Extras for Writers
CAREER ADVICE FROM PATRICIA
In March 2020, just before the pandemic was starting to shut down gatherings, I was a panelist at the Self Publishing Show Live conference in London. It’s an offshoot of the Self-Publishing Formula, co-founded by indie bestseller Mark Dawson and broadcaster-turned-author James Blatch. That invitation led to a guest appearance in September 2021 on their online Self-Publishing Show in which I talk about my non-traditional career, both in my journey from journalist to traditional author to hybrid to becoming a fully independent author/publisher. And my “discovery writing” style that’s also known as “pantsing” (as opposed to plotting).
Here’s just a few topics we covered: Learning to write characters that readers care about; starting a book by eavesdropping on characters in conversation; discovery writing in the extreme; and what new writers should focus on.
* * *
In July 2020, I joined Jami Albright and Sara Rosett on their Wish I’d Known Then . . .For Writers podcast to discuss the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing, how I write my books without outlining, and my tips for BookBub ads. (Look for episodes with both Jami and Sara on my Authors Love Readers podcast later that year!)
In the podcast episode, you’ll discover:
* How I learned to trust myself and my writing process instead of trying to write like you’re “supposed to”
* Why learning that we are not our audience is essential to marketing
* Advice on how to get rights back from traditional publishers
* Myths around traditional publishing
* Why it’s key to find readers who are looking for new authors
***
I was a guest on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, discussing discovery writing (a.k.a. pantsing), how write a novel with structure if you don’t plot in advance, and building a writing career for the long-term. Many thanks to Joanna for inviting me, I loved our chat!
RESOURCES
Fellow author and buddy Laura Resnick’s resource page for writers is fantastic. Instead of duplicating what she’s put together, I’m sharing it with you.
But if it’s a little too complete for you to start, here’s my streamlined approach – aimed at indie publishing, because that’s what I know now — with my recommended go-to resources:
AT THE BEGINNING…
Joanna Penn/The Creative Penn:
Start with her free Author 2.0 Blueprint. Then explore the archives of her podcast.
David Gaughran:
Start on his website
- Let’s Get Digital – book that will get you through the process of getting a book up
- Let’s Get Visible – book that gives you a good grounding in marketing
TAMING THE BASICS
The Elements of Style (Fourth Edition)
by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White
Websters New World College Dictionary (Fourth Edition)
(includes rules of punctuation)
Paul Brians
Emeritus Professor of English, Washington State University
- Common Errors in English
(best compilation I’ve found online) - Helpful Hints for Writing Class Papers
Associated Press Stylebook
Can buy print book or Online subscription (but can see Ask the Editor for free)
Chicago Manual of Style
(Not my personal favorite, but widely used)
How to Dig Like a Journalist (article)
CRAFT CONSIDERATIONS…
My very favorite writing book is actually a script-fixing book – Making a Good Script Great, by Linda Seger.
Authors who are also good teachers:
AS YOU CONSIDER THE BIZ….
- Writer Beware – there are lots of people trying to take advantage of authors, so be careful out there
WHEN YOU’RE BETTER ESTABLISHED…
- Novelists, Inc. – for multipublished authors of popular fiction; membership requirements
- BookBub – the marketers share insights and tips on their blog
NOTE: The links to books are Amazon affiliate links (if you click my link and buy, I’ll get a tiny payment.) These books are also available on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and most other ebook retailers.
