Konn Lavery's Blog: Posts from konnlavery.com, page 42
February 9, 2018
Hire an Editor
As the title says – hire an editor. No ands, ifs, or buts. There, blog post done. You can stop reading now. This is a question that comes up often from aspiring writers, new authors, or in interviews. Perhaps I just hear it more since I’ve gone the self-publishing route. The ‘self’ in self-publishing creates a weird ideology that the indie author did everything on their own. Sometimes that is the case. Wearing numorous hats is fine, some people have multiple skills that they can adapt in their writing career. For editing though, hiring a pro should be an unquestionable part of the process when crafting a novel. So let’s get into the long answer as to why.
Why You Should Hire an Editor?
As a writer we have the tendency to become quite close to our work and don’t want to have any one taint it. We have spent months, if not years, working on the story. Editing, reviewing and re-writing as we need to. We pour our blood sweat and tears into our book and hold it dear to our hearts. Then, someone comes along and tells you how it should be. It’s preposterous.
Drop the Ego, Let Go of the Book
As part of the creative process, once you’ve brought your book as far as you can to the best of your abilities, put it away. Seriously. If you are in the state as described in the previous paragraph, you are clearly too emotionally invested in the book to do it justice. Passion and emotion are great tools for the creative process of the novel, it uses a specific part of the brain that creates the best of stories. Once the draft is complete, you use a very different part of the brain to edit and revise. It is more analytical in nature. Put the book away for a few weeks to a month to give yourself time to ‘break up’ with it.
Why can’t I just edit the book myself? I’m good with words, I’m a writer!
Yes, you are a writer. You have also created something that hasn’t been viewed by anyone else. That on its own should be a clear sign that you need outside opinions. An editor specializes in specific skills that a writer does not. The writer focuses on creativity, story structure and bringing characters to life. You’re going to be looking for very different things no matter how many times you re-read and review your work. Plus, after reviewing your work multiple times you are bound to glance over something. This is why a fresh pair of eyes is handy.
Five Reasons Why You Need to Hire an Editor
Aren’t sure? Let’s break it down to five simple reasons.
An editor specializes in improving a manuscript.
They can focus on grammar, syntax, paragraph structure or story flow, to name a few. One or more of these might not be your strong point.
An editor offers a fresh pair of eyes.
They will catch things you may have missed in the manuscript.
Outward Credibility.
A good editor’s work will be noticeable to the public and the literary industry. If you don’t have an editor, they obviously won’t be credited in the book and that is often a clear red flag to not read it.
You’ll Learn Something.
Having an editor modify your work will force you will learn about your own shortcomings and bad habits. Take time to review their feedback.
They’ll Make You Better.
They want to make your book the best it can be, as do you. You both share a common goal and ultimately it will make you a better author.
What to Look for When Hiring an Editor
Are you convinced that you need an editor now? I hope so, if not, you got to elaborate for me in the comments. I’d like to revisit point one “An editor specializes in improving a manuscript”. You need to know what you want an editor for. They aren’t a magic solution that you can throw at your book to make it better. Truthfully a lot of the work still comes from you.
Identify your Shortcomings
So you’ve decided to hire an editor, you need to take a hard look at yourself, and your work, to pinpoint where you need improvements in your manuscript. Sometimes giving sample chapters to beta readers can help you in this process. You can hire an editor for any of the following:
Syntax and Grammar
Sentence and Paragraph Structure
Stylistic Consistency
Story Flow
Dialogue
…and more
Where to Find an Editor
Here in Alberta, you can find editors through the Writers Guild of Alberta. They provide a list of available editors, links to their sites, what they edit and their rates. Alternatively you can find editors by networking, posting ads online and going to writing-focused conventions. You can also ask around, it’s surprising who people know.
Costs
The cost of an editor is going to range greatly from editor to editor and what you hire them for. Some editors will charge by the word, others will charge hourly. This is something you need to negotiate with them prior to signing a contract .
Interview Them
If you’re convinced that you need an editor, don’t get too excited. You have to go through an interview process to make sure you and your potential editor see eye to eye. An editor might be amazing at what they do and have edited plenty of novels – let’s say fantasy. If you are a mystery author, this might not be the best fit. You don’t know until you get to sit down with them.
That’s the long version of the first sentence: hire an editor.
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February 6, 2018
YEGman Launch Reading
The official launch event of YEGman is arriving. Mark your calendars.
When?
Live reading at 7pm.
Signing from 8pm – 8:30.
Where?
