Writers, get organized! (Part 1)
After watching this amazing conference: Creative Women Summit hosted by Crystal and Donna (thank you for the fabulous event!), at http://ccscreativeacademy.com/ I decided that it was time to get steaming and share.
Choo choo! Get that train of articles moving.
You've got to get organized
and make at least a year plan!
I'm a home school mom and I have to teach two kids on a regular basis. I have little free time to write, less alone getting professionally organized between school work (I love teaching and learn so much), worskshops (I'm so grateful so many are online now, yay!), CPs (having 5 stories to read now), exercising, (taking an hour-long bath is a thing from dreamland especially when the kids and I share the love for the same sports), cooking from scratch (because we're weird and we like to do it in family which stretches the amount of time spent on it), and have quality time with family (reading stories to kids, have hug time, TV time, sharing things, meal time, friends time, events time, etc.)
I'm sure you're the same!
Don't you wish you had Hermione's little time amulet to go through your day several times over?
However, I do manage quite a lot. Come to think of it. You do too.
But you could get better.
And learn more about time and resources management.
Like you, I'm still learning.
So, I will NOT show you the best way to do thing.
Nope.
I will show you the way I get organized, what I do to get things done.
On the photo at the top of the post, you can see my tools:
-a binder where I plan my novels (maps, research, things to try, characters profiles, world-building, symbolic objects, pictures, invented words, etc.)
- a binder where I keep some writing tools (onomatopeia dictionary, important articles, story types, archetypes, stories structures, etc)
- a binder set aside for when I print the novel for the third draft.
- a binder with a detailed planner for the agents (lists for different categories and different agencies, agents, a plan for the year, etc.)
-a notebook (for words and sentences I like when I read)
- a notebook (for my short stories ideas)
-an art kit (to draw characters, locations, maps, scenes sketches, etc.)
Every week, I will share something: my templates, my creative process, the way I do things.
I hope you'll get inspired in turn.
Don't procrastinate. So go. Do it now.
Choo choo! Get that train of articles moving.
You've got to get organized
and make at least a year plan!
I'm a home school mom and I have to teach two kids on a regular basis. I have little free time to write, less alone getting professionally organized between school work (I love teaching and learn so much), worskshops (I'm so grateful so many are online now, yay!), CPs (having 5 stories to read now), exercising, (taking an hour-long bath is a thing from dreamland especially when the kids and I share the love for the same sports), cooking from scratch (because we're weird and we like to do it in family which stretches the amount of time spent on it), and have quality time with family (reading stories to kids, have hug time, TV time, sharing things, meal time, friends time, events time, etc.)
I'm sure you're the same!
Don't you wish you had Hermione's little time amulet to go through your day several times over?
However, I do manage quite a lot. Come to think of it. You do too.
But you could get better.
And learn more about time and resources management.
Like you, I'm still learning.
So, I will NOT show you the best way to do thing.
Nope.
I will show you the way I get organized, what I do to get things done.
On the photo at the top of the post, you can see my tools:
-a binder where I plan my novels (maps, research, things to try, characters profiles, world-building, symbolic objects, pictures, invented words, etc.)
- a binder where I keep some writing tools (onomatopeia dictionary, important articles, story types, archetypes, stories structures, etc)
- a binder set aside for when I print the novel for the third draft.
- a binder with a detailed planner for the agents (lists for different categories and different agencies, agents, a plan for the year, etc.)
-a notebook (for words and sentences I like when I read)
- a notebook (for my short stories ideas)
-an art kit (to draw characters, locations, maps, scenes sketches, etc.)
Every week, I will share something: my templates, my creative process, the way I do things.
I hope you'll get inspired in turn.
Don't procrastinate. So go. Do it now.
Writers, Get organized: You need a Platform (Part 2)
Yes, You Need a Platform.
No matter what people tell you.
You need visibility.
Market yourself and you won’t regret it.
Even if agents keep saying that you don’t need a platform to get published, you need a platform to stand out and get noticed by the people you care the most about: your readers.
More than ever before writers cannot be just creatives; they also need to be marketers.
It is not enough to write a damn good book and find a publisher anymore.
In order to draw attention to your stories, to hook your readers, you need a solid plan to stand out in the rowdy competition.
Think about it.
Every day a new debut author comes to the market. And their novels are kick ass. Books get better and better every day. That’s a lot of people to compete with. That’s a lot of talent to face.
You probably never heard of most debut authors. Their name is a mystery. You might not even suspect you have that many competitors, but they are out there. And their novels are just as good as yours.
The only difference between their novel and yours is visibility.
