Archive for May, 2009

Deadline Management

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

“When length is a problem, I’d rather cut out sections — entire thoughts — than chisel off the texture and color from the most important parts of the story. Cutting is hard and painful work, but I’d rather do it myself than leave it to someone who doesn’t know the story as well as I do.” - Warren Wolfe

For some the idea of actually having writing deadlines would be a dream come true. They enjoy writing, but have never experienced the ruthless demand of completing an article by a preset time.

Deadlines have been the nemesis of writers for generations. Writers are notorious for seeing a deadline as being so far in the future the need to work on an article ‘right now’ seems nonexistent. In the end they simply make a mad dash to the finish line hoping they have everything in place to make the article shine.

I find that when I write on deadline, my stuff sometimes reads better, because I don’t spend as much time trying to write the perfect sentence or capture the perfect image. In other words, allow the deadline to force you to be concise, crisp and to write with urgency.” - Jim Souhan

A deadline does contribute to the tyranny of the urgent, yet writing for a deadline is a close cousin to Pressure Writing. When you are forced to work quickly your brain actually works harder and faster to process and compile only the most relevant facts. When you allow yourself to spend too long on an article you can begin to second-guess article construction and language use. Many writers will tell you that writing for a deadline actually works to make their writing clear and concise.

“Some people freeze on deadline. My cure for that: Start typing. The simple act of typing in possible leads or details frees you up. Sometimes writing a bad lead on deadline helps you remember what a good lead looks like, and allows you to jump-start your writing.”

- Jim Souhan

As you develop a writing career you will find there are more and more deadlines to greet you. These deadlines are important and may ultimately liberate your writing to become something that is crafted in a timely manner and set free for the enjoyment of others.

Writing for a deadline also allows you to discover there is more writing to be done once you’ve met your cut-off date.

Deadline Management

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

“When length is a problem, I’d rather cut out sections — entire thoughts — than chisel off the texture and color from the most important parts of the story. Cutting is hard and painful work, but I’d rather do it myself than leave it to someone who doesn’t know the story as well as I do.” - Warren Wolfe

For some the idea of actually having writing deadlines would be a dream come true. They enjoy writing, but have never experienced the ruthless demand of completing an article by a preset time.

Deadlines have been the nemesis of writers for generations. Writers are notorious for seeing a deadline as being so far in the future the need to work on an article ‘right now’ seems nonexistent. In the end they simply make a mad dash to the finish line hoping they have everything in place to make the article shine.

I find that when I write on deadline, my stuff sometimes reads better, because I don’t spend as much time trying to write the perfect sentence or capture the perfect image. In other words, allow the deadline to force you to be concise, crisp and to write with urgency.” - Jim Souhan

A deadline does contribute to the tyranny of the urgent, yet writing for a deadline is a close cousin to Pressure Writing. When you are forced to work quickly your brain actually works harder and faster to process and compile only the most relevant facts. When you allow yourself to spend too long on an article you can begin to second-guess article construction and language use. Many writers will tell you that writing for a deadline actually works to make their writing clear and concise.

“Some people freeze on deadline. My cure for that: Start typing. The simple act of typing in possible leads or details frees you up. Sometimes writing a bad lead on deadline helps you remember what a good lead looks like, and allows you to jump-start your writing.”

- Jim Souhan

As you develop a writing career you will find there are more and more deadlines to greet you. These deadlines are important and may ultimately liberate your writing to become something that is crafted in a timely manner and set free for the enjoyment of others.

Writing for a deadline also allows you to discover there is more writing to be done once you’ve met your cut-off date.

Dealing With The Doubt Demon

Monday, May 25th, 2009

The only good teachers for you are those friends who love you, who think you are interesting, or very important, or wonderfully funny. ~Brenda Ueland

The doubt demon loves artists. This sensitive bunch of individuals falls prey to it so easily, from cartoonist Charles Schulz to writer Virginia Woolf. This little demon reared its ugly head when Stephen King threw the beginnings of Carrie into the wastebasket. We all owe our gratitude to his wife, Tabitha, who picked it out of the wastebasket and encouraged her husband to keep going. Some struggling writers don’t have such champions. Many writers ask themselves: Am I good enough? Am I wasting my time? If I was really talented I would be (published, successful, rich) by now. These kinds of thoughts are evidence of the doubt demon. The doubt demon can only be conquered by a concerted effort to give it as little attention as possible. Not just by you, but by the people around you.

