Category: Uncategorized

GIANT TREES…

…BEGIN WITH A SEED. Okay, I’m a tree lover (hugger) who especially appreciates the giant trees that look down upon us with such authority.  As I begin my own process of developing a novel (that has been simmering in my thoughts for what seems like decades), I’ve started using the traditional 3×5 cards to plot the story—from seedling concept to full epic ending.  However, being a very visual learner, I’ve also decided to demonstrate the growth and connections of my plot-points by using the basic elements of the Tree-Form (with root system) as well. Here’s how it works (for me)…

1. Create a file called The Plot TREE (or something like that). Pull in an illustration of a tree with roots, similar to what is shown here.
2. At the ground-level base of the tree trunk add a 3-5 word statement about the event that starts the whole story.  (This event may—or may not—be the beginning of your novel; however, writers must keep themselves aware of the MAIN event.)  Use a Text-Box so the statement is set in place ON the Tree.
3. BUILD your PLOT-LINES. Is the Main event connected to a “root” from the past?  If so, create a Text-Box that holds a 1-3 word identifying “clue” and place it in the ROOT section.
   1. If this is a generational event, there may be deeper root text-boxes.
   2. Because there are usually several semi-main events that form the foundation of a good novel, there may be several clue-text-boxes nailed to the tree trunk—in ascending order.
4. Plot BRANCHES—storyline twists and turns—seem to develop easier using this visual aid.  Don’t hesitate to place several ideas ON the Tree and then let them simmer for a day or two. Then, go back and…
   1. Visualize those event-impacts on all your characters.
   2. Consider if one of the Branch Events fits another character better.
   3. THEN…move to the LIMBS…which will include actions and events in the lives of ALL the characters: Main Characters, Main Supporting Characters and Peripheral supporting characters.

Depending on the length of your novel, this process can be used for the work as a whole, or for individual chapters—all the way to “full foliage” tiny limbs and leaves.  A good exercise before starting your own novel is to select one of your favorite books (a short one) and “work” this process with its plotline. This will give you the feel for selecting your own plot-points and demonstrate where they grow on the Tree.

Of course, this developmental process is just one of many.  However, for my personal taste, I enjoy this method much more that other, more technical ones.  Bottom line, I hope that whatever system you select in building your novel, will work well for you so that your story flows upon the pages and you come to The End ready and excited to publish!

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.

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

The Realms of Animar

Owen Black

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN:9781432786595

There is a hidden nature to us all, and in Animar, it is simply realized. “The Realms of Animar” is a fantasy set in a world where every human has two forms, one of humanity and one of animal. Thane holds his alternate form as something truly unique and will allow the salvation of the hunted and those who seek to dominate the world under their methods. “The Realms of Animar” is a fantasy worth considering, much recommended.

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.

How Self-Publishing Can Establish You as an Expert

One of the classic ways to get recognized for your ideas is to write a book. In the past, the only societally acceptable way to do it was with a mainstream publishing house; self-publishing was only for the desperate. But that’s changed entirely in the past several years, as successful authors have decided to self-publish and self-publishing stars like Hugh Howey have been courted by New York houses. Check out the full article to learn how self-publishing can establish you as an expert.

First Bookstore Dedicated to Self-Published Authors Opens in Florida

Frustrated by a lack of opportunity to display and sell their work, self-published children’s author and illustrator Patti Brassard Jefferson and history author Timothy Jacobs decided to create a bookstore of their own, Gulf Coast Bookstore, and to only sell books by indie authors. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

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

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.

You’ve finished your manuscript and started the self-publishing process. Now you must decide if you want to pay for a custom cover or go the DIY route…

One thing I consistently notice, and discourage, is authors trying to create their own cover when they really don’t have that skill set.  They are writer’s, not graphic artists, and really should leave the design to a professional.  And not just any ‘ol graphic designer, but one who is specifically trained in designing book covers – they know what works in the industry.

Another mistake I often see is authors who will hire a graphic designer to create a cover for them before they pick a publisher – this creates a problem because the cover is seldom print-ready per the publisher’s specifications and the author ends up paying their designer more to get it print-ready.  Sometimes they end up scratching the design completely because that designer won’t participate in the process.

For a truly professional cover and easy and seamless process, you should use the in-house services of the publisher you select – those designers are going to be professionals at designing book covers, they’re embedded in the process, and they are intimately familiar with the format specifications for that publisher.

Readers choose books by their covers, so a custom cover is important to the success of your book and worth factoring into your publishing budget.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

SETTING THE STAGE III

“Prevailing Winds” often give more multi-dimensions to novels than any other element because of the effect they have on Characters, Setting and even the Plot.  A favorite and sentimental example of this is the MARY POPPINS books and film(s).  How could Nanny-extraordinaire, Mary Poppins, ever arrive to save the day if the winds of a storm hadn’t carried her to the Banks’ front stoop?  Here are a few things to consider when developing you novel’s climate controlled environment—much research may be required.

Consider the Geography. Start with the setting of your opening chapter and learn everything you can—in detail—about that place.  If it is in the mountains or in the deserts knowing the geography and topography of the land is very important. This will tell you where, when and how often storms, or famines might occur.  If your location is on a coastline, learning about ocean currents might just provide the setting (and plot/character involvement) to keep your readers intrigued.

Talk with the Weather-persons.  These folks have worked long and hard to study weather patterns and have become experts in the climate challenges of their specific locations.  They are usually happy to share their expertise with writers (and it would be nice if their names are included in your acknowledgements).  Their understanding of air masses that fluctuate with the “prevailing winds” will help you develop authentic settings for your Characters to maneuver through.

The Human Footprint. There is really no place on our planet that is not effected by some level of human, man-made geography, even if only as the result of air-currents bringing “particles” of something over and into a basically uninhabited area.  This is often the most dramatic dimension of development within a setting which—in turn—provides high-level drama. A Google search of “places untouched by modern civilization” is a fascinating exploration into what is happening on our planet.

Research Most Dangerous (or Deadly) Storms and/or Earthquakes within the setting(s) of your story. Catastrophic events such as these can (and do) change the course of history. On March 11, 2011, a major earthquake hit Japan, followed by a tsunami that some say “reached around the world.” The Nation of Japan was dramatically and forever changed by this event. In 1991, a cyclone hit Bangladesh: death toll, 140,000 men, women and children. IF your setting is in China—in 1931—the Yangtze River flood caused great geographic and human loss (more than 850,000 people). What might your main characters have done in the midst of that?

On a more pleasant note, let’s fly back to Mary Poppins and her author, P.L. Travers.  Her personal life climate and geography played an important role in her developing career as a writer. Near the end of World War II, she lived on a Navajo reservation in Arizona—quite a dramatic change from her environment in England or early life in Australia. However, each of those SETTINGS played an important part in the stories she imagined and wrote.

So it is that I leave you today with two thoughts: As an author, make sure that your writing environment is conducive to creativity, and research (carefully research) the locations where your characters walk. They will be leading you into SUCCESS as you complete your novel(s) and publish!

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.