S.M. Bjarnson's Blog, page 12
April 30, 2014
TRANSFORM YOUR BOOK THROUGH REVISION: THE IMPORTANCE OF DRAFTING by Balboa Press
TRANSFORM YOUR BOOK THROUGH REVISION: THE IMPORTANCE OF DRAFTINGby Balboa Press
Often we like to think of writers the way we see them in movies—sitting alone in a room with a typewriter, fervently typing chapter after chapter until a stack of perfect pages sits pristinely on the desk. The writer leans back in the chair, maybe letting out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. There it is—a finished book ready to be published and read by everyone. Unfortunately for real-life writers, the writing process just doesn’t look like that. Most writers write drafts—and lots of them. They revise their work over and over until their book is truly complete. Writing drafts is an integral part of the process, so don’t try to sidestep it. Here are some tips on how to approach each stage of the drafting process:1. The First DraftJust Write. Many writers make the mistake of revising their work as they go—fine-tuning each sentence and reorganizing thoughts at every step. That type of perfectionism so early in the process can really stifle creativity—focusing too much on what you’ve already written can keep you from moving forward in new or interesting ways. So, instead of obsessively stopping and going, let your work form more organically. Leave in typos and misspellings. Allow yourself to ramble and write nonsense. Go on tangents. You may be surprised—and pleased—with where they take you.
Keep an Open Mind. Remember that often the end result of an author’s work hardly resembles his or her original intentions at all. While your first ideas for your book may be wonderful, try not to get overly attached to that initial vision. Look at this endeavor as an opportunity for your own self-improvement, a chance not only to refine the ideas you already have—to make them more precise and more helpful to others—but also to stumble across new ideas that might strengthen or transform your book in surprising ways. So, don’t delete anything—you may find that something you hate now will be useful to you later.2. Middle DraftsExplore your options. Think of revision exactly how it sounds, as re-vision—envisioning again. Reflect on your original goals for the book. Then, take a close look at the pieces you have and discover how they can be manipulated to either reinforce or improve that original vision. Consider what new directions you might take. Think about what can be cut, moved, added or clarified. This is a time for restructuring and refining at every level—from sentence to paragraph to chapter to book.
Trust your instincts. Write as many drafts as it takes for you to feel your book is complete. Generally speaking, the more revisions you go through, the more organized your ideas will become and the clearer your message will be. However, be mindful that it is possible to overwork your writing. Just because revision is important doesn't mean you’ll have to revise everything. Trust your writing and your voice, but be honest with yourself about what’s not working and what could be made better. 3. The Final DraftDon’t stop now. Now that you’ve put so much care into crafting your book, don’t forget to carefully edit things like spelling, grammar, and word choice. While content is king, it’s important not to overlook this crucial step of final editing. Many readers will quickly dismiss the most beautiful of messages if it’s buried under glaring mistakes.
Be thorough. This is the time to delve into the technical details. Comb your writing for comma splices, track down typos, and break out your dictionary. Hire a professional editor or ask an English-savvy friend or two to help you find and correct every last mistake.Breaking the writing process down into these smaller stages will help make the task of writing your book more manageable. If you can embrace the idea that your first—or even your second or third—manuscript isn’t supposed to be perfect, you might find yourself more confident and comfortable as you write. You may not feel like a movie star, but you will feel like an author.http://www.balboapress.com/WriterWisdom/Writing/Revision.aspxI am in need of this one right now so badly! :) Revising Tangled tears is a pain in the planet pluto, if you know what I mean! These are helpful tips and hints that will be useful in our everyday lives. -S.M. Bjarnson
Often we like to think of writers the way we see them in movies—sitting alone in a room with a typewriter, fervently typing chapter after chapter until a stack of perfect pages sits pristinely on the desk. The writer leans back in the chair, maybe letting out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. There it is—a finished book ready to be published and read by everyone. Unfortunately for real-life writers, the writing process just doesn’t look like that. Most writers write drafts—and lots of them. They revise their work over and over until their book is truly complete. Writing drafts is an integral part of the process, so don’t try to sidestep it. Here are some tips on how to approach each stage of the drafting process:1. The First DraftJust Write. Many writers make the mistake of revising their work as they go—fine-tuning each sentence and reorganizing thoughts at every step. That type of perfectionism so early in the process can really stifle creativity—focusing too much on what you’ve already written can keep you from moving forward in new or interesting ways. So, instead of obsessively stopping and going, let your work form more organically. Leave in typos and misspellings. Allow yourself to ramble and write nonsense. Go on tangents. You may be surprised—and pleased—with where they take you.
