Miscellaneous Monday

 
How has spring been treating you so far? Many of us here in the U.S. got a good dose of snow last week, greeting the new season with a chilly start. It's inevitable; warmer days will be here before we know it. In the meantime, here are a few links to ease us into spring writing.

Do you have challenges making decisions? Author Susan J. Reinhardt offers her insight and tips in this post, How to Overcome Decision Paralysis. Susan has great suggestions to help us gain perspective and balance.

Sometimes the smallest things trip us up when writing and editing. Author Laurel Garver of Laurel's Leaves discusses their proper use in Editor on Call: Using Then/Than and Lose/Loose. Her examples will clear any confusion right up.

Considering attending a writer's conference in the coming months? There are many benefits, as veteran freelancer Jennifer Brown Banks describes in 5 Reasons to Attend a Writer's Conference this Year. Let us know if you have plans to attend one! :)

Queries. Love them or hate them? They can be a bit intimidating, so I was grateful for L. Diane Wolfe's advice in her recent post, Checklist for a Great Query. Having worked in the industry for years, Diane's advice is always solid.

Other News 

I recently received the Sunshine Blogger Award from Lisa Ricard Claro. Thanks so much, Lisa!  :D If you aren't acquainted with her, Lisa is a long time blogger and author of several books. You can find out more about her writing services at her site. We really do make wonderful friends through blogging, don't we?

And Just for Fun
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This is totally off the writing topic, but if you're looking to get the exterior of your home in shape for spring, check out Checklist for Spring: 5 Steps to Get Your Home Ready. Yes, when I'm not writing posts here or doing the nine thousand other things I do, I'm blogging for this local business. :)


Did you get snow on the first few days of spring? What are you writing this week? Have any special spring plans?

Happy writing,
Karen



Photo credit: Pexels

Miscellaneous Monday

How is November treating you so far? Hope all is well! Thought I'd kick off the month with a few links:  

Want to promote your blog/business/book/etc. in a non intrusive way? Would you like to remain genuine and true to yourself? Author Susan J. Reinhardt shares 3 easy tips in her recent post, How to Promote Without Being Obnoxious. Her guidelines can help you promote in an organic and authentic manner.

Do you get your writing related mail sent directly to your home address? In 5 Reasons Freelance Workers Should Own P.O. Boxes, veteran writer Jennifer Brown Banks offers her experience and advice regarding privacy and safety for the freelancer.

Have you ever been asked to offer feedback on someone's writing, knowing that your input might not be well received? How to Give Writing Feedback that's Constructive, Not Crushing provides helpful insight that may help you navigate these waters.

Are you interested in writing humor? Jerry Jenkins' has great advice about writing anecdotes in his post, How to Write an Anecdote. This seasoned author highlights 6 time tested tips to get you started in this department.

Need help creating characters? Author Laurel Garver knows how to create good ones, and lends her expertise in Five Things You Must Know About Every Character in Your Novel. Sage advice, for sure.

What are your November plans? Participating in NaNoWriMo? Has fall weather arrived in your area?

Happy writing,

Karen



Photo credit: Pexels

6 Ways to Manage the Demands of Blogging

As you know, blogging is a wonderful way to meet people, sharpen writing skills, make connections, and market services and books. There's no getting around it, though, blogs require attention and care. Writing content, posting, general site upkeep, responding to comments, visiting others' blogs, etc., it can get overwhelming at times. How can we keep stress to a minimum? Here are 6 tips that have helped and inspired me.

1) Keep posts short.

Long posts are great, but short ones can offer good info and interaction too. It doesn't hurt to take the pressure off sometimes, sharing brief thoughts, a quote, or simply asking your readers one question. A high word count doesn't guarantee quality content or reader engagement.

2) Schedule posts in advance.

This is probably the best thing since the invention of the blog. Whether you're going away, looking ahead to a super busy month, or have an idea for a July post strike you in February, scheduling ahead can be a lifesaver.

3) Offer regular features.

Author Susan J. Reinhardt's Friday blog posts share interesting links and info. Ask the Expert, a staple at veteran freelance writer Jennifer Brown Banks' site, offers great interviews. Regular features here include Meet the Blogger and Miscellaneous Monday. These types of posts provide good content and can be scheduled in advance.

