Writing and Publishing News from

Merry Christmas. I hope you all get exactly what you want most today. There’s only one way to make this happen, isn’t there? You must make it known what you want.

I remember those years when I would only hint at what I wanted for Christmas. I spent months hoping that my husband would notice my desire for a particular gift—that he would express his love by bringing me the item that would fulfill whatever dream I had at the moment. But would I tell him what it was I wanted? No. I expected him to do the romantic thing and guess right. It never happened. I guess he did listen, though, because he did respond to my off-handed comment one year that I needed vacuum cleaner bags—a size that was hard to find. The package that he told me to open last—the grand finale of that Christmas morning around the tree—was those damn vacuum cleaner bags—two packages of them. Watch what you ask for, ladies.

I finally learned one of the laws of human nature. Ask for what you want and make sure that’s what you want. Oh yes, and ask for it really close to the big day (Christmas, birthday, etc.) because guys, especially, shop at the last minute.

This “law” holds true in our business dealings, as well. In order to make the sale, you need to ask for it. If you want to write a column for a particular ezine, you must make a request. You certainly won’t land a publisher for your book if you don’t let your desires for a publisher be known. Do you want to publish an article in a certain magazine, all you have to do is ask—well, and make sure the piece is well-written, timely and appropriate.

I’ve had writers come to me and say, “I want to publish this article in such-and-such magazine, but they keep rejecting it. What’s wrong?” After looking at the article, I give the writer some pointers. In one case, the article was an essay and the magazine only publishes how-to pieces. I explained this to the writer. The next time I saw him, he asked me again how to get this article into this particular magazine. No, he hadn’t made any changes to it. He wants to have it published as is and can’t see any reason why he should rewrite it. Sure, he asked for what he wanted, but he wasn’t willing to bend or change in order to make it happen.

Opening your holiday packages today could be like looking in a mirror. The gifts, in some cases, reflect what you project to others. You’ll notice that some gifts are the results of what you’ve been putting out—what you’ve asked for, what you’ve hinted at, what you’ve talked about. Others reflect what you express an interest in, how you live, what you do without or must have in your life. The gifts you receive are telling. They reveal what you portray and say throughout the year. But some gifts may also suggest more about the giver. Some gift-givers present the same gift to everyone without regard for the individual. Of course, that tells more about the other person than it does you. So if you are known vegetarian who receives a huge box of Hickory Farms meats for Christmas, it’s not you it’s them.

Try peering into yourself this day by scrutinizing the type of gifts you receive and see if there is a common thread. It could be a fun exercise—and, hopefully, one that is somewhat revealing. At the end of the day, if you haven’t received what you truly want, whether it is precious bobbles, a landscape makeover, a book by your favorite author or simply a peaceful day, look to yourself to discover why. And think about making necessary changes in YOUR approach to the holidays and to your writing work in 2011.

I would love to receive a report.

http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

Do you remember when writers were not well-respected because it was believed that no one could make a living as a writer? I was there—making a living with my writing at the time. Writers weren’t taken seriously because, after all, writing is an art—something that you do when inspiration strikes, not on demand. In those days, few people had ever even met a writer during their lifetime.

A lot has changed. Now writers and authors are everywhere—among your church congregation, in your office at work, living down the street, carpooling your kids, selling you bakery goods downtown, walking your dogs and teaching at the local high school. You have friends who have authored a book. And many of you reading this are writing, have written or are thinking about writing a book.

In the 1970s—‘80s, I did not know another writer. Today, I know hundreds of them. Isn’t this the case with you?

And you are probably finding that the craft of writing is still not taken seriously among your acquaintances and friends. Surely, this has happened to you: You’re announcement, during conversation, that you are a writer, is met with a rather blank stare, right? Just what is the other person thinking? I’ll tell you what:

• Humph, a writer, you say? You can’t be serious. Writing isn’t a profession, it’s a pastime.

• So why haven’t I heard of you?

• Yeah, my sister-in-law claims she’s a writer, too, but all she did was write a book, give copies to everyone she knows and tuck the rest away in her garage.

