Last Monday, I was nominated by the awesome Courtney at Paperback Beaches for the Liebster Award and would like to thank her. I appreciate it very much, so please make sure to check out her blog!
She had 11 questions for me, so I’ll do my best to answer all of them to the best of my ability.
Continue reading The Liebster Award – 11 questions to answer and 11 Blogs nominated
Katherine Dell is a young adult fiction author fascinated by the supernatural and the stories that surround them, and has recently released her debut novel, Harmless. She began her writing endeavours in 2011 when she wanted to reinvent herself from her previous career as an event planner.
I’ve had the great pleasure to publish a guest post “Starting, Stalling, and Finding Another Gear” from her in November 2016 while she was writing this book, and she returns today to discuss its release and her journey as an Indie Author.
When she’s not writing, she can be found in cold hockey arenas sipping coffee, working on her tan at little league games, or trying to keep her dog out of her many gardens. She lives with her husband, two boys, and fur babies, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Continue reading Interview – Katherine Dell, Author of Harmless, a YA Paranormal novel
Kelly Charron is the author of horror, psychological thrillers and urban fantasy novels. All with gritty, murderous inclinations and some moderate amounts of humor. She spends far too much time consuming true crime television (and chocolate) while trying to decide if yes, it was the husband, with the wrench, in the library.
She has written a YA psychological thriller called PRETTY WICKED about Ryann Wilkanson, a 15-year-old girl living in the small town of Dungrave County, Colorado who dreams of being an infamous and prolific serial killer––all the while keeping her dark deeds secret from her detective father and his shrewd partner. Available on Amazon.
With much more to tell in this story, she has written a sequel to PRETTY WICKED titled WICKED FALLOUT, which takes place 12 years after the slew of murders in the small town of Dungrave. It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel or as part of the Pretty Wicked series.
She lives and writes in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and their fat cat Moo Moo, who insists on sitting on the keyboard and begging for people food.
Frank McKinley is a published author, writing coach, idea guy, and entrepreneur. His mission is to help writers engage readers, sell their ideas, and build their tribes. His website is www.frankmckinleyauthor.com.
More than that, he is also one of the founders of Network Tribe builder, group where we help each other thrive, and I learned a great deal from the members and Frank himself.
I wrote an article on what you it takes to write a blog, and today Frank discusses the importance of having a Tribe as a writer, but also as a blogger. Continue reading 7 Simple Ways Any Writer Can Build a Tribe Today – By Frank McKinley
As part of this month’s Author Toolbox Blog Hop, I want to discuss Social Media as a way to promote your book. Everyone should know that you should start building a following early on, and not once your book is complete. Now, a huge following won’t necessarily translate into sales unless your following is well targeted and they are engaged with you.
Let me say this: Talking about your book all the time won’t help you. I’ll even go one step further by saying it’ll probably kill your chances to succeed. Build your following by being genuine and helpful to others before thinking of your book. That’s why it’s important to start building your following before you need it.
Now with that said, when you’re ready to launch your book, social media is a must. I strongly suggest developing 1 or 2 platforms – 3 at most.
Why?
Because it takes an impressive amount of time to do it well. So it’s better to be great at one or two than below average at 6 or 8. The idea behind social media is that it will help you spread the word when the time comes. Last week, I provided tips on how to grow your platform on Instagram and this week, I want to go over ideas on how to promote your book on this growing platform.
Continue reading 35 Ideas to promote your book on Instagram – Author Toolbox Blog Hop
Instagram is a social media that allows you to share photos and videos. With over 400 million daily users in 2017, businesses use more and more of this fast growing platform to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, and make money. End of last year, I created an account and posted a few random pictures on a regular basis. My problem was that I couldn’t seem to go over 100 followers for a long time.
I’m busy, you’re busy, and everyone else is busy. So the bottom line is that I can only invest time on a social platform that it can yield value to my business. Because if it doesn’t, what’s the point?
I wasn’t sure how it worked, and Instagram attracts mind blowing talented creative people. Look at the top posts! They are usually stunning visuals. I know who I am and don’t expect to top this and I could certainly do better.
So in the end, I needed to up my game big time.
