#bookauthor

[thethirdgenesisbooks]

How to Put Words in Your Book - 5 Tips to Actually Start Writing

There is a problem among a great many writers and aspiring authors: so many of us never actually put any words into a Word document. Some writers will spend years developing a story idea. They’ll think of everything; the world-building, the characters, moving scenes, but never actually sit down to write the story.

Sometimes this comes from a lack of confidence. Writers think, “What if my story isn’t good enough?” These writers need to realize that the only thing worse than a bad story is the story that’s never written at all. For other writers, the reason why they can’t seem to actually get anything written is because while they know where the story has to go, they don’t know how to start. For still others, the problem is simply a matter of motivation.

Here are five tips to help you get your story rolling:

1 - Read the Opening of Someone Else’s Novel.

Sometimes, it can be hard to know what sorts of details to introduce first in your story. Do you start with a physical description of the character? A quote? A scene with characters in peril? Seeing how other authors started off their books can be helpful in this regard. I’d recommend reading the opening of a novel in a different genre from the one you’re writing. That way, you aren’t tempted to borrow too heavily, and can focus on putting out your own material.

2 - Listen to Music.

My wife and I developed this game that we sometimes play that utilizes her skills as a musician and mine as an author. I’ll sit or lie down on the couch with my eyes closed, and she’ll start playing an original, improvised piece of music on the piano. As I listen to the tune, I’ll start to describe a scene that the music brings to mind and tell a short story. Similarly, whenever I sit down to write one of my books, I listen to instrumental music that’s appropriate to the story I’m working on. I recommend that if you choose to use music to inspire your writing, you make sure it has no lyrics, as your writing may start to reflect the words you hear. I also recommend not using music that you associate with a particular scene. For example, when I tried writing while listening to “The Barber of Seville,” all I could see when I closed my eyes was Bugs Bunny shaving Elmer Fudd. You want music into which you can put your own meaning.

3 - If You are Spiritual, Pray or Meditate.

This piece of advice is pretty simple. If you are a spiritual or religious person, then before you write take a moment to stop and either pray or meditate. There’s a reason the Greeks thought goddesses called “muses” inspired art. The right side of the brain is associated with creativity, intuition, and spirituality. So, activate that side of your brain by doing something spiritual. Personally, when I was writing the first novel in my Third Genesis fantasy series, I prayed every time that “words would flow from my fingers to the page.” Most days, I wrote around 3,000 words in that book.

4 - When Stuck, Get Up and Walk.

You’d be surprised what even the tiniest amount of exercise can do for you. Do you have stairs in your home? Walk up and down a few times. Do you have a stationary bike? Ride it a little. Any form of exercise, however small, can get your mind going.

5 - Act Out the Scene.

Do you know your characters well enough to know how they speak to each other, what their goals are, and what they want out of life? Then play pretend for a bit, as you might well have done when you were a child. Improvise the scene, and pretend that you are all of the characters in the scene engaged in a discussion or struggle. You may find that you’re not good at improvising their dialogue, but that’s alright. When you say it out loud, you’ll get a better idea of what’s natural conversation. You’ll also gain some insights into what the characters would or wouldn’t do, based on what they want.

These are just a few things you could try to get the creative juices flowing. All of these have worked well for me. Good luck and happy writing!

[jbodenauthor]

[georgedelong]

The Illuminati are real, the fallen angels, reptilian entities, benevolent extraterrestrials, Ascended Masters, and divine angels are all real, and each has an agenda. It revolves around either keeping us asleep or waking us up. Check out the new book coming up by Author George DeLong.

[unfoldingmoments]

Gene Luen Yang

Quotes inspired from American Born Chinese series: “Children are mirrors; they will always show you exactly what is going on inside of you. Each phase of their growth is an opportunity to heal your own pain, to go deeper inside yourself and become more truly human”

― Vimala McClure, The Tao of Motherhood

“Kids are like a mirror, what they see and hear they do. Be a good reflection for them.”

