NoraLyn Blogs $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book: August 2008

Book writing, marketing, and publishing workbook $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book keeping our readers abreast of the ever changing skills required to write, publish and sell a successful book.

NoraLyn Ltd.
6322 S Sky CT
Gilbert, AZ 85297
(480) 840-3420
info@noralyn.com

Home > NoraLyn Blogs > $uccess BLOG

$uccess BLOG
Your Path to a Successful Book
Our $uccess blog will feature writing, marketing, and publishing tips we continue to learn since writing our workbook $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book keeping our readers abreast of the everchanging skills required to write, publish and sell a successful book. We will also have guest commentators. Achieving your goals as a writer is what matters. Anything we can do to help you get there is our goal. We welcome your comments and hope you will sign up for our bi-monthly (or whenever we have enough material) newsletter.

Maralyn D. Hill
Brenda C. Hill

Success, The Write Path to Writing, Marketing & Publishing Your Successful Book

$uccess
The Write Path to Writing, Marketing & Publishing Your Successful Book
more info. . .

SLOG - Understanding Your Target Market 3
Saturday, February 28, 2009

SLOG - Understanding Your Target Market 2
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

SLOG - Understanding Your Target Market 1
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

SLOG-Goals: Identifying Needs & Competition -6
Sunday, February 15, 2009

SLOG-Goals: Identifying Needs & Competition -5
Thursday, February 12, 2009

SLOG - Goals - Identifying Needs & Competition 4
Monday, February 09, 2009

SLOG - Goals - Identifying Needs & Competition 3
Saturday, February 07, 2009

SLOG - Goals - Identifying Needs & Competition 2
Tuesday, February 03, 2009

SLOG-Goals: Identifying Needs & Competition 1
Saturday, January 31, 2009

SLOG-Marketing Intro-2
Thursday, January 29, 2009

Archives

Current Posts

Think Outside the Box 7 & Writing Tips

When you look at this photo think of two words. The product was not available in the 50s and 60s. We believe it hit the market in the 70s or 80s and is now quite popular. I think this should be an easy one.

The photos we're using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

We are passing along one of favorite tips from our book, $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book. The editors on our team find this one invaluable.

Cork Milner taught us this simple, effective method to streamline your copy:

Take a pen to almost every and, but, yet, so, however and too that does not add meaning to your story. Circle those little words. Now look at your edited page. It may resemble Cheerios, or little Lifesavers. Now your story will flow.

And, the answer to outside the box is: Light Beer

Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
Books By Hills
$uccess Blog
Where & What in the World Blog

Labels: creative writing, creativity, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Sunday, August 31, 2008

2 Comments Links to this post

I used your tip to streamline copy when I was recently asked to write two book reviews. Thanks for helping to immediately improve my writing!
By Flare Lady, September 4, 2008 6:31 PM
We are delighted we could be of help and happier yet that you are reading and commenting on our blog.

Maralyn
http://booksbyhills.com
By Maralyn, September 4, 2008 6:49 PM

Think Outside the Box 6 & Tips

When you think about this photo, think of something that happens while you are sleeping, something uncomfortable. Possibly, it is the makings of a story.

The photos I'm using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

Our title was too long as it originally read "Think Outside the Box 6 & Tips about Sleuth Writing. That caused too many error messages in posting. Learning what works with blogging is a challenge. So, we hope you sleuths get this.

When we conduct writer's workshops, many want advice on character development. In our book, $uccess, Your Guide to a Successful Book, we outline many different aspects of this challenge and encourage people to develop a character notebook. Today we found something new that takes our approach further.

In the July issue of "The Writer," William G. Tapply, author of long-running Brady Coyne mysteries provides great tips in detail for creating a sleuth with lasting power. We are just providing the headings but encourage you to read the article:
1. Think big, have faith, and plan ahead.
2. Decide if your sleuth is going to be a pro, semipro or amateur.
3. Decide on voice, tone and personality.
4. Focus on flaws, foibles, weaknesses and quirks.
5. Decide to what extent and how you'll reveal personal history, tastes, preferences and appearances.

In addition to reading the article in The Writer, we'd encourage you to visit Tapply's website. If you're into sleuthing, reading some of his well-know works could help you.

