An Author’s Observations on the Affects of Reviews on Purchasing by Shawn Lamb

One day I read a comment author Shawn Lamb made on another blog's post. As someone who reviews and tries to promote books on my personal site, it caught my attention. As writers, we're urged to have a social media presence, which is a good thing, but is there something better? I asked Shawn to share a version of that post comment here. -- Sandy

Shawn: To begin, my first book went into pre-release in late 2009, since then I have published more books in two different genres and in three age groups, children, YA and college age to adult. Of course, as a new author I followed the advice of becoming connected through all types of social media while my publicist set about getting reviews. 

After a while, the process became too much to handle as I traveled through 13 states across the East Coast, Southeast, Mid-west and Plains to conventions, book fairs and conferences. At these events, I talk to thousands of people, most of whom buy my books. As a result, I cut back on social media activity and stopped seeking reviews all together to concentrate on events.

This year, my husband and I went over the sample questions taken at all our events of how someone heard of me and/or my books. We always ask to determine the most effective marketing and analyzing each event for future participation. We were surprised by the findings. Not a single person said they heard of me and/or my books from reading a review or blog. The answer fell into four categories – 1) “word of mouth” from a friend or family member, 2) seeing my name on the speaker program and they attended my session, 3) visited my booth the previous year, checked out my website and now returned to buy my books, 4) their child saw my books at the event and became excited.

Yes, this is surprising - that in four years, we couldn’t find an answer where someone purchased my books based upon reviews, any particular blog or a social media site! For all the effort put into promotion and marketing in today’s technological society – word of mouth still rules! In conjunction with number two on the list of attending a workshop or speaking session, the words personal credibility came up frequently in answers.

Most authors are told to connect, to seek reviews, but I don’t recall my publisher, agent or publicist saying anything in regards to personal credibility! That’s not something a marketing or promotional campaign can manufacture, rather it's based solely on the personal integrity of the author. In some ways this is both a frightening and a humbling thought. Social media can fake this part, but not being in front of real people.

This discovery, and my years of experience, tells me people want to make a connection that is genuine. I encourage authors to go out into their local communities and establish a rapport. Some may argue social media is helpful in reaching a wider audience, but in my case, social media is more useful after making direct contact. 

What do you think about the social media aspect of marketing? What has been your experience with it? 

~~~

Shawn Lamb is an award-winning author and screenwriter, who once wrote for children’s television.

Her books span 2 genres, allegorical fantasy and Christian historical fiction, and 3 age groups, children, young adult, and college age thru adults.  Shawn is also a frequent speaker at homeschool conferences on topics dealing with reading, teaching and writing fiction.

Website:  http://www.allonbooks.com

Speaker page: http://www.balancingthesword.com/homeschool/speakers/speaker_detail.asp?ID=4631&Name=Shawn_Lamb

It's Fantasy. Why Do I Need To Research?

Author Kat Heckenbach writes fantasy. Like much of science fiction, it involves making up worlds, along with the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Some might think there is no research involved in writing fantasy. Kat relates her experience. -- Sandy


Kat: I will be the first to admit I’m not crazy about research. I joke that one reason I write fantasy is so I don’t have to research—I can just make everything up! But of course it’s not quite that simple. Getting to make things up doesn’t mean I don’t have to know how things work.

The story world in my YA fantasy series Toch Island Chronicles is full of mythical flora and fauna. I wanted those species of plants and animals to be realistic, if not real. That meant researching plants that do exist to learn what types live in what climates. I didn’t want my unique oak trees in an environment where no oaks of any kind would grow. I wanted fictional plants to have qualities that make sense when it comes to their real-world counterpoints, too. What plants are used for healing? What kind of defense mechanisms do they have?

I also researched animals that I could alter in order to make a mysterious species. Again, that meant learning about habits and habitats of real animals. The environments they live in, their diet, the predators they face. What ability does a particular animal have that could be enhanced and made into a supernatural power?

I also spent a lot of time reading other fantasy novels. When it comes to mythological creatures, this can be invaluable. It’s not just about the actual historical lore—it’s also about other authors’ takes on that lore. You need to know what readers expect when reading fantasy, and get an idea of what you ought to make your own and what you ought to keep more traditional. (Yes, reading novels can count as research!)

I have a background in science, so I chose to follow a more scientific system.  Sure, with that background I had to research a little less, but I still wanted to make certain I understood things like “lift” (the way air flows to hold up an airplane) to create a realistic way an object could be levitated. And I found myself learning about combustion and light waves, and double-checking those laws of thermodynamics.

Ironically, the most surprising part of my research had nothing to do with creating fictional creatures. I never would have thought that writing fantasy would lead to me researching ancient Arabian architecture and, well, sheep shearing.

So no matter how much I’d have liked to avoid it, research became part of the creation of my totally made-up story world anyway. Fantasy writing without research is…a fantasy.

What is the most unusual thing you've researched for your novel?

