tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254011743787859192024-03-16T13:52:29.739-05:004RV Reading, Writing, & Art NewsInformation to help others become better readers, writers, designers, and illustratorsVivian Zabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comBlogger774125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-83088200804434369442024-01-26T14:24:00.003-06:002024-01-26T18:31:56.203-06:00Productive Ways to Take A Break from Writing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5lW4oFZ6oRGkmYzYf0KUX689WkOh92XzydOrk-qVXnjoU1p3HTK_JRYKuMRFoiYVxquH4Hno_w0eXVKddrHiFPkj5Kl5jS-Jl9YNJqbRmJpVTuGOpck1MhGthav8lu9RO29iTXyrCpPQAfE0Zrj6KZc5GFObmfla_sCsqmnwaIB-NG5xEYnZknpRUs/s5441/break.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3627" data-original-width="5441" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5lW4oFZ6oRGkmYzYf0KUX689WkOh92XzydOrk-qVXnjoU1p3HTK_JRYKuMRFoiYVxquH4Hno_w0eXVKddrHiFPkj5Kl5jS-Jl9YNJqbRmJpVTuGOpck1MhGthav8lu9RO29iTXyrCpPQAfE0Zrj6KZc5GFObmfla_sCsqmnwaIB-NG5xEYnZknpRUs/s320/break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: lookstudio on Freepik</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The year has just started. How can we be talking about a break already?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The seasons of a writer's life don't always follow the calendar. Maybe last year you cranked out a bunch and just need to sit back and relax for a week or two. Maybe your non-writing life is temporarily pulling you in a different direction. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter the reason or length of the time, there are ways to be productive during a writing break.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Self-care </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some writers are fitting writing into their schedules while balancing another career. Burn out and physical exhaustion become all too real. When you are that tapped out, creativity suffers. Taking care of yourself during those periods will refresh and rejuvenate you. Here are some self-care ideas:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Schedule a monthly massage</li><li>Take a yoga class</li><li>Engage in 10-minute workouts</li><li>Take a vacation or go away for a weekend </li></ul><br /><div><b>Fill your creative well</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Creativity is a strange. Some days, it's like spending time with your best friend at the playground. Everything clicks. You have fun together. You enjoy each other's company. You don't seem to have enough hours to accomplish all you want to. Then there are other days when creativity grabs its ball and storms off the field to go hide, and no matter how you try to coax it out, there is no way it is coming to play. Here are some ideas to fill your creative well:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Get together with a fellow writer </li><li>Explore a new hobby</li><li>Change your routine</li><li>Visit a museum or art gallery for inspiration</li></ul><br /><div><b>Write something else</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Last year, I wrote a novel in a genre I had never explored as a writer. It was the most exhilarating experience. It inspired me to apply what I learned to a work in progress that had stalled. These are some other ideas:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Try your hand at fanfiction</li><li>Explore journaling</li><li>Start a blog</li><li>Create an author newsletter</li></ul><br /><div>Taking a break from writing doesn't mean giving it up forever. It doesn't mean you've failed. Taking a break means you realize you need to step back temporarily. Using that time productively will allow you to return to your writing with a stronger zest to accomplish your goals. </div></div></div><p></p>
<div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_alO0oRA8m_-mfqz3D4cw4uhdBZNU9iJkE1192JrCgPOqgcFRgav0sqQrHEkvGLK-jFskWw5SiqeBwj8KfxcI2FrQmQb6RMW6Ait-kfY-GcLreCliVuf0lZ52d42VnrWsc8S2IqgSfKhQs4mKbGKVl2uBqOAtPpQhXOgOF0ku4q-aZ8zf5AaWCCFcxY/s5000/IMG_0049-Edit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5000" data-original-width="3333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_alO0oRA8m_-mfqz3D4cw4uhdBZNU9iJkE1192JrCgPOqgcFRgav0sqQrHEkvGLK-jFskWw5SiqeBwj8KfxcI2FrQmQb6RMW6Ait-kfY-GcLreCliVuf0lZ52d42VnrWsc8S2IqgSfKhQs4mKbGKVl2uBqOAtPpQhXOgOF0ku4q-aZ8zf5AaWCCFcxY/s320/IMG_0049-Edit.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-22298697716506659792024-01-09T23:00:00.003-06:002024-01-09T23:00:00.128-06:00Reflecting on Your Writing Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVBEgxEPsOYRn5_7BgQNJvI2UoQfiOw4MniWi_5K9WfCHzsJ_WAhG6Lrm26pIE13KPYZcKuHg047ZPahcyQ1y3HhvvKOG5WB9cj1B1WlVYKj37tgIrwcyNuro7BYGecc68gZmOWKghd0Liew3GkuUTxMvGwqzsbvm_C07EZI2oF7taeRIiNHWIvRFTbU/s347/green%20goal%20steps000017630678XSmall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="347" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVBEgxEPsOYRn5_7BgQNJvI2UoQfiOw4MniWi_5K9WfCHzsJ_WAhG6Lrm26pIE13KPYZcKuHg047ZPahcyQ1y3HhvvKOG5WB9cj1B1WlVYKj37tgIrwcyNuro7BYGecc68gZmOWKghd0Liew3GkuUTxMvGwqzsbvm_C07EZI2oF7taeRIiNHWIvRFTbU/s320/green%20goal%20steps000017630678XSmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every year about this time, I get to thinking about my writing year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How did I do?</li><li>What did I accomplish?</li><li>How did I handle the obstacles that came my way?</li><li>Are there tasks I am carrying over into the new year?</li></ul><div>Such a reflection allows you to celebrate the milestones and identify areas for improvement. Whether you make a bulleted list, write a letter to yourself, or post an entry in your journal, reflective writing will move you forward as a new year begins. </div><div><br /></div><div>What are some of last year's writing accomplishments you are proud of? What is a goal you are setting for 2024? </div></div><p></p><p><br /></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-26353823751731869602023-12-26T23:00:00.000-06:002023-12-26T23:00:00.140-06:00Happy New Year!: Writing Resolutions for 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0HURWqLsESr6eUNmu9lPZ_xE22QyzIU31DUS7H8pLSczNBiFG1GQaM0Z3CqUbkN0Jhpd-bT1htrxJsAm92X7HztL69KlqYlV1CE6VbVrOGpwBumnq6_yoR1SeyMpAhwSBO_FK9Ww3EOnqLz1JRS7fBxx0KANU3X4GVECgGsizxBQTX6z0-7RqH_8Fls/s1080/Happy%20new%20year.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0HURWqLsESr6eUNmu9lPZ_xE22QyzIU31DUS7H8pLSczNBiFG1GQaM0Z3CqUbkN0Jhpd-bT1htrxJsAm92X7HztL69KlqYlV1CE6VbVrOGpwBumnq6_yoR1SeyMpAhwSBO_FK9Ww3EOnqLz1JRS7fBxx0KANU3X4GVECgGsizxBQTX6z0-7RqH_8Fls/s320/Happy%20new%20year.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The new year is almost here. Maybe you're contemplating your new year's resolutions right now. Many of us set the usual ones: eat healthier, exercise more, reduce stress. It is also a good time to consider your writing resolutions. Though you can do this any time throughout the year, January often inspires and motivates us. </p><p>Here are some resolutions for writers:</p><p><b>Read More</b></p><p>Reading is a more fun way of saying market research. Read, especially in the genre you write, so you can learn what is selling well in your genre and where your book would fit into the market. This will also allow you to check out book covers and titles and how these books are marketed. While there is more to market research than this, reading more books is a good start.</p><p><b>Create a Regular Writing Schedule</b></p><p>Creating a regular writing schedule encourages the discipline of writing. If it didn't work, why would NaNoWriMo be so popular? The reason I don't say create a daily writing schedule is because that might not be realistic for everyone. But, whether you have one day, three days, or seven days available to write each week, sticking to your schedule will encourage you to write more.</p><p><b>Find an Accountability Partner</b></p><p>Often called writing buddies, these fellow writers keep us accountable and help us reach our goals. When I joined a local writing group, we were expected to bring a chapter with us to read each meeting. No one wanted to be the person without a chapter. Regular check-ins with your accountability partner will keep you on track.</p><p>What are some writing resolutions you are setting for 2024? How are you planning to succeed in the new year?</p><p><br /></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-78419805064792146782023-12-13T02:00:00.002-06:002023-12-13T11:09:25.982-06:00Creating A Startup or Business Plan for Your Writing Career<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmNtB0wxC6HpOcOdIuYiaARNx81hih-74ht5UTajatcpVYWspy3lsCSZJ_jqcruDtBf5ImXhb7uWGTYivBV_lL8KZcauAnROGpAA4dRF9OkltN01iImOjJ4BpWDEGExa8ebFF01YVl1KKofJ8p33edfz1uQhrExmqODVMIrFZkWIsrITs3gYsCnDX6So/s4168/Biz%20plan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2501" data-original-width="4168" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmNtB0wxC6HpOcOdIuYiaARNx81hih-74ht5UTajatcpVYWspy3lsCSZJ_jqcruDtBf5ImXhb7uWGTYivBV_lL8KZcauAnROGpAA4dRF9OkltN01iImOjJ4BpWDEGExa8ebFF01YVl1KKofJ8p33edfz1uQhrExmqODVMIrFZkWIsrITs3gYsCnDX6So/s320/Biz%20plan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you decided to start a small business, one of the initial steps would be to create a detailed business plan that would include the business concept, product and services, marketing, operations, organization and management, financial planning, and industry growth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, why do so many writers skip this important aspect of starting and planning a writing career? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In order for any business to succeed, there has to be a written plan. Now, that plan can change over time, but few entrepreneurs succeed by treating their businesses like a pot of spaghetti cooking on the stove: throwing a noodle at the wall to see if it sticks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The startup plan is a trimmer version of a business plan. Since a writing business may be simpler in nature than other types of businesses--at least in terms of what needs to be considered--this approach might be helpful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A startup plan will include:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Goals - S.M.A.R.T. goals to provide direction and motivation</li><li>Resources - capital, technology, personnel, and time</li><li>Market analysis - knowing your target market and how to reach them</li><li>Competition analysis - understanding your competition and how to set yourself apart</li><li>Financials - money needed to start, projected income, and projected expenses</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Even if you are well into your writing career and want to increase your income potential, a streamlined plan could be helpful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now is the perfect time to put together your 2024 business or startup plan. You can find a multitude of examples and some free templates online to help. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-22646399559663942012023-11-22T20:06:00.001-06:002023-11-22T20:06:34.697-06:00NaNoWriMo Lessons<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugm9M8CQD_x7BVVI57Js_2nY5_VCnVkJXfK0m_axTpN1u43fv0jy-WK5RwqOJSTN26ElKwqNT99CxFa4VZwHF27vB_z_REtoW3ZPOaPKpWgMMhhtgaWX7gQzowwOqTGwt999sbD5nDsXCofT2Nr79ZTm6H5ioHPcLBcT9bVrM1len6agHEkZM-8j4TFE/s5000/creativity-creative-ideas-imagination-inspiration-design-concept.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3555" data-original-width="5000" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugm9M8CQD_x7BVVI57Js_2nY5_VCnVkJXfK0m_axTpN1u43fv0jy-WK5RwqOJSTN26ElKwqNT99CxFa4VZwHF27vB_z_REtoW3ZPOaPKpWgMMhhtgaWX7gQzowwOqTGwt999sbD5nDsXCofT2Nr79ZTm6H5ioHPcLBcT9bVrM1len6agHEkZM-8j4TFE/s320/creativity-creative-ideas-imagination-inspiration-design-concept.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> is nearly 75% over. Shocking how quickly time goes by. How are you doing with your writing? Did you decide to participate? Did you plot it out or come up with an idea and run with it? </p><p>Admittedly, I've never been a huge fan, but there is so much to gain if you commit to writing for thirty days. </p><p><b>Planning </b></p><p>Maybe some writers can have an idea in their heads and run with it. I'm not sure there are many of those out there who are successful. After all these years of being a total <a href="https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/what-is-a-pantser-in-writing" target="_blank">panster</a>, I've discovered sometimes you need more than just the idea or a few character sketches.