Audreys Books Ltd
10702 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 3J5
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January 31, 2018
Stepping Into the Unknown
The first month of 2018 is coming to a close, I have come back from holidays and in full swing once again. This means I got to get on top of writing more helpful blog posts. As it is, they’re mostly announcements of what I have on the go with YEGman and the new Sounds of Society soundtrack. Exciting stuff.
Needless to say, I am busy as usual.
An earlier post from this year was about the reflection time I took during my three weeks off and understanding what I value in life. Something I’ve noticed getting back into the swing of things is how easily those values can be left in the dust. I’m on the edge of getting caught in the rat race once again. So this is something I have to be cautious of so I don’t repeat the same chaos of last year. Especially since I am stepping into the unknown.
Welcome to another edition of Unprocessed Thoughts.
Something I am working on this year is my work / life balance compared to previous years. This doesn’t mean that I am cutting back the amount of writing that I am doing, it means I have to be more cautious of my time is spent. It is an entirely different way of thinking. Previously it was all about knowing what to do, putting my head down and work away. Now I need to think how I can work more effectively. This means how I use my time more wisely so I don’t go through another project burnout.
Less Serious Stuff
Heavy thinking aside, there are a lot of exciting things coming up this year. To summarize:
YEGman launches April 18th
Sounds of Society launches April 18th
Mental Damnation III later this year
There you go, this year is wrapped. You now know the releases that are to come this year. I’m practicing what is known as creating a backlog, we’ll see how well this goes into practice. A backlog is having some releases set aside for the next year and if possible, the following year. This way I don’t fall into the trap of trying to get the next release ready for the new season or big expo that is coming up. That was 2017. That is not what I want to do this time. Chasing can become very exhausting.
Exciting Stuff – Stepping Into the Unknown
Fun fact, this is the first time in my writing profession that I don’t have any finished or half finished manuscripts or left over chapters for sequels. I do have some story outlines in progress for future books, but at the moment, it is all new writing from here on out. I am no longer revising previous work. As of 2018, I am officially stepping into the unknown and I am very excited to see what new things will come of it.
Beer Note: Parallel 49 Wobblypop Pale Ale
This month I tried the Parallel 49 Wobblypop Pale Ale. It was priced at $7.50 CAD per can at the café I was at. Wow. Way more than what the taste is worth. It was good, more hoppy than I expected for a pale ale. It could have been an IPA for the amount of hops.
Even with my hoppy taste in mind, it wasn’t a pale ale and quite pricey. I’d give it a 2.5/5 .
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January 30, 2018
Guest Blog: Is Web Design Getting Easier? on Matchbox Design Group
Matchbox Design Group is a full service marketing agency in St. Louis who was kind enough to have me as a guest blogger to discuss web design. The topic I wrote about is called:
Is Web Design Getting Easier?
This question is something I have heard in many conversations within the industry. Pretty much any time a new tech tool comes out, the question is asked: is web design getting easier? With the increase of templates, script libraries, WYSIWYG platforms, and competitively-priced online services, web design surely must be getting easier.
The answer isn’t so black and white. We have to keep in mind that website design differs slightly from other forms of graphic design. It is highly influenced by the technology that binds it. As with any new technology, new problems arise. It’s the nature of the tech world.
Read the Article Here to find out!
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January 25, 2018
Sounds of Society (SOS) YEGman Novel Soundtrack
So I hinted back in December that YEGman would have extras, similar to Seed Me in an instagram post. For those who have followed the Seed Me launch, you’ll know what that entices. For those that don’t – scroll down a little further!
A post shared by Konn Lavery (@_konnartist) on Dec 31, 2017 at 12:45pm PST
Sounds of Society (SOS) YEGman novel soundtrack.
It is a musical soundtrack that I’ve been working on for the past 4 years. Currently I am listening to the mastered versions today by Teknik 14 Music Productions. As always Alan’s work amazes me.
Super stoked to say that the album will launch alongside YEGman on April 18th. Teasers and more info regarding S.O.S. (Sounds of Society) to come!
The post Sounds of Society (SOS) YEGman Novel Soundtrack appeared first on Konn Lavery.
January 24, 2018
UFR Metal and Horror Festival
In March I will be joining the first UFR Metal and Horror festival at Rendezvous Pub in Edmonton from March 16th – March 17th.
Come join us for Metal and Horror!
When?
March 16th and 17th, 2018 will see the arrival of UFR Metal Festival.
Where?
The first edition of UFR will take place at the Rendezvous Pub, located at 10108, 149 St, Edmonton.
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So What Now Panel
I am pleased to say I will by part of EdMoWriMos (NaNoWriMo Edmonton)’s panel titled “So What Now” at the Strathcona Library Branch discussing what happens next now that NaNoWriMo ended. What do you do with your manuscript? How do you take it to the next step?