As a published author, and one who has been in the business for several years, it’s hard to say this, but not everyone you know will want to see your writing dreams come true. Not because they’re mean (some are), but because they are unhappy with their own life choices and don’t want to see you change or cannot share in your dreams.

Avoiding the doubt demon is basically impossible for most of us, but there is something you can do about it. When you are facing the doubt demon make sure only to speak to friends or family members who are truly invested in seeing you succeed. You can identify these individuals three ways. The:

1. Always have something upbeat to say. You say, “I just got another rejection. I must suck.” They say “No, you just sent it to the wrong editor.” If they say something like, “You get a lot of rejections maybe writing isn’t your thing,” they are not someone you want to discuss your dreams with. As artists, we know the power of the written word and how they can impact people (read any bestseller). The spoken word is just as powerful (ask any leader) and you need to protect yourself from all negative input.

2. Are basically happy. Sorry, but unhappy people can’t give you the support you need. If they’re bemoaning man troubles or their jobs they likely won’t have the energy to lift your sagging spirits. Unfortunately, the phrase ‘misery loves company’ is true. So look for happy, optimistic individuals for support. You don’t need many. One will do.

3. Make you feel good. No matter what, they are enthusiastic about your efforts, ask about what you’re up to, and are generally interested in what you’re doing. At times, when I’ve begun a story and it’s not coming together I have a friend who I always call. I know I can depend on her to say or do something that will make me feel good. If someone makes you feel bad, take them off your list.

Fighting the doubt demon is hard on your own. You need to find a cheerleader to place in your corner. As I’ve said earlier, even if it’s only one person have someone you can call to give yourself the boost you need. The wonderful thing about a cheerleader is they can come in two forms: Those who read your works and those who don’t. I know people who continue to support my writing ambitions, but who have never read any of my work. They believe in me and that’s support enough. So go out there and find your demon fighters. You deserve them.

Dealing With The Doubt Demon

Monday, May 25th, 2009

The only good teachers for you are those friends who love you, who think you are interesting, or very important, or wonderfully funny. ~Brenda Ueland

The doubt demon loves artists. This sensitive bunch of individuals falls prey to it so easily, from cartoonist Charles Schulz to writer Virginia Woolf. This little demon reared its ugly head when Stephen King threw the beginnings of Carrie into the wastebasket. We all owe our gratitude to his wife, Tabitha, who picked it out of the wastebasket and encouraged her husband to keep going. Some struggling writers don’t have such champions. Many writers ask themselves: Am I good enough? Am I wasting my time? If I was really talented I would be (published, successful, rich) by now. These kinds of thoughts are evidence of the doubt demon. The doubt demon can only be conquered by a concerted effort to give it as little attention as possible. Not just by you, but by the people around you.

As a published author, and one who has been in the business for several years, it’s hard to say this, but not everyone you know will want to see your writing dreams come true. Not because they’re mean (some are), but because they are unhappy with their own life choices and don’t want to see you change or cannot share in your dreams.

Avoiding the doubt demon is basically impossible for most of us, but there is something you can do about it. When you are facing the doubt demon make sure only to speak to friends or family members who are truly invested in seeing you succeed. You can identify these individuals three ways. The:

1. Always have something upbeat to say. You say, “I just got another rejection. I must suck.” They say “No, you just sent it to the wrong editor.” If they say something like, “You get a lot of rejections maybe writing isn’t your thing,” they are not someone you want to discuss your dreams with. As artists, we know the power of the written word and how they can impact people (read any bestseller). The spoken word is just as powerful (ask any leader) and you need to protect yourself from all negative input.

2. Are basically happy. Sorry, but unhappy people can’t give you the support you need. If they’re bemoaning man troubles or their jobs they likely won’t have the energy to lift your sagging spirits. Unfortunately, the phrase ‘misery loves company’ is true. So look for happy, optimistic individuals for support. You don’t need many. One will do.

3. Make you feel good. No matter what, they are enthusiastic about your efforts, ask about what you’re up to, and are generally interested in what you’re doing. At times, when I’ve begun a story and it’s not coming together I have a friend who I always call. I know I can depend on her to say or do something that will make me feel good. If someone makes you feel bad, take them off your list.

