Memoir Writing: The Inside Story of - Part I

According to Writer’s Digest July/August 2010 issue, there is a viable market for Memoir writing. However, Literary Agents do not want to read another story about “lovely you”. They want the same page turning suspense and interest compelling fiction has. Literary Agent Byrd Leavell of Waxman Literary Agency asks “Why would John Q. Bookbrowser spend $25 and commit hours of his life reading about you? Answer that question and your golden.”

One thing Memoir writing has in common with fiction and non-fiction is the Query letter or Book proposal. Do your homework and pay special attention to guidelines. Some agents want proposals while some want queries.

A Few Key Points about Memoirs

• Distinguish Hook from Theme
• Know where your book fits
• Break your story into Key pieces
• Never underestimate the power of the smallest memory

Below is an opening/introduction draft to my memoir. Does it peak your interest or does it leave you looking for something else? Any thoughts?

It was August in L.A. 1962 and Billy Graham’s crusade was at the Coliseum. Here was my chance to challenge…. no….dare God to save me. I took a taxi from the all-girl boarding house I had moved into a few weeks earlier. As the majority of the crowd squeezed for seats near the stage, I climbed the molded concrete stairs to the nose bleed section to smoke. Truth was I didn’t want to make it easy for God to find me and I did not want to get too close to the power of the Word. The top row was my fig leaf. Besides if God was there He would reach me no matter how high I sat. 

I defied Reverend Graham’s words to touch me with Truth. The invitation was given; I lit another cigarette. “Sinner, come home”, Beverly Shea sang. I watched hundreds move forward toward the stage. God made it to L.A. that August but I didn’t leave with Him. I turned aside, squashed my cigarette onto the stadium steps and with a military toe heel turn I entered the wide gate to destruction.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13


Come back Wednesday for Part II – Memoir Writing - Don’t Gloss Over the Tough Stuff.

Truth is Stranger than Fiction,
Carma

Start the Day The Morning Nudge Way

Every writer needs a little prompting at one time or another. In today’s hectic lifestyle multi-tasking has become the norm. Yet studies have shown it isn’t possible to perform a slew of tasks at the same time without confusion setting in. Our brains get used to jumping around and are not able to focus for any quality of time. Instead they switch back and forth over and over and over. I’m dizzy already.

Also productivity is significantly decreased for writers when the brain does not stay focused on one task long enough. Each writer needs time to daydream as they figure out plots and writing scenes with dialogue. Non fiction writers need time to focus on research and continuity.

When you subscribe to The Morning Nudge you will receive daily tips loaded with motivation to get a little writing done each day. Watch the video and see for your self.



I have been receiving The Morning Nudge for several years now and I am always happy with the volume of information Suzanne Lieurance offers her Morning Nudge Club members. As a member of The Morning Nudge club you will have many opportunities to enroll in workshops, teleseminars and network with other professional writers like yourself.

In addition, Suzanne Lieurance offers a wide variety of writing Ecourses and guest teachers that you cannot get anywhere else for the price. Go to the Morning Nudge Link and see for your self.

Writing requires a clear mind.

Carma

Five Essential Tips for Beginning Writers

“If a story is in you it has to come out.”
William Faulkner


1. Establish Your Writing Time

This is the most obvious because to improve your writing skill you must write on a regular basis. Writing on a regular basis is the best way for a beginning writer to learn the craft. Yes, you can take classes and read books, and you should, but there is no substitute for action. Your writing frequency is critical for success. Be consistent with your time.

2. Avoid Distractions

My advice…..Turn Off Your Email. Turning off the sound won’t keep you from clicking the tab; that is why you need to close it completely. Turn off your phone, and use earplugs to block other unexpected sounds during your writing time. Also clear your desk. Don’t leave folders and other to do lists lying around during your writing time. We all have the wandering eye.

3. Create a Log

Keep track of your word count so you can track your progress. If you journal, add the word count to your personal journal each day. This is a two-for-one action that will give you a permanent record of ideas, plots, characters and overall progression of your project.