• Everyone can write. What’s the big deal about being a writer?

Few people know what goes into the writing profession. They aren’t aware of the multitude of writing-related jobs, careers in the corporate world. And they can’t imagine that anyone could create a business writing from home.

Yes, the stigma still exists—even among fellow writers. Writers and authors just starting out and even some that are slightly seasoned, really have a hard time with the concept of paying another writer to evaluate or edit their books, for example. Some just don’t have the money. They plan to make their fortune with their book. One author even told me a few years ago that he would have his book edited at some later date, but he needed to get it out now as is in order to start generating some funds. Once he has money in the bank, he’ll consider hiring an editor for a later revision.

There are few constants in writing and authorship. There are as many stories and scenarios as there are writers. I guess that’s why I’ve been able to keep writing new books and articles on writing and authorship. That’s why I’ve managed to post over a thousand blog posts during these past five years. But one thing that is true for every writer and author everywhere is this: If you plan to publish a book or have your articles/stories published, you really must study the publishing industry before getting involved. In order to succeed, you must have an enough of an understanding of publishing in order to make the right decisions for your project.

Publishing is a business—a highly competitive business. And the most important thing you can do for yourself before entering into the competition, is to become informed.

Competition—hmmm. I think I’ll say something about competition in tomorrow’s blog post. If anyone has comments they’d like for me to include, just email me: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

By the way, I have 2 spots left in my free online book proposal course scheduled to begin December 27, 2010. Read the course description here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm Then contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

We are often conflicted this time of year and this causes us to become stressed. We want to write or continue along on our book promotion path. Maybe a deadline is looming. But we also feel a tug toward our holiday traditions and a responsibility toward the tasks involved in keeping them alive.

What to do? How do we fit it all in?

Everyone has a different way of handling their lives this time of year. Some schedule days off to pursue their favorite holiday activities. Others break tradition and scratch a few activities off of their lists. So why do we still stress over the holidays? It’s mainly because of the way we approach them.

The key is to give whatever task you’ve chosen to tackle your total attention. If you are Christmas shopping, for example, or baking cut-out cookies for the neighbors, but you wish you were (or believe you “should” be) writing, you will not enjoy the task at hand. You will become stressed and conflicted. If you are working on an article or a chapter in your book, but you think you should be out buying a tree or putting lights on your house, you are doing your writing work a disservice. Your attention is divided. There is a battle going on inside you and your stress level is rising.

So how do you achieve a sense of peace with whatever you are doing? I suggest giving yourself permission. Give yourself permission to spend the morning writing, with the promise that you will string the lights this afternoon. Give yourself permission to leave your writing desk and enjoy an evening of shopping.

Allow yourself to be in whatever moment you have chosen without guilt or yearning to be someplace else.

This is not a writer’s creed. It is a universal truth. Try it and let me know how it works for you.

Visit my websites to learn more about me, my work and my services:
http://www.patriciafry.com
http://www.matilijapress.com

I cut one of my main typing/writing fingers this week—had to have three stitches. Don’t you get irritated with yourself when you do something stupid (like fish around in a sink of soapy water feeling for a broken piece of glass) and injure yourself in the process?

I’ve had to temporarily change my way of writing and typing. But, at least, I can still do those things.

Sometimes circumstances result in changes to the way we approach our writing work. We have to go out and get a job, we become ill or we experience a lifestyle change—get married/divorced, have children, move in with an elderly parent, etc.

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you have experienced challenges that interfere with the flow of your writing work. I know people who have had their writing sidelined numerous times over the years. Some never bounce back. Others write despite what’s going on around them.

Which kind of writer are you? Do you need inspiration to help you stay on your writing track despite disrupting challenges? Or can you inspire us with your stories of writing even during difficult circumstances?

I’ve written in former blog posts about my own story of challenges and sacrifice which ultimately led to my establishing a career as a writer. If you haven’t read it and would like to, let me know and I’ll repeat it in a future post.

