R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 28

Ron’s Tip of the Day Using Graphic Language

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Using Graphic Language.

Some time ago I commented on not using graphic language and was accused of forcing my religion upon others. Not so, I believed this long before I became a Christian.

A Time for Swearing

The Bible talks about there being a time for this and a time for that. Is there a time for swearing? Don’t people swear?

Of course, they do! And some people, not all, swear profusely. But should a writer include swear words? I say no. You are offending a great many people. You are better off using symbols or simply saying, she swore. Let the reader fill in the swear words.

Some writers use the first two or three letters and let the reader complete the word. This is better than printing the whole word, but usually the beginning makes it obvious what word is being used. But it still has the ability to offend.

Yes, people swear; some swear a lot; and some swear in very ugly words. But not all do. Don’t you want this last group to read your book?  

Tip of the Day: Use the author’s imagination.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Using Graphic Text

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Using Graphic Text.

Some time ago I commented on not using graphic descriptions and was accused of forcing my religion upon others. Not so, I believed this long before I became a Christian.

Graphic Sex Sells

Of course, it sells. You can have a best seller with graphic sex, but that doesn’t make it a great book.

My books have sexual scenes in them, but they are not graphic. At the same time, the readers has the freedom to insert their sexual imagination into the story. Good writing allows the reader to use their imagination. Bad writing spells it all out and depends on the reader’s lust.

Anytime the reader uses his or her imagination it is a good thing.

Graphic Violence Sells

Of course, graphic violence sells. I’m not talking about what sells but about good writing.

My books include violence. In one book a man was beheaded. But I didn’t use a graphic description. But the readers can picture in their own minds the event.

Like I said, anytime the reader uses his or her imagination it is a good thing.

Let the Reader Imagine

I believe an author should appeal to the reader’s imagination. It is one of the writer’s tools. It requires skill and hard work. But the result is worth it!

Tip of the Day: Use the author’s imagination.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Page Setup

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Page Setup.

Below is based on my book TR Independent Books Guide to Writing for 9 x 6:

Do setup before writingRemember the number of pages impact headers, footers, and marginsYou can change setup at any time prior to publishing.Margins need attention: number of pages dictate how wide or narrow margins should be. You can adjust later, but remember margins affect every page.Recommend start for 9×6 margins of Top: .76”, Bottom: .76”, Left .63” Right: blank, Gutter: none (same as Left)Title of book goes in header on odd pagesAuthor’s name goes in header on even pages

A good practice is to always preview your book before publishing. You don’t want the gutter too big that it becomes part of the front or back covers. Nor do you want it too small causing the front and back covers to overlap the gutter.

Tip of the Day: Pay attention to your page setup .

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day More on Video

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at More on Video.

The content of this blog is based on an article from Kindlepreneur.com.

Here are some ideas about using video.

Book Trailers

Kindlepreneur can help you with Book Trailers. (I have no affiliation with him.)

A good trailer is about atmosphere and a glimpse into your story. There are three elements needed: visuals, soundtrack, and a story.

Research and Travel Videos

When traveling to research your book, why not take videos? Later you can experiment and show your readers the travel and research that goes into the book.

Live Readings

Before the internet, there were book tours and live readings. So why not make a live reading online for all to see. You can use Facebook Live or YouTube to read some chapters from your newest book.

Behind the Scenes Talks

People love behind the scene action of favorite movies or shows. You could do the same with your book.

Reveal some inside information about what went into it, the writing process, background information on characters and story world, and the future.

Day in an Author’s Life

Vlogs are popular and do well on YouTube. Why not do a “Day in an Author’s Life” vlog showing how an average (or not so average) author’s day?

Tip of the Day: Check out kindlepreneur.com.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Why Use Video

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Why Use Video.

Some of the content of this blog is from Kindlepreneur.com.

A growing number of authors are taking a serious look at using video to market their books. But if you are hesitant, Kindlepreneur answers your misconceptions (edited for this blog).

I’m not Comfortable putting Myself on Video.

Authentic authors put themselves out there anyway. Our books contain intimate and private thoughts, parts of our past, our lives, and our outlook on the human condition. In this over-crowded world, personal brands win. We look for faces. We look for people who are authentic and human.

Or you can create video without showing your face. The bottom line is: your writing is personal already, so don’t be reluctant to get personal on video.

The Technology is too Complicated.

Video … is in many ways, easier to use and understand…If you know what to look for and have a checklist, video technology becomes simple.

It Takes too much Time.

Decide how you want to spend your time. In the beginning, producing videos will cost you much more time… because there is some experimentation.

If you hate video, don’t do it.

Tip of the Day: Check out kindlepreneur.com and learn how to market using video.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Take a Break

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Take a Break.

Do you suffer from Writer’s Block?

There are probably a number of descriptions of what Writer’s Block is but I’m going to keep it general. Because where you are writing books, blogs, or anything else writer’s block can occur. And there are many causes and helps. But I am zooming in on taking a break.

What do you mean by Break?

In general, I mean get away from your writing or change what you are writing.

Get Away from Your Writing.

Ever seen the ad where the policeman tells someone to step away from the counter? It is an amusing way to advertise their product, but it illustrates a good point. Separating yourself from what you are doing can be good. In the case of writing, it gives your brain a rest.

Change What You are Writing

I have found that if I switch from writing one book to another book or to a blog that the change itself refreshes me. My mind shifts gear and focuses on something else.

Why is That Important?

Your mind can get so focused on something that it tires out and freezes. When you break that focus you allow your mind to relax and get recharged.

Tip of the Day: A Break from your Writing can be Beneficial.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Picture in Words

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Picture in Words.

What is Picture in Words?

That is best described as the old but true phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. But that can be reversed to say, ‘a thousand words can paint a picture’.

Explain.

When you, the author, sit down and write a description of a scene you are in essence painting a picture for the reader. That reader then ‘sees’ whatever you are writing.

This is very important in writing and it is not a skill we get when born. Rather, it is a skill that we acquire over time. I spent 40 years of my life developing that skill. It didn’t just show up when I turned 60.

Does that mean I need to take a course on it?

No. I wasn’t aware I was developing that skill. But if you write often enough there are skills you will acquire through repetition and growth. Courses won’t hurt and may save time, but repetition is a great educator.

How can I further develop what skills I need?

We have a free Guide to Writing that gives you some basics on writing and on the business of writing. Get those and build on them.

Tip of the Day: Get our book on writing and build on your skills through application and repetition .

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Commitment

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Commitment.

What commitment?

Commitment means you are in it for the long haul even if there are obstacles. Commitment to what is the question. I write a blog, am I committed to it? I write books am I committed to it?

Question: What does it take to stop you?

The answer to that question reveals how committed you are, and it tells you what you need to do to be more committed.

Instead of measuring yourself by sales and royalties do this:

Measure yourself by these simple questions: Do I still enjoy writing? Am I working to improve my writing? Am I a fan of my own books? Am I willing to put in long hours writing?

Do You Enjoy Writing?

A very simple question. Only you know the answer, but it is no then you need recharged or another avocation.

Are You Trying to Improve Your Writing?

Are you reading other authors to pick up ideas?

Do You Put in the Time?

Do you have a tight schedule or are you going beyond scheduled time at least some of the time?

Tip of the Day: Re-evaluate yourself periodically.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Series or a Single Book

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. Today I am looking at Series or a Single Book.

Should I Write a Series or a Single Book?

I have written single books and I’ve written books within a series. The answer really depends on you. Some people only want to write one or two books at the most. And that is fine.

For such people I would encourage them to think about multiple books, series or not.

If I Write multiple books should they be in a Series?

Experts contend that a series of books is easier to market which is probably correct. If a reader enjoys one of the books, they are likely to want to read the other books of the series. But as stated above it is up to you.

You may have several books in mind and none of them relate to the others. I say go ahead and write them but remember that marketing will be more difficult.

I Favor a Series

Aside from the aforementioned marketing advantage, a series , in my opinion, lets your imagination explode! One story leads to another.

In my series Christland that is what happened to me. Sometimes I was already working on the next book while still working on the then current book. I’ve now written one complete series, am working on final book of The World That Was and have started working on a new series. I thrive on this!

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Control

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Today I am looking at Control.

I recently blogged on Being an Indie and the tip was ‘Being Indie gives you control’. Today I will look at Control.

What Do I Mean by Control?

When I started writing I made certain decisions. My first novel was based on the Bible. Although my book was fiction, it was important that it was based on reliable history. I therefore wanted it based on the King James Bible since that has stood the test of time and is considered by knowledgeable Bible experts to be the only Bible for English speaking people. Yes, there are other versions, but these have serious historical, reliability, and accuracy issues.

Control in this case meant I wanted the ability to insist on the Bible I quoted from.

It also means that I would be able to design the book interior as I wanted. But I quickly found out that the publisher had greater control that I did. Same thing for book covers. These are important elements affect an author’s success and the publishers had control over that.

I Thought Self-Publishing Meant You Have Control

Me too. But you don’t. They have the final say. You can’t change your mind and go with someone else, because you paid $400 – $800 or more for the package and you paid it upfront. But as an Indie you can go with KDP or someone similar and pay only for the things you want. If you use their tools you might not spend any money!

Tip of the Day: The more control you have, the better; and you save money.

You can get our free Guide to Writing by contacting us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Plus we will send you our Free Brochure which tells you about our services.

Let’s do it!

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.