Links of Interest

A SUCCESSFUL PUBLISHED AND SELF-PUBLISHED NOVELIST EXPLAINS WHAT SHE’S LEARNED THIS YEAR ABOUT THE PUBLISHING BIZ:

http://kriswrites.com/2014/12/30/business-musings-things-i-learned-or-relearned-in-2014

A NOVEL ISN’T THE SUM OF ITS PARTS, A VERY GOOD ARTICLE:

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/12/31/a-novel-is-not-a-sum-total-of-its-parts/

THE TEN TASKS OF THE FIRST CHAPTER:

http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2015/01/ten-tasks-of-first-chapter.html

KNOWING WHERE TO START YOUR NOVEL:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/01/line-forms-where-knowing-where-to-start.html

BRUSH UP YOUR MODIFIERS AND THEIR PLACEMENT:

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2015/01/02/is-your-modifier-misplaced

BALANCING BACKSTORY:

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2015/01/7-tips-for-balancing-backstory/

BUILDING AUTHOR PLATFORMS, 30 MINUTE VIDEO:

http://janefriedman.com/2015/01/05/platform-building-authors-30-minute-video-interview/

TOO MUCH DIALOG?

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/01/do-you-have-too-much-dialog.html

ACCURACY AND REALISM IN FICTION:

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2015/01/accuracy-and-realism-in-fiction.html

SCENE AND SEQUEL:

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2015/01/writing-patterns-fiction-scene-sequel/

THE PSEUDONYM:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/01/putting-on-your-clark-kent-glasses-or.html

WHAT SHOULD  HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE:

http://www.publishingcrawl.com/2015/01/06/what-happens-in-the-middle/

PREDICTIONS ON THIS YEAR’S ROMANCE MARKET:

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-publishing-predictions-for-2015.html

FIXING OVERWRITING:

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2015/01/07/the-forest-for-the-trees-how-to-cure-overwriting/

Book Recommendation Sites

As a reader, I’ve joined several sites that offer specialized book recommendations, etc., but, as an author, I’ve not tried any of their services to promote my books.  (If anyone has, please let me know what you think of the service.)  

Here are my thoughts from both an author and reader viewpoints.  

BOOKDAILY:  All the features on the front page are aimed at the writer, and I didn’t find a sign up sheet for readers to get emails of first chapters until I clicked on one of the books featured.  No price is shown, and you must go offsite to discover the price.  All the links I tried go to Amazon or Amazon Kindle.  A surprising number of the books were from major NY publishers.  As near as I can tell, posting your book and having the first chapter emailed is a free service.  The categories in fiction are so broad as to be useless, and I saw a bio of JFK in among the literary and genre fiction.

BOOKBUB.COM: The nicest looking site.  As a reader, you have a clear range of genres, you can pick the format or bookstore you prefer, and the ensuing list can be viewed online or via a daily email.  The sale price is prominently displayed.  The writer or publisher lists the book which is then curated and may or may not appear.  The prices to the author/publisher varies according to book price, popularity of the book genre, and the book’s price.  The book must be listed at 50% off so an author with a publisher needs to work with the publisher.  

THE FUSSY LIBRARIAN: At the site, there’s a book database that can find books according to genre with a wide variety within each genre, and your comfort choices about dirty language and violence.  The email choices have the same variations.  A listing of book sites include Kindle, Apple, Kobo, Nook, etc.  There’s no ability to separate out books in formats or book stores you don’t use.  A vast majority of the book listings I’ve received have been Kindle self-pubs and unavailable for my Nook so most emails go into the trash with a few glances.  All the books have obvious prices.  To get your book up, it must have received a large number of very good reader reviews.  Between 10-50 according to the type of book, etc.  The cost of this service runs between $5-14 depending on the popularity of that book type.  

Of the three sites, I’ve only see advertising or promotion for The Fussy Librarian which has a rotating ad on several large sites I visit which aren’t aimed at book readers.  The other two were word of mouth mentions.  

Bookbub is the most reader friendly.  BookDaily is the least reader friendly because of all the hidden information.  The Fussy Librarian makes it so hard to find the database and email list they might not as well exist.  

In the case of the two sites that require payment, the author must be able to control the book’s sales price or work with the publisher to do that.  

Some thoughts on these sites.  With so many free or $.99 ebooks, even a book under $5 looks overpriced in comparison.  Many of the book descriptions were appallingly written, and some left out words or made spelling or grammar errors.  Talk about shooting yourself in the foot then sprinkling salt in the wound.  Proof reading and a good article or two on writing blurbs are a very good idea.  

