🎉🎉Happy NaNoWriMo🎉🎉

This month is a time to celebrate for all of us writer geeks. NaNoWriMo motivates writers to “Just Write”! Many writers strive to complete the novels they always wanted to write or what we have started writing months ago. I have decided to join in on the festivities of this month and attempt to complete my book. In my attempt to find useful tools to assist me, I came across nanowrimo.org.

Why use the #NaNoWriMo site?

Who does not like a little support? Maybe you are like me, an organization junkie who likes a step by step plan of action. National Writing Month website fulfills those needs for free with the following features.

Dashboard– Allows you to track of your novel. You cannot write your book on the site, but you can include the title, synopsis and an excerpt.

Profile– Create a profile and connect with fellow writers.

Badges– I love receiving nifty little prizes and awards for my accomplishments. The more you participate on the website, the more badges you earn.

 

A Source of Inspiration

My personal 📣cheer-leading📣 section of published authors to advise and throw me a pep rally when the ugly doubt monster comes to visit. That is awesomeness!

 

NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

#NaNoWriMo is not only for adults; the website encourages young writers👦👧 to hone in on their creative side. I don’t have children, but I had to take a look see. The beta version is kid friendly and designed to get their juices flowing. It is important that we encourage kids K-12 to read and write more than they indulge in video games and mindless television shows.

The World Needs Your Novel!

There are many readers out there waiting and anxious to read our stories. You have been waiting for the perfect time to complete your masterpiece. Well, now is a perfect time! Let’s hit the ground 🏃running, after all, we are three days behind. Time to play catch up!

Images courtesy of NaNoWriMo website and pixabay.com

 

 

Adding Depth to Your Fiction—Body Language 101

Another great post for us writers by Kristen Lamb.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Image by Gopal 1035

Today regular guest writer Alex Limberg is back with a post that will make any of your dialogue scenes sound so much smoother. His piece is about body language. Raise your eyebrows and drop your chin in delight, because Alex is about to help you get under your readers’ skin with your dialogue. Also, you should definitely check out his free checklist about “44 Key Questions” to make your story awesome. Now clap your hands: 3… 2… 1… here we go:

***

“Crossing my bridge on your flying rhinoceros? You better reconsider that,” the troll said and raised his fist.

When you are reading the sentence above, you know immediately what the situation is about: The troll is threatening the other person (and a flying rhino is coming your way). And the reason you know exactly what’s up is, you guessed it, the fitting description…

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Does FB Sell Books & Do Writers Need a Facebook Fan Page?

Trying to sell your book? Awesome post on Kristen Lambs blog for authors. Check it out!!!

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Social media is powerful for connecting us (our books) with the very people we wrote them for to begin with. But, we are wise to appreciate that creating a brand and cultivating genuine and passionate fans is not going to happen overnight. The deeper the roots, the stronger the brand and the platform.

Why that is important is if we keep chasing the newest shiny, we fail to ever gain compounding results. We are chasing fad after fad. Thus a saner approach is to build places that are the most stable.

***Yes, we can build on Instagram and SnapChat and the like, but that will come with more risk and possibly devour time we need to write more books.

The blog is still the strongest and most resilient form of social media. Blogs have been around since the 90s and unless the Internet goes down? Blogs will remain.

But other…

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We Practice What We Preach: Scott Biddulph is Published Elsewhere

Get to know more about Two Drops of Ink editor. Read his post on Indie Plot Twist.

5 Tips for Marketing Your New Book.

“Writing a book without promoting it is like waving to someone in a dark room. You know what have you done, but nobody else does.”
~Madi Preda.”   ― Madi Preda, How To Promote and Market Your Book

Congratulations on writing your first book. As an author, you must be on top of the world. You have basked in the joy of your new accomplishment. The beauty of its cover, your words, pieces of the world you created. Now. It is time to get serious.

What’s next? My research has given me the knowledge to assist you in marketing your book. What good is a book that no one gets to read? The next step is to get the book in front of prospective readers. The most efficient way is through creating a marketing strategy. Thorough research will reveal several marketing methods. Take a look at a few of the steps in the journey.

1). Reviews: As an author feedback is valuable. This is where reviews come into play. Consider the options for free or paid reviews. Only pay for top quality feedback. Determine if your reviewer will base their comments on reading the book in full or an excerpt. Your ultimate goal is to make sure it is beneficial to you. Every author desires raving reviews and high recommendations.

2). Blog Posts: Guest posts and interviews on blogs is another way to build a fan base. You may also start a blog centered around the subject of your book. Your blog may be the forum for your future books. Be sure to follow the blogs of like- minded writers.

3). Media Kit: How many business or post cards have you passed out? Advertise locally as well as virtually the more exposure, the better your chances for sales. Keep in mind; image is everything! A professional head shot is necessary. Your biography will invite readers to get to know the books creator. Don’t forget to include a ‘one- sheet.’ A high-quality photo of your book cover on the front and a synopsis of the book on the back.

4). Book Launch Party: A book launch party is not only a way to celebrate your accomplishments but an awesome way to get the word out. Offer giveaways or reduced prices for the date of the event. The event can take place both locally and online. The more excitement you build means, the higher potential for buyers.

5). Social Media: We are in the age where the click of the ‘send’ button moves at a speed of light. Millions of people have the opportunity to view your content on a daily basis which means book sales. Although, sales should not be your primary focus. Build a relationship with fellow authors and writers. Support those with the same goals and those aspiring to reach the depths that you have in the literary arena. Social media marketing makes sense regarding book marketing. Embrace it and reap the many benefits.

