R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 33

Ron’s Tip of the Day Writing a Series Pt 2

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Writing a Series Pt 2.

This is the second part of a two-part series. In Part 1 we looked at the advantages of writing a series. Today we look at the How.

Tips

Here is a breakdown of the 5 advantages turned into tips.

I, the writer, can connect my thoughts from one book to anotherPlant the seeds for the next book in the current bookSuccessfully close current story or plotThere is continuity for the readerLeave threads unresolved at end of current bookIn next book have thoughts, events, etc. ‘look back’ to previous bookResearch is still there, but not nearly as muchResearch is always an optionResearch enables you, the writer, to explore and expand story and seriesUse Internet, books, movies/videos, and more to develop ideasAuthor has already laid out the location, time period, and customsWhen writing new book use previous book as a resourceAdd new vital information that can be used and expanded in later booksIt makes writing easierIt helps you stay focused on characters and storylineIt can speed up your writingIt gives you a consistent platform

Generally speaking that is all you need to know. Begin here and allow yourself to grow.

Tip of the Day: Seriously consider turning your book into a series.

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 Writing a Series Pt 1

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Writing a Series Pt 1.

Should I Write a Series?

New writers are often advised to write a series. The argument is you have a better marketing opportunity. If a reader likes one, he/she will  likely buy the others. Is it true?

Yes. But there are other issues to be dealt with. Does the writer’s book have series potential? I know of people who want to write a story about theirs or someone else’s life and that’s all. A good writer could turn that book into a series, but first does that person really want to put out the effort. Only the writer can answer that.

Aside from marketing what advantages are there?

To answer that let me point to my books. Of all my books I’ve written, only one has not been turned into a series and that was Dead Eye Will. Why didn’t I make it into a series? Primarily I wasn’t interested. But I have considered rewriting the story and then turning it into a series, but at the moment I have other stories demanding attention.

But a series has advantages, such as:

I, the writer, can connect my thoughts from one book to anotherThere is continuity for the readerResearch is still there, but not nearly as muchAuthor has already laid out the location, time period, and customsIt makes writing easier

In Part 2 we will explore this further.

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 Multiple Genre

I published my first book in 2003. It was historical fiction based on the worldwide flood that took place in Noah’s day. While that book is no longer in print parts of the story made its way into Perished: The World That Was. That event started my writing career and I still write Historical Fiction. But over time I’ve also started writing Speculative Fiction and now I’m into a third genre, Mystery.

Isn’t it Hard to Write in Multiple Genres?

I guess I’m a glutton for punishment. The answer is yes, it is. Each genre has its own uniqueness, which is not necessarily secret. The differences are out there, and you can embrace them or not.

Can One Book be more than one Genre?

Yes, the genres can be mixed. For example, I am writing my first mystery and it is definitely a mystery, but it is also futuristic. It involves spaceships and other space elements. But it remains a mystery. You can mix genres together, but in my experience, you should probably emphasize one genre over the others.

How do you Mix Genre’s and Emphasize one at the Same Time?

By mixing I’m talking about having more than one genre in your story. But emphasizing is different. The entire story is a mystery. But the story occurs in the future, there are spaceships, and the mystery involves crimes committed in space.

The Tip of the Day is to consider multiple genres.

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 Mystery Genre

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Mystery Genre.

One of my jobs at TR Independent Books is to be the Editor for TR Writing Services. I recently edited my wife’s (Tess) debut novel Haney Place Secrets, a mystery. In reading the story my enjoyment of mysteries came to the fore and I decided to write a mystery.

But when I got into writing a mystery, I discovered it was different than other genres. Today I am writing about two differences.

The first one is PACE. In the other genre’s pace quite often is demonstrated in some of these areas: Time, chapter length, and grammar usage. Mysteries are no different. The difference lies in the details, for example:

Time seems to cover only days and in some cases hours in mysteries whereas historical and speculative often cover longer time periods.In mysteries the chapters seem to engulf fewer pages within a chapter.Grammar can be used as well. To speed the chapter up you can shorten paragraphs, substitute actionable words for less vibrant words. Rewording sentences can increase the pace.

A second difference is leaving clues. Your goal is to provide the reader real clues to help identify the culprit,  motive or method of the crime. You also want to leave a false trail that covers up the real clues. If they discover the truth early on, they may put the book down and not return. It’s a balancing act.

Tip of the Day: Consider writing mysteries.

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 Write About Events

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Write About Events.

I write primarily either historical events and people or future events and people. But a case can be made for writing about current events. There are a lot of possibilities; here’s a few:

Coronavirus survival stories

A lot more people have survived this virus than have died. You could write factual or fictional stories about someone surviving.

Fastest government response ever

I’ve lived for almost 77 years. I’ve never seen such a fast response from Republican or Democratic administrations! This is fodder for stories about doctors, nurses, etc. risking their lives to stem the spread and save lives.

Impeachment fiasco

Although the trial is over, Democrats are still threatening impeachment. How about a novel based on the Steele Dossier? Or about a conspiracy to bring down the President? Plenty of information out there; some fact and some fiction.

Modern Terrorism

Seems like terrorism is taking place somewhere every day.

SpaceX and the future

I’ve actually included this is my new mystery novel. Not only can you write about SpaceX, but the new Space Force forming.

Election fraud

Since the government will probably never tell, why not write a novel about Hillary Clinton’s eMail server, Hillary’s use of classified information, Russian collusion (false or true, Trump or Clinton), or current manipulations.

Tip of the Day: There’s a lot happening in today’s world. Just look.

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 Coronavirus vs. Writing

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Coronavirus vs. Writing.

