Category Archives: Writing Tips

Today’s Writing Tip

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Make your characters as different as possible, so they stand out as individuals. This includes their appearance, speech patterns, and personalities. For example, give each one their own pet phrases or expressions. If they all say the same one, even if it’s an expletive, it doesn’t distinguish him or her as an individual. Of course there are some expletives that are more popular than others, and thus pervasive, but if you’re original in some way, it adds a touch of creativity which most readers will appreciate.

Unique appearance that is distinctive and reinforces the character’s personality is helpful to the reader in keeping them sorted out as well. Gestures are another way, whether it’s rolling their eyes or dismissing a statement with a wave of their hand. A unique perfume or aftershave fragrance is another way to bring another sensory detail into the story. Pay attention to the people you know the best and what their individual habits are for ideas.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Some genres require more research than others. For example, writing an historical novel requires a lot to be accurate, unless you’re already an expert on that era. Of course, in that case, you already did your research. Other genres may not require quite as much, such as a basic romance. However, romances should be loaded with sensory details for all the senses. If your setting is in an imaginary town, choosing and researching a specific state or country can make it come alive. Who doesn’t love a book that makes you feel as if you’re there, especially some exotic place you’ll never visit in person?

I’ve said it numerous time before, the devil’s in the details. Being precise is what makes fiction convincing. When you specify street names, the colors of a spectacular sunset, or the make of the gun your hero uses to defend the world, it’s easier for the reader to visualize. Vague writing is weak writing. However, the caveat is to use the right details at the proper level so as not to bog down the story and cause your reader’s eyes to glaze over. That is what will separate a good author from a great one.

Today’s Writing Tip

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If you ever feel stuck in your progress as an author, go back and read some of your earlier work and see for yourself how far you’ve come. There’s always something you can learn and improve, attaining perfection illusive, but give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished.

Writing is a skill which, like all skills, whether it pertains to physical prowess in sports or the mental gymnastics of mathematics, improves with practice. Your ability to express yourself and wield the words you need in way that makes you a powerful wordsmith lies in using the tools of your trade as much as possible. Practice may never make perfect in a subjective art such as writing, but it will help you develop your own style and ability to say exactly what you want with far less effort than it does as a novice.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Keep a dictionary within easy reach of where you do your writing. It’s important to use words correctly and as accurately as possible to maximize their impact. Electronic equivalents are great, too.

If you’re a true Anglophile of the language kind, treat yourself from time to time by reading the dictionary. You’ll be surprised what you might discover! There are also various “Word of the Day” apps or services you can subscribe to for free, such as Merriam-Webster’s on Instagram.

As an author, words are the tools of your trade. Embrace and celebrate them as the treasures they are. Using exactly the right word adds considerable impact and meaning, so the more expansive your vocabulary, the stronger your writing.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Keep a writer’s journal, perhaps more than one so it’s always handy to record ideas. This can come from people watching, random story ideas, new words, or clever descriptions. You never know when or where inspiration will strike, so be ready when it does.

If you come across a phrase that stands out as excellent writing, write it down. You may not want to use it word for word, but study why it works. Does it inspire strong imagery? Trigger an emotion? Being an author involves continually improving your craft.

Occasionally, you’ll come up with a great phrase or description yourself, but it may not pertain to anything you’re currently writing. Don’t expect to remember it, because you probably won’t! However, if you write it down, it will be there when you need it.

An awareness of words and their power to convey an image or feeling is part of writing powerful stories.

Today’s Writing Tip

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In most cases it’s advisable to list your books on as many sales channels as possible. You never know where you readers may be shopping. If you notice more sales coming in from one than others, consider promoting on that site or to the readers most likely to be frequenting that site.

For example, if your sales on iTunes are high, what does that imply? Perhaps you have readers in the teen/young adult range. I don’t have any evidence to prove it, but I suspect that listing your books on Google Play just might help your book show up in Google searches. Some find that going exclusive on Amazon in the “Kindle Unlimited” program pays off well in pages read, but if you’re not finding that to be true, expand your options.

If you list your books in multiple sites, be sure to consolidate them through one convenient link via Books2Read.com. For free, they will provide a single link to all sales channels, which is a lot easier to promote than trying to cover them all.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Author booths at book expos, fairs, and conferences are excellent ways to get visibility. Expecting your sales to be sufficient to pay for the expenses, however, may be unrealistic. It’s best to consider it as a marketing expense and count any sales as a bonus. This will avoid disappointment and frustration, which authors suffer enough without setting themselves up for it.

Some authors plan their vacations around such events. The good news is that it is then tax deductible! Again, don’t think it will pay for your vacation, because unless you are already famous and making a six-figure income from your books, that’s not likely to happen, especially once you factor in travel expenses.

Today’s Writing Tip

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If you have a significant number of local followers/fans, having a book signing at a bookstore can bring a few sales for both you and the store. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new potential readers, so make sure you have your “elevator pitch” describing your book(s) ready as well as some freebies and swag. Perhaps conduct a drawing to increase interest, but don’t give away something you want them to buy!

If you’re not familiar with “elevator pitches”, they’re a very short hook to interest someone in your book that you can explain in a minutes or less. Thus, when someone asks you what you book is about, you have a ready response rather than hemming and hawing, and going into a lengthy explanation that makes their eyes glaze over.

Freebies and swag should have your website or a buy link and relate to your story in some manner; having an image of your cover is great. The more useful the item is, the better.

Today’s Writing Tip

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A common author lament is that so many people are unwilling to actually pay for a book when plenty are available for free. Everyone loves a bargain, which begs the question whether you do the same thing? How many times have you bought a book for its full sales price? Maybe book sales of your own work begin with your own generosity toward other authors.

Especially bear this in mind if you purchase books from stores that sell used books. The author doesn’t make a dime on those sales! And speaking of dimes, that’s about all you’re going to make off those “expanded distribution channels” as well.  Do unto other authors as you would have them do unto you!

Today’s Writing Tip

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There are so many social media platforms these days that maintaining a presence on them all is a full-time job in itself. The real question is whether they’re doing you any good versus being no more than a time-suck on your precious time?

It will take a bit more of your time, but could turn out to be well worth it if you try concentrating on each one separately for a specific trial period to see if your ROA is justified. Those that don’t perform, don’t waste your time; those that do, increase your efforts in that venue. If none of them do you any good, consider whether there is something fundamentally wrong with your posts. One thing to remember is that people’s eyes glaze over if all you do is hawk your books. Give them something informative or entertaining.