November 2017 – The Writer's Grab-Bag

Bagging Interest with an Interesting Non-Blah Blog Post Heading

I love alliteration. Sometimes it really works; sometimes it simply sucks. The point? A blog post title or heading has to be as attention-grabbing as the post itself.

Confession? I always write the heading first. Why? Because it sets the mood and establishes my thought process. What direction am I taking? What do I want to cover? How will those heading words be incorporated into the post so there’s cohesion?

I generally aim to be [somewhat] snappy, humorous, or witty. My blogging objective is two-fold. The first is to share what I’ve learned so far. The second is to pull in readers (and potential followers): to bag their interest and insure they gain something beneficial from the advice.

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As previously mentioned, A Writer’s Grab-Bag is still in the development stage—and I readily admit it will take time to transform it to “just right”—but I’m happy to take passengers on this exciting, educational journey.

I digress [a wee bit]. As a blogger, you have a focus/theme and purpose: to accommodate (gratify) readers with your area of expertise. Digression is fine now and again (I’m pretty good at it, as you know), but posts should spotlight your focus/theme.

Now, while your posts will undoubtedly contain loads of fascinating and constructive information, the fact is that they may never be read if the headings are unremarkable or mediocre. Think: catchy and captivating. Lure those readers like fishermen (er, persons) would use hair jigs to attract bass.

If writing a heading is daunting, get a feel for what others in your realm are doing. In addition to locating examples, you can find templates (they seem to exist for just about everything these days).

Let’s take a quick look at some simple examples. “Editing Basics” might be okay for readers searching for juzzzzzt that. But “The Art of Editing = Big Bucks” might be more enticing. Here’s a standard (yawner): “Q&A”. How about “Your Questions Answered NOW!” or “Your Questions Answered by the Best in the Biz”.

This heading, “Bag Interest with an Interesting Non-Blah Blog Post Heading”, is long and wordy. Is it appealing? Maybe yes, but probably no. It does, however, capture the point of this post. . . . Yeah, I love alliteration. <LOL>

If you’re truly stuck, you may want to make someone else’s heading your own by playing with it, but not plagiarizing. Google for inspiration. If you have the yearning to learn, you have the assurance to succeed.

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The Catharsis of Writing

cathartic =psychotherapeutic = emotional = healthful = releasing artistic creation

We all need to purge now and again—be it cleaning out closets, flushing out bottled emotions, or clearing negativities. It can be done mentally, emotionally, and physically—through writing and posting, as examples. Purging is a good thing; it eliminates excess and the unneeded.

I’m borrowing from James J. Cudney IV’s This is my Truth Now blog**. The 365 Day Challenge involves daily posts dedicated to specific words. (Hope you don’t mind, Jay.)

The idea came about courtesy of my Wattpad weekly installment “novel” Odd Woman Out. Left in a storage box for two decades, I yanked it out during a let’s-get-rid-of-crap spring-cleaning blitz. Back then, I’d believed it was my pièce de résistance. <LOL> But as I started to read it, I saw some merit in it and thus, the weekly Wattpad installments came into being.

Where does “cathartic” come in? The events/scenes are more non-fiction than fiction. A lot of things really did happen—to myself or individuals close to me. The emotions and feelings, thoughts and reflections of Alex (the main character) have provoked chuckles and cringes, and “whoaaaaaa” and “ohhhhhh” moments.

“Whoa” because it prompts the [wincing] question: did I [he/she] really do that? “Oh” because it triggers the [energizing] revelation: wow, I actually once thought that way?

The proofing/editing process is a bit unique this round: I’m only reviewing maybe six pages at a time, breaking long chapters into several small ones. Every reading/edit is eye- and soul-opening. So yes, writing/posting can indeed prove very cathartic.

You don’t have to make it public if it’s too intense or personal and you’re not comfortable sharing. (Maybe that’s why Odd Woman Out remained in a box for years?) But you know, sharing does enable you to purge—which, I humbly admit, is very freeing (and exhilarating).

