S.B. Knight's Blog, page 7
July 23, 2012
Reading and Writing with Surf and Turf
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King
Reading - in essences that's what we do. We write to read and read to write. Just as King said, you have to make time to read if you want the time and tools to write. Is this true? I believe it is. I believe we learn a lot about our own style by reading. In my opinion we grow by reading the works of others. Here is a twist I recently added to this line of thought, it is very important to read but it is critical to read good, well written books. Why is that? Before we get to that let's look at the opposite side of this spectrum. We can learn from poorly written books too. We can learn what not to do, what to watch out for such as plot holes or dead-end story lines. We see first hand the grammatical problems we should avoid. Yes, we can learn a great deal from poorly written books but there is danger in that line of teaching. We run the risk of falling into the trap of repeating what we are trying to avoid as we grow accustomed to seeing them. Errors such as these and more slip through our editing nets not because we lack focus but instead we simply overlook them. However, when we read well written, well formed, and complete books we see the high standard of where our writing should be. After reading these books we now make the effort to match the level of quality in our own style. The crisp flow, strong characters, twisting plot, and sharp prose will imprint on our minds so long as we read those things. Really, the mind works in wondrous ways.
You know what I'm talking about, you've read a book and picked it apart when you found an error or two. Soon you spend more time looking for errors than you do following the story. On the flip side of this, you read a really good book and you're swept away, pulled in and carried on a journey. As writers we do not want to be in the first group but strive to be in the second.
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.” ― Stephen King, On Writing
No short cuts....I don't think people like that. We love short cuts! If it will save time we will do it. If it will make the job easier we're there. This is not true for writing. Short cuts kill in writing. We see it everyday in the writing world...I'm sure you've heard it - "the story was great but the writing was poor." Sadder still is the thinking behind it, the "I don't care if the writing is poor as long as I'm entertained" mentality. I have to be honest with you, I don't like this line of thinking. We as authors should want to put the best product we can out there for the world to read. It is a piece of ourselves, it is the only thing a reader will use to formulate a first impression of us. Read a lot, write a lot - it's the only way to reach that standard.
Here is something to keep in mind while thinking about the topic of the "I don't care if the writing is poor as long as I'm entertained" mentality. Imagine, for a moment, your favorite dinner. Mine is surf and turf, shrimp and steak with a baked potato. You see the shrimp seasoned and peeled with a small bowl of melted butter? The New York Strip cooked medium rare resting beside it? The baked potato with all the toppings between the shrimp and steak? The smells mingle as your mouth waters....you want to dig in, you can't wait to eat....until you notice it's served on the bottom side of a trash can lid. Would you want to eat it? Would you want to pay for it?
Reading - in essences that's what we do. We write to read and read to write. Just as King said, you have to make time to read if you want the time and tools to write. Is this true? I believe it is. I believe we learn a lot about our own style by reading. In my opinion we grow by reading the works of others. Here is a twist I recently added to this line of thought, it is very important to read but it is critical to read good, well written books. Why is that? Before we get to that let's look at the opposite side of this spectrum. We can learn from poorly written books too. We can learn what not to do, what to watch out for such as plot holes or dead-end story lines. We see first hand the grammatical problems we should avoid. Yes, we can learn a great deal from poorly written books but there is danger in that line of teaching. We run the risk of falling into the trap of repeating what we are trying to avoid as we grow accustomed to seeing them. Errors such as these and more slip through our editing nets not because we lack focus but instead we simply overlook them. However, when we read well written, well formed, and complete books we see the high standard of where our writing should be. After reading these books we now make the effort to match the level of quality in our own style. The crisp flow, strong characters, twisting plot, and sharp prose will imprint on our minds so long as we read those things. Really, the mind works in wondrous ways.
You know what I'm talking about, you've read a book and picked it apart when you found an error or two. Soon you spend more time looking for errors than you do following the story. On the flip side of this, you read a really good book and you're swept away, pulled in and carried on a journey. As writers we do not want to be in the first group but strive to be in the second.
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.” ― Stephen King, On Writing
No short cuts....I don't think people like that. We love short cuts! If it will save time we will do it. If it will make the job easier we're there. This is not true for writing. Short cuts kill in writing. We see it everyday in the writing world...I'm sure you've heard it - "the story was great but the writing was poor." Sadder still is the thinking behind it, the "I don't care if the writing is poor as long as I'm entertained" mentality. I have to be honest with you, I don't like this line of thinking. We as authors should want to put the best product we can out there for the world to read. It is a piece of ourselves, it is the only thing a reader will use to formulate a first impression of us. Read a lot, write a lot - it's the only way to reach that standard.
