Category: Writing

Building a Promotional Platform – the Personal Side

6/7/2011

For many months now I’ve been working on building my platform to market my brand and promote my books. Through my many friends at MIU Publishing and so many others I’ve met on-line, I’ve been encouraged to branch out, to reach beyond my comfort zone and put myself out there, exposing myself in more ways than I thought possible…no, not THAT way…grin…shame on you for thinking that. Ha.

But building a platform wasn’t exactly easy for me. I’m usually the one in the shadows, an insecure introvert. I had always been happy to focus on the little world revolving around me…my husband, my children, my job. That was enough, wasn’t it? It was hard to step beyond that. Would the rest of the world accept me? Was I worthy of having such outstanding authors and people befriending me?

Little by little, the light of platform crept into my world. I forced myself out to ‘chat’. I imposed myself to be part of the group…and I found I liked it! I found most people to be kind and gracious and supportive; like I want to be. And as I stepped beyond my comfort zone, I realized ~ the world doesn’t revolve around me! I must revolve around the world. If I don’t make a move, the world will keep spinning and pass by me. If I want something I must take that first step; to be the one to make the first gesture.

It was an ‘aha’ moment for me; not just in building my writer’s platform, but in my personal life as well. With this fact emblazoned in my mind I reached out, first to those closest to me, trying to create more solid relationships, trying to be a stronger person and friend. It wasn't about what others could do for me, it was about what I could do for others.

The hunger grew and I reached even farther. You see, I had a very special older brother who drowned when I was eighteen. He had two of the most darling daughters by his first wife and for some reason over the years we’d lost contact with them. In my small introverted cocoon, I’d been too blind to notice. I had not seen them for 20 years. I did not know how or why we lost touch. I only knew I missed them. With my new mindset I took a chance and mailed a note to their mother, apologizing for my many years of absence and asking her if I could get in touch with the (now adult) girls. I mailed the letter on Tuesday. On Thursday, I had a facebook friend request from one and by Monday I had talked with both of them on the phone. I could barely contain my happiness as we proceeded to share pictures and information of the missing times of our lives. Within a few weeks I was in for an even greater joy, the girls planned a visit to my house, their families in tow. What a fabulous reunion! Many tears were shared, hugs were abundant and talk was never-ending. All because I finally grew up, realized the world didn’t revolve around me and reached out with hope that someone would reach back. If I hadn’t jumped into life and made this move, life might have passed me by and I would have missed out on the joy these two girls and their families bring me.

So, thank you to all my family, friends and acquaintances. Life is truly what you make of it, and I hope to only make it better by building my writing and personal platforms each and every day. May you all do the same.
God Bless
C.K. Volnek

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The Writing Dream - with Author John Hart

4/14/2011

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On Tuesday, April 12th, I had the great fortune of attending an appearance with Bestselling Author and Edgar Award Winner, John Hart. His novels The King of Lies, Down River and The Last Child have created quite a stir in the publishing business. And I admit, I felt especially honored as this talented man visited my small-town library (and I mean small-town–population 6,500), and totally skipped our major cities, Lincoln and Omaha, just an hour away

Now John has gained incredible notoriety, money and world-wide fame for his writing. He’s even entertaining offers from Hollywood, though he’d just received a phone call from George Clooney that even though he liked his new book, he was going to pass on the movie rights. Geesh, what is George thinking?

I found John to be not only articulate, but very genuine. And I marveled at how, even though he has reached his goal of being published with great acclaim, he still holds many of the same fears all writers carry. Whether published or not…he cares mostly about his written word and how his readers respond to it. He does not take his popularity lightly. He knows it is the meat of the story that sells the work. When asked how he comes up with his story ideas, he said feels his main job is to build compelling characters and then turn up the heat. He likes to create characters that are ‘normal people overcoming abnormal circumstances…tough guys who know how to get the job done.’

John described some of his more interesting jobs on his way to becoming a bestseller author. He went through college and then worked on helicopters in Alaska for a summer, before deciding law school was the route for him…though he was secretly writing on the side. Two novels lay in his bottom desk drawer…two terrible novels he said with a grin.

