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Novel Authors and Publishers

If you are a novelist, novel publisher, or novel reader, here's a group where you can share more info, discuss strategies, and create partnerships.

Members: 680
Latest Activity: Dec 27, 2023

51 Ways to Blog as a Novelist

We all know that blogging is one of the best ways to get attention in today's Internet world. A blog is a godsend to your website, bringing it traffic, fans, and more. But you have to post regularly.

Stuck for what to blog about? Here are some tips for novelists, but the same tips can apply to writers of nonfiction, memoirs, children's books, business books, and more.

  1. Review other novels, especially from other lesser-known novelists.
  2. Write a blog post using the voice of one of your main characters.
  3. Have that main character tell some side stories not included in the novel.
  4. Write about the setting - time and/or place. Use some of the research you did to ensure that your novel was accurate.
  5. Invite your readers to review your book. Feature their testimonials on your blog.
  6. Interview some of your readers: via Q&A text or via an Internet radio show or via a teleseminar.
  7. Podcast your book, one section at a time.
  8. Write about trends in your genre.
  9. Write about your favorite novelists, especially those that write in your genre. Include their photos and a sampling of their books.

For the rest of the 51 ways, see: http://blog.bookmarket.com/2011/06/45-ways-to-blog-as-novelist-tips-for.html

If you like this list, help me add more. Email: johnkremer@bookmarket.com.

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Comment by Gladys Hobson on April 2, 2009 at 7:00am
Well, Kristine, one of my main characters died in one of my books (best not to give it away which book!) I typed with tears streaming down my face. Such a lovely man and his death was untimely, as many deaths are. I was in a state of grief for a few days. He came to mind again when writing the sequel — yes, you've guessed it, the tap turned on again!
Best of luck with your signing.
Comment by Kristin Callender on April 2, 2009 at 5:27am
I feel the same, the characters can be very powerful. In my first book I originally had one of the main characters die at the end. I cried while writing it, and even had to stop. When I went back to it to finish my computer had a glitch and ate the last chapter. A little technical intervention, I think. I rewrote it with the character surviving and loved the ending even more. And it is true that we bring our own lives and experiences into our writing. I have a book that I started right after signing the contract for The Truth Lies in the Dark. It is about a teenager who tries to commit suicide. It was getting so dark and and painful that I had to stop writing. I have not gone back to finish, but I am sure I will be able to when my kids are not so close to the character's age. In the mean time I have moved on to happier subjects. I am finishing up a contemporary romance and have started another mystery. I know I will have to eventually go back and finish that story because the boy and his family are still in my head.

It is so nice to be able to talk about the thought process that goes into writing. It is a strange concept for people who do not write to understand. Tonight I have a book signing and I will be asked how I got the idea for my book and why I had the characters do what they did. I always get the same reaction when I tell them, especially the part of the movie playing in my head until I get it down on paper.

Good Luck to everyone and thanks for the chance to chat about this.

Kristin Callender
Comment by Gladys Hobson on April 2, 2009 at 2:35am
I have to confess many of my own experiences (as a designer, teacher, minister, wife and parent and life generally) come into my writing. Also my training in Listening and Counselling skills. So it is natural for my writing to go with the flow. My first published book, When Phones Were Immobile and Lived in Red Boxes, an illustrated book of childhood memories (out of print but might one day be an ebook) was fun to write and to do illustrations for. Since it all flowed from memory it was easy to write and I did plan chapters with themes. A very funny book but poignant too. It was for a charity project and sold well, although I only marketed it locally. (Not a 'local' book though) I did not have to make up characters -just tell it as it was in 1939-1853. (Anyone interested can read the first two chapters at www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk - as with all my books in print)

Tony, yes, some of our characters do things that surprise us. It sounds daft I know. My hubby once asked me what would happen next and I said I did not know until I had written it. "How do you know what to write?" "They sort of tell me." "Who's going to get the girl?" "I don't know until I finish it." I have to admit, I do get a storyline unfolding and I jot down things but they are always liable to change.
Lovely to chat to you all.
Comment by Tony Eldridge on April 1, 2009 at 10:02pm
It's nice to meet people who actually understand when you say that your fictional characters have a life of their own. I have been disappointed with some and pleasantly surprised by some. Only in our craft can you create a living being that takes on a like of their own.
Comment by Cathleen Hulbert on April 1, 2009 at 8:09pm
Gladys, I wanted to come back to something you said. You shared that sometimes you are in tears with your characters, and sometimes you are smiling when they are happy. That is very powerful and as I thought about it more, I remembered wondering what my character would do when her boyfriend didn't believe she was really having mystical experiences. I remember pondering how I would feel as I was waiting for her response, as if I was looking in on the life of a friend. I guess I am that "friend" and I was projecting my own anxieties about "outing" myself as someone who has such mystical experiences. By compartmentalizing myself I have created characters that I truly love, and that includes Gabe, the skeptical boyfriend. As long as this road leads to self-love, that's what it's all about. And maybe I'm analyzing too much and should enjoy the ride... By the way, Michael Saunders, I was fascinated with your description of writing. I love how you wait for the characters to take over, and if they don't, you stop. I am just going to sit with that and savor it. Isn't writing grand?
Cathleen
Comment by Cathleen Hulbert on April 1, 2009 at 4:49pm
Ah, kindred spirits at last!
Comment by Susan Whitfield on April 1, 2009 at 4:24pm
Your husband is right about nonfiction, but our world is more enjoyable. I've done both.
Comment by Gladys Hobson on April 1, 2009 at 3:24pm
Hi Michael.
That is very interesting to know.
My husband, an engineer, cannot understand the manner of my writing. He says it should be planned and worked on in a logical manner!
Comment by Michael Saunders on April 1, 2009 at 3:07pm
Yes, the same happens to me. I don't do much planning because the characters take over. In fact, if they haven't taken charge by the tenth page I usually stop.
I am getting a lot from this group. Thanks everyone.
Comment by Gladys Hobson on April 1, 2009 at 1:59pm
Hi Susan and all,
Are male writers affected in the same way?
 

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