Jen Dodrill's Blog, page 11

Forever Free by author Hope Toler Dougherty

Forever Free – I can’t wait to tell you about this amazing romance I just read by Hope Toler Dougherty. I met Hope through our mutual publisher, Scrivenings Press, and then I had the amazing opportunity to be an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) reader for her 4th book in her Forever series.

It’s a wonderful romance and deals with real-life struggles. That’s my favorite kind of book! Hope was kind and answered some questions I threw at her. So, without further ado, here’s Hope!

Meet Hope Toler Dougherty Hi, Hope! Tell me about yourself and how you started writing.

I grew up loving books and words and became an English major in college. I taught English on the college level for a few years before I became a mother. During the years I reared my children, I also sporadically wrote pieces for local newspapers and magazines. I started writing fiction the summer our oldest daughter graduated from high school. 

What do you like most about writing – planning, research, writing, etc.? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I love researching because I get to buy books! I love learning new things. I also love the rough draft part sometimes because I can allow myself to make mistakes. I try to remember that rough drafts don’t need to be perfect, just written. I am definitely a pantser, and I love that part, too. I love the surprises that come when I’m not sure where I’m going at the beginning of a writing session, and then all of a sudden, some new thought pops into my brain. That’s fun. 

(I totally agree with Hope about being a pantser. Watching those words and characters pop onto the pages – wonderful!)

What are your goals when you write?

When I’m writing a rough draft, my daily writing goal (Monday through Friday) is to write fifteen hundred words. I use the Scrivener writing program, so it’s easy to set those goals and see my progress five hundred words at a time. 

What has been the most difficult thing for you in your writing journey?

The most difficult part is the marketing! I love engaging with readers and especially enjoy speaking to different kinds of groups, but I dislike having to make the call to ask people if they need a speaker. I’d much rather people ask me. 

How have your life experiences shaped what you write?

I’m surrounded by loving family members and sweet friends, and I hope that contentment shines through in my writing. I’m also a Christian and share God’s love and strength and peace through my characters. 

What is your favorite thing to write?

I love writing interesting senior citizens. Every one of my books features at least one person who may be drawing retirement, but they’re still active, involved, and fun people. 

Tell me about your platform – social media, where to find your books, etc.

I have a website and send out a newsletter with recipes and giveaways. I’m trying to be more consistent with that task with my Facebook reader’s page and Instagram, too. Maybe I’ll be better in 2024! 

Readers can connect with me at:

https://hopetolerdougherty.com/

Hope Toler Dougherty Readers Page | Faceb ook

Ho pe Toler Dougherty (@hopetolerdougherty) | Instagram

Hope Toler Dougherty (Author of Irish Encounter) | Goo dreads

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hope-Toler-Dougherty/author/

Forever Free:

Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather’s land. She’s got her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who’s volunteered to help make her farming dream come true.

Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals?

Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact.

Feeling the old troubles from his college years creeping back to tempt him, he’s propelled to volunteer for manual labor, leaving him exhausted every day, but out of danger. His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to different struggles with an intriguing farmer.

Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one too?

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever series includes Forever Music, Forever Home, “A Hatteras Surprise,” featured in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams, and Forever Free.

She and husband Kevin delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons. 

Read A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – releases Feb. 27, 2024/available for preorder NOW!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

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Defining your genre and audience as a writer

In my checklist – 10 steps to plan your novel – the first step is to define your genre and audience. If you’re anything like me, that was NOT the first thing I did when I started writing!

So, why is it necessary?

Well, I think it’s important to know who your reader is. Who are you writing for? In my case, I wrote a cozy mystery (genre) that is for women in their mid-40s and up (audience). Women who had raised their kids: empty nesters.

Embarking on a creative endeavor like writing is a thrilling yet challenging journey. Understanding and defining your genre and audience is one key compass that guides your way through this creative landscape. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of pinpointing your niche and target audience, offering insights into how this clarity can elevate your work and resonate with the right audience.

