Writing Roads by Linda Osmundson

Blogs

2011-04-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

Some people are now saying blogs do not create business or increase sales. There are just too many of them out there. Unless you get thousands of hits a month, the blog doesn't help the professional. Speaking of which, many are less than professional.

That said, if a person can be a guest blogger on a popular blog, he/she probably gets more notice than from their own blogging efforts.

I'm taking a break for a while since my readership has dropped off. I'll research the reasons why, see what I can do to create more interest, and begin again later in the year. Our travel schedule also prevents my following through for the summer.

Thanks so much for reading in the past. I'll hope to see you again at a later date.

Marketing

2011-04-25T14:45:00.000-06:00

Marketing and promotion go on forever.

I mentioned before that my publicist sent a message about the Children's Authors Show. Don McCauley of Free Publicity Focus Group interviews authors for a web radio show. My interview will air for 24 hours April 27/28. He suggests putting a copy on my website but I'm not sure an audience would pay attention unless it were video rather than audio only.

Don's Free Publicity Focus Group provides a free strategy analysis to increase your website visibility. I had one done and although it doesn't give the step-by-step instructions I hoped for, it gave me plenty to consider and think about. For a fee, Don will do more work such as keyword analysis/strategy, branding, website design, media releases, email marketing lists, teleseminars, and more. He sent along several examples of good websites which use great keywords to get noticed. I'll consider more later.

Everyone says authors should belong to Twitter. I finally broke down and joined although I'm not sure I really understand how to utilize this form of social media. I've read recently that social media isn't the mecca for promotion that most people think it is. I can, however, say one person turned up for a book signing and purchased two books because he saw my post on Facebook.

While checking Google analytics I saw one person visited my website or blog from Facebook. Which brings to mind another subject - knowing your audience or target market.

I'm told I can find out lots of information in analytics about my audience. I have yet to find many specifics along those lines. I'll keep searching.

In the meantime, if you have any technical advice to pass on, please comment.

Easter Egg Hunt Game

2011-04-20T13:12:00.001-06:00

I'm early in case someone wants to take advantage of a new kind of Easter Egg hunt.

Last year my son did a progressive hunt. The first direction led to another direction and so on until the end where a nice prize awaited for the granddaughters - a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble. They love to read.

I'm having Easter this year. We are celebrating Easter and two birthdays. The twin grandsons will be 2 on April 27 and the twin granddaughters, from another family, will be 13 on May 1st. For the boys, we'll just hide some plastic Easter eggs that hold mostly balls I bought at the dollar store and a couple of marshmallow treats.

However, the girls are another matter. I bought the little favors again at the dollar store. Too old for a traditional egg hunt, I wrote rhyming (I'll admit, not good rhyme because I was in a hurry) directions to lead them to their birthday gifts. The first egg has marshmallow treats and directions. Each girl follows her own path. The second egg is actually an egg shaped puzzle they have to figure out how to open to get the directions. The third egg holds directions inside and sits atop a chocolate cross. The fourth egg and directions sit on a Rubic type puzzle. The fifth egg holds one of the girls' birthday gifts either inside with the directions or sits on top of a package. The last egg sits on their second birthday gift.

They enjoyed the game last year so I'll hope they appreciate it again this year.

Promotion

2011-04-17T17:29:00.000-06:00

After a week's break, I've discovered the blogs must be boring as reading has dropped off. I think I'll change my strategy. I'll talk about whatever comes to mind. Today I'll concentrate more on Promotion.

While writing a proposal for the Douglas Country Writer's Conference, I've discovered more on promotion. Try to be a guest blogger on popular blogs. Also search out interview opportunities. After hearing Dom Testa speak at AuthorU, I have a different outlook on interviewing.

He says your subject should be broad. If not, there will be no interest by media to do an interview. Suppose you've written on the life cycle of frogs. Who cares? Who wants to know about frogs? However, if you choose a subject such as his that says "Smart is Cool" to teens, you can land an interview.

In my case, Charles Russell appeals to a wide variety of people. How to look at art appeals to a large percentage of people although they don't realize it until they read my book. As one person posted on Facebook, "I'll never look at art in the same way again." Another woman made the same comment after attending my author visit at Evergreen Country Day School. That is my goal.

I tell a story on my website (www.LindaOsmundson.com) about an incident I experienced during the Moscow Treasures and Traditions exhibit during the 1990 World Games in Seattle, WA. Check it out.

I did land an interview on The Children's Authors Show. It will air April 27/28. You can fill out the form on the site to request an author interview. My Pelican publicist forwarded the information to me.

She also forwarded the information for a guest blog on Imagination Soup. The host hasn't informed me when the article will be posted.

Promotion is a never ending but necessary evil whether you publish with a publishing house or self-publish. Thank goodness I've received lots of help from the publicist and by word of mouth.

Tomorrow I mail the final submission as requested by Pelican after a contract was signed for the Frederic Remington's Art, the second book in the How the West Was Drawn series. Hopefully the book will be released in Spring, 2012. In the meantime, I'm concentrating on doing author visits at retirement communities during the summer.

Writer's Journey - Ordinary World

2011-04-07T13:34:00.000-06:00

I am a little late today. I did a web radio interview for The Authors Show which will air in the near future. It was an interesting experience. The directors edit the telephone conversation then post the edited version on the show for listening. He says some people receive good results, while others receive none. I hope mine falls in the first category.

Now that the archetypes have been somewhat covered, I'll delve deeper into the 12 elements of a story according to The Writer's Journey. Each post will be followed the next time with Questioning the Journey. At times it may take two posts to cover the material. Let's begin at the beginning - Ordinary World.

As you previously learned, the Hero lives in his Ordinary World until something happens to disrupt it. We all know the opening must "hook the reader, set the tone of the story, suggest where it is going and get across a lot of information without slowing the pace."

Think how your audience will first encounter the book - title, first paragraph, first dialogue, where in the character's lives the story fits, an introduction or prologue. Even though many people wait to come up with a title, you still need to be considering it from the beginning. The beginning comes from a few symbols or metaphors that put the audience in the right mood for the journey.

Take The Godfather as an example. The title suggests the main character is both god and father. Yet we see in movie trailers, posters and the logo that there is a puppeteer working the strings of an unknown marionette. Is the main character the puppeteer or the puppet of a higher force. The title and imagery presents a metaphor with many interpretations.

A prologue can introduce the main characters, their world, cue the audience as the the kind of story it is, start with a bang, introduce the villain or story threat, and fill in necessary backstory. Most children's books do not have a prologue. Backstory is woven throughout the book.

Many books simply begin by placing the Hero in his Ordinary World before any problem arises. It is necessary to contrast it to the Special World the Hero will be thrown in later. It might provide some backstory. We discovered from the The Wizard of Oz how the Ordinary contrasts to the Special World by using black and white for the Ordinary World and color for the Special World. Even though the world may seem boring we might get some foreshadowing of what is to come. Dorothy clashes with the ornery neighbor and is rescued by three farmhands. This beginning foreshadows the problems to come and with whom.

The Ordinary World offers a glimpse into what the Hero wants and raises some questions. Will the hero win the game, get the gold, and beat the villains?

Next post will cover some other Ordinary World points.

Two months after the release

2011-04-03T20:57:00.000-06:00

I'd like to take a break from The Writer's Journey for this post and catch you up on the first two months after the release of my book. Previous posts talked about the process of getting published, fulfilling all the publisher's requirements, and a little about promotion planning. Now I'll finish the story or, rather, continue it.

I wanted to "hit the road running." The first thing I did was ask my Pelican publicist exactly what she does so I would not step on anyone's toes. She responded with quite a few things. Actually, I feel I have three publicists at Pelican. The two others are the School Sales Manager, who sets up school visits, and the Western Sales Manager who sets up book signings. All have done their jobs. I've also worked at each endeavor.

Recently the publicist lined me up for a blog interview at DM Speaks on the Dabbling Mum. That interview required I fill out questions which the host posted online. Unfortunately, I thought it was step one rather than the final step. I might have responded with longer answers had I known.

In addition, she contacted me about The Authors Show, a web radio broadcast. I know the three steps for this show. I filled out the first set of questions. He returned more questions designed from the first set. I have answers outlined so I can't read them in the interview. He will call this week. Then, they edit the interview to 11-15 minutes, and let me know when it will air.

The publicist sent another contact for Imagination Soup. I wrote that blog post and sent it yesterday. I'm not sure when it will appear.

I lined up several book signings on my own and learned of a couple from Colorado Author's League of which I am a member. Of the four signings, one turned out great; another was mediocre; two were not so great. I have two more at the Fort Collins Barnes & Noble, one in conjunction with a school book fair and another with two 5th grade classes for each of two schools. They will learn about the book store business from the community relations person and about writing and my book from me.

I presented to a Newcomer's Coffee, networked through Small Business Development Center, sold books at my crafts group potluck, and a political luncheon. I mentored junior high writers, did two classroom author visits, attended a writer's conference and sold books at a retirees' luncheon.

Patricia Stoltey asked me to guest blog for her. I wrote on promotion. Recently I attended an Author U talk by Dom Testa and summarized it for my writers group. The Northern Colorado Writer's director asked if she could post it on The Writing Bug. It appeared last Wednesday.

During this two month period, I contacted local school media personnel and have more author visits lined up for April 12, 13, & 14. I'll visit another school but the date hasn't been set as yet.

I am applying to teach a workshop at a writer's conference. I forgot, I taught a writer's workshop at the Northern Colorado Writer's studio.

For two months, I put into practice the title of my conference workshop, Your Book is Released: Don't sit down, your work has just begun.

Of the first order of 250 books, I haven't enough to cover the three scheduled visits, so I ordered 250 more. They arrive tomorrow; the bill follows in a month. Thank goodness my husband is willing to float me until the books sell. Wish me luck. I hope they sell before the year is up!

Trickster - the last Archetype

2011-03-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

The Trickster character offers comic relief in a story. He may be a personality trait of the Hero or other characters. He presents us with mischief and a desire for change. He may cut a few egos down and bring Heroes and audiences down earth.

Some people consider a good story “Makes‘em cry a lot; lets’em laugh a little.” Others think the opposite yields a good story. I think a balance of both creates the best reading.

Sometimes the Trickster serves as the Hero - Bugs Bunny, the Roadrunner, Daffy Duck, Speedy Gonzales, Tweety Bird, Woody Woodpecker to name a few. The Hare in the Tortoise and the Hare shows that a Trickster Hero can turn the tables and actually fail.

Native Americans present Tricksters such as Coyote and Raven. The clown Kachina of the Southwest teaches as well as gives great power and comic relief.

Once in a while the Trickster changes others but not himself such as Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop. At other times, the Trickster’s job makes us laugh at ourselves.

Now that we have all the character archetypes in a story, authors should be able to add psychological depth and variety to keep from creating stereotypical characters.Remember, archetypes may not be individual characters put traits of various characters.

Next we delve deeper into the Stages of the Journey and see how the archetypes fit in.

Achetypes con't

2011-03-28T15:39:00.000-06:00

The next archetype is the Shadow. He represents the energy of the dark side, in other words, the villain, antagonist or enemy. He hopes to see the Hero fail. In some cases, the Shadow may be the shady part of ourselves that keeps us from succeeding, wrestles with bad habits, and old fears. The Shadow can also be the Shapeshifter in the form of vampires or werewolves.

The Shadow's dramatic side challenges the Hero. Some say a story is only as good as its villain, or Shadow.

The Shadow's mask hides any of the story characters. He may appear as Mentor while hiding the Shadow side of his personality. The Shadow may start out as a love interest in a romance novel who shifts to become the one who attempts to destroy the Hero. He can perform as a Trickster or Herald who lures the Hero into danger, or, a villain who experiences a change of heart like the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast."

A touch of goodness humanizes the Shadow. Disney cartoons are good examples of humanized Shadows - Captain Hook in "Peter Pan," the demon in "Fantasia", the wicked queen in "Snow White,"
the glamorous fair in "The Sleeping Beauty," Cruelle in "One Hundred and One Dalmatians." Because of their qualities, they were made to seem even more sinister. The Shadow does not always perceive himself as a villain.

There is more to a Shadow but space prevents my expounding. Borrow the book from a library and read all these archetypes for yourself.

There is only one Archetype left, Trickster, in Book One of Vogler's "Writer's Journey," called Mapping the Journey. Then we'll cover Book Two: Stages of the Journey, where we go deeper into the 12 story elements we discussed in the beginning of this series. You might consider outlining the 12 elements leaving space for notes as well as the Archetypes, for easy reference.

Archetype, con't

2011-03-24T07:39:00.000-06:00

The Shapeshifter is probably the hardest of the archetypes to explain. Remember that I am paraphrasing the book and there is a lot of information I'm leaving out. To better understand the explanations I've given thus far, you might want to read the book on your own. Vogler's The Writer's Journey can be found in most bookstores and online book retailers.

Highlights for Children offers a class on the process. Their classes are a bit pricey but well worth the money if you can afford it. They also offer scholarships for some classes, especially the Foundations Writers Workshop at Chautauqua. I attended the week long workshop in 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed it in addition to learning a lot and meeting wonderful people.

Back to Shapeshifter. These characters change mood, appearance, and are difficult for the Hero and audience to "pin down". They may take the Hero in a wrong direction and keep her guessing. Their loyalty and sincerity is in question. A good example is the mood changes a woman faces during pregnancy. So, the Shapeshifter projects the hidden opposite sides of ourselves.

Their dramatic function is to bring doubt and suspense into the story. In a romance novel, he causes the Hero to ask, "Is he faithful; will he betray me; does he truly love me; is he an ally or enemy." The Shapeshifter's change of appearance may be as small as style in hair or clothing. Heros must sometimes face Shapeshifters either male or female, who assume disguises and tell lies to confuse them.

(My italics button won't allow what I'm trying to do, so I'll put titles in quotations)

In "An Officer and a Gentleman" the Hero, Richard Gere, puts on airs and tells lies to attract a woman. In "Sister Act", Whoopi Goldberg disguises herself as a nun to keep from being killed. "Villians or their allies may wear the Shapeshifter mask to seduce or confuse the Hero." Look at the wicked witch in "Snow White" who becomes an old woman and tricks the Hero into eating an apple.

Shapeshifters are "found most often in male-female relationships, but may also be useful in other situations to portray characters whose appearance or behavior changes to meet the needs of the story."

In children's writing, I find it hard to discover the Shapeshifters. However, I'll keep reading in my search for this particular character. If you discover one, let us know. I am hoping all this becomes more clear further in the reading of "The Writer's Journey."

Archetypes con't

2011-03-21T07:26:00.000-06:00

None of these archetypes have to be one person each. They may be a person who acts in several of these capacities. The Mentor might also be a Herald.

A Herald issues challenges and announces the coming of important changes. Think of the Heralds in medieval times. They knew the lineages and coats of arms. They identified people, relationships in battle, tournaments and, perhaps, weddings.

In a story, the Hero has succeeded up to this point. Suddenly, he faces a challenge that changes his way of life. His life will never be the same again. He has been called to an adventure, oftentimes by the guise of a Herald. It can be a dream, a person or a new idea. In Field of Dreams a voice tells the Hero "If you build it, they will come." He faced a change.

Our story must face a change also. The Herald gives the character motivation, a challenge and starts the real story. In Earthquake, earth tremors act as Herald. A stock market crash may hold the name of Herald. In High Noon, the Herald is a clerk with a telegraph message. A map and a telephone call herald change to a character in Romancing the Stone.

Heralds represent positive, negative or neutral people. Darth Vader causes the audience to realize something is not quite right.

A Herald may appear through a Mentor, Trickster, or Threshold Guardian character. The Mentor is usually a positive for the Hero. The Trickster and Threshold Guardian act as neutrals.

Usually the Herald appears in Act One although he may appear at any time in the story. However, he is a necessity in every story.

If your story is in progress, try to determine who plays the part of each archetype we've discussed thus far.

Threshold Guardian

2011-03-16T18:07:00.000-06:00

A Threshold Guardian seldom represents the villain. Rather, they are obstacles to thwart the entrance to a New or Special World. They may be overcome, bypassed or turned into allies. Occasionally they are secret helpers who test the Hero's willingness and skill. He warns the villain of approaching danger in some cases.

Vogler uses the example of a fox resting at the entrance to a cave where a bear is sleeping. The bear tolerates the fox. The fox warns the bear of danger. In the same way, villains use doorkeepers, bouncers, bodyguards, sentries, gunslingers or mercenaries to protect and warn the villain the Hero approaches.

They have a psychological function. We may not recognize Guardians under the above names but they play the same roles. Their titles change to the obstacles we face in everyday life - bad weather, bad luck, prejudice, oppression or hostile people. They become the inner neuroses we carry like emotional scars, vices, dependencies, and self-limitations - those things that keep us from growing.

They dramatically test whether we are up to challenges and changes. Each time the hero faces a plot point or black moment, he either passes or fails the test. The hero chooses how to solve each problem as he comes in contact with the Guardian. He may even "get into the skin of the opponent." Indians wore the skin of a buffalo to disguise themselves in order to get close enough for a kill. When Dorothy is held captive in the Witch's castle, her friends overcome soldiers, dress in their clothing and become the enemy for a short period in order the rescue her.

When in real life you confront an obstacle which causes you to change, your friends who offer advice (good or bad) become Guardians. They put you through the tests to see if you are up to the new challenge. The same goes for your stories. Someone puts the hero through the tests.

In Japan, demon statues often decorate entrances. One hand raises like a policeman to cause you to halt. If you look closer, the other hand invites you in. Authors need to look past appearances and into the reality of the entrance. Learning to deal with Threshold Guardians is one of the major tests of the Hero's Journey.

Next we discuss the Herald.

Archetypes con't

2011-03-13T19:53:00.001-06:00

Mentor - Wise Old Man or Woman

The Mentor is one of the most entertaining sources in literature or film. In the Wizard of Oz, we find Glenda, the good witch. In Cinderella it is the Fairy Godmother; Merlin in King Arthur. The Mentor could be the best of Self or our conscience. He may be a hero to the main character, a parent, aunt, grandmother/grandfather or someone to whom the hero looks to for advice.