</p><p>This year's approach involved following a process of creating a synopsis, scene settings, a list of characters and their story arcs; outlining the plot, subplots, and inciting incidents; and then developing numerous scenes, so that when writing began, the words flowed easier.</p><p><b>Discipline</b></p><p>It can take an average of 30 to 60 days to change a bad habit, and longer than two months to create a habit. When you have only 30 days to reach 50,000 words, you need to hit 1,667 daily or be willing to make up the gap the next day. </p><p>Daily writing has numerous benefits. It helped me write faster than ever before, even if I am still slower than I would like. Other known benefits include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Becoming more aware of overused words and phrases</li><li>Learning what your writing style is</li><li>Giving you a sense of accomplishment</li><li>Potentially making you more money</li></ul><div><b>Community</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Writing can be a solitary task. Critique groups serve their purpose, but with NaNoWriMo you can have buddies to cheer you on. This is something I encourage you to find even after NaNoWriMo is over. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether you participated this year or not, here's hoping you are developing a plan to increase your productivity in 2024 with daily writing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-12733265706696941802023-11-08T18:16:00.005-06:002023-11-08T18:17:34.215-06:00Writing Inspiration and Check-in<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-zNewIV3IOCmjTDOTy8xjW1hyphenhyphen-9uD5dy9t69T5BpBLjxI9egm-E73vNo7L0Vf3bX7NJQw-oLeb-Gus-e_L3KcSj0wGblum9-sLHG86f76mfCgTfswnnJGPKKcu963AGB6_EJDT05AzZw5Lt-X0QyiBmhOGWFLwjsEeHpNX-E95DDcNabpOK02yyodc/s5000/creativity-creative-ideas-imagination-inspiration-design-concept.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3555" data-original-width="5000" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-zNewIV3IOCmjTDOTy8xjW1hyphenhyphen-9uD5dy9t69T5BpBLjxI9egm-E73vNo7L0Vf3bX7NJQw-oLeb-Gus-e_L3KcSj0wGblum9-sLHG86f76mfCgTfswnnJGPKKcu963AGB6_EJDT05AzZw5Lt-X0QyiBmhOGWFLwjsEeHpNX-E95DDcNabpOK02yyodc/s320/creativity-creative-ideas-imagination-inspiration-design-concept.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture credit rawpixel at <a href="https://www.freepik.com/author/rawpixel-com" target="_blank">freepik.com</a> </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How's your writing going? Are you participating in <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> this month or any other type of writing event? Though writing can often be a solitary task, the great thing about social media is that writing communities are right at your fingertips. Not all of them are free, but they can help with the isolation writers feel from time to time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other wonderful thing you can find on social media is writing news: new books, writers talking about the representation agreements they just signed, book birthdays, book giveaways, and even writers talking about queries that have gone nowhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, before you think I'm encouraging you to waste your writing time on internet browsing, I'm only sharing it because we all need to connect with fellow writers from time to time and read some news to inspire us and cheer us on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes about writing. Hope you'll share some of yours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>Write what should not be forgotten.</i> ~ Isabel Allende </blockquote><p></p><blockquote><i>To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.</i> ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce </blockquote><p></p><blockquote><i>Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers.</i> ~ Isaac Asimov </blockquote><p></p><blockquote><i>A book is a dream you hold in your hand.</i> ~ Neil Gaiman </blockquote><p></p><p></p><p></p></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What will you write today? What will you write tommorow?</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-48517626612411403882023-10-24T23:00:00.002-05:002023-10-24T23:00:00.155-05:00How to Stay Productive During the Holiday Season<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq8iZe_c_FqNFbTz43VoixSNCF3jHbV53TAmH4EPiLlyXTebxGfBnFOPlABYqduTQURouJ6_zfDE9vaLxM3CcHfZmw57DH6G9pMpxMtD6Fyx8l76bZtb3JPp-dBniaGYeydqteJBMfw0McJ9ju2Sjaah5nzTZzj8WaheS_VCPtTBnsn7eA2heItjtPCg/s5376/vecteezy_magic-christmas-winter-house_27032525_792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3584" data-original-width="5376" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq8iZe_c_FqNFbTz43VoixSNCF3jHbV53TAmH4EPiLlyXTebxGfBnFOPlABYqduTQURouJ6_zfDE9vaLxM3CcHfZmw57DH6G9pMpxMtD6Fyx8l76bZtb3JPp-dBniaGYeydqteJBMfw0McJ9ju2Sjaah5nzTZzj8WaheS_VCPtTBnsn7eA2heItjtPCg/s320/vecteezy_magic-christmas-winter-house_27032525_792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I admit it. Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, and sending holiday cards, along with everything else I have to do, makes me want to hide in bed until after the new year. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But,
I need this little thing called money that keeps the roof over our heads, so I
keep writing.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s my advice. Don't let the holidays derail your writing progress. Adjust your expectations and stay focused on your goals. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adjust Expectations</b><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many
of us have this Currier and Ives picture perfect holiday in our minds, and
we kill ourselves trying to achieve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop
a minute and think back to the holidays of your childhood. Did it bother you
if Mom burnt the cookies or if the house next door had more lights hanging from
it than yours did? Probably not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
are a few ways you can simplify your holidays: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focus your energy where it belongs: on family and friends. Instead of rushing
around to make everything perfect, be okay with good enough.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your family will be more than happy to lend a
hand if they know it means spending more time with you.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trim back your holiday card list or consider sending postcards. I used to mail
out over one hundred cards a year with handwritten notes inside. Then it
happened: the year I just couldn’t do it. So, I pulled the previous year’s cards
and only mailed cards to people who had sent us one that year. Postcards
are a cheaper alternative when you want to send a quick note to someone you
don’t see very often.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many online retailers offer free shipping during the holidays, so you can shop
from home while taking a break from your writing. You save gas, don’t have to
deal with crowds, and can easily get back to your writing schedule. Shopping
local can also help. Commit to shopping at small businesses for one day out of
the holiday season.</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfaTe2VCEy0RZgHWGoHvgbeozfnjTMTFhulOwKIHaogQQCFLTKflgZjmOTbH69oCK8EqLi_0TM-xw9K-f8L4vFfkdsebTv5Gv6Uajni90hqAM11t3oO7Yvk7bb1DMj0iuJktD9DBKz2yGg6grPfoMkeL_TxxPeJzKe9FnDaLZbaSpoX4jAuQcVUChXho/s2000/Productivity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfaTe2VCEy0RZgHWGoHvgbeozfnjTMTFhulOwKIHaogQQCFLTKflgZjmOTbH69oCK8EqLi_0TM-xw9K-f8L4vFfkdsebTv5Gv6Uajni90hqAM11t3oO7Yvk7bb1DMj0iuJktD9DBKz2yGg6grPfoMkeL_TxxPeJzKe9FnDaLZbaSpoX4jAuQcVUChXho/s320/Productivity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Focus on Your Writing
Goals</b><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
easy to lose track of your writing goals while preparing for the holidays. Now,
more than ever, it’s important to write out a to-do list each week. Time block
your calendar so that writing time stays part of your routine. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be
realistic and plan ahead, knowing you have more on your plate this time of
year. By November, I don’t take on additional writing assignments or book
reviews. This leaves me wiggle room for those added holiday chores and more
time to spend with those I care about. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preparing
for the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t find the time to write. Adjusting expectations and focusing on writing goals can simplify your life and help you write, even during busy times.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-24205154159457764232023-10-11T07:00:00.002-05:002023-10-11T07:00:00.138-05:00Tips to Increase NaNoWriMo Productivity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_uCKd3odQC6WHjJWJ02_vOE5Z6_5vSgUfI9q9LhnxZid7vwVYfHOy1K6qq6FTnGyrVfdHbRDiB9HonOVP_plZWo3BPQpPb44w96nmryslfQnr5unqFL7XA3y_0CrxlJ7tr0gYGt7bGRnP6D9mH559xzqNOSSnghif8opmOxrNnAI5EfkdzT085maf9g/s2000/Productivity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_uCKd3odQC6WHjJWJ02_vOE5Z6_5vSgUfI9q9LhnxZid7vwVYfHOy1K6qq6FTnGyrVfdHbRDiB9HonOVP_plZWo3BPQpPb44w96nmryslfQnr5unqFL7XA3y_0CrxlJ7tr0gYGt7bGRnP6D9mH559xzqNOSSnghif8opmOxrNnAI5EfkdzT085maf9g/s320/Productivity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from Freepik</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> kicks off in 21 days. Can you believe it! Are you ready? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">We've already <a href="https://4rvreading-writingnewsletter.blogspot.com/2023/09/tackling-big-gorilla-adding-nanowrimo.html" target="_blank">discussed</a> how to add a large writing project like NaNoWriMo into your jam-packed schedule. Now, it's time to plan ahead, consider how to eliminate distractions and time wasters, and make sure you get enough rest. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Plan ahead</b><b style="font-family: inherit;"> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Planning
ahead is vital to creating a realistic writing schedule.
Some ways you can plan ahead before tackling NaNoWriMo are:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Spend
a few hours preparing menus for each week of November, including
your holiday menu (if it applies).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I</span>f you’ll be entertaining, ask friends and family if they would be willing to bring a food dish.</li><li>Shop
in bulk to cut back on errands to pick up food,
household items, and office supplies.</li><li>Consider
ordering holiday cards and envelopes pre-printed.</li><li>Time block your calendar, adding NaNoWriMo writing time into your most productive timeframe.</li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Eliminate distractions and time wasters</b><b style="font-family: inherit;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Distractions and time wasters can threaten any project, no matter the size. It
is especially important when approaching NaNoWriMo to eliminate activities that steal time from your writing. Here are some tips to help:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set aside
a specific time during the day to return phone messages and emails. Discipline yourself not
to check email or surf the Internet when you should be writing. </span></li><li>Share your time-blocked calendar with family members before you start NaNoWriMo, so they will know when you're writing.</li><li>Find a private place where you feel most productive and inspired to write.</li><li>Hang a "writing in progress" or "writer at work" sign on your door or put a tent card on your desk, asking family ahead of time not to interrupt you unless it's an emergency.</li><li>If you have young children who require care, have books,
crafts, or other items to entertain them during writing time.</li></ul><p></p></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rest up</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing
that will help with stress- and time-management during NaNoWriMo is getting enough rest. Burning the candles at both ends helps no one, and certainly
