Category: Editing (Page 11 of 17)

The Art of Being Real

November 1, 2020 / Chiara

Donald J. Trump wrote “The Art of the Deal,” I’m a writer whose penned tall tales while trying to stay real and true to my writing.

We can agree that this 2020 year has been interesting. For those of us publishing books whether it’s been via traditional publishers, or like me, indie publishing, things have certainly been more challenging.

Reading is up. Statistics will tell us. See References below.

I’ve been reading a lot more too while preparing my latest release, “She Made It Matter”. An Inspirational/Christian drama about one woman’s fight to regain sobriety, find salvation, and earn forgiveness after years of guilt from being abandoned by her mother and then losing her brother to cancer, a struggle to vanquish the demons of her past and make her life right again.

And, since I’ve had the time, I’ve also been experimenting with a lot more tools and resources to get exposure for my book. Will it help? I don’t know. Time will tell.

Any published author will also tell you that promotion and marketing are the most challenging of responsibilities when it comes to publishing. I’m normally a shy person, but I’ve had to dig really deep to find my courage and push myself beyond the limits to “seize the moment”.

Here are a few takeaways and things I did on my social media platforms that may help a fellow author or two:

For five weeks leading up to the release of my book, “She Made It Matter,” I documented and shared what I call, “Visual Storyboarding”. When I write a story, I visualize the scenes in my mind and then transpose it into words. Using my book jacket verbiage, I utilized Pixabay.com and Pexels.com to create the images for the verbiage. Every week, I’d create a picture collage with the verbiage and post it on all my social media platforms. See final results here.
Then, taking all the photos, I created the “She Made It Matter” book trailer. I used Movie Maker, It’s free and I downloaded it onto my PC (I use Windows 10). I also tapped into pixabay.com/music to add to the video and voila’. See it here.
I created a YouTube channel a few years ago, but never really utilized it to its potential. Now, I am using it to upload my videos.
I put together a Storytime video in which I read the first chapter of “She Made It Matter” aloud.
I created graphics to be used in my videos using Canva.com.
For my email fans/friends/family, I’ve sent out weekly communication using Mailchimp.com .

I’ve talked to myself and to my computer camera more than I’ve wanted to. Lol! But, I believe the best conversations are with yourself, anyway.

So, I’ve put myself out there. I’ve tripped up and stumbled on those videos, but I’ve still kept them true to its form because I’m not a “Hollywood” star, or a renowned bestselling author. “… I’m just a ‘nobody’ who uses storytelling to encourage others to find their purpose and save their souls.”

The reality is, like my characters who are flawed, and because I write realistic drama with an inspirational/Christian flare, I too, am flawed and broken. I want my readers to know that I’m a real person. And, writing is not glamourous work. For me, it’s dutiful, inspiring, life changing, and adventurous.

I often tell people that I have two addictions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.

I am the communication tool to share and showcase my characters. If they influence readers to be better versions of themselves, then why not? If my writing directs someone to open up their Bible, then so be it. If my writing only touches the few, then I’ve done my job. I write for an audience of ONE, my savior, Jesus Christ. He gave me the gift of storytelling, and I am obliged to honor that.

So, if anything I’ve learned during Coronavirus and quarantine is that I can take chance. I can RESTART just where I am. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

So, fellow writes/authors/readers don’t be afraid to be REAL. The world is full of fakes and falsities already.

If only everyone WOULD BE real.

Music inspiration for this post: Mandisa, “What if we were real”.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

References:

If you are interested in buying the book, click here. Available wherever books are sold.

https://www.amazon.com/Trump-Art-Deal-Donald-J-ebook/dp/B000SEGE6M

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/july/state-of-bible-reading-coronavirus-barna-abs.html

https://www.psypost.org/2020/10/reading-literary-versus-popular-fiction-promotes-different-socio-cognitive-processes-study-suggests-58381

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/mar/25/book-sales-surge-self-isolating-readers-bucket-list-novels

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52048582

https://pixabay.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/movie-maker-10-free/9mvfq4lmz6c9?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

https://pixabay.com/music/

She Made It Matter book trailer

https://www.canva.com/

She Made It Matter – Women’s Fiction

The Company That We Keep

June 3, 2020 / Chiara

When a strawberry speaks, be sure to listen.

Most of my life I’ve been told to choose my friends wisely, don’t get in with the wrong crowd, keep my friends close but my enemies closer, etc.

