Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 9

NaNoWriMo Progress on Hypnotic Deception, Day 7: Plugging Along

It just occurred to me that I've been updating the NaNoWriMo website about my book progress, but I haven't updated my blog or, most importantly, YOU!

Can we say BUSY???

Not only am I working on the sequel to the urban fantasy They All Died Smiling, I can't actually share the opening of hte book, as it picks up exactly where the first left off...sorry!...but I will post an excerpt Friday, Nov. 9.

Writing a 200-page book in a month (well, the crappy first draft of it, anyway) is no small feat. Plus add to this the fact I'm taking a course on writing for Hollywood. Yeah, that's a wrinkle. I'm learning how to write movie/TV treatments and all that goes with the, plus how to position a novel for better chances in Hollywood.

I'm maxed out, but having fun nonetheless!

Hypnotic Deception: Reluctant Demon Hunter #2Phase:Week 1100%Get Book UpdatesMyBookProgress by Author Media

at around 12,000 words, I'm on track for the deadline.

Winning means bragging rights and some cool writerly prizes. I've won both other times, and I'm determined to win this time...

All while having a life, including plenty of dog cuddle time, connecting with friends and family, sleeping, eating reasonably well, and exercising about as much as usual.

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

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The Key to an Effective Social Media Strategy for Authors | Guest Post

The Key to an Effective Social Media Strategy for Authors

by Guest Blogger Brooklin Nash

One of the goals of most writers is to gain more readers. Whether self-help books or science fiction, the more people who read your work the more you will be able to work. It’s as simple as that. Thankfully, there are tools for that.

“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.”

~ J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye author has a good point. Even if being best friends with every reader isn’t really an option, social media opens up the opportunity for authors to connect with readers like never before.

With that thought in mind, let’s jump into why social media strategy is important and how to go about it.

Why Is a Social Media Strategy Important for Authors?

There’s no question that social media offers authors the chance to connect - with readers, with other authors, and with industry professionals. The importance of social media strategy for authors essentially boils down to a few important thoughts:

It allows authors to connect to new readers. With plenty of reading groups and pages, there are many ways to build your personal brand.
It allows community engagement with current readers. Like the J.D. Salinger quote above highlights, this connection is key for successful authors.
It opens the opportunity to connect with professionals in the publishing world. This will be important as you first get started.

The Key: Make Your Social Media Strategy Purposeful

It might be hard to boil a business approach to social media down to just one idea. But there is at least one thing that every social media strategy should strive for: it should be purposeful. I mean this in a few different ways:

Purposeful in Your Goals: What’s your purpose in having a social media presence? As an author, are you looking to genuinely connect with readers or simply promote your latest book? Having a clear goal before jumping into social media with both feet will make the outcome much more effective.

Purposeful in Your Audience: Who are you wanting to connect with on social media? Who will be most meaningful to connect with? Social media strategy can be helpful in connecting with both readers and industry professionals. Figure out who you want to reach, and then go for that.

Purposeful in Your Plan: Social media strategy may sound like corporate jargon, but even as an independent author it’s important to have a plan. These days, social media is not a casual affair. You’ll need to figure out when you want to post, what you want to post, and how you’ll remain consistent. Social media management tools can be extremely helpful in this arena.

If you’re an author looking to jump into social media, the key is to be purposeful as you reach more readers on the platform.

If you’re not sure where to start, online customer reviews are a great way to figure out which tools will be helpful in creating an effective social media strategy. Strategy is purposeful, and the most effective social media strategy will use the available online tools to connect with your audience.

About the Author

Brooklin Nash writes about the latest tools and small business trends for TrustRadius . When he’s not writing, you can find him reading YA dystopian fiction (with guilty pleasure) and cooking.

A word from your host, Ronda Del Boccio

Please share this all over the social web!

Follow your B.L.I.S.S.

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

PS: IF you're an AUTHOR: before you go - Join NOW for FREE Tools for Writers!

What you get: The Author Profit Pack and MORE, including...

7 Ways to Earn Money While Still Writing Your Book" special report and video mini-class
7 Ways to Make Your Book Irresistible" special report and video mini-cl
Invitations to FREE right-to-the-point classes on everything from book marketing to e-publishing to social media for authors.
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Sequel Writing Time! NaNoWrimo 2018, Reluctant Demon Hunter Book 2 Coming!

The moment a series novel hits ink and devices, readers want the next one. Though I didn't have Kassidy's next adventure ready when They All Dies Smiling came out this summer, I am going to get the first draft done during NaNoWriMo, AKA National Novel Writing Month. If you are an author wanting to participate, there's still time to enroll for this free, annual novel writing contest.

