Category Archives: Blog

The 1 thing writers must learn from the Hatchette vs Amazon case

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Hatchette vs Amazon. This case has writers picking sides.

If you haven’t been paying attention, book publisher Hatchette and Amazon are in a fight of epic proportions. And no, I’m not exaggerating. Here’s the summary:

Amazon and Hatchette (which owns so many imprints including Grand Central and Little, Brown, and is the fourth largest publisher in the U.S.) are fighting over ebook prices. Amazon wants to cap them at $9.99, with a 30/70 split — Amazon gets 30, the author and publisher split the 70.

Hatchette doesn’t agree with the split and so the dispute began. Writers on Hatchette’s side came out in support. Writers on Amazon’s side did also. Then came the big uproar: disappearing pre-order buttons for  Hatchette books, slower delivery times, and discouraging readers from buying Hatchette books.

The latest from Amazon has come from their new site where they outline their side of the story.  There’s tons of commentary on this. Here is a how a marketplace investor sees it.  Here’s a view from a blogger and former indie bookseller. Here’s some more background.

No matter what side you’re on, there is one big lesson that every writer needs to learn from this giant vs giant spat.

Your author platform and your knowledge on how your readers can get your book is critical to your career. 

Whether you are traditionally published or indie published or just trying to figure it out (I go back and forth twice each week) it is clear that writers have to depend more on themselves for just about everything.

I would have hated to be one of the impacted Hatchette writers, especially if I was a beginning or mid-level author? While, authors like Stephen King will always have options, he has spent load of time (decades!) building up his readership. His readers will always look for his stuff and they will always find it.  But if you were just signed to Little, Brown and under a two book contract, what are you supposed to do?

That’s why building your readership — through social media, mailing list, blog followers — has become more important than ever. That means learning to market yourself has become as important as craft.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Writers shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand when it comes to this stuff. For the most part, writers want to keep to themselves. They just want to write. At one point in writing history, that was an option. The divinity was fantastic (I imagine) where story ran in the New Yorker, the advances were enough to live off of, and writers were intellectual leaders.

But the world has changed and so has the publishing industry. The merits of the change will be up to you to decide. However, if writers don’t change with it, if they don’t pay attention, they’ll miss out on the big lessons.

5 links to get your writing in gear

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I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get back to business. Writing business that is.

Summer is a time to try new things with writing. For me, I used this summer to not write. It was a definite new experience. So I did some reading and tried some new writing exercises. Now the goal is to get myself back into writing gear.

Easier said than done.

Here’s some links that I’m reading that will hopefully get me back to writing. Hope it does the same for you.

Need more than five links? I usually tweet them out, or share them on Google+. I also like putting them in my Flipboard Magazine. Check those often for more.

So how’s your writing going?

 

Do you need a writing coach? Yes you do.

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Put me in coach! I’m ready!

I love this post by fellow writer and coach Timothy Pike. It’s about what be brings to the table as a writing coach.

What’s so awesome about the post is that Pike brought up a topic that writing blogs haven’t brought up as often, the need for a writing coach to help writers with their projects. In fact, after doing a quick search on other writing blogs, my colleagues and I haven’t mentioned it as much as we’ve mentioned other things like writer’s block.

I’ve personally seen how a writing coach (in some circles they are called a developmental editor) can help writers at the beginning part of their project. In the new gig, I help coach student journalists before they write one word of their article. We do things like story mapping to determine the focus of a story. We also look at the writing in past stories — what worked and what didn’t, wordiness, theme, etc. I’m starting to see results of coaching in my students’ writing.  I also have seen how coaching has helped my writing and honestly, I miss it.

So, writer, do you need a coach? Yes, you do.

What’s the difference between an editor and a writing coach?

Both positions are very similar but are brought into your writing process for different reasons and at different times. An editor is brought in at the end, when the project is written and helps with the grammar, mechanics, and, depending on the type of editor (line or developmental) they can give you feedback on your writing project.

A writing coach does that with a focus of helping your writing get better over time. Coaches are typically brought in earlier in the project, not necessarily when things are completed. Coaches do just what the word say they do, coach you through the process, talk out a story idea, help develop the idea, and essentially anything you need to get your writing in gear.

So what do you need in a coach? Here’s some questions to ask yourself.

1.) Are they also writers?

Writers know what works for them and can sympathize with other writers. You want someone who has tried some of the tools and techniques that they hope to use with you. Writing is more than just theory, it’s about practice and someone who still practices the art of writing. A coach does more than grammar and mechanics, they see the wholes in plot, the flat characters, and they know how to fix it.

