Now, That’s Action!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Shortly after I began writing, some ten-plus years ago, I met a film director at a conference. In the course of our short conversation, he gave me a simple piece of advice I have never forgotten—“From the very first sentence, drop your reader into the midst of the action,” he said.

He gave me the examples of beginning with the screams of a mother giving birth or a firefighter running out of a burning house with a child in his arms.

Now, that’s action.

That’s suspense!

That’s called “engaging the reader”.

If you don’t give readers a reason to turn the page and read more, they will put your book down.

It’s as simple as that.

It’s as easy as picturing it in your mind’s eye

because

your book is a movie

in your own words.

These Are Sure to be Bestsellers

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Stories of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes have dominated the news this week. If you are looking for a story to write, whether fiction or nonfiction, you have no further to look than out your own front window.

Some such stories have been made into Hollywood movies because they are sensational and tap into the deepest of human emotions. Who hasn’t enjoyed watching Volcano!, Twisters, San Andreas, Ash fall, or Tidal Wave—just to name a few?

These topics are almost sure to be bestsellers, if well-written and provide a new “twist.”

A Broken Toe

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I met a friend for coffee a couple of days ago. We had such a great time “catching up.” After three hours, we made a date to meet again.

Leaving the Starbucks, I put on my sunglasses and hugged her goodbye. That’s when I tripped over the concrete bumper in the parking lot and broke my toe.

I’m not looking for sympathy. I just thought I’d mention that you never know when you’ll “trip” over an interesting story idea. Real life will never cease to provide fodder for short stories, blogs, and even chapters in your current novel.

Get A Life!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Writers, over the years I have found my “writing” life taking on a existence of its own. I often feel like I live in two different worlds—mostly in the world of fiction I create for myself and my readers.

Last night, we had some neighbors over. I had a really good time visiting with them and I realized that many of my book ideas have come from little snippets of “real life”.

If you are someone who loves to write, I would caution you not to take your writing so seriously that you forget to connect with friends and family and enjoy life to its fullest.  

Boosting Sales On Social Media

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I enjoy sharing what I learn each week.

Sometimes I do a little research; often it’s something a friend or colleague has shared with me and I merely pass it along.

Today, I am sharing information about what people pay attention to most on social media.

The answer?    EVERYTHING.

Sound. Color. Movement, Size.

Odd/new concepts. The ridiculous. The outrageous. Things that look/sound real, but aren’t.

Some things draw attention more than others. For instance, something in print is looked at more if it shimmers or shakes or pulses.

Add audio and it boosts sales. 

Add something strange, like a talking cow and it gets even more attention.

The more senses involved—all at the same time—the more memorable.

Just as the folks in charge of productions at The Sphere in Las Vegas realize this all too well. They don’t stop with just sight and sound. In many performances at The Sphere, seats shake and scents fill the air.

Authors can’t use many of these ideas in their books, but in advertising they will make you stand out in the crowded market!

This is Absolutely FREE!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Adding A+ Content is a FREE feature on Amazon’s Author Central.

That’s right. Absolutely FREE.

A+ content allows sellers to enhance their product listings with images, text, and comparison charts to engage customers more effectively and provide them with additional detailed information.

The goal?  Boosting sales and improving the customer’s experience. 

A+ Content offers enhanced listings, the ability to share your brand’s story, and increased conversion rates.

How do you find the opportunity to use FREE A+ content?

Go to your Author Central page.

Click on one of your books.

Click on Book Promotions Page.

Scroll past Run a Price Promotion until you get to the place in the middle that says NEW: A+ Content in blue letters. Underneath, it will give guidelines and examples.

You DO have to create this “content” but it is FREE to add it to your book’s page on Amazon.

Pretty COOL, huh?

To Copyright or Not?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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“ Does my book get automatically copyrighted as I write it?” This is a question asked a lot in writer circles. 

The answer is “yes—if it is an original work.”

But, if you want extra “protection”, you can register your book with the U.S. Copyright Office. This gives you the ability to sue someone for damages who you feel is infringing on your rights. (I feel the history of your writing on your computer will prove without a doubt that you wrote the book and when, however.)

It really is as simple as that.

When I began writing, I published several screenplays. Somehow, I felt they were different than a book, so I ran off paper copies. I sent them to the US Copyright office. In a few weeks, one was sent back to me and I’ve kept it, sealed, to this day. It took a lot of work and postage to do this. I’m not sure I would ever do it again.

It’s up to you. If you have more peace of mind doing an added layer of protection, there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

In Search of a Compelling Read?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

My background as a school guidance counselor, and degrees in Special Education and Psychology help me tell realistic stories–compelling dramas about how we respond when our dreams are shattered.

Books on a Budget

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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As a kid, I often went to a thrift store to buy used books to read. Today, it’s still worth the trip to Goodwill or Salvation Army to find books for those of us who read a lot and/or are on a budget.

However, if you’re looking for new releases, you can find deals on websites such as Book Sirens, Goodreads, and Book Bub.

Most give readers free copies (usually e-books) in exchange for writing unbiased reviews. Authors furnish books to them in hopes of garnering reviews, which are “golden” to writers, increasing their rank on Amazon and other websites.

Think writing reviews takes lots of time and more skill than you currently have?

Next week, I’ll tackle that question.

Another Reason to Celebrate!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

July 4th is a big day for our country. I’ll be wearing my 250th Birthday shirt and I intend to celebrate!

Another reason I’m looking forward to the 4th of July this year? The launch of Sunset Pointe: The Baby Between Us.

Set in the 1970’s, this novel is the first of a series of three books that will follow four families up to the present time.

Heartaches? 

Sure.

Twists and turns? 

Of course!

Moments to cherish and ponder?

That’s what it’s all about.

For the next few days, I will be sharing excerpts from my first editorial review . . . FIVE STARS!

Happy Fourth of July!