In the meantime, I’m offering my online Book Proposal course FREE to the first ten people to sign up. I’ll be starting the course December 27, 2010. Please do not sign up at my website. Contact me personally with questions or to sign up. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

To learn more about this course and what it involves, please visit http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm

Now I’d better do some filing or something to rest the tip of my poor finger.

I hope you enjoyed the assignment I gave you this weekend to observe people and see how you could use what you learn to enhance your writing. Let me know how it went.

I worked a yard sale, so had a lot of opportunity to observe people and talk to people. I actually walked away with some new article ideas. I’ll tell you about them once they have been accepted for publication.

My Holiday Gift to You
I am still accepting your requests for which of my online courses you would take if it was offered for FREE. Get the list here and check out what each course involves: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm.

Numerals Versus Written Numbers
I made a discovery today that will most likely be of value to all of you who read this blog. Some years ago, my research led me to believe that, while most numbers under ninety-nine should be written out, those 100 and over should be in numerals. One exception, I was told (and my research backed this up) was age. Age, I learned, was to be represented in numerals—“He is 3-years-old,” “She turned 28 yesterday,” etc.

Over time, this “rule” of mine was questioned and I began to question it. I have both the Chicago Manual of Style on my desk and The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. Since I write mostly for publication, as opposed to journalistic style, I use the Chicago Manual for most of my research and referencing. And I could never find any mention in this book as to how age is represented in text. However, the AP book strictly says that age is represented by numerals. But what is the rule for books—publishing?

Recently, it became a controversial discussion in SPAWNDiscuss (the SPAWN discussion group). One member, a respected editor, said that if it is not among the exceptions listed over twenty pages in the Chicago Manual of Style, it is the rule. This means that age is represented by writing out the numbers up to ninety-nine. If someone is 103, you use numerals. Made sense to me.

Then this morning, I found an example and proof that this editor is correct and that I have been incorrect (except within the realm of journalistic style). I found, on page 464 of the newest edition of the Manual of Style (16th), this sentence: “Many people think that seventy is too young to retire.” There it is—age spelled out. How did I miss it before? Maybe it was not in the 15th edition and I can’t double check it because I sold that book at the yard sale yesterday.

What guide to you follow when you have questions such as this? Are you consistent in how you use numbers in your text? One of the most important rules of writing for publication is to be consistent. But it is also wise to be consistently correct.

For more information and resources for authors visit my websites:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

I’ll be helping at a yard sale today, which will give me the opportunity to work on my observation skills. Observation is important to a writer. It helps us to understand more about other people so that we can more accurately and creatively capture personalities in our writing as well as write what others want to read.

I’d like to offer you an assignment. While you are out and about this weekend (and you should be if you’ve been holed up most of the week writing), pay attention to the people you encounter. Sit for a while and just watch people. How do they carry themselves and what does this demeanor seem to say about them? How do they express themselves? How do they handle small dilemmas (trying to cross a busy street, carrying something heavy or awkward, an unruly child, a pouty teenager, a rude clerk, and so forth)? What are people wearing? What accessories have they chosen? What are they eating? How do they approach their meals? How do people react to strangers in their midst? What are people talking about?

How can this help you in your writing? Here are some possibilities:

• You might use the habits, traits, attitude, expressions of various people to develop one of your characters.

• Overheard conversations might result in a good article idea or a chapter or scene in your book.

• The interaction of two lovers, the antics of a group of children or the movements of an older gentleman might help you in better describing an event or situation you’re writing about.

• If you are struggling with a scene at a bus station, busy deli or fishing pier, go to one near your home and watch the activity for a while. Take notes—photographs.

• Maybe you are writing a piece about America’s junk food-eating habits. What better place to get some feedback and insight than a fast-food restaurant.

• Perhaps one of your characters is a single working mom or a weekend dad. Spend time at a park and you’ll get a sense of how these parents interact with their children.

• If you’re working on a piece on dog, horse or cat shows, attend one. You’ll learn volumes about the process, the handlers and the industry.

• Watch people working out—running, walking, bicycling, playing Frisbee, tossing a ball or using the equipment at a gym. Perhaps you’ll see someone who fits the description of a character in your novel. What do you notice about him/her that can help in developing your character?

• If you are promoting a book, you might want to observe customers in a bookstore. Pay attention to how the clerks interact with customers, too. Do they actually recommend books they like?

I hope that you will take my challenge this weekend and spend some time just observing people doing what comes naturally. Let me know how this practice helps your writing project or perspective.

Be sure to visit my websites: http://www.patriciafry.com (Sign up for your free copy of The Successful Author’s Handbook!)

http://www.matilijapress.com (Check out my array of books for writers. Put one or two on your Christmas list.)

I added to my Catscapades blog yesterday. Check it out at http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

Also, go to this site and choose which of my online courses you would like to take for free if it was offered. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

Once upon a time, children sat at grandpa’s knee and listened intently to the wonderful stories that had been creatively told through the generations. Children were also encouraged to tell their own stories. In fact, storytelling was a form of sharing, of communication, of entertainment and education. It was through oral family histories that children learned about their roots. When children know about their ancestors, they feel more connected—they have more of a sense of belonging. And when families share through story, their bonds grow deeper.

I grew up with radio. Families during the 1940s gathered around the RCA or the Motorola for their entertainment and their connection to the world and each other. In the early 1950s, many homes also had TVs. We no longer relied on one another for our entertainment; now we turned to the “set.” But TV programming was not a 24-hour-per-day 300-channel proposition. Families ate dinner together and then assembled around the TV for their favorite evening show.

Today, we have home entertainment centers, computers and other electronic gadgetry designed to separate family members in many creative ways for even longer periods of time. We come home only to go our separate ways in order to experience our individual mode of entertainment.

When traveling or even on short errand jaunts, each family member has his own electronic device designed to hold his attention. Mom is talking on her cell phone, sis is text messaging, brother is engrossed in sounds coming from his iPod and Dad is working on his laptop. Where have our need and our opportunity for personal communication gone? What has happened to our human (let alone family) togetherness? Is the lovely art and tradition of storytelling—the activity that once built strong bonds—a thing of the past? There were two guests to our home for Thanksgiving texting for most of the day while the rest of us visited.

I don’t think so. Although storytelling is fading as an oral tradition in households, it is alive and well among this country’s writers. Sure, establishing family togetherness is a challenge today, but I urge parents and kids to make family time a priority and to use that time to relate, support and share.

There is an enormous upsurge in the number of authors emerging in America today. Of course, part of the reason that so many more people are writing books is because they can—because technology has made it possible. But many of them are also writing because they have stories to tell—stories of their struggles, stories of their ancestors, stories they’ve made up in their heads. Storytelling is back, baby and in a big way.

Writing is the new storytelling. Since people no longer have the time to sit and listen to our stories, we are writing them down and seeking large audiences. We are disconnecting from people in order to write in solitary. Ironically, it is because we want to be heard. We want to make an impression—to make a difference. We want to touch people emotionally—to make them think, cry and laugh.

Yes, once upon a time, children and adults were treated to stories handed down through the generations and told by a beloved family member. Today, our stories come in book form. Writing is the new storytelling. And being a writer, I certainly support the buying of books. But maybe we should concentrate on sharing these stories. Let’s bring back a greater sense of family and make reading a togetherness activity. How?

• Parents read to your young children and read with your older kids.

• Grandparents, mentors, teachers and others, buy the children on your gift list interactive books and books with messages or educational themes. Take time to explore the books together.

• Start a book discussion group through your church, office, neighborhood or family, for example. Have everyone read good, controversial or thought-provoking books and then meet to discuss them.

• Act out a book. Bring readers together for an evening of fun reenacting a story theater style. Or have everyone come to a dinner party masquerading as a character from your book-of-the-month.

• Launch a mother-daughter, father-son or couples book discussion group.

• Form a club for readers. Invite authors to speak to the group once a month or so.

• Set up a circulating library related to your interests.

• Pool books with others who have the same reading, hobby or work interest. This could be a fiction library or a reference book library for folks who are interested in writing/publishing, crafts, gardening, marketing/promotion, mechanics, woodworking, photography or raising Abyssinian cats, for example.

• Challenge every family member to read a book each week and then have an informal gathering during which each reader must report on the book. Encourage creativity. This might be a good extended family activity.

• Volunteer as a family to read to kids in a homeless shelter or take books to a shelter and encourage the parents to read to their children.

• Likewise, read to a shut-in neighbor or someone who resides in a nursing home. Even older folks like to hear a good story.

While I am a strong advocate of the written word and I love it when people buy and read my books, I also believe deeply in the importance of togetherness. Use some of the ideas above to come up with creative ideas of your own to encourage and to initiate methods of using books and reading to connect with others. Reach out. Draw people in. The old tradition of storytelling may be lost in many families, but let writing be your new storytelling tradition. Use books to come back together in a meaningful way.

I’m thinking about offering one of my online courses FREE. I’d like to hear from you. Which of the courses would you like to participate in? http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
http://www.patriciafry.com
http://www.matilijapress.com

There’s nothing quite like positive feedback for your writing efforts. Whether it’s a complimentary letter-to-the-editor published in a magazine that ran your article, a supportive comment from a friend who read something you wrote or a good review of your book, praise is always welcome. Writers and authors thrive on accolades. Second to a desire to write, of course, is the need to be read. A close third is our longing to be understood and validated.

And it doesn’t take much to give us a thrill. Just this week, I received an update from an author who said that one of my books helped her to write a book proposal that sold a publisher on her book idea. A few weeks ago a gentleman contacted me with a question and he said that my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, was incredibly helpful in his journey toward becoming published. And I frequently receive comments from authors who have read some of my articles.

How refreshing it is to know that you are being read. And why should we doubt it? I have thousands of copies of my books circulating among the public. My articles have appeared in hundreds of magazines and newsletters. My work is posted all over the Internet. Why should I doubt that it is being read? Of course, it’s being read. But, hearing directly from someone who tells me how they are using my suggestions or how a certain passage, a certain article or one of my books helped them gives me a glorious boost in confidence and validates my intended purpose.

I remember a while back when a good friend of mine told me that she was having a very prolific period. She is just bursting with article ideas and she said, “Part of the credit goes to you.” She explained. “I read what you wrote about doing a different activity to stir up the creativity in your brain. So I’ve been working on my beaded earrings and that really got me out of a stagnant spot.

It’s true, if you feel blocked—you can’t get an idea and when you do, you can’t drum up the enthusiasm to work on it, try doing something else for a while. I recommend pursuing a creative activity. For me, gardening works or working on a needlework project. Redecorating a room or just a portion of a room is the key for some people. There’s just something about shifting gears and actually experiencing success in another realm that helps to jumpstart the part of your brain that you need functioning in order to perform well when writing.

Of course, this is just one of thousands of useful tips I’ve offered through my articles and books. Now, how can you get feedback for your writing? Here are a few ideas:

• Build a website related to your book or your writing.
• Run a survey among your readers.
• Circulate your own newsletter, you’ll receive feedback from subscribers.
• Hire an editor or publishing professional to evaluate or edit your book.
• Send emails to customers who have bought your book and ask for comments.
• Start a blog.
• Ask friends and random readers to add reviews to your Amazon page.
• Send copies of your latest article to your email list and ask for comments.
• Send your almost finished manuscript to experts for back of book testimonials.
• Get your published book reviewed many times over.
• Join networking organizations related to publishing and/or the theme of your book.
• Participate in discussion groups.

Writers and authors work pretty much in solitude. We reach out through the written word. And we appreciate—in fact, need, feedback/validation. Positive comments encourage and drive us. If you feel all alone out there—as if no one is reading what you write, try some of the tips above to solicit feedback. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will be read and the more response you will receive.

http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com