Here is something to keep in mind while thinking about the topic of the "I don't care if the writing is poor as long as I'm entertained" mentality. Imagine, for a moment, your favorite dinner. Mine is surf and turf, shrimp and steak with a baked potato. You see the shrimp seasoned and peeled with a small bowl of melted butter? The New York Strip cooked medium rare resting beside it? The baked potato with all the toppings between the shrimp and steak? The smells mingle as your mouth waters....you want to dig in, you can't wait to eat....until you notice it's served on the bottom side of a trash can lid. Would you want to eat it? Would you want to pay for it?
July 12, 2012
A Conversation with Bryan Thomas Schmidt Part II
Today is the conclusion of my conversation with author Bryan Thomas Schmidt. If you missed Part 1 don't worry, you can find that HERE. As in Part 1, my responses begin with SBK and Bryan's responses begin with BTS.
SBK: Yes, it was difficult to find space battle scenes and making sure you have permission for these items and the music or verifying that they are, indeed, free is critical. I remember you sent me two samples of music. I think the one we went with fit your desired mood better. The voice over added so much depth to the trailer but it took time to get done. I remember the first take, Randy read the script a little to fast so we had to re-record it with him reading a little slower. That slower pace worked out very well. I believe building a book trailer is rather simple once you are comfortable with the program you're using. What makes the trailer stand out though is the details - the small stuff. We really spent some time on the small stuff like: adjust this picture so it starts 2 second sooner or 1 second later or add this sound here...things like that. In the end though it turned out really well. What do you think?
BTS: Yeah, although those Hollywood special effects really would have added a lot. I don’t know why you say computer graphics are so hard to do on the fly. Some people. Actually, I’m quite proud of it although we did miss the trim on a couple of the pictures. I think it does represent the story well and I think it’s a fun trailer. I wish I’d had that video footage of kids playing space battles from my youth. I really wanted that in there. But some day...on another book. My biggest question is whether book trailers sell books. I’m not the type of person who buys books based on that. On some occasions they intrigue me, but I find my books other ways. I do know there are people for whom book trailers are really big selling points. What do you think? And what are the keys to a good booktrailer?
SBK: Does any promotion truly sell anything? I think this is a big mistake, made by many, when it comes to promoting their books. You see, exposure is the key. The true art of a successful promotion is in the exposure. Book trailers are great for grabbing attention because everyone is so keen to watch a two minute home video in hopes of being entertained. It is another avenue to generate word of mouth and that is the sweet spot. For example, let's say Jane visits her best friend, Brenda, and as they are talk Jane mentions reading a great book called The Worker Prince. Brenda asks "what's it about?" As Jane begins to describe it Brenda interrupts with "hey, that sounds like this video Jim sent me at work. That was pretty cool." Now Brenda is more inclined to buy the book because she has seen the trailer and a friend has confirmed the book is good. Yes, book trailers generate attention. My trailer was in a video contest recently and the views for the trailer jumped greatly but so did the search results on Amazon and the Likes. This is what we want, attention, exposure, word of mouth....
What are the keys to a good trailer? It has to be entertaining and grab the attention of the viewer quickly. It should tell a story of what your book is about. Every aspect of the trailer should compliment each other. Pace is critical, you don't want it to be to fast or to slow. Bryan you hit on an important aspect earlier, even though many will use free music and images you still want the trailer to be unique and convey the feel/theme of your book...not remind the viewer of an earlier book, song, or movie. Finally, be careful of the length - you don't want a 10 minute book trailer unless Spielberg is directing it. What kind of feedback have you received for your book trailer?
BTS: Well, people have told me they liked the unique approach of focusing on story rather than theme or blurbs and I’ve seen other authors doing that now, so perhaps I started a trend, I don’t know. I haven’t seen as much traffic for it on my blog but I do see some on YouTube and Vimeo. Still, I wonder what the best ways are to spread it out there for exposure. What sites do you recommend? What techniques for letting people know it exists?
SBK: If your looking to purely gain exposure for your book trailer I recommend entering it in video contest. I recently entered mine for Born of Blood in the You Gotta Read Book Trailer Video Contest. That garnered a lot of views but I can't tell if that translated into book sales. If you are on social networks like Google + or Goodreads you can actually upload your trailer to your profile. You can also link it on your Facebook account. The important thing is to have it on your website. When you promote your site you promote your trailer at the same time. If you know someone who is a fan of posting videos ask them to include yours. Just like anything else with your book - you have to think outside the box to gain exposure.
BTS: Indeed. That's why using a variety of methods is the most effective way to market. You have to reach people where they are and that means getting outside your own box into theirs. A variety of approaches is the only way to do that. Thanks for all of your thoughts on this, Brian, and for your help with putting together a great trailer for my book.
SBK: Thanks for the fun conversation Bryan and good luck with your books. Maybe in the future we will work on another book trailer again.
