The Writer's Bulletin: Best Books on Writing

Readers make the best writers. Just like any profession, studying your craft can make a difference. The four books listed below can help you through creative hurdles. Take the time to read these books. You won’t regret it.

1. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B White

A timeless edition of writing guidance that is imperative reading for every writer. Technical and creative writing reference that you will go to again and again, this book is in 4^th Edition.

2. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury was an award-winning American author and screenwriter. Working in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery fiction, Bradbury shares his successful writing techniques.

3. On Writing by Stephen King

This one is a must for every writer. Order it today. Read it immediately. Thank me later. King writes about first drafts, self-edits, and more. To the mouths of babes, King will inspire and motivate you to become a better writer.

4. War of Art by Stephen Pressfield

A friend recommended War of Art to me several years ago. I wish I had read it much earlier in my life. Written for every writer, Pressfield addresses writer’s block, procrastination, and difficulty engaging with creativity. War of Art will challenge you to stretch your writer’s voice and explore your own creative process.

Whatever you do, keep reading, keep writing. Take the time to have the best writing tools in your toolbox. Take notes, read poetry and prose, step outside of your comfort zone, stay connected with your favorite authors, keep an open mind, take constructive criticism, and enjoy the process. Creativity should be intentional.

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Creative Writing Glossary

The love for creative writing, I believe, begins in school – elementary, middle, or high school. Depending upon your teacher, you will fall in love with writing. Of course, writing isn’t for everyone, it is a personal niche. But, if you do love writing, the right teacher can plant the seed that will grow and bloom.

I have this very map (see above) of Narnia hanging on my bedroom wall. The entire map shows all of Narnia – the wardrobe, lamppost, Aslan’s Country, the Fords of Beruna, etc. If you have not read the Chronicles of Narnia, it is recommended reading (for all ages). And, like always, the book(s) are always better than the movie(s).

But, I digress. I began this post about creative writing (which reminded me of whimsical ideas, far-away story-lines, and my favorite series – Narnia). Recently, I received an email from a teacher. Her students are fans of The Writer’s Bulletin. One of the students suggested I share the Creative Writing Glossary found at Crossword Solver.

The Creative Writing Glossary provides a list of terms often used by publishers, writers, editors, and illustrators. The Glossary begins…

Writing is as simple as putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), right? Not always. When you're creating a short story or novel, it's important to think about who your protagonist is and why they're doing what they do. It's important to make sure that each word you use does what you want it to do. And it's extra-important to make sure that the climax is placed right where it belongs. When you're working with an editor, you may have to know these terms and more: They won't just be correcting your grammar but giving you feedback using words like "epilogue," "hook," and "narrator." You may need a glossary like this one to bring your story to the next level!

Read through all of the terms here! Explore all of Crossword Solver writer’s resources!

Speaking of crosswords, they are good tools to build vocabulary. I enjoy working the daily crossword in my local newspaper. I set the timer to see how quickly (or how slowly) I can solve the puzzle.

Special thanks to the MPL Young Writer’s Club for sharing!

Keep writing!

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Autographed Copy

Being an author is an amazing journey. Signing books for your fans/readers is an extraordinary experience. Placing an Autographed Copy or Signed by the Author label on the front cover of your book just adds to the reality of being published. There are many different types of labels. Here are a few links to my favorites…

Earthly Charms has several author labels to choose from, including the one below.

Search for “Author Labels” or “Author Stickers” on Amazon  - there are dozens to choose from.

One of my favorites is the one below from LaserInkJetLabels.

Zazzle offers many different designs, including a label with the author’s photo or “Local Author” like this one…

I adore everything Etsy! With many items to choose from, Etsy offers writer’s stickers (including word count stickers) and cool Author Labels.

Another favorite is CafePress! Love their Author/Writer Bumper Stickers and Decals!

These are all fabulous ideas to propel your marketing. If you can’t find a label you like, you can always create your own, which is super easy.

Enjoy your success!

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Book Festivals II

Book Festivals I highlighted a few of my favorite festivals. There are so many and every author must choose wisely. Of course, in Ohio, the premier Book Festival is the Ohioana. Every Ohio author can apply to attend. I attended several years ago and the event was held at the main Library Annex in Columbus. After the event, all of the authors were invited to the Governor’s Mansion for cocktails in the garden (it was fabulous!). Now, with the increased size of the event, Ohioana is held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library.

