Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 315, even more Paragraphs Initial Scene

19 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 315, even more Paragraphs Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

The entertainment (and excitement) should start with the first sentence and paragraph and grow to envelope the first scene.  Let's compare the excitement and entertainment I'm recommending with some of my published novels.  As I grew as a writer, my awareness of the importance of the first paragraph grew.  It's one thing to be taught or realize and another to implement.  So let's look at some of my other novels.  For example, The End of Honor:

 

My name is Lyral. I am no longer alive. My life has flown like the cry of a tropical bird, a ragged call on the twilight of an Empire. The sound, like my memory, is quickly forgotten in the important matters of the times. Yet, in the important matter of my death, no one gave me a choice, and I did not want to die.

 This is not a bad first paragraph.  This novel starts in the first person, but eventually goes to the third person when Lyral's tale is complete.  I will admit that the Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox are in some way experimental novels.  Still, even though the development of them is somewhat unique, they are still very normal in terms of a novel organization.. 

If we look at this first paragraph.  There is action.  There is mystery.  There is excitement.  It is artsy.  There is description and character revelation.  This should be a perfect first paragraph.  The publisher and reader should be attracted and interested in this novel simply based on the initial paragraph. 

There are two problems with this initial paragraph.  The first is the use of the first person.  The second is the lack of direct action.  Although the paragraph defines and describes the situation well, the action is indirect.  This makes it less powerful that the other paragraphs we've looked at.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com  

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 314, still more Paragraphs Initial Scene

18 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 314, still more Paragraphs Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

The entertainment (and excitement) should start with the first sentence and paragraph and grow to envelope the first scene.  Let's compare the excitement and entertainment I'm recommending with some of my published novels.  As I grew as a writer, my awareness of the importance of the first paragraph grew.  It's one thing to be taught or realize and another to implement.  So let's look at some of my other novels.  For example, Centurion:

Naomi walked swiftly across the screed hillsides toward the village. The sun was as merciless as her tormenters. She shaded her eyes. She shouldn’t be going for water during the hottest part of the day, but it was the only time she could approach the well and find no other women there.

Here is a great initial paragraph.  There is action.  There is description.  There is character introduction and revelation.  There is mystery.  There are questions direct and implied.  This is what I'm talking about.  I'll give you, there is little art or embellishment in this paragraph, but I didn't write this novel with embellishment.  This is an intentionally non-embellished novel. 

 

This is how to write a great (okay good) first paragraph.  This kind of paragraph will attract a publisher or a reader.  This is my most popular novel.  It is popular because of its subject, and I'd like to think, because of its strong writing.  It is a novel filled with adventure and history.  It is also meant to be a novel that appeals to many different people.  Notably, it is chock full of historical information about the Roman Legions and warfare, but it also has a love story and very strong cultural information.  I'd like to think that many readers of many different types will like this novel. 

 

The first paragraph characterizes and sets up the rest of the novel.  As I mentioned, it is straightforward and direct with lots of action, adventure, and entertainment.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com  

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 307, Exciting Initial Scene

11 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 307, Exciting Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

How do you make your first scene exciting?  At least exciting and entertaining enough that a publisher might read further and a potential reader might buy your novel?  This most critical scene requires your utmost attention.  This scene must not be eclipsed by prologues or other impediments.  This scene and the first paragraph my be your only attempt to sell your novel--no kidding.  This scene must blow the socks off your readers.  How do you do it?

Start with action.  I recommend you begin with the meeting of he protagonist and antagonist or of the protagonist and the protagonist's helper.  This should generate some action and excitement--maybe a few fires and sparks.  If the meeting of your protagonist and antagonist or protagonist and protagonist's helper doesn't make action or excitement, you might be writing about the wrong thing.

In Escape (working title), the meeting of the protagonist and the protagonist's helper is full of action.  She, Reb, the protagonist is going home from her work.  The protagonist's helper, Scott, is illegally cutting across the island of Freedom (Reb's homeland) in a cargo shuttle to save time.  The engine of the cargo shuttle fails as Scott applies power to climb to a higher altitude.  An engine failure while flying an illegal flight path that results in an emergency landing is a whole lotta excitement and action.  This is the meeting of my main characters.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 306, more Initial Scene

10 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 306, more Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

The initial scene is the scene that defines a novel.  When you pick up a book in a bookstore, first you see the cover, then you read the title, then you read the other information on the front.  Second, you turn it around and read the back blurb.  This is assuming a paper back book or a book with a paper cover.

