So many people are getting into writing books. Some people have stories to tell about their lives like a memoir, others simple want to write a novel. So when getting started with writing books the first question a person asks is "How do I get started in writing"
First ask yourself, have you ever had any experience in writing? If not, you need to take some writing classes. There are plenty of free online writing classes or you can look in your community for them.
NOTE: From A Writer's POV offers free online writing courses ever couple of months! http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/
If you do have experience in writing then the next step is to decide what type of book you want to write. Not all writers can write in any genre. My genre is inspirational; christian fiction. I can not write a mystery/suspense novel or a romance novel. That's not my genre. So you have to decide what genre you can write and go from there.
Once you've decided on the genre you need to decide what the book will be about. Build a storyline, get some characters. Then you are on the right path to getting started in writing book.
Before we end today's blog...
Check out more tips on writing here: http://thepovlounge.webs.com/quickwritingtips.htm
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson
Leave a comment on this blog: http://thepovlounge.webs.com/apps/guestbook/
Saturday, October 17, 2009
How to get started in writing
Friday, October 16, 2009
Joining Book Clubs
One thing authors have in common with each other is that they like to read. I don't know too many authors that do not like to read books. Some don't always write in the genre they read but reading in general is a hobby to them and they enjoy it very much.
Besides building your own characters, step into another authors shoes and get into their books and characters. Book clubs are very popular now a days and all sorts of readers are joining book clubs; even authors.
Get involved in local book clubs. This will not only help you with socializing but also help you promote your book. You can speak to the members about your book and what it's about, where to find it and read more about it. What better place to advertise your book than a book club.
I suggest looking for local book clubs and market your book.
Before we end today's blog...
Check out our Internship Opportunities: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/jobinterninquiries.htm
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson
Leave a comment on this blog: http://thepovlounge.webs.com/apps/guestbook/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Writer's Lounge
A winner has been picked for this weeks theme on The Writer's Lounge. This weeks winner is Paradice. Read the winning writing for "The Tear Jerker" below:
"How could this be happening to me"
There Anna stood in the doorway looking as lovely as ever with a big smile of joy beaming upon her face! Not only was she beautiful but she was talented and intelligent as well. It had been one of Anna's fondest memories when she was younger she recalled of wanting to have a family of her very own and know it was all about to come true!
A year ago she settled down and married the man of her dreams! They had an extravagant and amazing wedding and spent their honeymoon in Paris. She recently just finished law school and know that she was expecting twins thought that all her dreams would soon finally be complete. Her husband was finishing up the nursery! He took another look at it then said, "Honey, What do you think?" She walked over to him and looks him in his eyes and with anticipation and such delight said "Baby its perfect!!
One week later she received a phone call to interview with one of the most prestigious law firms in their city! They asked her if she could come in the same day and though the weather was bad and she knew her husband would have wanted her to wait she did not want to miss out on the opportunity so she did not dare say no!!
She took her shower, threw on one of her sharpest suits and then grabbed her portfolio and cell phone as she anxiously heads out the door. When she arrived the two top firm layers were waiting to greet her. They were so pleased with her expertise and the way the interview went she was hired right on the spot! She gets into the car and excited to tell Tom about the news dials him immediately that she fails to notice the stop sign and a semi truck that was already proceeding in the intersection came smashing dead into her little corvette!!
The Ambulance rushes her to the hospital and Tom dashes to be by her side!
For four days Anna lays in a comma helpless and limb! When she starts coming around she begins to ask questions like, "Where am I, what happened and how are the baies doing?" She erratically begins screaming at the nurse and the doctor has to come in and sedate her! No one wants to be the first to inform her of the bad news. Not only was she permanently paralyzed but the twins did not survive!! She lays there hopeless and silently still thinking, "How could this be happening to me?" And it was then at that very moment she realized her life had drastically changed forever!!
Before we end today's blog...
Check out this weeks new theme:
http://thepovlounge.webs.com/thisweekscontest.htm
Signing off,
Dominique Watson
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Question of the Week
This week's question "How do you market your book as an author?"
Post your comment below and tune in next wednesday for a new question.
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson
Leave a comment on this blog: http://thepovlounge.webs.com/apps/guestbook/
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Guest Speaker Marcia Mcnair: The Importance of PR Services
Today we are having a guest speaker. Marcia Mcnair. Today she is speaking to us about the importance of having a PR.
Dominique Watson (DW): Thank you so much for doing the interview. Explain to our readers why you believe having a PR is important to a writer and/or business owner.
Marcia Mcnair (MM): It's the primary way you get the word out about your product and/or service. I'm including word of mouth as an important price of your PR campaign.
DW: As a writer, have you ever hired a PR or Marketer to help promote your book?
MM: Yes, I did, but I was very dissatisfied with the service.
DW: What is the price range for this service?
MM: The price for this service could have cost me close to one thousand dollars, but I decided to test out the service first by contracting for a cheaper package initially. Once I realized the marketer couldn't deliver on the cheaper product, I knew not to trust him with any big money. I recommend that people get references and try out my test method before entrusting anyone with a large sum of money.
DW: What are the chances of writers or business owners succeeding without the proper push of a PR?
MM:You can succeed by doing your own PR, which I did, and I got my book into Barnes and Noble as a result. However, it took me two full years of time consuming work. I am still pretty much functioning as my own PR which means I am constantly on the Internet, writing letters, doing book signings, and networking.
DW: How would an author or business owner go about getting a PR to work for them?
MM: I think you should first check out references, like I said in my answer above. Also, it's very easy to do your own research on a person or company. Don't just call their referrals: Of course, they will only give you the good ones!
An underutilized aspect of marketing your book is marketing your writing in general. Write for local and national newspapers and magazines. Remember, your byline notes your publishing credits and is free advertising for your book! You not only get paid for your article, but get that little perk!
DW: Thank you so much for doing the interview! I'm sure your info and advice is very helpful!
MM: Thank you, you're doing a terrific job!
How important is PR to a writer? This blog was truly helpful. It gives so much insight to authors looking for PR services but do not know if hiring them is the best way to go.
Before We end today's Blog...
Be a guest speaker on The POV Lounge:http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson
Monday, October 12, 2009
Business Owner of the Week
Business Owner of the week is business owner Pamela King. She is the President of CMB Virtual Assistants. CMB Virtual Assistants is a virtual office support company dedicated to providing incomparable professional administrative and author services while partnering with clients to help sustain their competitive edge and build their business.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Publishing/Manuscript Coaching
As many of you have noticed, I've started offering a few literary services. One that I am specializing in is Publishing/Manuscript Coaching. Some may ask what this is or how it can help you. I will explain.
Publishing Coaching is to help you find the publishing company that will best suit your book. I will guide you in the right direction in finding a publishing company to publish your book. I will let you know what your book needs; what features your company needs to offer in order to create a good book. I will guide you through finding the company, submitting your manuscript the right way, making sure that your package has the right info for what the company is asking, I will work with you through the contract and all the way to the book being on the shelves and in stores.
Manuscript Coaching is to help you clean up your manuscript and get it ready for publication. I will make sure that the maniscript is being prepared the way that the company is asking. That you are submitting the manuscript the way the company asks. I will proofread and edit your proposal and help you get your foot in the door to the publishing company. I can NOT guarantee an acceptance letter from a publishing company but I wll help you get through this process a little easier.
So there is it. Publishing/Manuscript Coaching.
Before we end today's blog...
If you are interested in this service, leave a comment on this blog.
Signing Off,
Dominique Watson
Leave a comment on this blog: http://thepovlounge.webs.com/apps/guestbook/
