How Planning Can Help You Avoid Plot Holes

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There is no one correct writing style. Find what works for you. Here are some things that helped me a long my novel-writing journey.

Before I Start Writing:

  • I am a plotter or a planner. I do an outline for each chapter before I start writing the book. It’s usually in paragraph (narrative) form instead of the way your fourth-grade teacher taught you. When I start writing, I make notes all over it.

  • I find that I can write much faster, and the story is much more organized if I map it out. When I tried to “pants” it, it took my years to finish the book.

  • I mark the funny scenes, red herrings, key mystery points, and romantic elements in different colors, so I can visually see where they are in the story.

The Outline

  • This helps me know what happens in each chapter.

  • It also causes me to make sure all open items get resolved before the end of the story.

  • By thinking through the contents of each chapter, I don’t usually get stuck on a story point that bogs down the writing.

  • I still have a day gig, so I write in small chunks in the morning and at lunch. The outlines helps me start and stop a session without having to play too much catch up.

  • By the time I start to write, I know the killer, victim, and the motive. I’ve also thought through the motives and means of the other characters.

  • The outline helps me see where my story is plausible or just off base.

I usually follow my outlines, but there are time when the characters get their own ideas, and things go off script. The outline also helps me when I have to write the synopsis or marketing materials for the book.

Mentoring - The Benefits are on Both Sides

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I love being a mentor. It’s an honor to get to work with others and assist them with their careers and writing journeys. I enjoy listening to others as they explore their paths and look for opportunities.

Through the years, I’ve been a manager of staff and interns, teacher, coach, and mentor. It takes time and energy and some planning, but I get so much out of these sessions.

It’s always good to have a plan and goals for what each person gets out of the program. It’s also good to set ground rules up front for meeting times and other housekeeping items. I love to talk, but as a mentor, listening is key. I let my partner set the agenda topics, and I check in on goals and progress.

These sessions are great opportunities to get to know others and to talk about the creative things they are doing and to maybe assist with some roadblocks. At work, we often talk about how to navigate the policies and procedures, career paths, and developmental opportunities. When I meet with authors, we usually talk about publishing trends, goals for their work, expectations of readers, and book marketing and promotion.

I have met some amazing people through these mentoring programs over the years. It’s an opportunity to share, and the benefits happen on both sides.

Avoiding Obsolescence

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The other day, I was having a conversation with someone who remarked that he didn’t feel the need to take any more training. He knew what he needed and wasn’t going to invest any more time or money on any type of class or workshop. I immediately felt a pang of sadness. If we’re not lifelong learners, we get stagnate and become obsolete. It’s too easy to get comfortable, and it’s also important not to let technology and the world pass you by. Here are a few things you can do to keep up your writing and marketing skills.

  • Join a writer’s group. There are so many that are in-person or virtual, and they offer all kinds of free and low-cost workshops, training, and programs.

  • Check out your local library. Many have a variety of programs and training available.

  • Use Google and YouTube. Chances are someone has created some how-to for any subject that you’re looking for. I always start here when I’m looking for how to do something.

  • Many software companies offer training on their products or ways to creatively use their software. I use Canva and BookBrush, and they both have wonderful libraries and classes.

  • LinkedIn Learning and other training companies offer subscriptions for their classes. This is a way to beef up technology and softer skills.

  • If you want to improve your public speaking skills, check out your local Toastmasters. It is a wonderful organization that teaches the fundamentals (and advanced skills) and provides feedback in helpful way. I am so grateful for all that I learned in Toastmasters. It helped me along on my author path.

What else would you add to my list?

Tips for Moderating a Panel

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It’s always exciting when you’re asked to moderate a panel, especially one with writers. Here are some ideas to help you with planning and facilitating:

Planning

  • Once you have the topic, draft a list of questions. Make sure you have extras in case you have time. Be creative. Don’t has the ones that are always used.

  • Not every question has to be for every panel member. Mark which ones are for which speaker and which ones are for the entire group.

  • Review them with your panel and get their feedback.

  • Be familiar with your panelists’ biographies and books.

  • Have a quick meeting or send an email to your panel giving them the details (e.g. any pre-meetings, what to bring, and any logistics).

Moderating 101

  • Make sure everyone gets a turn in the spotlight. No one should dominate the presentation. And mix up the order. You don’t always have to move left to write down the table.

  • Keep time and keep the discussion flowing. (That’s when the extra questions come in handy if you have time to fill.)

  • Keep order. Hopefully, everyone is a professional, but you may need to step in every once in a while to keep the discussion moving. Barb Goffman and Ramona DeFelice Long taught me about signals. Each had a signal that she told the panel about. For an example, a knock on the table indicated time was up.

  • Grace Topping taught me to ask your authors to provide short biographies and as the moderator, introduce your panel. It allows you to brag on their accomplishments, and you can keep the introductions short.

  • Grace also recommended that moderators shouldn’t throw out a question to the entire group without specifying who should start. It often causes an awkward silence until someone volunteers an answer.

Wrapping it up

  • Always leave time for questions.

  • Make sure to ask the panelists what’s next for them.

  • Thank your panel, your hosts, and your audience.

  • Make sure that the audience knows if there is a book signing or any other instructions they need.

What would you add to my list?

What Have You Done Lately for Your Author Journey?

