Peter Lopez Jr.'s Blog: Xulon Press Blog , page 7

What You Need to Know about the Epilogue

There you are, finishing up the last chapter of your story. However, the work doesn’t feel quite done yet. Somehow, there’s still more to be said beyond the falling actions of your story. Enter the epilogue.

All great stories require a great conclusion that leaves readers stirring on the implications of the narrative and feeling fulfilled with their time spent reading. No one likes to be left hanging!

What Is an Epilogue?

An epilogue is “a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work.”1 In layman’s terms, it’s a section separate from the final chapter of a fiction book that helps to bring closure to the story and tie up loose ends.

An epilogue is not the same thing as an “afterword.”

Who Uses Epilogues?

Many people believe that epilogues are reserved for fiction writers only, but this is not the case.

Both narrative nonfiction and fiction writers can find value in using an epilogue in their work, but the keyword here is narrative nonfiction. This word suggests that the author is telling a story of some sort, and there is a narrator involved.

Strictly nonfiction works without a clear narrator and storyline do not typically include one.

Epilogues in Nonfiction

Though it’s less common, narrative nonfiction pieces, such as biographies and personal memoirs, also utilize epilogues. In these cases, an epilogue ties a neat bow on the manuscript, offering key details and sentiments to provide the narrative with closure and drive any themes home.

Consider you’ve written a personal memoir detailing your life before, during, and after a tragic and life-altering accident. The final chapter of your narrative describes the upswing of your healing as you finally get your life back in order.

Now comes the epilogue. For the sake of this example, the epilogue would likely reflect on the themes carried throughout the manuscript (i.e., facing adversity, faith in Christ, etc.) to remind readers what the story is really about. The epilogue, in this case, would also suggest forward movement: Where is the author going from here? What does life look like for them today?

Epilogues in Fiction

Epilogues function differently for fiction pieces. In fiction, an epilogue often:

Hints to a sequelProvides insight into the protagonist’s life years into the futureProvides closure / reflects on the events of the narrativeDrives the theme home

Many times, epilogues accomplish two or more of these tasks. However, the task at hand is always to ensure that each piece of the puzzle is accounted for, and that readers are not left hanging or wanting more at the close of the story.

Final Thoughts

Epilogues are integral parts of narratives, but if you are still unsure if using one is right for your book, consider looking into works similar to yours to see how the author resolved their story.

Call 1-866-381-2665 to learn more about publishing your narrative work with Xulon Press.

 

Let’s Connect on Social Media

Instagram

Facebook

X

References

Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “epilogue,” accessed February 26, 2024, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epilogue.

The post What You Need to Know about the Epilogue appeared first on Xulon Press.

How to Write a Poetry Collection

From Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson to Timothy Liu and Audre Lorde, it is clear that each of these poets has a special knack for words. All possess a unique style and voice, and they all write about topics that are important to them. If you are a poet and are thinking about writing a poetry collection, here are some tips to get started and ensure that your work truly reflects what you feel.

What Is a Poem?

With modern poetry becoming more and more experimental, it is sometimes difficult to determine what a poem is. Poetry can be a million different things, but there are two things all poems have in common:

WordsEmotion

Emerging poets may find that the most helpful trick in learning how to write poetry is by reading the works of other poets. Find your niche by reading a variety of poems in different styles, forms, and subjects.

Where to Find Inspiration

Once you have found what you like, the next step is to start writing.

This can look different for every writer. Taking time out for some daily writing can spark those creative flames.

Another opportunity where you can write poems is when speaking with God. The raw emotion and deep connection to our spirituality opens our hearts, minds, and souls for the words to start flowing. Meditating or spending some time alone can also be beneficial in letting the inspiration come to you.

Write from your heart and don’t worry too much about making sense. The beauty of poetry comes from its honesty and vulnerability.

Play With Line Breaks, Rhyming, and More in Your Poetry

Another important factor to remember is to play around with line breaks, spacing, sounds, words, and different forms. There are lots of different poetry forms, from erasure poetry to the more traditional sonnet.

Poetry does not need to rhyme. Although internal (rhymes within the lines instead of at the end of the line) and slant (rhymes that are not exact) rhymes are usually seen within poems. The traditional, “Roses are red, violets are blue…” poem is a bit outdated and can seem repetitive, which makes the poem lose its luster.

