Elizabeth Spann Craig's Blog, page 192

Delaying the Answers to Our Story's Questions

Just a quick post today on a discovery I made with my manuscript. One of the revisions I made to my Quilt or Innocence manuscript ended up making a big difference to the plot.

It involved a scene with a particular suspect who was behaving in a suspicious manner. The questions that arose from the scene were: why was the suspect behaving in this manner? What was she trying to hide?

A couple of chapters later, I had an answer for the reader. I showed the sleuth and the reader exactly why the suspect was behaving in that way.

The revealing moment did, actually, also serve to spur some additional questions about the suspect and the suspect's motive…so it had originally served a purpose.

But I found when I revised the section and delayed answering the question I'd posed in the story, the tension was increased.

When I finally did reveal the answer to the question, the scene had a more climatic feel to it. Plus, I think it will make the reader scramble a little toward the end…so, if that's true, then this must mean that…

I've used this trick before in my writing, but usually for something either really big or a small subplot that I'd woven into the book. But I liked making this change for a medium-sized plot element…because, in doing so, it actually made the plot point bigger and more important.

The only thing to be careful with, if you're making this change in the revision process and not as you're writing your draft, is that you clean up any references to the revealed answer in between the question asked and the problem solved. I was surprised how much I'd mentioned it. Still, it's a pretty easy change to make.

What kinds of questions are you raising in your story? When are you answering them? Can you delay answering them for a bigger effect?

Thoughts on Publishing and Bookstore Troubles

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I do think this is a great time to be a writer. We've got options and possibilities and an exciting future.

But the publishing industry (including the retail end of things, bookstores) are having a rough time.

My Borders recently closed. And Borders was a bookstore I visited about once a week.

Fortunately, we do still have Barnes and Noble here (our independent bookstores are too far from me). I was there on Saturday evening with my husband and we bought three books.

My membership with Barnes and Noble expires at the end of the month. The associate was explaining the renewal terms to me and I thought, "Uh oh. This isn't good."

That's because they were decreasing the amount of the discount you'd get on a hardcover book from 20% off to 10% off (this is just the regular hardcovers, not the bestsellers, where you still get a substantial discount.)

The associate explained that, since they'd decreased that discount, they were offering renewing customers $25 off Nook Color e-readers and $10 off regular Nooks.

So…basically, they were rewarding readers who want ebooks. The bookstore was, actually, encouraging readers to get ebooks.

I thought about this a little more (and, I'm a Kindle person…I don't have a Nook.) My teenage son—an avid reader—is one of the reasons I'm at a bookstore once a week. He wants YA books constantly thrown his way (and the library isn't able to acquire them at the pace they'd like.) I'm buying brand-new hardcover books for him. They are not on the bestseller list, but they're hot books.

So, the YA books he likes won't be out in paperback for a while…maybe a year? And the bookstore's discount has gotten punier for these hardcovers that cost an arm and a leg.

But, on my Kindle, I can immediately purchase these books without driving across town (spending precious and costly gasoline), and at a discounted price. And, unfortunately, without going through Barnes and Noble (since I have a Kindle.)

This worries me a little. Because you know what I'm probably going to do? Buy my son a Kindle. In the long run, we'll save money and he'll get all the books he wants. Bottom line, I want him to keep reading and that means supplying him with a steady stream of the books he wants (without going broke.)

But what will happen to the bookstore? And the publishers who aren't rethinking pricing and formats?

I think we may already be seeing some of that. Publishers Weekly reports that ebook sales for June rose 167% while print declined sharply:

E-book sales rose 167% in June, to $80.2 million, at the 15 houses that reported figures to AAP's monthly sales report and closed the first half of the year with sales up 161%, to $473.8 million...

...Trade paperback sales had the largest decline, down 64%, while children's hardcover sales were off 31%. Adult hardcover sales fell 25%, mass market sales were down 22% and children's paperback was off 13%.

I have several books for sale at the Barnes and Noble, myself. I'd like for the store to keep selling books and I'd like for my publishers to keep thinking of me for projects and putting physical books out. I'd like for them to do well. They've been good to me.

But I worry over some of these decisions I see being made—the pricing of different formats (publishers) and fewer discounts for hardcover formats (booksellers.)

What are your thoughts on the ebook revolution and what it means to publishing and book retail? (Again, I think it's a great time to be a writer and a reader…it's just the other side of the industry I'm concerned about.)

Integrating Research into a Novel

My daughter has just started taking horseback riding lessons.

The lady who's instructing her wants to loop me in on what's going on. I appreciate this, but I have no idea what she's talking about.