Throughout the year, authors can choose many other venues to showcase their book(s). Besides the list I shared before, here is a list of additional festivals that may be of interest to you…

Annapolis Book Festival

Bronx Book Fair

Detroit Festival of Books

Festival of Women Writers

Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Midwest Literary Walk

National Book Festival, Washington D.C.

Find more events at BookReporter.com. Look for events/festivals in your niche as well. Before you attend a book festival/event, send a Press Release to your local newspaper to announce your attendance. Most local newspapers will run the Press Release for “free” under their Community Events section.

Enjoy the journey!

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Book Festivals I

Book Festivals are so much fun! A room filled with books, authors, readers, editors, illustrators. . .  heaven!  Every author keeps a list of Book Festivals on their appointment calendar. Don’t miss application deadlines and be diligent/intentional about networking your book(s).

Here’s a short list for your review. . .

Monday Creek Book Festival

Baltimore Book Festival

Boston Book Festival

Buckeye Book Fair

Columbus Children’s Book Festival

Heartland Book Festival

Rochester Children’s Book Festival

Savannah Book Festival

Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival

Texas Book Festival

Virginia Children’s Book Festival

The Center for the Book has a list of Book Festivals throughout the US.

Find more events at EverFest.com and BookRiot.com.

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: LinkedIn & Authors

Social media provides many opportunities to network and share your work. However, we're all busy. Choosing which social media will bring the most exposure to your writing career can be difficult. Minutes, hours, days can be spent getting distracted by social media - distracted by "social" scenarios instead of work scenarios. 

One of my favorite places to post, share, and connect is LinkedIn. Like all social media you must be careful about which connects are sincere and worth your time (because you want to be a working writer and not in banter with non-productive connections). 

Here are five reasons every author should have a LinkedIn profile to propel success...

1)  Join niche groups to network with editors, copywriters, illustrators and more. There are niche groups for book genre. For instance, if you are a historical fiction writer, there is a group you can join - Historical Novel Promotions. 

2) Follow your favorite corporations, including publishing houses and professional publicists/agencies. These companies post inspirational ideas and creative posts that may help with your marketing and promotion.

3) Network with other authors, writers, and people in the publishing industry. Like corporations, they post ideas to propel your success.

4) Find freelance writing jobs, writing contests, or other opportunities. Possibly write outside of your genre to enhance your writing, which opens more doors. Several years ago, I was approached by a LinkedIn professional to write content for their website. It was lucrative while it lasted, out of my genre, and so much fun!

5) Messaging, posting, and writing articles are easy on LinkedIn. I prefer LinkedIn messenger to Facebook messenger.

As with anything, you get out of it what you put into it - hard work pays off. Stop goofing off and wasting time on social media that does not propel your success. 

Let's connect! My LinkedIn Profile

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Fairs & Festivals

As a resident of Ohio, I enjoy attending the many festivals and fairs Ohio has to offer. The Ohio Department of Tourism offers free materials, including schedules and highlights, for each festival and fair. As an author, festivals and fairs provide great marketing opportunities. You may be required to pay a minimal table/space fee, but the exposure and opportunity usually outweigh the cost. Here are some ideas for creating a great marketing experience at a festival or fair...

1)   Visit your State's website to receive a Free Travel Guide! Here is the link to sign up for Ohio's Travel Guide... https://ohio.org/. Create a list of the festivals/fairs that you would like to attend, noting dates. Choose the venues that are within your "niche" market first, then select other venues based upon whether or not you think the event will be worth the time and effort. 

2)  Schedule your event far in advance. Local fairs fill up quickly and you will only be able to secure a space far in advance. If you have specific requirements, such as the need to be indoors with a fan or air conditioning, let the fair consultant know so that you will be comfortable. Fairs also offer space for tents, sometimes providing the tent for you for a rental fee. 

3)  Order your books and marketing materials in advance to have on hand at all times. There's nothing worse than getting invited to an event only to find out that you do not have enough books (and if ordering, books will not arrive in time)! Don't miss an opportunity. Always be prepared.

