Writing Techniques ~~ Your Author Footprint

              Writers' Tips & Techniques ~~                                  Your Author Footprint

If I say the word footprint, what's the first thing that flashes through your mind? Leaving yours on a sandy beach, in a muddy field, across a snow covered terrain, or imprinted into cement on the sidewalk next to your house?

As an author, what types of things do you write? Books, magazine articles, blogs, newspaper guest editorials, software manuals, poetry, recipes, screenplays, or advertisements? You get the general idea.

According to Merriam Webster, two of the definitions of footprint are: "a marked effect, impression, or impact; something that identifies."

When growing your reader base, it's important to bear in mind that your audience wants to hear your unique voice as they turn each page from cover to cover. Your voice can be likened to your footprint. It's what identifies you as an author.

Just for grins, try this: pluck your favorite book (other than one of your own, of course) off your bookshelf. Write down the author's name, title of the book, and in three sentences or less write out your description of his or her footprint.  Bring this into sharper focus by framing the three sentences into three adjectives or superlatives.

Here's an example: One of my favorite authors, Francine Rivers, has left her indelible footprint in many countries around the globe. Her writings convey redemption, encouragement, grace, God's love, mercy, and faithfulness among other things. She's been given many awards which attest to the strength of her footprint.

I'm reminded of a Biblical passage regarding a footprint as well which pertains to the tribe of Asher. Turn to the 33rd chapter of the book of Deuteronomy for the blessing which reads, "Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. And he said:  . . .

(Verse 24) "And of Asher he said:
Asher is most blessed of sons;
Let him be favored by his brothers,
And let him dip his foot in oil."

When one dips his foot in oil, it would no doubt leave an indelible impression. Are your writings depositing something similar?

A companion verse to the one above can be found in Genesis 49, "And Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: . . .

(Verse 20) "Bread from Asher shall be rich.
And he shall yield royal dainties."

To implement an analogy from the above verse, when people read your writings, do they feel like they've eaten the finest loaf of bread made from the most excellent, nutritious grains?

Could your words be considered royal dainties ~~ those which are attractive, appetizing, satisfying, and wholesome? Royal dainties imply they are not common, everyday edibles. It's something that people would desire -- something special, a royal treat.

A suggested exercise might be to read some of your wording aloud to another person who would be honest but not discouraging. Pretend you're offering this person her favorite dessert. If your few paragraphs or chapter tasted like bland, ordinary food, what would it take to kick it up a few notches to the royal dainty category? Some spices or flavorings? Extra seasonings or a layer of satin frosting? Restaurants spend a considerable amount of time, energy, and money pairing foods with appetizers, beverages, entrees, and desserts. Novelists could apply the same principle of sorts. Back to your favorite author or book for a second. Does the author do an excellent job of pairing characters and plot or setting and theme? If the book lacks tension, I guess they could add the equivalent of some cayenne pepper!

Applying the aforementioned, are there ways in which you can implement these principles into your writings if you're not already doing so?

Be encouraged in the fact that developing your author footprint takes time and practice just like anything else in life worth having and doing. Rome wasn't built in a day. Most likely, your book wasn't written in a day either; however, you just might want your readers to plow right through it in less than one. If this is your ultimate goal, study your existing footprint. Plan your work and work your plan as to how you can add strength, dimension, richness, indelibleness, (I just made that one up) and satisfaction to your writing.

Happy Reading & Writing,

Sheila Fabulous

www.desertsagepress.com

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 

Writing Techniques ~~ "Planting & Harvesting"

WRITERS' T. & T.                  Personal Interviews, Performing Arts & Planting!

