Category: Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/17/14

HEADLINES…

When turning the pages of a popular magazine recently, I found myself reading only the headlines of each story.  If the wording didn’t capture my attention, I quickly moved to the next.  My time—even though it was time set aside for a specific appointment—was still valuable.  I didn’t want it wasted.  However, in short order, I found myself thanking the journalists for writing such clean, concise headlines.  The career of nonfiction writing is challenging, worthwhile and rewarding.

So it is that I offer my nonfiction author friends a reminder of the useful steps in creating their manuscripts.

The basic rules of journalism always apply:

  1. Use standard English spelling, punctuation and grammar while telling the reader Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.
  2. Get the facts, statistics and spelling of names and places RIGHT.
  3. KNOW the main point.  If you can’t express it in 25 words or less, you don’t have a clear/basic handle on what you’re writing.   Be short, concise, and clear in your sentence, paragraph and article length—unless asked to “expand.”
  4. Stay as objective as humanly possible.  An impartial, detached perspective will not only allow you to write excellent nonfiction following all the above criteria, it will also protect you from being damaged by the realities.
  5. ALWAYS WRITE THE TRUTH, to the best of your ability.  A writer—every writer—has an obligation to their readers to tell the unfiltered, untainted truth.

In 2011, Craig Silverman—award-winning author and journalist—wrote more about the challenges of journalistic, nonfiction writing in this Tweet and Re-tweet world.  Published in the Columbia Journalism Review, I share some of his insights and excellent advice:

  1. “Silverman’s Law of Incorrect Tweets:” WARNING!  A piece of misinformation is much more appealing than the correction, and people are inclined to re-tweet false “news” while ignoring the corrected info.  IF you are a writer who consistently has to “edit” already printed material, that reputation will follow you.
  2. Research your “sources.”  Every “source” will have their own spin on the event and/or topic.  Some will even falsify statements.  The quality and diversity of sources is hugely important, so make the effort to find the best sources (plural) possible.
  3. VERIFY before dissemination.  Apply the discipline of verification to everything you gather. Never hesitate to correct something you’ve written.  Ignoring it or refusing to make the correct has the potential to cause far greater damage than a writer’s moment of embarrassment.
  4. If a story seems to be “too good to be true”—a real scoop—it probably is.  Writers are often fooled because we want a story to be true, and we want to write about it.  Go back to the basics—and VERIFY!
  5. Don’t fear failure—let it instruct you!  Once the slam to the ego quits hurting and the anger subsides, a valuable lesson can be seen.  That’s how you stop making the same mistakes, how you get better.

There you have it.  “Easy-Peasy.”  NOT!  Some writers love research and being that private investigator.  However, most need support.  Where “two are better than one,” many eyes on a manuscript are even better.  There is a self-publishing team out there for you—one that is just the perfect match to support your project—get it published and IN the hands of your readers.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/10/14

BUILDING SAND CASTLES…

Some time ago—during a wonderful day of listening to the writings of poets, essayists, short-story writers and mystery weavers—I heard one whispering voice behind me make the following statement:  “No one will ever understand what I’m writing.  They just won’t take the time to consider the levels.”

That “level” of discouragement was not what I anticipated—or experienced up to that point—in the midst of this marvelous group of writers.  The fledgling authors were bubbling with enthusiasm.  The experienced (yet unpublished) writers spoke of challenges they’d met and new horizons before them.  And the published men and women seemed to actually sparkle as they autographed copies of their books and encouraged everyone.  When I tried to inconspicuously locate the person who’d spoken those disheartened words, the crowd had shuffled.  I didn’t want anyone leaving that gathering in such consternation, yet it was apparent that I would not be the one to reassure that person.

Later, as I thought about this unknown writer, a present-day author came to mind: Anne Lamott.  Some might call her more of a political activist; however, the popularity of her work has proven that writing with honesty will not only meet the unexpected needs of the writer, but also touch the lives of readers who WILL understand the multi-levels of development and meaning.  Ms. Lamott has published a book titled Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.  Many of her statements inspire me and, yes, some confuse me a bit.  However the following—speaking directly to all writers—is so beautifully written that I must share it.

