Mystery Writing is Murder

What to Do When Your Character Goes to Court—by Blythe Leszkay

2012-01-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

You’ve thought about writing a courtroom scene or a legal thriller. But maybe you don’t know how courts really work or how to use legal jargon. You’re not sure what evidence can or can’t be used in court, or how it should all play out. So, you let a great story idea drop away out of ignorance and fear.

First, and most importantly, don’t be scared! Non-lawyers are often afraid of tackling a legal storyline. But courtrooms are a natural setting for great drama. If your story idea takes your characters into court or jail or a lawyer’s office, follow it. Don’t let the complexity and mystery of the law scare you off from a potentially great courtroom scene or legal storyline.

Just as you might need to learn about police procedures or forensics to write about those topics, so too should you learn something about criminal law when your characters take that step.

Here are four simple ways to gain the background knowledge and confidence necessary to write a great legal storyline, or even a complete legal thriller.

1. Watch TV and Movies – Watching great legal drama on TV and in movies is a good place to start. I think Law & Order (the original) is on somewhere, sometime, every single day. A couple movies I would recommend for starters would be A Few Good Men and My Cousin Vinny. They are generally more accurate than a lot of others.

TV and movies like these can help you get a basic feel for legal procedures and terms. This can be a great way to see how criminal law is fictionalized in an authentic way.

However, I must give you an important word of caution: Pretty much every legal drama gets things wrong. Even the best TV shows, movies and books let accuracy take a backseat to drama. That’s why these are a good place to start, but they shouldn’t be your only source of legal knowledge.

2. Read the Paper – A somewhat more accurate place to get information about criminal law is in the news. Follow interesting real-life trials. Read true crime books. Watch true crime stories on TV. The Investigation Discovery channel (or ID) is a great source for those kinds of shows.

Again, however, be warned. These sources may leave a lot out of information for the sake of a good read or compelling TV. I know a prosecutor whose case was profiled on one of those shows. Before the show aired, critical DNA results came back, and the prosecutor updated the producer. Despite this, the show left the impression that the results were still unknown.

I guess the lesson is, don’t believe everything you read in the papers or see on TV.

3. Go to Court – If you want to get a taste of how legal proceedings really happen, go to court and see for yourself. Criminal trials are public. Simply go to your local courthouse and watch a real criminal trial. You can ask security or the court clerk if they know of any interesting criminal trials in session.

This is certainly an accurate source of information, but it may be the most time-consuming and inefficient way to learn. Real trials tend to move slowly, and they are filled with objections, motions, and procedural matters that would never be included in a fictional story.

Nevertheless, I think everyone who thinks of writing a legal storyline should check out part of a real trial, at least once. I’ll never forget the letdown I felt the first time I watched a real trial. No yelling lawyers, no “gotcha” moments, no confessions from the witness stand, and no pounding gavels. Even though we know that’s reality, it can be eye-opening to see it in person.

4. Talk to a Criminal Lawyer – A real-life criminal attorney is going to be your best source of information by far. They can give you a general understanding of the area of law you’re interested in. They can give you background information and tell you as much, or as little, detail as you want. They can focus on the law and procedures that would apply to your story or character.

Do you want to know the procedures of how certain evidence would be presented? Or would it even be allowed? Do you want to know the difference between murder and manslaughter? Do you want to know whether the crime your character committed would qualify him or her for the death penalty? If it did, would a prosecutor realistically seek the death penalty in such a case?

An attorney can help you understand, and correctly use, legal terms. They can help you brainstorm ideas or read your draft for accuracy. They can answer your specific questions.

The difficulty here is if you don’t know a criminal lawyer personally, it can be hard to find someone willing to take the time to talk to you about your project (without charging you a fortune). It can also be hard to find someone who can explain things in a way that’s easy for non-lawyers to understand.

That’s why I decided to offer legal consulting services to writers and filmmakers. After we have worked together, writers have the confidence and knowledge that their work is authentic and credible. That confidence can go a long way when it comes time to sell a project.

The bottom line is, if you’re thinking of tackling a legal storyline, go for it. Like any other topic, it may take some research and effort, but it will be worth it. Even if you’re not quite ready to take that plunge, I’ve created a few resources that I hope will be helpful for anyone interested in one day taking their characters into the courtroom – check them out below.

Blythe Leszkay is an experienced and successful criminal attorney, criminal law professor, and consultant to writers and filmmakers. She handles legal technical matters, so clients are free to focus on their creative genius.

Get a free Writer’s Guide: Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama at www.criminallawconsulting.com/free-writers-guide.html.

Enter for a chance to win a signed, hardcover edition of “Chasing Justice: My Story of Freeing Myself After Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn't Commit,” by Kerry Max Cook at www.criminallawconsulting.com/giveaway.html. The deadline to enter is February 15, 2012. If you have a published book you would like considered for a future giveaway, contact Blythe at criminallawconsulting@gmail.com.

Blythe is developing a resource page for information on criminal law concepts, which you can peruse at www.criminallawconsulting.com/resources.html. She regularly posts about all things criminal on her blog at www.criminallawconsulting.com/blog.html.

Promoting a Pen Name

2012-01-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I wrote a post on January 10th about the benefits of being a novelist...one being that you can write whatever you want to write, under different names. It’s a fantastic way to get the opportunity to experiment with other genres or styles while not disappointing readers who might be accustomed to particular types of books.

The downside is actually promoting those different names.

This post is for those of you who write under two names—but want to link your pen name to your real name (in case you have readers who want to take the leap to another genre or series with you.)

There are some things that I’ve done that seem to work well for linking two names:

Having both names as my Blogger profile (I comment on my own blog and others’ blogs as Elizabeth Spann Craig/Riley Adams)

Email signature: My email signature includes the two names that I write under.

Facebook: I make sure that both names are on my Facebook page.

Website: The fact that I write under two names is prominent on the home page.

Amazon Central author page: This is probably one of the most important places to include both names.

More painful, time-wise, for pen name promo:

Having a separate Facebook page for the pen name. Which I do have. It doesn’t get updated often, but readers sometimes contact me there.

A separate Twitter profile for the pen name: It didn’t take long to give this idea up.

Separate Goodreads account: I’m bad to keep up with Goodreads, even with my real name.

Something to try for promoting your pen name:

Be on a rotation for a group blog—as your pen name. This is something I did for several years (as a once-a-week blogger on a food blog for my culinary mystery), although lately I’ve run out of time even for that. But, if you can spare the time, being a regular on a group blog that focuses on the genre you’re writing can be a way to reach new readers.

Do you use a pen name or have you thought about using one? How have you promoted it?

Twitterific

2012-01-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Below are the writing-related links I tweeted last week.

The Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links (now over 12,000) searchable.

Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .

Story structure: the 1st plot point: http://bit.ly/xIbywR @rebeccaberto

7 Lessons For Writers From Leonardo Da Vinci: http://bit.ly/AxytcE @thecreativepenn

20 things you need to know before you self-publish: http://bit.ly/wdwh3E @guardian

Round out your characters with contradictions: http://bit.ly/wylldQ @dirtywhitecandy

Make an Image become a Symbol: http://bit.ly/ysA1qY

Will an agent ever recommend self-pub? http://bit.ly/AwlgbQ @rachellegardner

Tips for finding your writing voice: http://bit.ly/scghYa @rebeccaberto

Starting Off a Book in Unfamiliar Territory: http://bit.ly/wigsI2 @janice_hardy

Tell a story only you can tell: http://bit.ly/wmTONh @bookemdonna

3 tests for the opening scene of a romance: http://bit.ly/ygeayA @teresamedeiros

Balancing reason with our love for writing: http://bit.ly/xDfCGT @WomenWriters

7 Negative Prefixes: http://bit.ly/zpuNU5 @writing_tips

How 1 writer learned to write: http://bit.ly/A2bfR9 @KMWeiland

12 Twitter Tips for Writers: http://bit.ly/y1uoOa @ajackwriting

When Book Publicists Go Too Far: http://bit.ly/xdpfly @pubperspectives

Author Blogging 101: Video Interview Tools & Tips: http://bit.ly/wx5fyI @JFBookman

The Value of Ambition: http://bit.ly/AzhMai

Getting back in the writing groove: http://bit.ly/yZUG40 @pepperbasham

Motivation and characterization: http://bit.ly/Aro0un @Dragonmuse

How to Keep Up Your Writing When You're Sick: http://bit.ly/Awvmnb @writeitsideways

Why Isn't Literary Fiction Getting More Attention? http://bit.ly/zDbMip @AprilLineWriter for @Janefriedman

Basic manuscript formatting: http://bit.ly/A7tIqy @behlerpublish

89 Book Marketing Ideas: http://bit.ly/wQShjI @Caitlin Muir

Word Count For Writers: To Count or Not to Count: http://bit.ly/AkG0tV @epubworld for @thecreativepenn

As demand for e-books soars, libraries struggle to stock their virtual shelves: http://bit.ly/wsnN6X @passivevoiceblg

Don't present written proposals to agents at conferences: http://bit.ly/zvt79Q @bookendsjessica

Breakdown of the story structure of a middle grade mystery: http://bit.ly/wKa2La @laurapauling

Can Critique Groups Do More Harm than Good? http://bit.ly/xpwwCP @KristenLambTX

A show, don't tell example in dialogue: http://bit.ly/zZJBHs

The first thing you do when you sit down at the computer: http://bit.ly/wxDaCK

Yes, You Do Need a Theme: http://bit.ly/xGZXP3 @LiveWriteThrive

Tips for lending realism to the paranormal: http://bit.ly/wDYUJ8 @lisagailgreen

Writing means many types of beginnings for writers: http://bit.ly/zYYaG3 @eMergentPublish

The Joys of Rewriting: http://bit.ly/xp04yJ @mooderino

Why Use Past Tense? http://bit.ly/wL6TDZ @ava_jae

When to use modifiers: http://bit.ly/z01Gd6 @theresastevens

The difference between sequence and scene: http://bit.ly/wm8KXZ @AlexSokoloff

The Power of Creative Storytelling: http://bit.ly/AajgRL @maxdubinsky for @jeffgoins

Book Cover Design and the Problem of Symbolism: http://bit.ly/yC5GCs @JFFriedman

Getting Through the Editing Process: http://bit.ly/xatvmi @Sarafurlong

Determining if your book is a "hot" property for agents & publishers: http://bit.ly/wyYcgE @rachellegardner

5 Confused Word Pairs: http://bit.ly/AnMvxA @writing_tips

The new author pitch: Show, don't sell: http://bit.ly/zO2Qen

Getting the most from your book's sell sheets: http://bit.ly/yVF5lX @BryanThomasS

Tips for introducing characters: http://bit.ly/z4FgE8 @Janice_Hardy

3 Ways to Use Pinterest for Book Publicity: http://bit.ly/zhnw1o @booksparkspr

1 Important Way for Authors to Get Discovered by Readers: http://bit.ly/xbRu5A @JodyHedlund

10 Tips for a Successful Author Talk: http://bit.ly/A3OB3g @janice_hardy

Getting started with Triberr: http://bit.ly/zfGt7H @JHansenWrites

What Sort of Goals Do You Need? 10 Questions to Ask: http://bit.ly/ybLu8z @CherylRWrites

The Rhythms of Work vs The Rhythms of Creative Labor: http://bit.ly/wNpacN @jkglei

Trying to make your fantasy unique? Try making a twist: http://bit.ly/zQZ1dl @JulietteWade

Themes and Story Premise in Novel Writing: http://bit.ly/wfBh1A

The Role of Google+ in Marketing: Get Googled: http://bit.ly/xeBGoh @candacemountain

The road to epub--Smashwords, KDP, PubIt: http://bit.ly/AbbEZA

Starting out our day with outgoing instead of incoming: http://bit.ly/wBm0gA

Self-Pubbed Author Beware: http://bit.ly/zpqJXW @jakonrath

Tips for writing tension--complex protagonists & escalating conflict: http://bit.ly/y1fksG @JodieRennerEd

Writing Nonfiction: Using Quotations: http://bit.ly/Akb6Gz @KarenCV

Forcing yourself to write a "big idea" instead of the scale that suits your story: http://bit.ly/yUl2UH @sarahahoyt

10 ways to boost your freelance writing income in 2012: http://bit.ly/zKEbRy @michellerafter

Fuel Your Critique Group With Google+: http://bit.ly/AbQrb7 @authormedia

Why Reader Taste Differs from Publisher Taste: http://bit.ly/z2f7ID @jennybent

Reader Reviews and What Not To Do: http://bit.ly/yKDk4g @WendySMarcus

How to prepare for a writers conference: http://bit.ly/zP3xxg @Bob_Mayer

Myers-Briggs: A Tool for Authors: http://bit.ly/AfsiId @FaeRowen

10 tips for writers to keep procrastination at bay: http://bit.ly/xe6Asl @TaliaVance

A report on a free ebook experiment: http://bit.ly/w37Jug @TheresaStevens

Tips for sifting through feedback: http://bit.ly/AvMrzx @WriteAngleBlog

Digital Rights Showdown: HarperCollins v. Open Road: http://bit.ly/Aru8cs @VictoriaStrauss

Correct use of apostrophes: http://bit.ly/xrUJCO @authorterryo

Bookish things for book lovers: http://bit.ly/Am1Uq4 @LitMusings

3 elements of a book title that sells: http://bit.ly/z7Caq7 @beth_barany

Creative Thinking Comes Before Creative Writing: http://bit.ly/x9XyM2 @bob_brooke

Do You Hold E-Rights to Your Traditionally Published Book? http://bit.ly/yLobG1 @PassiveVoiceBlg

Why Amazon's Plagiarism Problem Is More Than A Public Relations Issue: http://bit.ly/z0hoqS @jeffjohnroberts

Description in Fantasy: Finding the Sweet Spot: http://bit.ly/wj1XT6 @AmyJRoseDavis

Poking Dead Scenes With A Stick: http://bit.ly/xjxdnP @Janice_Hardy

How deep is your POV? http://bit.ly/AA0Bd4 @JoannaShupe

Reasons your book isn't selling: http://bit.ly/AaYrAa @DavidGaughran

10 ways to cut costs from your freelance business: http://bit.ly/ymCY1H @michellerafter

Harry Potter and the 3 Types of Heroes: http://bit.ly/wIvUCe @write_practice

Explaining "genre in the mainstream:" http://bit.ly/yLFFox @tordotcom

How to Write a Publishable Memoir: 12 Do's and Don'ts: http://bit.ly/zcL7wF @annerallen

A look at Harlequin contracts: http://bit.ly/w9m3hD @PassiveVoiceBlg

Why playing safe in publishing is riskier than ever: http://bit.ly/xge9zX @dirtywhitecandy

What is Copyright and What Does it Do? http://bit.ly/wxmcpK @DiyMFA

5 Ways Bad Reviews Can Help You: http://bit.ly/wRG0bh @AJackWriting

6 Signs of Description Misuse: http://bit.ly/xa4qnG @LyndaRYoung

2012 tax tips for US writers and publishers: http://bit.ly/x4zbGl @GLeeBurgett

How Unemployment Inspired an Interactive Book: http://bit.ly/wOdl0H @GalleyCat

The value of publicity: http://bit.ly/ACq2aW @JAKonrath

How to Clean Your Blog's Junk Drawer: http://bit.ly/xTbMMl @pushingsocial

12 Evocative Words That Include "Ae": http://bit.ly/x647kl @writing_tips

Remember what really matters..and write: http://bit.ly/wChfbI @amysorrells

Fact-checking matters with fiction, too: http://bit.ly/ArvgoU @JodieRennerEd

Interesting roundup of Digital Book World, esp.the gulf btw. writers & the publishing industry: http://bit.ly/ysf9pP @Porter_Anderson

How to Make Your Book Play Out Like a Movie: http://bit.ly/zXDWFY @JodyHedlund

Book Sales Aren't Everything: http://bit.ly/xAsAkI @selfpubreview

Writing your book's final sequence: http://bit.ly/w3XSol @katepaulk

Found Object Stories: Think Like a Writer: http://bit.ly/zgPrQO

4 Writing Routines You Can Live With: http://bit.ly/yN6BMP @writeitsideways

Worldbuilding--Setting up alternate social parameters: http://bit.ly/ydguht @JulietteWade

Blog Topics: Original or Commonplace? http://bit.ly/xE2HRU @cherylrwrites

Han Solo, Scarlett O'Hara, and Your Characters: What Makes Them Compelling? http://bit.ly/ywO5e7 @KMWeiland for @write_practice

Why our voice and the rhythm of our writing is important: http://bit.ly/xcRnyr @janice_hardy

10 Questions for Publishing CEOs: http://bit.ly/xUdESG @DonLinn

Querying a publisher after you've fired your agent: http://bit.ly/Aw3YFd @bookendsjessica

Authors, Bloggers, and When the Internet Feels Like A Low-Budget Horror Movie: http://bit.ly/w9ThEW @BooksAreMyBFs

How to Remove the OCD from Your Blogging: http://bit.ly/yjbmeI @KrissyBrady for @catseyewriter

How to Add Goodreads to Your Facebook Timeline: http://bit.ly/yLK735 @GalleyCat

The importance of keeping in touch with our readers: http://bit.ly/w8lXne @GoblinWriter

The Skinny on Social Networking: http://bit.ly/xnwVL3 @writersdigest

Read. Write. Repeat: http://bit.ly/wBdFMh @SusanMayWriter

Line editing in action: http://bit.ly/z29PvS @theresastevens

What a teething toy taught 1 writer about branding: http://bit.ly/xi5PKe @Lit_Gal

The Uncertainty Principle: how do writers know if they're any good? http://bit.ly/wyHIDb

The myth of the bestseller: http://bit.ly/Abq5ay @JAKonrath

Publishers Less Optimistic About Digital Books This Year: http://bit.ly/yslZVW @GalleyCat

5 Tips For Social Media Promotion Success: http://bit.ly/y7KWWy @BryanThomasS

Writing for Life: 5 Practical Goals For Writers: http://bit.ly/xx5tRu @thecreativepenn

Coincidence Destroys the Suspension of Disbelief: http://bit.ly/yj6BHn @noveleditor

Lies that Can Poison Our Writing Career: http://bit.ly/zklggd @KristenLambTX

Adverbs: They're Really Not All Bad: http://bit.ly/vZieKi @janice_hardy

97 Ideas for Building a Valuable Platform: http://bit.ly/waUEuL @chrisbrogan

Writers: How to Avoid Stagnation: http://bit.ly/xPF3JX

Strip down your writing: http://bit.ly/AfpN0p

3 ways to alleviate self-doubt: http://bit.ly/zH8q8x @turndog_million for @JaneFriedman

Is KDP Select Salvation or Damnation for Indie Authors? http://bit.ly/A89Dp6 @craftycmc

How Computer Games Can Help You With Your Plotting: http://bit.ly/xEgChK @janice_hardy

Agatha Christie on writing: http://bit.ly/zT2CzB @becke_martin

Writing to Done

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

My husband, God bless him, is a perfectionist.

I had some pictures that I’d wanted to hang on one of our walls. They’re nice botanical prints.

The problem was that there were six of them. It wasn’t really a problem, except that it meant that my husband wanted to devote a lot of time into getting the pictures hung. You know—measuring the wire on the back of the prints, cutting out tissue paper replicas of the pictures to arrange on the wall, carefully marking up the wall with pencil, using a tape measure to create a grid on the wall…

This is not to say that this is the wrong way to hang pictures. No, it’s the right way. Except that it requires a lot of time—and my husband has very little free time. And I don’t have the patience to hang pictures that way.

My botanical prints sat neatly stacked on the floor for many months…until a few weeks ago when my husband left town for a trip.

While he was gone, I grabbed the hammer, eyeballed the pictures and the spot I wanted them in, and started putting nails in the wall. Ten minutes later, the prints were hung. I think they look pretty good.

Now…are there a bunch of holes in the wall under my pictures where I had to rehang crooked prints? Absolutely. There are also a few holes in the walls between the pictures. Can you tell, looking at the wall, that there are a bunch of little holes in it? Not unless you get really, really close. The overall effect is very nice.

The important thing is just to finish. We shouldn’t let perfectionism keep us from ever finishing a book because we want to get the story or the diction or the voice perfect. If we finish our book, then we can fix any problems or mistakes.

I do know a lot of writers who like to edit as they go and work really well that way. I’d just add that if you do write that way and it’s not going particularly well, consider taking the time to reevaluate your process and see if a different approach might work better for you.

How do you put perfectionism behind you during your first draft?

Outgoing vs. Incoming

2012-01-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

First a special note—yesterday marked the first anniversary of the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine. The WKB is the free, searchable archive, developed by Mike Fleming, for all the writing-related links I share. Hope you’ll try it for information on writing a novel, querying an agent or publisher, or promoting your book.

I think a lot about ways to be more productive. We all have only a certain number of hours in our day and a certain number of things we need to accomplish in those hours.

I have a really tight schedule up until summer and I’ve been grabbing my writing time when I can find it.

I’m an early riser. In the past, I’ve tried to go straight to my computer in the morning and get some writing done….first thing.

I knew I was supposed to do this. I knew it helped me get my writing goals met for the day. I knew it made me start off the day on the right foot—with a win.

But I didn’t really think about the underlying reasons I was doing it. And because I didn’t, it meant that I didn’t ascribe the importance to the task that I should have.

Over the holidays, I got into a different sort of habit. I still got up before dawn, but I was checking my calendar, checking my emails, and checking online activity: had the blog I’d scheduled posted correctly? Did I have any messages in my Twitter DM folder that I should read?

Those are things that do need to be done. Do they need to be done at 4:45 a.m., though? No. I really don’t even need to check my calendar before 5 a.m.—what could I possibly be needed for at that hour, anyway?

Seth Godin had an excellent post a couple of weeks ago. He asked what was the first thing we do at the computer each morning. He suggested it was “checking our incoming.” But he reminded us that, if we’re artists, that:

“the first thing you do should be to lay tracks to accomplish your goals, not to hear how others have reacted/responded….to what happened yesterday.”

In other words, we should be focused on our outgoing, not our incoming. Start out our day creating something new.

After reading Godin’s post, I decided to start writing first each day again. This time, instead of feeling like it was just a chore to knock off my long list, I felt like I had more of a sense of purpose to my writing. I was creating something, moving forward, not looking back at what I might have missed in the last eight hours since I’d last checked my emails or other messages.

And it felt good. In fact, I was more inspired and felt more purposeful.

Have you ever thought about changing your morning routine? Or considered writing before checking in with social media?

Lending Realism to the Paranormal—by Lisa Gail Green

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Lisa Gail Green, @LisaGailGreen

Lending realism to paranormal. It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But allowing your readers to suspend their disbelief is vital if you’re writing in this genre or any other type of speculative fiction. Think of Harry Potter for a moment. What was it about an entire society of witches and wizards complete with schools, government and other fantastical creatures that allowed us to read on while hoping for an owl of our own?

I’ve broken down five features I believe are imperative to creating “realistic” paranormal.

1. The details.

It’s the small things that matter. If I buy into a world I want to be able to taste the food, feel the textures, hear the sounds – not just for the major things, but for the everyday bits as well. How does a werewolf shave? Does he laugh at the silliness of it?

2. The characters must be human.

I don’t mean literally. Your MC can be an alien with three heads for all I know. What I mean is that inside, the thoughts and feelings should be familiar to the reader. We have to be able to connect on a visceral level. So as long as we have that internal connection, the character will be much easier to accept.

3. The world must be complete in the author’s mind.

If you don’t understand your world, neither will your reader. You have to know how everything works and fits together if you want to have a hope of conveying it to others. Don’t gloss over parts you are having trouble with, make sure you have a reason and that it all fits together, otherwise fix it.

4. There must be no discrepancies.

If your vampire can’t see himself in a mirror, you better have a very good reason why the girl see’s him coming at the end through a reflection in the water. Make sure if there’s a rule, you carry through to the end. If your MC saves the day because of some hidden power, please build up to that reveal, so it feels natural and not like something you came up with to get yourself out of a corner you’ve written yourself into!

5. The rules must be based on universal truths.

I’m going to assume the laws of gravity apply unless otherwise stated. And even if you don’t reveal every last thing, you will find it helps to have a solid reason as to why things are the way they are. The logic will translate onto the page.

What do you think? Have I missed any key elements?

Lisa Gail Green writes paranormal and fantasy. Her newest publication is IDENTITY CRISIS in the anthology GODS OF JUSTICE.

Lisa is an active participant on EnchantedInkpot.com as well as ChildrensPublishing.blogspot.com. You can find Lisa most often on her own blog at paranormalpointofview.blogspot.com or Twitter as @LisaGailGreen. She would most definitely have a werewolf for a pet if she weren't allergic.

