Sharon C. Williams's Blog, page 4

Invest in the characters of your book

Learning how to make our characters strong, believable, lovable, loathed, and focused is something we all should strive for as writers. I want to fall in love with my character or hate them so badly I want to see how the book ends. I follow through with the liking of a character. There are some … Continue reading Invest in the characters of your book →

How organized is your writing space?

I have been spring cleaning my office, which is something I have been avoiding for way too long. The office has two full cabinets stuffed with papers that I had to go through one by one. The bookcases were okay. It was simple to use the writing cart on wheels. Yet, the file cabinets were … Continue reading How organized is your writing space? →

Your book is your brand: Do you help it out?

Years ago, I was reading an issue of Writer’s Digest and came across this topic. At the end, the writer left her Twitter handle. I decided to follow her in hopes of learning more. Since then, I have expanded my brand through Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and a website. It takes time to cultivate a brand, … Continue reading Your book is your brand: Do you help it out? →

Do you still have joy when you write?

I sent the last edits to volume two of my Squirrel Mafia series to the publisher. It included dedication, acknowledgments, different pictures, a foreword, and more. When I first wrote Squirrel Mafia, I could not foresee that there would be three volumes. Yup, the little darlings have already given me, at least for now, ten … Continue reading Do you still have joy when you write? →

Do you have an acknowledgement page in your book? : Wait, did you do it all on your own?

Who do you recognize in your dedication and or acknowledgments in your book? I include my editor, Nancy, who is worth her weight in gold many times over. I make sure to add my family and anyone else along the way. Sometimes it runs long to medium. I have seen people include in their acknowledgments … Continue reading Do you have an acknowledgement page in your book? : Wait, did you do it all on your own? →

Do you have a social platform?: You should

Do you have a social platform as an author? Do you think you need one? When I submitted one of my books in a query letter, the publisher asked, “Where are you at?” He meant did I have a platform. Did I have one? Fortunately, I pointed him to various places. I was happy I … Continue reading Do you have a social platform?: You should →

Getting reviews for my books: A hard task indeed

Getting reviewed for your book is not always easy. No, no, that’s not it. Maybe pigs will be able to fly once someone leaves one? We learn where the issues are in our manuscript when others critique our works. It is so helpful for writers. When I go online to purchase something, I tend to … Continue reading Getting reviews for my books: A hard task indeed →

Critiquing an author’s work: Do you say yes quickly?

When a fellow writer asks you to critique their work, do you say yes quickly? I used to, but now I pause. I tend to ask the author if they want me to be as neutral as possible or do you want me to tell them what they want to hear. I will turn that … Continue reading Critiquing an author’s work: Do you say yes quickly? →

Is it easy to write books for children?: Yes, according to some

How easy is it to write books for children? From my experience early on, I have heard people tell me various opinions on this. In fact, at one writer’s meeting, a fellow author scoffed and said he could write a children’s book in one night. There was nothing to it. I was so stunned I … Continue reading Is it easy to write books for children?: Yes, according to some →

Commas are my Kryptonite: Oh boy they are

“Commas are my Kryptonite.” I said this to my friend Gina one day. She laughed because she understood what that meant. She feels there is no such thing as too many commas, even when there is no need for them to be there. I am of the theory the less, the better, often leaving out … Continue reading Commas are my Kryptonite: Oh boy they are →