P.H. Solomon's Blog, page 312

Scrivener Tips Pt. 6: Using Project Stats

Scrivener is a powerful writing tool. I write about it weekly with tips and usage ideas. To read more of my posts click the Scrivener tag or category at the end of the page.

The Conundrum

My book, The Bow of Destiny, has been with an editor for a structural edit. I’ve received the manuscript back with a list of changes to address. But I need to make some regular decisions on where to make additions and how.

One of the beauties of Scrivener is that I can use the Binder to easily find places where specific changes should be made. I’m using this feature heavily as I revise The Bow of Destiny for its next round of editing.

However, one of the first things which I found to be a quandary was where to add a particular, short scene. I knew I could add it to the end of chapter 9 or the beginning of chapter 10 without any effect on continuity. However, I didn’t know which to choose as the best.

The Answer

Then it occurred to me: which one is longer? This would likely be a determining factor since I didn’t want to make one chapter inordinately long. That’s where another feature of Scrivener came into play.

To determine the length of each chapter I clicked onto each folder and obtained the project statistics. The comparison allowed me to quickly decide on the end of chapter 9 as the place to add the scene. I created a new document container and wrote the scene without hesitation.

How-to

If you need to make such quick determinations about pieces of a project you can do so easily just like I did using Scrivener. While in the section of your project in question, click on Project and then on Project Stastics:

What’s displayed in the following is a window that indicates the totals for the whole project and then for the specific selection. For my purposes, I looked at the selection statistics for each chapter, comparing the number of words and pages and found chapter 9 to be the shorter of the two and my choice was easily made.

With Scrivener, the question at hand was easily answered so that I didn’t waste time on it. I finished my scene addition in less than forty-five minutes – and in the process got the idea for this tip. Once again, Scrivener has proved to be invaluable as a writing tool.

What decisions hold you up while editing? What are your favorite features to use in Scrivener? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Just as a note: I am not affliated with Scrivener in any official capacity. For support questions, pricing and other concerns please contact the vendor.

 

Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Editing, Indie Publishing, Planning, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, creativity, Editing, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Tech Tips for Writers – Scrivener

Screenshot of My Novel WIP – The Bow of Destiny

Many writers are using Scrivener to develop projects ranging from fiction to non-fiction varying in length from articles, blogs, short stories to books. So understanding that usage is high for this software, I wanted to share insights on usage in a short post.

Why you should use Scrivener if you aren’t already? Isn’t is just another writing editor with some tools geared toward writers? Is it a waste of money? The main reason you should put it in the budget or at least give it a try for free is one word: development (and here are additional reasons). Scrivener is a great tool to use for developing almost any kind of writing project. It is organized so that you can store all kinds of information related to the project all in one location. Likewise, you no longer need an outline since you can use the folders in the software as the outline. Using this method you can easily move pieces of your work around until you are satisfied. I’ve been using it for just this kind of structural re-organization of my novel, The Bow of Destiny, duing my current revision. Michael Sullivan discusses how he realized he could make use of Scrivener and even further developed his fantasy world. Troll River Publications posted a useful video for using Scrivener’s tools for outlining.

Editing for Deep POV

I especially like using this software for developing shorter projects like a blog post, article, paper, or even a short story. I used Scrivener to develop my blog serial – What is Needed and will use it in developing my longer projects. It has helped me re-organize my current novel but I’m still learning all the features for editing purposes. If I have trouble editing I get around this by doing a copy/paste from my novel into a temporary file in Microsoft Word to do my heavy editing and then copy/past back into Scrivener. Why do this? Because the whole book is organized in Scrivener which also allows you to compile the manuscript into a single Word document, PDF document or even an e-book. I look forward to expanding my skill with Scrivener and sharing more details about the features as I do. Regardless, I done with organizing and editing the “old-fashioned way” – perhaps you should consider doing the same if you haven’t already.

If you aren’t using Scrivener, why haven’t you tried it? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Just as a note: I am not affliated with Scrivener in any official capacity. For support questions, pricing and other concerns please contact the vendor.

