 The dreaded sixth grade writing assignment has arrived.
"Write a Story," his teacher said, and Riley dove in excitedly!Okay, you are permitted to ask yourself, "Sixth Grade? Is she kidding?!" Bear with me, I think this will be relavent for adult writers also.
Riley is currently writing an Action-Adventure Novel, so this was the perfect way to see how it was going with the toughest critic he could find...his Language Arts Teacher!
First, he wanted to understand the parameters:
- How long does it need to be?
- When is it due?
- How many drafts will be required and graded?
Okay, as adult authors, our parameters might be a little different, but these actually correlate quite well, since they speak to the two most important elements: deadline and audience.
Understanding the parameters allowed him to sit down and write a three page first draft story/scene from his novel in about an hour, after finishing his math and science homework, of course. Keep in mind, he has not actually started writing his novel, he has only created character profiles in Scrivener. He has written most of his novel in his head, however, which leads to his first tip:
- "Your story starts in your imagination", and it has to live there for a while for you to love it and write it. NaNoWriMo aside, we need to have digested our stories a bit before we actually start writing them, otherwise, we have no framework from which to create something coherent. The longer you live within the world you create, the more you know its possibilities and limitations - but don't die there!
- "Decide how your story talks" by choosing how to start it. Is this first person, third person or narrative? Does it start in the middle of the action, or does someone tell you what they see?
- "Write what you hear, see and smell" when you are in your imagination story write as if you are actually there. This is easy if you also read books in the genre for which you write.
- "Have a beginning, middle and end" that keeps people waiting to see what happens next, and is consistent with the world you created. Don't forget that your characters' actions need to be consistent within that world, too!
These tips may seem elementary, but we all need to come back to the basics when we start getting too hung up on semantics, publishing details, formatting, cover art, day jobs, social media, and our family life.
As for Riley, he got the critique he needed, along with a surprise. He received 100% for his efforts, and the teacher asked if she could read it to the class as an example of how to write a great story! She also asked Riley if she could copy it to share with future sixth grade classes. Riley smiled sheepishly, and said, "Sure."
This 11 year old writer is floating on cloud nine, and motivated to write the rest of the book. We haven't talked about publishing yet, but I'm confident that MommyLoves Publishing will work out a deal!
Do you ever stray from just writing freely from your imagination? If so, what do you do to get yourself back on track? Thanks for sharing your ideas!~Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
@SayBumpandTweet
MommyLoves to Chat!
Everything MommyLoves
Say Bump and Take a Left
Okay, if my 10 year old can use this software to write his books, so can you! It's called Scrivener, and it's developed by Literature Latte' so how can it be anything but smooth and satisfying?! You've probably already heard of it from some great authors like Joanna Penn and Stephen Woodfin, but I thought I would add my thoughts.
Since I've only met one author who actually writes linearly - from the beginning to the end of the story - most of us fragmented people who call ourselves authors will find Scrivener very intuitive. Since I'm a Mac user, the Mac version of this software feels very natural. Here are my favorite parts: The Project Templates and Interactive Tutorial
You can always start with a blank page in Scrivener, but that huge white space usually terrifies most writers. No worries, many templates are waiting for your creativity to fill them.
- Fiction has three templates: Novel, Novel (with Parts) and Short Story
- Non-Fiction has seven, from Chicago Style Essay to General to Undergraduate Humanities Essay
- Scriptwriting formats your writing for Radio shows, Screenplays or Stage Plays, but I can't wait to play with the Comic Script template
- Poetry & Lyrics - great for that unique form of writing
- Miscellaneous templates has my next project waiting for me...a Recipe Collection
Whichever template you choose, the formatting is ready for your content. The current Ghost Writing project I'm writing called for the non-fiction template which came formatted with Title Page, Contents, Forward, Chapter folder, Endnotes and Research Folders at the ready. The entire manuscript can be viewed at a glance as note cards on a cork board or written outline form. There are many icons, formatting and organizational options to satisfy my anal-retentive side, and the freedom I crave for my creative side. Ready, Set...Compile!
The compile feature is just like the export feature of Pages on my Mac, only 5 times better...literally! First, you can format your manuscript as the following:
- Ebook
- Outline
- Paperback Novel
- Synopsis
- Proof Copy
- etc.
Then, you can compile your formatted copy into the following:
- Print
- PDF
- Rich Text
- Word
- Plain Text
- ePub (iBooks)
- Mobi (Kindle)
- html (Webpage)
- etc.
I currently have five projects going in Scrivener. That shows you how scattered my mind is. My 10 year old son has two. He's following right along in mom's footsteps.
If you are a writer hoping to be a published author, or a writer who already is published, Scrivener might just be the best tool in your self publishing arsenal. It certainly makes my self publishing life a lot easier!
