How useful is the library to a writer?

I previously spoke about the importance of research. My main points were for using the internet for stories and novels. You can also use the library.

As a busy woman, sometimes I need some peace and quiet. I have a library that's right around the corner from my house. I like to go there alone on Sunday's. Sometimes I check out a book, look up a book on an interesting topic or I simplyl take my notebooks there and write or get work done. You can also use the library to research information for your book.

Some people think it's old fashion to check out books at the library but a lot of people still do it. Not only do they use the internet but they use the library as well. I'm one of those people. I like the internet, but sometimes I like to read things the old fashion way. You can go to the library, get on the computer with the libraries catalog and look up books that are available. While you're there, use that time to write down some of the information you get from the books before you take them home. Trust me, the library has tons of resources for us writers. Even books on writing.

So when it comes time to research, don't count out the library.

Before we end today's blog...

Post your poems to the Open Poetry Cafe: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/blog/

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Writing...So what's next?

Not every writer becomes a published author. Not every writer decides after so many short stories that they are ready to publish. Some people have a fulfillment in just writing.

If you are one of those people who like to write and are wondering what's the next step but not really interested in publishing, there are other things to do.

Some people write poems and give them away in home made cards.

Some people make things, scrapbooks and place their writings in it.

Some people create portfolio's (different from a scrapbook) and allow other to occasionally read them.

Some people may not publish a book but may publish to the internet. Join groups or websites that allow them to submit their work.

Some people become professional writers such as journalists, resume' writers etc

Not every writer follows with publication. And that's ok. You do what you feel you should do with your writing. You place it where you would like to see it. There's no time limit on how long you should practice writing before publishing . No one has to go into book publishing. There are so many options with writing. You can basically do anything.

Before we end today's blog...

Do you have a book signing, release party, speaking engagement or some type of event coming up? If so, From A Writers POV wants to do an interview & ad with you about your event. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/authorswritersevents.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Follow the Crowd with Social Networks.

People always say to be a leader. Don't be a follower. In this case, I say be a follower. When it comes to trying to find what's hot and what's not, follow the crowd. Get involved in what everyone else is doing.

When I first got into doing my magazine I wasn't really apart of any social networks. I was in a few small groups but nothing big. At one point people were talking about myspace and how great it was. I finally got into it once enough people told me about it. After myspace came the ning network. Ning was already well established before I even knew about it but that's where everyone was so I went. I joined tons of networks. Of course later realizing I didn't need to be apart of all of those. Then Facebook and Twitter came. I was very iffy about Facebook. To me it's seemed like another myspace. What was the point? But it wasn't until someone else rang my ear about it and I finally joined. My last and current stop was twitter. After a while you know what happend, I joined twitter.

I realized that even though I was apart of a lot of social networks, they helped my magazine. It was just another way to get people to notice From A Writers POV.

My advice to any one looking to get more exposure in something, first get internet and computer smart :) and them check out some of the hot social networks around the internet. See what can help you get your book or business noticed. It doesn't hurt to follow where the crowd is. You have something to say too, right?

Before we end today's blog...

Check out this month's edition of From A Writers POV: http://www.fromawriterspov.webs.com/

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Question of the Week

This month From A Writers POV is introducing it's first Poetry Compilation. We wanna know: "Have you ever done a book compilation? What has been your experience collaborating with other writers? Would you do it again? If you have not done this before, would you ever consider it?"

Post your comment below and tune in next wednesday for a new question.

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

How to Get in the Spotlight as an Author.

It's very simple, get noticed. We have so many resources on the internet, we join so many groups, use those resources. One thing I hate to see is people who freely join a group or social network and then don't participate. They sit in the members section taking up space then complain about their book not getting the attention it deserves or that no one knows them. Stop sitting in the memebrs section and collecting dust. Participate!!!!!

My thing is, I only join a group I know I will participate in. I don't get to all of them daily, but I have a few that get my participation more than others. That's simply because they offer more of what I'm looking for.

Ning offers so much as well. Blogs, groups, friends. You can do all that, send small emails once a week and stay active. Myspace, Twitter. The resources are there you just have to use them.

In order to get noticed as I said, participate. You can also post blogs on your groups. Keep it active with information about you, your book or business. Post comments to other friends pages. Post tweets as often as you can on twitter. Make friends with people. Follow other people. Join groups that offer what you are looking for or groups that you know you will participate in.

If you are apart of an organization, get involved in that organizations events. Whatever they have going on that will help you advance in your writing career, do it. All it takes is a little research and a little participation and people will start to notice you!

Before we end today's blog...

Be a Guest Speaker on The POV Lounge. Do you have some tips and advice on writing, marketing, editing, publishing, etc. We want to hear your advice and tips. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

What exactly does a proposal consist of?

I spoke about a proposal in another blog. I will not go into specific details of what a Proposal consists of but Iw ill give you the basics. If you goggle proposals or look into books that give this type of info you will find exactly how to formulate a proposal.

A Proposal consists of:

A Query Letter
Synopsis
Author Bio
Marketing Plan
Sample Chapters

It also tells how many words on in the manuscript; how many pages.

It includes info about the book and how it compares to other books in its genre.

Before we end today's blog...

Join our Ning Network: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

How long should it take me to write a book?

There is no specific length of time. Some people write books in a matter of weeks or months. Others it takes years. So have an understanding that you are not on a time limit.



Now, if you have signed a contract with a publisher or editor and they are expecting a book from you then you are on a time limit. But if not, there's no need to put yourself on a time limit.



Sometimes as writers we have writers block or come out of the writing season. So it's hard to put a set time on a book. I don't believe that any writer should force themselves to write because when you force it, the creative juices are not there and you're not really creating something. Just writing.



Remember every writer is different. You will not write the same as the next write. Pace yourself!



Before we end today's blog...



Advertise your weekend events! (Free)http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/writersweekendform.htm



Signing Off,

Dominique Watson