During my young adult and career years, my writing opportunities ebbed and flowed, but I kept my hand in “reporting” through school year books and newspapers, and employee newsletters, with the occasional article in a community publication. When my husband and I relocated to NH to open a B&B, I once again found myself involved […]
Behind the Scenes: Jenny Harrison discovers the theme of her book
I first had the desire to be a published author in 2012. Instead of letting go, the desire grew. I received the title for my first book by asking God what it might be. I received an instant answer in my spirit, something that doesn’t happen often. That title was The Maker and His Bride. […]
Is NaNoWriMo worth the bother?
I’m starting to get emails from the local NaNoWriMo organizers, and writers like you should be too. If you aren’t, go on over to nanowrimo.org and sign up. Somebody decided to make November into National Novel Writing Month and set up this national nonprofit organization to provide local structure–write ins, email support, writing buddies, and more. […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Susan M. Baganz, fangirl to a band
“Burlap to Cashmere” was an alternative Christian rock/folk band that topped the charts and toured with the big guns like Jars of Clay in the 90’s. Then they dropped out of sight. I was thrilled to see them back three years ago at a festival and fell in love with their music all over again. […]
Six tips to strengthen an author’s bookstore strategy
There’s probably an independent bookstore in your town. You, an author, want your books in physical bookstores because readers can browse there and discover–something that’s much easier in a bookstore than online. So you’d like this local bookstore to carry and sell your books and make money for you, not to mention find new readers […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Angela D. Meyer yearned for the perfect place
My husband and I lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for twelve years. In the spring I often enjoyed picking blueberries with my children at an area blueberry farm. Blueberries are amazing fresh off the bush and my kids often ate more than went in their buckets. The owners assured us they fully expected this. After […]
Writers, how to find your audience
Writers, perhaps you’re wondering how you will find your audience, once your book is available. Here’s a suggestion: One reader at a time. I’m assuming the book has been edited by professionals before it’s published, and there’s no doubt that it’s worth bragging about. Before publication time, get review copies into the hands of plenty […]
Behind the Scenes: Researching the Amish by Sci-Fi Author Kerry Nietz
Author Kerry Nietz gave himself the challenge of bringing to the printed page a jest about writing the ultimate cross-genre novel, to be titled Amish Vampires in Space. He did a great job; his book that has won some awards. Sci-fi he could handle. Vampires, same. But Amish romance? Find out how he researched it here: http://www.speculativefaith.com/amish-eye-for-the-sci-fi-guy-part-1/
Three suggestions for what to say in your author newsletter
Marketing experts tell us the very best way to sell books is to gather a tribe on the Internet. You come up with a great short story that your ideal reader will love, and you use it as a carrot to get the right people to sign up for your newsletter. Next problem: what do […]
How not to blog
Scheduled to write a blog post? Be careful what you write. You don’t want to waste your time. Internet marketers know this axiom about blogging, but many authors don’t, in my experience. Here’s the axiom: give your readers what THEY want, not what YOU want. A typical blog reader who is a stranger to you […]