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Tuesday Tips: Making Your Cover

If you are hiring a cover designer or doing it yourself here is the easiest way to get your cover sized right for KDP or IngramSpark. The Print Cover Template Creator.

This will enable you to create and download a template that is sized to fit your exact cover needs.

The best thing about there templates is that you can add them as a layer in Photoshop or GIMP and then design your cover with the sizes and locations in mind of all the pieces of you cover.

Below is an example template and an example of it in use for a cover design.

NOTE: The first thing I do is render the color white as clear (Color to Alpha in GIMP).

It took me far to long to figure this out. Hoping this helps.

Tuesday Tips: Book Signing Events!

 

When you start attending local author events, make sure you visit the other author's tables. Check out their setups!

It will become apparent what works and what doesn't. What draws people in and ultimately helps sell your books.

Good racks to display your books are essential. Excellent signage for your display is a big help!

Don't forget a nice bowl of candy!

Tuesday Tips: Power of Collaboration

As an author, getting your work noticed in a crowded literary marketplace can be a daunting task. While there are numerous marketing strategies out there, one approach that has proven to be particularly effective is collaboration. By joining forces with other authors, you can expand your reach, tap into new audiences, and create a mutually beneficial marketing opportunity.

Here are a few ways in which collaboration can work wonders for authors:

• Cross-Promotion: Partnering with other authors in your genre allows you to tap into each other's fan bases. By promoting each other's work through social media shoutouts, newsletter features, or joint events, you can introduce your books to a whole new set of potential readers.
• Anthologies and Box Sets: Collaborating with fellow authors to create anthologies or box sets can be a powerful marketing tool. By bundling your works together, you not only offer readers a great deal, but you also benefit from each other's promotional efforts.
• Co-Writing Projects: Co-writing a book with another author can be an exciting way to leverage each other's strengths and fan bases. This can also lead to cross-promotion and double the marketing efforts for the same project.
• Joint Events and Workshops: Hosting joint author events, book signings, or writing workshops can draw a larger crowd and create a buzz around your collective work.

In the competitive world of publishing, collaboration can be a game-changer for authors looking to expand their reach and connect with new readers. By teaming up with other authors, you not only amplify your marketing efforts but also build a supportive network within the writing community.

Remember, in the world of marketing, there's strength in numbers. So, reach out to your fellow authors and explore the possibilities of collaboration. Together, you can achieve far more than you ever could alone.

Tuesday Tips: More Sources of Inspiration

Are you a sci-fi writer, like me? Are you seeking inspiration to fuel your next intergalactic adventure or dystopian saga? Look no further! The universe is full of awe-inspiring wonders, just waiting to spark your imagination. Here are some out-of-this-world places to find the inspiration to craft your next sci-fi masterpiece.

Space Exploration and Astronomy. The mysteries of outer space have fascinated humanity for centuries. Follow the latest developments in space exploration, marvel at breathtaking images from telescopes like Hubble, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos. From newly discovered exoplanets to the mind-boggling phenomena of black holes, the boundless expanse of space is a treasure trove of inspiration for sci-fi writers.

Cutting-Edge Science and Technology. Stay updated on the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. From quantum computing to artificial intelligence, real-world innovations often serve as the foundation for futuristic concepts in science fiction. Delve into scientific journals, attend tech conferences, and explore emerging fields to gain insights that can shape the worlds and technologies in your stories.

History and Anthropology. Uncover hidden gems in our own history and explore the rich tapestry of human civilization. Ancient cultures, lost civilizations, and pivotal moments in history can provide fascinating backdrops for your sci-fi narratives. By drawing inspiration from real-world events and societies, you can infuse your stories with depth and authenticity.

Nature and the Environment. The natural world is a source of endless inspiration. Whether it's the enigmatic depths of the ocean, the eerie beauty of desolate landscapes, or the biodiversity of exotic ecosystems, nature offers a wealth of inspiration for alien worlds, post-apocalyptic settings, and ecological themes in sci-fi storytelling.

Speculative Fiction and Art. Engage with the works of other science fiction writers, explore speculative fiction subgenres, and immerse yourself in the visual art of renowned sci-fi illustrators. Consume a wide range of sci-fi media, from classic novels to avant-garde short stories, and let the creativity of others ignite fresh ideas within you.

Futurism and Predictive. Trends Examine current social, political, and environmental trends to speculate about the future. Analyze the impact of technological, cultural, and geopolitical shifts, and envision how these changes might unfold in the distant future. This forward-thinking approach can help you craft thought-provoking narratives that resonate with contemporary issues.

Dreams, Imagination, and What-If Scenarios. Never underestimate the power of your own imagination. Let your dreams, daydreams, and musings guide you into uncharted territories. Explore hypothetical scenarios and ask "what if?" to unlock the limitless potential of speculative fiction.

By seeking inspiration from these diverse sources, you can breathe life into your sci-fi writing and captivate readers with immersive worlds, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Remember, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, so keep your mind open and your imagination ready to soar to new frontiers.

