July 22, 2005 17:52 - From Drab to Fab, Writing that Sizzles
When in school, most of us took creative writing. When we decided
to become "serious writers" though something changed. For many of us,
the idea of being a professional writer seemed to preclude creativity.
Talent took a backseat to playing it safe. If you look at most
magazines, there is a formula to their articles. Each editor prefers a
certain style and authors that conform to that style have a better
chance of being selected. That's life.
On the other hand, there is a reason that millions of magazines
and books are published and sold, every year. And that reason is that
the writers have conformed their format to industry standards, while
keeping their own voice.
Here are some tips on getting published, while keeping the creative part in your creative writing:
1) Look at the magazines that you will submit articles to or the books put out by your favorite publisher.
Find out what the articles in that particular magazine or the books in
that publisher's genre have in common. Is it length? Do they open with
action? Do they help? Do they include references? Is there a particular
theme?
2) Next take the format and make it your own. Pick an
article or one of the shorter books and lay out the format. Make an
outline. For example: Article starts out with a killer headline. First
sentence has pizzaz. Second paragraph goes into details and references.
Last paragraph sums it all up and tells them where to get more
information. For books: First paragraph starts out with action. Second
paragraph gives characteristics in a funny way. Publisher seems to like
animal themes. Doesn't seem to like too much dialogue. Most books in
this series are about 100 pages long. Ending usually has me laughing.
3) Analyze your topic. Make your normal notes or outline of
your book or article. Draft your characters or conduct your interview.
Get as much information on paper as possible, without worrying about
format.
4) Dust off your creative writing books and jog your memory with a cup of coffee. Let your mind go. Take chances. Have fun with it.
5) Implement your creative writing strategies for this work, while sticking to the publisher's preferred format. If
they love funny first lines, give them one. If they love lessons,
include one. If they are all about family values, include them in your
story. Remember creative writing is not just a class in college. It is
a part of what professional writers do.
July 14, 2005 17:00 - How to Make Your Readers Clamor for More
Many writers make a huge mistake. They write for
themselves. Now this is fine if you are writing
in your journal, making a grocery list or only
intend to show your work to your closest friends
and most accommodating critics. For those of you,
who actually wish to get published, receive
glowing reviews and actually sell more than ten
copies, there is a better way. Write for your audience. Target your words, your
ideas and your plots to a particular audience and
know what they want. Do some research. If you
intend to write for five year olds, go to the
library and study their stages of development.
What are their language skills at that age? What
are their interests? What children’s books for
that age group soared and which flopped?
If writing for the sci-fi crowd, don’t just limit
yourself to that genre. Look for niches within
it. Are you targeting readers that were avid Star
Trek fans or are they into the Next Generation?
Find a sub section. Are they interested in aliens
or humans who have stumbled upon extraordinary
powers?
Read writing magazines, from that genre. What are
editors looking for? Many times, they will tell
you exactly what they need and what they will
burn, if they receive any more of.
Join online newsgroups and chat boards for your
subject. If you are a romance writer, join
romance chat boards and web sites. Trade ideas
with other writers. Ask who their favorite
authors are and why.
Submit sample chapters online for review. Take
their constructive criticism seriously and apply
it, if it seems to be the majority opinion.
Finally, read as many successful authors from
your field as you can. What makes their books
best sellers? What keeps you reading? Is it the
style? Is it the subject? What can you apply from
their style to your own to keep your language and
characters fresh?
If you keep these simple tips in mind, your
writing will improve, your brain will kick in
with better characters and plots and your work
will be not only accepted but applauded.
Caterina Christakos is the author of How to Write
a Children’s Book in 30 Days or Less, How to Blow
Your Competition Away at Any Audition, And Dreams
Lost Along the Way and countless articles. To
learn more about how to write and get published
go to: http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com
July 10, 2005 21:56 - Book Writing Software Programs that are Easy to Use
Do you want to write a book but don't know how to begin? Or does writer's block have you chewing your nails, doing the laundry and deciding to take up underwater basket weaving? Relax. There is help. These software programs are designed to help you past the stumbling blocks from initial idea to final draft. You will have your book written in half the time and with a lot less aggravation. These programs are great for brain storming, as well, for those times when you just don't know where to begin.So what are you waiting for? Stop procrastinating, give the dog a bath later and get one of these programs today. You will be glad that you did!
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July 8, 2005 19:25 - Writing Childrens Books that Sell
Writing Childrens Books that Sell
Writing a childrens book is the easy part. Writing one that sells
is where things can get tricky. Fortunately there is a way to prescreen
your idea before you put a single word on paper.
1) Go to the bookstore and see what the subject of the top books is.
2) Review writing magazines to see what editors are scouting for right now.
3) Get the Writers Market Book and see if there are editors out there interested in your subject.
4) Talk to children's librarians and ask them what books are the most popular right now. Use
these ideas and shape your next book around a proven market instead of
writing your book and trying to hunt down one after the fact.