The Mentor can serve many functions - teacher, gift-giver, inventor, or, as I said before, conscience.
They motivate, plant information, and offer love. However, a dark mentor may mislead, misguide the audience as well as the hero. Sometimes the Mentor seems to stand in the way and the hero must overcome or outgrow the energy of her best teachers.

Other Mentors have fallen. Take Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own. He faces his own road to redemption while trying to Mentor his team. The audience roots for him to succeed on his own road to recover from his past.

Sometimes a Mentor continues into a sequel such as the Chief in Get Smart or the grandparents on the Waltons, who continually show up in episode after episode. Or multiple Mentors help the hero, like 007 in the Bond movies. He has three Mentors in the form of the spymaster "M", "Q" who is the weapons and gadget maker, and Miss Moneypenny.

Comic, shaman, and inner Mentors appear with a definite purpose in a story. Each or several mentors show up at different times. Not always is the Mentor introduced in Act I but may be needed later as someone who can show the ropes to the hero. Mentors provide motivation, inspiration, guidance, training, gifts for the journey, yet, do not solve the hero's problem.

I have something scheduled for every day this week which includes three days of driving into Denver. Bear with me if I miss the Thursday post and post it on Friday. Thanks for following. If you have comments, I'd love to hear them.

Vogler's Archetypes

2011-03-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Wrote this Wed. and forgot to post it on Thursday before I headed to Denver for two days. Sorry!

If an author knows the purpose or function of characters in a story, she can discover if the character is pulling her weight. The archetypes do not have to all be real persons. Some can be personality traits of one character. For instance, a Mentor is not necessarily a rigid character role but can be a function of one character. A character may have many masks he wears temporarily. The hero may even pick up the character traits of everyone she meets to make herself a whole person.

As Vogler does, we'll discuss each archetype one at a time but not as thoroughly as the book. The most common archetypes are:
Hero
Mentor
Threshold Guardian
Herald
Shapeshifter
Shadow
Trickster

A Hero is male or female, the protagonist of the story. She is willing to sacrifice for others to gain her goal. Ego makes up the Hero and teaches her to become a complete person. In the process she faces internal guardians, monsters and helpers. She finds teachers, guides, demons, gods, mates, servants, scapegoats, masters, seducers, betrayers and allies. Even the villains, tricksters, lovers, friends and foes can be found within ourselves as Hero.

The Hero has dramatic purpose. A story expects the audience to identify with the Hero. Her desires are understood by the audience - "to be loved and understood, to succeed, survive, be free, get revenge, right wrongs or seek self-expression." To make the Hero interesting, she needs to be like each member of the audience in some way. She needs to grow, do something, sacrifice something, deal with death metaphorically, and have flaws. She can't always be perfect. The audience needs to see her make some dumb choices. She must be active rather than passive.

There are Group Heroes (those who get separated from the group but usually return), Loner Heroes, (like Shane, John Wayne's character in The Searchers, or the Lone Ranger) who are invited to return to the world of relationships or society, and Catalyst Heroes, those who transform others but change little themselves (like Eddie Murphy's character in Beverly Hills Cop).

This discussion barely touches the surface of a Hero. Take time to study the Heroes in your favorite stories and determine how they change, how they change others or if they return to the Ordinary World. Next we discuss the Mentor.

Writing Journey - Act 3

2011-03-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Now that the hero in Writer's Journey has Seized the Sword, she must head back to the Ordinary World. Her trials are not over. Let's look at the last three of the 12 elements to a successful story according to this book.

Element 10 - The Road Back
Although the hero has what she wanted, her trip back to the Ordinary World becomes harried because she must leave this special world of seeking her goal through more temptations, tests and dangers. Leaving this world in movies often brings about the best chase scenes. Take for instance, ET when he and Elliott go on a moonlight bicycle ride.

Element 11 - Resurrection
The hero faces similar incidents of danger and complications as in the Ordeal. She must be cleansed of all the past before she can return to the Ordinary World. She is tested one last time to prove she learned the lessons of the Ordeal.

Element 12 - Return with the Elixir
The hero cannot return to the Ordinary World empty-handed. She must bring a treasure or lesson, the Elixir, back with her. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learned she is loved at home. In fact, she states in the movie, "There's no place like home."

Remember that the elements listed here are a framework, not to be necessarily followed precisely. Each story may change the order, leave out some elements or add to them without losing any of the power. In writing the story the elements should blend so that no one recognizes them. The elements fit well into modern stories as well. The mentor may not be a fairy, wizard, or shaman, but a teacher, parent, or any helping person instead.

"The Hero's Journey is infinitely flexible, capable of endless variation without sacrificing any of its magic, and will outlive us all." page 27.

Now that you have a map to a successful story, Thursday we'll discuss the characters who fill the story's pages - Archetypes.

Writer's Journey Second Act

2011-03-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'll be visiting my twin grandsons tomorrow so I'm posting this early.

In act one we left off with Crossing the First Threshold, the fifth element of a good fiction story from The Writer's Journey. It is the first turning point that leads to a new world of problems for the hero. How the hero handles and faces the problems takes up Act 2, made up of four elements of the original 12 in the three-act premise of the book.

Element 6: Tests, Allies and Enemies

The first turning point of Crossing the First Threshold leads to new challenges - tests. The hero makes both allies and enemies. She encounters the problems of the new world. In adult books, bars and saloons offer good settings but not in all books. For instance, The Wizard of Oz takes Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road where she makes friends and then comes across enemies. She also faces many tests - snow and oiling of tin man, the lion and his fear, and rescuing the scarecrow.

Element 7: Approach to the Inmost Cave

Next the hero comes to the inmost cave - a dangerous place unknown to the hero. She may pause at the gate to plan how to outwit the villain. She approaches but hesitates. She eventually enters and that becomes the next turning point - entering the cave and dealing with whatever is inside. The cave is a name for the hero's problem. Dorothy is kidnapped and placed in the Wicked Witch's castle.

Element 8: The Ordeal

The Ordeal is a "black moment" for the reader in which it seems there is no return. Suspense and tension add to the story of the hero's plight. When Dorothy's friends try to rescue her, matters get worse and it seems there is no way out. We can compare the ordeal to the old clique of "boy meets girl (Act I) and boy loses girl (Act 2)" The boy gets girl is the third act. The hero's fate seems to be established. Will she come out of it unscathed? Analogy goes like this. You get on a roller coaster ride. At the top of the hill, you drop into what feels like instant death only to recover and do it again on the next hill. We want the reader to feel this way in Act 2 when the hero faces the horrors of not accomplishing her goals.

Element 9: The Reward (Seizing the Sword)

If we stick to the analogy of the roller coaster, the reward comes at the end when we know we survived the ride. Sometimes the reward is knowledge and "reconciliation with hostile forces." Dorothy escapes from the Wicked Witch. She has the witch's broomstick and the Ruby slippers. But, she still has the problem of how does she get home? Will the evil forces return or is she in a safe place? Here ends Act 2.

We'll discuss the last three elements which conclude the story and end Act 3 on Monday afternoon. Later posts will delve deeper into each element.

Writer's Journey, con't

2011-02-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Mondays get a slow writing start since I have a Bible study class first thing in the morning. But, here goes with the second installment on the Writer's Journey.

This book is based on the movie premise of three acts. If a book, screenplay or story is 120 pages, one-fourth, or 30 pages, makes up the first act, 60 pages the second act and 30 pages the third act, approximately. The last post dealt with the Original World, first of a story's 12 elements. Once that world is established, the character faces several other elements in the first act.

Element 2. The Call to Adventure - is where the hero encounters a problem, challenge or adventure. The hero is forced to leave the ordinary world and enter a new world where the problem, etc., exists. We now know the hero's goal. In the Wizard of Oz Dorothy wants to return home.

Element 3. Refusal of the Call (Reluctant Hero) - The hero may not accept the call to adventure at this point. She may not commit completely to the journey yet. Her fear escalates, circumstances may change, the problem worsens or she needs a push from someone or something to send her into the journey (adventure).

Element 4. Mentor (The Wise old Man or Woman) - Some stories introduce someone who can urge the hero to accept the journey. A mentor "stands for the bond between child and parent, teacher and student, doctor and patient, god and man." The mentor prepares the hero for the journey. In the Wizard of Oz, the mentor is the good witch who advises Dorothy and gives her ruby slippers which eventually help Dorothy return home.

Element 5. Crossing the First Threshold - At last the hero commits to the journey, accepts the call to adventure, and faces the consequences of the problem. Dorothy takes off on the Yellow Brick Road.

Crossing the first threshold ends act one as the first turning point.

The 12 elements outline the three-act premise of a story. After we see them all, I'll explain the archetypes of a story and explain in more detail the 12 elements.

On Friday morning I received the Pelican contract for the second in the HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN series - Frederic Remington's Art. Now I must update all my information, send everything to Pelican, and wait for the return of a signed contract. Then I order permissions/rights. I'm not sure what the publication date is but, most likely, it will be next spring. YAHOO!!

The Writer's Journey

2011-02-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

I am a book junky. I buy all kinds of writing books but never read them completely. I use them to research writing techniques/tips, etc. My goal is to finish The Writer's Journey. If I post about what I read there, perhaps I'll reach my goal. The book presents a sure-fire way of writing good stories.

Highlights for Children offers a class on the Hero's Journey. Unfortunately, I've never had the chance to attend. Once after seeing the write up, I purchased The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler. The author believes every good story is based on the mythic structure of the Hero's Journey which he discovered when he crossed paths with the mythologist Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero of a Thousand Faces. Google his name for more information on Campbell. After discovering Campbell's pattern for story, Vogler began to compare the pattern to popular movies.

Another follower of the principle is John Truby, a screenwriter, director, and screenwriter teacher. I found out about him through the Writers Store. On that link you'll find articles by John Truby. There are other classes and books based on the idea of screenwriting as a tool for story/novel writing. They teach the three-act form of writing. It works.

Let's begin with an overview. "Book One, Mapping the Journey, is a quick survey of the territory," says Vogler. He tell you to consider the book as a journey map through story. Book Two, details the 12 elements of the Hero's Journey. "An Epilogue, Looking Back on the Journey, deals with the special adventure...... and some pitfalls to avoid on the road."

Element 1 - The Ordinary World

Most stories take the hero from the ordinary, everyday world into a new, unfamiliar world. He is like a "fish out of water." Before you can place him in the unfamiliar, the reader needs to know the familiar world. Then, the reader sees a real contrast in the two worlds in which the hero lives. Take for instance, The Wizard of Oz. When possible, I'll use this movie as an example. A lot of time is spent showing the drab world in which Dorothy lives. Of course, shooting the scenes in black and white contribute to portraying that drab life. Once she arrives in Oz, color shines. The reader definitely realizes the difference.

Monday we will discuss a few more of the 12 elements.

SCBWI - Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

2011-02-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators gives an award each year to the best book of the previous year - in this case 2010. Members vote for books in their region. The top five, I believe, go to national. Receiving the Crystal Kite award marks a plateau in publishing for children.

As a member and voter, I choose to only vote if I've read the book. (I know some people possibly vote for the person rather than the book.) I checked out as many of the titles as I could find at my local library. The nominee list can be found on the SCBWI websites. Although the Rocky Mountain Region website states it encompasses Colorado and Wyoming, a Utah author appeared on the list. I realize I'll never be able to finish the 20 or so books I checked out before the voting deadline.

However, I will at least have read new releases of the past year. Not a bad thing. Which books received publication? Is there a new trend? Are fantasy books fading? How many are non-fiction vs fiction? All the answers to these questions help in determining what or how I write. Yet, I still stick to my interests and what I believe is a good subject for children. I also become acquainted with local authors' names and watch for their releases.

But, how to choose? The choices vary. I learned about the Candy Bomber of the Berlin Airlift. I read about a girl whose mother changes location every year. I gathered information about other countries that served as settings. Since many of the books are YA, I wonder if the categories could be tightened. The list included YA to young reader picture books. After reading the local nominees, I'll watch closely for the winners and read those for comparison.

If you write for children, be sure to join SCBWI. But, most of all, READ, read children's books. Not only the new releases but the classics as well.

Words and How We Use Them

2011-02-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

We often place unnecessary words in sentences. Words like "There are," "It is," and "In order to." There are other phrases we include just as useless. Check these examples from Kathleen Phillips How to Write a Story.

"There are five things that are important to remember." Besides the opening's useless words, the verb is passive and the word "that" is often not necessary. Change the sentence to "Five things are important to remember." The "that" disappeared but the verb does nothing. We could say "Remember these five important things." Sounds a little more emphasized. Depending on where the sentence falls, "things" might need to be named.

At other times we repeat ourselves with words. We say the same thing twice.

"First began" - the words mean the same. The sentence could read "First, . . . . " and then state the rest.

"Free gift." Isn't a gift always free?

"Small trifle" - the words mean the same.

"Final conclusion" A conclusion is final.

"Consensus of opinion" - leave out "of opinion." Consensus is an opinion.

"Carry out the implementation" - either "carry out" or "implement."

Another pet peeve of mine concerns adverbs, most of which are "ly" words. Usually they can replace the inactive verb rather than work as an adverb. Check these examples.

"walked slowly" - I checked my Flip Dictionary (a user friendly Thesaurus) and found these words for stroll - amble, mosey, ramble, roam, rove, saunter, wander.

"walked slowly and tiredly" - trudge - lumber, plod, slog, toil, traipse, tramp. Plodded - drag, grind, labor, schlepp, struggle, toil.

"walked unsteadily" - staggered, limped, hobbled. Stagger - lurch, careen, reel, rock, hobble, stump, sway, totter, waver, weave.

If I check each verb listed above, I find more word choices. Yes, it takes time! But when every word must count, the time is well spent.

Dangling Phrases and Clauses

2011-02-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

When we write, we know what we mean but don't always express it. Take for instance, dangling phrases and clauses. If you reread your manuscript after a few days, you may discover them or you may still overlook them. A critique group usually finds them. Then you feel really silly for having made such an obvious mistake.

What is a dangling phrase or clause? Phrases (a sequence of two or more words acting as a unit in a sentence) and clauses (which have a subject and verb and could be a sentence on its own) appear in different places within a sentence and refer to a noun or pronoun. If placed incorrectly, they refer to the wrong noun, pronoun, or to nothing. Let's look at some examples Kathleen Phillips used in her book How to Wrtie a Story.

1. "We saw the flowers walking in the garden." Who is walking, the flowers or we? To correct the sentence we can begin with a phrase. "While walking in the garden, we saw the flowers." Now who saw the flowers and who is walking?

2. Sometimes we leave out a subject or verb and forget what we are talking about. "When still a puppy, I taught Fido to shake hands." Who or what was the puppy? If we change the phrase to a clause with a subject and verb, we understand. "When he was still a puppy, I taught Fido to shake hands." Or we can take "I" out. "When still a puppy, Fido learned to shake hands."

3. Danglers may appear anywhere in a sentence. "A dog almost bit me when I was riding my bicycle." If we change the order of the sentence, it becomes clearer. "When I was riding my bicycle, a dog almost bit me."

4. Orphaned pronouns cause misunderstanding in a sentence. "The dog bit my tire and then it sprang a leak."
Although the pronoun "it" is closer to tire, it still seems to refer to the dog because of the word "then."
Rearranging the sentence solves the problem. "My tire sprang a leak when the dog bit it."

5. If a modifier rests too far from the word it modifies, the meaning can be confusing, amusing and/or distracting. "Later I saw the dog with a girl on a long leash." What did the author mean for the phrase to modify? If we place the phrase closer to dog, we correct the meaning. "Later, I saw a girl with the dog on a long leash."

Dangling phrases and clauses provide humor and relaxes any tension within a critique group. However, I'm not saying to add them to your writing for humor sake. What if they aren't caught?

Get It Down, Then Get It Right

2011-02-11T15:13:00.001-07:00

Babysitting 22 month-old twin grandsons sort of prevented me from posting yesterday. A classroom presentation got in the way of posting earlier today. But, except for distractions of preparing dinner and folding the laundry, I'm ready to give some thoughts on today's subject - revising.

Hemingway said there are two processes for writing. First you get it down, then you go back and work on getting it right. It is not a matter of polishing the manuscript by correcting misspelled words, eliminating adjectives and adverbs or tinkering with flow. Instead, consider it as creating and refining thoughts. Many authors spend countless hours, days and years perfecting a manuscript. James Joyce spent 20,000 hours writing Ulysses and 17 years on Finnegans Wake. No wonder they are classics.

Another author answered a question about how much he rewrites with "Writing is rewriting."

Rewriting is more than crossing out the adjectives and adverbs. You replace them with nouns and verbs that that better express your meaning. You catch mistakes. You punch the prose. While you correct the small things, keep your mind tuned to possible radical improvements. Toss the first paragraph, page, chapter if it doesn't truly begin the story. Perhaps the middle drags. Punch it up by thinking of new directions, conflicts, or characters reactions.

Look at revision as re-vision. Go in new directions or change the structure. Sometimes it takes hiding the manuscript under the bed, in a drawer or the trash can. Starting over combines your original idea with more momentum, new directions, new perspectives, and a higher quality of writing. That first draft acts as the foundation on which you build a better product. It reminds me of looking for a lost object. I may overlook the thing several times before I find it right in plain sight.

During the rewriting process, take yourself away from the manuscript for a hour, a day, or a month - whatever it takes to look at it with new eyes. Your new vision surprises you with easy fixes.

When does rewriting end? Sometimes you'll find it hard to cut your beautiful words. However, will you remember what you cut in a few days? Make sure everything fits with the story. Take out those "show-off phrases" you love. Listen to reader feedback. You are not obligated to change all to please your critique readers. However, take their suggestions to heart, consider if they make a manuscript better or just become their writing voice.

An author discovers she/he can always tweak their work. It never seems perfect. Realize at one point you must print the document, cut the apron strings and let the baby go.

You may find a guest post I did for Patricia Stoltey's blog, interesting. Named "Publication and Promotion: They Go Together," the post sums up my publishing path for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN and some promotion tips I've covered in this blog.

Show vs Tell

2011-02-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

We hear "Show don't Tell" over and over but what does it mean? Here is a good example from You Don't Have to be Famous: How to Write Your Life Story.

"Ginny was elated when she won the tournament. It was very emotional."

First of all, the two sentences have passive forms of "to be" verbs. The verbs don't do anything. Elated describes many different actions. Compare that to this paragraph of showing.

When Ginny won the tournament by sinking the three-foot putt, a roar went up from the crowd. She hurled her putter into the air, dropped to her knees, covered her eyes and sobbed.

I've changed the quote a bit to include active verbs rather than "ing" words the author used. A warning: don't think everything has to be shown. Some events, etc., require telling. All showing gets boring, too. Mix them for the best effect.

Remember that "the weakest tools for descriptive writing are adjectives and adverbs." Most times a noun or verb can take their place. I eliminate every "ly" word I see. "A noun is much better off alone than with a predictable or inadequate modifier.

Take for instance: She was stepping into snow above her knees. Instead, take away "was" and replace it with a form of the "ing" word. She stepped into snow above her knees. Better yet is "She sunk into snow above her knees."

Try painting a word picture. Here are two examples from a recent chick novel I read by Kristin Hannah.

"She led the girl across the necklace of stepping stones that meandered through the garden." Here, too, I changed a couple of words. I think I cut a few words.

Another example from the same book is "The rain softened the world into the muted blues and greens of a Monet painting." Both of these examples paint a word picture you, the reader, can see.

Go through your manuscript. Circle all the verbs. Are they active or passive? Change them to active. Then underline all the adjectives and adverbs. How can you replace them and keep your meaning and at the same time paint a word picture? It isn't easy. Try it.

Story Middles

2011-02-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Middles answer "What is the problem and how does it get solved?" The middle adds complications, unexpected happenings and seemingly insurmountable problems. In another word, CONFLICT. After the five "Ws" of writing, who, what, where, when, why, comes how. The how happens suspense. Not like a mystery, but suspense that builds to solve whatever problem the writing entails. Action and tension contribute to suspense.

Action may go up, dip a little and head up again until it reaches a point of no return, a breaking point, the darkest moment. For every action there is a reaction.

Now some basics for writing the story.

Who is your audience? To get across an idea, pretend you are talking to one member of that audience. What does that person need to know about the story you are telling them? Where might they ask a question? Answer the questions before they have a chance to interrupt and ask.

As you write, be sure to have a dictionary or Flip Dictionary/Thesaurus handy. A Flip Dictionary is a form of Thesaurus. It lists words similar to ones you use in your story and helps eliminate "echo" words (often repeated words). These resources allow you to be specific in your writing.

In being specific, you'll need to replace “it” with the name of something. Be aware that new writers, as well as experienced, sometimes place "it" to refer to the wrong noun. If you substitute the name of something for "it", the message will be clear.

Say what you mean. Adjectives and adverbs can be misleading. For instance: "Our first cruise was incredible." What does incredible mean? Good or bad? Actually, we looked out the back of the ship at blue skies filled with fluffy white clouds, unlike the sky out the front – black. During the night, waves swelled to 48 feet and continued throughout the day. We rode the crests of Hurricane Gordon. Yes, the trip was incredible, but a better word to describe the trip adds the proper meaning. Be specific.

Next blog will talk about the often used term "Show don't tell."

Hectic times

2011-01-31T14:25:00.003-07:00

I thought once the Holidays ended, I'd have more time. Wrong!! Last week was one of those weeks when I hardly had time to breath. Unfortunately, this week will be no different.

So, I'll pass on some writing tips I used in my "Passing On Your Personal Stories" class. These are basic tips to get started in writing.

Beginnings catch the reader's attention and make the reader want to know more. Gives a hint to the problem.

Middles add complications, unexpected happenings, seemingly insurmountable problems, and builds suspense.

Ends resolve everything in a satisfactory way.

Beginnings form the second chance to attract the reader. What is the first? A good title. However, many writers use a working title before they choose that special grabber of a title. Check the titles on your book shelves. Do they hook you to look into the book?

The opening sentence should hook the reader. Starting in the middle of an action creates that hook. Otherwise, begin with one or a combination of action, character, dialogue, situation, setting and mood or Story theme or philosophical idea.

According to Kathleen Phillips in How to Write a Story, some authors think "action and character openings, especially when combined with dialogue are the strongest and best attention getters." She lists on pages 84-85 these examples: Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, E.B. White's Stuart Little, Lloyd Alexander's The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man, Mary Peace's Fireflies, George Orwell's 1984, Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, and Clive Barker's Dread, to name a few.

I suggest you look at books on your shelves or go to a library, randomly choose titles, and read the first lines. Be aware, that not all first lines represent good examples. You make the decision if the line hooks the reader.

After you've hooked the reader, the next few paragraphs should determine the who, what, when, where and why of the story as soon as possible. The "how" details fill in the middle. Let the reader know something about the story.

The next blog will discuss some specifics about middles.

Russell Book

2011-01-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

I discovered amazon.com is already shipping the pre-orders for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. Guess they received their copies as early as I. If you order from them, once you receive your copy, post a review. I hope you'll be favorable!!! Share the information with your friends. Thanks.

In the meantime, think about ways to use the book with your children or grandchildren, which depends on their age. Toddlers and preschoolers need only look at the pictures and answer one of the questions. As they age, ask another question and finally read a little information in the text. Lower middle graders can tour the art on their own or with a little guidance. Upper middle graders are certainly able to read and answer on their own or with a friend. All might even look at my picture and pretend I am talking to them.

Next, take the children to a museum - the size of the museum is not important. Looking at any pictures will do, not just art masterpieces. Use some of the activities in the Introduction, especially the language arts, to expand a child's looking techniques. On each museum visit play another game, or, repeat those you've already practiced. In a gallery, assign a project, let them choose which object to use, you participate too, then meet and discuss.

Another game to play is a treasure hunt. In a gallery, choose one object. Describe it with three clues such as the color, shape, medium, something in the painting or whatever you determine serves as a clue. Then, have the child guess which object you've chosen. However, don't let them guess until they have given you three clues back which can be answered with a yes or no. For example: Is there a soldier on a horse? Does one man wear a red sash? Are there words around the picture? Which picture from the book did I use? The letter.

Next have the child choose an object.

Many more games or ideas are on my website, http://www.lindaosmundson.com/. Check them out.

More Promotion

2011-01-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

As a first book novice, I ask probably some dumb questions of my publisher. Friends, new acquaintances and professionals offer kinds of promotion suggestions. For instance, retired school personnel attended my memoir class on Saturday. Other students relayed information on museums unknown to me. All wanted to help me promote. Isn't that kind and considerate?

Librarians peruse book jobbers lists, especially Baker and Taylor. I wrote my contacts at Pelican to see if they list with that particular book jobber and they do. Librarians also depend on School Library Journal for reviews of books. Pelican sends review copies to them. I learned more about my publisher and how they promote. The goal remains to contact every possible entity which might speak in the author's favor.

Some class members drove from Cheyenne and suggested museum names to contact which were unknown to me. Now I have a lot of work to do.

On Friday I discovered the 255 pounds (10 boxes) of books I ordered fit nicely stacked in my office draped with a table cloth to give the appearance of a piece of furniture. Thank goodness the box sizes are small compared to what I imagined! Two stacks of unboxed books on top remind me to keep promoting.

One last note - don't forget to thank people. I spent Saturday writing notes of thanks to all my contacts at Pelican commending them for a job well done. The book looks fantastic and I am honored to have worked with Pelican Publishing. Now my job begins. Check my website for upcoming events.

Promotion continued

2011-01-20T15:11:00.002-07:00

I discovered a little late how to contact schools about presentations. I emailed each school principal in Cheyenne before I learned.

If you want presentations advertised to schools, write the Media Director. Individual schools have one and there is a Media Director for each school district. I've heard from both. But, beware!

I offered local districts, or those not too far away, free presentations for the remainder of the school year. In checking with some local authors, I found they did the same for a short period - 6 mos. to a year. However, after that, they determined a set rate for visits.

Authors stick together on pricing or at least charging for their services. Two reasons: 1. If there is no charge, people think that is what you are worth - nothing. 2. Authors want a consistency, not in what is charged but that there is a charge in the first place.

Author's services have a value. I'm talking to myself now because I find it hard to charge schools when budgets are tight, or even charge period! My publisher, Pelican, gives schools a 40% discount. Then the school can charge the retail price and literally pay for the author visit. Course, they have to do some promotion to get parents to buy the books. I remember one author agreeing to visit for free, but, instead, required each child buy a book.

Because I have only one published book and no known reputation as yet, I charge $100 per classroom. If I visit one class, my book costs the school about $10.50 each and can be sold for the retail price of about $17 - a profit of $6.50. Let's estimate the profit at $6. That times 20 children equals $120 or $20 over the cost of my visit. Any other books sold are pure profit.

That said, I received a couple of emails wanting me to either extend the free offer into next year or send a free book to the school. All my advisors said a loud "NO." We'll see how many jobs I received.

New Release Date/Quotation Punctuation

2011-01-18T08:24:00.001-07:00

WOW! I learned this weekend that the release date on my book has been moved up from February 15th to February 1st on amazon.com. Pelican said they could have the books as early as Monday (yesterday) but I imagine she forgot it was a mail holiday. Not sure how books are shipped to a publisher but today might be the earliest date.

Sorry this blog is a day late. However, I'd like to give some writing tips on grammar. Helen Wilkie still sends out her twice weekly tips even though she said she needs some more ideas.

I discovered I've misused punctuation marks inside and outside quotations. I believed punctuation marks at the end of a sentence always went inside the quotation marks. Wrong, not always. In dialogue, yes, always. These examples are from my Essentials of English book:

"Periods and commas are always placed inside the closing quotation marks."

Example:
"I wanted," he said, "to go home."

"Colons and semicolons are always placed outside end quotation marks."
Example: He called his friend "old dog"; he didn't mean it as an insult.

Example:
He took the advice given in the article "How to Study": sit rather than lie in bed.

"Other marks are placed where they logically belong-within the quotation if they punctuate the quotation, outside the quotation if they punctuate the sentence of which the quotation is a part."

Example:
How can I tell that "Whatever is, is right"?
He might ask: "What is right?"

Some examples might seldom be used in your writing, but, at least you now know the proper usage.

"I" or "Me"

2011-01-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my pet peeves is the use of "me" when it should be "I" or vice versa. TV commentators, newsmen (or women), politicians, movie stars, sports heros, and every day Joe's misuse the two constantly. From educated to uneducated and CEOs to mail clerks.

I corrected my sons on their grammar through their high school years. Then, one day, I said something and my oldest son corrected me. I was thrilled he'd learned the lessons I'd taught.

So, let's learn the true use of "I" and "me."

In Helen Wilkie's tip for today she explains it this way - the simplest definition I've ever seen:

"People often confuse the use of "I" and "me" in sentences. The grammatical principle is that "I" is a subject pronoun and "me" is an object pronoun. Here's how that looks in practice:

I will ask John to guide Nancy and me through the process.
but
Nancy and I will work through the process together.

The simple way to choose the correct form is to remove the other subject from the picture altogether. For example, if Nancy wasn't in the sentence, would you say, "I will ask John to guide I through the process"? No, I didn't think so! You would use "me" in that case, and the fact that you added another subject doesn't change anything.

If you take Nancy out of the second sentence, would you say, "Me will work through the process"? Again, you wouldn't. You would use "I", and you still use "I" when you add another subject."

The same principle applies to other object/subject pronouns like who/whom. I hope I haven't broken any rules in pasting her solution here.

Better Late Than Never!

2011-01-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today was filled. First I attended my Bible study lecture only and skipped the homework small group discussion. Didn't think I could leave my husband who is recovering from knee surgery for too long by himself. Actually he wasn't alone. Our cleaning lady came and I arrive home in time to feed her lunch as I usually do. Then it was time for his rehap. We were 30 minutes earlier than his appointment because neither of us checked the calendar. So, I spent an hour and a half reading and napping! Then, we were home again just in time to fix and serve dinner. Now, I am ready to post. A little late, but better late than never.

Writers often have little confidence. I received an email written in 2008 for two publications. Unfortunately I couldn't find a link on either website - Institute of Children's Literature or Kid Magazine Writers. In it the author gave reasons authors/writers should not lose confidence.

The title, "The Big Acceptance," mislead the readers to think about article/story/book acceptance. Instead, the article addressed the acceptance of ourselves as writers. Writers need to know their genres which suit their interests and writing. Some know exactly where they fit. Good. Others are less aware of their strong points.

Many of us know where we don't fit. That is a plus. No time wasted submitting where we know we have weaknesses. Stick to those places where we feel confidence and receive acceptance. Trying something new is good. It helps to get out of our comfortable box. But, don't stress over rejections from those areas. Tweak the writing and send it where you know you fit.

If dissatisfaction rules, do something constructive to improve - take a writing course, read writer magazines, and attend a conference to get re-energized. When your acceptances occur, realize you are contributing with a wonderful gift for writing, not matter the publication.

Remember that even if no one comments on our writing, enjoy the successes that come. Accept ourselves as unique and special writers.

Give yourselves a star. You deserve it.

I understand that some people have had a hard time or haven't been able to comment on this blog. I'm working on the problem. In the meantime, send me an email and I'll review your comments in the posts.

One Word Resolutions

2011-01-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Although I missed my weekly critique meeting on Wednesday night, I heard about one of the things they did. While reporting their writing progress for the holidays each person gave a one word resolution for their personal and professional life. Words varied and more could certainly be added. Subtitles might focus closer to what people think of as resolutions. Think about these words in your life.

Connect - with friends, relatives, writers, editors and anyone who means something to you. Two members lost various people in their lives over the holidays. They want to remember what or who is important in life and connect with them.

Dream - whether professionally or personally. Dreams could include book publication or simply selling that first article/story.

Finish - Everyone in the group goes through periods of dropping projects and leaving them unfinished. Some have their fingers in several pies and feel they need to focus and complete one at a time.

Try - to do better both professionally and personally. Try new projects, i.e. leave their comfortable box.

Promote - Had I been present, I'd have suggested promote. I need to venture out of my shell and network and promote my book and myself.

Improve - self. Most everyone could stand improvement in some aspect of their lives whether it be in writing or living every day.

A few other words to think about:

Study - by attending workshops, conferences, writer's luncheons and reading.

Exercise - both physically and mentally. Exercise your mind. Get out of your chair and move around to get the mind working.

Network - every chance you get. Pass out bookmarks, business cards, flyers, etc. Talk about your publications. Meet those editors at conferences rather than standing back and watching others network.

If you have other one word resolutions, tell us about them.

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR,Writers. May your year be filled with publications, signings, writing and all of your desires.

When planning your writer's New Year's resolutions, be reasonable. Remember that you want to have some success with your goals. Set them high, but not too high. For instance, last year I set a goal of submitting something every week. I may not have succeeded at every week but I did make 52 submissions. That may not sound like many in the light of the fact some writers have that many submissions circulating at all times! Actually, I exceeded that number by 10. Of course, not all were accepted - in fact, only 37 acceptances and most of those were for free. I write an every-other-week column for the Lyons Recorder in exchange for the editor's husband developing and maintaining my website and personal domain email.

My acceptances did include one book contract, which, as I've said many times before, comes out February 15th. So this year my resolutions will concern promotions for the book as well as writing.

Some resolution suggestions:
1. Write every day
2. Submit a reasonable number of articles, stories or books
3. Build a better writing portfolio
4. Add to or develop a platform
5. Keep better records
6. Promote better

Good luck. If you have resolution suggestions, make a comment.

Holidays

2010-12-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

I hope your holidays are filled with family, good friends and lots of cheer.

I brought my husband home from the hospital after his Tuesday knee replacement. So, our Christmas will be quiet while he exercises, recuperates and watches sports.

I am, however, still working on marketing. I bought cookie cutters - boot, cowboy, cactus and horse. At some presentations I plan to have kids decorate their own cookies. I also found lots of recipes for cowboy cookies - hardy oatmeal cookies. After Laura Resau said she took French pasties to a signing and had lots of people, I began to consider what I might do.

Along with the above, I copied the book cover on 8" x 11" cardstock, cut the picture into large puzzle pieces and plan to hand out as prizes.

The next post will be January 3rd.

No New Ideas

2010-12-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

As writers we are told there are no new ideas only old ones rewritten. I discovered that by mistake this weekend.

Turner Classic Movies and AMC showed many old Christmas movies including "In the Good Old Summertime" with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. I love old Christmas movies.

A young woman becomes a pen pal with a man she doesn't know. Then she takes a job in a music store. The two people decide to meet. She carries a book and a flower and waits for a long time. As it turns out, her music store boss is her pen pal and discovers as much when he looks through the window of the restaurant to see her sitting there with a book and a flower. He leaves but returns and sits down. Sound familiar?

I have watched "You've Got Mail" so many times I know it by heart. A scene in the picture duplicates the one in the Christmas movie. As I think about the two movies, I recall more and more duplications.

Further research discovered the first version "The Shop Around the Corner," 1940, starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan was set in Budapest. "In the Good Old Summertime" came out in 1949 as a remake set in Chicago. "You've Got Mail," 1998, takes email, AOL, Pride and Prejudice and the old versions to a new level set in New York City. Silly me thought the last to be a "new" movie. Little did I know.

Although not always reliable, Wikipedia gives a good account of the three movies.

The moral of this writing is don't give up on your story just because you discover it has been done before. Give it a new twist - change the setting, tweak the plot, add something new and go for it. If writing non-fiction such as advice, remember today's generation doesn't know all those past ideas.

Happy writing!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Author events

2010-12-16T16:05:00.001-07:00

I've been told that if you want to be a hit with your publisher, you should commit yourself to marketing. The School Manager of Pelican Publishing commented how excited she is about all the events I've lined up for the book's release. What can you do?

Perhaps I've listed some things before. Contact as many people as possible. Start a Facebook Fan Page. Network wherever you go. Make business cards and pass them out liberally. Consider making bookmarks. I gave a recipe for that before. Since then I've decided to have them done professionally at a local business. Join social media groups. Work with your publisher. Check out other markets such as, in my case, businesses that deal in cowboy clothing. Join author events. I have access to one but it costs a small fortune to have a booth. I'm thinking about it. Think publicity. Plan now for interview questions. Update your website. These are but a few suggestions. If you have more, please comment.