 

Filed under: Blogging, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Facebook, Formatting, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Scrivener, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, What is Needed, writing [image error]

RRBC SPOTLIGHT Author Blog Tour: Helen Treharne

Today I welcome Helen Treharne who is on bog tour this week with Rave Reviews Book Club of which I’m a VIP member. Take it away Helen!

There’s been a ‘Death in the Family’ – The second book in the offbeat ‘Sophie Morgan Vampire Series’

First of all, thanks to P. H. Solmon for hosting me today. It’s great to spend a little time with them, along with all the other great authors that sometimes hang out here.

I‘ve spent a lot of time in recent months talking about the Sophie Morgan Vampire Series. The first book, Relative Strangers, which was released in August, has really taken off. I’m delighted with the response. One of the things that I’ve been told by reviewers if that is a solid start to the series and they are looking forward to the second one. Woo hoo! Well, your wait is almost over. Death in the Family, number two in the series, will be released on the 14th February, and can be pre-ordered at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

In the second book, we meet a few new characters, as well as some old ones. Naturally, 23 year old Sophie is still our lead, and I’m delighted to say that seventeenth century vampire Charles Ferrers, also sees his fair share of action. But this book also expands the vampire society which I established in book one. We even meet some new faces.

Here’s a peak at some of the new vamps you’ll be introduced to….

“Onan Sadik marched through the corridors of the Istanbul headquarters of Alexander Industries. He had built a successful career there over the century, initially as a human, then as a vampire once he had shown his true worth. Joining the company had been a significant gamble. If it hadn’t worked out, he would most certainly be dead, or confined forever to a low-level role with no prospects and low pay. Members of his family had worked for the corporation for centuries. He knew what he was getting into and it had been worth it. He had been fifteen and on the streets when he had been picked up for food. Twenty years of feeding vampires in return for shelter, an education and eventually wealth had all paid off. He had worked his way up to Senior Vice President, a position he had held for fifteen years, dispatching his duties with an expertise and commitment with which few could compete.

Sadik had a seat at the big table with the president of the corporation, the one person with direct access to Alexander, head of the family. He had not been seen in public for centuries although all those descended from him felt his presence when they visited the country estate in Ephesus. Few were called, but those who had risen within the ranks of the family were invited to visit occasionally. It was there that this terrible business had started. His opposite number, Vice President Oskam, had admittedly been serving as a senior official and advisor to the family for much longer than Sadik, generations in fact, but that clearly did not guarantee his continued loyalty.

Oskam had made a bid for power, framing Sadik for the theft of a number of exhibits in Alexander’s extensive private collection of historic artefacts. Sadik was considerably quicker witted and influential than Oskam had given him credit for. The plot was quickly revealed and Oskam executed. Regrettably, the old fool had made inadequate arrangements for protecting the booty and the items had been stolen from his home while he was being thoroughly interrogated.

Although regrettable, the events had shone a spotlight on Sadik, highlighting to others that he was not to be messed with. People quaked a little as he marched passed them. Eyes were averted. Subordinates appeared to work a little harder than before, even those that were vampires.

Security opened the doors to the meeting room and he entered. “The president has been expecting you,” the broader of the two guards said.

Adara Constantinou stood, arms folded, looking out of the glazed wall to the streets of Istanbul’s business district. She was a formidable force of nature; a keen-eyed, hard-headed vampire who liked to feed on the failures of her business enemies as much as she did on young, fresh prey. She was level-headed, cool, and sharp as a knife. Her olive skin, strong limbs and dark, wavy hair, gave her the appearance of a healthy, athletic woman in her forties. Her nails were short and neat, her hazel eyes bright. The pale grey suit had a sheen that amplified her colouring and the dazzling whiteness of the shirt beneath it.

“They seem so small,” she said.

“Yes, Adara. We were all that small once.”

Those who have read Relative Strangers might be thinking – Istanbul? Byzantines? Well, I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say that in Death in the Family an estranged father, a new man, an old man, and an ancient manuscript are not her only problems!

Death in the Family is the second Sophie Morgan vampire book and will be available from Amazon 14th February – the perfect valentine gift for the vampire slayer in your life! It is available for pre-order now. To celebrate the release, Relative Strangers will also be FREE to download from Amazon on 14th February.

