If you are writing non-fiction, you need to know this about "best selling" lists.
http://www.thedominoproject.com/2011/01/rejecting-the-new-york-times-bestseller-list.html
Sunday
THANKS TO REGISTRANTS
A big "THANK YOU" to all the registrants at yesterday's Book Writing Workshop in Calgary. Aspiring writers always inspire me with their enthusiasm, courage, ideas and energy and yesterday was no exception.
Thanks again everyone. #in"
Thanks again everyone. #in"
Tuesday
HOW TO BE AN AUTHOR
What does it really take to be an author? It takes a high degree of discipline which can sometimes be difficult for the "creative mind." My best advice is to limit your writing time to about one hour per day, especially if discipline is an issue. Turn off all the social media, cellphone, TV, barking puppy ( haven't figured out how yet), empty coffee cup, pencil sharpener and force yourself to sit in front of the computer screen or blank page and if necessary, just stare at it. Yep, just stare at it for an hour, even if you do not write one word. Repeat until unnecessary or you give up on the writing thing.
Remember, everyone says they want to write a book and 95 % hit this spot and do give up. Perhaps you want to give into your creative, or life changing, or world improving desires in some other way. We all have a contribution to make in whatever way makes the most sense and frankly, has the least roadblocks for each of us. It doesn't have to be difficult to be worth doing.
Remember, everyone says they want to write a book and 95 % hit this spot and do give up. Perhaps you want to give into your creative, or life changing, or world improving desires in some other way. We all have a contribution to make in whatever way makes the most sense and frankly, has the least roadblocks for each of us. It doesn't have to be difficult to be worth doing.
Sunday
BOOK INDUSTRY NEWS
If you are involved in anyway, with the book industry, you cannot afford to miss this information. Whether you are an author, a writer, editor, printer, publisher, retailer, marketer or even reader, this collaboration has the potential to change everything you thought you knew about the creation, marketing and distribution of books.
The combination of marketing, money and more importantly, thinking power that is bringing this project to fruition has wide ranging and incredibly exciting possibilities to anyone involved, including you and I. I suggest strongly that you click on the link and read the short blurb and then subscribe to the Domino Project newsletter, blog or Twitter feeds. Stay on top of what is going to impact your life here.
Please pass this blog on to others in your circle, especially if they are readers or authors.
The combination of marketing, money and more importantly, thinking power that is bringing this project to fruition has wide ranging and incredibly exciting possibilities to anyone involved, including you and I. I suggest strongly that you click on the link and read the short blurb and then subscribe to the Domino Project newsletter, blog or Twitter feeds. Stay on top of what is going to impact your life here.
Please pass this blog on to others in your circle, especially if they are readers or authors.
Saturday
Tuesday
IT'S ABOUT THE READER...STUPID
It is always about the reader, about the customer, about the buyer, about the end user and sorry about the "STUPID."
As authors it is sometimes easy to forget that we are writing for someone else and yes, I know about the phrase that we have to write for ourselves. Today, the art of creating a book is really all about who will read it, who will benefit from it (besides the author, the publisher, the printer, the storekeeper and the candlestick maker). If we keep in mind that we are writing TO A READER and that the reader is looking for value in either entertainment or information (or both), then we will be well on our way to creating something worthwhile in a very noisy marketplace. So, here's the lesson, clearly define who is going to read your book and write it to them - even better if you can imagine your ONE ideal reader and write it for that person.
What would happen if textbooks were written that way...perish the thought and lack of publisher profits. How can you tell I have a daughter in university?
Please feel free to subscribe to this blog and send it on to others.
As authors it is sometimes easy to forget that we are writing for someone else and yes, I know about the phrase that we have to write for ourselves. Today, the art of creating a book is really all about who will read it, who will benefit from it (besides the author, the publisher, the printer, the storekeeper and the candlestick maker). If we keep in mind that we are writing TO A READER and that the reader is looking for value in either entertainment or information (or both), then we will be well on our way to creating something worthwhile in a very noisy marketplace. So, here's the lesson, clearly define who is going to read your book and write it to them - even better if you can imagine your ONE ideal reader and write it for that person.
What would happen if textbooks were written that way...perish the thought and lack of publisher profits. How can you tell I have a daughter in university?
Please feel free to subscribe to this blog and send it on to others.
Monday
CREATING A BRAND
As authors, we often do not realize that we need to create a brand in today's world of business. We should not mistake our careers as being different from that of a business either. An author, regardless of their publishing process, is always responsible for promoting their own work and so the importance of creating a brand is absolute today.
I came across this excellent blog this morning that offers you 125 questions to ask yourself as you create your own brand and they apply to authors as we make our efforts available to the world. I urge you to take a look and decide on your methods of moving forward in promoting yourself and your work. Many of the questions are essential to making sure you are writing your book for your intended audience and will keep you on track as you work toward completion of a much better, more focused book.
Go here to read how you can create your own brand.
I came across this excellent blog this morning that offers you 125 questions to ask yourself as you create your own brand and they apply to authors as we make our efforts available to the world. I urge you to take a look and decide on your methods of moving forward in promoting yourself and your work. Many of the questions are essential to making sure you are writing your book for your intended audience and will keep you on track as you work toward completion of a much better, more focused book.
Go here to read how you can create your own brand.
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