writers

Do Authors Need A Website?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

Part of being an author is developing a relationship with your readership. So, I won’t beat around the bush. You DO need a website.

You’ll want to include pictures of yourself, a biography, book covers and a short synopsis of each. Underneath each one, you’ll want a link to wherever readers can order copies.

You’ll need a little bit of art work for the header of your website, perhaps a logo, a tagline, and a contact page. If you write a blog or have a Facebook page, you’ll want to have links to those, also.

Originally, I put up my own webpage, which I used for several years. I am not the best at technology, so about a year ago when I felt I needed to “step-up” my web presence, I hired a company to accomplish what I could not do on my own.

Website construction is costly. And so is web-hosting. Even the name of your website has a yearly fee. So, just do what you can as you’re able to afford it. Before you know it, you’ll be up and running.

There are many companies that are able to make a website for you that you will be proud of. Later, if you want to add another book, update a photo, or anything of that kind, you can either do it yourself or re-contact them for that service.

I invite you to see what mine looks like, here is the link: www.brendapoulosauthor.com    

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Do You Love to Read?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I have written before how my mother loved to read, so it was no wonder that I followed in her footsteps. Later, as an elementary school teacher, I hope I instilled a love for reading in my students. (My favorite part of the day was reading aloud to my students for twenty precious minutes after lunch recess).

In those days, we used a program called the Writing Road to Reading. The basic idea being that reading and writing go hand-in-hand. The phonics-based total language program, is still taught in many classrooms throughout the U.S. today.

Romalda Spalding believed that the immediate incorporation of spelling and handwriting with phonics instruction reinforced all the skills.  Students create and add to notebooks everything they learn.

Children learn to put sounds together, form meaningful words, write meaningful sentences, and develop their creative minds. Through it, children learn to enjoy the great works of children’s literature.

I wasn’t taught to read this way myself (I taught myself to read before I entered first grade). However, when I began to teach both regular and remedial classes using this method, something inside me clicked and “filled in the gaps” in my learning.

I’d always loved reading, but now as a teacher, my passion for reading exploded. I began reading children’s books and worked my way “up.”

I am guessing that readers of this blog are either avid readers, writers, or both. I would love for you to share how your love for reading/writing began. I will reprint your stories in this blog in the near future.

COTT

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

We have all probably experienced opening one of our folders (containing notes from conferences, podcasts, or books we’ve read) and said: “Oh, my! I’d forgotten all about this.”

Well, that’s what I did a few minutes ago.

Flipping pages, I came across one marking a proud moment. My first book, Runaways: The Long Journey Home, won a contest called “Clash of the Titles” six years ago.

Why I haven’t thought about this until now, I do not know, but right away I wanted to give you some information on this monthly contest:

In their monthly games, several authors face off with their newest novels to see which is voted most worthy by readers. 

Just out of the gate with my first novel, I had no clue what I was doing. It must have been easy because I was able to enter—and win!

What did I receive? 

  • A big blurb about my book and myself as an author (on their website)
  • My picture and book cover displayed
  • A great “badge” that I used for advertising (see above)

So, today I went to http://clashofthetitles.com/ 

I read about the monthly contests and their COTT Blog Alliance.

But then I read these dreaded words:

  • Monthly clashes will not be held for the foreseeable future.

and

  • No longer accepting members to the COTT Blog Alliance.

So very disappointing!  This was a great website at one time and it makes me wonder what happened. I am still printing this because YOU may know what went on at COTT.

They made a big impact on me early in my writing career, as I am sure they did for many others just getting started.

** If you have any updated information on this group, please write back on this blog. **

Style in Your Stocking

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I was shocked to find a few glaring grammatical errors in a book I was reading this week.

This was not written by an inexperience author, either.

Which brings me to the point of this post:

Errors in spelling and grammar distract and annoy readers. Before publishing, authors need to read through their own manuscripts at least a half-dozen times, submit to Beta Readers, and then on to their editors.

Once that process is finished, and the final copy comes back, it’s wise to do a final read-thru because the process of formatting can itself produce errors that weren’t previously there.

The mistakes I found in the book I was reading were grammatical:  there (a location) interchanged with their (possessive); and your (possesive) was used instead of you’re (you are).

Want an easy and quick way to make sure you are using the correct words?

For decades now, authors have been referring to a small book, named The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. I got my copy years ago. It was the Fourth Edition, printed in the year 2000. This book has been around so long that I was able to pick mine up at our local Goodwill Store.

In it, I found the answer to the correct usage of the word myriad. This is one of the most misused words in the writer’s toolbox. (Many writers insert the word of following myriad (myriad of). This is not correct, although to my human ear I must admit it does sound right…

If you question any wording at all, it’s best to refer to this book, or any number of similar ones. 

Put it on your Christmas list.

Genre???

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

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The first time I mentioned to someone that I wanted to become an author, I was asked what genre I was interested in.

Genre???

I didn’t even know what genre meant!  That’s how new I was to this whole writing thing!!!

In case you are new—and we all have to be at some time—here is a common definition:

A genre is a category of composition. Within each genre, pieces have similarities in subject, style, and form. 

Here is a current list of major writing types:

FICTION:

Classic, Crime, Drama, Fable, Fairy Tale, Fan Fiction, Fantasy, Folklore, Graphic Fiction, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Mythology, Realism, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, Tall Tales, Westerns

NON-FICTION:

Biographies, Essays, Personal narratives, Textbooks, Self-help, Journalism

When you begin to write, it is good to have a clear picture of your genre. (Most people write in the genre they most like to read, but that is not always the case.)

If you are writing because you love to write, first and foremost—if self-fulfillment or getting your message “out there” is the motivating factor, then you are free to write in any genre you’d like.

However, if your primary motivation is to make money, then consider the following as they are the most widely-read genres:

Contemporary Romance

Mystery-Suspense/ Thriller/ Horror

Fantasy and paranormal

Young Adult

Science Fiction and Magical Realism

In the coming weeks, I will attempt to feature each of these genres in this blog.

Remember:  Knowing our genres will help us understand our reading audience—one of the most important factors contributing to our success as writers.

 

ECHOES

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

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One of the first books I can remember reading as a youngster was Heidi.

I was fascinated by the life she led on the mountaintops with her grandfather. I begged my parents to take me on a trip up north so that I could hear my voice echo from the  mountains in northern Arizona.

ECHOES.

Who would have guessed that, years later, I would loathe them???

With so many different words to choose from, writers have little excuse for using the same ones over and over again.

There are a number of self-editing programs out there. Each one is able to help authors avoid this pitfall.

In the program I use, this is found under REPEATS (words) and ECHOES (phrases).

Much to my dismay, I always find that I am guilty of many of these on any given page.

Why do I find myself using the same words so often?

I think it is because once I have used a certain word, it is in the forefront of my mind. Then, when the next occasion presents itself, it is on the tip of my tongue, ready to be quickly and conveniently typed onto the page again.

For example, I actually used the word slipped FIVE times in two consecutive paragraphs—each time, referring to a different one of its multiple meanings:

He slipped into (Got into the car easily).

He slipped. (Fell).

He slipped her five dollars. (Gave someone money without others noticing).

He slipped. (Not meaning to, he revealed a secret.)

He slipped up. (Made a careless mistake).

When my editing program flags one of these multiple uses within close proximity, I often use my Thesaurus to find possible substitutes.

Just another one of those pitfalls authors need to avoid…

Got GRIT?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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All writers need it.

Successful authors have it.

So, just what is “GRIT”?

According to best-selling author, Angela Duckworth, GRIT is “sustained perseverance and passion, especially for long-term goals.”

We are able to recognize it in ourselves and in fellow writers.

It’s determination to succeed.

It’s that fire in an author’s eyes when asked a question about writing or when a new idea for a book “pops” into their head.

It’s a lamp glowing on their desk at 2 A.M.

It’s that relentless scribbling of notes as the writer attends their umpteenth conference.

It’s that mesmerized look as a writer meets their favorite author in person for the very first time.

It’s hours, days, months, and even years of hard—and oftentimes—lonely work, punctuated with a willingness to forgo momentary pleasures in order to fulfill their dream.

It’s that smile on their face as they proudly display the cover of their new book for the camera while secretly planning the next one in their head.

Care for a Goldfish?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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“I loved your book. I was up all night reading. I just couldn’t put it down!”

Comments like those are music to this author’s ears.

From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful that The Choice: Will’s Last Testament is getting such wonderful comments and reviews.

Such a warm reception gives me the energy to forge ahead and begin writing book #3!

It’s curious, isn’t it, what things give a human being the confidence to press on toward accomplishment?

A friend of mine is running a half-marathon in a few weeks. It’s something that she has never done before. It’s the challenge from another friend that pushes her to train each day.

I know someone who is trying to break an internet record for the most podcast interviews done in a certain length of time. It’s a lofty goal involving weeks of podcasts!

When teaching my daughter to drive a stick-shift, I remember finally resorting to popping a Goldfish cracker into her mouth each time she didn’t grind the gears!

So, the goal must be set.

But, there must be something that keeps the person moving toward that goal—a reward of some kind—that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow:

A record broken,

A pat-on-the-back,

A person’s name in lights,

Winning a contest,

Great five-star reviews.

So, dear writer, don’t bail on your dreams. Maybe, like me, all you really need is a little encouragement because

YOU CAN DO IT!!!  I KNOW YOU CAN!!!

 

Pseudonyms

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

What’s in a Name?  I asked myself this question not too long ago, reasoning that the name Brenda Poulos might not be so memorable. Maybe I’d need something shorter, flashier, similar to some other well-known person… I’d piggy-back off of their fame…

Some writers use pen names. I was curious to find out why, so I decided to do a little research. Here’s what I found out:

1)   Most well-known authors write in a certain genre. They become known as a Suspense Writer, for example. Then, perhaps they want to add another genre to their writing repertoire. Publishers may not like this for several reasons. Same with their fans. So, they write in the “new” genre under a pen name.

2)  Some writers, I found out, start writing under a pen name when they are looking to switch publishers.  (The internet article cautioned against doing this. I can see all kinds of legal reasons why this wouldn’t be a good idea.)

3)  Writers, whose earlier work(s) may have bombed, might want to use a pen name when they publish something “new.”

4)  Pseudonyms are often used by authors who have names similar to someone else. (Hum, opposite of my earlier idea…)

5)  If a writer thinks his/her name doesn’t suit the genre, he might want to choose a pen name. This happened when Pearl Gray changed his name to Zane Gray to appear more like a western author.

6)  Women who write in a genre that is usually written in by men, often use their first initials and last name.  (For example, in westerns).

7)   Sometimes several authors write books together. They choose a fictitious  name, making their audience think the books are written by one person, when they actually are not.

8)   Sometimes writers want to protect their identity if they are writing in a genre in conflict with their main profession. For example, a surgeon who writes a murder mystery about a killer who dissects his victims. Yikes!

9)   Some of us are shy and just don’t want publicity. It’s possible to conceal one’s true identity by using a pseudonym.

10) Finally, if you want your name to be catchy and memorable, start making your list of possible pen names.

There you have it. Ten reasons to use a pseudonym—or not.

Do you currently use a pen name? I’d be interested in learning why you do so and if it has worked out well for you.

Brenda

Did you lose your voice, or just have a “scratchy throat”?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I woke with a scratchy throat. An hour or so later, that was followed by chills and a fever. My energy was zapped and my strength gone by the middle of the day. I called for a substitute and went home to bed at 1:00 p.m.

I remained at home for the next 48 hours, but felt better by the middle of the week. I decided to try to go back to work.  I was able to maintain control of the class (if you’ve ever been a classroom teacher, you know what I mean…kids can sniff out a teacher who doesn’t feel quite up to par…) until shortly before noon when the unthinkable happened: I lost my voice.

That was when I lost control. When no one is listening, the effect can be devastating.

What happens to us, as writers, when we lose our “voice”? After all, let’s be honest, our voice is our writing and if we lose that, well, how does that affect our performance? And, is it possible to regain our voice after a brief lapse in technique, or a period of time when our creativity lags? When we just don’t feel we are quite hitting the mark with our words?

I think there are days, in any profession, when we are just “off”. For whatever the reason— illness, distractions, catastrophic events, difficulties in our interpersonal relationships, even changes in the weather—we just don’t perform to our expectations. We become disappointed in ourselves. We may even feel that we’ve let others down.

May I suggest that it may not be realistic to expect ourselves to function at optimal levels every day—each time the door opens, each time the bell rings?

God grants us grace, so why not follow His example and extend a measure of the same to ourselves? Remind ourselves that it’s o.k.  That although we may strive for perfection, it’s just not realistic to expect it of ourselves in each and every circumstance.

Let’s tell ourselves that things WILL get better because, you know what? They WILL!

You WILL find your niche, again. You WILL discover more hidden talents. You WILL reconnect with those creative ideas!

The computer keys will once again be pounded by a person ignited by the next great thought. That article or book will be completed by someone who was gentle enough with themselves to allow for days when ideas germinated, rather that came easily onto the page… days when they thought they’d lost their voice, only to find out that it was just resting a little…until their heart healed, until the things of life settled down once more, until they learned a difficult life lesson, until they took a break in the middle of the afternoon and went home to bed.

Brenda