POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE WRONG

Let's be honest here. . .

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS LIMITS TRUTHFULNESS

I wish we didn't have to dance around PC correctness and other protected expressions and groupings. What we can say in public is limited to these guidelines and social constructs. I want to know what someone really thinks without its being white-washed into PC conformity. Society is that retribution is to be feared. Old writings seem more honest to me. I see a freshness in them rarely seen in today's literature. Such thinking is not allowed anymore in the public marketplace of ideas.

I don't know about you, but I constantly run my thoughts through a grid before I write or say them. Sometimes I can't say what I mean for fear the PC "police" will take notice. PC ideology goes too far in controlling the way we do life, literally. People take offense, make waves, sue, attack, accuse, vent at ridiculous "perceived" slights. Higher education has fed this monster and now we're reaping its reward.

There's no end in sight to this path we're on.

Freedom is being confined to the PC mentality, which is re-classifying the way people and beliefs are being viewed. It's scary. Read the tweets. Lots of hateful statements about traditional, patriarchal, matriarchal, familial, moral, religious, and institutional belief systems. While some of this is deserved, much of the rhetoric is unkind, arrogant, and hateful. Some day it will make fools of us all. Truth will be silenced. Honest writings will be impaled for some reason or other.

The intelligentsia of the day will, most likely, control the public conversation. Some of this has already infiltrated major players, public entities we all use. Where will it ultimately land? What is the logical conclusion? People will be falsely accused. Careers will be tanked. History will be shamed. Concepts will be limited. Religions of God and Christ will be deconstructed as myths...and effectively silenced. No longer will freedom reign. Censorship where only certain voices are allowed to be heard has an agenda. Well? Worst case scenario...welcome to a society where most everything is controlled.

I see it as an injustice creeping into mainstream America. In some ways, to me, the ideas being circulated as true have skewed the ability to listen well, to consider or entertain an idea separate from their own. "You have to believe like we do or you're wrong," that sort of thinking. Candidates for public office walk a fine line, at least most of them do. To not play the PC game brings on the haters, and I'm not kidding.

I hope I'm wrong and the path turns in a different, better, less PC, less to slap undeserved labels on people (i.e. "racist," "sexist," "misogynist," "bigot") more honest direction. We must speak to it.

I love my country. I want her to be a shining light. I want justice for all. My heart says, let freedom ring. I pray for America, land of the free and the home of the brave. Just saying.

PROOF: Article on Big Tech Censorship here to learn more.

* * *

For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

A Relatable Tale That Grabs You

A good book speaks about real life.

Do you ever read a book and feel like you're reading your own personal story? I just finished a book that way. I couldn't believe it. So many passages were matches and ponderings much like my own past conflicted feelings.

Wow! What it told me is the author understands the human mixed with the spiritual elements. She gets how they cause us to act in self-protective mode, which is not all that good for us in the long run. We can't be genuine if we are controlling the conversation.

You have to risk being real.

Decisions  and choices abound in our daily walks. Sometimes we simply do not know what to do. That happens quite often in my life. I try to ascertain the best course of action by using my best thinking. Yet there are the occasional curve balls.

The book I was reading was about a later-in-life romance. I could relate. I've been in a similar predicament. The relationship was one of the joys in my life, but it also brought me a great deal of angst. Like the protagonist, I suffered through indecision and fears while also being filled with joys and sweetness. I was trying my best to make it work but all the time doubting that it could work. Such thinking sabotages best effort. Not a good way to do life.

It was strange and delightful to read a book that captures that conundrum well, the confusion and contrary feelings that hold a debate in the head. Ever been there? Relationships have everything to do with life. Did I mention the author is Jan Karon? Have you heard of the Mitford series?

Author magic is such that it elicits a response in you. 

WHAT GOOD WRITERS KNOW: Writing is about Passion, Belief and Message (and money)

What Good Writing is Not➤

Writing is not all about making money. If it is only about dollars and cents then it will be of temporary value. This statement is not all that true--I can hear people arguing with me, we're in it to make money, of course--but a writer at heart usually finds they are compelled to write from some driving force within them. 

For most writers, yes, they're in it for the money and may write stuff they don't tell Mom about or that is a means to an end as a way to support themselves and the family. And that's okay. I am going to make a distinction. A writer with a message or the writer who knows they were meant to write, writes out of their inner need to share the message. They will write the writing even if they're not paid to do so. Writing is in their blood.

