How to Grow Writer’s Skin

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editing, Fiction Writing, Inspiration, publishing, Roberta Trahan, submissions, writers, Writing, writing community, writing life, Writing tips

“A Writer’s Ink” by Norman Duenas

Years ago, in a Twitter exchange, writer Kevin R Hill commented that many great books might never see light of day because the authors were not tough enough to stand against years of rejections. How true, I replied, and the idea of “writer’s skin” came up. We should coin a phrase, Kevin said – writer’s skin, the thick layer that protects tender hearts.

If only one could buy writer’s skin ready-made, I said, like a magical cloak or suit of armor, instead of having to grow it from the inside out. Yes, if only. But as it turns out we all must cultivate our own thick layer of protection.

Today, like that day, I happen to be suffering from some of the soul-wounding that all writers must endure. Although knowing that this ritual scarring is an unavoidable test of author-hood helps you prepare for the battle, it does nothing at all to stop or even slow the blood-letting. Kevin’s tweet reminded me then and now that this uncomfortable truth was universal – that I was not alone. And neither are you.

To help you get a good start, here are some tips for growing a healthy, hardy sheath of writer’s skin:

Start with a Rich Growth Medium that has been fortified with equal measures of patience, persistence, and perseverance, and is resistant to infiltrations of noxious weeds like self-doubt, jaded perspective and bitterness.

Sow Only the Highest Quality Seeds by selecting the most unique and well-formed ideas for cultivation. This will help to ensure that your writer’s skin is fashioned from the strongest creative fibers.

Water Frequently from the deepest wells of knowledge and most trusted fountains of inspiration. Avoid shallow, stagnant ponds and shark infested pools.

Fertilize As Needed with only the highest quality, well-credentialed experience you can find. Choose carefully – there are a lot of low budget brands out there that promise plenty but deliver little results.

Be sure to harvest your writer’s skin before the beginning of the submission season, and wear it whenever you venture out. This should help to shield you from the harsher elements.

Remember, writer’s skin is susceptible to normal wear and tear and that frequent use will erode its protective qualities. Therefore, it must be replaced periodically. While writer’s skin tends not to flourish in intemperate climates, it is a self-sustaining renewable resource and can be grown almost anywhere and at any time by constructing a green-house like environment that recreates the favorable conditions mentioned above.

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Marketing Monday: Measurable Results

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Advertising, Audience Capture, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Increased Visibility, Marketing Monday, Marketing Tips, Referral Business, Roberta Trahan, Social Media, Social Networking, writing life, Writing tips

A measurable result is one of the touchstones of any successful marketing campaign. But how do you define it? Most folks look at number trends before, during and after a promotion and look for an uptick in sales. Metrics are an obvious measurement of whether or not our marketing efforts (and investment) have paid off. But, they are not the only yardstick of success.

Increasing your sales, and ultimately your bottom line, is the prime objective. However, specific marketing efforts rarely correspond directly to an increase in units sold. A lack of a sales spike, however, does not necessarily mean your ad plan has failed. There is more than one way to measure success. For example:

Increased Visibility in the marketplace – every campaign or promo you run will at the very least garner you attention. Most of the people who see a sponsored post, tweet or Instagram ad respond impulsively to the concept if it interests or appeals to them. They will “like” your promo, but don’t click through to purchase. They aren’t actually shopping. But that doesn’t mean you didn’t make an impact. The hope here is that when they are looking to buy, they’ll remember you. There are sales conversion formulas that calculate how many impressions (number of times someone sees your ad) it takes to convert a sale. It varies, but every person who notices you gets you one click closer to that purchase. In  the long run, how many “likes” you get matters.

Audience Capture is just a sexy term for saying followers or fans, and is another important measurable result. These are folks who aren’t yet ready to buy, but have more than just a passing interest in what you have to offer. They take the extra step of connecting with you – becoming a fan of your FB page, following your blog or Twitter or Instagram account – in order to keep you and your offerings in their que for later reference.

Referrals (or “shares”) are also a powerful measure of a successful ad or promotion. It’s harder to track these results directly because there’s no way to follow the sale back to the source, but every time someone retweets your Tweet or shares you FB ad or blog post, you are reaching a new potential market you had no way of reaching otherwise. It’s essentially free advertising, and should be counted as a win.

The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to evaluating your marketing plan is to expect a dollar for dollar return on your investment. Factor the long term payoffs from increased visibility, audience capture, and referrals into the equation. In other words, don’t sell yourself short. Building a customer base or audience takes consistent effort over time. And remember, sales metrics are not the only measurable result that matters.