“You are lucky to be one of those people who wishes to build sand castles with words, who is willing to create a place where your imagination can wander. We build this place with the sand of memories; these castles are our memories and inventiveness made tangible. So part of us believes that when the tide starts coming in, we won’t really have lost anything, because actually only a symbol of it was there in the sand. Another part of us thinks we’ll figure out a way to divert the ocean. This is what separates artists from ordinary people: the belief, deep in our hearts, that if we build our castles well enough, somehow the ocean won’t wash them away.”

So it is, my friends, that I encourage every writer out there to “build your sand castles!”  Weave your memories with research and imagination.  Let the characters—the “people”—whose passions must be heard tell their stories.  Then PUBLISH!

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/03/14

WHEN YOU BEGIN (or continue) a writing project and look at that new, clean, fresh page, have you ever wondered how many other people out there in the wide-wonderful-world are doing the same—even at the exact same time?  When talking with one of my dear, self-published author/friends recently, our conversation left me with that thought.  She will soon publish her third book and is already building concept-files for the next two!  The fact that there are many “other” writers out there preparing to do the same doesn’t intimidate her in the least.  Why?  Because she is keenly aware that her topics, her writing style, her “voice” that will speak from the book pages are uniquely hers—and no one else can write her books.

Talking with this author also brought back memories of working with high school students as they built their writing skills—and developed their writing voices.  One of the poets we studied was William Blake.  In his lifetime, he was never really recognized for his writing gifts.  In fact, it was once said of him that he was “the least-read poet in the English language.”  Yet, his critics did not deter him.  His writing career spanned the late 1700s-early 1800s.  In 2002, Blake was listed as number 38 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.  How wonderful it is to know that our works of writing will live into the future!

William Blake is also an inspiration for today’s Illustrators!  In his day, his artistic gifts were labeled “printmaking,” created by transferring ink through a prepared screen to a sheet of paper.  Each print was considered an original—not a copy—because they were inspired by the concept/image he held at that time.  These works have also stood the test of time influencing artists and illustrators who add expert detail and fine lines to create personality and flare in each individual piece.

So it is that I “shout out” my encouragements to writers and illustrators in this New Year!  You have gifts that need to be shared with the world.  Don’t hesitate!  The self-publishing arena has been developed just for you!  Create your best work and get it into the hands of those who will appreciate it and love you for doing the hard work!  2014 IS YOUR YEAR OF SUCCESS!

 

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 12/27/13

‘Tis A NEW SEASON.

With our families surrounded with tattered snowflake wrapping paper and empty boxes, there are now moments—fleeting though they may be—when we can take a collective breath and look into the future.  We are writers; people filled with scenes and scenarios; storylines of mystery and intrigue; characters who live and breathe!  We are the writers who can (as Carl Sagan said) write books proving “that humans are capable of working magic.”  If that seems too big a plan for you in 2014, remember there is a whole team of marvelous people in the self-publishing realm who are ready, willing and excited to help you!

One of my favorite authors Madeline L’Engle (A Wrinkle In Time) counsels writers saying, “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”  Words of wisdom I hope to put into action in 2014 and beyond!

My 2014 plan looks like this:

  1. Acknowledge that not every genre fits me!  Over the years that I’ve been placing words on paper to create stories; I’ve weeded out the genres of satire, most romances, political, horror and comedy—and, of course, the x-rated stuff.  I know that my ability to write is a gift and from that gift the foundation of all that I write will be built—and built well—if I respect and honor it.
  2. Acknowledge my responsibility to nurture this writing gift.  A very dear writing friend of mine (who will be 101 years young this January and is still writing) has strongly encouraged me to “never quit learning.”  The world of writing dwells in a state of conundrum that “remains the same yet is ever-changing.”  It is up to me to hone my writing abilities while learning about the new technologies that are out there in the publishing world.
  3. Acknowledge that I am the steward of my writing talents, abilities and materials.  Remembering the mantra of journalism is a good way to help with this: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.  Answering these questions for myself—about what I’m writing—keeps me on track.
    1. Who is my audience?
    2. Why am I writing this story (my motive)?
    3. What are the motives of the characters in this story?
    4. When is the best time/season to release this story?
    5. Where will I publish/self-publish it?
    6. How will the Readers benefit from reading this story?

