First Word

  What do you think is the number one challenge a writer faces? Is it writer’s block? No… although many writers deal with some form of writer’s block throughout their careers. It’s distractions! Yes, writers face too many distractions that break their focuses. Between social media, online activities, the real world, and nonstop demands on your time, it’s not that easy to focus. Then we have what I personally call “brain mush,” which in my definition goes like this: too much screen time and tired eyes. Brain mush leads to allowing distractions just to get away from the computer, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.   I bet many of you are nodding right now and thinking, “Yes! Distractions are always pulling me away from my projects.” Whether you work in an office or at your home office, distractions can often stop your progress. When I worked in an office with coworkers, the water-cooler talk caused distractions. Although I avoided it. I have been and am always ...

Today, new titles like Chief Storyteller are being used in place of writer or marketing specialist. Corporate America embraced it, because leaders recognize the power of a great story vs. just generic information. If you can tell a fascinating story about something, it will intrigue, entertain, and attract people’s interest. For example, no one wants to hear just buy this or buy that; they would rather hear a great yarn. When I used to do speaking engagements about my books, I sold the most books when I sat and told stories related to my book. People identify with the stories and relate to them. Storytelling is a great technique to sell both nonfiction and fiction. In the case of nonfiction, you can take ideas and concepts from your book and tell a story about it. Fiction you can pull a story right out of the book (read a chapter). Even if you’re not able to do in-person speaking (Covid) you can still tell stories through Zoom or any other audio or video meeting. ...

  The audiobook industry is rapidly growing. In our mobile, fast-moving society, many commuters enjoy listening to audiobooks while they drive. The audiobook industry is projected to grow to a $15 billion industry by 2027. Huge opportunities exist for audiobooks, and many authors have asked about how to create them. Since I had to do a little research on the subject, I thought I would share what I know and learned.   Question no. #1 – Are there programs to help me?   Yes, there are many software applications created specifically to record audiobooks. Google: How to create an audiobook , and dozens of applications and providers appear. I don’t know that much about them – yet. So, you need to investigate which one sounds like a good solution. As we always want, ensure your selection is easy-to-use and doesn’t require taking a class (unless you want to take a class).   Question no. #2 – What is Audibles (Amazon’s platform)?   If you don’t have ...

  Good question, right? If you want to go the traditional or independent publishing route, you need to understand what is marketable to publishers. Just because you’re a great writer won’t get you published. Publishers want more than great writing. They need a concept that will sell. Always keep this key thought in your mind: publishers want to make money. They are a business, and like any business they need to stay in business. What are they in business to do?   If you think like a business person vs. a writer then it will help you understand how to sell your book to a publisher. Too often writers are only thinking that they want or love to write. They are thinking about craft. In fact, when I’ve done an informal survey with writers from my writers’ group, the majority aren’t thinking with their business hats on. When you fail to think like a businessperson then you’re less likely to sell your book.   When I researched what publishers want these days, the number ...

This week we're going to talk about how to "herd pages," meaning book organization. I recently did a writers' workshop where book organization became the main topic. Many writers struggle with getting their books into an understandable format that works. This week, though, let's discuss organization of nonfiction books vs. fiction (two different animals). In some ways, organizing a nonfiction book is much more formulaic - that is, unless you're doing a biography or memoir. Memoirs are more like fiction books, and you can take several different approaches.   When it comes to nonfiction books, here are some basic tenants to structure (consider this your quick-tip guide):   Preface - you may or may not want one. A subject matter expert often writes the preface. This person has reviewed your book and comments about what the reader is about to read. When it comes to nonfiction book you definitely want to invite someone to write it who has a ...

The “terms” in the career fields seem like they’re always changing. I recently noticed that the title “content strategist” has become popular. Since my curiosity piqued I wondered, “What is a content strategist?” I soon learned it was a fancy term for the old fashioned title of executive editor or editor-in-chief or director of communications, depending on the organization. The other common term I’m starting to see pop up is “Chief Storyteller,” which is a fancy term for writer or author. So what makes a content strategist any different than an executive editor? Well, except for the “content” mostly being electronic content to be used on electronic media, it’s really not that different. We’ve taken the word “articles” or “information” and turned it into aforementioned content. Content can be articles and information or it can be information to populate data fields. A strategist would figure out the best and most effective way to communicate information across multiple pl...

  Tip #1: Blog – Most blog sites are free . You can use their templates to build your own blog site look and feel. I personally prefer to keep it as professional as possible – especially since I am a business owner promoting a brand ( www.3LPublishing.com ). I like Google’s blogspot (here). Other blog sites are available. Now some authors (depending upon their genres) may feel like their site wouldn't have enough content. In that respect, you can pull out themes from your book and discuss them. You can talk about the writing process. And if you’re really bored, blog about your dog, but just make sure you keep your blog content current. Lack of content makes your blog look abandoned. Tip #2: Social Media posts . I have to admit that sometimes social media can be invasive what with people messaging me about private matters. I have even had moments where I wanted to de-activate my social media, but that would be a mistake. It sends the wrong message. It als...