— Kevin Heath

Popular answered Q for Gene Luen Yang from Goodreads: Q: I'm a writer & Catholic convert & I really enjoy how you explore catholic themes in a way that non-Catholics can still relate (esp in Boxers&Saints & TheEternalSmile) Any advice on how you pull that off?

Gene Luen Yang : My Buddhist creative writing professor at U.C.Berkeley told me to never write about faith directly. Instead, you should live your faith and write your life. I've been trying to follow that advice ever since.

Q: What are you currently working on?

I'm working on a middle grade graphic novel series called Secret Coders with an amazing cartoonist named Mike Holmes.

Gene Luen Yang : It's kind of like Harry Potter - tweens discover a mysterious secret school. Only instead of magic, the school teaches computer coding. We're hoping that as the readers read about our protagonists becoming coders, they'll become coders themselves.

Q: When you were writing American Born Chinese, did you actually hear those stories from your parents or did you just make it up? Also how did you start writing and drawing? Huge fan of all your books!

Gene Luen Yang : Thank you!

I first heard the Monkey King's story from my mom. Great character -- you should read Journey to the West if you want to experience the original.

I started drawing when I was two and haven't stopped!

Q: I teach English as a second language and American Born Chinese has brought excitement and depth to the conversations about the craft of writing to my classroom. My students' wonder - why did you choose to become a writer? Also, what books do you recommend for elementary students?

Gene Luen Yang: Thank you so much for teaching American Born Chinese! It's an honor to be a part of your classroom.

Both my parents are storytellers. It was a part of my childhood, so I always wanted to tell stories myself.

There are all sorts of great graphic novels for elementary students! Check out work by Raina Telgemeier, Dave Roman, Kazu Kibuishi, Jenny and Matt Holm, Frank Cammuso, Ben Hatke, Jarrett Krosoczka. 

[udaipurwebdesigner1]

Book Author Website Designer Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur Web Designer Provide Book-Author Website Design, Development, SEO Services in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Call, Whatsapp 9602841237 for Web Design enquiry

https://www.udaipurwebdesigner.com/portfolio/book-author-website-designer/

[taylaedraws]

A super cute commission I did for @spicybookswbb, thank you for commissioning me 🌸

commission me: tainah.larissaferreira@gmail.com

[dronacharyagroupofinstitutions]

Celebrating Excellence : 

Celebrating Excellence : A Heartfelt Congratulations to Dr Kamal deep Jangra (Associate Professor) of Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida on the Remarkable Achievement of Authoring of Book "Role of Artificial Intelligence in IoT".

[nerdsworld]

Jamie Lee Curtis 📚 @SDCC 🦹

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis returns to San Diego Comic Con as an author,to promote her latest book.

Jamie Lee Curtis has been known to attend comic conventions wearing a mask or in cosplay,walking among the attendees with no one the wiser. 🎭

Friday

07.21.2023

L.George

[artshoppingtoday]

The Literacy Bag @Bonfire

https://www.bonfire.com/the-literacy-bag/

[thethirdgenesisbooks]

What is Magipunk?

Magipunk (also called Magepunk, Spellpunk, Aetherpunk, or Dungeonpunk) is a genre of fantasy taking place in a world where all the technology runs on magic. Combustion engines in such a setting may only work because of fire elementals inside, or instead of telephones people may have circlets that allow them to communicate telepathically with someone far away. In such a setting, magic is not some mysterious force, it is a science that has been honed to make life easier.

The roots of magipunk can be traced back to a blend of genres, primarily fantasy, steampunk, and cyberpunk. Elements of high fantasy, such as wizards and magical artifacts, are paired with the gritty, dystopian settings typical of cyberpunk or steampunk. The resulting genre is a captivating fusion of the supernatural and the mechanical.

Like its parent genres, magipunk often explores themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. Characters navigate a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse, where technology brings progress but also danger. Furthermore, such technology often raises questions such as “just what makes us human?” and “Even if someone is not human, can they still be a person?” These themes are often underscored by rich world-building, intricate plots, and captivating character development.