Catharsis: letting go.

. . . Damn it feels really good.

** This is My Truth Now reveals“365 days of reflection to discover who I am and what I want out of life. I will post a characteristic about myself and reflect on it in a blog post for the next 365 days: a full year of discovery into directing the course of my future.” Visit Jay’s blog at: https://thisismytruthnow.com

About Me, Us, You, Whatever – by Reynalda-Fonne Werde (Post Writer Extraordinaire)

Hey there. I’m back for another post. Last time, I gave some advice re professional email addresses. JJ and Linda said I’d done a pretty decent job for someone who’s not a fan of writing. But as I may have mentioned, I’m kinda getting to like it. (And, between you and me, I think I’m better than “decent”.)

We’re updating The Triple Threat Investigation Agency website and blog to look and read more professional. Linda’s gotten agency emails in motion and JJ’s revamping the “About Us” page. It’s nice enough, but not great. So this post’s about doing a dynamite one based on what we learned from fellow P.I.s and successful local business folks.

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Have some strategically placed photos relevant to your business; this will break up and balance the “About” page. The word back when: eye candy. You want that page to be visually appealing and you don’t want word overload.

Tell visitors what you do and what makes you qualified to do it. Cite a success or two. You don’t have to write an essay. Be short and sweet. A paragraph is fine.

Communicate enthusiasm for what you do and why you do it. Ditto re the short and sweet.

Mention professional (and possibly personal, depending on what you’re “about”) successes. Success for the Triple Threat Investigation Agency: solving a murder case and, on a more everyday note, locating a lost pooch.

Disclose what it is you want to (can) do. For the agency: handle all types of investigations with utmost discretion.

Have a sentence or phrase or two expressing the spirit and/or purpose of your business. Place them, like your photos, strategically on the “About Me” / “About Us” page. Grab attention. This one I’m just throwing out and it’s probably not too original, but given we’re a P.I. agency, we might state something like: “No Case Too Big or Too Small.” You got the idea.

Contact info in a corner (in addition to an actual Contact Page) is something worth adding. Make it super easy (accessible) for people to contact you.

You could also provide a personal message. Again, keep it brief.

Feel free to include links—to articles, posts, reviews, your email address. Determine what’s important/relevant and do it.

A couple of additional things to consider when you’re putting it together is how you’re going to write it (first person or third) and what type of tone you’ll use (humorous versus serious). Make sure it reflects you / your business.

Hopefully, I’ve given some solid advice for that “About” page. The Boss is back next week, as an FYI. And I’m off to the spa now (nothing better than a facial and massage to get yourself feeling like a million dollars).

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Aloha!

Here a Script, There a Script

Continuing with the theme of scriptwriting, set by a previous post, let’s touch upon a few “must know” / “must do” notes. The dry yawny stuff. But totally relevant and required.

Here are some quick [painless] facts:

Fact: Scripts/screenplays are typed on 8 ½” X 11” white paper. Who knew it’s supposed to be 3-holed (obviously not me, LOL). As I’m assuming you’re simplifying your life by using software like Final Draft, I’ll refrain from margin dimensions and page numbering (zzzzzzz).

Fact: Courier 12 is the font of choice in the great U.S. of A. Why? Interestingly enough, it’s all about timing. One script page with this font = 1 minute of on-screen time.

Fact: The average feature film script is between 95 and 125 pages long, (with an average of 114). Dramas are generally longer than comedies.

Fact: Scripts are written in three acts. (If you’re really curious, go on-line to check the actual number of pages per act in relation to a given genre.) The first introduces characters and situation(s) and sets up the plot. The second provides challenges and obstacles, and character development. The third presents resolution.

Fact: Action is written in present tense, active voice. (Tom watches furtively from behind a curtain as Cecilia takes aim.)