~~~

Kat Heckenbach spent her childhood with pencil and sketchbook in hand, knowing she wanted to be an artist when she grew up—so naturally she graduated college with a degree in biology, went on to teach math, and now homeschools her two children while writing. Her fiction ranges from light-hearted fantasy to dark and disturbing, with multiple stories published online and in print. Her YA fantasy series includes Finding Angel and Seeing Unseen and is available in print and ebook. Enter her world at www.katheckenbach.com.

Chocolate Covered Lies, Part Two

This is the second part of Amy Wallace's post about creating characters' lies. Today, she tells us some of those lies and gives an example.--Sandy



Amy: Last time we discussed how identifying a character’s lie is the key to discovering who she is and how to tell her deepest story. This post, we'll talk about specific lies and use an example to better explain how to apply a lie to your character's backstory.

Below is a partial list of lies I’ve developed from my background in counseling, teaching the concept of lies, and applying what I’ve learned to fictional characters.

I’m unloveable

I’m helpless

I’m worthless

I’m not enough

I’m stuck

It’s all my fault

I’m a disappointment

Consider the lie “I’m not enough” and how a character would live out this lie. She might give up on life, become an alcoholic, an introvert who never leaves her home, or she might take on life to prove she’s more than enough through straight As, perfect work records, climbing the ladder as fast as she can.

How you apply the lie to your character is as unique as the characters you create.

One of my favorite characters is Ashley Walters, a tough, street-smart cop who has it all together. She graduated top of her police academy class and is a favorite with the people she serves because she goes the extra mile to care about victims and make sure justice is served. But inside, she knows she’s not enough. She’ll never measure up to her perfect, all-American brother, Eric. When he died and she wasn’t able to save him or bring his killer to justice, she had proof her lie was absolute truth. Even so, Ashley lives to prove she’s enough, to perform, to protect herself almost as much as she protects those she serves.

Doesn't Ashley's lie help you understand her inner working even though you haven't met her on the page yet?

Our job as writers is to take all we know about our characters and tell their stories to the very best of our ability. A heaping helping of prayer and dependence on God enables us to tell His story through ours. Chocolate covered lies can assist in that weighty goal and help us draw readers deep into stories of healing and hope.