As a parent with two elementary-aged daughters, I find myself saying those exact things to my children. The vulnerability and desire to “fit-in” and “stand out” with peers weigh heavy on both of my pre-teens’ minds. They just want to have friends and be known.

Too many times though, that nativity can get someone in trouble if the obsession “to be someone known” overpowers their rationality. And then what do we have? Peer-pressure to perform or do something that can have negative consequences.

As of late, no matter how many times I’ve tried to explain to my girls on choosing their friends carefully, they still don’t understand. Until… a trip to the grocery store changed all that, and one type of fruit to tell it like it is.

Most fruits are packaged today, berries, raspberries, grapes, etc. One of our favorites is strawberries. My daughters love them dipped in Nutella, cut up small pieces and sprinkled over pancakes or waffles, and even on ice cream with whip cream.

It took inspecting packages of strawberries as a teaching moment opportunity for my kids. There they were, neatly stacked packages and packages of strawberries. First, I perused the rows and then eye-balled them from the back row, working my way to the front row, picking up the boxes peering closely and turning them over. My girls looked over my shoulder in impatience and curiosity (they don’t like grocery shopping because I take too long), wondering why I was scrutinizing each package. Finding the right words, it hit me.

Picking up one particular package, I said, “Let’s say this package of strawberries are representative of your friends.”

My older child rolled her eyes. “Really, Mom, another story?” Yep! It’s gonna be a good one, baby. I can feel it.

“Yes, now listen. Everything is going great with your friends, and everyone is getting along until something changes that dynamic of your group. Maybe someone gets jealous of your friend, maybe one friend doesn’t like your other friend, and then the fighting starts, who knows right, and there are so many variables that can break up friendships. Or maybe someone from another group suddenly joins your group and that leads to the spoilage of your current relationships.”

My younger daughter’s jaw dropped. No comments, good. I’ll continue.

“One rotten and moldy strawberry in a package can ruin the rest of the strawberries, and so can one person ruin relationships. Always be careful in the company of whom you associate with. You understand?”

My eldest nodded, but then asked, “I have friends of different cultures is that bad?”

I knew what she meant. We live in a diverse community and choosing wisely didn’t mean only picking a certain set of friends or sticking with one racial group. It was more than that.

I held up a package. “No. Not at all. Look closely, honey. Each strawberry in this package is different. Different shapes, different sizes, and different colors. Some are darker and some are lighter. That is all fine. You want a good mix, but not have any moldy ones because then they’ll all get mushy really fast. The same applies to friends. Having different friends helps you to grow as a person, but when they want you to do things you aren’t comfortable doing or pressure you to go against your beliefs, morals, and values, then that can make things go rotten and terrible. You get me now?”

One smiled. One smirked.

“Now, let’s pick a good package of strawberries.”

And that’s how I explained to my children how to pick decent friends.

THE END

The New World Order

March 18, 2020 / Chiara

Last week I was in “limbo”. This week I’m in the “hole”. It’s amazing how things have been changing so rapidly amidst this plague called Coronavirus or Covid-19. What started in Wuhan, China, back in January has gone around the world affecting and impacting thousands and thousands of people.

So many terms and expressions have been associated with this incredible, infectious, and sometimes fatal virus. I’ve recently read that this virus is said to spread at such an alarming rate, it is an “exponential expansion” virus. If one person is carrying the virus, he/she can infect three people, and then those three people infect nine people and it keeps growing and growing. Just read up on “patient 31” from South Korea, and how she spread the virus to so many people.

One doesn’t need to hear/read/see anymore depressing information every day. Just a few days ago, my kids were in school, now they are home for the next two weeks. All European travel has been banned and no one can come into the US. Today, Canada closed its borders. Restaurants and bars have closed up too. Only pick up or delivery. Casinos closed. Museums, libraries, Disney parks and all sports events are suspended. People even fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizers.

What’s happened?

Media, CDC, and WHO all have been telling us to quarantine, self-isolate, social distancing, be home-based. This is no joke. Life has truly turned on a dime. In some states like California, especially, San Francisco, six counties have been in shelter-in-place order.

What can one do?

Pray?

I’ve read enough books and watched enough movies to think that this is something created to stop what??? I don’t know.

Now, we have to be alone so that we “flatten the curve”. But, we are social creatures and what will happen when we become too isolated. It’s like a long, long winter when the cold doesn’t break. We’ve been blanketed with this monstrous virus. Can we get out of it? Can we rebound?

