Summer Unleashed

UPDATE: I have just finished the second draft of Charmed - I'm Sure. It turned out a little differently than I expected, but I like it. It's sort of a picture book for pre-teens. Is such a thing out there? Maybe it's a short story. In just a few minutes I'll post it on my blog here - at least a portion of it - and then I'll ask for takers on what you think the genre is.

Here is the direct link in case you found this post first.

This is my second time sitting in front of this screen today.

The first time, I wasn't sure what I wanted to write. I had multiple reasons why I didn't want to and no ideas.

All it took was a lunch break and time to think over what mattered to me.

Here are some thoughts:

I want to begin a new writing project.

A few years ago - I'm not even sure when the idea came - I was doing an interview for a blog and an idea for a picture book came to me. Fortunately, I wrote all of the ideas down, unfortunately, I lost these ideas until, just last week, I found some time and, in cleaning out my files, I found them again.

I'm not going to tell you a lot about the book other than to say that having a charmed life is not really what any of us want even if we think we do. 

Life isn't about perfection, it's about dirt and muck under our fingernails. It's about secrets that aren't kept and people that don't really like you. It's about people who want to serve but think too highly of themselves. It's about work. It's about doing what you don't like to do and aching muscles that tell you how old you're really getting.

Photo by Meg Jenson on Unsplash

Next, I want to spend some time marketing. I'm not really sure as I'm typing this what sort of marketing I'm going to do, but I'm going to do something, and I'd like that something to be original, especially since I have two books that should be ready for publishing by the end of this year. [I'm giving myself plenty of time because both of these books were supposed to be ready this spring. :)]

I want to do a lot of reading this summer. I want to pay attention to how authors write, how they put words together, and how they get you to feel the story behind the words. 

Do you have some writing goals for this summer? I would love to hear them.

Kathryn

Writer's Quiz - What's your IQ?

I get asked questions all of the time about writing, publishing, and marketing, and these questions keep coming up. So today I decided to put the most frequently asked questions here. Take the short quiz and see how you do.

1. When writing a picture book, an author must send their illustrations to the publisher along with the text. True or False?

2. One great thing about a traditional publisher is that they will do all of the marketing for you. True or False?

3. Great editing is just as important as writing a great story. True or False?

4. If you're an artist as well as an author, save some money by doing your own book cover and/or illustrations. True or False?

5. Market the heck out of your book after it comes out. True or False?

6. Book stores are the best places to sell your book. True or False?

7. It's a good idea to write in different book genres. True or False?

8. Getting your book in libraries is easy. True or False?

Have your answers? Take a peek below the books.

Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

1. False. Never send artwork with your manuscript unless the publisher asks for it. They have their own illustrators on staff. If you're not going the traditional route, ask before you send them.

2. False. Traditional publishers may have you on their website or in their catalog, but most of the marketing will be up to you.

3. True. But a great story is also paramount. If your book is well-edited but your story is poorly written, you will not sell it either.

4. False. If you are just starting out, find a professional to do the artwork. Don't invite your mother or your brother to do your artwork unless they have extensive experience. People do judge a book by its cover. If you can't afford a professional, see what you can find in the way of stock photos that usually come at a cheaper price.

5. False. Market the heck out of your book before it comes out, and continue to market it after it comes out. The first thing you need? A website with a blog.

6. False. Books stores are okay. The best places to sell your books are where readers are less likely to expect them. Consider craft fairs, children's toy stores, and hair salons.

7. True. At least from my point of view. I write in different genres and have various types of readers. Writing in one genre would limit sales as well as connections to different readers. 

8. False. Getting your books in libraries is tough. Have your friends and family make calls to your local library requesting your book - they won't put your book in the library just because you, the author, ask them to do it. Try libraries in small towns. They are much more open to having your book on their shelves, especially if it's self-published.

How did you do? 

7-8 correct. You know your stuff. You could teach a class.