Do you have a "favorite" lie you tend to use, or one that isn't mentioned above? 

~~~

Amy Wallace writes Dark Chocolate Suspense—high-action suspense that delves deep into heart issues. Amy is a homeschool mom, speaker, online writing instructor, co-leader of a young writer’s club, and avid chocoholic.

Her novels include the Place of Refuge series: Hiding in Plain Sight and Nowhere to Run, the Defenders of Hope series: Ransomed Dreams, Healing Promises, and Enduring Justice. Amy is also a contributing author of A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction, God Answers Moms’ Prayers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes.

Prepping to Pitch at a Writer's Conference by Beth Vogt

Yesterday, Beth Vogt talked about the importance of finding your story question and how your novel can lose focus without it. Today, she's sharing her wisdom when it comes to pitching your book idea to editors and agents. - Sandy

Beth: Call me crazy, but I love pitching a book idea to an editor. No one else will sell my novel better than me. After all, I’ve lived with these imaginary people interrupting my thoughts for months. I’ve invested time and mental energy in them. I’ve even talked about my hero and heroine with friends and family, well, as if they were my friends or family.

Do I get anxious when I think about sitting down in front of an editor, an unseen but oh-so-real clock ticking off precious minutes as I introduce myself and my novel? No. I’m not nervous, I’m excited. (Tell yourself that enough times and you start to believe it.) It helps that I’ve participated in 15-minute appointments from both sides of the table – as an editor hearing pitches and as a writer giving them.

I’ve also developed a few techniques – some my own, some from watching other writers – that make pitching a book easy, or at least easier.

1.      Travel light. I’ve watched writers walk into 15-minute appointments juggling tote bags labeled with the conference logos, notebooks, purses, bottles of water, cell phones . . . you get the idea. The most important thing to bring to a 15-minute appointment is your idea. It’s all about you, the editor or agent, and selling your book. To help organize needed items like your pitch sheet, sample chapter and business card, check out my Resource Page for Writers on my website for details on a streamlined pitch notebook.

2.      Talk to yourself.  A 15-minute appointment is no time to ad-lib. Develop an elevator pitch – a brief one or two sentence verbal introduction to your book – and then practice, practice, practice so it comes off sounding unrehearsed. I’ve taught my family to ask, “So, what’s your book about?” I recite my pitch while I’m driving around town or cooking dinner or blow-drying my hair. Then, when I sit down in front of an editor or agent, I’m comfortable enough to let the conversation flow naturally.

3.      Take time to pray. You’ve written your manuscript. You’ve rehearsed your elevator pitch so much your conference roommate insists you recited it in your sleep. All that’s left is to pitch it for real! Stop. Take your story – your hopes and dreams – and place them before God, asking him to bless the work of your hands. (Psalm 90:17)

Fifteen minutes is just that: 15 minutes. Don’t judge the success of a writing conference solely by your editor or agent appointments. Sure, we all want to hear the magic words “I’d like to see a full manuscript!” But you can’t make an editor say or do anything – all you can do is prepare, pray, and trust God for the outcome.

~~~ 

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Her contemporary romance novel, Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and Catch a Falling Star released May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren. To learn more about Beth, please visit www.bethvogt.com.

Chocolate Covered Lies, Part One

This is the first of a two-part post. Be sure to read the second part on Wednesday, July 31.

We have a number of plotting tools in our belts. I asked author Amy Wallace about one of our most important. 

"In plotting our stories, we focus on the goal, motivation, and conflict. But we also need to know that lie that our character believes about himself. Why do we need to know this? What are the main lies? For Christian writers, how can creating that lie affect the spiritual growth of our characters?"--Sandy


Amy: Lies are my favorite fiction tool! I call them chocolate covered because understanding our character’s lie sweetens our fiction and draws readers into hope and healing—some of God’s most filling gifts.

First, I’ll define what I mean by a character’s lie and share how identifying a character’s lie is the key to discovering who she is and how to tell her deepest story.

In the second post about lies, I'll list some common lies and share how I've applied this concept of lies to one of my main character's backstories.

Let's jump in with a definition: A lie is what we believe about ourselves—true or not—that drives every one of our actions.

To some degree, all of us believe something about ourselves that isn’t true. We’re too this or not enough that. But lies are even deeper, the core basis of our identity.

A common lie is I'm not good enough. As we talk about how lies are the key to our characters, I'll apply this lie to our discussion.

First, lies make our characters come alive. Even if a reader has never identified a belief about herself as a lie, it's likely she's felt or experienced thoughts of not being good enough: I'll never measure up. Or Why can't I ever get this right? Lies allow a reader to have that "me too" experience and then stick with your story until she finds answers about how to overcome that lie and grow.

Lies also enable us to keep our character’s journey focused and enhance conflict. If everything that comes against our character beats on her lie in one way or another, we deepen the lie and it becomes more and more a part of who she is. Lies are powerful motivators … and destroyers of dreams. So when we trace our character’s pathway using her lie as a guidepost, we create a believable and impossible-to-ignore journey that carries with it the potential to point readers, and ourselves, to the truth and toward healing.

Finally, lies provide a way to end the story well. If your character's lie is that she's not good enough and the conflicts of the story seem to confirm that as truth, a satisfying ending can be found in your character experiencing the truth of God's acceptance and reassurance that she is loved and wanted for who she is. Growth comes when your character experiences truth and then accepts her lie is false. Then she begins to make decisions based on who God says she really is.

When we allow our fiction to show how God can change us from believing lies to trusting Him and what He says about us, we’re creating healing fiction—healing for us and for our readers.

