Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 82
August 9, 2020
Introducing Scrivenings Press!
By Guest Shannon Vannatter
Back before I was published, I longed for an author to help me know what I was doing wrong. I joined a couple of local writing groups, but none of the other members were published either. I did learn some things from the groups since there were members who’d been writing longer than I had.
After a few years, I joined a national group and signed up for a mentor in conjunction with attending my first national conference. I thought she’d help me write. It turned out, she was just a friendly face, so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed at my first HUGE conference. I was overwhelmed anyway and spent the first evening crying on my husband’s shoulder because I was certain everyone there was published or at least knew more than I did about writing.
Through my years of attending every conference, writers group meeting, and workshop I could, I approached countless authors who didn’t have time to help me. I got paid chapter critiques from multi-published authors and entered countless contests with published author judges who gave feedback. I vowed that when I got published, I’d make time to help unpublished writers. It took me 9 1/2 years of writing, reading craft books on writing, submitting to publishers, and getting over 200 rejections, before I finally got acontract. Working with editors taught me a busload of lessons.
I quickly learned why those authors didn’t have time to help me. But in the last several years, I’ve stuck to my vow. I’ve taught for free and done critiques when I have time for my local writing group, taught classes to middle school, high school, and college students, taught classes at conferences in several different states, judged unpublished contests where I’ve given feedback, and done paid critiques at several conferences. When I critique, I try to be very thorough, helpful, and encouraging. My goal is to help writers improve their stories and give them the tools they need to catch the eye of an editor.
Several times, I’ve thought I’d enjoy being an editor. But traditional publishers pretty much expect you to have a college degree. Even when you’ve learned from four different editors through sixteen published books. Once kindergarten was over, I hated school. From the time I learned that one day I’d graduate and wouldn’t have to go anymore, that was my goal. Once I finished high school, if someone had offered to pay me to attend college, I wouldn’t have.
And then Scrivenings Press happened. I met Linda Fulkerson back in 2008 or so at a writer’s group meeting. A year later, she asked if I wanted to go to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Minneapolis. At that fateful conference in 2009, I pitched to an editor and ended up getting my first contract. Since then, we’ve been travel buddies and roomies at dozens of conferences and retreats. We’ve taught classes, plotted books, and shared life experiences. And had lots of pie. When either of is achieve something writer related, we meet for pie.
As different as day and night, Linda is an ex-marine, I’m an ex-hairdresser. I’m technology challenged, she’s a computer geek. I love to write, Linda loves to plot. She’s great with graphics and photography, I’m better with words. She knows her way around business and contracts, my eyes glaze over about such things. She’s an ex-newspaper editor and has written nonfiction, I’d rather make stuff up.
In May, she called to tell me that Kathy and Jerry Cretsinger, the owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, a small press, wanted to retire and sell their business. Linda wanted to buy it. But she needed a partner, someone with skills opposite of hers. I was the first person she thought of since I’ve done so much critiquing and contest judging. Honored, I thought it sounded fun. After discussing it with my husband and God, I accepted. Since then, I’ve taken an online course and am now a certified content editor.
In May, we traveled to the Cretsinger’s home, signed the papers, and spent three days learning the ropes. I spent the rest of May and most of June taking my class and wrapping up my writing commitments. It’s been great timing, since I just finished a contract with Love Inspired for a three-book series. I had time to send my agent a new proposal and by the time I hear back about that, if it sells, I’ll have gotten caught up on my editing commitments.
Scrivenings Press officially launched July 1st. We bought most of Mantle Rock’s back list along with several already contracted books, but we’re open for submissions. I’m currently editing the third manuscript on my schedule. I’ll serve as acquisitions/content editor and author development while Linda will take care of copy editing, book covers, contracts, and the business stuff I consider un-fun. Our skill sets complement each other and we make a great team.
We plan to host a writing contest that will begin August 15th. The grand prize will be a contract for publication. Watch for details at: https://scriveningspress.com/
*******
Shannon will be giving away a print copy of the Love Inspired Western Collection, Counting on the Cowboy / Her Texas Cowboy (U.S. and international included). Please let us know in the comments if you'd like to be entered.
Bios:
Linda Fulkerson is the owner of DLF Digital Services LLC (founded in 2013) and has nearly 20 years of experience in digital marketing. She comes from a newspaper background and has been a copyeditor, sportswriter, and online editor. Linda has been an indie publisher for several years and is the author of two novels and several nonfiction books. Her role in the new company will be business management, graphic designer, and line editor.
Shannon Vannatter is an award-winning, traditionally multi-published author. She is known for giving thorough manuscript critiques at conferences and is highly sought-after. Throughout Shannon’s writing career, she has worked with multiple editors, publishing companies, and agents. Her role in the new company will be acquisitions/content editor and author career development. She is currently undergoing the process of becoming a credentialed editor through the Christian PEN Institute. Both Linda and Shannon will work with authors on marketing their books.
Back before I was published, I longed for an author to help me know what I was doing wrong. I joined a couple of local writing groups, but none of the other members were published either. I did learn some things from the groups since there were members who’d been writing longer than I had.
After a few years, I joined a national group and signed up for a mentor in conjunction with attending my first national conference. I thought she’d help me write. It turned out, she was just a friendly face, so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed at my first HUGE conference. I was overwhelmed anyway and spent the first evening crying on my husband’s shoulder because I was certain everyone there was published or at least knew more than I did about writing.
Through my years of attending every conference, writers group meeting, and workshop I could, I approached countless authors who didn’t have time to help me. I got paid chapter critiques from multi-published authors and entered countless contests with published author judges who gave feedback. I vowed that when I got published, I’d make time to help unpublished writers. It took me 9 1/2 years of writing, reading craft books on writing, submitting to publishers, and getting over 200 rejections, before I finally got acontract. Working with editors taught me a busload of lessons.
