If you have a great idea for a book, here are a few tips to get started and make it a reality:
Keep a notebook handy.
This way, you can jot down ideas or words that you come across and would like to use at some point. Maybe you just need to get the idea down on paper and later will have time to think about how you want to use it?
Set aside some time each day to work on your book.
Maybe you’ll be able to write a paragraph a day, maybe you’ll be able to write a page or two a day – At the end of a year, you will have something to show for it.
Visit your local library to find resources for budding authors.
Do online research to find support for writers. And perhaps you can join a writer’s group to inspire and encourage you.
The point is to take action. You can make your book a reality, but it’s up to you to take the necessary steps to make it happen!
Need help? Check out our forum and articles at www.jexbo.com, look at these resources, or send me a note below:
http://guides.library.jhu.edu/publishing
http://www.writersdigest.com/GeneralMenu/
http://writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article/003932_03072007.html
Thanks, and if you have any questions about self-publishing and selling your books online, please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com.
How to Write a Great Headline
Have you ever been stumped about a headline and unsure what to write in order to draw attention to your piece?
I think every writer has gone through this at one time or another.
Well, after a little research, here are some headline-writing tips:
1. Practice.
Read articles that you find and then develop your own headlines for the articles. Try to write several headlines for each article with varying lengths.
2. Test Your Ideas.
Get a group of friends together and share your headlines with them. Which ones do they like? Which ones interest them or put them to sleep? Get their honest feedback and suggestions. Then, use these comments to improve your headline writing on a regular basis.
3. Keep a Word List.
Keep a list of descriptive words to inspire you, boost your creativity and help avoid writer’s block. Your list will help you find something to start with quickly. Also, have a thesaurus nearby to change words in the headline to see if one sounds better than another.
By practicing, testing various headlines on friends and keeping a word-list handy, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great headline that draws readers in and conveys exactly what you want to say!
Do you have questions about selling your self-published books? Drop me a line here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to help! Thanks!
I think every writer has gone through this at one time or another.
Well, after a little research, here are some headline-writing tips:
1. Practice.
Read articles that you find and then develop your own headlines for the articles. Try to write several headlines for each article with varying lengths.
2. Test Your Ideas.
Get a group of friends together and share your headlines with them. Which ones do they like? Which ones interest them or put them to sleep? Get their honest feedback and suggestions. Then, use these comments to improve your headline writing on a regular basis.
3. Keep a Word List.
Keep a list of descriptive words to inspire you, boost your creativity and help avoid writer’s block. Your list will help you find something to start with quickly. Also, have a thesaurus nearby to change words in the headline to see if one sounds better than another.
By practicing, testing various headlines on friends and keeping a word-list handy, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great headline that draws readers in and conveys exactly what you want to say!
Do you have questions about selling your self-published books? Drop me a line here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I'd love to help! Thanks!
Are you waiting for your big writing break?
If you are finished with your masterpiece and waiting for your big writing break, there are a few things you can do to advance your writing skills and get noticed while you wait:
· Enter writing contests.
Not only will you have a chance to win a prize, but you’ll get to re-work ideas from the responses you’re getting with your entry.
· Do some pro bono writing.
This will help you get your writing seen. For instance, write something for a neighborhood or civic newspaper. Who knows? Your article may be picked up by a paper that will pay for it. Or, your piece may be read by someone who likes your writing style and hires you for other projects.
· Find part-time work.
If you are not already doing so, try to find a job that helps you make money while giving you time to work on your writing skills. Maybe a special night or morning shift will work with your schedule? Or, maybe you can teach a writing class at an adult education program?
Here are a few sites that can help you:
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.elance.com
Let’s face it. There is a lot of competition out there for writers, and you may be waiting a long time to hear back from a big publisher.
Instead of wasting time and getting discouraged, continue to work on your writing skills and offer free articles. You may just get your big break when you least expect it!
For free information, tips and help selling your self-published works, please feel free to contact me below or visit www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
· Enter writing contests.
Not only will you have a chance to win a prize, but you’ll get to re-work ideas from the responses you’re getting with your entry.
· Do some pro bono writing.
This will help you get your writing seen. For instance, write something for a neighborhood or civic newspaper. Who knows? Your article may be picked up by a paper that will pay for it. Or, your piece may be read by someone who likes your writing style and hires you for other projects.
· Find part-time work.
If you are not already doing so, try to find a job that helps you make money while giving you time to work on your writing skills. Maybe a special night or morning shift will work with your schedule? Or, maybe you can teach a writing class at an adult education program?