Twitterific

2012-01-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .
Different approaches to naming characters: http://bit.ly/A5vLkK @kirstenhubbard
How Barnes & Noble Can Take a Bite Out of Amazon: http://bit.ly/Am4STf @JosephJEsposito for @scholarlykitchn
How "Literary" and "Entrepreneur" Are Becoming Intertwined: http://bit.ly/zNU4E6 @biblioracle for @janefriedman
The symbiosis linking SF and mainstream: http://bit.ly/zhyS5w
A look at social media tool Triberr: http://bit.ly/wNnfhu @Jhansenwrites
A Singularly Unpopular View of Adverbs: http://bit.ly/wN4rLf @KeithCronin
Writing daily when you have a day job (written for bloggers, works for novelists): http://bit.ly/wUVh7f @PushingSocial
Your dialogue can do more: http://bit.ly/xcV9DS @JulietteWade
5 Ways to Draw Readers Into Your Articles: http://bit.ly/yFyHmg
Publishing house procedure for consideration of a manuscript: http://bit.ly/A5cPdH @bookendsjessica
Using Either, Neither, Or, and Nor Correctly: http://bit.ly/xMDu9d @write_practice
You can write daily: http://bit.ly/zyhBkZ @eMergentPublish
Dealing with deadlines: http://bit.ly/wUaDQm @rachellegardner
10 Tips on Guest Blogging and Blog Tours: http://bit.ly/wFacwh @pstoltey
Evaluating a new publisher? Give yourself the gift of time: http://bit.ly/w1qA3V @behlerpublish
Creative forced association: http://bit.ly/wzavUO @changingminds for @SiriusPress
4 Ways to Recycle Dusty Manuscripts: http://bit.ly/x3gkIp @JulieMusil
Thoughts on second books: http://bit.ly/wM40zc @KALongshore
6 Simple Ways to Reboot Your Writing Routine: http://bit.ly/yP0wrF @BrianKlems
Some truths about publishing aren't true anymore: http://bit.ly/xVhae5 @PassiveVoiceBlg
8 Effective Ways To Harness Creativity: http://bit.ly/zM8lfX
Some stories just aren't yours to tell: http://bit.ly/yeRIVz @sarahahoyt
How to Avoid 10 Common Conference Mistakes That Most Writers Make: http://bit.ly/zJyV2y @BrianAKlems
All the links I shared on Twitter last week: http://bit.ly/xAkL10
Selling & Managing Audio Rights: http://bit.ly/xE0aPd @SaraMegibow
Query letter template: http://bit.ly/A7g22v @BubbleCow
Pinning down what makes a book high concept: http://bit.ly/yv6VFR @4kidlit
When agents pitch to editors: http://bit.ly/yv6VFR @rachellegardner
Punctuation in Fiction—Are There Prohibitions? http://bit.ly/yNfbqz @noveleditor
Punishing the Peccadillo: http://bit.ly/xviN5X @behlerpublish
20 Economical Book Marketing Techniques: http://bit.ly/wac61d @selfpubreview
Creating Profitable and Successful Blogs: http://bit.ly/wqAQqP @problogger
Forging Stories: Exploring the Metaphor: http://bit.ly/wfYBOc
How subplots are useful for writers: http://bit.ly/wHgA2i @Mommy_Authors
Twitter: Top 5 Ways to Find Your Tribe: http://bit.ly/yT2Fa1 @JFBookman
Repurposing Blogs as Books for 'Immediacy': http://bit.ly/Ah0s3y @pubperspectives
You must ship: http://bit.ly/z1NLK6 @JeffGoins
How To Pick and Choose a Writers Conference: http://bit.ly/yLA27Q @Bob_Mayer
How to Be a Better Blogger, Part 1: http://bit.ly/xpqLgI @SarahForgrave
7 things to consider when trying to find readers for your ebook: http://bit.ly/AERXsE @SuspenseAuthors
Why should never be a chore: http://bit.ly/yI741X @eMergentPublish
Do You Hold E-Rights to Your Traditionally Published Book? http://bit.ly/zPTj0A @JaneFriedman
12 Ways to Help Your Friends' Pre-Release Promotion Efforts: http://bit.ly/ArngG3 @KeliGwyn
Learning tension from hoaxes of the past--part of the Designing from the Bones series from @GeneLempp: http://bit.ly/xa7CIa
6 Steps to Getting Started With Google+: http://bit.ly/y99FSp @smexaminer
An agent reminds us that trends started years before: http://bit.ly/z59QSM @greyhausagency
2 Surefire Symptoms of a Static Character: http://bit.ly/zhc3Ai @KMWeiland
5 productivity tips for writers: http://bit.ly/yuP2PR @MsAnnAguirre
What Is Your Online Avatar Saying About You? http://bit.ly/xRRj2D @catseyewriter
The Counter-Intuitive Benefits of Small Time Blocks: http://bit.ly/AyMB1U @RealLifeE
Culture-building through Holidays: http://bit.ly/xbUi2G @AmyJRoseDavis
New Fight Breaks Out Over Digital Rights to Old Books: http://bit.ly/xR9yYx @PassiveVoiceBlg
Character vs. Plot vs. Language: http://bit.ly/ymnPdS @BookishWallace
Short Stories as Marketing Tools: http://bit.ly/xfaNkZ @howtowriteshop
Blog Trolls–How to Spot Them & What To Do: http://bit.ly/xdfQWM @KristenLambTX
How to Write a Novel Based on a True Story: http://bit.ly/xkBA5U @HarlowCoban
The Business of Character Engagement: http://bit.ly/wjGyBa @jhansenwrites
Tips for setting up a blog tour: http://bit.ly/z2kM17 @spunkonastick
Responsible Reviewing: http://bit.ly/yZLnvi @authorterryo
Tips for eliminating echoes in our writing: http://bit.ly/zeudv4
Examining our ideas to ensure they're genuinely original: http://bit.ly/ApfPNh @SarahAHoyt
Staying True to Your Characters: http://bit.ly/zUJtqo @AnnetteLyon
Konrath's successful last 3 weeks with epub: http://bit.ly/wNLzZH @jakonrath
Worldbuilding--how romantic partners meet, expectations for relationships, etc.: http://bit.ly/zHx763 @JulietteWade
Freelance Life: The Right Tools: http://bit.ly/x48tiv @writertank
Guest Blogging Etiquette 101: http://bit.ly/ykJtEL @roniloren
Publishers Rearranging the Deck Chairs on the Titanic: http://bit.ly/xSejs9 @PassiveVoiceBlg
Why 1 authors isn't fond of writing groups: http://bit.ly/x3NtNv @mykecole
What Makes a Great First Sentence? http://bit.ly/yAsO48 @Ava_Jae
1 writer's experiences during the past decade of publishing: http://bit.ly/y75VYG @marilynpeake
For the Resolute at New Year's: Promises, Process, and Progress: http://bit.ly/ApBYCL @SarahAveryBooks
6 reasons to write flawed characters: http://bit.ly/yDWdUw @LyndaRYoung
Writing tension--giving readers something to worry about: http://bit.ly/xWChv1 @JodieRennerEd
Should Authors Add a Paypal Donation Button to Their Sites? http://bit.ly/y7a3Qe @GoblinWriter
The Question You Should Ask Before You Ask "What if?" http://bit.ly/zMOcsX @storyfix
An Interview with editor Alan Rinzler: http://bit.ly/A3FOgY @CAMorganti
Types of rights for writers: http://bit.ly/zjVwiq @querytracker
You Are Exactly Where You Need To Be: http://bit.ly/w5XpaS @AKathrynTrombly
A post on horror writer R.L. Stine: http://bit.ly/AasgWZ @writersdigest
BookStoreMarketing.net: Beware Spam PR Services: http://bit.ly/ACFHbF @victoriastrauss
How cliches can actually be useful: http://bit.ly/z5Jf2k @storykim
Songwriters : 6 Traits of A Badly Written Song: http://bit.ly/wcCxM1 @usasong
Songwriters : The Dos and Don'ts of Co-Writing: http://bit.ly/y4NY5e @edusongwriter
Tips for writing emotion: http://bit.ly/xRvCy1 @katepaulk
11 ways to make a memorable impression at a writers' conference: http://bit.ly/x4LGaj @kirklandatlarge
How to make good writing great: http://bit.ly/AyOSQG @jammer0501
Writing fighting--12 things writers should know: http://bit.ly/zwAQ62 @ajackwriting
Why your book needs a sell sheet and how to make one: http://bit.ly/ADTzFh @BryanThomasS
Sensory Tips for the Distracted Writer: http://bit.ly/ACJGl3 @ThereseWalsh
How Writing Groups Can Work for You: http://bit.ly/zXpsSA @2KoP for @writeitsideways
How Tightly Do You Control Your Blog? http://bit.ly/y24ZLB @jamigold
Usage tips of common tech terms in our writing: http://bit.ly/y0I8pk @writing_tips
What writers really need: http://bit.ly/z53coo @billycoffey for @rachellegardner
5 Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/xK54go @write_practice
What NOT to do With Your Press Release: http://bit.ly/zePHnk @FriesenPress
Crime fiction--when suspects get off on the wrong foot with investigators: http://bit.ly/zcXOBf @mkinberg
Calendars for organizing writing and life: http://bit.ly/AwxB3f
Social media is not direct sales: http://bit.ly/A7N0G0 @KristenLambTX
5 Literary Devices to Make You a Better Writer: http://bit.ly/w2D3zm @nickdaws
Top 5 Miscast Literary Roles: http://bit.ly/AlObOw @NewDorkReview
Does EPub Change the 32-Page Illustrated Picture Book? http://bit.ly/wUTCLw
9 ways to make an idea your own: http://bit.ly/xzGkMN @sarahahoyt
7 Blog Mistakes That Drive Readers Nuts: http://bit.ly/wtL55P @pushingsocial
Walls on the Path to Publication: a Necessity or a Nuisance? http://bit.ly/xDzkKN @JodyHedlund
Categorizing your book: http://bit.ly/w48eWz @Bookendsjessica
5 hidden elements that help us effectively tell our stories: http://bit.ly/yvd7km
10 Ways To Get More Email Subscribers For Your Blog: http://bit.ly/xnP3To @problogger
A sf/f writer experiments in literary thinking: http://bit.ly/Ap8TIu @JulietteWade
Investing in Your Own Future: http://bit.ly/yoawdC @deanwesleysmith
How much promotion is too much? http://bit.ly/wfSMWr @nicolamorgan
Print and eBook Covers, a Matter of Resolution: http://bit.ly/wuM0PE @JFBookman
10 Resolutions for Self-Publishers in 2012: http://bit.ly/yLOLWI @pubperspectives
3 Ways to Handle Time in a Novel: http://bit.ly/zn8RLF
Magic systems: http://bit.ly/yrk3mw
2 tricky areas for writers--dialogue and description: http://bit.ly/wgOKyR
CreateSpace Ins and Outs: http://bit.ly/yriUmJ @Desertwriter
Live coverage of cons #wdc12 (today/Fri.) and #dbw12 (Mon.) & #dbwsum (Mon.) by @Porter_Anderson with roundup here: PorterAnderson.com
Editors under marketing's thumb, poorly digitized trad. titles, scarcity as a biz model, Apple gossip: http://bit.ly/yDFjur @Porter_Anderson
Writing on the Ether's @Porter_Anderson features @SheilaB01 @namenick @lizcastro @JulieBertagna @jeffjohnroberts : http://bit.ly/yDFjur
When Loved Ones Don't Love Your Book: http://bit.ly/zEyRXb @wckdwriter
Making writing goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method: http://bit.ly/zpjEf2 @ArtMktgMentor
"Write What You Know" Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does: http://bit.ly/z9xCpo @fuelyourwriting
Put Your Reader in Your POV Character's Skin: http://bit.ly/yi1gI2 @jhansenwrites
Editing out 'as': http://bit.ly/yJLdop
The Pros and Cons of Comparing Yourself to Other Writers: http://bit.ly/w3T9yC @KMWeiland
Ebooks Outsell Print For Majority Of Titles On USA Today Bestseller List: http://bit.ly/zvBFcK @laurahazardowen
How to maintain a creative, healthy perspective: http://bit.ly/yLxbmv @tannerc
Know The Business *Before* You Get Too Far In: http://bit.ly/z87fU7 @greyhausagency
Authors, Bad Reviews, and Bad Reactions: http://bit.ly/xVr0Yu @CassandraNeace
Pandora's box about to be reopened: Who owns erights to old books? http://bit.ly/xTOZBW @PassiveVoiceBlg
Women and Men, and Cover Art: http://bit.ly/xJWsmN @ocelott @jimchines
Why Use Present Tense? http://bit.ly/wfVf95 @Ava_Jae
10 Ways to Improve Your Writing While Thinking Like a Comedy Writer: http://bit.ly/Aw0ifq @lajfun
What mystery writers should know about the brain: http://bit.ly/AjJhgR @JungleReds
Places to find writers online: http://bit.ly/zvY6jc

Finding Writers Online

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

If you’re a new writer or have recently decided to spend more time writing, you might be looking for other writers online.

Plugging into the online writing community can be very helpful for writers. Finding support and encouragement is probably the main reason, with accessing resources a close second.

I’ve recently been asked by a few newer writers where to find other writers online. There’s not one main watering hole. Here are some of the places writers hang out online:

Twitter: There are tons of writers on Twitter. If you put #amwriting or #writetips or #writechat into the search box on your home page, you’ll find writers. Or go to my followers. Almost all of them are writers.

Blogs: Blogs are great places to connect with other writers (find active blogs to follow, then branch out and follow folks in their blog rolls.) There are plenty of writing blogs in my sidebar to get you started.

Forums: Absolute Write , Writers Net, and Writing Forums, among others, connect writers with each other and with resources and information.

There are also Yahoo Groups that operate on an email loop (or you can choose to visit the group’s board). Just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/ and search for “writing” or the genre of your choice.

Facebook: Writers are all over Facebook. What I’d recommend is finding a blogging writer who has a Facebook account, friend them, then go to their followers’ list. You’re sure to find other writers there to friend….then repeat the process.

National organizations (USA): The Authors Guild is the oldest of the organizations for published authors. There are also many groups that are genre-specific: SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), RWA (Romance Writers of America), MWA (Mystery Writers of America), ITW (International Thriller Writers), HWA (Horror Writers Association), Sisters in Crime, etc.

There are also local writing organizations. Some writers find it very rewarding to connect with other writers in person and exchange ideas about writing, publishing, and marketing. If you’re looking for an in-person group, it’s worth the few minutes to pop over to Meetup.com and type in ‘critique group’ and your location to see if there are groups in your area.

Writers conferences are a good, if frequently costly, way to meet other writers. Or you can participate in a free online writing conference like The Muse Online or challenges like the annual National Novel Writing Month and make writing friends there.

There are probably gobs of other places that I’m not mentioning here. Where are some of your favorite places to hang out with writers?

Calendars for Organizing Writing and Life

2012-01-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I'm always interested in finding new ways to get organized and take more control over my day.

Although I've been busier than ever with my writing and family life, my productivity has improved in all the different areas I'm juggling---home, as well as writing.

I’m pretty sure it's because of my calendar.

The last time (April 2011) I wrote on this topic, I was still using a variety of different calendars—a wall calendar, a day-planner style calendar, and an online calendar.

A few months ago, I started using Google Calendar for almost everything. Lists of things to do, grocery lists, remembering the dog's heart-worm pill...and now blog post ideas (as a sort of informal editorial calendar.) I've even put my supper plan on my calendar for each day--it reminds me to take whatever the meat is out of the freezer the night before to defrost in the fridge overnight.

I've also tried to go, if not paper-free, then paper-reduced. When the children bring home flyers from school or their activities, I transcribe the important bits into my Google calendar and then recycle the paper.

There are tons of calendar apps out there, but the point is to have something that you can easily change, update, and carry with you. It doesn’t have to be Google. When someone asks me now if I can drive children home from play practice/driver's ed/elementary school, I take a look at my phone. Because Lord knows I can't remember what I'm doing from one day to the next.

I also took this a step farther with my writing...with some excellent results so far. I've mentioned that I hate outlines, but I do love knowing what I'm planning on writing the next day. With my schedule, I need to hop right into the book when I find 15 free minutes. If I use those 15 minutes trying to figure out what scene I need to pick up with, and what I'm trying to accomplish, the writing time is quickly over without my doing any actual writing. So now I jot a line or two on my calendar to remind myself where I want to go with my story the next time I pick it up. If that 10 minutes of time happens to be while I’m waiting for my son to walk out of his high school, then I have my plan for the writing day with me on my phone…and I start right in.

Another nice thing is that this calendar is on a cloud. I can access it from anywhere. If I lose my phone or drop my phone in the sink or something, I can still recover my calendar. If I’m traveling, my calendar is accessible and able to be updated.

One other note--I'm trying an experiment with my calendar....working on more than 1 project at a time. I have two books due at nearly the same time this year, and I've never before been able to work on more than one book at a time. But if I'm being this organized and if I plan the next day’s writing for both books, I’m curious to see if it will work better. I’ll report back on the experiment later.

How are you staying organized and juggling all the things you need to do? Are you a calendar-user, too? What other tools do you use?

Eliminating Echoes in Our Writing

2012-01-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I recently got my copyedited manuscript back for the first Southern quilting mystery, which is releasing in June.

I was pleased with the lack of mark-ups on the manuscript. It was probably the cleanest doc I’ve ever gotten back.

Except for one major thing.

I had the most echoes I’d ever seen. Actually, it was an embarrassing number of echoes.

Editors (at least mine at Penguin), refer to repeated words as echoes. Echoes haven’t usually been an issue for me. And this manuscript was full of them.

I think it might be due to the number of times I picked up and put down the document while writing it. I had a full schedule at the time and wrote in very small chunks of time. That approach worked well, in terms of getting the book written. But, since I make a point of not reading what I wrote the previous day, this meant that sometimes I reused words that I’d just written (that I guess were fresh in my mind from the day before.)

An example from the first page of my manuscript: I reference a wild looking woman at the protagonist’s front door. Five lines later: I describe the woman’s wildly colored, mismatched clothes.

Some other repeated words: disastrous and disaster (4 lines apart), quickly (4 lines apart), chilled and chill (10 lines apart), honestly (2 lines apart), normally (2 lines apart), running late and run by (in the same line)….yes, the list goes on!

Amazingly, neither my agent nor my senior editor noticed the echoes in a read-though…but they were reading for content in those passes. Which just goes to show that copyeditors are worth their salt—and that we all can miss echoes unless we’re making special passes for them.

On the upside—they’re extremely easy to fix. I’d corrected the entire manuscript and returned it to my editor in just about 30 minutes. But I felt sorry for the poor copyeditor.

I’ve caught my own echoes before—that’s why I’ve never had a book returned to me with so many. These are the ways I’ve found them (and I use the same method to locate other errors):

Read aloud: You can either read your book aloud to yourself or load the manuscript on your e-reader and have the device read aloud to you.

Read in a different font: This drives me nuts after a while, but if I only plan on editing a chapter, I’ll put the one chapter in a different font. It makes the words look different and gives me a little distance from the document.

Use beta readers: Sometimes my betas will find these types of errors.

Make a special pass: This is my plan for my next manuscript. I’m going to make a special pass through the document, looking especially for echoes.

How do you find errors like echoes in your drafts?

Twitterific

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .

Ways to judge whether your character is likeable enough for readers: http://bit.ly/A7fc0A @lisagailgreen

Surviving the Publishing Industry's Looking Glass: http://bit.ly/ABKZro @writerboyESPN

Do you have a marketing plan? http://bit.ly/yr66Yl @robeagar

10 Types of Hypercorrection: http://bit.ly/wNsR76 @writing_tips

Making Friends Without Making Them Feel Used: http://bit.ly/zlg5Mg @JodyHedlund

Your Top 12 Author Marketing Moves for 2012: http://bit.ly/Apz3G6 @writersdigest

Do You Know Your Characters? Do You Know Yourself? http://bit.ly/xuuwAu @curiosityquills

G is for Gerund: http://bit.ly/zMhAjH

6 Ways to Create Writing Goals That Stick: http://bit.ly/zBy8cQ @msheatherwebb for @krissybrady

Building emotional cues into scenes: http://bit.ly/wO6O4C @JulieWuAuthor @BTMargins

Your Top 12 Author Marketing Moves for 2012: http://bit.ly/Apz3G6 @robeagar for @writersdigest

J.K. Rowling's Writing Process in Her Own Words, part 2: http://bit.ly/wAhxoA @shelleysouza for @HP4Writers

Being The Evil Overlord: http://bit.ly/yCJ51M @katepaulk for @sarahahoyt

How to create mood: http://bit.ly/wO5PxU

The 7 Components of Book Marketing Strategy: http://bit.ly/wJyYVF @JenniferAFusco

The Difference Between Dreaming and Starting: http://bit.ly/y9GRes @jeffgoins

An Agent on Why The Writing Process Trumps Everything: http://bit.ly/ApZ76j @greyhausagency

The drive to write: http://bit.ly/xOIit4 @kalayna

How to Catch More Life in Your Writing: http://bit.ly/AwWax7 @write_practice

Revision: A Fine Line Between Polish And Overkill: http://bit.ly/zZ9uKD

All my tweets from the past week: http://bit.ly/ADefRm

Goal setting for writers: http://bit.ly/xN8lba @eMergentPublish

Why perfect endings rankle: http://bit.ly/w5bSkr @SolomonAnna for @BTMargins

Why books make the best movies: http://bit.ly/xT6Bin

75 Synonyms for "Talk": http://bit.ly/wikVpf @writing_tips

Playbook For Self-Promo: http://bit.ly/zIvrhK @bigblackcat97 for @WriteAngleBlog

Is Your Website Hurting Your Writing? http://bit.ly/xdzvGq @menwithpens for @thecreativepenn

Are readers really ready for the self-published author? http://bit.ly/ABbKWW @tonyakappes11

Writers--Will Work for Cheap: http://bit.ly/xPwbA5 @KristineRusch

When promo gets pushy: http://bit.ly/x5M8or @blurbisaverb

Genrefication: Romance, the Novel, and Literary Fiction: http://bit.ly/yWAfDX @JustBethanne

Giving our characters epiphanies: http://bit.ly/xSdi1H

Thoughts on setting writing goals: http://bit.ly/wagTru @/andrewgreybooks

Crime fiction--creating ordinary people for readers to pull for: http://bit.ly/xWx5Uw @mkinberg

An Authors' Guide to the Almighty 3% Rule: http://bit.ly/AcinQw @TweetTheBook

Approaching Success or Avoiding Failure? http://bit.ly/xHyYU2 @WriteNowCoach

4 Ways To Develop Your Authentic Voice For Book Marketing Success: http://bit.ly/wgEhnt @Beth_Barany

Using small questions to get past a block with your manuscript: http://bit.ly/wvuje5 @SusanSquires

Using data to develop a social media strategy: http://bit.ly/wTK4bf @andrewphelps

9 Villains in Literature & Film--& Making Your Own Better: http://bit.ly/y1Ffcr @joebunting

Making Backstory Work for You: http://bit.ly/xSlkv4 @janice_hardy

Your YA Protagonist–Some Dos and Don'ts: http://bit.ly/wFvt0j @Kristi_Cook

What stillness reveals: http://bit.ly/AwqPXc @OllinMorales

For the disorganized writer: How to tackle clutter: http://bit.ly/xistZ7 @zen_habits

How to Find Your Inner Sadist: http://bit.ly/yRpH7O @Ava_Jae

Just because they offered you a contract doesn't mean you need to take it: http://bit.ly/xwEsfP @behlerpublish

Why You Should Add E-mail Subscription Service to Your Blog: http://bit.ly/wnRoC6 @JaneFriedman

When authors are swallowed whole by their books: http://bit.ly/wWOxR1 @FebruaryGrace

Finding time to blog *and* write: http://bit.ly/Amg1gL @dirtywhitecandy

The author/reviewer relationship: http://bit.ly/zFFOOl @YAHighway

How to generate a year's worth of content in an hour: http://bit.ly/ygz6JJ @viperchill

5 Ways to Bring Your Blog into the Spotlight: http://bit.ly/yYMkXT @youngprepro

Don't Drown Your Reader in Explanations: http://bit.ly/x8hecT @KMWeiland

Commenting On Reviews: A Different Type of Author Intrusion: http://bit.ly/z67817

How Images Improve Blog Traffic: http://bit.ly/zrVW6y @robertleebrewer

Weekend Writing -Writing as a Second Job: http://bit.ly/A8mxGs @camillelaguire

Possible Problems and Obstacles for Superheroes to Face Besides Supervillains: http://bit.ly/A6yNNe

The New World of Publishing: Writer vs. Author: http://bit.ly/A8crBJ @deanwesleysmith

Pros and Cons of Multiple First Person: http://bit.ly/xRBn8i @Janice_Hardy

Story structure--set-up: http://bit.ly/wcpzOx @rebeccaberto

Your new writing blog: avoid these faux-pas: http://bit.ly/y8fATp @dirtywhitecandy

Use a Rewrite to Add What Your Story Lacks: http://bit.ly/w1g5jE @noveleditor

12 Ways To Give Your Career A Jump Start For 2012: http://bit.ly/xUzbMJ @lilywolf

How to Develop a Successful Multi-Author Blog: http://bit.ly/yOFu4v @smexaminer

The Loneliness of the Icelandic Translator: http://bit.ly/xLtcvS @oliviasnaije for @pubperspectives

What Costco can teach us about writing: http://bit.ly/z2IxR5 @JulieMusil

How to Buy eBooks from an Indie Bookstore: http://bit.ly/zvRYV5 @galleycat

Lord of the Rings: The Revised Edition: http://bit.ly/AfJz7T @ChrisDolley

How to Make Chapters for a Novel Manuscript in Microsoft Word 2010: http://bit.ly/xHTeg1

Hooks, Loglines, and Pitches: What Every Writer Needs to Know: http://bit.ly/zQF8Z7 @AnneRAllen

Revive Your Creativity by… Not Being Creative: http://bit.ly/w2Ys7A @misfitsmascara

Blogging (or writing) with kids--9 tips: http://bit.ly/zlQKtn @WritingH

Why Bequeathing Your Intellectual Property is Crucial: http://bit.ly/wsvyvQ @DebraPurdyKong

Unleashing creativity begins with a timeline of your past: http://bit.ly/AxuGlb @tobywneal

Technical Aspects of Creating A Nontraditional Ebook: http://bit.ly/yyMumV @indieauthor for @thecreativepenn

Tips for preparing your doc for epublishing: http://bit.ly/wSPl2K

1 writer on what she likes about romantic suspense: http://bit.ly/wSPl2K

10 New Year Resolutions For Writers (that might actually stick): http://bit.ly/x3f84x @ajackwriting

Stabilizing Influence: http://bit.ly/xK0luH @Ravenrequiem13

An agent's tips for aspiring memoir writers: http://bit.ly/Ajfpap @rachellegardner

3 Secrets to e-Book Cover Design Success: http://bit.ly/xmoHlX @jfbookman

Literary Devices to Help Writers Who've Lost the Plot: http://bit.ly/yo66Wi

The Mirage of Fixity — Selling an Idea Before Understanding the Concept: http://bit.ly/zEr7QE @scholarlykitchn

6 Dos and Don'ts for Busy Parents Who Blog: http://bit.ly/z8Ijy8 @writeitsideways

Getting The Most From A Critique: http://bit.ly/Anbf1d @marcykennedy

A Tested Social Media Success Formula: Talk as Yourself, Not about Yourself: http://bit.ly/AALRCB @danzarrella @copyblogger

Worldbuilding with Horses: Preindustrial Revolution: http://bit.ly/z9RsUc @dancinghorse

Stop Waiting to Be Picked: http://bit.ly/w9TIYs @JeffGoins

35 Genres and Other Varieties of Fiction: http://bit.ly/w7rHN6 @writing_tips

Which League Are You Playing In? http://bit.ly/wP4op7 @bob_brooke

Reasons to give writing poetry a go: http://bit.ly/yccQ85 @eMergentPublish

How Not To Mutilate A Foreign Language: http://bit.ly/zCMH8B @StinaLL

5 things 1 writer wishes she'd known before she sold her manuscript: http://bit.ly/z85mIz @PBRWriter

When is your manuscript ready to be sent out: http://bit.ly/w1Z5E6 @lisagailgreen

10 signs you're not in the writing zone: http://bit.ly/yVNPYg @elspethwrites

Tips for better book openings: http://bit.ly/wxAQXo @anasleuth

Tips for writing dialogue tags: http://bit.ly/wiwFUq

Approaching agents who rejected you...after you've gotten an offer from a publisher: http://bit.ly/wmniWF @bookendsjessica

5 Narrative Mistakes You Can Fix Right Now: http://bit.ly/wut7Hy @EliseRome for @RoniLoren

Tips for creating effective characters: http://bit.ly/yLYc2t

Making a living writing--1 writer's story: http://bit.ly/wngwmt @MeredithEfken for @HowToWriteShop

Show Editors & Agents How You Meet Their Guidelines: http://bit.ly/z9irTQ @greyhausagency

Knowing Where to Start Your Novel: http://bit.ly/xa6zwU @Janice_Hardy

Why the internet is a trap - and how 1 writer deals with it: http://bit.ly/xJoEFu @JulietteWade

How to mine your childhood for story gems and more: http://bit.ly/AcYp23 @CAMorganti

Subtext: What is this Story Really About? http://bit.ly/xAfj1C

Story ideas--what they are, what they're not: http://bit.ly/xzrNcB @SarahAHoyt

Apple v. Amazon,libraries & piracy, authors & e-rights--& more top ind. news from @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman: http://bit.ly/y9VFI0

Top Ten Made-Up Literary Couples: http://bit.ly/yhSbiU @deadwhiteguys

Author Rex Pickett on Surviving Rejection: http://bit.ly/xMLCIz @GalleyCat

Advice for authors from social media guru Seth Godin: http://bit.ly/yc0Xqr @passivevoiceblg

Proper Nouns vs. Pronouns: http://bit.ly/zDEzmA @KeliGwyn

A Model for Crowdsourced Publishing: http://bit.ly/wnMGRm @mightyscoo for @JaneFriedman

Thoughts on staying motivated when writing that first novel: http://bit.ly/zb3Ljn @KatieGanshert

Build Your Author Brand in 5 Easy Steps: http://bit.ly/yuCGR5 @scribblinghappy

How to Explore Your Characters' Motivations: http://bit.ly/yK7Ix1 @write_practice

How to Make Sense of Critiques: http://bit.ly/AbAxu5 @DiyMia

An Industry for Arts Graduates Who Can Count: http://bit.ly/xD8n9S @PassiveVoiceBlg

Writing on the Ether's @Porter_Anderson features: @johnemcintyre @DonLinn @lizcastro @michellelegro @naypinya : http://bit.ly/y9VFI0

Daily writing vs. weekday writing: http://bit.ly/wDH9nP @camillelaguire

Finding a good balance for crime fiction endings: http://bit.ly/wzDWe3 @mkinberg

Tips for moving forward with your manuscript after getting stuck: http://bit.ly/x6AWUj @alanorloff

Vocabulary has to be true to our POV character (and familiar to our target reader): http://bit.ly/yxdmXP @authorterryo

An Author's Guide to NetGalley: http://bit.ly/zvWdVQ

What Star Wars "A New Hope" Can Teach Us About In Medias Res: http://bit.ly/z2pzfV @KristenLambTX

Fewer copy editors means embarrassing errors in newspapers: http://bsun.md/z60zzA @johnemcintyre

The Same River Twice: On Rewriting Your Past: http://bit.ly/yvZe3C

10 Ways Writing Fiction is Like Performing for a Camera: http://bit.ly/wcye8l @victoriamixon

Are New Tablets Slowing The Growth Of E-Readers? http://bit.ly/zmnrJ7 @laurahazardowen

5 Things You Have To Think About Before You Self Publish: http://bit.ly/Alu1Y1 @Ajackwriting

7 Tools for Tracking Ebook Sales: http://bit.ly/xmmY03 @PYOEbooks

Games Agents Play: http://bit.ly/xSKcL2

The Hows and Whys of my Link-Sharing on Twitter

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve gotten a good number of questions lately via email and Twitter about my platform on Twitter. I came up with a Twitter policy last year (which sounds funny to say, but it became necessary—I’d get well-meaning messages from folks asking me to tweet their book releases), but I haven’t posted anything about it for a while. I thought today that I’d dust it off and give it another run:

How did you start tweeting links and why?
I was reading a lot of writing links and it seemed like it would be helpful to pass on ones that I thought were especially good. That snowballed until I had followers that were very interested in a variety of writing-related tweets. These were writers in different stages of their writing career—some just starting out, some veterans. So I started searching for good, solid posts—even if they were on topics that didn’t directly apply to what I’m writing.
It’s a platform for me, too, and provides a very indirect way of marketing and getting my name out there—and being indirect is really the only way I feel comfortable with promo.