I quickly learned why those authors didn’t have time to help me. But in the last several years, I’ve stuck to my vow. I’ve taught for free and done critiques when I have time for my local writing group, taught classes to middle school, high school, and college students, taught classes at conferences in several different states, judged unpublished contests where I’ve given feedback, and done paid critiques at several conferences. When I critique, I try to be very thorough, helpful, and encouraging. My goal is to help writers improve their stories and give them the tools they need to catch the eye of an editor.
Several times, I’ve thought I’d enjoy being an editor. But traditional publishers pretty much expect you to have a college degree. Even when you’ve learned from four different editors through sixteen published books. Once kindergarten was over, I hated school. From the time I learned that one day I’d graduate and wouldn’t have to go anymore, that was my goal. Once I finished high school, if someone had offered to pay me to attend college, I wouldn’t have.
And then Scrivenings Press happened. I met Linda Fulkerson back in 2008 or so at a writer’s group meeting. A year later, she asked if I wanted to go to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Minneapolis. At that fateful conference in 2009, I pitched to an editor and ended up getting my first contract. Since then, we’ve been travel buddies and roomies at dozens of conferences and retreats. We’ve taught classes, plotted books, and shared life experiences. And had lots of pie. When either of is achieve something writer related, we meet for pie.
As different as day and night, Linda is an ex-marine, I’m an ex-hairdresser. I’m technology challenged, she’s a computer geek. I love to write, Linda loves to plot. She’s great with graphics and photography, I’m better with words. She knows her way around business and contracts, my eyes glaze over about such things. She’s an ex-newspaper editor and has written nonfiction, I’d rather make stuff up.
In May, she called to tell me that Kathy and Jerry Cretsinger, the owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, a small press, wanted to retire and sell their business. Linda wanted to buy it. But she needed a partner, someone with skills opposite of hers. I was the first person she thought of since I’ve done so much critiquing and contest judging. Honored, I thought it sounded fun. After discussing it with my husband and God, I accepted. Since then, I’ve taken an online course and am now a certified content editor.
In May, we traveled to the Cretsinger’s home, signed the papers, and spent three days learning the ropes. I spent the rest of May and most of June taking my class and wrapping up my writing commitments. It’s been great timing, since I just finished a contract with Love Inspired for a three-book series. I had time to send my agent a new proposal and by the time I hear back about that, if it sells, I’ll have gotten caught up on my editing commitments.
Scrivenings Press officially launched July 1st. We bought most of Mantle Rock’s back list along with several already contracted books, but we’re open for submissions. I’m currently editing the third manuscript on my schedule. I’ll serve as acquisitions/content editor and author development while Linda will take care of copy editing, book covers, contracts, and the business stuff I consider un-fun. Our skill sets complement each other and we make a great team.
We plan to host a writing contest that will begin August 15th. The grand prize will be a contract for publication. Watch for details at: https://scriveningspress.com/
*******
Shannon will be giving away a print copy of the Love Inspired Western Collection, Counting on the Cowboy / Her Texas Cowboy (U.S. and international included). Please let us know in the comments if you'd like to be entered.
Bios:
Linda Fulkerson is the owner of DLF Digital Services LLC (founded in 2013) and has nearly 20 years of experience in digital marketing. She comes from a newspaper background and has been a copyeditor, sportswriter, and online editor. Linda has been an indie publisher for several years and is the author of two novels and several nonfiction books. Her role in the new company will be business management, graphic designer, and line editor.
Shannon Vannatter is an award-winning, traditionally multi-published author. She is known for giving thorough manuscript critiques at conferences and is highly sought-after. Throughout Shannon’s writing career, she has worked with multiple editors, publishing companies, and agents. Her role in the new company will be acquisitions/content editor and author career development. She is currently undergoing the process of becoming a credentialed editor through the Christian PEN Institute. Both Linda and Shannon will work with authors on marketing their books.
Counting on the Cowboy by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Texas cowboy Brock McBride knows better than to fall for a city girl. She’ll leave and break his heart—just like his ex-fiancée did. But his job at Chasing Eden Dude Ranch requires working alongside Dallas wedding planner Devree Malone. And despite fierce resistance, he’s falling hard. Yet with Devree’s business back in the city, can he convince her she’s found her home…with him?
Her Texas Cowboy by Jill Lynn
When Rachel Maddox returns to her hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas, avoiding her ex is much easier said than done. Still nursing the broken heart Rachel caused years earlier, rancher Hunter McDermott figures he can be cordial for the brief time she’s in town—maybe they can even be friends. But how do you forge just a friendship with someone you’ve always pictured as your bride?
Get your copy now!
Counting on the Cowboy & Her Texas Cowboy Western Collection - ChristianBook
Counting on the Cowboy & Her Texas Cowboy Western Collection - Amazon
August 8, 2020
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Request
Walking on Water, by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1888. [PD-US]After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”Matthew 14:22-33
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please join us in praying for the United States--and the world--during this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! May the Lord bless you and your families and keep you safe.
August 7, 2020
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Monday, Mary Connealy talked about growing her book longer during revisions. The winner of a $20.20 Amazon gift card is Holly Ison.
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus gave us some ideas on Plotting for Pantsers. The winner of a signed copy of her latest release, A Father's Promise, is... Sandy Smith!
Friday: Open Critique
Monday: We're glad to welcome guest Shannon Vannatter today to tell us about a new publishing venture, Scrivenings Press. From their website: "Scrivenings Press LLC is a traditional, royalty-paying publisher of clean fiction. The company was founded in 2020 when owners Linda Fulkerson and Shannon Vannatter purchased the bulk of the backlist from Mantle Rock Publishing as well as the contracts MRP had signed for upcoming books." So be sure to stop by to learn more!
