Author, Writing Coach, Speaker
Can you identify? Have you ever kissed the picture of your favorite author, hugged a book to you and wondered in awe . . . just wondered.
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Author Vonnie Davis writes the Honky Tonk Heart series. I met her on The Wild Rose Press Promo loop. She explains TAGS this way:Tags are shopping tools for readers. Kinda like walking into a massive shoe store. You don’t have the time to look at every pair, so you tell the cashier you want a pair of red stilettos with a black bow in a size 8. The cashier brings you 6 pair that meets your list of criteria. Your shopping experience is now streamlined and saves you time. This is what book tags do.
You’ll find a little box to enter your tags. Click on “save tags.” Or move your curser off the box after you’ve listed them and hit your “t” key twice in rapid succession. Another little box comes up, asking if you agree to the tags. Click your answer and this saves them.
There’s a group on FaceBook called Amazon Tags Author Assist. They’re a group of writers committed to helping each other by going to the product links of other authors and agreeing with the tags by clicking on them. Groups like this are forming like crazy!
One post I read on another site suggested that Likes and Tags “keep your book from dying in obscurity.”
The best post I’ve read on this subject is from M. Louisa Locke. Locke gives a very thorough study on how to tag and why you should. She also discusses how self-published authors, by their choice of categories, keywords, and tags, can increase the chances that readers will find their books in an ebook store. She offers strategies: You can’t afford to ignore this post. Locke has an updated post too.
One thing Vonnie Davis suggests is that authors should participate in blog tours and schedule a spot at 4-5 places a week for 2-4 weeks. This generates buzz and yes, this is for each release! People get to hear about our new book AND they’ll get to know us better. Sound fun?
It has always been said and I believe it’s true: relationships sell books. Now go get on all those social sites and make some new friends!
How do you feel about tags, likes, and promotion in general?
“I wish to thank my critique partner extraordinaire, Jessica Ferguson, for all her wonderful suggestions …”
The author–we didn’t know each other–emailed it to me, I printed it out (yes, sorry, I kill trees) and WOW! It was wonderful. I couldn’t quit reading. I flipped manuscript pages like crazy. The only real comment I had was regarding the ending. The characters and story were so good that the ending didn’t measure up, left me wanting. No way did Dulcie deserve such an ending! And we know what they say: The first page sells the book and the last page sells the next book. Right?
After her father’s death, Dulcie Crowder leaves their El Dorado claim and travels to Hangtown. Her aim is matrimony, and she sets her hat for the handsome deputy, Tom Walker. But he wants a woman he can be proud to walk beside, so Dulcie tries to transform herself into a lady.
Tom has vowed above all else to bring law and order to this hardscrabble gold rush town, and knows Hangtown is no place to get married and start a family. Yet, he takes notice as Dulcie tries to turn his head and win his heart. So do all the other lonely men around.
When Dulcie discovers corruption in the judiciary during the trial of a friend, she naturally turns to Tom for help. The deputy looks for evidence, but Dulcie has other ideas on how to catch the varmint. As she works for justice, will she jeopardize her chances with Tom?
Now the next great surprise was when I downloaded the first of a new series of instructional articles by Charles A. Gramlich. At the end of this valuable little how-to, I found that Charles printed my review of his book Write with Fire, Thoughts on the Craft of Writing. I find that thrilling! You might check out this series. It provides a detailed examination of one critical aspect of the writing craft, and Fiction Techniques #1 is about Creating Suspense. I gained some valuable info that will, no doubt, improve my romantic suspense writing. And I promise you won’t be disappointed. Fiction Techniques #1 is FREE today and tomorrow, so grab it NOW!
Happy New Year. It’s time for the monthly post of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. IWSG is the wonderful brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. Its purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of feeling foolish or weak.
I joined this group because I always feel pretty foolish or weak. Especially when I get around a bunch of writers who have more experience than I do. I mentioned in my previous post that I’m totally out of my element now that I’ve sold a novella, and expected to promote myself and blog with a few other authors. Mandatory blogging! arghhhh! Yes, I understand the concept of promoting our series and each other, but I find it frightening. Today was my first day. Blogging from the POV of a cursed doll–a character in our Oklahoma Romance Writers series called Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll sounds easy; seems fun, but I can’t help comparing myself and my writing, my thoughts, to the other more experienced authors. How do we keep from doing that without holing up in a vacuum of sorts and keeping our nose to the computer keys. I’m horrible at looking at other writers, their accomplishments, their advice, and feeling dumb. In fact, I had to back away from some of my online groups because several of the very active members spoke and posted with such authority, their advice and comments so black and white, that I was certain I knew next to nothing. Their confidence, along with their ‘my way or the highway’ attitude intimidated me.
Several years ago, I decided to work on my insecurities: I became president of my writing group and got more involved than I could have imagined. I joined a Toastmasters club too. I spoke a few times to other writer’s groups and this year was given the ultimate compliment when asked to replace a conference speaker who canceled. I’ve forced myself to do things that scared me, trying to prove to myself that I CAN stand next to the more successful writers without feeling like a nothing/nobody.
Unfortunately, since moving to Oklahoma, knowing only one person here, it has been easy to fall back on self-doubt and wrap it tightly around me. I catch myself questioning every move I make, second guessing myself–even when I’m alone writing, or about to comment on some one’s blog. Or post on my own.
I know how to cure self-doubt and insecurity: By forcing myself to do things that scare me. By getting involved with other writers. By jumping in head first with my own thoughts and opinions. By totally ignoring those who criticize in a non-productive way. By realizing and accepting that I have experiences and opinions too, and they matter! By encouraging others. By giving to others. By writing and living my dream.
Are you continously wrestling with self-doubt and insecurity? How do you deal with it? Any tips for those of us who feel foolish and weak 95% of the time? Thanks for visiting and offering words of encouragement. I believe that’s something every writer needs ALL the time.
Happy New Year! Today is the first day of 2013. I told a friend at church that my hair is still blowing because of how fast 2012 flew by.
I accomplished a few things that have kept me motivated and feeling like a real writer: interviewed authors Christa Allan, Terri Blackstock, Robin Carroll for Southern Writers Magazine. Even had the cover story with my interview with thriller writer Steven James; wrote a Christmas short story as part of an anthology, wrote a novella, sold and signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for the novella. And, most fun and lucrative of all—I spoke at the Bayou Writers’Conference. 
I have to add that we moved to Oklahoma in March. That plays a large part in my accomplishments. I think getting out of my ordinary world, being plopped down in an area where I had no friends, forced me to write. I joined OKRWA, and I do have one Louisiana pal who lives in Norman and meets me at a library every other Tuesday for a day of writing. We encourage each other by listening to our pounding keys.
Those few achievements happened in quick succession and I wish I could have kept up the momentum, but I couldn’t—or didn’t. The holidays hit. My mother fell and broke her hip and is in rehab. Her mood has fluctuated tremendously, as has mine. One moment I think she might bounce back and at other times I wonder if she even wants to bounce back. My thoughts are continuously yanked from writing.
I MUST finish the first revision of my novella. My editor pointed out a few places where the characters need more motivation, explanation, etc before she actually does line edits. I’ve completed it but need to do another pass or two, reading carefully. Editor wasn’t 100% happy with the title and I wasn’t either. Peace of Heart fit the story but it sounded more inspirational than romantic suspense. After brainstorming with my daughter and her reading friends, we’ve chosen The Last Daughter. I love it! The new title has been approved by the editor.
I’m sure there are other things I MUST do but let’s get on to the Wants—more fun. And certainly easier to WANT something than actually DO it. Right?
I WANT to attend two conferences: the OWFI in late May(to meet Jane Friedman). Check out this interesting post. And the Killer Nashville in August if I have a new romantic mystery to market.
I WANT to make another couple of passes through my novel, A Bad Guy Forever. I think there are still scenes that need fleshing out. It doesn’t feel quite right yet. Then I want to submit it to a traditional publisher, if I can find one that doesn’t require an agent. I’m not sure I want another agent. And if I got one, would they submit to small presses and epubs? I can do that myself. Publishing has become tricky. Sometimes I like the new direction; sometimes I think everything is all screwed up.
I WANT to participate in the A to Z Challenge again this year. And continue to blog once a month for the Insecure Writers Support Group. Both of these groups are ‘heart-groups.’ I love them!
I WANT to revise Reinventing Rita. I’ve retitled it and can’t remember the new title. Guess that means it doesn’t work, huh?
I WANT to write some more romantic short stories for various epublishers and anthologies.
Quick note: Click on this link and watch Authors Exercise their ‘WRITE’ to Self-Publish (on CBS Sunday Morning).
Verrrrrry interesting! A short ad runs first so stay tuned. Tell me what you think.
Sorry I haven’t posted since … when? Last week? This should probably be a post on procrastination. Thank the Lord I got busy and wrote my article on Margaret Daley for Southern Writers Magazine. It was an easy-write because MD is so inspiring. She’s written more than 80 books. BUT, if I’d put it off, I would have been in a fine pickle. My mother fell last weekend and broke her hip. Yeah, and she procrastinated about calling an ambulance. Fell on Saturday in the drive near the highway while trying to tug her garbage can to the road. I don’t think it was even trash pick-up day. Thankfully, a couple saw her sprawled in the dirt and helped her inside. Don’t ask how; they had to tote her up two levels of stone steps. Then, to make things worse, she suffered through the night until the next afternoon before calling someone. Go figure. She’s a tough one. Always has been.
So, I’ve been in Texas sitting in a hospital and now a rehab facility. No Internet, and I’m certainly not feeling very creative.
Mom is doing much better. For awhile we were worried. She’s 88, a retired nurse, and you know those retired medical people are the worst patients. She got discouraged and weak the second day after surgery, but since then, she’s been pretty positive and her old self. She’s good at making her own rules, but I’m happy to say, so far, she’s followed directions, instructions and been a model patient. We’ll see what happens.
If you’re ever in unfamiliar territory, and can’t get online anywhere—and that’s been my problem—McAlister’s Deli is an answer to a blogger’s prayers. Plus, they have really good tea and veggie meals.
There’s a huge plus to living in Oklahoma and that is … the Tulsa World. Every Sunday, there are so many interesting articles, we can hardly get through them. They keep us entertained and reading all during the week, until the next Sunday: Book reviews, author profiles, business articles, all kinds of columns.
The first issue of the Tulsa Daily World appeared on Sept. 14, 1905. The banner across the top of the front page declared: “Tulsa, Chosen Home of Prosperity and Opportunity, is a Busy City in a Busy Universe.” Back then, the paper cost 5 cents per copy. Read more about its history here.
One syndicated columnist hubby and I enjoy is Harvey Mackay . You might remember him for his best selling book, Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive. I have that book at home somewhere; I’ll have to track it down and revisit. I enjoy reading books like this and applying words of wisdom to my writing life. Mackay’s September 16th column titled Generosity Breeds Success spoke to my heart. It was about Brandon Steiner and his new book, You Gotta Have Balls. Okay, I agree book titles are getting a little out of hand, but this one accurately describes a guy who’s in the sports memorabilia business. This is one of those wonderful rags-to-riches books we all love. Don’t we? According to Mackay, Steiner has some wonderful quotes and philosophies like:
If you want more money, don’t pay attention to the money. Pay attention to the thing that makes the money.Isn’t it true? If writing makes us money, shouldn’t we pay more attention to our writing?
Have you read Harvey Mackay? Or Brandon Steiner?
As writers, how can we improve our customer/reader service? Any ideas?
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Today is Insecure Writers Support Group Day, the brain child of Alex J Cavanaugh where a whole lot of writers post about their insecurities (or encouragement), once a month, and get support from fellow participants.
Ever been kicked in the gut? Not really, physically kicked, of course, but sure hurts like a physical kick. Ever worked all day for nothing?
Yesterday was my write at the library day. I had planned to do the edits suggested by my TWRP editor. I arrived at nine with lunch in hand, planning to spend the day and make headway, if not complete the process.
Simply put, I was making slow, tedious progress, giving a lot of brain power to my revisions and feeling pretty good about them. It’s my custom to save every few minutes, just a habit I’ve developed over the years. Unfortunately, my so-called saves didn’t do their job. I have nothing of my edits. Not one well-thought-out, improved word. I’m so ticked. But worse, I feel defeated and I hate feeling that way.
A few weeks ago, I had computer problems. It’s possible there’s still a glitch. How do I find it?
Have any of you experienced a save that didn’t save? What causes it? Why? How can I avoid it?
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