Dislike of Modern Fantasy Books

Perhaps I'm "old-fashioned," but I dislike the modern fantasy books and find them depressing.  Are they contributing to the disrespectful attitudes of many who read them?  Do they lead youngsters and young adults to look at the world with a depressing view?

This isn't to say that books should create a rose-colored and unrealistic view of the world and our lives.  However, so many of the modern fantasy books delve into violence and present jaded characters.

I realize many people will say I'm wrong.  They (adults and young readers) regard these books and series as wonderful.

I read fantasies, or "fairy tales" as we called them, in my youth.  But they didn't seem to have so much violence and depressing outlooks.

I did come across one mother who refuses to let her children read these types of books until they're 14.  What happens when the books are included in class reading in middle school and discussed in class?  What happens when they want to attend movies of these books at a younger age?  They will hear classmates and teachers discussing the books and movies.

Reading the books your youngsters are reading and discussing your "old-fashioned" views of them does help to give them insight into why you may not approve...and give them something to consider.

Combining Book Writing with Scrapbooking

I've had great fun illustrating my picture book about my Uncle William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson using sketches and scrapbooking techniques.  I wrote the story of his life first, then came up with the illustrations.  Since I'd been teaching scrapbooking and family history research, I decided to incorporate some of these art techniques into the art work of this book.

The book initially was written to share with my family about their ancestor.  Then I was asked to share the story of the life of my ancestor who was known as the first Buffalo Bill in the schools.  So I began drawing pictures to accompany my presentations.  These evolved into illustrations for the book.

The original book contains the scrapbooking additions and has somewhat of a 3-D effect.  This comes through fairly well when I photocopied the book. Since I self-published the book, I was able to be creative and use some unorthodox techniques.

I'm also making postcards of the cover as promotional pieces.

Be creative with the books you write and publish.  It's such fun.

Catching Up with Blog Writing

I have, for some time, been quite inactive with keeping my blogs up to date due to a variety of situations...health, family challenges, work other than writing and computer slowdown.  I'm now trying to catch up and to decide which of my blogs and writing projects should take priority.

Which will tie in with other writing projects?
Which will promote my writing projects and books?
Which will be the most enjoyable to write?
Are there any I should delete?

Sometimes we get caught up in writing projects that have little or no direction and, although fun, might be better to put off for awhile.  Concentrate on those that will help you move forward.

Your blogs, too, may be a way of sharing with family and friends without having to write to each one individually.  I'm doing this with my family history musings since many of my family seem interested in their heritage.

Why do you write your blog(s)?

How Can I Use Postcards for Promotion?

In participating in Jennifer Chiaverini's postcard promotion for her last book and hearing about her  postcard/pin pal promotion for Sonoma Rose, I began to wonder how I can further use my postcards for Tales of Adventure & Discovery (a children's anthology of poems and stories).  I had them printed when the book was published and have been using them ever since.

Send postcards when announcing events.
Send postcards when writing to friends and colleagues.
Pass them out at book signings.
Give to friends to send out, along with a small gift, as Jennifer does with her pins.
Include them with a book purchase.

I'm trying to discover some new and creative ways to further use these postcards.

More Postcard Promotion the Jennifer Chiaverini Way

Jennifer Chiaverini is promoting her next book, Sonoma Rose, with her "postcard and pin pal" technique.  I participated in the promotion for her last book, but didn't hear about this one until after her quota of readers signed up.

For distributing the postcards Jennifer sends them, each volunteer receives a limited edition Sonoma Rose pin.  This certainly is a fun way to promote...for the author and the volunteers.

Jennifer is author of the Elm Creek Quilts series.

Do you promote with postcards?  Do you have any interesting techniques for distributing them?

Sign Up for My Mailing List (E-Mail and/or Postal)

Would you like to be on my mailing list (e-mail and/or postal) and receive updates about my writing projects, books, workshops, etc.?  More and more authors utilize these methods, as well as FaceBook and Twitter, to let their readers and followers keep up to date with what we're doing.

If you'd like to be included, leave your e-mail in the comments section below.  I'll touch bases with you and you can let me know if you'd like to send your postal mailing address via e-mail. 

I currently have copies of my children's anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery, available for Christmas gift giving.

We're in the midst of sorting out the Christmas decorations and tree ornaments.  I've been wrapping gifts that must be mailed a distance.

(Just a note:  My mailing lists aren't shared with anyone else.)

Promoting Your Book with Ideas from The Frugal Book Promoter

Promotion...promotion...promotion.  How to do it without a great deal of expense confronts most authors.  Generally the object is to sell your books and make money from them.  (Although there are a few authors write books for family use or as promotion pieces themselves.)

The Frugal Book Promoter, by Carolyn Howard-Johnson gives authors a multitude of methods for promoting their books the "frugal" way.  "How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher" is Carolyn's subtitle in this second edition, which she has updated and expanded by more than 100 pages.

In this electronic age, there are new methods of promotion continually available, and Carolyn, an award-winning author and marketer, is aware of them.  The book is only one in her "How to do it Frugally Series."