Helen Treharne is the creator of the developing “Sophie Morgan Vampire Series” as well as short stories and other prose. Helen lives with her husband, three cats, an entrenched tea addiction and an increasing collection of stringed instruments. When she’s not writing she spends her time daytime hours working in communications and volunteers for a feline welfare charity. She also runs a very successful book blog, reviewing and promoting the work of other indie authors. She also can’t stop purchasing stationery. She can be found at her blog, Facebook page and on Twitter

Great job Helen. I hope everyone will take some time and browse more of Helen’s work via her links.

I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Amazon, Blog Tour, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fiction, Helen Treharne, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Rave Review Book Club, Relative Strangers, Self-publishing, Social Media, Spotlight Blog Tour, Twitter, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Announcement, blogging, creativity, Facebook, Helen Treharne, Indie Publishing, Launch, Marketing, Rave Reviews Book Club, Relative Strangers, RRBC, Self-publishing, Social Media, Spotlight Blog Tour, Twitter, writing

I Heart Writing: Why You Need To Commit

In 2014 I really started writing. I’d been merely toying with it until then. I finally took the plunge and started a website. This meant commitment and that’s when I really started to pursue my writing relentlessly.

If you’re going to become an author don’t just aspire to it. It’s not enough to play around with the notion or fiddle with writing and some vague intention of completing a book.

Now I’m not saying jump into it with both feet and your eyes closed. No, take your time and know what you’re getting into. Learn what it means to commit. What will it take to write? What will you need? How will you get there?

However, without the willingness to commit you won’t get far. Here are some starting points:

1. Research – find out what you will need to seriously write. You’ll need a web presence, social media accounts, email, an author photo and writing software. What will that cost? How will you do it?

2. Plan – it may be foreign to you but you won’t successfully commit to your writing without some sort of a plan. Learn from other authors. There are lots of resources on the internet. But without a plan you won’t get far with being a committed writer. It’s like getting married so take it seriously. It’s a lot of work so a plan comes in handy when you get lost in all the details and helps you stay on course with your over-arching goals.

3. Write – regardless of what you need to write start writing regularly. As I shared yesterday you need to exercise your creativity to get anywhere with writing. Otherwise you’re likely to sit at the screen and wonder why you have writer’s block. Answer: you don’t. Start writing a journal and generating ideas. If you want to write a blog or anything else you’ll need a writing foundation.

4. Study – learn what you don’t know about being a writer. Think you’ve already got what it takes for being great? Mostly no you don’t. There are all sorts of elements of style and technique to employ that you don’t understand by osmosis unless you’ve got an English degree. Start finding good blogs that discuss these topics. Look for books on writing. Attend a conference and learn what editors find to be good writing and why.

There are many more tips I could write but this should get you started. If you heart writing, then make a commitment and ask it to be your vocational valentine – then stick with it.

How can you be more committed to writing? How do you overcome your jitters about writing? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Photos courtesy Morguefile.com – free photo section

 

Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fiction, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Planning, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Is It The End Of The Writing Line? Uh, No!

You’ve written a lot of lately and then just stopped. It’s like you got to the end of your thoughts. It’s the edge and you’re looking off into cloudy nothingness. So that’s it – the end.

But wait, there’s more. Your thoughts haven’t ended. Keep writing. Don’t stop! Like breathing, a writer needs to write. Like running, you need to condition yourself to writing and generating ideas of all kinds, both fiction and non-fiction.

When it comes to blogging, journaling helps. The frequency of writing starts the mind generating ideas and from ideas come blog posts. Likewise, when you start generating ideas they start forming with greater frequency – again the mind’s creative muscles are exercised and ideas flow like a river. I’ve found that journaling and blogging have benefited my fiction with more ideas and creatively resolving problems in my fiction.

Here are some tips about writing:

1. It’s not enough just to say, “Write!” Be specific about what you will do. Intentionality leads somewhere. On the other hand, lack of intention leads nowhere.

2. To start with, journal in the morning. Do as much as you like or have time to do. The habit will get you writing like exercise.

3. What should you write? Well, in a journal like this, it doesn’t matter. Your meandering thoughts will begin to coalesce into specific ideas. Most anything you trip through can be used in some form of creative writing.

