Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Write It Right!

If the Grammar Police was an actual organization, I could easily qualify for Chief!  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of improper grammar on signs, in books and other media, and even in speech.  English is a complex language, it's true--but not so complex that we can't take the time to learn to use it properly.  The following are some of the most common errors that I feel deserve to be 'ticketed' by the local Grammar Cop:

1.  Offense:  I SEEN
     Correct:   I HAVE seen or I SAW
2.  Offense:  Should OF or could OF 
     Correct:   Should HAVE, could HAVE, should've or could've
3.  Offense:  COULD care less
     Correct:   COULDN'T care less
4.  Offense:   ALOT
     Correct:    A LOT
5.  Offense:   IRREGARDLESS
     Correct:    REGARDLESS
6.  Offense:   LAY down
     Correct:    LIE down
7.  Offense:   MISTAKEDLY
     Correct:    MISTAKENLY
8.  Offense:   Do you GOT
     Correct:    Do you HAVE
9.  Offense:   SUPPOSABLY
     Correct:    SUPPOSEDLY
10. Offense:   I DONE (this or that)
      Correct:    I DID (this or that)

Another frequent offense is the misuse of "I" and "me" in a sentence.  For example, "Joe and ME went to the store" or "This is a picture of Joe and I."   How do you know when to use 'me' and when to use 'I'?  Here's a simple test to keep you on track:  Eliminate the proper noun from the sentence.  In other words, in these examples, take out the name 'Joe'.  Would you say, "Me went to the store" or "This is a picture of I?"  No, you wouldn't!  Therefore, the correct way to write or say these sentences is, "Joe and I went to the store" (I went to the store) and "This is a picture of Joe and me" (This is a picture of me).  Get it??

As writers, we need to take care to use proper grammar not only in our speech, but ALL of our writing tasks as well.  What other grammar offenses have you found?  Which ones would YOU ticket?  Let me know in the comments!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

A Little Goes a Long Way

Imagine this scene:  You're scanning the shelves of your favorite book store when one of the titles catches your eye.  You reach for the book and flip it over to read the synopsis.  Six or seven (or more) detailed paragraphs later, you finish--what do you do next?  Do you buy the book?

My answer to that question may surprise you.  I usually put the book back and move on.  Why should I purchase the book when I've just read the complete story on the back cover? (or inside the jacket for some books)  It's not going to be an enjoyable read for me if I know exactly what's going to happen even before I begin.

I see this happen all the time, especially with first-time authors.  The synopsis--also called the cover copy or blurb--can be a difficult thing to write.  After all, how do you sum up an entire book in two or three short paragraphs?  Many times, the author feels the need to include as much information as possible, which generally results in giving away the entire plotline.  It spoils the reading experience for the consumer and loses the sale for you.  Remember, the blurb should entice the reader into wanting more; in other words, they'll have no choice except to buy the book to find out what happens.

Writing blurbs takes practice, but in time, you'll find that keeping the actual story INSIDE the covers of the book pays off. 

Until next time--happy writing!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Thinking Outside the Box

I have a friend in my writers group who refers to me as "Mrs. Everywhere."  Contrary to what some may think the name implies (get your minds out of the gutter!), it's a moniker he gave me to represent the multitude of promotional events I participate in every year.  Many times during conversations when an event or venue is mentioned, I say I've either been there or will be there.  Keeping my name and face in front of my readers and potential readers is something I've always deemed important, and over the years, I've found the best way to do that is through using unique sales tactics.

For many writers, "selling books" means setting up space in a local book store for an afternoon and coercing all the patrons to buy your wares.  While book store signings are all well and good, there are numerous other ways to promote your work.  Here's a list of some you may not have considered:

1)  Set up a table at a local craft show.  People are there to buy, and often welcome something different from homemade candles or wood crafts.

2)  Libraries love to promote local authors.  Schedule a brief presentation about your book, and offer to donate a copy or two to the library as your thanks for the opportunity.

3)  Retirement and assisted living communities often welcome authors for a short presentation and reading for their residents.  Offer a discount to anyone who wants to purchase, and donate a copy to the facility's library, if they have one.

4)  Take part in a charitable event by donating a copy of your books for a raffle, or set up a table and give part of the day's profits to the cause.  Any charitable donation you make is tax deductible, so be sure to ask for a receipt.