And because they are writers they also know how to give back feedback in a way that is constructive and helpful. Their goal is to help you, not to make you feel awful.

Does it mean that only writers can be coaches? Not at all. But writers know. They just do.

2.) Do they have a deep tool box?

And if they are writing, they’ll know more than one way to skin a cat. If your characters are not evolving, if they are flat, how will your coach help you put meat on the bones?

With my writers, I have several exercises for them to do to help them expand characterization (which is my favorite thing to do.) Your writer coach should have that kind of exercise.

3.) Can they see the completed project even if you don’t yet?

One of the first conversations you’ll need to have with a writing coach is the big picture idea of the project. This is more than just saying that you want to write and sell a book. What is the book about? What is it trying to say? What do you want readers to walk away feeling or thinking? Are you self-publishing or going the agent route?

4.) How do you like to work? How do they hold you accountable?

A coach will hold you accountable. They will ask about your writing. In fact some (and I am one of them) will put their clients on a schedule. That means, the coach expects to get pages from you after a couple of days or weeks. Others will just want pages at the beginning, the middle and the end.

Make sure that you know how they work and that how they work works with you. Do you need to be held accountable consistently? Then a coach like me is a better fit. Do you just need to go to someone when you need them, I’m probably not your coach but there are others that will help.

5.) What is their writing philosophy? Are they also readers?

Writers are readers. Period. So ask your potential coach what they are reading. I use Goodreads to tell folks know what I’m reading and what I want to read. I try to read across genres and styles because as a writer and coach, I like seeing how others deal with similar issues.

 

Writing coach are a good thing. Do you need one? Yes, if only for the reason to keep you accountable and to help you get out of a writing jam when you need it. Some call writing coaches beta readers or have a writing group that can serve similar purposes. While the purposes do overlap, a writing coach is different because they coach through the process, after the end result.

Happy writing!

 

 

 

5 links to awesome writing hacks

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Woo! After a bit of a respite, I’m back! And what a way to come back!

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been moving along to on the latest Jennie Manning version, which has long decided not to become a short story but rather a longer short story and even dangerously close to being a novella.

So, I’ve been looking at links that teach something — a technique or a way to structure — so that I could try them out on my current project. Since summer is a time to try out some new things, I’m excited to see if I can add something to my tool belt. Below, check out these new ways (or new to me ways) of doing some writerly things. Think of these as a list of writing hacks.

Need more than five links? I usually tweet them out, or share them on Google+. I also like putting them in my Flipboard Magazine. Check those often for more.

Write on and have a great week!

 

ReadingIcess Fernandez Rojas is a writer, blogger, teacher, and journalist. Her commentary has appeared in The Guardian and on Huffington Post Latino Voices. Her fiction has been published in literary journals/anthologies such as Minvera Rising and Soul’s Road. Her first book, the beginning of the Jennie Manning series, will come out next year.  In addition to writing, Icess teaches fiction writing classes. Want more on what it takes to be a writer? Sign up  or contact her and ask a question.

6 writing (and reading) lists for your summer mojo

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Lists, lists, and more lists

What is it about summer that every person in the world has decided to create a summer reading list?

Seriously, every time I turn around, there’s a reading list someone has created with suggestions that make me say, “Self, that should be on your to read list”.

Maybe I’m more sensitive about it since I’m doing a lot of heavy reading as a prep to finish the Jennie Manning novella (post on that coming soon. FINALLY!)  I’m currently reading Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and I am attached to that book like Velcro! Whatever the reason, the links to reading lists is today’s Monday writing links post.

Need more than five links? I usually tweet them out, or share them on Google+. I also like putting them in my Flipboard Magazine. Check those often for more.

Remember when I said EVERYONE had a summer reading list? I meant it. Here’s Cosmo for Latinas Magazine’s list of new books Latinas will be obsessed with. OBSESSED! Some really good ones on this list! (The first book on the list instantly made it on the to-read list.)

I stumbled upon this one from Lauren Conrad (yes, from the OC) and was pleasantly surprised. Should be, though. She does have pretty good taste on most things.

When I saw this list on Isabel Allende’s blog, I instantly read through it and put most of them on my to-read list. You know you’re awesome when your favorite bookstore puts together a reading list for you. Sigh, I love her.

