Tag: royalene doyle

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

Conversations: 2/19/2016

IMPASSIONED LITTLE PIECES

A year ago this week, one of my very, very best friends (yes, I know, it’s not quality writing to use the word very, let alone use it twice; but the truth of it stands as is) passed from this earth.  She was one of the people I consider to be an extraordinary writer; one who could write with great passion and empathy whether she was developing a children’s novel, poetry, or creating magazine articles.  Her gift of writing extended beyond the written page as she used those intricate, intuitive skills to bring out the best in all the people she knew—whether writer or not.

I will give my friend the name Suzy, so this will read more smoothly.

Suzy never wanted to stop learning.  This desire sent her back to school in later adult years, where she graduated from college the same year as one of her sons.  Of course, her favorite class assignment was writing essays, and she was often acknowledged for the excellent work.

This love and passion for writing was what drew both Suzy and me to the same Creative Writing summer class which eventually spun itself into the cocoon of our own monthly writer’s workshop.  We both fed off the high energy of our eclectic group of writers.  When we organized weekend retreats (once or twice a year), the many hours of critique and work sessions inspired us for weeks and months to come.

writing at desk

Over these many years, being privileged to know numerous writers, I’ve developed a great appreciation in the uniqueness of each individual.  But it was Suzy who taught me how to listen to their writing voices and see their unique perspectives—ideas that they were passionate about. Yet, not matter how many manuscript pages a writer produces, IF THEY DON’T PUBLISH, their voice—their perspective—their passion—won’t reach beyond the few people in their daily lives.  The writer must become the author who releases their work to the world.

Much of Suzy’s work has been published, especially in her magazine editorial years.  But she always returned to her prose writing.  At one point, Suzy became a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers which helped her hone writing techniques for this specific genre.  One story in particular carried such intensity of emotion, woven with the power of colliding circumstances, that I have not forgotten it—in all these years.  The characters were alive and the workable resolutions were clearly inspiring to all of us who were privileged to read the manuscript.  However, she never published that novel.

So it is that I dedicate my writings today—in honor of my very, very best friend Suzy—and to all those writers out there who are holding tightly to a manuscript that needs to see the light of day.  Don’t hold back!  If you need help to complete it, call a writing friend, join an active workshop, or find a ghostwriter who shares the passion for your topic, and GET IT PUBLISHED! ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Conversations: 2/12/2016

IMPASSIONED DETERMINATION

Since I was a teen, I’ve been pursued by ideas—stories—that had to be written.  I’ve started multiple manuscripts in various genres from young adult to science fiction, mystery and children’s books.  The generic reject letters from the “old guard” publishers—who never even read my cover letter—seemed to come back to me almost before I sent the queries.  Then I discovered that the self-publishing industry was beginning to re-invent itself.  Could I adjust my old paradigms and consider options beyond the gates of publishing “houses?”

Because the very nature of being a writer takes place in what I fondly label solitary confinement—poised behind a desk with pen and paper in hand or wrists resting on the computer keyboard—most writers work alone.  This self-imposed cocoon is great for the flow of creativity, but harmful when we’re ready to face the new hurdle of how to make this novel (poetry book, cookbook, short story anthology, etc.) available to the Readers.  That is when my librarian’s words became golden advice: “Why don’t you try the writer’s workshop we’re hosting?”

adult education class

Magic happened!  Since 1976, I was nestled in a group of very active writers—a producing writers workshop—where everyone became “published” in one form or another.  We helped each other find our niché in such publishing arenas as newspaper columns, poetry chapbooks, cookbooks and magazines.  We grew in our writing skills and nurtured each other along through gentle critique. TIME has now taken many of this group home.  However, the impassioned determination to write and publish remains strong within me.

I have expanded my writing horizons by attending Writers Conferences, selecting workshops specific to my genre and rubbing elbows with published writers, editors, literary agents, creative writing consultants and marketing experts.  These conferences are great for building up a writers’ knowledge base of the publishing world and finding encouragement.  Can a publisher—from a publishing house—be found there?  Yes.

Am I just as passionately determined to write my books and get them published as I was forty years ago?  No.  Even though I can still see my book-child smothered under piles of other manuscripts only to find breathing room a year (or two) after I submit it to a publishing house, I am even more resolute to get my work in print and IN the hands of readers!