I'm also excited that I'm featured in this edition, with mention, on page 218, of my participation in a promotion technique. 

Have fun learning how YOU can promote your books without a great deal of expense.

Using a Blog to Promote Your Book

Getting the word out about your upcoming book becomes an important aspect of sales.  Your ability to do this is important when you offer a book to a publisher or promote your own self-published one.  In fact, most publishers these days look for your information about your ability to promote when you send them a proposal.

Starting a blog about your book has become very popular.  The time to start it is long before the book is published.  In fact, many authors use a blog to talk about their book before it's submitted to a publisher or they have it in print or e-book form.

However, when doing this, make sure it's a book whose idea can't be stolen.  Give out hints, but not the unique aspects.  Develop curiosity and interest, but retain the details.

I'm developing a blog, Plymouth, NH...250th Anniversary, for my upcoming book, Plymouth of Yesteryear, a compilation of my previously published columns and articles (of which I've retained the rights) for newspapers and magazines about the history of the Plymouth, NH area.  I've pondered on this idea for quite some time but never got the wheels in motion.  Yes, I did approach a regional publisher, only to have him tell me he didn't think there was wide enough readership for it to be worthwhile for him.

In 2012, Plymouth, the town where I live, will be celebrating it's 250th anniversary.  This seems to be the appropriate time for publication.  Also, I've decided upon self-publication. (I've done this before with a children's anthology of my previously published stories.)  It seems practical since a local printer, who helped me with the other book, has print on demand capabilities.  Thus, I don't have to contract for multiple copies and put out extensive funds.

I can promote the book along with activities and events sponsored by the local historical society.  I can give talks to local groups.  I can hold book signings at local bookstores and other places of business.  I can provide workshops on history and writing.

I'm starting with my blog to begin promotion and for referring interested parties.  They can watch the progress of my book.  Also, I can begin to take pre-orders.

So...think about using your blog or setting up one to begin promotion of your book, too.  Many well-known authors have used this technique.

Creating a Book Sales Site

In addition to writing and selling my own books, I've developed a book sales site, Mary Emma's Book Buzz Biz, where I'll mention books I have on hand for sale.

During yard sale season in NH, my family and I sort through the various books we've accumulated, fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children, and offer them to our visitors.  Books have been one of the high points of our sales.  Some people come each year to see what we have new in the way of books.

Now that it's too cold and snowy for yard sales, we turn to web sites and blogs.  A friend of mine has turned children's book sales into a business, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering books on Amazon and e-bay.

Why not a blog or web site where you can mention your books?  Those you've written and those you may have accumulated for your reading and research but no longer have space to store.

Illustrating my 250th Anniversary Book

I'm working on some illustrations for my 250th anniversary book about Plymouth, NH.  I'm also looking to find the negatives for photos I took when writing the original newspaper columns and magazine articles. 

I've discovered, the more I do it, the more I enjoy sketching for my books.

Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary

My latest book project, which will connect with some of my other writing projects in progress, is to compile my many newspaper columns featuring the history of the town where I live, Plymouth, NH.  The 250th anniversary of the town will be celebrated throughout 2012.

Over the years, I've written about the history of New Hampshire and Plymouth for newspapers and magazines.  Why not compile some of these into book form and use my illustrations and photos to accompany the articles/chapters?

I've started a blog to keep readers updated about this project, Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary.  Check it out periodically for my current status.

Family Story & Civil War Workshop

I held my Family Story & Civil War Workshop a few days ago. Had a fun time, but it's good I'm flexible and have had lots of experience with different types of writing.


Those attending were interested in writing poetry and stories for children, not so much based on family stories and Civil War research. Since I've written and been published in both these areas, I brought them information in their fields while I also taught them how to incorporate family and personal experiences into mix.

Also, as I showed them how I used some of my Civil War research for this type of writing, perhaps I also gave them ideas for research in case they developed "writer's block" with what they were doing.

Teaching writing workshops of any type is enjoyable for me. I like to inspire and encourage other writers. In the midst of doing this, I often find inspiration myself.

Finding Your Writing/Speaking Niche with the Presidents' Wives

Finding a niche for your writing and speaking venue helps writers further their careers. Feather Schwartz Foster has done this with the earlier First Ladies of our country. As a presidential historian, with particular interest in the presidents' wives, Ms. Foster writes about them, teaches at adult education classes and gives talks.

Her new book, The First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, An Itimate Portrait of the Women Who Shaped America, you'll discover interesting facts about the nation's presidential wives you may not have known before. Often you don't hear about the wives who helped their husbands shape this nation's history. But many played an important role, whether behind the scenes or in the public eye.

Ms. Foster devotes a chapter to each of these ladies, from Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, and gives us insight into their lives and tells about their unique accomplishments. There is a picture of each lady with her chapter.

This book is a fascinating read. I'd also recommend it as a supplement to any U.S. history class.

As a writer, you can learn from Ms. Foster on finding a niche to write about and to capitalize upon as you branch out into teaching and speaking events.

Do Our Writing Niches Change with the Times?

Do our writing niches change with the times or simply adjust as we expand our horizons? 

