Kelly Speaks – Page 91 – Self Publishing Advisor

4 Ways to Bring New Life to Your Manuscript

Sometimes writers hit a dead-end in their manuscript, and they need help bringing the project back to life. While you might think writing would be the solution, it may be best to save the manuscript and take a break. But don’t completely forget about the project. Instead try these four tips to help bring new life to your self publishing book project.

1. Do some research.

To write about an event, type of character, or location, it is often helpful to be very familiar with it. When you aren’t knowledgable on the subject, you can’t always write believable scenes or dialogue. This is why it is so important to do research, even if your book is fiction. Interview people. Read a variety of sources. Take trips. Learn as much as you can about your subject.

2. Learn how to heighten the conflict.

Every story and book has a conflict. It is what keeps the readers interested and wanting to read more. There are a variety of ways you can heighten the conflict in your story. Brush off those old creative writing books, and read up on conflict. Then play around with some different tactics such as the “what if” game to bring new life to your story.

3. Mix it up.

Don’t get stuck in a rut of always doing the same thing. Try a different voice or genre. Create a character who is different from characters you usually write. Even if you decide the new techniques don’t work for you, they are bound to spark some creative ideas.

4. Work it out.

Even if they seem like a waste of time, writing exercises are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Take a writing course or find writing workbooks with creative exercises.

I’d love to know, how do you bring new life your self publishing projects?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.

Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo – 6 Month Check-in

It has been six months since NaNoWriMo. Yes, six months! Time really does fly. As you probably know, I spent a great deal of time back in November sharing about my experience with the NaNoWriMo challenge. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but when I hit the 50,000 word mark, I saved the working document and haven’t looked back…not once! For me, the six month mark is a chance to reflect on my project and set goals to refine and further improve my manuscript.

If you’re in the same boat, here a few things you should ask yourself as you reflect on your NaNoWriMo project:

How is the book coming along?

Since the challenge ended, what have you done with your manuscript? Have you continued working on it? Is it sitting in a (virtual) drawer somewhere collecting dust? Now would be a great time to open it back up and finish your manuscript. With six months passed, you can look at the manuscript with fresh eyes and bring new life to the project.

Is your manuscript done?

You may have finished writing the manuscript, but is the project truly finished? Maybe you still need to edit. Maybe you need to come up with a great title. Maybe all you have left to do is publish and market your book. Now is a great time to set new goals for your project so you’re ready in six more months to start a new novel all over again.

Are you ready to publish your novel?

If your manuscript is complete, now may be a great time to look into publishing options. Research self publishing companies. Talk to other authors. Figure out your goals and choose an option that is best for you.

Are you ready to market your book?

Even if your book isn’t yet published, it is never too early to begin marketing your book. You can share the news with family and friends. Set up social media sites. Talk to your local press. Begin making a marketing plan now, and you will have a much easier time promoting your book once it is complete.

I’d love to know, what have you done since NaNoWriMo?

Kelly Speaks

How to Be a Successful Poet

National Poetry Month has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you should stop writing and improving your poetry. Success as a self publishing poet is all about consistency, committment, and personal development. To help you become the best poet you can be, here are tips for improving your writing as well as self publishing your work.

Read. Read. Read.

Any time you want to improve your skills and become more successful, reading can help. Read poetry. Read books and articles about writing and publishing poetry. Read information about self publishing. Read anything that inspires you to write and become the best poet you can be, but don’t limit yourself to poetry and industry books. Read fiction, nonfiction, magazines, newspapers, blogs, advertisements, etc. Read everything and anything you can get a hold of. You never know what will inspire you.

Stay Committed

If you want to be successful, you need to commit yourself to your craft. Make time to write every day. Look for ways to continue to learn and grow. Figure out what motivates you and include those motivations in your daily life. Share your goals with others so they can help you accountable. Never give up on dreams.

Be Consistent

Whether you are writing, editing, or marketing, be consistent. Work on your poetry every day. Set a schedule for when you will write, edit, or market your work. Set goals for yourself, and make a plan to achieve them. Successful writers don’t write sporadically; they work on their craft in some way every single day.

I’d love to know, why do you write poetry ?

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 4/30/13

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self publishing industry. This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self publishing process, which will lead to a greater self publishing experience. To help you stay current on self publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

Self-Publishing Is For Control Freaks

As you know, I love self publishing success stories. This article is about a self publishing author who hit number one on the DBW Ebook Best-Seller list in 2013. She reveals that she decided to self publish because she is a “control freak.” Self publishing is great for authors who want to be in charge of the entire publishing process.

Top Children’s Books by Self-Published Authors for April

If you are self publishing a children’s book, it is important to understand the market. One of the best ways to do this is by reading and learning about top-selling children’s books by self published authors.

Colleen Hoover is a self-published star

Here is yet another self publishing success story. Read and be inspired.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

The Benefits of Poetry

In honor of National Poetry Month, I’ll be sharing tips and news for poets this month. Today, I’m going to address the question, “Why write poetry?” Research shows that there are several benefits to writing and reading poetry. Here are a few.

For Readers

a deeper appreciation of the world around them
a better understanding of oneself and others
comfort in difficult times
sheer enjoyment and entertainment
relaxation

For Writers

the opportunity to express emotions
the opportunity to impact readers
the pleasure of writing
the ability to have fun with language
the opportunity to learn about yourself and others

As you can see, there are many benefits to reading and writing poetry. I’d love to know, why do you read and/or write poetry?

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