Featured Article/Interview: EJ Jolivet

This month's featured article is by: E J Jolivet "What should be on an author's website." View below as we interview E J Jolivet about the content in his article.

Dominique Watson (DW): How important is an author's website?
EJ Jolivet (EJ): A website is a place where you can connect with fans 24/7 to share a laugh, a personal victory, or just bear your soul to your fans while making money in the process. Every author should consider launching a website as top priority. Once you begin working on a book project you can start to post tidbits of information, to test the waters and set up the pre-sell for the book.
DW: What are some mistakes that authors make when creating their website?
EJ: The most costly mistake is not connecting their website with other marketing channels and medias, to attract additional income streams that can help support their writing efforts. If you have this problem with your website, later on I'll share some suggestions on how to turn the situation around, but first let me zero in on a few more bad habits. For instance, if your products are the only product I can buy through your E-zine or website, then you may be guilty of a writers faux pas, and wasting a profitable opportunity. The worst offenders are self-published authors who don't use their webspace to build a mailing list, collect names for an E-newsletter or have their site plugged in for profits at all. One last thought on some of the mistakes writers make on their websites. A successful visit to your place in cyberspace doesn't always have to result in the purchase of your book. When you encourage your readers to purchase a T-shirt, cap, fanny pack and the hat with your books name on it, for themselves and others, you're getting free advertising everytime they wear them.It's a smart way for you to build your brand awareness, and generate some moohla in the process.
DW: How much should an author pay to have a website?
EJ: The cost for building websites can be all over the board.
DW: Should they create it themselves or hire someone to do it?
EJ: If you know how to use MS Frontpage you could probably put together a decent starter website for the cost of a few hours of your time. If you can't do that, I highly recommend finding a local college student to build you a good website and upload it to a server for $100 dollars or so. A high maintenance website is only necessary if your books are raking in big bucks.
DW: What do you believe is an eye catcher when a visitor goes to an authors website?
EJ: According to web design research pros, studies on eye tracking, show that the top of the page and the upper left hand corner are where most eyes start browsing a page. I'd put my best content, the latest pics, tour dates and clips from the press, in those places. Most fans become enamored with a writer because of the skills they exhibit in their craft, writing. Having tweetable quotes, memorable lines from your works and thought provoking comments prominently displayed, reinforces why they came to your site in the first place.
DW: What is one thing an author should avoid on their website?
EJ: I recommend that you put anything that your Pastor would be proud to see, on your author webpage. Don't forget to have links to your profiles on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and other social media sites prominently displayed on your home page. After all the hoopla this year surrounding the racy photos of Carrie Prejean, I hope authors realize that they too should never allow video cameras, cameras on cellphones or otherwise, to capture them in compromising situations. Bad press won't help you sell more books in the long run. Oh yeah, before I forget to tell ya! If you want to have a profitable author website, here are two ideas on ways to get your site out of the red and into the black.It's smart marketing to seek out a better known, joint venture partner or sponsor, like Amazon or Google Adsense and allow them to promote their products on your website, for a small fee. It's called affiliate marketing and it's a multi-billion dollar industry, that's a perfect fit for writers. You can probably sell twice as many books too. Once you know or hire someone who knows, how to build a mailing list, landing pages, opt in forms and set-up auto responders. These are tools for author's in the 21st Century. Every writer should be familiar with them. They can help you attract more fans. Your E-zine subscribers won't mind an occasional sales pitch if it comes along with other really valuable information. Without these tools, you are missing valuable opportunities to engage your fans and leaving money on the table.