If you want to be successful, you need to stand out from the crowd. Even a novel that gets a lot of hype sometimes does not do very well because the author did not put in the effort of marketing it.
So, you thought it was hard enough to write a book… Think farther.
Some writers hire publicists because, frankly, they can’t do it all.
Some writers invest thousands of dollars in ads.
What if you could get your name out there years before you publish anything?
Slowly. Steadily.
What if your name stood out before your next publication? Would that be good for your sales?
Yes! A resounding yes.
Building your own platform means earning people’s trust.
Much more than attention grabbing, your blog is a platform to communicate.
If people trust you and see you as a professional, then they will be more likely to pick one of your books and check them out.
Because it’s all about communication and expertise.
People need to hear your voice, no matter what your expertise is. They need to trust that voice.
You might think you don’t know much about anything or blogging is too much work.
Think again.
You are the only person to know about something.
You know about it well enough to share.
You have something important to say.
Everybody does.
Maybe you have a lot of ideas and you want to share them. Offer prompts to authors.
Maybe you are at home and you take care of kids. Maybe you know how to organize your life around kids or you read them interesting stories, and you can blog about that.
Maybe you are a cop and you write thrillers. You are among the few who know the ins and outs of police work. Share that.
Maybe you are a lawyer and you write mysteries. You are one of the few who will know how your line of work can help write mysteries.
Maybe you are a librarian and you write fantasy. You are one of the few who catch people’s secrets just by knowing what they read about.
Etc.
No matter what you are interested in, this can find a place in a blog.
Maybe you know how to research, editing or are interested in trends, or you read a lot of thrillers or podcasts. Share that.
You can write articles, use bullet lists, gather links to other resources, review novels, interview people or made short podcats.
Find your specialty.
Your own style.
Experiment.
Everybody starts slow and low. Everybody starts with something so-so, then grow from there.
Show your unique voice. Offer a great content people want to read about.
If they like your voice, trust you, like you, they will be more inclined to read your books.
Focus on interesting, unique, and practical content.
Offer thought provoking ideas to ice the cake.
The more generous and genuine the content, the more believable and trustworthy you will sound.
And do not be scared to appear vulnerable because that’s what helps people relate to you. I know, easier said than done.
Here is a file to organize your thoughts and jot down ideas after you narrow down your field of expertise. Keep well focused. And if you are a jack of all trades, duplicate the document and tackle one subject per page. That should give you plenty of ideas to blog about.
So, what are you going to blog about?
Share your ideas.
Do you already have a blog?
Share your link below.
Download the Word Document below (Right click then press "save as"!)
and get organized!
No matter what people tell you.
You need visibility.
Market yourself and you won’t regret it.
Even if agents keep saying that you don’t need a platform to get published, you need a platform to stand out and get noticed by the people you care the most about: your readers.
More than ever before writers cannot be just creatives; they also need to be marketers.
It is not enough to write a damn good book and find a publisher anymore.
In order to draw attention to your stories, to hook your readers, you need a solid plan to stand out in the rowdy competition.
Think about it.
Every day a new debut author comes to the market. And their novels are kick ass. Books get better and better every day. That’s a lot of people to compete with. That’s a lot of talent to face.
You probably never heard of most debut authors. Their name is a mystery. You might not even suspect you have that many competitors, but they are out there. And their novels are just as good as yours.
The only difference between their novel and yours is visibility.
If you want to be successful, you need to stand out from the crowd. Even a novel that gets a lot of hype sometimes does not do very well because the author did not put in the effort of marketing it.
So, you thought it was hard enough to write a book… Think farther.
Some writers hire publicists because, frankly, they can’t do it all.
Some writers invest thousands of dollars in ads.
What if you could get your name out there years before you publish anything?
Slowly. Steadily.
What if your name stood out before your next publication? Would that be good for your sales?
Yes! A resounding yes.
Building your own platform means earning people’s trust.
Much more than attention grabbing, your blog is a platform to communicate.
If people trust you and see you as a professional, then they will be more likely to pick one of your books and check them out.
Because it’s all about communication and expertise.
People need to hear your voice, no matter what your expertise is. They need to trust that voice.
You might think you don’t know much about anything or blogging is too much work.
Think again.
You are the only person to know about something.
You know about it well enough to share.
You have something important to say.
Everybody does.
Maybe you have a lot of ideas and you want to share them. Offer prompts to authors.
Maybe you are at home and you take care of kids. Maybe you know how to organize your life around kids or you read them interesting stories, and you can blog about that.
Maybe you are a cop and you write thrillers. You are among the few who know the ins and outs of police work. Share that.
