Category: Royalene Speaks

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 12/06/13

‘Tis the SEASON to…

Last year I pretty much gave up shopping—well shopping in the marketing-media frenzy sense, anyway.  My passion for books—and the authors I’ve worked with—inspired me to buy their books and send them to family and friends.  I enjoyed the “holiday bargains,” of course, but much more than that, I felt as if I was passing forward the legacy of writing (and good story telling) that my self-publishing clients represent.

It was also last year that I seemed to hit a wall of mounting disappointment as I listened to the younger generations of my family and friends talking about their “exasperating,” even “frightening”, holiday shopping experiences.  A long-hidden rebellion within me grew and my fingers flew over the keyboard writing op-ed pieces to send to every daily or weekly print publisher.  I wanted to make a statement!  I wanted THE SEASON to be different!  I wanted it to be PEACEFUL!  Full of GOOD CHEER!  LOVE and LAUGHTER abounding on every block, in every city, town and nation!  However, to my own discredit, not one of my pieces was sent.  Too many last minute details derailed my fervor.  However, this season, I’m thinking of pulling out those pieces—developing them into a book—and self-publishing it in plenty of time for next year’s marketing-media-frenzy.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll join me in a taste of rebellion and allow your thoughts to stroll back to your favorite Holiday Season(s)—and WRITE about them.  Besides finding “just what you wanted” under the tree, what other memories do you see?  A favorite aunt bringing her deee-licious walnut fudge to Christmas dinner?  Your grandmother telling her version of “naughty” stories about your dad?  The next door neighbor stopping by with a handmade toy carved from oak wood just for you!

Over the years our family has enjoyed many traditions such as the youngest child placing the ceramic Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve and attending Christmas Eve church services.  One fairly new tradition in our house is watching a made-for-TV movie titled Silent Night.  This true-story, produced in 2002, stars Linda Hamilton as the German mother of a young son (age 12) who will soon be conscripted into Hitler’s army.  She takes him out of the city to a cabin in the woods—not far from “enemy” lines.  It is Christmas Eve, 1944, and unexpected guests arrive: first three American soldiers, then three German soldiers.  She demands a truce between them—for this one night.

You may be wondering why this movie?  Simple answer.  It inspired me.  This movie was created from an oral history interview with a high school student!  Her subject was Fritz Vincken, the boy in the “story,” and the one thing he remembered most about his childhood was war.  Many of us—many of our neighbors—and too many the world over hold such memories or actually live in war zones today.  I don’t want to forget that.  I don’t want to get so caught up in shopping or party-planning that I misplace my compassion for those who are hurting.  And, for me, seeing/experiencing a well-written, well-directed, well-acted movie such as Silent Night helps me hold my center; helps me appreciate the gifts I’ve been given that cannot be wrapped.

Plus, realizing that this story was developed (written/scripted) from a collection of oral histories done by high school students is exceptionally inspiring to me.  Important, vital, must-be-told stories are out there waiting for the right person to write them!  Is that 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 11/29/13

It is the day after Thanksgiving and many of us were greatly blessed to have shared time with our family and enjoyed that traditional meal.  Now we are faced with yesterday’s leftovers, maybe even a pot or two still soaking in the kitchen sink.  This is the perfect scenario to send writers to their desks to grab pen or pencil, or attack the computer keyboard with renewed determination!  There are no story leftovers!  Each one must be developed, completed and published!

I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to next year and planning to submit my newly self-published book to several contests.  One of the first will be the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and their Self-Published eBook Awards contests.  There are “early-bird” deadlines and rules to follow, so I’m planning to consult my Personal Marketing Assistant—one of the members of my self-publishing team—for advice.  There is also a wonderful website — www.goodreads.com — that provides a whole list of contests, PLUS allows me to acknowledge my favorite books (past and present).  THAT is where I hope to see my own books listed someday soon!  And there I will find a continuing list of readers who consider my work a “good read.”

There are also the magazines with editors who joined the arena of book award contests.  One that is well established and growing is the ForeWord Reviews magazine.  It was established in 1998 and now distributes quarterly to 7,500 librarians and booksellers and is available at most Barnes & Noble newsstands.  They look at each year’s newly published books for this contest, which is a great avenue for self-published authors to be recognized.  Their motto is “great book/independent voices.”  I like that and hope my writing will catch their attention.

So it is that my thoughts are bouncing between all the stories and articles floating in my head, and the few weeks remaining in this calendar year.  Watching the last leaves fall and snowflakes begin to float through crystal-air, my head is also full of delightful holiday memories.  I cannot help but picture myself in the midst of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the love and laughter to be shared.

SHOULD the writing take a backseat to these activities, I will, however, still have my plan-of-action in place: at least two of my current clients will be published in the New Year; several new clients will become best friends as we get their projects rolling; at least one of my own books will make it to the desks of my self-publishing team; and many book award contests will receive submissions from me and my clients.  I am, indeed, FULL of thanks for the blessings of today and the opportunities that await.

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 11/22/13

Watching the red and golden leaves fall and rise again in a gust of wind outside my window, I think of the upcoming Thanksgiving season.  Happily, as a writer, I can be thankful for my connection with a new (new to me) self-publishing family.  Previously, my experience was with a “corporate” self-publishing business—one that started out as one person’s dream but eventually became noticed and was “bought out.”  That’s when my helpers began telling me “this is the way we’re doing things now,” and I realized my book would no longer receive the personal attention I appreciated.

However, my desire to write—or more accurately my passion to communicate in writing—continues to pull and tug and nudge and jab me until I get those words put on paper.  I could show you about a dozen book starts on my shelves.  But that’s the way it works when a person not only loves to write, but also loves to encourage other writers.  When someone calls needing “just a bit of time,” my head becomes full of their project and OFF we go until their manuscript is ready for the TLC of their self-publishing team.

On the days that I may feel a bit discouraged about whether any new books of mine will make it to that finished stage, I look above my desk to a sticky-note quote from Mark Twain:  “My books are water; those [books] of the great geniuses are wine.  Everybody drinks water.”  Ah! There is such encouragement in knowing that readers will always be “thirsty.”  I have time.

Recently I’ve been working with folks who know—without doubt—that their books must “get out there” immediately.  And, as I experience their passion and resolve, I can understand the benefit readers will receive.  These authors are writing in two genres: Christian nonfiction and Memoir.  They have shared several points that motivate them to write: 1) the world environment has become so negative—so warped with uncertainty about who can be believed—that truth needs to be told; 2) our children need to know they are not alone in their struggles—that their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents have survived terrible things and grown into thriving and enriching lives; 3) families who stick together are the best support system in the world; 4) the old cliché that “hard work is its own reward,” is still true.  The man or woman who is willing to work hard with a smile on their face will succeed.

It is such a joy to be the ghostwriter working with authors who convey such passion.  Their writings encourage me and make me even more thankful that I am allowed to “work hard” for them.  Tonight, as I close this blog, I look forward to starting a new project tomorrow for a previous client—her third book.  Her passion radiates off the page and the truth she tells will bless many people.  I will be introducing her to my new self-publishing contacts and looking forward to her continued 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 11/15/13

I love the concept of self-publishing!  Since I’ve been connected with my publishing staff, I’ve learned a lot and have been encouraged as if I was their only client.  Then, when mentioning my hope to branch out into children’s book writing, their genuine excitement renewed my enthusiasm and gave me the needed-nudge to move forward.  I felt sure that my stories are good, and a few other folks think so, too.  Then came possibly the best advice I’ve had so far, “When you talk with our illustrators, talk visually.”

I’ve known for a long time—and practiced—writing with visual/descriptive language is important.  It is important for me that my readers are given the best opportunity to see the scene as clearly as I have imagined it.  However, I’m not the best verbal communicator.  Talking with an illustrator whose creative language is art has become quite a challenge.  How can I be specific enough so that an artist understands my version of a “joyful expression”?  How will I share my vision of my character’s constant “happiness,” even after a scary event?  How many levels of the visual concept of “subdued color” are there?

So recently, I’ve gone to the internet bookstores for more examples.  I’ve looked at the covers and first pages of dozens of children’s books and when I come across something that speaks to what I’m hoping to develop, I’m writing out my descriptions of what I see “illustrated.”  I am also making note of the book title and author to share with my illustrator.  Some of the thoughts repeated in my descriptive sentences are eyes are a focal point for main expressions; basic shapes and sizes are comparable to reality; solid colors are better for younger eyes; and, similar to the words on a written page, blank space is necessary.

I’ve also decided to consult with the person who will be my self-publishing marketing assistant for this project, as well as a friend who is a marketing director in the corporate world.  So far, two excellent suggestions have been made: 1) Think Like a Mother.  2) Research Early Childhood Learning.  When the mother is shopping, will she imagine herself reading this book to her child?  Will it “teach” something of value—something that most mom’s want their child to appreciate?  Can the parents point out basic colors and shapes?  Are the characters realistic enough for a child to begin associating the picture book image with the real thing?

Discovering all these levels of needed development for my “simple, fun” children’s story has surprised me.  But I am not discouraged.  In fact, I’m more excited about this project than ever because now I feel I’ll be able to give my grandchildren something even more valuable—something that might survive even to the next generation.

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 11/08/13

Now that I’m actually working on my children’s book series I’m looking forward to developing the writer/illustrator partnership. My self-publishing family relationship has continued to flourish and they’ve been very supportive in giving me the information that is necessary to select “the” illustrator for my project. Now I continue my search.

What I’m discovering is that, like writers, there are many illustrators out there. I really thought I could have narrowed my list of potential collaborators to a much shorter list by now. That is not my reality at the moment. Actually, my list seems to be growing! Our world is, indeed, blessed by many extremely gifted artists/illustrators. However, through this search process, I’ve realized that I need to define my expectations and my vision in as specific detail as possible. I’ll share what I’ve come up with so far—for my personal project—hoping that some of these concepts will be useful to others.

1. The first series of stories will focus on toddlers whose minds are ready to absorb a great amount of information. However, this being a fact, my vision is to communicate one storyline from start to finish.
2. I do not want busy illustrations—ones that have a lot of characters on a page or a lot of background clutter.
3. My main character is discovering the world around him one thing at a time—so the focal point on each page will help the toddler do the same.
4. Although my main characters are not “human,” they will personify many human qualities and attitudes—so their “expressions” are important to me.
5. It is essential that my critter characters be illustrated as close to their natural appearance as possible.
6. A natural/nature environment will also be illustrated but must be kept simple.
7. There will also be the occasional human interaction. These people will look more like real people than cartoon characters.
8. LAST THOUGHT: I’m leaning more toward pencil-drawings with very minimal color shading. I want the children to SEE the basic shapes of the characters—the basic “true” colors—so that they can identify them in the world around them.

There it is—my next steps in creatively developing these books. When I did my walk-through of our local bookstore, I became even more aware of the competition on the shelves. The big-name publishers have big-name illustrators on staff. However, with much pleasure, I found several self-published children’s books that were marvelously illustrated and definitely caught my eye. As I keep my writing focus on positive, instructive, value-building storylines, so too will I continue to seek out the illustrator/collaborator to enjoy this journey with me.

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.