May's issue of  Writer's T. & T.  (Writers' Tips & Techniques) will feature pretend "on air interviews" on my non-existent Sheila Fabulous Radio Show, SFRS - 4444 -AM.   Please don either your "Reader Hat" or your "Writer Hat" to begin.  The information gleaned in this interview will be most helpful to my audience.   1.  What's your #1 criteria that determines whether or not you'll read a blog, online article, digital or print book?   2.  Do you ascribe to "less is more", i.e., prefer to read material wherein the author completes the project with brevity?   3.  After you've selected your particular reading material, If you could tell the author one thing, what would it be?   4.  Despite the work having been edited and commensurate with publishing statistics, the writing may contain grammatical or other types of errors.  Would you be inclined to continue reading or stop?   5.  Are you willing to give the author a second chance if his or her writing did not deliver what you'd hoped it would?      For the final portion of my interview, you simply need to answer "True or False."       A.   Everything that needs to be written has been written, so there's no need for you to write anything.       B.  People are too busy to read nowadays.       C.  Retirees, desiring a larger font when reading, comprise a substantial percentage of consumers in the current markets.       D.  "Voice" only pertains to singers, not writers.       E.    A writer must develop a "thick skin."       F.    Readers are fickle; therefore, you can't depend upon them.       G.   Only stand-up comedians and sit-coms implement humor. Just for grins, ask or email three people the previous questions.  Perhaps their answers will provide some valuable insights for your writing projects.    Grandkiddos' Performing                Arts                            T. J. performing Faber's "The Escalator" & "I Hear the Echo."                           Ali's selections included "Peter, Peter" & "Cry the Wolf."         Ali being interviewed by the 3-Judge Panel at the College of Idaho during her group presentation of "The Life of Sacajawea" celebrating National History Month.                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Tis the season for planting flower beds, gardens, lawns, orchards, and all sorts of things.  Do writers need to plant? The laws of sowing and reaping or planting and harvesting are definite and divine.   I.   There's a time to sow. II.  We reap what we sow. III.  We choose our harvest by what we sow. IV.  What we sow increases. V.   We reap in a different season than we sow. VI.  If we desire continued reaping, we must sow on! Example #1 ~~ Years ago, I penned a humorous E-book titled Straight From the Horse's Trough for people who had a small space in which to raise their fruits and veggies. It continues to be one of my best sellers in different continents where people plant during different times of the year.  It warms my heart to know that sowers are reaping from my instruction and humor. Example #2 ~~ I published Stirrings of The Spirit in 2013.  Five years later, I recently received the following book review from retired school teacher, Meredith Montgomery, "Just a little note to thank you for your book Stirrings of The Spirit.  You are an awesome writer -- able to express ideas in such inspiring ways and yet adding a touch of humor in just the right way.  Loved it!  You're truly a blessing to all who are fortunate to read your book." Implementing the sowing and reaping principles, I'm reaping from having sown in a prior season. How can you apply these tried and true laws or principles to your current writing projects? The winner of my April 30th, 2018 drawing for one of my books or my "Creative Writing Techniques Instruction Packet"  ~~  BOBBIE MEYERS, Nampa, Idaho.  A BIG thank you to all who participated.  This month's encouraging quote is from former NFL running back, Tony Dorsett, who played for Christi's Denver Broncos & Robin's Dallas Cowboys, "To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you." Happy Reading & Writing, Sheila Fabulous P.S.  C & E are the "True" answers in the pretend radio interview. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Poetry & Prose ~~ "Spring Sonnets, Sports, & Symposiums"

Now that spring is in full swing, it's a great time to head outdoors to do some reading and writing.  I suppose you could even do some 'rithmetic if that's on your schedule.

                                                                         Sonnets

For my April issue of Writers' T. & T. (Writers' Tips & Techniques), I invite you to try your hand at writing a sonnet of which there are basically six different styles and types.  The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word "sonnetto," which means a "little song" or small lyric.  For more details, please scoop this:  https://literarydevices.net/sonnet/

                         

Of Farms & Frames

Down through the family trees they descended,
Some with brown eyes, others with blue, one with green.
All were created so lovingly by God,
Implementing His masterful right hand.
A lively clan as one could easily hear.
The patriarch was quite a character,
To which the neighbors would gladly attest.
The little farm provided years of quick learning,
Lessons required to be remembered.
Time flees so quickly; capture it right now,
Chances abound for precious memories.
Print them to place inside a pretty frame,
To continue your family legacy,
For the generations which will follow you.


GRANDKIDDOS' SPRING SPORTS 

                                      

Granddaughter, Ali ,with a fabulous serve during her first spring volleyball game.

                                         

Grandson, T. J., executing the perfect hike during his Friday Night Flag Football game.

                                     

Since brother's team was winning by a wide margin, sister reads on.  She's never without a book. Speaking of readers and writers, one doesn't need to look very far back in the family trees to find many of the same bent.

 Spring Writers' Symposium 

Those of you who attended the Spring Writers' Symposium on St. Patrick's Day in Parma, Idaho were treated to a little humor when I commenced my workshop on Creative Writing. I wanted to celebrate my new found ancestry with a stylish pair of glasses. What do you think?

                                                                   
Speaking of creative writing, enter to win your choice of one of my books featured on my blog page ~~ www.sheilassagaciousstirrings.blogspot.com or the creative writing exercise and instructions I presented during the recent symposium.  This creative writing packet will include three creative writing prompts.

How to enter:

1.  Follow me on Facebook or Twitter@SheilaEismann (if you are not already doing so) and mention the title of this newsletter, "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums."

2.  Visit my blog post, "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums." and leave a comment.

3.  Share the blog post on Facebook or Twitter.  (Don't forget to tag me and comment "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums" when you share, so I will know you entered.)

4.  For those of you who are not social media subscribers, please send an email to:  sheila@desertsagepress.com and indicate that you'd like to have your name entered in the giveaway.

The giveaway will run from now until April 30th.  The winner will be announced Monday, April 30th at noon MDT via Facebook, Twitter, and email.  Must be 18 years old to enter.  Winner's choice of one of my books or creative writing materials ships only to mainland United States.

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."  [John Burrough]

In the interim, Happy Reading & Write On!

Sheila Fabulous

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 

Writing Techniques ~~ Writing a Successful Book Series

According to a poll conducted by Goodreads in 2015, more readers liked reading books that were part of a series than stand-alone books, although it was close. Knowing this, many writers embark on the road to writing a series.

The key to writing a successful book series is creating a believable world and lovable characters. Book series are popular IF readers fall in love with the characters. If readers love the characters, they will want to know more about them and their journeys in life.

Preplanning for a series is imperative. Before writing a series, a writer needs to do a lot of prework and answer a series of questions:

(1) Will the series be about the world where the characters live or about the characters and what happens to them? A writer should determine what the focus of the series will be. Consider the novels of James Michener that were long and could have been broken individual series. He wrote about places and the people who lived there. The characters came, changed the place, then died or moved on. The next characters in time came and picked up the story of the place. His focus was the world of his novels. The most successful series ever written was about the characters of Harry Potter and his friends. The wizarding world was an important element of the series, but the characters were the focus of the series.

(2) What is at the core of the series? An overarching antagonist or evil to be overcome should weave its way through the whole series. Harry Potter didn’t kill Voldemort in the first book; it took the whole series to bring him down. Smaller enemies and problems (subplots to the whole story) were resolved by the end of each book in the quest to take out Voldemort. The same can be said of the original Star Wars movies. The characters resolved battles by the end of each movie, but the overarching nemesis of the Empire wasn’t destroyed until the final movie.

(3) How does each book end? Don’t end the first or second book with a cliffhanger or end a book mid-scene. Each book should have its problems or issues (subplots) that are resolved by the final page, but leave the reader wondering if the final victory will be won. That’s what draws them into the next book.

(4) Where does the story take place? The writer must create the world where the characters live; not only create it but describe it in great detail. 

(a) Draw a map on paper. Find pictures of what the imagined world looks like and keep them close. 

(b) What does this world physically look like? 

(c) What kinds of people are in it, and how do they dress? 

(d) What are the ethics and beliefs of society? 

(e) What issues are facing the population? 

(f) Do they have enemies and allies?

(g) Who are the characters? All the characters must be defined before writing. What do they look like and how to they act? Who are their immediate family members, and how were they brought up? What notable physical traits and what special powers or skills do they have? What morals do they hold, and what would it take to push them outside of their beliefs?

(5) Whose point of view (POV) will be used? Most series are written in third-person limited to one or two characters’ POV unless the focus is on the place.

(6) When will the story end? Through the course of the series, the characters should move from their faulty beginnings to their new and improved selves. The best series have happily-ever-after endings. The reader can hope for the same.

Readers who like series generally waited until all the books in the series were out before starting the first one. Writing, then releasing two, three, or more books at once may seem intimidating. Releasing them one at a time may result in more sales after the last one comes out.

Please check out these helpful resources:

https://www.thebalance.com/writing-fiction-in-third-person-1277122

http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/2015/05/character-101-building-complex-interesting-memorable-characters/

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/tips-on-world-building-for-writers-how-to-make-your-imaginary-world-real

I invite you to visit my website which has all my books and their links  www.cskjar.com 

                           

My blog is found at www.cskjar.com/blog

I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cskjar/

I’m on Twitter at @cskjar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Carol, for this well-crafted guest blog to assist writers who desire to author a series of books.

