Edie Melson's Blog, page 384
March 5, 2015
Is a Writing Retreat Right for You?
by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
I just got home from my very first writing retreat.
It wasn’t well-planned or lengthy. It was a spur of the moment decision to take an extra night away from home to write.
With not even a full 24 hours to work with, I wondered if it would even be worth it.
It so was.
Maybe you’ve thought about getting away to write but you aren’t sure if it’s a wise use of time or resources. I get that.
Here’s why I think it worked for me.1. I’m not on a deadline. I’m working on a new novel and there’s no contract for it. It can be difficult to ignore the distractions and get my rear in the chair when there’s no one expecting this novel by a certain time. But knowing my husband and kids wanted me to have this time to get some writing done was extremely motivating. I didn’t want to squander the gift of time they had given me.
2. I didn’t go far. Who wants to waste precious writing time on travel? It took me less than an hour to get home. I was finishing up a chapter while sitting on a hotel bed at 1:50, and was walking into my kitchen at 3:00.
Don't overplan.3. I didn’t overplan. I overplan everything. (Except my novels…which makes no sense). If I’d had a week to prepare for this I probably would have color-coded my planner with writing time/eating time/sleeping time, etc. As it was, I was already headed out for a women’s retreat with my church when my husband made the suggestion that I stay an extra night. I packed my laptop and the power cable. I remembered to grab a notebook and a few pens. I forgot my blue tooth speaker, but I managed. Sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all.
4. I took breaks. This was the hardest part and the most crucial. My husband didn’t care if I came home with any new words or not. He just wanted me to come home refreshed. Even with his encouragement, I was already getting stressed about my word count when my dear friend Bethany Kaczmarek, an awesome writer and editor, gave me my motto for the weekend. “Giddy not Guilty.”
Whenever I started to feel like I wasn’t “doing” enough, I would remember my motto. I was giddy about the opportunity to get away. I would NOT feel guilty for recharging my batteries. I would write for a few hours, then take a break. I went out to dinner, I watched a movie, I slept late. I was able to get the word count AND the relaxation I needed.
Let people know why you're there.5. I told people why I was there. I have a book coming out in June and I still get tongue-tied when I start talking about my writing. But when the owner of the hotel asked me what my plans were for my extra night I said, “I’m a writer. I’m going to be working on my next book.” I couldn’t believe I said it. It was kind of a break through moment for me! The unexpected upside came the next morning, when the owner told me he didn’t need my room right away and for me to feel free to stay three hours past check out.
6. I prayed and asked others to pray. I try not to announce things like “I’m going to be out of town alone” on social media, but I did share my plans with a few friends and asked them to pray. Our very own Edie Melson reminded me that God’s plan might not be what I expected, so I asked God to give me whatever I needed for the time. Whether it was word count or new ideas or sleep. I told Him the truth. I wanted word count! Fresh ideas were a close second! But I wanted His will for my time even more.
When it was all said and done, my 22-hour writing retreat ended with a fresh 4,000 words saved in Scrivener. I also came home in a great mood and excited about where the story is headed.
So what about you? Have you ever run away to write? What worked (or didn’t work) for you?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
TWEETABLESHowI made my 1-day #writing retreat work – via author @LynnHBlackburn on@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
A #writing retreat can be a huge gift, but doesn’thave to be a huge expense or ordeal - @LynnHBlackburn (Click toTweet)
Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com.
I just got home from my very first writing retreat.
It wasn’t well-planned or lengthy. It was a spur of the moment decision to take an extra night away from home to write. With not even a full 24 hours to work with, I wondered if it would even be worth it.
It so was.
Maybe you’ve thought about getting away to write but you aren’t sure if it’s a wise use of time or resources. I get that.
Here’s why I think it worked for me.1. I’m not on a deadline. I’m working on a new novel and there’s no contract for it. It can be difficult to ignore the distractions and get my rear in the chair when there’s no one expecting this novel by a certain time. But knowing my husband and kids wanted me to have this time to get some writing done was extremely motivating. I didn’t want to squander the gift of time they had given me.
2. I didn’t go far. Who wants to waste precious writing time on travel? It took me less than an hour to get home. I was finishing up a chapter while sitting on a hotel bed at 1:50, and was walking into my kitchen at 3:00.
Don't overplan.3. I didn’t overplan. I overplan everything. (Except my novels…which makes no sense). If I’d had a week to prepare for this I probably would have color-coded my planner with writing time/eating time/sleeping time, etc. As it was, I was already headed out for a women’s retreat with my church when my husband made the suggestion that I stay an extra night. I packed my laptop and the power cable. I remembered to grab a notebook and a few pens. I forgot my blue tooth speaker, but I managed. Sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all. 4. I took breaks. This was the hardest part and the most crucial. My husband didn’t care if I came home with any new words or not. He just wanted me to come home refreshed. Even with his encouragement, I was already getting stressed about my word count when my dear friend Bethany Kaczmarek, an awesome writer and editor, gave me my motto for the weekend. “Giddy not Guilty.”
Whenever I started to feel like I wasn’t “doing” enough, I would remember my motto. I was giddy about the opportunity to get away. I would NOT feel guilty for recharging my batteries. I would write for a few hours, then take a break. I went out to dinner, I watched a movie, I slept late. I was able to get the word count AND the relaxation I needed.
Let people know why you're there.5. I told people why I was there. I have a book coming out in June and I still get tongue-tied when I start talking about my writing. But when the owner of the hotel asked me what my plans were for my extra night I said, “I’m a writer. I’m going to be working on my next book.” I couldn’t believe I said it. It was kind of a break through moment for me! The unexpected upside came the next morning, when the owner told me he didn’t need my room right away and for me to feel free to stay three hours past check out. 6. I prayed and asked others to pray. I try not to announce things like “I’m going to be out of town alone” on social media, but I did share my plans with a few friends and asked them to pray. Our very own Edie Melson reminded me that God’s plan might not be what I expected, so I asked God to give me whatever I needed for the time. Whether it was word count or new ideas or sleep. I told Him the truth. I wanted word count! Fresh ideas were a close second! But I wanted His will for my time even more.
When it was all said and done, my 22-hour writing retreat ended with a fresh 4,000 words saved in Scrivener. I also came home in a great mood and excited about where the story is headed.
So what about you? Have you ever run away to write? What worked (or didn’t work) for you?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
TWEETABLESHowI made my 1-day #writing retreat work – via author @LynnHBlackburn on@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
A #writing retreat can be a huge gift, but doesn’thave to be a huge expense or ordeal - @LynnHBlackburn (Click toTweet)
Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com.
March 4, 2015
Writing Motive
Hi Everyone, Lynette here to say Happy Wednesday once again. And it’s March, too. HOW did that happen? Is time passing as fast for you as it is for me? Goodness, Christmas will be here before we know it. LOL.