We have had several speakers come on to the lounge and speak about the content of an author's website. It's always so important for an author to pay attention to articles like these because our websites are so important. To read E J's article check it out here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/featuredarticle.htm
Before we end today's blog...
Registration for our Fall Semester starts on the 7th. Check out this semester's classes: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Tranquil Moments LLC Interview with Jahzara

Today we are speaking with Jahzara. She has a very unique project going on that I believe is going to be wonderful for fellow authors. I came across this project last month on our network www.fromawriterspov.ning.com and she was grateful for the invitation to do a few interviews and be our cover story for October. Today, she is going to briefly speak about her project, what she's looking for ans how you can get involved.
Dominique Watson (DW): Thank you so much for doing this interview and allowing us to get to know you and your project. Tell us how this project came about.
Jahzara Bradley (JB): Thank you for this opportunity to share. In April 2009, as I was completing production of the anthology, Never Would Have Made It: A Testimony of What God Has Done In My Life, two ideas came to me in the same day. Those were "Crazy Faith" and "It's A Love Thang."
In May 2009, while talking with Donna Osborn Clark, designer of the covers for "Never Would Have Made It" and the "Diva Project" on Mother's Day, in our conversation we began to talk about dads who are holding it down, and deserve recognition and that brought forth the idea for an anthology-- "Dads Who Are Holding It Down."
DW: You have three anthologies. Tell me why you picked these three.
JB: I wish I could say that I chose these, but really it was divine inspiration. "Crazy Faith" is needed in order for people to survive during these trying times.
"It's A Love Thang," is an anthology that celebrates married people. Individuals who are married know that after the ceremony, the reception, and honeymoon it takes love to keep the marriage in place.
"Dads Who Are Holding It Down," is an anthology that celebrates dads or father figures who are doing exceptional work in the lives of their children and/or other children in the community.
DW: What exactly are you looking for writers to bring to this project?
JB: Iam looking for individuals to submit creative and original work, and their writing should refect the theme of each anthology. Each work should be 1500-2000 words created in MicroSoft Word.
DW: What is the deadline date?
JB: October 30, 2009
DW: What all do you need from the writer for this project?
JB: Writer should submit the document on time, include their name, telephone number, email address, and home address. If selected to participate in the anthology, a bio and professional headshot will be requested.
DW: Will you be editing the work or will you publish it as is?
JB: I will edit, if need be. All work should be checked for editing, and should be smooth and polished.
DW: What are some requirements for the project?
JB: Submissions must be the author's own creative work. Submissions should be submitted on or before October 30, 2009, must be related to the theme of the book, and should hold the interest of the reader. Proof copies are to remain confidential and not to be shared with anyone.
DW: How do writers submit their work?
JB: Writers should submit their work to tranquilmomentspublishing@yahoo.com and put the title of the book as the subject.
DW: How can writers contact you?
JB: Writers can email me at tranquilmomentspublishing@yahoo.com
DW: Where can writers find more details on the work?
JB: Writers are invited to visit www.nicolebradley.com for more details.
Anticipated release for each anthology is Spring/Summer 2010. Authors may submit up to three entries for each anthology.
Check here for From A Writers POV Ad on the project: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/tranquilmomentsllc.htm
Before we end today's blog...
Get your book in our Author Spotlight! http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/authorspotlight.htm
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

The Author's Corner: TL James

This month, in the Author's Corner, we are featuring Author TL James. She is speaking about two of her books. Check out her full ad and interview here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/theauthorscorner.htm
Before we end today's blog...
From A Writers POV is starting its Fall Semester September 15th and we are opening the floor to instructors. We are looking for three instructors for our fall semester. You do not have to be a licensed instructor/teacher. But you must have knowledge in the area you are choosing to instruct.Check out the details and qualifications here: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Question of the Week

Here we go again! A new week, a new question. What's your response?
"What do you believe it truly takes to be a best selling author?"
Post your comment below and tune in next wednesday for a new question.
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Cover Story: Inspiration through our words

This month, our cover story is about Inspiration through our words. From A Writers POV Ning Network members submitted a few poems to help inspire others.
Read the short article on inspiration and read the selected poems for inspiration: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/coverstory.htm
Before we end today's blog...
See what's going on at From A Writers POV this month! www.fromawriterspov.webs.com
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

This Week's List of Services

Looking for a particular service? Check out our list below:

1. Fulfilling Your Writing Needs
Freelance Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Book Reviewing

2. Mineral Make Up and Gourmet Scented Candles.
http://www.DonJea.Scent-Team.com

3. Mahogney Ink Publications
http://www.mahogneyinkpublications.com/index.html
A new publishing house just for you!

Tune in Next Monday for our new list!