5-6 correct. You're learning the ropes. Lean on an experienced writer friend to make sure you are jumping through all of the hoops.

3-4 correct. Check out some writer's books. Take some notes. 

0-2 correct. Just today you thought, "Hey, maybe I should be a writer!" Now, take the next step above. 

How to Get More Writing Done in 5 Simple Steps

1. Get up early. Get up and write before you do anything else. That may mean you get up at 5 a.m. and go to bed at 9:30 p.m. 

2. Treat your writing as a career instead of a hobby. Call it your morning job. 

3. Focus on writing versus editing. Write, write, write for at least half an hour. Whatever comes out. No matter how it comes out.

4. Find a place to write where you will actually write and not be distracted. Prepare the space in advance with the things you need - something to drink, a pen, sticky notes... whatever you typically have to get up and look for.

5. Work on more than one project at once. If you have writer's block on one project, do the other one.

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Have I been asleep?

Yes, it's been a few days since I last posted. I'm going through this sort of burn-out phase; not burnout from writing, mind you. Just a burnout from my daily job.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I work with kids - kindergarten through 2nd grade mostly, and they're great! I get hugs, hi's, and waves when they see me in the hall. I work in small group settings and one-on-one settings for those who really need it. 

But after a full day of putting out my best self, let's just say my body wants to lay on the couch for a while and do nothing. Often, I take a nap, and sometimes I watch mindless television. It's all I can do really. I'm not even up to reading a book.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

If you're like me, I want to hear from you. What do you do to stay motivated after a long day of work? When do you fit in your writing time when it's all you can do to be a couch potato?

 

5 + Smart Strategies for Writers

Five powerful strategies that have kept me writing. 

1. Get up early. Write. [No excuses!] Your brain is fresher in the morning and less clogged with the duties of the day. 

2. Write when you don't feel like it. This includes all other times of the day when you could be writing but don't. I always keep a notebook with me. Record scenes, dialogue, or your next book title at doctors' offices, etc. 

3. Don't live on guilt trips. If you don't write one day, start fresh the next. But don't use your missed opportunity as an excuse not to begin again.

4. Share what you are working on with others in a general sense, but try not to share your entire plot! You want others to read your book after all.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

5. Don't give up. Never. Don't surrender. Don't live in doubt. Don't expect overnight success. Know that hard work will always be required to be a great writer. 

What's Happening at Two Authors Books & a Beverage Club?

TODAY'S THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE DRAWING TO WIN "MARKETING YOUR BOOK ON A BUDGET"! HAVE YOU ENTERED?

Let's talk about writing and reading!

Ask me a writing question! A publishing or marketing question!

I'll be on the front page of Two Authors... until the end of the month!

Did you hear about this? [Update]

I will be the guest author at Two Authors, Books & a Beverage Club on January 4 at 7 p.m. I will be checking back frequently after that for the rest of the month to answer your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing.

Be thinking about the questions you'd like to ask me. Questions, such as: How long does it typically take you to write a book? What book is your favorite? How much research do you typically do? How do you choose your characters? How do you find a publisher? How do you know if you've found the right publisher for you? What is the most important tool for marketing? How much money do you typically spend on marketing? What have you done in marketing that has produced results? 

As Winnie the Pooh would say: Think. Think. Think.

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

I have questions of my own that I have been gathering for you. Questions such as: What's the first book you remember reading? Have you read a book more than once? If so, what was the title? How many times have you read it? Have you read any of my books? If so, what one was your favorite, and why? How do you choose what books you want to read? Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?

As a heads-up on the last question. Knowing my answer may prove valuable to you come January 4th. 

A couple of books at once is usually the rule for me, and typically a fiction book at the same time I am reading a nonfiction book so as not to confuse things.

So get thinking, and I'll see you soon!

Kathryn

What do you do when writing your next blog post becomes a pain?

