Surprisingly audacious reflections of a humble writer 

LEARNING WITH THE MANUSCRIPT ACADEMY 

My new manuscript was sh*t. (My husband tried to warn me the piece needed more work). 

Thinking it was good enough to submit, I had a 10-minute conversation with a literary agent, where I heard for a second time the story needed help.  

This short phone call with a member of the  Manuscript Academy saved me from submitting a poorly developed manuscript.  Without having this conversation, I would have submitted my work to agents and gotten rejections (and been in the dark about why it was rejected).   

I stumbled across this amazing online conference when I searched for agents.  I read that for a low price, you could have a consultation with an agent to discuss a manuscript and a query letter.  

I'm glad I did. 

The Manuscript Academy is a unique online instruction can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.  All you need is a computer, a tablet, or even your smartphone to log in and you will receive advice and instruction from some of the best minds in the literary community.  

Here is what is available: 

• Access to exclusive recorded classes and panels, designed to educate you about need-to-know topics such as how to submit your work, what agents and editors are looking for, how to craft amazing novels and books, the business of writing and promotion, and much more. You will have access to many high-quality recorded video presentations for 30+ full days—so you can pause, rewind, and notes at your own convenience. See the full schedule of classes here.
• Opportunities to pitch agents and editors one-on-one online. Using just your computer, you can arrange one-on-one pitches with literary agents and publishing house editors who are actively seeking books and clients right now. (Pitches are optional. You can sign up for as many pitches as you like.)
• Critique opportunities for your work. If you want a professional critique of your work, then Manuscript Academy has opportunities for you. Our awesome faculty of agents, editors, and published authors offer detailed critiques of manuscript pages, query letters, synopses, and nonfiction book proposals. This is an amazing opportunity to get expert feedback on your work. Plus, Manuscript Academy members also gain access to our Academy Forum, which allows writers to connect with each other and form online writing critique groups.
• Live query and first page workshops and discussions (in groups of up to 10) on topics ranging from Publishing Law to How to Be A Trendsetter, Not Trendy. All of these are designed to be introvert friendly.

For under $50, I had a ten-minute consult with a well-known literary agent.  For me, it was a little nerve-wracking because she was late calling.  I was nervous to begin with and then...my computer went to sleep.  

I clicked and moved my mouse frantically.  

I got panicky.  I wanted it to wake up, wake up, WAKE UP!   

Luckily, I had jotted down my questions in advance so it was easy to continue.  Halfway through our short conversation, the agent told me that the middle of my manuscript was weak.  OMG, she suggested how to improve it!  

The Manuscript Academy was right for me.  And it may be right for you.  Poke around on the website and discover how the classes and consults work.  Read the testimonials.  Imagine talking about your manuscript with a professional and learning how she feels about it.  Find out if your work is ready to sent out agents. 

$49 + 10 minutes =  priceless knowledge

À la prochaine

 

Where We Write

Ernest Hemingway wrote in a study surrounded by big game trophies mounted on light sea-green walls.  Samuel Clemens penned many of the stories we know today in a billiard room.  Robert Frost composed his poetry in two or three-room farmhouses that overlooked stone walls, apple orchards and sugar maples.  Oh, to have a fabulous writing place.  

    

I’ve yet to try writing in a café or coffeehouse, as suggested by Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones.  According to Goldberg the atmosphere of a café can improve concentration.  She states that writing in cafés keeps the sensory part of you busy and happy and enables the quieter part of you that creates and concentrates free to do so.  Though writing in a café has its benefits, she advocates using a writing room filled with your writing tools.  “Creating a writing space is another indication of your increased commitment,” says Goldberg.

  

My first writing place was the kitchen.  I wrote on a legal pad at the kitchen table, where it was warm and sunny.  But, it didn’t take long to see the advantages of using a computer and finding a quieter place.  I moved to the guest room which has an antique desk close to a sunny window.   

It would be enchanting to have a writing place like Virginia Woolf’s lodge at Monk’s house—a small cottage nestled next to a garden.  I’d personalize the interior with bookcases lined pictures of my family and all of my favorite reference books and novels.  Open windows would allow fragrant lilac and magnolia to perfume the room.  Curtain-less windows and French doors would let sunshine flood in.      

Oh, a fancy writing place with a beautiful view would be wonderful.  But, I’m happy writing where I write and feel blessed to have my own space and time to write.  Sometimes though, I gaze out the window and daydream.  I wonder what it would have been like to have been Chekhov composing his plays in his a country retreat by the Black Sea, where he could glance up from his page and look out over the rocky bay.  Outside my writing place is a dogwood, now in bloom with cream-colored blossoms. In the morning, sunlight glistens off the leaves and petals.  It's beautiful, stately and serene.    