Fighting the doubt demon is hard on your own. You need to find a cheerleader to place in your corner. As I’ve said earlier, even if it’s only one person have someone you can call to give yourself the boost you need. The wonderful thing about a cheerleader is they can come in two forms: Those who read your works and those who don’t. I know people who continue to support my writing ambitions, but who have never read any of my work. They believe in me and that’s support enough. So go out there and find your demon fighters. You deserve them.

Discount Gucci Bags, Authentic Gucci Handbags

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Designer handbags are rather popular when it comes to decorating the wardrobes of desperate housewives to flashy celebrities on Rodeo Drive. While there are tons of designer handbags to consider, there are few whose style, design, and reputation surpasses that of authentic Gucci handbags.

With a history deeply rooted in the early 1920s, authentic Gucci handbags didn

Discount Gucci Bags, Authentic Gucci Handbags

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Designer handbags are rather popular when it comes to decorating the wardrobes of desperate housewives to flashy celebrities on Rodeo Drive. While there are tons of designer handbags to consider, there are few whose style, design, and reputation surpasses that of authentic Gucci handbags.

With a history deeply rooted in the early 1920s, authentic Gucci handbags didn

Do Writing Groups Really Help?

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

You want to write about that heroine driving you insane or the hero of her dreams, but how to start? I suggest writing groups; you will find them both on the Internet and off. In your town or out of another country, but nowhere you go or where you look you will find the group that is right for you. How do I know, how can I be sure? Well i personally Co-Own my own group and am the member of another. I can tell you that my second novel would have not made it to paper without my writing group helping me through the rewrites and rough drafts, the writers block, and getting the heroine and the hero finally get together. No without them, my second book would still be driving me insane to finish it.

I can also attest that without the help of the first writing group i joined i would not have ever gotten my first novel published. They kept me from going to the wrong people how to format the manuscript and what it really took to submit the book to the Publisher.

Yes, writing groups have helped my career immensely, however finding the right group for you is the key to getting the right help. Therefore, what to look for when picking out that perfect group. First off, I suggest making sure; they offer both honest critiques and helpful feedback.

Secondly what type of critique submission ratio they have, many offer a 2 to 1 ratio, which means for every two critiques you do you can submit one chapter for help with. You also need to see how many critiques and submissions are required to remain active.

Another thing to consider is whether the moderator and owner are actively participants in the group, or just run by other people. How many members are in the group and whether or not chats are encouraged between members? In addition, do they accept multiple genres or just one?

Knowing each of these can help you find the perfect group for you.

Do Writing Groups Really Help?

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

You want to write about that heroine driving you insane or the hero of her dreams, but how to start? I suggest writing groups; you will find them both on the Internet and off. In your town or out of another country, but nowhere you go or where you look you will find the group that is right for you. How do I know, how can I be sure? Well i personally Co-Own my own group and am the member of another. I can tell you that my second novel would have not made it to paper without my writing group helping me through the rewrites and rough drafts, the writers block, and getting the heroine and the hero finally get together. No without them, my second book would still be driving me insane to finish it.

I can also attest that without the help of the first writing group i joined i would not have ever gotten my first novel published. They kept me from going to the wrong people how to format the manuscript and what it really took to submit the book to the Publisher.

Yes, writing groups have helped my career immensely, however finding the right group for you is the key to getting the right help. Therefore, what to look for when picking out that perfect group. First off, I suggest making sure; they offer both honest critiques and helpful feedback.

Secondly what type of critique submission ratio they have, many offer a 2 to 1 ratio, which means for every two critiques you do you can submit one chapter for help with. You also need to see how many critiques and submissions are required to remain active.

Another thing to consider is whether the moderator and owner are actively participants in the group, or just run by other people. How many members are in the group and whether or not chats are encouraged between members? In addition, do they accept multiple genres or just one?

Knowing each of these can help you find the perfect group for you.

Don’t Be An Expert, Be A Filter (secrets To Selling More Books)

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

So, how much would you pay someone to sift through your email each morning, deleting the garbage and presenting you with the 5 (out of 500) emails you need to respond to? If you already have someone like that, lucky you! But if you don’t, I bet this sounds like a dream. In the age of a constant flood of information, consumers will pay good money for a filter. So if you want to sell books, be the go-to person for your market.