I have to believe that we can. I have to trust my creator, Jesus, that we can overcome. We are a wicked and sinful species. We need to repent!

My hope is Psalm 91 and 2 Timothy 1:7. Every day, I am reading and rereading these Bible scriptures.

See the source image

I have nothing left but my faith. I have to be strong for my daughters and my husband.

Be not in a reactive mode, but a responsive mode.

Until next time…

Be well. Be Safe. Be happy.

What do tweezers and an inspired writing distraction have to do with each other?

October 17, 2018 / Chiara

I’m often asked where I get ideas for my blogs. Honestly, it is the everyday, mundane occurrences. I welcome the “inspired distraction.” Helps me to be creative.

Today, unbeknownst to myself, I was inspired to write this post because of an interesting incident.

I was at a stop light in the left-turn lane. It was late afternoon, and I was en-route to the grocery stores and my two daughters were with me in the backseat. I was tired, and the ticking sound of the left-turn signal was soothing and hypnotizing when suddenly, my youngest daughter asked me to clarify something. It went like this…

“Momma, what is that lady doing in the car?”

“What lady?” I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road because any moment the light would turn green.

She pointed. “There, next to our car?”

In a car on the right of us, was a woman staring intently into her visor mirror.

My eyes bugged out at what I saw.

Calmly, and without inciting any emotion, I replied. “Well, it looks like she’s plucking hairs from her chin.”

“Eww…!” Was the unison response from the girls.

The light turned green and we inched forward. As the disgusted grumblings continued, I couldn’t help but feel different. In fact, just before I drove off, I noticed that the woman had a booster chair and a baby car seat, both empty. As we turned, the woman sped past us.

I drove and found myself thinking that her beauty regimen was ingenious.

Ingenious? Yes.

Hear me out. You have the visor mirror really close to you (I mean really, what’s it there for?), you don’t need much time to locate and extract those yucky facial hairs, and you can do it anywhere. Even at a stoplight. Better than texting. Plus, you are safely inside a vehicle with the doors locked so no one can bother you.

You can argue and say, why do it on a busy street where people can see you do this private chore? And to this, I say, who cares!

Everyone these days is in a hurry heading somewhere and will forget what they saw…usually. Except me who thinks it was a brilliant move and my daughters who are grossed out.

I’m not suggesting that we should dress, shave, and groom ourselves in our cars. What I’m getting at is that this woman found a moment to use her time efficiently because she may have too much on her plate to think of herself and do these womanly duties. She may have a full or part-time job and juggle motherhood. Even ladies without children can relate: the climb up the career ladder is just as difficult.

So, kudos to the woman plucking her facial hairs. You look like you utilize your time efficiently.

Still, I have a few things to say…

Slow down. Take time for you. Don’t cram everything in one sitting. Your children will appreciate you regardless. Your spouse may have other thoughts, but that’s not my problem. Whatever you do, take the time for YOU.

And if nobody has told you lately…YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Oh, one more thing…Thank you for today’s writing distraction. (Wink)

The Back Story for “A Tribute to Tulipia”

August 28, 2018 / Chiara

Be the model that propels our kids to be strong, courageous, kind, and never back down on their morals and beliefs. We have one chance in life. Let’s all be Tulips in the wild brush.

#BeATulip

It started with a picture, a picture of a tulip standing tall and confident surrounded by tangled brush and shrubbery. The greenery in the background accenting its beautiful pink petals caught my eye while on a hike with my daughters. The sun poking through the trees cast a glow of holiness about her that no camera could ever capture. She reminded me of a female, I named her Tulipia.

It had been a tough season of bullying incidents at school for both my girls, so I tried instructing my children about standing up for what’s right as well as doing the right thing for others. This sudden inspiration was God’s gift of another means of explanation. And so a story began to stir in my mind, one that cannot be ignored. I knew I had to write this down.

A tale that was supposed to be a little school project turned out to be so much more. This reading gem can be enjoyed by kids and grownups alike. A Tribute to Tulipia is a feel-good story about a tulip and her family who live in an oasis surrounded by tangled vines, brush, and shrubs. Bullied and picked on, the reader journeys with the alienated family who never backed down in their fight to unify a changing forest. It is a great lesson and reminder on what it takes to be a true friend, what sacrifice means to lay down one’s life in order to save another, and to always, always do the right thing no matter what.

As a writer, I never set out to write words with symbolic meaning. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. The more I thought about this story, the more I’ve realized just how important it was to share it with my kids. I hope you’ll do the same.