But again, I’m not one of these creative Instagram phenomena, and you know what? That’s ok. I’m a writer, not a photographer. I’ve seen many successful people build a meaningful community without displaying a crazy creative side.
In May 2017, I read an article about Instagram from Neil Patel, and I realized that what I was doing with Twitter wasn’t far off from what I was supposed to do with Instagram.
If you’re starting, I strongly suggest opening a business account. The same way you use a Facebook page, you also have a Business Instagram account. It’s free, so there really isn’t any downside to it
A business page will give you access to features a private account can’t.
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– Be seen as a professional: Having a business account will increase your credibility as a business.
– Get notified real time when your post is performing better than the others. These notifications are quite handy to grasp better what resonates with your audience.
– Get insights (engagements, reach, website click,…): You will know which pictures or videos generated the most traction in more details. You’ll have a better understanding of how your audience interacts with your material. Also, you know how many people clicked on your link in your profile.
– Add information on your business (hours, location,…)
– Promote your page: If you have a new product coming out, Instagram gives you the ability to run ads and reach a larger audience.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]75% of Instagrammers take action after being inspired by a post[/tweet_box]
So here is a caveat for me. I’m writing and reading a lot when my family isn’t around, so I don’t have much time for social media. I’m sure I’m not the only one having this issue.
There are a few things I can schedule over the weekend, but I try not to go beyond 30 minutes a day (all platforms except Instagram) on social media.
The problem is that it can be difficult to grow with not a lot of time at hands. I could make more, but I ultimately need to write and read to improve and finish my book. Plus, most of the scheduler with Instagram allows you to schedule, but will notify you on the day/time to post that picture. There is an extra step. It still can save time for people who posts several times a day, but I only post only a day. So it’s manageable for me.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]More than 40 Billion photos have been uploaded to Instagram so far.[/tweet_box]
I read in a few posts that the most recommended number of posts was at least twice a day and have one live video/story. The truth is: I don’t have time (or in other words, I won’t make time and won’t budge). But I understand the importance to consistency, so I committed to 1 picture a day. Find what works for you, but keep your expectations to the efforts you’re willing to put in. My growth isn’t spectacular, but it is consistent and targeted.
I’m starting to witness a steady traffic to my site, and this is truly what I’m looking for beyond connecting with other Bookstagrammers (AKA people on Instagram who only post pictures of books), book lovers, and writers.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]If you’re new to Instagram, no need to panic, Instagram offers free training through Facebook to optimize your presence.[/tweet_box]
Here is the link.
Consistency is key. You can post a picture or a short video, but the best is usually to vary a bit. The posts with the most engagement are often the accounts with a theme (color/topic) and consistency. Your business page shouldn’t be like your personal page where you post everything you like.
Your business page should reflect your product with a creative approach and always aim at growth. Who do you want to target? Think about it, and when you have your answer, keep it in mind. Then think how your picture can reflect it.
Instagrammers are very talented and creative individuals. If you decide to share some videos, here are a few facts. You can give it a try. Not everyone is comfortable with videos, so only go there if you feel comfortable with it. But, always be professional about it. It’s YOUR brand, your baby.
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]When Instagram introduced videos, 5 million videos were uploaded in the first 24 hours.[/tweet_box]
Instagram videos get two times the engagement of photos that any other social media platform.
Comments are powerful to build a relationship and grow your brand. I don’t force myself in doing anything. I leave a comment when I want and feel compelled to do so.
Guess what?
Commenting allowed me to meet great people on Instagram too. In 2 months and posting only once a day, I’ve gained close to 1,400 new followers without going crazy over it. I’m sure anyone who has the time can go way beyond this. Once my book is complete, I’ll probably start taking a little more time on Social Media.
For now, I don’t want to disappear, so I post regularly, but I have my priorities straight and mainly focus on writing.
Hashtags are like keys to doors with an audience behind. You need enough keys to make a big enough impact, but most importantly, you need the right keys to make an impact at all.
I looked up other sites too, but the magic number to extend your reach seems to be at least 11 in your title, and up to 50 if you add more in a comment with a limit of 30 hashtags per post. (This limit may have changed, but couldn’t confirm if it was the last update.)