How has the Coronavirus altered your life? Did you change your writing habits? Did you stop writing? Let’s take a look at our response.

Did You Change Travel Plans?

We took a mini vacation this past weekend but curtailed our traveling after Tuesday. Our travels now consist of stores and doctor’s offices.

Did You Change Where You Write?

I get a lot of my ideas for writing sitting in a restaurant or fast-food place or sometimes in my wife’s doctor’s Waiting Room. Today was a Waiting Room. But most of the time it has been a fast food place like McDonald’s. But they’ve closed Dine-in, so that is out.

Part of writing is research, so no I do that at home instead of the Library. But I still research and I still write.

Did You Stop Writing?

No. I adjusted. And that is my advice to you. Adjust, don’t stop.

What Are Your Future Plans?

Going forward we will be staying informed and calm. With the media in panic mode and emphasizing worst case scenarios, it is hard to remain calm. But as the President said, this too shall pass.

So, going forward my Tip of the Day is Keep calm, Keep informed (use government site not TV), and Keep Writing.

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.

Blog 255 Ron’s Tip of the Day A Sound Mind

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at A Sound Mind.

What is a Sound Mind?

This is a healthy, sane mind. Not a mind given to unreasonable thinking. In the case of the coronavirus pandemic, it means not to be caught up in all the hysteria.

What Hysteria?

You have several choices there.

The media which blames outright or infers Trump is at faultClaiming ‘facts’ they falsify and mislead.When quoting real facts they are buriedIndividuals who write uninformed, intentional or not, letters to the editor attacking Trump’s handlingEntirely missing Trump’s early action in January/February (mocked by liberals)Fastest response of any administration in my lifetimeRecord time in getting to Phase 1Consistently tried to calm people while also cautioning themPoliticiansBiden and Sanders scorned President Trump for ban on China travel in Jan/FebNow accuse him of not acting soon enough (despite evidence to contrary)PanickingWhile fastest spread of virus in recent times, not the deadliestThe Flu is far more dangerousCommonsense should prevail (wash hands, avoid crowds, keep informed, etc.)

Be Responsible

Each one of us should take proactive responsibility for our health. That may mean not going to an activity even though you don’t feel sick. In our case, my wife recently finished chemo treatment and I have an underlying heart condition. Probably wise to stay away from large crowds.

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 A Timely Break

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at A Timely Break.

I Can’t Take Time Off

A truer statement would be you can’t afford not to take time off. Our bodies are marvelous creations. They can do wondrous things. But they weren’t created to go without benefit of rest. Even Jesus when He was here on Earth needed rest. He was 100% human, as well as 100% Divine, and therefore endured human frailties. If He needed rest and food, so do you.

Tess (Teresa) and I have taken what we call a mini vacation. Don’t ask where we went because at the time of writing this I didn’t really know. Not because I don’t listen to her, but as Chief Administrative Officer of Vacations she has the right to change her mind and exercises that right. The only thing I know for sure is we are in the State of Florida.

Why Not Take a Real Vacation?

We do. A mini vacation is only for two or three days, but we have been known to take a full vacation. A mini vacation has the advantage of costing less in both money and time. Yet it provides the opportunity for us to get away and enjoy the sights together!

Does it Really Benefit You?

Yes! Husbands and wives need the time to reconnect and strengthen their marriage. Authors need to take the time so their brains can rest and be recharged. It’s win-win! That’s a principle to remember.

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 Overcoming Obstacles

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Overcoming Obstacles.

Last week I wrote about the Unexpected with the tip being ‘Don’t let the unexpected upset your day’. I am revisiting that principle.

As you may remember my wife has had cancer. She’s had it twice and beat it both times! The radiation, chemotherapy, and, yes, surgery was rough on her. But we got through it because we turned to God and dumped it in His lap. He, by the way, was only too happy to take  it over.

Strengthened by her faith in Him and still having the dream to write, she continued on. It wasn’t easy. There were times when things felt and looked bad, but she persevered!

And now she has defeated cancer a second time, published her first book, and is eagerly working on her next book. Prayers were answered, plus her dream became a reality! Praise God!

Will she get cancer again?

According to her doctor, yes. But it could be 3 months, six months, a year, or more before it strikes. And that gives her time to get healthier and stronger to celebrate life and serve God.

If she can do that, why not you? If you know God, you have a Resource greater than anything else! If you don’t know Him, then I invite you to go to I Believe.

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 Coronavirus

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Coronavirus.

Should we panic over Coronavirus?

According to experts, no. People in the media pushed the panic mode, but here in the United States we have relatively few cases when compared to other countries. The travel bans regarding China (Feb. 3, 2020) have slowed the spread into the United States. In fact there is evidence that the 2017 travel bans on China also slowed it down.

WHO has called it a pandemic. But it appears that the primary reason is the speed at which it spread. According to WHO only 3.4% of people with Coronavirus have died. That is extremely low compared to other diseases.

Is There a Cure?

Not yet. However, China and Italy have lockdowned and this is having an impact. Also, South Korea has taken a stance (economic, free stuff). Whether any of this is doable in America is yet to be seen.

Will there be a Cure?

Probably. And with the government’s ability to speed things up it could happen a lot sooner than suggested. Why? Because they can lift testing requirements or speed up trials. I’m certainly not an expert, but when government and industry work together, as they seem to be doing, things can happen fast.

What Should I Do?

Practice common sense. The government has already published guidelines for business, schools, home, and elderly care. These measures will help. And remember China, South Korea, and Italy are not as proactive as Americans regarding health. Neither is Europe.

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.