4. Take those ideas and transfer them to your blog, story, article or novel. Use those ideas. You’ve allowed your mind to get creative now harness all that energy for something. I frequently journal and find answers to puzzles in my plots, why I’m struggling with writing and ideas for blog posts of all kinds.

5. If you don’t have time to develop all the ideas make sure you get them into some form of development for use later. For blogs I make a content container and quickly type the idea and some notes so I can come back to it when I have more time. Regardless, I make sure my ideas do not fall through the proverbial cracks never to be seen again. I want to use them so I take that seed and make sure it’s gets planted for use now or later.

So when you think you’ve reached the end of your writing ideas you haven’t. Start writing in an open format with an intention and you will start generating ideas that start building into a habit of idea germination.

Have you stopped writing at the end of ideas? How do you cultivate your creativity? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Clip art licensed from Microsoft Office

 

Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, creativity, Editing, Facebook, Indie Publishing, Journal, P. H. Solomon, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, writing

Fantasy Authors Unplugged: Robert Penner

 

This is continuing feature on Archer’s Aim – Fantasy Authors Unplugged. I hope to frequently share an interview with a fantasy author. If you have authors to suggest and/or questions you’d like to see answered then leave a comment or send me an email. If you are a fantasy author and would like an interview please let me know and we’ll plan one that fits your schedule.

Interview

Q. What’s your latest book about?

A. My latest book is titled Dark Moon Shadow. This book is purely Fantasy. Dark Moon Shadow has a little of everything. Sword fights, battles, rescues, good against evil, complicated friendships, wizards, and yes of course magic weave across the pages. Dark Moon Shadow tells the tale of a boy (Timson) entering manhood who learns that he is the only offspring of a true wizard. His journey begins when the land is cast under a powerful spell called the Dark Moon Shadow. While most of the land is spelled unto an allegiance to the Black Wizard, who cast the spell, there are those who did not fall under the spell and challenge him. As we follow Timson’s journey we get a closer look at the Council of Wizards and the unique magic they posses and the struggle they wage against the Black Wizard in order to free the land from this terrible spell. Timson, along with the help of Elves, Wizards, and his closest friends, fight for life and freedom from evil and tyranny.

Q. Do you have any other books that are published?

A. I do… mostly short stories that can entertain for an hour or two depending on your reading speed. These short stories fall under fantasy for young adults (teaching a moral lesson), and paranormal for everyone else. I have one other full length novel, my first, entitled The Fifth Gospel (Deception Rising). All of these are self-published. Magic Library Chronicles: The Mysterious Knight, The Queen of Newbury, and Exaggeration Station. Jeremy Swatt and the Feline Travelemtus. Paranormal Short Stories: The Unwrapped Gift with the Bright Red Bow, Ghost at the Getty, Miracle Deposit, and Tempest.

Q. Which do you prefer writing or editing? Why?

A. Writing of course. I enjoy the process of dreaming a story and then putting it from pen to paper, or keyboard to text if you will. It is the very reason I love reading…it’s about the story and the imagination that drives us. Stories make a great escape from a very busy and stressful world. I can hardly wait for each day to end as I get off work and settle down to a good Fantasy read. I take this same passion into my stories and hope it brings the same feeling to others who enjoy the genre. I hate editing with a passion. It is the worst part about being a writer in my opinion. By nature I am not a very good speller, but I love writing. How can you reconcile the two? Well, I choose to tell a story anyway, and hope people out there enjoy it and that it helps them escape the challenges of life for a time, and bring them pleasure. Because of this, editing can become a great hurdle. Paying for a professional editor can be expensive, so I rely on those around me to lend a hand and spot what spell check does not catch. Although, my works are greatly improved from error, my earlier publishing suffered a little and as a result landed lower ratings due to missed spelling error instead of the substance of the story. This doesn’t get me down, but inspires me to keep making progress in that department, and as a result I have had better review’s for my recent works. The main goal is to get a good story out, and that is what I do.

Q. What are your career goals as an author?

A. At first it was to make a living with my writing as most authors dream about, but as reality set in I focus on getting a good story out, and hope that people catch on to it and enjoy it enough to spread the word about my writing. Writing as a career is always in the back of my mind, but self-publishing is not easy work and the rewards in the term of profit are difficult. As of now my goals as an author are just to keep putting my dreamt of stories into e-book and share the process with anyone who would take chance and read them.