Anne Frank has also left an inspiring message for us.  “I can shake off everything as I write;” she said, “my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”  So as this year of 2014 approaches, may your courage in writing be reborn, and may you rejoice when holding your book(s) in your hands!  The right self-publishing team is waiting to assist you.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 12/20/13

‘Tis the SEASON to……BELIEVE.

You may recall from a previous blog—or two—that I’m working on a children’s book series.  So…fairly often, my thoughts tune-in to those stories “dancing like sugar plums” in my head.  This season of Christmas and Hanukkah cheer is no different, especially as I realize that my great-grandchildren are “aging” rapidly.  So it is that I’ve gone to the bookstore shelves and selected two of my favorite storybooks—written by other authors—to share with them on Christmas Eve.

The theme or technique I most enjoy in storybooks is when writers personify animals, allowing them to offer a perspective that children easily grasp and “grownups” might have lost the capacity to imagine.  This Friday-before-Christmas, I offer you one more story—a legend really—a bit of generational tradition-telling reminiscent of Native American oral-histories—written by yours truly for all my children—author/clients included.

THAT NIGHT a handsome Nubian Ibex—Samuel—stood on the high point of a knoll watching the shepherds and their flocks in the rock-strewn meadow below.  His masked friend, Barney Owl, was restless and had just circled his favorite perching-tree for a third time.  With a twist of his large antlers and a twitch of his tail, Samuel signaled to Barney, What bothers you, friend?  With a flutter of wings and a high pitched shriek, Barney gave the warning: A crackling is in the air—the heavens are about to open.  Samuel lifted his head and sniffed the cold air.  He shook his huge antlers and pawed at the ground sending the message: There’s no hint of rain.

At that very moment a brilliant light removed the darkness from the night and rainbow spears of sound filled the air!  Voices of thundering melody fell upon their ears waking every living creature.  An announcement was being made—in every language of creation.  “The Babe is born!  Your King has come!  He sleeps in Bethlehem; the earth is now His home.”

The shepherds fell to knees and hands; and sheep scattered the rocks and sand.  Barney Owl flew to Samuel’s back, marching to-and-fro; pushing him to GO!

The unseen singing voices raised to higher pitch, then softened to mellow notes as Samuel blinked.  And so they went—Samuel with friend Barney Owl—followed by squirrel, and mouse and racing deer—wooly sheep, goats and gazelle—and bevies of beautiful birds flying at all altitudes.  They seemed to be dancing to the crescendo of voices—voices that vaulted from meadow to mountain tops.

Then they were there—in the Presence of the King—a wee-tiny Babe wiggling to see.  It was brave Michael Mouse who first touched His Hand.  The whole of the gathering pulled in a deep breath.  Then Hoopie, the bird, let go a melodious coo-oo—that started everyone singing in words they never knew.  The language of humans came from their throats—as the Babe laughed and giggled with each new note.

This One Night when Light came to earth—brought a gift to animals of every kind—voices to use and words to speak—in Praise of their King—their Creator and Friend.  Their harmony soared with the Angels of Heaven—then softened to humming as the Babe’s eyes closed.

One tear was then seen in the eye of the Owl.  He knew this gift would fade at sunrise.  “Samuel,” Owl whispered in the Ibexes’ ear.  “Let us all stay here—and sing while we can—so this miracle will be passed forward in the memory of man.”

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.