Well, I have a real treat for you today. Since I’ve been working like crazy, I asked a friend if she’d like to step in and offer some excellent writing advice. Advice that I’ve taken note of and plan to incorporate into my own writing. Read on, friends, I think you’ll like what Kristen has to say. So let me introduce her.
Kristin Billerbeck is a CBA bestselling novelist of over 40 books, Her work has been featured in The New York Times, World Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and on "The Today Show." Her love of romance and wit began with an awkward childhood crush on Mr. Darcy, which continues to this day. She makes her home in Silicon Valley.
Writing Motiveby Kristin Billerbeck @KristinBeck
I’ve heard it said that Tolstoy wanted to write a novel about a bad wife and ended up falling in love with her. That novel became Anna Karenina. Originally, the doomed heroine was meant to be a villain to the author and make us crave a moral society. Readers were meant to see her poor husband as a victim to her extramarital affair and innocent in the unraveling of their lives. But a strange thing happened as Tolstoy wrote Anna…she burst into life and became real to him. Then, it wasn’t quite so simple as making husband Karenin all good. No more than it was simple to make Anna all bad. After all, she needed a reason for her sins. Once Tolstoy found them, his novel and his characters became unforgettable.
There’s a huge lesson here for authors. When readers understand why characters act in a certain way, they identify with them, even if they’d never take the same steps — and find these actions repulsive. Tolstoy shows us Anna’s empty life. Her loneliness, her unspeakable desire for the mysterious and magnetic Vronsky. We watch her fall under Vronsky’s spell until we see she is powerless to fight the passion in favor of rational thought.
Once readers understand why her background would lead a seemingly good woman; a proper and elegant wife into an immoral relationship though it threatens her very existence, we understand. We empathize and must follow her to find out what happens.
Dostoevsky offers us this same type of motive, by taking readers into the mind of murderer Raskolnikov in “Crime and Punishment.” He has been poor his whole life. The old, wealthy pawnbroker doesn’t have long to live. Of what value is her life when that money could do so much for Raskolnikov? He reasons that he can make up for the sin of her murder with good deeds later. He can’t, of course, and we understand this as readers, but we also find ourselves empathizing with his poverty and how it stands in the way of his dreams.
When we understand why someone makes awful, life altering decisions, we have a a book we cannot put down. In essence, we care. Motive takes characters from stick figures and deepens them into fully-formed human beings. Think about the people you know. No one is fully bad or fully good They have flaws, quirks and drives that while we may not understand, we can appreciate.
If you’re having trouble finding the motive in one of your characters, ask why they would act the way they did. Anna Karenina fell under the spell of a magical, mysterious stranger and didn’t want to let such passionate feelings go. Neither Anna nor Raskolnikov are correct in their thinking, but as readers, we know why they did it and so we keep reading.
Luckily, we are not Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Most likely, we don’t have to make a reader understand the mind of an adulteress or a murderer. Maybe we only need to explain why someone loves her fiancé’s brother instead of her fiancé. Or we need to explain why an 8-year old boy, dressed in his Sunday best, must jump into a swampy lake. The answer is in motive and it’s one of the biggest gifts you can give your readers. Don’t make them ask why the boy jumped. Make them see he had no other choice but to jump.
If you’re having trouble thinking of why someone would act a certain way, think about someone you love. Everyone has something that defines their personality for the most part. Maybe your child is so organized that their homework is always done without asking. That child’s room is spotless. They are your responsible child. What if you came home one day and found their room a mess and their teacher called and said they hadn’t been in class that day? You’d start asking questions immediately.
Why not do that with your characters? Find their motive for every action in a scene. When a character’s motives make sense to you, it will build a bond of trust with your readers.
Lynette here: I love this!! Sometimes when I’m writing and I can’t figure out how my characters would respond to a certain situation, I realize it’s because I don’t know that particular character well enough. I don’t know the motivation or the goals. Now understand, I have my own style of getting to know my characters – I use a character sketch. I have an excel document where I list all of my characters across the top of the page then down below, put pertinent information about those characters. When I learn something new about a character, I add that to the description. And when I add a new character in the story, I simply add that character to the chart. It’s a great way to keep up with characters and keep their physical traits straight because I’m notorious for saying a character has green eyes then by the end of the book, they’re blue. Just ask my editors…no don’t.
Ahem…moving on…
What is it you like about the characters you read about? What is one of the most memorable characters in a book you’ve read, one that won’t leave you alone?
Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Thank you SO MUCH, Kristen, for popping in and joining us today. I know others look forward to taking your advice and putting it to good use.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kristen and perhaps reading some of her books (which I highly recommend!) you can find her at www.KristinBillerbeck.com, Twitter:KristinBeck or read more on her Blog: www.GirlyGirl@Typepad.com. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on characterization. Have a fabulous Wednesday.
TWEETABLES
Finding a character's motive can move your book from good to great - by @Kristenbeck via @LynetteEason (Click to Tweet)
#Writing Motive, great tips from bestselling author Kristen Billerbeck, @KristenBeck via @LynetteEason (Click to Tweet)
Well, I have a real treat for you today. Since I’ve been working like crazy, I asked a friend if she’d like to step in and offer some excellent writing advice. Advice that I’ve taken note of and plan to incorporate into my own writing. Read on, friends, I think you’ll like what Kristen has to say. So let me introduce her.Kristin Billerbeck is a CBA bestselling novelist of over 40 books, Her work has been featured in The New York Times, World Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and on "The Today Show." Her love of romance and wit began with an awkward childhood crush on Mr. Darcy, which continues to this day. She makes her home in Silicon Valley.
Writing Motiveby Kristin Billerbeck @KristinBeck
I’ve heard it said that Tolstoy wanted to write a novel about a bad wife and ended up falling in love with her. That novel became Anna Karenina. Originally, the doomed heroine was meant to be a villain to the author and make us crave a moral society. Readers were meant to see her poor husband as a victim to her extramarital affair and innocent in the unraveling of their lives. But a strange thing happened as Tolstoy wrote Anna…she burst into life and became real to him. Then, it wasn’t quite so simple as making husband Karenin all good. No more than it was simple to make Anna all bad. After all, she needed a reason for her sins. Once Tolstoy found them, his novel and his characters became unforgettable.There’s a huge lesson here for authors. When readers understand why characters act in a certain way, they identify with them, even if they’d never take the same steps — and find these actions repulsive. Tolstoy shows us Anna’s empty life. Her loneliness, her unspeakable desire for the mysterious and magnetic Vronsky. We watch her fall under Vronsky’s spell until we see she is powerless to fight the passion in favor of rational thought.
