Elizabeth Spann Craig's Blog, page 157
March 31, 2013
Don't Be An Information Dumper! Guest Post by Don McNair
by Don McNair, @DonMcNair1
You
have two choices. Write in the "here and now" or dump information. I'll
tell you right now that editors and agents want you to write in the "here
and now."
Unpublished
writers often present information dumps in their first chapters. How do you
recognize one? Generally, your characters don't do, they think.
They think as they drive a car. As they sit in their office. As they ride an
elevator. Nothing of interest happens in real time. If your critique partner
tells you your story actually starts on page seven, she's saying that the first
six pages are an information dump. Those six pages generally include
information you think the reader needs to understand your characters.
Your
novel would be much more interesting if you showed instead of told.
In fact, editors who read past your manuscript's first paragraph stop reading
when they see this problem. Unfortunately, many writers hearing the
"show-don't-tell" advice don't really understand what it means.
Use narrative summaries sparingly
When
writers tell instead of show, they're generally writing from the author's
POV and not the characters'. While the technique called "narrative
summary" does have its place in a novel, it should be used sparingly.
Here's
a before-and-after example. The first version, written in the author's POV, is
a narrative summary:
But the site itself had been inhabited for much longer. The
previous day she and Mike had jogged along an old path which edged the Knob,
and she spotted the stark, vertical rock chimney of a burned-out cabin. It
jutted from a weathered rock foundation that was now covered with thick vines
and forest debris. The cabin had been built near the Knob's edge, which
plummeted almost two thousand feet to the valley floor. She realized
that, when the one-room cabin was built, its owner had probably cleared trees
away to open the valley up for a spectacular view.
Notice
the author is telling about the discovery, just as one tells ghost stories
around a family campfire. He is summarizing what happened yesterday. There is
no action. There was action yesterday, but that doesn't count as action today.
I
wrote that passage years ago. I thought it was fine writing until an old
writing pro pointed out the problem. I read it again, and—by gosh, she was
right. Following is the passage as I rewrote it to put the scene into a
character's POV and show the action, instead of leaving it in the
author's POV and tell about it:
Mike stepped aside and she saw a clearing. Grass, kept at
bay in the deep woods they'd passed through, covered an area the size of an
average yard.
She frowned. "This is it?"
"Yep. The original cabin site. See if you can find
it."
She saw nothing but the woods and grass. Blue sky appeared
over a huge, waist-high stone outcropping at her left. She stepped to it and
peered over.
"Why, we're right at the bluff's edge!"
"That's right. Jump off that rock, and you'll fall
almost two thousand feet."
And then she saw the vertical stone chimney. She'd
overlooked it before, since it resembled the surrounding tall trees. She walked
tentatively toward it. As her eyes adjusted she saw the stone foundation of a
long-gone, one-room cabin. Its chimney rose from one corner, its hearth opening
toward the center. Slanting rays filtering through the treetops brought the
chimney and foundation to life.
She turned to Mike. "Look at that - it's just like a
shrine. Why, I feel like I've just stepped out of a time machine."
The
lesson? Write in real time. Don't tell what happened in the past, but show
it as part of the action now.
Bad, better, and best
As
you write fiction, think of the information you present as being at one of
three levels: Bad, better, and best. Then upgrade that information as best you
can.
The
"bad" level has information told from the author's POV, as in the
first example above. The revealed events happened in the past. There is no
action today. There is little or no dialogue. Here's an example:
After she ate her sandwich, Mary left the dance without
answering Brad's questions about the Pekingese.
See?
No action, no dialogue. The author is telling us about something that happened
in to someone else. A scene or chapter written at this level could have a bored
editor flinging a submitted manuscript across the room.
The
"better" information level—and it's not really much better—at least
presents thoughts from the POV of a live human being. Here's an example:
Jane started her Mazda and pulled into the traffic. That
Mary, she thought with disgust. She ate her sandwich and simply left the dance.
She should have at least answered Brad's questions about the Pekingese.
Here
at least we have human involvement. Although the information Jane's thinking is
still dead and has no action, we do see Jane. In small, well-placed doses,
using such internal dialogue is an acceptable way to pass information.
Unfortunately, some authors use this approach for pages and pages, and the only
live action we have is the heroine doing the equivalent of driving that
car. It's easy to see why so many manuscripts are rejected.
Okay,
we've discussed the "bad" and the (not much) "better" ways
to present information. Let's look at the "best."
When
you start a new book, there's certain information you want to reveal. Rather
than have the author tell us about it or have a character think about it, have
the heroine confide the information to a sidekick in real time, perhaps like
this:
Jane sat her Margarita on the bar and turned to Amy, who
stared at her pocket mirror as she adjusted her hair. "Did you see
that?"
Amy looked up. "See what?"
"Mary. She just ate her sandwich and left."
Amy glanced at the lit ballroom exit, past entwined couples
dancing cheek to cheek on the dimly-lit dance floor. "Wow. Well, did she
answer Brad's questions about the Pekinese before she left?"
"I don't think so . . ."
Jane frowned and retrieved her drink. She brought it to her
lips and tasted the bitter salt, looked about, and paused. Standing by a small
table with its flickering candle was Brad, staring at the entrance.
"She should have, you know?" Jane sipped again,
and set her drink down.
"After all, Brad was kind enough to have the
Pekingese fixed."
I'll
admit I got carried away with that last example, but I did so with purpose.
Didn't you feel like you were there, watching this scene play out? Didn't you
catch the action—Alice primping, Jane sipping and tasting, dancers dancing, and
perhaps even Brad staring? Didn't you believe this is happening now and that
you are on hand to watch the scene unfold? This give-and-take is important. It
keeps the reader engaged. If you write in this mode she'll continue to read
your novel.
Don
McNair, an editor and writer for more than forty years, has written six novels
and four non-fiction books. His latest,
titled “Editor-Proof Your Writing: 21 Steps to the Clear Prose Publishers and
Agents Crave (Quill Driver Books),” helps writers self-edit their work. Learn more at his website, http://DonMcNair.com .
You
have two choices. Write in the "here and now" or dump information. I'll
tell you right now that editors and agents want you to write in the "here
and now."
Unpublished
writers often present information dumps in their first chapters. How do you
recognize one? Generally, your characters don't do, they think.
They think as they drive a car. As they sit in their office. As they ride an
elevator. Nothing of interest happens in real time. If your critique partner
tells you your story actually starts on page seven, she's saying that the first
six pages are an information dump. Those six pages generally include
information you think the reader needs to understand your characters.
Your
novel would be much more interesting if you showed instead of told.
In fact, editors who read past your manuscript's first paragraph stop reading
when they see this problem. Unfortunately, many writers hearing the
"show-don't-tell" advice don't really understand what it means.
Use narrative summaries sparingly
When
writers tell instead of show, they're generally writing from the author's
POV and not the characters'. While the technique called "narrative
summary" does have its place in a novel, it should be used sparingly.
Here's
a before-and-after example. The first version, written in the author's POV, is
a narrative summary:
But the site itself had been inhabited for much longer. The
previous day she and Mike had jogged along an old path which edged the Knob,
and she spotted the stark, vertical rock chimney of a burned-out cabin. It
jutted from a weathered rock foundation that was now covered with thick vines
and forest debris. The cabin had been built near the Knob's edge, which
plummeted almost two thousand feet to the valley floor. She realized
that, when the one-room cabin was built, its owner had probably cleared trees
away to open the valley up for a spectacular view.
Notice
the author is telling about the discovery, just as one tells ghost stories
around a family campfire. He is summarizing what happened yesterday. There is
no action. There was action yesterday, but that doesn't count as action today.
I
wrote that passage years ago. I thought it was fine writing until an old
writing pro pointed out the problem. I read it again, and—by gosh, she was
right. Following is the passage as I rewrote it to put the scene into a
character's POV and show the action, instead of leaving it in the
author's POV and tell about it:
Mike stepped aside and she saw a clearing. Grass, kept at
bay in the deep woods they'd passed through, covered an area the size of an
average yard.
She frowned. "This is it?"
"Yep. The original cabin site. See if you can find
it."
She saw nothing but the woods and grass. Blue sky appeared
over a huge, waist-high stone outcropping at her left. She stepped to it and
peered over.
"Why, we're right at the bluff's edge!"
"That's right. Jump off that rock, and you'll fall
almost two thousand feet."
And then she saw the vertical stone chimney. She'd
overlooked it before, since it resembled the surrounding tall trees. She walked
tentatively toward it. As her eyes adjusted she saw the stone foundation of a
long-gone, one-room cabin. Its chimney rose from one corner, its hearth opening
toward the center. Slanting rays filtering through the treetops brought the
chimney and foundation to life.
She turned to Mike. "Look at that - it's just like a
shrine. Why, I feel like I've just stepped out of a time machine."
The
lesson? Write in real time. Don't tell what happened in the past, but show
it as part of the action now.
Bad, better, and best
As
you write fiction, think of the information you present as being at one of
three levels: Bad, better, and best. Then upgrade that information as best you
can.
The
"bad" level has information told from the author's POV, as in the
first example above. The revealed events happened in the past. There is no
action today. There is little or no dialogue. Here's an example:
After she ate her sandwich, Mary left the dance without
answering Brad's questions about the Pekingese.
See?
No action, no dialogue. The author is telling us about something that happened
in to someone else. A scene or chapter written at this level could have a bored
editor flinging a submitted manuscript across the room.
The
"better" information level—and it's not really much better—at least
presents thoughts from the POV of a live human being. Here's an example:
Jane started her Mazda and pulled into the traffic. That
Mary, she thought with disgust. She ate her sandwich and simply left the dance.
She should have at least answered Brad's questions about the Pekingese.
Here
at least we have human involvement. Although the information Jane's thinking is
still dead and has no action, we do see Jane. In small, well-placed doses,
using such internal dialogue is an acceptable way to pass information.
Unfortunately, some authors use this approach for pages and pages, and the only
live action we have is the heroine doing the equivalent of driving that
car. It's easy to see why so many manuscripts are rejected.
Okay,
we've discussed the "bad" and the (not much) "better" ways
to present information. Let's look at the "best."
When
you start a new book, there's certain information you want to reveal. Rather
than have the author tell us about it or have a character think about it, have
the heroine confide the information to a sidekick in real time, perhaps like
this:
Jane sat her Margarita on the bar and turned to Amy, who
stared at her pocket mirror as she adjusted her hair. "Did you see
that?"
Amy looked up. "See what?"
"Mary. She just ate her sandwich and left."
Amy glanced at the lit ballroom exit, past entwined couples
dancing cheek to cheek on the dimly-lit dance floor. "Wow. Well, did she
answer Brad's questions about the Pekinese before she left?"
"I don't think so . . ."
Jane frowned and retrieved her drink. She brought it to her
lips and tasted the bitter salt, looked about, and paused. Standing by a small
table with its flickering candle was Brad, staring at the entrance.
"She should have, you know?" Jane sipped again,
and set her drink down.
"After all, Brad was kind enough to have the
Pekingese fixed."
I'll
admit I got carried away with that last example, but I did so with purpose.
Didn't you feel like you were there, watching this scene play out? Didn't you
catch the action—Alice primping, Jane sipping and tasting, dancers dancing, and
perhaps even Brad staring? Didn't you believe this is happening now and that
you are on hand to watch the scene unfold? This give-and-take is important. It
keeps the reader engaged. If you write in this mode she'll continue to read
your novel.
Don
McNair, an editor and writer for more than forty years, has written six novels
and four non-fiction books. His latest,
titled “Editor-Proof Your Writing: 21 Steps to the Clear Prose Publishers and
Agents Crave (Quill Driver Books),” helps writers self-edit their work. Learn more at his website, http://DonMcNair.com .
