Recently I attended a conference sponsored by my local chapter of the Romance Writers of America(RWA). The speaker was Kristen Lamb, blogger and author. She did a presentation on how to use a blog to promote yourself as a author.
Her advice included posting a blog about three times a week at a minimum. I am lucky to get one post a week in. She also had us go through an exercise of a word cloud to list things which described us or in which we had an interest. From our word clouds she suggested topics we could use to blog about.
Since that time I have been noticing which of my favorite authors blog, or use social media, or link their blogs to their social media. One of my favorite authors is J.T. Ellison. She does three blogs a week and links them to her social media (at least Facebook). I look forward to those postings every week. They cover a wide variety of topics, not just writing, and allow me to get a glimpse of her as a writer and a person.
As a result of the presentation I learned new ways of presenting myself as an author. I know that I need to work regularly on promoting myself also. I also need to find what works for me.
Previously I wrote about how writing fiction is hard. Being an author is hard work also.
What do you think? Would you follow a blog or would it be better to stick with social media? Should I focus on both and post the blog to Facebook and Twitter?
Monday, May 1, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Writing Fiction is Hard
This week I met with a group of writers for lunch and a session to talk about the craft of writing. It is a mixed group of women, some of whom are published authors. There is one other woman who has finished a book but has not published it yet. Then there is me, the aspiring romance novelist who has not finished a book yet.
I was so honored to be asked to be part of this group because these are women who I admire very much. Also, they know their craft as writers yet aspire to improve their skills. We spend our time eating, talking, gossiping and then digging into the skills it takes to be a writer. Everyone has to submit something for critique by the group. We also talk about our current works in progress(WIP) and talk through the story lines with which we may be struggling.
It was my turn to be critiqued. I sent my chapter with much trepidation. One of the women, who is also a copy editor, asked if she could edit my work. "Edit away" I replied. What she returned looked like she had bled virtual red ink all over the virtual paper. She encouraged me not to be too overwhelmed by her work. I have done extensive writing - first within a business environment and later an academic one. I am used to working with editors and people who critique my work. I told her that her edits were not nearly as frightening as the first draft of my dissertation, when it was returned from my doctoral adviser.
We talked about my chapter. My heroine was not likeable enough. I did not have enough conflict in my first chapter. I needed more drama and action. My dialogue was stilted and not realistic. I went into this group with much fear. I came out having survived my baptism by fire and encouraged to do a much better job at my WIP.
I learned that, yes I am a great writer, yet writing fiction is a whole different animal than writing for work or school. I have to lose myself in my characters and make them alive for the reader of my books. They have to be likeable - there is nothing more frustrating to me than a great story with an unlikable heroine or hero. I need to incorporate conflict into the story to keep the reader engaged.
So I am persisting in finishing this book and moving on to others. My current WIP is a series of books I call the Hockey Mom's Trilogy. There is much work to be done. I will succeed.
I was so honored to be asked to be part of this group because these are women who I admire very much. Also, they know their craft as writers yet aspire to improve their skills. We spend our time eating, talking, gossiping and then digging into the skills it takes to be a writer. Everyone has to submit something for critique by the group. We also talk about our current works in progress(WIP) and talk through the story lines with which we may be struggling.
It was my turn to be critiqued. I sent my chapter with much trepidation. One of the women, who is also a copy editor, asked if she could edit my work. "Edit away" I replied. What she returned looked like she had bled virtual red ink all over the virtual paper. She encouraged me not to be too overwhelmed by her work. I have done extensive writing - first within a business environment and later an academic one. I am used to working with editors and people who critique my work. I told her that her edits were not nearly as frightening as the first draft of my dissertation, when it was returned from my doctoral adviser.
We talked about my chapter. My heroine was not likeable enough. I did not have enough conflict in my first chapter. I needed more drama and action. My dialogue was stilted and not realistic. I went into this group with much fear. I came out having survived my baptism by fire and encouraged to do a much better job at my WIP.
I learned that, yes I am a great writer, yet writing fiction is a whole different animal than writing for work or school. I have to lose myself in my characters and make them alive for the reader of my books. They have to be likeable - there is nothing more frustrating to me than a great story with an unlikable heroine or hero. I need to incorporate conflict into the story to keep the reader engaged.
So I am persisting in finishing this book and moving on to others. My current WIP is a series of books I call the Hockey Mom's Trilogy. There is much work to be done. I will succeed.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
What's Next?
This week I am returning to my theme of our digital life. Last Friday I attended a higher education conference as I mentioned in my previous post. One of the presenters was from GE (what was previously General Electric). He was talking about how his company almost always hires new employees from students who have internships at GE or sometimes other companies. To him the critical factor was the real world experience of a meaningful internship.
In the course of the presentation he mentioned that the generation following the Millennials or Generation Y (1980 - 2000) is Generation Z (2001 - present). This generation, according to this presenter, is referred to as Digital Innate (as opposed to my generation which is considered digital immigrants). Generation Z is the first generation which has had access to technology from birth. They are considered very tech savvy yet say that they value personal relationships. Many want to start businesses so they are very entrepreneurial. They are tied to their technology yet they value privacy. Within the higher education community where I work we are trying to better understand this generation which will soon fill our college classrooms.
The other thing the presenter mentioned was wanting their prospective employees to possess digital DNA. During the question and answer period I asked what that was and he replied that they want employees who can go beyond use of technology to a deeper level including knowledge about software development and digital analytics.
Wow, how much will life, work and business be changing in the near future? Will our connectivity through technology and social media result in us spending more time online or will there come a point of diminishing returns where people decide they want to disconnect and have closer personal relationships? What do you think? Are you excited about what is coming?
Let me finish this week's post with a story:
My family room has large windows that overlook a busy road behind our house. One evening I noticed that traffic was backing up so I walked over the the window to look outside thinking there had been an accident. I saw three young men who had been traveling in an SUV. It looked like they had purchased a new mattress and they were taking it home tied to the roof of the SUV. The mattress had blown off the car and was sitting by the side of the road. The SUV and the young men were on the other side of the road. Traffic was backing up as people were slowing down to see what had happened. The three young men were all on their phones, not talking but texting/searching or doing something. Maybe they were contacting friends or more likely Googling "How to transport a mattress on the top of an SUV" After much texting, typing and discussion they somehow got the mattress on the top of the SUV, tied it down and went on their way. I am guessing Google told them how to solve their problem.
An earlier generation might have used the phones to call parents, or possibly friends, for help. These young men seemed to solve the problem using their phones. Thank goodness for good old Google(or possibly Siri depending on their phone choice).
In the course of the presentation he mentioned that the generation following the Millennials or Generation Y (1980 - 2000) is Generation Z (2001 - present). This generation, according to this presenter, is referred to as Digital Innate (as opposed to my generation which is considered digital immigrants). Generation Z is the first generation which has had access to technology from birth. They are considered very tech savvy yet say that they value personal relationships. Many want to start businesses so they are very entrepreneurial. They are tied to their technology yet they value privacy. Within the higher education community where I work we are trying to better understand this generation which will soon fill our college classrooms.
The other thing the presenter mentioned was wanting their prospective employees to possess digital DNA. During the question and answer period I asked what that was and he replied that they want employees who can go beyond use of technology to a deeper level including knowledge about software development and digital analytics.
Wow, how much will life, work and business be changing in the near future? Will our connectivity through technology and social media result in us spending more time online or will there come a point of diminishing returns where people decide they want to disconnect and have closer personal relationships? What do you think? Are you excited about what is coming?
Let me finish this week's post with a story:
My family room has large windows that overlook a busy road behind our house. One evening I noticed that traffic was backing up so I walked over the the window to look outside thinking there had been an accident. I saw three young men who had been traveling in an SUV. It looked like they had purchased a new mattress and they were taking it home tied to the roof of the SUV. The mattress had blown off the car and was sitting by the side of the road. The SUV and the young men were on the other side of the road. Traffic was backing up as people were slowing down to see what had happened. The three young men were all on their phones, not talking but texting/searching or doing something. Maybe they were contacting friends or more likely Googling "How to transport a mattress on the top of an SUV" After much texting, typing and discussion they somehow got the mattress on the top of the SUV, tied it down and went on their way. I am guessing Google told them how to solve their problem.