Writing is not about making a name for yourself, though it's extra nice if you do. Star power is a motivator and driving force for many writers. I think few are exempt from the dream of being interviewed by a celebrity. But this is not a realistic expectation.

Writing is not just writing a book or for other publications. Writing is knowing the craft, learning the business end, finding the best 'how to' for marketing your wares, connecting with people who can help you or befriend you, and writing is general skills development in writing know-how. These all are involved big time.

Writing is not for quitters. Real writers don't quit though they may receive very little encouragement on the journey. They dig deep and push themselves to keep on learning, producing, and sharing. Writers give it their best, then give it their best Best and so forth and so on.

What Good Writing Is➤

Writing is about passion, about having something to say that's worth saying; some worthy idea the writer believes has merit and meaning. A writer's gotta have the passion for it or it ain't going anywhere.

Writing is communicating big ideas with carefully crafted wordings. Well-written works are a delight to the reader, like icing on a cake. The audience of readers love the taste of good writing and experiencing its emotional tenor. Writers continue to develop this skill with every article and book they write.

Writing is speaking with a musicality endearing to the reader, causing them to want more. Some writers have it, and you always want more and more of what they write. Their voice is distinctive and pulls you in. They make a promise to the reader and will deliver.

Writing is about communicating with an audience, connecting to their soul. Writing speaks to the heart and grasps the person who reads it. Good (great) writing has the power to make a difference and endures over time; and it has the capacity to become legendary.

Writing captures ideas to bring them to life, and it incorporates understanding of human foibles, errors and triumphs. The element of story will never go out of style. Great writing tells (and shows) story well.

Writing is doing the hard work for the purpose to get out the writer's message and create value for their readers. I don't care what it is, a writer's gonna have to work for it and provide substance for the reader. Writing clean and clear is a must have.

Writing is consistency, belief, work, vision, connecting with others, and much, much more. Great writers treat writing like a business you go to every day and take the time to learn and do well. There are no shortcuts.

What Great Writers Know➤

Great writers write because their voices refuse to be silenced. The fire burns within them. Some have written from prison cells where they languished because of their beliefs. Thoughts came to them in the quietness of the hidden place behind walls of separation. The world is better off because of their contributions. For them, their writing was bound to their message that needed to get out.

Great writers have expectations of themselves. The journey may be difficult with problems that interfere and derail the effort. They may receive criticisms that seem unjust and unmerited but they soon learn to develop a thick skin and to move forward and keep their eye on the goal. If they need a writing schedule to get the job done, they will make a schedule and do their best to keep it. They do what it takes.

Great writers know writing is the observation of the nuances of language and emotions of living; that show the spirit of the spiritual and evil of the diabolical; that comes together in a clash of plot and message, that teaches through subliminal message and characterization through plot, that weaves the very essence of life and living in a fluid, intelligent, beautifully woven writing that speaks the language of its audience.

 

Passion and writing are like hand in glove, one needs the other to make it work. 

Writing Basics: Proofreading and Book Editing Tools

Writing is an adventure!
Looking back on the last two years gives me the right to say that! Starting at nothing and moving toward something started me on an unknown and winding journey. I can look back now and say, I really didn't know what I was doing when I first started out. All I knew was I wanted to write a book as a way to share my thoughts. Before that, I wanted to write, but it was more for the purpose of writing's sake, not for the purpose of sharing a heart-felt message.

My newest venture in this unknown land, is in the area of editing and proofreading.
Quite by accident I landed at The Christian PEN, an organization whose purpose is to help Christian authors, proofreaders, and editors develop their writing skills into marketable services. I signed on as a way for self-development, professional development that will help me become acquainted with this side of the business, and to improve my editing skills (and knowledge of language constructs). I quickly enrolled in a proofreading class already in progress. I also signed up for their Christian PENN conference plus another Christian Writers conference since they dove-tail together back-to-back. My purpose in joining up was to get better at what I do as an author, and, maybe, even down the road, incorporate proofreading and editing as a side-income.

Like any job, you have to have the right tools, the tools of the trade.
We are five weeks into the class. The message comes out loud and clear. You have to do it right, use the right reference tools, and double check your work. The Chicago Manual of Style is the style guide of all style guides, the one used for secular work. The Christian Writer's Manual of Style is for Christian books. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary is the standard reference tool of the professionals. It is the right dictionary to use. Dictionaries don't all match in word spellings (really!). The Associated Press Stylebook is the reference tool to use for article writing. All of these reference tools should be the most recent edition. For Christian writers, it is also important to note that scripture quotes must be carefully checked for wording, punctuation, and citings. Familiar passages are easy to quote incorrectly. Just because it can be found on the internet does not mean it is quoted correctly.