Maybe you are a lawyer and you write mysteries. You are one of the few who will know how your line of work can help write mysteries.
Maybe you are a librarian and you write fantasy. You are one of the few who catch people’s secrets just by knowing what they read about.
Etc.
No matter what you are interested in, this can find a place in a blog.
Maybe you know how to research, editing or are interested in trends, or you read a lot of thrillers or podcasts. Share that.
You can write articles, use bullet lists, gather links to other resources, review novels, interview people or made short podcats.
Find your specialty.
Your own style.
Experiment.
Everybody starts slow and low. Everybody starts with something so-so, then grow from there.
Show your unique voice. Offer a great content people want to read about.
If they like your voice, trust you, like you, they will be more inclined to read your books.
Focus on interesting, unique, and practical content.
Offer thought provoking ideas to ice the cake.
The more generous and genuine the content, the more believable and trustworthy you will sound.
And do not be scared to appear vulnerable because that’s what helps people relate to you. I know, easier said than done.
Here is a file to organize your thoughts and jot down ideas after you narrow down your field of expertise. Keep well focused. And if you are a jack of all trades, duplicate the document and tackle one subject per page. That should give you plenty of ideas to blog about.
So, what are you going to blog about?
Share your ideas.
Do you already have a blog?
Share your link below.
Download the Word Document below (Right click then press "save as"!)
and get organized!
blog_ideas.docx | |
File Size: | 102 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Stories Organization: binder (part 3)
Imagine getting your ideas, plots, characters, and manuscripts sorted out because you deserve to put all your research back into shape.
Getting better organized often helps your story and your character to come to life, especially if you are a panster. Having a clear picture of your plot, your characters, your world will help being more specific, add important details that will help your heroes to become three-dimensional, or help build your world by pointing out organically what's missing.
Take a regular binder and add partitions, sticky notes, decorations, envelopes, pockets, etc. Make it attractive and practical.
You need a binder that will appeal to you, make you want to go back to it day after day, something that inspires you, a place where you can explore the depth of your creativity.
Make sure you have five clearly delimited parts in your binder. These parts are all important and I will show you how to fill them in further articles.
Remember that you will flip back and forth between these parts as you write your novel.
Make sure you have big envelopes at the end. If you are in the middle of brainstorming and something comes up, you can stick your notes, cards, and research in there until next time.
ADDITIONAL IDEAS:
Do you already have a binder? What do you typically use the most from the binder? Can you use other parts more effectively?
Getting better organized often helps your story and your character to come to life, especially if you are a panster. Having a clear picture of your plot, your characters, your world will help being more specific, add important details that will help your heroes to become three-dimensional, or help build your world by pointing out organically what's missing.
Take a regular binder and add partitions, sticky notes, decorations, envelopes, pockets, etc. Make it attractive and practical.
You need a binder that will appeal to you, make you want to go back to it day after day, something that inspires you, a place where you can explore the depth of your creativity.
Make sure you have five clearly delimited parts in your binder. These parts are all important and I will show you how to fill them in further articles.
Remember that you will flip back and forth between these parts as you write your novel.
Make sure you have big envelopes at the end. If you are in the middle of brainstorming and something comes up, you can stick your notes, cards, and research in there until next time.
ADDITIONAL IDEAS:
- Make a cover for your binder that inspires you (I made mine out of clay and beads);
- Add quotes on the inside cover of the binder to keep your spirits high;
- Have sticky notes all over the binder that encourage you to keep writing;
- Have a timer handy;
- Have colored crayons and Elmer glue handy;
- Keep a box with decorations in it to highlight and add some interesting contasts to your notes;
- Have a small flat notebook to jut out notes as you go and to doodle or mind map.
Do you already have a binder? What do you typically use the most from the binder? Can you use other parts more effectively?
Writers Get Organized: References (part4)
Imagine your space well-organized.
Imagine the perfect references surrounding you.
Because what's best for you might just be something you didn't think about or didn't think of trying, here are a few tips on shelving.
MY REFERENCES:
I am someone who uses a lot of references on a daily basis.
Research is important to me.
Trust me, details are important for your writing.
Each writer needs tools that are appropriate for his genre and interests.
Here are some tools and their counterparts online you might want to look into.
These references make sense to me as a children writer. What are yours?
From the bottom of the list to the top (see pic):
Imagine the perfect references surrounding you.
Because what's best for you might just be something you didn't think about or didn't think of trying, here are a few tips on shelving.
MY REFERENCES:
I am someone who uses a lot of references on a daily basis.