Things are heating up for the release. News from the publisher indicates the Denver Art Museum has backordered books already. Pelican says response has been great.

Local events include book signings at several locations.

February 17th, 506:30 pm, Small Business Development Center Networking Event in Loveland
February 26th, 1:00 p.m., Old Firehouse Books
The Loveland Museum/Gallery hosts a signing/presentation on March 19th, 1-3.
March 26th, I'll conduct a teacher workshop on how to get children to enjoy, interact, look thoroughly at art, and how to incorporate art into other curriculum subjects.
April 13th, Primrose School in Denver

For more information and locations, check my website.

I'll be adding a signing at Reader's Cove soon.

Books and Christmas

2010-12-13T16:40:00.002-07:00

Sales! Sales! And more sales! Even my book with a release date of February 15th is already listed at a discounted price for pre-orders on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble website. Last time I looked Borders and Pelican had it at full price.

Books make wonderful Christmas gifts. I've given The Polar Express and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey to all my grandchildren as well as other children I know.

I've written articles on giving books. "Book of the Month Club" gives a book each month in honor of a child's birthday or to extend Christmas throughout the year. Depending on the child's age, Newbery and Caldecott books make great gifts. To make it easier, buy stamps ahead of time and mailing envelops. You can even buy the books early. I once found one in a grocery store sale bin - Click, Clack, Moo which was an honor winner.

Another darling book for younger children is Ellen Javernick's The Birthday Pet. Check for local authors and try to fit their books with the children on your list. Getting an autograph is also a plus. For special children, give the gift of an author visit to their class. In my case, I'm offering free presentations for launch of the book for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. I still require reimbursement of travel expenses for out of town.

Series books are always a hit. Libraries have lists of popular series by age. Just ask the resource desk. Think the Bailey School Kids, Magic School Bus, and many others. Check Debbie Dadey's website for several series.

Think books for gifts. Start a child's library at a young age. They'll become avid readers.

End of year

2010-12-10T16:06:00.002-07:00

As the end of the year approaches, I begin to analyze what publications printed my works in 2010. Course, my husband gets on my case to print it all out for our taxes.

That said, what is your method of record keeping?

Some record keeping programs make the job easy. However, after trying one, I decided my spreadsheet works fine. I set up a spreadsheet with a submission listing - publication, article title, date, email or snail, what was sent (query, book proposal, whole article, etc.), acceptance/rejection, follow-up, editor, address, promised pay, expense and actual pay. Below all that, I list what expenses I accumulate as they happen.

Unfortunately, I'm a book junky. Instead of borrowing all my resource materials, I tend to purchase them from amazon.com or wherever I find them. If the books are out of print and expensive, I borrow them. My shelves are loaded. Many books have sticky notes along the edges. I'm not good at note taking but everything is marked in each book.

With the approach of the New Year, I'm considering what writing goals/resolutions I can make. The first will be better note keeping - footnotes particularly. If anyone questions a statement or fact, I'll have instant access to the source rather than spending time going through sticky notes.

What 2011 goals are you setting?

I think I'm pretty much finished with my website. Check it out. Let me know if you have suggestions.

Facebook Fan Page

2010-12-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

The teacher, Sean Macready, convinced me I need a Facebook fan page with all the numbers he quoted. Course, getting fans is like getting friends on a blog, takes a long time. In checking my google analytics, I find many more people check the blog but don't become friends. I have to admit, I fit in that category also - read the blog but don't become a friend. Maybe I'll change that.

The Fan Page is much like a profile except it is triggered with keywords, if I understood him correctly. So, more people will eventually read the page rather than your profile which does nothing. You can track readers on the fan page but not the profile. I'll let you know if it works. He also suggested not to over promote yourself on your fan page. Post other things three out of four posts and promote yourself in the fourth.

The teacher offered a free hour consultation, which I will definitely use. I'll get the page up, then, check with him before I send out invitations for fans.

More marketing for my book included:
1. Downloading all school districts in Colorado
2. Downloading all library districts in Colorado

Next I'll check Wyoming schools and libraries, especially Cheyenne and Laramie.

Seems like every time I make some contact, it leads to a marketing event. The SBDC has a networking event in February right after my book is released. Even though I live in Fort Collins and should go through that office, the Loveland office agreed to promote me. I'll register for that soon.

Besides the CCIRA (Colorado Council International Reading Association) convention, I learned of a Mountain and Plains convention which will be held this year in Loveland, Colorado, just 10 miles from me. I've contacted them.

You never know who can offer networking advice. Use every possible connection.

Next week I plan to go to Business Card Factory here in Fort Collins about making cards and bookmarks. I want to get them soon so I can begin passing out bookmarks.

I've updated my website to include fees for presentations and an offer of free presentations until the end of the 2010-2011 school year. I sent one email to a prospective customer and she was delighted and will get back to me with a date. I learned from SBDC not to say "If you'd like......" but, instead, "What date would you like....." It worked!

You can find my book on amazon.com for pre-orders and on the Barnes & Noble, Borders and Pelican Publishing websites.

Hope you can use a few of these marketing ideas.

Marketing

2010-12-02T14:44:00.001-07:00

I admire self-publishers because marketing is time consuming. My publicist does a lot but I'm also helping. Unable to sleep last night, I worked on several marketing ideas at 3:00 a.m. I've spend this whole day at the computer on other marketing projects.

I found a listing of museums that display Charles Russell's art. I emailed each one with a description of the book, a place to order an e-galley (online review copy) or regular review copy and a thank you for considering purchase of the book. We'll see if any museum shops place orders.

As suggested by the counselor at SBDC (Small Business Development Center) I am working or jazzing up my website. Not accomplished at this point but getting there. To demonstrate the care demonstrated by SBDC, I tried to get in a class on making a Facebook fan page. I was too late to fill either of the last two available spots. This morning SBDC called and said they were squeezing me into the class since my book comes out in February and I need the class now not in January. How thoughtful of them! I highly recommend getting their help in marketing your work.

I now have my own domain email address although I've not used it much as yet - linda@lindaosmundson.com. My next step in the marketing process is to check contacts for all Colorado and Wyoming school districts. I want to attend district teacher meetings, if possible. Then, perhaps I'll acquire some classroom presentations. I contacted the CCIRA (Colorado Council International Reading Association) 2012 chair and will fill out their information when it becomes available online in March.

The Loveland Museum/Gallery reserved the date of March 19th, 1-3, for my book signing. They also asked me to present a teacher workshop on March 26th. Besides the school districts, I'm working up that presentation. Once I receive a few recommendations for my website, I'm hoping more presentations will come my way.

My website Author Visit section gives an Introductory Offer of free presentations until the end of this school year. Most authors have made such offers for their first books. I am following suit. Then I'm not charging as much as some. That may bite me in the foot, but I'll try it for a while. My next job requires I write a comment form for teachers to fill out with permission to place comments on my website. Those help to build a reputation.

I hope you can apply some of these marketing ideas for your work.

Writing Ideas

2010-11-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time I think about all the articles I should have written, or those I've written but failed to submit in time.

I promise myself year after year to write stories during the Holiday Season and then place them in a folder for submitting in about June. It's a good idea but I have yet to fulfill that promise to myself. Life gets in the way.

So, start now and write down the ideas as they happen. Then, put them in a folder of things to write immediately. Maybe you have a better process. If so, share it.

Next, set aside time on your calendar to write. Even during this hectic time of year, don't get out of the writing habit. It only takes a few minutes to jot down the basics of an article. You can embellish it in January.

Look through magazines now for ideas from articles printed this year. What holes can you fill next year? Remember, new generations need the knowledge you may take for granted that everyone already knows. There aren't many new ideas, just repeats of old ones.

With this said, I promise to dig out all the Holiday articles and put them in a folder ready to submit. I'll do it after I put up the tree!!!

On Writing & Promoting

2010-11-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

On Writing:
Have you considered that you write everyday even though it might not be for publication? How many emails do you send in a day? How many notes do you hand write to children, husband or whomever?

Word 2007 helps automatically with grammar, capitalization and sentence structure. I admit it sometimes makes a mistake! However, it keeps you on your toes. In Word, if you start a new sentence and forget to capitalize the first word, it does it for you. I wish email message pages had the same help. Have you received those emails that never capitalize a word? They are hard to read.

No matter in which writing exercise you participate, make it the best writing possible. Use proper grammar, capitalization, sentence structure, active verbs, etc. It serves as good writing practice.

With that I got out of my system, how about writing those email queries? Do you concentrate on getting the point across with all the above and devote the time you spend on a snail mail query? Your query email message needs to express the same professionalism as your standard query.

On Promotion:.
I mentioned before my meeting with the Small Business Development Center for help in promoting my upcoming book-HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. By the way, it is listed on amazon.com for pre-orders. At this point, it has some incorrect information that will be addressed shortly. The age is 7-12 years not 4-8 years. The might relate to grade levels but that is not how it is stated.

Back to the SBDC. I learned a lot. She zeroed her focus to my audience - in this order: teachers, museums, libraries, schools, parents and children. Then we discussed how to reach that audience through organizations, school districts, the Internet, libraries, and museums. She reminded me to include Wyoming since it is relatively close - especially Cheyenne and Laramie. We talked about teacher training classes in a college setting.

She suggested I start lining up presentations now, three months in advance. Charging is a difficult process for most of us. I researched the charges by some authors and discovered a wide range. I decided to eliminate charges until I earn a reputation. She suggested I approach with this comment, "I'll be in Cheyenne the week of (fill in the blank). I'd like to offer you this new release (fill in the amount) value for free while I'm getting established. Which date do you prefer?" Then after about 6 months, I can start charging. But let them know they are getting a bargain. She suggested I try to hit a bookstore, classroom, library or as many entities as possible in one day or week in a particular area.

The next post will include some of her other suggestions as well as those of my critique group's discussion last night on the same topic.

How do you write?

2010-11-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

At our SCBWI schmooze last night we discussed how and when people write. Once they have all the information? Before they finished the research? How do they organize - with note cards, sticky notes, scraps of paper, on the computer? We determined the method depends on the person.

According to Teresa Funke, there are several methods and one should choose whichever works for them. One of my unpublished books, a fictional autobiography of one incident from my childhood, I wrote by just sitting down and writing. I mentally knew where I should start and where I should end. All that came between was chronological.

Another unpublished book, called Monkey Madness, came about by setting up chapter names. I knew some of the events I wanted to include in this wacky, time travel, adventure chapter book of three boys who go through the picture frame of a famous painting into Paris. The writing came easy because I knew where I was going. A little research along the way added the necessary information for the time period.

Finally, I started work on my Charles Russell book that comes out this Spring. This non-fiction, art appreciation children's book needed a different format. I read many accounts of Russell's life and painting life. I chose which 12 pictures and one self-sculpture I wanted to use. I knew I'd approach each object the same as when I give art museum tours - questions to have the viewer look at the work, some tidbits of interest and a closing sentence that possibly led to the next object. Each object only needed about 200 words. Sounds easy but how do you get all the information across you want readers to learn when you have pages of notes! At any rate, the writing came easy once the "outline" was finished.

The follow-up book on Frederic Remington deployed the same method and the writing came easily. My outlines may not look like outlines but they worked for me.

I have learned that for me several methods work. However, the ones where I had a definite written plan worked the best.

How do you write? Do you research first or as you go? Do you have a method of note keeping you might share? How do you put together the plot and subplots? Do you make character sketches? When do you fact check? Do you use the same method/methods for writing short stories or articles, fiction or non-fiction?

Subheadings

2010-11-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Subheadings in articles for magazines help clarify what is written. Take for instance, the articles I just finished for Rocky Mountain Senior and Lyons Recorder. Each lists Christmas activities for several cities. By dividing the article into city subheadings, residents need not read what doesn't apply to their city unless they want to participate elsewhere.

Another article listed inexpensive ideas for Christmas decorations. I wrote a subhead for each area of the house - kitchen, bathroom, great room, etc. Then a reader can concentrate on the area they desire to improve with more decorations.

Be sure the subheadings are parallel. In other words, if one begins with a verb, the rest should begin with verbs. If one is a noun, the others should be nouns. Make subheadings descriptive enough that readers can skim and find what they need. For a long article, try to subhead each page.

I discussed writing with the co-owner of the Lyons Recorder. Some topics we covered included "ing" and "ly" words as well as active verbs. I believe the best advice any writer can pass on would be to make your writing active. Eliminate those "to be" verbs and replace them with active verbs that describe the action. Sometimes, as I've indicated before, the adjectives or adverbs turned into verbs help the action.

Now that the Holidays are approaching, everyone's schedules fill up. Some people may have little time for reading blogs. I started putting up decorations yesterday because we will be out of town part of Thanksgiving week. Hopefully weather cooperates and we'll hang our Christmas lights soon. Wish we hung them during all our Indian summer.

That said, I hope your Thanksgiving is filled friends and family. I will post before Thanksgiving but skip Black Friday.

AGE GRAMMAR

2010-11-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have often wondered how to write age such as two-year-old. Do you hyphenate or not? Helen Wilkie's tip says if you use the age as how old you are, don't hyphenate. However, if you are describing your two-year-old grandson, do hyphenate. When the age is a description, it is hyphenated. Now if I can just remember this!

This past week I skipped the Friday post because I was babysitting my nineteen-month-old twin grandsons. Needless to say, I had little time to write a post. Besides their keeping me busy, my son's house was visited by two herds of elk. Both consisted of over 30 animals. They decided to relax and enjoy the day on my son's backyard in Evergreen, Colorado - one group at a time. They filled the space between two houses and spread out beside the house as well. In fact, at one time, four decided to eat the carved pumpkins on the front porch. Only large floor to ceiling windows separated us. They stared at me as I stared at them.

There must be a story in there somewhere.

Hyphens bring to mind a requirement of Pelican Publishing. They don't like the use of a dash but prefer an em dash or hyphen with no spaces. Since I wasn't quite sure from their examples of what they wanted, I made sure I had no use for them in my manuscripts. If not sure, don't use it, I decided.

I received my second advance check and immediately spent it on a multimedia projector for classroom presentations. I'd rather depend on my own equipment and knowledge of it. A friend suggested she'd much rather have her own equipment since every visit ended up with something missing, the AV person absent or a machine she didn't know how to operate.

Now I have one more advance check when the book is released. Hopefully, I'll pocket that one. The other two paid for the book pictures and, now, equipment to help in marketing the book. Will I ever make any money on this sale? Some people assure me I will. We'll see.

Next Book

2010-11-01T14:14:00.000-06:00

Now that HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART is at the printer, I have concentrated on a book for the same series called Frederic Remington's Art.

Once you've a contract for one submission, you can follow the guidelines given you by the publisher for sending the final manuscript as you prepare your next submission.

For instance: Pelican requires Times New Roman, 12. I usually work in Courier New, 12. So I reformatted my Remington manuscript to the new font and size. Pelican also wants the pages numbered a certain way. I followed those guidelines. Each paragraph needs to be indented by a keyboard tab, not individual spaces or a formatted tab.

They want no spaces between paragraphs. All punctuation must be followed by one space, no more. In other words, one space after a period at the end of a sentence. I've been following that rule for several years now. To get used to it, copy one page of a manuscript and place only one space after a period. By the time you've typed the page, it will be a habit.

They want double-spaced manuscripts with one inch margins all around. If your book has chapters, they want all the page numbers from the beginning to the end of the complete manuscript. Even though they ask that each chapter be a separate file, the numbers remain for the whole book, not by chapters.

These guidelines, as well as many more, are for a contracted manuscript. However, some things I applied to my new manuscript submission. Always check your manuscript several times for spelling errors, etc. I usually find something I'd missed. That goes for blogs also! After I write a post, I copy and paste it into a Word document to check spelling. Did I miss anything?

In other words, I sent the manuscript last week. YEA! Now the waiting begins. Should I be positive and begin the process of following the rest of the guidelines like a dedication, chronology, introduction? I guess it won't hurt. No matter who eventually buys the book, I'll need those additional pages.

THAT, Marketing and Pricing

2010-10-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

Helen Wilkie puts out emails called Word Trippers. I've mentioned this before. She sends twice-weekly tidbits on correct writing or speaking uses of words. Today she addressed a favorite of mine. I eliminate the word "that" whenever possible. Most times it is not needed. Example: He told his employer that he would be absent. We commonly use similar sentences when speaking. However, if we wrote like we speak, no one would read. Boring! Now read the sentence without "that." Does it mean the same? Whether you are writing, critiquing or speaking, think about leaving out the word "that." It cuts down on your word count!

I mentioned at my writer's group I'm working on a marketing plan. (Notice I left out the word "that!") One writer suggested I take advantage of a free mentoring program at the Small Business Development Center. You must go to the one in your location. In other words, I can't use the one in Loveland, Colorado but must go to the Fort Collins center. On their website, http://www.sbdc-larimer.com/, they have a form to fill out first under counseling. Then they set you up with a mentor. They also offer classes to help with marketing plans and, of course, try to get you to take one.

When I mentioned this to my son last night he related an author's experience. Seems a reporter approached a bestselling author and asked how she could get started. He asked if she'd taken any marketing classes. She snipped her negative answer. He said, "Well, you notice this is a bestselling book, not a bestselling writer." Any author needs to know how to market in today's publishing world. I'm on my way to learning.

Which brings up another problem. As a first time author, I, in good conscience, can't charge for classroom presentations or other speaking engagements. I thought I'd do a year of free first. I checked several local authors' websites for their pricing. In emailing a few, I learned they started by giving freebies first also. Then as they received recommendations and built their reputation, they charged. The key is reputation. Debbie Dadey related how one author didn't really want to give many presentations so he raised his prices. He received more requests. Upon asking the schools why, they told him he must be better than people who charge less.

Charging is a two-edged sword. If you don't charge, they think you aren't any good. If you do charge, the schools can't afford you. However, I discovered schools do have money for presentations; you just have to have the right connection. Another author suggested to the schools how they partly cover the author cost through book sales. Schools get the books at a 40% reduction. If they sell books, they reap the profit.

