5-Minute Author Podcast for Writers
As an instructional designer, teacher, and award-winning author I, Sonja Dewing, wanted to share short tidbits in a podcast for writers about being an author to help you on your path to success. Enjoy this award-winning podcast and I hope you learn something new!
-
Tips for Writing the Page Turning Thriller
…Make characters that readers care about and don’t want bad things to happen to them – and bring in subplots. I have a lot of characters in my books and that helps to create subplots because every character has their own goals and those goals don’t mesh with each other which creates subplots. When you’re writing…
-
Why Write Short Stories
…So for example, when readers sign up for my list, they get 2 short stories. One is a back story to my main character in my novels, Leslie Kicklighter and the other is a back story to an explorer mentioned in my novels, Benedict Cecil Spafford. One story is an award-winner and the other is…
-
Use ARC Readers to Reach Best Selling Lists
…First, you want a cover and blurb that makes readers want to read your story. You also want to create rules for your reviewers. There are a few ways to do this but generally, you’re giving them your book or story for free, prior to it being published. Then you want to encourage them to…
-
Writing a Novel in November
Tips for writing a Novel in November First, find some books on writing that you can grab whenever you feel stuck. There’s Save the Cat, and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. There’s also the 5 Minute Author: How to write a novel by me. That book is free for a few more days,…
-
Dictation Apps for Your Writing Process
So, I tried out two apps and found one I really like. An app is definitely better than the option in Notes. Both of the apps – when I selected the microphone, the app kept running and recording without stopping until I selected the stop button. If you have an iPhone I suggest using Dictate.…
-
How to deal with book critiques
A critique group of writers aren’t interested in hurting your feelings, they’re interested in helping you and each other write the best stories for their readers. And remember that you know your story but your reader doesn’t. So if another writer critiques your book and doesn’t understand something in your story then there is probably…
-
How to get back into writing
…If you don’t have something you want to work on right now, consider signing up for a contest. Writing contests often have a specific goal, a word count limit, and other limitations that will help you focus on a story. To find worthy contests, I’d suggest you sign up for the Funds for Writers newsletter…
-
How to get Book Reviews
…Goodreads Giveaways. I choose an ebook giveaway because it’s easier. The standard package is $119. I’ve heard that the premium package isn’t really worth the additional cost. The Goodreads Giveaway gives your ebook to 100 people. The pro with Goodreads is that in my case over 500 users put my book on their to read…
-
Don’t Advertise Your Book with These Companies
… They’ve told you how brilliant your book is, they have all these followers, and there’s a tight deadline to get into the deal. All great sales talk to tempt you. And maybe $39 is a great price. I’ll tell you right now, don’t do it. That will be $39 down the drain. You’ll see…
-
You Don’t Have to Write Every Day
…Ever had a gym buddy? Someone to meet you at the gym and make sure you work out? Well, it also helps to have a writing buddy. Whether that’s a group of writers or just a friend to meet online or in person and work on your own stories. Another time tip is to put…