Wednesday: Multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne abandons the pumpkins today to hang out in Seekerville and talk about the choices authors make. Do you write to market? Or are you writing the book of your heart and hoping it sells? Do you write consistently? Wednesday's talk will examine our choices and how they affect our work and our income. Ruthy's got two copies of her newest mystery "A Fallen Petal" and she's giving them away on Wednesday! Friday: Beth Erin is taking us behind the scenes with a look at the life of a blog tour at JustRead Publicity Tours. Authors, publishers, and readers, she'd love to answer a few questions so leave them below in the comments!
It's summer, and Ruthy sightings are MOSTLY in the chrysanthemums and the kitchen, making jam for the produce stand, but she's also excited that her first Savannah Secrets time-slip mystery "A Fallen Petal" has released!!!!! She's giving away two copies on Wednesday, but you can also order this wonderful mystery at GUIDEPOSTS.COM
The first two books in Erica Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series have released! And Book ONE, The Lost Lieutenant, is on sale right now!
You can get your ecopy HERE: https://amzn.to/33IThmq
And The Gentleman Spy is available now!
You can get your copy of The Gentleman Spy here: https://amzn.to/3a6MYKY
To celebrate the release of The Gentleman Spy (Book 2) there's a giveaway going on!
You can enter to win this prize pack by visiting Erica's website at: https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html
Jan Drexler's new book, "Softly Blows the Bugle," is available for pre-order!
Order this book HERE!
More Amish SuspenseFrom USA TODAY bestselling authorDEBBY GIUSTI
Amish Christmas SearchOct 2020An Amish girl’s disappearance is a mystery…and the clues lead straight into danger at Christmas.Convinced her friend didn’t run away as the policebelieve, Lizzie Kauffman searches for the truth—butsomeone will kill to keep it hidden. Now the Amishhousekeeper and her friend Caleb Zook are on therun for their lives. And if they want to find theirmissing friend, Lizzie and Caleb must figure outa way to survive the holiday.
Pre-order HERE!
The Power of Poignancy by Debbie Burke at The Kill Zone blog.
Processing Critiques: Tuning In vs Tuning Out by Lori Freeland at Writers In The Storm
How to Drive Through The Muddy Middle of your Novel by Jodi Turchin at Fiction University
5 Tips to Help You Write Imperfectly by Adrian Johansen at Live Write Thrive
10 Distinctive Swag Ideas for Authors by LA Sartor at Book Brush
5 Ways to Help Writers During the Pandemic by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
How to Research Mental Health and Trauma for your Characters by Lisa Hall-Wilson at Writers Helping Writers
What Would You Tell Your Pre-Published Self? by Patricia Bradley at Learn How To Write A Novel
Getting Point of View Right When You Write by Sarah Sally Hamer at The Write Conversation
How to do Honest and Legal Giveaways as an Author by Chrys Fey at Jane Friedman
Suspense by Donald Maass at Writer Unboxed
August 4, 2020
Plotting for Pantsers
by Mindy ObenhausPlotting. Some writers are meticulous about it, while others get heart palpitations at the mere thought. I’m a pantser at heart, however I’ve learned that I’m more productive if I have a good chunk of the story plotted prior to writing my proposal.
Most pantsers think of plotting as rigid and constraining. So the first thing we need to do is change our perception of plotting. Instead of approaching it as a hard-and-fast outline that you cannot deviate from, what if it’s simply a guideline to help keep us on task? That was key to turning this pantser into a plantser.
What does plantsing look like?
You have your story idea with your main characters. Perhaps you know how the story is going to end or you have a few scene ideas. Great! Write those down. I’m a visual person, so I use a very simplistic Word .doc with a chart that is broken down into the number of chapters with two boxes (scenes) per chapter. If I have an idea for the ending, I fill that in. I also add any other scenes I have in mind wherever I think they might occur in the story. Since it’s on the computer, whatever I write is easily moved to another chapter/scene later on.
With those things out of my head and on the page, I ask myself where the story begins. Every story starts with an inciting incident. That event that upends life as your h/h knows it and sets them on their journey. Like when a single mother runs into the father of her child. A child he knows nothing about. Or when a woman offers to help her neighbor who’s been thrust into the role of guardian for his five-year-old niece.
Great, we have an opening. Now what?
What’s at stake?When the story opens, even before the inciting incident, your character has a goal (what they want), a motivation (why they want it) and a conflict (what keeps them from their goal). But what will happen if they don’t achieve their goal? That’s what’s at stake. Example: My heroine who learns her rancher neighbor is now guardian of his niece owns the local hardware store. Her goal is to expand her store before a regional building supply company moves into the area so she can establish her store as the go-to place for home improvement supplies (motivation). But her store is landlocked, so the only way to increase the footprint of her business is to purchase the building next door, but the owner has no interest in selling (conflict). Her business is what’s at stake. If she can’t expand her store, she’ll lose business to the big box store.
Stakes are important and sometimes overlooked in the pantsing process. But if the stakes aren’t clear, an editor will likely pass on your story. I speak from experience.
August 2, 2020
Growing on Revision
I'm in revisions right now.
To help you realize just how FAR AHEAD traditional publishing works, I'm just now revising the finished manuscript...of book #3 of the NEXT series.
Not the current series, The Brides of Hope Mountain.
The NEXT series, Brothers in Arms.
Here is Braced for Love, coming in March 2021--Click to preorderThe book I am currently revising is releasing (I'd estimate) in November 2021.
Anyway, that's not my point.
