A Writer's Conflict

A fellow writer and great friend recently told me she was "conflicted" over parts of the novel she was working on. She told me she had to work nights because some members of her family were not that supportive. I am often asked by writers, "what do I do when this happens?" I'll tell you what I told her. If nights work best, you go for it! Whatever it takes! If you're feeling conflicted, take the first thing, the first sign, the first bit that makes you squirm....don't try to look at the entire book....or the entire part you worked on last night. If you're conflicted over the whole novel, then go back to the beginning. Everything has its roots from the beginning. Try to visualize it as a movie unfolding before your eyes. What do the actors do? What do they say? How do they say it? Read each chapter thoroughly, out loud! Listen to the rhythm, the beats. When you get to the end of each chap, ask youself: Do I feel good about this chapter? Is it 'strong'? If the answer is yes, move on to the next chap. (I even find that whispering the chap aloud helps. I don't distract myself with a loud voice. Regardless, out loud is better than simply reading it.) If the answer is no, then re-read it aloud. You'll pause, hesitate, squirm or go "this is crap" when you reach a part that bothers you. Fix THAT part. I always know which chapters need work when I do it this way. I hope it works for you too. Also, if you're conflicted because you're still wondering "should I do this?" "Should I add that?" "Should I change this?" then stop! Take a breath. Take a piece of paper, and in 1 sentence (no more) per chapter summarize your entire story. Keep it simple! KISS! Your story is a simple story. It doesn't need to be so complicated, really. Then as you go through the para's check back. If you write something that doesn't make your 1 sentence stronger, more clear etc, that's fluff. (PS, the sentence can be a long one!) Stick to the basics of the story, try not to get sidetracked into unimportant stuff. Everything you write from page 1 should ADD to the story, not detract from it. Everything you write should be important and should lead somewhere. Cut the fluff! Do a "crap edit". Read a paragraph. Visualize it not there. Ask: "If I cut it, would it still work without sacrificing some valuable info?" (If yes, then cut it!) I have learned to be very ruthless when editing my own work. I recently lost over 25 pages. You have to step aside and look at it in an unbiased, detached way. And no matter what, stick to your deadline. Don't cave in and give up now! IT gives you a goal to shoot for, and you'll get so much more done if you have it. What's the worst thing that will happen? You'll miss the deadline. NEXT!!!! You can do it! Just take that breath, and look at it chapter by chapter, page by page. Don't worry about the sighing, questioning people around you. Let them know that until you're done, your space is the "NO SIghing, NO Questioning, NO Complaining Zone!" Bribe them if you have to! Tell them you'll take them all out for dinner on your first royalty check (they don't have to know it may be $8.49!) I hope this helps other aspiring, emerging or established writers. ~ CKT

Article: Authors Tour the World with Virtual Book Tours by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Over the years, authors who wanted to promote their books directly to the public had one main option; you had to physically travel across the country conducting book signings and readings in various bookstores and praying that people would show up. This meant spending money on flights, hotels, transportation and meals. This traditional type of book tour is expensive and very few publishing companies are willing to pay for them. But now, authors have a new method of ‘touring the world’―the virtual book tour.

Virtual book tours (also known as virtual author tours, guest blogging, blog tours, or VBTs) are a simple concept. The author tours various blogs and sites that pertain to a theme in the book or to writing in general. This way, you can potentially reach thousands of avid readers each tour day from the privacy of your office or home.

The goal of marketing your book is to expose it to as many people as possible in an exciting, cost-effective and entertaining way. Guest blogging can achieve that goal. Most blogs are archived, so your post becomes permanent and often viral, spreading from site to site. That is leverage. You are in essence leveraging your internet presence and duplicating yourself with every VBT stop. Your blog tour is working for you even while you sleep. Try doing that at a bookstore signing!

Read Cheryl's article Authors Tour the World with Virtual Book Tours on John Kremer's Book Marketing site.

Day 27: Cheryl visits John Kremer's site with an article on book signings

On day 27 of my 'Touring the World' virtual book tour, I stop off at John Kremer's site. John is a respected book marketing expert and the author of numerous books including 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. At writers' conferences, he often presents on book marketing, publishing, writing, branding, and more. When John asked me if I could supply an article on marketing tips, I knew I had the perfect article, especially since we're heading into major promotion time--the pre-Christmas rush.

Book Signings Are Your Best Friends

So you’ve written a book, had it published and you are now facing the dreaded book signing or book launch. Your palms sweat at the thought of facing droves of people and actually having to talk to them. You are a writer, not a salesperson, right? Wrong! If you do not have the guts and determination to sell your own work, then why should anyone else do it for you?Book signings are your lifeline -- your best friends.

Before you step out into virgin territory and cross that boundary that is called a book signing, endless questions will bombard your brain. How many books should you expect to sell? What if you don’t sell any books? And what if someone should ask that one little question that makes you quiver and shake in your shoes: “What’s your book about?”

Read the entire article on John Kremer's site.

Day 23 of VBT: I answer questions on writing from Eileen Bell's mailbag

Today's 'Touring the World' virtual book tour stop is at EileenBell.com. Eileen is a friend of mine and a very talented writer, and I was honored when she decided to be one of my hosts on this tour. This past week Eileen has been collecting questions from visitors via email, and I had a lot of fun answering them. Today's post is perfect for anyone who is looking for tips on writing or just general information on what it's like to be a writer.

FROM EILEEN'S MAILBAG:

From Roxanne:
You work across a lot of different genres – and mediums - screenplays, comedy, mystery. I find myself attracted to a lot of genres as well, but feel like I should finish my book before I try my hand at plays, for example. Do you have any advice for a novice writer who is interested in many different forms? (as someone who seems to work in many formats herself?) Thanks :)

Roxanne, thank you for your question. First, regarding genres, it has become more acceptable to write cross-over works, such as a combination of suspense, horror and romance. As writers we...

Read more at EileenBell.com.

Day 11: Cheryl talks about Virtual Book Tours on LesTout.com

At today's stop, you'll find information on virtual book tours, how to organize one and how they benefit authors, hosts and avid readers. So drop by LesTout.com to find out how much work went into my 1-month VBT.

There is a new wave of online marketing on the rise―virtual book tours (also known as virtual author tours or blog tours). About five years ago, various authors decided to promote their works online at host sites and announce those dates just as they would a bona fide book signing tour. It started off small―one or two appearances on someone else’s website. In fact, virtual book tours (VBTs) have really only taken off in the past year or two.

The concept is simple: the author “tours” various blogs and sites, often ones pertaining to a theme in the book or the host’s theme, or to writing in general. This way, an author can potentially reach thousands of avid readers each tour day from the privacy of his or her office or home...

Read the article: Virtual Book Tours - Touring the World.

Also, be sure to order my novel Whale Song on August 12th from Amazon.com or Chapters.ca to qualify to enter for my 44 Prizes giveaway!

Writing Goals For this Week

Today's goals are simple. Let's see how much we can get edited. I'm currently finishing The River, my new thriller and my editors have told me they can't wait to read the ending. (I like to keep even them in suspense...) So today's goal...to edit and tighten 3-5 chapters. And that means I'd better get cracking! For any aspiring writers out there, one of the best bits of advice I can give you is this: Set daily and WEEKLY goals! If you miss them, readjust the next one. If you reach them, pat yourself on the back. If you exceed them, take the night off! I will post more tips for writers on my Blog...so check back often. Cheryl Kaye Tardif Canadian Mystery Author Divine Intervention and Whale Song