Writer's Jumpstart Tips for '12

When Night Falls


At the Top of '12, I'm looking back at my goals, and prioritizing. One long-term goal for some time now has been to return to painting. I've almost completed 2 paintings. Another goal was to write a mystery short story (humor), and The Coupon Killer was born. I plan more of Jemma Kowalski, named after an old wrestling favorite, Killer Kowalski. :) And I'd intended to launch the L.E. Klein name somewhere, so The Coupon Killer was a two-fer.

Due to seasonal flu stuff I missed doing a workshop on Writers Block, which will come later. So sorry, local Write-In people. But look forward to my mini sessions in '12. I love the pop-up sessions.

Like Most Writers, I'm fully charged to take off in '12 with all sorts of goals. To start off '12, I started a redo of my website, which has waited while I got my E-Pub Feet wet.



If you are fully charged to jumpstart your writing in '12, the following may help you. They are included at Writers Tips included at my website.  I am so hoping this helps someone. To start, here are my Twenty Top Tips for Writers:

The Biggest Tip of All: Do Not "Find" Time. "Make" Time. Think Positive, Be Aggressive in this goal. Mind set is everything.
1. Self Motivate; learn to use your personal carrots and triggers.
2. When Writing to Sell: Consider Your Individual Time Frames vs Your Attention Span
3. Protect Your Writing Time. Prepare in advance and avoid Vampires.
4. Edit off/away from Biological "Up" Time*
5. Work for self-reliance.
6. Block number of pages on a calendar
7. Focus on the Story's Theme/Thread Throughout; keep notes on it.
8. Finish the Piece! A completed project is truly your graduation certificate.
9. Prepare Yourself Psychologically. Be your own best friend with affirmations.
10. Get Away, Experience Life
11. Cut the Umbilical Cord. Send Your Piece into the Cruel World.
12. Keep Lists of Agents/Publishers, ref: Market Talk below *
13. Keep Databases, lists of ideas/character names/story ideas.*
14. Network in Person and Private, Talk with Other Writers *
15. Do Not Do As Others Do. You are an individual; weigh advice and choose only for your needs.
16. Write Business Letters and Mail Them on Regular Designated Day*
17. Use Ring Notebooks with Replacement Paper (if non-computer)
18. Do Not Compare Yourself to Other Writers
19. History Lessons: Know that you did the best you could, made the right choice, given the tools/knowledge at the time.
20. Learn to say "no." *Busy Work

Other topics are: Pre-Plotting and Plotting/What Do You Want to Write?/ How to Get Ideas/Dependable Story Nuggets/Understanding the Givens/You Have Your Idea/Begin Laying Plot/3 Yellow Brick Roads/Editing the Plot Line/Style, Impact Writing.

This is a massive offering, almost a mini-course itself.  I spend a lot of time on Plotting, because I "came into" writing with strengths of basic characterization and dialogue. But I worked really hard to learn Plotting.

I plan to redo the plotting flow chart, but it's still there. I think basic computer programming and flow charts helped me to understand plotting early on. What works in programming's If-Then, works in creative writing.

I hope you'll visit my Writer Tips section at my website. There are several pages, and I'm reworking/editing sections, plus adding an E-Pub tips section later.

And be sure to subscribe to my E-Newsletter for more insider stuff, including contests.

Note: Discard the Read More. There is More but at my website. :)

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Pseudonym or Not

NIGHT FIRE The use of a pseudonym is constantly on the tabletop of writer issues. My personal experience is: I started with Cait Logan, this because my real name is too long and unappealing, according to editors. Since I wanted to be published after 7 years of effort--back in the typewriter/carbon days--I went with a pseudonym.

So that's how it began. Then Silhouette wanted a different pseudonym, despite writing in the same subgenre as my Cait Logan name, so Cait London came along. I thought that was clever at the time, the use of CL and developed all sorts of CL stuff for marketing. (Please visit my booklist for more information and links.)

But today, I'm here. Amid epublishing my backlist and with Avon and Silhouette publishing my other books. You can find links to my booklist here. But now, I'm placing all my romance subgenre (western, romantic suspense/category/paranormal, women's) under the Cait Logan "Brand".

