Lights, Camera, Action - Video Conferencing Tips for Authors

Welcome to the new normal that includes working and connecting in different ways. A lot of us aren’t YouTubers or TikTok experts, so it’s tough to get the right lighting and look. And you don’t have to invest in fancy cameras, microphones, or ring lights. Here are some tips to help you look and sound your best.

Location, Location

Find the best spot in your house. If you’re using a phone or tablet, you can be mobile. Experts suggest that you turn your phone on with the camera facing you. Then walk around your house and find a good spot with a lot of natural light. If you need your laptop for the meeting, you’ll need a spot where you can still type and use the mouse. Being in front of a window is good (unless the sun is shining directly in your face). You don’t want lamps/lights that are above or on the sides because they cast shadows.

You want your camera to be just above your eyes/forehead. You don’t want to be looking down (too much saggy chin), and you don’t want the camera pointing up your nose. You also don’t want to be looking off camera. Use books or other items to adjust the height of your camera. If you’re using a phone with a pop socket, you can hang it on a mug for an easy tripod.

Make sure your video spot is not in a major thoroughfare of your house. You don’t want interruptions or photobombs.

Check your background and make sure there’s no junk or clutter. Remember that sometimes, the camera picks up more than you think. I have a whiteboard in my office where I plot the next mystery. My team is always trying to see what’s on the board behind me.

Your Look

Ladies, you do want to wear some makeup, so you don’t look washed out on camera. Wear solid colors (but not white or black). Wear jewelry. My friend wears hats when she doesn’t want to do her hair. One team recently had crazy hat day, so everyone had an excuse to cover up a bad hair day. A lot of YouTube stylists suggest dry shampoo or wetting and styling your bangs on days you don’t want to do a full wash and style.

They Can See You and Hear You

They can see you, and sometimes, we forget that. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen kids and pets photobomb calls. We’ve been interrupted by phone calls and delivery drivers. I try to remember to close the door, so they don’t see distractions behind me. Use mute when you’re not speaking to cut down on background noise. Also, if you’re multitasking, they can see that, too.

Practice Makes Perfect

Do a practice session and check your video and sound. If you’re working with a group of people, you may want to have a mini session to make sure everyone can logon, work the equipment, and host the meeting.

Make sure you know how to adjust your sound and camera. If your internet is slow, you will have issues with your video quality. The sound and the video may not match, and it will look like a 1950s dubbed movie. If you need to stream video, make sure no one else at your house is streaming or gaming at the same time.

Practice with the video conference tool. Most have similar features, but buttons, views, and functionality will vary. If you’re going to share your screen, make sure you have the files open and ready.

Some days, I get video conference fatigue. I never imagined that I’d be popping in to one video chat after another at the day gig. But it is a good way to stay connected and to see others when we’re quarantining.

Y’all be safe, and hopefully, we’ll be back together in person soon.

Clean up on Aisle 9 - Revision Tips for Writers

As I’m writing a new project, I keep a daily track of my word count to show progress. I’m a list maker, so that gives me a visual that I’m getting closer to the end game. And there is nothing more exciting than typing, “The End.” When the euphoria wears off, that’s when the realization that revisions are coming. I think editing is the hardest part of the writing process. Here are some things that I include in (many) revision cycles.

1. Run spell check after each editing session. No matter how careful you are, mistakes are made during revisions.

2. After each round of major edits, I print a copy and read it on paper. I find more errors this way than I do on the computer screen.

3. Make a list of your overused words. Mine are “just,” “that,” and “in a few minutes.” Use your find and replace feature to located and eradicate them.

4. My editor and agent have style guides. I always go through these checklists before sending a manuscript over for review.

5. Look for excessive use of dialogue tags (he said/she said) and mop ‘em up.

6. If you write a series, make sure the characters don’t pop up in the wrong book. I’ve done this before. My PI showed up by accident in another WIP.

7. Look for the “be” words (are, is, was, were). They’re indications that you’re “telling” the reader and not showing. Rewrite these sentences. They’re also weak verbs. You can make your story stronger by using active verbs.

8. Look at all the opening paragraphs of your chapters. Make sure they are unique and interesting. You want to draw the reader in.

9. Look at the closing paragraphs of each chapter. You don’t want to wrap things up too nicely and give the reader a chance to stop for the night. Make sure there is tension. Make your reader read past her bedtime.