Don’t ever be afraid to be a Tulip!

#BeATulip

For the FREE sample story in PDF format, click here.

Ebook available via Amazon and Smashwords.

Paperback below is available via Amazon.

ALERT***ALERT***

For each A Tribute to Tulipia paperback purchased, I will donate a portion of the proceeds to Stand for the Silent, an anti-bullying organization that travels to schools to address the issue of bullying with an engaging, factual, and emotional methodology. Their mission is to inform students and staff about bullying awareness along with the real devastation it causes. Let’s keep the “I AM SOMEBODY” Stand for the Silent © program alive. For more information, please check out: https://standforthesilent.org/.

Buy your copy NOW! Don’t wait! Help stop bullying. #BeATulip. Go to Amazon.

The Vacation Bible School Experience

August 13, 2018 / Chiara

Though summer doesn’t officially end until September 23^rd, for our family and community, school is just a few days away.

It’s been a fruitful summer. One filled with many exciting family events. I took a sabbatical from the obsessive editing and rewriting I did during the spring on my third and upcoming novel, Make it right; Make it Matter. I hired a couple of beta reviewers who did a phenomenal job of identifying some loopholes which I will fix when my girls go back to school.

For the last three years, my girls have attended Vacation Bible School at our church. It’s one week at the end of June where kids ages 4-12 participate in various stations that teach about Jesus and scriptures from the bible using games, songs, and crafts. Every year is a different theme.

My children love going to Vacation Bible School. They know a lot of the volunteers, do a ton of activities for a few hours, and I get some “me time”.

However, God had a plan for me and for a while I ignored it. Let me elaborate…

In the spring there were a number of emails that came across my inbox from our Children’s Ministry Director asking for help on certain stations that are part of the Vacation Bible School curriculum. One of them was Bible Drama in which an adult volunteer works with kids from our Youth Ministry to put on skits related to each day’s scripture. It requires set design, costume design, facilitating the script—speaking about each scripture as it relates to our lives, assigning roles from the scripts, and making sure my youth volunteers are present each day for the week.

I deleted a number of emails related to the pleas. I registered my kids and I was good. This year’s theme was Shipwrecked: Rescued By Jesus. I found the website, listened to the music, and talked to my daughters about attending. They were excited. Then, one night, I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned for hours. I felt this tug to take over Bible Drama. In the morning, I shrugged it off until I saw an email sent directly to me from the Director. It was May and she was pleading for my participation.

“Crap. I can’t.” I thought.

My background is instructional design and for a number of years I also did stand up training. Even so, being an author, sometimes you are asked to speak publicly about your books and experiences to reader groups. I’ll be honest; public speaking often gives me anxiety. I’d rather be sitting at a desk where I can type words on a blank screen, and use the backspace key to erase something that doesn’t always sound right. It’s my comfort zone.

God responded with “Yes, you will.”

Guilt and fear consumed me. I didn’t want to disobey God or turn my back on the church, even if I was really scared to do it. I slept on it that night and I didn’t toss and turn. Instead, a calm peace came over me, and when I awoke, I had a plan of how to accomplish this role. If this is what God wanted me to do, I had to take a chance.

So, I set out to work with the Director. I read through the scripts, modified and enhanced content where I could, researched scripture, communicated with my new recruits and made copies of the materials needed to make this one special week—super special. Most of all, I prayed to God to give me the wisdom to impact all the children attending the session, as well as my six “tween-aged” kids who were going to help me.

For each day, we had a scripture bible point and a story or two to help the children understand the message. This is what I learned:

Day 1: When you’re lonely…Jesus rescues!

Bible Story: Jesus tells parables about lost things. (Luke 15)

Parable of the Lost Coin

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Parable of the Prodigal Son

Day 2: When you worry…Jesus rescues!

Bible Story: Martha worries and complains. (Luke 10:38-42)

Day 3: When you struggle…Jesus rescues!

Bible Story: Jesus’ friends try to rescue him in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:39-54, Mathew 26: 36-56)

Day 4: When you do wrong…Jesus rescues!

Bible Story: Jesus welcomes a criminal before dying and coming back to life. (Luke 23:26, 24:12)

Day 5: When you’re powerless…Jesus rescues!

Bible Story: Peter and John heal a lame man in Jesus’ name. (Acts 3:1-26)

It was a jammed packed week and I went home exhausted every day. Most of all, I came away filled with happy emotion, energized for God’s Word, and the kids: the participants and my helpers gave me purpose. God knew as He always does that this is where I was supposed to be.

