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“Ya Know What I Mean?”

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

8647203304_0e9dfda704One of my relatives is fantastic…colorful…quirky.

At least a dozen times in the space of a fifteen-minute conversation, she ends a sentence with, “Ya know what I mean?”

Here’s an example of something she would say:  “I left the house and realized I hadn’t closed the garage door. I had to drive all the way back. It almost made me late to work. Ya know what I mean?”

I try to overlook it, even though at times it is VERY distracting.

However, it is the perfect example of something authors can use to make their characters real…human…interesting…unforgettable.

There’s a fine line, though, between making our characters unique and belittling or mocking certain traits/habits they might have. The very thing you and I might think is clever, might offend a reader—especially if they happen to identify, on a personal level, with what you have written.

Imagine a nail biter reading about a character that constantly bites her nails.

Or someone with a small tic or speech impediment that encounters a character in a book that has the same difficulty.

How can we use some of these characteristics and still be empathetic?

First of all, we need to realize that these characteristics evoke real feelings in readers. Then, being sensitive to that fact, we make sure that we don’t present them as flaws to their worth as a person…don’t use them as demeaning remarks.

In fact, we can turn some of them around, making them their “saving grace,” their “redeeming quality”…the very thing that serves to transform other characters in the story as they come to know and love them.

Just last week, I started working on a new novel—one involving a mentally handicapped young man. From page one, it must be a constant effort on my part to be true to his intrinsic worth as a person. Although some of the things he does are humorous, the thrust of the story is not to laugh at him, but show the growth of the other characters in the story because of his involvement in their lives.

Sensitivity to our readers—and our characters—is just one more thing authors must keep in mind when choosing vocabulary, writing scenes, and developing characters.

Ya know what I mean?

(Note: The character arc is the subject of a previous post. See in “archived posts.”)

Platform Building, Part 2

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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Your writer’s platform is basically the group of activities you engage in that get your name and work noticed by the public. It’s marketing, not of a specific work, but of you as the author. It’s everything you do to build your brand.

Nowadays, publishers require that their authors are willing to get out there and market themselves. And, if you’re an indie author, as I am, all the more important for you to learn all you can about marketing.

  1. Aside from making publishers happy, there are a other side benefits to platform building:
  2. You may be able to generate some side-income from teaching and speaking.

You can also build your brand as an expert in your writing niche.

No matter what your goals, fans want to connect with a real person. That means we need to be ourselves, both as writers and individuals. We must show our true faces to the world.

The good news is that the technology of today (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) can play a major role in building our platforms, and are based on genuine, personal interactions.

*So, with an online presence on Facebook and Twitter being ESSENTIAL, I will also suggest that you start a website/blog and or weekly newsletter. Weebly and WordPress basic websites are FREE. I got mine (www.brendapoulos.org and www.spiritualsnippets.com and runawaysthelongjourneyhome.wordpress.com) started in practically no time at all. I am not techie, so if I can do it, you can, too! (There are others, such as communit.com, but these are the easiest to get started with and to keep going on a consistent basis.)

You’ll have to be diligent about blogging at least once weekly, adding your bio, announcing new book launches, sharing information on writing and about your life in as specific details as you are comfortable.

*Speaking at writer’s groups, libraries, book clubs, etc. can get you in front of the public. You’ll meet new people (potential followers) and meet other writers.

Although public speaking isn’t for everyone, it’s never a bad idea to get out there and let people see the face of the author behind the words. Take a guest book along with you, asking interested attendees to give you their email address so you can keep in touch with news, offers, etc.

*Teaching the craft of writing is another great avenue to help brand you as an expert. It will also give you something to blog about. Although this is often done as a freebie on an author’s part, you can make some decent side money by teaching either in person or online via podcasts or webinars.

So, decide what your specialty will be. Some websites I’ve seen involve cooking, crafting, scrapbooking, animals, travel—almost anything that is of interest to you will also be of interest to that certain group of others with similar likes, goals, and beliefs.

*Don’t overlook doing book give-a-ways on Goodreads and Amazon and Book Bub. You can also create products, such as pens, mugs, bookmarks, etc. Then, used these to market your brand by using them as give-a-ways at fairs, conventions, etc.

Get creative! I leave my business cards on bulletin boards and in restaurants when I pay my bill. A friend of mine leaves them in the pockets of the clothing she tries on when shopping!

*Support other authors. Join a professional writers groups/organizations. These are great ways to make contacts, lasting friendships, and get in on some great teaching. May I recommend American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the local chapter in your state.

It is important to remember that platform building will be different for every author because it will depend on your target readership, your unique expertise, and the message you want to present to the world.

Platform building is a creative process, just as is your own writing…

Use your imagination.

Begin small and build in increments.

Be persistent.

Don’t give up!

Neglecting your platform in today’s world can be a big mistake. You may have written a best-seller, but no one will know that if you don’t make your presence known!

Dive Write In

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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No doubt, you are aware of how the writer’s mind works: it can be thinking about something and then, zing, it’s off in another direction, contemplating a different idea which is only remotely related to the subject at hand…

So, here I was watching the Olympics last week, intent on the elements of synchronized diving. Two divers walked onto the platform, and then, in a flash, my mind went to “Writer’s Platform.”

Yes, there is always a thread there to connect one thought with the other, but still…off I was thinking about writing—yet, again.

Knowing that the writer’s platform is one of my weakest areas, I decided to find out more.

With two novels under my belt, I was worried that it might be too late to declare my platform to the world.

Following an afternoon of “research” I was relieved to know that I hadn’t missed the boat, entirely.

It turns out that the consensus of opinion is that a platform is something that is built over time.

That’s right. You—and I—can start building our platform right now without a detailed plan.

Another bit of good news: If you are a fiction writer, you DO NOT need a platform to get published. Your publisher or agent will make a decision first based on the quality of your work and its marketability.

Your platform will grow out of your body of work.

Now, it’s hard, if not impossible, to build a platform for work that does not yet exist. So, if you are new to the writing profession, take a deep breath. There’s still time to build that ever-so-necessary platform.

On the other hand, we cannot delay. To be successful, we must create an online identity.

We need to build our readership. And, that takes time.

But, remember, our brand is US…not our latest book.

Our efforts must go into building a connection between ourselves and our readers.

So, just what is a platform and how do we connect with our readers? Well, it’s a big subject and I am learning right along with you, so we’ll pick this up, again, next week. By then, I will have more tidbits to share.

Until then, be thinking about what makes YOU and YOUR Message unique.

Platform building is an organic process and will vary from author to author, but there will be a framework from which we can work–and  that will be the topic for my next post.

 

When Less Is More

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

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Have you heard the phrase “Less Is More”?

This expression is often associated with the architect and furniture designer Ludwig Van Der Rohe (1886-1969), who noted that clarity and simplicity lead to good design.

It refers to a minimalist approach, noting that when there are less items on a display shelf, they don’t have to compete for our attention and, thus, we can focus on them, individually, and enjoy each one for its own special qualities.

So, less decoration, properly employed, has more impact than a lot.

What implication does this have for writers?

I think it can have several:

1) For the most part, writing that is less complicated is often better understood than that which is more complicated or complex. This  works well for non-fiction and even most fiction books. However, readers of mysteries thrive on untangling clues and figuring out motives, so making them simpler would just water them down and kill all of the excitement of the hunt.

2)   Brevity of communication is more effective. I am reminded that we live in a world of emails and texting. Short, choppy, sentences and phrases are the way we communicate with each other. So, it stands to reason that readers want to see more white space on a page.

Long past are the days of flowery language and lengthy descriptive paragraphs. Readers want writers to be more to the point than ever before.

To carry this idea forward for a moment, authors are seeing more sales of books in a series, rather than books with a healthy 500 pages to plow through. So, authors, you can make more money by putting those hefty books in 250-300 page “installments.”

3) Finally, there is a fine line between just the right amount and far too much description. Readers want authors to give them some description of the characters and setting, and then allow the readers to visualize the rest for themselves.

(I recently stopped reading a book at page four because the author was still describing the character’s physical attributes, educational background, family relationships, and idiosyncrasies. With no action—no story, yet— I just couldn’t take it any longer!)

Like spices, sprinkling this throughout the book in small phrases keeps the story much more interesting. The less we tell and the more we guide the reader, they will feel more involved in the process…more a part of the reading experience. 

It’s important to note that over the years trends change. Writers, just like those employed in any other industry, must be willing to adjust to what our reading public tells us they want.

Until then, give them less and they’ll want more!

 

 

SUPER-SIZE IT!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

Things used to be so simple. Now, everything must be bigger and better to draw our attention.

 

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For example:

Superman

Supermodel

Super Mario

Super Chunk

Super Hero

Super foods

Supercuts

Super soft

Super cool

Super star

This “Super” mentality makes it difficult for a lot of people, including writers.

Our audience demands more.

And, so we must demand more of ourselves.

The pace must be faster.

The characters must be larger than life.

Quirkier…

more colorful…

smarter…

more interesting.

So we dig deeper…widen our appeal to a broader audience.

We meet the challenge…

up the ante…

we super-size it!

 

Why Not Write an Epigraph?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

What is An Epigraph? (Not to be confused with epitaph).   26980408514_eda03edd2c

This is a technique I love, but had no idea there was an actual technical term for it.

Basically, it is a quote, short poem, excerpt from a book, Bible verse, stanza of a song, etc. that is set at the beginning of a text.

Epigraphs are often used at the beginning of chapters or they can be displayed on a separate page in a book, prior to the Prologue.

They set the stage—the tone—for the story that follows because they link to the general theme in some way.

An epigraph is used to attract…to mystify…to capture interest.

Here’s an example from my soon-to-be-released book, The Choice: Will’s Last Testament:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

You may have read this Bible verse before, but set-apart on its own page, it’s given weight… importance.

It gives direction for all that is to come.

STEAMPUNK

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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There was a time when I started writing a few years back, that I had to learn the meaning of quite a few terms. For example, I had no idea what speculative fiction and YA meant.

