Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing

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Decoding DNS for Writers

by Lisa Norman

A bowl of alphabet soup with the letters spelling DNS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

Statements I’ve heard recently:

  • "I keep getting errors from my friend's Yahoo email. Tell her to fix it!" (hint: Yahoo was refusing the person’s email because they didn’t have it set up right…the problem was not on the receiving end, but on the sending end)
  • "Why is MailChimp telling me to do something? What do I DOOOO?" (MailChimp was spitting out alphabet soup… read on to translate)
  • "MailerLite just changed everything!" (Yep. MailerLite had to release a new version in order to cope.)

As the resident geek to a herd of authors, I've heard a ton of this over the last month, combined with a lot of existential dread. Over the years, I've come to believe that when writers experience pure tech fear, it's often because the language of geeks puts them into the uncomfortable space of not knowing what words mean.

For writers, not understanding words strikes at something close to our souls. Words are our life, and when words don’t make sense, it can be scary.

Let's translate all the geek into English.

When we get into our cars, we put the key in, and it goes. Or at least we did, then someone developed these new ignition systems, and we just keep the key in our pocket. I don’t know about you, but I still feel weird getting into a car and pushing a button.

Email is something we all use, but we don’t always know how it works. Let’s face it: most of the time, we don’t WANT to know how it works. Until it doesn’t. Then it becomes a problem.

When you send an email, you are sending it from a “server”—a big computer that is always attached to the internet. Usually, we write our emails using a program like Gmail or Outlook, something on our computer. Then it sends the email to the server, which then uses an internet address system to determine where to send the email. That system is referred to as the DNS system, or Domain Name System.

You know about domain names: those are the website addresses that we use, the ones we type into the address bar at the top of the screen.

A cartoon to help:

https://youtu.be/2ZUxoi7YNgs?si=023I3aNWuuaebGQe

The domain name system is the part of the internet that keeps track of what physical machine each website lives on. Websites move, and if you move from one hosting company to another, you’ll need to update the DNS so that your followers can still find you. Owning your own domain name gives you a professional appearance and also allows you to control your space.

But the internet is full of killer robots trying to take your site down. They also love to intercept internet traffic in the middle and re-route it or change it. Bad robots!

If you watched that video, you may have noticed that it is old. The DNS system is as old as the internet. In addition to telling where the websites live, the DNS system also has a set of “records”—lines of text that have important information about how that website works. Among them are records that say who is allowed to send email from that domain, where the email should be coming from, and even bits of encryption to keep the information safe in transit!

Understanding the alphabet soup of DNS records

DMARC

DMARC is an acronym for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance. Translating from the geek, that means a way to prove that this email comes from you. DMARC tells a person’s email system that you are a professional and that if the system can’t prove that the email came from you, you want it to… “quarantine” (stick it in spam), “reject” (throw it away) or “none” (just go ahead and deliver it, I don’t care). Yeah, we probably don’t want “none.” DMARC also allows you to request a report from each email system telling you what they did with all of your emails. (Fair warning: those emails can be confusing.)

DMARC tells email servers what to do if the email isn’t from us, but how do we prove that an email IS from us?

SPF

Nope, we’re not talking sunscreen. SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. This is the one that says, “this email came from this server, this server is allowed to send things from my domain.”

When a big company’s email server gets an email, it checks to see where that email came from. Then it checks to see who that email says it is from. It checks to make sure that the big web server (hosting machine) is allowed to send email from that person. If the two don’t match, that is an SPF failure. It’ll then look at DMARC to see how you want that handled, but understand: DMARC is a suggestion. Most email servers in our modern environment are now going to say, “nope” and throw it out. It won’t get to spam. That email never existed.

DKIM

DKIM stands for DomainKeys Identified Mail. The important part here is: key. There’s a little bit of encryption added to your email. If the key at the end isn’t the same as the key that is supposed to be there, it means that while the email came from your server, someone grabbed it in transit and messed with it—like someone intercepting a check in the mail and changing it.