March 30, 2013
Twitterific
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
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When it's time to stop blogging: http://bit.ly/11DLYYe @yeomanis
Writing with an "authentic"
voice: http://bit.ly/108r8JZ
@TheHeraldRyanG
Down to Earth Structure: http://bit.ly/11DNkSM @Julie_Gray
Platonic Male-Female Relationships in
Fiction (a.k.a. "The Glue"): http://bit.ly/108rqAz
@fictiorians
Story Structure Provides A Framework For
Meaning: http://bit.ly/11DNwkP
@woodwardkaren
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Happy Easter to all
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The effect of digital publishing on literary fiction: http://bit.ly/YcF0X8
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Crime fiction--when secrets create problems: http://bit.ly/11Cvyz7
@mkinberg
Agents--changing attitudes and changing their business
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@Porter_Anderson
@DocSyntax @Melissa_Foster
The importance of continuing education for writers: http://bit.ly/YckLc0
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Agent-Assisted Self-Publishing and the Amazon White Glove
Program: http://bit.ly/XMGtQk @Melissa_Foster @JaneFriedman
Templates for self-published books that can be used with
Microsoft Word-created manuscripts: http://bit.ly/YcsBm7 @JFBookman
Bowker's latest pub. data and a look at the importance of
bookstores to publishers: http://bit.ly/YRNYot @Porter_Anderson @DouglasMcCabe
A free directory of cover designers,
formatters, freelance editors, and more: http://bit.ly/nolbXq
The Search Engine for Writers: http://hiveword.com/wkb/search
15 Questions to Help you Decide Your Next
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@fictionnotes
Agents share what they like to see in
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3 Ways to Ground Readers in Your World: http://bit.ly/ZY7H7Z @Janice_hardy
How flipping elements of a flipped idea
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Freelancers: The Magic of Double-Whammy
Headlines: And How To Use Their Enormous Power: http://bit.ly/ZY8cyV
3 Types of "Not Only . . . But
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@writing_tips
Transitioning from fanfic to original
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6 Historical Forensic Detectives Who
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@io9
3 ways back into the author marketing
game: http://bit.ly/162U2jY
To Be a Writer, You Only Need to Do Two
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@write_practice
Infinitives: To split or not to split: http://bit.ly/162U77j @aliciarasley
3 Dimensions of Character – A Review of
Larry Brooks' Character Development Technique: http://bit.ly/11ofd17
@Fictorians
1 writer's crazy three years since
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Understanding Screenwriting: Zero Dark
Thirty, This is 40, Margin Call, & More: http://bit.ly/11ofBwu
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Should Independent Authors Have Their
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How to Write a Novel as a Collaborative
Team: http://bit.ly/ZKuO5O @adriennedewolfe
5 Unconventional Fantasy Relationships: http://bit.ly/ZHGCEB @rajanyk
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them
Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Should Writers Pay to Use Duotrope? http://bit.ly/162Uu1y @writeitsideways
Author Photos Step-By-Step:The
Comprehensive Guide: http://bit.ly/162UE9f
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Keep the "Cheesiness" Out of
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@KerryLonsdale
Authors and Domain Names: Claiming Rights
to Names and Titles: http://bit.ly/11oh4CR
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Killing the "Pay First, Read
Later" E-bookselling Model: http://bit.ly/WWjiaa
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How Much Can an Editor Edit a Writer's
Work? http://bit.ly/107KvnO @BrianKlems
Scrivener for plotters: http://bit.ly/107KArB @Gwen_Hernandez
How @JaneFriedman Got a 6-Figure Twitter
Following (and Why It Doesn't Matter): http://bit.ly/WWjMNy
Types of act-outs for screenwriters and
other writers: http://bit.ly/107L2Gu
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Filling the creative well with a rest
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Do You Have a Purpose? The Absurd in
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@write_practice
Editors and Their Roles: http://bit.ly/WWlsGI @amazingstories0
Author Solutions: One Racket To Rule Them
All: http://bit.ly/107M7hf @EmilySuess
5 Blogging Tips for Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/WWlO09
In defense of love triangles: www.publishingcrawl.com/2013/02/19/in-defense-of-love-triangles-interests/
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Dialect in Dialogue: A Little Goes a Long
Way: http://bit.ly/107MqZr @PamelotH
How to Know When to Quit Pursuing
Publication: http://bit.ly/WWmbYt
@jodyhedlund
1 writer advises writers to pick a genre
and stick with it: http://bit.ly/107MFUq
@jimrubart
Defining your characters' dreams: http://bit.ly/WWmB11
Leaving Room for Inspiration/Creativity
Within an Outline: http://bit.ly/WWmVNl
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5 Essential Qualities of Irresistible
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The Five Best Questions To Ask A Panel of
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How Writing a Short Story Differs From
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What Makes An Idea Worthwhile? http://bit.ly/107Od0O @mooderino
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
An agent explains when to revise your
manuscript and when to keep submitting: http://bit.ly/16EYbvK
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Build Your Writing Community: In-Person
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Build Your Community--Writing Classes and
Workshops: http://bit.ly/X4KggX @DIYMFA
Build Your Online Writing Community: http://bit.ly/XzjWpZ @DIYMFA
Q&A With An Editor: The Acquisitions
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The Author-Editor Relationship: http://bit.ly/Xzk2Ov @DIYMFA
Being Your Own Muse: http://bit.ly/X4KAMB @DIYMFA
What Writers Can Learn from Children's
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Making Your Writing Real: http://bit.ly/WTJROh @NaAlleyBlog
Using Flow Charts to Plot: http://bit.ly/XzkxrU @jillkemerer
Introducing Your Novel: Why the First Few
Pages are the Most Important: http://bit.ly/X4LmJi
@americanediting
What fiction trends are coming and going?
http://bit.ly/XzkD2I @MacGregorLit
Nail a Better Concept To Empower Your
Story: http://bit.ly/X4Lt7O @storyfix
5 Answers to Questions About Direct
Address: http://bit.ly/XzkFYl @writing_tips
Never again hate self-promo: http://bit.ly/X4LyZ3 @rachellegardner
Worst exposition ever? http://bit.ly/XzkOuI @gointothestory
How do we discover what we want to read? http://bit.ly/XzkQ5Z @byrozmorris
Getting to know readers: the new
accessibility: http://bit.ly/X4LOHw
@tobywneal
5 Tips to Effective Dialogue: http://bit.ly/XzkXON @MaloneEditorial
10 Steps To Write And Publish Your
Non-Fiction Book: http://bit.ly/X4M21x
@thecreativepenn
Developing Scenes--revisiting the plot
arc: http://bit.ly/11og5Ta @DeeWhiteauthor
Think Like a Publisher: Sales Plans: http://bit.ly/107N5Kt @deanwesleysmith
When is it overwritten? http://bit.ly/X4MnRT @juliettewade
Respect Yourself and Take Back Control of
Your Calendar: http://bit.ly/XzliAY
@reallifee
The Best Characters Are Broken: http://bit.ly/X4Mvkb @fcmalby
Pros and Cons of Indie Publishing: http://bit.ly/XzlmRx
The First Step to a Quality Book: http://bit.ly/X4MLQj @JeFishman
Is Scrivener Right For You? http://bit.ly/ZW3jGu @NMusch
What Makes Good Horror? http://bit.ly/YyoTCK @craigdilouie
Journaling for writers: http://bit.ly/ZNb42D @getpulled
6 self-editing tips: http://bit.ly/YypdkS @adriennedewolfe
Focusing your fiction: http://bit.ly/ZNbwho @JordanMcCollum
How your characters might be betraying
readers: http://bit.ly/YyphkG @kmweiland
Winning Battles for Writers: National
Writers Union: http://bit.ly/ZNbSEQ
Many memorable characters are broken
ones: http://bit.ly/ZNbZQQ
Stuck? Five Ways to Write Forward: http://bit.ly/Yypww0
2 Dialogue Tips from Studying SitComs:
Just Spit it Out: http://bit.ly/ZNccmU
@fictionnotes
7 Ways To Improve Your Outlines: http://bit.ly/YypCE0 @goodinaroom
6 Ways To Get Rid Of Infodumps At The
Beginning Of A Story: http://bit.ly/YyqR6g
@woodwardkaren
One key to handling exposition: http://bit.ly/ZNebYr @gointothestory
Write first thing in the morning? Are you
crazy? http://bit.ly/YyqXuG @JennaAvery
Writing for trends: http://bit.ly/ZNctXa @TaliaVance
"Sorry, the short story boom is
bogus": http://bit.ly/ZNeDWN @salon
How to Get the Most Out of a Writing
Class: http://bit.ly/YyrgW4 @michelledseaton
Famous Authors' Fan Letters to Other
Authors: http://bit.ly/ZNfdDN @flavorpill
@theatlantic
8 Tips From @ChuckWendig On How To Read
Like A Writer: http://bit.ly/YyryMR
@woodwardkaren
10 Books that Changed America: http://bit.ly/ZNg1sn @listverse
The Dangers of Reading About Writers: http://bit.ly/Yys6SZ @PeterDamien
A look at the award-winning movie
Lincoln...from a screenwriter's perspective: http://bit.ly/ZNglHE
@cockeyedcaravan
3 Things to Do When You Have to Start
Writing (That Aren't "Start Writing"): http://bit.ly/YysikW
@GeoffreyCubbage
Immaturity in Writing: http://bit.ly/Yysv7M @bluemaven
10 tips for creating great plots: http://bit.ly/107t6dR @plotwhisperer
Point Of View: Enhancing Your Narrative
Voice: http://huff.to/11CdtRZ
Self-editing tips: http://bit.ly/11CdHbJ
Journaling for the Chronic Journal
Abandoner: http://bit.ly/107tjgW @roniloren
For a long writing career, fight for
yourself: http://bit.ly/11Ce1ah
@kristinerusch
Why Being a Ghostwriter isn't as
Soul-Sucking as You Think: http://bit.ly/107tyZs
@BeingTheWriter
How To Be Creative When Your Brain
Doesn't Want To Play: http://bit.ly/107wTrx
@RebootAuthentic
Some thoughts on Authority and
Credibility: http://bit.ly/107wYva
@VeronicaSicoe
Rules of writing fan fiction: http://bit.ly/11ClkPe @charmaineclancy
What 1 writer has learned from her cat: http://bit.ly/11ClmXv @JordanDane
How Busy People Can Find More Time for
Reading: http://bit.ly/11CFadq @jodyhedlund
Worldbuilding--Making the Most of
Holidays in Your World: http://bit.ly/11CFjxi
@juliettewade
Make the Reader Weep or Laugh: http://bit.ly/107HUJj @fictionnotes
What Worries Publishers Most? http://bit.ly/107HX7S @bmorrissey
Facing Failure: The Art of Eating Live
Frogs: http://bit.ly/107Ihnb @jeffgoins
11 Ways to Solve Your Writing
Procrastination Problem: http://bit.ly/107Ik2e
The Future of Publishing for Authors and
Professional Writers: http://bit.ly/107Io28
@wherewriterswin
Blogging Help: 7 Tools For Success: http://bit.ly/11CGEnT @heidicohen
The Basics of DIY E-Book Publishing: http://bit.ly/11CGJYA @writersdigest
How to Get In Touch With Your Characters
(Especially When You Have Writer's Block): http://bit.ly/107IuXt
@write_practice
Flog a Pro: Safe Haven by Nicholas
Sparks: http://bit.ly/11CH4e7 @RayRhamey
10 Important Questions You Should Ask A
Website Company Before Buying A New Website: http://bit.ly/107IHdf
@authormedia
5 Reasons Agents Don't Explain their
Rejections: http://bit.ly/11CHilq
@rachellegardner
A trad. published author tries
self-pubbing. Her one regret: http://bit.ly/11DJdpR
@annvosspeterson
Dialogue Involving Multiple Characters: http://bit.ly/11DJAAG
The Benefits of Talking Through Your
Scenes: http://bit.ly/108ounA @Janice_Hardy
Snip Skimming in the Bud: How to be
Eloquent and Snappy: http://bit.ly/11DJTeK
Judging Young Fiction By Their Covers: http://bit.ly/108oSTb
How To Make A Professional Standard Print
Book Interior: http://bit.ly/108p0lC
@JFBookman @thecreativepenn
A look at the new hybrids in creative
nonfiction: http://bit.ly/11DKywV
5 "Not This . . . But That"
Parallelism Problems: http://bit.ly/108p84s
@writing_tips
Memoir Writing Tips: How To Get Your
Story On The Page: http://bit.ly/11DKLAd
@thewritermama
Discoverability not a problem for
readers...1 reader bribed a librarian to put books in her hold queue: http://bit.ly/108pGau @kimthedork
Guy Kawasaki's 10 Social Media Tips for
Authors: http://to.pbs.org/11DLNMv
@mediatwit
The Business of Screenwriting: Everything
you wanted to know about specs: http://bit.ly/108q5K1
@gointothestory
When it's time to stop blogging: http://bit.ly/11DLYYe @yeomanis
Writing with an "authentic"
voice: http://bit.ly/108r8JZ
@TheHeraldRyanG
Down to Earth Structure: http://bit.ly/11DNkSM @Julie_Gray
Platonic Male-Female Relationships in
Fiction (a.k.a. "The Glue"): http://bit.ly/108rqAz
@fictiorians
Story Structure Provides A Framework For
Meaning: http://bit.ly/11DNwkP
@woodwardkaren
March 28, 2013
How Ebook Sales Affect Traditional Sales
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
The series that I'm self-publishing had its start as a traditionally published product.