Try to avoid clichés to make your poems one of a kind. The specificity of each word, the way the words are formatted on the page, and the meaning and sound behind the words will allow your poems to speak for themselves.

What Do I Include?

Poetry collections are typically comprised of poems that share a common theme (this isn’t to say that all the poems have to have the same topic). Love, nature, God, and the complex difficulties of being a human are common themes, but more specific themes can also be explored. Picking a main theme for your collection will allow it to feel cohesive and powerful while providing an outlet to share what is important to you.

There is no set limit for how many poems to include in a poetry collection. When you feel that it is complete, end your collection. With that being said, you want to include an ample amount to make it a full-length collection. Furthermore, variation within your poetry collection can keep readers engaged and show the full extent of your poetic skills.

Final Thoughts

You may be thinking, Wow, there seems to be no rules for writing a poetry collection, and you would be correct! Although there are no set criteria or rules, staying true to who you are and what you love to write about will elevate each of your poems in a unique and impactful way.

Call 1-866-381-2665 to learn more about publishing your poetry collection.Follow Xulon Press on Social Media

Instagram

Facebook

X

The post How to Write a Poetry Collection appeared first on Xulon Press.

The Editorial Critique: An In-Depth Review of an Author’s Manuscript

One of the most popular editorial services offered at Xulon Press is the Manuscript Review, a short, yet detailed review that offers authors a handful of strengths and suggested areas of improvement along with other helpful recommendations for their work. But for the authors who want a more in-depth look into their manuscript and even more recommendations on how to strengthen their work, look no further than the Editorial Critique.

Now, the word “critique” can sound rather daunting to writers, but there is no need to feel weary as the Editorial Critique is far from the verbal “bashing” service it may sound like. Instead, authors will be receiving a detailed review of their entire manuscript that includes considerable commenting in the following areas:

Personalized cover letter from the editorExtensive comments on the following focuses:Grammar, Punctuation, and FormattingNarrative, Flow, and ContentSources and Citations (non-fiction)Suggested GenresSuggested Editorial Service + 1,000-word Sample Edit

Now, let us break down in a bit more detail the different parts of the critique that follow the opening cover letter.

Grammar, Punctuation, and Formatting

This section will include more grammatical and stylistic suggestions that can include anything from proper punctuation usage, how best to separate paragraphs, helpful understanding of particular spelling, capitalization usage, etc. when it comes to religious terms (per the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style), and more. All grammatical and stylistic recommendations come from the Chicago Manual of Style.

Narrative, Flow, and Content

This section will include suggestions as well as inspiring comments on how well the author’s story reads. Comments can include anything from how smoothly chapters flow from one to the other, how well the author stays on track with their subject matter, dialogue usage between characters in fiction pieces, how well the plot of the story (fiction) or subject matter (nonfiction) is paced, development of characters, and more.

Sources and Citations

This section is mainly for authors who have written nonfiction works that reference or quote outside sources. As a helpful note, for any author who quotes or references any books, articles, websites, sermons, or other sources outside of their manuscript, citations are necessary to not only give credit where credit is due, but also to help avoid any potential permission issues that could arise upon publication. An editor will help point out any references or quotes that need or may need a citation while also offering help on how best to craft their citations per the Chicago Manual of Style.

Suggested Genres

To best help an author place their book where it will be easiest for their target audience to find it, genres are recommended for the manuscript being critiqued. At least three genres are recommended for each manuscript.

Suggested Editorial Service + 1,000-word Sample Edit

Finally, a critique will conclude with a recommendation on the level of editing an editor believes would work best for the manuscript and will demonstrate the recommended edit through a 1,000-word sample edit taken directly from the author’s manuscript. As a helpful note, the 1,000 words chosen by the editor is the only part of the manuscript edited for the Editorial Critique. The entire manuscript will not be edited through this service as there are separate services for complete edits.

Learn more about our editorial services, including the Editorial Critique by calling 1-866-381-2665.

Please note that no two Editorial Critiques are alike as they are personalized for each author’s unique manuscript. Editorial Critiques can be completed for both fiction and nonfiction works (no poetry).

Follow Xulon Press on Social Media

Instagram

Facebook

X

The post The Editorial Critique: An In-Depth Review of an Author’s Manuscript appeared first on Xulon Press.

