Nick Thacker's Blog, page 5
April 12, 2015
I’m Giving My Book Away… So You Can Win A Kindle Fire HD
Last October, I was approached by Amazon Publishing to write a book in A.G. Riddle’sAtlantisworld.
It would be my first “traditionally-published” book deal, and they were going to paymeto finish it.
The catch?
I had a month.
Not only was I supposed to write a thriller set in someone else’s world, have it edited, design a cover, and finalize the layout, I hadn’t even finished reading the original series.
It was a whirlwind of a month, but I got it done.
Turns out, I’ve never been prouder of...
April 10, 2015
Amazing Editing and Proofreading Tools for Creative Writers
The creative writing process is not usually associated to great organizational skills, diligence and perfection. Sometimes your mind patterns are so chaotic that you’re the only one who understands the words you write. When you’re done with all that work, the last thing you want to think about is editing.
You already know that the built-in spell check tool in your word processor doesn’t work perfectly. That’s not your only option! You’ll be surprised to see how proofreading and editing tools...
April 3, 2015
How to Promote A Book: 3 Steps
The marketing work you put forth before, during and after your book launch will make or break your book’s success. It’s never enough to publish a book and hope for the best in today’s competitive marketplace. You’re competing with thousands of other titles. A combination of the best marketing practices is necessary to set your book apart.
Remember, the quality of your marketing is just as important as the methods you engage in, so let’s take a look at the most basic marketing steps every auth...
April 1, 2015
How to Develop “Novel” Characters
Sometimes it is said that the world of a good novel puts a reader in an escape mode. It transforms them into another place, a different time and weave upon them a plot that is engaging and commanding. But none of this holds true if strong character development isn’t at the core of the story; the players who let it unfold.
Think of the characters that stand out in some of the world’s best fiction : Atticus Finch, Jane Eyre, Harry Potter. How did the author create such vivid representations of...
March 27, 2015
SPA 30: Story Structure and Crafting Great Books (Part 1)
Today Kevin and Nick discuss one of their favorite topics (no, not themselves): story structure. Specifically, they get into the details of the Three-Act Play structure, how it really seems like four acts, and then get into some granular topics like scenes, sequels, and writing with conflict and subtext.
Story by Robert McKee Screenplay by Syd Field Larry Brooks – StoryFix.com Kevin’s Resources Page Hemingway: Hills Like White Elephants The Hero witha Thousand Faces
March 20, 2015
How to Think and Write Creatively
Who doesn’t hate writer’s blocks? Some writers think they are cursed, while others feel like diseased when they find themselves unable to produce creative work. Almost every single writer has been in such situation – the masterpiece is halfway done, but he keeps looking at a blank screen for days and nothing happens.
It’s not possible to deal with a writer’s block on your own. This is the perfect moment to look for a boost from the outside. In the continuation, you will find tips that have he...
SPA 29: Translation and Localization with Yannick Nelson of Azoogma
Yannick Nelson works at a nifty place called Azoogma, a company specializing in translation and localization.
As authors interested in translating our own works, we thought it would be helpful to interview Yannick and ask about the differences between “translation” and “localization,” why both (or neither) are important for authors, and her thoughts on “bargain-priced” options like Babelcube.
Don’t miss this episode!
February 27, 2015
SPA 28: Dealing With Rejection as a Writer and Author
How Kevin makes jerks into his best friends.
The biggest professional networking mistake Nick has ever made.
And how Kevin talks Nick off the ledge when he wants to lash out and punch people in the face.
Distance yourself from the criticism. Possibly physically, always emotionally.
Take time to process thecriticism. Pause, reflect, realize, have empathy, etc. “Disruption.”
Admit fault (if needed). Redirect
Paraphrase, re-paraphrase, redirect, and close.
“Are they saying something offensive or are yo...
February 22, 2015
How to Have Your Book Translated for Free
I’ve been on an “authorpreneur” kick lately, which basically means I’ve been focusing more on the “running a business” side of things than on the “writing more books” side.
Really, in an ideal world, I’d be able to do both.I’m getting there, but for now I usually have “writing” days and “everything else” days.
One of the items I’m attending to on the “everything else” days isbook translations.
In an ever more worldwide culture and economy, it’s important to realize that not only are there Englis...
February 20, 2015
SPA 27: How to Be (and Stay) Productive As A Writer
Productivity 101.
Want to be a productive writer?Write.
Outside of that, here are the best tips we could think of (on the spot, at least) to help us be and stay productive as a writer:
“Feeling like you’re not productive enough is often what keeps me productive…” – Nick
Jon Morrow’s advice: “What gets on the calendar gets done.”
Steven Covey: “Put first things first”
Eban Pagan productivity video: “We have a finite amount of willpower each. Use it to build habits instead of spending it on something...