Research is important to me.
Trust me, details are important for your writing.
Each writer needs tools that are appropriate for his genre and interests.
Here are some tools and their counterparts online you might want to look into.
These references make sense to me as a children writer. What are yours?
From the bottom of the list to the top (see pic):
- Cyberspace for Kids series for different grades. These seem like boring links to websites kids might enjoy, but they are more than that. They are organized by age groups and they help me keep in touch with what's cool for kids. Each one of those links leads to fresh content and contemporary information. I annotate them and add links alike. They give me hints to trends, interests and help me come up with new plots, characters, and hobbies. You can find the equivalent online, at Appropriate Sites for Middle Grade Kids or Common Sense Media where you can read for example this article: What kids are Really Watching on Youtube. Another article worth the read: 10 Popular YouTube Channels That Are Kid Friendly. Other places of knowledge incude Magazines, Top Tens, or Buzzfeed.
- Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. I recommend the book and the workbook. Both are great. This book taught me, for example, the difference between subplots and plot layers or bridging conflict or turn a plot on its head. See online podcast Upgrade Your Novel going through the book with Ally Bishop. She explains why she says it is "the most influential book for writers."
- 10,001 Hints & Tips For the Home by Cassandra kent, Julian Cassell & Peter Parham, Chistine France, and Pippa Greenwood. This is a series of small, concise articles that explain how to do things around the house. I use it for vocabulary and for steps when my heroes repair things. Very practical. The chapters include organizing your household (care and repair, cleaning); decorating; cooking; and gardening. My dream is to have its futuristic twin! I'd love to write its futuristic twin actually.
- The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People's Gestures and expressions by Barbara Pease and Allan Pease. This book helps understand body language, silent communication, and helps me build subtext. I like behavioral psychology. Helpful if you're tired of using the same cliche gestures.
- Your Novel Proposal From Creation to Contract by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook. An essential tool for querying and beyond is important, but this book is so outdated, some of the advice will get your proposal in a waste basket. I keep it because it has nice tips. Make sure the books you buy are current, especially in an industry that changes quickly. There are many reliable information online. Some of the most notorious are listed in Writers and Editors.
- Kaplan Word Power by Meg F. Schneider. This book helps me add to my vocabulary. I also like the online version: http://freerice.com/.You can also read Daily Writing Tips online or Word Hippo or Vocabulary or The Emotion Thesaurus and others books in the series.
- Writing Irresistibe Kidlit by Mary Kole focuses on young readers and is a good reminder of what an agent will look for or shy away from. She has a personal blog where she answers more question, at kidlit.com.
- Totally me, The Teenage Girl's Survival Guide by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout. This book helps me stay in touch with the way teens think and what they worry about. This guide explains that teens shouldn't, for example, stay friends with their ex, and why. The trick is to take the advice in reverse. These two authors also write YA fiction.
- Writing for Children And Teenagers by Lee Wyndham. Sort of outdated too.
- A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker. Grammar, grammar! You can also use Grammar Girl online. Pro Writing Aid is a godd resource; they also have a great editing tool.
- Write This Book, A Do-It-Yourself Mystery Written by P. Bosch. This book helps kids write stories. I like the idea that stories can be small and still be good. Sometimes we need something basic to get back in track. The teases and prompts are designed to lead young writers through a series of chapters. It's something you can read when bored, or teaching young kids mysteries, or even when experiencing writers' blocks. In the same vein is the Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book.
- The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell. This is a series of short articles about what writers can try or what they should be mindful of. For example, "Characters all alone should do more than think..." or "Speed is the essence of the opening." You can read randomly and always learn something new from a master.
- A super cool cyberbunk encyclopaedia with machines described in details, worlds, novels, fashion, objects, as well as the history of the genre.
- The language of kids in the future
- Dream Interpretation as in what we can learn about people from their dreams.
- Storyboards by genres and age groups based on famous novels
- Words and their meaning through tme and in context which would describe what people really mean when they say this or that. A vocabulary decoder book.
Writers Organized: A Solid Routine (Part 5)
Often what makes the difference between an amateur and a professional is consistency.
Imagine yourself finishing a book every three or four months. You can do it because you are organized and organization can be achieved little by little.
Small but sure steps toward success.
Do you write every day or mostly every day?
Or do you procrastinate? Reading emails, browsing the internet, reading magazines, watching series for research, fumbling around... and not writing.
Do you write in bursts? A few weeks on and a few weeks off?
Some people make it work.
Most of us don't.
But do you feel that you don’t get things done and it takes you forever to finish a story?
