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Category: Jeanie’s Perspective

At the September Wordsowers meeting speaker/author Karen Watson enthralled us with her powerful presentation, “The Value of Your Testimony.”

In it she asked, “If you could change the world with one WORD, what would it be?

So at the risk of sounding unprofessional, today we’re laying it on the line.

Yes, our goal here at Wordsowers Christian Writers Group is to help authors grow.

But the heart of our mission is sharing the Lord’s goodness, power, and love.

Our writers do that in a variety of ways. Some are direct, like our devotional writers. Others are subtle.

Bottom line: Here at Wordsowers we strive to use our writing gifts for the Lord’s purposes.

Today’s post was originally slated to introduce the 1/2 price special we’ll run for our Wordsowers April 2016 conference.

Instead, we’d like to point to another writers group with the same heart for the Lord, The Heart of America Christian Writers Network–HACWN.

And rather than promoting our conference, we’re promoting theirs.

The HACWN conference runs October 22-24th, 2015. And they’re offering $100 off the registration.

Some of our writers attend the HACWN conference yearly.

Last year best-selling Cecil Murphey sponsored me to attend for the first time.

The conference amazed me.
They presented a treasure trove of information on writing, publishing, platform building, and a myriad of related topics.

In the midst of professionalism, camaraderie flowed.

I felt the same underlying purpose from every publisher, editor, author, and agent I spoke with.

They all had a greater goal than simply promoting themselves or their publications.
They wanted to share the Lord’s love with a hungry, hurting world.

Photo courtesy of artur84 @freedigitalphotos.net

Back to Karen Watson’s question, “If you could change the world with one WORD, what would it be?

Let’s meet at the HACWN conference and learn how to share that WORD with the world.

Platform building includes meeting people face to face instead of simply on Facebook.
 
So earlier this year I slithered from the confines of my office and emerged into the real world. AKA, the one I don’t create on my computer.

Along with 100 other authors, I’d signed up for the Omaha Public Library’s Author Fair.

On the way there I pictured writers bashing each other in an All Star Wrestling free-for-all to snag readers. 

Instead I met fabulous people and learned from their techniques.

Rather than a cage match slam-down, I found a tag-team situation…with everyone on the same team.


Angela D. Meyer, Where Hope Starts author, helped me arrange my table area. 

By “helped” I mean she reconfigured my haphazard pile of books, sign-up sheets, and related items into an attractive, cohesive display.

I learned: Eliminate my bulky book stand and work my items into a semi-circular shape to make the most of limited space. 

 

Lee Warren spent the afternoon sharing tips he’d learned in his years as a multi-published author and editor.


I learned: Offer an incentive to invite people who are interested in my message to sign up for my blog or newsletter. Collecting a long list of address from people who’ll never open my emails is counterproductive.

 

Author Brook Williams wore a T-shirt displaying a link to her website and the cover of her newest book, Accept This Dandelion. 

I emailed her later to admit, “Oh my goodness. I just now realized you’re the one who wrote, Right Place, Wrong Time.”

I learned: Promote your book in unique ways.


 Jennifer Slattery lured people to her table with snack-sized chocolate bars. People took the bait and signed up for her blog. 

But Jennifer had bigger fish to fry. 

She shared about Taking’ it to the Streets ministry, serving the unemployed and underemployed. 

I learned: Use your platform to help others.

 
After enjoying Kim Stokely’s novel, Winter Trees, I couldn’t wait to read Woman Of Flames. 

Clever Kim used a tall pole stand to display her book banners.

I learned: Buy poles and banners at places like Vistaprint. Check the pole’s weight, and also see if they’re collapsible for airplane travel.


It’s a family affair, as Kim’s niece, Rebecca Grous  brought her own novel The Determining.

Rebecca said she’s uncomfortable with public acclaim. She’d rather remain in the background than the limelight.

I learned: Push past reticence to come out of my comfort zone. 
 

What about meeting the public? Isn’t that why I went? 
Absolutely. 

  • I connected with readers.  
  • People signed up for my blog.
  • I had a great time chatting with a multitude of folks.
     
What about you?
You’re the main event in your own Author-mania ring. 

Is something holding you on the ropes? Are you feeling frustrated, ready to tap out?