If you’re wondering how to become a filter, give some thought to the filters you may not even be aware of. For example, in the book publishing market I can think of two major ones: Dan Poynter and John Kremer. Both of them are filters. Why? Well, they have zeroed in on their focused market and have become the go-to people for everything publishing and marketing. We have structured Author Marketing Experts the same way: all book marketing, all the time.

While you’ll find filters in different markets, they share a lot of the same characteristics. Filters are out there weeding through information so you don’t have to, and then they are posting their findings on their website, blog, or talking about it in their podcast. Sometimes they’re doing a combination of all of these things to keep their readers informed.

Next, filters are so laser focused in their market that not only can they filter out the “noise” for you so you don’t have to, they can then compartmentalize the noise into sub-filters. These sub-filters become even more significant, and here’s why. Increasingly, we are living in an age of customization. I mean when was the last time you bought an entire CD or read an entire newspaper? More than likely you’re buying your music one song at a time on iTunes, or you’re reading your news selectively or, in many cases, through RSS feeds that allow you to tap into only the content that you want. We’ll put all of this together in a moment, but for now, start thinking about the customized element to what you’re doing.

The tools we have at our disposal (many of them free) make becoming a filter extremely easy. Blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, all of these help us to build our filter and therefore, build our audience. But before you launch headlong into filtering, consider these quick tips:

Becoming a filter requires dedication, but the benefits will pay off in ways you can’t imagine (and many that will fill your bank account). When I talk about dedication, what I mean is *you* must read every publication that’s out there on your topic so your reader doesn’t have to, and more than that, you should read outside of your area of expertise because you never know where the big ideas will come from. Take an afternoon, once a month, and devour your reading material. I read an average of 27 magazines a month. Yes, it can be overwhelming (at times), but the upside is that you are constantly staying dialed into your market. That’s the first step to becoming a filter.

Be crystal clear about what you’re filtering. If you’re sitting in a huge market like, let’s say automotive, you probably don’t want to talk about every single car that’s out there or being developed. Perhaps you want to focus only on hybrid vehicles. Now your direction is clear. Once you have this direction, your website should reflect that. Your website should be the first marketing piece you look at as you’re developing your focus.

Next, ask yourself if your book is a filter. If it’s not, it should be. Being a filter is tougher for fiction authors of course, but you non-fiction folks should have no trouble leveraging this into your books.

Blog, podcast, and write, write, write on trends, reviews, hot new ideas and things that are so-so. I always tell people that I am my own test lab. If you want to try something new in marketing, check with me first. It’s likely that I’ve already tested it on myself. In fact, all of our programs are built from things I tried first. If I don’t like it, or it didn’t work, I won’t sell it. That’s a filter. And I’m not just talking about filtering stuff you can offer to a client, be objective! Be a filter for the competition, too, and by all means, send people to other vendors if they can offer what you can’t. Remember, the customer/reader came to you first.

Make customization your best friend. So, let’s use our car example again. Let’s say you wrote a book on hybrid cars and your site is all about hybrids as is your blog, newsletter and podcast. But now you have built your brand sufficiently, and it’s time to break out into new areas. How about this: ebooks for focused markets. Quick and easy tips, like “Buying a hybrid for seniors” or “Buying a hybrid for families.” The key to remember is that each of these markets has its own specific needs. When it comes to buying a car, the needs of a family are different from those of a senior or single.

What’s your brand? Everyone’s a brand, even Nora Roberts. Becoming a filter will help you brand yourself. Remember that people don’t buy a book, they buy a brand. If you’re clear on your brand, you’ll sell more books. Figuring out your branding doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be focused. I’m not talking about the kind of branding that requires hours of logo development. I’m not even talking about a brand that’s necessarily original. Yes, you want to be unique, but the key isn’t doing something no one else is doing, the key is doing it better.

So how can you become a filter? What’s your market and focus? Perhaps you’re thinking that you can apply some of these principles, but not all of them. That’s OK! The thing to remember is that being an expert is pass

Don’t Be An Expert, Be A Filter (secrets To Selling More Books)

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

So, how much would you pay someone to sift through your email each morning, deleting the garbage and presenting you with the 5 (out of 500) emails you need to respond to? If you already have someone like that, lucky you! But if you don’t, I bet this sounds like a dream. In the age of a constant flood of information, consumers will pay good money for a filter. So if you want to sell books, be the go-to person for your market.

