Veronica Bane's Blog, page 2
October 14, 2013
What is the author's role in the 21st century?
I was just lucky enough to participate in a panel for the Big Orange Book Festival, and the topic of conversation was the role of the author in the 21st century. We covered social media, marketing, editors, and more. It was a wonderful dialogue and I wanted to highlight some of the conversation here.
Are authors expected to be accessible to fans? Is that good or bad?
If you choose to isolate yourself from your fans, you're missing an opportunity. This may or may not be a problem for you. Personally, I love dialoguing with readers on Twitter and Goodreads. I'm a nerd at heart, so talking about reading is always fun for me.
How can you improve your social media presence?
Make sure that the conversation isn't one-sided. If every Tweet or post is asking people to buy your book, then you aren't having a true dialogue with followers or readers. Retweet, reblog, respond. If a blogger is kind enough to review your book, promote their stuff! Also, don't do this just to get traffic for your book. Do it because you legitimately want to be part of the community.
How important are editors to the process?
I heard horror stories about editors before I started, but my editor is absolutely amazing. She made my book better than I ever could have if I was working alone.
Want to know more? Tweet your questions with #authorsrole and I'll respond to my favorites!
Are authors expected to be accessible to fans? Is that good or bad?
If you choose to isolate yourself from your fans, you're missing an opportunity. This may or may not be a problem for you. Personally, I love dialoguing with readers on Twitter and Goodreads. I'm a nerd at heart, so talking about reading is always fun for me.
How can you improve your social media presence?
Make sure that the conversation isn't one-sided. If every Tweet or post is asking people to buy your book, then you aren't having a true dialogue with followers or readers. Retweet, reblog, respond. If a blogger is kind enough to review your book, promote their stuff! Also, don't do this just to get traffic for your book. Do it because you legitimately want to be part of the community.
How important are editors to the process?
I heard horror stories about editors before I started, but my editor is absolutely amazing. She made my book better than I ever could have if I was working alone.
Want to know more? Tweet your questions with #authorsrole and I'll respond to my favorites!
October 13, 2013
Blog tour!
I am so excited about the blog tour for Mara that is just around the corner! From November 17-20, I will be touring some amazing blogs. We will be doing excerpts, reviews, and more. In addition, there will be a giveaway to link back to the blogs that participate.
If you're interested in being one of the blogs, please head on over here to sign up. I can't wait to hear from you!
If you're interested in being one of the blogs, please head on over here to sign up. I can't wait to hear from you!
September 4, 2013
Interview at Lit Up Reviews!
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the lovely ladies over at Lit Up Reviews. Read the excerpt below and then head over to Lit Up Reviews for the full interview!
As a flowery writer, I admire anyone who can condense something as complex as an extended story into a novella. How do you decide if an element is necessary or not and what is your criteria for cutting something out?
First, a lot of the cutting came down to word choice. I played around with writing screenplays before I started to write Mara, and it taught me a lot about making words and action stand on their own. In a screenplay, a writer has to make one small character detail speak volumes about who they are as a person. I took that experience with me when I started working on my novella. So, in writing Mara, my goal was for characters’ actions and dialogue to communicate their motivations and intents. Also, I’m a big believer in word economy. For example, if a strong verb can say what you mean, don’t waste a string of adjectives or adverbs. Let each word have its individual power.
Read the rest over at Lit Up Reviews!
As a flowery writer, I admire anyone who can condense something as complex as an extended story into a novella. How do you decide if an element is necessary or not and what is your criteria for cutting something out?
First, a lot of the cutting came down to word choice. I played around with writing screenplays before I started to write Mara, and it taught me a lot about making words and action stand on their own. In a screenplay, a writer has to make one small character detail speak volumes about who they are as a person. I took that experience with me when I started working on my novella. So, in writing Mara, my goal was for characters’ actions and dialogue to communicate their motivations and intents. Also, I’m a big believer in word economy. For example, if a strong verb can say what you mean, don’t waste a string of adjectives or adverbs. Let each word have its individual power.
Read the rest over at Lit Up Reviews!
Purchase MARA for only $2.99!
For a limited time, Black Hill Press is running a back-to-school sale on the Kindle versions of their novellas. As a result, Mara is currently only $2.99 on Kindle! Hurry... this deal won't last long!
August 30, 2013
Is "writer's block" real?
I often hear writers complaining about this mythical thing called "writer's block" that somehow keeps them from writing. They call it crippling and treat it like a disease that keeps them from putting words down on paper. However, I believe that writers have been duped.
Writer's block isn't a disease. It's an excuse.
Professional writers must write, and they must write every single day. This does not mean that the writing needs to be good. It does not mean that the writing needs to make it into the final draft. It does mean, however, that some kind of writing must happen.
How do you write when it seems like you have nothing to say today? You could say that you are suffering from writer's block, grab a cup of tea, and watch TV. Or, you could grab your notebook or laptop and get outside and do some people watching. Observe. Outline. Write a scene from the first person if you've written the entire book so far in third person. Get words down on the page.
If it's a bad day, maybe none of it carries into the next draft. But sometimes, you will find that just writing uncovered something you hadn't expected.
Do not use "writer's block" as an excuse. When you have taken it off the table as a possibility, you will find that great writing is able to take place without it.
Writer's block isn't a disease. It's an excuse.
Professional writers must write, and they must write every single day. This does not mean that the writing needs to be good. It does not mean that the writing needs to make it into the final draft. It does mean, however, that some kind of writing must happen.
How do you write when it seems like you have nothing to say today? You could say that you are suffering from writer's block, grab a cup of tea, and watch TV. Or, you could grab your notebook or laptop and get outside and do some people watching. Observe. Outline. Write a scene from the first person if you've written the entire book so far in third person. Get words down on the page.
If it's a bad day, maybe none of it carries into the next draft. But sometimes, you will find that just writing uncovered something you hadn't expected.
Do not use "writer's block" as an excuse. When you have taken it off the table as a possibility, you will find that great writing is able to take place without it.
August 19, 2013
August goals/fitting writing into busy schedules.
What a month! August is more than halfway over, and I still haven't drafted up my goals. I swear that they've been in my head, but I just haven't put them up yet. So, without further ado, here they are.
August Goals
1. Finish 35,000+ words of current project by writing 8,000 words a week.
2. Read (at least) five new novels.
3. Reread summer favorites (entire Harry Potter series (halfway done!), To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) before Labor Day.
4. Submit personal essays for publication.
5. Launch website by the end of August.
6. Finish editing project by the end of August (if possible).
7. Try and use some of the group fitness deals before they expire!
In addition to my goals, I also wanted to write on fitting writing into busy schedules. My job started back up again on August 5, and it's definitely been a balancing act to accomplish everything that I want to get done. I don't want to sacrifice the job that I'm passionate about or the writing that I'm passionate about, and I really do believe that both can be done. It all comes down to planning. Here's my advice for getting it done!
Set a schedule and stick to it.
Figure out how many words, pages, chapters, etc. that you want to accomplish in a day or week and get it done. You may need to wake up early to write or you may need to set aside some time after you get home. Pencil it in your day planner or set an alarm on your phone. Make it a priority!
Don't wait for inspiration. Just write.
If you're going to be a professional writer, then you must give up this fantasy of writing only when the magic strikes. You must write consistently to get better. It's a fact of the business.
Get your friends and family on board.
It can be hard for friends and family to understand that writing is just as valuable to you as your day job. When you get home, they may want to do dinner, see a movie, etc. But it is very important that you set boundaries for your writing and protect those boundaries. If you have writing scheduled, let them know of another time when you would be able to hang out. Don't give up writing time if possible. If you don't see your writing as a priority, no one else will.
Outline!
A well-structured outline can save you a lot of time. Pick a point in the outline to write to, and you'll have a clear path to follow. Obviously, deviate from it as necessary, but use it to guide your writing as needed.
Carry a notebook.
Bring a notebook at all times. Use it to jot down ideas while waiting for copies or during your lunch break. Be ready for inspiration throughout the day!
Stay healthy.
Eat well, exercise, meditate, or do whatever else to keep your mind and body healthy. Being a writer will be a much easier task if the rest of your life is balanced.
Read.
You must read as a writer. This is the other necessary part of your practice, and it cannot be sacrificed. A steady flow of reading material will elevate your writing and keep you informed. I suggest bringing a book or Kindle in your bag or car to help with this.
Thanks everyone! I'm running off to follow my own advice and grab a cup of green tea and a book on my lunch break. Happy Monday!
August Goals
1. Finish 35,000+ words of current project by writing 8,000 words a week.
2. Read (at least) five new novels.
3. Reread summer favorites (entire Harry Potter series (halfway done!), To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) before Labor Day.
4. Submit personal essays for publication.
5. Launch website by the end of August.
6. Finish editing project by the end of August (if possible).
7. Try and use some of the group fitness deals before they expire!
In addition to my goals, I also wanted to write on fitting writing into busy schedules. My job started back up again on August 5, and it's definitely been a balancing act to accomplish everything that I want to get done. I don't want to sacrifice the job that I'm passionate about or the writing that I'm passionate about, and I really do believe that both can be done. It all comes down to planning. Here's my advice for getting it done!
Set a schedule and stick to it.
Figure out how many words, pages, chapters, etc. that you want to accomplish in a day or week and get it done. You may need to wake up early to write or you may need to set aside some time after you get home. Pencil it in your day planner or set an alarm on your phone. Make it a priority!
Don't wait for inspiration. Just write.
If you're going to be a professional writer, then you must give up this fantasy of writing only when the magic strikes. You must write consistently to get better. It's a fact of the business.
Get your friends and family on board.
It can be hard for friends and family to understand that writing is just as valuable to you as your day job. When you get home, they may want to do dinner, see a movie, etc. But it is very important that you set boundaries for your writing and protect those boundaries. If you have writing scheduled, let them know of another time when you would be able to hang out. Don't give up writing time if possible. If you don't see your writing as a priority, no one else will.
Outline!
A well-structured outline can save you a lot of time. Pick a point in the outline to write to, and you'll have a clear path to follow. Obviously, deviate from it as necessary, but use it to guide your writing as needed.
Carry a notebook.
Bring a notebook at all times. Use it to jot down ideas while waiting for copies or during your lunch break. Be ready for inspiration throughout the day!
Stay healthy.
Eat well, exercise, meditate, or do whatever else to keep your mind and body healthy. Being a writer will be a much easier task if the rest of your life is balanced.
Read.
You must read as a writer. This is the other necessary part of your practice, and it cannot be sacrificed. A steady flow of reading material will elevate your writing and keep you informed. I suggest bringing a book or Kindle in your bag or car to help with this.
Thanks everyone! I'm running off to follow my own advice and grab a cup of green tea and a book on my lunch break. Happy Monday!
August 4, 2013
Success!
The Black Hill Press Release Party/Novel Reading last night was an absolute blast! I was lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic authors. In addition, so many people came out to support all of the wonderful novellas, and I was just a giddy mess the entire night.
Reading from Mara was a thrill, and I just felt so loved afterwards. We actually sold out of copies of Mara at the event which made me unbelievably happy!
For those of you that were unable to join us last night, please visit Amazon to purchase a copy. Currently, Mara is 10% off for a limited time.
Thank you all for your continued support! I can't wait to hear what you think of Mara. :)
Reading from Mara was a thrill, and I just felt so loved afterwards. We actually sold out of copies of Mara at the event which made me unbelievably happy!
For those of you that were unable to join us last night, please visit Amazon to purchase a copy. Currently, Mara is 10% off for a limited time.
Thank you all for your continued support! I can't wait to hear what you think of Mara. :)
July 29, 2013
Revisiting July's goals.
Hello everyone!
Wow! I can't believe that July has flown by. It really does feel like yesterday that I was drafting them, but it's already time to reflect on my progress.
Before I begin, I do want to say that I didn't get to as much of my own writing as I had anticipated because I got an opportunity to edit another project. It also kept me from reading as much as I would have like, but it helped spark my brain in other ways. Life seems to always find a way to give you exactly what you need, and it's important to keep that in mind.
So, without further ado...
July Goals
1. Finish 35,000+ words of current project. Fell a bit short here due to other projects, but I still made consistent progress and that's a reason to be proud!
2. Read (at least) ten new novels. I didn't quite meet this, but I did catch up on my Goodreads goal!
3. Reread summer favorites (entire Harry Potter series, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) Luckily, there's still some summer left to get these read. I'm rereading the Harry Potter series now.
4. Submit personal essay for publication. Here's where I succeeded! I actually have submitted three and hope to hear back soon.
5. Get out and enjoy the summer! Go to the beach, hike some trails, and try new restaurants. I have definitely been enjoying this one!
6. Make sure that all websites and social media pages are ready to go for the book release! I've been a social media machine! Connecting with readers and writers in the community has been a blast. The website should be ready to go ASAP in time for the launch on Saturday!
I'll be posting August's goals by Wednesday. Until then, how has your July been?
Talk to you all soon!
Wow! I can't believe that July has flown by. It really does feel like yesterday that I was drafting them, but it's already time to reflect on my progress.
Before I begin, I do want to say that I didn't get to as much of my own writing as I had anticipated because I got an opportunity to edit another project. It also kept me from reading as much as I would have like, but it helped spark my brain in other ways. Life seems to always find a way to give you exactly what you need, and it's important to keep that in mind.
So, without further ado...
July Goals
1. Finish 35,000+ words of current project. Fell a bit short here due to other projects, but I still made consistent progress and that's a reason to be proud!
2. Read (at least) ten new novels. I didn't quite meet this, but I did catch up on my Goodreads goal!
3. Reread summer favorites (entire Harry Potter series, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) Luckily, there's still some summer left to get these read. I'm rereading the Harry Potter series now.
4. Submit personal essay for publication. Here's where I succeeded! I actually have submitted three and hope to hear back soon.
5. Get out and enjoy the summer! Go to the beach, hike some trails, and try new restaurants. I have definitely been enjoying this one!
6. Make sure that all websites and social media pages are ready to go for the book release! I've been a social media machine! Connecting with readers and writers in the community has been a blast. The website should be ready to go ASAP in time for the launch on Saturday!
I'll be posting August's goals by Wednesday. Until then, how has your July been?
Talk to you all soon!
July 28, 2013
Less than a week away!
I can't believe that Mara is due to be released this coming Saturday! If you don't know, I'll be reading excerpts alongside other fantastic Black Hill Press authors at The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles. If you're local to LA, please click here for more information.
It's hard to believe that July is already coming to a close. I know that I made so many goals at the beginning, and I'm going to work hard to finish them in the limited time that's left. One of my goals was to finish a lot of writing, and I've been working steadily on that. With that in mind, I have a writing thought to share with you all.
When you're writing a first draft, it's wise to keep it to yourself. Opening your draft (no matter how fantastic it is) up to criticism when you're still working can keep you from moving forward. Once you've completed that draft and given it a bit of polishing, however, it's important to seek criticism from people you respect. Equally important, however, is to really consider the criticism. That does not mean that you have to take it. As a writer, you must decide how to be true to your work and your voice. Nevertheless, it's important to hear people out. If your character's purpose or the point of a scene isn't coming across to multiple readers, ask yourself if that scene or character is necessary.
Many, many times, you will need to cut those characters and scenes completely. Cutting down on fluff lets the rest of the story shine. When writing is too cluttered, it's hard for the reader to wade through. Yes, it's your story, but if you want people to be able to access it, you need to give them a clear path. Make your story's big ideas cohesive and coherent.
Like I said, the end of July is calling. Back to work for me, and hope to hear from all of you very soon about your thoughts on Mara! If you haven't already added it to your "to-read" list, please do. See you cats on the flip side!
It's hard to believe that July is already coming to a close. I know that I made so many goals at the beginning, and I'm going to work hard to finish them in the limited time that's left. One of my goals was to finish a lot of writing, and I've been working steadily on that. With that in mind, I have a writing thought to share with you all.
When you're writing a first draft, it's wise to keep it to yourself. Opening your draft (no matter how fantastic it is) up to criticism when you're still working can keep you from moving forward. Once you've completed that draft and given it a bit of polishing, however, it's important to seek criticism from people you respect. Equally important, however, is to really consider the criticism. That does not mean that you have to take it. As a writer, you must decide how to be true to your work and your voice. Nevertheless, it's important to hear people out. If your character's purpose or the point of a scene isn't coming across to multiple readers, ask yourself if that scene or character is necessary.
Many, many times, you will need to cut those characters and scenes completely. Cutting down on fluff lets the rest of the story shine. When writing is too cluttered, it's hard for the reader to wade through. Yes, it's your story, but if you want people to be able to access it, you need to give them a clear path. Make your story's big ideas cohesive and coherent.
Like I said, the end of July is calling. Back to work for me, and hope to hear from all of you very soon about your thoughts on Mara! If you haven't already added it to your "to-read" list, please do. See you cats on the flip side!
July 22, 2013
Music to Write To
When I write at home, I usually listen to music. Sometimes, I listen to film scores, and sometimes I choose lyrical tunes. When I venture out to a coffee shop, I leave my headphones at home and write to the natural (often noisy) flow of people around me. I need different settings to hammer down different things.
Usually, when I choose lyrical music, it's because it helps me get in the right place for a certain scene or character. Today, I'm setting out for some angry conflict and its aftermath. I thought I'd share the playlist with you all.
Bad Karma - Ida Maria
Cherry Red - Ida Maria
Let It Be Me - Ray LaMontagne
To the Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter
Brother - Murder by Death
Ball & Chain - Murder by Death
King Of The Gutters, Prince Of The Dogs - Murder by Death
Jeepster - T. Rex
Conversation 16 - The National
Elizabeth - The Airborne Toxic Event
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Nancy Sinatra
Posion & Wine - The Civil Wars
Hold Tight! - Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
What about you all? What do you listen to when you write?
Usually, when I choose lyrical music, it's because it helps me get in the right place for a certain scene or character. Today, I'm setting out for some angry conflict and its aftermath. I thought I'd share the playlist with you all.
Bad Karma - Ida Maria
Cherry Red - Ida Maria
Let It Be Me - Ray LaMontagne
To the Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter
Brother - Murder by Death
Ball & Chain - Murder by Death
King Of The Gutters, Prince Of The Dogs - Murder by Death
Jeepster - T. Rex
Conversation 16 - The National
Elizabeth - The Airborne Toxic Event
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Nancy Sinatra
Posion & Wine - The Civil Wars
Hold Tight! - Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
What about you all? What do you listen to when you write?