Once readers understand why her background would lead a seemingly good woman; a proper and elegant wife into an immoral relationship though it threatens her very existence, we understand. We empathize and must follow her to find out what happens.
Dostoevsky offers us this same type of motive, by taking readers into the mind of murderer Raskolnikov in “Crime and Punishment.” He has been poor his whole life. The old, wealthy pawnbroker doesn’t have long to live. Of what value is her life when that money could do so much for Raskolnikov? He reasons that he can make up for the sin of her murder with good deeds later. He can’t, of course, and we understand this as readers, but we also find ourselves empathizing with his poverty and how it stands in the way of his dreams.
When we understand why someone makes awful, life altering decisions, we have a a book we cannot put down. In essence, we care. Motive takes characters from stick figures and deepens them into fully-formed human beings. Think about the people you know. No one is fully bad or fully good They have flaws, quirks and drives that while we may not understand, we can appreciate. If you’re having trouble finding the motive in one of your characters, ask why they would act the way they did. Anna Karenina fell under the spell of a magical, mysterious stranger and didn’t want to let such passionate feelings go. Neither Anna nor Raskolnikov are correct in their thinking, but as readers, we know why they did it and so we keep reading.
Luckily, we are not Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Most likely, we don’t have to make a reader understand the mind of an adulteress or a murderer. Maybe we only need to explain why someone loves her fiancé’s brother instead of her fiancé. Or we need to explain why an 8-year old boy, dressed in his Sunday best, must jump into a swampy lake. The answer is in motive and it’s one of the biggest gifts you can give your readers. Don’t make them ask why the boy jumped. Make them see he had no other choice but to jump.If you’re having trouble thinking of why someone would act a certain way, think about someone you love. Everyone has something that defines their personality for the most part. Maybe your child is so organized that their homework is always done without asking. That child’s room is spotless. They are your responsible child. What if you came home one day and found their room a mess and their teacher called and said they hadn’t been in class that day? You’d start asking questions immediately.
Why not do that with your characters? Find their motive for every action in a scene. When a character’s motives make sense to you, it will build a bond of trust with your readers.
Lynette here: I love this!! Sometimes when I’m writing and I can’t figure out how my characters would respond to a certain situation, I realize it’s because I don’t know that particular character well enough. I don’t know the motivation or the goals. Now understand, I have my own style of getting to know my characters – I use a character sketch. I have an excel document where I list all of my characters across the top of the page then down below, put pertinent information about those characters. When I learn something new about a character, I add that to the description. And when I add a new character in the story, I simply add that character to the chart. It’s a great way to keep up with characters and keep their physical traits straight because I’m notorious for saying a character has green eyes then by the end of the book, they’re blue. Just ask my editors…no don’t.
Ahem…moving on…
What is it you like about the characters you read about? What is one of the most memorable characters in a book you’ve read, one that won’t leave you alone?
Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!Thank you SO MUCH, Kristen, for popping in and joining us today. I know others look forward to taking your advice and putting it to good use.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kristen and perhaps reading some of her books (which I highly recommend!) you can find her at www.KristinBillerbeck.com, Twitter:KristinBeck or read more on her Blog: www.GirlyGirl@Typepad.com. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on characterization. Have a fabulous Wednesday.
TWEETABLES
Finding a character's motive can move your book from good to great - by @Kristenbeck via @LynetteEason (Click to Tweet)
#Writing Motive, great tips from bestselling author Kristen Billerbeck, @KristenBeck via @LynetteEason (Click to Tweet)
March 3, 2015
Writing Quotes to Inspire
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes about writing. They're arranged on memes and you're welcome to share each and every one.
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever
becomes a master." Ernest Hemingway"There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and whole
other world begins to whisper." James Carroll
"It's up to the author to intertwine the craft with the creative, and find the balance
that touches the soul of the reader." Edie Melson
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in the retrospect." Anais Nin
"If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood." Peter Handke
"Ever secret of a writer's should, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind,
is written large in his works." Virginia Woolf
"Be silent or let thy words be worth more than silence." Pythagoras
"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." Ernest Hemingway
"Words and feathers are easily scattered, but not easily gathered up." Anon.
"A writer is an artist who uses a palette of black and white to paint the world in color." Edie Melson
"The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to
grow sharper." W.B. Yeats
I'd love to know what your favorite writing quotes are. Be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Favorite #writing quotes to inspire - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
What are your favorite #writing quotes? @EdieMelson shares some of hers here. (Click to Tweet)
Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes about writing. They're arranged on memes and you're welcome to share each and every one.
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." Ernest Hemingway"There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and whole
other world begins to whisper." James Carroll
"It's up to the author to intertwine the craft with the creative, and find the balancethat touches the soul of the reader." Edie Melson
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in the retrospect." Anais Nin
"If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood." Peter Handke
"Ever secret of a writer's should, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind,is written large in his works." Virginia Woolf
"Be silent or let thy words be worth more than silence." Pythagoras
"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." Ernest Hemingway
"Words and feathers are easily scattered, but not easily gathered up." Anon.
"A writer is an artist who uses a palette of black and white to paint the world in color." Edie Melson
"The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses togrow sharper." W.B. Yeats
I'd love to know what your favorite writing quotes are. Be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Favorite #writing quotes to inspire - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
What are your favorite #writing quotes? @EdieMelson shares some of hers here. (Click to Tweet)
March 2, 2015
Calendar Days—March's Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions—Idea Starters for Writers
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Last month I did a post listing all the crazy special days in the month of February.
Many of you contacted me and requested I bring it back as a regular part of this blog. I thought it would be a fun addition, so I'm adding it back into the regular schedule.
Using the calendar for blog post or even article ideas is a great way to jumpstart your creativity. It's also a fun writing prompt idea.
