Development - Even More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

29 February 2012, Development - Even More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Aksinya, the heroine of my novel, Aksinya, is a troubled person.  We are seeing how I used the creative process to make the initial picture then the initial scene for the novel.  Within that initial picture, we see a demon and now a young woman.  Through her ancestry, she is an aristocrat and indeed a Russian princess.  That last part is not revealed until near the end of the novel.  We also have a basis for her afflictions.  She perceived that she was unloved by her mother, her step father, and to some degree by her brother and sister.  Still, she loved her family enough to call a demon (give up her soul) to protect them.  This in itself is revealing.

I was writing yesterday about her acquisition of sorcery.  We discover in the novel that she was trained by an Orthodox priest and learned Latin and other languages.  She was given a decrepit guest house and there found texts about sorcery.  Sorcery texts, we discover, are written in Latin.  The language of sorcery, we find, is Latin.  Aksinya has learned Latin perfectly.  She studied the books of sorcery and perfected the use of sorcery.  At the dawn of the novel, we discover a person grounded fully in the art of sorcery.  This is also something I wanted to present in a novel.  Too many novels about magic have incompetent sorcerers.  I wrote a novel where the sorceress was entirely competent--perhaps the most capable sorceress of her time.

In addition to the design of the character, I also had to design the means of the magic.  I used classical sources for that part.

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Still More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

28 February 2012, Development - Still More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

With the history of Aksinya, the picture is coming into better and better focus.  The next question is what kind of person would be able to call a demon.  The answer is simple, a person who is a sorcerer or necromancer.  This means that Aksinya must be a sorceress.  Her history itself doesn't lend itself to this, but the beginnings are set in her history.  A person might become a sorcerer if they had time and exposure.

Aksinya is a person who grew up alone.  Her mother ignored her.  She had a brother and a sister, the son and daughter of Aksinya's mother and step father.  We find throughout the novel that Aksinya unsuccessfully sought her mother and step father's love and attention.  Since they didn't seem to care, Aksinya had too much time by herself and too much time to study.  She studied originally to gain her mother and step father's attention.  Her step father gave her an old guest house for her own use (as much to get rid of her).  In the guest house Aksinya found ancient texts about sorcery.  This was the beginnings of her study of sorcery.  The sorcery that eventually led to her being able to call a demon.      

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

27 February 2012, Development - More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The person in the picture with the demon is a young woman.  I almost immediately gave her a name.  More than a week went into the development of her name, but I'll just give it right to you and explain how it came to be.  The young woman in the picture is Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  I came by the name very deliberately.  I've written before to you that you must name characters.  This is very true of the main characters, but also the secondary and to a degree the tertiary characters.

All my novels are enveloped in history.  They are fitted perfectly in their time and place.  I research the times and the places extensively before and while I write.  The mother of Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna was Princess Nina Vladimirovna Golitsyna, nee Bockmann.  She was killed by the Bolsheviks in February 1918.  I did take some liberties about her death and placed it in November 1918.  Aksinya's step father was Count Andrei Nikolaevich Golitsyna.  He was also murdered by the Bolsheviks.  Aksinya's birth father was

Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  This fact isn't revealed until late in the novel, but I want you to know this for the detail and the color of the picture I am building initially--the picture than defines the first scene.  The Grand Duke died of tuberculosis in 1900.  He was not married and did not leave any children.  I did play with history a little to make Aksinya who she was--I just tied up some loose ends. 

This means that Aksinya's baptismal name was Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  She was one of the many Russian princesses.  Her grandfather was Herzog Vladimir Bockmann, a German Duke.  She was aristocracy from her German and Russian ancestors.  You can see the beginnings of the problem that is Aksinya.  Her mother married a Romanov Prince and had a daughter.  The prince died before the child, Aksinya was born.  Aksinya's mother married a Russian Count--perhaps the relationship was based on love.  I don't tell you anything--I just leave tracks. 