Ho ho.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

When I get feeling this way it's a good sign that I need to write something - anything - and hopefully something that is worth reading.

I have been thinking about my last book signing and the people I met there. Initially, I wasn't invited simply because they had another author they wanted. When the author cancelled, I was called. I almost said no. It's not always the best feeling in the world to be the second choice.

But something at the back of my mind said to do it. It was a bit painful to swallow my pride and go for it, but I'm glad I did.

And because I did, miracles happened.

Do you ever find yourself at the right place at the right time? And in that place, have you ever had others tell you that there was no mistake?

That's how I felt at this last book signing, amidst all of the crafters and sellers of homemade goods. I didn't sell out, but I did sell to some pretty terrific readers. And we had some pretty connective experiences together. You know the kind. It's like you've always known the person, not a 'significant other' person, just someone who is traveling the same road.

I was pretty blown away by all of the kind words, listening ears, and spiritually connective experiences. Even almost a week later, I sit here in wonderment and feel the need to thank you.

Thank you for supporting me in my work. Thank you for your kindnesses to me. Thank you for being an example of hope. We need hope right now more than we've ever needed it. And I thank you for not only talking the talk but walking the walk.

May your Christmas season be blessed.

Kathryn

Five Tips For New Writers

Short but true:

Don't expect instant success.

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

Write every day, yes, even when you don't feel like it.

Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash

Take advice from others, but don't let it keep you from writing.

Photo by Nadir sYzYgY on Unsplash

Write what you love, but try new things.

Photo by Arif Riyanto on Unsplash

Never guess. I mean it. Research is almost as important as your next breath.

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

The Best Tip EVER for WRITERS!

You probably know it. And the answer isn't reading a lot, or making sure your grammar is perfect, or even having a professional editor edit your work.

The answer is

WRITE

Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

This is a tough one for most of us. You've probably heard about the wishful writer. "I really want to write a book." And then, the next year you see them and they say, "I really need to write that book." And the next year...

Other writers put off writing because they are too busy. They treat writing as a hobby - maybe even below a hobby if that's possible. "I will write when I'm not working full-time." "I will write tomorrow." I will write...

"I'm not really good. Who will read my stuff?" You're 'write' of course. You will never be any good unless you write. And you are also 'write' that most people won't read your stuff in the beginning, but a few will, and as you continue to write that list will grow.

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

"I want to write but I don't have anything worthy to write." Let's haul it out, okay? The truth is, you have a lot to write about. Who has lived your life? Who has experienced your stuff? If you want to write fiction, pick a genre, and go for it!

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

"I started to write but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, and so I quit." Start again! Writing is NOT supposed to be EASY, it's supposed to be REWARDING and LIFECHANGING, for yourself and those who read your work.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

No more excuses, okay?

Just sit down, right now, and write.

I know you can do it.

Kathryn

5 Tricks That Will Make You a Better Writer

Halloween is almost upon us, but I don't remember the last time one of my grandchildren was asked to do a trick at someone's door over getting a free treat.

With writing, however, tricks remain one of the greatest treats of creating your best work.

Allow me to share 5:

1. Getting out. Like the ghouls and boys at Halloween, you must venture out to get that well-craved treat. You can't expect to stay home (unless you're the parent) and receive your favorite chocolates. The same is true with the better writers who go out - not just to work or to the grocery store - but on a planned visit. Taking a walk is good, so is visiting the park, taking in a movie or dinner alone, or purposely planning a weekend at a favorite hotel or destination to write your heart out.

Our annual Halloween party. From left to right: Bekah as Nancy Drew, Chris as Neighborhood Watch guy, Me as Carmen Sandiego, Doug as Sherlock Holmes, Jacob as Scooby Do.
WE LOVE OUR GRANDKIDS!  

2. Writing when you don't feel like it. Writing, for me, is like breathing. Some days, all I can do is write in my journal, but I write every day. When it hurts the most is the best time to write. I have found when I write when I hurt I heal that much faster.

3. Reading what other writers have written. I know, I know, you've heard this for years, but it remains true. I still talk to writers who love to write but they never read. There is something life-changing about reading what someone else has written and paying attention to how and what they have written about, especially if the book is in the same genre as the one you are writing or wish to write. We can learn a lot about characters, setting, dialogue, and plot by reading someone else's work.

4. Editing! Editing, at least for me, is a dreaded task until I think about the end result. Always, always, the end result is a better representation of what I have written. Always! How many drafts does it take to get to the end of your [book]? The world may never know, but you should.

"How many licks does it take to get to the end of a Tootsie Pop?"

 Photo by Nagesh Badu on Unsplash

5. Taking in feedback. This is hard! I still struggle with this one! Especially after I've worked hard to make the work my best and there are still issues! Sometimes the feedback is someone's opinion. You hear it once and no one else makes the same comment. I take a look at these and often let them go. Then there are the times you hear the same comment over and over. That's when you really take a look! That's when changes for me are often made.

Becoming a better writer doesn't happen in a moment as you know. But a howling night, maybe five or ten years down the road, you'll look at your earlier work and really see something! The best treat of all...

Improvement.

5 Things You Might Not Realize About Writers and Writing

1. Writing helps writers to see the big picture as well as the small one. Writing teaches writers to notice life. A writer notices the striking sunset as well as the almost forgotten wildflower. They see because the best writing demands that they see.

2. Writing teaches a writer to listen. A writer hears the silence of a mountain walk. A writer hears children. A writer hears and takes note of disagreements across the room. The best characters come from their innermost memories and what they hear in a crowd or in silence.

My husband, Doug at a recent family wedding. Don't you just LOVE the flowers?

3. Writing promotes growth in other areas of a writer's life. Writers have the courage to speak what they feel because they have written what they've felt numerous times. Writers learn to speak one-on-one and in groups because they have shared their books in both settings through books signings and speaking engagements. 

It rained today. So beautiful.

4. Writers are connected with deep thinkers. Writers love those who can think deep. It isn't about sharing the weather. With them, it's about the color the weather creates. The moistness of rain on cement, traveling down gutters, droplets of dew on cars like kisses. Plants kneeling from the extra weight, grasses glistening, revealing their souls. Writers talk about what really matters. Hardships. Growth. Light.

5. Writing helps writers to stay on track. Writers are often journalers. And writing down their thoughts about their own life's curves and turns helps them to make better decisions and write a bit better present day.  

3 Habits Every Successful Writer Has

You believe you're written a great book. You've also done your share of marketing. Still, dreams of fat paychecks have remained dreams, and you find yourself wondering if it is all worth it.

Is it?

Every successful writer will tell you a different story. Many will say it's about the money. You will know you're a success when you become a bestseller. Others will say it's when you write what you love and share it. Still, others will write only popular genres, those that bring in the most readers.

To be a success is individual, but the habits to get there tend to be similar.

Photo by Chris Spiegl on Unsplash

First, the writer is dedicated to the craft. Writing comes first, or close to it over almost every other life pursuit. It is more important for the writer to write than eat. Often, even when the writer is eating they are writing. The writer doesn't call his/her writing a hobby. Writing isn't something they 'do' when nothing else seems to be vying for their attention. Writing is something they are. If not for writing, they would die.

Second, the writer receives criticism with grace. They may not 'like' the criticism, the feedback, the review, but they take a look at it. The writer may get angry at the criticism, the feedback, or the review, but they DO NOT let these feelings grow inside them. They don't stop writing because someone doesn't like their work. They don't stop writing because another someone says they will never be good enough. They don't stop writing because... [you fill in the blank]. They use the criticism, the feedback, or the review to improve their writing [if need be - not all feedback is valuable] and then move on. 

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Last, the writer keeps learning. There is NEVER a point where a successful writer says, "Well, I know everything I need to know now." Writing, like all things in life, is a process. A writer, through time and application, can get better. They may even find that writing a particular genre comes easier to them than another, or that they write better in a particular genre over another. Marketing approaches change at least yearly. What works one year may not work the next. And marketing gurus are always finding new ways to connect with readers, so it's a good idea to watch what's happening out there. Readers want to be informed, but they also want to be surprised. What do you have to say that is unique to what you see others sharing out there?

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Habits take time to develop. They take time to stick. But a successful writer doesn't give up.

Do you write to be average?

Writing, for all of us, means something. We don't usually write and share what we write because we believe we're not any good. Neither do we write because we feel we are just about average.

We write because we have something to share. We write because we love writing. We write because we have something to sell we hope readers will want. We hope we have that little something different that makes our work stand out from the crowd. 

I don't write to be average, and I suppose you don't.

One of the best ways I know of to stand out from the crowd is to write. And to write a lot. Another is to read. And to read a lot. Another is to meet and talk with other writers who have hopes like you do. Hiding gets you about as far as the front room door. If you want others to get to know you, you have to been seen and heard.

Photo by The Climate Reality Project on Unsp

I love writing conferences. I love the people I meet and the things I learn that I can apply to my own writing. Stuff like editing until it hurts. Keeping an open mind when rejection seems to be the only constant thing coming your way. Being willing to listen to others and their opinion of your books. Keeping a stiff upper lip when your book sales don't go as you planned. Being willing to step out of your comfort zone again, and again, and again.

For those of you wanting to step out of the average zone, I have a request. No, an assignment. Coming up this month is a writer's conference in American Fork, Utah. If you don't live in Utah, you're not off the hook. Find a writer's conference that you can attend this month or next, and be a part of it by showing up.

Showing up means more than attending, right? 

Step up. See what happens.

How to Work and Write at the Same Time

Not possible you say?

If you're one of those authors who work part-time or especially full-time, you'll want to listen up. I was off during the summer so, as you would expect, I had a lot more time to write posts like these and to work on my writing and marketing.

Not so as of Monday.

Today I am sitting at my computer using the few minutes I have before I need to leave for work. Going to work at an elementary school is a must for me right now. Yes, I write. And yes, I publish. And yes, I sell my books, but what I sell and when I sell it, let's just say, varies. Working as a teacher's aide helps me to smooth things out in the financing department quite a bit.

If you're like me and work outside the home, but at the same time want to write and publish, you may find yourself never getting to what you love the most in favor of what pays you on a regular basis. To these writers in particular I would like to focus this blog post. 

Write when you're fresh. It is easy to say, "Well, when I get home from work, I'll write, or when the weekend comes," but it is hard to do. The best writing that gets done for me is in the mornings before work. Yes, that means I need to get up early. And yes, that means that I need to get in bed at a decent hour - for me, that's 9:30 p.m. But that's what it takes. 

I am looking at the clock right now. I need to leave at 7:50 and it's 7:48, so I will need to decide about finishing this post when I return home or waiting until tomorrow to finish it.

Gather ideas at work and when you're driving in the car. I can't even tell you how many times a great thought about a new book or the next scene will come into my mind when I am somewhere else. I think this is because your brain relaxes. You are focused on something else so your brain naturally gives

 Tom Wheatley on Unsplash

you the next greatest thing.

5:26 p.m. I am finally able to finish this post. It's been a long day but the creative juices never dry up for good!

Write in those spare moments whenever you have them! Small pieces of anything grow large the longer you are at it. When I began I Walked With Jesus, I was still working! My goal was to write a chapter a week! I did pretty well most of the time and now have a book almost ready to publish. Keep your eyes open for August 30!

Keep in mind that there are moments in life where we could be writing and don't. I have spoken about these distractions before. Still, sometimes a little distraction like television watching is just what the doctor ordered! Guess what I did first when I got home from work today?