What is the lie your main character believes about him/herself? How has it affected the plot of your story?

~~~

Amy Wallace writes Dark Chocolate Suspense—high-action suspense that delves deep into heart issues. Amy is a homeschool mom, speaker, online writing instructor, co-leader of a young writer’s club, and avid chocoholic.

Her novels include the Place of Refuge series: Hiding in Plain Sight and Nowhere to Run, the Defenders of Hope series: Ransomed Dreams, Healing Promises, and Enduring Justice. Amy is also a contributing author of A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction, God Answers Moms’ Prayers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes.

Why Form Goodreads Groups?

If you're not on Goodreads, please consider it. You'll find me (Sandra) there. Besides being a great place to go as a reader, it's helpful in connecting readers with writers. 

While you're there, don't pass up joining a few groups for discussion. I'm a member of several. One of them is run by author Camy Tang. She's wonderful at relating to those who take the time to connect with her. So I asked Camy:

“You formed an active group on Goodreads. What do you enjoy about it? Have you found it helpful in getting to know your readers? Any recommendations for writers who want to form their own groups?” - Sandy

Camy - First off, let me confess that I am a Goodreads junkie. I am on Goodreads as much as I am on Facebook and more than I am on Twitter or Pinterest. I absolutely love the reader discussions on other groups I belong to and checking out the book recommendations from people. I don’t always comment as much as I used to, but I still love reading the forums and looking up more books to put on my TBR pile.

I think I enjoy surfing around Goodreads because I feel like a Klingon at a Comicon convention. I’m surrounded by my peeps. I can stop at any forum and jump in because these are readers just like me. They “get” the way I think about books--about having a favorite reading spot, about always needing a book with me when I leave the house, about my obsession over having an accurate book catalog.

As an author, I decided to focus more on Goodreads than Twitter or Pinterest in terms of my marketing simply because I love being on Goodreads so much. I formed a Goodreads group (which is super easy) and just started talking. I also linked to my Goodreads group from my blog and Facebook page.

I’ve met so many great people on Goodreads through my group. Now, my interactions on my group has not propelled me to the NYT bestseller list, but I’ve had great discussions with readers, some of whom have read my books, others who become interested in my books through my group. I’m especially touched by readers who tell me that some aspect of my character’s struggles has impacted their lives or encouraged them in some way.

For writers wanting to form their own groups, Goodreads makes it really easy. If you’re an author, check out their Author Program page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/program. If you want to form a reader or writer group, go to their Groups page and click on “Create a Group” on the right side: http://www.goodreads.com/group.

I hope to see you all on Goodreads! Be sure to join my group!

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/49078-camy-tang 

Are you in any Goodreads groups? Have you formed any? What are they and what do you like about them? 

~~~

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She grew up in Hawaii and now lives in California with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She used to be a biologist, but now she writes full time, is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She loves knitting and she’s training to run a (very slow) marathon.

Writer's Police Academy

We all know how important it is to get the facts straight in a book. Author Lynette Eason has gone so far at to attend the Writer's Police Academy. I asked Lynette:

"You've attended the Writer's Police Academy put on by Lee Lofland, writer and former police detective. What impact did that experience have on your writing?"--Sandy

Lynette: This year's Writers Police Academy is September 5-8, 2013 at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, North Carolina (near Greensboro). I’ve been waiting for three years to be able to go back. This year’s the year. The conference is directed by Lee Lofland. Lee’s bio includes his many years of experience and is novel length in itself, but suffice it to say, he is well qualified to direct this conference.

You may be asking yourself. Why a Writers Police Academy?

Simple answer: Research. Education. Training.

Those are the reasons I go. At the Academy, there are so many professionals available, it’s almost overwhelming, but if you can get past the star struck-ness and down to the nitty gritty of learning and soaking up every facet of the conference, you will walk away better equipped to write a story that is accurate and realistic.

I love to write. I love to write about the good guys versus the bad guys and I love when the good guys win. In almost every story I’ve written, the good guys (and even some of the bad guys) are the cops. FBI, Local Police, State Police,  Detectives, US Marshals, etc. Since my background is NOT in any of these areas (I’m too chicken to go into law enforcement), I have to RESEARCH and do it extensively. Both online and in person. I have two FBI friends who read my stuff and give me feedback (pointing out all my errors and how to fix them) and I have a police officer who does the same. Thanks to them, I don’t mind it when law enforcement personnel read my books. I know they’re accurate. That’s not to say I never make a mistake, but I know I’ve done my best to do justice to a profession and professionals that underpaid, undervalued and overworked. I have the utmost respect for those in law enforcement and want to make sure my writing reflects that.