Here you have it.
Starting a routine will help you look at yourself like a serious writer.
No dilly dallying.
No procrastinating.
You’re probably ready to publish when you have establish a solid work plan.
And it takes just two pages a day!
Write 500 words a day.
One page is about 250 words. If you can write two pages a day, you will write 15,000 words a month, which is about one-fourth of a YA novel and almost half of a MG novel.
Think about it.
Imagine yourself writing that much
Professionals make it work.
How long does it take you to write 2 pages?
15 minutes?
In four months, you can finish your novel, which is not bad considering it take about six months to write a good novel, including drafting and redrafting, editing, and getting some feedback.
In a year, you can have two novels ready to either send it out there in the world, or put away in a drawer and revisit later. Which means you can start 2 novels from scratch a year and work on revising 2 other novels every year.
15 minutes a day!
If you're slow, 30 minutes.
Add 30 minutes spent on revising a second draft of another novel.
One hour top!
So, how much do you write every day?
Download the file below (Right click on the file, then click "save as"!) and start checking the number of words you're putting down on the page.
writing_chart.docx | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Writers Get Organized: Your Writer’s Statement (Part 6)
Imagine where you will be in a year from now.
Two years from now.
Six months.
Imagine how successful you will be, what you will be writing, the kind of audience you will gather, the names in your fan club, and how people will look at you.
You need a writer’s statement because you want to focus on you career.
Decide:
- for which age group to write (MG, YA, PB, NA, Adults)?
-what will you be writing (realistic, historical, fantasy, science-fiction, etc.)?
-And in which category will your writing fall exactly (prehistoric, contemporary, women fiction, magical realism, steampunk, urban fantasy, etc.)?
If you want to write for different audiences, make a writer’s statement for each one of them. Try to be as focused as you can, and start your career with one.
Also, focus on yourself:
-why do you write?
-what is your style?
-who are your favorite authors?
- Who are you trying to emulate?
-Compare your style to a famous author’s style.
-What qualifies you to write what you write (hobbies your practice, ethnicity, globetrotting, work experience, relatives going through something similar, etc.)?
-What are fun things about you (hobbies, quirks, history)?
-What are your credentials (groups you belong to, publication in magazines, books sold, conferences you might have organized, workshops, podcasts, vlogs, education, internships, etc.)?
A writer’s statement not only helps you focus and ginf your niche, therefore your audience, a writer's statement also helps you explain to people who you are, what you stand for, and why you are in this business.
This will be very handy when you want to:
-query
-talk to agents and publishers
-find your audience
-market to a genre or a niche
-book a place for a conference
-talk to librarians
-visit schools, etc.
It helps you market yourself.
So, what will you include in your writer’s statement?
What do you think I missed?
Download the file below (Right click, and then press "save as.")
Two years from now.
Six months.
Imagine how successful you will be, what you will be writing, the kind of audience you will gather, the names in your fan club, and how people will look at you.
You need a writer’s statement because you want to focus on you career.
Decide:
- for which age group to write (MG, YA, PB, NA, Adults)?
-what will you be writing (realistic, historical, fantasy, science-fiction, etc.)?
-And in which category will your writing fall exactly (prehistoric, contemporary, women fiction, magical realism, steampunk, urban fantasy, etc.)?
If you want to write for different audiences, make a writer’s statement for each one of them. Try to be as focused as you can, and start your career with one.
Also, focus on yourself:
-why do you write?
-what is your style?
-who are your favorite authors?
- Who are you trying to emulate?
-Compare your style to a famous author’s style.
-What qualifies you to write what you write (hobbies your practice, ethnicity, globetrotting, work experience, relatives going through something similar, etc.)?
-What are fun things about you (hobbies, quirks, history)?
-What are your credentials (groups you belong to, publication in magazines, books sold, conferences you might have organized, workshops, podcasts, vlogs, education, internships, etc.)?
A writer’s statement not only helps you focus and ginf your niche, therefore your audience, a writer's statement also helps you explain to people who you are, what you stand for, and why you are in this business.
This will be very handy when you want to:
-query
-talk to agents and publishers
-find your audience
-market to a genre or a niche
-book a place for a conference
-talk to librarians
-visit schools, etc.
It helps you market yourself.
So, what will you include in your writer’s statement?
What do you think I missed?
Download the file below (Right click, and then press "save as.")
my_writer_statement.docx | |
File Size: | 132 kb |
File Type: | docx |
writers Get Organized: Your Logo (Part 7)
Imagine your logo inviting a reaction.
Imagine your logo being recognized.
