I've been slaving away at editor-requested edits on a short story this week and in a moment of respite started thinking. What are my publicity options if the editor offers me a contract? I mean, I know the basics--which is that authors really need to do most of their own publicity unless they've nailed a 6 figure deal (and even then don't rely on the publisher) or have a publicist to do the thinking & legwork.
Here are some thoughts on where to go for publicity once that book/story publication grows nearer:
Armed and Ready: A Guide to Publicity Materials by Kate Stine
Free Publicity for Your Book by Patrika Vaughn
Blog: The Publicity Hound
Free Publicity for Your Book at Midwest Book Review
And one last post from one of my favorite, most insightful writer's writer:
16 Ways to Get Free Publicity by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Get out there and spread the word!
Beth
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Flash Fiction
Another conversation amongst writing friends...this one regarding the value of learning to write short in order to write better long. If you've not heard of flash fiction, check it out and challenge yourself. 55 words. 100 words. What do you have to lose?
Flash What? A Quick Look at Flash Fiction by Jason Gurley
Red Inkworks Presents Flash Fiction
Smokelong Quarterly: Dedicated to flash fiction
Happy flashing (Oooohh..that didn't sound right..lol)
Beth
Flash What? A Quick Look at Flash Fiction by Jason Gurley
Red Inkworks Presents Flash Fiction
Smokelong Quarterly: Dedicated to flash fiction
Happy flashing (Oooohh..that didn't sound right..lol)
Beth
Monday, March 19, 2007
Fiction Query Letters I
I'm numbering this post with a "I" not because I have enough stuff for a II but because I know there'll be a II sometime. Probably soon.
Of all the stuff fiction writers have to go through to get published, one of the most traumatizing events is cramming all your accomplishments plus a blurb of your story into a one (or at most two) page overview--the dreaded query letter.
Based on a conversation I had with Molly, one of the SeriousWriter girls, I've dug up some (hopefully) useful links on query letters. Now there's no excuse....(said specifically for Molly!). Get querying!
Writing the Perfect Query by Lee Masterson (be sure to check out Lee's great site for writers while you're there--Fiction Factor)
Advice from the Nelson Literary Agency (Scroll down a bit to get to the query letter stuff. Great sample letter, too).
The Complete Nobody's Guide to Query Letters by Lynn Flewelling
Query Letters for Children's Book Fiction by Margot Finke (don't let the title fool you--excellent example for all fictional subgenres)
Common Fiction Query Letter Mistakes by S. Thompson (although if you're writing--or thinking--these things in a query letter, you have a LOOOONG learning curve ahead of you...)
Query Letter: How to Write the Perfect Query Letter by Ali Lane (dissects parts of the query).
There you go. That should get you started. Query letters on a Monday morning...if you live through that, what's next? Sunday synopsis workshops?
Happy querying,
Beth
Of all the stuff fiction writers have to go through to get published, one of the most traumatizing events is cramming all your accomplishments plus a blurb of your story into a one (or at most two) page overview--the dreaded query letter.
Based on a conversation I had with Molly, one of the SeriousWriter girls, I've dug up some (hopefully) useful links on query letters. Now there's no excuse....(said specifically for Molly!). Get querying!
Writing the Perfect Query by Lee Masterson (be sure to check out Lee's great site for writers while you're there--Fiction Factor)
Advice from the Nelson Literary Agency (Scroll down a bit to get to the query letter stuff. Great sample letter, too).
The Complete Nobody's Guide to Query Letters by Lynn Flewelling
Query Letters for Children's Book Fiction by Margot Finke (don't let the title fool you--excellent example for all fictional subgenres)
Common Fiction Query Letter Mistakes by S. Thompson (although if you're writing--or thinking--these things in a query letter, you have a LOOOONG learning curve ahead of you...)
Query Letter: How to Write the Perfect Query Letter by Ali Lane (dissects parts of the query).
There you go. That should get you started. Query letters on a Monday morning...if you live through that, what's next? Sunday synopsis workshops?
Happy querying,
Beth
Monday, March 12, 2007
Resource: WritingCorner.com
Friday, March 09, 2007
Just Get It Out! Start Writing Your Novel
Another remnant memory from Monday's children's book conversation from my colleague was on how it'd taken her seven years to convince herself to sit down and write the book because she didn't really know where to begin.