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Source: Get.simplymeasured.com
I haven’t done this yet. I usually have about 10 hashtags in the title, but I look at what the other bookstagrammers do, and it doesn’t seem crazy. Know what your established competition do, so it’ll give you a better sense of what’s acceptable.
I may try to do this though once I get more time.
Get an app to make sure you unfollow the people who only added you to get a follow, but will get rid of you as soon as possible. I have an app called Followers + that helps me keep track of my activity.
No affiliates of any kind. I found this app on my own reading reviews and it’s my personal opinion.
You need to target your following by following profiles with similar interests. Go to the Top Posts and click on their followers. Look at the list of profiles and follow 50 max at a time. Don’t get spammy.
Don’t forget to unfollow the people who do not follow you back within 48 hours. You need to remove them, or it will tank your numbers. I do have a handful of people I follow and don’t expect them to follow me back, but keep it to the lowest number I can.
Remember that you don’t have to follow everyone, but it will certainly help you increase your audience faster.
Like any social media, Instagram is only what you want it to be. The time you dedicate to the platform will have a direct correlation with the amount of growth you’ll experience. The formula is pretty standard.
Be consistent. Be relevant. Be creative. Be genuine. Be social. Be a leader.
Whenever you have a bit more time, use it wisely. Also, NEVER buy followers. It’s tacky and a complete waste of money because it won’t bring you the following you need to develop your business. Embrace your creative side and connect with like-minded people.
Do you use Instagram? Share your experience. 🙂
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
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June flew by, just like the beginning of this year. So here we are, halfway through 2017 celebrating the 4th of July with a weather perfect for BBQing and a day by the pool. It’s also the perfect time to think about what I wanted to accomplish at the beginning of the year and how to make the most out of what’s left of it.
I recently set myself a monthly reading goal. Better late than never, right? I’ve always loved reading but thought I would up my game a little by being a tad bit more consistent. Reading is the backbone of a good writer. So ultimately, the goal for me is to stay current on what’s out there, strengthen my writing, and breed new ideas.
I want to say that getting in the habit of reading and writing every day is a challenge. So I thought I would set up realistic goals to help achieve them. It turned out to be very empowering – I set a goal of four books minimum a month, check a mental box when I have one down, update my Instagram (@l.m.durand) because I love it, and go on an exciting book hunt. Awesome, right!? At least, it is for me. 🙂
I recently made a purchase that slightly changed my reading experience. I started out with a beautiful picture on Instagram and ended with a box in my mail – Its name: Owlcrate.
What’s that? Let me tell you.
Two months ago, I came across a picture of an open box stuffed with a beautiful hardcover book and Young Adult books related goodies inside.
And I thought of Christmas.
A warm and fuzzy feeling came to me along with the vivid memory of my big brother waking me up at 6:00 am. I’ve never been a morning person (my brother was… still is). On any other days, this would have ended up with our parents grounding us both in our room, but not that day.
On Christmas Day, nothing could have kept me in bed. He would tell me all about Santa dropping lots of presents under the tree and his master plan to get our parents down there. We weren’t allowed to open the presents before my parents get downstairs mostly because they wanted to capture our faces on camera.
So to increase our chances (AKA decrease our waiting time), we would team up to wake them up the earliest we could without pissing them off. That was the trickiest part. We always felt stronger united against adversity. And, getting my parents down there at 6:00 am was as close we could get to adversity, especially when you’re 5.
It’s funny how I now recognize that look on their face. The one that says “I love you, kid, but it’s way too early. Damn it! It’s Christmas and can’t say no.” That’s Karma, I guess. Truthfully, we never had to fight hard but did feel like it. Sorry, I digress.
Have you heard of monthly book subscription box?? Well, there are boxes for any type of books or a specific targeted audience (i.e. Romance, thrillers, children’s books…). But, the one I saw was for Young Adult novels, which happens to be my target audience.
I love these books and can devour them at a very fast pace.
Owlcrate kind of fell on my lapses without asking. I saw very pretty pictures on Instagram, unboxing videos and decided to give it a try. For all book lovers out there, how would you like to have Christmas? Or a birthday present every month? Well, this is how it feels for me.
Owlcrate is a monthly YA subscription box that is delivered to your door every month. It contains a newly released YA novel along with 4 to 6 YA book-related goodies.