DKIM is another test that email servers are using. Email companies use DKIM to prove that your email wasn’t damaged somewhere along the way. Fail the DKIM check and… yep…. you know the drill: “nope” that email gets tossed out.

A DKIM record looks like a secret code. That’s because it is.

Why now?

To be fair, this isn’t new. But over the years, many companies that helped people send out big email lists decided that it was probably too hard for the average person to figure this out. So they had the information available, but they didn’t enforce it.

Enter AI and the dramatic increase in spam over the last year. The email providers are even more tired of spam than you are! Do you know someone who has abandoned an email address because it was getting too much spam? Or someone who just has one email address for all of the spammy stuff and one for their real email? All of that spam wastes time and space. The email providers have decided to do something about it.

Their first step was to start deleting unused email addresses. The next step was to start enforcing the DMARC system.

The goal is to cut down on spam and make email more protected.

You are not alone.

This is where it gets both super-geeky and not nearly as complicated as you might think. If you are sending emails from a wonderful hosting company, they may already have set these for you! This is why I start everyone out by recommending mail-tester.com.

Send an email from the same server as your website is hosted on, and things shouldn’t be too bad.

Finding helpers

AH… but what if you use MailChimp, MailerLite, or some other sending service? This is where the challenge comes in. You need to get those “records” on your server to match up. You need your hosting server to say that it is okay for your email service to send on your behalf.

In your website hosting, there will be a place to set up DNS records. I recommend that you contact your technical support for help here, or get a geek to hold your hand. You’ll need to get the information from your mailing list company and put it into the DNS records on your hosting platform.

This is one of the areas where I’ve really been seeing some of the hosting companies shine the last few weeks. They’re getting swamped with people needing help. But here’s the thing to understand: these geeks have been doing this all day. Your request won’t bother or confuse them.

Support from the various email sending services has also been really good, despite the overload. You may need to be patient to get through, but they should be able to give you the records that you need.

Get the information from your newsletter program, take it to your hosting company or a friendly geek, and they’ll help you get the records in the right place.

Remember: if you are sending from your own website, you may just need to make sure the default records are set up, and some hosting companies have already done it for you. Run mail-tester.com before you panic.

So just getting the records right will fix this?

Well… yes, and no.

If you are sending out a lot of emails, the email companies are looking for a few other hints to make sure you aren’t a spammer.

What do they want? They want people to:

  • open your newsletters
  • click on a link in your email
  • reply to you

According to the official news release, this only applies to those sending over 5000 emails per day, or those who have a reported (spam) rate of over .3%. (Spam reports: those are when people click “spam” at the top when they are reading your email. Note that sometimes the spam button is next to the archive or delete. It is normal to have some spam reports, even if you aren’t sending spam, because people don’t always hit the right button. And no, they don’t realize how much harm they’re doing to their favorite author when they do that!)

But realistically? None of us want to be mistaken for spammers, and I’d like to suggest that if you are sending emails that people don’t want to receive, maybe you ARE actually sending spam.

Best Practices

Go back over my articles on sharable newsletters. Make sure that you are sending out useful emails. Interact with your readers and make sure you’re sending them something they want.

Run mail-tester.com and get your score up above 8/10.

Have a button people can click that will unsubscribe them immediately from your newsletters and be happy when they use it.

Let’s compare notes! How is your email deliverability? Are people getting your emails? Are you having any problems? Have you done anything to get your readers to reply to your emails? What has your experience been?

About Lisa

head shot of smiling Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not playing with her daughter, writing, or designing for the web, she can be found wandering the local beaches.

Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of Deleyna's Dynamic Designs, a web development company focused on helping writers, and Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.

Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her classroom where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!

Top image by Deleyna via Canva

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The Pain of First Pages
Frustrated writer at laptop

Why is it so $#%*! hard to write the opening of a novel?

Maybe you stare at the blank page wondering where to begin, how to best introduce your characters, or what will make the best hook to keep readers turning pages.

