Cherry-Ann's Blog, page 7

You Don’t Need To Know The Kama Sutra To Write Sex Scenes

A few readers, who have read my novel Whisper of Lies, asked me, “Where did you learn all those moves?” The question relates to the sex scenes in the book, and I have quite a few. I find this enquiry amusing.

Writers do not need to know the Kama Sutra to write sex scenes. However, depending on what a writer wishes to convey about the characters, she will research like she would any other subject. And, of course, she can use her imagination.

Sex scenes, like any other scene in your book should serve a purpose. It’s not only about the sexual act. This form of writing requires a different level of writing, however. Below is an article, My Favorite Sex Scene, written by fiction author Jessica Barksdale Inclán, who teaches how to craft a relatable—and memorable—sex scene:

I spent yesterday on the UCLA campus in the Public Affairs Building (aptly named, I think) to teach sex scene writing. Three or four times a year, I sojourn down to Westwood and teach amazing students things that I imagine they might want to know about it. Sex scene writing is definitely a skill all writers should master because sex is a wonderful way to convey character, plot, and theme. No doubt about it, how we do it says a lot about who we are, the state of our relationships, and what we want.

Sex shows the connection between the characters–or the lack of one. Sex allows their neuroses and flaws and issues to bubble to the surface, raw and real. Sex shows how good things are and how bad they will get. We need to praise D.H. Lawrence and Henry Miller and Anais Nin and dear E.M. Forster for trying to put these ideas forth to the world, giving us the opportunity to write characters in full life.

In the course of the class, I showed a few clips from films because film can really “do” a sex scene. The lucky film makers don’t have to worry about euphemisms for body parts (please strike sword, sheath, and shaft from your lexicon immediately). At least, when the director is thinking about character, plot, or theme. When the director is just thinking, “Damn, we need some skin in this flick,” the sex scene isn’t useful to us except in that prurient way sex scenes can be useful. We watch the body doubles and the body parts, and say, “Well, my word.”

One of my favorite sex scenes isn’t really “sex,” but a physical connection between two characters. This scene isn’t from writing but from a film, “Persuasion.” Here it is. Our dear, bedraggled Anne Elliot (Amanda Root) and Wentworth (Ciran Hinds) are walking in the countryside. It has been a long walk, and Wentworth is pretending not to notice that Anne is flagging. But when a carriage approaches, and it is discerned there is room for one person, Wentworth persuades Anne to get in. She can’t believe he’s actually paying attention to her, as he’s been flirting with and acting charming toward all others but her the entire day. And then he helps her into the carriage and grabs her gently at the waist and helps lift her to her seat.

Oh! My! God! You can feel that touch through the screen into your heart. By that touch alone, damn, you know he loves her. Eight years of separation and longing and anger and resentment and need all in one touch. This one touch changes the plot. This one touch begins to change Anne and Wentworth. The story moves on from that moment.

You are probably a little disappointed in me, I know. Maybe you wanted me to pick Diane Lane’s scene in “Unfaithful” or something from “Body Heat.” But no, it was wither this scene or that flipping amazing kiss in “Witness” between Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis. And maybe it’s not even the kiss in “Witness” that changes everything but the view Harrison gets of Kelly as she’s bathing, the light warm, her desire and acceptance of his gaze obvious.

Yowza!

After we watched examples and then read some sex scenes aloud, I gave my class the exercise of pairing up couples from their work. Thinking about their story or stories, put together the people who are or will or could or might or who should not have sex. Think about the idea of what they would learn from the sex they would have with this other character, despite and because of their relationships with each other.

And then write that scene, using all the good ideas we talked about, many from “The Joy of Writing Sex” by Elizabeth Benedict. This includes being specific, detailed, and clear. No exaggeration, no euphemisms that make us laugh our guts out. No clichés. No pulsing or heaving or breasts “growing.” (I am still unclear on how breasts grow or get heavy during sex. Please advise). No “It was the most amazing…” anything. No “He had never experienced anything like this . . .” ever.

Of course, the sex scene can be “bad sex.” Yes, characters have bad sex like the rest of us now and again, and that also tells us something about character, plot, and theme.

As they wrote, so did I, realizing that in editing, I’d managed to take out the one sex scene that all my readers had likely been waiting for.

So if you are at home and have no good sex scenes to watch, give this exercise a go. Guaranteed to interest!