Any comments???

Miscellaneous

2010-10-25T17:11:00.000-06:00

I'm a day late and a dollar short this week with my posts. The last week was filled with volunteering and the annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Craft Fair. I'm a tole painter as well as flower arranger and decorator of special projects. Last year the fair raised $21,000 so we aren't the typical "little old lady" group. This year's inventory amounted to less than last year so the profit won't be as much. However, it took up three of my days. Tomorrow we'll culminate the event and donate leftovers to nursing homes and other craft sales.

To catch you up on book progress, the Charles Russell book should be in route to the printer soon. I've been working on a Frederic Remington book. Today I emailed the Amon Carter Museum with a list of paintings/sculptures I want to use. Should have done it before writing the manuscript. Actually, I did check their website and found the pieces I wanted to use. Today was a different story. We'll see if they still own them.

My advice is to check before writing. I may discover I've included some items the museum no longer owns and will have to start all over or at least delete some pictures and add others. Hopefully they'll get back to me quickly.

Even though the week provided little writing time, I managed to write two pages of the manuscript and an article for a small town paper on Sunday. The month is almost over - YEA! I'll have more time in November provided our two trips don't interfere. I'll babysit my twin grandsons November 3rd through 6th. Visit a Dixieland Jazz Festival in Clearwater, Florida, Thanksgiving week. Should have an article idea after we visit the Circus Museum and see my husband's father's picture with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Band.

In the meantime I'll get a head start on Christmas decorating and baking. Since my husband has knee surgery on December 21st and comes home on the 24th, I should have plenty of writing time at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011.

When I counted up my submission for 2010 last week, I discovered I'd met my goal of one a week. I know many other people submit much more, but that was my goal. Not all received acceptances, however, one included a book. Guess my time was well spent.

What writing goals do you make? Be reasonable. Don't expect miracles. But keep plugging along.

Marketing Plan - bookmarks

2010-10-18T15:00:00.000-06:00

I am anxious to get started on a marketing plan for my new book, HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. A friend, LeAnn Thieman, and I plan to meet to go over what she's learned about marketing plans while writing her self-published books and for Chicken Soup. When the marketing is up to the author, one gets pretty creative.

I'm not sure what plans Pelican has for marketing my book. However, I plan to start with bookmarks, some pins to wear and PowerPoint presentations. The presentation is about done. Since this book is a "looking at the art" of Charles Russell, I include questions to encourage looking as well as activities. To make the presentation an extension of the book means I'll use different pictures, add some biography, and include a few activities from the book.

Bookmarks
Since I don't have Microsoft Publisher, I searched the Internet for ways to make bookmarks. Try using the Microsoft Word Tables program. Here are some directions.

1. Open a blank document in Word
2. Click Insert on the menu bar and Tables
3. Select 3 columns and 2 rows.
4. In Word 2007, which I have, place the cursor in the first column and row. Right click your mouse. Scroll down to "table properties."
5. Click the row tab and set the height at 2".
6. Click the second row, right click mouse, and table properties. Set this row to 5". They suggested 4" but I like the 5" better.
7. Place your cursor in the first column. Right click your mouse and go to table properties.
8. Click the column tab.
9. If you have a picture of your book, click the top row/column, insert menu, and select picture.
10. Browse your pictures and choose the one you prefer.
11. Size the picture to fit by double clicking it and, at the top right of the menu bar, set the size you want.
12. Now copy and paste the picture into the other two columns.
13. Now place the cursor in the lower row, first column.
14. Add your text in any format or colors you choose.
15. Copy and paste into the other columns.
16. You can either print it yourself, on card stock or a heavy paper of your choosing, or take it to Kinkos or another printing company and they will print and cut for a nominal fee.

I hope I've printed all the instructions. If you have a problem, make a comment to the post and I'll get back to you. Good luck.

"ing" words

2010-10-15T11:20:00.000-06:00

"It's hard to soar with eagles if you write like a turkey!" I laughed when I read this quote in Don't Let Your Participles Dangle in Public. Sometimes I reread my writing and wonder what "turkey" wrote that!

I didn't really find anything in the book about "ing" words besides the discussion on participles. Course, I didn't read the whole book either. I don't remember where I first learned about "ing" words, so, I'll just give my take on the subject.

In some instances the words can actually be the verb. Check your sentences. Anytime I read a manuscript in my critique group, I search for inactive verbs, "ly," and "ing" words. Many times the verbs are passive but can be changed to active simply by changing the participles. Along those lines, most adverbs or adjectives are unneccessary. Take them out and make the verb stronger and active.

With all my concentration on the elimination of "ing" words, my editor changed my manuscript and added a couple. My critique group and I got a good laugh out of that.

Participles plus a newsletter by Dr. Judith Briles

2010-10-11T18:23:00.000-06:00

Dr. Judith Briles is a guru of self-publishing. A member of Colorado Author's League, she puts out a newsletter filled with writing and publishing information, the all new AuthorU Newsletter, The Resource. It is 17 pages of authoring and publishing information. You can join her newsletter list by clicking on her name.

I have a grammar book called DON'T LET YOUR PARTICIPLES DANGLE IN PUBLIC. Its definition of a participle is "A word formed from a verb that is used as an adjective. It ends in ing. A dangling participle is defined as "a modifier that is positioned in the wrong place in a sentence (usually dangling at the end) to properly modify what it's supposed to." We saw examples in my last post that were actually at the beginning of the sentence.

On page 5.24, the book states that a dangling participle appears often as the first word of a beginning phrase to modify something it doesn't. Therein lies the problem we faced in the last post. Example: Sitting on my mother's lap, the circus was more enjoyable. It sounds as though the circus sits on the mother's lap, i.e. a dangling participle.

The problem, according to this book, can be solved by the skeleton rule: (1) head (who/what), (2) body (did/does/do what), (3) feet (to whom/what, (4) fluff (when, where, why how?) "Even if you put fluff up front, make sure your head comes before your feet." Example: (when) On arriving at the airport, (who) I (did what) met (to whom) my friends (where) at the gate.

Several examples demonstrate the ease with which you can create a dangling participle as well as how to correct them.

Syntax

2010-10-08T15:26:00.000-06:00

What is syntax? I sometimes get caught using words in the wrong order in my writing. It is an easy mistake.

Syntax is the order of words in a sentence. An example from Helen Wilkie's twice weekly Word Tripper is: "While cycling along the street, a big dog suddenly jumped in front of me." Who is cycling, the dog or the person? How do you correct the reference? Change the order of the words.

Any noun following the introduction which includes the "ing" word, must refer to whatever/whomever is performing the action. In the example, the dog is the cyclist. Wilkie offers these solutions: "While cycling along the street, I saw a big dog suddenly jump in front of me." The I refers to the "ing" word. Or "As I was cycling along the street, a big dog jumped in front of me." If you go back and look at the original example, you know something is wrong.

My college A Functional English Grammar says syntax is "The study of the relations of words to one another." It also calls the order of words described above as a form of "Dangling Participle." For instance, "Burning brightly, we watched the flames dance up the chimney." Here, too, the understanding is confusing. What/who is burning? "We" refers to the burning. But are "we" burning? Of course not. The noun following the introduction with the "ing" word is not burning.

My writer's group knows I am death on "ing" words. I'd rather a writer say exactly what they mean, In that case, many "ing" words aren't necessary. Action verbs can take their place. The last example could be changed to: We watched the bright flames dance up the chimney. Omit the phrase completely. We already know the flames are burning. I added bright to enhance the sense of "seeing."

Next I'll have to explain more fully a Dangling Participle. Or, perhaps, address more kinds of "ing" words.

Controversy Continued

2010-10-04T14:54:00.000-06:00

I guess controversy can't be avoided at times. It follows you wherever you go. This morning in my Bible study class a woman had just heard of the protest over an art exhibit at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. She went on and on and hadn't even seen the piece in question. When I spoke up telling her I'm a docent at the museum, her opinion of me changed to the negative. Long story short, she apologized and we discussed the situation and disregarded her first emotional response.

How would you handle controversy over something you'd written? I wrote an article on the exhibit that was published in a small local newspaper last Thursday. The editor's husband is in the Bible study class. He and I discussed it briefly. I wondered if I should write something this week that neither defended nor supported the exhibit but explained the situation. His attitude was to probably ignore it. That, too, was my first response. Instead, I think I'll go ahead with my original plan and write an article on the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Hopefully, no one can protest anything in that show. It is history along with artifacts found in the grave. Then again, someone might protest the fact the grave was disturbed.

No matter what you write about, someone could find fault. Have you written in innocence something that created a stir? How did you handle it?

A note on networking. While listening to music at a Dixieland Jazz Festival over the weekend, I read and studied Frederic Remington, the next subject in my HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN series. Several people commented on my reading. I explained. One woman wanted more information. I gave her my card. Well, actually, I found out I'd left my cards at home and had to improvise with information on the back of someone else's card. Which prompts me to remind you - always carry writing business cards. I've been caught without them twice now. Add some extras in your checkbook in case you leave the holder/cards at home. Put a few in anything you always carry with you on trips whether it is in your suitcase, wallet, checkbook or make-up bag/shaving kit!

Controversy

2010-10-02T08:15:00.001-06:00

I hope I would never write anything that would cause a controversy. But when writing about art, one never knows who will be offended. Take for instance the following.

Thank goodness a friend emailed early yesterday morning that the Loveland Museum/Gallery where I volunteer made the headlines of the Loveland paper. I live in Fort Collins so don't take that paper. I checked out the article online. I discovered a protest would be held at 10 a.m., exactly when I was to enter the museum.

I don't handle controversy well and would have been totally rattled. I called the museum and explained why I would not volunteer that day. No way did I want to confront a reporter. They take things out of context and no matter what I'd have said, it would have been wrong. They totally understood.

The museum's current show houses works by one artist I don't even care for so I stay away from his work when talking to visitors about the show. One piece is offensive to me as well as others. However, that piece is 7" by 7" so not likely noticed by most people. At any rate, I stayed away.

When writing about art as I do, I may run into someone who is offended by an art work. I choose wisely and carefully. But who knows what can happen.

What I'm trying to say is be very careful what you write for publication, how you say it and where you publish it.

Networking

2010-09-27T18:34:00.001-06:00

I am finally learning to take advantage of every situation to network my book no matter what the circumstance. For instance: this past weekend. As a volunteer at the Loveland Museum/Gallery in Loveland, Colorado, and serving as one of two Volunteer Coordinators, the museum paid for the two of us to attend a symposium at the Denver Art Museum. I'd served as a docent there from 1985-89. Saw lots of people I knew including Melora McDermott-Lewis.

Melora is now the Education Director of the museum. When I reintroduced myself, she remembered me before I finished my sentence. Course, we'd worked together developing tours, etc., in that four year time period when she was an intern/assistant and I was a docent. I took that opportunity to mention my "looking at art" Charles Russell book. She commented she always wished a docent who knew art and how to deal with children would write a book. She asked that I send her one, let her know when it comes out and she'd place it in the study room of the Western Art Gallery. Also she'd talk to the museum shop.

Talk about networking. What more could I ask?

Then at the cocktail party, I met the Wichita Art Museum Director of Education. She'd attended the afternoon meeting with me but sat on the opposite side of the room. She commented that her museum displayed American art. I asked if she had any Charles Russell. "Oh, yes." That's all I needed. Our conversation led to her giving me her card and my promise to let her know when the book is released.

I never dreamed networking could be so easy! I've actually learned to mention the new book at every function I attend. My husband even mentioned it at a candidate fundraiser.

More networking came about at my critique meeting. A fellow attendee suggested she's learned a lot about marketing plans. She offered to meet with me to form a marketing plan the publisher will love! I'm researching marketing plans so I'm not a dummy when we meet in a couple of weeks.

The moral: take advantage of every opportunity to mention your new book. You'll be surprised at the numbers of people who'll be interested.

SCBWI Schmooze

2010-09-23T14:03:00.000-06:00

Natasha Wing presented a program this week at the Northern Colorado SCBWI Schmooze. She spoke on back matter. "What is that?" you might ask. She described it as the part of the book, usually after the main text, that consists of things like an afterword, timeline, bibliography and more. Also, those interesting tidbits that didn't make it into the original story. She brought lots of examples including some of her own picture books.

Her picture book lengths often extended to 48 pages rather than the normal 32. Her back matter included, some, but not all, of those listed above as well as Author's Notes, a closing summary and/or a How To.

Besides adding back matter to the book, what can you do with all your leftover research? The Author's Notes may appear in the book. Otherwise, use them in school presentations. List them on your website. Write another book. Or include them in a magazine article.

Keep all your notes. You never know when they will come in handy.

That brings up another subject. How and where do you save all that information? Some people fill 3 x 5 cards and file them away. Some save on the computer, being sure to back up their work. Others use notebooks. Whatever your method, also keep an idea file of where you might send articles on some of the information.

I have lots of possible back matter for my Charles Russell book. As I research my second book on Frederic Remington, I'll store away the notes. Then I can add back matter to my website later. Guess I'd better get busy. I need to update my website with all that extra information I discovered about Charles M. Russell. I'll post it in the "For Kids" and "For Teachers" sections. Unfortunately, it will have to wait another day or so. My week is jam packed.

Out of Town

2010-09-21T15:25:00.000-06:00

While out of town, I wrote the following blog but forgot to post it. Sorry.

Looking for writing ideas? Always carry a pen, notebook and camera. Unfortunately I left the camera at home on this quick trip to California. We got here Wednesday and leave tomorrow, Saturday.

No matter that I have no camera. I can still jot down writing ideas. One I discovered yesterday - air plants. Are you familiar with air plants? I wasn't. I bought one. Then I found out I can go online and order them possibly for free. Now there is an article.

Besides a pen, notebook and camera, I take along a notebook laptop. Then if I want to write, I save the article to a flash drive or email it to myself. I can write when all the information is at hand and finish the article at home.

On this trip, I only brought research reading for Frederic Remington. Having grown up with a newspaper publisher father, his writing demonstrates a great writing skill. He told one story of the abduction and capture of a wagon train master's daughter in the Arizona Territory and the father's poisoning of Indians. I can hardly wait until I publish a children's book on Remington and use this story in presentations. It won't fit in the book I plan but will certainly add interest to talks.

Have a good weekend. Investing in a notebook laptop is not expensive; it fits in a purse; and provides an easy writing tool, especially on airplanes.

Compress Your Words

2010-09-13T14:32:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, text messaging and email have prompted the everyday writer to compress their words too much. Even so, in Helen Wilkie's writing tip of the day, she suggested getting your message across in as few words as possible. She says most people haven't the time to reread for understanding. She further emphasizes that long rambling sentences and confusing words can obscure your message or even give the wrong message. Make your words say what you mean.

Most writers are limited by word counts for a magazine article and even novels in many cases. My editor at Rocky Mountain Parent or Senior limits my words to 600-650 for most articles. Chicken Soup stories shouldn't be over 1000 and preferably lower.

In other words, write tight.

Tom Chiarella in his book Writing Dialogue sums it up. "Compress your language." Make each word count. Many non-authors think they can write a children's book. "It's easy," they say. However, in children's books, every word must serve a purpose especially since age levels require different word lengths. Besides, TV and movies have shortened attention spans. Bloated writing or dialogue bores children.

When you write, remember to cut, cut, cut. First get the information/story down then go back with a sharp pencil or the computer's highlighter and delete all unnecessary words. I'll read this post several times. Before I publish it, I'll have either deleted a lot or condensed in order to add more important information. I try to keep my posts at or below 500 words. And, that is probably too long.

Here is a tip for writing in spaces that don't provide spellcheck. I copy and paste the writing into a Word document to check spelling.

I've left lots of room for improvement in this post. Get your pencil. Without changing the meaning, see if you can cut it from the current 310 words.

Networking Works

2010-09-11T15:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I discovered just how much networking really pays off.

As an art docent at the Loveland Museum/Gallery (with more experience than most, if not all, of the other docents), the museum recommends me to teachers for tours. An art teacher called yesterday. Before we ended our conversation I told her about my upcoming book, the proposed book signing at the museum and asked if she could pass on the information. I hoped she'd share the information with a few peers. She surprised me when she admitted she is head of the Thompson Valley School District's art teachers. She suggested I might make a presentation in March or April at a teacher's district meeting. Wow! Was that luck or is Someone watching over me?

I usually refrain from taking advantage of such an opportunity. Guess I learned a good lesson - don't pass up any chance to push your product. Because of just mentioning the book, I now have a possible district teacher's presentation and book sales. Hopefully, those teachers will want copies.

Next I'll contact librarians for the district. I'll also contact other school districts within driving range.

I recently "took the bull by the horn" and queried my editor with another book idea. There again, I was out of my comfort zone. I told her I was beginning a second book for the series "How the West Was Drawn." Neither she nor I had called it a series. I also suggested the series might be called "Looking at Art" to include other artists in other regions.

At any rate, I inquired if the publisher would be interested in a similar book on Frederic Remington. After over a month, she got back to me this week. Yes, they would be interested. The best part of her comments was "We would rather stick with the series name How the West Was Drawn for a while. Should we later branch out to other regions or topics, we can have a different name for a new series." Again - WOW! Those words opened a whole new world for me.

So, I've checked out or purchased several books on Remington. I'm reading and taking notes, choosing possible pictures, and preparing to write this second book. The moral is: Don't pass up the opportunity to offer your editor something new.

Next, I'll send her a synopsis and chapters of "Monkey Madness," an already written fiction book based on a time travel adventure of three boys to Paris through the picture frame of "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat. It, too, is part of a series - "Through the Picture Frame." I hope I'm not getting in over my head!

Take It One Step Farther

2010-09-06T14:56:00.000-06:00

With the holiday weekend, I sluffed off on my posting for this blog. After viewing the page views of the blog, looks like others did, too. Hope everyone enjoyed a few extra days off before autumn officially begins.

All you Northern Colorado residents will want to check out the October issue of Rocky Mountain Parent and Rocky Mountain Senior. I have one article in the first and three in the second. Not out yet, but look for it after October 1st.

