Writerly, Bookish, and Fun Resources

/

I subscribe to a lot of newsletters and podcasts, and I want to share some interesting ones with you. These are great for research and ideas.

Newsletters - I love keeping up with authors and what they’re writing, and bookish events. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

Podcasts

What are your favorite newsletters and podcasts?

Some Things to Think about if You Write a Series

/

If you think you want to write a series, there are some things to think about when you’re writing and revising.

  • Create connectors or mentions (of characters and events) and sprinkle them in without providing spoilers.

  • Think about your character arcs. Do you want them to grow or change? Some series, the character is basically the same age. In others, the change jobs, get married, get divorced, and age as time passes.

  • Have an idea for the plots and stories as you’re writing. You may want to have some kind of reference at the end that sets up the story for the next book.

  • Think about whether readers can read the series out of order and still enjoy the book. Some dedicated series readers read them only in order. Other readers find you mid-series.

  • Make sure there is going to be a next book if you write a cliffhanger. Readers don’t like to be left “not knowing.”

  • For fiction series where you have recuring characters and new ones, you may want to have a short list at the beginning for a reader reference.

What else would you add to my list?

10 Things I Learned Along My Writing Journey

/

There have been a lot of lessons learned along my writing journey, and I am sure that there are more to come. Here’s my list of the top ten so far.

  1. Don’t give up. Keep writing.

  2. Treat your writing like a business.

  3. Guard your writing time. It’s precious.

  4. Find your crew to help you celebrate and get through the rough times.

  5. Keep your biography and your headshot current.

  6. Write your synopsis and marketing documents after you finish a round of editing. Your characters and story will be fresh in your mind.

  7. Keep a up to date character list for your book and series.

  8. Record dates, contacts, and key information when you agree to do something, and keep your calendar up to date.

  9. Keep good records. Keep all your receipts. Tax time always seems to be around the corner.

  10. When you type “the end,” put down your manuscript for a few days before you start editing and revising.

Ways to Spark Your Creativity

/

Sometimes, you just don’t feel like writing or the words won’t flow. Or maybe, you just have a case of the blahs. Here are some ideas you may want to try to recharge or reenergize.

  • Start another creative project where you have to use your hands. Learn a new craft or a new skill.

  • Volunteer. Many organizations are looking for people to do a variety of tasks. A change of scenery is always good. And giving back is important.

  • Take a class or a course. It’ll spark ideas, and you have the opportunity to learn something new. There are so many few free or low-cost courses.

  • Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride or start a new exercise routine. It’s good for your health, and the endorphins always stimulate creativity. And if you have a dog, he or she would love to go on an adventure.

  • Get out your camera or phone and go on a photo safari. You can always blog about your adventures, share them in your newsletter, or use them on your social media sites.

  • If you can swing it, plan a get-away. Mini-vacations are a great way to recharge. If your budget or schedule doesn’t allow for a trip, plan a get-away day near your home. Play tourist or just visit some interesting sites. A change of scenery will do wonders for your outlook.

  • Schedule a meet up or online call with your writer buddies. A “plotting” party where everyone throws out ideas for stories is a great way to get recharged and ready to write. I always leave with some new ideas that I want to explore.

  • Organize a closet, your desk, or your junk drawer. Putting things in order creates a sense of accomplishment and spruces up your space.

  • Make sure you do have a writing crew. Writing is lonely, and you do need your support folks. Get together and plan a new project or just chat. Sometimes, you need a break.

What would you add to my list?

Books, Writing and Other Literary "Holidays" for Authors

/

The holiday season is upon us, and here’s my list of special days for authors that have book, writing, or literary themes in October, November, and December.

October

  • 1 - International Coffee Day

  • 3-5 National Story-telling Weekend

  • 6 - American Libraries Day

  • 9 - Harry Potter Day

  • 16 - Dictionary Day

  • 20 - National Day of Writing

  • 22 - CAP LOCKS DAY

November

  • 1 - Authors’ Day, National Family Literacy Day

  • 3 - Fill Your Stapler Day

  • 7 - Fountain Pen Day

  • 10 - Sesame Street Day

  • 13 - World Kindness Day

  • 15 - I Love to Write Day

December

  • 2 - Giving Tuesday

  • 4 - National Cookie Day

  • 8 - National Crosswords Solvers Day

  • 10 - Dewey Decimal System Day

  • 12 - National Cocoa Day

  • 15 - National Cupcake Day

  • 20 - Poet Laureat Day

  • 21 - Celebrate Short Fiction Day

What's in A Name? Titles for Books

/

I’ve been asked a few times over the years about how to title a book or what I should name a book. Here are some things that work for me.