How to Write a Blurb

Links of Interest

AVOIDING EXPLANATIONS:

http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2014/12/resist-urge-to-explain.html

5 DEADLY MISTAKES MADE BY SELF-PUBS:

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/caveat-venditor-five-mistakes-killing-self-published-authors/

HOW TO CREATE EPUB DOCUMENTS, BOTH MAC & PC:

http://janefriedman.com/2014/12/19/word-epub/

CONTRACTS AND THEIR LANGUAGE REALLY DO APPLY TO YOU:

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/12/thoughts-post-toast-or-why-you-should.html

FOR SELF-PUBS, THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF TYPOGRAPHY:

http://www.designmantic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/font-infography.jpg

SELLING ON YOUR WEBSITE/BLOG, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW EUROPEAN TAXES:

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2014/12/24/selling-ebooks-and-digital-products-on-your-blog-you-need-to-know-about-eu-vat-moss/

WRITING THE UNLIKABLE CHARACTER:

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/writing-the-unlikable-character-and-why-you-should

BUILDING YOUR NOVEL HOLISTICALLY/ORGANICALLY:

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/12/24/building-your-novel-with-a-holistic-approach

GETTING THE BEST CHARACTER RESPONSE FROM YOUR CHARACTER:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/02/getting-best-response-from-your.html

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS AS AN AUTHOR, PODCAST LINK:

http://janefriedman.com/2014/12/29/building-business-author-interview/

WRITING ARCHETYPES, THE MESSIAH:

http://howtofightwrite.tumblr.com/post/106572571476/writing-archetypes-the-messiah

FANTASY BIOLOGY, DRAGONS:

http://fantasy-faction.com/2014/fantastical-biology-part-five-fantasy-creatures-in-flight

NOTE: No, you weren't imagining it.  I reposted an article from two weeks ago on Monday.  Sorry about that.  

NOTE TO SELF: Next time, you are almost comatose from a bug, post an apology for the delay and don't make an idiot of yourself.  

Creating Emotional Resonance

QUESTION: What is emotional resonance, and how do I create it in my story?

Emotional resonance in fiction is the emotion shared between the reader and the character or characters in the story.  At its best, the reader not only feels the character’s emotions, those emotions and goals matter to the reader, not just in the moment of the scene, but through the book and beyond.

To give a scene resonance, you must offer visual and emotional cues in the use of your words and images as well as the five senses of the viewpoint character.  Vivid sights, sounds, and other senses are described which put the reader firmly in the character’s head and world. 

You can also use archetypal images or metaphors which have a strong emotional resonance for humankind. The archetypal image can raise the hackles (absolute darkness), slow the heartbeat (a babbling brook), or turn the stomach (maggots on a rabbit's carcass). The archetypal image can help push the reader's emotional buttons so you can make them feel what you want them to feel. 

Horror writers, for example, use the fear archetype to great effect. Stephen King can go for the archetypal jugular vein with relentless certainty. It is his greatest strength as a writer. His layering of images provokes an emotional response greater than mere words.

The archetypal image can also express changing emotions. In an unpublished novel of mine, the hero and innocent heroine end up in bed. Afterwards, the hero sends her a dozen white roses, the symbol of pure love and innocence. 

As the days pass and the hero doesn't get back in touch, the heroine watches the roses fade as her hopes fade.  When she finally realizes that the roses that meant “forever” to her mean “thanks for the great sex and good-bye” to him, she smashes the vase. 

Her innocence and love have faded completely; her heart is as crushed as the roses on the floor.

To create emotional resonance through the book you must give the main character a worthy goal for the book.  If that goal is emotionally important to the character and the reader, emotional resonance will be achieved.

In other words, if the main character must save his daughter from a horrific fate, then the reader is invested emotionally.  If the main character is just doing his job and the results aren't important, no one will give a damn.  

That goal must remain the focus through every scene, or the reader will lose that investment in the outcome.  The character must also actively work toward that goal, despite outside interference from the antagonist and interior emotional interference.  He must overcome his enemy and his own weaknesses.  

To create the strongest emotional resonance, the hero must lose also something of great value to win.

What Christmas Cards Can Teach Us About Writing

"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."  The only character greater than a villain is a villain who is redeemed.

"Oh, Holy Night"  A powerful story is often best told simply.

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"  Sometimes, something innocent can become creepy.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas"  A one-sided romantic relationship is boring.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"  The underdog with a reviled talent makes a great hero.  

"Frosty the Snowman"  A great character often deserves a sequel.  ("I'll be back again, some day." ) 

"Carol of the Bells"  Driving rhythm can pull the reader forward.  

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"  You can tell a story through dialogue.

"Silent Night"  A few simple images can create powerful emotions.

“Let It Snow, Let It Snow”  The quiet, homey moments are often filled with the greatest emotions and memory.

"The Christmas Song"  ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…." )  Setting alone can show strong emotion and story.

“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”  A fantasy plot makes much more sense with lots of details.  (“There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage.  I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage.)  NOTE: Best Christmas novelty song ever!

"Good King Wenceslas"  Sometimes, a character is remembered more for kindness than power or glory.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"  Home and family are two of the most powerful goals within the human heart.  

"Baby, It's Cold Outside."  "This is for your good, not mine" is a great seduction.

“Is that You, Santa Claus?”  Every good thing may disguise a bad thing.