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Further Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

26 February 2012, Development - Further Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The initial picture for the novel Aksinya is coming into focus.  I am showing how the main character came into being for this novel.  With a demon involved and the concept of calling a demon, I intended the theme of the novel to be about temptation.  Already, we see the main character is an aristocrat, a loner, a person of some skill, obviously one who is fearless (or almost fearless), but who loves her or his family.  Now, I want to settle on the person. 

I mentioned before that I sought a pathetic character.  A pathetic character is one who evokes emotion.  A man who is tempted and succumbs to temptation is viewed as either weak (for succumbing to temptation) or as over pious (for resisting temptation).  Generally, in terms of temptation, a man will not do.  A boy is similar.  There are pathetic circumstances for young men and boys, but most of them are romantic.  Pathos is very easy with a woman and especially a girl or young woman.  This is the character I thought would best represent temptation and most believably fit in the picture I was developing. 
We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

25 February 2012, Development - Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

For the book Aksinya, the picture for the first scene is developing.  Remember, there is no title yet.  I set it long after the novel was written.  I mentioned that I wanted to develop a character who evoked emotion.  The character is becoming clearer and clearer in the initial picture.  The sex has not been determined yet, but we have a member of the Russian aristocracy who called a demon to protect their family from the Bolsheviks. 

I asked the question before.  Here it is again: what kind of person could call a demon?  A member of the aristocracy would potentially have the opportunity for an fantastic education.  They would have the time to study an esoteric subject like sorcery.  A person who studies sorcery, especially at a young age, would have to be somewhat isolated and alone.  They would be very intelligent but not necessarily used to interacting with people.   

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Developing Picture of the Creative Process

24 February 2012, Development - Developing Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

We have a picture of a demon and a person who called the demon.  The place is Russia at the end of the Great War (WWI).  The occasion was to save a family.  There is a choice here.  To save a common family (or a Bolshevik family) from the Russians or to save an aristocratic family from the Bolsheviks.  The choice was easy for me.  The Bolsheviks (Communists) are the most evil force in the modern world.  The person therefore became someone who needed to save a family (their family) from the actions of the Bolsheviks during the Russian revolution.  This is a very historically accurate position since there are many records of the Russian Communists murdering the aristocracy for no other reason then they were part of the Russian aristocracy.  The Communists literally murdered men, women, and children who were aristocrats.  The most famous was the murder of the Tzar's family.

Part of the reason for this choice is to produce a pathetic character.  A pathetic character is one who evokes emotions.   

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Initial Picture of the Creative Process

23 February 2012, Development - Initial Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Why would someone call a demon?  What would motivate a person to sell their soul?  Perhaps more importantly, who might be able to call a demon?  I build the reason for calling a demon--the main character wanted to save their family from murder or worse.  This was additionally the motivation.  The main character loved their family so much, they would give up life and salvation for them. 

I wanted to set the story during a time where the world was under great distress, where science was on the ascendancy, and faith on the decline.  I wanted a time when demons and magic might share belief with science.  The time I chose was the end of the Great War, World War I.  The place I chose was Russia.  Great wrongs happened in Russia during this time and the atrocities I envisioned would not be out of place there. 

The picture is becoming clearer.  It shows a Russian who is willing to give their life and soul for their family.  It shows a demon called at the end of World War I to protect a family from murder and worse.  
We'll continue to explore the initial picture for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Picture of the Creative Process

22 February 2012, Development - Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The picture I imagine that becomes the first scene of a novel is usually very specific.  Here is how it developed for Aksinya.  The picture came almost all at once.  I imagined a person who sold thier soul to a demon.  That was the flash of the first picture.  The picture I wanted to create was of a person who sold their soul for an ethical and moral reason that was not achieved.  You can see in the initial picture we have a demon and a person.  The person is somehow innocent but at the same time very guilty.

The picture begins to build.  You can see the blurry outlines of a demon and a person.  You can begin to see the person.  There must be a reason for calling the demon.  There must be a sufficient reason for accepting the guilt of losing your soul.  

We'll continue to explore the initial picture for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Continuing the Creative Process

21 February 2012, Development - Continuing the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

For me, the creative process always begins with a picture.  I've called this a scene before, but the simplest form is a picture.  I usually use the example of the stage for a play in describing a scene.  We can make this example simpler by freezing the beginning of the scene.  When we do this, we see the setting, the characters, and the action ready to play out.  This is the picture.

In a stage play, the stage is set, this is the setting.  When the lights go down, the characters take their places.  They are ready to act.  The play is about to commence. 

The picture I am describing for you is similar.  Imagine the scene setting and the characters like a picture.  At the beginning of the novel, the initial scene is the same.  To begin the creative process, you have to imagine this scene, that is, the complete picture.  This complete picture is the characters, the setting, and the actions.
We'll continue to explore these ideas for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Beginning of the Creative Process

20 February 2012, Development - Beginning of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

So, what does the beginning of the creative process look like?  For me it begins with a scene or more precisely, the setting of a scene.  Does that seem too simple?  Is it so odd that a novel might begin with a picture?  There is much more than that, of course.  The basis for the picture is a critical piece of the process.  The question is where did the picture and the components of the picture come from and how did they come together to form an idea.  Or which element came first, that is, was it the idea, the theme or the scene.

The scene I'm writing about is that beginning first scene that defines the novel.  I'll have to confess, in all my novels, the first scene drove the development of the novel.  The first scene was the catalyst that focused the character development.  In every case, the theme followed almost immediately based solely on the first scene.

The first scene isn't the only way to conceive of a novel, but it is definitely the cleanest.  If you realize that the initial scene is the power of the novel, the point that excites the reader to read, and the ideas that blossom to become the novel itself, then it should not be so surprising that this scene would also propel the writer to create a novel.

I'll continue to write about the reasons I wrote and conceived of the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - The Creative Process

19 February 2012, Development - The Creative Process
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

I've already given you the novel Aksinya complete with comments and notations.  You could use that as a basis to understand much of my creative process, but I thought it might be even more effective to begin at the beginning and go through the steps that led directly to writing Aksinya.  Those same steps can be applied to the creation of any novel as well as any creative endeavor.

What I'll try to do is to define the process of creating a novel length idea, fleshing it out, and finally completing the novel.  Through the definition of this process, we can look at many concepts and problems writers face, and I can try to clearly explain how to generically use the creative process to at least develop a novel.
I'll begin to write about the reasons I wrote and conceived of the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Wrap Up on Trailers

18 February 2012, Publication - Wrap Up on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

When you have completed your trailer, you now need to distribute it.  There are potential problems with distributing any video file.  They are usually from 10 to 30 Megs big depending on their length and quality.  Many times they won't make it through as an attachment on an email.  You need to get the files to your publisher.

Try to email it to your publisher and follow up with a separate email to see if they get it.  If they do, that's great.  If they don't you need to go to step two.  Usually, your publisher has run into this problem before.  They will tell you how they prefer to receive the file.  In most cases, they use a file transfer company or they will ask you to upload the file on their server through the Internet.  A file transfer company allows you to upload your video file to their site.  The transfer company sends an email to your publisher, who then can download your file.

With an htp transfer, your publisher gives you a site (an htp protocol address) where you can copy your file.  Your file shows up on their website.  In either case, your file ends up where they can use it. 

You also can post your file to your own websites and to a video distribution site.  The most well known video distribution site is Youtube.  You need to have a channel for this, and at first, your files need to be smaller than 15 minutes and 1 Gig.  That's easily within the size for most trailers. 

So put up your trailers and send them to your publisher.

I'll begin to write about the reasons I wrote and conceived of the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and even even more on Trailers

17 February 2012, Publication - and even even more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

After you have recorded your trailer and you are happy with the results, now is the time to really make it into a trailer.  Most digital recorders and many computers come with digital editing software.  You can edit your trailer with this software and make it really appear professional.  You can add titles, graphics, photos, cover shots, and music.  You can make the trailer as fancy and artistic as you can stand.

Covers are always a required show in your trailer.  Just cut in a shot of your cover and throw in your and your novel's websites.  If you or your novel don't have websites, you need to get them and make them.  If your book includes maps or graphics, you can also throw them into the trailer.  Be judicious, but provide some exciting material.  Put in the name of your novel in the title of the trailer and include your name too.  There is so much that is possible using digital video editing, it would be nearly impossible to go over every possible combination and capability.  Make it simple or make it complex, video editing can significantly improve your trailer.  Do forget, you need to own the rights to the items you put in your trailer--like the music, pictures, graphics, etc.

More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and even more on Trailers

16 February 2012, Publication - and even more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

Once you have all the pieces together, you can start on your trailer.  Get dressed.  Set up the camera at the location.  Prepare your script and set up teleprompter.  Now, start recording.  Digital film is magic inside the aether--you can reuse it over and over and throw away anything you don't like.  Since the trailer is only 2.5 to 3 minutes, you can keep recording it until you are happy.  If you are a real pro, you can record parts and put them together.  You'll want to manipulate and work on your trailer anyway.

Remember to act!  This is a piece of advertising that is supposed to get people excited about your novel.  If you aren't excited about your book, no one else will be.  Put on a big smile.  Speak clearly.  Speak with animation.  Use your hands.  Think entertainment show and give your audience something to be entertained about.  In more advanced trailers, you might try to convey an emotion or a feeling to your audience.  This is much more difficult in a trailer, but it can be very effective.  If you an figure out some very special trick or turn relating to your novel, you could get people so excited about your trailer, it could go viral.  Remember, any publicity is good publicity.
More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and more on Trailers

15 February 2012, Publication - and more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

To make a trailer, you need the following:

1.  A script
2.  A means to project the script so you can read it
3.  A video camera (a device that electronically records video, almost every digital camera in the world can do this)
4.  A place (a scene)
5.  Appropriate clothing
6.  Digital editing software
Put the script into a PowerPoint slide show.  That's what I do.  You can project it on your computer and read it while recording the trailer.  Dress in clothing appropriate to the kind of trailer you are making.  For example, if your novel is about the intercity, you might wear contemporary urban clothing.  If your novel is about the west, you might wear jeans, boots, and chaps.  For Aegypt I wore a white suit coat.  For Centurion, I wore a regular suit coat.  Choose the proper location for your trailer.  Aegypt is a suspense novel; I used an unfinished corner in my basement.  Centurion is a historical novel; I just used my living room.  When you have everything set up, you are ready to begin.

More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - even more on Trailers

14 February 2012, Publication - even more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

Here is a script for a trailer:

Research:

Before I write a book, I spend one to two years of intense historical study prior to putting ink to paper.  I spent even longer on Centurion.  I started writing the novel in 1989 while flying in Europe and especially in Turkey.  The Middle East and Italy were inspirations to me in putting together a work about Roman Legionnaires, Galilee, and Judea around 0 to 35 AD.    

The Question:  

I always ask a question when I write.  The question I asked myself in Centurion is what would the Roman Legionnaire be like who crucified Christ?  What would he think and what would his life be like.  Who was he?

The Characters:  

The idea came from a short story I put together one Easter.  I imagined the response of the woman of the streets who lived with the Centurion who crucified Christ.  I saw her as a person like the women who initially trusted in the Christ, like Mary Magdalene.  At first the Centurion Abenadar was not a sympathetic character, but in building his life, he was an honorable man who was driven by events and his responsibility to do what needed to be done.  Each of the characters grew from the reality of their times and place in the society of 30 AD. 

We see Abenadar change from a recruit through the training of the legion into a legionnaire, and with battles and training to become a Centurion assigned to Pilate in Judea. 

We see Ruth, the woman he rescues from the street both vulnerable and yet powerful.  A strength behind the compassion of the Centurion.

Teaser: 

Finally, though a novel, Centurion is good history.  For the reader, through the eyes of Abenadar, the world of 30 AD in Judea comes alive. 

This is the script for the trailer to my novel Centurion.  I need to redo the trailer, but the script isn't too bad.

More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - more on Trailers

13 February 2012, Publication - more on Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

You need to make trailers for each of your books.  Making a trailer is really easy to do.  Making a really good trailer takes some work.  If you can make a trailer so good that it goes viral, you might get some attention for your books--I'm not so sure.  Any advertising is good--it can't be bad.  Even bad advertising helps people remember your name.