SBK: Yes, it was difficult to find space battle scenes and making sure you have permission for these items and the music or verifying that they are, indeed, free is critical. I remember you sent me two samples of music. I think the one we went with fit your desired mood better. The voice over added so much depth to the trailer but it took time to get done. I remember the first take, Randy read the script a little to fast so we had to re-record it with him reading a little slower. That slower pace worked out very well. I believe building a book trailer is rather simple once you are comfortable with the program you're using. What makes the trailer stand out though is the details - the small stuff. We really spent some time on the small stuff like: adjust this picture so it starts 2 second sooner or 1 second later or add this sound here...things like that. In the end though it turned out really well. What do you think?
BTS: Yeah, although those Hollywood special effects really would have added a lot. I don’t know why you say computer graphics are so hard to do on the fly. Some people. Actually, I’m quite proud of it although we did miss the trim on a couple of the pictures. I think it does represent the story well and I think it’s a fun trailer. I wish I’d had that video footage of kids playing space battles from my youth. I really wanted that in there. But some day...on another book. My biggest question is whether book trailers sell books. I’m not the type of person who buys books based on that. On some occasions they intrigue me, but I find my books other ways. I do know there are people for whom book trailers are really big selling points. What do you think? And what are the keys to a good booktrailer?
SBK: Does any promotion truly sell anything? I think this is a big mistake, made by many, when it comes to promoting their books. You see, exposure is the key. The true art of a successful promotion is in the exposure. Book trailers are great for grabbing attention because everyone is so keen to watch a two minute home video in hopes of being entertained. It is another avenue to generate word of mouth and that is the sweet spot. For example, let's say Jane visits her best friend, Brenda, and as they are talk Jane mentions reading a great book called The Worker Prince. Brenda asks "what's it about?" As Jane begins to describe it Brenda interrupts with "hey, that sounds like this video Jim sent me at work. That was pretty cool." Now Brenda is more inclined to buy the book because she has seen the trailer and a friend has confirmed the book is good. Yes, book trailers generate attention. My trailer was in a video contest recently and the views for the trailer jumped greatly but so did the search results on Amazon and the Likes. This is what we want, attention, exposure, word of mouth....
What are the keys to a good trailer? It has to be entertaining and grab the attention of the viewer quickly. It should tell a story of what your book is about. Every aspect of the trailer should compliment each other. Pace is critical, you don't want it to be to fast or to slow. Bryan you hit on an important aspect earlier, even though many will use free music and images you still want the trailer to be unique and convey the feel/theme of your book...not remind the viewer of an earlier book, song, or movie. Finally, be careful of the length - you don't want a 10 minute book trailer unless Spielberg is directing it. What kind of feedback have you received for your book trailer?
BTS: Well, people have told me they liked the unique approach of focusing on story rather than theme or blurbs and I’ve seen other authors doing that now, so perhaps I started a trend, I don’t know. I haven’t seen as much traffic for it on my blog but I do see some on YouTube and Vimeo. Still, I wonder what the best ways are to spread it out there for exposure. What sites do you recommend? What techniques for letting people know it exists?
SBK: If your looking to purely gain exposure for your book trailer I recommend entering it in video contest. I recently entered mine for Born of Blood in the You Gotta Read Book Trailer Video Contest. That garnered a lot of views but I can't tell if that translated into book sales. If you are on social networks like Google + or Goodreads you can actually upload your trailer to your profile. You can also link it on your Facebook account. The important thing is to have it on your website. When you promote your site you promote your trailer at the same time. If you know someone who is a fan of posting videos ask them to include yours. Just like anything else with your book - you have to think outside the box to gain exposure.
BTS: Indeed. That's why using a variety of methods is the most effective way to market. You have to reach people where they are and that means getting outside your own box into theirs. A variety of approaches is the only way to do that. Thanks for all of your thoughts on this, Brian, and for your help with putting together a great trailer for my book.
SBK: Thanks for the fun conversation Bryan and good luck with your books. Maybe in the future we will work on another book trailer again.
July 10, 2012
A Conversation with Bryan Thomas Schmidt Part I
We have a very special guest this week - Bryan Thomas Schmidt, author of titles such as The Worker Prince, The Returning, and Rivalry on a Sky Course. The following is a conversation about marketing and book trailers between me and Bryan. My responses are started with SBK while Bryan's responses are BTS.
BTS: Well, Brian, one of the things that has become important in marketing are book trailers. You hear about them everywhere these days it seems, and you helped me make a book trailer on a budget for The Worker Prince. I’m hoping to work with you soon on a trailer for The Returning as well. So I was thinking perhaps other authors might be interested in how we approached that. First, though, perhaps you could mention how you got into helping authors with book trailers and promotion. Then we’ll get to some nitty gritty ideas.