Novelists know this fact like they knew the alphabet, the first page is the most important, you have to grab them! Here’s a list of books with insane first pages, just in case you are in need of inspiration.

Need some suggestions of irresistible, I-can’t-put-it-down books? Here’s a list worth flipping through! 

For my sci-fi readers, here’s a list JUST FOR YOU! The Guardian put together some great reads coming out this month.  Make room on the Kindle, folks.

 

 

What books are you reading this summer? What do you recommend? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always looking for good reads!

5 links to get your writing on

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Happy belated Monday everyone!

I am hours late with this week’s five links. That’s because I had a fantastic weekend of doing, essentially, nothing. I did nothing and it was excellent. Of course I cooked and cleaned and visited some friends but it was nice to not write and read, just a mini break from all that.  I apologize for not having this list this morning.

So, here it is. Get your writing on, folks. Today’s links will get you there.

Need more than five links? I usually tweet them out, or share them on Google+. I also like putting them in my Flipboard Magazine. Check those often for more.

Do you keep a journal? Maybe you should. Here’s an argument for keeping a journal.

Since I’m writing a mystery novella, I’ve been trying to find inspiration for keeping on the path. What better way to stay inspired than with this interview of James Cain.

How many of you are watching the World Cup? Who are you cheering for? Did you know there were similarities between the World Cup and writing? Me neither but this little article set me straight.

Just because I think lists of writing advice are fantastic reads, here are 21 pieces of advice from 21 writers.

I’m not quite sure if I agree with these three cures for common writing woes. Most especially with woe number 1 — writer’s block.  Writer’s block doesn’t exist. It just doesn’t. I promise that it doesn’t.

Dear Reader: What is the legacy of words?

Dear Reader (1)I stumbled upon a video this week of Kurt Vonngenut’s words being read by Benedict Cumberbatch. This event happened at England’s Hay Festival. From what I can tell, it’s a festival about all things awesome, including literary things.

This letter was addressed to someone who censored one of the writer’s books. It was not only censored but burned. BURNED! The letter was passionate and fiery and direct. The letter itself was art.

This video made me think about this letter and other letters by writers. I became sad that this art form was being lost and that learning more about our favorite writers — what items made them take pen to paper in an effort to convey an infinite amount of emotions and knowledge, and their thought process — was giving way to the blog post.

I know it’s ironic. Me of all people saying that, and writing that in this a type of blog post, but how I feel about writing letters, about artists writing candid letters, is the reason for so many things.

In grad school, I read letters written by Raymond Chandler to his agent and other writers. Those letters were part of a collection I found in a used bookstore in Port Townsend, WA. I have never read those letters in any other place but in that collection. Among the correspondence was a letter from Chandler to his agent about what he thought made a good detective story. It outlined what was important and what was, essentially fluff.

Obviously, as someone trying her hand in mystery fiction this year this piece of amazement was something I needed to hear.

That’s what letters are about. They teach. They add insight. They are time capsules, a page of history for all to enjoy.

The thought of not having access to these letters makes me sad. I wish there was a way for writers to write letters of note, at least to their readers. Just if it’s even to say hello or that the sky was blue. This is important for work and important for reading.

While I’m sure a tweet or a retweet can make a reader feel that their favorite writer is listening to them, and visa versa, a letter is so much more. I’m glad I’m writing weekly (or so) letters to you guys and I hope you like reading them too.

Creatively, this week has been disappointing in terms of volume of production. However, I am happy with the quality of production, which makes the past seven days redeemable.  I took to writing the last scene of the latest Jennie Manning story on my typewriter. I like using it and wished I could use it more often. There’s something about the way the keys hit the page. There’s a connection to the words there, an authenticity that a computer screen can’t duplicate. I’m not sure that authenticity is the right word but it’s the right sentiment, the trueness of the experience of writing. This is what I’m referring to — the purposefulness of words (since there is no deleting or backspacing), the rhythm of the keys tied to the fingertips, then the arms, the shoulder, the neck, the brain. That delicious, intoxicating rhythm when the brain is practically drilling the story onto the blank page. This is something that a typewriter can do that a computer can’t.

It was with this old-fashioned sentiment that I took to my machine and wrote out the last scene, at least a draft of it. I am not done with the story yet but I know where it’s going. The light at the end of the tunnel is coming ever closer with this story. This makes me happy.

Reader, you must think me old fashioned between the ode to letter writing and my prose creation on a typewriter. Ha! I’m far from it. Spend any time on this blog or on my Twitter account and you’ll know that’s not true. But something about these two things tie readers and writers together in a way few things can. And that’s the kind of writer I want to be, one who is bonded with their readers with sincerity.

