Quick Link: 5 steps To Building A Successful Author Platform Before you Publish: Donna Galanti

November 15, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

When is the best time to start marketing your book and looking for an audience? Before you even start writing it! Head on over to the Self Publishing Advice Center of ALLI and find great ideas for building your author platform or improving the one you got! I am taking notes!

**~ * ~**

5 steps To Building A Successful Author Platform Before you Publish: Donna Galanti

This post is part of Frankfurt Book Fair Indie Author Fringe, an online author conference that showcases the best self-publishing advice and education for authors across the world — harnessing the global reach of the Alliance of Independent Authors’ network. Our self-publishing conference features well-known indie authors and advisors, for 24 sessions over 24-hours, in a one-day extravaganza of self-publishing expertise straight to your email inbox.

We hope you enjoy this session. Let us know if you have any questions or input on this self-publishing topic. Visit our Hot Seat and join in the conversation there, or leave your questions and feedback in the comments section below.

Read the full post on Self Publishing Advice Center

**~ * ~**

If you liked this article, please share. If you have suggestions for further articles, articles you would like to submit, or just general comments, please contact me at paula@publetariat.com or leave a message below.

Quick Link: Psychology 101: Knowledge That Will Improve Your Writing – Part 1

September 29, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Of course I am going to like an article on phsychology and writing! But Robert Wood is correct, have some good psychological theories is key to understanding how we interact and how we are motivated. So head on over to Standout Books to check it out. You can lie on your couch if it will make you feel better but don’t blame your mother.

**~ * ~**

Psychology 101: Knowledge That Will Improve Your Writing – Part 1

by Robert Wood

For many authors, psychology is a godsend, lending them new insights into the workings of the human mind that take their work to the next level. Not only that, but many psychological theories and experiments make their way into the cultural landscape, shaping what readers expect from their stories and what’s considered realistic in fiction.

Because of this, it’s necessary for authors to have a basic understanding of the most popular psychological case studies and theories. These are the theories that readers are familiar with, in one form or another, and which help to shape the artistic space into which new writing is released.

That’s why, in this article, I’ll be looking at nine cases and theories that authors should know about – a Psychology 101 for lovers of literature. I’ll cover some of the concepts that have most shaped art, or that are most likely to be familiar to readers. Some may help you write more compelling characters, some may help you understand what readers want from your writing, and some will just bring you up to speed with pop culture’s understanding of how the brain works.

Read the full post on Standout Books.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: How to Slow Time for More Relaxed, Creative Writing Sessions

September 28, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

It has been really hectic lately on the homefront so the idea of being able to do anything slow and more relaxed sounds wonderful. Check out Colleen M. Story’s post at Elizabeth Spann Craig for tips on how to have a more relaxed calm writing session. Now if I could just apply this to my life!

**~ * ~**

How to Slow Time for More Relaxed, Creative Writing Sessions

by Colleen M. Story

“Oh, I want to write today, but I just don’t have the time!”

You’ve probably felt this way more than once. In fact, if you’re like many of us in today’s world, you’re feeling frequently pressed for time, and like you just can’t find enough of it—especially for writing.

The bad news is that when you’re constantly under the gun, creativity suffers. In a 2002 study, researchers analyzed more than 9,000 daily diary entries from people who were working on projects that required high levels of creativity. They found that stress, in the form of time pressure, resulted in less creative projects.

“When creativity is under the gun,” the authors wrote, “it usually ends up getting killed.”

The good news is that you don’t have to feel this way. Here are five tips that can help you slow your perception of time so that when you do get a moment to write, you can approach it with a calm, relaxed state of mind.

Read the full post on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: What a Writer’s Conference Really Buys You

September 27, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

I have only been to one writer’s conference and that was as a guest expert in eBook formatting for mostly biographically typed authors so I don’t think that counts. I would love to go but I barely make it to the NaNoWriMo events that are near me. But after reading Heather Webb’s post at Writer unBoxed, I really want to go to one now.

**~ * ~**

What a Writer’s Conference Really Buys You

By Heather Webb

I just attended the Writer’s Digest Conference and as always, I returned home tired and full of inspiration. But there’s something that has stuck in my mind that is nagging at me. Saturday afternoon, I was sitting in the lobby, chatting with several aspiring writers who had a lot of questions about the industry and genre categories among other things. At one point, I overheard a conversation between two attendees adjacent to me. One of the writers turns to another and says, “Isn’t this so great? I’ve met a lot of people, exchanged cards with them.” Etc. Etc. But the other person shrugged and said, “I guess, but I think it’s lame the way these things are all about sponging off of the wannabes to make a bunch of money.”

I couldn’t help but stare at this person.