How to Write in Third Person Point of View

In the world of fiction, the third person point of view (POV) is a widely popular choice for writers. With this POV, the narrator exists outside of the story and refers to characters by their names, using third person verbs and pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” and “they.”

It’s important to note that generally, the narrator is not a separate entity/character with its own role in the story. The narrator simply sits on the shoulder of the character(s) and communicates to the reader the events and interactions as they unfold.

There are three forms of the third person POV: objective, omniscient, and limited. The choice between the three forms is important for a writer, as it determines how close of a look readers will get at the inner workings of a narrative.

1. Third Person Objective

This form marks the narrator as more of an observer of the story. Rather than being close to one or more of the characters, the narrator relays events of the story without bias or emotional depth.

The thoughts and feelings of the characters are not communicated. The narrator may provide detailed accounts of events and words exchanged between characters, but the reader is responsible for making sense of it all.

2. Third Person Omniscient

As the word “omniscient” alludes, the third-person omniscient POV allows the narrator to describe the thoughts and feelings of any character within the story. Though there may be one or two characters who are more heavily focused on, the narrator is free to dive into the private thoughts and actions of each character if they so choose.

As an example, consider Character A and Character B are having a conversation. The narrator shares with readers Character A’s internal dialogue and what they say to Character B. The narrator then may jump to the consciousness of Character B (this is known as “head hopping”) and share how they feel internally about what Character A just said to them.

This act of “head hopping” allows readers to witness the conflict in the story, and often, it helps to hint at the conflict that will occur later in the plot.

3. Third Person Limited

Similar to third person omniscient, the third person limited POV allows the narrator to describe internal thoughts and feelings, but only that of the main character. The narrator in this POV hovers above the main character and tells the story from their perspective; however, third person pronouns are still used to tell the story.

Using this POV, some authors choose to switch the POV to that of another character at the start of a new chapter, but the defining factor is that only one person’s viewpoint is being narrated at a time.

Is the Third Person POV Right for Your Story?

Unlike the first person POV, where the main character tells the story using first person pronouns (“I,” “me,” “my”), the third person POV provides a wide berth for writers who seek to share the story and consciousness of more than one character, using the narrator as a buffer.

Writers who see foreshadowing and what happens in the periphery of their story as essential would benefit from giving the third person POV a try.

The post How to Write in Third Person Point of View appeared first on Xulon Press.

The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai by Scott B. Delaney is Our February 2024 Book of the Month

Every month, the Xulon Press staff votes for the Book of the Month selection, and this month The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai by Scott B. Delaney won by a landslide. If you enjoy reading books by Tim LaHaye, Frank Peretti, and Gregory David Roberts, you’ll want to add The Global Calling series to your “to be read” pile.

To learn more about the inspiration behind The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai, his favorite part of self-publishing, and what he hopes readers take away from his books, we sat down with Scott Delaney to get all the details on our latest Book of the Month.

What inspired you to write The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai?

A: Having worked with many Indian-based pharmaceutical companies, I have made over fifty trips to India since 2008. I have developed a love for the people of this mysterious and beautiful country and wanted people around the world to see the country of India through my eyes—the good, the bad, the mysterious, the exciting, the depressing, the sad, and all of the senses and emotions in between.

I also wanted the book to be a springboard for discussion with people of all religions about the presence of God, angels and demons, and the opportunity for the relationship that God provides to all of his children around the globe. It has truly opened the door for amazing discourse, and I am thrilled that God is using it in such amazing ways to reach the hearts and minds of those who are searching.

How long did it take you to write your book?

A: Since The Tiger’s Eye is my second book in the series, the writing process for book two was much more streamlined than book one. From start to finish, this book took about eighteen months before the release of the final product from Xulon. Plus, the process of editing, proofing, creative, and production at Xulon was remarkably better than my first experience with another publisher. For comparison purposes, it took over three years to write my first book, The Shaft, A Supernatural Thriller.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing this book, and if so, how did you overcome them?

A: For The Tiger’s Eye, Angels in Mumbai, the challenge was finding time for writing. With the sale of a company and the move to a new company, keeping all of the plates spinning appropriately was a delicate balance. Fortunately, I had a lot of travel time that allowed for some focused writing opportunities that allowed me to get to the finish line.

Was there a specific part of your self-publishing journey that you enjoyed more than you thought you would?