How do you find the links?
I don’t get them from my Twitter feed—I actually subscribe directly to the writing blogs’ RSS feed and read them in my Google Reader.

How many blogs do you subscribe to and how do you browse them?
According to my Google Reader, I subscribe to 2318 blogs. I add to this number every single day. I have my Google Reader set on “list” view and I scan through them quickly—usually looking for writing craft-related posts or publishing news. I don't tweet promo posts or contests or giveaways. But if you write a wonderful post with interesting content for writers and you happen to have a giveaway or contest at the bottom of the page…that’s fine, of course!

How long does it take you to find posts, read them, and tweet them in a day?
It usually takes a little over an hour each day.

Are you on Twitter all day?
Actually, no—I usually just check in with Twitter a few times a day. If I have more free time, I check in more frequently.

How do you schedule tweets?
I use an application called “Social Oomph” to schedule my tweets. The idea is to spread them out through the day so that they’re (hopefully) not overwhelming and are reaching people in other time zones.

Why aren’t you following me back?
I follow legitimate users back, although sometimes I get a little behind with updating my list. If I’m not following you, then I think you’re a spammer or else you’ve just started following me. If you’re not a spammer, just send me an email at elizabethspanncraig(at)gmail(dot)com.

What’s the best way to contact you?
I check my DMs on Twitter at least once a day, but you can also email me at elizabethspanncraig(at)gmail(dot)com.

I have a great writing blog—how can I bring my blog to your attention?
I’m always looking for new writing blogs to add to my Google Reader. Just send me a DM or an email with your link and I’ll subscribe to the RSS feed.

How do you pick which posts to run?
I’m usually looking for craft-related, industry-related, social media, or posts on how to effectively promote. I love posts that are easily skimmed, have great content, and can be helpful to a lot of writers.

Can you tweet my book review?
I don’t tweet reviews, sorry.

(From PR firms, who do like to contact me): What is your marketing strategy behind these tweets? Does it seem to be working?
There wasn’t a whole lot of marketing thought that went into this, which is why I’m probably getting so many DMs from PR people! I’m focusing on the tweeting mainly as a service to other writers, but I am gaining a nice platform in the process. It seemed to work out really well with pre-orders for my last book.

Do you read your tweet stream?
Honestly, I find my tweet stream totally overwhelming. If I try to read or follow all those incoming tweets then it makes me feel like I have ADHD. :) I follow over 10,000 and I can blink and find 20 updates.

What if I wrote a great blog post and you didn’t notice it—can I bring it to your attention?
Sure—feel free to DM me with it. I can’t promise to run it, but I promise to take a look…and I’ll make sure I subscribe to your feed.

If I wrote a great post a few days ago and tweeted you about it and it hasn’t run, will it ever run?
Sometimes I schedule tweets way out—sometimes a week or more…so it might still run.

Do you @ all of the blog post authors whose links you tweet?
I’m trying. Some of them I do know by heart, if they frequently have good material. Sometimes the post’s author isn’t on Twitter and sometimes I just can’t find their handle, if they are on Twitter. If your “Follow Me on Twitter” is very visible to the top of your blog page, then you’re a lot more likely to be @ed.

Do you ever chat on Twitter?
I don’t ever @ anyone in conversation…but I do have DM conversations with people. I’m just trying to keep my Twitter profile page completely link-related so make it an easier resource for folks to access.

What types of posts are most likely to be tweeted by you? Which are most popular and most likely to be retweeted by others?
Craft posts and clever humorous posts are the top favorites of my followers. List posts are appreciated, too. Anything that’s helpful about social media, or organizing our writing life helps, too.

Is there a way to make my blog posts more likely to be tweeted by you or by others?
Definitely. I’d recommend a post title that is clear as to the post content, an RSS feed button, and avoiding partial RSS feeds (I usually don’t have time to click through to find out if the content is worth tweeting). I’d also recommend a non-rambling post, concise content, and something that’s easy-t0-scan (bullet points and bold type helps.)

Some days your links seem better than others. How do you do quality control?
Sometimes, despite the large number of blogs I subscribe to, there’s a lack of content out there. Holidays play into that, too. And...sometimes I'm busy and I have less time to hunt through my Reader.

Do you do #FF and #WW? Why not?
I used to, but with the number of followers and FFs and WWs I get now, I’m just not able to return the favor without sending out an entire page of spam. I really appreciate the ones I get from followers, though!

Is there a place where I can locate these links or search them?
All of my links are searchable through the Writer's Knowledge Base search engine. Designed by Mike Fleming, the database ensures that great content and resources for writers can be pulled up on an as-needed basis (which means writers don't have to bookmark everything!) The Writer's Knowledge Base is free and has over 13,000 links to search.

And now...a disclaimer (I know--so corporate-sounding...)
Occasionally I'll tweet links that I think show an interesting point of view on, or controversial approach to, writing or the publishing industry. This doesn't necessarily mean that I agree or disagree with the post's author--just that I think the discussion is interesting and believe that others would, too. I want to supply writers with different ideas and different opinions on different topics and letting them disseminate the information for themselves.

Now it’s your turn. :) Are you on Twitter or Facebook? What makes you decide to share or retweet a writing post?

Killer First Lines--by Lois Winston

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Lois Winston, @anasleuth

Upstairs, the front door slammed with enough force to register a five on the Richter scale.

That’s the first line of Death By Killer Mop Doll, the second book in my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries. I’m a firm believer in first line hooks. The first sentence of a novel should make the reader want to read the second sentence. The hook doesn’t have to be defined in the first sentence, but that first sentence should lead you into the next. And that one to the next. Until you have a paragraph that becomes a hook that grabs and won’t let go. That first paragraph should do for the first page what the first sentence did for the first paragraph, and the first page should do for the subsequent pages what the first paragraph did for the first page. Finally, those first pages should create a first scene that refuses to let the reader put the book down.

The opening of a book should be filled with interesting action and/or dialogue that intrigues and makes the reader want to continue reading. One of the worst mistakes I see beginner writers making is filling the openings of their books with paragraph after paragraph of back-story and/or description. The opening of a book should suck the reader into the world the author has created. Back-story can come later, trickling in to tease the reader to continue reading more, not as information dumps that pull the reader from the story. A good opening will include only the barest minimum of back-story that is essential for that moment.

As for description, it should be woven into the narrative and dialogue. Nothing bores more than long paragraphs describing everything from the length of the protagonist’s hair to the color of her toenail polish. It pulls the reader from the story. And pulling the reader from the story is a BAD thing. It adversely affects the pacing of the book, and good pacing is something that is important to a well-written novel.

Sometimes the plot and conflict might not be evident in the opening of a book, but there should be enough of a tease within that opening to give the reader an indication of events to come. With the first sentence of Death By Killer Mop Doll, the reader knows something is about to happen.

Dialogue and/or narrative action are usually the best ways for a writer to create this foreshadowing of things to come, but internalization done well will also work as a hook. One technique is to begin your story by throwing the reader right into the middle of a conversation or event.

One of my favorite first sentences of all time is from Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. That book’s first sentence is:

Daisy Devreaux had forgotten her bridegroom’s name.
How can anyone not keep reading after that sentence?

Do you have a favorite first sentence? Post a comment, and you could win one of 5 signed copies of Death By Killer Mop Doll I’m giving away as part of my blog tour this month. The full tour schedule can be found at my website, http://www.loiswinston.com, and the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog, http://www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. In addition, I’m giving away 3 copies of Death By Killer Mop Doll on Goodreads, http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/15173-death-by-killer-mop-doll
Also, for anyone attending The American Library Association’s Mid-Winter conference January 20-24 in Dallas, Midnight Ink will be raffling off the hand-crafted mop doll shown in the photo during the opening reception Friday evening. Register for the drawing at the Midnight Ink booth #1459.

Lois Winston is the author of the critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries published by Midnight Ink. Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the series, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. The new year brings with it the release of Death By Killer Mop Doll, the second book in the series. Read an excerpt at http://www.loiswinston.com/excerptap2.html. Visit Lois at her website: http://www.loiswinston.com and Anastasia at the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: http://www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. You can also follow Lois and Anastasia on Twitter @anasleuth.

One Way Novelists Have it Easy

2012-01-10T14:31:00.002-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I don’t watch much television, but I’ve always been interested in bios and documentaries on writers, musicians, and visual and performance artists.

So I was watching, with interest, a show called Metal Evolution on a music cable station (I know…but I was in high school when metal was big. :) ) Metallica had been a thrash band before coming out with the Black Album which had a more commercial, radio-friendly sound. It made a lot of their fans upset. But it brought them a lot of new fans…and some of those new fans became interested in metal because of it.

Ozzy Osbourne’s picture used to scare me to death as a kid in the 70s. The other kids in my elementary school would whisper about various gross things he’d done at concerts. He looked like the kind of monster I’d worry was in my closet at night. Then, in the late-80s, Ozzy had a chart-topping hit, Close My Eyes Forever, a ballad. Did it mean that I checked out more of Ozzy’s music after that? Sure it did. Were his fans upset that he’d sold out? Absolutely.

There are many examples of singers and songwriters who have wanted to explore new areas with their art (sometimes for commercial reasons, sometimes just to keep challenged.) Sometimes it works out and the artist has a crossover hit. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work at all.

The problem for recording artists is that they can’t (well, I guess they could, but it would be harder) record something completely different from their norm and have it be an anonymous effort. Their image is too closely woven into promo. They have to just put it out there and wait and see what their fan reaction turns out to be.

Not so for writers.

A writer who wants to try something completely different and expand a little? It’s easy. You just choose another name, create another online identity and promote under it. Maybe you want to write something more commercial. Maybe something more literary. Maybe you’ve gotten bored with what you’re writing and want more of a challenge. If you wanted, you could publish something fairly anonymously.

There are a few different ways for a published writer to approach a change of genre:

Pen name—This is least risky, I think.

For instance, right now I’ve got six cozy mysteries for sale and one upcoming release in June. They’re all the same subgenre of mystery. I’ve got the same type of style and voice, similar settings, and the same kind of humor in the books. What if I suddenly started writing science fiction under the same name? It would be tempting to write it under the name that’s better-known, that has a platform and some reader recognition. But then, unsuspecting readers who wanted more of the same could be disappointed…and might even think twice about buying new books from me again, if they feel they wasted their money or felt duped in some way. That’s because I’ve established a whole platform based around this particular type of book.

Write the new material under the same name: Some writers have decided to write their new genre under the same name, looking at it as an opportunity to bring some readers with them to a new genre. Or possibly to create a crossover book that will work for old readers as well as attract new ones.

Use a pen name, but associate the pen name with the author’s real name: Another option is to write the new material under a pen name, but attempt to link the pen name with the author’s real name. This wouldn’t dupe old readers into reading it, but they would still probably discover that you were writing something different---then they could choose to read it if they wanted to. You could have a Facebook page, for instance, that’s set up like this: “John Smith (Joe Roberts)".”

The nice thing is that we have a choice. We don’t have to feel boxed into our genre. We can try new things—whether it’s under another name or not.

What would you do if you wanted to change genres as a writer? Hope your readers embraced your new genre? Write under a pen name and start off from scratch with your platform building?

Commenting On Reviews: A Different Type of Author Intrusion

2012-01-09T00:01:00.003-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

For the last few weeks, I’ve been following a thread of posts with interest.

Roni Loren had a post on January 2, referencing a Dear Author post entitled “Is There Room on the Internet for Authorial Interaction?”

The Dear Author post referenced instances where writers had responded to reader criticisms in a post—and these weren’t the really defensive reactions that we’ve seen in the past, either. It was more of the author explaining her position on different characters, the book ending, etc. Although the post mentioned that sometimes this can really illuminate a discussion on a book, it also had the potential for trouble. Authors listed ways that kind of interaction could go wrong—especially that it could make the author look argumentative.

Another part of the post, was also critical of authors who thanked reviewers for reviews. This is where I really paid attention. Meljean Brook was quoted in the post as saying:

In general — unless the reviewer has notified the author directly about the presence of a review and invites a reply — I think that it’s best not to comment at all. We all know that many authors are online, seeking reviews of their work and looking in on discussions; there’s no need to tap the readers on the shoulder and say, “Hey, I’m here,” because it’s likely to have a chilling effect…and for good or bad, the best thing for an author is for readers to talk about her book. Why shut that down?

Roni Loren made me smile when she said:

Now, I'm southern. I say thank you for EVERYTHING. It's like a reflex. To think that my thank you may make someone uncomfortable kind of took me aback. When I say thank you, it's simply because I'm appreciative that the person took the time to read my book and to comment on it publicly (which is press--regardless of the content of the review.)

I'm Southern, too, and good manners have been ingrained in me long ago. When reviews of any kind--good or even lukewarm--came up in my Google Reader in the past, I thought about the potential ramifications...then I went ahead and politely made a comment on the blog, thanking the blogger for reading my book (and sometimes for the review...but mostly just for taking the time to read the mystery.) It didn’t seem polite not to acknowledge the review. We authors aren't in ivory towers, after all. If the reviewer wasn’t wild about the book, I just ignored that fact and still thanked her for reading the mystery.

But then, Roni had a guest post from writer and forum reader Amber Skye which made some excellent points. Excellent enough for me to completely change the way I treat reviews. I recommend that you read the whole post, but here’s the gist:

Amber Skye’s points:

Reviews are for readers. When authors respond to reviews, it can be disconcerting for readers on a variety of levels. When an author comments on a review that might have negative elements to it, the author’s comment might unintentionally come across as passive-aggressive or hurt.

A book is a product and consumers have a right to either praise, complain about, or even disagree on, the worth of the product.

The primary way that authors should interact with readers is through their books. Write more books and provide your readers with more stories if you really want to effectively communicate with readers.

Keeping this in mind, I came up with a new policy for my own interaction with reviewers online:

If I really, really feel the urge to be polite, I’ll email the blogger directly.

If the blogger shares the review on my Facebook wall (which sometimes happens), I'll comment on that Facebook post (but not on the blog post).

If the blogger and I have set up a special interview/post/review type promo thing, I'll of course thank the blogger in my interview or post for reading the book (regardless of the review and whether it was positive or negative). That's a different type of set-up…pre-planned promo.

If the blogger invites me to comment on a review, then I probably will…with caution.

If I’m invited to take part in a book chat online or a book club talk, I’ll do it but be especially careful to be very neutral during the discussion.

There’s part of me that still really wants to say thanks for reviews…but after reading some very valid reasons not to pop in uninvited on review sites, I think I’m just going to keep my distance.

How about you? What are your thoughts on author intrusion in the reader community?

Twitterific

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .

Creativity and dreaming: http://bit.ly/uvm9iL @FreeTheGenieNow #writing

The rules of a creator's life: http://bit.ly/u2lEjK @tannerc #writing

Moms, Writing, and Guilt: Do You Get In Your Own Way? http://bit.ly/swKGkI @AmySueNathan #writing

Tips for using similes and metaphors: http://bit.ly/uVYV9u @Artzicarol #writetip

Why Traditional Marketing Doesn't Sell Books: http://bit.ly/rZXY2h @KristenLambTX #writing

Indie Authors Turn Focus To Quality: http://bit.ly/udbS3a @jenniecoughlin #writing

Writing Quickly: A Secret Strategy: http://bit.ly/tNX7L5 @Ava_Jae #writetip

How to Incorporate Backstory That Hooks The Reader: http://bit.ly/vCvZut @lkblackburne #writetip

Old contracts are being dusted off and language scrutinized: http://bit.ly/s6fXCm @PassiveVoiceBlg

Evoking a sense of wonder in readers: http://bit.ly/uMGGj4 @mlmjr1 for @HP4Writers #writing

Why the printed word matters more than ever: http://bit.ly/s3JwUy @creativitypost

7 Ways to Fake It at Book Club: http://bit.ly/sZk3Et @readingape

Knowing your sources as a writer: http://bit.ly/vw4oIe @greyhausagency #writing

Simplify Your New Year's Resolution Process: Reflect, Select, Remove: http://bit.ly/vm84s7 @jkglei #writing

Oxford Comma Debates & Freelance Editorial Rates: http://bit.ly/sLNB12 @galleycat #writing

Writers: play both the long and the short game: http://bit.ly/tGUZSa @LAGilman #writing

2012 Digital Perspectives: The Bookseller and Librarian: http://bit.ly/vJF7KU @danielsm1 #writing

An author's take on typical New Year Resolutions: http://bit.ly/rHoVR1 @SarahMAnderson1 #writing

3 Ways to Get Out of a Writing Slump: http://bit.ly/sRHitP @jannhill for @writeitsideways #writetip

Stop playing to the house. Just write what you want to write: http://bit.ly/v20N2B @sarahahoyt #writing

Your Clutter Is Killing Your Creativity (And What to Do About It): http://bit.ly/tZutOf @jeffgoins #writetip

What Bad Movies Teach us About Good #Writing: http://bit.ly/vXC2uP @Jenpens2

Post-Christmas Grind: Getting Back into Your Writing Routine: http://bit.ly/umLZYE @icypop #writing

Defining character archetypes: http://bit.ly/vg6okB @writersdigest #writetip

Turning Those Writing Resolutions into Reality: http://bit.ly/rU65k6 @diymfa #writetip

Have email address, will abuse: http://bit.ly/scoSf5 @behlerpublish #writing

E-Books and Life Without Guilt: http://bit.ly/ssQ8Va @PassiveVoiceBlg

Letter to a young emerging creative who thinks she wants to blog: http://bit.ly/vQlevQ @justinemusk #writing

Tips for #writing with kids in the house: http://bit.ly/tMvoTV @Autumn2May

To Prologue Or Not To Prologue - That Is The Question: http://bit.ly/sZuxi4 @greyhausagency #writing

Improve your odds of sticking to your #writing resolutions: http://bit.ly/veKAZp @CAMorganti

Is Indie the New Black? http://bit.ly/tMKwuR @indiekindle #writing

How Renaissance People Think: http://bit.ly/w0C2b1 @sbkaufman #writing

2012 Publishing Predictions: http://bit.ly/rPbZZy @ThomasUmstattd #writing

Creative writers can be difficult to detect during job interviews: http://bit.ly/tzbCZh @MaryWWalters @PassiveVoiceBlg #writing

How much should an ebook cost? http://bit.ly/w16i7G @ThisIsSethsBlog #epub

Real life diagnosis of a book's beginning: http://bit.ly/v5H1H6 @Janice_Hardy #writing

Creativity and Wasting Time: http://bit.ly/rRHJiB @on_creativity #writing

The great ebook price swindle: http://bit.ly/vRRjq3 @dangillmor for @GuardianBooks #epub

12 Essential Tips for Revitalising Your Blog in 2012: http://bit.ly/spAp8V @GregoryCiotti #promotip

Goals and failures: http://bit.ly/t3kh8U @deanwesleysmith #writing

Why You Shouldn't Bother with Writing Resolutions this New Year: http://bit.ly/vqjAuL @jeffgoins #writing

40 Synonyms for "Lie": http://bit.ly/vnFMzb @writing_tips #writing

1 good #writing resolution--to be disciplined with our grammar & punctuation: http://bit.ly/uGXZ80 @JeanReynolds

Writing: To Carry On: http://bit.ly/uaEE7A @TracyLStrauss for @BTMargins #writing

Tips for book bloggers for interviewing authors: http://bit.ly/ryVVYr @GoblinWriter

Why 1 writer won't call herself an author: http://bit.ly/sOOamI @amberwest #writing

The Stages of Indie Publishing: http://bit.ly/vlrXTG @JoannaWeiss for @BTMargins

Using Game Worlds in #Writing: http://bit.ly/tvg0WH @thomasaknight

The Uncommon Truth About Marketing Your Books: http://bit.ly/sSwNs5 @skellie #writing

Use Plot Motivators to Move Your Fiction: http://bit.ly/uomZel @SteveMettee #writetip

5 Clever Tactics to Get More eBook Sales Per Reader: http://bit.ly/rymH7c @skellie #epub

What to do Before Your Book Debuts (Part 1): http://bit.ly/tfp6mm & 2: http://bit.ly/vD3bVi @randysusanmeyer #promotip

Spring Cleaning in January: http://bit.ly/ui98yt #writing

Time Management for the Organizationally Challenged: http://bit.ly/rw5fVP @Kathy_Crowley #writing

The Importance of Having Your Work Torn Apart By Strangers: http://bit.ly/shYofK @skellie #writing

7 Best Practices for Building an Online Presence: http://bit.ly/tJnkOE @ChuckSambuchino #writing

Getting Your Self-Published Book into the Library, Tips from a Librarian: http://bit.ly/sjd4vw @readingreality @GoblinWriter #writing

4 targets 1 writer is aiming for in 2012: http://bit.ly/sbKndL #writing

Predictions for Amazon and Apple for 2012: http://bit.ly/uCreQg @passivevoiceblg #writing

Christian Publishers Anticipate Global Growth in 2012: http://bit.ly/ubZsYn @EdNawotka #writing

Your Name is Your Brand: http://bit.ly/vZnWUW @JordynRedwood #writing

Thinking Like a Writer: http://bit.ly/spCK2z #writing

Gentle Resolutions for a Writer: http://bit.ly/s6zONA @starla_kaye #writing

How-to: Add Public Domain Books to Kindle: http://bit.ly/unvoT0 #writing

Consider teaching #writing: http://bit.ly/s890YY @wordsbywebb

Mastering theme in storytelling: http://bit.ly/s1Gj0h @storyfix @rebeccaberto #writetip

Authors Interacting With Readers Online - Some Things to Think About: http://bit.ly/uMjU1g @roniloren #writing

Why Setting Writing Goals for 2012 Isn't Enough: http://bit.ly/uJQkzw @writeitsideways #writing

The Three T's – Tools, Techniques & Time: http://bit.ly/uS2zaj #writing

The Most Important Character Archetype: http://bit.ly/uYim4P @write_practice #writetip

6 Small Changes To Help You Reach Your Writing Goals: http://bit.ly/svFKCc @KrissyBrady #writing

7 Ways Meditation Increases Creativity: http://bit.ly/w0sznw @JaneFriedman #writetip

Reevaluating Your #Writing Process: http://bit.ly/w17fyO @janice_hardy

Taxes and Record Keeping for Writers: http://bit.ly/syQm42 @StarlaCriser

New Year's Resolutions for Writers: http://bit.ly/spaXcU @cjredwine #writing

A tool to help you hit a 750 word goal each day: http://750words.com/ #writetip

Conquering Our Inner Demons: http://bit.ly/ummNqE #writing

A review of some voice recognition software for writers: http://bit.ly/swy0iD @spunkonastick #writing

Crime fiction: when lingering questions about a case spur investigations: http://bit.ly/rU0nQY @mkinberg #writing

Pitch Prep: How to Write a Pitch: http://bit.ly/wZyt1Y @jamigold #writetip

Apple to launch new Self-Publishing Program later this month: http://bit.ly/w8XUlc @PassiveVoiceBlg #epub

How to Make a Boring Character Interesting: http://bit.ly/zF8R8O #writetip

Reboot your writing brain after a break: http://bit.ly/zUldM0 @dirtywhitecandy #writing

Unexpected Things Make Good Scene Endings: http://bit.ly/xmcrvx @sierragodfrey #writing

Switching senses: http://bit.ly/x6ueKU @TheresaStevens #writetip

Where To Begin Your Story: http://bit.ly/yk5kAF @ollinmorales #writing

The 25 Tip Guide to Boosting Blog Traffic: http://bit.ly/AskNDw @writertank #promotip

Goal setting--making it specific: http://bit.ly/wpjl18 @bob_mayer #writing

Emotional Development of Characters: http://bit.ly/zzZKnt @becca_leone #writing

How to Format Captions: http://bit.ly/yoZdGy @writing_tips #writing

Writing realistically about pregnancy: http://bit.ly/wllHwe @JulietteWade #writing

A writer's greatest tool: http://bit.ly/AFdIDR #writing

Sparking Ideas for a Short Story: http://bit.ly/wwQe6B @ASiCat #writing

What Will Writers Need in 2012 to Survive & Succeed? http://bit.ly/ADg9kj @jodyhedlund #writing

Internal Dialogue: http://bit.ly/wiimyr @lisagailgreen #writetip

How Do You Know If Your Agent Is Any Good? http://bit.ly/A7RErJ @JaneFriedman #writing

4 tips for being more productive as a writer: http://bit.ly/xubvpb @Shawntelle for @Janice_Hardy #writing

40 Questions to Test Your Manuscript: http://bit.ly/ynA9Fl @4kidlit #writetip

Writing lessons learned from "The Help": http://bit.ly/yy4jGQ @JulieMusil #writetip

Evernote – The Application That Becomes an Obsession: http://bit.ly/z32AU6 @PassiveVoiceBlg #writing

Does Your Writing Lack the Conviction It Deserves? http://bit.ly/wWV8LZ #JeffGoins #writing

What Would Your Characters' Resolutions Be? http://bit.ly/zFvhIi @AmySueNathan #writing

Writing Category Romance Doesn't Mean Skimping on Depth: http://bit.ly/zYSINO @greyhausagency #writing

5 Reasons YOU Need to Link to Other Blogs: http://bit.ly/y4Rt98 @writertank #promotip

The Indie Author's Guide to Sandy Beaches: http://bit.ly/A5dKFG @TweetTheBook #epub

10 unusual things about writers: http://bit.ly/yAE1GQ @jhansenwrites #writing

J.K. Rowling's Writing Process in Her Own Words: http://bit.ly/xG9oVZ @shelleysouza for @HP4Writers #writing

A voice recognition tool for writers: http://bit.ly/z3UZRs #writetip

How to Build a Blog Editorial Calendar Even If You Don't Know Where to Start: http://bit.ly/A3R0BA @pushingsocial #promotip

Editor/Agent Etiquette: http://bit.ly/w2xOYK @bookendsjessica #writing

Your author blog or website: http://bit.ly/zn9q1W @theresa_stevens #writing

Why you should battle the proofreading ogre and how to manage the war: http://bit.ly/w5fhiZ

3 Words You Should Eliminate from Your Writing: http://bit.ly/wFlzkj @MenwithPens #writing

Why You Should Sell Ebooks at Your Own Site: http://bit.ly/z98I9H @PYOEbooks #epub

Indies battle Amazon — by becoming publishers: http://bit.ly/AcjDMu @Salon #publishing

10 Ways to Harness Fear and Fuel Your Writing: http://bit.ly/w5UjIF @sagecohen for @writersdigest #writetip

Editor-writer disagreements during revisions: http://bit.ly/y8b61Y @behlerpublish #writing

Plotting--the peak and the fall: http://bit.ly/xji7Pn @sarahahoyt #writing

The Road to Digital Publication – Part I: Conversion tips & extra pages: http://bit.ly/zY7yRA #epub

What Makes a Great First Page? http://bit.ly/x8pUBh @JamiGold #writetip

Top industry news: B&N, publishers striking back, libraries, piracy, agents, more: http://bit.ly/yZzcd5 @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman

A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into setting up a #writing conference: http://bit.ly/xaypCf @bookemnc @bookemdonna

1 writer's thoughts on follows and follow backs on Twitter: http://bit.ly/xqfuOu @authorterryo

How 1 writer's playlist informed the outward journey & inward arc of his character: http://bit.ly/yz8fsw @MatthewDicks for @byRozMorris

#Writing on the Ether's @Porter_Anderson features @m_delamerced @brianoleary @dbasch @glecharles @jaelmchenry http://bit.ly/yZzcd5 #epub

Tips for getting the most from your #writing: http://bit.ly/wBxrwP @DIYMFA

Make Your Own Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/wdJnQT #promotip

3 Signs Of A Publishing Scam: http://bit.ly/zsNroF @AuthorMedia #writing

What your character doesn't know can hurt him/her (in dialogue and internalization): http://bit.ly/wGBxwl @JulietteWade #writetip

The Writer's Diet--How to Balance With #Writing, Food and Exercise: http://bit.ly/AdaDGB

Drawing the Line Between Skill and Trickery in #Writing: http://bit.ly/AcADRJ @jenniecoughlin

Definition of a poetry chapbook: http://bit.ly/znkNMw @BrianKlems #writing

What To Do When You Don't Have A Clue Where To Go Next: http://bit.ly/wgzajE @OllinMorales #writing

Email List Building the Lazy Way: http://bit.ly/zqEQWS @chrisbrogan #promotip

3 tips for staying abreast of your #writing goals this year: http://bit.ly/yR8HOb @christi_craig

An agent says: It's Your First Book - Don't Expect Miracles: http://bit.ly/zYPEJe @greyhausagency #writing

3 Things Die Hard Can Teach us About Seamless Plotting: http://bit.ly/zjzOUk @Janice_Hardy #writing

7 Advantages Barnes & Noble Has in the Bookseller Wars: http://bit.ly/yoDz4Q @JDGsaid #writing

Critiquers: the builders and the wreckers: http://bit.ly/zIQqb8 @SarahAHoyt #writing

Navigating the Authorial Landmine of Reader Forums: http://bit.ly/woTKip @a_skye for @roniloren #writing

The digital future still is a mystery if you don't publish "immersive reading": http://bit.ly/x1VIFo @MikeShatzkin #writing

The Road to Success Part 1–What Kind of Author are You? http://bit.ly/x0lM8t @KristenLambTX #writing

5 ways Twitter can make you a better writer: http://bit.ly/x5Zbyd @catseyewriter #writing

Engage Readers Through Character Reaction: http://bit.ly/ycsIiI @noveleditor #writetip

Why It's Easier to Love Straightforward Fiction: http://bit.ly/y1uXCZ @LadyGlamis #writing

What Not To Do At A Conference: http://bit.ly/yj26Bp @HeatherMcCorkle #writing

No excuses: http://bit.ly/wm9p1s @tannerc #writing

Addicted to Piracy? http://bit.ly/wrJrE8 @danielsm1 @thefuturebook #epub

The Most Neglected #Writing Tip: http://bit.ly/yoNOej @jeffgoins

Edit in an Instant? Ain't Gonna Happen: http://bit.ly/iTZfJA @NovelEditor

Thoughts On Choosing Point Of View: http://bit.ly/xcOTOS @BryanThomasS #writing

Book ‘Em! by p.m. terrell

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

by p.m. terrell, @BookEmNC

I’ve wondered lately why I’ve had no time to blog. Then the reason occurred to me: I’m organizing a Writer’s Conference and Book Fair.