"Brand" has a lot to do with an author's name. Basically, that means a product that readers believe will be within their expectations of certain dynamics, i.e. as Cait London, I write romance, so there will be romance.

There is much discussion about the use of pseudonyms, and why. (I just mentioned my reason.) One reason an author might start a new pseudonym is a technique known to boost sales--if the primary pseudonym does not have the desired sales. Many authors do this; many editors recommend it when sales figures sag.

But at this time, I see other authors who have used their real names their entire career. And I believe that makes marketing on Twitter, Google+ and other social media much easier.

Recently, I wrote a short story which is not a subgenre of romance, under the name of L.E. Klein. Writers often add new pseudonyms when diversifying into new writing realms. Diversification allows the readers to know exactly what "Brand" they can expect. For example, Jayne Ann Krentz, beloved by many, many readers, writes futuristic romantic suspense and suspense; Amanda Quick (another name) writes regencies, and as Stephanie James, she wrote for Silhouette or Jayne Castle in MacFadden years ago. Apologies to Jayne Ann, who is a super long-term author, if I mucked those up. I admire her very much.

Another example would be Barbara Samuel, writing earlier as Ruth Wind, writing now as Barbara O'Neal. Yet a perfect example would be Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb, again 2 different styles/branding.

Many erotica writers take pseudonyms to fit into the genre, and/or because they wish their privacy.

The benefits of a pseudonym boil down to: privacy and branding of different styles. The disadvantages are that it takes a lot of effort in cross-marketing to draw attention to a new pseudonym, and that there can be confusion in doing so. Cross-marketing isn't easy and calls for development of a whole new style of ad work and that takes tremendous energy.

All this is a difficult choice. A very individual choice per writer.

Do you think a writer should maintain one name, either real or a pseudonym, or diversify?

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Farewell 2011

With a brand new year at hand, I'm lining up my business projects along with personal goals. One of the most important skills any self-employed, including writers and artists (I'm doing a little of that now) can do is to learn to prioritize.


At the end of the year, a time I really enjoy, I think back upon the past year and what I've learned. Now that's a priority. What's important, and what isn't. Revamping some of the covers shown at the side was a must.


With respect to indy publishing my backlist, the building blocks of learning this whole thing were huge. I thought I'd share a little:


1. Software programs are moving right along/improving and easier to use with this new publishing development. Currently, I'm using the ever present Word to clean my scanned oldies. Then switching to OpenOffice/freeware to set Chapter Headings. That's easier for me. Also, OO has an Add-in, Write2Epub which creates easy .epub files.


Epub files are essential. Take them to Calibre, also freeware, to neaten up. (Almost everything you need is freeware.) And then check with a purchased program,  Jutoh, to see if .epub specs are met. Some home formatters are using Jutoh entirely. (It's a how-I learned when I started deal.:))


Typically, to start cleaning a Word file from a scanned book, it's best to do what you can, using the Find option in Word. I place a * at the beginning and at the end of an italics. This is important, because the cleanest file comes from copying the Word file and pasting and saving it in Notepad. (Again, that's how I learned to do it, much more intense than using Word's option.)


That cleaned file needs to be copied and then pasted back into Word, using the Special Paste option/Save.


If you're publishing to SmashWords, their guide to formatting is essential.

Keep in mind that there are professional services for the above. There's more, but that's the end of that segment.

Flashback 2. Ad work is essential. I haven't done enough of that and my goal in 2012 is to do more. This year, it was just enough to get started and understand different facets. Contests are ever popular and I put up a Contest page at my blog. Discovering which options work the best is a new project, along with an upcoming new one, Sleepless in Montana, a light romantic suspense.

Romantic suspense. The range of this subgenre is extensive, from light to dark. Sleepless in Montana, which I'm "dressing" for epublication now, is very light.

3. Reviews are essential. This comes under the goals list. My early books do not have Internet reviews, and I'll be out there looking for reviewers in 2012. If you are a reviewer, please let me know.