Or maybe you’re not concerned with any of that in the first draft. Maybe, like me, you revel in the fresh start, putting down words at first that seem to flow like water. But by draft number two, or sixteen, you’re dreading the deep changes you need to make to that opening to bring the whole story into focus.

Whatever your process, the first pages of a book tend to receive the most attention from an author. Why? There are several very good reasons.

So. Much. Info.

What should be included in the first few pages of a novel rivals Santa’s Nice-or-Naughty List in length and breadth. Here’s a list of what you’re expected to introduce right away:

  • Main character(s)
  • His/her age, vocation, and other important details
  • Something that makes the reader care about or relate to the MC
  • His/her everyday world
  • His/her primary desire / external goal
  • His/her internal wound / myths believed
  • Theme
  • Setting (where, when, etc.)
  • Genre and subgenre
  • Mood and tone
  • Conflict
  • Stakes
  • Author’s unique voice
  • End-of-first-scene or chapter hook

And not only do you need to include these things but make it appear seamless, like "of course, this is how stories are told." No, no, dear reader, that isn’t blood, sweat, and tears you see, just another delightful day in the life of an author. Yeah, right.

It’s a Catch-22.

You need to know your characters and story well enough to nail those first few pages, but you don’t know them well enough yet because you haven’t written the story. That is, unless you’re a plotter extraordinaire and have already spent many hours with your characters before writing the first line.

But for many writers, those first few pages set the tone for the rest of what they write, and they need to pen a great opening to push forward. The beginning is where you plunge yourself into your characters, what they want, what they need, and how to get them there.

So, the Catch-22 is that you need to know your characters better to write the first pages well, but you need to write the first pages well to get to know your characters better.

By the way, has anyone actually read the Catch-22 novel by Joseph Heller, or do we simply reference the phrase like I just did? Oh well, I digress.

Where to Begin…

You might have intriguing characters, gorgeous prose, and a beautiful hook that pulls readers in, but you may have started in the wrong place. Many writers have received feedback that comes down to: “Nice writing, but throw out the first few pages and start on chapter two.” Ouch.

It’s hard to know when your story should begin. Some stories dump the reader right in the action, and others require a slower build-up. And while genre conventions can help you know which way to go, they don’t illuminate the path perfectly. You have to find the sweet spot for your particular story.

You might have to poke around for a while before you come upon that sweet spot.

Are You a Perfectionist?

Too many writers don’t move forward from those first few pages until they’re shinier than a buffed diamond. They write and rewrite, edit and edit, polish and polish until they can’t see the whole anymore.

Their words are trees, and the sense of a whole forest has been lost. Lost in the woods, they no longer know if what they wrote is any good. It’s analysis paralysis at its best. Worst? Yeah, worst.

Today’s Readers Are Impatient

Once upon a time, I gave any and every book I started a full 50 pages to hook me. Now, an author gets 10–20 pages to convince me to keep reading. Many readers allow for far less than that. They may download a sample or simply read the first page or two before deciding whether to buy.

That puts a lot of pressure on the author to give those first pages magnetic appeal. Or perhaps hypnotic: you must keep reading you must keep reading you must keep reading. We feel the gravity of that opening, which can create the kind of stress that makes it more difficult to write. Or to know if what we’re writing works for others.

Summary: Writing first pages can be a pain in the patootie.

How Do You Get It Right?

First of all, just write. It’s a-okay for your first draft to include stuff that you’ll need to ditch later. You may discover that the best opening for your novel occurs halfway through your first draft of chapter one. And that’s okay. Deleting words (and paragraphs) can be just as important as adding them.

Second, introduce your main character in relationship to others. With rare exceptions, your primary character shouldn’t start with a lot of time alone, internal dialogue, a dream, etc. We need to know who this person is in the context of their relationships. That’s also where we’ll likely figure out what their goals and desires are—whether it’s a longing to be with someone, avoid someone, or even destroy someone. Take us away from others, and our stories become far less intriguing (Castaway, excepted).

Third, hit the highlights. Remember that list above? Check back with it after you’ve drafted your initial scene and see if you covered the elements a reader would be looking for. If you didn’t, no worries—layer them in as you edit.

Fourth, grab a critique partner or group. With first chapters especially, we writers can lose perspective. It helps to have another writer, beta reader, or full group let you know if they were hooked or needed more to feel invested in your characters.

Fifth, let it go. It’s okay to let that first scene or chapter rest up as it is and to plow forward with the rest of the book. Writing the rest of the story may give you the clarity needed to return to the first scene/chapter with the fresh eyes and make sure it reflects the theme and goals of your whole novel.

Openings Can Be Magical

Fortunate. That’s how I feel about the many wonderful novel openings I’ve read through the years. From Daphne Du Maurier’s “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again” to Christina Delay’s “Every good story starts with a lie,” I’ve been yanked into story after story by beautiful first lines and chapters that make me want to turn page after page.

But none of that happened with draft number one. Indeed, what looks like magic requires numerous hours of trial and error, practice, and skill. It can come with some pain, but in the Nike slogan way of “no pain, no gain.”

Work for it, and you’ll be happy with the results.

Do your own first lines just show up in the first draft, or do they arrive in the later drafts? What first lines have stayed with you years later? Do you have advice about openings to add here? Please share it down in the comments!

And for another great opportunity to perfect your first pages, check out the next Cruising Writers retreat! We sail the Caribbean February 22-March 1, 2025, with special guests Mark Leslie and Erin Wright and a First Pages workshop in which you get professional feedback for your writing. Check out the amazing benefits and full itinerary HERE.

About Julie

Julie Glover is an award-winning author of young adult and mystery fiction. Her debut Sharing Hunter placed in several contests, including the much-touted RWA® Golden Heart® YA. Her follow-up, Daring Charlotte, was released last year, and Pairing Anton is coming soon! She has also co-authored five supernatural suspense novels and two short stories in the Muse Island series under her pen name Jules Lynn.

Julie has taught conference workshops and online courses, served as a host of the Writers in the Storm blog, and is a sometimes-host for Cruising Writers, an incomparable writers’ retreat at sea.

Learn more about Julie and her books at her website: julieglover.com.

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Guardians of Creativity: Writing Safely in Public Spaces

by Susan Watts

Writing in public places, such as coffee shops and libraries, offers a unique blend of inspiration and potential challenges. As both a martial artist and author, the combination of creativity and personal safety comes naturally. However, for others, safety may not be a major consideration. Drawing from my experience as a black belt and self-defense seminar instructor, I offer these tips for writers to balance safety and creativity.

The Art of Location Selection: Choose Well-Lit and Crowded Spots

Just as a martial artist assesses their environment for safety, writers should be discerning about their chosen writing spaces. Select well-lit and populated areas where the flow of people ensures a reasonable level of security. Avoid secluded corners or dimly lit spots that might pose safety risks. Your writing sanctuary should inspire creativity without compromising your well-being.

Strategic Positioning: Sit Facing Entrances for Enhanced Awareness

In martial arts, practitioners learn the significance of positioning themselves for optimal defense. Similarly, when writing in public places, sit facing entrances and exits. This strategic placement not only allows for a clear view of your surroundings, but also enhances situational awareness. Observing who enters and exits establishes a mental map of the immediate environment, helping you to focus on your writing without neglecting your safety.

Engage and Disengage: Knowing When to Look Up

Immersing yourself in your writing is crucial, but so is periodically disengaging to assess your surroundings. Establish a rhythm—write for a set period, then take a moment to look up and scan your environment. It's a dance between creativity and vigilance, ensuring you remain connected to both your work and the world around you. Designate breaks in your writing session to focus solely on your surroundings. Use these moments to reorient yourself and ensure your safety protocols are intact.

Make a habit of being mindful of those around you and any unusual behavior. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Being mindful of your surroundings helps protect your creative flow from unexpected disruptions.

Guarding the Arsenal: Keep Valuables Secure

Martial artists safeguard their weapons, and for writers, the laptop or tablet is a formidable tool. Be mindful of your belongings—keep your laptop, bags, and personal items within reach. Avoid leaving them unattended, as distraction can provide an opportunity for opportunistic individuals. By maintaining control over your possessions, you safeguard both your creative work and personal safety.

