Monday, July 30, 2012

The First Steps Toward Publication

It's surprising how many people think writers only write when they're inspired.

Frankly, if we waited to work until inspiration hit, we'd probably never finish any projects.

Writing is a job much like any other job. An author sets aside time to work, and, if he is well disciplined, he'll accomplish the task of the day as scheduled.

Eventually, after weeks, months or even years, the writer has completed his book, and he's ready to submit it for publication.

Getting published is another job, separate from writing, yet, it is the goal of most writers.

Today I want to "inspire" folks who want to be published authors to take those first steps toward publication, and here they are:

1. Write.

2. Write everyday. Make time for it no matter how busy you are, no matter how many people tell you you're wasting your time. Write whether you feel like writing or not.

3. Learn more and more about the craft of writing and incorporate the helpful things you learn into your work.

4. Always strive to improve.

5. Most importantly, never--and I mean NEVER--give up, not if you want to be a published author.

Completing your manuscript is job number one for anyone who wants to be published.

Writers don't write only when inspiration hits.

We write everyday.

And we love it! [Most of the time] :-)

Fran

Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Site

Monday, July 23, 2012

Action vs Narration

Eddie delivered a right cross, hitting Kevin in the left cheek.

Kevin retaliated with an uppercut to his opponent's chin.

Eddie's mouth began to bleed. "So that's the way it's gonna be, huh?" He wiped blood from his lips. "You really think she's worth getting yourself beat to a pulp? That's what I'm going to do, you know," he said, shifting his weight from foot to foot, back and forth.

Kevin laughed. "This fight's got nothing to do with Suellen. I'm going to beat the crap out of you just for the fun of it."

Eddie threw another right cross in his brother's direction.

Kevin ducked, shoved his shoulder into Eddie's gut and flattened him. "Maybe next time you'll do as I suggest and just flip a coin to see who gets to take Suellen to the movies."

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The above scene is filled with action. Although it lacks a good deal of information (who these brothers are, what they look like, how old they are, etc.), it is definitely more colorful than a simple narration of what happened.

Example: Kevin and Eddie had a fight over who was going to take Suellen to the movies. Kevin won.

The more active fiction is, the more engaging it is. The more engaging it is, the more enjoyable it is--for both the reader and the writer!

Fran

Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Free E-Books


Maybe some free entertainment can take your mind off the summer heat.

"Change of Heart" is a free historical romance which has been highly rated by reviewers and readers. It was a Number One Bestseller in Historical Romance at the Amazon Kindle "Free Reads" store last fall. Here's the logline:

1880s Nebraska: A woman is stranded in a land she despises with a man she can't resist.

This story is of the "PG" variety--written for adults, but suitable and enjoyed by teens too.

Available at most Internet bookstores. Links to Amazon, Apple's I-Books and BN are below.

Change of Heart at Amazon

Change of Heart at Apple

Change of Heart at B & N


"Crossed Wires" is a short contemporary romantic comedy. Just right for making readers smile. Here's the logline:

Hank Garcia, thinking he's going to Melanie Baker's house to fix an electrical problem, gets the shock of his life.

This story is also the "PG" type, and it's available at most Internet book stores. Links to Amazon, BN and Apple's I-Books are below.


Crossed Wires at Amazon


Crossed Wires at Apple

Crossed Wires at BN

Have a great week, whatever you're reading!

Fran

Fran Shaff, Award-Winning Author
Fran's Web Page