How cool is that?
This audience targets anyone who is 14 and up. You can select a single purchase on past boxes and see if there are any boxes you like. You can also go for some adventure and subscribe for a 1, 3, 6 or 12-month subscription.
Owlcrate isn’t the only company to offer this type of service, but I like them a lot. I also liked Fairyloot a lot, but it’s a UK-based company. Shipping cost to the U.S. is quite expensive. Maybe if I start making money writing… one day, one day…
Anyway, there are many companies like them, and it’s always good to check them out. Just to name a few: Unicorncrate – This box’s membership was sold out and it was more what I was looking for initially, which is YA Fantasy. Illumicrate and Uppercase Box are also great ones.
– First of all, because I enjoy having a book related to my writingdelivered to my door every month. But even if it’s not fantasy, it helps me with the youthful narrative and other things I can learn on writing a YA novel.
– Because I did not pick the book, which makes me read books that I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise. And it’s an enriching experience.
– Because I get lots of great goodies that even my kid love. RIP to a green ball bath my 3 year-old threw in his bath. He asks his dad who had no idea what it was, so within the hour I had received it, it was gone. Apparently my kid thought it was a cool green and he wanted to be a monster. He had the best bath ever, so I guess that was a better use for it than what I could’ve done with it. 🙂
– Because I can use the goodies to take really cool pictures for Instagram, and most times for Twitter and Facebook. 🙂
– Because I connect with book lovers like me who have the same type of subscription and we discuss the books received. This is awesome because these readers are the ones I would love to have for readers. They tell me what they like and what they didn’t, which helps me figure out a little more on what or how to write on a specific topic.
– Because it’s awesome to get to unwrap one of these boxes – it’s like Christmas every month. Santa got competition right there.
Overall, this is a great experience, and I would recommend to any book lovers. I’m sure you can find the type of books you enjoy the most and find the right box for you. It’s also a great present.
The subscription isn’t awfully high especially when you get two books in the same month, but that’s not common, and it’s probably going to be still high for some. If you can afford it, I don’t really see a downside to these boxes, especially because there are so many different boxes and for everyone. Check out Cratejoy.
Note: I bought Owlcrate myself and opinions published in this post are my own.
Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.
Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).
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For the first time, I’m participating in a monthly event #AuthorToolboxBlogHop that aims at helping authors at each stage of their career, and I’m very excited to be part of this. Thank you Raimey for making this happen! This month I wanted to share the best advice I’ve ever received from a panel of agents on what to do to make sure they’ll be reading your first pages when querying and you don’t end up in the unwanted pile.
You’ve spent hours and hours writing and perfecting your book. You went through numerous edits and now finally ready to take on the next step, the big step, the one that will put your name and work out there. It’s a frightening moment, but, one only persistent writers get to see. If you thought writing the book wasn’t easy, I fear this next step isn’t going to be either. Undeniably, the competition out there is fierce.
I attended a panel of agents a few months back where writers asked what we should do to make sure our submission doesn’t get dismissed and stands a fair chance. This panel was very informative and helpful, and it also gave us an understanding of what agents have to deal with on a daily basis. Understanding where they’re coming from will help you better prepare for the querying part of the process. I want to say agents must also need tons of coffee in the morning and probably wine at night.
This week, I was honored to cover a Social Media that I love, Twitter. I had the privilege to discuss how you can grow the right community for your business. I used a few techniques that got me from less than a 100 followers to 10K in 4 months. I’m now close to 27K after a break that I had to take beginning of the year. I’m excited to share this interview with you and hope you’ll learn a few things that can help you grow with the right audience for you.
Here is the link to the interview and while you’re at it, check out Frank McKinley’s website. He is the author of 6 non-fiction books all available on Amazon. Frank truly is a wonderful resource for writers and business entrepreneurs.
As of today, it takes me about 30 minutes a day, but when I first started, I did not have the proper tool or understanding of how Twitter worked. I would spend an hour or two each day trying to figure it out and ended up reading a few books on the topic because it was eating up time I desperately needed.
Social media is great to grow your author platform and build your readership, but you need to be interested in connecting with like-minded people. And, this is why it is time-consuming. To succeed, it’s important to start with the right tools. Social media should never consume all your time because, at the end of the day, you’re still a writer and need to write.
