Author: Paula Perron

March 18, 2020

LET EVERY WORD COUNT

Every great writer has mastered the art of rhythm and flow in creating every sentence of their novel by using the right words.

YOU CAN TOO WITH A FEW TIPS
  1. Listen to the language of the general public wherever you go and learn those words to add realism to your novel’s dialogue.  Save them to use over and over.
  2. .Eliminate all fancy complicated words, and use simple words, such as.  Acquire—use “ Get:” Initiate— use “begin”, Relinquish— use “let go, or give up”
  3. Use a Thesaurus (one of my favorite tools).  Also, use a dictionary to be certain the word you chose means what you think it should.
  4. We know we should stay away from adverbs such as using rapidly instead of  “fast”; plays beautifully instead of  “well done”; or words ending in “ LY”… so try to replace them with another word.  Try action verbs when possible.
  5. SHOW…DON’T TELL, an important tip to use the five senses to get your point across.

You can find more on this subject, using the Dictionary; Grammarly; Thesaurus, Google, and the Web.  However,  this should give you a good place to begin.

 There are more interesting tips coming. If you are registered on my web site, you will be notified every time a new one is posted. If not registered: what are you waiting for. Sign up Now!.

REMEMBER: A few simple tips can make all the difference in your reader’s understanding of the mood and meaning you are conveying.

Have a great day, Paula

       

February 17, 2020

SELF-PUBLISHING OR NOT

The editing, re-writing, and more editing, and re-writing is finally completed. Now, are you searching for an agent/publisher, or considering self-publishing?  Many up-and-coming authors have found success by self-publishing through one of several companies. However, before you decide, I suggest you research first as there are good and bad features with both.

The Good Features: Self-publishing service is usually fast. Distribution covers the United States, as well as many other countries.  Royalties offered may be higher than Traditional publishing.  On Demand printing is offered by some, thereby increasing sales. Some offer a free ISBN number, (required) and some may offer your book for sale on its’ Website. One offers free printing but requires it be the distributor.

The Not So Good Features: You, as author, are responsible for the entire expense of printing. Cover design, editing, formatting, converting to an e-format and changes to your manuscript will cost extra. You may also be responsible for copyright, an ISBN number, marketing and distribution. You may be required to grant exclusive publishing rights for years.

Considering Traditional Publishing?

Begin with researching to find an agent and/or publisher.  Writer’s Market, and Writers Digest, generally publishes agents looking for new authors.  Send a Query letter, indicating the category, a synopsis of your novel, the market audience your book is meant for, and a description of yourself. If accepted, publisher pays all costs for editing, printing, and distribution. It may take months before you see it in print. Agent receives commission out of your proceeds. Your royalties may not be as high. No need to copyright your book prior to publication. Publisher handles that on behalf of the author.

For more information” Check the booklets available online, giving you the pros and cons of Self-Publishing vs. Traditional publishing.

            NOTE: Won’t you share your experience and help other writers make a tough decision?

     Paula

December 11, 2019

COUNTING MY BLESSNGS

Not a creature was stirring. Not even the Cat

    As the Holidays grow closer and closer, I have mixed emotions. Some happy. Some sad

Happy, because it is my favorite time of the year… a time when families are closer and the bond is renewed. …When bells are ringing, and familiar music is heard everywhere. …When cheerful faces are smiling. …When we share with another, the joys of the season.

Sad, because I miss those who have gone and are no longer present at the gathering of our family, although they remain close in each of our hearts; never to be forgotten. Sad because there are others who are in need and who struggle to fill empty stomachs and spend what little they have for their family. 

It is a time to count one’s blessings.

 I am blessed and want to thank my followers for helping me become a better writer, and for the insight so many of you have, which has certainly helped me this year.

 I am blessed for my family, who keep me going, day after day, month after month, with their love, encouragement, and guidance.

 I am blessed every day as I watch my grandsons and my granddaughter mature into honorable young people.

I am blessed by all the wonders of the earth we live on, the opportunities given us, and that I am without want.

