Don't Go it Alone - Tips for Writers

Writing is a solitary sport, and it can be a lonely journey sometimes. I encourage writers to find their crew and to cherish those amazing people who help you celebrate your victories and cheer you up when you need it. Your writing friends should be treasured. Here are some ideas for ways you can expand your writing network.

Find a writers’ group. There are many local, international, and virtual ones out there. I am in several, and the advice and camaraderie have been invaluable. I owe so much to Sisters in Crime. I received my first traditionally published writing credit as part of a chapter anthology. There have been so many writers who are so generous with their time and advice that have helped me along my own writing journey.

Use your crew. When you schedule book signings or events, look for writer friends who want to join you. This gives all of you an opportunity to expand your reach at events. Make sure you work with the bookseller/event coordinator to ensure there is space for everyone, and the writers meet all the criteria. Sometimes, booksellers will ask for writers to have a recent novel or for books that are returnable. I love that my writer friends always want to partner. It makes all of the book signings a party, and I get to meet their friends and fans.

Build your network. I am so fortunate to have so many writer friends. We share in-person and virtual marketing opportunities, advice, and ideas. I also reach out to these folks when I have a question that I know that collective hive can help solve. They have been a great source of information and ideas. If you’re not sure how to get started, attend the meetings and volunteer to help.

Gems are everywhere. Don’t overlook the people who share your agent and your publisher. I am so fortunate that both of mine have regular meetings to share information. I’ve found many friends in both of these groups and have partnered with them for in-person and virtual book events.

When I’m asked for writing advice from readers, I always say to find a writers’ group. I am so thankful for all my friends in Sisters in Crime National, Central Virginia, Chessie, and the Guppy chapters; James River Writers; and International Thriller Writers.

8 Computer Tips Writers and Everyone Should Know

I’ve got my technology hat on today. Here’s my list of 8 computer tips that every writer should be aware of to stay safe.

1. Always back up your work (to the cloud, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, etc.). There is nothing more heart-breaking than loosing your file (or your work in progress).

2. Do NOT click on links (in emails, on webpages, or in texts) that you don’t know where they came from. This is the easiest way to get your device infected.

3. Always update your computer, tablet, and phone with the latest patches and fixes in a timely manner. Many of these are fixes to security vulnerabilities.

4. Reboot your computer frequently. Many patches, installs, and fixes require a reboot to take effect. Plus, computers and phones (like people) need to be reset periodically.

5. When out, avoid using public computers and device chargers. You don’t know if they are infected or who is monitoring them.

6. Know which of your home devices have blue tooth connections. If there is no reason to have it on, turn it off and don’t accept pairing (requests to join) from unfamiliar devices.

7. Make sure your passwords are saved in a secure place [e.g. a software manager (software used to securely manage your information)]. They shouldn’t be in a Word file on your computer, a piece of paper, or a sticky note. It’s also not a good practice to save your passwords for websites to your internet browser.

8. Keep removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives, external hard drives, etc.) in a secure place.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

I’m often asked about where my ideas for stories come from. Coming up with ideas has never been a problem. They are everywhere, and no one is safe. Keeping track of the ideas has been a challenge, so this is how I organized them.

• I constantly jot down cool names, interesting words, weird anecdotes, and funny stories.

• When I run across interesting news stories, I save the link or the clipping.

• I write cozy mysteries with amateur sleuths, so I’m always looking for every-day items that can be used as weapons. Hardware stores, auto supply stores, and cookware stores are always good sources of deadly items.

• People know that I write, and they are so kind to tell me about interesting true crime stories or things that happened to them.

• Sometimes, ideas come from movies, TV shows, classes, workshops, documentaries, or overheard conversations.

My purse and briefcase are full of scraps of paper and Post-Its with all kinds of names, crimes, and murder weapons. Sometimes, they look like a deadly grocery list. I needed a way to keep my big idea list organized, and a file folder was too cluttered for me with all the bits of paper.

