I apologize for the long hiatuses. I have been extremely busy to say the least. I am working on several projects including one epic novel!
I realize that sometimes I can get caught up in the "All-or-nothing" frame of mind where...if I have not completed my larger works, I should stop writing entirely until I have completed said works.
I no longer subscribe to that idea and believe that as long as you are writing and writing your passion...that is enough. Getting caught up in the minute details of such things can actually be a hindrance not only to you as a writer but your self-growth overall.
One of the titles that I was working on is now complete. It is entitled 'This is my Bucket'. It is a picture book about the power of imagination.
Grab your copy here!
Thank you so much for sticking with me as an author. There are several great works that are in production that I would love to share with you.
What books have you been reading lately? Leave me a comment!
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2018
Thursday, August 8, 2013
"The Write Characters"
Sometimes it is difficult to come up with likeable characters for you novel or story--it is all in the imagination that us writers hone them to perfection, or at least close to perfect. Our characters make the story believable or unbelievable. If they feel more like flat personalities then the reader will not like them or they will give a writer a bad review. Round out those characters and see where they go.
Characters, whether female or male need to have characteristics, which means they need to have issues, and many of them. With many different back stories that go along with these characters enhance them by adding something they must do, like a habit. One character in my book has a habit of rubbing envelopes before opening them. Believable right? Yes, people do have habits, no matter good, bad, or ugly. Insert one into your book before it is through.
Good characters bring a story together and enable the reader to finish the book from front to back almost in one sitting. Horrible characters are challenging for the reader to wade through and at times, readers put the book down and never pick it up again. There have been too many icky characters written out there. It is up to us writers to make them awesome!
Keep writing that book even know it is terrible right now--that is what editing is for. When a writer edits, we blow up our characters into something majestic and flowing. "They walked into a room filled with multi-colored balloons and happy smiles." A character with a debt is what readers want to scan, and not a character that is all balloons and smiles on every page. That is just not real-life.
Let's keep it real for the reader. Write not only what you know but what you are in the process of learning. Life is one huge learning experience and by adding something new to you, you are adding something new to the character. Make him or her something special to you and your reader. Keep this character grounded in reality or any other place, if they are too much of a loose cannon then readers exit the scene.
Love what you write. If you don't, neither will your readers. Always edit and edit again whenever something is finished or almost completed. And always write your characters well....
~Author Candy O'Donnell
http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/
Characters, whether female or male need to have characteristics, which means they need to have issues, and many of them. With many different back stories that go along with these characters enhance them by adding something they must do, like a habit. One character in my book has a habit of rubbing envelopes before opening them. Believable right? Yes, people do have habits, no matter good, bad, or ugly. Insert one into your book before it is through.
Good characters bring a story together and enable the reader to finish the book from front to back almost in one sitting. Horrible characters are challenging for the reader to wade through and at times, readers put the book down and never pick it up again. There have been too many icky characters written out there. It is up to us writers to make them awesome!
Keep writing that book even know it is terrible right now--that is what editing is for. When a writer edits, we blow up our characters into something majestic and flowing. "They walked into a room filled with multi-colored balloons and happy smiles." A character with a debt is what readers want to scan, and not a character that is all balloons and smiles on every page. That is just not real-life.
Let's keep it real for the reader. Write not only what you know but what you are in the process of learning. Life is one huge learning experience and by adding something new to you, you are adding something new to the character. Make him or her something special to you and your reader. Keep this character grounded in reality or any other place, if they are too much of a loose cannon then readers exit the scene.
Love what you write. If you don't, neither will your readers. Always edit and edit again whenever something is finished or almost completed. And always write your characters well....
~Author Candy O'Donnell
http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
When You Write?
Where is it does a writer find themselves when the mood strikes them? Is it at work, before they go to bed or perhaps at anytime during the day? I have discovered that writing does not follow a time piece but rather flows whenever the mood strikes. It is when this creative architecture takes place as it bows down and releases words for the writer to grasp then write in such a loving manner.
Writing is not always sporadic or indecisive. I can continuously move along in such a way that the writer themselves does not have an apparent reason why characters, plot, or meaning is the way it is. Accept it and write at night, during the day, or in the morning. I myself write anytime I feel like it. Writing is one of those wonderful insights that comes and goes and when it comes, be prepared to exhaust your brain.