The Book ‘Em conference scheduled for February 25, 2012 is the tenth one and the first to be held in Lumberton, North Carolina. It’s shaping up to be our largest, most successful one to date. And that isn’t by accident. It’s the result of hundreds of hours by dozens of volunteers.

Laying the Groundwork: I began lining up community support several years ago for Book ‘Em North Carolina, an event to raise funds for literacy programs in Robeson County. We gathered support from the City of Lumberton (always important to get local leaders involved), the Lumberton Area Visitors Bureau (instrumental for publicity efforts), area businesses (sponsorships), civic groups (volunteers), schools (school-age attendance and volunteers with boundless energy), non-profits (to whom the literacy funds will go), among others. When we were offered Robeson Community College for the location, we were ready to get started.

Lining Up the Authors: We began contacting authors in March 2011. Two librarians, Katie Huneycutt and Lisa Matthews, helped me email authors and post blogs to raise awareness of the Book ‘Em event. Thanks to Katie, we lined up two New York Times best-selling authors as headliners: Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer (necessary to attract large crowds). I developed our website, posting every author’s picture, bio and links as they registered. Over time, I added dozens of informational pages.

Sponsorships: We solicited businesses for sponsorships, instrumental for promoting and marketing the event. We lined up pillars of the community, including University of North Carolina, Southeastern Regional Medical Center, BB&T and a host of businesses who donated $250 to $2,000 apiece. We secured grants from the Lumberton Area Visitor’s Center to cover promotional efforts and Kiwanis Club of Lumberton, who provided money to buy children’s books to give away.

Publicity: We began periodic press releases in the spring, which were picked up by mainstream and Internet media. We obtained media sponsors, including Lumberton Magazine and Robeson Living Magazine, and have been working steadily with newspapers, television and radio stations. We secured billboards around the state, which will roll out after the holidays. Our big promotional campaign begins January 2. Brochures are in all the NC Welcome Centers on I-95 and with local businesses; flyers will be distributed with all Lumberton utility bills; and our full Talks Schedule will be published in the January edition of Lumberton Magazine.

Logistics: The conference and book fair features more than 75 authors selling and signing their books, which means we must have tables and adequate space not only for the authors but for traffic flow. We’ve divided two buildings into fiction, non-fiction, young adult and a special Children’s Corner, meticulously measuring hallways and classrooms. We will have five sets of talks going on simultaneously: five publishers have joined us for the Writer’s Conference, and there will be panel discussions and solo talks for every genre – plus readings for small children. Each talk requires a moderator; each hallway and conference room requires a Team Captain and host of volunteers. There will be an Author’s Lounge and the college cafeteria will be open for attendees, requiring a Food Committee. We’ll have greeters, music in the cafeteria, events in the Children’s Corner, raffle tickets, and centralized cash registers, each requiring a team of volunteers.

Contests: We kicked off short story contests throughout the Robeson County Public School System and Robeson Community College. Entries will be judged by faculty and finalists will be decided by published authors. Winners will be announced at Book ‘Em.

Afterward: When the event is over, our work is not: we’ll clean up the space used, reconcile all the funds received, pay authors and publishers their portion of the book sales, award the non-profits funding for literacy efforts, and donate remaining books to literacy groups.

Then we start the whole process over.

Book ‘Em North Carolina will be held on the last Saturday of each February in Lumberton, NC. The event is FREE and open to the public; doors open at 9:30 am on February 25, 2012. A portion of every book sale will be donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Robeson County, Communities In Schools, and Friends of the Robeson County Public Library for literacy campaigns for all ages. The Book ‘Em Foundation was founded by author p.m.terrell, who wrote this blog, and Police Officer Mark Kearney, to raise awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates.

Thanks, p.m.! I’m going to be at the Book ‘Em, North Carolina conference, too—along with L. Diane Wolfe and Alex Cavanaugh. If you’re in the area, hope you’ll drop by. :) ~~Elizabeth

A Tool for Writers

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

For a while now, I've been interested in voice recognition software.

I recently became more interested, when I started having carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms appear.

My husband, a computer engineer, is also dealing with carpal tunnel issues. He recommended that I avoid using my left hand to decrease the symptoms and keep from aggravating the condition. But there was no way I could really effectively do that because I have two books to write by June and I can't type without using my left hand.

We both figured that voice recognition software might help give my hand a break, even if I used it only part of the day.

Diane Wolfe reviewed Dragon Naturally Speaking software on her Spunk on a Stick’s Tips blog on Monday. After her positive review, I decided to check it out.

The CNET review had also been good, and user reviews on the software itself seemed good, although some people had a hard time installing the software (and apparently the tech support isn’t so hot for this program.)

I didn’t have any major problems with installation and had loaded it in about 10 minutes. I’m running Windows 7 (I some of the other users’ problems had been with Vista…no surprises there). I had a couple of hiccups during installation—once when the app thought there wasn’t enough memory (there was) to run the program, and once when it said I had a problem with my sound card (this error message disappeared when I tried again.)

I was relieved to find that the program made allowances for accented speech. Among the accents they listed in the set up was southern US. I do speak with a southern accent which is always a problem when I speak with automated customer service bots. So far, there hasn't been a huge problem with Dragon understanding what I'm saying.

To get the most out of the program, you need to train the software to understand you. One of the things I found interesting is that it analyzes your e-mails and documents to get clues to your writing patterns, the names that you use in documents, etc.

Since I'm writing fiction, I was a little concerned about having to verbalize punctuation marks when writing. For dialogue, you have to say open quote then the sentence, then close quote. I thought this might be distracting. It was distracting at first, but after a few minutes of dictating, I got used to it. It didn't seem to pull me into editing mode.

Another nice thing about this software, is that it’s not particularly expensive. In fact, Office Max had it on sale for $50. The software comes with a headset.

I spent about 45 min. training the Dragon software to learn my speech patterns and vocabulary and will continue to train it as I go. After the first training session, I spent about 30 min. writing and found I was able to produce about four pages. Yes, there were mistakes on those pages (break instead of brake, etc.), but all-in-all, I was pleased with what was there. It was fast and any errors could be fixed in edits.

If you're someone who likes experimenting with different ways to write, or you frequently write in longhand and need to quickly transcribe those materials…or if you're developing carpal tunnel, Dragon Naturally Speaking can provide a decent break for writers while still allowing them to get their writing done.

Have you used voice recognition software? How has it worked for you?

Spring Cleaning in January

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Sometimes I think I just like to be contrary.

I’m not at all fond of resolutions.

When other people are making resolutions, I tend to spring clean. And it’s January…not spring. But when it’s spring here, it’s so gorgeous that the very last thing I want to do is clean. So I start out the year cleaning, instead.

I like making goals, but I don’t really need too many resolutions. I’ll write two books by June. I have to write two books by June. No resolution needed.

When I clean up, the aftermath tends to be very refreshing and I feel pleased with myself. When I make resolutions, I tend to feel overwhelmed. Cleaning up is way better.

Since my closet organization methods are probably less than gripping to read about, here are some of my cleaning projects that are slightly more interesting:

Website update: I rarely visit author websites. Because of that, I haven’t placed my own website in very high regard. But when I noticed that Penguin had stopped using my website on promotional materials they sent out about my book launches (!), I realized I needed to do something. Clearly, since they thought my website was too awful to mention on promo!

I transferred my hosting to a free Wordpress account and, not having any design skills nor the time to develop any, I quickly set up the website to resemble a blog…which I’m more familiar with. My big thing is that I want to be able to update my website myself…that way I (allegedly) would keep it more up-to-date. :) So I set up these pages: Home, About, Books, Contact, News. I made this website as basic as I possibly could. It’s just a tool, not a work of art.

I was absolutely shocked to find that over 1,000 people had visited my website in a month. Shocked! So…clearly people do check out websites. Think about updating yours. :) The most important thing about a website is that people can learn how to reach you and how to buy your books.

Blog cleaning: After the remarkable success of my website update, I took on the blog. I only, again, wanted to do a little updating. I found that my About Me page was truly awful. So I just copy-pasted the copy I’d just written for the website over to the blog. Much better. I’d also written a couple of books since the last time I’d updated my Books page, so I updated that, too. And cleaned up some of my blogroll, which had blogs that had long since closed on it. I also cleaned up my sidebar a little (although it’s still cluttered…but hey, I’m a writer. :) Clutter goes with the territory.)

Gmail inbox: Although gmail holds a ton of emails, it really bothered me to see over 6,000 emails in my inbox. Yes. 6,000. Cleaning up was long overdue! I unsubscribed from lists that I rarely read, unsubscribed from several newsletters, and deleted a slew of emails. Some I archived into specific folders. Now it’s much more organized and I feel a lot more on top of it all.

I do plan on assessing what I want to do with the rest of my year…in June. :) That’s when I’ll probably have a little more time to look at where I am. Do you like resolutions? Or do you find other ways to challenge yourself, instead?

Twitterific

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Hope everyone has a wonderful 2012 (with lots of writing in it!)

Below are the writing-related links I tweeted last week.

The Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links (now over 12,000) searchable. Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .

Precede vs. Proceed: http://bit.ly/vTVDoB @writing_tips

3 Ways to Use YouTube to Drive Traffic to Your Website: http://bit.ly/unAD7X @smexaminer

Writing tip--write a bad book: http://bit.ly/tCdLms

How-to: Gift a Kindle Book: http://bit.ly/rDha8p

How to Host Guest Blogs while Building your Credibility: http://bit.ly/t0rdbL @freshome

How to Squeeze Writing Inspiration from a Stone: http://bit.ly/sDcORJ @JulieBMack

The Persistence of the Author Brand: http://bit.ly/vcqW4R @psexton1 for @writersdigest

The 99 cent debate: http://bit.ly/rIfNeG @selfpubreview

Fear of editors: http://bit.ly/tCnhC6

Fixing backstory infodumps: http://bit.ly/uvdjLu @sarahahoyt

Tips for perfecting your writer's voice: http://bit.ly/scghYa @rebeccaberto

4 Key Criteria to Build Your Dream Blog: http://bit.ly/tAjpmE @problogger

Procrastination: Myth, reality or your best friend in disguise? http://bit.ly/tpw7Zp @annerallen @RuthHarrisBooks

The Great Seductive and Often Fatal Temptation of the New Writer: http://bit.ly/v2fbwx @storyfix

Tips for showing emotion instead of telling it: http://bit.ly/vGtJ89 @Janice_Hardy

Setting goals for our writing--failure is an option, quitting isn't: http://bit.ly/sskkoh @DeanWesleySmith

4 tips for novelists: http://bit.ly/uoDojd @enwritened

Should Writers Create Their Own E-Book Covers? http://bit.ly/v8hVgh @nickdaws

Why writers can't edit themselves: http://bit.ly/uZycmr @JeffGoins

How to flunk social media: http://bit.ly/t1ST1b @justinemusk

25 Synonyms for "Story": http://bit.ly/tQO1DY @writing_tips

The Pros & Cons of KDP Select: http://bit.ly/tqS7u2 @PYOEbooks

How 1 novelist uses music for inspiration: http://bit.ly/shkdva @jenniecoughlin for @ByRozMorris

Preparing For Book Blog Tour As You Write Your Book: http://bit.ly/uY7wGJ @BryanThomasS

The nuts and bolts of indie publishing: http://bit.ly/uLa874 @cjlyonswriter

Put Adverbs in Their Place: http://bit.ly/trsIsm @writing_tips

Art of the Genre: What came first, the writer or the artist? http://bit.ly/uVKLWv @BlackGateDotCom

A writer and tax specialist on epub and taxes (US): http://bit.ly/vp5BBW @alisonpensy

Character Rants and Breakdowns—Let 'em Rip: http://bit.ly/toVMQd @NovelEditor

How to Write a Children's Book Based on Your Personal Struggles: http://bit.ly/vlnC1Y @KarenCV

Deadlines, and PR for Newbies: http://bit.ly/tRkInM @HunterFaith

Industry expert @JaneFriedman 's best writing tips for 2011: http://bit.ly/vCB6lT

Using history to inspire: lessons from festivals: http://bit.ly/vTBtyM @GeneLempp

Avoiding burnout when working toward writing goals: http://bit.ly/rtF6eE @PBRWriter

Start your book in the middle: http://bit.ly/sd8qA3 @sarahahoyt

Tips for non-fic writers who write in a crowded category: http://bit.ly/tCMZ3k @behlerpublish

[ Dear Loved One ]: I Am a Writer: http://bit.ly/vOZQOO @KSElliott_Shark for @krissybrady

Writing illness and medicine into our stories: http://bit.ly/s63q8d @JulietteWade

5 Resources for Crime Fiction Writers: http://bit.ly/rXkDiz @CAMorganti

How to Write Convincing Strong and Silent Types: http://bit.ly/vdghbp @KMWeiland

Setting the Scene for a Productive Day: http://bit.ly/tJGdUB @RealLifeE

The Resume Is Dead, The Bio Is King: the99percent.com/tips/7025/The-Resume-Is-Dead-The-Bio-Is-King @getstoried

Fixing Character Errors: http://bit.ly/t7rakV @HeatherMcCorkle

Tips for email promo of books: http://bit.ly/vdgMXM @selfpubreview

Tips for Scene Beginnings and Endings: http://bit.ly/t7iwI9 @jamesagard

Write Fiction? Why You Should Try a Short Story: http://bit.ly/rFEpGk @JamiGold

The Secret Life of Late Bloomer Sue Monk Kidd: http://bit.ly/vZvT0O @DebraEve

Growing Your Book – A Christmas Metaphor: http://bit.ly/tOw68x @authorguy

Did that Bad Review Come with a Side of Ulterior Motives? http://bit.ly/tbc3XK @selfpubreview

Get Back on the Writing Wagon: Here's How: http://bit.ly/uGk0c0 @SusannahFriis for @KrissyBrady

Using guilt as an element in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/v5j8SV @mkinberg

Series vs. Stand Alone: http://bit.ly/sZrkDZ @authorterryo

What Makes Word-of-Mouth Work? http://bit.ly/uX7LKd @robeagar for @writersdigest

15 Tricks & Tips to Get the Most of Kindle Store: http://bit.ly/uso2ya @ebookfriendly

The Word of the Year 2011: http://bit.ly/vVLRRg @writing_tips

Give Yourself A Break And Write What You Want: http://bit.ly/vCsV2m @MsTamarCohen for @/AmySueNathan

Guns in mysteries: How not to get it wrong. http://bit.ly/rVRS3E @wdchip11 for @junglereds

The Make Or Break Moment in Your Story: http://bit.ly/rFI2Yq @storyfix

Will There Ever Be A Universal, MP3-Like Standard For E-Books? http://bit.ly/vocsIW @copyrightandtec for @paidContent

The Point in Your Novel You Realize You Should Be a Baseball Star: http://bit.ly/sh71zl @C_Herringshaw

Targeted PR, Cross-Promotion, and Knowing Your Audience: http://bit.ly/uSiaSq @kalayna

Ways to handle backstory without dumping it: http://bit.ly/tZnxta @sarahahoyt

How to Choose the Best Method for Publishing Your Book: http://bit.ly/v3cj4k @JFBookman

The anatomy of a good hook: http://bit.ly/vcv5ZB @nataliecparker for @4kidlit

Authors: Don't Get Burned By Branding: http://bit.ly/vAXfC0 @ChuckWendig

13 picture book tips: http://bit.ly/vOg0Ve @Artzicarol

Dead Story Walking: http://bit.ly/vyeL5k @mooderino

Planning a book--reducing a book to a sheet of paper: http://bit.ly/sjO6FJ

Writing novellas: http://bit.ly/tI8vqR @davidwoodauthor for @thecreativepenn

The Ugly Side of SEO: http://bit.ly/tlHy4m @Blogussion

How to Format Reader-Friendly Headlines: http://bit.ly/v5byyM @writing_tips

The Elementary Life of a Sidekick: http://bit.ly/tOl8tv @AlexBledsoe for @tordotcom

Ebook pricing, golden age for writing, Amazon vs. the world: essential news from @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman: http://bit.ly/v36x0V

Writing on the Ether's @Porter_Anderson features @Melissa_Foster @jenniecoughlin @naypinya @danielsm1 @scalzi @LeenaRao http://bit.ly/v36x0V

The 99-Cent Debate: How Do We Value Our Writing? http://bit.ly/ueN44E @Melissa_Foster

"Dear Readers: Publishers Think of You as Customers, I SWEAR": http://bit.ly/sDlOLe @Scalzi

2011 digital publishing timeline: http://bit.ly/slYinF @samatlounge for @thefuturebook

The ugly truth about consumer book reviews: part 1: http://bit.ly/u5HAVS and 2: http://bit.ly/tpeFeU @tglong for @IndieReader

The Dreaded Writer's Break: http://bit.ly/vMidUB

How to Entertain Readers with Your Words: http://bit.ly/shafG8 @Gaylordcat for @writeitsideways

10 Daring Predictions for 2012 from the Indie Author Trenches: http://bit.ly/tEQ6Q3 @bob_mayer

Tropes covering the origins of evil: http://bit.ly/vbccbv @tabeechey

How to Find the Meaning of Life through : http://bit.ly/ukhH8T @VictoriaMixon

Eliminating flabby book middles: http://bit.ly/tbEqYD @sarahahoyt

Publishers vs. Libraries: An E-Book Tug of War: http://bit.ly/uWtJNX @nytimes @PassiveVoiceBlg

5 Common Writing Hazards: http://bit.ly/sUmrgP @kristenlambTX

A story of rejection from @jakonrath: http://bit.ly/rLjvdT

Strong language in our writing: http://bit.ly/ruy98T @ashkrafton

Compound Words: 2 words, 3 choices: http://bit.ly/vyJu6B @HowToWriteShop

It's All About Accuracy: http://bit.ly/uhhFRM @writing_tips

When it comes to writing, "Done" is better than "Good": http://bit.ly/u4LWAS @Jhansenwrites

8 questions for writers: http://bit.ly/v0tMNZ

Top5 signs you're reading too much young adult literature: http://bit.ly/ssdDUg @mittenstrings

12 Google+ Marketing Tips From the Pros: http://bit.ly/uZQYuP @CindyKing

Memes for Writers: http://bit.ly/sYfKZ0 @Amanda_Hannah

Moving From Traditional Publishing To Indie: http://bit.ly/sAVOe4 @ornaross @thecreativepenn

Who Will Be the Next Generation of E-Readers? http://bit.ly/vdrYOP @TalliRoland

Start your New Year off on the right foot, and finish your literary puzzle with a promo plan: http://bit.ly/uNZJgH @behlerpublish

How using denial can improve our stories: http://bit.ly/vnkvJn @NovelEditor

Tension: A Valuable Tool: http://bit.ly/tdY1k4 @Ava_Jae

Essential components of your 1st 100 pages: http://bit.ly/uGhwcd @storyfix

The "Why" of Character Worksheets: http://bit.ly/rBLdvY @TheresaStevens

5 Audacious Goals Every Blogger Should Have for 2012: http://bit.ly/usiPew @AlexisGrant

How to mindmap your story: http://bit.ly/v4bWgk @DeeWhiteAuthor

How to Force a Story to Evolve: 6 Revision Tips: http://bit.ly/tS1XdE @JamiGold

What makes a debut novel different: http://bit.ly/vFUWmM @nicolamorgan for @cathryanhoward

Your Blogging Goals: What Are They? http://bit.ly/tzg0L5 @Blogussion

After the Glitter, Get Inspired: http://bit.ly/rD2OvP @plaingirlwriter

15 Top New Year's Reads For Writers: http://bit.ly/uiFJPN @BryanThomasS

Evoke vs. Invoke: http://bit.ly/tzVEiu @writing_tips

Setting a Yearly Writing Craft Goal: http://bit.ly/rEqWt8 @jamieraintree

Does your story's plot go in circles? A few fixes for loop-de-loop syndrome: http://bit.ly/viPc1o @sarahahoyt

Making Writing Resolutions that Stick: http://bit.ly/utcYdJ @diymfa

Don't fib to publishers about your platform: http://bit.ly/tl40NP @behlerpublish

The Writer's Journey: http://bit.ly/vKeAjl

Mr. Darcy's Guide to Wooing Women: http://bit.ly/utINhU @readingape

'Unstuck,' An App For Setting Writing Goals: http://bit.ly/rAm2jw @ebooknewser

5 Alternatives to Hyphenating Phrasal Adjectives: http://bit.ly/rp7cPq @writing_tips

How memoir writer turned to music to help her recreate her feelings for her book: http://bit.ly/uk1EBp @cathryanhoward for @byRozMorris

Shifting Goals in This New World of Publishing: http://bit.ly/uHo2F7 @deanwesleysmith

The 10 Commandments of a Successful Author: http://bit.ly/u5fMxs @roniloren

Are You Choosing the Right Words for Your Story's Tone? http://bit.ly/uKn03B @KMWeiland

Good and bad foreshadowing: http://bit.ly/uxZCU1 @SarahHoyt

7 ways 1 author got on the Amazon bestsellers lists: http://bit.ly/vhs9gv @beth_barany

Mapmaking for fantasy authors: http://bit.ly/urwlt8 @tabeechey

Moms, Writing, and Guilt: Do You Get In Your Own Way? http://bit.ly/swKGkI @AmySueNathan

Tips for using similes and metaphors: http://bit.ly/uVYV9u @Artzicarol

Why Traditional Marketing Doesn't Sell Books: http://bit.ly/rZXY2h @KristenLambTX

Writing Quickly: A Secret Strategy: http://bit.ly/tNX7L5 @Ava_Jae

How to Incorporate Backstory That Hooks The Reader: http://bit.ly/vCvZut @lkblackburne

Old contracts are being dusted off and language scrutinized: http://bit.ly/s6fXCm @PassiveVoiceBlg

Evoking a sense of wonder in readers: http://bit.ly/uMGGj4 @mlmjr1 for @HP4Writers

Using mirrored scenes in books and series: http://bit.ly/sEuw9A @HP4Writers

Wordsmithing: Go For It: http://bit.ly/t7jzjX @WomenWriters

How to Use Holidays in Our Writing: http://bit.ly/uqwFiV @JamiGold

When do you trunk a story? http://bit.ly/tRFaMf @JulietteWade

1 writer/illustrator's plan for regaining control of the clock: http://bit.ly/u0p4rR @inkyelbows

4 ways your protagonist can learn the truth: http://bit.ly/uQGvp6 @jammer0501

Book Marketing Tips From Amazon's Bestselling Self-Published Ebooks Of 2011: http://bit.ly/uh2Mgw @thecreativepenn

The Excitement of a Small Town Setting

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve talked to writers before who just don’t get why I write small town settings.

“But it really limits what you can do!” and “Does anything really ever happen in small towns?” are the two comments I usually get when the topic comes up.

I’ve found, though, that it’s not limiting because a lot does happen in small towns. I grew up in one and still remember some of the shocking, soap-opera-like stories I’d overhear the grownups whispering over. You’ve never known drama until you’ve lived in a small town.

Small towns are full of secrets: When everyone knows everyone else, you feel the need to hide things that you don’t want the whole town knowing about. Realizing there’s a character with a secret and having a protagonist work to unearth it leads to natural suspense.

Small towns can set the stage for conflict: Feelings run deep in a small community because perceived slights seem personal.

Isolation: Small towns can seem, or actually be, remote. If you’re writing a book where the characters need to either feel or really be cut off from the rest of the world, a small town setting can really add that element to your story. Want Wi-Fi? Good luck.

Replicating a small town feel in a larger town setting:

I also write stories set in larger locations—no one would call Memphis a small town. But I try to replicate that small-town feel in other ways:

Limited setting: The story’s action centers around a central location with limited other scene settings. Just get rid of your wide angle lens and the panoramic city shots in your story and pull the shot in.

Presence of family and connectivity: Gathering around food, conversations in rocking chairs on porches, etc.

Recurring series characters who are warm and engaging for readers.

Do you enjoy reading or writing stories based in small town settings? What particular elements of this setting have you found interesting to work with or read?

Planning a Book

2011-12-28T17:07:00.002-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve always been somewhat allergic to the word outline. I don’t outline books unless editors ask me to.

But that doesn’t mean that I wander through a book with no direction at all. There are a couple of different things I do before and during a first draft to make the process a lot quicker: I come up with a big picture plan for the book (and write back cover copy for it), and make mini outlines for the following day so that I have an idea what I’m wanting to accomplish the next morning.

But to me, this isn’t outlining.