If you like what you read on the cover, you will turn to the first page--not the middle or the end, but the first page and read a paragraph or two.  If you like what you read, you might just sit down and read the entire novel--most people buy the book and take it home. 

Similarly, if you note a book on a website, you will likely read the web-material.  You will open the book using the book tool and read the first few paragraphs or pages.  This is how books are purchased and this is how books are published.

Since the first scene and, indeed, the first paragraphs are the most important in the novel, we will take a closer look at them in this new novel.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 305, Initial Scene

9 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 305, Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

When I begin a novel--I should say, before I begin a novel, I imagine the initial scene.  The initial scene is the most important scene in any novel, and it  is the scene that defines the novel.  The initial scene in "Escape," jumps back and forth between Reb and Scott.  Scott is the pilot who is flying an illegal flight path across the island nation of Freedom.  Reb is the citizen who longs to escape Freedom.  Their paths cross when Scott's high altitude cargo shuttle has an engine failure and he has to crash land on the island of Freedom.  This scene sets up the entire novel.

The reason this is so important is that this scene is the one that will get  publisher or a prospective reader to pick up your novel and read it.  If a publisher reads your novel, you might get published.  If a potential reader likes the first scene, they might buy your novel.  This is why this scene is so important.  You can louse up the scenes in the middle of the novel and few will care, but if the first scene is bad, a publisher or a potential reader will no t read your novel.  No read, no buy.  No read, no publish.  That is why the first scene is so important.

Additionally, this is why I'm not in favor of prologues or anything else that gets in front of the first scene.  Don't self eliminate your novels with this kind of bad writing.  Better to dump the prologue and bring it in later as a flashback than to screw up your first scene.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 304, Website, Marketing Materials

8 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 304, Website, Marketing Materials

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

One of the reasons for developing marketing materials is to be able to produce a website.  First, you need a website.  Go to Godaddy.com or another reputable domain seller and buy your name as a domain.  Buy your book titles as a domain.  If the domain is taken, get booknamenovel or booknamestory as a dot com--where bookname is the title of your novel.  The point is to own the domain for your marketing and future marketing.  You also want web-presence for your writing.  This gives publishers a means of seeing your work.  It also lets your readers and fans see your work. 

Use the information you put together for marketing your novel on the website.  Make it fancy, but not too fancy.  Put up a proposed cover and a proposed title.  These won't necessarily be the actual cover or title, but you want to present your best marketing foot forward.  I also like to provide a secret page for my readers and fans.  This gives more information about the novel and the research I did for the novel.

The point is to build your marketing materials, get a website for the novel, and put them up on that website.  Take a look at my websites to see some ways you can build a site.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 303, short Synopsis, Marketing Materials

7 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 303, short Synopsis, Marketing Materials

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

Before you can market a novel to the public, you have to market it to publishers or potential publishes.  This means you need to develop materials to market your novel.  These marketing materials can be used when the book is published.  We've already looked at two main pieces used in marketing: the title and the book cover proposal.  These are necessary for a web design, and they are also necessary for a publisher.  You can live without a cover proposal for a while, but you need a title right away.

The next step is to build the marketing information you will use to present your novel to publishers and to the public. Here is an outline:

Title of Work:

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer

Author(s) Name:

L. D. Alford

Plot Summary/Marketing Hook:

* 200 words or less. Here’s your chance to “sell” a reader on the plot of your book!

The girl came into FastMart where she bought food, not with dollars, but with FastMart bucks you earned from purchases at the convenience store.  She always used a different account.  That changed when she used the phone number and password of another customer in line.  Dane had to rescue her.  That was Dane’s introduction to Lilly.

Lilly could hack as easily as a person could type.  Dane traded Lilly three squares for her operating system, computer enhancements, and her class notes. 

Lilly shared her meals with an old homeless Japanese man every evening near a Shinto torii.  When the old man invited Lilly and Dane through the torii—they entered a Shinto shrine that could not be part of the world.  The old man claimed to be the Japanese god of metal.  He was tired of existence and confused by the modern world.  He wanted Lilly to assume his duties.

 

      Dane and Lilly found themselves in possession of a Shinto shrine.  They now face the pantheon of Japanese gods who are skeptical of a human made a goddess.  They must use their new-found powers to keep the shrine successful and purposeful in spite of its place.   

This is an example of a shorter synopsis than the last one I showed you.  To get to this, take the great 500 word synopsis you wrote and start chopping.  Cut out anything that is extraneous to the main theme and plot of the novel.  Cut, cut, cut--that's the only way you can keep it cohesive and get to less than 200 words.  You still want to introduce the main characters (protagonist, protagonist's helper, and antagonist).  You still want to get the main ideas in.  You need to end it with a kicker.  My kicker isn't as strong as I like it, but it gets the point across.

The importance is to write these basic synopsi down so you have them available.  If a publisher needs a 500 word synopsis, you have one.  If they need a 200 word synopsis, you have one.  If they need a 250 word synopsis, you can easily write one from those you already have.  When you need a blub or a synopsis for your book cover or your websites--you have them.  That's the point, we now have all the information we need to build a website.

At this point everything I'm doing with and for this work is about marketing to a publisher and building a website.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 302, Other, Marketing Materials

6 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 302, Other, Marketing Materials

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

Before you can market a novel to the public, you have to market it to publishers or potential publishes.  This means you need to develop materials to market your novel.  These marketing materials can be used when the book is published.  We've already looked at two main pieces used in marketing: the title and the book cover proposal.  These are necessary for a web design, and they are also necessary for a publisher.  You can live without a cover proposal for a while, but you need a title right away.

The next step is to build the marketing information you will use to present your novel to publishers and to the public. Here is an outline:

Title of Work:

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer

Author(s) Name:

L. D. Alford

Type: Either Screenplay or Book

Book

Length: Either # of words for books, or # of pages for screenplays

105,300 words

Keywords and Market Focus:

Fiction, Washington State, Tacoma, Spanaway, Seattle, Computer, Pacific Lutheran University, Hacker, goddess, sushi, Redemption, kami, Japan, Shinto, torii, Shrine, engineering, math; will fascinate anyone interested in the spiritual, mystery, and suspense—will appeal particularly to those who enjoy historical mystery and suspense novels.

Genre:

Fiction Suspense

 

1.  No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
2.  One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
3.  No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3^rd person)
4.  No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer continues the supernatural themes introduced in L.D. Alford’s Enchantment and Ancient Light novels.  It is a standalone novel.

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer is exciting fiction from the celebrated author of Valeska: Enchantment and the Vampire, Khione: Enchantment and the Fox, Dana-ana: Enchantment of the Maiden, Hestia: Enchantment of the Hearth, Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, Antebellum, Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, A Season of Honor, Sister of Light, and Sister of Darkness.
 

We are developing marketing materials.  The directions will help you with this kind of information.  Let's go through each of them.

4.  No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.

What have you done in the writing marketplace that would encourage a publisher to read your work?  If you can't think of something, you need to get thinking.  There has to be something.  For example, "I've been writing fiction since I was in elementary school," or "I researched this novel for four years."  You can think of something that helps your situation as a writer to a publisher.  Try to think of something creative and interesting--if you need to.  Otherwise, you want to just put down your writing and publishing experience.  Give a prospective publisher something to gnaw on--give them some reason to review your work.  Here's what I did:

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer continues the supernatural themes introduced in L.D. Alford’s Enchantment and Ancient Light novels.  It is a standalone novel.

First, I give them a blurb about Lilly this tells them there is more where this novel came from and a little about the ideas behind it.  Second, it lets a publisher know the novel is standalone--they don't need more than one.  The next sentence is a blurb that lists my other novels.  This lets the publisher know I've written many novels and some related in some way to this one.  It also lists my published works. 
At this point everything I'm doing with and for this work is about marketing to a publisher and building a website.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 301, About Yourself, Marketing Materials

5 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 301, About Yourself, Marketing Materials

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

Before you can market a novel to the public, you have to market it to publishers or potential publishes.  This means you need to develop materials to market your novel.  These marketing materials can be used when the book is published.  We've already looked at two main pieces used in marketing: the title and the book cover proposal.  These are necessary for a web design, and they are also necessary for a publisher.  You can live without a cover proposal for a while, but you need a title right away.

The next step is to build the marketing information you will use to present your novel to publishers and to the public. Here is an outline:

Title of Work:

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer

Author(s) Name:

L. D. Alford

Type: Either Screenplay or Book

Book

Length: Either # of words for books, or # of pages for screenplays

105,300 words

Keywords and Market Focus:

Fiction, Washington State, Tacoma, Spanaway, Seattle, Computer, Pacific Lutheran University, Hacker, goddess, sushi, Redemption, kami, Japan, Shinto, torii, Shrine, engineering, math; will fascinate anyone interested in the spiritual, mystery, and suspense—will appeal particularly to those who enjoy historical mystery and suspense novels.

Genre:

Fiction Suspense

 

1.  No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
2.  One sentence about successful works similar to yours.

3.  No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3^rd person)

L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.   

Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.
 

4.  No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer continues the supernatural themes introduced in L.D. Alford’s Enchantment and Ancient Light novels.  It is a standalone novel.

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer is exciting fiction from the celebrated author of Valeska: Enchantment and the Vampire, Khione: Enchantment and the Fox, Dana-ana: Enchantment of the Maiden, Hestia: Enchantment of the Hearth, Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, Antebellum, Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, A Season of Honor, Sister of Light, and Sister of Darkness.
 

We are developing marketing materials.  The directions will help you with this kind of information.  Let's go through each of them.

3.  No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3^rd person)
Who are you?  Really, if you aren't used to this, you need to think about how to characterize yourself in a few words.  I do a lot of speaking and writing.  Because of this, I have had to produce autobiographical paragraphs of various length.  I have a vita for universities, a short resume for jobs, a long resume for companies and other groups, and various short and shorter paragraphs and sentences for different groups.  The point is to capture the most important information in a entertaining way.  This tells a reader and a potential publisher lots about you.  First, how well you can write, and second, what kind of person you are--your credentials as a writer.  Here are my sentences:

L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.   

Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.

Notice, both focus on my writing.  They attempt to express to a potential publisher what I write about and how I write.  I write historical and science fiction.  I want my readers or potential publishers to know I have the experience and the knowledge to write strong historical and science fiction.  These short sentences give some basis.  I am looking for them to be interested enough to look further and dig deeper.

At this point everything I'm doing with and for this work is about marketing to a publisher and building a website.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 300, more Short Form, Marketing Materials

4 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 300, more Short Form, Marketing Materials

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, 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 beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

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 four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

Before you can market a novel to the public, you have to market it to publishers or potential publishes.  This means you need to develop materials to market your novel.  These marketing materials can be used when the book is published.  We've already looked at two main pieces used in marketing: the title and the book cover proposal.  These are necessary for a web design, and they are also necessary for a publisher.  You can live without a cover proposal for a while, but you need a title right away.

The next step is to build the marketing information you will use to present your novel to publishers and to the public. Here is an outline:

Title of Work:

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer

Author(s) Name:

L. D. Alford

Type: Either Screenplay or Book

Book

Length: Either # of words for books, or # of pages for screenplays

105,300 words

Keywords and Market Focus:

Fiction, Washington State, Tacoma, Spanaway, Seattle, Computer, Pacific Lutheran University, Hacker, goddess, sushi, Redemption, kami, Japan, Shinto, torii, Shrine, engineering, math; will fascinate anyone interested in the spiritual, mystery, and suspense—will appeal particularly to those who enjoy historical mystery and suspense novels.

Genre:

Fiction Suspense

 

1.  No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
2.  One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
The conceptual theme of Lilly is about a young woman and her boyfriend who become the spiritual inheritors of a Japanese shrine and is not similar to any current or past work—it is wholly original.

3.  No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3^rd person)

L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.   

Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.

4.  No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.

 Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer continues the supernatural themes introduced in L.D. Alford’s Enchantment and Ancient Light novels.  It is a standalone novel.

Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer is exciting fiction from the celebrated author of Valeska: Enchantment and the Vampire, Khione: Enchantment and the Fox, Dana-ana: Enchantment of the Maiden, Hestia: Enchantment of the Hearth, Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, Antebellum, Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, A Season of Honor, Sister of Light, and Sister of Darkness.
 

We are developing marketing materials.  The directions will help you with this kind of information.  Let's go through each of them.

2.  One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
This is an important idea for you and for your prospective publisher.  What is your novel similar to?  Lilly is unique--or so I believe.  Both the theme and the plot are unique--it is not anything like any other novel out there.  This is very unusual.  Most novels are in some way similar to other novels.  Some novels are absolutely unique.  The more unique the better, but not always.  For example, if you are a genre writer or a specific type or style of writer, you will want to categorize your novels.  If you write, for example, romance novels, this is an important qualification that you want a publisher to know.  A publisher who is looking for a romance novel will look at your novel--or, at least, give it a second look.  Some novelists write novels that fit in a niche--this is a means of segregating your novels from others.  There really are some novels that at absolutely unique--this is unusual.  In most cases, you will find your novel fits in a genre and type.  It may not be like another novel, but it might fit the jacket of another novel.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this--it is simply a way to sell your novel.

In most cases, I can find at least one novel that matches my novels, but in some cases... 

At this point everything I'm doing with and for this work is about marketing to a publisher and building a website.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com