To succeed, you need to…
Click here to Read More on Frank’s website.
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to like, comment, and share on Social Media. Also, enter your email below to receive a Free e-book with the exact 10 steps that I used to grow my Twitter platform, and receive bi-monthly updates and tips.
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Writing a book is undeniably something you do on your own unless you co-write a book, but most of the time, it’s an activity that you do alone. You sit down and pour your heart and soul onto the paper. Interactions aren’t what writers are known for, and sometimes, it can feel heavy on your shoulders. There are a lot of reasons why you may struggle, from trying to balance work, family, and writing, and fit everything in one day to doubting your writing skills. When you start spending a lot of time looking at the cursor blink on your screen or looking at the white paper mocking you, walk away.
Walk away and know that they are a few things you can do about it. This isn’t the end, but the beginning of your journey. [tweet_dis]If a journey was supposed to be easy, we would probably have no books written.[/tweet_dis] Everything comes from an internal or external fight (often both). So, fight for what you believe, stand up for yourself and push, but make sure you have fun while doing it. Fortunately, the things that you can do are pretty easy to apply. I may warn you though, some ideas will require a little more time than others, but when you’re consistent and willing to push, the only limit is YOU.
Continue reading Writing is hard, but it should also be fun.
This week, I spent an impressive amount of hours editing my book. Writing a book can be rough at times, but I love it. What can I say? If you’re a writer, you’ll understand. So, I wanted to do something a little different, something… animated. It’s Friday after all! We should all smile a little.
Interested in writing a book? Already writing one? Follow these 14 (or maybe more) animated steps. You’ll know if this is for you, and if you’ve written a book, this might look familiar.
You’ll need to get an idea so good that you’ll feel compelled to write the second it hits you. Be passionate by your topic.
Own your topic like a crazy mad person… or not. Just know what you’re talking about. Be credible.
Outline, but leave some room for imagination
This is where the fun begins. Don’t stop until you have a complete manuscript. Have fun with it!
It was hard, but you did it. Be proud of you. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement, because, YES, you did it.
Let it sit for a while and grab a book. This time will give you the distance you need to edit with focus. Meanwhile, read as much as you can.
Beware it might hurt your eyes. You might wonder how you could have even considered this draft as remotely good, and it might depress you. But, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
You might even freak out, and even want to go there, but don’t!
Edit, edit, and edit.
After several rounds of edits where you carefully look at plot, pacing, characters, structure, writing styles and so on, it’s time for beta readers. Give them specific instructions, so they know what to look for.
Also, your cat may not be able to do the job… I’m just saying. Hopefully, it won’t plot against you.
via GIPHY
Yes… having people read your book might do that, but it’s ok. It’s an important step.
Did I say edit? Edit again, read out loud and edit again
But, only when you think you can’t do better.
via GIPHY
And I meant by email… or mail. It might be more efficient.
Fight the urge to eat all the chocolate or bite your nails. Make sure you’re on the right track with your Author Platform, start your promotion, guest post, or start outlining your next book.
Several rounds of edits may be needed… ok let’s be honest, it will be needed…
via GIPHY
Get that fire in you burning (but not literally)! Nothing can distract you from finishing this book… well, maybe a few things, but for the sake of it, let’s say nothing can.
When you’re absolutely sure it’s ready, have someone else (preferably someone who never read the book) read proof your book. You’ll need a fresh pair of eyes.
via GIPHY
I know what you think by now.
Well, yes, it is hard! It takes a lot to become a writer. But, spend the time necessary to make your story a page turner. No rush!
It’s up to you at this point, but know that another journey begins here. I certainly hope you have that energy and enthusiasm when you get there because, let’s be honest, you’ll need it.
And here is how you write a book in 14 steps!
Ok! I know what you’re all thinking…
I know, right?!? LOL, I can see the editor in you cringe.
Complete these 14 steps and you’ll be ready for another adventure. Publishing is another lengthly journey, but if it’s worth every sweat and headaches. Whether you go with traditional or self-publishing, bear in mind that the writer in you should take a backseat and let the PR/business entrepreneur/publisher take over.
Have fun!