It helps to know your stuff!
Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide, is a newly published book that will be a great asset to any serious writer. I can already tell that it will come in handy and is user-friendly. It is written by the founder of The Christian PEN. She has done us a favor by giving us a handy dandy book that is practical and helpful.

I will include a link to Amazon.com should you wish to hurry on over there right now to purchase one of these books.   "amazon.com "

Writing, Money, and Purpose

Is Writing about Making Money or is Writing about Communicating a Message?

Writing is not all about making money, creating a name for yourself, or building a following. I think not.Those things are part of the deal, but not the most important element.   
Writing is about passion. It's about having something to say that is worth saying, that the writer believes has merit and meaning. It has an objective. Writing is communicating big ideas in carefully crafted wordings. Writing is speaking with a musicality endearing to the reader, causing them to want more. Writing with substance is to take writing to a level of purposed endeavor which will influence and create something of value for its intended audience.  I believe if we only write to make money, then we have missed the point of the greater reason.

If it is only about dollars and cents, writing will be of a temporary quality with little lasting value. Cranking out volumes of text to print for this purpose only--to pay the bills--in itself is not what writing, in its pure form, is about. Writing which captures ideas to bring them to life, and incorporates understanding of human foibles, errors and triumphs, will endure and become legendary. 
The test of time will sift the wheat from the chaff. Time showcases the people who know how to write, to spill their guts, to make language speak in ways people can hear whereby causing the cream to rise to the top. Real writing has something to say that is worth saying, if not for others at least for one's self.
                                                                        
Great writers write because their voices refuse to be silent.  
The fire burns within them. Some writers did their writing from prison cells where they languished for their beliefs of no compromise nor deliverance. Thoughts came to them in the quietness of the hidden place behind walls of darkness. There, some of the greatest works blossomed within the harshness of their crucible. The spirit within them would not die or disbelieve in the greater good that could be accomplished if the truth could be released from out of the bowels of their tomb. Some authors' works speak louder in today's world than in the day in which they were written. #Tolkien, Lewis, #Bonhoeffer, #Solzhenitsyn, #Bunyan, the apostle Paul, Saint John, #Merton, and #Chesterton, to name a few, had much to say that came out of lives bound to a greater purpose. The world is a better place, richer in dimension, because of their contributions.
    
Passion and writing are like hand in glove, one needs the other to make it work. Writing is the observation of the nuances of language and emotions of life, showing the spirit of the spiritual and evil of the diabolical, coming together in an on-going clash of plot and message, teaching through subliminal message and characterization through carefully constructed plots which weave the very essence of life and living.  
Writers write like sculptors sculpt. They release the image through the uniting of their soul with the material at hand, seeing the hidden message found in beauty or distress by means of expression with unexpected and unusual clarity. Their words take us to the place, emotion, belief, or conflict. Our eyes see through their words.

#Writing #Fine literature #Classics #Authors

Book Marketing, Online Learning, D'vorah Lansky & You

"THE BOOK" AND WHAT TO DO NEXT!!!

 

~You are going to write "The Book."

            ~You are writing "The Book" ... 
                     ~You have written "The Book" ... 

Now What?

That is what this blog is about. What to do next. There are online services available to help you get your book 'out there' so it can find its readers and grow its following. It never hurts to have a plan. In fact, ... it is essential to have a plan ... that is, if you want to sell more than a few books. "Okay," you say, "tell me some more." I'm so glad you asked. Hungry for answers?

I had a book waiting to sell, but no one was buying. I spent a chunk of money to promote my self-published book -- but that only left me a bit poorer and bunches wiser ... I didn't sell many books that way. Tho' not really surprising -- that people weren't lining up to buy my book. My book was invisible. My author name, just another unknown ... or un-found. My understanding of the book marketing process? Nada. Right.

Ignorance is bliss? Not in this case. I didn't know something critical to my book's success. It was this, the author is responsible for selling the book. ... Light bulb was off!

I believed in my book. Of course I did. But that was not enough.

Say what?  It's about marketing?

