decision must come from within.
The first thing to consider is, who is giving you the advice? Does this person have expertise in the field? In the example of writing a book, if the critique is from a publisher, the critique should be considered seriously.
Next, think about your expertise on the subject. In the example of writing a book, are you a new author? If you are, then definitely listen to criticism. This doesn't mean you have to change anything, but it's definitely a learning opportunity.
Most importantly, understand yourself. What are your limitations? What do you need help with? What are you good at? What are you confident about? You must really know you and be secure with what you are presenting. This will help you know from within if a change is needed.
The decision to change something about your work or wardrobe has to feel right for you. Keep an open mind to feedback, particularly from people who have knowledge on the subject, but the final decision must come from within.
November 21, 2019
Finished!
Leonardo da Vinci said, "Art is never finished, it's only abandoned." Is this true for writing a book?
Of course, the point is well taken, but if you're writing a novel and want it to be published there has to be a point where you feel confident you've completed the best story possible. So, how do you know when it's time to stop editing and look for a publisher or agent?
For me, it's the point where the changes I make are not improving the work. It's when I rework a sentence or an idea, and - when I read it over - I do not like it better than the original. This is the time when I feel I've 'finished' my part of the process.
It's helpful for anyone working on a project, especially a creative one like writing, to set goals for finishing and general guidelines for when to consider it complete. If you find yourself holding onto a novel or any work of 'art' far longer than you imagined, you may want to turn to a professional in the field for help. For writing a book this would be an editor, writing coach, publisher, or agent.
When you send your book to an editor or writing coach, they can suggest where work is still needed. If you send your story to a publisher or agent and are fortunate enough to get feedback (if not an offer to publish) their suggestions are often extremely helpful; work on what they say and resubmit. These external sources, like a deadline, can help you finish!
Of course, the point is well taken, but if you're writing a novel and want it to be published there has to be a point where you feel confident you've completed the best story possible. So, how do you know when it's time to stop editing and look for a publisher or agent?
For me, it's the point where the changes I make are not improving the work. It's when I rework a sentence or an idea, and - when I read it over - I do not like it better than the original. This is the time when I feel I've 'finished' my part of the process.
It's helpful for anyone working on a project, especially a creative one like writing, to set goals for finishing and general guidelines for when to consider it complete. If you find yourself holding onto a novel or any work of 'art' far longer than you imagined, you may want to turn to a professional in the field for help. For writing a book this would be an editor, writing coach, publisher, or agent.
When you send your book to an editor or writing coach, they can suggest where work is still needed. If you send your story to a publisher or agent and are fortunate enough to get feedback (if not an offer to publish) their suggestions are often extremely helpful; work on what they say and resubmit. These external sources, like a deadline, can help you finish!
November 5, 2019
Overwhelmed and Other Great Starting Points
Feeling overwhelmed is like living in chaos. It seems like everything is coming at you and it's hard to know where to start.
I was finishing my second novel when I realized I had to correct a problem. The story went back and forth in time and the transitions were jarring. The issue impacted the first half of the book, about 120 pages. I felt overwhelmed, knowing I had to fix the time sequence without changing plot development.
Here are four steps I used to get over this hurdle and get on with my project.
1-Take a deep breath; keeping calm helps.
2-Take a little time to think about the overall picture.
I thought about how I could introduce events that had occurred earlier in my timeline. I came up with two solutions. A point of view character could have a memory of a past event. Another way would be for a character to tell a story about the past event.
3-Take action by focusing on just the first step to getting the project done.
I recognized that in chapter six, a character could tell a story about the past.
4-Continue the project by focusing on the immediate next step-completing it-and moving on in this same manner.
I continued to add memories and one more story while removing everything outside the natural progression of time. This fixed the problem.
Feeling overwhelmed is not comfortable. It can stop us from completing a project. The four steps above can take away the anxiety and put you back on track!
