Category: Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/22/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON TO GLANCE AT A MAP OR TWO

There are just a few more days in this year, 2017, and I’ll be taking an hour or so to pull out my files (yes, paper files) that remind me of ways to select and develop the setting of my novel. However, since I want to encourage you to do the same—or begin building your own resources files/books—I’ll share a few ideas that have helped me in years past.

  • A very wise historical fiction author once told me to “start grabbing maps of the locations you’re considering using in your story.” He when on to say that the physical map is important because it “grounds the writer on earth.” (Not all my stories are on earth, but discussing that is for a different blog).
  • Maps will not only help us hone in on a specific location (or two or three), it will also show us the who the “neighbors” are. This may be of great importance in developing the mindset of our characters.
  • Once a general location is selected, take a closer look by either using an Internet search to view the land and/or contact the USGS, or local librarians to discover more about the town or village within the time-period of the scenario you’ve selected.

ANOTHER AVENUE of research for settings is to watch movies that have been set in similar locations. I love this method because I can combine personal enjoyment with “technical” research. For example, the movies Gone with the Wind and ROOTS are perfect for the study of plantations and “The South” of that historic era. The authors of the original novels wrote with such passion, developing such depth in their characters that Readers could almost taste the dust of the land in their mouths. This concept—of describing each setting so that Readers can taste, smell, see and feel the environment—is a huge benefit to Readers. (Touchable settings create a great fan club, too.)

THEN ADD a new resource book to your collection. Recently, I was introduced to a book Black Vignettes by Rosalynn Shropshire-Westtitle Black Vignettes by Rosalynn Shropshire-West. It is a collection of essays of African American History and Culture written with a seamless blend of fiction and non-fiction styles. And what strikes me most positively is that it informs me of people, events and culturally significant topics not found in ordinary U.S. history books. This author did her research, and understands the “setting” of each time-period. Some may wonder why someone would write (and then publish) a 600-page book these days. I, for one, am blessed she did, formatting it into brief essays that are easily picked up and read independently of the previous piece. This will be a resource on my shelf for years to come as I know it will enrich the genealogy research into my own family “roots,” where I’ve discovered living cousins who are African American.

Over the writing/publishing centuries there have been seasons when the general “rule” was “less description—more concrete fact.” I have never been a supporter of that thinking because it takes the essence (the heart) out of the writing. Historically proclaimed author, Anton Chekov is quoted saying, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass.” Simply reading his quote has, I’m certain, created a visible image in your thoughts and possible a hint of the story that you could produce from it. Such is the great value of setting our scenes with clear, visual and tactical preciseness.

Be encouraged, dear writer, as you approach the close of 2017 and gather bits and pieces of the setting(s) for your book(s). May this become a yearly, December, plan and process, tucked into all the fun you’ll have with family. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/15/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SMELL THE CHESTNUTS ROASTING

Have you had the opportunity to quietly observe any of your favorite authors? Maybe you’ve met one or two at writer’s conferences, or genre-specific clubs, or the primer opening of a movie made from one of their novels. The majority of my favorite authors I’ve “met” through their biography or autobiography. However, I have had the pleasure of meeting a few at conferences where I’ve also been able to observe them from a respectful distance. Much to my personal delight, what I’ve noticed most often is their ability to tap into what I’ll call their child-likeness. By that I mean they have developed a wide-eyed, adventurous attitude that gives them a sweeping perspective of all the elements in the moment they’re experiencing whether it is an intense conversation with an agent or listening to jokes over coffee and muffins. Bottom line: authors are people, too; which makes their writing richer. And almost without exception, each published (successful) author I’ve met has given me HOPE, encouraging me to continue my own writing journey.

There are, however, two genres of writing that seem to produce authors who go above and beyond to encourage every writer they meet: The Biography/Autobiography/Memoir authors, and the Faith/Religious/Spiritual Growth authors. I find myself collecting more of their books all the time, because as I turn each page I’m encouraged and challenged to keep backside of hope connie eldridge and timothy wimberlygoing and never give up on the gift of writing that tickles my thoughts every day.

One such book is The Backside of Hope by Connie Eldridge and Timothy Wimberly, which speaks volumes to me as I face daily decisions that will affect my path toward my achieving my “big dreams.” Eldridge and Wimberly wrote this true story about Wimberly’s life that had become devoid of hope—until his life became the story that moved him forward in forgiveness, restoration, and receiving the love of the Heavenly Father.

Another book on my shelf is, Revealing Divine Mysteries of the LORD of Mercy by revealing divine mysteries of the lord of mercy Mary Johnson-GordonProphetess Mary Johnson-Gordon. This author’s writing style is dynamic and dramatic. Although I’ve read it several time, I still find myself randomly opening to a chapter and re-discovering the amazing Truth of God’s extreme love of each and every one of us—His very real, constant and unconditional Love!

The experiences of this author (who is a Native American of the Haliwa Saponi Tribe) also reveal how God has set up a support-system for us which includes the angelic hosts of heaven, the saints of heaven (like Mary, the mother of Jesus, Paul the apostle) and the Holy Spirit, Who is intimately available to us. “Life” has an amazing Supernatural element to those who are willing to accept it no matter what our vocation might be.

wings of hope survivor lailah gifty akita

Authors of these two specific genre categories write with great passion and that desire for excellence is passed forward to us as we “catch their fire.” One young author who caught the fire of Hope and Faith is Lailah Gifty Akita (from Ghana) who is quoted saying, “Write your dreams in journal, notebook, card or on a cork. When you pen down your dreams, an inner strength and divine power is activated for you to work towards the fulfillment of your dreams.” Her book, The Wings of HOPE: Survivor is also a self-published book that will inspire generations.

SO, during the two days I’ve set aside for the me/writer this week, I’ll be reaching for an inspiring book written by authors who reveal the passion in WORDS. Of course, there is no way I’ll be able to read the whole book, however, catching just a glimpse of their “fire” will help be ignite my own. I hope you’ll do the same. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/8/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SET THE STEEL OUTRIGGER

Have you ever had the feeling, just as you’re finishing a novel, that the whole premise is collapsing? Be assured you are not the first writer to experience this, nor will you be the last. I firmly believe that this excruciating moment in every author’s life is qusteel outriggerite simply just part of the process of creating an excellent novel. So, how can we avoid that moment? Here we are in the 2nd week of December and the holiday activities are increasing. However, I’ve set aside two days (well, a day and a half) prepare the foundation for my work in the coming year. I call it my scaffolding agenda.

I’ve been listening to so many ideas floating in my head that will eventually fit into my actual story. But it’s the premise—the very core concept (or “take-away”) that I hope my Readers will discover, that will be my basis and to secure that solid foundation I must ask myself two important questions.

  • WHY do I want to write this story?
  • Why will Readers buy this book?

My answers will lead to the Theme (premise) of the story which I’ve learned to write out in one sentence (even if it’s a paragraph long) and post it on the wall next to my desk. Then, later, I re-write that Theme Statement from the perspective of each of my characters and, again, tape those to the wall. These two steps keep me grounded throughout every stage of writing the novel.

Now, back to the scaffolding illustration. If you’ve ever noticed the scaffolding beside new buildings, or the steelwork of a bridge you’ve probably seen the individual triangle shapes utilized throughout. From the base of scaffolds (called steel outriggers), to the steel supports in raised bridges, these triangle shapes have been selected because of their extreme strength due to the rigidity of its sides which allows them to transfer force more evenly through their sides—or “balance” the pressure.

I don’t believe it is a coincidence that Plot Outlines are often illustrated as triangles because their foundation begins with a specific character or problem (with the world) that must be resolved. Upon the shoulders of this character and the challenge he/she faces rests every other element of the story.

plot diagram

Here are the quick and easy steps I’m taking to lay the foundation for the new novel I’ll start—and finish—in 2018.

  • When I answered the “Why do I want to write this story?” question I discovered that one rather unusual character has been telling me his story—so he will be my main character and the basis for this story’s foundation. My goal during this week will be:
    • Discover his name.
    • Describe his general physical appearance/condition,
    • Write one short paragraph about his back-story.
  • Answering the question, “Why will Readers buy this book?” provided me with the problem this character faces—which will resonate with a large portion of the Reading world. My additional task for this week is to: r
    • Do a quick Internet search to learn more about this challenge in people’s lives and…
    • Start a list of the resources I’ve discovered.

Accomplishing these tasks will, I know, tweak my need to write until sunrise. However, I will remind myself that I have permission to rest—more than I work—and relax (and reconnect) with my family and friends. THIS is the Season to regenerate and let Love and Laughter Ring! ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/1/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR R&R—AND A BIT OF CONSTRUCTION

If I actually believed in time-warp-science, the fact that the Christmas/Hanukkah Holiday season arrives so quickly each year would be a definite element of proof. And yet, I must accept the simple truth that I’ve already spent each day of the previous eleven months in 2017 and those hours did, indeed, flash past me at warp speed. It is now December 1st. Am I prepared for all the activities already written on my calendar? Maybe about half of them. However, as I look at that list, I’ve decided to do something a little different this year. I’ve blocked off two days each week this month for “me”—days that I will devote to doing nothing else but rekindle the writer’s passion within. I have big plans (and hopes) for completing at least one novel in 2018 and I don’t want to begin the New Year in a frazzled frame of mind and heart.

First on my December me/writing list is scaffold-building. What do I nescaffoldinged (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually) to support the writing I’ll be doing in 2018?