Don’t give up. Push past those barriers, 
and emerge a champion.
We’ll cheer you on with more enthusiasm than Hulk Hogan making a come-back.
Is your writing stuck in a hammer lock? Our free monthly newsletter will get it off the mat. Sign up is easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.
Writing a book before creating a platform is like cooking a banquet before we’ve created a guest list.
Photo courtesy of tiramisustudio @freedigitalphotos.net
We prepare the feast, throw open the doors to welcome everyone in, but nobody’s there.

We call into the void, “This is delicious. Come try a bite.”

Silence answers.
It’s the same with growing a following.
First we create a platform, then we can share the goodies…in this case, our work.

But how do we get our message heard in the midst of so many others

Micheal Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, addresses that in his book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.
His statistics are so impressive they’d make Babe Ruth hang his head in shame. If he were still alive.
Michael’s stats include
  • One of the top three business blogs on the Internet with
  • 300,000+ monthly visitors and
  • 70,000 subscribers
  • 145,000 Twitter followers
  • 21,000 Facebook fans
  • A weekly podcast, This Is Your Life, consistently ranking in iTunes top ten
  • Approximately 278.4 kazillion book sale.

Since his platform started at zilch, it’s worth listening to his wisdom.

Disclaimer: These 5 steps are straight from Micheal Hyatt’s site. I am crediting Michael Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt, please hold back your legal people. Again, this is Michael Hyatt’s info. Highly abbreviated.

1. Start with wow.
2. Prepare to launch.
3. Build your home base.
4. Expand your reach.
5. Engage your tribe.


Obviously, he expands on and explains each step. But since I don’t want his legal team stalking me, head over to one of Michael’s sites to feast at his banquet.

Since I’m all about freebees, here’s a tasty one: Sign up to get his blog posts via e-mail and receive a FREE copy of his new e-book   Shave 10 Hours off Your Workweek.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

man working laptop quiet whisper finger
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net


To recap what we’ve learned so far:

Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious
Week 4- Use “Invisible” Words: said, ask, answer, and reply
Week 5- Run off Run-On Sentences
Week 6- Clear out Clichés
Week 7- Pass on Passive Voice
Week 8- Eliminate Empty Adjectives
Week 9- Reduce Redundancy
This week-
There, They’re, Their

Here’s one way for non-grammar nerds to subdue this potentially tricky trio.

  • “There” rhymes with “Where.” Where’s the dog? Over THERE.  OR Substitute “Here” for “There” and see if the sentence makes sense.
  • “They’re” is two words, THEY and ARE jammed together. Am I the only one working? No, THEY’RE going to help.
  • “Their” = Possession. The IRS (THE/IRS) thinks everything is THEIRS. THEIR bank accounts. THEIR car. THEIR houses…

Most new writers don’t realize incorrect use of these trouble triplets will send editors out of there minds. If they’re is a problem with your manuscript, their is a way to fix it. They’re is spell-check, but it won’t help you their. Try Grammar-girl. If there busy, look at Grammarly. There always willing to help folks out they’re.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but want to put off) Continue rewrites of my novel’s first draft.

What challenges do you face in your writing life? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Great news: sign up for our free monthly newsletter to get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.

courtesy of David Castillo Dominici@freedigitalphotos.netWe all know about New Year’s resolutions.

A new year equals a fresh start…until want-power overtakes will-power.

I want one last slice of cheesecake before starting my diet.
I want one more couch potato day before hitting the gym.
I want to read one more novel before I work on mine.

Here at Wordsowers we’re turning our writing dreams into reality.
courtesy Feelart @ freedigitalphotos.net
And this is your invitation to join us.
Will 2015 be the year your work emerges from the hidden depths of your computer into the light of publication?
From critiques groups to our annual writers conference, we at Wordsowers are determined to help each other.
I can attest to that. Because of the help, encouragement, and critique I’ve received, Chicken Soup for the Soul purchased five of my stories, James Stuart Bell included me in his Bethany House compilation, Heaven Touching Earth, and I finished the first draft of my novel.
And that’s in the last 18 months.
Could I have done it on my own? Absolutely not.  Is Wordsowers ready to help you? Absolutely.

Please don’t let intimidation keep you from your writing dreams. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Plus, sign up for our free monthly newsletter and get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.

We’d love to hear your writing plans for this year. Please share them in the comments below.

My daddy’s parents came to the US from Mexico in 1908. They worked hard, studied hard, and became US citizens. Their descendants went on to become professionals, holding prestigious jobs in business and government. But it took my Tia Gracia, my Aunt Grace, decades to pass her citizenship test. She was almost 100 years old when she became a US citizen.