She said, "Your daughter will come in and will put the harness on the horse….blah blah, brush…blah blah, saddle blanket and bumper and saddle, blah blah, girth…blah blah, bridle and bit…"

I listened politely during the first lesson, but at the second lesson I said, "I'm sorry—I'm not an equestrian." Plus, I didn't think I really needed to know about all the equipment. We're not buying a horse (thankfully) and I'm not planning on buying the tack.

I was reminded of this on Thursday when I had an talk with one of my editors about my first quilting mystery, Quilt or Innocence which is coming out next summer. Y'all might be shocked to hear this, but I'm not a quilter. :)

This means I've done a lot of quilting research. That's because we have to know a lot to be able to convey a subject seamlessly.

But if I write about all the details of quilting, that's going to make the readers feel like I did with the riding instructor. Besides, I don't want to bring my readers out of the story and mystery plot. And I'm not writing a quilting how-to book.

What my editor wanted more of was the texture and colors and patterns—things that many readers would appreciate—the art of the quilts. What she wanted less of was quilting terms (or more quilting terms in context.) Because once or twice I dropped in a quilting verb and didn't really put it into context (not wanting to over-explain...but under explained, instead.) Her ideas seemed like excellent suggestions to me…that I was able to convey the feel of the quilting world and not do a research dump on the unsuspecting reader.

Other ways I added quilting to the book:

I've got a novice quilter in the book who occasionally needs pithy explanations of quilting techniques.

There are a couple of scenes where quilting terminology and fabrics are naturally integrated—in a quilt shop.

There were some quick mentions in dialogue. I tried to indicate a little bit about each character when they discussed quilting. (Confident, reticent, boastful, etc.)

I think the balance between the craft and the mystery worked out pretty well in the book…although it was a real challenge for me. Do you have to research for your books? How do you integrate your research in a natural way?

Twitterific

Below are the writing-related links I tweeted last week.

The Writer's Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links searchable. Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 . .

I released an ebook recently. Progressive Dinner Deadly is a Myrtle Clover mystery, available for $2.99 on Kindle and Nook. The 3rd book in the Memphis Barbeque series will release November 1—Hickory Smoked Barbeque (available now for preorder).

5 tips for using Outlook Calendar to manage your work day: http://bit.ly/pRHBVY

Amazon and Lightning Source: The End of an Era? http://bit.ly/qkziHs

How to Get Your Book Reviewed: http://bit.ly/mXW1zy @bookmarketer

3 types of responses you might get when you tell people you're a writer: http://bit.ly/pSi6NL @bookviewcafe

The key to writing a fast 1st draft: http://bit.ly/oXLiB5 @LiaKeyes

Do Spoilers Really Spoil Anything? http://bit.ly/p6C1vr @janice_hardy

Emotional Freedom Technique For Writers: http://bit.ly/nNDIRg

Cutting Unnecessary Characters: http://bit.ly/npDDeL @charissaweaks

How Pets Can Help With the Creation of Compelling Characters: http://bit.ly/oJmEDj @kselliottwriter

Your Public Persona - Proudly Wearing the Author Badge: http://bit.ly/piZmWD

5 Free and Easy Ways to Become a Savvy Author: http://bit.ly/ptEBr5 @bookmarketer

Have You Written Your Million Words of Dreck Yet? http://bit.ly/pPEBsv

Kurt Vonnegut on the shape of stories: http://bit.ly/oJAZ45

5 Stress-Busters to Beat a Deadline: http://bit.ly/pTzn9D

5 Things Self-Publishers Shouldn't Worry About (But They Do): http://bit.ly/pvFpWQ #ebooks

Are writers running out of titles? (Guardian): http://bit.ly/o0mWXB

How to rescue a stalled plot: http://bit.ly/ok1nIR

8 tools for using humor in your fiction: http://bit.ly/r63lDW @BryanThomasS

Why 1 writer doesn't autofollow on Twitter and 10 reasons she might not individually follow back: http://bit.ly/q3yB9f @katdish

Freelancers--How to Convince Prospects You're a Pro Writer: http://bit.ly/nH8dLt @TiceWrites

A review of verb tense: http://bit.ly/n3wiNp

The big tent of reading: http://bit.ly/oEn2lj @BTMargins

The cult of SF: http://bit.ly/mWNxDp @MarkCN

Their Cheatin' Hearts: Infidelity in Women's Fiction: http://bit.ly/potyWf @heroesnhearts

An Agent on Authors and Magical Thinking: http://bit.ly/pjaSFb #pubtip

Social Media Etiquette – Good Intentions or Not, Spam IS Spam: http://bit.ly/oozEjt @carlayoung

Word misuse: http://bit.ly/ovPK3p

1 writer's marketing plan: http://bit.ly/p4C9f4 @Ghunibee

The 5 Most Important Things Authors Should Know About Book Promo: http://bit.ly/q1dMNd @CathyStucker

5 ways to promote your book months—or years—after the initial publication date: http://bit.ly/q1ZvNI

10 Helpful Uses of RSS Feeds for Marketing: http://bit.ly/pg2E2q

3 core roles needed in running your own creative business: http://bit.ly/naq0Ib

One author urges Nano wrimos to take Oct. to plan your story: http://bit.ly/oeqHCv @Murderati

How industry insider @michaelhyatt unfollowed 108,698 people on Twitter and reclaimed his inbox: http://bit.ly/njYZth

5 tips for creating an effective villain: http://bit.ly/q8Rlz3

10 Badass Women from Fantasy Literature: http://bit.ly/nyV0uS @ToplessRobot

POV & characterization mean divorcing from yourself: http://bit.ly/nTeyL8 @JulietteWade

Knowing and finding your readers is critical: http://bit.ly/oxWh8z

How to prepare your Kindle text for a print edition: http://bit.ly/nPI6Xy @dirtywhitecandy

What makes a zombie a zombie to 1 writer: http://bit.ly/qr6eyv

How much work is self-publishing? 1 writer's list of tasks: http://bit.ly/oJoYY8 #ebooks @cathryanhoward

1 writer's love/hate relationship w/ storyboards: http://bit.ly/pEnQ7D

7 Principles of Pitching Articles: http://bit.ly/pal5Ts

Fear is the downfall of publishing: http://bit.ly/n73xAg @bob_mayer

Is there a template for creativity? http://bit.ly/nXKfkD

How story questions hook readers and drive character and plot forward: http://bit.ly/pirkrr @HP4Writers

6 ways to tame writers' public speaking fears: http://bit.ly/pF1dgr

The rise of the indie author: http://bit.ly/q4eaDx #ebooks @tglong

The good, the bad, and the ugly of historical research: http://bit.ly/pAKObP @kbowenwriter

A character interview that focuses on what made them who they are now: http://bit.ly/mRxfKB

The self published author has no one to tell him no: http://bit.ly/pNw4mW #ebooks

3 tips for correct dialect in your writing: http://bit.ly/owatsa @4kidlit

15 reasons writers love libraries: http://bit.ly/n2Let8

A writer's thoughts on signifying length of an #ebook to a reader (so they won't feel cheated by a short read): http://bit.ly/nDmFU5 @rule17

How 1 writer applies structure to a story: http://bit.ly/q2RcSA

9 Forms of the Past Tense: http://bit.ly/pzyXeD

Chapter-by-Chapter Critique Tips: http://bit.ly/ozWrCG @marybaka

To make money with #ebooks, you must have a good number for sale: http://bit.ly/nj2KNE @DeanWesleySmith

An attorney answers questions about the use of lyrics in a novel: http://bit.ly/oq9P5P via @PassiveVoiceBlg

Amazon Considers #eBook Rental Service: http://bit.ly/njUYFF @galleycat

Tips for writing believable dialogue: http://wordservewatercooler.com/2011/09/13/writing-believable-dialogue/

What authors can learn from the bestseller lists: http://bit.ly/o2Fb6i

The Art of the Picture Book: http://bit.ly/mWcjt4 @fuelyourwriting

Tips for faster paced novels: http://bit.ly/o1l9H9 @SarahAHoyt

Are Publishers Unwittingly Responsible For 167% Surge In #ebook Sales? http://bit.ly/q3MLds @ChandlerWrites

A discussion on fantasy subgenres: http://bit.ly/n4DF3M @FantasyFaction

How to build a writing team: http://bit.ly/qNJDFH @jhansenwrites

Research--too much and too little: http://bit.ly/ra3WWU @authorterryo

Writing...it's worth the trouble: http://bit.ly/qxUUEz @JeffGoins

How to Find Clichés in Your Writing: http://bit.ly/p0NhIV @BTMargins

14 Dos and Don'ts for Introducing Your Protagonist: http://bit.ly/oN2gzG @AnneRAllen

Contrasting character traits: http://bit.ly/pxXCaY

When an editor's or agent's personal politics changes a story: http://bit.ly/pCvhqV @sarahlapolla

The art and craft of fantasy writing: http://bit.ly/qwHzE9

Composing composition: http://bit.ly/revGdB @RavenRequiem13

Don't Use "The" Before Kindle or Nook? http://bit.ly/pgEZwJ

Thinking Outside the Computer: Longhand and the Brain: http://bit.ly/odPlol

Dealing with bad direction in critique groups: http://bit.ly/r53jsG @dirtywhitecandy

Bloom's Taxonomy and New Authors: http://bit.ly/qSNnUe

A writer's main objective: http://bit.ly/nsKPlR

Deadly Sin of –Treating the Reader Like a Moron: http://bit.ly/nbQytz

3 elements of a well-written debut novel: http://bit.ly/qYRO5d @mkinberg

10 lies you might tell yourself while editing: http://bit.ly/qocRkD @elspethwrites

7 Ways to Develop Dazzling Dialogue: http://bit.ly/qv3dS7 @JodyHedlund

When you want to change agents: http://bit.ly/pWFmBE @4Kidlit

A look at the history of food & incorporating it into our books: http://bit.ly/qL2VhT @GeneLempp

Archetypes in writers and gender differences: http://bit.ly/qK7XqX

How to write a query letter: http://bit.ly/q2KiBa #pubtip @BubbleCow

The YA Author's Complete Guide to Acceptable Characters: http://bit.ly/nsr26O @BTMargins

6 Compelling Reasons for Authors to Blog: http://bit.ly/rba94s @jfbookman

5 tips for a stronger novel: http://bit.ly/rk7nzJ s @catewoods

75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings): http://bit.ly/piUxa3

Putting Creatives in a Box: http://bit.ly/nee9SI @on_creativity

Should you hire a book publicist? http://bit.ly/nGzzMh @GalleyCat

When the going gets tough: http://bit.ly/q2OSlc @MsAnnAguirre

Will my agent rep a different genre? http://bit.ly/qlkWSv @RachelleGardner

Deciding on device: http://bit.ly/nfivPZ @Mommy_Authors

Ebook Cover Design: Context Creates Possibilities: http://bit.ly/r6ubSb #ebooks @namenick

Amazon Looking for Tablet Content: http://bit.ly/paW347 @PassiveVoiceBlg

2 Words That Can Change Your Writing Career: http://bit.ly/qmfFmk @writeitsideways

An editorial director on the "no response means no" policy: http://bit.ly/oDfipS

If you can't describe your story, there probably isn't a story, states an agent: http://bit.ly/nMlT4b @greyhausagency

A character's behavior reveals underlying power assumptions: http://bit.ly/r3M4gv @JulietteWade

Using more than 1 POV character: http://bit.ly/pOX6M9 @JulietteWade

Authors Guild And Others Sue Universities for Copyright Infringement: http://bit.ly/rtcbRV @victoriastrauss

"Look Inside" for Kindle Books – 3 Tips for Authors: http://bit.ly/pyOW0q #ebooks @namenick

The 3-Step 3-Minute Writer's Workout Warm-Up: http://bit.ly/oSCVZx @YAHighway

Lessons of letting go--the author and his babies: http://bit.ly/qmOfOu @BryanThomasS

3 tips for becoming a better writer: http://bit.ly/qjBmpj @TheCreativePenn

Part of the creative process is creating a mess: http://bit.ly/oNh8WI @bookviewcafe

Resources that protect writers: http://bit.ly/n54C4T

1st v. 3rd person POV: http://bit.ly/reLTzg @Janice_Hardy

Fanfiction & Original Fiction: Similarities and Differences: http://bit.ly/oB2khK

5 tips to jump-start a stalled novel: http://bit.ly/r4zmDU s

Not Every Ebook is a Success, But it's Always a Lesson: http://bit.ly/rceZk4 @problogger

The real gatekeepers in publishing now? Authors. http://bit.ly/n0bPqb @bob_mayer

How to self-promote without selling your soul: http://bit.ly/qIU5wi @lkblackburne

The Translation Continuum – Speaking Across the Divide: http://bit.ly/q1dsus @BTMargins

Vocation vs. Avocation: http://bit.ly/rfbtl6

Quick tweaks can fix revision smudges: http://bit.ly/oNPD86

Defying Digital, Airport and Transit Bookstores Gain Ground at Home and Abroad: http://bit.ly/mVm2Mp #publishing

Elements of religion, with cautions, for worldbuilders: http://bit.ly/qSxjEq @JulietteWade

Is media tie-in writing right for you? http://bit.ly/rhrscg @jameslsutter

How the Crowd Is Shaping the Future of Storytelling: http://on.mash.to/qhXNo2 @mashable

5 tips 1 writer has learned from her 2 year old: http://bit.ly/nizU4s @buriededitor

The future of #publishing--retail? http://bit.ly/nfqADd @nicolaz

4 ways to build a writer's platform: http://bit.ly/pwW9fn @JodyCalkins

What Writing and Ghost Stories Have in Common: http://bit.ly/pxPVRx @YAHighway

The Writing Life Vs. the Married Life: http://bit.ly/rjZ5h2

An Agent on Looking Around While Still Represented: http://bit.ly/q0jf1n @Kid_Lit