So if you’re looking to up the ante in your writing and you want to make sure your police procedural is spot on, I highly recommend attending the Writers Police Academy. Only you’ll have to wait until next year. This year is sold out. That’s how good it is.

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Have you ever attended Lee Lofland's academy or one like it? Maybe you rode with an officer on his shift. What surprised you most about the experience or what you learned?

~~~

Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series and the Deadly Reunions series. Since 2007, she has written/contracted thirty-three books. Currently, she writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards and was a 2011 and 2013 finalist in the prestigious Carol Awards Contest and the 2013 ECPA Book Awards. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Using Marketing Hooks to Your Advantage

A few months ago I had the pleasure of listening to author Missy Tippens speak to the Carolina Christian Writers about creating a proposal for Love Inspired. One of the things that struck me was her reference to using "marketing hooks" in a proposal. I've asked her to explain here the importance of these marketing hooks.--Sandy

Missy: When I was trying to sell my third book—the first I’d sold on proposal, I struggled to find just the right proposal idea. While brainstorming with my editor on the phone, she told me something that caused a light bulb moment. She said, “I think you’re trying to force these two characters together. Just start fresh and come up with a one-sentence idea. Send me that first, and then we’ll go from there.”

A one sentence idea.

Immediately I started thinking of one-liners, of marketing hooks. Of back cover blurbs.

And that’s exactly what we need to think about as we come up with new book ideas. Because no matter how much an editor loves a story, she may still have to get the idea approved by the marketing department before she can buy it. Everyone in the publishing house needs to be on board for a project to succeed.

So I started thinking of my book, thinking what are my hooks? In that book that became A Forever Christmas, I had (hooks in bold print): a single dad with full custody of two little boys. I had a Christmas story. I had a reunion story—the heroine dumped the hero in high school, then he turned around and broke her heart by getting someone else pregnant and marrying her. Plus, I already knew how the book ended—those two boys ask for the heroine to be their mom for Christmas.

All those thoughts were stewing in my mind, and it just so happened that at the time, I was working on a blog post for a group blog where we were doing fun posts for the 12 Days of Christmas. And a sentence hit me:

A woman with a mission. Twelve days till Christmas. Will this single dad grasp the true meaning of Christmas in time to nab the one gift his boys really want: a new mom?

Being the insecure writer that I am, I emailed a group of writer friends and asked what they thought. They gave me the thumbs up and said I had found my hook. The 12 Days of Christmas thing.

So I expanded that one liner and started thinking more about who my heroine could be and how I could throw her together with the hero. I came up with a long blurb that included my original hooks and ended with:

So she decides to put her own feelings aside and sets out on mission: force him to spend quality time with his boys over the 12 days before Christmas.

Will Gregory grasp the true meaning of Christmas in time to nab the one gift the boys really want: Miss Radcliffe for a mom?

Now, I had my one-liner and my blurb and emailed that to my editor. She responded that it had several good hooks (she noticed!) and gave me the go-ahead to come up with a new synopsis.

Are you beyond the idea brainstorming stage? You can also work in the reverse. Take a story you’re already working on or have finished and try to boil it down to a one-liner. If you can’t do that, then maybe you need to try to focus your story and consider adding something that’ll make it more marketable. It’ll help you have a fabulous pitch when you’re ready to sell your story!

I learned a valuable lesson while trying to sell the proposal that became A Forever Christmas. I still tend to jump in plotting and have to back up, to remind myself to focus and use this method.

Give it a try next time you’re brainstorming. It’s always helpful to start with a kernel of an idea that contains hooks readers love, something exciting an editor can take to the marketing department. I hope my experience has helped you.

Have you used this form of developing your story and one-sentence pitch? Feel free to share with us some marketing hooks from your current story, and/or your pitch.

~~~

Georgia Sweethearts (from Love Inspired, April 2013)

A Pattern For Love...