not your writing. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get the
required amount of sleep each night so that you’ll have a well-rested
mind to tackle writing and anything unexpected that comes your way. Add bedtime to your calendar. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't wait until the last minute to prepare for NaNoWriMo. Plan ahead, think of ways to eliminate what can pull you away from writing, and schedule bedtime into your calendar so you get enough rest leading up to and while you are participating in NaNoWriMo. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Good luck to all who will participate in 2024!</p><p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-31885128281514987802023-09-27T07:30:00.008-05:002023-09-27T08:41:10.464-05:00Tackling the Big Gorilla: Tips for Adding NaNoWriMo to Your Jam-Packed Schedule <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOApt1wXUhA8NQu2gMQgJfiz0pg4yoD8fnRA_Hh4gAfKe2g26fnQ2QlUYppvHzS4Y_UPfDpgCtHiE1HaiQcSK2fVCkKIhLhSdMXteEjDKE4PobiV5kKJR1MXm0j_bLp67erWkspUBzg0kTp1Z0hgRSNNQe1k1HmH9BRF27zCctlONEIKznhRWyvGmROE/s600/gorilla-clipart-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOApt1wXUhA8NQu2gMQgJfiz0pg4yoD8fnRA_Hh4gAfKe2g26fnQ2QlUYppvHzS4Y_UPfDpgCtHiE1HaiQcSK2fVCkKIhLhSdMXteEjDKE4PobiV5kKJR1MXm0j_bLp67erWkspUBzg0kTp1Z0hgRSNNQe1k1HmH9BRF27zCctlONEIKznhRWyvGmROE/s320/gorilla-clipart-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can a writer add a large project like <a href="https://nanowrimo.org" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> into an already jam-packed schedule?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To answer
that question, you must consider the commitments you already made. Then you can create a realistic schedule that allows you to add in such a project. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first
thing to do is take out a piece of paper or fire up your computer and make three
columns: home, work, and volunteering. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Under each
heading, list all you have to do for the month of November, noting deadlines
where necessary. Then the actual work begins.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Review each
item on your to-do list to see if it’s something you can
delegate or change the deadline. You must also consider if you have the
time to dedicate to volunteering.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s talk
more about these steps.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Delegate What You Can</span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The easiest
way to remove things from your to-do list is to delegate. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Gasp!</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You mean I am expected to allow someone else
to handle things I only trust myself to do?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though it is tough to give up control, unless you want the entire month to pass by in a stress-filled blur, you need to ask for help. You can delegate household chores, errands, even meal
preparation to other members of your household. Even small
children can help keep the living areas of your home clean by picking
up their messes before bedtime. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are These Firm Deadlines?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adding a big writing project may require you to adjust deadlines for smaller projects. This should
not be done without giving it a great deal of thought. Some things to consider are: </span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the impact on my
relationship with this client if I ask for an extension?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have I asked this client for an
extension in the past?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the impact on my overall
business if I can’t meet this deadline?</span> </li><li class="MsoNormal">What is the impact of this new writing project on my overall business? </li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you’ve
damaged a relationship, it takes a tremendous amount of work to repair it. Constantly asking for extensions
gives the impression that this client isn’t important to you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the flip
side, if a large project will have a positive impact on your
overall career, it can be worth making it happen. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If it becomes necessary to move a deadline, let clients know in plenty of time and be ready to offer them a new “firm” deadline for the
completion of their projects.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Do I Have Time to Volunteer?</b><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Review your volunteering list for November. Is it realistic to be involved in those activities and commit to a large writing project at the same time? If it isn't, but you're committed to NaNoWriMo, you might have to say that dreaded two-l</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">etter word. No can be difficult to say, but you’re only saying no for the duration of this writing project, not forever. </span></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">If you decide to tackle the big gorilla of NaNoWriMo, making a realistic schedule will increase your productivity.</p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-21702565478304928232023-09-12T23:00:00.002-05:002023-09-12T23:00:00.157-05:00Back to School with 4RV Publishing <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpF4ZvRe4jjcHMK1xivCorn86fure-dFuESZSeF048_3_-YE-2W3s5RS4OEu87-xKHLkqMCHFRG0u-1IRVvDTckPOWdL4HqEp_NwyRiZY-4jIfMQZ6VEJyPQKoC0MaKFZPqDThq8Kr-HvByTV0LA5qRxaLeMdePHl63LeQ55SvKQ1S_3gdeSwx0fDkiY/s280/zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="196" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpF4ZvRe4jjcHMK1xivCorn86fure-dFuESZSeF048_3_-YE-2W3s5RS4OEu87-xKHLkqMCHFRG0u-1IRVvDTckPOWdL4HqEp_NwyRiZY-4jIfMQZ6VEJyPQKoC0MaKFZPqDThq8Kr-HvByTV0LA5qRxaLeMdePHl63LeQ55SvKQ1S_3gdeSwx0fDkiY/s1600/zoo.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>
From letters
<a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/karin-larson.html" target="_blank">A to Z</a>, <div>furry faces are here to see. </div><div>Living in cages and ponds</div><div>or feathered friends in a tree, </div><div>explore a zoo of exciting animals</div><div>from land, air, and sea. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbatG_dbvHDIFqoyJ4W0RF4aN8UdtCwMqGIYa6pNYlz4a2lOmE4CLNvm8hDQCBlRw9juLItABvmY-ft-7Kq5mTDJekH_21_f2xjt9xdSDGcsUuty9D_Fne93s3hHgVqTz3U8s9O93d71AM4QiK4Rj1XtOUU7rJswMXgfevVpJPvTWBNYd8mOoDjho43L0/s333/Book%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbatG_dbvHDIFqoyJ4W0RF4aN8UdtCwMqGIYa6pNYlz4a2lOmE4CLNvm8hDQCBlRw9juLItABvmY-ft-7Kq5mTDJekH_21_f2xjt9xdSDGcsUuty9D_Fne93s3hHgVqTz3U8s9O93d71AM4QiK4Rj1XtOUU7rJswMXgfevVpJPvTWBNYd8mOoDjho43L0/s320/Book%201.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><i><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/yvonne-m-morgan.html" target="_blank">ABCs from the Bible</a></i> helps children learn the alphabet using examples tied to the Bible. The author's words and the artist's illustrations bring the ABCs to life. The back pages give more information for adults to share with their youngsters.<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yrzF-cqeMcpVbU9Ag0JA0gw_dLfupUu52fO5FVHPbDzkQj_hfRsyWmYmOnhd3leTXjwArl2YkkIcomYYmm-fBSem609ytg57_3oK1EZXR3jszrdBlu0SJpTAFMeMT0U7FhWYmtcXvaKGxenJrIaVAlriYkgjZXe4TaZCAnVBJ-iYVmry9yPdSdfoxRc/s800/book%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yrzF-cqeMcpVbU9Ag0JA0gw_dLfupUu52fO5FVHPbDzkQj_hfRsyWmYmOnhd3leTXjwArl2YkkIcomYYmm-fBSem609ytg57_3oK1EZXR3jszrdBlu0SJpTAFMeMT0U7FhWYmtcXvaKGxenJrIaVAlriYkgjZXe4TaZCAnVBJ-iYVmry9yPdSdfoxRc/s320/book%204.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
The teacher’s idea for celebrating the 100th day of school excites everyone. While the other students share their ideas for 100 unique things, <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/deborah-b-cavitt.html" target="_blank">Freckle Face Fred</a> doesn’t. Join the celebration to discover what Fred finds unique.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLfYI5pK9ODJz6Ujm0V3FPdZR8IYARQuBbkbZYq6TY6Am3mZ0TIeCIAP7b93wUw1t3q5xb5lqUIPVBgj5KW68Hni_T1UsdsVTDkxtVpvGKtsqdVhLxnmm7d_9hN1sao8zoYOx7dkcnBd441k6QuxuJekZd7yhY1aLuutz9_xaAe0dQ8Q-eFik0sAB3Wk/s262/book%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="164" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLfYI5pK9ODJz6Ujm0V3FPdZR8IYARQuBbkbZYq6TY6Am3mZ0TIeCIAP7b93wUw1t3q5xb5lqUIPVBgj5KW68Hni_T1UsdsVTDkxtVpvGKtsqdVhLxnmm7d_9hN1sao8zoYOx7dkcnBd441k6QuxuJekZd7yhY1aLuutz9_xaAe0dQ8Q-eFik0sAB3Wk/s1600/book%206.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Have you ever seen anything besides rain, hail, or snow fall from the sky? <i><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/wayne-harris-wyrick.html" target="_blank">When the Sky Falls, Duck</a></i> takes you on a trip to all kinds of places and shows you unusual things that have fallen from the sky and explains why.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPGoVj28R8rhEWIELEqNn-blRrisL-GWoTk-U1I7roLJkNZRMTBYVbSsA3Bnw-r-qzjzrnSY8ASQkyKmZiZSpweoC8e-c3GeadpLoRU-yARdtxE9-9U1UhYNzY9JdcOp9_uFPjSHucbAPdScYmoOIQJ4RZ-eDKRN1i-_p9sOptOb9Oab2O1B9UfAmC5I/s840/book%207.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPGoVj28R8rhEWIELEqNn-blRrisL-GWoTk-U1I7roLJkNZRMTBYVbSsA3Bnw-r-qzjzrnSY8ASQkyKmZiZSpweoC8e-c3GeadpLoRU-yARdtxE9-9U1UhYNzY9JdcOp9_uFPjSHucbAPdScYmoOIQJ4RZ-eDKRN1i-_p9sOptOb9Oab2O1B9UfAmC5I/s320/book%207.png" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/rebecca-o-hayes.html" target="_blank">Concepcion</a> loves TV, but she has to sit close to see the screen. She holds her books close to her face to read. Her teacher seats her in the front row to copy her spelling words from the blackboard. When she gets a chance to look through her Papa's glasses, she decides that must be the answer. She wants to get glasses so she can see better. But first her eyes need to be tested, a new experience to be faced."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-fpM8A6_hp841Tl_gY6cWTMGOyJUA8eU1XH_epB-Ii8nrot5EmWNReEcywzSzp-KHyMcJj261eRAj6mQxeBmE0xWjpCiAQUDKDY_RmdLGCRXmVjatIO1jwRHnLy0wmke08rWhGJtg2xYNDOs7nPEhI64AMFubFKjevMUBFRNpB952uUSUy4igzTkLIw/s490/book%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-fpM8A6_hp841Tl_gY6cWTMGOyJUA8eU1XH_epB-Ii8nrot5EmWNReEcywzSzp-KHyMcJj261eRAj6mQxeBmE0xWjpCiAQUDKDY_RmdLGCRXmVjatIO1jwRHnLy0wmke08rWhGJtg2xYNDOs7nPEhI64AMFubFKjevMUBFRNpB952uUSUy4igzTkLIw/s320/book%2012.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Eleven-year-old Kate Taylor dreams of being the <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/beverly-stowe-mcclure.html" target="_blank">star of her basketball team</a>, Angels. When Kate's tooth is knocked out at one of the games, and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can't play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate's dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she's the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.