Seven years...wow...that's like 49 years to a dog. But I digress...
If you've got an idea for a story and don't know quite where to start, here's a bit of reading to get you going. In all honesty, you don't need to read to know the simplest, best bit of advice on where to start writing.
Start now and start where you are.
Structure problems? Interesting concept here...
The Snowflake Method for Writing a Novel by Randy Ingermanson
About.com's advice on writing the novel (remember--lots of popups here..enable the popup blocker)
About.com's How to Write a Novel
A more thoughtful approach on how to get things out on paper....
How to Write a Novel: A Simple Procedure to Follow by Paul Saevig
Happy getting-it-down-on-paper (and it is a happy feeling...)
Beth
Seven years...wow...that's like 49 years to a dog. But I digress...
If you've got an idea for a story and don't know quite where to start, here's a bit of reading to get you going. In all honesty, you don't need to read to know the simplest, best bit of advice on where to start writing.
Start now and start where you are.
Structure problems? Interesting concept here...
The Snowflake Method for Writing a Novel by Randy Ingermanson
About.com's advice on writing the novel (remember--lots of popups here..enable the popup blocker)
About.com's How to Write a Novel
A more thoughtful approach on how to get things out on paper....
How to Write a Novel: A Simple Procedure to Follow by Paul Saevig
Happy getting-it-down-on-paper (and it is a happy feeling...)
Beth
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Fun! Language Is a Virus (Games for writers)
Not until I took myself seriously as a writer did I truthfully realize (and accept) that part of the writing process REQUIRES periods of time where rational, functional, working thought is absent (translated: free time).
Now that I've accepted the need and value of those long lulls of time spent daydreaming about how to combine my two favorite desserts into one and other equally useless things, I've also discovered the need for fun diversions involving ways to stretch and twist language into something fun that sparks more ideas (like I need more of those).
In that vein, here's a cool-fun writing place crammed full of activities for writers. Obviously I've not checked them all out but there's tons of way-fun stuff here for consideration...when you can't take another game of Klondike....
Language is a Virus
Now that I've accepted the need and value of those long lulls of time spent daydreaming about how to combine my two favorite desserts into one and other equally useless things, I've also discovered the need for fun diversions involving ways to stretch and twist language into something fun that sparks more ideas (like I need more of those).
In that vein, here's a cool-fun writing place crammed full of activities for writers. Obviously I've not checked them all out but there's tons of way-fun stuff here for consideration...when you can't take another game of Klondike....
Language is a Virus
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Writing For Kids II
Because I'm just liking the trend of naming my posts in sequential order, here's another posting on some links for those of you in the crowd who like children's writing...or are at least interested in it.
A thoughtful essay on things to consider when writing for kids...
So You Want to Write A Children's Book by Tammy Yee
Have you considered nonfiction?
Five Reasons to Write Nonfiction For Children by Rita Milios
A checklist of things to consider to make your children's book the best it can be...
The Case of Missing Elements: What Makes a Children's Book Memorable by Lynne Remick
Happy kid-writing!
Beth
A thoughtful essay on things to consider when writing for kids...
So You Want to Write A Children's Book by Tammy Yee
Have you considered nonfiction?
Five Reasons to Write Nonfiction For Children by Rita Milios
A checklist of things to consider to make your children's book the best it can be...
The Case of Missing Elements: What Makes a Children's Book Memorable by Lynne Remick
Happy kid-writing!
Beth
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Writing for the children's fiction market
A colleague at work (the day job) sparked this topic yesterday when she brought me two versions of a picture book she'd been working on for quite some time. She wanted advice, and I gave her some brief pointers but didn't give her nearly the amount of stuff she deserved because--simply--I don't know much about children's publishing.
I told her I'd bring her some reading, and here are a few of the resources I've found. More to come in the future, I'm sure:
Write For Kids.com website
Children's Writing section at Writer's Digest
Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers
I think that's enough...for now :)
Happy writing for kids!
Beth
I told her I'd bring her some reading, and here are a few of the resources I've found. More to come in the future, I'm sure:
Write For Kids.com website
Children's Writing section at Writer's Digest
Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers
I think that's enough...for now :)
Happy writing for kids!
Beth
Monday, March 05, 2007
Goal Setting, Part II
Yeah, and you thought I was done preaching off the goal soapbox!