In my writer’s group some people are more prolific. They can finish a month’s worth of content while I’m constructing my first draft.

perky mouse rat
Courtesy of AKARAKINGDOMS @ freeigitalphotos.net.

It’s like watching Speedy Gonzales zip by, leaving me in a cloud of dust…and discouragement.

Anybody else been there? Feeling intimidated? Like you’re not as good?

We have two options:
A) Make excuses for why they’re so much better.
or
B) Ask them for tips, and apply what we learn.

Hint: option B produces the best results. However, if you choose option A, bring a box of chocolates to my house and we’ll host a pity party together.

Here are a few ideas to help push through:

1) Identify the problem. Ask yourself, “What’s making this so difficult? Lack of resources? Lack of time? Fear of failure? Confusion? Vampire bats gnawing on your ankles? Once you define the hold-up…

2) Reach out for the solution. Use your life lines: Mentors, writer’s group, google, self-help books, and genies in lamps.

3) Address the priority items. Connecting with fans on your author’s Facebook page is great, but do it after you finish the guest blog due tomorrow.

4) Drown out distractions. Ignore email, the ringing phone, tweets, and the circus performers jumping through flaming hoops on your front lawn.

To stay on track ask,

“Is what I’m doing moving me toward my goal, or away from it?”

If you’ve hit a plateau, go back to number one to determine the hold-up.

If you’re moving forward, please stop beating yourself up.

Comparing ourselves to others is a sure way to lose heart, lose focus, and lose momentum.

My aunt Grace could have said, “I’m an old lady. It’s too hard to become a citizen now.” But she didn’t give up, and neither should we.

turtle crossing finish line
courtesy of digitalart @freedigitalphotos.net

We might not be a Speedy Gonzales, but remember, the tortoise still won the race against the hare.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

man working laptop quiet whisper finger
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net
To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs.
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious.
Week 4- Use “Invisible” Words: said, ask, answer, and reply.
Week 5- Run off Run-On Sentences
Week 6- Clear out Clichés
Week 7- Pass on Passive Voice
This week-

Eliminate Empty Adjectives.

Mark Twain wrote, “When you catch an adjective, kill it. No, I don’t mean utterly, but kill most of them–then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together. They give strength when they are far apart.”When editor Lee Warren critiqued the first chapter of my novel, he explained the weakness of empty adjectives. And used up an entire ink cartridge highlighting mine.

“Big” is imprecise. How big? The size of a bus? A skyscraper? A planet?

Lee noted there’s nothing special about a “blue car.” (Although an orange one might be interesting enough to pass inspection.)

Most new writers don’t realize that editors love sharp, concise writing. When they see fluffy modifiers they send Mark Twain’s ghost to scare the empty adjectives out of your submission. Since ghost writers can cost a fortune, take all the big, pretty adjectives out yourself.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but tend to put off) Finish out NaNoWriMo, writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November.

What challenges do you face in your writing life? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Great news: sign up for our free monthly newsletter to get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.

While you’re busy creating your platform, make sure you prepare your author’s bio. It’s a short summary paragraph of your writing credentials.

Creating a bio can be a challenge for new, pre-published writers.

cartoon dog boxing gloves
Courtesy of Mister GC @freedigitalphotos.net

Picture yourself in an arena. The bell rings, the announcer grabs the mike, gestures to your colleague and rattles off her bio:

In this corner, weighing in at 89,750,000 followers, with 327 New York Times’ best sellers, famous writer Sharon Queensbury!

He points to you and says,

And in this corner, the newcomer, who’s written a grocery list and a note to the babysitter.

My first author’s bio read something like, “Jeanie walks upright, and breathes in and out on a regular basis.”

Because I owned zero writing credentials, I gave an abbreviated work history synopsis: “Jeanie’s enjoyed a variety of careers, from computer programming to teaching exotic animal programs. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, and praise dancing. She’s a member of Wordsowers Christian Writers Group.” Not the most professional, but it was all I had.