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Every year, I help my team write their annual goals, and a big component of this is their developmental work. I work in IT, and technology and best practices are constantly changing. As an author, you need to continue your learning experiences to stay current with trends and to hone your skills. Here are some ideas:

  • Take a class. Many libraries, writing organizations, and other organizations sponsor courses that appeal to writers. There are also thousands of YouTube videos that will show you how to do all kinds of things.

  • Learn a new technology that will help you with your marketing (editing videos, creating memes, putting together a newsletter…).

  • Learn how to use a social media platform that you haven’t joined yet.

  • Attend a workshop or an author panel. There are so many available in-person and online.

  • Attend a conference.

  • Find the SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) online. Many have websites, tutorials, podcasts, and newsletters.

  • Check out your local library’s website and look at all the programming and opportunities they offer.

  • Many alumni associations, neighborhood associations, and civic groups offer programs for their members.

  • Visit your local bookstores and check out their program calendars.

What else would you add to my list?

In Honor of International Hat Day - The Many Hats of a Writer

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Happy International Hat Day! When I decided that I wanted to be a writer in elementary school, my vision was to write books and cash royalty checks. Until the first book contract arrived, I had no idea of all the aspects of the job. Here are a few things I learned along the way…

Always Wear Your Helmet

  • Vet all publication and representation offers.

  • Make sure you have a contract (even for work for hire).

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Research Is Important

  • Even fiction writers need to do research.

  • Do your homework for your writing and your business.

  • Check all your facts.

  • Keep good notes.

  • Vet your resources.

Just Write

  • BICFOK (Butt in Chair - Fingers on Keyboard)

  • Focus your attention and write.

  • Set writing goals that work for you to help you stay on track.

  • Finish your first draft.

Editing is the Most Important Part

  • Proofread and then proofread again.

  • Fact check your work for inconsistencies.

  • Read as a reader. Is the story captivating? (If you’re bored reading it, your readers will be, too.)

  • Find a critique partner or group for feedback.

  • Use your word processor’s read aloud function to listen to the text, especially dialog.

  • Edit. Revise. Repeat.

  • Make sure that your work is the best it can be.

Marketing is Expected

  • Create your platform (website, blog, socials, newsletter).

  • Build your social media and newsletter list followings. It takes time.

  • Know who your readers are and what social media platform they use.

  • Promotion is expensive. Figure out what works for you and set a budget.

Find Your Crew

  • Network with other writers.

  • Join writers’ groups.

  • Volunteer.

  • Go to conferences and workshops.

  • Join online groups.

And always celebrate your wins!

Don't Be That Author!

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I will always remember the story the HR Director at my first job told me about why people should always be professional. One day, he came back from lunch, and a young woman cut him off and slid into his parking space. Then to add insult to injury, she flipped him off when he honked his horn. The pair would meet again inside the building, and I would have loved to have seen her face when she discovered that he was conducting her job interview.

We all know the divas, the complainers, the control freaks, and the hangers-on. They are in every group. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from so many different people that they treasure authors who are easy to get along with.

Here are some things to remember, so you don’t turn into that author.

  • Always be professional. People talk, and you don’t want to get a reputation for all the wrong reasons.

  • Pick your battles and stand up for yourself, but do it in a way that doesn’t burn bridges. I always ask myself how big a deal something is. Sometimes, things are nonnegotiable, and other times, they really don’t matter. I try to save my energy for the important things.

  • Make sure you read your contracts and know all of your deadlines and obligations. Figure out the best way for you to manage your calendar and your time. You don’t want to be the unreliable one.

  • If you volunteer for something, do your best to meet the commitment. Put the date/time/location on your calendar as soon as it is confirmed.

  • Learn how to say no. It’s hard. You want to be included and don’t want to disappoint people, but you can’t do everything.

  • Make sure you’re a contributor. We all know the lurker who reaps all the benefits, but never puts in any effort or takes on any of the work.

  • If you find out you can’t make a deadline for some reason, reach out and communicate as early as possible. Sometimes, you can reschedule.

  • Remember that the administrators of many Facebook groups, book reviewers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers are usually volunteers, and this isn’t their day job. You may need to extend some grace if your email isn’t answered as quickly as you would like.

Keyboard Shortcuts Save Time - Tips for Writers

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Keyboard shortcuts can save writers some time. Here are quick ones for that can help as you write.

  • Ctrl + C = Copy

  • Ctrl + V = Paste

  • Ctrl + Z = Undo Last Function

  • Ctrl + B = Bold Text

  • Ctrl + I = Italicize Text

  • Ctrl + U = Underline Text

  • Ctrl + = (Equal Sign) = Subscript

  • Ctrl + + (Plus Sign) = Superscript

  • Ctrl + F = Find

  • Ctrl + P = Print

  • Ctrl + S = Save

  • Ctrl + O = Open a File

  • Ctrl + A = Select All

  • Ctrl + 1 = Single Space

  • Ctrl + 2 = Double Space

  • Ctrl + 5 = 1.5 Spacing

Microsoft Outlook Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + R = Reply

  • Ctrl + Shift + M = Create New Email

  • Ctrl + 3 = Open Contacts

Shortcuts on the Ribbon

When in a Microsoft product, click the Alt key, and letters and numbers will appear in black squares on the ribbon.

Type the letter or number combination in the black box to activate that function. If the black boxes disappear, just press the ALT key again. To make the black boxes disappear, click Alt.

This is a quick way to access all of the keyboard shortcuts without any memorizing.