Q. What promotions have worked best for you?

A. As most struggling authors can attest to this is the hardest part about self-publishing. Getting the word out. How do you share the news about your book without bothering your twitter, blog, and facebook followers? It’s challenging to say the least. Making your book free will for sure get you the most downloads, but it won’t get you any reviews nor make you any money for your hard work. The best promotion is putting out good blog posts that drive people to your site and as a side note give them options of seeing your work and hopefully they take a chance. This takes a lot of time away from writing, but it seems to be the only thing that works without pushing your product on people.

Q. What’s the inspiration for your latest book/series?

A. Fantasy is my inspiration. That is all I write, and currently what I read. Terry Brooks is a Fantasy hero of mine. Michael Stackpole is also another Fantasy giant in my view. I’ve studied these authors and have learned a ton from them. I try to craft my skill from what I’ve learned from writers such as these. Stackpole spoke a lot about self-publishing and the art of it and I’ve taken his advice and from start to finish about self-publishing and marketing. Brooks is a great story teller and I’ve tried to learn how he weaves a story together without making it too complicated. In many ways I have done that in my own writing. Making good fantasy is my inspiration.

Q. How do you nurture your creativity?

A.There is nothing specifically I do to nurture my creativity, but when I do get an idea I write it down and make an outline. That keeps the memory alive. The best way to grow creativity is to just sit and be still. That is a hard task when life is so busy. But just allowing yourself to dream is the best way to nurture ideas and make up great stories.

Q. What conferences do you attend?

A. I have never attended a writing or fantasy conference. I’ve read a lot about them though. Comicon or some Fantasy related conference would be one I would love to attend.

Q.What’s your writing process like during a rough draft?

A. Fast. I never edit on the fly. Once my outline is complete I set out according to my notes and let my imagination take over. My outline helps me stay on point, but I just sit down and let my fingers take the words where they go until each chapter is completed. Once the book is complete then the edits and re-writes commence.

Thanks for the interview…it was a blast.

Bio & Links

“Welcome to Protectors of the Realm website. I’m so glad you dropped by. I love to read and write Fantasy and have been writing seriously since 2005. Dark Moon Shadow is my first full-length novel in Fantasy. I have written and sold e-books in YA fantasy and Paranormal. Dark Moon Shadow is the first in a series of three novels that take place in the Protectors of the Realm universe. Tears of Duranthidil is the follow-up of Dark Moon. A third, stand-alone, will hopefully follow. My venture as an Indie Author was sparked in 2004 by listening to a podcast called Dragon Page Cover to Cover. This podcast no longer exists (sadly), but I learned from the host of that show that I could bypass traditional publishing and make my own path. The hosts Michael R. Mennenga and Michael A. Stackpole were the first to really pounce and cover the emerging title-wave of e-books and the changing of traditional publishing. I credit this podcast for inspiring me to write, build a website, and produce quality e-books for everyone to read. Currently I work full-time and write on the side. Check back often and spread the word about this website and Dark Moon Shadow. Your patronage will continue to encourage and develop more fantasy novels for all to enjoy. Happy reading my friends.”~Robert Penner

LINKS: http://www.pennerstories.com(there anyone can visit my bookstore, follow my blog, or follow me on twitter.

Thanks to Robert for appearing in Fantasy Authors Unplugged today. Please take some time to look at his contact information as well as his book links. I looking forward to reading his work in the near future.

If you’re a fantasy author and would like to be interviewed for “Fantasy Authors Unplugged” just contact me via email or one of my social media channels and we’ll set one up.

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Amazon, Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Dark Moon Shadow, Fantasy, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Robert Penner, Self-publishing, Social Media, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Dark Moon Shadow, Epic Fantasy, fant, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fantasy Fiction, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Robert Penner, Self-publishing, Social Media, writing

The Great Formatting Conundrum & What To Do About It

I recently received a question over Twitter from someone asking if I provided formatting services. It’s not uncommon since so many independent authors are in need of e-book formatting. I’ve written about this topic in passing before but I decided to cover it in more detail today.

First let me say I do not offer formatting services. I’d be open to in the future if the need arose for more immediate income. However, I’m neither experienced enough yet nor do I have the time to run such a service while publishing my own fiction.

However, having formatted my own short story as an e-book – as well as intending to publish a few more short projects in the future – I do have some insights to offer for newer writers with questions. Most everyone advises that an author farm formatting out to someone who knows how to do it properly. It’s not terribly expensive for a novel and doesn’t require a long turn around time. But for shorter projects you may want to save the money and do the work yourself.

Formatting Resources

In either instance here are some resources for formatting:

Want to find formatters? Visit this link by Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords, for his list of self-publishing related services. It includes people who offer formatting services with their pricing as well as illustrators and editors.
Want to do the work yourself? Download Mark Coker’s Smashwords Style Guide. This includes how to format your e-book so that it’s ready for submitting to Smashwords. I also found it effective for uploading to Amazon.

Tips

With that information in mind here are some tips regarding formatting if you decide to give it a go yourself:

Do not use your original manuscript. Create copy of the manuscript from which to work. This way if you mess it up you have no worries about it and can easily start over.
Start learning with a shorter project. Once you have experience try something longer.
Format correctly from the beginning. Read the Smashwords Style Guide for specific instructions on formatting your work with e-book publishing in mind.
To begin formatting, remove all the bad formatting. Copy all of the content to a text editor like Notepad and then back into your word processor software to remove all the incorrect formatting. Again the style guide has detailed instructions for this process.
Learn about Styles and use them when formatting an e-book. Styles are used in Word and are quick way of using preset formatting for different font styles. You can create Styles for titles, first lines, etc. These are also available in Scrivener. (take screen shots of Word and Scrivener styles)
Create and use internal links. When you are formatting your manuscript to e-book conversion you can create internal links. These are important for use in e-book readers so anyone reading can move throughout the book with ease. One of the best ways to use this is to link your table of contents to each chapter heading or title and then each chapter back to the contents.

Final Thoughts

 

Many people have an aversion to formatting as if they might ruin their book. As long as you don’t work from the original you are free to play around with the process and learn. Once you’ve formatted even a short e-book you’ve gained valuable skill. Even if you do not want to format your novel you certainly know what to expect with a finished product when paying someone else. In the end it’s up to each person to decide what’s best – hiring out the work or DIY – but learn about the process some as well. Who knows, you may find you like doing it and launch a secondary income stream formatting for other authors. Regardless, I’ll follow up on some of the tips with some future posts on this subject.

Have you tried formatting an e-book? What keeps you from trying? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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As a note, I do not work for or support any services for Smashwords. Please refer to Smashwords for questions and support.

 

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Scrivener Tip: Making Document Templates

All writers face the blank screen and think about what they’re going to write. Too often we start and realize we didn’t format properly and stop, then get distracted by something else and we’ve lost our train of thought be the time we get back. Getting started can be daunting enough without spending time getting everything just right in your word processor.

Well, in Scrivener there’s a good way to beat back all that pre-writing distraction so you can sit down with your ideas and write. Who wants to lose their ideas to setting everything up? The answer is to make a template within your project.

What did you just read? That’s right a template within the project. You’ve heard of making a project template but how do you make a template within a project? Just follow these instructions.

1. Create a folder within the project and designate it as the Template folder by clicking on Project and Set Selection as Template Folder. Some project templates come with a template folder already designated so check you binder for one. Here’s what the template folder looks like:

Here’s how to set a folder as the project template folder:

2. Once you’ve set the Template folder then create a document container under the folder. Configure all the settings you want with formatting in this container but leave it blank.

3. After you’ve completed configuring your document template it’s ready to use. Go to one of you folders in your project and when creating a new document container (text). Choose Project from the upper menu bar and then go to New from Template to get a fly-out menu. On this menu you will see all the document templates created for the project in which you are working.

4. You can also create such a document template from the cork-board view of a folder. Right click for a context menu, go to Add for a fly-out menu. Slide your cursor to New from Template to reveal the fly-out menu or your document templates. You can also do the same from the Binder by right clicking on a folder for a context menu and using the same directions.

