Writers in the Storm

Margie Lawson and Darynda Jones

Darynda Jones’ writing is so fun, so fresh, you might think she doesn’t use much of her right brain logic. But she does. Read on, and you’ll learn why and how her right brain rockets her to best seller success.

From Darynda Jones:

So, yeah, I get teased. Even today, sitting at the big girls’ table, I get teased. I’m a plotter, but not just any plotter. I plot like my life depends on it and, in a way, my career does. I’ve learned not to mess with my process and it will often produce outlines that consist of between 40 and 60 pages.

Lots of writers outline. Most don’t do it to that extent, but I see my outline as a map. I have to know where I’m going before I start on the journey. I have to know every turn. Every twist. Every possible obstacle.

Does all this mean that I rigidly stick to my outline? That I never waver or have any kind of spontaneity? Quite the opposite. By creating such a detailed outline, I am actually more free (in my mind, anyway) to divert from the path, because I always know where I’m going. Where I’ll end up. And by creating such a detailed map of events, guess what I never ever have? Go ahead. Guess.

Guess.

I’ll wait.

A sagging middle!

A sagging middle is just not a problem I have ever had. My stories never wander aimlessly. Every scene moves the story forward. Every interaction adds important information or develops my characters even more fully.

Of course, there are more advantages to outlining. One is that I am freer to create those fresh twists that get a writer on the best sellers lists. To explore a character’s emotion and take my writing to the next level. I didn’t know how to do this at first, but I stumbled upon an online class on empowering characters’ emotions given by the incredible Margie Lawson and my writing has never been the same.

I learned so much from that class and from the many I’ve taken since, and right now I’m sitting in an immersion class with Margie, learning so much I’m giddy and ecstatic and dizzy with knowledge. I’m already looking forward to my next immersion class! (And, no, I’m so not kidding.)

Anyhoo, are you sold yet? Check out my process and see if you are willing to take the plunge. And even more important, check out Margie’s classes and lecture packets.

Darynda’s Outlining Process:

I plot like there’s no tomorrow, baby. I barely start a book without three distinct outlines.

1. The Skeleton Key: This answers four basic questions:

-- Where are we?

-- What time of day is it?

-- What major event happens in this scene or series of scenes?

-- In what order does the story unfold?

2. The Outline:

This is a brief synopsis of the entire book. It is usually about 5-9 pages long. It’s what I send my editor for approval before actually starting the book.

3. The Detailed Outline:

This is where I take the skeleton key, plug the outline into the appropriate areas, then add any details I’ve come up with including specific scenes, little extras I want to reveal here and there, funny lines or situations I want to use, and even internal and external motivation.

These outlines usually run between 40 and 60 pages, but remember that part about adding scenes? Yeah, by this point I’ve already written a nice chunk of the book.

Next, I take the final detailed outline, copy and paste it into my manuscript, and delete as I go. This way I never stray far from the conceived story. I don’t wander around, wondering where I’m going. I know exactly what is coming next, and very often, if it’s a “hard” scene (meaning I’m too lazy to write it at that moment), I’ll jump to another scene. I don’t get bored and/or stuck very often and I rarely pull my hair out by its roots. I’ve tried pantsing. It wasn’t pretty. I had writer’s block by the time I got to page three.

NOTE: Let me just say that I write ALL over the place. I do not write linearly in any way, shape or form. But each scene has a purpose. Each scene moves the story forward. This makes the book tight, the pacing strong, and the story smooth. By having such a detailed map of where I’m going, I can write on chapter two one day and chapter nineteen the next. Another (possibly more important) advantage to outlining is that I’m always making progress, always having fun.

Margie says:

Darynda has a smart right brain. But I love her uber-creative left brain too. Here are a few of the hundreds of fresh examples from her upcoming May 19^th release, Eighth Grave After Dark.

Dialogue Cues:

1. “Having a secret meeting with my husband?” I asked, my voice sharp with accusation and innuendo. Mostly accusation. 

2. What Gemma so often forgot was that no matter how soft and nonjudgmental her voice was, I could feel the emotions raging beneath her calm exterior.

Flicker Face Emotion:

A worried expression flashed across Reyes’s face so fast, I almost missed it. Almost.

Cliché Play:

“I just like to keep you on your toes.”

“Oh, you do that. No worries there. I’m like a ballerina when you’re around.”

Rhetorical Device, Conduplicatio

Still, seeing it in person sent a tiny quiver of terror lacing down my spine. Terror that I’d burst out laughing and embarrass her.

Character Description and Humor Hit:

All in all, he was very nice looking. Medium height. Slim build. Exotic coloring. His accent would suggest a local upbringing. I got the feeling that in his spare time he liked wearing feather boas and singing karaoke. But that could just be me projecting.

Fresh and Funny:

Reyes exploded into the room incorporeally, his heat like a nuclear blast over my skin. I held up a hand, and though it was meant for Reyes—he had a tendency to sever spines first and ask questions later—Agent Waters stopped instantly.

Humor Hit:

I could never hate him. Not even if he ate the last Oreo, though that would be pushing it.

A big THANK YOU to Darynda for sharing her right brain with us!

BLOG GUESTS – Share your ideas about outlining, or not. Or share a fresh example from Darynda Jones or your WIP.

Post a comment and you could win an online class from Lawson Writer’s Academy!

These April classes just started (click on the hyperlink for more info):

Story Structure Safari 

Creating That Historical Feel 

Love Your Voice 

This class starts April 5^th:

 Diving Deep Into Developmental Edits

Thank you for dropping by Writers In the Storm!

Margie Lawson—editor and international presenter—is often considered one of the top writing teachers in America. She used her clinical psychology expertise to develop deep editing techniques used by new writers to multi-award winning authors. In the last decade Margie has presented ninety-plus full day master classes to writers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Writers credit her innovative EDITS System and deep editing techniques for taking their writing to publication, awards, and bestseller lists.      

Margie created (and teaches for) Lawson Writer’s Academy, which has over thirty online instructors. She also teaches Immersion Master Classes, four-day, personalized, hone-your-writing-craft intensive experiences. To learn more, please visit www.MargieLawson.com.

No Fooling.

Writers in the Storm is having a "Writing Event" on Monday, April 20.

Write Up A Storm is a one-day sprint-writing bash on Facebook, designed to motivate and sustain your writing throughout the day. Even if that day job impinges on your time, you can participate before work, during lunch and after hours. We'll be here. Writing. Piling up word count. Supporting each other.

We'll be writing all day and keeping track of word count totals from our fabulous readers. You can post your word count in a comment that day, and we'll add it to the tally. You can post every hour if you want to and encourage others--or challenge them. Hmm, is this a WITS Throwdown in the making? We're hoping that everyone's combined word count will add up to a novella. Actually I'm hoping for a full-length book!

Here's a short list of simple things you can do to prepare for Write Up A Storm:

1. If you're a plotter, work on that outline for your new idea. You don't have to finish the outline, but have enough to get you through three (or six) chapters.
2. If you're a pantser, work your process so you've got the beginning of your story solidly ready to put words on the page.
3. Know your characters–their motivation, their character arcs, what they want more than anything else in the world.
4. Know what keeps your characters from getting what they want, whether it's another person, lack of something, like education, or maybe something from their past.
5. Read.*
6. Mark the date on your calendar. Set an alarm on your phone.
7. Commit to a definite number of minutes–even if it's only ten–of solid writing time.
8. Complete any research necessary to write the section you plan to work on.
9. Contact other writer friends to participate for support. They will thank you on Tuesday, April 21, when they look at what they've accomplished.
10. Finish routine chores like the laundry and grocery shopping during the week-end.
11. Pre-cook meals for the day.

* At the California Dreamin' Conference last week-end, Laura, Jenny and I heard Keynote Speaker Sylvia Day talk about how when writers stop reading, they stop writing. So read to fill your writer well. Read like a reader and enjoy yourself.

Sign up link for the event.

Are you willing to commit to writing on Monday, April 20? Are you willing to share your word count? How about sharing a tip to help all of us get ready?

*  *  *  *  *  *

About Fae

Fae Rowen discovered the romance genre after years as a science fiction freak.  Writing futuristics and medieval paranormals, she jokes  that she can live anywhere but the present.  As a mathematician, she knows life’s a lot more fun when you get to define your world and its rules.

Punished, oh-no, that’s published as a co-author of a math textbook, she yearns to hear personal stories about finding love from those who read her books, rather than the horrors of algebra lessons gone wrong.  She is grateful for good friends who remind her to do the practical things in life like grocery shop, show up at the airport for a flight and pay bills.

A “hard” scientist who avoided writing classes like the plague, she now enjoys sharing her brain with characters who demand that their stories be told.  Amazing, gifted critique partners keep her on the straight and narrow. Feedback from readers keeps her fingers on the keyboard.

When she’s not hanging out at Writers in the Storm, you can visit Fae at http://faerowen.com  or www.facebook.com/fae.rowen.

Penny Sansevieri

Okay readers, listen up. This one is for you. Being an author isn't easy - in fact it’s a pretty tough job. It’s not easy being an author in a world where everyone can get published.We write our books for you and, in return, we’d love a little help now and again.

Most of my articles focus on advising authors on marketing and social media. I am sure authors read these pieces and feel like they need a nap. Yes, there’s a lot to be done, but you shouldn't go it alone. Your readers can be your best ally to help you market to other readers.

Often readers do want to help, but aren’t really sure what to do. There’s a bit of a mystique around authors. Many readers think, “Well, the book has been published, they probably don’t need my help.” But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Authors (especially those who are starting out) do need our help.

Here are 10 things you can do to help support your favorite author.

And authors, don’t hesitate to post this list somewhere on your website. If you need help (and who doesn’t) you need to ask for it.

1. Review the book

I've been doing an experiment with a book that I published anonymously. I included an email address for readers, to write and share their thoughts on the book. I was shocked at all of the emails I got. Most of them complimentary (whew) and many of them asking when I’d write another book (something every author wants to hear). I would write them, thank the, and ask if they had the time, would they consider reviewing it on Amazon? This has netted me over fifty reader reviews.

Authentic opinions about the book, written by a reader. Fantastic, yes? Readers are some of the best resources for reviews. If you are an author, ask for a review. You might even include a note at the end of the book to your readers inviting them to review it and telling them why. I’m surprised that many readers don’t write reviews, it’s not because they’re lazy but because they wonder if their opinion matters. Guess what? It does!

Like a book? Please review it. Even if you don’t like it review it, too. Most authors welcome feedback if it’s constructive. Always be positive.

2. Video reviews 

If you’re ready to take this a step further, why not offer a video review? Amazon lets you do this and I know, as an author, I would be thrilled if someone reviewed my book on video! If you do this, send the video clip via Dropbox or YouSendit and keep the clip to under a minute. Hold up the book and smile!

3. Photo sharing

This is another thing that I would love so much. A reader holding up my book, snapping a picture and posting it on social media! This is a fun, visual way to share your love for a book. Even better, snap a picture where you’re reading it. Taking a book on vacation? Why not show yourself enjoying the book (cover out!) laying in a hammock or sitting somewhere sipping espresso (Paris?). If you don’t have any travel planned, take a picture anyway. Authors love, love this so much!

4. Local bookstores

Though it may seem like every author who is published gets a shot at bookstore shelf space, the truth is, most don’t. If you’ve found a book you love and had to buy it on Amazon because your local store didn’t carry it, tell them. Bookstore managers have told me if they get multiple requests for a book they will consider stocking it.

5. Reading groups

This is often a tough one for authors to get into. Reading groups are a fantastic way to get the word out about your book but many are tough to reach and often pick their books months in advance. Unlike The Pulpwood Queens, which has a website and a strong online presence, most local book clubs don’t have that kind of exposure -  but their regional reach can be fantastic.

If you know of a local book club, let them know about this book and put them in touch with the author. It’s a quick thing to do and I speak from experience when I say that any author would be very, very grateful to have this kind of a connection.

6. Buy the book for a friend

This is pretty basic. If you love the book you just read, buy a copy for a friend. I do this almost every year for Christmas. If I love a book, I gift it. When you do, remind the person to review it.

7. Social Media

Sharing has become part of our lives. We share good and bad news, but when was the last time you shared what you are reading? Here’s where that great picture you just took of you reading a book can come in handy. Or even better, hop on over to Goodread,s or Library Thing and share your love for this author to the millions listening there.

8. Bookmarks

Most authors will get things printed, like bookmarks, postcards, etc. Bookmarks are especially fun because despite the eBook surge, many of us are still reading printed books. Email the author and see if he or she will send you a stack that you can share with your local library or bookstore. Leave them at the counter or pop them inside of similar books. Sort of like Amazon’s, “Other customers also bought…”

I know of a few times when this has happened, the authors are blown away and grateful. Ask for the bookmarks and the next time you’re at a bookstore drop them off. Easy, and the authors will really appreciate the local exposure.

9. Authors on tour

It’s not often that authors tour anymore but if you have someone coming to your area, why not offer to help them get the word out? Maybe drop off fliers, or if you are so inclined, call your local paper and let them know this author is coming to town and as a reader, you’d love for the paper to do a story on them.

Getting a heads up about an author coming to town from a reader can be ten times more effective than even a well-polished pitch. Why? Because the media is serving the local community and if a resident is sharing an idea, they’re bound to listen.

10. Libraries 

Authors can have a tough time getting their books into libraries, so why not buy an extra book and donate it? Then let the author know that you did this so they can let readers know where they can check out the book at a local library. I know most authors would love to have a reader do this. It’s impossible to reach everyone and most authors don’t have the budget to do a library pitch on top of everything else. Many will submit their books to publications that librarians read and hope for the best. Having a local connection is a fantastic way to get a book some local exposure.

*  *  *

When I’ve offered these tips in a session, someone will pop up and say, “But big named authors don’t need this kind of help.” That’s possibly quite true, but if you’re only reading big names, you’re missing out on a whole crop of wonderful new writers. And, frankly, authors, no matter how big, will appreciate the help. The publishing world isn’t just shrinking for the little guy, it’s shrinking for every author.

As a reader, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference and help out an author who has poured their heart and soul into a book. As an author, if you need help from your readers, ask. Post this article on your website or excerpt pieces of it that you feel best fit your needs. Even better, create your own list. When you ask for help, you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.

Well, WITS followers, what points would you add to the list? Have you ever tried any of these?

 

About Penny

Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert and an Adjunct Professor with NYU. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. She is the author of fourteen books, including How to Sell Books by the Truckload. AME is the first marketing and publicity firm to use Internet promotion to its full impact through online promotion and their signature program called: The Virtual Author Tour™

To learn more about Penny’s books or her promotional services, you can visit her web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com. To subscribe to her free newsletter, send a blank email to: mailto:subscribe@amarketingexpert.com

Copyright @2015 Penny C. Sansevieri

 

Top photo by Rachel James (Flickr) - CC License