Writers Resources | The Mighty Pen

Effective Business Plan

In this day and age writers have options available to self-publish their finished manuscripts without too much of a hassle, but the key is finding a reputable publishing company that fits the authors needs. It is important to do due diligence in researching these companies. The authors have worked exhaustively to get to this stage, so it is only fair to say this step should not be taken lightly.

As the author enters into the formatting and designing of the book, it is a good idea to put together an effective business plan.

Here are a few steps to start the author on the road to success.

Be sure to do an extensive amount of market research. There is a lot of information that has to be sifted through at this point of the publishing process. Research publishing companies, distribution channels, and the costs that will be incurred. Are there books similar to yours? If so, how do you plan to make yours stand out above the rest? It is a good idea to focus the efforts geared towards the preference the authors intended audience, which will give the reader incentive to buy the book.
Develop an original and inspired mission statement. The purpose behind a powerful and impacting mission statement is to state the goals, purpose, and the factors that are the driving force behind, what you feel, will lead to achieving success.
Establish solid promotional direction. At this step, as the author, the decision on how to promote and advertise your book needs to be addressed. One of the benefits of self-publishing is the author has absolute creative control of how the direction of the promoting and the focus towards their intended niche market.

There are many writing groups out there that have published or in the process of. Use them as a tool when you have industry questions.

Filed Under: Inspirations, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Author, Business, Business plan, Mission statement, Publishing, Publishing and Printing, Writers Resources

Thickening the Plot

When developing a plot for your story, take the careful consideration to be inventive and unique. You want it to stand out to your reading audience or it will not likely succeed. The plot device chosen must be written in a way that later in the story the reader can recall what it was, but not to suspect it until it comes to complete fruition.
Where the plot device is placed can be alluded to further on in the story. Be careful not to throw out too many hints regarding your plot devise so as not to confuse the reader. If that requires that the story must be extended, than extend it. This is one of the reasons an outline is helpful. You can hopefully prevent bumps in the road while writing.
A good plot should be able to be written in one to two sentences. If it requires more than that, the plot is more than likely to complex, and you will lose your reader. A way to utilize a good plot is deciding it ahead of time. This will help so that all the details are mapped out and not lost in translation. Another technique that helps in the writing process move along is doing a lot of prewriting before you start putting the entire story together on paper.
Try to plan out each chapter with a brief overview of characters and milestones that will occur in that specific chapter. Furthermore, take the chance to develop a subplot, deciding which chapter to place it in, and how to resolve it.
An outline again will help to get the writing moving, and developing the plot and storyline progressing instead of stalling out. It may need to be revised but the plan is to just get started.
Ultimately, the plot is where, what happens, the extensive storyline, and that action that the writing ensues.

Filed Under: Inspirations, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Education, FAQs Help and Tutorials, Short story, Warner Bros, Writers Resources, Writing Exercises, Writing process

Writing poetry

: Image via Wikipedia

Writing poetry is a matter of being able to accept constructive criticism, and the ability to not shy away from subjects that may challenge you. The more you read others poetry, the more you have the opportunity to learn something new. So, try and read poetry often, and spend time just writing to develop your voice and get comfortable with your own personal writing style.

One of the initial steps is picking the theme direction you want to write about. The broader the theme, the more intricate and important the details become. Take your time and thoughtful consideration when it comes to titling your poetry. The titles are the first words your audience sees. This is an opportunity for the writer tohook the reader in.

Take chances, and step out of your usual comfort zone. Try and write from different points of view to change it up. If you hit a writers block, get up and change your scenery. Take a walk, go to the store and so on so it will help clear your mind and change your perspective.

Always keep a pen and paper handy wherever you go. You never know when an idea will spark, and you dont want to lose momentum. It may also be a good idea to keep a notebook next to your bed because if you have a profound dream and wake up with ideas, if you dont write them down immediately they will slip away.

Use powerful, concrete imagery and vivid descriptions in your writings. Also, make use of sensory handles such as: taste, sight, hearing, and touch, so the reader can distinctly envision what you are describing.

Lastly, save the powerful message or insight, you want to come across, for the conclusion so that it evokes some sort of emotional reaction from your reader. That is a successful poem!

Filed Under: Inspirations, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Criticism, Online Writing, Poetry, Rhyme, Twitter, Writers Resources, Writing Exercises

The Benefit Of Using Research Tools To Enhance The Writing Process

: Image via CrunchBase

As any writer knows well, usually the easiest and most enjoyable topics to write about are those that they know well. For example, a music lover may gravitate towards writing album reviews or detailing the latest concerts, while a florist may find that they are best suited to writing about how to make the most attractive flower arrangements for a bride’s special wedding day.