 

The Week in Review

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Amazon Publishing, Author Branding, author marketing, editing, Lit Chicks Editorial, publishing, Roberta Trahan, Writing, writing life, Writing tips

A return to some forgotten routines this week, including everyday writing. I might not have managed much in the way of word count, but I kept my pledge to myself and spent time with my work in progress each day. It was good to get reacquainted with the story and I even found some new inspiration.

I also completed my Marketing Monday task list, and put the finishing touches on an exciting new blog feature for readers that will launch next week.

You writers out there should also check out the FB page for my sister project, Lit Chicks Editorial. for resources, contest announcements, and calls for submissions. We also offer editorial services for fiction writers working toward publication.

That’s this week in review. See you all next week on Marketing Monday!

Skill Building Workshops for the Determined Writer (Seattle Area)

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editing, Fiction Writing, Jennifer McCord, Novel Writing, Roberta Trahan, Scott Driscoll, Skill Building Workshops for the Determined Writer, Writing, Writing tips, Writing Workshop

I’ll be hosting a series of single session focused workshops with my long-time writing/publishing friends and colleagues Jennifer McCord and Scott Driscoll. For more information, or to register, contact me via email at info@robertatrahan.com –

Seattle Area Writer Friends!

Are you a fiction writer envisioning publication and struggling to make sense of editorial notes or reader feedback? Hearing that your story lacks a sense of urgency, a call to action, or that it falls a bit flat? That your main characters are unlikable or uninteresting? Not sure how to turn things around? We can help.

It’s all about story. Publishing and readers expect more from writers than ever before. Every writer must carefully consider how they are inviting the reader into their novel, and then deliver an experience that hooks them and doesn’t let go. There are no secret keys to success, but there are some skill sets you can hone to get your book on track.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest differences. Feedback is essential, but it can also be difficult to know how or where to start. Rewrites and revisions don’t necessarily mean a major overhaul of your book. Often all that’s needed is a closer look at one or two critical story elements, such as impact, pacing, or character motivation.

Knowing what those areas are is one thing – figuring out how to work around them is another. Ready to tackle the tough job of addressing agent/editor notes or early reader response? We are now offering a series of single focus workshops that address some of the most common trouble spots in any manuscript:

The Inciting Incident: A successful novel opens with a “hook” – a call to action or specific event that launches the protagonist into the central conflict that propels the plot. In this session, you will learn how to identify, assess and refine the inciting incident in your story to create a stronger sense of urgency and ramp up the tension from the very first scene.

Next Session: January 29, 2017 / 7-9:30 pm

The Desire Quest: Once an inciting event throws the protagonist’s everyday world into chaos, how he or she responds becomes the foundation of the plot. But what is it that drives the protagonist to accept the challenge? In this session, we’ll delve into the complex traits that define a multi-dimensional protagonist who is not only capable of carrying weight of the story, but also of fulfilling your reader’s expectations.

Next Session: February 12, 2017 / 7-9:30 pm

The Point of No Return: Plot is essentially a sequence of events that confront a protagonist with obstacles they must overcome in order for the story to move toward its climax. How these obstacles are presented determines a novel’s pace and should naturally create the escalating tension that keeps readers captivated. This workshop will help you analyze and assess your book’s major plot points and the protagonist’s progression toward the story’s proverbial point of no return.

Next Session: March 19, 2017 / 7-9:30 pm

Reserve your space today!

• Affordable Customized Instruction & Support – Attend only the workshop/workshops you need – sign up for individual sessions or all three at a special discounted rate.*
• Small Groups Sessions: Class size is limited to 7 student to allow for more in-depth presentation of the course material
• Proven Techniques & Tools: Developed specifically to meet the expectations of today’s publishing world
• Professional Teaching Team: Work closely with three respected publishing industry professionals, experienced instructors and published writers.

The fee for each individual workshop session is $125.00. Space is limited and offered on a first come/first served basis. Workshops will be hosted at a private North Seattle area residence (address provided upon registration).

 Register now and receive an early-bird enrollment discount or purchase all three sessions at a special package price of $300.00. 