Tuesday Tips: Inspiration

 I recommend that every author find ways to inspire themselves. Everyone is different. Some people watch from sidewalk cafes or museums. Some take their stories from their past. Some from dreams. Here is my list:

• Images from art and photography like Pinterest below.
• Movies. Even bad ones.
• TV. Even shows that are not Scifi can inspire me.
• Music that touches my soul.
• Dreams. Especially the whacked ones.
• Solo Camping in the forest...

Always keep a notebook of ideas. I refer to them often finding puzzle pieces I didn't know were missing...

Click the image to see the collection:

Tuesday Tips: Genres and Styles

One lesser-known tip for writers is to practice writing in different genres and styles. This can help you expand your skills and creativity and discover new ways to approach storytelling. Experimenting with different genres can also help you find your unique voice as a writer. Additionally, reading widely across various genres can provide inspiration and new ideas for your own writing. 

Challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone to grow as a writer is important. 

Tuesday Tips: Beta Readers

One lesser-known tip for authors is to utilize beta readers before publishing your work. 

Beta readers can provide valuable feedback on your manuscript, helping you identify areas for improvement and ensuring that your story resonates with your target audience. Additionally, beta readers can catch errors or inconsistencies you may have missed. This can ultimately lead to a stronger final product that is more likely to be well-received by readers. 

I like to have a mix of beta readers. Some are fellow authors, some are avid readers of the book's genre, and some have never read any of my other books.

The key is that they all need to be brutally honest and specific.

I like to have about ten beta readers. About 30% don't have time, and that's fine. I have had as many as thirty (too many) and as few as three (too few). 

--They always help make my books better.

Some Great Tips

Tuesday Tip!

Here is a really important tip for people who write Science Fiction.

You may have a great idea for new scifi gadgets and tech. You may have done some amazing world building and created a scifi setting that's kick ass. You may even have a good plot, a detailed nine act structure.

None of that will matter if you don't have great characters. 

A great story NEEDS compelling characters that the audience can relate to. Include a clear protagonist, the antagonist(s) AND secondary and even tertiary characters.

--Even if it's a cat...

Tuesday Tip: Ending First

So you have a great idea and you have no idea where to begin. 

Try this: Write the ending first.

If you can see where the destination of the idea goes, write that climax. You may find it easy when you flesh out the ending, to back up into the inciting incident.

--Give it a try.

Tuesday Tips!

A Great Writing Tip for New Authors:  Habit

One great writing tip for new authors is to develop a writing habit. Building a consistent writing routine can help you overcome writer's block, stay motivated, and make progress on your projects. Here's why establishing a writing habit is important:

Consistency: Making writing a regular part of your life helps you develop discipline and consistency. By setting aside dedicated time for writing, you create a habit that becomes ingrained in your routine.

Productivity: When writing becomes a habit, you're more likely to make progress on your projects. Even if you don't feel particularly inspired, sitting down to write regularly can help you overcome creative blocks and generate ideas.

Improvement: The more you write, the better you become. Writing regularly allows you to practice and refine your skills, helping you grow as an author. It's through consistent practice that you can develop your unique voice and style.

To establish a writing habit, consider the following tips:

Set a Schedule: Determine a specific time each day or week when you can dedicate yourself to writing. Treat it as an appointment with yourself and prioritize it.

Create a Writing Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your writing without distractions. Having a dedicated space can help signal to your brain that it's time to write.

Start Small: If you're new to writing, start with shorter writing sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Consistency is more important than the length of each session.

Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable writing goals for each session, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a specific scene. Breaking down your writing into smaller tasks can make it more manageable and less overwhelming.

Remember, building a writing habit takes time and effort, but it can greatly enhance your writing journey. Embrace the process, stay motivated, and keep writing consistently to develop your skills and bring your stories to life.

22 Story Tips from Pixar

These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coates, Pixar’s Story Artist. Number 9 on the list - When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn’t happen next – is a great one and can apply to writers in all genres.

1. You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.

2. You gotta keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different.

3. Trying for a theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.

4. Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

5.Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.

6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?

7. Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

8.Finish your story, let go even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.

9. When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

10. Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.

11. Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.

12. Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

13. Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it’s poison to the audience.

14. Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.

15. If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

16. What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against.

17. No work is ever wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on – it’ll come back around to be useful later.

18. You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

19. Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.

20. Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d’you rearrange them into what you DO like?

21. You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can’t just write ‘cool’. What would make YOU act that way?

22. What’s the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.

Tuesday Tips!

Here are five great tips:

1. Develop a unique and believable world: Create a detailed and immersive world for your story, complete with its own history, technology, and social structures.

2. Focus on character development: Make sure your characters are well-rounded and relatable, with their own motivations and flaws.

3. Use science and technology creatively: Incorporate scientific concepts and futuristic technology in a way that enhances your story and adds depth to your world.

4. Explore ethical and philosophical themes: Sci-fi is a great genre for exploring complex ethical and philosophical questions, so don't be afraid to delve into these themes in your writing.

5. Keep the plot engaging and unpredictable: Make sure your story has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked, and don't be afraid to take risks with your plot.

I hope these tips help! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Writing a novel for fun!

