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Category: Kat’s Writing Tales

Years ago when I wrote “Sunshine and Smiles,” a column for the local newspaper, I packed a steno pad with me everywhere—yes, everywhere. Inspiration hit me all times of the day and night and sometimes in odd situations.

One day husband, Young Son and I drove north of our small burg where I clipped my nails and watched the fellows ride go-carts. The guys were excited about the speed, the noise, and who could beat whom. Me, I watched an ant carry a piece of fingernail from one side of the road to the other.

That ant moving a nail twice his size became the inspiration for the weekly article, a couple of husband’s sermons and a motivation for the youth group.

Where did you find your latest article topic?

Thoughts from Lionhearted Kat

At the end of my writing week, I enjoy chewing over my accomplishments. When I receive notification of an acceptance, excitement bubbles through my veins. When I see the printed article that might have a thousand readers, I’m amazed.

The question is: “Why do I continue to write?”

  • What is my drive, the passion, the motivation?
  • Why do I continue to write? Is it for money?
  • Is it for applause? See me, see what I can do?

Obviously the big money isn’t the answer for me. Applause—no, I like kudo’s, but more than that is the drive to help others.

But what about you?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • How do you find incentive to write for others?
  • What is the reason you schedule time to write?
  • When you write, are you engrossed and excited?

Write a paragraph in response and post it in the comment section.

Thoughts from Lionhearted Kat

“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king;
My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.” Psalm 45:1

Do not expect the customer service rep to think OUTSIDE THE CUP.

When I received notice an anthology, “Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers,” with articles from Audrey and me, was ready to ship, I started calling bookstores and churches. I learned right away it’s easier if there are two smiling salesladies at the table to autograph.

My author friend Audrey and I arranged several book events together. Audrey brought the candies, “Hugs and Kisses.” We stood at a table right inside the door pedaling books and of course, free candies. I’m not sure if our smiles or the candies got more attention, but we did sell books and we built a good relationship with the sales staff.

At the close of the signing a customer service rep thanked us and said, “We’ll sell all of these before Mother’s Day. Easy sell.”

“But this book isn’t just for Mother’s Day,” I said. “This is a book for the year. I’m holding tea parties this summer and I’m promoting Coffee Capers. You know a time when you have a great book event, invite people to learn about the mystery of being an author—Audrey and I can share our story…” I kept talking and talked her into another book event later in the summer.

Lesson learned: Teach the customer service rep how to market beyond the title, beyond the promo pitch, beyond that particular book.

Still Lionhearted, Kat

February 2, 2012 the Omaha Wordsowers Christian Writers group met at the Rockbrook Plaza Garden Café. Some of us met at 6 p.m. for food and fellowship.

At 7 p.m. Angela talked about a book she bought at HACWN last fall, “The First Fifty Pages” by Jeff Gerke.

After listening to Angela’s presentation I know I want this book in my library. In fact, I wish I’d bought it before the meeting.

There are several things that stood out to me when Angela talked about Gerke’s book. One of his bombs: Character Creation sounds like the book I’m reading. “If you could switch the names around in a dialogue scene and nothing seems out of the ordinary, the characters are week.” (page 57.)

Like I said at the meeting, “The novel I’m reading is rather boring, but it puts me to sleep at night.” Truly the characters in the book are “flat.”

A quote from Angela’s notes:

Don’t tiptoe into your book. Launch the thing with a major dance number.

Next month Daniel Segura is presenting a book about characterization. He’ll post a title soon in case you want to read or buy it before the meeting.

Those in attendance for February meeting: Bill, Lee, Jon, Dan, Matt, Angela, Kat, Merrie and Teresa.

Also, if you want a flyer to advertise Wordsowers at a bookstore or library, email Angela.

If you have any questions or suggestions please contact one of the Leaderhip Team: Angela Meyer, Jon Miller, Kat Crawford, Teresa Tierney

Enjoyed your presentation, Angela.

Kat

It’s January 2, 2012 and I’ve posted my goals for the New Year on www.lionheartedkat.com

In 2007 I posted my weekly goals on Fellowship of Christian Writers www.fcw@yahoogroups.com. Goal setting did help me, but when I started reviewing what I accomplished and writing the things I learned, I gained even more.

This year I have a goal of writing a “Lesson Learned” weekly on lionheartedkat.com —that’s not a lofty goal, just a tool to help me.

Hope to see you all at the first Wordsowers meeting of 2012 at Garden Café this coming Thursday at 7-8:30.