Keep an Open Mind. Remember that often the end result of an author’s work hardly resembles his or her original intentions at all. While your first ideas for your book may be wonderful, try not to get overly attached to that initial vision. Look at this endeavor as an opportunity for your own self-improvement, a chance not only to refine the ideas you already have—to make them more precise and more helpful to others—but also to stumble across new ideas that might strengthen or transform your book in surprising ways. So, don’t delete anything—you may find that something you hate now will be useful to you later.2. Middle DraftsExplore your options. Think of revision exactly how it sounds, as re-vision—envisioning again. Reflect on your original goals for the book. Then, take a close look at the pieces you have and discover how they can be manipulated to either reinforce or improve that original vision. Consider what new directions you might take. Think about what can be cut, moved, added or clarified. This is a time for restructuring and refining at every level—from sentence to paragraph to chapter to book.
Trust your instincts. Write as many drafts as it takes for you to feel your book is complete. Generally speaking, the more revisions you go through, the more organized your ideas will become and the clearer your message will be. However, be mindful that it is possible to overwork your writing. Just because revision is important doesn't mean you’ll have to revise everything. Trust your writing and your voice, but be honest with yourself about what’s not working and what could be made better. 3. The Final DraftDon’t stop now. Now that you’ve put so much care into crafting your book, don’t forget to carefully edit things like spelling, grammar, and word choice. While content is king, it’s important not to overlook this crucial step of final editing. Many readers will quickly dismiss the most beautiful of messages if it’s buried under glaring mistakes.
Be thorough. This is the time to delve into the technical details. Comb your writing for comma splices, track down typos, and break out your dictionary. Hire a professional editor or ask an English-savvy friend or two to help you find and correct every last mistake.Breaking the writing process down into these smaller stages will help make the task of writing your book more manageable. If you can embrace the idea that your first—or even your second or third—manuscript isn’t supposed to be perfect, you might find yourself more confident and comfortable as you write. You may not feel like a movie star, but you will feel like an author.http://www.balboapress.com/WriterWisdom/Writing/Revision.aspxI am in need of this one right now so badly! :) Revising Tangled tears is a pain in the planet pluto, if you know what I mean! These are helpful tips and hints that will be useful in our everyday lives. -S.M. Bjarnson
April 29, 2014
Slippery Rooftops, by S.M. Bjarnson
The rain was misty, the rooftop was a clean white, puddles of raindrops covered the ground which I stood on.The most amazing magical feeling becomes embedded into your heart.A feeling of wholeness.I stumbled towards the edge, the surroundings of the top of the building.I stared downward at the cemented ground.I slipped my molly Mormon purple white flowered shoes off, stepped on the wet blocked wall.I glimpsed above me the sun was shining as the raindrops trickled down my face, I smiled.Turned and faced the door and fell back into the air and clouds.
If I could be anything I would be the rain.I laid down on the wet grass, as the hail beat upon my dampened rained on clothes.The raindrops on my face became tears trickling down my face and for the first time I felt I should cry and it would be okay. Cold and wet my body laid in confusion and sadness.Rain came down in bullets/pellets.I felt clean and new.My skin became frozen cold.Time ran out to many times before.
S.M. Bjarnson
If I could be anything I would be the rain.I laid down on the wet grass, as the hail beat upon my dampened rained on clothes.The raindrops on my face became tears trickling down my face and for the first time I felt I should cry and it would be okay. Cold and wet my body laid in confusion and sadness.Rain came down in bullets/pellets.I felt clean and new.My skin became frozen cold.Time ran out to many times before.
S.M. Bjarnson
April 28, 2014
Motivation :) Wolf Larsen: If I be wrong,
Wold Larsen: If I be wrong
By taking the time to define your purpose you'll open up more time and space, have more energy, and be more focused! Then your life can change for the better. I read that somewhere and wrote it down!
Believe you are able to change the circumstances you are given and delivery yourself to a better environment!
By taking the time to define your purpose you'll open up more time and space, have more energy, and be more focused! Then your life can change for the better. I read that somewhere and wrote it down!
Believe you are able to change the circumstances you are given and delivery yourself to a better environment!
April 27, 2014
Greek Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
Course: SaladSkill Level: EasyA fast and delicious meal! This recipe can be served warm or cold and is super flexible to fit your own personal tastes.INGREDIENTS
Print This Recipe
1 box bowtie pasta2 medium cucumbers sliced and quartered4 Roma Tomatoes diced into large pieces3/4 cup Kalamata Olives1 cup fresh Parmesan shredded1 cup feta crumbled2 cups Italian dressing more or less depending on your tasteINSTRUCTIONSCook bow tie pasta as directed on the box.Toss all ingredients together. This salad can be served warm or cold and adding chicken would also be a fabulous idea!http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/...
Course: SaladSkill Level: EasyA fast and delicious meal! This recipe can be served warm or cold and is super flexible to fit your own personal tastes.INGREDIENTS
Print This Recipe1 box bowtie pasta2 medium cucumbers sliced and quartered4 Roma Tomatoes diced into large pieces3/4 cup Kalamata Olives1 cup fresh Parmesan shredded1 cup feta crumbled2 cups Italian dressing more or less depending on your tasteINSTRUCTIONSCook bow tie pasta as directed on the box.Toss all ingredients together. This salad can be served warm or cold and adding chicken would also be a fabulous idea!http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/...
April 26, 2014
Sneak Peek 8: The Circus in Me, by S.M. Bjarnson
Overjoyed to get under my covers. With a book stamped with my colony’s disapproval. I can hear my enforcer now, “Literature fills young mind’s with ideas that are not based on our beliefs or the beliefs of our God.” Fairytale romances, gave ideas to be something other than a domestic servant to future spouse.S.M. Bjarnson
Got me there, all I ever wished for was to be a servant. Take the pride, remove the dignity instilled in me. Be the commercial wife to these men whom I have no attachments to whatsoever. Sign me up for that parade, every day of my munificent life.
Sarcasm, well that I’m still trying to figure out, let alone conquer. Humor I didn’t understand until the age of 18. The triplets at camp taught me blonde jokes, I didn’t understand how the color of your hair made you less intelligent. That was before I came to Idaho.
April 25, 2014
April 24, 2014
Free E-Book copy of The Circus in Me! Released today!
Hey there! Ho there! How do you do? This is S.M. Bjarnson saying read the Circus in Me, I know you want Too!!! Comment below and be lucky enough to receive a copy!!!!!!!!!! By the way The Tangled Tears, my first book is free starting tomorrow on amazon kindle until sunday!! So snatch them both up while you can!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tangled-Tea...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tangled-Tea...
April 23, 2014
The Tangled Tears is now out on the createspace website! ...
The Tangled Tears is now out on the createspace website! Be sure to get one of the first editions! :)https://www.createspace.com/4758674
Social Networking Market, by Balboa Press
MAKE SOCIAL NETWORKING WORK FOR YOUby Balboa Press
Social media can be intimidating if you’ve never used it before, but once you get started, you’ll see how easily you can use tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, to market your book. Before you create your marketing plan, you should have a general understanding of each platform. Here are a few tips about different popular social media sites to help you decide which ones will work best to market your book.FacebookFacebook is the most popular social media network and should be included in any marketing plan. To use it for your advantage, create a fan page for your book. This will allow your updates to be seen on your fans’ news feeds. If you have a nonfiction book, share updates with your fans that coincide with your books’ topic. If you have a fiction book, keep fans interested by sharing about the writing process.TwitterThe growing Twitter trend is sweeping the nation. The messages on Twitter are, by nature, short and sweet – updates have to be 140 characters or less. To gain Twitter followers, personalize your profile. Make your book’s cover your set picture. Don’t keep your updates focused on yourself. Tweeters want to converse, not be lectured to. There is also evidence that positive, uplifting tweets lead to more followers, so stay on the sunny side.TumblrIf you don’t want to be limited by the 140-character restriction of Twitter, but enjoy interacting with friends and followers by “resending” others’ posts, Tumblr is for you. Tumblr is a blogging tool that allows you to share photos, links, audio and video in a simple format. Tumblr is not as large as many other social networks, but if you feel more comfortable writing in the Tumblr format it will help you garner attention.YouTubeYou don’t need to be a filmmaker to use a YouTube account as a marketing platform. Create your channel to share uplifting videos that relate to your book’s topic. If you do want to start your own Webshow, a series of videos which act as episodes, all you need is a webcam or video recorder. Share a list of your favorite things, talk about the publishing process, or interview your writing buddy. If you decide to post a few episodes to YouTube, don’t expect to become a viral video sensation overnight; Webshows take time and energy to become successful. Remember, the main benefit of YouTube is to help supply engaging content to your other social media platforms.If you want a professional video to share on YouTube, an Author Video will give you the freedom to discuss your book in a location of your choosing. Or, you can feature your book's story in a Premium Book Video that will bring your book to life in a video that's similar in style to a movie trailer. Keep in mind the power of the word-of-mouth. Visually-pleasing, funny or inspirational videos can help you spread your message fast.Don’t forget to market yourselfAfter you’ve created a Facebook fan page, Twitter account or YouTube channel for your book, take a look at your preexisting personal social media pages. As an author, creating a brand for yourself is just as important as creating a brand for your book. If you already have social media accounts, make sure you position yourself as a professional, successful, author. Use your contacts to spread your message.Still not sure about marketing your book with social media? Let us help you get started with our Social Media Setup Guide service .
