Tag: writing tips

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 5/09/14

PUPPY PAWS AND CAT TAILS

Who doesn’t love their critter companions?  Don’t answer that if you’re “one of those” who don’t get the affection we animal lovers have for our pets.  Please, just smile, and continue putting up with us.  The benefits pets bring to us—calming our nerves and bringing joy to daily living—are also of benefit to you.

PET TALES are among the very top sellers online and in bookstores!  The topics they cover range from the miraculous to the memorable to the money-makers and everything in-between.  If you have had any exposure to animals and/or pets, you have a story to tell!  Here are a few ideas that I hope will inspire you to write and jump into the self-publishing marketplace.

Guard Dogs!

Would you step into the yard where a Doberman slept on the porch?  There are many dog breeds that instantly set off human alarm bells: German Shepherds, the Rottweiler and Bulldogs to name a few others.  What IF a writer could do a little research and tell the stories of these breeds from a different perspective—the viewpoint of the Hero.  Recently, we’ve seen many individual dogs in these breed lines searching rubble after earthquakes, tornados and bombings.  A few stories have been told about them; in my opinion, there are thousands of stories left to tell.  When those “puppy paws” return to handlers, raw, cut and bleeding, we can understand something very human about their efforts to rescue loved ones trapped in very dangerous places.

Big Cats—Little Cats!

Yesterday someone posted a picture on my Facebook page that delighted me to the point of sharing it with everyone I knew.  It captured the moment just after a leopard had curled itself into a too-small empty box.  The expression on its face showed great satisfaction.  The caption read “Cats will be Cats.”  My husband and I have two ordinary tabby cats (now 16 years old).  We instantly understood ALL the moments of laughter the photographer must have enjoyed as he watched that “big cat” circle and settle into place.  The opportunities our feline friends offer us on a daily basis—to write their stories—are endless.  Doing a captioned photo-book is just one possibility; a whole series of gift books could be created and quickly self-published, ready for future holidays.

What Would the World Be Like Without Them?

There are two sad facts about human interaction with the animal/pet population.  Abuse is at the top of that list.  The second is overpopulation.  Humane societies, animal control agencies, veterinarians and rescue groups have long stories to tell about these very big problems.  One of my writer friends (who raised several litters of show dogs) “thought” of writing the stories of the dogs (pure-bred and mutts) that she had rescued.  “If only people knew,” she’d tell me, “these things would happen less often.”  This category of True Stories is wide open.  Certainly, they need to be told to protect the animals.  However, there is another big “truth” behind the actions of humans who mistreat animals.  Law enforcement will tell you that how people treat helpless animals is a main indicator of criminal behaviors.  They are developing programs to “rescue people” who have been identified with these issues from future lives of crime and imprisonment.

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 5/02/14

WRITING COOKBOOKS

What’s the big deal about writing a cookbook?  Just throw together forty or fifty favorite recipes and you’re done!  All your relatives will buy it; your co-workers who have been sampling those delicious dishes will want you to autograph their copy; and all those “cookbook addicts” who absolutely must have any and every cookbook available on the market will be snatching it off the shelves.  All true.  All excellent reasons to put that collection of tasty treats together and publish!

Now, let me offer you a challenge—the writing of a cookbook.  The topical ideas I’m about to share with you have not yet been developed.  The writers have passed from this earth, leaving their work unfinished, and (as far as I know) no one else has attempted to complete the projects.  However, I know that there are many authors out there who can (and should) pick up the gauntlet and write these books!

Concept #1:  Puddle Recipes

When the weather outside is frightful and the snow (or rain) is so delightful, what better thing to do than cook up wonderfully warming meals and tasty treats!  Of course, the recipes themselves are unique to each author, and the unique story that goes along with it will be the main attraction.  Those who live in (or grew up in) climate-challenged parts of the country—or the world—will have the most fuel for this project.  The main character (you) will be living weather-related survival adventures—always returning to rebuild strength and courage while enjoying a meal or snack (recipe included) that only you (the author) can provide!

Concept #2:  World War Recipes

This idea could easily be created as a series that includes remembrances of the many (too many) wars and conflicts we’ve lived through.  I’ve had two clients start this type of cookbook; sadly neither finished.  The first had a World War II background, complete with photos of this gentlemen on a Navy ship.  My favorite picture was seeing him as a “teenager” standing next to their anti-aircraft gun.  His hook for turning this into a cookbook was talking about the meals “all the guys dreamed of,” those home-cooked memories that live on forever.

Concept #3: Ranch Recipes

This cookbook was specifically “measured” to feed a lot of ranch-hands BIG portions.  The author enjoyed the banter of the boys around her table so much, she started collecting their stories.  Of course, she soon realized that the same “true story” had many versions, and the telling of those versions was bringing this recipe book together with lots of love and laughter.

SO…there you have it!  I know you can do it!  These ideas are too good to waste!  PLEASE pull out your laptops and get to work.  AND…if you need some inspiring help, there are a few of us ghostwriters around who will happily help you.  Bon Appetite!

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 4/25/14

ABOUT WHAT TOUCHES US DEEPLY

In this 2014 season of Passover and Easter celebrations, I am excited about all the inspired and courageous people who have placed their Faith-thoughts (their hearts) on manuscript pages and released them into the world.  So it is that I am offering thoughts on writing—motivational/faith writing—from some of my favorite Authors.

Write/Speak from the “gut.”  John Eldredge (Wild at Heart) is an outside-the-box thinker who uses his extensive life experience as outdoorsman, philosopher and motivational speaker to create his books.  He understands the “male species” very well and encourages men to be “authentic,” step into their inner courageous-ness, fight the battles of life and live the adventure of their Faith.

Life is full of complicated relationships—write about them.  Max Lucado (Outlive Your Life) has a favorite quote: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”  His books can be found in both fiction and non-fiction aisles offering encouragement to folks who have tried to do everything and become overwhelmed.

Fiction author Francine Rivers (Her Mother’s Hope) produces incredible stories that read like real life—warts and all.  Whether set in the WWII era or American pioneer days, in Europe or California, the facts are meticulously researched allowing her to portray how “life” can seem to conspire against each character—and each must weigh the choices of living their way or finding God’s path.

True life experiences become legacy mentors—TELL THEM!  When I heard that Mary Beth Chapman wrote about her personal journey after the tragic death of her five-year old daughter, it touched my heart deeply.  In the writing, there is the re-living of each moment.  And, yet, so many the world over suffer that grief.  Her book, Choosing to SEE, is offered to those who not only have had such a loss, but to all of us who have felt the burdens of deep depression and critically challenged family relationships.

Author Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) writes from the “other side” perspective.  His small Ford Escort was hit by a truck, completely crushing it and killing Don.  “That,” he says, “is where he took a detour he’d never forget.”  There may not be CSI Forensic evidence to prove his story, however, the hope it stirs in heart and mind is priceless.

Don’t forget to LOOK TO THE STARS!  Have you heard about the Rabbi from the Czech Republic, who is also a playwright and screenwriter?  Chaim Cigan has now added novel writing to his list of accomplishments, becoming one of the hottest new authors on the science fiction scene.   A man of “studies” and research, he has created a series that mixes politics and secret police with the Middle Ages, Moses and Jewish history, literally “taking readers” across continents and epochs!

SO, where does your passion lie?  Have you been complaining about the crisis circumstances seen around the globe?  Do you have an idea brewing in your imagination that could bring light and hope; or a true-life experience to tell that will show others how to survive?  THEN WRITE IT!  Get those words ON the manuscript pages and send them to your self-publisher…NOW!  There are readers out there who need to hold your books in their hands and hear what you have to say.

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 4/18/14

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

When meeting someone new—and hoping to establish a friendship—there are two topics of conversation that most people stay clear of: Politics and Religion.  Thank goodness, writers have no such boundary!  As of this blog entry, I have not yet had the pleasure of working with an author in the genre of World and/or National Politics.  However, I am very blessed to say that my life has been enriched by working with authors from the mission field, from pastors to world evangelists and prophets to next door neighbors who write about the legacy of their faith walk.  Yes, that has been a privilege and honor, indeed.

Through these faith-writing adventures, I’ve discovered that although the main subject matter may be controversial, the topic of “religion” and/or “faith” crosses over into multiple genres.  Fiction genres include: Action/Adventure, Family Sagas, Historical, Military/Espionage, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Westerns and Young Adult.  Non-Fiction genres include: Biography/Memoirs, Business/Economics, Cultural/Social Issues, Current Affairs, Military History, Humor, Medical, Parenting, Relationships, Science, Women’s Issues…and more.  There truly seems to be few genre limitations in this field of writing!  There are, however, a few TIPS that I’ve garnered and I am happy to pass these forward to you.

  • Recognize that your reading audience may be smaller than those of mainstream authors. However, you may be the next Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code) who stepped into view of readers of multiple genres (Mystery, Action/Adventure, Cultural/Social/Political, Thrillers, History, Relationships, Parenting, etc.). It is always valuable to consider your reading audience who are now able to find your book on the Internet as well as library and bookstore shelves.
  • Human beings seek comfort, hope and strength within their understanding of God—who He is and their relationship to Him. Remember, you (the author) are also a seeker. The compassion with which you choose your words, create your characters and develop your writing will make a huge impact on readers—and on you. Billy Graham is an excellent example of a writer/speaker/evangelist who understands this concept, even to the point of addressing people’s love for their pets. “I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness [in Heaven],” he said. “If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”
  • Be respectful.  There are so many factors/influences involved and “faith” is so individually personal, that one author—addressing one element and/or storyline—cannot possibly address all the theological pieces. Stick to the theme you’ve been inspired to write about. If an author follows every “rabbit-trail” of thought that might connect to the main topic, readers will come away confused and disappointed. Respecting the time, heart and mind/intellect of your readers is greatly important.
  • BE HONEST in the development of your writings. If you are creating a fiction/novel, know the motivation behind your character’s actions. If you’re writing a collection of essays on current affairs or military history, DO your research before adding your opinions on faith-in-action in the midst of those events. If your topic is about business and how “beliefs” shape policies and procedures, sit in on a college course of Business Ethics college and write the facts about what is being taught today vs what actually happens in the various businesses.

And, FEAR NOT Faith Writers!  The self-publishing industry is WIDE OPEN to accept your manuscripts and produce quality books for the reading world!

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 4/11/14

OH MY GOSH! My hands are so full! The two-year-old just pulled the pile of clean laundry onto the floor where the dog threw up! My phone is vibrating in my pocket and the computer is dinging with incoming messages. The crockpot has run dry and the stew is burning. My coffee is cold and the snow outside is at least eight inches deep. Is it really vital that I shovel a path to the mailbox? Today?

I don’t suppose any other writer has experienced this conundrum. Right? Well, I’m guessing that most of us have at least a passing memory of such days—unless, of course, you might be an Ernest Hemingway who sat back and came up with quotes like, “Never confuse movement with action.” He may have been suggesting that it takes a lot of sitting and thinking to produce literature, yet I do wonder how he ever got those books written.

Time and time again I see the truth of another concept as stated in this quote from Lucille Ball (actress/comedian): “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” THAT is how I see my author friends in the midst of their creative process—BUSY with life and living! So, when someone throws a red flag in my direction and tells me that finishing their book is “just impossible,” they will see my hand raised in stop-sign motion. Don’t EVER think in that direction! There are just too many support avenues to help a writer over the speed bumps. SO…if you’re feeling weighed down with the “can’t make its” here are a few tips.

  • Pick up a BOOK! If you have a true favorite book (mine is the ROBE by Lloyd C. Douglas), pull it off the shelf and start reading! Not only will this alert everyone around you that you’re entering “quiet-time,” the story will take you to marvelous places.
  • IF your “hands” are really too full, talk to your family and ask for help. You are a very important person in their lives and I believe (and I’m rarely wrong-ha!) that they will step up and DO some of those chores—taking you out of the pressure cooker. That is better than any “bubble bath moment” you’ve ever experienced!
  • Call a writing friend. Don’t talk about the problems you might be facing! Talk about their book project. Not only will their efforts re-energize you, they will probably ask about your characters (or plot or setting) and you’ll find yourself making notes to use the minute you’re off the phone.
  • If you’ve reached the point of selecting a publisher, talk to your support team. Their inspired ideas for the production of your book will motivate you, too.

Finally, the best resource you’ll ever find is TOMORROW. There is only so much any human being can fit into one day. So get a good night’s sleep and remember that the giant trees of tomorrow (your books) are planted by the seeds of today.

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.