Write for Life Blog Tour

I am hosting a mini blog tour this coming week to kick off the release of Write for Life Volume One, complete with a little giveaway and blog hopping. Be sure and check out the Rafflecopter Entry Form below for giveaway details.


Thanks to all my writer friends who are helping me to spread the word. Here is the list of writers who are participating:


Monday 10/13 - Robyn Campbell at Robyn Campbell 
                                  - Yvie at Gypsy Road 
                                  - Gena Mayo at I Choose Joy
Tuesday 10/14 - Susan Sundwall at Sundwall Says
                                  - Gena Mayo at I Choose Joy
Wednesday 10/15 - Sandy Sieber at PA History
Thursday 10/16 - Carol J. Alexander at Everything Home with Carol
Friday 10/17 - Susan J. Reinhardt at Christian Writer/Reader Connection
Saturday 10/18 - Jeanette Levellie at On Wings of Mirth and Worth: Soaring, Never Boring

An Overview of Write for Life 

Write for Life: Volume One: Writing the Research Paper

This book offers ready to use lessons for grades 7-12 that guide students through the process of writing the research paper. Suitable for homeschool families, co-ops, or other student groups, these eight lessons break down the process from start to finish with helpful instruction, encouragement, and practice.

Lesson topics include:  

• MLA style research paper basics, topics, and sources
• Thesis statements
• Outlines
• Developing content
• Rough and final drafts
• Citing sources

No matter what we do in life, good communication skills are an important ingredient for success.  Strengthening students’ writing enhances verbal and other interpersonal skills and helps prepare them for a lifetime of good communication.

Since 2005, Karen Lange has used these lessons to teach homeschool teens at the Homeschool Online Creative Writing Co-op. She believes that everyone can improve their writing skills with a good balance of instruction, encouragement, and practice. 

Purchase Write for Life on Amazon

If you have a moment, I invite you to leave a comment, enter the giveaway, and stop by the participating blogs. (The Giveaway begins tomorrow.) I appreciate your support and encouragement. You are a blessing to me! :)

I also invite you to join me tomorrow (10/13) when Maria Morgan stops here to discuss her new children's book.

Happy reading and writing,
Karen 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Autumn and Writing, Perfect Together

 

"...I cannot endure to waste anything so precious 

as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. 

So I have spent almost all the daylight 

hours in the open air."

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

What's your favorite season? I am partial to autumn. For some reason fall inspires me to write. Maybe it's the cooler temperatures and cozy evenings at home, or the inspiration I find from being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and colorful foliage. I think Mr. Hawthorne is on to something.

Discovered these items recently - thought they might inspire some autumnal writing. :) 

How I Found the Write Path is a collection assembled by Carrie Butler and P.K. Hrezo featuring authors such as Robyn Campbell, Alex J. Cavanaugh,  Medeia Sharif, C. Lee McKenzie, and Tyrean Martinson. As I compose this post, it is free for Kindle (99 cents otherwise). Check it out here.  This is the Amazon description: 

"In this endearing compilation, over sixty authors share letters written to their past selves, candidly sharing what they might not always discuss in public. The hope is that those of you who haven’t published will learn from their experiences. And those of you who have published? Well, you just might realize you’re not alone."


Do you write for children? How to Sell Your Picture Books by Agent Lara Perkins highlights four crucial elements for success.

Historical fiction writers take note - C.S. Lakin's post, 5 How-to Tips for Writing Historical Fiction offers wonderful tips and insight.

Hop over to Rhonda Schrock's blog  for her thoughts about television remotes and mirrors. I'm pretty sure it will make you smile.

In other news...

Sandy Sieber interviewed yours truly over at PA History.

Write for Life, my latest book, is now available for 99 cents on Kindle. This is Volume One, Writing the Research Paper and it includes lessons for grades 7-12.

Congratulations to Cecelia Lester, the winner of Sarah Sundin's book. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for her interview last week.

Does one season inspire your writing more than another? What do you have going on this week?

Happy writing,

Karen

Do You Judge?

Do you judge a book by its cover? 

A blog or website by the graphics and layout?

A book cover, blog or website home page are often our initial point of contact. Although we know better than to judge on appearance only, it's tempting to do so sometimes.

What draws or brings us to a cover or site? 

A familiar writer or author? Catchy title? Bold image? Beautiful illustrations? Interesting subject? Striking scenery?  A recommendation? Research? Curiosity?

The answer varies of course, as all of the above may have applied at some point. We've different tastes and interests, and what draws one may not draw another. Our views are subjective, and we associate topics with life experience, expectations, and worldview. When images and impressions are contrary to expectations they can put us off or intrigue us.

With this in mind, how do we know what will draw readers? Design choices are endless, and especially difficult for the artistically challenged.  How does a writer choose images for a blog or site, or the right words for a post title, or an author choose a cover (when they have a say in the selection)? We only get one chance to make a first impression. How can we put our best foot forward? 


It helps to consider the following:

• Content
• Target audience 

Then ask:

• Is the image clean and crisp?
• Is it pleasing to the eye?
• How is the flow of the cover or site, is it too busy or cluttered?
• If a title, what keywords can be utilized to grab readers' attention?

And:

• Enlist help from a graphic designer or artist.
• Ask for input from friends, family, and colleagues.
• View covers, images, or titles for similar books, topics, or sites - don't copy, just observe what works, what doesn't.

Consider also this advice from graphic designer David Lange. When asked what first came to mind in regard to a good cover he replied, "Having a strong, compelling image or graphic."
 
(Yes, he is my son, and here is his website. Shameless plug over. :)

As I wandered around two bookstores this weekend, I drank in the images on the shelves. It struck me again how although ultimately content is key, the first visual impression can make or break the public's interest. We cannot please all the people all the time, but we can observe, do our research, and make smart, polished choices. You never know who you might impress.

Have you judged a book by its cover lately? A blog or site by its design? What draws you to a cover?

Happy writing,

Karen

The cover above is for my next book, due out this fall. :)