I was finishing my second novel when I realized I had to correct a problem. The story went back and forth in time and the transitions were jarring. The issue impacted the first half of the book, about 120 pages. I felt overwhelmed, knowing I had to fix the time sequence without changing plot development.
Here are four steps I used to get over this hurdle and get on with my project.
1-Take a deep breath; keeping calm helps.
2-Take a little time to think about the overall picture.
I thought about how I could introduce events that had occurred earlier in my timeline. I came up with two solutions. A point of view character could have a memory of a past event. Another way would be for a character to tell a story about the past event.
3-Take action by focusing on just the first step to getting the project done.
I recognized that in chapter six, a character could tell a story about the past.
4-Continue the project by focusing on the immediate next step-completing it-and moving on in this same manner.
I continued to add memories and one more story while removing everything outside the natural progression of time. This fixed the problem.
Feeling overwhelmed is not comfortable. It can stop us from completing a project. The four steps above can take away the anxiety and put you back on track!
October 10, 2019
What's in a Name?
It wouldn't be right to judge a person based on their name, but does the same standard apply to names in books of fiction?
In my opinion, the answer is no! The reader is aware that the story has been created by the author. Therefore, there must be a seamless relationship between the environment the author creates and the names assigned. If the story takes place in the Middle Ages, a modern name, like Cash, will not work.
It can be very difficult to come up with a good name. There have been times when I'm making great progress writing and everything comes to a grinding halt because I have to give a name to a person or place.
Here are the steps that I took to find an unusual name for a main character in my fantasy novel.
1. I identified a characteristic I wanted to highlight. In this case, she's a princess.
2. I did a search for names that meant "princess". I found "Sara", which means princess in Hebrew. This was a start, but it wasn't unusual enough.
3. I expanded my search based on my results. In this example, I looked for derivations of Sara. This search turned up about twenty names including "Sarana", which I liked. I researched the name "Sarana" and found its origin is Greek and the meaning is princess! This was perfect.
In some cases, a story may read better with unique names. For a completely original name, I identify a characteristic of the person or place. Then, I see if I can use a bit of that word, or a few letters, from a synonym. If this doesn't work, I translate the characteristic into other languages until I get a piece of a word I like and modify that.
In the fantasy novel mentioned above, one of the kingdoms has an abundance of resources. I looked up synonyms for "abundance", and the word "bounty" stood out. I modified "bounty" and named the kingdom "Bounten".
It's fun to get lost in a great story, but if the names are out of place- or even unimaginative- it can lesson the experience. Conversely, a good name can be remembered and foster intrigue.
In my opinion, the answer is no! The reader is aware that the story has been created by the author. Therefore, there must be a seamless relationship between the environment the author creates and the names assigned. If the story takes place in the Middle Ages, a modern name, like Cash, will not work.
It can be very difficult to come up with a good name. There have been times when I'm making great progress writing and everything comes to a grinding halt because I have to give a name to a person or place.
Here are the steps that I took to find an unusual name for a main character in my fantasy novel.
1. I identified a characteristic I wanted to highlight. In this case, she's a princess.
2. I did a search for names that meant "princess". I found "Sara", which means princess in Hebrew. This was a start, but it wasn't unusual enough.
3. I expanded my search based on my results. In this example, I looked for derivations of Sara. This search turned up about twenty names including "Sarana", which I liked. I researched the name "Sarana" and found its origin is Greek and the meaning is princess! This was perfect.
In some cases, a story may read better with unique names. For a completely original name, I identify a characteristic of the person or place. Then, I see if I can use a bit of that word, or a few letters, from a synonym. If this doesn't work, I translate the characteristic into other languages until I get a piece of a word I like and modify that.
In the fantasy novel mentioned above, one of the kingdoms has an abundance of resources. I looked up synonyms for "abundance", and the word "bounty" stood out. I modified "bounty" and named the kingdom "Bounten".
It's fun to get lost in a great story, but if the names are out of place- or even unimaginative- it can lesson the experience. Conversely, a good name can be remembered and foster intrigue.
