Thanks to Ria for leading July’s meeting and taking these excellent minutes. Wish I hadn’t missed the meeting!
The meeting came to order timely at 1:00pm. In attendance were two guest speakers, Mollie Hunt and Jason Brick. Both came early to the conference room to set up displays of their books and brand, and meet and greet our writers as they arrived. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 20190721
He is a martial artist and ended up writing a piece for a premier martial arts magazine. Admittedly, he will write for anyone within pretty much any venue, but Jason has a special enthusiasm and natural affinity for martial arts, since he himself is a martial arts specialist and he has two sons who are also involved in martial arts. He told me prior to the start of our meeting that he traveled to Malaysia in 2016 to write a piece for a travel magazine, but also so he and his sons would have the unique opportunity of visiting a country with a completely different lifestyle and culture very different from living here in the United States. He said it was an amazing experience for him and his sons, one which he will always treasure, plus he got paid to be there! Continue reading Itty Bitty Writing Space, anthologies, queries, promotion: Jason Brick July 2019
Minutes from June’s meeting with thanks to our speaker Beth Jusino, Lynne for obtaining the grant for her to join us, LaVonna for leading the meeting, Jean for taking minutes, and Judy for ensuring the minutes got sent out in a timely manner. With thanks to everyone else too — I’m still jetlagged; I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone! Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201806
Twenty members attended May’s Writers’ Mill meeting and enjoyed an amusing, intriguing and very informative talk from John Hoover, the best-selling author of How to Work for an Idiot and other fascinating titles. John described a little of his past, working for Disney, managing audiobooks for McGraw Hill, helping clients at Boeing, Delta, Hilton and many more… then went on to describe how he entered the world of writing and coaching instead of publishing. Great conversation, questions and answers ensued, as you’ll find in the notes at the end of these minutes. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201805
Writing Exercise (from Teri Brown): Teri handed around scent vials during our meeting. Maybe just stand at an open window (on this lovely spring day) and see what smell reaches your nose. Then write for 10 minutes and see what story reaches the page. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201803
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
Again, more old links as we clean up the site:
Need more book reviews?
http://randomwritingrants.com/2015/06/08/how-and-where-to-obtain-book-reviews-by-james-rose/
Deadlines and marketing:
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/07/a-book-publishing-timeline-for-holiday-sales/
Yes you can:
http://www.voicecatcher.org/archives/3666
http://www.writermag.com/2014/10/17/non-traditional-book-launch/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/book-marketing-ideas/
Query Letters and Book Blurbs:
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/03/11-essentials-of-good-query-letter.html
http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2015/01/beating-blurb-blues-part-one.html
Book videos:
http://blog.zazzle.com/2015/02/09/10-tips-video-posts/
When to market
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/5-ways-to-get-publicity-for-your-book-launch/
Book promotion, Social Media & Marketing:
http://www.bookbaby.com/free-guide/frugal-book-promoter
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-tips-improving-social-media-marketing/
http://bookarma.net/blog/author_platform/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help
http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/07/28/book-marketing-on-social-media/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/07/seven-deadly-sins-of-book-promotion/
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/