The morning hours are usually best for writers just after a morning walk. It inspires the mind to take hold of ideas that had been stirring within. A good jog loosens many good stories ready to leap from the writer's hands. Exercise in the morning wakens the mind and prepares it to write what simmered during the night. Early writing is blurted out so the writer can move forward with their day to do whatever is waiting for them after the words have flowed.
Day writing can be very soothing too. During the day, the morning is through and the children have gone to school so there is no excuse not to write unless you have a job to attend to. This time can be set aside for you, your mind, and your creativity. Let to move outward where words can distinguish themselves from what transpired during the morning. Release them! Don't hold back. I find that I can receive a headache if I do not write.
Night writing is especially grand. Many writers are without distractions and feel their outward movement clutch their minds. Write your heart out and do so with integrity and honor. Allow this time to spew your sentences of the day. Sometimes we come up with great concepts for future books and can rehash what we thought about. The main premise is to write, write, write!
~ Author Candy O'Donnell
http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/
Writing is not always sporadic or indecisive. I can continuously move along in such a way that the writer themselves does not have an apparent reason why characters, plot, or meaning is the way it is. Accept it and write at night, during the day, or in the morning. I myself write anytime I feel like it. Writing is one of those wonderful insights that comes and goes and when it comes, be prepared to exhaust your brain.
The morning hours are usually best for writers just after a morning walk. It inspires the mind to take hold of ideas that had been stirring within. A good jog loosens many good stories ready to leap from the writer's hands. Exercise in the morning wakens the mind and prepares it to write what simmered during the night. Early writing is blurted out so the writer can move forward with their day to do whatever is waiting for them after the words have flowed.
Day writing can be very soothing too. During the day, the morning is through and the children have gone to school so there is no excuse not to write unless you have a job to attend to. This time can be set aside for you, your mind, and your creativity. Let to move outward where words can distinguish themselves from what transpired during the morning. Release them! Don't hold back. I find that I can receive a headache if I do not write.
Night writing is especially grand. Many writers are without distractions and feel their outward movement clutch their minds. Write your heart out and do so with integrity and honor. Allow this time to spew your sentences of the day. Sometimes we come up with great concepts for future books and can rehash what we thought about. The main premise is to write, write, write!
~ Author Candy O'Donnell
http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/
Monday, July 22, 2013
The Heart of the Writer
Writing can be compulsive, complicated
and overall exasperating, and if performed according to ones specks, it can be
very rewarding. A writer does not just sit down and begin writing each day
without a predetermined thought; thought must grow over time and accumulate
what it is the writer intends to flow from their minds. Each thought does not
blossom upon command; no never at the spur of the moment does an entire novel
spout out quickly.
It takes time for a writer to hone their
endeavors ever so carefully and with much thought. The reader is always in
mind, and whenever a writer does decide a thought is worth revealing they sit
quietly and ever so quickly let go of that particular thought, no matter if it
is short or long.
Writers work in different ways. Some
categorize their characters, situations, and even their minute thoughts. To
discuss how a writer operates, it varies from person to person. Writing can
become a religion for one human while it has become tedious for another. It was
so often assumed that writing always comes from the heart; it can flow from the
mind too.
In-depth writing that conforms to the
human heart takes time and meticulous thought that must come from inside where
no key has ever unlocked it unless the writer grants accessibility. Some of the
greatest stories have been pulled from inside the heart and the writer has finally
decided to release it. What a tremendous thing to have happen. Profound stories
can sometimes cause the writer’s tears to flow along with their words.
That beating organ in the center of our
chest is what drags the writer along the path of pebbles, sorrows, and blood-red
anger that encourages words to be cast out. Is it natural? At times it is
completely natural for a writer to produce extravagant settings from fiction to
non-fiction that cause such a rukus that even the reader must pause before
continuing. That is what makes a great
writer.
All writers contain thoughts that twist
and turn within, and sometimes they spew them outward for the world to read.
Then there are those writers that covet their work like a charmed amulet and
refuse to allow outside eyes to see it. This is sad to hear of—when so many
distinguished writers are not fee to show their work because feelings play a
lot into a writer and their ability to be open with it.
Please, please, please, be free with
your work and show it to others so it can be appreciated. Writing never should
be judged or scorned, it comes from the heart and when someone informs a writer
that they do not appreciate it, are they really saying they do not appreciate
the writer? What a concept to ingest. Our writer friends need to feel free
enough to allow for criticisms as well. Everyone has an opinion and it may not
reflect the character of the writer. Take it as a learning experience and move
on to the next piece simmering beneath.