Here are a few tips to keep you from getting K.O.’d:

  1. Write it in third person.
  2. Avoid terms like “new” and “aspiring.” It erases your credibility, and reminds people of their nutty Aunt Jane who tried to write. Don’t get relegated to the crazy relative corner. Come out of yours swinging.
  3. Draw on your highlights. Pull from life experiences to show expertise.
  4. Define yourself honestly but with flair. If you’re a school crossing guard writing a childrens book you can say, “Mary Smith draws from her decades of experience working with children.”
  5. Look at other authors’ bios for ideas. Note: please don’t copy and paste  their work. Use it to get the creative juices flowing.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

( Yes, I used the term newbie. This isn’t a bio.)

 

man working laptop quiet whisper finger
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net

 

To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs.
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious.
Week 4- Use “Invisible” Words: said, ask, answer, and reply.
Week 5- Run off Run-On Sentences.
Week 6- Clear out Clichés.
This week- Pass on Passive Voice
Think of it as something done by someone. A quick way to identify passive voice is to do a search for the word “was” in your writing.

Passive: The race was won by Mary.
Active: Mary won the race.

Passive: The vicious guard dog was owned by Mary.
Active: Mary owned the vicious guard dog.

Passive voice slows our writing, adds superfluous words, and bores our readers.
Most new writers don’t realize that editors hate passive voice. When they receive a submission filled with plodding passive sentences, they contact Mary. She sends her vicious grammar-guard dog to eat your manuscript.

Passive: My manuscript was eaten by a vicious grammar-guard dog.
Active: The vicious grammar-guard dog ate my manuscript.
Even in active voice, that scenario stinks, so exercise your active voice.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but put off) get prepped for NaNoWriMo.

Their website says, “National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.”
(GULP)

What challenges do you face in your writing life? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Great news: sign up for our free monthly newsletter to get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.

Courtesy of Gualberto107 @freedigitalphoto.net

Ever hammered a nail into a board, only to have it bend half-way through the wood? And when you take another swing at the curved nail, it squashes flat against the board. It doesn’t go deep to hold the construction together; it doesn’t form a strong bond.

Part of building an author’s platform includes creating a tagline.

A great tagline is a nail we can use as a connection piece across our social media sites, business cards, and email signatures.

Our tagline reveals who we are and what we do. It tells the purpose of our writing in a few concise words. 

courtesy of Arvind Balaraman @freedigitalphotos.net

A great tagline forms a strong bond with our readers.

 And we need to nail it in around three to six words.

I’ve been struggling to come up with the perfect tagline for the last month.

For my writing some of the keywords are

Courtesy of tiramisustudio @freedigitalphotos.net

“writing”
“humor”
“encouragement”
“sharing”
“God”
“love”
“uplifting”
“strengthen”
“renew”
“truth”

When creating a tagline,
be aware of the acronym it forms.

Here are some I rejected because of it:

Truth Written (to) Encourage & Renew People (T.W.E.R.P.)
Sharing Love Openly (to) People (S.L.O.P.)
Sharing Love Under God’s System (S.L.U.G.S.)
God’s Plan of Salvation (G.P.S.)

The list goes on.

What’s your tagline? How did you come up with it?

Now on to

 Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net

 

To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”

Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs.

Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious.

Week 4- Use “Invisible” Words: said, ask, answer, and reply.

Week 5- Run off Run-On Sentences
This week- Clear out Clichés

Clichés are passé. We’ve grown up hearing them since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, but in writing they go over like a lead balloon. They stick out like a sore thumb. If we pull clichés out of the blue and use them in our writing, it throws a monkey wrench into our manuscripts. Make a last-ditch effort to show you aren’t wet behind the ears. Don’t let any grass grow under your feet–toss out those clichés like yesterday’s garbage ASAP. Bet ya’ dollars to doughnuts your readers will be tickled pink.

courtesy of rattigon @freedigitalphotos.net
See, most new writers don’t realize clichés will either bore editors to tears, or make them madder than a wet hen. They’ll throw your submission into File 13 faster than greased lightning. Your writing won’t have a ghost of a chance at being read. So fix it in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Put your best foot forward and pull out all clichés to make your writing sharp as a tack. That’ll stack the deck in your favor, and you’ll hit the nail on the head every time.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but put off) still is create a tagline, which as you now know has been my lofty goal for the last month.

My latest idea is: Sharing hope, humor, and encouragement through God’s love. What do you think? I’d love to hear your suggestions.

What challenges do you face in your writing life? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Great news: sign up for our new free monthly newsletter to get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top. And don’t worry, we’d never do anything spammy like share your info. That would be lower than a polecat.