The GOOD NEWS is—the World of Publishing has changed!  Writers now have a great option to self-publish!  The old stigmas associated with self-publishing have all but disappeared being replaced by exciting new ways to print, distribute and market—and even catch the eye of film producers.  And possibly best of all, writers can now retain ALL their rights and control of their own creations.  From my impassioned and determined perspective, tomorrow is here today in the self-publishing business.  My first book—FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words—was released in May 2015!  WHEN will yours be released? ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Conversations: 2/5/2016

IMPASSIONED VISION

Whether you are a fledgling writer (just drying your feathers so you can fly) or an experienced eagle-author (whose books soar into the headlines with ease), I believe there is a key that will unlock even more writing abilities for you beyond developing additional skills and techniques.  This key is labeled: PASSION. It unlocks the door to discovering the passions that drive us to write what we write. When that happens—throughout the writers lifetime—we experience vision elements that pave the way to developing the next book, and the next.

What does this quality of Impassioned Vision look like?

  • Clarity concerning the mission and/or purpose to what we write.
  • Focused research that will provide more details on the subject matter.
  • Connection to other writers, researchers, inspired scientists and thinkers.
  • New perspectives that will challenge current thinking and cause us the build and rebuild our own viewpoints (and the various views of our characters).

Although I’ve yet to read every book by Author Anne Lamott, she continues to be one of my favorite writers. Even though some might call her more of a political activist, I enjoy her honesty and impassioned style which has, time-after-time, touched the lives of readers and challenged them to look deeper within.

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, what Lamott talks about in this book indicates to me that she’s utilizing this impassioned vision key. Her words in the following quote—speaking directly to all writers—are so beautifully written that I must share it:

"Bird by Bird" by Ann Lamott

And so it is, my friends, that I encourage every writer out there to “build your sand castles!” Dig deep to discover your very personal impassioned visions! Weave your passions, your perspectives, your “Aha” moments with research and imagination into every manuscript page.  Let your stories be told with sharpened telescopic vision through the characters—the “people”—whose passions must be heard.

Then PUBLISH! If you have a publisher-in-waiting, review the contract and sign. If not, don’t be fearful of the self-publishing marketplace. It is growing by-the-minute and offering authors partnerships with creative consultants, marketing specialists and so much more. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, linguistics, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Conversations: 1/29/2016

IT’S A NEW DAY! NEW MONTH! NEW YEAR!

Readers Also Have Eagle-Eye Expectations

 

“Be careful—be very careful—never to misspell, misuse, or make a pronoun error!” This advice came from an experienced writing acquaintance. He had just experienced a lengthy discussion (argument) with an editor who had been assigned “review” his manuscript. This gentleman author used creative spelling in the dialogue segments of one particular character throughout the whole book and the editor wanted it corrected. That was not going to happen! Within the week the author and the publishing house had a mutual parting-of-the-way and the author self-published!

Although I was very excited for my writing friend, I could also see the editor’s perspective. Word usage is extremely important and a skill that we must all develop: GRAMMAR! When I was in elementary and high school, I disliked that word (grammar) a lot! However, I now look upon it more kindly as I’ve grown into the “study of linguistics.”

LINGUISTICS

Have you ever heard someone try to dodge a point being made in a discussion by saying, “Oh, that’s just your own semantics!” It sounds like—and may be meant as—a dismissive statement. However, the person/character who says that is usually doing their best to avoid accepting the other person’s perspective. Here are a few things I’ve learned about linguistics and how this study continues to enhance my writing abilities.

  • When you and I speak/write in our own language, we use “internalized rules” to shape phrases and sentences that best communicate what we want another person to understand. This is essentially the use of grammar—our personal grammar—acquired since our ears first heard sounds.
  • Linguistics is the “bigger picture” of the basic grammar we learned in school—those clauses, and dangling participles we had to diagram. Writers who want to communicate to their readers must step into this expanded study and hear their characters speaking phonetically.
  • Writers of the exceptional and well-received books have learned the rules that govern the linguistic behavior of a characters and/or a group of characters.
  • AND writers must also accept the challenges of accurate spelling! Words may sound alike, even have similar spellings, however VERY different meanings. (e.g. their, there, they’re)

Systems of Grammar have been with us since the days of Sanskrit which existed in the Iron Age. In approximately 100 B.C. a fella named Dionysius Thrax developed his “Art of Grammar” which appeared closely to the 1st century Latin grammars. In the High Middle Ages, the Hebrew grammar developed very specific rules, leading into the Middle Ages where grammar was taught—to those of privilege—as a “core discipline” of communication. By the time the Renaissance Period was bringing about world-wide changes, all nations and people groups had some form of “grammar rules” by which to more clearly communicate.

I’ve heard it said that the Americanized grammar “rules” are no more than guidelines and extremely frustrating to authors of all genres. Personally, I prefer the term guidelines because—like the characters I’m developing—language is a living entity. It grows and changes with each individual person/character and culture. It is up to us—our creative writing ears—to hear and write in the best forms of linguistic grammar that will communicate exactly what we want our readers to hear. ⚓︎

 

RoyaleneABOUT 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Conversations: 1/22/2016

IT’S A NEW DAY! NEW MONTH! NEW YEAR!

Readers Have Deep Emotional Expectations

 

Yes, readers have emotional and spiritual expectations when they purchase your book. Not only are they looking for the escapism-excitement of cliffhanger stories they want to hear, feel, taste, touch and smell the scenes you’re creating. These are the elements where writers either shine brightly or fade quickly. The story and plot pieces cannot carry a book toward the bestselling lists alone. You may recall my mention of Aristotle a couple weeks ago. His philosophical thoughts continue to offer today’s writers a unique perspective on how to enhance the full reality of a character’s experience by adding uniquely descriptive words—even made-up words—from the following categories.

four elements earth fire air water

  • The Earth we walk upon brings us many challenges. Will your characters face a hot, dry, throat parched day? Or will they enjoy a cool, crisp, invigorating day? Must they dig themselves out of 18 inches of wet, heavy snow? Or face an earthquake? Tornado?
  • Water—and having access to clean water—is truly a life or death part of your story whether it is ever mentioned or not. If characters exist in an environment where turning on the faucet and filling the coffee-maker is an every-day occurrence that describes an important part of your story. However, if your character(s) must walk nine miles to reach a well of bitter water, their perspectives (and your reader’s perspective) will be quite different.
  • The Air we breathe might be hot and polluted or cool and clear. Air quality has become a focal point of governments and life-threatening to people/characters with breathing illnesses. Particles in the air can literally “take the breath away” from someone as if a poison gas surrounded them.
  • Fire. Readers can enjoy the cozy fireplace flames with your characters or the campfire nights under a clear star-spangled sky. They can also hear, taste, smell and be touched by the heat that comforts them in winter or the heat of flames that explode in a forest fire or burn a home to the ground. Fire is an element that readers both fear and enjoy.
  • Aristotle’s 5th element of “life” is aether which we identify today as “outer space.” He imagined that the stars and planets, that make up the “heavenly spaces” we see above us, have an effect and affect on our daily lives. Every character you create will looks UP—at some point in their story—and feel or think something that is unique to them. Something that will connect with your readers.

aether

Over the span of the last 40 years I’ve listened to hundreds of writer/speakers in workshops and classrooms as they talked about the usefulness of descriptive writing. They agree upon the absolute need to incorporate the sounds, tastes, textures, smells and emotional elements of the concepts listed above. However, most such lecturers warn writers not to over-do. MY ADVISE is to LET LOOSE and “over-do” with ALL you’ve got—especially as you create the 1st draft of your manuscript. If your desire is to give Readers a story they can “sink their teeth into,” then DO IT with clear, concise, picturesque word choices. The whole concept of descriptive writing is to feed and satisfy the readers’ expectations—allowing them the opportunity to live the lives of the characters. Paint a masterpiece image of the people, places and things that make up your story. Every detail will make your book more interesting and more engaging. THEN, by the time your 2nd book hits the bookstores and online shopping sites, you’ll have created a fan-base for all your future published works! ⚓︎

 

RoyaleneABOUT 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.