I was also, until I found a Booklet with the best advice, and easy to understand information on the subject of keywords.

What are Keywords?

They are the words and phrases that searchers enter when looking for something on the web. The search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo scan websites, for these words

Example:  You have a website catering to baking and selling pies؅—a customer types in pies, and receive a list of websites selling pies.  However, you specialize in Apple Pies. You need a more specific phrase other than “pies” such as “Best Apple Pies”, which may offer a list of potential customers interested only in apple pies. Choosing the right keywords can bring you success by bringing the search engines to all websites specializing in best apple pies, rather than pies.

Before you make this important decision, think like a customer and type in all keywords relevant to apple pies. Google suggests about 15-20 keywords. If you are a prime member of Amazon, you can download, FREE, books on Keyword planning.  For Google click below:

(https://adwords.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/ ) .

Did you know that statistics show that when people search on line, the landing page gets clicked on 70% of the time.  So, the landing page needs Keywords. However, search engines crawl over each page of your website. Hence—all pages should contain the keywords your audience is searching for, thereby improving maximum visibility of the website.

Do you write Articles or a Blog?  Use a keyword relevant to what the article is about, or the topic of your Blog.  They should be placed in two places, as suggested by the Reference Guide. First, place your keyword in the title—next, once in the article body, especially in either the first or last paragraph.

Well, we are not baking apple pies—we are Writers, and authors, who need to find the best Keywords for our latest story. Test it now by typing in keywords relevant to your genre, be it History, Thriller, Romance, Young Adult, or Horror, and see what keywords fit. You should come up with lots of good choices, which you can use over and over.

For more information, including :Common Keyword Mistakes”, How to Know if you have the Right Keywords, Search Volumes, and more,  pick up the book below:

‘THE UNTIMATE SEO KEYWORD REFERENCE GUIDE”
by Gary Bernier and Stephen Semple.

Happy Searching,
Paula

When I wrote my blog in May, 2017, “HOW TO BUILD A FICTIONAL CHARACTER,” I promised more on the subject of bringing characters to life. Today, we will cover the character driven story.`

First: Decide whether to create your character from inside out (first person) or outside in (third person). If writing in the first person, you have access to your character’s appearance, thoughts and events.  If writing in the third person, the reader is detached from the character and relies on others for information.

When introducing all characters, especially your main character, your Second action is to apply the five W’s:  WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHY and WHERE.  Remember, every character has a purpose; is driven by circumstances, and wants something.  If the five W’s do not apply to all characters, consider not naming or omitting them entirely. (Characters do think, feel and act, like real people.)

WHO is your character—male or female,  age, occupation?

WHAT is the purpose, need, or circumstance?

WHEN does your story begin—year, period of time?

WHY is character taking the course of action?

WHERE does your story take place?

Other traits to consider when introducing characters:  Is your character capable of surprise, or disappointment? Are your main characters convincing or always not clear about what he or she wants?

When working I n the first person, because you have access to a character’s thoughts and actions, you can create a rich, imaginative, person—observing their every move and reaction.  Hint: In describing appearance, why not give your character one distinguishing feature—one your reader can relate to.

EXAMPLE: “When first we meet, I tend to give the impression of weakness and vulnerability, but once you know me, you will find I am a strong- and resilient individual, determined to have my own way.”

When writing in the third person, you introduce your character by reporting a first impression given by another. However, you can use the same dramatic descriptions of appearance and actions.

EXAMPLE:   “When first meeting Alison, one would consider her weak and vulnerable, but later find she is of strong character, resilient, and determined to have her own way.”

I have used both first person and third person, and while I find third person easier, I love having control of the inner thoughts of my protagonist, something a person on the outside cannot see or feel.

Like this post, or have suggestions?—Send me your thoughts, and what you want to read next.

Blog –May, 2017:  HOW TO BUILD A FICTIONAL CHARACTER

Happy writing, Paula
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