Happy Writing!
~Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
@SayBumpandTweet
MommyLoves to Chat!
Everything MommyLoves
Say Bump and Take a Left
 A couple of months ago, I wrote a post concerning the potential need for liability insurance. The comments ranged from it being unnecessary and a potential waste of money, to fear of not having it and deciding to research it further. Today, one of our followers let us know that a major bookstore chain would only carry his book if he had liability insurance, so he asked us for a recommendation.
While neither Mary nor I have anyone personally to recommend, I did discover that the Authors Guild is now offering media liability insurance policies for their members.
Have any other authors needed to carry liability insurance as part of a bookstore deal? We're curious to learn if this is becoming a trend.
--
Andrea Bandle
Writer, Editor/Co-Founder
editor@helpmeselfpublish.com
@HelpMeSelfPub
 What is the saying again? A picture is worth a thousand words? What if your novel is 80,000 words? Is the picture (cover) you've chosen worth 80,000 words? If it isn't, readers will not be drawn to your book, buy it, read it and possibly review it!
Andrea and I recently helped a client choose an illustrator for her cover, and we faced the same issues we face each time we search for the perfect cover for a client's book. So, I thought we would try and answer the question:
What makes a successful cover for YOUR self published book?
It would be great if the answer to this question was as simple as taking a picture of your favorite waterfall, typing the title of your book in any open space, and adding your name as the author towards the bottom in somewhat smaller font...but it's not. Although picture, title and author are key components, their position, size and meaning are vital. You may even need slightly different covers for electronic and physical versions of your book to account for thumbnails vs. competition for attention in bookstores.
Let's consider the key parts.
~ Title/Author. If you have had more than one edit - content and copy - your initial title may well have changed during this process. Therefore, the key elements you want your title and cover to convey may have also changed. You must also consider what style font you wish to use for both title and author, and whether the text will share or compete for attention with an image. I wouldn't suggest assigning your ISBN, designing your cover or blogging/networking about your new book until you have completed edits and are relatively sure of the exact title.
~ The Picture/Background. Your favorite waterfall may have very little, if anything to do with the content of your book. Therefore, if you want a picture on your cover, the first thing you must consider is graphic arts or illustration. Each has a unique look and feel as illustrated below.
The Harry Potter book is a drawing/illustration. The Of Poseidon book is created using Graphic Arts. Either way, you need to convey to the artist creating your cover the feeling you want a reader to have when they initially see your book. A good cover artist will be sure there is enough non-essential space available for your title and author name to stand out, and that all elements come together to create an outstanding representation of the work your cover protects and advertises.
I can't wait to share our latest client's book cover with you, as the illustrator is amazing, but first, all the above details must be worked out.
What were the key components you wanted your book cover to show a potential reader? How did you ensure it would entice a possible reader to click or pick up your book? Please share!
~Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
@SayBumpandTweet
MommyLoves to Chat!
Everything MommyLoves
Say Bump and Take a Left
 I have a dear friend who is getting ready to publish her first novel, and I am one of her Beta Readers.
I have been a Beta Tester for a Beta Launch or Beta Version, but a Beta Reader for a novel? What a novel idea - I love it!
If you are ready to self publish, right before you hire an editor, you might seriously want to consider finding some Beta Readers of your manuscript to ensure the best possible success of your hard work. Before you simply go ask Aunt Martha to read your book, and give her your pile of college-ruled, lined paper filled with your one-of-a-kind, handwritten brilliance, here are some things that might make the experience actually worth your (and your Beta Readers') time:
- Choose your Beta Readers carefully - Unless the aforementioned Aunt Martha is a professional copy editor, and can do double duty as editor and Beta Reader, you might want to find five to seven other people who love to read and/or write the type of book you have written. If your audience is primarily one gender, your Beta Readers should be also. Remember, you are asking these people to provide constructive feedback on your baby - make sure you feel their comments will possibly improve your book.
- Provide a format that is both easy and functional for your Beta Readers - I received an Adobe Acrobat version of Clare's book, which allowed me to add my comments by using sticky notes and the like. Joanna Penn, on the other hand, printed a version of her first novel and provided it to her Beta Readers for hand written notes. Whichever you choose, think of the ease of use for your Beta Readers, and be prepared to read your book many times with many comments.
- Give clear instructions and a deadline for your Beta Readers - You are looking for usable feedback, so provide usable instructions. Ask your readers to read as if they themselves bought the book. Have them look for plot/timeline confusion, character concerns, "speed bumps" that make the reader stop and question, factual errors, tone or voice confusion - any comments repeated by two or more Beta Readers tell you that a rewrite of that section is probably wise.