A year later I decided it was time to figure it out,  my part in the process of getting the word out about my book. I started looking around on the web for publishing and marketing information. Cold turkey so-to-speak, since I virtually had no contacts in the writing or publishing field. Through Twitter, blogs, and after many industrious searches on the web, I found two blog writers who offer well-crafted blogs and are extra 'smart' and knowledgeable, experienced and savvy about the self-publishing industry. Their blogs provide rich content, easily accessible chunks of info right out-there waiting for unproven and wannabe authors to take a bite. That was me! I read their 'stuff' daily. The book marketing venue was scary and intimidating for a newbie, but I was hooked. I kept on reading marketing and publishing blogs for a few months. My status of having 'no connections' was a problem ... and a slow way to learn to-boot. I pushed myself to take some baby steps forward in this area. Next, I started comparing prices for book marketing training, thinking , I really should start somewhere instead of nowhere. One of the leaders in the field that I had come to respect, had posted a link to an online book marketing course. Because she was the one who posted it, I believed it would be a worth-while course. Reputation means a lot in this field. The price was right, so I jumped in.

It was one of the first things I did 'right' other than write my book! The course was excellent. The presentation hit all the major areas a beginner author needs to know.


I have learned what it takes to effectively market a book in a crowded market-place. Light bulb is on!

It is a good thing, too. I have two more books that will soon need wings to fly. This time I will be ready. Gonna market those babies through 'do'-diligence, planning, sharing, interacting, and the whole nine yards---using marketing know-how. I know I have something to say, and there is an audience out there waiting to receive what I have to give, that is why a writer writes. I am confident that this time my message will find its readers. And, in the process of doing the book marketing thing, I will meet a lot of nice people. Looking forward to it!  Am excited.... 

So, I am going to give you a nudge, if you are so inclined, thinking about that book that is in you or sitting in boxes in the closet.  I want to share with you what has helped me come up to speed, and is still helping me come up to speed. I am a work in process, still getting my ducks in a row, but now I will know in what direction to swim or to fly.  
 ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Here is a link to the marketing course that helped me. It is an excellent value and provides invaluable tools for understanding the various steps necessary to enter the publishing and marketing world.

I highly recommend this online marketing course for any person who wants to write a book or is seeking to increase sales for their current book. Known as, The Marketing Wizard, D'vorah Lansky, is a leader in the field. She specializes in making the online world of marketing an insightful enterprise. She unpacks this 'know-how' in five manageable and informative lessons. These lessons incorporate action steps which help solidify learning and also increase exposure to the critical aspects necessary for marketing a book in today's world.

The marketing boot camp is available as a self-paced program. 
Check it out. . .
http://becomeacelebrityauthor.com/access/aff/go?r=105&i-7

~D'vorah Lansky, M.Ed. Marketing Wizard and bestselling author.
Founder of Become a Celebrity Author.

Happy writing and book selling!
~N. L. Brumbaugh 

#Writing #Author #Marketing #Book Marketing #Publishing #D'Vorah Lansky

So You Want to Write a Book? The Down and Dirty Details

There is a formula for everything. Writing is no exception. Selling a book is no exception. I wrote a book and self-published through an independent publisher. I gave them my money and they completed the process. I also paid a good amount for three things: book press release, advertising in a magazine publication, and an author WordPress blogsite. I was pleased with the book, happily so. The advertising was a bust, it generated very few sales. My first book, right? To be expected. The website had its problems, I couldn't manipulate it satisfactorily. To keep in the know, I tracked my book's progress via Amazon.  

Who bought my book? Mostly my friends, family, college friends, people who know me---my contacts. That was about it from what I can tell. A few more are buying it as my contact list expands. What now? I ended up giving away a lot of books, even a couple of books to solicit reviews for my Amazon site, a couple of these came through but most didn't. I found that people liked my book. I received wonderful comments in person and in notes. One man said it even did more for him than reading Oswald Chambers. High praise. I was glad it was well received, validating my ability to communicate effectively. 

It was discouraging to put it lightly. Most readers didn't post reviews and far too many books sat on the shelf waiting to find their readers. I figured that more people would like my book if they had a way of knowing about it.When you're an unknown and unproven author who is self-publishing in a flooded market, it is not surprising at all. People have to know about you and they have to know you have something to say is worth the time it takes to read your book. I believed in my message. In fact, I believed it was one of hope and help for the despairing---they needed it.