For the unwashed masses, this means I'll write a first draft of a novel,, at least 50,000 words, in the month of November. Honestly, I wish it was in October, because November has Thanksgiving in it, but hey, I've done it twice before, and I can do it again.

I left They All Died Smiling at a cliffhanger, and book 2, with the working title  Hypnotic Deception, picks up right where the first book finishes. I'll post updates and snippets as the month progresses, but NO spoilers.

Here's where you can follow my progress, plus see the sidebar. No progress now, as I'm writing this post in October.

If you haven't read the first Reluctant Demon Hunter installment, you can either purchase They All Died Smiling from  your favorite bookseller or read a free sneak peek. Go to WriteOnPurpose.com/read for that.

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

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Audio Version of Paranormal Urban Fantasy They All Died Smiling by Ronda Del Boccio in the Works!

Especially as a blind person, I want my book They All Died Smiling available as an audiobook via Audible and the Library of Congress NLS National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Finding a great reader proved to be a fun challenge.

Since I'm with a publisher, The Wild Rose Press, they handled the process of getting auditions. I reviewed the vocal talent and made the ultimate decision.

I provided a short sample for the contenders, perhaps two pages. I chose 2 different parts of the book, so I could assess how each reader handled the different emotional tones, as well as both the mundane and supernatural content.

In Sech of the Voice of Kassidy

The first reader could have bored paint right off the walls. She had no sense of my heroine, Kassidy. The second grated on my ears.

The email from my publisher accompanying each audition advised me not to expect the reader to sound like the voice in my head. I didn't. However, the whole book is told from Kassidy's point of view, from insider her head and her experience. So Kassidy needed to sound...well...like Kassidy.

A third audition landed in my email box, as per the norm, late at night on a Friday. I hoped this could be "the one."

Much to my glee, I found my Kassidy. This reader did a great job on the sample, so I gave the go-ahead to accept her.

Chapter One.

Last weekend, I received a partial chapter. I could hardly wait to hear it, because I knew I had found MY Kassidy. I clicked play and listened. I couldn't possibly stay in my seat as I listened, even though I sit at my desk on a ball.

Bouncing wasn't enough to express my glee. I danced around the room, whooping and clapping in places. My Diva dog brought me a toy and joined in hte festivities.

Watch for News of the AUDIO Edition!

I don't know when the book will be finished, but I'll keep you posted!

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

Watch for the hashtag #BlissfulLife all over the web!

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BOOK SIGNING in Branson Aug 18: They All Died Smiling by Ronda Del Boccio

I will be at the quarterly conference of Ozarks Writers league Saturday, August 18 from 9 AM to 3 PM. If you'd like a copy of my new book They All Died Smiling or any of my handmade greeting cards, please come to the Cardinal Room, which is right behind the breakfast room.

This urban fantasy is now available everywhere!

Want a sneak peek of the book? Go to WriteOnPurpose.com/read and grab yours now!

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

Watch for the hashtag #BlissfulLife all over the web!

SHARE!

How to Write Captivating Dialogue

FIRST, a  note from Ronda: Do you struggle with writing dialogue? Lots of authors do.

Bestselling author Jerry Jenkins offered me a resource to share with you from his blog. This share is done with  his blessing and,  as always, proper attribution. Thanks for letting me share your wisdom, Jerry!

EXCERPT from

How to Write Dialogue That Captivates Your Reader
Head shot of #1 Best Selling Author Jerry Jenkins

by Jerry Jenkins

If the dialogue you write bores you, it’ll put your reader to sleep.

And unfortunately, your first reader will be an agent or an editor. You can’t slip anything boring past them.

Your job is to make every word count. That’s the way to keep your reader riveted until the final page—no small task.

Making every word count is how to write compelling dialogue.

Readers love dialogue because:

It breaks up intimidating blocks of narrative summary.
It differentiates (through dialect and word choice) and reveals characters.
Done well, it can move the story without author intrusion.

But, as you have likely discovered, writing great dialogue is hard. If yours is bloated or obvious or telling or is in any other way uninteresting, readers won’t stay with you long.

So how about we leave them no choice?

If the dialogue you write bores you, it’ll put your reader to sleep.

And unfortunately, your first reader will be an agent or an editor. You can’t slip anything boring past them.

Your job is to make every word count. That’s the way to keep your reader riveted until the final page—no small task.

Making every word count is how to write compelling dialogue.