March 5th is designated as Multiple Personality Day AND Unique Names Day (just think about it for minute).March 8th is Proofreading day—every writer should celebrate that!March 20th is International Earth Day and also Extraterrestrial Abductions Day.The Month of March is designated as:
National Cheerleading Safety MonthIrish American MonthMusic in Our Schools MonthNational Craft MonthNational Frozen Food MonthNational Irish American Heritage Month- designated by Congress in 1995.National Nutrition MonthNational Peanut MonthNational Women's History MonthRed Cross MonthSocial Workers Month The 2nd week of March is:
National Bubble WeekCrochet WeekDAILY DESIGNATIONS:
March first is National Pig Day.1. Employee Appreciation Day first Friday in March1. National Pig Day1. National Salesperson Day - first Friday in the month1. Peanut Butter Lovers' Day
2. Old Stuff Day2. Dr. Seuss Day (It’s his birthday)
3. I Want You to be Happy Day3. If Pets Had Thumbs Day3. National Anthem Day3. Peach Blossom Day3. Namesake Day
4. Holy Experiment Day4. Hug a GI Day4. Fun Facts about Names Day4. Purim begins
5. Multiple Personality Day5. Unique Names Day
March 6 is Dentist's Day6. Dentist's Day6. National Frozen Food Day
7. National Crown Roast of Pork Day7. National Cereal Day
8. Be Nasty Day8. International (Working) Women's Day8. Proofreading Day
9. National Agriculture Day9. Panic Day9. Barbie Day
10. Middle Name Pride Day10. Day of Awesomeness
11. Johnny Appleseed Day11. Plumbing Day11. Worship of Tools Day
12. Girl Scouts Day12. Plant a Flower Day12. Organize Your Office Day
13. Ear Muff Day13. Jewel Day13. No Smoking Day
March 14th is Learn about Butterflies Day.14. Learn about Butterflies Day14. National Potato Chip Day14. National Pi Day (Because today is 3.14, the value of Pi.)14. Popcorn Lover's Day second Thursday
15. Everything You Think is Wrong Day15. Ides of March15. Incredible Kid Day15. Dumbstruck Day15. True Confessions Day
16. Everything You Do is Right Day16. Freedom of Information Day16. National Quilting Day16. Lips Appreciation Day
17. Submarine Day17. Saint Patrick's Day
18. Supreme Sacrifice Day18. Biodiesel Day18. National Awkward Moments Day
19. Poultry Day19. Chocolate Caramel Day
March 20th is International Earth Day.20. International Earth Day20. Extraterrestrial Abductions Day20. Proposal Day20. Corn Dog Day20. Spring (Vernal) Equinox
21. Fragrance Day21. Common Courtesy Day
22. National Goof Off Day22. As Young As You Feel Day
23. National Chip and Dip Day23. Near Miss Day23. Purim (begins at sundown)
24. National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
25. Pecan Day25. Waffle Day
26. Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
27. National "Joe" Day27. Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day
28. Something on a Stick Day28. Week Appreciation Day
29. Palm Sunday (varies from year to year)29. National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day29. Smoke and Mirrors Day29. Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day
30. National Doctor's Day30. I am in Control Day30. Take a Walk in the Park Day
31. Bunsen Burner Day31. Easter Sunday (varies from year to year)
31. National Clam on the Half Shell Day
Now it's your turn, which holidays intrigue you, get your idea motor revving, and/or tickle your funny bone? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Looking for #blogging & article ideas? Look no further than the calendar - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
March's crazy holidays & special occasions - idea starters for #blogging & articles - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Last month I did a post listing all the crazy special days in the month of February.
Many of you contacted me and requested I bring it back as a regular part of this blog. I thought it would be a fun addition, so I'm adding it back into the regular schedule.
Using the calendar for blog post or even article ideas is a great way to jumpstart your creativity. It's also a fun writing prompt idea. March 5th is designated as Multiple Personality Day AND Unique Names Day (just think about it for minute).March 8th is Proofreading day—every writer should celebrate that!March 20th is International Earth Day and also Extraterrestrial Abductions Day.The Month of March is designated as:
National Cheerleading Safety MonthIrish American MonthMusic in Our Schools MonthNational Craft MonthNational Frozen Food MonthNational Irish American Heritage Month- designated by Congress in 1995.National Nutrition MonthNational Peanut MonthNational Women's History MonthRed Cross MonthSocial Workers Month The 2nd week of March is:
National Bubble WeekCrochet WeekDAILY DESIGNATIONS:
March first is National Pig Day.1. Employee Appreciation Day first Friday in March1. National Pig Day1. National Salesperson Day - first Friday in the month1. Peanut Butter Lovers' Day2. Old Stuff Day2. Dr. Seuss Day (It’s his birthday)
3. I Want You to be Happy Day3. If Pets Had Thumbs Day3. National Anthem Day3. Peach Blossom Day3. Namesake Day
4. Holy Experiment Day4. Hug a GI Day4. Fun Facts about Names Day4. Purim begins
5. Multiple Personality Day5. Unique Names Day
March 6 is Dentist's Day6. Dentist's Day6. National Frozen Food Day7. National Crown Roast of Pork Day7. National Cereal Day
8. Be Nasty Day8. International (Working) Women's Day8. Proofreading Day
9. National Agriculture Day9. Panic Day9. Barbie Day
10. Middle Name Pride Day10. Day of Awesomeness
11. Johnny Appleseed Day11. Plumbing Day11. Worship of Tools Day
12. Girl Scouts Day12. Plant a Flower Day12. Organize Your Office Day
13. Ear Muff Day13. Jewel Day13. No Smoking Day
March 14th is Learn about Butterflies Day.14. Learn about Butterflies Day14. National Potato Chip Day14. National Pi Day (Because today is 3.14, the value of Pi.)14. Popcorn Lover's Day second Thursday15. Everything You Think is Wrong Day15. Ides of March15. Incredible Kid Day15. Dumbstruck Day15. True Confessions Day
16. Everything You Do is Right Day16. Freedom of Information Day16. National Quilting Day16. Lips Appreciation Day
17. Submarine Day17. Saint Patrick's Day
18. Supreme Sacrifice Day18. Biodiesel Day18. National Awkward Moments Day
19. Poultry Day19. Chocolate Caramel Day
March 20th is International Earth Day.20. International Earth Day20. Extraterrestrial Abductions Day20. Proposal Day20. Corn Dog Day20. Spring (Vernal) Equinox21. Fragrance Day21. Common Courtesy Day
22. National Goof Off Day22. As Young As You Feel Day
23. National Chip and Dip Day23. Near Miss Day23. Purim (begins at sundown)
24. National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
25. Pecan Day25. Waffle Day
26. Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
27. National "Joe" Day27. Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day
28. Something on a Stick Day28. Week Appreciation Day
29. Palm Sunday (varies from year to year)29. National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day29. Smoke and Mirrors Day29. Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day
30. National Doctor's Day30. I am in Control Day30. Take a Walk in the Park Day
31. Bunsen Burner Day31. Easter Sunday (varies from year to year)
31. National Clam on the Half Shell Day
Now it's your turn, which holidays intrigue you, get your idea motor revving, and/or tickle your funny bone? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Looking for #blogging & article ideas? Look no further than the calendar - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
March's crazy holidays & special occasions - idea starters for #blogging & articles - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
March 1, 2015
Weekend Worship—What's Gonna Be Your Wake-up Call?
by Brenda McGraw @BrendaMMcGraw
I walked into the doctor’s office not knowing what to expect. After all, I was only 24. The waiting seemed like it lasted forever, as I flipped through a magazine anticipating the nurse calling my name. I thought to myself, I probably don’t need to be here. It’s probably nothing.
When my name was called I met the nurse at the door and she showed me to my room. It was white, and seemed cold. But don’t most examining rooms? She asked me my name and why I was there to see the doctor.