5)  Do you live close to an airport?  Schedule a meeting with the manager of one of the gift shops and ask them to purchase copies of your books for resale.  What better way to endure a long flight than with a good book.

6)  Similar to the idea of tip #5, hospital gift shops may be interested in what you have to offer.  Both patients and visitors often pass the time by reading, and may welcome the availability of something other than a magazine.

7)  Offer a special on your social media page and watch the orders roll in!  People love getting a good bargain, and will also enjoy the perk of supporting a local artist.  Be sure to list all the details in your post and a link to your personal website, as well as the deadline for orders.

In what other creative ways have you promoted your books?  Please feel free to share in the comments.  Until next time, happy writing!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Keeping Up with the Times

In what era do your stories take place?  When I started writing my 'Forever Love' series almost eleven years ago, I decided to take a trip back in time to the late 1980s.  For me, it was a time of my life that held some of my happiest and most precious memories--college, making some great friends, meeting my husband, and getting married. Awesome music, awesome movies, awesome fashions (hey, I rocked those designer jeans, folks!)--I couldn't imagine a better time for my characters to live in. Most of the details poured into my manuscript were easily pulled from the corners of my mind.  Not much research was necessary to keep things factual.  Everything was perfect until....

I began working on Book 3.

Suddenly, I was faced with a dilemma.  First, I had to decide--based on the cliffhanger ending of 'Waiting for Tomorrow'--whether or not my hero would survive his tragic situation.  Second, regardless of which way I went, he would need to undergo at least a minimal amount of medical treatment.  This time around, my memories of working as a medical receptionist weren't going to suffice.  I had to figure out if what I was writing was true to the times.  Would it be correct for him to have an MRI scan or be given Vicodin for his pain?  (no, to both of those, by the way)  Who would be responsible for notifying his family of his accident (or death)?  And, most importantly, what sorts of injuries might he sustain, and how would they be treated?  Whew!  I was overwhelmed.  I turned to the internet, but wasn't able to find everything I needed to know.  I became frustrated.  What could I do?

Fortunately, there's a happy ending to my story.  God, in His infinite wisdom, led me to a friend who just happens to be an ER nurse at a local hospital.  She had read my books and knew my hero's spot.  After firing a barrage of questions her way, she was able to provide me with the answers  I needed to factually and accurately move my story forward.  All was right with the world once more!

The moral of the story:  If you're writing about any era other than the present one, be sure to do your homework.  Scan the internet, go to the library, talk to people who lived during that time.  We all know a book full of grammatical errors is horrific enough, but a book full of inaccurate information is just as bad.  You want your readers to see you as someone who goes all the way in making their work the best it can be.  There's never an excuse for sloppy writing. 

How do you research your book's era?  Tell me in the comments!

Until next time...happy writing!

Saturday, January 10, 2015

New Year, New Opportunities

Last year was rough.  Just downright rough.  You name it, and it probably happened around here.  It seems the only thing missing was a natural disaster, and if Lake Erie were capable of producing hurricanes or tsunamis, I'm not so sure we would have been spared.

But....  That's past history!  It's a brand new year, and with that comes brand new opportunities.  Three-hundred-and-sixty-five new days to wake up, get dressed, and conquer the world.  Right?

Well, okay.  Maybe we won't feel like conquering the world every day.  Realistically speaking, there will be days we feel more like flinging the alarm clock across the room, burrowing under the covers, and going back to sleep for the next 24 hours.  It's inevitable.  No one promised life would be perfect, but fortunately, those days are the exception rather than the rule for most of us.  However, when they hit, they can be a real downer.  It's those times you just have to put on your big girl (or big boy) pants and suck it up.  Move forward.  Keep going with the knowledge that the situation is only temporary.  Work it out the best you can, and be proud of your efforts.

The same holds true for our writing.  In the past year, despite the personal challenges I faced, there were days I sat down and cranked out great work.  I would reread my previous days' musings and feel a sense of accomplishment.  Other times, I would hate it all--'highlight' and 'delete' became my best friends.  There were even times I would go days--even weeks--without writing a single word.  It didn't matter if I had 500,000 thoughts all swirling around in my head dying to be a part of my manuscript.  If I wasn't feeling it, they stayed where they were, never to see the light of day. 

But, I kept going.

I didn't let those 'off' days get to me, and you shouldn't, either.  I've heard it's best to try to write something every day in order to keep the creative juices flowing, and I agree with that.  However, if there are days when the muse decides to go on vacation, don't sweat it.  I always say you can't force creativity.  It's either there, or it's not.  If it is, then by all means, grab it by the horns and don't let go.  Write until your fingers ache!  If it's not, step away from the computer and allow yourself to relax and regroup.  Take a long walk, a candlelight bath, catch a movie with a friend.  Have dinner with your significant other, play a game with your kids.  Do something that will take your focus off the writing for a little while.  Chances are, when you return to it, the words will come more easily.

Just keep in mind that today is only one day, and you still have 364 more opportunities to shine.  And you undoubtedly will!

Until next time, Happy Writing!

Monday, December 9, 2013

'Tis The Season

It's that time of year again, and everyone's focus seems to be on finding that perfect gift.  I understand how frustrating it can be to head to the local mall and spend hours flitting from one store to the next, only to go home empty handed or with something I "settled" on.  We authors are sitting on a goldmine of gift ideas not only for those on our own shopping lists, but dozens of others as well.  How do you use your gift of writing as a gift for others?

1--Let's start with the obvious--books make awesome gifts!  All of us know at least a few avid readers, so why not sign a copy or two of your work, wrap them up in pretty paper, and hand them out?  Or, set up a booth at a local craft or book fair and suggest your book(s) as the "perfect gift." 

2--Take Tip #1 a step further and offer to donate a portion of your profits from holiday sales to a charity or local homeless shelter, food bank, etc.  Offer a discount off the purchase price for donating a non-perishable food item or a small toy to be given to a needy child.   People will be encouraged to buy not only for the value of the book itself as a gift, but the added bonus of helping others.

3--Nothing says "I care" better than a handwritten note.  Is there someone you're thinking of who could use a word of encouragement during this time of year, or would simply love to hear from you?  Instead of picking up the phone, buy some pretty stationery and craft a meaningful letter to let them know they're on your mind.  If you're the poetic type, include a few original lines of prose.  They will cherish it!

4--Who doesn't enjoy looking through old photos and sharing memories?  Make up a small scrapbook or photo album and include a short story that correlates with each photo.  Reliving times past is the perfect way to spread the joy of the season.

5--Write the script for a short holiday play to be presented by your church, neighborhood playhouse, or just family members in your living room.  It can be fun and festive, or serious to reflect your beliefs.  Writers are often prompted to "show, not just tell" and this is one way you can do that!

Tap into that creativity and let me know what other ideas you might have in the comments section.  Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Don't Push Me Away!

Rejection.  As writers, we are more than familiar with the term.   It happens often to many of us, but never loses its sting.  Rejection is never fun and never welcome.  We tend to take it personally.  We allow it to ruin our ambition, to make us feel as if we have nothing worthy to offer.  It wraps us up in the blanket of "oh, woe is me" and won't let us go.  It comes in many forms, from the well-known letter from a publisher or agent to a less-than-stellar book review.  So, how do we unfold ourselves from rejection's grip and learn to use it to our advantage?

Wait--did I say "to our advantage?"  How is that even possible, you ask?

Negative feedback doesn't have to hold you back.  The next time you find yourself staring into the face of rejection, try these tips:

Rejection Letter--The publisher says you don't have what they're looking for.  So, what?  There are plenty of others out there!  Take the time to read the letter carefully, tweak your manuscript accordingly, and submit it to other companies.  Let each rejection you receive become a challenge to keep pushing onward.  Don't throw out your dreams of publication with the letter!

Negative Review--These always hurt, no doubt, but it's unrealistic to believe everyone will love your work.  Try to keep in mind that a review is simply one person's opinion and does not reflect the opinions of everyone.  Like the rejection letter, read the review carefully and take note of any ways you might be able to improve your writing.  Again, keep moving onward--for every one person who isn't satisfied by your work, there are probably ten or more who are!

Rejection from Readers--There will be times in your writing career when a reader gives negative feedback on your work.  Again, you can't expect everyone to love what you do.  People like what they like--it's as simple as that.  Keep that thought in mind and thank the reader for his/her input.  Unless you are getting the same feedback from a large number of readers, simply take it as a grain of salt.

What other types of rejection have you faced in your writing career?  How did you handle it?  Please feel free to share in the comments!