~Author Candy O’Donnell
http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 24, 2013
Creative Writing: A learning process for writers
If you look at the famous authors, you will find that very few ever attended a college or university, let alone the handful that actually majored in composition and literature. In all honesty, the majority of them would not have told you they were writers because frankly they did not know it themselves!
You see, being creative and imaginative and inspirational is vital to being a creative author. It is more than sitting at your desk with that breath-taking setting, that realistic character, that mind-blowing plot, and so on. It is merely about using your own experiences and writing them out the same way an artist would paint.
I have come to the conclusion that there are three distinct types of writers. Firstly, we have the “dreamers” that spend a lot of time thinking and entertaining themselves with their own ideas but never bother to jot them down. Secondly, we have the “commenters” who spend their time outlining and making plans for success but lack the motivation to finish. And thirdly, we have the “achievers” that are committed to their ideas and work at them daily. It’s interesting the different kinds of writers I have encountered in my young life. I notice that a lot of us are “commenter’s” in that we are all about the story and the trail that will launch us into fandom.
I will keep it real with you by listing all the books that I have attempted to write and fail:
The Guardian
The Finding
Blue Bird
Juliet
Wishing Wall
Spindle
Mandrill
You see, I have tried to write a total of seven novels. If you think I have failed, that is your opinion. I think the greatest thing about creative writing is that you do not have to continue or finish your work in order to learn from it. Currently, I am working on this list. It has taken the other six to teach me things like aspiration, commitment, and determination. It is also changing the way in which I write. Not everyone has a first-person point of view, which can shape the way you look at characters and plots when you find out what works for you and what does not.
Creative writing is a learn-as-you-go kind of process.
-Matthew Benton
You see, being creative and imaginative and inspirational is vital to being a creative author. It is more than sitting at your desk with that breath-taking setting, that realistic character, that mind-blowing plot, and so on. It is merely about using your own experiences and writing them out the same way an artist would paint.
I have come to the conclusion that there are three distinct types of writers. Firstly, we have the “dreamers” that spend a lot of time thinking and entertaining themselves with their own ideas but never bother to jot them down. Secondly, we have the “commenters” who spend their time outlining and making plans for success but lack the motivation to finish. And thirdly, we have the “achievers” that are committed to their ideas and work at them daily. It’s interesting the different kinds of writers I have encountered in my young life. I notice that a lot of us are “commenter’s” in that we are all about the story and the trail that will launch us into fandom.
I will keep it real with you by listing all the books that I have attempted to write and fail:
The Guardian
The Finding
Blue Bird
Juliet
Wishing Wall
Spindle
Mandrill
You see, I have tried to write a total of seven novels. If you think I have failed, that is your opinion. I think the greatest thing about creative writing is that you do not have to continue or finish your work in order to learn from it. Currently, I am working on this list. It has taken the other six to teach me things like aspiration, commitment, and determination. It is also changing the way in which I write. Not everyone has a first-person point of view, which can shape the way you look at characters and plots when you find out what works for you and what does not.
Creative writing is a learn-as-you-go kind of process.
-Matthew Benton
Friday, June 14, 2013
Review of “Of Bees and Mist” by Erick Setiawan
“Of Bees and Mist” by Erick Setiawan is an enthralling read from the first page. It was first recommended to me through Amazon and Good-Reads. I have reread it a great deal and enjoyed it every time. It is a young adult story and also Setiawan’s debut novel which may come as a surprise because the language reads like it was written by a distinguished author. The book is told in the third-person but the main focus is on the life of Meridia.
The story begins with Meridia as a child. Her father, Gabriel, is presented as a cold and numbing character who is impossible to win attention or love from. It is shortly revealed that every night he leaves in a cloud of mist and returns home the following morning in the mist; he having a long-standing affair with another woman. Her mother, Ravenna, is no exception with her private dark language and obsessive behavior. The house, like the parents, is always filled with a bitter coldness to where Meridia can never remain warm for very long. Needless to say, she lives a very abnormal childhood.
The story transitions into Meridia’s life as a young adult where she meets Daniel. It seems unreal when she finds herself taken by his charm. She then learns to cherish his mother, Eva, whose laughter brings her warmth, appearing to be everything her own mother is not. Later in the story, Meridia realizes that Eva is the one responsible for keeping people awake durring the night, torturing them with the sound of a thousand buzzing bees. Daniel’s two sisters, Malin who is spiteful, and Peremony who is gentle and kind, are the family she envies. Meridia becomes Daniel’s bride through a sacrifice on her own mother’s part.