And now it is time for the answer to thinking outside the box: Night Mare

Maralyn D. Hill
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
Success Blog
NoraLyn Ltd

Labels: Character development, creative writing, creativity, sleuth development, writers, writing books, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Tuesday, August 26, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Writing Tips - Natalie Goldberg on Memoirs

How perfect... The August issue of "The Writer Magazine," has an article about my favorite author for authentic writing, Natalie Goldberg. We have recommended her classic, "Writing Down the Bones," in our book "$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book," as well as our seminars on non-fiction, journaling and memoirs.

Natalie was the first author to help me...just let go and let it flow...

"The Writer," features Natalie's latest book titled, "Old Friend From Far Away." In this must read, she advises writers on how to work with memories.

Here is a quote from Natalie which will encourage you to read "The Writer Magazine" and Natalie's latest book, "My concern is when a piece lacks feeling. Just telling facts-this happened, then that-doesn't work."

Brenda C. Hill
Books By Hills
$uccess Blog
Where & What in the World Blog

Labels: creative writing, writers, writing books, Writing tips

posted by Brenda Thursday, August 21, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Think Outside the Box 5 & Tip

When you look at this weeks photo, say what you see. Something that is quite popular at the present time.

The photos I'm using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

Do you like these thought provoking photos? I hope so, as I really like to spend some creative time each day.

Brenda and I have had a crazy week. Our book, $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book, was just released. Last week we had a radio interview and wonderful review on Southwest Blend, a writing workshop, and prepared a video of us preparing a holiday turkey for nine. Everything went better than expected. So, we're flying high right now.

Norm has his radio interview for Winner and Final Chairman this coming Friday at 11:45 PDT. The Hill Team is on a roll.

OK, now time for the answer. The photo is ipods.

Your comments are always appreciated.

Maralyn D. Hill
Books By Hills
Success Blog
Where & What in the World Blog
NoraLyn Ltd

Labels: books, creative writing, creativity, writing books, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Wednesday, August 20, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Tips - Susan Haley on Networking

Susan Haley is a long time, dear friend. I love her novel, Rainy Day People. Susan also writes about the power of networking in John Harnish's book, My Book's Published What Now??? from Infinity Publishing.

Susan's philosophy in writing and in life is that what you put out comes back to you. "The more you apply these, simple yet basic principles, the more expertise you will develop in the art of networking, which is the forerunner of good marketing." She concludes with, "This art is quite similar to living our lives. If you happen to come across an opportunity, share it with your fellow writers. You will be rewarded in that people will want to share with you as well."

Susan also makes the time to be the leader of the Florida Writers Association in Sarasota County.

Brenda C. Hill
Books By Hills
$uccess Blog

Where & What in the World Blog

Labels: Authors, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Brenda Saturday, August 16, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Tips- from John Jakes

John Jakes... He authored "Charlseton" and "The Gods of Newport" among many other successful books also wrote about about writing over 30 years ago in The Writer. His words ring especially true today.

"We live in an age of instant gratification. You won't get it in writing...except for the joy of writing itself."

Brenda C. Hill
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
$uccess Blog

Labels: Authors, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Brenda Friday, August 15, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Think Outside the Box 4 & Writing Tips

When you glance at this weeks photo, or study it, look closely. The two word answer is right there.

The photos I'm using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

The September 08 issue of The Writer Magazine is focusing on keeping your writing fresh. The article on page 30 by Randy E. Nelson, "104 Worst Creative-Writing Cliches," is worth your time to read.

I'm only going to list a few from the top 10 from the '80s and '90s, as I encourage your to read Randy's article. As he says, "All of the following cliches, however, are passports to the land of babble. Try, as we say, to avoid them at all costs."

Randy says, "If you're still using any of these in your writing, then consider going into real estate. But if you're running for president, they're still OK."

Anything that comes with the territory.

Any "gift" that keeps on giving.

Any character who says that "sorry {or any other similarly expressed sentiment} just doesn't cut it."

Any issue, action, theory or conjecture that has a bottom line.

Anything that's as good as it gets.

The moral of Randy's message is creative writing should be creative. We need to stretch and think.

And the answer for this week is: Card Shark.

Again, we always look forward to your comments and ideas.

Maralyn D. Hill
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
$uccess Blog
NoraLyn Ltd.

Labels: creative writing, creativity, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Monday, August 11, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Writing Tips: Learning and Stretching

I read our entire book called $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book all over again when I received my published copy 3 days ago. Instead of reading like a writer or editor, I read it like a consumer, hoping not to find any errors. Instead, I only wished I had added more. The Hill team learns something new every day.

