Here is an interesting article for writers.
I’m a member of several writing groups, and I’m always amazed at the different reactions people have to similar situations. For instance, one writer might leave a critique session in tears, questioning whether or not the call to write was real. Another writer might have just as challenging a critique and leave energized because she now has the insight she needs to improve. Learn more.
Nancy
Writing the Antagonist
In criminal court, ascertaining motive or intent is an integral part of the legal process and sets the tone for sentencing. The determination of a person’s motive can mean the difference between the death penalty, life in prison, a long sentence, a short sentence, and freedom. In the same way, the bad guy’s motive in a mystery or a suspense novel sets the tone for the story. It can determine the difference between a page-turner novel and a put down never-to-finish novel. A villain’s compelling motive makes the hero’s job all that more important and the whole story more believable and more suspenseful. The villain’s motive sets the emotional atmosphere, it raises the drama quotient and it sets the stage for a brilliant finish. Learn more. Learn more.
Nancy
I wanted to share a helpful article on time management.
We all struggle with time management, but as social media steals away more and more of our minutes, our angst over lost time grows. Here at Books & Such, we’re always brainstorming how to get to the “real” work. Our days are frittered away reacting (to emails, phone calls, social media) rather than initiating action.
When we’re merely reacting, we’re not engaged in the most productive work we should be doing. For example, it can feel good to clean out your inbox by the end of the day, but in actuality, did you engage in your highest priorities? Probably not. Learn more.
Nancy
This article provides some helpful tips.
After launching my social media and online book campaigns, I decided to reach out to local libraries and schools about shelving my indie book. When they responded asking for my press kit, I panicked. But after doing quite a bit of research, I found that a) I already had most of the materials and b) it’s pretty simple.
Every press kit requires 8 main parts: Contact Information and Bio, Product Information, Promotional Information, Interview Resources, Media Reactions, Press Release, Book Excerpt, and Title Page.
Let’s start from the top. Learn more.
Nancy
Critique groups are a great place to learn and develop one’s writing skills.
With a new year facing us, now might be the perfect time to think about starting or joining a critique group.
The first thing to do is ask before you start or join is: what is the purpose of a critique group? What do I want this group to do, or not to do? If you are already involved in one group, perhaps you need to assess what that group does for you, and decide to accumulate a different group of writers with different skills. And if you aren’t already in a group, consider what you think you need the most. Maybe you need to join two groups to meet different needs. Learn more.
Nancy
Science Fiction is such a fun genre. The world building and characters are so much fun to develop. This article is a great one for writers.
This was an epic week for science-fiction fans, a week when real-life scientists validated one of the most cherished sci-fi legends. A pair of astronomers at Caltech revealed strong evidence for the existence of Planet X, the long-rumored world lurking at the edge of our solar system. Learn more.
Nancy
Self-Publishing is a journey many authors choose to take. Here’s an interesting take on it.
Self-Publishing is a bit like running a lemonade stand, only without government interference. There’s a little something called the First Amendment, you see. With that in mind, what are some of the lessons we can glean from those little businesses we used to see in the summer by the side of the road? Learn more.
Nancy
Coming up with ideas can be a challenge for writers. This article has some helpful suggestions.
We all have dreaded days when we stare at a blank page, unable to come up with an idea. Those are the times writers need to allow their resources of Brainstorming and Inspiration to move into free-flowing gear. Notice I said, “allow” because free-flowing thoughts can’t be manufactured.
Brainstorming: “noun; a conference technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc., by unrestrained and spontaneous participation in discussion” (Dictionary.com). Learn more.
Nancy
Book signings can prove to be a new adventure for a first time author. This article helps with the preparation beforehand.
So…you’ve written a book. More than that, you’ve gone through the proper steps to get it published! Congratulations! Once the moment of euphoria wears off you’ll start to wonder…what now? If you’re anything like me you’ve looked up every bookstore within driving distance, called them and scheduled a book signing.
Here are a few useful tips for your big day. Learn more.
Nancy
If you are new to the writing journey, this article might be of interest.
The calls, emails, and questions I get most often as an author are from new writers who say, “I’ve just finished a book. What do I do now to get it published?” Most hope to be traditionally published—versus self-publishing their book—so I’m addressing my blog response to these writers.
Dear new author …
Nancy
Nancy Faltermeier 