My teenage son and I were waiting in line at a salon for him to get his hair cut. He’s got this really shaggy hair and he really doesn’t like getting it cut because he wants it a very particular way. And he only wants Phil to cut his hair. We’ll wait for an hour to see Phil since it’s the type of place that doesn’t take appointments. Yes, I bring my manuscript with me. :)

When Phil found out I was a writer, he started playfully pretending to ask me to write a book based around his salon. The main character would be Philippe and it would involve various dramas that play out at the salon.

My son thought that zombies and a dystopian feel to the novel would be a good idea. They’ve been enthusiastically adding storylines and characters to this pretend project for the last few months. My son is reading Romeo and Juliet for school, so he’s also pulled in some characters from that play—Benvolio and Tybalt, for instance. He also thought it would be cool to include the wicked Montresor from The Cask of Amontillado.

Last Friday, while we were waiting at the salon, he said, “Mom! Can you write this story?” He was half-serious.

“Under an assumed name,” I told him. “I don’t think my readers are looking for me to write a cross between Dawn of the Dead and Romeo and Juliet with Poe thrown in for good measure!”

“How would we do it?” he asked me. “If we wanted to?”

“It’s easy,” I said. I took out my always-handy notebook and wrote cast of characters, setting, internal conflict, external conflict, climax, resolution.

He quickly named the characters and a two or three word explanation of who they were. The protagonist and antagonist got a little more explanation. He came up with a love triangle, an internal conflict when the protagonist had a choice on whether to save his mom or his girlfriend from zombies, and some other details. Phil called out some ideas, too.

“How do you want it to end?” I asked him. He devised a standoff at a mall, and I told him that had been done before. :) He created another ending that was original and pretty thrilling. “Hey,” I said, “you have to leave room for a sequel, too.” So he modified the ending again.

“How do you want it to start?” I asked. He listed a peaceful day at the salon. “Might work,” I said, “but for your readers, they might want to start off with zombies trying to break into the salon and the stylists building a barricade.”

It took about ten minutes to come up with this plan, but of course, they’d been talking about this pretend book for months. “Mom,” my son said, “I think I almost could write this book.”

“Of course you could!”

“But I thought you said you didn’t outline.”

“This isn’t an outline.” I’m sure I must have recoiled at the word. “This is brainstorming. And making a list. And a chart. This stuff can all be changed, too—you’re not locked into it.”

And somehow, when undertaking something as massive as writing a book, it’s kind of cool to see it reduced to a sheet of paper.

What sort of planning do you do before starting a new project?

Twitterific

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I enjoyed my Christmas break. :) Although I wasn’t blogging last week, I was tweeting…and here are the writing links I tweeted (in a special Monday edition of Twitterific!)

Hope you’ll have a chance to relax a little and click over to a few of these blogs…there are some great resources here.

Widen Your Reach - Know Your Audience: http://bit.ly/sijSfn @KarenCV

Why Your Book Pitch Matters (Even If You Don't Want an Agent): http://bit.ly/tXtk49 @JFBookman

A look at holiday parties in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/ubWdiu @mkinberg

85 Synonyms for "House": http://bit.ly/tDh0sg @writing_tips

Dos and Don'ts of taking a much needed break while writing for web: http://bit.ly/sCAZfw @lizstrauss

The Value of Social Media for Writers: Self-Promotion or External-Validation? http://bit.ly/tT09sY @wegrowmedia

10 Remarkable Posts That Pull Inspiration From Your Own Blog: http://bit.ly/rL3aJt @SeanPlatt

Create Creativity Pillars to Boost Your Productivity Level: http://bit.ly/vd4UKt @krissybrady

Two SF/Fantasy Predictions for 2012: http://bit.ly/vudI4Q

Open to Interpretation: http://bit.ly/uEoqAD @soulofaword

Is your novel missing a sense of time and place? http://bit.ly/rPWBQb

Perfecting our elevator pitch: http://bit.ly/ucSeLg @JohnKremer

1 writer's rewriting solution: http://bit.ly/sMbnPe

The appearance of character: http://bit.ly/vcx24k @cncbooks

Shutting the Drawer: What Happens When a Book Doesn't Sell? http://bit.ly/tgBVuw @EdanL

The truth about book publicity: http://bit.ly/viQVFu @ChuckSambuchino for @rachellegardner

Encouragement for writers: http://bit.ly/ubRfGb @byseanferrell

Distractions Can Be Used To Our Advantage: http://bit.ly/sj01Wd @krissybrady

Clothe Characters Well—Choose Words that Fit: http://bit.ly/tkSPHA @NovelEditor

Reasons Not to Self-Publish: A Fallacy is Exposed: http://bit.ly/sJGRiG @gary_author for @Jhansenwrites

Are you playing to your strengths as a writer? http://bit.ly/tgkPxp @jhansenwrites

Kindle-Proof Your Book in 7 Easy Steps: http://bit.ly/rEzoK2 @The_Millions

5 Timeless Books of Insight on Fear and the Creative Process: http://bit.ly/s29nOb @brainpicker

Critiquing: The Naughty and the Nice: http://bit.ly/shxtbA @JenBrinn

Beyond the Basics—Push the Story and Push Yourself: http://bit.ly/sF0LfB @NovelEditor

The E-Reader of Sand: The Kindle and the Inner Conflict Between Consumer and Booklover: http://bit.ly/sL4DTH @mrkocnnll

Sitting and watching: http://bit.ly/vPIaoT

What Happens to Your Manuscript in Hollywood? Coverage: http://bit.ly/vTQw6p @WriteAngleBlog

Baker & Taylor Digital Chief on Reaching Millions of Readers: http://bit.ly/tHPpoo @digibookworld

Character Development and Staying in Character: http://bit.ly/svTFj8 @billsonskinner

How to Pick an ereader This Holiday Season: http://on.mash.to/vXJ2Tk @mashable

Making Room for Readers: http://bit.ly/vmQ529 @SteveHimmer

5 writing truths: http://bit.ly/v0N94e @Ava_Jae

6 Simple Mistakes to Avoid when Creating an Online Video: http://bit.ly/s8QIJ4 @jeffbullas

How To Accomplish More By Doing Less: http://bit.ly/uD57L6 @the99percent

Rewriting: the Genre Pass: http://bit.ly/vzZ3IK @AlexSokoloff

Why Writers Must Make Themselves Easy to Contact: http://bit.ly/vljXIM @ChuckSambuchino

Does Blogging Sell Books? — 3 Marketing Strategies for Writers: http://bit.ly/vTMR1H

Foreign Rights Directors in France: The Advantages of Being Foreign: http://bit.ly/st6DT8 @pubperspectives

Character Reaction—Make Your Characters Respond: http://bit.ly/rCyOtR @NovelEditor

Google Plus: 7 Reasons Why You Should Give It A Try: http://bit.ly/uhrhMx @podjamtv

An agent on publisher rejections: http://bit.ly/uhb5Le @greyhausagency

The State of the Blogosphere 2011: http://bit.ly/w1JvHo @briansolis

Tough love and being a writer: http://bit.ly/rUqYwZ @KristenLambTX

Writing Goals: 2012 — The Herald's Call: http://bit.ly/uuoVn0 @gointothestory

Author Tech Review: The Kindle Fire: http://bit.ly/tgla0V @authortech

When self-publishing goes wrong: http://bit.ly/rTtsdk

Does Alcohol Improve Your Writing? http://slate.me/skrdXM @slatest

14 offbeat gifts for writers: http://lat.ms/s4X7GS @latimesbooks

Why showing, not telling, is so important: http://bit.ly/rNOCvp @clarissadraper

Weighing the costs of promo: http://bit.ly/vJIfBM @BevVincent

Commas and clauses: http://bit.ly/vOQWvi @EPubGuide

Hosting a blog tour successfully: http://bit.ly/txd13M @Margo_L_Dill

Screenwriting: Should you write an ensemble piece? http://bit.ly/vWNpUH @jacobkrueger

Do Intro Prologues Work? http://bit.ly/tvnO4t @Janice_Hardy

The call to action in our story: http://bit.ly/rFV1xV @TheresaStevens

Memoir writing tips: http://bit.ly/rWyC7x @mroachsmith @jeffgoins

Will publishers kill Amazon's golden goose? http://bit.ly/ufh73r @PassiveVoiceBlg

On scene length: http://bit.ly/u5qxnR @theresastevens

How to write a good sidekick: http://bit.ly/v07fVa

The destructive side of the creative community: http://bit.ly/vSQWVC @MarkChangizi for @CreativityPost

Asking why: http://bit.ly/tQoVUj @YAHighway

"Hating Amazon Is Not a Strategy" — The World Reacts As Amazon Opens a New Front in the Pricing Wars: http://bit.ly/tNwn4h @scholarlykitchn

Self-Publishing And Ebook Predictions For 2012: http://bit.ly/unm1CN @Rule17 for @thecreativepenn

Tips for making school appearances: http://bit.ly/tfzYrp @amydominy for @BlurbisaVerb

Rest breaks for writers--feeding the creative artist: http://bit.ly/tyCBcr

1 writer's free ebook experiment: http://bit.ly/vmQTOt @season4romance

The writer's voice and its possible intrusion in a story: http://bit.ly/rOsL2T @annerooney

Celebrations in Story—Marking the Special Days: http://bit.ly/t7KtGD @noveleditor

How to Use Images in Your Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/tohzkJ @themefuse

5 Clever Tactics to Get More eBook Sales Per Reader: http://bit.ly/rymH7c @skellie

How Do You Decide Which Story You Should Write? http://bit.ly/rCEoZJ @KMWeiland

Ebook pricing and traditional publishers: http://bit.ly/w1FA64

An author with an Amazon success story: http://bit.ly/umgzma @RobertBidinotto for @jenniecoughlin

A List of 32 Superhero Cliches: http://bit.ly/tVOI9V

25 Adverbs That Get an "A": http://bit.ly/tTnbmG @writing_tips

Tips for Writing a Killer Thriller, Part 3: http://bit.ly/u8YGfL @JodieRennerEd for @DPLyleMD

Traditional publishing--deciding if it's right for you: http://bit.ly/ryD4g2 @roniloren for @annerallen

Get Out of Your Own Way as a Writer: http://bit.ly/u9TOtB @storyfix

3 Ways to Borrow Kindle Ebooks: http://bit.ly/uMqQOG @PassiveVoiceBlg

Connecting with readers on Facebook, using photography: http://bit.ly/uYz2lm @lilywolf

Getting a novel right is trial and error: http://bit.ly/syVWWl @dirtywhitecandy

An agent with examples of books at the intersection of literary and mainstream: http://bit.ly/trzZDL @rachellegardner

What a blurb needs: http://bit.ly/vj5jCt @bookemdonna

Taking time to enjoy life: http://bit.ly/uGPexC @danyelleleafty

The 3 things one editor is looking for: http://bit.ly/teW4Uk

3 Steps To Cost Effective Homemade Bookplates: http://bit.ly/v0NfDz @BryanThomasS

Tips for getting acquainted with our characters: http://bit.ly/trqEI6 @jemifraser

Tips for successfully navigating self-publishing pitfalls: http://bit.ly/udgdBw @cjlyonswriter

Finding Time to Write: the Power of Small Assignments: http://bit.ly/sidtKb @CherylRWrites

Age of Amazon, author's passion, #ebook pricing--essential news: @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman: http://bit.ly/sPAJPB

Why Amazon Is The Best Strategic Player In Tech: http://onforb.es/uM1PLu @vgr for @Forbes via @Porter_Anderson's http://bit.ly/sPAJPB

Writing Children's Books: Genre Differences: http://bit.ly/tj8MSp @KarenCV

Experimenting With Serials for Fun and Profit: http://bit.ly/uXWHgL @janefriedman for @pubperspectives

Use Your Facebook Profile To Market Your Writing: http://bit.ly/uNbEJV @lisahallwilson

Career Planning for Writers: http://bit.ly/rDptSk

How to Find Community through Writing : http://bit.ly/rKdCeU @VictoriaMixon

Analysis: Amazon's 100 top-selling Kindle books of 2011: http://bit.ly/rzVfuL @bufocalvin

Indie Epub : A Beginner's To Do List: http://bit.ly/stUfHp @EPubGuide

5 Benefits of a Writing Group: http://bit.ly/stiauS @Eliz_Humphrey

Author Blogging 101: Blog Analytics: http://bit.ly/sn8CUW @JFBookman

Useful Amazon links: http://bit.ly/rMiSqM @bufocalvin

Hiveword Novel Writing Software Launched: http://bit.ly/ukwM6f @Hiveword

For literary inspiration follow @AdviceToWriters. Jon Winokur dispenses writerly wisdom of the ages.

Increasing Your Ebooks' Visibility via Ereader-Centric Blogs: http://bit.ly/sKpccW

Does your denouement murder your characters? http://bit.ly/sI595z @p2p_editor

Top books of 2011: http://bit.ly/uHZEsE @JanetBoyer

Building a Portfolio as a Freelance Writer: http://bit.ly/vjIztK @mindywrites for @AlexisGrant

Copy Edits: Curse or Blessing? http://bit.ly/tyoDxd

A 5-Minute Guide to More Persuasive Copywriting: http://bit.ly/tXg0Nd @MenwithPens for @CopyBlogger

The Design of Authorship: http://bit.ly/rTELvr @thebradking for @JaneFriedman

7 Steps to Taming Your NaNoWriMo Manuscript: http://bit.ly/vdb0or @merciaslayer

How NOT to Bore the Reader: http://bit.ly/udvo84 @LisaGailGreen

What 1 writer did to improve his writing: http://bit.ly/voWVM2 @TweetTheBook

How Editing Works for Indie Authors: http://bit.ly/vPlHMq @GoblinWriter

When Telling is Better Than Showing: http://bit.ly/vYxe6N @Janice_Hardy

4 Ways to Beat Moments of Discouragement: http://bit.ly/vjymTW @FriesenPress

Does having a contract offer in hand automatically mean an offer of representation from an agent? http://bit.ly/sJBZ05 @greyhausagency

When close calls change our priorities: http://bit.ly/u8tYwU @jan_ohara

What Make A Cozy Mystery "Cozy?" http://bit.ly/rSRqG9

When you're the only one you know who loves a particular book: http://bit.ly/rO4T5T @bookladysblog

Must every scene must be different? http://bit.ly/uwxT1B @JulietteWade

Tips for creating a story bible: http://bit.ly/vWNDHm @Suzanne_Johnson for @RoniLoren

The Only Way to Become a Real Writer: http://bit.ly/rX5evx @JeffGoins

1 writer with a game plan for depressive writers: http://bit.ly/ur35Z5 @NovelRocket

How To Speed Through Your Novel's Second Draft Like A Concert Pianist: http://bit.ly/sKZAkT @OllinMorales

6 Steps to a Loyal Blog Following: http://bit.ly/ugC6LD @ShariLopatin

4 ways to kill narrative drive: http://bit.ly/utJgtN @jammer0501

A Review of Book Recommendation Websites: http://bit.ly/vjZ7cw @bookriot

How 1 Writer's Idea Morphed into a Published Book: http://bit.ly/w4COIP @kapkaful

Amazon is (Not) the Devil: http://bit.ly/v543Ul @selfpubreview

Screenwriter John August Describes His Writing Universe: http://bit.ly/tNmmDl @ChandlerWrites #screenwriting

Building buzz for your favorite books and authors: http://bit.ly/t0SwYw @KristinHalbrook

5 writing truths: http://bit.ly/vA8HGQ @Ava_Jae

eBook Exclusivity — A Good or Bad Idea? http://bit.ly/vuYkuZ

3 types of boring writing and the cures for them: http://bit.ly/vF7WXj @sarahahoyt

Writer's Digest's 18 most popular posts of 2011: http://bit.ly/tjTioA @BrianKlems for @writersdigest

How to break up long stretches of dialogue: http://bit.ly/vyvlTQ @write_practice

An agent explains what he means by real stories and real char's: http://bit.ly/uCvG3A @greyhausagency

Satire's New Golden Age: http://bit.ly/urz37v

Create a manuscript template: http://bit.ly/uiCVEH @JHansenwrites

How To Drive Yourself Crazy as a Writer: http://bit.ly/skithI @JodyHedlund

Dear Book Biz Santa: http://bit.ly/vgBZmX @MJRose

Can publishers and customers meet on ebook pricing? http://bit.ly/taLdtn @PassiveVoiceBlg

3 Things to Consider When Writing Teen Romance: http://bit.ly/tUo8ya @Kody_Keplinger for @Janice_Hardy

Writing Lessons from a Red-Nosed Reindeer: http://bit.ly/vi182i @DIYMFA

Got a new Kindle? Here's the most important thing to know: http://bit.ly/uCjzKz @bufocalvin

Twitterific

2011-12-18T00:02:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

In recent news, my writing and computer programming friend Mike Fleming has launched his Hiveword Novel Writing Software. To check out what it’s all about,just click here.

I’ve also released another backlist Myrtle Clover title to ebook. A Dyeing Shame is available on Kindle and Nook for $2.99.

*******Happy holidays to all! I’m going to have a weeklong blocation to celebrate Christmas with my family. I’ll be back with the next Twitterific roundup a day later than usual…Monday, Dec. 26. *******

A useful resource for describing settings, emotions, shapes, textures, and more: http://bit.ly/eIGRMO @AngelaAckerman

A free directory of ebook pros--for covers, editing, formatting, & more: http://tinyurl.com/3mxg5zt

How Much Do We Want To Be Paid Tomorrow? http://bit.ly/w2CbU3 @DavidGaughran

How Not to Blog: Beginning Blogging for Authors: http://bit.ly/snBAQV @AnneRAllen

10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Dialogue: http://bit.ly/sgtq28 @aliventures

A flawed vs. an unlikeable character: http://bit.ly/tOtYwr @JulieMusil for @lisagailgreen

The 12 Most Dangerous Words for Writers: http://bit.ly/tFwCW2 @Kim_Wright_W

9 Steps to a Daily Blogging Schedule: http://bit.ly/rwOUzF @ytravelblog

Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Writing or Get Published in 2012: http://bit.ly/rFLJSG

The New World of Publishing: The Big Hurry: http://bit.ly/txtJUu @DeanWesleySmith

How to Use an Outline to Write a First Draft: http://bit.ly/rDaWKu @writersdigest

5 Dialogue Mistakes You Can Fix Right Now: http://bit.ly/vvgLwi @ashleymarch34 for @RoniLoren

A Writer's Christmas Carol: The Ghosts that Haunt Us: http://bit.ly/skVUJr @fuelyourwriting

8 Writing Techniques to Win You a Pulitzer: http://bit.ly/sTdN6T @JaneFriedman

5 Places to Find New Article-Writing Ideas: http://bit.ly/vE5Hl8 @KrissyBrady for @writeitsideways

1 writer's tips for self-publishing: http://bit.ly/v1AjfZ @nicolamorgan

Character name use--when introducing characters & during dialogue: http://bit.ly/s9lzEI @KeliGwyn

Is "it's a Wonderful Life" really a YA novel? http://bit.ly/rWD6r4 @LauraPauling

Holiday gifts for writers: http://bit.ly/soMfve & http://bit.ly/v49mT9 @thewritermama @HowToWriteShop

The trap of social media noise: http://bit.ly/tyQynt @thisissethsblog

How to Find Gratitude through Writing: http://bit.ly/tKhc6a @VictoriaMixon

Why we should avoid auto-DMs and pleas to check out our blog: http://bit.ly/t0h7lV @alexisgrant

How a Shift in Your Vocabulary Can Instantly Change Your Attitude: http://bit.ly/vEmEFP @michaelhyatt

Is There Life After Plagiarism? Not For Journalist Stephen Glass: http://bit.ly/uRK9Dk @elanazak for @10000Words

A Key Attribute for Strong Novel Writing That's Often Overlooked: http://bit.ly/sXe7ui @wendypmiller

An example of outlining (using "Ghostbusters"): http://bit.ly/scK7Zo

New Year's Resolutions for Marketing Your Book: Say Yes to New Things: http://bit.ly/vE4b51 @ZimblerMiller

Tips for writing queries: http://bit.ly/sgcOkk @billsonskinner

4 tools for breaking your blogging writer's block: http://bit.ly/s79frp @smexaminer

What makes a SF/F work a classic? http://bit.ly/tj7uzw @BlackGateDotCom

Suspension of disbelief: http://bit.ly/sOhhRI @Scalzi

Worldbuilding With Horses: Ramifications: http://bit.ly/vJF8iT @dancinghorse

How to think creatively: http://bit.ly/rNoiMT @TonySchwartz for @HarvardBiz

Put Adjectives in Their Place: http://bit.ly/vveVi7 @writing_tips

1st person or 3rd? How to decide point of view: http://bit.ly/vWAw2w @dirtywhitecandy

Tips for writing strong heroines: http://bit.ly/vBzSWV @BryanThomasS

Social Bookmarking 101 for Authors: http://bit.ly/sl1TNs @curiosityquills

An agent on the meaning of persistence: http://bit.ly/uY2c4W @rachellegardner

1 Bookseller's Modest Proposal: Amazon Pay Bookstores an Affiliate Fee: http://bit.ly/ubHc3z @Rachelrooo for @pubperspectives

Travel Writing: Shaping Experience Into Stories: http://bit.ly/uBEpHP @BTMargins

Sleeper Hits from Big Houses: http://bit.ly/sPFgOP @DeahlsDeals for @PublishersWkly

10 Ways To Help Boost Your Confidence as a Writer: http://bit.ly/rFW1pQ @OllinMorales

It takes more than a question mark to make a question: http://bit.ly/sSAxjP @TheresaStevens

6 Steps to Building Your Creative Endurance: http://bit.ly/vNBmou @EnduranceLeader

Movies about Writers and Writing: http://bit.ly/vkmPrM

How to Hook a Reader and Never Let Go: http://bit.ly/sRtiOz @KristenLambTX

Archetype vs. Prototype: http://bit.ly/shEEfr @writing_tips

The Indie Bookstore in the Amazon Age: http://bit.ly/w3qU6G

10 Writing Skills Worth Practice: http://bit.ly/v61VLH @CherylRWrites

5 Steps to Transform Meals into Writing Experiences: http://bit.ly/sGztOb @diannej for @writersdigest

7 Lessons In Self-Publishing 1 Writer Learned in 7th Grade: http://bit.ly/vcphLJ @mainakdhar

The Rule of 3 in Writing: http://bit.ly/rv0k90 @authorterryo

4 Ways Inspiration Helps You Beat Writer's Block: http://bit.ly/ruxffJ @writersdigest

Writing male point of view: http://bit.ly/uCVc9g @JulietteWade

5 Steps to Meeting Self-Imposed Deadlines: http://bit.ly/vR2vsP @on_creativity

Hitting the Reset Button When Life Kicks Your Creative Keister: http://bit.ly/syJexp @Jhansenwrites

How To Prolong Your Book's Exposure: http://bit.ly/rqS0gf @JodyHedlund

3 Reasons Why You Should Be a Formulaic Blogger: http://bit.ly/tvcHvD @aliventures

Questions to ask yourself about your plot while you revise: http://bit.ly/sPhq2D @DeeScribe

Paying authors more might be the best economics for publishers in the long run: http://bit.ly/vbO0KE @MikeShatzkin

50 Simple Ways to Build Your Platform in 5 Minutes a Day: http://bit.ly/sTO0GA @BrianKlems for @writersdigest

Quality is the new gatekeeper: how ebooks have changed 1 woman's reading: http://bit.ly/rujZKC

10 Marketing Strategies All Writers Should Consider: http://bit.ly/sg4VjU @ajackwriting

Storyboarding Timelines: http://bit.ly/vljLG5 @RavenRequiem13

Explaining sample chapter submission: http://bit.ly/siD3bk @BrianKlems for @writersdigest

Zombies aren't characters in a story. What zombies are: http://bit.ly/vZc3LT @PatrickFreivald for @hartjohnson

10 reasons 1 writer can't write right now: http://bit.ly/s8icu8 @ElspethWrites

Cheap Kindle Textbooks for Mystery Writers: http://bit.ly/umJs21 @ClarissaDraper #reference

How to take criticism: http://bit.ly/v88M9a @TheCreativePenn

Make time for writing by making lists: http://bit.ly/vEos8v @AmySueNathan for @BTMargins

Exceptions in the Rules of Hyphenation: http://bit.ly/tQzrju @writing_tips

The Inevitable Identity Crisis That Happens After Publication: http://bit.ly/rNL0yd @JodyHedlund

Making Bad Characters Good: http://bit.ly/sCRvst @elixing for @4kidlit

Google+: Do Writers Need It? http://bit.ly/rAMcv4 @JFBookman

The Black Art of Debut Novel Promotion: http://bit.ly/uFzhhN @cischafer

Platform for non-fiction writers: http://bit.ly/uXyBUm @RachelleGardner

Freelancers: Softening the Blow of Rejection: http://bit.ly/uCKQxZ @KrissyBrady

Is KDP a good deal for self-publishers? http://bit.ly/t4w5WT @rule17

Setting a Word doc for 25 lines a page: http://bit.ly/v2LcvK @jhansenwrites

How Social Media Can Change Your Life: http://bit.ly/tkLtDd @JaneFriedman

Tips On Responding to Public Criticism (Inspired by Steve Jobs): http://bit.ly/rTJrJr @lkblackburne

The difference between writing a play, screenplay, & novel: http://bit.ly/sNj8vh @authorterryo

Including a romantic subplot in crime fiction series: http://bit.ly/tnz0oW @mkinberg

Using history to inspire: lessons from Attila: http://bit.ly/uFbQ6p @GeneLempp

1 agent's newbie mistakes: http://bit.ly/rORxaG @SaraMegibow

Obstacles to being traditionally published: http://bit.ly/rGLOyJ @nicolamorgan

New Book Discovery Tool Offers Groupon-Style Deals: http://bit.ly/u4G2Cs @Readuxreads for @pubperspectives

3 reasons most aspiring authors will never write books: http://bit.ly/tjwCYN @KarenCV

Easy Ways to Keep Up with Publishing News in 2012: http://bit.ly/vycUtE

How Can Superheroes Maintain a Day Job? http://bit.ly/t8auX0

Follow the market or follow your heart? http://bit.ly/us5Wj3 @RachelleGardner

Moms in Fantasy: Beyond the Stereotypes: http://bit.ly/tf3ttH @AmyJRoseDavis for @FantasyFaction

Customer vs. Client: http://bit.ly/tUoeY9 @writing_tips

Temporary triumphs: http://bit.ly/rZLcXe @Mommy_Authors

Only a small percentage of authors sell through. What's the solution? http://bit.ly/vrJUjj @LauraPauling

The Case of the $0.49 Print Book: http://bit.ly/vhy04r @JFBookman

One Hour of Daily To-Dos: http://bit.ly/uHV3K0 @watched1

Story Threads—Tie the Elements Together: http://bit.ly/uFMSTL @NovelEditor

Hints that you have too much dialogue and helpful fixes: http://bit.ly/vPLCmE @NovelEditor

Weed Out Author Intrusion: http://bit.ly/uZrKBn @NovelEditor

Freelance writing work--the possibilities: http://bit.ly/rXhFdI @KarenCV

Pearson Education Extends Scope of Permissions Licenses: http://bit.ly/sFdj2K @VictoriaStrauss

1 writer's Undercover Soundtrack: http://bit.ly/sgt159 @byRozMorris

The enjoyment of fantasy--how and why readers read it: http://bit.ly/v81bsj @Fell_Gard

Character Motivations versus Plot Motivations: http://bit.ly/w00Ph5 @JulietteWade

3 critical ways to shuck off the negative & boost fortitude as writers: http://bit.ly/uxkFWJ @angelaackerman @Janice_Hardy

Easy Goal Setting for Your New Blog: http://bit.ly/tlTNod @ABasanti

Do your secondary characters have lives of their own? http://bit.ly/voeCSJ @HP4Writers

Tips for successful plotting: http://bit.ly/uTdD7U @lynnettelabelle

Ways to regain or retain our enthusiasm for writing: http://bit.ly/ujB4dy @JulieMusil