Imagine people remembering your name and noticing you when you are participating in a program.
Your logo can do that for you.
That’s how successful a log can be. That’s how a logo can make you stand out and bring more customers to you. That’s how a logo can work for you when you’re not there.
Because your logo is your signature and your brand.
It’s your decoy.
What your logo should look like?
Your logo should tell people three things:
1) What you write (fantasy, romance, realistic stories, historical, mysteries, thrillers, etc.)
2) Who you write for
3) Create a tone, an atmosphere that reflects you
How to create your logo?
WHAT YOU WRITE: If you write romance, you might want to create a logo with flowers, chocolate, and hearts or things that evoke romance. Be straightforward and obvious. A logo needs to catch someone’s eye and be unambiguous.
If you write thrillers or mysteries, think bloody knives and weapons.
If you write fantasy, think goblins, fairies, or wands.
WHO YOU WRITE FOR:
Your audience should figure somewhere. Put an image of a kid, a teenager or an adult. Make it clear. Attract the right audience.
Imagine your logo being recognized.
Imagine people remembering your name and noticing you when you are participating in a program.
Your logo can do that for you.
That’s how successful a log can be. That’s how a logo can make you stand out and bring more customers to you. That’s how a logo can work for you when you’re not there.
Because your logo is your signature and your brand.
It’s your decoy.
What your logo should look like?
Your logo should tell people three things:
1) What you write (fantasy, romance, realistic stories, historical, mysteries, thrillers, etc.)
2) Who you write for
3) Create a tone, an atmosphere that reflects you
How to create your logo?
WHAT YOU WRITE: If you write romance, you might want to create a logo with flowers, chocolate, and hearts or things that evoke romance. Be straightforward and obvious. A logo needs to catch someone’s eye and be unambiguous.
If you write thrillers or mysteries, think bloody knives and weapons.
If you write fantasy, think goblins, fairies, or wands.
WHO YOU WRITE FOR:
Your audience should figure somewhere. Put an image of a kid, a teenager or an adult. Make it clear. Attract the right audience.
SET THE TONE:
If you write humorous stories, your logo should bring a smile on someone’s face.
If you write gothic stories, at least add a bat or a gloomy castle into your logo.
If you write vampire stories, add some blood dripping from your words.
If you write adventure, a back pack is in order.
It's okay to be cliche as long as you add a personal touch.
If you write humorous stories, your logo should bring a smile on someone’s face.
If you write gothic stories, at least add a bat or a gloomy castle into your logo.
If you write vampire stories, add some blood dripping from your words.
If you write adventure, a back pack is in order.
It's okay to be cliche as long as you add a personal touch.
ADD SOMETHING UNIQUE:
Own your brand. Make sure your logo is unique enough to represent you and only you.
Add a slogan. What do you stand for? What do you want to create in your reader?
Maybe you want to seduce your reader, or transport them on a different planet, or make them think.
Whatever your slogan, it is uniquely you. It’s your promise to your readers.
Own your brand. Make sure your logo is unique enough to represent you and only you.
Add a slogan. What do you stand for? What do you want to create in your reader?
Maybe you want to seduce your reader, or transport them on a different planet, or make them think.
Whatever your slogan, it is uniquely you. It’s your promise to your readers.
SHOW YOURSELF:
Show a side of yourself that's uniquely you. Maybe you love roses or you love books (obviously), then add something that will say it's me and I invite you in my world. You might like diversity, so add diverse characters. Maybe languages are important to you, then add words in different languages.
Communicate something.
It's okay to show some vulnerability!
TOOLS:
You can use you production tool to make those logos.
Microsoft Word has a transparency feature (double click on the image), many fonts, send to back or to front tool, grouping, etc.
Use Photoshop or Inkscape (free).
Use Canva, it's free,
It is very simple to create images online nowadays,
Some free online sites offer logo creation tools for free or for a small fee. Try them out.
Share your link here.
Writers Get Organized: Writing For Magazines (part 8)
Imagine boosting your bio for agents, publishers, and your readers.
Proving that what you write is interesting enough for people to read and pay for.
Connecting with your readers.
When someone likes your writing, they want to know more about you. There is a good chance they will buy your novels. Kids can be very loyal too.
Getting your name out there and gathering fans. Fans will be the audience that will buy all your books and will help you get some attention.
Because writing for magazines get you the right kind of attention, why not try your hand at a few short stories?
The 2 files below will help you get organized.
Right click the file and "save as".
Proving that what you write is interesting enough for people to read and pay for.
Connecting with your readers.
When someone likes your writing, they want to know more about you. There is a good chance they will buy your novels. Kids can be very loyal too.