What to do? Six months ago I realized it was up to me. I decided to learn more about book marketing. I found out it's not just about having a blog and twitter (which I had been faithfully using), google plus or linked-in (I am also a part of) or facebook and blogging. These in themselves are not enough for an unknown author if they are a random hit-and-miss effort. It matters how they are used, in what way, in purposed endeavors and so forth. It matters if they are a streamlined approach with a consistent message, one that creates fidelity to its brand. This matters very much in getting a book noticed and in improving an author presence on the web---if one wants to be taken as serious in the book writing business, and if an author wants their writings to become known in the big business of books. Another element that is quite necessary is intentional contact with online communities and people in the field. Connecting with others in the field is critical to establishing an on-line presence.

I have learned that there are many formulas. A week ago I wrote in my journal the following list. I have to confess, I was feeling some burnout as I wrote it, a bit sarcastic in tone. Sort of smiling and venting at the same time, I chronicled my awareness of formulas necessary for book writing/marketing success. This came after completing a six week marketing class which was completed while I was also participating in another author's book launch team. Both endeavors consumed copious hours of my time. Both very helpful and challenging to me as a novice in the field. So much to learn. Amazing

What kind of formulas? There are literally . . .

• Formulas for titles, that is, if you want search engines to pick them up. You will want to use words that emotionally connect with the reader to entice them into wanting that particular book, titles that say Buy Me!
• Formulas for book covers, that is, if you want that instant eye appeal. Use that professional font which works according to the specific venue, book covers that show skill, visual appeal, expertise, (non-indie looking!), high-quality, like amazing!
• Formulas for marketing, that is, if you want to get noticed in a high-octane world. This is essential---to sell your brand, to make a noise, to find your niche, to create a following that will open up a way for you to stake a claim in the overcrowded market of recently published books.
• Formulas for networking, that is, creating a platform that gets noticed in a busy world, a place for people to find you, to recognize your product, to pay attention to your voice, and, did I say, to get your point of view across that will make you stand out in the crowded marketplace.
• Formulas for a successful author enterprise, that is, that pays your way, this includes selling on the side, re-purposing content from teleseminars, publishing sets of ebooks, virtual blog tours to increase traffic to your site, audio conferencing in your field, podcasting and radio blogging for the audio listener, and video trailers for visual learners, google-plus interviews and expanding of author circles for the name association and contact base, and, the all important, making money through the links and contacts from your blogging site or other, and writing more books to sell your already published books, a worthy endeavor. Keep them coming! And, we’ll start/keep buying them....at least that’s the theory. I’ll let you know if it works for me!
•  Formulas for indies, that is, for the independent writer who self-publishes their work. You must do the work, become someone who knows a way to hone your craft, publish the work on a shoe-string, and have a chance at the global market place. It helps to know what an “indie” is, I didn’t know at first. Crazy!
• Formulas for the book writing, that is, include the necessaries. Get the services and formats you need to propel a good book forward: book editing, book shepherds, Amazon book search words, book reviews, book launch team, book promotion agenda, and don't forget those ratings! Get those ratings to work for you so you can hit those coveted Best Seller rankings. And, did I say, sell lots of books. Do this. To sell your books you may have to give free ebooks away. It’s one more formula for success.

The list is not exhaustive. It includes many other possibilities: Author Central, Facebook author pages, and on-line book clubs exist. All to help the author and the reader find each other. A good thing, too. It all takes time and know-how. Keep on trekking, or should I say, keep on learning and applying.

If I have learned one thing in the last few months of gathering information about this author enterprise, it is this: In today’s world you can’t assume your book will sell on its own merit. A few get lucky, I know. But not most of us. You must do much much more. The author must wear another hat. Best seller rankings, number crunching in the Amazon categories, and a whole craft is devoted to this second side of authorship. Selling the book. The sales are up to you as the author. The newly published or soon-to-be published author must become savvy. No keeping the head buried in the sand will do. Life will pass you by. In your closet will sit stacks of books unsold, unread, unknown, a book unread by unknown readers who don’t even know your unsold book exists. They don't know you have a public offering written that will increase awareness in your area of expertise.

If I sound jaded, I’m not. Overwhelmed is more accurate. However, I am learning. One doesn’t try to do it all. You take one thing, and learn it well. At the same time, you begin learning the second step. Eventually, you determine what are the right areas for you. No one can do it all. Rather than do many things poorly, do a few things well. Books will begin to sell, at least, it’s my understanding that they will. I will continue to learn as I go and increase my visibility in the process. One of the best side-benefits is this, I am gaining some new friends on this book publishing journey.

The Down and Dirty business? Well, one has to do the hard work, put in the effort, become efficient and productive, get your feet wet. Keep at it. Do it! 