With almost 1/3 of the year gone, it's time to focus in on those writing goals we set with such fervor at the beginning of the year.
Today's articles are thought-provoking and hopefully motivational in getting you to revisit the goals you so loftily (my word, English teacher's prerogative) set in January or December.
First up is a refresher on the why, how and how-to of setting writing goals:
Setting Goals for Your Writing Career by Lee Masterson
The next is by one of my favorite writer's writers, Mridu Khullar, on whether the goals you set are meeting YOUR needs:
Are You Achieving Your Writing Goals? by Mridu Khullar
The third is probably the most fun and fascinating--if typical rewards for your goal-setting process don't do it for you, there's bound to be a suggestion here to capture your interest. Way cool ideas!
50 Strategies for Making Yourself Work by Jerry Oltion
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to get into the habit of setting and resetting those goals...the more you do it, the easier it gets...and the better your writing will become.
Happy re-goaling,
Beth
With almost 1/3 of the year gone, it's time to focus in on those writing goals we set with such fervor at the beginning of the year.
Today's articles are thought-provoking and hopefully motivational in getting you to revisit the goals you so loftily (my word, English teacher's prerogative) set in January or December.
First up is a refresher on the why, how and how-to of setting writing goals:
Setting Goals for Your Writing Career by Lee Masterson
The next is by one of my favorite writer's writers, Mridu Khullar, on whether the goals you set are meeting YOUR needs:
Are You Achieving Your Writing Goals? by Mridu Khullar
The third is probably the most fun and fascinating--if typical rewards for your goal-setting process don't do it for you, there's bound to be a suggestion here to capture your interest. Way cool ideas!
50 Strategies for Making Yourself Work by Jerry Oltion
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to get into the habit of setting and resetting those goals...the more you do it, the easier it gets...and the better your writing will become.
Happy re-goaling,
Beth
Friday, March 02, 2007
Market Database: FreelanceWriting.com
I'm continually amazed at a few things in the freelance world: the number of (growing) markets, the ability to find a market for just about every crazy idea I come up with and the number of free market databases you can access if you just know where to look.
Today's resource is one of those. I've been to FreelanceWriting.com's market database before but until I followed a link to get there again recently, I'd forgotten how great it is for being free. True, some guidelines are outdated, what with publishers closing up shop and things being moved, but at last count they had 671 links to guidelines listed--nothing small about that. And simple, too. Just type in your topic and see what pops up.
Give it a try: FreelanceWriting.com's Database of Guidelines
Happy writing,
Beth
Today's resource is one of those. I've been to FreelanceWriting.com's market database before but until I followed a link to get there again recently, I'd forgotten how great it is for being free. True, some guidelines are outdated, what with publishers closing up shop and things being moved, but at last count they had 671 links to guidelines listed--nothing small about that. And simple, too. Just type in your topic and see what pops up.
Give it a try: FreelanceWriting.com's Database of Guidelines
Happy writing,
Beth
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tighten Your Prose with help from the pros
An article idea floating around the back of my mind for some time is on how to cut, delete and otherwise chop out words you don't need from a manuscript. What started the thought? I hate the word "that". It's grossly overused and does nothing to advance story. (I admit it, I'm a word-a-holic).
So when I started researching, imagine my glee to find others had the same thoughts. Here are some of their hints on what to cut...
Ten Ways to Tighten Your Prose by Susan Ioannou
8 Ways to Tighten Your Prose by Michele Bardsley
Six Ways to Tighten Your Writing by Karen Hertzberg
How to Use Modifiers More Effectively by Ginny Wiehardt
I think that's enough for now...
Happy tightening,
Beth
So when I started researching, imagine my glee to find others had the same thoughts. Here are some of their hints on what to cut...
Ten Ways to Tighten Your Prose by Susan Ioannou
8 Ways to Tighten Your Prose by Michele Bardsley
Six Ways to Tighten Your Writing by Karen Hertzberg
How to Use Modifiers More Effectively by Ginny Wiehardt
I think that's enough for now...
Happy tightening,
Beth
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Plot v. Character, Round II
Because I'm not done thinking about this yet, here's another fun, insightful post on the differences in plot and character-based stories. Good stuff from Bob Mayer and Jenny Crusie (check out the rest of their blog for more entertaining stuff).
He Wrote: Situational Vs. Character Ideas by Bob Mayer (be sure to check out Jenny's replies--links on the top of Bob's page).