Courtesy of adamr @freedigitalphotos.net

At the August Wordsowers meeting our guest speaker, the wonderfully funny and encouraging Kelly Klepfer, shared her insights on co-authoring and platform building.

I started hammering away on platform construction last September, so I’m eager to incorporate her blueprints into my building plan, especially my blog.
The blogging rule of thumb is “narrow your focus to broaden your audience.” I haven’t nailed that down, but Michael Bunker has. He writes Amish science-fiction. Seriously. Talk about a narrow focus.
After the meeting I asked author Angela D. Meyer, “How do I narrow my focus?”
She replied, “What’s your passion?”
Hmm. Family time? Reading? Gardening? Organizing? Dancing? Hiking?
I relish all those things, but my true passion is to let people know that, despite our blunders, God is crazy in love with us.
Courtesy of Stuart Miles @freedigitalphotos.net

I want my blog to encourage people. To give them hope.
And that focus is WAY too wide, like using a redwood for a toothpick.

So I looked back to an older post Angela and I co-authored. By “co-authored” I mean I answered a few questions, and she did all the work.
Here are a few highlights of her blog-honing advice.

————————————————————

In a March post Angela stressed:

Know your mission/purpose. Write a mission statement, or create a tag line. Reveal the purpose behind your writing in one sentence.
For example, Angela’s tagline, “Stories of surrender, transformation, and hope,” reflects how she uses her writing to encourage women in their faith walk.

Know your audience. When you have a specific audience in mind, it is easier to get personal with them. Ask yourself:

            What is their age range?  Their gender? Their interests?
                         What life issue/problem are you going to help them solve/answer?

Know yourself. You are the heartbeat of your writing. It’s how you shine through and stand out from everyone else. People are attracted to YOU, not just the WHAT you write.

           What is your personality? Your passion?
                            What is your writing style? Don’t try to be someone else.
—————————————————————————————————
Great advice Angela.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net
To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs.
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious.
Week 4- Use “invisible” words: said, ask, answer, and reply.
This week-
Stop run-on sentences that keep going and going until the readers wish you would throw in a period or a comma or even an exclamation point or anything to stop the sentence before their eyes permanently cross and it’s especially bad if the sentence is being read out loud because someone might pass out from lack of oxygen trying to get to the end of it and even if they don’t by the time they get to the end they won’t remember what the beginning of the sentence was about.

 

Courtesy of renjith Krishnan @ freedigitalphotos.jpg
Most new writers don’t realize that Gertrude the Crossing Guard freelances for editors between shifts. When run-on sentences overrun your submissions, editors dispatch Gertrude to roadblock your verbal traffic jam. Use punctuation marks to stay up to speed.
Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but put off) is create a tagline, which was also last month’s lofty goal. I thought “Truth Through Fiction” was perfect. So did about 100,000,000 other authors who already use it.

What’s your tagline, and how did you create it? I’d love to know…even though I might get so jealous of your amazing wit I send Gertrude to wreak havoc on your keyboard.

Sometimes when I write my blog I feel like I’m calling into an empty, echoing canyon. “Hello? Does anybody hear me?”

Have you experienced that?
If so, don’t lose heart. We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.
Part of platform building includes face to face human interaction. Some people love it, others would rather huddle in their jammies behind the safety of their computer screens.
My most memorable non-writing presentation involved a 5′ Mexican King snake with his fangs embedded in my hand…but I digress.
pic courtesty of gubgib @freedigitalphoto.net
Since my baptism in the publication pool this past year, Chicken Soup for the Soul bought two stories, and the James Scott Bell team bought one for an upcoming Bethany House compilation. That encouraged me to help other new writers.
 I created a workshop to share what I’d learned, called, “Turning Writing Dreams into Reality. Tips, tools, and encouragement for beginning writers.” At its debut last month the room was filled with people I knew. And liked. Talk about putting a speaker at ease.
Even with my years of public speaking, here’s what I’ve re-learned:
1) Practice in the mirror. You’ll identify quirks, like squinting, repeatedly pushing up your glasses, wild gestures, or a zombie-like expression.
photo courtesy of Stuart Miles @ freedigitalphotos.net
2) Start on time even if people are still straggling in.
3) Remember to introduce yourself and your subject. Pretty helpful for those folks who sat down in the wrong workshop.
4) Bring your supplies. Have handouts, pencils, extra paper, business cards, books you’re selling, etc. Author Angela D. Meyer has a great post on what to bring to make set-up attractive and easier.
5) Factor how much time it will take to set up, and add at least an extra 1/2 hour to it. For example, before my last workshop I checked out my designated area. Everything looked perfect. But when I arrived Saturday morning, the event coordinators had reassigned my room due to technical issues.
pic courtesy of AKARAKINGDOMS @ freeigitalphotos.net
6) Instruct your audience to jot down any questions or unfamiliar terms, and assure them you’ll take questions at the end. They’ll have relevant questions and comments, but if you stop to address them you won’t have time to cover your material.
7) Reinforce it when they interrupt. “Great question. Please bring it up when we get to the question portion at the end.” And make sure you allow adequate time for questions.
8) Be honest. I explained at the beginning of my workshop that I’m a new writer sharing what I’ve learned so far. If you don’t know an answer, point them to another resource. My last class asked fabulous insightful questions. I referred them several times to Wordsowers. If you have no clue, admit it. No need to elaborate, “Unfortunately, at present I’m unable to address the specifics of your query.” A simple, “I don’t know, but Wordsowers will,” should cover most questions.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