10. Don’t short change your opportunities to build tension. Sometimes, we’re so excited to move on to the next thing in our story that we don’t take time to build tension around important scenes. Go back and look for these opportunities.

11. Look for long sections of dialogue and long paragraphs of description. Can you tighten these up to move the story along?

What would you add to my list?

What I Learned from Jim Azevedo and Smashwords

This week, Jim Azevedo, Marketing Director for Smashwords, did a presentation to my writing group about epublishing. Here’s what I learned.

• ebooks rarely go out of print.

• The first step is to write a great book.

• Everyone needs an editor and a proofreader.

• ebooks are consumed differently than print books. They can be read on multiple devices and on screens that are different sizes.

• Formatting is crucial for ebooks.

• Smashwords offers some free style guides and other resources on their website.

• The cover design is critical for your book.

• If you purchase a cover design from an online artist, make sure that you have exclusive use of it. (You don’t want to see your cover with another title and author.)

• Spend your money on editing and cover design. Don’t look like an amateur.

• When readers look for ebooks, the cover is about the size of a stamp (thumbnail size). Your cover needs to be able to look good in a variety of sizes.

• Be fanatical about quality.

• When you price your ebooks, know your genre.

• You need to maximize your book’s availability to a lot of sellers. Make sure you use a distributor.

• When your cover is in draft form, compare it to the top books in your genre.

• Your email list/newsletter is valuable. You own and control it.

• Don’t blast your email list with too many newsletters.

• Most books don’t sell well. There is no magical, silver bullet. Authors need to follow best practices and create the best book they can.

Writing Advice Worth Its Weight in Gold

Over the years, I’ve received some invaluable advice from editors and other writers that has helped me along my writing journey.

• When you get to the point with your writing and revising where you think you’re done, you’re not. That’s just the beginning.

• Go through your manuscript and use your word processor’s search feature to find your overused words. You will be surprised how many times you use “just” and “that.”

• Everyone needs an editor.

• Everyone needs a proofreader.

• You need to print your document and reread it after every round of edits to ensure that you didn’t create other mistakes.

• Find beta readers or a critique group to help you work through story lines and plot holes.

• Don’t be afraid of reviews or critiques.

• Read the last sentence of each chapter. Make sure it’s strong. It should make the reader want to read past her bedtime.

• Eliminate unnecessary dialogue tags.

• Go through your manuscript and rewrite “be word” sentences.

• Look for passive sentences and rewrite them in active voice.

• If you read a paragraph and you’re bored, your reader will be, too.

• Read your manuscript aloud.

• Writing is a business.

• Guard your writing time.

How to Keep Your Writing Life Moving during the Pandemic

We are experiencing a unique and scary time. It’s hard on everyone. There’s isolation, loneliness, and disappointment, not to mention fear, stress, and anxiety.

I’m hearing from a lot of writers that they’re having a hard time getting motivated.

I think it’s important during this crisis to keep to a schedule or a routine if you can. Last week, I put makeup and shoes on for two video conferences and a trip for groceries. (Who knew going to the grocery store would be a dress-up occasion!)

Here are some ideas of helping with routines and schedules. I do better when I have a deadline.

1. Write when you feel like it. Try to do some writing every day.

2. Research and revisions count as writing work.

3. Work on blog posts or marketing ideas.

4. Reading in your genre counts as research.

5. Find ways to catch up with others. Video conferencing, phone calls, group chats, and social media are great ways to stay in contact. My two critique groups and my marketing group have moved to Google Hangouts or Zoom. My critique groups give me a monthly deadline, so that helps keep me on schedule.

6. Look for volunteer opportunities and ways to help others. There are many things that you can do from home. My neighborhood Facebook group puts out daily calls for neighbors in need. My church also has a network for people to request assistance. You can use your social media platforms to connect with people and to share information. My alumni association put out a call last week for members to submit thoughts and wishes for the Class of 2020 who had their senior year and celebrations cut short. There are lots of ways you can help.

Let me know what other ideas you have. Best wishes for you and your family! Be safe!

Waiting is the Hardest Part...

Tom Petty said it best, “Waiting is the Hardest Part.” I agree. I think it’s one of the toughest things about the writing process. I am soooo not a patient person, and this is often a struggle for me. Writers wait for everything from agent and editor responses, reviews, contracts, to award and contest nominations and announcements. The list goes on and on, and the clock hands move slowly.

Don’t waste your time worrying or agonizing during the wait. Here are some things you can do…

1. Write your next book. This is important. You should always be working on your next project.

2. Build or update your website. Take a really good look at it. Is it easy to navigate? Does a visitor see what you want them to see when they land on your page? Is it inviting?

3. Write your next newsletter or blog post. It’s nice to have content already created.

4. Make sure your author biography is current.

5. Check all of the bios on your social media sites.

6. Join a writers group.

7. Read a book in your genre. Reading is research.

What are some of your waiting horror stories? Drop me a line or a comment.

What I Learned from Murder and Mayhem 2020

Many thanks to Lori Rader-Day, Dana Kaye, and their team for making the Murder and Mayhem conference virtual. It was a great way to spend a Saturday during the quarantine. Here’s what I learned from all the fabulous panelists.

Writing/Craft

• It can be hard to keep a series fresh and new. The story needs to make sense especially when you get 5-6 books into the series.

• The character needs to progress and evolve as the books move forward.

• The challenge is to keep long-time readers interested and to draw in new readers to your series.

• Weave in your backstory. It should come naturally as the story progresses.

• Get rid of gender biases in your writing. Don’t fall into tropes or stereotypes.

• Create a document (character bible) to help you keep up with the details about your characters and locations.

• Remember that every character has a secret.

• Characters need a purpose.

• Stop reading craft books and read lots of novels that you like. If you want to be a screen writer, watch lots of movies.

• Write from your gut.

• Sit down and write.

Book Promotion/Marketing

• Plan your marketing up front.

• You need to connect with bloggers, influencers, and podcasters.

• Understand your audience and how they get book recommendations.

• Start small and local.

• Find out what your publisher is doing, so that you can supplement and not duplicate.

• When you talk to people, make it conversational and not pitchy. You don’t want to be the guy or gal with the sandwich board and the megaphone.

• Look at the analytics for your social media posts and see what resonates with people.

• Street teams are often helpful with book promotion.

• See what people are reading, and see where those books are mentioned.

• Go where your audience is.

• If you do a newsletter, make sure the content is effective. Be consistent. Do what works.

• Personal and educational content often works best in newsletters.

• Build your email list organically.

• Quality over Quantity.

• Always be a good, literary citizen. Like, share, comment on others’ posts.

• It’s okay to connect with others via email. Just don’t do mass email blasts.

• Face-to-face events are still important.

Things You Need to Check Out

• Book Cellar in Chicago

• The Doe Network (International Center for Unidentified and Missing Persons)

• International Dark Sky Places

• Quarantine Online Book Clubs

• Unlikeable Female Characters Podcast

• Writer Types Podcast

• Dana Kaye Speaks

The New Normal - Make Time for Writing

It’s been a trying few weeks with lots of change and flux. I hope you and yours are doing well and are happy, healthy, and safe. My day gig is in IT, so the team has put in a lot of time making sure the rest of the staff can access systems and services. I was exhausted from all the hours last week, and I’m not doing the heavy lifting like our network guys and systems people.

I started my teleworking adventure on 3/19. The dogs still can’t figure out why I’m home so much. We’re learning how to cope and to be creative when things don’t quite work like they do in the office.

This meme summed up a lot of conference calls. Here’s your bingo card for this week.

I’m still getting up at my normal o’dark-thirty, and I’m using my commute time to write and revise. It’s important to stick to as much of a schedule/routine as you can. Also figure out ways to connect via video chats, calls, or social media. My book promotion groups and my critique groups are switching to virtual chats. And I attended the best conference online on Saturday. Many thanks to the Murder and Mayhem team in Chicago. Over 930 people attended the panels virtually.

Don’t forget to eat right and exercise. (I ordered a bicycle device that fits under my desk. I’ll let you know how that goes.)

I grew up watching “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” and the wise Fred Rogers always told us, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” They’re there, and I’ve seen so many caring and generous folks this week.

We’re in this together, and we can do this.

I love that so many creative folks are doing all kinds on concerts, story times, and exercises. There are so many ways you can learn new things and to connect with others. If you have downtime, finish projects, clean up, and start your next writing effort.

Drop me a note or add a comment and let me know what you’ve done recently for your writing life. Be safe.