So to all, I wish you a happy Holiday and a happy New Year. …PAULA

September 27, 2019

FORESHADOWING

What is foreshadowing, and would you want to use it?

Foreshadowing is the popular way many authors give the reader an advance hint of what is to happen later in the story. There are numerous ways to use foreshadowing. One way is to have a lesser character foreshadow an event —or, use it during a conversation between characters. Many writers find it a great addition to the plot, adding suspense, and expectations of what is to come. Mystery authors use it by implying that one character is acting suspiciously, when, in reality, another committed the crime.

 Some authors like to give an early warning at the beginning of the novel.  Others use it as major events unfold throughout the novel. There are examples of foreshadowing in the “HARRY POTTER” novels like students hearing something in the walls, preceding a monster they discover later.  To foreshadow an event, you could mention it by name with a warning that something is going to happen.

             Examples of Foreshadowing:

 “LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD”- told not to stop on her way to grandma’s house. 

 “STAR WARS, DARTH VADAR’S”- shadow is behind Anakin, foreshadowing who Anakin will grow up to be.

“PETER RABBIT”- told by Mrs. Rabbit not to go into Mr. MacGregor’s garden.  He does and gets in trouble.

EVERYDAY PHRASES: “Curiosity killed the cat.” —for-tells misfortune.

 “It was a dark and stormy night”— for-tells an unfortunate event that will occur later.

             Other ways to Foreshadow:                    

Language can create a visual picture of what to expect. 

A contradiction between what is expected and what actually happens.

One I particularly like is a Flashback, telling something that happened in the past— as a clue about what might happen later in the story. You could plant little clues throughout the story hinting the story’s outcome. For authors who outline, you could add foreshadowing or a flashback to your outline.  For those who do not, and that includes myself foreshadow or flashback can be inserted as you write.

        Try Foreshadowing…….Paula

July 18, 2019 Quote

HOW TO CREATE A GREAT TAGLINE

Someday the years of struggle
will strike you as the most beautiful
SIGMUND FREUD

Why use a Tagline for your latest Novel?  Because it gives your reader more information about you and about your book.  It is different from the short synopsis you place on the back cover. The tagline is a great way to hook the interest of readers who have little time, and the online surfers, who usually allow ten seconds to read it, become interested and buy it.  Authors use Taglines for their books—Advertisers use Taglines for marketing products, and Movies have had Taglines since the early 1900’s.

These marketing slogans have proven their worth by lasting years and years, without change. Here are a few advertising Taglines still in use:  “KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good”, Wheaties, “Breakfast of Champions, and the one for the Army: “Be all you can be”.

The first movie released with a tagline was a Poster designed by Jules Cheret, a Frenchman, promoting a short film in 1890.   In 1895, they depicted an actual Train Scene from the film “Arrival of a train”.  In 1910, the studios produced their own, with special border art, titles, Studio logos, and “slogans” or Taglines.  Did you know the Number One Tagline from all Movies is 1979’s “ALIEN”—“In space, no one can hear you scream.”   

    To continue,—you need a Tagline for your novel. Let us assume your novel is a love story. Here are a few thoughts that will make a tagline effective.

  What is the conflict or basis of the story (love or career)—what is the meaning of your story (can she do both?)—Emphasize an important quality of your character (Determined, stubborn)—Highlight something distinctive about the novel (does love win?)—Inspire the reader’s curiosity, by not telling all, but just enough to interest them—the genre of the novel? (Romance, Young Adult).

  Start each word with the same letter: Example, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.

Rhyming:  Love came to her in a dream…but was it all a scheme? The tagline tells you it is a love story, with a mysterious character, and it may not turn out well.

Try a short, dynamic tagline like: “Love hurts.”  Sometimes the shorter the tagline, the more interest in your book, and the urge to buy it.

If you quote something in the novel, maybe what your character says, use it as a Tagline. Your fans will recognize it and the result will be an increased enthusiasm for your book.           

Because of the importance of your Tagline, you may want to enlist the help of someone.