Know How It Works - If you are traditionally published, the publisher has the final say on the title. I have always had to provide the working titles of the books in the initial proposal, and I’ve been fortunate that they have agreed with my choices.

Books can have the same title. You may want to Google your title ideas to see what other books have the same name. If they are in different genres, you may not want folks to confuse them.

Themes - I primarily write cozy mysteries. We like puns and things that are related.

The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries all have rhyming titles with a hint about the crime. Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers, Film Crews and Rendezvous, Christmas Lights and Cat Fights, Deadlines and Valentines, Teddy Bears and Ghostly Lairs, Hazardous Links and Hijinks

The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries are have nursery rhymes that have gone bad in some way. Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones, Twinkle Twinkle Au Revoir, A Tisket A Tasket Not Another Casket, Life is But a Scream, Down Came the Rain and Washed the Body Out, One Two Buckle My Blue Suede Shoes

The Pearly Girls Mysteries all have a musical theme that ties into the history of the property in the series. Murder Strikes a Chord, Murder Plays Second Fiddle, Murder Whets Its Whistle

Double (or Triple Meanings) - The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, The Pearly Girls Mysteries, and all of my short stories hold a hint about the story and the crime. Here are some examples from my short stories.

  • “Washed up”

  • “Spring Cleaning”

  • “Par for the Course”

  • “Art Attack”

  • “Derailed”

  • “Out of Commission”

  • “Dead over Heels”

  • “Game Over”

7 Things Writers Should be Doing

/

Last week, I posted about things that writers need to stop doing. (I know it’s hard. We all get caught up in the stresses, disappointments, and distractions.) This week, I’m focusing on the things writers (at whatever stage of their journey) should be doing. Here’s my list:

  1. Writing. That should go without saying, but sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the marketing, events, and other things that the writing takes a back seat. The fabulous Alan Orloff explained the key to writing to me a long time ago. It’s BICFOK. (Butt in Chair; Fingers on Keyboard.)

  2. Make sure you have a website. And if you have one, make sure it’s current. Nobody visits a stagnate site. If you are prepublished, you can still create a website with an about you section, a blog, and the events that you’re attending. Start building your following early. Interesting, entertaining content keeps readers interested.

  3. Find where your readers are on social media and make sure you have a presence there. Most of my readers are on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I focus my energies there, but I also have a presence on the other sites. Build your following. It takes time. I spent the months between signing the contract and waiting for edits and publication to build my following. Your social media sites need constant attention. People ignore stagnant or boring sites.

  4. Make sure you have a newsletter/email list. You own this list, and it’s full of people who are interested in you and your writing. If a social media site shuts down or you’re banned, then you lose your contacts. If you are prepublished, you can still start a list. Take it with you to events and have people sign up on your website. This is one of your most valuable marketing tools, and it's often overlooked.

  5. Invest in a professional headshot. Selfies are good for your socials, but they are not what you want for book covers and publicity. You need a high quality, high resolution photo that can be reproduced in a variety of sizes.

  6. Treat your writing as a business. When I acted like my writing was a hobby, my family and friends also treated it like that. I had to start scheduling my writing time and telling people that I was working. It is work. And learn about the business side that involves contracts, negotiations, money, sales tax, tax laws…the list goes on and on.

  7. Take care of yourself. Don’t stress or overwork yourself to the point that you’re not sleeping, eating right, or exercising. You are your brand and what makes all of this possible.

What would you add?

5 Things That Writers Should Stop Doing

/

I’m often asked at presentations and writers conferences what should writers stop doing. What are things that may not be as helpful to one’s writing journey? So, here’s my list.

  1. Stop procrastinating. Sit down and write the book. You can edit a bad or sad draft. You can’t edit a blank page. Talking about writing a book is not writing a book.

  2. Stop comparing yourself to others. We are all on a writing journey, and we’re at different stages. Plus, something that works for one person, may not work for another. Be you. That’s what makes your writing unique.

  3. Stop listening to that negative voice in your head. (Not the one that is warning you about danger…the one that is making you feel bad.) The writing journey is a rollercoaster and imposter syndrome is real. But if you really want to write and publish a book. You need to make up your mind to try. Sit down and write.

  4. Stop wallowing. When you get bad news (we all do), have your own pity party. Do what it takes to get over it…exercise, scream, eat chocolate, cry, rant to your dog, and then see what you can learn from the experience and move on. Those that spend weeks, months, and years wallowing, waste all their creative energy on something they probably can’t change.

  5. Stop playing at writing. Writing is a business. If you want to be a published author, then treat your writing as such. Learn your craft, learn how to market, learn the business side of it, and network with other authors. Build your social media presence and put yourself out there. Do your research, do your homework, and write.

What else would you add to my list?