Breath-taking views and lavish work spaces are not part of my writing life.  My little guest room suits my needs.  I'm happy and comfortable in my little den.  Because for me, writing is all that matters. 

Recharge Your Writing Battery: 
Pay Attention to the Squirrels 

Children's Writer's World warmly welcomes a post 
by children's writer Regina Montana

Believe it or not, squirrels can provide an introduction to your publisher and mentor.  I know because a poem about a squirrel helped me gain entrance to the wonderful world of Kids Imagination Train, our online magazine.  I owe my squirrel a debt of gratitude.  

Here is his story.  During a class picnic at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. about five ago, my husband and I decided to help our daughter with the school outing for her third-grade class. At one point, an unsuspecting boy decided to put his ice cream cone on the ground by a tree to join a baseball game that had just started up. All of a sudden, I noticed a squirrel scamper down the tree, grab the ice cream cone and high tail it back up the tree to enjoy the treat of his life. I quickly reached for my phone just in time to take a picture. 

Over time, I knew there had to be some kind of story, or even a poem about my squirrel.  And so “A Squirrel’s Lucky Day” was written and accepted.  I believe there are so many “squirrel” stories all around us if we remain open to them and pay attention.  Mother Nature is always ready and willing to provide ample material when we look and listen for what she has to offer. Just like our phones need charging, we writers must also recharge our batteries. 

In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends going on an artist’s date weekly in order to “replenish our inner well of images and inspiration.” Taking a solitary walk outdoors might provide the perfect opportunity to feed one’s soul and become inspired and who knows, you might even encounter a squirrel performing an amazing feat. 

Regina Montana is the Promotion Manager for Kid's Imagination Train ezine.   She has a Master of Education Degree and has tutored and taught privately.  Regina contributes pieces to KIT, is a member of SCBWI and subscribes to Children's Book Insider, where she enjoys taking webinars on writing picture books.  She has been on the journey of writing children's picture book stories for approximately eight years. 

You can visit Regina's website: www.reginamontana.wordpress.com

12 Ways to Have a Fabulous Career Day Presentation 

Last spring, I was invited to the School of Creative and Performing Arts in Lexington, Kentucky for a Career Day school visit.  My goal was to tell students what it's like to be a writer. 

As giggling students entered, I asked them to have a seat and scoot closer so that we could interact better. Then we discussed education paths, salaries, a daily routine, how to get published, and the pros and cons of being a writer. 

The session ended with a question and answer period.  The students had been prepared and asked thoughtful questions.  They really wanted to understand the writer's life. 

I had fun meeting these young writers. I hope you will consider doing a school visit, too.  Here are some ways to guarantee your Career Day presentation will be a hit.  

• Communicate with the career day coordinator beforehand about when to arrive at school.  Find out how many students will be in each session.  Find out how long each session lasts.

• During your presentation, keep an eye on the time.

• Allow a few minutes for students to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

• If students don’t have any questions, ask them questions.  For example, ask them what they like to write.

• When students ask a question, tell them that’s a great question before you answer it.

• Jazz up your table. Bring writing books, a fancy fountain pen, framed writing quotes, pictures of your writing space. Make your presentation inviting and interesting.

• Invite students to scoot chairs close to your presentation table. 

• If students prefer to sit to the side, be sure to address them as well as the students sitting in front.

• Keep note cards of your presentation handy in case you need to glance at them.   

• Be aware that the school intercom may interrupt.  (This happened two times during each session for me)

• Have something on the desk that is interactive and will make students curious.  I had a box with a card on it that read: What’s the secret to getting published?  When they opened it, they found the answer: be unique and never give up. (Their faces lit up when they read that)

• Thank the students for coming and give them your business card to contact you if they have more questions or hand them a bookmark. 

10 Tips on Handling a Disgruntled Workshop Participant 

Last year, I gave a workshop at the Carnegie Center for Literacy in Lexington, Kentucky on publishing with a small press. The turnout was great and the group was attentive and eager to learn.  

Throughout the lecture, most people asked thoughtful questions—with the exception of one individual.  His comments were unnerving.  He put me on the spot.  He challenged and put down my ideas and recommendations.  

I had never experienced anything like this in other workshops I had given or at workshops I had attended.  It was shocking to me that anyone could be so bold.  Luckily, my thoughts were on the lecture, delivering important information and sticking to the schedule, so his rude behavior did not distract me too much. 