You need to script your trailer.  If you go to the secret pages for my published books: Aegypt and Centurion, you can see the basic scripts I used for their trailers.  I make the script into a PowerPoint presentation so I can put them on a computer screen while I'm recording the trailer.  The point is to make your script into a teleprompter so you don't have to memorize it and you can read it while recording the trailer.  If you put the script into a PowerPoint presentation, you can use a mouse or a presentation device to click through the presentation.  If you do it right, you will be able to read the PowerPoint presentation script while recording the trailer and no one will know that you were reading it.
More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Trailers

12 February 2012, Publication - Trailers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

I've written about trailers before--I'll do it again.  Trailers are videos that are usually from 2 to 3 minutes long that describe and feature your novel.  They are used for advertising. 

How important are trailers?  No idea.  My publisher wants them, encourages them, and posts them.  You can see my trailers at http://www.oaktara.com/bookpage-centurion and http://www.oaktara.com/bookpage-Aegypt.  I suggest you should put together trailers for your books.  I have three other books that need trailers.  I should make them just because my publisher wants them.  That's kind of the point.  If your publisher thinks trailers are a good idea--then they are a good idea.  I recommend following your publishers advice always.  If you are an indie writer--do what you want, but realize, most publishers are encouraging writers to make trailers.

How effective are trailers.  I have no idea.  I'm not certain if people watch them or not.  I haven't received any feedback positive or negative about my trailers.  I'll admit, my trailers could use some work.  Still, no feedback is an indicator.  It means that few have watched them.  What I should do is put them up on my You-Tube site and see what happens.  That way I'll know if anyone watches them.

More on book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - Book Signings Conclusions

11 February 2012, Publication - Book Signings Conclusions

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

I'll try to wrap up book signings today.  There is certainly much more that can be written about book signings.  I do them all the time.  I'm happy to do them, but I don't plan to accomplish book signings just as book signings.  I suggest you do the same.  I haven't found them to be very helpful by themselves, but they work well as a part of another event. 

Make sure you have a unique method of signing that is still easy to do.  Remember to ask, smile, sign, smile, and present.  Interact with your readers and buyers.  Give them a reason to buy and to read your book(s).  Present your writing in the best light and make sure you are an expert in the topic of your book--this is an idea from before, I'm just uncovering it again.  By the way, sign with a flourish.  After all, it is your creation.
 
I'll move on to book trailers tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and even still more on Book Signings

10 February 2012, Publication - and even still more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

I'm writing so much about book signings because there is always author interest in this topic.  Personally, I haven't found book signings themselves to be very lucrative or successful.  I have found bundling book signings with other events to be very helpful.  For example, when I teach classes, I always offer my books for sale, and I always offer to sign the books.  When I do a talk, I offer books for sale, and I sign them.  When I sell books at a store or at a bazaar, I offer to sign the books.  The people who come aren't necessarily interested in the signing, they are interested in the book, and a secondary consideration is the signing.

So, if you want to take a lesson from this, don't necessarily have book signings--offer a talk, a reading, a class, perhaps a meet the author, and as a side note, sign books.  This little observation goes along with the note on books versus topics.  Remember, I wrote that you will likely never get an interview based on your book, rather people will be interested in the topic of your book.  Your book isn't usually the draw, it is the topic.  Likewise, people are not interested in your signature, they are interested in your book.  Sell them your book, and they will want a signature.
 
I'll try to finish up about book signings tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and still more on Book Signings

9 February 2012, Publication - and still more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

If your books are not distributed through a standard wholesaler, you will have problems placing your books in nationwide bookstores and you will have problems getting a book signing at these kinds of stores.  On the other hand, many independent bookstores will usually be willing to support a book signing and potentially a consignment placement for your books.  You won't make much if any money this way.  Of course the point isn't making money--it is advertising.

