For writers

Publishing and other forms of Insanity has this post on great writing contests with no entry fee that have great prizes as a reward. They range from poetry, creating writing to published novels. Check them out and a huge thank you to Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity for the tip!

https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2020/08/29-writing-contests-in-september-2020.html

For writers

This one is for the writers out there. I’ve been in a writing slump for a while now and nothing helps me more than sending out a little love. I’ve collected some links that I hope will be helpful and written a bit about them so you can make that decision without too much effort. Hope you enjoy them.

1. Scrivener – This link is from Writers in the Storm and has 10 great features from this writing tool just for writers.

2. Scams – The web is a wonderful place but it can be dangerous too. Chris the Story Reading Ape (an incredible resource for writers) has this great reblog of sharks out there looking for unsuspecting writers. Check it out and avoid the scams.

3. Contests – If you’re running a contest Chris McMullen will give you free promotion as long as you let him know about it. And if you’re looking for a contest, look no further.

4. Pricing – Deciding on the best price for your book can be a nail-biting puzzle. You want to make a profit but you want it to sell. Is too cheap off-putting? What is the right price for you? The Sprint Shack has a great article on that subject with options pros and cons.

5. Self-Publishing – If you’re ready to self-publish, check out this post by Jeremiah Kleckner with tips for that very important step with thoughts, insight and great links.

6. Book Marketing – A huge thanks to Nicholas C. Rossis for doing the research so we don’t have to. In his awesome post, he lists the best places to promote your book.

Finally, a little humour to make you smile.

(credit: lebomokoena99.wordpress.com)

Editing tips

Editing is one of those nebulous things that’s never quite defined. How do we do it? What do we change? How do we know what to add, erase? When do we stop? It’s not clear, or easy.

Don’t do what I did. I started out polishing each scene only to find that editing the entire plot meant throwing some of them out. ARGH! Also, don’t edit while you’re writing. Editing kills your inspirational muse. It’s the complete opposite of creating. So, create, then edit.

So, what’s the answer? I’m going to be very honest here, I’m still trying to figure it out. But these guys are pros. They’ve done it and done it successfully. Check it out!

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2011/05/how-i-edit.html This guy has the entire process that he follows for everyone to read. Definitely one for me to look at.

http://thewritelife.com/edit-your-copy/ This one has great tips for polishing scenes and little bits that help tighten your writing until it has the power of a UFC punch! 🙂

http://writetodone.com/eight-simple-tips-for-editing-your-own-work/ This one is really good for easy, clear ideas you can use.

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2012/10/revising-your-book-dos-and-donts.html Do’s and dont’s. I won’t mention here how many of those ‘don’ts’ I’ve done…sigh.

http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/preparing-to-publish-turning-a-typescript-into-a-book/ This one, by Deborah Lee Luskin, is an excellent piece on how to go from draft to polished.

Hope these help! If not, my go-to fix is always a cup of coffee…and a walk with my doggie. 🙂