I told her I had found a lump in my left breast. I said, “I am sure it’s nothing, but my mom wanted me to have it checked. You know how moms are, always worrying?” She took a few notes for the doctor and told me the nurse practitioner would be in shortly.
That day started the beginning of a year-long battle with breast cancer and reconstruction surgeries. Being so young, I really thought I would just be told “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” No one else in my family ever had cancer.
To hear the words “You have cancer” is devastating, and pretty scary, to say the least. Thus started the “wake-up call” and the call on my life to follow Christ. What’s a wake- up call? It is a defining moment in one’s life when he or she realizes something needs to change.
My defining moment was cancer.
For Peter, it was the rooster crowing when he realized what Jesus had said was true. He had turned his back on Jesus. This broke Peter and he went outside (alone) and wept bitterly.
For some it was the writing in the sand, the healing of a disease, or sight for the blind. Thomas had to touch the holes in the hands of our Savior. It took Nebuchadnezzar seven years in the wild with the animals. And do you remember the forty years the Israelites wandered through the wilderness?
However, for Judas it was too late.
Twenty-eight years ago God started waking me up to His plans and purpose for my life. I wish I could say I never strayed, but I can’t. After my cancer was removed, I put God back into my little God box. I pulled Him out again a few years later when I realized I was lost and He had not quit searching for me. God’s never been back in my box again. I prayed and asked Him to show me who Jesus is and that He would never let me stray again.
Have you heard the wake-up call? Can you pinpoint that defining moment in your life where you said, “Less of me and more of You, Lord?”
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)
Brenda McGraw is an author and speaker who reveals how to discover joy beyond the clutter of life. She draws from her own life experiences in the #1 Amazon Best seller, “Joy Beyond, 28 Days to Finding Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life”. She is the founder of Ask God Today Ministries where she has a team of writers sharing truth and hope with others.
Brenda currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, Jeff and three of their five children. She is a survivor of breast cancer and a heart attack.. Despite the challenges she has endured, Brenda found peace through her relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can connect with Brenda at:Website - http://www.askgodtoday.com Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-McGraw/e/B00GOIE7AG
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BrendaMMcGraw
I walked into the doctor’s office not knowing what to expect. After all, I was only 24. The waiting seemed like it lasted forever, as I flipped through a magazine anticipating the nurse calling my name. I thought to myself, I probably don’t need to be here. It’s probably nothing. When my name was called I met the nurse at the door and she showed me to my room. It was white, and seemed cold. But don’t most examining rooms? She asked me my name and why I was there to see the doctor.
I told her I had found a lump in my left breast. I said, “I am sure it’s nothing, but my mom wanted me to have it checked. You know how moms are, always worrying?” She took a few notes for the doctor and told me the nurse practitioner would be in shortly.
That day started the beginning of a year-long battle with breast cancer and reconstruction surgeries. Being so young, I really thought I would just be told “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” No one else in my family ever had cancer. To hear the words “You have cancer” is devastating, and pretty scary, to say the least. Thus started the “wake-up call” and the call on my life to follow Christ. What’s a wake- up call? It is a defining moment in one’s life when he or she realizes something needs to change.
My defining moment was cancer.
For Peter, it was the rooster crowing when he realized what Jesus had said was true. He had turned his back on Jesus. This broke Peter and he went outside (alone) and wept bitterly.
For some it was the writing in the sand, the healing of a disease, or sight for the blind. Thomas had to touch the holes in the hands of our Savior. It took Nebuchadnezzar seven years in the wild with the animals. And do you remember the forty years the Israelites wandered through the wilderness?
However, for Judas it was too late.
Twenty-eight years ago God started waking me up to His plans and purpose for my life. I wish I could say I never strayed, but I can’t. After my cancer was removed, I put God back into my little God box. I pulled Him out again a few years later when I realized I was lost and He had not quit searching for me. God’s never been back in my box again. I prayed and asked Him to show me who Jesus is and that He would never let me stray again. Have you heard the wake-up call? Can you pinpoint that defining moment in your life where you said, “Less of me and more of You, Lord?”
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)
Brenda McGraw is an author and speaker who reveals how to discover joy beyond the clutter of life. She draws from her own life experiences in the #1 Amazon Best seller, “Joy Beyond, 28 Days to Finding Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life”. She is the founder of Ask God Today Ministries where she has a team of writers sharing truth and hope with others. Brenda currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, Jeff and three of their five children. She is a survivor of breast cancer and a heart attack.. Despite the challenges she has endured, Brenda found peace through her relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can connect with Brenda at:Website - http://www.askgodtoday.com Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-McGraw/e/B00GOIE7AG
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BrendaMMcGraw
February 28, 2015
Where do You Find Help when Things get Hard?
I'd love to know where you find help when things get hard.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1Share your thoughts in the comment section below.I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
February 27, 2015
More Tips on How to Have a Successful Book Launch Party
by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2
How to Have a Successful Book Launch Party – Part 2
Last month in From the Editor’s Desk – A No nonsense Approach to Non-Fiction, I shared three tips to help you preparefor a successful book launch party– enlist the help of friends, make a book cover poster, and print invitation postcards. This month I’d like to share two more tips for planning and executing a successful book launch party.Tip #4: Get SquareOr, more specifically, get a Square®. A square is a trademarked name for any number of card readers that allow you to accept credit card payments with your smart phone or tablet. All you need is a secure wireless internet connection and a device. Most banks and online companies provide the card reader free and charge a per-transaction fee (approximately 2.75 percent). I applied for one from the bank where I have my business account (You do have one, don’t you?). Using my bank’s app allows me to deposit credit card purchases directly into my checking account.
Why get an electronic card reader? To make it easy for customers to purchase your book. The ABC News article, “Credit vs. Cash,” states, “Credit card payments now account for 53 percent of purchases,. Not surprisingly, the Forbes article, “Credit Card Basics: Everything You Should Know,” tells us, “Scientific studies have shown that people are more likely to complete a purchase if they intend to pay with a credit card than if they intend to pay with cash.”
Thankfully, my card reader was simple to use. It even calculated the sales tax authors are required by law to collect with each book sale.
Tip #5: Pre-sign your booksI don’t know about you, but I can’t talk and write at the same time. One of my greatest fears on launch party day was that I was going to spell someone’s name wrong, forget the verse I wanted to inscribe, or write something stupid in a reader’s book.
In my wildest dreams, I also imagined a long line of readers waiting for hours for me to sign their book. I wanted to make sure the book signing portion of the launch party was speedy and efficient, yet still personal.
In advance of the party, I prayerfully chose what I wanted to inscribe in each book. Since my book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, is a devotional, I chose a Bible verse, Matthew 5:6. I selected a nice pen (no blots, smears, or uneven ink) and inscribed the verse on the title page of each book.
