What Cooking Has Taught me About Writing...

Eager to impress and please my guests for a back yard party, a few weeks ago, I tried a new recipe.
As is characteristic of my Zodiac sign ( a water sign)--we love to nurture and cater to family and friends.

For some reason, I'm also a big "foodie" who finds the act of watching cooking shows very relaxing.
Name a cooking show or chef, and it's likely that it's on my weekly viewing list: from Simply Ming, to Katie Brown, to old reruns of Julia Child.

Anyhow, I digress here...
So, as I was saying--the recipe called for a spice that I had never used before.
It's called Cumin (pronounced "Q-MIN").

Short on time, and long on tasks on my "to do" list, I decided to just leave it out.
What difference could one small ingredient I had never even heard of make, right?
Well...not necessarily.
Though the dish (Black bean and corn salad) was still pleasing to some folks' palate, a few days ago, I  actually found some of the missing ingredient and bought it at my local grocer.
And I taste tested it.
The verdict?
The flavor would have certainly enhanced my recipe had I chosen not to leave it out.

I find that writing is kind of that way too.
Before we decide to take shortcuts or break certain rules to fit our fancy, it's important to know what purpose they serve, and how we can produce an equally pleasurable experience for our readers, if we deviate from time honored traditions and logistics. 

Here are a few other lessons learned as a result of watching recent episodes of Master Chef and Hell's Kitchen:

• You can't rush the process, if you want to produce quality results. If a recipe calls for something to be baked at 250 degrees for 2 hours, don't try to reduce the time by placing it in the oven for 1 hour at 500 degrees.  Can you say "Cajun"? :-)
•  Don't try anything new or elaborate on a tight deadline. Whether it's for a party, or to impress an editor. Experiment on your own time.
• Don't "stir the pot." In other words, don't engage in online "word wars" or belittle others through blog rants. You're likely to "get burned" in the process. 
• If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen! Hell's Kitchen Master Chef, Gordon Ramsay, is insanely wicked when it comes to critiques of contestants.He makes comedian Andrew Dice Clay sound like a Boy Scout comparatively. (Hence the name, “Hell’s Kitchen”.)  The point here? Sometimes rejection letters, commentary provided by editors, and even general blog comments by readers, can be brutal and unfair.
  Don’t let it permanently burn you. It comes with the territory. Apply what you can. Pass on leftovers.
• Don’t discount expert experience. In order to teach others, you must be willing to learn.
  Generally speaking, experts in any field, are designated experts for a reason.
  They’ve done their homework. They’ve traveled where you’re trying to go.
  They know some things that you don’t. Hello?
  Each show, I’m amazed at how resistant some folks are to the advice of their mentors.
  Though confidence is an admirable trait, confidence should never come before competence.
  It doesn’t even in the dictionary.

So, if you don't want your ideas and creative pieces to come across as "half baked" observe these timely lessons from the kitchen.


Thoughts? Agree or disagree?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Friday's Free Speak * Is it possible to be "Overly" Promotional in our Marketing Efforts?

"Moderation in all things."

The experts tell us that in order to build a platform, create a buzz about our books, and have our blogs read out of the gazillion choices that confront online readers daily, we must promote. And promote. And promote.

So we "Tweet" our peeps. We spend hours and hours on Facebook engaging in "face time".
We do email blasts to anybody and everybody, (and their momma) who has connected with us through emails within the last decade.

We toot our horns, wag our tails, and shout it from the rafters: read me. Choose me. Follow me.
Link to me. Look at me.

But does it ever seem to be ...well, a bit much?
Have you ever grown tired of folks who constantly bombard you with emails and links to all their success stories, guest posts, and items for purchase.

Well, to tell you the truth, I have. :-)
Heck, sometimes I've probably BEEN that person. :-)

How about you?
Don't get me wrong here; I'm stoked to hear about other writers who have sold a story, garnered an agent, won a contest, or written a book.
Who can appreciate the effort and sacrifice that this requires better than another writer? Hello?

But sometimes in all this connection, there's no real connection. No meaningful exchange.
Things seem fast, forced, and frantic.