After having married Daniel, the plot of the book begins to take an unmistakable turn. For the remainder of the story, Meridia spends a majority of her time arguing with Daniel, feuding with Eva, re-establishing her relationship with her mother, protecting her sister-in-laws, and finding the answer to Gabriel’s secret.
The setting of the book is a mystery in that Setiawan never gives the reader a name, only the title of streets, estates, markets, and festivals; however, the language makes-up for it. It truly is an outstanding novel for those who enjoy fiction, literary, fantasy, young-adult, or those who enjoy stories with a fairytale-esque ending to it.
by Matthew Benton
The story begins with Meridia as a child. Her father, Gabriel, is presented as a cold and numbing character who is impossible to win attention or love from. It is shortly revealed that every night he leaves in a cloud of mist and returns home the following morning in the mist; he having a long-standing affair with another woman. Her mother, Ravenna, is no exception with her private dark language and obsessive behavior. The house, like the parents, is always filled with a bitter coldness to where Meridia can never remain warm for very long. Needless to say, she lives a very abnormal childhood.
The story transitions into Meridia’s life as a young adult where she meets Daniel. It seems unreal when she finds herself taken by his charm. She then learns to cherish his mother, Eva, whose laughter brings her warmth, appearing to be everything her own mother is not. Later in the story, Meridia realizes that Eva is the one responsible for keeping people awake durring the night, torturing them with the sound of a thousand buzzing bees. Daniel’s two sisters, Malin who is spiteful, and Peremony who is gentle and kind, are the family she envies. Meridia becomes Daniel’s bride through a sacrifice on her own mother’s part.
After having married Daniel, the plot of the book begins to take an unmistakable turn. For the remainder of the story, Meridia spends a majority of her time arguing with Daniel, feuding with Eva, re-establishing her relationship with her mother, protecting her sister-in-laws, and finding the answer to Gabriel’s secret.
The setting of the book is a mystery in that Setiawan never gives the reader a name, only the title of streets, estates, markets, and festivals; however, the language makes-up for it. It truly is an outstanding novel for those who enjoy fiction, literary, fantasy, young-adult, or those who enjoy stories with a fairytale-esque ending to it.
by Matthew Benton
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Book Buying
Bargaining
Going into a bookstore is like entering a new world, one scented with ink and paper, coffee and tea, dust and wood. I could browse the literary and young-adult sections forever but at the end of the day, I could never purchase any of them. The trip usually results in me buying something from the clearance or the bargain bin. However, I have gone into a Barnes & Nobles or a Books-A-Million and walked out feeling angry about the prices. For all who buy books, we know that at the end of the day it all comes down to money. How much are we willing to spend on a book when we can buy it elsewhere for a better price?
Below, I have ranked the order in which I purchase my books as well as the sites and stores I frequently visit or find the best deals:
You can find free books at your local library and online through give-a-way sites and e-books:
Free Book Friday- It is site that gives you the option to enter a “raffle” to win a free book in any of the four categories.
http://www.freebookfriday.com/
Get Free Books- It is a site that allows you to legally download free books.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/
Online Alternatives
You can find a multitude of discounted books! I use this to find a majority of my books (I almost never use any e-book format but I do own a kindle for schooling purposes). I would consider these the best options for those who like to have a physical copy of the book:
Best Bargain Books- It is a site that guarantee’s each book to start out at 60-80 percent off its original price. The fault is that books are almost always out of stock and you do pay around $3’s in shipping.
http://www.bestbargainbook.com/
Better World Books- It is an organization dedicated to improving literacy world-wide. It has a “bargain bin” where you can find a majority of popular titles and authors for under $3’s per book. For every book you do buy, the organization gives a book to a child or adult in a foreign country. Shipping is free!
http://www.betterworldbooks.com/
Trick-or-Treat Sellers
Barnes & Noble- It is probably the best known bookstore. However, it’s prices can be drastically lowered if you are willing to look around and price elsewhere. I would recommend checking their website for bargain-buys but shelf buying should be prohibited.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Books-A-Million- It is a smaller bookstore but a great place to find bargains. Here, you will find popular titles in each genre for under $5’s on clearance. No shelf buying unless you have a membership and even then, it can cheaper through online alternatives.
http://www.booksamillion.com/
Half-Price Books- It sells and buys used books. It is a great place to shop the bargain boxes and clearance shelves. I would recommend browsing the shelves for hidden bargains which cost about the same as a book and its shipping online.
http://www.hpb.com/
I know that finding a good bookstore is often hard simply because of prices. It is tragic that the publishers and owners must sell at a high rate to make their own profit. Over this past year, Border’s went out of business and I was heart-broken;. However, I never bought books except from the bargain table. It is the sad reality of books; it all comes down to price, quality, and format.
