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Ten Things I’ve Learned After Nine Years in Publishing

By on October 24, 2013 in Editing Basics

My first book came out in February of 2004. In fact, I had two books release that month.

A small romance from Heartsong Presents and an e-book from Writer’s Exchange.

In August, I left the corporate world to write full time.

And never looked back.

I was hopeful in August of 2004 for a budding writing career. I’d sold another Heartsong with a third on the horizon.

I’d also had interest in my chick lit from then Steeple Hill Cafe.

In September, two hurricane’s blew through our neck of the country. Frances then Jeanne.

While my husband cleaned up after Frances, I sat frantically writing the final chapters of Lambert’s Code in front of a fan, running on borrowed energy from our neighbor’s generator, and my hands were all sticky with dew and humidity.

But I finished that book.

You know, in some ways, every book faces it’s own opposition.

And we have to finish them anyway.

Now that I have a nine year perspective on publishing and full time novel writing, here are some things I’ve learned.

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Social Media Minute—Are You Guilty of Spamming?

By on October 22, 2013 in Edie Melson, How do I Promote my book?, Learn the art of Social Networking, Social Media Primer

by Edie Melson
Spam on the Internet is a big no-no. The definition has changed somewhat over the years and now includes social media posts as well as email. No average Internet user would ever dream of intentionally spamming, but without care we can be guilty of spamming.
Why is it called Spam?
There are a lot of theories about where the term SPAM originated, one school of thought is that it originated from the computer group lab at the University of Southern California. Those there applied that honorific because it has many of the same characteristics as the canned version we find in super markets.
Another accepted opinion is that it came from the Monty Python son, “Spam spam spam spam, spam spam spam spam, lovely spam, wonderful spam” since, Internet spam is often repetitious and worthless.
Regardless of where the name came from, we all try to avoid receiving it, and definitely want to avoid sending it.
5 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Spammer

1. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links. These can be found in email, as well as on social media and can infect you with a virus that sends spam to your contacts. If you get an email stating they’ve seen a funny video of you and including a link, do NOT click on the link.

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Isn’t It Romantic? How to Create Romance

By on October 17, 2013 in Editing Basics

Let’s talk romance.

Yes, men, stay with me. This is good for you too. Especially if you have any romantic thread in your books.

The romantic thread is key to almost every story. A few authors write with little to no romance but most of us have some kind of romantic tension in our stories.

Lately, I’ve seen a few reviews where readers felt the romance in the book was just physical. Nothing but kissing and touching, or nothing how the other “look.” The readers felt deprived of the romantic relationship.

Romance is more about heart than “hand” so to speak.

It’s about how the characters feel about each other. It’s emotion. Connection on a soul-to-soul level.

I remember while writing Diva Nashvegas, I felt the sexual tension between Aubrey and Scott long before they’d even held hands.

When they finally did hold hands, look out. Sparks! Boom! Fireworks!

In fact, we have to be careful not to be too enticing or sensual as we lead up to the first kiss or touch.

The romantic connection must have an emotional hook.

How do you do that?

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Some Shameless Storycrafter Retreat Promotion!

By on October 14, 2013 in 2. Create Your Story, 4. Writer’s Life, Inspiration and Life Coaching, How do I get started?, Susan May Warren, Writing Conferences

Where did the time go? That’s the thought I had as I hung up with an aspiring writer after spending two hours helping her with a novel. We had so much fun brainstorming her book the time slipped away.

I love helping writers find their story. And I’m blessed when I receive feedback like this:

“Something in your approach (all those check points and lists) caused some pieces to click into place that hadn’t before so that I could think better about the process.”

My favorite moment in teaching – when I hear an “ah ha!” or someone looks up at me with a sparkle of understanding in their eyes.

That’s what the MBT Storycrafter’s Retreat is about – helping you unlock your story. Whether you’ve written a handful of stories or are just starting out, we’ll spend a weekend working together to help your publishing dreams and goals come true.

You come with an idea, and leave with a story.

I’m going to brag for a moment on a few of my former attendees:

Mulit-published non-fiction author Beth Vogt showed up thinking that she’d just listen in, pretty sure writing fiction wasn’t for her. After I barred the door and told her to “come to the dark side,” she discovered she had a fiction voice. Look for her 3rd novel with Howard to hit the stands this spring!

Marketing guru Melissa Tagg knew she had a story in her- but she just didn’t know how to untangle it from her brain. She wowed us with her first chapter – and walked away on fire to write. Her first book came out with Bethany House last month!

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