John graduated from law school and was fast on his way to building a career as an attorney when he met his first hard-core criminal and decided he couldn’t cross the moral lines he had created for himself. So he decided to take one more chance and write. His wife was his best/worst critic and so he laid his first chapter on her. After a half an hour, he couldn’t wait any longer and burst into the room for her answer. She told him ‘he would never work another day in his life.’ John laughed and said she was sooo wrong. To support his family and his writing, he went to work as a stockbroker. Four years later, he received his first book offer.

To my joy, John admitted he writes with a ‘grope and hope’ method. Ah, maybe I’m not so abnormal after all. He said he treats his writing as a ‘career’ and has an office downtown where he goes to write. But I would definitely like to have an office like this. A roomy office with two very comfy couches…for his daily naps. One couch is in a very light and open room when he just needs a catnap, and the other couch is in a quiet, darkened room when he needs the longer, refreshing sleep. For inspiration, he takes a daily walk in the woods with his trusty canine friend, making sure he had a small stack of note cards and a pen.

So, why was I so enthused to meet John Hart? Not only was I honored with his visit to our small town and enjoyed his presentation about his writing and his books, but I was given hope. Hope that dreams do come true; that not all writers work from a full fledged outline, or have a degree in English. Hope that there is room out there for the stories I have to tell. I may never reach the fame John has but it proved to me that through hard work and never giving up, I could attain my dream of writing. It’s not easy to be published. It’s been quite a journey for me already as I anticipate my first novel being released in September with MIU Publishing. And I won't stop there. I'm going to continue pushing my way through those pages. For as I can see with John's fame, anything is possible. Maybe I too can someday find a comfy couch in my office and enjoy the daily nap he recommends. grin.

Good luck to you all and happy writing!

C.K. Volnek
Photo courtesy of Abigail Seymour Photography.

6 Comments

Meet Author Rebecca, Ryals Russell, aka, the Yellow Hat Writer

11/29/2010

4 Comments

Good Morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you have recovered from your turkey coma. Sigh...such great memories to recall. But now, back to the business of writing.

Visiting me today is Rebecca Ryals Russell, aka, the Yellow Hat Writer. Her debut novel, Seraphym Wars Odessa, is slated for release April 1, 2011 from MuseItUp Publishing. This book will be followed by several others throughout 2011. She’s been a very busy writer.

Welcome Rebecca. Would you tell your readers something interesting about yourself AND/OR your favorite character.

I live in a Victorian house on five acres with my family. I also run a Vacation Rental Log House on the property (Florida Black Bear Cabin http://flablackbearcabin.com) It was in this cabin I wrote Odessa within 6 months. I am a fourth generation Floridian. Born in Gainesville (Central Fl), I grew up in Sunrise (South Florida), lived in Orlando for 8 years (Central Fl) and Jacksonville for 28 years (NE Fl) before settling outside Lake City (North Central Fl). The daughter of a school principal and school secretary, for fourteen years I taught Middle Grades, preferring English and Creative Writing. I had several students’ works published in anthologies. My main interests are my four children, ages 22, 19, 16, 11 and Irish hubby of 35 years. I enjoy spending time writing, drawing, going to movies and reading. My favorite pastime is sitting on our wicker porch swing on a chilly Autumn evening with my husband and usually a kid or two, drinking a beer and eating mixed nuts while chatting about anything and everything.

What was your favorite book as a teen? Tell us about it and how it affected you as a person.

My all-time favorite book(s) are Lord of the Rings. I was in seventh grade when my Daddy introduced me to the series. I started with The Hobbit and moved on to read them all within months. Then Daddy brought home a 1000 piece puzzle of Middle Earth. When I finished it we mounted it and it hung in my bedroom until I left home. I wish I had that puzzle today. The effect that series had on me is clearly evident in my writing. My YA series, Seraphym Wars, is a quest Fantasy with elves and faeries, dragon-demons and strong characters. While writing each book I ask myself constantly, “Would this be in LOTR?”

Tell us about the genre you have chosen to write for. Why do write specifically for them?