When I open my presentations, I ask two questions: “How many of you throw away books in the trashcan?” I follow up that question with the next one, “How many of you throw away brochures in the nearest garbage can?” The second question provides the audience’s a-ha moment. Most people feel value when they buy or are given a book. A book has weight. It has pages. It has merit. It conveys the perception of knowledge and expertise and time and money to publish. A feeling of guilt or at least a sense of environmental responsibility overcomes the desire to toss all that time, money, expertise, and most importantly “paper” into the garbage can. On the other hand, how many flyers, tri-fold brochures or one-sheets create such a moral or ethical dilemma that you actually feel guilty to throw it away? I’ll be honest. I’ve thrown away countless brochures. I even curse when someone shoves a flyer under my car windshield wiper because now I have to find a garbage can so I’m n...

I've watched readers and behavior when interacting with books. Here are the three things you want to be your very best to close a sale: 1. Enticing book cover -- the very first thing that lures in readers is a great book cover. A great book cover is the first draw to get a prospective reader to pick up your book. It's the first step toward a sale. 2. Fantastic title -- readers walk up, they see an intriguing title. A great title should be interesting, mysterious, intriguing, and not so own the nose direct that it won't spark the question, "What is this book about?" Note: If your title is esoteric or unique, make sure your subtitle tells the reader what the book is really about. Your subtitle should be direct. 3. Captivating back-cover copy -- reader picks up book based on cover and title and what does he/she do next? Flip the book over and read the back-cover copy. I've learned that you need to make sure your copy reaches the right audience. My boo...

Some interesting questions I commonly get asked that I want to share and answer. I work with dozens of writers, and I get asked all sorts of questions about the profession. So here are some common questions and answers:   Do you have a writing routine ? For 3L Publishing projects, I have very specific routines and processes. For my own writing, I don't have the time to include a routine per se. What I usually do is work at night and just go for it. Other writers do things like write eight pages per day or write in the mornings or evenings for at least an hour. I do recommend you give yourself some kind of goal. I like the eight-page rule because you know when you're going to wrap it up, and if you want to go longer that works, too.   Do you take input from readers ? Yes, I like to do focus groups. I don't recommend you do a focus group with friends and family. You want unbiased opinions. Friends and family can't help but be nice. Nice doesn'...

1. Using the character's name too often in the dialog . Think about it. When you're talking to someone, how often do you actually say his or her name. You don't need to use their names. People don't talk like that and repeat someone's name often in conversation. It bogs down your writing and pacing. 2. He said, she said -- no, no . If you have only two characters in a scene once you establish who has spoken first, no need to use "said" anymore unless you have specific purpose to express more than the statement of someone saying something. For example, she said with an angry look of outrage. 3. Repeating what you just described . Too often writers will show the character doing something and repeat in the dialog what the reader just read. Once you've established something about a scene, no need to rehash it in the dialog or even reference it again. It bogs down the pacing and bores the reader with the redundancy. For example, a character walks in t...

1. This is a great exercise (one of my favorites): sit down and just write a sentence or better yet take a sentence you already wrote somewhere else. Remove a word that probably isn't necessary. Now do this five more times. Compare the results. Read the first sentence out loud and then read the second sentence out loud. Which sentence is better written? 2. If you want to do a thorough edit, read your manuscript backwards. It can be tedious, but what you're really doing is looking at it word by word. 3. Another excellent technique to edit is to take a piece of paper and cover up the other words. Our eyes has a tendency to wander without us realizing it. Covering up the other words keep your focused. 4. Really great writers typically don't make this mistake, but it's my pet peeve: ending a sentence with a passive verb like is, are, was, would, etc. 5. The infamous passive voice. When you avoid writing in the passive voice your writing will improve. Active voice gi...

At 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com), we offer different levels of book coaching services. What is a book coach? A book coach offers one-on-one guidance, input, ideas to make your manuscript work better, accountability to help you finish, and general editorial feedback. What are the benefits of a book coach? One-on-one attention Professional guidance and input into everything about your manuscript, including: General editing Comments every step of the way through the manuscript Examples of how to fix structural writing Specific writing samples of what that writing should look like A private lesson and monthly sit down with your coach to review your current work and discuss it. Overall feedback on your work  Here is a recent blog being written by one of our 3L clients who is using Michelle Gamble to take her new book Grains of Truth from idea to final novel. Elizabeth discusses her experience working with Michelle's help to slowly write her first novel. Please...