- Be prepared and have a plan for another red pen markup of your perfect baby - Many of us writer-types wed ourselves to passages, dialogue or scenes, and if those are questioned, we fight for our darling tidbits. If only one person questions one of your wedded verses, maybe they just didn't get it, but if two or more people question it...kill it! Which is more important...the success of your novel, or that one brilliant verse?
It is common practice for serious self publishing novelists to ask for feedback before the final stage of publication. Joanna Penn, Self Published Author of two Best-Selling thriller novels and voice of The Creative Penn says Beta Readers are essential to successful publishing. Find Beta Readers and use them wisely; you will be happy you did.Have you used Beta Readers prior to self publishing? How would you characterize the experience - Successful? Painful? Please share ~~Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
@SayBumpandTweet
MommyLoves to Chat!
Everything MommyLoves
Say Bump and Take a Left
 You've worked hard earning every penny of your ebook and print book profits - so imagine losing it all in a legal battle over the originality of your story or characters. Today, just the act of defending yourself in court, regardless if you're found guilty or innocent, could create financial ruin.
Does this really happen and do authors really need to protect themselves?
This great question was posed to me recently and it's one I hadn’t really thought about, before now. Since Mary’s book was centered around herself and her family, she was in a lot less danger of being sued over copyright infringements or misrepresentations. But, for authors not writing memoirs or autobiographies, they may want to consider protecting themselves, especially since we live in such a litigious world. Just ask J.K. Rowling, who had to defend her idea of the Triwizard Tournament she wrote about in the 4th book of the Harry Potter series. Fortunately, she was on her way to becoming the first billionaire author, so she had a cushion to fall back on. But, the average author is not as lucky.
As I researched this subject, I learned that surprisingly all authors, even those publishing traditionally, need to consider carrying liability insurance as the traditional publishing houses are no longer fully protecting authors under their policies.
For more information on the reasons and resources for obtaining coverage, check out this interesting article by Amy Cook on the Writers Digest website.
Do you think it’s necessary to have Liability Insurance? Have you purchased a policy and/or faced a legal battle over your book?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
--
Andrea Bandle
Writer/Editor, Co-Founder
editor@helpmeselfpublish.com
@HelpMeSelfPub
 I believe the most difficult thing about editing your own work is determining if and when you need to cut text. You may have written the most poetic and harmonic sentences, but if they don’t propel the plot forward and are simply beautiful words strewn together, they probably need to be deleted. Most authors, once they find a sentence or phrase they are totally in love with and feel conveys the perfect sentiment, will sometimes try to make that phrase work even if it hurts the overall story. This is why a professional editor is highly recommended since it’s nearly impossible to be truly impartial to your own work.
When taking on at least the first level of edits, make certain every word chosen has a purpose in the story. Perhaps that perfectly written phrase or paragraph doesn’t need to be cut entirely, but simply rewritten so that it offers meaning to your plot? Or maybe a whole new story is fighting for life?
How do you determine what should be cut? Do you find making cuts stressful or liberating? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Andrea Bandle
Writer/Editor, Co-Founder
@HelpMeSelfPub
editor@helpmeselfpublish.com
 "You know, it's a funny thing about writers. Most people don't stop to think of books being written by people much like themselves. They think that writers are all dead long ago - they don't expect to meet them in the street or out shopping. They know their stories but not their names, and certainly not their faces. And most writers like it that way - " Inkhheart
That was then...this is now.
Before I read the above quote last week, I knew the names of many famous authors, and the faces of only a few.
I would not have recognized Edgar Allen Poe had I strolled into that bar room in Baltimore, or J.R.R. Tolkein, unless I was privileged enough to take one of his classes at Oxford University, but I know their work as intimately as I know my husband.
There were only three authors whose faces I knew as well as their names. One is J.K. Rowling, and well...if you need an explanation, please get up from your friend's wireless laptop, chip away at your ice block front door, harness up your sled dogs and join us in civilization. The other two are J.A. Konrath (at least in profile with sunglasses) and Joanna Penn.
I think as a group, that Inkheart quote is correct - most writers are solitary creatures, and most readers know the words that moved them, not the author who imagined and wrote those words.
In the 21st Century, however this scenario has changed drastically for every writer who wants to publish her work and have it read, AND for every lover of the written word who wants to know more about her favorite writer. With the sudden ease of self publishing and the ability of indie authors to broadcast exactly what they want to say, unfiltered by publishers, we now have an amazing amount of electronically published works to devour. This basic, yet amazing change in publishing has made that Inkheart quote obsolete. If an author, indie or not, wants her books to be read, she must show her readers who she is - literally!
Monday, January 23, 2012 saw this change for me. I now know the names and faces, and have devoured the delicious work of 35 incredible writers (and counting), who have changed my blogging and writing life forever. In the hope that you can do the same, here is the cause of this wonderful transformation.
It's called Triberr.