However, the reality is that most professional writers do not have the luxury of only writing about topics that they know well, especially if they are just getting started in the field. Therefore, to compensate, the best thing to do is to learn how to be effective at the fine art of researching. Writers should learn how to use Internet search engines such as Google to their advantage by using search term operators to filter out certain portions of search results to make them most applicable to the topic that is being written about.

Although much of the required research material can often be found on the Internet, it is wise for writers to also learn their way around a physical library, so that they will not feel overwhelmed if it becomes evident that the best research material is located there. This scenario is especially common when writing about highly scientific topics such as articles about the medical field. Writers should not be afraid to call upon the librarian if they need extra assistance with locating information. Librarians are well trained to help their patrons wade through the wealth of material to focus on only that which is most relevant.

Although it can be very difficult at times for writers to discuss topics that they do not know well, the task will seem less intimidating if writers take it upon themselves to use the research tools available to them.

Filed Under: Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Fine art, Google, Librarian, Web search engine, Writer, Writers Resources, Writing

Inspirational writings

People love to be inspired and encouraged. The stories written for inspirational purposes can come from survivors stories such as: cancer survivor, child abuse survivor, war veteran and so on. These stories make wonderful reads, but have to be written in a way that the reader can see, feel, and smell how the writer walked through the pain and events to get to the other side in healing.

As you begin to decide what you want to write on, make sure to narrow it down, and be specific. When writing a personal story it is not uncommon to veer off topic into other events that dont pertain to the main subject, and will confuse the reader. It is imperative to write about what you know or you take the chance of coming across the pages as unnatural. It may be helpful to do a timeline involving the timeframe you are going to write about.

Description is a very important and powerful piece in writing any story. Again, you need to use the five senses when writing the details. Try not to overload your reader on too many excess facts and wording that will detract from main points.

The audience should be able to empathize with the main character going through the trauma. This will help them to connect and relate to the writer. Being able to empathize with the character will not only keep them reading, but it will in time, be a good word of mouth for others to want to read your story. A goal to achieve is establishing a persona that the readers can understand.

This form of writing can also serve to be extremely cathartic. For some writers this is healing, and helps them to move past the experience. The hope with telling their stories is the hope of helping others to heal, and to know that they are not alone in their experience.

Filed Under: Inspirations, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Child abuse, Protagonist, Sexual abuse, Violence and Abuse, Writer, Writers Resources, Writing

Short Story tips

: Image by dalcrose via Flickr

What are the central components of a short story? One part is maintaining brevity, that can be a key element to follow in a short story, because otherwise the writer will aimlessly ramble, and the reader will lose focus and interest.

Another point to keep in mind in a short story is to make sure you have the ability and word count to get to the point quickly and effectively, with minimal characters involved.

Short stories can also study one specific character or a certain philosophical idea, and not just plot, conflict and resolution. There is no one set of rules or guidelines when composing a short story. It is an art form where some writers have the skill to do it with ease, while others struggle to develop the story. The main point is to at least try to find out, and to not get discouraged too quickly.

Elements of a good short story are writing with your own uniqueness, perspective, and your own life experiences. Practice is one of the only must dos when it comes to writing. This is how most writers will hone their craft of writing successfully. Most writers re-write their work multiple times seeing places in their writing that should be re-worded, and ways to improve their vocabulary and so on.

Some other recommendations are once you have completed the story, before you edit, to put it to the side for a few days. This will help to refresh you from staring at the story for so long that you will in turn overlook errors while proofreading. Also, it could help to send copies to trusted friends or family for revisions, edits and suggestions.

Like many other areas of life, sometimes you will get a few sour lemons before you get to the sweet lemonade. Be patient and consistent to work towards your goals.

Filed Under: Inspirations, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Literature, Online Writing, Short Stories, Short story, Word count, Writers Resources, Writing

The Source of Inspiration

For a writer, inspiration can come from anywhere. Writers are people who have ideas they just can’t keep inside them. They want to record all their thoughts and feelings, even if no one reads them but themselves. This applies to all sorts of writers from magazine writers to essayists to novel writers and short story writers. People who write stories or poems for their own amusement may get ideas from everyday life. People who write factual or informational articles and essays often observe things that inspire them to put pen to paper. Even technical and sales copy writers often draw inspiration from simple observation of the world.

How the inspiration is applied, however, is another story. For the more amateur writer, she may be content just scribbling a few words in her journal or posting them on her blog or social media page. For writers more experienced with writing for the business world, organization is of the utmost importance. They put extra consideration into making sure the text they produce is easily understood by any and all readers. Professional writers make sure to adhere to professional writing standards, eliminate any excess, and follow set rules and regulations. These writers are also able to perform the same tasks as the other groups, but they’re more likely to be able to receive compensation for their work.