How much does a 99c ebook cost on Amazon? http://bit.ly/uKGpl2 @EPubGuide

What To Cut Out Of Your Story: http://bit.ly/uDqvqQ @ollinmorales

Correct use of ellipses: http://bit.ly/tZn2NM @write_practice

An editor reminds us to keep writing through our blocks: http://bit.ly/uxrR2N @behlerpublish

1 writers 5 ways of dealing with reviews: http://bit.ly/tOlRfB @LadyGlamis

1 writer's top tip for querying: http://bit.ly/rKECLn @RoniLoren

Screenwriting --Script To Screen: "Up": http://bit.ly/vfQEvc @GoIntoTheStory

Twitter by Post: http://bit.ly/uxKxG5 @gilest for @themorningnews

Ins and outs and dos and don'ts of Twitter: http://bit.ly/uzQmRk @SeanPlatt

How many times should you query the same agent with different projects? An agent answers: http://bit.ly/un94NO @greyhausagency

Tips for querying bloggers for guest posts: http://bit.ly/txsEht @KSElliott_Shark

When Critique Goes Wrong: Crit Group Calamities: http://bit.ly/vPNAzl @Janice_Hardy for @LauraPepWu

Core Character Values: Finding the Moral Compass: http://bit.ly/v6mB69 @HowToWriteShop

Writing Shouldn't Be a Solitary Activity: http://bit.ly/uVZ1GQ

1 editor's process for determining story order in his anthology: http://bit.ly/taqsCV @martyhalpern for @madhatterreview

Why Steampunk (still) Matters: http://bit.ly/toaBOF

SF for MFAs: http://bit.ly/svH7z8 @sonewpublishing

Why You Should Never Write Like You Talk: http://bit.ly/uK4GpO @menwithpens

Villains: Evil and Otherness: http://bit.ly/rpUFiK @DeborahJRoss

Amazon's Jungle Logic: http://nyti.ms/uKUYS6 Richard Russo for @nytimes

An online tool to help you organize your novel: http://litlift.com/ @litlift

2012 Events for the Screenwriter: http://bit.ly/txIRZd @scriptmag

Why you won't go to hell for putting two spaces after a sentence: http://bit.ly/rMBaeC @shunn

Increase Your Story's Suspense With Breadcrumbs: http://bit.ly/rSL1eQ @KMWeiland

5 Easy Fixes for the Most Common Twitter Faux Pas: http://bit.ly/vsb7gv @hubspot

10 Ways to Conjure Up a Viral Blog Post Title: http://bit.ly/sYNcE0 @catseyewriter

O. Henry, Criminal and Crime Writer: http://bit.ly/vn5EQ8 @crimehq

Tips for writing plot twists and laying clues: http://bit.ly/utWEAL @LisaGailGreen

A tip for making characters real for readers: http://bit.ly/vaUpmc @VeronicaRoth

The 10 Least Thrilling Thriller Clichés: http://bit.ly/vAGw3o @crimehq

Amazon vs. The Shop Around the Corner: http://bit.ly/tMJz7s @harriet_poetry

Has the Price of E-Books Really Increased? http://bit.ly/vcgAcL @JDGsaid

Tips for novel pacing: http://bit.ly/rZDLfp

Finding balance within our writing: http://bit.ly/vlDss7 @billsonskinner

On pricing ebooks: http://bit.ly/tBbuYv @JamiGold

Tips for Writing a Killer Thriller: http://bit.ly/tF5c5S @JodieRennerEd

Letting Go In Order to Write: http://bit.ly/v3f6Zk @EllenByerrum

Slate Mag w/ a controversial post: Don't Support Your Local Bookseller: http://slate.me/rvWB22 @fmanjoo

Who Am I Today? Managing the Writer's Many Online Personae: http://bit.ly/sSRRlp @GeoffreyCubbage

Top links this week for writers: http://bit.ly/sazH8x @4KidLit

Starting Small Is Better Than Not Starting At All: http://bit.ly/sY9OXS @krissybrady

Introducing magical elements into our story: http://bit.ly/rs62RI @HP4Writers

Free ebook of writing prompts: http://bit.ly/v0QmRP @JoeBunting

Kindle sales top 1 million for third week in a row: fhttp://bit.ly/uTsLeq @PassiveVoiceBlg

Writing Plot Twists and Laying Clues

2011-12-15T21:16:00.001-05:00

Hope you’ll pop over and join me today at paranormal and fantasy writer Lisa Gail Green’s blog, Paranormal Point of View.

I’m talking a little about creating plot twists and laying clues in our story. And Lisa’s blog is a great place to visit—she always has interesting posts for writers. Hope you’ll come by!

Easy Ways to Keep Up with Publishing News in 2012

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Keeping up with publishing news in, let’s say, 2000 wasn’t particularly interesting. I know I wasn’t paying attention to it. I wonder how many people were.

But today, keeping an eye on publishing is important for every writer considering publication. Actually, I think it’s important for readers, too, if they’re interested in the health of their local bookstore chain or whether they should invest in an eReader.

Luckily, there are some great sites to help us keep up with it all and to help us disseminate the information we receive. That’s a good thing, because it’s all changing so quickly.

Publishing news and analysis

eBookNewser

Jane Friedman’s blog, in particular Porter Anderson’s Thursday segment, Writing on the Ether

TeleRead

Publishing Perspectives

Publishers Lunch

Blogs that weigh in on e-publishing vs. traditional

Joe Konrath’s blog (A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing)
Dean Wesley Smith
The Business Rusch (Kristine Kathryn Rusch)
David Gaughran—Let’s Get Digital
The Shatzkin Files (Mike Shatzkin)

Help sorting out legal ramifications of these changes in publishing:

Passive Voice Blog

These are just a few great sites…there are many more out there. Want to add to my list? Or, what are your thoughts on the rapidly changing publishing world? (I think it’s a great time to be a writer.)

Inexpensive Ways to Improve Your Writing or Get Published in 2012

2011-12-12T00:01:00.003-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I was speaking to a lady the other day who is an aspiring author. She has been researching ways of improving her writing, but told me that everything seemed so expensive—the classes, the conferences, etc.

It could be expensive to improve our writing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some cheap ways to improve our writing in 2012:

Of course, there are books to buy and magazines to read. There are excellent ones out there, actually. See if your local library has any books on how to write. It doesn’t matter if the book is ten years old or not—good writing is good writing. Many libraries also carry Writer’s Digest or Poets and Writers. Cost of a library book (that’s not overdue)=free

Learn what areas you need to improve. Probably the best way to do this is by sharing your work. I know this is tough for some. I think it’s easier to share with strangers, personally. There are plenty of online critique groups that can match you with writers of similar genres. Check out writer Clarissa Draper’s excellent list of critique groups (or her own match-up program). Cost=varies, but there are many crit group programs that are free.

Once you know what you need to improve, you can easily find resources online to help you improve. I compile the best writing-related links that I can find each week and they are sent to the Writer’s Knowledge Base where they’re searchable for free. So, if you realize you have trouble with transitions, if your book has a saggy middle, if you have trouble with point of view (POV), then you can search the WKB for those terms and find hundreds of articles on those topics. Cost=free.

Buy some inexpensive notebooks and try writing different places and at different times if you can’t seem to fit writing into your day. Make it portable…index cards for those minutes waiting at the dentist’s office. Small notebooks for your briefcase or purse. Cost= a few dollars.

Try online writing classes. I know I don’t talk much about classes on the blog, but I took five or six of them when I was starting out with my first book. I found them very helpful. I could choose the topic I needed help with, the instructors gave homework which I submitted for critique, and I got real feedback. Now, obviously, you can end up with a crummy instructor, so I’d check and see how many classes the writer has taught---or go through an organization like the Romance Writers of America.

I’ve found their classes are excellent and frequently aren’t limited to romance (clearly, since I don’t write it!) You can pay via PayPal and email back and forth. It’s very simple. What’s more, their classes are dirt cheap, compared to other venues. At a glance on their upcoming calendar (click on the link and scroll down) I see classes for using backstory effectively, writing steampunk mysteries, creating a web presence, writing synopses, weapons, queries, and more. Cost= $25-$30.

Free help pursuing the traditional publishing route. Have you got a book that you’re ready to query? Here are a couple of sites to help you screen prospects: AgentQuery (which can help you find an agent who represents your genre) and Preditors and Editors which help you eliminate agents and editors and “publishers” who prey on writers. Cost= free.

The low cost of e-publishing. You can upload your books to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords for free. Your only costs should be for a cover design (which you come up with independently), a freelance editor (if your book hasn’t been proofread), and someone to help you with formatting for epub and mobi (if you can’t do it yourself.) For a list of epublishing professionals, check out my spreadsheet of cover designers, formatters, and freelance editors. Cost= varies for cover artists and freelancers. The publishing process itself is free.

Reading our genre. One of the best ways for us to improve our writing is by reading the genre that we want to write. Cost of a library book= free.

And, of course, the more we write, the better we get. I’m trying to fit in more writing….and reading…time for 2012. What are some ways you’re planning to invest in your writing next year?

I've also given a holiday interview to Diane Morasco at Blogcritics. Thanks to Diane for hosting me.

Twitterific

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

In recent news, my writing and computer programming friend Mike Fleming has launched his Hiveword Novel Writing Software. To check out what it’s all about,just click here.

I’ve also released another backlist Myrtle Clover title to ebook. A Dyeing Shame is available on Kindle and Nook for $2.99.

Controversies Surrounding Ebooks in Libraries: http://bit.ly/rtVhSV @PassiveVoiceBlg

How Nook could lose 1 writer as a customer: http://bit.ly/vbFTY6 @shaunduke

Teen-Lit Queen Takes Up Book Packaging: http://buswk.co/uwR7qc @dianebrady

Character Trait Entry: Responsible: http://bit.ly/tKgvJC @AngelaAckerman

Are your characters 'beginning' or 'starting' activities too frequently? http://bit.ly/uWWU7e

A weekly roundup of links for historical writers: http://bit.ly/tdPBZZ @2nerdyhistgirls

Tips for the sick writer: http://norabpeevy.blogspot.com/2011/12/tips-for-sick-writer.html @NoraBPeevy

Tips for the sick writer: http://bit.ly/vqdIWN @NoraBPeevy

Want to be a screenwriter? Don't waste time on gimmicks: http://bit.ly/tRxDUI @scriptmag

Writing for Middle Grades: Being age appropriate: http://bit.ly/usn82H @authorajhartley

Choosing publications to query: http://bit.ly/vh4Gxa @robertleebrewer

Keeping It Real in Sci-Fi: http://slate.me/vXHVUe @zonal

The Myths of the Overworked Creative(video): http://bit.ly/ttbGHc @tonyschwartz

4 Ways to Move Beyond Discouragement in Your Author Career: http://bit.ly/sTPEO8 @bethbookcoach

What's different about crime fiction marketing: http://bit.ly/w0E8CK @erinfaye

For literary inspiration follow @AdviceToWriters. Jon Winokur dispenses writerly wisdom of the ages.

A useful resource for describing settings, emotions, shapes, textures, and more: http://bit.ly/eIGRMO @AngelaAckerman

The structure of a short story: http://bit.ly/ugD0fU @sarahahoyt

How to Use Uncertainty to Fuel Your Writing: http://bit.ly/rQLOXC @krissybrady

5 SF&F Novel Series That Should Come to TV: http://bit.ly/uijkCj @gammasquad

40 Inspiring Quotes About Reading From Writers: http://bit.ly/vnG2zE @flavorpill

Considerations when deciding between writing a memoir, novel, or fictionalized memoir: http://bit.ly/stKyKJ @DirtyWhiteCandy

The long road to a surprise best seller: http://bit.ly/shBgEg @AlexJCavanaugh

How dialogue can help readers know our characters: http://bit.ly/s24ZLB & http://bit.ly/vlux9y @mkinberg

How to blog: A Beginner's Guide for Authors: http://bit.ly/sWKGl6 @AnneRAllen

How to Create Another Day a Week Just for Blogging: http://bit.ly/v2vzHT @problogger

Your Book Trailer as Calling Card: http://bit.ly/rXu4gO @dataylor1

Character Development — Secret, Wall, Loss, Desire: http://bit.ly/rudOG7

What To Do When Your WIP Turns Against You: http://bit.ly/vKtZF1 @cjredwine

Making choices between fight or flight: http://bit.ly/rwt1dD @victoriamixon

An agent's tips for breaking into publishing: http://bit.ly/t3eWBj @RachelleGardner

The New World of Publishing: Why Bad Agent Information Gets Taught: http://bit.ly/uFQWrY @DeanWesleySmith

Know your netiquette: http://bit.ly/uVIO2O @roniekendig

5 Prompt Websites to Fill Your Creative Writing Well: http://bit.ly/tOeb5p @krissybrady

50 Diminutive Suffixes (and a Cute Little Prefix): http://bit.ly/teyXJ6 @writing_tips

Turning Self-Publishing Into Self-Employed: http://bit.ly/rwv1Rv @TweetTheBook

Build Your Platform Tip #2 Get Other Authors to Work for You: http://bit.ly/uHromD @kathilipp

10 Holiday Themed Science Fiction And Fantasy Stories: http://bit.ly/tB9fnj @BryanThomasS

5 tips for your LinkedIn profile: http://bit.ly/vLww6L @fuelyourwriting

Faltering Dialogue Punctuated: http://bit.ly/tCIx4D @KeliGwyn

Organize Your Writing Life: Ask Santa for a 2012 Planner: http://bit.ly/uxMI0L @KrissyBrady

Want to have a LinkedIn profile as a writer? A guide: http://bit.ly/ujcY9J @jhansenwrites

5 Major Turning Points on the Road to Finishing a Book: http://bit.ly/uQcBZl @writeabook

Enduring through writing's slow growth periods: http://bit.ly/tBIYzp @ollinmorales

'Clean Slate' Blogging: How to Write a Post Your Readers Will Remember: http://bit.ly/rJ8JQQ @catseyewriter

3 Ways to Work Through a Difficult First Draft: http://bit.ly/v2Z3hY @writeitsideways

4 steps for untangling plot threads: http://bit.ly/sImiPR @bluemaven

Is Your Novel a Spineless Weakling? http://bit.ly/u7hTKE @KristenLambTX

How to Make a Secret Door in Your Bookcase: http://bit.ly/sWBNUs @GalleyCat

3 post-NaNo articles on revision: http://bit.ly/4wP2Rc , http://bit.ly/4Xjyuc , http://bit.ly/5vqbuj @p2p_editor

5 Secrets “Miracle on 34th Street” Can Teach You About Persuasive Writing: http://bit.ly/sp3M0p @Copyblogger

A complete guide to Word's Track Changes for writers: http://bit.ly/sajUIh @Jhansenwrites

What Good Salespeople Know That Writers Should: http://bit.ly/s6SGqO @joannetombrakos for @janefriedman

Tightening your plot by layering: http://bit.ly/syX6fW @JulietteWade

The Ugly Truth About Consumer Book Reviews: http://huff.to/sTM9O4 @tglong for @IndieReader

Publishing, from a bookseller's perspective: http://bit.ly/vdSz6q

5 Reasons Not to Criticize First Drafts: http://bit.ly/txAXYB @mgherron

How to Network Without Networking: http://bit.ly/t01rM3 @nathanbransford

Tips on writing about another culture: http://bit.ly/rVPkGs @Holly_S_Warah

What to Do With Contradictory Feedback (And 2 Star Reviews): http://bit.ly/uLzK3F @JodyHedlund

Who, Which, That—or, How Not to Ruin a Sentence: http://bit.ly/v8JQSw @write_practice

How to Make Your Writing More Visible Online: http://bit.ly/v7eeOh @galleycat

Into vs. In To: http://bit.ly/uAWluM @BrianKlems

Get help: http://bit.ly/rKbpGi @writenowcoach

Should You Write Your Second Book First? http://bit.ly/vMiahZ @RedTashBooks for @DavidGaughran

How to Get the Most out of a Writers' Conference: http://bit.ly/tvxb6v @CAMorganti

12 Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking: http://bit.ly/vOG1SF @MichaelMichalko

Writing to genre: http://bit.ly/rQuIqS @TheresaStevens

How to Make the Most of a Scene: http://bit.ly/t2jYMY @JamiGold

The Self-Published Author as the Self-Employed Author: http://bit.ly/tPJguD @PassiveVoiceBlg

Active versus Static Backstory and Description: http://bit.ly/s6nfgs @4kidlit

Write with authenticity: http://bit.ly/syIlno @JulieMusil

Will Packaging Save Print Books? http://bit.ly/t9ArsC @diannadilworth

Bookstore terms, shelf location, signings---from a bookseller's POV: http://bit.ly/su3o50

A dramatic change in backlist for authors: http://bit.ly/sMI6AT @bob_mayer

How to confront the fear of public speaking: http://bit.ly/vr37lY @Janefriedman @antiquityoaks

The new publisher: http://bit.ly/vmyhAF @pubperspectives

5 Reasons to Shed the Genius Within: http://bit.ly/vgBlda @LyndaRYoung

An analysis on 1 writer's ebook pricing experiment: http://bit.ly/u9sS2z @ElleLothlorien for @JAKonrath

Music's influence on @nicolamorgan 's writing: http://bit.ly/uuH6S2 @byrozmorris

Confidence Matters Just as Much as Ability: http://bit.ly/vCVN1X @creativitypost

Writing Predators: http://bit.ly/vmPXDj @WriteAngleBlog

5 More Tips for Cleaning Up Your Writing Right Now: http://bit.ly/v59sA2 @writing_tips

Writers, are you making these 25 financial mistakes? Advice from the profane & brilliant @ChuckWendig: http://bit.ly/vq1i5W

3 Ways to Get Out of a Blogging Slump: http://bit.ly/rIS1Of @urbanmusewriter

What Hunter S. Thompson Can Teach You About Powerful : http://bit.ly/sfKUl2 @junhax

Are publishers putting the squeeze on book bloggers? http://bit.ly/tukLgO @alisonflood

6 Questions NOT to Ask a Writer: http://bit.ly/uup3F0 @elspethwrites

30 Holiday Gifts For Journalists: http://bit.ly/uCgBGL @10000words

The 5 Biggest Mistakes in Writing Scenes: http://bit.ly/s94xKx

Why Only Focusing On Your "Target" Audience May Hurt You: http://bit.ly/rX1iU7 @RoniLoren

5 things new self-publishers should know: http://bit.ly/tCl5WE @cathryanhoward

How Much Time Should Writers Devote to Social Media? http://bit.ly/sJ1Qse @JodyHedlund

5 reasons the queries received by 1 editor have been disappointing: http://bit.ly/slxJo2

Online resources for finding character names: http://bit.ly/vydQOq @tn_tobias

When the Reader Becomes the Enemy: Lessons from Pottermore: http://bit.ly/sDDsie @JamiGold for @HP4Writers

Mobile Barcode Advice for Writers: http://bit.ly/tbILie @GalleyCat

2012 Events for the Screenwriter: http://bit.ly/txIRZd @scriptmag

How Much Should You Explain in a Story's Beginning? http://bit.ly/sfJaBB @KMWeiland

Formulae for Success in Publishing: http://bit.ly/rYAOpd

Charles Dickens' Plan Sheets: http://bit.ly/tP2p9u @wolferiver

How to Bring Your Characters Into Focus: http://bit.ly/rK9xHq @2KoP for @Writeitsideways

Creating a Facebook Fan Page for Marketing — 1 Author's Experience: http://bit.ly/t4S8Rx @GoblinWriter

Tips for Dividing Your Novel for Serialization: http://bit.ly/uwfJ6X @dirtywhitecandy for @TuesdaySerial

How To Make Traditional Publishing Writer Friendly: http://bit.ly/sz5Ozv @KristineRusch

UK Publishers Seek 'Most Thrilling Outcome for Readers and Writers': http://bit.ly/uUbw2B @pubperspectives

On writing programs and processes: http://bit.ly/uOMJZw @kalayna

Tips for keeping your writing sanity: http://bit.ly/tZFUTC @YAHighway

Amazon Creates $6M Fund For Books Available In Lending Library: http://bit.ly/tJ01fs @GalleyCat

The emotional cycle for writing: http://bit.ly/s4P0ir @CherylRWrites

Independent Children's Publishing in France: Inspired, International, Ingenious: http://bit.ly/vd67gA @oliviasnaije for @pubperspectives

Sharing our work: http://bit.ly/rtOhuu

FutureBook con,kids & Kindles, ebook pricing & more industry news from @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman: http://bit.ly/u6KXZ8

What it means to be an artisan writer: http://bit.ly/tbnsqJ @camillelaguire

Your Writing Goals: DARE to Reach Them: http://bit.ly/v6B7rz @KWrites2

What Happens to Your Manuscript in Hollywood? Part One: Solicitation: http://bit.ly/rGk7Q4 @RSMellette

Why 1 writer is joining Amazon's KDP Select: http://bit.ly/tVRDjk @TweetTheBook

9 things about writing: http://bit.ly/vChWPI @tobywneal

Developing a business plan for our writing: http://bit.ly/uAzsWH @rileymagnus for @JFBookman

The Big Mistake of Author Websites and Blogs: http://bit.ly/uIxnIW @JaneFriedman

Self-Publishing And The Definition Of An Indie Author: http://bit.ly/vaQDdJ @TheCreativePenn

Writer Beware: The Fine Print of Amazon's New KDP Select Program: http://bit.ly/rvedN3 @Victoria Strauss

Explore different platforms as a writer: http://bit.ly/vq7OGS @thewritermama

How to Write an Irresistible Blog Bio: http://bit.ly/trsDtO @catseyewriter

A Couple of Notes About "Couple": http://bit.ly/v3ifZ0 @writing_tips

All Work and No Play Makes A Dull Writer: http://bit.ly/ska4YO @gillespiekarin

Guilt Free Writing Time: http://bit.ly/vdsywn @BretBallou

A Quick-Start Guide to Teaching Yourself Creative Software: http://bit.ly/vmPSf3 @the99percent

On critiques: http://bit.ly/vwLgkB @CSLakin for @KMWeiland

The Friendship of Arthur Conan Doyle & Harry Houdini (& its influence on Doyle): http://bit.ly/vfIMB7 @brainpicker via @Porter_Anderson

Amazon Book Review Policy Explained: http://bit.ly/umKOH1 @GalleyCat

Understanding POV: http://bit.ly/ugVIde @C_Herringshaw

Why an editor might decline an editing job: http://bit.ly/tA3IuZ

How to create great content for your blog: http://bit.ly/uBXN3g @jammer0501

Barnes & Noble Has Shipped One Million Nook Tablets, Industry Report States: http://tcrn.ch/uxsAo3 @mjburnsy

St. Martin's Press Defends Lenore Hart Against Plagiarism Charges: http://bit.ly/vn0BNK @GalleyCat

Write Your Screenplay: Don't Run From Cliché: http://bit.ly/v2z0ow @jacobkrueger

Know the goal of your marketing plan: http://bit.ly/t7tIzi

Fighting an Invisible Enemy: Accepting Feedback: http://bit.ly/uQCrdC @EDFsChronicles

9 Habits of Extraordinary Blogs: http://bit.ly/sgHhEr @fluencymedia

Invest in yourself: http://bit.ly/uJXctK @sharonbially

Real life diagnostics on character likeability: http://bit.ly/rtt5TS @Janice_Hardy

Tips for hosting guest bloggers on your blog: http://bit.ly/ttpwds @KSElliott_Shark

What 1 poet has learned about self-publishing: http://bit.ly/uI8BWq @robertleebrewer

The Latest Best Argument Against Perfectionism: http://bit.ly/uu6EvT

The romantic fantasy and fantasy romance subgenres: http://bit.ly/tJ4V6K @FantasyFaction

Top 10 ways to promote your virtual book tour: http://bit.ly/rEYL7L @BookMarketer

An introduction to fan fiction: http://bit.ly/u4gTDg @Kerrie_Flanagan

Quick and Dirty Calculation of Break Even As a Result of Promotional Costs—by Eduardo R. Casas

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Ed Casas for guest posting today and covering a topic I know very little about! Thanks to Ed for developing a formula for finding it out.

BY EDUARDO R CASAS
Below is a simple way to calculate how many books one has to sell to recover the promotional costs ( or any additional fixed cost) of a marketing campaign.

Both in units and dollars

You need to know 4 things:

A. UNIT SALES PRICE
B. VARIABLE COTS PER UNIT
C. TOTAL FIXED COSTS
D. PROMOTION COSTS

The spread sheet is flexible so that every time you have any additional fixed costs or promotional costs just simply enter the amounts on the cell 1 FC for fixed costs, 2 FC for promotional costs , 3 FC automatically sums up all the costs , and below you can see the results.

For those who can use Excel, it’s rather simple , if you would like an Excel copy of the spreadsheet, please send an email address in the comments or comment with an email to my blog.

You can see given these factors that an additional 333 books need to be sold to cover this additional cost. Just plug in the cells motioned new costs and the spreadsheet gives you the new results.

Born in Havana Cuba, Ed now lives in Coral Springs Florida. His experience as an auditor has spanned over 20 years. He has traveled to many international locations and has dealt with all kinds of financial situations, providing a myriad of experiences, from which Ed has drawn on for inspiration for his stories. You can find Ed on his blog, on Facebook, and at his profile on Crimespace.

Each Book is a Different Experience

2011-12-08T19:02:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I was running errands recently and ran into a mom I haven’t seen for a while.

“Have you had any books come out lately?” she asked.

I’ve had four this year. Two were traditionally published, two I released myself through e-publishing. My friend asked if the writing just got easier and easier.

In some ways, that’s true. The mechanical stuff, the organizing of a book, just knowing you can do it—that gets easier.

But each of those books had a story of its own behind it—completely separate from the story I was telling. It wasn’t always smooth going, either.

Finger Lickin’ Dead was a breeze to write. I laughed all the way through it and wrote it in no time flat. Easy.

Hickory Smoked Homicide was a book that I nearly deleted off my computer 1/3 of the way through because I lost direction. I was so frustrated and panicked when I knew my deadline was looming. I talked to a friend who happened to be an expert in the area I was struggling in, found my direction again, and the rest went smoothly.

Progressive Dinner Deadly was a book that I wrote in 2009. It was easily tidied up and released. Took me about two weeks to edit. I e-published it, myself.

A Dyeing Shame was a backlist book that I wrote circa 2002. It took me longer to clean up that book than it took me to write Finger Lickin’ Dead. I finally got it to the point where I was pleased with it….and it’s a completely different book. Only the killer is the same. I even changed some of the character names. I finally released it last week.

The point of these reflections is to remind me not to get discouraged while writing. It all works out in the end. And not to experience hubris when writing goes really well (e.g. Finger Lickin’ Dead.)

I learn something from every book I write. I think I learn more when I struggle through it than when it comes really easily to me.

Have you found that every book has its own personality? How do you stay encouraged through the process?

On Sharing Our Work

2011-12-07T05:14:00.003-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I had Bad Parenting Moment #1,000,001 (at least) on Sunday when I was at the theater with my ten year old daughter.

She’s recently become completely obsessed with horses. She writes poetry about horses, reads horse books, watches horse shows. And she draws many, many pictures of horses.

My daughter had her sketchbook with her while we were waiting for The Nutcracker to start (surprisingly, she’d agreed to go, even though there were no horses in the ballet.) A friend of mine was also at the ballet, noticed my daughter’s sketchbook (which I was holding for her), and asked her about her artwork.

I said, “Oh, yes! She’s drawn some amazing pictures of horses! Let me show you.” And, proud mama that I am, I opened that sketchbook right up and started flipping through it.

My daughter was absolutely horrified. She snatched it right back out of my hands and gave me a reproachful look. I apologized immediately and was still apologizing the next day.

You’d think, of all people, I’d understand about the privacy aspect of creativity. And I do, but only in an academic way. Even as a kid—even at my daughter’s age—I wanted to share my writing. I’d shove three or four 3-ring binders of stories at you if you showed even the slightest inkling of interest. You could be a teacher, a friend’s parent, a fellow ten year old kid, some random adult—I wanted to tell you a story.

