A friend sent me this link to a western novel syllabus: http://shenandoahliterary.org/snopes/
It’s very interesting–and challenging. But for anyone interested in the background of western novels, this is a great introduction to tackle on your own.
(Thanks, Vin)
From: THE WRITE STUFF Writing News for the Sunshine State & the Solar System
The Caddo tribe (of eastern Texas) gave us the word for Texas (“friend”). On the Texas page, you can track the words of the Apaches, Comanches, the Wichita tribes, and others: http://www.native-languages.org/texas.htm
Break the rules to become a best-seller
Rob Eager, author consultant and founder of Wildfire Marketing, says the old rules for successful authors no longer work. Instead, he has come up with five successful marketing strategies, including “Created a free resource that was featured for 21 days on more than 350 radio stations.”
http://www.livewritethrive.com/2013/04/15/break-the-rules-to-become-a-best-seller/
And read the comments.
Stylebook update:
Debra Saunders notes that the Associated Press has changed its stylebook to reject the term “illegal immigrant.” She says: “Make no mistake about this decision. Whatever prompted the change, its practical effect is to delegitimize those who have called for tougher enforcement of U.S. immigration law.” News media are using the term “undocumented immigrants” instead.
Filed under Book marketing, Writers, writing, Writing blogs
From: THE WRITE STUFF:
(Writing News for the Sunshine State & the Solar System
www.northfloridawriters.org * Editor: Howard Denson * April 2013)
1. 6 Twitter Tips That Sell Books
Here are six ways authors can use Twitter to create excitement for their books:
–Tell your followers what you’re writing, and ask them what they’d like to see included in the book. If they feel a part of it, they’ll be more encouraged to buy it.
–Push followers to your Pinterest boards. Fiction writers, create a board around products that one of your main characters would love using. How-to authors, create boards on how to solve a specific problem that’s the topic of your book.
–Tweet your book as you’re writing it. Create excitement for the book by letting followers know about things like an expert or celebrity who has agreed to be interviewed for the book, or that your press kit is complete, or that you’ve lined up four more book signings.
–Fiction authors, for one day, write tweets in the voice of one of your characters. You can really have fun with this.
–Schedule a TweetChat about the topic of your book, and answer readers’ questions. Set it up using their simple three-part process.
–In every tweet related to your book, use a hashtag, which is the symbol # followed by a word, or a few short words, from the title of your book. This lets people follow the conversation.
I’ll be sharing dozens more tips like these when I’m the guest expert from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28, on the webinar “How to Use Twitter to Sell More Books.” It’s hosted by Christine Buffaloe and part of a 10-part series on “Social Media KISS for Authors.” KISS stands for “keep it simple and serene.”
Chris was the guest expert during the first three webinars that concentrated on Facebook profiles for authors, how to create your Facebook page to sell more books, and how to market your books on Facebook. The content rocks. And if you THINK you know Facebook, you’ll be amazed at what Chris is teaching.
Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”
Filed under Book marketing, Writers, writing
Here’s a truly useful article on the Writer’s Digest website by Nancy Kress about character types and motivation. I love her examples: http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/4-ways-to-motivate-characters-and-plot?et_mid=608359&rid=3142327
I’m up to three boards on Pinterest now. Learning and pinning–and trying again–takes a lot of time!! I want to create a board for critters, but I’m trying to think of a cooler title. Here’s the link to my book covers, my friends’ book covers, and some beautiful garden pictures–and toad houses. Well, I like making the garden more interesting and giving those little toads homes.
Filed under book covers, E-books, Science Fiction, writing
Here’s a link to Author Spotlight: Joy V. Smith: http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/author-spotlight-no-183-joy-v-smith/
I got the chance to talk about my writing and stories. Thanks, Morgen! I’ll be posting links to my Pinterest boards later. I only joined Pinterest a couple days ago; I spent a lot of time shrieking and begging for help, but I’ve got a few book covers and other things “pinned.”
Here’s the blurb I created for Blurbs in Bloom. It’s beautiful (enjoy the roses): http://www.blurbsinbloom.com/2013/03/detour-trail.html
Filed under Book marketing, E-books, romance, westerns, writing
My press release is out: http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release-service/333541
Filed under Book marketing, E-books, Newspapers, press releases, westerns, Writers, writing, Writing blogs
From Amazon emaiL:
Guy Kawasaki has some great advice on how and why to use Amazon Author Central in his latest book, APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur—How to Publish Your Book. We asked Guy what tips he has for getting the most out of Author Central:
“Think of your Amazon Author Page as your online identity as an author. Here’s how to use Author Central to create a great Author Page:
• Provide a high-quality profile photo— Your photo should depict you as someone who is likable, trustworthy, and competent. Your face should dominate the photo–don’t include your kids, spouse, car, or cat. The picture should be in-focus, without red-eye, and with a light source in front of you.
• Ensure your biography is complete and up to date— This is where you need to prove to people that you have the street cred to write a book. Think of this as your elevator pitch as if you’re applying for a job.
• Use all your weapons— This means investing the time to include your blogs and social-media accounts. That said, if you’re no longer blogging or using a social-media account, then don’t include them. The goal here is show that you’re an engaged and engaging person.
• Cut to the chase— Let your writing and reviews do the talking. Don’t describe yourself or your writing as innovative,” “inspiring,” and “irresistible.” Bragging makes you look clueless. Let the stars do the talking.“
Here’s a link to Guy’s Author Page updated with photos, and links to his blog and tweets:
http://amazon.com/author/guykawasaki
Author Pages are viewed by millions of readers each month. Managing your Author Page is easy. Simply log into Author Central at https://authorcentral.amazon.com and go to the Profile tab to update your information. If you haven’t done so already, you can claim your own easy to remember Author Page web address to share on your blog and social networks.
Sincerely,
The Author Central Team
https://authorcentral.amazon.com
P.S. Feel free to forward this email to friends who are authors