By
Going into a bookstore is like entering a new world, one scented with ink and paper, coffee and tea, dust and wood. I could browse the literary and young-adult sections forever but at the end of the day, I could never purchase any of them. The trip usually results in me buying something from the clearance or the bargain bin. However, I have gone into a Barnes & Nobles or a Books-A-Million and walked out feeling angry about the prices. For all who buy books, we know that at the end of the day it all comes down to money. How much are we willing to spend on a book when we can buy it elsewhere for a better price?
Below, I have ranked the order in which I purchase my books as well as the sites and stores I frequently visit or find the best deals:
You can find free books at your local library and online through give-a-way sites and e-books:
Free Book Friday- It is site that gives you the option to enter a “raffle” to win a free book in any of the four categories.
http://www.freebookfriday.com/
Get Free Books- It is a site that allows you to legally download free books.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/
Online Alternatives
You can find a multitude of discounted books! I use this to find a majority of my books (I almost never use any e-book format but I do own a kindle for schooling purposes). I would consider these the best options for those who like to have a physical copy of the book:
Best Bargain Books- It is a site that guarantee’s each book to start out at 60-80 percent off its original price. The fault is that books are almost always out of stock and you do pay around $3’s in shipping.
http://www.bestbargainbook.com/
Better World Books- It is an organization dedicated to improving literacy world-wide. It has a “bargain bin” where you can find a majority of popular titles and authors for under $3’s per book. For every book you do buy, the organization gives a book to a child or adult in a foreign country. Shipping is free!
http://www.betterworldbooks.com/
Trick-or-Treat Sellers
Barnes & Noble- It is probably the best known bookstore. However, it’s prices can be drastically lowered if you are willing to look around and price elsewhere. I would recommend checking their website for bargain-buys but shelf buying should be prohibited.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Books-A-Million- It is a smaller bookstore but a great place to find bargains. Here, you will find popular titles in each genre for under $5’s on clearance. No shelf buying unless you have a membership and even then, it can cheaper through online alternatives.
http://www.booksamillion.com/
Half-Price Books- It sells and buys used books. It is a great place to shop the bargain boxes and clearance shelves. I would recommend browsing the shelves for hidden bargains which cost about the same as a book and its shipping online.
http://www.hpb.com/
I know that finding a good bookstore is often hard simply because of prices. It is tragic that the publishers and owners must sell at a high rate to make their own profit. Over this past year, Border’s went out of business and I was heart-broken;. However, I never bought books except from the bargain table. It is the sad reality of books; it all comes down to price, quality, and format.
By
| Matthew Benton |
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Dusting off the old books at 'The Shaky Shelf'!
Fellow writers, authors, and book lovers:
I am changing the look and feel of 'The Shaky Shelf'! Among the changes are: the layout, features, and there is even an official domain: www.theshakyshelf.com! Go books!
I am extremely excited about the new page launch (any day now). Be sure to bookmark the new site address. The servers are in the process of updating everything yet so it may take a few days to become live. I am in the process of transforming the lives of book lovers, writers and bloggers everywhere. I assure you, there is no place you would rather be than right here!
Join me as I kick this site into orbit!
I am changing the look and feel of 'The Shaky Shelf'! Among the changes are: the layout, features, and there is even an official domain: www.theshakyshelf.com! Go books!
I am extremely excited about the new page launch (any day now). Be sure to bookmark the new site address. The servers are in the process of updating everything yet so it may take a few days to become live. I am in the process of transforming the lives of book lovers, writers and bloggers everywhere. I assure you, there is no place you would rather be than right here!
Join me as I kick this site into orbit!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Hey all,
Sorry it has taken me so long to update the page. I had to do a serious move cross-country from New Jersey to Las Vegas and it has been super hectic. I am in the process of revamping this and all of my blogs to make them bigger and better. Stay tuned and hold on tight because The Shaky Shelf is about to get very shaky!