5. At this point, you can name the new container and start writing without a need to change settings. Create as many of these document templates as necessary for your project.

One again, here’s a simple way to use Scrivener to make writing easier than ever.

Do you get distracted by repeated changes to format settings? What would you change to start writing faster on any given project? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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What is Needed – Part 2

Photo used in The Bow of Destiny book trailer

Author’s Note: This is Part 2 of the prequel blog serial entitled “What is Needed”. This series is a companion to The Bow of Destiny (Part 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga) as expanded writing samples for the concluded Indiegogo campaign for the novel. The events of the blog series pre-date those of The Bow of Destiny by several hundred years but include several long-lived characters who appear in the forthcoming novel. This material is copyrighted and not intended for reproduction except at the author’s consent. Note: I’m releasing this part in sections so there will be more to read on Sunday.

 

What is Needed (Part 2)

by P. H. Solomon

 

Hands grasped Hastra. She screamed. It’s killing me! Her heart thudded in her ears. I’m dying. She stared into the blackness.

“Hastra!”

“Get it off me!”

Zelma’s face, ringed with light, replaced the darkness. “Sister, what’s wrong. You’ve fallen.” Tears brimmed in Zelma’s green eyes.

“It was here, a hobgoblin. It attacked me.” Broken crockery and ruined food lay strewn on the rough stone. Hastra groaned, lay back on the cold floor and grabbed her head. “Another vision?” Tears streamed on her cheeks. Breathe. Her chest heaved.

“What’s wrong?” Someone called. “Do you need help?”

Zelma helped Hastra sit up. “My sister is injured and fell.”

Someone stepped closer. “What do you need?”

“Howart? That’s Howart.” Hastra twisted and placed her back against the stone wall. The gaunt Withling stood in the pool of light at the corner.

Zelma coaxed Hastra to her feet. “Send a student to clean the mess and have another bring more food to our room. It’s second level, seventh door on the right. Hastra’s weak from her travels.”

“Can you get her to your room?”

Zelma nodded and displayed a weak smile. “What is needed is given.”

Hastra trained her voice to a low tone. “Good, I’m not ready to share visions yet.” There was no impression for action or meaning—yet. She winced when she put weight on her leg.

Howart frowned, nodded and left.

Hastra leaned on her sister as they hobbled away. They arrived at the stair and struggled at each step until they gained the next floor. Hastra hoped there was a prayer for her hip or she expectd being gimpy for a while. She sucked air through clenched teeth as her boot soles scraped on wooden stair.

“You’ve had visions?” Zelma huffed and grunted as Hastra pushed against her.

“Yes, the first knocked me off my horse and that’s how I got hurt. Thank Eloch, Kregen helped me.”

“Tell me what you’ve seen.”

Hastra shook her head. “Not here, not yet.”

They shambled to their door and Hastra hopped to her bed while Zelma closed the door.  The young woman rounded on Hastra with arms crossed and brow creased. “Tell me why this vision’s so secret in Withling’s Watch.”

Hastra rubbed her leg and related the exact details. “Darkness howled from the gate with a gust of wind and punched me from the saddle. There was fire-“

Zelma whirled at a feeble knock and snatched the door open. “Good, this is good. Is the floor cleaned?” The young Withling closed the door as the student mumbled an answer.

She handed the plate to Hastra who nibbled and waited as the student’s footsteps faded. She related the condition of the gates, the screams and everything else between mouthfuls of warm food. Zelma stood with her head cocked and the furrow between her eyebrows unwavering. She had Zelma’s attention now. Hastra paused, bit into her bread and chewed.

“And in the passage?” Zelma motioned in the direction of the stairwell.

“A second vision.” Hastra nodded with vigor. “Yes, on the heels of the first. A hobgoblin stepped out of a door and attacked me as darkness descended again.”

Zelma sat on her bed and leaned forward with her elbows braced on her knees. “That’s rather emphatic, two in one night.”

“But there’s more.”

“Ah, good you haven’t told me your impressions or inclinations. These are pivotal to interpretation.”

Hastra frowned and set her plate aside. “That’s just it. I have none.”

Zelma leaned further forward. “Nothing at all? There must be something.”

Hastra brushed crumbs from her skirt. “It’s like an empty well. It should have water but the bucket brings nothing up.”

