Writing

Writing tips and advice from some of indie authors, publishing specialists, marketing professionals, and more.

May302016

How to Help Authors: Book Reviews

how to help authors book reviewIn today’s post I wanted to talk about how to help authors by writing book reviews. There are so many books out there now and especially with the introduction of eBooks. How do you choose what to read? If I go into a bookstore it’s the cover that will attract my attention first. After that I read the back cover to see what the book is about, and if I’m still interested, I will open the book on a random page and start reading. Why do I do this? I like to see if a random page will draw me in enough to buy the book. I also like to see the writing style of the author.

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May292016

Publishing Success Story – My Poems in Print

publishing success stories

Publishing Success – Having Your Writing Accepted

Life takes over some times and I for one am not immune to this. My blog has lain here dormant for quite some time now and I do apologise to those who subscribed to receive updates.  It has been a very busy year so far with work and clients and my time seems to have been spent on this and family. I’m not complaining though, life is good, great in fact, and I am just now getting back to doing what I love most and that is writing. In doing that I want to share my latest publishing success story.

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Jan152016

Increase Productivity In Your Workspace

 

increase productivity

It is the end of the second week in January and for many of us, things are back to normal.  We have settled into our work routine and are probably looking forward to the next holiday or break.  January is always a month that starts with great intentions, but these tend to slip after the second or third week. This is why looking at how to increase productivity can be so helpful, especially at the start of a new year when we have so many new goals to focus on.

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May062015

To Succeed You Need To Make Your Writing Important

success in writing

One of the things I have been looking at doing for a while now is making my writing important. It has always been my dream to write books. It is something that I have always wanted to do. Why, haven’t I done it? I never made my writing important enough. There have been times where I have made my writing important and the results have been amazing.

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Apr272015

Setting Weekly Goals and Staying Motivated

Setting Goals

Setting weekly goals and then staying motivated each day so that you reach them is harder than you might think. There are some techniques that you can apply to make things easier. One of these relates to the day on which you actually set your weekly goals. A lot of people presume they should set their goals on a Monday morning, but I have found that it is actually easier to plan your weekly goals on a Sunday. The reason, I feel, is because I am always much more relaxed on a Sunday. I am not rushing to get things done and I am not aware of the amount of time I am spending thinking about my weekly goals. I can sit and relax and think calmly about what I would like to complete in the coming week.

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Apr242015

Self-Publishing – It’s A Choice Only You Can Make

self publishing

I am very aware that today’s post might have a lot of mixed reactions and that’s okay. Today I want to talk about self-publishing and give my views on whether I think it is a cop out or not. Please remember that these are my views only and no matter whether you choose to look for a publishing contract with one of the big six or go it on your own and self-publish, it really doesn’t matter. The end result is that you have a completed book that is now available for public consumption.

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Apr212015

Distraction Free Writing – When You Need To Get Things Done

distraction free writing

image credit: www.hydrawise.com

The internet is the most amazing invention ever. It connects everyone all over the world with just the click of a button or swipe of a screen. It is packed full of useful information and for a writer, this can be heaven. The instant connection can also be hell. There is always a distraction with the internet and the dawn of social media has made this even worse. With Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and more, there is always something to distract you and take your attention. I’ve said it so many times, “I’ll just check Facebook before I start on my next article”. An hour later I am still scrolling my newsfeed, sharing inspirational quotes, replying to messages, posting in groups and so on. My article has been forgotten and before I know it, it is time to pick my kids up from school. My day has gone by and I am left totally stressed out and running around all afternoon trying to catch up.

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Apr162015

On Finishing The First Draft Of Your Book

writing your first draft

image credit: amandaonwriting.tumblr.com

Yesterday I shared a very informative article on Facebook from fellow Irish writer Catherine Ryan Howard. The article was titled “how to your damn book” and the link is http://catherineryanhoward.com/2015/04/15/how-to-finish-your-damn-book/ for those who want to check it out. Catherine made some very valid points about writing but there was one that I wasn’t entirely in agreement with. As she does point out, not everyone writes the same and not everyone will agree with her tips. I am one of them to a certain degree.

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Dec202013

7 Blogging Mistakes that Will Definitely Cripple Your Blog

Today I am delighted to publish a new guest post by Alan Lucas titled 7 Blogging Mistakes that will definitely cripple your blog.  I hope you all enjoy it.

blog failure

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Oct172013

Writers & Artists Self Publishing Comparison Engine

Writers & Artists have a great new self-publishing comparison engine that is great if you want to know where to go and what company to choose for your self-publishing needs.

This is the first ever self-publishing provider comparison service and it has been designed to put writers in touch with the self-publishing providers that best suit their needs.

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