"Pretty is as Pretty Dies" was published by Midnight Ink in 2009. The book earned out, but apparently wasn't considered a huge financial success by Midnight Ink, who indicated to me in 2010 that they'd rather not publish a sequel. I've never had hard feelings--publishing is a business. They need to make good business decisions or else they won't stay afloat. I was definitely disappointed, since I loved the characters, but I was too busy to be crushed. I was already, at that point, working on the Memphis Barbeque series and was hearing that I might be considered for a second series with Penguin.
In both 2010 and 2011, I continued hearing from readers, asking when the next Myrtle Clover book was coming out. I was buried in work at the time with the other series, but I hated telling them there wouldn't be more books in the series. I did tell a couple of readers that...then I started telling them that I was considering putting more Myrtles out, myself. My agent offered to shop the series to Penguin and St. Martin's, but I really didn't want to go that route because I knew it would take forever and the first book had come out in 2009.
After dragging my feet for a while, I decided to take the leap into self-publishing. It took a while. During that time, I kept hearing of the success other authors were having with self-publishing and was kicking myself for not getting my rights back and finding the time to find editors, artists, and formatters. Finally, I just gave myself a deadline. I wrote to the publisher, asking for the rights to my characters back. They returned them. Then I put a team together and starting releasing Myrtles--the book that Midnight Ink had turned down, a revamped version of the very first book in the series, and a new book.
While I was releasing the books, I ran sales on the self-pubbed items, frequently making one of the books free by making it free on Smashwords, then indicating to Amazon that the price was lower there. Sales of the other books increased, I got a large number of reviews on a couple of the titles, and began getting more visibility with the Amazon algorithm.
I noticed that sales were also increasing for the traditionally-published, "Pretty is as Pretty Dies." It was, after all, in the same series and introduced a main and recurring character in the series. The sales seemed to be mainly Kindle sales and placed the book in the 25,000--35,000 Amazon bestsellers rank for many weeks...pretty good for Midnight Ink and pretty good for a 3 1/2 year old book. The book was garnering new reviews and interest...the book was enjoying a second life.
Then last September, I received an email from Midnight Ink. I was curious, since I knew the sales for the book were suddenly strong. Sadly, the email stated:
"As you likely know, sales of the book have slowed considerably to the point where we have decided to designate the book as out-of-print. This means we will be returning available rights to you and discarding the remaining inventory.
Prior to discarding the inventory, we are offering you the opportunity to purchase as many copies as you would like for 80% off of the original retail price plus freight. Please contact our customer service department at {redacted}to order your books. This is a one-time offer and your order must be placed by Friday, September 14, 2012. Any remaining inventory be shredded and recycled on Monday September 17, 2012. If you miss the deadline, you will be unable to purchase any copies of your book.
Midnight Ink hereby returns all international and domestic rights to you to the above named title with the following exceptions:
Ebook
English large print rights (domestic and international)
Note that this rights return does NOT include rights to the covers, interior or exterior artwork. Nor does it include typography or electronic files."
No, I didn't buy any books at 80% off. :) What on earth would I have done with them--stacked them up in a closet? And the book is selling really well as an ebook...that seems to be the format that readers want the book in. It was just a pity I didn't have the ebook rights to that book back.
It was a little sad that my books were shredded and recycled. :)
What's my takeaway from this? One takeaway is that Midnight Ink did me a tremendous favor by refusing a second book--I've certainly done well on my own and who knows when I'd have taken the self-publishing leap without an unsold book handy? Another lesson is that ebooks are a lot more popular than print (I can't really draw another conclusion with the data I've got--few wanted the print version and the ebook version is selling briskly.) Another is that we don't have to let publishers decide when our series are over (as long as we can get the rights to the characters back.) I've also learned that it helps to have a series if you're self-publishing...the individual book sales build off each other. I haven't noticed as much of an effect on the sales of my other traditionally-published books in other series. And I've learned that--now, anyway--offering books for free means increased visibility and sales for related books.
Do you prefer series, as a reader? Have you tried self-publishing? Run any deeply discounted sales? Taken a discontinued series and re-started it, yourself?
The series that I'm self-publishing had its start as a traditionally published product.
"Pretty is as Pretty Dies" was published by Midnight Ink in 2009. The book earned out, but apparently wasn't considered a huge financial success by Midnight Ink, who indicated to me in 2010 that they'd rather not publish a sequel. I've never had hard feelings--publishing is a business. They need to make good business decisions or else they won't stay afloat. I was definitely disappointed, since I loved the characters, but I was too busy to be crushed. I was already, at that point, working on the Memphis Barbeque series and was hearing that I might be considered for a second series with Penguin.
In both 2010 and 2011, I continued hearing from readers, asking when the next Myrtle Clover book was coming out. I was buried in work at the time with the other series, but I hated telling them there wouldn't be more books in the series. I did tell a couple of readers that...then I started telling them that I was considering putting more Myrtles out, myself. My agent offered to shop the series to Penguin and St. Martin's, but I really didn't want to go that route because I knew it would take forever and the first book had come out in 2009.
After dragging my feet for a while, I decided to take the leap into self-publishing. It took a while. During that time, I kept hearing of the success other authors were having with self-publishing and was kicking myself for not getting my rights back and finding the time to find editors, artists, and formatters. Finally, I just gave myself a deadline. I wrote to the publisher, asking for the rights to my characters back. They returned them. Then I put a team together and starting releasing Myrtles--the book that Midnight Ink had turned down, a revamped version of the very first book in the series, and a new book.
While I was releasing the books, I ran sales on the self-pubbed items, frequently making one of the books free by making it free on Smashwords, then indicating to Amazon that the price was lower there. Sales of the other books increased, I got a large number of reviews on a couple of the titles, and began getting more visibility with the Amazon algorithm.
I noticed that sales were also increasing for the traditionally-published, "Pretty is as Pretty Dies." It was, after all, in the same series and introduced a main and recurring character in the series. The sales seemed to be mainly Kindle sales and placed the book in the 25,000--35,000 Amazon bestsellers rank for many weeks...pretty good for Midnight Ink and pretty good for a 3 1/2 year old book. The book was garnering new reviews and interest...the book was enjoying a second life.
Then last September, I received an email from Midnight Ink. I was curious, since I knew the sales for the book were suddenly strong. Sadly, the email stated:
"As you likely know, sales of the book have slowed considerably to the point where we have decided to designate the book as out-of-print. This means we will be returning available rights to you and discarding the remaining inventory.
Prior to discarding the inventory, we are offering you the opportunity to purchase as many copies as you would like for 80% off of the original retail price plus freight. Please contact our customer service department at {redacted}to order your books. This is a one-time offer and your order must be placed by Friday, September 14, 2012. Any remaining inventory be shredded and recycled on Monday September 17, 2012. If you miss the deadline, you will be unable to purchase any copies of your book.
Midnight Ink hereby returns all international and domestic rights to you to the above named title with the following exceptions:
Ebook
English large print rights (domestic and international)
Note that this rights return does NOT include rights to the covers, interior or exterior artwork. Nor does it include typography or electronic files."
No, I didn't buy any books at 80% off. :) What on earth would I have done with them--stacked them up in a closet? And the book is selling really well as an ebook...that seems to be the format that readers want the book in. It was just a pity I didn't have the ebook rights to that book back.
It was a little sad that my books were shredded and recycled. :)
What's my takeaway from this? One takeaway is that Midnight Ink did me a tremendous favor by refusing a second book--I've certainly done well on my own and who knows when I'd have taken the self-publishing leap without an unsold book handy? Another lesson is that ebooks are a lot more popular than print (I can't really draw another conclusion with the data I've got--few wanted the print version and the ebook version is selling briskly.) Another is that we don't have to let publishers decide when our series are over (as long as we can get the rights to the characters back.) I've also learned that it helps to have a series if you're self-publishing...the individual book sales build off each other. I haven't noticed as much of an effect on the sales of my other traditionally-published books in other series. And I've learned that--now, anyway--offering books for free means increased visibility and sales for related books.
Do you prefer series, as a reader? Have you tried self-publishing? Run any deeply discounted sales? Taken a discontinued series and re-started it, yourself?
March 26, 2013
Creative Exploration
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Image: MorgueFile: Bang
I recently read two posts that I found very interesting. Most interesting to me was the different positions they took (unknowingly...the posts and authors weren't connected in any way) on the same issue--creative exploration.
One of the blogs is Original Impulse. The blogger is Cynthia Morris, who describes herself as a creative coach for others...I think of her as a writer, since that's how I know her online. She's a novelist and essayist and a proponent of having fun creatively, exploring creativity, and--as her site mentions--having a "creative adventure."
I think I've watched with interest especially because she does things that I don't do...she takes risks where I'm cautious. She does things on a bigger scale than I--she travels to France to sketch and recharge her creative batteries where I might go to a local coffee shop.
And she recently decided to forego her regular blogging and focus on writing...to focus on painting. She explains the hows and whys in her post "Getting Real, Getting Vulnerable, Getting Visual."
Which I find really inspiring. I do. I never want to feel boxed-in, creatively. Of course, I'd have to adapt what she's doing to suit my own life. My visual-artistic talent is sub-zero on any scale and I've got two kids who still depend on me a lot, so travel is pretty much out of the question. But...it's just another reminder of those stories that are asking to be written. Some time soon I'm going to shift focus to them (and no, they're not traditional mysteries.)
The other post, which took a strikingly different view, was by experienced writer James L. Rubart in his post "You Can Only Write in One Genre. Period. End of Story." And, as he mentions in his first paragraph, the post title pretty much sums up his feelings on the subject...the remainder of the post he explains his position on the topic.
My post isn't a tale of a good approach and a bad approach or what to do or what not to do. James Rubart has some very good points in his piece and he's looking out for readers and writers, too...which I appreciate. Yes, readers can get confused when we branch out into different genres. We've carefully built up reader loyalty, then we're pulling the rug out from under them. Worst case scenario, they feel tricked.
This, honestly, is one of the real joys of self-publishing. As I read through the comments, I kept looking for someone to bring that point up. Finally, near the middle of the (long) list of comments, I found someone--James Scott Bell, as a matter of fact. As James stated:
There are many ways to address this problem and none of them involve short-changing ourselves creatively. For one, we don't have to face a roadblock from an agent or publisher if we want to explore a different genre--we can publish the book ourselves.
For another...if we really don't want a dedicated reader to accidentally purchase a book in a different genre, we could use a pseudonym. Yes, it means building up another brand. But it's worth it. And...it's easy enough these days to link the two names together on sites like Goodreads and Amazon. Our websites could also list the books with a disclaimer: it's a different genre than they're used to reading from us.
Creative freedom and freedom of expression is incredibly important for us to thrive and continue producing...and producing quality content. We need to find the balance between satisfying our own creative impulses and making it a satisfying experience for our readers.
Have you considered writing other genres? Or...even exploring other artistic formats?
Image: MorgueFile: Bang
I recently read two posts that I found very interesting. Most interesting to me was the different positions they took (unknowingly...the posts and authors weren't connected in any way) on the same issue--creative exploration.
One of the blogs is Original Impulse. The blogger is Cynthia Morris, who describes herself as a creative coach for others...I think of her as a writer, since that's how I know her online. She's a novelist and essayist and a proponent of having fun creatively, exploring creativity, and--as her site mentions--having a "creative adventure."
I think I've watched with interest especially because she does things that I don't do...she takes risks where I'm cautious. She does things on a bigger scale than I--she travels to France to sketch and recharge her creative batteries where I might go to a local coffee shop.
And she recently decided to forego her regular blogging and focus on writing...to focus on painting. She explains the hows and whys in her post "Getting Real, Getting Vulnerable, Getting Visual."
Which I find really inspiring. I do. I never want to feel boxed-in, creatively. Of course, I'd have to adapt what she's doing to suit my own life. My visual-artistic talent is sub-zero on any scale and I've got two kids who still depend on me a lot, so travel is pretty much out of the question. But...it's just another reminder of those stories that are asking to be written. Some time soon I'm going to shift focus to them (and no, they're not traditional mysteries.)
The other post, which took a strikingly different view, was by experienced writer James L. Rubart in his post "You Can Only Write in One Genre. Period. End of Story." And, as he mentions in his first paragraph, the post title pretty much sums up his feelings on the subject...the remainder of the post he explains his position on the topic.
My post isn't a tale of a good approach and a bad approach or what to do or what not to do. James Rubart has some very good points in his piece and he's looking out for readers and writers, too...which I appreciate. Yes, readers can get confused when we branch out into different genres. We've carefully built up reader loyalty, then we're pulling the rug out from under them. Worst case scenario, they feel tricked.
This, honestly, is one of the real joys of self-publishing. As I read through the comments, I kept looking for someone to bring that point up. Finally, near the middle of the (long) list of comments, I found someone--James Scott Bell, as a matter of fact. As James stated:
Branding has been an essential element here, due to readership building,
store ordering and shelf space. All that's been turned around in the
digital age. I reflected on that
a bit ago. Traditional publishers are starting to catch on, albeit
slowly, to the idea that (to paraphrase the old Wonder Bread
commercials) a writer can build strong readers 12 ways.
There are many ways to address this problem and none of them involve short-changing ourselves creatively. For one, we don't have to face a roadblock from an agent or publisher if we want to explore a different genre--we can publish the book ourselves.
For another...if we really don't want a dedicated reader to accidentally purchase a book in a different genre, we could use a pseudonym. Yes, it means building up another brand. But it's worth it. And...it's easy enough these days to link the two names together on sites like Goodreads and Amazon. Our websites could also list the books with a disclaimer: it's a different genre than they're used to reading from us.
Creative freedom and freedom of expression is incredibly important for us to thrive and continue producing...and producing quality content. We need to find the balance between satisfying our own creative impulses and making it a satisfying experience for our readers.
Have you considered writing other genres? Or...even exploring other artistic formats?
March 24, 2013
When to Start or Stop a Series
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I'm a real fan of writing series. That's probably obvious, since I write three of them. It gives me more opportunity to fully-develop my characters and give them growth throughout the series. In addition...it's honestly a lot easier to write series. You put a setting in place, and recurring characters in place--which makes subsequent books easier to write.
As a reader, I like series, too. I feel more invested in the protagonist and recurring characters if I know I'll be spending several books with them. I'll even soak in the setting and descriptions a bit more, since I know they'll be needed lately (as I've mentioned before, I frequently will gloss over any descriptions when reading.)
Elements that make for a good series:
A strong protagonist. This character shouldn't take a back seat in the story--he should make things happen instead of having things happen *to* him. There should be room for character growth there, too, and change.
Either a big conflict (for linked series where the plot continues from book to book) or solid new conflicts for each non-linked book in a series. Some subplots work well in series, too..romantic subplots are frequently popular with writers of all genres.
An interesting setting. And one that's interesting for the writer to write, too.
Elements that also make for good standalones...strong supporting characters, believable conflict, good pace, etc.
When to call a series quits:
When your publisher says it's finished. :) (These days you should see if you can get the rights to those characters back and continue the series yourself.)
When your characters start becoming static and your ideas are drying up.
When you find you're recycling plots.
When readers lose interest.
Do you prefer writing and reading standalones or series better?
Image: MorgueFile: beglib
I'm a real fan of writing series. That's probably obvious, since I write three of them. It gives me more opportunity to fully-develop my characters and give them growth throughout the series. In addition...it's honestly a lot easier to write series. You put a setting in place, and recurring characters in place--which makes subsequent books easier to write.
As a reader, I like series, too. I feel more invested in the protagonist and recurring characters if I know I'll be spending several books with them. I'll even soak in the setting and descriptions a bit more, since I know they'll be needed lately (as I've mentioned before, I frequently will gloss over any descriptions when reading.)
Elements that make for a good series:
A strong protagonist. This character shouldn't take a back seat in the story--he should make things happen instead of having things happen *to* him. There should be room for character growth there, too, and change.
Either a big conflict (for linked series where the plot continues from book to book) or solid new conflicts for each non-linked book in a series. Some subplots work well in series, too..romantic subplots are frequently popular with writers of all genres.
An interesting setting. And one that's interesting for the writer to write, too.
Elements that also make for good standalones...strong supporting characters, believable conflict, good pace, etc.
When to call a series quits:
When your publisher says it's finished. :) (These days you should see if you can get the rights to those characters back and continue the series yourself.)
When your characters start becoming static and your ideas are drying up.
When you find you're recycling plots.
When readers lose interest.
Do you prefer writing and reading standalones or series better?
Image: MorgueFile: beglib
March 23, 2013
Twitterific
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Twitterific links
are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge
Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming)
which has over 19,000 free articles on writing related topics. It's the search
engine for writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly
writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike
Fleming is working with author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an
online, interactive, writing program to help make your next novel great. It's
called "Knockout Novel" and you can learn more about it at Knockout Novel.com. Plus, all the data is stored in your Hiveword account for easy access. The program is due to launch in early-April.
Book Design Quick Tips for
Self-Publishers: http://bit.ly/XI73NW
@jfbookman
5 tips for writing humor: http://bit.ly/15rYad4 @fictionnotes
On the Interbook Indecision: http://bit.ly/13Als2b @KgElfland2ndCuz
What writers need to know about the
business of writing: http://bit.ly/Z4hwmz
@kristinerusch
How To Use Stereotypes In Writing
Fiction: http://bit.ly/Z4itv0 @VeronicaSicoe
Are Self-Pub Books the New Slush Pile? http://bit.ly/XQi8uX @rachellegardner
9 Tips To Develop A Winning Blog
Personality: http://bit.ly/Z4paNE
@HeidiCohen
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
Crime fiction
sleuths who aren't conventionally attractive: http://bit.ly/YlT6lg
@mkinberg
Need a unique way to
round out your flat characters? Try stressing the characters out: http://bit.ly/YC4SHx @DianeKrause2
Dated reference or
lexicon? http://bit.ly/Yml3cJ @authorterryo
5 Industry Trends
Requiring Every Writer’s Attention: http://bit.ly/16F39su
@janefriedman
Rumors of the ISBN’s
Demise: http://bit.ly/16Fk6D0
@Porter_Anderson @ljndawson @Personanondata @MickRooney7777
How 1 writer's
Amazon sales translated into income: http://bit.ly/ZXPWWn
@Porter_Anderson @salon
The Used-Digital
Debate: http://bit.ly/WUZqFj
@porter_anderson @LloydJassin @JDGsaid
Troubleshooting your
mystery novel: http://bit.ly/YGpoXu
"Everybody
Publishes, You Stinking Gatekeeper": http://bit.ly/11odGb8
@Porter_Anderson @oxfordthrillers @hughmcguire
Writing a realistic plea bargain scene: http://bit.ly/Z4i9fK @DADiaries
Physical Attributes Entry: Stomach: http://bit.ly/W86wUl @angelaackerman
Is Jane Austen Overhyped or
Underappreciated? http://slate.me/YaP7Ig
@slate
Writer's guide to
G.I.M.P.--image reflections on glass: http://bit.ly/X3jxRU
@clarissadraper
Why Do Female Authors Dominate
Young-Adult Fiction? http://bit.ly/XICYh2
@Meg_Lewit
How to Get Your ISBN: http://bit.ly/W8OyRJ @MyBookShepherd
Let Music Set the Mood: http://bit.ly/XIDUCb @MsAnnAguirre
Quality writing time: http://bit.ly/XIEJLa @julie_gray
"Promoting your Book on Facebook and
Twitter is a Total Waste of Time": http://bit.ly/16u8liJ
@MaryWWalters
Worldbuilding--Crafting Cultural
Interactions: http://bit.ly/16u8qmu
@juliettewade
Pace Your Novel Perfectly: http://bit.ly/ZKeOAN @lindasclare
On Being a Professional Amateur: http://bit.ly/ZKf5ne
Hyphens vs. Dashes vs. Commas: http://bit.ly/16ulhoK
Top 10 Tips For Self-Publishing Print
Books On Createspace: http://bit.ly/16uoHb8
@thecreativepenn @GunBossBooks
Another Class Action Suit Launched
Against PublishAmerica: http://bit.ly/ZKssUu
@victoriastrauss
Tips for submission letters: http://bit.ly/16uoSmH @writersdigest
5 Things Children Teach Us About Writing:
http://bit.ly/ZKsICX @writenowcoach
The Bad PR Hangover (and How to Avoid
It): http://bit.ly/16up715 @SharonBially
8 ways to be a happy author: http://bit.ly/ZKsT1f @rachellegardner
5 Quick Tips to Writing More: http://bit.ly/16upfO2 @kathysteffen
Secret sauce for a good book: Re-vision: http://bit.ly/ZKt6RP @JordanMcCollum
6 Months of Vocabulary Practice: http://bit.ly/16uprNf @write_practice
On Behalf of Neglected Night Creatures: http://bit.ly/ZKthNg @thisishorror
Top 10 Stupid Movie Quotes About Reading:
http://bit.ly/16upEjF @NewDorkReview
The Crazy Plan to Save Barnes &
Noble: http://bit.ly/ZKtAYl @passivevoiceblg
Script To Screen: "Notting
Hill": http://bit.ly/16upU23
@gointothestory
Identifying the Character Tics in
"Lost": http://bit.ly/ZKtOhZ
@suelange
Sex in SF/F: For the sake of the story: http://bit.ly/16uq4GH @mikemartinez72
How to Raise Funds for Your Book Project:
http://bit.ly/ZKtWOF @wherewriterswin
5 Steps To A Successful Digital Rewrite: http://bit.ly/16uqdKl @chris_shultz81
Why One-Star Reviews Matter: http://bit.ly/ZKu5BM @selfpubreview
Write Like a Lawyer: 5 Tips for Fiction
Writers: http://bit.ly/16uqkW7
@ChuckSambuchino
Tips for completing a novel: http://bit.ly/ZKuggf @ronvitale
Tips for stronger book sales for
self-pubbed authors: http://bit.ly/16uqJrD
@rxena77
How 1 writer uses music as part of his
creative process: http://bit.ly/ZKuJz2
@byrozmorris @agnieszkassshoes
How to Write a Novel as a Collaborative
Team: http://bit.ly/ZKuO5O @adriennedewolfe
The Biggest Problem With Trick Endings: http://bit.ly/16ur65w @kmweiland
5 reasons readers love your story: http://bit.ly/10WUOzS @LisaCron
Should Independent Authors Have Their
Books Translated into Foreign Languages? http://bit.ly/ZaMaK5
@goblinwriter
Considerations when planning your
literary estate: http://bit.ly/10WWXeT
@kristinerusch
How to Get Help from Amazon: http://bit.ly/ZaO7WQ @Authopublisher
1 writer advises us to never delete
unwanted story bits: http://bit.ly/ZaOv7O
@write_practice
The Business of Screenwriting: Everything
you wanted to know about specs: http://bit.ly/10WXOMB
@gointothestory
How to Use Introversion for Career and
Personal Success: http://bit.ly/10WY6mP
@lifehacker