Although I've written my "Country Kitchen" cooking column for more than 40 years, I've branched out into other areas:

• Due to the necessity of earning a living
• Markets available
• My changing interests
• New technology that introduces new subjects
• Living in different parts of the country

I've discovered that I must adapt, whether it's writing about the same topic and tweaking it or writing about something new.

For instance, when I started writing for publication, we hardly ever heard of Alzheimer's disease.  However, both my mom and aunt developed this illness and I became their main caregiver.  Through this experience, I've been able to write, blog and speak about this illness and help others cope. 

At another point in my life, after requests for quilts from customers, I turned my sewing business into a quiltmaking business and then began writing on that topic for magazines and online publishers.

You will find new niches cropping up in your life as new opportunities open up.  You'll leave some niches or come back to them.  You'll develop a style and audience that will begin to be recognized as yours.

What niches have you found?

You Can Write for Niche Markets
Niche Marketing for Writers, Speakers, and Entrepreneurs
Awesome Article Marketing: Dominate Your Niche and Get Rich
Blog Profits: Insider Secrets to Making Money with Powerful Niche Blogs

A Shelf of Your Own Books

During a discussion on Facebook with another author, the topic came up concerning a shelf of books that are written by you.  She said this was her goal and she was on her way.

Then I looked at the shelf in my library where I keep copies of my books and realized, "I'm on the way!"

If I consider the anthologies in which I have one or two stories, as well as books entirely written by me, I have accumulated quite a collection of "my" books.

Sometimes we look at the books we haven't written instead of those we have completed, or at least have participated in.  Look at your accomplishments instead of failures or haven't done yets!

What have you accomplished on the way to reaching your dreams?

Tales of Adventure & Discovery

Appreciating & Writing Poetry Workshops

Do it now! Do it now! Don't delay!

These words ran through my mind after reading Shai Coggins' description of her new blogging network, Kidoosh, for which I write two blogs and co-author another. Shai said she didn't consider her network as complete as she'd like, and it needed some design changes.

However, if she kept putting off the launch until everything was perfect, she might never introduce it and her bloggers to the world.

So....I decided I'd better start putting together my book of poetry and my workshops. I've been teaching poetry in many of the classes when substitute teaching and enjoying it as much as the youngsters. I've developed lesson plans that children and adults can use.

Today, I began writing the outline for my workshops, which can be adjusted for each audience.

Onward I go!

(Image: sxc.hu)

Branding Your Novels the Elm Creek Way

Branding has become a buzz word in the business world, a way to call recognition to your name or business name and thus acquire more sales. I've written a number of articles about branding and have been studying how it could help in my writing world.

One area an author can utilize branding is by writing a series of books with the same setting, same characters, same theme...at least some thread tying them all together as Jennifer Chiaverini has done with her Elm Creek Quilts novel series. I've written about this technique in the post, Branding - The Elm Creek Way.

Have you looked into developing a brand for your business or name?

Mary Emma Allen's Children's Anthology Reviewed

It's so exciting when an author discovers a glowing review to a book, a review they hadn't known about. This morning, while searching the Internet for other material, I discovered the review of my children's anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery at BookReview.com.

The reviewer seemed to grasp what I was trying to accomplish with my book and "hit the nail on its head:"

The stories are from the heart and home, reflecting an understanding of children and childhood in a way that reaches out to children and lets them feel connected to the stories.

I also discovered that the book is available on Amazon. A friend said she'd carry it on her site, too.

The Excitement of Getting Back to My Art Work

Something seems to be nudging me back to my art work. Many years ago I worked in oils, acrylics and watercolor. I also sketched and did pen and ink.

I took private lessons and my teacher, a well known artist in Waco, TX, encouraged me to keep going when we had to move from the area. Eventually I took a two-year correspondence course with the Famous Artists School. That stretched me in my abilities and introduced me to various medium.

I sold quite a few of my paintings. In looking over those remaining, I have to admit, I'm impressed! I can envision reprints, greeting cards and postcards, perhaps notepaper, even items like mugs, aprons, t-shirts and more.

Is that cheapening my work? I think it allows more people to enjoy it...and hopefully be uplifted.

Some of my variety of work:

• Scenery
• People
• Animals
• Home portraits
• Birds
• Abstract
• Mystical
  

In the form of:

• Canvasses of various sizes
• Greeting cards
• Postcards
• Book Illustrations

Then I became more involved in quiltmaking and writing. Nowadays, I find myself sketching on note paper and envelopes. I've pulled out a small sketch book I can tuck into a pocket or purse.

Something tells me I can combine all of these, especially with the new innovations of selling online.

(Image by sxc.hu)

Working with NH History in Schools

It was exciting to interviewed by a teacher doing a research paper and proposal for NH history projects in schools. I've written about the history of our state for many years in newspaper and tourist paper columns.

One of my popular children's stories, Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, in the anthology, Tales of Adventure and Discovery, is set in the pioneering era of our state.

The teacher interviewing me has encouraged me to develop the activities and extended history I've been planning for students and teachers. So...I'm trying to work this into my summer plans.
She may use some of these with her students. Then I'll get to see if they work.