<div><br /></div><div>Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate's plans?</div><div><br /></div><div>To purchase these and other titles from 4RV Publishing, please visit our online catalog at <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/full-book-cover-catalog.html">http://www.4rvpublishing.com/full-book-cover-catalog.html</a> </div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-54211211372929737172023-08-08T23:00:00.002-05:002023-08-08T23:00:00.139-05:00Marketing Plan for Holiday Season Book Selling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgk6cq_supUpysdS7VNJx5kEp_b7Gek_MKSo5s4LbSpmUDNmo55AVjQbLNo74VSTNjI3LWjhGJtlsg4uMM_4oTL3WTjc49bxmifkV_WPshIdy_mpnhC7q-Qc3pXpZTNeGG5vHZZ_qjUhk9FT-c-6-ujbI8R81NkhwAbhl2RNtcWn1Zmd1XTbiyvGbyTM/s400/megaphona.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="400" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgk6cq_supUpysdS7VNJx5kEp_b7Gek_MKSo5s4LbSpmUDNmo55AVjQbLNo74VSTNjI3LWjhGJtlsg4uMM_4oTL3WTjc49bxmifkV_WPshIdy_mpnhC7q-Qc3pXpZTNeGG5vHZZ_qjUhk9FT-c-6-ujbI8R81NkhwAbhl2RNtcWn1Zmd1XTbiyvGbyTM/s320/megaphona.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Vivian's post about attending<a href="https://4rvreading-writingnewsletter.blogspot.com/2023/08/book-fairs-festivals-craft-shows.html" target="_blank"> book fairs, festivals, and craft shows</a> reminded me that fall is coming, and before we know it, the holidays will be here. It is estimated that one in four books is sold during the holiday season. </p><p>Have you started your holiday season marketing plan? If not, here are some ideas to get you started. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Make sure all your book descriptions are current </li><li>Update your author bio</li><li>Verify links to purchase your books are operational (broken links disappoint potential readers)</li><li>Schedule your social media posts in weekly or monthly blocks</li><li>Plan emails to your readers with giveaways for their loyal readership</li><li>Check your local paper for selling opportunities like craft fairs </li><li>Prepare a budget for paid advertising</li><li>Order your book supply for events early so that you have them in time </li><li>Create or order promotional materials for events ahead of time</li></ul><div>Making sure you have a plan and ordering books and supplies early will help you have a successful holiday book selling season. </div><div><br /></div><p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w167-h233/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="167" /></a><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-3394496312170008952023-08-08T12:31:00.001-05:002023-08-08T12:31:17.387-05:00Book Fairs, Festivals, Craft Shows <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tPGmoUR5oE-mXLhU599FqvJfg5HGOiAsHW3Dq7wuA80lkgq5oenwWhcwbzV9sGUQJ2FlygtP0Ovj0-d7XWRZzW8yOiWa0Foa2-QdznDKyFr21IGhsj3e4ijJO8QqmUReEITog7VuVXy7Sw1txFyPVuq7d5uYbmaNaRILK29HIyzTSiAF3hMvWBwsiFXm/s171/stack-old-books-isolated-white-55498185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="171" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tPGmoUR5oE-mXLhU599FqvJfg5HGOiAsHW3Dq7wuA80lkgq5oenwWhcwbzV9sGUQJ2FlygtP0Ovj0-d7XWRZzW8yOiWa0Foa2-QdznDKyFr21IGhsj3e4ijJO8QqmUReEITog7VuVXy7Sw1txFyPVuq7d5uYbmaNaRILK29HIyzTSiAF3hMvWBwsiFXm/s1600/stack-old-books-isolated-white-55498185.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><p></p><p><span> </span>Authors face a difficult task AFTER they finish a book and it's published. What could that be, you say? Promoting and selling those books. Yes, authors are expected to promote and help sell their books even if they go through a traditional publisher. So, how does one do that? Book fairs, festivals, and craft shows offer an opportunity for authors to sell books and pocket more of the profit.</p><p><span> </span>Where does a writer find a fair, festival or show? Look around the community, ask people, talk to other authors for suggestions. In my small community, several towns near by have harvest festivals each fall. The one in the town closest to me offers spaces at reasonable prices. The last year I attended, even with not nice weather, I sold quite a large number of books. Plus, I met people who wanted to know how to find my books and how to know when a new one came out. I had currents sales and possible future ones.</p><p><span> </span>One thing I discovered, having a booth at a festival that doesn't feature books and authors or at a craft show bring in more sales than having a book at a book festival or any event with more than four or five authors. With a large number of authors selling books at the same place and time, customers often go to the authors they know or whose names are familiar. Therefore, customers are overwhelmed with the large number of offerings.</p><p><span> </span>One author I know goes to some event almost every weekend, and he no longer has to work another job. He sells hundreds to thousands of dollars in books each event. It can be done. <br /></p><p><span> </span>Authors who have their books at a festival, fair, or show need to remember to interact with the attendees. No, I don't mean waylay them and try to twist their arms to buy. First, be friendly. Ask people passing by what they like to read. When they tell their interests, guide them to books you have that meet one of their interests. If you don't have a genre they prefer, tell them just a bit about what you write and tell them where they might find what they prefer. You may not sell one of your books, but you will impress someone who may tell someone about your books. If nothing else, they will be amazed at your honesty.</p><p><span> </span>Promoting and selling your books may not be among your favorite things to do. You may hate marketing, but to be successful, you must. If James Patterson, as famous as he is, must promote his books, those of us not in the same lofty sales bracket must do much more than he does. Therefore, we need to find opportunities. Books fairs, festivals, and craft shows can be what works for you. <br /></p><p><span> </span><br /></p><p><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vivian Zabel<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Author, editor, publisher<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>VivianZabel.website<br /></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><br /></p>Vivian Zabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-60869347593080771322023-07-25T23:00:00.002-05:002023-07-25T23:00:00.140-05:00Summer Reading with 4RV Publishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilaIHr3fYCM9NgUZo1v0VwdH-MI1RmbHB-fuERh9i8o9WAsagtnHgjgI2LSh8x-m6DkjpGISJVtslmyNp3ni-spF7Ed5Xu4r4QL8eFGptedhdPuABaM_SO0HeVwegKKTyd5X24Krf3GE8Wjq3o7QnYUkHRAKsNfdu2XHC4cPffpqSV4uqt3VjwqaeNyw/s1059/slide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="830" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilaIHr3fYCM9NgUZo1v0VwdH-MI1RmbHB-fuERh9i8o9WAsagtnHgjgI2LSh8x-m6DkjpGISJVtslmyNp3ni-spF7Ed5Xu4r4QL8eFGptedhdPuABaM_SO0HeVwegKKTyd5X24Krf3GE8Wjq3o7QnYUkHRAKsNfdu2XHC4cPffpqSV4uqt3VjwqaeNyw/w157-h200/slide.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>One of the recommended ways to stop the summer slide--a loss of learning gains during the summer months--is for your child to read at least 20 minutes a day. Here are some reading suggestions from the <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/full-book-cover-catalog.html" target="_blank">4RV Publishing Bookstore</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bfLWn2amAXNKkM2CgOzAhOwhAGYbhjoOcKkj7QXfsuxjPfP6xOSuVCJ5NgOajxcZwSzsk9cJD8T-O_Bn-0pLtuDDMRRFM3zBQQq9Vh7D9ahnsbY6at5rLrLh4j4iONUj2T5EkDeT9lw8z72M7uYxR1YS_MCrT3_t3_3t03SbGtVrZJAAUWg7NVtDC8w/s840/simon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bfLWn2amAXNKkM2CgOzAhOwhAGYbhjoOcKkj7QXfsuxjPfP6xOSuVCJ5NgOajxcZwSzsk9cJD8T-O_Bn-0pLtuDDMRRFM3zBQQq9Vh7D9ahnsbY6at5rLrLh4j4iONUj2T5EkDeT9lw8z72M7uYxR1YS_MCrT3_t3_3t03SbGtVrZJAAUWg7NVtDC8w/s320/simon.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/nidhi-kamra.html" target="_blank">Simon</a> thinks his skin is bo-rrring. Simon doesn't like boring. So, he “tries on” different skins, and to his surprise, each comes with its own challenge. Simon soon makes a pleasant discovery about his own skin.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquv_q3qSvz3qHrVCUxxGevczob5Ky5KXgFCYQa9fajh4soNknhwahMYmYDI_weKJf5YeNsIGLfDXS_ZCk380hqoHihg0rJ6MdPUgQoe5QhZVCF4kKY1JMfNPQUjGYKtazu1dZ2nPrRT3E-RTr0XiKLfz6uI9JSdqpPCIS1oiE4PCP3J4sLUm8JNf0SF0/s483/puppy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquv_q3qSvz3qHrVCUxxGevczob5Ky5KXgFCYQa9fajh4soNknhwahMYmYDI_weKJf5YeNsIGLfDXS_ZCk380hqoHihg0rJ6MdPUgQoe5QhZVCF4kKY1JMfNPQUjGYKtazu1dZ2nPrRT3E-RTr0XiKLfz6uI9JSdqpPCIS1oiE4PCP3J4sLUm8JNf0SF0/s320/puppy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/holly-jahangiri.html" target="_blank">Irma</a> wanted a puppy, a pet she could take on walks, not a few stupid guppies. Fish don't do anything, except roll over on their backs if they die. Sometimes, though, a girl has to make the most of what she has. Now, what can Irma do with three guppies besides stare at them as they stare at her.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpAyg9AJ0DfYbdIRK6Xw8mgj-CduKZd7q619Gea_uX6lF28bBVEb_bTfeOuMgErQWpaom961VTJfxetBGpyINrrMedgBsp6TkPZ534QW8QWv0GfmOrg08soWrRMN1XL54IsqIOfmMsVgQtgRp3_TvJh9DVXVGKsNPtZ2Zn_ifaTlPBVERww2x4UsMwVE/s405/louie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpAyg9AJ0DfYbdIRK6Xw8mgj-CduKZd7q619Gea_uX6lF28bBVEb_bTfeOuMgErQWpaom961VTJfxetBGpyINrrMedgBsp6TkPZ534QW8QWv0GfmOrg08soWrRMN1XL54IsqIOfmMsVgQtgRp3_TvJh9DVXVGKsNPtZ2Zn_ifaTlPBVERww2x4UsMwVE/s320/louie.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
A young duck, who enjoys things like riding waves, can become quite lonely. <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html" target="_blank">Louie</a> didn’t have any friends except two cousins, who didn’t like to ride waves.
When Mr. and Mrs. Goose’s grandson, Gus, comes to live with them, Louie promises Mrs. Goose that he will be Gus’ friend. But, can Louie finally have a friend, one who doesn’t think he’s odd because he is different? Can being different be all right?<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLfZT72F5gc2N4QRgW4joKmptiDd-i0mkQxqvXVbtoPTYew2NbvB4I14HTKbOgHuY6AlVv-IljvGnll2lZnlCP8sivXVe8Z0k6VSCz71n0mneZwI_7Z16tgG2_GKFzmhtGNxixAJ_lhJe7JCSRTt_jNK4OYKCqajND75LYgX6emFH-QYb8wBssiiii9Q/s280/zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="196" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLfZT72F5gc2N4QRgW4joKmptiDd-i0mkQxqvXVbtoPTYew2NbvB4I14HTKbOgHuY6AlVv-IljvGnll2lZnlCP8sivXVe8Z0k6VSCz71n0mneZwI_7Z16tgG2_GKFzmhtGNxixAJ_lhJe7JCSRTt_jNK4OYKCqajND75LYgX6emFH-QYb8wBssiiii9Q/s1600/zoo.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
From letters<div><a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/karin-larson.html" target="_blank">A to Z</a>, </div><div>furry faces are here to see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Living in cages and ponds</div><div>or feathered friends in a tree,</div><div><br /></div><div>explore a zoo of exciting animals</div><div>from land, air, and sea.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomcj6ibHaRxqp3McpJOOJn5k0HibX8yCG3nsgYacKFgVrO9ZNX8RF5V8NYntnhtrEzBTa71FhRQ600MyHLaO71zljR8p7zmmiweSZuI-HGMtPwr7-Tbhzzt_Wxq5li9EV55gGikOwiEIvfO-BUZxXcxUf-4mDwV5nohhDlItTMNVBbQ3M1tzGVxWb2xc/s545/india-finds-a-home-pb-front-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomcj6ibHaRxqp3McpJOOJn5k0HibX8yCG3nsgYacKFgVrO9ZNX8RF5V8NYntnhtrEzBTa71FhRQ600MyHLaO71zljR8p7zmmiweSZuI-HGMtPwr7-Tbhzzt_Wxq5li9EV55gGikOwiEIvfO-BUZxXcxUf-4mDwV5nohhDlItTMNVBbQ3M1tzGVxWb2xc/s320/india-finds-a-home-pb-front-cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
No one called her anything but <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/kathleen-gibbs.html" target="_blank">Dog</a>, but she had food, water, and a warm place. She got to go for rides with the wind blowing in her face. She had a boy who played with her. She was happy.<div><br /></div><div>One day, the man said, “Come on, Dog, let’s go for a ride.”</div><div><br /></div><div>She ran and jumped through the open door onto the back seat. She thought maybe they would go to the dog park. How exciting.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the car stopped, the man got out and opened the door. “Get out, Dog.”</div><div><br /></div><div>She jumped out and sat waiting, but he told her to stay and climbed back into the car and drove away. </div><div><br /></div><div>She barked and ran after the car.</div><div><br /></div><div>The car drove too fast for her to catch.</div><div><br /></div><div>She sat and waited.
No one came back.
She grew hungry and cold and afraid. What could she do? Why didn’t her people want her anymore? What would happen to her?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFzsfXbWydcr5QjkzTcP-NodGZdQdIYcTgZcuWuPflhiUjh2g1MlJToouglgdMC-3arDuGRbtzUCnzAttc53XhIFX2Gg1rwBqJQvtbEY7_jB3FahyFNBqUUd1nD3OKHhCiIQJ_mlYKe4TpYg6GVVbrRXspv9D2SRhRFAXlSQVLyCPeEU_Hnm7QLsPLYA/s490/star.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFzsfXbWydcr5QjkzTcP-NodGZdQdIYcTgZcuWuPflhiUjh2g1MlJToouglgdMC-3arDuGRbtzUCnzAttc53XhIFX2Gg1rwBqJQvtbEY7_jB3FahyFNBqUUd1nD3OKHhCiIQJ_mlYKe4TpYg6GVVbrRXspv9D2SRhRFAXlSQVLyCPeEU_Hnm7QLsPLYA/s320/star.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Eleven-year-old <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/beverly-stowe-mcclure.html" target="_blank">Kate Taylor</a> dreams of being the star of her basketball team, Angels. When Kate's tooth is knocked out at one of the games, and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can't play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate's dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she's the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.