However, whatever you do, keep trying new combinations until the right one is found.

Here’s to a successful TAGLINE, Paula

July 13, 2019

TOO MUCH ADVICE?

                                                                        

                                               IS IT GOOD OR BAD ADVICE?

In the latest issue of “Writers Digest” is an article by Jeff Somers, I had to pass on to my readers. I can only cover some of his topics due to the length.

As writers, we carefully edit our manuscript, correcting any mistakes, and pay special attention to correct punctuation, wording, etc. before releasing it for publication.  Many of us, including myself, seek the opinions of friends, family, authors, and volunteers willing to read the novel, as the last check before submission.

In addition to the opinions of my family and friends, I read everything I found by those I considered authorities, but I was confused and conflicted about different interpretations of the same advice. In the back of my head was the same question until I read this wonderful Article.

QUESTION: When is it okay to NOT follow the advice given you by others, Read below what Jeff  Somers wrote about “THE RULES’.

  1. WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW:  Write what you know was not meant to reject your imagination.  You can write about stuff you know nothing about— just write a story you want to read.
  • SHOW DON’T TELL: When showing injects unnecessary verbosity, don’t.  That rule implies that “telling” is Lazy, while showing takes real talent. You need to balance the showing and the telling, 
  • WRITE EVERY DAY:  The discipline of working regularly is good and stops you from being one of those who talks about writing but never does. But, not all can write every day.  Think of it as a goal, not a requirement.
  • KILL YOUR DARLINGS:It is probably the most misunderstood and misapplied piece of writing advice in the history of writing. Don’t delete writing you like and never look back.
  • INVEST IN A THESAURUS: Having a large vocabulary as an author is great—but it’s only half the battle. You need to feel comfortable, and your word choices should fit your characters.
  • NEVER WRITE A PROLOGUE:The implication is that you are an amateur. In reality it is possible to pull off a prologue, but you need purpose.
  • AVOID THE PASSIVE VOICE: Yes, it is grammatically correct, and we are told it is lazy writing. However, there are forms of passive that are acceptable and necessary.

 I hope the above encourages you to subscribe to this wonderful magazine and read the entire article.

Happy writing, Paula

June 8, 2019

GREAT AUTHORS RECEIVED REJECTION LETTERS

EVEN GREAT AUTHORS RECEIVED REJECTION LETTERS

Some of the great writers at one time or another received that dreaded rejection letter and went on to enjoy successful careers.

              Did you know? Margaret Mitchell, the author of “Gone with the Wind”—was rejected 38 times before publication.  And the great author Stephen King submitted “Carrie” 30 times and was rejected 30 times. I found it interesting to learn that many of the authors we admire received NO’s on their creative work before finding a publisher.

WILLIAM FAULKNER:          His novel “Sanctuary” was considered unpublishable

VLADIMIR NABOKOV:         Did you know he received a rejection letter after submitting “Lolita”, which later on sold Fifty  Million copies?

TIM BURTON;                        Did you know his first illustrated book, “The Giant Slig” received a thumbs down from Disney?

ANN FRANK:                         “The Diary of a Young Girl” was rejected 15 times.

BEATRIX POTTER:                Published “The Tale of Peter Rabbit:” herself.

J.K. ROWLING:                   “Harry Potter and “The Sorccer’s Stone” was rejected 12 times, and she was told not to quit her Day Job.

A few quotes I hope you will find amusing and encouraging:

W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM:  “There are three rules for writing a novel.  Unfortunately no one knows what they are.”

MARK TWAIN:                       “Substitute the word “damm” every time you are inclined to write very.  Your editor will delete it and the writing will be as it should be.”

ERNEST HEMMINGWAY:     “The first draft of everything you write is Poop.”

RAY BRADBURY:                  “You must stay drunk in writing so reality cannot destroy you.”

ROBERT FROST:                    “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.  No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”

TONI MORRISON:                  ”If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

.*… A special Thank You to “Buzz-Feed” for the informative article on Pinterest.

                        “EVERY DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING”—PAULA