Getting your name out there and gathering fans. Fans will be the audience that will buy all your books and will help you get some attention.
Because writing for magazines get you the right kind of attention, why not try your hand at a few short stories?
The 2 files below will help you get organized.
Right click the file and "save as".
magazines.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
magazines-submissions.docx | |
File Size: | 43 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Below is handy list of magazines you can try:
YA Magazines:
BALLOONS. 12 years-old and up. Looking for unconventional materials, “elements that could enlighten and amaze the young minds.”
<http://www.balloons-lit-journal.com/submission.html>
CAST OF WONDERS. YA science fiction or high fantasy for podcasting.
<http://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/>
CBAY. Teens. Fantasy or science fiction. <http://www.cbaybooks.com/submission-guidelines.html>
Cicada. Welcome works by writers from underrepresented groups. <http://www.cricketmedia.com/submission-guidelines?_ga=1.139948403.1938444544.1485226635>
EMBER. Ages 10 to 18. Poetry, fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction.
<http://emberjournal.org/submission-guidelines/>
FOREST FOR THE TREES. Poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction up to 6,000 words. <https://ffttjournal.wordpress.com/contactsubmit/>
FROSTFIRE WORLDS. 8-18 and beyond. Fantasy and science fiction stories up to 6000 words with strong world-building. Adventure stories, space opera, and magic opera. Also accept poems, art, articles, reviews, and interviews.
<http://albanlake.com/guidelines-frostfire/>
HUNGER MOUNTAIN. Short stories, poetry, novel/novella excerpts, and creative nonfiction. Follows themes.
<http://hungermtn.org/submit/>
LUNCH TICKET. YA short stories and flash fiction up to 5,000 words.
<https://lunchticket.submittable.com/submit/11940/young-adult-writing-for-young-people-13>
ONE TEEN STORY. Literary fiction between 3,000 and 8,000 words.
<http://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit&pubcode=os>
REFRACTIONS. YA fantasy with a delicate, magical touch, 5000 words maximum. <https://goldenfleecepress.com/submissions/>
SPACEPORTS & SPIDERSILK. Short stories, poems, art, brief essays on science and the environment, interviews, quizzes, fantasy, science fiction, and mild horror. Opened to hard to sell stories. <http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/spaceportsgl.htm>
SUCKER LITERARY. YA fiction up to 10,000 words.
<https://suckerliterarymagazine.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/>
SUDDENLY LOST IN WORDS. Poetry, short stories, and memoirs up to 3000 words.
<http://writingcareer.com/suddenly-lost-in-words-re-opens-for-ya-short/>
YARN. Poetry, essays up to 3000 words, and fiction up to 6000 words.
<http://yareview.net/how-to-submit/>
YOUTH IMAGINATION. Real issues facing teens, from 200 to 20K words.
<http://youthimagination.silverpen.org/index.php/submission-guidelines>
Resource:
Duotrop Magazine List. < duotrope.com >
YA Magazines:
BALLOONS. 12 years-old and up. Looking for unconventional materials, “elements that could enlighten and amaze the young minds.”
<http://www.balloons-lit-journal.com/submission.html>
CAST OF WONDERS. YA science fiction or high fantasy for podcasting.
<http://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/>
CBAY. Teens. Fantasy or science fiction. <http://www.cbaybooks.com/submission-guidelines.html>
Cicada. Welcome works by writers from underrepresented groups. <http://www.cricketmedia.com/submission-guidelines?_ga=1.139948403.1938444544.1485226635>
EMBER. Ages 10 to 18. Poetry, fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction.
<http://emberjournal.org/submission-guidelines/>
FOREST FOR THE TREES. Poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction up to 6,000 words. <https://ffttjournal.wordpress.com/contactsubmit/>
FROSTFIRE WORLDS. 8-18 and beyond. Fantasy and science fiction stories up to 6000 words with strong world-building. Adventure stories, space opera, and magic opera. Also accept poems, art, articles, reviews, and interviews.
<http://albanlake.com/guidelines-frostfire/>
HUNGER MOUNTAIN. Short stories, poetry, novel/novella excerpts, and creative nonfiction. Follows themes.
<http://hungermtn.org/submit/>
LUNCH TICKET. YA short stories and flash fiction up to 5,000 words.
<https://lunchticket.submittable.com/submit/11940/young-adult-writing-for-young-people-13>
ONE TEEN STORY. Literary fiction between 3,000 and 8,000 words.