1 writer explains how to be more
prolific: http://bit.ly/10WYi5q
Accessing Creative Energy: http://bit.ly/ZaPe95
How Much Time Should Writers Spend
Blogging? http://bit.ly/ZHFTDA @scottmarlowe
Using a Variety of Ebook Price Points: http://bit.ly/XJDkWX
Netflix says it's a great time to be a
writer: http://bit.ly/ZHGcOu @rule17
Pay attention to commas when using the
words since and because: http://bit.ly/XJDCNz
@livewritethrive
5 Key Questions to Ask as You Write Your
Novel: http://bit.ly/ZHGg0X
7 Deadly Myths and 3 Inspired Truths
About Book Editing: http://bit.ly/XJDNZn
@StillpointDigPr
5 Tips to Writing a Great Historical
Novel: http://bit.ly/ZHGrJy @MyBookTherapy
5 Tips To Avoid A Blah Blah Blog: http://bit.ly/XJDVrR @wherewriterswin
How Much Money Amazon Is Making From The
Kindle? http://bit.ly/XJEdih @sai
@passivevoiceblg
5 Unconventional Fantasy Relationships: http://bit.ly/ZHGCEB @rajanyk
How To Write Short Stories: http://bit.ly/XJEoKD @woodwardkaren
How to Bring Subjects to Life in Your
Nonfiction Writing: http://bit.ly/ZHGHYQ
@amywilentz
Answers to Questions About Tense: http://bit.ly/XJEW35 @writing_tips
Taking your writing seriously: http://bit.ly/ZHGV2h @writersrelief
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them
Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Losing Sight of the Target: http://bit.ly/XYtwpm @StinaLL
Why Hunter S. Thompson Would've Loved
Author Rank: http://bit.ly/XYsSbD
@copyblogger
Great Characters: Vincent Vega
("Pulp Fiction"): http://bit.ly/16Ec6lB
@gointothestory
Tricks Your Left Brain is Playing On You
(And What You Can Do About It): http://bit.ly/YlZF7o
@lifehacker
Lazy Ways to Keep The Reader Hooked - The
Dan Brown Secret: http://bit.ly/16Ec9xS
@yeomanis
Ebook parts: http://bit.ly/YlZKba @jakonrath
The art of biography is alive and well: http://bit.ly/YlZUzf @guardianbooks
Re-Posting Old Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/YlZVn5 @Janice_hardy
5 Hilarious Reasons Publishers Rejected
Classic Best-Sellers: http://bit.ly/YmiEi7
@passivevoiceblg
10 Giveaway Freebies to Get Readers to
Opt-in: http://bit.ly/16Ewva8
Can Libraries Lend eBooks Without DRM? http://bit.ly/Ymj08C @gluejar
Where's the Line between Spamming and
Sharing? http://bit.ly/Ymj48c @jamigold
Tips for a better LinkedIn profile: http://bit.ly/Ymjnjj @JennyHansenCA
@KristenLambTX
Analyzing Story Structure: http://bit.ly/15HqxnB @woodwardkaren
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
25 commandments for journalists: http://bit.ly/16EyJqh @guardianbooks
Writing A Feel Good Story: http://bit.ly/YmHFdf @woodwardkaren
4 reasons an agent kept reading recent
queries: http://bit.ly/16EXu5H @petejknapp
An agent explains when to revise your
manuscript and when to keep submitting: http://bit.ly/16EYbvK
@carlywatters
How to Produce and Distribute Your Own
Audiobook: http://bit.ly/YmJoPN @bookbaby
23 Ways To Promote Your Blog: http://bit.ly/YmJIOg @HeidiCohen
10 shifted perspective novels 1 reader
would like to see: http://bit.ly/16F0cYV
@readingape
Neologisms, Pseudowords, & The
Pleasures of Deviant Language in Fantastika: http://bit.ly/16F0mzv
@sfsignal
The Secret of Success: Stop Trying to Be
Famous: http://bit.ly/YmKTNP @jeffgoins
Great Scene: "Double
Indemnity": http://bit.ly/YmKV8k
@gointothestory
Memorable openings in science fiction: http://bit.ly/16F0y1C @amazingstories0
The Case For Libraries: http://bit.ly/YmL3Vw @passivevoiceblg
Why Cliffhangers Keep Readers in Your
Raft: http://bit.ly/16F0GOw @jefishman
6 Ways to Fall in Love with Writing: http://bit.ly/YmLqzi @litreactor
@robdyoungwrites
How to Stay Calm and Creative while
Coping with Stress: http://bit.ly/16F18fO
@brandenbarnett
Novel experiments in publishing: http://oreil.ly/YmLxL3 @JennWebb
Check your ebook files before you publish
them: http://bit.ly/16F1e71 @behlerpublish
Do you need a literary agent? http://bit.ly/WzTwqU @dirtywhitecandy
4 Elements of Epic Storytelling: http://bit.ly/ZW3di8 @mythicscribes
Writing Workshop: How To Tell When You
Need That Boost: http://bit.ly/WzTJu7
@diymfa
Is Scrivener Right For You? http://bit.ly/ZW3jGu @NMusch
A Five Author Street Team = Too Many
Cooks in the Kitchen? http://bit.ly/ZW3H7Q
@Tracy_March
Scene questionnaire: http://bit.ly/WzUkvL
How to Write a One Page Proposal: http://bit.ly/15lfj6b @shalvatzis
Konrath's results using Amazon Select: http://bit.ly/15lfqP2 @woodwardkaren
10 Creative Habits of the Pro Artist: http://bit.ly/WSYaCB @brandenbarnett
18 Bad Guys Who Were Way Too Easy to
Defeat: http://bit.ly/15lfFtI @io9
15 famous beautiful creatures: http://bit.ly/WSYgdv @slant
Tips for writing realistic fight scenes: http://bit.ly/15lg6Ed @thecreativepenn
@JarrahLoh
Post price fixing settlement thoughts: http://bit.ly/WSYvVQ @jane_l
Building a platform vs. promoting a book:
http://bit.ly/15lqmwe @rachellegardner
The author has four faces: A writer's
survival guide: http://bit.ly/WT2SAe
@katewritesbooks
Write Your Truth: http://bit.ly/WT2WQv @jamesscottbell
Screenwriting Software: Adobe Story: http://bit.ly/15lqHPx @woodwardkaren
Structuring Your Scenes: Variations on
the Sequel: http://bit.ly/15lqRpX
@kmweiland
The Power of the Author Interview: http://bit.ly/ZXXZma @BookMarketer
Writing Historicals – How Accurate Must
You Be? http://bit.ly/WTDbzy
Adding Contrast to Your Writing:
Character: http://bit.ly/ZXYexB @ava_jae
Writing Vivid Scenes: http://bit.ly/ZXYkFn @KatZhang
How to Find a Critique Group: http://bit.ly/WTDsm4
Being a smart author in a changed
industry: http://bit.ly/WTDzhm
@kristenlambTX @SusanSpann
2 self-pubbed authors debunk indie
publishing myths: http://bit.ly/WTE9Mi
@SusanKayeQuinn @laurapauling
When You Have to Admit You've Failed: http://bit.ly/ZXZosE @alexisgrant
Engaging in non-writing art can influence
your writing: http://bit.ly/WTEpuH
@Jan_Ohara
Self-Published Authors Share 5 Things
They Learned in 2012: http://bit.ly/WTI1gb
@livewritethrive
13 Geeky Ways To Beat Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ZY5NUI @VeronicaSicoe
Writing a Character's Dark Side: http://bit.ly/WTJ7Zk
Violent Femmes: The Place of Women in
Horror: http://bit.ly/ZY5UzV @HorrorMovies
Top 10 vicious literary hatchet jobs: http://bit.ly/WTJgvM @telegraphbooks
How 1 writer began writing and stopped
lying: http://bit.ly/WTJovn @randysusanmeyer
Order to the Chaos of Life: Isabel
Allende on Writing: http://bit.ly/ZY6rSk
@brainpicker
For the stressed-out writer: The 5-minute
Guide to Meditation: Anywhere, Anytime: http://bit.ly/ZY6DAQ
@lifehackorg
March 22, 2013
Focusing on the Writing First
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
When I was a kid, my elementary school would have tornado drills at least twice in a school year. What I remember most about these drills was that the teachers would direct all the children into the hallway to kneel with our arms covering our heads...and then they'd spend the entire drill busily cranking open the casement windows. The prevailing wisdom at the time (at least, in my elementary school), was that the windows must be opened or else the school would explode from the pressure during a tornado. I know...it sounds nutty now.
Actually, it seemed crazy to me at the time that the teachers would be working so long and so hard to open those half-painted-shut windows...during a tornado. I remember thinking, "So...if this were a real tornado, the kids will all be safe in the hall. And all the adults will be dead because they're trying to open the windows. What will we do then?" The windows just weren't the right things to be focusing on.
Twice recently, I've had new writers approach me to ask me publishing-related questions for unfinished first manuscripts. I actually used to love talking with new writers. I couldn't figure out why other writers disliked it so much. Lately, though, I completely understand. As I listened to them asking me questions about the industry, my heart sank. How could I possibly give them any direction in only a few minutes?
Neither had ever finished a book. One had been working on a book for years, but not regularly. It was something she picked up every few months. She was concerned about agents and publishers and how to approach them.
The other writer asked me about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and building a platform. And the writer looked totally overwhelmed. I'd have been totally overwhelmed, too. Working on a first novel, thinking about all the social media and the way the industry is imploding or exploding or improving (depending how you look at it.)
It all reminded me of the teachers trying to crank those windows open. Their principal had them focused on the wrong task. They should have huddled down next to us in the hall. Writers need to huddle down and write.
Yes, we've got to follow the industry news. It will help give us direction when we're figuring out the best avenue for publishing our story. Plus, it's just such a dynamic time that our whole concept of the publishing industry could become outdated in a short period of time. But the story comes first.
Platform building is important. But the timing of its importance is in question. If it prevents you from writing that first book, that's a problem. Industry expert Jane Friedman put it bluntly in her recent post (and the entire post is an insightful read) on Writer Unboxed, 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writer’s Attention:
I do think it's nice to have a home base on the web...a website, a blog, some place to hang your hat. Definitely a professional-sounding email address, at the very least. But instead of platforming, new writers should think about discovering information from the writing community--craft, industry news, support. Again, nothing that takes the place of the writing. Platforming makes more sense for writers who have books launching.
Once the book is finished, we do have lots of decisions to make and tons of information to absorb. But we're focused in the wrong direction, it makes it even harder to find time to write.
How do you keep focused on your writing instead of all the other writing-related issues (industry changes, networking, platforming, agents and publishers)? For me, it means knocking out my daily writing goal before hopping online.
Image: MorgueFile: npclark2k
When I was a kid, my elementary school would have tornado drills at least twice in a school year. What I remember most about these drills was that the teachers would direct all the children into the hallway to kneel with our arms covering our heads...and then they'd spend the entire drill busily cranking open the casement windows. The prevailing wisdom at the time (at least, in my elementary school), was that the windows must be opened or else the school would explode from the pressure during a tornado. I know...it sounds nutty now.
Actually, it seemed crazy to me at the time that the teachers would be working so long and so hard to open those half-painted-shut windows...during a tornado. I remember thinking, "So...if this were a real tornado, the kids will all be safe in the hall. And all the adults will be dead because they're trying to open the windows. What will we do then?" The windows just weren't the right things to be focusing on.
Twice recently, I've had new writers approach me to ask me publishing-related questions for unfinished first manuscripts. I actually used to love talking with new writers. I couldn't figure out why other writers disliked it so much. Lately, though, I completely understand. As I listened to them asking me questions about the industry, my heart sank. How could I possibly give them any direction in only a few minutes?
Neither had ever finished a book. One had been working on a book for years, but not regularly. It was something she picked up every few months. She was concerned about agents and publishers and how to approach them.
The other writer asked me about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and building a platform. And the writer looked totally overwhelmed. I'd have been totally overwhelmed, too. Working on a first novel, thinking about all the social media and the way the industry is imploding or exploding or improving (depending how you look at it.)
It all reminded me of the teachers trying to crank those windows open. Their principal had them focused on the wrong task. They should have huddled down next to us in the hall. Writers need to huddle down and write.
Yes, we've got to follow the industry news. It will help give us direction when we're figuring out the best avenue for publishing our story. Plus, it's just such a dynamic time that our whole concept of the publishing industry could become outdated in a short period of time. But the story comes first.