"Jingle Bells" and "Jingle Bell Rock"  The times and tempo may change, but the story remains the same.  

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"  Sometimes, the character's emotions and the message aren't the same.  

"Santa Baby"  With the right voice, even Santa and a chimney can be made into a double entendre.  

“All I Want for Christmas Is You.”  Love is the greatest gift.  

SCHEDULE NOTE: Because of the low number of postings elsewhere because of Christmas, there won't be a Wednesday "Links of Interest."  My Monday article and Wednesday "Links" post will return next week.  

Links of Interest

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER ANSWER QUESTIONS, A MORE IMPORTANT BIT OF INFO THAN YOU’D REALIZE:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/12/how-does-your-character-answer-questions.html

FORMATTING SELF-PUB MANUSCRIPTS:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/12/the-f-word-tackling-nitty-gritty-of.html

WHY YOUR CHARACTER NEEDS FLAWS:

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/12/10-reasons-hero-needs-flaws/

GETTING STARTED WITH SCRIVENER:

http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/2014/12/getting-started-with-scrivener.html

COMING UP WITH IDEAS:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/04/storming-brain-coming-up-with-ideas.html

DEALING WITH PACING PROBLEMS:

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/12/craft-of-writing-dealing-with-pacing.html

FACEBOOK FOR AUTHORS:

http://janefriedman.com/2014/12/08/facebook-for-authors/

IS YOUR ROMANCE SENSUAL OR INTELLECTUAL?

http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/tone/

PLOTTING AND PUTTING THE IDEAS ON PAPER:

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/12/more-on-revisions-plotting-and-other.html

PUTTING NAKED EMOTION ON THE PAGE:

http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-better-2/

LET YOUR CHARACTERS BE WRONG FOR THE RIGHT REASON:

http://moodywriting.blogspot.com/2014/12/repost-let-characters-be-wrong.html

MARKETS, SHORT STORIES:

http://www.gwdbooks.com/calls-for-submissions.html

MAKING A CHARACTER STAND OUT:

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2014/12/6-ways-to-make-characters-stand-out-in.html

WORLDBUILDING USING HISTORY:

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/12/worldbuilding-lessons-from-history-part.html

THE CENTRAL QUESTION IN DIFFERENT GENRES:

http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-central-question.html

THE DANGER OF COPYRIGHT RIGHTS GRABS IN CONTRACTS:

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/12/rights-grab-transferring-copyright.html

CREATING UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS:

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/12/17/creating-unforgettable-characters/

REQUESTING PERMISSIONS TO USE OTHERS’ COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL AND A SAMPLE PERMISSIONS LETTER:

http://janefriedman.com/2014/12/17/sample-permission-letter/

LAYERING MOTIFS IN YOUR BOOK:

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/12/17/layering-motifs-in-your-novel-for-powerful-effect/

Creating Emotional Resonance

QUESTION: What is emotional resonance, and how I create it in my story?

Emotional resonance in fiction is the emotion shared between the reader and the character or characters in the story.  At its best, the reader not only feels the character’s emotions, those emotions and goals matter to the reader, not just in the moment of the scene, but through the book and beyond.

To give a scene resonance, you must offer visual and emotional cues in the use of your words and images as well as the five senses of the viewpoint character.  Vivid sight, sound, and senses are described which put the reader firmly in the character’s head and world. 

You can also use archetypal images or metaphors which have a strong emotional resonance for humankind. The archetypal image can raise the hackles (absolute darkness), slow the heartbeat (a babbling brook), or turn the stomach (maggots on a rabbit's carcass). The archetypal image can help push the reader's emotional buttons so you can make them feel what you want them to feel. 

Horror writers, for example, use the fear archetype to great effect. Stephen King can go for the archetypal jugular vein with relentless certainty. It is his greatest strength as a writer. His layering of images provokes an emotional response greater than mere words.

The archetypal image can also be manipulated to express changing emotions. In an unpublished novel of mine, the hero and innocent heroine end up in bed. Afterwards, the hero sends her a dozen white roses, the symbol of pure love and innocence. 

As the days pass and the hero doesn't get back in touch, the heroine watches the roses fade as her hopes fade.  When she finally realizes that the roses that meant “forever” to her mean “thanks for the great sex and good-bye” to him, she smashes the vase. 

Her innocence and love have faded completely; her heart is as crushed as the roses on the floor.

To create emotional resonance through the book you must give the main character a worthy goal for the book.  If that goal is emotionally important to the character and the reader, emotional resonance will be achieved.

In other words, if the main character must save his daughter from a horrific fate, then the reader is invested emotionally.  If the main character is just doing his job and the results aren't important, no one will give a damn.  

That goal must remain the focus through every scene, or the reader will lose that investment in the outcome.  The character must also actively work toward that goal, despite outside interference from the antagonist and interior emotional interference.  He must overcome his enemy and his own weaknesses.  

To create the strongest emotional resonance, the hero must lose also something of great value to win.