Category Archives: -John McCarthy

Editors Note: Self-Marketing – An Author’s Responsibility

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inspiration

In publishing, the conventional wisdom is that authors are their best marketers. This idea is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. Authors love to write. That’s what they do. Marketing is a distraction that should be pushed on to the publishers. Right?

Um, no.

People buy books because they like the premise, the subject, and/or the author. One would be hard pressed to find someone who says, “I love books by this ___ publisher. I get everything they put out.” An author carries far more influence, or at least they can if they put energy into their marketing. If the book is an author’s conduit with the writer for developing a relationship, marketing keeps it alive until the next publication nourishment.

Social Media is an author’s friend. It’s a bounty of tools to engage with a potential readership before, during, and after a piece is written and published. Publication alone is like standing alone in a desert at night. There is no one to hear you sing, shout, or whisper. Social media like Twitter and Instagram is the equivalent to having a megaphone to start. Build a network of followers and use relevant hashtags (#) turns the megaphone into a satellite television broadcast to local communities. Here are some authors who do an amazing job with their “broadcasts”:

Hashtags are a powerful tool for expanding one’s influence.

  • #dwriters – all things about author’s craft and staying up to date on publications on this site: Deadwood Writers’ Voices.
  • #amwriting – find an eclectic resource of writing references and conversations by writers.
  • #2write – an up and coming place for resources on writing. Soon to be a chat group for live conversations by aspiring and published authors.

More on hashtags in the next installment. But here’s an article with 44 Essential Twitter Hashtags Every Author Should Know.

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John McCarthy, Ed.S. has a forthcoming book in late 2016: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation

Follow @jmccarthyeds & @stsorywynd for more updates and commentary.

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Check out the May edition of Deadwood Writers Voices. Here is a sampling of what you can expect:

The Trip of a Lifetime: Australia and New Zealand Part 1 by Barbara Pattee on May 6

Barbara describes in detail the beginning of the enlightening tour she and her husband took to two island nations on the other side of the world.

Hot Blacktop, Ch. 11 Full Throttle, by Wendi Knape – @wendijowrites on May 10

Sienna’s shields protecting her heart are starting to break. Will she finally let Saint tear them down? Read Hot Blacktop’s Chapter 11, Full Throttle to find out.

Coffeeshop Chronicles by Diana Hirsch – @dianahirsch on May 18

Follow the monthly caffeinated escapades and explore life, opinions and values through coffeeshops, even if you’re a tea drinker.

Memory? By Claire Murray – @ClaireAAMI on May 21

Why do we remember some things so clearly and forget others? Why, on some occasions, when we hear a chance comment, do memories come flooding back but other times when we try to remember something we can’t?

Fine Dining by Sue Remisiewicz – @SueRemi on May 24

A monster reemerges after being buried for centuries and craving human flesh to eat.

Editor’s Log – April 2016 for Deadwood Writers

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From the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Website www.chicagobotanic.org

With April comes Spring–a time of renewal and rebirth. It’s a time to seek inspiration and reflect on our past actions that may determine our future. Spring is an exciting time to try new paths along life’s journey. Many of the publications this month deal with choices and trying new experiences. Here is a sneak preview of what is to come this month. Come back to revisit these stories and be inspired to comment about your own.

  • Barbara Pattee’s Happy Anniversary, M & M’s®
    April 6
    This heart warming story shows that sterile rules can be followed and still show compassion for what children care about.
  • Karen Kittrell’s Little Free Libraries Deliver the Goods
    April 8
    Karen takes us on a journey of 3 must visit libraries. It’s amazing the character and personality that each library has. After reading about her experiences, I want to visit them myself.
  • Claire Murray’s Istanbul Passage: A Novel
    April 21
    “What makes this story so interesting is that the author, Joseph Kanon, makes Istanbul, the city, a character in his story. He’s constantly describing the neighborhoods, the streets, the mosques, the bazar and best of all the boats that go back and forth between the European and Asian sides.”
  • Sue Remi’s River Crossing
    April 24
    This Flash Fiction focuses on 18 year old girl, Jilly. What do we do when given a warning? What should determine if we listen?

Editor’s Log: Writing is a Muscle–Exercise

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People running in desert at dusk, side view

Exercise is hard work. Running, in particular, is tough to get started. I can find lots of reasons not to get ready until there is not enough time to do it. Yet when I do get dressed and step outside, and run…the feeling I have afterwards is one of appreciation. It feels good to have run a route. The energy gifted from the exercise helps me write.

Writing can be similar for many would be writers. Crafting essays and literature is a dream that many share, but few pursue on a regular basis. The major excuse is “not enough time”, but like exercise, we can find 20 minutes out of a day to write. Also, an added benefit is that one can write anywhere and at any time. There is no reasonable excuse not to write, unless one is not truly interested in writing.

Writing is a muscle that requires frequent exercise. For some, starting slow is okay, so long as the practice happens along a routine such as 20 minutes four times a week or 10 minutes daily. Start slow to be smooth, and smooth will become fast. Ignore the voice in your head that finds sudden interests in doing chores that you normally avoid.