Here are a few sites that can help you:
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.elance.com
Let’s face it. There is a lot of competition out there for writers, and you may be waiting a long time to hear back from a big publisher.
Instead of wasting time and getting discouraged, continue to work on your writing skills and offer free articles. You may just get your big break when you least expect it!
For free information, tips and help selling your self-published works, please feel free to contact me below or visit www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
Time Management Tips for Authors
Many of us write in our spare time with hopes of becoming full-time writers in the future. If you are like me, you are juggling family, work, friends, and other life activities.
Instead of putting your writing off, try to schedule time each day to practice your skills. Although it sounds obvious, find the time you work best, and use that to your advantage – if you prefer to write early in the morning, go to bed a little earlier than usual and set the alarm. If you are a night owl, do household chores before you write so you are able to focus and not worry about unfinished activities.
Also, it helps to prioritize your work. If there is something that must be done, do it so it isn’t hanging over your head. And work as far ahead of schedule as you can because you never know what will come up.
Another idea is to delegate household chores when possible. Even young children can set the table or sort laundry. And if you need an energy boost, try fitting some exercise into your schedule. For instance, write for 45 minutes. Then, take a 15-minute break to walk around the block.
With a little planning, and a few changes in your schedule, you’ll find the time you need to pursue your writing passions!
Helpful, time-management resources:
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/5time.html
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_948_manage-time.html
Need help selling your self-published book? Please send your comments and questions to me below or at www.jexbo.com. I’d be glad to help!
Instead of putting your writing off, try to schedule time each day to practice your skills. Although it sounds obvious, find the time you work best, and use that to your advantage – if you prefer to write early in the morning, go to bed a little earlier than usual and set the alarm. If you are a night owl, do household chores before you write so you are able to focus and not worry about unfinished activities.
Also, it helps to prioritize your work. If there is something that must be done, do it so it isn’t hanging over your head. And work as far ahead of schedule as you can because you never know what will come up.
Another idea is to delegate household chores when possible. Even young children can set the table or sort laundry. And if you need an energy boost, try fitting some exercise into your schedule. For instance, write for 45 minutes. Then, take a 15-minute break to walk around the block.
With a little planning, and a few changes in your schedule, you’ll find the time you need to pursue your writing passions!
Helpful, time-management resources:
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/5time.html
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_948_manage-time.html
Need help selling your self-published book? Please send your comments and questions to me below or at www.jexbo.com. I’d be glad to help!
How to Keep Your Children Busy on a Rainy or Snowy Day
If the rain or snow is keeping your children inside, here are some tips from one working mother to another:
· Keep a “prize bag” stashed in a closet that you fill with things picked up at discount stores or garage sales. When the kids run out of things to do, have them choose a prize to play with.
· Save ads from toy stores, and on rainy days, sit them down with markers and have them circle things they like and cross out things they don’t like. This way you also have ideas of what to get them for presents throughout the year.
· Go for a walk no matter what the weather offers – the kids will love it.
· Collect rocks and on rainy days have the kids draw faces on them. As funny as this may sound, it’s a favorite activity for my son and his friends.
By preparing a list of activities for your children in advance and being a little creative, you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. Instead, you’ll have fun and make memories with your children.
For additional tips and activities, here are some sites I found that may help:
http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/genres/26/kids.html?afcode=af3189dbeebd&src=bfg12y09eng1chil&sem=usgoogl1chil&kw=children's%20games&adid=2430445162&gclid=COCK4NWssZgCFShRagodC3soVA
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/
And if you have questions about working at home as a Mom, or your self-published book, just let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
· Keep a “prize bag” stashed in a closet that you fill with things picked up at discount stores or garage sales. When the kids run out of things to do, have them choose a prize to play with.
· Save ads from toy stores, and on rainy days, sit them down with markers and have them circle things they like and cross out things they don’t like. This way you also have ideas of what to get them for presents throughout the year.
· Go for a walk no matter what the weather offers – the kids will love it.
· Collect rocks and on rainy days have the kids draw faces on them. As funny as this may sound, it’s a favorite activity for my son and his friends.
By preparing a list of activities for your children in advance and being a little creative, you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. Instead, you’ll have fun and make memories with your children.
For additional tips and activities, here are some sites I found that may help:
http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/genres/26/kids.html?afcode=af3189dbeebd&src=bfg12y09eng1chil&sem=usgoogl1chil&kw=children's%20games&adid=2430445162&gclid=COCK4NWssZgCFShRagodC3soVA
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/
And if you have questions about working at home as a Mom, or your self-published book, just let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
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