<div><br /></div><div>Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate's plans?</div><div><br /></div><div>To learn more about these and other books by 4RV Publishing , please visit us online at <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com">http://www.4rvpublishing.com</a></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-16649951556418443832023-07-16T00:12:00.002-05:002023-07-16T00:12:58.093-05:00Congratulations to 4RV Publishing's President Vivian Zabel for Cupid Awards Win!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQaqFDId9NdGhDuQB-Gh1VzqXG8l80TfRoX8ZO4DlgfRL8jGyUcJLEheAA3ERBRSIpq8W5UuixrMLolcblx3uRz5GHwbdYG_m-5kXBQsS1YuETi-PRgEQ1tLfUGhOYgpbxQuCKzKFaBgHNs8y5HC88eE0COjRfkpDzVRenWCHKYEssEy8Mog-GBsJW1Y/s963/Vivian%20Win.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="963" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQaqFDId9NdGhDuQB-Gh1VzqXG8l80TfRoX8ZO4DlgfRL8jGyUcJLEheAA3ERBRSIpq8W5UuixrMLolcblx3uRz5GHwbdYG_m-5kXBQsS1YuETi-PRgEQ1tLfUGhOYgpbxQuCKzKFaBgHNs8y5HC88eE0COjRfkpDzVRenWCHKYEssEy8Mog-GBsJW1Y/s320/Vivian%20Win.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Please join us in congratulating Vivian Zabel, President of <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/" target="_blank">4RV Publishing</a>, on her recent Cupid Awards win! The Cupid Awards are overseen by the Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild. Zabel's unpublished short story, "And the Winner is..." took the top honor in the Non-romance with Strong Romantic Plot category. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse9LJnzcp6Th4MwHuSINCSp_uzOKRPaATu2u1KtqTDlW0pean_GaSF9n02bJfEdGBrhFpFwJX_cFB93LcA9y4uvdL17YlLbFu-czfzkiy0Er3PWARnybo_K6UdYjeOA0uSeBLhGMQ_YlRpjMkn_dWBcYVaXN7TejFu5yhItgBRyh4ZODCLNsVnJZwYn4/s800/viv1-mar-2023-png-color-copy_orig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse9LJnzcp6Th4MwHuSINCSp_uzOKRPaATu2u1KtqTDlW0pean_GaSF9n02bJfEdGBrhFpFwJX_cFB93LcA9y4uvdL17YlLbFu-czfzkiy0Er3PWARnybo_K6UdYjeOA0uSeBLhGMQ_YlRpjMkn_dWBcYVaXN7TejFu5yhItgBRyh4ZODCLNsVnJZwYn4/s320/viv1-mar-2023-png-color-copy_orig.png" width="236" /></a></div><p>To learn more about Vivian and her books, please visit her website at <a href="http://www.vivianzabel.website">http://www.vivianzabel.website</a> or her author page on the 4RV Publishing website at <a href="http://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html">http://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html</a></p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-83089403940355922532023-07-11T23:00:00.007-05:002023-07-11T23:00:00.138-05:00Writing Superpowers - Foreshadowing & Eliminating Inconsistencies<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s500/superhero.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s320/superhero.png" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, we wrap up our conversation about writing superpowers. Let's discuss ways to keep readers engaged when characters act out of character and how eliminating inconsistencies in a manuscript creates a better story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever been fully into a book when suddenly your main character does something you would never expect? Does it make you sit up and say, "What just happened? They would never do that!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Why do readers feel taken aback when a character acts "out of character?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, readers feel a connection with the main character. They invest time and energy in getting to know that character's thoughts, actions, and motivations. The connection breaks when the character acts in a way they don't expect. An interruption in an established pattern can lead readers to feel betrayed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, unexpected behavior can seem random if it's not properly foreshadowed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Foreshadowing provides a hint of what is coming. Whether it be direct foreshadowing that openly suggests a problem or plot twist, or indirect foreshadowing that drops clues that lead to a revelation for the reader, recommended rules are that foreshadowing be relevant to the plot, subtle so that it creates anticipation or suspense, and properly timed so the reveal is satisfying to readers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For eliminating inconsistencies, type out character worksheets and a brief or detailed outline. The spelling of characters' names and their physical descriptions can be as hard to keep track of over a 250+ page novel as the sequence of events from beginning to end. Draw a simple map to remember where each building in your fictional town is located (especially important if you're planning a series). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How did you enjoy traveling through these writing superpowers? Is there another topic you would like us to cover? Just for fun, are you a plotter or a panster? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w167-h233/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-82379551626563481102023-06-28T22:19:00.001-05:002023-06-28T22:19:48.838-05:00Writing Superpowers - Point of View<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s500/superhero.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s320/superhero.png" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, we continue our conversation about writing superpowers. I'm a huge fan of deep point of view. As a reader, I like to get inside my character's heads and figure out why they act the way they do. That's why it's easy for me to find unintended point of view shifts in manuscripts I edit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is point of view?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Merriam-Webster defines it, point of view determines who is telling the story and what the narrator's relationship is to the characters in the story. The most common points of view are: first person, second person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. Let's look at each of these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>First Person</b> <b>- narrator is a person in the story</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since the narrator is a character in the story, the reader experiences the events that unfold from their point of view. This creates a close and immediate connection between narrator and reader. It is, however, limited to what the narrator sees, and their descriptions can be tainted by their mood, experiences, and opinions. This point of view also lends itself to exposition and summarization instead of fully developed scenes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Example: </b>Phlegm rattles in my throat. Each breath claws at my chest, burdened by the weight of my ragged coughs. Beads of sweat trace fiery trails down my cheeks, as if the scorching prairie sun lives inside me. <i>I can’t stop now</i>. John needs the money tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Second Person - narrator is speaking directly to the reader </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second person point of view allows the reader to become a character in the story. Just like first person, second person creates a close connection between narrator and reader. Where they differ is in first person, the reader experiences the story through the narrator's eyes, but in second person, the reader experiences the story through their own eyes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The challenge with this point of view is that the writer must create a character any reader can relate to or see themselves as being. Though it can create a close connection between narrator and reader, sometimes, it is more distancing to the reader. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Example:</b> Phlegm rattles in your throat. Each breath claws at your chest, burdened by the weight of your ragged coughs. Beads of sweat trace fiery trails down your cheeks, as if the scorching prairie sun lives inside you. <i>You can’t stop now</i>, you think. John needs the money tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Third Person Limited - narrator tells the story from a single character's point of view</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In third person limited, the reader is told a story from a single character's point of view. All the narrator knows are the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist. The story develops around this main character. It can be more distancing to the reader, who is limited to the experiences of this one character. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Example:</b> Phlegm rattled in his throat. Each breath clawed at his chest, burdened by the weight of his ragged coughs. Beads of sweat traced fiery trails down his cheeks, as if the scorching prairie sun lived inside him. <i>I can’t stop now</i>, he thought. John needs the money tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Third Person Omniscient - narrator knows everything</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In third person omniscient, the narrator can share the entire story without the bias of a single character's point of view. They can have their own voice and can share details they know that the characters might not be aware of. While this point of view offers flexibility to the writer, it can distance the reader. And, hopping from character to character can create confusion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Example: </b>Phlegm rattled in his throat. Each breath clawed at his chest, burdened by the weight of his ragged coughs. Beads of sweat traced fiery trails down his cheeks, as if the scorching prairie sun lived inside him. He couldn't stop now. John needed the money tomorrow. </div><p>What is your favorite point of view to read and to write? What are your biggest struggles with writing from your chosen point of view?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w167-h233/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-27470202963317388332023-06-13T23:00:00.002-05:002023-06-29T20:57:17.584-05:00Writing Superpowers - Dialogue <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s500/superhero.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7VsP3hHbT-094jAao3gHO-BP1qLj6A-8n2nmRqWAgZtUBBwhhhiTTbLoky24jqF90QgXND15hRX21o7E6gpDl8HPn5T8FjQXszAff4WYBgIUwuNNzP5YdkkcbZCotV262zrp9qylTf0glCtlEo__nYfBCnSQPlDhHhnVsVp_xwZMG5h-KdjUPt6j/s320/superhero.png" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hosts of a <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kidlit#:~:text=kidlit%20(uncountable),for%20children%20or%20young%20adults" target="_blank">kidlit</a> podcast spoke about how their superpowers helped them in working with author clients. That conversation got me to thinking about what I might say are my superpowers and how they help the authors I work for as an editor. We will look at my three superpowers over the next few weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I write good dialogue.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It might take a few drafts to get there, but the final copy flows naturally. It isn't interrupted by useless tags, doesn't dump a whole bunch of information on the reader, and makes each character unique.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's <i>talk</i> about dialogue for a moment. Here is a typical conversation you might have as you enter a meeting with a colleague.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hello," I said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hey," my colleague responded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ask, "How are you doing?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Okay," he said. "You?"<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Fine." I sat down in my chair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Did you read the materials Mary emailed to us?" he asked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nodding, I replied, "Yes. Hope we aren't here for too long."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"It will take as long as it takes." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mary entered the boardroom. "Great, you're both here. Let's get started. We might have to order lunch in." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Wonderful," I replied. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Could you make it through this passage without yawning? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dialogue isn't boring everyday speech. It serves a purpose: to move the story along and engage the reader. Unlike the example above, greetings and small talk are often eliminated because they don't serve that purpose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tags help identify who is speaking to the reader, but too many "he said" and "she said" tags interrupt the flow of engaging dialogue. Renowned author Jerry Jenkins once rewrote a book by incorporating actions and descriptions to attribute dialogue to characters instead of using the "he said/she said" tags. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Side note: In writing, we may change up said with other words: exclaimed, grumbled, and my all-time favorite, smiled. Have you ever tried to talk while you're smiling? Said often goes unnoticed by the reader, who is focusing on what the character is saying, which is why it is the preferred tag. Let your characters' actions communicate their emotions.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dialogue shouldn't dump a bunch of information on the reader. I once read a Civil War novel about two brothers that spent pages and pages having characters share stories about the current conflict. Instead of moving the story along, this info dump distanced me from the characters. By the end of the novel, I felt I really didn't know the brothers at all. Any information that is communicated through dialogue needs to move the story forward. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Good dialogue, when blended with action--and sometimes intentional inaction--helps you to create unique characters. While a character's dialect or accent can make them stand out, pitch, volume, and tone are equally important. Other things to consider:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Setting and background can influence how characters speak.</li><li>Personality influences how they speak.</li><li>The way characters speak could change depending upon the situation they are in.</li></ul></div><p></p>Let's look at the interaction from earlier, with small talk eliminated and more action and dialogue that moves the story forward.<div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Mark peered over the screen of his laptop where he had been tip-tapping away, to flash me a smile. His fluorescent white teeth made me squint. “Did you read the materials Mary emailed to us?”<div><br /></div><div>Marching to the opposite side of the room, I slid the laptop bag off my creaky, middle-aged shoulder and placed my belongings on the table. My lips curled into a sneer. “Yes. Hope we aren’t here for too long.”</div><div><br /></div><div>“My, my, my,” he said. “Someone forgot their gratitudes and affirmations this morning.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Mary waltzed in before I could respond. “Great, you’re both here. Let’s get started.” She tapped the pile of client folders she had carried in. “We might have to order in for lunch.” </div><div><br /></div><div>My fingers curled around my cup of tea. “Wonderful.” <i>I hope Mark is available to pick up the kids from school. </i></div></blockquote><div></div></div><p><br /></p><p>Does this version give you a totally different idea of what is going on here? Does it change how you view the characters' relationship? Do you see some personality shining through? Is it more engaging? Another edit or two and it might find its way into a story. </p><p>What is one of your writing superpowers? What do you like best about writing dialogue? What are your biggest struggles with writing dialogue?