My point is, when I'm writing a book my goal for a 75,000 to 80,000 word book, which is what I'm contracted for, is for the ending to kick off, (and by KICK OFF I mean the usual mayhem, chasing, shooting, screaming, black moment, all is lost, victory, true love wins over all!!!!) You know, THAT ending...starts around 60,000 words.
Yes, it takes me about 15,000 words to drag every reader through the mayhem...you're welcome!
So the trouble with that is, often, I get to the beginning of the end...too soon.Do you ever do that? Are you writing along and realize the story is coming to an end but your book isn't long enough?
Or, conversely, you're writing along and realize your word count is done NOW but the story continues on.
I've done both, but what I've found is, my books grow on revision. When I'm done...and I'm revising as I go...but when I'm all the way done, that's when I can go through it and yes, look for typos and substantive edits...oops, I gave him blue eyes until chapter five, at which point they became hazel!!??...I am also looking for things that can add a lot of words to a story.
Things like:Scene setting.Humor and sarcasm.Emotional reaction beats tacked onto dialogue.Developing backstory.Wrapping up the ending.
Mostly for me though it's scene setting...which seems to be a weakness of mine. Not that I don't think I do it okay, but it's not natural to me. I rarely describe what my characters are wearing or what their hair looks like.
It's not a Regency Romance you know. Most of my characters have ONE OUTFIT. Okay, maybe two. But why describe over and over the clothes when they're the same, especially the guys, but the women almost as much. Calico Dress? Hello? Stetson, black pants, six gun...everyone's got it pictured, don't they?
And sarcasm. Humor. I just keep adding and adding, sass, the reaction to the sass, sarcasm. I'm not sure why but the more times I go over it, the funnier it gets. So a lot of passes helps.
I've also read in reviews on Amazon and such places, a few times, that my books tend to end abruptly. It's one of those cases where an Amazon review, read without panic and grief!!! can actually help an author.
I tend to try harder now to give the characters a nice, real, moment at the end of my books. Show them living their happily ever after. And this current book, more than most, the end of a three book series, can use that, and that's not in there. So as I work through the book finding (over and over and OVER!!) places I wrote 'I'd' when I meant 'I've' or 'it's' when I meant 'it'd', stuff like that, (I do that so much!) And as many as I catch I let far too many of them through.So that's the basic revisions.
But I'm also growing my book and hopefully making it richer, more visually colorful, setting the scenes better and making you all laugh a little more.
So this is a tiny lesson today. Not so much how to write anything. Just how I write things. How I've learned not to panic if the book starts ending on me too soon. It'll grow. Remain calm.
How about you? Do you write long or short? Do you like revisions or loathe them?Do your books grow or do you find yourself cutting cutting cutting?
Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for an Amazon gift card for $20.20.
And now I'm going to read through the blog post and revise it...and maybe it'll be 1000 words long when I'm done.
http://www.maryconnealy.com
August 1, 2020
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Giovanni Lanfranco, 1620-1623,National Gallery of Ireland. [PS-US]
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,“This is a deserted place and it is already late;dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villagesand buy food for themselves.”Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away;give them some food yourselves.”But they said to him,“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”Then he said, “Bring them here to me, ”and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,he said the blessing, broke the loaves,and gave them to the disciples,who in turn gave them to the crowds.They all ate and were satisfied,and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full.Those who ate were about five thousand men,not counting women and children.Matthew 13:14-21
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please join us in praying for the United States--and the world--during this coronavirus outbreak. Also please pray for calm to be restored to our country and for peace to reign.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! May the Lord bless you and your families and keep you safe.
July 31, 2020
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Monday: Erica Vetsch offered valuable insights on Press Kits.
Wednesday: Guest Lynne Gentry gave us the inside scoop on her co-writing relationship with Lisa Harris.
Friday: Missy entertained us with a blast from the past: Best of the Archives: Giving Readers What They Want...Consistently (aka: What I learned from being a cosmetics junkie.) The winner of the cosmetics bag is Karen Jennings!
Monday: Mary Connealy invites you to join us today!
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus will be taking us back to basics with Plotting for Pantsers. Friday: We're not sure what's happening today. Stop by and be surprised!
Mindy Obenhaus's Reunited in the Rockies won the Faith, Hope & Love Reader's Choice Award in the Short Contemporary category!
More Amish SuspenseFrom USA TODAY bestselling authorDEBBY GIUSTI
Amish Christmas SearchOct 2020An Amish girl’s disappearance is a mystery…and the clues lead straight into danger at Christmas.Convinced her friend didn’t run away as the policebelieve, Lizzie Kauffman searches for the truth—butsomeone will kill to keep it hidden. Now the Amishhousekeeper and her friend Caleb Zook are on therun for their lives. And if they want to find theirmissing friend, Lizzie and Caleb must figure outa way to survive the holiday.
Pre-order HERE!
7 Misconceptions About Being a Writer by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
How To Weave Setting into Deep Point-Of-View by Bonnie Randall at Fiction University
Organizing A Blog Tour for Your Book Launch by Hannah Bauman at Between The Lines Editorial
Show vs Tell -- HELP! by Tamela Hancock Murray at Steve Laube
Your Characters Live On by Marie Wells Coutu at Learn How To Write A Novel
July 30, 2020
Best of the Archives: Giving Readers What They Want...Consistently (aka: What I learned from being a cosmetics junkie.)
Happy Friday, everyone. I wanted to re-share a post from the original Seekerville blog from August 2017. And yes, I will be doing the giveaway again!
Missy Tippens
My name is Missy Tippens, and I am a cosmetics and skincare product addict. I love face creams and foundation. Primer and powder. Cleansers and concealer. I’m a sucker for just about anything that declares itself anti-aging. :) (Please bear with me. I WILL tie this in to writing and books.)
My husband has always called me a marketer’s dream. Sales and advertisements draw me in. I love to discover new products, and once I love something, I’m a loyal user. For the last year, I’ve been a big fan of an up-and-coming cosmetics company. I’ve tried many new-to-me products, but have also experienced the release of new items. I have enjoyed the samples that come with every purchase. Very often, I use those samples and then buy the products, discovering new favorites. When I go to their website to shop, I always read the reviews before I buy. They seem to have a crazily loyal customer base, women who heartily share their love of the products with others. I found myself spoiled by the company’s business model and by those new product releases—the samples, the build-up, the special promotions.
But recently, when it had been a while since a new product, I found myself losing interest a bit. I started looking around, clicking on links in newsletters from other companies, checking out products by other brands. Then,
In that moment, it hit me… Oh, my goodness, what if books are the same? I suspect voracious readers are the same way I am with my cosmetics. If so, we authors need to stay in contact with our readers. We need to give them new products to sample and buy. We need to keep them excited about our product so they stay loyal. :)
How can we give our readers more books and keep them interested when some of us are slow writers? Or when some of us are at a place in our lives where we have family or other commitments taking us away from our writing? What about those authors facing illness or grief? It got me thinking…wondering…feeling a bit overwhelmed…
And then I got a promotional email from Nick Stephenson of the blog
I mentioned in the comments section not long back that I have a new Panda Planner. But I haven’t been using it regularly. I’m now reminded of how important it is to have a plan and to stay on track. Organization is key to keep from getting overwhelmed, which is key to producing more books, which keeps our readers faithful and excited about our work! So, while planners can be fun and even artistic ventures (some use stickers and artwork!), and while I love my planner because it includes space for recording gratitude as well as a place to list successes, the calendar area should be a priority.
Today, I want to share some ideas I’ve had (inspired by my cosmetics addict lightbulb moment) for keeping readers interested and loyal:--Focus on our newsletter, and try to keep a regular schedule (whatever that frequency is for you).--Be generous with samples (first chapter or free prequel, etc.) on our website or wherever we connect with readers.--Don’t let big gaps of time pass without offering a product, even if it’s something short or just a freebie. Work toward being more prolific so readers will remain excited about new releases. I think several of the Seekers have a good handle on this by just sticking to a daily word count goal. Consistently writing 500 or 1000 or 2000 words a day (or whatever number works for you) can make all the difference.--Get readers involved in our work. I’ve recently read authors who recommend keeping readers engaged on social media. One author asks them questions and lets them give input on his books while writing them. And he always responds to comments. This is something I know I can improve on. I have tended to think I’m boring so haven’t posted much on my Facebook author page. But in the future, I want to reach out more often.--Don’t overdo the promotion. The last thing we want to do is shout, “Buy my book!!” over and over until our fans get so sick of our pleas they want to run the other direction. We don’t want to shove our books down their throats. We want to keep them excited and looking forward to hearing from us. Finding this ideal frequency may take a little trial and error, but I think we’d be safe looking at how often we like hearing from our favorite authors (or from our favorite products outside of books).--Finally, I think we should move beyond thinking of ourselves simply as creatives and try thinking of ourselves as a brand. We should be savvy business owners. Consider who our customers are and what they want. Come up with a plan, and schedule those product releases on our calendar. Break down those projects into manageable steps. Plan well ahead, especially for promotion. And always be learning from other authors who are successful.I hope you found this helpful! I’d love to hear your input, as I’m still in the process of shoring up my plan.
Today, I’ll be doing a fun giveaway! I’m giving away a hanging travel bag that’ll be great for cosmetics (you knew I had to go there :)) or other toiletries or shaving items. It can even be used for packing electronics (for the many chargers you have to haul everywhere). Please let me know in the comments if you’d like to be entered! (Giveaway item will be similar to this photo but may not be exact depending on what’s available when I order it. U.S. entries only this time please.)
Missy Tippens
My name is Missy Tippens, and I am a cosmetics and skincare product addict. I love face creams and foundation. Primer and powder. Cleansers and concealer. I’m a sucker for just about anything that declares itself anti-aging. :) (Please bear with me. I WILL tie this in to writing and books.)
My husband has always called me a marketer’s dream. Sales and advertisements draw me in. I love to discover new products, and once I love something, I’m a loyal user. For the last year, I’ve been a big fan of an up-and-coming cosmetics company. I’ve tried many new-to-me products, but have also experienced the release of new items. I have enjoyed the samples that come with every purchase. Very often, I use those samples and then buy the products, discovering new favorites. When I go to their website to shop, I always read the reviews before I buy. They seem to have a crazily loyal customer base, women who heartily share their love of the products with others. I found myself spoiled by the company’s business model and by those new product releases—the samples, the build-up, the special promotions.
But recently, when it had been a while since a new product, I found myself losing interest a bit. I started looking around, clicking on links in newsletters from other companies, checking out products by other brands. Then,
In that moment, it hit me… Oh, my goodness, what if books are the same? I suspect voracious readers are the same way I am with my cosmetics. If so, we authors need to stay in contact with our readers. We need to give them new products to sample and buy. We need to keep them excited about our product so they stay loyal. :)
How can we give our readers more books and keep them interested when some of us are slow writers? Or when some of us are at a place in our lives where we have family or other commitments taking us away from our writing? What about those authors facing illness or grief? It got me thinking…wondering…feeling a bit overwhelmed…
And then I got a promotional email from Nick Stephenson of the blog
“They key thing to remember is that 'overwhelm' isn't an inherent personality flaw. It's not genetic. It's not communicable. It's not a fault with you. Overwhelm is a by-product of 'not having a plan'.”That was another No more saying, “When I finish x, I think I’m going to work on y…or maybe z.” No more being anxious or indecisive. I need to fully commit no matter what. I need to make decisions about the order to work on projects and then set deadlines.
I mentioned in the comments section not long back that I have a new Panda Planner. But I haven’t been using it regularly. I’m now reminded of how important it is to have a plan and to stay on track. Organization is key to keep from getting overwhelmed, which is key to producing more books, which keeps our readers faithful and excited about our work! So, while planners can be fun and even artistic ventures (some use stickers and artwork!), and while I love my planner because it includes space for recording gratitude as well as a place to list successes, the calendar area should be a priority.
Today, I want to share some ideas I’ve had (inspired by my cosmetics addict lightbulb moment) for keeping readers interested and loyal:--Focus on our newsletter, and try to keep a regular schedule (whatever that frequency is for you).--Be generous with samples (first chapter or free prequel, etc.) on our website or wherever we connect with readers.--Don’t let big gaps of time pass without offering a product, even if it’s something short or just a freebie. Work toward being more prolific so readers will remain excited about new releases. I think several of the Seekers have a good handle on this by just sticking to a daily word count goal. Consistently writing 500 or 1000 or 2000 words a day (or whatever number works for you) can make all the difference.--Get readers involved in our work. I’ve recently read authors who recommend keeping readers engaged on social media. One author asks them questions and lets them give input on his books while writing them. And he always responds to comments. This is something I know I can improve on. I have tended to think I’m boring so haven’t posted much on my Facebook author page. But in the future, I want to reach out more often.--Don’t overdo the promotion. The last thing we want to do is shout, “Buy my book!!” over and over until our fans get so sick of our pleas they want to run the other direction. We don’t want to shove our books down their throats. We want to keep them excited and looking forward to hearing from us. Finding this ideal frequency may take a little trial and error, but I think we’d be safe looking at how often we like hearing from our favorite authors (or from our favorite products outside of books).--Finally, I think we should move beyond thinking of ourselves simply as creatives and try thinking of ourselves as a brand. We should be savvy business owners. Consider who our customers are and what they want. Come up with a plan, and schedule those product releases on our calendar. Break down those projects into manageable steps. Plan well ahead, especially for promotion. And always be learning from other authors who are successful.I hope you found this helpful! I’d love to hear your input, as I’m still in the process of shoring up my plan.
Today, I’ll be doing a fun giveaway! I’m giving away a hanging travel bag that’ll be great for cosmetics (you knew I had to go there :)) or other toiletries or shaving items. It can even be used for packing electronics (for the many chargers you have to haul everywhere). Please let me know in the comments if you’d like to be entered! (Giveaway item will be similar to this photo but may not be exact depending on what’s available when I order it. U.S. entries only this time please.)July 28, 2020
The Ins & Out of Co-writing with the Dynamic Duo of Harris & Gentry
by Lynne Gentry
How did two different writers, living on two different continents, and writing two different genres, write a 4-book medical thriller series without killing each other?
We started as friends.
Twenty years ago, Lisa Harris and I met at church. When we discovered our mutual love of writing, we formed a writing group. But then Lisa and her family moved to Africa to do mission work and she jumped into suspense writing. I went in a different direction and started writing small town southern fiction and worship sketches. Through the blessing of technology, we stayed in touch. Years later, I saw a newspaper article about how and why albinos were being murdered in Africa. My heart ached for these marginalized people. I wished I could do something. Imagine my surprise when the Lord dropped a high-level suspense story in my head. This kind of work was above my pay grade. To do this story justice, I needed an expert in suspense and Africa. I needed Lisa Harris.
I called her and that’s how the partnership of Harris & Gentry was born. Together, we wrote the award-nominated GHOST HEART.
Our writing duo has since birthed three Agents of Mercy novels with a fourth to be released by early 2021. Lisa brings to our writing table the authenticity of Africa and an eye for suspense. I bring my connections to the medical world and theater training in character development.
We’ve discovered that coauthoring has benefits. Half the workload. Twice the plotting/character power. Shared costs of production and marketing. Writing retreats. Facetime calls. Lots of laughter. And the joy of having another writer as invested in the story as you are.
We’ve also discovered coauthoring also has disadvantages. Splitting royalties. Plotting disagreements. And the angst of having to adjust to each other’s schedules.
While we are convinced the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, coauthoring requires a lot of trust, which is why a good friendship is helpful. We trust each other to do our share. We trust each other to bring different strengths to the story. And, most importantly, we trust each other’s edit suggestions.
If you’re considering writing with another author, here are a few things to consider:
Do you have similar expectations for the length, tenor, and target of the project?Do you have similar work ethics?Can you accept/defer to another’s adamant belief a change needs to be made to the story? Can you speak up and give your opinion without getting defensive? Conversely, can you listen and try to understand another’s opinion without getting defensive? Division of labor makes the project go smoother. Who will be in charge of managing the insertion of each other’s work into the final manuscript? Who will be do the technical parts of running a writing business? Who will keep up with the costs, expenses, etc.?Which leads to an important tip: Put your partnership agreement in writing. No one expects a partnership to go south, but sometimes it is in everyone’s best interest to part company. A written agreement allows each of you to fully understand your commitment to the project, the division of labor, and how issues will be resolved. About Lisa and Lynne’s Agents of Mercy series:Our medical thrillers explore real world problems such as: the illegal procurement of organs, the threat of weaponized viruses, and the medical exploitation of Africa’s children. While each book can be read as a stand-alone, the entire series is tied together by one man’s quest.