This circles back to editing (something I thoroughly enjoy, though there can be some agonizing this-really-needs-to-go moments). Check for dull dialog, nonsensical actions or reactions, flat characters. Watch the number of scenes—is each one moving the story/plot forward? If not, delete it. You want a clean, crisp script . . . just as you want clean, crisp writing (be it a novel, article, or post).

All the dos and don’ts truly comprise a [big, fat] book. But if you use scriptwriting software, you’re halfway on your exciting quest. The rest comes from doing due diligence and practice. Get feedback, too; don’t be scared to show your work to friends and colleagues.

Happy scriptwriting.

(Note: this was previously posted, but live and learn—if you use the classic version of a certain photo editor, the pics don’t anchor. A wee bit of advice: “review” your blog now and again; you never know what you might discover.)

Proofreading = Checking = Correcting . . . or Bloopers & Blunders Begone

Let’s continue with the topic of editing, but shift a wee bit. What about proofreading (or proofing)? Or copy-editing and line-editing? There are actually quite a few, but for all intents and purposes, let’s stick to proofing and editing.

Although they’re often used interchangeably, yes my friends, there is a difference.

Proofing basically entails reviewing a completed document to locate and fix typos, grammar and style mistakes—what I jokingly call bloopers and blunders. The emphasis is on correcting superficial errors in spelling, grammar, composition, punctuation, and formatting. Think of it as a “quality check”.

Editing includes proofing, but it’s more intensive. In addition to the above, you’re taking into account how facts and details, and ideas are organized. Editing isn’t a one-time action, by the way; you really need to edit several times.

Whether proofing or editing, set aside your work for a while after writing (a half hour, a day, week, or longer if you’re not in a rush). This allows for “fresh eyes”. You don’t always see the mistakes (those silly little oopsies) when you’re proofing or editing as you’re composing.

Between you and me, I find it best to proof and edit from a printed page. But that’s l’il ol’ me (I’m still kinda old-school). Some peeps do fine eyeballing documents on screen. Whatever works.

I’ve heard it said you should read your work out loud to “hear” the off bits. I’ve never done that once in my life. But if you’re new to proofing and editing, it might prove a worthwhile endeavor.

Feel free to use a spell checker, but bear in mind it won’t catch correctly spelled words that have been erroneously utilized. A simple example: “its” versus “it’s”.

There are also some fantastic on-line proofreaders. I hear Grammarly is one of the best and you can use certain components for free. If you plan to use one, do your due diligence and determine which is best for you.

Happy proofing!

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(Note: this was previously posted, but I’m forever living and learning—if you uses the “classic” version of a certain photo editor, pics don’t anchor.)

That Professional Email Touch by Reynalda-Fonne Werde

How come I get to be the “relief” blogger when the Boss is taking care of Mom and running errands? JJ’s the writer and narrator and Linda’s the freelance blogger. Me, I’m a part-time actress. Yeah, okay, so I pretty much only do commercials these days, but still. . . . Whatever. Here goes.

The Triple Threat Investigation Agency gals—us—do have a website and blog. JJ does a decent job of keeping both updated and looking good. But we want it to look real professional, with a special email address and all the bells and whistles.

As an FYI, it doesn’t matter what you’re selling. If you’re a writer, like the Boss, you still want to present an ace image. My “investigation”, also known as research (I am a private eye, after all), shows that a professional email address tends to build trust with clients. It suggests you’re for real, not a rip-off or con.

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To get one, you need to have your own domain, which we do, but we’ve been using a generic email address for some silly reason. I suppose it’s because we’ve focused so much on getting the agency up and running, and attracting clients through word-of-mouth and cold-calling, that we’ve never considered in-depth marketing or promotion.

I’m thinking these three email addresses would be perfect for getting people to take our business (and us) seriously:

JJ@TripleThreatInvestigations.com

Linda@TripleThreatInvestigations.com

Rey@TripleThreatInvestigations.com

First names are easier to recall, so I opted for that (like, who’d remember RFonne-Werde?). Seeing as we’re a small outfit, Info@TripleThreatInvestigations.com doesn’t seem necessary, but there’s no reason why you can’t use it, or “Sales” or “Accounts Payable”, or whatever else may prove strategic (Linda’s word).