4. Buddy-Up. Find a group you like and work with it. You'll learn from others. I've joined a few, liked some, didn't fit into others, so it's a what you like. But they can help you. For instance, one writer, Elizabeth S. Craig posted a really helpful spreadsheet of Cover Designers, Editors, Formatters, etc.  I think Elizabeth may be one of the more interesting people I've E-Met in 2011. Do check out her site. Elizabeth keeps up her ad pressure in a style I admire. Which brings me to Google+, which is on my 2012 goal list.


I'm on 2 super E-Loops right now, chock full of information and support. Love those guys. I also rejoined Ninc this year, a group of all pros, who share and help.

5. As for Agents and Legacy/Paper Publishing: This evolution is changing the face of what they were, into what they are becoming. Ereaders, Fire, iPad2, etc. are changing the works. Some writers are placing their own works into paper, using CreateSpace, Lulu and others.

When Night Falls





My Goals for 2012, aside from the ever-present return-to-yoga, diet, painting: (In case you haven't experienced this, it is difficult to balance writing and painting. Projects hold you emotionally/mentally, ideas set in and are difficult to shift. I'm doing better, tho. :))

1. Learn more about Ad Work, the different touch points.
2. Get more reviewers on board.
3. Join Google+
4. Reassess Facebook. (I'm more of a Tweeter. :))
5. Finish another Jemma Kowalski mystery. (Short stories are difficult for me. I only did one because I was prodded by a friend. :))
6. Finish my new romantic suspense.
7. Publish my first Women's Fiction, now completed.
8. Close off what doesn't/didn't work in 2011, cleaning the clog.

In Review:
2011 was my Learning Year.
2012 continues the process, but with a step-up from learner.


I love this end of the year-time, setting goals for the new year, and prioritizing ongoing projects. I hope you're enjoying this time of year, too.


Happy New Year, Everyone!

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Writing: What Works/Sales

When Night Falls

What works best in marketing books?

It’s all debatable. The topics on the table right now are: Titles, Reviews, Bonus Material, Benefits of Twitter and Facebook, and always Covers.

Right now, I’m dealing with replacing a blah title on book I wrote years ago and am now publishing in eformat. Not a clue why the publishers wanted that title, but blah, blah blah. I’m indy publishing, so I can darn well do what I want with it.

When the book is originally published in traditional or legacy as some term it, it will already have reviews under that same title. That means when the title is republished in eformat that the reviews generally go with it. However, when re-titling the same work, those reviews can be lost.

Reviews. The essential sales piece and correct format is also essential. If epublishing some reviewing site require so many stars on the reviews, 10 at one place. Some require say 4 5-star reviews, and then some require a book blogger review, etc. Getting readers to review means asking them for a slice of time they could use elsewhere. But readers/writers please review?

Which brings us to the Snarky Review. Ah, people. Reviews are Subjective, which means they are taken in and appraised by the very individual and personal preferences of people reading them. Sometimes the story flows with the reader's expectations/values whatever. Or maybe not. Or maybe their having a bad day and nothing is going to hit him/her right. (It's like that with editors, too. :))

But some people delight in ripping apart, putting down, for whatever reason. "It was so awful. Wallbanger quality" is interesting. Because usually, when questioned, the book was so awful that they read it completely through and could remember exact passages. Personally, if I read a book that is really awful, I'm not reading it throughout. So, something held that reader.

In a writer's world, a snarky review can be the unfortunate result of another writer's jealousy. Sorry, but it happens. Some people just delight in that.

Writers pick up a few callouses, or they should, and not take these snarky reviews to heart, so deeply that it disturbs their real life. On the other hand, a good, thoughtful review can be used by the writer as an evaluation of better writing in their next story.

If you have a Kindle, there is a handy application at the end of the books, which you can use to review or to simply give stars. I try always to do this.

Flashback

But back to Titles. Typically, a book is titled to its market. A women’s fiction book may have a softer title than a mystery. (Personally, I stay away from Death, Kill, etc.) But in ereading, a catchy title may suit that market better.