4) Post less often.

There are no blogging laws dictating post frequency. Sure, you want to be consistent so that readers know when to expect good content, but that doesn't mean you must post every day. When I began blogging, I posted twice a week. I'm down to once a week now with an occasional extra post as necessary. This better suits my schedule, as I suspect you prefer a sane Karen over an overworked, scattered one. 

5) Find a good time management balance.

This is an ongoing challenge, with family, work, social media, and other demands. But we need to find and maintain our right balance. It's tricky, but it can and must be done to be healthy and productive. Allow yourself space and grace, too, when things don't go as planned. In ten years, it won't matter if you miss a post or forget to tweet. 

6) Take a break.

A little time to regroup, refresh, and catch up on other things is therapeutic. Plus it gives you time to stock up on chocolate or other necessities. I hate to say it, but the blogging world will manage in our absence. And that's okay. They'll miss us, of course, but they'll soldier on until we get back.


Basic tips? Yes. But ones worth revisiting when feeling uninspired or overwhelmed. At least for me, anyway. :)

How do you manage blogging's demands?

Happy writing, 

Karen 

 Photo credit: F. Turco

Out Visiting

Has fall arrived in your area yet? We've had some refreshing glimpses here and that makes me happy. :) Autumn is my favorite season - love the cooler weather, vibrant colors, and being able to spend more time outdoors. How about you, do you enjoy this time of year?

If you have a few minutes to spare, I invite you to stop over to my guest post at Susan J. Reinhardt's blog where I'm discussing the value of a wish list.

What projects are you working on this week? What's your favorite season?

Happy writing,

Karen

Translating Reading into Fine Writing by Susan Reinhardt

The 7th Blogoversary celebration continues! Susan J. Reinhardt lends her insight regarding the connection between reading and writing in the following post. One of my very first blogging friends, Susan cheered me on in the early days (Way back in 2009!) and continues to inspire and encourage to this day.

Susan's throwing in a bonus and giving away an ebook of her first novel, The Moses Conspiracy, so don't forget to check out the giveaway details below.

Translating Reading Into Fine Writing 

by Susan J. Reinhardt 

As writers, we're admonished to read excellent books in our genre. Many post about how they analyze an author's style, plot, characters, and setting. As a Seat-of-the-Pants writer, this comes about as naturally as standing on my head.

So, how do I translate what I'm reading into principles I can integrate into my writing?

1) I read the story for pure enjoyment. If it grabs me and takes me on a breathtaking ride, I go with it.

2) After I finish, I evaluate how the book affected me. Did I keep getting pulled out of the story or was I engaged the entire time? Did the author create characters that were sympathetic or did I want to slap them silly? Was the ending satisfying or did it leave me feeling cheated?

3) When I narrow down the aspects of the book I liked and the ones I found unsatisfactory, I ask myself, "how did she/he do it?" Did the author make all those historical references a natural part of the story or did they pound me over the head with facts? What techniques did the author use to evoke an emotional response in me, the reader?

4) I then compare the methods against my WIP. I'll re-read sections and see if they're effective or need more work.

5) If I were reading my book, would I want to have a sequel or be disappointed at the end?

Writers: How do you translate what you read into tips for your own writing?  

Readers: What makes a book go from so-so to so awesome?

Susan J. Reinhardt is a multi-published author and blogger. Her books include three full-length novels, The Moses Conspiracy, The Scent of Fear, and Out of the Mist, as well as The Christmas Wish, a novella for all seasons. Her passion for faith and freedom are reflected in her characters and stories. 

She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and represented by Joyce Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency. A widow, stepmom, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ, Susan resides in Pennsylvania and is active in her church. Her interests include reading, bargain hunting, and searching for small treasures in antique shops.

Visit Susan on her blog or on Facebook



Giveaway Info 
 
Susan is giving away one ebook of the first in The Moses Trilogy, The Moses Conspiracy. 

1) Open to U.S. residents only.  
2) Please leave your email address with your comment. 
3) I'd appreciate you following by Google Friend Connect or Facebook (see sidebar). 
4) Ends Friday, March 18 at noon EDT. Winner will be notified by email and have 36 hours to respond or another name will be chosen. 

What are you reading this week? 

Happy reading and writing,

Karen



 Photo info: Free Images