After inheriting her great-aunt's failing yarn shop, Lilly Barnes is determined to make it a success. All she wants is stability, something she doesn't think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline. At first Lilly wants nothing to do with Daniel's big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they're on. That is, until practical Lilly shows him that love is a risk worth taking.

~~~

Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Beacon Contest and a 2013 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. A House Full of Hope has recently been named a Romance Writers of America RITA^® Finalist. New from Love Inspired, Georgia Sweethearts is an April 2013 release.

Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com,

http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers and @MissyTippens on Twitter.

Creating A Book Trailer

Author Christine Lindsay has had first hand experience in creating trailers for novels. (See last week's post for part one of creating book trailers and using them for marketing purposes.) 

Today, Christine continues to share how she went about creating book trailers for her novels, Shadowed in Silk and Captured by Moonlight.

Christine - Use your imagination. But don’t be too quick to say your trailer is finished. Have your friends look at it. Ask them if the text is going by too fast? Are any of the little flourishes making it hard to read?

This happened when I added a little sunburst to when Laine in Captured by Moonlight says, “But never again.”

It creates a second of confusion because the burst of light obscures the first word. But the sentence is short, and that little burst of light is resonant of the defiant emotion in the character. So I kept it that way. But in the end made the size of the text bigger.

By using different lengths for scenes you can slow down where you want the watcher to stay longer, such as in Shadowed in Silk where the reader is introduced to those Indian arches and the word India comes out at them in glorious color.

In Captured by Moonlight, I used the same arches, but adjusted the color to the bluish tone. My viewer remains there a little longer to understand the tension of the story as it comes out at them.

In the back-to-back scenes with Laine in Captured by Moonlight, where the script says Adam crushed her heart, I shortened the seconds for that text and video to 3 seconds, so that the quickness produces an almost toss of the head with that burst of light, when the character says, “But never again.”

In my opinion, a reader doesn’t need to read every single word, but that’s me. When I see an ad for a movie, I’m only getting a ‘feel’ for the movie.

That’s the part of me that as a painter I’m not afraid to experiment. Same thing with my trailers, they aren’t someone else’s artistic impression of my book, they are my artistic impression of my book.

In both my trailers I’ve made mistakes that I’ve learned from.

In Shadowed in Silk, I played around too much with different types of color tones. I started out in somber and then changed to a rush of color when my main character gets to India. That’s all fine, but the black and white photo of the soldiers in the WW1 trenches is just too different in tone and texture. It jars.

I did better at keeping the tone of the pictures in Captured by Moonlight. If you’ll notice there is a bluish tone to all photos—a coolness and a softness to the texture.

But in the first shot of Laine in her nurse’s uniform there is a hair out of place from poor cropping of the photo, and the color tone isn’t quite right.

Still all in all, it’s not too bad, and it cost me less than $100 to produce.

It creates an emotional response, and that is worth it to me.

(See Christine's book trailers: Book Trailer for Shadowed in Silk, Book Trailer for Captured by Moonlight)

~~~

Christine Lindsay writes historical novels with strong love stories. She’s proud of her Irish roots. Her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard, and one of the ships they helped build was the Titanic. Another ancestor served in the British Cavalry in India, seeding Christine’s long-time fascination with the British Raj and became the stimulus for her series Twilight of the British Raj, and her debut novel, SHADOWED IN SILK. Her current release CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT is Book 2 of that series.

The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home. She and her husband enjoy the empty nest, but look forward to all the noise when the kids and grandkids come home. And like a lot of writers, her cat is her chief editor.

Christine Lindsay Author Facebook page

Christine Lindsay on Twitter

Christine Lindsay's Blog

Using a Book Trailer to Market Your Book

One of the resources for marketing books is to create a book trailer. Sometimes, these are done by the publisher. Other times, the author creates one. In the case of the latter, I asked Christine Lindsay to share her experience with putting together a book trailer. She has done it twice.

"You put together the book trailer for your newest release Captured by Moonlight. How did you go about it? What did you find to be the hardest part, and what cautions or recommendations do you have for others who might like to do their own book trailer? - Sandy

(Note: Since there's both marketing and creativity involved in book trailers, I split Christine's answer. The second part will run next week.)

Christine: When Shadowed in Silk was released, I had very little money for advertising. Still don’t. Being such a visual person, I thought a trailer would create some attention.