Readers can’t wait to get their hands on the third book in the series: LETHAL OUTBREAK. This terrifying tale of a virus unearthed in the Tibetan permafrost releases October 13, 2020 and is available for a limited time in a boxset with seven other Christian suspense authors. For only $0.99 you can own all 8 of these new, full-length romantic suspense novels. Hurry and pre-order your copy of LETHAL OUTBREAK today and receive the entire DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS collection for only $0.99. https://dangerous-deceptions.com/
Virus hunter Aiden Ballinger believes the source of the lethal outbreak that decimated a remote Tibetan village came from disturbing the permafrost. Desperate to rebury the virus before it buries the world, Aiden enlists Rachel Scott, a beautiful epidemiologist. But while Aiden and Rachel pursue the cure—and their feelings for each other—someone is hunting them. Whoever wants them dead will not stop until they are silenced.
Lynne Gentry has always been a storyteller.
Trained in theater arts at Oklahoma Christian University, Lynne’s written and produced three full-length musicals and a children’s theater curriculum. Thisformer Director of the Dallas International Performing Arts Academy also teaches private acting lessons. Her students have successfully auditioned for Broadway, Disney, Nickelodeon, American Idol, various television series, local and national commercials, talent agencies, and major college theater programs.
A professional writer for nearly twenty years, Lynne has written daily inspirational content for a large Christian Radio Broadcasting company based in Nashville, articles for Christian Woman magazine, and stories and novels for Guideposts, Tyndale, Worthy, HCI Books, and Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. She also co-authored devotionals for the 7 Minute Marriage Solution Devotional Bible (Worthy 2013). She indie-published multiple novels. Her books have been finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest, the prestigious Westbow’s Fiction contest, and the Carol Awards.
Believing we can work together to change our world, Lynne joined with Lisa Harris to found The ECHO Project, a humanitarian organization dedicated to becoming the voice for the poorest of the poor in one of the darkest corners of the world…Africa.
Lynne loves laughing with her family or taking her medical therapy dog to the Baylor oncology wards to make people smile.
How did two different writers, living on two different continents, and writing two different genres, write a 4-book medical thriller series without killing each other?
We started as friends.
Twenty years ago, Lisa Harris and I met at church. When we discovered our mutual love of writing, we formed a writing group. But then Lisa and her family moved to Africa to do mission work and she jumped into suspense writing. I went in a different direction and started writing small town southern fiction and worship sketches. Through the blessing of technology, we stayed in touch. Years later, I saw a newspaper article about how and why albinos were being murdered in Africa. My heart ached for these marginalized people. I wished I could do something. Imagine my surprise when the Lord dropped a high-level suspense story in my head. This kind of work was above my pay grade. To do this story justice, I needed an expert in suspense and Africa. I needed Lisa Harris.
I called her and that’s how the partnership of Harris & Gentry was born. Together, we wrote the award-nominated GHOST HEART.
Our writing duo has since birthed three Agents of Mercy novels with a fourth to be released by early 2021. Lisa brings to our writing table the authenticity of Africa and an eye for suspense. I bring my connections to the medical world and theater training in character development.
We’ve discovered that coauthoring has benefits. Half the workload. Twice the plotting/character power. Shared costs of production and marketing. Writing retreats. Facetime calls. Lots of laughter. And the joy of having another writer as invested in the story as you are.
We’ve also discovered coauthoring also has disadvantages. Splitting royalties. Plotting disagreements. And the angst of having to adjust to each other’s schedules.
While we are convinced the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, coauthoring requires a lot of trust, which is why a good friendship is helpful. We trust each other to do our share. We trust each other to bring different strengths to the story. And, most importantly, we trust each other’s edit suggestions.
If you’re considering writing with another author, here are a few things to consider:
Do you have similar expectations for the length, tenor, and target of the project?Do you have similar work ethics?Can you accept/defer to another’s adamant belief a change needs to be made to the story? Can you speak up and give your opinion without getting defensive? Conversely, can you listen and try to understand another’s opinion without getting defensive? Division of labor makes the project go smoother. Who will be in charge of managing the insertion of each other’s work into the final manuscript? Who will be do the technical parts of running a writing business? Who will keep up with the costs, expenses, etc.?Which leads to an important tip: Put your partnership agreement in writing. No one expects a partnership to go south, but sometimes it is in everyone’s best interest to part company. A written agreement allows each of you to fully understand your commitment to the project, the division of labor, and how issues will be resolved. About Lisa and Lynne’s Agents of Mercy series:Our medical thrillers explore real world problems such as: the illegal procurement of organs, the threat of weaponized viruses, and the medical exploitation of Africa’s children. While each book can be read as a stand-alone, the entire series is tied together by one man’s quest.
Readers can’t wait to get their hands on the third book in the series: LETHAL OUTBREAK. This terrifying tale of a virus unearthed in the Tibetan permafrost releases October 13, 2020 and is available for a limited time in a boxset with seven other Christian suspense authors. For only $0.99 you can own all 8 of these new, full-length romantic suspense novels. Hurry and pre-order your copy of LETHAL OUTBREAK today and receive the entire DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS collection for only $0.99. https://dangerous-deceptions.com/
Virus hunter Aiden Ballinger believes the source of the lethal outbreak that decimated a remote Tibetan village came from disturbing the permafrost. Desperate to rebury the virus before it buries the world, Aiden enlists Rachel Scott, a beautiful epidemiologist. But while Aiden and Rachel pursue the cure—and their feelings for each other—someone is hunting them. Whoever wants them dead will not stop until they are silenced.
Lynne Gentry has always been a storyteller.Trained in theater arts at Oklahoma Christian University, Lynne’s written and produced three full-length musicals and a children’s theater curriculum. Thisformer Director of the Dallas International Performing Arts Academy also teaches private acting lessons. Her students have successfully auditioned for Broadway, Disney, Nickelodeon, American Idol, various television series, local and national commercials, talent agencies, and major college theater programs.