About the Instructors: 

Scott Driscoll is an award-winning instructor with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington, has taught creative writing for the University of Washington Extension for twenty years and makes his living as a freelance writer and teacher. Scott’s debut novel, BETTER YOU GO HOME (Coffeetown Press 2013) was selected as the Foreword Reviews First Book Contest winner, March 2014. Scott has also been awarded nine Society of Professional Journalists awards, most recently First Place in the Western U.S. in 2014 for arts and entertainment reporting. For more about Scott, visit www.scottdriscollwriting.com

Jennifer McCord is a 30 year veteran of the publishing trade. Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked in nearly every aspect of the industry—as a writer, editor, instructor, and consultant. Jennifer lends her expertise in the book business to writers and publishers through her consulting and coaching business, Jennifer McCord Associates. Currently, she is also an Associate Publisher for Camel Press and Coffeetown Press. Jennifer can be contacted at www.jennifermccord.com

Roberta Trahan is the best-selling author of THE WELL OF TEARS and THE KEYS TO THE REALMS, the first two books in her quasi-historical epic fantasy series from 47North. Her post-apocalyptic science fiction novella AFTERSHOCK is also available through Amazon Publishing’s digital-first short fiction imprint, StoryFront. She is also a frequent guest at SFF fan conventions and writing events. For more about Roberta, visit www.robertatrahan.com.

 

So You Want to Write a Novel…

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47North, author advice, Novel Writing, So You Want to Write a Novel, Writing, Writing tips

I’ve been on the receiving end of this conversation, more than a few times :).

Marketing Monday: On Query Letters, from agent Amy Boggs

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Amy Boggs, Marketing Monday, Pub Hub, Publishing Tips, Query Letters, Querying Agensts, The Maas Agency, The Three Stages of a Query Letter, Writing tips

One of the toughest parts of the process for a writer seeking publication is querying agents. Don’t we all wish there was a tried and true template for success? I’ve seen a lot of examples floating around out there, but today’s bit o’ wisdom from SFF agent Amy Boggs over on on Pub Hub is the best I’ve read. To feast on her expertise, click the banner:

Considerate Craft – The Three Stages of a Query Letter, by Amy Boggs

Murder Boards, Fictional Landscapes and other Writing Tips

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Core Story, Edmonds Literary Walk, fantasy fiction, Fictional Landscape, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Caslte, Kameron Hurley, Murder Boards, Plotting, Roberta Trahan, Writer's Voice, Writing tips

Like most writers, I’m an obsessive note taker and list maker. I jot down story ideas, random lines of dialogue that I pick up when I’m eavesdropping in coffee shops, and good advice when I hear it.

I cleaned out my handbag this morning and unearthed a wad of post-its and shreds of scrap paper covered with snippets of information I wanted to remember to share with you all. There’s probably enough fodder for six weeks of blog posts here, but I’m just not that organized, or reliable when it comes to this blog. So, in typical fashion, I’m just going to jot down the most important stuff before it gets lost in the creative fray that is my life:

• First up, award-winning fantasy author Kameron Hurley has a great blog post on plotting over at BRSBKBLOG today – she explains how she uses a “murder board” to help her plot complex story arcs. If I were you, I’d check it out:

• Next, I’ve got some writing advice that I picked up a week or so ago at a talk given by the illustrious Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz). Jayne’s writing career spans decades, and she easily makes the short list of authors who have successfuly sustained themselves over the long haul in the publishing business. Every time I hear her speak, I learn something important. Here are a couple of gems I got from her presentation:

1) The key to recognizing your unique writing “voice” is in understanding that your own core values and world view are underpinning everything you write.

2) Writers should never underestimate the value of a fictional landscape to readers – this refers mostly to genre fiction, and a fictional landscape is essentially another way of thinking about setting (geography, culture and time period). The point is to remember that readers choose genre fiction based on their affinity for a particular fictional landscape, and getting it right matters more to them than you realize.

3) Jayne also talked about knowing your “core story” as a writer. She was referring to a realization she had when she was analyzing her own writing style and goals. Jayne writes in three separate genres under three separate pseudonyms, but everything she writes is based on one core story concept – the marriage of convenience: two people who are forced to bond in order to survive. When she realized that this basic concept was at the root of all of her story ideas, she realized she could write in any genre – as long as she was true to the fictional landscape of that genre. I’m still ruminating on this, but it definitely struck home.

•   Last on my list is the Edmonds Literary Walk, coming up on Saturday, September 13th. I’ll be participating in the roving discussion on writing as part of a panel presentation that takes place at the second stop on the tour – 10:30 am at The Edmonds Conference Center in downtown Edmonds, WA. The event is free. Here’s a link for more information: Chapter by Chapter: An Edmonds Literary Walk 

Well, that wraps up my list. Hope you found something useful in the crumpled remains of my daily musings!