But what I’ve realized over the years is that there’s also a lot of pleasure in writing for ourselves. I have to remind myself of this. Sometimes I’ll be at writing conferences and a writer approaches me to talk about writing. I’ll ask what avenues they’re pursuing for publication—magazines? Literary journals? Are they querying agents? Publishers? Going the e-publishing route?

And sometimes—they just blink at me. They’re totally happy, completely satisfied artistically, by just writing. They just wanted to talk to me about the writing craft.

Honestly, sometimes I think they’re the lucky ones. There’s so much non-artistic work that goes with publishing— promo, figuring out platforms, considering what will sell. It’s easy to lose the joy of it.

Occasionally, I’ve run into writers (or they’ve emailed me) who’ve written for themselves for years…and are now thinking about sharing their work. They’ve asked me where they should start out.

I think, if someone is considering sharing their work, they should start sharing in a limited way. Maybe look into critique groups (in-person or online) and just get used to hearing feedback. And, if that group doesn’t work out, try another one.

Are you happy writing for yourself or are there other artistic things you’d rather keep private (playing an instrument, drawing?) Do you write some things for publication and some things for yourself?

And, if you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken recipe, join me at Terry’s Place this morning. I’m sharing a recipe for Apricot Chicken. :)

Setting Goals

2011-12-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

It’s getting close to the end of the year again…and I really don’t know where the year went.

One thing that I’m usually good at is setting goals and deadlines for myself. It’s really how I stay on track with the different projects I’ve got going on.

My problem tends to be long-term planning. My agent usually will kick me in the rear a little, trying to see what big picture ideas I have. But I’ve found when I’m really busy, I’m just trying to keep afloat ...not setting big goals.

The September issue of Writer’s Digest had an article by Elizabeth Sims entitled “10 Things for Every Writer’s Bucket List.” She included things like publishing a short story, taking a writing retreat, and freelancing.

I found the idea of a writing bucket list very appealing. It makes my head hurt to try to set definitive deadlines for specific long-term goals. But I sure as heck can make a list of things I’d like to do before I die.

I think the best way to make these kinds of goals is to not factor in any of the stuff we ordinarily would factor in. Don’t think about the logistics, the money, the time away from the kids. Just make a list.

What would be on my bucket list? Off the top of my head, I’m thinking that I’d like to try writing different genres and subgenres. I’d write a historical saga, a police procedural, and maybe dabble in lit fic. Oh, and maybe some noir.

I’d like to go on a literary-themed tour.

I’d like to try to narrate an audio book.

I’d like to go on a long writer’s retreat…the kind where I can be as antisocial as I need to be.

I’m going ahead and making my list. Because the way time is flying, I have a feeling the next ten years are going to pass by like a second.

What kinds of things would you like to do or try as a writer?

Twitterific

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

In recent news, my writing and computer programming friend Mike Fleming has launched his Hiveword Novel Writing Software. To check out what it’s all about,just click here.

I’ve also released another backlist Myrtle Clover title to ebook. A Dyeing Shame is available on Kindle for $2.99(still in the process of uploading to other platforms.)

Pricing strategies for ebooks: http://bit.ly/uaLyWb @MarkCoker

How To Make Sure Your Book Is The Best It Can Be: http://bit.ly/teBf0R @TheCreativePenn

Self-Publishing: Carnival of the Indies: http://bit.ly/vlP1d2 @JFBookman

Confessions of a Big Six Editor: The Triumph of the Slush Pile: http://bit.ly/rIfrgi @AnneRAllen

Book Design Basics Part 1: Margins and Leading: http://bit.ly/vHOGMZ @daveBricker via @JFBookman

Another nice roundup of links for historical writers: http://bit.ly/trMLrl @2nerdyhistgirls

Zen and the Art of Withholding Information: http://bit.ly/veOY2v @TheReviewReview

Science fiction, legal reality: http://lat.ms/thlA8k @latimeshiltzik

Moral ambiguity in fantasy: http://bit.ly/rqyUxv @jameslsutter

Publishing more women writers: http://bit.ly/vbOE9x @PoetryDivas

Review--Kindle Touch: http://bit.ly/vPaSpj @DearAuthor

The Twitter Retweeting Policy of @Scalzi: http://bit.ly/vlS5WG

The yearning for secret writing: http://bit.ly/v6Fj5J @lisa_rivero

Action/Reaction - The Pistons Powering Your Story: http://bit.ly/tQnAjv @KMWeiland

Finishing your NaNo draft? Don't open it again until Christmas. http://bit.ly/vmyv1W @Dirtywhitecandy

The best role model might be someone who reinvents his career: http://bit.ly/v3ec2T @LAGilman

How to Read a Book Contract – Non-Competition: http://bit.ly/vJd0qJ @PassiveVoiceBlg

Goal setting for writers: http://bit.ly/u6LiIA @annegreenawalt

If you suspect your agent wants to drop you: http://bit.ly/vMaydZ @literaticat

Appeal is ageless: http://bit.ly/tG1qGW

5 Ways to Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas: http://bit.ly/sV6LwJ @Non_Toxic_Kids

Leading lines: http://bit.ly/vADDJ2 @RavenRequiem13

Creativity Tweets of the Week — 11/28/11: http://bit.ly/vG7nl6 @on_creativity

How to prep before interviewing: http://bit.ly/tkAWNr @GLeeBurgett

Secondary characters can add dimension and tension: http://bit.ly/u4gERc @JulietteWade

Antagonists–The Alpha and the Omega of the Story: http://bit.ly/veN1Sr @KristenLambTX

Increasing tension in our novel: http://bit.ly/tvDdO9 @luciennediver

Hero's Journey--Thor: http://bit.ly/thSbP7 @PAShortt

Why Our Characters Must Fail: http://bit.ly/sigCyF @jillkemerer

5 Reasons To Sign Up For A Writers' Conference: http://bit.ly/sPiXYf @writeitsideways

23 Inevitable Questions to Ask Yourself at the End of NaNoWriMo: http://bit.ly/vjPGpp @VictoriaMixon

Essential Elements of a Bestselling Thriller: http://bit.ly/u7uLEU @JodieRennerEd

Have passion for your writing: http://bit.ly/w1ZNQ7 @jamieraintree

8 ways to find your writing groove: http://bit.ly/tXAqgL @authorterryo

How and where to begin a story: http://bit.ly/uvimiY @JulietteWade

Give your writing some physical therapy: http://bit.ly/vVgCmz @JHansenWrites

When You Need To Write FAST (And Procrastination Is Not An Option): http://bit.ly/rV4bbl @NovelRocket

Choose your own adventure: http://bit.ly/sux05p @FantasyFaction

Even Though Free is IN, Don't Forget to Buy Books Too: http://bit.ly/vBnbxi @JodyHedlund

Using QR Code to Promote Work: http://bit.ly/tt6aHt @luannschindler

Turn Your WordPress Blog Into a Book: http://bit.ly/sWNiSC @JaneFriedman

Solidifying Your Identity As a Writer: http://bit.ly/thXAlt @krissybrady

Author Blogging 101: Where Are the Readers? http://bit.ly/rz7609 @JFBookman

Why authors disappear: http://bit.ly/u2FQkP @kirstenhubbard

5 ways to generate blog post ideas: http://bit.ly/u66ih4 @problogger

What We Should Learn from the Collapse of Borders: http://bit.ly/v1Qurh @JosephJEsposito for @scholarlykitchn

Arguments against publishers' use of DRM: http://bit.ly/vtU6Fk @antipopeRSS

Reasons Not to Self-Publish in 2011-2012: A List: http://bit.ly/rVxTq9 @EdanL

What if famous authors from the past wrote recipes? http://ind.pn/uOK6FA RT @bittman @LimerickMan1

Explore the Onomatopoeia Dictionary: http://bit.ly/uccO1F @GalleyCat

What Fantasy Does Best: http://bit.ly/viWav8 @tordotcom

5 Tips for Cleaning Up Your Writing Right Now: http://bit.ly/vekg9v

How and Why to Write With Power: http://bit.ly/ruU44z @storyfix

Notes From the Field: One Beginner's Book Tour: http://bit.ly/rXXZyb @SolomonAnna for @BTMargins

How Relying on Numbers Can Get You Into Trouble: http://bit.ly/tODZqv @VictoriaStrauss

Tips for Creating Secondary Characters: http://bit.ly/vDV7Sc @Marie_Lu for @Janice_Hardy

Turning a NaNo draft into a novel: http://bit.ly/rHXzbh @DeeScribe

How To Gift An eBook: http://bit.ly/tLIFsS @Ebooknewser

2 Tips for Punctuating Interrupted Dialogue: http://bit.ly/t0Gw4r @keligwyn

Writing a Realistic Superhero Story: http://bit.ly/uRDTVU

Why publishers should build direct sales channels: http://oreil.ly/uZpKjo @jwikert

Thoughts On The Future Of Book Marketing: http://bit.ly/vDE029 @FacundoV

11 Frequently Asked Questions About Book Royalties, Advances & Money: http://bit.ly/uf1jQ9 @ChuckSambuchino

Worldbuilding with Horses: Infrastructure: http://bit.ly/sXHfrp

Cutting For Pace: http://bit.ly/tosbj5

On Kindlegraph (software that alllows you to autograph ebooks): http://bit.ly/tYWUct @BryanThomasS

The Frustrated Writer's Guide To Generating New Ideas–All The Time: http://bit.ly/vM0oIc @ollinmorales

Does Christian Fiction Require a Warning Label? http://bit.ly/uj91pd @cerebralgrump for @NovelRocket

40 French Expressions "En Tout": http://bit.ly/vmmkPx

Embracing the Scary Project--Why Bravery on Demand Can Help Your : http://bit.ly/w3EVDt

Rediscovering Inspiration: http://bit.ly/upJo2j @Eliz_Humphrey

What Writers Can Learn by Watching Football: http://bit.ly/sNEoRC @BookEmDonna

Crucial Series Elements: http://bit.ly/vXfnEM (Site has a warning, but there's no adult content in post) @JoanSwan

Tips for picking up the pace when your story starts to drag: http://bit.ly/uFegFR

Lessons from NaNoWriMo: http://bit.ly/tAeArz @p2p_editor

Hook--the 1st line: http://bit.ly/w1Eo9n @artzicarol

Tips for Creating Thematic Resonance: http://bit.ly/tk9TOS @KMWeiland

College-Aged YA Protagonists: http://bit.ly/rT6yVT @Kid_Lit

When the case works on the sleuth in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/rGXtlA @mkinberg

1 writer's free ebook experiment & results: http://bit.ly/sciQ0T @authorterryo

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Try Freelancing: http://bit.ly/uebF3o

Parents and children in fantasy: http://bit.ly/sPaLwh @FantasyFaction

Marketing strategies for traditional vs self publishing – is there a difference? http://bit.ly/rIf8VG @LauraPauling

The agent game: http://bit.ly/terHQR

Freelance Writing 101: Tired of Being Tired: http://bit.ly/sOkhzf @krissybrady

How Hashtags Can Win Friends and Influence Enemies: http://bit.ly/s3QjaD @KristenLambTX

The No. 1 Overlooked Skill for Every Author: http://bit.ly/w35kcH @JaneFriedman

Writer's Block: The 12-Step Cure: http://bit.ly/rJJ9nF @TheCreativePenn

5 Reasons Starving Artists Stay Starving: http://bit.ly/vu4Xqk @GeoffreyCubbage

10 Ways to Make Our Characters Stronger: http://bit.ly/sEv1rZ @KeliGwyn

Libraries & ebooks, Amazon,media overload: @Porter_Anderson with an astute industry news analysis for @JaneFriedman : http://bit.ly/tJwrmS

How Is Consuming Itself? Lack of Team-Building: http://bit.ly/vNf1AC @bob_mayer

The editorial-business divide at scholarly presses: http://bit.ly/vgI8BM @kanderson

10 Mistakes SFF Writers Make With Research: http://bit.ly/sqoEAw @BryanThomasS

Music is a trigger: http://bit.ly/tZEouZ @TeresaFrohock for @byRozMorris

Ports of Call in @GeneLempp 's blog series that connects archaeology with : http://bit.ly/rQpZMF

Remembering Mark Twain's Gifts to @TheAtlantic: http://bit.ly/sf1PCm @b_resnick

Cracking a Cold Case: Scandinavian Crime Fiction's Mainstream Success: http://bit.ly/rUS1Ai

Alive and Kicking: Series That Hold Up: http://bit.ly/toRsxW @crimehq

Make December Your NaNoWriMo Revision Month: http://bit.ly/t8Yp9p @storyfix

From the 1st draft to the last: http://bit.ly/siQ8ew

4 Ways to End Your Writing Year Right: http://bit.ly/vuOGxG @WritersLeague

Making setting active: http://bit.ly/vxDcx0 @junglereds

The Occupational Hazards of Writing Subtext: http://bit.ly/sUMIJD @BTMargins

Why you still need to be able to speak publisher: http://bit.ly/ve2kVJ @annerooney

Some thoughts on more realistic violence for writers: http://bit.ly/t33xQ8

The dark side of creativity: http://bit.ly/sJ68vH @sbkaufman

What is Your Novel Missing? Strong Verbs, Unique Words: http://bit.ly/tVyB9e

10 Things You Need To Know About Writing Conflict: http://bit.ly/tqy27y @ajackwriting

6 Tips To Make the Learning of Fiction Techniques Less Painful: http://bit.ly/voGKAF @JodyHedlund

How to keep writing when it all seems pointless: http://bit.ly/urxLy3 @jammer0501

Cool tools to track platform growth: http://bit.ly/tE6Nko @WritersDigest

Dreamers Vs. Goalers: Writers Need to Be Both: http://bit.ly/s6pR83 @writeitsideways

What Writers Can Learn From Politicians: http://bit.ly/vaT1TI @greyhausagency

A Planner tackles NaNoWriMo: http://bit.ly/s54P8I

Top links this week for writers from @4KidLit: http://bit.ly/vkTuJ6

Check out your competition: http://bit.ly/w1ikZ3

10 blog posts that will command attention: http://bit.ly/uqyx54 @SeanPlatt

Screenwriters--translating Hollywood speak: http://bit.ly/uQyT5F @scriptmag #screenwriting

Audiobooks--a cautionary tale: http://bit.ly/tBJq1d @neilhimself

Writing To Sell: Sucker's Game Or Not? http://bit.ly/sZKrgV @jenna_blum

What to write: http://bit.ly/vq4I6N @bob_mayer

A writer's plea: http://bit.ly/tVMjy9 @kmcriddle

Swimming to find your characters. http://bit.ly/taAH18 @p2p_editor

Body Language: An Artistic Writing Tool: http://bit.ly/saJvet @SharlaWrites

Monday Musing: Are You Building Your World, Or Limiting It? http://bit.ly/vq4V2d #writiing

5 reasons for agent rejections: http://bit.ly/rqyGgl

A picture book illustrator's process: http://bit.ly/sdYljW @WheelerStudio

Real Life Diagnostics: A Question of POV and Voice: http://bit.ly/sD2fOf @Janice_Hardy

An agent's day: http://bit.ly/vDnMlV @RachelleGardner

Rethinking the Familiar Book Tour: http://bit.ly/teifgr @PassiveVoiceBlg

1 writer's top 5 writing tips: http://bit.ly/tfOs3E @kayedacus

What's your writing path: http://bit.ly/tBs3Iy @lisagailgreen

What Authors Need to Know About Virtual Book Tours: http://bit.ly/vVyJrE @BookMarketer for @JFBookman

Why you can't afford to take your eye off your Amazon sales: http://bit.ly/uZ771q @rule17

Stationary vs. Stationery: http://bit.ly/w3zGiI

The Book Signing Monologues: http://bit.ly/tu4rLW @krissybrady

10 Lessons Learned in 10 Months Blogging: http://bit.ly/rSZVbU

On Being the Writer You Are: http://bit.ly/sUKHgV

Why You Should Write 20 Posts Before You Launch Your Blog: http://bit.ly/tJI2TL @Problogger

Pen Names and Pseudonyms : http://bit.ly/vSUPSN

Genre in the Mainstream: How Ray Bradbury Crossed Over: http://bit.ly/v5XNAy @RyancBritt

The Next Phase of NaNoWriMo: Editing: http://bit.ly/t1Exl4

Understanding royalties: http://bit.ly/trBbQv @ChuckSambuchino

3 Tips for Curing "Someday Syndrome" : http://bit.ly/vq1Fg4 @JulieMusil

Slow Writer Reform School: http://bit.ly/sBuX3O @RoniLoren

The Importance of Writing Good Copy

2011-12-02T05:37:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Jane Friedman had a great post on Writer Unboxed on Wednesday. She said that copywriting is the number one overlooked skill for authors.

In her post, Jane covers several different ways that copywriting is important to writers.

I loved her post because I’ve found exactly the same thing. There have been tons of times when copywriting skills have come in handy. Here are some places I’ve found copywriting useful:

Very short and sweet copy: Bookmarks, directories/catalogs, tiny bios for places like Twitter, Twitter headlines, etc. If you write enough Twitter headlines, you’ve mastered the art of headline writing. For bookmarks, you’ve really just got a few words to say something about your book. Twitter is 140 characters for a bio or tweet.

Long copy: Writing a long bio is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. My life isn’t the most fascinating thing on paper. But it’s amazing how many times I’m asked for a long bio. Plus, we always have an “about me” page to fill on our website or blog. If you self-publish, you would need to come up with a product description for your book, too—not too long, but not too short, either.

Short ad-style copy: My editor sometimes asks me to read other books from Penguin authors and to blurb them if I like the books. If I’m writing copy that goes on a cover or inside the book, it’s got to be pithy and persuasive.

Titles: I’m always asked to submit title ideas for my books. My publishers rarely choose them (they have a whole department of professional copywriters), but I want to submit something to them that is worthy of being chosen. I did come up with Pretty is as Pretty Dies.

Epub Everything: In this new era of publishing, we’d better be ready to write all kinds of copy. For Progressive Dinner Deadly, I wrote all the copy for the book…product description, title, and any short ad copy related to the mystery.

Professional emails: Copywriting skills come in handy even with something that seems basic and mundane, like emails. But it’s good to be able to write an email that gets to the point quickly.

Writing copy is definitely different from writing our novels. I’ve found that it can be very satisfying, though (maybe because we’re using a different part of our brain? Or because it’s a challenge.)

What kinds of copy have you had to learn to write? Have you found that it comes easier with practice?

Help for Dragging Plots

2011-11-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

My husband is a regular viewer and fan of The Walking Dead series on AMC.

It’s not the kind of thing I usually watch, but I’ve caught the show with my husband a few times. I know that a lot of writers watch it too, because I’ve see their posts in my blog reader.

Lately, the consensus of most of the posts I’ve read is that the show was dragging a little. That the plot wasn’t moving quickly enough, that there was too much dialogue, not enough action, and that the group of survivors seemed to be bogged down.

My husband just wanted more zombies. :)

But then, Sunday night was the mid-season finale (I didn’t even know there was such a thing) and the pace picked up.

There still weren’t a lot of zombies in the episode, but I didn’t hear any complaints from my husband. The writers had kicked the tension up a notch. I’ll be vague here so there won’t be any spoilers.

How the writers picked up the pace and made things interesting:

They pitted characters against each other in ways that developed the storyline.

They increased the tension by threatening a development that would put the characters at risk.

They added ambiguity to the situation by posing questions that they didn’t immediately provide the answers to.

They added a twist.

They put a character in a situation where he had to act against his own moral code. (Great internal conflict resulting from external conflict).

They added depth to supporting characters by showing other sides to them.

The reviews online from writers I follow were very positive---they thought the episode worked well….even without more zombies.

What do you do when your plot starts dragging?

On Signings

2011-11-28T05:54:00.001-05:00

by Elizabeth S. Craig @elizabethscraig

It’s funny that writing promo usually equals signings in the minds of non-writers.

Frequently, I’ll have an acquaintance or friend ask me if I’m planning to have a signing at one of the local bookstores. Or they’ll suggest a bookstore in another town that they’re familiar with.

I’ll always try to summon up some enthusiasm and a polite response, but usually I’m shrinking away a little. Signings are my least favorite form of promo.

The problems with signings:

It’s randomly targeted marketing instead of directly targeted. You’re basically just hoping that someone who walks into the store that day is interested in having a signed copy of any book.

The signing table that the store provides is usually not in a great spot.

You’re having to basically do direct sales. If you sit there mildly at your little table without saying a word, you likely won’t have any sales at all.

Making a tough situation better:

Don’t sit at the table. Stand up or even walk around a little.

Have something to do…handing out bookmarks is a good thing to do (and can be a conversation-starter).

Plan the signing in a good location. This could mean having it in the town you grew up in (where you still are acquainted with lots of people, but maybe they haven’t had the perfect opportunity to buy your book). This could also mean thinking outside the box and having the signing at a local craft fair or venue other than a bookstore.

Goodies for the bookstore staff are always popular.

Goodies for the shoppers are popular, too. You can just put a little basket of individually-wrapped candy on your table and many more people will come by. Some writers are especially clever and will have little tie-ins for their books attached their giveaway.

Before you leave your signing, ask the store if you can sign the leftover stock (and if they have some “autographed copy” stickers.)

Unless you’re a big name, signings are usually not the best way to sell a bunch of books (although I’ve done well at signings in the town I grew up in…because my mother drums up business among her friends!) Online promo is a free way to reach readers all over the world—who are interested in either you or the genre you write.

How do you feel about signings? Have any additional tips to share?

Twitterific

2011-11-27T00:01:00.002-05:00

In big news this week, my writing and computer programming friend Mike Fleming has launched his Hiveword Novel Writing Software! To check out what it’s all about, just click here. For an interview with Mike on Krissy Brady’s blog, just hop over here. Congratulations to Mike!!

Why Writers Must Read: http://bit.ly/tJ585H @Ava_Jae

Making Connections: Buses, Weaving and Poetry: http://bit.ly/vLq1J8 @sueorton

5 Reasons to Use Social Bookmarking to Promote Your Blog: http://bit.ly/uBNPAt @blogherald

How To Focus Amidst Background Static And Ghost Channels: http://bit.ly/umRuh3 @coachcreative

Layering Complexity,Texture &Theme Using Subplots, Secondary Characters,& Villains: http://bit.ly/s33IUT @RobinPerini @MireyahWolfe

Generating Story 4: The Story Setup: http://bit.ly/tNt86X @authorjohnbrown

10 tools to keep your writing fresh: http://bit.ly/uqvxAA @novelpublicity

Writing and age: http://bit.ly/uSIDi8 @HopeClark

How to format your manuscript: http://bit.ly/thUwa0 @LaurenClark_Bks

Thoughts on Convention Panels: http://bit.ly/rrPGLz @jimchines

5 Absolute Essentials for Making It as a Copywriter: http://bit.ly/rEAkIu @TiceWrites

On running gags in our stories: http://bit.ly/v2s2u4 @lydia_sharp

3 Crucial Aspects of Writing Scenes: http://bit.ly/snR5ur @VictoriaMixon

How to be professional as a writer: http://bit.ly/tlwavP @nicolamorgan

Amazon Reader Reviews: 12 Things Everybody and His Grandmother Needs to Know: http://bit.ly/tGKwQw @AnneRAllen

6 Steps to Building a Strong Team for your Writing Career: http://bit.ly/v5NRHY @LyndaRYoung

An agent advises us to make a holiday writing plan: http://bit.ly/tHV4If @RachelleGardner

Author Blogging 101: Blog Design: http://bit.ly/ugTRSc @JFBookman

Volume is important. Pace counts. http://bit.ly/u6Trqm @StoryFix

NaNoWriMo Tip: Fill Out a Character Chart: http://bit.ly/vZNH3g @GalleyCat

The refusal of the hero's call to action: http://bit.ly/tP9het @TheresaStevens

3 perfect gifts for writers: http://bit.ly/spLh5w @BookEmDonna

Spacing books in a series: http://bit.ly/u5SUhx

An Open Letter to Simon and Schuster CEO: http://bit.ly/tg861A via @PassiveVoiceBlg

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Plagiarist: http://bit.ly/v0tXcQ @scholarlykitchn

Too much tech? 7 authors respond: http://bit.ly/sWKIXS @junglereds

Dealing with criticism: http://bit.ly/sGUEjB @BryanThomasS

Too Many Facebook Friends: Blessing or Curse? http://bit.ly/tcvWN6 @JaneFriedman

50 Handy Expressions About Hands: http://bit.ly/rIqcQK

Why 1 writer/editor sought certification: http://bit.ly/uRFE8M @Eliz_Humphrey

4 Reasons to Mimic the Masters—and 3 Reasons Not to: http://bit.ly/rTx9hX @KMWeiland

Breaking in, Breaking out, Dropping out of Publishing: http://bit.ly/tQMkbk @sarahahoyt

Setting up the punchline: http://bit.ly/tvLx6n @TheresaStevens

A Selfpubber's Morning: http://bit.ly/vF5sRI? @gerarddemarigny

5 Scriptwriting Tips that Will Make Any Story Better: http://bit.ly/rXSEX4 @LiaLondon1 for @JeffGoins

5 nontraditional publishing models from around the world: http://bit.ly/voS43H @artsylliu

There Are Suckers Born Every Minute and They Are Writers: http://bit.ly/vuRjNm @DeanWesleySmith

Indie publishing isn't for people who couldn't get published. It's for people who could. http://bit.ly/u8h6dA @DirtyWhiteCandy

Self-Published Authors Invited to the Kindle Owners Lending Library: http://bit.ly/sLmUNE @PassiveVoiceBlg

Hearing Voices? Maybe You're a Writer: http://bit.ly/s5FaCZ @2KoP for @writeitsideways

Ads for ebooks – are they worth it? http://bit.ly/uAtqqZ @HowToWriteShop

Why querying isn't a popularity contest: http://bit.ly/uD51lZ @sierragodfrey

How to Hold a Google+ Hangout and Why You Should: http://bit.ly/rNTjcN @smexaminer

Freelancers: 5 ways to sell more articles by being yourself: http://bit.ly/u21E1V @lformichelli

100 Questions to Help You Write, Publish, and Sell Your Ebook: http://bit.ly/sHtlhS @lifehackorg

Why Daydreamers are More Creative: http://bit.ly/tS43kW @sbkaufman for @creativitypost

Will Neuroscience Kill the Novel? http://bit.ly/szd6aN @bigthink

The going rate for freelancing: http://bit.ly/u4sP1T @TiceWrites

Google Alerts for Authors: http://bit.ly/scyLJc @CuriosityQuills

6 key writing lessons a writer learned from horses: http://bit.ly/uixN49

Defining success in publishing: http://bit.ly/vJYUtC @fingers_murphy

Living the stuff of novels: the ghostwriter's lot: http://bit.ly/rMUgPy @dirtywhitecandy

5 Subplot Blunders to Avoid: http://bit.ly/sd12xT @LynnetteLabelle

Revising Away From The Computer: http://bit.ly/tRcvDV @YAHighway

Do you suffer from one of these maladies? http://bit.ly/up1SDY @NathanBransford

Your book...2nd and 3rd acts: http://bit.ly/vBYfhz @AlexSokoloff

A Social Media Survival Guide: http://bit.ly/u6hyMd @jennreese for @RLLaFevers

For some kids, a book is just an iPad that doesn't work: http://bit.ly/snV91L @ivortossell for @globeandmail

How to Write a Blog Post About Writing: http://bit.ly/szHfBV Dell Smith for @BTMargins

Plotting Through "What's Next?" http://bit.ly/uCun8D @Janice_Hardy

Applied Description: http://bit.ly/u710RN @author_sullivan

How blogging can help an aspiring writer: http://bit.ly/sCylL2 @nickdaws

Write with the door closed, edit with the door closed and open: http://bit.ly/sBrS0X @eMergentPublish

Writing SF&F military: rank and rank systems: http://bit.ly/ulq9qE

A series on Goodreads promo: http://bit.ly/tdWcdR , http://bit.ly/uxbH6Z , http://bit.ly/uYvYtD , http://bit.ly/vNd5h4 @rsullivan9597