  • Have I discussed my writing plan with my family? Have I listened to their plans for the year—understanding what they’ll need from me? Do we have a plan in place to work out the unexpected family events (dramas) that will affect our family life?
  • Do I need to retire my old computer (desktop or laptop) and get a new one? What time will be involved in learning the updated software? What about the old printer? Am I mentally ready to spend the time necessary to work with a support technician from the computer/printer company when “things” happen?
  • Is my physical writing space too cluttered to allow me easy access to hardcopy research materials? Do I even know where I’ve stored the research? Are the windows clean so that I can see out and up into the sky—and imagine? If the lighting in the room is already perfect, do I have extra lightbulbs on hand to keep it that way?
  • And, finally—because I’m a writer who prays over my work and the work I do for clients—I am constantly thanking God for His guidance and support of every manuscript I produce. A large prayer jar sits within reach. It contains bits of paper—prayers for HELP, appreciation for technical and research support, and thankfulness for His sweet Presence in the midst of challenging character developments.

Second on this list, is to refresh my skills by finding a quick-read, Back-To-The-Basics writing instruction book. I never want to get rusty or sloppy with what I write even though the process now seems imbedded in my fingertips. One method of doing this (in just a few days) is to select an elementary (or middle school) writing textbook and actually doing several of the lessons.

teresa perry writing that works

Author, Teresa Perry, published such a book in 2015: Writing That Works: Put All the Pieces Together. The opening line on the back cover states: “Guaranteed to improve your writing scores.” Yes, that is exactly what I hope to do! I’ll be reviewing the grammar and punctuation sections, and especially the sentence structure chapter. Quite often I find myself explaining to another author or client that a sentence they are particularly fond of isn’t structured to say what they want Readers to understand. Plus, the journal writing encouraged in this book will strengthen the “core standards” our future Readers will expect.

As I close today, I’m not sure many blog readers will even see this December blog until January or February. That’s okay. This IS the Season when family and friends “make time” for each other and writers are wise to take advantage of every such opportunity. However, the writing coach in me will make one more suggestion. “Take Notes.” A lot of wisdom is shared during these Holidays and one of the characters in your next novel may need to share it, too. THEN, step into January utilizing the suggestions given this month. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 11/24/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON TO READ FOR FUN

Reading to (then with) my daughter when she was a child was a joy I’d tucked away in my memories until her son was born just five short years ago. Suddenly, I was reintroduced to great short stories that are beautifully illustrated (Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Construction Site, and Little Blue Truck) and are now duplicated in her house and mine. Some of them I will never part with again because they speak to the child within me and offer me sage wisdom that crosses all age, ethnic, and cultural barriers.

I greatly admire the authors who write and publish these amazing books. They not only offer parents priceless “connection time” with their children, but they often allow us to explore the depths of symbolism and character development (Winnie-the-Pooh) that enhance our adult lives. Today, I give you two examples of two very different stories that will bless your holiday reading.

holidays in heaven marcia spilmanThroughout my life I’ve enjoyed the companionship of many pets from goldfish and cats to English Bulldogs. As a child, I was unable to express just how much I missed those critters, especially around the holidays when we were looking in the stores to find just the right toy (or aquarium cave) to give to them that year. So, when I found this book—HOLIDAYS IN HEAVEN by Marcia Spilman—during a recent random online search, I was thrilled. It is 38 pages of beautiful illustrations that address multiple holidays such as Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Veterans Day, Christmas, etc.

Spilman realized that our children “expect us to have answers and a brighter outlook on their loss.” This is what inspired her to write the book, offering comfort—to children of all ages—during the holidays when we are missing someone special who is no longer on this earth.

My second book selection this week is BOSS RALPHIE. One of the online reviewers saysboss ralphie edward carboni the story reminds him of a mixture of It’s A Wonderful Life and/or A Christmas Carol written through the lens of Goodfellas the mafia/mob novel. This is NOT an illustrated story for young children, but it undeniably tweaks the perspectives of everyone who’s read it.

Author Edward Carboni, has created this short story (51pages) that imagines God as the “Don of the universe” and His Archangel Raphael as “Boss Ralphie.” The Boss and his crew of “wise-guy angels” have been given a special assignment on Christmas Eve. They must save the soul of a lost man and the life of a little girl on the streets of Philadelphia. This very unique story has been heralded as “A heartwarming and funny story certain to become a new holiday classic.”

Each of my blogs this November offers us (yes, me too) the opportunity to explore different genres whether they fit into our general writing styles or not. Each of these authors has worked to develop their writing techniques and release their voices into the world. They’ve chosen to self-publish for multiple reasons (which is a topic for discussion at another time). So today, if you haven’t already picked up one of these books to read, I’m encouraging you to do so. There is much to learn from these authors.

Whether you are in the midst of writing that “great American novel,” or feel flat-lined in the concept development department, these books—and others in their genres—will inspire you in ways that cannot be anticipated. So, READ and relax a little and don’t forget to take notes when ideas begin to “pop.” This holiday season is definitely the Season to Read and Taste, Read and Imagine, Read and Seed, and simply READ FOR FUN! ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.