Outline or By-the-Seat of Your Pants Writer?

By Elysabeth Eldering

National Novel Writing Month, or better known as NaNo, occurs in November. This is a time when everyone and anyone puts forth the effort to write a novel, or at least the beginnings of a full fledged novel. The goal of NaNo is to write 50,000 words in 30 days (about 1667 words a day). But 50,000 words isn't really a full novel. If you accomplish this goal, you may have about a novel that is 2/3 completed. You could actually write a complete novella in the 30 days but not a full-fledged novel.

I have participated in NaNo for several years now, mostly as a cheerleader and the "official word keeper" for our region but I did write a novella or young adult novel one year, although I didn't really start writing it until late in the month and it took me a couple of weeks into December to complete it. I hope to edit that story within the next few months, once my series is more stabilized and the state stories are just being plucked up by my illustrator for layout and all, and publish it.

So how does one go about finding ideas to write at the frenzied pace of 1667 words a day? Ideas are everywhere and as long as you have the burning desire to meet the challenge, you can accomplish this task with very few problems.

Some folks start planning several months ahead by outlining and developing characters and scenarios that they would like to see occur in their novel; some folks wait until the last minute to come up with the topic for their novel. Those who outline and plot and plan ahead of time seem to be more invested in their writing than those of us who write by-the-seat-of-our-pants. On the other hand, some very good writing has come from the "pantsers." So how do you know which is the way to go? Experiment.

I don't outline so much as I have a system for my stories. Since I do mostly short stories and there is no real plot in them, outlining wouldn't work for me. If I were to ever jump into doing a 75,000 word or more novel, I might try outlining some basic plot points. Or if the idea had been brewing for a while, I would probably do some generalized outlining. Until then, I will remain a "pantser" and am accepting of that.

If you have a couple of hours a day to spend writing, I challenge you to participate in NaNo. You can sign up at the NaNo website and take the challenge. See if you are an outliner or a pantser.

State of Wilderness, State of Quarries, State of Reservations, State of Successes (first four and in that order) are published already; State of Heights will be released within the next couple of weeks. E :)

--
Elysabeth Eldering
Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad (JGDS), 50-state, mystery, trivia series


by Elysabeth Eldering

STATE OF WILDERNESS, Book 1 of 50 now available.
STATE OF QUARRIES, book 2 of 50 now available
STATE OF RESERVATIONS, book 3 of 50 now available
STATE OF SUCCESSES, book 4 of 50 now available
STATE OF HEIGHTS, coming October 2010
STATE OF NATURE, coming January 2011
STATE OF ACCELERATION, coming February 2011
STATE OF IMAGINATION, coming May 2011

WHERE WILL THE ADVENTURE TAKE YOU NEXT?

TRAIN OF CLUES, available August 2010

http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
http://jgdsseries.weebly.com/
http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com/

Member SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), Carolinas region
Member Sisters in Crime, Greenville Chapter

The Great First Impression Book Proposal:

Everything You Need to Know to Impress a Publisher in Twenty Minutes or Less
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

The Great First Impression Book Proposal is a book that all authors need to get past the gate keepers as Carolyn refers to them in her books. This book is by no means a step by step plan, but it does give you the basics for publishing your book.

The publishing industry has changed. In today’s environment, more is placed on the author to make a good impression on agents, editor, and publishers if they want to get their manuscript published.

The first impression is all you have to get the attention of those that hold the publishing purse strings. If you do not create something of value for their time and effort in your first impression your chances of becoming a published diminish greatly.

Carolyn’s The Great First Impression Book Proposal while not guaranteeing publishing does offer things that will aid you in the possibility of becoming published.

The Great First Impression Book Proposal is another in a series of pamphlets about various aspects of writing, editing, and publishing.

This is a book that anyone considering writing for publication should read all of Carolyn’s pamphlets about writing. Some may feel that they know the information in Carolyn’s pamphlets, they are still a good source of information and review of what authors need to know about getting past the gate keepers.

This reviewer awards four out of five stars for The Great Impression Book proposal by Carolyn Howard-Johnson.

This reviewer read a complementary copy sent to me by Carolyn at my request. This reviewer offers only unbiased reviews based on the quality of the book.

Defy Gravity: Propel Your Business to High Velocity Growth

By Rebel Brown

Rebel is a good name for the author of this book because it is about being a rebel if your thinking about business and the status quo (doing things in the same old way either because it is comfortable, or your reports are not doing what they should).

The concept of Defy Gravity and the accompanying work book help to create a plan that help businesses to look at their position in a different light, thereby creating a plan to move forward instead of staying where it is (status quo) and move it into a soaring position.

Rebel advices businesses, mangers, and executives on taking their business out of the gravity pit hold them down to crash and burn or soar to new heights. The book and associated workbook are what you need. Rebel has been advising for years. She has helped numerous individuals and businesses succeed in breaking free from gravity and soar in a new found freedom of expanded growth. To move forward by looking at where they are in a fresh way that truly assists them in new thinking in the way they look at there business.