“You need to write it in the Book of Prophecies. Someone else will know what it is for, what the interpretation is.”

An edge crept into Hastra’s tone. “Didn’t you hear me? I have nothing from Eloch instructing me what to do, not even that.”

“Then maybe it’s not real. If I didn’t know better I’d say you were…” Zelma fell silent and lowered her head.

“What, crazy?”

Zelma displayed a weak smile. “Perhaps over-worked. You said yourself you pushed to return before the winter snows.”

“I’ve only been allowed to tell you this. There is warning and likely danger but it is not to be spread, at least not yet.”

Zelma stood and opened the door.

“Where are you going? Give me something more since I’ve been allowed to share this with you.”

“I have. Enter your visions in the book or go to sleep and forget them. Either way I’m due to say prayers.”

The first snow of winter blew drifts in the courtyard for three days and Hastra’s leg ached worse each day. She left her haggard reflection in the mirror and shuffled with Zelma to prayer on the morning after the snow ended.She refrained cursing the stairs on the arduous descent to the main floor. Stray words meant to her and all Withlings.

Other Withlings milled outside the chapel. Someone in the crowd laid a hand on Hastra’s arm. She paused at an old man in a felt hat. Hastra bobbed her head for a better view of the stranger’s face but got none in the morning shadows.

Zelma kept walking. She waved at one of her friend’s and turned to Hastra. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

Hastra nodded with a grimace as she rounded on the other Withling. “Good morning, I don’t think I know you.” Hastra avoided putting weight on her injured leg.

“We’ve met.” The old man waved his hand.

Hastra glimpsed a twinkle in his eye just under the brim. “I just don’t remember—perhaps it’s the hat?”

“You need that hip healed. May I?” Without waiting her consent, he reached around her and touched her lower back and spoke words Hastra didn’t quite understand.

The pain dispelled in a moment.

Hastra sighed. “That’s a relief. Thank you.”

The old Withling nodded with a wisp of a smile.

Hastra didn’t find Zelma close. Where’s Zelma? There’s a message in that injury and the timing. She wheeled back to ask her healer’s name again. And he’s gone. Hastra brushed past the three smiling sisters from Grendon. What are their names? Zelma’s hair blazed in the crowd where it thrust from beneath her head scarf.

“There you are, sister. I’ve gotten a healing this morning.” Hastra flexed her painless leg.

“Who?” Zelma’s head swayed as she searched the crowd.

“I didn’t recognize him but he’s wearing an old, wide-brimmed hat.” Hastra sat on a wooden bench beside Zelma.

“In here?”

“Oh, he’s probably left it outside.” Someone cleared their voice as the morning cantor started prayers.

Halfway through the intonation Hastra’s head rose before she remembered herself and bowed again. She’d serve in the Hall of Silence until she had more direction. Her smile grew throughout the end of the prayer as the dour mood of several, painful days crumbled from her face like melting ice.

 ***

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed on 11/10/14 so take a look.

Thanks for reading.

P. H. Solomon

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Support Nonlocal Science Fiction–A New Kind of Sci-Fi magazine that’s Out of this World!

PHS:

Here’s an interesting new idea for short fiction publication. Re-blogging on Archer’s Aim

Originally posted on Kylie Betzner:

Attention science fiction fans, Nonlocal Science Fiction is approaching critical mass and your support is needed to help it take off!

What  is Nonlocal Science Fiction?

It’s a quarterly digital magazine published by 33rd Street Digital Press (a new independent publishing company) featuring short stories and serials from emerging science fiction authors from around the world–this world;) The first issue launches on March 14th!

What makes it so unique?

Nonlocal partners with its authors directly and offers them a share of the profits from the sale of the magazine rather than a per-word rate. Also, authors are involved in the marketing campaign which helps independent authors increase sales.

Who will appear in Issue #1?

Issue #1 promises awesome talent with stories by:

Valery Amborski (“Us and Everybody Else”)
Robert Paul Blumenstein (“Delivery to Venus”)
Dan Colton (A Thin Atmosphere, Chapter 1)
Daniel J. Dombrowski (“Mazep-fal”)
Reva Russell English…

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