Is there a better way?

Not to mention, I've had situations when I've worked with guest posts from other writers,  (in providing their accompanying Bios), whereby this section had a higher word count than their actual submission.
"T.M.I."

Which begs the question...Should there be limits or boundaries to our promotional efforts?
When is too much?

How do you "get known" without getting obnoxious?
What standards or guidelines do you apply, if any?

Do tell. :-)


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net 

National Small Business Week Celebrates Today's Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

This week officially marks National Small Business Week.
Were you aware?

NSBW is a week dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the valuable contributions of U.S. entrepreneurs and small business owners.

And if you're providing your writing and creative services as a "professional" (and for monetary gains), you would fall into this category.

According to the Small Business Association, over 50% of Americans either work for, or operate a small business.
And accordingly, there's no better time to share my good news, and an important resource for scribes of varying levels.

Some time ago, I was contacted by E-Junkie, (a popular online site dedicated to technology,
E-commerce and self-publishing), seeking my participation in an Ebook for individuals who want to launch an online business successfully.

It's called "Starting an Online Business from Scratch."

 



The title, however, is a bit of a misnomer.
As I was perusing through it, I was able to glean quality information and strategies that would definitely benefit business owners of all levels. And you will too.

You'll find insider's tips from 11 savvy entrepreneurs, divided into 4 major categories:

• IDEAS
• FINANCE
• PLATFORM
• PROMOTION 

And here's the bonus: it's free!
With only 6 months left to achieve those resolutions we all started out with, this week would be a great time to revisit our goals, revise them accordingly, and apply some of the great information found between these pages, to optimize our success in 2013.

I hope you're on board! :-)

Thoughts?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Pen and Prosper Honors Father's Day

It's been a busy week, peeps.
Backyard work, basement work, client work, prep for my annual "Poetry on 'da Patio" and birthday celebration.
But, I wanted to take time in the midst of the madness to touch base, and reflect upon and honor tomorrow--Father's Day.

No one can dispute that they are the backbones of strong families and solid communities.
Boys learn how to be men at their hands. While daughters learn how to love through their example.

No matter how "mature" we become, we never outgrow their influence or the need for their support.

Even music icon Luther Vandross devoted a beautiful tribute to his father in the song "Dance with my father." (If you have an opportunity to listen to it through YouTube or other avenue, you'll discover why it was a big hit for him as well). Simply lovely.

So, for all the fathers out there who are among my readership, for your father and mine, for the young and the old, and for those who have ended this life's journey, I send this heartfelt thanks and love.


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY...ONE AND ALL.


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Motivation Monday! Quotes to Empower and Inspire-to get you through the week...

The Carpenters once lamented in a popular song, "rainy days and Mondays always get me down."
Is this true for you too?
So many folks dread Monday because it marks the beginning of a work week or a laborious "to-do" list.

But even pastor Joel Osteen allows us to know that things don't have to be this way in his best selling book, "Everyday a Friday."

As a matter fact, it's a rainy day in my neck of the woods. But, I'm determined not to let it damper my spirits. And neither should you.

You can have a perfectly lovely Monday---one that is productive, peaceful, and progressive by having the "write" thoughts and a "can-do" attitude.

With this as our goal, here are a few motivational quotes to move you forward and place you on solid footing:

"Everyone must row with the oars he has."---English Proverb

 

"Success follows doing what you want to do. There is no other way to be successful."

---Malcolm Forbes

 

"He knows not his own strength that hath not met adversity."---Ben Jonson

 

"I have no romantic feelings about age. Either you are interesting at any age, or you are not."---Katherine Hepburn

" I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve."---Baron De
Montesquieu

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."---Eleanor Roosevelt

 

"Diligence is the mother of good luck."---Benjamin Franklin

 

"A writer is unfair to himself when he is unable to be hard on himself."---Marianne Moore

 

 

 

How about you?

How do you feel about Mondays? Energized or otherwise?

How does it figure in to your writing regimen?

Do tell.