Readers love dialogue because:

It breaks up intimidating blocks of narrative summary.
It differentiates (through dialect and word choice) and reveals characters.
Done well, it can move the story without author intrusion.

But, as you have likely discovered, writing great dialogue is hard. If yours is bloated or obvious or telling or is in any other way uninteresting, readers won’t stay with you long.

So how about we leave them no choice?

Read the full article here.

Jerry Jenkins is the author of more than 190 books with sales of more than 70 million copies, including the bestselling Left Behind series

BACK TO RONDA. - Jerry is definitely someone worth heeding on any writing topic! He reached out because of an article I wrote. . Read it now. (opens in a new tab)

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

Watch for the hashtag #BlissfulLife all over the web!

SHARE!

The post How to Write Captivating Dialogue appeared first on Write On Purpose .

Friday Fictioneers 9 March, 2018: Guardian

Friday Fictioneers is a weekly blog challenge that lets you write a 100- word (or less) flash fiction story that relates to a photo prompt. Please find the original post  and photo prompt on RochelleWisoff.com.

After the story, I will share my inspiration.

Guardian

Genre:  Mundane fiction

“The perfect tribute, n’est pa?” Amber snuggled into Pierre. Lilac scent on the breeze kissed them.

Pierre let out a long, slow breath. “C’est bizarre.”

Amber squirmed around to face him. “Bizarre? Why? Papa loved this place.” She broke free and distanced herself. With an expansive gesture, she encompassed the fountains, the perfectly manicured grounds, and the hotel, her family’s homestead. Her gaze fixed on the gargoyle guarding the pool, its snaggle-toothed mouth agape.

Pierre pointed. “Why there?”

Tears welled in Amber’s eyes, spilled onto the grass. “Now his ashes can guard our home forever inside that statue.

My Inspiration

Writers get inspired in weird ways. We just do. Don't even ask why, because I have no answer, but our minds are especially twisted.

My dad has been making preparations for his cremation. He asked if I wanted a necklace with some of his ashes in it. Um...well...I wash't sure about that, but I agreed.

So I talked with my mom and her husband about what they want done with their ashes. She made an expansive gesture and said, "Sprinkle me around the Ozark hills."

Um...illegal...so she "settled" for being buried in hte garden.  She won't be around to know anyway, but that ain't happ'nin'.

So my warped mind led me to tink of fictitious Amber putting ashes of her father into the gargoyle.

Yeah.

I know.

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife,

Ronda Del Boccio

 

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The post Friday Fictioneers 9 March, 2018: Guardian appeared first on Write On Purpose .

Friday Fictioneers Flash Fiction Story for Feb. 23: Curb Appeal

Friday Fictioneers Flash Fiction Story for Feb. 23.

Please click here to see the photo prompt.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction (I call it mundane fiction))

Curb Appeal

Marie parked and prayed. Ten houses matched their specs, but Miss Picky said no to all, one because of a mad ghost. A ghost. What a nut case. This one was perfect.

“Jen, this home has your ideal kitchen, and Chris, your work shed.”

“Sounds promising.” He smiled

“Y—“She stopped and stared.

Marie tracked Jen’s gaze to a single dead rose balancing atop its stem.

Jen shook her head hard enough to send her sunglasses flying. “I can’t. It has bad juju.”

“What?” Marie chomped her lip

“That’s a warning from Grandma. I trust my signs”

Chris held her.

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

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Easy I Love You Card Tutorial Video

My YouTube channel has various tutorials. Some are for authors to help you with author stuff...some are in honor of my crafty blind girl side or my planner girl side.

Today I'm sharing with you a fun and easy idea for a card that just uses a strip of some fun paper and a sentiment. I lettered the "I love you," but you could as easily use s stamp.

I hope you'll subscribe and ap the bell so you get all my vids rght when they come out. Thanks so much!

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.

Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read

Watch for the hashtag #BlissfulLife all over the web!

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Quick and Easy Card Making for the Non-Crafter (or the thrifty)

I LOVE making cards, and I have loads of supplies, but I love getting mileage out of cards or interesting papers that come to me. Here's a tutorial showing you some ways to repurpose cards you receive in order to make new cards to send out. All you need is a little glue and imagination.

I hope yo9u'll subscribe to my YouTube channel and click or tap the bell so you get all my vids right when I release them.

Cheers to your #BlissfulLife!

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Award winning author, photographer and artist

About Ronda Del Boccio

Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She has been mostly blind since birth, but she never lets that stop her doing what she wants to do. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on

Watch for the hashtag #BlissfulLife all over the web!

SHARE!