Platform building is important. But the timing of its importance is in question. If it prevents you from writing that first book, that's a problem. Industry expert Jane Friedman put it bluntly in her recent post (and the entire post is an insightful read) on Writer Unboxed, 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writer’s Attention:
If you’re a totally new, unpublished writer who is focused on fiction,
memoir, poetry, or any type of narrative-driven work, forget you ever
heard the word platform. I think it’s causing more damage than good.
It’s causing writers to do things that they dislike (even hate), and
that are unnatural for them at an early stage of their careers. They’re
confused, for good reason, and platform building grows into a raging
distraction from the work at hand—the writing.
I do think it's nice to have a home base on the web...a website, a blog, some place to hang your hat. Definitely a professional-sounding email address, at the very least. But instead of platforming, new writers should think about discovering information from the writing community--craft, industry news, support. Again, nothing that takes the place of the writing. Platforming makes more sense for writers who have books launching.
Once the book is finished, we do have lots of decisions to make and tons of information to absorb. But we're focused in the wrong direction, it makes it even harder to find time to write.
How do you keep focused on your writing instead of all the other writing-related issues (industry changes, networking, platforming, agents and publishers)? For me, it means knocking out my daily writing goal before hopping online.
Image: MorgueFile: npclark2k
March 20, 2013
Troubleshooting Your Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Hi everyone! I'm over at the Writer's in the Storm blog today, with a guest post aimed at mystery writers--"Troubleshooting Your Mystery." I'll share some common problems mystery writers face and offer some potential solutions.
Hope you'll drop by if you have a chance. Writers in the Storm , if you haven't visited there, is a helpful blog, focusing on the writing craft...their archives are fun to delve into!
Update--I'm trying a new plug-in for comments. When I turned on comment moderation yesterday afternoon, I promptly received 50 spam comments to moderate. By this morning, it was in the hundreds. Hoping that a third-party site will improve our commenting experience here, but we'll see!
Hi everyone! I'm over at the Writer's in the Storm blog today, with a guest post aimed at mystery writers--"Troubleshooting Your Mystery." I'll share some common problems mystery writers face and offer some potential solutions.
Hope you'll drop by if you have a chance. Writers in the Storm , if you haven't visited there, is a helpful blog, focusing on the writing craft...their archives are fun to delve into!
Update--I'm trying a new plug-in for comments. When I turned on comment moderation yesterday afternoon, I promptly received 50 spam comments to moderate. By this morning, it was in the hundreds. Hoping that a third-party site will improve our commenting experience here, but we'll see!
March 17, 2013
Stressed-Out Characters – Just the Way We Want Them--Guest Post by Diane Krause
by Diane Krause,@DianeKrause2
In addition to writing and editing, one of my other
interests is human behavior and personality types. I’m fascinated by the way
we’re each uniquely wired, and what it takes for us all to work and play nicely
together.
For a number of years, I’ve worked with a personality
assessment called The Birkman Method™. This particular assessment stands out
among others, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, because Birkman measures
more aspects of an individual’s personality than other assessments. One of
those aspects is Stress Behavior, a
concept that can be quite useful for fiction writers.
Stress
Behavior, according to The Birkman Method™, is the behavior we exhibit
when our needs aren’t met. That seems logical, right? When all is right
with the world -- the bills are paid, the laundry’s done, the children are
behaving, and we’re exceeding our word count quota – our behaviors are usually
pretty positive and we’re a joy to be around. Yet when all is not
right with the world, well, it’s not a pretty sight, is it?
The Birkman assessment takes that concept and breaks it down
by the four primary personality types, with each type possessing its own set of
positive behaviors, basic needs, and stress behavior. An understanding of the
four types and some common stress behaviors can help us add a bit more
dimension, or complexity, to our fictional characters. After all, we do want
our characters to be stressed, right? Stress creates conflict, which is
critical to creating great fiction.
The following is a crash course in the four basic
personality types, and some common stress behaviors that are likely to pop up
in each when all is not right with his or her world.
The
Doer Personality. This is the classic Type A personality. He’s
quick to make decisions, likes to be in charge, and lives to see results. This
is the Ready-Fire-Aim guy. He’s most
comfortable with people who think and act like him, and he tends to have little
patience with creative types who prefer to explore options and think before
acting. He prefers to deal with people in a frank, direct and straightforward
manner with a minimal amount of emotion and sentimentality.
The
Doer’s Stress Behavior. When his needs aren’t met – say he’s stuck
working with a bunch of free spirits -- he will tend to become insensitive,
bossy, dogmatic, impulsive, edgy, and impatient. He’ll be overly factual and
abrupt, and will tend to have difficulty responding to the personal needs of
others.
The
Influencer Personality. This is your killer saleswoman. She loves
being around people and can work a room like nobody’s business. The Influencer
likes novelty, change, a minimal amount of structure, and the freedom to do her
own thing. She tends to get along well with most people, but doesn’t care for
people who are overly insistent on rules and procedures.
The
Influencer’s Stress Behavior. When the Influencer is stressed
– say her personal freedom is limited and she’s stuck following rigid rules –
she’ll tend to become defensive, argumentative, resistant to rules, easily
side-tracked, and may be overly concerned with saving face.
The
Rules and Regs Personality. This is your class process
person. To him, Heaven – not the devil – is in the details. He loves working
with rules, definitions, processes, and systematic procedures. He’s not much of
a people person and is typically content working quietly by himself. He’s
orderly, consistent and cautious, and likes all the lines clearly drawn. He
wants to know what’s expected of him, and what he can expect of others
(preferably that they’re following the rules).
The
Rules and Regs’s Stress Behavior. When order is lost or
abandoned, the rules guy will be stressed. In reaction, his fear of the
unexpected will cause him to become over-controlling, too factual, opinionated,
and resistant to change. Personal interactions with others will be even more
challenging than usual.
The
Thinker Personality. She’s the best idea person around – creative,
innovative, and almost always able to see things from a new angle (a good
quality in a sleuth). She’s insightful and typically easy-going. She longs for
freedom from social demands, values strong personal relationships, and needs
plenty of time to make decisions.
The
Thinker’s Stress Behavior. If the Thinker’s world gets too loud or
busy, she’s easily overwhelmed. Extended social demands, pressure to make quick
decisions, heavy doses of criticism, and bossy people will all cause the
Thinker to become stressed. When that happens, she’ll become oversensitive,
easily hurt, idealistic, withdrawn, and even more hesitant to make decisions.
She’ll also tend to second-guess almost everything she does.
As writers, of course we want to create fictional characters
as complex and unique as real people – a formidable challenge. Borrowing traits
from the living and breathing can often give us a jump-start on creating the
characters that will bring our stories to life.
Are there any interesting stress behaviors you would add to
this list? What are some characteristics you’ve given to your characters to
increase the conflict in your stories?
Diane
Krause is a freelance editor, writer, and author of 25 Ways
to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love. You can connect with Diane through her website at www.thedianekrause.com , or on Twitter @DianeKrause2.
25 Ways to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love is a short book designed to inspire writers
and provide a jump-start on creating believable fictional characters. Available
on Amazon .
March 16, 2013
Twitterific
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Twitterific links are fed into
the Writer’s Knowledge Base search
engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has
over 19,000 free articles on writing related topics. It's the search engine for
writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly
writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike Fleming is working with
author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an online, interactive,
writing program to help make your next novel great. It's called "Knockout
Novel" and you can learn more about it at KnockoutNovel.com. Plus, all the data is
stored in your Hiveword account for easy
access.
*******
A free directory of cover designers, formatters, freelance editors, and more: http://bit.ly/nolbXq
9 Tips To Develop A Winning Blog Personality: http://bit.ly/Z4paNE @HeidiCohen
Should traditional biography be buried alongside Shakespeare's breakfast? http://bit.ly/ZjkYYl @AlisonFlood
Tags, Traits And Tells: http://bit.ly/WsCSLS @woodwardkaren
How to Write a Story: http://bit.ly/WsCVY5 @stephengjones72
5 Keys Steps to Adding Depth to Your Fictional Relationships: http://bit.ly/WGrXsV @JordanDane
Spring Cleaning? 10 Tips for Writers: http://bit.ly/WsD6Tj @WritingFineLine
Worldbuilding Process: http://bit.ly/WsDiC2 @juliettewade
Breaking through writer's block: http://bit.ly/WsDqBp @rxena77
Fall or Fly? http://bit.ly/WGsBGO @johnhartness
Are Email Interviews That Bad? Yes.http://bit.ly/WsDCAK @10000Words
Screenwriters Roundtable: http://bit.ly/WGt8IF @gointothestory
When characters go their own way: http://bit.ly/WsE0yZ
The Value of Taking a Productive Pause: http://bit.ly/WGtpeI @abmarkman
115 Words for "walks": http://bit.ly/WsE9Te @gointothestory
Creating Intriguing Characters: http://bit.ly/WsEjKo @fcmalby
The hidden power of no: http://bit.ly/VGaMeV @RLLaFevers
Writing Authentic Crime: How To Get Away With Murder: http://bit.ly/XQi12t @GarryRodgers1
Are Self-Pub Books the New Slush Pile? http://bit.ly/XQi8uX @rachellegardner
Writing Effective Grief In Fiction: 5 Ideas For Writers: http://bit.ly/VGc7lV @denisejaden
An Experience in Translating a Self-Published Book: http://bit.ly/XQiv8E @selfpubreview