I wish you well in your authoring venture.

A SMOOTH APPROACH to WRITING a BETTER BOOK

A sample of my reference & writing tools

"Tips for Writing a Better Book"  ... continued from a previous blog
 

PART 2  -  A Smooth Approach to Writing a Better Book


So you want to write a book? A few tips are in order. These will help get you started and on your way to writing a better book.  Write well and you will find yourself heading in the right direction. What was passed on to me I pass on to you. Basic formats with specific language structures give a basis for the craft of writing. The more I write the more I realize that these are common-sense guidelines. 

Once a person becomes aware of them it is easier to spot these writing structures.  Now that I am serious about my writing I have noticed that I make mental evaluations while reading literary text. The author's use of  writing style and language is assessed more acutely than before becoming aware of what good writing looks like. This comes with the territory. I share a few guidelines with you as a first consideration while undertaking a writing project. These have been useful in my writing ventures. Good luck on the writing.

Make the first sentence count—
         The most important sentence in a book is its opening sentence.
            -The first sentence must be an attention-grabbing sentence.
            -Gripping enough to capture the interest after the book's pulled off the shelf
            -Interesting enough to keep the person perusing through a few of its pages.
 
Make the message speak—
        Every book has a predominate message.
            -A book’s content is related to its central message.
            -Prepare by stating the book’s message in concise language.
            -Then keep to it. 
            -Don't let the inside matter get side-tracked by side-eddies.
  
Make an organizational web—
        A “chapter web” will help organize the main points.
            -Arrange ideas in thought-bubbles in a star-burst surrounding the main idea.  
            -Jot key content in bubbles for potential chapter guides.
 
Make it worth-while—
        Each page should be interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention.
            -Tempt the reader to be willing to plunk down $25 to buy your book.
             -Give the book-browser a reason to purchase your book.
             -Whet the appetite. Make each page speak on its own.
 
Make the reader join up—
        Show the emotion, details, and physical sensations. 
            -Refrain from telling about the story.
            -Place the reader into the scene by using descriptive words. 
            -Avoid over-explaining the content.
           -Show what the character is expressing, feeling, or experiencing.
 
Make the narrative active not passive—
        Write in an active voice.
            -Choose active, present tense verbs when applicable i.e. "is" versus "was."
            -Avoid words that may bog down the narrative and bore the reader.
            -Be careful to not flip tenses or first/third person in the inside matter. 
            -Train yourself to spot these by oral proofreading the text.
 
Make the use of adjectives and adverbs a rare occurrence—
        The writing stands alone without the clutter of adjectives and adverbs.
            -Infrequent use adjective and adverbs is preferred. 
            -Write clean. Write sharp, clear sentences.
 
Make  the writing intrigue the reader by being slow to show—
        The reader wants to figure it out; skip telling what or how to think.
            -Don’t tell too much too fast or hint at the book's conclusion.
            -Allow the reader to find their own way, to figure it out.
 
Make the book reach its intended point without over-doing it—
        The reader will be insulted if you explain the obvious.
            -Don’t tell the reader how to process the clues.
            -Trust the reader to interact with your message.
 
Make the book free of clichés, jargon, and words to impress—
        Certain genres are prone to use "in-house" vernacular.
            -Political, spiritual, historical writings etc. may assume background knowledge.
            -Refrain from the use of terms not familiar to a general audience (or explain).
            -Language must be pure, direct, and understood.
            -Complicated words should be toned down if they impede the reader.
.....

So, there you have it. A few tips that should help with writing clean.  Book-style writing is not writing the same way we speak, unlike many of us were taught during our formal education. Book writing has its own format. It requires the developing of a necessary skill, a craft that will be shape and morph until its hidden beauty speaks. The avid mind will soak up print as a tunnel to a world of delight.

 Some books, both in children's and adult literature, have too many of these avoidable errors. I  find myself mentally correcting incorrect verb tense usage as I am reading a sentence, stopping the flow, before I can carry on. At times, I wonder why the proof-reading editor didn't correct the more obvious of errors. This is frustrating, especially while reading a book to a class of students. I mental-edit so I will read it correctly. One adult writer's first book is filled with such errors, making it a confusing read. Possibly, it is lacking an editor review. No matter.  Somewhere it missed a careful review which detracts from its readability. Later on, I read another one of this same author's books. It was fine, no out-standing errors,  a progression in her skills development.  Effective proof readers look for these errors.  I know I lack skill in writing mechanics. I am forcing myself to improve in this area. However, the attempt is made, to write well and to use grammar and language in a way that leads to a better written book, which, in turn, increases credibility in the community of successful writers and with the audience of readers.