We practice what we advise. See chapter IV, the Hill Team Hints... "Keep learning"... We all attended writer's workshops, in Las Vegas and Mexico, recently, and will be conducting new classes (memoirs and fiction) next week.

The tip I am adding is to stretch. It would have been easier to write a book that is comfortable for us--chefs, food, travel. Instead, we took the advise of a mentor and friends and upped our learning curve. This new writing venture has led back, or rather forward, to many more food and wine endeavors, a television appearance and teaching and travel opportunities.

At Rancho La Puerta, I re-learned to stretch my body and my mind. After stretching and hiking up a (small) mountain, I ate organic food straight from the garden, even garlic! Then, I participated in a class on a subject that was completely new and different, a stretching experience.

Brenda C. Hill
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
$uccess Blog

Labels: writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Brenda Sunday, August 10, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Books & Authors Radio Show

We are excited to be featured on South West Blend's "Books & Authors, Creative Writing and Publishing" Radio Show. We'll post a reminder later in the week. We hope you can join us.

'Books & Authors, Creative Writing & Publishing' Radio Show - Join SouthwestBlend.com Editors Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith for this special show airing live on Friday, August 15 from 11am -1 pm PST. Guest Authors include Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill - $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book; Mark David Gerson - The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write; Melody Groves - Arizona War: A Colton Brothers Saga; Denny Durbin - 'Lazy Enchilada... Redefining Success; and Julia Alvarez - Once Upon A Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA.

Read more & Listen Live!

Maralyn & Brenda Hill
Books By Hills
$uccess Blog
Where & What in the World Blog

Labels: author interviews, Authors, books, creative writing, POD, publishing

posted by Maralyn Wednesday, August 06, 2008

2 Comments Links to this post

Hi Ladies,

We look forward to chatting with you both on our show - and furture shows!
$uccess is a fantastic book - a must read for anyone who wants to be a succesful writer!

All the best, Lisa
By Lisa, August 6, 2008 8:43 PM
Thanks Lisa. We appreciate all of your great promotion.
Maralyn & Brenda
By Maralyn, August 6, 2008 10:06 PM

Writing - Memoirs vs Autobiography

The Hill Team, Brenda, Norm and I, were discussing the differences between autobiographies and memoirs. We each put in our thoughts and then we had Brenda research the old fashioned way, off the Internet.

She discovered they do differ according to some seasoned writers. Lou Willet Stanek, PHD and author of Writing Your Life, said, "The two methods are kissing cousins." An autobiography covers the whole of life and generally requires dates and research. A memoir can be only one year, or one day, a snip it of memory. Amazon has some good reviews of Stanek's book.

Everyone seems to agree that there is more editorial leeway with a memoir. We cover this in the "You Can Write a Book Successfully," seminar we are giving June 16, and wanted to double check our own thoughts. Fortunately for us, what Brenda discovered with her research, agreed with what we had all thought to be true.

Maralyn & Brenda
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
$uccess Blog
NoraLyn Ltd.

Labels: autobiographies, memoirs, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Sunday, August 03, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

Think Outside the Box 3 & Writing Tips

As you gaze at this photo, notice what is on top and the bottom. Two words, not as difficult as some.

When looking at these posts, I can see the answer too quickly. So, I've decided to include a writing tip with them so the answer does not pop at you before you think about the photo.

The photos I'm using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

The July, 2008 issue of "The Writer," has a terrific review by Chuck Leddy, "Basics of Word Usage." This is based on Mary Embree's "Birds and Bees of Words: A Guide to the Most Common Errors in Usage, Spelling and Grammar." Leddy says the book goes into the ever changing rules. Amazon also has some good reviews on this book. This is another book for us to read and devour and add to our library. Since Norm and I edit for others, the changing rules sometimes drive us nuts.

This same July issue also covered writing for Internet markets on page 46. You won't earn a fortune, but you can earn a steady income. A lot depends on the quality of your writing and who you contact.

Print pays more, but frequently takes months and months to pay.

O.K. now comes the creative photo answer: Egg Plant.

As always, Brenda and I both welcome your comments. Have a great week.

Maralyn D. Hill
$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
$uccess Blog
NoraLyn Ltd.

Labels: creativity, writers, writing, Writing tips

posted by Maralyn Sunday, August 03, 2008

0 Comments Links to this post

CharlotteCountyWebsites.com