3 Quick Tips for Linking to External Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/XQjLZx @genelempp
How To Sell Ebooks: http://bit.ly/VGdQrd @jakonrath
Another 25 Reasons Your Submissions are Rejected: http://bit.ly/XQkbz8
Your Amazon Author Central page: http://bit.ly/W80Klw @bufocalvin
Feeling Overwhelmed? Social Media Can Make Us Crazy: http://bit.ly/W815Vn @kristenlambtx
AWP president addresses criticism of the conference:
http://bit.ly/ZKv84E @Porter_Anderson
Writing Organizations—Finding the perfect fit: http://bit.ly/ZivCgO @OrlyKonigLopez
10 Qualities of Successful Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/ZivIoH
Describing Character Reactions And Emotions: She Smiled, He Frowned: http://bit.ly/ZiAq5G @woodwardkaren
8 Tips For Approaching Editing Your Work: http://bit.ly/W85JCM @BryanThomasS
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
How to Make Your Similes Sparkle: http://bit.ly/W85UOC @write_practice
5 Ways to Promote Your Words When You're Not Feeling Worthy: http://bit.ly/ZiAOBb @wherewriterswin
A Critique of a Darker Opening: http://bit.ly/W863lb @janice_hardy
Plot Perseverance and Plodding: http://bit.ly/ZiAVwM @sarahahoyt
Writing the right story: http://bit.ly/ZiBcjc @juliekibler
Physical Attributes Entry: Stomach: http://bit.ly/W86wUl @angelaackerman
Write-Brained: The Neuroscience of Writing and Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ZiBqqA @robdyoungwrites
Screenwriter roundtable: http://bit.ly/W86ETY @gointothestory
The Storytelling Masters and Their Lessons: http://bit.ly/W86L1N @NightBirder
1984: George Orwell's road to dystopia: http://bbc.in/W86Suj @BBCNewsMagazine
Dreaming up story ideas: http://bit.ly/ZiBRkK @kristinnador
Guy Kawasaki on budgeting for your book: http://bit.ly/ZiC3R7 @jasonboog
ISBNs For Self-Publishing: http://bit.ly/W87akF @laurahoward78 @rippatton
4 Character Essentials: http://bit.ly/ZiCdI6 @josiskilpack
Great Character: The Bride ("Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2″): http://bit.ly/W87waZ @gointothestory
Used e-books: http://bit.ly/ZiCESA
Self-Pub and Trad Pub: Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds: http://bit.ly/15xS9fI @janefriedman @cjlyonswriter
How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time: http://bit.ly/W8nyl9 @jamesscottbell
Writing Rules and Fantasy: Mary Sues: http://bit.ly/ZiWqO6 @VickyThinks
How to Get Your ISBN: http://bit.ly/W8OyRJ @MyBookShepherd
Why Science Fiction Poetry is Embarrassingly Bad: http://bit.ly/ZjvxJC @AmazingStories0
10 Movies That Make Writing Look Incredibly Dangerous: http://bit.ly/ZjwlOW @flavorpill
The Trouble With Adverbs: http://bit.ly/ZjwCRQ @woodwardkaren
Who should read your unpublished work? http://bit.ly/W8PKUY @rachellegardner
A Way To End Ebook Piracy? http://bit.ly/Zjx0zC
Using Ebook Covers to Brand an Author Across Genres: http://bit.ly/Zjxd62 @ddscottromcom
Ebook cover critiques: http://bit.ly/ZldhzD @jfbookman
Tips for writing subplots: http://bit.ly/16dzOFl @gointothesstory
9 Reasons Authors Still Choose Traditional Publishing: http://bit.ly/ZldKli @melissadonovan
5 things 1 self-pubbed writer has learned so far: http://bit.ly/16dzXbL @livewritethrive @SeanYeagerAdv
How to build a storyworld based on character: http://bit.ly/Zle1Vr @Onidroid
Breaking the Literary Atrophy: http://bit.ly/16dAeLN @chicklitgurrl71
How To Write More And Create A Daily Writing Habit: http://bit.ly/ZlejM7 @thecreativepenn
Cooking up a
culinary cozy mystery: http://bit.ly/YvINub
@JudyAlter
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Details and Description—Getting the Facts Right: http://bit.ly/ZleuqG @noveleditor
Every Author Needs a Copyright Page: http://bit.ly/XYDRh5 @MyBookShepherd
Keep the Plot Taut: http://bit.ly/XFecOj @Lindasclare
Forcing readers to like characters--admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
Think Like a Publisher 2013: Return on Investment: http://bit.ly/16dAFFV @deanwesleysmith
Translation Rights: http://bit.ly/ZleQ0o
Review on gerunds: http://bit.ly/16dAWZn @writing_tips
Tips for writing loglines: http://bit.ly/16dB8If @SHalvatzis
How Twitter lists help writers: http://bit.ly/Zlfawe @ninabadzin
5 Principles of Creativity: http://bit.ly/16dBmiB @Digitaltonto
10 modern horror masterpieces: http://bit.ly/Zlfn2t
Expertise vs. Humility – A Blogger's Battle Royale? http://bit.ly/16dBxub
Bookkeeping for writers: http://bit.ly/16dBBKj @bob_brooke
Screenwriters' roundtable: http://bit.ly/ZlfBa2 @gointothestory
The math of writing fast: http://bit.ly/lIVgw0 @deanwesleysmith
How to Build a Platform before You Finish Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYrXbc @grubwriters
Thomas Edison, Power-Napper: The Great Inventor on Sleep & Creative Success: http://bit.ly/YRx2hm @brainpicker
How to Use What Ifs While Revising: http://bit.ly/XYs46w @ava_jae
What 1 writer wishes he'd known about writing: http://bit.ly/YRxbBE @2bwriters
Tips for dumping info dumps: http://bit.ly/XYsrOn @CompulsionReads
Six sentence story planning for pantsers: http://bit.ly/YRxw7e @ajackwriting
Why Hunter S. Thompson Would've Loved Author Rank: http://bit.ly/XYsSbD @copyblogger
5 Ways to Revise Poems: http://bit.ly/YRxZWU @robertleebrewer
Promise of the Premise: http://bit.ly/XYtjmd @carrieryan
Five Ways to Use YouTube to Promote Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYtmhY @wherewriterswin
Rejection slip scrapbook: http://bit.ly/YRylwX @amazingstories0
Losing Sight of the Target: http://bit.ly/XYtwpm @StinaLL
Tips for dealing with rejection: http://bit.ly/YRysbD @angelaackerman
A dialogue exercise: http://bit.ly/YRyAbj @biljanalikic
English as a Foreign Language: http://bit.ly/XYtRbP
As Barnes & Noble shrinks, small bookstores are born: http://lat.ms/Zxgwrt @latimesbooks
Writing male characters--their reactions to grief: http://bit.ly/14LbLtP @lkblackburne
Plotting and Crafting Action Scenes: http://bit.ly/Zxhe83
Create a Table of Contents to Help Your Readers Navigate Your Book: http://bit.ly/15HpJiB @ninaamir
Successfully self-pubbed authors share 10 tips for finding more readers: http://bit.ly/12HBsA3 @LauraPepWu
The Aftermath of the Agency Model: http://bit.ly/12HBzM1 @pubperspectives
When you're told your story concept isn't "big enough": http://bit.ly/12HBJ5S @Julie_Gray
6 Publishing Trends That Benefit Readers & Authors: http://bit.ly/12HBU18 @mollygreene @tobywneal
3 Easy Ways to Better Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HC1K9 @lindasclare
The Most Important Quality In Best Selling Authors: http://bit.ly/12HClZj @jodyhedlund
Want to write a book? Thoughts for starting out: http://bit.ly/15HqtEq @4YALit
Analyzing Story Structure: http://bit.ly/15HqxnB @woodwardkaren
Bad news for blog readers--Google Reader
to shutter on July 1: http://bit.ly/16uISpr @Porter_Anderson
@dcseifert @mmasnick
How to Write a Character From Start to Finish: http://bit.ly/12HCyvt @BrianKlems
What to Expect When You're Expecting…to Be Published: http://bit.ly/12HCE6x @BoydMorrison
Tips for finding coffee shops that will let you sit and write for a while: http://bit.ly/12HCQmf @halophoenix @lifehacker
Tips for creating great characters: http://bit.ly/15HqSql @HookedOnNoir
Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HD6BB @writersdigest
Discovery is Publishers' Problem; Readers are Doing Just Fine: http://bit.ly/15Hr0WN @glecharles
How to deal with your moments of despair as a writer: http://bit.ly/12HDgsH @ajackwriting
"'Used Ebooks' Hurts My Brain": http://bit.ly/15HQ6oE @readingape
10 tips for drawing readers to your website: http://bit.ly/12IiY2e @authormedia
A look at the school and library marketing part of the industry: http://bit.ly/12IjbSY @alexbracken
Enemies of the art--failure to focus: http://bit.ly/15HQp2D @kristenlambTX
Is "Discoverability" Even A Problem? http://bit.ly/15HWVXm @bsandusky
Awkwardly charming: Thomas Hardy and the strangeness of bad writing that is somehow good: http://slate.me/12IuJFU @slate
5 Unexpected Tips For Self-Pubbed Authors to Find Success: http://bit.ly/XkG39i @digibookworld
Recipe for a Successful Synopsis: http://bit.ly/14PsQmb @jamigold
Is Your Agent an Asset? http://bit.ly/XkGAbh @behlerpublish
3 Tips for Strengthening Narrative Descriptions: http://bit.ly/14Pt7FU @lkhillbooks
FREE Books: Bane or Boon? http://bit.ly/XkH0OR @SusanKayeQuinn
8 Ways To Fix Online Review Systems: http://bit.ly/14PtBvN @scottmarlowe
What is Wattpad? And how can it help me as a self-published author? http://bit.ly/YpaK6J @bibliocrunch
5 Questions to Ask When Writing Content: http://bit.ly/13QQdjl @jeffbullas
5 Steps to Boost eBook Sales - Listening to Readers: http://huff.to/YpaW61 @markcoker
Why self-publishing authors should think "foreign rights" from the outset: http://bit.ly/13QQiDu @SueCollier
Tips for Twitter newbies: http://bit.ly/13QQMti @blurbisaverb @teconklin
How to write a novel: http://bit.ly/13QR03A @salon @carytennis
Supernatural Horror In Literature: http://bit.ly/Ypc7lS @amazingstories0
Don't be Afraid of Embarrassing Your Grandmother: http://bit.ly/13QR837 @americanediting
On Writing, Christopher Walken and Finding Your 'Wild Thing': http://bit.ly/13QRcji @JudyLeeDunn
6 Tips To Creating A Writing Partnership That Works: http://bit.ly/Ypce0V @goodinaroom
Boost Creativity and Enhance Your Sleep with These Lucid Dreaming Techniques: http://bit.ly/YpcgpB @lifehacker
Building a Street Team: http://bit.ly/XI6rId @EArroyo5 @janice_hardy
3 Quick Ways to Find Hidden Guest Blogging Opportunities: http://bit.ly/XI6vaJ @copyblogger
The Modifier Zone: http://bit.ly/YanIpY @jgetzler
Examples of a coming-of-age theme in fiction: http://bit.ly/10ypp6O @mkinberg
Why noir remains popular today: http://bit.ly/15HoGza @mkinberg
Did Amazon Change Algorithms to Protect Their Readers? The 10,000 Gatekeepers of KDP Select: http://bit.ly/15HpBjc @edwrobertson
Proper Nouns, Pronouns, and Antecedents--a Review: http://bit.ly/12I0Y89 @authorterryo
AWP con: it's become MFA-Con: http://bit.ly/XkJs7Z @Porter_Anderson
March Madness for mystery lovers: http://augustwainwright.com/ @acwainwright
Random House ebook imprints with 'predatory' contracts: http://bit.ly/YpavZr @Porter_Anderson @JamesScottBell @VictoriaStrauss
How to use email to preview your eBook files on an iPad: http://bit.ly/13QSuLo @bibliocrunch @miralsattar
Traditional mystery writers--make the
amateur sleuth's involvement believable: http://bit.ly/ZKTBGQ
@sharonwhopkins
A POV overview: http://bit.ly/XX3qiv @p2p_editor
Twitterific links are fed into
the Writer’s Knowledge Base search
engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has
over 19,000 free articles on writing related topics. It's the search engine for
writers.
Sign up for our free newsletter for monthly
writing tips and interviews with top contributors to the WKB or like us on Facebook.
Mike Fleming is working with
author and writing coach James Scott Bell to offer an online, interactive,
writing program to help make your next novel great. It's called "Knockout
Novel" and you can learn more about it at KnockoutNovel.com. Plus, all the data is
stored in your Hiveword account for easy
access.