Most people who attend workshops are eager to learn.  But sometimes, there's an individual who is provocative.  Here are some tips in handling a disgruntled participant:

• Be aware that not everyone is going to like you or your workshop.
• Be aware that an argumentative participant may be present.
• Take note that your expertise may be challenged.
• Don't argue. 
• Take a drink of water to calm your nerves and to gather your thoughts.
• Listen and be polite.
• Give a short reply and move on.
• Defer comments to the end of the presentation.
• Thank everyone for coming.
• Take solace in knowing the majority are present to learn, not challenge. 

Don't let a bad experience keep you from giving workshops.  Presenting valuable information is a win-win situation because you can teach other writers and it allows them to get to know you and your work.  Consider presenting a workshop to build your writer's platform.

I'd ♥ to hear from you.  Be sure to leave a comment.

8 Topics and 10 Tips on Presenting  a Workshop 

If you are a published writer or an aspiring writer, you should think about presenting a workshop.  Giving a workshop benefits other writers and helps to introduce yourself to the public.  Workshops can be held at a local library, a literacy center, bookstores and even gifts shops and local restaurants.

So...you have some excuses.  You say you're too shy and you have nothing to talk about.  If you talk about a topic you feel passionate about, you will feel comfortable giving a workshop.  And it you're stuck for ideas, then here are a few topics worth presenting:

• How to get published: traditional presses versus small presses
• How to write a picture book
• How to build an author platform 
• How to give a school presentation
• How to get published in children's magazines
• How to develop a website or a blog
• How to query agents
• How to edit and proofread your work

Tips on presenting a workshop:

• Practice beforehand and time yourself
• Practice using inflections as you speak (avoid flat monotone speaking)
• Look in a mirror as your practice
• Start the workshop with a brief intro which includes your credentials
• Start the workshop by asking participant's experiences and goals
• Begin with a personal anecdote
• Have visuals
• Bring water 
• Get the participants involved by asking them questions or their opinions
• Handout a list of resources the participants can use at home

Presenting a lecture builds your platform. And building a platform should ideally begin before your book is published.  Believe me, you will be plenty busy trying to market you book when it is released, so if you can present workshops as well as get on social media, create a blog and develop website beforehand, you won't be as frantic.  Presenting a workshop is a smart and easy way to begin to develop your platform.  It is a perfect stepping stone for people to get to know you. 

How to Use Pinterest to Market a Book

I never realized how difficult it would be to market my book Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show-and-Tell.  It's been promoted in bookstores and on Facebook and Twitter. Sales at bookstores were reasonable, but the online strategy wasn't working. 

A writer friend suggested that I look into Pinterest.  I couldn't understand how this platform could be beneficial. Reluctantly, I opened an account and found that in just a few months, Pinterest worked very well in promoting a book. 

Why?  With Pinterest, you have the opportunity to create marketing pins that will attract people who will repin your pins to their boards. This process keeps multiplying and results in having your pins seen by thousands of people.  

I spent hours and hours researching how to use Pinterest.  That does not make me an expert, but I have learned a thing or two.  The following tips may help you promote your book.

• Follow at least 5 people a day and pin at least 5 pins a day
• Sign up for Pinpinterest for a trial period and get more followers
• Sign up for Tailwind for a trial period and let it help schedule your pins at peak times
• Pin with take away value in mind
• Create a Pinterest board with tips from your blog  
• Link your pins to your blog and website
• Study other pinner's boards to get ideas on the use of color and graphics  
• Use key words in board descriptions
• Join group boards (this requires you to send an email request)
• Create a pin of an illustration from your book that evokes emotion 
• Make sure your graphics have a font size of least 20 
• Use an attractive cover for your Pinterest boards
• Pin pages from your book with a link to Amazon
• Upload photos from your book signing
• Upload photos of people reading your book
• Create an inspirational quote with an image of your main character 
• Create a board that ties into the theme of your book
• Take a picture of your book with a cute pet, upload it and pin to a board
• See which of your pins get the most impressions, clicks and saves and develop similar pins  
• Use the analytics page to find out about your followers interests and create pins that address those interests 

After joining Pinterest and Pinpinterest, I have lots more pageviews and visitors to my website www.randilynnmrvos.com and blogs 

The Maggie Project www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com and 

Children's Writer's World www.childrenswritersworld.blogspot.com 

One of the drawbacks to Pinterest is it requires time to figure out and develop pins which will inspire people to repin them.  But when you get the hang of it, pinning will get easier and faster.  So, what are you waiting for?  Give Pinterest a try.  See how well it will help you spread the word about your blog, your website, and your book. 

I'd ♥ to hear from you.  Be sure to leave a comment.