I created a spreadsheet. One column has the category (e.g. story idea, character name, contact information, story location, etc.), so I can sort my list. I put in my notes and brief description and where it came from in case I need to do an acknowledgement. I have one central location where I transcribe all those bits of paper. If I use one in a story, I make a note, so I don’t repeat it elsewhere. My spreadsheet has grown over the years, and this is a good way for me to keep bits of information for use later.

When I get ready to write something new, I browse my collection of ideas.

What do you do to keep your ideas organized?

Partnering - Tips for Authors

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but you do need a good network of resources or partners to be successful. I challenge you as a writer to seek out others who can help you celebrate the wins and weather the bumps in the road. It’s way too lonely to do it all by yourself.

The best thing that I ever did for my writing life was to find other writers in my genre and my part of the state. As part of these groups, I have found friends, resources, sounding boards, and some amazingly generous people who share their time and talents with others. Their support, advice, and friendship are invaluable.

Events - Book signings and other events are always easier and way more fun if there are several authors participating. I’m so fortunate to have so many friends to recommend and plan events together. It’s also a way for all the participating authors to expand their audiences and to introduce their readers to new authors. Plus, road trips are always fun with other writers. Hanging out with other mystery writers is always a favorite for me.

Promotions - Sharing a table at an event or the price of an advertisement is always a cost savings. I’m able to spread my marketing dollars farther when I partner with others.

Contacts - By networking and working with others, it makes it so much easier when you need a recommendation, review, or a blurb. I would so much rather reach out to a friend or a colleague than do a cold call or email.

Conferences - Large events like conferences and conventions aren’t as scary when you already know people who are going. Every time there is a big event, my writer groups put at the call for meet ups, and it makes the events memorable.

Advice - Whenever I’m about to sign a contract or try a new event or promotion, I always reach out to my network to see if anyone has any experience or advice. It makes a world of difference when a writer friend makes a reference or recommendation.

Opportunities - When people know you, your abilities and that you’re dependable, they are more apt to call you when opportunities arise for events, workshops, talks, promotions, critique partnerships, group blogs, online parties, and a host of other good things.

Just remember that writing is a business, and you need to treat yours like one. If you set up deals with friends and colleagues (and money is involved), make sure that you have a contract and you understand who is responsible for what.

What else would you add to my list?

Group Blogging - A Great Opportunity for Writers

I am so excited. Recently, I’ve joined the talented authors on Writers Who Kill as one of their regular bloggers. Check out the site. I love the variety of posts. My first post goes up in June.

And I love hanging out with this amazing group: Paula Gail Benson, Connie Berry, Sarah E. Burr, Warren Bull, Annette Dashofy, E. B. Davis, Mary Dutta, Debra H. Goldstein, Margaret S. Hamilton, Lori Roberts Herbst, Jim Jackson, Marilyn Levinson/Allison Brook, Molly MacRae, Lisa Malice, Korina Moss, Shari Randall/Meri Allen, Martha Reed, Linda Rodriguez, Susan Van Kirk, and Grace Topping.

Group blogging is a great opportunity for writers. If you get the opportunity, give it a try.

• You get to share the load with other writers. If everyone takes a turn, there’s a lot of content to share.

• You get introduced to new readers.

• You get to introduce your readers to some other authors they may not be familiar with.

• The networking is a wonderful chance to learn about marketing and promotional ideas and opportunities to help you grow as a writer.

• When authors join forces, their reach expands exponentially.

• Regular writing helps you hone your writing, research, and revision skills.

• And you meet some incredibly talented people who are fun to hang out with.

What's Your Writing Process?

What’s your writing process? This is mine. If something resonates with you, give it a try. If it doesn’t work with your schedule and lifestyle, stop and try something else. With this method, I can usually write three mysteries a year.

My first novel took five years to write and another two to get published. I edited each little paragraph and chapter, and I did hundreds of rewrites. The revision focus was good, but I never got around to finishing the book. I also read every writing book I could get my hands on. I finally picked the ones that spoke to me and donated the rest of them to the Friends of the Library. It was time for BICFOK. I learned this from the amazing Alan Orloff. BICFOK is butt in chair, fingers on keyboard. Tune out the distractions and write.

Writing is a business, and most readers read a lot. For me, seven years of prep was too long. I knew I had to find a way to speed it up if I wanted to be a published author with more than one book credit.

I write cozy mysteries, and they’re generally between 71 and 75k words. I write a series, so I try to think about the next book, and I also make sure to mention something that happened in a previous book to remind readers of past adventures or to tweak their interest if they haven’t read the earlier books.

Getting Started - I spend about 2-3 weeks doing a summary outline for each book. This helps me see plot holes. It helps me know where to add clues and red herrings. It also lets me plan out the murder or caper. I know who does it and why. It also keeps me from getting stuck in the saggy middle of the writing process. I know what’s going in each chapter. This summary also helps me write the dreaded synopsis later. It is the plan or roadmap when I have to pick up the project on different days.

The Outline - When it’s done, I look over each chapter to make sure there’s enough suspense. Sometimes as writers, we want to move on to the next thing, but you need to slow down the action to build up tension. I also highlight the comic events and the romance to make sure they’re sprinkled throughout the story. I also check to make sure there are enough motives for some of the other characters, so it might be plausible that they are the guilty party.

The Characters - I have a spreadsheet for each book in the series. It has a column for each book. I list basic facts for each person to make sure I keep important attributes consistent. Examples include what kind of car they drive, personality traits, hair color, eye color, etc. I also have a second chart to list key places in the book.

The First Draft - When I sit down to create the first draft, I just write. I don’t go back and edit and revise. I just write. This is what the great Mary Burton calls the “sloppy copy.”

During the writing time, I set a word count goal to keep me on target. I usually do 1k on days I have to work and 3k on weekends and holidays. If I stick to my schedule, I can usually have a rough, first draft in a little over two months. Life does get in the way sometimes. When that happens, I try to write ahead of my word count goal. If I can’t plan ahead, I don’t beat myself up over it. Just keep writing.

I also don’t stop to research or verify things while I’m writing. I make a note in the manuscript and highlight it. That way, I know to go back and check on it during revisions. Keep writing.

Time for Revisions - When I finish the first draft, I let it sit for a couple of days. Then I jump into revision and editing mode. I usually do three or four full revisions on the entire book. I print it out and proofread on paper. I run spell check each time there is a round of revision to catch any little typo gremlins that found their way into the story.

Beta Readers and Critique Group - When I think I’m done with the revisions, I let critique or beta readers give it a whirl, and they always provide good feedback. When I get their suggestions back, I do more revisions and proofreading.

Editors - I am so fortunate to have a fabulous agent and great editors at my publishers, so I don’t pay for an independent editor anymore. But before I had these amazing resources, I did hire an editor to go through my manuscript. You often get one chance to pitch to an agent or publisher, and I had to make my work the best it could be.

Each round of editing leads to more revisions and proofreading. (Spoiler alert: When the publisher gets the manuscript, there are several more rounds of revisions and proofs to check.)

The Agony of Deadlines - One book in each of my three cozy series comes out each year. I don’t write well under a lot of pressure, especially of a looming deadline I try to write ahead of my deadlines, so I have time for the thousands of hours of revisions and beta readers ahead of my contract deadlines.

Flexibility and Grace - I create my outlines and daily word counts as tools to keep me on track. If I need to add or remove a chapter to make the book better, I just make a note on the outline and write on. And if I don’t make my word count one day, it’s not the end of the world. Life happens. I just try to get back on track during the next writing session.

This is what I’ve found works for me. Try pieces and parts that appeal to you but know that your style is your own. If something doesn’t work, try another technique.

Holidays for Writers (And Book Lovers)

Mark your calendars. There’s always something to celebrate!

January 1 - Copyright Law Day

January 3 - National Write to Congress Day

January 12 - Poetry at Word Day

January 18 - National Thesaurus Day, Winnie the Pooh Day

January 27 - Library Shelfie Day

February 3 - World Read Aloud Day

February 7 - Send a Card to a Friend Day

February 9 - Read in the Bathtub Day

February 14 - International Book Giving Day, Library Lovers’ Day

February 26 - Tell a Fairytale Day

March 2 - National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss’ Birthday)

March 4 - National Grammar Day

March 8 - National Proofreading Day

March 14 - National Write Your Story Day

March 16 - Freedom of Information Day

March 20 - World Storyteller’s Day

March 21 - World Poetry Day

March 25 - National Tolkien Reading Day

March 30 - Pencil Day

April 2 - International Children’s Book Day

April 4 - School Librarian Day

April 6 - National Library Workers’ Day

April 7 - Nation Bookmobile Day

April 10 - Encourage a Young Writer Day

April 15 - Celebrate Teen Literature Day

April 16 - National Library Day

April 23 - World Book Day

May 2 - Harry Potter Day

May 6 - Free Comic Book Day

May 12 - National Limerick Day

May 22 - Sherlock Holmes’ Day

June 10 - National Ballpoint Pen Day

July 30- Paperback Book Day

August 9 - Book Lovers’ Day

August 21 - Poets’ Day

August 29 - Bookstore Romance Day

September 6 - Read a Book Day

September 8 - International Literacy Day

September 15 - Mystery Book Day (Agatha Christie’s Birthday)

September 24 - National Punctuation Day

September 29 - National Coffee Day

October 7 - National Poetry Day

October 16 - Dictionary Day

October 20 - National Day of Writing

October 30 - National Frankenstein Day

November 1 - National Authors’ Day

November 6 - Book Lovers’ Day, National Nonfiction Day

November 9 - Young Reader’s Day

November 15 - I Love to Write Day

November 18 - High-five a Librarian Day

December 7- Letter Writing Day

December 12 - Crossword Puzzle Day

December 21 - National Short Story Day

Another Writing Secret - Writing is a Business

Writing is a business. You, as a writer, need to treat your work that way. Also, writers need to understand that publishing is a business.

Book stores get hundreds of requests for signings. They have to outlay time and money for events for staffing, stocking books, and promotion. Many are choosy or reluctant to host unknown authors. Some will not host authors whose unsold books are not returnable. Find ways to sell your proposed signing (e.g. book talk on a subject that their shoppers would be interested in, providing a group of authors who can bring readers to the store, a marketing campaign for publicizing the event). Find out if they will let you provide the books on consignment.

Agents, editors, and publishers sign authors that they think they can sell their work. Sometimes, it’s not your writing. It could be that the topic/subject has been done before, and it will be hard to sell in your genre. Do your research of what is out there before you write the next bookshop or knitting mystery.

Publishers are looking several years ahead to fill their slots, and there are not a lot of openings on the dockets. It takes months/years sometimes for a book to be published traditionally. Make your manuscript the best it can be before you start querying.

Always be professional. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you want to be easy to work with. People tend to avoid the whiners, divas, and complainers.

Make sure that you are polished and that your marketing materials look professional.

• You need a professional headshot (not a selfie).

• Your social media sites, websites, newsletter, and business cards should have the same look and feel. (One shouldn’t be red while the others are pink and mint green.) The similar look and photo let people know that it’s your site.

• Make sure you have business cards with you at all times. You never know when a networking opportunity will appear.

• Have a press kit on your website with short and long biographies, headshots, your book credits, and a way to contact you.

Writing is a tough business. Everyone has feedback, and there are a lot of rejections. But there are things you can do to be prepared. Professionalism is key.