Some of what I have written in this blog comes from information I gleaned during a conversation several years ago.  It is the tip of the iceberg. There is much more information that is available on the web through blogs and people who use Twitter. I have found the internet publication world to be a resource of substantial value.


I recommend the following book for all beginning (budding) authors.

“10 Mistakes Amateur Writers Make ... and How to Avoid Them” by Nora Profit.

It can be purchased here:  The Writing Loft Book Store Link:

Happy writing!  

Book Writing Know-How

Tips for Writing a Better Book

PART 1  -  Book Writing Know-How

I wrote it wrong before getting it right. As we all know, it is essential to know the requirements, skill, and basics, before initiating action and implementation for any enterprise. Writing for publication is no exception. In my last post I said that I made the mistake of assuming I could write an acceptable book by relying on my ability to write well. In the end this didn't work for me. There was a reason it fell flat. Although I purchased the recommended writer's manuals and publishing books, my basic know-how in book writing was only rudimentary. It wasn't enough to do the job with skill or finesse. I learned from a writing coach that my unfinished manuscript fell short in a number of areas. These errors could easily have been avoided if I had solicited advice during an earlier stage in the writing process or better yet, before ever beginning. Today, with the advent of numerous Internet resources, and with its consequential growth in the self-publishing market, there is less cause for naïveté in the writing field. For the wannabe writers the door is wide open. However, some serious preparation is in order.

Writers have ideas just itching to get out. Communicating through the written word is a stimulating, almost heady experience. It's fun! Writing can get the creative juices flowing. Those who love the craft are able to formulate clever sentences with a certain amount of ease, although the editing process is the  time-consumer often requiring mental searches for the best way to express the thought. Effective book writing takes all this and then some.

My prior experiences in writing were in the genres of essays, poems, and plays.  Despite their successes and a positive response from my audience,  these experiences did not carry over to my first attempt at book writing. The most glaring deficit was that I was writing in a passive rather than active voice. Instead of  showing the reader what I was feeling or felt, I was telling them all about it. There's a major difference between the two. The telling is boring, uninteresting, with all the appeal of a textbook. But showing is intriguing, exciting, pulling the reader into the thought and action. In addition to this error, telling a story rather than showing its unfolding, there are other writing errors common to beginning, unproven authors.  Inappropriate verb tenses, overuse of adjectives, unnecessary adverbs, over-use of introductory clauses and so forth can kill a story line no matter how excellent the plot or over-arching collective content.

Let’s finish the thought . . . go to next blog

The Mistake of Writing it Wrong Before Getting it Right

I did it backwards.

I wrote the book and then consulted a professional to guide me in the writing process.  I was nearing the finishing stages of my book or so I thought. I was expecting some changes but not a full body re-write. My advice . . . don't do this!  Learn the ropes before you start your book.

For a couple of years I had been following a writing studio web page hoping to take one of the  classes for novice writers which were offered periodically.  I'd never met the owner-instructor, a community college professor, or knew anyone who had taken her classes. She seemed to be on the level and I was interested in getting serious about writing. Besides, I didn't know anyone else in the business and you have to start somewhere.  My busy schedule got in the way.

It didn't help that I am a reserved person who holds back when I should push forward. I should and could have made it happen.

Then I came up with the brainy, though late, idea of buying a block of the writing consultant's time to solicit some advice and know-how in regard to the book I was writing. I was fairly certain that my writing would stand up and my time with her would be productive, netting positive results. I knew next to nothing about the craft of book writing or the publishing world and I didn't have any writing or author contacts. I thought my book's concept was good and that it had the potential to find an audience and to meet a need.

I took the plunge by contacting the writing studio in an email. The owner called me. We set up a time to meet. She asked me to email her some pages from my manuscript.

She didn't waste any time getting down to business. First question. "What is the message of your book?" My response was vague. Next question. "Who is your audience?" I hesitated, sorting out my thoughts. Again, my answer sounded weak, it floundered - too far off the mark. I knew it and she knew it. I commenced to tell her that I wanted my book to reach hurting people, to offer hope by giving realistic solutions for those caught in the midst of disillusioning pain, a story based on my personal experiences. I'd not thought it through in exactly the same way as she was asking, not in concrete terms anyway. Apparently, my book lacked continuity and focus. She commented on my incorrect use of interior book constructs, confusing a preface with an introduction. A sinking feeling began to settle in.  She continued on, not unkindly, in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Your writing is like that of an amateur," in reference to the sample pages she had previewed, "a book publisher will spot it immediately.