4)  Consider marketing materials, such as push-cards, business cards, and other promotional material that has your email, website, and social media links, especially if you're in a new town and meeting new people. They will want to connect with you!

5)  Some festivals and fairs may not be the best venue to sell books. For instance, my local community has a festival with kiddie rides, parades, queen competitions, and pie contests. My local library invited local authors to set up tables outside the library during the festival. I attended; however, book sales were slim. People usually do not attend festivals to purchase books - they attend to ride rides, play arcade games, and eat food-truck food. Choose your venue wisely. If the festival/fair is geared toward your "niche" market or book topic (see #6), then you will have a greater chance for an enjoyable and lucrative event.

6)  There are many festivals and fairs with a specific "topic". For instance, children's literature author Kaitlin Kulich's first book Pawpaw is My Favorite Flavor is about pawpaw fruit and making pawpaw ice cream. She debuted her book at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival. Another example is my first children's literature, The Blackberry Patch. I collaborated with the Bremerton Blackberry Festival (Washington State) to share my book. Find your niche and you will find the best promotion opportunity.

7) Advertise in the festival or fair program. I like to advertise in my local fair guide. This is great exposure and can be well worth the cost of advertising. 

Whether it's your State Fair, County Fair, or local festival, find the venue that supports your book and your vision. Usually these events happen during hot weather, so stay cool and dress for comfort. What­ever you do, keep writing. Here’s wishing you success!

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: The Author's Table

Every author anticipates a book signing event. It's a great opportunity to increase book sales, extend your territory, and network. When invited to a bookstore or book signing event, the author is provided a table or counter. Tables come in all shapes and sizes and it's up to the author to make the best of the space.

What should be on your book signing table? Every author has their own strategy to drive traffic to their table. Here are a few ideas...

1)  Use an easel to promote your book. There are many styles and types of easels; wooden, brass, plastic, etc. Choose the style that showcases your book. They are fairly inexpensive and I always keep a few on hand. Amazon has a nice selection.

2)  If you are bringing your own books to the table, count the books to keep track of book sales. Keep a paper and pencil handy to make notes of book sales, etc. If you are making change and handling the money yourself, keep a money bag securely under the table or in your purse/satchel. Don't lay the bag on top of the table (tacky). 

3)  Use push-cards and bookmarks. You can use push-cards as postcards for Thank You's and correspondence. They are great on your author's table as promotional material. Bookmarks are an extra perk for readers (cool, but not necessary).  In my opinion, you get more mileage out of a push-card/postcard. They serve multiple purposes and people will pick them up and take them home (whether they buy a book or not).

4) An author business card is a must. Choose a business card and card holder that will attract readers. My favorites are sold by Victoria Trading here. Here's a link to the business card holders on Amazon.

5)  Have a small (small) vase of fresh flowers or a plant. Keep it off to the side and out of the way of table traffic. 

6)  A small dish of mints or wrapped candy can help entice people to your table. From experience, this seems to be more of the norm for book festivals and larger/group author events.

7) If you are a children's literature author, provide word searches and crossword puzzles that children can take home. A coloring page with a scene from your book is fun, too! Add your website and contact information to the puzzle/page so that parents/grandparents can stay connected.

8)  Glittery pencils and logo pens seem to work at my table. As a children's literature author, kids are drawn to the glittery pencils, while parents like to grab a logo pen. 

9)  Provide a paper for people to write their email address so that they can sign up for your newsletter and book event information. 

10) Finally, remember less is more. Don't overcrowd your table. Your books are the main attraction. Always dress appropriately and smile. Share the excitement about your book and your passion for writing!

I keep a small letter size box with my author's table supplies handy. It has a lockable lid so that I can tote it around without much effort. If you need samples of crosswords, coloring pages, word searches, etc., I am happy to share. Don't forget to enjoy the event - have fun and be the dynamic person everyone expects you to be! Keep writing.

Amazon Best Seller World Poetess N.R.Hart's book event table. 
(Barnes & Noble, May 2019)
Hart has books specifically displayed to entice readers, business cards, push-cards,
and flowers that compliment her table.

www.nrhart.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

The Writer's Bulletin: Smith Publicity

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