*******
A free directory of cover designers, formatters, freelance editors, and more: http://bit.ly/nolbXq
9 Tips To Develop A Winning Blog Personality: http://bit.ly/Z4paNE @HeidiCohen
Should traditional biography be buried alongside Shakespeare's breakfast? http://bit.ly/ZjkYYl @AlisonFlood
Tags, Traits And Tells: http://bit.ly/WsCSLS @woodwardkaren
How to Write a Story: http://bit.ly/WsCVY5 @stephengjones72
5 Keys Steps to Adding Depth to Your Fictional Relationships: http://bit.ly/WGrXsV @JordanDane
Spring Cleaning? 10 Tips for Writers: http://bit.ly/WsD6Tj @WritingFineLine
Worldbuilding Process: http://bit.ly/WsDiC2 @juliettewade
Breaking through writer's block: http://bit.ly/WsDqBp @rxena77
Fall or Fly? http://bit.ly/WGsBGO @johnhartness
Are Email Interviews That Bad? Yes.http://bit.ly/WsDCAK @10000Words
Screenwriters Roundtable: http://bit.ly/WGt8IF @gointothestory
When characters go their own way: http://bit.ly/WsE0yZ
The Value of Taking a Productive Pause: http://bit.ly/WGtpeI @abmarkman
115 Words for "walks": http://bit.ly/WsE9Te @gointothestory
Creating Intriguing Characters: http://bit.ly/WsEjKo @fcmalby
The hidden power of no: http://bit.ly/VGaMeV @RLLaFevers
Writing Authentic Crime: How To Get Away With Murder: http://bit.ly/XQi12t @GarryRodgers1
Are Self-Pub Books the New Slush Pile? http://bit.ly/XQi8uX @rachellegardner
Writing Effective Grief In Fiction: 5 Ideas For Writers: http://bit.ly/VGc7lV @denisejaden
An Experience in Translating a Self-Published Book: http://bit.ly/XQiv8E @selfpubreview
3 Quick Tips for Linking to External Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/XQjLZx @genelempp
How To Sell Ebooks: http://bit.ly/VGdQrd @jakonrath
Another 25 Reasons Your Submissions are Rejected: http://bit.ly/XQkbz8
Your Amazon Author Central page: http://bit.ly/W80Klw @bufocalvin
Feeling Overwhelmed? Social Media Can Make Us Crazy: http://bit.ly/W815Vn @kristenlambtx
AWP president addresses criticism of the conference:
http://bit.ly/ZKv84E @Porter_Anderson
Writing Organizations—Finding the perfect fit: http://bit.ly/ZivCgO @OrlyKonigLopez
10 Qualities of Successful Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/ZivIoH
Describing Character Reactions And Emotions: She Smiled, He Frowned: http://bit.ly/ZiAq5G @woodwardkaren
8 Tips For Approaching Editing Your Work: http://bit.ly/W85JCM @BryanThomasS
5 Facebook Marketing Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/W85NTf @goblinwriter
How to Make Your Similes Sparkle: http://bit.ly/W85UOC @write_practice
5 Ways to Promote Your Words When You're Not Feeling Worthy: http://bit.ly/ZiAOBb @wherewriterswin
A Critique of a Darker Opening: http://bit.ly/W863lb @janice_hardy
Plot Perseverance and Plodding: http://bit.ly/ZiAVwM @sarahahoyt
Writing the right story: http://bit.ly/ZiBcjc @juliekibler
Physical Attributes Entry: Stomach: http://bit.ly/W86wUl @angelaackerman
Write-Brained: The Neuroscience of Writing and Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ZiBqqA @robdyoungwrites
Screenwriter roundtable: http://bit.ly/W86ETY @gointothestory
The Storytelling Masters and Their Lessons: http://bit.ly/W86L1N @NightBirder
1984: George Orwell's road to dystopia: http://bbc.in/W86Suj @BBCNewsMagazine
Dreaming up story ideas: http://bit.ly/ZiBRkK @kristinnador
Guy Kawasaki on budgeting for your book: http://bit.ly/ZiC3R7 @jasonboog
ISBNs For Self-Publishing: http://bit.ly/W87akF @laurahoward78 @rippatton
4 Character Essentials: http://bit.ly/ZiCdI6 @josiskilpack
Great Character: The Bride ("Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2″): http://bit.ly/W87waZ @gointothestory
Used e-books: http://bit.ly/ZiCESA
Self-Pub and Trad Pub: Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds: http://bit.ly/15xS9fI @janefriedman @cjlyonswriter
How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time: http://bit.ly/W8nyl9 @jamesscottbell
Writing Rules and Fantasy: Mary Sues: http://bit.ly/ZiWqO6 @VickyThinks
How to Get Your ISBN: http://bit.ly/W8OyRJ @MyBookShepherd
Why Science Fiction Poetry is Embarrassingly Bad: http://bit.ly/ZjvxJC @AmazingStories0
10 Movies That Make Writing Look Incredibly Dangerous: http://bit.ly/ZjwlOW @flavorpill
The Trouble With Adverbs: http://bit.ly/ZjwCRQ @woodwardkaren
Who should read your unpublished work? http://bit.ly/W8PKUY @rachellegardner
A Way To End Ebook Piracy? http://bit.ly/Zjx0zC
Using Ebook Covers to Brand an Author Across Genres: http://bit.ly/Zjxd62 @ddscottromcom
Ebook cover critiques: http://bit.ly/ZldhzD @jfbookman
Tips for writing subplots: http://bit.ly/16dzOFl @gointothesstory
9 Reasons Authors Still Choose Traditional Publishing: http://bit.ly/ZldKli @melissadonovan
5 things 1 self-pubbed writer has learned so far: http://bit.ly/16dzXbL @livewritethrive @SeanYeagerAdv
How to build a storyworld based on character: http://bit.ly/Zle1Vr @Onidroid
Breaking the Literary Atrophy: http://bit.ly/16dAeLN @chicklitgurrl71
How To Write More And Create A Daily Writing Habit: http://bit.ly/ZlejM7 @thecreativepenn
Cooking up a
culinary cozy mystery: http://bit.ly/YvINub
@JudyAlter
Classic Characters Whose Flaws Make Them Great: http://bit.ly/16dAp9N @BenClayborne
Details and Description—Getting the Facts Right: http://bit.ly/ZleuqG @noveleditor
Every Author Needs a Copyright Page: http://bit.ly/XYDRh5 @MyBookShepherd
Keep the Plot Taut: http://bit.ly/XFecOj @Lindasclare
Forcing readers to like characters--admiration: http://bit.ly/13tgXGB @mooderino
Think Like a Publisher 2013: Return on Investment: http://bit.ly/16dAFFV @deanwesleysmith
Translation Rights: http://bit.ly/ZleQ0o
Review on gerunds: http://bit.ly/16dAWZn @writing_tips
Tips for writing loglines: http://bit.ly/16dB8If @SHalvatzis
How Twitter lists help writers: http://bit.ly/Zlfawe @ninabadzin
5 Principles of Creativity: http://bit.ly/16dBmiB @Digitaltonto
10 modern horror masterpieces: http://bit.ly/Zlfn2t
Expertise vs. Humility – A Blogger's Battle Royale? http://bit.ly/16dBxub
Bookkeeping for writers: http://bit.ly/16dBBKj @bob_brooke
Screenwriters' roundtable: http://bit.ly/ZlfBa2 @gointothestory
The math of writing fast: http://bit.ly/lIVgw0 @deanwesleysmith
How to Build a Platform before You Finish Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYrXbc @grubwriters
Thomas Edison, Power-Napper: The Great Inventor on Sleep & Creative Success: http://bit.ly/YRx2hm @brainpicker
How to Use What Ifs While Revising: http://bit.ly/XYs46w @ava_jae
What 1 writer wishes he'd known about writing: http://bit.ly/YRxbBE @2bwriters
Tips for dumping info dumps: http://bit.ly/XYsrOn @CompulsionReads
Six sentence story planning for pantsers: http://bit.ly/YRxw7e @ajackwriting
Why Hunter S. Thompson Would've Loved Author Rank: http://bit.ly/XYsSbD @copyblogger
5 Ways to Revise Poems: http://bit.ly/YRxZWU @robertleebrewer
Promise of the Premise: http://bit.ly/XYtjmd @carrieryan
Five Ways to Use YouTube to Promote Your Book: http://bit.ly/XYtmhY @wherewriterswin
Rejection slip scrapbook: http://bit.ly/YRylwX @amazingstories0
Losing Sight of the Target: http://bit.ly/XYtwpm @StinaLL
Tips for dealing with rejection: http://bit.ly/YRysbD @angelaackerman
A dialogue exercise: http://bit.ly/YRyAbj @biljanalikic
English as a Foreign Language: http://bit.ly/XYtRbP
As Barnes & Noble shrinks, small bookstores are born: http://lat.ms/Zxgwrt @latimesbooks
Writing male characters--their reactions to grief: http://bit.ly/14LbLtP @lkblackburne
Plotting and Crafting Action Scenes: http://bit.ly/Zxhe83
Create a Table of Contents to Help Your Readers Navigate Your Book: http://bit.ly/15HpJiB @ninaamir
Successfully self-pubbed authors share 10 tips for finding more readers: http://bit.ly/12HBsA3 @LauraPepWu
The Aftermath of the Agency Model: http://bit.ly/12HBzM1 @pubperspectives
When you're told your story concept isn't "big enough": http://bit.ly/12HBJ5S @Julie_Gray
6 Publishing Trends That Benefit Readers & Authors: http://bit.ly/12HBU18 @mollygreene @tobywneal
3 Easy Ways to Better Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HC1K9 @lindasclare
The Most Important Quality In Best Selling Authors: http://bit.ly/12HClZj @jodyhedlund
Want to write a book? Thoughts for starting out: http://bit.ly/15HqtEq @4YALit
Analyzing Story Structure: http://bit.ly/15HqxnB @woodwardkaren
Bad news for blog readers--Google Reader
to shutter on July 1: http://bit.ly/16uISpr @Porter_Anderson
@dcseifert @mmasnick
How to Write a Character From Start to Finish: http://bit.ly/12HCyvt @BrianKlems
What to Expect When You're Expecting…to Be Published: http://bit.ly/12HCE6x @BoydMorrison
Tips for finding coffee shops that will let you sit and write for a while: http://bit.ly/12HCQmf @halophoenix @lifehacker
Tips for creating great characters: http://bit.ly/15HqSql @HookedOnNoir
Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue: http://bit.ly/12HD6BB @writersdigest
Discovery is Publishers' Problem; Readers are Doing Just Fine: http://bit.ly/15Hr0WN @glecharles
How to deal with your moments of despair as a writer: http://bit.ly/12HDgsH @ajackwriting
"'Used Ebooks' Hurts My Brain": http://bit.ly/15HQ6oE @readingape
10 tips for drawing readers to your website: http://bit.ly/12IiY2e @authormedia
A look at the school and library marketing part of the industry: http://bit.ly/12IjbSY @alexbracken
Enemies of the art--failure to focus: http://bit.ly/15HQp2D @kristenlambTX
Is "Discoverability" Even A Problem? http://bit.ly/15HWVXm @bsandusky
Awkwardly charming: Thomas Hardy and the strangeness of bad writing that is somehow good: http://slate.me/12IuJFU @slate
5 Unexpected Tips For Self-Pubbed Authors to Find Success: http://bit.ly/XkG39i @digibookworld
Recipe for a Successful Synopsis: http://bit.ly/14PsQmb @jamigold
Is Your Agent an Asset? http://bit.ly/XkGAbh @behlerpublish
3 Tips for Strengthening Narrative Descriptions: http://bit.ly/14Pt7FU @lkhillbooks
FREE Books: Bane or Boon? http://bit.ly/XkH0OR @SusanKayeQuinn
8 Ways To Fix Online Review Systems: http://bit.ly/14PtBvN @scottmarlowe
What is Wattpad? And how can it help me as a self-published author? http://bit.ly/YpaK6J @bibliocrunch
5 Questions to Ask When Writing Content: http://bit.ly/13QQdjl @jeffbullas
5 Steps to Boost eBook Sales - Listening to Readers: http://huff.to/YpaW61 @markcoker
Why self-publishing authors should think "foreign rights" from the outset: http://bit.ly/13QQiDu @SueCollier
Tips for Twitter newbies: http://bit.ly/13QQMti @blurbisaverb @teconklin
How to write a novel: http://bit.ly/13QR03A @salon @carytennis
Supernatural Horror In Literature: http://bit.ly/Ypc7lS @amazingstories0
Don't be Afraid of Embarrassing Your Grandmother: http://bit.ly/13QR837 @americanediting
On Writing, Christopher Walken and Finding Your 'Wild Thing': http://bit.ly/13QRcji @JudyLeeDunn
6 Tips To Creating A Writing Partnership That Works: http://bit.ly/Ypce0V @goodinaroom
Boost Creativity and Enhance Your Sleep with These Lucid Dreaming Techniques: http://bit.ly/YpcgpB @lifehacker
Building a Street Team: http://bit.ly/XI6rId @EArroyo5 @janice_hardy
3 Quick Ways to Find Hidden Guest Blogging Opportunities: http://bit.ly/XI6vaJ @copyblogger
The Modifier Zone: http://bit.ly/YanIpY @jgetzler
Examples of a coming-of-age theme in fiction: http://bit.ly/10ypp6O @mkinberg
Why noir remains popular today: http://bit.ly/15HoGza @mkinberg
Did Amazon Change Algorithms to Protect Their Readers? The 10,000 Gatekeepers of KDP Select: http://bit.ly/15HpBjc @edwrobertson
Proper Nouns, Pronouns, and Antecedents--a Review: http://bit.ly/12I0Y89 @authorterryo
AWP con: it's become MFA-Con: http://bit.ly/XkJs7Z @Porter_Anderson
March Madness for mystery lovers: http://augustwainwright.com/ @acwainwright
Random House ebook imprints with 'predatory' contracts: http://bit.ly/YpavZr @Porter_Anderson @JamesScottBell @VictoriaStrauss
How to use email to preview your eBook files on an iPad: http://bit.ly/13QSuLo @bibliocrunch @miralsattar
Traditional mystery writers--make the
amateur sleuth's involvement believable: http://bit.ly/ZKTBGQ
@sharonwhopkins
A POV overview: http://bit.ly/XX3qiv @p2p_editor