The art of the subplot: http://bit.ly/rcVqec @FantasyFaction

How to write effective dialogue: http://bit.ly/ncEsC3 @BubbleCow

6 reasons an agent or editor may say your story is "not for them": http://bit.ly/o0kr2h

How to Write A Wildly Successful Web Series: http://bit.ly/pGJhC6 @ollinmorales

Reselling digital products: http://bit.ly/p7xemQ @TheresaStevens

The importance of giving yourself challenges with your : http://bit.ly/pmM8PT

Nice collection of industry news, views, & trends by @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman : http://bit.ly/qrXXrZ

How Rowling revealed backstory: http://bit.ly/qAekfy @HP4Writers

When novel ideas masquerade as short stories: http://bit.ly/nL5F3w @bluemaven

All my tweets are archived and searchable for free at the Writer's Knowledge Base: http://bit.ly/dYRayA

Best Articles This Week for Writers 9/16/11: http://bit.ly/req2Fg @4kidlit

Pseudo Dialogue Tags: http://bit.ly/qNE2Za @TaliaVance

Research for Writers: In Defense of Wikipedia: http://bit.ly/r5V0Ms

Why your hero must pet a dog: http://bit.ly/q2xw5A @KMWeiland

Dated writing: http://bit.ly/ovpNDj

Voice begins with word choices: http://bit.ly/qk4vqE

Voice Is Not Everything (but it is vitally important): http://bit.ly/paNkXB

14 authors explain how they learned to read their work aloud: http://bit.ly/q5Bq6R

The Submission Process: One Author's Perspective: http://bit.ly/nXDdc2

The Deadly Sins of Romance Writing: http://bit.ly/puggXV

Book Cards Work: http://bit.ly/rlPuh6 @DeanWesleySmith

White-Knuckling Your Author Platform: How to Rein in the Social Media Pressure: http://bit.ly/pU4thq @RoniLoren

5 ways to tackle beginnings: http://bit.ly/pRC0sy @fuelyourwriting

Tips for earning a living as a writer: http://bit.ly/pZsiai @BubbleCow

The Art of Naming Your Characters: http://bit.ly/qBBxtL @Sarafurlong

Writing lessons from the playground: http://bit.ly/pgdfdU @CateWoods

The importance of word choice: http://bit.ly/nvsKC1

Book Trailers — worth the effort? http://bit.ly/rbx0vZ @George_Ivanoff

Tips for writing a good critique: http://bit.ly/oBfikW @FantasyFaction

Tips for researching your novel: http://bit.ly/pLjoVC @BubbleCow

How Battered Paint Pots & Writing Haikus Taught 1 Writer To Be More Creative: http://bit.ly/qgsAJI @coachcreative

Promoting science: where is the next Asimov, Sagan and Gardner? http://bit.ly/qlrk2K @jamietr

1 writer's thoughts after 10 years of using e-readers: http://bit.ly/qBlE3x @robertjsawyer

How to be tough with yourself as a writer: http://bit.ly/q50xOm

Resources to help journalists with accuracy and verification: http://bit.ly/qEjCfO @stevebuttry

What makes up a chapter and a scene: http://bit.ly/nVjGAq

Real Life Diagnostics: Am I Grabbing the Middle Grade Reader? http://bit.ly/pHDGgd @Janice_Hardy

A character questionnaire with some deep questions for your character to answer: http://bit.ly/pgiSBL

To Be, Or Not To Be, A Writer Of Short Fiction: http://bit.ly/nmT3OF

How to self-publish your ebook (PBS): http://to.pbs.org/nMjxak @MissAdventuring

Why persistence matters: http://bit.ly/pVahbI @Shelli_Johnson

A linguist's thoughts on word choice and diction's role in novels: http://bit.ly/qKWsLD @mkinberg

Writing—Some Things Get Easier as We Go Along

Sometimes I go on bike rides with my children. We start out in the neighborhood, then head to a nearby greenway.

The only bad thing about biking with my ten year old daughter is that she scares the crap out of me.

I review safety before we start biking, but one thing happens every time. We'll cross a road in our neighborhood and she'll look carefully to the right and left, but never behind her. Not until I start doing my alarmed mother bird squawk, that is.

This is, I know, because she's a child. She's looking for danger that's ahead and to her sides. But what about a car coming up from behind her and making a turn?

My 14 year old son, I've noticed, does make a quick check behind him. This has only happened for the last few years, though…and I think he's consciously thinking about it.

For adults, it comes naturally. I've watched adult pedestrians in downtown Charlotte turn to look for cars from any direction they might be coming from…without even pausing in conversation.

How many hours does it take before something we once had to think about comes naturally? I'm not sure. But I know the more we practice anything, the better we get.

This has most recently come to my attention as I've revised an old book of mine. I've noticed bits of wooden prose, stilted dialogue, and distracting paragraphs that went off on tangents.

My edits these days are for totally different things…for the most part I've figured out the stuff that used to trip me up so badly five years ago. That's totally due from frequent writing. We naturally improve. Some of the writing craft that we have to constantly think about at first, become second nature.

As a writer, do you notice your improvements? Do they help you stay motivated?

The Importance of Word Choice

My son recently brought home an English worksheet that had denotation and connotation on it. As the sheet pointed out, "a word's connotation can give it a negative or a positive spin." {Scope, Teacher's Edition.}

The worksheet had word pairs with the same denotation but different connotations. I had a lot more fun with the sheet than my son did. :) Clever--sly, strange--unusual, childish--youthful. It was like a cheat sheet for spin doctors.

One of my favorite poems is T.S. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. You realize this isn't an ordinary love song when Prufrock observes that the evening "is spread out against the sky/like a patient etherized upon a table." The word choice, or diction, isn't what you'd choose for a romantic poem or song. It sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

What if you're having trouble finding the right word? You can mark the spot in your manuscript and just keep going. When you're editing, though, you can check out this post on the Bluestocking Blog. Bluestocking mentions a lot of useful resources, including a reverse dictionary, a visual thesaurus, and WordWeb software.

What should you consider when you're choosing a word? A great post by Juliette Wade on the I Like a Little Science in my Fiction blog offers four questions you can ask yourself when considering a particular word.

The Grammar Divas blog has an example of how word choice can show character.

To some degree, I think diction comes naturally to writers. Sometimes, though, I'll make a lot of changes in my edits because I'll realize I'm not quite conveying what I want to put across. And because I enjoy fiddling with words. :)

Do you spend much time on word choice?

Resources to Protect Writers

Every once in a while I want to point out a couple of important resources for querying writers. These sites frequently don't get the mentions that other sites do.

These two resources help writers protect themselves from scammers. It's an unfortunate fact that there are people out there posing as agents or legitimate publishers who are targeting unsuspecting, hopeful writers.

Many writers are fairly easy marks. Many of us have wanted to be writers for most of our lives. We're eager to share our work with others. We want to be published.

These scammers pose as a legitimate business, which means writers may query them. Posing as real agents or publishers they may say something complimentary about a writer's query (or maybe it won't even be the result of a query—it might be a random email sent to the writer that compliments their blog, etc.). They'll butter them up a little. Then they'll take their money.

You shouldn't have to pay an agent anything upfront. They're paid when you're paid. My agent makes a 15% commission from what I bring in and she earns every bit of it. There should be no reading fees or critiquing fees.

Publishers should pay you. If you're paying them, then you should realize that's not a traditional arrangement. (If you're fine with it, that's okay. Just be very careful and realize there are other options.) If you're wanting to self-publish, consider less-expensive methods like e-publishing directly to e-readers or print on demand services. Be the publisher, yourself. I did it recently, myself—my ebook lists the publisher as Elizabeth Spann Craig.

There are two excellent free resources for writers. One is Preditors and Editors.

Another is Writer Beware, which warns writers about various scams. It's run by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss who do a fantastic job as watchdogs. I've even emailed Victoria Strauss before and she very graciously checked into something for me.

You could also search forums like Absolute Write where writers frequently discuss their experiences with different publishers and agencies. Obviously you'll sometimes come across a writer with a grudge there…just weigh what people say carefully.

If there's a red flag that comes up somewhere in your research…well, naturally there are two sides to every story. But if the agent or publisher you're in contact with has red flags flying everywhere…it's better to just keep on searching.

It's exciting to get an offer from an agent or editor…but it's important to make sure they're reputable and not someone preying on writers.

There are plenty of other resources, of all kinds, available for writers. What are some of your favorites (forums, sites, etc.?)

What Type of Promo Should You Try? Whatever Makes You Comfortable.

I've had a couple of questions lately from writers who are just starting to dip their toes into social media promoting.

They asked me which social medium I recommended. I think they were hoping that there was one main application that would cover everything that they needed to do for promo.

But I don't think there is one application or platform that is The One. I think it depends on what each writer feels comfortable with.

If we don't enjoy something, we're not going to be in any hurry to use it.

Here are some popular ways to network and build a platform online.

Blogging. Blogging is a great way to become part of the writing community. It's a good way to find support and information, too. Plus, it's a way to build a daily writing habit/warm-up into your writing routine. There is definitely some work that goes into it, though. You'll need to be prepared to post on a regular basis and visit other blogs to build readership and forge online friendships.

Facebook. Many writers find Facebook very addictive (which can be a downside.) But it's a good way to interact, on a more casual basis, with other writers…and there are plenty of readers on Facebook, too. Consider having 2 accounts—a personal and professional one. That way old high school friends can't post pictures of you on your professional account's wall.

Twitter. Twitter, for me, is all about sharing resources and information and links to interesting posts. Some people do use Twitter to hang out and interact—but to me, this isn't its strong suit, since the conversations are so fragmented there, as opposed to seeing a whole conversation on a 'wall,' like Facebook. Some writers have mentioned to me that they found Twitter difficult to learn.

Google Plus. Google+ is a new application that's a lot like Facebook. One reason I'd recommend that everyone spend at least a little time on Google+ is to claim your name there. Google will make sure that their listing for your name is near the top of any search engine results (an easy way for readers to find you and your books online.)

But please—don't force yourself to do something you don't enjoy. There are so many different applications you could try, instead.

Got one type of promo you favor over others?

15 Reasons for Writers to Love Libraries

[image error]September is National Library Card Sign-up Month here in the States.

I remember my first library card…I felt like such a grown-up. And I knew it was opening up a whole world of reading to me.

I've spent much of my life in a library—reading and writing. It's pained me recently to see libraries fall victim to budget cuts. In honor of libraries and what they've given me, I'm re-running my library post on how writers can gain from using their public library.

15 Reasons for Writers to Love Libraries

You don't have to spend a lot of money to become a better writer. That's a good thing because most writers don't have a ton of money to throw around.

The library has all the resources a writer needs. It's always been one of my favorite places on Earth. Here are the reasons why libraries are writers' best friends:

Research

*Researching your book: Libraries have computers with internet capabilities. They have books and periodicals on a multitude of different subjects. They also have research librarians/information specialists who can help you with research and find reference materials to help you in your search.

*Researching your genre: You can easily check out a dozen recently-published books in your genre. It's a quick way to see what publishers are looking for.

*Need help with grammar and writing style? The library will have reference books to help you. My favorite style book is Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It's been around for ages.

*Books on the writing craft? Different libraries have different books, but there are some that will be in nearly every branch: like On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and On Writing Well by William Zinsser.

*Some libraries will have subscriptions to helpful periodicals like Writer's Digest.

*For writers, reading is not only fun—it's essential. Sometimes, though, we might struggle to find time to fit it into our day. The library can help with this. With a library card, you can check out books on tape and "read" in the car during a commute. Or download audio files to an mp3 player to read while doing housework.

A Place to Write

*Has your house gotten crazy? Kids/spouse driving you nuts? Is a coffeehouse too expensive? The public library is a great place to write.

Help With the Submission Process

*Looking for an agent? Look at the acknowledgements page in one of the recent releases in your genre. Agents are nearly always thanked.

*Another great way to find agent and editor names is by using Writer's Market and Literary Market Place. Using these books at the library means saving lots of money—these books are expensive.

*Need help quickly summing up your book in a query letter? Look at back cover copy of novels in your genre.

*Don't have email and you need to email some queries? You can set up a Gmail or Hotmail account that can be accessed from a computer at your local library.

Promotion

*Libraries are major book purchasers. Find out which libraries have your book. Go to WorldCat.org, which searches libraries for content worldwide. You just plug in your book's name, hit the search button, and find the results. For a listing of public libraries, go to Public Libraries.com. You'll get physical addresses, phone numbers, and websites (from which you can get the library's email address).Send the acquisitions librarian an email or postcard with your cover photo, ISBN number, title of the book, publisher's name, your name, release date, short summary, and any good review snippets.

*The librarians at my local branch are my friends, too. They've been incredibly supportive—my book is nearly always checked out of the library or on request because of their generous recommendations of my book to patrons. They've also put my book on a display with other regional authors.

*If you're looking for a place to give a writing workshop or talk, your library usually has a meeting room that's perfect for your event. Many of them will allow you to sell your book as well (it's nice to give a donation to their Friends of the Library program if your signing is for-profit.)

*Libraries also provide locations for writing groups and book clubs to gather. For some writers, meeting with other writers and readers is a great way to network and find support and encouragement.

There are many expensive paths a writer can take toward professional development. But it doesn't have to be that way. Writing shouldn't have to cost more than the pen and paper you're writing on.

Do you remember your first library card? How have you enjoyed your library over the years?

6 Ways to Tame Writers' Public Speaking Fears--by Deborah Sharp

Please join me in welcoming my friend Deb Sharp to Mystery Writing is Murder today. I'm a fan of Deb's Mace Bauer mysteries and can't wait to see what Mama is up to next in her latest release, Mama Sees Stars.

When my first mystery came out four years ago, I was terrified. I
wasn't as nervous about how the book would do as I was about how I
would do. My fear was one shared by legions of other authors. Nope,
not stingy, foodstamp-worthy royalties. Public speaking.

Before I share how I managed to tame that fear, I want to thank
Elizabeth for inviting me to Mystery Writing is Murder. I've learned a
lot from this terrific blog, and I'm grateful to be asked to
contribute. I know she's spotlighted public speaking here before. My
take is a bit different, though. And the terror remains pervasive.
Many surveys show it as No. 1 on the list of human fears, followed by
death at No. 2. Jerry Seinfeld did a bit about the ranking: ''This
means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off
in the casket than doing the eulogy.''

In the weeks and months leading up to the 2008 release of MAMA DOES
TIME, I obsessed about having to talk about the book. Solitary,
introverted, I was well-suited to my former career as a newspaper
reporter. A crusty old editor told me early on to keep my eyes and
ears open and my mouth shut. Sounded like the perfect job description
to me.

''What if I forgot what I was going to say about the book?'' I fretted
to my husband. ''What if I blather on and on and make no sense? What
if I open my mouth and nothing comes out?''

He poured me a glass of water and handed me a Xanax. Just kidding. It
was a glass of wine. ''Don't worry,'' he said. ''You're over-thinking.
Just wing it.''

Wing it? That strategy may come naturally to my husband, a TV reporter
for NBC and a born ham. He's the life of the party to my wallflower;
Mr. Loquacious to my Mrs. Laconic; the razzle to my dearth of dazzle.
But after 22 years together, he still doesn't know that ''wing it''
are not words found in the vocabulary of his control-freak wife?

So, instead of winging it, I signed up for Toastmasters (
http://www.toastmasters.org/ ) I spent the three months leading up to
my release date learning how not to be afraid. The key to public
speaking is confidence, which can actually be learned through
practice. Who knew? The 87-year-old organization may not suit
everyone, but it definitely served my purpose. Many Toastmasters go on
to hold office within the group, polishing leadership skills and
pursuing networking opportunities. Not being much of a joiner or
networker, my intent was simply to practice through Toastmasters'
speaking exercises and competitions. I wanted to learn as much as I
could in a short period of time to vanquish my fear. For me, it
worked.

So much so that I invited a Toastmasters representative to come preach
the gospel to my fellow introverts at Mystery Writers of
America/Florida Chapter. The crowd we drew was among the largest for
any luncheon program this year. Here are five public speaking tips I
learned through Toastmasters, modified a bit for issues specific to
authors doing signings or appearances:

1. Arrive early and mingle, introducing yourself to strangers. Once
you start to speak, seeing those now-familiar faces in the audience
will help. They'll be rooting for you.

2. Memorize an opening line and practice, practice it. It will get you
off to a good start and build your confidence.

3. Ask questions of the audience. It not only engages them, it makes
you feel less ''on display.'' A safe one is ''How many other writers
are here today?'' because lots of hands usually go up. You can then
introduce any other published authors in the crowd, because it's a
nice thing to do ... and it also takes the spotlight off you.

4. Unless you're Meryl Streep or Al Pacino, resist the urge to read
long passages from your book. Even if you feel comfortable and your
delivery is lively -- good eye contact, lots of pauses, audible
projection -- still keep it short. A few passages, maybe three or
four pages. Any more, and you're likely to hear snoring.

5. A few deep breaths before speaking will steady your voice. S-L-O-W
down. Rushing is a common beginner's mistake. Drinking water is great,
but small sips are best. I learned the hard way that a giant swallow
may lead to a burp. Over the microphone.

Bonus Tip: No need to be fancy, but do dress presentably. Just because
we write in our pajamas, doesn't mean we show up in our pajamas.

How about you? Any public speaking nightmares to share? Any successes?

Deborah Sharp writes the funny Mace Bauer Mysteries, set in a sweet-tea-and-barbecue slice of her native Florida. MAMA SEES STARS (September 2011, Midnight Ink) is the series' fourth book, each featuring Mace's wacky mama. Deborah has been interviewed on the Today Show, where she managed to string together some coherent sentences while not throwing up on Al Roker -- major accomplishments for a formerly fearful public speaker. You can read an excerpt from Mama Sees Stars here:

http://mamaseesstars.com/