My friend and fellow author, C.S. Kjar, (pronounced "care") lives with her long-time first husband in their empty nest in Boise. She spent her life doing many different things. She’s been a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a secretary, a statistician, a literacy tutor, a newsletter editor, a timber sale accountant, an archeological technician, and best and longest of all, a technical writer/editor.  

After retiring, Carol focused on writing fiction. Her novels are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting. When not writing or traveling with her husband, she loves to quilt, sew, read, draw, paint, and read to her grandsons.

For those of you so inclined, pick up your pen or sit down at your computer, and write on. Get that book series published!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 

Writing Techniques ~~ Balance

Balance can be associated with gymnastics, scales, scorecards, life, health, walking, wheel alignments, your bank statement, and many other things. How can you implement it in your writing?  Why is it important?

Step 1: Balance helps to establish a sense of progression.

Select a scene toward the beginning of your manuscript and another one either in the middle or near the end.  What has happened to the characters in the interim?  An example would be one in which the opening chapter features a castle in a state of disrepair since your fantasy aristocracy has fallen upon hard times.  In Chapter 12, francium has been discovered by the Cofferer in the northwest quadrant of the bailey.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20is%20francium


Eurkea overnight, the cast is dressed to the nines, royal dainties are served non-stop, and the mules have been replaced with million dollar thoroughbreds. Using this basic narrative, what is the net effect of the progression?  Is it positive or negative?  What writing techniques have you used to achieve this outcome?

In one of my prior blog posts, I touched on the flow of writing.  Some aspects mentioned therein could be joined with balance.  Here is the link:
http://sheilassagaciousstirrings.blogspot.com/2016/05/writing-techniques-flow.html

Step 2: Progression achieved through balance reinforces theme.

If you’ve predetermined that your particular project is theme based, balance will be of utmost importance to you.  Careful construction will prevent overuse of your theme or such scant use the reader is unable to discern it in the first place.  For instance, if your basic theme is forgiveness, there are a plethora of ways to weave this into your writing to achieve an even distribution of it.  Does your project include a theme?

Step 3:  Dodge the ditches.

Have you ever ditched something?  In Step 1, we touched on the characters, but what about the plot?  If your story stays balanced, this will help prevent it from getting off in the barrow pit which may cause a reader to ditch it as well. Let’s say you have a scene where an employee is about to be terminated by a well known corporation whose headquarters are on the top floor of a swank high rise commercial building. 

If you devote four pages to explain every step of the soon to be ex-employee leaving his apartment, getting into his car, driving to the meeting, attempting to parallel park on the street; one line where the boss tells him he's fired, and five subsequent pages describing his exit from the building, it could be that some of your enthusiasts will quit turning the pages. They'll be looking for File 13 or headed to the closest thrift shop to add to their annual non-cash charitable contributions.

Step 4:  Pick and practice your act.

A gymnast needs a balance beam to practice his skill.  During the summer months of my brother’s collegiate gymnastics career, he fashioned a set of still rings between two tall cottonwood trees in our yard.  Use what is readily available to you.  Most writers have other books or movies in their homes or apartments.  Select one of your favorites from there or your local library. Repetitive reading or watching can assist you with being able to spot where your fellow author or the filmmaker completed his balancing act.  How would you rate his act along with your own?

Step 5:  The Greek Team.

After you’ve done the best you can with your manuscript, dial up your alpha and omega team.  Instruct your alpha or beta readers to make notations concerning balance as they work their way through the pages.  Your omega team member, i.e., your editor, will definitely appreciate your balancing efforts.  The ones who will benefit the most are your readers because you will have put your work in a steady position or framework so that it does not fall.

As we continue to practice our craft, we can achieve spectacular results. Speaking of spectacular, check out this stellar image relating to balance which is located in our great state.

                                                       

South of Buhl in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon stands the famous Balanced Rock. Over 48 feet tall and 40 tons, the wind-carved rock balances precariously on a pedestal only 3 feet by 17 inches. Nearby Balanced Rock Park is an excellent spot for a picnic. https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/natural-attractions/balanced-rock-balanced-rock-park/

Fellow authors would benefit from reading your comments regarding how you have managed to apply balance in your writing.  Thank you for your participation.  The rising tide benefits all ships!