Defining your genre

According to StoryGrid: Genre is a label that tells readers what to expect from stories. If you pick up a mystery you expect it to follow a certain order. Same with a romance, sci fi, fantasy, etc. I discuss this more in this blog post.

Steps to defining your genre:Explore what you love: What do you love to read? Whether it’s the pulse-pounding excitement of a thriller, the heartwarming stories of romance, or the mind-bending possibilities of science fiction, identify the genre that resonates with you. Your enthusiasm for the genre will fuel your dedication and commitment and keep you writing when you want to quit.Study the experts: Immerse yourself in works from established writers within your chosen genre. Analyze what makes their novels stand out, noting common themes, tropes, and stylistic elements. This exploration will deepen your understanding of the genre and inspire your unique approach. You’ll begin to see the rhythm of the genre.Be open to blending genres: Genres need not be rigid boundaries. Be open to blending elements from different genres, creating a unique blend that defines your artistic voice and skill. After all, some of the most groundbreaking works emerged from the cross-pollination of genres.Defining your audience:

Come up with a detailed picture of your ideal audience. Consider demographics such as age, gender, location, and occupation, but also delve into psychographics—values, interests, and lifestyle. This understanding will help tailor your content to resonate deeply with your audience.

Meet with and interact with existing communities related to your genre. Whether through social media, forums, or events, participate in conversations, listen to feedback, and understand the needs and preferences of your potential audience. This direct interaction can provide invaluable insights. **If you are not part of the audience you write for, you must do this!!

Start writing and make sure you understand your audience. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and be willing to adapt your approach based on the data and responses you receive.

At the intersection of genre and audience:

With a clear understanding of your genre and audience, you can tailor your content (genre) to speak directly to the desires and preferences of your target audience. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of connecting with your audience and fosters loyalty.

The intersection of your genre and audience defines your unique space in the creative landscape – brand identity. Developing a brand identity that reflects this intersection makes your work easily recognizable and memorable.

In conclusion:

Defining your genre and audience serves as a compass – it guides your creative decisions and connects your work with the right audience. Exploring your passions, engaging with your community, and crafting/writing content that resonates at the intersection of your chosen genre and the hearts of your audience makes you a better writer.

Remember, in the dance between creator and audience, clarity is the rhythm that transforms a creative endeavor into a harmonious masterpiece.

Read A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – releases Feb. 27, 2024/available for preorder NOW!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Defining your genre and audience as a writer appeared first on .

Mastering Success: A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers

To start 2024 off, I am going to be setting goals – SMART goals. This isn’t something I normally do, or if I do they aren’t measurable or specific. To learn more about goal setting, I’ve researched SMART goals.

Have you heard the acronym?

The approach to goal-setting seems to make all the difference. And, one effective method is SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In this blog post, I’ll look at using SMART goals as a writer to help set, and achieve, our goals!

**Be sure to download your FREE 15-page, printable goal setting booklet!**

1: Specific – The S in SMART goals

The first step in setting a SMART goal is to make it specific. Vague objectives often lead to confusion and lack of focus. Instead of saying, “I want to write today,” specify your goal as “I will write for 30 minutes every morning before work.” The more details you provide, the clearer your path to success becomes.

Homework: set 5 specific goal s for your writing.

2. Measurable

Measuring progress is crucial for staying on track and motivated. Your goals should be quantifiable. For instance, if your aim is to read more books, make it measurable by setting a target like “I will read one book per month.” This way, you can easily track your achievements and adjust your efforts if needed.

Grab your book tracker here! 3. Achievable

If we set unrealistic goals we’ll get frustrated, demotivated, and possibly quit. We want to make sure our goals are attainable and achievable within the given resources and constraints. If you want to learn a new technology to help with your writing, setting a goal of total competence within a month might be unrealistic. Instead, consider a goal like “I will learn this new technology in three months.”