An earlier generation might have used the phones to call parents, or possibly friends, for help. These young men seemed to solve the problem using their phones. Thank goodness for good old Google(or possibly Siri depending on their phone choice).
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Tell me what you think.
Recently I was reading the local business paper and there was an article about a new company that will be expanding here in Indianapolis. The company is ClearScholar and they develop communication platforms for colleges to increase student engagement. As I was reading the article I was thinking that would be a company I would love to learn more about. Since I am in the process of a job search I am thinking about what other areas I would like to explore. As with many college faculty I struggle with making sure my students get all the information they need to be successful in their studies.
So I tucked that thought away into my mind and went on my with my life.
This week I was at a higher education conference on education and employment. It was really interesting and had many political leaders as speakers. For lunch we had a served lunch and the keynote speaker was the new governor of Indiana. I was seated at a table alone when three young adults joined me. As we often do at these types of events everyone introduced themselves and told a little about what they do. The three people who sat with me introduced themselves and all were with the company ClearScholar. We had a great discussion about what they do and my frustrations with making sure that my students are engaged in learning as well as participating in all the activities available to them at the college where I work.
Now the amazing thing about this is I remembered my passing thought from a few weeks earlier about wanting to know more about this company. Yet in the happenstance of a conference lunch I not only met three employees from the company but we exchanged business cards and had a great discussion about what they are doing and my interests.
Coincidence you say? As I am going through this journey of career change I have been praying and doing a lot of reflecting on the power of God. I have asked God to take away my fear of the unknown in my future and show me His will for my life. I believe that business lunch at a conference where four strangers chose a table was an indication of God's power and connection to my life. I did not even pray to ask for an "in" with this company, just thought, "wow, it would be nice to possibly work somewhere like that."
I don't know if this will end of with me working for a company such as ClearScholar but it was a definite reminder to me of the power of God and His involvement in our lives.
What do you think? Coincidence or the Power of God?
So I tucked that thought away into my mind and went on my with my life.
This week I was at a higher education conference on education and employment. It was really interesting and had many political leaders as speakers. For lunch we had a served lunch and the keynote speaker was the new governor of Indiana. I was seated at a table alone when three young adults joined me. As we often do at these types of events everyone introduced themselves and told a little about what they do. The three people who sat with me introduced themselves and all were with the company ClearScholar. We had a great discussion about what they do and my frustrations with making sure that my students are engaged in learning as well as participating in all the activities available to them at the college where I work.
Now the amazing thing about this is I remembered my passing thought from a few weeks earlier about wanting to know more about this company. Yet in the happenstance of a conference lunch I not only met three employees from the company but we exchanged business cards and had a great discussion about what they are doing and my interests.
Coincidence you say? As I am going through this journey of career change I have been praying and doing a lot of reflecting on the power of God. I have asked God to take away my fear of the unknown in my future and show me His will for my life. I believe that business lunch at a conference where four strangers chose a table was an indication of God's power and connection to my life. I did not even pray to ask for an "in" with this company, just thought, "wow, it would be nice to possibly work somewhere like that."
I don't know if this will end of with me working for a company such as ClearScholar but it was a definite reminder to me of the power of God and His involvement in our lives.
What do you think? Coincidence or the Power of God?
Friday, March 31, 2017
Catching Up with Old Friends
For the last two weeks I have been reveling in the release of books by some of my favorite authors. I am a voracious reader and I love it when I stumble upon a series of books by an author that I enjoy. Once I get hooked on a series then it is a waiting game until the next book comes out. It seems like this year the release of the next book in several series happened about the same time.