Be sure to leave room to add a name, which I did as people bought books. To ensure I didn’t spell someone’s name wrong, I asked each customer to write their name(s) on an index card. Then I copied the spelling into the book above my inscription. Remember to sign your name as well. I’d also encourage you to leave some books blank for those who would like a signature only.
Next month I’ll conclude the series with three more ideas for a successful book launch party. In the meantime, I invite you to join the conversation. What’s your best tip for a great party?
Be sure to leave your tips in the comments section below!
TWEETABLES More tips on how to have a successful book launch party - via @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Planning a book launch - great tips from @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of two devotional books. Her second, Hungry for God…Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women released December 3. A blogger, writing instructor, and women’s ministry speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God…Starving for Time. Connect with her on Twitter at @LoriHatcher2 or on Facebook - Hungry for God, Starving for Time.
How to Have a Successful Book Launch Party – Part 2Last month in From the Editor’s Desk – A No nonsense Approach to Non-Fiction, I shared three tips to help you preparefor a successful book launch party– enlist the help of friends, make a book cover poster, and print invitation postcards. This month I’d like to share two more tips for planning and executing a successful book launch party.Tip #4: Get SquareOr, more specifically, get a Square®. A square is a trademarked name for any number of card readers that allow you to accept credit card payments with your smart phone or tablet. All you need is a secure wireless internet connection and a device. Most banks and online companies provide the card reader free and charge a per-transaction fee (approximately 2.75 percent). I applied for one from the bank where I have my business account (You do have one, don’t you?). Using my bank’s app allows me to deposit credit card purchases directly into my checking account.
Why get an electronic card reader? To make it easy for customers to purchase your book. The ABC News article, “Credit vs. Cash,” states, “Credit card payments now account for 53 percent of purchases,. Not surprisingly, the Forbes article, “Credit Card Basics: Everything You Should Know,” tells us, “Scientific studies have shown that people are more likely to complete a purchase if they intend to pay with a credit card than if they intend to pay with cash.”
Thankfully, my card reader was simple to use. It even calculated the sales tax authors are required by law to collect with each book sale.
Tip #5: Pre-sign your booksI don’t know about you, but I can’t talk and write at the same time. One of my greatest fears on launch party day was that I was going to spell someone’s name wrong, forget the verse I wanted to inscribe, or write something stupid in a reader’s book. In my wildest dreams, I also imagined a long line of readers waiting for hours for me to sign their book. I wanted to make sure the book signing portion of the launch party was speedy and efficient, yet still personal.
In advance of the party, I prayerfully chose what I wanted to inscribe in each book. Since my book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, is a devotional, I chose a Bible verse, Matthew 5:6. I selected a nice pen (no blots, smears, or uneven ink) and inscribed the verse on the title page of each book.
Be sure to leave room to add a name, which I did as people bought books. To ensure I didn’t spell someone’s name wrong, I asked each customer to write their name(s) on an index card. Then I copied the spelling into the book above my inscription. Remember to sign your name as well. I’d also encourage you to leave some books blank for those who would like a signature only.
Next month I’ll conclude the series with three more ideas for a successful book launch party. In the meantime, I invite you to join the conversation. What’s your best tip for a great party?
Be sure to leave your tips in the comments section below!
TWEETABLES More tips on how to have a successful book launch party - via @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Planning a book launch - great tips from @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of two devotional books. Her second, Hungry for God…Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women released December 3. A blogger, writing instructor, and women’s ministry speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God…Starving for Time. Connect with her on Twitter at @LoriHatcher2 or on Facebook - Hungry for God, Starving for Time.
February 26, 2015
For Writers—Giving Criticism
by Henry McLaughlin @Riverbendsagas
A look at 5 areas to take into account when criticizing.There have been a ton of articles and blog posts on how to receive criticism. Receiving criticism is hard for everyone. It’s difficult to not view criticism of our work as personal criticism of ourselves.
I don’t recall too many posts on how to give criticism, whether it’s in a critique group or one-on-one. Today, I’d like to look at five areas the person giving the criticism should take into account.SourceDo I know the person well enough to make my criticism something they would listen to? If I’m reviewing their work for the first time, I may need to hold back until I get more of a feel for them and their writing. See how they respond to feedback from others. Are they defensive or open? At first, I may want to focus on giving positive feedback until our relationship is stronger. Seek ways to help them develop the necessary thick skin so they can assess and process criticism to make their writing better.
Consider knowledge.KnowledgeDo I have enough knowledge about the industry and the writer’s genre to give meaningful feedback? If someone is writing a thriller—which I don’t write but I enjoy reading—I will point to thriller authors I like such as Steven James and Brandilyn Collins for examples of how to handle things like maintaining tension and suspense over several chapters. My knowledge of Amish is very limited because I don’t read it, so my criticism will be more generally craft related.
ContentSometimes how I deliver my criticism will negate the good my actual words may contain, especially if I don’t know the writer that well. I try to listen as I give feedback in a group and I re-read comments if I’m doing an online or hard copy critique. I watch the writer for nonverbals that tell me how I’m being received it. Am I coming across arrogant, prideful, condescending? Are my attempts at humor falling flat? Can I see the writer closing down, pulling into a shell? If I see that, I’ll try to find out if it’s the content or the delivery that is causing them problems.
Consider your relationshipRelationshipThis has been a theme through the previous three points. In many ways, it’s easier to give criticism to a friend because we know them, we know how they receive criticism, and we’ve learned, over time, how to phrase our feedback to be its most effective. When new writers enter our group or ask our help, take the time to get to know them. Ask what they write and why. Let them tell you about themselves, their experiences, their testimonies. Before you critique, explain your usual style and then modify that style as needed while you build the relationship.
An additional area we need to consider is Motivation. Why am I giving this criticism? Am I speaking just to hear my voice? Do I have something different or unique to offer? Do I have this person’s best interests at heart? Or, am I trying to show how much better I am? Am I bragging or showing off?
What have you learned about giving criticism? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
TWEETABLES
For Writers, Giving Criticism is part of the job, we must do it right - via @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
Stop & consider before offering #criticism to other writers - @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest. He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.
A look at 5 areas to take into account when criticizing.There have been a ton of articles and blog posts on how to receive criticism. Receiving criticism is hard for everyone. It’s difficult to not view criticism of our work as personal criticism of ourselves. I don’t recall too many posts on how to give criticism, whether it’s in a critique group or one-on-one. Today, I’d like to look at five areas the person giving the criticism should take into account.SourceDo I know the person well enough to make my criticism something they would listen to? If I’m reviewing their work for the first time, I may need to hold back until I get more of a feel for them and their writing. See how they respond to feedback from others. Are they defensive or open? At first, I may want to focus on giving positive feedback until our relationship is stronger. Seek ways to help them develop the necessary thick skin so they can assess and process criticism to make their writing better.