Digital Fortifications: Use Lock Screen Features and VPNs

Just as martial artists fortify their defenses, writers should fortify their digital presence. Enable lock screen features on your devices to protect your work and personal information. Use strong passwords or biometric authentication for an added layer of security. When working on public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive financial or personal information. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security, ensuring that your digital activities remain shielded from potential threats.

Strategic Alliances: The Buddy System for Writers

In martial arts, strength often lies in alliances. Likewise, writers can benefit from the buddy system. If possible, work with a writing partner or a friend when venturing into public spaces. Having someone by your side not only deters potential threats but also provides a safety net, allowing you to immerse yourself in your writing without undue worry.

Emergency Preparedness: Establishing Plans and Contacts

Martial artists rehearse emergency scenarios, and writers should do the same. Familiarize yourself with the location's emergency exits and procedures. Ensure someone knows your whereabouts and can contact you in case of an emergency. Share your location or schedule with a trusted friend or family member, establishing a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Trust Your Intuition: The Writer's Sixth Sense

Just as martial artists trust their instincts, writers must trust their intuition. If something doesn't feel right, don't dismiss it. Whether it's a subtle discomfort or a gut feeling, your intuition is a valuable tool for detecting potential threats. Trust it and take appropriate action to protect your safety.

Safe Transitions: Traveling to and from Public Places

When traveling to and from public places, use reputable transportation services and inform someone about your itinerary. Ensuring a safe transition to and from your writing sessions adds an extra layer of security to your overall experience. If you are traveling by car, remember these important safety tips:

  1. Always lock your car when you leave it.
  2. Leave your car in the safest place possible. Park as close as you can to your destination, and park under lights.
  3. When you return to the car, have your key ready to get in.
  4. Before getting in, make sure no one has tampered with it. Look under the car, and in the back seat, while approaching your car.
  5. Avoid leaving valuables in the car.
  6. Always know where you left your car.
  7. When walking to your car, avoid walking close to parked cars or other places where people might hide.
  8. Once inside, lock the doors. Crank up and drive away.

Remember the BAIL System

B = Buddy System - make sure somebody knows where you are.

A = Awareness - be aware of your surroundings. Be observant and critical, identifying potentially dangerous areas and opportunities.

I = instincts (trust them!).

L = leave - if you feel uncomfortable. If something just doesn’t feel right, get out of there!

Writing in public places can be a liberating and inspiring experience, but prioritizing safety is essential. By incorporating these tips, you can immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere while remaining vigilant about your well-being. Choose your writing locations wisely, practice situational awareness, and fortify your digital and physical defenses. With a mindful approach, you can navigate public spaces confidently, crafting your words with both creativity and security in mind.

Do you ever write in public places? What are your favorite venues? What do you do to ensure your personal safety?

About Susan

Since her earliest recollections, Susan Watts has been crafting stories. As a child, she loved nothing more than opening a blank notebook and embarking on a new adventure through writing. While she enjoyed reading, creating her own stories brought her even greater joy. Under the pen name Michelle Allums, she authored a young adult urban fantasy titled, The Jade Amulet and is currently writing the sequel. Her short stories are also included in the anthologies Christmas Roses and Forever and Always. She will be a presenter in the upcoming writer’s symposium “Polishing Your Mirror: Self-Care for Writers” on March 23-24, 2024. 

Susan has dedicated over four decades to training in multiple martial arts styles and holds the impressive title of a five-time US Karate Alliance world black belt fighting grand champion. Through her karate school, she is able to impart martial arts and life skills. Susan also incorporates her martial arts knowledge into her writing. An avid triathlete, she keeps in shape by running, biking, and swimming. She lives in the country with her husband, where they raise animals and enjoy being outdoors. Susan also has three grown children and numerous grandchildren. In addition, she is a CPA and VP of finance for a company in her hometown. 

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

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