Until next week,

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6 things to do for your writing this summer

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Oh, those summer days!

I love summer time.

When Memorial Day comes around, the smell of beaches and the sound of flip flops smacking the bottom of my feet just makes me happy. I think it comes from growing up in Houston. With Galveston only 45 minutes away, every day is a potential beach day, which meant adventure awaited you.

Now as a grown up and a writer, summer means something different to me. It’s time to go into summer writing mode, which means, ironically, you don’t stop writing. While Spring time can be a renewal, Summer time is where the renewal is put to action.

Here are seven things I do to that keep me writing in the summer time.

Switch locations

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My view. Jealous?

I write at my desk. Sometimes I write in a coffee shop or library. But, with the weather being nice in the DFW area lately, I’ve been sitting outside on my balcony with my coffee and having at it. I’m lucky that my view is a wooded green area that I love (it’s the reason I live in this certain apartment). The smell is amazing and it’s calming. Think picturesque greens with singing birds. I can sit out here for a while and just write away the day if I choose. Which I do. Routinely.

Read

Writers should always be doing this with should being the keyword in this sentence. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the time to write, much less read. For me, I can’t write unless I’ve read some, I call it the well running dry. So during the summer, I tend to catch up on my reading. I’ll read whatever is around because, frankly, I collect books like most women collect shoes. However, after moving to the DFW area recently, I discovered my local library was amazing so I’ll be spending lots of time reading stuff from there.

My lovely and full bookshelves.
My lovely and full bookshelves.

Write something new

The “something new” I’m taking about is not a new story but something you don’t routinely write. If you’re a fiction writer, try poetry. If you’re a memoirist, try a screenplay. An important aspect about the writing life is continuing education. Learning or flexing skills you don’t usually use is a great way to get out of a rut and to expand your skills set. That doesn’t mean you’ll publish your new work (unless you really want to work on it) but it does mean that your approach to your writing, once you return, will be fresh.

Revision/Editing

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Dear Revision, our love/hate relationship is … well, it is what it is.

Okay, if I’m being honest, I hate/love revision. The creative process is fantastic but when it comes to going back and revising, I’m not that thrilled with the thought of it. I think it comes from the many years of reporting where revision really meant two things: 1) grammar and spelling check 2.) accuracy. So the idea of going back to a scene and adding or taking out something makes me want to rip out my hair from the roots. However, at the same time, I enjoy the challenge of it. It’s a dual edge sword with me.

But summer is great for revision because, if you’re not doing anything new, you have an opportunity to take something you’ve created and make it pop. I actually have a system on how to work on revision that I’ve recently revised (ha!) and made available to my newsletter readers.

Join a group or do an activity (not about writing)

I have a character who becomes a jazz singer and I know eventually I’ll have to be in front of a group of people singing. I’m not looking forward to it but I feel like this is important to me as a writer. I have to write about the first time this character takes the stage and how can I do that if I don’t do it for myself?

Summer time is the perfect opportunity to do something or join a group not directly associated with writing. Does your character shoot a gun? Take a gun safety course and go out to the range. Is your character a fashionista? Read Vogue and go “shopping” to understand the draw.  Is your character super athletic? Go jogging or ride a bike. This is an opportunity to get inside the character’s skin.

Road trip/Vacation/Etc.

My Kansas Photo Essay

This is summer time, after all! Get out and enjoy the weather and friends/family! Don’t let summer pass by without at least a road trip.

Now, Walter Mosley says he writes every day, even on vacation. I don’t know about that but you should at least make sure your projects are at the point where you can leave them sitting for a few days. Write notes to yourself about what the next couple of scenes or chapters should do or what actions the characters will need to take. That way, when you return, you’re not struggling to remember where you were and what you wanted to do.

Stepping away could be just the thing to clear your head. Come back fresh to your writing. You’ll thank me for it.

 

What are you looking forward to this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

5 writing links to start off your week

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Happy Monday!

It’s great to be back at the controls again! In case you’re just join us or it’s your first time here, I took about a month off to move home to Texas.  So, my friends took over for awhile. Today is my first day back on the blog.

Because it’s my first day back, I’ve chosen five fantastic writing links that will get your writing mojo going.

Need more than five links? I usually tweet them out, or share them on Google+. I also like putting them in my Flipboard Magazine. Check those often for more.