4. Become an Idea Monster

Ideas come when you least expect them. You may receive your most brilliant idea when you are in the shower. Keep a note pad in every room in the house. Think about your project, when you are doing things like cleaning house, exercising, or grocery shopping. Your sub conscious is always working and looking for the idea you commanded it to look for. I like spiral 3 x 5 ruled index cards in counts of 50. they fit neatly in your purse or pocket and are easily retrieved when you have that AHA! Minute.

5. Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite

Arghhhh! This is more important than establishing a daily writing schedule. Think about this. No one gets it right the first time. Do you think Stephen King wrote one draft of Pet Cemetery? Don’t try to develop this habit immediately. Develop your writing habit first and the rewrite habit will follow effortlessly. I don’t mean rewrites are easy, I mean the habit will follow naturally.

There are tons of writing resources out there. You may want to check out Stephen King’s On Writing and William Zinsser’s classic guide to writing nonfiction – On Writing Well. You might also enjoy reading about habits of successful authors like Tom Robbins, Norman Mailer and more as written by Alan Rinzler on The Book Deal blog.


It's all at your fingertips,

Carma

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

Remember that 1980’s old TV program Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? My kids were hooked but I thought it was a dumb title. This was long before SEO, keywords and web content. TV writers had it right. They understood who their target audience was. Come up with a unique title people will remember and they will keep coming back. Marketing professionals have been using SEO practices long before the web site entangled our lives.

Mystery surrounds SEO. We are told we MUST use it or we will be shunned from the web forever! How do you get it? Buy the latest EBook and you will be living high on easy street in a month. Don’t ask questions, just click here and pay.

Do not buy information mindlessly. Use your writer skills and research your subject. Although you may buy a few EBooks here and there, buying the latest one because it is the latest one is not the secret.

Good Content is the secret!

This is what blogging and websites are all about. Content! Good Content! Every writer’s purpose is to produce……Good content. Non-fiction, fiction, romance, science, fantasy, mystery all must have good content. You know….the good stuff. Words that will bring you back again and again.

When you enter keywords into a search engine you expect to get relevant information back and not 10 pages of advertising links. Do not fall for offers promoting use of unusual domain names and tricks like keyword hi-jacking. Keep writing on a daily basis and your words will speak for themselves.

FREE SEARCH LINKS

There are all kinds of F.R.E.E sights like http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com

http://www.goodkeywords.com and of course the most recognizable keyword search engine http://www.google.com 

Guess what? Do what comes naturally. Write in your natural voice. Use words customers use for your product or service. Think of words YOU use when searching for info. There is nothing fancy about that. I am not saying ignore SEO processes because the right words are the key to your business. Use the internet for what it was intended. The Free Informational Highway.

She Believed She Could, So She Did,
Carma
Visit my website Carma's Word

Six Reasons to Hire a Professional Web Content Writer

Are you new to the blogging world? Your on line words reflect your professionalism or lack of it. Carma’s Word researches what will work best to get you noticed. Sometimes all you need is a good editor. I will fill that need for you and give pizzazz and depth to your letters, resumes, articles and books.


SIX REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WEB CONTENT WRITER

1. Your communication skills are cloudy.
2. You don’t like to write.
3. You want to expand your customer base.
4. You want to jump on the global bandwagon.
5. Your old web content is in need of an overhaul.
6. You want to make a good first impression.

SEVEN REASONS TO HIRE CARMA’S WORD WRITING SERVICES

1. When you don’t have time to write – I do.
2. Use your ideas and thoughts to communicate effectively.
3. Compose your web content to read friendly and personal.
4. Help you develop relationships with your customers through contact information.
5. Keep your site free of hype and easy for readers to grab hold of.
6. Increase your visibility for search engines.
7. Keep readers and clients interested and informed.