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net



10 Ways to Promote Your Book on a Dime!

Like it or not, selling is a big part of your role as a writer. No matter how great your product, or how passionate you are about what you‘ve created, it will not reach its full potential unless you get in gear and get the word out!

(“Don’t it make your brown eyes blue? :-)”)

 

The good news is that you don‘t have to be pushy or possess a sales background to be effective.

Just think smart!　 

Here are 10 creative ways to boost your exposure, save money, and work smarter, not harder .

  

Take advantage of the many free online book listings for writer. www.bookhitch.com for example, will feature your book on its site for no cost, allowing you to potentially market to thousands of readers.
 

 Send a 4-1-1 to your Alma Mater.

Many colleges have alumni newsletters to publicize the success stories of its graduates. Yours could be the next one!

 Use online brag boards.

Several Ezines have sections devoted to "good news" and success stories for writers. Why not capitalize on it? Two popular ones are www.writergazette.com and www.thedabblingmum.com.
Or Google "writer's brag board".

 

Write articles for online article directories.

Make sure to include your recent book titles in your bio and/or blurb. www.ezine.com is a great avenue for writers wishing to establish their expertise.

Submit your book to reviewers for a write up.

 And get free publicity in the process. 

 

 Alert the media!

Write a one page, engaging press release and submit it to your neighborhood newspapers. You‘ll be considered a local hero! 

 

  Throw a book launch party! 

They're the rage! Book launch parties are a great way to connect with multiple buyers and celebrate your publishing success with friends and family. You can conduct one in the privacy of your own home, or at a local gathering spot. Give it a theme. Send out cute invitations that also mirror the theme of your book. Have close friends to donate a dish. And on this gala celebration, don‘t forget the cheese and wine. 

 

 Make it a family affair.  

Enlist the help of your spouse and/or kids in helping to promote the book amongst their inner circle. After all, your success is their success. 

 

 Send release notices and order forms to all the folks in your address book. 

Offer a discount, or free shipping and handling as an incentive to buy. Make the deal for a limited time only-- so they‘ll act now. 

 

Toot your own horn.

Chat people up while in the doctor‘s office, waiting in line at the grocers, or at the local P.T.A. meeting. And always keep copies of your masterpiece on hand. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth in creating a buzz.


And here's a bonus option to consider: many writers are now participating in "virtual tours" which allows them to line up several sites to do guest posts, interviews and give-aways within a month's "scheduled stops" at targeted high traffic blogs. (I've hosted a few at Pen and Prosper that served as a win/win situation.)

As publishing dollars shrink, today's author has to expand his marketing efforts and assume more responsibility for his own "bottom line." 
Don't let that discourage you.
As they say, "Anything worth having is worth working for." Right?


Thoughts? Ever have success with any of these methods?


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net
 

 
　 
 
　 


 
 
 

 

 

"Just Ask Jen"- Your Readers' Questions Answered...

Janette Dolores

I am pleased that in the four years of writing and publishing this blog, I have garnered a pretty diverse, dynamic following. According to Google Analytics, my emails and feedback from others, readers range from stay at home moms in Michigan, to experts with PhD. degrees.
Some Pen and Prosper followers have never had their works published before, while others are noted authors with successful careers in the industry.

As such, there are different levels, guidance needs, and goals represented here. Though I do my best to address an array of topics and themes, perhaps there is still something that has you scratching your head about the creative process, things that require greater clarity.

 

Whether you're trying to break through a "blog fog," need tips to manage your time better, or seek to earn more pay for your say, please take this opportunity to pose a question.

 

In keeping with this blog's mission to help you "know more and grow more" today's question comes from my blogging buddy, Janette.

 

Can you help?

 

She writes:

"I'd be interested in hearing more about your take on query letters. I think I read an older post of yours discussing your take on query letters, but this may have been two or three years ago so I don't recall exactly what it said. ? Not sure if memory serves me on that one. I'll search through your older blog posts now, but look forward to any future blog posts on the subject!"

My take on this topic:
Queries pose a quandary for writers of all levels and genres. Experts contend that in order for writers to get the green light to get their works published, they must perfect the "sacred" query letter. Not so. Not always.