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

 

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

Filed under: Articles Tagged: book, Cherry-Ann Carew, Kama Sutra, Scenes, Sex Scenes, Whisper Of Lies, Writing

You Don't Need To Know The Kama Sutra To Write Sex Scenes

A few readers, who have read my novel Whisper of Lies, asked me, "Where did you learn all those moves?" The question relates to the sex scenes in the book, and I have quite a few. I find this enquiry amusing.

Writers do not need to know the Kama Sutra to write sex scenes. However, depending on what a writer wishes to convey about the characters, she will research like she would any other subject. And, of course, she can use her imagination.

Sex scenes, like any other scene in your book should serve a purpose. It's not only about the sexual act. This form of writing requires a different level of writing, however. Below is an article, My Favorite Sex Scene, written by fiction author Jessica Barksdale Inclán, who teaches how to craft a relatable—and memorable—sex scene:

I spent yesterday on the UCLA campus in the Public Affairs Building (aptly named, I think) to teach sex scene writing. Three or four times a year, I sojourn down to Westwood and teach amazing students things that I imagine they might want to know about it. Sex scene writing is definitely a skill all writers should master because sex is a wonderful way to convey character, plot, and theme. No doubt about it, how we do it says a lot about who we are, the state of our relationships, and what we want.

Sex shows the connection between the characters–or the lack of one. Sex allows their neuroses and flaws and issues to bubble to the surface, raw and real. Sex shows how good things are and how bad they will get. We need to praise D.H. Lawrence and Henry Miller and Anais Nin and dear E.M. Forster for trying to put these ideas forth to the world, giving us the opportunity to write characters in full life.

In the course of the class, I showed a few clips from films because film can really "do" a sex scene. The lucky film makers don't have to worry about euphemisms for body parts (please strike sword, sheath, and shaft from your lexicon immediately). At least, when the director is thinking about character, plot, or theme. When the director is just thinking, "Damn, we need some skin in this flick," the sex scene isn't useful to us except in that prurient way sex scenes can be useful. We watch the body doubles and the body parts, and say, "Well, my word."

One of my favorite sex scenes isn't really "sex," but a physical connection between two characters. This scene isn't from writing but from a film, "Persuasion." Here it is. Our dear, bedraggled Anne Elliot (Amanda Root) and Wentworth (Ciran Hinds) are walking in the countryside. It has been a long walk, and Wentworth is pretending not to notice that Anne is flagging. But when a carriage approaches, and it is discerned there is room for one person, Wentworth persuades Anne to get in. She can't believe he's actually paying attention to her, as he's been flirting with and acting charming toward all others but her the entire day. And then he helps her into the carriage and grabs her gently at the waist and helps lift her to her seat.

Oh! My! God! You can feel that touch through the screen into your heart. By that touch alone, damn, you know he loves her. Eight years of separation and longing and anger and resentment and need all in one touch. This one touch changes the plot. This one touch begins to change Anne and Wentworth. The story moves on from that moment.

You are probably a little disappointed in me, I know. Maybe you wanted me to pick Diane Lane's scene in "Unfaithful" or something from "Body Heat." But no, it was wither this scene or that flipping amazing kiss in "Witness" between Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis. And maybe it's not even the kiss in "Witness" that changes everything but the view Harrison gets of Kelly as she's bathing, the light warm, her desire and acceptance of his gaze obvious.

Yowza!

After we watched examples and then read some sex scenes aloud, I gave my class the exercise of pairing up couples from their work. Thinking about their story or stories, put together the people who are or will or could or might or who should not have sex. Think about the idea of what they would learn from the sex they would have with this other character, despite and because of their relationships with each other.

And then write that scene, using all the good ideas we talked about, many from "The Joy of Writing Sex" by Elizabeth Benedict. This includes being specific, detailed, and clear. No exaggeration, no euphemisms that make us laugh our guts out. No clichés. No pulsing or heaving or breasts "growing." (I am still unclear on how breasts grow or get heavy during sex. Please advise). No "It was the most amazing…" anything. No "He had never experienced anything like this . . ." ever.

Of course, the sex scene can be "bad sex." Yes, characters have bad sex like the rest of us now and again, and that also tells us something about character, plot, and theme.

As they wrote, so did I, realizing that in editing, I'd managed to take out the one sex scene that all my readers had likely been waiting for.

So if you are at home and have no good sex scenes to watch, give this exercise a go. Guaranteed to interest!

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

 

Filed under: Articles Tagged: book, Cherry-Ann Carew, Kama Sutra, Scenes, Sex Scenes, Whisper Of Lies, Writing

Read an E-book Week 2012

It's 'Read an Ebook Week' from March 4-10, 2012. Join in this international literary event where you can get massive discounts and free E-books.

To get 50 percent discount on my novel, 'Whisper of Lies' go to http://tinyurl.com/77v2hnb, scroll to the bottom of the page, click on the title of the book, and use Coupon code: REW50.

Here's a recent review on the novel:

Ms. Carew,

"I laughed, I cried, I emphasized and sympathized with the main characters of your story and yes, my "groin twitched." From the get go, I felt that Ms. Carew was sitting beside me and relating the story of the life of any woman who has experienced the highs and lows of life.

"From the moment I started on Lavina's journey, I related to the intricacies of the web that life weaves on us, women. I wept for both Lavina and Adel; Adel, a complex woman which is how I view myself….nurturing, kind and fiercely protective of my women friends. I was transported into the web of real life; this is what resonated most with me; I saw bits of myself in both Lavina and Adel. From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn't wait to be transported into the spider's web of these women's lives.

Real, gripping, a truism of life; women's lives and any woman can relate to this novel of reality, love, heartbreak, disappointment."

Gillian Fredericks-Chin

Visit Smashwords.com if you have an E-book to share during 'Read an Ebook Week'.

Click here to read the story of how 'Read an Ebook Week' evolved.

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

Filed under: Announcement Tagged: Cherry-Ann Carew, e-book, Novel, Whisper Of Lies

3 Easy Ways To Fight Off The Minutiae That Surrounds Writing Your Book

Writing a book is a challenge, you already know that? There's no running away from it – so much needs to be done: expanding your idea, plotting, researching character names, setting, actual writing, rewriting, editing, etc.

Then there are other essentials outside of the writing process that you need to put in place before you even publish your book, i.e. writing your pitch, synopsis, chapter breakdown, press release – all of these require a different level of writing. Then there's marketing, more research and on and on.

Overwhelm yet with all the details that are required for the process of writing? And that's not all. I know. I also know it's a test of your sanity to keep focused to make everything gel… so much to do, so little focus.

So how do you create a plan of action and stick to it? More importantly, what can you do when you meander away from the plan, because being human, you will, whether due to circumstances beyond your control, or you're just plain distracted?

How do you do it? How do you pace yourself so that you can get to the finish line? Here are 3 Easy Ways To Fight Off The Minutiae That Surrounds Writing Your Book that will help kick you into gear:

1) First, I invite you to read an article I wrote titled: Thinking About Writing Instead of Writing? 6 Steps to get you Started.

2) It's common to become fixated on the minutiae for varying reasons. In my experience it's usually during the planning process where many aspiring writers get bogged down. When this happens, take some time out along with deep breaths then ask:

a) What is blocking my progression?

b) What am I avoiding?

c) Am I fearful that no one would be interested in my book?

d) Most importantly, What do I want to accomplish?

If you know what the problem is you can do something about it. Pinpointing what those blockages are will allow you to move forward.

If you're still stuck, it's good to talk. Speak with someone who can relate to what you are working to achieve. It could be a writing coach or a group of like-minded writers or readers. If you are besieged with marketing tasks, farm them out to free yourself from those undertakings that you do not enjoy, or don't have the time to do so you can focus on your writing. The point is you don't have to go the journey alone. Get all the help and support you can.

Take note of question 'd' – it's powerful. Once you understand what you intend to achieve from your writing labours, you'll become inspired and step up your productivity.

3) Continue to trust in your belief that you can do it because you are unique and you have what it takes to get your message out. Whether you are writing to inspire, motivate or entertain, believe that you can, and you will.

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

 

Filed under: Articles Tagged: book, Cherry-Ann Carew, Marketing, Writing, writing coach

Do You Over-use Dialogue Tags aka Bookisms?

Dialogue is a favourite aspect of writing for me, because I get to play with my characters to find out what form of speech pattern suit their persona. The purpose of dialogue is used for several reasons, some being to introduce a character or characters; advance the story and make the characters believable. Dialogue, further, creates mood, reveal motives and lightens exposition. I actually interview my characters. It's a powerful way that serves to reveal qualities that I probably would not think about while creating their profile.

Dialogue tags on the other hand could be problematic and ruin the flow of interchange if it is over-used, or over-the-top, and this is referred to as bookisms. Here's an article that illustrates the dangers of the over-use of bookisms.

Bookisms, or said-bookisms, are commonly defined as overly elaborate dialogue tags used in prose. While the occasional use of a logical bookism is acceptable, filling a book with bookisms can distract a reader and ultimately turn them away from the rest of the work.

In general, authors are encouraged to keep their dialogue tags simple. "Said" works the best as it simply fades into the background for the reader, and while "asked" is implied with the use of a question mark, it still works. Even tags like "whispered" or "muttered" may be used sparingly without throwing the reader off. In reality, however, it's difficult to actually "hiss" a phrase, especially if it's lacking sibilance ("Hide" she hissed.), or growl a line ("Get out of my garden," the old man growled.). If you're questioning whether or not a certain tag works in dialogue, try it yourself. Can you actually laugh at the same time you say, "Of course you will!" or gargle while saying, "Help, I'm drowning!"?

A good rule of thumb while writing dialogue is to stick with simplicity. You don't want your reader pausing and wondering how a person grimaces a greeting or worries a question. But there is always an exception to the rule.

In 1910, the very first Tom Swift book hit the market to wide acclaim. Featuring a young teenage inventor, the Tom Swift series is credited as the idea source for many modern inventions, including the mobile home, the "photo telephone," and the Taser, which was actually named for Tom Swift by its inventor (Tom A. Swift's Electric Rifle). But it wasn't just this young inventor's creations that grabbed the attention of readers; it was also the authors' unique use of bookisms:

"This game is foul," Tom groused.

"I teach at a university," Tom professed.

"Superglue!" Tom rejoined.

This unique use of dialogue tags as a form of pun quickly caught on in the literary world and became appropriately known as "Tom Swifties." And Tom swiftly leads us to this week's exercise:

Exercise: I could write a bookism

While bookisms may be something to avoid in general writing, no one can blame you for enjoying a good pun or two. Try your hand at writing a few "Tom Swifties" such as the ones shown above to get your creative juices pumping. "You could even write four or five!" the writer enumerated.

Posted by Kristin, content media coordinator with CreateSpace.

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

Filed under: Articles Tagged: bookisms, Cherry-Ann Carew, creating, Dialogue, dialogue tags, said-bookisms, Writers, Writing

Your Writing Is Precious… Q & A With Author, Bitten Twice

Your writing is precious, author, Bitten Twice, reminds us. She has written multiple books during the last 3-years and I had the pleasure of doing a quick Q & Q with this talented writer. She was kind enough to share her writing experience and give some tips that we writers can learn from, whether published or unpublished.

Q. When did you decide that you wanted to be an author and is penning books your full time profession?

A. I realized I wanted to write back in 2007 when I tapped out my first novel, but I didn't understand the ramifications of doing so until 2009. By that time I had two novels fermenting and my father's passing triggered the need to do something with my writing. That was the time that I set the wheels in motion to become a published author.

I wish writing was a full-time job for me. I would produce much more. Right now I have a shy alter ego that works, and Bitten Twice emerges when the sun goes down.

Q. What part of the writing process excites you the most, for instance, coming up with book titles, creating characters, setting, etc.?

A. The whole thing is pretty exciting. One moment I'm sitting there in front of a blank screen and the next thing you know the letters are dancing all over the page. I have a hunk of a leading man (alive or un-dead) or a saucy leading lady. Either one of the headstrong characters seem to direct their own fate. I think the story is going one way and lo and behold the plot twists and thickens.

Q. Your predominant writing is based on vampirism, why does this genre appeal to you?

A. Ah, the illusive vampire. Vampirism is quite a curious concept. Depending on your values, religious beliefs and demography, the question of vampirism produces different thoughts. But one commonality exists throughout the variety of cultural vampires… blood is involved.

Many times when we think of the vampire we think of the European version, but many more exist.

The genre appeals to me personally because it is an escape from reality. Vampires can be predatory by nature; thirsting for blood. They often have supernatural powers or elements along with sexual allure.

Think of a gentleman in your life today. Imagine if he had a couple of hundred years or more to perfect his abilities to interface with us women. How perfect is that? Knowing when to say all the right things, make the right moves, and possibly when to let us win. Many of the vampires that I work with in my stories have been around for a while and they don't always get it right the first time, but you can believe they know how to make amends.

Q. Over the last 3-years, you have published 3 books from the Macedo Ink Series, one stand-alone and numerous short stories. What has this achievement done for your confidence?

A. You can't see me right now, but I'm smiling like I've been possessed by the Cheshire Cat. It has been a confidence booster to see that the books have been so well received. In the beginning I was quite timid about releasing my book to the world. So many questions… "What if people didn't like it? What if they sneered? What if…?"