<http://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit&pubcode=os>
REFRACTIONS. YA fantasy with a delicate, magical touch, 5000 words maximum. <https://goldenfleecepress.com/submissions/>
SPACEPORTS & SPIDERSILK. Short stories, poems, art, brief essays on science and the environment, interviews, quizzes, fantasy, science fiction, and mild horror. Opened to hard to sell stories. <http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/spaceportsgl.htm>
SUCKER LITERARY. YA fiction up to 10,000 words.
<https://suckerliterarymagazine.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/>
SUDDENLY LOST IN WORDS. Poetry, short stories, and memoirs up to 3000 words.
<http://writingcareer.com/suddenly-lost-in-words-re-opens-for-ya-short/>
YARN. Poetry, essays up to 3000 words, and fiction up to 6000 words.
<http://yareview.net/how-to-submit/>
YOUTH IMAGINATION. Real issues facing teens, from 200 to 20K words.
<http://youthimagination.silverpen.org/index.php/submission-guidelines>
Resource:
Duotrop Magazine List. < duotrope.com >
Writers Get Organized: The Novella Revolution (Part 9A)
I’m all about novellas and novelettes. What if novellas were the future for Indie writers?
Would it help being discovered more easily or faster?
Do you have the time to wait for a magazine to buy your story and get it published?
Novellas provide a source of passive income for many indie writers. As long as you offer good quality, there is no one standing in your way, and there is room for everyone.
Novellas and novelettes seem to be in great demand these days, and seem to fit our busy lives better. In Japan, there are bins at each metro station. People buy a novelette and drop it in the bin at the end of the commute, to be recycled. I think we’re heading this way too.
Why?
For me, there are four factors that encourage novellas.
Stories that are compelling are stories the reader will consume. They will flip the pages and go to the next book. Novellas are like desserts, a snack for our minds, and in my opinion, they’re the future.
Do not miss the podcast below about the man who sells short stories with typos but makes half a million dollars a year with short stories.
Talent is in the air...
Resource:
Dawson, Mark PODCAST. "The Short Story Miracle man with author T.S. Paul."
<https://selfpublishingformula.com/episode-62/>
Would it help being discovered more easily or faster?
Do you have the time to wait for a magazine to buy your story and get it published?
Novellas provide a source of passive income for many indie writers. As long as you offer good quality, there is no one standing in your way, and there is room for everyone.
Novellas and novelettes seem to be in great demand these days, and seem to fit our busy lives better. In Japan, there are bins at each metro station. People buy a novelette and drop it in the bin at the end of the commute, to be recycled. I think we’re heading this way too.
Why?
For me, there are four factors that encourage novellas.
- We watch many TV shows these days. And TV shows influence the way we read. A 180 pages novella or a 100 pages novelette seems to emulate the same experience as watching a TV show. If a person reads 300 words a minute, then they can read a novella in one hour and a novelette in half that time. Most TV shows last between 20 and 45 minutes.
- Novellas may be series of stories that are loosely connected as in TV shows. The characters grow with each novella, the goals are clear, and the immediate problem resolved at the end. They are quick-paced and work like small episodes. Some Indie writers even use the TV shows format to sell their books. They have seasons and episodes.
- Short plots are adequate for our way of life. The tech we are using influences our choices in reading. Lots of people want something to read on the go, on their cell phone or tablet. Phones are easy to pull out and flip through. Instead of going through their emails while waiting in their dentist’s waiting room or in the airport, they enjoy being immersed into another world and forget where they are. They’re not ready to read a 300 pages book on these devices, but a 100 pages, sure. They also want to consume fast stories while commuting or waiting for someone, stories that will chase the boredom away and relax them or tune out the noise around them.
- The truth is we are wired for stories. Everyone enjoys a good story (even those who claim an English major is a waste of time). Nowadays, the myth of the starving artist does not exist anymore. Artists are doing very well and they do something they are passionate about. Why? Because people are wired for stories. When you think of it, our communications are all based on stories. When we meet friends, we tell stories about so and so. Stand up artists tell stories. Advertisements tell stories. The News tell stories. Magazines tell stories. Most of our dealings with people use stories as a communication device and people who are boring are people who cannot come up with personal stories.
Stories that are compelling are stories the reader will consume. They will flip the pages and go to the next book. Novellas are like desserts, a snack for our minds, and in my opinion, they’re the future.
Do not miss the podcast below about the man who sells short stories with typos but makes half a million dollars a year with short stories.
Talent is in the air...
Resource:
Dawson, Mark PODCAST. "The Short Story Miracle man with author T.S. Paul."
<https://selfpublishingformula.com/episode-62/>