Having a bit of time off to just lounge is okay, as long as you use it to juice up and get back to writing!

[I'm finally finishing at 6:02. I had a couple of things to do before finding the picture above].

Mandy Eve-Barnett - Her Writing Journey

Today I wanted to focus on a writer who was first introduced to you in 2015. A lot has happened in the world as well as in her life since then. I am reminded of my own writing career, one that began a little hesitantly, and which grew bolder the older I got and the more I was willing to try and take on.

Thank you, Mandy, for sharing your writing journey with us!

 “To write is to create a thousand lives, a multitude of locations, real or imagined, and send your characters on a journey of your own making.”

Quote Mandy Eve-Barnett

Some thoughts on Mandy's first visit to my blog

My First Visit to Kathryn’s blog was back in 2015 when I shared a character interview from a work in progress manuscript, Life in Slake Patch. This story was the result of my first attempt at National Novel Writing Month in 2009, and the most I had written as a new writer, ever. As my first novel-length manuscript, it required revision and editing many, many times over before I eventually published it in 2018. An evolution over nine years, when I grew as a writer and an author, learning my craft, and ultimately resulting in a story I was happy to publish.

Her creativity and imagination

From school age to adulthood, I indulged my creativity in many forms, but for whatever reason did not pursue writing. After immigrating to Canada, later in life, I discovered a local writing group and was immediately hooked on the joy of conjuring up worlds from my imagination. I joined the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County in 2009 and became Secretary in 2010. Over the last 12 years, this group’s members have encouraged and supported me and I am truly blessed to be part of the organization.

What Mandy has been doing since 2015!

Since 2015, I have published six further books, including Life in Slake Patch. I continue to write character-based stories rather than to genre across all age groups. 2016 saw a YA novella, Clickety Click, a reincarnation romance, The Twesome Loop in 2017, complete madness in 2018, when I published not only another YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria but also, finally, my speculative fiction, Life in Slake Patch. These were followed by a reader demanded sequel to my medieval fantasy, The Rython Kingdom (2012) entitled Rython Legacy in 2019 and last year, a steampunk novel, The Commodore’s Gift.

What marketing techniques have helped her to sell books?

My marketing has changed over the years from a tentative occasional post as a new writer to my current explosion across social media as my confidence, connections and network has grown. Last year’s pandemic curbed my normal annual attendance to multiple books fairs, events, and readings throughout Alberta and beyond. However, I did manage to attend several virtual events, hosted workshops and presentations, and was a guest panelist as well. I continue to be a writing community advocate hosting author interviews, writing tips, and writing life insights, as well as connecting with readers with excerpts, inspirations, ideas, and Q&A on my blog.

Mandy's writing - what she's learned 

Book 2

Book 1

Apart from the fantasy Rython series, all my books are stand-alone novels. However, last year, while struggling to find a direction for National Novel Writing Month, an almost fully-formed idea of a detective crime trilogy set in Alberta came to mind. As you can imagine, I was excited, but apprehensive, as this would need planning from a notorious panster! My stories normally just flow from mind to fingertip. Always eager to learn, I began researching the methodology and skill required to write a series and proceeded to plan each story, cross-referencing characters, locations, and the villain’s strategy.  I wrote out character descriptions and backstories, researched locations, and police procedures. Watched multiple crime TV series and attended virtual seminars on crime writing. This is the joy of writing, you learn about topics, places, and people you would never normally know anything about.

Learn more about Mandy 

Twitter https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett 

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandyevebarnett/

Freelance  https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-eve-barnett-58235250/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/mandywordsmith/

Blog https://mandyevebarnett.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../6477059.Mandy_Eve_Barnett...

Amazon author page:   https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Mandy+Eve-Barnett

Alberta Authors Cooperative  http://www.albertaauthorscooperative.ca/

Publisher  Dream Write Publishing. www.dreamwritepublishing.ca