R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 30

Ron’s Tip of the Day Scheduling

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

Scheduling seems like a “Duh” item. But I believe all of us need a refresher once in a while. This is another thing taken from our Guide to Writing that is given to prospective clients.

Why is it Important?

First of all, it is important. God through His Word has told us to Redeem the time. Now that is talking primarily about salvation. But redeeming the time is making good use of your time. We often wait on making decisions or action upon decisions until it is almost too late or is too late.

Secondly, scheduling is more than setting a time for a particular task. It is making priorities!

When you think of it as making priorities you should be focusing on the most important tasks and goals.

What is a Good Scheduling Task?

In my opinion, it is the old fashioned “to do” list. It has changed over the years, but it still is simple. To be a successful tool, it needs to be practiced daily and kept simple.

Tip of the Day: Make and keep a daily ‘To Do’ List.

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 Mentors

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

What is a Mentor?

A Mentor is a man or woman, usually a businessperson, who guides and makes suggestions to improve your business.

Do You Use a Mentor?

Yes, I do. When I started out marketing my books I started locally. I had initial success. But then we moved to Florida to take over the care of my mother-in-law. That quickly became a 24/7 job and impacted my business.

How Did it Help Impact Your Business?

It forced me to rely almost entirely on the internet. That meant no more Local Marketing, as that involves travel, meeting with bookstore owners or managers. Recently I have returned to Local Marketing as the primary model.

Has the Mentor Helped?

Yes. My Mentor is part of SCORE, an organization of volunteers. Let me say this, no matter your success or lack of success, you should consider SCORE. It is always good to have an extra pair of eyes on your business.

Tip of the Day: Take a look at SCORE.

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 Marketing in Chief

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Today I am looking at Marketing in chief.

There is a world of information out there on book marketing. The advice ranges from email marketing to Social Marketing and beyond. And sometimes the advice seems to be contrary.

What Should I Do?

The first thing to do is remember that you are Marketing in Chief. In our book Guide to Writing we make this tip: As Marketer-in-Chief you are responsible for overseeing every aspect of marketing whether you do it or hire someone.

We also state: “Most authors don’t want to do marketing, but if you want to succeed then you will find a way.”

In other words, you can’t blame someone else for the failure of your marketing. You either hire someone or do it yourself, but either way you are responsible.

What Does That Mean?

Basically, it means that you are responsible for all aspects of marketing. It is your job to find out the information needed and then act on it. If you are new to the business, I would say you start with Local Marketing (news media, bookstores, etc.) and slowly expand to a wider audience. There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Do your diligence.

Remember, that while TR Writing Services is not a marketer, we can help you with preparation and publishing to set up your marketing plan.

Tip of the Day: You are the Marketer-in-Chief; take responsibility!

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 It’s Your Business

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Today I am looking at It’s Your Business.

Did you know you are a Businessperson the moment you began writing?

Technically you’re not a businessman or businesswoman until you’ve published your book. But truth be told, you should start thinking like a businessperson the moment you conceive your book.

Why?

Because you ARE definitely a businessperson at the very moment you publish. But waiting to think like a businessperson until published prevents you from getting a fast start on your business.

So, What do I Do?

I’ve put together a series of videos collectively called It’s Your Business. These videos are FREE and helpful. Beginning with the Introduction your handsome guide takes you on a journey. Well, not so handsome. But he will begin teaching you about why it is important and how to set your business up. Aside from being free, these videos can be viewed anytime you want right from our website.

Tip of the Day: Click on It’s Your Business and start learning.

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 New Normal

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

If you have been listening to the news media and all the ‘experts’ you have heard the expression a ‘new normal’. That ‘new normal’ is not a good thing. It implies that we will forever be living with less and enjoying life less.

You hear it repeatedly, but I refuse to accept that meaning. My ‘New Normal’ is basically a return to the ‘Old Normal’. Yes, it will take time to return to a semblance of normalcy. But we all need to remember that COVID 19, while it may stay with us, will come under control. We have seen throughout our history devastating diseases that now are controlled by proper medicines, etc. (Think of leprosy that was the terror of old; it still exists but is controlled, managed, and cured. Or think of Epilepsy that once devastated lives but now is better controlled. Or Polio.)

The recession we are in right now is not a result of failing economic institutions, it’s the result of the nation being shut down. The economic policies that brought America back from the Bush/Obama years and were enacted under Trump are still here.

We have every reason to be optimistic. Don’t let the continuous drumbeat of negativism get you down. Better days are coming. Ignore that drumbeat and focus on a return to the days of a booming economy and do your part.

Tip of the Day: Make your ‘New Normal’ as good or better than the ‘Old Normal’!

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 What to Write About

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Today I am looking at What to Write About.

Ever wonder what you should write about?

I have. And arriving at the answer is not as difficult as you might thing it is.

Genre?

What genres do you enjoy reading? In my case, I love to read books on history, such as seen in the Bible or national history. I love history past and history prewritten (i.e. Old Testament and Revelation). I love reading books about wars and warriors of our past, such as Rome, Israel, England, and America. I have enjoyed our revolutionary war, our civil war, and modern day wars in Iraq and the Middle East. Then there are the stories that take place in the future and concern the End Times.

But I also love Science Fiction plus Mystery. Guess what? These genres have recently become the genres I write in. And that is not an accident. Looking at what you enjoy reading is a good place to go when considering what to write. Yes, check the market. But first check your heart.

Tip of the Day: Enjoy the Do. Whatever you’re doing, enjoy it!

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 Enjoy

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

There is a television ad for toilet paper that caught my imagination. It’s for Charmin and involves three bears: Papa bear, mama bear, and their son. These cute commercials usually end with the motto ‘Enjoy the Go’. It got me to thinking. What if we changed that to a motto for our career and said, Enjoy the Do’ or something like that?

Enjoy the Do

This motto applies to every job out there. But I apply it to my own life. I have a few authors which I consider my favorites. I know I can depend on them to provide a great read. But let’s take this a step further.

Do you enjoy the books you write? When desiring a book to entertain yourself, does your attention turn toward the book(s) you’ve written?

Mine does. Not to do a rewrite (see my blog on Rewrites) but to entertain myself. In all modesty I love my books. And you should love your books. They are an expression of your skill of telling a story. So, relax, grab one of your books and enjoy it! Fall in love with it again, but as a reader rather than a writer.

Hopefully, when asked who your favorite author is you can add yourself to that list of names. I believe that loving your work will motivate you to continue writing and enable you to write better books. It’s a win/win.

Tip of the Day: Enjoy the Do. Whatever you’re doing, enjoy it!

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 Rewrites

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

What are Rewrites?

Rewrites is simply a term meaning taking a previously written book and rewriting it. Your writing skills grow with you. What skills you had when you wrote your first book should have grown considerably since then. Perhaps it is time to take that book and rewrite it.

What Does That Involve?

At least the following: Reread the book, mark the misspellings, the grammatical mistakes, and even such things as the paging. Then go back to the beginning and start rewriting the book chapter by chapter, page by page.

That Sounds Hard?”

It might be. But you will be looking at the book with fresh eyes. Your imagination will come into play causing you to redo scenes and maybe add new scenes. Or remove scenes altogether.

I learned the value of this from one of my favorite writers, Jerry Jenkins. I have learned since then that rewriting can recharge my imagination and make my newest version better than the original.

 I have been doing this for the past few weeks and the entire process has been energizing. It is equivalent to seeing your first book being written and published. I have now entered the final stages of the rewrite and when ready I will let you know about it.

Tip of the Day: Consider reworking your previous novels.

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 Calling

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

A while back, I wrote that my writing career is a calling from God. As a born-again believer since May 9, 1973 I have been aware of God’s love for me, His discipline of me, and His guidance are all expressions of His love. I also know He has a plan for me.

But most of all I am humbled by the fact that I am unworthy of such love. We are all unworthy, but God loves us and sent His Son to take our place in judgment upon a cross. But while He died so that we might be saved from eternal damnation, He also desires our very best!

It was by His grace that I was enabled to write, and it was through His grace I was ‘called’ to be a writer. What special ability or trait qualified me for such a calling? None!

If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior by asking Him to save you and enter your life, then you are born-again. And if born-again you belong to Him. If you are also a writer, then it is possible He wants to use your writing skills. Whether called to become a writer or you are already a writer, He has a plan for you!

My job, and your job, is to discover what that plan is. It may take you down roads never traveled or open vistas never seen. But submitting yourself to His will and guidance is the right place to start.

Tip of the Day : Seek God’s Will for Your Writing Career.

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 Renewal

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

How have you been spending Stay-at-home?

Teresa and I have continued with her rehab, we have sought to maintain a sense of normalcy, and we have been engaged in renewal.

What Does That Mean?

As a writer I interpret Renewal to mean: An effort to review and improve on my writings. This can be as simple as writing a new book, or a more complicated review of both our writings and the marketing of our books.

Previously I have noted my return to local marketing. I believe in a balanced approach featuring local marketing and a national marketing. But the main emphasis is local. This is the place I can have the most impact.

Nationally I can purchase plans that will market our books for us, but locally I have a more hands-on approach. For example, getting our books into the local bookstore market. Instead of hoping someone will see one of our books and suddenly become a viral spokesperson, I think it makes more sense to personally and actively push our books. This means doing the hard work of finding bookstores, developing a business plan, and enacting a marketing plan.

To do this, I need to be working toward these things now (I am) so that when bookstores reopen, I’ll be ready. Our careers deserve our best efforts, our best writing, and our best marketing.

Tip of the Day : What are You Doing?

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.