The writer athletes at Deadwood Writers share posts based on regular exercise of word-smithing. Many would tell you that their start with writing was erratic. “Post monthly? Really.” These athletes, including myself,  at one time enjoyed watching and thinking, without actually pursuing. What you’ll find in the recent posts game-time displays of athleticism that writers do. The effort and study of words is a constant drive so that each month’s post is smoother than the previous one. The purity of writing, like exercise, is not winning accolades—the purity of writing is to become better at it during each run.

Hope you enjoy the efforts of our deadwood writers. May they inspire you to comment and continue your writing journey.

Editor’s Log: Happy Anniversary

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2-year-anniversary-imageTwo years ago, on February 1, 2014, Deadwood Writer’s Voices was launched. With the help of a group of inspired editors and writers, many taking on both roles, this online writer’s / literary magazine took life, growing month by month. Thank you.

As we launch year three, the publication has increased it’s writers and editors. The focus remains the same:

Provide a place for members to explore their writer’s voice.

I invite you to read the many voices that congregate in these pages. There is diversity in perspectives, genres, and politics. There is something for all readers. As the site continues to grow, we will be inviting guest writers to submit pieces to be published at Deadwood Writer’s Voices. Check back in later Editor’s Logs for more details.

Lastly, Thank you for your support of this site through your readership. Please post comments on anyone’s posts. They read them all, and will often respond.

Join us in celebrating our Anniversary!

Writers’ Commitments for 2016 – What’s yours?

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writer

 

As of this post, 2016 launches a time of reflection, renewal and growth. Last year I posted Writing Commitments for 2015: What’s yours?. These were not resolutions of possibilities or “maybes.” The post was to lay out the end in mind that I could work towards, and to invite other writers to do the same.

So how did I do?

  1. I will read at least 10 books across genres that I like to write about: Education, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult. I’ll write a review on Goodreads or Amazon or on this blog.
    I did read over 10 books in these genres that I like. BUT, I did not post them all.
  2. I will learn writing techniques from the writing styles of at least 3 authors from reading their work, which I’ll share during the Deadwood Writers’ study sessions.

There were some interesting tips and tools for author’s craft that I’ve explored.
1) Using narrative or conversational voice in nonfiction
Numerous articles on Edutopia modeled rich voices for making instructional topics inviting.

2) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Heroes Die by Matthew Stover illustrated to me the importance of a strong start. I enjoyed immensely both novels only because I pushed through the opening chapters. How many readers give up early because of the slow start of each of these stories? It’s a stark reminder for writing of all lengths.

3) Character development is critical. Several authors like Bernard Cornwell and Jim Butcher create amazing stories that I remember because of the characters. A good cast of characters can make for a compelling story.

3.  I will create a detailed outline and chapters for an Education book on Differentiated Instruction for the 21st + Century — to be shared with 3 writer colleagues for feedback.

With hard work and some luck, I have secured a book contract! I’m in the process of writing So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation for Rowan & Littlefield. My deadline is later this year. I hope to see it in print either by the end of 2016 or the start of 2017. Stay tuned.

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Here are my three commitments, plus those shared by other Deadwood Writers, for 2016.

  1. Complete the book So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation in 2016, for publication by the end of this year or the beginning of 2017.
  2. Write articles for three major education publications, which will be linked to here.
  3. Read at least 10 books across genres that I like to write about: Education, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult.

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Wendi Knape

  1. Define parameters and implement plan for self-publishing A New Life, my paranormal romance. My goal is the end of 2016.
  2. Continue to develop and write the Hot Blacktop series.
  3. Balance all the above with my new job and family.

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Sue Remisiewicz

  1. I will build my inventory of stories that are ready to submit to contests or for publication.
  2. I will regularly bring installments of my “Road Rally” story to the group for feedback.
  3. I will work to complete my Murder in Sight book.

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Cassandra
  1. Participate in the group either online or in person when possible.
  2. Write at least one article a month for bulletin and/or blog.
  3. Submit at least two stories for publication.

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Barbara Pattee

  1. I will read three books on the Civil War to facilitate the research for my historical novel.
  2. I will write for a minimum of five hours per week.
  3. I will present three more chapters of my historical fiction to Dead Wood Writers for comments.

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Karen Kittrell

  1. Attend writers’ conference. Sign up to pitch manuscripts collecting dust on shelf.
  2. Finish editing for publication at least one manuscript.
  3. Write monthly article for the Deadwood Writers Voices blog.
  4. Write three 500 word flash fiction, one 1500 word story and one 3000 word story.
  5. Submit to at least six journals or contests.
  6. Outline non-fiction.
  7. Read six craft books and six works of distinction.
  8. Continue monthly study of short stories.

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Kelly Bixby

  1. I will devote at least one day a week to no other writing than my work in progress.
  2. At the end of every quarter, I will share my work product with another writer for feedback.
  3. I will study at least one book in the same genre as mine.

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Jeanette

  1. I will finish my story, Tangled Web.
  2. I will read a book on blog writing.
  3. I will set aside more time for writing and stop procrastinating.
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How did you do with your commitments?

For 2016 commitments, what are 1 to 3 concrete steps that you will take to improve yourself as a writer. Be specific and concrete–something you can track or measure.

 

Please post in the comments below either your responses or link to your responses.