When do readers trust you? http://bit.ly/tzJGvH @HopeClark

Prompts for creating conflict in a scene: http://bit.ly/sWCb4C @DeeWhiteAuthor

Why 1 writer is keeping his agent: http://bit.ly/tFDVpx @jimchines

Stephen King, James Frey nominated for Bad Sex awards: http://tgr.ph/usOPtD @TelegraphBooks

The bus route of a writer: http://bit.ly/teBIyZ @sherrinda

5 Important Tips for Building a Strong Brand: http://bit.ly/sB4ZAW @JeffGoins

Back up your work: http://bit.ly/uf0n8N @mistymassey

6 Common Writing Excuses (And How to Overcome Them): http://bit.ly/rDfbaA @aliventures)

Writing a Selling Query or Pitch in 4 Easy Steps: http://bit.ly/sRTVta @elle_strauss for @Janice_Hardy

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers: http://bit.ly/viggLT @JamiGold

So, You Want a Book Blogger to Review Your Ebook…: http://bit.ly/vwmxRk @topshelfebooks for @GoblinWriter

4 Reasons for writers to be thankful: http://bit.ly/sufzqG @JulieMusil

Use the Symbolitron: NaNoWriMo Tip: http://bit.ly/tZt3rL @GalleyCat

Are Zombies Truly the Harbinger of Genre Crossover? http://bit.ly/vGvDvD @ryancbritt for @tordotcom

Does Sentence Structure Affect Tone? http://bit.ly/tQjPcQ

Online "Best of 2011" Book Lists: http://bit.ly/thP1BL @largeheartedboy #books

Publicity: Soul Crushing or Life Affirming? http://bit.ly/tjlH1k @thebirdsisters

How to Build a Blog Following From the Ground Up: http://bit.ly/s5gba5 @JodyHedlund

13 ways to begin a novel: http://bit.ly/sVgfDo @gripemaster

Serial Fiction With Author Entrepreneur Sean Platt: http://bit.ly/uQ92rN @SeanPlatt for @TheCreativePenn

A profanity-laden shotgun blast of smart advice from @ChuckWendig: 25 reasons readers stop reading your story: http://bit.ly/rRPy2u

Tension or frustration? http://bit.ly/sYspND @KatieGanshert

Stimulus and Response: The Writer's Path through Story: http://bit.ly/vZCglT @4kidlit

Twitter: "Social Media," not "Pyramid Marketing Scheme for Your eBook": http://bit.ly/tWoURZ @GeoffreyCubbage

Balancing the Scenes that Make Up Your Novel: http://bit.ly/uLnYdV @KristenLambTX

1 writer's screenwriting process: http://bit.ly/tJJyGm

8 Steps to Hosting a Successful Twitter Chat: http://bit.ly/vTkGBa @hubspot

Screenwriting : ratcheting up the tension using parallel stories: http://bit.ly/suW3MW @jacobkrueger

Suspension of disbelief in crime fiction: http://bit.ly/uz0GNG @mkinberg

Writing Like A Lawyer: http://bit.ly/ueCjyw @inarascott for @4KidLit

How to Launch a Writers Group: 6 Pieces of Advice: http://bit.ly/vvvEkH @JeffGoins

Authors are the gatekeepers now, but must do 10 things to succeed: http://bit.ly/t8d2jN @Bob_Mayer

5 tips for compelling back cover copy: http://bit.ly/vn58wm @amywilkins

Affect vs. Effect: http://bit.ly/uSPEXJ

Beware of praise: http://bit.ly/rMEbIn @nicolamorgan

Literary Agents and Conflicts of Interest – A Compendium: http://bit.ly/tQmT8R @PassiveVoiceBlg

Filtered perspectives: http://bit.ly/t9OTtk @RavenRequiem13

Library ebooks, Book Country, dead girls & more--this week's news from @Porter_Anderson for @JaneFriedman: http://bit.ly/uA0I94

3 Easy Steps to Critique a Friend's Poem: http://bit.ly/sNNgtA @write_practice

How to Describe Your Characters—and How Not to: http://bit.ly/tp1Ksl @KMWeiland

How music played into 1 writer's manuscript: http://bit.ly/vVAZFj @erikamarksauthr for @BYROZMORRIS

Sudoku for Writers: http://bit.ly/s3sNdj @BTMargins

Should Christian authors write edgy? http://bit.ly/tf05th @slamballonbooks

3 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Published Authorhood: http://bit.ly/tce0qc @RoniLoren

Use a spreadsheet to help organize your writing: http://bit.ly/tuAISX @GalleyCat

1 screenwriter's writing process and software: http://bit.ly/toip01 @johnaugust #screenwriting

A good kind of reader manipulation: http://bit.ly/v7rYPX @jeanniecampbell

Fanfiction can be an eloquent tribute – it deserves more respect: http://bit.ly/s2sajA @mathildia

20 Types and Forms of Humor: http://bit.ly/sT54P8

Writing a Marketable Superhero Novel: http://bit.ly/v4lXpp

Platform and Social Media Must Not Be Your Center: http://bit.ly/rv99wI @thewritermama for @JaneFriedman

5 Online Distraction-Busters for Writers: http://bit.ly/vINxPD @krissybrady for @writeitsideways

Don't sign dumb contracts: http://bit.ly/s2NAi9 @PassiveVoiceBlg

Black Friday: Writing Style: http://bit.ly/siMlSn

How to be a genius (or just look like one): http://bit.ly/vx8S1B @justinemusk

The Critical Aspects of Digital Publishing: http://bit.ly/uhXr20 @barryeisler

4 Steps For Organizing Plot Ideas Into a Novel: http://bit.ly/vfI5sY @JodyHedlund

Disney parents--dead mothers & absent fathers: http://bit.ly/vMQtQi @FantasyFaction

The Dangers of Outsourcing Your Freelance Work: http://bit.ly/vGSmf7 @fuelyourwriting

Top 5 Writing Tips the Grinch Stole: http://bit.ly/vpWK3L

Habits that Lead to Creative Writing Discoveries: http://bit.ly/tsMlEX @Musesland

Understanding Heroes: http://bit.ly/rJucyr @TheresaStevens

10 Modes of Modifiers: http://bit.ly/uAY8Lv

Hiveword Novel Writing Software Launched: http://bit.ly/ukwM6f @Hiveword

Can Search Engine Optimization Help You Sell More Books? http://bit.ly/thYqT9 @TheCreativePenn

How to make your own book trailer: http://bit.ly/vpMx8P @BubbleCow

40 Synonyms for Praise: http://bit.ly/vkwqjM

Remember the agent-writer relationship is a business arrangement: http://bit.ly/w0EelM @PassiveVoiceBlg

1 Author's Writing Path: http://bit.ly/vCaqRl @Storyfix

1 writer's scriptwriting process: http://bit.ly/u2pJvx #screenwriting

The Psychology of Attraction: The Intertwining of Sex and Aggression: http://bit.ly/s24aDt @lkblackburne

Real Life Diagnostics: Does This Prologue Work? http://bit.ly/tKrBFn @Janice_Hardy

An exclusive on slush? 1 agent's response: http://bit.ly/rK56FS @literaticat

The 10 Secrets to Making a Spellbinding Video Trailer for Your Next Blog, Book, or Product Launch: http://bit.ly/sxbhBX @problogger

When do you need an editor? http://bit.ly/sjpo48

Best articles this week for writers: http://bit.ly/uDrxv9 @4kidlit

Write with fire: http://bit.ly/syfsL2 @NovelEditor

Designing our scenes: http://bit.ly/uEE5rs

Try communal world-building: http://bit.ly/vc0E2d @galleycat

When Does a Writer Become a Writer? http://bit.ly/tMQHqZ @TheAtlantic

A Creative Space of Your Own: http://bit.ly/v8BCfi @KateArmsRoberts

Cozy mysteries--what they are, how they fit into crime fiction: http://bit.ly/sccpig @mkinberg

The 50 Greatest Moments in Comics: http://bit.ly/tepP4m

Writers and traditional publishers: http://bit.ly/sqXjfy

The Low Cost of Books: http://bit.ly/vMaZTK @randysusanmeyer

Hiveword Is Here! An Interview with Creator Mike Fleming: http://bit.ly/rSCMqG @Hiveword

Striking a Balance in a Cozy Mystery

2011-11-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

If you’re a traditional/cozy writer or reader, I hope you’ll join me over at Margot Kinberg’s Confessions of a Mystery Novelist. I’m posting some ideas on striking a balance between the needs of cozy mysteries and the elements of crime fiction. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! I’m thankful for all of you!

If you’re looking for something to read, I’m over at the Writers Read blog, talking about one of the last books I read (and I think you’ll enjoy it…as long as you don’t mind being scared!)

I’ll be at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist on Friday after 3:00 p.m. ET.

Thanks!

Local Promo

2011-11-23T06:34:00.002-05:00

First of all, I want to thank Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi at The Bookshelf Muse for giving me the opportunity to give away one of their insightful 1000 word critiques (and for honoring me as a writing hero!) The randomly-chosen winner of the critique is Rosalyn! Thanks to everyone who entered. :)

Local promotion is an aspect of marketing that I usually neglect.

I doubt I’m the only one, either. I’ve talked to plenty of writers who don’t enjoy book signings, giving book talks, or doing interviews. And it’s true that doing local promo means that you’re deliberately drawing attention to yourself among people you know.

I feel the same way. But I’ve also found that when I do local promo, it leads to a spike in sales.

Recently I spoke to a local service organization. Actually, it wasn’t even originally my idea—my North Carolina writer friend Diane Wolfe had needed to cancel and suggested that I fill in.

The talk went really well. It was a great group of people, I had a nice time. I thanked them for letting me come, left, and didn’t think anymore about it.

Until a week later. I was at a church class and one of the ladies there made an announcement before the class started. “I know something about Elizabeth.”

Of course, I knew what she had to mean---there’s nothing else about me that’s particularly interesting. But I had no idea how she knew.

Sure enough, her husband had been in attendance at my talk. And the organization had also sent out an email newsletter about my visit, with a bio and my books mentioned.

And you know, everyone in the class seemed really interested. They even jotted down my pen name and some book titles. They, of course, asked why I’d never mentioned it before (I’ve been in the class a couple of years, at least).

But writing is frequently something that doesn’t come up in conversation. Which is a good reason why we should keep doing these kinds of events.

We should also interview or suggest stories to our local paper—and the more local the paper is, the better. Does your town have one of those free, weekly newspapers? Target them, for sure. I’ve found they’ve got a great readership. Who knew?

Don’t forget your alumni magazine, either. I’m not one to talk, because I did forget it, but a professor at my college somehow made the connection between me and the school and put an article in the magazine. Soon I had old college friends emailing me that they’d bought some of my books. And the college asked me to talk to the English classes there in March.

I’m writing this post as a reminder to me, too—do local promo. Even if it makes me uncomfortable.

Do you do signings, lectures, or interviews locally? How has that worked for you?

Hope my American friends have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! And just a note that I’ll be a Margot Kinberg’s blog, Confessions of a Mystery Novelist, on Friday, talking about cozy mysteries.

Spacing Books

2011-11-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

I recently found out that I’ll be writing a fourth Memphis Barbeque book. Good news! I'm really excited about spending more time with Lulu.

The tricky part was figuring out when I can deliver the manuscript to Penguin.

I’ve got the second book for the Southern Quilting series due in May (book one, Quilt or Innocence debuts in June 2012).

I also have a project I was working on independently. Let’s just say that that’s the one that’s now been put off until probably late summer of next year.

I’ve found that I can comfortably write three books a year. That’s just without me completely freaking out about deadlines and promo.

I was a little nervous about setting a deadline for the Memphis book that was too close to the Quilting series book. Although in that amount of time, I should be able to write a couple of books, sometimes life (holidays, kids, boring-but-essential stuff) knocks me a little off-track.

My editor for the Memphis series brought up a very good point to my agent—production time. Production time is really what’s trouble in publishing. There’s marketing and covers and catalogs and it all takes time. Usually, it takes about a year.

So I just had a release November 1, which was the third book in the Memphis Barbeque series. If I turned the book over to Penguin in, let’s say, October 2012 (which would be a piece of cake for me to make) …it would be another year for the book to launch. An October 2013 release…and the last book came out November 2011. Nearly two years between books. No. Not a good idea.

Obviously, keeping that in mind, I bumped up the time that I agreed to deliver it by. And I’m hoping that I can hand it in earlier than I'm contracted for because I immediately got what seemed like a really solid idea for the book and several different angles to work the mystery. In fact, I started making some real progress on it and had to stop and switch back to the other book (which is due first.)

On the reader end of things, lag time between books can be frustrating. My son was fussing about one of his favorite authors who is writing two series at once and how long it was between his releases. “Can’t he write faster?” he complained.

It made me wince. I explained to him that an author can write really quickly and still have a long period of time between books, especially if he had more than one series. There’s such a thing as quality control, too.

But then my mother pointed out that I just released a Myrtle Clover book, myself…the first one since 2009. That was a two-year gap, too. Sales have been brisk for Progressive Dinner Deadly, but—I believe most of the readers are new to the series. In fact, I’ve noticed a decided uptick in the sales for the 2009 Pretty is as Pretty Dies as a result.

I think I’ve come to the conclusion that you might sacrifice some of your old readers if you have too much space between books…although, with the right promotion, you may pick up new readers willing to read the books out of order.

With that in mind, I think it must be very important to write books as stand-alones if you’re going to have long spaces between them. The spacing with the next Memphis book won't be that long, but I'm still planning to make sure no one gets completely lost when they read it.

How far apart do you space your books? As a reader, when do you start looking for a new release in a favorite series?

Please remember I'm giving away a 1000-word critique from The Bookshelf Muse. Just send an email to me at elizabethspanncraig (at)gmail (dot) com with “contest” in the subject to enter. Entries accepted through November 21. The randomly-chosen winner will be announced here November 22. Thanks, Angela and Becca!}

Twitterific

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

by @elizabethscraig

Below are the writing-related links I tweeted last week.
The Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links (now over 12,000) searchable. Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web's best links and interviews:http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 .

A Storytelling Life: http://bit.ly/so13Q5 @canteenmag

There are no guarantees in writing. Be confident anyway: http://bit.ly/sryDGG @HopeClark

An agent on authors and book piracy: http://bit.ly/w4cyKw @RachelleGardner

On avoiding stereotypes in our writing: http://bit.ly/t01kNz

Tying the pieces of a chapter together: http://bit.ly/ugsgQD @JulietteWade

The Benefit of Selling at Craft Fairs: http://bit.ly/uBBNes

6 Meta Tips for Book Marketing Success: http://bit.ly/vhj7Qe @JFBookman

20 Synonyms for "Expert": http://bit.ly/urj4TT

Ideas For Authors Stuck on Superhero Names: http://bit.ly/voWv4Z

1 writer's favorite opening lines in SF and Fantasy: http://bit.ly/uqxpg1 @amsmibert

Brontëmania: Why the three sisters are bigger than ever: http://ind.pn/tkJzgO (The Independent)

Weekly roundup of links for historical writers by @2nerdyhistgirls: http://bit.ly/s6qnuE

Freelancer's Survival Guide--Giving up on Yourself: http://bit.ly/vQqtvK

Concise Internet Marketing Basics for Authors: http://bit.ly/u4Nx1E @ianirvineauthor

New entry on the character trait thesaurus: independent: http://bit.ly/sysPVM @AngelaAckerman

Go Farther, Faster, By Limiting Your View To Three Steps Ahead: http://bit.ly/vFymdI

95% of All Authors Will Never Indie Publish: http://bit.ly/s0Duhi @DeanWesleySmith

How Do You Know Which Rules to Break? http://bit.ly/uXvU37 @KMWeiland

Why you should submit your best blog posts as guest posts: http://bit.ly/w1Esuq @problogger

The Elevator Pitch: A Guide for an Internet without Elevators: http://bit.ly/rrE39m @GoodInkInc

11 NaNoWriMo Books That Have Been Published: http://bit.ly/rsvzTP

5 Ways To Self-Publish Your Way To Your Own "Cottage Industry": http://bit.ly/unOMLT @bradvertrees

Making our fiction more authentic: http://bit.ly/vVWf55 @Janice_Hardy

5 tips for writing what you don't know: http://bit.ly/u3itr5 @stephbowe

Freelancers: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Job Queries: http://bit.ly/s2ZG82 @freelancewj

An editor states that too many modern novels are assembled for a market: http://bit.ly/uns6dQ @guardian

The Business of Screenwriting: Weather vanes: http://bit.ly/rAKvWG @GoIntoTheStory

NaNoWriMo: Resistance: http://bit.ly/thbKKT

Losing Control of Your Books: http://bit.ly/tMBcPG @PassiveVoiceBlg

Treating the Pain of Rejection: http://bit.ly/sanRZ0 @AshKrafton

D-I-Y Publishing—New Tricks for an Old Dog: http://bit.ly/rAQxQJ @LawrenceBlock for @AnneRAllen

Why confidence is so important for writers: http://bit.ly/v1mXX7

A checklist for deep POV (in 1st or 3rd person): http://bit.ly/uN0y5R @JulietteWade

A synopsis critique: http://bit.ly/upr6az @nicolamorgan

An Agent on Query Personalization: http://bit.ly/tR30HX @Kid_Lit

3 tools for curation: http://bit.ly/rvu8Kp @JaneFriedman

How To Get Published In A Magazine: http://bit.ly/vDlr14 @mrsionsmith for @BubbleCow

The Value of Professional Copyediting: http://bit.ly/urLL0k @magicalwords

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3 Good Things About Writing Part-Time: http://bit.ly/utzugK @BookEmDonna

The Art of Staying Sane: http://bit.ly/rEkWRF

Confessions of a NaNo Newbie: http://bit.ly/uE0r8r @RC_Lewis

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A writer rails against a dialogue rule: http://bit.ly/uKvF0R

3 Vital Steps to Creating Your Protagonist for NaNoWriMo: http://bit.ly/rVXrwC @VictoriaMixon

Goal Setting For You And Your Characters: http://bit.ly/rtfTrK @plotwhisperer for @thecreativepenn

What you have to (un)learn to be a writer: http://bit.ly/tSTy8z @jammer0501

The importance of adjustable writing goals: http://bit.ly/tD6dAq @DeeScribe

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Cover Trends in YA Fiction: Why the Obsession with an Elegant Death? http://bit.ly/sVmNLR @syntactics

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An agent on confusing agent behavior: http://bit.ly/rOkkIg @RachelleGardner

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Self-Publishing Strategies in 18 Slides: http://bit.ly/uZXraO @JFBookman

Whether to Use "Whether" or "If": http://bit.ly/sugtry

More on Criticism, Confusion and NaNoWriMo Nausea: http://bit.ly/rJHRyN @storyfix

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Write the Right Dialogue And Dialect Into Your Women's Fiction: http://bit.ly/v0jdKM @AmySueNathan

Why readers may hate indie writers: http://bit.ly/sBxqsq @HickeyWriter

Build or Boost Your Author Platform by Reviewing: http://bit.ly/uicc5B @JanetBoyer

Tips for good author blogs and things to avoid: http://bit.ly/tk0wYL @SharlaWrites

5 Steps for Completing Character Arcs: http://bit.ly/uA9sDB @keligwyn

Dual monitors-- writing in a parallel universe: http://bit.ly/vgupzz @junglereds

20 tips for approaching agents and editors: http://bit.ly/ty8ZgJ @nicolamorgan

Using public domain characters in our writing: http://bit.ly/tI7sXa @fuelyourwriting

Writing Lessons from a Mannequin: Building Character: http://bit.ly/urJEaq @catewoods for @WriteAngleBlog

SEO Tips for Your Author Website or Blog: http://bit.ly/uZ4Lzh @CuriosityQuills

Signalling Viewpoints (using archaeology & artifacts to design stories): http://bit.ly/uKCpv6 @GeneLempp

Teacher/Writer Interface: http://bit.ly/tCKE3K @lesliesullirose

Facing Your Fears as a Writer: http://bit.ly/vma9Wy @danyelleleafty for @QueryTracker

5 Tips for Creating Shareable Blog Content: http://bit.ly/ug2aI6 @smexaminer

Contracts on Fire: Amazon's Lending Library Mess: http://bit.ly/tgbb1Y @PassiveVoiceBlg

5 Things to Know about Publicity Before You're Published: http://bit.ly/saVXaL @booksparkspr

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Questions that readers ask writers: http://bit.ly/s7q5yX

Thanks @PassiveVoiceBlg: Writer's Knowledge Base – A Great Resource for Authors: http://bit.ly/w4gEAb

"Writing away madly, he made this fatal little mistake." : http://bit.ly/vA67AT @Storyfix

NaNoWriMo Tip #16: Consult a Plot Doctor: http://bit.ly/tF67e9 @galleycat

The Undercover Soundtrack – Nick Green: http://bit.ly/ufmrv6 @DirtyWhiteCandy

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Why Social Networks are Important for Writers: http://bit.ly/vsNtGo @Sarafurlong

Helpful tips for interviews: http://bit.ly/uNgQzw @BevVincent

Why Every Story Needs a Zombie: http://bit.ly/tFlxBz @JodyHedlund

9 Pieces of Bad Writing Advice it's Best to Ignore: http://bit.ly/u8Cbc0 @AnneRAllen

How to Give Meaning to Every Word You Write: http://bit.ly/uLZD6z @writeitsideways

3 Book Marketing Mantras: http://bit.ly/sW1qEE @FriesenPress

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How to speak publisher - D is for Delivery: http://bit.ly/vycd3W @annerooney

4 crucial steps for hosting a successful write-in: http://bit.ly/tBWy7I @curtrice

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An editor's response to a query meant to wow her: http://bit.ly/s3vfbN @behlerpublish

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7 truths about writers, rarely discussed: http://nyr.kr/tkTa5C by Ann Beattie for @newyorker

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8 Ways Freelancers Can Show Gratitude: http://bit.ly/uOLfCN @urbanmusewriter

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An agent's thoughts on the controversial no response= a no: http://bit.ly/rZ1xh1 @greyhausagency

Taking your novel from good to great: http://bit.ly/sx597F @KristenLambTX

Best articles this week for writers--11/18-11: http://bit.ly/uZyA1m @4kidlit

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Why Writing Category Romance Is A Huge Gamble: http://bit.ly/sNGyFF @greyhausagency

10 things 1 writer dislikes about your blog: http://bit.ly/tYnra2 @thestorysiren

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Fear of revision: http://bit.ly/rMzXE2 @JulieWuAuthor for @BTMargins

The Personal Story Arc: http://bit.ly/uR699t @StoryFix

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Famous Authors' Harshest Rejection Letters: http://bit.ly/ssmDTm @TheRealRomy for @TheAtlantic

9 Pieces of Bad Writing Advice it’s Best to Ignore--Anne R. Allen

2011-11-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

by Anne R. Allen, @AnneRAllen

Hope you’ll join me in welcoming Anne R. Allen to the blog today. Anne’s blog is a great resource for writers…check it out. This week she has a guest post from Lawrence Block.

Finding a beta reader or critique group is essential to any writer’s development. We can’t write in a vacuum. Nobody ever learned to be a good writer holed up in an attic with no one to review his work but the cat. (Cats can be so cruel.)

But it’s good to be aware that not all the advice you’ll hear will be useful. As Victoria Strauss said in her must-read Writer Beware blog “never forget that people who know nothing are as eager to opine as people who know something.”

Even worse than know-nothings are the know-somethings who turn every bit of advice they’ve ever heard into a “rule” as ironclad and immutable as an algebraic formula. Follow their advice and your book will read like an algebraic formula, too.

Here are a few critique “rules” I find more annoying than useful.

1) Eliminate all clichés

Unless your characters are wildly inventive poets, space aliens, or children fostered by wolves, their dialogue and thoughts will include familiar expressions. Don’t rob your Scarlett O’Hara of her "fiddle dee-dees" or deprive your Bogart of "doesn’t amount to a hill of beans."

2) More! Make it vivid!

Would we really improve Casablanca with "a hill of Moroccan garbanzos, yellow-pale and round, of the kind the English call chick-peas"?

3) Avoid repetition

Not necessarily. Beware what H.W. Fowler called "elegant variation".

OK: "It was a good bull, a strong bull, a bull bred to fight to the death."

NOT: "It was a good bull, a strong animal, a male creature of the bovine persuasion bred to do battle..."

4) Eradicate the verb "to be," especially in the past tense: “was” is the enemy.

Yes, it’s generally wise to avoid the passive voice, which uses "was" in the past tense:

"The cat was laundered by me," is passive and sounds lame.
"I laundered the cat," is active and stronger.

But sometimes the passive voice makes the clearest statement: "The cat was abused."

Real problems arise when amateurs confuse passive voice with the progressive tense, which also uses "to be" (with the present participle.)

"I was just sitting there when the cat owner punched me," means something different from "I just sat there when the cat owner punched me." Eliminating "was" changes meaning instead of "strengthening."

5) Put your protagonist’s thoughts in italics. No. Don’t. Unless your editor specifically asks for this, avoid it. Italics are harder to read.

When you write in the third-person-limited viewpoint, it’s read like first person: no italics or "he thought/she thought" necessary.

"I walked away from the 'In Crowd’. They were just a bunch of ill-bred alley cats," can be changed to third person with just a switch of pronoun/noun: "Pufferball walked away from the 'In Crowd’. They were just a bunch of ill-bred alley cats." See? Just the same.

6) Characters must behave predictably
Don’t let anyone tell you a character "wouldn’t" behave in a certain way. Only the writer knows if this particular truck driver would read Proust; this bride would run off with the florist’s mother; or that Maine Coon cat would pee on your Christian Louboutins.

7) Describe characters' physical appearance in detail.
When your English teacher told you to beef up that "What I Did on My Summer Vacation" essay with long, colorful descriptions of your new kitty, she was looking for a complete page, not preparing you for publication. Brevity is now and ever shall be the soul of wit. The only thing Jane Austen told us about Elizabeth Bennett’s appearance was that she had "fine eyes." Let your reader's imagination do the work.

8) Protagonists must be admirable
Saints are boring in fiction, unless they liberate France and get burned at the stake, and that’s been done.

9) If we don’t point out everything wrong, we’re not doing our job
Newbies make a lot of mistakes. (You did too, remember?) But if you list them all at once, they won’t hear what you’re saying.

They’ll hear a personal attack. When a person feels attacked, the brain shuts down.

A critiquer should tell you what’s right with a work as well as what’s wrong. When I was directing actors, I discovered the “sandwich” method is the most effective way to help someone improve: praise/criticism/praise.

All-praise-all-the time does nothing to help a writer’s work, of course, but neither does rigid thinking, power tripping, or misinformation.

My new mystery novel GHOSTWRITERS IN THE SKY was sparked by a particularly snarky and unhelpful critique workshop I witnessed at a writers conference many years ago.

GHOSTWRITERS is set at a Z-list writers’ conference in the wine-and-cattle country north of Santa Barbara CA. where a young writer appears to have committed suicide after a savage critique.

I couldn’t help the young man who was humiliated in that long-ago workshop, and I’m not sure I ever knew his name (I hope he’s a bestseller now!) But I wrote the novel partly for him—and every other fledgling writer who has been the victim of a nasty, misinformed critique.

Anne R. Allen is the author of five romantic-comedy/mysteries debuting this fall with two publishers, Popcorn Press and Mark Williams international Digital Publishing: FOOD OF LOVE, THE GATSBY GAME, GHOSTWRITERS IN THE SKY, THE BEST REVENGE and SHERWOOD, LTD.

GHOSTWRITERS IN THE SKY is available in ebook from at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and will debut in January in paper. You can read more about Anne’s “chick lit noir” mysteries on Anne R. Allen’s Blog or her author page at Amazon.com.

{Note from Elizabeth--There's been such a great response to this post that I'm foregoing my Friday post today to let Anne's stand at top-post position until Sunday. Thanks to everyone who has come by, and please remember I'm giving away a 1000-word critique from The Bookshelf Muse. Just send an email to me at elizabethspanncraig (at)gmail (dot) com with “contest” in the subject to enter. Entries accepted through November 21. The randomly-chosen winner will be announced here November 22. Thanks, Angela and Becca!}