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rdIP4MI3CxfTRiDvCSNNq24Jq2AZNcpHAld0XZRTig320E1JsK4QsSh4L8JIh-31GHSVM-EayOtlGB6ayXAqj0_q5k2qNbaRPUEr-dPN9wyjpENJtpt5WNr8Yo1nDSud-WtWYQhz_bP67a3t9BgLc2Vd0sRIM1m8MfEKqCAmWG3qidFT6gIllsXn/w167-h233/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at <a href="https://ccmalandrinos.com">https://ccmalandrinos.com</a> or her children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></p><div><div></div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-65260561744364270292022-11-06T03:55:00.001-06:002022-11-06T03:55:00.192-06:00How to Give Basic Writing Advice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84QdNCP0CCt_ORUowClKO9h5vkfYiAL2HyrBgNgLTDRtetzg9Gg_VIIGFkFGNWLmqO54HzSzP7ns0mCvkmClfpMCQ3-pok4HyY57MHJboEQ_jXuMoBdoMtvYnwb-hi7ADK87IctqzpoocxEng5LND0OdQ3QVZO3PqQq26v8rLzTDlR69Jequ2IQOo/s454/Writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="454" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84QdNCP0CCt_ORUowClKO9h5vkfYiAL2HyrBgNgLTDRtetzg9Gg_VIIGFkFGNWLmqO54HzSzP7ns0mCvkmClfpMCQ3-pok4HyY57MHJboEQ_jXuMoBdoMtvYnwb-hi7ADK87IctqzpoocxEng5LND0OdQ3QVZO3PqQq26v8rLzTDlR69Jequ2IQOo/w367-h325/Writing.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer</b><br /></p><p> A while ago, I was asked to look over a children’s fiction picture book manuscript. This was not a paying job, just a favor. <br /><br />The ‘new to writing’ authors, who are both health care professionals, had already been calling major publishers to find out submission requirements. They were told their manuscript would not be looked at without an agent.<br /><br />So, they went to the library to find a book on top agents. <br /><br />While this is a worthy endeavor, there are some basic first steps to take before shooting for the stars.<br /><br />Just glancing at the manuscript, I knew it needed a lot of work. And interestingly, I was surprised to see so many errors in a simple 600-word story. <br /><br />It seems as we progress in learning the craft of writing, we forget that we didn’t know the very basics at one time either.<br /><br />So then, I had to figure out what to say to the authors without alienating them or totally discouraging them.<br /><br /><b>When critiquing or giving writing advice,</b> it’s important to begin with the positive aspects of the manuscript. If the errors are basic and there are a lot of them, you may also want to state them in generic terms, not to offend the author/s. <br /><br /><b>What does this mean? </b><br /><br />Well, it’s not a good idea to say, “You shouldn’t have the children’s picture book manuscript formatted in lists, numbered, or in Australian Sunrise 10pt font.” <br /><br />Instead, you might say, “Manuscripts are usually preferred typed in New Times Roman 12pt font, and are double spaced using a free form flow with the first sentence of each paragraph indented.<br /><br />See the difference?<br /><br />To help with clarity, you could include a first page example of a manuscript you have, or rewrite the 1st paragraph of the authors’ manuscript.<br /><br />If there are just too many errors, for time’s sake you can make a list of proper manuscript formatting tips. This is the approach I took.<br /><br />I started out with the ‘positive:’<br /><br />This is a wonderful idea for a children’s book and has great potential, especially that both of you are professionals in the health field. Children will certainly benefit from the story’s information. It could use some tweaking, though.<br /><br />Then I added the following: <br /><br /><b>Here are a few tips for writing and formatting a manuscript to help get it submission ready:</b><br /><br />• Manuscripts should be formatted in 12 pt Times New Roman Font <br />• They should be double spaced<br />• They should be in free form without numbering for pages or in list form<br />• The first sentence of each paragraph should be indented<br />• Children love action – actions are better shown through ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling’<br />• Notes for illustrations after each of your intended pages are usually frowned upon by publishers<br />• Most publishers, especially the major ones use their own illustrators<br />• Manuscripts are more likely to make it past the slush pile if they are polished<br />• Usually writers go through a process of one or two critique groups and writing groups. After rewrites and editing it gets to a point where it looks perfect. That’s when it needs to be professionally edited.<br /><br />These tips are part of the advice I offered the authors and I kept it as generic as possible.<br /><br />After you note the manuscript errors, you should end your advice on another positive note. You might say, “With rewriting and editing, you will have an engaging story that children will be sure to love, and it’ll be submission ready.”<br /><br />I then provided several writing links about writing for children and editing.<br /><br />Since every author’s personality is different it’s usually best to use the gentle approach when offering writing advice.<br /><br /><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ESVTPeXctAhg_2OhSOfiKoRMe09-SY1beMU77QvWVPNfYmB-ORKxKnPrmbZInUVvmPgS9Pn3Y59YZsRARlPYVepsJZ10zvt_-TCdSOaNBStrKBZ-xScaDYJmVypGV_CRhps86FQ9Mau0IAJRevJ2yzTUettaceRBBnwDjxGPk4Iyg1_n_K5bhkAH/s575/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="356" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ESVTPeXctAhg_2OhSOfiKoRMe09-SY1beMU77QvWVPNfYmB-ORKxKnPrmbZInUVvmPgS9Pn3Y59YZsRARlPYVepsJZ10zvt_-TCdSOaNBStrKBZ-xScaDYJmVypGV_CRhps86FQ9Mau0IAJRevJ2yzTUettaceRBBnwDjxGPk4Iyg1_n_K5bhkAH/w158-h255/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><br />Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and an <a href=" https://thewritingworld.com/your-author-platform/ " target="_blank">author online platform instructor </a>with WOW! Women on Writing.<br /><br />Karen’s children’s books include “Walking Through Walls” and “The Case of the Stranded Bear.” She also has a DIY book, “How to Write Children’s Fiction Books.” You can check them out at: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a>. If you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com</a>. <br /><b><br /> <br /></b><p></p><p>
</p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-87722115946812309612022-10-11T23:00:00.004-05:002022-10-11T23:00:00.182-05:00Submissions Wanted: Acquisitions Editor Cheryl C. Malandrinos Shares Her Wish List<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy21cCHoW7s6m6asxNy7SULsZhedq7Jn8syys-wWAEyawK3ZqSkgiC7HsoyoMEQLEiMLZRufvFjjhjBZLWkyo9qsKaL96qwSQBixyFZio0k7WWOsZh3usBk2TYfF6Uz0rWXtS7Tsy0WBCy8sULpDJ-43ieZzXBTzkIL9-mZysYCLnouOqbcb44_mV/s500/HEAR%20THIS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy21cCHoW7s6m6asxNy7SULsZhedq7Jn8syys-wWAEyawK3ZqSkgiC7HsoyoMEQLEiMLZRufvFjjhjBZLWkyo9qsKaL96qwSQBixyFZio0k7WWOsZh3usBk2TYfF6Uz0rWXtS7Tsy0WBCy8sULpDJ-43ieZzXBTzkIL9-mZysYCLnouOqbcb44_mV/s320/HEAR%20THIS.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Earlier this year, the 4RV editing team connected over Zoom during one of their Between the Covers of 4RV sessions to chat with readers about what they would love to see for submissions. Here is my short list:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Southern fiction - especially involving family secrets and the rich history of the South</b></li></ul><div>Since 2007, Southern fiction has been one of my favorite genres. The rich history of the South lends itself to marvellous stories. I also enjoy stories involving family secrets. I'm not opposed to ghosts in these stories, but I am also okay if no ghosts are involved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Authors/books in this genre that I've read: Rhett DeVane, Karen White, G.K. Davenport (whose debut novel, <i>Dust of Lies</i>, I was blessed to edit), <i>Property </i>by Valerie Martin, and <i>Stella by Starlight </i>by Sharon M. Draper.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Middle Grade/Tween/Young Adult paranormal mystery-solving friends</b></li></ul><div>I grew up a huge lover of <i>Scooby-Doo</i>,<i> </i>and mystery remains one of my favorite genres. Most of the mysteries I read don't include a paranormal element, but they are popular in these age groups. The most important thing to note is that these mystery solvers and their storyline must be uniquely you. I would love to see underrepresented voices in these stories. Some humor would be great, and a dabble of romance for older readers. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Authors/books in this genre I've read: The Crypto-Capers series by Renee Hand, the Gus LeGarde Mystery series by Aaron Paul Lazar, <i>The Case of the Haunted History Museum </i>by Steve Brezenoff, and <i>A Properly Unhaunted Place </i>by William Alexander.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Christian historical fiction featuring a fictional or Biblical female lead </b></li></ul><div>This is a broad idea, so let me see if I can focus it for you. The fictional lives of Biblical women intrigue me because they allow me to explore my love of Bible history and help me better understand these women of faith. Michal, the daughter or Saul and wife of David, featured in <i>The Secret Life of Kings </i>by Yochi Brandes and <i>Mary, Called Magdalene </i>by Margaret George, come to mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, I love Christian historical fiction set during almost any time period with fictional lead characters as well. Christian/inspirational romance also catches my eye. </div><div><br /></div><div>Authors/books in these genres that I've read: Kathi Macias, the Crossroads of Grace series by Allison Pittman, and The American Patriot Series by J. M. Hochstetler.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Historical fiction set during Colonial America or the American Civil War</b></li></ul><div>These are times in American history that I am most familiar with, having studied them in college. I also read more historical fiction set during these time periods than any other. For younger readers, I like a time travel element where the characters travel back in time to solve a problem. For adults, I enjoy a good spy story, characters whose stories unfold against the backdrop of battles, or escape to freedom stories. Attention to historical detail is a must. However, no graphic violence or intimate physical scenes should be portrayed.* </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Authors/books in this genre I've read: <i>Revolutionary War on Wednesday </i>(Magic Treehouse Series) by Mary Pope Osborne, <i>George Washington's Spy </i>by Elvira Wooddruff, The Civil War Trilogy by Michael and Jeff Shaara (*see note above), and <i>Wench </i>by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can view the entire Between the Covers of 4RV - What Editors Want on Youtube at <a href="https://youtu.be/W7ITlUoImwo" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/W7ITlUoImwo</a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70H6mre1VmFmYP46VLCQ1Jku8P1UmkrHyuOlcjdawJq2MTSnK5e0kzRxbNQITopepHGd3_2O2d8QmJzsSkPhqIQunRI1F-8OQS-smRlwOEsjou9IB6eCmHeC1Detm4Mn_kOR6Veg0skvOv1epOOgjKFR-dLpP8vCDFhicMKQ_pc1_xU9zPsPj2XBv/s3000/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2143" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70H6mre1VmFmYP46VLCQ1Jku8P1UmkrHyuOlcjdawJq2MTSnK5e0kzRxbNQITopepHGd3_2O2d8QmJzsSkPhqIQunRI1F-8OQS-smRlwOEsjou9IB6eCmHeC1Detm4Mn_kOR6Veg0skvOv1epOOgjKFR-dLpP8vCDFhicMKQ_pc1_xU9zPsPj2XBv/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Malandrinos-1.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's children’s book blog at <a href="https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com">https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com</a></i></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03470069911115912344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-64218023005458238762022-10-03T02:30:00.001-05:002022-10-03T02:30:00.185-05:00Book Marketing - Every Author Needs to Know About It<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOZS2UM86ROd3VNk4XXJJv4gArNpZ0I-kK6c9HkJoESReP75OoSioAxfGFzbrehma8PSJnf5etth7HnMMWOfgho7ZjK8wnPSsPmI3gufC2nTl7LCDejil1t4FvpsyBULlXy9vFQ1jpReiVgutNmVAq20506yfgC8U-lfRf55NhDE2Jjce8X2hxuZr/s436/BookMkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="436" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOZS2UM86ROd3VNk4XXJJv4gArNpZ0I-kK6c9HkJoESReP75OoSioAxfGFzbrehma8PSJnf5etth7HnMMWOfgho7ZjK8wnPSsPmI3gufC2nTl7LCDejil1t4FvpsyBULlXy9vFQ1jpReiVgutNmVAq20506yfgC8U-lfRf55NhDE2Jjce8X2hxuZr/w407-h310/BookMkt.jpg" width="407" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>By Karen Cioffi</b><br /><br />I used to write a lot about book marketing and content marketing but I’ve gravitated more toward writing, specifically children's writing over the last eight or so years.<br /><br />The thing is, while writing has a beginning, middle, and end, marketing and selling your book is never-ending … if you want to sell books.<br /><br />This is why knowing about book marketing is crucial to every author.<br /><br />When I read Neil Patel’s article on his content marketing formula, I knew I had to share it.<br /><br />Before I dive in, let me explain these terms.<br /><br /><b>Book Marketing<br /></b><br />This marketing strategy is ‘everything’ you do to bring visibility to your book and actually sell it. <br /><br />While there are some authors who just want to have a book written and don’t really care about selling it, most authors want to sell their books. <br /><br />This is especially true of authors who spend money to self-publish their books where costs can be from under $1,000 to well over $5,000.<br /><br />A few of my clients have spent well over $10,000 for just ONE book.<br /><br />Recouping the money invested in your book is a big deal to most.<br /><br />And, it’s just as important if you’re traditionally published. Your publisher will definitely want you to help sell your book/s.<br /><br />In fact, it you and another author both submitted great manuscripts to a publisher, a determining factor on who gets the contract could be who has a better book marketing platform.<br /><br />So, here are a few elements to know about before and after your book is available for sale:<br /><br />1. Create a book worthy of publishing and learn about pricing it effectively<br />2. Create and maintain an author website<br />3. Write articles and post them on your website’s blog <br />4. Be active on social media and share your blog posts and those of other users<br />5. Get an email list going and maintain it<br />6. Look into guest blogging and interviews<br />7. While doing all this and more, start on your next book<br /><br />Once your book is available for sale, you’ll also need to get book reviews and create an Amazon Author Page.<br /><br /><b>Content Marketing</b><br /><br />This strategy is about writing and sharing content to your specific target audience.<br /><br />According to Content Marketing Institute, “Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.”<br /><br />To clarify a bit, it’s about bringing visibility to you and your product/s through content (things you write and share, like your blog posts). It’s about building a brand (what you want people to think of when they see your name or logo).<br /><br />The marketing world is driven on content. <br /><br /><b>Below are a few strategies of content marketing:</b><br /><br />1. Blogging <br />2. Video<br />3. Podcasts<br />4. Infographics<br />5. Sales pages on your website<br />6. Books<br /><br />There are many other elements that go into these marketing strategies, but this should give you a basic understanding of both these terms.