If you enjoyed the post, make sure to like, comment, and share on Social Media. Also, subscribe to my newsletter to get a Free e-book that will help you grow your Twitter platform, and receive monthly updates and my reading list.
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Matt Mayr grew up in a small mining community north of Lake Superior, where he learned to hunt and fish from a very young age. He holds an Honours English Degree from York University, and attended the Humber School for Writers mentorship program twice.
Continue reading Listen to the voice inside your head – By Matt Mayr
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Now I said “read extensively in your genre,” but it doesn’t mean only reading in your genre. Extensively doesn’t mean exclusively. You can learn a lot by reading in other genres. For example, if you need to build tension or a twist in your plot, reading thriller are very helpful. Reading romance can help you develop a love story.
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Continue reading 4 reasons why attending writing conferences will help you become a better writer.
Continue reading 7 things you can’t do with an e-Book reader
Kevin Lux is a twenty-two-year-old comedy writer from Luxembourg. He writes comedy articles about all sorts of subjects and is always looking for different ways to make people laugh with his words.
Honestly, it was late on a Sunday night, so all the stores were closed. I really wanted to read the next book of a Series and ran out of patience, so I gave in and decided to try it out. The first step was to download the e-reader and the e-book, which turned out to be easy enough not to give me time to second guess myself. Reading on an e-reader though wasn’t easy at first because my mind was missing the experience of turning actual pages and the feeling of holding it to have a feel of where you’re at in the story.
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When you’re jet-lagged or have insomnia and want to read, but the people next to you don’t want you to use a light at 2 am, e-Readers are life-savers. The lighting is soft enough that it won’t bug them. When I was traveling, I had bought a print book with me, and when I was up at 3 am, I had to table it and read another book on my e-Reader. This was when I realized how much convenient this device truly was.
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As you may know, I’ve been living in the U.S. for a very long time now, but I’m originally from a small French island called Reunion Island. It’s a beautiful Island (somehow similar to Hawaii). So, I decided to go there to see my family, but also to take a much needed break. While it was nice to be with my friends and family, I used that time to find inspiration, peace, and the strength to push again.
Since 2010, the center of the Island (about 40%) is home to a Unesco World Heritage Site. I mean it gives you an idea of how beautiful the island is (Ok! I might be biased, but I assure you it’s beautiful). I found so much inspiration for my book there.
Sharks are a real issue there, but it didn’t bother me too much because you have a few authorized places you can go swimming without any problems.
I think my skin developed some sort of natural repellent because they weren’t interested in me. It’s almost like I was old news (labeled already tasted, been there, done that), but I could see them lurking at night. They wanted fresh blood and were ready to do anything to get it. In other words, my kid was the perfect candidate – tender and sweet.
That’s my takeaway from this trip in a nutshell and, now that I’m back in California, I started writing full time. This is a nice change of pace, but I did not think I would have so much to do. My days are flying by so fast.
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This week, Sarah L. Johnson wrote a wonderful post filled with humor and invaluable information for Authors on how to approach Indie Booksellers. She shares insights she gained while working at an independent bookstore. This Guest Post is a must read for all Authors and Aspiring Authors.
Continue reading 10 Author Tips for Making Friends with Indie Booksellers – by Sarah L. Johnson
G.W. Renshaw hasn’t done everything, but he’s trying: Canadian Forces, retail slave, forest ranger, computer programmer for 30 years, college teacher, film actor, security and intelligence, jeweller, black smith, Search and Rescue manager, and member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms.
Continue reading Interview – G.W. Renshaw, Author of “The Chandler Affairs” Series
Nabila Fairuz is Bangladeshi-Canadian author who published her first novel “The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar” a few months ago. She resides in Alberta where she is working on a new novel that should turn into a trilogy.
The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar tells the story of Shelly, a young girl whose entire family disappears under cryptic circumstances. Not only that, Shelly also has to witness the death of her only sister in a fight. Growing up, Shelly decides that she needs answers and find out if any of her remaining family members are still alive. Her past fuels her on to become a fearsome pirate captain. Throughout the course of her journey, she faces many dangers (and some humorous situations) while she sails across the waters of the Caribbean Sea until she finally realizes her own destiny.