A new writer contacted me through my website. One of the questions she asked was "Where do you get your ideas?" Ideas are everywhere; we just need to recognize them. For instance, the articles for RMP/S were assigned but I'll be able to write other articles from them. First, was an article on cabins and ranches geared for families. I used the research from the same type of article I did for Seniors. If you don't live in the mountains, I'm sure there are fun places to visit in regional National Parks, around lakes or other types of places in your hometown. For travel articles, teachers suggest you begin writing about fun places to visit in your own town.

Next I did an article on vision and hearing impairments. I was amazed at the wealth of information of new technology I found on the Internet. Everything from talking watches to bed shakers. Any of the items lend themselves to an article.

Next, an article on historic buildings in Northern Colorado leads me to believe I could write an article about each. Perhaps, think about the haunted buildings near your. We have the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Or I could stretch the churches turned into a sculpture studios by a famous artists in Loveland. An article on the National Register of Historic places and its requirements might be of interest to readers of many markets.

The last article listed places to find other seniors with like interests such dancing, playing cards, reading, etc. Use your imagination and find places to square dance, or go into the different kinds of square dancing or new ballroom dancing techniques. Change the focus and market your articles somewhere else.

Whatever you write, take it one step farther and focus on a new perspective for a different market. Of course, that brings up the next question. Where does one sell such articles? The Institute of Children's Literature puts out market books from Writer's Institute Publications. I have "The Best of the Magazine Markets for Writers," "Magazine Markets for Children's Writers" and "Book Markets for Children's Writers." No market book lists all there is. I also purchase the Writer's Digest "Writer's Market." Check the Internet by Googling "Writer's Markets for ....." or "Publishers of Children's Books," or any other types of publications you want.

For me, marketing is the hardest part of writing. There is also the question of should I query before I write the article. Many say that is the best idea. I tend to write the article and then try to find a buyer. Either way has advantages. Do whatever is right for you.

Edits

2010-08-30T18:37:00.000-06:00

The next step in publishing is the editing process. Late Friday, I received the edits for my Russell book from the editor at Pelican.

She used the tracking system on Microsoft Word. If you haven't used it, try it. Works great for editing or critiquing other's works. In Word 2007 it is found under "Review" and called "track changes." In older versions, it may be under tools or edit. The program draws a line through things to be deleted and color codes things to be added or moved. It was hard to follow in the edits but I managed. The editor suggested I send an email describing the placement of any revisions I suggested.

I thought I'd perfected the manuscript. Wrong! She moved things around, changed words and asks a lot of questions to clarify questions or information in the manuscript and description for the pictures. I liked what she'd done although there is still more to do with what I sent later this afternoon. My deadline was Sept. 3rd and I was determined to send it much earlier. Therefore, I hurried a little too much and missed some things. She wrote back and I finished late this afternoon.

That brings up another subject - commas and lists. Some grammar style books advocate the use of commas between lists until before the "and." They suggest you omit that comma. However, other manuals suggest still using that comma before "and." I've discovered it depends on the publisher. Unfortunately, I didn't realize Pelican requires a comma before "and." I could have saved the editor lots of work had I known their rules. I don't think that was mentioned in all the information I received. Perhaps they will include it for future authors.

Besides the edits, she informed me one of the picture's dpi was too low to use. When I'd downloaded the picture from the original CD, the computer couldn't handle 600 dpi so it downloaded at 96 dpi. Without realizing that, I sent the pictures. Today I sent the original CD with the 600 dpi. Hopefully, it won't get lost or I'll have to request another copy from the collector who sent it to me for free. That might be embarrassing. The moral of that story is check everything twice and even three times before sending it.

Another unrelated subject, I received my copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles this past week. My story is on page 62 even though it states the author as the person who told me the story. CS changed the way they list "as told to stories." I still receive the check and the ten books but am not listed as the author. Bummer!

I also received the rough draft of a press release Pelican plans to send out. Since my editor decided the Introduction should be written to the child readers (a move I wholeheartedly supported), I needed to inform the woman of changes needed in the press release All the staff of Pelican have been absolutely wonderful. I hope to maintain a good relationship with each.

It seems like "when it rains it pours." Today, I planned to dedicate the day to tweaking two articles for Rocky Mountain Senior and writing two others. "The best laid plans of mice and men.......!"

Writing Tips

2010-08-23T16:11:00.001-06:00

The Women on Writing, or also known as WOW!, offers a wealth of writing tips. A friend, Kerrie Flanagan, director of the Northern Colorado Writers, contributes articles to their website often. In the July/August, 2010 issue, Kerrie writes on beginnings, middles and ends. Check it out. Log onto the website and read more of the editor's piece "Fiction Writer's Toolkit." She links each separate article so they are easy to access.

Besides beginning, middles and ends, articles include tips on settings and description; creating scenes; voice; pacing; avoiding plotholes; self-editing; agent interview answers 20 questions; flash fiction contests; dialogue tags; author interview with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni; and writing groups. You might want to place this website in your favorites so you can return often.

Now I think I'll take a break from finishing my four-article assignment and this post and check out WOW! Perhaps I'll glean some tips to improve the assignments.

What to do now that the book is sold.

2010-08-20T15:08:00.000-06:00

Pelican Publishing asked that I send pictures of any event in which I participated. This week I sent a picture taken at the Northern Colorado Writer's 1st Book Author Panel where I served as one of the presenters. That same day, Pelican posted it to their Facebook page. I'd done the same. Guess that's my first social media promotion. Hopefully, it went out to many people. Now I must concentrate on other Facebook promotions for the book.

One idea in "100 Ways to Market Your Children's Book" suggests getting to know the publisher's marketing team. I have to say, Pelican's team keeps me informed. Past blog posts covered ideas sent from the team. If they don't contact you, contact them with questions, ideas, pictures and a list of your book events. They will appreciate your promotion efforts.

While waiting for the book release, prepare a school presentation. I have permission from Amon Carter Museum to use the pictures from the book in educational programs. PowerPoint programs combine visuals with verbal comments. I don't want to give away the whole book in a presentation, but create enough interest that children will want the book. Even if yours is fiction, you can plan a reading and develop questions to discuss as well as suggestions of ways to use the book. Offer creating a script for a classroom play. Have children research something from the book, i.e., a time, place or event. They can create another place and write or tell a similar or new story. Take a character to the next level. Write a sequel. What did the character do after the end of the book?

On your website, create a teacher's guide. The above ideas form a beginning for your guide. In fact, I think I'll follow my own suggestion and add a few more ideas to my current website teacher's guide.

Most of all, keep writing. Start your own sequel. Most publishers want "right of first refusal" for anything you write after you sign their contract. Start a sequel, companion or new book. Get something to them.

More Promotion Ideas

2010-08-16T12:09:00.001-06:00

My out-of-town company left this morning so it is time to get back on schedule.

Promotion ideas fill my mind and time at this point. Even though the book hasn't been released as yet, I want to be prepared ahead of time. I suggested to the publisher that I make bookmarks with the book cover as well as a few buttons (like political buttons) that I and/or friends can wear. Bookmarks I'll pass out at schools and anyplace else I frequent. Even my hairdresser has my business cards on her counter.

The publisher gave permission to put the book cover on the two items I've mentioned as long as they are given away and not sold. Be aware of such rules before you go to any expense. Postcards printed with the book cover work well for mailings.

Some of the "100 Ways to Market Your Children's Book" article named in the last post included making marketing idea suggestions in your query letter. In other words, don't wait until you have a contract to think about promotion. Publishers today expect authors to promote almost as much as the publishing house. My publisher is small and I understand they may do more for authors than a big house. I'm hoping so.

Others suggestions:

1. Research what other authors have done. Most of my ideas came from Debbie Dadey and a friend who acted as her publicist when Debbie lived in Fort Collins. Since my book is nonfiction, Debbie recently suggested I post a teacher's guide on my website. I've completed that even though the book is not out yet. The activities relate to any art works a teacher might use in her classroom.

2. Keep in close contact with the publishing house's publicist. Find out what in-house promotions they do as well as any social networks postings.

3. Have someone take photos at your appearances related to writing. Then post them online at websites, blogs or social media.

4. Participate in list serves. I belong to a couple of list serves and might research others that fit my needs.

These ideas offer a beginning for your research on promotion. If you know of something that works, perhaps you'd share it with the readers here.

How to Impress Booksellers and more Promotion

2010-08-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

My publisher's school sales manager suggested a blog in her newsletter - Breaking Through by Doug Solter. His post, How to Impress Booksellers, is the result of reading tweets on Twitter. You don't have to belong to Twitter to read the tweets; he summarized them for us. Many are common sense, but others offer sound advice.

Another interesting read is an article by Kevin Smokler on publicity with several other links to check out.

The SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Bulletin offered an article on 100 Ways to Market your Children's Book. To access it, click the link and then click NEW next to the title for it to come up in your Word document. The second article on that page is the one that actually appeared in the bulletin.

One suggestion to market your books is to write a teacher's guide. Debbie Dadey suggested that to me some time ago. My website now boasts a teacher's guide for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART even though the book hasn't actually gone to print yet. Many of the suggestions can be applied to other paintings as well as those of Charles Russell.

Another idea says to have pictures taken at appearances and post them in your social networks or website. Look soon on my website for a picture of the 1st author panel where I served recently.

Promotion and Platform

2010-08-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

The more I read, the more I learn about promotion and platform and how important they are. Short-handed publishers after many layoffs in the business depend more and more on the author to promote his/her book.

The Promotion Director for Pelican Publishing offered some links to ideas for authors. After the manuscript is a San Francisco Book Review blog which covers many subjects dealing with promotion as well as platform. Building your author platform gives a definition of platform and steps to build your own. Many other articles on the blog will be of interest. Check it out.

I am amazed at the wealth of information Pelican sends its authors. I received another newsletter today from the school sales manager. Both staff members send newsletters which help lead authors down the path to good promotion.

Perhaps you follow a blog on these two subjects that you can recommend for the readers of this blog. Add you comments.

Promotion and Pelican Publishing

2010-08-02T15:12:00.000-06:00

I received a long email today from the Promotion Director of my publisher, Pelican Publishing. The newsletter is called Promotion with Pelican. I discovered the more I learn about the publishing house, the more I like them. I feel fortunate they chose to purchase my book on Charles Russell.

Information included links on how to start tweeting on Twitter. I need to get into that social network program and you probably do also. I understand it is very successful for writers. Once I learn more about it, perhaps I'll figure out more about Facebook and LinkedIn.

Twitter information starts with frequently asked questions. Next came Seven tips for marketing through Twitter. For more ideas, check out this quick reference from website Traffic Expert Nick Stewart: How I will Add 1,000 Twitter followers this year.

Other suggestions included:
1. Make one of your book characters a Twitter user name.

2. Make use of hash tags (the # symbol). The symbol identifies searchable terms on Twitter. It makes searching for news about whatever the symbol represents easy. I first have to learn more about Twitter symbols and how to use them. I'm hoping I discover that in the above links.

3. Participate in Follow Friday. Click on this link for an article on Follow Friday from Mashable (whatever that is!).

4. Include a profile photo. Some people believe users will trust a person more if they see how they look. Be sure to smile.

5. Use the bio box! People like to know with whom they speak. You might even include a link to your web page.

Her best recommendation is to start tweeting, shart reading other's tweets and start responding. I'd add sign up for Twitter if you haven't already.

Next post will include more links to her suggested articles on promotion.

Writing Tips

2010-07-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

Ever been caught trying to decide which word to use like effect or affect? Strunk and White's grammar book is great along with many others on the market. However, I learned at an SCBWI schmooze last week a quick and easy way to learn one tip at a time is to sign up for Helen Wilkie's Word Tripper writing tips. Twice a week she sends you a writing tip via email. Recently she sent the following which I already knew but found the Bonus Tip interesting and informative.

Word Tripper for July 15, 2010
"Lead, led - The verb "lead" (with a long "e") means to show the way. "The guides lead a hiking group every Saturday." The past tense of this verb is "led" (with a short "e") They led the hike yesterday"

Bonus tip: When you create an adjective out of several words, whether or not you hyphenate it depends on whether it comes before or after the noun it describes." She uses this example "Send me an up-to-date list." The noun is after the adjective. Now, "This list is up to date," puts the noun before the adjective.

My critique group mulls over these kinds of writing problems often. I'll suggest they join this Word Tripper newsletter. You might gain from receiving it also. To subscribe, click on her name above.

Although my website isn't quite finished, you might like to check it out. You'll see some of my articles along with information about my upcoming picture book, HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. I also have a teacher's guide for using the book. Just log on to http://www.lindaosmundson.com/. Hope to see you there.

Networking

2010-07-26T16:03:00.000-06:00

Two Writing-Roads followers suggested where to find more information on networking. Pat Stoltey suggested the following article, www.bethgroundwater.com/Top_Ten_Rules.html. She also said Google "Facebook for Writers," "Twitter for Writers," or LinkedIn for Writers" to identify articles on networking through social media. So far, the articles I found didn't lay out a guide for marketing/promoting on social networks. I want to know which groups I should join. How to join them. Basic information. Perhaps you'll be able to find better information than I did.

ProBlogger as suggested by Charmaine Clancy requires paying a fee - something like $5.95 a month. Her profile on her Wagging Tails blog/website lists hundreds of blogs to consider. The link is on this page.

One article on networking I read said not to discuss business at a cocktail party. I disagree. Granted, pitches are not appropriate if not requested and when in a group. However, finding out if an editor is open for submissions is a perfectly good question to ask. In talking with Ben Barnhart of Milkweed Editions, he volunteered information about Milkweed's submission manager and said he was open to submissions. Needless to say, I sent a query/chapters right after the conference.

Use good taste when approaching editors whether it be at lunch or a cocktail party. I sat with an editor from Fulcrum one year at a conference. She asked what I write. I explained it wasn't something her publisher did but she didn't care. She asked again what I write. The next year when I attended her presentation, she commented that she remembered me. Later that day I pitched to her. She gave me extra attention and tried hard to get the manuscript accepted. Eventually it was rejected. But I appreciated her extra effort and told her so.

I've also attended conferences where one person monopolized the luncheon conversation with their pitch. I wonder if the editor felt it was as rude as I considered it. Lunch is a good time to find out more about the editor/agent, not only what they like to read but personal information which makes us writers more comfortable talking to them. We discover they are people just like us.

Even though I've said how hard it is for me to approach editors/writers/agents, I try to remember they are people like me. They have a job to do and are, most often, willing to talk to you. Force yourself to approach them but do it respectfully and with concern for those around you. Pitches are for one on one.

1st Author Panel

2010-07-23T21:45:00.001-06:00

The Northern Colorado Writer's 1st Author Panel went very well last night. I made some good contacts as I believe the other three authors did. Jim Davidson and Kevin Vaughan are collaborating on a book about Jim's climbing experience on Mt. Ranier when he lost a friend after the two fell through a snow bridge into a crevasse. Lindsay Eland's Scones and Sensibility was released in December, 2009. It's about a girl who thinks she should have been born in a more romantic time like that of Pride and Prejudice. I look forward to reading each of their books and wish them all much success.

After each author related information about their writing and publishing story, the audience of about twenty-five people asked excellent questions. Kerrie had to call a stop or we'd have gone overtime. Then we had time to mingle and network.

Networking is the name of the game whether it be through a meeting like last night, a conference or through online social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin, or Twitter. I have trouble networking in any venue. Thank goodness one school media specialist came up and introduced herself. None of the authors felt they utilized their online social networks enough. I personally need to get better at it.

Another form of networking is following blogs. Following quietly, according to Kerrie Flanagan the director of Northern Colorado Writers, does no good. You must make comments so your name gets in front of other readers. I try to ask a question that encourages readers to comment at the end of my blogs. Once more people get connected to me, perhaps there will be more comments and helpful hint for writers.

At conferences approach editors, agents or other writers during cocktail time or sit with them at lunch. I have forced myself in the past to do both with good results. When I pitched to one editor, she commented she remembered me from lunch the previous year. She asked to see my manuscript and took it pretty far up the publisher's ladder before the marketing department rejected it. Another time an editor, during a conversation at aconference cocktail party, said he was open to submissions even though I'd not given my elevator pitch. In each case you have the opportunity to say in your query or cover letter that you've met the editor/agent and when. They then give you a little more consideration.

I Googled networking but came up with job networking. Of course, a writer is selling himself and his writing which amounts to a job. Perhaps you know of a good article on networking you can share.

Motivation

2010-07-19T11:15:00.001-06:00

A writer must write. Just because one book is sold doesn't mean the author waits for the next step in publishing that book and does no writing. I've started promotion research, PowerPoint presentations and an article comparing the work of Charles Russell with that of Frederic Remington. However, like most writers I need several projects in the works at once. To prevent writer's block (not sure I've ever experienced that), I need motivation.

To read some articles on writer's block go to http://www.fictionfactor.com/. It lists articles on many writing subjects including writer's block and motivation. These two links take you to specific articles on their website - www.fictionfactor.com/motivation.html and www.fictionfactor.com/articles/block.html

Although good information, none of my motivation solutions were on those links. I first went to the library and checked out several books including children's for research on what publishers are printing and adult for pleasure. Then I cleaned out a few file drawers and found enough to keep me busy for years - old unpublished articles to tweak, possible reprint articles to market, unused research for other books/articles and an idea file. I filled a recylce bin with duplicate copies and old magazines. Course, in the process, I covered part of the floor with stacks of file folders still needing attention, but, I discovered my writing choices are many.

I'm a believer in "a messy office indicates a creative mind." The piles aren't that bad, I can still see the floor and part of my desk's top.

Along with those stacks, I have the piles of reading material from the library or my own book shelves on subjects to consider .I bought several from Amazon on Remington and am trying to find a focus for a book on his works. However, I don't want to fall into the trap of completely duplicating the Russell book. A new challenge. What might my publisher want in addition to what I've sold them?

Here are some questions to ponder about your writing and motivation. By what means do you motivate yourself to write? Do you get writer's block and how do you solve it? Have you recently discovered a wealth of writing opportunities in your own files? Can you remarket old articles? Have you perused the library for ideas? Have you read books similar to what you want to write? Have you looked into new releases and found holes of what might be needed for books or magazines?