SBK: Sure Bryan, I can do that. Three years ago I was approached by a friend of mine, Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, she had been following my blog, The New Author, and really liked my information and passion to help authors. She proposed that we start a business together because she too enjoyed helping other succeed. We formed Premium Promotional Services. PPS started with a handful of services but we have built upon those to expand in different areas of book promotion. You are absolutely right, book trailers are important and a growing area of book promotion. There are thousands of them on Youtube. I actually, had no desire to make book trailers until my book, Born of Blood, was published. I knew I needed one so I began experimenting with the making of a book trailer. I really enjoyed it and thought about doing it for others. It just so happens that is right around the time you came along talking about making a book trailer for The Worker Prince. Speaking of The Worker Prince, how did you go about developing the idea for the book trailer? You pretty much had it planned out when you asked me to help you make it.
BTS: Well, since I was virtually unknown, and it was my first novel, with The Worker Prince, I figured the appeal was the classic/Star Wars feel. People who grew up liking those Golden Age-type stories that I loved with the larger-than-life, good v. evil heroes and villains would probably enjoy my book. I didn’t have a lot of reviews or big name blurbs to hang out and get people’s attention. So my thought was that the way to sell it was to appeal to that inner child in all of us that loves those hopeful stories and ideas and let the story itself inspire them to check it out. So the script draft I did had that in mind. Of course, timing is tricky, and getting it to the length that worked took some editing. But I think that’s always the case with anything using media.
SBK: Timing issues....that is probably an understatement. I believe many think we just pulled some pictures together, added music, the voice over, and done. In truth we made a number of large changes to your trailer. I know we swapped out a few pictures for new ones and reorganized those pictures but, in my opinion, the voice over was the biggest change. Did you feel like you had to have the voice over or was that something you wanted to add for flare and give the trailer more flash?
BTS: Well, finding the music and making the timing look right with its beats, swells, etc. was tricky and always is. You also have to find FREE music or pay a bundle, IF you get permission. Luckily, there’s plenty of well-made free podcasting music out there one can use as long as you give credit. And the same is true of pictures. In my case, because I’m telling the story, I hired an artist to do a few drawings from the story. She worked cheap for exposure (she also got a credit) and so that gave us extra images which really fit the story and we arranged other things around that. It was also tricky finding space battle images that were not from movies or games. Those would have cost a bundle AND they would made it appear I wanted to copy something I didn’t. As for the voice over, I thought the voice over was essential. For one, I had a free narrator—my editor, Randy Streu—who is a radio professional. He was willing to record it for free and had access to the equipment. It was just a matter of timing. So he did a couple of takes, as I recall. I think it really added a lot, don’t you?
The remainder of this conversation will be posted on Thursday. Until then I encourage you to check out Bryan's website, blog, and his titles.
BTS: Well, Brian, one of the things that has become important in marketing are book trailers. You hear about them everywhere these days it seems, and you helped me make a book trailer on a budget for The Worker Prince. I’m hoping to work with you soon on a trailer for The Returning as well. So I was thinking perhaps other authors might be interested in how we approached that. First, though, perhaps you could mention how you got into helping authors with book trailers and promotion. Then we’ll get to some nitty gritty ideas.
SBK: Sure Bryan, I can do that. Three years ago I was approached by a friend of mine, Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, she had been following my blog, The New Author, and really liked my information and passion to help authors. She proposed that we start a business together because she too enjoyed helping other succeed. We formed Premium Promotional Services. PPS started with a handful of services but we have built upon those to expand in different areas of book promotion. You are absolutely right, book trailers are important and a growing area of book promotion. There are thousands of them on Youtube. I actually, had no desire to make book trailers until my book, Born of Blood, was published. I knew I needed one so I began experimenting with the making of a book trailer. I really enjoyed it and thought about doing it for others. It just so happens that is right around the time you came along talking about making a book trailer for The Worker Prince. Speaking of The Worker Prince, how did you go about developing the idea for the book trailer? You pretty much had it planned out when you asked me to help you make it.
BTS: Well, since I was virtually unknown, and it was my first novel, with The Worker Prince, I figured the appeal was the classic/Star Wars feel. People who grew up liking those Golden Age-type stories that I loved with the larger-than-life, good v. evil heroes and villains would probably enjoy my book. I didn’t have a lot of reviews or big name blurbs to hang out and get people’s attention. So my thought was that the way to sell it was to appeal to that inner child in all of us that loves those hopeful stories and ideas and let the story itself inspire them to check it out. So the script draft I did had that in mind. Of course, timing is tricky, and getting it to the length that worked took some editing. But I think that’s always the case with anything using media.