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You need to know what’s out there. Do it differently by bringing new ideas to the table. Ask yourself if this is helpful or insightful to your readers. What message are you trying to convey? Is it actionable?
Once you finish writing the post, edit it. It’s painful to read a post with typos, missing words or grammatical errors. Hemingway Editor or Grammarly are great tools to check a minimum. The App won’t catch everything, but it gives you a great start. Hemingway Editor will also grade and color code your text to improve readability. You should take advantage of these tools.
The title is probably one of the most important steps. If you have a bunch of articles to read, what will compel you to read one versus another? I tried posting three different titles for the same post, and two barely had hits when the third got a lot of engagement. The difference? The title.
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I don’t mind questions like, “how is it coming along?” or something in those lines. Believe me – writers already feel the pressure. Let’s not add to it or be demeaning.
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It’s like being in a closed room next to someone who has a cold and keeps coughing next to you. Once or twice is tolerable, but more than that and you want to dart outside before you get sick. You can’t even see how beautiful the room is anymore.
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Continue reading How to Sell Dark Fiction to the Right Audience – By J.J. Reichenbach
So what did I do?
Making this type of decision must be carefully thought before. The leap is something you must want beyond anything else because you don’t need to write full time to be successful. Many authors wrote best sellers maintaining a day job. Writing full time doesn’t guarantee success, it’ll just increase your chances. You could also have a part time job.
Chances are I’m not going to make any money or very little in the next few months, and it’ll take a long time to make things happen. That’s a risk to be considered. The likelihood to make a living is thin, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. Having a plan B is crucial. I have a stable work history, lots of recommendation, and did everything I could the right way when I quit.
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Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, with new titles scheduled for 2017 and 2018. Her newest title, published by Whitecap Books is Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Aurora.
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Get coffee, but don’t bring the pot or you might need to do some squats afterward. Put some music on if that helps. I don’t like music when I write as I find it distracting, but I have friends who can’t write without music or a picture on the wall. We’re all different, so find what works for you. Also, set up your desk by getting rid of possible toys (FYI – a slinky may count).
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]”Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Stephen King[/tweet_box]
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Born in Toronto, Canada, KJ enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle during her early years, living in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean, which gave her an insider’s view into many different cultures. While abroad, she read every book she could find, which triggered in her a desire to create her own stories.
Continue reading Author Interview – K.J. Howe, Author of “The Freedom Broker”
For me, it’s hard work, but also the ability to look at your fear in the eyes and make it walk away. But, that’s not something that is easy to do. Experience and knowledge help you build that confidence.
My husband, I guess. For him, this cleanse was a piece of cake. I love smoothies, in general. They’re good for you, but I always prefer the juices made of fruit. I‘ve never really loved green juices, so try to drink 3 of them a day for 3 days, and you’re not that hungry anymore.
[tweet_dis]You have a fear of heights, go climbing. You have a fear of being criticized, don’t mind the people. Do what you love even if it’s not easy.[/tweet_dis] I’m still pushing my barriers, and I hate the feeling of being uncomfortable. I’ve grown from that experience. Challenging myself is something I will continue to do, so I don’t fail myself by not pushing when necessary.
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It depends on your situation and what matters to you. For some, what matters will be the display of their book in a bookstore, the help of an experienced and recognized team, the higher earnings through royalties, or the freedom to decide what’s best for your book. Many writers, especially those with an established Author platform, will prefer self-publishing.
As opposed to traditional publishing, you get to exercise full and decisive control over your work. You get to decide what needs to be edited, how the ideas are presented, the title of your book and the cover design. These are all roles that are taken on by the publisher when it comes to traditional publishing, which can be a real downer and hindrance to your creative prowess.
I can’t stress enough how important having your book edited by a professional is. Since there isn’t a set standard of quality, self-publishers are expected to publish high-quality work. Unfortunately, the industry usually has a view of low quality and poorly edited work when it comes to self-publishing. I’m sure you’ve read books where there are so many typos and errors that you can’t enjoy the book. Yes – it also happens with traditional publishing, but much less. Lots of readers have become skeptical of the work that comes off of self-publishing. Therefore, even if your work has exceptional quality, it takes time for it to be recognized and to receive the appreciation it should.