Happy writing..whatever you prefer...as long as you're writing...
Beth
He Wrote: Situational Vs. Character Ideas by Bob Mayer (be sure to check out Jenny's replies--links on the top of Bob's page).
Happy writing..whatever you prefer...as long as you're writing...
Beth
Friday, February 23, 2007
You Say Plot, I Say Character
From an innocent question from a non-romance fiction writing friend, I've started thinking about that elusive question I managed to snuff out when I gave up novel-length fiction writing for freelancing (but the question was never quite answered)
Plot or character? Which is more important? How do you write?
I'm going to go into thoughtful introspection with this on my other blog (www.writer-in-progress.blogspot.com) over the weekend sometime, but in the meantime, here are a few articles to make you think about which you consider most important, how it impacts your writing, etc.
And note--neither is better than the other as long as it results in you finishing the damn book!
Character Driven fiction by John Morgan Wilson
Character Driven or Action Driven? by Martha Alderson (who's penned a terrific book on plotting: Blockbuster Plots, Pure and Simple)
Creating Characters from Plot by Melanie Anne Phillips
That should be enough for now--get reading so you can get writing!
Happy Plotting (or Character-izing),
Beth
Plot or character? Which is more important? How do you write?
I'm going to go into thoughtful introspection with this on my other blog (www.writer-in-progress.blogspot.com) over the weekend sometime, but in the meantime, here are a few articles to make you think about which you consider most important, how it impacts your writing, etc.
And note--neither is better than the other as long as it results in you finishing the damn book!
Character Driven fiction by John Morgan Wilson
Character Driven or Action Driven? by Martha Alderson (who's penned a terrific book on plotting: Blockbuster Plots, Pure and Simple)
Creating Characters from Plot by Melanie Anne Phillips
That should be enough for now--get reading so you can get writing!
Happy Plotting (or Character-izing),
Beth
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Article: Seasonal Promo
Really insightful, thoughtful article--just the thing I've come to expect from Patricia Fry (a writer's writer, for sure!)
Patricia shares with us ideas on how to use the holidays year-round in your favor when it comes to promoting your work. I dare you to read it and not get excited by ideas that pop up!
Seasonal Promotion by Patricia Fry
And if you're interested, here are a few places you can find worldwide holidays listed to suit nearly every interest/fancy/topic:
holidays.net
earthcalendar.com
world-calendar.com
Happy holiday-ing,
Beth
Patricia shares with us ideas on how to use the holidays year-round in your favor when it comes to promoting your work. I dare you to read it and not get excited by ideas that pop up!
Seasonal Promotion by Patricia Fry
And if you're interested, here are a few places you can find worldwide holidays listed to suit nearly every interest/fancy/topic:
holidays.net
earthcalendar.com
world-calendar.com
Happy holiday-ing,
Beth
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Writer's Voice
We all hear it but few of us know how to truly discover it...our writer's voice.
Whether you believe it or not, you do have one. Now, whether you use it to its potential in creating mood and tone is another question altogether, but if you're curious how to strengthen or even discover your writer's voice, here are some excellent resources to guide you in the process:
Holly Lisle's Ten Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice
Stella Duffy's Develop Your Voice
Christopher Meeks' Finding Your Voice
Julie Elizabeth Leto's Ditching the Book of My Heart for The Book of My Voice
That should hold you over...
Happy voice discovering!
Beth
Whether you believe it or not, you do have one. Now, whether you use it to its potential in creating mood and tone is another question altogether, but if you're curious how to strengthen or even discover your writer's voice, here are some excellent resources to guide you in the process:
Holly Lisle's Ten Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice
Stella Duffy's Develop Your Voice
Christopher Meeks' Finding Your Voice
Julie Elizabeth Leto's Ditching the Book of My Heart for The Book of My Voice
That should hold you over...
Happy voice discovering!
Beth
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Inevitable...
...and you thought this post would be about rejection letters, didn't you?
With the start of the new year always comes thoughts of everyone's favorite things...weight loss and making money...which leads us to taxes....
If you're not up on how you can benefit from being a writer come tax time, here are a few articles for insight on what you might be missing and how you can make the most of your writerly status when Mr. Tax Man comes knocking....