Get busy. Publishers are waiting for good material to print.

Promotion continued

2010-07-15T19:26:00.000-06:00

How can you promote your book? I'm making a list for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART.

I've searched all connections I may have - book clubs, library, museums, golf league, crafts group, relatives and writer's organizations to name a few. Should you do those presentations and signings for free?

Book signings definitely are free with hopes of selling some books. What about other signings? I belong to Colorado Author's League. An email request came through before I had a book contract asking for twelve authors to speak at a school in Denver. The other day I received another call-out for the same school from CAL again. It seems the curriculum coordinator only received a few volunteers. The same day, SCBWI posted her request. Volunteers may be the key word.

In other words, the curriculum coordinator is asking for twelve authors to present - one author a month - for only sales of their books. She advertises, sends out press releases and whatever she can to bring in an audience. The after school program usually draws from 50 to 100 parents and children. Their tight school budget does not allow for payment to the authors. I volunteered.

Some authors never do school visits for various reasons - time, talent, personality or distance. I'm not sure how they help the publisher promote their book or if they have good sales. Each author must promote in her/his own way.

As a first book author, I don't feel I can require a fee. If the school allows book sales, what more can I ask? I've read that the first three presentations should be free and then expect payment. I know if a person doesn't charge for their expertise, they are often considered less valuable. Still, at this point, I can't require each child buy a book or a classroom pay a fee. Although my book offers the tools with which to view other art works in addition to those shared Russell pictures and I want to spread that knowledge, I still can't insist the children buy books.

Instead, I'll present a teaser PowerPoint presentation in hopes of creating their interest in a purchase. I'll find as many places to present as I can. This book is really not just for children. Adults will glean ways to involve their children with art. I know because when I read my manuscript to my critique group, they were more like children than adults trying to find the hidden objects or answer my questions.

Determine how you want to promote your book. But remember, just like you tithe donations, think about tithing your promotions. For every paid performance, consider giving one away.

Author Book Promotion

2010-07-12T14:16:00.001-06:00

I've spent the better part of today surfing the Internet on ways to promote my first book. Believe me, there are plenty of ideas out there. Just Google "Promoting your Book." Then choose any of the links. You'll find something you can use whether it is a new book or one you published two years ago. One article told a story of someone making a best seller's list and increasing sales a year after publication.

I'll list a few of the ideas I found. First of all be in contact with your publisher's promotion department. Learn what they plan before you jump in and take over. Many ideas I found deal with self-publishing but some address how to help the publisher promote your book. All ideas work for publisher generated books.

1. Start locally. Contact as many local media as possible. Create interest in an interview with you even if you have to write an article yourself. Don't depend on a press release but pass them a hook that gets them interested in your book.

2. Identify your audience. Before an attempt to promote, decide which audience best suits your book. In my case, audiences include children, parents, museums, elementary classroom teachers, libraries, parenting and senior magazines and history teachers even as high as middle school. Under each of those headings I could add organizations which support the audience - PTA, school media managers, library associations and magazines. There are many more to consider.

3. Make your own advertisements. Create business cards and bookmarks focusing on your book. You could even make bumper stickers with the name of your book or a personalized T-shirt to wear while grocery shopping. Style a license plate holder with the name of your book or your book's website. Contact local bookstore event managers to line up a book signing. Design a button that advertises your book and wear it constantly. One of the Chicken Soup books that carried two of my stories sent each author buttons to wear. They created a lot of interest.

4. Book signings. Don't just sign books. Prepare a presentation to tease the audience into purchasing your book. In my case, I've already planned a PowerPoint presentation. If that isn't possible, I'll take a Russell print and do some of the activities from the book.

5. Be sure you have an elevator pitch ready to answer the question "What is your book about?" On our cruise, several new acquaintances questioned me. I have a short description that I think creates an interest.

6. Network. Don't pass up any opportunity to speak or network with organizations such as book clubs, churches, Newcomers. Drum up your own speaking opportunities.

7. Write magazine articles about your book subject. I've sold articles on playing games in an art museum. I think I'll remarket the articles and include information for buying the book to play some of those games at home with your children/grandchildren.

8. Here is a small list of blogs or websites with information pertaining to promotion
     www.adlebooks.com/kremer.htm - an interview with John Kremer on promotion, platform, networking and speaking
     http://www.promotingyourbook.com/ - No BS guide to promotion
    http://www.promotingyourbooks.com/ - similar to above but with several focuses
     www.bobbaker.com/qu/10ways.html - an article on promotion

Whether promoting a new book or an older release, consider bumping up interest in the ways I've suggested or those from the websites.

Home again

2010-07-09T21:10:00.000-06:00

We returned from the cruise to Alaska and I can't remember what day it is. Thursday went by in a blur. Got up too late to golf. Friday sped by. I almost fell asleep when the gallery was empty during my four hour volunteer shift. So, here I am - late again - with more information on writing.

I'm trying to learn to operate my website. I've written a bio, a front page and added my new book. Check it out at http://www.lindaosmundson.com/. I have to set up a page for kids and then perhaps I'll be finished for a while. Code Sail Corporation is a friend who is really easy on me. He helps a lot and doesn't get upset when I ask dumb questions.

Promotion involves communicating with any organizations to which you belong. For instance, I advertised the July 22nd 1st author panel with my SCBWI Northern Colorado group. Meeting is 6:30-8:30 at the Northern Colorado Writer's studio next to Chico's in the Foothills Mall area. I informed my golf group in case anyome might be interested in attending. The price is right - only $10. Any blog readers in the Fort Collins area are welcome. I plan to bring props!

I've also set up my first book signing. The Loveland Museum/Gallery where I serve as volunteer Docent Coordinator will print it in their catalog of events when the time comes. I'll prepare a PowerPoint presentation to go along with the signing to interest more people.

I learned from a teacher friend who I should contact at school districts. Once school starts, I'll work on that. The Pelican Marketing Department will also contact schools. I may be busier than I expected but, hopefully, all my promotion will generate more sales.

Be mindful that publishers now expect authors to help in as many ways as possible. Their staff budgets have been cut so any promotion done by the author is appreciated. Think how you might market your book.

Pelican Final Submission and more

2010-07-05T18:33:00.001-06:00

We returned from our Alaskan cruise tired from late dinners and late night Dixieland Jazz music by three bands. Although we loved the cruise, we now need to recuperate and get back in gear.

The mailbox contained the Amon Carter CD I’d been expecting. That means I’ve worked all day on producing all the documents Pelican Publishing requires for final submission of HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE’S ART.

Besides the special CD format of the single-spaced manuscript I downloaded, I included the introduction telling how to use the book, dedication, book description, bibliography, timeline, credits page and the pictures. I printed two double-spaced copies of the manuscript and copies of permissions.

I was surprised to learn Pelican listed my “new contract” on their Facebook page. I guess the marketing trail has already begun.

Actually, it will begin on July 22 when I sit with three other writers on a panel of “first book” authors for the Northern Colorado Writers group. I’m hoping for a good turnout even though I haven’t books to sell at this point. I’ll be included in Pelican’s 2011 Spring catalog.

I’d like to also write a flyer of how to incorporate the book into school curriculums that I can hand teachers after a presentation. I have a head start with all my museum docent experience and the introduction I wrote for the book.

I’ve ordered books from Amazon on Frederic Remington. In other words, I’ll be working on a similar book with his art as the subject. As soon as Russell gets underway, I'll querry Pelican on Remington.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that someone will now show interest in my other children’s books - a picture book on moving toddlers, a fictional autobiography of one year my father kept me against my will in Chicago when I wanted to live with Mom and brother and an adventure fiction book where three kids go "through the picture frame" of Georges Seurat's pointilist painting and encounter many Paris attractions/obstacles while trying to capture the painting's monkey.

Plan now for your future books. Write an introduction, description or jacket flap, dedication and timeline if writing non-fiction.

WRITING WHILE CRUISING

2010-06-28T14:32:00.000-06:00

Writing on a cruise can be expensive. Not the writing part, but the Internet connection. I needed to turn in an article this morning. It costs either $.75 a minute pay-as-you-go or $55 for 110 minutes plus a $3.95 first time connection fee. The wireless connection allows me to check my emails throughout the trip, write offline then log on and send whatever I need. Or, it allows my husband to check his hundreds of emails – mostly junk!

We’ve been on probably twelve cruises since my husband retired in 1996 and one before that time. We ran into Hurricane Gordon on that first cruise. Thank goodness I’d been forewarned to take Dramamine three days before we left. I didn’t feel great in those 48 foot swells but never got sick. Another time we hit the tail end of a typhoon on our way to Japan. Again, I didn’t get sick. However, on this trip to Alaska, I failed to follow the directions and am not feeling great. Once the Dramamine kicks in, I should be fine.

One thing about cruising – on a day at sea like today, I have no place to go and no distractions to keep me from writing. Actually, our 525 group of Dixieland Jazz enthusiasts follow three bands around the ship’s venues for most of the day and night. That means writing time is short or I miss music. Sometimes, a little music goes a long way and I need a break. There are other activities, but I choose to use the time writing.

Excursions offer plenty of fodder. Having taken this cruise before, I won’t need to repeat those excursions. I can write about what I saw on the last trip.

So, rather than spend writing time in a cabin, hotel or other get-away place, I’m looking out the window at sun shining on the ocean as we cruise to Glacier Bay, Alaska. I have two days at sea and plenty of writing time.

2010-06-28T14:29:00.001-06:00

away from a computer

2010-06-26T10:02:00.000-06:00

Since I haven't much access to a computer right now, I'll post on Monday. Sorry to have missed on Thursday.

Publisher requests

2010-06-21T16:21:00.001-06:00

I received two emails - one from the Pelican School Sales Manager and one from my editor.

First, they asked when and where I'd like to have my first book signing. Being that it is really early and I'm not even sure when the book will be out, it is hard to think about a first book signing. However, the Loveland Museum/Gallery, where I volunteer as a docent, suggested, when I told them about the sale, that they would definitely have a book signing. Friday I asked if that were still true. We are now planning a Saturday date in May before school is out. Not only will I sign books, but, I'll begin with a presentation on Charles M. Russell, the book's subject. A follow-up on the book signing will appear here closer to the launch date.

Where would you want a first signing? Why?

The other email stated two additional requirements. I must provide an Introduction page on how teachers can use the book and a timeline for the last page. The timeline was easy since one of my resource books has a rather short biography of the artist. I chose happenings that would appeal to children.

The Introduction can include the ways I've interacted with children for looking at art in museum settings and suggestions for incorporating the art into other curriculum areas. I just have to figure out how to make the page short! Introductions are not always required by publishers. Ask early.

I am still trying to get my website filled out and ready to go - another suggestion by publishers. I'm working on the bio. A friend sent an article from Lori Russell's blog which offers ideas for opening leads of a profile, very similar to a bio. Check it out at http://writersontherise.wordpress.com/category/columnists/lori-russell/. Scroll down to the fourth post. In fact, you might want to read a few of her other posts on writing. They are old but pertinent.

I'm hoping to get the bio posted before I leave on a trip this coming Wednesday. Think about your bio. Besides a long version, consider including medium and short ones. If your book is non-fiction, think about an introduction. If a biography related subject, consider making a timeline.

Writer's Market

2010-06-17T09:34:00.000-06:00

I have a friend who reads the Writer's Market as if it were a novel. Before going to sleep, she picks up the book. I wish I were so dedicated. After receiving this week yet another rejection of a picture book I've submitted several places, I'm in the market for a new publisher.

The Institute of Children's Writers puts out a children's book market along with a magazine market. I prefer to read these as they are smaller. They also publish a Best of the Magazine Markets for Writers which includes adult markets. All are great guides. You can find them on their website at http://www.writersbookstore.com/. At one time, only previous students could purchase their materials but they've opened the bookstore to all writers.

The Institute also offers correspondence classes for writers. In fact, that was my first class on writing. The instructor encouraged and gently gave critiques - pages of notes. The course costs a bit but is well worth it.

If you Google "publishers" - magazine or book - you will find so many websites to peruse that you'll hardly have time to write.

Last night at my writer's critique meeting we discussed writing for free. Many non-paying markets are listed in the books I've mentioned. I discussed this before. It is a good way to earn clips if you are a beginning writer. However, it is also a way to "tithe" your writing. In other words, just like you donate to organizations or churches from your income, you can donate to magazines. There comes a time in your career when you need to gain enough confidence to submit to paying markets. But giving away your writing is a "feel good" tithe once your career is established.

Every time I submit to the Lyons Recorder, a small town newspaper, I "feel good." I think I'm helping them build subscribers the paper lost before it was saved and purchased by a friend. I also donated a piece to the Fort Collins newspaper because I felt their paper should concentrate on locals rather than stories about people in other cities doing the same things Fort Collins residents do. Granted, my objective was a little suspect but, judging from comments I received from friends, it fulfilled my goal.

Be sure to check the non-paying markets rights request. Unless the story/article is something you feel only fits their publication and can't be sold anywhere else, don't give up all rights.

The moral of this post is for you to get busy marketing/submitting your articles, finding reputable markets and earning an income. There are many other writer's markets out there. Perhaps you have a favorite you'll share.

Web presence is a must

2010-06-14T13:10:00.000-06:00

My friend Debbie Dadey, author of 140 children's books including the Bailey School Series and many others, sent me two websites she thought fit my blog. The first http://www.writersdigest.com/article/the-anatomy-of-a-writers-website backs up my previous blogs Welcome Author - 6/7 and First Contract Tip - 5/3. Each covers how important a web presence is for an author.

The link above takes the information even farther. It lists free website building software, templates and the same kind of information for starting a blog. She includes if you want to hire a professional to do the work. Then explains what every author's website should have and why.
1. A biography repeated on several pages such as About Me and media pages as well as the home page.
2. A dedicated contact page so editors can reach you.
3. A photo isn't absolutely necessary but best to have.
4. A press or media page
5. Testimonials
6. Samples/clips
7. Buying 101 - where people can buy your books
8. You might include a personal page or information in your about me section.

I would add a page "For Kids" since my website addresses both children and adults. That way kids can find information relating to them and their interests.

The second link, http://writersdigest.com/article/novel-writing-excerpt-marketing-plan, is an exerpt from The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing called A Must-Have Online Marketing Plan.
1. Create a strong writer's website (mandatory) and a blog (optional)
2. Get involved with Social Networking
3. Create a video trailer
4. Do a blog tour
5. Get reviews of your book posted online
6. Podcast
7. Become a commenter

I'm not sure I'll do all of those since I haven't the know-how. Besides, most are already in place for me, just need to include them on my website.

Read the articles and start working or changing your web presence for more sales and exposure. Good luck.

Sales Department/Fact Sheet

2010-06-10T16:44:00.000-06:00

As a new author with the publishing house, I received more information on sales, promotion, appearances and who handles each. This publishing house has state representatives with whom I'll eventually work in several capacities. They request I keep them abreast of my personal travel schedule and any leads for book signings I might have.

As an author, I can order books at a discount and if I order 250 or more books, the discount increases. Course, I believe I lose royalties on discounted books. Any books sold below costs do not receive royalties. I'm wondering if that means those sold at say SAMS or COSTCO. I'll need to check that out.

Another sales incentive is for the author to make up teacher guides for using the book in the classroom. I could do that and will probably look into their process. This book is an interactive "looking" at art book. I've already worked on classroom presentations that take the looking farther than that in the book. I'll lead teachers in integrating the art into other parts of their curriculum.

The publisher will also set up a sales link for my website so books can be sold from it. I appreciate that idea. It isn't something to do now but to consider after the book comes out, or even just before.

Pelican provided more author information in a Fact Sheet. It helps answer any questions an author might be asked such as where can one buy the book. It also explains about the publishing house - which departments do which jobs. Again it emphasizes how important it is to keep them updated with personal travel plans, interviews, presentations, etc.

All in all, the house has answered most questions I might have. Granted, it is a lot of reading, but as a first time book author, I'm glad to have any and all information they offer.

Monday I'll pass on a couple of articles passed to me which cover web presence and some marketing information.

Welcome Author

2010-06-07T09:53:00.000-06:00

The first attachment with the confirmation of a contract I received, welcomed me as an author for the publisher. Not only did it welcome but it listed more things I need to do.

TRAVEL. Am I taking any personal trips which could coordinate with book signings? They request my personal travel itineraries. The publisher won’t pay the expenses for my trip but will schedule events that coincide with my schedule. When the book first comes out, they arrange local events and possibly out-of-town visits. In that case, they pay expenses.

ESTABLISH AN ONLINE PRESENCE. Luckily I started my website shortly before receiving a contract. It isn’t up and running yet but will be soon. I initiated this blog a week before receiving my contract. Good timing for an online presence. They suggest joining social networks to which I already belong, although I’m not actively involved with them yet.

VIDEO OR AUDIO TAPES. Since no TV or radio shows are knocking on my door, I have no tapes to send. A local writer’s organization, Northern Colorado Writers, requested I serve on a panel of first time book authors. Perhaps I’ll commission someone to tape it.

WRITING ARTICLES. I write for several print publications, however, not necessarily about Russell. Guess I have a new goal – publishing articles on Russell and art appreciation. Now that I think about it, I've sold several of the same article on games to play in a museum setting.

REVIEWS. I’m asked to cut or copy any reviews of my book or other Pelican authors and send them to the publisher. And send the URL for any online reviews of which I become aware.

CONTACT. I’m to keep in contact by sending any of my promotion ideas. They request materials be received on time. Once the book launches, they want all materials on hand so promotion follows quickly.

Most of these requests require little work on my part. On Thursday I’ll cover “Welcome from the Sales Department.”

More publisher requests

2010-06-04T12:53:00.000-06:00

I received email confirmation this week that my contract with Pelican Publishing has been executed and sent to accounts payable who will issue the first advance check. Now I wait for a certified letter with check. Yea!!

Of course, that means more work for me. I found five attachments on the email - Welcome Pelican Author, Promo Questionnaire Part II, Sales Material, Author Advance Book Order and Pelican Fact Sheet. Also they suggested I go on the website to find instructions for the procedure to send in a newly formatted copy of the manuscript on CD as well as two hard copies.