Consider knowledge.KnowledgeDo I have enough knowledge about the industry and the writer’s genre to give meaningful feedback? If someone is writing a thriller—which I don’t write but I enjoy reading—I will point to thriller authors I like such as Steven James and Brandilyn Collins for examples of how to handle things like maintaining tension and suspense over several chapters. My knowledge of Amish is very limited because I don’t read it, so my criticism will be more generally craft related.
ContentSometimes how I deliver my criticism will negate the good my actual words may contain, especially if I don’t know the writer that well. I try to listen as I give feedback in a group and I re-read comments if I’m doing an online or hard copy critique. I watch the writer for nonverbals that tell me how I’m being received it. Am I coming across arrogant, prideful, condescending? Are my attempts at humor falling flat? Can I see the writer closing down, pulling into a shell? If I see that, I’ll try to find out if it’s the content or the delivery that is causing them problems.
Consider your relationshipRelationshipThis has been a theme through the previous three points. In many ways, it’s easier to give criticism to a friend because we know them, we know how they receive criticism, and we’ve learned, over time, how to phrase our feedback to be its most effective. When new writers enter our group or ask our help, take the time to get to know them. Ask what they write and why. Let them tell you about themselves, their experiences, their testimonies. Before you critique, explain your usual style and then modify that style as needed while you build the relationship.An additional area we need to consider is Motivation. Why am I giving this criticism? Am I speaking just to hear my voice? Do I have something different or unique to offer? Do I have this person’s best interests at heart? Or, am I trying to show how much better I am? Am I bragging or showing off?
What have you learned about giving criticism? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
TWEETABLES
For Writers, Giving Criticism is part of the job, we must do it right - via @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
Stop & consider before offering #criticism to other writers - @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest. He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.
February 25, 2015
For Writers: AA—Avoiding Average
by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
While working my first real job, a supervisor made a comment that has stuck with me over the years—more like haunted me. He said, “Average is the best of the worst, and the worst of the best.”
Ouch. Not where I want to be. But I have to ask myself, how many writers are content with average writing? Publishers have a few top selling writers, but they have far more who sell consistently a lesser amount of books. Average writers pay the bills and best sellers are the perk. Although it’s nice to be needed, who wants to be shoved into a category as . . . the best of the worst and the worst of the best?
Average book sales are not glamorous. Neither do average writers have top placement on retailer’s book shelves. How many average writers are subjects of interviews and first picks as speakers for writer’s conferences? Not many.
So how do we avoid average status in the publishing world? The easy response is to write a phenomenal book and sell a bunch of them. The challenge lies in how to rise to the best selling level. Here are four simple words to avoid average.
Acknowledge - We are the one responsible to change our writer status. I believe in prayer for wisdom and direction. A plan’s needed, and it will take time, effort, and lots of research to discover what works for each writer’s personality, brand, type of manuscript, and relationship with readers.
Accept - We all have strengths and challenges. For many writers, promotion is not an easy task. A professional writer lists the areas in marketing and promotion that require help and make adjustments. Sometimes this means paying for instruction.
Apply - This means understanding word of mouth is the best way to sell books and seek ways to include this in a platform. When a writer discovers the passion behind wanting those book sales is to enhance a reader’s life, the work has purpose.
Accomplish - Do the work and don’t be afraid of trying new things and abandoning those areas which are not productive. Measuring success isn’t always easy. Online sources use analytics to show click throughs, and certainly online book sales can give numbers. But it’s a mix of efforts that bring exposure, some more than others.
“Too often marketers dive right into the building and executing of plans without taking the needed time to properly strategize and think about how they are going to measure the results of their campaigns.” C.C. Chapman
Do you dream of better than average book sales? Take a look at your current marketing and promotion. Are any of the methods archaic? Are poor results defeating your enthusiasm?
Sign up for regular updates from sources such as Michael Hyatt, SocialMedia Examiner, HubSpot's Marketing Blog, TheWrite Conversation (here) and other bloggers who provide valuable information for the serious writer.
Take an analytical view of your book sales. Choose to acknowledge, accept, apply, and accomplish results.
TWEETABLESBest of the worst, worst of the best, average isn't something writers should aim for - @DiAnnMills (Click to Tweet)
As writers, we need to avoid average and shoot for being the best we can - via @DiAnnMills (Click to Tweet)
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
While working my first real job, a supervisor made a comment that has stuck with me over the years—more like haunted me. He said, “Average is the best of the worst, and the worst of the best.”Ouch. Not where I want to be. But I have to ask myself, how many writers are content with average writing? Publishers have a few top selling writers, but they have far more who sell consistently a lesser amount of books. Average writers pay the bills and best sellers are the perk. Although it’s nice to be needed, who wants to be shoved into a category as . . . the best of the worst and the worst of the best?
Average book sales are not glamorous. Neither do average writers have top placement on retailer’s book shelves. How many average writers are subjects of interviews and first picks as speakers for writer’s conferences? Not many.
So how do we avoid average status in the publishing world? The easy response is to write a phenomenal book and sell a bunch of them. The challenge lies in how to rise to the best selling level. Here are four simple words to avoid average.
Acknowledge - We are the one responsible to change our writer status. I believe in prayer for wisdom and direction. A plan’s needed, and it will take time, effort, and lots of research to discover what works for each writer’s personality, brand, type of manuscript, and relationship with readers.Accept - We all have strengths and challenges. For many writers, promotion is not an easy task. A professional writer lists the areas in marketing and promotion that require help and make adjustments. Sometimes this means paying for instruction.
Apply - This means understanding word of mouth is the best way to sell books and seek ways to include this in a platform. When a writer discovers the passion behind wanting those book sales is to enhance a reader’s life, the work has purpose.
Accomplish - Do the work and don’t be afraid of trying new things and abandoning those areas which are not productive. Measuring success isn’t always easy. Online sources use analytics to show click throughs, and certainly online book sales can give numbers. But it’s a mix of efforts that bring exposure, some more than others. “Too often marketers dive right into the building and executing of plans without taking the needed time to properly strategize and think about how they are going to measure the results of their campaigns.” C.C. Chapman
Do you dream of better than average book sales? Take a look at your current marketing and promotion. Are any of the methods archaic? Are poor results defeating your enthusiasm?
Sign up for regular updates from sources such as Michael Hyatt, SocialMedia Examiner, HubSpot's Marketing Blog, TheWrite Conversation (here) and other bloggers who provide valuable information for the serious writer.
Take an analytical view of your book sales. Choose to acknowledge, accept, apply, and accomplish results.