As an executive, manager or business owner are you happy with your results? Can they be better? Defy Gravity and the associated workbook might be the answer to creating a new product stream or to enhance your results reports to reflect a more valuable picture of your business so more informed decisions can be made to guide the business into flying as Rebel Brown puts it.

This reviewer awards four out of five stars to Defy Gravity by Rebel Brown.

This reviewer received a complementary copy of Defy Gravity and the associated workbook for review. This in no way influenced my review for this book. All reviews by this reviewer are unbiased and are based solely on the quality of the book alone.

The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Froward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

The Frugal Editor is a book that belongs on the desk of anyone that is either an author, or an aspiring author. This book contains a wealth of information about what it takes to have your manuscript pass the mark toward publication.

This book gives writers needed information on how to create queries, cover letters, book proposals, and manuscripts that are not sloppy which will get you into the round file. Reading this book will assist you in why you need an editor or at least two other sets of eyes for you writing.

If you use Word, the de facto standard, there is information about using the Tracking feature and more to help you with your writing and editing with easy and practical steps in this book.

The Frugal Editor applies to all types of writing. Even those that write business letters, e-mails and more can gain a unique insight into making them better. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone putting words on paper or a computer screen.

The book is conversational in tone as if talking to a fiend that is imparting their secrets and tips to make your writing more professional and your manuscript pass muster with agents or in-house editors. No one wants to submit something that is not their best, which is why writers need a copy of The Frugal Editor.
Do yourself a favor, and find a copy of this book for your reference; you will appreciate it.

This reviewer gives a five star rating to The Frugal Editor.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Designing for the King

by Deana Murphy

Designing for the King is not your normal interior design book, and we are not talking about feng shui, what the book talks about is designing on a spiritual level for the way the person lives and what they do in the design area.

This book, filled with scripture, which enhances the concept of the design set forth by the author, is a unique approach to interior design that anyone can try.

The book comes from an approach that is central to the person’s space, and not a design the designer likes, but designed for the way the client lives, with a spiritual component that is refreshing and worth considering when doing any design.

Designing is not about the material goodies, but more about creating a tranquil space for the rest and comfort of the people. As the author sates, “It is through love that the agreement, respect, patience, loyalty, and integrity will seamlessly flow. So we can say a family on one accord births the awakening of designing with purpose. But this cannot be accomplished without the underpinning of Scripture.”

A home should be a place of peace and emotional sanctuary that breeds closeness of the family. The quotes and scriptures bring this concept home in Designing for the King.

This reviewer gives Designing for the King a four star rating and a must read if the reader is considering changing their living space.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

While this small book talks about Tweeting for retails, by anyone wanting to learn more about Twitter can use the tools that are available to make Twitter work better for your specific needs, not just retailers.

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers is more than just about Twitter, it is about an approach to social media that businesses, entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in Internet marketing should read. Whether you are new or experienced in social media, there are still things to learn about Twitter found in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers.

Retailers can learn new ways of promotion for their shops in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers. A retailer can have their employees use twitter for branding the business, and so can entrepreneurs with some simple techniques found in this book. I know I have, and I plan to implement some of them as time allows.
The one thing not mentioned in this book is that if you are not careful, Twitter can become addictive to the point of becoming a detriment to your day. For retailers and entrepreneurs it can be a way to remain in contact with your customers, and to let more people know about you and your business.

You must also be aware of Twitter etiquette; you do not want to seem spamy on social media, Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers to the rescue. Before you get too involved in Twitter, reading this book will give you some understanding of Twitter etiquette, which can translate to other social media sites.
I found this book easy to read, small at 129 pages, but full of pertinent information for anyone wish to enhance their Twitter presence.
I give this book four stars.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions lists a series of frugal ways of promoting your business, in good economic times as well as bad; and not break the bank in the process. Anyone in the retail business should read this 120-page book. There is a good deal of information in a small book that is of use to retailers, and their business no matter the present circumstances.

Many of the ideas are common sense, but also things that retailers may not have thought of. There are many inexpensive concepts that are easy to implement in your store, whether it is large or small. The size does not matter, the ideas in this book are what can help retailers grow their customer base with a few simple adjustments to present stock and how to deal with it. Simple promotion ideas that may cost only a few dollars, to free can increase your business over time. Fortunately, the few ideas listed in this book may trigger some things retailers can come up with on their own.

Do you need more business in your store? A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions can help you with simple ideas form how to move and arrange your stock and more. There are also some simple and effective ways to garner publicity in your local newspaper and have customers send you business with ideas that may cost you nothing expect some time and training of your employees.

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions is an easy to read book that can help all retailers do more promotion for your business without spending a lot of money.

I recommend this book for any retailer and award it a four star rating.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)