via LIBRARY
Author: Paula Perron
HOW TO SELF-EDIT
The final draft of your book is done. Now you get to relax?. No, you can’t.!
The next step is to self-edit—the edit you, as author, should do. After all, it is a Draft , and only you are familiar with the story, and can easily correct all self-made errors , like noticing where your story wanders away from the scene being played out. Or when characters are not clearly defined ,and how about incorrect spellings, punctuation errors, and poor word choices.
First print all the pages of your book. Then as you read, correct the errors you find on the printed page, and then on the computer.
A FEW SUGGESTIONS:
- Use words your reader can relate to—Simple words and not words needing the use of a dictionary. Remember, the more the reader stops, the less interest he or she has in continuing.
- Show don’t Tell.— Use an action word to show, anger, instead of saying : He is angry. Example: He slammed the door behind him
- Do not use the word almost. Example, She almost cried. The character either cried, or did not.
- Don’t sermonize or preach to your reader.
- Try reading your novel out loud. You may find areas where improvement is needed
- Omit Clichés and use “said” for dialogue instead of “explained, declared, etc.”
After you complete your self-edit, then retain the services of a professional Editor so your book is finally ready for publication, and, at long last, you can either rest, or begin another story.
Don’t ever give up in frustration, Paula
AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
On July 1st 1776, Congressman Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a Resolution, later adopted in the late afternoon of July 4, 1776, as follows:
“RESOLVED: That these United colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be totally dissolved.”
This important Resolution was made a designated National holiday for all Americans to remember a significant moment in time, when the United States declared itself a FREE Nation.
We, as Americans enjoy the freedom and independence fought for by our ancestors, and should take this opportunity to be thankful for the men and women who built this country, fought for the freedom of this country, and still serve to keep us a free and independent Nation.
Happy July 4th, Paula
CONFUSED ABOUT KEYWORDS?
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
HONORING ALL MOTHERS
All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” Abraham Lincoln
It was not that long ago that the first celebration of Mother’s Day occurred, when Anna Jarvis, in 1908, held a memorial for her mother at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in West Virginia.
It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, and is celebrated yearly on the second Sunday in May. Soon after, Hallmark Cards and other companies started selling Mother’s Day cards. The Holiday grew, and grew until now, weeks before, all stores are filled with flowers, candies, perfumes and jewelry to give mother..
However, there is more to Mother’s Day than Gifts. It is a time to show your thanks for all the times she was there for you, and still is— with deeds done without asking —with kindness, compassion, and strength given you to cope with life’s ups and downs, and for guiding you through tears and smiles, all with an unconditional love.
Try speaking from your heart, thanking her for the all she has done in guiding you to become the person you are
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers… Paula
NOTICE
I just read the all-inclusive edit of the first book in the Outlander Series, written by Diana Gabaldon.
Continue Reading
Little Did I Know
That many of my readers only know me by my blogs. So, in deference to my usual Blog, I am responding to requests of more information about myself, my goals, and family.
I am an avid reader of helpful articles on writing from many sources—some are bloggers happy to share their knowledge; magazine articles, the opinions of successful authors, and the internet. All have helped me and continue to educate and guide me to move forward as an author.
I can listen to most any kind of music, old and new and enjoy it all; love live theater, dining out, not much of a sports fan, except figure skating and college football. All in all, I love to be entertained.
I have three beautiful grown daughters, and three amazing grandchildren, two boys and one girl. My first name is Pauline and I used my mother’s maiden name as my pseudonym. Standing behind me, in the photo shown, is Dean and Max, and next to me is Kaelyn. My life is full and busy keeping up with the three of them, and I cherish every minute of it. Also, I can’t forget my dogs, both from shelters.
I have written four books to date with a fifth in its final editing stages. I began my first book as a teenager, writing about growing up in the Bronx, in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. I sent it to a well-known publisher in New York, and it was rejected because they did not believe I brought my characters to life. Years later, I re-wrote the book, having had a few more life experiences, and self-published it. “Jack of Hearts”, was published as an e-book and then printed. It did well and I was proud to have completed one of my goals.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Books are a fantasy series, based loosely on Irish mythology, titled Hidden Hills. This led to many believing I am committed to writing only fantasy. I do love magic, and the supernatural, but I also love a good romance, an exciting action novel, mysteries and definitely anything having to do with space, and science fiction.
My latest is a romantic novella with a paranormal touch. The first four can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other e-book sellers. My novella “Steered by Destiny” will be available very soon.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. http://www.paulaperron@hotmail.com
Happy writing,
Paula