SBK: Timing issues....that is probably an understatement. I believe many think we just pulled some pictures together, added music, the voice over, and done. In truth we made a number of large changes to your trailer. I know we swapped out a few pictures for new ones and reorganized those pictures but, in my opinion, the voice over was the biggest change. Did you feel like you had to have the voice over or was that something you wanted to add for flare and give the trailer more flash?
BTS: Well, finding the music and making the timing look right with its beats, swells, etc. was tricky and always is. You also have to find FREE music or pay a bundle, IF you get permission. Luckily, there’s plenty of well-made free podcasting music out there one can use as long as you give credit. And the same is true of pictures. In my case, because I’m telling the story, I hired an artist to do a few drawings from the story. She worked cheap for exposure (she also got a credit) and so that gave us extra images which really fit the story and we arranged other things around that. It was also tricky finding space battle images that were not from movies or games. Those would have cost a bundle AND they would made it appear I wanted to copy something I didn’t. As for the voice over, I thought the voice over was essential. For one, I had a free narrator—my editor, Randy Streu—who is a radio professional. He was willing to record it for free and had access to the equipment. It was just a matter of timing. So he did a couple of takes, as I recall. I think it really added a lot, don’t you?
The remainder of this conversation will be posted on Thursday. Until then I encourage you to check out Bryan's website, blog, and his titles.
A Conservation with Bryan Thomas Schmidt Part I
We have a very special guest this week - Bryan Thomas Schmidt, author of titles such as The Worker Prince, The Returning, and Rivalry on a Sky Course. The following is a conversation about marketing and book trailers between me and Bryan. My responses are started with SBK while Bryan's responses are BTS.
BTS: Well, Brian, one of the things that has become important in marketing are book trailers. You hear about them everywhere these days it seems, and you helped me make a book trailer on a budget for The Worker Prince. I’m hoping to work with you soon on a trailer for The Returning as well. So I was thinking perhaps other authors might be interested in how we approached that. First, though, perhaps you could mention how you got into helping authors with book trailers and promotion. Then we’ll get to some nitty gritty ideas.
SBK: Sure Bryan, I can do that. Three years ago I was approached by a friend of mine, Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, she had been following my blog, The New Author, and really liked my information and passion to help authors. She proposed that we start a business together because she too enjoyed helping other succeed. We formed Premium Promotional Services. PPS started with a handful of services but we have built upon those to expand in different areas of book promotion. You are absolutely right, book trailers are important and a growing area of book promotion. There are thousands of them on Youtube. I actually, had no desire to make book trailers until my book, Born of Blood, was published. I knew I needed one so I began experimenting with the making of a book trailer. I really enjoyed it and thought about doing it for others. It just so happens that is right around the time you came along talking about making a book trailer for The Worker Prince. Speaking of The Worker Prince, how did you go about developing the idea for the book trailer? You pretty much had it planned out when you asked me to help you make it.
BTS: Well, since I was virtually unknown, and it was my first novel, with The Worker Prince, I figured the appeal was the classic/Star Wars feel. People who grew up liking those Golden Age-type stories that I loved with the larger-than-life, good v. evil heroes and villains would probably enjoy my book. I didn’t have a lot of reviews or big name blurbs to hang out and get people’s attention. So my thought was that the way to sell it was to appeal to that inner child in all of us that loves those hopeful stories and ideas and let the story itself inspire them to check it out. So the script draft I did had that in mind. Of course, timing is tricky, and getting it to the length that worked took some editing. But I think that’s always the case with anything using media.
SBK: Timing issues....that is probably an understatement. I believe many think we just pulled some pictures together, added music, the voice over, and done. In truth we made a number of large changes to your trailer. I know we swapped out a few pictures for new ones and reorganized those pictures but, in my opinion, the voice over was the biggest change. Did you feel like you had to have the voice over or was that something you wanted to add for flare and give the trailer more flash?
BTS: Well, finding the music and making the timing look right with its beats, swells, etc. was tricky and always is. You also have to find FREE music or pay a bundle, IF you get permission. Luckily, there’s plenty of well-made free podcasting music out there one can use as long as you give credit. And the same is true of pictures. In my case, because I’m telling the story, I hired an artist to do a few drawings from the story. She worked cheap for exposure (she also got a credit) and so that gave us extra images which really fit the story and we arranged other things around that. It was also tricky finding space battle images that were not from movies or games. Those would have cost a bundle AND they would made it appear I wanted to copy something I didn’t. As for the voice over, I thought the voice over was essential. For one, I had a free narrator—my editor, Randy Streu—who is a radio professional. He was willing to record it for free and had access to the equipment. It was just a matter of timing. So he did a couple of takes, as I recall. I think it really added a lot, don’t you?
The remainder of this conversation will be posted on Thursday. Until then I encourage you to check out Bryan's website, blog, and his titles.