Read the full post on Writer unBoxed.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: Orchestrating the End of Your Novel

September 26, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

The end of your story is just as important as the beginning. Especially if you want readers to give good reviews and buy more of your work! Barbara O’Neal, posting at Writer unBoxed, gives some great insight on how to make your novel’s ending one that will leave readers asking for more!

**~ * ~**

Orchestrating the End of Your Novel

By Barbara O’Neal

I’ve spent the last eight months writing a novel, and I’m now closing in on the finish. What makes a good ending? How do you know if you’ve landed it?

One of my favorite TV shows of all time is heading into the final season, and I am not happy about it ending at all, so the actual end had better really hit all the right notes, or it will be ruined for me.

Ruined for all time.

A couple of years ago, I wrote a new adult series of five books about a love triangle. As I came closer and closer to the end, I started to realize that the ending I though I’d be writing was not the ending the books needed. To write it the way that was right, deep down right, I would have to break a sort of rule about triangles, which is that the girl will end up with the first guy the reader met. It’s not a hard and fast rule, not like the happily-ever-after of a romance novel. My protagonist had her happily-ever-after, and a happy romance.

Read the full post on Writer unBoxed.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: How To Generate Fresh Story Ideas And Approaches

September 25, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

My problem is I usually have more ideas than I can deal with but if you find yourself struggling to come up with a plot to write Liz Massey at Write to Done has got you covered.

**~ * ~**

How To Generate Fresh Story Ideas And Approaches

by Liz Massey

If you’ve written nonfiction for any length of time, particularly if you write in a specialized “niche,”it’s possible to reach a point when you feel as if you’ve run out of fresh ideas. You’ve done all the seasonal stories, covered all the breaking developments in your field—and the ideas for your next feature just aren’t coming. You’ve reached what we in the industry politely refer to as a “dry spell,” although when you’re in one, it more often feels like you’ve crash-landed in the desert.

However, it’s possible to transform this sandy expanse into an oasis. Reframing what you consider good story sources and how you approach topics you cover frequently can add zest and vigor to your writing and increase editor, and reader, interest.

Fresh sources of story ideas

Part of the reason many writers get stuck is that they tend to look in the same old places to drum up new story ideas. Looking in unexpected, even counter-intuitive, places for inspiration can break free new insights that can lead to intriguing story concepts.

Places to look for new ideas can include…

Read the full post on Write to Done.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: Insights into Your Midpoint Scene

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Your midpoint scene is pretty important. That is when the reader thinks they have a handle on what is going on but then you throw more at them. C. S. Lakin has great advice on how to manage and get the most out of your midpoint scene, just head to Live Write Thrive to learn more.

**~ * ~**

Insights into Your Midpoint Scene

by C. S. Lakin

As we’re going deeper into the ten key scenes you need for the first layer in your novel, I want to explore the midpoint some more. I wrote about that 50% mark of your novel in past posts, but I’m going to share more examples of great midpoint moments.

The midpoint is a crucial part of novel structure. As I’ve explained before, it’s the moment in which something new occurs. Some new major development or complication. Some twist or disruption.

Sometimes it’s the spiritual or emotional place the protagonist comes to, after a series of difficult setbacks or obstacles, where he’s pushed to make a hard decision, go through another “door of no return,” solidify his resolve, and move into further action. It’s a turning point that usually ramps the story up into a higher gear.

Midpoints can also be reversals. Something unexpected happens and changes the worldview of the protagonist. His plan no longer works and things have to change. A good midpoint reversal will also raise the stakes, even if they were already high. It often elevates the personal stakes in a way that wasn’t there before or reveals a secret. Sometimes it requires a sacrifice, be it a personal belief or an ally. It may involve all these things.

Read the full post on Live Write Thrive.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: How To Be A Writer: Traditional Publishing To Indie And Hybrid With John Birmingham

September 21, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Joanna Penn, of The Creative Penn, makes sure to cover all her bases. She doesn’t just do post, no she has podcasts – with transcripts. Someday I want to grow up and be her. All her posts are interesting and great and this one is no exception. Check it out in whatever format you want and let us know what you think.

**~ * ~**

How To Be A Writer: Traditional Publishing To Indie And Hybrid With John Birmingham

by John Birmingham

Today I’m talking with Australian author John Birmingham about his journey from the dizzying heights of the traditional publishing scene, to deciding to go indie and hybrid and his insights into how the publishing industry has changed. It’s an honest and really fascinating interview.

In the intro, I talk about how we can deal with the political upheaval, and how, as Toni Morrison says, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work.” (Quoted in Brain Pickings).