A professional writer for nearly twenty years, Lynne has written daily inspirational content for a large Christian Radio Broadcasting company based in Nashville, articles for Christian Woman magazine, and stories and novels for Guideposts, Tyndale, Worthy, HCI Books, and Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. She also co-authored devotionals for the 7 Minute Marriage Solution Devotional Bible (Worthy 2013). She indie-published multiple novels. Her books have been finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest, the prestigious Westbow’s Fiction contest, and the Carol Awards.
Believing we can work together to change our world, Lynne joined with Lisa Harris to found The ECHO Project, a humanitarian organization dedicated to becoming the voice for the poorest of the poor in one of the darkest corners of the world…Africa.
Lynne loves laughing with her family or taking her medical therapy dog to the Baylor oncology wards to make people smile.
July 26, 2020
Press Kits
Erica here today.
In just a few days, I have a book releasing into the world. YAY! The Gentleman Spy, book 2 in the Serendipity & Secrets series, will hit the shelves on the 28th of July.
Prior to its release, my publicist, Audra Jennings of Audra Jennings PR and I Read With Audra blog tours, has been hard at work preparing materials to help with spreading the word about the book. She's created graphics with pictures and quotes from the book, sales copy, and most importantly, she's created a press kit specifically for the book.
You might wonder what a press kit is, and what it contains...so I thought we'd delve into that topic today.
So, what is a press kit?
A press kit, often referred to as a media kit in business environments, is a pre-packaged set of promotional materials that provide information about a person, company, organization or cause and which is distributed to members of the media for promotional use. (Wikipedia)
I have a press kit on my website that is generic, about me and what I write rather than about a specific book. I have all the information on a single page of my website, under the heading Media Guide. If you click here: https://www.ericavetsch.com/media-guide.html you can see that I include a brief bio, contact information, a quick Q&A, and information on my latest and upcoming releases.
From this page, a journalist could craft an article using the basic information provided, and/or could contact me if they wanted a more personal interview.
My publicist creates a press kit for each of my new books that looks a bit different, but accomplishes the same thing.
The Gentleman Spy's press kit contains the following:
A snappy headline.
A single paragraph that encapsulates the book (and includes the publisher, the ISBN number, and the price.)
A nearly page-long story description, including upcoming releases in the same series.
Endorsements for the book, the series, and/or the author.
An author bio.
A series of suggested interview questions related to the book.
Contact information to connect with the publicist for interviews.
A completed interview with answers at least two paragraphs long for each question.
Cover Art for the book
Social media contacts for the author.
As you can see, a press kit is loaded with information that a blogger, a journalist, or a radio/tv personality could use to craft an interview that would help spread the word about your book.
QUESTION: Have you used a press kit before? Either for promoting one of your books or for writing a blog post or other social media blurb?
Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her at online https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!
On sale TODAY! The Lost Lieutenant is just $4.99 right now through August 9th for Kindle, Nook, and GooglePlay!
Kindle: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851RR29T?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_0&storeType=ebooks
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-lieutenant-erica-vetsch/1134878778?ean=9780825476006
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Erica_Vetsch_The_Lost_Lieutenant?id=nO_RDwAAQBAJ
(Please note that as I post these links on Wednesday 7/22, the books are not yet on sale. They are supposed to go to $4.99 on Monday, 7/27, so please, double-check the price before you buy!)
In just a few days, I have a book releasing into the world. YAY! The Gentleman Spy, book 2 in the Serendipity & Secrets series, will hit the shelves on the 28th of July.
Prior to its release, my publicist, Audra Jennings of Audra Jennings PR and I Read With Audra blog tours, has been hard at work preparing materials to help with spreading the word about the book. She's created graphics with pictures and quotes from the book, sales copy, and most importantly, she's created a press kit specifically for the book.
You might wonder what a press kit is, and what it contains...so I thought we'd delve into that topic today.
So, what is a press kit?
A press kit, often referred to as a media kit in business environments, is a pre-packaged set of promotional materials that provide information about a person, company, organization or cause and which is distributed to members of the media for promotional use. (Wikipedia)
I have a press kit on my website that is generic, about me and what I write rather than about a specific book. I have all the information on a single page of my website, under the heading Media Guide. If you click here: https://www.ericavetsch.com/media-guide.html you can see that I include a brief bio, contact information, a quick Q&A, and information on my latest and upcoming releases.
From this page, a journalist could craft an article using the basic information provided, and/or could contact me if they wanted a more personal interview.
My publicist creates a press kit for each of my new books that looks a bit different, but accomplishes the same thing.
The Gentleman Spy's press kit contains the following:
A snappy headline.
A single paragraph that encapsulates the book (and includes the publisher, the ISBN number, and the price.)
A nearly page-long story description, including upcoming releases in the same series.
Endorsements for the book, the series, and/or the author.
An author bio.
A series of suggested interview questions related to the book.
Contact information to connect with the publicist for interviews.
A completed interview with answers at least two paragraphs long for each question.
Cover Art for the book
Social media contacts for the author.
As you can see, a press kit is loaded with information that a blogger, a journalist, or a radio/tv personality could use to craft an interview that would help spread the word about your book.
QUESTION: Have you used a press kit before? Either for promoting one of your books or for writing a blog post or other social media blurb?
Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her at online https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!
On sale TODAY! The Lost Lieutenant is just $4.99 right now through August 9th for Kindle, Nook, and GooglePlay!
Kindle: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851RR29T?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_0&storeType=ebooks
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-lieutenant-erica-vetsch/1134878778?ean=9780825476006
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Erica_Vetsch_The_Lost_Lieutenant?id=nO_RDwAAQBAJ
(Please note that as I post these links on Wednesday 7/22, the books are not yet on sale. They are supposed to go to $4.99 on Monday, 7/27, so please, double-check the price before you buy!)