Recently, I relaxed a little, thinking that I’d caught myself up on all the terms and lingo. I was wrong, however.  As I read biographies of authors on Twitter last week, I came across an unfamiliar term.  Several authors spoke of writing Steampunk.

What in the world is Steampunk?

Here is what I found out:

Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that first became popular in the 1980’s.

These are works set in an era or fantasy world where steam power is used, often in the 19th century Victorian era England.

They have prominent elements of science fiction and fictional technology like that found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

Some steampunk contains alternate history, such as in a post-apocalyptic future where steam power is in use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

Steampunk may also use elements from fantasy, horror, historical fiction, or other kinds of speculative fiction.

One of the earliest short stories relying on steam-powered flying machines is the 1844 The Aerial Burglar.

Recent books are: Khurt Khave’s Chainsaw Alice in Wonderland (2014); Quercia’s Lincoln Pocket Watch Conspiracy (2014); and Butcher’s The Aeronaut’s Windlass.

So, now we know.

It doesn’t sound like what I would enjoy reading, (or writing, for that matter) but I hear through the grapevine that it is a favorite among geeky teenagers and young adults.

Seems like it would take a lot of research and a good deal of imagination.

It might be right up your alley.

Authors: Introverts or Extroverts?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

So often we think authors must be introverts, since writing is such a solitary, introspective endeavor.

Public speaking seems to be more in line with what an extrovert would do. After all, they thrive in environments full of people—malls, cafes, concerts, conferences.

Actually, it seems there is no direct correlation between being a writer and being an introvert or an extrovert.

Sure, if given a choice, introverts may rather express their ideas in writing than in speech and extroverts more often enjoy taking to the stage.

But, for both, writing provides a way of expression, although perhaps a more comfortable medium of expression for introverts.

 

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There is also a third category, called ambiverts, striking a balance between these two extremes. This personality trait includes the qualities of both introversion and extroversion.

I am convinced that the longer a person writes, the possibility of him/her becoming anambivert increases. After all, introverts find that much of their career depends on marketing, publicity, and teaching opportunities. Extroverts realize that even though they thrive on social contact, they must still spend a good deal of their time working  alone.

Of course, people retain their basic personality type, but environment and heredity both play a significant role in the blending of these two types into one super type—the best of both worlds—the ambivert.

A hybrid. A super communicator. A writer.

What I Learned Today

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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A couple of days ago, we had new countertops installed in our kitchen. As I stood there afterward, admiring them, I said something to the installer about my having heard that Windex is a good cleaner.

“Oh, no!” he said. “Please never put Windex on your granite.”

“Oops,” I answered. “I learn something new every day.”

And I do.

I either learn through the circumstances of my day—just as from the installer—or by purposefully seeking the answer to a question I’ve had.

One of my friends is writing a Novella. I asked her exactly what that was (I was already considering writing one myself the instant that she said the name. So beautiful it sounded to my ear: No-vel-la.)

She said it was a short novel.

Ok. I knew there had to be more to it than that., but I was too embarrassed to tell her I didn’t know.

So, I went to the computer with my question. Here is what I found:

A novella is a work of fiction. It can be thought of as a short novel or a long short story.

Whereas a novel has over 50,000 words, a novella has an average of 30,000 words.

A writer may plan to write a novella ahead of time, as my friend has. It’s alright if the novella ends up to be longer (then you’ve written a novel) or shorter (then it qualifies as a short story).

Novellas are not the most popular or best-selling format. You may not find a publisher that will readily accept a novella, but it may be perfect for someone self-publishing.

So, there you go. Perhaps we’ve all learned something new, today.

Whatever you decide to write—a short story, novella, novel, or magazine article—writing is a most-rewarding form of self-expression.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at writing.

Why not start small?

Perhaps a novella…

Are You Addicted?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

When we think of addictions, we often think of drugs, alcohol, pornography, and gambling.

Addictions like those are a bad thing.

I’ve been addicted to chocolate, french fries, soft dough pretzels, and peanut butter.

Lately, I cannot resist vanilla shakes, avocado-bacon burgers, and Amish Romances.

Others might be addicted to shopping, golf, cell phones, and to taking “selfies.”

Those addictions can be a bad thing, too.

Anything we desire to do over and over, again, on a daily—or even minute-by-minute–basis can be addictions.

And, not all addictions are bad (at least in my opinion).

So, let me ask you…5449316690_afb701325f

Are YOU an addict?

Is your writing so fulfilling that your day is just not complete unless you write for at least a few hours?

Are your characters so real that you simply cannot wait to get back to them each day?

Do you find the alternate worlds you’ve created to be intriguing…fascinating?

A writing addiction can be a GOOD thing.

Just like swimmers and gymnasts practice for hours and hours a day—because they are addicted to their sports—writers need to do the same. And, on the days you cannot make that happen, you should expect to feel irritated, frustrated, and disappointed.

Why?

Because on those days you haven’t met your inner need…that almost intangible longing you have for self-expression that, for you, cannot be met in any other way.

My grand daughters dance. They are addicted to it.  They live and breathe it. It completes them.

Just as painting is to artists.

Just as music is to musicians.

Writing is addictive to authors.

And that can be a VERY GOOD THING!