BTS: Well, Brian, one of the things that has become important in marketing are book trailers. You hear about them everywhere these days it seems, and you helped me make a book trailer on a budget for The Worker Prince. I’m hoping to work with you soon on a trailer for The Returning as well. So I was thinking perhaps other authors might be interested in how we approached that. First, though, perhaps you could mention how you got into helping authors with book trailers and promotion. Then we’ll get to some nitty gritty ideas.
SBK: Sure Bryan, I can do that. Three years ago I was approached by a friend of mine, Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, she had been following my blog, The New Author, and really liked my information and passion to help authors. She proposed that we start a business together because she too enjoyed helping other succeed. We formed Premium Promotional Services. PPS started with a handful of services but we have built upon those to expand in different areas of book promotion. You are absolutely right, book trailers are important and a growing area of book promotion. There are thousands of them on Youtube. I actually, had no desire to make book trailers until my book, Born of Blood, was published. I knew I needed one so I began experimenting with the making of a book trailer. I really enjoyed it and thought about doing it for others. It just so happens that is right around the time you came along talking about making a book trailer for The Worker Prince. Speaking of The Worker Prince, how did you go about developing the idea for the book trailer? You pretty much had it planned out when you asked me to help you make it.
BTS: Well, since I was virtually unknown, and it was my first novel, with The Worker Prince, I figured the appeal was the classic/Star Wars feel. People who grew up liking those Golden Age-type stories that I loved with the larger-than-life, good v. evil heroes and villains would probably enjoy my book. I didn’t have a lot of reviews or big name blurbs to hang out and get people’s attention. So my thought was that the way to sell it was to appeal to that inner child in all of us that loves those hopeful stories and ideas and let the story itself inspire them to check it out. So the script draft I did had that in mind. Of course, timing is tricky, and getting it to the length that worked took some editing. But I think that’s always the case with anything using media.
SBK: Timing issues....that is probably an understatement. I believe many think we just pulled some pictures together, added music, the voice over, and done. In truth we made a number of large changes to your trailer. I know we swapped out a few pictures for new ones and reorganized those pictures but, in my opinion, the voice over was the biggest change. Did you feel like you had to have the voice over or was that something you wanted to add for flare and give the trailer more flash?
BTS: Well, finding the music and making the timing look right with its beats, swells, etc. was tricky and always is. You also have to find FREE music or pay a bundle, IF you get permission. Luckily, there’s plenty of well-made free podcasting music out there one can use as long as you give credit. And the same is true of pictures. In my case, because I’m telling the story, I hired an artist to do a few drawings from the story. She worked cheap for exposure (she also got a credit) and so that gave us extra images which really fit the story and we arranged other things around that. It was also tricky finding space battle images that were not from movies or games. Those would have cost a bundle AND they would made it appear I wanted to copy something I didn’t. As for the voice over, I thought the voice over was essential. For one, I had a free narrator—my editor, Randy Streu—who is a radio professional. He was willing to record it for free and had access to the equipment. It was just a matter of timing. So he did a couple of takes, as I recall. I think it really added a lot, don’t you?
The remainder of this conversation will be posted on Thursday. Until then I encourage you to check out Bryan's website, blog, and his titles.
July 5, 2012
What Should Be Done?
Are stats accurate? I check my stats for The New Author, I pay attention to the number of visitors, and I check out the number of tweets and/or likes for the blog and posts. The numbers seem steady. They don't go up to high and they don't drop. Dare I say it....has The New Author become stagnant?
I don't think so even though it gets tough to post new articles at times. What perplexes me most however is the drought of comments the blog seems to be suffering from. It has been months since I posted something that received more than two comments. I find it hard that people do not have anything to say but I feel like I'm on stage, the lights are bright in my face, I hear the whispers of an audience but can't see them. Are you still out there?
I remember the days when an article posted would receive 5, 8, 10, 15...sometimes 30 comments. I miss those days. So now I ask you, what needs to happen at The New Author to recapture those days, that energy? An overhaul of the site? A switch to another topic?
I'm all ears and listening. Let me have it. Good, bad, indifferent....I want to know what you think.
The New Author has been around a long time. I've seen people, readers, writers come and go. Some moved on to other interest while others took off with their writing. Maybe it is time for a change of pace. Maybe I need to shake things up around here.
Let me have folks. What's your say in this?
I don't think so even though it gets tough to post new articles at times. What perplexes me most however is the drought of comments the blog seems to be suffering from. It has been months since I posted something that received more than two comments. I find it hard that people do not have anything to say but I feel like I'm on stage, the lights are bright in my face, I hear the whispers of an audience but can't see them. Are you still out there?
I remember the days when an article posted would receive 5, 8, 10, 15...sometimes 30 comments. I miss those days. So now I ask you, what needs to happen at The New Author to recapture those days, that energy? An overhaul of the site? A switch to another topic?