ATTENTION WRITERS/BLOGGERS: I am looking for other writers to collaborate on this and possibly other blogs. I need a long-term dedicated writer who will help me take this blog to the next level. The only requirement is dedication and a creative mind. If you know SEO that is cool as well. My goal is to turn this into a full-time operation and get dedicated space through funding. Please let me know if you are interested. Post a link to your work here and I will get in touch with you through your blog.
Sorry it has taken me so long to update the page. I had to do a serious move cross-country from New Jersey to Las Vegas and it has been super hectic. I am in the process of revamping this and all of my blogs to make them bigger and better. Stay tuned and hold on tight because The Shaky Shelf is about to get very shaky!
ATTENTION WRITERS/BLOGGERS: I am looking for other writers to collaborate on this and possibly other blogs. I need a long-term dedicated writer who will help me take this blog to the next level. The only requirement is dedication and a creative mind. If you know SEO that is cool as well. My goal is to turn this into a full-time operation and get dedicated space through funding. Please let me know if you are interested. Post a link to your work here and I will get in touch with you through your blog.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tips to keep you focused as a writer
A good writer needs to be focused, dedicated, and committed. As a writer it can sometimes be very difficult to stay focused especially when there are so many distractions. Here are some tips that can help:
1. Set aside a time each day to write. Turn off the phone and the television.
2. Even if you are not working on any projects, write anyway. You never know when inspiration may come!
3. READ READ READ! It does now matter what you read as long as you read. You have to keep your mind sharp and it is difficult to write when you are not engaged in any outside content.
4. Keep a notepad beside the bed. Sometimes my biggest ideas come at night right before bed or in a dream.
5. Take a walk. You don't want to spend hours in front of your computer. Always give yourself a break and then come back to whatever you were working on.
These are just some quick tips to keep you focused and sharp. I also have several tools that I use as a writer that help me maximize my time. Check out the products (this also supports the site) to the right of this post. Almost every day I use my Kindle, the Livescribe Smart Pen, and Dragon Speech-to-text. These things are awesome because they allow me to get my ideas down quickly. Did you know that the Livescribe also has handwriting-to-text converting software that you can use when you upload your handwritten notes? I use this a lot as well and this saves LOADS of time! If you have any questions let me know. Please let me know how these tips have helped you and if there is anything else that you would like to see on 'The Shaky Shelf'.
Please sign up as a member of the site as well as our email list to receive a FREE ebook!
1. Set aside a time each day to write. Turn off the phone and the television.
2. Even if you are not working on any projects, write anyway. You never know when inspiration may come!
3. READ READ READ! It does now matter what you read as long as you read. You have to keep your mind sharp and it is difficult to write when you are not engaged in any outside content.
4. Keep a notepad beside the bed. Sometimes my biggest ideas come at night right before bed or in a dream.
5. Take a walk. You don't want to spend hours in front of your computer. Always give yourself a break and then come back to whatever you were working on.
These are just some quick tips to keep you focused and sharp. I also have several tools that I use as a writer that help me maximize my time. Check out the products (this also supports the site) to the right of this post. Almost every day I use my Kindle, the Livescribe Smart Pen, and Dragon Speech-to-text. These things are awesome because they allow me to get my ideas down quickly. Did you know that the Livescribe also has handwriting-to-text converting software that you can use when you upload your handwritten notes? I use this a lot as well and this saves LOADS of time! If you have any questions let me know. Please let me know how these tips have helped you and if there is anything else that you would like to see on 'The Shaky Shelf'.
Please sign up as a member of the site as well as our email list to receive a FREE ebook!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Make money in between projects with Fiverr and Elance
Hi everyone,
I hope your holidays are going well thus far. I have been engaged in several writing projects recently. In addition to my new ebook which will be finished soon, I have been doing a bit of freelancing. For authors it is sometimes diffficult to earn an income while we are in the middle of any projects. i have found several great ways to earn an income online without the need for long-winded introductions, interviews, meetings, etc. One of the sites is Fiverr.com. Most of you probably know about Fiverr. It is an awesome way to make a little spending cash in between larger jobs. Another great way to earn is through Elance. I have a profile on Elance and I think it is a great program. You can market your skills and even certify your skills for the site. This gives you more credibility with employers. There are no physical interviews or anything like that and this is great for supplemental income. You can sign up for Elance at: https://www.elance.com/?rid=2TWAX
Some authors may be against doing anything outside of their craft but sometimes you have to eat. I would rather outsource some of my skills from time-to-time rather than being a starving artist. While my books do bring in income, I sometimes need something extra while I am waiting to be paid from my larger more mainstream products.
I hope this post has helped all of you. I will be adding more helpful tips to get you through some of your dry spells. Remember, doing these things does not not make you any less of a writer or an author. In fact, some of these side jobs can help you hone in on your skills. You can use your writing skills to do things on Elance and Fiverr like blogging, ebook creation, etc. You can develop new skills such as: marketing and SEO as well. These thing will not only put a few extra bucks in your pocket but will help you develop and market yourself more effectively!
I hope your holidays are going well thus far. I have been engaged in several writing projects recently. In addition to my new ebook which will be finished soon, I have been doing a bit of freelancing. For authors it is sometimes diffficult to earn an income while we are in the middle of any projects. i have found several great ways to earn an income online without the need for long-winded introductions, interviews, meetings, etc. One of the sites is Fiverr.com. Most of you probably know about Fiverr. It is an awesome way to make a little spending cash in between larger jobs. Another great way to earn is through Elance. I have a profile on Elance and I think it is a great program. You can market your skills and even certify your skills for the site. This gives you more credibility with employers. There are no physical interviews or anything like that and this is great for supplemental income. You can sign up for Elance at: https://www.elance.com/?rid=2TWAX
Some authors may be against doing anything outside of their craft but sometimes you have to eat. I would rather outsource some of my skills from time-to-time rather than being a starving artist. While my books do bring in income, I sometimes need something extra while I am waiting to be paid from my larger more mainstream products.
I hope this post has helped all of you. I will be adding more helpful tips to get you through some of your dry spells. Remember, doing these things does not not make you any less of a writer or an author. In fact, some of these side jobs can help you hone in on your skills. You can use your writing skills to do things on Elance and Fiverr like blogging, ebook creation, etc. You can develop new skills such as: marketing and SEO as well. These thing will not only put a few extra bucks in your pocket but will help you develop and market yourself more effectively!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones
"A Song of Ice and Fire", better known as "The Game of Thrones"
is a series of fantasy novels that were written by George R.R.
Martin. While I cannot truthfully say that I have read these
novels, I can say that they are next on my list of must-reads.
If any of you have seen the HBO series "Game of Thrones", you
would want to read these book as well. While I am partial to
medieval stories, I am not easily amused. Many have failed to
deliver a captivating storyline but that is not the case with
this "Song of Ice and Fire" adaptation. I am a Game of Thrones
fan for life. I would like to do a mini-series about the show.
It should kick off next week. I want to do a brief re-cap
before the new season starts. While I will touch on some of
characters and general gist of the story, I will not be giving
out too many specifics. Like the show, these posts will leave
you wanting more and I shall not disappoint! Stay tuned!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire
is a series of fantasy novels that were written by George R.R.
Martin. While I cannot truthfully say that I have read these
novels, I can say that they are next on my list of must-reads.
If any of you have seen the HBO series "Game of Thrones", you
would want to read these book as well. While I am partial to
medieval stories, I am not easily amused. Many have failed to
deliver a captivating storyline but that is not the case with
this "Song of Ice and Fire" adaptation. I am a Game of Thrones
fan for life. I would like to do a mini-series about the show.
It should kick off next week. I want to do a brief re-cap
before the new season starts. While I will touch on some of
characters and general gist of the story, I will not be giving
out too many specifics. Like the show, these posts will leave
you wanting more and I shall not disappoint! Stay tuned!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire
Monday, August 6, 2012
Higher standards
Recently, I went onto the Amazon discussion boards. Many readers are upset about the fact that lots of Ebooks are being published with a lot of errors. While I would like to say that this is not the case, I must admit that it is the case. While not all Ebooks are riddled with grammatical errors, lots of them are. I was under the impression that this was getting better but I am not so rue anymore. I went to Barnes and Noble recently and read some books via my Nook (yes, that is a cool feature that Barnes and Noble has provided its customers..eat your heart out Kindle, ha ha). It was disheartening to see how many Ebooks has mistakes in them. Many of these mistakes were so obvious that I am led to believe that the person did not even use the 'spell check' feature before converting and publishing their work.
I am not the grammar police. I commit many structural sins with regard to sentences. However, one of the easiest things to correct is spelling. I am not saying that Authors should be perfect with no flaws. However, I am saying that we need to be more mindful of what we publish. You do not need editors to find the errors that I found. We have to hold ourselves to higher standards. Just because it is easy to publish an Ebook doesn't mean that we should throw caution to the wind. Our readers are looking at us very closely and they do not like what they see.
