Zita has tried out many different ways of creating a website – Weebly, Wix, WordPress, etc – but says the most intuitive approach is to use Weebly. So, if you would like something quick and easy to use, and free, go to https://www.weebly.com/ and sign in/sign up.
Continue reading How to Make a Website, with Zita PodanyCategory Archives: computers
Writers’ Mill Minutes April 2022
Around 15 people attended April’s meeting to watch Zita Podany’s demonstration of how to create a website without stress, cash, terror, or disaster. But first Judy, in the absence of Steve, announced the results of April’s Dazzle Me contest.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes April 2022How to make an anthology – notes from Sheila’s powerpoint presentation, November 2018
Let’s Make An Anthology!
Or a novel, memoir, poetry book…
Writers Mill Minutes 201811
Writers’ Mill Minutes, Nov 18 2018
Only ten people were present for November’s meeting, but those ten got to watch a book grow from folders of random files to print-ready, kindle-ready documents, to a saleable, slender volume with a cover, designed at the meeting, soon to be available on Amazon! How’s that for an action-packed afternoon! Continue reading Writers Mill Minutes 201811
Interesting Links for March/April
You’ve guessed it. Walt is the source for many (but not all) of these links. Follow. Read. Learn. Enjoy! (Oh, and join Facebook, where you’ll find much more on our private Writers Mill page,, with thanks to Catherin!)
Get writing!
Be both inspired and inspiring. There are some really cool ideas in this: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-ways-to-repurpose-content/
A nicely imaginative post suggests how to deal with those obstacles keeping you from writing: http://willamettewriters.org/2016/02/4-obstacles-keeping-finishing-manuscript/
If the book feels too big to tackle and you’re not sure where to start: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/three-things-before-you-write-a-book/
Follow the rules to become an author? http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2015/08/24/become-an-author-5-basic-rules/
Describe your book!
From back-cover copy to elevator pitch, how would you describe your book? http://buildbookbuzz.com/amazon-book-description/
Print your book!
Fonts are scary stuff. You may not be hugely wiser after reading this, but you’ll be better informed: https://designschool.canva.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-font-pairing/
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting e-conversation about fonts: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1697027/1697027-6120823027480485892
Practice better writing!
What shape is your story? This video’s well worth watching (only 4 minutes) http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-shapes-of-stories/
Want to outline your book? http://self-publishingschool.com/11-ways-outline-book/
A checklist to help your story: https://mystorydoctor.com/12588-2/
Use Point of view to create good writing https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/want-a-page-turner-you-need-deep-pov/
Create that summary: http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd398af5e14b804a37b7f273a&id=ba869c80d6
Tell the world about your writing!
A letter to librarians – if you’re trying to get speaking engagements, or get books into libraries, this one might help: http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/03/20/library-book-tour-letter-by-christine-husom/
How to pitch, which also helps with how to query: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/pitching-with-confidence/
Lots of book marketing comments from real authors: http://selfpublishingadvice.org/book-marketing-shots-in-the-dark/
Use the Internet!
Is there a way to effectively use blogs, facebook, twitter etc? http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/20-plus-social-media-hacks-and-tips-from-the-pros/
A cool way to look at platforms, with lots of practical advice: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2016/03/jason-gracia/
Some great stuff about what to put on your author website: http://writetodone.com/creating-author-websites/
And on the “about me” page of the site (or blog): http://buildbookbuzz.com/an-about-me-page-that-sizzles/
Go to conferences!
August 12-14 Willamette Writers conference: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/
November 5 Wordstock: http://www.literary-arts.org/2016/03/wordstock-2016-news-and-updates/
Send that query letter!
Master’s review – deadline March 31st – reading fee $20 http://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/
Women only (sorry, men), WoW is inviting queries for short sweet non-fiction posts before April 10 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101417136261&ca=35072501-8a54-4708-885e-2a3376bed932
Me Print Pretty One Day – taken from Sheila’s talk 09/20/2015
Me Print Pretty One Day
Do you want to submit something to an agent or publisher? Do you want to self-publish your instructions on how to deal with difficult people? Or do you want to create a small booklet for your grandson as a Christmas gift? Chances are, even if none of these is you, you do want your writing to be read, by someone, sometime. If so, you want it to print prettily enough that they read the words instead of just looking at the paper. You want to “print pretty.” I’m no expert, but here are some ideas that just might help.
Continue reading Me Print Pretty One Day – taken from Sheila’s talk 09/20/2015
Minutes 201509
Around 20 people attended September’s meeting, perhaps encouraged by the promise of a photo at the end.
We had planned for two critiques but this month, but that didn’t work out so, inspired by David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day, Sheila gave a talk on Me Print Pretty. Notes from her talk are included below.