 

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net

 

To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. (Really just skip them. I’m very serious.)
This week-  The Invisible Man(uscript) Words

Said, ask, answer, and reply.
CeC Murphey puts it this way:
“…To keep the emphasis on the dialog itself, you can use four different verbs—I call them invisible—because they are so common, we hardly notice them. They are said, ask, answer, and reply.”
Sol Stein concurs in his holy grail, Stein on Writing. So 
Use “Said” for most of your writing.

Most new writers don’t realize the Green Bay Packers train with editors during the off season. When editors see,

                 “I don’t think so,” she giggled.
                       “I do,” he sighed.
                           “I still don’t think so,” she exclaimed.
                                 ” I think so,” he shouted.
They dispatch the Packers, en mass, to break down your door, tackle you to the floor, and kick your manuscript into oblivion using you as a field goal.

The entire mess can be prevented by using “said.”

Enough said.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but put off) is create a tagline.
How about you? Are you working toward a goal? If not, is something hindering you? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.
Years ago I taught my daughter, Patty, “Don’t take financial advice from poor people.”
The same holds true for building your platform. Be cautious when taking advice. Be extra cautious when paying for advice. There ARE legitimate places to spend money, but Bill Gates could go broke buying all the courses offered.
Photo courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee @ freedigitalphotos.net
We need to make sure the experts we’re following are the real deal.
Dynamic Duo Jeff Goins and Tim Grahl go together like peanut butter and jelly. But more helpful and not as calorie-laden.
Jeff’s an author and uber successful blogger with a following of 100,000. He’s about “writing, marketing, creative business ideas, and making a difference in the world.”
Tim’s the Founder of Out:think, and author of  Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book. The tagline at outthinkgroup reads, “We help authors build their platforms, connect with readers, and sell more books.”
My current budget for writing is $0, but I sign up for their free emails, books, courses, and webinars.
They whet my appetite for the awesome material they’re selling, but I still get a free mini-feast from their sampler platter. For example:
I’ve learned the #1 most effective book sales tool is (drum roll please)
Grow your email list.
(Mine’s jeaniej@cox.net if you feel a sudden irresistible compulsion to sign up.)
Tim Grahl gives this platform building advice:
  • Focus on the few things that work really well, instead of spreading yourself thin across a dozen platforms
  • Develop a system to figure out what is working and what isn’t, so you can keep doing the former and stop doing the latter
  • Connect with other authors and influencers who can help you quickly grow your platform
  • Create content that will attract new readers
Jeff and Tim both give away a good deal of free material. They’re worth checking out.
Now on to
Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net
To recap what we’ve learned so far:
Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs.

This week- Eradicate empty words.Really justskip them. I’m very serious.

The exception is dialogue. Sometimes.

Most new writers don’t realize that editors keep Godzilla on retainer. When a submission arrives with words like
                                    “just”
                                         “really”
                                                “very”
they text him. Godzilla arrives, eradicates your manuscript with a blazing blast of fire, and collects his fee.
Play it safe and pull out the empty words yourself.

Read Grammar Nazi David Williamson’s great post on the subject to protect your work…and possibly Tokyo.
Like Mothra says, “Only you can prevent foreign fires.”