I write MG/YA Fantasy for several reasons. Firstly, it’s what I read. I don’t enjoy adult fiction as much as YA. Maybe I never grew up at heart because I always identify with the YA characters more. Secondly, I write for teens because I have 4 of them at home. All of my kids read – but NONE read Fantasy. I find that hilarious. In fact, NONE of them have read any of my books to date. Thirdly, because I taught MG for fourteen years, I know how teens think and what they say and feel. I try to incorporate that into my characters. My sixteen-year-old son gets so tired of me quizzing him on what’s happening at school, what are the trends, how would his friends react to such and such.

Tell us about your new book. How did it come about and share your favorite excerpt/scene.

The first book of the YA series Seraphym Wars will be released April 1, 2011 from MuseItUp Publishing. Odessa is the first of a five book series. So far, the Prequel, Conscientia, due out Sept 1, 2011 and Book 1 Odessa have release dates. Book 2 Harpies is at the publisher now being read.

The storyline for Seraphym Wars was 30 years in the making. I just didn’t have time (or gumption) to write it out, but it was always in the back of my head. When I retired from teaching I began writing it and six months later had a 250,000 word book. Obviously too long I split it in two and revised Odessa 6 times over the next 3 years until I was finally satisfied.

Jacket Flap:

18-year-old Myrna is drawn into the middle of an epic battle between Seraphym and Demons. An average High School student from Florida, struggling with inner demons resulting from a rape at sixteen, she wakes one morning on the Steampunk planet of Dracwald, home of the demon-dragons responsible for her brother’s recent murder as well as many other atrocities in the news. She meets sweet sensitive Michael, who explains that according to prophecy, Myrna must gather the remaining six Vigorios (teen warriors with special talents) then train with the Majikals on an enchanted island. He accompanies her on the quest. A roguish Scientist with suspect motives haunts her dreams, while a sensual dragon warrior defends her against her will.

Will love and lust, jealousy, greed, deceit and distrust break the delicate tie that binds these teen warriors called The Vigorios? Can a troupe of teens help the Seraphym finally defeat the massive empire of evil dominated for eons by the demon-dragons of Dracwald?

How has writing affected your life? And what’s your favorite part of being a writer?

Writing has given me new purpose after leaving the classroom. I tend to give 110% to whatever I do and when teaching I spent 80 hours a week, easily, making lessons interesting, grading work and in the classroom. Now I spend that time and more writing. My favorite part is I can do it from home. My desk is in the living room so I’m in the heart of the family area, everyone comes and goes, but I can still produce my work.

What advice can you give regarding the writing process?

Before I started writing I tried to think of good ideas for stories and couldn’t. Now that I’ve been writing daily for 4 years, the ideas won’t stop. My advice is Write Often to Write Well. And secondly, don’t second-guess what you’ve produced until it is as perfect as you can make it. If it takes 15 revisions to get the story or voice or characterization, Just Do It.

Regarding publication and marketing, what advice can you offer aspiring writers?

It’s NEVER too early to start. If you wait until your book is published, you’ll be running backwards trying to catch up. I started building my platform, as it’s called, before the book was written. But it is only recently that people are recognizing my name. that’s four years of being very visible on the Internet. In fact, I think it was because of that visibility I got my first contract.

Today’s publishing world has changed and is still evolving. It is now the writer’s responsibility to promote yourself. A publisher wants to see that you are Internet and computer savvy and not afraid to put yourself out there. You need a website with a blog that you update at least weekly, twice a week is better. You need to belong to as many groups, website rings, forums and associations as you can find in your genre and BE ACTIVE on them. Get your name known. Brand yourself.

When I go to a writing conference, I wear my yellow hat to the keynote banquet. Why? Because that’s how people know me. And I have writers come up to me and say, “Hi, We’re friends on Twitter or Facebook or such and such forum.” And they knew me because I have branded myself as “The Yellow Hat Writer”. I have a separate website called http://yellowhatwriter.com and it’s only email signature banner, business cards and even used as a forum id in places.

Keep the same photo of yourself for everything. Don’t change your photo or use different ones for different sites. People will recognize you from the photo. Make it a good one and use only one.

How can your fans find, follow or friend you?

I’m all over the Internet. The best place to look first is my website/blog: http://rryalsrussell.com. I also have a grog (group blog) with several other MG/YA authors. We rotate postings about how to write aimed at Teens Who Write and Those Who Write for Teens. We have author interviews, news, hints, etc. http://teenwordfactory.com. Lastly readers can find me at http://facebook.com/rebeccaryalsrussell or http://facebook.com/myrnawatts; http://twitter.com/vigorio and http://myspace.com/rebeccaryalsrussell or http://goodreads.com/user/show/1941846-rebecca-ryals-russell. I love to make new friends!!

My book can be seen at https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=64&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1. If you want to buy the book, you can hit the ‘Notify Me’ button and when it’s available you’ll get an email to go and buy it.

Watch for all of my other books to come available as well at http://museituppublishing.com/musepub/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98&Itemid=82 or my website http://rryalsrussell.com

April 1, 2011      Odessa, YA series Seraphym Wars http://seraphymwars.com

July 1, 2011      Zarena, MG series Stardust Warriors   http://stardustwarriors.com

Sept 1, 2011     Conscientia, Seraphym Wars

Oct 1, 2011       Don’t Make Marty Mad (adult horror story)

Nov 1, 2011      Jeremiah, Stardust Warriors

Feb 1, 2012       Laman, Stardust Warriors

These have been submitted to the publisher:

TBA                  Harpies, Seraphym Wars

TBA                  Mercy, Stardust Warriors

TBA                  Magaelbash, Stardust Warriors

Thanks for joining us today, Rebecca.

C.K. Volnek

4 Comments

Guest Author - Ginger Simpson

11/17/2010

8 Comments

Greetings,

Today I would like to welcome Ginger Simpson to my blog. She is an accomplished author and her current YA Novel, Shortcomings, will be released in March 2011 by MuseItUp Publishing. She says in her bio...

“I truly recognized a dream with the publication of my first book, but my real hope is to see my work more readily available to the general public. With the sudden growth of e books, I feel encouraged.. Approaching true senior citizen status, I remind myself that a person is never too old to achieve their goals. Grandma Moses is my heroine.”

Welcome Ginger.

Greetings Ginger. Tell your readers something interesting about yourself AND/OR your favorite character.

I’ve been published for over ten years now, and I decided to try my hand at writing YA. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed looking at the work through my heroine’s POV in Shortcomings.

What was your favorite book as a teen? Tell us about it and how it affected you as a person.

Anything written by Laura Ingalls Wilder was a favorite. If we could access the library check-out cards today, I’d bet my name would be on each book at least three times.

Tell us about the genre you have chosen to write for. Why do write specifically for them?

Although experts say you should stick to one genre and make it your brand, I’ve stretched the boundaries. I consider myself mainly an historical writer, but I can’t deny writing whatever story my characters have to tell, so I listen and type like the wind. All my stories, except for one, have been character driven. I tried writing totally on my own, and it was the toughest book I’ve written yet. I like listening to the voices in my head.

Tell us about your new book. How did it come about and share your favorite excerpt/scene.

Shortcomings, which is scheduled for release in March from Muse It Up Publishing is my first attempt at YA. I believe there is a little of each author in the work they offer up, and after the fact, I realized that drew on some of my own teenage experiences to pump up the emotion. In my story, heroine, Cindy Johnson faces life with a defect that defines who she is and what she can accomplish. Dealing with the harsh comments and stares from strangers drivers her further into seclusion, until she dares venture out, make a friend and learn that she’s so much more than just a person with a short limb.

Let me set the scene for you. Cindy has agreed to help tutor the star quarterback of her high school’s football team so he doesn’t lose his position over bad grades. Hanging out with the most handsome boy in school is definitely a perk, but a little voice in her head tells her that he could never be interested in her for anything more.

EXCERPT:

Cindy gently closed the front door, but the squeaking hinges announced her arrival. Her mother appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “There you are. I was beginning to worry about you.”