<br /><br />And more importantly, it’s important to understand that pretty much everything you do to sell your book is a form of content marketing.<br /><br />Now on to content marketing expert Neil Patel’s tips.<br /><br /><b>1. Optimize your headline.</b><br /><br />Everything you write, whether a blog post or a description on social media, starts with a headline.<br /><br />An example of this is the title of this article.<br /><br />There are thousands and thousands of tidbits of information online, why would someone click on your bit of information?<br /><br />The very first reason would be the headline. It’s what will initially grab the reader’s attention.<br /><br /><b>2. Add three internal links.</b><br /><br />Internal links bring the reader from one page on your website to another.<br /><br />It allows you to bring the reader at your website to other pages on your website and/or blog posts through clickable links.<br /><br /><b>3. Share your content on social media.</b><br /><br />Once you put up a blog post, use sharing tools, and share it to your social networks.<br /><br /><b>4. Message everyone you link out to.<br /></b><br />This tip pertains to external (outbound) links. Links from your website (usually from your blog post) to other websites.<br />http://www.writersonthemove.com/2018/01/seo-for-authors-part3-outbound-links-in.html<br /><br />Patel recommends that you contact the site you’re linking out to and let them know that you’ve linked to their site from your blog post or webpage.<br /><br />Ask the site to stop by and share the article.<br /><br /><b>5. Email blast your new blog posts.</b><br /><br />Email your subscribers every time you post new content.<br /><br />To learn the basics of email marketing, check out this article:<br />Email Marketing – 10 Top Reasons to BE Doing It<br /><a href="http://www.writersonthemove.com/2017/01/email-marketing-10-top-reasons-to-be.html">http://www.writersonthemove.com/2017/01/email-marketing-10-top-reasons-to-be.html<br /></a><br />I know some of this may sound too complicated, but just knowing the basics will be of tremendous benefit to you.<br /><br />So, give your book every chance at finding readers and making sales.<br /><br /><b>For a more in depth look at marketing your books, check out</b><br />Build Your Author-Writer Platform<br /><a href="http://wow-womenonwriting.com/classroom/KarenCioffi_WebsiteTrafficInboundMarketing.php">http://wow-womenonwriting.com/classroom/KarenCioffi_WebsiteTrafficInboundMarketing.php</a> </p><p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR </b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLyAKdtURWHm-1Y9zlZ2xMOia47ZKkB6ZDP0r3FRWhsDVgZ8hVHGINpkCm2NbDQ-WjFR71PM1iGyhj7ju_6BM9QiizwVZ35vsLd6pGmJRdB9l3A41HljEHU-zQ9KrTwtX_q0LmyshHCy3w6Ney_Ru2uvBSmKAoKZSe8JU0rc6ljExh4q5pURU0wZZ/s575/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="356" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLyAKdtURWHm-1Y9zlZ2xMOia47ZKkB6ZDP0r3FRWhsDVgZ8hVHGINpkCm2NbDQ-WjFR71PM1iGyhj7ju_6BM9QiizwVZ35vsLd6pGmJRdB9l3A41HljEHU-zQ9KrTwtX_q0LmyshHCy3w6Ney_Ru2uvBSmKAoKZSe8JU0rc6ljExh4q5pURU0wZZ/w168-h271/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" width="168" /></a></b></div><b><br />Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach</b> with clients worldwide. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing.<br /><br /><b>Karen’s children’s books include</b> “Walking Through Walls” and “The Case of the Stranded Bear.” She also has a DIY book, “How to Write Children’s Fiction Books.” You can check them out at: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a>. If you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com</a>. <br /><p></p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-55936832810348978322022-09-04T03:30:00.005-05:002022-09-04T03:30:00.190-05:00 Are You Showing or Telling? <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVJ911Tin1kCV--jy19GuryYRFNSek_6EscR-BCtN6WVeYPjp0cQMorFZHLGf-tttVrYAO3CMVErxww3NNDKU74pwav0XHw5vIP6q_xoGfxt1x-Nai-fNj5W8QSnw6BdYgFo__mVoZeUCdS9bMQtWA4OXxjbqWvM-ibI6lq0qA_arApkUS6S9D130/s420/Writing%20for%20Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="420" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVJ911Tin1kCV--jy19GuryYRFNSek_6EscR-BCtN6WVeYPjp0cQMorFZHLGf-tttVrYAO3CMVErxww3NNDKU74pwav0XHw5vIP6q_xoGfxt1x-Nai-fNj5W8QSnw6BdYgFo__mVoZeUCdS9bMQtWA4OXxjbqWvM-ibI6lq0qA_arApkUS6S9D130/w348-h315/Writing%20for%20Children.jpg" width="348" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><p><b>By Karen Cioffi </b><br /></p><p>I've written about showing and telling before, but it’s such an important topic that I think more information is always helpful.<br /><br />Writing is an ongoing adventure…always something to learn and tweak and hone. A while ago I wrote a children’s story and found I still had a bit of showing in it. This was noted by writing coach and children's author Suzanne Lieurance who gave it a critique.<br /><br />I was toying with the idea of submitting my story as a picture book, but was advised it would work out better as a children’s magazine article, unless I wanted to rewrite it specifically for a PB. <br /><br />Anyway, I noticed that when I write, and I think this goes for most of us, my thoughts precede my reading and writing ability – so I don’t catch my own errors. <br /><br />This happens because I know what I wrote and what I intend to convey. This makes it almost impossible for a writer to edit her own work. You can get close, but as the saying goes, Almost Doesn’t Cut It.<br /><br />What do I mean? Well, let’s look at a simple sentence: <br /><br />In a daze, Pete stumbled to his feet. <br /><br />While this isn’t the exact sentence in my story, it is similar. I revised my article and reread it numerous times and didn’t notice that “in a daze” is telling, not showing. And, what’s the KEY to writing in today’s fast paced, no time to waste world? FOCUS AND TIGHT WRITING.<br /><br />In fact, the fast-paced reader of today is getting even more impatient and ready to move on in the blink of an eye. So, we need to take this into consideration in our writing and marketing. <br /><br /><b>Okay, back to the focus of the article…</b><br /><br />So, how do we change the above sentence into a showing only sentence?<br /><br />Dazed, Pete stumbled to his feet.<br /><br />Really simple when you are able to actually read what is written rather than already know what you intended.<br /><br /><b>What are the important tips to take away?</b><br /><br />1. Make sure you are part of a critique group. These groups can be super-helpful. If you’re a children’s writer, you can find one in the forum of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrations (SCBWI). There’s a yearly fee, but it’s worth the investment.<br /><br />2. Belong to writing groups in the genre you write. You can usually ask questions and get answers.<br /><br />3. If your budget can afford it, get at least one grammar editing tool. I use Grammarly and ProWritingAid. They may not specifically tell you you’re ‘telling’, but they will tell you if you’re using passive writing.<br /><br />Just be careful not to depend on these tools solely. I’ve had both tools miss an ending dialogue punctuation on a client’s work. <br /><br />4. Do not submit your work to a publisher or agent before you’ve edited it and proofed carefully. It’s important to have someone who knows how to write to review or critique your manuscript for you (if you’re not already a part of a critique group). <br /><br />5. If it’s in your budget, have it professionally edited. <br /><br /><b>For more on showing versus telling visit:</b><br /><a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/05/14/writing-showing-vs-telling/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/05/14/writing-showing-vs-telling/</a> </p><p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></p><p><b>Karen Cioffi </b>is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing.<br /><br />Karen’s children’s books include “Walking Through Walls” and “The Case of the Stranded Bear.” She also has a DIY book, “How to Write Children’s Fiction Books.” You can check them out at: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a>. If you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com</a>. <br /><br /></p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-75262336006192064622022-08-07T03:30:00.001-05:002022-08-07T03:30:00.173-05:00Writing a Book - 6 Tips to Hiring a Freelance Editor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqjeTiyoNbhxBher8sI_UIJ1FQWjelm4B_hzwtTcb3wonzV9wEYHsz0ZFDShTeQvHtoukuUaXH4asnwl7gpBJUiiPYuPisq9FSWABwNI9oycd67_wnKaPfY2fbhvHJ1dgl3wFLnduu6slyVrDkrnq2i8HuGWKSiV8IM47hrsjYIKPuM8rruUSE20b/s454/Writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="454" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqjeTiyoNbhxBher8sI_UIJ1FQWjelm4B_hzwtTcb3wonzV9wEYHsz0ZFDShTeQvHtoukuUaXH4asnwl7gpBJUiiPYuPisq9FSWABwNI9oycd67_wnKaPfY2fbhvHJ1dgl3wFLnduu6slyVrDkrnq2i8HuGWKSiV8IM47hrsjYIKPuM8rruUSE20b/w379-h335/Writing.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b>By Karen Cioffi</b></p><p></p><p>Will hiring a freelance editor ensure you pitch the perfect game? <br /><br />In writing terms, will it ensure you get published? Do you need an editor? <br /><br />There are a number of pros and cons related to whether you should hire a freelance editor. Some writers benefit greatly from the experience while others have a difficult time and may even get insulted. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Six Points to Examine Before Hiring a Freelance Editor</span></b><br /><br /><b>1. Can you handle it?</b><br /><br />One of the most important aspects of hiring someone to critique or edit your work is to be open to criticism. If you do not have the personality to handle constructive criticism, suggestions, and/or edits, then you shouldn’t hire a freelance editor. <br /><br /><b>2. Learn the craft.<br /></b><br />Before you contemplate hiring a freelance editor, get your manuscript in the best shape possible by learning the writing craft. <br /><br />What this means is you should know your craft or be engaged in learning it. You should obviously belong to a critique group that focuses on the genre you write. This group should have new and experienced/published authors in it. This will help you to hone your craft through the critiques you receive and the critiques you give.<br /><br />There are also a number of fantastic free online writers’ conferences such as the Muse Online Writers Conference that will help you hone your craft. There are workshops offered covering just about every writing genre, plus freelance writing and marketing. AND, you will have the opportunity to pitch to publishers. Between the networking and learning, it’s not something you should lightly pass on.<br /><br />Next up on the road to learning your craft is to join a couple of writing groups – again be sure they have new and experienced writers. You can even look into a writing coach or instructor. <br /><br /><b>3. Self-edit, self-edit, self-edit.</b><br /><br />Before you pass your manuscript off, be sure you’ve gone over it meticulously. Make sure you’ve gone over all the tips and tricks to have your manuscript in ‘good’ showing form.<br /><br />Editors frown upon authors who send sloppy, error-filled manuscripts.<br /><br /><b>4. There are NO guarantees.<br /></b><br />Hiring a freelance editor to go over your manuscript will not guarantee it will get published, even the best in the field can’t promise this. What they will do is help you to get it in the best shape possible. But, whether or not you take their advice is another story. And, again, even if you do, there are no guarantees.<br /><br />This holds true everywhere in the writing world. After your manuscript is polished, you may send it to forty publishers and agents, and get forty rejections. Then, you send it to one more and it happens, this publisher was looking for just what you’re offering. They were looking for your story. Time and chance, my friends . . . and more importantly, perseverance. <br /><br />But, it’s a sure bet if you’re manuscript isn’t polished you won’t ever get that far.<br /><br /><b>5. Ask around.</b><br /><br />If you did your best to get your manuscript into what you think is publishable shape and you <br />want an editor to give it a final once over, be sure to ask for recommendations from other writers.<br /><br /><b>6. It ain’t over till it’s over.</b><br /><br />Although you may spend money to get your manuscript edited before submitting it to publishers or agents, once it’s given a contract, it’ll be back to editing again – this time with the agency or publishing house.<br /><br />Keep this in mind, so when it happens you’re not taken aback. It’s just the way it works.</p><p></p><p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrxsNGbfIa7pkwWQshTosz4C2FQ8NYFW7zWxFZKWA_wgBkYmyRO05nATPVvzqLg0qUsGEpHHVCVbvbyFlQCdzqNZfGe-FBtowyCww330AcEkiLNYdx1SzyqrMnloPEwvvSKWK9bQ-IA34zB56y666tC2YA54rxxg1gXDnIAQzQxwWtir7zqTGIL9A/s289/Karen%20289X297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="289" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrxsNGbfIa7pkwWQshTosz4C2FQ8NYFW7zWxFZKWA_wgBkYmyRO05nATPVvzqLg0qUsGEpHHVCVbvbyFlQCdzqNZfGe-FBtowyCww330AcEkiLNYdx1SzyqrMnloPEwvvSKWK9bQ-IA34zB56y666tC2YA54rxxg1gXDnIAQzQxwWtir7zqTGIL9A/w237-h237/Karen%20289X297.jpg" width="237" /></a></b></div><b><br />Karen Cioffi</b> is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing.<br /><br />Karen’s children’s books include “Walking Through Walls” and “The Case of the Stranded Bear.” She also has a DIY book, “How to Write Children’s Fiction Books.” You can check them out at: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a>. If you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com</a>. <br /> <br /><p></p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-11258890430519985272022-07-26T20:08:00.003-05:002022-07-27T10:47:44.917-05:00Blackwell Public Library hosts 4RV Publishing <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(downloadable flier)</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFijHc-ybTksG5GyDESTY8xkYuXKsj-mw4uqIkVoeYjzz3Wn8jBc-dx_xa2YiM4TZuOPpjqjxDmjHX-7_BaMXscZ3_GSO2OY6T1O3jUM8uaXC9Onw7n_F715CQ0X8jCPQ7_vrXPTFIwUMNgIZrZnwrmoNKQ_mcDRnY78x5yYBNo2k7WdADnN5fwMAZ/s3300/Blackwell%20event%202022%20flier%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="859" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFijHc-ybTksG5GyDESTY8xkYuXKsj-mw4uqIkVoeYjzz3Wn8jBc-dx_xa2YiM4TZuOPpjqjxDmjHX-7_BaMXscZ3_GSO2OY6T1O3jUM8uaXC9Onw7n_F715CQ0X8jCPQ7_vrXPTFIwUMNgIZrZnwrmoNKQ_mcDRnY78x5yYBNo2k7WdADnN5fwMAZ/w664-h859/Blackwell%20event%202022%20flier%20copy.jpg" width="664" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p></p></div>Aidana WillowRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457009991712387399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-17492461007246105702022-07-03T03:30:00.000-05:002022-07-03T03:30:00.175-05:00Can All Kid's Stories be Turned Into Books?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrz_6PNwJ2a0zjKZMb0aYkrBQDuQPkOdOro6G0aK9SM4X8L6_QphydZcuK4VgwKxXA1eEa8lq2FT-td_ExAQ3ZLuos3Xez0HZE-tuceGVvv9w_EzDkT8n1h0NmsSKpg4-rRx-Xqq1SVo_KV8oGqvrAmtE04p28XnNnEXmBrJXBkH6LbdS0U6T_eta/s420/Writing%20for%20Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="420" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrz_6PNwJ2a0zjKZMb0aYkrBQDuQPkOdOro6G0aK9SM4X8L6_QphydZcuK4VgwKxXA1eEa8lq2FT-td_ExAQ3ZLuos3Xez0HZE-tuceGVvv9w_EzDkT8n1h0NmsSKpg4-rRx-Xqq1SVo_KV8oGqvrAmtE04p28XnNnEXmBrJXBkH6LbdS0U6T_eta/w375-h340/Writing%20for%20Children.jpg" width="375" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>By Karen Cioffi </b><br /></p><p> As a children’s author, editor, and ghostwriter, I’ve only seen one story that couldn’t tweaked, nudged, shaken, or even deconstructed and reconstructed into a publishable story.