Tricia Drammeh's Blog, page 25

Missed Opportunities

Last week, I discovered a broken link on my blog. This might not sound like a big deal to you, and in reality, it probably isn’t – unless my broken link directed a potential reader away from my blog. A broken link can cost you a book sale. It can cost you the opportunity to connect with readers and other authors.

I don’t want my blog and website visitors to encounter broken links and pages that lead to nowhere, nor do I want to send them on a treasure hunt to find the buying links for my books. I want to make things as easy to navigate as possible. I’ve blogged about creating a Reader Friendly Blog in the past, so I probably need to practice what I preach, but when you’re juggling multiple social media sites, sometimes things fall through the cracks.

On certain websites, a slight change in the page name can change the URL. So, if you’ve shared a link to that particular page, it’s no longer valid once you’ve made that change. If you make changes to the name of your Facebook page or Twitter handle, the link changes and you’ll need to update this on your website and social media pages. You’ll also need to update the media kit you send to bloggers when you’re interviewed or featured.

Here’s another thing to look out for: Sometimes, when copying a URL, letters or slashes can get deleted or changed, resulting in a “link” that leads to nowhere. It’s always a good idea to double check your links just in case.

I’m not the only person who might have missed some opportunities due to broken links. Here are some examples of things I’ve stumbled across recently:

No contact information on an author blog. Authors should have an email address posted on their site or at least a contact form. Sure, I can search for them on Facebook and try to send them a private message, but does the author really want to make their readers (or potential agents, publishers, film makers who want to offer them a multi-million dollar deal) work that hard to find them?

No buying links on an author’s website. While visiting an author’s blog/website, I liked what I saw and wanted to learn more about their books. Only two of their three books were listed on their “books” page, and there were no buying links. I looked around from page to page, and all down the side panel. No buying links anywhere.

Incorrect or incomplete links. An author was offering a free book on Kindle, so I clicked the Amazon link provided on their Facebook post. The author didn’t set this up properly, and the link went to Amazon’s home page.

Broken links on a Facebook Page. I found an author on Facebook who I really liked. One of their posts caught my eye, so I clicked on the link to their website because I wanted to learn more about them. I guess it was an old website or something, because the link gave me a 404 error message.

Twitter Validation Service. I wanted to follow an author, but couldn’t because they use a verification/validation service. I suppose I could have filled out all the stuff they wanted me to fill out, and given this service access to my Twitter account, but… wait! No way. Sorry, but I don’t do Twitter validation services. Of course, each author must make his or her own choice when it comes to using or not using such services. I’ve decided to avoid validation services, even if it means having to miss out on Tweets from some of my friends and favorite authors.

When it comes to missing or broken links, I suppose it isn’t a huge deal. If I’m really interested in a book or a website, I’ll try to find it. (Well, unless I get distracted by something else during my search.) A broken link isn’t the end of the world, and forgetting to update your site when you release a new book is probably not going to affect your sales significantly. If you choose to use a validation service, does it really matter if it drives away a few potential followers? That’s for you to decide.

I hate the idea that people have to work extra hard to find something they’re looking for, especially when the solution to this problem is as easy as me double checking my website and links periodically just to make sure everything is working the way it should.

While a broken link certainly won’t chase away your friends or fans, it might prevent potential readers from discovering your book. Regularly check your links and sites. Make sure buying links are clearly displayed and that there’s an easy way for people to contact you if they need to. Don’t miss out on any opportunities!

Tagged: author blogs, author facebook pages, author platform, author promotion, author websites, broken links, missing information, twitter validation

…Susan Toy outlines 10 Ways To Kill Your Writing… PART FIVE…

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

It’s part five of Susan Toy’s feature on Seumas’s blog. I love #13! Print it out. Post it on your wall. This is fantastic, amazing, and helpful advice.

Originally posted on Seumas Gallacher:

…I’m delighted to run a five-days consecutive series of posts from my terrific pal, Author, Susan Toy, for every author to enjoy and prob’ly learn lots from… here’s PART FIVE :

10 Ways to Kill Your Writing

This 5-part article is from a talk I gave at the Calgary Public Library Writers’ Weekend Feb. 4, 2012.

Thanks to all of you for reading this series that is very kindly being hosted by the ONE, the ONLY, SEUMAS GALLACHER!

  Part 5  

Stop reading

 And this is related to Way #3 – Copy others and don’t search for and develop your own voice.

Do not stop reading for fear you’ll copy others.

Continue reading and read widely and deeply, and well outside your genre or style, so that you may learn how to write well. Read bad writing as well as the award-winning books, so you may learn…

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…Susan Toy outlines 10 Ways to Kill Your Writing…Part Two…

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

Here’s Part Two of Susan Toy’s feature on Seumas Gallacher’s blog. “Ten Ways to Kill Your Writing” continues.

Originally posted on Seumas Gallacher:

…I’m delighted to run a five-days consecutive series of posts from my terrific pal, Author, Susan Toy, for every author to enjoy and prob’ly learn lots from… here’s PART TWO :

10 Ways to Kill Your Writing

This 5-part article is from a talk I gave at the Calgary Public Library Writers’ Weekend Feb. 4, 2012.

Thanks to all of you for reading this series that is very kindly being hosted by the ONE, the ONLY, SEUMAS GALLACHER!

Part 2

Copy others and don’t search for and develop your own voice

When I first began writing creatively, I had already enjoyed a long career in bookselling and as a sales rep for publishers. During that time, I got to meet everyone – and I mean everyone!

Gail Bowen was one author I worked with who became a friend and I wanted to be just like her – writing mysteries…

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Authors and Bloggers Against Piracy Blog Tour

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

This is a fun blog tour to raise awareness about piracy. No, it probably won’t stop piracy and won’t prevent crooks from stealing, but I think it will educate some readers who might not realize that downloading a “free” ebook from a shady site hurts authors. Not only do these pirating sites harm authors, but they harm readers too! Readers are opening up their computers to viruses and taking a risk with their personal information in many cases. I like the idea of giving away a free ebook as a way of saying “thank you” to the readers out there who download books the right way. What do you think? Hop over to Maegan’s blog to learn more.

Originally posted on Maegan Provan, Author:

You know, you hear about authors having their books stolen all the time, and you pray it never happens to you. Yesterday, the latest website to illegally distribute books from hard working authors was exposed. The community rose up and has done a lot to have those books removed. Of course, the sad fact remains that that won’t be the last website to provide illegal downloads of books.

Tricia pointed out to me that simply holding copyright doesn’t mean as much as it should. Anyone can still come in and take your hard work simply because they want to. If you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer to fight the person that stole your work, you are out of luck. She also made an excellent point. People think that because we are published, we are all like J.K. Rowling, rolling around in money and on the cusp of a…

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…Susan Toy outlines 10 Ways to Kill Your Writing… PART ONE…

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

It’s DAY ONE of Susan Toy’s five-part series on Seumas Gallacher’s blog. I hope you enjoy 10 Ways to Kill Your Writing: Part One.

Originally posted on Seumas Gallacher:

…I’m delighted to run a five-days consecutive series of posts from my terrific pal, Author, Susan Toy, for every author to enjoy and prob’ly learn lots from… here’s PART ONE :

10 Ways to Kill Your Writing

This 5-part article is from a talk I gave at the Calgary Public Library Writers’ Weekend Feb. 4, 2012.

Thanks to all of you for reading this series that is very kindly being hosted by the ONE, the ONLY, SEUMAS GALLACHER!

Part 1

Since you’re taking time to read this series, and if you promise to stick with me right to the end, you will receive a very special gift, because I’ve been asked to talk about . . . 10 Ways to Kill Your Writing . . . and for today only, your very special gift includes 3 bonus ways!

First watch this video . . . Inside the Writer’s Mind

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The Best Writing Advice

There’s a lot of writing advice out there, some good and some not so good. As writers, we have to pick and choose what works for us. Stephen King has a ton of great writing advice floating around out there, but this particular gem resonated with me this week and helped me overcome some serious barriers to getting my book finished.

“You think you might have misspelled a word? O.K., so here is your choice: either look it up in the dictionary, thereby making sure you have it right – and breaking your train of thought and the writer’s trance in the bargain – or just spell it phonetically and correct it later. Why not? Did you think it was going to go somewhere? And if you need to know the largest city in Brazil and you find you don’t have it in your head, why not write in Miami, or Cleveland? You can check it … but later. When you sit down to write, write. Don’t do anything else except go to the bathroom, and only do that if it absolutely cannot be put off.” ~ Stephen King, Everything you need to know about writing successfully.

 

This advice might not mean much to some of you, but for me, it’s incredibly helpful. Here’s what happens when I break my train of thought:

Mr… Mr…. What did I name that drama teacher I mentioned back in chapter three? I’d better check my spreadsheet. Fredericks. That’s right. Mr. Fredericks. While I’m taking a break, I might as well check my email. Oh, look! Susan has a new blog post. That looks intriguing. I’d pop over and check it out. Better leave a comment too while I’m here. And Tweet. I should tweet this. Oh, it looks like I have some new followers on Twitter. That’s nice. I’d better check out their profiles. Well, this lady has a book that looks interesting. I’d better add it to my Goodreads shelf. Okay, now back to writing. But, while I’m already on the internet, I should go ahead and check Facebook. You know, so I don’t get distracted again. What an adorable picture of Grumpy Cat. I swear she gets cuter every day. Oh, there’s a message from Maegan. She says she sent me an email. I’d better go check…

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is what one of my writing sessions looks like. I know some of you are wondering what the hell’s wrong with me. But for some of you, my writing session might look kind of familiar.

http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/9278

Today, I wrote 3600 words. When I got hung up on something, I made a note in parentheses and highlighted it. I can always go back later to find out how far L.A. is from the Mexican border. I can always go back and look up the name of that girl who sat next to my main character in History class. Or the name of the drama teacher (it’s Mr. Fredericks, by the way). If I’d stopped writing to look stuff up, well, I might never have written 3600 words today.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received?

 

Tagged: best advice, stephen king, writing advice, writing tips

Guest Post on Guest Author Etiquette by Chris the Storyreading Ape

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

This is an excellent article by Chris the Story Reading Ape. Learn the proper etiquette for guest posting. Or pick up some tips on how to set up your own promotional blog.

Originally posted on Legends of Windemere:

(Today is a post from Chris the Storyreading Ape.  Enjoy and check out his site.)

Author Guest Post Etiquette

My thanks to Charles for inviting me to discuss Guest Author Etiquette (although, an APE discussing etiquette does seem a bit odd, however, since there’s no food involved let’s give it a try and see what happens…

First, there is the obvious question from authors with their own blogs all nicely set up to tout sell their own books…

“WHY should I promote other authors and their books on my blog – I want people to buy and review my book(s)?”

The Answer?

By featuring other authors and their books on your blog, it will bring new visitors and followers to you; and your books (which are probably on display somewhere nearby, e.g., in widgets showing the covers, embedded with the purchase links, on the column beside the article)

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Spellbound – Tricia Drammeh

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

Just discovered this awesome review of Spellbound on Jo’s Book Reviews. And guess what? She reviewed Firebound and Unbound too! I’m honored and amazed by Jo’s kind words. What a wonderful surprise.

Spellbound: https://josbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/spellbound-tricia-drammeh/

Firebound: https://josbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/firebound-tricia-drammeh/

Unbound: https://josbookreviews.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/unbound-tricia-drammeh/

Originally posted on Jo's Random Book Reviews:

The lives of Rachel and Alisa, one of the popular girls and the school outcast, will never be the same once new boy Jace moves into town. Though both girls are instantly attracted to him, it’s Alisa, the loner, who gets taken home to his family – not as a date, but as the girl who helped him fight off hunters, monsters who devour magic.

Jace’s mother reveals that they are Spellbringers, a magical race descended from Faes, and they’re in town seeking an innocent; a Spellbringer who doesn’t know about their own heritage. Sadly for Alisa it isn’t her, but that doesn’t stop her from befriending – and falling for – Jace. even though his older brother certainly doesn’t approve.
Then, at the school dance, Jace finds the one they’re looking for, the innocent. It’s Rachel. Their hearts and minds touch and there is no question that they belong…

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Tagged: book reviews, firebound, jo's book reviews, spellbound, spellbringers, unbound

Become One with The Subject of Your Compassion | #1000Speak for Compassion

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

Another beautiful post about compassion. Visit Connie Flanagan’s blog to read her post and to find out more about #1000Speak.

Originally posted on Everything Indie:

I am writing this post today as part of the 1000 Voices for Compassion campaign by bloggers all over the world. The goal is to have 1000 bloggers speak on compassion today, February 20, 2015 . Here is my contribution to this amazing project.

I am one person, and my life is small. I live alone with two cats, one whom I adopted as a stray, and the other whom I adopted from a nursing home that sadly had to get rid of its therapy pets due to allergies. (If adopting them was an act of compassion, then it was one from which I profited.) My acts of compassion, like my life, are also small.

I work in a bookstore. Some of my customers use wheelchairs, and some others have “brand new people” in carriages or strollers. It’s a small thing for me to ensure that the floors are clear…

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Speaking out for compassion, charity, and confidence by joining #1000Speak

Tricia Drammeh, Author:

Another excellent post about Compassion, this one by Linda Taylor. I’m often stunned by the lack of compassion in our society, but then someone comes along to restore my faith. Let’s celebrate compassion by supporting 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion. #1000Speak

Originally posted on LindaSTaylor:

I just discovered the 1000 Voices for Compassion Facebook page, and the call for those so moved to participate in one day of good, healthy, loving ‘speak’ in the world. If you’re not a blogger, you can write a post or essay about compassion and go to http://1000speak.wordpress.com/ for help to get it posted, or email 1000Speak@gmail.com to be guided. Or you can tweet on Twitter under the #1000Speak hashtag to participate.

The fear today is that compassion has gotten lost in the world’s present nature of anger with rage, arrogance with greed, and superiority with dominance. But fortunately I have found it hiding in many places. I was recently blessed with an abundance of compassion during a recent illness. Not only the cards, flowers, phone calls, and offers to help, but the people in the hospital who went well beyond their work requirements. They are the quiet people, doing…

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