I’m sure a professional artist or video maker could point out the mistakes, but a few of my artist friends have looked at the trailer for Captured by Moonlight, and smiled, nodding and saying, “Not bad, not bad at all.”

Before I ever decided to write, my interests were drawing and painting. So, I have a good grasp of the color wheel, tones, balancing a composition, and therefore confident enough to enjoy experimentation.

You’ll see this in the way I have the script coming in at different angles in Captured by Moonlight. But don’t go too crazy with this, or you’ll make your viewer dizzy.

I played around with a few programs, and discovered Windows Movie Maker that I didn’t have to pay for.

I just kept at it by trial and error, and as I did, I discovered little things in the program that just made the visual sound bite come alive. Fade ins, fade outs, animation of the photos, etc.

The first thing I suggest is pick your music. Even if you’re going to do a talk-over trailer, you still want background music. As a nation of movie watchers, I believe that’s what we need—a tiny little movie that moves us emotionally.

I go to iStock for audio files. When I find music that stirs me and makes me think of my story, I buy the licensing. I paid about $25 for the music for Captured by Moonlight. It’s pacing is resonant with the fun and passion in the story. 

Book Trailer for Captured by Moonlight

It’s a bit hard to find the piece of music that is exactly the length you need. Fortunately for me, my son is a music major, and edited my music to the right length. But you might find someone in the music department of your church that can help.

After creating the trailer for Shadowed in Silk, I discovered that I’d made it too long. Most video sites and watchers prefer only about a minute and a half long, tops.

Then I started gathering my photos from stock sites, such as iStock, Dreamstime, Shutterstock. Because I had a hand in the creation of the front covers of my books, I had photos of the models in period costume.

I might deviate a bit here for the reason I had a hand in my own front covers.

When my publisher was designing the cover for Shadowed in Silk, they sent me photos of models which strangely reminded me of my birthdaughter, Sarah, the grown child I had relinquished to adoption when she was 3 days old. On a whim, I suggested Sarah (whom I am now reunited with). I also had the silk for the sari that I had bought on a missions trip to India.

For book 2, Captured by Moonlight, my publisher was happy to let me use my own daughter, Lana for that role. So I had lots of photos of the 2 girls.

It takes a while to get used to whatever program you end up using. But learn how to adjust the photos visually, to be drawn into the center or off from one side.

This became especially fun for me in Shadowed in Silk when I tilted the photo of the airplane so that it appears it is actually moving. At another point, a child is holding a man’s hand, and I had the script and the photo scroll upward, creating the movement of a child’s eye looking up at his father figure.

Book Trailer for Shadowed in Silk

Have you ever created a book trailer? Do you use book trailers to market your books? What tips can you share from your experience?

~~~

Christine Lindsay writes historical novels with strong love stories. She’s proud of her Irish roots. Her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard, and one of the ships they helped build was the Titanic. Another ancestor served in the British Cavalry in India, seeding Christine’s long-time fascination with the British Raj and became the stimulus for her series Twilight of the British Raj, and her debut novel, SHADOWED IN SILK. Her current release CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT is Book 2 of that series.

The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home. She and her husband enjoy the empty nest, but look forward to all the noise when the kids and grandkids come home. And like a lot of writers, her cat is her chief editor.

Christine Lindsay Author Facebook page

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Christine Lindsay's Blog

The Fun and Benefits of On-site Research

Can research be fun as well as informative? I asked author Miralee Ferrell to provide us with some information regarding the on-site research she did on her new historical novel, Blowing on Dandelions.--Sandy

Miralee: Blowing on Dandelions is my seventh novel, with two more historical romance novels to follow, and I’ve been fortunate to visit every town where my books have been set except for one (Sundance, WY). While online research is helpful and was able to give me what I needed when unable to travel to Sundance, visiting a location in person truly bring a setting to life. The first thing I do is pinpoint any museums or historical societies in the area. I’ll do an online search prior to leaving and often contact the Chamber of Commerce to see if they know anyone who lives there that is a historian. 

My trip to Baker City, Oregon, was no exception. I have a friend who moved to this picturesque small city nestled between the Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains, only a couple of years prior to my visit. She escorted me to businesses, pointing out buildings that had been erected in the late 1800s, and introduced me to locals who had family extending almost to the roots of the town’s existence. I discovered a family-owned bookstore that carried books centered on the history and founding of Baker City and other towns in the county, as well as speaking to a gentleman who was a historian in his own right.

Local museums are always a fantastic source of information, and I take hundreds of pictures of the artifacts, old photos, furniture and clothing, as well as taking pictures of any original structures in the area. Baker City has an incredible hotel that was built in the mid 1880’s called The Geiser Grand Hotel. If my books spanned a longer time period I would have worked this magnificent structure into my story, but it was still fun to tour inside. My friend gave me mini history lessons on several of the area businesses, and the museum filled in even more information that was helpful.

Often when on these research trips, I find little known facts that turn into interesting story plots, or I’m able to create true-to-life scenes using events that happened during my specific time period. Even better is when I can discover and use a famous person who lived in the town at that time, as I did in my book set in Tombstone, when Doc Holliday showed up at a saloon and interacted with one of my characters.

My Love Blossoms in Oregon series has three different settings. Besides seeing the characters on the main street or in a store or restaurant, the majority of the action takes place in a boarding house, with a quilting group in the local church, and on a ranch outside of town, so my time spent in Baker City covered all three of those areas.

               

When I first started writing historical romance, I worried that the research might be too time consuming or boring. Little did I realize it would become my favorite part of the entire writing process. 

