When we read a novel, we want to go on a journey with the hero and heroine – not watch them wander through scene after scene, chapter after chapter. How do we develop a strong plot that doesn’t veer off-course by mid-book, leaving our characters lost and our readers frustrated? We need to know the protagonist’s Noble Quest. What: The Noble Quest is the protagonist’s goal – what they want to accomplish. When you see the term “Noble Quest,” think What? Think quest, as in quest for the Holy Grail. (Now doesn’t that example make you want to go watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?) Why: Discovering your protagonist’s Noble Quest is a key part of your novel. The Noble Quest is more than your hero deciding “I want […]
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One Thing Marketing: Marketing Before You’re Published Part 3
In the past couple weeks, we’ve talked about practical steps you can take to begin marketing you and your book even before you’re published. Read the first six steps here. 2/12 post Read the next seven steps here. 2/19 post Here are seven more! 14) Start building a newsletter list. Even if you don’t feel you’re ready to start a newsletter yet, it’s never too early to begin building a contact list. But note: You should NEVER add someone to an email list if they haven’t opted in. Simply let people know you’re planning to begin a newsletter in the future and give them the option to subscribe. 15) Enter contests. One of the best reasons to enter a contest is feedback, but let’s say you do well in a […]
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Spring into Success, Part 2: Commit
Last week we discussed the first step to spring into success: Define it. Hopefully, you’ve done that because unless or until you know what success is to you, you’ll never know what you’re aiming at. Success is a journey, not a destination. It requires a conscious daily commitment to live in it. Right before I wrote this, took a short road trip. I had a destination in mind but getting to that place did not define my success. I didn’t commit to the destination, but rather to taking the trip. Each mile I rode, I was living in my success. Your writing journey is the same. What you’ve defined as your own success, you must commit to. Each and every day you should commit to your journey. Please notice I […]
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March into Success, Part One: Define it
Sounds remedial, I know. But why don’t you take a moment to write down what success really is. No, seriously. I’ll wait. Not all that easy, is it? When I coach individuals, particularly women, writers and women writers, they seem to define success in others’ terms. They’re looking outward for someone else to draw the parameters that define success. Here’s how I believe a writer should define success. It’s not what you think. You are a success if… You are pursuing your dream. So you want to be a writer. Great. Are you working toward that goal? I’m not referring to the dozens of already published novels by Susie May Warren or Rachel Hauck. I’m asking if you are making strides toward your goal? If so, you’re a success. You […]
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