Watch for my next blog post regarding additional writing techniques.

In the interim, stay balanced, and write well!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram     

Writing Techniques ~~ Voice

During the days before the advent of the internet and when people actually took the time to pen a note or letter, it was much easier to hear their voice. That is one of the reasons that to this very day, I especially enjoy receiving handwritten communication because it’s as if that person is literally sitting in my living room and speaking to me.  Most people write just like they speak.  That’s what makes it so unique.  (Can you tell I also pen poetry every now and then?)

In Literary Land, what is voice?  It’s simply the way you handle words and craft them into sentences which ultimately forms your writing style.

Joe McGinnis, one of my favorite authors, is no longer with us, unfortunately.  He was an investigative reporter who wrote such memorable works as Fatal Vision, The Last Brother, and Blind Faith.  In the midst of collecting facts and reading depositions, autopsies, and the like, he honed his craft.  I can close the hardback covers of his books and still hear his voice.  In my opinion, he had the gift of being able to place a pretty bow on the top of an already beautifully wrapped present.

A portion of the writing exercise involving voice requires the skills of both a house framer and a finish carpenter.  The skeleton or outline of the piece must be constructed first before putting the finishing touches on it. Just as with the building of a house, there’s a whole lot that happens between the time that the site is prepared and the foundation is poured until the carpeting is installed, the light fixtures are hung, and the exterior is painted.  It’s quite often called “multiple drafts”.  

Continuing with our house analogy, each of the subcontractors who work on the project don’t all sound alike. Some will be fast talkers whereas others are slow; some will be high and some will be low.  Others will be happy who offset the serious ones and on it goes.

Let’s take a minute and consider items relative to voice:

• Who is your intended audience?  This will have a bearing upon the voice implemented in your writing. For instance, I use a somewhat different approach when penning poetry than I do for my western fiction novels.
• It’s very important for your loyal readers to still be able to hear your voice.  Prior to publishing my first book titled A Woman of Substance, my good friend, Kathi, sent me an email to let me know that she was anxiously awaiting her autographed copy.  I will never forget one sentence in her message which was, “After reading it, I will be able to discern whether or not it’s your voice.”  A few months later I received another email from her wherein she assured me, “Yes, I did indeed hear your voice in your book!”
• If you are using a ghostwriter or contemplating hiring one, this will take a little extra effort on your part to keep the project on course and point in order to achieve the desired outcome.
• Do you like your literary voice or do you desire to change it?  If so, enlist a handful of honest and helpful beta readers and get their feedback.  If you’re in the market for a significant change, select a page or two from the writing of your favorite author. Then take a page or two of your manuscript or already published book, and rewrite it using his or her voice and style. Give it a little time to percolate or marinate and determine if it was a helpful exercise. The real surprise of your writing life may come when you ascertain that another writer somewhere around the globe has done exactly the same thing using your printed words on one of the pages of your book.
• Experiment with changing point of view.  If you’re penning fiction and you’re not entirely satisfied with your current writing project, try writing it in third person as opposed to first person.  Take one of your scenes and write it through the eyes of at least two different characters to see what happens.  In the end, there needs to be a compatible marriage between voice and point of view.
• Just for grins, read a portion of your writing to someone you have recently met.  Trust me when I tell you that you will receive some valuable and insightful commentary.
• In order to write well and develop your voice, ask yourself these basic questions:
• What am I passionate about?
• What do I want to explore?
• What gives me joy?
• How can I help others?
• What genres do I not like such as Sci-Fi or Paranormal?  Chances are, if we’re not keen on these to start with, why put ourselves through the wringer of trying to author one even though those types may be the hottest ones on the market?
• Do you want your voice to be heard by your readers through painting the landscape, the talking heads, tension, or all of the above?
• Make a list of ten people you know in real life.  Next to their names, write a short description of each of them such as “could be a stand-up comedian” or “quiet scholarly type”, and so forth.  Then make a list of ten authors you know and complete the same exercise.  Chances are there will be clues that emerge pertaining to their voices.  Determine which ones you want to study in depth. Ask yourself why you like that author’s voice and how you identify with it.
• Are you working with an editor? After you’ve received your final draft and before you cut him or her the check, make sure you can still hear your voice between the covers of your soon to be published book.

When it’s all said and done, please remember that there’s only one you with your unique voice.

Fine tune your voice, and Write On!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram