#WriterWednesday: 5 Tips to Get Your Book Done Quick

There’s this story burning inside of you. It’s a blistering kind of heat that you just can’t escape. However, you still haven’t completed your book. You’re somewhere between start and stuck. It’s time to move forward and get this book done quickly.

Use the 5 Tips I’m about to share with you so that you can go from start to finish. Because it’s time.

1. Sit your behind down and write. Stop thinking about writing. Stop talking about writing.Stop romanticizing writing, sit yourself in a chair and get to typing or writing.

2. Establish a concrete timeline for the publication of your book. The first thing I ask any of Publishing Pow-Wow clients is, “When would you like to see your book in the hands of the reader?” Defining this helps set all other goals. This timeline will become the basis and foundation for you to get things done quickly. When do you want to see your book on shelves–six months from now two months from now two years from now? This will inform your word count goal and the development of your marketing plan (yes, you have to market the book). Some say you have to write everyday and there are others who say it’s okay to take break between the words. This timeline will tell you whether or not you can afford to take a break.

3. Outline your book. I’m sure you’ve heard of the great debate by now–to plot or to pants. I am mostly a pantser. However, when you reach a point in your manuscript where you just can’t write, it’s time to put your pants on and plot it out. Here’s a lose plot formula you can follow:

Plot driven: Protagonist–goal+motivation+obstacle+pursuit+obstacle+motivation revisited+earth shattering obstacle/revelation+decision to fight or take flight+aftermath=the end

Character Driven: inciting incident +goal+flaw+confrontation or obstacle+character ignores flaw and keeps on going+confrontation or obstacle character admits flaw but doesn’t changes=death or change (the flaw begins to have a tremendous impact on character) it’s time for change or go down with sinking ship.

Resources for outlining your novel book:

–8 Ways to Outline a Novel

-11 Easy Steps to Outline Your Novel (this was way too much for me to absorb)

–Outline Your Novel in 30 Minutes (I really like this one)

–9 Questions for 25 Chapters (I’m going to try this one–I’m behind on several deadlines)

4. Use your technology to get it done. I get it you’re all over the place. You have kids. You have a full-time job or demanding career, so there’s very little time for playing with words, which is why you need to steal time and allow technology to work for you. If you don’t have time to sit down and write yet you see whole scenes in your head dictate it.

–Dragon Dictation

If you’re on the go a lot like me. Use the notes function, pages, or Evernote to type your story. I typed more than half of my second novel, Seasoned with Grace on my phone and I typed the draft of this blog post on my phone.

5. Deal with all of your contaminating thoughts.

When a river is polluted or contaminated nothing can grow there or live their. New life can’t be created (and all you science buff, who are thinking about mutations and all that jazz, don’t come for me save it for your book and let me just use this analogy). Your mind is the river and your book is the life form that is dying because of how polluted your thoughts are. This step is the most important, but had I started with this tip you wouldn’t believe me, because it’s not one of the things we really discuss when we discuss writing. Get out of your head and your feelings. Don’t let the fear of rejection block you or stop you. Rejection is going to come, “rejection is apart of the process”. Do not allow your credentials or lack thereof stop you either. For all the writing classes I’ve taken I have never taken a fiction writing class. That didn’t stop me from writing a novel and it better not stop you.

Get busy and if you need more help getting out of your head checkout the replay of the Working Writers Series Day 1.

If you’re interested in joining me for full on Working Writers’ Workshops please let me know in the comments.

 

Do you have any tips to help us get our books finished in a jiffy?

Drop them in the comments and fuel someone else’s greatness. 

#FridayFinds Bejewled: Standing Strong by Chelle Ramsey

Have you ever been with someone who was locked up before? Could you imagine yourself arguing with someone about who was with him first or longer? Don’t worry if you’re not about that life this week’s #FridayFinds can help you imagine what it must be like.

Excerpt

The loud clatter of a curling iron falling to the floor drew everyone’s attention to Angel, who stood staring at the floor, hands shaking.

“You okay?” Georgette asked, moving closer to her friend.

“Y…yeah,” Angel muttered. She bent over to pick up the curling iron and put it back in its place. No longer able to ignore what was occurring around her, Angel walked to Antoinette’s station.

“Kianna, why are you lying? Did you purposely come to my salon to start trouble today? Because if that’s what’s going on, you need to leave. I refuse—”

Kianna cut Angel off. “Honey, please. The world don’t revolve around you, Angel. I knew you worked here, but I didn’t know you were here today. And I don’t know what you’re accusing me of lying about. I haven’t told one single lie since I been sitting in this chair, boo,” Kianna snapped.

“You’re lying about you and Black being together for thirteen years. Kianna, I met Black in 2007 when he first got out of jail, and we’d been kicking it for two years before we got married in 2009. You were nowhere around. I never heard of you, saw you, or met you until you came to work at the downtown salon in 2012,” Angel argued.

“It doesn’t matter if you heard of me, saw me, or met me until 2012; check your ex, boo. Because I was there. Matter of fact, that’s the reason I came to work for BeJeweled in the first place. I wanted to check out the competition. I have a degree in finance. Doing hair was just a little something I did on the side until I started my career. And there was no better place than BeJeweled, where you were,” she slipped in. “Pssh, me getting fired was the icing on the cake. I kept doing hair in my home on my own terms and time and found my dream job. I didn’t need this. All I needed was Black, and I got my man back,” Kianna barked, eyes narrowing.

A cold chill ran through Angel. How much of her life with Black had been a lie? What did she really know?

“Why the hell did you act like you didn’t know him the first time he came into the salon after you were hired?” Angel snapped.

“Ask him, Angel. You need to check Black. You still don’t believe me, do you?” Kianna asked, smirking.

She popped up her phone and pulled up her Facebook page. Scrolling through her posts, she pulled up a #throwbackthursday post. The caption read “#2003tbt with my boo. Cuz I’m a real ride or die chick.”

PURCHASE LINKS:

bit.ly/THOBJ4

bit.ly/THOBJ

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NANQEGE/ref=series_dp_rw_ca_4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY8WQHJ/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

From the Author

Why I write in this genre:

I like to bring a refreshing perspective into the lives of my readers and I want them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, I try to convey the message to readers that they can become empowered to rise above life’s adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. 

My stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. I use drama, humor, and inspiration to share a powerful and meaningful message that is designed to be impactful. Women’s fiction allows me to do just that and toss in an element of romance.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEB: www.chelleramsey.com

EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites

TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell

PINTEREST: ChellesBooks

INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

#WriterWednesday How to Create in Chaos

When life seems to be throwing obstacles faster than a batting practice machine do you drop you pen or have learned how to create in chaos? If you’re an author who just stops and plunges themselves into the throes of life rather than write this Wednesday it’s all about you. 

Creating in Chaos

1. Commit to yourself. In order to create in chaos you have to make a commitment to yourself. When you’re life is falling apart brick by brick you still summon the strength to show up at your day job. Why not commit to showing up for you? Your writing is a necessity. 

2. Consider the consequences. What is going to happen if you don’t create? If you hate  your 9 to 5 shutting down is only going to keep you there longer. If you don’t create, right now what would happen? What would that mean for you, your bottom line, and your career? 
3. Take the parameters off. Just sit down and write something. Often we stop working because we’re afraid of the quality of the writing during those chaotic moments in our lives when in all actuality this might be the moment that our new and truly artistic self could be born. Forget about judging the work just create, so that you keep yourself fresh and you don’t have to work so hard trying to restart when this moment is over. 
Are you an author that’s able to create in chaos? Share your thoughts and experiences with us. 

#WriterWednesday 16 Big Things From 2016

The end of the year always demands introspection and reflection, especially for me. As the year changes so does my age. I was blessed enough to be born on the last day of the year, so I am always looking back. 2016 was a bang up year for America– black men were killed at alarming rates, Trump was elected President, and many of the 80s and 70s’ pop icon that we grew up with passed away.

But we pressed on, at least I did. I didn’t do everything I set out to do, but 2016 was a break through year for me as an author. Check out the year in rewind and hopefully a literary jewel or two will trickle from this post into your lap.

1. The very first reading I participated in was a paid reading and I sold books at the event. Could you imagine my shock, that I would be paid to read from my own book. Speeches I understand, but I never expected to be paid just to be just to read my work.

2. I started coaching authors. Some of my authors booked me to work on their writing and some of them booked me to teach them marketing strategies. Some of them listened and some of them didn’t. LOL.  In the end we both were stretched and grew. Wanna work with me too? To book your Publishing Pow-Wow today click here or click the photo below.

3. I got a chance meet Kevin Powell. We were seated beside each other at the Black Book Fair. He bought a book and signed up for my mailing list. I don’t know if he read said book, but I was excited nonetheless for a potential new reader. As long as he has the book the possibility is there.

Me and the legendary Kevin Powell

4. I became a staff writer for Memoirs of a Virtuous Woman. If you’re a Christian woman trying to live right and deal with real issues you need to pop over there. This position was a great win because someone that I worked with (Why did I type that past tense? Was that prophetic? I hope so.) someone that I work with was very adamant about me ditching Jesus and just writing for a secular platform. I said no and a month later I got this gig, which ultimately landed me in the Memoirs of a Virtuous Woman magazine as well. Whatever your convictions are hold onto them. 

 

5. I met with a live bookclub here in New York City. Bookclubs are secret societies. The only way in is if you know somebody that knows somebody. Thankfully at my first reading of the year I met somebody who was a member of the Sugar and Spice bookclub. Many authors live off of bookclubs and as a new author while I recommend connecting with bookclubs invest your efforts in connecting with readers; they will always lead you to more readers whether they run in packs or not. 

 

6. I went to Chicago. I didn’t do anything touristy, but I totally and completely loved attending, Book It. I had such a great time I’m going back again in 2017 by God’s grace. I also had the opportunity to meet some readers whom I know and love online in the flesh. 

7. I finally learned how to properly promote my books and brand on Instagram. Yes, for real. I learned how to promote myself and my work and actually make sales. Want to learn as well? I wrote a book about it and taught a class on it make sure you grab each one Influence to Income Workbook and Influence to Income Video

8. I learned the power of going Live streaming. After teaching one class while Live streaming I booked a gig to teach a Smart Social Media Management class for authors.

 

9. I took the whole entire family to a book event. First of all the kids are already on the payroll, but we let the hubs tag along. We all made it out alive, so maybe just maybe I’ll let them join me on the road again.

 

10.  I got invited to speak at a library in North Carolina. Now that was a sore spot for me because every time I tried to book a trip or talk at a local library as someone suggested to me a long time ago it just never went right and then BAM! I got an invite. Though it is often said you shouldn’t wait for an opportunity you should create your own recognize that sometimes it’s just not your time. While there I met the and ate dinner with the Victorious Ladies Reading and if you don’t know who they are you better ask somebody. 

11. I wrote and published my first non-fiction book, Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion: Prayers for Creative Christians and Entrepreneurs. 

 

12. I sold out of Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion on the day of its release at the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat (which if you haven’t registered for it, please do yourself a favor and register). 

​​
14. I finally made up in my mind that no matter what goes on around me I would write until God tells me to have a seat. 

15. I returned to my first love several times this year. I wrote some poetry. One of my poems was retweeted by Errol Lewis of NY1. Of course, I had  to tag him first.

 

16. Opportunities abound and possibility is everywhere you just have to seek it, speak it, and walk in it. 

How was 2016 for you??? Share some of your highlights and lessons with me.

 

Work in Progress: Children of God

I don’t know how this happened, but I haven’t blogged about my current work in progress. The work in progress that is driving me crazy. 

1. This is my first book not set in New York. I am currently trying to find a way to work New York into the story line, however the protagonist is a New Yawker. 
2. This is the first book that I had to do some serious research in order to work on. 
3. I lost the USB that Children of God was saved on and I was 30K words deep into. 

Since losing the book about three weeks ago I’ve dug into the process of rebuilding the ruins. When I began Children of God I started it on my cell phone, so far I’ve recouped 10k words–10k random words. This week my task and goal is to continue writing and recreating the words that connected the randomness on my cell phone and get the story as fleshed out as possible.   

So here’s the deal, this is what Children of God is about:

Anaiya Cunningham signed up for her church’s annual missionary trip to the Dominican Republic to escape the ruins her life has become. She was supposed to spend just one summer there that is until she meets Joaquín Dominque.

Joaquín is the pastor of La Iglesia de Valle and not a fan of missionaries. Although he’s devoted himself to caring for God’s people, he resents their ability to take off when trouble arises. The atrocities Joaquín has witnessed in the batey where his church is located has depleted his faith in God, dashed his hope in man, and turned the idea of finding a partner into nonexistent.

Determined to change his mind Anaiya volunteers to take on the missionary position permanently. Instead of in love she finds herself in the middle of the island’s immigration battle. Against Joaquín’s wishes Anaiya dedicates herself to fighting for the people and his heart. Will her passion be enough fuel to start a revolution and a relationship?

So, what do you think? Are you excited about this next release?

 

#WriterWednesday: When Inspiration Strikes or Not

This is a late night edition of #WriterWednesday, but if you’re anything like me this is when you get your best work done. That is if you feel inspired, but what happens when you’re not feeling it?

I’m going to tell you what to do when you’re not feeling it. Treat your writing like your faith–keep walking anyway. As Christians we walk by faith and not by sight. It doesn’t matter what we see or what’s going on around us we’re supposed to stand. What do you think you’re supposed to do with your gift? Only write when the muse strikes or when you’re wearing your lucky green socks?

No…don’t worship the muse or wait for the muse that is idol worship. Worship the Lord, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, in spirit and in truth and watch the words flow. Watch how you’re fingers fly if you just sit down and say “It’s not me, but it’s in you, Lord and I want to be used by you no matter the time–day or night and regardless of how I feel.” 

How do I know that this method will work? Because I’m doing it right now. I wasn’t feeling it. I wasn’t inspired and I have nothing to say, but I want to be consistent (as a good blogger should be), I want to be encouraging to new authors and share what I am learning (I am The Neophyte Author, right), but I don’t want to sound like a broken record either rehashing all kinds of lessons on writing that are available all over the internet. So, as I tried to think of what to write about this Wednesday I said a prayer and left my computer alone. I went about my day the way I normally do (pick up Boogie from camp, eat dinner, and hit up Bible Study).

Now it’s after ten and I said this night will not end with me offering something. In this moment the Jesusmet me (that’s the Lord I’ve been referencing if you want to get to know him see the What Must I Do to b Saved? page) and gave me these words. Don’t trust your gift, talent, or calling for they come without repentance (God gives you what you need to be who He wants you to be before you’ve even considered serving Him), but trust in the one who gave it to you. Yield yourself to him and do what you have been called to do, share your gift, and cause your talent to be multiplied and bring the bounty all back to him. That means work in spite of feeling inspired work as unto Him and He will take care of the rest.

#WriterWednesday: Grand Opening

How do you start a great and monumental scene? Do you open with dialogue? Do you start while the pressure is on your hero or heroine has to make a decision right away? Do you set the scene? Or do you mark the scene with some great philosophical quandary?

There isn’t a wrong answer, however there is one opening that is growing less and less popular–setting the scene. In the age of instant oatmeal (which I am a fan of), instant mashed potatoes, and instant celebrities. Most people want everything to happen instantly including some faithful bibliophiles who are like ‘chuck the deets give me the meat’.

If you’re anything like me what you really long to do is open a scene and spend at least a paragraph describing the way that the light refracted off of the river and illuminated the contour and freckles of your protagonist. But, “ain’t nobody got time for that.” So, is this a complaining ranting post where I talk about how much I long for the golden days of literature.

No way, it is important to do all things without murmuring and complaining and when possible I find a solution. Which I believe I have.

Magazines.

I don’t know how they figured out the formula, but magazine journalists have figured out the formula. There’s a way to set the scene and still engage the reader. Let’s look at two examples from Essence magazine:

“Keke Palmer is frozen in a selfie squat in 40-degree weather. It’s a familiar stance: knees slightly bent, chin up and a pout for the camera. We’re outside the backstage entrance of Manhattan’s Broadway Theatre, where steel barriers are the only thing separating her from a crowd of about 50 girls.” ~ “Sugar and Spice” by Clover Hope, Essence January 2015

 

“…She breezes into the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills pushing a carriage and looking like the picture of bliss. She peeks in on her little one, Titan Jewell Weatherspoon, before slipping into her seat and discussing the immense changes she has undergone over the past year.” (I’m not a fan, but I want to keep reading. I want to sip tea with them at the Four Seasons and get all into her business.) ~ “Oh Baby!” by Britni Danielle, Essence April 2015

Both examples provide the reader with enough details to visualize what’s going on without getting bogged down. That’s our job now as modern writers give the people a show-set a scene, but don’t drag them through the mud just to see it.

Sound difficult? It may be, actually it is. But try this to get you started, grab the closest magazine to you or hit the local market and pick up a magazine, turn to the feature article and check out how the author expertly weaves in details that set the scene and engage you as a reader. Nothing lost and everything gained.

Like what you see? After you finish reading try creating your own grand opening? How do you set a scene?

#WriterWednesday: Time Thief

So, a popular question that I often receive in relation to my illustrious writing career (don’t roll your eyes, I’m calling those things that are not as though they were) is, “How do you find the time to write?”. I get this question from aspiring authors and non-authors as well who just wish they could get more out of their day. 

For #WriterWednesday I’m giving away the answer. 

I’m a thief. I don’t make time I steal time. If I was waiting for an opportune time to begin writing with a full-time job, husband, and two kids, guess what? I’d still be waiting. I wouldn’t have even written this post. What you’re reading was written on stolen time. Today I’m scheduled for jury duty and although I wasn’t supposed to arrive here until 10 am after dropping off the my sweet baby Boogie at the babysitter at her usual time I headed here. I sipped some tea and whipped out my laptop to get this post done and I’ll be moving on to my novella in a few minutes.

Wherever I find pockets of time not being used or misappropriated I steal that time and give it to my writing. For example, my commute to work consists of a half an hour train ride there and an hour train ride back. During that time I write. If the train is too crowded for me to take out my laptop I type on my phone and email what I’ve written to myself.

Trip to the laundry–I write.

Today, I challenge you to record everything that you do today and how much time you spend doing it. Identify the moments where there are holes or chunks of idle time (watching television and trolling Facebook count as idle time–don’t tell me the entire two hours you spent on Facebook was for social media promotions). Once you’ve identified those areas pull a Robin Hood. Steal that time and give it to your writing.  

Are there moments throughout your day that you can identify immediately as excellent marks to steal time from?

When are they and what will you be working on during those times?

Can’t wait to hear how much writing you get done after stealing some time. 

#WriterWednesday Publishing is a Business: Advice From Barbara Joe Williams

There are several words of advice I would like to share with new authors. However, I will begin with my main motto: Writing is a hobby, but publishing is a business. If you’re planning to have a long-term career in the publishing industry, you need to learn the business and master it. That means educating yourself and not just relying on your publisher or other authors for secondhand information.  You should do your own research via the internet and read publishing manuals from experienced authors who are succeeding in the business.

Another word of advice is to get a partner. Not a writing partner, but another writer you can share ideas with, proofread each other’s work, provide feedback, and keep each other motivated when your spirits are low. This is the one thing that has helped me tremendously over the years. My partner is honest with me and tells me when my writing sucks, and I tell her when to get off her butt and write something whether it sucks or not.

I also advise new authors to become part of a writer’s group or a local author’s network for professional development. There’s nothing like networking and sharing with a group of likeminded individuals. Instead of having one person to give you feedback, you will have a whole network of authors who can keep you motivated to write. Every writer’s group is not the same, so it may take some time for you to find one that fits or you might end up starting your own, like I did.

My final word of advice for beginning authors would be this: Don’t expect overnight success. I’ve seen many authors publish a book, promote it for two months, and then drop out of sight simply because they haven’t sold a thousand copies (or whatever number they had in mind). It takes time to build up a following of loyal readers, and it usually doesn’t come from just having one book on the market. Find your audience, market to them, and when the next book is released, they will find you.

Barbara Joe Williams is the author of ten novels, a novella, several nonfiction books and short stories. Her latest eBook is titled, A Cup of Barbara Joe: Things I’ve Learned about Life, Marriage, Motherhood & People.

Amazon page: http://goo.gl/hCOkBb

Website: www.barbarajoe.webs.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.williams.31105674

Thanks for the interview. My next nonfiction eBook release is February 5 titled, A-Z Marketing Tips: A Motivational Guide to Selling Your Products. And my next fiction eBook release is titled, Holiday Hotel 2: A Valentine’s Day story.

Quality books. All the time for $2.99 or less.

#WriterWednesday What Your MFA Program Didn’t Tell You

Every Wednesday The Neophyte Author will share some advice on writing–this may include tips on creativity or the business side of writing. Sometimes the tips will come directly from the Neophyte Author and some weeks they will come from other authors. To launch #WriterWednesdays the Neophyte Author will be sharing some tips. 

Back in December I bumped into someone who I’d completed my MA in Creative Writing and she was overjoyed to see me and my book. Of course, she had a ton of questions about how I got from being a writer in theory to being an actual published author. It that moment I realized my writing program didn’t tell me that and I bet yours didn’t either. Now without God on my side I would still be asking the same questions she asked me to my favorite author, “just how exactly did you do that,” but here are a few things I learned along the way. 

Get Your Manuscript Together

Unless you’re a trust fund baby you didn’t invest in studying writing at this advanced level for it to sit on your thumb drive. You pursued an MFA with the hope of earning some type of money with your writing–whether it’s to supplement your regular stream of revenue or as your sole stream of revenue you were hoping to earn something from workshopping all of that writing. Here’s what you need to do: 

• Find out the requirements of your genre and make sure your work is up to snuff
• Have your manuscript professionally edited before you think about sending it anywhere
• Join some kind of writing community, guild, or group in your neighborhood. You’ll be connected to other writers, readers, and some places like The Center for Fiction includes access to a writing cave as part of your membership

Break Out of the Writing Cave

It’s great that you’re this deep existential thinker and your characters can transcend space and time, but…

• You need to start promoting your work
• You need to start learning the business (publishing, marketing, tracking sales)
• You need to start building your brand (who are and what are your books about). Even if you have a publisher they will not come up with this stuff for you. 

These are just the basics to get you going. A starter pack in a sense. Now, talk to me–what do you need and/or want to know about writing? The Neophyte Author will do it’s best to get you some solid advice and tips.