I'm all ears and listening. Let me have it. Good, bad, indifferent....I want to know what you think.
The New Author has been around a long time. I've seen people, readers, writers come and go. Some moved on to other interest while others took off with their writing. Maybe it is time for a change of pace. Maybe I need to shake things up around here.
Let me have folks. What's your say in this?
June 27, 2012
A Really Good Article
This is an article I had to share with all of you. It was prepared by Alan Dale, a journalist, after a conversation we had. He has other articles like this. You can find them at - http://networkedblogs.com/z8SqW
FROM THE EYES OF…SB KNIGHT, REBUILDING THROUGH WRITING, CAREER IS BORN
WEST VIRGINIA – Call it therapy or label it an instrument of survival, but putting thoughts down on paper or on keyboard may have made all the difference in SB Knight.
A decade later he is the author of Born of Blood the first book of the Blood Chronicles.
But not before giving his symbolic pound of flesh.
“Ten years ago I was struggling to get through a very difficult time in my life,” Knight said. “I began writing my thoughts and feelings during that time and found it very helpful. I truly believe I survived because of the combination of my faith and writing. A fire was lit and I continued to build on my writing but kept it a secret – except for my wife – until a poem I wrote was read at my dad’s funeral. I was blessed with writing during tough times in my life…that motivates me and drives me to continue writing.”
A civil/environmental engineer from West Virginia, Knight has been married to a “very supportive” wife of six years.
“She is my biggest fan,” he said of his better half, who he shares two children with. “They both know about my writing but too young for me to allow them to read any of it.”
He finds the time to write, but working a demanding day job and also being a co-owner of Premium Promotional Services, can make for a tough time to steal opportunities to create.
“It can be difficult but the great thing about writing is you can fit it in anywhere,” Knight said. “I write early in the morning and late at night, which I prefer. Balance is the biggest obstacle because I also make it a priority to spend time with my family.”
Knight has found the time over the past six years to complete the first book Born of Blood which has had a strong showing out of the gate. He plans of his sequel Drago’s Revenge to come out in October. The third novel is expected to be under contract so Knight won’t be able to reveal that title at press time.
For Knight, success is not just getting a book out in print, although it is quite nice.
“Success is a toss-up between getting news my current novel is being published and hearing from readers about how much they enjoyed reading my (work),” Knight said.
“Just being published is a success to me. My goal now is to sustain a writing career and ultimately see one or more of my titles as a movie.”
Of course before any of that happens, he has to get his work past the supportive and critical eye of his wife.
“My wife is a major source of encouragement to me and my writing,” Knight said. “She reads my novels, I share story ideas with her, and I can count on her for honest feedback. That is critically important to an author.”
What is also critical is an ability to realize that their next work should be their best one and the one after that should be even better and the following one should…
“I feel that each novel is an improvement on the last because I push myself to expand and build on my writing,” Knight said. “I am very happy with each of my novels but I believe my third is the most complete. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be with my writing but I’ll get there.”
When he gets there what other project could Knight tackle?
“Oh I have projects that I am holding off until I feel that my writing is to a level to properly convey my thoughts and emotions in the story,” Knight said. “I have some stories that have a strong religious backing and subject matter. Who knows, I might include some other topics like politics and/or terrorism.”
FROM THE EYES OF…SB KNIGHT, REBUILDING THROUGH WRITING, CAREER IS BORN
WEST VIRGINIA – Call it therapy or label it an instrument of survival, but putting thoughts down on paper or on keyboard may have made all the difference in SB Knight.
A decade later he is the author of Born of Blood the first book of the Blood Chronicles.
But not before giving his symbolic pound of flesh.
“Ten years ago I was struggling to get through a very difficult time in my life,” Knight said. “I began writing my thoughts and feelings during that time and found it very helpful. I truly believe I survived because of the combination of my faith and writing. A fire was lit and I continued to build on my writing but kept it a secret – except for my wife – until a poem I wrote was read at my dad’s funeral. I was blessed with writing during tough times in my life…that motivates me and drives me to continue writing.”
A civil/environmental engineer from West Virginia, Knight has been married to a “very supportive” wife of six years.
“She is my biggest fan,” he said of his better half, who he shares two children with. “They both know about my writing but too young for me to allow them to read any of it.”
He finds the time to write, but working a demanding day job and also being a co-owner of Premium Promotional Services, can make for a tough time to steal opportunities to create.
“It can be difficult but the great thing about writing is you can fit it in anywhere,” Knight said. “I write early in the morning and late at night, which I prefer. Balance is the biggest obstacle because I also make it a priority to spend time with my family.”
Knight has found the time over the past six years to complete the first book Born of Blood which has had a strong showing out of the gate. He plans of his sequel Drago’s Revenge to come out in October. The third novel is expected to be under contract so Knight won’t be able to reveal that title at press time.