Now that your feet are firmly back on the solid ground, and your head is no longer in the clouds, put in the footwork. Start doing the research and making all the needed connections. It may be difficult but all of your efforts will pay off.

 

 

 

The Problem with Pen Names

Do you plan to use a pen name? It was my plan until I read this blog post. Very interesting and informative.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

When I first became a writer, one of my favorite activities was dreaming what my pen name would be. I’d even practice signing it so that, you know, I didn’t accidentally scribble Kristen Lamb in my runaway best-selling book at my glamorous book signing.

Don’t judge me. Y’all did it too 😛 .

Before anyone gets in a fluff, understand two things. First, I’m on your side. If you want or need a pen name? Rock on! If you already have one? Keep it! If a sexy exotic name makes you write better stories? Go for it!

This is only a decision the author can make. My only goal here is to make sure y’all are making educated business decisions. Thus, I won’t stop anyone from having a pen name, but about 95% of the time? They’re unnecessary.

The modern author already has to take on far more than…

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Call for submissions!

Take advantage of the awesome opportunity to enter your submission to “Two Drops of Ink” Literary Blog. 🙂

A Shout Out to My Blogging Comrades.

Many bloggers are avid readers and faithful followers of other blogs. As a blogger and social media coordinator, reading and commenting on the content of other bloggers is a natural part of my daily operations. I often share the posts of bloggers which consists of informative and entertaining information, authors of books and those who write about their lives. As we follow many blogs, there are some that we frequent more than others for one reason or another. Today, I will list some of my favorite blogs and a little information about the blog.

Two Drops of Ink a literary blog that provides informative writing advice for aspiring and established writers. I love that Two Drops of Ink is devoted to all types of literature. Publishing contributing posts from writers looking for exposure seasoned writers and authors. The vote of the 100 best websites for writers is evident when you visit the blog. Subscribe, contribute and ‘Like’ Two Drops of Ink on Facebook.

From Addict 2 Advocate the title of this site describes it’s primary purpose to the letter. Informative articles about dealing with addiction as an addict or a family member or a friend of an addict. As we all know addiction is a growing epidemic in the U.S. Marilyn Davis, counselors and recovering addicts take a serious topic and simplifies it for all people to grasp and understand. She sprinkles a little humor in her posts as well. You can join in on conversations via the blog or on Facebook.

A Disciples Journey, a new blog by Scott Biddulph.  It is about the trials and tribulations of living a good Christian life. He brings it to the forefront through scripture and referencing his personal struggles. This amazing writer shows his followers that we are not alone in our pursuit to live a life pleasing to God. Scott Biddulph is also the creator and editor of “Two Drops of Ink”.

Poetic Parfait is a ‘Poetic treat for the mind’. This site is great if you are a lover of poetry, looking for inspiration or wish to talk about poetry. She states, “This site is a haven for you to gain insights through poetry about love, connection, endurance, inspiration, health and more.” I bear witness that this is a true statement. Christy first started Poetic Parfait as therapy to get her through a dark period in her life. The site gave birth to two books. I have also had the pleasure of writing a piece for her When Women Inspire blog.

Opinionated Man/ Harsh Reality attracted me to the blog because of the title. I am very opinionated and reality at times can be quite harsh. I had to take the time to read what the ‘Opinionated Man’ had to say. J.C.C is a man that has a voice; he is not only opinionated, poetic and enlightening but inspirational. The opinionated man is worthy to be read.

On GobbledeGoox by Peter Giblett, you will find a mixture of posts about the subjects such as writing, social media, and blogging. The site is very informative. Peter shares his knowledge of these subjects in hopes of assisting others. If you are seeking advice as a blogger or social media, there are some informative articles to get you started.

Kitschy Chic Couture is for the ladies who love handbags. These are not just any handbag! If you are into handcrafted leather and fabric bags made with TLC, then this blog is an awesome site for you. Kitschy Chic blog takes you into the day and life of a designer. She also displays a wide variety of her creations.

Shehanne Moore is an author of ‘smexy historical romance’. Romance novels are not my first choice when I sit down to read, but the compelling story lines including jewel thieves and vikings are what grabs her readers. The unique way Shehanne Moore promotes and markets her blog and books is what sparked my interest. Every email notification of a blog post, interview, and new novel is a treat.

As bloggers, we should support each other. I not only love what I do, but I am also passionate about it. To pay homage to my craft, I support those who do what I do. Tweets, Facebook Likes, reblogging and comments are just a few ways I show love. Social media marketing/ management and writing are my main sources of income, but life is not always about the almighty dollar. How many writers or bloggers have you given a shout out lately? Where does your true passion lie? In the art or the pursuit to become the next famous author or a well paid blogger? The next time you sit down to create your next post, I encourage you to think about your fellow bloggers and take ten minutes to read and comment on their work.

 

A news quickie: Noticeable trends in what Literary Agents are looking for in today`s market

The newest trends of the publishing industry explained by Scott Biddulph of “Two Drops of Ink” . To stay up to date on the literary community subscribe to “Two Drops of Ink ” Blog. Submissions are also welcomed!!!

Literary Agent News: May 2016

Are you an author seeking a literary agent? Here is May 2016 Literary Agent News for all genres. Scott Biddulph editor of “Two Drops of Ink” always post the most up to date literary information for authors.