With school starting very, very, soon, and anxiety and nervousness running high in our home, God has tapped me again. To send my kids off with this powerful reminder that no matter what…Jesus Rescues!

The Randomness of Human Interaction

July 23, 2018 / Chiara

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re supposed to be at a certain place, but never know the reason why?

I can honestly say I’ve had many of those experiences. This latest random episode has mystified me a bit. Let me share…

A few months ago, my husband and I had an opportunity for a date night. There’s a local band that’s been around for many years. We’ve seen them at outdoor festivals and venues. This time, they were playing at a pub not too far from our house and my in-laws were happy to babysit.

The bar was crowded, as it wasn’t just us who knew about this band. We got a couple of drinks and slithered our way to a corner where the lights and sound control display was set up. Hugging the wall, we waited as the band came onto the stage. When the lights went dark, everyone went nuts. The flashing lights and loud drum beats made my heart nervous. Still, we were okay just in front of a short wall that separated the “standing room only” from the “reserved VIP” section.

Balancing my purse, I placed my drink on top of the ledge. A couple was seated at a table with bar stools with their backs to the erected wall.

The man looked over his shoulder and smiled, and I apologized for putting my drink behind him. He said it was okay, and we continued listening to the music. After some time, the man turned again and started chatting with my husband. Next thing I knew, the man invited us to sit with them at their table.

Two steps up and the whole bar perspective changed. Higher than the standing room only patrons, it made a world of difference as I didn’t have to crane my neck to see the band.

The woman with the man introduced herself as his girlfriend. The man commented that he felt he should ask us to join them. We were grateful none-the-less, and my guy offered to buy them drinks.

Almost two and a half hours later, we were still there, enjoying this friendly couple’s gracious gesture, as well as sharing in some “grown-up” conversation about kids, life, friendship, and the band. Time had flown.

It was time for us to go. After countless thank yous and a friend request acceptance on Facebook, we got up to leave. The man was thankful for the time together. He hugged my husband and me. They were genuine hugs. Warm hugs from a down to earth kind of guy and his smiley girlfriend. It had been a good night. We bid goodbye and left.

Since March, I’ve seen several posts on the couple. Many pictures of happy faces and affectionate words to one another. I’ve even “Liked” a few posts.

A few weeks ago, I came across something that said that the man had died. I was shocked. I had just seen a picture of them together a few days before. Not a lot was disclosed on the cause of death, but it still felt like it wasn’t real. The man and woman had even gotten engaged recently.

Since his death and hundreds of photos posted later, I can see why there were so many pictures of him. His smile was contagious, his eyes friendly, and he was like a big bear with a happy demeanor.

My heart ached. I had only met this man and his girlfriend once and talked to them for a short time. By some strange higher intervention, something connected us together.

I can’t stop thinking of him. How did God take this man away so soon? He wasn’t old, maybe late 40s early 50s. How come we were chosen to sit with them that night at the bar? He lifted our spirits.

They had a service for him the other day. We didn’t go. I guess I’d feel funny going as if I’m invading their space. I sent our condolences online and I did the next best thing. I prayed. I prayed for his fiancé and family.

I’ve been around deaths of close loved ones, but not a random person. And because of this, I’ve been consumed with his passing. Every picture shows a joyous man who made everyone around him feel alive. I know my husband and I felt his presence.

Was it meant to meet these people? What can I learn from all this?

I guess the best answer is to really appreciate those random folks you meet along your road of life. You may never know someone really well, but I believe you can’t forget how they made you feel.

The Double-Rainbow Revelation

June 10, 2018 / Chiara

On a recent trip to Florida, I was walking on a marina pier with my family when we noticed something spectacular in the sky. A double-rainbow. It appeared through heavy, dark blue clouds.

What is a double-rainbow?

According to AccuWeather.com meteorologists, a double-rainbow happens when… “A ray of sunlight passes through a raindrop, reflecting off the back of the drop at varying angles.”

According to Wikipedia… “Secondary rainbows are caused by a double reflection of sunlight inside the raindrops, and are centered on the sun itself.”

What a sight. I couldn’t move for maybe a couple of seconds, but then I hastily dug in my purse to grab my cellphone and take a picture.

Suddenly, a man riding a bike crossed my path. He called back, “You better hurry and capture that shot. Double rainbows are very rare; something to be said about its luck.”