Besides presenting a crackerjack “real deal” image, a professional email address links you to your website/blog. This makes it super easy for potential clients or customers to look you up. And one more plus is that your emails aren’t as likely to drop into spam.

I’m ending this “Part One” post with a note from the Boss: do your due diligence. Whatever. I say, check out on-line sites and prices re getting a domain name if you haven’t already got one, and see what steps are needed for that business email address. It’s pretty easy (even I can do it), but just make sure you’re going with someone legit.

That’s it for today. I may be back on the weekend. . . . You know? I could get to like writing posts. It’s not as much fun as playing a tangoing tomato or dancing drupe, but yeah, I get it.

Aloha!

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When the Post, Page and/or Mind Proves Blank

Literally.

. . . I’d touched upon this way back when but, you know, it never hurts to re-address an issue or snag. For those of you who are bloggers and writers, you’ve all experienced it—yup, the dreaded writer’s block.

The Free Dictionary (my personal fave) defines that annoying little impediment as “a usually temporary psychological inability to begin or continue work on a piece of writing”.

In truth, I’m not so sure if it’s this that I’m experiencing—it’s more like hmm, what do I really want to post about today? Blog promotion (something I desperately need to do)? Ads and selling (something I urgently need to do)? Attracting more followers (something I seriously need to do)? Ensuring the Triple Threat Investigation Agency gals don’t fall to the wayside (something I must continue to do)? Venting about my personal life, like the <bleeping> full-time job I wish I could ditch, because blogging and writing full-time would be a dream come true!? The possibilities are truly endless.

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If there’s an overabundance of ideas, it probably wouldn’t hurt to put them in a hat and pick one. It’d be like a game, a challenge: here’s the topic, now run with it! Yeah, I like that. Works for me. <LOL>

If there’s a big blank canvas where the old gray matter usually sits, then one or more of the following options are doable (a few quick ideas touched upon in past):

take a walk or go to the gym (both which I very much enjoy)
read a book or mag
be creative (draw or paint, knit or sew, or do something equally imaginative/productive)
pop into a corner coffee shop for a boost of caffeine and change of venue
call or email a friend; talk about where and why you’re stuck or exchange inventive ideas
listen to music
turn on the telly, but don’t get caught up in marathon viewing
jot down one-liner ideas/storylines (anything that pops to mind), and/or
write out a few of your favorite writer’s passages to get inspired.

So which one(s) am I going to do? Take a walk, even if it is bone-chilling cold outside (knew those on-sale boots would eventually prove useful). Finally pick up the latest Stephanie Plum from the to-read tray where, sadly, dust bunnies have morphed into bovines.

And if both fail, maybe I’ll just go smack my head against a wall (figuratively speaking, of course).

Happy writing, my friends.

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The Cover or A Cover-Up: Doing Indispensable Due Diligence

Continuing on the topic of book covers . . . as previously mentioned, you can employ a designer (spend a few dollar$) or do it gratis. Your choice.

In the last post, I’d commented upon one site that had caught my eye and that if it was as awesome as I thought it might be, I’d share. So return I did, with the intention of downloading constructive info and items to promote my next Triple Threat Investigation Agency novel, “Forever Poi”.

The first thing you see on the site is a variety of e-book cover templates. Pick whichever one you like and continue. Provide a little personal information and then select your cover image by uploading a file. You receive a mock-up in your Inbox. Easy-peasy. Love it.

And what’s not to love about (and get excited over) the loads of complimentary stuff like tips and templates, and even an impressive-sounding media kit? Everything appears to be—yes, can you spell it? F-r-e-e. Splendid! But how can this be!?

It can’t. <LMAO> After browsing a wee while and requesting one of the free items, I was swept into a vid requesting $$ (not a lot, not a little) to acquire additional “valuable” material. The actual download, once I managed to locate it (don’t ask), provided maybe one or two useful tips. Maybe.

