Category Archives: blogging

Writers’ Mill Minutes 201802

Snow didn’t quite cancel February’s meeting, but it did cause many people to stay away. Sadly our speaker was unable to stay for the meeting too, as weather and roads deteriorated and she faced a long drive home. So Sheila learned how to use a laptop attached to the audiovisual system, and those people who did make it to the meeting had the opportunity to see each other’s websites, blogs and internet pages. Our website includes a (rather outdated) list of links at: http://portlandwritersmill.org/links/member-links/ (just click on Links above). Meanwhile, here are the ones we visited or talked about during the meeting. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201802

Writers’ Mill Minutes 201710 Book Marketing with Walt

Writers Mill Minutes October 15th

On October 15th 2017 the Writers’ Mill celebrated its 10th birthday! There was cake! Two delicious gluten-free chocolate cakes, with candles – Thank you Jean! And there was a great speaker, Walt Socha sharing his expertise in creating, publishing and marketing books. Around 25 members were there to enjoy the experience. For the rest of you, Walt’s notes can be found in two downloadable files at http://www.waltsocha.com/WM./ – a private page that you won’t find just by going to his website. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201710 Book Marketing with Walt

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

 

This month’s interesting links

February contest deadlines: https://mastersreview.com/february-deadlines-14-contests-and-lit-mags-with-deadlines-this-month/

Plus lots more deadlines in this free download. If you’re writing short pieces, you really should get this: https://mastersreview.com/free-download-literary-calendar-jan-june/

All about ISBNs http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/book-isbn-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions/

How to write a picture book. This is wonderful – just read it, even if you don’t want to write one: http://www.buzzfeed.com/macbarnett/how-to-write-a-picture-book-i066#.ecqKzERxn

Prose poetry? Poetic prose? Find out more https://madmimi.com/s/18f647?o=tm

You’ve written the book. Why is no one reading it? http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1d3577f0f5a155c4813f5ff47&id=530b5d9c2c&e=a3918d2369 or for some serious thought-provoking suggestions http://www.macgregorliterary.com/blog/what-does-a-writer-need-to-know-about-marketing/

Want to avoid some blogging mistakes? http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/06/4-major-mistakes-to-avoid-when-writing.html

become a successful blogger http://thewritelife.com/how-to-be-a-successful-blogger/

or are you still wondering why you’d want to blog? http://buildbookbuzz.com/how-to-blog-your-way-to-discoverability/

Interested in copy editing? Be sure to read down the page for useful advice – it’s not just an ad for the course. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=edd09410-d4ff-4ad1-ab2a-29ad8b015a43&c=6551b3e0-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810&ch=655a3f60-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810

Is your manuscript too long… too wordy…? https://lewiseditorial.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/10-tips-for-trimming-a-lengthy-manuscript/

Are there any song lyrics in your manuscript? http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/01/20/using-copyrighted-song-lyrics-by-christine-husom/

Using all your senses: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/use-all-five-senses-to-enrich-your-writing/

Working on your website or blog?

How to make your website:

http://www.websitecreationworkshop.com/2015/041515-webinar

How to blog:

https://lorelle.wordpress.com/classes-and-workshops/wordpress-school/

Where to blog:

wordpress.com http://www.websitecreationworkshop.com/blog/wordpress-tips/wordpress-com-vs-org/

What to blog:

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/postaday/ebook-grow-traffic/

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/postaday/ebook-photography-101/

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/post-slugs/

http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/2013/06/4-basic-website-questions-every-landing.html#.VEiQSxZ0aF9

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=14aa1ed268746f2f95111e155&id=4ac51ee94b&e=debe365ea4

http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/2013/12/blog-post-template-8-standard_9.html#.VEiTvBZ0aF9

dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/platforms-are-overrated/

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/engaging-followers/

Bring readers to your blog:

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/grow-your-blog-audience