If you’re wondering how to become a filter, give some thought to the filters you may not even be aware of. For example, in the book publishing market I can think of two major ones: Dan Poynter and John Kremer. Both of them are filters. Why? Well, they have zeroed in on their focused market and have become the go-to people for everything publishing and marketing. We have structured Author Marketing Experts the same way: all book marketing, all the time.

While you’ll find filters in different markets, they share a lot of the same characteristics. Filters are out there weeding through information so you don’t have to, and then they are posting their findings on their website, blog, or talking about it in their podcast. Sometimes they’re doing a combination of all of these things to keep their readers informed.

Next, filters are so laser focused in their market that not only can they filter out the “noise” for you so you don’t have to, they can then compartmentalize the noise into sub-filters. These sub-filters become even more significant, and here’s why. Increasingly, we are living in an age of customization. I mean when was the last time you bought an entire CD or read an entire newspaper? More than likely you’re buying your music one song at a time on iTunes, or you’re reading your news selectively or, in many cases, through RSS feeds that allow you to tap into only the content that you want. We’ll put all of this together in a moment, but for now, start thinking about the customized element to what you’re doing.

The tools we have at our disposal (many of them free) make becoming a filter extremely easy. Blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, all of these help us to build our filter and therefore, build our audience. But before you launch headlong into filtering, consider these quick tips:

Becoming a filter requires dedication, but the benefits will pay off in ways you can’t imagine (and many that will fill your bank account). When I talk about dedication, what I mean is *you* must read every publication that’s out there on your topic so your reader doesn’t have to, and more than that, you should read outside of your area of expertise because you never know where the big ideas will come from. Take an afternoon, once a month, and devour your reading material. I read an average of 27 magazines a month. Yes, it can be overwhelming (at times), but the upside is that you are constantly staying dialed into your market. That’s the first step to becoming a filter.

Be crystal clear about what you’re filtering. If you’re sitting in a huge market like, let’s say automotive, you probably don’t want to talk about every single car that’s out there or being developed. Perhaps you want to focus only on hybrid vehicles. Now your direction is clear. Once you have this direction, your website should reflect that. Your website should be the first marketing piece you look at as you’re developing your focus.

Next, ask yourself if your book is a filter. If it’s not, it should be. Being a filter is tougher for fiction authors of course, but you non-fiction folks should have no trouble leveraging this into your books.

Blog, podcast, and write, write, write on trends, reviews, hot new ideas and things that are so-so. I always tell people that I am my own test lab. If you want to try something new in marketing, check with me first. It’s likely that I’ve already tested it on myself. In fact, all of our programs are built from things I tried first. If I don’t like it, or it didn’t work, I won’t sell it. That’s a filter. And I’m not just talking about filtering stuff you can offer to a client, be objective! Be a filter for the competition, too, and by all means, send people to other vendors if they can offer what you can’t. Remember, the customer/reader came to you first.

Make customization your best friend. So, let’s use our car example again. Let’s say you wrote a book on hybrid cars and your site is all about hybrids as is your blog, newsletter and podcast. But now you have built your brand sufficiently, and it’s time to break out into new areas. How about this: ebooks for focused markets. Quick and easy tips, like “Buying a hybrid for seniors” or “Buying a hybrid for families.” The key to remember is that each of these markets has its own specific needs. When it comes to buying a car, the needs of a family are different from those of a senior or single.

What’s your brand? Everyone’s a brand, even Nora Roberts. Becoming a filter will help you brand yourself. Remember that people don’t buy a book, they buy a brand. If you’re clear on your brand, you’ll sell more books. Figuring out your branding doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be focused. I’m not talking about the kind of branding that requires hours of logo development. I’m not even talking about a brand that’s necessarily original. Yes, you want to be unique, but the key isn’t doing something no one else is doing, the key is doing it better.

So how can you become a filter? What’s your market and focus? Perhaps you’re thinking that you can apply some of these principles, but not all of them. That’s OK! The thing to remember is that being an expert is pass

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