The Writing Season Part Five: The Birth

The birth stage of the Writing Season is the completion of the book. The writer has gone through the long process of getting the book finished. It’s finally done. The writer may not have submitted it to an editor, agent or publisher but the book is now finished and the writing stage is over. So, what next?
Editing, re-reads, editing and more re-reads. At this point, the writer needs to get the book as good as possible. The writer may not have decided where to send the book but its perfection is needed at this time. So while the writer is in this stage, take a deep breathe and look at my checklist for the completed manuscript.
*Did you tell this story the exact way you felt it should have been told
*Is the story interesting enough to hold the attention of the reader
*Did you do your homework and research
*Did you check for small errors such as their, there, to, too
*Did you get a fresh pair of eyes to read your book for opinions and errors
*Did you decide if this book would have a prologue and/or epilogue
*Are you satisfied

Here is another list, I posted at http://www.fromawriterspov.ning.com/
1. It's best to do an outline. I do an outline with all of my novels. So that way when I do stop for a while and then later come back to the book, I have not forgotten how my story will flow. It also helps knowing exactly what you want to happen in the book and help remind you of the ideas you have come up with. An outline is always best once you begin to get the storyline in your head.
2. Do a Character profile. I found a website years ago that helped me do a character profile. This profile will basically help you bring your character to life.
3. Figure the title and chapter names later. All of that is not necessary in the beginning. When you have the need to write and you now exactly how the story will begin, write. Just let it flow. Don't worry about mistakes because you can always go back and re-read and trust me as a writer, you will do at least five re-reads before it's completed.
4. Dialog helps the story flow. If you are writing a story that has the main character telling it as if it already happened, remember to include some dialog on some of the scenes we will enter as this character tells their story. We want details and dialog that places us right there with the character. Be sure that your dialog is clear and helps the story flow. What is the character doing as she talks to her friend? Give a specific action that shows us what's happening in the scene.
5. Let us see the characters. At some point in the book, we need to know what the character looks like. This is not a movie. We have no visual whatsoever so you have to paint the picture for us. Describe your characters to the readers so that we can imagine them as we read.
6. Be sure to get a fresh pair of eyes. I always make my friends read my books as I'm writing them. Getting someone else's opinion is very important with your stories. They may point some things out that you didn't see. So find someone you know who loves your work, someone you can trust and ask them to read the first few chapters.
7. Do your research. If you are writing a novel that has a storyline in it about someone getting sick or flying to another country, do your homework on these topics. Don't write a storyline that has something to do with someone who dies of aids if you have no knowledge of this illness. Readers want realistic things to happen so if you are going to put a storyline in your book that you aren't really sure about, do your research. You can get on the internet, ask a friend who has experienced it or go out and investigate it yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you know what you’re talking about.
8. Write what's comfortable to you. I wrote a book recently that has four different characters in it. All four characters speak in this book but at the beginning of each chapter, I list exactly who is speaking. Some people thought it was confusing. I should change this or that. I didn't change a thing because it was comfortable for me. If you have a book that you are writing, that's a little different from normal novels, its ok. Continue with your creative work. We don't always have to write about with the main character telling his or her story. Make it different and if you can handle it and make the story flow well, keep going. Or say you want to write a book with five stories in one. The choice is yours. This is your novel so do what makes you comfortable.
9. Edit, Edit, Edit. Be sure to go back and edit as much as possible. Leave it for a few days or weeks then come back to it with fresh eyes but remember to edit. Make sure things sound right. Do a re-read as much as possible.
10. Never force your work. When you get writers block, stop! Don't force it or the story will sound wrong and some lines will get unnecessary. Stop when you have nothing else to say or don't know where to go with the book. Just stop. It will come back to you later. If it does come back when you're not by your computer, always carry a notebook to jot down your ideas.
So this completes our five stages of The Writing Season. Of course, there’s much more to it than this.
Before we end today's blog...
Post your poems to our Open Poetry Cafe: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/blog/
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson