Tag: writing tips

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 7/18/14

IT’S IN THE STARS

WHERE oh where are today’s true Science Fiction writers?  In my youthful days, I cut my reading-teeth on such marvelous other-world adventures as 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (by Jules Verne), War of the Worlds (by H.G. Wells) and John Carter the mysterious traveler to Mars/Barsoom.  With each impossible John Carter action and invention created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, my wonderment increased.  Yet, the present-day genre of “science fiction” now includes other facets that (in my opinion) detract from the legacy left to us by these great authors.

The specific definition of the genre of Science Fiction is “…imaginative content such as futuristic settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, faster-than-light travel, parallel universes and extraterrestrial life.  It often explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations and has been called a literature of ideas.  Authors commonly use science fiction as a framework to explore identity, morality, social structure, politics and other literary themes.”  And there you have it!  That is what I’m looking for in my Science Fiction books today.

Did you know that NPR (National Public Radio) did a survey back in 2011 to discover what people were reading in the “science fiction genre?”  This created their list of the Top 100 Science Fiction/Fantasy books (even though I’m not enthused about the addition of the “fantasy” piece).  Out of their Top Ten, only three are still alive and writing—Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin and Neil Gaiman.  Of course, I love seeing the work of many of my favorite writers remaining on top: JRR Tolkien, Frank Herbert, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov to name a few.  However, where are the new writing explorers?

Self-published author, J.M. Erickson has come upon the scene in recent years with some excellent writings.  His most recent, Future Prometheus: Emergence and Evolution, is an excellent beginning to a series that explores the edge of the familiar and the unknown terrain of possibility—a world where the science of today has warped into something totally unexpected.  This is visionary, futuristic, science/technology-based writing that compels the reader to turn the page and think about the possibilities.  Happily, this author has the understanding and background that allows his imagination to explore these “what if” scenarios.  I applaud Mr. Erickson in his writing career, in his choice to self-publish and in his willingness to think and write “outside the box.”

It is my hope that more true Science Fiction writers will step out and accept the legacy to explore human identity, national and world politics, social and cultural paradoxes within this literary framework.  Our lives are changing (evolving) by the minute and we need writers to offer other choices than the ones currently being made.  As Frank Herbert (The Dune series) said, “The gift of words is the gift of deception and illusion.”  That concept needs to be deeply explored allowing us to picture an illusion that exposes deceptions and just might show us the way to better possibilities.

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 7/11/14

OPP—Other People’s Photography

In the early months of this year, I began working with a client who is a professional photographer in the art world.  His second book will be available in late August or early September—both are self-published.  He is considering re-publishing the first (through my favorite self-publishing group) in order to take advantage of the new marketing methods.  I am extremely excited for him; not only because his art-photography is exceptional, but also because he is doing the manuscript preparation work in order to promote excellence in photography within the next generations.  An amazing legacy, indeed!

As he and I are crafting his book—placement of photographs with his accompanying verses—he has reminded me of the beauty of our surroundings.  Even the simplest of things (such as a garden crocus or ripples at the water’s edge) can bring peace and inspiration to the viewer.  So it is that once again I am justified in storing the hundreds (well, maybe a thousand or more) photos I’ve collected over the years.  Some of these saved photographic treasures are in calendar form, giving me a vision of castle estates in Ireland; waterfalls from Argentina, New Zealand; the mountains of Colorado; and space views from the Hubble Telescope.

I’m just sayin’ do you have your own photo collection yet?  If not, why not?  I am one of those folks who is just not a world-traveler and yet I love seeing the world and learning as much about it as my brain can absorb.  Then, when I’m writing (creatively constructing) a scene—whether from someone’s real life or within a fictional setting—I can look through my photo collection and visualize the place.  I can imagine the sounds within that environment, the tastes in the air and the texture of grasses, trees, stone walls, pine fences, etc.

Here are a few ways I’ve learned to categorize my photos so that I can find them when needed; there is nothing worse than not being able to locate images when you need them.

  1. Family pictures (always top on my list)
  2. Parks and “playgrounds” (the concept of playgrounds can be most anything that reminds you of where you’ve had FUN, such as amusement parks, hiking trails, backyard BBQs, dances, theatre performances etc.)
  3. Trees: this is a “seasonal” collection for me; but for the tree expert this could also  be categorized by tree species.
  4. Clouds: weather patterns create amazing cloud formations that can “tell” all sorts of fanciful stories.
  5. Places: this category can be divided into multiple sub-categories such as—houses/castles, barns, landmarks, streets (famous and not-so-famous), state capitols, bridges…and lots of others that only you will notice.
  6. Sunrises/Sunsets: these two times of the day seem to inspire me and many authors.
  7. Space (as in Outer Space)…where more humans will travel.
  8. Critters: I have shared my life with several 4-legged friends. Their antics can stir up most any flat story scene.

Of course, there are as many photo collection categories as there are photographers and authors.  Each and every one will help us motivate the writing gifts within us.  WRITE ON, fellow authors.  WRITE ON!

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 7/04/14

PERSONAL SNAPSHOT

I love the idea of utilizing personal photos to inspire writings.  I don’t mean the family portraits (although those are excellent memory-making-moments in themselves).  I mean the candid, spur-of-the-moment ones that catch folks off guard or the scenic ones that touch heart, mind and spirit and renew remembrances of events-of-the-time.  As you might imagine, reviewing photos such as these are excellent ways to develop memoirs.  Several of my friends/clients have built marvelous memoir manuscripts and published them in various formats.  However, they are also great “starters” for creating books of poetry, children’s picture books, cookbooks and pet stories.

When working with a recent true story, my starting point to understand the heart of this person’s life was seeing the photo of a cemetery headstone.  The inscription and design selected as forever statements about that person were crucial in helping the author tell her story.  She could have sent me the wording and a word-description of the design, but seeing it brought about a whole new level of understanding.

Years ago, I helped my Dad create a cookbook—JRs Memorable Meals.  He became the “family chef” when his work hours allowed him to arrive at home an hour or more before my mother (who also worked full-time).  The method we used to help him remember his cooking adventures—and the recipes he used—were mostly our family photos.  Even remembering the refrigerator helped him recall ingredients.  However, other cooking adventures were triggered by events surrounding his service in the Navy during WWII.  Putting that book together was a special time between us—one that I will remember with fondness—his “cookin’” sown into future generations.

personal snapshot

Psychologists and sociologists will quickly acknowledge the valuable connections made when looking through photo albums with the people they are supporting.  What a person notices and actually takes a picture of opens many doors.  Years later the view behind the moment of that photo is still there to be explored.  Often there is an emotional reaction from both the original photographer and the people seeing it at any given moment.  The story discovered there—interpreted and re-interpreted—can be truly amazing.

So…when I’m struggling with my own, personal writings I take a Photo-Break.  I look through my computer files of photos—scenic and family photos—and before long my mind is relaxed enough to write, write and write some more.  I recommend this to my clients, too.  Whether I’m ghostwriting a book for them, or helping them finish a book project they’re about to self-publish, taking a photo-journey is an excellent way to move forward.

 

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 6/27/14

TYPE FASTER!

Last month I attended an awards banquet for authors.  I was so excited to see such a variety of unconventional writers being recognized.  These were folks who wrote with passion, flamboyance and flare that could only come from their pens.  They inspired me!  Then, a few days later, I recalled a quote from one of my favorite authors, Isaac Asimov.  Remember him?  He’s the American author (and professor of biochemistry) who “saw” the world and universe in such unique ways and reached millions of readers through his science fiction books.  To writers then and now, Asimov spoke clearly these words of encouragement:  “If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.”

Asimov has given me another level of encouragement, too; one that has pushed me (personally) outside of the genre box that first enclosed me.  He wrote in multiple genres: science textbooks; popular science; essays; mystery; scientific science fiction and social science fiction.  And he also wrote literary criticism pieces.  So for those of us who have painted ourselves into a corner—think again.  The gift of writing we’ve been given has many functions!  We need not be “nailed” to one genre!

When trying to encourage a friend (writer) several months ago—sharing the concept of not being “pegged” as only one type of author—I found myself stopping mid-sentence and then changing the subject.  This particular friend was not hearing what was being said.  Her mind was SET.  She was a Romance Writer and that was all there was to it.  And (sad for me), she believed that the only avenue of publication for her work was with the main-street publishers—the Houghton Mifflins and Random Houses.  She had sent her manuscript and was waiting.

So it is, my friends, that as I write today’s blog, I am hoping you can see beyond the “blinders.”  Look to your writings and re-discover them!  What other genres do your topics suggest?  My friend’s romance novel could have easily been enhanced with historical references and possibly action/adventure/mystery.  Plus, her own experiences in the writing craft could be expanded into articles for writers’ magazines and ezines.  Plus…Plus…Plus!

AND, don’t miss the opportunities of partnering with a self-publisher and their professional teams of layout designers, editors, marketing experts, etc.  You will, of course, need to research the one’s labeled as “the best” or “fastest” or “least expensive.”  QUALITY of product is what you’re looking for and having the personal power to make your own decisions is a great PLUS with these companies.  Their self-publishing “business” is a “service” business that has become a true blessing in the lives of authors and readers, today.

So…type faster!  Let those ideas flow!  Get the books published and hold your dreams in your hands.

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 6/20/14

 

The 1st ENTREPRENEURS—WERE WRITERS

Entrepreneur—Executive Director—free enterprise thinker—risk taker—adventurist—YES, the writer fits all these definitions.  And these original–originals not only created “the story,” they self-published with their very own hands!  Of course, their books were actually visible to only a few who happened to travel along those rock-wall-paths (petroglyphs).  Today, we appreciate these first storytellers, journalists, event-of-the-day reporters from the perspective of ancient history.  And yet they continue demonstrating our very real human need to communicate; the desire to share hopes and dreams; to warn others of dangers; the necessity to tell our stories.  Authors today are carrying that legacy forward.

Each and every time I speak with a potential client (for ghostwriting or editorial consult) I am inspired by their story—the journey that carried them to the point of placing words on paper in preparation for publishing—their written hopes of sharing something of importance with others.  This is, indeed, a grand adventure!

My earliest un-official clients were my parents, who started working with me to create their memoirs.  Even though they’d shared a lifetime together, their perspectives were totally different.  My mother’s main focus was family—not just the “ancestry”—but her family.  Living in the historical time period of the Great Depression was the setting of her early childhood.  She was a coalminer’s daughter who took on the responsibilities of “parenthood” for four younger siblings, saving pennies she’d earned (at age 10 and beyond) to buy each one something special.  My dad’s perspective of those and later years was, of course, very different; I guess you might say it was from his “manly” point of view.  And yet, seeing their memories written out in a memoir not only gave them satisfaction, it also left a legacy of lessons learned for me, my children and grandchildren, and potentially countless future generations.

In these many years since my ghostwriting/editorial consultant career beginnings, the authors I’ve been associated with have covered numerous genres—from cookbooks to poetry to spiritual insights and true stories—each utilizing the communication tool of book publishing.  I can still remember a conversation shared during a writer’s workshop retreat that speculated about how personal computers “would hamper the ability of creative thought because writers would stop writing upon those wonderful legal-sized yellow tablets.”  The group was divided about 25-75 in that opinion; 75% certain that the “process of handwriting” was the key to developing worthwhile material.  Today, every one of them appreciates the “free flowing creativity” provided by computer and keyboard.

So it is that I see the partnership between author and self-publisher in much the same light.  As stated last week, the self-publishing entrepreneurs of today are now providing yet another most valuable tool for us.  They are coming along beside us so that we are more easily (and quickly) able to let our dreams—our inspired written creations—FLY!

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.