TWEETABLESBest of the worst, worst of the best, average isn't something writers should aim for - @DiAnnMills (Click to Tweet)
As writers, we need to avoid average and shoot for being the best we can - via @DiAnnMills (Click to Tweet)
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
February 24, 2015
12 Things Every Writer Should be Storing in Your Writer’s Vault
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Saving for a rainy day isn’t just good financial advice—it’s good writing advice. We all have those times when inspiration doesn’t choose to shine on us. But if we’ve been storing valuable things, we’ll be able to continue to make progress.
All writers need a system for keeping track of ideas.1. Ideas. Every single writer should have a system of keeping track of ideas. I have several. I always have a file on my computer for blog post ideas. Any time I’m at my computer and come up with a good idea, I open that document and record it. If I come across a cool idea on the web, I paste the URL and a quick description of what I think I could write about.I also have a documents for book ideas, guest post ideas, short stories, really anything I could write about. And I keep them separate and well labeled so I can find them when the idea file runs dry.I have a place on my iPad where I can record ideas.I have a place on my phone where I can keep ideas.Finally, incase electronics fail me. I always carry a small notebook in my purse. The trick here is to remember to transfer those ideas to my other files so I don’t lose them!
2. Writing Instruction Books. When I get stumped on how to do something or what should come next, I have a large library with physical books. In addition, I also have quite a few ebooks (some duplicates) so that when I’m away from home I still have access to what I’ll need.
3. Writing Prompt Books & Websites. I’m a big believer in writing prompts. Sometimes we need something to stretch our writing muscles before we can dig deep. That’s what writing prompts do for me.
My writing friends are valuable resources!4. Writing Friends.I’ve been careful to develop friendships with other writers over the years. These men and women are some of my most valuable resources. With them I can share my struggles, my fears, and my successes. I can also bounce ideas around with them and spend valuable brainstorming time when I get stuck.
5. Years of Classes and Workshops. Well, I may not have the actual classes, but I have the knowledge that has come from them. I also have my notes and often times, the recordings of the classes I’ve taken. If you’re not investing in writing classes, you’re missing out on a valuable asset.
6. Favorite Books.These are the books that have inspired me, humbled me, and challenged me to grow as a writer. They include poetry, novels, biographies, non-fiction, even beautiful books of photography. All of these make up a valuable source of inspiration.
7. Favorite Movies.We are becoming a more and more visual society. And there are movies that have inspired me as well as books.
Places of peace and rest are important.8. Places of Peace and Rest. Where do you go to find peace? Don’t neglect going there regularly. Or, if it’s not possible, surround yourself with images that bring that place to mind.
9. Good Equipment. I can’t tell you the difference it makes to have good equipment. From the computer you use, to the word processing program, to the desk equipment. This isn’t a place to skimp or try to make do.
10. Inspirational Music. This isn’t necessarily religious music, it’s anything that inspires you. Put together a playlist on Spotify and keep it on in the background while you’re writing.
We all need to develop alligator-tough skin.11. Alligator-tough Skin. Writing isn’t for the faint-of-heart. We must endure rejection, revision and those horrible voices that live in every writer’s mind.
12. Faith. I think this one is the most important thing of all. For me, it goes beyond faith in myself, although that is important. My faith in the God who created me for the purpose of stringing words together is my foundation every single time I sit down to write.
These are the things that I keep in my writer’s vault. I’d love to know what’s in yours.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLES12 Things Every Writer Should be Storing in Their Writer's Vault - inspiration from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Saving for a rainy day is also critical for writers - what's stored in your writer's vault - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Saving for a rainy day isn’t just good financial advice—it’s good writing advice. We all have those times when inspiration doesn’t choose to shine on us. But if we’ve been storing valuable things, we’ll be able to continue to make progress.
All writers need a system for keeping track of ideas.1. Ideas. Every single writer should have a system of keeping track of ideas. I have several. I always have a file on my computer for blog post ideas. Any time I’m at my computer and come up with a good idea, I open that document and record it. If I come across a cool idea on the web, I paste the URL and a quick description of what I think I could write about.I also have a documents for book ideas, guest post ideas, short stories, really anything I could write about. And I keep them separate and well labeled so I can find them when the idea file runs dry.I have a place on my iPad where I can record ideas.I have a place on my phone where I can keep ideas.Finally, incase electronics fail me. I always carry a small notebook in my purse. The trick here is to remember to transfer those ideas to my other files so I don’t lose them! 2. Writing Instruction Books. When I get stumped on how to do something or what should come next, I have a large library with physical books. In addition, I also have quite a few ebooks (some duplicates) so that when I’m away from home I still have access to what I’ll need.
3. Writing Prompt Books & Websites. I’m a big believer in writing prompts. Sometimes we need something to stretch our writing muscles before we can dig deep. That’s what writing prompts do for me.
My writing friends are valuable resources!4. Writing Friends.I’ve been careful to develop friendships with other writers over the years. These men and women are some of my most valuable resources. With them I can share my struggles, my fears, and my successes. I can also bounce ideas around with them and spend valuable brainstorming time when I get stuck.5. Years of Classes and Workshops. Well, I may not have the actual classes, but I have the knowledge that has come from them. I also have my notes and often times, the recordings of the classes I’ve taken. If you’re not investing in writing classes, you’re missing out on a valuable asset.
6. Favorite Books.These are the books that have inspired me, humbled me, and challenged me to grow as a writer. They include poetry, novels, biographies, non-fiction, even beautiful books of photography. All of these make up a valuable source of inspiration.
7. Favorite Movies.We are becoming a more and more visual society. And there are movies that have inspired me as well as books.
Places of peace and rest are important.8. Places of Peace and Rest. Where do you go to find peace? Don’t neglect going there regularly. Or, if it’s not possible, surround yourself with images that bring that place to mind.9. Good Equipment. I can’t tell you the difference it makes to have good equipment. From the computer you use, to the word processing program, to the desk equipment. This isn’t a place to skimp or try to make do.
10. Inspirational Music. This isn’t necessarily religious music, it’s anything that inspires you. Put together a playlist on Spotify and keep it on in the background while you’re writing.
We all need to develop alligator-tough skin.11. Alligator-tough Skin. Writing isn’t for the faint-of-heart. We must endure rejection, revision and those horrible voices that live in every writer’s mind.12. Faith. I think this one is the most important thing of all. For me, it goes beyond faith in myself, although that is important. My faith in the God who created me for the purpose of stringing words together is my foundation every single time I sit down to write.
These are the things that I keep in my writer’s vault. I’d love to know what’s in yours.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLES12 Things Every Writer Should be Storing in Their Writer's Vault - inspiration from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Saving for a rainy day is also critical for writers - what's stored in your writer's vault - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