Writing a novel for fun can be a great creative outlet and a rewarding experience. When starting to write a novel, it's important to first come up with a compelling idea or concept that excites you. This could be a unique plot, interesting characters, or a specific setting that you find intriguing.

Once you have your idea, it's helpful to outline your novel to give yourself a roadmap to follow as you write. This can include creating character profiles, plotting out key events, and establishing the overall structure of your story.

When it comes to actually writing your novel, consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your manuscript, even if it's just for a short period. This will help you stay focused and make progress on your novel.

Don't be afraid to let your creativity flow and explore different ideas as you write. Writing a novel for fun should be an enjoyable experience, so allow yourself to experiment and take risks with your storytelling.

Remember, writing a novel is a process, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Editing and revising your work is an important part of the writing process, so don't be afraid to go back and make changes to improve your story.

Overall, writing a novel for fun is a wonderful way to express yourself and unleash your imagination. Enjoy the journey, and have fun bringing your story to life!

Tuesday Tips: Getting started.

First off, don't worry about anything else until your book is written. 

The hardest part for new authors to finish their first book can vary from person to person. Some common challenges include finding the time and motivation to write consistently and overcoming self-doubt.

Perfectionism has killed many a good story. Navigating the complexities of storytelling and plot development is a skill that can only be learned by practice. 

Additionally, many new authors struggle with finding their unique voice and style, as well as dealing with writer's block and the fear of failure. I personally don't believe writer's block is a thing. Bad discipline and planning are what stop writers.

New authors just need to persevere and seek support from fellow writers or writing communities to overcome these challenges.

--Good luck. Finish things.

Soon: Spring Writer Retreat

I will be heading out for a twelve-day Writer Retreat later this month. In those twelve days, I will write the first draft of an entire novel. I will average 5,000 to 10,000 words a day. But to do that, I will need to do some prep work:

• Write a detailed outline. 20-30 pages. Scene-by-scene bullets.
• Character sheets for all the main characters.
• Plot location planning with maps.
• A playlist that sets the tone.
• No distractions. No internet except my phone.
• Great food and drink for all 12 days, so I need not go anywhere.
• Lots of DVDs to watch in the evenings.
• Put the Outline into Scrivener before you go.

For this retreat, I will be in a mountain cabin in West Virginia. I go places by myself to remove the distractions of my daily life. Mostly because I LOVE my favorite distractions. My wife, my pets, my ultra high-speed Internet, and every streaming service available. I love all of that. 

Plus, it doesn't hurt that this cabin has a hot tub...

Advice if you are just getting started

One of the best tips is to read extensively in the genre you want to write in. 

This will help you understand the conventions, styles, and techniques used by successful authors in that genre.

Additionally, it's important to establish a writing routine and set aside dedicated time for writing. Consistency and discipline are key! 

Another tip is to write freely without worrying too much about perfection in the first draft. Just let your ideas flow and revise later. 

Finally, don't be afraid to seek feedback from others, whether it's through writing groups, workshops, or beta readers. Constructive criticism can greatly improve your writing skills.

Character Sheets

I am currently preparing for my 10-day writer retreat that begins later this month. Part of the prep is creating a detailed outline of the book I will write and character sheets for the main characters. My next book is titled: Revenge of the Render. I have created character sheets for the entire cast.

Here is what I include in my character sheets:

• Character Name: Jade Church

  

  Emma Stone as Jade Church

  
  
• Age: 25
• Gender: Female
• Species/Race: Human
• Physical Description: Red hair, fit, 
• Personality Traits: Insecure, sheltered, naive
• Background/History: Raised on a remote farm planet
• Skills/Abilities: spoilers
• Weaknesses/Limitations: spoilers
• Motivations/Goals: spoilers
• Relationships/Friendships: spoilers
• Conflict/Obstacles: spoilers
• Character Arc/Development: spoilers
• Casting Photo: See attached

I really enjoy fleshing out the characters this way. It makes it way easier to crank the writing machine! These character sheets are also very useful to the Audio Edition Narrators.

Tuesday Tips: Various Kinds of Editors...

If you are just starting out, you should know that there are a lot of different kinds of Editors.

1. Developmental Editors: These editors focus on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, such as plot, character development, pacing, and overall structure. They provide feedback and suggestions to help you strengthen your story.

2. Copy Editors: Copy editors focus on the technical aspects of your writing, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. They ensure your manuscript is error-free and polished, making it ready for publication.

3. Line Editors: Line editors work on a sentence level, focusing on improving the flow, clarity, and coherence of your writing. They help refine your prose, making it more engaging and readable.

4. Proofreaders: Proofreaders have a keen eye for detail and focus on catching any remaining errors or typos in your manuscript. They ensure your work is flawless before it goes to print or gets published.

5. Content Editors: Content editors specialize in specific genres or subject matters. They provide expertise and guidance in shaping your content to appeal to your target audience. They can help you with genre-specific elements, such as world-building in fantasy or historical accuracy in historical fiction.

Remember, the type of editor you choose will depend on your specific needs and goals as an indie author. It's always a good idea to research and find an editor who specializes in your genre or has experience working with indie authors.