For me, my approach has always been about time management and getting the biggest "bang" for my writing and blogging efforts. In my vast career as a writer, I have had to deal with many challenges, in terms of time and resources. In former years, for example, I maintained a writing career while working full time during the day and going to college at night. Not to mention other personal demands.

Also, adding to the equation was the fact that I was a "late bloomer." I didn't start out on the writing path til' later in life, with several detours.
I had stressful careers that although I was successful in, did not speak to my true passion and my personality. Perhaps you can relate.

So, if I may, let me break this down like a fraction reduced to its simplest terms:

Consider the purpose of a query letter.
The goal here is simply to get an editor's permission to submit your work for consideration. That's it in a nutshell. It's not a magic pill.

If your query is well written, you still could be rejected because of the following:

•    The idea has been covered recently, or is in the process of being covered.
• Though your writing is good, the editor doesn't like your take on the subject.
• Your idea is not a good match for the publication.
• Your clips are not impressive enough.

Now let's look at the time factor...

You spend an hour or two crafting your query.
You send it to an editor.
It takes from 2-6 weeks for the editor to evaluate it and get back to you.
The editor approves it, with the okay to send in the completed piece.
You write the piece and send it in.
You wait for the editor to review it and decide whether or not it meets his needs. Sometimes another 2-6 weeks will be added to the process.
She ultimately rejects your work.
You start the process over...Oy vey!

There's a better way.

Consider this: by the time you've done this checklist, I've likely written a piece, been paid, and am looking for reprint markets. Hello? :-)

Because instead of mastering the craft of queries, I've mastered the craft of being strategic.
Here's how:

1. I study writers' guidelines with a fine-tooth comb.
2. I search through archives like I'm on a scavenger hunt.
3. I pay attention to the percentage of freelance submissions that a publication typically purchases to assess my odds for success. (Writers Market is great for this information).
4. I produce quality work with unique slants, and an understanding of the publication's target audience and objectives.
5. I strive to be easy to work with. "Divas" need not apply.

And so far, I've fared pretty well, folks. With about 700 published pieces, I think I may have submitted maybe two or three queries in my entire career.

Note: For the big "glossies" you will need to query first as a matter of protocol.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' with it. :-)
My motto: Don't query, be happy!

Thanks, Janette.

Your turn.
Comments? What would you like to have me address on writing and blogging?
"Speak now, or forever hold your peace." :-)

 

 

 

I Hope You'll Join me for More to Explore, As Pen and Prosper Makes 4!

 

"I'm so happy to be stuck with you."---Huey Lewis

With today's posting, lovely readers, Pen and Prosper makes four! Yep, four years of being a part of the blogging community.
Four years of hard work, laughter, and learning.

And I am geeked! Matter of fact, the last time I was this excited, I could fit into my
"skinny jeans!" :-) Remember those days?

What a joy to have you here as I celebrate a new year of  sharing the trials, tribulations, lessons, blessings, and "ah-ha" moments of the writing life.

I value your time, readership, feedback and loyal support.
Where would any blogger be without a "fan base" and an audience to bounce things off?
Not to mention, to share periodic frustrations. Hello?

Statistics show that most new businesses fail within the first few years of operation.
A similar concept prevails with blogging.
Raise your hand if you've ever thought of quitting blogging since you started?
Well, I have. :-)

But I'm glad I stuck it out. Because here we are. Still diggin' each other.
Still standing. Still engaging. Still learning. Still laughing. Still loving.
Not bad.

I don't want to get too sentimental or sappy here, but this is just to say I look forward to exploring more in year four, and I am so honored for the experience.

In June, look for more fun posts, Q& A interviews, guests, give-aways, and maybe a contest or two.
You game?

Please share your thoughts, by way of comments, as it is always a pleasure to connect with you and find out what's on your mind.
Additionally, it helps me to determine the direction of this blog, and the types of topics to address.

Well, good folks, yard work calls...and I've got a party to plan.

I look forward to seeing you again next week. :-)

Smooches,

Jen


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net