Which brings us to the different ways a book can be published, but under the same title. Many writers with reverted titles, such as moi, are using Lulu or CreateSpace, and other publishers to create trade paper books. Generally, that title has to fit somewhere on the Cover. Use too many words and you’ve lost impact. Because… the author also has to have their name large enough for repeat buyers. Plus sticking a nice quote from a reviewer on the cover somewhere adds interest.

Too many words in the title is generally troublesome. We want titles to slap into reader’s memory banks, so they’ll remember what to buy. We want reviewers to remember the titles.

The question of Bonus Material came up recently. Bonus Material refers that little extra kiss at the end of the book. Make that kiss too long and you’ll lose some readers. Too short and they’ll feel as if you didn’t deliver. I’m not certain how I feel about Bonus Material. I wonder if it might not be better as a short story, if it is epublished. But in paper, naturally, it would need to be included at the end of the book.

At the end of the book, after The End, ad work is essential, especially in epublishing. That’s where we splash Subscribe To My Enewsletter, my website and blog. Or, in the case of my MacLean trilogy, the titles of all the other books.

Enewsletters are invaluable. Generally this means a consistent reader, who cares enough to stay attached to what you’re doing. I’ve got a contest running right now on my enewsletter, just a simple drawing that ends Dec 30 for an epublished book, The Loving Season (The MacLeans) first of the MacLeans.

Which brings us to the best mode of promotion. It seems like everyone has their own preference. Free books is generally a super promotion, which nudges sales on more books. I don’t have any free books at the moment, other than the drawings I’m having for my ebooks at Twitter, coming up soon.

Twitter is excellent promotion ground and so is Facebook. Goodreads and others.

But exactly how much promotion can a writer do, and still write?

Every day, writers balance promotion and writing and generally life. Everyday, they make choices on the topics above.

I'd love your comments on them.

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Contest Time

Flashback is doing well in sales, so I'm pretty happy about that. Here's the blurb:
Rachel Everly won’t stop until she uncovers every painful secret that led to her sister’s tragic decline and suicide. Who was the monster that drove Mallory into death? Facts point to Kyle Scanlon, a sexy mechanic and a thorn in Rachel’s side for years.
As Rachel returns to her oceanside home town and her sister’s haunting memory, she carries her own hidden terror. Driven to unravel her sister’s desperate passages, Rachel is also driven toward Kyle, who holds secrets of his own. He fears Rachel will follow her sister into the dark side. In the shadows, a killer waits to strike...
***

I'm getting set for contests, etc. in '12, so I hope you'll join my enewsletter, Twitter or Facebook groups. I especially love Twitter and learn a lot from the articles referenced there. Plus, I like keeping up with what the world at large and writers are doing, too.

I haven't decided which book to start off books for ereaders, but watch my Twitter posts. I'll specify for which ereader.

Special contests will pop up in my enewsletter. But meanwhile, I thought you might like to know what I'm doing this season....
  This is a photo taken near my house. I thought it would look great on some kind of a cover. Wish those were crows in lieu of starlings. I use a lot of photos and have to scan some older 35mm.

Gosh, 35mm. What a shame. I loved fiddling with those lens and filters. I got some great shots along the way, tho. Boxes of them.

  This is what we had for our non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner, apple dumplings in sauce. A little bit of work, especially if you make the dough as I did, but delicious, especially warmed with ice cream over the top.

Really, it's one of the best deserts ever.

  Here are some little kids' Christmas presents, easy, fun, cheap and sure to be appreciated.

These are pillowcases for little travel pillows. Guess what? Big adults like them, too.

To see what else I'm doing for Christmas, click Read More....


  I'm still working on this one, but my goal was to start painting again this year.

It's really scary to pick up brushes and paints again, after so long. This one is "cooling", a time to stand back and think about what is that last change.

It's like writing. When finished, it's good to take a pause, sit back, do something else and the masterpiece "cool". Some great twist, etc. or change is sure to pop up. But so important to get some distance from the piece.

I hope you enjoyed the visit and don't forget to sign up for my enewsletter, because I'm starting contests there in '12.

Whew! I just made it before the end of the year. :)

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