Plus David Gaughran’s report on what Amazon cares about, and the latest KENP rate, which has dropped again. Remember, it’s your choice to choose exclusivity or to go wide, but if you want a healthy long-term eco-system for writers and readers, then you need to support the other vendors.

John Birmingham is an award winning and bestselling Australian author of science fiction, techno-thriller, crime, urban fantasy, memoir, and nonfiction. His latest nonfiction book is How to Be a Writer: Who Smashes Deadlines, Crushes Editors and Lives in a Solid Gold Hovercraft.

You can listen above or on iTunes or Stitcher or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.

Read the full post on The Creative Penn.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: 5 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Writer

September 20, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

I always love these articles where people who have had some success reflect back and share behind the scenes with us. Today’s post is from Writers and Authors, where author John Herrick shares some of the things he has learned.

**~ * ~**

5 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Writer

by John Herrick

You won’t find a perfect writer. You’ll find only writers who, if they’re honest, are on a never-ending mission to improve. None of us has all the answers, but we have lessons we’ve learned along the way. Here are five of the most valuable lessons I’ve had the privilege of learning.

It will take longer than you think. Writing a novel. Understanding the rules of the game. Developing your voice. Everything. Anything substantive in life takes time and sacrifice—but it’s worth it. Do your research. Know the marketplace. Readers can sense when something isn’t quite right, even if they can’t identify what it is.

Read the full post on Writers and Authors.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: The Hack’s Guide to Dealing with Book Reviews

September 19, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Book reviews can either make you jump for joy or drive you crazy. One of my author friends gets really upset at “nonsense” reviews. You know the ones that are mad at Amazon or something completely out of your control but they still punish you for the problem. At Writer UnBoxed, Bill Ferris has a great article on how to deal with the whole mess.

**~ * ~**

The Hack’s Guide to Dealing with Book Reviews

By Bill Ferris

Warning: Hacks for Hacks tips may have harmful side effects on your writing career, and should not be used by minors, adults, writers, poets, scribes, scriveners, journalists, or anybody.

The whole point of publishing a book is so that others will read it. The problem with people reading your books is that they insist on having opinions about them, rather than simply stating the objective fact that your book is better than the complete works of Hemingway and Rowling combined. Whether positive or negative, whether penned by a professional critic in a literary journal or hastily typed by some rando on Amazon, you’ve got to prepare your ego for how to handle book reviews. Here’s how to cope:

What to Do When You Get Good Reviews

Read the full post on Writer UnBoxed.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: The Relaxed Release

September 18, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

I think Elizabeth S. Craig is brilliant and has the right idea when it comes to book releases. Do you agree? What tips do you have for a good title release?

**~ * ~**

The Relaxed Release

by Elizabeth S. Craig

I remember how stressed I was whenever I had a book launch for Penguin Random House.

For one thing, the launches were happening pretty regularly, since I was writing two series for them.

But mostly, I was stressed because their expectations were high. Any marketing related emails or calls were more centered on what were my plans for the release and less on what they were doing to promote it. (Let this be a heads-up for anyone thinking of pursuing traditional publishing for marketing support.)

Oh, the publisher’s publicity person did usually do one thing: set me up on a book blogger tour. But who was doing all the work? I was–I was writing the posts, sending them over to the bloggers, and answering comments.

Sometimes they’d send me ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) to distribute. Again, the pressure was on me…to figure out whom to send the copies to, mail them (at some cost…these were printed ARCs), and follow up later.

Once I went on a book tour in NC with a group of other cozy authors. We had someone help us set up events: signings, panels, etc. I think that was a pretty successful effort, but I did find it very stressful.

Read the full post on Elizabeth S. Craig.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: Defusing Outlining Confusion by Miranda Nading

September 15, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Author Miranda Nading, posting from Romance University, shares her wisdom on how do create outlines with little fuss. Do you have any outline secrets to share?

**~ * ~**

Defusing Outlining Confusion by Miranda Nading

by Miranda Nading

After finding myself backed into a creative corner with Canyon Echoes, and using a rudimentary version of outlining to get myself out, I was still reluctant to embrace the plotter program. I had been a pantser for nearly 20 years and the idea of changing the way I wrote was daunting. A little outlining had saved Canyon Echoes, but my fear of losing the creative flow was simply too great.

That changed when I began building the world of Extinction. Three major plot lines spanned around the globe, and in orbit, all co-existing with a planet tearing itself to pieces. The plot lines had to carry their own weight yet interconnect at specific points. Parallels had to be drawn and events that affected one plot line had to be caused in another with ripples that carried through the other novels. Outlining became a necessary evil. One that was integral to surviving this series.

In fact, looking back over the past two years, with the release of the fourth novel in the series pending, I discovered a few important aspects of outlining that I didn’t expect.