Raise your hand if you’re writing a series? (That includes me.) Here’s a checklist of some things to remember to do from your friends at Barnes and Noble. 

As if you needed more people to put on your reading list but here’s more. Someone seems to think these folks are worth the energy. What do you think?

If you’re an indie author, how do you know if you’re successful? Here’s some advice about that. 

Writer burnout is a thing. That’s different than writer’s block. (Seriously, writer’s block doesn’t exist. Don’t make me do another post on it.) If your creative juices aren’t flowing, here’s how to get that loving feeling back.

How many books can you read in one year? Twenty? Thirty? How about 60? Here’s how one person did it. 

 

And, here’s one (or a couple) to grow on:

I want to publicly thank my guest bloggers who pitched in and did an amazing job filling in. I couldn’t have done it without them and their expertise is amazing! Thank you so much to Kristen, Dina (she did two posts for me), Kathy, Ashley, Maria, Janene, and Kristi for all your help. Come back any time!

 

 

 

Where’s the best place to find story ideas?

EDITOR’S NOTE: AS I GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF MOVING, A COUPLE OF MY EXPERT (RE: SMARTY PANTS) FRIENDS — EXPERTS IN WRITING, MARKETING, PUBLISHING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA — ARE PITCHING IN UNTIL I GET BACK. ENJOY THEIR WISDOM AND VISIT THEIR SITES, WHICH ARE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THEIR POST.

wine and more wine

Whether it’s the whiskey or the wine, some chill Bob Marley on the jukebox or the smoky air… I love a good bar. But probably not for the same reasons as most.

I see that tall stool and mahogany stretching before me as a sign of productivity. My editors would probably kill me if they know just how many of my stories and social media posts were written with a Gentleman Jack sitting in front of me, Marlboro dangling from my lips…

But no, that’s not it either. It’s my favorite place for source building and getting story ideas.

So why bars are the best? Here’s why.

1. Bars are a neutral-ground/happy place. This is the place these people want to be. They are not bound by obligation, nor are they there to discuss those obligations. But the conversation will inevitably turn to those obligations.

2. Bars can be discreet. Sources will meet you at a place they know their colleagues would never patronize. And in plain-clothes, you both fit right in.

2. You can tell a lot about a person by what they drink. Every attorney I have ever sat at a bar with goes for a good whiskey. Cops love beers and random shots. Businessmen go for a good vodka. (Avoid the guys drinking frat boy beer and wearing baseball hats with college logos – unless you’re working on a story about mud riding or guns.)

3. Bar conversations. Even if you’re not there with an actual source, the locals are there and they’re talking. Eavesdrop and don’t be afraid to butt in and ask a few questions. Pretend to be clueless if you need to. These people probably don’t know you and will be more likely to tell you their true opinions – which can be a great tip or lead to a big, juicy and sometimes just fun story. The most fun, though, is when you can correct them when they’re wrong because you have more than just second-hand knowledge from that guy who works with her roommate’s best friend.

4. It works for every beat – you just have to take the time to find out where. I spent a few evenings hanging out at the city council meeting late to find out where the “after party” was being held. All you need is that one to tell you when and where to be.

But there are some ground rules.

1. Bar chat is off the record. Always, period, the end. This is the place to build trust. I’m not advocating becoming BFF with anyone, but if you can build a source’s trust, they will tip you off on big stories and you will always be able to reach them when you need a second source on other stories. And having that “real person” relationship can also soften the blow when you do have to do the “ugly” story.

In one instance, my (separate) bar chats with a high-ranking city official and councilman ensured we had still had a good working relationship when a very ugly story about city finances came out.

2. Never bring paper, pen, recorder, etc. See rule #1. You are allowed to have your phone out, but only pick it up in dire emergency or to program said source’s personal cell number.

3. Do NOT bring up work – yours or theirs. This is “fun” time. They will bring it up eventually, I promise.

4. Paying the bill gets a little gray area. On one hand, there are those ethics rules. On the other hand, I am a woman, and here in the south, men get offended if they do not pay the bill. Use your discretion. I always offer to pay, but if he insists, okay then. I have yet to have someone threaten me over a few Jack and Diet Cokes.

Good luck and if you see and hear a crazy redhead sitting a bar, chatting up people and looking devious, feel free to butt in and say hi. You’ll probably learn something.

Kristi Martin is an award-winning breaking news journalist and blogger. She enjoys email, Twitter, and blogging.