Regardless of your preferred type of writing, there are always ways to improve it. A popular way to step up one’s writing abilities is to take a writing course. Some even take things a level beyond that and aim for a degree. It’s easier than ever to do so, too, since sites like elearners.com offer educational resources that you can use from home. You can pursue an English or Journalism degree without leaving your bedroom, if you want. You may be able to turn your natural hobby into a lucrative career.

Filed Under: Formats, Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Short story, Writers Resources

The Importance of Harnessing Creativity and Entering Into Smart Publishing Agreements

: Image by Alexander Smolianitski via Flickr

Writing is a craft that must be practiced constantly. Many of the most productive and creative writers will soon learn that often the things that are most inspiring to them are really nothing more than that which surrounds them in their everyday environment. Therefore, writers learn to see inspiration in everything from a sunset-streaked sky to the joy of sitting down to a meal with loved ones.

Many writers find it helpful to carry a small journal or notepad with them so that they can constantly jot down ideas as the inspiration strikes. Others use small MP3 recorders to speak ideas into when they come. The most important lesson in this is the need to appreciate the value of even the most fleeting ideas. What may seem inconsequential at the time may eventually spring into a burst of creativity and inspiration.

Inspiration may also be gleaned from exploring new genres of media. Anything outside of your normal topics can force you to see the world in a different way, and learn tactics for describing environmental stimuli.

The goal of many working writers is to get their work published so that it can potentially be noticed by a global audience. Although it may seem tempting to accept the first publishing offer that comes your way, it is far wiser to carefully evaluate all possible options to help you make an informed decision before signing any contracts. Usually, it is best to find a publishing deal that allows you to retain the most rights to your creative works.

The life of a working writer is often a journey down a long and winding path. Although difficulties can arise, always remember to harness creativity as it comes. If you are given the chance to publish your work, be sure to read all the fine print carefully and ask questions right away before solidifying the agreement.

Filed Under: Publishing Tagged With: Arts, Author, Creative work, Creativity, Mailing Lists, Organizations, publish, Writers Resources

The Importance Of Taking Breaks During The Writing Process

Writers thrive on harnessing the flow of creativity to their advantage. However, stress, noise and unfamiliar environments are just a few of the things that can stifle creativity and ultimately cause confusion and frustration on behalf of the writer.
However, take comfort in the fact that there are several ways to remedy this situation if you find yourself in its throes.

A working writer often must write to satisfy deadlines and specifications, as creativity takes a backseat. However, it is important to remember the need to take time out for yourself to recharge and relax, especially when you feel yourself getting bogged down with work. Although at first it may seem counterproductive to allow yourself to take a break, you will often find that your ultimate results are of higher quality than they would have been if you would have ordered yourself to keep working even as creativity was at a low point.

If you find yourself dreading spending hours hunched in front of your computer, allow yourself to take a five minute break every hour to go enjoy the sunshine or just stretch your legs. Breathe in deeply and allow yourself to savor the environment around you.

Friends can also be a great resource for helping you find that creative spark once again. Often, just talking through the situation with a pal who is a good listener will allow you to benefit from their feedback and advice. Additionally, allowing them to help you shoulder the burden will be a much-needed source of stress relief.

If you have an especially strong work ethic, you may find that you are actually having to force yourself to take a break from your writing and give your mind a diversion. However, more often than not the benefits of a change of pace will be noticeable and lasting, allowing you to capitalize upon creativity once again.

Filed Under: Inspirations Tagged With: Arts, Creativity, FAQs Help and Tutorials, Flickr, Health, Psychology, Social Sciences, Writers Resources

Choosing The Appropriate Writers Workspace

Due to the creative nature of a writer’s career, the workspace is often one of the most important aspects to consider for anyone who is seeking to become more productive, whether they are entering the world of writing for the first time, or already have an established career in the field. Writers often spend several hours per day at their workspace, so it is especially important that the workspace is an area that is both comfortable and conducive to the creative process.

A writer’s desk is one of the most important aspects to consider. It must be at the correct height to encourage correct posture. A comfortable chair may also be useful for acting as an inspiration resource. It must also be placed at a level that is comfortable for the writer so that wrist strain will not occur during the writing or typing process.

Additionally, many writers find that their creativity is bolstered when they are surrounded by objects that they hold dear. Examples include photos from a memorable vacation, gifts from friends, or even scented candles.

The arrangement of the items on the desk is also very important and should be driven by the writer’s personal work habits. For example, for a writer who drafts their work out by hand first, it would be a priority of them to have the majority of their desk clear, so that they have plenty of writing space. Whereas writers who depend on computers may need to ensure adequate space for tower-style hard drives, monitors and printers.

Finally, writers who thrive on a work area that is filled with natural light would be well advised to arrange their space as near as possible to a source of sunlight. Often, such a simple element provides an endless source of inspiration even through the most demanding days.

Filed Under: Inspirations Tagged With: art, Creativity, Hard disk drive, Ubuntu, United States, Workspace, Writer, Writers Resources