For details on rates and fees for all writing and copywriting services; please contact me directly at carmasword@gmail.com

Also scroll down the side bar and click on my Ezine article connection. you can read samples of my writing on Ezine Articles.com

Make More Money in 2010 Than Ever Before!

If you expect to Write MORE, SELL MORE and MAKE MORE than Ever Before in 2010 you will need to set goals, have a marketing plan and a writing coach.

Writing Coach Suzanne Lieurance will help you create three major writing goals for the year which will take your writing to a higher level than before. Also, she will teach you HOW to create a weekly marketing plan so you can focus on your writing career and how to get rid of distractions.

Each morning you will also receive the Morning Nudge, Suzanne's daily inspirational message to help grow your career with writing tips to help you get a little writing done every day. In addition Suzanne will show you how to find freelance jobs tailored just for you.

As a member of Suzanne Lieurance's coaching program you will have access to all sorts of professional tools and resources for writers including live and recorded teleclasses, special report templates,  and the opportunity to network with other professionals. In addition you will get personal coaching from Suzanne when you need it.

Are you having trouble writing winning queries and cover letters to land those top writing jobs? You can listen to Suzanne's recorded seminars about queries and cover letters then submit them to Suzanne for her professional review before you send them out to editors.

There is more! As a member of Suzanne's Write More, Sell More, Make More Money than Ever coaching program will give you the support advice and tips you need so you will know exactly what to do and when to do it. Register now to receive a welcome packet via email with instructions to get started immediately. Don't let another day go buy without a clear direction for your writing and writing career.

You will not be able to get a better value for your money anywhere else. 

Keep your pencil sharpened,
Carma

Interview with Sarah Sundin - Author

A Distant Melody is Sarah's debut novel and first in the Wings of Glory series that chronicles the lives and loves of the three Novak brothers during WW II. If you missed my review it is on Amazon.com and here.

Now let me introduce you to Sarah Sundin.

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to answer a few questions.

1. Who or what has influenced you the most in your career?

That’s to be a group effort! I’ve been taught, influenced, and encouraged by my critique group (Diablo Valley Christian Writers), the faculty at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and the membership of American Christian Fiction Writers. I told my editor I needed an acknowledgments novel, not an acknowledgments page!

2. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Teaching is my primary spiritual gift, and one I enjoy practicing. I love it when the Lord puts words in my mouth and I see the light of understanding in someone’s eyes. Currently I teach Sunday school for fourth- and fifth-graders, and women’s Bible studies. Someday I hope to teach about writing as well.

3. It is interesting to note you are a hospital pharmacist. Many people might think a pharmacist would write books with a medical slant. What motivated you to write in your current genre of historical romantic fiction?

Hmm, the world’s first pharmacy thriller… “Run, everyone, it’s an…an…I can’t bear to say it…an expired tablet!!!” No, people choose pharmacy because it’s quiet and sterile.

I chose historical romantic fiction because that’s what the story required. However, I have put my pharmacy education to use. My characters keep ending up in the hospital (I’m so mean), so I have to treat them. And in the second book in the series, the heroine is a nurse.

4. A Distant Melody is the first in a series of three. What was your inspiration for a WWII love story?

It came out of a “what if” question—what if a man and woman met at an event, truly clicked, and parted before exchanging contact info? Wouldn’t it be romantic if he went through great effort to track her down? It wouldn’t work in a contemporary setting—he’d “Google” her—but it made a sweet premise for a historical. My husband and I watched a History Channel special on the US Eighth Air Force based in England which flew over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, and I had my link. My great-uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot with the Eighth, so I had access to family stories plus his personal letters.

5. What or who was the inspiration in creating Allie and the Novak brothers?

I visited a particularly gorgeous friend after her daughter was born. The first words I heard the mom say were, “Thank goodness she’s pretty.” My thought? What if she wasn’t pretty? That thought expanded—what would happen to a plain-looking daughter of a woman who thought beauty was a virtue? Would she think she could never find true love?