 

Fantasy is a Full Time Job ~ and other writing insights at WritingBelle

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47North, Fantasy, Interview, Post Apocalyptic, publishing, Publishing Advice, Roberta Trahan, Science Fiction, Summer Lane, The Dream Stewards, The Keys to the Realms, Writing, Writing Belle, Writing tips

Best-selling author and busy book blogger Summer Lane invited me over to chat on her site. We talk a bit about writing and publishing, and how it all worked out for me. Click the banner and check out our conversation and read my advice to aspiring authors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting – The Unsung Character

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47North, Amazon Publishing, Blogging, Fiction Writing, Kendra Elliot, Murder She Writes, Novel Writing, Setting, Setting as Character, Writing, Writing tips

Today I am guest blogging and hanging out with the gang at Murder She Writes – a co-op blog by a group of supremely talented mystery & suspense authors. Special thanks to author pal Kendra Elliot for hosting me!

What makes setting come alive for you? What’s your favorite fictional world?

Come on over an join the conversation!

Setting: The Unsung Hero

When Opportunity Arrives: Why It’s Never Too Early for Writers to Prepare for a Publishing Career

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Anne R Allen, author marketing, Jane Friedman, Jennifer McCord, Jennifer Schober, Kristen Lamb, Novel Writing, publishing, Roberta Trahan, Scott Driscoll, Writing, writing life, Writing tips

I’ve received several comments in response to my recent posts on Author Marketing from writers who are concerned it’s too early in their process to think about things like Blogging and Author Identity. I understand that mind set–especially if you are just beginning to flesh out a first draft of a first novel. Many of you have barely begun to envision what a finished book will look like, let alone crossing the ultimate threshold on your journey–a published work.

However, I really can’t say this enough–it’s never too early. Really. Make it your New Year’s resolution to overcome that reticent mind set and take a leap of faith. The sooner you start thinking of yourself as a ‘real’ writer and taking the necessary steps to grow yourself into a writing career, the sooner your work will reflect that professionalism–and the sooner the publishing world will take notice.

Of course your focus should be on your craft and gaining the skills to produce the best work you can. At the same time, you should also be planning your platform, putting together that writer’s resume, and thinking about who you are as an author. Do it now. Trust me–when that big opportunity finally arrives, there won’t be time.

I know this from experience. By the time I shipped my manuscript to Jennifer Schober  (the agent who would ultimately end up representing me), I had done many of the things I have suggested that all of you do–I had a website and a blog. I had even built a basic marketing map based on ideas I had gotten from other authors. I had been building my author identity by making the rounds at writer’s conferences and publishing trade shows speaking on marketing. I had also begun teaching writing craft classes with my colleagues Jennifer McCord and Scott Driscoll.

All of this, and I still wasn’t totally prepared when my agent announced she was ready to send the work out to publishers. I didn’t have a one paragraph author bio, a 50 word book blurb, a 3-5 page synopsis, or a one page summary of the sequel. I didn’t have social media set up. And she needed all of this done, before she began submitting. I should have been ready when she was, and I wasn’t. So at 2 am in a hospital room during a major family medical crises, I made it happen. I had to. This was the chance of a lifetime. And it was hell.

I wouldn’t wish this scenario on anyone. I share it only to point out that you NEVER KNOW when opportunity will arrive, and you MUST BE READY when it does. So, do it now. Even if you know it will all change later, begin the process. Be prepared.

Because, as I said, you just never know when opportunity will arrive. After almost 2 years of consistent rejection, and months after I had moved on to a new work, something magical happened. A shift in the publishing universe occurred and another chance of a lifetime appeared. Eight long weeks of negotiations later, and I have my very first book contract–right here, in my hands, today. Huzzah!

BUT- I also have about 8 months to write a sequel that I have barely started, 2 days to turn in a final copy of the manuscript for the first book, and a detailed author questionnaire asking for everything from my hobbies, professional background and marketing efforts to links to images that illustrate my vision of cover art. Thank the stars that my writer’s resume has most of that information already in it. Even so, there is much to be done, and the clock is ticking. Not that I mind one little bit. Best Christmas present EVER.

So, off I go to meet my dream. And as I have no specific tips to share this week, I will refer to you to the blogs of experts who I know will:

Anne R Allen

Kristen Lamb

Jane Friedman

I’ll be taking a hiatus next week for the holiday, as should all of you. But meet me back here on January 1st for my official book announcement and some more advice on preparing yourself for publication.

Happy Holidays!!