Cindy shed her backpack and stashed it at the end of the couch. “Sorry. I should have let you know I’d be later than usual. I did a little tutoring in the library.”

Her mother’s brow rose in a suspicious arc. “Does this have anything to do with the phone call you got the other night?”

“Actually, it does. Cory Neil needed help with his math and asked me to meet him after school. I’m going to tutor him on the nights he doesn't have football practice. Is that all right?”

“Cory Neil, huh?” A teasing gleam sparkled in her eye. “I hear tell he’s the football team’s handsome quarterback.”

“Yes, Mother, it’s true, but don’t make anything out of this. He needs help with his math, and that’s all.” How could Momma assume Cory would be interested in a cripple?

“Well, he called you didn’t he? Besides, I heard while at the grocery story there’s a big dance coming up soon. You never know—”

“Stop it, Momma! Cory can have his pick of any girl at school. Why in the world would he want to be seen with me? For heaven sakes," her voice trembled. "I don’t even know how to dance. His interest in me is purely educational.” Tears of frustration filled Cindy’s eyes. She limped off to her bedroom and slammed the door behind her.

Within a few seconds, there was a light knock. “Cindy, may I come in. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”

Cindy lay across the bed on her stomach. She swiped the moisture from her cheeks, sat, and pulled her feet up under her. “Come in.”

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I just—”

“I know. I’m okay. Honest.” Cindy blinked back tears. “I grow so tired of being odd man out all the time. I know it isn't your fault, but why couldn't I have been born with both legs the same length, like everyone else?”

Her mother perched on the edge of the bed and put her arm around Cindy. “You’re so beautiful. Don’t you know that? Just look at yourself.” Reaching across to the dresser, her mom snatched the hand mirror and held it up to Cindy’s face. “Look at those beautiful blue eyes… and that long blonde hair. You don’t even have to worry about curling it. Your skin is flawless… and my goodness, you have the most beautiful teeth in the family—so straight and white. Why can’t you see what I see? Your defect doesn’t define who you are. We all have our shortcomings.”

Cindy peered at the mirror. Shortcomings? What an appropriate word. Tears peppered her cheeks. She plucked a tissue from the box on her nightstand, dried her eyes and tried to focus on the things her mother described. The deformity blurred her image. It didn’t matter what the glass reflected, it didn’t tell the whole story.

How has writing affected your life? And what’s your favorite part of being a writer?

Being retired is not all it’s cracked up to be. I miss interacting with friends, students, and associates, and writing has given me a platform for making new friends and colleagues. Writing is also an outlet. When my day doesn’t turn out right, I can let my heroine scream, stamp her feet, even kill someone, and it’s all legal and I don’t suffer the consequences. *lol*

What advice can you give regarding the writing process?

The rules are ever-changing. Join a good critique group and polish your story as best you can. Once you submit to a publisher and get a contract, you’ll be assigned an editor who will undoubtedly contradict everything you thought you knew. *lol* The learning never stops.

Regarding publication and marketing, what advice can you offer aspiring writers?

I gave a workshop at the Muse On-Line Conference about the pitfalls of publishing. I can’t stress enough the importance of researching any publisher you consider. There are resources on the web for finding out dirty little secrets and avoiding entering into a union that makes getting a divorce look like a cakewalk. Your best bet is asking authors already contracted there. If they aren’t happy, they’ll let you know.

How can your fans find, follow or friend you?

I’ve been doing this for a number of years, so if a person new to writing Googled my name, I’m sure they might be a tad impressed with how many places I’m found. Here are just a few links:

http://www.gingersimpson.com

http://mizging.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/mizging

http://www.twitter.com/mizging

and of course, my Amazon Page: http://tinyurl.com/29mobur

I’d like to thank my hostess for allowing me time and space on her blog. This is what teamwork is all about.

8 Comments

Building a Promotional Platform – the Personal Side

The Writing Dream - with Author John Hart

Meet Author Rebecca, Ryals Russell, aka, the Yellow Hat Writer

Guest Author - Ginger Simpson

Welcome to my blog.

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