For Knight, success is not just getting a book out in print, although it is quite nice.
“Success is a toss-up between getting news my current novel is being published and hearing from readers about how much they enjoyed reading my (work),” Knight said.
“Just being published is a success to me. My goal now is to sustain a writing career and ultimately see one or more of my titles as a movie.”
Of course before any of that happens, he has to get his work past the supportive and critical eye of his wife.
“My wife is a major source of encouragement to me and my writing,” Knight said. “She reads my novels, I share story ideas with her, and I can count on her for honest feedback. That is critically important to an author.”
What is also critical is an ability to realize that their next work should be their best one and the one after that should be even better and the following one should…
“I feel that each novel is an improvement on the last because I push myself to expand and build on my writing,” Knight said. “I am very happy with each of my novels but I believe my third is the most complete. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be with my writing but I’ll get there.”
When he gets there what other project could Knight tackle?
“Oh I have projects that I am holding off until I feel that my writing is to a level to properly convey my thoughts and emotions in the story,” Knight said. “I have some stories that have a strong religious backing and subject matter. Who knows, I might include some other topics like politics and/or terrorism.”
June 22, 2012
One of the most inspirational books I've read
Title: Journey Unknown
Author: Margaret Barnhart
ISBN: 978-0-9847683-8-7
Genre: Inspirational/Motivational
Pages: 108
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
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A journey with purpose and meaning…
I did not know what to expect when I began reading “Journey Unknown.” I soon discovered that it provided something I needed. It took me some time to develop this review because of that reason. I lost my father to cancer four years ago. Margaret Barnhart’s words were soothing and helpful in many ways. I truly believe this book will touch each reader in a special, unique way for each of us contend with cancer is many different ways.
“Journey Unknown,” not only shares with us Margaret’s thoughts and emotions but she has included the thoughts and feelings of her friends and loved ones. These insights are powerful and moving. Margaret also included her artwork which adds another level of emotion to this inspiring work. Are you in need of relief? Do you need inspiration and comfort during the difficult times brought on by cancer? Read “Journey Unknown.”
From the first word, Margaret Barnhart delivers a strong, unflinching, passion filled description of her struggle with breast cancer. “Journey Unknown” will shine a light on the thoughts, struggles, inner-strength, and will to survive from the first page to the last. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to think about the impact of cancer in our life or in those around us. The inspiration is clear, the motivation is powerful, and the will to live is undeniable. It is these aspects and more that make “Journey Unknown” such an inspirational book.
The strength of “Journey Unknown” lies in the fact that Margaret wrote these words and drew the artwork while winning her battle with breast cancer. Author Margaret Barnhart is the true inspiration behind this book. I recommend “Journey Unknown”.
You can purchase Journey Unknown from the following retailers:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
The Laurus Company
Author: Margaret Barnhart
ISBN: 978-0-9847683-8-7
Genre: Inspirational/Motivational
Pages: 108
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
[image error]A journey with purpose and meaning…
I did not know what to expect when I began reading “Journey Unknown.” I soon discovered that it provided something I needed. It took me some time to develop this review because of that reason. I lost my father to cancer four years ago. Margaret Barnhart’s words were soothing and helpful in many ways. I truly believe this book will touch each reader in a special, unique way for each of us contend with cancer is many different ways.
“Journey Unknown,” not only shares with us Margaret’s thoughts and emotions but she has included the thoughts and feelings of her friends and loved ones. These insights are powerful and moving. Margaret also included her artwork which adds another level of emotion to this inspiring work. Are you in need of relief? Do you need inspiration and comfort during the difficult times brought on by cancer? Read “Journey Unknown.”
From the first word, Margaret Barnhart delivers a strong, unflinching, passion filled description of her struggle with breast cancer. “Journey Unknown” will shine a light on the thoughts, struggles, inner-strength, and will to survive from the first page to the last. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to think about the impact of cancer in our life or in those around us. The inspiration is clear, the motivation is powerful, and the will to live is undeniable. It is these aspects and more that make “Journey Unknown” such an inspirational book.
The strength of “Journey Unknown” lies in the fact that Margaret wrote these words and drew the artwork while winning her battle with breast cancer. Author Margaret Barnhart is the true inspiration behind this book. I recommend “Journey Unknown”.
You can purchase Journey Unknown from the following retailers:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
The Laurus Company
June 15, 2012
Words and Emotions
What words best describe your current mood?
June 13, 2012
Worrisome Words
What are your top 3 least favorite words?
June 10, 2012
Wonderful Words
What are your top 3 favorite words?
S.B. Knight's Blog
- S.B. Knight's profile
- 37 followers
S.B. Knight isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