Belonging to a tribe is a basic human need. Triberr fills that need for writers, and it allows us to help each other. I don't look at another author as a competitor, like another maternity company is a competitor for MommyLoves. So having other authors read, comment and promote my work is the most amazing thing that could happen for my message and my books.
If you are an author, and you want your work read, promote others whose work you admire, and karma will take care of the rest...no really karma is a basic function of Triberr!
Here's to a new world for authors, and once you have edited and formatted your manuscript, send it out into the world by joining the tribe!
Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
@SayBumpandTweet
Mary's Blog
 Last week, I was inspired by a post from Michael Hyatt titled, The Power of Asking the Right Questions about a friend of his that after a year of being out of work and landing interviews (but no job offers), became discouraged and began asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and “Why won’t someone offer me a job?”
Michael reminded me that our minds are powerful tools: what you put in is what you'll get out. By feeding our brain negative thoughts, the results will simply spiral us into self-doubt and despair. Instead, we need to nourish our mind with the right questions, such as, “What can I do to make my interviews more memorable?”
I realized this great advice could also be applied to writers who are all too familiar with rejection letters. When this happens, if you find yourself questioning your writing abilities or consider abandoning your story, then hopefully replacing them with these questions will put you on a more successful path:
“Does my book/query letter need additional editing?” It’s often difficult to be completely impartial on your own work, especially if you’re a first time author. Two things are most critical: your first chapter and the one paragraph summary/description. In today’s world of sound bites and 140 character news snippets, it’s mandatory that you hook your reader in early, using the fewest words possible.
“How can I create attention grabbing text?” If you don’t have a background in marketing, it’s pretty difficult to write a query letter on your own. Maybe all you need are a few techniques and tweaks to get the attention you need? Having these skills will also be necessary even if you sign a book contract. Today, most marketing is the author’s responsibility.
“Should I publish this myself?” If you’re passionate enough about getting your story told, the many rejections could be a sign that you’re simply on the wrong publishing path. Fortunately, it’s never been a more exciting time to choose this option.
How do you remain positive when faced with rejection? What questions would you add to this list? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Andrea Bandle
Writer/Editor, Co-Founder
@HelpMeSelfPub
editor@helpmeselfpublish.com
 "Facebook is where you lie to your friends. Twitter is where you’re honest with complete strangers." Scott Levy /FuelInternetMarketing and @FuelOnline "Social Media" is the generalized term used for all online chat/messaging/video communication, but not everyone is social in the same way. Facebook and Twitter are amazing communication tools for building a tribe for entrepreneurial authors, and each platform has a unique language and set of tools for success.
Before an author can use either effectively, the platform, message and purpose must be clearly established. If you write, publish and wish to promote your historical fiction novels, for example, you wouldn't tweet about the sci-fi mystery you just read. Similarly, if you write YA romance novels, you wouldn't post pictures of your trip to Washington D.C. with your in-laws on your Facebook page. The sci-fi mystery and Capital trip are best left to your personal social media accounts.
- Facebook uses tags, photos, links and video to share "stories" with friends and subscribers. Status updates are called "stories," and should be thought of as such - short stories containing useful information for your subscribers. Two to three posts per day with anywhere from one sentence to two paragraphs each is an acceptable amount of interaction with subscribers to your page. The information should be in some way interactive with your audience. The more you ask your readers to interact, the more they will come back for more, and your list of fans and readers will build. You can even set up your facebook account to automatically feed to your twitter account, which brings your twitter followers back to your facebook page. Just remember the difference in tone between the two social media audiences, and be sure the first 140 characters of your facebook posts grab the reader to help them make the decision to click on the link.
- Twitter can be more difficult for many writers, because it forces them to edit themselves. No longer can we be verbose and completely descriptive. 140 characters wouldn't even contain most of the sentences in a fiction novel, but Twitter is probably the best preparation for anyone wishing to become an indie author in the digital age. No pictures or videos can be shared except through links, and mini links are preferred. Twitter will shorten full links in a post, but many savvy twitter users employ the help of services like Tinyurl.com to help them gain back some characters. Double or even triple the number of tweets over facebook posts are acceptable, and the wittier the better. Again interactive is better, but often tweeting the work, blogs and quotes of others is most popular amongst followers. Karma, people - what you put out comes back to you! Services like Buffer or TweetDeck help manage the stream of information available on this fast paced, busy social media platform.
Whichever social media you use (preferably both) blatant self promotion will quickly get you "unfollow"ed! Stay true to your message and be consistent with your posts, and your subscribers and followers will know what to expect, and expect even more. Isn't that what every author wants...a ravenous audience for her work?!
Mary Kathryn Johnson
Author ~ Entrepreneur ~ Mom
Everything MommyLoves
Mary's Blog
Say Bump and Take a Left
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