The appeal of magipunk lies in its ability to blend fantastical elements with familiar settings. A wizard may walk with a staff and wear a pointed hat as he walks into a private detective’s office. Lightning elementals powering a city’s grid might cause a major crisis when they go on strike. A dark lord may rise to threaten the world with his army of steam-powered robots. It offers a fresh take on traditional fantasy tropes while exploring themes that resonate with modern audiences.

Some popular books that fall into this genre include “Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson, “Mage Against the Machine” by Shaun Barger, or “The Iron Druid Chronicles” by Kevin Hearne.

My own fantasy series, “The Third Genesis,” also falls into this category. It has automatons (robots) powered by magical cores, people send messages instantly through enchanted wooden boxes called “bendboxes,” and there are airships that fly because of enchantments placed on them.

[wedragonsruletheworld]

Creating a Well-rounded Character. - What is a Character?

Making a character for your story has many steps.  I’ll walk you through some of them in a series of articles.

Firstly, what is a character? Are there different types?

In a novel, a character is a fictional person or being that plays a role in the story. Characters are often the driving force behind the narrative, and their thoughts, actions, and interactions shape the plot and engage readers. They are typically developed with unique personalities, backgrounds, motivations, and relationships to make them believable and relatable.

Yes, there are different types of characters in a novel, each serving different functions within the story. Here are a few common character types:

1. Protagonist: The central character around whom the story revolves. They typically face challenges, pursue goals, and undergo personal growth or transformation. 2. Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles to overcome. Antagonists can be individuals, groups, or even internal struggles. 3. Supporting characters: These characters complement the protagonist and help move the story forward. They often have distinct personalities, roles, and relationships with the main character. 4. Foil characters: Foils are characters who contrast with the protagonist, highlighting their qualities and characteristics. They can emphasize different perspectives or motivations. 5. Dynamic characters: These characters undergo significant changes or growth throughout the story, often as a result of their experiences or interactions. 6. Static characters: Static characters remain relatively unchanged throughout the narrative, maintaining consistent traits and behaviors. 7. Round characters: Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with a mix of strengths, weaknesses, and internal conflicts. They often feel more realistic and relatable. 8. Flat characters: Flat characters are less developed and have fewer complexities, serving specific roles or functions within the story.

These character types provide a framework for understanding and categorizing the various individuals within a novel, but keep in mind that characters can also exhibit traits from multiple types or evolve over time. Ultimately, a well-written novel typically features a diverse cast of characters that contribute to the story’s depth and impact.

Remember, they’re more than just a cardboard cutout!

[prnews-press]

Marianne Schwab, Former National Talk Show Producer, Reveals Five Blunders Non-Fiction Book Authors Should Avoid that Kill TV Interview Success