What new technology do you want to learn to help you as you write?

Click the graphic for your Goal Planner! 4. Relevant

Ask yourself if your goal is truly relevant to your aspirations. If you’re working toward publishing a book, setting a goal to improve relevant skills or sign with an agent would be more aligned with your ambitions than a goal unrelated to your field.

Look back at the 5 goals you set. Are they relevant to your writing career?

5. Time-bound – the T in SMART goals

Without a deadline, goals can easily fall by the wayside. Establishing a timeframe creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Rather than saying, “I will start my own writing business,” set a time-bound goal like “I will launch my writing business within six months.” This adds a level of accountability and pushes you to take consistent action.

What deadline can you set for your goals?

What do you think? Incorporating SMART criteria into the goal-setting process is a powerful strategy for achieving success. By making our goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, we can have a clear roadmap to follow. I’d love to hear your goals – let me know in the comments!

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Read My Ultimate Writing Goals, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – releases Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Mastering Success: A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers appeared first on .

Embracing the future – bring on the new year!

Can you believe we’re about to dive into another year? 2023 flew by ~ at least for me.

But before we go full-speed ahead embracing the future, let’s look back at this past year. We’re standing on the cusp of a new year, and it’s only natural to reflect on the journey behind us and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.

The upcoming year offers a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the brushstrokes of our aspirations, dreams, and endeavors. In this blog post, let’s explore the mindset of looking ahead to the next year with optimism and enthusiasm.

Reflection on the past:

Each year there are highs and lows and plenty of lessons learned. Before we dive into the future, I think it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the year that is coming to a close. What were the triumphs and challenges we faced? What lessons did we learn? Reflection allows us to acknowledge our growth, celebrate achievements, and gain insight into areas for improvement.

Lessons I’ve learned: Keep learning – never stop!Be mindful – of your relationships as well as what you doFind joy each day

Boy, that last one is hard for me right now! I have had Covid and now my hubby does too. I’ve been on the couch for almost two weeks. But each day I search for things to make me smile. Maybe I can FaceTime my granddaughters or call my mom. I’ve watched Charlie Brown Christmas several times. Finding joy each day is very important to me.

Setting intentions and goals while embracing the future:

As we step into the new year, setting intentions and goals becomes a crucial part of the journey. What do we hope to achieve personally and professionally? I asked on social media for people’s input on goal setting. I had a wide variety of answers, from goal setting in all areas to leaving goals very open-ended for flexibility.

I think it’s important – even vital – to set goals that work FOR you and your personality.

I’ve never been one to set goals, but this year I’m setting a few:

Publish my first cozy mystery , Birds Alive!, in February 2024Finish writing my 2nd in that series by June 2024Find a publisher for my women’s fiction novelHave at least 2 blog posts a month

I know those are all writing related, but that’s okay!

Embracing change:

Years ago, we were moving (again), and I came up with a mantra: I like change; change is good. I didn’t believe it, but I had to keep moving forward. So I did.

Change is inevitable, and the coming year will undoubtedly bring its share of transformations. Instead of fearing change, let’s embrace it as an opportunity for growth. You might learn a new technology, explore a different career path, or choose an area that you want to grow personally.

Being open to change allows us to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of life.Cultivating Resilience:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. Also known as adapting or being tough.

It doesn’t sound like fun, but as we embrace the new year, cultivating resilience is crucial. Learning to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth can help us face them positively.

And that leaves room for FAITH. Faith is such an intricate part of who I am and what I believe and do. I can’t imagine looking behind or ahead without it.

How are you embracing the future?

Next year is not just a continuation of time but a canvas waiting for our life. Whether you paint in small lines or big strokes – it doesn’t matter. Do YOU. Do what works for YOU. Embrace the future that is yours and find the growth you need.

Here’s to embracing the future and making it a year filled with growth, joy, and fulfillment!

Read My Ultimate Writing Goals, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

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