I stay focused.
I write faster.
Mushy-middle and saggy-bottom syndromes are more easily avoided.
I can see far enough down the road to add a little foreshadowing in earlier novels of what’s to come.

Read the full post on Romance University.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: The Ingredients of a Great Series Character

September 13, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

One of the ways to boost your success as an indie writer these days is to write a series. But not every character has the strength or depth to carry a series. James Scott Bell at Kill Zone wrote a great list on what makes a character right for a series. What would you add?

**~ * ~**

The Ingredients of a Great Series Character

by James Scott Bell

Many pulp writers of old made good bank with a hit series character.

Edgar Rice Burroughs created Tarzan.

Erle Stanley Gardner gave us Perry Mason.

Dashiell Hammett penned the Continental Op.

The ladies were represented as well. An obvious pen name “Lars Anderson” wrote a series featuring college-educated Ellen Patrick, who fought corruption in 1930s Los Angeles as “the Domino Lady.” The pulp magazine she appeared in was Saucy Romantic Adventures, and wouldn’t you like to have a few original copies of that?

Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the most famous example of the hit series character. So popular was Holmes that his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, couldn’t get out from under him. At one point Doyle killed off his detective, but the public demanded he be brought back. His resurrection was by way of the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. When it was first published in The Strand magazine, the circulation of that periodical went up by about thirty thousand.

In other words, Doyle, though feeling a bit trapped, took that feeling all the way to the bank.

What Makes a Great Series Character?

Read the full post on Kill Zone.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: What Makes An Iconic Character? (And How Can You Create One?)

September 11, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

Who wouldn’t want to make a standout memorable character! Hannah Collins at Standout Books discusses what makes a character iconic and how you can apply this to your writing.

**~ * ~**

What Makes An Iconic Character? (And How Can You Create One?)

by Hannah Collins

Iconic characters tower over our pop-cultural landscape. From Dracula to Tarzan, they stand the test of time to become recognizable figures to generation after generation. Sometimes, they kick-start entire genres and subgenres of fiction, and usually, dozens of imitators will follow in their wake, cementing their legacy as the first of their kind. Creating one is no certainly no easy task, but it’s doable if you understand what the ingredients are and how to use them effectively.

What is an iconic character?

A lot of people confuse ‘iconic’ with ‘popular.’ It’s an easy mistake to make, because iconic characters do have to be popular, but their popularity has to be durable. For instance, Games of Thrones’ Jon Snow is a popular and internationally recognizable character today, but will he still be in ten, twenty, or fifty years’ time? Only time will tell.

Read the full post on Standout Books.

**~ * ~**

Save

Quick Link: Six Simple Reasons Our Story Sucks & How to Fix It

September 8, 2017 by Publetariat

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web.

The esteemed Kristen Lamb doesn’t pull any punches but this is the kind of tough love we all need to provide a quality product. Gird your loins and head on over to make sure you are not making any suck-worthy mistakes.

**~ * ~**

Six Simple Reasons Our Story Sucks & How to Fix It

by Kristen Lamb

Why is it so many new novels are—to be blunt—crap? How can we find an author we love with one book, then all the love goes away with the next? What’s going wrong? What’s missing? Where did everything go wrong?How can we learn and do better?

First and foremost, to be an author it’s imperative to embrace some healthy sadism. We’ll chat briefly on this so the “wrong turns” in story can become far easier to spot.

We MUST Go Against Our Nature

Humans have all kinds of intricate biological wiring that propels us to AVOID CONFLICT/PAIN. Now this is great namely because our desire to avoid pain is what keeps us alive and gainfully employed. It’s also how many of us are able to endure the holidays when forced to see family.

Read the full post on Kristen Lamb.

**~ * ~**

Save

~ * ~

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

Psychology 101: Knowledge That Will Improve Your Writing – Part 1

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

How to Slow Time for More Relaxed, Creative Writing Sessions

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

What a Writer’s Conference Really Buys You

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

Orchestrating the End of Your Novel

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

How To Generate Fresh Story Ideas And Approaches

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

Insights into Your Midpoint Scene

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

How To Be A Writer: Traditional Publishing To Indie And Hybrid With John Birmingham

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

5 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Writer

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

The Hack’s Guide to Dealing with Book Reviews

What to Do When You Get Good Reviews

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

The Relaxed Release

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

Defusing Outlining Confusion by Miranda Nading

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

What Makes An Iconic Character? (And How Can You Create One?)

What is an iconic character?

~ * ~

Share this:

~ * ~

Six Simple Reasons Our Story Sucks & How to Fix It

We MUST Go Against Our Nature

~ * ~

Share this:

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**

**~ * ~**