If you’re seeking to do a no-cost cover, or in quest of free author/writer assistance, please do that due diligence I constantly refer to.

Yes, most definitely, you can get a free cover—and a truly awesome one at that—but first get to know who and what you’re dealing. Read reviews and appraisals. Check out sites thoroughly.

Be(come) informed. Learning doesn’t have to be a trial, so have some fun doing so. The site that promised so much, but delivered very little, certainly provided me with a few chuckles. <still LMAO>

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Do I or Don’t I . . . Create my Own Book Cover?

I believe we’re in agreement that people do judge books by their covers. A crappy one’s not going to catch a potential purchaser’s eye, much less make a sale—unless the name on it is recognizable and has a solid following.

A vibrant, eye-catching cover is a must. Do you pay someone to do it? A good cover designer doesn’t have to cost much; there are definitely some out there. You only need do your due diligence. Ask around. Get feedback.

Or maybe you do it yourself first, to get a feel for it—to acquire a creative [critical] eye, as it were—before you shell out a few $ to a professional.

. . . Or maybe you do it yourself, period. A lot have—and successfully. The cover for Odd Woman Out on Wattpad was designed by yours truly. It was super simple to do with Canva and, quite frankly, I really like it (that I’ve seen it on another novel is quite beside the point).

Go to a few book cover design sites—many are free—and nose around. Play a little. Create a cover for the fun of it or a current project. Design one that fits your genre and style. Tweak it until you get it “just right”.

Elements to consider re your cover:

format (do you go with conventional or do you customize?)
genre or subject matter
artwork and photos (stock items or your own, or a combination?)
font and text
layout, and
colors/filters.

The great thing about designing your own cover, particularly if you use “free” software, is that you can put the money you saved toward promotion and marketing/ads.

There are several amazing sites out there, too many to list in one post. Nor do I want it to appear that I’m endorsing one over the other. (There’s one, though, that caught my eye and I have to go back. If I’m as impressed as I believe I’ll be, I may share that one with you in another post.)

In the meanwhile, snoop around. Google “best e-book cover designers”, “free e-book covers”, “professional book covers”, and so forth. Sure, it will take time, but consider it a viable investment in your future [sales].

Judging a Book by Its Cover

“Forever Poi” should be completed in the New Year. Fingers crossed. So while I’m writing and rewriting—and huffing and puffing because I want to be there like yesterday—I’ve gotten the cover going. (Katrina Joyner as an FYI does all my art. She’s awesome, but that’s another post.)

So that brings me to this week’s Wednesday post: book covers. What makes for a winning one? Do you even need to have a good one (which can cost $$ if you’re not artistically inclined or aren’t sure who to hire or where to go)?

Let’s start with the obvious. Yes, you really do need a dynamic cover—it’s what draws a potential reader (buyer). A so-so/blah one isn’t going to convince someone your book is worth reading, much less purchasing . . . unless you have a name and following. A so-so/blah one might also give the impression that the content is, well, equally so. You don’t want to turn off the “shopper” before he/she even gets to the sample stage.

You’ve heard that expression: don’t judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, many do. Bear that in [serious] mind. Be professional—not only in your writing, but with the accompanying artwork.

Make sure your cover reflects your content. If your “product” is a cozy mystery, you probably don’t want sexpots pirouetting with leather whips. A vibrant appropriate cover will not only appeal to potential purchasers, but to those who might consider doing reviews or passing on recommendations.

Before you commit to making that cover “the” cover, get feedback. Friends and family are fine, but you might want to ask others in the industry. Join a supportive writing group like Facebook’s fantastic SPF Community. I’ve seen many an author post their cover and ask for opinions—and receive valuable feedback.

Lastly, have that cover display a bit of you / your voice. Think: branding.

Book cover software does have merit, so this weekend’s post will look at some “makers”. Until then, have an awesome creative rest of the week.

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