A: I have enjoyed the collaboration with my committed beta readers. Purposefully, I engaged people from different faiths and backgrounds to critique my work and provide their thoughts. Their suggested edits and strategic questions were invaluable as I wrote and rewrote the first few manuscripts.

Their constant support and encouragement also fueled the fire inside of me to get The Tiger’s Eye completed in a timely fashion. Typically, I like to maintain total control of all my writing but giving up some of this control led to better ideas and a better overall finished product.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

A: I want my books to challenge readers to determine what they really think about angels and demons. Do they exist? How do they work within the context of our broken and fallen world? What is their relationship to God? How does the Devil use demons to influence humankind? Is this real or fantasy?

I hope these books also push people towards a closer relationship with God and a stronger reliance on God for protection, peace, guidance, and love. I pray that people’s hearts are opened to the opportunity that this stronger relationship with our creator will provide them with blessings beyond their wildest imagination.

Tell us a little bit about how you’ve marketed your book since its release.

A: I have used many resources to market my books, both professional marketing and individual marketing. I had phenomenal success using onlinebookclub.org to get reviews and then leveraged these reviews in “book of the day” promotions to generate thousands of downloads from users of the site. This sparked a grassroots campaign of promotion that continues to percolate even a couple of years after the promotion.

I also utilized some of the Xulon Press resources to target new readers, from traditional advertising to spots in various catalogs to social media campaigns.

I would also highly recommend that new authors who feel they have a great product should enter appropriate award contests. I was fortunate to win or be a finalist in several key literary award categories with various, well-respected award groups and have leveraged these to generate significant interest across a wide range of interested readers. Marketing books is extremely difficult if you are not with a traditional publisher. Still, with the right focus and determination, I can assure you that you can find a very satisfying level of commercial success.

Meet Scott Delaney

[image error]

Scott Delaney is not only a multi-award-winning writer, but he also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer in North America for Unichem Pharmaceuticals Inc., he plays the piano and trumpet, sings with the Buck’s County Choral Society, performs as a baritone soloist for several other choral organizations, and he plays golf and spends time with his family. In college, he played basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, so it’s safe to say he’s a big college basketball fan, too!

The Shaft: A Supernatural Thriller (Book 1 in The Global Calling series) by Scott Delaney is also available for purchase. And you may even see The Global Calling series on your television or the big screen in the future!

Where to Purchase The Tiger’s Eye

Amazon

B&N

Xulon Press Bookstore

Connect with the Author

Find more inspiration from Scott Delaney on social media.

X (formerly Twitter): SBDelaney

Facebook: Scott Delaney

Instagram: Scott Delaney Author

LinkedIn: Scott Bradley Delaney

The post The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai by Scott B. Delaney is Our February 2024 Book of the Month appeared first on Xulon Press.

The Tiger’s Eye by Scott Delaney is the Xulon Press February 2024 Book of the Month

Every month, the Xulon Press staff votes for the Book of the Month selection, and this month The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai by Scott B. Delaney won by a landslide. If you enjoy reading books by Tim LaHaye, Frank Peretti, and Gregory David Roberts, you’ll want to add The Global Calling series to your “to be read” pile.

To learn more about the inspiration behind The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai, his favorite part of self-publishing, and what he hopes readers take away from his books, we sat down with Scott Delaney to get all the details on our latest Book of the Month.

What inspired you to write The Tiger’s Eye: Angels in Mumbai?

A: Having worked with many Indian-based pharmaceutical companies, I have made over fifty trips to India since 2008. I have developed a love for the people of this mysterious and beautiful country and wanted people around the world to see the country of India through my eyes—the good, the bad, the mysterious, the exciting, the depressing, the sad, and all of the senses and emotions in between.

I also wanted the book to be a springboard for discussion with people of all religions about the presence of God, angels and demons, and the opportunity for the relationship that God provides to all of his children around the globe. It has truly opened the door for amazing discourse, and I am thrilled that God is using it in such amazing ways to reach the hearts and minds of those who are searching.

How long did it take you to write your book?

A: Since The Tiger’s Eye is my second book in the series, the writing process for book two was much more streamlined than book one. From start to finish, this book took about eighteen months before the release of the final product from Xulon. Plus, the process of editing, proofing, creative, and production at Xulon was remarkably better than my first experience with another publisher. For comparison purposes, it took over three years to write my first book, The Shaft, A Supernatural Thriller.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing this book, and if so, how did you overcome them?