So, Walt came about primarily as Allie’s counterpart. I gave him two brothers and no sisters so he’d be clueless about women. A Distant Melody was intended to be a standalone book, but my research on the Eighth Air Force fascinated me, and when a heroine popped into my head who was the perfect foil for Walt’s brother Jack, I knew I had to do a trilogy. Each book focuses on a different brother, and the Wings of Glory series spans the entire history of the Eighth Air Force from late 1942 through V-E Day.

I am glad to hear that. You had me on the edge of my seat toward the end of A Distant Melody and I didn't want it to end.

6. What are your writing habits? Do you work on an outline before starting the actual story?

I am definitely an outline writer. First of all, I do my research. It’s frustrating to get halfway through a book and realize a crucial part of your story won’t work historically. I also do lots of pre-writing, including character charts, a plot chart to track story arcs, and scene lists with everything from the date, the weather, outfits, goals and conflict, and scene ideas. Then comes the rough draft. I’m odd—I write the first draft longhand, but when I cuddle on my couch with pencil and paper, the writing flows. I enter each chapter in the computer a few weeks afterward, which serves as my first edit. Once my rough draft is complete, I do a content edit, analyzing the story and characters. Finally, I do a thorough copy edit before turning it in to my publisher.

Sarah, my hand is getting cramps! Ahh, the writer's life. But I understand how valuable research is.

7. What type of books did you read as a child?

Anything I could get my hands on! I’m surprised I didn’t wear out my library card. Favorites included the Little House on the Prairie series, the Betsy-Tacy series, Marguerite Henry’s horse books (I met her once!), and biographies. Although I never cared for history in school—note the irony—I loved reading historical fiction and biographies. They made history come to life.

8. Have you always written in the historical romance genre? What other genre calls out to you if any.

Before I started the Wings of Glory series, I wrote two contemporary romances that were absolutely horrible. I’m thankful I never showed them to anyone in the publishing industry. I could see myself writing a contemporary romance or women’s fiction, but right now I’m enjoying historicals.

I would love to read a women's fiction story by you!

9. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just beginning in their career?

Be teachable and soak up all the good instruction you can. Read books on writing craft, and then read your favorite authors and analyze how they did it.
Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Their e-zine, e-mail loop, and monthly courses are outstanding.

Join a local writers’ group or an on-line critique group. Don’t submit to agents and editors until you’re ready. That means a complete manuscript, positive feedback from experienced writers, and enough knowledge of the publishing industry to know how to submit properly. You want your first impression to be stellar.
Lastly, when you’re ready, submit and keep submitting. Keep polishing your craft, and keep praying for the Lord’s guidance.

10. What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you? Any special strategies you'd like to share?

My book’s only been on the market for a few weeks, so I have no idea if my promotion is working. What I’ve done that seems effective:
a) Blog interviews like this one. Each interview exposes your book to people outside your sphere of influence.
b) My publisher gave me book copies for “influencers.” These people have been wonderful. They’re posting reviews, chatting it up on Facebook, recommending it to their book clubs and libraries, and one woman—also a close friend—made a vintage 1940s apron with my book cover on the pocket and donated it to a fabric store. The store owner displayed the apron in the store window and recommended the book to her book club!
c) Facebook has been a great way for me to connect with people—other writers, old friends, and new readers. It’s a powerful tool—but like all powerful tools, it can be misused. Sales pitches turn me off, and I don’t want to be pushy. Ick.
d) Bookmarks generously distributed. I carry them everywhere. Whenever someone asks about my book, I give them a bookmark. Also my friends and influencers hand them out in droves. I’ve already gone through my first lot of one thousand bookmarks, and I’m working on the second.

Wow, Sarah,a thousand book marks! Now that is awesome. It is clear that "word of mouth" marketing is still a solid strategy. Thanks again for your time. We will all be waiting for book two.

Sarah Sundin can be found at her website A Distant Melody is a wonderful book and I strongly recommend you put it on your list of must reads.


Carma