Independent bookstores are a great resource for indies and nonstandard distributed publishing (read POD here).  The problem with indie bookstores is they are looking to get their cut, and you won't get much or you might be paying for the privilege.  Many indie bookstores will charge you to have a signing event in their stores.  You might find yourself out $50 to $250 just for the signing.  When you make a deal like this with a bookstore, you can get some great play if they advertise and market for you.  Sometimes the $50 to $250 just buys tea and cookies and you still have to run all (or most of) the advertising.
 
I'll write more about the details (where and when) of book signings tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - still more on Book Signings

8 February 2012, Publication - still more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

There is still much more to discuss about book signings.  I mentioned before everywhere, but that isn't a sufficient answer.  Most people expect book signings to be set up in a book store with some big hoopla.  Well, unless you are a best seller, don't expect any hoopla at all.  All the hoopla has to come from you.

The simplest way to get a book signing at a book store is if your publisher has a standard agreement with a bookstore supplier like Ingram.  If this agreement exists, it is very easy to get your books into a bookstore and to have a book signing.  The reason is that a bookstore is not usually willing to take on an indie seller or a writer whose books can't be bought at standard wholesale with guaranteed return.  I've talked about this before.  If your books are standard distribution, it is not difficult to call a bookstore and set up a book signing.  Just give them time to get copies of your book and begin advertising.  The bookstore might provide some advertising for you, but unless you are famous as an author, you won't get much, if any, play in the papers, radio, or TV.  You have to generate the advertising and excitement.  It can be very helpful to discuss this with the bookstore, but don't expect much help or advise.
 
I'll write more about the details (where and when) of book signings tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - and even more on Book Signings

7 February 2012, Publication - and even more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

The type of signature I use automatically generates conversation.  As I mentioned, I always sign an ancient Greek greeting "Charis" in Greek and then my signature.  I can generate conversation by simply explaining the reason for the signature.  This little bit of information intrigues and excites people.  First, you've given them a secret.  Second, you've taught them something very special and unique about history and a language.  Third, you've provided them with a piece of information they can share with their friends.  When they tell their friends about my books, I assure you they will tell the story of the signature and want to show their friends the signature and the Greek word.  If they happen to show it to a Greek speaker or a person who knows Greek, they will get a confirmation of my knowledge of history. You can see that a signature becomes a means of proving knowledge and providing knowledge. 

In developing my signature, I thought about many other methods of presentation, but settled on this as the best means to make my point--long after the signing is over. 
I'll talk about the details (where and when) of book signings tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - even even more on Book Signings

6 February 2012, Publication - even even more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

When you have time during a book signing, you can speak with your readers and take your time with the signatures.  I have a signature that I use all the time.  It doesn't take long to write, and it is very specific to me and my writing.  Since much of my writing is about linguistics and history, and one of my books is about ancient Greece, I sign all my books with an ancient Greek greeting.  I use the word "Charis," and I write it in Greek and sign my name below it.  If I have time, I'll also date the signature.  If I have lots of time, I'll ask the buyer if they want a special dedication. 

When you write a special dedication, make certain you write out the name on a spare piece of paper first.  Check with the requester that you have the name spelled correctly.  Only then should you write.  Even if the name sounds common, you should follow these directions.  This way you won't accidentally sign the wrong name or misspell a name.

Remember, ask, write, present.  Smile the whole time.  I'll explain how I use my signature to generate conversation and cement expertise, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Publication - even more on Book Signings

5 February 2012, Publication - even more on Book Signings

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

We discussed the how and where of signing books--at least I told you what I do and what I've observed in making book signings.  The big question is what should you write.  If you are a bestseller and have thousands (or at least hundreds) at your book signings, you might contemplate just signing your name.  Many authors shorten their full signature to something simple.  The reason you shorten and write simply is because you have to write quickly.  When you sign a book this is the approach:

1.  If they didn't ask or it isn't obvious, look them in the eyes and ask, "Would you like me to sign your book?"
2.  If the say yes, open to the page you usually sign.  Sign it.
3.  Hold the book out with it opened to the signed page, look the person in the eyes, and while handing them the book say, "Thank you."

Follow this basic pattern and the world will be good.  If you have more time, you don't have enormous crowds, or you just want to/need to make more of a mark...
I'll write about that tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.