A: For The Tiger’s Eye, Angels in Mumbai, the challenge was finding time for writing. With the sale of a company and the move to a new company, keeping all of the plates spinning appropriately was a delicate balance. Fortunately, I had a lot of travel time that allowed for some focused writing opportunities that allowed me to get to the finish line.

Was there a specific part of your self-publishing journey that you enjoyed more than you thought you would?

A: I have enjoyed the collaboration with my committed beta readers. Purposefully, I engaged people from different faiths and backgrounds to critique my work and provide their thoughts. Their suggested edits and strategic questions were invaluable as I wrote and rewrote the first few manuscripts.

Their constant support and encouragement also fueled the fire inside of me to get The Tiger’s Eye completed in a timely fashion. Typically, I like to maintain total control of all my writing but giving up some of this control led to better ideas and a better overall finished product.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

A: I want my books to challenge readers to determine what they really think about angels and demons. Do they exist? How do they work within the context of our broken and fallen world? What is their relationship to God? How does the Devil use demons to influence humankind? Is this real or fantasy?

I hope these books also push people towards a closer relationship with God and a stronger reliance on God for protection, peace, guidance, and love. I pray that people’s hearts are opened to the opportunity that this stronger relationship with our creator will provide them with blessings beyond their wildest imagination.

Tell us a little bit about how you’ve marketed your book since its release.

A: I have used many resources to market my books, both professional marketing and individual marketing. I had phenomenal success using onlinebookclub.org to get reviews and then leveraged these reviews in “book of the day” promotions to generate thousands of downloads from users of the site. This sparked a grassroots campaign of promotion that continues to percolate even a couple of years after the promotion.

I also utilized some of the Xulon Press resources to target new readers, from traditional advertising to spots in various catalogs to social media campaigns.

I would also highly recommend that new authors who feel they have a great product should enter appropriate award contests. I was fortunate to win or be a finalist in several key literary award categories with various, well-respected award groups and have leveraged these to generate significant interest across a wide range of interested readers. Marketing books is extremely difficult if you are not with a traditional publisher. Still, with the right focus and determination, I can assure you that you can find a very satisfying level of commercial success.

Meet Scott Delaney

Scott Delaney is not only a multi-award-winning writer, but he also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer in North America for Unichem Pharmaceuticals Inc., he plays the piano and trumpet, sings with the Buck’s County Choral Society, performs as a baritone soloist for several other choral organizations, and he plays golf and spends time with his family. In college, he played basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, so it’s safe to say he’s a big college basketball fan, too!

The Shaft: A Supernatural Thriller (Book 1 in The Global Calling series) by Scott Delaney is also available for purchase. And you may even see The Global Calling series on your television or the big screen in the future!

Where to Purchase The Tiger’s Eye

Amazon

B&N

Xulon Press Bookstore

Connect with the Author

Find more inspiration from Scott Delaney on social media.

X (formerly Twitter): SBDelaney

Facebook: Scott Delaney

Instagram: Scott Delaney Author

LinkedIn: Scott Bradley Delaney

The post The Tiger’s Eye by Scott Delaney is the Xulon Press February 2024 Book of the Month appeared first on Xulon Press.

What to Expect from a Manuscript Review

At Salem Author Services, our editors offer a Manuscript Review, sometimes called an MDR, for all authors. A Manuscript Review allows an editor to become thoroughly acquainted with a piece. Manuscript Reviews are not only an important step in the editing process, but they are the very first step! Let’s dive into what these Manuscript Reviews are all about.

What Is in a Manuscript Review?

The Manuscript Review starts out with the title of the reviewed piece, the author’s name (or pen name), and the word count. Simple enough so far, right? Then it goes into the general overview—what the editor believes your piece to be about upon first impressions, which shows authors how audiences may receive your piece.

Manuscript Strengths

Next up is the “Manuscript’s Strengths.” This may be some of our editors’ favorite component of Manuscript Reviews (yes, it is definitely mine!). The editor will highlight the piece’s best qualities, from effective structure and poignant themes to impactful language and unique characters. This portion illuminates the wow factor of the piece. The possibilities are endless for a manuscript’s strengths, and our editors are always finding new ways to compliment authors on their brilliant writing!