Well the "what if's" came and went. Some people loved it, some liked it, and some eh! For me, the majority of readers has embraced the books and has been kind enough to leave feedback in some form or fashion along the way. This feedback has given me the courage to keep writing. Knowing that there are folks out there that are loving the books in the same way that I am enjoying writing them gives me the motivation to continue tapping out the crazy plots and sort out all of the voices that churn in my head.

Q. What steps do you take to market and promote your books, and in your view, how important is marketing and promotion for an author?

A. Marketing and promotion is key. The writing of the book has turned out to be the easiest part. The marketing and promotion is an ongoing and never ending activity. As a self-published author with a limited marketing budget, I always have to be on the lookout for an opportunity to self-promote. Marketing is literally a full-time job in itself.

I use social media to help me. I have a blog that I'm semi-consistent with and I link that to my Facebook and Twitter account. I also use LinkedIn to surround myself with like-minded individuals to increase my circle of influence. If you can find authors in your genre you can guest blog to help promote each other. I don't do too much on Google+ or Stumble Upon, though once in a while I'll get an urge to go on there.

I'm a lifetime member of the Florida Writer Association (FWA), so I network with them heavily. Other than that, I use online reader groups to make comments. I try to meet people when I'm out and about and leave flyers in bookstores or coffee shops. I definitely brand; my name is a conversation starter.

Let me not forget the contest that's currently going on at Goodreads.com. Ten (10) copies of 'As Blood Rages' are being given away for FREE. Go here to enter.

Q. Are you involved in any writing groups/community? If so, does this form of interaction help you as an author?

A. I just started a Pembroke Pines chapter of a writing group for FWA. It's a small group right now, but I'm looking forward to growing it. Writing groups are an excellent means of strengthening your novel/writing. You have instant beta readers who can help you with critiques, they can also help motivate you to reach your goals, help you through writer's block.

You know in emotional times, both in crisis or extreme happiness you need to engulf yourself with friends to share the emotion. Writing is no different. Who else but a writer will understand the extreme happiness associated with the sale of the first book, or the confusion at the sight of a returned eBook?

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

A. Hone your craft. Keep an open mind. Your writing is precious to you; however, you are too close to be objective. Embrace any criticism from those who are kind enough to give it and learn from it. Know where you want to be as a writer, set achievable goals and work towards them. Develop a sense of urgency and priority. Most of all, understand that no one will ever acknowledge you as a writer unless you recognize the writer in you first and meet the primary requirement – to write.

Thank you Bitten Twice for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your experiences with readers. I enjoyed our time together and thank you, too, for the solid tips.

To learn more about Bitten Twice, visit her website at: http://www.bitten2ice.com/

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

Filed under: Interviews Tagged: aspiring writers, book titles, Cherry-Ann Carew, community, creating characters, genre, market, Marketing, promote, promotion, Setting, Writers, Writing, writing groups

Author Interview Series – Cherry-Ann Carew, Author of Whisper of Lies

Many writers know that having a blog, or author/book blog is one tool that is essential to gaining exposure for their books. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the lovely D'vorah Lansky, Marketing Wizard and author of the Amazon Bestseller – Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online and creator of Book Marketing Made Easy.com.

You can catch my interview here, where I talk about what I enjoy most about having a blog; how it serves my writing and marketing needs; my view on the importance for authors to have a book blog or author blog and how it has benefited me.

As always, please share your comments, and I'd love to hear if you have a blog and how it aids you.

 

Filed under: Blogging, Interviews Tagged: author blog, blog, book blog, book marketing, Cherry-Ann Carew

8 Pillars of Book Publishing

Here's a great post my friend, Jerry D Simmons of WritersReaders.com wrote that  précis main points about the book writing and the publishing world.

Book publishing involves several components working together to maximize the opportunities for selling copies. Success requires alignment of the 8 Pillars in a way that gives the title, author and publisher the best chance of achieving their goals. Coordination, timing and professional experience provides the very best opportunity for both initial and long term success. What follows are the 8 Pillars of Book Publishing.

[1] Writing – Anything is possible if the manuscript is marketable. If the author can keep readers engaged by telling a good story or sharing information in a manner that keeps pages turning, then consider the manuscript marketable. That does not mean the eventual publication will be successful but I can guarantee it will not be if the manuscript does not convey a story or message to the intended audience.