However, you make some strong statements. It has potential. The grammar usage is fair. You have a command of language. You articulate well, you won't need beginning level instruction. ... A book that is well-written will possess specific elements. An author is cognizant of the way to write a book so that its voice is active, engages the reader but doesn't tell too much too fast. An author never insults their audience by telling their readers what to think, they don't "show off" (by inserting a barrage of high-end words requiring a dictionary), and they also refrain from the use of jargon (which can litter Christian literature). To write a book that is taken as serious by a publisher, you must become familiar with the book writing format and then apply yourself to improving your skill at writing. Writing is a craft. Let me explain what I mean." With the formalities aside, she began to open a door and I entered a new world. Her comments about "what good authors do" fell on fertile soil. I was an eager student although a very quiet and subdued one. It was a bit overwhelming. She went on to say that it is easier to start a new book than to re-do a poorly written manuscript. I understood what she was saying, but the wind had been knocked out of my sails.  I left the session realizing that I had approached it from the wrong angle, I'd gotten it backwards. Maybe my book was a faulty enterprise, not that good, really. I took the hint.

I abandoned my book. Just like that. It was over; one hundred-plus pages, full-size single-spaced manuscript pages, abandoned.

I slipped my manuscript into a legal sized envelope to store it away to possibly revisit another day. Writing my book had consumed a whole summer and then some, encroaching on family time and wedged into the pause between teaching years. I was out of time, school would be starting soon. I quit; now feeling discouraged and deflated. All that work, hours and hours of it. I never looked at it again. I wasn't sure what I thought or how to react. One thing I did know, I would try again. When? I had no idea.

I had wizened up. The instructor had been frank, telling me the truth about writing that I needed to hear. What I now knew had effectively stopped me in my tracks ... and that was a good thing. You have to know what you're doing before you do it.

My mistake had been in a misplaced, innocent belief. I made the assumption that my natural writing ability would be the most important skill necessary for writing my book (I had a lot to learn). This misconception wasn't too surprising, though, writing had always come easy for me. I'd always loved the process of finding the right word to make a sentence sing, writing with fluidity of expression, and never allowing myself to be satisfied with a mediocre effort. Many times in high school and into my college years I depended on my ability to weave words in a smooth fashion. I'd aced some pretty heavy exams by employing this gift, once writing answers to essay questions for a six hour State Teacher's Exam in which I didn't  have the slightest idea as to the right answers to the narrow questions. That hadn't stopped me. I responded in a plausible fashion with general information related to the subject, writing well enough to convince the examiners that I knew what I was talking about. It worked. I scored well on the essay section. For church and other venues, I often contributed my skill at writing. Somehow, I had mistaken my past experiences to carry over as a slam dunk or close to it. In fact, the three people who read my manuscript had found it interesting and worthy. I was in a state of mild shock. I hadn't expected to be so far off the mark. The constructive criticism was exactly what I had paid for, but the thought of rewriting the book was staggering.

The writing consultant, in her honesty, did me a great favor. A poorly written book containing flaws in its structure would have imploded my book's marketability. My voice would have been silenced, and my message, which was dear to my heart, would have been lost.

Instead of continuing the book, I let it go. A few years later I decided to write an entirely different book, still non-fiction but written with a greater understanding on how to craft my writing. I never returned for another session with the writing coach even though I had intended to do so, paying in advance for more of her time. I couldn't face it right then. Initially, it shook my confidence, I had taken it the wrong way, you're not any good, instead of the right way, you need to work at this. When the new story presented itself to me, I found that my memory of her professional comments were still active in my mind, a resource alive inside of me, that, plus a book I purchased from her that she had compiled, describing mistakes an amateur writer makes -- things I would avoid as I put pen to paper. Both contributed as resources to help me move forward, getting it right this time.

I was off and running.

.....

In my next blog I will share some critical aspects of writing which I learned from the writing coach in our two sessions together. I will explain how her comments have shaped my writing. Also, it will afford an opportunity to give her the credit she is due.

......

About the original book, I still want to re-write it. It may well be the most important book I ever pen. It is the story of the overcomer: Pain and Healing.

Tags: writing, mistakes, learning, amateur writer, book, author