You're More Influential Than You Think

Is there an author you'd love to support but aren't quite sure how to go about it? In the middle of a book that you think the world should know about? Simply want to promote some wholesome fiction? Have I got some ideas for you!


The Top 5 Ways to Promote A New Book

1. Put the book face out on the bookstore shelf.
This one is my personal favorite and the tactic I most frequently employ. Yes indeedy, people do judge books by their covers whether they admit to it or not. If a book's cover is visible (vs. only the spine), there's a higher chance a prospective buyer will pick it up.

2. Buy the book and give it to others as a gift.
Birthdays. Holidays. Just-because-I-love-you days. You know you're going to have to give out a present sooner or later. Why not kill two birds with one purchase?

3. Post a review.
You don't have to be a writer to do this. Simply write down what you liked about the book, in your own words, and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Facebook, wherever.

4. Read the book where people will see you.
Tote that book around to doctor's offices, the dentist, or on the bus. Crack it open and read when you have a few spare minutes of waiting. Most often, others will ask you what you're reading and voila. Instant commercial break.

5. Ask a bookstore clerk or librarian to help you locate the book.
Grabbing the attention of librarians or store clerks draws their attention to a particular title. If enough people do this, a buzz is created...at least in your little corner of the universe.

So don't belittle yourself. You have way more influence than you think. Spread the word about books you love. Believe me, the author will be VERY thankful!

Spread the Love

Heat Up Your Writing

It's dark. It's cold. It's February in Minnesota, and the house we moved into this fall doesn't have a fireplace. Translation: I need me some heat! So, here's my writerly challenge for the day...

Warm up your writing.

Hold on. I'm not advocating steamy sex scenes. Let's get creative, people! I'm talking metaphors and symbolism such as:

Color
Incorporate reds, yellows, and oranges into your writing today. Different shades. Variations of transparencies. Maybe how a color makes one of your characters feel. Think of all the meaning that Nathaniel Hawthorne gave to the Scarlet Letter. It totally worked for him. Last I checked, that book is still selling like HOTcakes (sorry...couldn't help myself).

Objects
Okay, so the sun is a gimme. Let's move beyond that. Other objects that could symbolize heat are a smile, a mug filled with a hot beverage, a sweater, or even a book. But don't simply think concrete. What about abstract concepts like freedom or liberty or forgiveness? Those are all hot topics to explore as well.

Personalities
Create a new character that's a hot-head, able to lose his/her anger in a flash. Or if your cast is already set, put one of your established characters into a 'seeing red' mood for the day. On the flip side, perhaps one of your characters is going to be particularly lovable, exuding some heart-warming feelings.

That ought to get you started. I'm sure you'll come up with even better ideas to convey warm and fuzzy feelings to your reader today. At any rate, you ought to break a sweat just thinking about how to write heat into existence.

Top 3 Reasons to Blog

The best thing about blogs is that they provide a dedicated writer with an occasion to crank it out in a disciplined fashion. If he gets good, his blog will get noticed, or his writing talents will be. But this only works because this part of our world is like the rest of the world. Cream rises, which only works if it is not all cream.

~ Douglas Wilson

Recently a buddy of mine started blogging, though she'd already been writing for years. Why had she put off blogging for so long? Fear. Believe me, I'm not casting the first stone on that one. I was scared to death to start Writer Off the Leash. What could I possibly have to say day in and day out?

A lot, apparently. Here I am after a year and a half, still typing away. Facing down those blogging fears and conquering that monster is a victory. But that's not the only benefit of blogging. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider rocketing into the blogosphere...

Discipline

Writing when you don't feel like it is like exercise. It doesn't feel good at the moment, but afterwards you'll find that you've built some pretty impressive writerly muscles. It takes stamina and dedication to post regularly, but the payoff is a huge sense of accomplishment. I'm not saying every entry will be stellar, but you will show to the world (and hopefully editors and publishers as well) that you're serious about writing.

Networking

When you blog, your universe will expand. You'll meet new people who interact in the comment section, and some of those will turn into great friendships (love my readers!). You'll also discover other bloggers on the journey, many of which have sage advice and are eager to share. And who knows...maybe an agent will stumble across your blog and say, "Oh baby, gotta get me some of that!"

Therapy

Yes, baring your soul in the blogosphere is good for your emotional and physical well-being. Think that's a stretch? Don't just take my word for it. Recently, the Scientific American wrote an article stating that blogging is not only a stress-coping mechanism, but that it produces physiological benefits such as improving memory and sleep and boosting immune cell activity. Full article here.

So if you've ever considered blogging but are too intimidated, I hope this particular post laid to rest some of your fears. Just jump on in. The water is fine.

I'm Nobody! Who Are You?

Writers are gods. Creating worlds. Breathing life into characters. Killing them off when we decide their time is up. Is it any wonder, then, that some of the writers I meet have a pride the size of New York City?

A large ego, however, is usually a sign of a writer who's not been at it too long. Eventually, one of two things will happen. Either they'll take enough hits to get whacked down to size, which is a good and necessary process.


Or they'll quit. Writing, that is. Their pride will continue to balloon.

Writing has a way of sifting through a person, paring them down to the barest essence. A true author at heart not only lives through the experience, but grows in character...just like one of the fictional beings they create.

Who doesn't think God has a sense of humor?

Randomosities

Hide Your Wives and Children...The Vikings Are Coming!

And I can't hardly wait! Starting on March 3rd, the History Channel will present a new mini-series about these wily and wild barbarians. The show is loosely based on the reign of Viking King Ragnar Lothbrok, who is a legendary hero in Old Norse sagas. Check out the enticing trailer here. I'm so excited, I just might set aside my Bow Street Runners for awhile and finish off my Viking trilogy.

Where's an Investor When You Need One?

Got an idea for a trilogy, like...oh...let's say one with a Viking theme, perhaps...yet your fantastic idea has failed to pique the interest of a publisher because there isn't one Amish character in it? Okay, all snark aside, have I found a site for you! Kickstarter is a website that just may fund your self-publishing project. You simply put your idea out there and see if anyone is interested in funding it. Last year 1,666 projects were successfully funded in the publishing category alone, with a total of $11,057,252 pledged.

Tired of the Minor Leagues? Looking for a Pro?

The Christian Manuscript Critique Service can connect you with an established, experienced, professional Christian editor who will provide you with an overall critique of your proposal, sample chapters, or complete manuscript. Yes, there is a fee involved. That's why it's professional.

Fixed...Maybe

Update on the wiener dog attack of my Mac: IF the only damage is to the touchpad (which the repair shop will receive today) then the total will be $209. If that doesn't fix it, they'll have to dig in deeper. Translation: mucho money.

Like This Format?

If you enjoy short news blurbs, especially about the publishing industry, check out Alltop, which lists recent top publishing news, or Topix, which basically does the same thing but gives you a little more info instead of just a headline to click on. And last but certainly not least, Publishers Weekly Publisher News.

The Wiener Dog of Death

A cautionary tale of excess weight and coffee.