[2] Editing – Once the manuscript is finished a professional editor needs to read and offer feedback. If the cost of a complete content edit is not possible then at a minimum the writer needs an editorial critique. Where a professional editor reads, evaluates and offers a written critique on how the writer can improve the manuscript. Friends or family will not be sufficient and line editing for grammar, spelling and punctuation is not enough. Unless the writer has extensive experience an editorial critique is the very least that should be acceptable.

[3] Marketing – Starts early and continues for as long as the publication exists. Marketing runs parallel to the entire publishing process and never ends. With subsequent books the marketing overlaps to include the new and older titles. There are many forms of marketing but the point to make here is that marketing is as important as writing proficiently and publishing correctly. Never underestimate the power of sustained book marketing.

[4] Packaging – Getting the right cover design on a book matters. Consumers judge books by their cover and they will make a purchasing decision in a matter of seconds based on the package. If the cover does not make a statement instantly then a sale is lost. The jacket copy or sales blurb is important and considered part of the package as well as the title and subtitle. Do not underestimate or overlook the importance of proper packaging.

[5] Pricing – The single most important consideration on almost everything we buy is price. Readers shop by price and make most book purchases based on price. This is especially important for new unknown authors since infrequent buyers of books will most likely not take a chance on someone they are not familiar with. A single dollar or two below the price of an author the reader is familiar with will not typically make a difference since the cover price can be the deciding factor. Remember a price can almost always go up but rarely can it go down.

[6] Publishing – The demise of the print edition makes this a major factor in the success or failure of a publication. The production quality of the end product speaks volumes about the author, publisher and quality of the writing. The result of poor publishing decisions is invariably loss of credibility among readers, booksellers and the eventual loss of sales. Who publishes your writing and how is critically important to the perception of the reader.

[7]Distribution – The reference is to the booksellers that market and sell copies of your book. Whether your own website, online retailers or local bookstore, distribution is the means of how titles are offered to the public for sale. Every title needs distribution beyond their own website and the more outlets where your book is offered the more opportunities to sell copies. Don't confuse distribution with the physical shipment of books to a retail location, distribution refers to how and where your publication is offered for sale.

[8] Sales – Roll all of the above together and hopefully you end up with sales. Anyone can publish a book today but not everyone can be successful at selling books. The market is crowded and difficult, authors and publishers who skip any of these 8 Pillars will greatly diminish their chances at being successful and selling copies of their book.

This list is not meant to be exhaustive nor detailed. The 8 Pillars are meant to provide an over view and insight into the basic requirements of publishing a product that has potential to sell copies. For further explanations or evaluation consult a professional with experience. That is the best way to avoid mistakes, save money and not waste time is to research and consult before making decisions.

Filed under: Articles Tagged: book marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Cherry-Ann Carew

My NaNoWriMo Journey-Day 30-Enjoyed the Experience

Alrighty then, so I've reached the end of My NaNoWriMo Journey-Day 30. And what a journey it has been, writing a story of approximately 69,000 words in a month. Whew! I've done a draft in 3-months before, so this was a new experience even though I did prepare for this event as noted on day 1 – though rushed, but believe me I felt the heat and am relieved to get some respite.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this journey, I made an impromptu decision to take part in this writing marathon. My intention was not to go for a win, but use it to get started on my second novel, that is the sequel to Whisper of Lies, the prequel. I'm really; really glad I made that decision. I still have a lot of writing and research to do, as the book will be in the range of 80,000 to 90,000 words.

All-in-all, I enjoyed the experience and gained great self-satisfaction from accomplishing the writing task, as well as interacting with other participants.

Filed under: Blogging Tagged: Cherry-Ann Carew, Writing

My NaNoWriMo Journey-Day 29-One More Day To The Finish Line

So, though there's still much research with regard to Xander – yes, I decided to give Lavina's father that name – I wrote a scene today whereby Lavina's mother (Louise) is waxing lyrical with her sister and the conversation swerve to Xander. Surprisingly, she opens up about her relationship with Xander. Not long after, her sister presents a journal she kept for her.

This is another decision I made after debating whether to use foreshadowing or place a red herring in My NaNoWriMo Journey-Day 23. The scenes are really developing, and I'm enjoying them.

Though I've exceeded the required word count (50,000 – approximately 175 pages) and I've interspersed my writing with brief reviews and research during the month, I'm still challenging myself to go the whole way to see what my final word count will be.

I'm in no way bragging, as I'm fully aware that there is lots of editing to be done when the draft is complete. However, I'm competitive, as well as I finish what I start. As such, I'm pushing on to the end that is only 1 day away. Wow!

Filed under: Blogging Tagged: Cherry-Ann Carew, Writing