1. What inspired you to write Harmonic Wars ?   I saw a really cool and open-minded  documentary on the Great Pyramid of Giza. It prompted me to research similar sites around the  globe until I discovered that there was a great deal of archeological evidence that a highly advanced civilization may well have existed on a global scale thousands of years ago. I still have no idea about what the purpose of any of those sites were, but I knew I could make a really cool and compelling SciFi story about it. My research was compelling enough that I was able to be a guest on both Caravan to Midnight and Coast to Coast AM to discuss the research I did for Harmonic Wars as well as promote the book.   2. Who is your favorite character and why?   Alana, because she is a strong warrior. Her sassy and down-to-earth attitude was so much fun to write. She is proof that good and righteous people can be fierce warriors who keep their sensuality without ...

When I do manuscript coaching and editing for new and emerging writers, I get a front-row seat on common new-writer mistakes. Here are some of those common errors that can bog down what otherwise would be a perfectly good story. Redundancy -- the repeating of words or phrases within the same paragraph or even page. Keeping your writing fresh and interesting means you need to abandon your own commonly used words. It can be challenging. Even when we speak we have certain expressions we use a lot. I was working on a book the other day in which the writer used the word "okay" no less than 10 times on a single page of copy. If you can't think of a new way to say something use a Thesaurus, which is my opinion is an irreplaceable tool when your mind is getting tired. Useless details that bog down the pace of the story . What I try to teach writers is to use the setting as part of the storytelling process. For example, if you've got a character's hometown don't s...

If there is anything I hear all of the time as a publisher is "I have this story ..." Do you know what sets people apart? You have the dreamers and the doers. The doers walk up to me with a finished manuscript and pitch it. The dreamers always say, "I have a book in me." The dreamers will never do much more than say the words. The doers will get it published. I like to dream -- but I like to dream and then do. No dream is too big or too small to pursue. I think what gets me going is feeling inspired and excited. What I like about having a partner is that he inspires me. He gets excited. And while we dream together we do it. Our latest project is a children's book that sprung from a five-minute conversation into reality. You have to know you can do anything you set your mind to doing. Sometimes you might need help and guidance to make your story more than a dream. Believe me when I say anything can be accomplished -- especially when you have help. We provid...

Location: Red Lion Inn, Sacramento Address: 500 Leisure Lane Date: August 20, 2015 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Want to write a marketable screenplay? Have you already written a screenplay but can’t seem to sell it? Join Scott D. Roberts as he teaches the Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing a Sales-Worthy Screenplay. In this 3-hour workshop you’ll learn 10 Key Tips to Screenwriting: ·  How to write an enticing log line ·  What is the “acceptable” structure to Act 1, Act 2/second part of Act 2, and Act 3? ·  Why does exciting “pacing” make or break a script? ·  What is the value of storyboarding? ·  The importance of writing scenes on 40 index cards ·  How to use the “Pacing Breakdown” as your pitch guide ·  How to utilize your storyboard to write your script ·  Do’s and Don't’s and bad habits to avoid ·  Why you’re not finished when you think you’re finished ·  How to get your script read with the rig...

Over the years, I collaborated or partnered with several people. Some partnerships are better than others. 3L President Scott D. Roberts is the best partnership I've had with anyone. The reason the partnership works so well might help others decide if they want to partner with someone. Now some people thrive on different kinds of collaborative relationships. So the gifts that Scott D. brings to the company and to my creative world are things that I found I personally thrive upon. Sense of Humor . Does that sound unimportant? Well, it's very important -- especially under stress. If you can't laugh at yourself or others than life gets far too ridiculous. Anything can be diffused with a great joke, and laughter is a tremendous stress-reliever. If anyone read the texts that go back and forth between Scott and myself it would often be like reading a great stand-up routine. Like-Mindedness with a Dash of Difference . If you have the same vision it's easier to make it happ...

Did you know 70 percent of Amazon top sellers are now produced from small- to medium-sized and independent publishers? Why is that trend growing? 1. Independent publishers offer one-on-one service and attention to their clients . Writers don't get absorbed into the book publishing corporate food chain where they may end up with half-a-dozen different editors and representatives on their projects over the course of their experiences. 2. New and first-time authors often cannot break into the corporate publishers because they either don't have a platform (AKA as following) or because they are unknown and unproven . Independent publishers give new authors an opportunity to get their books published where doors might otherwise be closed. 3. Greater attention to the content and book-coaching services to create award-winning books . Many of our company's books have won awards. These first-time authors might not have won without our seasoned guidance and professionalism to cr...

When I work with writers I am reminded of things I've learned over the years that help improve my work. We had our monthly Writers Who Mean Business meeting last night, and I thought some great "reminders" came out of it to spark this blog. The Book's Opening Line : did you know some places hold contests asking for the best opening line of a book? In the 3L Publishing catalog Scott D. Roberts' book Vengeance is Now has the best opening line of the catalog: You've never really lived until you seen the life leave another human being .Your opening line should be that alluring, unique, fascinating and intriguing. The idea is that it be provocative enough to get the reader engaged and wanting to find out more. Paring down your writing : too many writers fall in love with their own words. The love affair often results in wordiness and too much exposition. A great exercise is to write 1,000 words and then cut 100 words and then 200 words. See how much easier you...