I am not the grammar police. I commit many structural sins with regard to sentences. However, one of the easiest things to correct is spelling. I am not saying that Authors should be perfect with no flaws. However, I am saying that we need to be more mindful of what we publish. You do not need editors to find the errors that I found. We have to hold ourselves to higher standards. Just because it is easy to publish an Ebook doesn't mean that we should throw caution to the wind. Our readers are looking at us very closely and they do not like what they see.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Hardest part of being an Author?
What is your biggest challenge as an Author? For me it has to be procrastination as well as marketing. Procrastination can shoot you in the foot before you even start because there is always something else that you could be doing. However, pushing past that has great rewards so sometimes I have to literally throw myself into it no matter what. Marketing is also difficult unless you understand things like demographics, niches, etc. I am learning as I go along and there is no shortage of lessons.
Writer's Group
Hey,
I have started a writer's group at:
http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/writer-s-group
Come check it out and feel free to join, it's gonna be a blast! Be sure to spread the word! If you are not a member of the site..join now, it's free.
Also, don't forget to check out my new Ebook..only .99 at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/College-Boot-Camp-ebook/dp/B008FQGD9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343624838&sr=8-1&keywords=college+boot+camp
I have started a writer's group at:
http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/writer-s-group
Come check it out and feel free to join, it's gonna be a blast! Be sure to spread the word! If you are not a member of the site..join now, it's free.
Also, don't forget to check out my new Ebook..only .99 at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/College-Boot-Camp-ebook/dp/B008FQGD9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343624838&sr=8-1&keywords=college+boot+camp
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Readers Post Here!
Hey Readers,
What types of books do you like and want to see published? Let the Authors know. It would almost be like having stories that are tailored to your specific interests. The only way for the market to stay on track and for Authors to continue to produce excellent reads if for you to tell us what you want.
Don't be shy, would you like to see an alien who falls in love with a teddy bear, or a poodle that turns into a superhero only on the first full moon of the season? No matter how crazy, funny, scary, or weird..we want to hear it.
Maybe you have been wanting to finish that custom deck but there are no books out that explain how to create exactly what you want..tell us!
What types of books do you like and want to see published? Let the Authors know. It would almost be like having stories that are tailored to your specific interests. The only way for the market to stay on track and for Authors to continue to produce excellent reads if for you to tell us what you want.
Don't be shy, would you like to see an alien who falls in love with a teddy bear, or a poodle that turns into a superhero only on the first full moon of the season? No matter how crazy, funny, scary, or weird..we want to hear it.
Maybe you have been wanting to finish that custom deck but there are no books out that explain how to create exactly what you want..tell us!
Authors Post Here!
Have you recently published any good books? Tell us about it! Let us know your name, title of your book, price, brief synopsis, reviews (if any), and url where we can find your book.
There is no shame in wanting to get the word out so feel free to post! Be sure to let your friends know about this site so that they can check out your work and maybe even post some reviews for you here!
Be sure to tweet/like and share this page so that we can promote all of the up-and-coming Authors!
There is no shame in wanting to get the word out so feel free to post! Be sure to let your friends know about this site so that they can check out your work and maybe even post some reviews for you here!
Be sure to tweet/like and share this page so that we can promote all of the up-and-coming Authors!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Your Absolute Faves!
So..
What are your favorite types of books? I like many types of books including: Self-help, Mystery, Fantasy, and Science Fiction. As a Writer, I think that it is important to be open to different genres. You never know where your next source of inspiration msy come from.
What will you be reading tonight? I know that sometimes buying a whole bunch of Ebooks can get expensive. however, there are free alternatives in the Android market. One of the apps is called Wattpad. There are stories that aspiring Authors write as well as some public domain works. If you are itching for a good book..hobble on over to the Google Play marketplace and check it out!
What are your favorite types of books? I like many types of books including: Self-help, Mystery, Fantasy, and Science Fiction. As a Writer, I think that it is important to be open to different genres. You never know where your next source of inspiration msy come from.
What will you be reading tonight? I know that sometimes buying a whole bunch of Ebooks can get expensive. however, there are free alternatives in the Android market. One of the apps is called Wattpad. There are stories that aspiring Authors write as well as some public domain works. If you are itching for a good book..hobble on over to the Google Play marketplace and check it out!
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