Since you will be working on everything by yourself, you have too much of a workload on your hands. This affects your performance and sets you back by a considerable amount of time. You might easily get stressed out and give up on the project due to frustration.
This is a great alternative to self-publishing since it is part self-publishing and part traditional publishing. It limits the cons of both self-publishing and traditional publishing and offers you a wonderful solution.
Continue reading The Best 4 Tips for Writing Dark Fiction – By JJ Reichenbach
Continue reading 7 Reasons Why Reading is Important to Become a Good Writer
Nerd, Paranormal Fantasy Author, Doctor Who fangirl, Las Vegas Native, and SuperMom to three awesome kids!
Continue reading Social Networking Faux Pas – By Katie Salidas
The title has two jobs: it should be interesting enough to catch people’s attention and fit per the general topic of your book. It helps if it uses keywords that readers can search for when finding titles of subjects that your book mirrors. But that’s more for non-fiction. Your title helps market your book, so be sure that it fits the subject, and is interesting enough to garner a closer look.
Despite the old saying, many people do judge whether they are going to purchase a book by its cover. You will need to have a good, professional, and interesting cover to help sell your book. It should be a cover that appears professionally designed, uses the right color palettes, and has typography that catches the eye. Plus, it should be attractive both in small and large sizes so that it can sell whether seen on the screens of computers or mobile devices.
You may not consider your photo or short biography to be interesting enough to put on your book. Your readers will appreciate to know you a little more. Your bio should be one that establishes you as an authority, even if this is your first book. Plus, your photo should be professional. Do not go for a goofy or complex photo, but rather a simple, straightforward image that conveys your work.
Your book description needs to be clear and concise if you want to really hook the person into reading your work. It pays to use the services of a copy editor who can write a catching, powerful description that can pull people into your work. Writing a great pitch isn’t always easy, so it may be worth having an outside view on your work do it. In addition, having testimonials that speak to the quality and interest of your work helps substantially when it comes to sales.
Digital printing can help you save money by creating a book that has fewer pages. But, if you print your novel on letter-size pages with tight lines and small margins, it will be very hard to read. You are far better off spending more money and getting enough pages so that your book is easy to read.
Continue reading Author Interview – Robert J Sawyer, Author of “Quantum Night”
Talented author, Kate Harvie is coming back with a new inspiring guest post on “How to know when to publish your book.” Kate is the Author of the upcoming Believe It and Behave It: How to restart, Reset, and Reframe your Life.
Continue reading How to Know When to Publish Your Book: Heart, Not Hustle by Kate Harvie
Continue reading Author Interview – Adam Dreece, Author of “The Man of Cloud 9”
J. A. McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of a short story collection, CONNECTIONS, published by Pandora Press and two College textbooks on Professional Ethics, published by Pearson-Prentice Hall.
Continue reading Author Interview – J.A. McLachlan, Author of “The Occasional Diamond Thief”
A.S. Akkalon planned to run away and join the circus until the fantastical worlds of David Eddings, Katharine Kerr, and Raymond E. Feist inspired her to become a fantasy author.Continue reading What does your bookshelf say about you? – By A.S. Akkalon
Continue reading Top things you should know before hiring a professional editor
Continue reading Starting off the year with the right resolutions…
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. Continue reading How to Use Twitter Website Cards to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Book Page?
Suzy Vadori is an Operations Executive by day, writer by night. The Fountain is her debut novel for young adults and is the first book in a trilogy being published by Evil Alter Ego Press. The Fountain has been shortlisted for a 2016 Aurora Award for Best Young Adult Novel..
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Continue reading Interview – Suzy Vadori: The Fountain (Aurora Award Nominee 2016)
Continue reading Find out why you need beta readers before you hit the “Publish” button!
A. G. Kirkham was born in a very small town in Italy and came to Toronto, Canada, at the age of three. Her favorite time in school was getting lost in the books. That feeling has never left, and she has been writing short stories and poems from an early age..
Continue reading A.G. Kirkham discusses the first book of her Satan’s Pride Series.
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Continue reading 5 Rules to Pick the Right Name for Your Characters
Continue reading Three Steps to Becoming and Being a Writer – by Kate Harvie