**Please also note that I'm no tax expert and there may be updates these articles don't address. Always consult an expert, not a blog, when you have questions :)**
Tax Tips for Writers by Teresa V.M. Stone
Authors and the Internal Revenue Code by Linda Lewis
Taxes and the Writer by Daniel Steven
Taxes for Freelancers: Don't Let Them Eat You Alive by Durant Imboden
I would end with "happy taxing"...but that's quite an oxymoron if I've ever heard one...
Beth
With the start of the new year always comes thoughts of everyone's favorite things...weight loss and making money...which leads us to taxes....
If you're not up on how you can benefit from being a writer come tax time, here are a few articles for insight on what you might be missing and how you can make the most of your writerly status when Mr. Tax Man comes knocking....
**Please also note that I'm no tax expert and there may be updates these articles don't address. Always consult an expert, not a blog, when you have questions :)**
Tax Tips for Writers by Teresa V.M. Stone
Authors and the Internal Revenue Code by Linda Lewis
Taxes and the Writer by Daniel Steven
Taxes for Freelancers: Don't Let Them Eat You Alive by Durant Imboden
I would end with "happy taxing"...but that's quite an oxymoron if I've ever heard one...
Beth
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Conferences & Workshops
Two perennial biggies in every writer's experience...conferences and workshops.
Donna Caubarreaux has created two helpful blogs in finding more about both.
Visit her conference blog: Writer's Conference Blog
and/or her workshop blog: http://www.writersworkshops.blogspot.com/
Happy Writing & conferencing,
Beth
Donna Caubarreaux has created two helpful blogs in finding more about both.
Visit her conference blog: Writer's Conference Blog
and/or her workshop blog: http://www.writersworkshops.blogspot.com/
Happy Writing & conferencing,
Beth
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Charlotte Dillion's Resources for Romance Writers
Let's just say that if you haven't ever ventured down the 'net path to check out author Charlotte Dillon's amazing resources for romance writers, you truly are missing out.
I came across Charlotte's page when researching an article on online resources for writers and thoroughly enjoy losing myself there when I have time to burn (aka awaiting the muse, some say). Even though I write mainly contemporary or paranormal, she has links and info for every sub-genre and all kinds of research you probably never even thought you'd need.
From craft to characters to queries and promo, she's got it all. Get over and visit right now! If I had a "best of Fountain Pen, Inc" award, she'd surely get it for this site.
Charlotte Dillon's Resources for For Romance Writers
I came across Charlotte's page when researching an article on online resources for writers and thoroughly enjoy losing myself there when I have time to burn (aka awaiting the muse, some say). Even though I write mainly contemporary or paranormal, she has links and info for every sub-genre and all kinds of research you probably never even thought you'd need.
From craft to characters to queries and promo, she's got it all. Get over and visit right now! If I had a "best of Fountain Pen, Inc" award, she'd surely get it for this site.
Charlotte Dillon's Resources for For Romance Writers
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
How to Write a Novel in 100 Days or Less
Today's post comes courtesy of John Coyne from the Peace Corps Writers website.
I wouldn't guarantee you'll have a polished, publishable manuscript in 100 days or less, but the nuggets and tidbits of info and advice are worth considering in your quest to get your book done and out there. Interesting, simple reading....
How to Write a Novel in 100 Days or Less by John Coyne
Happy Writing,
Beth
I wouldn't guarantee you'll have a polished, publishable manuscript in 100 days or less, but the nuggets and tidbits of info and advice are worth considering in your quest to get your book done and out there. Interesting, simple reading....
How to Write a Novel in 100 Days or Less by John Coyne
Happy Writing,
Beth
Monday, February 05, 2007
Online Workshop: He Wrote, She Wrote
If you're a fan of Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer (even if you aren't), here's some fun for 2007: a free, updated-twice-a-week workshop for fiction writers.
I had the pleasure of seeing Jenny & Bob at the COFW 2006 Conference in October and find their online workshop just an extension of their entertaining banter in real life. Always fun and insightful, check back often for updated lessons:
CrusieMayer.com 2007 Online Writing Workshop
Happy fiction crafting,
Beth
I had the pleasure of seeing Jenny & Bob at the COFW 2006 Conference in October and find their online workshop just an extension of their entertaining banter in real life. Always fun and insightful, check back often for updated lessons:
CrusieMayer.com 2007 Online Writing Workshop
Happy fiction crafting,
Beth
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