http://www.balboapress.com/WriterWisdom/BookMarketing/SocialNetworks.aspx
First off, I don't use Facebook, a personal choice. I love TUMBLR, but use blogger. I want to get into using YouTube with updates on book promotions and everything I hope to make an appearance in that way! -S.M. Bjarnson
Social media can be intimidating if you’ve never used it before, but once you get started, you’ll see how easily you can use tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, to market your book. Before you create your marketing plan, you should have a general understanding of each platform. Here are a few tips about different popular social media sites to help you decide which ones will work best to market your book.FacebookFacebook is the most popular social media network and should be included in any marketing plan. To use it for your advantage, create a fan page for your book. This will allow your updates to be seen on your fans’ news feeds. If you have a nonfiction book, share updates with your fans that coincide with your books’ topic. If you have a fiction book, keep fans interested by sharing about the writing process.TwitterThe growing Twitter trend is sweeping the nation. The messages on Twitter are, by nature, short and sweet – updates have to be 140 characters or less. To gain Twitter followers, personalize your profile. Make your book’s cover your set picture. Don’t keep your updates focused on yourself. Tweeters want to converse, not be lectured to. There is also evidence that positive, uplifting tweets lead to more followers, so stay on the sunny side.TumblrIf you don’t want to be limited by the 140-character restriction of Twitter, but enjoy interacting with friends and followers by “resending” others’ posts, Tumblr is for you. Tumblr is a blogging tool that allows you to share photos, links, audio and video in a simple format. Tumblr is not as large as many other social networks, but if you feel more comfortable writing in the Tumblr format it will help you garner attention.YouTubeYou don’t need to be a filmmaker to use a YouTube account as a marketing platform. Create your channel to share uplifting videos that relate to your book’s topic. If you do want to start your own Webshow, a series of videos which act as episodes, all you need is a webcam or video recorder. Share a list of your favorite things, talk about the publishing process, or interview your writing buddy. If you decide to post a few episodes to YouTube, don’t expect to become a viral video sensation overnight; Webshows take time and energy to become successful. Remember, the main benefit of YouTube is to help supply engaging content to your other social media platforms.If you want a professional video to share on YouTube, an Author Video will give you the freedom to discuss your book in a location of your choosing. Or, you can feature your book's story in a Premium Book Video that will bring your book to life in a video that's similar in style to a movie trailer. Keep in mind the power of the word-of-mouth. Visually-pleasing, funny or inspirational videos can help you spread your message fast.Don’t forget to market yourselfAfter you’ve created a Facebook fan page, Twitter account or YouTube channel for your book, take a look at your preexisting personal social media pages. As an author, creating a brand for yourself is just as important as creating a brand for your book. If you already have social media accounts, make sure you position yourself as a professional, successful, author. Use your contacts to spread your message.Still not sure about marketing your book with social media? Let us help you get started with our Social Media Setup Guide service .
http://www.balboapress.com/WriterWisdom/BookMarketing/SocialNetworks.aspx
First off, I don't use Facebook, a personal choice. I love TUMBLR, but use blogger. I want to get into using YouTube with updates on book promotions and everything I hope to make an appearance in that way! -S.M. Bjarnson