~~~

In Blowing on Dandelions, Miralee Ferrell speaks to women’s heartfelt struggles—from family dysfunction to single parenthood—-while offering them the faith-filled hope they need, all wrapped in an uplifting, true-to-life romance.

Miralee and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in the Columbia River Gorge. They have two grown children and recently their son and his wife presented them with a beautiful new granddaughter. Miralee has been writing since 2005, and her first book was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had 7 books published, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical fiction, with another 6 under contract. Her western romance, Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Excellence in Western Fiction and her newest release, Blowing on Dandelions, is the first in a three book series set in Oregon. Miralee loves interacting with people, ministering at her church, riding her horse and playing with her dogs. She also speaks at various women’s functions and has taught at conferences.

You can find her at:

Web site:  www.miraleeferrell.com

Blog:   www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com

Facebook Author page:  www.facebook.com/miraleeferrell

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/miraleeferrell   

Are You An Oddball Writer?

This is the fifth Wednesday of the month and a free-for-all day---one I’ve reserved for posting myself. Today, I’m going to talk about pulling weeds. 

There's an Autumn Fern in there somewhere.

You might think: What does pulling weeds have to do with writing?

A weed is simply a plant growing in a spot where it’s not wanted. Springtime brings buckets of them and mindless hours spent ridding a garden of their presence.

You probably think: Aha! It’s an analogy for pulling out those weedy words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, or scenes from your story.

Um...that's true, but a post for another time. This is, literally, about pulling weeds—and how it can boost your creativity.

You finally think: Yes! I knew there had to be a writing connection. After all, this isn’t a gardening blog.

As one who finds joy in gardening, I chomp at the bit to get outside in the spring and start digging in the dirt. Honestly, you should see my fingernails from April through June.

But who, in their right mind, enjoys weeding? Most people find the job to be menial, back-breaking labor, so they spray the invaders until they shrivel up and die. Not me. I like getting on all fours and yanking them right out of the ground—one little, ole trespasser at a time. Does that make me an oddball gardener?

Let’s face it, grabbing hold and ripping out a weed isn’t brain surgery. The only real thinking comes in making sure you don’t rip out a good plant by mistake. (Hmmm…another good editing analogy.)

For a writer, a task like weeding allows plenty of time for brainstorming. My mind wanders to the story I’m working on and how I’m going to get my heroine out of a nasty pickle, or to making a list of marketing ideas for when I’ll need them, or to planning a blog post. It may mean daydreaming a whole new story idea. Whatever I’m working on, it’s a source of quiet time to think while accomplishing another responsibility. It’s creative multi-tasking.

Creativity Complete

I’m not saying you have to plant a garden to be creative, but we all have responsibilities and tasks in our daily lives, away from the computer, that provide opportunities to think and be creative. 

So, what do you think? What is the oddest job you do that lets your mind wander and gets those creative juices flowing? What makes you an oddball writer?

(And, yes, I did write this blog post in my head while pulling weeds.)