Last weekend I hosted a workshop at Bible Truth Ministries church. I shared tips about getting into print from a new writer’s perspective. My writing journey began 13 months ago, and so far I’ve sold stories for three books, two for Chicken Soup for the Soul, plus a Bethany House compilation.
If I can do it, so can you.
Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but put off)
Make my website “prettier.”
How about you? What are you working toward? I’d love to hear.
My daughter recently asked, “So Mom, do you have tons of blog followers now?”

Hmm. If she defines “tons” as some, then yes. Whoo hoo! I have tons of followers.

The pressure to hook readers can be intense for new writers like me. I’m tempted to grab people on the street, drag them into a dark alley, and force them to sign up for my blog and newsletter.
“C’mon, it’s free. And I give gifts. What are you afraid of? Just sign up. DO IT.”

Since the police won’t let me use that technique anymore, it’s back to work. I need to

  • Be diligent in writing
  • Submit my work
  • Stay active with the social media sites I use now.

So what’s the problem? When presented with new technology my fight or flight response kicks in. Learn how to create a podcast? Aaagh! Run! Escape to the safety of the refrigerator!

Picture courtesy of iosphere @freedigitalphotos.net
Does anybody else push dreaded tasks to the back-burner?
Hmm, I can’t do that now because it’s time to
           Make a Starbucks run
                       Wash the car
                                   Check on the sleeping children AGAIN
                                                                       Cut the grass…with scissors.

My current lofty goals:

1) Stop chasing my tail like a Yorkie on crack and take advantage of free resources like YouTube. Sometimes their videos give clearer instructions than a company’s tutorials.
2) Better utilize my current social media sites, like posting interesting and relevant content to my Facebook author’s page.
Jeanie’s tutorial, “What to post on a professional page.”
A) A video of a two-headed lamb. Interesting, but not relevant. Leave it.

B) A video of a two-headed lamb writing poetry. Interesting and relevant. Post it.

In my last blog I promised to share

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

Those are things that cause editors to shred your writing, drive to your home, and sprinkle the pages like confetti over your head. Which is inconvenient for them, and wastes a lot of gas. In the interest of conserving natural resources we learned:
Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Today’s secret is
Adverbs are our adversaries.
Using them tripped me up badly, royally, horribly, and exceedingly.
Our critique group leader read my first submission, stifled the urge to roll her eyes,  and told me to search out every word ending in “ly.” A peck of them peppered the pages.
Here’s the fix: Use strong verbs
Example using Dreaded Adverb:John walked slowLY behind.
Better: John lagged behind.
Best: Leave John at home. He needs us to make a Starbuck’s run for him.
Platform building also includes face to face human interaction, which I love. So on June 28th I’ll be at Bible Truth Ministries church sharing my experiences with others who want to start their own writing journeys. You’re welcome to join us.
Starting in May you’ll find exciting changes here on the Wordsowers blog.
I don’t want to give it all away, but here’s a quick overview:
  • 1st Monday of the month. David Williamson, Grammar Nazi, helps hone your writing skills.
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month: Kat Crawford, Super Resource Woman.
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month: Angela D. Meyer, Technical aspects and more.
  • Thursdays: Fun flex day. Check in for our surprise guest and topic.
  • 4th Friday of the month: Jeanie Jacobson (me). Encouragement and humor on platform building.
I’ll share the fun stuff from a rookie perspective. (You’ll still learn about technical aspects through Angela and others.)
Friday’s will be our kick back time. We can laugh together over my goof-ups, and help you avoid the same pitfalls.
Plus I’ll share super-secret tips so you won’t be spotted as a new writer. (Ok, they’re not super-secret. But doesn’t it sound more fun that way?)

In most TV shows the rookie stands out. Whether it’s a detective or medical series, we spot the newbie right away.

When I first joined a critique group I thought my book was ready to go. Bzzzt. Wrong. It was worse than Sister Mary Catherine hip-hopping at a rave.

Learn from my mistakes so you don’t make the same ones. We’ll erase the giant overhead “ROOKIE!” finger earmarking you. You’ll feel more confident going into critique groups and meeting editors.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles@freedigitalphotos.net

For example, I learned this the hard way:
Watch out for it! Top of the list! The exclamation mark!

  • Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Editors can spot a new writer at a thousand yards by the number of exclamation marks in the submission. Find the exclamation marks and eradicate them.
Next week’s super-secret insider reveal: Adverbs. Beware! Oops. Exclamation mark.