Here is a list of the books I have been reading:
The Devil's Triangle (A Brit in the FBI #4)
Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison
Wait for Dark (A Bishop/SCU Novel)
Karen Hooper
Black Fall (Jessica Blackwood #3)
Andrew Mayne
Silence Fallen (A Mercy Thompson Novel)
Patricia Briggs
Man Overboard: An Ali Reynolds Novel (Ali Reynolds Series Book 12)
J. A. Jance
Wow, it has been so much fun. Reading the next book in a series I like is similar to sitting down with an old friend who I have not seen for a while. I know their back story and am eager to hear what is happening in their lives right now. It is like slipping into a really comfortable pair of jeans which you love wearing.
So I am enjoying myself but also find that I have a book hangover when I am done. How long will it be before I get to catch up with these old friends again. I follow many of these authors on Facebook and Twitter. I want to tell them, "Quit doing other things, write faster! I am waiting for your next book."
I was telling a friend that for me it is so much fun to find a new series that I have not read in the past. That is why I really like sites such as Book Bub because they may introduce you to the first book in a series (for a really great price also!). Then if I like it I can go back and find the other books in the series and binge read all of them. Friends tell me they do that on Netflix with television series. For me I prefer finding something new to read.
What do you like in terms of books series? Do you go back and read previous books when a new one in a series is ready to be released? Do you enjoy reading book series so you can catch up with old friends?
Happy reading (or television binge watching)!
Here is a list of the books I have been reading:
The Devil's Triangle (A Brit in the FBI #4)
Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison
Wait for Dark (A Bishop/SCU Novel)
Karen Hooper
Black Fall (Jessica Blackwood #3)
Andrew Mayne
Silence Fallen (A Mercy Thompson Novel)
Patricia Briggs
Man Overboard: An Ali Reynolds Novel (Ali Reynolds Series Book 12)
J. A. Jance
Wow, it has been so much fun. Reading the next book in a series I like is similar to sitting down with an old friend who I have not seen for a while. I know their back story and am eager to hear what is happening in their lives right now. It is like slipping into a really comfortable pair of jeans which you love wearing.
So I am enjoying myself but also find that I have a book hangover when I am done. How long will it be before I get to catch up with these old friends again. I follow many of these authors on Facebook and Twitter. I want to tell them, "Quit doing other things, write faster! I am waiting for your next book."
I was telling a friend that for me it is so much fun to find a new series that I have not read in the past. That is why I really like sites such as Book Bub because they may introduce you to the first book in a series (for a really great price also!). Then if I like it I can go back and find the other books in the series and binge read all of them. Friends tell me they do that on Netflix with television series. For me I prefer finding something new to read.
What do you like in terms of books series? Do you go back and read previous books when a new one in a series is ready to be released? Do you enjoy reading book series so you can catch up with old friends?
Happy reading (or television binge watching)!
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Big Dreams list
This week two of the authors I follow have been writing about lists on their blog (www.wordwranglers.blogspot.com). I love lists. They help to organize my time and keep me on track. I also love the moment when I complete a task and am able to check it off my list. What a feeling of accomplishment! I have to admit that sometimes when I am working off a list and I do something that is not listed I will add it to my list and then check it off. Now you know one of my guilty pleasures.
Recently I have been thinking about what I want to do for the last part of my life. I am not dying or anything like that, I just want to make sure that I get done what I want to get done. I do not want to look back on my life and say "I wish I would have done ____." Whatever that missing item might be.
So here is what I have so far. Some of these are bigger dreams while others are just my hopes for the future. Yet I have found that if I have a big goal that may be a stretch if I own it and put it on my list it will happen.
Carolyn's Big Dreams List for the next part of her life:
Finish the Hockey Moms trilogy of romance novels I am currently working on.
Continue writing more romance novels.
Complete two non-fiction works I am also developing.
Be invited to do a TED talk... and do it!
Have one of the books I have written optioned for a movie or a television show/series.
Attend the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland with my sister in law. (covers two goals, cooking and travel)
Continue teaching in some format, either face to face or online classes.
Spend as much time with my grandson as I can
See my son marry the love of his life/woman of his dreams (I know that is not my goal but I can encourage him)
This is a work in progress so more goals will be added and some will be crossed off! The day I cross off any of these will be a day of great joy for me.
So what are your big dreams? Write them down, make a list and begin crossing them off also. I wish you the best!
"All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them"
-Walt Disney
Recently I have been thinking about what I want to do for the last part of my life. I am not dying or anything like that, I just want to make sure that I get done what I want to get done. I do not want to look back on my life and say "I wish I would have done ____." Whatever that missing item might be.
So here is what I have so far. Some of these are bigger dreams while others are just my hopes for the future. Yet I have found that if I have a big goal that may be a stretch if I own it and put it on my list it will happen.
Carolyn's Big Dreams List for the next part of her life:
Finish the Hockey Moms trilogy of romance novels I am currently working on.
Continue writing more romance novels.
Complete two non-fiction works I am also developing.
Be invited to do a TED talk... and do it!
Have one of the books I have written optioned for a movie or a television show/series.
Attend the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland with my sister in law. (covers two goals, cooking and travel)
Continue teaching in some format, either face to face or online classes.
Spend as much time with my grandson as I can
See my son marry the love of his life/woman of his dreams (I know that is not my goal but I can encourage him)
This is a work in progress so more goals will be added and some will be crossed off! The day I cross off any of these will be a day of great joy for me.
So what are your big dreams? Write them down, make a list and begin crossing them off also. I wish you the best!
"All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them"
-Walt Disney
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I Need a New Name
Last Saturday I attended the monthly IRWA(Indiana Romance Writers of America) meeting. In addition to the chance to see many of my favorite writers in person and learn from their experiences we had a program featuring Kim Castillo (writer's assistant to Eloisa James).
Kim talked about her journey and many of the things she does for a best selling author. It was fun and fascinating to hear about all thing things (from marketing, to social media, to travel to hospitality) that fall within her purview. One of the things she talked about is an author's persona.
She highly recommended that romance authors have a pseudonym (pen name) for their work. I had not thought about the security issues associated with writing and doing personal appearances under your real name. In the world of academia writing fiction, especially romance fiction, under a pseudonym, protects the author from snarky comments from their colleagues. It is way beneath real intellectuals to consider writing romance fiction, even though it pays much better than academic writing.
I have a friend who is a college professor at the college where I work. She writes non-fiction under her real name and then writes her romance novels under a pen name.
So I decided I need a new name for my romance writing projects. Here is the rub, I can't think of anything that goes with my persona. I can give characters in my books names but in thinking about something for myself I draw a blank.
Subsequently I am asking for help. If you read this would you suggest a name for me? It seems that many authors use initials for their pen names. I do not want to do that. I want a first and last name. If you know me you can also suggest my persona, it has to be something that is not too much of a stretch but fits who I am.
Any help will be appreciated.
Kim talked about her journey and many of the things she does for a best selling author. It was fun and fascinating to hear about all thing things (from marketing, to social media, to travel to hospitality) that fall within her purview. One of the things she talked about is an author's persona.
She highly recommended that romance authors have a pseudonym (pen name) for their work. I had not thought about the security issues associated with writing and doing personal appearances under your real name. In the world of academia writing fiction, especially romance fiction, under a pseudonym, protects the author from snarky comments from their colleagues. It is way beneath real intellectuals to consider writing romance fiction, even though it pays much better than academic writing.
I have a friend who is a college professor at the college where I work. She writes non-fiction under her real name and then writes her romance novels under a pen name.
So I decided I need a new name for my romance writing projects. Here is the rub, I can't think of anything that goes with my persona. I can give characters in my books names but in thinking about something for myself I draw a blank.
Subsequently I am asking for help. If you read this would you suggest a name for me? It seems that many authors use initials for their pen names. I do not want to do that. I want a first and last name. If you know me you can also suggest my persona, it has to be something that is not too much of a stretch but fits who I am.
Any help will be appreciated.
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