Each year, over four million new titles emerge for non-fiction personal and business development books and increased access to self-publishing means thousands of them are written by high-level entrepreneurs and business professionals. These books have the power to impact lives, share valuable insights, and establish the authors as thought leaders, but a big challenge occurs on how do they rise above the noise to reach a target audience to promote the book on TV talk shows that can lead to not only becoming a recognized expert, but ultimately increase sales. The problem with promoting a non-fiction book is cutting through the clutter with thousands of authors who are also seeking limited interview spots on talk shows. Marianne Schwab is a former national network TV Talk Show Producer who has a deep understanding of what media decision makers look for when booking authors as guests and recently revealed her list of five blunders to avoid that can kill the results of securing interviews. - Focusing Solely on Self-Promotion.While promoting a book is essential, solely focusing on self-promotion is a common mistake. TV talk shows, and also podcast producers, are primarily focused on delivering value to their audience. If the pitch is solely about the book and how great it is, it will come across as self-serving. Marianne suggests, “You need to focus on one or two problems that you solve as a professional and refer to in the book. When I book an author or work with one to secure talk show interviews, I like to look at the table of contents and pick out of the best bits that I know viewers are going latch on to. By framing your pitch around the audience’s needs, you’ll be seen as a valuable guest rather than a self-promoter. I want to book an expert who has great problem solving tips and having written a book establishes their credibility. - Creating a Media Alert that Simply Announces a New Book. It may seem logical to create a headline and media alert that is a new book announcement, but unless a book author is already a recognized expert or celebrity, this will not set them apart from a stack of pitches on a producer’s desk. The media alert should have a hook that grabs the producer in a way they can use it to grab viewer interest to tune in to their show or click on the interview when it’s uploaded to their website. According to Marianne, “The media alert headline should set up a problem that reading your book solves. For example, if you’re a real estate professional, the headline might be ‘Three Mistakes New Home Buyers Make that Cost Them Thousands.’ Your book may cover more, but a TV interview segment generally only has three to four minutes. - Neglecting Audience Relevance.One of the most common mistakes authors make is failing to consider the relevance of their book to the show’s audience. It is a waste of time to send out hundreds of pitches to every talk show or podcast without understanding who the audience is for program. “Before reaching out to producers, take the time to research their content thoroughly. Understand their target demographic, the topics they typically cover, and the issues their audience cares about. Your pitch should clearly demonstrate how your book aligns with their audience’s interests and concerns,” Marianne says. “Your media alert should make it clear that your book offers valuable insights that their viewers or listeners will find compelling and beneficial. - Lack of Personalization & Professionalism.Producers receive countless pitches daily and generic emails stand out for all the wrong reasons. To make an impact, personalize the pitch. “Definitely address the producer by name and even mention specific episodes or topics from their show that you enjoyed or found relevant, and explain why you believe your topic would benefit their viewers. This can be really helpful if the show regularly features chefs and cookbooks in the kitchen with a tasty recipe or local entrepreneurs sharing news you can usefor viewers,” and Marianne adds, “I love being creative to help authors turn what would otherwise be a boring new book segment into a memorable TV interview or demo that promotes their book in a subtle way.” Building a professional and respectful relationship with producers can lead to long-term opportunities and positive referrals within the industry. - Overlooking Podcasts.Authors should not just focus on local TV Talk Shows to promote their book, but podcasts are often overlooked as a great opportunity to reach deep into a target audience. Many podcasts have very dedicated listeners, especially in the entrepreneur niche, and they can reach a target audience with laser focus. They don’t have to have a huge audience to make an impact especially since so many use cross platforms like YouTube, Rumble, and more to broadcast their episodes. By avoiding these five blunders and approaching producers with a thoughtful, audience-centered pitch, it’ll be a win-win for everyone involved and the success rate of securing interviews will dramatically increase. Marianne Schwab has worked as a talk show producer in New York and Los Angeles and is currently the Executive Producer of CMP Media Cafe. She works with professionals, high level entrepreneurs, and book authors to help them fast track their success in becoming a recognized expert in the media. Through personalized media coaching and guidance, she helps clients navigate the intricate world of media appearances. She shares broadcast public relations tips on Instagram and has created an online training that shares her insider secrets to promoting a business on TV talk shows with details for the types of experts producers love to book as guests. Read the full article

[alanianatkinson]

RHINOS AND ELEPHANTS, JIGSAW PUZZLE AND THE PROJECTS

..rained "rhinos and elephants"... I was exploring a few ideas for an article and "by George, I think I've got it!"

It rained “rhinos and elephants” earlier this evening. That was the description a recently found old friend, Khatijah Marianne (Magness) Abdullah used to describe the early evening heavy rain.   More on Marianne in upcoming articles. Yes, it rained almost like crazy. I welcomed the rain (and I am quite sure others around this region did, too) to cool down the sort of heat wave weather we have…

[anthropomorphics-archive]

I look like this

(From Red Shetland issue 05- see here!)

[madlori]

I am attempting a booktok. Prayer circle.