Areas the Author Can Improve

After the strengths, the next component can be the most helpful for authors: “Areas the Author Can Improve.” This section is where the editor notes areas in the manuscript that can be altered, removed, or revised to clarify the piece, maintain consistency within the piece, or simply bring it to the next level. Editors are skilled at looking at all aspects of a manuscript to find the hidden gems and where it may be lacking, whether it be minor or major.

Suggested Editorial Service

Now comes the suggested editorial service. These can range from a Basic Edit, where errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation are addressed, to an Executive Edit, a two-round edit where there are larger content concerns, and everything in between. Our editors will also recommend a different type of service, such as Standard Citation Formatting Service or a Data Entry Service, if it is required.

Recommended BISAC Codes

After that, the editor will suggest potential genres, or BISAC codes, for the piece so your future readers will be able to find it on a shelf or in an online database once it is published. Again, there are a multitude of genres that a manuscript can fall under, but our editors pick the top three most relevant ones.

A Sample Edit

Lastly, the sample edit is conducted. This is a mini sample of around 200-500 words from the manuscript to show authors what their piece would look like with the suggested editorial service. It is up to the authors if they wish to proceed with an edit or leave their piece as it is. They are also able to pre-purchase an edit before the editor completes the Manuscript Review.

Final Thought

It is important to note that the Manuscript Review is only one editor’s opinion of your piece. Their suggestions are meant to help guide authors on which type of editing they wish to receive (if any). Manuscript Reviews can be a great tool for authors and editors alike to use to gain a deep understanding of a piece and have a clear visual of how it can reach its full potential.

Call 1-866-381-2665 to learn more about our Manuscript Review process for self-publishing authors.Follow Xulon Press on Social Media

Instagram

Facebook

X

The post What to Expect from a Manuscript Review appeared first on Xulon Press.

Rise of the Hero: Writing the Hero’s Journey Arc

Imagine this.

A youth who lives a carefree life is suddenly thrust into a situation where they must leave behind everything they know to embark on a journey full of uncertainties and dangers to accomplish a specific task. Along the way, they meet companions and other unusual characters who either aid them or try to stand in their way. The events that unravel during this journey all lead up to one ultimate decision, one ultimate goal to make what had ultimately gone wrong right again. The youth succeeds, becoming a hero in the process, and they are rewarded with the opportunity to return home or begin a whole new life. Yet even with their newfound success, even though their journey has ended, the hero has grown and learned much, having been forever changed by their experience.

Sounds familiar, right? This will surely bring to mind many popular stories portrayed in books and movies. That is because this is a common story arc that has been used time and time again, yet remains as well-received as ever, called the Hero’s Journey, or the monomyth. Beginning as early as mythological stories written by ancient Egyptians and Greeks to modern-day franchises, the Hero’s Journey follows three rites of passage:

“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder (separation). Fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won (initiation). The hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man (return).”1

These three rites of passage – separation, initiation, and return – are broken down into twelve smaller steps:

SeparationThe ordinary worldCall of adventureReluctant to the callMeeting the mentorLeaving into the UnknownInitiationTests, allies, and enemiesThe approachThe ordealThe rewardReturnThe journey backThe resurrectionReturning with the elixir

Perhaps the two most well-known uses of the Hero’s Journey in today’s media can be found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and George Lucas’s Star Wars. When one follows Frodo Baggins’s and Luke Skywalker’s journeys by following the aforementioned steps, each story travels along the same basic path. While it is relatively common to find this arc in genres such as fantasy and science fiction, any genre can benefit from a hero’s journey. Other examples include Disney’s The Lion King (children/Shakespearean), Homer’s The Odyssey (mythology), L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz (classic/family), Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games series (dystopian), and so many more.

For those longing to write a story about their own unwritten heroes, a hero’s journey may seem like a large undertaking since the hero must endure much to reach his or her ultimate conclusion. Yet by structuring one’s story following the main steps of the outlined Hero’s Journey, a new hero’s adventure will rise to entertain and inspire the masses.

Further reading

Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces (in-depth/scholar-level)

Christopher Vogler’s “A Practical Guide to Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces” (reference)

NotesJoseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Third Edition (Novato, California: New World Library, 2008), 23.

The post Rise of the Hero: Writing the Hero’s Journey Arc appeared first on Xulon Press.

You Can Learn a Lot About Self-Publishing From Football

As a self-publishing author, think of yourself as the quarterback of a football game. You get to call the shots. So, it’s important to have a game plan to help you reach the end zone. You’ll face challenges and obstacles on the way.

Be Prepared. Be Flexible.

Envision this: You are on a football field—right in the center. Your team is lined up to the right of you and the left of you. You stand up. You see a clear view down the field. What do you feel?

Do you feel overwhelmed? Nervous? Excited? Determined? Is this your first time on the field or have you been here before?

To overcome those feelings of overwhelm and embrace the moment, you must rise above the nerves, the self-doubt, the hesitation. It’s important to know there’s an end goal. But to win any game in life it takes one play at a time.

4 Football Plays to Gain the Ground You Need to Reach Your End GoalThe Running Play

Keep your feet planted on the ground. Head down and focused. You have a game to win! What you start, you need to finish. Push, and battle for what you desire and dream of. Hold the ball tight, have confidence, show a little grit, and knock down each task.

For self-publishing your book, running plays will take place during your writing and self-editing periods. These are the times to keep your head down and stay focused. Don’t let distractions or self-doubt seep in. You have a book to get to the “end zone.”

The Passing Play

We can’t do everything on our own. It’s a team game. Know when to reach out for help. Know the strengths of your team and when to pass the ball to someone who will help advance you down this field and get you closer to your goal.

When self-publishing your book through Xulon Press you’ll have a full team to help you get your book in the proverbial end zone. Most often, you’ll run a “passing play” when you hand your manuscript off to one of our book editors for a full edit. You’ll also run a “passing play” when our graphic designers create your book cover and when our typesetters design the inner layout of your book.

An Audible

Have last-minute changes come up? Here’s where you need to be flexible and quickly think on your feet. Before you head out into your next play, you may need to adjust. A passing play may now need to be a running play. A run may now need to be passed. We adapt to obstacles. It’s called an audible because the quarterback must call this play audibly and in front of the obstacle.

Maybe you thought you could write your manuscript yourself, but decide you need the help of a ghostwriter. This would be an example of calling an audible during your self-publishing journey. Maybe you thought your friend could edit your book, and now you want a professional Xulon Press editor to correct your manuscript. This is another great example of an audible.

Time Outs

A timeout is a powerful tool you can use out there on the field. It’s vital to keep control of the game. Timeouts serve as an opportunity to regroup. Take a step back and align today’s task with tomorrow’s goals. It’s your game to win, don’t let the clock dictate the outcome.

With self-publishing, you may start to feel the clock ticking and stress and anxiety can creep up if you feel like you aren’t working at the pace you should. Take a time out. Take a breath. Refocus. Stay in control of your publishing journey.

2 Football Plays to AvoidPunting Play

In football, to punt the play is to momentarily hand the ball back to the opposing team. To kick the moment down the field. Don’t give up or postpone all the ground you have gained. Don’t leave for tomorrow—well you know the rest. The temporary strain of today will not compare to the feeling of victory to come.

While there’s technically no “opposing team” during your self-publishing journey—you may have self-doubts and insecurities you’ll need to rumble with every now and again. Don’t give up the ground you’ve gained on your publishing journey due to these doubts and insecurities. Stay the course and remain confident until you reach the end zone.

Last Second Play (Against the Clock)

While flexibility is part of a winning strategy, the clock may not always be on our side. Don’t run down the clock and then make a last-minute play to try and gain ground.

Here’s an example: The holiday season is the busiest book-buying season of the year. It’s also the time of year most self-publishing authors aim to have their books available. Oftentimes, we see authors commit to writing their books in the first quarter of the year but put themselves on the bench for most of the year. Then, in October or November, they decide they need to make a last-second play to get their book published by the holiday season. This can create unnecessary stress and may still result in a “loss” if the book doesn’t make it to the “end zone” by the holiday season. So, we recommend that you maximize every moment available to you. Don’t allow procrastination or unpreparedness to fumble your efforts.

There’s a game to win—publishing your book and sharing its message with the world! We believe you can do it!

Let us be part of your winning team!

Call 1-866-381-2665 to speak with a publishing consultant today. Our team knows the importance of a game plan, and we’ll help you build the plan that’s best for you and your book. Just like a game, remember to have fun! The publishing journey is to be lived and enjoyed.

The post You Can Learn a Lot About Self-Publishing From Football appeared first on Xulon Press.

You Can Learn a Lot About Self-Publishing From Football

As a self-publishing author, think of yourself as the quarterback of a football game. You get to call the shots. So, it’s important to have a game plan to help you reach the end zone. You’ll face challenges and obstacles on the way.

Be Prepared. Be Flexible.

Envision this: You are on a football field—right in the center. Your team is lined up to the right of you and the left of you. You stand up. You see a clear view down the field. What do you feel?

Do you feel overwhelmed? Nervous? Excited? Determined? Is this your first time on the field or have you been here before?

To overcome those feelings of overwhelm and embrace the moment, you must rise above the nerves, the self-doubt, the hesitation. It’s important to know there’s an end goal. But to win any game in life it takes one play at a time.

4 Football Plays to Gain the Ground You Need to Reach Your End GoalThe Running Play

Keep your feet planted on the ground. Head down and focused. You have a game to win! What you start, you need to finish. Push, and battle for what you desire and dream of. Hold the ball tight, have confidence, show a little grit, and knock down each task.

For self-publishing your book, running plays will take place during your writing and self-editing periods. These are the times to keep your head down and stay focused. Don’t let distractions or self-doubt seep in. You have a book to get to the “end zone.”

The Passing Play

We can’t do everything on our own. It’s a team game. Know when to reach out for help. Know the strengths of your team and when to pass the ball to someone who will help advance you down this field and get you closer to your goal.

When self-publishing your book through Xulon Press you’ll have a full team to help you get your book in the proverbial end zone. Most often, you’ll run a “passing play” when you hand your manuscript off to one of our book editors for a full edit. You’ll also run a “passing play” when our graphic designers create your book cover and when our typesetters design the inner layout of your book.

An Audible

Have last-minute changes come up? Here’s where you need to be flexible and quickly think on your feet. Before you head out into your next play, you may need to adjust. A passing play may now need to be a running play. A run may now need to be passed. We adapt to obstacles. It’s called an audible because the quarterback must call this play audibly and in front of the obstacle.

Maybe you thought you could write your manuscript yourself, but decide you need the help of a ghostwriter. This would be an example of calling an audible during your self-publishing journey. Maybe you thought your friend could edit your book, and now you want a professional Xulon Press editor to correct your manuscript. This is another great example of an audible.

Time Outs

A timeout is a powerful tool you can use out there on the field. It’s vital to keep control of the game. Timeouts serve as an opportunity to regroup. Take a step back and align today’s task with tomorrow’s goals. It’s your game to win, don’t let the clock dictate the outcome.

With self-publishing, you may start to feel the clock ticking and stress and anxiety can creep up if you feel like you aren’t working at the pace you should. Take a time out. Take a breath. Refocus. Stay in control of your publishing journey.

2 Football Plays to AvoidPunting Play

In football, to punt the play is to momentarily hand the ball back to the opposing team. To kick the moment down the field. Don’t give up or postpone all the ground you have gained. Don’t leave for tomorrow—well you know the rest. The temporary strain of today will not compare to the feeling of victory to come.

While there’s technically no “opposing team” during your self-publishing journey—you may have self-doubts and insecurities you’ll need to rumble with every now and again. Don’t give up the ground you’ve gained on your publishing journey due to these doubts and insecurities. Stay the course and remain confident until you reach the end zone.

Last Second Play (Against the Clock)

While flexibility is part of a winning strategy, the clock may not always be on our side. Don’t run down the clock and then make a last-minute play to try and gain ground.

Here’s an example: The holiday season is the busiest book-buying season of the year. It’s also the time of year most self-publishing authors aim to have their books available. Oftentimes, we see authors commit to writing their books in the first quarter of the year but put themselves on the bench for most of the year. Then, in October or November, they decide they need to make a last-second play to get their book published by the holiday season. This can create unnecessary stress and may still result in a “loss” if the book doesn’t make it to the “end zone” by the holiday season. So, we recommend that you maximize every moment available to you. Don’t allow procrastination or unpreparedness to fumble your efforts.

There’s a game to win—publishing your book and sharing its message with the world! We believe you can do it!

Let us be part of your winning team!

Call 1-866-381-2665 to speak with a publishing consultant today. Our team knows the importance of a game plan, and we’ll help you build the plan that’s best for you and your book. Just like a game, remember to have fun! The publishing journey is to be lived and enjoyed.

The post You Can Learn a Lot About Self-Publishing From Football appeared first on Xulon Press.