Although each attachment had something for me to do, I'll start with the Promo Questionnaire Part II. I received the first promo materials along with the unsigned contract. Some of what I've discussed in this blog pertains to those. I consider each question carefully to see how I might contribute to sales and promotion.

The General Questions were easy - my name, title of book, occupation, how often I check my email/voicemail and the best method of short-notice contact. The next question brought me up short: What would I like to be known as - the foremost authority on ____? Unfortunately, I'm not the "foremost authority" on anything including Charles Russell, the subject of my book approached from the art appreciation aspect. Granted, I probably know more than the average person about the artist and his works, but I can't claim that title.

Giving interactive art tours is my forte, but, I'm not the foremost authority there either. Since I've taught others to teach in a museum atmosphere, I finally listed "Art Appreciation Tour Trainer." If you have a better suggestion, please let me know.

Other General Questions included: What memorable nickname would I give myself? What qualifies you to talk about the subject?

Next came General Media Questions - Among all the people knowledgeable about the topic, how are you different? What are you willing or qualified to discuss that others are not? Why should people care what you have to say? The rest of the questions in this section really didn't apply to me or my topic. If you want to know what they are, make a comment.

Now we come to Broadcast Media Questions. Of the twelve, one posed the most problem. This could be important since I've already been asked by a large local writer's organization to appear on a panel of first book authors. "What do you think are the five most important or best questions the media could ask you during an interview?" I queried my writer's group with this one. Many of their suggestions apply to me. I divided the list into three focuses - writing, Charles Russell and art appreciation.

On writing - When did you begin writing? How did you learn to write? What other kinds of writing have you done? Why did you start later in life? What does it take to get something published - book or magazine?

On Russell – Why did you write about Charles Russell? Why is Charles Russell’s art important? Where can one find Russell’s works? What did he paint? What did he do besides paint?

On art appreciation – What experiences have you had in teaching art appreciation? Why is art appreciation important? How do you involve students in looking? What do you expect to accomplish with a book on art appreciation? For what ages is the book written? Is the book for children only?

I may reconsider some of the questions before I send in the questionnaire. Start thinking now about how you might help in the sales and promotion of your book.

Now that I have these questions, I better work on the answers!

Non-fiction Requirements

2010-06-02T09:03:00.001-06:00

OOPS! Where did the week go? The holiday messed up my schedule and I'm a couple of days late and dollars short. But, here goes on another requirement by publishers.

Little did I know when I wrote a non-fiction book that I might be required to pay for the museum permission to use art photographs. I discovered (for this publication) authors not only acquire and pay for permissions to use same, but, they also pay for the print run of said photos. It isn't horribly expensive but still a surprise.

I contacted the Amon Carter Museum about permission. However, being rather organized as I am, I found I jumped the gun. Amon Carter required the print run number and possible publication date. I emailed the editor. That's when she informed me to delay any museum contact until I received the returned, signed contract, even though the contract had a deadline and a request for permissions by that deadline. At least that is how I read it. I’d already received the museum contract but I tabled it until a later date. Signature and pre-payment were required.

In the meantime, Amon Carter explained that three of my painting requests were no longer their possessions. I knew about one after attending a retrospective of Russell's work at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). There was "The Hold Up" a major piece I used in my book. Credits claimed ownership by a local collector. I contacted a DAM docent friend from years past when I served as a DAM docent. She gave me the phone number of the collector because she knew his wife as an active member of the museum.

Imagine my excitement when he agreed to let me use the painting at no charge. He even sent me a print ready photo. In our discussion I named the other two paintings Amon Carter no longer owned. "I know the collector. I'll contact him." Now, a month later, I have print ready photos of all three paintings and permission to use at no charge from the generous collectors. Also permission to use one on the cover. Amon Carter charges an additional fee for cover usage.

I learned a lesson. I doubt there was any way to know my responsibilities in this situation beforehand. Perhaps, if I'd researched a little more, I might have discovered the expense. However, market guides don't include that information, a contract does. Next time I'll know what to expect and so will you!

What else does a publisher want?

2010-05-27T17:50:00.000-06:00

Let's get back to what a publisher wants from an author. Be sure you keep good records of your periodical publications - name of publication, article and date. The list might turn out to be rather long. You should also keep what rights you sold. Writing requires good record keeping. Unfortunately, I've not been as consistant as I could have been. Some people have programs that help their record keeping. Tell us what you use.

I use a spreadsheet but occasionally forget to record something. I tried a special progam years ago that seemed to take more time than I wanted to spend. Perhaps I'll check some of the programs you suggest.

Some publications purchase articles but don't print them for years. The book publisher wanted to know any articles purchased but yet to be published. One such example is Highlights for Children. I sold them two articles in 2004 but have yet to see them in print. While attending their Foundation Workshop in 2004, Kent Brown admitted that the longest they'd held an article at that time was 17 years! I know of another author who requested the rights back and offered to return the payment. She got the rights without returning the payment. That could be an exception rather than a common practice.

If you've appeared on any TV or radio program, they wanted a copy of the interview. In my case, I've not done that. Next, they wanted to know what media might be interested in my book. I write for several regional publications which might be interested. I listed an art magazine for whom I'd written. I have a good rapport with my editors and will contact each with a press release. The marketing department requested all this information.

An author who sells to this publisher says they do a good job of keeping your book in print. I'm still awaiting the return of the signed contract. Once the book comes out, let's hope they market it well and that I, too, can generate sales.

Writing clips and credits

2010-05-24T20:10:00.000-06:00

Today I will deviate a bit from my usual writing on the things to do before you receive a book contract. Actually, acquiring writing credits and clips are necessary to break into a paying magazine or book market.

How do you get writing credits if you are a beginning writer trying to gain access to the magazine writing world? Try small publications. Although I've published in larger places such as Chicken Soup and Family Circle, I still write for a small parenting/senior publication in my hometown. The pay isn't a lot but I get plenty of exposure. I've written for a small specialized newspaper and low paying religious markets. Search for markets which pay little or nothing. Plenty are listed in Writer's Market or online. You'll also find those types of publications on shelves in the library, grocery stores or doctor's offices. They are the free local magazines or papers. They may cater to one readership or another such as the parenting I mentioned. However, once you pass a certain point in your publishing history, don't write for non-paying markets unless they are near and dear to your heart.

Case in point. Today I worked on two of the five articles I must finish by the first week in June and June 14th. One pays well while the others pay little or nothing. I enrolled in the Catholic Biblical School of the Denver Archdiocese. The class is divided into small groups for discussion. A young man in my group bought a floundering newspaper in a tiny mountain town not far from Fort Collins, CO where I live. He recognized my name on Facebook and discovered from my profile my desire to break into the travel writing market.

“How about writing travel pieces for us,” he asked one day at class. “I can’t pay you now, but you'll build up credits.” This small town newspaper is near and dear to my heart. I want to see him, along with his wife (the editor), succeed. I’ve written articles for them every other week for a couple of months. When I mentioned I needed to create a website, he volunteered to set it up since that is his business. So even though I’m not paid for the articles, I’m receiving much more in his giving of his design of a website for me in his spare time. I tell him how much I appreciate his work every time he assigns me a new task for the website.

My point is this – you never know how your non-paying markets may pay off. Sometimes it is in the form of an assignment from someone who read your work there. In any case, persevere, study, join a critique group and most of all start submitting your work. Writing is a hard market to crack, but it can be done.

It's Gone

2010-05-21T14:41:00.000-06:00

With several sighs of relief, the contract I've been working on is in the mail. The fact it weighed just short of a pound tells you how much information the publisher required. I've covered some and will continue to update you on things you can do before you receive a contract so the process flows quickly once that prize arrives.

Not all publishers list so many details to be completed. Perhaps it is because this is a non-fiction piece. At any rate, don't be disappointed if you aren't asked for all I've mentioned! Much of the information related to promotion and marketing. Almost all publishers today expect authors to help in both those areas, more so than in the past.

One surprise question involved the inspiration for the title. Luckily, Debbie Dadey attended our critique meeting the night I searched for a new name. She suggested "How the West Was Drawn" because researchers view Russell's paintings to see how the "real" West looked in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I added the part about Cowboy Charlie's Art since that was one of Russell's nicknames and because young children are always interested in cowboys. The question remains, "Will they keep the title?" We'll see.

Next, consider "advance quote leads." Since my main bibliography source passed away a few years after I met him, I wondered whom I could ask. Finally, I chose people who have interest in children and art -teacher/children's author (Ellen Javernick who just published "The Birthday Pet), former librarian/children's author (Debbie Dadey) and a museum curator. All three gave me great quotes.

Plan now who could help promote your book even before it comes out.

Outline, description and "teasers"

2010-05-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

Next on the list of requirements by the publisher is an outline, book description and "teaser" facts for history or non-fiction. My book is a non-fiction/history interactive picture book on Charles Russell, the sculptor/painter.

Usually by the time my manuscript is complete, I have an outline. I've written a book from an outline as well as without one. Hopefully, if your book is finished, you already have what you need. Since my book is based on 13 Russell art objects, the outline was easy - list the pictures. If I tell anything about them, I'll have written the whole book; it's only 1890 words.

The other two requirements present some problems. Again, I'm not sure what kind of description the publisher wants - an elevator pitch description, a jacket flap description or something in between. I've done all three. They can take their pick.

The "teasers" required more thought and my searching for interesting points. Which really wasn't all that hard since I think the book consists of interesting points. I've come up with fifteen, some more interesting than others. I hope they meet the editor/marketing department's wishes.

Now I'm waiting for the developing of my recently made publicity shot. The sooner I send in the contract, with a picture attached, the sooner I can order the digital pictures, for the most part, from the Amon Carter Museum and get the show on the road. If all comes in by this summer, the publisher predicts a Spring 2011 publication date. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, eyes - anything that crosses! Actually, I've said a few prayers.

Contacts - Organizations, Media

2010-05-13T13:36:00.000-06:00

The list of publisher requests goes on. Among the 23 items on my checklist is organizations, local and personal media contacts (newspaper, radio/TV) and any interview CD, DVD, or digital files you might have. The marketing department requires names and addresses of each. I'll try to include email addresses and phone numbers.

For me, organization information is easy and quick. If not, I'd Google it.

Media contacts requires more time. To find names and addresses of newspapers, TV and radio, I first Googled "Colorado radio stations" and found On the Radio.net at this link: http://www.ontheradio.net/states/colorado.aspx. They list every station ID frequency, city, fornat and website. Surfing the websites disclosed contact information and sometimes the person responsible for receiving press releases.

When I changed the Google subject to "TV/radio," another source, News Link, http://newslink.org/cotele.html, came up. It lists all kinds of media - TV/radio as well as newspapers and magazines - by state. However, I didn't see weekly newspapers like the Lyons Recorder for whom I regularly write. In that case, I'd Google "weekly newspapers" or the name of the paper in which I'm interested.

When the release date of my book comes, I'll personally call, write or email my local media sources, introduce myself and make them aware of my upcoming book. If I'm lucky, they might invite me to appear via print, video or audio.

Unlike me, be ahead of the game. Make a media/organization list while submitting your manuscript. You never know when that editor's call or contract will arrive. Good luck.

Resumé and Autobiography, Con't

2010-05-10T13:42:00.002-06:00

While writing my autobiography, I found if I followed my resumé as a guide, I remembered places, classes and other items I might want to include. The trick is to make the writing flow like a story but include facts. A good example is Laura Resau's longer version of "about me" on her website: http://www.lauraresau.com/about.html.

In the case of Pelican Publishing, they want a rather detailed description of my life. I think I'll write several versions and pick the best with the help of my critique group. One version meets the needs of children. Another reaches out to publishers. The second might be more factual and not so much of a story. A third version goes to my new website.

Also, I'll write a shorter version for a media kit. LeAnn Thieman (http://www.leannthieman.com/) and Laura Resau, as well as other authors, have shorter versions on their websites for the same reasons. You might want to check them out. Refer to my last post for a link to author's bios.

In every instance, I'll consider what readers want to know about me. Do they want just my writing information? Or, some interesting tidbits that make me live in their minds - help them get to know me? Perhaps both.

Consider now what you might include in the "about me" section of a publisher's request, on your website or your blog.

Autobiography/Resumé/Photo

2010-05-07T11:28:00.004-06:00

I'm a day late. Sometimes "life" gets in the way. Again this blog concerns some things you can do even before your manuscript is accepted.

Not all publishers require the same elements. My contract with Pelican Publishing for HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN - COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART sent a checklist of 23 items. Their promotional/marketing questionnaires are extensive. They requested an autobiography, resumé and uncopyrighted photo.

Be sure you check with the photographer before you use a photo. In my case, I ran into a problem. After paying for modeling portofolio pictures, I was informed the photographer owns the rights and I must get license from him before using the pictures. So, I now have about 250 digital pictures I can't use. Bummer.

Resumé brings up the question of how much and what focus they want. The Author Promotion Questionnaire asks for residence locations, occupations, personal intrests, education, sports activities, skills or other special pursuits. The information will be used for press releases, dust jackets and author biography sheets. Guess I'll put it all and change it if need be after I work with the editor for a while.

The autobiography presents more questions. It states a "complete" autobiography and resumé. Because autobiographies are 1st person and dust jackets are 3rd, how should I write it? How long is "complete?" I've decided to write both 1st and 3rd. Perhaps I'll save them some time in converting it to what they want. If anyone has a comment, I'd appreciate it.

In the meantime, before you write your autobiography, check this list for samples of author biographies: http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/home.html.

Let's Get Started

2010-05-06T15:12:00.001-06:00

You can be a writer. In this blog, I’ll interview authors, give writing tips, list conferences, research books, and find links to other writer’s blogs. I’ll even throw in a few personal tidbits like the information below on how I got started.

As a senior in high school, an A+ on a story assignment encouraged me. I wanted to write, but other things got in the way – college, marriage, children. I composed newsletters, Christmas letters, invitation poetry and a children’s story. In my 50s I told my husband I’d like to enroll in the Institute of Children’s Writers beginning class.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” he asked, with good reason, I might add. I majored in education with a minor in English. After having children, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. Besides childcare, I sewed, read, taught religion, gave tours in art museums, volunteered in classrooms and PTAs, decorated our house, made crafts and wrote for homeowners and newcomers newsletters. Now I wanted to write for “real” publication.

Needless to say, I took the correspondence class, joined SCBWI, critique groups and took workshops in the three states where we lived before my husband early retired and we returned to Colorado. At that time I had one publication of a puzzle in a children’s magazine.

My new critique group took me under their wing. After a few years and several rejections, two of us attended a writer’s retreat at the Franciscan Center in Colorado Springs. I listened carefully to every workshop presenter. But, with each new speaker and activity, I began to question. What makes me think I can write? Why am I here? Am I too old to begin? Do I belong?

The second night before dinner, I walked to Mass with my friend, knelt and contemplated again my questions, adding a few more in my prayer. Am I wasting my time? Or the time of others? Do I have something to say and the talent to say it? Just give me a sign, Lord.

The priest opened his sermon with a familiar story. A woman was asked, "What's the worse four-letter word your child can say?"
"Can't," she responded. She never wanted her children to face something and think it impossible.

The priest explained, “It is impossible for us to feed five thousand with five loaves and two fish or build a mountain or pluck a star from the sky. However, with hard work and perseverance ‘can't’ need not be a part of our vocabulary.”

With each of his additional examples, I recognized the sign. "Thank you, Lord," I whispered.

After that spiritual nudge I could hardly wait to get home to my computer. I buried myself in my office, ignored house dust and unvacuumed carpets and fixed quick easy dinners. I wrote not one but SIX articles and mailed them off to various magazines.

A month later in December, our bundle of mail contained a return envelope from one of the magazines. Tearing open the letter, I read not a rejection but my first acceptance of an article. Not even a week passed before a second sale arrived and a third followed within a short period. On Christmas Eve, I received a special gift - a fourth notice of an acceptance.

My writing doesn’t pay our bills. But, it is my source of pride and accomplishment. Still, I remind myself that “can’t” need not be a part of my vocabulary. I submit articles often with acceptances as well as rejections. Now I concentrate on my children’s books. I pray for a children’s book contract. It will come.

First contract tip

2010-05-03T18:50:00.007-06:00

Some of the questions asked were, "Do you have a blog? How often do you post? Do you have a web site? How often do you update?"

In other words, you need to have both a blog and a web site. I suggest you start before you receive a contract. My timing was perfect. I took a blogging class on Monday. I also signed up someone to create my web site on Monday. On Wednesday, I received the contract.

I might also suggest you check all bases. Such as, I thought once an art museum owned a piece of art, they kept it. Not the case. Two of the pictures I used in my book were sold and they have no idea who purchased them. While touring the Charles Russell exhibit this past summer at the Denver Art Museum, I discovered one of my pictures was now in a Denver man's collection. As a prior docent for the DAM, I'll probably be able to obtain permission and picture file. Lets hope so. Will my having to replace the pictures negate the contract. We'll see.

I also didn't realize this publisher would ask me to provide the permissions and picture digital files at my expense. I have no problem with that since I get an advance. Cost is fairly minimal $25 per picture or, if the publication is educational, $15 per picture. Mine is educational.

For more information on why to have a blog, check out this Writer's Digest article.

More to come on Thursday.

IT CAME!

2010-04-30T09:06:00.002-06:00

Little did I know when I wrote the last post what would happen within a couple of days. The post ended with "It will come" meaning a book contract. It came! Wednesday night after a day of being out of pocket, I opened my emails about 10 p.m. and found a contract for my children's book HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN - COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART. My first book contract!

Now I face a few weeks of filling out forms and a deadline of June 25th. I'll post the kinds of things you need to know once you receive a contract as a first time book author. You can begin the process before you receive a contract and be ahead of the game.

First off - keep a current list of all your magazine, etc. publications with article titles and dates published. I have a partial one but now need to update it.

Writer Kathryn Lay wrote a small book available from her web site called "The Organized Writer" is a Selling Writer. Find her at www.kathrynlay.com. She also has an interesting blog.