I took the picture and was about to comment to the man, but he was too far down the pier.

We stood in awe observing this miracle above us. Miracle, you say? Yes. It was. How often does one see a rainbow, let alone a double-rainbow?

We finished the remainder of our wonderful trip; but every day, I made it a point to go into my photos on my phone and stare at the only one picture I took.

Now that I’ve been back home, curiosity got the best of me on the awesomeness of the rainbow, but more specifically double-rainbows. So, I went online and found some interesting pieces of information that I’d like to share.

According to Eastern cultures, a double-rainbow is a symbol of transformation and a sign of good fortune. The material world is represented by the first arc, while the second arc is the spiritual realm. Hmmm…Sounds good. I’ll take it.

In the Bible, there are a few books that make references to rainbows. These places to study are found in the books of Genesis, Ezekiel, Exodus, and Revelation.

It was God’s covenant to us that he would never destroy the Earth again after the great flood. (Genesis 9:12, 15)
The Lord was going before them. (Exodus 13:21)
The author is describing the appearance and likeness to the glory of God. (Ezekiel 1:28)
John sees the throne of God. (Revelation 4:1, 3) A mighty angel who is Jesus himself coming through the clouds. (Revelation 10:1)

In the last few months, my family and I have been going through some challenges and struggles. My writing has suffered too and I’ve been questioning my “place” in this world.

The vision of this double-rainbow has assured me to trust in God and do all things for His glory and not my own. I got to believe in the purpose of my life and the true reason for existing.

I ask you to do the same. We have one life that we are given. Live it the best that you can.

To All the Words I Loved Before

April 23, 2018 / Chiara

“To all the words I’ve used. To all the words I’ve had to do without. To all the words I’ve not used yet. You are loved.”

This blog was inspired by Willie Nelson’s song: To All the Girls I Loved Before. Click here for the video.

Words. I love words. I fell in love with words back in middle school, reading books like “The Hardy Boys” and “Nancy Drew”. In high school, Danielle Steele was the queen of words, and she still is today.

I’ve written poetry, short stories, novellas, and novels. In all those writings, words have been with me. They offer an emotional outlet for creative expression. I can’t get enough of words. But, sometimes I’ve been without.

For example:

“I’m speechless.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“There are no words to describe this.”

“I’m at a loss for words.”

Getting me now?

A very important step I’ve learned to use when I’m editing is identifying and removing meaningless and redundant words that don’t necessarily move the story. Over the years, I’ve kept a running list of words from my previous publications: Love’s Perfect Surrender, and Petrella, the Gillian Princess. This “word list” has helped me create more concise content especially since I’m working on my third novel, Make it Right; Make it Matter.

I’d like to share that with you. Click Redundant and Meaningless Words_List.

I am not one of those gifted writers that can pump out an imperfect, error-free draft and call it “final”. I am a writer who is learning to recognize her flaws, identify and use the correct words to capture the tone, emotion, and description whether it be in a scene, a chapter, and a paragraph.

“Anyone can write, but it takes a lot more to be a storyteller.”

The Rock Star Publishing Perspective – Part Two

April 3, 2018 / Chiara

“Your Editor is a friend for life.”

It’s not easy to find a solid editor, but I was blessed with two very different and talented editors, who are my friends. It is because of them, that my writings have been published.

In this post I want to focus on publishing. For Part 1 of the Editorial Perspective and interview with editor, Dennis DeRose, please click here.

Editing is like publishing in many ways. One of the main purposes of editing is to get the product (an author’s book) “reader ready” and the content (insides/guts) perfect and complementary to the author’s voice.

Publishing on the other hand, requires editing and finessing at a different level, that is, the outsides, or the skin level: the cover, book jacket, launch venues, media types, and getting a product, a.k.a., the book, to reach the intended audience.

So, writers listen up. Tell the most compelling story you can tell. Hire a great editor who will make your book shine, and then find an awesome publisher who can help you spread the word and create the best “birthday party” launch. Because, if you don’t have the right tools to reach your readers, no one will come to your party.

Let’s talk more about publishers. Introducing…

The Midwest Editor Turned Publisher: Brittiany Koren.

References:

https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/12/09/self-publishing-indie-author-definition/

https://www.amarketingexpert.com/top-30-websites-indie-authors/

https://www.standoutbooks.com/pros-cons-indie-author/

https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/suspension-of-disbelief.html

https://www.standoutbooks.com/suspension-of-disbelief/

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