<br /><br />The concept and author of that one book were, well, not quite all there. Dealing with so many clients, I’m surprised I’ve only had one so far.<br /><br />Aside from that, though, most stories or drafts can be magically turned into something an author will be proud to be author of.<br /><br />A big problem I see is that new authors sometimes don’t know what a publishable story is.<br /><br />But, wait a minute …<br /><br />Let me clarify what I mean about a publishable book because today, any story can be published, whether poorly written or well written story.<br /><br />When I use the term “publishable,” I’m talking about a book that meets the standard children’s U.S. publishing guidelines.<br /><br />Three of the top mistakes I see that would warrant taking another stab at your story or demolishing it and starting over are:<br /><br /><b>1. The point-of-view </b><br /><br />You’re writing a picture book or chapter book and have more than one point-of-view (POV).<br /><br />This can happen when you have two or more main characters in your story, or it can occur if you have head-hopping in your story.<br /><br />Let’s go back a step and define POV. Every story has to be told from someone’s perspective. In other words, who is the story about?<br /><br />It’s essential in young children’s writing that you clearly define who the protagonist (main character) is. And, there should only be one.<br /><br />Jerry Jenkins, the author of over 190 books, says he avoids slipping into an omniscient viewpoint “by imagining my Point of View or Perspective Character as my camera—I’m limited to writing only what my character ‘camera’ sees, hears, and knows.”<br /><br />So, POV is a critical element of your story. Check to make sure you have only one POV and it’s that of the protagonist.<br /><br />Head-hopping is slipping from one character’s POV to another within the same page, paragraph, or sentence.<br /><br />In the example below, Tommy is the protagonist:<br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tommy dug his cleats in. He raised the bat to his shoulder. A second later, he watched the ball heading toward him . . . like a torpedo out of its tube. Without blinking, he swung the bat. CRRAACCK. Stunned, he dropped the bat and ran. Did . . . did I just hit the ball.<br /><br />“Pete,” said Jim with a nudge, “you see that. I didn’t think he’d hit that ball—it came so fast.” Jim threw a pretend pitch. “Look at him running round the bases.”</span><br /></span><br />The second paragraph in the example is a no-no. It brings Jim’s perspective into the story since Tommy couldn’t see or hear him. <br /><br />Tommy is the protagonist and must know what’s going on in the story, or it can’t be in the story.<br /><br />This could be rewritten, though:<br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tommy dug his cleats in. He raised the bat to his shoulder. A second later he watched the ball heading toward him . . . like a torpedo out of it tube. Without blinking he swung the bat. CRRAACCK. Stunned, he dropped the bat and ran. Did . . . did I just hit the ball.<br /><br />When Tommy raced to home plate, he heard Jim yelling, “I didn’t think he’d hit that ball—it came so fast.”</span><br /><br />Now it’s all from Tommy’s point of view. <br /><br /><b>2. Adults save the day.</b><br /><br />Children want to read about children. They want the protagonist to solve his own problem.<br /><br />While parents or other adults in a story can be a support system, their involvement needs to be minimal. The young protagonist needs to come up with the solution to her problem. <br /><br />Using “Stephanie’s Ponytail” by Robert Munsch, Stephanie wants to be unique. Here’s how the story starts:<br /><br />“One day, Stephanie went to her mom and said, ‘None of the kids in my class have a ponytail. I want a nice ponytail coming right out the back.’”<br /><br />The problem, though, is the day after Stephanie comes in with that particular ponytail, all the girls in her class have it. So, each day she tells her mother to create another specific kind of ponytail. The day after each new ponytail, the class copies her.<br /><br />At the end, Stephanie comes up with a clever and funny idea that cures the class of copying her.<br /><br />While the mother is involved in the story, it’s Stephanie who comes up with all the ideas. And it’s Stephanie who solves the problem.<br /><br /><b>3. Jumping in without learning how to swim first.</b><br /><br />You’ve wanted to write a children’s book for years. You have tons of ideas, and you’ve even written a couple down. It’s gotten to a point where you can’t wait any longer; you put one of your ideas into a story.<br /><br />You type or write away and finally, you have your story, and it seems great. <br /><br />-Picture books can be 10 pages, right? <br />-You ‘kind of’ draw, so you can create your own illustrations, right? <br />-You have a couple of rhymes here and there, so that’s good, right?<br /><br />While you may have a great story idea, standard picture books are usually 32 pages, and of those pages, 24-26 are for story and illustrations. Unless you’re a professional illustrator, you shouldn’t create your own illustrations. And, either you’ve written a rhyming story or not.<br /><br />There are lots of other elements that you need to be aware of before jumping in to write a publishable book.<br /><br />So, there you have it, three top children’s writing mistakes.<br /><br />If I were to give a number 4, it would be that you have TOO much showing in the story. If I were to offer a number 5, it would be that you’re trying to knock the young reader over his head with the moral of the story.<br /><br />Hope these tips help you when you sit down to write your story.<br /></p><p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b><br /><br /><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK1Tpb3nSXiQaOiShoYH1PxblsGpNHBJ8_y06ix_9lRh7uKmdN3d26DYYrgJU2000eTYXEEPwuMia4WqBLUFxVcRTOcSNJ-ftDLYt4o5FmS_3L4ttAbcwmw5m-lyRQh-EMpXHoWewyKusQCgxybVWrwry6A2OstSxs6k3nd3Pbctbo1My3n8Zt4U0/s289/Karen%20289X297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="289" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK1Tpb3nSXiQaOiShoYH1PxblsGpNHBJ8_y06ix_9lRh7uKmdN3d26DYYrgJU2000eTYXEEPwuMia4WqBLUFxVcRTOcSNJ-ftDLYt4o5FmS_3L4ttAbcwmw5m-lyRQh-EMpXHoWewyKusQCgxybVWrwry6A2OstSxs6k3nd3Pbctbo1My3n8Zt4U0/w171-h171/Karen%20289X297.jpg" width="171" /></a></b></div><b><br />Karen Cioffi</b> is an award-winning children’s author, a successful children’s ghostwriter with 300+ satisfied clients worldwide, and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing. For children’s writing tips, or if you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com<br /></a><br />You can check out Karen’s books at: <br /><a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a><p></p><p><br /></p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-24675005286028653552022-06-05T03:32:00.001-05:002022-06-05T03:32:00.182-05:00Make Your Fiction Story Work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtieC6tx2Qs1onuSe1rvl6YxNEdg6o0CMLfmisMWlryNMZ4ezTISD28SWsCMi-48Wx6AMJBkLrjHv-KcJve3BGZSB1p9ovYFucUfoh5biBu7yqxtVYffZoqQAYZ10vt69eV7-CxsGcR3TgdekudyMQXwQ-KrjzssYlMr1QpipmMR4kq31XQc-6-TXt/s454/Writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="454" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtieC6tx2Qs1onuSe1rvl6YxNEdg6o0CMLfmisMWlryNMZ4ezTISD28SWsCMi-48Wx6AMJBkLrjHv-KcJve3BGZSB1p9ovYFucUfoh5biBu7yqxtVYffZoqQAYZ10vt69eV7-CxsGcR3TgdekudyMQXwQ-KrjzssYlMr1QpipmMR4kq31XQc-6-TXt/w394-h348/Writing.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b>By Karen Cioffi </b><br /></p><p> Think about the last time you read a story that stayed with you. A story that made you feel. A story that took you on an adventure or had you sitting on the edge of your seat. A story that made you cry or laugh ... or think.<br /><br />These types of stories have it. They have the key to making a story work.<br /><br />So, how do you go about creating a stirring story?<br /><br /><b>Here are 5 top tips to writing a fiction story that works:<br /></b><br /><b>1. It’s got to have conflict.</b><br /><br />All writers have heard this and the reason is because it’s true.<br /><br />Your protagonist MUST be striving for something, and it should be something significant. She needs to have obstacles in her way that she has to overcome in order for the reader to be engaged enough to turn the page. <br /><br />The reader has to be pulled into the story wondering if, and more so hoping that, the protagonist reaches her goal. <br /><br />You wouldn’t have much of a story following a couple in an amusement park going from ride to ride, waiting on line for food, and so on. There’s nothing for the reader to get involved with. There’s no emotional element.<br /><br />Or, what if a great writer puts two children in a story that takes place at the Bronx Zoo. The narrator describes in detail all the exhibits they visit and does it wonderfully. But, what does the reader have to sink her teeth into. Nothing.<br /><br />One of my all-time favorite movies was Thelma and Louise. The conflict was never-ending. And, it was the conflict that keep you on the edge of your seat.<br /><br />How would they get out of the mess they were in?! <br /><br />That’s how you want your readers to feel. There needs to be conflict in order to make the reader feel. It doesn’t have to be ‘seat of your pants’ drama, but it needs to be significant. It can be external or internal, but it has to be something the reader can grab and hang on to. It has to make the reader get involved with the story and care about it.<br /><br /><b>2. The readers need to be invested in the story.</b><br /><br />A good story brings the reader into the protagonist’s shoes. This is what will motivate the reader to like and root for the protagonist.<br /><br />It’s all about making the reader ‘feel.’ The story has to evoke emotion on the reader’s part. The story has to have substance.<br /><br />Going back to Thelma and Louise, one wrong decision spiraled out of control into what seemed to them as a live or die situation.<br /><br />Circumstances and choices took them bounding out-of-control, as if caught up in a tornado. This kind of story creates investment. <br /><br />It evoked emotion in just about everyone who saw the movie. Everyone was rooting for the protagonists.<br /><br />In an article, “Make Readers Deeply Connect to Your Characters,” the author calls this key factor, “transportation.” You’re bringing the reader out of their reality and into your story world. You’re transporting them. <br /><br />Like Alice when she steps into the rabbit hole. Down, down, down she went into another world.<br /><br /><b>3. The characters have to act ‘real’ and be likeable.</b><br /><br />Your characters need to be multifaceted. They need to behave like real people. This means they’ll have good traits, but they’ll also have some bad traits or weaknesses. It may be they’re indecisive. Or, at the beginning of the story they may be frightened of everything.<br /><br />Your characters should make great decisions, but they should also make poor ones. <br /><br />Along with this, your protagonist needs to be likeable. He needs to have traits that the reader will admire and connect to. It’s important that the reader likes the protagonist.<br /><br />Maybe your protagonist will be honest, heroic, responsible, generous, or loyal. <br /><br />You get the idea. These are characteristics that most people admire in others. They’re characteristics that will draw the reader in.<br /><br />I forgot what movie it was and I forgot the exact details, but basically the protagonist was sitting in a diner across from her date. Another woman, elegantly dressed, walked passed with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of her shoe. The toilet paper woman was heading to a table where a man was waiting for her. <br /><br />The protagonist excused herself for a moment. She got up and removed the paper from the woman’s foot by walking behind her and stepping on the paper. Then she sat back down and returned to her conversation. <br /><br />The woman that passed by never knew the kindness the protagonist showed her. And, the protagonist didn’t mention what she did to her date.<br /><br />This one simple act of kindness spoke volumes about the character of the protagonist. She’s the type of person you’d admire and like to be friends with.<br /><br /><b>4. The protagonist needs to have some heroic qualities.</b><br /><br />At some point in the story, the protagonist needs to step up. This can be in several small incidents that she overcomes throughout the story. Or, it can be in one climatic incident that wraps the story up.<br /><br />In general, and especially in children’s stories, the protagonist needs to take action and reach her goal. <br /><br />It may be after one or two or three failures, but ultimately, the protagonist must step up. Whether it’s physical or emotional, whether internal or external, she needs to fight through all obstacles that stand in her way.<br /><br />Readers want a purposeful story. They want and even expect the protagonist to be victorious. Don’t let your readers down. <br /><br /><b>5. Tie-up all loose ends.</b><br /><br />When you’re getting to the end of your story, make sure all loose ends are tied up. Any tidbits of information you put out there must be resolved.<br /><br />You want the reader to go away satisfied. You don’t want her wondering why something was mentioned somewhere in the story and not resolved.<br /><br />One example is mentioning that the protagonist’s close friend lost his dog. Then there’s no mention of it. Was the dog found? <br /><br />WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DOG?<br /><br />Another example is in a middle-grade manuscript I read. The author had the friend of the protagonist saying he couldn’t go to the protagonist’s special event because he had something URGENT to do that day.<br /><br />Afterward there was no mention of the urgent matter.<br /><br />This is a NO-NO. What was so urgent? Why was it mentioned, if it wasn’t followed up with? <br /><br />As I read the manuscript I knew that part would either have to be addressed (tied-up) or eliminated. <br /><br />These loose-ends are things that will gnaw at the reader. They will finish the book feeling like something is missing. Again, this is a NO-NO.<br /><br />So, there you have it.<br /><br />While there is more involved in writing good fiction, these five are at the top of the ‘good fiction story’ list. </p><p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xFFxKM8s35In2KwzW_H6bqRhpHqLNqxssc9wEPVF166fg39bXsZYZre7ERfwGTAXyMCmFhOJLULvkF5jqI7T4m4LYP28U_avSSTZnVNXSWSWVxalk91_fQQMhrIxSRyZdMuOn-r_jFa7NkffijO93uGd-MQL24L0QnlK3a0PRLDI8FD4A-OlfL7A/s575/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="356" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xFFxKM8s35In2KwzW_H6bqRhpHqLNqxssc9wEPVF166fg39bXsZYZre7ERfwGTAXyMCmFhOJLULvkF5jqI7T4m4LYP28U_avSSTZnVNXSWSWVxalk91_fQQMhrIxSRyZdMuOn-r_jFa7NkffijO93uGd-MQL24L0QnlK3a0PRLDI8FD4A-OlfL7A/w98-h159/WTW%20cover%20with%20seal%20web%20size.jpg" width="98" /></a></b></div><b><br />Karen Cioffi </b>is an award-winning children’s author, a successful children’s ghostwriter with 300+ satisfied clients worldwide, and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing. For children’s writing tips, or if you need help with your children’s story, visit: <a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com<br /></a><br />You can check out Karen’s books at: <br /><a href="https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/">https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Karen Cioffihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.com0