Come join us to learn more about these questions.
What: A panel discussion about editing and taking your NaNo novel to the next level.
Who: Edmowrimo participants and novel adjacent folks
When: Saturday, January 27, 2018 11:00am – 12:15pm
Where: Program Room at the Strathcona Library Branch 8331 104 Street
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Laura Lovett, Calgarian Thriller Author
This month’s guest is Laura Lovett who was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2005. Her debut novel Losing Cadence is a psychological thriller. She has written for many years while juggling school, her family and work. Let’s welcome her to the blog!
Hi Laura Lovett, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Thank you for the warm welcome. I am a mother of three, an entrepreneur in my field of workplace psychology, and a writer. I run Calgary Career Counselling as well as Work EvOHlution and the Leadership Success Group. A lot of what I do is inspire people to pursue their passions, and I feel that my writing is an example of that. I’ve carved out time in my busy life since 2002 to work on Losing Cadence, and now its sequel, which is planned for release later this Fall. I love it when people tell me they can’t put my book down, and I enjoy entertaining others.
You’ve mentioned that you have written a lot over years, what other pieces have you written?
I’ve written a lot in the business and academic worlds. Being an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary, and contributing to my field means writing book chapters, articles in peer-reviewed journals, magazine articles, and more. I co-authored a traditionally published book called Growing the Virtual Workplace in 2007 with three business school professors. My foray into fiction started in 2002 when I began writing Losing Cadence, which took me eight years due my full plate. I finally released it in April of 2016. Beyond the upcoming sequel, I am not sure what my next project will be, but writing is a passion and I plan to continue doing it!
Considering your background in psychology, would it be safe to say your work and teaching has been an inspiration to writing Losing Cadence? What else was a contribution?
Yes, I’d say I’ve learned and heard a lot in my almost 20-year psychology career (note that I finished my Master’s in Counselling Psychology in 1999 and worked for a few years before embarking on a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology). I’ve been able to apply some of my insights and knowledge into my characters. I’m able to write about human behaviour and mental instability. I’ve also been inspired by other books and movies in this genre, including oldies like Misery and Sleeping with the Enemy, and newer successes like Gone Girl and Girl on the Train.
To expand on that, are any characters influenced from people you know? I’m curious about the deranged ex-boyfriend, Richard White.
People ask me that, and I’d say no, these characters are purely from my imagination. Thankfully, I don’t know anyone remotely similar to Richard White, and my husband is his exact opposite!
Do you have any other novels in the works?
The sequel to Losing Cadence is being released later this Fall. I am happy with how it came together and my fans are excited to see what happens next as the first book ended on a cliffhanger.
Any advice you’d like to offer aspiring writers?
Don’t let perfectionism slow you down. It’s far better to write your story, and then editors can help you fine tune it. If you try to make each sentence perfect, you won’t ever finish!
Also, try not to get dissuaded by how competitive the field of writing is, and instead look at the positives. It’s more possible to have your work out there than ever before, and if you have a unique story, fiction or non, get it out there!
Thank you Laura Lovett for joining us!
You can find Laura through the following links below.
Website: lauralovett.ca
Amazon: amazon.ca/gp/product/1491788518/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/15114936.Laura_Lovett
Facebook: facebook.com/Author.Laura.Lovett
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlauralovett/
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January 17, 2018
Three Weeks of Self-reflection
It’s 2018! 2017 sure went by fast. Let’s not get into reminiscing the entire year right now. Instead, this blog post is going to get into the last three weeks. As a matter of fact, I was having a stay-cation since December 23rd up to January 15th. It wasn’t a full on stay-cation, more so time off for research. The time was used to reflect upon what the hell happened over the past year.
Self-reflection Time is Important
This isn’t just for authors, I truly believe that everyone needs to slam on the brakes and review what they are doing with their life. For myself, 2017 was a total blur of working, events and travelling. It was in a constant state of ‘go’. Basically I was a production machine and relied entirely on my previously established skills, thought patterns and knowledge to make it through the hustle. I wasn’t learning anything new, I wasn’t challenging my thinking or my abilities. I only used them to their maximum potential. That is fine, however if I kept doing that, I will never grow as a person or understand how I can better myself.
Self-reflection Allows Growth
I am a believer that everyone should always learn and grow. If we stay the way we are and refuse to grow, the years go by quite quickly. You keep doing the same thing over until you have a realization down the road that you wasted a ton of time. This is why self-reflection is important. Take time to stop and reflect on what you did. Move forward by consciously thinking about what you are doing. In other words, be within the moment and you will find that you’ll think clearer and with more control. You’ll find it is a far more enjoyable way of being rather than running on autopilot.
What Did I Learn from This Time Off and Self-reflection?
Well, I learned that sleep is pretty awesome. Outside of that, I got to think about what I did in 2017. I realized that there were things that didn’t work, things I missed and things that I could do better. Sure it would have been nice to pivot my direction earlier in the year, but again, I was in a constant state of ‘go’. Self-reflection was a foreign word to me.
During the time off I was able to check off certain tasks regarding my graphic design and website development business. As of now, I am completely paperless. I’ve also migrated a lot of internal processes to a new system to smooth out my workflow, which means more focus on the work and clients and less time on trying to send an email.
I also spent time improving my writing craft. I’ve gone through two very helpful books during the time off. I read The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know by Shawn Coyne and On Writing: A Memoir on the Craft by Stephen King. I’ve also started Why Write?: A Master Class on the Art of Writing and Why it Matters by Mark Edmundson.
Oh, I also took some time to have fun. I caught up with friends and family. Always make time for them. Nurture those relationships to really have a fulfilling life.
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December 31, 2017
Goodbye 2017 and Hello 2018
The last day of 2017 is finally here – woohoo! It has been a drastic twelve months of change both locally and globally. Discussing globally would be a much larger topic, so we will keep this last blog post of the year related to what I have to share with you. First off, I am exceptionally relieved that 2017 is coming to a close, this has been one of the busiest years I have had. Let’s dive into a year’s summary and say hello 2018.
Welcome to another edition of Unprocessed Thoughts
We’ll get into the writing, but first I want to share something that has had an unexpected turn of events:
I Broke Out of a Rut
For the past few years I was in a bit of a stale situation when it came to visual art (drawing, design, UX, etc). My design work, website development and drawing hadn’t improved much despite continuing to practice daily. Near the beginning of fall I began exploring new tools and mediums for visual art such as photo illustration and gouache, this art style is greatly seen in the upcoming novel YEGman. Exploring this form finally ignited the light in my head and I began seeing differently which effected how I projected concepts in a visual manner.
The result of this meant I finally began producing exciting work for my clients and they were thrilled with what I have offered them. This has created more business, happier customers and higher quality work.
The Writing Industry Has Deep Waters
The writing craft is a very isolated experience and I am sure a lot of writers can relate to this. 2017 has been the biggest push I have given it. I’ve met many new and great people in the industry and it has opened my eyes to how many gears there are in the great machine. This is a positive thing. Before I was left floating in open ocean without any clue to what was going on. Now, I understand how to better navigate through the waters for the coming years.
December I haven’t done a lot of writing as I anticipated, but I have done a lot more research. This has allowed me to critically reflect on what worked and what didn’t work in 2017 and how I can better approach 2018.
Stepping Into the Unknown
Mentally I wanted to be exactly where I am at the moment in 2015 but knew there was a lot of work to be done in order to get there. So, that is exciting on it’s own. I’ve put in a lot more working hours in 2017 than I have in previous years. Some of it was spinning my wheels but the majority of it paid off and it will help pave the way for coming years. So before we get into what you have to look forward to in 2018, I’d like to break down and acknowledge some things over the past year.
The 2017 Breakdown
A massive thank you to all of the support I have had over the past year for pursuing my writing. This is extended to my friends, family and fans of my writing.
Balanced a larger workload than I thought I was capable of.
Reality: Part I of Mental Damnation second edition launched
Dream: Part II of Mental Damnation second edition launched
Created a road map for 2018.
Major breakthroughs in my design and writing professions.
Hello 2018
Now that is all said and done in 2017, I am excited to say that some of the heavy work this year is to create some exciting releases in 2018. This includes:
YEGman launches early 2018
YEGman will have a score to go with it, much like with Seed Me.
Part III of Mental Damnation will be released
That is what we have on the table for now. So until 2018, stay safe and stay warm. Have a happy New Year!
Beer Note: Phillips Longboat Chocolate Flavoured Porter
To end the year off, I went for a darker beer to compliment the drastic weather change we got here in Edmonton. Chocolate also seemed like a good idea for the season. Phillips Brewing Company makes a great ginger beer too so I wanted to try some of there other specialty beers. This one does not disappoint. They have a good sense of balancing odd flavours in with the beer so one does not overpower the other. It does rest more on the beer side, but that is why I am drinking beer. Chocolate and beer aren’t often my go-to for specialty beers but it does its job well.
With my hoppy taste buds in mind, I’d give this beer a 4/5.
A post shared by Konn Lavery (@_konnartist) on Dec 31, 2017 at 12:45pm PST
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